Eye-Openers

Well, Annelise's class had their annual K-4 Mother's Day tea this morning. We both had to dress up and her class sang songs to the mothers and they talked about what their mother meant to them and they thanked us for everything we do for them. She was so proud that I was there. It made her feel special that I came to see her and clapped for her and hugged her. I guess it made me realize that I have had the wrong attitude about my kids lately. I spend a lot if time trying to get them occupied with something so I can be alone or watch my TV shows. I don't really play with them much when they are outside. I look forward (a little too much) to the times they will be spending the night with grandparents. All of that has caused me to sometimes miss the blessing that they are. I take them for granted too often. I looked at Annelise today while she was singing and grinning and wondered- "When did she get so old?" My next thought was "Why did God think I deserved her or Emmaline?" Seems like they were just learning to walk or talk and all of a sudden, they are operating DVD players and playing by themselves. I realized that I will have plenty of "alone time" when they are grown- and that when that happens, I will be wishing for the moments that I have already passed up. Don't get me wrong- I still don't mind them going to spend the night with the grandparents on occassion (thanks Mama and Daddy), but I won't be dreading the days when it is just me and them, either. I want to appreciate the times we are together. I want them to remember a mom who got in the floor and played and who didn't groan when they asked to be pushed on the swing. I want them to remember that they felt loved. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there.