"This Stage" Resolutions

Resolutions shouldn't just be for the new year. They should be for whenever you're ready to change. That's why I have a new resolution. I resolve to spend less time wasting time and more time with Zach and Kate. And by "with" I don't just mean in the same room, I mean WITH...actively engaged. I mean quality, let's-make-some-memories, TIME.

I used to think I understood what a gift it was to be a young mother of young children. I thought I did, but I didn't. If I really understood, I would have been doing more...teaching them more. What I realize now is that "this stage" is quickly passing. "This stage" is the one in which my kids want unlimited hugs and kisses and aren't embarrassed to express how much they love me and Adam. It's the one where they believe we know best and want to do everything we say. It's the stage in which they are utterly innocent and happy. "This stage" is incredible! But it can't last forever. The other day Katelyn told me, "I DON'T HAVE TO DO WHAT YOU SAY!!!" I didn't tell her so, but she's absolutely right. So before we hit the complicated school years, I resolve to make the most of this precious time we have together.

That said, here is an account of the beautiful day we enjoyed together...

Today we spent a peaceful afternoon at the Arboretum at CSUF. I didn't bring my camera because I wanted to have my hands free. We got our feet, pants, faces and hands dirty. We basked in the sun...me in my floppy hat, holding Littleman as he sucked his thumb, watching the turtles on the rocks, who were also basking. Katelyn found a sprig of white flowers and decided that they would be the flowers she holds on her wedding day...the very same ones!! That plan was thwarted when she lost them somewhere between throwing some of the petals in the pond and rolling down a hill. We learned that baby oranges are actually green, and that fallen cherries are very smoosh-able. We found a dead beetle in the grass and its colors were beautifully metallic...like the shimmery tail of a mermaid or a foil Lisa Frank binder, only better. That's when I decided that the next time we go we are bringing empty baby food jars so we can bring home our favorite treasures. Mine would have been the beetle, Zach's would have been a cherry, and Kate wouldn't have lost her wedding flowers. I think daddy would have loved to see them!

On our way home, we stopped at the Target garden department. I let Katelyn choose a plant to be hers. Hers to water, love and care for. She was so excited! She chose pink mini-roses without thorns. She carried them to the cashier herself. I bought her her very own watering can (she has been begging for one for months). We brought her plant home and set it out on our porch. She named it "Planty" and says she thinks that's a good name for a princess. She stayed on the porch to water Planty and tell her stories. She couldn't wait for her dad to get home...nor could I. She put Planty up on the ledge and stood on a chair next to her. She said she was waiting for kids to go by so she could tell them about Planty, and it was true! From the kitchen I could hear her telling all the neighbors about her new plant, wether they cared or not!

Today was a special day. I feel very blessed!

To all the Mothers and Grandmothers out there:

No one else can take your place, so do what you love everyday!