Last week I was busy trying to get some projects taken care of. I can’t remember exactly what I was doing, but I do remember that it was a little too quiet- the quiet every mom dreads. 🙂 I came upstairs to find this. That’s not food on her face, it’s my lipstick. It was everywhere, on her clothes, on the counter and all over my orange Blossom Bag that almost cost me my love of sewing!
I was more than a little upset. Especially about the purse since I had spent so much energy on it. But- like any good blogging mother- I stopped to take pictures before I cleaned the mess up. I knew that in a few hours {or days} I would think it was funny, or at least cute, or maybe just amusing to tell other people.
It’s moments like this when I really try to remember that these days are fleeting, that pretty soon this little mischief maker will be off to school and I’ll be left to my own devices to figure out for myself what to do with my time. Right now I am in the throes of little people, working on the most important project of my life. There are times when I am overwhelmed with the challenge of it all. Times I am sure that I am failing every single one of them. Times when I am not sure I can pick up one more mess, clean one more dirty bum, stop one more argument.
And then I read posts like this one by Suzanne, a mother who is further along in her adventure of mothering, and I am reminded of the transience of this period of time. I am trying to hold on to these days, to treasure up these moments because I don’t want to turn around and find out that I missed the very best time of my life. I know that each stage of life holds wonderful rewards and treasures, but I am sure nothing can compare to the sticky hug of your very own two-year-old when she says “I love you, mom”. These are the moments of my life I hope to never forget, even the lipstick covered ones.
xoxo,
Amy
I would like to challenge you to take a few minutes today and write down a memory or two of your life, as it is right now. I promise there will be many who thank you later.
Gwen @ Gwenny Penny
April 18, 2011 at 3:15 pmI always start reading these "Mom"-day posts knowing that there's a good chance I'm going to tear up a little. Today was no exception. I also have times where I feel like I'm failing both of my daughters. It's so hard not to pick yourself apart. Even though you know you're doing the best that you can, it's hard not to think that you could be doing more.
Karen
April 18, 2011 at 4:18 pma moment of silence for the bag…
or did you manage to save it?
You are doing an awesome job. I'm not far enough past your stage to really honestly say I miss it, but I can attest to the fact that it does pass.
Like I said, you are doing a fantastic job raising those kids. just keep swimming!
Crafty Girls
April 18, 2011 at 4:44 pmYour daughter is beautiful in that shade of red! 🙂 Trust me, this is the best time! What I wouldn't give to have my daughter rewind 15 years so I can have this moment back!
I am sorry though about your bag. Such a lovely bag. But not as lovely as your daughter! 😉
Have a great Monday!
Irene
Suzanne
April 18, 2011 at 4:51 pmSo sweet. I have to confess that I wasn't always as long-sighted as you. You must be an amazing mother. You have fabulous perspective for a young mother and that cute little one of yours is adorable! You made my day! – Suzanne
Lu
April 18, 2011 at 6:57 pmI think the blog-world must be on the same note today because I just finished reading this post over at Bloom that is along the same lines… patience! This too shall pass! I laugh nervously as I await whatever is surely coming my way this week, since the planets aligned to cover this topic on two of my favorite blogs. 🙂