What They Remember

I'll just go on record now saying:  I really don't like this picture of myself,  but I like what it represents... Every day moments, taking time to be with my kids, doing the things they love to do.  I recently spent 1 1/2 hours... 90 MINUTES... in a row, uninterrupted, helping Kinnick build a lego Ninja Turtle lair and a turtle racer and Fishface boat.  (Fishface is a ninja turtle villain who has the head of a fish AND shoots fish out of his face, in case you were wondering.)  When we were finished, as we sat admiring our work, Kinnick looked at me and said "Mom, this is the funnest thing we've ever done together."

That single statement caused lots of reflection and brought up lots of emotion on my part.  Of course I was happy that I took time to do something so  important to him.  I was also sad as I wondered how many days was I "too busy" to do things with my kids that they love.  How many times am I missing a chance to engage in something that they will really remember?  Special outings and trips are fun and they no doubt create fond memories for my children, but how often am I missing what is really important to them?  The little moments that are right in front of my face...

Some things that my children have said to me:

• "Remember when we played in the rain and I put a worm on my head?"  -Kinnick
• "I loved when you let us have sword fights with those really big loaves of bread!"  -Macey (Outside, of course and with really stale bread leftover from Marc's club spaghetti dinner!)
• "I love when you lay in bed and read with me."  -Sadie
• "Mom, it's so fun when you jump on the trampoline with us."  -Kinnick
• "Can we PLEASE put the tent in the back yard to sleep in it?"  -Macey
• "Mom can you sit down beside me and pretend you are my teacher while I do my homework?"  -Sadie  (She even calls me Mrs. Gorsch!)
• Just this weekend we asked the kids what their favorite part of our weekend trip was, their response:  "Building sandcastles in the back yard with Liam..."

Of course trips to the zoo, going to the movies, playing at the waterpark, and going out for McDonalds are fun.  I just want to make sure that I don't get too wrapped up in society's idea of a good time that I miss out on every day opportunities to enjoy our little moments in time.