Tuesday, April 19, 2011

While We're Not Looking


This morning, as I was reading this post by Lucy from It's the Little Things, it hit me, like it has many other times before, that my little girl is growing up.

I can't stop it.  And a huge part of me loves it.  I love her personality.  I love her big strong hugs.  I love her little bats of laughter that show me she knows exactly what I'm doing.

And I don't want to miss out on a thing.

One thing I remember the most from childhood is the time my mom invested in our lives.  I remember craft boxes, video camera set up to the TV so we can see ourselves, and tons and tons of fire place performances.  And in all of that, I see my mother.  I see her behind it all inspiring us to laugh, to play, and to enjoy the moment, because she was.


As a child I can never remember whether or not the house was clean or the dishes were washed.  I truly can't remember any part of that.  But what I remember are the memories we had soaking up what it means to be a kid, and I have a huge thank you to my mother who chose to make that happen for us.

So, it's my turn now.  I may not be in the situation I imagined, but I'm reminded often, that I have a life blessed beyond what I can create for myself.  And I want to be that kind of mama who inspires Josselyn to laugh, and to play dress up, and to roll down the grassy hills, or spray me with the hose, and I want to do it all with her.



For I don't want to miss a second of my little girls life because I'm too worried about things that don't really matter in the big scheme of things.  For the laundry can be put away another day or this blog of mine can wait till nap time...


Photobucket

22 comments:

  1. so ture. what an amazing quote. and your daughter is too adorable

    ReplyDelete
  2. So beautiful. Great way to remind yourself to enjoy the moments you have with her. Priorities are important.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Such a beautiful post and great reminder! Your daughter is absolutely beautiful. I can't say it enough! xo

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a beautiful post and so true. The most precious thing we can give our children is our time.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Such a great reminder! I've slacked on blogging because I just can't bear to miss out on gorgeous days with my kiddos! Beautiful pictures!

    ReplyDelete
  6. so beautiful. I think looking back its the time our parents invested in us that makes us either miss our childhood or despise it.

    ♥cheche

    ReplyDelete
  7. jhen::

    i so needed this! thank you! as a new mama it is so helpful to be reminded what is really important & what being a mama is all about.so, thank you! you are a blessing to me!
    xo,
    a

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love this. I can remember my mom inspiring us...which is part of the reason I want to homeschool. She chose our creativity and play over a clean house or going shopping with friends. I have been blessed! I hope to do the same for my kids!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Gaurd that little girl under lock and key!! Beautiful sweet Joss! I love her spunkiness! So lively and so adventurous...or at least the pictures make her appear that way;0. I am with you 100% on this post. I have to daily remind myself what matters most in life...not things, but love, loving and being loved by loved ones. It's all that matters! Hugs to you Jhen!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you! I needed this reminder! Lately I have been too worried and annoyed that my house is a mess, dishes are not done....but my little one won't care about that stuff.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Again, your posts are just touching my heart. I was just talking to my brother about how I want to be the best mom for my son. Since I'm home with him I want to be present with at all times. Love your post.

    ReplyDelete
  12. That's exactly the kinda mom I want to be - you're such an inspiration girl!

    ReplyDelete
  13. this is such an awesome post and a great reminder :) i want to stay off of things with screens as much as possible as my little one grows up!

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a sweetie! and those eyelashes!!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love this post Jhen! She is a beauty! (Great new header too!)

    ReplyDelete
  16. I was just thinking about and discussing this same thing with a friend a few days ago. Thank you for the beautiful reminder. And thank you for praising your mother for all of her work.


    Love the new header. I may have to talk my hubby into letting me hire you.

    ReplyDelete
  17. so beautiful Jhen! you always make me remember that it is the little things. =)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh my gosh! Can anyone say 'Mini me"?! I love looking at the photos of when you were a little girl!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Love this post... so totally something I've en struggling with and working on... it's tough balancing keeping a home, running a business, and child rearing while maintaining balance. I have SUCH a hard time just letting stuff go and instead choosing to embrace the moment with my kids. Definitely a daily thing for me. Hope you don't mind, but I'm going to use that quote and I'm going to write it on one of my chalkboards!

    ReplyDelete
  20. You have such a beautiful little girl! She is adorable!
    -Amy

    ReplyDelete
  21. Isn't that the truth! XOXO
    Joss is beautiful...

    ReplyDelete
  22. This is such a great post. I don't have kids yet, and it'll probably be a while, but I think I always want this to be my motto when it comes to raising my kids. And your kiddo is SO cute! She has the most expressive face! So adorable!

    I'm new to your blog! I found you through FTLOB and can't wait to read more! Feel free to check out my blog as well. :)

    Simply Kate

    ReplyDelete