Time Marches On

I sit here in awe, watching my kids running around the house. I'm in a bit of shock thinking about Matthew's birthday coming up in 2 days. Has it really been almost 9 years since we brought our little Matthew into the world? What would we do without these kids of ours? Life would certainly be a bit quieter, perhaps less hectic, but not nearly as rewarding as it is right now. I would miss Matthew's joyous giggles over a joke he made up. I would miss Johnny's sweet hugs and kisses goodbye before he went to his classroom in the morning. I would miss Alex's coy little smiles and sweet songs she sings to herself while playing with her toys. I would miss Andrew's conversations and snuggles on the Lazyboy. Its these simple things about my kids that I enjoy and cherish each day. I try to hang on to these things I love, though when we're struggling to get homework done, or get out the door in the morning, or someone is fighting with someone else, its hard to remember. I thought about my mom tonight and if I'm experiencing shell shock over a 9 year old son, she must really be in shell shock. I thought back to a time right around now when my sister came into the world... 36 years ago now? (sorry Kymmie, perhaps I shouldn't let the world now your age?) Alex was playing with her toys and singing Mary Had a Little Lamb to herself. It reminded me of the story that Nain told me about riding from Bradford, PA to Edmeston, NY when Kymmie came into the world. I had a cold at the time that turned into the chicken pox, so I rode to stay with Nain and Boompa until I was better so I wouldn't get Kymmie sick. Nain told me later that I sang "Mary Had a Wittle Wamb" all the way to Edmeston. Now its my turn to listen to Mary Had a Little Lamb from my little girl. Time Marches on. Every moment is such a precious gift and I cherish all the gifts that have been given to me in my life. Most of all I cherish the people in my life. Family and friends are the best blessings I could ever wish for. I suppose stopping to be thankful for all my blessings slows the inevitable march of time... how blessed we truly are!