Things I will miss when the kids grow up...

The other day, I walked into the kitchen and found this. Normally I don't think twice when I see cups like this, but for some reason this day, I got a little sad. I know there will come a day when there is no one at our house who will "rescue" these dandelions and give them the nourishment they need :) I had to snag a picture. It made me think about all the things I'll miss when my kids are grown:

I will miss Avery's cups of water with dandelions in them. I will miss Carston asking me to sing him a song before he goes to sleep. I will miss chubby legs and cheeks. I will miss Kate sprawled out in the car seat in a deep sleep. I will miss Carston singing with me in the car. I will miss Macy singing "la la la" while she twirls around. I will miss Kate's "O" smile. I will miss them shouting out "IKEA!" whenever they see the blue and yellow sign. I will miss all the mispronounced words. I will miss the endless supply of coloring pages and art projects-none of which can be thrown away. I will miss kids crawling around for hours with a ribbon around their waist because they are either a kitty or a doggy. I will miss how quick my kids are to forgive or say sorry so we can be friends again. I will miss the constant hugs, kisses, and snuggles. I will miss the constant desire to learn and understand things. I will miss cute footsie pajamas. I will miss bedtime stories. I will miss hearing, "Mommy, I want you to play with me."

I am so grateful for my kids, so grateful that I get to spend each day with them. There are some things from this young age that I definitely won't miss (diapers, the high chair, carseats, stair gates, endless colds and illnesses, etc). But there are so many things I love that won't be around forever. It is days like these where I feel peace knowing the dishes can wait, the laundry can be folded later, the floor will survive a while longer without being cleaned, the bathrooms will be waiting for me...everything unimportant can just wait. Because my kids and I only get this time once, and I don't want to waste it.