Whirlwind Life

Have you looked at your children and noticed that their feet are touching to bottom of their high chair when a week ago they weren't even close? Or maybe your daughter will soon be walking across the stage to graduate preschool and begin a whole new world of Kindergarten. Where does the time go?

I was thinking on the events of this past week and just last Monday's events seem like they were a lifetime ago. Things have gone in rapid speed all week and don't look they they are going to slow down any time soon. My time has been filled with planning things for my children to make sure they get the most out of their little lives, but in truth the best thing for them is TIME with their parents. Sure, a trip to the cider mill or the park with the play group is fun and of course the learning and socializing is important. However, I have to stop and remember that sitting on the couch and reading a story is just as important if not more. When my daughter says that she wants to stay home and sit in her pajamas instead of going to the park, I have to realize that she needs the time to rest and just sit around with her Mama. Sometimes I get so busy being busy to enrich them and create memories that I forget the importance of doing absolutely nothing and enjoying it too. I have to remember that the dishes and laundry will be there later, but Kindergarten is coming fast and before I know it the stage she will cross will lead her from high school to college.

I want to encourage all of you Mamas to stop and enjoy your little ones. Read them an extra story before bed and give them an extra squeeze and cheek sugar. Savor these moments because they don't last forever.

Biggest Fears

What are your biggest fears as a mom? I fear that I will lose my kids in a busy shopping mall or that one of them will run out in front of a car. I fear that I won't raise them to be productive or independent. I fear that they will fail and it will somehow be my fault. After all, I'm sure that's what they'll tell their shrink regardless. ; )

My biggest fear used to be that they will one day grow up and not need me anymore. I know that would mean that I did my job, but it's a conundrum. I think my goal for them now is that they won't need me to help them or give advice when they grow up, but I hope they will always want me to lend a hand or suggestion. I think that determines our success as mothers.

Mothers of Preschoolers

About the time my daughter was born, I was introduced to the MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers) organization. I had no idea how much this group would play a part in my life. I attend Fellowship Chapel MOPs every other Tuesday and I'm truly blessed by the friendships I have made there!! If you need a way to connect with the world away from your children I suggest you find a MOPs group near you. You can go to www.mops.org for more information.

School has started

Our daughter started Begindergarten this year and loves it. She's learning so many new things. The one thing that we have the hardest time with is getting her to bed early enough so she won't be cranky in the mornings. We're slowly upping her bed time by 10 minutes a night until she gets on a good schedule.

So many of us have children that started school for the first time this fall. Have you run into any obstacles with your little ones while making the adjustments? Have you had any challenges that you would like to share with others so they can prepare themselves? If so, please post.