Kids Grow Up So Fast

I read a friend's post the other day about living in the moment with her kiddos. She lamented missing out on so much when they were really little, and encouraged young mothers to live the moments. Because kids really do grow up so fast.

And that got me thinking.

Scary, I know.

I recalled several instances in recent evenings when I have sat at the table after dinner watching my kids poking at each other, teasing, and just having fun. They've been borderline obnoxious at times, but all in good fun. And I found myself laughing right along with my husband - as we took in the scene before us. I remember thinking, Please don't ask to be excused just yet. I'm having too much fun watching you.

By many accounts, people would consider my kids "grown up". They get themselves ready for bed. I don't need to remind them to take showers. They make their own lunches for school. They are proficient in the kitchen - making cookies and brownies, pancakes and french toast, guacamole and several other concoctions. Quite simply, they don't "need" me like they did when they were little.
Because they've been growing up.
And I'm OK with that.
It's true, I miss the days when the kids used to "fight" over who got to sit on mommy's or daddy's lap after dinner. And I would give anything to have them jump on the couch again and snuggle with me while we watched a Friday night movie.
But they've out-grown those things.
Even so, the moments of teenagers are still memorable and worth cherishing.

Then I thought about the fact that my children still have a lot of growing up to do. Finishing school, deciding what to do after graduation, and beginning a new life in the great big world "out there". When that happens, they won't "need" me like they do today.
And I'm deciding right now that I'll be OK with that, too.

Because, regardless how "grown up" my kids get, there will still be moments to live.