One of my biggest regrets is that I was always in too much of a hurry wanting my children to grow up that I never took the time to enjoy just having my children for that brief moment. My parents told me when my children were young that before I could turn around, they would be grown. At the time, I couldn't see that. I was surrounded by bottles, toys, diapers and no free time.

I wanted them to hurry up and sleep all night so I could sleep all night. I wanted them to hurry up and crawl so I didn't have to carry them. I wanted them to hurry up and take their first step so they could walk by themselves. I wanted them to be big enough to feed themselves so I didn't have to. I wanted them to stop using diapers so I could have a little more free time. I couldn't wait for them to start kindergarten so I could have free time. I couldn't wait for them to start first grade so I didn't have to pick them up at noon from kindergarten and mess up my day. Then I couldn't wait for them to not play sports so I could have free time at night. I couldn't wait for them to get out of the house so I could clean my house and not have it messed up in five minutes......

Now, I have my super clean house and all the free time I want, but my kids are grown and I don't have them. I now hear them saying the same things I used to say....."I'll be so glad when..........."

No one loves their children more than me. I know I was a good Mom. I just wish now that I had just enjoyed that short time instead of wishing for the next step........