Family Time and Togetherness

I'm all for Family Time and Togetherness (FT & T). I know that in what will feel like no time at all, I'll be wishing we had more of it. I've heard the hype...that "these are the best years of your life"...from all the ladies on elevators in the mall. I know that "it goes so fast" and I should "enjoy them while they're young."

I also know that my current stage of life with these three hooligans ages (almost) 5 and under results in WAY too much FT & T. I would love to be able to wake up each day and choose whether we would have too much, or not enough FT & T on that particular day. I would even agree to an alternating schedule...even something like 3 days too much and 1 day not enough. Anything but this 24/7 FT&T which is overwhelming on so many levels.

I know what you're thinking (especially you parents of teenagers and empty nesters)..."oh just wait, you'll miss these days, soon they won't need you as much." I say bring it on! I'm sure there will be times when I will miss it, but if you think that it will be any more difficult than this then I say your memory is playing tricks on you!

I do love Colin's bear hugs, telling me he loves me "for all days" and slobbery kisses. Blake's spontaneous "I love you Mommy", wanting "one more kiss and hug" as I leave the room at bedtime and total enjoyment of sitting on my lap are all so heartwarming. Davis' snuggles on my shoulder, his love of cuddling his entire body into mine and need to always have me in his eyesight are wonderful.

I am sure I will miss the outward displays of love and affection, the almost constant physical contact and yes, the FT & T. But mark my words, I will NEVER look a mother of young children in the eyes on a mall elevator with a warped-memory laden face and say "enjoy them, these are the best years of your life" because even if they are, they sure don't feel like in the moments that are day in and day out in this stage of life.