Time Flies!

They say “time flies.” You hear it all the time, everywhere! I never heard this saying more than when Spencer and Jessica were babies. Countless people would caution me to treasure the time I have with my children because they grow up so quickly. Most of the time I would shrug off that advice. I knew I had years and years with my children. At least 18 years before they would go off to college. When Spencer and Jessica were first born and I was in my early twenties, a year seemed to last forever! A year seems extremely short to me now. I watch my children get older and older and can’t believe my eyes. How is it that my oldest son is a year away from receiving the priesthood and passing the sacrament? Yesterday, he was just a tiny baby in my arms as I rocked him to sleep. Even though I wouldn't believe or didn’t understand how quickly time does fly, I look back and realize that I did treasure my time with my babies. I have wonderful memories with them. But I wish I had taken that advice more seriously. There is a lot of wisdom with age and experience. But is 18 years enough to be able to teach my children everything I hope they need to be successful, confident, thoughtful and kind adults, not to mention devout and faithful members of the church?

As parents, we can only do our best. Joshua and I make sure to read scriptures as a family, go to church each week, pray numerous times each day together, hold family home evening each week and set a good example for our family. Of course, we’re not perfect, but with the Lord’s help, I can only do my best and hope it pays off for my children. It’s funny to me that when Spencer was born, my first thought was that I was going to be the “perfect” mother! I was going to do everything right. After a few years I realized there was no such thing as being a perfect parent. My goal now is just being a good parent which is extremely challenging and very much faith provoking. I definitely learn as I go. It’s the hardest, most demanding job in the world but absolutely the most rewarding. To watch my beautiful children grow up is an incredible blessing.