I want to Remember...

They grow up so fast.

It's an overused phrase that almost drives me crazy every time I hear it. I know! At least I think I do. My girls are just 5 and 2. Precious and innocent. Way before I'm ready, they will be 17 and 20. I will shed tears of joys remembering these special years that I am living. I will shed tears of sadness that these years are past.

Pictures will help me recall their adorable baby teeth smiles and delicate features, but there's so much more from these years that a picture won't tell. It is the simple things, that I'm afraid will be forgotten. It is these things that I want to remember.

I want to remember how Johanna picks dandelions and clover flowers then puts them behind her back and runs up to me with a big grin and shouts "Prise Mommy!" Her attempt at the word surprise is adorable.

I want to remember how much she loves "I keme" (ice cream) and jumps around excitedly when it's pulled out of the freezer.

I want to remember the scent of Adria's hair as she snuggled on my lap at church this morning and the barely audible whisper, "You're the best Mommy."

I want to remember how much they laugh when they are playing (and not arguing). These giggles that just erupt from their little pot-bellies.

I want to remember how Johanna asks for "Daddy lap" every night just before bed. She snuggles onto his lap with her "manket" (blanket) and milk. It's their special time while Mommy tends to big sister's needs.

I want to remember the sunny spring days we set up a table in the backyard and painted egg cartons to make craft flowers for a bouquet and wreath.

I want to remember the mornings when I sleep in and two faces covered by wild brown hair peek over the side of my bed.

I want to remember how Adria asks me every day if I have to work, and when I don't she gets so excited about me driving her to pre-school to be a "drop-off" instead of a "busser."

I want to remember flying kites together in the back yard on that crazy, windy day.

I want to remember the warmth of Mother's Day morning sitting on the boardwalk eating breakfast sandwiches and listening to the sounds of the ocean. Too bad we couldn't stay long since I had to work that afternoon, but it was wonderful.

I want to remember Adria standing in Granny's kitchen tonight confidently giving us all a preview of a song her class will be performing this Friday at her pre-school graduation.

I want to remember tiny, squirmy fingers and toes so excited to be painted pink or purple.

I want to remember cramming into bed with the two girls every night to read a story then sing a song. And as I turn out the light and turn on the lullabies, they both shout "HUGS Mommy!" even though I already gave them a good night kiss.

These are the simple, beautiful things I want to remember.

Trust me, it's not always rainbows and butterflies. There are many tough days and trying times, but I want to make sure that those things never crowd out the wonderful memories we are making today.