a vow.

As the start of each new year begins I don't make resolutions, I make one simple vow to myself every single year.  It's simple, yet profound and the greatest gift to ever give yourself and others and here it is: be present.  Eliminate distractions, keep what is most important at the top of the list always, don't let time slip away.  It may sound simple, but it can be easy to lose focus.  I love a checklist, and this one tops the list every single day.

I will always choose being present and time with my girls over the dishes in the sink or the overflowing basket of laundry to be folded or a trip that's been on our to-do list for years.  Because those things can wait...

these moments will not wait.  time will go by.  I don't want to miss a single moment.

Every phase in life is glorious and wonderful in it's own way, but this phase right now - it's my lifelong dream.  I wouldn't trade any bit of it for anything else, ever.

I'm that mama, the one who is always with her children.
I've learned how to say no when I know it's just too much for us, or not the easiest on them, and just to keep life simple so we don't lose focus on what is most important.  Learning to say no sometimes can be hard.

Being present is the greatest gift to you, to those around you.
And it teaches my girls that nothing, no object - no experience - no event, is more important than being together with those you love, surrounding yourself in love and loving others every single day.

I will never regret the dishes in the sink that waited for me or the clothes still waiting for hangers or not making it to the grocery store that day.  Running outside to jump in rain puddles or dancing to another Frozen song or giving extra tickles and hugs to squeeze out a few more big smiles and giggles for the day - that I would surely regret missing out on.

be present. 
in whatever way that means to you.
it is the simplest most gratifying gift.