Where has all the time gone....?

When my children were younger, I almost couldn't wait for them to grow up. I wouldn't have to take them to the bathroom anymore (Yippee, for not having to wipe other peoples bums). They could dress and feed themselves. And they could arrange their own play dates.

I imagined all this free time in which I could write. I would write a million books a year! Yes, a million!!

No longer having to wipe bums would free up a lot of time! Okay, a million books a year is totally unrealistic, but maybe  two or three would be a possibility instead of my usual one book a year, which is my current status quo. I would be a blogging fool! Blog posts daily!

How dumb and foolish I was. So dumb.

Now, as a mother of two teens and a preteen (she'll be thirteen this coming August), I find myself busier than ever. Really. What in the world is going on? How did I manage doing ANYTHING when they were little and helpless? How did I keep them alive? Seriously, how are they alive?

As they have grown older, their schedules and activities have taken up more of my time than any play date at McDonald's ever had. I sit through hours of cheer and lacrosse practices and tournaments. Their homework has become my homework. Did you know the Whale Shark is the world's largest fish? It can grow to be the size of a bus. Yeah, a bus! I didn't know this until yesterday as I helped one kid write a report.

Ultimately, I do not have the time I once thought I would have. So, one book a year (if that) will be the best I can do. Sorry if you were hoping for a million stories from me. Maybe when I'm a grandma :)

But I will tell you one thing, I wouldn't want my life any other way. I am enjoying my teens. Kind of an oxymoron, I know. Despite my inadequacies as a mother (of which I have many), these kiddos of mine are turning out to be amazing people, and I don't want to miss a moment of it.

I do know that I can better arrange my time and make writing more of a priority. That is on me, not my kids. If I can write and blog with a baby and two toddlers yanking on my leg, I am certain writing and blogging can be done now that they are older. It's all a balancing act, baby!

I may just have to do it all a little slower, because these three kiddos will only be kiddos for a short time. I am a mom first and everything else second. Just as it should be.  

(As for the sequel to ANYONE? it is coming along. It may not be coming along as quickly as I would've hoped, but I am plugging away at it).

How do you balance everything in your life? What tricks do you have up your sleeve? Any and all advice welcomed.

(Free Writing)
Had I known the last time you would've eagerly and gladly held my hand would be our last,
I would have held it a little longer.
I would have snuggled you more, held you tighter,
Had I known the next day you would find mom snuggles no longer necessary.
I would have napped more with you during nap times and not complained.
I would have finger-painted more, played dress-up more, and blown more bubbles.
But I had no idea you would grow up so fast.
One minute you were my baby who needed me for everything (like tying your shoe).
The next, you were not, and demanded to do everything yourself.
They say, "Enjoy them while they're young. They grow so fast."
but I didn't believe them.
I thought I had more time.
Until now.
Now, I have to tackle you to get a hug.
I have to tell you to shave your face.
I buy you pimple cream.
I watch you growing up, becoming a wonderful human being,
and I couldn't be prouder.
I don't care how old you get
Or how big you become (I know you love telling me how small I am now that you're taller than me),
You will always be my baby.