I am learning lessons. Some I have enjoyed learning, others not so much. I am finding that whether I like or not, my kids will continue to get bigger and grow up. They will make their own choices, some of them will hurt them, and probably me, and others will make them shine. I am realizing that my time with my kids all under our roof is on the last chapter. I also see how this year has been marked with pain, joy, and unexpected moments of God's grace on our family. This week I have had some great unexpected, unrushed moments with my kids. Last night, it was just Jordan and i at home around 9:30 and he said "hey mom wanna play domino's?" I was tired and really wanted to take a warm bath and go to bed but I told him sure- to set up. So he did. We played two games, I won one he won one. When we were finishing up the last game, Jason and Colton came in and I cleaned up the game. But this is what happen, and I took a picture of the moment on my internal hard drive and I hope it stays with me forever- after a few minutes I was still at the kitchen table and Jordan pokes his head around the corner and says " Hey mom- thanks for playing me. I love you." and he walked away. It was an unexpected, unplanned simple moment that melted my heart. What seemed like something so small to me, was huge to him. Those are the times you see how important relationships are. I had a mommy date with Jordan right here in my kitchen and it cost me nothing but time. How many times I have not been willing to pay with time? How many of these types of things have I missed because I thought I didn't have time? Michelle Anthony once said " the days are long but the years are short" That is so true. It won't be long and Jordan will graduate from High School , he will pursue his dreams and he won't have time for game of domino's around the kitchen table. But for today, he just might. He just still might think Mom is ok and spending time with me isn't so bad. I think I better reevaluate where I am spending my time. I think it is probably ok to let somethings go, they will still be waiting on me when the kids are gone. Relationships matter, people matter, investing in them is important....