I met someone years ago who said that she wanted to live her life with no regrets. I don't think that it is possible. If you're imperfect and human I think there will always be regrets or lessons learned that we wish we could do over. I always remind myself that hindsight is 20/20 especially when I'm being hard on myself. Having said that, I have a couple of regrets about parenthood that for some reason has been on my mind lately. Maybe it was Lane's milestone a week ago or maybe it's because one year is ending and another is getting ready to begin. Whatever the reason, I'd still like to share it and throw it out in the blog-o-sphere.
I regret not enjoying my little ones more when they were little. I look at old pictures and I see such innocence and joy in their faces. I regret getting caught up in trying to be a "perfect" parent or trying to make ends meet, or trying to do it with Blake working nights (those were hard). I feel like I'm forgetting their "little-ness" as they turn in to big kids. I don't want to look back when they are 18 yrs. old and wonder were all the time went. I regret being hard on myself as a new parent trying to figure it all out. So for parents who still have "little-ness" around them remember that it doesn't matter if they aren't potty trained until they are going into High School, it's okay that they spilled red kool-aid all over the kitchen and it splash so far that it's in the living room too, and the hugs, kisses, smiles and kind words matter more than most anything else.
I know, my kids are still young and I still get hugs and kisses because I'm the coolest mom ever (to them). I've been know to say a prayer that most parents probably utter - that I don't mess them up because of my shortcomings. My intentions are always pure and full of love for them and I want to be the best mom that they need. I will never regret becoming a parent. I adore my full-time job and know that my children are the main reason for my existence. I have been stretched more than I ever would have asked for and have been blessed 10x more than I would have ever expected.
There is no regret when it is done with love and kindness. I'm off to kiss my sleeping angels. (They are so quiet and peaceful when they're sleeping).
Stupid traditions!! It seems for the past 3 or 4 years I have been able to avoid this tradition much to my delight. It's not that I hate making cookies or even eating them. And I really do think that it's important for Santa to have a snack. But not necessarily at the expense of my kitchen floors. This year I had no grandmas, *Sue T., or *Gretchen H. (names have NOT been changed, they deserve the credit) to help my kids enjoy their childhood so I had to step up as their beloved mother. (A small step) So off I went to buy the refrigerated cookie dough and the tub of store-bought frosting. I told you it was only a small step up. No "made-from-scratch" cookies here. (Unless you count the "scratching my eyes out" from the flour mess.) And you know what? It wasn't so bad. Survivable. Quite enjoyable actually. We put smiles on our faces, too much sugar in our belly (it tastes better uncooked), and finally sprinkles on the cookies, counter and floor. It makes the floor more festive, don't you think? And when you see smiles like this you start planning for next year (someone else's house and more flour. Any offers?) 
