Somehow, Miss E and Miss G cannot resist the urge to "improve" our home with their artistic talents. There are few surfaces in my home that have not been "decorated" by their hands at some point. I get so sick of telling them "we only color on paper" as I try and get them to erase their drawings, and often even with my help we can't get it all off. They've colored walls, furniture, beds, blankets and even carpet. The other night, just as I was closing my eyes for the family prayer, I paused on these pen marks on my dresser. 
They were made weeks ago with an ink pen, and carved into the surface and I don't think they're coming off. I first felt a twinge of anger and frustration seeing them again, but when the prayer started, I had the thought that someday, seeing those marks would make me happy. If something were to ever happen to my Miss G, or just years in the future when she was more grown up, I would look at those pen marks and smile. I thought about that again during conference today when someone (sorry, I can't remember who) spoke about enjoying right now in our lives. There was some quote about how if we fill our days with dreams of the future, we leave behind lots of empty yesterdays. (something like that, I will find it when they are typed online and post the link- it was good!) Anyways, I know it is true. I hear it all the time from parents whose children are grown, they actually MISS this stage I'm in! And even now, when I look at those pen marks on my dresser I do smile. These are the good times, and I appreciate the reminders that I need to be doing more to make them good. And thanks to Kyle & Ashley who let us visit them this weekend, and Kyle who suggested I go get the camera today and take the picture of Sam and the kids- it's a good one.
12 comments:
The picture of Sam and the kids is awesome! I hope you will look back and smile about the pen marks, or maybe you'll just get a new one. :)
I love that picture! That's a keeper. The pen marks give the dresser a little something special...you could make that dresser the token piece of furniture for kids to mark up. Kind of like a cast. Then one day your GRANDKIDS can mark it up, too!
Love this post! I was thinking the same thing during that talk. It was a good reminder for me.
That was Pres. Monson, quoting from "The Music Man". I loved that talk also. I loved the picture of Sam and the kids also, what fun! Love, Mom
Katie,
wow, where has the time gone? You're a mother of 4? Wasn't it just yesterday you were hanging out with the Broadbent girls and ditching yw or was that your sister? hahha It's been so long I can't remember. What a lovely family you have and I can't believe you made that princess cake for your little girl. How adorable. You are a great mom, You did have a wonderful example to follow. I love your mom. Love your blog.
how fun!! I'm looking foward to that!
I liked that talk too. I am glad our kids are the same age so we can swap stories and remember them even now from when miss B and Coop were babies. Glad you are my sister.
Looks like we have the same problem at our house too. I'm sorry about the dresser but at least it gives it some character!
Oh Katie! I so needed that post. Thank you. I am severely missing the kids since they all started school. I am going to be in Phoenix this weekend for Daniel's wedding. The little girl that we are trying to adopt is flying in on Sunday to Phoenix, and Monday her and I are flying home to Anchorage. I am so excited. Come over see me at Ginger's this weekend! :)
A few weeks ago after my son painted my mom's bathroom, without permission first, my aunt told me that she just barely let her husband paint over the artwork the kids had done over the years in their bedroom, and she really misses it! Isn't that funny how things that make you so mad can be so senitmental too?
Hi Katie. Thanks for commenting on my blog! I love your post on Nie Nie. This is a great post too, that conference talk has come into my head almost daily, especially with fall break here and three little ones underfoot ALL DAY. I hope your wrist feels better soon!
I liked that talk, too. It was a good one!
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