It has been awhile since I last was able to sit down for 5 minutes and relax!  And although it may seem strange to some, being able to sit down and post a blog is quite relaxing for me.  The days, hours, seconds - they all seem to just fly by so quickly these days.  I’m still trying to absorb yesterday and today is already here!  I’m sure it has a lot to do with being a mother, being involved in too many activities, running two businesses, etc., etc.  I often find myself yearning for some quiet moments of solitude.  It’s actually very ironic because we were married for 9 years before we had children and I used to pray for the days when I would have many children to occupy my time!  Well, God certainly answered my prayers, and I am completely grateful to have my children and the chaos they sometimes bring,  However, I know now that I took my quiet moments for granted.  Right now I am having a very “rare” moment in my life.  My wonderful husband has taken the kids with him to run errands, the phones are not ringing, and I’m sitting outside on the laptop listening to the waterfall in our pool.  It is quite serene and calm.  Moments like this do not come often for me, so I’m taking it all in and silently thanking the man/woman upstairs for giving me this opportunity.  Of course, thoughts of my children soon enter into my mind.  I smile as I think about my son.  He is starting to walk and I’m amazed that a year of his life has already gone by.  I’m curious to see what type of person he will become.  He is like my daughter in so many ways, and yet he is so different.  Out of the two, he will be the one who challenges my parenting skills.  He has so much determination for a one year old!  I am confident though that his determination will get him far in life.  And then there’s my daughter.  I would love to say that all of her wonderful qualities come from me, but I secretly know that she gets many of  these traits from her daddy.  She has such a loving and kind soul.  She is such a beautiful person (and I don’t mean on the outside)…probably the most beautiful person that I have ever met.  I predict she will likely be a “helper” in some way, bringing smiles to the many people in her life.  It’s good to have moments like these where you can reflect on your children and your life.  With the hustle and bustle of every day, its easy to take things for granted, even your kids.  Too often we are told, “enjoy every second because it’ll go by quickly”!  Sadly, that is very true.  And while I know my life could be easier, simpler, etc. if I hired a nanny, lived closer to family, or even took more time for myself, I’m reminded of what I am often told:   ”enjoy every second because it’ll go by quickly”! As crazy as my days can sometimes be…..I wouldn’t trade places with anyone for a second.  It’s a privilege to be a parent…an absolute privilege.  I’m thankful that my husband and I have been there for every milestone, every happy moment, every sickness that our children have had.  And we hope, like most, that we will be around to observe our children with their own children.  My thoughts are stopped abruptly as the phone rings…… so, it goes in my household…….