Create Margin for Memories

Tonight I watched “You’ve Got Mail” all by myself at the house.  I was the only one at the house, so it was my choice (you can do that when you’re an empty nester!) I fell in love with this movie back when it was in the theaters, but I fell in love with it again when I watched it for the first time with Taylor back when he was in high school. After that night, it became a tradition for Taylor and I to watch this movie together, especially when he came home for breaks in college.

I initially loved the movie because it’s cute and of course Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan are adorable.  And I watched it tonight because I wanted to get into a good mood and it instantly worked! The music, the scenes from New York City, the brilliant writing. But tonight,  as I was watching the movie it made me think of all the times Taylor and I have watched it together. How we would pop popcorn and curl up on the sofa, him on one side and me on the other, and watch it together. Now this movie means so much more to me.

As moms, we try to create special moments throughout our children’s lives. We craft amazing birthday parties, beautiful vacations, plan picture perfect family photo sessions, and lovely holiday traditions, but sometimes in the end, it’s the little things that end up warming your heart the most.  The little things that you didn’t plan, didn’t count on, didn’t mean to become a big thing, those are the things that you’ll remember on a random night while you are at the house by yourself 10 years from now.

So this coming year, remember to give yourself and your family time to just “be”. When your life isn’t planned out every minute there is margin for these kinds of memories. Always fight for that margin. Try to say no, so that later you can say yes.