You're Gonna Miss This

I dream of a small farm outlined by a split rail fence with daffodils smiling in the fence line. A long driveway leads to our house near the back of the property. Blackberry bushes full of fruit (and not stickers :) ) are at the edge of the woods, where a creek trickles through.  And of course a huge garden would be planted in an open field, to be tended by the kids and me.

Picturesque southern life, right? This dream is still several years away, though. Land where we live is expensive so we are saving to find the place for our dream to come true. Some days I find myself wishing we were there NOW, not 10 years in the future. At times I go into our guest bedroom and imagine how I would rearrange furniture for a nursery.

Then I think back on my life and realize just how quickly time passes. I began my senior year of college four years ago this past week. FOUR years! If I had gone to PA school (yikes!) I would be graduated and working right now. Whoa, baby. Where is my life going? I'm only halfway through my twenty-fifth year (and my twenties, for that matter. Next year I can say I'm in my late twenties.), but I appreciate time so. much.

Let me clarify: I've always known how quickly time flies by. I have often had to remind myself to slow down, enjoy the days, and stop wishing life away.  I miss college life so much and those are days I will never get back. In 10 years when I, Lord willing, have two or three kiddos, I will have days when I would give anything for the easy-peasy life I'm living now. (Hubby fully appreciates this!)

I enjoy sleeping in on my days off. I enjoy staying up late being goofy with my husband and (mostly) bouncing back quickly--and when I don't, I can take an afternoon nap! I enjoy being able to go to the grocery store in under 30 minutes without having to wrangle babies and bags. I enjoy spur-of-the-moment milkshakes after 8 pm with Hubby and not having to find a sitter.  Based on how much I miss the community and comradarie of college, I KNOW I will miss these simple pleasures.

Yes, I want to be a mother more than just about anything. My children will wear matching monogrammed smocked outfits. (Have I mentioned I dream of the perfect Southern life?)  But, and its a big but, I'm definitely enjoying the ride until that day comes.

So to the high school girl who feels like there's a bigger world outside her hometown: there is, but enjoy the pep rallies and easy homework. Soak up those childhood friendships. Enjoy this time while it lasts. P.S. Mom and dad are right. About everything.

To the college girl who's ready to graduate and find a job and get married: enjoy living with your girls, your free gym membership, and Tuesdays and Thursdays with only one class. The real world is tough. Health insurance, house hunting, and taxes are the worst.

And to the young wife who is letting the "when are you having kids?" question get to her: if you're not ready, don't feel bad saying so. Be honest that you love kid free time with your husband. You married him because you love him and like his company. Relish it.

I'm only 25; I've got a whole life ahead of me. Hopefully it's full of more late night Sonic runs. ;)