Best Mommy Award

Nicholas informed me yesterday, as he sweetly held my hand, that I have won the best mommy award ! My first thought was well today must have been an OK day as I breathe a sigh of relief. Because most days I think I am in the running only for the grumpy mom award! As I bask in the delight of the moment and he gently swings my arm back in forth, he quickly informs me that if God had a wife she would probably win best mom! Of course I had a good chuckle on that one. He reminded me that he did not think God was getting married so I would be able to stay the best mommy.
Sweet little encounters like that with my toothless 8 year old are the highlight of being a mom. I am realizing I have fewer and fewer of those moments left. Nick lost his first front tooth 2 days ago. I love that toothless smile! Its some type of a marking to me in their journey from my baby to being their own big kid. I have so far tucked 7 front teeth under pillows ! It struck me that I only have 1 more front tooth to go in my mommy journey. First it was everyone off bottles, then no more diapers, and how I rejoiced when they all slept through the night. One day I realized I did not have to pack a bag every time I went out of the house. Everyone gets in and out of the car all by themselves, most of the time truth be told they are waiting for me now.
Its really amazing how fast time goes by. I know we all say it a million times, and as moms we hear it from the veteran moms all the time. Cherish this time !! But how do you do that ? In the hustle and bustle of each day ?
Truthfully I don't know. I have given it a lot of thought lately. Am I spending more time maintaining and organizing the ones who live with me, than nurturing and loving them? Is it more important to me that my house is tidy (not if you looked at it today)and my kids are meeting a certain standard, or do my children get the best part of me ? Do they get to see and feel my heart ? Do they feel like they are at the top of my to do list ? I guess if I got up enough guts I would ask them. But truthfully I am still basking in holding the "best mommy award" for today. Knowing deep down inside I am not worthy of that title. Grateful that I have today to cherish my treasures !!