by far, one of the best.....

today was such a nice day. i got to see my sister amber and her husband and their son aidan- my most serious nephew. i spent the day celebrating my (other) two nephews birthday's today. daniel turned three and isaac turned six! as i watched all of the little kids run around out yard and yell and play and laugh, i could not help but think what i would do in my life differently if i was three or six all over again and i remembered this wonderful piece of work by one of my favorites.....


IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER by Irma Bombeck

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and more while watching life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chancein life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more "I love you's".. more "I'm sorry's"...

but mostly, given another shot at life,

I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it...live it...and never give it back.

In memory of Irma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer.