"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

Wow! If I could just remember this quote every single day, how sweet life would be. I cry somedays because I feel like I'm missing important steps in my kids' lives. I cried today because I forgot to send a leaf to school with my oldest son (that was his homework, to bring a single autumn leaf to school today) and who forgot... ME!!! Somedays, I just want to crawl back into bed and try to forget everything...all my responsibilities as a mom, wife, daughter, friend...but I like to think I would be missed. And of course, I would miss my responsibilities probably after only 5 minutes.

Growing up, I was my mom's life. She focused all of her energy on me. She had a schedule, we followed that schedule to a tee. I can't remember a time I was sent to school unprepared. So when I forget to send a leaf to school I feel as if I'm a terrible mom...an uncaring, unorganized mom.

But really a leaf...that's what I'm worrying about today?!?!?! A LEAF!?!?!? I'm sure the teacher had extras, I'm sure he's forgotten about the leaf already and he's enjoying his day with his friends...and I'm quite positive the leaf will never be mentioned again. BUT I still feel bad. How do some mom's seem so perfect and seem to have everything together? 

This is the moment, the exact moment, I needed to read the Dr. Seuss quote above.

I don't think my kids have had a single day without smiling or without laughter. One of my main goals in life is to have my kids laugh from their bellies (you know that deep, uncontrollable laughter) at least once a day. NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS. Sometimes it's hard to smile, but I try my hardest also to have a least one uncontrollable laugh a day.

These are the moments you have to focus on...the moments that will forever be memories...wonderful memories. Even if you can't remember why that uncontrollable laugh happened, you will always remember the happiness you felt while laughing that way.