Like most parents, probably, I often rush around trying to do "just one more thing," and find myself reminding the kids to do the same. But as my boys grow up, I realize that there's a certain amount of time I have to get things done in a day, and then there's a certain amount of time I have left before they will be off to college and out of the house. In all of my going out and coming home and trying to get everything done, I want to pay attention to things I love about being their mom.

Boys, quickly,
take out the trash before the garbage truck comes
while there is time

Add your jeans to the load of laundry I’ve just started,
while there is time

Let me quiz you on Spanish pronouns before school,
while there is time

While there is time,
Talk to me in the car about what you did at school

While there is time,
Sit and read with me by the fire

While there is time,
let me put my arms around you
and rest my chin on the top of your head