Things I've learned ~

Because life truly is short~
Don't hide all the special handmade things away so they won't get messed up. You will rarely see and enjoy them...if ever. Find a place to display them and share the memories with your children on a regular basis, THAT is what makes those things special- the memories.
Don't save the good dishes for two or three 'special' holidays. Every day that you can sit down with your whole family, all alive and well, is a special day! They are just dishes, the family is what's good.
You can't have too many pictures of a loved one once they are gone. Take care of your photos and make notes for your family so that WHEN YOU ARE NO LONGER AROUND TO TELL THEM ABOUT A PHOTO THEY STILL KNOW WHO IT WAS AND WHY YOU KEPT IT.
When they grow up Your kids will probably make you feel like you are making them feel today, will it be special? Ignored? Wanted? Burdensome? Think about it...
Every day that you wait for your 'life' to start is another day of your life that you've missed. Every moment of every day constitutes your life so don't waste it.