Third time's the charm...

I have been on an emotional roller coaster for the past year of my life. You can probably see that by reading my blog. In the past year, I have had some major life changes. To mention just a few: I was pregnant for the first time, gave birth for the first time (duh), became a mom for the first time (another duh, but some people don't have to give birth to do this so thought I would mention it...), have made mistakes as a mother and am still learning every day how to be a good one, moved for the first time out of Utah, bought a house for the first time, and lived in a city for the first time. This may seem like a lot to most people, and it is. But believe me, this is just the "big stuff." There are so many more small things that happened, or are happening, that have made me stop and think lately. There are things that have made me sad or discouraged. There are things that made me unbelievably happy and excited. Though, like most normal people, I tend to focus on the negative. I always think "what if" or "remember when" or "it was so great when we." I told Drew just the other day, when I don't have something to look forward to, it's hard for me to be excited and happy. I need a holiday or family get togethers or a fun date to keep me motivated. This shouldn't be the case, and I have forgotten to live in the moment! Well, it only took three reminders to kick me in the butt and remind me to live in the moment.

One, from a family member who said, "Do you know how lucky you are? Remember how good life is right now. These are the moments." I need to think about this when I think those "remember when" thoughts. Though I do miss the stress-free days of dating and college, I wouldn't change what Drew and I have now for ANYTHING. So why can't I remember this every day? I will try harder!

The second reminder came when reading two different blogs. One said something to the effect of enjoying the time while you have it. When you look back you'll realize how fast time goes. Isn't it true. I've already seen this with Luke being 7 months old. It seems like he was a newbie newborn last week! I need to start cherishing every moment, cause soon he'll be 18!! The other blog talked about a friend's baby who passed away at only 7 months old. I can't imagine having to go through the loss of a child. I pray I wont ever have to, but because I haven't, I need to especially cherish every moment. Not just because time goes fast. But because I have the time in the first place.

The third, and I hope final reminder, (because after this I hope to change my attitude) was today. I was driving to meet Drew for a quick dinner before he had to leave for one of his "first year teacher" seminar class things. This might be cheesy but it was a reminder, nonetheless. Our song came on the radio, and Luke was "singing along" in the back seat. Now of course Luke doesn't know the words, or even the tune. But it was such a happy moment to me. I have such a great life with the two loves of my life. It was a simple reminder, but it left a mark :)

So, I have been reminded to: Remember how lucky I am and these are the moments. Cherish each moment because I can, and because time goes too quickly. And always remember the simple things are the best things. I will look forward to tomorrow, even if nothing important is happening besides Drew and I watching one of our favorite shows while playing with Luke and his toys. That truly is something to look forward to. I'm excited for tomorrow. :)