Flashback Friday

I was looking through my photo albums on Facebook and came across these two pictures. Wow, how time flies!

This was almost 3 years ago, not long after Lauren was born. I think she's probably 2-3 months old. I'm judging by her dress(a $5 steal at the walmarts!), which is newborn size. I know this because I just gave it away. Nah, I don't have a problem hanging on to things.

This was Easter of this year. Look at where everyone is sitting. Matt almost has the same smile and Lauren is looking off in the same direction. Deja vu! And, do we like plaid shirts at our house or what?

Yucky Days

Yes, I'm neglecting my blog again, and with good reason this time. We've had the sickies hit our household full force over the last few days. It started Friday night with Matt and Lauren. I hoped it was just something they ate that didn't agree with them. Nope. Zack started with it Saturday night which meant we were definitely skipping church on Sunday. Ian and I had the pleasure of coming down with it today. No work + no school + many trips to the bathroom = lots of fun in our house. Looks like more of the same tomorrow.

In the middle of cleaning up the yuck, trying to tend to my children, and not really having the energy to do either, I realize just how thankful I am for the uneventful days where I do have the energy to take care of the every day, mundane tasks that seem to get me down.

Thoughts

I've had some thoughts circling around my head for a few days now. Maybe by writing them down I can put my mind somewhat at ease.

Do I show my family them I love them?

Do I tell them I love them?

Are we making enough good memories together?

What kind of legacy will I leave behind one day?

The reason for these thoughts is because I came across a blog yesterday belonging to a woman who died unexpectedly from a stroke just 2 weeks after her 4th baby was born. I don't know this woman personally, but her death has forced me to look at my own life and my family in a different light.

Even though family is the most important thing to me, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, mundane tasks. Most days it seems I just go through the motions to get through the day. I forget to slow down and take notice of the blessings right in front of me.

Another reason for this reassessment is because a good friend of mine has been diagnosed with an incurable disease. She has 5 little ones.

There have been a few other eye-opening experiences over the last few months, but they haven't hit home with me like these two have. I think Heavenly Father keeps putting these life changing stories in front of me so that I will recognize my blessings and not dwell on how terrible I think things are. I'm reminded that there are always others whose trials are far greater than my own.

We are healthy.

We have the necessities.

We have a home.

We have food.

We have a car that gets us from point A to point B.

My husband has a job.

We have the gospel.

My goal is to recognize my daily blessings, notice the little things (and enjoy them!), enjoy my children every day, keep trying to do the things Heavenly Father wants me to do, and recognize my progress even when I don't think I'm making any.

And laugh.

I don't do that often enough.

July 4th

So I'm a little behind, I know. Better late than never, right? The annual Gregson family July 4th gathering was held at Rock Ford. I think we had a pretty good turn-out, not as big as it used to be, but still a good one.

The icy cold creek. Matt (perched on the rocks) looks like he's trying to decide whether or not he wants to get in.

The grown-ups who are too scaredy-cat to get in the freezing water. Ok, fine. I didn't get in either.

Miss Lauren and her watermelon.

Wading in the 'little water'.

I think she's ready to float down the river.

It's hard to believe this used to be us a few short years ago.

My four wet, tired, possibly hungry, and mad at me because it's time to go, chickens.