Realizations

(an old photo, but since Case is the main photographer in the family, we don't really have any other group shots)

As much as I've enjoyed looking at others' blogs for quite some time, I was always resolute in the decision to never have one myself. The reasons were numerous and scattered, and for organization's sake, I'll list a few here:
1) not enough time
2) I put updates on Facebook
3) not enough blog worthy, exciting things happen to blog about
4) for fear of confirming the opinions of blogger critics I've seen, who say bloggers presume that people are interested in the contents of their brains, thereby making them seem self-important
5) not enough TIME!

However, after another round of exploring friends' blogs, I realized:
1) If I can look at blogs once I put Lizzie to sleep, I can make one, too.
2) I can post links on Facebook.
3) Some of the most beautiful and inspiring posts I've seen are expressions of love, gratitude and hope found in the simplest daily occurrences. I would like to cultivate that kind of reflection also.
4) I just realized those blogger critics are just plain ignorant! In all the blogs I've read of dear family and friends, not one of them has ever sounded remotely self important! The stories they've been willing to share have delighted me, encouraged me, and, at times, even moved me to tears. We can learn so much from one another when we open up.
5) This wonderfully relaxing Spring Break has helped me realize this is a type of what my life will be like this summer, (just me and Lizzie hanging each day), so I should have a little more time, at least temporarily. Even if the posts are sometimes sparse, it is worthwhile to me to create a lasting family record of remembrance (illustrated with photos!) that my children can enjoy.

And so, with these realizations finally surfaced and spurring me to action, I go from a passive window shopper to an active creator. I plan to post things that are important to me: realizations, adventures, joys, sorrows--big or small, they join together to make life the rich experience that it is.


(Lizzie has always known how to enjoy the good life) :)