…but for some reason I can’t remember any of them!
It’s been so long since I’ve written I feel like I’ve forgotten how. I used to be so proud of this blog and generating a (very small) income and being able to try things but I don’t know – I think it got to be too much. Too many expectations and too many deadlines. Too many feelings of ‘ugh, I have to write and it has to be 600 words with 5 pro photos and 4 links to products and three tweets, 2 facebook shares and a hashtag.’
I liked having responsibilities and of course, getting paid and getting things in exchange for reviewing them. But I felt like I was losing what I loved at the same time – I just like writing about stuff – getting my thoughts out there and into the big world. I don’t even need anyone to read them necessarily – just to get them out of my head.
I do want to start blogging again but it’s hard to know where to start when you’ve been away for so long. Do I do that book review I want to do? Talk about our springbreak trip? Do I spend my time writing reviews of places we’ve visited to work on my writing? Do I just go back to writing a family blog?
It was so easy to write daily when the kids were younger and, dare I say it, a little easier to distract. Now they would prefer to hang out with me or, even worse, READ EVERY WORD I’M TYPING! Have you ever had a 7 year old read your words as you type them? It gets a little distracting!
Here’s where the family is at:
Sarah – just turned 6. She’s freaking amazing. I don’t know how else to say it. Smart, funny, kind, loving, helpful, cuddly – I mean just one of the best people I know. NOW…I don’t mean she doesn’t have her bad days – but we all do. She can be stubborn and mean at times, but most of the time, she is a silly bundle of hugs and love. She’s reading and loves math and has really been an exemplary student. Her teacher uses her as an example for proper behavior! I mean, sometimes when I think about how sweet and wonderful she is it makes me want to cry. Or I just do cry.
Jeremiah – currently 7 but turning 8 in June. EIGHT! Again – this kid is absolutely amazing. He actually has me in awe sometimes – he is one of the most tender-hearted and loving people I know. He genuinely cares deeply for people, even people he’s never met. We had been praying for a friend’s father recently and while we were praying specifically for his health, Jeremiah laid on the floor and cried because he felt it was so unfair for someone to be sick. I mean, talk about tears – there’s nothing that can make me cry faster than my son crying in sadness about another human. His heart is so big – I only hope he stays this way forever! He also loves math and science and is beginning to enjoy reading. He’s an athlete , too – he ran a mile in 12 minutes! That’s only 30 seconds slower than my typical mile. WHAT.
Photo credit: Erin DuPree Photography (http://erindupreephotography.com/)
And of course, power couple Shawn and I. Ha! Shawn is, of course, doing amazing at his job (I won’t say where because I don’t know if he’s ok with that.) But just know that at his job, like every job he’s had, people love him and think he’s incredible. He’s a fantastic father to our children – sometimes I’ll watch him playing with the kids and think: how did I get so blessed? I have a fantastic family – my cup truly runneth over. As for me, I’m staying as busy as I can – I’m still in ‘training mode’ even though my big Grand Canyon hike is long over. I decided having a large goal was good for me, so I did something INSANE and signed up for a half marathon. It’s only 13.1 miles of running. Of course, my longest run is just over 5 miles…so…we’ll see how much I like running after the half. It’s not until the end of November though.
Photo Credit: Erin DuPree Photography (http://erindupreephotography.com/)
We’re planning a big trip this summer to Disneyland which the kids talk about every day! It’s also our 10th wedding anniversary this June, and we’re looking forward to celebrating it. I have to say, I love my life.