So I've been thinking....

Jason hates this phrase. Probably because most times that it comes out of my mouth, it indicates some sort of life change that I'm proposing. This isn't so much a life change, but just some sort of musing done by me. You don't have to read it, but I don't really care, because this is, as you know, "A Day in the Life of Anne Lee".

Once again, I just received a phone call from the Gold's Daycare trying to inform Annelee that there was a meeting tonight. I just might make an announcement telling people to REALLY stop calling me Ann. Or REALLY stop slurring my name together. It drives me crazier than you will ever know.

I've also come across so many blogs recently that have really caused me to think. More than one baby have I seen that passed away after just about the same amount of time in the NICU that Hazen spent. Each of these accounts brings me to tears, and makes me hug my baby tighter than the time before. I am so grateful for our sweet miracle. I was reading a book the other night that talked about people's overuse of the term "miracle". While this might be true, Hazen Alma Lee is a true miracle. I am so humbled each and every time I see his sweet smile, or hear his laugh, as I remember the day we were surrounded by Dr's and Nurses who told us that we were probably going to have a child with severe brain damage. While he is still not completely out of the woods, his sweet demeanor and amazing personality make every challenge that we've had so worth it. He has taught me so much, and I know that he will continue to do so. I just got a new calling as Relief Society teacher, and I was looking forward to lessons that I will be teaching in the next few months. In July, 10 days before Hazen's birthday, I will be teaching a lesson about obtaining comfort when we lose a loved one, specifically a child. I couldn't help but feel very emotional as I was reading, but also so humbled and grateful. I know our Heavenly Father loves all of us, and I'm so grateful that he felt that Jason and I were worthy to raise such a special soul like Hazen.

Heather was over at the home of one of her friends last night. This friend is a new blogger, and Heather was telling her how everyone does blogging for different reasons. She mentioned that I was blogging to give people the perspective of a young married woman and a new mom. I was so flattered to know that someone is reading my blog who might not be in the same place as I am, and might learn a little something. I know that I learn a lot from the blogs that I read. Heather, for example, has taught me that while there might not always be "beauty in the home", we still need to embrace the chaos that life is sometimes made of. The other night, Abbie was very frustrated looking for a book, and Heather quietly pulled her aside, and used a quick moment to remind her of having "joy in the journey". Sometimes the journey between point A and B might not be very enjoyable, but if we change our attitude, we can find beauty in the simple things. Life is all about perspective. All too often, I find people constantly talking about annoying things, or complaining about stupid things: sometimes, I am one of them, but at the end of the day, I am so blessed!

I was at work last night, and one of the workers mentioned a rich lady who had just dropped off her kids. She was talking about the HUGE house that she lives in, and the nice cars that she drives, and her big giant diamond ring. I found myself saying, "Must be nice." I'm pleased with myself that I immediately corrected myself with, "No, I have a good life too, but that's really neat that she has such nice things". Why do we get so caught up with having "MORE"? Why can't we just find joy in the journey, and be content with the things we have? I can't imagine how bad it makes Jason feel if I talk about how "I want a house". He's doing everything he can to give me so many wonderful things, and I will forever be grateful to him. There have been recent experiences that I've had that have taught me the infinite importance of living within our means. Dearest Jason, thank you so much for teaching me better how to do so. I know that it will be a battle we will long wage, but we're trying!

So, if there's anything that I can give you, from my mind to yours, is this: Enjoy the journey. Life is not so bad, in fact, if you glimpse at the little things, I bet it's pretty good. Do what you can to be better, but don't drag others down in order to make the grass greener on your side of the fence. And look at my baby...because he's so stinking cute.