It's the little things.

"It's the little things that count"

We have all heard that saying, probably countless times, but does it mean anything to us? When you really think about it, it is true. The little things are everything. 

I was reading this story today and this is how it ended....

"We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware- beautifully wrapped in what others might consider a small one." 

For some reason this quote really hit me.

When we first meet someone what are the stories we tell? The "great" ones. Or rather the ones we think they will see as great.

John and I are in a new place, meeting lots of new people. The stories we tend to tell a lot are how we met, started dating, and our wedding day, my horrific pregnancy, Olivia being born, and her being in the hospital.

Those are our "great" moments. But are they really?

While I love the story of how we started dating, how John proposed, our wedding, and when Olivia was born, and while my horrible sick pregnancy and her being in the hospital are big moments, they are just the beginning, they kicked things off, but those things are not why I love John or what makes me a mother.

When I think about when John and I started dating I think about Disneyland of course, that's kind of where it all really started. But what then comes to mind is walking into a halloween party after a night class and him pulling me down the hall to kiss me because he was so excited to see me. I think of him trying to surprise me and running into my room and doing a flip onto my bed only to kick my window out. I think of him throwing cards at me while playing California speed.

When I think about getting engaged, of course I think about the amazing way he proposed and how I was completely caught off guard because he made me think he didn't even had a ring. But then what comes to mind is the fact he had purchased the ring the day before I went to visit him for Christmas, months early. I think about coming back and telling my best friend and her running the short distance from her apartment down the street to where I was so excited. I think about our engagement photo session and all the fun we had just playing.

When I think about our wedding day, of course I think about the temple, about our ring ceremony, walking down the aisle with my mom, the food, and the first dance. But what really comes to mind is the fact the three months before John was on the other side of the country and I finally got to be with him. I think about setting up for the reception with my husband and all the help we got from a friend. I think about how amazed I was that not only could my mom sew an amazing dress, which I knew, but that should could arrange some pretty amazing bouquets.

When I think about Olivia being born I remember how awful pregnancy was for me and the moment she was born when they laid her on me. But I also remember only hours earlier walking up and down the stairs to the parking structure at the hospital, because I didn't feel like going in yet, and John making me laugh hysterically every time I had a contraction. I think of how excited John was when he held her for the first time. I remember looking over at them both sleeping and just being so happy. I remember the morning after our first night home with her and how exhausted and relieved we were that we made it. I think of how hard everything was and wondering if it would get easier. I remember when she finally slept on her own without having to lay on John or I.

When I think about her being in the hospital, of course I think about how scared we were. But I also think about how John's sister helped us pack while we were at the hospital. I think about once she was doing better watching John make funny noises and her smiling really big at him.

When I think about moving to Utah, yes I think about the fact there is no beach, that I am far away from family, and that I don't really have friends here yet. People ask so I think about how I am adjusting to Utah. But really, what I think about, is that this is our home for the next 3 or 4 years. I think about all the fun things Olivia is going to be able to do here. I think about growing as a family in the place we are now.

The big moments in our life are important, weddings, births, crisis', moves... but what really is important are all the moments in between. The small moments that bring joy and love, excitement, understanding, and accomplishment. Moments that probably mean nothing to anyone else but turn out to be your most prized possessions because those are the things that you will take with you throughout life no matter what changes or what hurdles there are to overcome.