{ who knew we were making memories }

"Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery, today is a gift, that's why it's called the present." As I grow older and wiser I am learning what the gift of today truly is. The other day I was looking through some saved old photos on my computer. They brought back a rush of different emotions. Some made me feel happy, others longing for 'those days,' some sad because of the difficult things I was going through at the time, and others grateful for all that I have and the experiences I have gone through.

 While I was looking at these photos I thought, "Wow, if only I knew I was making memories at that moment in time...maybe I would have laughed a little more, slowed down just a little so I could have really taken in the whole experience, stopped fretting over silly things, or held my son just a minute longer while he was still so small... I'm not trying to live in the past or with any regrets, but just learn from it and live every present moment to the fullest so I don't have to try and re-live it later. I want to look back and know that I allowed myself to be the happiest I could have possibly been and know that nothing (time, energy, or happiness) was wasted because most of these moments don't last long and only come once.

*My life has evolved rapidly and dramatically over the last 5-6 years. I have learned and in a positive way, changed. Here's a few photos I came across and what I would have said at the time to that person (me) in the photo. Enjoy!

left: (Wihongi girls at church) "First of all, you don't even realize how blessed you are to grow up so close with all your cousins, go to same the same school, and be in the same ward. And your not going to realize this great blessing until you're on your own and married. By then everyone will be gone either getting married, serving a mission, or moving half way across the world. SO cherish these times now" center: (all of us at a HB YSA dance) "Dance the night away! Don't worry that your cousin just caught you wearing her shirt that she let your sister borrow because she's forgotten about it. FORGET THE DRAMA and just marry the guy!" right: (Girls Night Out-karaoke in NZ)"Be happy. Don't listen to anyone but yourself. Enjoy the night out because soon they become RARE and hurry and get back to the states already! "

TONGA 2007: "So far this is *still the BEST TRIP IN YOUR LIFE! Don't worry because you lived these moments to the fullest! Eventually your going to have to learn to speak Tongan because YOU HAVE TO GO BACK...oh ya, and because you do end up marrying that loud, funny guy."

"Dating days..THOSE WERE THE DAYS! Enjoy them girl because you only fall in love once. After THIS night though things are going to get a lil crazy. You will be faced with the hardest trial yet in your life. But don't worry because THIS will make you stronger. You'll learn from it and be better because of it. Your answer the first time was right so stop asking. Oh ya.. STOP being so nice and forget what everyone else thinks. Either do it how YOU want or don't do one at all. You're wedding will be a huge fiasco and mess...but don't worry. Just because you didn't have the wedding of your dreams, you still got the man of your dreams."

"Live it up girl! The 'honeymoon' stage is something! This mini vacay to San Diego is the only one you guys are going to have with just you two. Go out as much as you can together, sleep in as long as you want, and get in as much of your husband's lovin' as you can. haha ...because 7 months from now your going to give birth to a MONSTER! just kidding. He's the best!"

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"Awww he is so PRECIOUS! I can't believe how small and immobile he use to be. haha THIS is your greatest blessing! Enjoy every moment because you're going to blink and he'll already be walking. Not only does he look like his daddy but he acts like him in every way! ...but you're going to hope your next one isn't as crazy as him. That's for sure!"

The secret to this short life is to live in the present every moment....because who knew we were making memories?