I have a love, hate relationship with social media.  I hate the time it kills.  I hate it that it takes the place of face to face social time with friends.  Sometimes I like to see the persons face and hear the tone when they say something.  Could be funny or sarcastic, that can't be replaced.  The comparisons are hard as well.  People feel they are, less than so and so, because of something they read or saw.  All in all, it takes strong people to be on social media. 
But things I love, funny stories and PICTURES!!!  I love pictures.  I love seeing kids grow up, people showing their passions, and funny lives.  I came across a picture of shoes this week.  Lot and lots of shoes!  Looked like my entryway daily.  But I often kick the shoes to the side and try to clear a path, complaining about, "why does nobody ever pick up their crap!"  This picture was of love, of all the people that were in the house.  A love of family and time together.  Don't you love those  Ahhh haa moments.  Sometimes I need to be reminded, they won't always be here.  Enjoy them.  Messiness and all. 
I also recently talked to someone.  She's a new grandma!  I asked, "How is it?  So fun!!  Are you there all the time?"  She gave me an analogy I wish I would've been told years ago.  She said, "we are so excited.  I want to be there all the time, but we need to find the balance and give them space."  She described her children growing up.  She said, "it's great.  We've prepared them to be on their own and soar. And they are.  But as parents you feel, left behind.  You are watching their life from the outside."  For some reason, that hit may.  Maybe because my own children are growing up, but more reflecting on my parents.  When I had littles, I felt like a burden to my parents.  Calling, asking for help, bothering them.  I think it's an age thing.  You're life and perspective changes when you get older.  But oh how I wish I was wiser then.  I want my kids to call and bug me!  The same as my parents want me too. 
With all that being said, my goal is to catch tidbits of wisdom from conversations and social media.  We have to find the good in it somewhere :)

I have had questions as to how Brooke is doing.  The quick answer is great!  She has her on and off again colds, but it doesn't get her down.  This August we were in Chicago with friends for a couple days.  She had a regular doctor appointment when we got home,  only to find out she had pneumonia.  In true Brookie fashion, it did not slow her down at all.  Gotta love that kid!  She has grown 3 inches and 6 months and she has her labs drawn in a couple weeks for her immune system. I don't suspect any surprises there.  So it's just business as usual over here.  Raising kids, one day at a time.