(I know it looks like I’m doing something horrible here, but really I was just tickling my sleepy baby so he’d stay awake long enough for a photo… and Aliyah’s facial expression cracks me up.)
“The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.”
~Anna Quindlen
The thing about searching for perfection, it’s that pot of gold at the end of a long awaited rainbow. Something we strive for, set the bar higher and higher, expecting more… and in the end? We fall short. Short of our own expectations on ourselves – on our children – of being flawless. And why is that? What is it about being real or different that’s not perfect?
Today we took our Christmas photos. And no, they aren’t overtly Christmas themed. That’s okay. No, we aren’t wearing red. That’s okay too.
But in my mind was my idea for The Ultimate Photo, and tried to push my circle shaped family into this square hole…oh, for about five minutes. And then my little ones began teaching me again the concept of perfection, not found in absolute flawlessness, but in the ability to really be us. To be happy with all our messiness and liveliness, to find the beauty in what others may view as far from perfection. And I grabbed that hypothetical circle and cozily cuddled it, along with my little loves.
I’m accepting that fact, along with the new me my little ones have been teaching me to be. Taking in my fill of the everyday beautiful as just what it is… perfectly beautiful, without having to be perfect.
And now I strive to embrace the purposefully beautiful… ’cause it really is perfect.
Life with Kaishon says
Perfect as can be. I love it. What a beautiful series of pictures. Your family is smashing : ) XO
GabbyRM says
I just realized I forgot to tell you how AWESOME these photos are.
Ashlee says
Oh my GOSH! So adorable! I love the one where Brayden has his arms up.
hard drive recovery says
Nice familly!
Captivus says
These are such beautiful photos! You really see the love. I love seeing pictures like these 🙂
Jessica says
your pictures are amazing!!
Barbara says
How beautiful and loving!
lizcooper says
Your family is perfect! I love this post. It really hits home for me. I’ve missed posting about my life and am glad I finally got to participate in Sunday Citar again!
Charlotte | Life's a Charm! says
all the photos are perfect!
my favorite is the last photo. 😉
Hannah says
These pictures are so cute! Happy Sunday!
Anonymous says
Happy Sunday….what a beautiful family you have !!! your children are so beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing with us <3
Crystal Rae says
Those pictures are great. Love em!
Heidi says
These are darling!
UtahJenny says
Yes, perfect … great words to live by!
Jen says
so so sweet! I so admire the beauty and love you all share.
septembermom says
Everything is beautiful and perfect here 🙂
April says
That really is a lovely photo! Thanks so much for hosting
grace says
i want to be a member of your family. are you, perchance, looking to adopt a 27-year-old? 🙂