Photo Shoot

We recently had some family pictures taken!  My kind, gentle-hearted neighbor and friend, Lauren, spent an afternoon with us in our busy, bustling downtown metro, with her camera and hubby in tow.  Lauren has a talent for snapping pictures and an eye for art, and I knew she'd do a great job.

Of all the pictures that were taken, the one below is my absolute favorite!  The brick wall.  The love seat.  The colors.  It's quite wonderful.

And would you just look at my children?!

 
THEY'RE CRYING!

It was chilly and windy the day this picture was taken.  Lilly--with her unfounded phobia of wind and "blowing away"--did not want to be outside.  Camren was royally miffed because we kept pulling his thumb out of his adorable mouth.  Their discomfort and angst is clearly shown on their kissable faces.

I love this picture because it accurately (and terrifically) portrays a universal truth:

Life isn't picture perfect!

There are ups and downs.  There are highs and lows.  There are times of desperation and fear.  Stress can stealthily overshadow joy, and worries can bear down on the strongest of shoulders.  There are challenging, trial-filled times that instigate feelings of sadness or frustration.  There are long, hectic days with never-ending obligations, that push and pull you into a weary version of yourself. 

Or simply...there are days when your preschooler informs you that, "Cam found the Doritos," the moment you're finally ready to walk out the door for your "photo shoot."  There are days when neon-orange "Dorito dust" clings to little fingers and faces, and "photo-op" outfits need to be changed, pronto!

There are days when your children cry while having family pictures taken!

But because life is beautiful, and because life is hard, you do what James and I are doing in that precious, "imperfect" picture:  You smile through it.  You keep trying.  You hold your head up.  You keep smiling.

And you do the very best you can.