Keeping it Real

    Life is NOT about appearances. It is about people. Our value is NOT associated with the number on a scale or the grade we would receive on the cleanliness of our home. While these things can be important, or fun, they are not what defines me and they are NOT reality.
    I am the mom of 5 kids, ages 10, 7, 7, 5, and 2 (4 of which are boys). I sweep the kitchen floor at least 4 times a day. The only reason I would ever get a dog would be to cut down on the amount of food that ends up on the kitchen floor. Yes, there are finger prints and boogers on my walls which, co-ordinate nicely with the crayon and pencil marks beside/around them. But, the Living Room is MY ROOM, no green slimy things or abstract works of art aloud. The living room, and often the kitchen pantry, is where I go to rock methodically while whispering the words, "Find a happy place, find a happy place."
    I yell sometimes, I loose my cool a lot of the time, and once a month I am a bloated nightmare in lip stick. But, I also strive to be loving, thoughtful and loyal.
     I will never be a svelte super model or "waif like". Food is just too damn good. Which, brings me to my next point....I consider control top panty hose to be one of the greatest inventions known to man. And Spanx! Ooo, don't even get me started on Spanx!
    I think with the increasing popularity of Pinterest and other social media we are constantly forced to compare ourselves to people/pictures that give us a vision of what perfection should look like. That, in turn, brings to the forefront of our minds our individual imperfections. I like to strive for prettiness and perfection. Make no mistake about it..... the pictures I post may give the impression of a life that is care free and in perfect harmony ........my life in moving pictures is a constant doggy paddle in the deep end.
    So it is with much courage I post the following picture. We don't have a brand new giant sparkling home. In fact our four boys have been forced to share a bedroom. We call it "The Boy Barracks".

Once upon a time this room was semi put together. Over the years the curtains have been ripped out of the walls because my son mistook the curtain rod for a chin up bar. The boys have decided to express themselves by putting stickers all over the bunk beds. The Christmas tree is still up in the corner and it's almost Valentine's day. Why?....because it makes a pretty nightlight. The mini blinds are falling apart.....ya, should probably get those taken care of. This is real life! Hopefully in a couple months from now I will be able to post an amazing "after" picture for you to behold but for right now I don't have the time, motivation, or money. So, instead I shall celebrate its perfect imperfections.
     A wise man once said, "try a little harder to be a little better" -Gordon B. Hinckley
He didn't say be perfect today.....or tomorrow. So, I will try a little harder. I still will continue to derive enjoyment from crafting, decorating, cooking, party planning, exercising, and building. But, at the end of the day my greatest achievements will be building better children, better relationships, and a better me..... beautifully imperfect ME!