Friday, August 17, 2012

Real Life

I love candid pictures. You know, the ones that show you real life. Not staged what-so-ever. Like this one.


Big sister lifting up baby brother while pulling up his shirt and no pants, on an un-made bed next to a messy nightstand with little brother asleep in the background. :)

Yep, this is real life. My life specifically.  Even though things aren't perfect all the time, I'm so grateful for all of my blessings.  Most days I can't believe I have THREE kids.  It is kind of mind blowing thinking about having the opportunity to bring these beautiful little spirits into the world.  The miracle of life is just that. Miraculous!

When I was a little girl and dreamt about what life was going to be like when I grew up I had this picturesque view of the perfect husband, perfect kids, and perfect house.  I wanted that more than anything.  I came from a broken home and poverty.  Moved so many times I can't remember (12 schools in 12 years).   Then at 17, got pregnant by my high school boyfriend.  That could in most cases be the recipe for a disastrous unstable life.  But I have the firm belief that life is full of choices that take you on whichever path YOU choose.  Although there are definitely unforeseen detours and road blocks that are completely out of your control, life is mostly what you make of it.  Luckily, my high school boyfriend turned out to be my husband, soul mate, eternal companion, other half, my true love.  Eveyday I'm grateful for that.  It has allowed me to have the family I dreamed of having.  My version of the perfect family.  Struggles, highs, and lows we are in this together.  With enough hard work, dedication, and good attitude you can turn a bad situation into a good one.  

What I dreamed of having when I grew up was a staged picture of perfection.  What I have come to find out is that real life is so much better.  Flaws and all.  What I have also learned is that the trials that I went through growing up has shaped me in to the person that I am today.  I can recognize and be grateful for everything I have in my life because I know what it is like to not have it.  

Monday, August 6, 2012

Ripe

I got home from school shopping today to find one of my peaches on the ground below the miniature tree. I was more excited than I should be for peaches, but this was one of the reasons I was so excited to have a home of my own- to be able to grow some of my own food! The peach tree was all that got planted this year but I have bigger plans for next year. I'm excited to put the "Garrden" in the Garr. den. of. love. blog! haha   I never said comedy was one of my strong suits. ;)


The tree only yielded 4 peaches, but I was glad it produced anything at all this year since we just planted it only 3 months ago.  I've already eaten one and it was DELICIOUS.  Nothing like a sun-ripened homegrown peach!  

That wasn't all that ripened and fell off... errr out lately.


Kalista lost her first tooth!  And if you can't tell, she was crying right before this picture was taken.  Having Mom yank your tooth out hurts!  But as soon as it was out, she was soooo excited to show everyone!  It is kind of a bittersweet moment for me.  I remember getting so excited 6 years ago seeing that little tooth break through her gums.  How time flies.  I guess my baby is growing up!


Thursday, August 2, 2012

Call me maybe

This video is so cute... the kids picked out their own outfits (or in Keegan's case lack of shirt because it makes him look "cool") and everything and insisted on making a dance video to put on youtube. My camara had a hard time focusing in some spots, but the video makes me smile nevertheless. I hope you enjoy! :)