Have you ever looked at someone’s pictures on social media and thought that they or their life in general always seemed put together and well ordered? It makes sense that we share pictures with the world that are appealing, but I think it also leads to comparison–the thief of joy.

While I don’t think people would think that about my pictures or life (or I at least hope not!), I thought it would be fun to share pictures I’ve posted here on my blog or on Instagram and reveal that there’s more than meets the eye. Hopefully you’ll get a good laugh 😉

The above picture was taken on Christmas day. Jimmy and I had his family over for dinner and to exchange gifts. When this picture was taken, we had just finished dinner and were relaxing. Then this conversation happened.

Father-in-law: (looks at me intently) “Are you pregnant?”
Me: “No…”
Father-in-law: “Are you sure?”

Jimmy and I had Christmas pictures taken in November. I got bangs for the first time in years a week or two before we got the pictures done and I kind of regret it. My bangs pretty much never look like they do in that picture. Actually, my hair doesn’t look like that very often, either! That was strategic blow drying, curling, and a rare good hair day.

This picture collage is from when we celebrated my mother-in-law’s birthday. I look pretty happy in the picture on the right, but I had the worst menstrual cramps that night. I almost didn’t go, but I’m glad I sucked it up because it was a lovely evening with family. The second Jimmy and I got home I was laying on the couch with a heating pad and eating a cookie. So cliché, but it made me feel better.

This picture is from my Instagram. The caption said something along the lines of how I had a nice day with my mom.  In the picture, my mom and I were on the way to an audiologist appointment because I have hearing loss and was being evaluated for hearing aids. We had a great time hanging out, but it wasn’t a fun appointment to go to, haha.

Another Instagram shot! Jimmy and I spent a relaxing Saturday morning at the laundromat… because Lola peed on our bed and we had to wash our comforter in an extra large washing machine.

This family picture was from our vacation in the Outer Banks. Lola ate something on the last night of vacation (Jimmy claims it was a diaper on the ground…we couldn’t see because it was dark) and she got so sick. She had diarrhea in the rental house and we had to clean it up at 4:00 a.m. before we left. Fun times ;).

This post was fun for me to write, and it also got me thinking about how all of the imperfections and crazy times in life are blessings. I look at every picture and see “what went wrong” but I also see what I’m thankful for.. a father-in-law that teases me, a husband to take pictures with, a working female body, my mom being willing to go to tough appointments with me, a bed to sleep on, the blessing of being able to go on vacation and have a sweet dog who eats diapers sometimes.

It reminded me of this pin I saw on Pinterest recently. We have so much to be thankful for!