All Together

I love this picture.  It was the first time we had all four kids in one pic and 3 out of 4 were smiling (Little Bit doesn't count. She was too young and the creepy baby stare was a good look for her).  It reminds me that there are times when we may appear to have it all together.  In fact, you appear to have it all together too.  Notice that word 'appear'?

Appearances are deceiving, and you know the problem with appearances?  They STINK!

Everyone is walking around hoping...praying...their appearance looks all together so no one will find out what level of Crazy they are living.  Although, we are all functioning at some level of non-normal. It's what makes us, US!  It makes you, YOU! 

So I'm here to set you straight.  We live in the penthouse of Crazyville.  Most days it's pretty nice in the penthouse.  We've become accustomed to the entertainment provided by our four kids.  Sometimes the entertainment is at the silly things they do, and sometimes the entertainment is on us.  You know, those moments where you have a freak out session, or your child does something utterly humiliating...in public...or worse yet, in front of the many people you admire. We've learned to laugh at our reactions and circumstances (at a much later time 'cause in the moment it ain't so funny).  We've come to realize I won't be a Stepford Wife, and our kids aren't Leave It To Beaver kids.  We are more of the America's Funny Home Videos family.  If any of you know our 3rd child, Chubby Cheekers, you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about.

I really don't have very much else to say.  Basically, I needed to remind you (and I will do it often) that the Torres family does not, and never will, have it all together.  We've just learned to manage what we have to the best of our abilities and let grace take over.  Grace.  That's some good stuff right there!