Thursday, November 17, 2011

a thankful thursday

a few weeks ago, my little family had pictures taken by the wonderfully talented Denae Harlow.
i wanted to wait to post any pictures, since i obviously will use one or two of them in a Christmas card that i'll be sending out- and i didn't want to ruin the surprise.

but i just couldn't wait...
i love them too much.

the more i look at the pictures, the more my heart is filled with love and gratitude for these 3 adorable people who have filled my life with so much meaning and purpose.
we've had some situations surrounding us in the last little while that have just really made me look at my own little family and just be so grateful for the blessings that somehow are mine. how did i get so lucky? i can't quite be sure. all i know is that 10 years ago, i dreamed of a handsome husband who'd love me and be kind to me. i dreamed of having kids and being a mom. i dreamed of being happy.
i'm a definite believer that dreams can and do come true, even in unexpected, unplanned ways.
i love this quote by Camilla Kimball, one of the sweetest most genuine ladies to ever live (not that i know her personally or anything- just by stories i've heard of her, and stories i've read of hers):

"you do not find the happy life. you make it."

i think it's true. you can't always go looking for something bigger and better than what or where you are. it kind of reminds me of the thought "the grass is always greener on the other side..." but what i think is it may be greener over there, but that doesn't mean your grass isn't green, so make the best of it, right? at least your grass isn't brown! but then again, i think sometimes, for whatever reason, the happy life finds you. and really, i feel like the happy life has found me. sure, sometimes things are topsy turvy. Ellie cries about nonsensical things, and Alice hangs on my leg while i pee, and M decides to fix a fence 10 minutes before we need to leave somewhere... but my life is full. full of love. full of smiles. full of memories and bruises on our foreheads. full of tears, of both heartaches and joy.

and so today, i am grateful. most grateful for these wonderful people that i get to share the happy life with. because it wouldn't be that without them.




 {p.s. my mutant finger made a surprise appearance! i tried to disguise that poor pinky with finger-nail polish...but how can you disguise a mutant?? you can't. poor guy.}





{all images were taken by Harlow Photography c/o Denae Harlow. she's awesome, huh?}

life is good.

xoxo

16 comments:

elysebeard said...

I am IN LOVE with these!!! Especially the one where alice is like "what?".

You look like a hottie. I knew these would turn out great. I have been waiting for them forever!!

cutest family ever.

Jenny said...

such a gorgeous little family! i can't get over it. i love quality family pictures and i love how perfect all of you look! I'm kind of obsessed with Ellie's dress. And you look adorable as usual!

Torrie and the girls said...

Very very cute! Mike is a lucky guy surrounded by such adorable women!

Tara T said...

BEAUTIFUL pictures!!!

{amy k.} said...

LOVE these, fabulous! the outfits are perfect and your family is adorable! your boots look awesome, i want to know where you found them! wish we were closer, miss you friend!

Megan said...

you sure know how to put your thoughts into beautiful words that the rest of us enjoy :)

the pictures are stunning. you are stunning. what a darling family.

and, um...I think those are the same as my boots that Tim got me for an early christmas present. Steve Madden?! anyways, your outfit is perfect.

Ali and Bryan Packard said...

Can your family be any cuter!? Geez! Seriously Marcie I love the post and the pics. Just looking at these photos makes me happy:)

Rebecca & Jeff said...

These came out AMAZING! Such a darling family. And your style is amazing. Can I pay you to shop for my kids? Seriously, so cute!

mere/tay(xoxo) said...

you are turning out to be as lovely as your mother marce:) seriously, i love the warmth that both you and your mom have in your smiles. your family inspires all to love a little more. i love you!! xoxo

Ashley Aikele said...

Seriously, how cute are these? Love them all!

Liz said...

Love them! How could you not. Your family it darling.

Becca said...

you guys look so great!! It makes me miss you so much! You have the most beautiful kids ever. Love all of the colors you picked for your clothes. Sigh. Happy early thanksgiving :)

Linda said...

I can think of nothing else but having you all HERE in a few days. I am extra, extra, extra grateful this Thanksgiving 2011! These pictures are gorgeous , funny, keepers! The photographer did an awesome job. They capture your personalities perfectly.
Love you all!

Mat and Brooke said...

Beautiful, beautiful photos! One of the many things I love about them is how real they are. They portray the sweet, happy, darling family that you are! I love them. :)

anne said...

I LOVE your pictures!!! Every time I take family picture I hate them...how do you guys look so amazing?

Kimberly said...

Love Love Love your family pictures!! They turned out so cute! Denae did a fabulous job and your family is so dang cute too. i love the picture of Alice holding her arms out- like she's saying "what?" adorable. Miss you guys! Hope you have a fun Thanksgiving with your family.