It rubs me wrong if I come across that life is perfect in my neck of the woods.

Because it’s not.

So I try to include the nitty gritties of craziness in this blog, because I want to remember that stuff just as much as I want to remember the beauty of the moments.

And I just plain and simple haven’t had a chance to write about the tantrums and huffiness and melt-downs caused by severe sleep deprivation and bug bites and scrapes and slivers.

So just know we’ve sure as heck had our share of them.

Yes, we’ve been in gorgeous places with people we adore so much this summer, but my two-year-old still gets really bad diaper rashes. My kids still squabble. Claire still whines when her cousins or friends leave her out. Max still can’t seem to kick the habit of wiping his dirty hands on his shirt.

And we had to go without Dave for 16 days. I’ll be honest and say that no one cares for that much. Man oh man we missed that guy.

But I’m a huge believer in the fact that thankfulness equals happiness.

And this month I am more thankful than I could ever express…I know I’m spoiled, but I really am SO thankful.

Dave laughs that I love Bear Lake so much, but I challenge anyone to grow up living there in the summers with parents who drink in beauty like it’s an elixir to not let that rub off on them.

I love that the lake can turn from emerald green with perfectly patterned white ripples on a windy day to a slate gray mirror reflection of the clouds the next.

I’m thankful that my kids love it as much as I do.
I’m so thankful for my Mom’s summer “Grammie Camps” with the grandkids each year…and that she listens with her heart wide open.

I’m so thankful for my Dad’s tennis lessons and “hot-tub-talks.”

I’m so thankful for all I learn from my sisters…and brothers…and in-laws.

And I’m extra thankful for my sweet husband because being away from him makes me realize even more how much I hit the jackpot when I married him.

I’m just thankful. And lucky. And blessed.

Life is beautiful.

And the soundtrack in my life of the whining and ignoring and craziness alongside the beauty just makes it real.

Maybe the imperfection of it all actually makes it perfect.

I wouldn’t have it any other way. photo courtesy of my brother Eli…isn’t it gorgeous??

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11 Comments

  1. You don't know me, but I actually grew up with Laurel Pothier. Is that your husband's sister? Regardless, I love your blog. It is entitled "The Blog I Stock" on my blog list. 🙂 I hope that's okay with you. I love reading your blog. I have cried with you, laughed with you and gotten some great photo ideas from you. Thanks for being "you" even though I don't really know who "you" are. 🙂 You have touched my life and I just wanted you to know that.

  2. Thanks so much for your honesty, your beautiful pictures, and your blog. It's so nice to know that even with your amazing summer, life still has challenges.

  3. That last photo truly is gorgeous 🙂 Sounds like you are having a beautiful summer – and a normal summer! Thanks for keeping us up to date on the Pothiers!

  4. The mud is…awesome! Fabulous picture and your brother's photo is amazing! Such talent in your family.

    You expressed every mother's summer. Fun and hard at the same time. Can't wait to see you and catch up.

  5. Shawni,
    You probably don't remember me, but I am Lana Foy's daughter, your Mom's friend and I love reading your blog. You have probably tried lots for diaper rashes, but my friend just told me about this and it worked overnight when my baby had a horrible diaper rash. She puts anti-fungal cream then hydrocortisone cream then Mexsana medicated powder, but I just used calmoseptine ointment and the Mexsana medicated powder and could not believe it. That powder is magical. If you haven't tried it- I hope it works for you.

  6. Shawni,

    I think it is the reality of the craziness that life has brought you and your amazing insight that helps us all relate and keeps us reading. You are armed with an amazing upbringing and sharing that, along with all you have learned, with us, is an awesome gift. Thank you so much for sharing. I seriously look forward to all your posts because I know in some way I will be uplifted and/or informed. And all your pictures are awesome, but you are right about the one Eli took. Unreal!
    ~Christine

  7. Hey Shawnie – my girls would get that rash from being wet constantly – when you pee too much the bottom never dries. They sell a skin protector at walmart – in the adult undergarment department. It works wonders to keep the moisture from the skin. We used it for years.

  8. Well your life does look pretty perfect too me, but I won't hold that against you. Anyone who has a problem with it is probably having a hard time seeing the good in their own so they compare and judge. I know because I've been one of those people before. I admire your ability to see the good in your life even when things get tough. It's something that doesn't come easy but I'm learning to do just that and my well my life seems pretty perfect too, minus whiny kids and a dirty house.

  9. you don't even know me…a friend of a friend who loves your blog. You are real, and inspire me to make the most of everyday life with my 4 little boys… I was behind you in line at nordstroms last week in provo..I thought it was you, and waited for someone to say your name..yep it was you!! My sisters couldn't believe I didn't say a word to you…its kind of weird to say "hi, I stalk you on your blog :)..But anyway..I enjoy your comments and appreciate the good and not so good days you share. Thanks!!

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