One thing that I want to embrace this year is our perfect imperfection.

So often I hide from the camera, opting to focus just on my kiddos-because, well, let's face it-they're pretty stinkin cute. 

But as I look back on last year I realize that there are so few images that display all of us. 

I realize that when my children look back on these years, maybe with children of their own, they will notice that mom is missing. 

And not because I wasn't there, 

but because I often let my insecurity, distraction and busy-ness keep me out of the moment. 

I notice my imperfect house.

I notice my imperfect skin.

I notice my imperfect ability to manage the chaos around me. 

And it can sometimes be suffocating. 

But the thing is, my children really have no comparison in this thing called motherhood. I'm the only mom they have, so to them I am everything. 

Sure, they know I have flaws. They see them everyday. But the amazing thing about children is they embrace flaws. They see the way we love, and care. The way we hold them and kiss them, and wipe away their tears. To them we are the most beautiful creatures they have ever seen. 

So this year I'm making a promise to show up. In whatever form that takes. But I'll throw myself in the chaos without trying to correct it. I'll slide into those pictures with my kiddos when I look a mess and feel less than worthy. 

Because 20 years from now, the love in those pictures will blot out the perfect imperfections and what we'll have is the memories.