Expectations Lessen Gratitude

First picture's cute, right?

It doesn't tell the TRUE STORY.

The second picture is a more accurate depiction of what transpired when Michael Francis and I tried on our Halloween costumes today.

Mine's too big. Stuff was falling down and out and there's no way I'm wearing this out in public. No. Way.

Michael Francis hated his.

I thought I was so smart with the Superman costume because he hates having anything on his head. "Perfect! Superman doesn't wear a hood or a hat or a mask...we're in business!" I also thought this would work out well because Big Mike already has a Batman costume and you're all aware of my love for Wonder Woman. 

Wrong.

I envisioned the three of posing for pictures amongst perfectly arranged decor, and skipping down the street together collecting candy on Beggars' Night.

It's not gonna happen.

All of this is making me think of my Grandma Susan. She turned many a classic phrase over her lifetime, but one that's always stuck with me is, "Expectation lessens gratitude." It sounds rather harsh, but it's also true. There have been MANY occasions in my life that have left me feeling disappointed because I went into them with grandiose, ridiculous expectations.

I think in this social media age it's easy to feel overwhelmed by expectation.

People are constantly posting, pinning and tweeting about their seemingly perfect lives. 

And seasons and holidays are the worst...Oye! 

It's fall! Where are your adorable pictures of your perfect family picking out pumpkins and visiting the apple orchard and traipsing through the leaves and sipping cider and wearing coordinated costumes?

I don't have any.

These are my pictures of my perfectly imperfect life. 

My kid doesn't give a hoot about wearing a costume or Beggars' Night or candy because he's TWO. 

And you know what? I'm glad. It's freezing out.

#perfectisoverrated #reallife