#morethanaframe: SMILE

I'm so happy this week's #morethanaframe prompt was "SMILE." I think we all need to be reminded that even during hard days, or days that we are really struggling, there is always a reason to smile. We might even smile in the midst of the mess, just simply to acknowledge there is beauty in the broken. Thank you all for sharing your hearts with us week after week. You all make me smile.

Smile: that's the topic for this week's #morethanaframe. I was stumped until I realized I always picture this frame when someone asks about my parents' marriage. Those smiles are the payoff from twenty-five years of hard work alongside one another. Those smiles are a perfect representation of their union: his devilishly handsome, hers always radiant. And so, I can only hope the way they smiled on us as the bride and groom on that very night that this frame was captured will be the way we smile in the years to come. #pjm21day

A photo posted by Amber Thomas (@mrthomasandme) on May 24, 2015 at 8:52am PDT

On Saturday, we lost Grandpa Bill, one of the most selfless men of integrity that I've ever known. He's the man that made my husband the man he is today. He's the man that loved Kevin even when everyone else deserted him. He spoke with gentleness and love with every breath. It's hard for me to #smile in this time because I miss him, but I do #smile when I remember the incredible life that he lived, how he always loved deeply, and was a country dancin' fool. He danced more than anyone at my wedding at age 86! It also seems appropriate on this Memorial Day to remember the sacrifices he made for this country in WWII. I admired him and loved him and will miss him so much! I mean come on, look at that face! #morethanaframe

A photo posted by Kelli Bueker (@adeeperjoy) on May 25, 2015 at 6:54am PDT

Everyone tells me that my #smile in this picture is the most real they've ever seen from me. I'd have to agree. This man made me smile huge over four years ago when he proposed and has made me smile every day since. #morethanaframe

A photo posted by Susannah Kellogg (@susannahkellogg) on May 27, 2015 at 9:18pm PDT

"Use your smile to change this world, but don't let this world change your smile." 💛 As you can tell from the quote, this week's prompt is S M I L E. With all the negative things that happen in this world on a daily basis, it's hard to actively remember the positives. As I come to the end of my birthday month, I want to remember all the smiles: from the drunk stranger on Bourbon Street, to my best friend(s) in beach chairs, to even the sassiest 2 year old wearing a purple bathing suit. Even more, the smiles from kindergarten graduates, when Pandora plays the perfect song on a roadtrip, and the joyful coworker who always wishes me a great day, no matter what. 💛 I want to etch the way their mouths turn upward into my memory. You are somebody's reason to smile today, don't ever forget it. #morethanaframe #smile

A photo posted by Cassie Lynn (@alwaysablogsmaid) on May 26, 2015 at 8:16pm PDT

I enjoy the days when Joe and I sit in stillness and comment on how fortunate we are. So many days we seek to gain more in this materialistic life, yet moments like these ground us. We speak of the growth our marriage has shown over the past 2.5 years and smile at Gods work in our lives. New York has changed us, and we know that it's for the better. Getting out of you comfort zone is what must be done at times in order to find who you are destined to become. All of these thoughts make me smile knowing that our roots are stronger because we did something we both knew could come with tribulations. #morethanaframe #itiswell #patiolife #welcometothegoodlife #smile

A photo posted by Casey Aslan (@aslanadventure) on May 25, 2015 at 5:40pm PDT

Smiles are the same in every language! 😃 So, throw them around like confetti! 🎉 Because there are so many reasons to be happy! // "Happy girls are the prettiest" ~ Audrey Hepburn #morethanaframe

A photo posted by Caitlin (@soexhilaration) on May 26, 2015 at 8:35am PDT

Do you have that one special location that can take you back to a moment the instant you see it? Where you get filled with joy and #smile because it reminds you of something epic? This view will forever remind me of the day I stood in front of a man and vowed to love him for the rest of my days. "It's not who I am when I am with you. It's who I am because of loving you". This pier always reminds me of those words spoken almost a year ago. #morethanaframe

A photo posted by Chits and Giggles Blog (@chitsandgigglesblog) on May 27, 2015 at 7:28pm PDT

If you know me in real life, you know that this is how my face looks a majority of the time. I love smiling because I believe it brings such warmth and joy to life. And if you know me, you also know that I try to smile even when I don't feel like smiling. I believe that you can tell if a smile is real from the look in someone's eyes. I pray that my smile is always genuine; radiating from the intent in my gaze to the work of my hands. #morethanaframe

A photo posted by Britt Shank (@brittanirshank) on May 26, 2015 at 12:20pm PDT

We finally finished the DIY photo display that I've had on my "to do" list for over three months. And every time I look at it I can't help but #smile. I have a horrible crippling case of perfectionism when it comes to hanging things on the walls at our home. It's silly to say it out loud but I always worry that however I choose to decorate it won't be good enough. So instead I just leave the spaces on the walls empty. ( #firstworldproblem ) But with help from my husband this weekend we were finally able to put this on display. It helps make our house feel more like a home. And it's nice to see our genuine #smiles in the photos and be reminded of the happy times we shared together - especially on this Tuesday that feels like a Monday. #morethanaframe #diyphotodisplay

A photo posted by Candace Montague Groberg (@candacegroberg) on May 26, 2015 at 8:40pm PDT

My legs felt like they were going to become complete liquid after work today. And when I walked in the door at 5:00, Noah got so overwhelmed from seeing me that he had a complete screaming meltdown...pretty much until his head hit the pillow at 6:30. But those 15 minutes of giggly bath time sure was sweet for all our souls. 💛 And as I rock Micah to sleep, I'm just so filled with joy. God is faithful. God is good. God is mighty. Any circumstantial foundation for our emotions is just bologna. Real smiles, real security, real goodness, are found in my Savior's arms. Not in any certain happenstance. #fromthismessyheart

A photo posted by Kathryn Boyce (@kathryneboyce) on May 25, 2015 at 4:54pm PDT

And in case you missed mine:

This week's #morethanaframe prompt is SMILE. It was so nice to be able to spend time with friends and family all day yesterday back home in Northern Arizona. And nothing like finishing off the day at @pizzicletta! I'm pretty sure we all looked like this the majority of the day yesterday!

A photo posted by Cassie (@thatsageblog) on May 25, 2015 at 12:18pm PDT

Do you want your photo to be featured? We have ONE week left of prompts! Pour your heart in to your caption and tag it #morethanaframe and you might be featured next week!