the dreaded day

thanks for all the sweet encouragement from the last post. glad that you enjoyed the randomness of life and really glad that i’ve still got some readers!

i absolutely cannot believe that the holidays are right around the corner…literally. this time next week, we’ll be getting our Christmas tree…is that crazy, or is it just me???

but around this time of year, one of the most dreaded days comes upon my family…the infamous Christmas Card Photo Shoot….(que that music…..dunnnn dunnnn dunnnnnnn!!!)

well…its now over, and as i spend my free time browsing through etsy for the perfect card, i thought i’d leave you with the reality of any shoot we ever attempt. this is pretty much how it goes down:

—the hubs looking dazed and pretty much miserable, trying really hard to just be quiet and survive the moment

—me chasing a child, wiping dirt off their white clothes, and begging them to stop touching things so they won’t be dirty before we even take the first shot

—trying to position everyone just so, especially so my small children won’t see the other children playing on the really fun playground that’s just a few steps away

—wiping away tears while my children cry over the fact that i’m not a “fun mom” because i won’t let them play on the really fun playground like all the other kids

—getting upset children who have just thrown temper tantrums over the fact that they aren’t on the playground to unfold their arms, quit pouting, stand or sit still, and smile

—trying to make those same children laugh but without moving to avoid those cheezy, fake kind of smiles that they are SO darn good at

—all while trying our darn hardest to act quickly so our good lighting doesn’t set too fast on us!

(hmmm…that all sounds pretty crazy when i stop and actually think about it!)

after bribes of Mickey D’s AND cash in the heat of the moment…wow….pretty sure that wouldn’t go down in any parenting handbook as “healthy parenting techniques”, we did get an acceptable one (with only one cheezy smile…i consider that a success!) i’ll let you wait to see it until it actually goes in the mail.

i have come to the realization that it sure is hard for me to be on the receiving end of the camera lens!!!

i have lots of stuff to write about, just gotta find the time to do it! so come back!!

also….i just might have some yummy Thanksgiving recipes to share…if i get my act together, which these days, i’m not totally counting on!

either way, i will check back in with you!

happy weekend!