If you are a parent, you know about Christmas pics for your kids..... you arrange a time that works for all involved, buy them something new, scrub them down, fix their hair, plan a time around naps so they are cooperative, dress them up, then threaten them with their life if they don't behave so you can catch a few good shots. (Okay, so maybe the last part is just in my house!)A few weekends ago, I followed this routine.... everything was planned and ready to go. My aunt so graciously agreed to come down (with her super duper camera in tow) to catch a few shots. It was a two-fold plan..... a few shots with my niece and my boys for Ragan's mom... and a few shots of my boys for my family.
So, the day was beautiful, Cooper took a good nap (so I thought) and Austin only complained minimally about taking pictures. We arrive at my mom's and somewhere between my house and hers, Cooper unleashed his temper and the crying and tantrums began. I guess Austin felt it was okay to start his whining and complaining about how much he "hates pictures".... how he was "itching so bad" in his sweater... how it was "so unfair" he couldn't bring his DS to play... and so on. After reminding Austin that his life was on the line if he did not participate accordingly, he perked right up! (Yeah, right) Cooper already had his mind made up that he would only do what he wanted and don't attempt to cage him in by putting him in a pose or position him. Then, my niece arrived. The mood was already set by her cousins and she got scared of a few things in her surroundings and it just went DOWNHILL from there.... No matter what we asked of the big kids, they had their own agenda. I am sitting there looking at 3 very strong-willed children and it was evident a battle was to begin... but, Momma always wins in my house!! ha ha
After awhile, they began to cooperate a bit (with my motherly coercion), but by then, the older kids had rolled in the grass, hair bows were off, blue jeans were covered in grass stains, & Cooper had a pint of snot running down his face from crying.... and my sanity and nerves were shot! In the end, we just had to laugh.... so typical of kids and Christmas pics!
My aunt was able to catch some great shots and we were able to catch some great memories and laughs. Of course, it wasn't very funny in the beginning.... Here is a glimpse of a few shots that will give you a mild taste of the activity of our photo shoot. I am sure my Aunt Lydia could post a few more.... :-)
4 comments:
This made me laugh! It is so typical! I think all parents can say, "been there-done that!" You just have to learn to take "real life" photos... those are more fun anyway! Blackmail material when they become teenagers! Ha ha!
Hi, I loved reading your blog! I totally understand the Christmas card zoo, because it goes on every year here! Four wonderful children can instantly become monsters! My youngest is not the least bit cooperative! She just wants to be silly, not look at the camera, or scream! I gave up 2 years ago and just try to snap ENOUGH shots that we get one good one! Thank God for digital cameras.
Kayla Brazzel
P.S. I love the one of you youngest crying!!!!! Too cute!
Kayla, I think I am going to have to snap shots all year when they aren't looking..... otherwise, the Christmas "picture gifts" for the grandparents will have to be a wish instead of a reality!!!!! :-)
I love your site! Enjoyed "reliving" that wonderful Saturday afternoon through your descriptive words. I've learned that some of the best pictures are those that are unplanned. Would love to get together again. Keep up the good work . . . you are such a good mom! I love you,
Aunt Lydia
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