Now the Tree Can Go!

Our  tradition is to put the tree up the day after Thanksgiving.

Our tradition is to take the tree down when I finally

 get a good picture of  the kids in front of the tree.

Not just pictures,

good pictures.

Magazine family type pictures.

 

"I slept in sweats and threw my hair in a pony tail" kinda' pictures

aren't good enough for me, no sirree Bob.
They can't be wearing clothes they slept in.

They can't be making funny faces

because they were annoyed with the camera flash.
Their teeth had to have been brushed in the last 24 hours.

They don't believe me yet,

they think my camera is cruel and unusual punishment,

but it's really about them.

I don't want them to be humiliated when they bring their

Special Someone  home to meet the family.
You know they'll look through the family pictures.

I don't want them to be scarred and marred

by an awkward family photo.

Last year they turned out fine.

Every year it's the same ol' thing, kids whining and fussing,

then acting unnatural and sitting in awkward poses.

Every year I take many, many pics and still am never satisfied.

I love the tree in the background,

but if you don't do it right, it can be so tacky.

Every year I promise myself I'll figure out a pose

and every year I end up marching them to the tree

and demanding they "act natural."

Every year I end up threatening to leave the tree up

until I'm satisfied with the pictures

and/or shipping the kids to Siberia.

I guess it must be natural to be uptight around your Mom.

This year the pics are OK, but not my favorites.

They'll still be precious memories.

Good news, I finally packed up the tree and  kept the kids.

Rebekah

Bethany

Jon

Grace

The family.

We haven't sent out a Christmas card for two years

and it isn't only because of time.

I feel funny sending a picture with only 2/3 of my kids.

I realized Beka would have few family Christmas photos

if I waited until we were all together. I kept on with the tradition.

She can't help if the siblings grow up and move out!

Can you see the rest of my family?

They're there, just look in my heart.