Picture Perfect Christmas Card

How do other people get such great pictures of there kids? Oh, professional photography! Well, we have never had any professional pictures taken of our kids, other than a friend of ours who took Henry's picture when he was 7 months old. I am such a perfectionist, I am worried if I pay all this money, I would expect the photographer to transform my children into these "perfect little creatures" and I would never be satisfied with the results. Maybe one day if God provides the money, I will go for it! I have a nice camera that I attempt to take pictures with. It came from Wolf Camera along with free photography classes that I have been unable to use, considering it is hard to find the time with two young children.

So I am left to take pictures of my children on my own! I often ask my husband to help me, but he gets a little tired of my picture taking habit! So yesterday, I attempted to take Christmas card pictures on my own. This is a test of patience for me. These are the end results.

Ahh, this is so sweet! But we are taking a Christmas picture!

 Smile Henry and Mary Taylor!!

Take the shepherd out of your mouth!  Henry smile pretty!

Mary Taylor sit up!

I am trying to take a Christmas picture! Smile Henry!

No, No Mary Taylor!

Sit down Mary Taylor! Smile Henry! Calm down!

I will give you a cookie if you smile pretty!

I know it is cold, but just one good picture and we can go inside.

Mary Taylor don't fall! Henry turn around!

Henry put your head up! We are almost done!

Oh, this could be it! Mary Taylor and Henry say cheeeeese!

Well, this one is pretty good. They are both facing forward and their eyes are open!

What more can you ask for with two kids that don't agree with what you are doing to them?

I know this is funny, but at the time I was not laughing, I was frustrated that I could not control them. So much of my life is out of my control. I often do not get a break from the endless battle with two strong willed, opinionated, dramatic children. "I just want to have one good picture! How hard can this be?" But, this is truly an impossible task! Everyone that has kids knows it! I was trying to take things into my own hands, instead of trusting God. I believe that if I get one good picture of my kids, then I will be truly happy and be like all the other people who have professional pictures of their children! ( So silly, when I really think about it) All this picture taking session did, was reveal how sinful I really am and how I want to be my own god. And, my poor kids! I made them pretty upset too! We were all glad when it was over! Besides, the crazy pictures depict their true personalities and show real life, not a picture perfect one I am trying to portray.