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Check if off My Christmas To Do list...



Do you know what today is??It is the day..that I mentally prepare and shop for! I get up early make a great breakfast...have all the kids bathed the night before...bows, socks, clothes are all layed out on the guest room bed....there is gas in the car...my purse is loaded with juice boxes and fruit gummies...my schedule for the day is cleared..what is happening today???

Christmas Card "Picture" DAY!

Sounds so simple..so full of memories...RiGht?? It is more like this....

Get in the car...do not sit on your shoes-you will run your tights!

No! we are not drinking, eating, licking, sipping any food till the pictures are done!

Sit up straight! Don't hug your sister so tight!!!

Smile..we don't want to see your "gums"..show some teeth!

Please smile! NO no no...please don't cry...please don't pull your sister's hair even if it was an accident!

I know those shoes hurt...you have five more minutes to wear them and then you won't have to till Christmas Eve!

Do not kiss your brother!! You KNOW he doesn't like that!

I know you want to sit on the box with the balloons but Mommy doesn't want any props today!

It midst of all this...we usually get one great shot of all three smiling and looking! Just part of the holiday "cheer" and one thing I love to check off my Christmas to-do list!


This coming Monday and Tuesday of next week...I am posting my two favorite Christmas traditions!!!

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I need to acknowledge some awards given to me by two wonderful bloggers. I had a sheet of paper with all my tags and awards that I needed to post and it is GONE! So I am sorry to anyone that gave me an award or tagged me. I always appreciate it...gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling and makes blogging such a fun thing to do!

Straight from the Heart gave me these two awards. My goodness, I love this blogger even MORE...I don't think a day goes by that I don't read her blog...she is Real, Honest, Doesn't try to be Perfect and I wish I lived close to her so we could sip coffee and talk! Thank you!

I also want to thank "Smile It's Becky"...I love reading her blog! She is a teacher and her stories and love for children warms my heart. This lady also has a great sense of humor and I have laughed out loud with some of her posts! Thank you!



60 comments:

Daphine said...

Yay! Isn' it a BIG relief to mark that off your list?!?!?!

Congrats on your awards! You totally deserve them!

Have a great Thursday!

Mc Allen said...

Yep, I totally know what you mean. This year I had our family match and you'd a thought I had asked them to wear pig tails and leather chaps!! ( not thrilled) then we stoped off at the store on our wya home and none of them would get out of the car!! Good times!! I can't wait to see yours and CONGRATS girl your blog is awesome, just like you!! LA

Angie said...

Hope all goes well with the picture taking ordeal and congrats on the much deserved awards! Can't wait to see your Christmas traditions!

Becky said...

LOL... all picture sessions go just as you described. I can't wait to hear more of your traditions.

Jessica said...

Last year we just had a 1.5 year old to sit still this year we have a 2.5 year old and and infant. This should be so much fun!!!!

Anonymous said...

It sounds like a wonderfully exciting day! I know the photos will be fabulous and what memories!

I'm looking forward to reading about your Christmas traditions.

Beth@Pages of Our Life said...

We have got to do this very soon! Yeah, for you getting this done.

Juanita said...

Hope to see a pic real soon! I'm glad you received your package and that you like it! Have a blessed day!
Juanita

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

This post made me laugh....but it is oh so true!!

I am sure the pics will turn out fabulous....but it is always quite an ordeal isn't it!

We are doing an extended family photo this weekend....we want to give my parents a big portrait of all their grandbabies.....Guess what happened? Sarah took a tumble yesterday and now is sporting a HUGE goose egg on her forehead....go figure!

Good luck! Looking forward to your favorite traditions!

April said...

Glad you enjoyed your award (s). I really appreciate your kind words. I've so enjoyed getting to know you and I'd love to sit and chat with you anyday! You're my kind of gal! :)

I feel your pain in regard to taking Christmas pictures. We have to take ours this weekend. The girls usually end up in some sort of silly arguement, then it takes forever to regain their composure. Chris and I are pulling out hair out by clumps when all is said and done! Very stressful, I tell ya! I hope and pray that you'll have success with having a smooth photo shoot.

Enjoy your Thursday, my sweet friend!

Davisix said...

Oh Girl, I laughed right out loud because everything you said could have been happening to me. I quit doing the perfect studio pics and now just do the "whatever I can" pic. :)

Unknown said...

Congrats on your awards! I had to laugh at your picture account too funny!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your awa

Good Luck with the pictures! I hope everything goes smoothly.

Ruby Red Slippers said...

I swear you are reading my mind-when you had a post on those little iron birds-I had just bought one! You showed your laundry room-I did mine a few days earlier so similar to yours! I SWEAR-I JUST TOOK THE KIDS YESTERDAY FOR THE CHRISTMAS PICTURES!!! How funny is that!? (And it sounded JUST like that-minus the hair bows) I was sweating, and a nervous wreak because I worry that this is the year I wont get at least one shot-but it all worked out. And I know it will for you!!! Tell me how it goes!

4 Lettre Words said...

Ha ha...the Christmas card part made me laugh...b/c I can totally relate!

Happy TT!!

Keeper of the Skies Wife said...

Family Picture Day!!! I love those days. Have fun and I hope all goes well!

Betsy said...

We did ours a few weeks ago. What a relief to have it done. Too bad I did not get both boys looking at the camera at the same time. OH WELL!

Christy said...

Congrats on your awards!

Busy Bee Suz said...

Can't wait to see the pics, that is if you are sharing. I used to do that, now I plant them in front of the tree w/ the dog(s) and make my own. So lazy, yes, but it works for me. ;0

angie {the arthur clan} said...

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today. I've enjoyed checking yours out a bit this morning.

Professional Christmas pictures with the kids is always my nightmare/headache day. That's why I do all their holiday pictures myself now. It just seems less stressful when I know it won't cost me a fortune!

Darlene said...

I know your pictures will be beautiful....but it is quite the ordeal isn't it?!?

I can't wait to see what your Christmas traditions are.
Congratulations on your awards!!

Sandra said...

Hilarious description of the 'Christmas pic tradition'. That also reminds me of the annual pictures for the Church Directory! Congrats on the awards!!

Kim said...

I can so totally relate to the picture story! I've decided this year to try something new and either 1) not include a photo in our cards OR 2) use one taken at a happy time! :) Last year was the straw that broke the camel's back when I was literally yelling at my kids to SMILE and look HAPPY! :)

Congratulations on your well~deserved awards!!!

Smelling Coffee said...

Congratualtions on your awards. I would agree with all of them!!!

I'm laughing and shaking my head at the TRUE Christmas card picture prep and conversation! I remember several years of having to stand there and say, through gritted teeth, things like "Obey me right now and look happy!!!" Now that mine are older, they smile and cooperate because they know that the sooner they do, the quicker the ordeal will be over! Ho Ho Ho!

I'll pray that it is a smooth day full of SWEET memories for all of you. :-)

Jan said...

My new hero. Great job.

jennykate77 said...

That is so funny! Glad you're getting to check something off of your Christmas To-Do list...I haven't even made my list yet...now I'm feeling a little stressed! :)

Congrats on your awards!!

Hope you have a great day! :)

heather said...

Pictures are so fun!! I by that I mean when you get a group or family together esp. when group or family includes children catching that one split second when all are looking at the camera with eyes open and smiles on their faces is one tough feat. :)

Liz Harrell said...

Oh yeah. I ran my tights just this morning. How? By sitting on my shoes. It must be an epidemic!

Emily said...

Had to laugh at this post, so I didn't cry because we are doing this tomorrow. Ohhh the dread! Hope we get just ONE good picture. That is all I ask for. Good Luck with yours!

Monogramchick said...

totally funny! i can see you wrangling the kids up while trying to remain calm and peaceful, hoping they don't ruin their picture outfits! :)
when i lived in the same town as my SIL i would go with her and my nephews (9.5 months apart!) and help her out with pictures....we learned to dress them at the studio!

Have a great day, thanks for posting about the swap!

Stacey @ The Blessed Nest said...

Oh, picture day!!! I'm with ya on this one! :) It's all worth it in the end when you get a great pic of your sweeties! Here's hoping all goes well this year LOL!!! :)

Blessings,
Stacey

Anonymous said...

Your post is so funny about the picture taking days, remember it well. LOL Nice awards you have too. :)

Hugs,
Chris

Anonymous said...

Hi there
Oh I remember those days...taking my own little ones for their pictures.
I can't wait to see yours. I bet they will be looking so adorable with Santa. Hope you have a lovely day...and that you brought more comfy slippers for..everyone..*s*./
Judi

Robin Beck said...

I laughed so hard at the "truth" in your post! I'd love to tell you it gets better when they become teenagers... So not true~♥

I can't wait to see your traditions!

Robin~♥

Becky said...

No, I'm not sick. My Love gets upset when I stay up so late for days at a time. I'm a night owl through and through. Thanks for asking. :-)

Sandra said...

At least it's over and done with right?

Congrats on the awards :)

Wendy said...

So true, so true. Glad that you got to cross if off the list! Congrats on the awards lady!

Wendy said...

So true, so true. Glad that you got to cross if off the list! Congrats on the awards lady!

Sandy said...

Ooh, the dreaded Christmas pictures! ha ha. Not really, but reality is I think for most families - it's not a very fun time!
Can't wait to see the pix.
Sandy

Jillene said...

I hear ya lound and clear!! My 3 year old is the worst when we take picures!!

Unknown said...

I hate picture day! stresses me out! That is so cute how you portrayed it!Congrats on your award!

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

Oh, good luck today! We are going to try and get our photo this weekend, but I only have one child this year to pose. Next year it will be two, God willing! :)
Carrie

{oc cottage} said...

Hilarious post!

M ^..^

Rae said...

I hope your pictures went well! We're having ours done on the 22nd. I'm already stressing wondering if they'll turn out okay!! Congratulations on your fab awards!!

Shannon said...

I hope you got a good one! Can't wait to see! :)

nikkicrumpet said...

Hmmm that doesn't sound like much fun lol...but I sure hope the pictures turn out great!

Sunny said...

This is so funny. I'm not a mother yet but I can only imagine. Once I have children, I'll be right there with you.

Katie said...

I wish I could take if for you, it is so much easier to have someone take them not in a studio. It is so worth the money less stress. I hope they turned out good.

Amanda said...

I was cracking up!!! Are you sure you weren't in my car??? Hope you got a great pic, I have my cards but now I need the picture!!

Sarah said...

Hope the picture taking went well and congratulations on your awards!

Montee said...

LOL! I understand having young ones and trying to get that perfect Christmas card picture. We do picture cards for Christmas. With Phillip being in baseball, we usually send out 120-150 cards. We send to his fellow coaches and to friends that we make during baseball season. Some people have been getting our card for over 20 yeras. YIKES! We will take a picture during Thanksgiving break when Britnee gets home from Baylor. We usually set up our camera on a timer and it works great.

Kim@Seasons of My Heart said...

Good for you.....one less thing to worry, and stress about!!!

Thinking of you....and praying sweet blessings friend.

The Blonde Duck said...

Christmas card pictures...you're so far ahead of me! Congrats on your awards!

Our Complete Family said...

Girl, you are WAY ahead of my ball game! Send some energy vibes to Illinois will you?!? Yeah for you!!! Hugs, Les

michele said...

You are very deserving of your awards... you are creative and fun and your journaling is great!

Us said...

Crackin' me up! I like unposed pictures better anyway! I usually take my own! Congrats on the awards!! I love your blog! xo

Ashley said...

we do christmas cards every year too. so i totally get what you are saying about how much work it is! but our family picture involves me, frank, all three kids, and 2 dogs. AND this year we are gonna try to get the horses in there somehow. (right!)

Tara said...

This entry made me laugh. When we had our third son I quit doing the studio pictures because when I tried to do them with the other two I was literally sweating and drained by the time I had left the studio! I just take a snapshot at home now. Little less stress!

Thrifty Decor Chick said...

Wow, how true is that! I always say I'll NEVER do professional pics again...and then I do. Our best Christmas pic was last year though -- I had a friend run over to take it, we sat in front of the tree with jeans on, and it was PERFECT. I've had it up all year. :)

Jenni said...

Good for you that you got that done! You sound extremely prepared, so I'm sure it went well! I chuckled at your list of things you say during the whole process, though~ it all sounds very familiar! :)

Also, congratulations on your awards! You, of course, completely deserve them all! :)