Hoffman's Hideaway: The Christmas Photo

Sunday, November 30, 2008

The Christmas Photo

Ok- I tried to get organized early this year. On my way down to Cincinnati, I addressed all the envelopes, put return address labels and got everything ready so that all we had to do was get the picture taken, attach, picture and send out. Simple huh? I even pre-bought matching black shirts for all of us thinking that we could easily just do this at home. Save ourselves some time. Have one of those lovely family photos by the fireplace or Christmas tree.

So clearly - I was delusional. We started this "picture project" Friday. Tree got bought. Lights were on by Saturday (Thanks Daddy). Tree was finished Sunday and we had all had showers and gotten dressed in the matching clothes by noon on Sunday. Shelby was clearly not up for this project. There was to be a very cute black bow in her hair. The batteries on the camera were almost dead. My patience was clearly dead and Cole has one type of smile - A fake one. So instead of fighting the obvious - We went with it this year. Call it the two year old Christmas. Scratch whatever plans you thought you had and wing it. Here are a few examples of what we tried to do and what we settled with.

Practice Shot before hair was dry!

The whole family was with this but Shelby, she's really not impressed.

She's done at this point!

Yes this is what we called it quits with! It might seem like Cole is encouraging her, when the truth is - he was trying to put her arms down. Oh well - It is what it is this year - which is life with an uncontrollable two year old. God love her. She has "motions" and everyone is hurting them lately. Even Joy hurt her motions yesterday when her tail hit Shelby in the arm. Next year, we'll start in September!

No comments:

Post a Comment

A Prayer for Children

A Prayer For Children

We pray for the children who sneak popsicles before supper,who erase holes in math workbooks,who can never find their shoes.
And we pray for those who stare at photographers from behind barbed wire,who can't bound down the street in a new pair of sneakers,who never "counted potatoes,"who are born in places where we wouldn't be caught dead,who never go to the circus,who live in an X-rated world.
We pray for the children who bring us sticky kisses and fistfuls of dandelions,who hug us in a hurry and forget their lunch money.
And we pray for those who never get dessert,who have no safe blanket to drag behind them,who watch their parents watch them die,who can't find bread to steal,who don't have rooms to clean up,whose pictures aren't on anybody's dresser,whose monsters are real.
We Pray for the Children who spend their allowance before Tuesday,who throw tantrums in the grocery storeand pick at their food,who like ghost stories,who shove dirty clothes under the bed,who never rinse out the tub,who get visits from the tooth fairy,who don't like to be kissed in front of the carpool,who squirm in church and scream in the phone,whose tears we sometimes laugh at and whose smiles can make us cry.
And we pray for those whose nightmares come in the daytime,who will eat anything who have never seen dentist,who aren't spoiled by anybody,who go to bed hungry and cry themselves to sleep,who live and move, but have no being
We pray for the children who want to be carried and for those who must,who we never give up on and for those who don't get a second chance.We pray for those we smother and for those who will grab the hand of anybody kind enough to offer it.

Our Pledge to our Children

The Parent's Pledge
I will set a good example for my child. I will show my children I love them every day through words and physical affection. I will listen to my children and let them know I value what they say. I will praise my child's accomplishments and efforts towards those accomplishments.I will have realistic expectations for my children. I will allow them to make their own mistakes and learn from those experiences. I will avoid being too critical or focusing on my child's shortcomings. I will encourage my child to meet new challenges and have new experiences. I will respect my children as individuals even if I don't always agree with them. I will enjoy my children and make time to share interests and appreciate one another. I will love my children unconditionally. I will let them know they are lovable, worthwhile and valuable human beings.