What I hate about taking family pictures. . .

1. The best picture of me is always the worst for everyone else (above). It's about time I got to use a rejected picture that I secretly like!

2. Convincing three boys to get ready- please brush your teeth before you put your sweater on, yes you have to wear a sweater, please wipe your nose but not on your shirt, you're thirsty? no red punch, you're hungry? no crumbs and no chocolate anything, now please just sit still until it's time to go. . .

3. Convincing three boys to simultaneuously behave: Jackson look over here, Kaden smile-not that big-keep your eyes open, Jackson, Jack-son over here, Sterling you too, Jaaaack-sonnnnn, Kaden Sterling you're not smiling anymore-you just have to KEEP SMILING, JACKSON DALE. . .

4. An extremely photogenic husband that looks great no matter if he is trying or frustrated or tired. He is tan even though it is the month of December!

5. All of the above and a sitting fee doesn't guarantee that you are going to get something that is usable, or displayable, or that you even kind of like, even a little bit.
And sometimes, because your sister-in-law was willing to take 200 shots, you get just one that you LOVE. If you have ever stood behind me in line at the post office, ate beside me in a sit-down restaurant, or sat in back of me in church-then you must know that the civility that this picture captures, is a miracle! Thank you Sara for the best Christmas present ever.