filling the wall space isn't easy...

Many folks assume that in my line o' work I have oodles of pictures of the kids.

It's true, I may have a few more than what may be the norm...I dunno. But I most certainly don't get as many "take-'em-out-'n-practice" pics of my girls as I'd maybe like to.

I scared (or is it scarred?...both are accurate) them the first year I got into this and they made their displeasure known (I really can't blame them). It got to the point that for practice, I didn't even make them smile anymore...

So, it wasn't too much to ask to take them out and grab our once-a-year "make a pretty Christmas card" pics. Or was it...

why yes...her eyes are still that wonderfully blue...

but no amount of photoshop will fix

the emotion coming out of her mouth...

we were out a whopping 10 minutes,

when Julia struck a yawn pose,

Sarah might be asking for a snack

and Lauren is doing her "best"...

here's the first attempt at

being directed to "be yourselves"...

here is the ultra-realistic "be yourselves"...

there comes a moment when you realize

the "shoot" is over...typically...it is when

you are ignored completely...

Fear not...We did accomplish the mission at hand and the girls were promptly rewarded.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE :: It's done. We are happy. It's feeling more like home everyday. Pictures coming soon.

from a chapter in julia's book on getting what you want...

The other morning, with both of her sisters in school, Julia begged me to turn on the TV (or "TB" as she calls it) and I insisted it was play time instead. Here's how the conversation went ::

Julia : "I want to watch a show."

Me : "You can...at quiet time [in the afternoon]"

Julia, ignoring the response as she often will do : "How about Bolt? I will watch Bolt." (as she climbs on the couch to get comfy)

Me (as I sit down next to her) : "Ok, in a few hours at quiet time...I'll set up Bolt for you. Right now, we will play with toys."

Julia : "Now. I will watch Bolt now."

Me : "No."

Julia, with a huge smile : "I have money."

Me : "Ok. Do you want to play with the money in your piggy bank?" [we do this at times]

Julia : "No... I will give you money and you will turn on Bolt."

Oh....boy....