Just a FEW from our Holiday card session. This was the first time ever I attempted taking pictures of my kids all by myself. Sounds silly I know. But, you have no idea. They know when I want something out of them – they have me right where they want me. And, they generally act like fools. BUT they are still alive to enjoy Christmas! They are growing up & they did a pretty fantastic job for me. I love them so very, very, very much. And,  our book card  . . .

Yes, this is how we dress in the Fall in Houston. so?

and, excuse the hotspots. We were testing light for another special shoot here (that I can’t wait to share!!) – good thing we did!

Obviously one of these kids is easier to photograph right now than the other. BUT, I get less & less of the shots I want of her & more & more of her posing in some awkward position.

Oh well, parenting is definitely not about me. Neither is photographing my kids apparently. This isn’t AT ALL what I had picked out for them to wear. They “helped” me set this room up a few months ago for a maternity session (yes, I’m just now getting to my own pictures – [incredibly annoyed eyeroll here]). They really wanted to play in it – so of course I tried to multi-task like any good mother. Back to “not at all what I picked out” . . . Thus the ballet shoes. AGAIN. Then of course, little sister has to follow suit. Whatever gets the job done (I guess).

It’s been a few months . . . they are about due for a real shoot. (preferably not wearing ballet shoes)

Anyone have any ideas?? Please share – seriously. I’m exhausted thinking about taking their pictures. Anyone want to come help wrangle??

p.s., I just realized this today. I have pictures of me & my family ON MY OWN COTTON-PICKIN’ COUCH in this field,  from this day. AND THEY’VE NEVER BEEN EDITED!!!!! That’s just ridiculous & I should be fired.

p.p.s., For the record . . . Those pictures weren’t taken in May 2011 . . . They are from Spring 2010. Seeing as how we may not see bluebonnets for the next 3 years, I will probably be really glad I have those, considering they ever get out of their RAW state of course.

Yup. I like it.

We had a good time. Ok, back to paperwork. yuck.

ok.

check.

We get all set up . . . [click, click] and then, she needs a sip of milk. It’s life or death.

ok.

check.

We get all set up . . . [click] and then, she has to stop and get down to kill a bug. Because, it was all of .5 mm big & very dangerous.

ok.

check.

We get all set up . . . [click, click, . . . ] and then, she stops me to go pick some weeds/flowers. (I’m not sure if you realize I have to carry her everywhere because she has her ballet shoes on. . . well, yes, I do.)

ok.

check. (starting to feel like I’m in the nightmare version of, “If you give a mouse a cookie”.

We get all set up . . . [click] and then, she has to go pee (of course I have to help her because of the fancy ‘get-up’). Me: 2 clicks short of  the “so-over-this” point.

ok.

check.

We get all set up . . . [click, click] and then, I think to myself . . .

1., I’m smarter than a 4 year old (right?!) and,

2., what can you do to pull her back in?? Oh yes. I’ve got you now you little sneak:o)

iPod

check.

“If you like it then you better put a ring on it” (don’t ask me why). check.

[click, click, click, click, click . . . ]

magical – beautiful pictures??  uh, not so much. but sheer ridiculous awesomeness . . . CHECK!

bwahhahahah.