Day 8/365 - If at First You Don't Succeed.

We attempted to have our photo taken with EJ's fried ice cream today. 

The flames made the photo - as did EJ, A's arm, and my hand and chest. So did an ice water and an empty soda cup. 

Take 2 - another ussie!

I'm beginning to like these the best. We even got A. to almost smile!

Actually, I got the best reaction when I got her to laugh at my foolishness. (I thought she had an arm tattoo in the first take of this photo. It was her brother's hair. Please note my lack of glasses in these photos!)

I'm beginning to look forward to, rather than dread, family photo time.

After all, these people are so much more precious than the flames on a fried ice cream! 

Day 7/365 - Sometimes You Have to Make a Funny Face

Seriously.

Funny faces rule.

After a day of illness and crankiness and general blah - tonight's photo session provided a little bit of comic relief.

How could an evening of this not brighten up your day??

Chocolate faced and awesome -

I love these kids.  

Tomorrow is always a new day, but this project is also getting us to remember to take a moment and laugh, love, and enjoy each other's company - every day.

XOXOXO

Day 6/365 - Another Snowstorm

Another snowstorm this morning meant that we're all home together again today. 

It also meant an afternoon of shoveling. 

My coat was left in the car yesterday - which meant I stole Grandpa's to shovel.

A. steadfastly refuses to wear a coat most of the time ("Mom! I'm fine in my hoodie!"). 

EJ happily dons snow pants, boots, jacket - if he gets to throw his entire body around in snow, he'll wear anything!

Uncle K. showed up to help shovel, as well - and then we went across the street to help one of the neighbors, too. 

Net result = I was sweaty (despite having just ha a shower); A. was cold and cranky but wouldn't admit the reason; EJ was having a blast, but had boogie running down his chin. 

And queue the family photo!

I'm not going to lie. I pretty much hate this photo of me. My hair is flat, sweaty, pushed to the side, and decidedly boyish. I'm wearing a too big men's coat. It doesn't match my [favorite] scarf. In fact, it doesn't match any of the three scarves I'm wearing. And I have no neck - as I'm wearing three scarves. 

Out in the snow is one of those times that I love taking photos of the kids, even of the dog, but I never have any of me. But this year -

This year, there will be snowy photos!

Day 5/365 - What. A. Day.

Today had EJ with me all day, singing and dancing while I taught over his head. He was bored, antsy, and around a bunch of new people - so higher maintenance than normal.

After classes, we went the grocery store to stock up for tomorrow's storm. More stress for Mama. 

By the time we got home, I was done. 

D. O. N. E. 

A margarita and wings were in order - which EJ slept through. 

We managed to get the guy at the podium to snap a photo of us before we left - bleary eyed and all of us ready for today to be over. 

Because sometimes - heck, a LOT of the time - this is our life. 

Tired. 

Cranky. 

Messy. 

With a paperboard wing-hat. 

And those times are worth remembering - and seeing the beauty within - as well as those more polished times (or those with a camel).

Day 4/365 - Reluctancy in the Face of a Snow Storm

There is snow.  And there will be more snow.
Which means - no school.

We're home, vegging, and slowly going stir crazy.

What to do for homebound distraction:

The Family Selfie.

aka The Ussie.

Don't mind the Christmas card wreath in the background. We're still loving on all the love!

I learned a few things in the few moments it took to wrangle this photo (and its numerous outtakes).

1. EJ's priorities put finishing yogurt over taking a photo with his mom.
2. When given a few spare moments before taking a photo, I preen, trying to figure out the best angle for my round face.
3. When actually taking the photos, I completely forget which angle it was I preferred.
4. A is completely comfortable to lounge around the house in an unbrushed ponytail and hoodie, but when a photo is involved...
5. The face on the right is one of pure reluctance.
6. Natural, laughing faces always trump stiff family photos - even when involving camels.

Day 3/365 - Did the Groundhog Even See His Shadow?

It's Sunday. 

And most Sundays find us here. 

 Church. 

And inevitably 15-20 minutes late for Sunday School. 

Because that's how we roll. 

But that's okay - because every family has their thing. That they all do together. 

Ours just happens to be scrambling and being late for church. 

I often take photos of the kids right before we go in to church. They're freshly groomed and haven't had too much of a chance to tousle their hair and clothes. 

But I'm never in those photos. I'm also freshly groomed, but behind the camera. 

Today, I stepped out. 

In front of the camera. 

On. A. Sunday. Morning. 

I didn't see my shadow - but I'm also not a groundhog. 

Day 2/365 - Let It Go!

Day 2 - Today our plans included a Frozen sing along at the local movie theatre.

After learning his best friend was dressing up for the show, EJ decided he also had to dress up as Elsa.
Thankfully, Target had one Elsa dress up outfit left.  PHEW.