What's Jack up to? Jack's tuckered out after a busy weekend (not so much) and a bath (much needed) so as I write this he's off to his bed. Way to hang Jack.
What fresh hell is this?
I imagine this is what my family is thinking as we stand in the middle of the waiting room of Sears portrait studio on Sunday. Yep, I said it. I take Sears holiday pics. I have been carting the dear twins down to Sears every year since they were a year old. 6 months really, but it was that first Christmas picture, all done up and incredibly glossy that had me hooked.
Their cheeks gleaming, eyes shining bright. What was a mother to do, but pluck down her card and sign up for the full package?
So there we were on Sunday at year 14. Another year with more new sweaters from Old Navy, Me, The DH, The DD and The DS, a bunch of other parents and an army of screaming infant to 5 year olds. My gang kept looking at me and saying, is this it? This has to be the last year mom. We are not doing this next year. Eyes roll, heads shake. Even the DH agrees.
The tears prick, prick, prick at the back of my eyes. This can’t be it. This can’t be the last year. So what they are not babies. They are MY babies and it was just yesterday that I was carrying them in here in my arms. Besides this is our tradition. Our family photo. Does it matter that we look like fools and my babies tower over these other babies all done up in their holiday finery and screaming like banshees.
In a few short years they won’t be here to take these photos with me and all I’ll have is the hi-gloss techi-color sparkle in their eyes, the memory of these days of my forced tradition and maybe some Aretha Sings The Blues or Amy Winehouse and probably a bottle of wine. Sob.
How will I get them all back again next year. Bribery? I'm sure they will get hungry sometime.
Best,
Kwana
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21 comments:
aawwww they are adorable. i already see how time flies in the blink of an eye, so it must be doubly jarring for you to turn around and they are on their way to college soon! have a great thanksgiving!
btw do you wnat me "following" you bec of what happened last time?
Old tricks are part of what make each f us unique!
Traditions are also a great way to bond, establish memories and later for "blackmail" tee hee- I think they will really thank you! -( when they are taking there own offspring to Sears! Now that will be the day! :)
Oh my LORD do the twins look precious. How could you not!!!
The picture is adorable. The post was heartfelt. I enjoyed the truth of it. Don't give up every year, time does fly be swiftly.
What a great tradition and beautiful children! You have the photos and the memories imprinted in your heart. Time sure does fly, but it is is making room for more memories.
Oh Jack you have the life of Riley! Enjoy...
Your children are beautiful! Such a cute picture. Tell them sorry, but since you carried them for 9 months and were in labor for I'm assuming lots of hours they way they can return the favor is by putting on a happy face and coming for famiy pics for years to come. Ah the teenage years. I so remember being a little monster to my parents.
I have such a funny visual of all of you there next to little kids waiting to get your pictures taking.
That pic is too cute. You've got a whole year to think about how you're gonna get it done next time.
Great post, Kwana. And that picture is SO sweet!! We do a similar thing at the Nordstrom santa every year. It pains me to look back at Abbott's picture when he was one, screaming in terror. What were we thinking, making him sit with a stranger? Now they've gotten used to it but the line is so tiring. I like having a picture done at the same place, same time every year for the sense of history, but don't know how long we can keep it up...they grow up in the blink of an eye, it seems.
That picture is just so ADORABLE!
I hope they let you do it year after year after year!
I'm glad you're documenting the moment..it's such a precious thing to have. Photographs are great memory pieces and pulls you back in time...Good for you! Have a great holiday season!
I can picture you all surrounded by the screaming hordes. lol. Some day your kids will appreciate those pictures. I'd say bribery might be the only way to keep up the tradition.
Withholding food is an awesome idea. ;-)
I feel for you Kwana... but you know, soon you'll have a new tradition that's even better.
You all really know how to make a girl feel great. Thanks so much.
That picture is the cutest things I have EVER seen!!!
Hey, if the twins won't cooperate, take Jack to get his photo. he can't say no...
awww that is too cute.
you know it's ok -- all of us kids are in our late 20s and 30s and my mom still makes us to family portraits. haha!
That is the cutest picture ever of your darlings. Awww... My sister used to do the same thing with her twins...until about age 8 and then they were through. I think she regrets not keeping it up.
I want to see the new family pic!! Although, I don't think you'll ever top the Christmas card from Coney Island with all of you on the roller coaster. = )
That photo is too cute!
Don't stop the tradition - even if you have to jack up everybody in your house!
Oh Kwana we must be on the same wavelength, we had family portraits on Saturday and twinling1 threw the biggest wobbly ever. The photographer was saying smile at the camera the whole time and I was saying 'stop screaming settle down..' hopefully things will work out a little better than they did, crossing fingers!
Thanks so much guys. You crack me up.
Natalie I'm sure your pic is beautiful. It's amazing what we all go through.
Sweet post and even sweeter photo. Happy Thanksgiving!
What about doing the portrait somewhere else? Finding a friend with a nice digital SLR and taking it on your front porch, in the backyard, or like we have done in years past, on location. Whether it's at Coney Island, Sunnyside, or even Harts Brook park in the fall, the picture turns out great and it's cherished.
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