That day's photo session was no exception. As soon as we stepped out the door, I told the kids to stand still so that we could get a picture before we got in the van. The girls did as they were told, but the boys acted as if I had not spoken at all:
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| "No, Isaac, we're not getting in the van yet! Go back and stand with your sisters so we can get a picture. You, too, Jude." |
While the boys were getting their act together, the girls decided it would be a good time to show each other some love:
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| "Aw, that's sweet, girls. Very nice. Okay, you two stay there and hug. Isaac, go stand by your sisters, and I'll take a picture of you guys. Jude, you, too!" |
But the tender moment was over before the boys could get into place, and the girls decided go stand by Jude instead:
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| "Oh, good idea! Yes, everybody stand against the wall. Isaac, go stand by Dahlia!" |
Suddenly everybody was right where I wanted them:
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| "Okay, great! Now, look at Mommy, guys!" |
But I could only get one or two people to look at the camera at the same time:
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| "Isaac! You need to look at Mommy! Jude, you, too!" |
Then Isaac got bored with facing in my direction:
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"No, no, Isaac! You need to turn around! Everybody, PLEASE, look at MOMMY!" |
And decided it would be a good time to make some noise:
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| "Isaac, we're not going to bang on the wall right now. Dahlia, stop copying your brother! Both of you, please turn around so we can get a picture!" |
I'm sure he was trying to drown out the sound of my ever-growing desperation to get a shot of everyone both looking at the camera and facing me:
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| "Good job, Dahlia. Okay, Isaac, now look at Mommy, please. No, you need to turn around and look at me!" |
Just as I was ready to tear out my hair and throw in the towel, though, something magical happened:
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| "YES! Thank you for looking at Mommy!!!" |
A good-enough shot—totally worth the blood (pressure hike), the sweat, and the (near) tears. And we still got to school on time!
