We Ain't No Posers

I don't normally attempt to pose my children.  I like them in their natural state.  If they happen to "pose" themselves...yay for me!  But I don't have a picture of all 4 of my children together.  I wanted one.  So I attempted to pose them. 

I took them to the little girl's room.  It has AMAZING light.  I had this blissful image in my head of them all cuddled together, laughing, and laying on the bed. 

Blissful!

Uuuummm...blissful is not what I got.

I have a 5 year old that will not look at the camera, because the slightest movement gets her attention.

A 2 year old that will not sit still just because she is 2 and being told what to do.

A 9 month old that hasn't sat still since she started rolling over.

And a 7 year old, who no matter what craziness is going on, loves the camera.

CLASSIC!

Almost, but Ella looks too stiff.

Sutton was imitating Olivia, but like her Daddy she was being goofy to get everyone laughing.

My sentiments exactly!

I give up!

In the end, the very first picture I snapped was the best of the bunch.

And in rare treat...Sutton Grace took a picture with me!

She is 2 in every way.

She is passionate...love it or hate it.

We have had our stand offs...gone toe to toe...I have wanted to give up on training this one in the way she should go...just for some peace in the house.  But in the end, what kind of parent would I be.  These years are probably the easiest...even if they don't feel like it.

She is coming around.

She knows to obey the first time, even if she doesn't.  

She hates her punishment (sitting in Campbell's ned by herself).

To curb some of the bad behavior, I gave her what she wanted.  Time alone with me.

We read a devotional before bed every night...just Mommy and Sutton...we say our prayers and sing 'Silent Night' (it is our lullaby).

So far it works...as she grows into the different stages of life, I am sure I will have to change things around.

The basics stay...

Be firm...have fun...give grace.