The Christmas Picture

Since Randy and I have been married (which will be 7 years this month!) we attempt to do a family picture Holiday card.  I will be the first to admit we have missed a year here or there for one reason or another, but I made a promise to myself that once we had kids we would always have a picture Holiday card.  As receiving other family's picture cards in the mail always brings a smile to my face and I figure our card does the same to those who receive it.

This year, however, the Stanford card was in jeopardy of not having a "Christmas Leighton" picture on it.  It is not often I get frustrated with my little princess, however, her refusal of being a "pretty princess" for the our card lead to a lot of frustration for her Mommy.  It took multiple attempts on 2 days and A LOT of candy to get our picture which will be coming soon to a mailbox close to you.  Mind you, it wasn't the picture I dreamed of, but it was one I was satisfied enough with to share with all our family and friends.
Here are a few that made the reject pile...

 Yep...this side won't work...all L wants to do is turn the tree on and off

 Maybe a cute shot outside...Nope...Rocks are too distracting

 Consulting "Flat Daddy" about how difficult Mommy is being

 Bribing with food...working...at least L looks happy and at the camera 

 Maybe chocolate covered pretzels not such a good idea....

Confirmed...L is officially messy but happy...

As I told Randy, this had to be one of my more challenging tasks as a "single parent"!  I know I brought most of stress on myself, as I wanted that "perfect picture" but it made me think to next year's card and having to get 3 little ones to cooperate for the camera!!  I can only imagine how that is going to go!!