21-22 School Pictures

 

I can't begin to describe how much I LOVE these photos even though they aren't the most flattering. I feel that this year, more than any other year these photos capture the essence of my children. I especially love school photos because they show a glimpse of your child when you aren't there to make their hair nice or give that glaring look that says "you smile or else child". 

Luca's picture says that I am trying so hard to be a nice, sweet girl. I had so much fun at recess so I am going to rock my smile and my cute dress so you don't notice my less than tidy hair. 

Dude's picture says, my mom isn't here to force me to smile and since I  am only here because I have to be, you get what you get and you don't throw a fit.

I love these two, with all of their endearing personality quirks that get captured in their school photos.

First Day of School 2021

Last year I never got around to taking a first day of school photo. Maybe because they were in PJ's, or maybe because it just never felt official, but this year I was determined to make up for it, even if I had to coerce my boy child into taking the picture. I finally convinced him to take a begrudged picture by pointing to this blog and the books I print from it. I told him that in 20 years he is going to look back and only see pictures of his sister and wonder why I didn't love him enough and I will have to explain that he wouldn't let me photograph more of his childhood. So, here he is posing for his future self and family. 

You'll notice he looks like he is smiling in the shot for his sister. He isn't. But his fake laugh is a good substitute. Good luck my sweet children. May this year be filled with more friends, more academic challenges, and lots of personal growth.

Luca gets Baptized

Luca chose to be baptized today and everything went so smoothly. Luca and I went over an hour early to cut up the fruit for the fruit cups she wanted to be served. We had just enough time to get that all arranged, her into her sweet jumpsuit and the baptism to start. I did end up needing to go home to get some last minute items so I am especially grateful we live so close to the church. 

I think it was a memorable experience for her. She was so excited and just kept saying she was happy and light and woozy (which I took to mean overwhelmed with the Spirit?) and warm (like the big warm hug Grandma talked about in her Holy Ghost talk). 

I was especially happy to cuddle with her at bedtime to relive the day and talk about how she felt and what she remembers. In her baptism interview with the bishop a few weeks before she claimed that she was getting baptized because most of her cousins had so she might as well. I'm not quite sure why she gave that answer because this girl has been looking forward to having the gift of the Holy Ghost and takes that companionship very seriously. 

I am so proud of her desire to have a relationship with her Heavenly Father and I look forward to seeing the young woman she becomes as she continues on her path of discipleship.

Family Pictures

 It's a good thing we don't take family pictures every year. The coordination of outfits, the making sure everyone's hair is doing what it's supposed to, the stressing over nice smiles is enough for the next two years. It's a good thing Matthew both indulges my crazy-perfection mode and helps me remember that our children are still children and aren't out to maliciously ruin my perfect family moment.