Confession

I have a confession to make.

I dread taking family photos every year.

And honestly, why wouldn't I? It is a huge undertaking to plan what each of us will wear, schedule the session, and then hope and pray the weather will cooperate and it won't be raining/cold/windy/snowing. And THEN hope and pray my four year old and my husband won't complain/argue/protest. And, of course, there's hoping and praying that we'll get at least one good photo for our Christmas cards and to give prints to family as gifts.

I almost get a feeling of anxiety over the whole situation, because I really have no control over what happens. I am at the mercy of my son and my husband, and that's terrifying for someone like me (who needs to be in control of everything!).

So why am I admitting this on, especially on my blog? Because I wanted to let all of the other moms out there that it is perfectly normal to dread scheduling your own family photos. Because I get it! I know how stressful and nerve-racking it is, and how the idea of putting yourself through all of it can seem not worth it.

But it IS WORTH IT. Families and kids change so much year to year... it still amazes me to look at photos of Brecken from a year ago and to see how much older, more grown-up, and less and less he looks like my "baby," but instead a little boy. It is so easy to get caught up with day-to-day life that these moments that are happening now can get forgotten.

So my Sunday PSA today is this: don't put off your family photos. Yes, your kids (and in my case, your husband) might complain and argue and fight you every step of the way. Yes, there might be bribery, threats, and tears to get them to cooperate (from you or them!). Yes, it might prompt you to go get yourself a drink or five afterward. But it is worth it. 

We had our family photos taken this week, and the experience lived up to my worst nightmare as usual. But afterward, when it was all said and done, and after I had convinced myself that we didn't get ANYTHING good and it was all for nothing--I looked at the pictures that my awesome assistant/wedding second-shooter Chelsey took of us, and I was thankful I put myself through it again. Because despite my fears, we did get a handful of great photos.

And I don't have to do it again for another year. :)