Christmas card '09

This December, my daily little trips to the mailbox have been MOST entertaining to say the least. I've been getting some wonderfully imaginative & creative Christmas cards this year...wow.

It's been 4 years since we took a complete family picture for our Christmas card. I decided it was high time for me to brave the family photo this year. It was kind of a daunting prospect for me, but I really did want to have the whole family together.

I am so glad that I joined my little gang...otherwise the amazingly talented Lorie would not have captured my favorite photo ever, of me holding Twain.

Lorie just captured the light so magically, and I will forever treasure the above photo, because these baby years are so fleeting. Little pudgy hands grabbing my necklace. Time please stop. Right now.

Finn was on his best behavior for Miss Lorieloo.

Calvin was a bit distracted...and shaggy. One would never know he just had his hair cut the night before. I'm totally serious.

And Ollie would have NOTHING to do with pictures. He kind-of, sort-of got woken up early from his nap. Oops. And a balloon was the cause of all sorts of melt downs.

What is the statistical probability of getting all of my boys to cooperate for the camera?

One in one million?

Another day, I tried to take some group photos of the boys, after Ollie had a proper nap.

But Ollie kept trying to escape our little band of brothers. The open air was just too much of a temptation for my 2 year old. So I did something any professional amateur would do...I sent my hubby into the house to grab the laptop, so Ollie could watch a video. I know what you are thinking...no she did NOT do that...but oh yes, she did do that...John was just shaking his head.

Did my ingenius idea work?

If you are satisfied with a semi-contained, slightly doped up child, then yes, my scheme was a smashing success.

And he did perk up at one point!

And not crying.

My little peas-in-a-pod.

Finn is not intense at all. Nope, not my firstborn.

Twain at 7 months old. He is turning out to be quite the wild child. VERY expressive. VERY enthusiastic. VERY excited about life.

He is not a real big sleeper, much to my dismay. He falls asleep ok, but then wakes up 20 minutes later...

...fully refreshed. Oi.

It's a good thing we love you so much little Tweetle Beetle!

And finally, here is our Christmas card for '09.

Front of card:

above photo taken by Becca.

Back of card:

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy celebrating the birth of our dear Savior!