The best family pictures ever and a mushroom or two.

This post is very random.  Different subjects.  My mind is full throttle right now and I don't know how to sort it out.  The funny thing is my Mom ties into everything I do.  She taught me so much.  We share the same interests, passions. talents.  I am going to visit my Dad for the first time since my Mother passed away.  I'm nervous but so excited to see my Dad and Sister, Brother and Sister in law.  I can't forget about all those goofy nieces and nephews too!  I know that going back into my Mothers house is going to be very difficult for me.  I need more than anything in my life right now is to be surrounded by her things, her scent, her presence.

As I was looking for my wayward dogs early one morning, I spotted some mushrooms along side the road.  I instantly think how much Mom would love to see these.   She loved nature.  I love nature. I get so excited seeing things like this.  I want to share them with my children Troy.  Luckily some of my kids love them and some(including Troy) just say "yes, they are so pretty!", and rolled their eyes.

 Aside from all the fungi that I love, I wanted to get the perfect family picture for 2013.  Our dear little sweetheart Leah, captured our family at the perfect moment.  This is why this photo depicts our family to the T.

1. Troy is thinking why the hell do I always do what Emily tells me to do.  19 years, 19, 19, 19.  How much longer will this take?

2. Logan.  Need I say more.  Really?

3. Anna is scolding Logan for something.  Story of her life.

4. Ella is scolding Soren.  Soren is not listening to her.  Story of her life.  

5.  Soren is getting another lecture and stern warning from me.  Story of his life.

6. Olivia is laughing at Soren and thinking she's the best behaved cutest thing to grace the earth.  

7. Me.  "#$*&! you guys!  I don't care if your freezing your butts off, we will stay our here until you hold still, smile and take the perfect picture.  Soren, so help me...."

We did get the perfect picture of 2013.  I have the perfect family.... for me.  A husband who is the most patient, loving, understanding partner out there.  Five beautiful children who have 5 very different personalities.  I couldn't ask for a better life. 

I find myself sounding like my Mother when I yell.  I hear her voice in my head telling me to be more patient, to be more understanding.  Choose your battles.  I'm heading down to my parents house to be with my Dad.  As much as I love my Dad, it's my Mom who is so a part of who I am.  

Fall family photo's 2013

I try to coral the family several times a year and do some quick family photo's.  Really, how hard can it be?  Right?

Just having everyone together at once is a chore in itself.  We usually are missing some kids and gaining some extras.  On the beautiful fall morning, I threatened all the kids to be ready to take pictures.  I had Mariah join us because I wanted at least one photo shoot with her.  She is just part of us.

Logan's hair was out of control long.  He hadn't shaved in several days.

Olivia insisted on her doll Darcy, be part of the pictures which brought complaints from everyone.

Ella's hair was still wet.

Anna had been throwing up all night from too much candy.

I had to bribe Soren with candy to hold still.

Worst of all, Troy teased me and the kids the whole time.

So you can imagine the pleasant yelling that ensued.  I got me some pictures though.

 This first picture is one of may favorites.  Anna and Mariah are both doing Asian eyes.  Soren is on his way to no candy at all.

 This is when I was yelling at Logan for not shaving.

 See what I put up with?

Ella turns back time.

 Ella had a Halloween party and needed a costume.  I refuse to buy new costumes.  We went through some clothes and came up with a 50's/b-bop/pin-up girl.  I think she turned out so cute.  Anything Ella does is cute.  

Take that back.  She's not cute in the morning...she's down right grumpy.  Worse than I am!

So glad that I can still play dress up with my girls.