School Pictures...

{click on collage to see bigger--scanned photos, so quality is somewhat poor}

The boys have picture day today. Robert woke up a little early so he could take a shower and shampoo his hair (Ryan got his done last night). It got me thinking about my picture days and where the heck most of my school pictures are. I always hated them. I may have hid them to make sure that no one saw them...I remember my poor mother telling me I had better give back the school pictures she had paid good money for. She'd also tell me that I was pretty. I never felt pretty and I certainly didn't believe her when she told me. I never liked the way my hair was...my freckles, my crooked front teeth, etc. I truly hope that my children don't have any of those feelings (or at least as many) and just remember they are beautiful and perfect just the way they are.

I've begun to gather all the boys school photos for a simple

school days scrapbook--dedicated to school pictures and some snapshots from school.

This morning I fixed the boys bacon and french toast before sending them off in their school picture shirts and shining faces. Their hair...well that is another subject. Each year (beginning in preschool) they always give the kids a new black comb (remember that?) and Robert always takes the comb and combs his hair as straight and smooth as he can get it. The exception, was the year 2005, which both boys wanted to "gel" their hair and spike it (see 2005). This morning Tim and I instructed Robert to just run his fingers through his hair rather than a comb--it looks more natural that way. He just laughs at us. I told the boys to smile naturally -- to think about cute little puppies or soft little kittens. Robert said, "or cute little mommies!"

Each year that goes by--it seems that it goes faster for me. This morning I tried to really soak it all in with the boys. After breakfast & teeth brushing, I kissed them good bye, and sent them to the bus stop. I always look out the front windows as they walk down to the bus stop. I hope when I look at their school pictures some day when I am really old and gray, that I remember as much as I can about this picture day... Ages 7 and 8 (almost 9).

Hope you have a good picture day.

And, if someone gives you a brand spanking new comb...go ahead...

comb your hair (if you have any--wink, wink--my brothers) nice and smooth and smile, because you are loved!