This fall I realized it had been two years since we’d had a family picture – far too long when your kids are little and changing very quickly. My good friend, Justin, was coming in town with his family this past weekend and asked if I needed any pictures. I was hesitant to take him up on his offer at first, but soon decided my reasonings were silly.
I love taking pictures. Because photography is something I enjoy, I have lots of great pictures of my kids, but very few of us with them.
There are so many excuses I can come up with to not do family pictures: it’s stressful, the outfits, I still have 15 pounds of baby weight to lose… But the stress is worth the outcome, and Justin creates calm and fun the minute he walks in the door he is THE BEST if you’re in KC or Des Moines. The outfits always come together why do I never plan those out! and that baby weight is no excuse to not capture our family at this moment in our lives. In 30 years none of my feelings will matter but having this time frozen in images will.
On this Valentine’s Day, I’m so blessed to have all of this love in my life. I pray your day has been filled with affection and adoration. Micah is cooking dinner tonight, something I don’t believe he’s done since the kids have been born. What a gift!
Do you regularly get family photos taken? What is your best advice for making it a stress-free event?
Pamela says
SO cute, sweet! ❤️ my favorite pictures from those days way back then are when I was looking at my babies. Babies that are now in their 30s and 40s! You will love these pics forever. I also wanted to weigh in on you post on choosing Domino as your new little girls name. My honest impression when I first heard the name was how when you make rows of dominoes and then one single domino falls and affects the direction for all the others.i had never heard that name before so I thought, wow, she is going to change the direction of their lives, the Dominoe effect. I think She is going to be an important force in your family. what a beautiful picture of this cutie patootie and your family.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Man, I love that analogy, Pamela! I hope so. I pray for strong children who make a difference in the world around them. Thank you for following along and happy weekend!
Tanya says
Very sweet, love these!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Tanya!
Tara says
My tip after several family photos is ensure you are happy with your outfit/hair/makeup, etc first when planning and then your children. I have found all too many times that I am looking for the right outfits/getting hair done, etc for them and then throw something together myself and wish I had focused more on me…seems selfish but I have also photographed families and when Momma is happy, everyone is happy!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Tara, you’re so right! I always pick my daughter’s outfit first and then build from there. I get everyone else ready and then use whatever time is left to try and throw myself together, and it just makes me grumpy and not great about myself. Wise words, thank you!
Claire says
You all look beautiful! It’s totally worth the effort – as big as it is. These photographs will be so much fun to look at 10 years down the track. Getting proper photos done is so important, iphone snaps just don’t compare. Will you frame any for the wall?
themakerista@gmail.com says
You’re so right! I’m not sure, I don’t put a lot of family photos up, but I really want to start a collection of framed family photos…probably for our piano top.
Kirby Welsh says
Love the photos and your family! He did a great job ?
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, he always does. 😉
Lori says
Precious and beautiful.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Lori! Happy weekend!
lu says
Congrats! What a beautiful family… wishing the best!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thank you so much, Lu!
Karen Simon Peterson says
Your pictures are wonderful. Even though my kids are grown, my husband and I try to do pictures every year or so.
themakerista@gmail.com says
That’s so great, Karen! I don’t think one ever regrets getting pictures taken.
Lori Cook says
I feel like there is never a good time for family photos; kids are busy, teenager has acne, there is nothing to wear and what do we wear to match; excuses are endless! Glad you went ahead and took the pictures! You have a beautiful family and will want to remember these times.
themakerista@gmail.com says
You’re so right, Lori! Thank you so much for following along and your kind words!
Pastile potenta says
Very beautiful makeover. This design is good.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thank you!
Diana says
“In 30 years none of my feelings will matter but having this time frozen in images will.” You are as wise as your family is beautiful! Thank you for sharing your blog in general, and these photos in particular.
themakerista@gmail.com says
That’s sweet, thanks Diana for your kindness and happy weekend!