Thursday, August 13, 2015

{Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real}: The Christmas Card picture.......in August!

So....today was the last day I would have all my seven kids in one place for several months.  We decided that we should take a picture....at 7:45 am.  Eldest Child had to go to work and Thoughtful Child was leaving later in the day on a flight out west.  So, naturally (for us!) we all got up and I made them sit on the front porch for a photo shoot.  They were good sports as they are used to their Mom's sudden inspirations and "scathingly brilliant ideas".  


{Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real, Ludicrous}







Their heads accidentally DID knock together...hence the look on Youngest Child's face.

If any of you have boys.......I need not explain this..........
Needless to say, this one won't make the final cut for the Christmas Card.....Thoughtful Child and Creative Child's faces defy explanation.







Our nest has slowly been following a back and forth arc of departures and arrivals for about 6 years now.  This departure was more real.  I am losing 3 to the West Coast and 1 to the East Coast for many months.  One is starting a job, one will be leaving for a job in January and I am beginning to feel that this is the beginning of the final flight from the nest.  I am filled with sadness these days.  Emptying 
nests are so hard.  All the goodbyes have left me a bit bereft.  Sigh.  But this is how it must be for them to take up their vocations in life.  I feel just a bit stubborn about letting this particular "seed fall to earth and die".  But no death, no life.

6 comments:

  1. What a beautiful reflection. What funny photos!

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  2. Hi,
    What a beautiful family. They all look so happy. I like the first picture. Thanks for stopping
    by my place. Have a great day!

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  3. Love the photos. Love your reflection. It is such a bitter, sweet time.

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  4. My mom sighs with contentment when we are all at home, "All my little chickies are in the nest!"
    I love your background. What is it?

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  5. Oh, "The Trouble With Angles"! Haven't watched that in years!
    What a goofy and happy looking group you've got there.

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  6. Our eldest is moving out this September when she starts college so I'm right at the beginning of this journey. It is very bittersweet and I know I'll shed more than a few tears. It is obvious from the pictures that you have a very bonded and fun filled family. Miles can't break those deep connections.

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