Who is laughing at who(m)?

The lowest form of life

Ok, ehem, I know there are photographers who read this blog, and I just want the record to show, I don't mean THEM.

But really, photographers are the lowest form of life.

No, that is not entirely correct. Human resources are the lowest form of life, then these photographers.

Not GOOD photographers (see above) but the ones in the little studios that you get your kids picture taken at once a year.

I have gone to portrait innovations a couple of times. They made me feel crappy, I spent a bunch of money, but I was pretty happy with the experience. I went to WalMart, spent a bunch of money, but was not happy with the experience. This last time, I went to JC Penny's. I spent a more reasonable amount of money, and had good pictures. The problem that I have is the same problem I had at all these places. Even though I am there to take pictures of my small children, they don't seem to realized that I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN!!!

This last time, we had a great photography session, then they said to give them 10 minutes for enhancements. What are enhancements? Well, it is this cheesey crap that cost 10x as much as regular pictures. I don't have time to wait around for you to finish this up and I don't have time for you to talk me into said crap. Example follows:



Yep, $30 for that. I liked the following one, if it wasn't on sale 50% off for $45.



I think the purpose of these enhancements are to make money off of bad pictures you normally wouldn't purchase such as:





(Andy just isn't a STAR like James is)

We did get some great ones:





This was definately my best experience yet, but maybe it is just because I am better at saying no. I do love that $3.99/sheet coupon!

Saved!

Ok, I know this isn't how it works, but having your child baptized helps to ease you mind about their immortal soul. I am just saying...

We had Andy baptized this weekend. He was good for awhile, and then just broke down. He has some serious diaper rash issues though. I am sure that didn't help. Poor guy.

Here is the whole family:



Although he tried, James did not steal the show. And look at me, I got a new dress. It felt so great to wear something that FIT and was not a hand-me-down from my sister!

A Great Read

I just finished a fancinating 7 part series done by NEWSWEEK about the 2008 presidential campain. They have started doing stories like these for the last few elections and are given a lot of access with the agreement that the story won't run until after the election. It was so interesting to see the good and bad about the candidates, the fact and fiction of the news stories, but really, just what goes on behind the scenes in a campain like this (lots of drinking and swearing). If you have lots of spare time, go to:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/167582

Who has aged more?

Bush 2001


Bush 2008


Bowden 2000


Bowden 2008

"Allo-ween Patty"

This why you have kids. Even though this is James's third Halloween, it feels like his first. This year, he gets it. However, he considered it one big party: A "alloween patty".

Here is James and John at a church function:


James went as a monkey. He kept saying, "I'm a MONKEY. OOooo. EEeee." Here is a picture with E as a little girl tiger.



After the dinner, they had all the kids at the church get on the stage for a group picture. Here is the whole group:


And then I guess James didn't feel that he was getting enough love, so he gets down in front of everyone. Who would have thought this would be MY kid.


Don't forget Andy. He was also a monkey, because he 9 month pumpkin outfit was too small.


James with a bunch of Halloween goodies:


James driving the fire truck at the Clemson Trick or Treat thing. This was his favorite part.


He also liked meeting the tiger, who was dressed as superman.


Here is Andy and Gramma:


Finally, trick or treating in the neighborhood:


Enjoying the day's haul. The "pop-pops" were James's favorite.

Still can't believe it...

WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO!!