Makes My Monday: Take 1 (pictures)

2 "seasons" in one...changing leaves in the background and holly berries in the front

Here are a few snapshots of our attempt at Christmas pictures.

I was trying to go with a different approach to pictures this year. Instead of having the kids pose in front of the Christmas tree, I opted for some outdoor shots. We weren't very successful, but we did make some memories. And I now realize that infants are much easier to take pictures of....they can't run from you, or hold a poochie lip for the entire photo session. They will hold whatever you tell them....and you always get the perfect smile when playing peek-a-boo. I miss that stage. They grow up way too fast for my liking.

Lilyann standing by the tree..I just couldn't get her to keep her hands away from her face

Dakota hiding behind the tree...Lily not really wanting the picture taken

My favorite of Dakota

Lily and Me

I'm going to try again....I would love to have a picture of Lily and Dakota together. But if not, I can always do single shots.

What's your trick to snapping the best pictures of your energetic toddler/preschooler?

Playing along with Cheryl from Twinfatuation for Makes My Monday in hopes of receiving some magnificent tips for holiday photo taking.

Makes My Monday: Kota

Kota found a lizard...it was cool outside..so I figure that was the reason the lizard didn't really put up a fight with the giant little boy picking him up and carrying him around for most of the afternoon that day.

Here are some pictures of My Kota man....these were from last week. Kota is now home bound for at least the next 2 days. Kota tested positive for Type A and Type B influenza...I had taken him into the Doctor's office to get checked for croup. Since late last night, he was barking like a seal...which usually means croup. Well, he DID have croup in addition to the Flu. After the Dr's visit, it was off to pick up medicine and call everyone Kota had been in contact with including the school nurse. The dr reminded me to inform the school just in case anyone else came down with the same symptoms. And as far as the nurse knows, Dakota's case of the flu is the 1st in his school.
So far, it's going good. I think it's a toss up between keeping him inside occupied and getting him to take his medicine as to which is the hardest task. Gummi bears are our current reward for taking medicine like a big boy. And the privilege to play some video games.

Lily was not used to having Kota home today...she kept telling Kota " My Mommy, My House...NO, Kota, NO!" I guess she enjoys having run of the house while he is usually at school. But I'm sure she will adapt for the next few days...hopefully, she won't catch anything that Kota has. She has been inhaling orange juice lately. I can't seem to keep it stocked in the house. But this new favorite juice may keep her healthy...I can only hope.

Swinging on the tire swing one evening

Kota man being crazy on the trampoline

Now...how can I turn this into a Makes My Monday???
It makes my Monday that we caught the flu early with Dakota...so, maybe the Tamiflu will have help lessen the symptoms and the course of the flu..I can hope, can't I?!

playing along with Cheryl from Twinfatuation for Makes My Monday

still kicking

just dropping by to let all my readers (y'all haven't given up on me yet, have y'all?!) that we are still alive and kicking.
November is a busy month and we are only 2 days into it. I am working on finalizing the kids' insurance right now; and oddly enough the people at CHIPs won't share any information with me because I am NOT the head of household. It's crazy how at times they choose (yes, I said, Choose) to follow rules and policies. Due to checking "yes" to one question about who brings in the money of our household, Jed's name is now on everything related to health insurance for the kids. So, NO ONE will talk to me or answer any of my questions since I am not Jed....how frustrating!!! I am the one who signs each and every application for the kids' insurance...My signature counts for clarifying information but not for receiving information....absolute CraZiness!!

So, that is what I am doing lately....that and laundry. I will get back with y'all soon to share about our weekend. Until then, pray for my sanity while finishing up the insurance paperwork for the kids.