I tried. It was painful, for me and for the kids. Or maybe the kids just were being antsy and thus they made it painful for me. Regardless, they weren’t happy and I wasn’t too happy. But heck, it was only a minute or two out of their lives and I have them all captured, together, on film. Minus Miss Tori, of course, who is away at summer school. I will be definitely trying again soon, undoubtedly armed with more bribes, but this will have to suffice for now.
We went out to eat last night and as we were leaving the gentleman next to us said, “Wow. That’s a big family.” My witty retort? “Uh, yes. Yes it is.” That’s me, thinking on my feet again. Gotta think of a better reply…
Those are some great pics- I cannot imagine trying to get seven children to “pose”- it is hard enough to get one to sit still- much more seven – hopefully your Tori will be able to make it home for the next round!
Blessings!
Karen
Ps I think a fun response the next time would be “oh this is nothing-there are more- but we just couldn’t all fit in the van this time…” …and then watch their face before saying “gotcha”!
My reply to that remark is “yeah you should see how big my heart is”. Thjat always stops them in their tracks. lol…..
Great picture.
This is SO cute and funny! Most people can’t get two kids to smile at the same time! And just that you found the time to do this little photo shoot! Love it!
Charlene
This is what I saw in those photos:
L O V E!!!!
The way the big brothers are holding onto the little ones, just priceless!!! LOVE IT!!
how fun to log on and see all these new posts! the kids are gorgeous…as always..and looking so BIG!!! shepherd has the greatest smile! oh, and i once posted a fart video,too…except no toy was involved! hope matthew will forgive!
I think your response was perfect! Especially if you say it with pride and a big ole moonstruck smile. Besides, I think it’s a compliment. I can’t imagine anything I’d want more than a big family full of love and happiness which you so obviously have. So, maybe he was just awestruck and happy for you.
I think they are GREAT!!!! I love the green grass too 🙂 We are in high demand of that around here….
I think you could always say, “Yep – God has chosen to bless us 8 times!” But any reply other than a dirty look is great! I don’t think people mean any harm in general..
I also like the morris family's response!! You should DEFINITELY try it & let us know how much fun it is 😀
Laura G. has been asked out in public before if they all had the same dad??? Now THAT's RUDE!
Hahahahahaha. Your “witty retort” sounds just like mine!! I never know what to say until about 2 hours later. Then it dawns on me… “OH YEAH! I should have said THAT.”
I like this one: “Oh, we’re just getting started!!!” 🙂
The pictures are awesome!!!! Look at all that lovin’!!
Hugs to you, my dear friend,
Rebecca
I LOVE those pictures. It is so hard to get a grp all smiling..looking the same way.
Nice to see the whole gang (minus Miss Tori, of course).
Thanks for sharing.
Debby
mom to Lindsi & Jami
What cute pictures and cute kids too:-) I think the pictures are great.
PERFECTION! What glorious photos!
And, the witty retorts always come to me in the middle of the night when I should be SLEEPING.
Cute pictures! They are actually very good!! I can’t believe how much older Zach looks.
Yeah, we get the looks when we take all five kids out to dinner. And that is just five! I think it is more the age difference with us because we do live in an area where many families have lots of kids so it isn’t too shocking I guess.
I am so glad to see you are back at blogging. I have missed your updates!
You crack me up! “Excrutiating” is a good way to describe family photo shoots, but none of us would have been the wiser. The shots look great.
I always try to console myself that if my kids were eager, easy and cooperative, my life would be boring. A good dose of spunk is good, right???
Hey, if you can’t think of a witty retort, who could? You definately have to work on that and give the rest of us some tips. Let us know what you come up with. I want one for the “your a glutton for punishment” comment which I have gotten more times than I care to remember (and I think it is rather negative and rude whether it comes from a stranger or someone I know well). It always shocks me that someone would dare to say that.
Anyway, good job on the photos. You have a beautiful, inspiring family
The kids all look adorable. I know it’s missing beautiful big sis, though. Hopefully she can make the next one.
Hey, no problem! Send me all the full sized photos and I’ll swap heads around and you’ll end up with one great photo! I do this all the time!
🙂
Donna
I’d cut yourself a little slack — I think you did pretty darn good! Trying to get a good group photo of that many kids is like coralling chickens. 🙂
Oh, I know that was hard…I try to get just two or three kids together and it’s nearly impossible. Tip: I found the best word to get them to all to look my direction and smile is when I get them to say the word “poop!” to me. Works like a charm everytime. 🙂
You sure are blessed with an adorable family!
Melissa
Wow, I can’t get my two girls to pose so I can’t imagine how difficult your task must be! Good show!
I’d say with all the variables – the photo turned out terrific!
I got one. Just say, “I can’t keep my husband off me.”
(As long as he’s there. I guess someone might assume he’s Chinese!)
That’s ZACH?? In the middle?? My gosh he looks so tall! How did that happen so fast? I guess it’s been a while since I’ve seen a pic of him from a distance…
love all the photos, even though it was painful getting them! You just have such a gorgeous family…
Girl! We go through the same thing. Makes me want to do one of those pictures where you just move the heads from other pictures & then everyone is smiling! 🙂
Oh and I did the blog test thingy- I was a "college grad"…..HMMMMM Maybe I need to use bigger words?! 🙂
A
Your family is wonderful! As far as the comments about how BIG your family is – don’t let them steal your joy! I think it is amazing! God has blessed you mightily!
I think next time you should just say with a big ol’ smile on your face…”Hey, what can I say?! I’m married to a Texan – they like to everything BIG down there!” LOL! 🙂
That’s o.k. I think you done good girl! 🙂
Oh, btw, you’ve been tagged from my blog. I always enjoy reading your responses to these!
Jen from Macon
What a beautiful family! I am blessed just seeing those precious kiddos. BTW…love the fart machine at our house too.
You did great! I have trouble with one child sometimes. 🙂 You really can see all the love they have for each other. What more can you ask for? 😉
Hi Stef – I think you did REALLY good – you have one gorgeous family. Each and every one of your children is special, God’s gracious gift and the beauty is you absolutely know it and live it.
I think your response to the gentleman was great, but the Karen got it straight on with her response. I laughed out loud! I’d pay to be there to see the faces for that one!!
Can’t wait to see them with Tori too. Hope she is having a good summer.
Heather
They are all just too stinkin’ cute, Stef!!
Sharon
http://www.ourfamilyourstory.com
P.S. Did Zach get the new Artemis Fowl book? I noticed once on your blog that he is an avid Artemis reader like Keith. He was soooo excited when I called and told him I had his new book. He says it is “waaayyyy, waaaayyy cool”. LOL
Picture Perfect!!!!!!!!! 🙂
Hugs,
Ohilda