It was 12 years ago, that this lovely photographic nugget was taken:
I know. Right?
I present to your 1996 St. Paul Reformation Lutheran Church Directory family photo.
Dan looks like he’s just waking up from one SERIOUS night of partying. I’m wearing black to camouflage the fact that of the 100 pounds I gained during my pregnancy, minus the 8.2 that Aidan accounted for, I still had roughly 65 more to lose, yet she was clearly not a newborn.
And speaking of that little imp, she was definitely the high point of this shot, in her adorable little pink Baby Gap jumper dress.
And little Coleman? Well, he was just a gleam in my eye (and would also never see a Baby Gap label against his little body. 2nd kids get Old Navy. EVERYONE knows that.)
I share the lovely photo with you today and tell you this: it is not on display anywhere in my home. It resides in a box, in my basement, where we keep our liquor and the monsters. It rarely sees the light of day, however, it came out recently because after 12 years, we finally decided to get another Church Directory family photo taken.
Why it has taken so long to get all four of us in there together for a family picture has very little to do with the fact that when I step into the sanctuary there are small but easily managed fires that spontaneously erupt in various corners of the church. Really. Very little to do with that at all. It’s just been timing.
So several weeks ago, we showed up and got this:
Notice the differences? No? Okay, i’ll point them out to you:
• Dan has a giant vein running down the left side of his head. And his skull has been surgically elongated since the last photo.
• I have roughly 15 less pounds and have also learned to pluck my eyebrows.
• Aidan has added roughly 11-1/2 years and braces.
• There is a nine-year-old boy.
I don’t want to offend anyone, but I’m not a fan of the studio family shot. It’s just not us. And with all my crazy talented scrapbooker photog friends, I can usually get something that’s a bit more interesting. That said, the dude who took the shot was really savvy, and convinced me I needed one of these for my home. He sat me down and we agreed on two canvas wrapped 5 x 7s. Just as I was about to sign on the dotted line, he said, "And that will be $86 plus tax and shipping."
Because I was raised to be polite (and I really can’t deal with confrontations, and I want everyone to like me) I couldn’t NOT go through with it, though every cell in my body was screaming, "YOU WILL NEVER DISPLAY THIS SHOT IN YOUR HOME, IDIOT!" And so, we placed the order.
What I didn’t know was this: we were entitled to get a free one just for showing up.
Long story short: I called LifeTouch and cancelled the order, and 8 weeks later, got a refund check. Buyer’s remorse overcome. Hallelujah!
We picked up our FREE print two Sundays ago, and I’ve tried to find ways to make me want to put it up in my home somewhere other than in the basement. Thanks to an array of Photoshop actions, I may have created several potential keepers in the following examples:
First, i tried a few actions from Kevin Kubota’s Artistic Actions Vol. 2. First up: Lord of the Rings II:
Hmmmm. A little too freaky glowy. Dan IS that orange in real life. The rest of us? Not so much.
Then I tried the Modern Antique with Glow:
I suppose it’s nice if we’re going for that Cullen family vibe.
But it wasn’t quite there, so next up: Totally Rad Actions.
First, I tried Super Old Skool Fast, from The Totally Rad Original set.
Reminds me of the old west shots from the mall. All that’s missing are the cowboy hats and assless chaps.
Then I tried one from Totally Rad Actions—The Revenge, called "Dirty and Used Up":
Yeah. That’s an improvement.
And while all of these were well and good, I decided to just hit my old standby favorite action from Ree, the Pioneer Woman, called PW’s Black & White (and it’s free!)
I don’t know if it’s going to be better than one of the Totally Rad Revenge actions called "Beer Goggles," but it might just find a place higher in the house than the basement.
Scrap Evangel says
You’ve done well with your eyebrows. And I love the expression on your dh’s face.
Eleonor F. says
OMG Cathy, you seriously crack me up! I’ve loved reading your blog but never posted until now. I hate taking (much less actually purchasing) studio pictures. Used to do that before I learned that taking pictures with my own SLR will give me way better pictures. I vote for the B&W action, although the beer goggles is a close 2nd. Thanks for the laughs!
amy j. says
Oh, Cathy, you’re being too graphic designer/photog critical. I like the shot. It may be a bit on the predictable side, but it’s your family and you all look nice and happy and well, ya’ll. So slap a frame on that baby and hang it in a hallway, where all studio shots end up. My sister is a HUGE studio shot person. She’s taken my children to studios for portraits for years against my protest. So I have a TON of these planned, weird, shots of my children. And, like you, I have put them in drawers. But my goal for 2009 is a huge family photo gallery of more than 30 framed photos down my upstairs hall. I’ve vowed to make room for them. They simply are a part of all of our lives…these and the school photo (which I don’t have any of framed!).
If it makes you feel any better, I think you look better now than in 1996! Not that you looked bad then, you’ve just aged like fine wine baby. And, too, the picture looks complete now. There was a definite “hole” in that first shot without little Cole ;).
Merry Christmas. Oh, and I like the color shot better. It just seems more vibrant (I know, that’s not quite the word…but the black and white seems a little sullen).
Monica says
Hilarious! Your eyebrow reference had me laughing out loud as I sit here at work. A dead give away that I’m NOT on task.
Merry Christmas!
Sandi says
This was the funniest post I have read in a long time. Thank you for making me laugh!!
Sandi D.
Patti says
Cathy!! it looks great-don’t be so hard on yourself! someday you can look back and chuckle to yourself-but at least you will have a beautiful family photo:) Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family!!
Diane says
OH MY GOD! I did the same thing! I caved to the pressure sale, then called two hours later and cancelled the dang order! Our shot looks like my hubby is trying to “hubby” me from behind (family friendly site here…assless chaps notwithstanding!) and my kids look like two orphans we found waiting in line outside! Who ARE these people??
Cathy, this post SO hit home for me. Thanks for the laugh! Seriously, I’m snowed in up in Marysville, WA and needed that chuckle.
=) Diane
amy says
I so remember these church shots….. only I have not gone back since 1996 to update….. oops!! I will put it on my to do list right away!! (Since the 3 yo boy in my photo is now 15 and the now 10 yo girl was non exsistent!)
I agree….. the black and white one rules!
Thanks for the pre Christmas giggles this morning!
Connie says
Cathy-That is one of the funniest posts you have ever written. I did a ‘spit-take’ when I read about Dan’s elongated skull.
Thanks for the laughs.
Jennifer M. says
I don’t remember the last time I laughed so hard reading a blog post. That was awesome!
Val says
I might have peed myself a little bit reading your post today. Just a little. Hey, I just had a baby – it has nothing to do with you being the funniest person on earth. 🙂
Thank GOD for your blog!
sharon says
As much as you don’t care for them, they are cool to have. We never did get that family portrait taken while DH was alive. 😉
michelle norris says
YOu really crack me up – love reading your blog. Hang up the black and white and just embrace the photo — michelle
marian says
Ok, I laughed out loud reading this post. I’m glad to see that I am not the only one who hates family photo in studio pictures. Have a wonderful holiday.
Robin W says
Cathy, Too funny! The only family shots I have are also for the church directory ,could be a lutheran thing :). The last time we had ours updated both kids were still shorter than me.
Mary Jo says
:0) The one and only church portrait we have taken as a family was when my son was not quite two and he’s now six and a half. And yea, that portrait is sitting in a box as well.
Not a good photo of Mike and I for sure :0)
Evan very cute as usual and Erin still almost three years away.
So ITA with you about Life Portraits.
Judy Sanza says
I can barely see the screen to write I am laughing and crying so hard….we have that same shot with our grandkids from 1998 and we still have four unused, framed, canvas (looks like oils) sitting in a box on the shelf in the garage….we don’t have a basement here in FL.
I…in that picture….have been made fun of by the entire family and round of friends for my “deer in the headlight” look. Every picture I take…from that moment on has affected me…permanently scarred me…as I try not to open my eyes too wide.
Thanks for sharing your life….we sure do need the laughs…oops…I didn’t mean your life was laughable…I mean…oh well.
Thanks,
Judy in Fernandina Beach, FL on Amelia Island
Alis in Wnderlnd says
I think I just peed my pants a little!
I think the same studio took our church directory photo except our dud insisted that I prop our 21 day old son up! We won out in teh end, but it was torture. Our 3 y/o got them back by coloring all over the samples of the digital mattes we could choose…mind you, the sales lady gave her the crayon after I warned her it wasn’t a good idea.
I scanned our freebie, did an action or two and shrunk it for an ornament on our tree. It’s hideous still, but makes me laugh.
Kelli says
Thanks for reminding me to never get portraits done. My mom has a hideous one from over 20 years ago of our family and it’s enough to give a person nightmares.
Lisa Russell says
I would proudly display the one with the PW B&W action. I love it! Or, give it to your mom for Christmas. lol
Suzette says
Every morning I come downstairs and go right to my computer. YOU are my homepage. My husband asks, “What are you always running down to check first thing in the morning?” He thinks I have a BOYFRIEND! Little does he know I need my daily Cathy fix!
Then, throughout the day, I tell little tidbits to friends. I’ll say something like, “Cathy, you know that designer I’m taking the class from, she told this story…”
Everyone is seriously worried about me!! Not me, I’m just havin’ fun!
Merry Christmas! I loved the Canon printer video! Only you could make a random number generator fun!
Boy, I used a lot of exclamation points in this post!!!
Cheri says
Personally, I vote for the black & white. And while it may not be perfect – the photo represents a moment in time and you can’t get it back, so you gotta just love it for what it is! We stopped doing KMart studio photos quite awhile ago and went to a few professional photogs – but we are way overdue!
Ashley S. says
I was laughing out loud when you pointed out the differences in the second picture.
Amy says
you are seriously funny.
Life Touch is horrible. So glad I can return the package and not purchase any from school when they suck
elizabeth says
Ha! Ha! Ha!
You are laugh out loud funny.
Alicia says
Oh my, you made me laugh. Really belly-laugh. Thank you. (Not at your eyebrows, btw, but your bulleted list of the differences between the photos… go figure, I was in hysterics).
Shelly Jaquet says
oh good story! love it 🙂 and my little niece had that same little jumper… of course my daughter got to wear it too! funny!
Mel says
I love the color combos and your new brows. You have to love Ree and the stuff she gives you so you won’t hate her for the 20lbs. you get just from looking at her site.
Quinna says
Us Lutherans and those church photo directories…..They really high pressure you into purchasing….I remember my mother-in-law purchasing a total package and she had NO money. It was sad! Last time I told them as I walked in the door we will NOT be purchasing so save the speel…we still had to listen.
Sad Christmas here in the Norhtwest. Looks like my kids will be unable to make it home. I will be catching up on my Design for Life and drinking cheap wine!
scrappysue says
fundraiser/almost freebie sittings like that usually are the WORST composed ever! hysterical
Tracy says
I think my eyes actually crossed on the last one… 😉 What is it about the church photos? My mom always looks odd in hers too. (Love you mom!)
Krys says
Lifetouch got me for well over $86 – So here’s my reasoning/excuse:
We have no formal picture of us, at all, ever. (It doesn’t matter that we don’t really need one; it matters that we don’t have one.) I could give away either the free one or the ones I paid for to my mom for a Christmas gift; I know she’d love it! What a cool thing to have a fake oil version of the photo; perhaps my family, a hundred years from now, will look at it and hang it over the fireplace…
I’m a sucker. Plain and simple.
Sarah in MN says
Love the post! It was VERY ENTERTAINING!!! Also, it was cool of you to “plug” all of those actions so that we can get a visual of what some of them do…
Having been a graphic designer in my former life, I have a little background so, I had to try INCREDIBLY HARD not to laugh when the wedding photographer told me that he had spent SO MUCH TIME doctoring all of his favorite shots from our wedding and turning some of them to Black & White. I don’t think he was expecting it when I politely reminded him that “all of those photoshop actions are so darned great, aren’t they? ”
It seems to capture Dan much better (more natural) when YOU photograph him vs. a professional photographer. Guess that just shows how comfortable you make him feel…
You’re a riot and continue to make me laugh! THANK YOU!
emily pitts says
always, always, always. i can count on a laugh from you. thank you for today’s!
Ann says
You made my day-good laughter – We actually had a good picture taken of us from Lifetouch for church and it hangs on our wall and this was the FREE one. I may not look at it the same with a smirk or smile – Thanks for the laugh
Ann
emily pitts says
always, always, always. i can count on a laugh from you. thank you for today’s!
emily pitts says
always, always, always. i can count on a laugh from you. thank you for today’s!
Beth Rang says
I really like the PW Black & White. And thank you for sharing that older photo. You all look so cute.
Kris says
Daer gussie…wouldn’t it be great if we were always seen through beer goggles?
Yvonne Busdeker says
rofl, great post. we are having our first church directory photo take on the 29th of this month. not going for the package thing, just the free photo. i like informal better:)
erin says
i love reading your blog. you crack me up. love your stories.
merry christmas!
K Weston says
I did not realize that in the early days you were actually married to Cole! Could they look more alike?
And I’ve done the whole pressure purchase thing–guy at my door who wouldn’t say no to my buying the paper, so I ordered and called within the hour to cancel. Chicken? Sure. I am what I am.
laurenz says
that was the funniest post ever! thanks for the laugh.
Tracie Claiborne says
Well I needed that laugh today – thanks! You are so photogenic it’s sickening. I think it’s a cute pic of your family. I like the B&W version too. Has Dan lost weight recently? I must have missed that on your blog. He’s skinny!
Michelle Contarino says
Cathy,
You are soooo funny! I was cracking up!! I really loved this post.
Have a Merry Christmas!
Nancy says
ummmm . . . actually, i think Dan looks almost exactly the same.
and for the first time EVER, in 22 years, we bought the church picture because it was actually good, and i was all nostalgic (read: hormonal) because oldest DS was headed off to college.
Nicky H says
I’m right there with ya. Haven’t had a pro photo since DH and I were first married- I think I was preggo, so 2 years in to the marriage. My Canon XTi and my remote timer make photos that are JUST as glamorous (more so!) than school pictures. AND whatever I print, Photoshop and I have control over, AND it’s THOUSANDS of dollars cheaper!!
Still, the dang school pictures still guilt me. What kind of Mom would I be if I didn’t buy those crappy things?!
Kelli says
Yet again, you cease to amaze me, by going into my brain and pulling out all my thoughts on church directory pictures…don’t make me post mine! LMAO!
Darlene says
Cathy you are a hoot!!! I love the photo just made…like everyone else you are too hard on yourselves. But you were right to cancel the order…yikes…all scrapbookers take photos just as good or better.
Still plugging away on our DYL lessons…I really enjoyed the class!! Hope you teach something else in 2009. I am practically going broke taking BPS classes…but loving them all.
Happy Holidays…
Darlene
JoAnne P says
You all look great, um except for the modern antique glow…Dan looks dangerous for some reason.
Tammy M. says
That is hilarious! I’m not a huge fan of the church directory photo either…we had one take a few years ago and the kid (literally, he couldn’t have been any older than 22) was a moron and had absolutely no repore with young children…love your effort of trying to keep your photo out of the basement though…unfortunately that is where mine IS sitting…somewhere. Love your blog bunches!
susan says
I think your Lutheran photographer used to moonlight at our Baptist church. Ask him if he remembers the really special lighting her used back in 2001. It gave me pasty skin and upper arms like those of a football player. (I’ve got to assume it was the lighting.)
Sharon F says
You are a riot! I love the BW version and those beer goggles are pretty fun actually.
push back on those salesfolks they expect it. Its really no fun when the customer just caves. My pat question to them is – would you sell this to your sister at this price?
Happy Holidays…
Nancy C. says
This was so funny! I agree with JoAnne P that Dan looks sort of dangerous…sort of Jack Nicholson in “The Shining”…or he just did something really naughty in that church!
Cherie says
I laughed so hard at your comparisons – So funny!
I have to say I am REALLY SURPRISED that you haven’t had your buddy Tara take your family photo!
She is so incredibly talented I actually dream of having her take my families photo and here she is one of your best friends.
Take the trip – Just “do it”!!
Angela Hancock says
OMG Cathy I love your blog but seriously I just had to post to thank you for making me laugh my ass off….Have a wonderful holiday!
Joy U says
Cathy, you are hilarious! Thanks for the laughs.
Jackie says
I’d like to leave a funny quip, but I’m too busy LMAO!
Netleigh says
How can Dan morph from the really cute guy on all your DYL photos to the manic look in these shots?
Celeste E says
I woke up this morning feeling a bit down, not sure why. After going for my early run I sat down at the computer and checked out your blog. You not only brought a smile to my face but some hard laughter! I’m NOT poking fun at your church photos, but just the comments you made were hilarious! Thanks for brightening my day! I needed that!
Linda says
Oh, Cathy, you make me laugh! In fact, I laughed out loud when I began reading your critique of the new photo! I will never stop reading your blog!
lynn whelan says
I admittedly have not read the other 60 some odd posts to see if anyone else had made this observation, but did you notice…
that Cole’s hair at the forhead has fallen exactly the same as Dan’s???
too funny!
dana smith says
Thanks for the laugh this morning!!! The “beer goggles” photos kills me!!!! Miss you so much!!! 2009 is our reunion year my friend!!!! Hugs
Norma (aka Jeff on DYL) says
Cathy – I just love your sense of humour. I know where to turn for a good laugh. Must confess DH looks a bit freaky with that look! I call it the mass murderer look! We have a friend whose DH we called a mm type but he is actually the sweetest, nicest person.So,apologies to Dan. Keep up the good work and thank you x 1 000 000 times for your awesome DYL workshop. Best thing I have done this year!!!!! Have a blessed Christmas. Love from Durban, South Africa.
Kelley says
One…it really is a sweet picture of your family. And be honest, if you are anything like my family, when was the last time you actually took a family picture where everyone was looking at the camera and smiling at the same time?! And two…your comment about first children getting the Gap and second children getting Old Navy is so right on I burst out laughing upon ready it. Question though…what does that mean for my expected baby #3?
Anon says
In case you hadn’t thought about this…the photographer and the salesperson (sometimes one and the same)are not paid to come shoot your church directory. They are on straight commission. Most of them are very dedicated, wanting to give you great portraits you can treasure for a lifetime. Whether you get those a lot of times depends on you. Whether you dress appropriately, follow his directions for posing and expressions, whether the kids cooperate. I’m guessing that wasn’t the best shot of the many he took, just one you could make fun of.
I’ve seen many, many Lifetouch portraits that are absolutely beautiful–even the directory shots. But they don’t just take directory shots. They give you a full range of poses–family, kids, parents–to choose from. You’d pay a hefty sitting fee to get those done in a site-studio, but at Lifetouch the only charge is if you buy portraits from that guy who has already spent hours of his own non-paid time just to get there and set up that studio (no easy job!) and who has to deal with people like you all day long. And do it with a smile.
And if you’ve never had to deal with church people on a daily basis, you should try it some time. People in bars are much nicer. So much for sharing Christ’s love and compassion. But the photographer doesn’t deserve the abuse and disrespect he gets every single day. He’s trying to support his family while doing something he loves. That’s not so wrong, is it?
robin says
omg….with all this holiday stress lately..cold sores breaking out all over my mouth…I managed to laugh outloud in pain..but so worth it..hope you and fam have a wonderful christmas!!!
ljr3kids says
This is just to funny. We too have these wonerful pictures, but we have 6 I think–just the free ones but they are still hidden in the closet. You are welcome to them if you need more examples of actions! 🙂 How can they take 5 moderately good looking people and make them look terrible is beyond me! You could always do what my friend does–they do something silly every time we have a directory. One year everyone was on their cell phones, one year they all wore black and brought toy guns,and this last time they all had fake noses and glasses….It is the first picture everyone looks at when the directory comes out. Merry Chirstmas Cathy!
ljr3kids says
This is just to funny. We too have these wonerful pictures, but we have 6 I think–just the free ones but they are still hidden in the closet. You are welcome to them if you need more examples of actions! 🙂 How can they take 5 moderately good looking people and make them look terrible is beyond me! You could always do what my friend does–they do something silly every time we have a directory. One year everyone was on their cell phones, one year they all wore black and brought toy guns,and this last time they all had fake noses and glasses….It is the first picture everyone looks at when the directory comes out. Merry Chirstmas Cathy!
{vicki} says
The black and white looks REALLY GREAT!
{vicki}
ljr3kids says
This is just to funny. We too have these wonerful pictures, but we have 6 I think–just the free ones but they are still hidden in the closet. You are welcome to them if you need more examples of actions! 🙂 How can they take 5 moderately good looking people and make them look terrible is beyond me! You could always do what my friend does–they do something silly every time we have a directory. One year everyone was on their cell phones, one year they all wore black and brought toy guns,and this last time they all had fake noses and glasses….It is the first picture everyone looks at when the directory comes out. Merry Chirstmas Cathy!
heidi says
You said assless chaps 🙂 LOLOL!!!!
ljr3kids says
This is just to funny. We too have these wonerful pictures, but we have 6 I think–just the free ones but they are still hidden in the closet. You are welcome to them if you need more examples of actions! 🙂 How can they take 5 moderately good looking people and make them look terrible is beyond me! You could always do what my friend does–they do something silly every time we have a directory. One year everyone was on their cell phones, one year they all wore black and brought toy guns,and this last time they all had fake noses and glasses….It is the first picture everyone looks at when the directory comes out. Merry Chirstmas Cathy!
Bree says
That is some good stuff. This post gave me a much-needed belly laugh. Even the baby in my belly laughed 🙂
I should dig out the church directory photos of my parents and 7 kids. Now that was some good stuff!
Deb Jones says
Oh girl, what a hoot. I’m with you on this one. Those church photos are just not you (or us). I’ve got pictures taken by non-picture taking friends that look better than any we have had done at church. Same goes for the school ones. I already miss DYL class. Looking forward to having some type of class with you again some day. At least your blog is still here. Deb
Dena says
You may have convinced me to tweeze (pluck) my eye-brows. We had a friend take a picture of the three of us for our church directory. Less hassle and no buyer’s remorse this time. I am going to send them out to some friends and maybe I will use my PSE on them when I figure out how to do it.
It is nice to see a picture of you and your family- both times. Totally enjoyed the DYL class. Thanks!
JenRay says
You just HAVE to love a woman who uses “assless chaps” especially when referring to a family portrait! You crack me up! Merry Christmas!!
Sonda T says
OK, first off…do you even read our comments here???????? This is a GREAT photo of you all. I love it in B&W best..gotta agree with you on that one. We just had our “church directory” photo taken over the summer and it was the same experience. We left with nothing but our freebie shot. TOO MUCH DARN MONEY! It’s highway robbery I tell you!!! I should have you “action shot” our photo up so it will look better. oh well. it stays packed away as well.
Angela says
We faithfully get our church portrait done every time they ask us to and we go in armed with the following mantra: Cathy’s photos are 100 times better….Cathy’s photos are 100 times better. It works every time. We take our complimentary 8 x10 and run.
Kelli says
Thanks, I needed that laugh.
Lisa says
Blech
I have this lovely experience to look forward to in a month for our new church directory
10 years later we have a new pastor, ergo new directory
verily
I doth protest
o-girl says
Awesome post! Don’t’cha just LURVE church directory portraits?! LOL Hey, at least Dan didn’t try to sneak in a boob-grab at the last 2nd, for all posterity to see. LOL HAPPY HOLIDAYS ~ MERRY CHRISTMAS Zielskes! 🙂
Dixie Lee says
Gotta love church directoy photos, but the directoy itself is an awesome thing…because I never can keep names and faces straight.
It’s not a bad shot…and may I say that you look TOTALLY awesome!!
Jennifer Larson says
Thank you so much for a can’t-stop-myself, totally awesome laugh.
Merry Christmas!
Jill says
I’m laughing so hard my tummy hurts! LOVE your blog, Cathy.
Karen Kelly says
I’ve been going through a rough couple of months and let me tell you that you are frickin’ hysterical and bring a smile to my face on a pretty regular basis. I just got the e-mail with all of the sketches for our class which was great and then this blog post…ah, it’s just too much. So thanks…and maybe one day I will actually get to all of that great stuff in the class. I really appreciate all of the work that you put into it and am sad that I have kinda missed out on actively participating. Have a great Christmas with your family, Cathy!
Laura says
LOL Im riht there with you on the CD pics. I have one of my dds when they were roughly 8 and 10 and they positively will never forgive me for it! My dh loves it though and its proudly displayed in his office area of the basement. So I agree with the gal that said proudly display it in the hallway! I think there is one from our MS Lutheran church somewhere from about 1997! now that would be something to look at! And dont hate me but theres something about Dan in the first shot that looks like the grinch!LOLOLOL
Pam K says
Okay, that was funny, but I have one question? What is up with all three of you having the same “whispy bang” thing going on in the 1996 shot? You all have the same haircut with slight variations in length. Too funny!
Heather Main says
Am I alone in thinking Dan kind of looks like “Mr. Burns” ala The Simpsons in this photo LOL.
Sorry but I swear to you that is the first thing that came to my mind….your eyebrows are fabulous though 😀
My apologies to Dan I am sure it’s just a bad angle or something 😀 I should clarify he looks like a very young and handsome Mr. Burns…..is that better?
not so mean girl says
Cathy, you are too funny. Your comments about your family are funny. You can laugh at yourself and don’t mix words. You have the ability to talk about yourself and your family and not sound like you are bragging, unlike some other blogs. I come back for your sense of humor. Girl, you are funny!!!
not so mean girl says
Cathy, you are too funny. Your comments about your family are funny. You can laugh at yourself and don’t mix words. You have the ability to talk about yourself and your family and not sound like you are bragging, unlike some other blogs. I come back for your sense of humor. Girl, you are funny!!!
Leslie says
I don’t know you in real life but I wanted to tell you that I just think you are a hoot! You seem so funny and real (well, as real as a person can seem across the computer screen when I have no chance of ever meeting you in person, right?) and I had a great laugh after reading your post! Thanks for the fun!
Angela says
And at least you didn’t bite and buy the one I’m sure he took of just you and Dan.
cory says
oh my gosh, I giggled all the way through this post. Happy New Year!
Megan says
Unfortunately I know those church pictures oh to well.
Yours didn’t turn out *that* bad.;)
Robin says
Thanks for sharing the photo. We have a Sears photo that looks like that also but it mysteriously disappeared one day. Could it be because I looked the worst in the photo?
I love cardstock because it is the beginning of the creative process after I have chosen the photos and the story to share with other generations (but not Sears photos)
Jill says
I know this is old, but I am laughing so hard I am crying… THis is the funniest thing I have read in weeks! LOL!!!!
cathy says
Thank you. I loved this post. It is the CHEESIEST photo of all time. Dang those church directory shots!
: )
natalie8817 says
Awesome post! 🙂