picture perfect

Once every six months we pack the children in the van and make a very special trip to Walmart, the magical place where you can capture your child's precious whatever-particular-month-old face for the mere package price of $5.99.

I have yet to frame one of these professional photographs, but for the price I can't resist a little extra push for 'cutest grandchildren' bragging rights. Amazing, along with the 45 million other photographs that you get in this bargain priced package, you get this ginormous 11x13, life-size photograph of your child to take home.

Since it is slightly too freakishly real to size for any of the grandmas to accept, I nearly trashed archived this life-size photo until I realized the potential.

This can finally be my picture perfect little toddler.

Instead of him arching his back in this demon-like action while screaming at me that he is finished eating,

I can have him waiting patiently for me to wipe the oatmeal out of his hair.

Instead of having a child who contorts his body into impossible angles to avoid a diaper change,

I can have a child who has the ability to remain still for the thirty seconds it takes me to change him.

Instead of having a one-year-old that jumps off the couch fully expecting you to catch him the minute you have your back turned, heading for the kitchen,

I have a little boy who can sit there quietly keeping himself busy.

Instead of having a full blown tantrum the minute I pull his hood up over his snow pant/snow boot/mittens/hat/winter ensemble,

I can have a child happy as a clam that he has lost his ability to maneuver.

Oh, a mom can dream...but really, doesn't that sound picture perfect?