Go ahead. Try to take a picture of six kids. This was an attempt at a Christmas photo. I thought, "We have six kids, dressed up, outside the church. How hard can this be?" Apparently, I forgot about all the family pictures we have ever tried to take. So the first problem, they are Sabins. Second, they were freezing! I think it was about 17 degrees this day. Third, they were unwilling. They don't like to look at the camera and smile. They like to look at the camera and do whatever they want.

That is how I feel about our family life. The kids like to do whatever they want. I ask Sam to empty the garbage and I have to wait. I ask Cara to practice the piano, and she needs to surf her iPhone. I ask Max to do anything and he says it's not fair. Maddie and George avoid getting asked. Maddie by hiding in her room and George by hiding at the gym. Leah is very willing, just not very helpful.

But when they want to do something, they can be helpful. If Cara wants gas money, she is super helpful about taking her brother to swim practice. George can remember to do his homework, right when he needs to get ready for bed. Sam can study for a test when he is forced to take it at the last moment possible. And Maddie loves helping when she wants to hang out with a friend. I'm still thinking about Max! Oh, Max will do anything for a soda.

I love these kids. They are unique and fun. I'm even getting kind of used to some of their weirdness.