The Young and the Restless

Family Pictures

Welp, another family picture session for the books! This had all the makings of a typical family photo shoot: mom stressed about getting the perfect light, someone elbowing someone during the pictures, someone crying, two someones crying, someone making a goofy face so we have to retake the photo for the 215th time, someone not standing still, everyone yelling at someone for not standing still, everyone getting threatened to be grounded, and so on and so forth. But this time in the midst of the clenched teeth forced smiles there was another family walking by. I'm sure they heard all the yelling and fighting but at that point I was beyond caring. But then when Jayden got sent to the car for having an attitude he stumbled upon something unexpected. That family that passed by earlier left a backpack filled with gift cards and a hydroflask for some deserving family to discover as a Christmas surprise. I was so mortified at that point that they had seen us at our worst, but also so grateful for that act of service that managed to turn a less than enjoyable night into one of my favorites. One of the gift cards was to Starbucks and Jayden so graciously offered to treat everyone to hot chocolate. But first everyone was starving. We had a long debate about where to go but by default we ended up at Mod Pizza since it was the only thing open. Everyone was quietly enjoying their pizza when "Forever Young" came on the speaker and it was a good omen. Starbucks was right across the parking lot but 95% of us thought that 57 degrees was too cold so we drove. Jayden was good on his word and used his gift card for hot chocolates all around. And he will now and forever always remind us how nice he was to buy everyone hot chocolate. There was just something about this night and the turn of events that I loved. Sometimes family looks messy and chaotic, but sometimes family also looks like an arm around the shoulder, a secret handshake, an inside joke, a belly laugh, and yes, even  sometimes it looks like generously buying everyone a cup of hot cocoa. I love these people that I get to call mine.