what is acceptable and what is not

dear little leah, 

mom here. and i need to tell you what is acceptable and what is not. this time, in regards to school pictures. this?:

not acceptable. 

i know, awkward right? and you're not awkward. you're downright cute. you have eyes that glimmer and a smile that would stop anyone dead in his tracks. and you usually have great posture, so the slumping? it's gotta stop. the hair, however, is fine, thanks for keeping that under control.

now, there is a time and a place for goofy pictures. believe me, when it comes to those, i'm the queen. but school pictures is not that place. 

so thank you, for regrouping, allowing me to come along for retakes and providing your family with this instead: 

ah, much better. and very much acceptable.

yes, i understand you are in the process of flipping your head from side to side, but after 15 minutes of shenanigans, we finally caught you looking and smiling at the same time, so i'll take it. i'd much rather hang a picture of smiling-giggling-flipping-her-hair leah than i would of stone-faced-deer-in-the-headlights leah.

thanks, miss ribbons, for learning your lesson. next time i think i'll come along the first time 'round. 

love you, miss ribbons. especially the smiley you. 

love, 

mommy