Smile...It's Picture Day!

Once again, School Picture Day is upon us. Memories flood through my mind as I think of all the picture days I have experienced. There are always those accidents like chocolate pudding on a crisp white dress shirt or a fall at recess that causes a nice fat lip. One memory that will always make me cringe is the 5th grade girl with her hair stuck in a brush curling iron. What would be worse--a picture WITH the dangling curling iron, or a bald spot where we cut it out? Luckily, we finally got it untangled and didn't have to decide. When it comes to picture days, though, my most memorable is not as a teacher, but as a student. When I was in 5th grade, my mom lovingly sewed me a red plaid jumper to wear on picture day. The day came and she worked to fix my hair just so and made me wear the jumper and lacy white shirt. I'm sure it looked exactly like she pictured it. I, on the other hand, was far from thrilled to be wearing this outfit--and it showed when we got the pictures back a few weeks later. My "smile" (more of a smirk) was the reason Mom opted for retakes. Lucky for me, it was not nearly as publicized and somehow I forgot to mention it to Mom. The day arrived, and I happened to be wearing my favorite clothes-- a purple sweatshirt with bright green bell-bottoms (of course the pants would never show, but I remember them to this day!). My hair was definitely not curled--it may not have even been combed! This is one of those cases where I got my own way but have lived to regret it. Sorry, Mom!