When I ask my kids to pose for photos, it turns out one of 3 ways.
Cheesed and posed (although even cheesed and posed, she is still gorgeous):
Eyes closed/Weeeeird:
Angry (someone has green eyes when he is annoyed/angry):
I have taken to hanging back and taking shots from behind or from the side and really, these have become some of my favorite photos. I have plenty of pictures of them smiling happily, right in to the camera. Capturing how the light hits someone’s hair, or the excitement in their step, or watching them take something in when they don’t even know you’re there…there is just something about it.
Check it out:
Incubation Nation 
So dear! I can't wait to get our tree.
My mom always complains when I send her pix of the kids that are from the side or back, but I agree those non-posed action shots are some of the best ones.
Just wanted to say that I've loved your posting-ever-day-in-November thing! 🙂