Suggestions please

SO...am back to nag and whine.....

I took a few pics of my girls today...trying to pretty them up and give them as xmas gifts in a collage to the grandmums. BUT I want to make a regular pic a bit ....more. (by using brushes)...

NOT dial up friendly...sorry!






Before:



After w/ brushes:



I'm just not happy w/ how it came out.

Suggestions?

Please and thank you!
Tee