This Year Has To Be Different

This weekend was a whirlwind! It flew by us before we really got a chance to grab hold of it, and yet at the same time, it ambled along, shuffling it's feet and refusing to catch up with the crowd, who had already rushed past, buzzing with excitement and diving into the fall leaves.

We spent Friday running around, going here and there and wearing ourselves out, then collapsing on the couch in a big pile of bare feet and warm blankets to watch Alice in Wonderland.

Saturday we committed to staying home and cleaning up the house. Superman and the Princess helped the boys get their rooms back under control, while I wrestled with the laundry and the black hole they call my home office. It was a cold, overcast day; perfect for soup and staying home, which we did (though we opted for pizza in the interest of not losing focus).

By Sunday morning, the to-do list was tugging at my brain again. Groceries were purchased, mulch was moved, homework completed, and so on...until evening came, bringing with it the realization that so many things are still on the to-do list. Yikes!

One (and two) of those items was for me to settle on a photo for our Christmas card and to place the order. I must confess, that although my readers see some of my photography, many of my friends and family in real life see next to none of it because I may be the world's worst at remembering to print out my work! By the time I remember, I usually notice that the kids don't really look like that any more, so I should probably just shoot another one, which I then forget to print...  *sigh*

Last year, I didn't send Christmas cards at all. :(

I was hell-bent on designing my own cards because I was doing a lot of digital scrapbooking at the time. I wanted to use my Photoshop skills and all my cool digital files to make some awesomely artistic and unique cards that would knock the socks off of their recipients. So I took pictures and I edited them and I arranged them...but by the time I looked up it was almost Christmas Eve. Of course, I said "forget it!"


.... or something like that ...


This year has to be different. We have been crossed off of so many lists because our dear friends (I am sure) are convinced we have fallen off the face of the earth. Then there are the locals. One year, I decided I would cut corners by only sending cards to out-of-town friends. But, slowly, we began receiving cards from our local acquaintances. oh no! I dug my (cheap and apparently a bit lazy) heels in and still I sent nothing. I felt the sting of shame spread across my cheeks as I tried desperately to avoid their glances at church and school. I steered my cart like some sort of deranged maniac, racing through Wal-Mart in an attempt to dodge their advances. This year has to be different. I can't take this kind of pressure.

So, when I received an email from Shutterfly inviting me to take a peek at their holiday collection, I knew it was a nudge from fate herself. Of course, I was a little cautious because I have that thing about wanting a card to be unique and to represent my style and not just be something generic that could come from just anyone...

I have to say that I was very impressed with the number of designs they offer. The hard part will be choosing!  Of course, I will personalize my cards with a fantastic photo of my little brood, which is the best part about sending Christmas photo cards.

The Christmas Cards come in three different styles, such as these adorably simple folded cards, which I would totally get in the classy matte finish. I just love these. 


Do you think I could just use these cute girls if my kids are unwilling to pose and smile? Just kidding.

They also carry the standard flat photo and flat stationery cards in beautiful designs like these:

  

  

Of course, I love these. As you can imagine, I have a whole pile of these which I received in Christmases past. I love flipping through them to see how my friends's kids have grown.

While I was digging around Shutterfly, I noticed the section called photo gifts. It has been a while since I had my act together enough to order a photo gift for anyone, so I think my family is about due again. They have some very cool ideas too! My older boys would love one of these:

 Did you know you could make a book about Diego or Dora with your kid's picture in it?
My little Turkey would go wild(er) over this!

Yes, friends, for me, this year has to be different. And it will be different because I will be placing my order at Shutterfly for customized photo cards. And probably a few photo gifts too.

Whew! I am feeling better already!

**Disclaimer** I am receiving 50 free photo cards of my choosing for doing this review. If you are a blogger and are interested in participating and receiving your own free photo cards, go HERE.

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Congratulations to number 15, SmartOne on winning the Keys and Memories giveaway!