It is that time of year...the time we all struggle to pick out the perfect picture or pictures for our Christmas card. You start off trying to find the perfect outfit, then the perfect background and most importantly and our biggest struggle, the perfect smile. (Boo is going through that stage where she is "trying" to smile and it is so NOT natural...she has such a beautiful smile, if I could just get her to relax) Then, once you get all of that straight, and if you are like me you end up having a couple hundred pictures to choose from, you have to pick the "card" that fits you and your family. I have found that I like to order my Christmas cards through Shutterfly . They have hundreds, and I mean hundreds of options to choose from. I guarantee you will find something that fits your theme, or suits your family. I seriously don't know how I will choose which one is PERFECT for our family Christmas picture. I like this one but it is a folded card, which I have never sent before; and this one catches my fancy too. O.K, so there are hundreds of Christmas cards for me to choose from...how on earth is a girl to choose? This will be a long weekend...trying to decide on the picture and the card...anyone want to help??
Not only have I had success with Shutterfly's Christmas cards (and yes they are and always will be CHRISTMAS cards) but I have also ordered prints andphoto calendars from them. I haven't done any this year, but am thinking about creating some again. I love their calendars because you can personalize the dates as well as the photos. I have probably 3 or 4 years worth of calendars saved because I don't want to part with them. They make a nice keepsake and a wonderful CHRISTMAS present for those that you love. It's a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year. I have found, they are very competitive in their pricing, and often times offer discounts when you buy multiple calendars, as is the case currently.
Another favorite that I like to order is their mouse pads. They are so nice, and everyone in my family uses a computer at some point or another in the day, so it gives them a glimpse of my beautiful girls every time they use it. :) I also like that these are very durable and reasonably priced. Along with the mouse pads they have a plethora of gift ideas. If you don't need any more gifts, they offer birthday invitations and photo cards (which are different from the Christmas photo cards listed above)
I keep forgetting that I have a credit with Shutterfly, so I guess I better quit blogging and decide what I want to spend it on. When Boo went to Seeds of Faith, we participated in the Scrip program (where you buy a gift card at face value, get the face value of it, but your tuition gets credited a percentage of the amount of the card). Shutterfly offered a great percentage back when their card was purchased...hence my Shutterfly credit that is burning a hole in my pocket tonight. Have a great night, and good luck picking your favorite card.
**Shutterfly is giving 50 free Christmas cards away to anyone who will blog about their awesome site. (Tonight is the last night to apply) So, thank you Shutterfly for offering this opportunity to share about your company while also giving such a great gift!**
To anyone reading this, I hope you can find something perfect for your family on Shutterfly! It's pretty easy to do so!
Mary got some great presents for her birthday (and so did I)
She got a pillow pet...(this is the unicorn, but we were able to exchange it for the dog that she wanted...had to search all over creation, but we found it and she is in love with it!!)
And this is the gift from Mommy and Daddy...legos!!
I think Mary's favorite part of her party was the dessert. She insisted on having a piece of both offerings (Jell-o cake and pumpkin pie) And of course you have to have cool-whip!
O.K. Maybe a LOT of cool-whip!! "Come on Pap, a few more scoops!" ~Mary
Cutie patootie
And yes, my husband was there, he was just sitting next to me so I didn't really get him in many pictures.
Yes, I was a funny mom and gave my daughter trick candles...but she LOVED it!! She was not going to give up...thankfully Pap helped her out in extinguishing them.
And thanks to Grandma for making the tasty cake!! Jell-o cake-YUM
We just had the family over for Mary's birthday. We started the afternoon off with a family walk on one of the local trails...then we came to our house for dinner and cake.
My beautiful sister-in-laws!
One of the nephews.
The whole gang in our dining room.
Grandma and Bee (yes Bee is in long johns...that is what she kept on after our walk when she was in many layers)
Sorry about the long absence from blogging. I have been quite busy around here. Blogging has fallen on the back burner, but have no fear, I am trying to get caught up. In doing that, I am trying to post some of the more recent pics taken and will back track to some older pictures I have missed in the last month or two. Both my dad and my mom have been here to visit over the last month, we have started a Biggest Loser competition in the Urso family (which I will blog about SOON), I ran out of space on blogger and had to purchase more, I got a new camera (thanks Dad), have taken HUNDREDS of pictures and probably a lot more. Those are just a few of the things that have taken up my precious time lately. I hope you haven't given up on me...I am truly sorry for being gone so long. I couldn't believe when I got on tonight that I only had one post for November. Yikes!! If you are on facebook, a lot of my pictures are on there too, whatever my latest album created was.
Well, I did many posts tonight, have had a wonderful and busy day today so I am saying Good night. Enjoy catching up and feel free to leave a comment here or there. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving...our was!! I have enjoyed every second of family time we have had and pray it continues this way forever!!
