And it continues....

This is not news to most of you, but Joe and I have an annual appointment to argue converse about Christmas cards. We have now arrived at that special time of year when this occurs. The short version is this:

Jen: We absolutely must send a physical Christmas card with a stamp, IN THE MAIL.

Joe: Christmas cards are a silly waste of money because...you know...email is free.

Yeah, I think that about sums it up.

This year, however, has proven to be relatively tame. Pleasantly so, I might add. Truth be told, I think we've both made peace with how the other feels and we've made some compromises and tweaks over time. After all these years of sending cards at Christmastime, I think we...well....might have found our groove. 

[do you hear that? that's me....knocking on wood.]

Confession: I'm running a little bit late on this year's card. Most years, I have cards in-hand and envelopes addressed by Thanksgiving. (Yes. It's that exciting to me. I do what I can to help the United States Postal Service. It's either this or hugging a postal worker...and I'm much more comfortable sending Christmas cards.) 

Yesterday....yesterday....I discovered the wonders that Etsy brings to the world of Christmas Card Sending. Oh my. I spent almost the entirety of Blake's nap browsing through the options. Guys, I even felt a little bit idolatrous when I realized how much I was enjoying all of the holiday eye candy there was to behold. (Also? Why have I never used Etsy for Christmas cards before? This is ridiculousness!!) 

And then....when I saw it.....I knew. [Click!]

Another year, another glorious adventure in addressing and envelope-licking and stuffing. I'm in my happy place.

Heaps thanks to our friend who graciously snapped some fantastic family photos for us....and some more gratitude definitely goes to her teenage daughter who did lots of jumping and smiling and encouraging and engaging so that my wee ones would smile--she's well-beloved of my kids, so we were thrilled to have her along.

Here's a sneak-peak of this year's photo....sometimes a funny outtake is a happy surprise. 

photo by Annie. (smiles brought to you by Maddy.)