Gisela
Oh yes, it is that time of year again...the time of year when I actually don't mind checking my mailbox. Why? Well, because instead of having a mailbox filled with only bills (or junk!) it is usually filled with holiday cards from family and friends.

I love Christmas cards! And don't tell my husband, but I have been keeping our Christmas cards for a few years now. Well, at least all the ones with photos on them! I can't help it- I just love seeing how kids and families grow and change from year to year.

This week I am working on our family's Christmas cards. That is always a challenge with two boys who DO NOT like to sit still for the camera. Or if I get them both sitting then one isn't looking at the camera, or one isn't smiling, or there is SOMETHING going on! I usually take around 100 pictures and then just try to pick the one that isn't TOO terrible! However, once I have that perfect picture I can then find the perfect card.

Where to find that perfect card? Well, that part is easy- Shutterfly, of course! If you have not checked out Shutterfly before then GO NOW! Run, don't walk! Shutterfly not only has some fantastic holiday card designs, but they have other products that make great gifts- not just for the holidays, but for birthdays, Mothers & Fathers Day, or you can even use Shutterfly to make birth announcements or party invitations! Shutterfly has SO many great designs for holiday cards that you will definitely find one that is perfect for you! I love to be able to put a great picture (or two or three) on my cards- and Shutterfly has the most options out there!

I've been using Shutterfly for several years now. I like that I can upload my pictures to one location and then share with my family and friends AND I can make fun products. Calendars are a great gift, especially this time of year! Who wouldn't love a personalized calendar with new pictures to view every month!

Are you planning a holiday party or cookie swap this year? If so, definitely check out the invitations that Shutterfly has to offer- what a way to make a great first impression for your guests!

Now I need to work on getting that great picture so I can upload and use one of Shutterfly's awesome designs for this year's Christmas card. And while I'm at it I think I'm going to order up some holiday gifts. The grandparents never complain that they have too many pictures of their grandkids!

Gisela
Wow! I guess I disappeared off the face of the earth! That is what happens when life gets in the way, I suppose!

So, summer was wonderful. We spent a lot of time at Sesame Place, various playgrounds, the shore, and just having fun! September came, and Nicholas started his last year of preschool. He loves it, and I'm sure he'd be there every day if he could! We're fortunate to have a great program through the Rec Department and it makes it quite affordable as well. The kids learn a lot, have lots of fun field trips, and have a ton of in class activities.

In October Mr. Erik turned two! He had a Thomas the Tank celebration and we now own about a bazillion trains and tracks. Hey- it keeps two little boys happy and busy! Erik at his 2 year WCV was about 29 pounds and 36 inches...so a little above average, but a lot smaller than Nicholas was. Erik is now wearing clothes that Nicholas wore around 18 months of age.

November...well, we're still in November! Thanksgiving was wonderful. I love me some turkey! We put up our Christmas tree this past weekend as well and decorated outside. I should probably work on buying the kids some presents to put under that tree. Normally I've started at this point, but I think I only have 2 things so far! I'm slacking!

Well, hopefully I can keep up a little better. No promises, but I will try!