Christmas Cards

Christmas cards.  Each year I look forward to checking the mail to see what Christmas cards are waiting to be opened.  I love seeing pictures of friends and family and reading the occasional newsletter describing the events of the past year. 

My favorite cards, though, are the ones that make me smile. 

I want my card to be one of those that make you smile.

Each year, I try and come up with an unexpected way to bring a smile to friends and families' faces.

This year my inspiration came from a North Pole or Bust picture by Cindy Emerson Photography I saw on Pinterest.

Finding an inspirational theme or idea is easy enough but putting your own spin on it can be a bit more challenging. 

We like to include Riley, our mischievous but adorable dog in our Christmas card.  Years past, when Riley has been omitted from the picture, friends and family expressed their disappointed SO in attempts to not disappoint, Riley is generally included...whether she likes it or not.

In order to cohesively include Riley in the picture, with fever induced clarity, I decided she should be wearing antlers and tote a sign that said, 'will work for food'. 

I'd like to think Grace and Riley would both make it to the North Pole.  Grace would see Santa's workshop while Riley would take the place of a weary reindeer and help fly Santa's sleigh.

No matter how much we begged and bribed Riley did her best to avoid making eye contact with the camera, pouting angrily over being made to sit on the railway stones.

Once she finally did cooperate, we had what I think turned out to be the perfect picture.  Happy little girl, serious stoic and serious little dog.

Of course, had that not worked out, it's always good to have a back up plan.

Fortunately, it worked out.  I can always save this picture for next year.

SO...from my family to yours, have the happiest of holidays. 

Looking forward to seeing you all in 2015.

If you liked our 2014 Christmas card, make sure to check out our 2013 Christmas card and Our Christmas cards of the past.


*No Puggles were harmed during (or after) this photo shoot. All models were fully compensated :).  And, we don't endorse hitchhiking, even if it is to the North Pole.

The Big Christmas Card Reveal

Our Christmas card, this year, started in a traditional fashion.  Little girl, dressed in her best Christmas dress, standing in front of a decorated Christmas tree, with her dog by her side. 

Thanks to Capture the Magic, I was able to add a Santa into our card.

The only thing missing, a clever quote to go along with the scene.  "You saw Mommy kissing no one...got it."  Playing off the well known song, I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. 

So...From my family to yours, Happy Holidays!  Enjoy spending time and making memories with your friends and family.

Also wishing you a safe and very happy new years.  

Until next year.  

Many blessings to all of you.

Christmas Cards of the Past

If you hadn't already noticed, I like to interject a bit of humor and levity in my life and my posts.

My Christmas cards are no exception.

The first year we sent out Christmas cards we went with the naughty and nice theme.

Ironically, it was easier to take pictures of naughty, with the bribe of a treat.  Nice was a bit of a challenge.

The next year, the pressure was on to try and top our naughty and nice card. 

We gave naughty the year off and went with some career humor:

 

Grace holding a letter written to Santa with a thought bubble that says:

'And if I don't get everything on my list, my lawyer will be in touch with your lawyer about a little legal issue we call breach of contract.'

Grace even had her lawyer {her daddy} on retainer just in case.

I thought it was funny but people were disappointed Riley didn't make the picture.  

So, back by popular demand, the next year included Grace and Riley.   This time, both models were bribed with treats...Santa's treats.  Grace happily ate Santa's cookies and Riley happily lapped up Santa's milk {a peanut butter filled cup}.

The next year, I couldn't think of anything witty so we went with a simple message about believing...

 
and made sure to include Riley.

Last year, we tried to bring the funny back

and left Riley out...

This year's cards are all mailed out.  They are arriving in mailboxes as you read this.  Is Riley is it?  Did we come up with a good theme?  You'll have to come back tomorrow and see for yourself.