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Holiday Greetings By Shutterfly

Yay, December is finally upon us!  And what time is it?  Holiday greetings time!!  Besides all the birthday celebrations that will be going this month, this is one of the things I look forward to the most during December.
And I have to admit that I’ve completely fallen in love with Shutterfly.  My Valentine’s Day cards were a huge hit this past February.  I was very impressed with the design and quality of the cards I ordered.  So of course, it only makes sense that I would go back to them and check out their amazing selection of Christmas cards.
Sending out Christmas Cards has been a holiday tradition for me since I was about 10.  I would always ask me mom to get a box of cards.  Then I would have her sign the insides. (Her handwriting is so beautiful!!) Next, I would sit down with her address book, a roll of stamps, address labels and address each card to a family member or close family friend.
Something about sending a little holiday cheer to the people closest and dearest to our hearts just made me good.  Nothing’s changed today either.  If anything, I especially like reaching out to my loved one’s who I know are having a difficult time during this part of the year.  And I’m really looking forward to sending out cards again this year.  Here are my top five Christmas card design picks from Shutterfly:
Heart to Heart

Classically Yours

Snowman Greetings

Wrapped Ribbon

Picture Tree

And while I was over there, I also spied this cute little invitation for JJ’s first birthday party coming up next year.  You all know that I like to stay a few steps ahead in the planning process with kids.
Hear Me Roar

So, which Christmas card design should I choose? What do you think about the invitation?

YUMMommy
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed are solely my own. This post is sponsored by Shutterfly.com
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Springing into Action

While, the first official day of Spring has come and gone on the calendar, weather wise I can truly say that Spring has sprung.  After weeks of rainy, windy and just plain horrible weather it’s finally time to pull out the grills and hit up the pools.  Also, this means that it’s time for me to spring into action.  Yes, summer is on it’s way and most people are getting into relaxation mode but I am getting into full on planning mode.
No rest for the weary right?  Anyways, I have to say that Mother’s Day was great!!  The hubby surprised me with the most amazing and heartfelt Mother’s Day card this year.   He’s not really a card person but I have to admit that each year he gets better and better with his card and gift selection. Just goes to show how well he knows me and takes note of the things I actually like.
So, what’s on my to do list before summer gets into full effect?  Well, for starters I have to still send out thank you cards for my baby shower gifts.  I know, I am so behind on doing that.  However, in my defense the weeks following the baby shower were rough.  We all remember about my bad car accident.  And then after that I got caught up in focusing on scheduling my induction.
And if you’ve been following me on Twitter then you know that my baby sister is graduating this spring.  Needless to say, our family has been knee deep in sending out graduation announcements, making party plans and finalizing college stuff.  I’m telling you that time has flown by.  It seems like just yesterday my mom was bringing her home from the hospital and now she’s already been to her senior prom.  I am sure that I will be shedding tears of joys on her big day.
Also, on my spring to do list is helping my mom pick out birthday invitations for my niece.  Her birthday is right around the corner.  And this year, she wants to do the big girl thing and sent out invites.  How cute right?!!  Following her birthday we’re planning on taking a family trip to Disney World.  
I’m excited to be going.  However, a huge part of me is worried because I’ll have two small kids to look out for. The hubby says I should wait until both Moo and JJ will be older to remember the trip and will both be able to get on rides but I haven’t decided yet.  So, as you can see spring is proving to be a very busy time time for me planning and decision making wise. 
What tasks do you still need to spring into action on?


*This post was sponsored by Shutterfly.com.  However, all opinions expressed are original and solely my own.  Are you a blogger? Sign up for a chance to receive 50 FREE cards from Shutterfly.*
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Lessons of Motherhood

I’m sure that when many of us think of Mother’s Day thoughts of personalized gifts for mom and Mother’s Day cards fill our heads.  And some of us are even thinking of all the party invitations to Mother’s Day related events and dinners that we’ve received. Yes, believe it or not Mother’s Day is a huge deal!!

Honestly, I never knew how truly big Mother’s Day was until I became a mom myself.  And no it wasn’t because of the gifts, the cards or all the kind words I received from husband, family and friends.  I tell anyone who’ll listen that motherhood has really changed and impacted my life in a way that nothing else has or could have.  As this Mother’s Day 2011 approaches I’m taking the time to reflect on some of the valuable lessons that I’ve learned thus far like:

~Any woman can be a mother but it takes truly responsible, capable, loving and willing individual to be a mom
~Creating life is the greatest magic trick God has enable us to have
~Patience, happiness and sanity go hand in hand
~The journey to a strong spiritual foundation and personal relationship with God is learned by the example we set
~Save every Mother’s Day card because children grow so fast and this way we’ll have reminders of how much they love us once they fly the nest
~Even children like know they appreciated no matter how small, big, young or old they are
~Teaching children about their roots is the key to establishing self acceptance, self love and appreciation for where they are now
~Listen to what your children are saying instead of telling them what you think they’re saying
~Encourage them to dream
~Saying ‘I love you’ is a big deal
~Allow children to make mistakes because life is about learning lessons
~Starting your own family traditions helps to make great memories
~Be yourself and your children will love you more for it
I’m sure that as I continue on this motherhood journey, I will learn new lessons.  How has being a mom impacted your life?  What lessons have you learned?

*This post was sponsored by Shutterfly.com.  However, all opinions expressed are original and solely my own.  Are you a blogger? Click here to sign up for a chance to receive 50 FREE cards from Shutterfly.*
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An Affirmation of My Love

I’m sure that by now we’ve all seen the mountains of Valentine’s Day merchandise at the stores.  Our CVS started setting their merchandise during the Christmas holiday.  And of course, I’ve already asked the hubby if he wanted anything special.  He said no he didn’t want, but that he’d treat me to a nice romantic dinner, a movie, a card and flowers (if I wanted them cuz I’m not really a flowers type girl).
His response got me to thinking a little bit.  Exactly what does Valentine’s Day mean to me?  Judging from my husband’s response, I have been putting out this message that it’s all about the gifts and it’s truly not.  He didn’t say that but his rambling off all the stuff he was going to give me and him wanting nothing in return kind of implied that.
So, I’ll ask again.  What does Valentine’s Day mean to me?  Honestly, Valentine’s Day for me is a day to reaffirm my love, passion and desire for my husband and my gratitude for all that he does.  I know that we should show the people in our lives that we love them all the time, but life gets busy.
There are days that I don’t tell him how much I love him.  It’s not because I don’t want to but because I get sidetracked with the laundry, mommy duty or we’ve had a fight and I’m mad.  And with him being in law enforcement working around criminals who have stolen, molested and even killed people is the number one reason I should tell him everyday that I love him.  Each day he goes to work and puts himself in harm’s way would be the last we see him (worst case scenario).  Just thinking about it gets me emotional.
Therefore, I’m thankful that we have a day like Valentine’s Day to make up for all days I missed saying ‘I Love You’ to the love of my life.  The Valentine’s cards, the keepsake boxes, the personalized gifts, etc are all just extras.  They show everything else that I can’t put into words.  So of course rather than get him nothing like he suggested I am going to surprise with a card, breakfast in bed and a few other gifts.
It just wouldn’t be right to receive and not give to the man who gives so much to me and the rest of this community.  I say to everyone reading this, Valentine’s Day is not about the gifts, but who you spend it with and what they mean to you!  Cherish your loved ones while you can and try to remember to let them know that you love them everyday!
*This post is sponsored by Shutterfly.  All views and opinions expressed are strictly my own and not influenced in any way by said party above.*