Home for the Holidays

Who: We 5 Kings

Location: Field by our home (top) and the treehouse in our backyard (bottom)

Props: Blanket, s'mores goodies, hot chocolate, treehouse 

Clothes: Ryan's sweater - Next Direct, Emmy's dress - Next Direct, Landry's dress - Next Direct, Girls' tights - Next Direct, Radley - shopped his closet, Katy - Head to toe Target

Comments: I wanted our color pallet to blend, so I intentionally ordered everything from Next waayyyyyy back in August. (You say crazy, I say prepared). ;) This was the original layout:

Which is a little "blah" and the sweater I ordered for me fit horribly. Radley's shirt was adorable, but the blues were off. SO, then I ordered a dress from ModCloth for me (that I LOVE) but Cindy was a great bestie and told me the hard truth that it just didn't work for this set up. (See... everyone needs THAT person) So I went shopping for me and ended up with an unexpected pop of yellow {again} so I switched Rad to make our picture more warm and flow better. But we also made sure that he and I weren't "stacked" at any point. 

Designer: Me with my bestie PicMonkey! This is seriously a great tool for when you need to make cards, picture collages, or even tiny edits of your own!

As an aside - it was not the original plan for me to design this card. The Mommas may look like we have it all together, but y'all... I was a ginormous mess this year. Long story short - last minute, down to the wire, ball of not-so-merry Momma was me. :)

Photographer: The one and only Mrs. Sarah Burns of Butterfly Chaser Photography

Favorite Thing: The shoot turned out exactly how we wanted it - a reflection of us in our home. I had been planning to use the treehouse as our backdrop for this year's card since the boys (Ryan, Pete, and Pops) starting building it in September 2012(!) and I am thrilled with how it turned out. We actually sent two versions in the mail bc we couldn't pick a favorite family picture. The day of this shoot as we were putting the kids to bed Radley said, "that's the most fun I've had taking pictures, Momma" and it was true! (Although Emmy said, "but they weren't just of me" #diva)

Extra: We always send a letter to accompany our card, and highlight our year according to scripture. However, this year I was PINspired by our "mini newsletter" post and decided to give it a go myself and I LOVED how it turned out. I was able to add a few more pics in that didn't make the card and do something unexpected, too. We still included scripture and chose two verses that reflected our theme and the season!

Blog: The Queen of the Kings (click that link for a view of the entire photo shoot!!)

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Katy's Thoughts: That's a pretty adorable looking family :). 

Cindy's Thoughts: Well, it is safe to assume that you all know Merry Momma Katy is my bestie and so I love everything about this card. And of course I love the color pallet (I may have seen these clothes a couple of times before I got the actual card in the mail as we discussed lots of options). And of course I love the tree house, s'mores and warm fire. But what I love most about the card is how much it reflects the Kings. Their HOME is just what this card reflects. It is warm and cozy and welcoming. The door is always open, there is always something yummy to eat and a kind a sweet face to greet you. And that's what this blog is about. Yes, we love a good prop and some fancy clothes, but what we love most about it is how each card reflects its sender and spreads the MERRY!

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How can you recreate this card? We love the idea of family photos that are in your element. Bundle up everyone in your favorite spot on the couch. Do you host game nights - then do a life style shoot with everyone going head to head. Props and set ups and themed shoots are great - but NEVER be afraid to just be you!

Get PINspired:

1. Thinking about getting cozy by the campfire? We LOVE it - this family set up a tent. Love the added fun this bunting adds to the scene. This family is also good with sharing the s'mores!
2. There are TONS of mini-newsletter templates... check out our entire board!
3. Two words: Messy pigtails. 
4. I am slightly obsessed with Radley's hair these days. Boys can also rock long locks!
5. And let's discuss his puffy vest. Yep. OB-SESSED! We pinned a few more on our Getting Merry - Toddler Boys Clothes board, but this one is our favorite!
6. And - if you are inspired to build a treehouse - check this out. (!) We LOVE this one!

So... now it's time to start planning for 2014! The first thing to do is pick a fabulous photographer and ONE lucky reader already has that taken care of!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS JAMIE B!!! 

Thanks to everyone that entered! We (including Sarah) are so overwhelmed with your response!!

TBT: JOY from Craft Cuts

Happy #TBT friends!

Do y'all remember this card?

We blogged about it way back in September.

When we were brainstorming about the 12 Days of Merry, we discussed calling Craft Cuts.  We weren't super optimistic.  (Just being real here.) They are this huge company and we are, well just a couple of moms that love to blog about Christmas cards.  BUT. Y'all.  They were super nice and called us back immediately and said, "Yes, we'd love to participate!"

So, for the

We proudly introduce

They have great stuff...not just JOY letters!

One of their most pinned pins is this cork ampersand, isn't that cool!

They even give a tutorial on how to make it!

Remember our Naughty or Nice cards?

Craft Cuts can help you make your own version of Naughty or Nice!

 Craft Cuts has lots of ways to do a monogram.

Wouldn't this be a darling alternative to the traditional wreath!

While the Merry Mommas {CLEARLY} love a Christmas card,

we also love spreading the MERRY all throughout the year.

We would absolutely be giddy if we received this Valentine's card!

It spreads the LOVE!

And love is actually all around!

(Name that movie?!? :))

Craft Cuts is spreading the MERRY by giving away $30!

Thanks so much Craft Cuts!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Make a joyful noise!

Who: Chance (Dad), Alyssa (Mom), Cade (age 4) and Little Lady (due April 2013)

Location: Texas A&M Horticulture Gardens, College Station, Texas

Props:  JOY letters and tin can phone - These were both made by our photographer, Thom Landers.  (Note - Unlike the lovely creators of Your Merry Mailbox, I am NOT usually a prop person.  I was quite resistant when our photographer wanted to experiment with them.  But, he apparently knows more than I do because 2 prop pictures made our card!)

Clothes: Old Navy, Gymboree, Target, Kohl's and the ever-so-glamorous Motherhood Maternity

Comments: The word "JOY" has special meaning for our family.  Years ago my father-in-law spent a weekend with us and commented that whenever he come to our home, he feels joy.  Chance and I were really touched by this and always try to keep his compliment in mind, especially when things are not going so joyfully.  When the photographer wanted us to poses with this special word, I reluctantly overcame my dislike of props and complied.  We did get a nice "everyone smiling at the camera" picture with the word, but the one that made the card shows our personalities perfectly.  Cade has always disliked having his photo taken, so here he is running away from JOY!  Chance is chasing after him and I'm still smiling...hoping for the perfect shot.  The tin can phone also ended up being really special.  Even before his little sister was born, Cade claimed to be able to hear the baby talking to him.  Now that she is here he often tells us what she is "saying" when she squeals and shrieks.

Designer: Shutterfly

Photographer: Thom Landers of T&M Photography

Favorite Thing: My favorite thing about the card is that it helps me remember our last Christmas as a family of 3.  We cherished this time to focus on our son, while we eagerly awaited Little Lady's arrival!

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Katy's Thoughts:  I think the matching father/son hair cuts are adorable! I also love the bottom picture of Cade running away -it's that fun personality and mischievous little boy that brings them such JOY to begin with!

Cindy's Thoughts: I love love love Cade's sweet face in the picture when he is "talking" to his sister - it is just precious!  I wonder what secrets she's telling him! I also love all the meaning behind this card.

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How can you recreate this card? We love the tin can idea!  Grab some green beans, eat them and then have fun with the cans!  We also love scarfs and pretty Mommas!  Buy a scarf this season, thank us later!  And of course, we love the use of JOY!

Get Pinspired:

1. Both Merry Mommas have siblings and we both know how special that bond is...and it starts early!  We love this picture and this one and this one!
2. Tin cans aren't just for the kiddos, they can also be used to spice up engagement photos.
3. This couple used them at their wedding!
4. And don't forget the traditional use of tin cans at weddings...noise makers!
5. FASHION ADVICE - Buy a leopard print scarf.  Now.  See.  See again!
6. Scarfs can be for work or play.
7. If you have already bought a leopard print scarf, maybe buy a plaid one or a camo one. 
8. Scarfs are just fun, get a solid color one if you are a tad apprehensive.

JOY

**EDITED**

Wow! We are overwhelmed with the number of people that are seeing this post via Pinterest. WELCOME to Your Merry Mailbox! We hope you love what you see and we invite you to scroll on down to that "follow" button on the right panel to ensure that you get the latest updates, tips, and Pinspiration to spread the merry!!! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Who: Merry Momma Cindy, Merry Husband Josh, Merry Littles C, A & M

Location: The family picture and the big girls pictures were shot at the entrance to a subdivision in Bryan, Texas.  Millicent in the O was shot in Sarah's studio.

Props: JOY letters were purchased from Craft Cuts.  I don't even know how I found the company, but I found it and ordered them.  Josh spray painted them a light dusty gold color and I thought they turned out darling!

Clothes: The big girls outfits are Persnickety and Millicent's lacy romper was from a darling boutique in Lubbock, Texas called My Cup of Tea.  Lots of boutiques carry them and you can also order them off ETSY, in fact 5,826 items popped up when I typed lace romper into ETSY!  Josh's shirt is from Banana Republic and the jeans are from Gap.  I have on brown boots from Kohl's, skinny jeans from Target and the shirt is from Old Navy.  (Any other Mommas out there notice something wrong about the wardrobe price differentiation?!?  I guess that's just what Mommas do!)

Comments:  The inspiration for this card came directly from this darling card.  I don't know who these people are, but whoever you are - YOUR PICTURE IS TO DIE FOR!  A donkey!  I tried to talk Merry Hubby Josh into a donkey, but he said I was pressing my luck!  And, to be honest, I wanted to make the card my own.  As I mentioned we bought the letters from Craft Cuts and just played around with them during the photo shoot.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE the finished product!

Designer: Sarah Burns of Butterfly Chaser Photography

Photographer: Sarah Burns of Butterfly Chaser Photography

Favorite Thing:  I love everything about this card!  The lighting is amazing, especially in Merry Little C & A's pics.  The letters JOY are fun and add a disincentive pop to the card.  You can't go wrong with Persnickety outfits.  I love the big girls smiles.  I love Merry Little M's little tiny leg "hanging out" of the O and I love that her mouth is making and O (She was mere 8 days old during this photo shoot.)!  I love how perfectly the bible verse fit that stage of our lives.  I love everything about this card!

Blog: Hot Mess Munsons

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Katy's Thoughts:  I love that the bible verse captures this moment in their lives so perfectly. I also love the new mom glow of Cindy and how excited that C & A are to have a new baby sister. I love that Josh goes along with the "crazy" ideas of Cindy because he knows how well it is going to pay off. I LOVE Mills. Love, love, LOVE her in this card. Seriously, you can't get much cuter or more joyful than a newborn baby. PERFECTION. This card brings me joy each time I see it!

Cindy's Thoughts: I think I've said enough...but I do love it!

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How can you recreate this card?  Adding a disincentive pop - like oversized letters - to a card can really make a difference.  The large letters are easy to find (or make if you are crafty) and you can use them to spell any holiday greeting!  I have seen wooden letters at Craft Cuts, Michaels, Hobby Lobby and Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store.  

Get PINspired:  

(Speaking of Pinterest... you may have seen this card before. A few months after we mailed them out Craft Cuts sent an email asking customers to send in pictures of their products being used. We did and got $25...and thought that was the end of it. Until I saw our family's face popping up everywhere! Let's just say if I had $25 for every time it has been pinned...seriously - it's crazy and fun!)

1.  Love, love, love this card.  I love how the family decorated this card!  These darling little boys are full of JOY!  Don't have three kids?  Don't worry, add the family pet!  One kid family, that's cool too!

2.  You can always use the graphic design to spread the JOY!  These little darling kids exemplify JOY!  This family is full of JOY, too!

3.  Remember, you don't have to use JOY - Ho Ho Ho! is pretty stinking cute too!

4.  Lastly, JOY is all about perspective! ;)

And...

We have a BIG surprise coming up this week, you may want to hit that "follow" button on the right for a chance at something fun....