Festive Friday with the Jacksons

Who: The Jacksons - Tom, Katy, Blake (5), Ally (5), Addison (1) and Bailey (1)

Location: The porch at Christopher's World Grille in Bryan, Texas

Clothes: The girls are in Old Navy and Blake's outfit is from Dillard's and Cavender's.

Designer: Nichole Quick of Quick Design Company

Photographer: Jenny Livingston with JML Photography

Katy's Comments: I wanted a traditional card, but I didn't want to use red and green because I wanted to be able to use the pictures in my house all year round. Black and white is always a safe bet and I really love the pop of red!

Katy's Favorite Thing: My favorite this about this card is that by some miracle all four kids are looking at the camera AND smiling!!!!! HAHAHA! With two sets of twins….this is almost unheard of!

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Merry Mommas' Thoughts: Two. Sets. Of. Twins. We are going to repeat that. TWO. SETS. OF. TWINS. That is just awesome! And they are just darling! Way to go MOMMA! You are a rock star! Okay, now that we have discussed the two sets of twins (we can't stop saying that!) let's talk about this card. We love it. We love the kids outfits, they coordinate so well and it is cute to have the baby twins matching! And the smiles…sweet and genuine. We love the tie in of the old painted wood barn and the wood floor of the porch at Christopher's - great job Nichole! This card makes us smile, thanks for sharing Katy!

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Be sure to check out our PINTEREST boards for more 4 sibling fun and barn wood!

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!!

On the 12th Day of Merry...

So we are finally here... the 12th Day of Merry!!! And we think we saved the {best} for last...Why is it the best you ask? Well - we start with a double card feature and end with another amazing giveaway!  We are sure you will agree!

Let us being with a card that will sure to put a smile on your face...

Who: The Fords - Jennifer, Jody, Skylar (8) and Hunter (5)

Location: Research Park, College Station, TX

Clothes: I was grateful that the guys were ok with wearing purple - I know not everyone is. Jody's tie was a gift from his Fish Camp counselors but I have no idea where we found his shirt. I think the kids' clothes are from Dillards. :) 

Comments: I really loved how the purple looked good on everyone and how it was not the traditional color of family pictures. 

Designer: Shutterfly 

Photographer: Sarah Burns of Butterfly Chaser Photography (and Merry Momma favorite) she has been taking pics of the kids since they were 3 years old and 6 months. 

Favorite Thing: On the way to the photo shoot we made sure everyone was fed, we played a song everyone liked and we just said we were going to have fun and not stress about getting the "perfect" picture. The picture where we all piled on top of Jody is a favorite and I think was one of the kids' ideas. This will be fun to recreate through the years! :)

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Katy's Thoughts: Love the purple. Love the smiles. Love the family. LOVE the card! I really love how Hunter has his arm hanging all the way down to Jody's waist like he is embracing the whole family.  And if you really listen... you can actually hear them laughing! (Or at least I can!) 

Cindy's Thoughts: Purple is a favorite color in the Munson house too!  I think everyone looks good in purple. I love the white space and the brightly colored text, I think it looks awesome with the monochromatic purples. And y'all...that song and food must have worked because those smiles are to die for!

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How can you recreate this card? Jennifer said it best: we just said we were going to have fun and not stress about getting the "perfect". They also chose a great color pallet - all one color in different shades... it is a great way to look coordinated but not matchy matchy!

Get PINspired:

Let's recap, shall we?...

1. We've told you about our love for the monochromatic/tone on tone look. 
2. We've also expressed our admiration for being silly.
3. And one of our first posts was all about bright colors which we love!
4. And just check out this. And then click on the link to the blog post. And then have six kids. :)
5. And we love a stacked family pic too!

So what happens from laughing? Well it brings you JOY of course... just like the arrival of a sweet new bundle which is the theme of our second card!

Who: The B Family

Location: Their entry foyer at their house :)

Clothes: Gymboree, Target, Kohls, and our closets

Designer: The card was inspired by a design on Tiny Prints, but since the baby was born so close to Christmas, we made them ourselves with a few alterations.

Photographer: Sarah Burns of Butterfly Chaser Photography

Favorite thing: We love that we were able to share our great news with family and friends while wishing everyone Happy Holidays - it was certainly a HAPPY holiday for us! We also love that his newborn picture reflects the Christmas season - there's no better gift!

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Katy's Thoughts: Let's discuss how beautiful Momma B looks after DAYS post baby. I love the use of gray and red. Gray and anything really - its such a great neutral and allows other colors to pop! I also love that this momma had it together enough to have a baby, design and mail a card all in the month of December! :) 

Cindy's Thoughts: I love that they totally embraced the holidays!  And that picture of sweet Baby B with the ornaments...PRECIOUS!  And the hugged/snuggled family picture just makes my heart happy!

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How can you recreate this card? Have a baby at Christmas time and be totally prepared to send out cards! What? That's not easy?!?! :)

Get PINspired:

Again, allow us to recap...

1. We've discussed ornaments.
2. And, the holidays are all about the birth of a baby!
3. Siblings are also a sweet part of the holiday!
4. And we think a baby in a sweater would be precious!!

Don't you just love those cards? Notice anything in common? Look again...it's a hint!

We ADORE these cards, mainly because the photography just captures their personalities so perfectly! 

Speaking of perfect... we are convinced that we have the perfect ending for...

Are you dying to find out?

....

Because we are DYING to tell you that today we are partnering with....

YES!!!

This is how excited we are....

Today's winner will be treated with a full photo shoot with Sarah Burns and 30 edited files delivered to you digitally over DropBox after the shoot. 

The winner has to live in or be willing to drive to Bryan/College Station (Y'all. Any amount of travel is worth this!!!) and be expecting a baby or have child(ren) under 10. This cannot be used for an extended family shoot. 

The shot has to be redeemed in the months of March - May and is subject to Sarah's availability (We suggest you picking a date NOW!)

And while we don't think you need any motivation to enter, here is a lovely sampling of Sarah's work from March - May 2013. 

She is magical and captures families in all stages of life with beauty and grace.

From bumps....

to newborns...

and momma moments...

and sibling sweetness...

and all the fun of families...

Magic.

And if these two cards and all those pictures isn't enough to convince you to enter... well just check out the Pinterest shrine to her work...

Now. Enter. 

(Friendly reminder ... you may only win once during the 12 Days of Merry which extends to all members of your household)

TBT: Visiting Santa & 12 DofM - Day 4

Have you gone to visit Santa this year?

The Merry Mommas love this tradition, in fact we took the Merry Littles to visit Santa at Santa's Wonderland this past weekend!

 

5 out 6 not crying = WIN!

Visiting Santa is not a new tradition, not in the least.  And while we didn't do extensive research, we do know that visits like these have been going on for over 50 years. We know this because Merry Momma Cindy's parents were kind enough to share their Santa pictures with us.

Don (4) (Cindy's Daddy) and Dean (2) - 1956 

 

Terry (4) and Brenda (5) (Cindy's Mom) - 1957

Aren't these pictures precious!  Looks like Santas of the 1950s use the same bribes as Santas do now!  And we so want to know what Brenda is thinking about...the look of wonder in her eyes is magical, just like Christmas should be!

(As an aside, Brenda has these pictures restored and  framed and now displays them during the holidays.)

The night before Christmas is such a magical time for kids...do you remember really believing that Santa was going to come to every house in the entire world and bring toys to good little girls and boys?  We do...and while you can debate the pros and cons of Santa...watching the wonder in our kiddos eyes as they lay their heads down on their pillows...well...we LOVE it!

Speaking of pillows...(you like that transition?!?)

is sponsoring today's...

and giving away a PERSONALIZED PILLOWCASE!
There are tons of styles and colors to choose from and you could even bring in your own fabric! 

You know the drill!
** Don't forget - you may only win ONCE during the 12 Days, so if you are already a winner, please don't enter.**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And...because we have a wicked sense of humor...enjoy 2 crying babies, 3 awkward smiles and a boy for the win!

Merry Times Three & 12 Days of MERRY

It's DECEMBER!

It's CHRISTMAS CARD SEASON!

Y'all...you really have NO IDEA how MERRY this makes the Mommas! 

So MERRY that we are hosting the

12 Days of MERRY Giveaway!

(More on that later)

First, let us introduce you to three times the MERRY with the Self Triplets...

Who: Abigail, Wyatt and Jessy Grace

Location: Harry Meyers Park, Rockwall, Texas

Clothes: Girls - Wonderfully Made Children's Boutique; Wyatt - Target

Designer: Snazzylime Card Design

Photographer: Chrystel Ross (friend of Amanda's)

Favorite Thing: The "suessy" style of the girls dresses - and then hello! They are my kids, they are too cute! ;)

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Katy's Thoughts: I love how this card is capturing each of those sweet kiddos personalities. And I'm a sucker for a polka dot!

Cindy's Thoughts: I love the sweet faces and the bare feet on this card!  I also love the use of red, hot pink and lime green.  

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How can you recreate this card? This card is BRIGHT and we love the use of red, hot pink and lime green, such cute tones just off from the traditional red and green.  And when you have darling triplets, how can you go wrong!

Get PINspired:

1. Have older kids?  Don't forget about the Myer's bright pink and green card!
2. This card uses the red, hot pink and lime green too. (We wish that little girl would smile, though!)
3. Pink and glitter....pink and sparkle - pink is for dressing up!
4. This card and this card don't use the red, but are super cute nonetheless!
5. Hot pink and lime green aren't just for clothes - check this and this out!
6. We know you can't just have three babies at once...but if you do...can you take this picture?  And this one, and maybe this one!  Okay, this one and this one, too! And everybody's favorite triplets!

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And now for something extra MERRY.

Because Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year... we present the...

For the next 12 days the Merry Mommas and 12 wonderful sponsors are doing a giveaway a day! Without giving away too much think about all the things the Merry Mommas LOVE... hair flair, food, photos, stationery and fun! Check our blog daily for your chance to win one fabulous prize! (Only one prize/person).

AND...make sure to FOLLOW our blog for FIVE chances to win!

Today, the Merry Mommas teamed up with Jumping Jax Designs.

We love Becca and her work!
In fact, she is the designer of our beautiful blog and the darling 12 Days of Merry graphic. If that doesn't persuade you enough, check out a sampling of her work below.

The winner will receive a $35 credit to her shop!

Enter TODAY -- each giveaway will ONLY be open for entries from 5am until 11:59pm!
So really...enter today!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Welcome to the 12 Days of Merry!

Let it snow!

Hello, friends!

We are so excited to feature this amazing card - it came with a "PROP"!  

Now that is some MERRY!

Who:  Madelyn, Brinson and Lauren – 9 year old triplets

Location:  Our home in College Station, Texas

Props:  We decorated the tree they are standing in front of  and we loved it, but I would suggest using the large outdoor lights. We put artificial snow in each card from Hobby Lobby.  (Go reread that last sentence!  They put artificial snow in each card!  HOW AWESOME is that!)

Clothes:  Dillards, Claire's, Kohl's, Hanna Andersson; I wanted them to coordinate but not necessarily match. 

Comments:  I have always included the year on the front of the card.

Designer:  Michelle Mullen

Photographer: Michelle Mullen

Favorite Thing:  The kids LOVED making it, they loved all the comments we received and it really captures each child’s personality.

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Katy's Thoughts: I love all the kids' expressions as they are blowing the snow! It makes the card so much fun and spreads the joy of the season!

Cindy's Thoughts:  A card with SNOW inside!  AWESOME!  What a fun card that will definitely make Your Mailbox Merry!

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How can you recreate this card?:  Grab your cute kids, significant other or friends, head outside and decorate a tree.  Then head to your local craft store and buy some fake snow, get the camera ready and HAVE FUN!  We love this card SO STINKING MUCH because the kids actually have fun doing and  they create a fun memory!  That's what the MERRY season is all about!

Get PINspired:

1. We love the added {WOW} fun hats bring to the blowing snow pictures!
2. If snow isn't your thing, try glitter!  This little girl is just precious and this cutie makes us want to pinch those precious cheeks! (In the nicest way possible!)
3. Like the Rackley family, this family did a before and after and we love it!
4. And, there's really nothing sweeter than a boy and his Momma!

A Royal Christmas

Hi friends!  Today's post is going to be a ROYAL treat!  This handsome prince and darling princess are the children of a dear friend of the Merry Mommas.  Karen is a delight and is a great working (outside the home) mom role model for us.  Enjoy their card, it will make you MERRY! 

Who: Justus (5) and Delaney (2)

Location: College Station, Texas A&M University—MSC, Koldus, G. Rollie White

Props:  No props

Clothes:  Children’s Place, Gap, Dillards, Target

Comments:  I LOVED the dress & boots I found for Delaney and thought it was perfect for December in Texas—a sweater dress, but short sleeve.  So I started with that, and decided to stick with a simple and classic (read: and easy for Mom) look for Christmas card pictures.  I found the denim shirt and tie combo for Justus on Gap.com and couldn’t say no, and loved that we could dress it up or make it preppy casual and ended up taking pictures both ways.  Although the pictures are simple, I thought Nichole did a great job of dressing it up with the card design.

Designer: Nichole Quick of QuickDesign Co. 

Photographer: Sarah Giles Burns of Butterfly Chaser Photography

Favorite Thing:  I really liked the contrast of the two sides—one big picture on one side and then a collage on the other.  We had sooo many pictures from that shoot that I just loved that I couldn’t decide which ones to put in the card.  So I sent all five of these to Nichole and said “Do whatever you want and use whichever ones you want.”  She sent me the proof and just said “We’re using all of them” and my heart was so happy!

Blog:  Remarkably Royal

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Katy's Thoughts: I love that you can see how much Justus adores Delaney. Not all siblings really get a long and sometimes that shines through the pics (which is totally fine) BUT he loves her and I love that!

Cindy's Thoughts: While I am not always formal ({gasp}, I go to Target without makeup on!!), I love that Justus and Delaney are dressed to the nines!  And a tie on a kid - LOVE IT!

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How could you recreate this card? I love that this has tone on tone elements (Delaney) with pops of color (Justus). To recreate this card you should pick a location that has some meaning to you - for this family it was the campus of their college alma mater. Lots of stone, concrete, and other outdoor elements. Perhaps the church where you got married? A downtown area in your city? And notice that Justus had an "outfit change" at some point - it's okay to spice some things up!

Getting PINspired: If you are thinking of recreating this, check out these pins: 

1. This is a great example of how tone on tone can work! (It may also happen to be a pic of one of us Momma's kiddos!) ;)
2. How adorable is this little girl? I LOVE the cream with the pop of red from her hat. 
3. This is a great example of how you can dress your boys! I love that Karen had Justus in a layered look and then adjusted it for some pics. This is an easy way to change up the look! 

What's your favorite thing about this card? Leave your comments below!