There’s a giveaway too — Keep reading for details.
It’s that time again. Time to think of a ridiculous premise for our holiday cards! You know how I do a monthly shoot for the kids in the same chair to document their growth? I thought it would be fun to do the same portrait for all of us this year, then compile the photos into a card.
Eleanor is a toddler. If you’ve experienced toddlerhood, you’ll know that’s all that needs to be said.
I put her down for a nap in hopes of a better shot later. I used the time to run out for flowers (Brandon’s idea, and a good one at that). We took the rest of our photos while E slept, but here are a few from the second attempt later in the day. We tried to bribe her with a lollipop. She let it fall out of her mouth and onto her skirt, and was then appalled.
August was happy! A happy but wiggly, rocking, and slightly out of focus baby. It was so dark in the living room, I had to bump the ISO waaaaay up, open the aperture all the way, and hope for the best.
I was the consummate professional, needing only one shot. Or perhaps I’m just saying that so I’ll only have to show you one shot. You’ll never know.
Brandon looks like a standup fellow. So dapper. So mature.
Oh, wait! We have a B-side. A Brandon B-side.
Aw yeah. Brandon’s footie pajamas made a triumphant return. Along with my necklace. And with that, here is this year’s Balch family holiday card.
We’re lookin’ good.
Giveaway
You are no doubt inspired to make your own holiday cards now, right? OK, you may not want to take the route we did. You can still go for the classic family photo, and for that you’ll need a nice camera. And something (or some things) to put that photo on. Well, Shutterfly is offering 50 cards, a 12×12 photo book, an 8×8 photo book, mug, 3 calendars, reusable shopping tote, and an ornament, along with a PowerShot S100 Camera.
Visit Shutterfly to select your favorite photo card template, and leave a comment here about which one you like best to enter. A winner will be randomly selected.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.) 18 years or older. Ends 12/6/11. To enter and for Official Rules, including odds and prize descriptions, visit Girl’s Gone Child, The Spohrs are Multiplying, or Make and Takes. Void where prohibited.
Congratulations to the winner, Diana L!
Courtney
November 15, 2011 at 8:38 pmI love your card! That is so creative and smart! I completely relate to portrait taking issues. I have a 2 1/2 year old daughter, Ella, who is so similar to Eleanor and we just added another sweetheart, a baby girl named Averie, to our family just 3 weeks ago! I am dreading taking those photos and may have to borrow your unique idea!
I love Shutterfly! I just made a 2nd year photo book for my daughter which was awesome! I love their holiday cards and I think my favorites are the ones with the top 10 moments and happenings of 2011 cards. It is so nice to include some fun info, especially to those you don’t see very often during the year!
lilcg
November 15, 2011 at 8:41 pmlove your card (my daughter is two and a half so I know that look all too well)! and I think my favorite card is the bring it on holiday cheer
Regan Wood
November 15, 2011 at 8:51 pmI love the Merry Bright zig zag!
Christine
November 15, 2011 at 8:53 pmEnjoyed seeing your holiday card photoshoot! I like the “Holiday Love Sketch” card.
Patrice Robinson
November 15, 2011 at 8:56 pmI love the vintage designs like Jolly Good Time!
Viktoriya
November 15, 2011 at 9:04 pmHello, It would be truly a blessing to send out Christmas cards to family, as we cannot affords gifts this year. The “HOLIDAY LOVE SKETCH” is beautiful. Thank you…
Robin (noteverstill)
November 15, 2011 at 9:12 pmI love the SHINE BRIGHTLY Hanukkah card. Thanks!
Nissa
November 15, 2011 at 9:21 pmSo many great designs, but one of my favorites is the “Mod Love” Christmas card.
Catherine
November 15, 2011 at 9:28 pmI love the Merry Doodle Dandy cards!
Lisa Berndsen
November 15, 2011 at 9:48 pmI’m so in love with the Pretty Pattern Christmas card. The background is so beautiful and sort of non-traditional Christmas looking. Just perfect and pretty!
Quiana
November 15, 2011 at 9:49 pmI like the festive year card!
Lori
November 15, 2011 at 9:52 pmI like the Polka Dot greeting
Elisabeth M.
November 15, 2011 at 9:53 pmI really like the ‘Shine Brightly’ card- understated, but lovely- especially for Hanukkah!
Elif
November 15, 2011 at 9:58 pmSimply Jolly is pretty. Simple and fun.
Kim L.
November 15, 2011 at 10:06 pmI love the ‘What Fun’ card. So cute!
Emily Anne
November 15, 2011 at 10:23 pmMerry Bright
Selidji Laleye
November 15, 2011 at 10:31 pmLove the modern merry montage Christmas card!!!
Amber H
November 15, 2011 at 10:33 pmI love bright merry cheer!
Caren Drink
November 15, 2011 at 10:36 pmModern merry montage is my pick!
Katie
November 15, 2011 at 10:36 pmWhat a fun family card, I love that it’s not one with everybody wearing coordinating clothes and happy faces :)
I like Merry Bright ZigZag, Chevrons rock!
Georgina
November 15, 2011 at 10:46 pmSnow Snow Snow Holiday Card
Thank you!
brandi
November 15, 2011 at 11:19 pmI love the Message In Lights card! We just had a baby and I can’t wait to send out cards with her sweet face on them.
Cassie Bates
November 15, 2011 at 11:46 pmMy favorite is the Wintry wonderland.
Emily
November 15, 2011 at 11:50 pmAwww your Christmas card is so cute! I like the polka dot wishes templet
.
dawn
November 16, 2011 at 12:52 ami love “Shiny Sparkly Ornament.” i also love that you can get it in black or white.
RD
November 16, 2011 at 1:11 amOoo, I like the Shades of Peace. So pretty. A great giveaway!
Jessie Kruse
November 16, 2011 at 1:18 amLove your card! I like Polka Dot Christmas Wishes.
Gina
November 16, 2011 at 3:21 amBerry Merry Frame. So sweet and simple. thanks!
Laura
November 16, 2011 at 6:26 amBrandon’s picture is the best! That made my day. I’m so glad you included that in your holiday card!
Holly D
November 16, 2011 at 6:37 amI love your card.
I like Believe and Rejoice.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Holly
Mia Charro
November 16, 2011 at 6:37 amThis card is sooo sweet! Your family is beautiful :)
Tatiana
November 16, 2011 at 6:57 amYour so creative!Love your card!
I like the “All the Happiness Christmas Card”.
lindsay
November 16, 2011 at 6:58 amLove ‘deck your walls’ template!
LeGwen
November 16, 2011 at 7:29 amI like the plain ole “Black Border”.
Jill
November 16, 2011 at 8:09 amLove the card! I like the hand drawn joy to the world card.
meghan
November 16, 2011 at 8:14 ami love the retro stripe frame card! so many cute designs.
Janna
November 16, 2011 at 8:27 amI love the simplicity of the Sweet Little Label card. Having just had our first child, I think this year would be a good one to finally send out a photo christmas card! And we had family pictures done for the first time. Of course, the little guy cried almost the entire time!
christy
November 16, 2011 at 8:32 amI like the Such Good Tidings card
Meredith
November 16, 2011 at 8:33 amYour card is great! I’m sure your family and friends will enjoy it, especially Eleanor’s age appropriate shot.
I like a lot of the designs, but especially the Picture our Year Card.
Misty
November 16, 2011 at 8:36 amMy fave one is Bright Holly Jolly!
And Nicole, I feel ya with the toddler thing. We have an almost 3 yr old and a 3 mo old! It’s like they KNOW!!!!!! Beautiful card though! It turned out cute!
Hanna
November 16, 2011 at 8:38 amWow, awesome giveaway! I like deck your halls, modern pinecones, and joy.
Anu
November 16, 2011 at 8:45 amMerry Candy dots is the one I like!
Becky
November 16, 2011 at 8:52 amDo I have to pick just one? I love the folding ones where you can put more pictures inside! Like the Joyful Joyful one.
jodi adams
November 16, 2011 at 8:54 amI love the Happiness is template!
Dawn S.
November 16, 2011 at 9:17 amI absolutely love your card. My favorite on the Shutterfly site is the charming dotted ribbon Christmas card.
Terri
November 16, 2011 at 9:21 amStylish Joy is my favorite-I think. Hard to choose! Love your card also!
Lilia
November 16, 2011 at 9:27 amBerry Merry Frame is my favorite.
Emily
November 16, 2011 at 9:28 amI love the Double Dog Dare you card!
Karen
November 16, 2011 at 9:36 am“snow confetti” is my favorite!
vika
November 16, 2011 at 9:41 am“happiest season” is my favorite!
Love your card, will you really send this one out?!
Emily
November 16, 2011 at 9:41 amI really enjoy your blog. Shutterfly has too many cute Christmas cards. I do like the Pine Cone Toile a lot.
Melissa
November 16, 2011 at 9:44 amLove your card. Oh So Wonderful is my favorite.
Donna O'Neil
November 16, 2011 at 9:53 amI love the Sparkling Snowflakes.
Jennifer
November 16, 2011 at 9:54 amI like the snowflake ribbon card. We always have snowflakes on our christmas card. It’s a fun tradition.
Katharine
November 16, 2011 at 10:01 amI like the sparkling snowflakes! You guys are so cute!
Wednesday giveaway and freebie roundup | Ms. Giggles
November 16, 2011 at 10:03 am[…] Shutterfly awesome gift pack with a Canon Powershot from Making it Lovely. Ends: […]
Laurie
November 16, 2011 at 10:19 amI like “Snowflake Doodles”
ArticulateArt
November 16, 2011 at 10:28 amHahaha you guys are so creative and hilarious! Great idea!
Heather
November 16, 2011 at 10:56 amThe colorful New Years card is my faves!
Your card rocks the hiz-ouse.
Jessica
November 16, 2011 at 11:09 amYour card and the photos are killer. I am cracking up over here! My favorite template at Shutterfly is the Pictures Everywhere flat card!!
Margot
November 16, 2011 at 11:14 amWe haven’t done our pictures yet so I’m not 100% sure based on the placement of said pictures, etc., but so far I’m really liking ‘Initially Merry’
Liz W.
November 16, 2011 at 11:27 amI adore the Merry Bright card, can’t wait to get our family photos done this year!
brooke
November 16, 2011 at 11:34 amRed nosed reindeer
Oscar Osorio
November 16, 2011 at 11:43 amThe pictures you guys have taken are awesome. My favorite template is the Holly Dotty card.
Nolita
November 16, 2011 at 12:03 pmPictures Everywhere Christmas Card is what I’d get …love!
Annie Hall
November 16, 2011 at 12:06 pmNicole this card is hilarious and perfect. Plus, the pink color will be so different landing in everyone’s mailboxes.
Amber
November 16, 2011 at 12:14 pmI think your card looks amaaaaazing :)
I would probably choose: Merry Memories Collage. Enough room to put a family pic in the middle and then other special pics around the edge, including a couple spots for the pets! Perfect!
Kara
November 16, 2011 at 12:37 pmLong time reader, rarely ever comment but have to say you are such an inspiration. My faves are- What fun and stiched in joy. Last year we did a Happy New Years card and I have to say it got a good response and took tons of pressure off of the holidaze.
Lor
November 16, 2011 at 12:43 pmLove the Pictures Everywhere template. So dynamic with all the pics. And the blue and red are my theme colors this year…
Used an old Groupon at Sears for our family portrait. God help us, what an afternoon that was!
Liz
November 16, 2011 at 1:00 pmI love the Fa La La template with word balloons. It’s perfect for my big crazy family!
OMG Ponies!
November 16, 2011 at 1:13 pmAwesome
whitney
November 16, 2011 at 1:20 pmOh, it’s a toss up between Bright Holly Jolly Holiday Card or This Much Merry Christmas Card!
Christina
November 16, 2011 at 1:39 pmIt is a tie for me- Mod Snow Flakes and the Picture This – I love how the photos look like they are just thrown in a nice array of scatterness – like my family- ha!
Jennifer
November 16, 2011 at 2:09 pmI like Strictly Ornamental!
Stephen
November 16, 2011 at 2:20 pmMy preference is the Simply Elegant Frames.
clara
November 16, 2011 at 2:43 pmMod Snow Flakes are my favorite. I also have a two-year old. Sigh. It’s tough when not even a lollipop will guarantee compliance.
Suganya
November 16, 2011 at 2:48 pmThe red nose reindeer is awesome! :)
Diana
November 16, 2011 at 2:49 pmI like the Initial Wreath card. Cute idea for a family photo!
Bambi
November 16, 2011 at 2:56 pmI like the Family Highlights card in red! I also enjoyed your Holiday card, such a cute idea. :)
Sarah
November 16, 2011 at 3:04 pmDefinitely the Happiest Season. Simple is best!
Lisa
November 16, 2011 at 3:24 pmCute pics, but please tell me what happened to your dog? Miss seeing him.
mandy
November 16, 2011 at 3:25 pmKaleidoscope is my favorite.
Heather
November 16, 2011 at 3:27 pmI love the Merry Little Jingle…I love your card and Eleanor’s ‘pose’ is priceless.
Linda R.
November 16, 2011 at 4:24 pmI love Colorful Joy or Bright Bold Trees — very cute. So many choices, though…
Leslye
November 16, 2011 at 4:25 pmLove your holiday card- (also, I think Motherhood has made you super-skinny!) :)
I’m loving the Holly Dotty design on Snapfish
beth
November 16, 2011 at 4:32 pmI love Mod Snowflakes!
Erica
November 16, 2011 at 4:42 pmI love Big Cheers, Wishing You Merry and Such Good Tidings. So many fun choices!
annie
November 16, 2011 at 5:28 pmI like the modern band card. Hard to choose, though.
Your card is great!
sp
November 16, 2011 at 5:54 pmclearly the best one is ‘modern forest’ – old forests are a thing of the past, honey.
Tara Jane
November 16, 2011 at 6:13 pmSuch Good Tidings!
Mandy E
November 16, 2011 at 6:33 pmI love the Monogram Damask Christmas card!
Jarfly Designs
November 16, 2011 at 6:55 pmI like your tights :)
Annie
November 16, 2011 at 7:02 pmI like the simplicity of the Initial Wreath.
Stephanie O'Connor
November 16, 2011 at 7:33 pmI love the sketched wishes. Now I’m ready to get the camera out and get those family pictures!
Amanda
November 16, 2011 at 7:36 pmI linked back to your site! I love CANON! I have a DSLR and I would love to give the camera to my mom and step dad for christmas!
http://www.msgiggles.com/wednesday-giveaway-and-freebie-roundup-11-15-11
Amanda R.
November 16, 2011 at 8:44 pmHand drawn joy is my favorite! Love JOY on holiday cards.
Kristin | Snip&Scribble
November 16, 2011 at 9:27 pmMy fave is the holiday love sketch… wish I could illustrate like that! :)
Eileen Kelly
November 16, 2011 at 9:47 pmLove a the toddler posture! And your acceptance!
Becky
November 16, 2011 at 9:48 pmThey have the best cards! I like many of the Noel ones (flourishing Noel, Noel script), I like the We Do Believe, and the Bird and Branches, but the one I kept coming back to….Retro Christmas! I love it! But, with two boys (ages 3 and 1), and I need to find a card that lets me have more than one picture! ;-) Love this post!
g. brimberry
November 16, 2011 at 11:36 pmI Love the “oh what fun” template. We love doing our cards through shutterfly each year!