Our 2011 Christmas Card {A Sneak Peek!}

The colder weather has really put me in the mood for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Thanksgiving is a bit of a dark cloud, however, as we will spend it alone in Detroit. But, like the song says, "I'll be home for Christmas!"

I've been hand making hundreds of Christmas cards every year for the last 10 years {our entire married life} and love to plan them, design them, and construct them lovingly night after night. When I taught 5th grade for 6 years, I always finished them in the summer, since I had the time off.

But, now, I can start them in September/October.

This is the color scheme for this year- black and white houndstooth with turquoise. Though my paper cutters hate slick wrapping paper, I chose this wrapping paper roll as the base.

And this large bolt of slick ribbon to coordinate.

This design included two printed photos, which is a first for me!

When I showed my mom the design, she made Harbor a coordinating longall in houndstooth and monogrammed it with an "H" in turquoise!

Is she an amazing seamstress, or what??

His outfit matches the theme of the card so well! Thanks, Mom!

I can't wait to reveal the photo shoot and final card.  : )

These pictures are from our Christmas card photo shoot at the end of September. And would you believe that I have my cards about 85% finished? All 160 of them! So happy!

In other news, David finished remodeling and tiling the back steps off of our back porch.

And we purchased Harbor's first pair of outdoor ice skates! We have several outdoor rinks here in Detroit, and are looking forward to a few family outings on the ice. I know Harbor will outgrow these toddler size 8 skates so soon that they were probably not worth buying, but they are so small I justified using them in Christmas decor later down the road.  : )

It rains here every other day. It feels like Seattle or Portland weather. I guess when it is cold enough, it will all be snow. We have had so, so many rainy days that we have just put on rain boots and gone out anyway. : )

Harbor's and Mommy's rain boots

Heading out to the library for some rainy day fun!

With all the rain, we are usually desperate for an adventure!

Later that day, Harbor and David had a little soccer game on the driveway.

And Harbor found and picked the last remaining rose of the season. And gave it to me. : )

As I found a place to display it {in the kitchen on the fruit platter,} I couldn't help but wonder, looking outside through the kitchen window at all the rain and wind, how we will handle this first winter. 

Winter looms over us, full of snow and with it, a promise of adventure.

The kitchen is warm and cozy, but that last remaining rose makes me wonder what is around the bend.

Hope you are warm and happy and full of thanksgiving!

We love you, friends and family {and blog readers, too!}