Jenni Clayville

I have to be honest.

I was never a “snail mail” type of person. I didn’t send birthday cards or “thinking of you” letters on a regular basis. I was always shocked when I would receive cards or gifts in the mail because I would literally think, “WHO DOES THIS?”

Well… In September 2005, I had Chance. He was only 3 months old when Christmas came around. My good friend, Janet, said, “When am I gonna get YOUR Christmas card?”

Me: “I don’t do Christmas cards!”
J: “WHAT? You HAVE to. You have a baby now. Everyone wants to see your baby in card form.”
Me: “What? Is this a mother rule.”
J: “Yes. Welcome to motherhood.”
Me: “But Christmas is a week and a half away!”
J: “Well… you better hurry then.”

Yes. This was a real conversation and yes… this sounds like MOST of Janet and my conversations. Imagine Gilmore Girls banter… that’s the kind of banter Janet and I have. It’s real, honest, revealing and efficient. With Janet, I don’t feel like I have to do the whole fluffy, “How are you doing, feeling, smelling…” ritual that most people do. That’s how we roll.

So, home I went. I loaded the cutest photo of Chance I could find (taken by my sister Renee) and sent it off to Costco Photo to make 100 or so Christmas cards. It was a last minute thing, but I received SO many comments over it, I knew Janet was right. This began my “once-a-year” snail mail project.

Five years later… I find myself LOVING the opportunity to mail out a picture card to my friends and family once a year. It’s a way to update AND let them know I’m thinking about them. I don’t use a label maker for outgoing addresses. No… I handwrite every single address, and pray over the family of which we are sending the card to while I write. I also know some friends keep my card up on their fridge all year long and pray for us daily.

This years’ family photos and card was taken/created by Kimberly Whipps with Barefoot Photography.  Kimberly made ours last year too… and I’m pretty certain she’ll most likely be creating ours next year… and the year after that.

Not only is Kimberly our photographer, but she’s a dear friend with the most humorous personality (y’all know how I love that). She knows our story… she knows how our family almost fell apart. So, this year, she used her amazingly creative & artistic eye to capture what God has saved in Brian and my marriage. She helped reveal a family experiencing restoration. She captured REAL moments (which is pretty amazing since our kids are ON THE GO).

If you’re in the Portland, Oregon area, and have always wondered about where to get some awesome family photos (or Christmas cards)… Kimberly’s my vote. She’s my girl.

Merry Christmas, everyone… and may you ALL remember WHO we celebrate this season.

Because of Jesus, we can TRULY experience faith, hope and love.

These words have never rung more true to me.