Yall I’m Back And Moving Like Never Before!
Hey, sweet friends! Lord have mercy, it’s been a minute since this Carolina girl popped up in your feed. I’ve been playin catch up with doctor appointments, but can I get an amen for finally being able to move my leg, keep up, and chase these little wild boys without missing a beat? 🎉 Praise God!
Anyway, Christmas season is quickly approaching and if your house is anything like mine, family photos are an absolute must! My precious husband and I both treasure those captured moments especially since he’s been working so much with barely a spare minute for us. (Can I pause right here to brag on this man for a second? Lord, thank You for hand-picking the absolute perfect partner for this Carolina girl. Wow!!)
But by some Christmas miracle, we carved out time for our infamous holiday card pics! 🎅
This Mama is Back: From Exhausted to Energized 💪
Yall, up until now, my 2 and 3 year-old boys have been a full time job….and then some. Exhausting doesn’t even cover it. But praise Jesus, they’re finally kinda-sorta listening!
- Buckling themselves in the car? ✅
- Oldest fully potty-trained? Hallelujah, no more diaper bag ✅
- Helping Mama with little tasks? ✅
This season with my boys has been magic. We’ve barely spent a dime on babysitters or at least nothing compared to the past, just pure family fun hunting down events around town. Outings that used to feel like herding cats? Now they’re joyful adventures we all look forward to. 🥰
Year 1: The Frosty Outdoor Adventure ❄️
Our first year in town, my dear sweet friend Jill, gifted us a with a full family session! SO sweet! My heart will always have such a special place for that woman!! Anyway, We bundled up for outdoor shots… and y’all, it was freezing. Gorgeous results, but that cold sank straight into our bones. With one baby and a toddler? Pure chaos.
Year 2: Round Two, Still Shivering😬
We tried outdoors again. Photos? Stunning. Sanity? Questionable.
Year 3: Cozy, Controlled, & Carolina Approved! 🏠✨
This year, we said “Ain’t nobody got time for this cold!” and we booked an indoor session at JCPenney Portrait Studio.
Why JCP?
- Cute backdrops galore (that toy shop scene? Precious.)
- We rocked cozy blues, so we picked a backdrop that made us pop
- No runny noses or blue lips!
The Real Tea Recap ☕
The Good:
- Studio was spotless & festive
- Military discount? YES, MA’AM. Saved us a bundle!
- Final haul for $200:
→ All digitals
→ 100 Christmas cards + envelopes
→ 8×10 print
The “Bless Her Heart” Moments:
- Our photographer was flyin’ solo (no assistant = big energy with two wild boys 🤪)
- She seemed very overwhelmed & couldn’t quote exact pricing upfront (a little odd!)
- We felt rushed with another session waiting
- I prefer photographers with a game plan or pose ideas. This girl must of been new because direction was lacking.
Pro Mom Tip:
Call ahead! Meet your photographer, ask about assistants for littles, or at least see if they have a game plan, and get pricing locked in. A 5 minute chat would have saved so much stress!
But Enough Talk…You Be the Judge! 👀
Swipe through our three years of Christmas card magic below. Which one’s your fave? Drop your vote in the comments!! I read every one!
Merry everything, yall! May your cocoa be hot, your littles be still for 2.5 seconds to get your perfect Christmas photo, and your cards make it to the mailbox before December 24th. 😉 PS. And most importantly don’t forget what Christmas is truly about, The birth of Jesus Christ!
XOXO,
Your Favorite Carolina Mama 🌺
Product Recommendations:
Y’all, this dress is everything! Super perfect for Christmas photos too🤩 The quality and fabric are top notch, nothing like those flimsy, see through styles flooding the market atm. I’m obsessed and 100% recommend it! Snag yours here:
My boys will do anything for candy—and it’s the ultimate photo bribe! 📸✨ These treats are a huge hit with them and way better than the usual sugar bombs. Grab yours here: https://amzn.to/4pdLL9V
check out my dessert post: https://carolinacupboard.com/2025/07/02/delicious-mini-banana-foster-cheesecake-recipe/
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