5.Versluys'.us

Every year, I give books to my parents. And Eric’s parents. Books that cost a whole lot more than your average paperback.

Every Christmas since Roma was born, the grandparents have received a photo book reviewing the previous year.

This Christmas, my parents are getting a doubly special book, because all their adult children are contributing. My poor mother wishes she could be everywhere at once, keeping up with her grown up and gone kids’ activities, but we all know that’s impossible. Enter Shutterfly.

We are behind this year, with the 2008 book only being printed in time for this holiday, because my sister Katie had to go and get married on New Year’s Eve which of course had to be included in the 2008 book since it took place (barely) in 2008.

I am the official coordinator for this project, which just keeps getting bigger. I really don’t stress out over Christmas, mostly because I don’t have to host parties (we’re going to crash the parents’ as long as we can get away with it), and I shop for presents throughout the year (and online! I love Amazon). But I do insist on spending hours on these books because I think of them as family history books and it’s important to get them right. Especially when you’re spending major $.

Unfortunately, Nora’s birth put me WAY behind this year. Usually by November I have 11 months’ worth of photos uploaded and ready to go. Not this year. I’m sorting and uploading and inserting like a madwoman.

I swear, no more fall babies for me. Unless they don’t come from my body.

And surprise, surprise, I have found that this will be our last year using Shutterfly. Shutterfly only allows 100 pages max per book, and when you have 3 adorable children who grow immensely and do a million exciting things over the course of a year, 100 pages just doesn’t cut it.

So both sets of parents are getting 100 packed pages this Christmas, but next year we’re using Blurb. Up to 400 pages for me to obsess over and proofread 15 times.

I’m going to have to start in July.

On another note, I’m loving Christmas this year. I rarely stress, as noted above, but I’m even more chill this time around. I think having my own house with our simple decorations here in California has made all the difference in the world. Not to mention, I almost never have a hard time finding gifts for family members, and really enjoy giving Christmas presents because it’s never a chore. I hope no one ever buys me a gift because they feel obligated. That’s no way to honor Jesus, the ultimate gift.

Unfortunately for Eric, my “no gifts unless they are meaningful” policy has come back to haunt me. I had the best gift in mind for him but forgot to write it down, and now I can’t remember it for the life of me. He keeps bugging me to try and jog my memory, but seriously – this brain has gone through three pregnancies in the last 4 years. No way it’s coming back. So he’s not getting a store-bought present for Christmas. Maybe in February, if I find something that is perfect for him. But not likely before New Year’s.

The Otten family Christmas party is this weekend in Bakersfield, and don’t be surprised if you don’t hear from me until after. I’m going to get these books done if I have to stay up all night before the shipping deadline. And definitely don’t expect any photos.