Gingerbread Houses!

This Christmas my mom decided to revive a tradition from our childhood... Gingerbread houses!  I was, of course, very excited... baking and decorating... two of my favorite things!

The boys were apprehensive... but they came around... and dare I say, I think they kind of enjoyed it.

Before...

About halfway done...

Here are our finished products... each one unique...

Guess who... Patrick put an AU on his roof...

My colorful side... yes, it looks like my roof might cave it... but it never did!

Lastly... my brother Patrick added a chimney... very creative!

This is such a fun and tasty Christmas tradition... I'm glad we brought it back this year!  I am off to take down my Christmas decorations... Happy New Year everybody!

Christmastime in Georgia

Welcome to Christmastime in Georgia... I have a one bedroom apartment... and I have two full size trees.  What can I say?  I love Christmas decor!  I am so excited I get to share it with my blog friends this year!

This is my Georgia tree...

Here is is at night... without the flash... to showcase the lights!

You might ask, "How is it a Georgia tree?"

Because it is covered with ornaments like this...

They are all red, black, or silver...

Most all of them are associated with special memories and people... the UGA landscape above is from my mom (from our favorite craftshow)... the UGA ball below was a gift from my precious friends John and Cassie

This cross stitch one was a gift my freshman year of college from my dear friend (and future roommate) Rebecca Ruth...

Jesus is the reason for the season!  This is my favorite part of all my decor.  It helps keep my attention focused on the true meaning of Christmas.

I have two of these angels... my mom and I got them at a craft show we attend every year... I think they are so neat, each one is handmade.

Last year my mom and I saw similar centerpieces at Michaels... we decided we could make them... and we did for about half the price... I love it!

My second tree... this one is in my bedroom... it has all my crafty ornaments... so it is very colorful!

I also use the ornaments from my childhood on this tree... there are so many memories... like when we went to Disney World.

Or all the ballet classes I took... there are lots of ballet ornaments!

Thank you for spending a little Christmastime in Georgia...

The Dawgs were nestled all snug in their beds... while visions of bowl games danced in their heads...

Merry Christmas Y'all!!

Operation Christmas Child

Franklin Graham, from Samaritan's Purse, spoke at our church today.  He was there to kick off our mission week... but in addition to his sermon he told us all kinds of interesting stuff about Operation Christmas Child.  Did you know that they expect to distribute 8.2 million boxes this year?  They will distribute these boxes in 110 countries.  Each box not only contains the toys, candy, and toiletries that we pack, it also has a booklet that shares Jesus in the children's native language.  One more thing... they always try to team up with a local church to hand out the boxes, so that way the children and their families can return for discipleship.

His message really got me fired up for the program this year.  It is awesome what God can do through a simple shoe box filled with basic supplies... and some fun kids stuff.  He told stories of children who had once received boxes, now giving boxes.  He also encouraged everyone to put a picture and a note in the box... but most importantly to pray over the box for the child who will receive it.

If this has not gotten you fired up for shoe box packing, I encourage you to go to their website and watch some of the videos (I tried to put one here.... but it kept going crazy).  Just look at the kids faces....

I can't wait to get my shoe boxes together... it may be the ONLY gift these children ever receive!