Creating Christmas memories is my favorite.

We had such an incredible Christmas.

And despite the fact we had no extended family to share it with we were so blessed to spend it with others who treat us like family. God never ceases to amaze me.

It began Christmas Eve morning when we shared breakfast with our friends, the Teagues.

Once home I baked a pecan pie and chocolate chip pumpkin bread. At 5 we attended service at church. From there we went to eat at Cheddars with our best friends, the Daigles and our adopted brother Terrence.

The evening only got better when we returned to the Daigles for a gift exchange and Kerri's home made cheese cake. Sooooo good. We had such a great time.

Christmas morning, everyone woke up to the smell of fresh coffee and bacon and eggs on the griddle.

We had a blast watching the kids open their gifts and even Brian and I got spoiled. And even though we didn't get our dossier finished or even USCIS approval as a gift we were still unbelievably thankful. We are praying early in the New Year will bring both those things.

Everything with our meal was perfect and we were even joined by Jared's girlfriend and her brother.

We spent the rest of the day lazing around enjoying our gifts, watching sports and movies and just enjoying our time together.

I cannot begin to tell you just how much we have enjoyed this holiday season. One more week before total reality sets in. I plan on being really productive this week and also enjoying my family. Especially since Brian will be off starting Wednesday through Monday. He deserves the break.

I pray you all had an amazing Christmas also. Happy New Year. May God bless you!!!

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Why I celebrate Christmas!!

A baby came, to die.

He redeemed us from our old life and because of His salvation and grace we walk in new life.

He is our Savior, our Healer and our ALL in ALL.

And, this is why we celebrate Christmas.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 9:6-7

Growing Deep Roots: My first giveaway...and I am excited!!

Growing Deep Roots: My first giveaway...and I am excited!!: Let me introduce you to Project 320.    This is the third year for Project 320.  Six women have gotten together and decided that they can do...

Not the GUMDROP buttons!!

For the first time this Christmas I decided it would be fun to build gingerbread houses.

It definitely looked easier than it was. But thankfully, since the boys are almost all teenagers they didn't need me to help them. Because trust me, I couldn't have!

So, in the end we had 5 mini houses. They all looked like they needed some help but we had a blast doing it and there was lots of laughing and a nice sugar high.

Just click play and enjoy!

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1 Corinthians 13 Christmas

I saw this on my friend Tracy's blog and had to post it also. Thanks girl!

1 Corinthians 13 Christmas

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.

Author Unknown