Merry Christmas From My Family

Obsessive Monday - Candy Canes

There is just something about that red and while swirl that makes me smile!!

 Source

Source

Source

Source

Source

Source

Have yourself a very Merry Christmas!

Renée

Gingerbread Houses

This past Thursday night, we had our annual gingerbread house building evening.  

When the kids were little (and I had control) I would make a house completely from scratch (crazy but true). I couldn't compete with Martha Stewart but I would do a pretty darn good job!  As the kids got older, we would buy a kit and candy that we liked.  I learned to glue gun the walls together (much, much easier) and let go of wanting the house to be beautiful!  The only problem is, we couldn't agree on how to decorate the house (there are 5 of us).  We would all take a side or room and have a hodgepodge house.  In the past few years, they've come out with little village kits and guess what??  There are 5 little houses!  We all get our own! Now the only thing we fuss about is who gets the frosting bag next!

1. Mine
2. Dad's (aka The Outhouse)
3. Dré's
4. Colette's
5. Dominique's

In the end, Dré ended up with the frosting bag and photo bombed my pictures.  I LOVE my teenagers!

Renée

Obsessive Monday - White Trees

Howdy...I know I've been missing for a while, things have been quite hectic.

While I should be decorating my own Christmas tree, at the moment, I'm lost in Pinterest Land looking at white trees.

 

Source

Source

Source

Source

Source

Source

Ok, now that I'm inspired, it's time to take care of my 13 year old green tree.

Happy decorating!!

Renee'

Obsessive Monday - Compassion

Once again, I'm a day late!!

This week, I'm obsessing about giving.  The Holiday Season is quickly approaching and this year my family wants to do something more.

 

 

We currently sponsor a little boy through Compassion International and this year they sent us a Christmas Gift Catalogue.  They have everything from soccer balls and Bibles to small business launches and vaccinations that you can purchase to send to a community or family in need.

 

 

In our family, we have set a budget of how much we spend on each person, if the gifts that the kids want don't add up to that amount they get cash.  This year we're all giving some our Christmas gift money to buy something for someone in need.

We're buying...

  A Goat!!

Goats provide milk, meat and generate income. Families will receive training and other resources to help them successfully raise and care for their animals.

 

Also...

 Protecting Children At Risk

 "Children can be vulnerable even in their own homes. Children with severely ill parents, children who must serve as the head of the household, or children who are at risk of abuse or exploitation need extra attention and protection. Your gift will help Compassion provide a safe place to live, legal care, and/or foster care for a child who is living in an unsafe environment."  Compassion International

I'm so proud of my kids for agreeing to do this.  Next year we plan on buying a....

 Holy Cow!!

And the kids are wanting to save money through the year to purchase other items.

Be sure and take a look at what they have.  If you have a friend that has EVERYTHING but you still want to do something for them, you can Give a gift “in honor” of a friend or family member.  Once you select your gift, you can choose a greeting card to be sent to your honoree.

This year let's make Christmas special for those in need! 

Photos from Compassion International

Reneé