Watching TV with Papa

Asleep

I took this sweet picture of Amanda sleeping when we were in Nashville visiting my parents.

Reindeer Puppet

Amanda and I made this cute little reindeer puppet yesterday. It looks just like I feel "Aah!"

Lots going on during the holidays!

A Cute Show

Last night after dinner, Amanda wanted to do a show for us. She said that mommy and daddy could be the audience. She had me play music on the keyboard while she danced. It was so cute!

Gingerbread House

Amanda and Bob did a super job decorating the gingerbread house!


The finished product!

2008 Christmas Newsletter

Click on the photo above to read our 2008 Christmas newsletter.

2008 Tour of Homes

I am participating in BooMama's 2008 Tour of Homes
I am a little late because I have a sick child at home, but I figured, "better late than never!" Check out all of the homes decorated for Christmas here.

Front of our house all lit up for Christmas.


This is the wreath on our front door. I got it from my favorite store Touchstone Outlet.


Past Christmas photos of Amanda in dining room.


Christmas swag above doors leading into dining room.


swag attached to clock near kitchen.


Our Christmas tree!


mantle with Nutcrackers and garland


side of fireplace


center of mantle above fireplace


close-up of mantle


other side of mantle


Nativity scene—the manager is the one from my childhood that my mother gave to me. The nativity set is a bigger one so that Amanda's hands can touch it.


The set above including the reindeer came from Touchstone Outlet for $12.00! I added the acorns and nuts, pinecones and cinnamon sticks.


Christmas potpourri on kitchen table


Candy canes hot glued around a candle and Yankee Balsam and Cedar candle


dress-me-up plate in foyer


And finally a cookie recipe. These are not your ordinary chocolate chip cookies!
Merry Christmas!

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

In a mixing bowl add:
1 1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 cup melted butter

Beat together until fully incorporated and fluffy.

Add 1 whole egg and 1 egg yolk. Beat well.

Add 2 oz milk and 1 1/4 tsp. vanilla. Beat well.

Mix together in a separate bowl:
2 1/4 cup bread flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp salt

Slowly add on low to the wet ingredients until fully incorporated. Scrape the bowl a couple times.

Add 2 cups of chocolate chips or whatever you want to put in them.*

Cover the bowl and refrigerate until firm.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees, drop 1 ounce balls on the ungreased baking sheet. Leave room for them to spread and bake evenly. Take the sheet out of the oven when the edges of the cookie are browned and the tops are golden. Watch to see if the cookies are baking unevenly and you have to rotate the pan half way through. Keep the dough cold throughout the process of baking. Put only one pan in the oven at a time. Each batch will take about 9 - 11 minutes to bake. Remove cookies off the pan to a wire rack immediately after removing from the oven. Store the cookies in sealed zip lock bags for 3 or 4 days. Freeze for up to a month in double freezer zip locks.

*I added M&M’s and chocolate chips.

Christmas Fun!

Playgroup Christmas Party

Amanda and Maggie at the Fusion Playgroup Christmas party.


Amanda loved the sparkly pink necklaces and bracelets from Maggie.


Cooper, Maggie and Amanda


Craft time!

All dressed up to see "The Nutcracker"

Amanda decorating the tree

Here she is with the tree skirt wrapped around her!


She did a great job. She was very specific as to where she wanted the ornaments placed!


So fun!


All finished!

Thanksgiving 08

We celebrated Thanksgiving at Bob's parents house in Dahlonega. My parents who were visiting from Nashville were also there.

Bob Turned 40 Nov. 24th

Amanda and I surprised Bob at work with a little party. He was very surprised!!!


We took him a whole bunch of balloons. Amanda LOVED the balloons and wanted to pass them out to everyone!


We also had a party when Bob got home from work.


40 candles!


Blowing out the candles

My cutie pie!

I got this cute monogrammed blue corduroy dress on ebay for $13.00. I love ebay!

New England Baptist Conference

It was great to see Randy Sprinkle. I worked with him when he was at the IMB.


Conference dinner with my parents and sister.


IMB Missionary Roger Hesch


Old photo of dad—bottom left in the middle.


Jimmy and Carol Ann Draper. Dr. Draper is the former president of LifeWay Christian Resources.

Boston Trip

I met my parents and sister in Boston back in November. We were there to attend a 50 year celebration of Southern Baptist ministry in New England. Here we are at the No Name Restaurant in Boston.


Watching the fisherman sort the fish from our table.


The sauteed shrimp and vegetables were really good!


We had fun shopping at Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market.


Ben Frankln and my mom kissing (not really!)


Our old house in Northborough, Mass. It used to be a golden yellow color.


My sister and I went to Proctor Elementary School.


We had a great time visiting the Hayward family! They live two doors down from our old house in Northboro.


Here we are in from of Rice Memorial Baptist Church.


Mrs. Hasting was my Sunday School teacher when I was about 9 or 10 years old. I memorized the books of the Bible and scripture verses under her.


The pulpit furniture at Rice Memorial Baptist Church was given in memory of my sister Nicole in 1979.