Merry Christmas, From Our House To Yours!

Christmas cards are definitely a tradition of ours that we LOVE doing.  We try desperate to create an idea that will provide the receive with a great laugh and maybe a tear of joy. Last year, we DID NOT do Christmas cards.  I was so sad about it.  Time just slipped away and our ideas could NOT properly be delivered, so we opted out.  It was the FIRST year we didn't do a Christmas card since 2002. This year, I created an idea, an original idea. No Pinterest necessary.  LOL! It wasn't going to include a family photo, but at the last second, I decided to snap a pic of my kids (above) directly after church! Tack on the word "Blessings" and wala! I love how sweet it turned out.  

The main idea involved lottery "scratchers", as so many people have been calling them as they have texted to thank us!

I purchased 90 lottery scratch off tickets.  Of course, they had to be Christmasy!

 Then, I designed a printable, on my computer, which read: 

The happiest people in life are givers, not getters! What will you do? Scratch it or give it? We will never know!?! Good luck!!! #Proverbs21:26

I ran around town, like the crazy lady that I am, in search of some adorable envelopes that the lottery scratchers would fit in.  I found several that I liked, so I bought them all.  

I robbed Ty's piggy bank of 90 pennies.  I shined them up in vinegar and salt water.  Just like new!

I hot glued the penny to the exterior of the envelope.  You know, incase they needed something to "scratch" the lottery ticket with.  That cute little "Merry Christmas" sticker was added for Christmas cheer.  

I inserted BOTH the lottery ticket AND the tag about "giving".  

Here are a few more examples!

I'd love to know what people did with their ticket or if they won! LOL! I think everyone is afraid to tell me that they probably DID keep it.  Hehe.  We have been blessed immensely and our home is definitely a home that LOVES to give, after all, it feels so much better to give than to receive.  

In the mail they went, 8 days before Christmas.  That is far too late for my taste, but hey.... at least Christmas cards went out this year.

The Lord has been so very good to us.  I am beyond thankful for his daily grace, mercy, and forgiveness, aka salvation, but aside from that, I am especially grateful for the greatest earthy gift HE has given to me... those who live in this home on Millwheel Lane.  They drive me bonkers, frustrate me, and challenge me, but the joy and fullness that I feel with them could NEVER replace the emotions or feelings from a gift under the tree. Merry Christmas, from our house to yours!  

Apple, Honey, & Goat Crostini

Our Sunday school class had a Christmas party, at the Maggi's house, two weeks ago.  Each of us "signed up" to bring a few things.  We all decided to bring appetizers, so when I spotted these delicious looking Apple, Goat, And Honey Crostini, on Giggles Galore's Instagram account, I decided to make them. They were simple to make, healthy to eat, and made a beautiful presentation, even better than my dang camera could capture.  

Pictured above:  Town House Flip Sides crackers, Goat Cheese, Ocean Spray Pomegranates, (1) Green Apple, Honey, and Walnuts.  

First, lay out approximately 30 flip side crackers. Second, spread a good amount of goat cheese over the cracker.  

Third, cut the green apple, using an apple corer, and slice each apple even THINNER! Place a thinly sliced green apple over top of the goat cheese.

Finally, sprinkle the walnuts and pomegranates over top of the apple and drizzle with honey!

These were truly a HUGE hit, but let me forewarn you... IF YOU DO THIS RECIPE in ADVANCED, your crackers will be moist, soft, and/or possibly saugy. I knew NOT to put the finished product in the refrigerator because I have had crackers, placed in the refrigerator, soften.  I thought the goat cheese would protect the cracker from the wet apple and the sticky honey, but it didn't.  I made these 3 hours in advanced and I would say that the crackers barely had a crunch to it.  There were ZERO complaints and all but TWO were gone! People were STILL talking about the awesome combination of ingredients, the next day, in Sunday school.  

 When Darren saw me making these, he said, "Ewe! What are you making?"  I told him and he said, "Why don't you make things I would enjoy?"  Haha.  He's so weird about fruit and cheese etc. put together.  I said, "The next recipes is for you dear!" So stay tuned... I will certainly be making these again in the future!

Obedience!

Ariel, Chippey, and Rozee worshipped Jesus Christ on Sunday!

Obedience to God, is an expression of your love for God! 

Chippey, Our Elf, Brought Gifts... For Our Dogs!

Our elf, Chippey, didn't let this Christmas go without bring gifts for our fur babies, Sadie and Simon.

Chipped arrived with an elf shirt for Simon.

An elf hat for Sadie.

Dog bones galore.

And an elf toy! 

Smart girl, Sadie, was tall enough and wise enough to spot it immediately.

Check out her tongue.  Hehe.  

After giving them MOST of the treats on the table, we dressed them up in their new gear.

Look how nice they are sitting for the camera.

I am not sure I have ever seen anything cuter.

I think it is safe to say, Sadie was being a GOOD sport, but felt a little embarrassed to wear the hat.  LOL! She's such a great dog! Thank you elves.