Family fun!!

Despite the many gatherings and parties we had while the boys were home, we did manage to have some time just as a family. One of the fun (and slightly hilarious) things we did was to decorate Gingerbread men. Some of the results were quite amusing.

Here is the base. What will it end up looking like?


Well it being Josh's man, and he just wanting to eat the thing with his hot chocolate, it kinda ended up looking like it was wearing a large lumpy knitted sweater. But hey, it tasted good.


John, never has been the creative or artistic type, so his looked like....

himself. Complete with a stubbly shaved head;)

Faith was extremely neat and meticulous, and hers, when it was finished, resembled Frank Sinatra.

No seriously. Doesn't he?


A pair of dancers!! We had a wonderful time and lots of laughs over the many creative, strange and slightly disturbing gingerbread men we created as a family.

That night Charity made this beautiful Andes Mint cheesecake.

Gorgeous, delicious, mouthwatering, beautiful, decadent, and rich.

Another special once a year thing, we were able to accomplish was our special new years eve dinner.


Out came the fancy teacups, pretty lace,


and delicate crystal, to make the meal special.


Complete with the extravagant fare of Ham, Au Gratin potatoes, Broccoli with cheese sauce, and cinnamon hot canned apples. We are so thankful to God for the time we were able to spend with the boys while they were home, and are praying for their safety. They both left on January 2nd Josh we took down to the airport to fly back to basic, and John and Grace drove down to Texas. Please pray for Josh especially , as he continues his training.

~Chs