Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Office Christmas Party


The table is set with Christmas plates, green & white paper napkins,
and our everyday silverware. When I took this picture, I had not yet
put on glasses!

Hospitality is a gift. You can give it to anyone, anywhere, at any time.

It doesn't require a long & strenuous day of decorating & baking! All you need is to open up your home, and make people feel like family.

Every year, we try to have an Office Christmas party, and all my father's employees are invited, as well as their families & friends. It's just a way to say "Thank-you" to them.

Mom's sweet centerpiece~yes, those are marshmallows!!!
The cake stand is resting on a little silver tray, and the Bible is opened to the Nativity Story in the book of Luke.

This year, we had Spaghetti and Grandma's Special Spaghetti Sauce *recipe in upcoming post*, and everyone brought a salad, bread, or dessert. YUM! There was apple cider & sparkling cranberry punch to drink, as well as coffee to go with the brownies & ice cream Becky brought.

Everything was easy & simple, but the time we enjoyed was very precious. As people walked in the door, I realized that everyone who worked for my Dad felt at home in our house. They knew where everything was, could sit down & relax without feeling hesitant, & encouraged their children to join in the conversations.

This little drink buffet was sitting right beside the dinner table, so people could easily
refill their cups, and choose what they would like to drink! It helps eliminate some time & mess.

I am just beginning to figure out a very simple truth~ your home doesn't belong to you. It belongs to Christ, and through Him, it belongs to every single person who walks in your door. It's a Sacred Trust, a servant's gift to his Master, one never to be withheld.

Merry Christmas!!!


Friday, December 12, 2008

Winter Wonderland...


The day after Thanksgiving, a sparkling tree appears in our front parlor, with all the twinkling splendor of a Nutcracker Fantasy.

It stands proud and tall, with each branch bearing a different story...

When I was little, our Christmas tree was magic. Every ornament held a meaning, a fantastical tale or adventure, a personality of its own.

I took pictures of some of these precious things:


Father & Mother's Wedding Picture

"Twelve Days of Christmas" Ornament that used to be my grandmother's


One of the many ballerinas that grace our tree

Baby Brother

Delicate Little Ballet Slippers

Another Ballerina





What keepsakes/traditions do you have at Christmas time that remind you of your childhood?

~GRACY



Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Giving Thanks

We celebrated Thanksgiving at my grandparents' home this year.

The house was beautifully decorated in golds, reds, browns, & oranges, and the smells that wafted from the kitchen were tantalizing!

Our entire family (+1 boyfriend & 1 friend) was there, and it was fun to watch the youngest cousins ooh and aah over the giant turkey.

I took some pictures of the Thanksgiving table that Grandma decorated:


Some kids ate a little TOO much, maybe??? :)


Psalm 100 says:

Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.

This season is such a reminder to give thanks, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior! We are thankful for YOU and this blog, as it has introduced us to so many new friends! :)

~ GRACY

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Kreativ Blogger Award


Thank you, Karla, for nominating us for this award!


When you are nominated, you are supposed to:
  • Mention the blog that gave it to you.
  • Comment on her blog to let her know you have posted the award.
  • Share 6 values that are important to you.
  • Share 6 things you do not support.
  • Share the love with six other wonderful blogging friends
6 values that are important to us are~
  • Charity
  • Generosity
  • Service
  • Trustworthiness
  • Integrity
  • Kindness

6 things we do not support are~

  • Abortion
  • Adultery
  • Child Abuse
  • Pornography
  • Profanity
  • Same-sex marriage
  • Slavery

(I copied Karla's, because she stated it so well! I did add one, though, so I have seven!)


We would like to nominate~

Rene @ Miss Gracie's

Grace @ Miss Gracie's Sweet Shoppe

Sandy @ 4 Reluctant Entertainers

Deby @ Apples of Gold in Pictures of Silver

Farrah @ Light in the Sphere (LOVE your new header, Farrah!)

Katie @ Girl Gone Glad


Preparing for the Christmas season~ expect lots of recipes, place setting & table arrangements, and fun events to come! :D

Love to all of you~


Gayle & Gracy