With all due respect . . . . . here is the front of Angie's gingerbread house. Please notice the artful tree in the front, the pretzel fence around the house, and the other whimsical amenities! Way to go Angie B. By the way, she's begun her own blog . . . . angjoyb.blogspot.com

Gingerbread house or personality test?

So, on the eve of Christmas Eve, mom, Jerry, Angie B and I had a competition. We designed, baked, and decorated gingerbread houses. It was really fun. But the houses REALLY showed our individuality.

Here's one photo of my house and Angie's house. Any guesses as to whose house is whose???

Suffice it to say I took a lot of ribbing for my "perfect little house." I think it looks mighty fine.



Here's Jerry's OUThouse! He did a great job!
Can you see the moon cut out of the front door?

And here's mom's adobe/pueblo/log cabin. See how our personalities came out? We have laughed and laughed at these houses. Well, mostly they have all laughed at mine. I know, I am completely insane in my perfectionist dysfunction. But come on, isn't that why you all love me???????????????

Merry Christmas!

Christmas PJs

Here's my sis and I in our Christmas pjs - a traditional gift from our mom. Merry Christmas!

Home for Christmas

Hello friends! I'm enjoying this whole blog thing. I've tried others, but it seems like this one is best . . . . so, hopefully I'll learn more as we go and keep it up to date.

I made it home yesterday after WAY too many hours in the Atlanta airport. My dad, Angie B and I had our traditional day together shopping and eating at Red Lobster. Dad saves all his shopping till Angie and I get home to help. It is a fun thing we started after I got home from overseas.

It is nearly 1:30 now and I have not even bothered to get dressed today. I love that about Christmas - sitting around in pjs, wrapping presents, eating mom's cooking . . . . . mmmmmmmmmmmm. Home for the holidays.

So, I'm here till December 31. There are some family events scheduled, but mostly the plan includes lots of down time. I'm looking forward to it!

I'm also looking forward to Mark's arrival next Wednesday. I know, there are lots of days between now and then, Christmas Day included. But hey, I can still look ahead to next week!

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas.

Mark and I took this photo at Lake Robbins Ballroom - the finest dance floor in Iowa!

I'm in the blog world!

Well, since Billy James and Elizabeth, Meredith Bufkin, and numerous other friends have entered this blog world . . . . . how could I pass up the opportunity to fill you all in on what's happening with Mandy B in Ames, Iowa.

In short, life is good. Well, that's an understatement. Life is great. Church stuff is going great. God is at work doing amazing things in His people. It is exciting to be in a place and on a church staff that really seeks the Lord and works hard to do His will. Our new family ministry (D6) has just exploded. We don't know where to put people anymore! But God will provide the space we need in time.

On the personal level . . . . . I'm beginning to really feel like Ames is home. Now, don't panic friends. I will always always always be a southern girl. Ruston will always have a place in my heart. But finally, God is giving me a new love for this place, this people group of midwesterners.

Sure doesn't hurt that in the last months He's also given me a special someone! Mark Stenberg is an amazing man of God. We met last May at a mutual friend's wedding. He's been attending Cornerstone for about a year and a half, but we didn't know each other. This place is just that big. Anyway . . . . after we met, Mark began praying about asking me out. FINALLY, he got the green light in November. We've been pretty much together since then! God is so good. Mark is kind, honest, loves the Lord, FUN . . . . I could go on and on. If you want more scoop, just ask. I will be happy to tell you more.

I'm headed home to Louisiana tomorrow (December 22). I'll be there through December 31 and hope to see many of you at Tiffany's wedding in Alexandria on the 30th. Oh, yeah, and Mark will be with me!!!!!

So, I sure hope I can keep up with many more of you this way. Have a wonderful Christmas!