Piano Men...

So nice to get to spend some time at home for Christmas. 

Love these two and their nephew-uncle bonding.

Jeremy and I were talking about how neat it is -all the hope that's wrapped up in a baby. 

Hopes of what he'll do and who he'll become... Hopes of joy and a long healthy life... Pure enjoyment of another little soul!

Crazy to think about Jesus coming to us in this way. 

So small and helpless. 

So dependent. 

Entering the world just as we all do... 

Joining us in the most natural, humble way.

Bringing hope and joy and God's presence.

Alford Christmas...

Christmas Day and the day after...

first: pictures with Cade

great-grand

Mom & Son

J's Architecture model - made ornament

after carrots:)

Granchelli Christmas...

Christmas Eve and Christmas morning...

It's hard not to look forward to Christmas presents!
This year is was nice to see Kayla getting so much joy from giving.
She bought our present with her own money and had the biggest grin as we opened them!

Thankful for this sweet fam.

Dose of Encouragement...

This devotional: Streams in the Desert by L.B.Cowman.

I have it in book form.

But here it is, written like a blog, for all the world to read. (It's the old-English copy vs. the updated book version.)

It's encouraging and life-giving, and scripture-full.

Even though it's not labeled an 'advent'-anything, it has certainly helped me worship and grow this season. Just wanted to officially recommend it! ♥

Dec.16th was about prayer...

If a person believes he can become powerful in prayer

without making a commitment to it,

he is living under a great delusion.

... 

We must pray to pray, 

and continue in prayer 

so our prayers may continue. 

-Charles H. Spurgeon

Edgefield Christmas...

Each year my mom's family gathers the weekend before Christmas.

I missed out the last two years because of retail-land.

But not this year.

This year we were able to make the 5 hour trip from Raleigh to almost-Augusta-GA!

Good stuff.

90 years young this Christmas. wow. <3

Starting to celebrate...

One final down... The big one.

So proud.

perspective drawing & finished museum model.

final review setup

(Thankfully work let me leave so I could be there!)

And last night... 

Henry & his wife had us over to celebrate the accomplishment...

J & Mike

Nutcrackers in the site model. Perfect.

Hark the Herald... hiphop style. Nice.

um. not sure. funny stuff though:)

What a group!
And what a difficult/great road this Architecture program is.

Thankful to be here.

Back to study-mode for two final finals.
Semester one is almost complete! ♥

Two TOMS Book Winners....

Yep!

I chose the old-school way...

And, since I had two FREE books, I just had to pick a second winner!

Michelle & Amy, your prize will be in the mail within the next few days!!! ♥♥

Thanks, guys, for playing and sharing your hearts with me a bit!!
If I get anymore free books in the mail, I'll be sure to let you know! ;)

Simple Christmas, Advent, and that book giveaway...

We're keeping it simple over here at DixieTrail.

Naptime Diaries'  printable advent calendar:

Speaking of advent... 

I've googled and brainstormed, but my calendar-activity-list is not yet complete. I'm in need of a few more [simple, heart-focused] ideas!

Got any good ones to share??

I'm not just aiming to fill the days with activities, but with simple actions that remind & help us lean into longing. <--(great post of that title by Vintage 21 pastor Matt Stevens).

(over the heater:)

Granny's nativity

And about that giveaway... 

Have you checked in yet?

It closes Monday.

Winner posts Tuesday.

At least come tell me what you would start if you could. LOVE the responses so far. Seriously encouraging. Praying we will get up and go for it!

Come on and enter. 

What's to lose?

Giveaway for you! The TOMS book: Start Something that Matters by Blake Mycoskie...

Happy December 1st!!!

Need a new read?

Been wanting to start something meaningful & beneficial?
This book is a GOODIE and will certainly inspire & help equip you to that end!

The coolest part is, the people at TOMS were gracious enough to send me TWO!!

One for you and one for me! :)

Soooo, to enter the giveaway simply leave a comment on this post letting me know you want it!!  And if you really want another entry, you can share this post with friends via FB or Twitter or Blogland- just leave another comment [for each] to let me know you did!

I will randomly choose a winner TUESDAY and announce it here! :)

Okay, one more thing, a curiosity bonus... for another entry, in a separate comment, let me know:
What would you start if you could? / What need would you like to help meet?

Wanna know mine??

I'd start an after-school-tutoring program. 

Coffee-shop/art-studio-style... 

I want to help meet the need of Mentoring & Discipleship. 

Yep, that's my wish!

What's YOURS??