Do you ever see those beautiful gingerbread houses during the holiday
seasons that are so beautiful? They look so simple, and look like such
a fun project to do with the kids making gifts for grandma and
grandpa. I could just feel it....soft Christmas music in the background,
the warm, spicy smell of gingerbread filling the air, the cozy warmth
of the fire on a snowy day, and my children and I building these
luscious goodies sure to bless our family and friends, and all
inexpensively as well.

That was the fantasy. Where was my mind? How could I forget about the
little thing we call REALITY? Ever notice how professionals make
things look easy? That's the very mark of a professional.

The first reality check was the store. Money was very tight and these
looked like a great way to give a quality to gift to several loved
ones. After we did the shopping for the candy and the ingredients for
these gingerbread houses, the bill totaled nearly $75. I almost
fainted. (We could have bought some great gifts with that, or even
bought beautiful gingerbread houses).