Gingerbread Virgins

So I've decided that this year I'm going to make a gingerbread house from scratch. I've also decided that it is going to be a masterpiece!!! My mom's best friend Nancy (who's like an aunt to me) told me that she would help me make it - so I thought - oh this will be great - she's made one before - so it really could work out. Well then my mom was talking to her tonite and as it turns out we are both gingerbread virgins. which means neither of us have ever made one from scratch. So I'm looking forward to the good times that will no doubt ensue - however - it's sure to be messy and possibly disaterous. I will be sure to take lots of pics and post the final creation. My plan - well we both know what a house looks like - so how hard can it be right?? right...