Christmas Countdown - 2013

[Ryan]

Good afternoon!
We are celebrating a special day too 11/11
Because my twins are 10 years old today!
My little babies....♥♥

We are soon eating dinner of their choice (pizza)
and then we are going to the movies to see a Norwegian Christmas movie..

It's a cold day here today..
26.6F (-3) Brr....

We are moving december 1st..
So it doesn't look like Christmas here...
And Im feeling a little down because of it...boxes everywhere!

It will be great to move into or new home but I normally
would have lots of Christmas stuff in my home by now...

Well, hope you all have a great day!!!

XOXO

Happy birthday to the twins!

 

[Ryan]

Good morning all. I hope you all have a great day!

Coach, I loved the post this morning. Very well stated.

 

[xmastidings]

Day 3 Special Post

All I needed to know about Christmas​

I learned on MMC:​

Celebrate all year long​

Sing a Christmas song at least once a day​

Play games with others​

Laugh together​

Pray for each other​

Cry when your heart aches​

Bake often and share the recipes and pictures​

Watch Christmas movies, even in the summer​

Take lots of pictures of your furbabies to share​

It is ok to say Merry Christmas, happy holidays or Xmas​

Say thank you often​

Say hello to newcomers​

Believe in Santa…and​

Never, ever, loose the wonder of everything Christmas​

Christmas is coming again, as it does faithfully every year.
It will come no matter what is going on in the world and in our lives.

We together have faced a year of great joys, welcoming new lives into the world and great sorrows in saying goodbye to friends, family members and beloved pets.
Praying, laughing and crying together as we shared those moments in our lives that we just knew others here would understand.

From daily conversations, to those special times of community chats, Christmas in July and greetings on the podcasts. With the ornament exchange and the mailing of Christmas cards, we bring Christmas into each others homes from around the world. Our very own Kringle radio keeps us dancing to Christmas tunes all year long. Of course we cannot forget the main event party of the year, “The Worlds Largest Christmas party”!!! The only one you can attend without the worry of what to wear.

So celebrate the birth of Jesus and the miracle of His coming. Get together with family and friends. Believe in Santa Claus and his magic. Give to those who are not as blessed as you are. Brighten those dark nights with bright lights and beautiful decorations.

Be excited, the Christmas season is about to begin!

This is just so wonderful Star. Thank you!

 

[xmastidings]

“The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”


At the beginning of the year, I posted about all the fun things that would happen in this thread....little did I know the life changes that I would be starting a few weeks later…

On Jan. 30, I found out my world (my wife) was about to produce something that would become my world (my child). I wanted to tell my family so bad, but I had to wait….Wifey wanted me to do so. So I came here and told my “other family” in this post….

“Please, please, please...don't put this on my facebook page....because we are waiting to tell our family because of the difficulties we have experienced....

but....

I'm going to be a Dad…shhhhh….."

Shortly thereafter….the congratulations started coming in….but there was one….there was one that stands out now….

Oh Coach !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WONDERFUL !!!!!! XOXOXOO.

And as I reflect on that post over the past few months, I realized it (the post) was one of many….there were so many other instances of kindness….

The ornament came yesterday and it is SO WONDERFUL !!!
Hi Coach ! That is so sweet !!
You are such a kind man. Your wife is such a lucky lady as are all the students who have the pleasure to know you !!
Coach, I hope you are doing well.

There was more than that to me…but when you started looking, it was mind boggling how many more there was to others….

Nice to see you !!
you are too funny !!!! xo
You are SUCH a GENIUS with words !!! xo
Hope you get plenty of rest and stay nice and cozy !! xo
I hope you have a better night xo
Awwwww...what a precious angel xo

There is more….so much more….I could go on and on….because for CM3, kindness is who she was and it was what she brought to us….her gift to us.

See….in my world….I thought about the fun that would be had in the thread. But CM3….she didn’t bring fun to our world. To her, this was an opportunity to bring compassion.

I think about all the compassion she brought to the board, the compassion she had for her animals (and ours), and the compassion she had for us.

And as we head into the season…I want to return that compassion…

I wanted her voice to be heard…I wanted her to lead us into the season….so I found this quote from her…and I think I want it to help to do just that….

Merry Christmas! ((((((HUGS)))))))) xo

As we head into the season, let’s remember those of us who aren’t here….and how their experiences helped mold us into who we are….

As the days have turned to hours in our countdown, I pray that we all keep the spirit of compassion that CM3 brought to us…and I pray you have a Merry Christmas.

This is beautiful and very heartfelt! Thank you Coach! :-D

 

[Bradmac]

Good morning! We had a very nice, but yet hectic weekend, looking at houses and trying to sell ours. We got word late Friday night, that a contract came in on our house and then Saturday morning, the realtor called and said we got another one. So, a bidding war commenced on our house (that's a good thing)!

We didn't hear anything from the realtor until late last night, the final offer for our home was more than what we listed it for; (very happy about that). We accepted the offer and signed the contract last night - So, we sold our home, pending passing home inspections....Yea~

We found three houses that we like, two of them, we really love and cannot decide which one we want to make an offer for. So, tonight, we are going to take Zach and Vicki there tonight for the first time to get their points of view. Of course, it boils down to what we like, etc....this is the fun part!

Congrats! Its always good to get more than you were asking. :-D

 

[xmastidings]

Happy Veterans Day!!!!​

 

[HomemakinGirl]

“The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”


At the beginning of the year, I posted about all the fun things that would happen in this thread....little did I know the life changes that I would be starting a few weeks later…

On Jan. 30, I found out my world (my wife) was about to produce something that would become my world (my child). I wanted to tell my family so bad, but I had to wait….Wifey wanted me to do so. So I came here and told my “other family” in this post….

“Please, please, please...don't put this on my facebook page....because we are waiting to tell our family because of the difficulties we have experienced....

but....

I'm going to be a Dad…shhhhh….."

Shortly thereafter….the congratulations started coming in….but there was one….there was one that stands out now….

Oh Coach !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WONDERFUL !!!!!! XOXOXOO.

And as I reflect on that post over the past few months, I realized it (the post) was one of many….there were so many other instances of kindness….

The ornament came yesterday and it is SO WONDERFUL !!!
Hi Coach ! That is so sweet !!
You are such a kind man. Your wife is such a lucky lady as are all the students who have the pleasure to know you !!
Coach, I hope you are doing well.

There was more than that to me…but when you started looking, it was mind boggling how many more there was to others….

Nice to see you !!
you are too funny !!!! xo
You are SUCH a GENIUS with words !!! xo
Hope you get plenty of rest and stay nice and cozy !! xo
I hope you have a better night xo
Awwwww...what a precious angel xo

There is more….so much more….I could go on and on….because for CM3, kindness is who she was and it was what she brought to us….her gift to us.

See….in my world….I thought about the fun that would be had in the thread. But CM3….she didn’t bring fun to our world. To her, this was an opportunity to bring compassion.

I think about all the compassion she brought to the board, the compassion she had for her animals (and ours), and the compassion she had for us.

And as we head into the season…I want to return that compassion…

I wanted her voice to be heard…I wanted her to lead us into the season….so I found this quote from her…and I think I want it to help to do just that….

Merry Christmas! ((((((HUGS)))))))) xo

As we head into the season, let’s remember those of us who aren’t here….and how their experiences helped mold us into who we are….

As the days have turned to hours in our countdown, I pray that we all keep the spirit of compassion that CM3 brought to us…and I pray you have a Merry Christmas.

A beautiful and amazing post Ballcoach!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[made582]

Good afternoon!
We are celebrating a special day too 11/11
Because my twins are 10 years old today!
My little babies....♥♥

Happy Birthday to your twins!!!!!!

 

[xmastidings]

I just found out, that the people that bought my house wants to settle on December 27th...yikes! That's going to put a little crimp in my Christmas decoration plans. Looks like very little decorations and a lot of packing, between now and then.

Lisa mentioned to me over the phone about maybe we should not put up a tree this year because of the move, the move date, packing and such. My response, "No way, not gonna do it"! The tree will be up and decorated"!!!!!!

I have to confess, the 27th of December is not all that far out...It will be my luck, we will have a blizzard that day; lol!

 

[HomemakinGirl]

Good afternoon!
We are celebrating a special day too 11/11
Because my twins are 10 years old today!
My little babies....♥♥

We are soon eating dinner of their choice (pizza)
and then we are going to the movies to see a Norwegian Christmas movie..

It's a cold day here today..
26.6F (-3) Brr....

We are moving december 1st..
So it doesn't look like Christmas here...
And Im feeling a little down because of it...boxes everywhere!

It will be great to move into or new home but I normally
would have lots of Christmas stuff in my home by now...

Well, hope you all have a great day!!!

XOXO

Happy Birthday to your twins, I hope they have a wonderful day!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[made582]

Good morning! We had a very nice, but yet hectic weekend, looking at houses and trying to sell ours. We got word late Friday night, that a contract came in on our house and then Saturday morning, the realtor called and said we got another one. So, a bidding war commenced on our house (that's a good thing)!

We didn't hear anything from the realtor until late last night, the final offer for our home was more than what we listed it for; (very happy about that). We accepted the offer and signed the contract last night - So, we sold our home, pending passing home inspections....Yea~

We found three houses that we like, two of them, we really love and cannot decide which one we want to make an offer for. So, tonight, we are going to take Zach and Vicki there tonight for the first time to get their points of view. Of course, it boils down to what we like, etc....this is the fun part!

Congrats!!!!!

 

[HomemakinGirl]

Good morning! We had a very nice, but yet hectic weekend, looking at houses and trying to sell ours. We got word late Friday night, that a contract came in on our house and then Saturday morning, the realtor called and said we got another one. So, a bidding war commenced on our house (that's a good thing)!

We didn't hear anything from the realtor until late last night, the final offer for our home was more than what we listed it for; (very happy about that). We accepted the offer and signed the contract last night - So, we sold our home, pending passing home inspections....Yea~

We found three houses that we like, two of them, we really love and cannot decide which one we want to make an offer for. So, tonight, we are going to take Zach and Vicki there tonight for the first time to get their points of view. Of course, it boils down to what we like, etc....this is the fun part!

Wonderful news xmastidings, congratulations!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[HomemakinGirl]

Happy Veterans Day!
I have been busy all morning with chores and errands but I finally finished everything I needed to do for today. The girls are home from school and we will be heading out soon to grab some lunch and then head to the mall to do some shopping. I hope everyone is well and has a great day!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Seawaters]

My face and my heart are beaming! This was absolutely beautiful, Made!!! I wish we could show you just how special you are! Because you are. Special!

Four and a half years ago I was at a pretty dark spot in my life. I had lost the love of my life. Found another girl that I thought could show me that I was still capable of love only to have her betray me and damage my heart even more. I had a job traveling around as a sales rep. I loved it. There was no co workers to deal with on a daily basis. I only saw my boss 3 times a year. It was just me and that was the way I preferred it. I could run into a store and pretend to be happy while trying to sale the manager whatever new product I had that period or to tell them about the specials going on then go back to my truck and wallow in my own pity. I had pushed almost of all my friends away and the one's I still bothered with, lived out of state. Most of our interaction took place over the computer. So they had no idea that the happy act that I but on every time I talked to them was all a facade. I even hid my depression from my family. I would tell them that I was going out with friends and just go drive around all night so they wouldn't question why I was staying at home so much. I was at a point that I really didn't want to interact with anyone.

Then one day I was sitting at the desktop computer in my bedroom when out of no where I wondered how many days are left to Christmas? I don't remember the exact words I typed into Yahoo that day but as I scrolled through the results I stumbled across mymerrychristmas.com. I clicked on it and was amazed by the site. Not only did it have the countdown to Christmas that I was looking for, it had all kinds of info on Christmas. Now I had always loved Christmas and listened to Christmas music and watched Christmas Movies all year long. I had never really studied Christmas though. So to see all of this info in one place overwhelmed me. I also noticed that the site had a forum. I had read forums before to stay up to date on Nascar and other sports but I had never actively joined in. As I read through the posts that day though, something struck me. I had this overwhelming urge to join. So I listened to it and joined the site. I posted an intro and looked around. I was amazed how active the forum was even in April. Eventually I stumbled upon the Countdown thread. I posted about what was going on in my day and read about everyone else's day. Then I shut the computer down and went to do some other things.

The next day, I was on the computer checking my email, when MMC popped in my mind. So I searched for it again and did some more reading. Then I logged back on the forums and read some more there. Before leaving I once again headed to the countdown thread and posted again. That same scene repeated itself again and again. Finally about a week later I bookmarked the site so I didn't have to keep searching for it. I couldn't really explain it but for some reason I just liked it here. The people all seemed to be nice and cared for each other. There was no fighting, no arguing, no complaining. It was just a bunch of people who loved Christmas like me.

As the weeks passed, my daily visits became 2 or 3 times a day. I found myself replying to other people's posts. Playing the games. Chatting with Coach about Nascar. In a way, I started feeling at home. Which shocked me. I never believed that I could care about people that I had never met. In fact at that point, I wasn't sure that I could ever care about anyone again. I found myself thinking about other member's randomly throughout the day though. Praying for those that needed prayers. Wondering if people who said they were sick, were feeling better. It kinda scared me to tell you the truth. I didn't want to care. I viewed MMC as a way to kill time during the day. I wasn't trying to make friends. I wasn't trying to get to know people. This wasn't part of the plan.

Soon I couldn't deny it anymore though. I did care about all of these people. It was more than that though. I enjoyed hanging out on the site and chatting with them. It made me happy and that happiness was carrying over to my everyday life. All of you were helping me to claw out of the dark hole that I had been stuck in for so long. I wasn't sure how or why but you were and Christmas that year was one of the best that I had had in a long time because of it.

Year's later I can look back and see what was going on. I still loved Christmas but I had lost my Christmas spirit and MMC helped me find it again. In the process, it also helped me find myself again. It showed me that I was still capable of being happy. That there was people who would like me for who I was and not who I was pretending to be. That my heart though broken was not dead. That it was still capable of feeling emotions and of caring. I don't want to be to dramatic about it but in a way MMC saved me. Had fate not caused me to stumble on to this site that day back in April of 2009, I don't know where I would be today.

I'll admit that it's still a struggle some days though. In fact there was a time earlier this year that I really felt myself slipping back to that place again. It just seemed like everything was going wrong in my personal life and all of that emotion was overwhelming me. It was 2 very special friends from here though that realized what was happening and stepped in to pull me out of the downward spiral. For as far as I had come from where I was back in 2009, I still couldn't bring myself to let anyone in. My heart just wasn't ready to trust anyone with those thoughts for fear of them being used against me. Through their persistence though, those fears lessened and I slowly started opening up for the first time in my life. I'm in a much better place today because of it too.

So as we prepare to celebrate this Christmas season, I want to take this chance to thank all of you for the things you do. Not just here in the countdown but also the things that happen behind the scenes that no one will ever know about. Thank you for the kind and caring messages. Thank you for the prayers and get well messages. Thank you for the support in the good times and the bad. Thank you for your selfless acts and for the surprises. It is all of you that make this site so special and I'm honored to call you all my friends.


"The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others' burdens, easing other's loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas."- W. C. Jones

 

[Seawaters]

Another winner, without a doubt!

Day 3 Special Post

All I needed to know about Christmas​

I learned on MMC:​

Celebrate all year long​

Sing a Christmas song at least once a day​

Play games with others​

Laugh together​

Pray for each other​

Cry when your heart aches​

Bake often and share the recipes and pictures​

Watch Christmas movies, even in the summer​

Take lots of pictures of your furbabies to share​

It is ok to say Merry Christmas, happy holidays or Xmas​

Say thank you often​

Say hello to newcomers​

Believe in Santa…and​

Never, ever, loose the wonder of everything Christmas​

Christmas is coming again, as it does faithfully every year.
It will come no matter what is going on in the world and in our lives.

We together have faced a year of great joys, welcoming new lives into the world and great sorrows in saying goodbye to friends, family members and beloved pets.
Praying, laughing and crying together as we shared those moments in our lives that we just knew others here would understand.

From daily conversations, to those special times of community chats, Christmas in July and greetings on the podcasts. With the ornament exchange and the mailing of Christmas cards, we bring Christmas into each others homes from around the world. Our very own Kringle radio keeps us dancing to Christmas tunes all year long. Of course we cannot forget the main event party of the year, “The Worlds Largest Christmas party”!!! The only one you can attend without the worry of what to wear.

So celebrate the birth of Jesus and the miracle of His coming. Get together with family and friends. Believe in Santa Claus and his magic. Give to those who are not as blessed as you are. Brighten those dark nights with bright lights and beautiful decorations.

Be excited, the Christmas season is about to begin!

 

[Seawaters]

I always loved the song Turn, Turn, Turn. You have given it special meaning with this post, interweaving MMC happenings with the song. Thanks, Binger.

To everything there is a season
And a time to every purpose under heaven

A time to be born
A time to die

To everything there is a season
A time to laugh
A time to weep

To everything there is a season
Unspeakable joy at the arrival of Coach's daughter

To everything there is a season
Unbearable grief at the loss of our Louann

To everything there is a season
We join year long.... strangers in a world surely gone mad as we celebrate a time of peace and not war

Because this is our Season

And so it has come to this..

Four days until the season...

 

[Solice]

My face and my heart are beaming! This was absolutely beautiful, Made!!! I wish we could show you just how special you are! Because you are. Special!

Yes!
Wow, Made... ♥
You are amazing! Beautiful beautiful written!

...and thank you Seawaters!♥

 

[Rob]

Just a reminder that you can order the special Caninemom3 (Louann) tribute magnet here until Nov 28th


http://www.mymerrychristmas.com/index.php?pageid=louann





Thanks
Rob

 

[Meceka]

“The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”


At the beginning of the year, I posted about all the fun things that would happen in this thread....little did I know the life changes that I would be starting a few weeks later…

On Jan. 30, I found out my world (my wife) was about to produce something that would become my world (my child). I wanted to tell my family so bad, but I had to wait….Wifey wanted me to do so. So I came here and told my “other family” in this post….

“Please, please, please...don't put this on my facebook page....because we are waiting to tell our family because of the difficulties we have experienced....

but....

I'm going to be a Dad…shhhhh….."

Shortly thereafter….the congratulations started coming in….but there was one….there was one that stands out now….

Oh Coach !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WONDERFUL !!!!!! XOXOXOO.

And as I reflect on that post over the past few months, I realized it (the post) was one of many….there were so many other instances of kindness….

The ornament came yesterday and it is SO WONDERFUL !!!
Hi Coach ! That is so sweet !!
You are such a kind man. Your wife is such a lucky lady as are all the students who have the pleasure to know you !!
Coach, I hope you are doing well.

There was more than that to me…but when you started looking, it was mind boggling how many more there was to others….

Nice to see you !!
you are too funny !!!! xo
You are SUCH a GENIUS with words !!! xo
Hope you get plenty of rest and stay nice and cozy !! xo
I hope you have a better night xo
Awwwww...what a precious angel xo

There is more….so much more….I could go on and on….because for CM3, kindness is who she was and it was what she brought to us….her gift to us.

See….in my world….I thought about the fun that would be had in the thread. But CM3….she didn’t bring fun to our world. To her, this was an opportunity to bring compassion.

I think about all the compassion she brought to the board, the compassion she had for her animals (and ours), and the compassion she had for us.

And as we head into the season…I want to return that compassion…

I wanted her voice to be heard…I wanted her to lead us into the season….so I found this quote from her…and I think I want it to help to do just that….

Merry Christmas! ((((((HUGS)))))))) xo

As we head into the season, let’s remember those of us who aren’t here….and how their experiences helped mold us into who we are….

As the days have turned to hours in our countdown, I pray that we all keep the spirit of compassion that CM3 brought to us…and I pray you have a Merry Christmas.

Coach, what a touching and beautiful special post - thank you!!! {{{HUGS}}}

 

[Meceka]

Good afternoon!
We are celebrating a special day too 11/11
Because my twins are 10 years old today!
My little babies....♥♥

We are soon eating dinner of their choice (pizza)
and then we are going to the movies to see a Norwegian Christmas movie..

It's a cold day here today..
26.6F (-3) Brr....

We are moving december 1st..
So it doesn't look like Christmas here...
And Im feeling a little down because of it...boxes everywhere!

It will be great to move into or new home but I normally
would have lots of Christmas stuff in my home by now...

Well, hope you all have a great day!!!

XOXO

Happy Birthday to your boys, Solice! {{{HUGS}}}