Christmas Countdown - 2011

caninemom3 · Nov 12, 2011

Seawaters said:
At this time of year, I always turn my heart toward home and look back into my childhood and recall all the blessings of my life. I know I am luckier than a lot of people for my loving family who embraced life and each other. Traditions were very special to us, especially at Christmas. The season began with Thanksgiving and went all the way into January when we kids returned to school. Those memories and traditions of dinners together, underwear and pajamas on Christmas Eve, Christmas caroling throughout our town, a party on Christmas Eve that would make you think that we were kings with all the bounty we had, scented candles in the windows, the smell of balsam and cedar, oranges with peppermint, homemade candies and cookies, hot chocolate with marshmallows melting on top, the lighting of the Yule log at the community center, treat bags for all the kids, midnight mass, the twinkling lights of the tree, and every once in a while a wonderland of whiteness on a starlit night. There were so many memories that it just makes my heart swell to recall them all. For those of you with no fond memories, take some of mine; or better yet, begin your own from this day forward.

The following is an excerpt from a letter I found on the Internet. It just about sums it up for me:

Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them.

"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary. If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now

I'm not sure what others would've done had they known they wouldn't be here for the tomorrow that we all take for granted. I think they would have called family members and a few close friends. They might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think they would have gone out for a Chinese dinner or for whatever their favorite food was.

I'm just guessing; I'll never know.

It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew my hours were limited. Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to write one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my husband and parents often enough how much I truly love them. I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. And every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself that it is special.

And so to all of you, my MMC friends: "May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."

And thus, dear MMC friends, we have come full circle since last year, and so it is now…the beginning of the new Christmas season.

Thank you Seawaters !! How beautiful !! I also have tears in my eyes. Blessings to you and a wonderful Christmas Season ((HUGS)) xo

ballcoach · Nov 12, 2011

under 12.....

caninemom3 · Nov 12, 2011

Good afternoon dear Christmas family !

I have my nativity scene up !! Each year I add so many animals to come and see the newborn king that it takes longer and longer to set it up !! This year I added a family of raccoons, an ostrich and her baby, and a treefrog !! I am going to try and take pictures if you want to see......

I am also getting ready to put up my Santa Claus figures on the mantle.

If it is okay with everyone, I am going to post my own special post now that all the special post days are done. I didn't want to take one of them because I just don't know if what I write is good enough. I wrote Crown and asked them about it and submitted a post for them to read and they said it would fit. I wanted to add my own tribute to the Christmas Season.

I hope you all like it and I hope all are well xo

The special post will follow ....xo ((HUGS)) everyone !!

:transform:

caninemom3 · Nov 12, 2011

My Special Christmas Post

CHRISTMAS FAMILY

Many years ago a couple took a journey because of a census. The husband led the way with his wife seated on their donkey. She was growing quite tired and weary as their destination was so far and she was expecting her first child soon.

When they arrived there was not any place they could stay. The only shelter available was in a place where cattle are kept and there was no bed for her baby.

When he was born there were no fancy hospitals, no monitors to make sure he and his mother were okay, nothing but coldness and uncertainty about the future.

The mother and her husband knew everything would be fine as they had great faith and they were right.

As we celebrate Christmas let us remember it does not take money, extravagant presents, or bounties of fattening foods. It just takes being with the ones who are your family and being together. Let us embrace those we love and count our blessings and be kind to one another even if we have differences or are from different backgrounds, races, religions, etc.

Let us remember we are all family and not just any family, Christmas family and that the little child who grew to be a kind and wise teacher celebrates with us. He lives in our hearts not one day of the year but all 365 if we let him.

Merry Christmas, Christmas family. May each and every one of you truly have peace on earth and be blessed during this wondrous Season. xo

Seawaters · Nov 12, 2011

The truth is always beautiful!!!

caninemom3 said:
CHRISTMAS FAMILY

Many years ago a couple took a journey because of a census. The husband led the way with his wife seated on their donkey. She was growing quite tired and weary as their destination was so far and she was expecting her first child soon.

When they arrived there was not any place they could stay. The only shelter available was in a place where cattle are kept and there was no bed for her baby.

When he was born there were no fancy hospitals, no monitors to make sure he and his mother were okay, nothing but coldness and uncertainty about the future.

The mother and her husband knew everything would be fine as they had great faith and they were right.

As we celebrate Christmas let us remember it does not take money, extravagant presents, or bounties of fattening foods. It just takes being with the ones who are your family and being together. Let us embrace those we love and count our blessings and be kind to one another even if we have differences or are from different backgrounds, races, religions, etc.

Let us remember we are all family and not just any family, Christmas family and that the little child who grew to be a kind and wise teacher celebrates with us. He lives in our hearts not one day of the year but all 365 if we let him.

Merry Christmas, Christmas family. May each and every one of you truly have peace on earth and be blessed during this wondrous Season. xo

sugar142286 · Nov 12, 2011

caninemom3 said:
CHRISTMAS FAMILY

Many years ago a couple took a journey because of a census. The husband led the way with his wife seated on their donkey. She was growing quite tired and weary as their destination was so far and she was expecting her first child soon.

When they arrived there was not any place they could stay. The only shelter available was in a place where cattle are kept and there was no bed for her baby.

When he was born there were no fancy hospitals, no monitors to make sure he and his mother were okay, nothing but coldness and uncertainty about the future.

The mother and her husband knew everything would be fine as they had great faith and they were right.

As we celebrate Christmas let us remember it does not take money, extravagant presents, or bounties of fattening foods. It just takes being with the ones who are your family and being together. Let us embrace those we love and count our blessings and be kind to one another even if we have differences or are from different backgrounds, races, religions, etc.

Let us remember we are all family and not just any family, Christmas family and that the little child who grew to be a kind and wise teacher celebrates with us. He lives in our hearts not one day of the year but all 365 if we let him.

Merry Christmas, Christmas family. May each and every one of you truly have peace on earth and be blessed during this wondrous Season. xo

How touching, Louanne! That made me cry as well! That is filled with so much truth!

Seawaters · Nov 12, 2011

And with this post, Binger is poster #24,400. For their efforts, they win several cups of coffee to help keep them awake for tonight's beginning of the Season!!!

Binger said:
OKKKK Plaid Girl..can you please get Mr. isherwood off FB and over here at midnight..... sheshhhhhh

YABBA!

shellie12 · Nov 12, 2011

Seawaters said:
At this time of year, I always turn my heart toward home and look back into my childhood and recall all the blessings of my life. I know I am luckier than a lot of people for my loving family who embraced life and each other. Traditions were very special to us, especially at Christmas. The season began with Thanksgiving and went all the way into January when we kids returned to school. Those memories and traditions of dinners together, underwear and pajamas on Christmas Eve, Christmas caroling throughout our town, a party on Christmas Eve that would make you think that we were kings with all the bounty we had, scented candles in the windows, the smell of balsam and cedar, oranges with peppermint, homemade candies and cookies, hot chocolate with marshmallows melting on top, the lighting of the Yule log at the community center, treat bags for all the kids, midnight mass, the twinkling lights of the tree, and every once in a while a wonderland of whiteness on a starlit night. There were so many memories that it just makes my heart swell to recall them all. For those of you with no fond memories, take some of mine; or better yet, begin your own from this day forward.

The following is an excerpt from a letter I found on the Internet. It just about sums it up for me:

Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them.

"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary. If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now

I'm not sure what others would've done had they known they wouldn't be here for the tomorrow that we all take for granted. I think they would have called family members and a few close friends. They might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think they would have gone out for a Chinese dinner or for whatever their favorite food was.

I'm just guessing; I'll never know.

It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew my hours were limited. Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to write one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my husband and parents often enough how much I truly love them. I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. And every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself that it is special.

And so to all of you, my MMC friends: "May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."

And thus, dear MMC friends, we have come full circle since last year, and so it is now…the beginning of the new Christmas season.

Amazing.. a garath brooks song comes to mind " if tomorrow never comes" very true just like the letter you quoted.. you seemed to have a lovely christmas childhood. so had i thank god.
You have put it into words so well and its only a person with christmas in there heart could have written it. Thanks seawaters

Seawaters · Nov 12, 2011

Hurry home safely, Dawg.

gabulldawg said:
Good morning everyone! I am at Pdx waiting for my plane back home! things look to be on time,I am ready to get home although I will be back out this way in a week. I hope to be around here tonight with everyone else my plane gets back home around 730 est. so have a great day everyone!

shellie12 · Nov 12, 2011

caninemom3 said:
CHRISTMAS FAMILY

Many years ago a couple took a journey because of a census. The husband led the way with his wife seated on their donkey. She was growing quite tired and weary as their destination was so far and she was expecting her first child soon.

When they arrived there was not any place they could stay. The only shelter available was in a place where cattle are kept and there was no bed for her baby.

When he was born there were no fancy hospitals, no monitors to make sure he and his mother were okay, nothing but coldness and uncertainty about the future.

The mother and her husband knew everything would be fine as they had great faith and they were right.

As we celebrate Christmas let us remember it does not take money, extravagant presents, or bounties of fattening foods. It just takes being with the ones who are your family and being together. Let us embrace those we love and count our blessings and be kind to one another even if we have differences or are from different backgrounds, races, religions, etc.

Let us remember we are all family and not just any family, Christmas family and that the little child who grew to be a kind and wise teacher celebrates with us. He lives in our hearts not one day of the year but all 365 if we let him.

Merry Christmas, Christmas family. May each and every one of you truly have peace on earth and be blessed during this wondrous Season. xo

Stunning cm3.. makes you think. thanks and the same to you cm3

made582 · Nov 12, 2011

gabulldawg said:
Good morning everyone! I am at Pdx waiting for my plane back home! things look to be on time,I am ready to get home although I will be back out this way in a week. I hope to be around here tonight with everyone else my plane gets back home around 730 est. so have a great day everyone!

Have a safe trip home friend!!

made582 · Nov 12, 2011

ballcoach said:
Today is a big day for us. We decorate the house and put up the tree....gonna be a good day.

Hope it's a good day for you, too!

Have fun friend!!!!!!!

made582 · Nov 12, 2011

Seawaters said:
At this time of year, I always turn my heart toward home and look back into my childhood and recall all the blessings of my life.

Beautiful post Seawaters!!!!

made582 · Nov 12, 2011

Binger said:
Off and on all day Caoch.. Im trying to get it all put up today also- busy day- prob 10PMish straight through.. Crown usually appears 11PMish....

YABBA!

I'm getting jealous of all of you putting their trees up today.

made582 · Nov 12, 2011

caninemom3 said:
CHRISTMAS FAMILY

Many years ago a couple took a journey because of a census. The husband led the way with his wife seated on their donkey. She was growing quite tired and weary as their destination was so far and she was expecting her first child soon.

When they arrived there was not any place they could stay. The only shelter available was in a place where cattle are kept and there was no bed for her baby.

When he was born there were no fancy hospitals, no monitors to make sure he and his mother were okay, nothing but coldness and uncertainty about the future.

The mother and her husband knew everything would be fine as they had great faith and they were right.

As we celebrate Christmas let us remember it does not take money, extravagant presents, or bounties of fattening foods. It just takes being with the ones who are your family and being together. Let us embrace those we love and count our blessings and be kind to one another even if we have differences or are from different backgrounds, races, religions, etc.

Let us remember we are all family and not just any family, Christmas family and that the little child who grew to be a kind and wise teacher celebrates with us. He lives in our hearts not one day of the year but all 365 if we let him.

Merry Christmas, Christmas family. May each and every one of you truly have peace on earth and be blessed during this wondrous Season. xo

Great post CM3!!!!!

made582 · Nov 12, 2011

Well I am hiding upstairs at my sisters house. There 15 6 and 7 year old girls running around downstairs. I'll let my sister and mom take care of this party. I got all of the decorations up. That was my job. I am mad though because we couldn't use the rainbow frame I made last weekend. The wind gusts are just to strong and they kept knocking it over. So we whipped up another rainbow and taped it to the front of the house. Well I'll probably be back before the family party starts at 5.

10 hours and 36 minutes to go!!!!!!!!

caninemom3 · Nov 12, 2011

made582 said:
Well I am hiding upstairs at my sisters house. There 15 6 and 7 year old girls running around downstairs. I'll let my sister and mom take care of this party. I got all of the decorations up. That was my job. I am mad though because we couldn't use the rainbow frame I made last weekend. The wind gusts are just to strong and they kept knocking it over. So we whipped up another rainbow and taped it to the front of the house. Well I'll probably be back before the family party starts at 5.

10 hours and 36 minutes to go!!!!!!!!

You are a wonderful uncle, Made !! xo I am planning on being here tonight to ring in the Season as well !! xo

ballcoach · Nov 12, 2011

First....another great year of special posts. Thanks all!

Second....the tree is being constructed as we speak.

Third....10 hours and 16 minutes....

It's coming quick, friends! Finally.