Christmas Countdown - 2012

[trackrebel]

I am sure she will....as I said...she is not really sick....just not 100percent fit...I kept her home from field hockey practise on Monday and today so it doesnt get worse...or really come out....she just started school...so hope it will take some longer time until she will miss her first day of school because of being sick or anything......

 

[Holiday]

I love seeing everybody coming back at this time of the year, it's almost like hibernation is over.

Meeee tooooo! Love it!! Everyday there is more & more....

hey guys,

day packed with emotion and heartache today.

we laid to rest a dear family friend, aged 28. his mother is a close friend of my mother and aunties, almost like family. the young man who passed away was a friend of mine and my cousins. so heartbreakingly sad, he was his mother's only child and as you can imagine she is distraught.

she asked for this poem to be read out today in the church -

I'll lend to you for a little time,
A child of mine," He said.
"For you to love him while he lives
And mourn for when he's dead.

"It may be six or seven years
Or twenty-two or three,
But will you till I call him back
Take care of him for me?

"He'll bring his charms to gladden you
And should his stay be brief,
You'll have these precious memories
As solace for your grief.

"I cannot promise he will stay
Since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught down there
I want this child to learn.

"I've looked this whole world over,
In my search for teachers true.
And in the crowds that throng life's land,
I have selected you.

"Now will you give him all your love,
Not think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call
To take him back again?"

It seems to me I heard them say,
"Dear Lord, Thy will be done.
For all the joys the child shall bring,
The risk of grief we'll run.

"We'll shelter him with tenderness,
We'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness that we've known
Forever grateful stay.

"And should the angels call for him
Much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes
And try to understand."

as you can imagine, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. no parent should ever have to experience that. life can be so cruel.

also, there are lots of programmes on this evening about 9/11. it still has such a huge impact over here in the UK and our hearts still break for those who lost their lives and their families. there are some evil, evil people in this world.

I am so sorry for your loss. The poem is beautiful. We just never know! I can imagine there was not a dry eye in the place. Keeping you & all affected in my prayers.

Hey everyone!

I deeply apologize for disappearing on you. It was not something I planned. My mother had a stroke and I have had some heart problems. Everything is getting better now so I am able to resume somewhat of a normal life. I have missed you all! I hope everyone is well! I am so excited about the start of fall and all the wonderful holidays. This is the start of my favorite 4 months of the year! I look forward to celebrating them all with you.

I will talk to you soon.

Welcome back. Sorry to hear about your & your Moms health issues. I'm glad you are both on the mend.

 

[Holiday]

HAPPY PINES DAY!!!!!! :dance:

Not much going on around here today. Just work... I went to Ben Franklin last night to see they are putting out Christmas things! Not just their crafty things, but Christmas cards, kitchen towels, ornaments....YIPPEE!!! I will have to go back again next week!! :grin:

Hope you are all having a great day! See you at the Pines!!!

 

[Holiday]

Smokehouse Spaghetti sounds like a recipe a lot of us would love to have!!!

SMOKEHOUSE SPAGHETTI
½ LB. SPAGHETTI NOODLES (COOKED & DRAINED)
1 LB. BACON (FRIED & CRUMBLED)
2 ONIONS, CHOPPED
3 LB. HAMBURGER-BROWNED
3 – 8 OZ. CANS TOMATO SAUCE
1 PINT SPAGHETTI SAUCE
½ TSP. OREGANO
½ TSP. GARLIC SALT
3 – 4 OZ. CANS MUSHROOMS W/ JUICE
½ LB. MOZZARELLA CHEESE - GRATED
½ LB. CHEDDAR CHEESE – GRATED
FRY TOGETHER BACON, HAMBURGER, & ONIONS. STIR IN TOMATO & SPAGHETTI SAUCE. ADD SALT & PEPPER TO TASTE. ADD OREGANO, GARLIC SALT, & MUSHROOMS. POUR ½ OF MIXTURE INTO GREASED BAKING DISH, TOP WITH ½ OF CHEESE, AddThe Rest Of The Mixture & Top With the rest of the cheese . Bake at 375º for 25-35 min. Uncovered.
* We normally cut back on the Hamburger, double the recipe & it feeds over 30 people. We also use more (homemade) spaghetti sauce than is called for - usually 3-4 quarts in a double batch.
Mom makes this in a roaster pan in the oven.

 

[merrymistletoe]

Good Pinesday morning everyone!

On my way into the Pines, I was just showing Carl my Walmart Christmas light pictures. He then said he had a "Clark Griswold" of an idea. He is going to try and outdo Clarks "25,000 imported Italian twinkle lights". Well they better give extra power to the Pines this year!

Had a good evening. William went right to bed. It was almost too quiet. We went upstairs to bed and guess what. We found him sleeping in our bed! haha. Little stinker! Oh well. Our bed IS comfortable! I cant believe I found Christmas stuff in Walmart! Back seasonal items are some inflatable items and Christmas lights. I was the only one looking at the Christmas stuff but I didn't care. Made me very very happy! When I go back sometime this week I will take more pictures to share in the Christmas joy! Not much else new. Dad is feeling better and that's good. My 93 year old Grandmother is still going strong and still living in her own house! Well better get back to work. Hope to see you all at the Pines! Carl is giving away gingerbread houses with a little Carl inside the window! Yum Yum!

very good to hear your dad is doing better & your gr.mother sounds like an awesome lady!

Lovely day here, temp is supposed to go up to 26c.

This cold is really starting to bug me! Trying to find someone to take my shift this evening so I can just concentrate on getting rid of it.

My daughter starts ground school tonight. She is so excited, finally fulfilling her dream of learning to fly.

what's ground school?

Good morning! I haven't been on this site in a while. I always start getting excited for Christmas in September. How is everyone? Do you guys remember me?

of course we remember you spyells! welcome back!!

Home Improvement on TV....Kandice is not feeling so well....but she is not really sick either....it seems like she is stuck with a cold....that doesnt really want to come out....kinda weird....I had this before....Kandice never....so at times she is totally fit...and then for some time...........she is kinda idle...but it is getting better

hope kandace feels better!

 

[Holiday]

Good evening,

I am sleepy tonight, the two boys just zap all energy out of us some nights. The "Christmasville" book I picked up today looks good, I thumbed my way through it and I come across a page and it was autographed by the author, personalized for a woman named Emily. I can't believe someone gave that away.
Here is a little write up about the book:

Publisher Comments:
Near the crossroads of magic and miracle, Christmasville offers a vision steeped in what, arguably, is the most celebrated of western traditions. But something is askew. Through a series of perilous journeys, across a landscape shaped by "a different set of rules," Christmasville reveals the experiences and discoveries of Mary Jane Higgins as she unravels the dynamics of her unusual universe--one that operates according to three, notably different, phenomena--time, space, and memory.
Synopsis:
Visit the town where Christmas is a constant and the calendar only contains two months. Join Mary Jane as she struggles to unwrap the mysteries that waft through the perpetually snow-filled air. She seems to be the only one to notice the changes that take place each January 31st, the only one who wonders about spring and summer and fall.
Synopsis:
Christmasville is a town situated on a 4 x 8 foot model train platform in which only one month exists and Christmas is in perpetual motion. Each year, buildings and homes in this cozy town are rearranged but the town is continually decorated in yuletide trimmings. But what of autumn, summer, spring? 14-year old Mary Jane Higgins sets out and determines to resolve the enigma of Christmasville.

Good night everyone!!

This sounds really interesting! Let us know how you like it!! I might have to look into it!

 

[Solice]

Good Evening!

I haven't been here for some days.
I feel so sick. And are so tired writing about it..

Well I actually was feeling a little better today, I think.
Would like to think anyway...
But now at 9.30 in the evening I feel the fever is coming back.
And I don't want it to!!

Woke up to 3c (37.4F) Brrr....
But the sun was shining - and it was beautiful outside.
Fall is definitely here ♥


Im just so tired all the time.. Tired of beeing sick.
With six kids in the house and The Man at work/travelling all over the world
There is no time for me to be sick. I'll have to move on..

I have to pick him up at the airport in one hour.
And then he'll be home for 3 days before he is gone almost one week!
:roll: Yay, that's my life!


Okey.. I'll put the SMILE back on! =]

I miss you all! And Im thinking about you.
Hope everyone is doing fine! ♥

 

[Holiday]

I forgot to mention that tonight I am icing cut out sugar cookies for my brothers Memorial bike ride on Saturday. They are shaped like bicycles & W S U (Wright State University) where he worked & followed sports for 35 years. I think I will turn on some Christmas music & pretend they are Christmas cookies! :lol: When I ordered the bicycle cookie cutter, I also ordered some new Christmas cut outs. I am looking so forward to trying them out!!!! They look so cute!!!! :smile:

 

[Murphman]

Good Evening!

I haven't been here for some days.
I feel so sick. And are so tired writing about it..

Well I actually was feeling a little better today, I think.
Would like to think anyway...
But now at 9.30 in the evening I feel the fever is coming back.
And I don't want it to!!

Woke up to 3c (37.4F) Brrr....
But the sun was shining - and it was beautiful outside.
Fall is definitely here ♥


Im just so tired all the time.. Tired of beeing sick.
With six kids in the house and The Man at work/travelling all over the world
There is no time for me to be sick. I'll have to move on..

I have to pick him up at the airport in one hour.
And then he'll be home for 3 days before he is gone almost one week!
:roll: Yay, that's my life!


Okey.. I'll put the SMILE back on! =]

I miss you all! And Im thinking about you.
Hope everyone is doing fine! ♥

Chicken soup. Or in my case, chicken broth works wonders for me. Cant hurt to give it a try. Mom was always right, it is a great way to fight what ails you.

 

[jennifer91]

Good evening, everyone!

I need to play catch up, bad! I saw so many returning names - yay! Everyone is coming back for the fall :]

My uncle's dog isn't doing well at all, his levels are not where they should be at all. Surgery is either tomorrow or Friday because the vet said he won't live more than a couple of weeks unless they do it. He has a 50/50 shot of making it through surgery.

I have to share something cute with you guys about the dog. He loves Christmas soooo much. When he sees his presents that are wrapped for him, my aunt and uncle have to put them up high because he jumps off of all fours into the air to try to get to them - lol! He also unwraps all of his presents on his own.

Please keep him in your thoughts/prayers - I appreciate it :]

 

[Christmasstar]

Home Improvement on TV....Kandice is not feeling so well....but she is not really sick either....it seems like she is stuck with a cold....that doesnt really want to come out....kinda weird....I had this before....Kandice never....so at times she is totally fit...and then for some time...........she is kinda idle...but it is getting better

hope she is feeling better quickly!

 

[Christmasstar]

what's ground school?

she is going to be a pilot and ground school is where she will learn everything she needs to know about weather, instruments, flight theory, keeping a proper log book etc, etc.

 

[Christmasstar]

I forgot to mention that tonight I am icing cut out sugar cookies for my brothers Memorial bike ride on Saturday. They are shaped like bicycles & W S U (Wright State University) where he worked & followed sports for 35 years. I think I will turn on some Christmas music & pretend they are Christmas cookies! :lol: When I ordered the bicycle cookie cutter, I also ordered some new Christmas cut outs. I am looking so forward to trying them out!!!! They look so cute!!!! :smile:

sounds great, make sure to post pictures of them when you are done!
I have started work on a cake for an upcoming competition. This one is to be faux food....going to be thanksgiving dinner. I started on the brussel sprouts.
The other cake will be for a fairy tale wedding...trying to decide if it will be for beauty and the beast or sleeping beauty.

 

[Irishsnow]

Good evening from the Emerald Isle

 

[shellie12]

Good Evening!

I haven't been here for some days.
I feel so sick. And are so tired writing about it..
Well I actually was feeling a little better today, I think.
Would like to think anyway...
But now at 9.30 in the evening I feel the fever is coming back.
And I don't want it to!!
Woke up to 3c (37.4F) Brrr....
But the sun was shining - and it was beautiful outside.
Fall is definitely here ♥
Im just so tired all the time.. Tired of beeing sick.
With six kids in the house and The Man at work/travelling all over the world
There is no time for me to be sick. I'll have to move on..

I have to pick him up at the airport in one hour.
And then he'll be home for 3 days before he is gone almost one week!

you have your hands full girl ~} hope your on the road to recovery. cant be easy with 6 kids

Good evening, everyone!

I need to play catch up, bad! I saw so many returning names - yay! Everyone is coming back for the fall :]

My uncle's dog isn't doing well at all, his levels are not where they should be at all. Surgery is either tomorrow or Friday because the vet said he won't live more than a couple of weeks unless they do it. He has a 50/50 shot of making it through surgery.

I have to share something cute with you guys about the dog. He loves Christmas soooo much. When he sees his presents that are wrapped for him, my aunt and uncle have to put them up high because he jumps off of all fours into the air to try to get to them - lol! He also unwraps all of his presents on his own.

Please keep him in your thoughts/prayers - I appreciate it :]

Really hope the wee dog makes it but the op is a tricky one

 

[JOHNOR]

autumn has sprung over here in the north of england.

very cool, crisp and plenty of rain. love the autumn weather, besides the rain.

by far the best time of year from now until christmas, enjoy every second of it guys. savour the build up!

 

[snowflake22]

SMOKEHOUSE SPAGHETTI
½ LB. SPAGHETTI NOODLES (COOKED & DRAINED)
1 LB. BACON (FRIED & CRUMBLED)
2 ONIONS, CHOPPED
3 LB. HAMBURGER-BROWNED
3 – 8 OZ. CANS TOMATO SAUCE
1 PINT SPAGHETTI SAUCE
½ TSP. OREGANO
½ TSP. GARLIC SALT
3 – 4 OZ. CANS MUSHROOMS W/ JUICE
½ LB. MOZZARELLA CHEESE - GRATED
½ LB. CHEDDAR CHEESE – GRATED
FRY TOGETHER BACON, HAMBURGER, & ONIONS. STIR IN TOMATO & SPAGHETTI SAUCE. ADD SALT & PEPPER TO TASTE. ADD OREGANO, GARLIC SALT, & MUSHROOMS. POUR ½ OF MIXTURE INTO GREASED BAKING DISH, TOP WITH ½ OF CHEESE, AddThe Rest Of The Mixture & Top With the rest of the cheese . Bake at 375º for 25-35 min. Uncovered.
* We normally cut back on the Hamburger, double the recipe & it feeds over 30 people. We also use more (homemade) spaghetti sauce than is called for - usually 3-4 quarts in a double batch.
Mom makes this in a roaster pan in the oven.

Sounds delicious, Holiday! Thanks for sharing =]

HAPPY PINES DAY!!!!!!

Not much going on around here today. Just work... I went to Ben Franklin last night to see they are putting out Christmas things! Not just their crafty things, but Christmas cards, kitchen towels, ornaments....YIPPEE!!! I will have to go back again next week!!

I love Ben Franklin!! We don't have them out here, hope we do in my new town. Anyways, that's great news! Please take pics when you go back!

Hope you are all having a great day! See you at the Pines!!!

Good Evening!

I haven't been here for some days.
I feel so sick. And are so tired writing about it..

I'm sorry, Solice
Have you seen a doctor? This has been hanging on awhile. Worried about you. xo

Well I actually was feeling a little better today, I think.
Would like to think anyway...
But now at 9.30 in the evening I feel the fever is coming back.
And I don't want it to!!

Woke up to 3c (37.4F) Brrr....
But the sun was shining - and it was beautiful outside.
Fall is definitely here ♥

Yay! Such a beautiful time of the year!

Im just so tired all the time.. Tired of beeing sick.
With six kids in the house and The Man at work/travelling all over the world
There is no time for me to be sick. I'll have to move on..

I have to pick him up at the airport in one hour.
And then he'll be home for 3 days before he is gone almost one week!
Yay, that's my life!

Sending big hugs to you!!



Okey.. I'll put the SMILE back on! =]

I miss you all! And Im thinking about you.
Hope everyone is doing fine! ♥

Miss you, too! Please take good care of yourself, my friend. xo

Good evening, everyone!

I need to play catch up, bad! I saw so many returning names - yay! Everyone is coming back for the fall :]

My uncle's dog isn't doing well at all, his levels are not where they should be at all. Surgery is either tomorrow or Friday because the vet said he won't live more than a couple of weeks unless they do it. He has a 50/50 shot of making it through surgery.

I have to share something cute with you guys about the dog. He loves Christmas soooo much. When he sees his presents that are wrapped for him, my aunt and uncle have to put them up high because he jumps off of all fours into the air to try to get to them - lol! He also unwraps all of his presents on his own.

Please keep him in your thoughts/prayers - I appreciate it :]

Aww, what a sweetheart! I love that story.
Praying for him! xo

Good evening from the Emerald Isle

Good Evening, irishsnow!! :sparkle:

 

[MerryCarey]

This recipe sounds so fabulous!

If you haven't already---please post it in the Recipes forum so the members who don't visit the Countdown can enjoy it, too.

SMOKEHOUSE SPAGHETTI
½ LB. SPAGHETTI NOODLES (COOKED & DRAINED)
1 LB. BACON (FRIED & CRUMBLED)
2 ONIONS, CHOPPED
3 LB. HAMBURGER-BROWNED
3 – 8 OZ. CANS TOMATO SAUCE
1 PINT SPAGHETTI SAUCE
½ TSP. OREGANO
½ TSP. GARLIC SALT
3 – 4 OZ. CANS MUSHROOMS W/ JUICE
½ LB. MOZZARELLA CHEESE - GRATED
½ LB. CHEDDAR CHEESE – GRATED
FRY TOGETHER BACON, HAMBURGER, & ONIONS. STIR IN TOMATO & SPAGHETTI SAUCE. ADD SALT & PEPPER TO TASTE. ADD OREGANO, GARLIC SALT, & MUSHROOMS. POUR ½ OF MIXTURE INTO GREASED BAKING DISH, TOP WITH ½ OF CHEESE, AddThe Rest Of The Mixture & Top With the rest of the cheese . Bake at 375º for 25-35 min. Uncovered.
* We normally cut back on the Hamburger, double the recipe & it feeds over 30 people. We also use more (homemade) spaghetti sauce than is called for - usually 3-4 quarts in a double batch.
Mom makes this in a roaster pan in the oven.

Have you seen a doctor about this? If you haven't, I think you should ... sounds like you need some help to shake it off.

Good Evening!

I haven't been here for some days.
I feel so sick. And are so tired writing about it..

Well I actually was feeling a little better today, I think.
Would like to think anyway...
But now at 9.30 in the evening I feel the fever is coming back.
And I don't want it to!!

Im just so tired all the time.. Tired of beeing sick.
With six kids in the house and The Man at work/travelling all over the world
There is no time for me to be sick. I'll have to move on..

 

[MerryCarey]

The pre-season is really rolling, with the names we haven't seen in a long while coming back, and the photos of Christmas stock hitting the shelves! :???:

 

[Irishsnow]

Good evening SnowFlake :-D