1200 POSTS BY CHRISTMAS 2009

[Jodie]

Hello all,

I hope everyone is well and I am guessing you are all a bit warmer now because it is freezing here in Canberra (I am sitting here typing this at 11am on 18th May with a heater under my desk).

It feels like it could be the North Pole at Christmas time...

What a lovely idea to donate your fathers computer Noel, I am sure they will really appreciate it.

Work, life and Uni are all very busy. After this trimester I am not doing any more Uni until next year after Christmas - that way I can relax and enjoy the planning and the season with the added pressure of Uni (even though I still have work to keep me very busy).

Take care all
Jodie

[Noel+]

How lovely to hear from you, Jodie! I'm so happy for you that this Christmas you won't have Uni to distract you. How joyful to be able to enjoy the whole season with less busyness, stress, and distraction!

We had a quiet day of rest today..........but I'm longing for more! It is very hot here and only going to get hotter. I dream of wintry Indiana.........

Hope everyone is warm, healthy and enjoying loved ones.

Noel

[CandyKane]

Noel-What a touching gift that your brother is making for you. It's things like that that keep the Spirit of Christmas alive all year round.

[CandyKane]

I have a super busy week ahead of me. Hopefully I'll find the time each day to check in here with all my Christmas friends.

[Jodie]

Hello again Christmas friends - two days in a row posting.

I am thinking about Christmas in July, it is only 67 days away now. I have decided to cut it back to a nice number of people instead of the huge party it has become.
I miss the intimacy of the small dinner party it used to be.

I hope everyone is well and staying cool in your hotter weather - it is toasty warm in my office today with the heater going. I am staring out the window at a very grey day. It is overcast and cold - just the way I like it...

Now if I had some hot chocolate, the Christmas tree up it would be perfect because I am already listening to carols

[Noel+]

Oh, Christmas in July............well, it will always be the anniversary of my Father's death [7/27] so no party for us. I will work hard to make Christmas special.

[CandyKane]

I really wish that I could get excited about Christmas in July but I guess it's just not my thing. It's hard for me to enjoy Christmas when it's 100 degrees outside.

I'm just heading out for a busy day of running errands. (Wishing life would slow down so I could enjoy it alittle more).

[CandyKane]

I watched Paul Blart-Mall Cop today. This movie looked like it would be so funny. I thought I would really like it since it's set in a mall during Christmas time. But I thought it was awful. I was so disappointed.

[Noel+]

Most of my life I've liked change! Yes, its scary but it causes one to grow, conquer fear and explore! What I've noticed since my Dad's death is that there are certain changes - although they are a part of life and I knew they would come - I do NOT like!

And Christmas...........CIJ.........are not the same without my Dad. And in a way, with advanced alzheimers, without my Mom. I am struggling to find a new way to find the joy of Christmas that never dims in my soul. That childlike glee I so miss now.

Anyone relate?

[CandyKane]

Noel-It's so inspiring to me that you are able to maintain your deep love for Christmas despite all the hardships you have faced. Life is all about change. Things have changed so much in the years since I was a kid. Sometimes it feels like an entirely different world. Christmas has changed too. I didn't rediscover the true wonder of Christmas until I had my daughter. I am so lucky to be able to experience it all again with her.

[Noel+]

Thank you CandyKane.

Christmas is revealed anew during the phases of our life. Our children bring back the childlike wonder & joy; and the memory of loved ones missing at the table bring renewed gratitude for Christmas past. And because our hearts have Christmas love, the future is one new Christmas after another. They change, as we change and grow.

[CandyKane]

The rain started here early yesterday morning and it hasn't stopped since. We had to cancel our plans to spend Memorial weekend at the lake but that's okay. Because we got to stay in and rest alittle.

I've caught a few episodes of the Jon and Kate plus 8 Marathon on TLC. One of the shows was their Christmas show. I really loved the festive outfits that the kids wore when they went caroling. I set my DVR to record the season premiere tonight. With all the rumors swirling about them it will be interesting to find out what they have to say.

[CandyKane]

I watched Jon and Kate plus 8. I don't know whether to sincerely feel sorry for them, or to just chalk it all up to a publicity stunt. I used to watch this show all the time when their kids were smaller. But I probably won't watch it this year. Unless they have a Christmas episode. I'll watch anything if it's Christmas.

[CandyKane]

I have a super busy day ahead of me, but I wanted to say hello to all my Christmas friends before I head out for the day.

[CandyKane]

We are finally getting some nice weather. I went out to my parents farm yesterday and picked strawberries. I got enough to put some up in the freezer for ice cream topping and strawberry shortcakes this winter. There are so delicious and so much better than you can buy in any store.

I stopped by my friends house to pick up some craft books. I'm helping with the preschool class at church I need some new ideas for simple projects they can do. She gave me lots of books including a huge one that has craft ideas for every holiday. I'm so excited. Of course I had to check out the Christmas crafts first.

[CandyKane]

I just have to brag about the really good bargain I picked up. Hubby and I decided to get dd an outside playhouse for her 2nd b-day. So I've been searching different websites. I found one that's perfect for her. The price on Monday was $299 with free shipping to the store. The store in about 50 miles away. Yesterday the same site put it on sale..$239 and only $1 to ship it to my home. WooHoo! Now if I could just find some Christmas bargains like that......

[Noel+]

Congrats! CandyKane on your excellent bargain shopping! You'll have to share your daughter's reaction with us on her birthday! Giving -- that Christmas spirit soaring!!

All is much the same here. I am persevering.........but looking forward to watching a Christmas flick on my day off Sunday!

[CandyKane]

I'm bidding on a few things on ebay this morning. Some photography props and things for my in-laws upcoming anniversary party. Unfortunately it's nothing Christmas related.

Thought I'd pop in to say Hi before heading out for another busy day.

[ksrjreed]

Just wanted to stop in and say hello, getting ready for sixth straight day at work, but everyday is getting me closer to Christmas.

[Noel+]

MAY 30


108 days til CHRISTMAS morn!!!!!!!!