http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php Christmas forums brought to you by mymerrychristmas.com, the largest and best Christmas website online en Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:01:50 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.mymerrychristmas.com/forum/images/styles/merry/misc/rss.jpg http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=637 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:42:47 GMT I am 2 weeks into my injury time off due to my foot, I have only worked 5 shifts in the last month, with my surgery right before Christmas and now this. I am going stir crazy being stuck in the house not being able to do much of anything, and I feel... I am 2 weeks into my injury time off due to my foot, I have only worked 5 shifts in the last month, with my surgery right before Christmas and now this. I am going stir crazy being stuck in the house not being able to do much of anything, and I feel a little depression creeping in, I just have no vim or vigor to do anything right now. I sit at home watch TV, surf the net, read the newspaper, etc... I don't feel like myself, and now yesterday with my foot taking a step in the wrong direction, I am now worried I may be out of work for longer, and the prospects of some sort of surgery may be the only thing that may fix this issue. I don't know about that yet, but the whole idea of the doctor prescribing the walking boot was to see if it would help relieve the pain. I don't know what the plans are yet, I am sure I will find out about them tomorrow. I am really nervous and scared about this, we cannot afford for me to be out of work even at 60% pay. I only have a week left of vacation time, and it depresses me to know I will not have any vacation time left for the rest of the year, I was planning on having 3 weeks off in the summer to do things with my family, but now that looks hopeless. I am hoping my exam will go well tomorrow, as I sit here and dwell on it, I just want to go back to feeling like myself. ]]> xmas365 http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=637 http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=636 Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:25:36 GMT As most of you know I fight through bouts of shyness and anxiety, as my fight against those problems for 2012 is still in its infancy I thought it would be a good idea to explain the things I go through in depth, so here it goes. 1. Over... As most of you know I fight through bouts of shyness and anxiety, as my fight against those problems for 2012 is still in its infancy I thought it would be a good idea to explain the things I go through in depth, so here it goes.

1. Over thinking/over critiquing: As in every little thing I do or think. There is not a day that ges by where I have my head wrapped around a comment I say or post, that may be misconstrued as a rude comment, or insensitive comment. The friends I make I always worry that I am too quiet, or I don't make sense on the comments I make. It's a tough situation for me to deal with the things that swirl around in my brain, and have always found it easier to write my thoughts down, when I was dating my wife I wrote constantly, notes, poems, my confused thoughts in a notebook. It was always a struggle but it worked for me.

2. People laughing: Being someone who went to 6 different schools in 6 years, I had trouble making friends and was constantly being picked on, to this very day if people start laughing near my I subconsciously always think they are laughing at me, I know they aren't but I cannot help feel that way. I always feel myself get red, and walk fast away.

3. Meeting new people: I struggle meeting new people, I have made new friends recently, but it was on their behalf of always stopping me and talking to me, and being kind to me, and listening to me that really has made me see the err of my ways, If I were more outgoing I would have more friends.

4. Large groups: I really struggle in large groups of people, I don't like to be noticed, I just want to blend in. I always tend to have my worse anxiety attacks within large groups, I freeze with fear and sometimes cry with fear. I also cannot speak in front of large groups, even if I know everyone.

5. Telephone: I don't know what it is about the telephone, but I fear that worst of all. I don't know if it is because I was picked on for my voice when I was younger or what, but I have no phone personality whatsoever, and to make a call, I have to build up so much courage.

That is some of what I deal with everyday, and I hope to be able to get past it, first by starting to acknowledge it. It is a lot of work, but I will try my best. It doesn't help, being stuck at home with my foot issue, it makes me over think like usual. But I need to do this, better late than never ]]> xmas365 http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=636 http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=635 Sun, 15 Jan 2012 21:27:12 GMT You have all seen them, those commercials for items that promise to save time, energy or work. They look and sound so great you can hardly wait to run out and buy one! One such product gleefully advertises that you can buy this and no longer... You have all seen them, those commercials for items that promise to save time, energy or work. They look and sound so great you can hardly wait to run out and buy one!

One such product gleefully advertises that you can buy this and no longer will you ever have to peel another boiled egg! Wow, so nice!

Liking the sound of that I went out to purchase this item for myself with thoughts of how much time I would save no longer having to take time to peel my eggs anymore.

Got the box home, looked for the scissors to cut the tape and open the box. Dumped the contents on the table, then got the scissors again to cut open the plastic bag inside that actually held the item. Looked it over then unfolded the sheet with the directions.
1. wash them before using
2. after they are nice and clean, coat the inside with oil...do not pour or spray them with oil, get a cloth or paper towel and use that to rub a layer on the inside so the egg will not stick.
3. throw out the paper towel and put away the oil
4. look at all the pieces, four of them and figure out what order to put them together, no easy task now that you have slippery oil on them and your fingers
5. crack an egg into this, and then try to screw the littlest lid on top which you quickly discover is near impossible to put on straight because who ever made the thing seemed not to notice that the treads do not join right and i it is even slightly crooked it gets stuck requiring a wrench to remove it again.
Once you finally get it on make sure all parts are securely joined
6. get a big pot of water ,these things have to be able to float. Put the containers in the pan of water, place on hot plate and let the water boil
7. after the boiling starts, turn temperature down to let it stay at a gentle boil
8. boil them for 15 min
9. when done carefully take out of water and put on a tea towel and just let them sit for 3 to 7 min
10. the carefully take off the big middle ring and take off the top half
11. hold bottom half upside down over a plate and gently squeeze to release the egg...but if the sucker refuses to come out you may have to get out a butter knife and carefully insert between the container and egg and hope this gets it to come out
12. now your eggs are ready to eat, no peeling required!!!
13. take all the container pieces and put them in hot soapy water to soak for about 5min...or if you have a dishwasher they can be put in a little cage on the top rack and washed.
14. now find a place in one of your all ready overstuffed kitchen drawers or cupboards to store them until next time.

Or, if you are really not into saving yourself the trouble of having to peel eggs, you can do it the old fashioned way...
1. get a pan of water and bring to a boil
2. put your eggs in and let boil for 3 to 5 min
3. run some cold water over them and peel


Modern convenience or the old fashioned way, you decide which way you prefer! ]]> Christmasstar http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=635 http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=633 Sun, 08 Jan 2012 21:59:41 GMT Another year older, may or maybe not another year wiser. I made it past that dreaded age of 36 that I had been dreading since I was 16. (In case you don't know or remember my mom died when I was 16, she was 36) I have been on this Earth longer than my mother was, I grew up way too fast, basically becoming an adult by the age of 16, maybe even earlier, as I was cooking and cleaning for my sick mom and family. While most kids in their mid teens think about girls or sports I was thinking of making corn flake chicken, or something else for dinner for my family. As I have posted in the "2012 Resolutions?" thread I am determined to defeat my shyness and anxiety this year, I am being more friendly at work, and genuinely smiling at people, I have more confidence now than in the past, thanks to some flirty customers, and new friends. I feel appreciated by the people that work for me, and they look at me for comic relief when they are stressed out. I know I wrote about the flirting from customers and strangers a few months ago, but I have grown to appreciate it a little, and with that I have gotten confidence, of course I tell my wife about it each time it happens, I laugh about it, and she does too, but she tells me it is probably happening now because my looks have started to mature a bit more, and she says she can't blame them. cheesy I am not used to the attention, and I tend to avoid the customers I know who flirt with me by sneaking off to my prep room if I see them first. If I don't see them first, and they start talking to me, I turn a bright tomato red, and try to figure out how to get away. Getting older has never bothered me except for the age of 36, I am just grateful for the chance to get older, I have good genes for the most part, my grandfather will be 90 this year, my grandma is in her late 80's, my other grandparents are both deceased, but lived into their late 70's and 80's respectively, my great grandmother lived into her late 90's. I have no allergies, or health issues except for my anxiety, which will be, hopefully banished by the time I am 38. I am trying to be more outgoing, but the telephone is still my biggest bugaboo, I LOATHE talking on the phone. This will be a big year for me to defeat these issues, I have started off well. I just need to keep my confidence and I should be able to do it. Hello 37, it is good to finally meet you. ]]> xmas365 http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=633 http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=630 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:04:38 GMT January, yup I look all around it is January, no hiding from it, no escape from it. It was bound to come as each day of December pasted it brought us closer. So maybe I should embrace it. Now for us Northerners, it means buckling down for the... January, yup I look all around it is January, no hiding from it, no escape from it. It was bound to come as each day of December pasted it brought us closer. So maybe I should embrace it. Now for us Northerners, it means buckling down for the rest of the winter, let winter progress to spring. But, spring is right around the corner, in fact next month the Crocus will bloom, it will push up through the frost and bloom, I have purple ones.
You know, I love this time of year too. I know, I know. The Christmas season has come to a close, and I am still trying to adjust with my decorations slowly coming down and being packed away. The house does look a little forlorn. But, I do love this time of the year because I love the build up to the season, I love the planning, the thought of a new Christmas waiting for me. I love the quite this time of year offers. It seems like the whole world is “settling in for a long winter’s nap”!!! I love hiking it is a favorite pastime for me and I love hiking in late January because you start to see the signs that life is stirring, the tips of the branches all have tight little brown bud-lings waiting for the right time to open. I know in a few weeks time Mother Nature will yawn and start coming awake again, and how beautiful she will be.
Happy New Year MMC, what a wonderful start to 2012. Here we are at the start of a whole new year, what will January bring for you and your family? We really have only started the winter season, so much hope in store as this one begins. A whole new Christmas Season to prepare for and countdown to. I cannot wait to share it with all of you.


:roll: ]]> lauriebear http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=630 http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=629 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:34:12 GMT My decorations are all packed and back in storage. Wile most people like to do spring cleaning, I like to clean everything after Christmas. Why you ask? Because it is this time of the year, when it is so cold and snowy outside and I have to... My decorations are all packed and back in storage. Wile most people like to do spring cleaning, I like to clean everything after Christmas.

Why you ask?

Because it is this time of the year, when it is so cold and snowy outside and I have to stay inside anyway. So why not be productive. Also keeps my temperature up and I do not have to turn the furnace up! LOL

Come spring, I want to work in my garden and yard, not inside. So I figure if I do it all now, I have more time outside in the spring.

So I suggest you all do it now! ]]> Christmasstar http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=629 http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=628 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 03:21:04 GMT I sit here tonight about to post the toughest blog post I have ever had to write. I have thought long and hard about this and I believe it is time to explain where I have come from on life's road.

I was a happy, exploring kid growing up in the familiar setting of mom, dad, sister, the perfect nuclear family. I grew up the 9 out of my first 10 years in the town where I live now, life was great, mom home during the week, dad home on the weekend while mom was an RN at the hospital in the next town over. My world crashed when my parents announced to us they were getting a divorce while we were driving my mother to work. I still remember being in the middle of the town of Palmer, MA driving by the old store Building 419, I remember bawling my eyes out, not knowing what was really going on as I was 9 years old and about to become a statistic of child with a single parent. The divorce became messy, and we always had an array of different people watching us, after the divorce was final my mother became a hermit in her bedroom basically leaving a 9-10 year old boy and my 6-7 year old sister fending for ourselves every night. I struggled in school, as I happened to cry quite a bit in school, which was hard for me considering I was more of a clown before my family world ended. Now is the part that is really hard for me to write, only a handful of people in this world know of this as I have only told my 2 ex-girlfriends and my wife of this, my in-laws don't even know this about me. My mother in the mean time started dating one of her patients from the hospital, the only thing is it wasn't a man, my mother in the mean time discovered she was gay, talk about dropping a bombshell on a ten year old kid in the early-mid 1980's I did not understand what was going on, why was my mom not dating men? Is this normal? I was lost for years because of this, as this person started living with us and whenever anyone discovered that "secret" we moved. From Autumn 1985-March 1991 I moved to 6 different towns or cities in central and western Massachusetts. That is the reason right there why I am so shy, I hated my nomadic lifestyle, I wanted to die, and there were many times I thought of ending my life as I had no friends, a family life that sucked as we lost our mother to this new person, and when things started getting better, it changed again when my mother started getting extremely religious and started forcing us to go to a Born Again Christian church where services usually went 3-4 hours every Sunday. That is one reason why I am not very religious now, I believe in God, Jesus, and that he died for our sins, but I just have a very hard time with organized religion, I am a Christian but I just have a very hard time actually going to a church now. I was 12 years old at this time, it was July 1987, I don't remember what I said or what I did, but we were unofficially living with a church member and I just remember running from my mother and her partner I got trapped in the corner and I just remember sitting there getting slapped on one side of the face by my mother, and the other side of my face by her partner, I do remember screaming out "I want to live with dad! I want to live with dad!" They stopped and said that's what you want, we will drop you off. From then on I didn't talk to them until after they dropped me off, thinking my life would be better, but my parents got divorced due to my father's problems with alcohol and gambling, and my life was just going to get worse at this point due to the fact my stepmother and step sister were just what you'd think...evil! 2 years of my life were living with them, I remember being happiest when the Bengals were on the way to Super Bowl 23, but besides that my dad was never around, I was stuck with my stepmother and stepsister, everything was always my fault, I hated it there, once again I just wanted to die, having 2 parents that didn't seem to want me, no friends, what was there to live for, I don't remember now, but I am still here. My father soon was heading to court because my stepmother was leaving him and moving back to Indiana, and he was going to follow her, I didn't want to go with him, with that evil B! So back to my mother I went, things had changed after I moved back, my mother and her partner welcomed me back and realized their mistake and actually paid attention to us. But once again, darkness was moving in as we were welcoming in the 1990's my mother, her partner and a few of their friends, were praying in the New Year, my sister and I heard them praying "Lord, please let that lump Nancy discovered be nothing." That is the way we learned there may be a cancer issue. The next year, there were lots of hospital visits, a mastectomy, and recovery, things were looking up and then, out of the blue, my mom could barely walk, as she was minister at this time she had full faith in God, and she actually made a trip to Florida in her condition to see one of those TV preachers that always begged for money, she thought he was going to heal her. At this point the cancer was back and it had spread to her spine, less than 2 months later she was gone. Once again, I was an "orphan" but this time my sister was there also. We went to live with my Aunt and Uncle, it was okay for a while until my Uncle started making me mow the lawn, clean the pool so on and on. He had his 2 sons who were 1 and 2 years older than me but I was the labor, and then my uncle didn't want me living there, and he basically went behind my back and contacted my grandparents and came back and told me I was to move in with them. I was so beaten down by life at this time, barely 17 years old, too shy to make friends, family that always seemed to hate me, I felt like I was some sort of experiment to see how much pain you could put a child/teen through, my life sucked I hated school, I hated life, I was going from a house where I was doing most of the yardwork and going to my senior citizen grandparents where I felt like I was going to be a burden on them. It seemed I was burden on everyone else where I lived, I don't know how I didn't end my life at that point.
Moving in with my grandparents was the BEST thing that ever happened to me, they taught me what real love is, and to see 2 people love each other as much as they loved each other meant a lot to me and they had been together almost 50 years at that point. Things were turning around for me, I was making friends, I was going to college, I had a good job (in my mind anyway at that time) I was 19 I finally got my first kiss, things were turning out better. I went from 216lbs down to 165lbs and grew 2 more inches from age 18 to 20, when I entered high school I was not even 5ft tall, within 6 years I had grown over a foot to 6'1 I had confidence for the first time in my life I was asking girls for their phone numbers, it was very hard for me, I could hear my heart beating when I asked them. I was starting to get my wit back, my maniacal sense of humor was just starting to blossom, and I had just discovered the Beatles. Life was turning around for me, girls were noticing me all the time now, I enjoyed the attention, I was playing in a floor hockey league, I was finally dealt a winning hand for the first time since I was 9 years old. From that point on I had my share of friends, fun, girlfriends, then I met the love of my life while I was dating an ex-girlfriend, I knew she was the ONE the moment I met her, she was someone I had no shyness with, I could be myself, I felt so comfortable with her, it was amazing, that was 13 years ago now. We have been married for nearly ten years now, have 2 great boys, and a long life to look forward to with each other. ]]> xmas365 http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=628 http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=626 Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:44:32 GMT Every year ends. Some better than others, but they all come to an end. This past year was full of ups and downs, like every year before it and every year after it will be. We get older, learn more, forget some, make mistakes, get excited and... Every year ends. Some better than others, but they all come to an end.
This past year was full of ups and downs, like every year before it and every year after it will be.
We get older, learn more, forget some, make mistakes, get excited and sometimes cry.
We gain new friends and loose some.
Family is a constant for most of us, always there, good or bad. Family comes in many forms, our pets, MMC, adopted and those we are born into.
Stay by their side when they are sick, hurt or in trouble.
We grieve the loss of someone we loved.
Many struggle with jobs, school and kids.
The whys and why nots continue to be asked.

But we continue along, doing the best we can. Sharing the joys and sorrows with those we know will be there for us.

Thank you to everyone who has become a part of my life this past year. Whether we have physically met or not does not matter. What matters is that we have a common bond that connects us.
Keep the spirit of Christmas alive all year!
See you in the new countdown thread of 2012!!! ]]> Christmasstar http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=626 http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=625 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:41:51 GMT A few years ago while subbing for a teacher at Sunday School I had a group of young ones who were discussing the sad day of putting away the Christmas Tree, so I came up with this to help, I shared it on the 2011 Countdown & thought I should post it to my blog.


--------------------------------------------------


Today we are taking down the Christmas tree… Sad you say?!?! Well, never mind that let me show you what to wrap and where to put this and that…
First we take the love we shared, careful now, place it here, in this box we will wrap it up, but not all you see I’ve left just enough to last the year well plant it later say April or May we will watch it grow, this stuff is powerful and spreads out so nice that before you know it well have those cool nights where will pull in the love from our Fall harvest and gift wrap it out for our next Christmas Service.
Ahhh, the memories, and yes those will be next but watch them my dear they like to play tricks – just when you think you tucked them away they pop back out and have you smiling in July of the Christmas fun you had this year. All the memories you’ll look back on in the times to come, of Christmas and all it’s fun. Memories of days gone by, all to swiftly you will think, but cry not my dear look how this box is now overflowing – oh here is a memory gosh is it already 10 years old, oh here is a baby one just a mere two years, and yes here is one I kept from childhood, now never mind how old that one is, let’s look at yours we do not have far to dig, here is one and yes here’s another, oh that pesky cat she has grabbed two of them!!! Catch her now don’t let her lose them these will be our family’s prized positions.
Now on to cheer!!! Let’s place it here let’s leave a spot for joy – I like to keep them on top!!! They are easy to get too and oh my once they’re out they go gadding about… To the neighbors off they will rush, right down the block and up the next before you know it they are back at the door and oh my how much they have brought, look at this here a new little cheer will keep this next to the older ones. Yes, place joy here, yes I love the way they look just like a perfect couple.
But every couple needs a third I think… So please let’s place peace right near them like that… Now look at that picture… Cheer, Joy, and Peace… It makes my heart smile to know they are close by never too far for my Christmas Heart to grab at.
Oh no, please do not lock these boxes… No, locks are for things you do not want others to have I want these to spread all over the land… No locks on my packed away Christmas things… Share them we must and let them breath packing them too tightly away you may forget about them in years to come and how awful that would be.
Now for the tree, yes she (well I am a girl you can make yours a boy) was beautiful… I will store her away for a new batch of Christmas things when next year I can put even more love, memories, peace, and joy on her… Oh what a site she will make. Now years ago I had real trees, no garbage for them oh no, no, sir… Recycled back to Mother Earth to keep the cycle going of new birth.
What is it you say, my ornaments? What of these? Place them in these trucks right here for these I will wrap with care, my angels, my doves, the shiny bright balls, the beads, the Jacob Marley, my Pooh, my Piglet, this trinket, that one too… Wrap my elves, my Santa, my bears; wrap them all with loving care… Take a little love some joy some peace, place them in between.
You see my dear, that wasn’t so bad look at you laughing and having fun!!! I thought you said this would be sad??? Putting away your Christmas Tree may not be the happiest day for you or me, but putting it away lets us see all the wonderful things it has been, the memories of yesterday, we have now in our hearts. Bring it out all year long and never will Christmas be far.
:sparkle: ]]> lauriebear http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=625 http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=624 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:35:54 GMT As the Christmas Season is winding down I start to reflect on the past year and what it all meant to me. What goals did I achieve what goals I didn’t and why I didn’t? Goals I am still working at, and what I plan to do to achieve them. People who... As the Christmas Season is winding down I start to reflect on the past year and what it all meant to me. What goals did I achieve what goals I didn’t and why I didn’t? Goals I am still working at, and what I plan to do to achieve them. People who lent me a helping hand those I lent it too. Yes this year for my family and I was a good one. We all still have one another. We have a roof over our heads and a little stash for a rainy day. We resolved some problems; yes some still need tending, like that pesky leak by the dishwasher, ugh! The slugs in my garden, how the plague me, I think they like my dirt and leaves better than anyone else in my neighborhood!!! Last January was steady, February was awesome (for me it always is that is my Birthday month), March saw Spring arrive and that is always nice, though it was a cool one, April spouted the buds of new flowers. May came and with it Memorial Day weekend, it was lovely, we started to warm up. Spring quickly turned to Summer and the June days just passed by, Independence Day was a perfect summer day, August was a blast. Baseball and beach parties. Just a lovely time. Before I knew it Labor Day came and labor day went. Then it was Fall, but what an odd Fall it was, so warm right through till December. Rainy in October, but Beautiful in November, ah and well it never matters in December, warm or cold, snow or rain it is perfect in December. On the 24th the Eve of Christmas what a day it was picture perfect, Times Square bustled, Macy’s 34th ST window was aglow, As was Lord & Taylor’s window. The Radio City Christmas Show was unbelievable!!! The Humbugs although I know they we suppose to be mean, were quite cute in their own little humbug way!!! St Patrick’s Cathedral, still a sight to behold, as was my own little Methodist Church, the candles, the flowers, the service, and the pageant. So as I watch another year end I realized just how truly blessed I am. Welcome 2012, what joy do you have in store for me!!! What delights await!!! ]]> lauriebear http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=624 http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=623 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 04:31:31 GMT As the year is winding down to it's final 3 days, I have been thinking about what kind of year it has been. It was a year that started off pretty lousy with me getting sick around my birthday, I was out of work sick for four days, and during that time I was on this site on the Christmas Countdown when I learned U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords and others had been involved in a horrible act of violence by a sick young man. I was horrified at what I was seeing. Then a few days later, we were hit with a blizzard that dumped over 30 inches of snow on us, missing yet another day of work and seeing snow piled 4 feet deep in my front yard. Then it was pretty quiet for a little while, in February, I was promoted ending my time as Mr. Mom, and had to adjust to life getting up bright and early. It has been a good and bad thing with the promotion, as I have had to deal with more than I ever had to before, and learn to "put out fires" quickly. Spring came, we had a great Easter, but started watching the news with the horrible weather, especially tornadoes, devastating parts of this country. But I live in New England, we don't get weather like that here. May was a great month, a very sunny month beautiful weather up to Memorial Day, we had our first cookout with friends and family, great day great food. The next day I was with my son, since his daycare was closed, we drove around my town, looking for the rumored "lost" amusement park, we never found it but we saw things of beauty driving around heavily wooded areas. The next day would be June 1, almost halfway to Christmas, it was a Wednesday, a beautiful sunny day, my late day to work, little did I know my life was going to be changed forever a little after 4 hours after I went to work. I was at work when I heard we were under a tornado warning, myself and a bunch of guys from work were joking around about it, oooooo a tornado, we had had tornado warnings many times before but nothing ever materialized, so it was natural to joke about it. My supervisors called a meeting on what to do if a tornado was coming, at that point I knew it was serious and tried to call my wife, all I got was "all circuits are busy at this time," I had never heard that before, I was nervous, very nervous. We got the word to evacuate to the rear of the store, and that is where I started to hear from people that certain things in my town "were gone" I was so scared, my wife called me and let me know that they were safe, but they heard "the noise" of a truck or a train bearing down on them, my house was safe, as it just missed us, if we looked out of our front windows we would have seen the monster tornado going down the mountain, less than 1/4 mile the devastation was unbelievable. We had so many friends and family lose everything from this beast, the town lost some buildings that were over 100 years old, and the beautiful wooded lands that myself and LC had driven through the day before were wiped out. The tornado was 1/2 mile wide as it went through the center of my town. The things I saw and witnessed are forever etched in my mind, including the surrealistic sounds of 3 maybe 4 helicopters surveying the damage at 5:30am at daybreak. Most of June is a blur, dealing with the tornado aftermath, our July 4th celebration was canceled, and soon afterward we went to the beach for the day, came home turned the TV on to find that we were under another tornado warning, the kids were scared senseless, as we had to go into the basement as the news said it is following the same path as June 1st. The clouds were menacing, and there was some swirling clouds but nothing here, but the town next door where I went to high school got hit with a microburst that caused significant damage in the same area where the tornado passed a month before. The summer of discontent was almost over, as it never got on track for us, now as August was coming to a close we had to deal with Hurricane Irene bearing down on us, it was a lot of rain and some wind here, but nothing significant but a flooded basement. It was over, the summer from hell. The school year began, nothing but the usual days, until Halloween came, the boys were excited, but once again Mother Nature strikes back at us, October 29, we get hit with a freak early season snowstorm, that knocked out most of my towns power for 5-7days, Halloween was canceled , and we huddled up in a cold house until our power came back. After that it was smooth sailing, Thanksgiving was great, and the Christmas season was it's beautiful season it always is, even though I didn't get everything decorated until later than I liked but the house was done and will be lit up until the second week of January. Christmas was awesome, and I already look forward to next year.

2011 was a great year for learning, stress, anxiety, and Mother Nature's fury. I never want to go through a year like this again, life has been forever altered in this little town, we will never take a tornado warning lightly again. We are thankful for what we have, and what we could have lost. 2011 you taught us a lot, now may you rest in peace. ]]> xmas365 http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=623 http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=622 Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:05:31 GMT Today is 12/27/2011, a time now when most of the world is starting to look towards New Year’s Eve and resolutions for the New Year. My question is this to you MMC, if you were part of the Countdown to the season I was honored with the privileged to... Today is 12/27/2011, a time now when most of the world is starting to look towards New Year’s Eve and resolutions for the New Year. My question is this to you MMC, if you were part of the Countdown to the season I was honored with the privileged to have post #3, on the countdown. I asked everyone to re-gift their childhood, and experience Christmas with the heart of a child again. Did you? How many wrapped up a gift for themselves to open and experience Christmas with the innocents of a child again? I know I did, I wrapped it up and gave it to myself this season and I am not sure if this had anything to do with it but I must admit I had a wonderful time!!! I found myself being just a little kinder, a little more forgiving, and just in general understanding. I stated in this post that “Christmas, not New Years Day, is a time when we can start anew, fresh, begin again, be reborn, however you may want to look at it. You see it really is the perfect time, for this is when we are all feeling our best and most giving, we may even forgive those who have trespassed against us.”
I know I am going to do as MerryCary posted I am going to keep Christmas all year this year in my heart. I want to be sure I keep the spirit alive, and I will.
Did you re-gift your Childhood, did you open it and feel the sheer joy of love or did you get lost in the hustle and bustle of a world busy with deadlines? ]]> lauriebear http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=622 http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=621 Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:34:56 GMT Some of the best Christmas memories are completely accidental. As some of you know, we lost water to our home due to a main break on Christmas Eve morning. I got the call around 10:30 am. Christmas Eve is the biggest day of the year in my house... Some of the best Christmas memories are completely accidental. As some of you know, we lost water to our home due to a main break on Christmas Eve morning.

I got the call around 10:30 am. Christmas Eve is the biggest day of the year in my house but on this day we were moving slow. We saved all of our Christmas shopping for the 23rd, including the task of getting all seven kids to the stores to buy their "secret Santa" gift exchange items and we had gone late into the night with that effort. When I say late, I remind you that I have mostly teenagers, so we're talking about most of us hitting the sack around 4 am.

So when that 10:30am call came through I knew I was going to be waking up the troops but wake them up I did when I called out "If you want a shower today you'd better get it done in 30 minutes!" After a brief outcry from the slumbering daughters I explained the situation and I guess because I wasn't just barking orders they leaped into action. We got everyone showered in record time -- except for me and my two youngest daughters. I was headed that way (even though all the hot water was long since spent) when the water was shut off.

Our Christmas Eve Day is a party and we're kind of ground zero for all the action not only in my family but also on my block. We hang the map and track Santa and have the fire going, the music on and the food spread out and we've pretty much got the walls bleeding Christmas like no one else can so losing water on this day of all days put a major crimp in things.

After all, what can you do without water? The veggies still needed to be prepped and that would require water. The dishes are a constant and that requires water. Ditto for the laundry, which in my house never stops even for Christmas. We couldn't wash hands, use the bathroom or get a drink -- a the necessaries of life are stemmed to water and Christmas Eve is not a day to go dry.

We hung out in our dry state for as long as we could but pretty soon we started to make phone calls. Folks who were planning on coming over delayed those plans. I invited myself to my Mom's to go over there for a shower around 3:30pm and wouldn't you know it, just as I was getting ready to step into the shower -- after the girls had had their shower -- I got a phone call telling me the water was on back at home.

In the course of all this stuff not going to plan we discovered something: change in routine wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Going over to Mom's and chatting with her in my unshowered glory was kind of fun. It was neat to see Mom and Dad in their home on Christmas Eve for a change and we all had a good laugh at how it put a wrinkle in things. I took my shower and we left, knowing we would see them in a short while anyway at my house...as we always do. But we had to get back because I knew Sandy would be in full panic mode, being so far behind in our Christmas Eve plans with nightfall upon us.

Well, it turned out the be an epic Christmas Eve after all. The folks came over, with my sisters and their kids in tow, and we laughed and enjoyed each other's company. We had my two eldest daughters -- who got those early showers -- who were still out shopping on Christmas Eve -- and they came home ready to party. Those bleeding walls were glowing with the laughter and the music and the aroma and the excitement and anticipation of Christmas Eve, as it always is.

Christmas Day was different too, falling on a Sunday. Church was scheduled for 11:00am and I know the kids agonized over it, fearing it would ruin our Christmas morning fun. Yes, we got to bed around 3am on Christmas Eve -- as always -- and by 5am we had little ones wanting to open presents and being denied, thankfully, by their older siblings. Surprisingly, we had a peaceful getting-ready-for-church period and we went together for the abbreviated services for the day. It set such a warm and appropriate tone.

Then we went home and did the opening the presents thing. It was wonderful -- and oh so very different.

What I didn't hear this year was the sad little sigh you get when the presents are all over and there is nothing left but the clean up and the sudden vacant space under the tree to look at. Nobody mentioned this time about how terrible it was that Christmas was "over".

In fact, I haven't heard that all evening and because tomorrow is an "off" day I don't think we'll hear it tomorrow.

I've been working so hard -- more than any time in the past I can remember -- that I told the kids I was taking some down time this week and I mean it.

There will be no time for post-Christmas blues. We will be celebrating Christmas well into the New Year.

And once January 2nd rolls around, guess what? It's time to get ready for Christmas 2012.

Oh, the pace will be slower. And needfully so. But we're not letting up on the push for Christmas. It will be better than ever. And I'm excited for it.

Like Christmas 1991 or 1996 or 1991 or 2001 this was one for the record books. Not just the day and not just the season but the whole year of 2011 -- our 20th anniversary. How do we top it?

Oh, baby -- have I got plans. Watching this year come together was like envisioning the tree while the roots are still in the ground. I feel that way about 2012.

So there's no time for being blue post Christmas for me.

It's still Christmas. And it will remain Christmas. ]]> Jeff Westover http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=621 http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=620 Mon, 26 Dec 2011 03:28:15 GMT We sit here less than 2 hours remaining in Christmas 2011, the journey we began on December 26, 2010 at 12:01am is coming to a close. As with previous years, this one is tops on my list, it felt strange not to leave the house with everyone coming... We sit here less than 2 hours remaining in Christmas 2011, the journey we began on December 26, 2010 at 12:01am is coming to a close. As with previous years, this one is tops on my list, it felt strange not to leave the house with everyone coming over here, turkey and prime rib for dinner. We are exhausted, as we have spent the last 2 days prepping for this, my wife much more than I, as I have had to sit most of the time due to surgery. We have more festivities ahead of us this week, we will be hosting (again) a New Year's Eve party, New Year's Day we head to my grandparents for my family Christmas, and a week or so later we will be hosting yet again my wife's and mine combined birthday party. This is the time of year I live for, I love the sense of "peace" I feel seeing my kids faces, and smile as they discover their new treasures, a time when I can walk up to my wife and just give her a hug and whisper Merry Christmas to her. This year has been the best Christmas ever, and I am sure 2012 will top this one.

Merry Christmas!!!! ]]> xmas365 http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=620 http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=619 Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:12:52 GMT Well I can't believe it's the holidays again. As the song goes "another year older,Another year just begun" or however it goes...I have somewhat mixed feelings this year at the holidays and feel guilty for having them at all.
Back in 2009 at the holidays I was just getting back on my feet from a divorce from being married 13 years so everyone kinda expected me to be a mess and I was. I don't remember getting out of bed except to work the month of December. Last year was a really good holiday season. I don't remember feeling like this. As I am in the final days before I offically and finally become a dad I find myself questioning alot of things...and I really had high hopes for this holiday season. But on November 6 of this year everything changed in a big way with my parents getting injured and my dad having a major stroke and even though he made it,and may somewhat recover,it hurts me that I know he is hurting this season and I can't help it,I know he wants to be home instead of a nursing home. But I know in the long run he is better off there where he can get better treatment and rehab.
All of these feelings of helplessness along with a few other things I would never be able to explain in a blog have me feeling blue,and major guilt for feeling blue. I am nervous about becoming a dad hopeing I'm not a complete failure or a joke! ]]> gabulldawg http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/blog.php?b=619