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Here's my Christmas contribution. My mom had a ceramics store back in the 80s, right after I graduated from high school. She made this little 12" Christmas tree for me when I moved into my first apartment when I was maybe 20 - so I've had it for more than 40 years. She's been gone four years now and these past few years when I get it out, it reminds me of her.
Also, Kim. I was taking Mucinex DM for my cough... one every 12 hours. The guaifenesin in it thins out the mucus and the DM (Dextromethorphan) is a cough suppressant. I'm not a doctor... but it helped me get some sleep
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Cindy, that Christmas tree looks just like the one that Mom made in a ceramics class! I am taking Robitussin with both of those meds in it. I do use a Mucinex sore throat lozenge. I take the Robitussin every four hours. I tried to call my PA that is nearby, but their office is closed for Christmas. My regular doctor's office is open until noon, but I had to leave a message with the nurse, so I may not hear back from them until next Tuesday! If I'm not better throughout today, then I may go to the emergency room. I think I am doing better though. I'm able to resolve the cough more easily today and am not coughing as much - but boy, am I noisy, wheezing, whining, and gurgling!
Can you believe that Christmas day is just three days away!? It just came too fast!
Have an awesome day, y'all. Love you0 -
My turn again. My sister made this for me for my 20th birthday. I'm sure I didn't appreciate it at the time (I'm not really into Santa Claus), but I've grown to appreciate the time and effort her 18 year old self put into making this. The "snow" had gotten a little dingy over the years, so last year I mixed up some thick craft glue and glitter and spiffed it up. The music box still works and the grandkids love it!
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Here's a beaded tree I've had for maybe 10-12 years. My mom and sisters all got together and made them from kits one year, but for some reason I wasn't included (early 90s I think). My Mom found this one - apparently she had made an extra. It was just the branches made into the tree... no base, no glass dome, no ornaments. I found a base on ebay, and the dome at a craft store near me. My sisters shared extra ornaments they had - one of them had an extra tree topper, etc. It was definitely a group effort.
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Cindy, I love the decorations you shared! My Mom once made a similar ceramic tree when I was growing up and set it out on our dining table. I'm partial to multi-colored lights, so I would always linger when passing through the dining room.
You did a beautiful job with your creativity on sprucing up the music box - the beaded tree also. Handmade gifts like that evoke so many treasured memories.
I'm getting ready to play for our Christmas Eve service at 9:00 tonight. Anyone else going out tonight?
Love to all and may all of you have a blessed Christmas.0 -
I'm a little disappointed we didn't have our Christmas Eve candlelight service tonight. Because today is Sunday, they rolled the Christmas Eve service into the normal Christmas Sunday service. After praise and worship, our pastor preached a beautiful message about four different hearts in the Christmas story: the faithful heart (Mary), the broken heart (Joseph), the humble heart (the shepherds) and the seeking heart (the wise men). Then they passed out battery operated candles and we sang a few more songs - O Holy Night was one of them.
Our youngest son and his family came over for chili tonight (they left about 40 minutes ago) and brought a new puzzle with them. Everyone will be here tomorrow afternoon and we'll have Christmas dinner in the evening.
Love to all of you and Merry CHRISTmas! 🌟0 -
I love the ceramic tree! I had a white one that got broken when Bill's sisters went through the basement stuff after his mom died. I'm sure that the box just got bumped during the process. My mom has a fairly large one that she has used for years and it would have been perfect in her apartment, but I didn't think about Christmas when we were packing for her move.
The hat is part of a set made by my aunt.
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This bear usually sits in a chair during Christmas, but I didn't decorate as much as usual. He was made for me by a friend of my mother's.
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Cute decorations, Connie!
Here's an ornament from my 2 year old grandson - just got it this evening. It's three separate glass ornaments put together with ribbon - a strawberry, a blackberry and a blueberry - to remind me of picking berries with my grandkids when they come over in the summer (I have all 3 varieties here for them to pick when they're here visiting.)
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Oh my, those are adorable! The Teddy Bear is beautiful. I have crocheted ornaments that came with Mom's stuff that her sister made for her, and some cross-stitch ones that I made for her! I think the one your grandson made for you is so cute, Cindy! So many memories. I have a couple of teddy bears on the mantle in sweaters that were Mom's, and a snowman that friends gave her when she was in the hospital that last Christmas.
I hope that your Christmases were very happy and filled with blessings. Wade and I just sat around coughing and enjoying whatever treats we could think of to have! We made peanut butter cookies and added some sprinkles to them - very festive! It was a beautiful and blessed day. Love y'all.0 -
Thanks for sharing all these ornaments, both in pictures and in words! I have enjoyed seeing special decorations that are unique to each of us. Connie, if I were to visit your home, that little teddy bear just might disappear.
One last ornament that I have to share is this little handmade wooden church scene. Beth led a campus ministry in Germany for eight years. On my first of two visits, she took me to a Christmas shop and asked me to pick an ornament to remember her by. There were lots of attractive decorations, but nothing really spoke to me until I saw this one. Treasured memories of a wonderful visit and a dear daughter - who lives 8 minutes from me now!
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How beautiful! I have enjoyed the pictures and stories too, Carole. Thanks for thinking of it for us.
Wade has boxed everything inside the house back up. I think because he was having a good day and just wanted it done since the stuff we have lasts so long. I am on day 11 but feel like I am getting better. Friends who are sick as well, and went to an Urgent Care place in town, told us they were told that the sickness can last up to two weeks, and I wouldn't be surprised if it will last longer. My head is quite congested as well as my chest. Right now the coughing wouldn't bother me except that my sides and stomach are super sore from coughing, so even blowing my nose is painful across my mid-riff area! Wade's had a bit of a fever but mostly just coughing. I just keep praying for relief and that whatever God has for me while this is going on, that I get it, or do it - that's what's most important.
Time for lunch and a good rest! Love y'all.0 -
Please keep resting and taking care of yourself, Kim. I pray you both get get rid of this cough. I'm not sure I know what you mean by he boxed up everything. Your Christmas decorations? I usually do that on New Year's Day. It's a day I always have off.
I'm getting things ready for my extended family's Christmas get-together. My Dad, all of my siblings and most of their SOs (4 are married, one brother has a girlfriend, one sister is single) will be there. My sister from New York drove in yesterday and brought one of her four sons with her. Her husband stopped traveling many years ago (20?). I think all together we'll be close to 35 in number. We make an online sign-up sheet and everyone brings at least two things. My oldest son and daughter-in-law actually volunteered their house to host this year and they're making two small turkeys. I'm bringing dressing, corn, lemonade and peanut butter cookies. And so on. Three of my kids will be there with their families; it'll be nice to see them again so soon after Christmas. Have a blessed day everyone!
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Oh Cindy, the family time sounds wonderful! I think this is the first Christmas in my life that I did not travel. When I was a kid and young adult, it was to my grandparents 150 miles away. After they were gone it was to my aunt's house, then my parents. It was nice having Mom close. She didn't feel good on Christmas Eve and backed out of coming to our family get together, but I went that evening and took her gifts. She was definitely in pain, so I understood not wanting to get out in the rain and yuck.0
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Oh, that's too bad that Mom couldn't come! So glad you were able to have a get-together though.
Cindy sounds like a wonderful time with family. How awesome that so many could come from far off!
We usually wait until the first of the new year to box up the decorations, but he got the boxes out on the 26th - I was surprised. I think he was getting sick then and wanted to get it done before the worst of it hit him, which is happening over the last couple of days. I'm about 50% better. Taking it easy. Still have some coughing and lots of head congestion. Slept quite a bit yesterday and last night, so feel quite rested today and able to take care of hubby! So glad I am able to do for him like he did for me!
Stay well y'all. Love you0 -
🤗 to you both!
I am being lazy today. My (from New York) sister and her son will be staying here tomorrow night before they head to another sister's house for their last night in town. I really should be changing the sheets in both spare bedrooms, but I'm telling myself that won't take long and I can do it on the morning.0 -
Connie, it's wonderful that your Mom is close, as I'm thankful to be close to Beth and Daniel. With the weather like you described, it was probably better that she didn't get out.
Cindy, after a family celebration like that, you deserve a lazy day! I'm glad so many were able to come and trust you made some great memories.
I'm thankful for 50% improvement, Kim! And that you felt good enough to help Wade. Have you been able to read? I usually don't feel like reading when I'm congested like that, so I mainly listen to music when I'm not sleeping. Hope tomorrow brings even more improvement.
Dwight is so much better, y'all! He's able to do the therapy now and is much more like himself. Still not quite able to stand unassisted, but improving steadily. He's been in either a hospital or rehab since Nov. 15, so this whole holiday season has been different.
Beth and Daniel thought it would be good for us to get away for a few hours, so last Saturday we drove through the mountains to the village of Blowing Rock in western NC. It might be winter, but the mountain vistas are still breathtaking. Have you ever been there, Kim? We ate one of the best meals I've ever had at a little restaurant called The Speckled Trout. On Sunday, I played for our Christmas Eve service, which was a beautiful experience. Then on Christmas morning, we did something like Connie and her Mom... We got breakfast plates at Waffle House and had Christmas brunch with Dwight at rehab. He's lost a good bit of weight, so Beth got him some new sweatpants and shirt. She helped him get dressed and he came out in a wheelchair to a quiet dining area. So while this season has been very different, we've found ways to make it special. Love to all of you.
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I have been to Blowing Rock, Carole. We went when Dad was alive and took some videos. Dad was so funny - he said that Wade kept trying to throw me over, but I just kept coming back! He really did love me! That is such good news about Dwight! Praise the Lord! I'm not sure if we will all be well enough to have a get-together at New Year's Eve, so many of us have this gunk that is going around, and it's lasting forever! I'm on the 12th day (it started on the 18th). I'm coughing in short bursts and still have head congestion, but feeling overall better! So grateful to the Lord!
Hoping and praying that we will find lots of blessings and growth in Jesus in the new year!0 -
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Happy New Year y'all.
I was looking at my watch to see when the New Year would begin, and my watch gave me a fireworks display! How fun!0 -
Happy New Year!
Yesterday I was getting everything lined out with Bill so I could go to church. I was all ready except putting on my dress pants and blazer. Bill asked if I was about ready for church and I told him I would be leaving in about 20 minutes. He told me he wanted to come. This is the first time in months! It was very difficult for him getting in and out of the car and getting on the stair lift to get back up the stairs, but he totally enjoyed church and visiting with friends. Such a blessing to me!0 -
Oh, Connie, that is so awesome! I'm sure your friends were so blessed to have him there.
We have had to Zoom our services because so almost all of us have whatever it is that is going around. I think I'm on day 18 of coughing and head congestion, but praise the Lord, I am getting better, it's not nearly as severe as it was. Because it all happened over Christmas and New Year (I was even out for Thanksgiving) we will at some point in January have a Church celebration. On the first Wednesday of the month, we have been getting together to eat and fellowship, but I think too many of us are still sick to even be able to do that! Sigh. Satan sure is fighting against us right now - kind of makes you feel like your Church is a threat to him! Can't wait to get back to in-person worship and ministry!
Have an awesome day, y'all. Love you0 -
I'm glad to hear that Dwight is doing so much better, Carole.
How wonderful Bill was able to go with you to church, Connie.
And so glad to hear you're on the mend, Kim.
I got all my Christmas decorations down yesterday. Today I started to organize the storage closet that everything goes in, but then remembered I have a rug to return and a free loaf of bread to pick up... so I'm jumping in the shower before running out to do those errands.
Have a blessed day. I hope the sun in shining where you are. (It's very gray here today. )0 -
Yep, the sun is shining!
Wade picked me up some decongestants yesterday, so I will take those for a little bit (no more than 7 days) to see if I can get rid of some of this congestion in my head. Still coughing a little bit, but much better than it was.
Don't things look a little sad and empty when the decorations come down? I need to put my mantle stuff back in place after the Christmas stuff was removed!
Hope y'all have a great day. Love you0 -
Connie, I was thrilled to hear that Bill was able to go to church. That had to have meant the world to both of you. And on the other hand, sorry that you had to rely on Zoom, Kim. I had never heard of Zoom before Covid and am thankful for how that technology allowed us to still get together in uncertain times. But there's no substitute for physical presence. We were created to be together - in friendship, love, support and encouragement.
Cindy, most of my decorations are still up and I'm good with that. Our church draws the Christmas celebration out and we're singing Christmas carols this Sunday. I think the focus will be on the wise men. The other blessing is that Dwight will get to enjoy them when he comes home... THIS FRIDAY!! There was a time when I wasn't sure he would ever get strong enough to come home, but he's a lot better. The therapists are working on leg strength these last few days and I think he will be able to manage with my help. We'll also have home healthcare. We won't know how long that will last until they do an evaluation on Saturday. So much to be thankful for!0 -
That is a lot to be thankful for, Carole. I'm glad Dwight will get to enjoy them.
Over the years I've had to get my Christmas decorations down on the 1st because I'm usually starting a new job early in January. One year I didn't get to it and everything was up until March. So I just have to do it when I have the free time.
Tomorrow I'm packing for my first out of town job of the year. I leave on Friday0 -
Carole, that is a huge Praise the Lord! So happy he is doing so much better.
Cindy, where are you off to this time - somewhere warm I hope!
Still coughing a bit and congested in the head. Day 18 today. I'm off of the cough medicine but taking the decongestant with acetaminophen.
Wade took down the outside lights over the last two days. Things just look a bit bleak after all the beautiful colors of Christmas decorations. We did get the day to day decorations back on the mantle, it does look pretty! My Moose(s) Barney and Festus went back into my cabinet desk! I put green ribbons on their necks and put them on the mantle for Christmas.
Cube steak for dinner tonight - yummers.
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Hey Kim, I'm off to Las Vegas. Unfortunately it's a big convention city because of all the available hotel rooms and scads of convention floor space, so I end up there 5 or 6 times a year.
Other than an early morning walk (maybe 6am) to get in steps and bring back a latte from Starbucks, I never venture outside when I'm there. It looks like it'll be warmer than it is at home, but not what I'd call 'warm'.
I'm off to Costco to buy coffee and refill my gas tank before tomorrow's trip to the airport. 0 -
Oh wow, that doesn't seem right; shouldn't the desert be hot??? At least it will be a small reprieve. I don't blame you for not going out if you don't have to, this world has gone crazy.
I was just reading a Yahoo article about a new tropical disease that is hitting the South, a killer. They want to blame it on warming temperatures, but how about all of those illegals coming here from tropical countries??? Biden is determined to destroy this country!
Still a wee bit sick. I did take some cough meds last night and still on the decongestants. I have just one left and will have to wait to be able to take more, at least that is what the medical community says - no more than seven days! I do have a natural decongestant that I take often.
Hoo-wee we are cold here today. I think that there is supposed to be ice and snow in the Western part of the state, but we shouldn't see any of that here on the coast. That would have been us if we were still in Hickory!
Have an awesome day and weekend, ladies.0
