Merry Christmas

Wishing  all my family and friends a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous and Happy New Year 2014

Christmas Greetings to Family and Friends Across the World

I just want to wish everyone a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas. May your homes be filled with joy and laughter and I hope Father Christmas made it down all the chimneys!!
with love from
Chris and Embee xx

Archives:
2008: Christmas Greetings
2007: Christmas Day
2006: Happy Christmas

Sharing some Christmas Day Photos.

We always have a family walk on Boxing Day and this year was no exception. It was a cold but sunny day and there were lots of people out taking the air after the Christmas Day festivities. I did take a few photos but instead of sharing those I will let you get a little glimpse of yesterday.
Ben was very helpful giving out all the presents, under Beccy's watchful eye! I don't know if you can see what is written on his T-shirt, but his dad also got one. He hasn't worn it yet so I couldn't get a picture!
Mollie was wearing her pretty dress that I know Sam wanted to see.
Dillon is never far from his laptop!
Joules and my mother seemed to be getting a nice lot of pressies!
Doesn't Embee look like his sister! They are both looking very serious but I assure you they were enjoying themselves!

Archives:
2007: Boxing Day
2006: Boxing Day Traditions

A Forlorn Friday

In many ways today has been rather depressing. I got up early and did a few things for my mother and then made a lemon cake. I had been invited to meet up with some of my ex-work colleagues (who are also friends) for a sort of American lunch, and the cake was my contribution.
Me being in my own kitchen to cook the cake, did not please my mother because it meant she had to have her lunch a little later than normal. I may have mentioned before that it is not easy sharing a kitchen, but I won't go there again.

I was really looking forward to a couple of hours with old friends but as I caught up on what had been happening in their lives this is when I realised I should count my blessings.

Our hostess has been having a very difficult time with her teenage son, I won't go into detail, it was quite serious at the time, but things are improving.

Another person who had adopted children from a very difficult background (when they were young) and had recently helped them be reintroduced to their birth mother. As a result they quite suddenly decided to go and live with her. You can imagine how distraught this has made their mother. Again I can't go into all the details but this is likely to end in tears. The young people are 17 & 18 so technically they can make their own choices.

The twin brother of someone else is being treated for Leukaemia and he is seriously ill. The brother I know had donated bone marrow and blood and was explaining the process he had to go through. There's still no certainty that his brother will pull through but today, apparently, he showed a little improvement.

Another friend who was treated for cancer of the colon earlier this year had only just returned to work after a period of stress related illness.

Another person I had hoped to see had fallen down the stairs and injured her shoulder so couldn't come.

Another person had been out of work for a while but just managed to get a temporary post until March, so is still looking for for something permanent-not easy at the moment.

That left three of us with no major problems.

So instead of the lighthearted gathering I was expecting it actually turned out to be quite a sombre one. It did, however, allow people to express their feelings in a safe environment, which is a good thing. As most of us had been social workers at some point in our lives, one could say we were well equipped to cope with so much sadness in a small group of people.

So tonight I will be saying a prayer for my friends and I will be hoping better things for them in the coming year.


Archives:
2007: Witty Wednesday-30
2006: I'm losing the plot

Witty Wednesday # 77

Thank you Daffy for these little gems.



A Christmas Story for people having a bad day:

When four of Santa's elves got sick, the trainee elves did not produce toys as fast as the regular ones, and Santa began to feel the Pre-Christmas pressure.

Then Mrs Claus told Santa her Mother was coming to visit, which stressed Santa even more.

When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two others had jumped the fence and were out, Heaven knows where.

Then when he began to load the sleigh, one of the floorboards cracked, the toy bag fell to the ground and all the toys were scattered.

Frustrated, Santa went in the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of rum. When he went to the cupboard, he discovered the elves had drank all the cider and hidden the liquor. In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the cider jug, and it broke into hundreds of little glass pieces all over the kitchen floor. He went to get the broom and found the mice had eaten all the straw off the end of the broom.

Just then the doorbell rang, and irritated Santa marched to the door, yanked it open, and there stood a little angel with a great big Christmas tree.


The angel said very cheerfully, 'Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't this a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it?'

And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.....
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REMEMBER THIS AT CHRISTMAS TIME
According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December.

Female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring.

Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a girl.

We should've known….. .

ONLY women would be able to drag a fat-ass man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost.

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Thank you Willowtree

Lawyer Joke
On their way to a justice of the peace to get married, a couple has a fatal car accident. The couple is sitting outside heaven's gate waiting for St. Peter to admit them. While waiting, they wonder if they could possibly get married in Heaven. St. Peter finally shows up and they ask him.

St. Peter says, "I don't know, this is the first time anyone has ever asked. Let me go find out," and he leaves.

The couple sits waiting for two months and begins to wonder if they really should get married in Heaven, what with the eternal aspect of it all. "What if it doesn't work out?" they wondered. "Are we stuck together forever?"

St. Peter finally returns after yet another month, looking somewhat bedraggled. "Yes," he informs the couple. "You can get married in Heaven."

"Great," says the couple. "But what if things don't work out? Could we also get a divorce in Heaven?"

St. Peter, red-faced, slams his clipboard onto the ground.

"What's wrong?" exclaims the frightened couple.

"Come on!" St. Peter exclaims. "It took me three months to find a priest up here! Do you have any idea how long it's going to take me to find a lawyer?"

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This one comes from someone who is trying to lead me astray!!!!!!!!



Scroll down and you'll see Santa's willy!

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For God's sake.........Act your age........ there is no Santa

See it's quite innocent!!!!!


Archives:
2007: Fun Monday-46+ Menu for Hope 4th Year
2006: Catching up

Secret Ornament Swap 2008!

When Julie decided to run the Secret Ornament swap again this year I didn't hesitate to sign up. Last year had been so much fun choosing ornaments and hoping that the recipient would like my choice and then seeing all the different ornaments everyone had chosen.
I sent mine off and then eagerly waited to know that my ornament had arrived safely and I was relieved when it did. Then I started getting excited, waiting for mine to arrive; however I had been busy this week, so I really did get a lovely surprise when I got back from taking my mother to clinic to find a package waiting. The real coincidence is that it arrived on exactly the same day as the one last year!

I had not met Mary before today. She writes Perfektly Mary so I scurried over to read her blog and say a big Thank You. From the little note she wrote I think she might have been secretly lurking on my blog.
Now look how prettily she wrapped the ornament and the little note.
I think you will all agree this delightful wooden Cheer will look lovely nestled amongst the branches of my tree, when I finally get to decorate it.

Embee has promised he will get the tree down from the loft at the weekend!

Thank you once again Mary and also thank you Julie for all the effort you put into organising this popular swap.

Archives:
2007: My Secret Ornament surprise
2006: Well done Sainsbury's

Fun Christmas Meme

First of all I want to make a big apology for not having visited all the Fun Monday participants. I will try and visit as many of you as possible because I don't like missing out on the fun.

Secondly I had intended that this post would be about taking my mother out for lunch but we didn't get back until late afternoon and I've had no time to download the photos!

So instead I'm going to challenge you all to this meme that I got around Christmas last year when it was too late to post it and it has been sitting in my drafts ready for this year.
At the time I made a note that Lisa sent it...but which one!!! not a hundred percent sure so sorry for no link.

Christmas:


1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? mainly wrapping paper with the occasional gift bag

2. Real or Fake Tree? No longer real for the past three years it has been fake; sad but mainly for economy and saving trees

3. When do you put up the tree? Only in the few days leading up to Christmas

4. When do you take the tree down? January 2nd

5. Do you like eggnog? I can take or leave it!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? I can remember getting several books one year and I still have everyone of them over 55 years later!

7. Do you have a nativity scene? No I don't -I think when the children were very young we had a home made one.

8. Favorite Christmas memory? Too many to mention but they all revolve around my children and grandchildren. Oh and maybe Christmas tea at my grannies house(early 50's)-she made the biggest trifle which was such a treat!

9. Person you consider the Queen or King of Christmas? Jesus naturally.

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever got? I've had a few but I remember padded coat hangers, oh and bath cubes~ I don't suppose they even make these nowadays.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail -however I know that I should be helping the environment so maybe I should rethink!!!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I'll go back to an early one 'White Christmas'

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? When I know what people would like~ we don't do surprises in our family! I have still not got everything and there' s not long to go!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Don't tell but yes!

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Christmas lunch (turkey) with all the trimmings.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? I have both but prefer my red and gold sets.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Favourite Carol is Away in a Manger but Song Chris Rhea~ Driving Home for Christmas. When I was working I always heard this on the radio as I drove home on Christmas Eve.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay at home and usually Beccy and family come here.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Oh dear, no~ is that terrible of me, I do remember Rudolph!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel had it for years

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Food shopping to find the shelves half empty!

23. What I love most about Christmas? Watching my grandchildren open their presents.

24. Tradition you've started with your family? When the girls were young we always played tennis but now it's a Family walk on Boxing .

If you are looking for a post topic give this a try!

Archives:
Dec 2007: I'm not singing in the rain
Dec 2006: Mijas

Witty Wednesday # 30

Christmas Funnies!

As it was getting near to Christmas a young boy was upstairs praying while his mother sat by him and his father and Grandmother were down stairs. He prayed thus, 'Lord please send me a train set and a remote control car and a BICYCLE'. You don't have to shout dear says his mother God is not deaf. I know that he replied but Grandma is!!
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A Sunday School teacher of pre-schoolers was concerned that his students might be a little confused about Jesus Christ because of the Christmas season emphasis on His birth. He wanted to make sure they understood that the birth of Jesus occurred a long time ago, that He grew up, etc. So he asked his class, "Where is Jesus today ?"

Johnny raised his hand and said, "He's in heaven." Mary was called on and answered, "He's in my heart." and Robert, waving his hand furiously, blurted out, "I know! I know! He's in our bathroom!!!"

The whole class got very quiet, looked at the teacher, and waited for a response.
The teacher was completely at a loss for a few very long seconds. He finally gathered his wits and asked Robert how he knew this. and Robert said, "Well.....every morning my father gets up, bangs on the bathroom door, and yells 'Jesus Christ, are you still in there?'!"
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Santa Claus makes his way down the chimney, and is met by a lovely young woman in a robe.

She says "Santa, how about giving me a special present. I know you'd like to come into my bedroom."

Santa responds "Ho! Ho! Ho! Gotta go. Gotta go. Gotta deliver all these toys to the children you know."

The lovely young thing peels off her robe, revealing a skimpy negligee. Santa looks up from his sack of gifts, and she says "I've got something special for you Santa. Can't you stay for just a little while? I know you want me. Let me make this Christmas eve unforgettable."

Santa responds "Ho! Ho! Ho! Gotta go. Gotta go. Gotta deliver all these toys to the children you know."

Not to be denied, she strips off the negligee, revealing her naughty bits, and they were quite nice naughty bits, I might add. And she says "Santa, this is your last chance. This body is your gift."

Santa responds "Hey! Hey! Hey! Gotta stay. Gotta Stay. Can't get up the chimney with my dick this way!"
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Why the Little Angel is at the top of the Christmas Tree ...

On Christmas Eve Santa Claus was getting ready for his annual trip. As he pulled his favorite pair of red pants on, they ripped. So, he had to take them off and put on another pair, which was a bit too tight. He then went to check on the rest of the preparations. The elves were on strike. The reindeer had shin-splints. At this point, Santa was BUMMED. He went into the kitchen to take a calming drink, and the bottle was EMPTY. Now he was really mad. All of sudden, there was a knock at the door. Santa, in his angry state, ignored it. There was another knock. Santa was in no mood for all of this. When the knock came again, Santa--filled with rage--threw open the door. Standing there was a little angel who said, "Hi Santa! What do you want me to do with this Christmas Tree?"
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Santa's Lap

As a little girl climbed onto Santa's lap, Santa asked the usual, "And what
would you like for Christmas?"

The child stared at him open mouthed and horrified for a minute, then gasped,
"Didn't you get my E-mail?"

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One liners

What happened when the snowgirl fell out with the snowboy ?
She gave him the cold shoulder !

What do snowmen wear on their heads ?
Ice caps !

What do snowmen eat for lunch ?
Icebergers !

Where do snowmen go to dance ?
Snowballs !

How do snowmen travel around ?
By iceicle !

What sort of ball doesn't bounce ?
A snowball !

How do you know when there is a snowman in your bed ?
You wake up wet !

What do you get if cross a snowman and a shark ?
Frost bite !

How do you call an Eskimo cow ?
An Eskimoo !
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Reindeer Jokes

What do reindeer hang on their Christmas trees?
”Horn”-aments!

How can Santa's sleigh possibly fly through the air?
You would too if you were pulled by flying reindeer!

What would a reindeer do if it lost its tail?
She’d go to a “re-tail”shop for a new one!

Why is Prancer always wet?
Because he’s a “rain”-deer!

Why does Scrooge love all of the reindeer?
Because every buck is dear to him!

Which of Santa's reindeer has bad manners?
”Rude”-olph!

What do you call a reindeer wearing ear muffs?
Anything you want because he can’t hear you!

What do reindeer always say before telling you a joke?
This one will “sleigh” you!

How does Rudolph know when Christmas is coming?
He looks at his calen-“deer”!

What do you give a reindeer with an upset tummy?
”Elk”-a-seltzer!

How do you get into Donner's house?
You ring the “deer”-bell!
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Christmas Eve Jokes

What did Adam say on the day before Christmas ?
It's Christmas, Eve !

What do you have in December that you don't have in any other month ?
The letter "D" !

What does Father Christmas suffer from if he gets stuck in a chimney ?
Santa Claustrophobia !

What do you call a letter sent up the chimney on Christmas Eve ?
Black mail !

Who delievers cat's Christmas presents ?
Santa Paws !

Why does Father Christmas go down the chimney ?
Because it soots him !

How many chimney does Father Christmas go down ?
Stacks !

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Naughty: just a couple!!

How are a Christmas tree and a priest alike ?
They both have ornamental balls.

Why doesn't Santa have any children ?
Because he only comes once a year, and when he does, it's down the chimney.

I know a lot of old corny ones but I hope I made you smile~ now I'm off to do some cleaning which is so boring!

Archives:
December 19th 2006: I'm losing the plot