Ann

Last year, I decided to sway from the traditional Christmas tree, filled with ornaments that had been collected through the years and have a themed tree. I think last year was about changes from the past and starting anew. I started buying every single gingerbread ornament or decoration I could find in 2003. By the time Christmas rolled around, I had enough ornaments (lots were given as gifts through the year) to fill my 8 foot tree. Now, my entire house seems to be filled with gingerbread things. I have a gingerbread village, singing and dancing gingerbread men, gingerbread trains and even a gingerbread nativity scene that is precious. I was exhausted after unpacking everything. I'm now thinking of starting a collection of penguins and polar bears and using that theme next Christmas.

Since we're talking about food and recipes, I wanted to share a very easy and good candy recipe with all of you. This came from a gal on one of my craft MB's. I tried it and it is absolutely yummy!!! Crock Pot Candy from the kitchen of Nicki Zoda (via Flylady.net) 1 - 1 lb jar of Lightly Salted Dry Roasted Peanuts 1 - 1 lb jar of Unsalted Dry Roasted Peanuts 1 - 12 oz. Pack Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips 1 - 12 oz. Pack White Chocolate Chips 1 - 1 lb pack of Vanilla Bark or Almond Bark Directions: Pour peanuts into large Crock-pot; add chips and almond bark. Cover and turn on low setting. Now, go polish your car, or read a book. Come back in an hour or so. Stir with a large spoon; coating all the peanuts. Spoon onto waxed paper - whatever spoon size is appropriate for you - and let harden. Keep crock-pot on until all candy has been spooned out - no big rush. This is a generous recipe and you will have a gracious plenty. Keeps fresh in plastic bag or container, but don’t expect it to last very long because each morsel is filled with a wonderful taste of chocolate and is chock full of peanuts. Enjoy!

I saw this post on another board and thought I would like to share it with you. This will be my 72nd Christmas and I thank God every day for all the blessings and miracles in my life, and Old Age, I have decided, is a wonderful gift! "I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometime despair over my body ... the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging butt. And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror, but I don't agonize over those things for long. "I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to overeat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. "Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 a.m, and sleep until noon? "I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 50's & 60's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will. "I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the bikini set. "They, too, will get old. "I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten . and I eventually remember the important things. "Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when a beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect. "I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turn gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver. I can say "no," and mean it. I can say "yes." and mean it. "As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong. "So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day." Author Unknown

Anyone but me plan on watching this special tonight? Barbara Walters Special Takes a Look at Heaven Is heaven somewhere out there beyond the stars? Barbara Walters takes viewers on a heavenly journey, Tuesday, Dec. 20, on ABC. "Heaven -- Where Is It? How Do We Get There?" explores the meaning of heaven with religious leaders of the major faiths, scientists, people who say they believe in heaven because they've been there, celebrities who are vocal about their beliefs, and even with terrorists. Walters will speak with the Dalai Lama, failed suicide bombers in Israel, an Evangelical leader, atheists, Muslim scholars, Jewish rabbis, as well as with Richard Gere, Maria Shriver, Mitch Albom and Rabbi Jackie Mason. For centuries man has looked to the sky and asked profound questions: Where is heaven and how do we get there? People have dreamed of heaven, dedicated their lives to the promise of heaven, even martyred themselves - committing heinous acts of terrorism - for the promise of paradise. Is heaven simply a myth dreamed up to give lives meaning, or is it a real place? Walters takes viewers on a journey around the world - to India, Israel and throughout the United States. She interviews people of different religious and scientific beliefs, each with strong opinions about the afterlife. They discuss their visions of heaven, what happens to the body, and why it is important to believe in heaven. The special also explores: The Science of Heaven - Why does faith come easily to some and elude others? In search of the scientific rationale of heaven, Walters talks to expert Dr. Dean Hamer, author of The God Gene, and a geneticist at the National Institutes of Health. Is there really a "God gene" that affects people's level of spirituality? The special also looks at studies of the brain itself to see if it undergoes unusual changes when someone is deep in the throes of spiritual experiences. These studies are done by Dr. Andrew Newberg, a radiologist at the University of Pennsylvania. Near-Death Experiences - Walters also examines the phenomenon of the near-death experience. What happens when you journey to the other side of death and back? British psychologist Dr. Susan Blackmore has spent decades searching for a scientific explanation: "When the oxygen levels fall in the brain...you get massive over-activity in the brain... I think there is a true transformation, but not because you've been to heaven." But whatever the rationale, such experiences have changed many. Dr. Diane Morrissey says she felt the "white light of god" when she was electrocuted. "My near death experience changed everything about me... there is not a single experience on earth that could ever be as good as being dead," she says. Heaven and Real People - How do you tell children what happens to their loved ones when they die? Whom do you see when you arrive in heaven? Walters talks to such people as Maria Shriver, author of a children's book on heaven, and Mitch Albom, author of The Five People You Meet in Heaven, for their take on the afterlife.

Providing you have a Christmas tree in your home, how is it decorated? Do you have a particular theme or do you just fill the tree with lots of things from the past?

Good question, Ginny. I'm at work and my book is at home, so I can't check for you. This cookbook is great and is filled with so many wonderful and EASY recipes! Hey...did everyone catch the word EASY? That's a cook's best friend this time of year!

I'm worried, too. Larry was very active on the board on a regular basis. If you read his profile, he has many health problems of his own in addition to his wife's illness. You know, gang, this is a prime example why we should all give someone from the MB a phone number or contact person. We all worry about someone when they're MIA. If anyone has a way to contact Larry, please let us know.

I am so very sorry to learn of Terry's passing. As a mother, I cannot even imagine the pain that one suffers when losing a child. I pray that God will give you the strength to deal with your loss and help you to find some peace in your son's passing. I think the idea of letting two doves fly free is a beautiful gesture. Doves are such beautiful birds and I get such a feeling of peace and love every time I see one. Please know that I will be thinking of you and asking God to help you throught this terrible time.

Amen.

Melinda, you have absolutely no reason to apologize. Everyone is welcomed to share what is in their thoughts on this board. I am so glad you are still with us. We all have diversified views about things and it would be a really dull world if we all thought exactly alike.

Maryanne...I pray that you, Joel and your entire family will enjoy all of the very special and blessed holidays that occur at this magical time of the year. You always bring so much to this board and I love you for all you do and say!

Not sure where to post this reminder but I thought many of you might be interestde in watching. It sounds really interesting and I'm impressed that so many views will be shared on the topic. http://abcnews.go.com/International/Bel ... id=1374010

Cyndy...that was such a thoughtful thing for your friends to do in memory of Tim. I also love the idea of releasing balloons. I know your day was filled with memories of Tim. I pray that you are doing well and have been able to find some peace in Tim's passing. Please keep in touch as often as possible. I miss you!!!

Please give her our love and Christmas wishes.

Oh Cindy...I am just so very sorry that your family has to deal with this, especially at this time of year. I know how hard was for a son to deal with. Right after Dennis died, I found my youngest son alone in his dad's office. He told me that he just wanted to be there with his dad's "stuff." I guess "stuff" really is a strong bond between fathers and sons. Women seem to be able to show more open emotions and talk. I pray that Hospice will help Brownie find comfort.

I would definitely continue on with Christmas. It is so important to keep your dad's spirit high right now. I'm sure that time with family will do just that. It's always good to take precautions, like masks. The germs that cause colds and flu are everywhere and it's almost impossible to avoid them completely. Just have the family do lots of hand washing. I found that sometimes I would go crazy trying to keep Dennis away from germs and he would get sick anyhow. So, have a wonderful Christmas with your dad. That's my advice!

I'm keeping Joanie in my thoughts and prayers. Please let her know how we all miss her and are wishing her the very best!

I have had shingles and I can tell you that it is no fun at all! I had my attack in 2000, just following my gall bladder surgety. My doctor was able to prescribe some antibiotics that really helped, as the shingles weren't too advanced when diagnosed. I can tell you that even the touch of the sheet against my bare arm produced pain that was unbearable. I did find that ice packs helped. The pain of having them touch the skin was terrible at first, but soon it would begin to help. I am so very sorry your mom is having to deal with this. Like Donna said, any of us that have had chicken pox are candidates for shingles. I'm saying prayers that your mom will feel better soon.

Lori, as others have said, you are wise beyond your years. You are a wonderful daughter and friend to your mom. The things you do, in an attempt to make her life happier, are wonderful. It is just so sad that you have to deal with all the additional issues right now. I just want you to know that you and your mom are in my thoughts and prayers. You are to be commended for being such a wonderful and caring daughter!

Saying prayers for your entire family.

Adding extra prayers for Mike and Sue today!

Like Maryanne, I have tons of great memories of happy Christmas times when my boys were little and Dennis was healthy. All of those times were wonderful but the one Christmas that really stands out in my mind happened when I was a child. We lived out in the country and it was quite a trip for us to go into the big city of Knoxville. My dad had been laid off from work and my mom was a school teacher. We had just barely been getting by on her salary alone. She was pain once a month so we had to wait until she was paid to buy any Christmas gifts from a store. My mom got paid and right after school we headed off to do Christmas shopping. It started snowing like crazy so we couldn't get very far. My mom had to buy me a dress at a fairly expensive little shop. That dress was all I got that Christmas but how I loved it! Our trip back home in the snow was treacherous, to say the least. It was that year that I learned the best thing about Christmas is having your family together, safe and sound. It snowed all night and the next day, my dad and I built a huge snowman. I'll never forget that Christmas.

Tell us about your most memorable Christmas ever. What made it such a special time for you?

I've been thinking about you guys. Maryanne, thanks so much for posting this.

Really cute. Liked this one a lot, Frank!