Untitled Comment - Dec. 12, 2007

Shared by stephanie

My two year old would LOVE that. :) By the way, I have a new blog now - http://www.punkin-press.com/blog. I hope you will visit when you can! Merry Christmas!

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Untitled Comment - Dec. 12, 2007

Shared by Kimm

My favorite Christmas memory is of being at my grandparents house on Christmas eve and having the t.v. turned to a channel that has a log burning in a fire place and plays Christmas music all day and night. I will always remember "Jingle Bells" being barked by dogs. You can contact me at kimmy@crandalls.net or lifewithlittles.com

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contest - Dec. 12, 2007

Shared by Amberly

My almost 4 year old would that! One of my favorite Christmas memories is being at my grandparents' house every Christmas Eve when I was growing up. My mom is an only child, so it was just us and my grandparents. We would eat, open presents, then drive around our small town to see all the Christmas lights in various neighborhoods. I get teary-eyed just thinking about it.

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A magical Christmas - Dec. 12, 2007

Shared by Anonymous

(We only have a boy so he wouldn't care too much about winning, but I bet my 3-yr-old niece would like me to win!) When I was 5 years old, my family was very poor. On Christmas morning, after opening the few small gifts we had under the tree, we had a surprise knock on the door. When we opened it, my great-aunt was standing there with an armload of gifts (not to mention the piles still waiting out in her car). She had traveled over 300 miles to surprise us with a magical Christmas. In retrospect, I realize that many of the gifts were necessities we were lacking (sheets, towels, warm clothes, etc) but at the time, what I saw was the coolest Strawberry Shortcake sheet set ever made, and the adorable Care Bears bath towels. My great-aunt wasn't rich by any stretch of the imagination but she had a generous kind spirit! --Rebecca Redin (I'll be in town over Christmas so if I win, you won't have to worry about getting it all the way to Singapore)

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Christmas - Dec. 12, 2007

Shared by Anonymous

I'll never forget my first real christmas after I was married (and my son had a real dad!). My two year old boy came running into our bedroom in the morning bringing all of his gifts in, with such excitement talking up a storm. Very cute.

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Untitled Comment - Dec. 12, 2007

Shared by Anonymous

Oh, sorry I forgot to put my name...Mercy :-)

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Untitled Comment - Dec. 12, 2007

Shared by Anonymous

My *favorite* Christmas memory? Wow. That is super hard to narrow down. Let's see... every year I think my favorite part is getting/decorating the tree. It just kicks off the whole Christmas season. Oh! But last year we *loved* doing the Samaritan's Purse Gift Catalog with the kids, and we're excited to do that again this year. Does it count if I have two favorites? ~Stacy www.withgreatjoy.blogspot.com ONE of these days I'm going to get chosen for one of your contests. I just know it.

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Untitled Comment - Dec. 13, 2007

Shared by ApplesofGold

What a neat contest-thanks for sharing it! I love everything from Vision Forum. My most favorite Christmas memory is my first one as a mother. My dd was 6 days old. It really resonated what a gift and sacrifice it was for God to send his son to be born, live and then die for us. As I looked at my newborn baby, overcome with love-I told my dh I couldn't understand how God was able to let his son be sacrificed. At the same time, I was also overcome with thankfulness and awe. I'll never forget that Christmas-the first time it became really real for me. Holly

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Favoirte Memory - Dec. 13, 2007

Shared by Anonymous

This is hard one- there are so many good memories of Christmas! Two days before Christmas last year I had to have surgery on my foot. Afterwards I had to be off my feet for four weeks- this was very hard b/c we had four little children, including a nursing baby. My hubby came to the rescue! He tenderly cared for me & the children through the Christmas season. (My mother came afterwards to help.) On Christmas day, my husband made pigs-in- the blanket (and some other appitizers) for our Christmas dinner!!! The kids LOVED them & while it wasn't the usually feast I prepare, it made for a fun memory! So much so that I my children asked if that is what we were having this year! :) We might... seeing that number 5 is due to arrive any day now! :) - Heather http://tullyfamily.blogspot.com/ (just leave a comment on our blog & I'll get back with you!)

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Christmas 1996 - Dec. 13, 2007

Shared by Anonymous

I think my favorite Christmas was the one before my husband and I got married. We had been dating for the four months prior but had broken up shortly before Christmas. After a couple agonizing weeks, we got back together on Christmas day! The next month, he proposed and eight months after that we were married. This year marks our tenth Christmas together as a married couple and my third child's first Christmas. JoAnn http://fortheloveofshiny.blogspot.com

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Untitled Comment - Dec. 13, 2007

Shared by Anonymous

Hi Kendra, I am not sure this is my favorite memory of CHristmas, but surely one I won't forget. One year I just couldn't wait until Christmas, so I decided that while I was home alone and mom at work, that I would carefully pry open all my presents to have a peek. I remember that of them, I received a blue skateboard. I taped them all back up and no one knew that I had done this. When Christmas morning came and I opened them all what a great disappointment that I knew what they were. THere was not one surprise. It was awful. I have never done that again. I learned my lesson! Susan http://fromthenarrows.wordpress.com

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Christmas memory - Dec. 13, 2007

Shared by Susan

One of my best Christmas memories is making Christmas cookies last year with my husband's parents, my husband, and our two children (ages 6 months and 3 years). Our three-year-old had so much fun stirring, rolling, and cutting the cookie dough, and it was a fun, relaxing time to spend with family.

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Christmas Memory - Dec. 13, 2007

Shared by warillever

My best Christmas ever was this past year, the first one that my children were really aware of. They helped decorate, and were SO excited about all of it. The best moment though, was when our then two-year old brought "little baby Jesus" out of the nativity to blow out the candles on the birthday cake that she insisted that we make for him.

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Untitled Comment - Dec. 13, 2007

Shared by warillever

woops..... my blog is http://warillever.blogspot.com/ email: warillever@gmail.com

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Christmas in the sun - Dec. 13, 2007

Shared by KiwiSmithFamily

Oh Kendra, we have lots of memories of hot summer Christmases by the lakeside watersking and enjoying splashing with the children in the water and BBQs. But this year we are wanting to make Christmas special for Craig's Mum. Craig and Genevieve leave here Christmas morning and should be in Fresno to celebrate Christmas Dinner with Grandma who is in her mid 80's. They leave January 1 and arrive home (missing a day) on January 3. Will you be home during that time?

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Untitled Comment - Dec. 13, 2007

Shared by Leigh2

My favorite Christmas memory was seven years ago, when I had recently given birth to my first little boy. It had been a horrible pregnancy, my husband had lost his job, and we were living with my in-laws...but just knowing that Christmas that our baby was here and healthy, and all of us were so blessed made it a wonderful, memorable holiday.

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Christmas Memory - Dec. 13, 2007

Shared by Anonymous

The year I was 10, we went into the mountains and played in the snow with good family friend instead of the usual holiday formalities. It was great! Kim ridernk4@msn.com

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<i>Untitled Comment</i> - Dec. 13, 2007

Shared by anamarsy

My favorite Christmas memory is last year, when my two children (I was pregnant with my third) were old enough to really grasp what Christmas is all about. I started a tradition of making cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning. Last year we had a birthday party for Jesus with a candle on it and sang happy birthday to Jesus. Our little girls' eyes were just shining as they sang. I have many wonderful memories of times with family from my childhood, but it has been extra sweet to get to start new traditions with our family that focus more on Jesus and less on all the other things (though we still do lots of fun Advent and Christmas activities). e-mail me at taokrieger@yahoo.com Edited by anamarsy on Dec. 14, 2007 at 1:04 PM

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empressks@yahoo.com - Dec. 13, 2007

Shared by Kristen

When I returned home for Christmas while I was in college, my parent's house seemed different. It was a strange place between going from their home to making my own way into the world. Lots of sentiment and fun. But the strongest memory of that day was thinking that my parents looked so young, healthy and happy. And it made me thankful.

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My favorite Christmas Memory.... - Dec. 14, 2007

Shared by Anonymous

is a simple one... holding hands as we walk through the woods on Christmas Day, singing carols and worshipping... Grace and peace to your and yours, Kendra... Ann Voskamp

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My Favorite Christmas Memory... - Dec. 14, 2007

Shared by Anonymous

The first Christmas we celebrated without my dad, my brother was in charge of putting out the presents while the rest of us went to Midnight Mass. Everyone assumed I still "believed," so as we passed this house on the way home that had a giant cutout of Santa peering in the chimney, my mother and sisters kept shouting for me to look. But as we passed the house and were getting the side view of the one dimensional Santa, they were all shouting at me to look at something across the street. It was pretty funny at the time ;-). I never did let on that I knew the truth. It would have ruined their fun that year and we needed something hopeful. Brigitte Get Fun Books at Hotmail dot com

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And mine is ... - Dec. 14, 2007

Shared by Dana

The years we have entertained my family here (and I am sure they are not over), then we walk next door to celebrate with Mikes family, then everyone converges by the big walnut tree to take wacks at a big Christmas pinata. The kids are everywhere and food is everywhere and Mike and relish in the fact .... we didn't have to drive anywhere!

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hi - Dec. 14, 2007

Shared by byourlove1

I loved going downtown Cincinnati with my mom every year. We would see talking reindeer, a little elves workshop and an incredible train set at the energy building. We would stop at a graters for lunch that had this special mayonaise on triple decker sandwiches. Its not the same anymore over there, they don't even have the sandwiches anymore but I remember that time with my mom very fondly. Anglea

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Christmas gets better - Dec. 14, 2007

Shared by Anonymous

I think for me Christmas gets better as I watch my children grow and understand the true meaning of Christmas. I had some great memories as a child, but nothing is more precious than seeing my own children experience it. This year I really enjoyed seeing my 5 year old purchase gifts for another girl and pray for her. We don't know who will receive the gifts but it was great to see such a generous heart in a child. It makes me feel like Scrooge. :) Sarah deadwylers@netscape.net

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Untitled Comment - Dec. 14, 2007

Shared by Rebeca

I have so many wonderful memories of Christmas, and have always been with my family except for two times. One of those was spent in India, far from home and family, but with a great team of friends/fellow workers in the Lord. We all worked hard to create a special and meaningful time for each other and those who joined us. I remember going to an old tailor who had a treadle sewing machine set up on the street and having him sew Christmas stockings for everyone, and spending two hours on a rickshaw looking for an elusive nursery that might sell something that would pass as a Christmas tree! I came back to our flat with a little Norfolk pine which we decorated with small beads and things we could find there. On Christmas morning I went out to buy garlands of roses, jasmine, and marigolds to hang up with our stockings, now bulging with little gifts for one another. It was strange to walk out, as I did every morning, in a culture that worships a pantheon of gods. On a day that means so much to us, it was no different there. I thought much that year about the Incarnation, and what that meant, as we sought to live in a different culture and share the hope brought so long ago by Jesus. Our time of celebration, though I missed my home and family terribly, was very special. One of the best things was sharing the day with an Israeli girl who was very interested in our Savior, and just happened to share a birthday with Him! I hope she will come to know Him as her Savior one day. A blessed Christmas to you and your family, and I hope that your pregnancy is going well! Rebeca zephyrlily7 at yahoo dot com

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Untitled Comment - Dec. 14, 2007

Shared by Watoosie

My favorite Christmas memory was when I was five. I remember entering the family room on Christmas morning and seeing the most beautiful, realistic-looking baby doll. Next to her was a box of real diapers and I just couldn't believe it! I felt like such a grown up mommy! I never played with dolls much as a child but my doll Heidi was a very special friend.

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Untitled Comment - Dec. 14, 2007

Shared by TwaddleMeNot

Hands down my favorite memory is advent - loved lighting the candles, reading the story, singing the carols with my family . . .my girls would love this little carrier! Hope you all are having a lovely season - so glad Baby Grace K is still in mommy's tummy. Love, Melissa

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Favorite Christmas Memory - Dec. 14, 2007

Shared by kjfairch

My grandmother didn't put up many Christmas decorations but every year she did put up a ceramic Christmas tree. It had little lights in the shapes of birds and I just loved it. (similar to the one at this ebay auction: http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-1980-Ceramic-Lite-Up-Christmas-Tree-Lg-18-PLUS_W0QQitemZ320195400567QQihZ011QQcategoryZ33849QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem She passed away eight years ago. I realized that Christmas that I hadn't seen her Christmas Tree when we were cleaning out her apartment. I called my cousin to see if he had it. Nope. I called her long time friend, Aunt Polly, and she didn't have it. Neither did any of the other family members I called. I was bitterly disappointed. Our daughter is named after Gramma and I so wanted the tree, for my own memories and to pass down to our Mary. On Christmas Eve Day, the UPS man pulled into our driveway. We hadn't ordered anything and I wasn't expecting any packages- I thought maybe he had the wrong house. No- he had the right house and even had a BIG box addressed to me from my best friend who lives 12 hours away from me. You can imagine my surprise, shock and tears when I opened the box to find a beautiful ceramic Christmas tree with little bird lights. My friend, who had three young children at the time and was working part-time as well, signed up for a ceramics class in order to make me a ceramic Christmas Tree like Gramma's. She spent all fall making that tree and searching out the little bird lights. She finished it just in the knick of time and overnight mailed it to me so that I would get in on Christmas Eve Day. It was the *nicest* thing anyone ever did for me and is one my MOST treasured possessions. Kelly From Three Little Jewells (www.homeschoolblogger.com/kjfairch)

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Favorite Christmas Memory - Dec. 14, 2007

Shared by Anonymous

My favorite memory would be that in December 2001 we found out that our dd was officially ours. We were adopting from Guatemala. We just had to wait to pick her up for a few more weeks. How exciting to officially know we were parents. :) So we left our tree up and dd's presents were under the tree until we picked her up in January. So we celebrated all over again in January. God's hand was seen throughout her adoption. It is a long adoption story but we knew that it was in His providence that she was entrusted to us. Tracy homekeeper4him@att.net

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My Favorite Christmas Memory - Dec. 14, 2007

Shared by Anonymous

Our first Christmas as a married couple, my husband went to great lengths to find the perfect gift. He took a girlfriend of mine along for advice when he went shopping and bought me a fabulous black, wool blazer from the Gap. The look of surprise on my face didn't compare to his, though, when he opened his box of . . . dress socks. (hee, hee) May your Christmas be richly blessed, Kendra! A faithful reader, Krista

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Untitled Comment - Dec. 15, 2007

Shared by Anonymous

My favorite Christmas memory is last Christmas when we decided to begin several new family traditions. I can’t really put to words how much it means to us to celebrate totally different from the non-Christian homes we were raised in. One new tradition we started was the Jesse Tree devotionals. The Lord really touched our children through our nightly devotionals, and one night they cried and cried over their sin and gave their hearts to Jesus. By Christmas day, our tree was covered with beautiful Jesse Tree ornaments! As an added blessing, the Lord answered our daughters’ many prayers for blinds for their room. The doorbell rang a few days before Christmas and some kind people left a long wrapped box on our porch with blinds inside! They couldn’t believe it! I’m so grateful that they truly see the value of giving, something that I didn’t see when I was their age. This year our girls are saving anything they can so that they can give to someone in need. Blessings! Christy marchn341@gmail.com

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Last year - Dec. 15, 2007

Shared by lazyd

Our bio kids all just grow up knowing about Christmas. But last year was different. Lil' Cowboy, our Liberian, was six and had never celebrated Christmas. The excitement and wonder in his eyes were contagious. He couldn't quite understand it all but he knew that it must be good. Whenever he would get another gift he would look at us with questioning eyes and say "another one?". And, to add to the fun he was completely gullible! He even said he had to stay up late to listen for Santa's sleigh bells! With a twinkle in our eyes we let him in the secret to which he laughed and gave us a big, big smile. ~Heather Davis....you scharffenberger friend! www.lazydranch8.blogspot.com

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Untitled Comment - Dec. 19, 2007

Shared by Keri

I like Vision Forum. I recently ordered some great movies.

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