End of 2014

It has been a merry and happy Christmas and we're looking forward to the New Year with gladness in our hearts.  

God has been so good to us in many ways and we are thankful for all the blessings we received.  

Goodbye to 2014 and hello to 2015.  We welcome you with open arms and look forward to countless joys and an abundance of good things our way 

Christmas Mode

We're very much in Christmas mode.  With Stephen's long leave, we did so much together and made many memories for 2014 to hold us with happy thoughts.  

I'm feeling blessed and thankful for a life that allows me to do whatever I want.

Alone I can accomplish a lot but with Stephen, we are a formidable team and together we can take on every challenge that comes our way.  

Christmas Music

Image from Pinterest

Christmas for us begins when we hear all the Christmas Carols and Hymns.  Stephen starts early by going on youtube to listen.  Often, we spend our time just listening and he says he loves coming home to the sound of Christmas music and the smell of cakes in the air!

The thing is that we can have Christmas anytime we want.  Nobody can stop us! 

Anyway, this image reminded me of my dad.  I miss him at Christmas more than I miss him at any other time of the year.  

Christmas Thoughts

Yes, for me, this is what I like to think about.  The good that I have done throughout my life will carry me on and spur me to help others.  

There were moments when it seemed that people took it for granted but the fact is that it doesn't matter.  The reality is that we did good and that alone is enough. Even if it is not appreciated isn't really the point.  The main reason was the spirit in which the good deed was done.

With that, I resolve to do more in 2015 for those around me.  There's no better way to spread good cheer other than sharing what we have.  

People say I am rich.  I think they are right!  I'm rich in my heart because I know how to give without thinking of getting anything back. 

Christmas Calories

Image from Pinterst

Oh my word!  The fridge is full of goodies.  Some home-made, some store-bought and some are gifts from friends.  

How are we going to make it through the season without worrying about calories???

The best thing to do is not to think about it.  

Boxing Day and St Stephen's Day

Yup, there are still boxes below my tree for giving to other people.  In general, we're rather private people and usually spend our day together but we do join celebrations when we can.  Too many invitations are received and choosing which ones to accept can be difficult.

We're still in a joyful spirit and the magic is still looming over us.  What a wonderful time of the year it is!

Blessed Christmas

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We opened our gifts last night and the love hangs over our home until now.  

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Happy years!!!

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Yay!!!  It's another anniversary for us!  It doesn't seem like such a long time at all but they say that time flies when you're having fun.

On this day I married the guy who has seen me through all of my good and bad days.  

Stephen Felix Grosse, thank you for everything.  We are in the best time of our lives now and there's so much to look forward to in the future.  I cannot be happier knowing that we've come a long way and we did it!  Against all odds, if I may say so!  Hahahaha.

Countdown: Chrstmas eve already

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It's been a remarkable month despite some hiccups! I've enjoyed having a post-a-day countdown to Christmas.  It's helped me to remember that I have to get things in order and also to stay focussed on the reason for Christmas.

Too many people get caught up with all the decorations and have so little room in their lives for the more important things.  There are some who scoff at others who don't have a lavish spread on the table or enough cakes/cookies to feed an army.  But the true spirit of the season is to spare a thought for those in need.  

Did you do anything for anybody this Christmas?  I hope you can answer "YES".   If not, there's still time. Give something to someone in need.  Touch a life and change their day!

Meanwhile, here's a pre-Christmas wish to all of you!

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Countdown: 2 days to Christmas

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Now comes the hard part about Christmas because as the presents are laid below the tree, the need to open them up becomes greater and greater!  I can resist but Stephen has been insisting that he doesn't need Christmas day to open his gifts because he may be able to use it now.  Yeah!  Sure!  No way, Jose!  Just wait, will you??  

And from experience, I've learnt that everyone has a great time opening gifts and the whole house will be strewn with, ribbons, papers, boxes, and whatever else from the gifts.  Hence, this is a great idea to have because everyone chucks all their stuff inside and it looks pretty!

So have a huge box ready for all the paraphernalia from the aftermath of opening gifts!

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Countdown: 3 days to Christmas

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We had our Christmas service yesterday and already the true feeling of Christmas is very much in our hearts and minds.

Stephen and I are so grateful that we worship the same God.  Many households do not share this privilege and no matter how one looks at it, it is a privilege.  

In the midst of so much happening, I am contented and feel happy right down to my bones.  There's so much to be thankful for and this year has been the best for both of us.  

Countdown: 4 days to Christmas

Something old, I inherited (among many other things), from Stephen's side of the family.  Not quite the traditional nativity scene but it's a nice piece of decoration that I put out as well.  It's probably the last thing his mom would expect me to cherish but that's me!

It's just four days to go and I'm suddenly not prepared.  Let's see if I can get everything done in the next three days!  I bet you I can! 

Mwahahahahahahaha.  Nothing like last minute to get the adrenaline flowing.  Good for the heart, I think!

Countdown: 5 days to Christmas

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Isn't this just too darn cute?  I can only imagine the excitement of children all over the world as they eye the lighted tree and the gifts tucked below.

Countdown: 6 days to Christmas

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It really is a time to be together.  Nothing in the world is more important than for me to be with Stephen at this time.  Since we've met, we've never been apart at Christmas.  

In life, we don't need too many people.  The only ones we really need are the ones who love us and, for me, the ones who matter are Stephen, Jared and Gwen. The rest are just icing on the cake and I can do with or without them. 

Countdown: 7 days to Christmas

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Do you believe in Santa?  

I do.  

He may not wear a red outfit and funny hat but he's Santa to me!  

One day, he's going to put on a real and red Santa suit and brighten up the lives of little ones. He can't wait and, frankly speaking, neither can I. 

Countdown: 8 days to Christmas

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The Christmas Hollies remind me of some art done by my friend. You can check it out here.  

I love this vintage Christmas Card as much as I love my friend's work of art.  She is amazing and never ceases to amaze me with her creativity and gift.  

Do yourself a favour and check her out!

Countdown: 9 days to Christmas

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And we're down to single digit days to Christmas.  I've sent out all my e-wishes already.  I'm still busy tweaking the little bits here and there but overall, I'm READY!!!

Countdown: 10 days to Christmas

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What an eye-catching wall!  

I love everything about it.  There's something about using the colour red to signify danger or to be careful. However, Christmas changes it all!  It's the magic that's in the air!

Countdown: 11 days to Christmas

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It's just two Sundays before Christmas and I'm looking back over my own spiritual growth this year. The one thing that I shall remember most is making Christ the centre of my life.  

Stephen, in his own way, has found all the ways and means to deepen his faith.  There isn't a day that goes by without us talking about God.  It's the glue that holds us together.

Countdown: 12 days to Christmas

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It's 12 days to Christmas and these prayers are a good guide for us to stay on course towards a blessed celebration.

Countdown: 13 days to Christmas

Even with all the excitement in the air, I remember the real reason for the season. Keep Jesus in your heart for a meaningful Christmas season.

Countdown: 14 days to Christmas

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Such a nice and thoughtful gift to make for someone who's into baking.  And aren't these cupcakes to die for!!!!

I made my first cheese cake the other day.  We walloped it in three days!  No waste as it goes to the waist!  Sighhhhhhhhhhh.

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Countdown: 15 days to Christmas

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No need to wish as we can make it happen by just doing at least one good deed a month.  Take on the challenge, will you?

Countdown: 16 days to Christmas

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Red/Green/White symbolises the colours of Christmas for me.  The malls, roads and other homes may have different colour schemes or themes and they can be so pretty too. 

However, the real spirit of Christmas is found in the nativity scenes.  Too little emphasis is given to this and it's not likely to change as the years go by.

Countdown: 17 days to Christmas

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I love poinsettias.  Let me qualify that, I love red poinsettias.  This Christmas wreath is beautiful against the white door.  

Countdown: 18 days to Christmas

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White trees are not my thing but this whimsical and fun theme makes it eye-catching.  My theme is always the same: red with silver.  It goes so well with the green!

Countdown: 19 days to Christmas

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December is always a magical month.  Even when I almost never get to finish everything that I set out to do, I still find it a very special month.  Not only is everything softer and more beautiful, everyone is also.  

Countdown: 20 days to Christmas

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Does it make you think of the old song, "On a bicycle built for two"?

This image is just so cute.  It's how Stephen is when we are out shopping.  He just tags along and humours me when I want to browse and browse.

Countdown: 21 days to Christmas

Oh yes, indeed. This year it seems that I am feeling most excited.  I do love Christmas.  Maybe that's why.

Countdown: 22 days to Christmas

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There's nothing sweeter than just sitting in the glow of all things Christmas.  The Christmas curtains are up and they give everything a soft, lovely reddish hue.  

Countdown: 23 days to Christmas

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.  It's in the air!  What a feeling!!!!!

Countdown: 24 days to Christmas

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It's here!  The last month of the year!  Are you ready for it? 

I am ever ready to meet and greet the best days that are to come!

Countdown: 25 days to Christmas

Pause a moment to remember that all blessings are from the One above.  

This has been a year of greater glory for my family.  I am so thankful for everything.

Countdown: 26 days to Christmas

The A to Z of Christmas.  

Even in tropical Singapore, we see snowman and winter themes everywhere!  

The weather has also kept me indoors but it's nice and when the rain is so fine, it almost looks like snow falling. 

Countdown: 27 days to Christmas

As we move nearer to Christmas, let's keep PEACE, HOPE and LOVE in our hearts and minds.

Countdown: 28 days to Christmas

Anytime is a good time to make someone less fortunate smile.  During this season, we should be on the lookout for all opportunities to make people smile.

Countdown: 29 days to Christmas

Less than a month to Christmas and I'm thinking of family and friends.  The people who keep you in their hearts and minds and who never give up on you.

These last two and a half years have been wonderful! 

I have made some new friends, caught up with old ones and reconnected with some family members (without Facebook, I should add). Sometimes the old-fashioned way works better   

Countdown: 30 days to Christmas

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I'm busy, busy, busy with wrapping today.  I haven't any need to buy many gifts so it's not as difficult as it used to be in previous years.  

However, I always have spare gifts available so as not to be caught by surprise.  

For a change, this might be an easier option.

Countdown: 31 days to Christmas

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Have you started wrapping gifts yet?  I've bought a handful but not yet begun to sit and wrap them yet.  

I must start soon.  I promise myself!

Countdown: 32 days to Christmas

Christmas in Singapore has been part of my life for so many years now and it's something I look forward to every year.

I'm going to share some pictures of the beautiful Orchard Road with the lights later this month or early in December.

Last week we were at the new Bedok Mall and this sight caught my eye.

Countdown: 33 days to Christmas

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Is your tree up yet?  

The fun is in seeing the lights switched on at night!  Mine have fibre optic lights but I added another set to make it even brighter!  

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Countdown: 34 days to Christmas

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How nice to have a thought for others at this time of the year!  We needn't limit our acts to this list alone. We can do so much more...