31 December (New Year's eve)

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At the beginning of 2023, the last day of the year seemed like a lifetime away.  Now that 31st December is here, we can scroll through our digital photo albums and remember all the good times.  It is a blessing to have many moments to cherish and hold close to our hearts. What a blessed life we've had!   

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30 December

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For quite a while, I've been saying "life is short".  I realised that this seems to be my go-to reply/reaction to conversations or situations.  Yet I often forget that I should also remember it for myself.  

As the year is trickling down to the final hours, these words, in the image below, resonate with my heart.

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29 December

 

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We all take Christmas day as the focus of this season but, for many, it is forever.  Maybe it is just as good a time as any to remember how we can do better than what we did before.  

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28 December

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I do believe that the month of December and the Christmas season is magical.  There is an unexplainable joie de vivre.   Enjoy it while it lasts because life is short!  

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27 December

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It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.  We know that circumstances sometimes prevent us from being together for any celebration so every time that we are able to unite as a full family unit is treasured.  

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26 December

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We're still basking in the magic of this Christmas season.  With a little one in the house, it is easy to share her excitement and enjoy quality family time.  It isn't always that we are all together in one home or country!  

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25 December - Christmas is here!

Wishing all who visit this blog, a blessed and joyful Christmas!

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It's time to open the presents!  

This is probably my favourite time of the day.  The priceless moments and reactions of Cayla as she opens her numerous gifts will be locked in our hearts and minds.  When she was smaller, she didn't know how to tear the wrapping paper and GG had to help her.  Now, she doesn't need any assistance!  

 

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24 December (Eve and Anniversary)

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The much-anticipated Christmas eve is here.  Are we ready?  Have we bought all the gifts?  Wrapped them yet?  Christmas menu finalised?  So many things to remember!!!

And the eve is also a wonderful day for us as it is yet another anniversary (done and dusted).  While we have lived apart for some years, we have always found the way to be together for our anniversaries and also Christmas.  

Somehow this year has been the most meaningful for us.  We have moved surreptitiously into the golden years (so to speak).  Life is slower, kinder, quieter even!   

Bless our love, Lord.  Keep us close to You.  Send angels to watch over us.  We thank you for everything.  🙏

Stephen Felix Grosse, Thank you for everything. I love you.

 

23 December

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It is just so easy to be caught up in the moments that make being together so special.  

*when Cayla comes into the room to wake us up.

*when we have breakfast together.

*when she tells us about Santa's visit.

*when she talks non-stop (I kid you not).

*when she keeps looking at the presents under the tree.

So special.  So memorable.  So precious!  

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22 December

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Well, those who know me, will attest that coffee is synonymous with who I am.  Now I'm admitting that I believe in Santa also because Stephen is Santa in our family. 

Santa was fantastic last year, and Cayla was so disappointed that Stephen was sleeping when Santa crept into the living room to leave the presents under the tree.  Encore 2023!  

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21 December

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I love these lyrics because it is spot on!  "Christmas isn't Christmas till it happens in your heart. Somewhere deep inside you is where Christmas really starts."

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20 December

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It is sometimes true that all roads lead home at Christmas time.  We're headed back to KL in less than a month since we left.  

At the beginning of the year, we didn't really know where we would be for Christmas.  All we knew is that we would be together, as we had promised since we got married.  The good news is that we will be with JJ, GG and the little girl.  As the years go by, each gathering is cherished even more.  

The icing on the cake is that Cayla makes us feel more during this season because of her innocence and belief that Santa Claus exists.  

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19 December

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Today is my grandfather's birthday and I have awesome memories of him because he always showed so much love for me.  He would have been 114 years old!  As Christmas day draws near. I cannot help but think of him and all the other precious ones who have gone before us.  They live in our hearts and minds because they are unforgettable.

I remind myself to be grateful for the ones who are still around and doubly glad that we can spend Christmas 2023 all together once again.

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18 December

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We didn't put up a Christmas tree this year.  Maybe it's the first time that we haven't decorated the home in Singapore.  I can't remember if we did anything before going to Manila for Christmas in December 2018.  

Anyway, we'll be in KL soon and since GG has done up the place beautifully, we'll have the right ambience.  Until then, cue the songs and YouTube videos to bring the Christmas atmosphere into our living room!

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17 December

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Who am I kidding?  If grandpa Pops is around, it is better than having Santa Claus!  Especially if it is something for the little one.  She's only four and knows exactly what she wants for Christmas!

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16 December

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Cards used to be posted in November so that it would arrive sometime in December and hopefully before Christmas day.  Now with social media, it is almost instant, and it is normal to wait till the actual day to send wishes.

Also it is Sis Anne's birthday, so a special shout out of "Happy Blessed Birthday".  You're the best! This wish is especially for you.

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15 December

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Confession time:  We have started tasting (translate that to eating) Christmas cookies!  

Life is short!  Just enjoy each day, each moment, and each bite!

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14 December

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I have this Christmas gift.  I do realise how much I already have.  I feel complete and contented.  

I remember the reason for the season and feel grateful for every blessing.

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13 December

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It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of this season.  So here are some ideas to consider.  Where's my Christmas cup?

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12 December

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Important things?  Not really.  

Important people?  Yes, for sure.  

Stephen never fails to mention our family nucleus.  While we love and care for all those connected to us, the closest to us are the important ones.

Today happens to be the birthday of one of them!  

Happy Birthday, GG!  

We have loved you from the moment we met you.  

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11 December

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Actually, 2023 has been a relatively eventful year.  There were some ups and downs but as people like to say, it only means we are alive!  And I do feel I have generally been good.  Santa Stephen, please take note!

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10 December

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Shopee, Shein, Lazada have been my go-to sites for buying stuff.  I usually buy more than I need to for "just in case".  And I like to have an extra gift under the tree for any surprise visitor.  It would be a great feeling to be part of receiving a present to unwrap.  Kindness rocks!!

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9 December

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Amidst the rejoicing, we should also reflect on and think of the ones who are alone or who may have to work harder/longer just to make it through this period.

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8 December

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No one should say that's enough at Christmas.  Bring on the bling bling and every shiny little thing!

Yet, we shouldn't forget His love during this beautiful season.

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7 December

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I can't lie that I'm already thinking of pineapple tarts, fruit cake, devil curry, scalloped potatoes, baked chicken, quinoa salad, and whatever else that GG will cook up during our visit.  She's a magician in the kitchen!

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