Rania's thread. (Modified by Rania)

[Rania]

Rania modified and changed the contents of this thread for personal reasons.
More in my last post in this thread.

Rania

[Pooh]

Sorry Sis, but since you are an "old timer" I had to move you over here.

We will know where you are and now you will know. 

I sure hope you are feeling rested and don't overdo.  Take care of yourself and let us know from time to time how you are doing. 

You have to show me some of you drawings sometime.  I love to draw myself, but haven't for a while.  I taught the great grandson to draw and how to use his colors.  My eyes won't let me do what I want anymore, even my knitting has to be on the larger needles. 

Take care and I'll talk to you soon.

Hugs, "Big Sis" Pooh

[LenV]

Rania,
It's so good to hear from you and to know that you still have that great sense of humor.   

I'm sorry that you are not doing as well and hoping that you have good doctors.

I too love everything you say.  I remember that I said that when I got old and couldn't do anything, I'd have my needlework and books.  Poo on that.  Eyes are not the best now.  But I do some jewelry and it fulfills me.  That and 3 little dogs.  I'm just so glad you are going to do this thread.  We always worry so much when we quit hearing from people. 

I'd like to hear more about your home an country and coulture.  This is always interesting to me.

Hugs to you,
Billye

[Scottietottie]

Hi Rania 

Good to see you again. Mim and I have missed you.

I'm sorry you've been having such an awful time with your health.  I hope the next year is kinder to you and you get a break. (NOT a broken bone I hasten to add!!)

Pop in when you're able. When you draw your designs does anyone else sew them for you now?

Take care - Scottie 

[lynnmarie219]

Hi Rania.....Its good to see you posting again! We have missed you!

I'm glad that you try to keep us current on how you are doing when you feel up to it. It's nice to hear from old friends!

Btw.....I love your positive attitude!Thats always a plus for any of us to have!

[Pooh]

Hi Sis,
As you can see I got to hold my little Allena again Thursday.  She is getting so big, I can't believe it.  Babies grow to fast, I want her to stay little for a while.  Oh well, I will still love her.

I sure hope you are feeling better today.  It sounds like that trip to Trondhiem really wore you out. 

Hugs and God Bless,
Pooh "Big Sis"

[Rania]

Modified by Rania for personal reasons.

[LenV]

Hi Rania,
I am so glad to hear from you!  You are showing a lot of Christmas spirit for someone who is ill!     Don't you over do it!

I tried to search for the Christmas tree lighting, but I had no idea if it was a religious ceremony, a custom of your country or what.  It turned out that people all over the world celebrate in different ways.

I'm thinking there is no way I can put up a Christmas tree this year.  So taking a hint from your post about lighting your tree, we've decided to get a small fir tree in a pot and I'll hang red bows on it.  Then after Christmas we'll plant it in our woods.  I like the idea of giving life, rather than taking it.  I'll give back to the earth.

If you find something about your custom, I'd love to hear about it.  We always light a candle in our window for our children, hoping they will find their way home on Christmas Day.  This year I believe one of them will.  We're always careful of our candle, it's only a small votive and we put it out before bed.

Take care of yourself our dear Rania..
Billye

[salsen]

Rania  -  good to hear from you!  Like you, I prefer to dwell on the positive even though at times I have to mentally force myself to get up and move.  These past few days have been a little harder because everything aches with the cold, damp weather.  My fake knees really stiffen up and lose their flex action so I lumber along.  In spite of it all, my family had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  In a couple of days I will put up a few decorations but will also keep it simple.  Think I will go with the small three foot tree this year and a few decorations around the house with a wreath on the door.  That will do it.  LOL  My hubby has been down sick for the past two weeks so there is not a whole bunch of energy to spare around here. 

I hope you will have a comfortable holiday this year and will truly enjoy the season.  I know this past year has been rough and hope the low times will stay there  --- in the past. 

Take care  - keep us posted. 

Sal

[Linda196]

I think the tradition your talking about is the Advent Wreath, Rania.

Traditionally, the wreath is made of four candles in a circle of evergreens. I use three candles in white and the fourth in violet, but four white candles or four violet candles can also be used. Each day at home, we light the candles for supper-- one candle the first week, and then adding another each succeeding week until December 25th.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advent_wreath

I love all of my Christmas decorations, but I think I favor the Nativities and angels. I have quite a few of each, and the angels stay on dislay all year.

[Rania]

Modified for personal reasons.

Rania

[lynnmarie219]

Billye,

I really like your idea of getting a small fir tree, decorating it, and then planting it after Christmas! Such a wonderful idea to give life as you said instead of taking it! I had never thought of doing anything like that....I think its a wonderful tradition to start! I don't own the land I live on now...or I would definitely consider doing the same thing!

Rania and Linda,

Talking about the Advent wreath brought back fond memories for me when as a young child we would go to church every Sunday as a family and eagerly watch them light the candles every week knowing Christmas was not far behind....and when that last purple candle was lit on Christmas Eve....it was such a wonderful night with the Christmas program and lights and songs. That was so so many years ago...........thanks for bringing those memories back for just a few minutes! 

[Pooh]

Hi Sis,
Yes, we do the Advent wreath in our family also, only we use 3 lavendar candles for the first 3 weeks and a pink one on the fourth Sunday.  Then Christmas Eve we replace them with all red when we return from church service. 

I am looking forward to Christmas Eve, more so than Christmas Day, but they both will be wonderful.  I have made up my mind that nothing will prevent me from enjoying my family. 

I am going to wrap a roll of Duct Tape up in a beautiful box and give it to my DIL with a note.  "If you know not what this is for, the family does".      If she starts with her snide remarks and her Gestapo tactics we will tape her to chair and put a strip across her mouth. 

Not that I would really do that, but it sure has it's merits.   

Take care and please don't overdo with the preparations.

Hugs and God Bless,
Big Sis

[LenV]

Linda,
Thank you for the Advent Wreath information.   I grew up in the Baptist Churches and I have to say I've never seen the Advent Wreath or the special candle lighting.  What a beautiful custom.  I will hopefully be able to shop next year to start that tradition in our family.  It is so beautiful.

I got so excited this morning!  My husband went to old Wally's World (walmart) and they have small fir trees with red velvet bows on them.  Already made up.  Was the Good Lord listening to me or not?!  My hands and elbows have been terribly swollen the last few days and I was dreading the typing of the bows.  My husband said he'd put a small string of twinkle lights on it for me.  I'm hoping I remember where my tree skirt is.  He said they were in red baskets tho if I can't find it.

Pooh,
I think your DIL is too dense to know what the tape is for!!

Rania,
Did you get some sleep?  I sure hope you are feeling better this morning.  Let us hear from you when you find the energy and time.

Billye

[Rania]

Modified for personal reasons.

Rania