It's just a small white envelope stuck among the
branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It
has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past 10 years or so. It all
began because my husband Mike hated Christmas -- oh, not the true meaning of
Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it -- the overspending, the frantic
running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting
powder for Grandma -- the gifts given in desperation because you couldn't think
of anything else.
Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass
the usual shirts, sweaters, ties, and so forth. I reached for something special
just for Mike. The inspiration came in an unusual way. Our son Kevin, who was 12
that year, was wrestling at the junior level at the school he attended. Shortly
before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by an
inner-city church.
These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that
shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp
contrast to our boys in their spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new
wrestling shoes. As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team
was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect
a wrestler's ears. It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously could not
afford.
Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class. And
as each of their boys got up from the mat, he swaggered around in his tatters
with false bravado, a kind of street pride that couldn't acknowledge
defeat.
Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, "I wish just one of
them could have won," he said. "They have a lot of potential, but losing like
this could take the heart right out of them." Mike loved kids -- all kids -- and
he knew them, having coached little league football, baseball, and
lacrosse.
That's when the idea for his present came. That afternoon, I
went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling
headgear and shoes and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church. On
Christmas Eve, I placed the envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike
what I had done and that this was his gift from me. His smile was the brightest
thing about Christmas that year and in succeeding years.
For each
Christmas, I followed the tradition -- one year sending a group of mentally
handicapped youngsters to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of
elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas,
and on and on. The envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always
the last thing opened on Christmas morning, and our children, ignoring their new
toys, would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the envelope
from the tree to reveal its contents.
As the children grew, the toys gave
way to more practical presents, but the envelope never lost its allure. The
story doesn't end there. You see, we lost Mike last year due to cancer. When
Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the
tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree, and in the
morning it was joined by three more. Each of our children, unbeknownst to the
others, had placed an envelope on the tree for their dad. The tradition has
grown and someday will expand even further with our grandchildren standing
around the tree with wide-eyed anticipation watching as their fathers take down
the envelope.
Mike's spirit, like the Christmas spirit, will always be
with us. May we all remember Christ, who is the reason for the season, and the
true Christmas spirit this year and always.
Fwd to us by Pauline of PaulinesFashions
Sent to her via email by The Daily Encourager
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Happy New Year!
I was looking for a picture to communicate putting 2011 behind me and that would also express my hope for the upcoming year. I came across the photo above and thought it was absolutely perfect. The editorial that went with the photo spoke to me, also, as a wonderful approach to dealing with the old and looking forward to the new. Please take a minute to read it by clicking here.Our team members have had their share of ups and downs this past year, but I think we have all become so much closer as a result. I, for one, lost my husband of 25 years to colon cancer on Valentine's Day. Its been a struggle, its been devastating and unbearable at times, but with the help and support of my family and my friends on PetsJubilee, and elsewhere, I've managed to survive the last 11 months and become a little bit stronger over time. My husband always liked to say, "what doesn't kill me, makes me stronger", and I try to look at the difficult times like hurdles to be dealt with and conquered. I try to find the silver lining in all things and believe that everything happens for a reason. I'm a glass half full type of person. I pray everyday and give thanks for all that I have in my life. Being this type of person allows me to embrace the New Year and grow stronger and wiser from the lessons learned during the old year. So,
goodbye 2011
hello 2012
Please share whatever you would like in the comments below. Talk about the old year and/or the new year; what's happened in your life and what you're looking forward to.Shari
PetsJubilee
Ciaohound
I hope everyone had a glorious Christmas:
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Christmas House Lights
Thought this one was funny:
I love the song, and I love the dog that barks in the audio.
Diana
www.DianaDesignsNY.etsy.com
www.StylinDogsBoutique.esty.com
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Alice's Favorite Christmas Song
I've copied Diana this week and, with Sasha's help, am posting my favorite
Christmas song:
I hope you enjoy -- and Merry Christmas to you all :)
Alice England
makingstuffwithlove.etsy.com
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
A Charlie Brown Christmas
I can't let Christmas pass without these wise words. A simple child, in a simple setting, with a simple message that changed the world.
(And a lowly tree to help!)
Warm wishes for a Christmas filled with the simplicity of Christ's birth.
Patty
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
It's Christmas Time - Tuesday post
I bring to you simply - a song:
This is my favorite Christmas song.
I hope you enjoyed it as well.
Wishing you a
Very Merry Christmas
and a wonderful and healthy New Year.
Diana
www.DianaDesignsNY.etsy.com
www.StylinDogsBoutique.etsy.com
This is my favorite Christmas song.
I hope you enjoyed it as well.
Wishing you a
Very Merry Christmas
and a wonderful and healthy New Year.
Diana
www.DianaDesignsNY.etsy.com
www.StylinDogsBoutique.etsy.com
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Time to Wrap Presents
I think this has almost become a holiday tradition, and I never get tired of watching it:
Friday, December 16, 2011
The Envelope
It's just a small white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree.
No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches
of our tree for the past 10 years or so. It all began because my husband Mike
hated Christmas -- oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial
aspects of it -- the overspending, the frantic running around at the last minute
to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma -- the gifts
given in desperation because you couldn't think of anything else.
Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, sweaters, ties, and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike. The inspiration came in an unusual way. Our son Kevin, who was 12 that year, was wrestling at the junior level at the school he attended. Shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by an inner-city church.
These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our boys in their spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new wrestling shoes. As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect a wrestler's ears. It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously could not afford.
Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class. And as each of their boys got up from the mat, he swaggered around in his tatters with false bravado, a kind of street pride that couldn't acknowledge defeat.
Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, "I wish just one of them could have won," he said. "They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them." Mike loved kids -- all kids -- and he knew them, having coached little league football, baseball, and lacrosse.
That's when the idea for his present came. That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church. On Christmas Eve, I placed the envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike what I had done and that this was his gift from me. His smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year and in succeeding years.
For each Christmas, I followed the tradition -- one year sending a group of mentally handicapped youngsters to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on. The envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning, and our children, ignoring their new toys, would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal its contents.
As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but the envelope never lost its allure. The story doesn't end there. You see, we lost Mike last year due to cancer. When Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree, and in the morning it was joined by three more. Each of our children, unbeknownst to the others, had placed an envelope on the tree for their dad. The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our grandchildren standing around the tree with wide-eyed anticipation watching as their fathers take down the envelope.
Mike's spirit, like the Christmas spirit, will always be with us. May we all remember Christ, who is the reason for the season, and the true Christmas spirit this year and always.
This was found in an e-mail by Pauline from paulinesfashions.
Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, sweaters, ties, and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike. The inspiration came in an unusual way. Our son Kevin, who was 12 that year, was wrestling at the junior level at the school he attended. Shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by an inner-city church.
These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our boys in their spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new wrestling shoes. As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect a wrestler's ears. It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously could not afford.
Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class. And as each of their boys got up from the mat, he swaggered around in his tatters with false bravado, a kind of street pride that couldn't acknowledge defeat.
Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, "I wish just one of them could have won," he said. "They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them." Mike loved kids -- all kids -- and he knew them, having coached little league football, baseball, and lacrosse.
That's when the idea for his present came. That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church. On Christmas Eve, I placed the envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike what I had done and that this was his gift from me. His smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year and in succeeding years.
For each Christmas, I followed the tradition -- one year sending a group of mentally handicapped youngsters to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on. The envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning, and our children, ignoring their new toys, would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal its contents.
As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but the envelope never lost its allure. The story doesn't end there. You see, we lost Mike last year due to cancer. When Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree, and in the morning it was joined by three more. Each of our children, unbeknownst to the others, had placed an envelope on the tree for their dad. The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our grandchildren standing around the tree with wide-eyed anticipation watching as their fathers take down the envelope.
Mike's spirit, like the Christmas spirit, will always be with us. May we all remember Christ, who is the reason for the season, and the true Christmas spirit this year and always.
This was found in an e-mail by Pauline from paulinesfashions.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Happy Birthday, Lauren
My oldest daughter just celebrated her 25th birthday, and one of her gifts was this cute little hat and collar for her furbaby, Julia. I just love the look on Julia's face. It took so much effort to get her to keep the hat on and finally she just gave in. It was kind of like, "ok, mamma, I don't like it, but I will do this for you." The hat stayed on just long enough to get this picture.
Don't forget to turn in your furbaby's "Letters to Santa Paws" Click Here and add it to the comment section.
Happy Birthday to all the December children out there :)
Shari at
PetsJubilee &
Ciaohound
Monday, November 28, 2011
Handmade Pet Products 11/28/11
Each weekday, the members of the Pets Jubilee Team on Etsy choose an item to promote from all of the active members. Here are last week's handcrafted items:
Please click on the image to go to the item and click on the name to visit their Etsy shop.
Please click on the image to go to the item and click on the name to visit their Etsy shop.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Handmade Pet Products 11/14/11
This week's handmade pet products:
Click on the image to go to the item and click on the name to visit their Etsy shop.
Click on the image to go to the item and click on the name to visit their Etsy shop.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Handmade Pet Products 10/24/11 & the Winner of our Blog Giveaway
The winner of our Blog Giveaway is:
Hound Girl!
Congratulations! You've won a
Howl-o-ween Collar Flower for your furbaby from
HappyDapperDogs
Hound Girl!
Congratulations! You've won a
Howl-o-ween Collar Flower for your furbaby from
HappyDapperDogs
Thank you all for participating.************************************
This week's handmade pet products:
Click on the image to go to the item and click on the name to visit their Etsy shop.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Handmade Pet Products 8/1/11
Each weekday, the members of the Pets Jubilee Team on Etsy choose an item to promote from all of the active members. Here are last week's specialties:
StylinDogsBoutique
StylinDogsBoutiqueDon't forget to click on the image to go to the item and click on the name to visit their Etsy shop.
And - there's still time to enter our extra special contest going on now. Everyone who enters is a winner. Click here to read the details.
And - there's still time to enter our extra special contest going on now. Everyone who enters is a winner. Click here to read the details.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Christmas In July Sales Event
From now until the end of July enjoy fantastic savings at these wonderful PetsJubilee team member shops.
DianaDesignsNY
DianaDesignsNY.etsy.com
20% OFF anything in my "Christmas in July" Section in my Shop.
From July 15th thru July 31st
Coupon Code: XMASINJULY
earlybird454
earlybird454.etsy.com
HAPPY HOUNDS * Rag Dolls & Pet Accessories
20% Off everything in my boutique July 16 - 31
Coupon Code: earlysanta20
jenya2
jenya2.etsy.com
Pet Clothing Hand Knit Original Designs
Summer Sales Event
Bonus Boxes: Two handknit original design dog sweaters
for the price of one!!
While supplies last.
AnnieKChristmas
AnnieKChristmas.etsy.com
The Year Round Christmas Store
25% off anything in store
Coupon Code: CIJ2011
catcalls
catcalls.etsy.com
Handmade cat themed novelties for cat lovers
20% off everything!
Already marked down
CamargoCreations
CamargoCreations.etsy.com
Handmade Dog Clothes, Collars and Accessories
15% off entire shop
July 15th - 31th
Coupon code - cij2011
kceknits
kceknits.etsy.com
SUMMER JUST BECAME A GREAT TIME FOR WOOL:
get a jump on the winter holidays...COUPON CODE: july2011
20% OFF any item in my "sale july sale" section!
AliVStudio
AliVStudio.etsy.com
CHRISTMAS IN JULY!! That's right! Get 10% off any new custom ordered painting or painting that is currently for sale. That 10% will be donated to the Humane Society of Pinellas County!
Coupon Code: Canine10
PopkinsPortraits
PopkinsPortraits.etsy.com
Pet Portraits
Xmas in July SALE!! Buy a gift certificate now for a future custom pet portrait at an incredible price!
20-40% off everything in the shop!
Many original pieces already discounted
Use code xmasinjuly to get an additional 20% off!
rhoadworks
rhoadworks.etsy.com
Clothes for Babies with Attitude & Style
Free Shipping on all "Dog Brother and Sister" onesie and tee shirt designs! July 15th - 31st
Coupon Code: FS0711
Great way to shop early, save money, and get truly unique presents!
forpawsandhome
forpawsandhome.etsy.com
giving away a handmade Christmas ornament with every order
BlingItOnByVanessa
BlingItOnByVanessa.etsy.com
BlingItOnByVanessa offers 10% Christmas in July!
10% off anything in my shop - valid thru July 31
CH1NJULY
Freyasstudio
Freyasstudio.etsy.com
Quality collars for your pets because they're family!
Freyasstudio's Cool Down July Sale, 20% off!
20% all shop items until July 30th!
Coupon Code: ChristmasinJuly
catcraftsmo
catcraftsmo.etsy.com
Christmas in July Sale
July 16th thru July 31st
20% off all items storewide!
PaniEva
panieva.etsy.com
greyhound inspired whimsical art, gifts and cards
Free handmade Christmas card and set of 3 gift tags with every purchase.
People, paw print or silly greyhound design :)
SensoryFelteds
SensoryFelteds.etsy.com
Going out of business 7/24 and am offering all of felted creations at 50% off + free shipping.
I'm exploring a new medium and will be back.
Sales event posted by Petsjubilee.etsy.com
For more discounts/shops offering Christmas in July savings, visit this Treasury:
Treasury created by Athena of SassySashadoxie
Petsjubilee Team's Christmas in July Sale: July 16, 2011 - July 31, 2011
DianaDesignsNYDianaDesignsNY.etsy.com
20% OFF anything in my "Christmas in July" Section in my Shop.
From July 15th thru July 31st
Coupon Code: XMASINJULY
earlybird454earlybird454.etsy.com
HAPPY HOUNDS * Rag Dolls & Pet Accessories
20% Off everything in my boutique July 16 - 31
Coupon Code: earlysanta20
jenya2jenya2.etsy.com
Pet Clothing Hand Knit Original Designs
Summer Sales Event
Bonus Boxes: Two handknit original design dog sweaters
for the price of one!!
While supplies last.
peachiepockets
peachiepockets.etsy.com
Carving, sewing, and much more
25% off my CIJ (Christmas in July) section
Coupon code........CIJ2011
peachiepockets.etsy.com
Carving, sewing, and much more
25% off my CIJ (Christmas in July) section
Coupon code........CIJ2011
AnnieKChristmasAnnieKChristmas.etsy.com
The Year Round Christmas Store
25% off anything in store
Coupon Code: CIJ2011
paulinesfashions.etsy.com
Custom Pet Designs To Order
20% OFF anything in my "Christmas in July" Section in my Shop.
(these are All Done and Ready To Ship Items)
From July 15th thru July 31st
Coupon Code: CIJ2011
Custom Pet Designs To Order
20% OFF anything in my "Christmas in July" Section in my Shop.
(these are All Done and Ready To Ship Items)
From July 15th thru July 31st
Coupon Code: CIJ2011
catcallscatcalls.etsy.com
Handmade cat themed novelties for cat lovers
20% off everything!
Already marked down
CamargoCreationsCamargoCreations.etsy.com
Handmade Dog Clothes, Collars and Accessories
15% off entire shop
July 15th - 31th
Coupon code - cij2011
kceknitskceknits.etsy.com
SUMMER JUST BECAME A GREAT TIME FOR WOOL:
get a jump on the winter holidays...COUPON CODE: july2011
20% OFF any item in my "sale july sale" section!
AliVStudioAliVStudio.etsy.com
CHRISTMAS IN JULY!! That's right! Get 10% off any new custom ordered painting or painting that is currently for sale. That 10% will be donated to the Humane Society of Pinellas County!
Coupon Code: Canine10
PopkinsPortraitsPopkinsPortraits.etsy.com
Pet Portraits
Xmas in July SALE!! Buy a gift certificate now for a future custom pet portrait at an incredible price!
20-40% off everything in the shop!
Many original pieces already discounted
Use code xmasinjuly to get an additional 20% off!
rhoadworksrhoadworks.etsy.com
Clothes for Babies with Attitude & Style
Free Shipping on all "Dog Brother and Sister" onesie and tee shirt designs! July 15th - 31st
Coupon Code: FS0711
Great way to shop early, save money, and get truly unique presents!
forpawsandhomeforpawsandhome.etsy.com
giving away a handmade Christmas ornament with every order
BlingItOnByVanessa BlingItOnByVanessa.etsy.com
BlingItOnByVanessa offers 10% Christmas in July!
10% off anything in my shop - valid thru July 31
CH1NJULY
FreyasstudioFreyasstudio.etsy.com
Quality collars for your pets because they're family!
Freyasstudio's Cool Down July Sale, 20% off!
20% all shop items until July 30th!
Coupon Code: ChristmasinJuly
catcraftsmocatcraftsmo.etsy.com
Christmas in July Sale
July 16th thru July 31st
20% off all items storewide!
PaniEvapanieva.etsy.com
greyhound inspired whimsical art, gifts and cards
Free handmade Christmas card and set of 3 gift tags with every purchase.
People, paw print or silly greyhound design :)
SensoryFeltedsSensoryFelteds.etsy.com
Going out of business 7/24 and am offering all of felted creations at 50% off + free shipping.
I'm exploring a new medium and will be back.
Sales event posted by Petsjubilee.etsy.com
For more discounts/shops offering Christmas in July savings, visit this Treasury:
Treasury created by Athena of SassySashadoxie
Petsjubilee Team's Christmas in July Sale: July 16, 2011 - July 31, 2011
Sunday, December 26, 2010
The Day After Christmas....
Sasha here. By now, the prezzies have all been opened and the fancy paper has been tossed out with the decapitated bobos. I lay in my cozy blankie with a full tummy and ponder the true meaning of Christmas.
Cause you sees, it really isn't about new squeakies and good treats. It is about sharing love with others and even ones you don't particularly like too much (not naming names here). It is through this giving we will gain far more than good eats. We gain a bit of something special. A force that is greater than all the doxies here on earth. A special kind of magic that comes with kindness, charity, love, and good cheer.
So over the next few days, when the relatives start getting on your nerves (again not naming names), store lines to return the not quite right items you got as prezzies seem too long, and you just can't wait for spring cause it is just too darn cold to pee in the snow one more time, here is something to think about.
That wonderful night so very long ago when a special baby was born. One stranger gave a simple gift of shelter to a couple in need when there was no room in the inn. A simple act of charity and kindness is what started this holiday out before the baby was even born.
So I thinks we all should try to look around us and see what little things we can do daily to make the Christmas magic last throughout the year.
This Way We Can All Have A Happy New Year!!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Santa Paws is Coming to Town!
You better watch out,
You better not cry,
Better not pout,
I'm telling you why:
Santa Paws is coming to town.
He's making a list,
And checking it twice;
And checking it twice;
Gonna find out
Who's naughty
and nice.
Santa Paws is coming to town.
Wishing all furry friends everywhere the ability to be nice so you can get lots of goodies this year!
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