Merry Christmas everybody! I would have put the pictures up earlier, but I was kinda busy helping Jalen pry Thorns off his clothes. Thorns is the kitten I got him. She's adorable and sneaky and she's making me proud already.

[Say hi to a picture of a rather grumpy Jalen sitting on the floor with a pale Calico kitten draped over his head]

I handed him his wiggling stocking, she climbed out of it and right up his shirt. Didn't stop 'til she was on his head. For anyone who missed it, it was the funniest thing ever. 'Course I felt bad later for laughing at him because he surprised me with this beautiful locket...

[Here, have the drawing I did of the thing]

The birthstones from the top are ruby (mine), opal (Jalen's), garnet (Eli's), and two cubic zirconia as placeholders for Elena and...just in case. The locket unfolds like a four-leaf clover for pictures. I got all weepy when I opened the box, I've always wanted one of these and now- I don't think I'll ever take this off.

I got a few practical things from gran, and granddad gave 'Boy' a decent set of woodworking tools. I've never seen Jalen grin that big before. It was a little weird, lol.

What else, let's see...Oh yeah! I gave Song two plushies I stabbed myself to death making, Orpheus and Josi. I sorta forgot to take a picture of her face because I was too busy laughing and telling her I loved her. ^^; I hope everyone else liked their gifts; my dad's mom made ornaments like these for years, and it was always tradition to use them on the tree. I hope I put enough variety into the things.

I can't believe the snow we had today! I grew up in California and all I ever wanted was snow for Christmas, and now we're buried in it. ^^;

Things are nice and cozy here at Rainbow's End as many of you know since you're here, though painfully domestic, as is often the case.

The snow outside looks gorgeous, and Ashlyn is still quite enamoured of snow. She's getting so big! Those of you who haven't seen her recently would be amazed. She's so blonde too, just like I was when I was little, and she's getting into everything--made a huge mess with the wrapping paper, and we got pictures of that to share.

Alright, enough of me being all proud mama. I know it must bore the rest of you (except Amy, of course, she and I can talk babies all day!) to tears.

It's been wonderful having Song home again (though as always I'm a bit worried about her--she keeps such strange hours and I have no idea what trouble she's up to these days, except that I'm sure there's something).

We're hoping to have dinner and dancing up at Rainbow's End on New Year's Eve, you're all invited of course, unless other plans have been made and I haven't heard about them. If everyone decides they would prefer, we can make it a costume party sort of thing, or we can just keep in fancy dress--up to all of you.

Love you all and merry Christmas.

First of all, we the mods would like to wish all of you players that celebrate it a happy Christmas! :D

And now, a worldly update! Get ready for us to ruin your holiday with chaos, Nobodies, worldshifting, and... snow?

Yes, snow. On the morning of Christmas day, there is a foot of snow more than usual - on all the worlds. By the end of the day, there'll be around two and a half to three feet above normal.

One other thing: the Heartless are backing away from most towns today. Why, one doesn't know, but you can wager a guess that it might have something to do with all that "Christmas spirit" flying around.

As for the aforementioned chaos, Nobodies, and worldshifting, none of that is happening. Robin, Ray expects you to compensate for that egg nog you preemptively stole the other night. B|

Yeah, that's it. Give us a break; we wanted to give you a peaceful holiday for once. (The moral of this story is that even though we may dangle a modpost before your eyes, guys, it's not always doom and destruction. Sometimes we're just having fun. :3)

Have a great Holiday everyone, and may you all be blessed by His Noodly Appendage.

R'amen.

I think I'm gonna go to Earth for a couple days. Just because. I will not be bringing Pancake.

...

And,
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! Why must I hurt my brain looking at fanfiction?

So, I've mentioned before that my history with the fandom leaned towards the yaoi end, as it were... All over and done with now, since it's kind of ridiculous to picture Axel and Roxas as a couple when I know them personally, but hey, the memories are enjoyable... if a little crazy.

One of those memories I can share with you.

I made this half a year before the Heartless came, as a Christmas gift to the khyaoi livejournal community. It was cute enough back then. Now it absolutely cracks me up.

Xemnas Who Stole Christmas
Warning: Naked chibis and suggestive themes
Sora, you are not allowed to look.

^_^

[video start- In the dim glow castby a candlestick, DreamWriter is sitting with Sheridan on her shoulder, placing a large white pillar candle on a plate on the table in front of her. She looks over at the screen.]

It's the darkest part of the year. From darkness comes dawn. And well... the wheel turns.


[she lights the pillar candle, singing softly]

Light is returning
Even though this is the darkest hour.
No one can hold back the dawn.
Let's keep it burning.
Let's keep the light of hope alive.
Make safe our journey through the storm.
The worlds are turning.
Circling their paths around the sun.
The World Spirits are calling their children home.


[she smiles looking at the flame]

Let's remember this season to keep our lights and hopes deep inside alive. The fire flickers, and while knowing darkness is important, we are not alone.

Happy Solstice, my friends.

[video ends]

[[ooc - the song in the vid is a modification of a real solstice chant.]]

This might interest someone.



Also, where the hell did the mistletoe come from?

i_hope_that
For many of us, the holidays can be kind of rough. If you're searching for a network of understanding friends, this ultra-nurturing community encourages you to express your heartfelt wishes and offer other members encouragement and acceptance. Not for the terminally snarky or emotionally-challenged, this is a good-spirited place to lend comfort and support.

diygifts
Feeling crafty? If you've got a few last folks on your holiday gift list, this is a great place to seed your creativity and generosity. You'll also discover wonderful DIY tips to decorate your home and entertain guests. Offering a no-frills-no-skills attitude that welcomes the cash-challenged and arts-phobic, you're sure to get ideas and make friends in the process.

cooking_club
A fun and friendly community dedicated to those who love to cook, whether you're a meat-and-potatoes type, an aspiring gourmand, and/or a vegan. In search of a brilliant dish to use up those weekly leftovers? Post your ingredients and you'll be whipping up a feast by dinner. You can also share favorite recipes. For Type A chefs, you can spice up your culinary repertoire with exciting cooking challenges.

Reiterating my request from a few days ago for a ride back to Earth. I tried your idea Song, but my parents were... insistant that I be home for the holiday.

Alright. Who's the wiseguy who strung mistletoe all over the place?

I know it's nearly Christmas and all but geez. I'd like to walk in a straight line without having to constantly duck those damn sprigs of berries.

No matter what she says, I still feel that I owe her something. I am not accustomed to owing anybody anything. I am not sure how to repay this and I do not feel that money is appropriate.

Dear Santa... Dear Santa, This year I've been busy! Last Tuesday I had a shoot-out with rival gang lords on the 5 near LA (-76 points). In April I gave goin_quackers a Dutch Oven (-10 points). Last week papoupromise and I donated clothes to the needy (11 points). In May I got in line at the supermarket at the same time as someone else and I didn't yield (-8 points). Last Saturday I pulled fox_the_kitsune's hair (-5 points). Overall, I've been naughty (-88 points). For Christmas I deserve a moldy sandwich! Sincerely, thirteenth_brat

Write your letter to Santa! Enter your LJ username:

Ok then... That was a waste of time.

stepstomarrow
When granddaughter, Jada, was born with leukemia, a donor-match was located and Jada made a miraculous recovery. In honor of her grandaughter's health, Jeanna has decided to walk across the country (in the dead of winter) to raise awareness and build support for the bone marrow registry (all that's required is a cheek swab). Follow Jeanna's remarkable journey as she travels the United States by foot.

Jalen's Christmas present is almost ready to be picked up! Just another few days. He knows I'm up to something but at least he's not prying. Not much doom I could accomplish trouble I could get into right now, anyway.

This wizard Howl is certainly interesting. Quite helpful as well. I thought it would take much longer to find what I need.

taste_buds
Holidays provide a built-in excuse for indulgent entertaining. This all-purpose foodie community covers everything from homemade hangover cures to dinner party menus. Need quick advice? Get five-minute snack suggestions, low-fat ingredient substitutes, and even measurement conversions. Delicious recipes garnished with humorous advice. Yum.

naturesbeauty
Always on the lookout for compelling images, we were delighted to discover this flourishing community of artists who share a love of nature. Honoring the subject with photographs, paintings, sketches, prose, poetry, and other creative works, you'll be simultaneously riveted to your monitor and inspired to run helter skelter towards the nearest wooded dale.