May 10, 2008 Ship of Thieves! Stealing the Magic..AGAIN!!! Panama Canal FL to CA!!! Part 9

[HollyTyler]

:lmao: We seriously have a Charlie Brown tree this year! Tyler picked it out, and I thought it looked pretty. We usually get the cheapest kind of tree, and have had no problems. But this time we got a blue spruce and it's very pretty and still smells great. HOWEVER, every so often, you can hear a little "tink, tink, tink" sound as a bunch of needles drops. :rotfl2: Is this something about the type of tree? I've never had my cheapo trees do that! :rotfl:

[katypop]

Will you have a car to drive or will you be coming with us. We're renting a convertable and probably won't have room for all six of you. But Lisa and Darrell may be able to bring some of you in their car too. I think Kathe is also coming. We'll figure it out when we get there. I'm so glad you decided to come with us. We'll start our party early.
:wizard: :wizard: :wizard:
Hi Deb,
I think you may have mixed me up with someone else:confused3 I really wish I could join you but I am staying at WDW and won't have a car, so I'm afraid this would not be possible for me. I plan to take the DME back to the airport on Sat morn so I can get to the port as soon as possible though :)
Kathe
My DFIL is hospitalized tonight. He has been short of breathe and they tested his heart today and it is not very good.

He will be in the hospital for about 2 week. He is bleeding in his small intestine and he needs open heart surgery and bypass.

Okay, I have a pretty big house BUT.....and right now I have my mom, 2 girls, 1 son coming home next week, an exchange student, 1 dog, 3 cats and a husband.....and soon my FIL will be living with us.....

I am not sure where everyone will sleep......maybe I will move to a hotel:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Lisa, you've had so much to deal with this year, you will really NEED this cruise! So sorry to hear about your DFIL. Hope everything goes well, sending hugs and prayers:hug:
Kathe

[katypop]

Sorry your vacation is almost over, but glad you had a good time in Frankenmuth! :thumbsup2

I hope your back feels better soon. You must be miserable. :hug:

Thanks Holly:hug:

[HollyTyler]

Gee, everybody must be busy today! Since there's nobody on here to talk to, I suppose I'll take a nap for a couple hours before it's time to pick Tyler up. I could be cleaning, but it's better when Tyler's here to help. And napping is something I definitely can't do when he's here, so that wins! :thumbsup2

[gydell]

Well I am finally back. I need to go to the Dollar Tree but that will have to wait a while.

[katypop]

Gee, everybody must be busy today! Since there's nobody on here to talk to, I suppose I'll take a nap for a couple hours before it's time to pick Tyler up. I could be cleaning, but it's better when Tyler's here to help. And napping is something I definitely can't do when he's here, so that wins! :thumbsup2

Have a good nap Holly:goodvibes I am going to push myself out to at least get to the bank, and hopefully on to at least a couple of stores. My daughter wants a specific wine rack that I have seen oodles of places, until now when I need to get one:rolleyes:

Kathe

[Tigger1221]

Oh, I love it! And I see your cat likes it too! ;) Very cute!

Thnaks, when we bring it out she gets really exctied and climbs all over it. She loves to explore.:rotfl: It is hanging outside now, I will have to take a pic of it all lit up.

I hope you figure out your school stuff soon. It can cost so much for classes.:grouphug:

[HollyTyler]

Have a good nap Holly:goodvibes I am going to push myself out to at least get to the bank, and hopefully on to at least a couple of stores. My daughter wants a specific wine rack that I have seen oodles of places, until now when I need to get one:rolleyes:

Kathe
OH, it was a great nap! 2 hours.....felt like a whole night of sleep! :goodvibes Now a quick shower, then drop of my video, pick up Tyler, and we're headed to Wonderlights at the Zoo.

[HollyTyler]

Thnaks, when we bring it out she gets really exctied and climbs all over it. She loves to explore.:rotfl: It is hanging outside now, I will have to take a pic of it all lit up.

I hope you figure out your school stuff soon. It can cost so much for classes.:grouphug:
It cracks me up how curious cats are. My mom always had a few cats (but hasn't for about a year) and I love being around them.

You're right about school being expensive. It's a little over $900/credit hour, so the 3 classes I was registered for next semester (9 credits), is close to $9,000. And the same every semester. :scared1: Well, I do have a 25% scholarship, so knock 25% off that $9,000 but it's still too much to come up with on my own.

[EllaEnchanted]

Sceen II Act I. Today is Sat and John and I were going to see Sandi and Joe and try to make amends before they left. Well first we had to move Ray from a shared room into a private room. Me, John, the kid, Sandi and the boys showed up to do the move. Joe stayed home. Sandi met us at Mrs. Bush's, where Ray is staying. She didn't want us going to meet her and Joe at their house.

We did the move, I stayed in and talked with Ray while John went outside and talked with Sandi. John extended any help and all his courtesy to her and to Joe. Sandi's reply was that Joe was ready to make amends with John and the kid, in small doses, but not with me. Sandi was standing by her man and following his lead. Meanwhile I have a 17 year relationship with her. She crashed my wedding and got married with me because she was already pregnant. She moved in with us when the boys were only 2 and 3 years old. We took care of her and the boys everytime she was in need. We just bought her a car that she needed for work. We just paid for a lavish and wonderful vacation with them. We have overextended ourselves just to get cut off and have Joe control who he sees and how much he sees us.

Scene II Act II. So on the ride home when John told me this I let him know that I'm way too old for high school drama and I will now cut myself off completely from Joe and Sandi too. I told John to continue his relationship with his daughter and do whatever he wanted to with Joe.

John and I got back to the house and talked it out. John has decided to take a stand against his daughter in support of me. He feels she drew the line in the sand and forced him to take a side. He feels that I don't warrant being treated that way by either one of them, especially Sandi.

So be it. I'm tired of playing the role of the wicked stepmother. The other night when she came over to pay us....John did all the talking. I kept my mouth shut. Yet Joe has decided to punish me and accept John and the kid. The kid has absolutely nothing to do with this and although I agreed with John I never said a word. I let it be a conversation between father and daughter.

I hope, for John's sake, someday Sandi can realize the damage she has done by supporting Joe in his madness.

Talk about a dramatic afternoon!

Since I turned 50 last year I decided to cut out all the drama and BS in my life and just live real. To be the best person that I could be everyday without compromising my values.....Yes, John1.....I still do totally agree with you the importance of truth, respect, integrity. Yet I was willing to lie so that my husband could keep his good relationship with his daughter. Just to see his daughter throw it all away for a putz!

The door is closed, the bridge is burned, there is no going back now. She made her bed, now she needs to lie in it!

[birkner]

Sceen II Act I. Today is Sat and John and I were going to see Sandi and Joe and try to make amends before they left. Well first we had to move Ray from a shared room into a private room. Me, John, the kid, Sandi and the boys showed up to do the move. Joe stayed home. Sandi met us at Mrs. Bush's, where Ray is staying. She didn't want us going to meet her and Joe at their house.

We did the move, I stayed in and talked with Ray while John went outside and talked with Sandi. John extended any help and all his courtesy to her and to Joe. Sandi's reply was that Joe was ready to make amends with John and the kid, in small doses, but not with me. Sandi was standing by her man and following his lead. Meanwhile I have a 17 year relationship with her. She crashed my wedding and got married with me because she was already pregnant. She moved in with us when the boys were only 2 and 3 years old. We took care of her and the boys every time she was in need. We just bought her a car that she needed for work. We just paid for a lavish and wonderful vacation with them. We have overextended ourselves just to get cut off and have Joe control who he sees and how much he sees us.

Scene II Act II. So on the ride home when John told me this I let him know that I'm way too old for high school drama and I will now cut myself off completely from Joe and Sandi too. I told John to continue his relationship with his daughter and do whatever he wanted to with Joe.

John and I got back to the house and talked it out. John has decided to take a stand against his daughter in support of me. He feels she drew the line in the sand and forced him to take a side. He feels that I don't warrant being treated that way by either one of them, especially Sandi.

So be it. I'm tired of playing the role of the wicked stepmother. The other night when she came over to pay us....John did all the talking. I kept my mouth shut. Yet Joe has decided to punish me and accept John and the kid. The kid has absolutely nothing to do with this and although I agreed with John I never said a word. I let it be a conversation between father and daughter.

I hope, for John's sake, someday Sandi can realize the damage she has done by supporting Joe in his madness.

Talk about a dramatic afternoon!

Since I turned 50 last year I decided to cut out all the drama and BS in my life and just live real. To be the best person that I could be everyday without compromising my values.....Yes, John1.....I still do totally agree with you the importance of truth, respect, integrity. Yet I was willing to lie so that my husband could keep his good relationship with his daughter. Just to see his daughter throw it all away for a putz!

The door is closed, the bridge is burned, there is no going back now. She made her bed, now she needs to lie in it!




Deb, I am so sorry Sandi is treating you both so shabbily. Resuming a relationship with John on in her words, "small doses" is an insult to all of you.

She clearly is afraid of Joe's reaction to any decision she might make on her own. I suspect this whole drama was orchestrated by Joe for his own pleasure. I feel terribly sorry for Sandi and the choices she is making. Sandi also clearly has emotional problems and is dependent on an abusive relationship for her own self worth.

However, that being said, you have done all you could do and more for both Sandi and Joe. There may be a day that she will regret her actions but I agree with you for now, she and Joe should be out of your lives.

Just my thoughts...

[katypop]

OH, it was a great nap! 2 hours.....felt like a whole night of sleep! :goodvibes Now a quick shower, then drop of my video, pick up Tyler, and we're headed to Wonderlights at the Zoo.

Glad you had a great nap Holly:thumbsup2 I am envious, I am not a good napper, if I get to sleep at all, I usually feel 10 times worse when I get up, my body figures it's night time and does not want to get moving again:rolleyes: Sounds like you have a fun evening planned with Tyler.



Deb-Sending hugs :hug: Sorry you've had so much heartache lately. Sandi and Joe obviously don't realize how blessed they have been to have you in their lives. I guess they are going to have to find this out the hard way. Hoping the future holds happier days for all of you.


Kathe

[gydell]

Sceen II Act I. Today is Sat and John and I were going to see Sandi and Joe and try to make amends before they left. Well first we had to move Ray from a shared room into a private room. Me, John, the kid, Sandi and the boys showed up to do the move. Joe stayed home. Sandi met us at Mrs. Bush's, where Ray is staying. She didn't want us going to meet her and Joe at their house.

We did the move, I stayed in and talked with Ray while John went outside and talked with Sandi. John extended any help and all his courtesy to her and to Joe. Sandi's reply was that Joe was ready to make amends with John and the kid, in small doses, but not with me. Sandi was standing by her man and following his lead. Meanwhile I have a 17 year relationship with her. She crashed my wedding and got married with me because she was already pregnant. She moved in with us when the boys were only 2 and 3 years old. We took care of her and the boys everytime she was in need. We just bought her a car that she needed for work. We just paid for a lavish and wonderful vacation with them. We have overextended ourselves just to get cut off and have Joe control who he sees and how much he sees us.

Scene II Act II. So on the ride home when John told me this I let him know that I'm way too old for high school drama and I will now cut myself off completely from Joe and Sandi too. I told John to continue his relationship with his daughter and do whatever he wanted to with Joe.

John and I got back to the house and talked it out. John has decided to take a stand against his daughter in support of me. He feels she drew the line in the sand and forced him to take a side. He feels that I don't warrant being treated that way by either one of them, especially Sandi.

So be it. I'm tired of playing the role of the wicked stepmother. The other night when she came over to pay us....John did all the talking. I kept my mouth shut. Yet Joe has decided to punish me and accept John and the kid. The kid has absolutely nothing to do with this and although I agreed with John I never said a word. I let it be a conversation between father and daughter.

I hope, for John's sake, someday Sandi can realize the damage she has done by supporting Joe in his madness.

Talk about a dramatic afternoon!

Since I turned 50 last year I decided to cut out all the drama and BS in my life and just live real. To be the best person that I could be everyday without compromising my values.....Yes, John1.....I still do totally agree with you the importance of truth, respect, integrity. Yet I was willing to lie so that my husband could keep his good relationship with his daughter. Just to see his daughter throw it all away for a putz!

The door is closed, the bridge is burned, there is no going back now. She made her bed, now she needs to lie in it!



So sorry! If it were me I would still send cards for holidays, but not put myself out. I would have to continue to do the rught thing and then it would be their decision as to what to do. I could then say that I did what I knew was right and that's all I can do. If it stays this way Sandi will regret it. Life is not standing still for any of us and anything can happen at any time. So sorry for you and John and try not to let the stress bring you down too much. Stress can really do strange things to people.

[scottishwee35]

Gee, everybody must be busy today! Since there's nobody on here to talk to, I suppose I'll take a nap for a couple hours before it's time to pick Tyler up. I could be cleaning, but it's better when Tyler's here to help. And napping is something I definitely can't do when he's here, so that wins! :thumbsup2


Hi Holly tyler

True, I often like that, take nap for half hour when I feel overtired when kids were in school or club.

Today, I stayed in and got friend came to see me today. Glad that I didn't go out as it is very cold day, at tea time, start snowing then VERY HEAVY RAINING yuk.

Scottishwee35

[gydell]

It's 72 here!

[scottishwee35]

Sceen II Act I. Today is Sat and John and I were going to see Sandi and Joe and try to make amends before they left. Well first we had to move Ray from a shared room into a private room. Me, John, the kid, Sandi and the boys showed up to do the move. Joe stayed home. Sandi met us at Mrs. Bush's, where Ray is staying. She didn't want us going to meet her and Joe at their house.

We did the move, I stayed in and talked with Ray while John went outside and talked with Sandi. John extended any help and all his courtesy to her and to Joe. Sandi's reply was that Joe was ready to make amends with John and the kid, in small doses, but not with me. Sandi was standing by her man and following his lead. Meanwhile I have a 17 year relationship with her. She crashed my wedding and got married with me because she was already pregnant. She moved in with us when the boys were only 2 and 3 years old. We took care of her and the boys everytime she was in need. We just bought her a car that she needed for work. We just paid for a lavish and wonderful vacation with them. We have overextended ourselves just to get cut off and have Joe control who he sees and how much he sees us.

Scene II Act II. So on the ride home when John told me this I let him know that I'm way too old for high school drama and I will now cut myself off completely from Joe and Sandi too. I told John to continue his relationship with his daughter and do whatever he wanted to with Joe.

John and I got back to the house and talked it out. John has decided to take a stand against his daughter in support of me. He feels she drew the line in the sand and forced him to take a side. He feels that I don't warrant being treated that way by either one of them, especially Sandi.

So be it. I'm tired of playing the role of the wicked stepmother. The other night when she came over to pay us....John did all the talking. I kept my mouth shut. Yet Joe has decided to punish me and accept John and the kid. The kid has absolutely nothing to do with this and although I agreed with John I never said a word. I let it be a conversation between father and daughter.

I hope, for John's sake, someday Sandi can realize the damage she has done by supporting Joe in his madness.

Talk about a dramatic afternoon!

Since I turned 50 last year I decided to cut out all the drama and BS in my life and just live real. To be the best person that I could be everyday without compromising my values.....Yes, John1.....I still do totally agree with you the importance of truth, respect, integrity. Yet I was willing to lie so that my husband could keep his good relationship with his daughter. Just to see his daughter throw it all away for a putz!

The door is closed, the bridge is burned, there is no going back now. She made her bed, now she needs to lie in it!



Hi Deb

I just want to give you a :hug:

I am very sorry about to hear about this. Maybe you feel better when you typed it out and get out of your chest.

I do wish to help you out. But sometime stepdaughter is more difficult.

My friend Alison (she is coming cruise with us), she have similiar problem as you too. Her partner Dave have three grown up childrens and one of them gave Alison hard time nowaday.

I was reading gyell and brinker and they help you too.

Take Care

Scottishwee35:hug:

[scottishwee35]

Will you have a car to drive or will you be coming with us. We're renting a convertable and probably won't have room for all six of you. But Lisa and Darrell may be able to bring some of you in their car too. I think Kathe is also coming. We'll figure it out when we get there. I'm so glad you decided to come with us. We'll start our party early.
:wizard: :wizard: :wizard:

We will work out about the transport as we will arrive Stanford on Thursday and we still thinking about limo or hire car. We will work out after Xmas. We will let you know when the near time :thumbsup2

Can anyone advise ? Is best way to hire car for two days cheaper than one way transport from Stanford to Raddison hotel? would be happy if anyone advise us which is best way with the transport. Thanks.

Scottishwee35:thumbsup2

[gydell]

We will work out about the transport as we will arrive Stanford on Thursday and we still thinking about limo or hire car. We will work out after Xmas. We will let you know when the near time :thumbsup2

Can anyone advise ? Is best way to hire car for two days cheaper than one way transport from Stanford to Raddison hotel? would be happy if anyone advise us which is best way with the transport. Thanks.

Scottishwee35:thumbsup2


We always do limo so we don't have to mess with car. You are staying at the Raddison so they have shuttle to Space Center. But if you rented a car then you can come and go as you like, but you have to turn it in. Rental car is probably cheaper but with gas prices so high I don't know. Plus with all the luggage you would have to have mini van or large car which cost more too. Limo is more fun!

[nskjerven]

Deb:

:hug: sorry to hear of your conversation with Sandi. Not the result we all hoped for you.


My back has been bothering me for almost 3 weeks now, although it is definately better than it was the 1st few days. Anyone else bothered by back pain? I don't even know what I did this time (unless it was the raking, scrubbing walls,packing boxes over the last few weeks). I finally went to the doctor and got better meds, but now I feel tired and have stomach pains, so I may not take them much longer.I hate that I never know when this will happen, sure hope it's not during this cruise:eek:

Kathe

Sorry to hear of your back pain I can relate unfortunately.

funny you should ask this...last Saturday I woke up with this pain in my shoulder/back. All week I've been trying to mend it with chrico and massage, no luck. Today was really bad...The kids and I (giving directions from the couch mostly) decorated the house and did 8 loads of laundry. I was in so much pain today that I sat and cried. The kids rarely see mom do that so they helped soooooo much in getting the house ready for Daddy tomorrow. It was fun as we unpacked our Xmas cruise Mickey decorations and used mostly them this year. Such fun. Even used our Cruise stockings (mickey/minnie of course) instead of our "real" stockings. I'll try to take pictures tomorrow.

I'm going to call my orthopedic doctor on Monday, as this just isn't a normal strain, I need some real help to heal.

Not to make it worse, but I'm headed out to scrapbook tonight. The kids are staying at my friends. I pick up Paul at midnight another quiet night for us, hey 2 in 2 weeks :love: too bad my back hurts...:rolleyes1

Catch you tomorrow,

N

[gydell]

Sorry about your back. And at such a busy time of year. Maybe it will get better this week. Sounds like your house is ready for Christmas!

[sourmug]

Is there a summary of all the events from this board for the ship of thieves cruise.
Has anyone talked about doing secret mickey>

I joined last spring but have not kept close review over the past few months.

[GatorFamily]

Just wanted to say "hi" to everyone. Took me a while to catch up...I'm sure I missed lots. This is the busy time of year. Still have shopping, Christmas shows, parties, volunteering, and getting ready for out of town guests coming for the Christmas. My DD and I are sick today :sick: ...her fever is down and I don't know what we have but her friend came to play all day thurs. I think she was sick. I feel like my body was slammed against the wall and my head is killing me:sad2:


WELCOME to everyone joining in:welcome:

Only cats 9 and 10 are left for our cruise.
hope they sell out soon so we could get an upgrade;) It's so sad to see the new prices we only saved $500 because we bought our tix in the summer when a couple cat. came avail. we so overpayed:sad2: but glad we'll be there and it will be fun:cheer2: :dance3: :cheer2:
My kids swam in swim meets for years. If the meet started at 8:00 AM, we would always have to be there by 6:30 AM to set up the Ezy-Ups, tents and for the premeet warmup. If it was an away meet, we would have to travel down the night before and get the kids to bed early.

I think the reason they start the meets so early is so the kids can at least have some time to themselves in the afternoons on Saturday and Sunday. The kids would work out before the meet, sleep during the meet and eat like crazy!!

When they swim year round and for the school, gets even more complicated as workouts can start very early, like 5:30 AM. The kids started doing double workouts by the time they were about 10. Our lives were always filled with sports on the weekends, traveling to and from swim meets or other sporting events. Retirement is glorious!!!
Sports do take over our weekends/lives too...look forward to saying retirement is glorious too...I have a feeling I'd miss the kids though...although hopefully I'll have GK to enjoy some day:goodvibes

So sorry! If it were me I would still send cards for holidays, but not put myself out. I would have to continue to do the rught thing and then it would be their decision as to what to do. I could then say that I did what I knew was right and that's all I can do. If it stays this way Sandi will regret it. Life is not standing still for any of us and anything can happen at any time. So sorry for you and John and try not to let the stress bring you down too much. Stress can really do strange things to people.
Deb- so sorry about everything:sad2: I know it is stressful and absolutely no fun...the distance may be a great help not having to deal with it regularly...nice option to leave it in their court and move on...I agree with you no need to deal with drama life's too short:hug: :grouphug: :hug:

Calmom (Lisa)-Did Jack win? I voted when I could ...what a cute little guy:goodvibes You must be superwoman with all your little men....my friend just gave birth to her 5th boy her oldest just turned 6 and they are the sweetest boys and very athletic too...my DD is friends with one of her boys and two of them were on her soccer team this year...they scored almost all the goals.

Nannette- We would love to go to visit NASA we'll be staying in Melbourne. My DH and I were talking about it two days ago about going. We were planning to go anyways. I think my DK would love it. My DFIL works on the launch pads that's why my in-laws live in Melbourne. Amazingly enough my DH lived there for years and never went.:rolleyes1

Disneylover-sorry about the DFIL:hug: hope he's gets better soon. All of the added stress of especially this time of year:hug:

Holly- happy to hear your ex is contributing to bills and you are still planning to go to PC ...hope the financial aide get squared away soon:goodvibes

V- TEBOW WON THE HEISMAN!!!!!!:woohoo: :cheer2::cheer2: :cheer2: :woohoo:

[HollyTyler]

Deb, I'm sorry to hear about how things went for you today. :sad2: Just know that you and John did the best you could, you did the right things, and Sandi will regret her decision someday. I'm sad for her too, for the awful relationship she doesn't realize she's in. :hug:

[HollyTyler]

Deb:

:hug: sorry to hear of your conversation with Sandi. Not the result we all hoped for you.

Sorry to hear of your back pain I can relate unfortunately.

funny you should ask this...last Saturday I woke up with this pain in my shoulder/back. All week I've been trying to mend it with chrico and massage, no luck. Today was really bad...The kids and I (giving directions from the couch mostly) decorated the house and did 8 loads of laundry. I was in so much pain today that I sat and cried. The kids rarely see mom do that so they helped soooooo much in getting the house ready for Daddy tomorrow. It was fun as we unpacked our Xmas cruise Mickey decorations and used mostly them this year. Such fun. Even used our Cruise stockings (mickey/minnie of course) instead of our "real" stockings. I'll try to take pictures tomorrow.

I'm going to call my orthopedic doctor on Monday, as this just isn't a normal strain, I need some real help to heal.

Not to make it worse, but I'm headed out to scrapbook tonight. The kids are staying at my friends. I pick up Paul at midnight another quiet night for us, hey 2 in 2 weeks :love: too bad my back hurts...:rolleyes1

Catch you tomorrow,

N
Nan, I hope your doctor is able to help you on Monday! :hug: No fun being in pain.

[HollyTyler]

Is there a summary of all the events from this board for the ship of thieves cruise.
Has anyone talked about doing secret mickey>

I joined last spring but have not kept close review over the past few months.
WELCOME BACK! :)

I think everything's sort of in limbo until after final payment date just so we have a firm list of who's coming for sure. Nobody's mentioned secret Mickey, but there are teams being arranged to do fish extender surprises. I think any info is on the other 2 websites created for this cruise. :thumbsup2 Those sites haven't been active for a few months, but I'm sure will be in January or February. I can't remember the sites off hand, but I know everybody else can tell you. :goodvibes

[HollyTyler]

Just wanted to say "hi" to everyone. Took me a while to catch up...I'm sure I missed lots. This is the busy time of year. Still have shopping, Christmas shows, parties, volunteering, and getting ready for out of town guests coming for the Christmas. My DD and I are sick today :sick: ...her fever is down and I don't know what we have but her friend came to play all day thurs. I think she was sick. I feel like my body was slammed against the wall and my head is killing me:sad2:
I'm sorry you and your daughter are sick! Hope you feel better quickly. :hug:

[GatorFamily]

I'm sorry you and your daughter are sick! Hope you feel better quickly. :hug:

thanks:goodvibes it's that time of year when everyone gets sick.

right now I feel I have no time to get better because there is so much to do so I'm trying to get some of my Christmas shopping online...so I'm doing something and won't be so behind.

[GatorFamily]

right now I'm trying to figure out what to get for my BIL and SIL...they are planning to get a PS3 so I was thinking getting movies on Blue Ray Disc for them from Amazon...I just ordered a big order from them of books.

[GatorFamily]

Holly- a book I thought you may like is total money makeover by Dave Ramsey...he's a financial advisor. When DH and I first got married right after college we had 35k in debt...mostly DH student loan and he helped us pay it off. We were debt free(minus our mortgage) and payed it off 6 years ago. He's strict but it helps a lot. Some friends of mine thank me for it some couldn't do it....maybe you could check it out at the library...I know its a tall order to pay off your student loan in a year though but maybe a jump start...hang in there....nobody likes those student loans:sad2:

[GatorFamily]

Holly- How was Wonderlights at the Zoo tonight? Did Tyler have fun? They do that here but we don't get to it...we went once a few years ago ..it was lots of fun:thumbsup2

Monica-I'm glad you got to meet Jackie and her sister....they are a riot! They are so fun all we did was talk and laugh...mostly laugh the entire time when we met:rotfl:

[HollyTyler]

Holly- a book I thought you may like is total money makeover by Dave Ramsey...he's a financial advisor. When DH and I first got married right after college we had 35k in debt...mostly DH student loan and he helped us pay it off. We were debt free(minus our mortgage) and payed it off 6 years ago. He's strict but it helps a lot. Some friends of mine thank me for it some couldn't do it....maybe you could check it out at the library...I know its a tall order to pay off your student loan in a year though but maybe a jump start...hang in there....nobody likes those student loans:sad2:
Thanks, I'll check into it. :goodvibes No paying mine off in a year....they're over $100K! :scared:

[GatorFamily]

I'm sorry Holly ...hang in there:hug:


I always get so behind on the thread I think that its buzzing all the time so I try and catch up and when I do its soo slow...people I guess are sleeping:confused3

[HollyTyler]

Holly- How was Wonderlights at the Zoo tonight? Did Tyler have fun? They do that here but we don't get to it...we went once a few years ago ..it was lots of fun:thumbsup2

Monica-I'm glad you got to meet Jackie and her sister....they are a riot! They are so fun all we did was talk and laugh...mostly laugh the entire time when we met:rotfl:
It was VERY fun! It was only 10 degrees, but neither of us got cold because he had his snowpants on and we stopped in each building along the way to warm up. Plus, there was no wind, so that made a big difference. We each got to decorate a cookie to eat, had hot chocolate while listening to a high school band play Christmas music, touched a few animals they had out to teach about, got to see Santa & Mrs. Claus, and all the animals that have inside viewing areas. Very pretty seeing everything wrapped in Christmas lights! Would have looked prettier with snow covering things, but that's OK. Still fun!

[katypop]

Sorry to hear of your back pain I can relate unfortunately.

funny you should ask this...last Saturday I woke up with this pain in my shoulder/back. All week I've been trying to mend it with chrico and massage, no luck. Today was really bad...The kids and I (giving directions from the couch mostly) decorated the house and did 8 loads of laundry. I was in so much pain today that I sat and cried. The kids rarely see mom do that so they helped soooooo much in getting the house ready for Daddy tomorrow. It was fun as we unpacked our Xmas cruise Mickey decorations and used mostly them this year. Such fun. Even used our Cruise stockings (mickey/minnie of course) instead of our "real" stockings. I'll try to take pictures tomorrow.

I'm going to call my orthopedic doctor on Monday, as this just isn't a normal strain, I need some real help to heal.

Not to make it worse, but I'm headed out to scrapbook tonight. The kids are staying at my friends. I pick up Paul at midnight another quiet night for us, hey 2 in 2 weeks :love: too bad my back hurts...:rolleyes1

Catch you tomorrow,

N

Sorry you're having problems too Nan, glad your kids were there to help :hug: Try to take it easy, I know it's hard, especially at this time of year. Hope it isn't too serious and you can get some meds to help you heal quickly. Next time I won't wait so long to see my doctor.

Just wanted to say "hi" to everyone. Took me a while to catch up...I'm sure I missed lots. This is the busy time of year. Still have shopping, Christmas shows, parties, volunteering, and getting ready for out of town guests coming for the Christmas. My DD and I are sick today :sick: ...her fever is down and I don't know what we have but her friend came to play all day thurs. I think she was sick. I feel like my body was slammed against the wall and my head is killing me:sad2:



:

Sorry you and your dd are feeling sick:sick: Hope you both get over it quickly:hug:


Kathe

[LisaG520]

I could use a few of those giant storage totes....I still have mom's stuff all over the house. I thought we would get it cleaned up for Christmas dinner at our house, then John said....since Sandi and Joe and the boys are not going to be here....let's go out to eat. OK, cool, but that doesn't get the house cleaned up. It's too overwhelming for me to do it all by myself. I definitely need help. Well, there's always next year! HA HA....a few short weeks to go!

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

I so understand. Where we last lived (Barstow) we had game night at our house every few weeks - out house stayed much cleaner. Now no one visits but Jen & Lila every other year or so, so we have to force oursleves to de-clutter periodically.

[HollyTyler]

I'm sorry Holly ...hang in there:hug:


I always get so behind on the thread I think that its buzzing all the time so I try and catch up and when I do its soo slow...people I guess are sleeping:confused3
I don't know....it's been pretty empty all day. I had nothing better to do today, so I kept obsessively checking about every 20 minutes for posts! :rotfl: Gee, I really need to get a life! Or get motivated to do my housecleaning! ;)

[GatorFamily]

Well, I guess I should go to bed and get rest.

Can't wait to hear how Marilyn's trip went:goodvibes I bet they had a great time.

Can't wait until May but have way to much to do and get ready...looks like most of you have done most of your shopping for this trip...I'm way behind. I'm hesitant to get my Tyler his tux because I don't know what size he'll be in he's a little guy(they say average...but I think little) he's thin...I like those adjustable pants...my DD she's tall they wear the same size:upsidedow I've been checking ebay out and there are a lot to choose from so I'm hoping they are still avail. in Jan/Feb...I don't want to buy it now and then its too small on the cruise:eek:

[LisaG520]

It was VERY fun! It was only 10 degrees, but neither of us got cold because he had his snowpants on and we stopped in each building along the way to warm up. Plus, there was no wind, so that made a big difference. We each got to decorate a cookie to eat, had hot chocolate while listening to a high school band play Christmas music, touched a few animals they had out to teach about, got to see Santa & Mrs. Claus, and all the animals that have inside viewing areas. Very pretty seeing everything wrapped in Christmas lights! Would have looked prettier with snow covering things, but that's OK. Still fun!

Sounds like a lot of fun.

The Wild Animal Park does something similiar. We'll probably go to it the weekend before Christmas so we can see all the Christmas lights. They bring in snow and create a sledding hill for the kids - always funny seeing snow in San Diego.

[katypop]

It was VERY fun! It was only 10 degrees, but neither of us got cold because he had his snowpants on and we stopped in each building along the way to warm up. Plus, there was no wind, so that made a big difference. We each got to decorate a cookie to eat, had hot chocolate while listening to a high school band play Christmas music, touched a few animals they had out to teach about, got to see Santa & Mrs. Claus, and all the animals that have inside viewing areas. Very pretty seeing everything wrapped in Christmas lights! Would have looked prettier with snow covering things, but that's OK. Still fun!

Sounds like you had a great evening:)

[GatorFamily]

It was VERY fun! It was only 10 degrees, but neither of us got cold because he had his snowpants on and we stopped in each building along the way to warm up. Plus, there was no wind, so that made a big difference. We each got to decorate a cookie to eat, had hot chocolate while listening to a high school band play Christmas music, touched a few animals they had out to teach about, got to see Santa & Mrs. Claus, and all the animals that have inside viewing areas. Very pretty seeing everything wrapped in Christmas lights! Would have looked prettier with snow covering things, but that's OK. Still fun!

sounds like a fun night:goodvibes

[LisaG520]

I don't know....it's been pretty empty all day. I had nothing better to do today, so I kept obsessively checking about every 20 minutes for posts! :rotfl: Gee, I really need to get a life! Or get motivated to do my housecleaning! ;)

That was me last night!! I was avoiding decorating cookies - I really prefer drop cookies but they were for an exchange so I felt compelled to make them "pretty".

[GatorFamily]

I don't know....it's been pretty empty all day. I had nothing better to do today, so I kept obsessively checking about every 20 minutes for posts! :rotfl: Gee, I really need to get a life! Or get motivated to do my housecleaning! ;)

I know what you mean....when I'm behind it seems like I'm missing out on the party but then I get caught up and now one is on....I keep checking and still nothing:rotfl: it should be a fun cruise:goodvibes

[LisaG520]

Deb,
So sorry to hear about the problems with Joe and Sandy. It sounds like you guys did what you could but Joe seems set on drama. (My BIL can be that way - he hasn't spoken to my dad since spring and no one knows why :confused3 )

Christmas dinner out sounds great!

[HollyTyler]

Well, I guess I should go to bed and get rest.

Can't wait to hear how Marilyn's trip went:goodvibes I bet they had a great time.

Can't wait until May but have way to much to do and get ready...looks like most of you have done most of your shopping for this trip...I'm way behind. I'm hesitant to get my Tyler his tux because I don't know what size he'll be in he's a little guy(they say average...but I think little) he's thin...I like those adjustable pants...my DD she's tall they wear the same size:upsidedow I've been checking ebay out and there are a lot to choose from so I'm hoping they are still avail. in Jan/Feb...I don't want to buy it now and then its too small on the cruise:eek:
I'm waiting to buy the tux too for the same reason. I have no idea what size he'll be at the time of the cruise. Same goes for dresses for me.

I'm anxiously waiting to hear from Marilyn too! I've sure missed her.....she's my favorite!

[GatorFamily]

That was me last night!! I was avoiding decorating cookies - I really prefer drop cookies but they were for an exchange so I felt compelled to make them "pretty".

I'm all about procrastinating on housework or cooking;) I avoid the cookie exchanges too many dzns of cookies to make too much commitment and work this time of your...if someone made them for me I'd go to alll of them:rotfl2: Here they have the prize for most time consuming, best decorated, etc...oh and the no chocolate chip cookie rule.

[LisaG520]

Has anyone heard from Bubba or Venetia in a while? I just sent them a PM to make sure they are ok.

[HollyTyler]

Sounds like a lot of fun.

The Wild Animal Park does something similiar. We'll probably go to it the weekend before Christmas so we can see all the Christmas lights. They bring in snow and create a sledding hill for the kids - always funny seeing snow in San Diego.
Now THAT sounds awesome! Bringing in snow to create a sledding hill! :goodvibes

[LisaG520]

I'm all about procrastinating on housework or cooking;) I avoid the cookie exchanges too many dzns of cookies to make too much commitment and work this time of your...if someone made them for me I'd go to alll of them:rotfl2: Here they have the prize for most time consuming, best decorated, etc...oh and the no chocolate chip cookie rule.

The cookie exchange today was your kind of exchange - we only brought one dozen each and there were no rules! The hostess even made chocolate chip.
I just felt the need to make gingerbread snowflakes. Next year I'm making m&m cookies.

[LisaG520]

Now THAT sounds awesome! Bringing in snow to create a sledding hill! :goodvibes

It always looks like a lot of fun but they don't let adults do it (we've checked :thumbsup2 ).

Our zoo often brings in snow for the Polar Bears and the Elephants and it is a blast seeing them play in it.

[HollyTyler]

Sounds like you had a great evening:)

sounds like a fun night:goodvibes
Absolutely! We both loved it! Tomorrow I'm hoping we can go see Scrooge at a huge local church. But it depends on whether the ice storm comes as predicted. If we get the inch of ice expected, no way will I be on the roads at all. But I do have to go out in the morning and get salt for the sidewalks because I forgot today, but now they're saying the ice won't come until afternoon, so we should be fine.

[LisaG520]

Has anyone seen Golden Compass yet?

We're planning to see it tomorrow. Pretty much the only plan for tomorrow.

[HollyTyler]

Has anyone seen Golden Compass yet?

We're planning to see it tomorrow. Pretty much the only plan for tomorrow.
We won't be seeing that.

[HollyTyler]

Time for me to say goodnight! Going to try to stay awake long enough to watch Survivor online. :goodvibes

[GatorFamily]

The cookie exchange today was your kind of exchange - we only brought one dozen each and there were no rules! The hostess even made chocolate chip.
I just felt the need to make gingerbread snowflakes. Next year I'm making m&m cookies.

those gingerbread snowflakes sound so good and pretty. The exchange that I've gotten invited to you bring one dozen per person attending:headache: no fun for me....and I do like chocolate chip;)

[GatorFamily]

We won't be seeing that.

We won't be watching it either.

[GatorFamily]

I really need to get to bed I'm feeling pretty miserable right now and could use some rest...I'm going to try zicam...a friend says it works great and still taking airborne...need to get better for the week.

Have a good night everyone:goodvibes

[HollyTyler]

I really need to get to bed I'm feeling pretty miserable right now and could use some rest...I'm going to try zicam...a friend says it works great and still taking airborne...need to get better for the week.

Have a good night everyone:goodvibes
Goodnight! Feel better! :hug:

[Tigger1221]

Holly- a book I thought you may like is total money makeover by Dave Ramsey...he's a financial advisor. When DH and I first got married right after college we had 35k in debt...mostly DH student loan and he helped us pay it off. We were debt free(minus our mortgage) and payed it off 6 years ago. He's strict but it helps a lot. Some friends of mine thank me for it some couldn't do it....maybe you could check it out at the library...I know its a tall order to pay off your student loan in a year though but maybe a jump start...hang in there....nobody likes those student loans:sad2:

DH really likes Dave Ramsey. We have been to one of his talks before. We do his budget ideas. If we didn't we wouldn't have a house or be going on this cruise and we don't have debt except our house. It really is a good plan even if you don't have debt.

I'm all about procrastinating on housework or cooking;) I avoid the cookie exchanges too many dzns of cookies to make too much commitment and work this time of your...if someone made them for me I'd go to alll of them:rotfl2: Here they have the prize for most time consuming, best decorated, etc...oh and the no chocolate chip cookie rule.

The rules here are no choclate chip, oatmeal, or bar cookies.

We won't be seeing that.

We won't be seeing it either. We went to see Enchanted tonight and the crowd booed the preview for it.

[GatorFamily]

DH really likes Dave Ramsey. We have been to one of his talks before. We do his budget ideas. If we didn't we wouldn't have a house or be going on this cruise and we don't have debt except our house. It really is a good plan even if you don't have debt.
I could go on about this...he's been a blessing to us. Same with us we found we could do so much more fun stuff in the long run:goodvibes


The rules here are no choclate chip, oatmeal, or bar cookies.

what gets me is the dzns of cookies to make and bake to bring depending on how many people go:eek:If I could find the time to do it ...would be funto go;)

We won't be seeing it either. We went to see Enchanted tonight and the crowd booed the preview for it.
When I took my DD to see Enchanted everyone booed the preview too...must admit I joined in:rolleyes1

[gydell]

Is there a summary of all the events from this board for the ship of thieves cruise.
Has anyone talked about doing secret mickey>

I joined last spring but have not kept close review over the past few months.

We're from Alabama but live in Georgia now. Do you have kids?

Has anyone seen Golden Compass yet?

We're planning to see it tomorrow. Pretty much the only plan for tomorrow.

Love to hear about it! One of the teachers at school was wondering about taking Brent to see it.

When I took my DD to see Enchanted everyone booed the preview too...must admit I joined in:rolleyes1

What am I missing? Why? :confused3

[gydell]

We have the lights which we already did but each year our city or county does Back To Bethleham. It is a project that the home schooled kids do. It is a life size town constructed like Bethleham. There are vendors and houses and a snynagoe(sp?). It starts with you standing outside the town and the Roman guards walk down the path. They then read the proclamation and they open the gates. It takes about an hour to walk through, There are live camels and sheep walking around. It is so real! Women are cooking and in each house a story is told. There are herbs and baked goods at the vendors, there are stables, and at the end there is the stable where Mary and Joseph are and the story is told. Sheppards and wise men arrive. Angels are there(cows and donkeys too). It really gets you in the Christmas spirit. There is a bin for donations but ther is no fee. It really is a wonderful thing for the holidays.

[scottishwee35]

We have the lights which we already did but each year our city or county does Back To Bethleham. It is a project that the home schooled kids do. It is a life size town constructed like Bethleham. There are vendors and houses and a snynagoe(sp?). It starts with you standing outside the town and the Roman guards walk down the path. They then read the proclamation and they open the gates. It takes about an hour to walk through, There are live camels and sheep walking around. It is so real! Women are cooking and in each house a story is told. There are herbs and baked goods at the vendors, there are stables, and at the end there is the stable where Mary and Joseph are and the story is told. Sheppards and wise men arrive. Angels are there(cows and donkeys too). It really gets you in the Christmas spirit. There is a bin for donations but ther is no fee. It really is a wonderful thing for the holidays.


Sound wonderful:thumbsup2

Scottishwee35:thumbsup2

[scottishwee35]

It is quiet now

Anyway I am going to Glasgow tom with 11 ladies for High Tea with Chamagne too for Xmas. After that we all going to count house bar for blether and drinks too.

I am wrapping up little gifts for all girls for Xmas.

Some girls come down from Aberdeen (North) over 3 hours travelling. We are only travelling for one and half hours to Glasgow.

My friends are looking forward to.

Scottishwee35:thumbsup2

[scottishwee35]

You all missed Marilyn, I think she will be home tom morning at UK? Not sure.

I miss her too and looking forward to hear about her holiday and the cruise too.

Scottishwee35:thumbsup2

[gydell]

It is quiet now

Anyway I am going to Glasgow tom with 11 ladies for High Tea with Chamagne too for Xmas. After that we all going to count house bar for blether and drinks too.

I am wrapping up little gifts for all girls for Xmas.

Some girls come down from Aberdeen (North) over 3 hours travelling. We are only travelling for one and half hours to Glasgow.

My friends are looking forward to.

Scottishwee35:thumbsup2

Sounds like you will be busy, but having fun!

[scottishwee35]

It was VERY fun! It was only 10 degrees, but neither of us got cold because he had his snowpants on and we stopped in each building along the way to warm up. Plus, there was no wind, so that made a big difference. We each got to decorate a cookie to eat, had hot chocolate while listening to a high school band play Christmas music, touched a few animals they had out to teach about, got to see Santa & Mrs. Claus, and all the animals that have inside viewing areas. Very pretty seeing everything wrapped in Christmas lights! Would have looked prettier with snow covering things, but that's OK. Still fun!


Hi HollyTyler

It sound great fun and I am sure that my kids would love that. We don't have that in our country.:santa:

But in town, there are big wheel, ice rink, Germany markets. We should take the kids to town today but it is heavy raining today so we just leave it for another times.

My husband bought the new computer package this morning!! I am not sure about it as it called emachines. :santa:

Scottishwee35

[Skylarr29]

We finally finished decorating the tree! Took long enough lol. Now to get the lights on the house before Christmas!

[scottishwee35]

We finally finished decorating the tree! Took long enough lol. Now to get the lights on the house before Christmas!


Hi Skylarr29

Where are you live in?

Have you wrote to your boss about this Cruise? and i was thinking that we have to pay before 8 Feb? When is your final date payment? What if, your boss said wait until 10 Feb?

Scottishwee35:thumbsup2

[Skylarr29]

Hi Skylarr29

Where are you live in?

Have you wrote to your boss about this Cruise? and i was thinking that we have to pay before 8 Feb? When is your final date payment? What if, your boss said wait until 10 Feb?

Scottishwee35:thumbsup2


Hi! We live in South Florida, about 3 hours from WDW.

I haven't wrote to him but I have spoken with him, the problem is there is no one to do my job while I am gone, so we are trying to find a replacement! As long as we do, then it will be fine... and if not I may just quite lol!


I believe our final payment is due on Feb 10th (I will have to double check) so I told him I needed to know before then. He said he should know around the beginning of the year. Keeping my fingers crossed!

If I can't go then we will cruise in Feb if there is space on the Eastern and I will spend more time in Europe in October to make up for not being off when I wanted to.

I am pretty sure we will be going with you guys! We REALLY want to!

[gydell]

Ours is due Feb 8 also. I will be paying on the 1st of Feb just to make sure there are no problems booking Palo.

[GatorFamily]

What am I missing? Why? :confused3

The Golden Compass...I'm assuming some people will see... we just won't be. I guess some people watching Enchanted agreed they were not going to watch it either;)

[GatorFamily]

You all missed Marilyn, I think she will be home tom morning at UK? Not sure.

I miss her too and looking forward to hear about her holiday and the cruise too.

Scottishwee35:thumbsup2

I'm looking forward to seeing how she liked it:goodvibes I'm sure they had a lot of fun:dance3:

[gydell]

The Golden Compass...I'm assuming some people will see... we just won't be. I guess some people watching Enchanted agreed they were not going to watch it either;)

What is suppose to be wrong with it?

[GatorFamily]

gydell-what do you think about Tebow winning the Heisman? We were so happy for him last night:cool1: I love reading the new articles. I didn't know in high school he played with a broken leg?:confused3 We thought he should have one ...but you know not all of these things are always fair or the way they should be...look at the referees in the WV game....so many bad calls. Anyhow we are happy:dance3: and rooting SEC throughout the bowls especially UF and LSU to win...sorry John1:rolleyes1

[gydell]

gydell-what do you think about Tebow winning the Heisman? We were so happy for him last night:cool1: I love reading the new articles. I didn't know in high school he played with a broken leg?:confused3 We thought he should have one ...but you know not all of these things are always fair or the way they should be...look at the referees in the WV game....so many bad calls. Anyhow we are happy:dance3: and rooting SEC throughout the bowls especially UF and LSU to win...sorry John1:rolleyes1

I can't say I was disappointed but I kinda wanted McFadden to win. Tebow would still have time to win. Tebow was my 2nd choice. He is a great QB and seems to be a good guy. At least it was an SEC guy!

[GatorFamily]

What is suppose to be wrong with it?

I don't know tonz but I guess the author is a die hard athiest and in the end they kill God and the kids celebrate because they don't have to do what authority asks and they could do what they want. Something like that...regardless I wouldn't take my kids to see it anyways because its pg13 and looks terribly violent for my 6 and 5 year old. There are too many good movies out there anyways I'd rather take them to see those.

[gydell]

I hope LSU wins BIG! And all the SEC teams except Alabama. I hope they lose BIG!

[GatorFamily]

I can't say I was disappointed but I kinda wanted McFadden to win. Tebow would still have time to win. Tebow was my 2nd choice. He is a great QB and seems to be a good guy. At least it was an SEC guy!

I felt bad for McFadden because he was 2nd runner two years in a row ...wish he got something....but I do have to admit that I was happy a Gator got the trophy and Tebow is such a good player:thumbsup2

[GatorFamily]

I hope LSU wins BIG! And all the SEC teams except Alabama. I hope they lose BIG!

who's Alabama playing....unless I like the other team...I think I would like SEC all the way;)

[tigger137]

Sceen II Act I. Today is Sat and John and I were going to see Sandi and Joe and try to make amends before they left. Well first we had to move Ray from a shared room into a private room. Me, John, the kid, Sandi and the boys showed up to do the move. Joe stayed home. Sandi met us at Mrs. Bush's, where Ray is staying. She didn't want us going to meet her and Joe at their house.

We did the move, I stayed in and talked with Ray while John went outside and talked with Sandi. John extended any help and all his courtesy to her and to Joe. Sandi's reply was that Joe was ready to make amends with John and the kid, in small doses, but not with me. Sandi was standing by her man and following his lead. Meanwhile I have a 17 year relationship with her. She crashed my wedding and got married with me because she was already pregnant. She moved in with us when the boys were only 2 and 3 years old. We took care of her and the boys everytime she was in need. We just bought her a car that she needed for work. We just paid for a lavish and wonderful vacation with them. We have overextended ourselves just to get cut off and have Joe control who he sees and how much he sees us.

Scene II Act II. So on the ride home when John told me this I let him know that I'm way too old for high school drama and I will now cut myself off completely from Joe and Sandi too. I told John to continue his relationship with his daughter and do whatever he wanted to with Joe.

John and I got back to the house and talked it out. John has decided to take a stand against his daughter in support of me. He feels she drew the line in the sand and forced him to take a side. He feels that I don't warrant being treated that way by either one of them, especially Sandi.

So be it. I'm tired of playing the role of the wicked stepmother. The other night when she came over to pay us....John did all the talking. I kept my mouth shut. Yet Joe has decided to punish me and accept John and the kid. The kid has absolutely nothing to do with this and although I agreed with John I never said a word. I let it be a conversation between father and daughter.

I hope, for John's sake, someday Sandi can realize the damage she has done by supporting Joe in his madness.

Talk about a dramatic afternoon!

Since I turned 50 last year I decided to cut out all the drama and BS in my life and just live real. To be the best person that I could be everyday without compromising my values.....Yes, John1.....I still do totally agree with you the importance of truth, respect, integrity. Yet I was willing to lie so that my husband could keep his good relationship with his daughter. Just to see his daughter throw it all away for a putz!

The door is closed, the bridge is burned, there is no going back now. She made her bed, now she needs to lie in it!




Deb :grouphug:

[gydell]

I don't know tonz but I guess the author is a die hard athiest and in the end they kill God and the kids celebrate because they don't have to do what authority asks and they could do what they want. Something like that...regardless I wouldn't take my kids to see it anyways because its pg13 and looks terribly violent for my 6 and 5 year old. There are too many good movies out there anyways I'd rather take them to see those.

Didn't know about the killing God aspect. Think DGS will not see it. He loves the Harry Potter's and the PoC movies!

[scottishwee35]

Ours is due Feb 8 also. I will be paying on the 1st of Feb just to make sure there are no problems booking Palo.

Aye (Scottish word for yes)

Same with our Feb 8 so we have few dollars left so think pay off early January.:thumbsup2

Hope there will be plenty palo left also brunch palo too.

Scottishwee35:thumbsup2

[gydell]

who's Alabama playing....unless I like the other team...I think I would like SEC all the way;)

I don't know but to me it doesn't matter! No Auburn fan ever wants Alabama to win!

[GatorFamily]

We finally finished decorating the tree! Took long enough lol. Now to get the lights on the house before Christmas!

I was so happy that I got my Christmas tree up early and a couple decorations but I haven't put the lights out yet:confused3 just a a few wreaths. I usually put the lights up but its rained the last two weekends and I've been sick this weekend and its cold outside.:sad2:

[gydell]

Hard to believe that Christmas is 2 weeks away! WDW in 3 weeks and we leave for cruise in 150 days. It's been almost a year since we booked.

[GatorFamily]

I don't know but to me it doesn't matter! No Auburn fan ever wants Alabama to win!

I could understand that:thumbsup2

My DS and DH love the Harry Potter series...DS only saw the first two...DH read all the books and we've seen all the movies. We excited to see the Narnia sequel on our cruise:woohoo: it comes out May 12(I think)...I wonder what other movies will be out. The Narnia sequel looks scarier so we'll see if my DK will see this one depends on rating and if its too scary but DH and I will definitely see it. On the TA people got to see the PoC 3 but I heard it wasn't that good. My DK saw the 1st but that's it the second I thought was too scary for them...I liked the first one the best....still waiting to rent the 3rd.

[GatorFamily]

Hard to believe that Christmas is 2 weeks away! WDW in 3 weeks and we leave for cruise in 150 days. It's been almost a year since we booked.

You are going to have so much fun:dance3: I wish I was going ...I have to wait until May:sad1: I am sooo not ready for Christmas...still have shopping to do...next year I think I'll do it all the day after thanksgiving but I didn't know where to hide everything:confused3 previous years I'd hide everything at my parents house but they moved back to FL(they thought AZ summers too hot and winters too cold).

[gydell]

I could understand that:thumbsup2

My DS and DH love the Harry Potter series...DS only saw the first two...DH read all the books and we've seen all the movies. We excited to see the Narnia sequel on our cruise:woohoo: it comes out May 12(I think)...I wonder what other movies will be out. The Narnia sequel looks scarier so we'll see if my DK will see this one depends on rating and if its too scary but DH and I will definitely see it. On the TA people got to see the PoC 3 but I heard it wasn't that good. My DK saw the 1st but that's it the second I thought was too scary for them...I liked the first one the best....still waiting to rent the 3rd.

We loved the 3rd one. The secret is that you must watch all the credits and then there is an end to the movie. When the movie "ends" everyone gets up and leaves and feels like there was no end to the series. After the credits is where the movie truely ends! We saw it on the TA and someone had told us to stay through the credits.

[gydell]

You are going to have so much fun:dance3: I wish I was going ...I have to wait until May:sad1: I am sooo not ready for Christmas...still have shopping to do...next year I think I'll do it all the day after thanksgiving but I didn't know where to hide everything:confused3 previous years I'd hide everything at my parents house but they moved back to FL(they thought AZ summers too hot and winters too cold).

I buy almost all mine before Thanksgiving and I wrap as I go.

[GatorFamily]

We loved the 3rd one. The secret is that you must watch all the credits and then there is an end to the movie. When the movie "ends" everyone gets up and leaves and feels like there was no end to the series. After the credits is where the movie truely ends! We saw it on the TA and someone had told us to stay through the credits.

Maybe that's why nobody told us about staying until after the credits.:confused: Good tip...we'll rent it when it comes out...did it come out on video yet....either last Tues or this I think?

[gydell]

Maybe that's why nobody told us about staying until after the credits.:confused: Good tip...we'll rent it when it comes out...did it come out on video yet....either last Tues or this I think?

It's out!

[GatorFamily]

It's out!

I though I saw the display at Blockbuster we just saw the Nanny one and DH and I liked it ...it was cute. We've been renting the Santa Clause movies 1 next weekend 2 the following 3....we saw Santa Clause 3 last years in the movies and my DS liked it.

[GatorFamily]

gydell- when did you know about your upgrade on the TA was it after final payment was due? We are still GTY:confused3

[Tigger1221]

We're from Alabama but live in Georgia now. Do you have kids?



Love to hear about it! One of the teachers at school was wondering about taking Brent to see it.



What am I missing? Why? :confused3

The author wanted to write the opposite of Narnia. Bad guys win, looks scary. In the 3rd and final book they kill God. Google it and read interviews with the author. What he says is not good.

We loved the 3rd one. The secret is that you must watch all the credits and then there is an end to the movie. When the movie "ends" everyone gets up and leaves and feels like there was no end to the series. After the credits is where the movie truely ends! We saw it on the TA and someone had told us to stay through the credits.

I thought the end (after the credits) left it wide open for a 4th pirates. It did end but there could be more. (Did that make sense?)

[gydell]

We went to see "No Country for Old men" yesterday. The National Board of Review chose it a s the best movie of the year. It was different and bloody! Since my DH picked it he now owes me 2 movies. We take turn picking but if one of us doesn't like the movie the other gets to pick 2.

[GatorFamily]

We went to see "No Country for Old men" yesterday. The National Board of Review chose it a s the best movie of the year. It was different and bloody! Since my DH picked it he now owes me 2 movies. We take turn picking but if one of us doesn't like the movie the other gets to pick 2.

Never heard of it. My DH sometimes picks some really bad ones:scared1: We should have that rule in my home:rotfl: My DH is good though he humors me on the chick flicks. We've always loved and watched Disney movies even when we didn't have kids yet...now that we have kids its our excuse...sometimes we want to watch the movie more than them:rotfl:

[gydell]

gydell- when did you know about your upgrade on the TA was it after final payment was due? We are still GTY:confused3

Yes both times on previous cruises it was a couple of weeks after the final payment.


[COLOR=seagreen]I thought the end (after the credits) left it wide open for a 4th pirates. It did end but there could be more. (Did that make sense?)

Yes it did, but at least you know what happened to them. I heard that they may do one before the first one since Depp and Bloom said no more for them!

[gydell]

Never heard of it. My DH sometimes picks some really bad ones:scared1: We should have that rule in my home:rotfl: My DH is good though he humors me on the chick flicks. We've always loved and watched Disney movies even when we didn't have kids yet...now that we have kids its our excuse...sometimes we want to watch the movie more than them:rotfl:

Our next one is August Rush. I wonder who picked it!

[GatorFamily]

We went to see "No Country for Old men" yesterday. The National Board of Review chose it a s the best movie of the year. It was different and bloody! Since my DH picked it he now owes me 2 movies. We take turn picking but if one of us doesn't like the movie the other gets to pick 2.

I've learned long ago not to always take the critics word unless the critic and I always agree (that doesn't happen often) some movies they say is bad I love and some they say is good is horrible. I love watching tonz of movies DH and I like foreign films too but we have to be in the mood for subtitles though...we like the movies from India a lot.

[gydell]

We've always loved and watched Disney movies even when we didn't have kids yet...now that we have kids its our excuse...sometimes we want to watch the movie more than them:rotfl:

That's what the DGS is for!

[gydell]

I've learned long ago not to always take the critics word unless the critic and I always agree (that doesn't happen often) some movies they say is bad I love and some they say is good is horrible. I love watching tonz of movies DH and I like foreign films too but we have to be in the mood for subtitles though...we like the movies from India a lot.

I agree! It was a good movie - an ending you could not figure out - just too bloody for me.

[GatorFamily]

Our next one is August Rush. I wonder who picked it!

I couldn't remember which one it was so I looked it up.....I REALLY WANT TO SEE THAT....IT LOOKS SOOOOO GOOD:thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

http://augustrushmovie.warnerbros.com/

[gydell]

Waiting for DGS so we can go the Stevie B's for lunch and then he spends the afternoon here. Church is over so I don't know what is taking them so long. I'm hungry!

[GatorFamily]

Waiting for DGS so we can go the Stevie B's for lunch and then he spends the afternoon here. Church is over so I don't know what is taking them so long. I'm hungry!

Sounds like fun:cool1: I hope when my DK are grown they live nearby so I could spend lots of time with the GK if I end up with any:goodvibes I miss my parents living nearby and I know my DK miss them too:sad2:

[GatorFamily]

I think I'm going to crawl back in bed:sick: Have fun today with DGS:goodvibes Enjoy your lunch:)

[gydell]

I think I'm going to crawl back in bed:sick: Have fun today with DGS:goodvibes Enjoy your lunch:)

Thanks!

[birkner]

Catholic bishops give thumbs-up to ‘Golden Compass’

The Golden Compass” — and Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy of novels on which it is based — has been criticized in some quarters for being anti-religious and specifically anti-Catholic.

But the U.S. Conference of Bishops recently issued its official review of the film — and it’s a rave.

Writing for the Catholic News Service (catholicnews.com), critics Harry Forbes and John Mulderig call the movie “lavish, well-acted and fast-paced.”

“The good news,” they write, “is that the first book’s explicit references to this church have been completely excised, with only the term Magisterium retained. The choice is still a bit unfortunate, however, as the word refers so specifically to the church’s teaching authority. Yet the film’s only clue that the Magisterium is a religious body comes in the form of the icons which decorate one of their local headquarters.

“Most moviegoers with no foreknowledge of the books or Pullman’s personal belief system will scarcely be aware of religious connotations, and can approach the movie as a pure fantasy-adventure. This is not the blatant real-world anti-Catholicism of, say, the recent ‘Elizabeth: The Golden Age’ or ‘The Da Vinci Code.’ Religious elements, as such, are practically nil.”

While noting that “Pullman’s fanciful universe has a patchwork feel, with elements culled from other fantasy-adventure stories — most especially The Chronicles of Narnia (a work Pullman disdains),” the review goes on to say that the film has “hardly a dull moment.”

Whatever Pullman’s motives in writing the story, the film “can be viewed as an exciting adventure story with, at its core, a traditional struggle between good and evil and a generalized rejection of authoritarianism,” the review says. “To the extent that Lyra” — the movie’s young heroine — “and her allies are taking a stand on behalf of free will in opposition to the coercive force of the Magisterium, they are of course acting entirely in harmony with Catholic teaching. The heroism and self-sacrifice that they demonstrate provide appropriate moral lessons …

“Is Pullman trying to undermine anyone’s belief in God? Leaving the books aside and focusing on what has ended up on screen, the script can reasonably be interpreted in the broadest sense as an appeal against the abuse of political power.”

Addressing the question of whether the film may inspire teens to read the books, the writers suggest that “rather than banning the movie or books, parents might instead take the opportunity to talk through any thorny philosophical issues with their teens.”

The religious themes of the later books may be more prominent in the follow-up films, they note, but for now “this film — altered, as it is, from its source material — rates as intelligent and well-crafted entertainment.”


Robert W. Butler, The Star

[birkner]

Christians Urged to Step Up to 'Golden Compass’ Challenge
By Katherine T. Phan
Christian Post Reporter
Sun, Dec. 09 2007 08:39 AM ET

In what is reminiscent of controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series for its alleged glorification of witchcraft, debates on whether Christians should see a movie charged with promoting a pro-atheist and anti-God book series have been heating up in the wake of the weekend release of “The Golden Compass.”

The movie is based on the first novel of a children’s book trilogy by British author and avowed atheist Phillip Pullman. It follows a young girl named Lyra in her quest to uncover the reason behind the disappearances of children including that of her best friend. As part of her journey, she uses the aid of a golden compass to unlock answers and outwit members of an authoritative body known as the Magisterium. She is also accompanied by her “daemon,” an animal which represents the physical manifestation of her alter ego or soul.

New Line Cinema has been marketing the $150 million budget movie toward children as a fantasy film and toned down the heavy anti-religious themes found in the book from the movie, slating it for blockbuster success.

But the purging of the book’s religious elements from the big screen adaptation has not sat well with many Christian groups, most notably the Catholic League, which has red-flagged the movie for its “sugar-coated atheism” and what it deemed as an assault on the Catholic Church.

Contending that Pullman has an agenda to promote atheism, the Catholic League has urged Christians to boycott the film which they believe would persuade more people, mainly children, to read a series that is riddled with pro-atheist notions.

“It’s Pullman’s trilogy, not the film, that really sells atheism to kids,” reiterated the group’s president, William Donahue, in a statement Wednesday.

Conservative evangelical group Focus on the Family has also chimed in through its movie review publication Plugged In Online. Associate editor Adam R. Holz referred to Pullman’s message as “blasphemous and heretical” in his article entitled “Sympathy for the Devil.”

In a review for the movie, Holz recently added, “But even watered down, ‘The Golden Compass’ is still awash in a twisted worldview and dark spirituality.”

Responding to the antagonism his work has received, Pullman said in a recent interview that those behind boycotting the book or film are “dictators.”

“I don't believe in doing that, because I'm a Democrat,” the British author told Chicago Tribune in an interview published Friday. “There is no place for dictators in the world I want.”

In other recent interviews, including one on NBC's the "Today" show, Pullman denied promoting a pro-atheist agenda and maintained that his story rejects any authoritarian body that abuses its power.

A spokesman from New Line Cinema issued a statement, saying the movie is not “anti-Christian nor anti-religion” and insists that the book series “has been praised by countless clergy and religious scholars for its deep spirituality and exploration of important theological issues."

While many Christian leaders, ministries, and parents have expressed strong concerns about the film and the book series in long rebuttals, movie reviews, and blog entries, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has disagreed with the boycott and issued a somewhat positive review of the film.

“Most moviegoers with no foreknowledge of the books or Pullman's personal belief system will scarcely be aware of religious connotations, and can approach the movie as a pure fantasy-adventure,” said the group’s review. “Taken purely on its own cinematic terms, [the movie] can be viewed as an exciting adventure story with, at its core, a traditional struggle between good and evil, and a generalized rejection of authoritarianism.”

The review also suggested that “rather than banning the movie or books, parents might instead take the opportunity to talk through any thorny philosophical issues with their teens.”

The Rev. R. Albert Mohler Jr., president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, said in his Dec. 4 blog entry that Christians should approach the film as a “mixture of challenge and opportunity” where they could “show that Christians are not afraid of the battle of ideas.”

He agreed that a boycott would not dissuade the general public from seeing a film which he described as “extremely attractive.”

“We must take the responsibility to use interest in this film to teach our own children to think biblically and to be discerning in their engagement with the media in all forms,” said Mohler.

[Skylarr29]

Yay for Tebow!!!! Robert is UF alum and he was super excited! Can't wait for the bowl game on New Years!!!! Boy did those tickets cost us a pretty penny lol!

[calmom]

Did we already have the what year conversation? I'm getting really bad that I can't even remember what we talked about here less than a year ago....Paul when to Santa Clara, 1983-86 under grad and '92 Law school



We did, but I can completely relate to not remembering these things! I was at undergrad SCU from 1986-1990, DH law school '98. So we were right behind him!
I'm so disappointed right now because my boss will not guarantee that I can have the two weeks off for the cruise:sad1: I told him I need to know by Feb 10th, but the wait will kill me I think. Now, I also don't know what to do about booking flights etc! So bummed. :sad2: Is a new job an option!
:laughing: Seriously, hope it can work out.

Have to catch up later...still about 15 pages behind... Have a good Sunday all! Lisa

[LiserAnn]

The Golden Compass...I'm assuming some people will see... we just won't be. I guess some people watching Enchanted agreed they were not going to watch it either;)

Neither will we, but everyone feels differently which I understand. We're not afraid to see it, I just don't want to support or endorse it with my family's money, watered down or not. If the movie is successful, the producer has already said the sequel will NOT be watered down.

[LiserAnn]

Didn't know about the killing God aspect. Think DGS will not see it. He loves the Harry Potter's and the PoC movies!

Actually, I'm pretty sure this particular movie won't show that aspect....it's going to be very watered down. The author of the trilogy of books that the movie is based upon is hoping that the movie will be successful with children; they in turn will ask their parents to purchase the books for Christmas (which I find ironic, since he's an athiest). Each book in the triology gets more graphic and violent with the end culminating with God being killed. He has publicly stated this and has also stated that his main goal is to have children "hate" God.

Personally I feel it's up to parents to teach their children what they want, whether it's to believe or not. I find the nature of this situation very deceptive and thusly it removes the power from the parents to make the decision what they want to teach their children, especially parents who are unaware as to what the books are about. And it disturbs me that the goal is to get the books to be given at Christmas, because it's such a sacred holiday for Christians.

Ok, said my piece, off my soapbox! :laughing:

[LiserAnn]

So, can y'all believe our final payments are due in less than eight weeks?! In January '07 it seemed SO far away!!! And then after we only have three months until we cruise. The excitment is building. Of course, how quickly things are going reminds me that while 15 days seems like along time, it's really going to FLY by. :sad1:

[gydell]

Yay for Tebow!!!! Robert is UF alum and he was super excited! Can't wait for the bowl game on New Years!!!! Boy did those tickets cost us a pretty penny lol!

Do you do season tickets? How much were the tickets to the Capital One bowl? Peach bowl was $80.

[gydell]

So, can y'all believe our final payments are due in less than eight weeks?! In January '07 it seemed SO far away!!! And then after we only have three months until we cruise. The excitment is building. Of course, how quickly things are going reminds me that while 15 days seems like along time, it's really going to FLY by. :sad1:

When I make the final payment my DH will know that DD, DGS and I are cruising again. You might be able to hear him yelling all the way to you house. As I said before he thinks vacations are a waste of money! So get your earplugs out!

[LisaG520]

Ours is due Feb 8 also. I will be paying on the 1st of Feb just to make sure there are no problems booking Palo.

ditto :thumbsup2

We went to see "No Country for Old men" yesterday. The National Board of Review chose it a s the best movie of the year. It was different and bloody! Since my DH picked it he now owes me 2 movies. We take turn picking but if one of us doesn't like the movie the other gets to pick 2.

We've been wanting to see it but it hasn't been in any of the theaters we normally go to yet.

[gydell]

Since I have problems remembering people's names, I have decided that if I can't remember someones name on the cruise then I going to just call them Lisa. I figure I have a pretty good chance of getting the name right. How many Lisa's do we have going?

[Skylarr29]

Do you do season tickets? How much were the tickets to the Capital One bowl? Peach bowl was $80.


We don't have season tickets as going up to Gainesville would take us about 5 hours drive. I think he paid a little over $100 a piece but he decided to bring his brother, sister in law, and 2 nephews also so it adds up quick. I know he bought cheaper tickets online and then they called the next morning and said that there was a mistake and the tickets weren't available anymore so he bought more expensive ones. (how convenient)

In between those tickets and our stay at Disney during New years before the game, I don't want to add it all up, plus the final payment for the cruise lol :scared:

[gydell]

No Holly or Deb today?

[gydell]

We don't have season tickets as going up to Gainesville would take us about 5 hours drive. I think he paid a little over $100 a piece but he decided to bring his brother, sister in law, and 2 nephews also so it adds up quick. I know he bought cheaper tickets online and then they called the next morning and said that there was a mistake and the tickets weren't available anymore so he bought more expensive ones. (how convenient)

In between those tickets and our stay at Disney during New years before the game, I don't want to add it all up, plus the final payment for the cruise lol :scared:

We're going to be at WDW world then too. We get season tickets for Auburn. Only the small fee of $21,500 and then we have to buy away games. DH doesn't complain a bit about this!

[gydell]

Our football tickets are due in Feb. We are going to be poor for DD's b'day in March!

[Skylarr29]

Our football tickets are due in Feb. We are going to be poor for DD's b'day in March!


HA HA HA! "Only" $21,500.00! You can spend money like me LOL! Just last night I suggested to my wonderful boyfriend that he should take a sabbatical from work so we could go on a World Cruise for 117 days, hey it "only" costs about$52,000.00 plus excursions and miscellaneous lol! ;)

[gydell]

HA HA HA! "Only" $21,500.00! You can spend money like me LOL! Just last night I suggested to my wonderful boyfriend that he should take a sabbatical from work so we could go on a World Cruise for 117, hey it "only" costs about$52,000.00 plus excursions and miscellaneous lol! ;)

Just noticed that you are at the *** on the 31st. That's when we check into the *** too!

[gydell]

Guess I can't use initials to hotels - so the hotel with the big footballs and such.

[Skylarr29]

Guess I can't use initials to hotels - so the hotel with the big footballs and such.


That's funny! At first I was like "What?" That's so cool. What are your plans for the night? We are going to be at Epcot I think.

[gydell]

That's funny! At first I was like "What?" That's so cool. What are your plans for the night? We are going to be at Epcot I think.

We are doing the HDDR and then not sure. We have a 6yo with us and we will not do the parks that night - BTDT and way to crowded for me. We are staying until the 7th. What time are you arriving? Maybe we can meet for a moment either that day or before you leave for the game.

[Skylarr29]

We are doing the HDDR and then not sure. We have a 6yo with us and we will not do the parks that night - BTDT and way to crowded for me. We are staying until the 7th. What time are you arriving? Maybe we can meet for a moment either that day or before you leave for the game.

We will probably be arriving in the morning sometime around 10am (we are driving so it should only take about 3 hours). We have dinner ressies at 5:30 in Italy but we will have plenty of time to meet up somewhere.

[gydell]

We will probably be arriving in the morning sometime around 10am (we are driving so it should only take about 3 hours). We have dinner ressies at 5:30 in Italy but we will have plenty of time to meet up somewhere.

Sounds good!

[nskjerven]

What am I missing? Why? :confused3

Didn't know about the killing God aspect. Think DGS will not see it. He loves the Harry Potter's and the PoC movies!

The author wanted to write the opposite of Narnia. Bad guys win, looks scary. In the 3rd and final book they kill God. Google it and read interviews with the author. What he says is not good.

Actually, I'm pretty sure this particular movie won't show that aspect....it's going to be very watered down. The author of the trilogy of books that the movie is based upon is hoping that the movie will be successful with children; they in turn will ask their parents to purchase the books for Christmas (which I find ironic, since he's an athiest). Each book in the triology gets more graphic and violent with the end culminating with God being killed. He has publicly stated this and has also stated that his main goal is to have children "hate" God.

Personally I feel it's up to parents to teach their children what they want, whether it's to believe or not. I find the nature of this situation very deceptive and thusly it removes the power from the parents to make the decision what they want to teach their children, especially parents who are unaware as to what the books are about. And it disturbs me that the goal is to get the books to be given at Christmas, because it's such a sacred holiday for Christians.

Ok, said my piece, off my soapbox! :laughing:


I'm climbing up, scoot over...I'm taking my kids to see the movie. For 2 reasons, it looks good from a visual perspective & we like movies together (that's one) AND this is a learning moment. We do believe in God in our family and we all have a strong faith. I think that questioning your faith or ideas is good. It can make one stronger and this gives us an enviornment to create an arguement within yourself to challenge yourself in what you believe. I hope for the outcome to be that they are stronger in their convictions. I think my kids are old enough to get this idea. I'll be right their next to them having conversations long and lasting to keep the faith and it is exactly movies and voices like these that make it our job to spread the word and invite people to believe. (I'm not one to preach, so please don't be scared off by this comment)

Off the box, ready to let someone else enjoy the view.


We loved the 3rd one. The secret is that you must watch all the credits and then there is an end to the movie. When the movie "ends" everyone gets up and leaves and feels like there was no end to the series. After the credits is where the movie truely ends! We saw it on the TA and someone had told us to stay through the credits.

I thought the end (after the credits) left it wide open for a 4th pirates. It did end but there could be more. (Did that make sense?)

Loved # 3 and # 1 and # 2. I think there will be a # 4....and I'll be there opening night, just like #1, #2 & #3 :dance3: (I'll be getting # 3 this week)


I've learned long ago not to always take the critics word unless the critic and I always agree (that doesn't happen often) some movies they say is bad I love and some they say is good is horrible. I love watching tonz of movies DH and I like foreign films too but we have to be in the mood for subtitles though...we like the movies from India a lot.

Sounds like we'd be movie buddies if we lived in the same town or state :lmao: :lmao: Love foreign films specially Indian. I find their humor very tongue in cheek.


Since I have problems remembering people's names, I have decided that if I can't remember someones name on the cruise then I going to just call them Lisa. I figure I have a pretty good chance of getting the name right. How many Lisa's do we have going?


:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: Note to self, new nickname is Lisa...:rotfl2: I'm Nan btw, that's easy isn't it! I can't even remember your first name, just your screen name..gydell.:banana:


p.s. Here is our living room from yesterday work...http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a175/nskjerven/IMG_1116.jpg

[gydell]

Nan - looks like you are decorated for Christmas. My name is also Gydell, makes it easier!

[gydell]

How am I suppose to get my post count up if nobody is here to talk to me?

[Nala80]

Hello to everyone!

I will be joining everyone in May 2008 for the Panama Cruise. I've actually been booked since January. (I sent a PM to the person who started the thread but haven't heard back :confused3 but that's okay, being on or off the roll cal doesn't really bother me).

I just stopped by to say hello. I know there is no realistic way I'll be able to stay up to speed on this thread, but I figured I might as well try!

[gydell]

Hello to everyone!

I will be joining everyone in May 2008 for the Panama Cruise. I've actually been booked since January. (I sent a PM to the person who started the thread but haven't heard back :confused3 but that's okay, being on or off the roll cal doesn't really bother me).


Welcome!
Just jump in when you can! Laura who started this thread is dealing with brest cancer at the moment and hasn't been around in a while. We all are hoping she is doing ok. Tell us about yourself and who is traveling with you.

[Nala80]

Welcome!
Just jump in when you can! Laura who started this thread is dealing with brest cancer at the moment and hasn't been around in a while. We all are hoping she is doing ok. Tell us about yourself and who is traveling with you.
Hello gydell, thanks for the welcome!

Oh my gosh, I sure hope Laura is ok. I had originally chalked it up to being very busy. I get that way, which is why I am sometimes on these boards a lot and then drop off for a while. I try to stay involved but...

Anyway, I am traveling with my mom. I booked a Cat 7 in January when the cruise booking opened up.

Previous cruises include the Magic Panama Repo in May 2005 as well as both repo cruises this year to the Med. As you may be able to tell, I have become a Disney Cruise Line repo junkie! I tried a 7-night eastern and thought it was too short!

Like everyone else on this thread, I can't wait for May!

[Skylarr29]

Hello to everyone!

I will be joining everyone in May 2008 for the Panama Cruise. I've actually been booked since January. (I sent a PM to the person who started the thread but haven't heard back :confused3 but that's okay, being on or off the roll cal doesn't really bother me).

I just stopped by to say hello. I know there is no realistic way I'll be able to stay up to speed on this thread, but I figured I might as well try!

:welcome: party:

[gydell]

Hello gydell, thanks for the welcome!

Oh my gosh, I sure hope Laura is ok. I had originally chalked it up to being very busy. I get that way, which is why I am sometimes on these boards a lot and then drop off for a while. I try to stay involved but...

Anyway, I am traveling with my mom. I booked a Cat 7 in January when the cruise booking opened up.

Previous cruises include the Magic Panama Repo in May 2005 as well as both repo cruises this year to the Med. As you may be able to tell, I have become a Disney Cruise Line repo junkie! I tried a 7-night eastern and thought it was too short!

Like everyone else on this thread, I can't wait for May!


I was on the EB TA cruise! The board is slower this week-end because so many of us are in WDW. Not Me:sad1: You can help us with info since you have already done this cruise. Right now everybody is just chit-chatting getting to know each other. We will sure be glad when some info comes out.

[lillygator]

So I went on ebay to find V's nautical bag because I loved it so much. I found it but none were available. So I bought a different bag from the Bitten line. I love Bitten....it's Sara Jessica Parker's collection and everything is affordably priced. She's got some great casual, everyday clothes and accessories and ebay has lots of them listed. Oh boy. I could get in trouble now.:confused3 :confused3 :confused3
it is not as large as I thought, but then I never paid attention to details such as dimensions!

This is all year round so it's at an indoor pool so at least we don't have to set up like for summer swimming. They let the 6 & unders swim first so we should be through by 10:30. This is my DGS so I am on my second go around!
we can swim tonight, it is 85 here in DECEMBER!

My DFIL is hospitalized tonight. He has been short of breathe and they tested his heart today and it is not very good.

He will be in the hospital for about 2 week. He is bleeding in his small intestine and he needs open heart surgery and bypass.

Okay, I have a pretty big house BUT.....and right now I have my mom, 2 girls, 1 son coming home next week, an exchange student, 1 dog, 3 cats and a husband.....and soon my FIL will be living with us.....

I am not sure where everyone will sleep......maybe I will move to a hotel:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
Oh my, I hope everything is ok with DFIL. How are you holding up?



Maybe you could find a firm to work for that does reimburse tuition, then you can pay as you go. Anything is possible!

:confused3 :confused3 :confused3
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT.....that is one great benefit of any company! My company offers it as do most around here. For grad school, they offer state school reimbursement. UF is $30k for their online MBA, which is what I want to do. They would cover $7k.....I already owe enough student loans I don't want to take more.

Sceen II Act I. Today is Sat and John and I were going to see Sandi and Joe and try to make amends before they left. Well first we had to move Ray from a shared room into a private room. Me, John, the kid, Sandi and the boys showed up to do the move. Joe stayed home. Sandi met us at Mrs. Bush's, where Ray is staying. She didn't want us going to meet her and Joe at their house.

We did the move, I stayed in and talked with Ray while John went outside and talked with Sandi. John extended any help and all his courtesy to her and to Joe. Sandi's reply was that Joe was ready to make amends with John and the kid, in small doses, but not with me. Sandi was standing by her man and following his lead. Meanwhile I have a 17 year relationship with her. She crashed my wedding and got married with me because she was already pregnant. She moved in with us when the boys were only 2 and 3 years old. We took care of her and the boys everytime she was in need. We just bought her a car that she needed for work. We just paid for a lavish and wonderful vacation with them. We have overextended ourselves just to get cut off and have Joe control who he sees and how much he sees us.

Scene II Act II. So on the ride home when John told me this I let him know that I'm way too old for high school drama and I will now cut myself off completely from Joe and Sandi too. I told John to continue his relationship with his daughter and do whatever he wanted to with Joe.

John and I got back to the house and talked it out. John has decided to take a stand against his daughter in support of me. He feels she drew the line in the sand and forced him to take a side. He feels that I don't warrant being treated that way by either one of them, especially Sandi.

So be it. I'm tired of playing the role of the wicked stepmother. The other night when she came over to pay us....John did all the talking. I kept my mouth shut. Yet Joe has decided to punish me and accept John and the kid. The kid has absolutely nothing to do with this and although I agreed with John I never said a word. I let it be a conversation between father and daughter.

I hope, for John's sake, someday Sandi can realize the damage she has done by supporting Joe in his madness.

Talk about a dramatic afternoon!

Since I turned 50 last year I decided to cut out all the drama and BS in my life and just live real. To be the best person that I could be everyday without compromising my values.....Yes, John1.....I still do totally agree with you the importance of truth, respect, integrity. Yet I was willing to lie so that my husband could keep his good relationship with his daughter. Just to see his daughter throw it all away for a putz!

The door is closed, the bridge is burned, there is no going back now. She made her bed, now she needs to lie in it!


Oh Deb, what can I say, I know family drama. Hang in there and hope for the best.



I felt bad for McFadden because he was 2nd runner two years in a row ...wish he got something....but I do have to admit that I was happy a Gator got the trophy and Tebow is such a good player:thumbsup2
I did feel sorry for McFadden for a MOMENT..but, hey, he was really up and down this year, really up and down. I did wonder what the other three were really thinking.


Yay for Tebow!!!! Robert is UF alum and he was super excited! Can't wait for the bowl game on New Years!!!! Boy did those tickets cost us a pretty penny lol!
When did Robert attend? I think you posted you guys were in your 20's so probably before me. I was there 92-97 - my John ran track for UF 10 years before I was there. That was in the days of really only playing one sport. He is a ball player. A very very good one. I am a bit shocked that his parents would encourage the track over the ball, since his Dad was a Cleveland Chick at one point. Oh well, I would have never met him had he gone to the bigs!

We're going to be at WDW world then too. We get season tickets for Auburn. Only the small fee of $21,500 and then we have to buy away games. DH doesn't complain a bit about this!
OMG - tell me you have a suite!! Our season tickets are $650 for four seats plus whatever the new donation is that year....last year is was $2.500, I told Johnny he better be hiking up his pant lang on lunch until then for some extra cash.
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to be a BULL GATOR but a $10k donation on top of ticket prices? Hello!
As much as we love it, it is sooo much money that we cannot afford!


Our football tickets are due in Feb. We are going to be poor for DD's b'day in March!
Ours are due 3/31!

Hello to everyone!

I will be joining everyone in May 2008 for the Panama Cruise. I've actually been booked since January. (I sent a PM to the person who started the thread but haven't heard back :confused3 but that's okay, being on or off the roll cal doesn't really bother me).

I just stopped by to say hello. I know there is no realistic way I'll be able to stay up to speed on this thread, but I figured I might as well try!

Welcome!!!

[gydell]

V - are you back? How was everybody?

As far as our tickets we are scholarship seats. If we were in the suites its $64000(I think). Anyway it's too rich for my blood!

[lillygator]

so we are back!

What did I miss?

[lillygator]

V - are you back? How was everybody?

As far as our tickets we are scholarship seats. If we were in the suites its $64000(I think). Anyway it's too rich for my blood!

and over the course of the next five years UF is raising prices to match the SEC!!!

[lillygator]

we're back!
I am trying to upload pics now!!! How is everyone? Any more newcomers?

[lillygator]

we're back!
I am trying to upload pics now!!! How is everyone? Any more newcomers?

[Skylarr29]

When did Robert attend? I think you posted you guys were in your 20's so probably before me. I was there 92-97 - my John ran track for UF 10 years before I was there. That was in the days of really only playing one sport. He is a ball player. A very very good one. I am a bit shocked that his parents would encourage the track over the ball, since his Dad was a Cleveland Chick at one point. Oh well, I would have never met him had he gone to the bigs!


Robert attended from 1998-2003. He has his masters in Environmental Engineering.

[gydell]

The Dis is slo...w tonight!

[EllaEnchanted]

After two days of me and John in tears and our heads exploding....I knew I had to do something. I was going to be the better person. I invited Joe and Sandi to our house to watch the Dallas game. Joe is a huge fan and it was only playing on the West Coast. He didn't get the game on cable but I got it on DirecTV. I told him that me and John will listen to their side of things and get their perspective. I know that nothing is black and white, all things are shades of gray and we needed to communicate and compromise. We heard them out and came to an understanding then watched the game together and Dallas won.

I want to thank all of you here for being so supportive, it means a lot to me. Noel, I totally agree with everything you said. I think you hit the nail on the head precisely. But I couldn't allow John to lose his daughter. They are my family too and I love Sandi and the boys. And as John says, love me, love my dog. We have to tolerate and accept Joe for Sandi's sake. She loves him. If they say they're happy together then we have to let them live their life on their terms even if we disagree.

I do feel much better now, so does John. We didn't agree with everything they said, we didn't tell them any lies, but we agreed to disagree and be more accepting of each other.

So all's well that ends well afterall. Now they can move, I think after next weekend, and we can put some space between us while leaving on a good note. It means the world to me that we came to an understanding. My mother always told me....I know all of your strengths and all of your weaknesses and I love you unconditionally despite everything. That's what we accomplished today and it feels right.

Thank you again everybody. It was what I needed to hear at a very desperate moment. It gave me strength and enouragement to try and make it right.

:love: :love: :love:

[gydell]

After two days of me and John in tears and our heads exploding....I knew I had to do something. I was going to be the better person. I invited Joe and Sandi to our house to watch the Dallas game. Joe is a huge fan and it was only playing on the West Coast. He didn't get the game on cable but I got it on DirecTV. I told him that me and John will listen to their side of things and get their perspective. I know that nothing is black and white, all things are shades of gray and we needed to communicate and compromise. We heard them out and came to an understanding then watched the game together and Dallas won.

I want to thank all of you here for being so supportive, it means a lot to me. Noel, I totally agree with everything you said. I think you hit the nail on the head precisely. But I couldn't allow John to lose his daughter. They are my family too and I love Sandi and the boys. And as John says, love me, love my dog. We have to tolerate and accept Joe for Sandi's sake. She loves him. If they say they're happy together then we have to let them live their life on their terms even if we disagree.

I do feel much better now, so does John. We didn't agree with everything they said, we didn't tell them any lies, but we agreed to disagree and be more accepting of each other.

So all's well that ends well afterall. Now they can move, I think after next weekend, and we can put some space between us while leaving on a good note. It means the world to me that we came to an understanding. My mother always told me....I know all of your strengths and all of your weaknesses and I love you unconditionally despite everything. That's what we accomplished today and it feels right.

Thank you again everybody. It was what I needed to hear at a very desperate moment. It gave me strength and enouragement to try and make it right.

:love: :love: :love:

Good to hear! I figured something was going on when you weren't on the site all day. I'm just glad that you are alright!

[EllaEnchanted]

Thanks gydell....I feel much better.

Welcome home V....can't wait to see the pics.....congrats on your boy Tebow!

Welcome Nala....I love your DIS name!

I wanted to name my dog Nala, but DH said no. We ended up naming her Angel and she is anything but! She is so bad. Very strong willed and spirited with attitude. Gotta love her anyway.

:flower3: :flower3: :flower3:

[EllaEnchanted]

I agree that the DIS is VERY SLOW AGAIN! I thought they cut off our signatures so that it wouldn't be slow anymore? Well, that didn't work!

:upsidedow :upsidedow :upsidedow

[disneylover5]

Holly- a book I thought you may like is total money makeover by Dave Ramsey...he's a financial advisor. When DH and I first got married right after college we had 35k in debt...mostly DH student loan and he helped us pay it off. We were debt free(minus our mortgage) and payed it off 6 years ago. He's strict but it helps a lot. Some friends of mine thank me for it some couldn't do it....maybe you could check it out at the library...I know its a tall order to pay off your student loan in a year though but maybe a jump start...hang in there....nobody likes those student loans:sad2:

Dave Ramsey is awesome.....everyone should use his system!!

Do you do season tickets? How much were the tickets to the Capital One bowl? Peach bowl was $80.

Daniel paid $400 for 4 Orange Bowl tickets.....

[gydell]

I agree that the DIS is VERY SLOW AGAIN! I thought they cut off our signatures so that it wouldn't be slow anymore? Well, that didn't work!

:upsidedow :upsidedow :upsidedow

It hasn't been slow all week-end until a while ago. Maybe too many people are on it.

[disneylover5]

Off to the hospital to see DFIL. News so far is not very positive. We find out more tomorrow, when the doctors really come back on......

[gydell]

Off to the hospital to see DFIL. News so far is not very positive. We find out more tomorrow, when the doctors really come back on......

Sending prayers and pixie dust your way!

[Ginamarie]

Hello to everyone!

I will be joining everyone in May 2008 for the Panama Cruise. I've actually been booked since January. (I sent a PM to the person who started the thread but haven't heard back :confused3 but that's okay, being on or off the roll cal doesn't really bother me).

I just stopped by to say hello. I know there is no realistic way I'll be able to stay up to speed on this thread, but I figured I might as well try!

WELCOME!!

After two days of me and John in tears and our heads exploding....I knew I had to do something. I was going to be the better person. I invited Joe and Sandi to our house to watch the Dallas game. Joe is a huge fan and it was only playing on the West Coast. He didn't get the game on cable but I got it on DirecTV. I told him that me and John will listen to their side of things and get their perspective. I know that nothing is black and white, all things are shades of gray and we needed to communicate and compromise. We heard them out and came to an understanding then watched the game together and Dallas won.

I want to thank all of you here for being so supportive, it means a lot to me. Noel, I totally agree with everything you said. I think you hit the nail on the head precisely. But I couldn't allow John to lose his daughter. They are my family too and I love Sandi and the boys. And as John says, love me, love my dog. We have to tolerate and accept Joe for Sandi's sake. She loves him. If they say they're happy together then we have to let them live their life on their terms even if we disagree.

I do feel much better now, so does John. We didn't agree with everything they said, we didn't tell them any lies, but we agreed to disagree and be more accepting of each other.

So all's well that ends well afterall. Now they can move, I think after next weekend, and we can put some space between us while leaving on a good note. It means the world to me that we came to an understanding. My mother always told me....I know all of your strengths and all of your weaknesses and I love you unconditionally despite everything. That's what we accomplished today and it feels right.

Thank you again everybody. It was what I needed to hear at a very desperate moment. It gave me strength and enouragement to try and make it right.

:love: :love: :love:

Deb, I'm really glad you were able to work things out.


V- where are the pictures?? I need some happy things to look at, like WDW!

[EllaEnchanted]

Thanks Ginamarie....I'm glad we worked it out too.

So John's Bowns won, Kaylee's Seahawks won, Giants won, Raiders lost, 49ers lost.....watching football games....I'll record Amazing Race coz there's another game on tonight.

Patriots won and I want them to lose. I don't want them to steal the undefeated record from the Dolphins.

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[EllaEnchanted]

Off to the hospital to see DFIL. News so far is not very positive. We find out more tomorrow, when the doctors really come back on......

Lisa, how was the game? Did your team win?

Sorry about the sad news about your DFIL. Hoping you hear better news tomorrow. Sending more prayers and pixie dust for better news soon!

pixiedust: pixiedust: pixiedust:

[DisneyRN1]

Hi everyone,
My DH and I are going on the May 10th cruise. We just returned from the Wonder 4 night cruise. I am trying to read this board a little at a time so i can catch up, but I do have a couple of questions for the experienced cruisers or those who have researched this trip more than I.....how do you find out what shore activities/excursions are available, and how does this cruise compare with the Wonder as far as activities/entertainment, etc, and then...for those who have been on this repo cruise before-if you had to pick your one favorite thing to do at all the different ports(or any), what would you chose? I know this is asking a lot, but any help would be greatly appreciated...Thanks, Vicki

[LiserAnn]

Since I have problems remembering people's names, I have decided that if I can't remember someones name on the cruise then I going to just call them Lisa. I figure I have a pretty good chance of getting the name right. How many Lisa's do we have going?

Safe bet! There are at least four of us!!!

[Nala80]

Welcome Nala....I love your DIS name!

I wanted to name my dog Nala, but DH said no. We ended up naming her Angel and she is anything but! She is so bad. Very strong willed and spirited with attitude. Gotta love her anyway.

:flower3: :flower3: :flower3:

I would have given my dogs Disney names and I thought Nala was pretty. But then of course, "he" would have to be a "she". Oh well, naming them Mickey, Donald or Goofy was not acceptable. I didn't think I could call my dog Simba...that would have been too weird...even for me.

[birkner]

After two days of me and John in tears and our heads exploding....I knew I had to do something. I was going to be the better person. I invited Joe and Sandi to our house to watch the Dallas game. Joe is a huge fan and it was only playing on the West Coast. He didn't get the game on cable but I got it on DirecTV. I told him that me and John will listen to their side of things and get their perspective. I know that nothing is black and white, all things are shades of gray and we needed to communicate and compromise. We heard them out and came to an understanding then watched the game together and Dallas won.

I want to thank all of you here for being so supportive, it means a lot to me. Noel, I totally agree with everything you said. I think you hit the nail on the head precisely. But I couldn't allow John to lose his daughter. They are my family too and I love Sandi and the boys. And as John says, love me, love my dog. We have to tolerate and accept Joe for Sandi's sake. She loves him. If they say they're happy together then we have to let them live their life on their terms even if we disagree.

I do feel much better now, so does John. We didn't agree with everything they said, we didn't tell them any lies, but we agreed to disagree and be more accepting of each other.

So all's well that ends well afterall. Now they can move, I think after next weekend, and we can put some space between us while leaving on a good note. It means the world to me that we came to an understanding. My mother always told me....I know all of your strengths and all of your weaknesses and I love you unconditionally despite everything. That's what we accomplished today and it feels right.

Thank you again everybody. It was what I needed to hear at a very desperate moment. It gave me strength and enouragement to try and make it right.

:love: :love: :love:

Deb:

I think you have done exactly what I would have done in your place. You can not change Sandi or Joe. Nor do you have to live with them at least for the short term. You can only do what your heart tells you to do to keep the peace and to keep Sandi in your life. I applaud your decision.

Noel

[birkner]

Off to the hospital to see DFIL. News so far is not very positive. We find out more tomorrow, when the doctors really come back on......

Prayers for your FIL to regain his health. :pixiedust:

[Nala80]

I was on the EB TA cruise! The board is slower this week-end because so many of us are in WDW. Not Me:sad1: You can help us with info since you have already done this cruise. Right now everybody is just chit-chatting getting to know each other. We will sure be glad when some info comes out.

I loved the EB cruise so much that I really wanted to go on the return WB cruise, but I didn't think I could pull it off. With a little over a week to spare, I booked it and went.

Going on two two-week cruises also explains why I am here instead of WDW too. (Are they doing MouseFest?) Oh well. I'd be happy to help out with info or questions, but I can't detail the ports too well. In May 2005, I did a DCL shore excursion for Curacao only and just winged it in Acapulco and Mazatlan. I was going to get off in Cabo San Lucas but decided against it. The Canal was the highlight for me.

[gydell]

Hi everyone,
My DH and I are going on the May 10th cruise. We just returned from the Wonder 4 night cruise. I am trying to read this board a little at a time so i can catch up, but I do have a couple of questions for the experienced cruisers or those who have researched this trip more than I.....how do you find out what shore activities/excursions are available, and how does this cruise compare with the Wonder as far as activities/entertainment, etc, and then...for those who have been on this repo cruise before-if you had to pick your one favorite thing to do at all the different ports(or any), what would you chose? I know this is asking a lot, but any help would be greatly appreciated...Thanks, Vicki


Don't try to read the past posts! Just start fom now. Excursions are not out yet, suppose to be in early Jan. I have never been on the Wonder but cruising on the Magic has to be better because it's longer!

[gydell]

I loved the EB cruise so much that I really wanted to go on the return WB cruise, but I didn't think I could pull it off. With a little over a week to spare, I booked it and went.

Going on two two-week cruises also explains why I am here instead of WDW too. (Are they doing MouseFest?) Oh well. I'd be happy to help out with info or questions, but I can't detail the ports too well. In May 2005, I did a DCL shore excursion for Curacao only and just winged it in Acapulco and Mazatlan. I was going to get off in Cabo San Lucas but decided against it. The Canal was the highlight for me.

I've been to all the ports but Cabos so the PC is going to be the highlight for me too!

[EllaEnchanted]

Deb:

I think you have done exactly what I would have done in your place. You can not change Sandi or Joe. Nor do you have to live with them at least for the short term. You can only do what your heart tells you to do to keep the peace and to keep Sandi in your life. I applaud your decision.

Noel

Thank you so much for posting this Noel. Your opinion and thoughts always mean a lot to me because I completely agree with everything you always have to say.

I did what I felt I had to do and even though we bit our tounge on some of what they said, it was worth it in the end when everyone hugged before leaving. All is well in my world again.

It is hard enough for me with it being Christmas and feeling the loss of my mom, then knowing that they were leaving before Christmas, I couldn't let them go the way things were.

Thanks for your continued support and encouragement. I feel much better now.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[/COLOR]

[taysmom]

Hi all..hope everyone had a nice weekend. I just wanted to pass along something...I watched ellen on friday and she had paula deen on. They made chocolate cheese fudge. Now, it sounded weird to me but was easy to make. So I did it today and YUMMY...If anyone is looking for an easy good fudge recipe it's on ellentv.com's web page called chocolate cheese fudge. I don't usually endorse recipes but it was so good and a suprise to me i thought i'd pass it along.
Have a great week
S

[EllaEnchanted]

Hey V....where's those pics....we're all waiting....


:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

[taysmom]

oh..and our High School team lost in their first ever bid for a championship. The team that's won it for the last 15 years got their sweet sixteen title. It was fun to go to but I'm glad it's all over. We were really proud of California. Next year, De La Salle is in their leauge so this is probably the last year they'll get to the playoffs because De La Salle is so good. BUT our cheerleaders were great and the band rocked. So 2 out of 3 ain't bad! :)
S

[birkner]

Thank you so much for posting this Noel. Your opinion and thoughts always mean a lot to me because I completely agree with everything you always have to say.

I did what I felt I had to do and even though we bit our tounge on some of what they said, it was worth it in the end when everyone hugged before leaving. All is well in my world again.

It is hard enough for me with it being Christmas and feeling the loss of my mom, then knowing that they were leaving before Christmas, I couldn't let them go the way things were.

Thanks for your continued support and encouragement. I feel much better now.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[/COLOR]

Deb:

You are very welcome!! I know this will be a very hard Christmas for you but you can at least know that you did a loving thing for Sandi and Joe. Your mother would be so proud of you for making the loving gesture to reconcile the family!!

Noel

[birkner]

oh..and our High School team lost in their first ever bid for a championship. The team that's won it for the last 15 years got their sweet sixteen title. It was fun to go to but I'm glad it's all over. We were really proud of California. Next year, De La Salle is in their leauge so this is probably the last year they'll get to the playoffs because De La Salle is so good. BUT our cheerleaders were great and the band rocked. So 2 out of 3 ain't bad! :)
S

Sorry your HS team lost the bid for the championship!! Which HS? I will watch for them when they play De La Salle.

[HollyTyler]

DH really likes Dave Ramsey. We have been to one of his talks before. We do his budget ideas. If we didn't we wouldn't have a house or be going on this cruise and we don't have debt except our house. It really is a good plan even if you don't have debt.

I'll definitely check it out. :thumbsup2

We won't be seeing it either. We went to see Enchanted tonight and the crowd booed the preview for it.
Oooooh, I'm dying to see Enchanted!

[HollyTyler]

We have the lights which we already did but each year our city or county does Back To Bethleham. It is a project that the home schooled kids do. It is a life size town constructed like Bethleham. There are vendors and houses and a snynagoe(sp?). It starts with you standing outside the town and the Roman guards walk down the path. They then read the proclamation and they open the gates. It takes about an hour to walk through, There are live camels and sheep walking around. It is so real! Women are cooking and in each house a story is told. There are herbs and baked goods at the vendors, there are stables, and at the end there is the stable where Mary and Joseph are and the story is told. Sheppards and wise men arrive. Angels are there(cows and donkeys too). It really gets you in the Christmas spirit. There is a bin for donations but ther is no fee. It really is a wonderful thing for the holidays.
Wow! That sounds SO cool! I wish we had something like that around here.

[HollyTyler]

It is quiet now

Anyway I am going to Glasgow tom with 11 ladies for High Tea with Chamagne too for Xmas. After that we all going to count house bar for blether and drinks too.

I am wrapping up little gifts for all girls for Xmas.

Some girls come down from Aberdeen (North) over 3 hours travelling. We are only travelling for one and half hours to Glasgow.

My friends are looking forward to.

Scottishwee35:thumbsup2

Deborah, that sounds like such a wonderful time! Looking forward to hearing about it afterwards.

[HollyTyler]

Hi HollyTyler

It sound great fun and I am sure that my kids would love that. We don't have that in our country.:santa:

But in town, there are big wheel, ice rink, Germany markets. We should take the kids to town today but it is heavy raining today so we just leave it for another times.

My husband bought the new computer package this morning!! I am not sure about it as it called emachines. :santa:

Scottishwee35

Deborah, my first computer was an emachine! It was the very cheapest price, and I never had a bit of trouble with it. It ran perfectly! I had it for about 3 years, then when I had to buy a laptop computer for school, I gave the emachine to my mom and she used it for about 4 years with no problems at all. The only reason she got rid of it is because I bought her a new Dell computer (had a really good sale price) for Christmas 2 or 3 years ago.

[HollyTyler]

No Holly or Deb today?
Not until after Tyler was in bed. :goodvibes

[HollyTyler]

Hello to everyone!

I will be joining everyone in May 2008 for the Panama Cruise. I've actually been booked since January. (I sent a PM to the person who started the thread but haven't heard back :confused3 but that's okay, being on or off the roll cal doesn't really bother me).

I just stopped by to say hello. I know there is no realistic way I'll be able to stay up to speed on this thread, but I figured I might as well try!
Welcome to our crazy crew!!!!

[HollyTyler]

we can swim tonight, it is 85 here in DECEMBER!
How cool!!! :yay:

Oh...and welcome back!

[HollyTyler]

Off to the hospital to see DFIL. News so far is not very positive. We find out more tomorrow, when the doctors really come back on......
Sorry to hear that Lisa. :hug:

[HollyTyler]

Deb, I'm glad things had a good turnout for you all today. :hug:

V, where are the pictures? Patiently waiting! :goodvibes

So, after doing 3 loads of laundry today, my dirty laundry pile is still exactly the same size. How the heck does that happen?! :eek:

[disneylover5]

We had a great time yesterday in Charlottesville VA for the VA State Championship!! And yes our team WON!!:goodvibes :goodvibes

The score was tied 14-14 halfway though the 3rd quarter and it was a very close game. Then Westfield pulled away and the final score was 42-14.

The weather was beautiful, sunny and 50 degrees. Perfect football weather!!

Daniel drove up from VA Tech and we got to spend some of the day with him. He started exams on Friday and has 4 more exams next week.....he gets to come home on Thursday afternoon!!

[fourmcds]

Hello everyone!
Just popping in to say HI before watching DCL on Travel Channel (ok, so I have seen it time and time again, but it never grows boring!) and then AR.

We ended up having a great weekend. The cabin was great, the weather was perfect and the Hawks won today...who could ask for anything else?!:lmao: Actually, the Seahawks clenched their division title today:cheer2: It was a great game!!!!!

I am over 20 pages behind, so I know there is no way I will have a chance to catch up. Hope everyone is doing well!

[disneylover5]

Just got back from the hospital. My DFIL looks scared and tired. I wish I could do more than just be there.

They have to stop the intermal bleding before they can operate on his heart. I guess it will be a process as we go over the next few days.

Thank you for the prayers and pixie dust!:goodvibes

[woody73]

So, can y'all believe our final payments are due in less than eight weeks?! . . .
Yikes!!!

Woody

[hawkaye19]

Evening all,

I posted this note on the main group and only received one response.

I was wondering how everybody is getting from where the Magic docks to their hotel near Disneyland?

I've just gotten back into search mode after taking a few months off, and can still not find anything arranged for several thousand of us arriving in LA

Can anyone assist?

[fourmcds]

Just got back from the hospital. My DFIL looks scared and tired. I wish I could do more than just be there.

They have to stop the intermal bleding before they can operate on his heart. I guess it will be a process as we go over the next few days.

Thank you for the prayers and pixie dust!:goodvibes

Lisa...so sorry to hear about your DFIL. :hug: and pixiedust:

[birkner]

Evening all,

I posted this note on the main group and only received one response.

I was wondering how everybody is getting from where the Magic docks to their hotel near Disneyland?

I've just gotten back into search mode after taking a few months off, and can still not find anything arranged for several thousand of us arriving in LA

Can anyone assist?


DH and I are going home after the cruise and not going to DL. We are using Golden West Express to the LAX airport which last time cost us $49.

http://www.goldenwestexpress.com/noframes/main.htm

[kimerinc]

Lisa,

So sorry to hear about your FIL! I hope things turn better soon!

EllaE - Yikes! There is just nothing else to say. Way to be the better person.

Holly, My DH teaches at a University, do you want me to ask the financial aid people what they would do?

V and John, I am SOOOO Jealous!!!!


DD is done with her Christmas Skating Show!! Now we are prepping for the New Years Eve Program, it is part of the community celebration and then the winter games in January. Today I decided I don't think I could do this with more than one child. I don't know what I would do with them when I am at the rink. I am sure you all have some totally impressive scheduling but I am awed by your abilities to take on all these activities with many kids.

kim

[LisaG520]

Since I have problems remembering people's names, I have decided that if I can't remember someones name on the cruise then I going to just call them Lisa. I figure I have a pretty good chance of getting the name right. How many Lisa's do we have going?

Works for me :thumbsup2

Hello everyone!
Just popping in to say HI before watching DCL on Travel Channel (ok, so I have seen it time and time again, but it never grows boring!) and then AR.



We're watching DCL as well and AR after - watched the AKL show first. We'll follow it all up with Dexter.


Just got back from the hospital. My DFIL looks scared and tired. I wish I could do more than just be there.

They have to stop the intermal bleding before they can operate on his heart. I guess it will be a process as we go over the next few days.

Thank you for the prayers and pixie dust!:goodvibes

:hug:

[HollyTyler]

Holly, My DH teaches at a University, do you want me to ask the financial aid people what they would do?
Well, they'd probably say the same thing the financial aid people at my school told me. They told me my options are:

1. private loans;

2. Grad Plus loan, for which they told me I'd have to have perfect credit;

3. scholarships (but I've yet to find one I qualify for that's more than $500-$1000) -- I've been registered on FastWeb for quite some time to receive scholarhip opportunities when they're posted; or

4. wait until I pay my loans down enough to finish (but if you take more than 2 years off you have to start all over again from the beginning).

But they've approved me for a year of absence while I figure out what to do next, so I have some time to think about options. :thumbsup2

[gouodux]

Yay for Tebow!!!! Robert is UF alum and he was super excited! Can't wait for the bowl game on New Years!!!! Boy did those tickets cost us a pretty penny lol!

All the candidates had their pro's and con's. Tim Tebow put up some amazing stats in a very difficult conference. If not Dixon, nice to to see Tebow win. We just can't stop thinking about what could have been. It is disheartening. Florida, tOSU, USC, LSU . . . . . . . . always seem to have a shot, for Oregon, this was a dream season shattered by injuries and not their play on the field.


From the Sporting News.

Heist-man: Dixon Robbed by Injury
Congratulations, Tim Tebow. You don’t really deserve it. And Darren McFadden, I feel your pain. You were clearly the best athlete on that stage tonight, with the best mix of strength and skill. But you don’t deserve it either.

No, the honor should have gone to someone who wasn’t even on the stage. His name? Dennis Dixon.

That was my first reaction to the Heisman Trophy presentation tonight in New York City. Sure, the numbers are there. Tebow accounted for a ridiculous 51 touchdowns this season (29 in the air, 22 on the ground). McFadden also had an incredible season, rushing for 1,725 yards and 15 scores, to go along with one receiving touchdown and four in the air.

But the numbers tell only half the story. They don’t tell the part where Tim Tebow disappears in big games. In three losses to Auburn, LSU and Georgia (two of those at home), Tebow was less than spectacular. He threw for a combined 4 passing touchdowns to go along with his three lowest yardage totals of the season. On the ground, he wasn’t a whole lot better.

The numbers also don’t talk about where McFadden played against some very overrated teams in racking up his ridiculous numbers. Losses to Alabama (4-4 in the SEC), Kentucky (3-5), Auburn (by a 9-7 count in which he carried 17 times for only 43 yards) and Tennessee (no touchdowns) don’t exactly help his cause.

But then there’s Dixon. The only blemish on his record was a one touchdown, two interception performance in a loss to Cal. Aside from that, Dixon’s numbers were solid. A 67.7 completion percentage, 20 passing touchdowns, nine rushing scores – I know, not exactly Tebow or McFadden, but let’s get one thing straight: Dixon showed up to play every single week. He beat some incredible teams with gutty performances. He lead the Ducks to a rout of Michigan in the Big House; he took down the mighty Trojans with a poised performance in late October; and then a four-touchdown game in a win over Arizona State.

If he hadn’t gotten hurt against Arizona, his numbers would be more impressive. Oregon’s final three games – against Arizona, UCLA and Oregon State – would have been field days for Dixon. He would have surely added another dozen scores to his resume, and would be playing for the national title in January.

Instead, an unfortunate injury derailed a Heisman season. He almost certainly would have won the award, and I still think he deserved a trip to NYC. Instead, Dixon was left at home to watch the proceedings on TV.

[HollyTyler]

OK....I have to get to bed. Stayed up way too late last night! Fortunately, tomorrow is a short day at work because our Christmas party is from noon to 2 and I only work until 2:30, so I won't be headed back to work after the party. Actually, the parties usually run about 1/2 hour to an hour over, so almost nobody goes back to work afterwards! But since I have to pick Tyler up from school at 3:30, I'd be leaving the party by 3:00 anyway. FREE MEAL and beer (or whatever we want to drink). I just hope they don't have assigned seating again this year. That's just ridiculous. :rolleyes:

[gouodux]

Jenna's choir had two performances yesterday and two today. Today was at the new Westgate development (where the AZ Cardinals and Coyotes play). Luckily it is only a few minutes from our house, but it was raining off and on. A little cold too! They brought snow in for the kids to play. Our girls decided they really don't like snow!!! Good for them since we live in Arizona. Westgate is starting to take shape and it really reminds us of Downtown Disney (minus all the cool shops) mainly alot of restuarants. We ate lunch at the new Margaritaville and had a good time. Next Friday her choir is performing SIX shows at Arizona Mills. Crazy, but she likes that she is going to an IMAX movie between shows.

[readyalready]

Hey Gydell, how did you get that rate at the CI&S? Ours is $25 higher...
thanks for any help!

[ktjl92]

I was wondering how everybody is getting from where the Magic docks to their hotel near Disneyland?


We're renting a car. DH is a (former) CA native and love driving there. Ok, so he's a bit nuts, too!

As far as I know, there is no Disney-run/Disney-sanctioned transport from dock to parks.

[gydell]

Hey Gydell, how did you get that rate at the CI&S? Ours is $25 higher...
thanks for any help!

I called direct and told them that Shirley had suggested them or the Radisson. They answered with who's Shirley? I explained and then they said they could give me the room for $134.

[gydell]

Hey Gydell, how did you get that rate at the CI&S? Ours is $25 higher...
thanks for any help!

We're renting a car. DH is a (former) CA native and love driving there. Ok, so he's a bit nuts, too!

As far as I know, there is no Disney-run/Disney-sanctioned transport from dock to parks.

DCL is running shuttles for $30 per person.

[1Grumpy John]

Deb, I'm glad things had a good turnout for you all today. :hug:

V, where are the pictures? Patiently waiting! :goodvibes

So, after doing 3 loads of laundry today, my dirty laundry pile is still exactly the same size. How the heck does that happen?! :eek:

Your MOM hired these two little elves to put more in every time you take some out.
Hello everyone!
Just popping in to say HI before watching DCL on Travel Channel (ok, so I have seen it time and time again, but it never grows boring!) and then AR.

We ended up having a great weekend. The cabin was great, the weather was perfect and the Hawks won today...who could ask for anything else?!:lmao: Actually, the Seahawks clenched their division title today:cheer2: It was a great game!!!!!

I am over 20 pages behind, so I know there is no way I will have a chance to catch up. Hope everyone is doing well!

thats the first time I have seen the spot at the end about the New ships



On an other note I really can not thank all of you for the supportive and wonderful way YOU have helped with everything this year I don't post often but alway try to keep up and the words you share have been an anchor through some very tumultuous times THANK YOU ALL:grouphug: :grouphug:

[gydell]

On an other note I really can not thank all of you for the supportive and wonderful way YOU have helped with everything this year I don't post often but alway try to keep up and the words you share have been an anchor through some very tumultuous times THANK YOU ALL:grouphug: :grouphug:


That's what family does!

[lillygator]

morning all, I will try and post the pictures tonight, I am picking up Tebow after work, sure missed him, he always keeps my feet warm when I am on the PC.

[lillygator]

Deb, I am glad you were able to come to a resolution with the kids.

The auditors are trying to finish up this week, which will be great. I am keeping my fingers crossed that my stuff is fine because they haven't come to me with anything.

[readyalready]

DH and I are going home after the cruise and not going to DL. We are using Golden West Express to the LAX airport which last time cost us $49.

http://www.goldenwestexpress.com/noframes/main.htm

Thanks for posting this, I called and they said it would be $78/85 cash/cc for a family of 5 to LAX.


Thanks for the hotel info Gydell, I did notice that the rates had gone down $10 since a few weeks ago, you got $10 better than that.

[disneylover5]

Hi I hope everyone is well.

Off to the hospital again. Taking care of one elderly is hard.....I am finding two almost impossible.

[birkner]

Hi I hope everyone is well.

Off to the hospital again. Taking care of one elderly is hard.....I am finding two almost impossible.


Please take care of yourself and don't wear yourself out!! I know caring for family members that are ill is very emotionally draining as well as physically draining. Take some time for yourself to recharge as this holiday season is demanding enough for all of us!!

[lillygator]

has the date been announced when we will officially need passports? I tried looking on the site but it just says Summer 2008.

[Jhalkias]

We're home!

From 82 and sunny, to 32 and completely shrouded in fog and clouds. YUCK!

I'm about 35 pages behind . . . .

If I get a chance I may post some pictures - I took the laptop, but did not get online the whole time - we were having too much fun!

It was a treat to get to meet Marilyn and John. We met up with Angie and Dennis, Vanessa and John, and friends from our last cruise. We had 19 for dinner at Boma on Friday night.

Hope everyone has had a nice week while we were gone. I will try and catch up tonight.

[disneylover5]

I got lucky tonight!! I went to the hospital (my DH and I are taking turns in and out) and while I was there the heart surgeon came in the room.

Frank (DFIL) needs triple bypass, and valve replacement. It will take about 6 hours for the surgery. He is in Fairfax Hospital, which does 6,000 of these surgeries each year. This is more than any other hospital east of the Mississippi. (At least that is what the doctor told me).

Right now, the doctor that is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon to operate would be the same doctor that would be the first choice of Bethesda Naval Medical to operate on the President, should he need heart surgery.

The doctor that came in was one of 16 doctors in the group. He had wonderful bedside manner and I felt really good about the whole thing.

He warned us that heart surgery is done in order of need and not how long you have waited....so if there are any emergencies....he will be bumped.

He will be in the hospital for about 9 - 10 days after they finally do the surgery. He should get out right around Christmas Day

[lillygator]

Lisa, hope all goes well and he is home for Christmas.

Sad news today, my step father's mother passed away this morning. She hadn't been doing good for quite some time though.

[disneylover5]

Lisa, hope all goes well and he is home for Christmas.

Sad news today, my step father's mother passed away this morning. She hadn't been doing good for quite some time though.

V - Were you close to her? Is she local? How long has she been sick.....

I am sorry.....I guess this is your mom's husbands mom??

Lisa

[umber]

Hi everyone! Oh my!!! Is there really over 2,000 pages to this thread? WOW! Needless to say I'd miss the boat if I tried to read all these pages, so could everyone just say who they are and where they're from so I can catch up?
We're super excited about this cruise. We're DH, DD5 and DS (who is newly adopted and will be 3 on the cruise) and myself. We're from NH and this will be our 3rd Disney Cruise.:banana: :banana: :banana:
Mala

[gydell]

We're home!

Welcome back!

I got lucky tonight!!

Glad to hear he's better!

Sad news today, my step father's mother passed away this morning.

So sorry!

Hi everyone! Oh my!!! Is there really over 2,000 pages to this thread? WOW! Needless to say I'd miss the boat if I tried to read all these pages, so could everyone just say who they are and where they're from so I can catch up?
Mala

Welcome! What do you mean - you can't read all the posts? :rotfl: Just join in when you can. It's a good group of cruisers here.
I'm Gydell and my DH, DD and DGS(6yo) are going on the cruise with me. We're from Atlanta.

[lillygator]

V - Were you close to her? Is she local? How long has she been sick.....

I am sorry.....I guess this is your mom's husbands mom??

Lisa

yes, my mom;s husbands mom....no we were not close but she was a nice lady. She's been sick for a few years.

[lillygator]

Hi everyone! Oh my!!! Is there really over 2,000 pages to this thread? WOW! Needless to say I'd miss the boat if I tried to read all these pages, so could everyone just say who they are and where they're from so I can catch up?
We're super excited about this cruise. We're DH, DD5 and DS (who is newly adopted and will be 3 on the cruise) and myself. We're from NH and this will be our 3rd Disney Cruise.:banana: :banana: :banana:
Mala

Welcome.
Cruising in our group is myself, Vanessa DH John and two DD's Samantha 5 and Haley 3.

[lillygator]

here are some photos from the Boma meet.....
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b373/lillygator/new/IMG_6534.jpg
Samantha and Sophia
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b373/lillygator/new/IMG_6535.jpg
Haley, Sophia, Isabella, Samantha
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b373/lillygator/new/IMG_6537.jpg
Angie and Dennis (mrsMork and DrHugs) and Brack and his wife....(cruised with us last year)
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b373/lillygator/new/IMG_6538.jpg
William and Haley (he is lbgraves son)

[lillygator]

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b373/lillygator/new/IMG_6545.jpgmy DH on his 100th plate of food!

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b373/lillygator/new/IMG_6550.jpg
the whole gang.....

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b373/lillygator/new/IMG_6568.jpg
somewhere in the Beach Club

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b373/lillygator/new/IMG_6570.jpg
everyone but me, Haley and William on Soarin

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b373/lillygator/new/IMG_6571.jpg
Midnight snack after Ecpot extra magic hours

[gydell]

V - love the pixs!

[Doingitagain]

DD19 is traveling with a friend (also 19) and her parents on the May 10 crossing. DD has been on many DCL cruises and was 18 on her last one. She enjoyed the social events for the 18-20 year-olds. They are interested in meeting others in this age group who will be on the cruise. Is there a separate thread?

Thanks from the Mom staying home :sad1:

[lillygator]

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b373/lillygator/new/IMG_6591.jpgsanta at MK

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b373/lillygator/new/IMG_6590.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b373/lillygator/new/IMG_6602.jpg
Samantha

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b373/lillygator/new/IMG_6606.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b373/lillygator/new/IMG_6607.jpg
Samantha is thrilled. the coveted Cinderella's horse (or is it Aurora?)

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b373/lillygator/new/IMG_6605.jpg
John got the one he wanted. the Indian.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b373/lillygator/new/IMG_6614.jpg
waving to her subjects

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b373/lillygator/new/IMG_6619.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b373/lillygator/new/IMG_6622.jpg
Haley, Sophia and Samantha waiting for Goofy's Barnstormer

[lillygator]

Tebow was SO excited to see me! The girls loved him there though, they said he just licked them to death the whole time. I am glad he is home.

[Ginamarie]

Hi everyone,
My DH and I are going on the May 10th cruise. We just returned from the Wonder 4 night cruise. I am trying to read this board a little at a time so i can catch up, but I do have a couple of questions for the experienced cruisers or those who have researched this trip more than I.....how do you find out what shore activities/excursions are available, and how does this cruise compare with the Wonder as far as activities/entertainment, etc, and then...for those who have been on this repo cruise before-if you had to pick your one favorite thing to do at all the different ports(or any), what would you chose? I know this is asking a lot, but any help would be greatly appreciated...Thanks, Vicki

Welcome!! We're still waiting to find out what the excursions offerings are going to be. Really we should be finding out within the next couple of weeks I'd think.

Evening all,

I posted this note on the main group and only received one response.

I was wondering how everybody is getting from where the Magic docks to their hotel near Disneyland?

I've just gotten back into search mode after taking a few months off, and can still not find anything arranged for several thousand of us arriving in LA

Can anyone assist?

We're going home after the cruise :(

Hi I hope everyone is well.

Off to the hospital again. Taking care of one elderly is hard.....I am finding two almost impossible.

I'm so sorry you have so much to cope with all at once. I'm glad your FIL's doctor seems so good though, and hope his surgery goes smoothly.

Hi everyone! Oh my!!! Is there really over 2,000 pages to this thread? WOW! Needless to say I'd miss the boat if I tried to read all these pages, so could everyone just say who they are and where they're from so I can catch up?
We're super excited about this cruise. We're DH, DD5 and DS (who is newly adopted and will be 3 on the cruise) and myself. We're from NH and this will be our 3rd Disney Cruise.:banana: :banana: :banana:
Mala

Welcome!! I'm traveling with my DH and DD (who will be 2 for the cruise); DMom, DBro and his wife, DBro (4), DSis(17), DSis (10), and my grandparents!

This will be the third DCL cruise for DH and I and the second cruise for everyone else.

DD19 is traveling with a friend (also 19) and her parents on the May 10 crossing. DD has been on many DCL cruises and was 18 on her last one. She enjoyed the social events for the 18-20 year-olds. They are interested in meeting others in this age group who will be on the cruise. Is there a separate thread?

Thanks from the Mom staying home :sad1:

I don't think we're going to have a huge group in that age range (from reading the roll call so far), but we should have some. My sister is coming along and she'll be a few weeks short of her 18th birthday at the time of the cruise.


SO tired! Olivia had a rough night of sleep, and I was up until 2:30 am wrapping presents. Going to bed early tonight for sure!

[birkner]

I got lucky tonight!! I went to the hospital (my DH and I are taking turns in and out) and while I was there the heart surgeon came in the room.

Frank (DFIL) needs triple bypass, and valve replacement. It will take about 6 hours for the surgery. He is in Fairfax Hospital, which does 6,000 of these surgeries each year. This is more than any other hospital east of the Mississippi. (At least that is what the doctor told me).

Right now, the doctor that is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon to operate would be the same doctor that would be the first choice of Bethesda Naval Medical to operate on the President, should he need heart surgery.

The doctor that came in was one of 16 doctors in the group. He had wonderful bedside manner and I felt really good about the whole thing.

He warned us that heart surgery is done in order of need and not how long you have waited....so if there are any emergencies....he will be bumped.

He will be in the hospital for about 9 - 10 days after they finally do the surgery. He should get out right around Christmas Day

How fortiutous you were there when the heart surgeon was making his rounds!

It sure sounds like you have both the right hospital and the right doctor!! Let us just hope Frank doesn't get bumped and the surgery will go well!!

I am sure he will be happy to be home on Christmas as who wants to be in a hospital on Christmas Day.

:pixiedust:

[Ginamarie]

Oh, I forgot to add- loving all the pics from V and John! I'm so jealous that you guys got to go back again, since I just saw you all in Oct.
Thank goodness this cruise is coming up quicker and quicker!

[lillygator]

the girls are clean and bathed and we are watching Pirates 3. So much I didn't remember.

[birkner]

Hi everyone! Oh my!!! Is there really over 2,000 pages to this thread? WOW! Needless to say I'd miss the boat if I tried to read all these pages, so could everyone just say who they are and where they're from so I can catch up?
We're super excited about this cruise. We're DH, DD5 and DS (who is newly adopted and will be 3 on the cruise) and myself. We're from NH and this will be our 3rd Disney Cruise.:banana: :banana: :banana:
Mala

Welcome aboard Nala!! This is a great group of cruisers so just jump in and start chatting!!!

Noel

[lillygator]

Oh, I forgot to add- loving all the pics from V and John! I'm so jealous that you guys got to go back again, since I just saw you all in Oct.
Thank goodness this cruise is coming up quicker and quicker!

it is going to be here quicker than we think!

[birkner]

yes, my mom;s husbands mom....no we were not close but she was a nice lady. She's been sick for a few years.

Sorry to hear about your mother loosing her mother-in-law. Prayers to her family during this difficult time. :pixiedust:

[HollyTyler]

Your MOM hired these two little elves to put more in every time you take some out.
:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[bonnielynn]

So for a person who has never done a cruise like this (only been on one before)... what is to be expected?

anything I should know ahead of time?

[HollyTyler]

I got lucky tonight!! I went to the hospital (my DH and I are taking turns in and out) and while I was there the heart surgeon came in the room.

Frank (DFIL) needs triple bypass, and valve replacement. It will take about 6 hours for the surgery. He is in Fairfax Hospital, which does 6,000 of these surgeries each year. This is more than any other hospital east of the Mississippi. (At least that is what the doctor told me).

Right now, the doctor that is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon to operate would be the same doctor that would be the first choice of Bethesda Naval Medical to operate on the President, should he need heart surgery.

The doctor that came in was one of 16 doctors in the group. He had wonderful bedside manner and I felt really good about the whole thing.

He warned us that heart surgery is done in order of need and not how long you have waited....so if there are any emergencies....he will be bumped.

He will be in the hospital for about 9 - 10 days after they finally do the surgery. He should get out right around Christmas Day
Lisa, all that info about the Dr. is very reassuring! :goodvibes :grouphug:

[Jhalkias]

V - both sorry to hear about your Stepdad's mom.

Welcome to all the new cruisers!

There is a lot of info on page one about the group, but our thread starter Aunty Brat has not been able to update it for awhile, and some of it may be out of date - especially with newer cruisers, and those who may have dropped.

We are from Canton, OH, Home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame!

[lillygator]

So for a person who has never done a cruise like this (only been on one before)... what is to be expected?

anything I should know ahead of time?

expect wonderful service and a great time!!

There are so many different things to do. If you go to castaway club. com you will find prior Navigators (the daily list of things going on, on the ship), menus and stateroom pictures.

[gydell]

So for a person who has never done a cruise like this (only been on one before)... what is to be expected?

anything I should know ahead of time?

Just enjoy it! It can be fast paced or very relaxing so take it as you like. On the TA we had an extra show and different menus daily. We also had a prince and princess tea that was wonderful.

[HollyTyler]

Lisa, hope all goes well and he is home for Christmas.

Sad news today, my step father's mother passed away this morning. She hadn't been doing good for quite some time though.
V, I'm so sorry for your family's loss. :sad1: :grouphug:

[Jhalkias]

So for a person who has never done a cruise like this (only been on one before)... what is to be expected?

anything I should know ahead of time?

Well, that's a million dollar question if I have ever read one.

It all depends on your family, what you enjoy, and what you want to get out of the experience. From those who do not want to miss a thing, to those who just want 15 days to unwind.

To put it as succinctly as I can . . . EXPECT TO HAVE A GREAT TIME!

[gydell]

We are from Canton, OH,


We live in Canton, Ga!

[birkner]

DD19 is traveling with a friend (also 19) and her parents on the May 10 crossing. DD has been on many DCL cruises and was 18 on her last one. She enjoyed the social events for the 18-20 year-olds. They are interested in meeting others in this age group who will be on the cruise. Is there a separate thread?

Thanks from the Mom staying home :sad1:

As far as I know there are no threads for this cruise for the 18-20 age group. Perhaps they might like to start that particular thread.

[HollyTyler]

Hi everyone! Oh my!!! Is there really over 2,000 pages to this thread? WOW! Needless to say I'd miss the boat if I tried to read all these pages, so could everyone just say who they are and where they're from so I can catch up?
We're super excited about this cruise. We're DH, DD5 and DS (who is newly adopted and will be 3 on the cruise) and myself. We're from NH and this will be our 3rd Disney Cruise.:banana: :banana: :banana:
Mala
Welcome! :yay: I'm Holly and am cruisng with my DS5 (Tyler). It's our 4th Disney cruise, my 5th cruise. Don't try to catch up, just ask us to fill you in on anything you have questions about and anybody will be happy to oblige! :goodvibes

[Jhalkias]

:lmao: OH, don't be impressed! I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing....I just have to try! But I haven't gone out to buy the propane torch yet. I'm checking with all my friends who have husbands to see if I can find a husband nice enough to come do it for me....or at least let me borrow their stuff and tell me how to use it. :thumbsup2

I know I am way behind Holly, but am getting worried I am going to read you have burned your house down! I have NEVER used a torch on any plumbing, unless I was doing copper soldering - so I am really not sure about the torch idea.

I would think you just need a good pipe wrench, and some adequate leverage. But, saying that, I HATE doing plumbing!

[Jhalkias]

We live in Canton, Ga!

We should send you some of our rain.

They are saying up to two inches of rain tomorrow!

[gydell]

We should send you some of our rain.

They are saying up to two inches of rain tomorrow!

Send on! They are dredging the lake now to get more water.

[HollyTyler]

I know I am way behind Holly, but am getting worried I am going to read you have burned your house down! I have NEVER used a torch on any plumbing, unless I was doing copper soldering - so I am really not sure about the torch idea.

I would think you just need a good pipe wrench, and some adequate leverage. But, saying that, I HATE doing plumbing!
Welcome back John! Don't worry, I didn't burn my house down! :rotfl: I guess the torch must be a common thing for plumbing because at Walmart they're sold in the plumbing aisle, right with the bathroom sink pipes & drain unclogging stuff, etc. But I wasn't brave enough to actually buy one and try it. I managed to get one nut unscrewed, but still have one more to try. We got too busy with other stuff for me to keep trying. Will have more time tomorrow.

[HollyTyler]

Great pics John & V! Thanks for sharing! :goodvibes

[lillygator]

JOhn gets his review tomorrow and they have the managers zmas dinner....(managers only - no family)....hope he gets his bonus!

[lillygator]

zmas?? yeah, I meant Xmas!

[Jhalkias]

JOhn gets his review tomorrow and they have the managers zmas dinner....(managers only - no family)....hope he gets his bonus!

Good Luck John - I'm sure after what I heard that you deserve it!

No bonuses here - the economy has killed that.

V - here is a photo of what you missed when you guys could not stay to see the lights. Remember this "tree" at the Osborne lights?

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/20420IMG_8508.jpg

[disneylover5]

DD19 is traveling with a friend (also 19) and her parents on the May 10 crossing. DD has been on many DCL cruises and was 18 on her last one. She enjoyed the social events for the 18-20 year-olds. They are interested in meeting others in this age group who will be on the cruise. Is there a separate thread?

Thanks from the Mom staying home :sad1:

I am cruising with my son Daniel, DS18. He is a freshman at VA Tech. One of his best friends might also cruise with us, he will be 19 at the time we cruise.

[umber]

Thank you for the warm welcome. We booked this cruise last February while on board the magic but I haven't allowed myself to become obsessive with the DIS board again until we were near 150 days or so. :rotfl:
I've done the eastern and western carib. How will the shows, menus, and activities be different on the repo cruise?

[lillygator]

wow - we have to see them, they look gorgeous!

[disneylover5]

V - here is a photo of what you missed when you guys could not stay to see the lights. Remember this "tree" at the Osborne lights?



Does it still snow at WDW?

[lillygator]

I know they do the snow on the Christmas party nights, not sure of any other nights though.

[Jhalkias]

Does it still snow at WDW?

They also do the snow at MGM for the lights. Sophia thought it was cool.

[disneylover5]

They also do the snow at MGM for the lights. Sophia thought it was cool.

Yes, that is right, that is what I remember!! I loved that. I stayed there for hours just loving it!!!