Like...They are Going with STRANGERS?!?! Sayonara Part 1- Join Us on the new thread!

[JPFamilyMom]

Thanks for the link!!! I was going to take a peeky poo this weekend to check out which ones made the cut for our trip. I think most should be on it. The ones that aren't on it, or that we'll be doing OOP will hopefully be taken care of by maroo's TIW card.

I printed one out a week ago and Wolfgang Puck wasn't on there, which threw me on your clue. But it got added this past week along with a few other restaurants, so now I need to print out a new one which will open my plans a bit too. I have menu's for each restaurant we might dine at printed out and in my planning binder. Yes I am OCD when it comes to Disney, :-)

I love the flexibility of your trip. My adult only trip won't happen for about 8 yrs, I'll be looking forward to that same flexibility in dining and plans. You all are going to have such a fun trip.

[All7OfUs]

I printed one out a week ago and Wolfgang Puck wasn't on there, which threw me on your clue. But it got added this past week along with a few other restaurants, so now I need to print out a new one which will open my plans a bit too. I have menu's for each restaurant we might dine at printed out and in my planning binder. Yes I am OCD when it comes to Disney, :-)

I love the flexibility of your trip. My adult only trip won't happen for about 8 yrs, I'll be looking forward to that same flexibility in dining and plans. You all are going to have such a fun trip.

I honestly just assumed it was on the plan. I guess I was going more on the angle of where we'd eat FIRST. :lmao: I figure I'll just have the menus MEMORIZED before we go. :lmao:

ME TOO!! I love that we really don't have to cater to "undeveloped" tastes and can be more adventurous. We can probably to a whole lot more too!! 8 years!!?? That'll be a long time to really have an over-the-top OCD plan! :rotfl2:

[KatMark]

Happy New Year, Leisa. I look forward to following your thread in 2010.

[jordanyosh]

happy new year!

[All7OfUs]

Almost...

It's 10:30!!

[tinkgurl]

Now, here's my question: Who's eaten there? What did you eat? Did you like it?? and BIG ?? What can we split?? We are hoping to split a few things so we can get some extra CS meals at places yet to be revealed.

I don't know if you like sushi, but I actually got the Deluxe California Roll. I remember Fiance got the four cheese pizza, Dad got the italian sausage and roasted red pepper pizza..I don't remember what Mom or Sis got though, LOL.

[maroo]

Hello everyone!

Just stopping by to say HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of my friends!

Liesa - you will see the new year first - let us know how it goes! :goodvibes

[All7OfUs]

I don't know if you like sushi, but I actually got the Deluxe California Roll. I remember Fiance got the four cheese pizza, Dad got the italian sausage and roasted red pepper pizza..I don't remember what Mom or Sis got though, LOL.

I do like sushi! But as I was looking at the menu, I was really drawn to the flatbreads (pizzas). Really everything looks so good there!

Hello everyone!

Just stopping by to say HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of my friends!

Liesa - you will see the new year first - let us know how it goes! :goodvibes

I will certainly do that!! I can look right out my living room window and see really cool, honkin big fireworks, and am going to try to use my "fireworks" function on my camera. Always looking toward our trip, want to capture Wishes better than last time!! :thumbsup2

[GreatBiscuit]

Happy Blankastani New Year!

[winkers]

Happy New Year!

May your water always be working and your outhouse smelling lovely.

[All7OfUs]

Happy New Year!!!! From the Eastern Hemisphere!!!!

[glennbo123]

Happy New Year!!!

party:

Woo hoo!

[tinkgurl]

I do like sushi! But as I was looking at the menu, I was really drawn to the flatbreads (pizzas). Really everything looks so good there!

The pizzas were really good too!

It's so weird thinking it's already next year where you're at!!! I'm talking to someone in the future! :rotfl:

[Sleepingbooty]

--Bad Canines= Wolf Gang

--Hockey Sticks= Puck(s)

--Near Choco Havens= Ghiradelli (although many of you thought I was talking about Goofy's)

--Long, Extensive Menu= Long Extensive Menu


Hey, it WAS clever! Too clever for me anyway - if that means anything. Although I will say that I didn't spend to much time ruminating before I cheated and looked at other people's guesses. So who knows, if I'd thought about it for.... a few hours... maybe I'd have gotten it?:confused3

pixiedust:Happy New Year Liesa!!pixiedust:

[GreatBiscuit]

Hey, it WAS clever! Too clever for me anyway - if that means anything. Although I will say that I didn't spend to much time ruminating before I cheated and looked at other people's guesses. So who knows, if I'd thought about it for.... a few hours... maybe I'd have gotten it?:confused3

pixiedust:Happy New Year Liesa!!pixiedust:I seem to always miss the contest so don't feel bad.

[LiteBrite]

I've had the rotisserie chicken and mashed taters from WPE, and they were yummy.

Happy New Year!!

[eandesmom]

Happy New Years!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And enjoy those hot buttered rums!:thumbsup2

[pipersmom]

Happy New Year, Liesa! Very cool to be able to look out and see fireworks, we don't have them here for New years...that's all right though, we have indoor plumbing! :rotfl2:

[GreatBiscuit]

that's all right though, we have indoor plumbing! :rotfl2:There's definitely something to be said for that!

[All7OfUs]

Happy New Year!!!

party:

Woo hoo!

You too,Glenn! Well, almost anyway for you. We've already had a good 10.5 hours of 2010- woke up to the same old crap on the news. Happy 2010...

And while you celebrate, we'll be trying to bilk the US Govt. out of anything they are willing to give out for DH's school.

The pizzas were really good too!

It's so weird thinking it's already next year where you're at!!! I'm talking to someone in the future! :rotfl:

Yeah, cool, eh?? Kind eerie.... do-do do-do. (think Twilight Zone, not outhouse humor)

Hey, it WAS clever! Too clever for me anyway - if that means anything. Although I will say that I didn't spend to much time ruminating before I cheated and looked at other people's guesses. So who knows, if I'd thought about it for.... a few hours... maybe I'd have gotten it?:confused3

pixiedust:Happy New Year Liesa!!pixiedust:

You're too funny!! HA!! You sound like me... :lmao:

I seem to always miss the contest so don't feel bad.

I noticed that; didn't know if was coincidence or???

I've had the rotisserie chicken and mashed taters from WPE, and they were yummy.

Happy New Year!!
Now that looks like something we could split. Was is big??

Hope your year is wonderful, full of great things!!

Happy New Years!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And enjoy those hot buttered rums!:thumbsup2

We went Pina Coladas.

Happy New Year, Liesa! Very cool to be able to look out and see fireworks, we don't have them here for New years...that's all right though, we have indoor plumbing! :rotfl2:

We have indoor plumbing. Just when we visit ANYONE we have to "go outside". In fact, that's actually the word for going potty!! :lmao::lmao:

There's definitely something to be said for that!

Don't knock it til you try it. :rotfl2:

[glennbo123]

Good morning! Have a nice sleep? We're still waiting for the ball to drop over here.

[All7OfUs]

Good morning! Have a nice sleep? We're still waiting for the ball to drop over here.

I did. Too short though. I think we finally crashed about 2.

Now, I'm trying desperately, with far too little coffee, to remember the PIN we created months ago, and to my utter horror, forgot to write down for the FAFSA website. Your turn is coming pal- just you wait.

[jordanyosh]

I've got 2 1/2 hours before it's a new year here....

[All7OfUs]

Imagine that! The first New Year's Eve we actually stayed up until midnight and beyond! Yeah, we got really, really wild and crazy and stayed up until around 2:00.

We sat around watching the Simpsons for a few hours, laughing hysterically at Homer's thumb getting cut off, the family visiting Japan, and Homer getting fat so he could go on disability. So, so funny!

Around 11:00 I got out my camera in hopes of capturing some amazing shots of the fireworks using the newly discovered "fireworks" setting. They were supposed to start at 12:00, the "duh" hour for starting a NEW YEARS fireworks show, but true to lame-o Central Asian NON-planning they started at 11:26. Doh!! We ran outside to see a glorious display seriously almost even as good, or better, than anything at WDW. I can tell you truthfully, that the ones at the end were far bigger and went far higher than anything you'd see in the MK! All that was lacking was some music and a storyline.

Even so, apparently, you can still take photos that defy all possibility of even remotely looking like anything other than red and white streaky blobs resembling oncoming headlights in the rain through a windshield. I won't bother to post any- they suck. The video I took turned out ok. I'll post that later, when I become unlazy, and actually get out of bed. Don't hold your breath.

Suffice it to say, that any hopes I had of thinking I could get a decent shot of Wishes in Sept. were dashed like butter in a churn. Of course, like any other touron at WDW I'll still click away, and be highly disappointed when I download and view the lot.

So starts our 2010. In just 25 short minutes, we will log onto the FAFSA website and see what kind of cashola our bankrupt gov't is willing to give us for sending our son to school. Being next to dirt poor, we expect good things.

As you ring in your new year, may God bless you richly!! May your year be fruitful in love and faith!!

[winkers]

I love your ability to find the silver lining in living in blankastan.
And at the same time it makes me laugh to imagine the new year's fireworks going off that early!:rotfl2:

[All7OfUs]

I love your ability to find the silver lining in living in blankastan.
And at the same time it makes me laugh to imagine the new year's fireworks going off that early!:rotfl2:

There's actually quite a plethora of good things about living here. Bread is about $.10 a loaf, I can send my girls all over town and NEVER have to worry, and I can get great househelp for next to nothing. And no we aren't "exploiting" them. They receive a great wage that is actually above the average salary.

[All7OfUs]

For those of you who follow, I just put up a "year end pictorial update" that has some fun pictures we've taken throughout the year around Blank-A-Stan.

Here's a link to make it easy:

http://steppesisterssongs.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!!

Your SteppeSister

[pipersmom]

I had to laugh at the fireworks going off too early, I could just picture you guys scrambling to get outside! No worries on the piccies, I'm sure I'll be doing the same thing when we're there, and that they'll come out the same way yours do.

I love the photo retrospective so far...I think my favorite thing(s) I've read about on your blog is the neighbor's baby, the quilting classes, and the trip to Dubai. Can't wait for the 2nd six months, but I know how uploading is, so I understand.

[All7OfUs]

I had to laugh at the fireworks going off too early, I could just picture you guys scrambling to get outside! No worries on the piccies, I'm sure I'll be doing the same thing when we're there, and that they'll come out the same way yours do.

I love the photo retrospective so far...I think my favorite thing(s) I've read about on your blog is the neighbor's baby, the quilting classes, and the trip to Dubai. Can't wait for the 2nd six months, but I know how uploading is, so I understand.

We laughed pretty hard at the 11:30 showing as well. But poor little Anara was devastated. We, in fact, we were actually just getting ready to put on our coats and scarves to walk over to the square when they went off, so she was all bent out of shape that we didn't get to go. Ah well... what do ya do?

It's been fun going through all the pix from the year, and choosing just which ones would make the cut. All in all, I'd say we had a pretty good year.

We are pretty fond of that little baby ourselves- I don't think I mentioned it before, but we were able to help that couple out financially in order to be able to adopt her. The "do-your-job-incentive "fees" are insane here". ;)

[englishrose47]

Well I see Kyle and I were wrong I jus wasn't thinking CS !! I have ben sick for 2 days and I do mean SICK!! I sorta scimmed thru last 2 days !!

Belated Happy New Year to all!!

[All7OfUs]

I saw that, Rosie! So glad you are feeling better! Yikes you had a rough few days.

Yup, these include CS and TS places. The next one should be coming up in the next day or so. But I have the all-important company coming on Sunday- remember, DS's (19) girlfriend and his mother. Lots of fun planned, but I think I won't be on much.

Anyway, glad to have you back! :thumbsup2

[englishrose47]

I saw that, Rosie! So glad you are feeling better! Yikes you had a rough few days.

Yup, these include CS and TS places. The next one should be coming up in the next day or so. But I have the all-important company coming on Sunday- remember, DS's (19) girlfriend and his mother. Lots of fun planned, but I think I won't be on much.

Anyway, glad to have you back! :thumbsup2

Thanks I am on the mend but still "Loopy" Winkers NO comments !!!:lmao:

[pipersmom]

We laughed pretty hard at the 11:30 showing as well. But poor little Anara was devastated. We, in fact, we were actually just getting ready to put on our coats and scarves to walk over to the square when they went off, so she was all bent out of shape that we didn't get to go. Ah well... what do ya do?

It's been fun going through all the pix from the year, and choosing just which ones would make the cut. All in all, I'd say we had a pretty good year.

We are pretty fond of that little baby ourselves- I don't think I mentioned it before, but we were able to help that couple out financially in order to be able to adopt her. The "do-your-job-incentive "fees" are insane here". ;)

What an incredible thing to know you could help someone out with something that means so much. I hope once you guys are back stateside you can keep up with how she and the family are doing. I feel so lucky to have met you and learned more about your family and the awesome things you guys are doing over there! :hug:

[All7OfUs]

Thanks I am on the mend but still "Loopy" Winkers NO comments !!!:lmao:

Loopy is "normal" after stomach yuckies. Keep getting better!

What an incredible thing to know you could help someone out with something that means so much. I hope once you guys are back stateside you can keep up with how she and the family are doing. I feel so lucky to have met you and learned more about your family and the awesome things you guys are doing over there! :hug:

It's to know that we've been blessed and can in turn bless others! It's what the "body" is for. :lovestruc:love::lovestruc

[StefaniLyn]

Happy New Year Liesa! I'm sorry your fireworks photos didn't turn out. Though honestly, it's hard to ever get a 'great' fireworks shot anywhere. There is either smoke in the way, or not enough light, or too much light :rotfl2:
I loved the pictoral review of 2009! Thanks for sharing!

[eandesmom]

Oh I'm so sorry about the fireworks starting early and the photo's not turning out. If it makes you feel any better both the NYC coverage and the Seattle had the times off where the fireworks didn't match the countdown on screen or the countdown on screen didn't match what the hosts were saying, it was pathetic!

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sleepingbooty]

As you ring in your new year, may God bless you richly!! May your year be fruitful in love and faith!!

And you to, Liesa! Happy New Year in Blankastan!

For those of you who follow, I just put up a "year end pictorial update" that has some fun pictures we've taken throughout the year around Blank-A-Stan.

Here's a link to make it easy:

http://steppesisterssongs.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!!

Your SteppeSister

I love your blog! Those are really cool pics - let us know when you put up the rest of your 09 retrospective. Is camel riding an everyday thing for your girls? Or was that from the Dubai trip?

Hey, notice anything new in my siggie? Yep, I started a PTR. Come over and say hi if you have time!:)

[maroo]

Happy New Year, one and all!

So...did I totally make you late to your fireworks display??? :eek:

I have a camera that does a good job getting fireworks...sorta. But they don't work well on the Fireworks setting...I usually have to use ISO3200 or some setting like that...

I was able to get these on my Sept trip - which I have yet to make a TR about...so you are welcome to use my camera and try to get some goog fireworks shots! :) Or I can take em. I loved my view here...close to Casey's. :)

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/IMG_2267.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/IMG_2286.jpg

http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/marooTR/IMG_2443.jpg

[tinkgurl]

Yeah, cool, eh?? Kind eerie.... do-do do-do. (think Twilight Zone, not outhouse humor)

:rotfl: You crack me up!

[shannn]

Sorry your pics didn't turn out Liesa. Feel free to grab one of mine and call it your own (taken by my DH not camera challenged me, of course!) :goodvibes

[All7OfUs]

Long ago in a magical land far away from the hustle and scurry of modern society, there lived an ordinary man named Joe. Joe lived his life in the most ordinary of ways and dreamed of travelling to exotic, beautiful lands in which warm, tropical islands beckoned him come.

Day after day, he toiled hard and long at his job at the factory where EVERYTHING was made, even the most obscure ojects for sanitation that no one else would ever think of. Dad after day his mind would wander to those far off places where adventure and good things awaited him- a land filled with sweet milk to drink and warm sand to lie in.

One day, Joe's boss came to him and told him that due to his country's irresponsible spending habits and looming financial crisis, he would have to be laid off. Fortunately, Joe was good at saving every penny, rarely even splurging on cheeseburgers at the local burger eatery that all of his collegues frequented on their lunch breaks. Because of his thrifty character, Joe was actually rather glad that he could finally take the vacation of his dreams.

He decided that the Mexican coast would be the perfect get away spot where the sand is white and the water is blue. He had heard that Mexico has great, yet simple, eats and a vast array of ice cold treats to enjoy while sunning himself.

When he mentioned his great fortune to his boss the following week, he heard a reply he was certainly NOT expecting. "There's no way, Joe, for you to leave!" We just got a mulit-billion dollar bailout, and we need you back at the kitchenwares dept. immediately!" Joe resolved to keep saving his money and one day take his dream vacation to the Mexican coast.

[eandesmom]

not quite sure I get the Mexico part but I'm going with Beaches and Cream and the No Way Jose Ice Cream Sundae!

[jordanyosh]

Cantina de San Angel

very clever indeed.

[winkers]

I'm confused.....I thought you were telling an actual story or a joke.:rotfl:

[All7OfUs]

not quite sure I get the Mexico part but I'm going with Beaches and Cream and the No Way Jose Ice Cream Sundae!

Duly noted.

Cantina de San Angel

very clever indeed.

Think so, huh?

I'm confused.....I thought you were telling an actual story or a joke.:rotfl:

Nope ;)

[reelmom]

No Way Jose! Beached and Cream. Can you see the Mexican Pavillion from the beach? Just wondering.

I hope I am right because it looks as though I totally suck at this.:lmao:

[reelmom]

I'm confused.....I thought you were telling an actual story or a joke.:rotfl:

I'm with Winkers, it took me reading it twice to figure out it was rations drop #6.

[pipersmom]

Very clever clue, Liesa! I think I've got it, but we'll see...
---->>Is it Beaches & Cream? everything but the kitchen sink..liquid sunshine..good burgers..made sense to me, but dunno?

[All7OfUs]

Love all those guesses!!! Keep 'em coming!! :thumbsup2

OK, guys... Big day tomorrow!!! The girlfriend and her mom show up around 5:00!!! Poor little thing, I'm actually FB chatting with her mom right now, and she's all worked up over this!! She actually has a stomach ache over it!

We're so easy going, I hope she doesn't freak out too badly!!

That said, I don't know how much I'll be on over the next few days!!

[All7OfUs]

Happy New Year Liesa! I'm sorry your fireworks photos didn't turn out. Though honestly, it's hard to ever get a 'great' fireworks shot anywhere. There is either smoke in the way, or not enough light, or too much light :rotfl2:
I loved the pictoral review of 2009! Thanks for sharing!

They didn't. but now I see maroo will let me steal some of hers. Woot!

You're entirely too welcome! I have had fun putting it together. The next part will come out probably next week, as this week I have company.

Oh I'm so sorry about the fireworks starting early and the photo's not turning out. If it makes you feel any better both the NYC coverage and the Seattle had the times off where the fireworks didn't match the countdown on screen or the countdown on screen didn't match what the hosts were saying, it was pathetic!

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I guess it was a fireworks mess-up epidemic. Something in the planetary or solar lineup. I'm sure that was the same problem with the camera. uh-hmmm...;)

And you to, Liesa! Happy New Year in Blankastan!



I love your blog! Those are really cool pics - let us know when you put up the rest of your 09 retrospective. Is camel riding an everyday thing for your girls? Or was that from the Dubai trip?

Hey, notice anything new in my siggie? Yep, I started a PTR. Come over and say hi if you have time!:)

Thanks, my dear!! I will do that!!

We have ridden camels here, but over here they are mostly used for milk. Believe it or not, fermented camel's milk is something that has really grown on me. Those camels were from Dubai.

Lovin' your PTR!! Count me in!

Or I can take em. I loved my view here...close to Casey's. :)


Yes, you can. And I might add that Casey's is a lovely place to stand. ;)

:rotfl: You crack me up!

Moi?

Sorry your pics didn't turn out Liesa. Feel free to grab one of mine and call it your own (taken by my DH not camera challenged me, of course!) :goodvibes

I must might have to. Mine might be seizure inducing.

[englishrose47]

I'm confused.....I thought you were telling an actual story or a joke.:rotfl:


She's Not !!!:lmao:

[glennbo123]

I'm confused.....I thought you were telling an actual story or a joke.:rotfl:

I'm with you Winkers....I was reading, going, when is she going to give the clue?

I suppose I'll guess Cantina de San Angel but I'm sure it's wrong, too obvious. I'm missing the subtle clues. I thought you were giving the plot to "Joe vs. the Volcano", but it's a little different.

[All7OfUs]

Think subtle, very subtle. They've been way too easy lately. ;)

For those who actually read the chit-chat- Joe might also one day like to go to Belize or Honduras.

[shannn]

My first thought was La Cantina de San Angel because of the Mexican theme, but I think I'm going to go with Beaches & Cream because of the kitchen sink, sweet milk & sand, and No Way Jose! references.

[Sleepingbooty]

Thanks, my dear!! I will do that!!

We have ridden camels here, but over here they are mostly used for milk. Believe it or not, fermented camel's milk is something that has really grown on me. Those camels were from Dubai.

Lovin' your PTR!! Count me in!


I get it! I think... Is it Beaches and Cream? The No Way Jose is a sundae there, right?

When I first started reading it, I thought you were relating a story about your DH or something:confused3 I didn't get that it was a clue until the story stopped so abruptly.... You'd think the 'rations drop clue' in the title would have been a red flag :headache:

Fermented camels milk? Really? Fermented, as in alcoholic? Or does that just mean fizzy? For some reason, that brings to mind Lavergne and Shirley. Milk & Pepsi - remember?

[All7OfUs]

My first thought was La Cantina de San Angel because of the Mexican theme, but I think I'm going to go with Beaches & Cream because of the kitchen sink, sweet milk & sand, and No Way Jose! references.

Hmmm....

I get it! I think... Is it Beaches and Cream? The No Way Jose is a sundae there, right?

When I first started reading it, I thought you were relating a story about your DH or something:confused3 I didn't get that it was a clue until the story stopped so abruptly.... You'd think the 'rations drop clue' in the title would have been a red flag :headache:

Fermented camels milk? Really? Fermented, as in alcoholic? Or does that just mean fizzy? For some reason, that brings to mind Lavergne and Shirley. Milk & Pepsi - remember?

Yeah, I saw that a few people didn't realize it was a clue, but it was in the title. Sooooooooo, ?? hmmm.... (again)

Yeah, really. It the the strongest thing that our local friends' ancestors would have drank up until about 1920, when the Red Army brought in the dirge of vodka, and hopelessness, and oppression. It actually tastes pretty good, kinda like beery milk.

[eandesmom]

Love all those guesses!!! Keep 'em coming!! :thumbsup2

OK, guys... Big day tomorrow!!! The girlfriend and her mom show up around 5:00!!! Poor little thing, I'm actually FB chatting with her mom right now, and she's all worked up over this!! She actually has a stomach ache over it!

We're so easy going, I hope she doesn't freak out too badly!!

That said, I don't know how much I'll be on over the next few days!!

Oh have fun!!!!!!!!!!!! Or as much fun as you can. They sound lovely and I'm sure it will be fabulous!

Think subtle, very subtle. They've been way too easy lately. ;)

For those who actually read the chit-chat- Joe might also one day like to go to Belize or Honduras.
Which means I've missed it. Subtlety is lost on me though I too would like to go to Belize. Not so sure about Hondouras.

Hmmm....

Yeah, I saw that a few people didn't realize it was a clue, but it was in the title. Sooooooooo, ?? hmmm.... (again)

Yeah, really. It the the strongest thing that our local friends' ancestors would have drank up until about 1920, when the Red Army brought in the dirge of vodka, and hopelessness, and oppression. It actually tastes pretty good, kinda like beery milk.fermented camels milk?

OY!

[All7OfUs]

Oh have fun!!!!!!!!!!!! Or as much fun as you can. They sound lovely and I'm sure it will be fabulous!


Which means I've missed it. Subtlety is lost on me though I too would like to go to Belize. Not so sure about Hondouras.

fermented camels milk?

OY!

They had a call from the airline company and they delayed their flight so that they won't arrive until 9:00 tomorrow night!! OY!

Don't worry- really!

It takes some getting used to. :upsidedow

[TarzansKat]

Happy New Year, Liesa! Good luck with the FAFSA.

Maroo, those are some beautiful pictures of the fireworks.

I'm going to need a little more time on that clue. My brain does not function so well nowadays. ;)

[StefaniLyn]

Rations Drop #6 - Okay Liesa, I'm going to take a stab at this rations drop thing. Tell me if I'm doing it wrong. Am I just guessing the location? or something more specific? Here's my guess: You are going to Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club Resort

is that all I need? Remember, I'm still playing catch up here!

Have fun with playing hostess this week!

[pipersmom]

:hug: Liesa, I hope you have a wonderful weekend with your son's GF and Mom. The first time I met the ex's family I don't think I said more than 10 words the entire time I was so nervous! So funny that the mom's nervous though, I bet it will melt away once she meets you all :)

[jenb1023]

I don't know if I will ever catch up on the pages, stories and info I have missed so I am jumping in with both feet and will just keep swimming!

My guess is. . . Beaches and Cream

Good luck with the GF and GF's mom!

Missed the DIS and you guys!

[Sandy321]

Leisa - Hope your weekend was fun!

Thank you for your support and encouragement in my journey to the Half - 4 days left now - I will take pictures, and meet up with Maroo hopefully after this craziness I can settle in and enjoy your journey more!! God Bless!!

[maroo]

Happy New Year, Liesa! Good luck with the FAFSA.

Maroo, those are some beautiful pictures of the fireworks.

I'm going to need a little more time on that clue. My brain does not function so well nowadays. ;)

Thank you, TK! :) :goodvibes

Leisa - Hope your weekend was fun!

Thank you for your support and encouragement in my journey to the Half - 4 days left now - I will take pictures, and meet up with Maroo hopefully after this craziness I can settle in and enjoy your journey more!! God Bless!!

I can't wait to meet you!! :)

[jordanyosh]

I wonder if the time with the girlfriend is going well....

[englishrose47]

Evening Liesa !! I am at work and found out tonight that there is internet available !!! Guess what I will be doing on Sundays once my work is done !! Beats watching TV !!!

[pipersmom]

I wonder if the time with the girlfriend is going well....

I hope so..but as long as the indoor plumbing doesn't burst under the added stress of two more users she should be fine!! :lmao:

[All7OfUs]

Happy New Year, Liesa! Good luck with the FAFSA.

Maroo, those are some beautiful pictures of the fireworks.

I'm going to need a little more time on that clue. My brain does not function so well nowadays. ;)

FAFSA was way easier than I/we thought it would be. We are so grateful that we have so many friends a year or two ahead of us, and were willing to give us lots of hints and tips. BIGGEST ONE?? Do the pre-worksheet WAY before Jan. 1 and do your tax estimations as well. THen it's just plug and chug. Next year, when we'll have 2 in university, it won't be daunting. :)

Better than mine.

So, the brain cell pilfering has begun, huh?? See, told ya so. Warning! You many never function again in thinking or "holding it". Just sayin'... :lmao:

Rations Drop #6 - Okay Liesa, I'm going to take a stab at this rations drop thing. Tell me if I'm doing it wrong. Am I just guessing the location? or something more specific? Here's my guess: You are going to Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club Resort


Have fun with playing hostess this week!
You're doing great!!! Just the locations is what we're after. ;)


is that all I need? Remember, I'm still playing catch up here!


It's aleady begun with GF and GF mom.... update coming up soon.


:hug: Liesa, I hope you have a wonderful weekend with your son's GF and Mom. The first time I met the ex's family I don't think I said more than 10 words the entire time I was so nervous! So funny that the mom's nervous though, I bet it will melt away once she meets you all :)

THANKS!! I think we were all nervous a bit, but so far it's been great. I have no idea if Andrew will end up marrying Laura, but it IS possible. My sis and here hubby met when they were 14 and 15.

I don't know if I will ever catch up on the pages, stories and info I have missed so I am jumping in with both feet and will just keep swimming!

My guess is. . . Beaches and Cream

Good luck with the GF and GF's mom!

Missed the DIS and you guys!

HEY!!! YOU'RE BACK!! I saw you on FB the other night, but didn't get to chat much. How is your new hosue? SEttling in??

I've learned that with the long threads you can't always catch up, so diving in wherever you are is fine!! In fact, sometimes if you don't read throroughly, you can miss something, and it turns the whole thread into a hilarious conversation. (Ask Jordan about his wife sometime :scared1::lmao:)

Leisa - Hope your weekend was fun!

Thank you for your support and encouragement in my journey to the Half - 4 days left now - I will take pictures, and meet up with Maroo hopefully after this craziness I can settle in and enjoy your journey more!! God Bless!!

4 days!?? That has gone so fast!! I have so loved watching you train and get healthy!! I really pray that you can do well without that hip hurting! GO.GO.GO!!!


Your meet with Maroo is going to be so great!! I can't wait to hear about it and see pictures!!


I wonder if the time with the girlfriend is going well....

More coming up on this!

Evening Liesa !! I am at work and found out tonight that there is internet available !!! Guess what I will be doing on Sundays once my work is done !! Beats watching TV !!!

Yay!! More time with Rosie!!

[All7OfUs]

I hope so..but as long as the indoor plumbing doesn't burst under the added stress of two more users she should be fine!! :lmao:

ha!! you guys are cracking me up. The only thing that's gone wrong is that our kitchen faucet busted last night. So we actually had to turn the water OFF so they could sleep! How's that for irony?? :rotfl2:

[pipersmom]

Oh geez...that is ironic! I'm just glad it happened last night though and not after I posted the plumbing joke..then I would have felt like I'd jinxed you!! :lol:

[that's nice]

Hey Liesa!

Hope everything is well... I've have a busy weekend so I'm just getting back on here. Don't reveal your new dining choice just yet... I need to make an educated guess. ;)

[All7OfUs]

Oh geez...that is ironic! I'm just glad it happened last night though and not after I posted the plumbing joke..then I would have felt like I'd jinxed you!! :lol:

Here's how things went down yesterday.

The night BEFORE their flight, they had a call from the airline saying they we delayed until 6:00. (Supposed to fly at 1). Then the day of their flight, they kept getting calls throughout the day of further and further delays, and FINALLY flew the 2 1/2 hour flight at 9:00. They got to the airport around 11:45 and then it's a 30 minute drive into town to our house. So, at 12:15 we were all eating pizza (for most of us a 2nd time around) and Christmas cookies.

I'm starting this 5 days out TIRED. We all crashed around 2:00.

First impressions:

She likes to put her head down on my son's shoulder. :scared1:

Her mom is WAY loud and exuberant.

They like my pizza.

They like to sleep in. :thumbsup2

[jordanyosh]

PDA :scared1:

[All7OfUs]

Hey Liesa!

Hope everything is well... I've have a busy weekend so I'm just getting back on here. Don't reveal your new dining choice just yet... I need to make an educated guess. ;)

Hey Tim! No worries! I was going to, but now (being it's 10:00) everyone is getting up, and I should put some sort of breafast together. You have another evening, as I won't get to it til later today. Good luck! Hint, a fair amount of the guesses are wrong, so don't go by the white. ;)

[All7OfUs]

PDA :scared1:

Exactly!

[jordanyosh]

Exactly!

You know I would actually say "Hey not around me, it's grossing me out";)

[All7OfUs]

You know I would actually say "Hey not around me, it's grossing me out";)

When her father had THE talk with him... here's what he said:

"you are allowed to hold hands and hug. Anything beyond that, whatever you do to Laura, I will do to you!!"

Is that not the BEST scare tactic EVER??!!

Wise father, that one.

[pipersmom]

Glad they like to sleep in (esp after a 2am bedtime!) and not surprised they like your pizza..never having met you, I would be comfy eating something you'd cooked...(as long as I saw the dog safely chained in the back..LOL..sorry..couldn't resist..I know you'd never).

It sounds like you're going to have an exciting few days! The exuberance may partially be nerves, I'll be curious to see how your impressions change by the time they leave. As for the head on the shoulder..at least she isn't sticking her hand in his back jeans pocket..I can remember when that was the thing to do!

[All7OfUs]

Glad they like to sleep in (esp after a 2am bedtime!) and not surprised they like your pizza..never having met you, I would be comfy eating something you'd cooked...(as long as I saw the dog safely chained in the back..LOL..sorry..couldn't resist..I know you'd never).

It sounds like you're going to have an exciting few days! The exuberance may partially be nerves, I'll be curious to see how your impressions change by the time they leave. As for the head on the shoulder..at least she isn't sticking her hand in his back jeans pocket..I can remember when that was the thing to do!

I don't knoooooowwww. Those 7 puppies feel awfully tender to me!

[All7OfUs]

New information...

Kim, the mom, just came out, and was talking to my househelper... She speaks way better Blank-A-Stani than me.

[that's nice]

I don't use the white... :surfweb:

Your clue is very interesting... I've read it about 10 times so far. I hope I can come up with a decent answer. :lmao:

[All7OfUs]

I don't use the white... :surfweb:

Your clue is very interesting... I've read it about 10 times so far. I hope I can come up with a decent answer. :lmao:

I know you don't, just giving you a hard time again. Did you work a lot over the weekend??

[that's nice]

As for the head on the shoulder..at least she isn't sticking her hand in his back jeans pocket..I can remember when that was the thing to do!

Or the hand... errrrrrr... never mind :sad2:

[that's nice]

Worked New Years Eve.. New Years day.. and a bridal show all day today. We are 50+ days away and I have a lot of news to get to on my PTR. I think I will get to it tomorrow... I'm going to bed in a few. {sleeping smilie here}

[MKBekka]

I know you don't, just giving you a hard time again. Did you work a lot over the weekend??

Wow! you're really giving him a hard time today!!

Or the hand... errrrrrr... never mind :sad2:

you're not alone! she does it to me as well...

[pipersmom]

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: I should thank you for that, I just finished 30min on the wii fit and now I won't snack before bed... :lmao:

[pipersmom]

Or the hand... errrrrrr... never mind :sad2:

Yanno...I started to just put "jeans pocket" and then said no..who knows what would start up with these people if I didn't differentiate! :rotfl:

[that's nice]

Yanno...I started to just put "jeans pocket" and then said no..who knows what would start up with these people if I didn't differentiate! :rotfl:

LOL :lmao:

The way they turn everything into potty humor here, you have a great point!!! :rotfl:

[winkers]

When her father had THE talk with him... here's what he said:

"you are allowed to hold hands and hug. Anything beyond that, whatever you do to Laura, I will do to you!!"

Is that not the BEST scare tactic EVER??!!

Wise father, that one.

:lmao::lmao: I like the way he thinks! I'll have to file that away for when bailie starts dating.

[GreatBiscuit]

As is the case most Sunday Evenings, the days activities have overwhelemed my cortical processors and I've been forced to take all logic circuits offline until I've slept. In other words, I'm too pooped to ponder your dining dump. Drop. Whatever. The whole PDA talk had me cracking up and dreading the day I'm on your end of it. I like the dad's comeback though. When the girls start dating I plan to buy a GPS Tracker, and all camo wardrobe and a subscription to Guns & Ammo to decorate the coffee table.

[jordanyosh]

When her father had THE talk with him... here's what he said:

"you are allowed to hold hands and hug. Anything beyond that, whatever you do to Laura, I will do to you!!"

Is that not the BEST scare tactic EVER??!!

Wise father, that one.
:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

[jordanyosh]

Yanno...I started to just put "jeans pocket" and then said no..who knows what would start up with these people if I didn't differentiate! :rotfl:

LOL :lmao:

The way they turn everything into potty humor here, you have a great point!!! :rotfl:

I feel one coming on..better head to the loo.....;)

[KathyRN137]

Popping in to say "Hi!" :wave2:

(That's popping not pooping. I don't want you to misinterperate it as potty humor!)


Kathy

[eandesmom]

Hmmn. While I've nothing against head on shoulder per-se, the first night of meeting seems a wee bit bold for me.

When her father had THE talk with him... here's what he said:

"you are allowed to hold hands and hug. Anything beyond that, whatever you do to Laura, I will do to you!!"

Is that not the BEST scare tactic EVER??!!

Wise father, that one.

:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

Does that mean you are going to put your head on Laura's shoulder?

New information...

Kim, the mom, just came out, and was talking to my househelper... She speaks way better Blank-A-Stani than me.

well that's cool, I guess?

Popping in to say "Hi!" :wave2:

(That's popping not pooping. I don't want you to misinterperate it as potty humor!)


Kathy

:rotfl2::rotfl2:

[All7OfUs]

Worked New Years Eve.. New Years day.. and a bridal show all day today. We are 50+ days away and I have a lot of news to get to on my PTR. I think I will get to it tomorrow... I'm going to bed in a few. {sleeping smilie here}

I guessed so much. I'll bet you are super tired!


:rotfl2: :rotfl2: I should thank you for that, I just finished 30min on the wii fit and now I won't snack before bed... :lmao:

Did you mean you WANTED a snack? After any exercise, I need an immediate snack to counteract any progress I just made! :lmao:

Yanno...I started to just put "jeans pocket" and then said no..who knows what would start up with these people if I didn't differentiate! :rotfl:

You don't really think we'd do THAT do you?!

(Glad you differentiated)

LOL :lmao:

The way they turn everything into potty humor here, you have a great point!!! :rotfl:

Us? Never. ;)

:lmao::lmao: I like the way he thinks! I'll have to file that away for when bailie starts dating.

Yes! That and carrying a very large weapon.

As is the case most Sunday Evenings, the days activities have overwhelemed my cortical processors and I've been forced to take all logic circuits offline until I've slept. In other words, I'm too pooped to ponder your dining dump. Drop. Whatever. The whole PDA talk had me cracking up and dreading the day I'm on your end of it. I like the dad's comeback though. When the girls start dating I plan to buy a GPS Tracker, and all camo wardrobe and a subscription to Guns & Ammo to decorate the coffee table.


I know! Our intriguing conversation would certainly wear out the most robust spectator/ participator!

Dump?? :lmao::lmao: Never thought of it that way. Leave it to the Peeps. :rotfl2:

Your plan would certainly make me think twice about messing with the Biscuit girls!! :scared:

:

Why thank you.

I feel one coming on..better head to the loo.....;)

Scrunch on...

Popping in to say "Hi!" :wave2:

(That's popping not pooping. I don't want you to misinterperate it as potty humor!)


Kathy

By now, you know you DO need to make things abundantly clear! :lmao: Glad to have you around, Kathy!!

Hmmn. While I've nothing against head on shoulder per-se, the first night of meeting seems a wee bit bold for me.



:rotfl2::rotfl2:

Does that mean you are going to put your head on Laura's shoulder?



well that's cool, I guess?



:rotfl2::rotfl2:

She's cute. But I don't think I'll be putting my head on anyone's shoulder. :scared: Glad to see my son gets a kick out of her! He is so introverted, and sure needed to be pulled out of his shell somewhat!

[Pollito916]

Oh good, I'm not too late for a guess. Not sure how good the guess will be because I had to read the clue like 5 times, but let's give it a try. Beaches & Cream at Y&BCR?

When her father had THE talk with him... here's what he said:

"you are allowed to hold hands and hug. Anything beyond that, whatever you do to Laura, I will do to you!!"

Is that not the BEST scare tactic EVER??!!

Wise father, that one.

LOVE it!!! :rotfl:

I don't knoooooowwww. Those 7 puppies feel awfully tender to me!

Ewwww! :scared1:

[All7OfUs]

Oh good, I'm not too late for a guess. Not sure how good the guess will be because I had to read the clue like 5 times, but let's give it a try. Beaches & Cream at Y&BCR?



LOVE it!!! :rotfl:



Ewwww! :scared1:

Glad you snuck in with a last minute guess!!! Actually, with the chaos going on in my home, I won't even be able to get to the answer post for a while. Possibly tonight?

[All7OfUs]

I can now FULLY relate to the Grinch.

The Noise, The Noise, THE NOISE!!!!!

:dance3: <----- That is me marching my way to the looney bin! 4 teens, a hyperactive mother, and 2 younger ones= WAY TOO MUCH for me!

[pipersmom]

I can now FULLY relate to the Grinch.

The Noise, The Noise, THE NOISE!!!!!

:dance3: <----- That is me marching my way to the looney bin! 4 teens, a hyperactive mother, and 2 younger ones= WAY TOO MUCH for me!

Being a more quiet person...I can relate..just imagine the noise multiplied by 4 and then maybe you won't notice it as much! So the burning question of the day is... did the gf get egg shells in the cake? LOL...and tell your son please..

:bday: :cake: Happy Birthday!! party: :bday:

[eandesmom]

I can now FULLY relate to the Grinch.

The Noise, The Noise, THE NOISE!!!!!

:dance3: <----- That is me marching my way to the looney bin! 4 teens, a hyperactive mother, and 2 younger ones= WAY TOO MUCH for me!

Earplugs? Ipod?

Run away to buy more fermented camels milk?

[All7OfUs]

Being a more quiet person...I can relate..just imagine the noise multiplied by 4 and then maybe you won't notice it as much! So the burning question of the day is... did the gf get egg shells in the cake? LOL...and tell your son please..

:bday: :cake: Happy Birthday!! party: :bday:

OK, here's the burning answer- literally! :lmao:

Andrew and Laura ended up going on a walk- a long, long walk all around town. So, they got back too late for her to do the cake. I now understand it was a ruse to get her to come on this particular day. Bekka ended up making the cake, but our oven is not even. So half of it burned- half was great, but it fell apart when she turned it out. I frosted it, and "put it all back together", like a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle held together with silly putty.

Here's a clincher: I just found out that Laura is a young 16, and Andrew is 19! Hmmmm... cradle robber?



Earplugs? Ipod?

Run away to buy more fermented camels milk?

They have Stardust on right now- full blast it seems like! I'm not sure I can take this until Saturday. :eek:

Forget buttered rums, sista. I need a martini!

[winkers]

I can now FULLY relate to the Grinch.

The Noise, The Noise, THE NOISE!!!!!

:dance3: <----- That is me marching my way to the looney bin! 4 teens, a hyperactive mother, and 2 younger ones= WAY TOO MUCH for me!

:rotfl2: should I send my contractors and plumber over to add to the chaos?

[All7OfUs]

:rotfl2: should I send my contractors and plumber over to add to the chaos?



I NEED a plumber! My poor DH spent THE ENTIRE DAY trying to install a new kitchen faucet that was made with crapola plastic washers. The bazaar was closed today, so couldn't get the parts he needs to keep it from leaking- so will be at it again all day tomorrow.

He can enjoy fermented camels' milk, and I'll even share the 2 bottles of root beer my guests brought. 'Check it out! They also brought me corn chips, Tobasco sauce, brown sugar, AND POP TARTS!!!!! CAn you believe it? Let me say it again! POP TARTS!!!

[pipersmom]

I NEED a plumber! My poor DH spent THE ENTIRE DAY trying to install a new kitchen faucet that was made with crapola plastic washers. The bazaar was closed today, so couldn't get the parts he needs to keep it from leaking- so will be at it again all day tomorrow.

He can enjoy fermented camels' milk, and I'll even share the 2 bottles of root beer my guests brought. 'Check it out! They also brought me corn chips, Tobasco sauce, brown sugar, AND POP TARTS!!!!! CAn you believe it? Let me say it again! POP TARTS!!!

Woohoo for pop-tarts! I claim to buy them for Piper..but ermmm there have been a few mornings that I've had to say.."ohh..there aren't any left we'll have to get some more." after I had eaten the last one the night before. ;)

Just be glad he's 19 and she's 16 and not the other way around..then you'd reallllly wonder!

[GreatBiscuit]

Mmmmmmm Pop Tarts....

[All7OfUs]

Woohoo for pop-tarts! I claim to buy them for Piper..but ermmm there have been a few mornings that I've had to say.."ohh..there aren't any left we'll have to get some more." after I had eaten the last one the night before. ;)

Just be glad he's 19 and she's 16 and not the other way around..then you'd reallllly wonder!

Yeah, that would make me certainly wonder! :lmao:

I do that with left-over lasagne! King of ALL snacks!

Mmmmmmm Pop Tarts....

Strawberry and Cinnamon Brown Sugar. ;) 8 in each box. 7 Family Members- Fuzzy Pop Tart Math= One for each person and 2 for me, from each box.

[All7OfUs]

Due to uncontrollable circumstances, Rations Drop has been experiencing technical difficulties. When order has been restored by #1 Master Sergeant, and time has been restored to her regimine, the answer will be revealed. That might be around, say, Saturday?? Not sure.

All I can say, is that my faucet leaks (not THAT one), my eardrums are tired, and my Christmas cookies are gone. Soldier #1 will console herself with the bag of corn chips and left-over salsa privately.

[glennbo123]

AND POP TARTS!!!!! CAn you believe it? Let me say it again! POP TARTS!!!

You've hit on my vice. I eat these almost every workday. :scared: Brown sugar cinnamon only. In my opinion, they are the only pop tart. But I do mix it up...sometimes I get the unfrosted ones!

Why just workdays? 1) it saves me some sleeping-in time so I don't have to fit breakfast into my morning routine, 2) DW doesn't want my choice of diet to be a bad influence on the kids (I eat them at work), and 3) uh, they're wonderful!

[All7OfUs]

You've hit on my vice. I eat these almost every workday. :scared: Brown sugar cinnamon only. In my opinion, they are the only pop tart. But I do mix it up...sometimes I get the unfrosted ones!

Why just workdays? 1) it saves me some sleeping-in time so I don't have to fit breakfast into my morning routine, 2) DW doesn't want my choice of diet to be a bad influence on the kids (I eat them at work), and 3) uh, they're wonderful!

Glennbo, say it with me.... "Frosted".

[glennbo123]

Glennbo, say it with me.... "Frosted".

Oh that's what I eat 90% of the time....just when that gets old, I go with unfrosted for a couple of days. :rotfl2:

[All7OfUs]

Oh that's what I eat 90% of the time....just when that gets old, I go with unfrosted for a couple of days. :rotfl2:

I'd say that's adventure, right there! :lmao:

[jordanyosh]

Frosted Blueberry.

[pipersmom]

We're cinnamon and brown sugar folks also..as a kid I loooved the frosted choccy ones, but I don't let Piper get them..lol..at least brown sugar & cinnamon is kind of breakfast-y. She does like trying the new ones as they come out though..cookies & cream..apple strudel, etc. Bleh..I'll take the B&C and fruit flavors please. Just as a sidenote..the low fat ones are also really good! We've switched to them 100% for the common flavors.

[Sleepingbooty]

Oh, brown sugar cinnamon are the best! Must, be toasted, though. I CANNOT eat them cold. I suppose I'd have to say chocolate fudge second place, and various interchangeable fruit-like flavors come in third. Must have a nice cold glass of milk with them, too (not fermented camel's, mind you):thumbsup2

[GreatBiscuit]

I like mine smeared with butter. Gotta get the dairy in there or it's not a properly balanced meal.

[jordanyosh]

I like mine smeared with butter. Gotta get the dairy in there or it's not a properly balanced meal.
:rotfl2::rotfl2:

[glennbo123]

One time I even called the customer service number when I got a bad batch, where the filling was part brown sugar and cinnamon, and part fruit flavor. Apparently the line hadn't been cleaned out well when they switched flavors. My wife was like :confused3 who can tell? But I was like "oh no you don't" (what is it Jordan?...wave your finger and move your head back and forth while repeating it)! I know my Pop Tarts.

They sent me a coupon for a free box. :banana:

[shannn]

First of all, there's only one kind of poptart:: frosted strawberry!

(Or s'mores when you've been drinking and need a sugar fix...ahem...not that I'd know about that!)


Secondly, I think the head on the shoulder trick is kind of cute. Especially considering what could be going on! :lmao: (not that your sweet shy son would do anything inappropriate....)


Thirdly, Breathe. You'll get through it!

[winkers]

poptarts...eckkkk. but then I don't like pie crust. My kids on the other hand love those things.

I love Stardust! such a great movie....now I need to go watch it. I'm spending most of today locked away in my room which is the only orderly place in the house right now.

[glennbo123]

poptarts...eckkkk. but then I don't like pie crust. My kids on the other hand love those things.


See, for me they're probably a comfort-food kind of thing. 'Cause my mom made a lot of pies and had crust left over and would bake the leftover crust with some sugar and cinnamon on it.....so I ate that a lot....well, that....and Pop Tarts! :rotfl:

[kimmylaj]

just popping in to tell all the pop tart junkies (like my ds6, who eats chocolate ones religiously every school day) go to poptarts.com sign up for the sprinklins club, we got a coupon for a free box of blueberry and we got to taste test wild grape and give the pop tart people feedback. i just love free stuff.

[jordanyosh]

http://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr94/charrisGOP/diint.gif

[that's nice]

I think I was deprived as a kid. My parents never let us eat pop tarts. All I wanted to do was eat them like all the other kids. When I finally ate one I didn't understand why I wanted it in the first place. I didn't even like them.:sad2:

OK I will run and crawl back into my hole now! :tiptoe:


BTW Liesa.. I have read your clue about 20 times now and I am officially stumped!:badpc:

[glennbo123]

http://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr94/charrisGOP/diint.gif

:lmao:

That's what I'm talkin' about!

[glennbo123]

just popping in to tell all the pop tart junkies (like my ds6, who eats chocolate ones religiously every school day) go to poptarts.com sign up for the sprinklins club, we got a coupon for a free box of blueberry and we got to taste test wild grape and give the pop tart people feedback. i just love free stuff.

:banana: Must....go. :woohoo:

[jenb1023]

HEY!!! YOU'RE BACK!! I saw you on FB the other night, but didn't get to chat much. How is your new hosue? SEttling in??

I've learned that with the long threads you can't always catch up, so diving in wherever you are is fine!! In fact, sometimes if you don't read throroughly, you can miss something, and it turns the whole thread into a hilarious conversation. (Ask Jordan about his wife sometime :scared1::lmao:)

Thanks for the welcome back! House is good - always a new project to tackle (though mine are not anywhere near the issues you guys deal with).

Man you guys are chatty! I am having trouble keeping up with the pacing of new posts - I think going back to read old ones may be hopeless! Glad that you are surviving the visit. Love the Dad's "talk" and all of the crazy chatting going on. Looking forward to more details about the visit and the answer to the rations drop when you get around to it.

[GreatBiscuit]

One time I even called the customer service number when I got a bad batch, where the filling was part brown sugar and cinnamon, and part fruit flavor. Apparently the line hadn't been cleaned out well when they switched flavors. My wife was like :confused3 who can tell? But I was like "oh no you don't" (what is it Jordan?...wave your finger and move your head back and forth while repeating it)! I know my Pop Tarts.

They sent me a coupon for a free box. :banana:Now that's some first class pastry dedication right there.

http://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr94/charrisGOP/diint.gif:lmao: :rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl:

[StefaniLyn]

I lived on S'mores Pop Tarts in college. Talk about the freshman fifteen. Ugh. So I got myself preggers (well, not ALL by myself of course) to cover it up! :rotfl2:

[eandesmom]

:rotfl2: should I send my contractors and plumber over to add to the chaos?

NO, just your MIL and her MBOC

Oh wait, I wouldn't do that to Liesa!

Due to uncontrollable circumstances, Rations Drop has been experiencing technical difficulties. When order has been restored by #1 Master Sergeant, and time has been restored to her regimine, the answer will be revealed. That might be around, say, Saturday?? Not sure.

All I can say, is that my faucet leaks (not THAT one), my eardrums are tired, and my Christmas cookies are gone. Soldier #1 will console herself with the bag of corn chips and left-over salsa privately.

:grouphug:

You've hit on my vice. I eat these almost every workday. :scared: Brown sugar cinnamon only. In my opinion, they are the only pop tart. But I do mix it up...sometimes I get the unfrosted ones!

Why just workdays? 1) it saves me some sleeping-in time so I don't have to fit breakfast into my morning routine, 2) DW doesn't want my choice of diet to be a bad influence on the kids (I eat them at work), and 3) uh, they're wonderful!

Whole Grain Brown Sugar Cinnamon. Pretend they are healthy with me!!!!!! They are the ONLY kind as far as I am concerned.

poptarts...eckkkk. but then I don't like pie crust. My kids on the other hand love those things.

I love Stardust! such a great movie....now I need to go watch it. I'm spending most of today locked away in my room which is the only orderly place in the house right now.

See, for me they're probably a comfort-food kind of thing. 'Cause my mom made a lot of pies and had crust left over and would bake the leftover crust with some sugar and cinnamon on it.....so I ate that a lot....well, that....and Pop Tarts! :rotfl:

Mnn. Pie crust, poptarts..mmn! Not that I got much of either as a kid but we LIVED on cinnamon sugar toast (and my kids have no idea what that is, Jeff and I were just discussing we need to fix that) or I'd put butter and cinnamon sugar on a tortilla and warm it in the microwave.

YUM!

Maybe I'll introduce it tomorrow morning, it may make up for the fact I didn't go to the store and we are out of milk and I have no intention of making it there before they go to school!

Sugar will ease the pain I'm sure.

[All7OfUs]

Frosted Blueberry.

I see now, I should have had Pop Tarts as the subject for my poll...

We're cinnamon and brown sugar folks also..as a kid I loooved the frosted choccy ones, but I don't let Piper get them..lol..at least brown sugar & cinnamon is kind of breakfast-y. She does like trying the new ones as they come out though..cookies & cream..apple strudel, etc. Bleh..I'll take the B&C and fruit flavors please. Just as a sidenote..the low fat ones are also really good! We've switched to them 100% for the common flavors.

To be very honest, I haven't had a pop tart in about 25 years. But just the thought of having one, solely because it's like forbidden/unavailable fruit here, they just sound good. I don't even know if I'm going to like them once I get them opened. I'll let you know.

Oh, brown sugar cinnamon are the best! Must, be toasted, though. I CANNOT eat them cold. I suppose I'd have to say chocolate fudge second place, and various interchangeable fruit-like flavors come in third. Must have a nice cold glass of milk with them, too (not fermented camel's, mind you):thumbsup2

So, when I steal away into the bathroom to sneak in my Pop Tart fix, I should toast it. I need to get it right the first time, because there won't a chance to make it right for another year. AHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhh, the pressure; I don't know if I can handle it!!! :eek::scared:

I like mine smeared with butter. Gotta get the dairy in there or it's not a properly balanced meal.

Now there's a good argument for nutrition. THat's what I was trying to convince maroo of earlier in this PTR about her veggies! :idea:

[All7OfUs]

One time I even called the customer service number when I got a bad batch, where the filling was part brown sugar and cinnamon, and part fruit flavor. Apparently the line hadn't been cleaned out well when they switched flavors. My wife was like :confused3 who can tell? But I was like "oh no you don't" (what is it Jordan?...wave your finger and move your head back and forth while repeating it)! I know my Pop Tarts.

They sent me a coupon for a free box. :banana:

You ARE a PT fanatic!! WOW, to bring in the PT Feds. is quite something! Next time I need PT advice, I know where to go!! :lmao:

First of all, there's only one kind of poptart:: frosted strawberry!

(Or s'mores when you've been drinking and need a sugar fix...ahem...not that I'd know about that!)


Secondly, I think the head on the shoulder trick is kind of cute. Especially considering what could be going on! :lmao: (not that your sweet shy son would do anything inappropriate....)


Thirdly, Breathe. You'll get through it!

Everything tastes ok when you're drinking! THey don't call it wine "pairing" for nothing.:rotfl2:

No, I don't think he would. But we still put the parameters down- no closed doors, etc... We were 16/19 once too. :rolleyes1;)



poptarts...eckkkk. but then I don't like pie crust. My kids on the other hand love those things.

I love Stardust! such a great movie....now I need to go watch it. I'm spending most of today locked away in my room which is the only orderly place in the house right now.

I don't either, much! I like what goes into the crust. Another similar axiom we coined....

"Bread is merely a vehicle for what is put upon it!"


See, for me they're probably a comfort-food kind of thing. 'Cause my mom made a lot of pies and had crust left over and would bake the leftover crust with some sugar and cinnamon on it.....so I ate that a lot....well, that....and Pop Tarts! :rotfl:

My MIL did the same thing. Maybe that's why DH like the crust more than the filling (no matter what kind) and bread-plain bread with nothing on it. Maybe his ancestors lived in concentration camps and it was somehow absorbed into the DNA or something? Blech!

just popping in to tell all the pop tart junkies (like my ds6, who eats chocolate ones religiously every school day) go to poptarts.com sign up for the sprinklins club, we got a coupon for a free box of blueberry and we got to taste test wild grape and give the pop tart people feedback. i just love free stuff.


You and Glenn need to have some intervention or PT therapy. The Sprinkles Club?? :lmao:

[All7OfUs]

http://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr94/charrisGOP/diint.gif

:lmao::lmao::lmao:

I think I was deprived as a kid. My parents never let us eat pop tarts. All I wanted to do was eat them like all the other kids. When I finally ate one I didn't understand why I wanted it in the first place. I didn't even like them.:sad2:

OK I will run and crawl back into my hole now! :tiptoe:


BTW Liesa.. I have read your clue about 20 times now and I am officially stumped!:badpc:


We had different junk- Captain Crunch, Cocoa Puffs, but lots of good homemade stuff too, AND regular stops at Winchells Doughnuts. MMMmmm!

Don't worry. I don't like Black Forest Cake- everyone raves about that at the Biergarten. :confused3

Gotcha this time, did I?
:banana: Must....go. :woohoo:

INTERVENTION!!!!!!!

Thanks for the welcome back! House is good - always a new project to tackle (though mine are not anywhere near the issues you guys deal with).

Man you guys are chatty! I am having trouble keeping up with the pacing of new posts - I think going back to read old ones may be hopeless! Glad that you are surviving the visit. Love the Dad's "talk" and all of the crazy chatting going on. Looking forward to more details about the visit and the answer to the rations drop when you get around to it.



Glad you are enjoying the house!! I know after moving there is always so much work to do, to get it just way you want it; and then still there's more!

I have some fun photos of them and all of us, but need to get them uploaded to PB sometime. But honestly, they are high maintenance guests. I've had very little "alone" time since they've arrived! :headache:

[All7OfUs]

I lived on S'mores Pop Tarts in college. Talk about the freshman fifteen. Ugh. So I got myself preggers (well, not ALL by myself of course) to cover it up! :rotfl2:

:lmao: So then it was like the preggers 35?!!



NO, just your MIL and her MBOC

Oh wait, I wouldn't do that to Liesa!



:grouphug:.

My only true friend in the world. ;) Although Cherie's MIL sounds like a pretty good contractor. And maybe she could even pull out some day old (month old) Pop Tarts from her MBOC.:confused3 Glenn and Kim, does it matter if PTs are a day or month old??



Whole Grain Brown Sugar Cinnamon. Pretend they are healthy with me!!!!!! They are the ONLY kind as far as I am concerned. .


I'm pretending. But this is quite a stretch!


Mnn. Pie crust, poptarts..mmn! Not that I got much of either as a kid but we LIVED on cinnamon sugar toast (and my kids have no idea what that is, Jeff and I were just discussing we need to fix that) or I'd put butter and cinnamon sugar on a tortilla and warm it in the microwave.

YUM!.

WE have that about once a week! Mmmmm, Mmmm!

Maybe I'll introduce it tomorrow morning, it may make up for the fact I didn't go to the store and we are out of milk and I have no intention of making it there before they go to school!

Sugar will ease the pain I'm sure.

You do that!! Are you sure, though, you're not out of coffee- again?! :rotfl2:

[All7OfUs]

No thread would be complete without some drama, and I know you all might like to see some pictures of this budding romance, so I thought I'd indulge you all and post a few of the lovely couple.

Here they are in all their youthful cuteness:

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll305/All7OfUs/Picture121.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll305/All7OfUs/Picture122.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll305/All7OfUs/Picture137.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll305/All7OfUs/Picture131.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll305/All7OfUs/Picture120.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll305/All7OfUs/Picture119.jpg

These are in order from older to most recent, ending with yesterday when they took a walk around town together. Aren't they cute??

I have some more that I want to post that are of Andrew opening his birthday presents from them. She made him a shield with a whole bunch of symbolic things. It turned out pretty cool! But I need to get them off of the mom's camera.

Well, time is up. I'll leave you to your reminiscing of when you were 16 and in love for the first time. It is quite refreshing and fun to observe as a mom!

[Millie12591]

No thread would be complete without some drama, and I know you all might like to see some pictures of this budding romance, so I thought I'd indulge you all and post a few of the lovely couple.

Here they are in all their youthful cuteness:

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll305/All7OfUs/Picture121.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll305/All7OfUs/Picture122.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll305/All7OfUs/Picture137.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll305/All7OfUs/Picture131.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll305/All7OfUs/Picture120.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll305/All7OfUs/Picture119.jpg

These are in order from older to most recent, ending with yesterday when they took a walk around town together. Aren't they cute??

I have some more that I want to post that are of Andrew opening his birthday presents from them. She made him a shield with a whole bunch of symbolic things. It turned out pretty cool! But I need to get them off of the mom's camera.

Well, time is up. I'll leave you to your reminiscing of when you were 16 and in love for the first time. It is quite refreshing and fun to observe as a mom!

Too, cute for words!!!! So sweet when first in love. :love:
I just wish it wasn't so hard for me! :laughing: I have such a hard time watching my baby having a gf for the first time. It's also a good thing that he's picked such a sweet girl, looks like your boy has done the same. :lovestruc Precious.

[All7OfUs]

Too, cute for words!!!! So sweet when first in love. :love:
I just wish it wasn't so hard for me! :laughing: I have such a hard time watching my baby having a gf for the first time. It's also a good thing that he's picked such a sweet girl, looks like your boy has done the same. :lovestruc Precious.

It is precious!! Very sweet, and I'm just really excited that he has a chance to "practice" these life-skills so important to growing up- but under our watch-care! He is a good kid with a good head on his shoulders. Thankfully, he still listens to our counsel and seems to be wise about how he is proceeding.

[Millie12591]

It is precious!! Very sweet, and I'm just really excited that he has a chance to "practice" these life-skills so important to growing up- but under our watch-care! He is a good kid with a good head on his shoulders. Thankfully, he still listens to our counsel and seems to be wise about how he is proceeding.

I soooo, know what you mean about the learning life skills while still at home. Praise God that's the case for us as well. :worship:
I'm think I'm starting to see the counsel falling on deaf ears of late, which is a total shocker for me. My boy usually listens to what I have to say with wisdom and concern for my words, nooooooow. :confused3 I think he does, but I'm seeing the starts of that slipping, probably the norm. He's trying to figure these things out for himself more now that he's about to go off to school over the course of this year. I'm seeing him cut the apron strings, and I'm hoping it's a normal thing and not a rebellious thing, you know? I'm just happy we still have some time before he's on his own to further that counsel and hope that it sticks. :confused3 I just keep telling myself...."God loves him more than I do, God loves him more than I do." So I know that he's being watched over....but you still can't help feeling like your helpless. :rolleyes:

[All7OfUs]

I soooo, know what you mean about the learning life skills while still at home. Praise God that's the case for us as well. :worship:
I'm think I'm starting to see the counsel falling on deaf ears of late, which is a total shocker for me. My boy usually listens to what I have to say with wisdom and concern for my words, nooooooow. :confused3 I think he does, but I'm seeing the starts of that slipping, probably the norm. He's trying to figure these things out for himself more now that he's about to go off to school over the course of this year. I'm seeing him cut the apron strings, and I'm hoping it's a normal thing and not a rebellious thing, you know? I'm just happy we still have some time before he's on his own to further that counsel and hope that it sticks. :confused3 I just keep telling myself...."God loves him more than I do, God loves him more than I do." So I know that he's being watched over....but you still can't help feeling like your helpless. :rolleyes:

I think it's a totally normal thing- don't worry! After you've given your counsel and prayed and shown common sense, and prayed some more, you just have to sit back and let them make their choices AND be responsible for them.

[pipersmom]

The pics are so cute, Liesa! I have to say though, I laughed out loud when I saw the one of your lil one with her "see-food"!

Camille and Liesa, I don't think either of you have anything to worry about with your kids when they have such great Moms as rolemodels! :lovestruc

[If U Had Wings]

The pics are adorable! It looks like he picked a really sweet girl.:)

[maroo]

Hey guys!

Your son and his girlfriend are PRECIOUS!! :love: :love: :love:


I have a prayer request...
We are expecting bad weather...and up until this morning, we thought it would be mostly snow. But the forecast has changed some and they are now pretty sure it will be ICE.

This will be followed by extremely cold temperatures...down to the lower TEENS at night.

IF that forecast were to materialize (and I realize that is a big IF) - we would have issues. MS has large Pine trees...and these break under ice...even a little bit of ice. When those trees break, the power goes out...and we have no road equipment to clear the roads for the power trucks...so we will be without power for days.

With those temps...and no power...it could really be a bad situation here. We have already had one woman die from the cold - no heat in her house.

I wonder about frozen pipes, too. Those bursting will mess up water sources, too.

I am worried about Lauren and her family - as they live pretty far out and around a rare hilly area here - and they are further north, which will be more likely to see the bad stuff.

I am planning to leave tomorrow for Disney instead of Thursday - unless we decide that my friends want me to stay here to see if I can help them (but maybe I would just use their resources - so that may not be a good idea).

[that's nice]

Liesa- Your son & g/f look really happy! Those are great pics.:goodvibes

And yes I am stumped with your clue... Since you haven't posted an answer yet I think I will just give a random answer--> Sunshine Seasons

Now I ned to go back and see if you are already eating here. :confused3

[StefaniLyn]

Liesa the photos are so adroable. They make a cute couple and so reminded me of when I met started dating DH at the age of 15. I swear if my scanner wasn't such a pain in the butt you'd be looking at a photo of us young and in love right now.

You need to photoshop DH's head into some of those! :rotfl2:

[jenb1023]

Love the pics of young puppy love and other members of the family! Sorry you have not had much time to yourself. I look forward to further reports and to the rations drop answer which I am now sure I got wrong and am dying to know the answer to.

Maroo - prayers and good thoughts sent :hug:

[glennbo123]

Whole Grain Brown Sugar Cinnamon. Pretend they are healthy with me!!!!!! They are the ONLY kind as far as I am concerned.


I'll have to try those. I've never seen them, but I surely wasn't looking for them either!


Mnn. Pie crust, poptarts..mmn! Not that I got much of either as a kid but we LIVED on cinnamon sugar toast (and my kids have no idea what that is, Jeff and I were just discussing we need to fix that) or I'd put butter and cinnamon sugar on a tortilla and warm it in the microwave.


Oh yeah, I ate a lot of cinnamon-sugar toast. Must have been when I was taking a break from Pop Tarts. :rotfl:

You ARE a PT fanatic!! WOW, to bring in the PT Feds. is quite something! Next time I need PT advice, I know where to go!! :lmao:


:lmao: PT Feds! I'm hearing the Dragnet music: Daa-da-dun-dun.

[punkin413]

very cute pics.....ah to be young again! :cloud9:

[glennbo123]

Liesa, your son and his girlfriend are very cute together.

Cue Donny Osmond! "And they called it....puppy looooooove."

My 15yo daughter has a boyfriend this year too. I'm not real crazy about the idea, but what're you going to do?

[eandesmom]

We had different junk- Captain Crunch, Cocoa Puffs, but lots of good homemade stuff too, AND regular stops at Winchells Doughnuts. MMMmmm!


We NEVER had junk cereal but WINCHELL'S! Every Sunday after church....
:love:


You do that!! Are you sure, though, you're not out of coffee- again?! :rotfl2:

The kids loved it, I need to find a shaker to just have it out otherwise I foresee some rather messy counters.

Nope, just out of milk. Coffee would have gotten me out of the house.

must.remember.to.get.milk.today.

Costco run isn't till tomorrow!

Liesa, your son and his girlfriend are very cute together.

Cue Donny Osmond! "And they called it....puppy looooooove."

My 15yo daughter has a boyfriend this year too. I'm not real crazy about the idea, but what're you going to do?

Or a little Karen Carpenter...Muskrat Love..

They are ADORABLE Liesa!

[All7OfUs]

The pics are so cute, Liesa! I have to say though, I laughed out loud when I saw the one of your lil one with her "see-food"!

Camille and Liesa, I don't think either of you have anything to worry about with your kids when they have such great Moms as rolemodels! :lovestruc

Those kids on the couch with Andrew are NOT mine. They are Laura (his girlfriend) and her sisters at her house in the city he lives in. MY kids never have "see-food". :rolleyes1:lmao:

Thanks, you're so sweet! He learned to fart from THE best role model. :rotfl2:

The pics are adorable! It looks like he picked a really sweet girl.:)

Here's how to describe her from what I see:

She is very artsy-fartsy.

She has great big blue eyes.

She loves to sing, and is taking voice lessons.

Loves to act, and is a budding author like her parents.

She is much quieter than my son, but then again everyone is.

She liked the Korean food I fed her today.

Hey guys!

Your son and his girlfriend are PRECIOUS!! :love: :love: :love:


I have a prayer request...
We are expecting bad weather...and up until this morning, we thought it would be mostly snow. But the forecast has changed some and they are now pretty sure it will be ICE.

This will be followed by extremely cold temperatures...down to the lower TEENS at night.

IF that forecast were to materialize (and I realize that is a big IF) - we would have issues. MS has large Pine trees...and these break under ice...even a little bit of ice. When those trees break, the power goes out...and we have no road equipment to clear the roads for the power trucks...so we will be without power for days.

With those temps...and no power...it could really be a bad situation here. We have already had one woman die from the cold - no heat in her house.

I wonder about frozen pipes, too. Those bursting will mess up water sources, too.

I am worried about Lauren and her family - as they live pretty far out and around a rare hilly area here - and they are further north, which will be more likely to see the bad stuff.

I am planning to leave tomorrow for Disney instead of Thursday - unless we decide that my friends want me to stay here to see if I can help them (but maybe I would just use their resources - so that may not be a good idea).

So, you'll be leaving Wed. PM afterall!! Good plan, get out ahead of it- and play it safe!

Liesa- Your son & g/f look really happy! Those are great pics.:goodvibes

And yes I am stumped with your clue... Since you haven't posted an answer yet I think I will just give a random answer--> Sunshine Seasons

Now I ned to go back and see if you are already eating here. :confused3

They are so happy! But I afear some hard times ahead with him leaving and her having to stay to finish up her senior year. He will be in Kentucky, she in California. Hmmm.... hope they talk about this!

Sorry I stumped you! Yeah, that was random. :confused3 You'll have to explain what led you to it!

Liesa the photos are so adroable. They make a cute couple and so reminded me of when I met started dating DH at the age of 15. I swear if my scanner wasn't such a pain in the butt you'd be looking at a photo of us young and in love right now.

You need to photoshop DH's head into some of those! :rotfl2:

15!! Wow, that was young!! How would I photoshop them? Make it look like he washes his hair once a month?? :rotfl2:

Love the pics of young puppy love and other members of the family! Sorry you have not had much time to yourself. I look forward to further reports and to the rations drop answer which I am now sure I got wrong and am dying to know the answer to.

Maroo - prayers and good thoughts sent :hug:

I need more time to myself these days; more so than even a couple years ago. I really feel as I get older I need more of that, and am becoming less extroverted! weird....

RD will have to wait until possibly Sat. I hope!!!


Oh yeah, I ate a lot of cinnamon-sugar toast. Must have been when I was taking a break from Pop Tarts. :rotfl:



:lmao: PT Feds! I'm hearing the Dragnet music: Daa-da-dun-dun.

Cinny toast is the best!! With LOADS of butter, of course!:thumbsup2


very cute pics.....ah to be young again! :cloud9:

Yeah, that would mean a firmer rearend, less arm flab and possibly a few thousand less stretch marks! :lmao:

Liesa, your son and his girlfriend are very cute together.

Cue Donny Osmond! "And they called it....puppy looooooove."

My 15yo daughter has a boyfriend this year too. I'm not real crazy about the idea, but what're you going to do?

Make sure you guard her well, as I know you will!!

We NEVER had junk cereal but WINCHELL'S! Every Sunday after church....
:love:

Nope, just out of milk. Coffee would have gotten me out of the house.

must.remember.to.get.milk.today.

Costco run isn't till tomorrow!



yeah, baby! Maple bars or cinnamon twists with really cold milk! That's the ticket!

I thought coffee might. Milk- never!

[pipersmom]

[QUOTE=All7OfUs;34886932]Those kids on the couch with Andrew are NOT mine. They are Laura (his girlfriend) and her sisters at her house in the city he lives in. MY kids never have "see-food". :rolleyes1:lmao:

Thanks, you're so sweet! He learned to fart from THE best role model. :rotfl2:[QUOTE]

Okay, I feel better now..I knew they looked different..but couldn't figure out why, just thought they were younger maybe..or didn;t have their glasses on! (though then your son would have been younger too)..total blonde moment on my part! :lmao::lmao:

[Sleepingbooty]

http://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr94/charrisGOP/diint.gif

That is AWESOME!

We had different junk- Captain Crunch, Cocoa Puffs, but lots of good homemade stuff too, AND regular stops at Winchells Doughnuts. MMMmmm!



Oh! I remember Winchells fondly .... do they still have them somewhere? None left in St. Lou

I have a prayer request...
We are expecting bad weather...and up until this morning, we thought it would be mostly snow. But the forecast has changed some and they are now pretty sure it will be ICE.

This will be followed by extremely cold temperatures...down to the lower TEENS at night.....


Prayers headed your way, Maroo. I lived in the south for 4 years and I remember what havoc those winter ice storms can bring. Stay warm! Oh wait, you'll be in Disney. Well, its actually been pretty cold there lately too!

[shannn]

OH, they are too too cute!!

How did they meet?

[Millie12591]

I think it's a totally normal thing- don't worry! After you've given your counsel and prayed and shown common sense, and prayed some more, you just have to sit back and let them make their choices AND be responsible for them.
Very true, very true. Thank you Liesa-I think I got your name right this time. :laughing:

The pics are so cute, Liesa! I have to say though, I laughed out loud when I saw the one of your lil one with her "see-food"! Aren't they though! I know :laughing: I loved the see-food surprise from the cutie girl too. :rotfl:

Camille and Liesa, I don't think either of you have anything to worry about with your kids when they have such great Moms as rolemodels! :lovestruc
:eek: :hug: OMGosh Amanda, thank you so much! I really needed to hear that, lately I feel more like a drill Sgt. than a loving mom. I realize we moms wear different hats as needed, but this is one that I do not like wearing. :sad2: Well, it does take a good mom to know one, so I'm doubly honored. :hug:

[jordanyosh]

I've seen the pix......

I don't like her.....Her eyes are beady...

I'm just kidding!

Young love. I'm still in love (in a nostalgic way) with my 10th grade GF....my first true love.

[Sandy321]

I really bop in and out!!

Tell Maroo to leave one of her outside pipes (for us its our bedroom bathroom sink) dripping - warm

Donny Osmond - puppy luv :rotfl2:

prayer and teenagers - I have a 24 yr old and a 21 yr old - I'm so glad God was with us in those teenage years!! DD 13 - God Help us! We went on a mission trip to Michigan - and learned about "God sightings' I'm grateful for God Sightings!!

[pipersmom]

[COLOR="purple"]:eek: :hug: OMGosh Amanda, thank you so much! I really needed to hear that, lately I feel more like a drill Sgt. than a loving mom. I realize we moms wear different hats as needed, but this is one that I do not like wearing. :sad2: Well, it does take a good mom to know one, so I'm doubly honored. :hug:

You know Camille..I think it's the parents that never feel like drill sergeants that have the problems. ;) As long as you're not drill sergeant 100% of the time..which I know you're not when you have your daughter aiding and abetting your Mickey head heist..:lmao: I think you're good! My mom was always 100% sergeant, and I really rebelled once I got a taste of freedom...I'm lucky though, in that it helps me be a better parent :)

[tinkgurl]

Aw, they look adorable together! :love:

[maroo]

I am heading to Disney today instead of tomorrow! I just didn't want to chance my flight not making it...so after work (around 3:30) - I am off to the world! :)


Prayers headed your way, Maroo. I lived in the south for 4 years and I remember what havoc those winter ice storms can bring. Stay warm! Oh wait, you'll be in Disney. Well, its actually been pretty cold there lately too!

Thank you so much for the prayers! I am really hoping it stays just a few degrees warmer here and we don't have many problems...They really can bring havoc! Nothing like some freezing rain to ruin your week. I was noticing all of the trees hanging over the power lines...:rolleyes:



Tell Maroo to leave one of her outside pipes (for us its our bedroom bathroom sink) dripping - warm


When are you headed out? I hope soon...you guys have winter weather headed that way, too!

I did insultate all of my outside pipes and have 2 different neighbors checking on my condo.

IF we lose power around the city, my place will be one of the first to come back up (we have a large gas thing right by my house that is used to generate the electricity for a bunch of people...so we get turned on fast!) and I may have a bunch of people in my condo when I get home. I had 11 stay in my place in the days following Katrina.

[All7OfUs]

Really wanted to be here more today, but power was off when I woke up at 10:00 (Don't ya LOVE vacation?!!) and didn't come on until 7:30. :scared1:

They are so cute together!! This evening Laura's mom taught us a few swing dance moves and I got some really awesome video of my son and Laura DANCING!!!!! Do you think he'd EVER dance with ANYONE else- ever??!! I guess it takes first girlfriend sorts of measure to get some kids to do stuff like that! :confused3 Whatever....


Anyway, hopefully tomorrow will be a better day power-wise.

[GreatBiscuit]

Anyway, hopefully tomorrow will be a better day power-wise.Sending wattage wishes your way!

[englishrose47]

Evening All!!!

[All7OfUs]

Sending wattage wishes your way!

MUst have worked, since I'm here and able to thank you!!

Evening All!!!

Rosie, I look forward to your casual howdys on everyone's threads :goodvibes As soon as my company goes back to the land of cushy comfort (ie, the big city) I can have my life and routine back.

[that's nice]

Look at the bright side.... you have power!!!!:cool1::banana::cool1:

[All7OfUs]

Look at the bright side.... you have power!!!!:cool1::banana::cool1:

I DO have power, and check this out... It's sunny (hasn't been for weeks), my water is great, and DH even installed a new water faucet in the kitchen that rocks.

Here's the down side, Tim. (I don't know how many people will catch this, so I'll do a huge long post next week) My DH just wrote to offer to buy my in-law house in Salem, and he wants to move back by the States by the end of August (think OMGosh, that's when the TC3 trip is supposed to BE!!!!).

Officially freaking out now!

[that's nice]

WOW- that's some news!!!!

Salem MA??? You gonna turn into an east coast gal? :lmao::lmao:

As long as you are in the states by the end of August you should be fine for a trip right? :confused3

[All7OfUs]

WOW- that's some news!!!!

Salem MA??? You gonna turn into an east coast gal? :lmao::lmao:

As long as you are in the states by the end of August you should be fine for a trip right? :confused3



No, no, no, Salem, Oregon.

Here's the clincher. I looked up the school district calendar and it starts the week of our trip. I really doubt Mike would let me take off the week I"d need to get Zachy in school.

[pipersmom]

Okay, Liesa...so keeping my fingers crossed that you do NOT have to cancel your trip, though I understand that life gets in the way sometimes. Glad you have your power back on and a new faucet! I hope you're feeling better! :hug:

[eandesmom]

oh WOW!

Breathe in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Back in time for the next school year?????

WHOA!

I foresee a road trip in my future :goodvibes

if it's meant to be, it will, lifting you up and sending you huge

:grouphug:

[All7OfUs]

Okay, Liesa...so keeping my fingers crossed that you do NOT have to cancel your trip, though I understand that life gets in the way sometimes. Glad you have your power back on and a new faucet! I hope you're feeling better! :hug:

Thanks! Amanda! I seriously doubt it would be cancelled all together; rather a slight postponemnet might be more likely.

Just think: October= FD, F&W, MNSSHP, AND cooler weather.... My wheels are turning...

oh WOW!

Breathe in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Back in time for the next school year?????

WHOA!

I foresee a road trip in my future :goodvibes

if it's meant to be, it will, lifting you up and sending you huge

:grouphug:

I do toooooo!! Woot!!!

[that's nice]

WOW I really hope you can make this trip. I might be just as disappointed as you if you don't go!!! (OK you will feel worse.. I know)

Your DH can send your son to school.. can't he?:surfweb:

[All7OfUs]

At this point, I"m not even public school IS the best route. Long story, but to make it short, they didn't help so much last time we tried it. So, maybe just get some speech therapy services, and find a tutor, and keep homeschooling.

Yes, he could, but not sure he'd want to.

[that's nice]

I hear ya... Hey push your trip to December and maybe I'll see you there!!!

I'll be waiting to read your full update about this! :goodvibes

[StefaniLyn]

I DO have power, and check this out... It's sunny (hasn't been for weeks), my water is great, and DH even installed a new water faucet in the kitchen that rocks.

Here's the down side, Tim. (I don't know how many people will catch this, so I'll do a huge long post next week) My DH just wrote to offer to buy my in-law house in Salem, and he wants to move back by the States by the end of August (think OMGosh, that's when the TC3 trip is supposed to BE!!!!).

Officially freaking out now!

I caught it! That is BIG news Liesa! Like, it ought to be a headline for your TR news! I can't wait for all the juicy details next week.

[All7OfUs]

I caught it! That is BIG news Liesa! Like, it ought to be a headline for your TR news! I can't wait for all the juicy details next week.

It is! But I wouldn't classify it as good news. My whole world is spinning, and I don't function well without knowing how things are going to fall into place. There are so many unknowns, and I"m just really feeling out of my comfort zone right now. In some ways, it's a good place to be; gets me back to the Comforter and Good Shepherd.

[jordanyosh]

:eek: Possibly no trip?

Hmmm....why the sudden rush to leave? I thought it was going to take up to a year for you to transition out of Blank-a-Stan.

[Millie12591]

You know Camille..I think it's the parents that never feel like drill sergeants that have the problems. ;) As long as you're not drill sergeant 100% of the time..which I know you're not when you have your daughter aiding and abetting your Mickey head heist..:lmao: I think you're good! My mom was always 100% sergeant, and I really rebelled once I got a taste of freedom...I'm lucky though, in that it helps me be a better parent :)
Amanda, you have a good point. Lately I'm feeling like I'm one most of the time, but after a talk with the DH I'm hoping that will turn around. I don't need to be seen as the resident nag.

I DO have power, and check this out... It's sunny (hasn't been for weeks), my water is great, and DH even installed a new water faucet in the kitchen that rocks.
Yeaaaaa, finally a working faucet!! :cheer2:

Here's the down side, Tim. (I don't know how many people will catch this, so I'll do a huge long post next week) My DH just wrote to offer to buy my in-law house in Salem, and he wants to move back by the States by the end of August (think OMGosh, that's when the TC3 trip is supposed to BE!!!!).

Officially freaking out now!
Ummm, yea! I would be slightly freaked out too. But you know The Big Guy is taking care of things. ;)

At this point, I"m not even public school IS the best route. Long story, but to make it short, they didn't help so much last time we tried it. So, maybe just get some speech therapy services, and find a tutor, and keep homeschooling.

Yes, he could, but not sure he'd want to.
I wondered if you homeschooled. I homeschool my youngest. She loves it! And I have to admit I do too. :love:

It is! But I wouldn't classify it as good news. My whole world is spinning, and I don't function well without knowing how things are going to fall into place. There are so many unknowns, and I"m just really feeling out of my comfort zone right now. In some ways, it's a good place to be; gets me back to the Comforter and Good Shepherd.
It's His hearts desire that we are close to Him. So this won't be all bad. :lovestruc I hope your trip won't be totally off, but put off a week or so won't be bad.

[glennbo123]

Big news indeed! Hopefully you'll still be able to get your trip in. Life can be interesting, huh?

[jenb1023]

Wow, that is big news!

I still think the East Coast is beckoning you! We just have to convince your DH ;)

I am sure once your guests leave and you have some time to yourself to sit down and wrap your mind around it and all of the variables you will feel more at peace with the possibility. :hug:

[If U Had Wings]

Wow, that would be huge. Take some deep breathes, and trust that everything will work out as it should, and if your trip ends up postponed a bit F&W time is a great time to be there.

[All7OfUs]

:eek: Possibly no trip?

Hmmm....why the sudden rush to leave? I thought it was going to take up to a year for you to transition out of Blank-a-Stan.

I wouldn't go so far as to say NO trip- yet. The possibility of going a month later or so is more in the realm of "might-have-to-happen", but I think my DH understands how important this trip is, how long I've planned for it, and that some actual $$ has already been paid (at least on maroo's part) towards it.

The "rush" is this. Mike's parents have now strongly, well actually pushed him, into a decision about buying their riverfront home. It is quite lovely and has been in the family since the 20's. We'd really love it!!!

We also are feeling the need to get our son Zach into school, or at least set up with speech therapy sooner than later. It's so complex- really, and I promise to do a LONGGGGGGGGGG post about it on Monday. (Saturday if I can get some long computer time).

So, there ya go. The long answer to a complicated question.



Ummm, yea! I would be slightly freaked out too. But you know The Big Guy is taking care of things. ;)[/COLOR]


I wondered if you homeschooled. I homeschool my youngest. She loves it! And I have to admit I do too. :love:


It's His hearts desire that we are close to Him. So this won't be all bad. :lovestruc I hope your trip won't be totally off, but put off a week or so won't be bad.

I have always homeschooled until my oldest went to International school. The remaining 4 are still home, and do DVD school (for the high schoolers) and other stuff for the elementary kids. I love it, but am tired--- 17 years is a long time to go at it.

Yes, just need to put it all in perspective, but hard to do since DH and I haven't had any private time to talk since the guests came on Sunday. Mike wrote the letter offering more officially to buy the house just yesterday, so it has been topsy-turvy since then.

Big news indeed! Hopefully you'll still be able to get your trip in. Life can be interesting, huh?

Yes, I honestly think, unless I"m completely delusional, which is certainly possible, that the trip is still on. But may need to be adjusted by a week. I just don't know.

Wow, that is big news!

I still think the East Coast is beckoning you! We just have to convince your DH ;)

I am sure once your guests leave and you have some time to yourself to sit down and wrap your mind around it and all of the variables you will feel more at peace with the possibility. :hug:

I hate the cold! I don't think the East Coast is beckoning me unless is south of the Mason-Dixon Line. ;) Now I'm confused- do you mean my trip or are you talking nonsense like Tim was yesterday? :lmao:

You are right! I just need to get alone with Mike and do some planning and talking. Today was seriously over-the-top crazy!! We went out to a village to visit with some friends (all in Blankastani), got home, there's a knock on the door, a neighbor walks in with flowers thinking that ALL foreigners celebrate Epiphany or Christmas according to the Russian Orthodox calendar.
She says that the TV is showing celebrations "all over America", blah, blah, blah. OK, whatever lady. I'm literally in the middle of cooking dinner (by the way, there was NO meat in my city today, so it was homemade veggie burgers and Spanish tortilla (ie. fried potatoes and onions with egg) and pumpkin) and she talks and talks and talks, again in Kazakh. AFter that we had to help facilitate my son's formal interview with the ROTC, and coach him on questions. I"m exhausted!!!!

Wow, that would be huge. Take some deep breathes, and trust that everything will work out as it should, and if your trip ends up postponed a bit F&W time is a great time to be there.

Breathing, Crissy!! Trying anyway. F& W wouldn't be so bad AT ALL!!! :thumbsup2 I've been reading Oy Bolshoi's Dining Report, which is hilarious. F&W sounds crowded, but heavenly!

[tinkgurl]

Comig back to the States? How cool! :banana: I'm sure you'll get something worked out so you don't have to cancel your trip. :hug:

[eandesmom]

Mnnn Spanish Tortilla!

One of my favorite foods in the world and especially good for stretching a meal! I made it 2 nights ago!

:goodvibes

You will feel better once your household shrinks down and you can process. Things happen for a reason and while stressful, it all sounds really good and like HE is putting these dates and things in your path for a reason.

Were you guys in Salem before? I thought it was Portland. Maybe a different school district would be more helpful with Zach, you could check it out and do a boundary exception if that worked better maybe? I don't have a ton of experience in this as Eric's speech issue is very mild, his EIP only started last spring, but I know our district has been pretty great in that area with special services and I know a ton of kids on various IEP's and have heard nothing but good things.

Of course the benefit is that the speech therapy would be free that way....a friend of mine who does private had to pay for speech for all 3 of her kids OOP and I can't imagine the cost!

:grouphug:

[punkin413]

Here's the down side, Tim. (I don't know how many people will catch this, so I'll do a huge long post next week) My DH just wrote to offer to buy my in-law house in Salem, and he wants to move back by the States by the end of August (think OMGosh, that's when the TC3 trip is supposed to BE!!!!).

Officially freaking out now!

:eek:

popcorn::

[that's nice]

I hate the cold! I don't think the East Coast is beckoning me unless is south of the Mason-Dixon Line. ;) Now I'm confused- do you mean my trip or are you talking nonsense like Tim was yesterday? :lmao:

HEY!! :fish:

[jenb1023]

I hate the cold! I don't think the East Coast is beckoning me unless is south of the Mason-Dixon Line. ;) Now I'm confused- do you mean my trip or are you talking nonsense like Tim was yesterday? :lmao:

I guess I could have been a little more vague. :lmao: I meant move to the East Coast (not your trip) so you were right and yes south of the Mason-Dixon line. I was referring to convincing DH to move where your family is - aren't they in Kentucky or Tennessee or one of those Southern states standing in the way between me and the mouse. Geez - I can't believe that wasn't crystal clear! ;) Tim and I would never talk nonsense or purposefully try to confuse you. We are witty, clear, concise and focused in all of TR commenting. :rolleyes1

[All7OfUs]

Comig back to the States? How cool! :banana: I'm sure you'll get something worked out so you don't have to cancel your trip. :hug:

Yup!! We'll be going from occassional water and power to cars with insane hydraulics and people with 1,000 piercings.

I think so too! He even mentioned called it, "your trip" tonight. so it's still on his radar- not that I'd ever let that slip. ;)

Mnnn Spanish Tortilla!

One of my favorite foods in the world and especially good for stretching a meal! I made it 2 nights ago!

I love it because it's so versatile. Sometimes bell pepper, sometimes a little eggplant- reminds me of that song in Les Mis- Master of the House. "Fillin' out the food with this and that..."

You will feel better once your household shrinks down and you can process. Things happen for a reason and while stressful, it all sounds really good and like HE is putting these dates and things in your path for a reason.

Yes, I def. agree! I think we need to go out for shishkabobs and drinks and have a major heart to heart talk about the timing of things- and namely HOW he thinks we're going to swing a mortgage!! :scared1:


Were you guys in Salem before? I thought it was Portland. Maybe a different school district would be more helpful with Zach, you could check it out and do a boundary exception if that worked better maybe? I don't have a ton of experience in this as Eric's speech issue is very mild, his EIP only started last spring, but I know our district has been pretty great in that area with special services and I know a ton of kids on various IEP's and have heard nothing but good things.

No, we were in PDX, but my in-laws are in Salem. They have a beautiful house right on the Willamette in a rural setting- right up our alley. It would be a miracle for all the circumstances to line up to do it! Like a job?!!

We had Zach in Kindergarten through the public school, but got squat for services. They told us that since he was functioning at the level he tested at, they couldnt' do anything?? :confused3 So, is it not a problem that the teacher (who was a friend of mine) wouldn't/couldn't call on him because she was afraid he'd get teased and laughed at?? Ummm... that's a problem in my book.

We shall see... popcorn::

Of course the benefit is that the speech therapy would be free that way....a friend of mine who does private had to pay for speech for all 3 of her kids OOP and I can't imagine the cost!

:grouphug:

since the school could offer nothing, a speech therapist from our church offered to give him "lessons" twice a week for our last time home. He taught us some techniques that we've used here, and it has helped some, but we've hit a wall- hence one more reason to be back home.

:eek:

popcorn::

Exactly my thoughts...., Dawn!

HEY!! :fish:

;)

I guess I could have been a little more vague. :lmao: I meant move to the East Coast (not your trip) so you were right and yes south of the Mason-Dixon line. I was referring to convincing DH to move where your family is - aren't they in Kentucky or Tennessee or one of those Southern states standing in the way between me and the mouse. Geez - I can't believe that wasn't crystal clear! ;) Tim and I would never talk nonsense or purposefully try to confuse you. We are witty, clear, concise and focused in all of TR commenting. :rolleyes1

Not a chance!! Natureboy wants/ needs large mountains to conquer, evergreen trees to smell, rain to walk in, family to hang with, and a sweet deal from his parents on this house. None of which is on the Right hand side of map. He was very clear that he does NOT want to live near my parents (I'll admit, they are kinda bossy and overbearing-think too involved) and Kentucky just doesn't have glaciated mountains to play on. So, there you have it. He wants to live about as far away from WDW as he can possibly get me. does he not understand that airline tickets are quite commensurate with distance?? :confused3

[pipersmom]

What's that saying about fish and guests starting to smell after four days? At any rate, keeping you in my thoughts and hoping your gallbladder isn't still at full attention with everything going in. I just can't believe you don't celebrate Russian Orthodox Christmas, Lieas..we're going to a huge celebration tonight..fireworks, parade, statues of Lenin all decorated for the holiday. Sheesh! I would have thought better of you! ;)

[GreatBiscuit]

Holy cow Liesa! One might even say fart knocking! Excited you get to experience the joys of full spectrum flushing, but hoping all the details work for the trip / school.

[TarzansKat]

I just wanted to offer some prayers and hugs. I know you'll make the right choice for your family, and things will work out for you. :goodvibes

[Sleepingbooty]

No, no, no, Salem, Oregon.

Here's the clincher. I looked up the school district calendar and it starts the week of our trip. I really doubt Mike would let me take off the week I"d need to get Zachy in school.

:scared1: Oh no! I hate it when everything is in turmoil! I really hope you are still able to take your trip!! :hug:

Thanks! Amanda! I seriously doubt it would be cancelled all together; rather a slight postponemnet might be more likely.

Just think: October= FD, F&W, MNSSHP, AND cooler weather.... My wheels are turning...


They say September 18th through 25th is a GREAT week to be there.... plus you'd be able to work in one extra meet!:rolleyes1

Mnnn Spanish Tortilla!

One of my favorite foods in the world and especially good for stretching a meal! I made it 2 nights ago!


Oooh, sounds intriguing - I 've never heard of this. I'll have to look it up on allrecipes....

[MRYPPNS]

Wow....I just I came back just at the right time or I would have been really confused!

[Pollito916]

Wow, big news! Too bad it's happening so fast when you can't get time alone with your hubby to talk it all over. Even if you have to delay the trip, F&W is awesome and you will still have a great time no matter when you go! :thumbsup2

[kimmylaj]

wow that is really big news and much faster than you were thinking, but i am sure everything will fall into place:hug:

[Millie12591]

What's that saying about fish and guests starting to smell after four days? At any rate, keeping you in my thoughts and hoping your gallbladder isn't still at full attention with everything going in. I just can't believe you don't celebrate Russian Orthodox Christmas, Lieas..we're going to a huge celebration tonight..fireworks, parade, statues of Lenin all decorated for the holiday. Sheesh! I would have thought better of you! ;)

Holy cow Liesa! One might even say fart knocking! Excited you get to experience the joys of full spectrum flushing, but hoping all the details work for the trip / school.

:rotfl: :lmao: Good point Amanda. I'm at a total loss too, as to why you don't celebrate these things. Although it was very sweet of the neighbor to bring you flowers, just bad timing.


I have always homeschooled until my oldest went to International school. The remaining 4 are still home, and do DVD school (for the high schoolers) and other stuff for the elementary kids. I love it, but am tired--- 17 years is a long time to go at it.
:eek: Uuuuh, yes, yes it. I was thinking I was doing good to just start! :laughing: :worship: I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy. ;)

I've been reading Oy Bolshoi's Dining Report, which is hilarious. F&W sounds crowded, but heavenly!

If I remember right on who this is...She's hilarious!!!

[All7OfUs]

What's that saying about fish and guests starting to smell after four days? At any rate, keeping you in my thoughts and hoping your gallbladder isn't still at full attention with everything going in. I just can't believe you don't celebrate Russian Orthodox Christmas, Lieas..we're going to a huge celebration tonight..fireworks, parade, statues of Lenin all decorated for the holiday. Sheesh! I would have thought better of you! ;)

I'm certainly starting to believe that.

LOL! :lmao: At full attention... that wuz a good one!

Yeah, no Orthodox for us. I so think there are some folks who celebrate it in the States, but maybe call it Epiphany. EIther way, it's certainly NOT a big deal in which someone would expect to be showing up to a party. :rotfl2: I honestly think she was flustered and even disappointed that there wasn't a party table set. :sad2:

Holy cow Liesa! One might even say fart knocking! Excited you get to experience the joys of full spectrum flushing, but hoping all the details work for the trip / school.

Indeed, I think this is one of those situations that fart knocking would be appropriate.

Full spectrum flushing, replete with paper going down. :banana:

I just wanted to offer some prayers and hugs. I know you'll make the right choice for your family, and things will work out for you. :goodvibes

Thanks, TK! I think once things settle down here come Monday, I will feel better and less stressed.

:scared1: Oh no! I hate it when everything is in turmoil! I really hope you are still able to take your trip!! :hug:



They say September 18th through 25th is a GREAT week to be there.... plus you'd be able to work in one extra meet!:rolleyes1



Oooh, sounds intriguing - I 've never heard of this. I'll have to look it up on allrecipes....

ME TOO!

Hmmmmm.... 18th-25th. Wheels are turning. F&W, FD, Pin Code still in effect, cooler temps, party still going on, AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAND a meet with ya'll.

Re: Spanish tortilla... easy and delish! Give it a try!

Wow....I just I came back just at the right time or I would have been really confused!

I hope to get out a complete update in the next couple days.

Wow, big news! Too bad it's happening so fast when you can't get time alone with your hubby to talk it all over. Even if you have to delay the trip, F&W is awesome and you will still have a great time no matter when you go! :thumbsup2


Too fast!! I know i'd enjoy F&W, but then the timing would be all wrong for seeing my son off to his semester at school.

wow that is really big news and much faster than you were thinking, but i am sure everything will fall into place:hug:

It is!! I had really hoped we would aim for December, but with his parents pushing us to make a decision on the house, it really had to be moved up.

:rotfl: :lmao: Good point Amanda. I'm at a total loss too, as to why you don't celebrate these things. Although it was very sweet of the neighbor to bring you flowers, just bad timing.



If I remember right on who this is...She's hilarious!!!

Wanna hear something funny about the flowers?? Upon closer inspection, they turned out to be "old" flowers- probably ones she had gotten from New Year's!! So, even those in other cultures have discovered re-gifting!! :lmao::lmao:

[All7OfUs]

I promised to write up all my thoughts in one long post, so everyone could be on the same page, and not have to read through all the chit-chat to get what's going on.

I will call it a VOMIT post; it will be full of stinky-pants news, swimming in meaty tidbits, messy in style, completely disorganized, and in the end be a puddle of lingering unknowns.

First I will re-cap what this term of service was supposed to look like: We arrived in May, 2009, and have been back here for what? a year and a half now. Our "contracts" are 3 years long, so our time would have been up in June, 2011, when our Bekka (MKBekka) would have graduated. The timing was perfect as far as kids were concerned considering graduations etc...

But, as the time wore on DH became more and more "bored" with his job. It just really isn't suited so much to his giftings or passions. He is a full-blooded scientist who loves to crunch data, manipulate water modelling programs, design water flow whatevers, and kinda NOT have to work in a relational setting all the time. Here, his job is writing proposals and working with people all day long. (in another language)

Not only was DH becoming more dissatisfied, it was becoming more and more apparent that our younger son was falling more and more behind grade level in most areas of school. He really, really needs speech therapy and will need to be re-tested to see if he qualifies for special ed. On that front, we shall see.


Enter the house on the river. This house of my in-laws has been in the family for several generations. It is nothing special in design, but has a fabulous location, being right on the Willamette River, in a rural location outside of Salem, Oregon. It is large, but older, making it hard to heat. It has a beautiful yard, but is far too large for us to keep up like my in-laws have (neither of us loves gardening). Anyway, their health has declined over the last few years significantly. MIL has cancer (slow growing lung and women's) and has started bleeding again. She has told us that she will not do chemo again. FIL has some painful back issues and just isn't as active as he once was. It is difficult to watch them go through the downside of life.

So, last week my SIL writes a letter on her reflections and observations about the Christmas visit down to Salem. They live in Olympia, WA and just got back from spending a week in Salem at the big family get together. She was very clear and firm that she saw some visible differences in their health and demeanor, and pressed pretty hard for Mike to make a decision about the house. I should mention that making decisions is probably DH's most horrible area of procrastination. He is a pretty good all-around procrastinator, but holds off on decisions until it's usually too late. If I had a genie in a bottle, that'd be my one wish- to make him a better decision maker. They had asked him like 2 years ago about the possibility, but either never caught on that they wanted a decision, or was simply not ready to make one- I surmise it was probably some of both.

So, 3 days ago, Mike wrote a letter to my in-laws clearly stating his intentions to start a concrete process of buying the house. How would we buy it? Would they loan the money to us? How much do they want? All that stuff. We already own a house! It's paid in full. But it's in Portland, and the location is C.R.A.P.P.Y. It needs a ton of work having had renters in it for 10 years, and has not been maintained well. So, we could sell the rental and use that for a down payment. But while we're fixing it up, FIL mentioned that for a while we could live together!!! :scared1: Cherie, DID YOU HEAR ME??!! I so do not want to live with them. This is the same MIL that accused my son of "inappropriate" behavior with our daughter. :scared1: I just can't handle that! She is prone to silent temper tantrums like a 3 year old, and doesn't have the skills to discuss things rationally. It would be a serious stretch for me to endure this!

So, as you can see, the timetable for our return after, almost 10 years in Central Asia, has been moved up by a year. One of the worst parts about the whole thing is that we just had a teammate move here after a year and a half of trying to get her here. She was supposed to be here when we arrived last year, but then she got a bloodclot and had to be on thinners for a year before she could fly again. Then it took 6 months to get a visa for her. So, I feel REALLLLLLLLLLLLY guilty telling her that we will be leaving after only being a team together for less than a year. She will have to leave also, because her organization won't allow her to be here without a team. There are no others here for her to team with, and none in the pipeline to come either. This is super heavy on my heart, and I feel like a betrayer in the highest form of the word.

One more thing that gets seriously screwed up is that we had planned Bekka's high school career and curriculum around the assumption that she would be going to the same international school that my son is at now. If we move back and have her finish up there, she will most likely have to graduate late. If she goes to Community College, there just won't be enough time in her days to take all the classes she's need for completion. I won't send her to a public high school, as I think it would be WAY too overwhelming of a transition going from totally isoated to totally NOT. So, I'm having to mull over all of that as well.

Now, onto the part that most of you are probably interested in... The TC3 Trip.

The plan WAS for me to fly back from here a week before my son would start university, help get him settled, visit family, then tack on the trip and fly back here. Now that Mike wants to be back by the end of summer, that puts us home within weeks or even days of the trip. I still have the "need-to-get-son-settled-at-school-card", but it happens that the first week of school in the district that the younger kids would go to, is that same week- the week after Labor Day.

So, as I see it, here are my choices:

1) Postpone the trip a week later and have my in-laws watch the kids. Not ideal. Last time, MIL watched the kids, Zach (my LD son) ended up with a tic. He was so stressed out by her, that he literally developed an eye tic/twitch. Scary!

2) Go, and postpone putting the kids in school- leaving them in Oregon while DH watches them. (Not ideal because he needs to be both looking for a job AND fixing up the rental for sale.)

3) Ask my parents to pay to fly the kids out to KY, and have them watch the kids while I take my trip, and keep the dates the same, and just put the kids in school a week late. I don't have a problem with this. The first week isn't so crucial. And we'll all still be so jet-lagged and busy unpacking and settling in anyway, that I might do this anyway, trip or not.

4) Not put them in at all and continue homeschooling (my favorite choice), but still ask the district if they can provide the speech therapy, which is really all I'm hoping for anyway.

5) OR ?????
So, let's hear your thoughts. What would you do? I"ve already talked to maroo about all this, and she thinks the trip needs to come after the family's needs. I know this, and she does too. I have no told LeeAnn anything yet, and will most likely wait a week or so until Mike and I have had time to talk things over.

There you have it. A bucket of vomit.

[kimmylaj]

holy cow i can see why you are so confused , i would be too. i have to say the two things that stand out in my head are the guilt that you will be feeling about leaving the new teammate. i am a huge guilt carrying gal, no matter what i do i feel guilty for the outcome (i swear my mothers catholic guilt tricks are stronger than jewish guilt)so i understand where you are coming from on that front, but chances are she will understand exactly why you are doing what you are doing and will want you to do what is best for your family. the second thing that stands out is your sons need for speech therapy. this is the teacher in me talking the earlier you get the interventions the better. i am a big fan of taking anything and everything the school system will give you. i live in ny who happens to be good about giving a lot of services and i always advise parents to take what they are offering. so i think that moving back will definitely help your son.
as far as living with the inlaws:scared1::scared1::scared1: i would have a nervous breakdown. i say no way, but out of curiosity where will they go ? would they turn this into a long term situation?
school choice is another huge decision i am glad i dont have to make. i am a product of nyc public schools, but i will say that i think that public school would be a major shell shock and probably not the best choice unless the kids want to give it a try.
now onto disney. every time i postpone a trip and yes it has happened 2 times. i tell myself disney will always be there. it just gives me more time to save money and get disney dollars for birthdays and holidays so i can do better things while i am there.
:grouphug: for you
p.s my hubby is not a decision maker not even about what kind of takeout to get for dinner (you know wendys or mcdonalds) i have gotten very used to make all decisions independently (mia's 2 eye surgeries, school decisions , not getting h1n1 vaccine, etc) it gets old after a while and leads to more guilt about choices made. so seriously i know it seems careerwise he is ready to leave but make sure you know straight from him what he wants to do. and make him give his input about the school and housing situation so its not all on you. too much stress for one person to handle alone.

[All7OfUs]

holy cow i can see why you are so confused , i would be too. i have to say the two things that stand out in my head are the guilt that you will be feeling about leaving the new teammate. i am a huge guilt carrying gal, no matter what i do i feel guilty for the outcome (i swear my mothers catholic guilt tricks are stronger than jewish guilt)so i understand where you are coming from on that front, but chances are she will understand exactly why you are doing what you are doing and will want you to do what is best for your family.


Kim, To start off, I really appreciate and value your input! Thanks for being willing to dialogue with me some.

It's a heavy load, and I need to be better at giving more to the Father that cares.

I'm am a first born, and have always been one to feel responsible- perhaps for more than I even should. She is a very Godly woman and I don't think she'd be angry or feel a grudge, but after so long in getting here, I know it must be so totally disappointing to her.

the second thing that stands out is your sons need for speech therapy. this is the teacher in me talking the earlier you get the interventions the better. i am a big fan of taking anything and everything the school system will give you. i live in ny who happens to be good about giving a lot of services and i always advise parents to take what they are offering. so i think that moving back will definitely help your son.

Yeah, I understand the sooner the better thing. He will be 12 in April, and I know that these next few years are very important in character and identity formulation. So, I do feel a sense of urgency in this area. I'm absolutely NOT feeling guilty about using school district money for sp. ed. or Sp. Th., afterall, we pay a huge amount of taxes so these things can be available.

However, I am skeptical. In 2004, Zach was in a kindy class, and they wouldnt' concede that he needed anything. I just didn't have it in me to fight. I think I need to find an advocate when I return who knows the system and how to navigate it.

as far as living with the inlaws:scared1::scared1::scared1: i would have a nervous breakdown. i say no way, but out of curiosity where will they go ? would they turn this into a long term situation?

My thoughts exactly. Other of my DH's siblings have lived with them in the past, soemtimes for up to a year. I know it was stressful for all involved - a lot because of her character. I don't think it'd go beyond a year. Luckily there are 2 stories so there is a place to run and hide. :)


school choice is another huge decision i am glad i dont have to make. i am a product of nyc public schools, but i will say that i think that public school would be a major shell shock and probably not the best choice unless the kids want to give it a try.

That is exactly what it would be!!! But for son, he may have to just to get some helps that I cannot provide anymore. DD, 7, on the other hand is VERY smart and very social, so I think for her, it wouldn't be so bad.

DD, 14, a freshman now, I could never have the heart to throw into a huge public high school!! EVER! She is very "3rd Culture Kid" in every way. It would kill her. So homeschool it will be for her. At least for a while (2 more years).


now onto disney. every time i postpone a trip and yes it has happened 2 times. i tell myself disney will always be there. it just gives me more time to save money and get disney dollars for birthdays and holidays so i can do better things while i am there.
:grouphug: for you

I know- postponement wouldn't be the end of the world. Seriously hoping it isnt' more than a month or so, though.

p.s my hubby is not a decision maker not even about what kind of takeout to get for dinner (you know wendys or mcdonalds) i have gotten very used to make all decisions independently (mia's 2 eye surgeries, school decisions , not getting h1n1 vaccine, etc) it gets old after a while and leads to more guilt about choices made. so seriously i know it seems careerwise he is ready to leave but make sure you know straight from him what he wants to do. and make him give his input about the school and housing situation so its not all on you. too much stress for one person to handle alone.

I wish I did have some of the freedom to make some of these choices, but then he gets mad if I do. So, for me, it's often just a waiting game. :headache:

[kimmylaj]

gotta head to work but just a quick note
in nyc if your child is evaluated for services at the meeting to decide what services to give you are supposed to be given a parent advocate, unfortunately this doesnt happen in reality all of the time so make sure you find out ahead of time if the state provides for one it may be something you are entitled to all along. also as a teacher i have been to a few meetings where they have stated the child didnt "need" services , scored to well , not a 25% delay in 2 or more areas or 33% in one area, etc. as the teacher i just sit there and disagree until they agree to give something, then 1 month later we reopen the case and have the service provider (speech , ot, special ed teacher) come to meeting or write a letter as to why more hours, services, etc are needed. it usually works. good luck and i will say a prayer that everything works out as it is meant to be

[pipersmom]

This has to be one of those "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" times in your life, Liesa. I would be having major issues as well, because from reading your post the only decision you have in your power seems to be your trip, and that's being affected by everyone else! While I wouldn't call myself a control freak, I make all of the decisions for Piper and I. There's no one else that chimes in or has a say. I think it's a lot harder when someone else is doing that for you.

I am the Queen of Guilt..I was just saying on my PTR that I'm feeling guilty for updating so often..silly, I know, but true. I completely understand why you would feel guilty for leaving your teammate, but it sounded like the powers that be took that out of your hands a while back..it was just a matter of when. Try not to feel too guilty, all it will do is make you feel bad and it won't change anything. I'm sure your teammate will understand, and let's face it..there are a lot of places in the world that could benefit from her help, hopefully she'll be reassigned (I'm kind of assuming that's how it would work) and she'll get to experience another culture..that's a good thing!

I think things will fall into place, education-wise, no matter which route you choose to take. I'm with you on the homeschooling, at least for the first year you're back, it would give the kids some transition time. I don't know the laws re receiving services from the district when you're homeschooling, sounds like finding an advocate is definitely in your best interest. I know there are non-profits who provide advocacy services, you might try posting on the disabilities thread as you get closer to doing that, there are a lot of folks over there that have kids with non-typical learning disabilities, etc, and they could prob give you some good advice.

On to your trip! I wouldn't want to start my kids at a new school without me being there either. I bet your parents would be more than willing to have them come visit, especially considering how long it's been since they've seen them, and how much you need a break! I'm sorry you're even having to think about living with your in-laws! As an adult, I think it's always hard to live with another adult..when Piper and I lived with my Mom after first moving back here, there were times we wouldn't speak to each other for days! Usually because I was trying to make a decision she didn't agree with, but a lot of times also because she was getting too involved with Piper..ie.."I can't believe you let Piper _________". That being said, we lived through it. It's not something I would ever want to repeat, but we would live through it again. If it ends up that you have to do that, just think of how happy you'll be when it's over.. :lmao: Not very helpful I know, but hey.

I hope you'll be able to resolve everything with at least some sense of satisfaction with the results, things will fall into place the way they're supposed to, especially with the Man upstairs being the one that's really in charge. :hug: :hug: :hug:

[All7OfUs]

This has to be one of those "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" times in your life, Liesa. I would be having major issues as well, because from reading your post the only decision you have in your power seems to be your trip, and that's being affected by everyone else! While I wouldn't call myself a control freak, I make all of the decisions for Piper and I. There's no one else that chimes in or has a say. I think it's a lot harder when someone else is doing that for you

I think it definitely is. When we came here, I had a real sense of adventure and "this is going to be fun!" sort of attitude. Now on the reverse end, I'm really scared, and not excited at all. We had unknowns when we came, but for some reason those were exciting; now they're just scary.

I wouldn't call myself a control freak, but I feel like at every turn the things I want/ wanted aren't happening at all. It's like with every decision there's going to be a "loser" and right now, I'm feeling like the loser.


I am the Queen of Guilt..I was just saying on my PTR that I'm feeling guilty for updating so often..silly, I know, but true. I completely understand why you would feel guilty for leaving your teammate, but it sounded like the powers that be took that out of your hands a while back..it was just a matter of when. Try not to feel too guilty, all it will do is make you feel bad and it won't change anything. I'm sure your teammate will understand, and let's face it..there are a lot of places in the world that could benefit from her help, hopefully she'll be reassigned (I'm kind of assuming that's how it would work) and she'll get to experience another culture..that's a good thing!

You are so right on this!! It really isn't in my power to change things or anything for her, so I'll have to leave that in her hands- and ultimately to "The Man Upstairs".

I think things will fall into place, education-wise, no matter which route you choose to take. I'm with you on the homeschooling, at least for the first year you're back, it would give the kids some transition time. I don't know the laws re receiving services from the district when you're homeschooling, sounds like finding an advocate is definitely in your best interest. I know there are non-profits who provide advocacy services, you might try posting on the disabilities thread as you get closer to doing that, there are a lot of folks over there that have kids with non-typical learning disabilities, etc, and they could prob give you some good advice.

On the one hand, I see Zach's need for services, yet I don't want to throw him into something so foreign and scary to him either. At any rate, if we come back in early August, I don't see them going to school for a couple months, and that's after my trip. :confused3

On to your trip! I wouldn't want to start my kids at a new school without me being there either. I bet your parents would be more than willing to have them come visit, especially considering how long it's been since they've seen them, and how much you need a break! I'm sorry you're even having to think about living with your in-laws! As an adult, I think it's always hard to live with another adult..when Piper and I lived with my Mom after first moving back here, there were times we wouldn't speak to each other for days! Usually because I was trying to make a decision she didn't agree with, but a lot of times also because she was getting too involved with Piper..ie.."I can't believe you let Piper _________". That being said, we lived through it. It's not something I would ever want to repeat, but we would live through it again. If it ends up that you have to do that, just think of how happy you'll be when it's over.. :lmao: Not very helpful I know, but hey.

There is FAR too much of that when we are around for ANY length of time. So there you have it. What else can I say?? Hopefully, she will stay out of my kitchen, and wont' nag about the yard work or the kids.

I hope you'll be able to resolve everything with at least some sense of satisfaction with the results, things will fall into place the way they're supposed to, especially with the Man upstairs being the one that's really in charge. :hug: :hug: :hug:

Amen!!

[jenb1023]

Wow! What a lot to process! I really wish we could all be there to have a cup of coffee/margarita/whatever and help you hash it all out. But since we can't, here is my two cents.

The main thing that stuck out to me is I wouldn't leave Zach alone with the in-laws. Moving back to the states will be enough of a transition without them adding to his stress. At least with you there, you can be a buffer even if you are living with them for a little while. As for the house thing and the move, I understand why you had to wait for DH to make the decision and the move but I would put my foot down on the in-law thing. It would be ideal if they did not have to live with you at all but if they have to live with you there has to be a firm timeline on when they will be out and firm boundaries (otherwise they might drive you and your kids insane).

As for education, to me it looks like you have done a great job so far so I am sure the choices you make will be right for each child. I really applaud you for recognizing that Zach needs more help than you are able to give. I know a few parents that stick their heads in the sand instead of recognizing there may be an issue and working on helping their child.

As for the trip, I think time will tell as you know more about the move and you will know what is right for you and your family. As it stands right now and based on the information you have given us, I would probably postpone the trip for a little while. However, a lot can change in the next several months and you know you, your family and your situation best.

I know that your heart, your faith and time will lead you in the right direction and to the right choices for all of you. :hug::hug:

[If U Had Wings]

That's alot to have on your plate. I can't imagine living with the in-laws though. :scared1: While moving a few years ago, I needed to stay with my own parents for a couple of months while work was being done on my new place. Slowest few months of my life, and I adore my parents. I can't imagine having to do it with someone else's.

[eandesmom]

First and foremost you are in my heart as you navigate through this. As I have faith in HIM to steer you through, I also have tremendous faith in YOU.

A few thoughts in no particular order.

Speech therapy. Apparently the criteria (at least here) by which they measure progress counts 2nd grade as a significant speech milestone so many many things that would not previously qualify as needing help, the assumption being that it will resolve itself, when it doesn't now becomes qualified. Eric, and 2 other classmates, qualified at the end of last year and it was not something I was even looking for or had occurred to me (lame I know). Basically he has issues with his "th" sounds. "That" sounds like "dat" and so on.

He is understandable, well to me anyway, and it just makes him sound immature. Which, well, he is lol. At any rate I am only providing this example to show if something as mild as that, qualifies, I really bet Zach will do, especially if you push a little. I think the key though is to be patient with the process. Which is long.

Which brings me to my 2nd point. Timing. The IEP process is LOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNGGGGGGG. It took almost 5 months after being identified as a need. Now in Zach's case you'll walk in asking for testing but still. If you arrive only 1 week before school starts you'll probably be lucky to get him any help by Christmas. I imagine it isn't possible to somehow get him tested before school lets out this year so I'd just factor that in. You might be able to talk to the district and find out what you can do from there so that he is set up when you arrive, I would definitely look into it. I agree, you don't want to start him out in a hard situation and if he can start therapy at the same time as public school it would help. I have no idea about services if you homeschool but definitely ask them about that too!

I wouldn't leave the kids with your in law's either, just too much transition, MIL issues are just icing on that cake.

Regarding starting school late, it really depends on the grade whether it's much of an issue and I can't recall what grades they all would be come fall!. Elementary school, not much of an issue. Later than that? It could be. It may be better to wait and put them in at the next logical break based on the grading periods, when new classes start for both MS and HS.

For Bekka. When you talk about CC are you thinking Running Start? I would think that could make a lot of sense for her and perhaps she could take the placement tests from there and you could supplement as needed from home to keep her from graduating late. It's funny, in Running Start they actually have a lot less total classes as the work is much harder, just like in real college, you just have to fulfill the graduation requirements. You've probably already looked into it but she may not need as many classes as you think.

Your trip. Are Maroo and LeAnn able to move their dates or are they locked in? Your family does need to come first and it sounds like you need to be in 3 places at once!

My gut would be to postpone the trip by a week or 2 to let you get settled, and homeschool through Christmas while you navigate the best options for Zach and Bekka.

[Sleepingbooty]

1) Postpone the trip a week later and have my in-laws watch the kids. Not ideal. Last time, MIL watched the kids, Zach (my LD son) ended up with a tic. He was so stressed out by her, that he literally developed an eye tic/twitch. Scary!

Sounds like you are not real keen on this idea, so we'll skip it...

2) Go, and postpone putting the kids in school- leaving them in Oregon while DH watches them. (Not ideal because he needs to be both looking for a job AND fixing up the rental for sale.)

But, I bet the older kids help out a lot with the younger ones, right? And its only a week - or wait - was longer than that, wasn't it?

3) Ask my parents to pay to fly the kids out to KY, and have them watch the kids while I take my trip, and keep the dates the same, and just put the kids in school a week late. I don't have a problem with this. The first week isn't so crucial. And we'll all still be so jet-lagged and busy unpacking and settling in anyway, that I might do this anyway, trip or not.

This sounds like a great plan - provided your parents would go for it.:thumbsup2

4) Not put them in at all and continue homeschooling (my favorite choice), but still ask the district if they can provide the speech therapy, which is really all I'm hoping for anyway.

If your heart is leading you here, I think you should go for this! I know our school district provides special ed services for all who live in the district. Whether they home school, go to a private school, or go to public. A family that lives behind us homeschools, and they take their 3rd grade son up to our elementary for speech. Of course, there is the issue of getting them to certify that he NEEDS services, but the process would be the same whether you were attending the school or homeschooling (here, anyway). I'm guessing it might be similar there?

5) OR ?????




I can tell these decisions are whirling around your head like a duststorm. I know just how you feel. I get that same feeling when I try to figure out my career situation. But you know, you just have to do what you told me: Let the One in charge guide you. Make yourself open to His will and it'll be clear what you should do. Of course, as you know this takes a lot of patience! Its so hard when we want answers now! Praying that you are able to find some quiet in your mind. Just breathe! :hug:

[MRYPPNS]

My gut would be to postpone the trip by a week or 2 to let you get settled, and homeschool through Christmas while you navigate the best options for Zach and Bekka.

I agree with everything she said! But I'd go to Disney in late October/early November. You really are not going to get the chance to enjoy the planning and getting ready for your trip if you have so much going on at the same time.

On a personal note my son Liam has speech delays and he recieves EI services -it can be a slow process and YOU have to be the one that keeps everything moving in the right direction....I'm in the middle of it now and have been getting great advice from my DIS friends to help me get him to the next step!

[winkers]

Your fil suggested you live with them awhile? Run!! Run, as fast as you can!:rotfl2: just kidding, sorta.

If I were you, I definatly wouldn't leave the kids with your MIL while your on the trip. You don't need to be worried about the therapy your kids will need after spending a week with her.

I'm sorry I don't have any words of wisdom for you. Just keep praying and follow the inspiration you are given. :hug:

[TarzansKat]

I wish I had some wonderful, profound advice for you, but I really don't.

I can only tell you that in any given situation, my family comes first. And although this may involve guilt with a variety of people who are also important in my life, when you come right down to it, my DH, DS (and now the bean), are the number one priority. Whatever is going to work for us as a family, that's what we're going to do.

I will pray for you that you can come up with the best decision for all of you. :hug:

[kdzbear]

Wow! I miss a few days and there is a lot to process. First, I would continue to pray. It is amazing the way God answers prayers. It sounds as if you would continue to do a great job at home schooling. I started high school in OH in an all girls private high school with 200 girls in the whole school. My sophomore year I was moved to a public school in OK with 2,000 students when my family moved. My senior year I was moved to another school in VA due to another family move. I would think if your daughter likes home schooling then keep things the same. The moving wasn't so bad. The worst part was all of the requirements that I had to keep catching up on each time we moved to a new state. I took three different state's history classes.

As for your trip, it can be postponed. Last year Disney extended free dining until December. You never know what sort of promotion may be around the next corner. I know that you weren't planning on using the free dining, but a new promo might be even better.

Hang in there! :grouphug:

[jordanyosh]

I really do feel like one of Cynthia's (EandE) gifts is wisdom. She has a way of looking at a situation without getting too caught up in the emotion of it all.

I agree with her that you should postpone it. I also agree with MRYPPNs that you should postpone it (if the others can) til October giving u enough time to settle in and then get ready for your trip.

[punkin413]

wow....you certainly have a lot to think about. i don't envy you but i will be thinking about you!!!

i think the last 2 options are probably best. but have you thought about postponing the trip until october? that way the kids would be settled in school and maybe your DH will have more time to get settled where he can watch them for a week or if they have a fall break you can always fly them to your parents during that time. it's an excellent time to go as the weather is usually great, you've got the food and wine festival going on at epcot and the fall decorations would definitely be up by then (although they'd be up in september, too). i don't know what kind of deals you guys have with your trip so it may not be possible. just a thought.

[that's nice]

Liesa-
I don't have any witty words of advice here but I think you have an idea of what is best for you and your family. Postponing the trip isn't a bad thing- you will still be going, you will still have to plan, and what's another month? Look at the bright side, you will get to do more planning and we all will be following along with you! :goodvibes

[All7OfUs]

You guys are GREAT!!! Thanks for all your sound words of advice and support. I have the afternoon hours on the computer for long posts (after my son ploughs through several scholarship apps. on it) to respond individually. Meantime: Question of the day.

For those of you who've gone in Sept and/or Oct. What is the weather like?? I need to start some clothes shopping and need some advice on the kinds of clothes to pack. Short sleeves or Long? Pants, carpris or shorts?? Sweatshirts or jackets?

[that's nice]

LOL you know how my October was this year don't ya? And September is still summer in FL. So Shorts!!! Shorts!!! Shorts!!!!!

(and something long sleeve for cool nights!):goodvibes

[jordanyosh]

LOL you know how my October was this year don't ya? And September is still summer in FL. So Shorts!!! Shorts!!! Shorts!!!!!

(and something long sleeve for cool nights!):goodvibes

what tim said.

HOT and HUMID.

shorts weather for sure. Remember though if you are inside for a longer indoor attraction like American Adventure or Universe of Energy, the A/C may be really cold. So a lightweight windbreaker still might be necessary.

if you were to postpone and went later in october, days would still be warm, but evenings might start cooling down.

[All7OfUs]

Thanks, Guys!!

I had a feeling it would still be quite warm, so I was on the right track when I order those 2 capris and 3 Ts. I still have some ordering/shopping to do, so will go along the lines of warmer weather stuff.

Now onto what you've all been waiting for:

The correct answer is................

Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club Resort.


I know the Mexico reference threw some of you off, but that was there to help you convert Joe's name into Spanish- Jose. "No Way, Jose!"

The famous Kitchen sink is also made there. Remember, Joe worked in a factory that made all kinds of kitchen appliances that no one else would have thought of (ie. even the kitchen sink).

White sandy places to sun yourself is, of course, a "beach", and cream is often referred to as cream. Beaches and Cream!

The menu here is quite limited, mainly burgers and such, but they have a huge selection of old-fashioned soda fountain treats, like malts, sodas, sundaes, and such.

I know, the clue was very vague and sneaky, but the next one will be easier- I think.

So, here are the standings so far:

that's nice 4

Shannn 2

Tinkgurl 2

eandesmom 6

LiteBrite 3 (or 4) PM me!

Winkers 2

Jordan 2

Sleepting Booty 2

punkin413 2

GB 1

reelmom 3

Rosie 2

Disney<333 0

Piper's Mom 5

Pollito916 2

glennbo123 3

JPFamilyMom 0

TK 1

StefaniLynn 1

Jenb1023 1

I can't remember exactly how many more we have to go, although I'm pretty sure there are 12- so that would be halfway done now. There's still time to play and catch up!!! So don't give up! Besides it's fun to make a guess and learn a little trivia along the way.

[TarzansKat]

Oh, I totally didn't get that last clue. And I've never made it to Beaches and Cream despite all my best intentions to do so! I dream of the No Way Jose. I'm a chocolate peanut butter freak. There, I said it. You all know my dirty secret.

September / October is my favorite time of year to go to Disney. I love the fall decorations, I love MNSSHP, and I even love the weather. It can be hot and humid, but if you wear lots of sunblock, drink lots of water, and have the shorts, tanks, and sandals ready, you're good to go. E-mail me if you have more questions, hon. I've gone every September for the past...four years now, so I'm pretty well versed. :thumbsup2

[All7OfUs]

Oh, I totally didn't get that last clue. And I've never made it to Beaches and Cream despite all my best intentions to do so! I dream of the No Way Jose. I'm a chocolate peanut butter freak. There, I said it. You all know my dirty secret.

Mmmmm,Mmmmm! Me too!! When people ask if they can send stuff, I always ask for peanut butter! Fattening? Yes! Nommy? You betcha! :thumbsup2

September / October is my favorite time of year to go to Disney. I love the fall decorations, I love MNSSHP, and I even love the weather. It can be hot and humid, but if you wear lots of sunblock, drink lots of water, and have the shorts, tanks, and sandals ready, you're good to go. E-mail me if you have more questions, hon. I've gone every September for the past...four years now, so I'm pretty well versed. :thumbsup2

I like the fact that they crowds are lower! I like it a lot in fact!

Tanks??!! :scared1: No Way, Jose! 3/4 lengths for me. Although, I'm in my "ideal" weight, I take the marshmallow look to new heights, or is that widths?

[Millie12591]

Mmmmm,Mmmmm! Me too!! When people ask if they can send stuff, I always ask for peanut butter! Fattening? Yes! Nommy? You betcha! :thumbsup2



I like the fact that they crowds are lower! I like it a lot in fact!

Tanks??!! :scared1: No Way, Jose! 3/4 lengths for me. Although, I'm in my "ideal" weight, I take the marshmallow look to new heights, or is that widths?

Please! Your a tiny little thing. :) Who cares if you wear tanks, it's not like your going to know people there besides your side kicks, and they won't care. May as well be comfy. Besides, I think it's much prettier to have arms that aren't all hard looking like they could compete for Mr. Universe. Women's arms look better with a softness to them. Haven't you heard? Women are suppose to be soft. :cloud9:
I'm sorry I don't have much to say to your moving situation. I know that you living with in-laws should be last resort for anyone. :laughing: I know for sure as good as my inlaws are to us, I wouldn't do it. :sad2:
School is something that I think can be put off until you get back, I'm sure I'm shocking a lot of parents to say that, but I think you know where I'm coming from since your also a homeschool mom, your probably better off homeschooling any way. Well I'm about to fall asleep, so I better get off of here. Bless you Liesa, have a really wonderful Lord filled day. Find yourself some alone time, crawl up in your Daddy's lap and let Him know all about what's going on, I know He's a good listener and I'm sure He'll have some wonderful insight for you. :cloud9: :love: That's the best advice I could give anyone.

[TarzansKat]

Mmmmm,Mmmmm! Me too!! When people ask if they can send stuff, I always ask for peanut butter! Fattening? Yes! Nommy? You betcha! :thumbsup2

One of the only things I can stomach right now is peanut butter sandwiches.

I rationalize that it's protein.


I like the fact that they crowds are lower! I like it a lot in fact!

Tanks??!! :scared1: No Way, Jose! 3/4 lengths for me. Although, I'm in my "ideal" weight, I take the marshmallow look to new heights, or is that widths?

Crowds are definitely lower, but the further you go into October, the busier Epcot gets with Food and Wine Festival.

Dude.

Wear tanks if you want to. You wouldn't believe some of the outfits I've seen at the hotel and the parks. And if they're comfortable, you should be too. ;)

[All7OfUs]

Please! Your a tiny little thing. :) Who cares if you wear tanks, it's not like your going to know people there besides your side kicks, and they won't care. May as well be comfy. Besides, I think it's much prettier to have arms that aren't all hard looking like they could compete for Mr. Universe. Women's arms look better with a softness to them. Haven't you heard? Women are suppose to be soft. :cloud9:

You are too kind!! Regardless, even if I do joke about my "softness" as you call it, my skin is so shot from growing up practically 24/7 around the pool in So. Cal, that I really rarely risk more sun exposure anymore. In the summers around here, it often gets to around 110-120 F and I really HAVE to wear a light cotton shirt over my arms so I don't really make trouble on my skin even more. I can attest that age spots do NOT become me whatsoever!


I'm sorry I don't have much to say to your moving situation. I know that you living with in-laws should be last resort for anyone. :laughing: I know for sure as good as my inlaws are to us, I wouldn't do it. :sad2:
School is something that I think can be put off until you get back, I'm sure I'm shocking a lot of parents to say that, but I think you know where I'm coming from since your also a homeschool mom, your probably better off homeschooling any way. Well I'm about to fall asleep, so I better get off of here. Bless you Liesa, have a really wonderful Lord filled day. Find yourself some alone time, crawl up in your Daddy's lap and let Him know all about what's going on, I know He's a good listener and I'm sure He'll have some wonderful insight for you. :cloud9: :love: That's the best advice I could give anyone.



I totally understand where you are coming from! It IS something that can wait, and giving the kids a month or even 2 or 3 to readjust and feel out the culture would be a good thing. The only sense of urgency is the speech for Zach. Thanks!! We always wonder, and will really never know for sure, if he's been doing better by being homeschooled all this time. Usually more one-on-one time = better eduacation. Who knows??

[All7OfUs]

Some of you wanted to know when I got my next update up on my blog. Our year in pictures- Pt. II is up and ready.


http://steppesisterssongs.blogspot.com/

Happy Reading. :3dglasses

[englishrose47]

:lmao:I was soooo far off on #6 !!!
Looking for #7 !!I see Winkers and I are tied !!!

Haven't been in October but Sept was HOT and Humid !! Definately shorts weather !!

[JPFamilyMom]

Ok, so I officially stink at guessing games. I don't even remember if I posted a response to ration#6 because I was thinking too hard. But watch out cause I got a deluxe passporter and have been reading up on dining.

Now on to all your decisions, wow, that is A LOT to mull over.

Your heart will lead you to the decision that is right for you and your family. Having had postponed my trip twice for family needs, etc. It is a very hard thing to do, but can bring about more exciting opportunities.

With regards to Bekka I have no advice because my kids are little, and I feel so out of the h.s. world. That will be a tough decision for you and her. I know in Nevada they had implemented a home schooled setting where the kids did all their learning online, and then went to school like once every other week for testing and to turn in assignments. Is this an option maybe where you are moving?

With regards to your son, I agree with a few others that chimed in. My son has been receiving special services, mainly speech since he was two. It is a VERY long process, filled with a lot of waiting, and a lot of paperwork. So just be ready, and like someone else said, you really have to stand your ground, and push for what you want for your child. Stand firm. Having moved to another state, we have started the process all over again, as you know. We finally got our son in a two day a week school program here and we got a referral to a speech therapy place through our pediatrician, not sure how much that will cost yet, but I grew tired of waiting on the school district here, since Jack needs to get ready for Kindergarten for next school year. I will pray for you and your son that things can move quicker. Each school district is different, in NC it was so GREAT and I got spoiled, now I'm back to fighting again like I did in NV.

Prayers for you and your family. Everything will fall into place in time.

[glennbo123]

Okay in retrospect the clue seems solvable. I've never eaten at Beaches and Cream, so hadn't heard of the No Way Jose (that would've helped a lot), but I have read about the Kitchen Sink.

Nice pictures on your blog. That's a nice looking dombra. We bought a mountain dulcimer when we went on a mission trip to rural Kentucky, pre-kids. I play it once every few years!

We'll be praying that God will clearly reveal the path you and your family should go.

[punkin413]

For those of you who've gone in Sept and/or Oct. What is the weather like?? I need to start some clothes shopping and need some advice on the kinds of clothes to pack. Short sleeves or Long? Pants, carpris or shorts?? Sweatshirts or jackets?

i've been twice in september. the first time was in 2007, september 22nd-ish, and it was hot but not unbearable. shorts and a tank and i was comfy. the second time was 2008 and we checked in september 2nd and it was HOT, HOT, HOT!!! that was the most miserable trip weather-wise i've ever taken to WDW. of course i've never been in the summer.

i hear october is better, but can be very unpredictable. i know the first week or so of october this year they set record highs. if you decide to go in october i would definitely bring layers just in case. when we go in april/may we always get chilly at night, so we have a hoodie to throw on.

[eandesmom]

I have a confession. I think it's all TK's fault that I nailed the last one.

Way back when....when we decided on the YC for our trip I believe I promised her to have a No Way Jose (in exchange for her trying a Yak Attack...though I'm not sure if she did it...I'll have to be patient until she gets to that part of her TR) and so I dutifully looked up what I was agreeing to.

Now it is possible I'd have looked it up recently anyway with our ADR review and looking pretty closely at all the BC/YC menu's, it's definitely on the printed menu my gang ranked, but it definitely stood out in my mind. Mexico totally threw me off though so I thought I was wrong but...thanks TK!

And if it was someone else I promised to eat the treat for, thanks to them too.

It is a complete fluke I am doing this well, LUCK (and perhaps fact you are picking places I plan to eat?) I generally suck at this kind of thing. I mean really really suck.

Liesa you are funny about the tank tops, wear what makes you feel comfy but really, who cares and that's what sunblock is for! I can't imagine not wearing sleeveless things in that heat, it's just too hot for me!

Shorts for me are far harder. Finding the right length that looks good walking around but is comfy sitting on rides? I swear it's right up there with swimsuit shopping. Or jeans. As with jeans shorts don't seem to have a middle ground. High waist and hideously uncomfortable or low waist with the potential to actually fall off. BLEH BLEH and double BLEH. It's a nightmare I'm not looking forward to as restocking is a necessity for our trip. Every summer I swear I'm going to address this and get a few pairs I am happy with and every summer I come up empty handed. Capri's are great but shorts would be better in the heat though truthfully I'm thinking...

Skorts.

[TarzansKat]

Dude. I helped someone else?

You're welcome!!! :lmao:

[jordanyosh]

I was soo off on my guess...oh well..

[StefaniLyn]

Woo Hoo! I'm on the board with a whopping *1* point! :banana::banana::banana: :dance3: So if your next few clues could please be posted only in PMs to directly to me, that would be a great opportunity for me to catch up! :rotfl2:

We went in September 2008 and it was HOT! The majority of our group wore tank tops, short sleeved shirts, and shorts the entire trip. If I recall correctly, high 80's and low 90s for most of the trip. Bring a sweatshirt as it cools down once the sun sets though. I just browsed through some photos I have in my Shutterfly account from our last trip and the girls were in spaghetti straps or tank tops in all photos. And there were lots of red faces (from the heat).

[Sleepingbooty]

For those of you who've gone in Sept and/or Oct. What is the weather like?? I need to start some clothes shopping and need some advice on the kinds of clothes to pack. Short sleeves or Long? Pants, carpris or shorts?? Sweatshirts or jackets?

I've been at the end of September 3 times. It is definitely still summer. As Stefanilyn said, high 80's to low 90's. And honestly, I don't remember ever needing a sweatshirt. In fact, we've always remarked on how its hot from the minute you get up to the time you go to sleep! So unlike CA, where you definitely need layers! Now, October I can't speak to, but I would better the weather starts to temper a bit by mid-month.

Some of you wanted to know when I got my next update up on my blog. Our year in pictures- Pt. II is up and ready.


http://steppesisterssongs.blogspot.com/

Happy Reading. :3dglasses

Just read it, very nice! First pic I've seen of your hubby! And the puppies - how adorable! How are they doing?

[reelmom]

We went for a short trip this past October and the weather was all over the place. One day, it was so cold in the morning, nice during the day and freezing at night. You can check out www.wunderground.com for the weather of your dates for the last 10 years. Click on Trip Planner near the top of the page under Travel & Activities, insert your location and dates. It'a a pretty neat site.

[All7OfUs]

Just wanted to let you know, that in a half hour or so, I'll have a couple of updates up!!! I see this has slipped down to page 2! So, it's more than high time for some fun. Be back in a bit :)

[pipersmom]

Woohoo for updates! Speaking of which, I loved the new pics on your blog! Admittedly though, I went into the puppy picture thinking "it's not a puppy like you see a puppy, so it's fine to think it's cute, but puppies serve other purposes there" :lmao: That being said..the puppy is adorable! I really enjoy following your updates there, I hope you'll continue it in a different vein when you're back here in the states. :hug:

[englishrose47]

I hope it's Clue #7!!!

[All7OfUs]

After our slumber full of happy Magic Kingdom dreams, the kids and I were up early, eager to explore new and exciting things. Today was the day we would go “to the zoo”. This time getting to the park was not going to be by happy little boat, though. Instead it would be via big, happy, Disney bus.
I’ll have to concede that the first few times using the Fort’s somewhat complicated bus system can be a bit mystifying. One must first get to a centralized point for pickup to destinations out of the Fort, which can add another ½ hour to one’s travel time. Now they use a color-coded system: yellow, orange and purple, I believe. But in 2000 it was the Davy Crockett and some other illustrious frontier type hero. I do remember pouring over the “Something-or-Rather Gazette” in order to memorize the routes, destinations, and so on and so forth, and in the end, it wasn’t terribly difficult. We just needed some practice, like most things in life.

Through the turnstiles and in we went. We had heard about the Safaris, so we headed that way. I remember that the wait was ferociously long and the baby incredibly heavy. At last, we boarded our bouncy, tricked out safari jeep, which was really just a cleverly disguised bus. Did they really think they could pull that one over our eyes? Maybe my fanciful Disney- colored Imagineerination had temporarily taken a lunch break, but I distinctly remember being grossly underwhelmed. We saw exactly 2 animals- a giraffe and a rhino. They may as well have been in San Francisco they were that close. Apparently, we were supposed to have saved a baby elephant, or his mother, from a poacher, but we never saw either of them either. Maybe they decided to move to San Francisco? The poacher perhaps had moved on to greener pastures as well, for he was nowhere to be seen either.

After a brief shrug of our shoulders, and a “Whatever?!” sort of conversation, we wandered around for a while seeing whatever we came to. The only thing that stands out in my mind as remarkable was a whole bunch of monkeys on a ginormous play structure. We stood and watched them for a while, but whenever we stood still, we got chilly, so we went on to again try to make sense of this park.

I’m pretty sure it was about now, that we were getting hungry, and true to my classic poor, tightwad nature (THAT, I’ve long outgrown) I wrestled heart and soul over what would be filling, yet dirt cheap. I may as well have been searching for moon rocks at the same time; filling I could find, dirt cheap I could not.

After pulling my hunter/gathered my inner-self together, I ended up procuring some tasty and satisfactorily filling snacks. Hot, buttered corn on the cob and a few pork eggrolls perfectly fit the bill- that of which I grumbled about profusely. Being set back about 10 bucks for something that at home would have cost me about $1.75, we set off again, straight for the Magic Kingdom. Yeah, we were having that much fun. So as you can see, we just didn’t get it. We were like the people who stop in the middle of the walkways looking completely bewildered and don’t have the foggiest idea of what’s there, how to get to it, or why one would even want to. A Newbie’s Adventure into the World-Clueless Style.

Rations Drop Clue #7 is coming up in just a few short moments. Keep your diapers pinned!

[All7OfUs]

Wow! What a lot to process! I really wish we could all be there to have a cup of coffee/margarita/whatever and help you hash it all out. But since we can't, here is my two cents.

Wouldn't that be lovely!? But this is an ok 2nd best...

The main thing that stuck out to me is I wouldn't leave Zach alone with the in-laws. Moving back to the states will be enough of a transition without them adding to his stress. At least with you there, you can be a buffer even if you are living with them for a little while. As for the house thing and the move, I understand why you had to wait for DH to make the decision and the move but I would put my foot down on the in-law thing. It would be ideal if they did not have to live with you at all but if they have to live with you there has to be a firm timeline on when they will be out and firm boundaries (otherwise they might drive you and your kids insane).

Good advice!! Setting perameters and guidelines is a good thing to do, even if you are starting out with your best friend!! I cannot even imagine what she's going to do when the first thing I do is change the wallpaper. :eek::woohoo:


As for education, to me it looks like you have done a great job so far so I am sure the choices you make will be right for each child. I really applaud you for recognizing that Zach needs more help than you are able to give. I know a few parents that stick their heads in the sand instead of recognizing there may be an issue and working on helping their child.

He really does. It's beyond me at this point, and just to hear and see some new ideas would be well worth it!

As for the trip, I think time will tell as you know more about the move and you will know what is right for you and your family. As it stands right now and based on the information you have given us, I would probably postpone the trip for a little while. However, a lot can change in the next several months and you know you, your family and your situation best.

I know that your heart, your faith and time will lead you in the right direction and to the right choices for all of you. :hug::hug:

You are so right. But, the one thing I have going for me at this point, is that I still will have to go out to Kentucky to help my son get settled into university and sign papers, etc.... Why make 2 trips east??

That's alot to have on your plate. I can't imagine living with the in-laws though. :scared1: While moving a few years ago, I needed to stay with my own parents for a couple of months while work was being done on my new place. Slowest few months of my life, and I adore my parents. I can't imagine having to do it with someone else's.

She especially is a very dogmatic sort of person, so getting along with her is pretty tough. And I'd consider myself pretty easy-going.

First and foremost you are in my heart as you navigate through this. As I have faith in HIM to steer you through, I also have tremendous faith in YOU.

A few thoughts in no particular order.

Speech therapy. Apparently the criteria (at least here) by which they measure progress counts 2nd grade as a significant speech milestone so many many things that would not previously qualify as needing help, the assumption being that it will resolve itself, when it doesn't now becomes qualified. Eric, and 2 other classmates, qualified at the end of last year and it was not something I was even looking for or had occurred to me (lame I know). Basically he has issues with his "th" sounds. "That" sounds like "dat" and so on.

He is understandable, well to me anyway, and it just makes him sound immature. Which, well, he is lol. At any rate I am only providing this example to show if something as mild as that, qualifies, I really bet Zach will do, especially if you push a little. I think the key though is to be patient with the process. Which is long.

That makes total sense! Zach's most major issue is stuttering, but on top of that he cannot make a complete sentence, often speaks completely off-topic, and can't say 'r's. REally it's almost like an apraxia or even autism spectrum sort of thing.

We do ok at interpreting, but when he is around other English speakers, no one can understand him. :sad1:

Which brings me to my 2nd point. Timing. The IEP process is LOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNGGGGGGG. It took almost 5 months after being identified as a need. Now in Zach's case you'll walk in asking for testing but still. If you arrive only 1 week before school starts you'll probably be lucky to get him any help by Christmas. I imagine it isn't possible to somehow get him tested before school lets out this year so I'd just factor that in. You might be able to talk to the district and find out what you can do from there so that he is set up when you arrive, I would definitely look into it. I agree, you don't want to start him out in a hard situation and if he can start therapy at the same time as public school it would help. I have no idea about services if you homeschool but definitely ask them about that too!

I wouldn't leave the kids with your in law's either, just too much transition, MIL issues are just icing on that cake.

Regarding starting school late, it really depends on the grade whether it's much of an issue and I can't recall what grades they all would be come fall!. Elementary school, not much of an issue. Later than that? It could be. It may be better to wait and put them in at the next logical break based on the grading periods, when new classes start for both MS and HS.

Anara would likely be in 3rd (as per her age, she'll be 8), Zach- who knows?? He reads at about a 3rd grade level, but should be in 5th.

Mikki will be in 10th, and I'm almost 100% sure I'll keep homeschooling her. Bekka will be a senior, and we're leaning toward leaving her here to finish up as per her own request.

Yeah, I can see how that would take time. BUT 5 MONTHS? :scared1: Then now, I can really see that getting back is no hurry, really. If one or even 2 months is n't going to speed it up, then why put them through the stress of move AND school?

For Bekka. When you talk about CC are you thinking Running Start? I would think that could make a lot of sense for her and perhaps she could take the placement tests from there and you could supplement as needed from home to keep her from graduating late. It's funny, in Running Start they actually have a lot less total classes as the work is much harder, just like in real college, you just have to fulfill the graduation requirements. You've probably already looked into it but she may not need as many classes as you think.

Sounds like what I"ve heard about. A system where they study at CC, and get credits for both finishing HS AND for college. We've had many friends do it that way, and they have actually graduated HS with an AA degree. Like you say, you just have to make sure they are getting the right amount of credits, and than can be hard with allt he little electives, like computer lit, gov't., etc...

Your trip. Are Maroo and LeAnn able to move their dates or are they locked in? Your family does need to come first and it sounds like you need to be in 3 places at once!

My gut would be to postpone the trip by a week or 2 to let you get settled, and homeschool through Christmas while you navigate the best options for Zach and Bekka.

I need to call LeeAnn and ask. I think maroo is more flexible.

I think your gut feeling is what's most likely going to happen.

I can tell these decisions are whirling around your head like a duststorm. I know just how you feel. I get that same feeling when I try to figure out my career situation. But you know, you just have to do what you told me: Let the One in charge guide you. Make yourself open to His will and it'll be clear what you should do. Of course, as you know this takes a lot of patience! Its so hard when we want answers now! Praying that you are able to find some quiet in your mind. Just breathe! :hug:

they really are!!! Interesting to have a "soul mate" here going through a similar situation. Patience... ah yes, that quality that's so hard to put into practice!

[StefaniLyn]

Just wanted to let you know, that in a half hour or so, I'll have a couple of updates up!!! I see this has slipped down to page 2! So, it's more than high time for some fun. Be back in a bit :)

:surfweb:

[pipersmom]

:surfweb:

Hooray..does that mean you have another update up? popcorn::

[All7OfUs]

:lmao:I was soooo far off on #6 !!!
Looking for #7 !!I see Winkers and I are tied !!!

Haven't been in October but Sept was HOT and Humid !! Definately shorts weather !!

OK, Clue #7 coming up soon, today, I promise!

Sounds like everyone is in agreement about Sept. weather. I'll go with lighter clothes, and be prepared for hot, hot, hot! Sounds like I'm going to the Brazilian beach for Festival. :eek::rotfl2: Maybe I"ll find your newest hottie there. :confused3:lmao:

Ok, so I officially stink at guessing games. I don't even remember if I posted a response to ration#6 because I was thinking too hard. But watch out cause I got a deluxe passporter and have been reading up on dining.

Don't worry! This was a toughy. You weren't the only one who missed it. The next one will be easier. I say that all the time, huh? REally! I think it will be easier!

Now on to all your decisions, wow, that is A LOT to mull over.

Your heart will lead you to the decision that is right for you and your family. Having had postponed my trip twice for family needs, etc. It is a very hard thing to do, but can bring about more exciting opportunities.

With regards to Bekka I have no advice because my kids are little, and I feel so out of the h.s. world. That will be a tough decision for you and her. I know in Nevada they had implemented a home schooled setting where the kids did all their learning online, and then went to school like once every other week for testing and to turn in assignments. Is this an option maybe where you are moving?

Looks like I'll need to be doing all kinds of research and learning as I get back to find out what our options are. DH told me yesterday, that he is still open to letting her stay here and finish up, but it would be a long shot to actually talk him into it.


With regards to your son, I agree with a few others that chimed in. My son has been receiving special services, mainly speech since he was two. It is a VERY long process, filled with a lot of waiting, and a lot of paperwork. So just be ready, and like someone else said, you really have to stand your ground, and push for what you want for your child. Stand firm. Having moved to another state, we have started the process all over again, as you know. We finally got our son in a two day a week school program here and we got a referral to a speech therapy place through our pediatrician, not sure how much that will cost yet, but I grew tired of waiting on the school district here, since Jack needs to get ready for Kindergarten for next school year. I will pray for you and your son that things can move quicker. Each school district is different, in NC it was so GREAT and I got spoiled, now I'm back to fighting again like I did in NV.

Prayers for you and your family. Everything will fall into place in time.

We already know a great speech therapist that he went to during one of our furloughs, so can always get the ball rolling with him, but it will cost a lot! Not sure we have that kind of dough.

I guess I should just get myself mentally ready for a lot of thumb twiddling and waiting.

Okay in retrospect the clue seems solvable. I've never eaten at Beaches and Cream, so hadn't heard of the No Way Jose (that would've helped a lot), but I have read about the Kitchen Sink.

Nice pictures on your blog. That's a nice looking dombra. We bought a mountain dulcimer when we went on a mission trip to rural Kentucky, pre-kids. I play it once every few years!

We'll be praying that God will clearly reveal the path you and your family should go.

I hope B&C lives up to its reputation.... I"m looking forward to sharing a No Way with LeeAnn.

Thanks! She plays pretty well, for only having taken lessons for a few months. I have a dulcimer too. I play it about once every 10 years. It's packed away in our garage with the rest of our crap we stored. It'll probably be all warped and wrecked when we get it out next summer. :scared1: I got mine in Northern Arkansas.

Thanks, Glenn, it's a lot to mull over.

i've been twice in september. the first time was in 2007, september 22nd-ish, and it was hot but not unbearable. shorts and a tank and i was comfy. the second time was 2008 and we checked in september 2nd and it was HOT, HOT, HOT!!! that was the most miserable trip weather-wise i've ever taken to WDW. of course i've never been in the summer.

i hear october is better, but can be very unpredictable. i know the first week or so of october this year they set record highs. if you decide to go in october i would definitely bring layers just in case. when we go in april/may we always get chilly at night, so we have a hoodie to throw on.

Ok, I'll be prepared for hot, if we keep the trip in Sept. and layers for Oct. I'm so glad there's so many others who have gone before!

[StefaniLyn]

Hooray..does that mean you have another update up? popcorn::

for me? yessiree! I'm hoping for a rations drop over here too and catching up on everyone else's TRs. Poor DH may be going to bed solo tonight!

[All7OfUs]

I have a confession. I think it's all TK's fault that I nailed the last one.

Liesa you are funny about the tank tops, wear what makes you feel comfy but really, who cares and that's what sunblock is for! I can't imagine not wearing sleeveless things in that heat, it's just too hot for me!

Shorts for me are far harder. Finding the right length that looks good walking around but is comfy sitting on rides? I swear it's right up there with swimsuit shopping. Or jeans. As with jeans shorts don't seem to have a middle ground. High waist and hideously uncomfortable or low waist with the potential to actually fall off. BLEH BLEH and double BLEH. It's a nightmare I'm not looking forward to as restocking is a necessity for our trip. Every summer I swear I'm going to address this and get a few pairs I am happy with and every summer I come up empty handed. Capri's are great but shorts would be better in the heat though truthfully I'm thinking...

Skorts.

Funny, it was someone else who steered you this way! Actually, one of the clues coming up will be her fault too. She just simply picks good places!

OK, then I"m doing capris. I ordered size 6's (2 pair) and my mom sent them all the way over. I sent them back to her so she could exchange them for 4's. All those companies who tweaked their sizings sure know how to make a girl feel good, even if only 10 years ago a 4 woudl have been something a 6 year old would have worn. :rotfl:

Dude. I helped someone else?

You're welcome!!! :lmao:

And not just her either. ;) One of your "recommendations" is coming up as a Rations Drop....

I was soo off on my guess...oh well..

There's always next time...

Woo Hoo! I'm on the board with a whopping *1* point! :banana::banana::banana: :dance3: So if your next few clues could please be posted only in PMs to directly to me, that would be a great opportunity for me to catch up! :rotfl2:

We went in September 2008 and it was HOT! The majority of our group wore tank tops, short sleeved shirts, and shorts the entire trip. If I recall correctly, high 80's and low 90s for most of the trip. Bring a sweatshirt as it cools down once the sun sets though. I just browsed through some photos I have in my Shutterfly account from our last trip and the girls were in spaghetti straps or tank tops in all photos. And there were lots of red faces (from the heat).

I'll remember that next clues ONLY to Stephani!! :lmao: Nice try, Chickie...

Ok, another vote for dressing for HOT weather!

I've been at the end of September 3 times. It is definitely still summer. As Stefanilyn said, high 80's to low 90's. And honestly, I don't remember ever needing a sweatshirt. In fact, we've always remarked on how its hot from the minute you get up to the time you go to sleep! So unlike CA, where you definitely need layers! Now, October I can't speak to, but I would better the weather starts to temper a bit by mid-month.

Just read it, very nice! First pic I've seen of your hubby! And the puppies - how adorable! How are they doing?

It's unanimous. I will be hot!! You know what?? I LOVE LOVE LOVE hot weather!!! Really, I do. So does LeeAnn. I used to go over to her house every week for lunch when our kids were little, and I remember the 2 of us sitting on the heater vents to stay warm with blankets all wrapped around us. I am excited that it will be hot!

Puppies are ready for food this week. They have cut their teeth, so they will need to be fed real food. They don't make wet food here, so, we have to buy dry kibbles and soften them with hot water, so it turns into a mush. Then we have to lock up Daisy so she doesn't hurt them. Ugh!

We went for a short trip this past October and the weather was all over the place. One day, it was so cold in the morning, nice during the day and freezing at night. You can check out www.wunderground.com for the weather of your dates for the last 10 years. Click on Trip Planner near the top of the page under Travel & Activities, insert your location and dates. It'a a pretty neat site.

Good hint there!!! We use wunderground for our weather over here, but I didn't know they had that function.

[pipersmom]

for me? yessiree! I'm hoping for a rations drop over here too and catching up on everyone else's TRs. Poor DH may be going to bed solo tonight!

Woohoo..just caught your update! I'm so Dis-addicted! I'm hoping to catch rations drop too, but I have to unhook Piper at midnight, so that's my excuse for staying up ;)

[All7OfUs]

Woohoo for updates! Speaking of which, I loved the new pics on your blog! Admittedly though, I went into the puppy picture thinking "it's not a puppy like you see a puppy, so it's fine to think it's cute, but puppies serve other purposes there" :lmao: That being said..the puppy is adorable! I really enjoy following your updates there, I hope you'll continue it in a different vein when you're back here in the states. :hug:

I will definitely keep it up. Although, it may take a turn for the boring and mundane. I do love writing though, and it is a good way to release my inner- writing beast. :laughing:

[All7OfUs]

In our daily grind, we're almost sure to hit this place at least once.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll305/All7OfUs/port-orleans-riverside-69-1.jpg

[that's nice]

Hope you had a good weekend!

Now where did I put that popcorn? :confused3




Oh yea there it is popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::


Glad you are caught up with your responses!!!!!! :rotfl:

[StefaniLyn]

In our daily grind, we're almost sure to hit this place at least once.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll305/All7OfUs/port-orleans-riverside-69-1.jpg

Is that the clue? That's it? No lenghty paragraph with multiple hints and subtle suggestions? Aw man . . . . I'm gonna have to think on this one!

edited to add: I'm going to give this one a guess although I've never been there before. Is it The Riverside Mill at Port Orleans - Riverside?

[All7OfUs]

Hope you had a good weekend!

Now where did I put that popcorn? :confused3




Oh yea there it is popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::


Glad you are caught up with your responses!!!!!! :rotfl:

I was so far behind on my own thread, it's taken me and hour and a half to catch up!!! I haven't gone anywhere else to join in any reindeer games this morning.

Phew!

[All7OfUs]

Is that the clue? That's it? No lenghty paragraph with multiple hints and subtle suggestions? Aw man . . . . I'm gonna have to think on this one!

That's it, my friend... :laughing: Roll that and smoke it.:rotfl2:

[that's nice]

That's it, my friend... :laughing: Roll that and smoke it.:rotfl2:

LOLOL UMMMMMMMMMMM

http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/cool/cool-smiley-027.gifhttp://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/cool/cool-smiley-027.gifhttp://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/cool/cool-smiley-027.gifhttp://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/cool/cool-smiley-027.gifhttp://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/cool/cool-smiley-027.gif