~ Sew Sweet 16 ~I’m packing your angry eyes just in case~Aug 2014~ BFF' bag 8/20!!!!

[ladylyons]

My DH had to ask me what I was laughing about so hard when I read the note!! It was awesome!! You should be home and had safe travels!

 

[solana131]

Welcome home! Glad you had a great trip....it looked like a lot of fun. Hope the girls were not starved to death....or covered in ranch dressing when you got there

 

[DMGeurts]

Good morning everyone!

Well, we made it safely home yesterday, just in time for dinner. It was a great trip and BORING across Iowa (sorry Mike)... Like - I never want to drive through Iowa ever again.

I thought I would share a few (boring and not so boring) photos from yesterday's journey...

St. Louis:

Iowa:

Then the snow line... In Iowa, about 75 miles from the MN border:

And right over the MN border... Considerably more snow...

And finally... pulling into town... Home at last!

I wanted to add, we are seriously considering a trip back to TN over Christmas break... I am not sure - at this time - if we will drive down or fly... but Josh's dad wants us to see (and we want to see) Biltmore mansion in Ashville, NC - and I have heard that at Christmas time, it's really spectacular! Not only that - but it would be fun to experience a Smoky Mountain Christmas.

Today will be crazy... I wil be working in my sewing room all day - trying to catch up from my week off... I have a lot of catching up to do.

I do have some sad news to report... Allison and Gus broke up while we were gone. This makes me so sad, as I really liked Gus a lot. Gus has been going through a lot of personal/family medical issues, and he didn't feel right burdoning Alli with that - so he wants to take some time to re-evaluate his life. I respect him for that, and for being honest with her. That said... They have resolved to remain friends - good friends... So, tonight, they are going to see a movie together - as friends. I hope that one day, if it's in their best interest, they will find a way to work it out. He is a very nice guy and I've really enjoyed having him around. I support whatever decision they are happy with.

Again - tomorow evening is Josh's big Pheasants Forever Banquet... This is something we all enjoy doing so much. This is only our 2nd year doing it, but it's a lot of fun. Josh and I usually run one of the games. Allison is their official photographer. And Victoria will be running a game, as well. As a side note, my boutique is an "official sponsor"... It's the first time I have ever done anything like this. It's a good write off for my business and it supports a good cause. I will be sure to post a few pictures for all of you afterwards.

It's great to be home... My own bed, my own coffee maker (Mo had GREAT coffee though...) - my own food. I do have to say, as a side note, my In-Laws were spectacular about my way of eating - very accomodating and just super wonderful about making sure they had something I could eat at every meal - which, sometimes, included making me something totally seperate. It was a really wonderful experience, and it made traveling easier.

Anyways... I hope you all have a wonderful day. Many prayers and Pixie Dust to all in need. I have missed you all!

D~

 

[KatMark]

Welcome home! At this point, Markie never wants to drive through Iowa again (and why he and Alisha are talking about moving down to Florida when we do)...and he lives there! There are some really nice areas, but it is a LOT of farm country.

I'm sorry to hear about Alli and Gus; I am glad they are going to remain friends.

I hope you have a great weekend. We are off to that place you never want to go again tonight...Iowa.

 

[oopsiDAISY]

OMGoodness...you may be here for a "Tender Tennessee Christmas"!!! You must let me know when you make a more definite decision and set dates. I get LOTS of paid time off during the two weeks of Christmas and New Years, so another Knoxville meet would not be a problem at all.

Glad you made it home. Going away is alway so fun and exciting, but coming home is always a big sigh of relief....COMFORT!

 

[Terkina]

Welcome home

Sad to hear about Gus and Alli. He seems nice a really nice guy. I'm glad they are staying friends

 

[Chicago Mo]

YAY your home!! All safe and sound. Hope you brought home ranch and toilet paper!

I like my coffee... a little too much..


Looks like you will have a wonderful weekend!!! Have a great time!!! Tonight is my annual Pub Crawl.. I hope i can make it all night! I am falling hard today i am so tired!!!

Enjoy your weekend TAKE PICTURES!!!

 

[spiritsim]

Glad you made it home safe and sound. sorry about Gus ,but they are still young.......so well you know. I never really thought about it until I saw your coming home photo. Anyways my X (Raina's step dad) and her two younger brothers live in MN. The X is in Pine River and the boys are in Brainerd. Not sure what part of MN you are in. Mark(the X) grew up in Fridley. Anyhoo small world. Glad you had a good trip.

 

[Twice_as_Nice]

I'm WAY late but I am joining in on this fun, seriously this looks like an EPIC trip to end all trips.

You all look like so much fun I would love to do anything with you all.

 

[babynala]

I am so far behind but wanted to say Hi and I'm glad you made it back home safely. Hope you have a great weekend. I doubt MM and the girls will let you out of their sights.

 

[disneychic2]

First of all, so glad you made it home safely…and without purchasing a Harley! I have a definite aversion to them since I saw so many motorcycle accidents working the ER!

Christmas at the Biltmore sounds wonderful! I've always wanted to do Christmas at Williamsburg too. But I never want to leave home for actual Christmas, so don't guess I'll ever make it. If family were involved, that would be a different story.

The note from the girls was priceless!! So funny!! I'm sure they were glad to see you both for lots of reasons. It's too bad about Gus, but sounds like it's not completely over. Sadly, this tends to happen over and over and it's like I'm breaking up with them too. Some I didn't mind!!! But some I just loved.

Sounds like a fun night for you guys tonight. It's rare to have events the whole family can join in and help with. What a great bonding experience.

I'm hanging in here at Jennifer's still. I miss home and Dan, but what can I do? I also love being there for my kids when they need me. Fortunately, Dan is completely supportive.

I hope you get caught up in the sewing room soon. I know you'll drive yourself crazy until you do. And I'm betting it won't take long at all.

 

[DMGeurts]

Welcome home! At this point, Markie never wants to drive through Iowa again (and why he and Alisha are talking about moving down to Florida when we do)...and he lives there! There are some really nice areas, but it is a LOT of farm country.

I don't blame him. I am considering moving to FL with you too... Did I tell you that yet?

I'm sorry to hear about Alli and Gus; I am glad they are going to remain friends.

Me too... I was pretty sad about it. He is a good kid. I am very happy that they have chosen to remain friends - but I am not sure how long that will last? They appeared to have a great time at the movie last night. No pressure from me though... LOL I'll just sit back and observe.

I hope you have a great weekend. We are off to that place you never want to go again tonight...Iowa.

Have a great trip Kathy! I hope it's less boring for you. I am hoping to swing into your TR this morning and do a little catching up.

OMGoodness...you may be here for a "Tender Tennessee Christmas"!!! You must let me know when you make a more definite decision and set dates. I get LOTS of paid time off during the two weeks of Christmas and New Years, so another Knoxville meet would not be a problem at all.

I will let you know, for sure. It's something all of us are wanting to do. At this point, I am just not sure if we are going to fly or drive? I am just not sure I want to do that trip in the winter... Just too many variables. We want to be on the ground in TN for a week though - so this will be a longer trip.

you made it home. Going away is alway so fun and exciting, but coming home is always a big sigh of relief....COMFORT!

It is wonderful being home - for sure.

Welcome home

Sad to hear about Gus and Alli. He seems nice a really nice guy. I'm glad they are staying friends

Thank you Lillian. I was sad about it too... but I have a feeling they may end up together again... We will see. He was very happy to spend most of yesterday here with us, and he is a good kid - I enjoy having him around here.

YAY your home!! All safe and sound. Hope you brought home ranch and toilet paper!

Hahaha... Well, I told them where the "stashed" ranch was before we came home - so all was right in their worlds. Glad to be home though - I really missed the girls.

I like my coffee... a little too much..

I know the feeling.

Looks like you will have a wonderful weekend!!! Have a great time!!! Tonight is my annual Pub Crawl.. I hope i can make it all night! I am falling hard today i am so tired!!!

Enjoy your weekend TAKE PICTURES!!!

I saw your pictures on FB last night - it looked like you were all having a great tme!

Glad you made it home safe and sound. sorry about Gus ,but they are still young.......so well you know. I never really thought about it until I saw your coming home photo. Anyways my X (Raina's step dad) and her two younger brothers live in MN. The X is in Pine River and the boys are in Brainerd. Not sure what part of MN you are in. Mark(the X) grew up in Fridley. Anyhoo small world. Glad you had a good trip.

I agree - Alli and Gus are still young. And I have always tried to instill in both of my girls the desire and ability to be independant and to stand up for what they believe in... So, I really think it was good for Alli to be able to stand back and re-evaluate her feelings for him. I hesitate to say it, but I wouldn't be surprised if they were to get back together at some point. I know I shouldn't be nosey - but I really feel like they are a good match - and I am confident they think so too. Like I said yesterday, he is just going through a really hard time with his family medical issues, and I know he doesn't want to drag Alli through it... but I also know he has feelings for her. It will sort itself out one way or another, I am sure of that.

Your ex is way north of me, by about 3 hours. Pine River and Brainerd are somewhat close to eachother.

I'm WAY late but I am joining in on this fun, seriously this looks like an EPIC trip to end all trips.

You all look like so much fun I would love to do anything with you all.

Welcome! Very happy to have you here! Yes, this will be a fun trip - we are all very excited for it!

LOL We like to think we are a lot of fun.

I am so far behind but wanted to say Hi and I'm glad you made it back home safely. Hope you have a great weekend. I doubt MM and the girls will let you out of their sights.

Hi Liz!!! How are you? How is cruise planning going? It's gotta be getting close? Are you planning any customs for this trip? I hope you have a wonderful weekend too.

First of all, so glad you made it home safely…and without purchasing a Harley!I have a definite aversion to them since I saw so many motorcycle accidents working the ER!

Hahaha about not purchasing a Harley... I know we have one in our future - it will be well after the girls move out and finish college though.

I agree about the safety concerns with them... We are more of a "cruising" family when it comes to bikes... Not hard-core biker people. Not that it would make us any safer on the road, but... I like to think it does.

Christmas at the Biltmore sounds wonderful! I've always wanted to do Christmas at Williamsburg too. But I never want to leave home for actual Christmas, so don't guess I'll ever make it. If family were involved, that would be a different story.

I am not sure what dates we will go down? It will certainly depend on the weather if we are driving - so it may mean that we are on the road for Christmas... But - it would definately be a family adventure. I am sort of leaning towards flying down though - if we can find decent flight prices, it would be so much easier.

The note from the girls was priceless!! So funny!! I'm sure they were glad to see you both for lots of reasons. It's too bad about Gus, but sounds like it's not completely over. Sadly, this tends to happen over and over and it's like I'm breaking up with them too. Some I didn't mind!!! But some I just loved.

Yah - they crack me up... Monsters. They were very happy to see us- as we were happy to see them.

I am certain that it's not over with Gus... After seeing them together yesterday and last night... I just know that he is going through such a hard time with his family, and I think he just wants to have his feelings in order concerning all of it, before coming to a conclusion about Alli... I understand. So does she. He is a good kid, for sure. But I agree - it was sad to think that he wouldn't be around any more... He did add an element of added fun to our family and fits in well. I know I shouldn't be attached to him, but he was starting to feel like another kid... Oh well - they will work things out, or they won't. We will see. I'll just sit back and watch it unfold.

Sounds like a fun night for you guys tonight. It's rare to have events the whole family can join in and help with. What a great bonding experience.

It's actually tonight... and we are all looking forward to it. It should be a lot of fun!

I'm hanging in here at Jennifer's still. I miss home and Dan, but what can I do? I also love being there for my kids when they need me. Fortunately, Dan is completely supportive.

I hope Jennifer is doing better. I've been praying for her and hoping that she is doing much better. It is wonderful that you can be there for the kids - I can only hope that Josh will be as understanding as Dan is when the time comes. I know you love being there with your family - but I also know you love being at home.

I hope you get caught up in the sewing room soon. I know you'll drive yourself crazy until you do. And I'm betting it won't take long at all.

Thank you, LOL - you know me way too well.

**********************************************************

Yesterday went very well for me. I was able to work in my sewing room all day... I finished my bag applique and I have the wallet applique all cut out and ready to stitch today. I am feeling a litte better about being behind... I am only a day or two behind now. It shouldn't take me long to catch up.

Victoria started her gun safety training yesterday... She has been working hard to earn this for a couple of years... One of our requirements was that her grades had to be up... and her grades have been fantastic this year. We are very proud of her!

As I said to a few of you above, Gus came over last night - he stayed for dinner, then I drove both him and Alli to see Need for Speed 2. It seems like they enjoyed the movie and had a good time. I picked both of them up afterwards and brought them back here - we all stayed up and finished watching Food Inc. Which I had started earlier in the evening. I am a little hopeful that they will find a way to work things out. I've said it a billion times - but he is a good kid, and I really like having him around here. And I've kind of gown to like that he is a little older than Alli - he is much more mature than boys her age, so intelectually - he is fun to talk to, as well. We all have a lot of the same political views, and they same views on a few other touchy subjects. Anyways... I am hopeful... but I will just sit back and watch.

I better get moving on my day... I have a lot to accomplish upstairs. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. My prayers and good thoughts to all of you.

D~

 

[sweetpeaandevie]

I've been off the boards for a few days so I missed the rest of your road trip! looks like you had a great time though

bummer about Alli and Gus, but it sounds like they are being very mature for their ages so kudos to you!!! I have to say, for a "first breakup" it sounds like it was pretty good for Alli.....I hope at the very least they remain friends!

I love your pics of Tennessee. We honeymooned in Gatlinburg and it was BEAUTIFUL!!!! We have gone back a couple times but I would love to see more. Aaaaah, the Biltmore.....it is GORGIOUS!!! But extremely busy around Christmas so just be prepared! We are about 3 hours from there. I love the mountains in NC, but I'm glad to live close to the beach!!!

 

[cogero]

I am back on the dis and need to read 20 pages lol.

 

[ladylyons]

Welcome Home!!! Glad you had a good trip!!!

Ahhh that's sad about Allie and Gus. But as you've already said they are young and you never know what will happen in the future. Hope his family's health issues work themselves out.

As I'm sure you've seen but James has finally shown interest in the potty!!!!! We are in full blown potty training mode!!! Wish us lots of luck that he continues and decides the potty is a whole lot more better to use than a diaper!! Because I'll be honest after 2 days I'm already tired of asking him constantly if he has to go!!!

 

[disneychic2]

Do you find it a bit ironic that when Gus first came into your lives, you weren't sure you were ready to handle it? Now he's become almost a part of the family in such a short amount of time. You've come a long way, baby! (are you old enough to remember those Virginia Slim commercials??)

It does not surprise me that you are close to being caught up. Can't wait to see your latest creation!

Jennifer gets the cast of tomorrow!! If she needs the brace, they have already scheduled her for surgery the next day. We are all praying she won't need the brace, but I won't be surprised if she does. That means at least another week for me to be here. Then she'll get friends to come and take Miles to school and help out where needed. She has a lot of wonderful friends.

What's the status on Josh's ok for your trip? Did your DIS meets have any impact at all? I hope so! Have a great, lazy Sunday with your family!

I am back on the dis and need to read 20 pages lol.

I seriously was going to ask D~ if she knew how you were! I missed seeing you!


Sandra, potty training is the pits! I swore for my second one I would wait until she said "Mother, I need to go to the bathroom". But she decided on her own she wanted to do it and her big sis helped her. Turned out to be so easy! Now, the boys on the other hand…..

Anyway, good luck to you!

 

[NiniMorris]

Sandra, potty training is the pits! I swore for my second one I would wait until she said "Mother, I need to go to the bathroom". But she decided on her own she wanted to do it and her big sis helped her. Turned out to be so easy! Now, the boys on the other hand…..

Anyway, good luck to you!

Disagree..out of 5 kids, the boys were the easiest! You float cheerios in the toilet bowl and say go for it! Takes them less than a day to figure it out....of course, you get a lot of stares from people in public when you ask them if they need to go blow up some cheerios....

LOL

Nini

 

[disneychic2]

Disagree..out of 5 kids, the boys were the easiest! You float cheerios in the toilet bowl and say go for it! Takes them less than a day to figure it out....of course, you get a lot of stares from people in public when you ask them if they need to go blow up some cheerios....

LOL

Nini

Genius!!!!!!

 

[cogero]

!




I seriously was going to ask D~ if she knew how you were! I missed seeing you!

!

Aw thanks I just have been crazy but it is all good I am trying to carve a bit more fun time out every day.

 

[DMGeurts]

I've been off the boards for a few days so I missed the rest of your road trip! looks like you had a great time though

I am happy to have your back Raina! I always miss all of my Dis-friends when they are away.

bummer about Alli and Gus, but it sounds like they are being very mature for their ages so kudos to you!!! I have to say, for a "first breakup" it sounds like it was pretty good for Alli.....I hope at the very least they remain friends!

I agree - I was quite impressed with how she took it. Now, granted - I was 500 miles away when he broke up with her, so I wasn't here (which irked me) - but according to BFF, she did just fine.

I love your pics of Tennessee. We honeymooned in Gatlinburg and it was BEAUTIFUL!!!! We have gone back a couple times but I would love to see more. Aaaaah, the Biltmore.....it is GORGIOUS!!! But extremely busy around Christmas so just be prepared! We are about 3 hours from there. I love the mountains in NC, but I'm glad to live close to the beach!!!

We accidentally drove through Gatlinburg... and WHOA! We were NOT prepared for that scene after driving through the peaceful and serene mountains all day... It was spring break - after all - and I think the entire state of TN was in Gatlinburg that day... We got out of there as fast as we could. Pigeon Forge wasn't much better - but at least we were able to find some food. LOL

I am sure that Biltmore is insane at Christmas time, but worth it, I bet?

I am back on the dis and need to read 20 pages lol.

CHIARA!!!!!!!!!!!! I was wondering if you would make it back to the Dis... The only reason I wasn't worried about you, is because we are so connected in other places too - so I knew you were OK. Love ya - and happy to see your smiling face around these parts again.

Welcome Home!!! Glad you had a good trip!!!

Ahhh that's sad about Allie and Gus. But as you've already said they are young and you never know what will happen in the future. Hope his family's health issues work themselves out.

Thanks! We did have a good trip!

Yah - I think that things will work themselves out between Alli and Gus a lot quicker than we all might think.

As I'm sure you've seen but James has finally shown interest in the potty!!!!! We are in full blown potty training mode!!! Wish us lots of luck that he continues and decides the potty is a whole lot more better to use than a diaper!! Because I'll be honest after 2 days I'm already tired of asking him constantly if he has to go!!!

Yay!!! I know it's exhausting, but I remember when my girls were finally both potty trained.

Do you find it a bit ironic that when Gus first came into your lives, you weren't sure you were ready to handle it? Now he's become almost a part of the family in such a short amount of time. You've come a long way, baby! (are you old enough to remember those Virginia Slim commercials??)

Yes, I do find it a lot ironic... I don't understand it all myself... I just know that they like eachother a lot, and they enjoy spending time together. I also know, that because of Alli's age - we have put sooooo many restrictions on them and their relationship - and through all of my obsessive/protective instincts/rules, he has stuck around and actually seems to enjoy being with our family. I have a huge amount of respect for him for those reasons alone, most boys would run to the hills as fast as they could, but Gus has not. So, I do hope they are able to work things out, and if not - I hope they are able to continue being friends.

It does not surprise me that you are close to being caught up. Can't wait to see your latest creation!

Hahaha... no sewing room for me today... I have other plans.

Jennifer gets the cast of tomorrow!! If she needs the brace, they have already scheduled her for surgery the next day. We are all praying she won't need the brace, but I won't be surprised if she does. That means at least another week for me to be here. Then she'll get friends to come and take Miles to school and help out where needed. She has a lot of wonderful friends.

Yay!!! I hope it goes well - I really do. Please keep us updated if you can, she continues to be in our prayers.

What's the status on Josh's ok for your trip? Did your DIS meets have any impact at all? I hope so! Have a great, lazy Sunday with your family!

Well - the status is a bit iffy at the moment. It is going to come down to finances, and whether we can truly afford another trip this summer. As much as I hate to admit it, and as much as I want it to happen badly - I am just not sure if we can pull it off, I have approx 1/3 of the trip in GCs - but I don't have the airfare saved yet. I hope to know more in the coming weeks. It definately won't be cancelled - it just might be pushed back a bit further. I've been talking to BFF about it, so we will just have to see if we can make anything work.

I hope you have a wonderful Sunday too!

Disagree..out of 5 kids, the boys were the easiest! You float cheerios in the toilet bowl and say go for it! Takes them less than a day to figure it out....of course, you get a lot of stares from people in public when you ask them if they need to go blow up some cheerios....

LOL

Nini

Hahaha!!!

Genius!!!!!!

I agree!

Aw thanks I just have been crazy but it is all good I am trying to carve a bit more fun time out every day.

**********************************************************

So, yesterday was a bit chaotic around here...

Josh left early in the morning to bring V to her gun safety course, then he went straight to the banquet to help set up.

While I worked in my sewing room for a little while. I was able to finish the applique for the wallet. So, tomorrow, I just have a bunch of assembly to do. I hope to finish this set tomorrow - but we will see, it might drag a bit into Tuesday?

Then Alli and I got ready for the banquet... We left a bit early, we had to stop at Target to pick up a few things... Among them, a birthday card for my Dad, and Frozen!

Afterwards, we had to go find Victoria... After getting lost - twice - and calling Josh - twice - we found her. Phew!

Then, it was off to the banquet... Got lost on the way there too... Had to call Josh again.

Alli was the official photographer, so she was running around all night taking pictures.

Victoria was supposed to help with the youth raffle - but they didn't do it, so she just helped Josh and I with our game area... Eventually taking it over and kicking us out.

It was fun though.

They ran out of meals - which I wasn't happy about. The girls and I ate (but almost didn't... we paid for meals and reserved our seats a month ago), but I was just irritated - more about the fact that Josh never did sit down the entire night. Now, I understand that he had work to do, but part of the reason I enjoy this so much, is that we get to sit down and have a nice meal together. If it wouldn't have been for the girls being there - I would have sat at a busy table all night, among strangers - and I would have been more mad. Oh well... Next year, if he plans to put this much work into it - I might opt to stay home. <--- I should edit that to say - if he plans to work all night at the banquet again and not take time to enjoy himself/give himself a break... Then I will stay home. Does that make more sense? Not cranky about it - I just don't have a desire to sit there for 3 hours, by myself and stare into space.

Otherwise, it was an OK night... It was fun to get out and spend some time with the girls - dressing up and people watching.

**********************************************************

Phew - today is a busy day, as well.

The girls and I are headed to the MOA... My good friend from Jr. high (Christy) and her dd (Sariah) are in MN from FL... I know you all remember them - we met them in Disney last Aug...

Since then, the 3 girls have become fast friends and Skype eachother constantly... This is the last day of their trip here - and our last opportunity to meet up with them. We are super excited to see them again! I love that Christy and I were such good friends when we were in jr. high... and we lost contact for 20+ years... then with the help of modern technology, we were able to reconnect, and now our girls are about the same age we were and great friends. It's just cool.

So, we are headed to the MOA a bit early... Victoria has been dying to see Divergent - she has had a countdown on her Ipad for months. We are going to drop her off at the MOA theatre and she will meet up with us after the movie. This was the ONLY chance over the next few weeks that she would get to see this movie, due to her gun safety course.

Then, we will meet up and do some shopping/hang out with Christy/Sariah.

I am hoping, sometime today, I get a call that V's glasses are in. They are supposed to be in today... If they come in, we will swing by and pick them up on our way home. It would save me a trip later in the week. So, fingers crossed.

Tonight, Josh is doing a chicken (or two) on the smoker... It's Gus' birthday today, and we invited him for dinner. We assumed that he wouldn't be able to come, because we were sure that his family would want to be with him, but they are doing something earlier in the day, so he is able to come here for dinner.

Afterwards, we are going to watch Frozen... We are not sure if Gus is staying for that though? He doesn't seem to be interested in movies unless there are cars in them...

So much for a lazy Sunday - huh? LOL It's all good though - it should promise to be a fun day for all of us.

I hope you all have a fantastic day!!! Sending out prayers and good thoughts to all of you!

D~