9/7/06 10 night Wonder Southern Caribbean "Cruising in WONDERland!"

[NutzaboutDisney]

Hi Everyone!!!

Sorry I haven't posted sooner. We just got in about 1 1/2 hours ago. Janelle, DJ and I met my dh and kids at WDW immediately leaving the port and then we took Janelle to the airport on Monday while I stayed and spent the week with family.

For those of you who don't know, I got some terrible news on the cruise on Pirate night at about 5pm to be exact. We have adopted four children and had temporary custody of a fifth sib (3) who has been in our lives since he was two days old, and has lived with us for over 2 years with the courts sending him back and forth in harms way. We most recently had temporary custody for about 15 months, going to court just about monthly, paying high attorney fees, and each month the case being continued. The case was finally heard while I was with you all and we won our dependancey case - meaning that we won our initial filing - but we lost custody of little David because the county child protection agency was allowing birthmom to keep custody of another 10 month old baby, and so the magistrate said he had to send David home to her. The Guardian, prosecutor, and Children Services all wanted us to gain legal custody. It was a major blow. And I missed the pirate night gathering and pics with you all because of the shock and heartbreak.

Jim(dh) begged birthmom to allow us to take DAvid on the Disney trip with us, and thankfully she did allow that. Ill post a pic or two -- or Jim will, anyhow! We told the kids on our way home last night that he would be going. WE are all devastated, and the kids (3 of which are biological sibs to David) just don't understand it at all. The bigger shock, birthmom has either had or will have another baby here in the next week.

We left WDW yesterday afternoon about 4ish, and drove all night. We take DAvid home tomorrow, and will spend the rest of the day today packing his things and doing laundry to get his clothes ready and the others ready for back to school.

Thanks so much to all of you that we met. We really did have a wonderful time. The fish extender gifts were awesome! DJ loved his book and we all were so excited to go back to the room to see if there was anything there waiting for us. DJ also helped me to deliver some, and it was just the cutest thing to watch him to be as excited as me in looking for Fish extenders and all of your clever door magnets!!!!

Amlee, I'll add your friend to my prayers and hope that you get word soon.

John and Cheryl, Congrats!!!

Steve, your hall still smelled like puke when we were down that way later in the week, did that smell ever disappear?????

Steph, thank you and all of your family for being such warm and caring people. Your generousity is greatly appreciated. Claire saw us in the kids programming one day when we took DJ to visit, and the next day she saw Janelle and said "I know you, You're DJ's mom." DJ pretty much lived at the pool that week!

For those of you interested in swapping photo CD's, I still plan on doing that swap. I will get another post this evening with info and we can get it going!!!
I've got to get some food unpacked and get ready for church, but I'll be back.

Karen

 

[Stepht5]

Like Wan, I too am shocked, shocked I say, that no one cooks, serves, or cleans up after me. There's a lot to be said for the sub-standard quality of the food, the lax attitude about cleanliness (when will I ever find time to vaccuum?), and the complete lack of fun activities there is in my home. Maybe I should invite Ian over for a sponge relay race! .

I totally agree! LOL! 8ds asked if he could order room service and 15dd wanted to know how come her bed wasn't turned down! LOL!

While some were stung by jellyfish, Buddy and I were bitten by the Disney Cruise bug (I think he looks like Crik-ee) & booked the West-bound Repo cruise on the Magic next August.

There sems to be quite a few of y'all going on that cruise! Have fun!!!! Ireland looks to be quite beautiful -- dh's parents have gone there & to Scotland to play golf several times.

We are thinking about doing one of the Adventure by Disney trips next year.

 

[micmse2003]

NutzaboutDisney For those of you who don't know, I got some terrible news on the cruise on Pirate night at about 5pm to be exact. We have adopted four children and had temporary custody of a fifth sib (3) who has been in our lives since he was two days old, and has lived with us for over 2 years with the courts sending him back and forth in harms way. We most recently had temporary custody for about 15 months, going to court just about monthly, paying high attorney fees, and each month the case being continued. The case was finally heard while I was with you all and we won our dependancey case - meaning that we won our initial filing - but we lost custody of little David because the county child protection agency was allowing birthmom to keep custody of another 10 month old baby, and so the magistrate said he had to send David home to her. The Guardian, prosecutor, and Children Services all wanted us to gain legal custody. It was a major blow. And I missed the pirate night gathering and pics with you all because of the shock

What can I say to someone who is losing custody of a child but that the court system is far from perfect. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Please do not worry about CD swap. Your CD swap seeems trival at this time in your life. Please take care.

 

[BUDDY]

I totally agree! LOL! 8ds asked if he could order room service and 15dd wanted to know how come her bed wasn't turned down! LOL!



There sems to be quite a few of y'all going on that cruise! Have fun!!!! Ireland looks to be quite beautiful -- dh's parents have gone there & to Scotland to play golf several times.

We are thinking about doing one of the Adventure by Disney trips next year.

A super terrific looking pirate family Stephanie

 

[Stepht5]

A super terrific looking pirate family Stephanie

Thank you!!!! I had this photo made into Christmas cards while we were on board. Now my kids can't wait for Halloween!

 

[Amlee]

Love the picture Steph!!

I've uploaded about 133 pictures so far. I've got some more I'll add over the next couple of days. Take them and use them who ever needs them!!

I swear when it rains it pours around here!! I need a vacation!!

It's been a nightmare around here. From missing friends, hurt ankles, tornados, house fires (not mine, but a cousins), RCCL not knowing their head from their *insert best possible word here*, and RCCL's computer problems. I REALLY am ready to go back on a cruise!!

 

[Stepht5]

Love the picture Steph!!

I've uploaded about 133 pictures so far. I've got some more I'll add over the next couple of days. Take them and use them who ever needs them!!

I swear when it rains it pours around here!! I need a vacation!!

It's been a nightmare around here. From missing friends, hurt ankles, tornados, house fires (not mine, but a cousins), RCCL not knowing their head from their *insert best possible word here*, and RCCL's computer problems. I REALLY am ready to go back on a cruise!!

I'm sorry that things are going downhill! You could come here and we could lay in my DCL loungers on the back porch. A cool front has come through so it is in the mid 80's and sunny.
It's not a cruise but, dh wouldn't mind picking us up food so that no has to cook. We have had take out everyday this week! And I'll even make sweet tea for you!

 

[Amlee]

I'm sorry that things are going downhill! You could come here and we could lay in my DCL loungers on the back porch. A cool front has come through so it is in the mid 80's and sunny.
It's not a cruise but, dh wouldn't mind picking us up food so that no has to cook. We have had take out everyday this week! And I'll even make sweet tea for you!

The only thing about going downhill, is at some point you have to start going up!! I just wish I would get to that point already!

Ok, this offer is VERY tempting!!! With real sweet tea to boot!! What day is good for you!?

I just talked to a friend and we are talking about a girls week in Martinique. We just have to find a good time for her to go.

 

[Chipper]

Hi all,

I went out of town the day after Chris got home, so I didn't work on her pictures until this weekend. I've updated my Photo page on the website with links to my Kodak Gallery albums for the Disney Wonder.

Port pictures still to come as well as updated web pages - so make sure to stop by often.

Gary

 

[BUDDY]

Love the picture Steph!!

I REALLY am ready to go back on a cruise!!

Amy, why don't you sign up for the August repositioning cruise? I'm sure with the 11 months to work on it I could come up with a great "Amlee Amy's Undies Campaign" And to everyone else out there, if per chance you miraculously flew under the Disney radar and technologically advanced methods that Disney uses to determine if you are disembarking with more than a few sheckles still in your pocket, Please consider a followup contribution to the recent Amlee Undies drive. I'm sure Amy would be more than happy to send you her mailing address for such a worthwhile cause, right Amy?

 

[leira1989]

Steph - Love the family picture!!!

Amy- I have been thinking about your friend a lot and hope everything and now I mean more than one everything, turns out OK.

Karen- I was so touched by you taking time to meet me & Buddy after you had received such horrible news. You and your family have also been in my thoughts.

In lighter news- I was so home-sick (or should I say Wonder-sick) for The types of food I had experienced that yesterday I cooked dinner for two friends & myself ala Palo's. Using my Disney Cookbook and making some modifications, I made Portabello & Polenta with Shallot Sauce & Balsamic Reduction, a Pork tenderloin with Balsamic Sauce, and Chocolate Souffle with Vanilla Sauce. Unlike Disney, we also served a hearty portion of roasted Zucchini & Yellow Squash.

The hardest part was packing it up in one big cooler to take to my friend's house. I told him the menu was based on my recent cruise experience , and quite the joker, he kept making references to the Titanic and quipped that he hoped he didn't get sea-sick while he was eating, etc.

 

[BUDDY]

Steph - Love the family picture!!!

In lighter news- I was so home-sick (or should I say Wonder-sick) for The types of food I had experienced that yesterday I cooked dinner for two friends & myself ala Palo's. Using my Disney Cookbook and making some modifications, I made Portabello & Polenta with Shallot Sauce & Balsamic Reduction, a Pork tenderloin with Balsamic Sauce, and Chocolate Souffle with Vanilla Sauce. Unlike Disney, we also served a hearty portion of roasted Zucchini & Yellow Squash.

The hardest part was packing it up in one big cooler to take to my friend's house. I told him the menu was based on my recent cruise experience , and quite the joker, he kept making references to the Titanic and quipped that he hoped he didn't get sea-sick while he was eating, etc.

And was I invited? Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

 

[BUDDY]

Please consider a followup contribution to the recent Amlee Undies drive. I'm sure Amy would be more than happy to send you her mailing address for such a worthwhile cause, right Amy?

By the way, Amy, you might consider sewing the legs shut at the bottom on the Mickey boxer shorts ( how did I know that you got a pair of Mickey boxer shorts?) as those babies cast $19.00 a pair at WDW and then you could use them as a fish extender on a future cruise.

 

[Stepht5]

By the way, Amy, you might consider sewing the legs shut at the bottom on the Mickey boxer shorts ( how did I know that you got a pair of Mickey boxer shorts?) as those babies cast $19.00 a pair at WDW and then you could use them as a fish extender on a future cruise.

Now that is one of the funniest things I've heard in a long time!

 

[Stepht5]

Steph - Love the family picture!!!

Thank you! And your dinner sounds yummy!!!! Maybe I'll cook somethng for my family this week.........

 

[micmse2003]

I almost forgot with all the excictement of DGS. John went back to work Tuesday(we were with DD at hospital Monday). I had DGD over night and we had a good time. John gets home at 4:00 pm. and says come look in the garage. Well, we had a Pontiac Vibe a little over a year old. On the passenger side I could hardly recognize the car. he drives to work out in no man's land and out came a BAMBI (a big one). To avoid hitting the deer, he hits a horse(the wooden kind). Needless to say the horse won traveling at 50 miles an hour. He wiped out part of the front bumper, a part over the wheel, two wires are left where there was a mirror and something flew up and left a big dink in between the front and back windows. Also, the window on the passenger side has to be replaced. Normally when I was younger,I would be upset. As I am getting older, I first asked if he was okay. I really said "as long as you are okay, the car can be fixed". I am learning material things are less important in life.

 

[Amlee]

I just got back from my doctor and I have a hair line fracture in my left ankle. So between the walking boot I'm in and my back brace, I look like I've fell apart and been put back together!! I told Doc, to just give me a neck brace and let it be Halloween already!!

By the way, Amy, you might consider sewing the legs shut at the bottom on the Mickey boxer shorts ( how did I know that you got a pair of Mickey boxer shorts?) as those babies cast $19.00 a pair at WDW and then you could use them as a fish extender on a future cruise.

HMMM now just how would you know about those boxer shorts!?

Sadly, I had to give the boxers up. I showed them to Sally, well the squeal she let out was loud enough to break the glass in the room. (who knew someone so quiet could make such a loud noise!) She had a fit over them, so I gave them to her.

But that is an idea for a fish finder!

 

[Amlee]

I almost forgot with all the excictement of DGS. John went back to work Tuesday(we were with DD at hospital Monday). I had DGD over night and we had a good time. John gets home at 4:00 pm. and says come look in the garage. Well, we had a Pontiac Vibe a little over a year old. On the passenger side I could hardly recognize the car. he drives to work out in no man's land and out came a BAMBI (a big one). To avoid hitting the deer, he hits a horse(the wooden kind). Needless to say the horse won traveling at 50 miles an hour. He wiped out part of the front bumper, a part over the wheel, two wires are left where there was a mirror and something flew up and left a big dink in between the front and back windows. Also, the window on the passenger side has to be replaced. Normally when I was younger,I would be upset. As I am getting older, I first asked if he was okay. I really said "as long as you are okay, the car can be fixed". I am learning material things are less important in life.

Glad to hear that John is ok. The car can be fixed!!

How is that new baby!?

 

[Rate Queen]

I almost forgot with all the excictement of DGS. John went back to work Tuesday(we were with DD at hospital Monday). I had DGD over night and we had a good time. John gets home at 4:00 pm. and says come look in the garage. Well, we had a Pontiac Vibe a little over a year old. On the passenger side I could hardly recognize the car. he drives to work out in no man's land and out came a BAMBI (a big one). To avoid hitting the deer, he hits a horse(the wooden kind). Needless to say the horse won traveling at 50 miles an hour. He wiped out part of the front bumper, a part over the wheel, two wires are left where there was a mirror and something flew up and left a big dink in between the front and back windows. Also, the window on the passenger side has to be replaced. Normally when I was younger,I would be upset. As I am getting older, I first asked if he was okay. I really said "as long as you are okay, the car can be fixed". I am learning material things are less important in life.

I am so glad that John is OK. I think you are right as long as he is ok the car can be fixed.

Carol

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

Hi guys, just got back from my week in Houston, TX. It was very crazy having to turn around from vacation to go on a work trip....definitely not the accomodations like the Wonder had!!!! I will catch up later when I get some more time.