A Ten Day Ride on A Magic Camel - Almost Finished Trip Report

[punkin413]

It comes with a warning.

i'm so glad they give these out now! when we ate at flame tree in september 2007 we didn't get one. and erin and i got in an argument because i told her not to feed the birds, that it's not good for them and she said she didn't see a sign so she was gonna do it anyway. i was so mad! i know everyone does this but people don't consider that there are weirdos like me out there that are bothered by the birds and feeding them just attracts them and makes them more aggressive. i like that you got one of these.

sorry....my anti-bird rant is now over.

 

[loribell]

I love those strawberry bars! They are so refreshing on those hot Disney days.

 

[VandyFan10]

I just LOVE this face!!

For those of you wondering about the Opryland and Grinch connection I can offer some explanation. Next to Opryland Hotel and Opry Mills they have a giant display called Ice!

Did you guys go to ice already this year?? I would really like to go but Matt has no interest

Wouldn't these be pretty cute for a little girl's nursery, if it's a girl?

Jill you get to find out Thursday right???

You'll have to send me another picture like you did when we were in disney and let me know what it is!!!!

I took several pictures of these too when we were there.
I want the one with the castle....imagine that

 

[lmillercrew]

I LOVE the Finding Nemo show!! DH saw it last Oct for the first time. I can't wait to take the kids to see it. Great picture of EE.

 

[MeMom]

MeMom,
Your update was a great excuse for me to take a break from my paper...It looks like you had fun at AK, I can't wait to go there in just a few short months. Thanks for the break!
Katie

You are welcome. I'm glad you had a nice Disney break away from your work.

I just love these! I started collecting them about a year ago. So far I have the teacup one, the Dumbo one and a Disney wedding one. You are right, they would be precious in a little girl's nursery. That is probably where mine will end up if my DH & I have a little girl someday.

Your Nemo photos turned out great! We saw the show for the first time in September and really enjoyed it.

I have never ridden Kali before... I'm too scared of getting wet! I do enjoy waterparks and things like that, but when I'm wearing regular clothes I like to stay dry. Maybe one day I'll throw on a poncho and work up the courage...

I've looked at the Precious Moments figures many times, but haven't purchased yet. A new little girl could be an excuse to do so, though. Dumbo and Teacups would most likely be the first two I would get, but I have to check with Jill. Something tells me she may already have one of those, yet I can't recall seeing any in Brooklynn's room. I'll have to find out.

The Nemo show is good to watch for the puppets, themselves, and for the people who are making it all happen. It's very neat.

We pretty much only ride Kali when we know it's the last ride of the day, because you do get very wet. It is fun, though, so try it sometime for a last ride of the day. It also gives you an excuse to buy a nice Animal Kingdom souvenir towel on the way out!

Thank you for a nice, long update with lots of great pics!

Do we have 2 more days of Magic Camel?

I have NEVER seen Flame Tree that deserted. That must have been SO nice!

Your ice cream bars look delicious!

And your Nemo pics are awesome!

Yep. I'm trying to get through the last little bit, but I still have over 200 pictures I've narrowed it down to. I may not get them all in.

Flame Tree was a 'walk-on' at that time! That was nice!

Great updates!!! You take such neat pictures. I see things in your pictures that I have never noticed. Reminds me I need to slow down and enjoy everything around me!

A Happy note for today: I booked our trip for June! Yay!!!!!

My goal is to let others feel like they're standing in line or looking around the queue or shopping in the aisles as they look at the pictures. It's just a nice little way to enjoy it all from hundreds of miles away.

Hooray for your June news! It's always such a good feeling to book a new trip!

i'm so glad they give these out now! when we ate at flame tree in september 2007 we didn't get one. and erin and i got in an argument because i told her not to feed the birds, that it's not good for them and she said she didn't see a sign so she was gonna do it anyway. i was so mad! i know everyone does this but people don't consider that there are weirdos like me out there that are bothered by the birds and feeding them just attracts them and makes them more aggressive. i like that you got one of these.

sorry....my anti-bird rant is now over.

They don't bother us at all, but I can see how someone would be bothered by them if they didn't care for them, because they do come right up under your legs or stalk you from the next table over. They have little fear of humans any more. I know their systems do not need human foods, though, any more than I care to eat bird food, so I don't feed them. Brooklynn occasionally drops something, as toddlers do, and the birds come to clean up the mess right away.

I love those strawberry bars! They are so refreshing on those hot Disney days.

Aren't they, though? It hit the spot that evening.

I just LOVE this face!!

Did you guys go to ice already this year?? I would really like to go but Matt has no interest

Jill you get to find out Thursday right???

You'll have to send me another picture like you did when we were in disney and let me know what it is!!!!

I took several pictures of these too when we were there.
I want the one with the castle....imagine that

I'm pretty fond of that face, too. Jill said yesterday morning, when she had on her mittens, hooded coat, scarf, etc. as they left the house, all you could see was a little face in what looked like a pile of clothes in the car seat. It was cold yesterday morning!

I've never been to Ice, myself. I think Jill has been once or twice. Maybe she'll go with you sometime. I'm too cold-natured. I start freezing at about 50 degrees, instead of the normal 32!
My h-e-_-_ (you know what) would not be burning hot - it would be freezing cold. That would be torture for me.
Antarctica in an enclosed place - that would be eternal punishment for me. Makes me shudder to think about it.
I would take a deep breath now, because I always do when thinking of enclosed places, but I'm so stopped up with a cold that I can't muster that right now.

I LOVE the Finding Nemo show!! DH saw it last Oct for the first time. I can't wait to take the kids to see it. Great picture of EE.

Brooklynn loves Nemo. I wish I had video of her worrying about Dory. Her lip puckered, and she looked at Jill like she was about to cry. We were glad when Dory got up and started running around again, because Brooklynn was convinced she was very hurt.


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


Pop Century pictures.

Food court - not yet crowded.

What shall I choose on this beautiful morning?

I picked this.

I sat at a table and just enjoyed the peace and quiet of the morning.

I thanked God very much for letting me be there at that moment in time. I was thankful that I had a job, however aggravating it can be, that allowed me to be able to pay my bills and do a little extra fun stuff along the way, because I know that many, many people do not have that. I know that there were many years when I was raising the kids that we had very, very little, and a Disney vacation was just a dream that could not come true at that time.

I was thankful that my kids were all happy and healthy. I missed Trent and Drew, and I prayed that there will be many times in the future they will be sitting at that spot with me.

I was thankful for the luxury we had of being in that wonderful place, and I was mindful of those whose lives were not so happy at that time. I basically just had a nice talk with God sitting out by that hoppin' happenin' Hippy Dippy pool. I think God likes to talk to people from everywhere - Hippy Dippy pools included.


Then I walked around taking normal and not so normal Pop pictures.

Then I made my way inside for my probably forty-second trip through the gift shop.

Brooklynn will love making the bracelets and necklaces when she's older.

I looked at these every time I went in here, but I didn't get any.

I think they're cute.

Eating, praying, walking, and shopping done, it was time start the day.

 

[DisGal520]

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

Then I made my way inside for my probably forty-second trip through the gift shop.

Wow MeMom - are they now selling the H2O products in the POP gift shop???? Do you recall if they sold the round bars of soap??

 

[Nicole786]

Forty seconds is not enough in a gift shop!!

 

[estherhead]

OK, I was going to wait until I was all done reading your TR to post, but I can't wait. I'm on page 87 & it's been DAYS and I obviously have days left to go.

I wrote my own TR last year & am currently 7 days away, that's right, we're going with you this year!, from my next trip. I have a PTR going and will do another TR this year and...

You have absolutely inspired me! I always think I take an embarassing amount of photos, but I will no longer be embarassed. I have your shining example as a beacon leading me to the photo palooza. I also am ready to scrapbook when I come home (I have 9 empty scrapbooks, three of the Disney, & a brand new Cricut thanks to my mom) and I will be able to use all my photos of non people things to spice up my pages & my TR.

Thanks for the inspiration, the excitement I'm now feeling about our upcoming trip, and your hard work at uploading & displaying all these great photos with cute & funny narative.

Thanks MeMom!!!!

Oh, and I'm going to make those Mike & Sulley cupcakes for absolute sure. I adored them & I know my way around cupcakes!

 

[Megablocks]

I don't think I've ever been up early enough to see the food court that empty. I was actually contemplating what I would get when I saw your picture of the menu board, decided on a waffle, and then scrolled further and saw that you got it!

I could spend soooo much time in that gift shop. I also might try to get up early and take some early-morning pictures around there. I walked around in April during the afternoon and took pictures, but early morning just looks so peaceful.

I noticed what you wrote about you being cold-natured. It got very cold here, too. Last week and over the weekend, it was in the 60's and muggy (highly unusual for MA in November), then it started getting really cold on Monday. It's 9 AM and 26 degrees out now. At least now it feels like Thanksgiving is as nearby as it really is. SO IS YOUR TRIP!

 

[nowellsl]

I noticed what you wrote about you being cold-natured. It got very cold here, too. Last week and over the weekend, it was in the 60's and muggy (highly unusual for MA in November), then it started getting really cold on Monday. It's 9 AM and 26 degrees out now. At least now it feels like Thanksgiving is as nearby as it really is. SO IS YOUR TRIP!

Guess what....it got down to 25 here this morning and I'm only a little over 100 miles from WDW!!! We're headed down tomorrow - of course it could be 80 by then!

 

[TheDISneyFamily]

Hi guys! I just wanted to stop by and wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving trip to WDW! I can't think of a better place to be to celebrate what we're thankful for. Have a wonderful time!!!

Cheers!
-Michelle

 

[MegansMom]

Hey MeMom---I had LOTS to catch up on today, but enjoyed living vicariously through the many pictures and the many updates that I needed to catch up on!!!

Just some random ramblings I wanted to share with you that came through my mind as I was reading all your updates and comments:

I think you know that I used to be a high school English teacher prior to having Megan, so I DEFINITELY feel your pain with the extra headache that has ensued over the past decade with teaching---ENDLESS PAPERWORK!!!!! I so often found myself mumbling and grumbling, "Why can't they JUST let me TEACH!!!!" I know the kids of our country would do SO much better if they would just let us do that!!! I often find it funny to hear people complaining how the U.S. is so far behind the other countries that test so much better than we do---and yet, you rarely see anyone examining what it is that "they" do that is so vastly different than the way our educational system is set up!!! Our educational system looks nothing like those of the leading countries, yet they can't understand why we can't get the same results!!!!! DUH!!!!!!! That part of teaching I DEFINITELY do not miss!!! The part I do often miss is the time with my "kids!" Even though I taught high schoolers, I often had so many that became near and dear to my heart---I still think about them and hope they all are doing well! One of the very first students I ever had, is now a basketball player for the University of Kentucky. I taught him when he was in sixth grade, and he was such a kind, sweet, quiet boy, that had no confidence in his abilities in school or on the basketball court. I tried to give him as much encouragement as I could. Then I found out last year, that was playing at a local private university here in Northern KY, but had his heart set on playing for UK. He was never the type of player that would have gotten a scholarship, but he started writing letters to Tubby Smith asking if he would give him the chance----many, many, MANY letters!! His perserverence finally paid off, when he was allowed an opportunity to play for a spot as a walk on---and as you can see, he got it!!! EVERY time Tom and I watch UK--which is every game because "our blood bleeds blue"---I get a lump in my throat seeing him sitting there on the UK bench, knowing how he really worked hard to get there!!! When he goes into the games, I give a great big "WOO HOO--GO MARK" every time!!! I am so proud in a way only other teachers can understand!

I also wanted to let you know that I often secretly admired you not only for your WDW picture-taking prowess, but also for your deep love that led you into the world of adoption. I think we have spoken about this before, but Tom and I have wrestled with this issue for so long----they "suggest" (read STRONGLY DISALLOW IT) that I never have any more children due to what happened to me with my pregnancy with Megan. I have had MAJOR issues with being told that I can't have any more kids, so I thought of adoption right away--I always saw myself with multiple kiddos too! Tom has been hesitant in the past because there was so much that we needed to do for Megan and her development, he didn't want anything to interfere with that. Now that she is getting to a point where she does not need as much therapy and doctor visits, I have been feeling the baby bug creeping back up in SUCH a bad way!!! So, my thoughts on adoption have crept back up---I feel like we can give any child a great home and upbringing, but I think Tom is just scared at this point---of all the waiting and paperwork and hoops you have to jump through---of figuring out how to financially afford it---of how to split his deep and profound love for Megan with anyone else, especially an adopted child that is not your own flesh and blood. He is a great man, but I know these "what ifs" cloud his mind and concern him. Do you have any great words of wisdom or advice? I would love some since you have had such a wonderful experience with adoption.

 

[DisKate]

Hey MeMom---I had LOTS to catch up on today, but enjoyed living vicariously through the many pictures and the many updates that I needed to catch up on!!!

Just some random ramblings I wanted to share with you that came through my mind as I was reading all your updates and comments:

I think you know that I used to be a high school English teacher prior to having Megan, so I DEFINITELY feel your pain with the extra headache that has ensued over the past decade with teaching---ENDLESS PAPERWORK!!!!! I so often found myself mumbling and grumbling, "Why can't they JUST let me TEACH!!!!" I know the kids of our country would do SO much better if they would just let us do that!!! I often find it funny to hear people complaining how the U.S. is so far behind the other countries that test so much better than we do---and yet, you rarely see anyone examining what it is that "they" do that is so vastly different than the way our educational system is set up!!! Our educational system looks nothing like those of the leading countries, yet they can't understand why we can't get the same results!!!!! DUH!!!!!!! That part of teaching I DEFINITELY do not miss!!! The part I do often miss is the time with my "kids!" Even though I taught high schoolers, I often had so many that became near and dear to my heart---I still think about them and hope they all are doing well! One of the very first students I ever had, is now a basketball player for the University of Kentucky. I taught him when he was in sixth grade, and he was such a kind, sweet, quiet boy, that had no confidence in his abilities in school or on the basketball court. I tried to give him as much encouragement as I could. Then I found out last year, that was playing at a local private university here in Northern KY, but had his heart set on playing for UK. He was never the type of player that would have gotten a scholarship, but he started writing letters to Tubby Smith asking if he would give him the chance----many, many, MANY letters!! His perserverence finally paid off, when he was allowed an opportunity to play for a spot as a walk on---and as you can see, he got it!!! EVERY time Tom and I watch UK--which is every game because "our blood bleeds blue"---I get a lump in my throat seeing him sitting there on the UK bench, knowing how he really worked hard to get there!!! When he goes into the games, I give a great big "WOO HOO--GO MARK" every time!!! I am so proud in a way only other teachers can understand!

I also wanted to let you know that I often secretly admired you not only for your WDW picture-taking prowess, but also for your deep love that led you into the world of adoption. I think we have spoken about this before, but Tom and I have wrestled with this issue for so long----they "suggest" (read STRONGLY DISALLOW IT) that I never have any more children due to what happened to me with my pregnancy with Megan. I have had MAJOR issues with being told that I can't have any more kids, so I thought of adoption right away--I always saw myself with multiple kiddos too! Tom has been hesitant in the past because there was so much that we needed to do for Megan and her development, he didn't want anything to interfere with that. Now that she is getting to a point where she does not need as much therapy and doctor visits, I have been feeling the baby bug creeping back up in SUCH a bad way!!! So, my thoughts on adoption have crept back up---I feel like we can give any child a great home and upbringing, but I think Tom is just scared at this point---of all the waiting and paperwork and hoops you have to jump through---of figuring out how to financially afford it---of how to split his deep and profound love for Megan with anyone else, especially an adopted child that is not your own flesh and blood. He is a great man, but I know these "what ifs" cloud his mind and concern him. Do you have any great words of wisdom or advice? I would love some since you have had such a wonderful experience with adoption.

When my mother was in her early 30's she realized that marriage and children was not going to happen for her like she had always dreamed. So she went against what her family believed to be proper and did single parent adoption. She ended up having to wait a few years, was denied by some foreign adoption agencies because she was single, spent tons of money, and finally ended up with me. 3 short years later she was able to adopt another little girl, my sister Kris. My sister and I couldn't have ended up in a more loving home and we are forever thankful that we ended up with our mom.

My cousin is unable to have children and her husband is a few years younger then her. He was against adoption at first (he had many of the same fears that your husband has), but he realizes how much she longs for a child. Last year they made the decision to become foster parents with the intent of adopting. Shortly after completing thier required courses they got a phone call about two little boys who needed a foster home. They said yes. The last year has been a difficult one. They find out in just a few short weeks if the boys will go back to their original home or if they will stay where they are. They are very much loved by my cousin and her husband and we pray every day that they get to keep these two little boys who have stolen our hearts.

 

[kschafer]

I basically just had a nice talk with God sitting out by that hoppin' happenin' Hippy Dippy pool. I think God likes to talk to people from everywhere - Hippy Dippy pools included.

MeMom, you inspire me all the time with your beautiful outlook on life. It is so easy to sometimes get caught up in what we wish we had and forget all the blessings we have been given. I appreciate your amazing soul in my life to remind me.

I love the picture above, you have a great eye. I would probably walk right by this shadow and barely notice. You not only notice but bother to take a picture of it to share with all of us out in internet-land

 

[kschafer]

I have had MAJOR issues with being told that I can't have any more kids, so I thought of adoption right away--I always saw myself with multiple kiddos too! Tom has been hesitant in the past because there was so much that we needed to do for Megan and her development, he didn't want anything to interfere with that. Now that she is getting to a point where she does not need as much therapy and doctor visits, I have been feeling the baby bug creeping back up in SUCH a bad way!!! So, my thoughts on adoption have crept back up---I feel like we can give any child a great home and upbringing, but I think Tom is just scared at this point---of all the waiting and paperwork and hoops you have to jump through---of figuring out how to financially afford it---of how to split his deep and profound love for Megan with anyone else, especially an adopted child that is not your own flesh and blood. He is a great man, but I know these "what ifs" cloud his mind and concern him.

I can't give you as wonderful of a first hand experience as DisKate but I know that my friends who have adopted believe what they had to go through to get their babies were worth everything! It didn't always seem fair but they know these kids were meant to be theirs. I read something recently where Sheryl Crow was talking about adopting her son and said "Wyatt is definitely all mine. Little souls find their way to you, weather they're from your womb or someone elses" If it feels like what you were meant to do, go for it!

 

[VandyFan10]

I've never been to Ice, myself. I think Jill has been once or twice. Maybe she'll go with you sometime. I'm too cold-natured. I start freezing at about 50 degrees, instead of the normal 32!
My h-e-_-_ (you know what) would not be burning hot - it would be freezing cold. That would be torture for me.
Antarctica in an enclosed place - that would be eternal punishment for me. Makes me shudder to think about it.
I would take a deep breath now, because I always do when thinking of enclosed places, but I'm so stopped up with a cold that I can't muster that right now.

I would think you would really love ice....especially with your kiddos

Of course you dress warm but they give you these HUGE parka's that are SO warm!!! They are awesome!! I bet you would enjoy it....at least once

I was thankful that my kids were all happy and healthy. I missed Trent and Drew, and I prayed that there will be many times in the future they will be sitting at that spot with me.

BTW.....How is Drew?? I'm sure you've updated but I don't always read all the banter and just keep it to the TR. But I've been thinking about him

This makes me sad

I also LOVE this pic!

I looked at these every time I went in here, but I didn't get any.

Those are cute but I really liked the mickey head placemats in the bottom right corner. I thought those were really cool!

I'm sure you can't wait to hear from Jill tomorrow!!!

 

[BrooklynnsMommy]

Sorry, everyone! I just realized I was still on Jill's account as I was changing the title earlier. It's me instead of Jill.

Wow MeMom - are they now selling the H2O products in the POP gift shop???? Do you recall if they sold the round bars of soap??

They had a few things. I do not recall seeing any of the round bars of soap, though. I am very anxious to get down to Basin in DTD and see what all kinds of cool things they have, too. I have been seeing some pictures of some really neat stuff from there.

Forty seconds is not enough in a gift shop!!

Okay, I guess I should have picked another number. I should have said forty-first or forty-third, because forty-second can be taken two ways.

However, you should know by now that I could never make a 40 second shopping trip!!! So, in clarification, I meant forty-second as in 42nd.

On the other hand, if anyone ever told me I could spend forty seconds filling my cart, like if I won a contest or something, I could probably do some pretty serious damage to their inventory in forty seconds.

OK, I was going to wait until I was all done reading your TR to post, but I can't wait. I'm on page 87 & it's been DAYS and I obviously have days left to go.

I wrote my own TR last year & am currently 7 days away, that's right, we're going with you this year!, from my next trip. I have a PTR going and will do another TR this year and...

You have absolutely inspired me! I always think I take an embarassing amount of photos, but I will no longer be embarassed. I have your shining example as a beacon leading me to the photo palooza. I also am ready to scrapbook when I come home (I have 9 empty scrapbooks, three of the Disney, & a brand new Cricut thanks to my mom) and I will be able to use all my photos of non people things to spice up my pages & my TR.

Thanks for the inspiration, the excitement I'm now feeling about our upcoming trip, and your hard work at uploading & displaying all these great photos with cute & funny narative.

Thanks MeMom!!!!

Oh, and I'm going to make those Mike & Sulley cupcakes for absolute sure. I adored them & I know my way around cupcakes!

You need to come and meet up with us at Epcot next Saturday then. We're going to meet Julie (SwansLoveDisney) and Kerry (snowbell) and hopefully Janloz and maybe more. No obligations - just a meet and greet and a picture or two, or with me, it could always be a few more than that - but we're not going to interfere with anyone's plans or family time or anything. it will just be fun to put names with faces, so that when we're talking on here, we'll have a better idea of what kind of kind people (crazies) we're associating with.

If that doesn't work for you, check out our itinerary and hunt us down at a place that works better. I'll PM you my number and Jill's, and if it's convenient for you, just give us a call and we'll hook up somewhere for a Dis hello. I promise, even though we are from the country, we won't say 'howdy"!

I don't think I've ever been up early enough to see the food court that empty. I was actually contemplating what I would get when I saw your picture of the menu board, decided on a waffle, and then scrolled further and saw that you got it!

I could spend soooo much time in that gift shop. I also might try to get up early and take some early-morning pictures around there. I walked around in April during the afternoon and took pictures, but early morning just looks so peaceful.

I noticed what you wrote about you being cold-natured. It got very cold here, too. Last week and over the weekend, it was in the 60's and muggy (highly unusual for MA in November), then it started getting really cold on Monday. It's 9 AM and 26 degrees out now. At least now it feels like Thanksgiving is as nearby as it really is. SO IS YOUR TRIP!

It would be worth it to get up one morning and get some good pictures of just what you were focusing on - no people in the backgrounds and foregrounds.

It is looking very much like Thanksgiving here. The yard is covered in yellow leaves, and decorative hay bales, pumpkins, and scarecrows dot the neighborhood. I haven't seen Christmas lights yet, at least not in houses.

Guess what....it got down to 25 here this morning and I'm only a little over 100 miles from WDW!!! We're headed down tomorrow - of course it could be 80 by then!

The forecast for next week is saying 50ish to 70ish. Is that what you're hearing from your local guys?

Hi guys! I just wanted to stop by and wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving trip to WDW! I can't think of a better place to be to celebrate what we're thankful for. Have a wonderful time!!!

Cheers!
-Michelle

I know! We are sitting at Mickey's table for dinner, and it should be fabulous. We've already looked at the menu and gotten a little fatter just from reading it.

Hey MeMom---I had LOTS to catch up on today, but enjoyed living vicariously through the many pictures and the many updates that I needed to catch up on!!!

Just some random ramblings I wanted to share with you that came through my mind as I was reading all your updates and comments:

I think you know that I used to be a high school English teacher prior to having Megan, so I DEFINITELY feel your pain with the extra headache that has ensued over the past decade with teaching---ENDLESS PAPERWORK!!!!! I so often found myself mumbling and grumbling, "Why can't they JUST let me TEACH!!!!" I know the kids of our country would do SO much better if they would just let us do that!!! I often find it funny to hear people complaining how the U.S. is so far behind the other countries that test so much better than we do---and yet, you rarely see anyone examining what it is that "they" do that is so vastly different than the way our educational system is set up!!! Our educational system looks nothing like those of the leading countries, yet they can't understand why we can't get the same results!!!!! DUH!!!!!!! That part of teaching I DEFINITELY do not miss!!! The part I do often miss is the time with my "kids!" Even though I taught high schoolers, I often had so many that became near and dear to my heart---I still think about them and hope they all are doing well! One of the very first students I ever had, is now a basketball player for the University of Kentucky. I taught him when he was in sixth grade, and he was such a kind, sweet, quiet boy, that had no confidence in his abilities in school or on the basketball court. I tried to give him as much encouragement as I could. Then I found out last year, that was playing at a local private university here in Northern KY, but had his heart set on playing for UK. He was never the type of player that would have gotten a scholarship, but he started writing letters to Tubby Smith asking if he would give him the chance----many, many, MANY letters!! His perserverence finally paid off, when he was allowed an opportunity to play for a spot as a walk on---and as you can see, he got it!!! EVERY time Tom and I watch UK--which is every game because "our blood bleeds blue"---I get a lump in my throat seeing him sitting there on the UK bench, knowing how he really worked hard to get there!!! When he goes into the games, I give a great big "WOO HOO--GO MARK" every time!!! I am so proud in a way only other teachers can understand!

I also wanted to let you know that I often secretly admired you not only for your WDW picture-taking prowess, but also for your deep love that led you into the world of adoption. I think we have spoken about this before, but Tom and I have wrestled with this issue for so long----they "suggest" (read STRONGLY DISALLOW IT) that I never have any more children due to what happened to me with my pregnancy with Megan. I have had MAJOR issues with being told that I can't have any more kids, so I thought of adoption right away--I always saw myself with multiple kiddos too! Tom has been hesitant in the past because there was so much that we needed to do for Megan and her development, he didn't want anything to interfere with that. Now that she is getting to a point where she does not need as much therapy and doctor visits, I have been feeling the baby bug creeping back up in SUCH a bad way!!! So, my thoughts on adoption have crept back up---I feel like we can give any child a great home and upbringing, but I think Tom is just scared at this point---of all the waiting and paperwork and hoops you have to jump through---of figuring out how to financially afford it---of how to split his deep and profound love for Megan with anyone else, especially an adopted child that is not your own flesh and blood. He is a great man, but I know these "what ifs" cloud his mind and concern him. Do you have any great words of wisdom or advice? I would love some since you have had such a wonderful experience with adoption.

As I was writing these responses, the Resource teacher came in and told me that they (the heads of the Sp. Ed. Dept.) wants to come in and see what MORE we can do for A. We have done it all. Every teacher in every class he goes to has dealt with, ignored, done the tally marks, signed behavior contracts, rewarded, given conqequences...everything we can think of. Yet, we still, in the eyes of the family, have not done enough. It's a lose-lose situation. He's losing out, and the other kids in my class have already lost out on half of half a year's teaching. It's pointless to even meet any more, and even more pointless to fill out papers that ask the same questions over and over. I'm pretty disgusted with this whole situation, to be honest. This whole class is suffering at the hands of one, and it is very frustrating. He is a smart kid, and he can be good one on one, but in a group, he just demands the lion's share of the attention and is distruptive at almost all costs.

Adoption - let me address that later. I have much to say about it, and I want to give it the right thought. I have to go get my kids from lunch. Check back later this evening.

 

[kschafer]

Okay, I guess I should have picked another number. I should have said forty-first or forty-third, because forty-second can be taken two ways.

Funny, I read forty second as a time also. I seriously wondered what your hurry was!

 

[mama2girls]

As we all go through this time of year when our minds are more aware of things we are thankful for, I ask that you keep in mind a teacher friend of mine. Her six month old grandson is at Vanderbilt in critical care. He has some type of neuroblastoma, and his little body has purple lines drawn on it where he will be receiving radiation treatments. I am just filled with tears thinking of that little baby laying there, his parents by his side watching him. I know they would be so thankful to just be back at home with a healthy little boy who was screaming all night long, keeping them awake and making them all sleep deprived. Instead, they watch him sleep in an induced coma right now, hoping and praying that wise doctors will know just the right treatments to heal their little boy.

I know that we all have stories of our own and stories of people we know - of things that are making people's lives filled with sorrow or making them difficult right now. I know that we also have just the opposite - stories of things that are making people's lives wonderful and filled with absolute joy right now.

Just on this 'Magic Camel family of friends', we have:

new babies and all the joys and struggles that come with them

kids of all shapes, sizes, and colors - who make us laugh and cry, who bring us our highest highs and our lowest lows, who we love with all that is in us

family members away from us in different parts of the world serving our country in different ways

people planning to start families or move to new homes/locations

those who are adding to their families though adoption

families who struggle to make ends meet and families who have abundantly more than they need

people who are hurting emotionally or physically, but who step up to the plate everyday and move on with life in spite of their hurts

women who sew clothes and do nice things for children who are sick

men who are awesome dads and great role models for their own children and others

teachers who really do try to help children learn in spite of heavy chains of behind-the-scenes burdens that most people are totally unaware of

men and women who volunteer in their churches and communities to make things better for others

students who are going to class everyday to get their degrees so that they can move into the work force and begin to make their mark on the world in their chosen pursuits

people who have had difficult and hurtful pasts, but are working hard to have brighter futures

those who feel comfortable enough to share their thoughts and those who prefer to just read along and not make comments


I am so thankful to be able to know this wonderful mix of friends. You are all out there in your different areas of the world, walking on your chosen paths. Or maybe you are on a path you didn't choose right now, but you're making the best of it until it meets back with where you want to be going. We're all out here in the real world doing what we do, and we meet together here to share a picture or a laugh, poke fun at each other, vent frustrations, encourage and praise, celebrate achievements big and small, share stories of trips past and trips to come, and just have a few moments of enjoyment with people who like some of the same things we do in the form of our entertainment/vacation interests.

Thanks for being our friends here. We enjoy your company, and we sometimes talk about you like we really know you. We are thankful for many things this year, and you guys are on that list. I would be extra appreciative if you would all keep Mrs. R's sweet little grandson on your prayer list at this time, so that her family can have much to be thankful for very soon.

I hope you will all have a Thankful Thursday. Two weeks from today, we'll be gathering around the feast that Chef Mickey prepares for us. It would be nice if you could all join us.
We could ask them if they have an extra large table!
I'm sure they'd be okay with "Magic Camel, party of a hundred"...right?!?!?

I was gone for the weekend (helping my best friend build his new house!! I have many uncovered talents! LOL ) and I have spent the past few days catching up. Anyway, this post just touched me. My prayers are definately with this sweet little boy and his family. I can't imagine something this tragic wrong with one of my daughters. Isnt it amazing how a group of people who have never met in person can be considered friends? what an amazing world. God bless you and may you be truly thankful for all your Blessings! I know I am grateful for everything I have. 2 gorgeous daughters and a brave husband doing an important job far from home. Happy week before thanksgiving to all my friends!
--Jenni

 

[Megablocks]

Guess what....it got down to 25 here this morning and I'm only a little over 100 miles from WDW!!! We're headed down tomorrow - of course it could be 80 by then!

Oh my gosh I am from the northeast so I'm used to that around this time of year, but I can't imagine how it must have felt for you! HAVE A GOOD TIME! I hope it gets warmer for you.

MeMom: I, too, am adding Basin to my to-do list. That list is going to be longer than my arm by the time February rolls around.

I am also looking forward to your response about adoption. My boyfriend of almost 3 years and I have future plans (very future plans--gotta finish school!), for marriage and kids, and we both are very open to adoption. His aunt and uncle have a biological son, but they also adopted a girl from Korea. She's seven now, and she is the funniest, smartest, cutest little girl. She amuses me to no end with some of the things that she says and does.