Baby and the Tramp...and a Pop (half) Century! Where Did It Go???

You know those days where everything just gets to your emotions? I guess I'm mostly figuring the ladies can relate to this, but this has just been one of those days. I guess just realizing the trip is so close, after waiting for so long, and I am so, so, so excited about being able to take Brooklynn there. I started out watching A Baby Story this morning, and I almost always find those so touching. The one I saw today had a lady with five handsome boys, and she was having a little girl this time. They all looked so sweet at the end, all those husky, rowdy, smiling boys huddled around that little princess. I don't remember their names, but somewhere out there, I believe they are living full, happy lives, and it just started off my day thinking off how proud that dad was and how excited that mom was to finally have a daughter to share girl things with.

Of course, that made me think of my own daughter, who has just turned out to be the most wonderful, giving, loving young woman. Seeing her become a mommy has been one of the greatest joys I've ever known. I thought about how happy I am that she and John met at college, and how they are making a good life for themselves. I'm grateful for John, who takes care of two girls I love very much. They are able to give Brooklynn a better life than I was able to give my kids because of their good jobs, and I am so happy for that. I'm thankful that Brooklynn is a beautiful, happy, healthy baby.

It made me think of Trent, and how grateful I am to have him. Trent almost died in a sports accident at the end of his senior year of high school. It's a long story, but he had emergency surgery to repair a damaged spleen, colon, kidney, intestines, appendix, and a one inch hole in his stomach on the night he was supposed to be going to his senior banquet. After the surgery, we were told that if the surgery hadn't been done when it was, he would have lived about another two hours, and then he would have collapsed and most likely not lived. He had an eight month recovery period which altered the course of his life, and at first he thought it was the worst thing that ever happened to him. Through that altering of his college plans, though, he met Kristi, and now he knows that from something very bad, something very good can happen. I am grateful that we have Trent around, and that he has sweet Kristi. I am grateful for Kristi, who puts up with Trent's craziness and who just fits in so naturally with our family.

It made me think of Drew, who I prayed for many, many nights, and who came from the other side of the world to be my son. Drew was the laughter and joy in our lives when we went through some really hard times right after his arrival. He's had a bit of a rough time in school, growing up with ADD, but here he is, on the verge of his senior year. I know he has wanted to walk out the school door never to return many times. He will be a happy young man when school life is over for him and he can go out into the world of cars and photography, never to sit behind a desk again, unless it is his choice. I'm proud of him for not quitting.

It made me think of how grateful I am to be around to see my little Brooklynn grow. I have a history of many kinds of cancer in my hereditary lines, and I had a pretty serious surgery several years back. It was only a tiny bit away from having reached the bone, but with lots of cutting and a lot of God's blessings, I am perfectly fine. Granted, I have a scar on my right leg that makes me look like I'm related to Frankenstein, but big deal! Because of the removal of the lymphnodes, my leg swells like an elephant at certain times, as I know it will do on our trip, but again, big deal! I can limp with the best of them, and I am so very, very blessed to be able to have the opportunity to limp through Disney World with my family.

So, though I am thankful for them every day, today has been one of my more reflective days. We are preparing to go to one of the greatest places in the world, all of us alive and healthy, all of us able-bodied and not wanting for necessities, and all of us very blessed people.

Okay, enough of the jibberish. Since my thoughts are probably so much on the surface because of the trip, I guess I can include it as part of the trip. And, of course, since declansdad has PROMISED me a new bathroom next year, I've never been so excited about Canada Day in my life! You all did hear him promise, right? All kidding aside, if you ever do come to Tennessee, go to the eastern part. East Tennessee is beautiful with the mountains and streams, especially in the fall. Gatlinburg in October is a sight to see! It would be worth it to stop off there for a night or two on your way to Disney World sometime.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend ahead, whether you are doing something special, or whether you are just doing the mundane things in life. I believe all of us who come together in friendships on this forum are some pretty blessed folks! Stay safe, and keep counting those days until your trip comes!!!
 
I just want to say that as a fairly young daughter (I'm 21) It's nice to hear a mothers words thankful for her daughter. Of course we all know those feelings are felt by mothers, but its nice to put it into words and declare it to the world.

You have such a wonderful family, looking to adopt?? I can babysit! :rotfl:

:love: :love: :love: :love: :love: :love:
 
I have tears in my eyes while I read your post...what a great mom you are. Unfortunately I do not speak to my mom...not by my choice...but she does not accept my DH and other things...she does not know what an amazing granddaughter she is missing.

Thanks for sharing!
 
I love you, Mommy!:love: I am what I am because of you and your influence!

Brooklynn says she loves her MeMom and is acting like she wants to take her first steps just in time for our trip to the World!
 

I love you, Mommy! I am what I am because of you and your influence!

Brooklynn says she loves her MeMom and is acting like she wants to take her first steps just in time for our trip to the World!

You are so very lucky!! Your mom sounds like an amazing woman!!:grouphug:
 
Memom...that was wonderful....I do know how that mom of 5 boys and had her daughter feels as I too have 5 boys (hence the name) and 1 daughter she was also #6. I too am feeling so so so excited about Disney and today thought How am I going to make it for 2 more weeks I can hardly stand it anymore!!!!

2005 when we drove to Florida we stayed in Tennessee, Chattanooga to be exact. Sorry dont know where that is from you.:confused3
 
Memom - You brought tears to me eyes reading your post :hug: It's so nice to see a wonderful mother/daughter relationship. I'm really glad I happened upon this thread to share in your experiences :goodvibes
 
/
MeMom, that was an awesome post and BrooklynnsMommy's reply was fantastic. :goodvibes

We are hoping to drive to WDW someday, We would love to see some of your beautiful towns and scenery. But since the drive from our home to the World is about 1800 miles, I think it may be some time before we attempt it.
 
JUst wanted to let you know your post touched my heart. :hug:

Thank you for sharing your family with us.
 
MeMom,
There must be something in the air...I sat around yesterday for several hours looking at old movies of when my kiddos were babies. (I have been sick with strep throat and then I had an allergic reaction to the antibiotic...been a bad week for me.) Watching the tapes had made me feel very sentimental and weepy then I read your post. It was all over for me.

I just wanted to say "Thank You" for sharing your heart with us such a wonderful post. It was so sweet and touching. As I read it my eyes filled with tears and I felt so blessed. :goodvibes I shared it with my DH and children...they were touched as well. You family is surely blessed by you. Thank you again.:)

I also wanted to comment on you part of the country....It is beautiful. I have been there many times. Unfortunately I have never seen Gatlinburg at the peak of leaf change but I hope to one day soon. I can just imagine the grandeur. My dad's family is from Dillard, GA...ever been there? Not too far...

Have a magical day.pixiedust:
Darlene
 
:sad1: AWWWW! What a fabulous family!

I know that feeling of being blessed - both because I have an amazing mom (who will be at WDW with us) and because I have wonderful children! :grouphug:

I also know what you mean, MeMom, when you say we are blessed by our Dis friends, even those we haven't met (yet). I started playing VMK (the Virtual Magic Kingdom) when it was in beta testing over two years ago now. Last May a bunch of us "virtual friends" met at WDW and had a wonderful time together!! I still keep in touch with them, in fact, some of us are meeting up again this trip! Dis people rock! :love:
 
Thanks for all the nice thoughts, everyone. We ALL do have so much to be thankful for.

Two weeks from tomorrow night we will be headed south. Between now and then I have two school workshops and a week of church camp, so I know it'll go fast from here on out. We went from triple digits to double digits, and now we're almost ready to hit single digits! Every milestone is exciting!

Jill and John met John's parents in Nashville yesterday to go to the Nashville Zoo. While they were in the zoo, John's mom had her purse stolen from her car. By the time they called in credit cards as stolen, the thief/thieves had already used them in three places. So, here's a reminder for everyone to put those purses in your trunks or hide them somehow or take the important stuff with you in something small. Now his mom has to go through all the hassle of redoing cards, and I guess license, etc. I'm not sure what all was in there. I feel bad for her, because I know that's going to be a pain.

A lady at church told me a few weeks ago that she is taking her grandkids to Disney World next year sometime. She can't talk Grandpa into going, so she's taking her 13, 7, and 6 year olds alone. She knows I'm Disney nuts, because we've talked about it and she's seen trip pictures. Last week, I went and bought her a Birnbaum's Guide, and I gave it to her this morning. She was so excited! She looked through it and then made her husband take it away from her so she wouldn't be tempted to look at it during class. As soon as class was over, she opened it back up, and she had a million new questions. She has been before, when her two kids were younger, but since her husband didn't care for the walking and the sun, they saw very little. They haven't seen any parades or fireworks at all. She's probably at home right now on the couch with that book. It will be fun to help her plan how to do Disney the right way.

Keep in your thoughts and prayers the young neighbor of a family at church. They were out on a boat yesterday and there was an accident of some kind. They didn't give details, but the boy had his left arm severed off at the shoulder. They were not able to find the arm in the water, so there is no chance of reattachment. He is in critical condition, and once he's stabilized, he'll be having surgery, and then of course, a long recovery and rehabilitation. Tuesday will be his 7th birthday. His life has been altered greatly, so we can pray for his spirit to be able to overcome it as much as possible and face it with a good attitude.

I hope everyone has a very nice Sunday! Maybe Jill can get a zoo picture up tomorrow.
 
Sending lots of prayers for that little boy and his family.

2 weeks for you guys how exciting. FOr us 3 eeks from now we will be arriving and enjoying the resort!!

Can not wait!
 
Keep in your thoughts and prayers the young neighbor of a family at church. They were out on a boat yesterday and there was an accident of some kind. They didn't give details, but the boy had his left arm severed off at the shoulder.
I definetly WILL pray, and will tell my Mother to do so as well. Today in church, we were reminded that God is ever present, but we DO need to cry out to Him for help. This is one of those times. . .
 
Our trip to the zoo was good. Brooklynn got spoiled by her Grammy and Gpa and Uncle Jason. I pushed around an empty stroller for two hours. Here are some pics from the day before the purse snatching occured.


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This grin says "I know I should be in that stroller you are pushing mommy, but it is much more fun to be carried!"

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I'm pretty sure at least one of our WDW pics will look like this. It was extremely brief though. This "nap" if you could call it that only lasted 10 minutes and then she was back up and grinning.

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After a long hot day we are still smiling. It was great practice for Disney!
 
What a cutie!!! Got to love how our kids can fall asleep in any position. Aviva was just like and still can do it!
 
I'll throw out a question to anyone who might know: Trent and Kristi want to work out at a fitness center several times while we are in WDW. I know they can visit some of the resort ones for a fee, but does anyone know what the fee is and which one might be closest to Pop or easiest for them to get to from Pop? Any insight will be appreciated by these two fitness nuts.

declansdad and pooksma - Trent's boss was able to stay at AKL, and he said the construction seems pretty far away to him. It didn't interfere with anything he did at all. He didn't have a lot to say about the trip except that he ate at Rose and Crown and had a delicious steak there, and he ate at Tony's and had some awesome pasta...and ate half his son's pizza and his wife's leftovers! He said his son really liked the AKL slide.

Gmax - Your prayers and your mom's are appreciated.

Avivasmom - Yeah, I'm hoping Brooklynn will be able to fall asleep in the stroller on our trip some and not have to go back to the room every day for a nap. If she can let us go semi-commando for the first two days, I think we can relax a bit after that. We'll have to take turns pushing her and carrying her so nobody gets too worn out too fast.

cherokeemamma - I hope you're feeling better.

tiggerbell, 5boys, betsywdw, and Wingedheart - Thanks for hanging with us. We'll do better on the writing and the pictures when we get there. This has just been a busy week, and next week will be even moreso!

Nicole786 - I'm glad we've got your youth on board. Consider yourself officially adopted. However, if you are part of the family, that means the babysitting is FREE!!!
 
I am all for a good workout...I go to the gym 3-4 times a week. BUT isn't walking a gazillion miles a day enough?! :rotfl:
 
I am all for a good workout...I go to the gym 3-4 times a week. BUT isn't walking a gazillion miles a day enough?! :rotfl:

(That's what I was gonna say.)

You would think it would be, but Trent works all day outside in the heat doing concrete work (wouldn't call that a walk in the park!) and then will come straight home and meet Kristi and head straight to the gym for an hour or two. When we went summer of '05 he wanted to work out, but by the time we got down there and played all day in the park he didn't want to have to take two buses to get to a gym and then two buses back. This summer he and Kristi will have a car down there so it won't take so much effort to get to the gym and back so they probably will go several times while we are there.
 













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