Calling All 8/19/06 Special Western Cruisers! AKA "The Cruisin' Castaways"

[SeaSpray]

Hi everyone!

Only 87 more weeks till our cruise!!!

 

[SeaSpray]

Bobby & Cindy: Congrats on the sale of the house!!!! That must be a huge relief to both of you. It was good to see you post, I've been wondering how you all are doing!

 

[kap158]

Hi Everyone!!

87 more weeks and another Friday 5PM Smoothie Toast!!!

Terry - I am about an hour away from you. Email me.

Bobby and Cindy - Happy Anniversary!!! Congrats on the house sale!!!!!

 

[ElliotFan]

I'm just getting ready yo walk out the door for a 2 week Christmas vacation. I thought I'd drop you guys a line and let you know that I'm still alive and well.

We got Devin's progress report this week and I'm happy to announce that he has gotten his video game privileges back, just in time for the holidays. Good thing too! His grandma is giving him a couple of new Game Boy games for Christmas. At least he gets to play them now. (And yes, if he was still on restriction, he wouldn't get to play the new games until it was lifted. I know... "mean mommy"!)

Now that I don't have to worry about work any more, it's time to decorate the house and start my holiday baking. We already have a potluck Christmas party to go to on Sunday for the dojo. (For those that aren't familiar with the term, a "dojo" is a martial arts school.)

I'm going to be making homemade gingerbread from my grandmother's recipe this weekend. Since Devin has been losing interest in decorating cookies the last couple of years, we are going to make gingerbread houses this year. (I can imagine the mess in the kitchen now. Oh well... making a mess is half the fun!)

I will be somewhat out of the loop for the next couple of weeks, but will try to log in from home occassionally. I'll definitely pop on to remind you guys about the Extreme Makeover - Home Edition episode done in my neighborhood (within 10 miles of my house). It will air on January 2nd.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful, fantastic and magical holiday season. Take care and I'll talk to y'all later!

Dori

 

[sandygirl]

DORI -
Fa La La La La La La La La! Happy baking!
Congrats and a WTG to Devin .
Darlene

 

[sandygirl]

We just got home from Sandy's last performance of "ANNIE". Four performances and I can't get enough of watching her play an extra orphan. She had so much fun. Sigh! I'm going to miss the play.

Back to reality.

Darlene

 

[Mjasp]

Darlene...Glad you and Sandy had a great time.

Ginny...How did you all make out today? I was thinking of you.

 

[winnyis]

Joanna, that was so nice of you to remember us yesterday. It was a tough tear filled day to say the least.

We all kept saying that we should be having a drink "with" Tommy on his 35th birthday and not "For" him. Every time I looked over at my mom during Mass, I started to cry. It was so heartbreaking to see her trying to be strong for everyone else and knowing as a parent how sad she is inside. She made all Tommys favorite foods and we all had dinner at her house together then went to a Mass in his memory and then back to her house for all his favorite deserts and then a toast at 7:42PM which is when he was born.

I honestly dont know how she keeps it together like she does. She is an amazing lady!!!


Ginny

 

[sandygirl]

Ginny - My heart goes out to your mom and your whole family. What an incredible way to honor your brother's birthday. She is indeed amazing. I don't know if I could do that. God bless her.

Darlene

 

[SeaSpray]

Darlene: I bet it must've been exciting to see Sandy on stage singing and dancing!! Did you video tape one of the performances??

 

[SeaSpray]

Ginny:

I didn't realize it was your brother's birthday yesterday. I can't imagine how hard it must've been for all of you. Even though my mother has been gone for over a year now, there are still days where some bittersweet memories bring tears to my eyes and I still miss her so much. However, my mom was "old", 84, and so I cannot imagine how much harder it is for your family having to deal with the loss of your brother at such a young, young age. We expect our parents to eventually die, we don't expect our siblings to die so young *hugs* to all of you.

 

[sandygirl]

Darlene: I bet it must've been exciting to see Sandy on stage singing and dancing!! Did you video tape one of the performances??

LOL!!!!
I videoed her parts in dress rehearsal...took pictures backstage...videoed the first half of the show one night and the other half last night because there was double casting and I wanted to get all the kids. There were 4 performances and I wish I had videoed each one in its entirety. I just may do that next time. Now, remember, this was children's community theater...1st grade to seniors in HS. They were awesome. I am so glad I signed Sandy up. She knew absolutely no one walking in the door and met so many kids.

I'm such a softee. I actually had tears in my eyes watching her. If I can figure out how to post pictures I'll try to post one. She was an adorable "orphan".

Darlene

 

[SeaSpray]

LOL!!!!
I videoed her parts in dress rehearsal...took pictures backstage...videoed the first half of the show one night and the other half last night because there was double casting and I wanted to get all the kids. There were 4 performances and I wish I had videoed each one in its entirety. I just may do that next time. Now, remember, this was children's community theater...1st grade to seniors in HS. They were awesome. I am so glad I signed Sandy up. She knew absolutely no one walking in the door and met so many kids.

I'm such a softee. I actually had tears in my eyes watching her. If I can figure out how to post pictures I'll try to post one. She was an adorable "orphan".

Darlene

I'm so glad you got a lot of video and pictures of the play. I hope you can post one here! I think getting/being involved in community theater is an excellent idea.

I know exactly what you mean about getting teary; the other night at Robby's winter concert (grades 7 - 12), I was getting teary while this one soloist was singing with the jazz ensemble. This girl is now a junior in high school and I remember when she and Craig were in 4th grade together! She had a beautiful voice, it's amazing to see these kids are so talented.

I get emotional at ALL of the kids' performances... I'm such a cornball.

 

[sandygirl]

"I get emotional at ALL of the kids' performances... I'm such a cornball. "

I'm right there with you, Terry. Tissue?
Darlene

 

[Reenieny18]

OK, now I need a tissue.
Well, I just wanted to say HAPPY HOLIDAYS to everyone just in case it gets to busy here this week. Almost done with all the shopping, not even started on the wrapping.
Ginny.. what a sweet way to celebrate your BROTHER's Anniversery.
Darlene... Maybe we will see her on stage some day on BROADWAY.

An Artic air here today... -24 windchill so we have a 2 hr school delay. So here its 9am.. and kids are still home. Have to take Jaclyn to the bus soon though.

Bobby.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY on Wednesday I believe... I hope its a good one...

Karen has informed me of her need for surgery on Jan 19. Can someone take care of my kids for me so I can take care of her in VIRGINIA??lol

Ok have a great day everyone.. and stay WARM....
Doreen

 

[SeaSpray]

Darlene and Doreen:

Thank you both SO MUCH for the picture/cards that I received today!!!!!!! You have no idea how happy they made me!! It's SNOWING right now, and just seeing both of your families in pictures from our cruise really made me smile!!! And Darlene, thank you so much for the stickers!!! I see a lot of "smoothies" in there!!

 

[Reenieny18]

Terry, you are so welcome. And Darlene, The smoothie stickers are a kick. I laughed.. Only you would think of them. I could go for one of them now,.. but it may freeze to my lips. Its still 5* above here.

I took Daniel out of school this afternoon for my families annual prime rib dinner at my Uncles.. hmmm good. See Karen what your missing?? Now, I am off to get more pain shots to the left neck and back,, Daniel is so good he is going to go with me this time. Anyone want to take my place?? After that its off to a VOLLEY BALL game for JACLYN.. when will it end??

Maryrose.. how is the back???
Stay warm everyone on the EAST COAST...

Doreen

 

[sandygirl]

YOU'RE WELCOME!
I saw the stickers and couldn't resist. I've been busting since I got them to get them in the mail. I'm as bad as a little kid when it comes to giving gifts (even little ones).

We are freezing down here! Everyone stay warm and cozy. Watch the black ice. I had to give my daughter-in-law winter driving instructions over the phone LOL. She is in NC and they got 1" of snow. Being a native of Florida she really has no experience in the snow. She was so excited!

Doreen - Hope the shots work. And I must have missed my invite from "Uncle". Enjoy the prime rib.

Terry - I wanted to extend the cruise experience as long as possible. The cards seemed like a good idea. Glad it made you smile.

Darlene

 

[SeaSpray]

Darlene and Doreen:

I just put both of your pictures on my Tropical Island Mickey and Minnie lamp It looks like you're all standing on the island which is the base of the lamp!! Now that lamp will REALLY remind me of the cruise we all took together AND the one we will be taking in '06!

 

[Mjasp]

Hey, What am I missing? Pictures? Post them or email me them, so I can see them too.

A freezing day on Long Island the high was 16 degrees and I HATE IT!!!!!!!!!!!

Send me to the Carolina's or Florida