Christmas all year long!

[annmarieda]

I thought you were showing us a picture of the dress.... then I read on and saw that it was the dress already altered---- you did a GREAT job on that! It doesn't even look like it didn't belong there! I hope that came out right..... I mean that it looks like it would if you bought it off that rack that's how good you are! I can't sew for anything so it's a great job in my book!

Alex is like a ghost! You see his foot, his arm, some of his body in pictures, he's rarely standing in the picture like this last one! I knew the answer to that Buzz one because I wrote it down as a place I wanted to take my son's picture in my PTR!

Did you ever get your passport? I ordered it and received it. I am going to read it this week if the power goes out! Have you read any of it yet? How do you like it? Is it helpful?

Thanks, I think the dress was great to start with. All I did was remove the existing sleeves (they were sheer, tight and the seem was split) with a seam ripper. Then I took a skirt that had two layers (an inner white and an outer pink) I cut it in half. I then stitched the ends of those creating the sleeve. The hem side of the skirt was sewn in to where the old sleeve had been...and then the crazy thing..the elastic ends of what is NOW the sleeves on the dress. That was the waistline of the skirt.

As for the passport... I have yet to get it. Weird, eh? I was sent notice that it shipped. Maybe Irene is causing the delay.

Speaking of Irene, I hope that you are staying safe. You have been on my mind today.

 

[momabaarjo]

Wow...I love Zoe's dress! Way to go mom! I got a Costume Express catalog the other day (sure you can find them online) that had a whole page of Disney Princess costumes...not sure of the quality, but I really liked their styles...each was around $50.

 

[momabaarjo]

1pt Kira
I know, right? He does exist..honest. He just is my most illusive child. He unlike any of the others HATES to be with me. I get within a certain radius of him and he freaks. Just last night, he was playing a video game. I went to pick up a blanket (yes, here we still use blankets while watching tv at night) off the floor to put back onto the couch. It was right behind him and he started yelling about how I always have to stand so close to him.. Funny thing.. he is who I called my snuggle bug when he was younger. He was the one unlike the rest who LOVED to go EVERYWHERE with me. He was always by my side. We did so much together. Then... he hit like 9...and it was over. Course, that coincided with me getting pregnant with Zoe. . Maybe he is angry with me for having her.

Teenage boys...just gotta keep loving them!

 

[annmarieda]

Wow...I love Zoe's dress! Way to go mom! I got a Costume Express catalog the other day (sure you can find them online) that had a whole page of Disney Princess costumes...not sure of the quality, but I really liked their styles...each was around $50.

Thanks. I should check out that place on line. I am not sure just how much I want to dress her up. I have read other TR's where each day or character meet the girl wore a different costume. I am sure I only have a small window left that Zoe would go for something like that. I usually have shirts that we all wear that are disney related in someway...but full out costumes.. It would be fun though...to have Zoe be my little princess the entire trip. Then again, packing too many dresses and going through the parks with Zoe in those dresses could be a bit problematic. I guess it is a good thing I have a few months to decide.

Teenage boys...just gotta keep loving them!

yep!

 

[annmarieda]

So this one is both easy and maybe a bit hard.

 

[annmarieda]

With now just 14 Saturdays left, I am sad to say I didn't get around to watching a movie last night. I was out with the girls all day shopping. I have not been feeling that great. Aside from being completely run down, the darn arm of mine has been just a pain. rotfl: literally) The site where I had the injection last week is not the problem. It is weird though... it is as though it is drifting. I mean... I have this swollen area that is red that is drifting down my arm. I marked it last night just to see if it was getting better or worse. Well, it is past the marks today so . Steve thinks that maybe instead of getting the injection into the muscle like it should have gone maybe it went under the skin funny and the fluid is just sitting and migrating. It hurts and burns... but... makes me look like I have a very defined bicep. Course, that will only be until it reaches my elbow.

So I came home pretty achy all over and tired. I went directly to lay down and take a nap. Then.. Zoe did a little pretend play and decided she should act like Irene (funny that my mom's name is Irene..but I am talking about the dreadful storm) She took the hose outside and turned it on and proceeded to spray it into the house. So I woke up to have to clean up all that water (and deal with grumpy man who had all his stuff get wet ).

Then I got some messages from my doctor. As you know, I had a doctor appointment last week. I have been watching my lab results come in so I was aware that my anemia has not got better. I knew she was going to want me to go for testing to see exactly why it is that I am anemic. I really don't have time or energy for it..so I have been thinking of a way to get out of those tests all week. However, I had a more alarming test come back and so I won't be able to avoid further testing. I was a bit freaked out at first. (hence why at that point I was just done and no movie was watched last night) The type of abnormal cells that were found have a 20 to 50% rate of there being a more serious or underlying cancer. Course, that means that 50 to 80% don't have a more serious cancer. So it looks like over the coming month I probably will get to have my own time up in Seattle for tests and procedures. And just when I thought my year was going to get a little less crazy.

On some positive notes though... Zach comes home in 3 weeks! Can you believe it has been that long already? The pill called me the other day though. He told me he got his shipping orders to be deployed. (we knew this was a likely possibility) When I asked him when, he told me "October". Stinker then paused and waited for my reaction which was kinda a "wait, you are just getting home in September and then going to be shipped to Iraq in October" He just chuckled and continued on with what he was saying...by stating "2012" Good grief he is soooo my mischievous child!!! It will be good to have him home though.

Also, Steve's job... well, this incident worked its way up past the vp's and up to the ceo of the company. Turns out now... they are putting together and offer for Steve for a promotion. The details are still up in the air, as are the exact title so I don't want to jinx it... but things are definitely looking up there.

I am still putting together the plans for 12/10 so I will post that later.

Hope everyone are not in harms way today and staying safe.

 

[swwake]

So this one is both easy and maybe a bit hard.

So this is beautiful Zoe in her princess ears hat on a birthday trip. I am guessing she is 2/3 in the pic. I'll also guess Magic Kingdom, Frontierland.

Oh my those labs sound scary. I sure hope everything is A-ok with you. And Steve's job went from bad news to good in about a month. Here's hoping for that great promotion. It's nice to see someone who works hard get rewarded.

Oh that Zoe/Irene...

 

[annmarieda]

So this is beautiful Zoe in her princess ears hat on a birthday trip. I am guessing she is 2/3 in the pic. I'll also guess Magic Kingdom, Frontierland.

Oh my those labs sound scary. I sure hope everything is A-ok with you. And Steve's job went from bad news to good in about a month. Here's hoping for that great promotion. It's nice to see someone who works hard get rewarded.

Oh that Zoe/Irene...

1pt Zoe
1pt princess ears
1pt birthday trip (but not 2/3)
1pt Mk (but not frontierland)

I will deal with what comes regarding the health stuff. I just know that december is quickly approaching and I have to have it all done and taken care of by then. (priorities ) Steve is a good worker..and in his field is at the top. He is often times contacted from large name companies offering him employment. I think the company he works for would be stupid to not realize they have such a valuable resource. I just hope that they realize this ENOUGH and make a really good offer. Course, what is meant to be will be. A promotion will mean more time in the office...so we were thinking of getting him a place close to work so he could stay there a few nights a week. (remember his commute to and from work can amount to as much as 4 hours a day) If the housing market were better I might think of moving closer to his work..but... that really isn't an option for us given the market. Anyway, if I will need him home more because of my own stuff..well what is meant to be will be.....

As for Zoe..yes...little stinker. She is definitely a "Z" (my October kids names start with A and then the February start with Z)

 

[momabaarjo]

With now just 14 Saturdays left, I am sad to say I didn't get around to watching a movie last night. I was out with the girls all day shopping. I have not been feeling that great. Aside from being completely run down, the darn arm of mine has been just a pain. rotfl: literally) The site where I had the injection last week is not the problem. It is weird though... it is as though it is drifting. I mean... I have this swollen area that is red that is drifting down my arm. I marked it last night just to see if it was getting better or worse. Well, it is past the marks today so . Steve thinks that maybe instead of getting the injection into the muscle like it should have gone maybe it went under the skin funny and the fluid is just sitting and migrating. It hurts and burns... but... makes me look like I have a very defined bicep. Course, that will only be until it reaches my elbow. I am thinking you need to have this checked out...that does not sound good at all!!!!

So I came home pretty achy all over and tired. I went directly to lay down and take a nap. Then.. Zoe did a little pretend play and decided she should act like Irene (funny that my mom's name is Irene..but I am talking about the dreadful storm) She took the hose outside and turned it on and proceeded to spray it into the house. So I woke up to have to clean up all that water (and deal with grumpy man who had all his stuff get wet ).

You have to deal with a grumpy man, who could have watched her it the first place....hmmm yep, sounds just like my house!

Then I got some messages from my doctor. As you know, I had a doctor appointment last week. I have been watching my lab results come in so I was aware that my anemia has not got better. I knew she was going to want me to go for testing to see exactly why it is that I am anemic. I really don't have time or energy for it..so I have been thinking of a way to get out of those tests all week. However, I had a more alarming test come back and so I won't be able to avoid further testing. I was a bit freaked out at first. (hence why at that point I was just done and no movie was watched last night) The type of abnormal cells that were found have a 20 to 50% rate of there being a more serious or underlying cancer. Course, that means that 50 to 80% don't have a more serious cancer. So it looks like over the coming month I probably will get to have my own time up in Seattle for tests and procedures. And just when I thought my year was going to get a little less crazy.

Worried about you...someone needs to come and take care of you for a change! I would so volunteer since I LOVE THE SEATTLE AREA! Dang who, would keep things under control here...not dh...

On some positive notes though... Zach comes home in 3 weeks! Can you believe it has been that long already? The pill called me the other day though. He told me he got his shipping orders to be deployed. (we knew this was a likely possibility) When I asked him when, he told me "October". Stinker then paused and waited for my reaction which was kinda a "wait, you are just getting home in September and then going to be shipped to Iraq in October" He just chuckled and continued on with what he was saying...by stating "2012" Good grief he is soooo my mischievous child!!! It will be good to have him home though.

So does that mean he will be home for your trip...oh, I see more tinkering in your plans once again!

Also, Steve's job... well, this incident worked its way up past the vp's and up to the ceo of the company. Turns out now... they are putting together and offer for Steve for a promotion. The details are still up in the air, as are the exact title so I don't want to jinx it... but things are definitely looking up there. Wahoo...some more good news for you. Kepping my fingers crossed for Steve!

I am still putting together the plans for 12/10 so I will post that later.

Hope everyone are not in harms way today and staying safe.

Happy Sunday...

 

[momabaarjo]

So this one is both easy and maybe a bit hard.

She is just too darn precious!

 

[tinacaplan]

Hi, Ann! Glad to hear about Steve's job. I have a feeling that you are going to have a fruitful fall. You certainly deserve it after this summer. Looking forward to hearing more plans. Sorry I've been so MIA lately. Just don't have a lot of energy for more than a drive by read... oh, and they blocked the Dis at work (which I shouldn't have been on anyway, but...not the point) so I haven't been on as much as I might be otherwise. Oh well.

How's Zoe?

 

[Monknmom]

Thanks, I think the dress was great to start with. All I did was remove the existing sleeves (they were sheer, tight and the seem was split) with a seam ripper. Then I took a skirt that had two layers (an inner white and an outer pink) I cut it in half. I then stitched the ends of those creating the sleeve. The hem side of the skirt was sewn in to where the old sleeve had been...and then the crazy thing..the elastic ends of what is NOW the sleeves on the dress. That was the waistline of the skirt.

As for the passport... I have yet to get it. Weird, eh? I was sent notice that it shipped. Maybe Irene is causing the delay.

Speaking of Irene, I hope that you are staying safe. You have been on my mind today.

Well you did a wonderful job I am not sure if you said you were going to show her yet or not, but I am sure when you do she will love it! very creative and out of the box thinking though! I am looking for pirate pants and a vest for monk so maybe I will try to come up with something like you did!

I actually made some more of the chai tea and cuddled up with the book in a corner with the oil lamp (I didn't want the lights on) and went to town on that thing. A lot of the stuff I have read on here, but they give you touring tips and plans and such so that's nice! I am on page 139!

We are good, thank you for thinking of us my poor MIL said that she couldn't sleep "the whole night I worry about you", but I was like I said content with my tea and book! DH was running around making preparations- when I went to put my raincoat in the car I found a box of tea bags in the back seat--- he's Asian and loves his tea but how was he planning on making it?! It reminded me of the day before when Damien made his hurricane kit of legos and a flash light!

Sounds like you had lots of fun shopping and I'm glad that you did, but I really hope that your arm and lab results work out to be nothing major! I am going to keep praying for you on that! When are you going to start going in for the tests and such? Maybe while they are drawing blood and such you can write out your Disney plans with the other hand to keep your mind off of it!

Oh my Ms. Zoe! At least she understands what a hurricane is though! Well I mean kinda.... she's on the right track!

That is great news that you will get a whole year with Zach! Oh that must have made your day! I had never noticed that your kids have the same 1st letters until you said that! Well the Z's keep you healthy and alert but I guess that means that Kira and Alex are the ones that keep you sane and grounded!

Awesome! I hope that Steve gets the job, although I hope that they will understand when he has to take time for his sickness and to help you while going for the tests! Oh I hope that this comes through for your family!

 

[KatMark]

Ann, I'm sorry you are not feeling well. You need to go and have those tests and take care of yourself.

Great news about Zach; he sounds just like my Markie -- always the comedian!

I'm keeping my fingers crossed on Steve's job situation.

And I agree with momabaarjo...if said male was watching, the house wouldn't hae turned out like "Irene."

And in the picture, are you waiting in line at Splash Mountain in the MK?

 

[tankgirl427]

No Sunday Update?!?

I was thinking Zoe was on the Swiss Family Treehouse. but I know I'm late.

 

[tinacaplan]

I just went back and re-read and didn't realize you weren't feeling so well. Sorry. And. yes, you probably should go and have that checked out. Feel better.

 

[annmarieda]

I am thinking you need to have this checked out...that does not sound good at all!!!!

It is so much better today. I am thinking it is exactly what Steve thought...fluid under the skin from the shot. As it has almost reached my elbow, the tension on my skin is much less. It still has a sort of burning sensation as it migrates down. (I know, weird right? I marked the edge so when I noticed the burning sensation, I looked and sure enough the swelling was past it.)

You have to deal with a grumpy man, who could have watched her it the first place....hmmm yep, sounds just like my house!

yeah... In his defense though, I was the one who ok'd her going outside before going up to take a nap and when I told him he was deeply into his gadgety hobby thing he does. (which is what got all wet ) But you are right... him "watching" her doesn't mean as much as if I were to be watching her.

Worried about you...someone needs to come and take care of you for a change! I would so volunteer since I LOVE THE SEATTLE AREA! Dang who, would keep things under control here...not dh...

That is so sweet of you. I here ya on wondering who would keep things under control though.. I will have to figure out how to keep things going here when I make my appointments in Seattle.

So does that mean he will be home for your trip...oh, I see more tinkering in your plans once again!

I am still not 100% sure what his plans will be come December. He was going to come back and then start school. I am not sure now. I know the money he has earned while away has been widdled away by things like food, boots, shoes and a laptop. He had hoped to have enough to move out. I am not sure now if that will happen.

Wahoo...some more good news for you. Keeping my fingers crossed for Steve!

Yes, this is good news. I just hope that it will mean enough of a raise to justify getting a studio in Seattle. Otherwise, I am not sure he will take it.

She is just too darn precious!

Thank you.

Hi, Ann! Glad to hear about Steve's job. I have a feeling that you are going to have a fruitful fall. You certainly deserve it after this summer. Looking forward to hearing more plans. Sorry I've been so MIA lately. Just don't have a lot of energy for more than a drive by read... oh, and they blocked the Dis at work (which I shouldn't have been on anyway, but...not the point) so I haven't been on as much as I might be otherwise. Oh well.

How's Zoe?

Glad you stopped by! It is such a shame that life can take priority over dis isn't it? Seriously, I know that soon enough I won't be on here as much.

Zoe is doing quite well. She is a trooper. All of the cathing... it is as though it is just normal and she doesn't let it get to her at all. I have always loved that about her. She is always such a bright ray of sunshine.

Well you did a wonderful job I am not sure if you said you were going to show her yet or not, but I am sure when you do she will love it! very creative and out of the box thinking though! I am looking for pirate pants and a vest for monk so maybe I will try to come up with something like you did!

I showed her and her eyes lit up. She liked it. The sleeves are far more soft and short..so these are all things she likes. I have seen some pirate stuff for kids on ebay. If you don't come up with something...then maybe try looking there?

I actually made some more of the chai tea and cuddled up with the book in a corner with the oil lamp (I didn't want the lights on) and went to town on that thing. A lot of the stuff I have read on here, but they give you touring tips and plans and such so that's nice! I am on page 139!

MMM chai tea. I think I know what I want this morning. It is kinda a rainy day and my stomach is bugging me... I think that will be perfect! As for the book, sheesh... I looked and mine was shipped a couple weeks ago. I bet it will be here any day. Maybe...

We are good, thank you for thinking of us my poor MIL said that she couldn't sleep "the whole night I worry about you", but I was like I said content with my tea and book! DH was running around making preparations- when I went to put my raincoat in the car I found a box of tea bags in the back seat--- he's Asian and loves his tea but how was he planning on making it?! It reminded me of the day before when Damien made his hurricane kit of legos and a flash light!

I love it! Everything from you mil worrying about you to the tea and lego being needed to prepare for the hurricane.

Sounds like you had lots of fun shopping and I'm glad that you did, but I really hope that your arm and lab results work out to be nothing major! I am going to keep praying for you on that! When are you going to start going in for the tests and such? Maybe while they are drawing blood and such you can write out your Disney plans with the other hand to keep your mind off of it!

My arm I am sure is just from the stupid immunization. The labs... well, the blood work I expected. I have been anemic for sometime. I have tried bringing it to normal by taking iron sups, but there is only so much of that I can take. Doc is wondering why I am deficient. She insists I have to have some sort of internal bleed going on. The thing I didn't expect was the abnormal cell growth. I can get by with the anemia... but the cells will have to be removed so that it doesn't spread. So that I can't just overlook. You are right though, I will have some down time to do some planning!

That is great news that you will get a whole year with Zach! Oh that must have made your day! I had never noticed that your kids have the same 1st letters until you said that! Well the Z's keep you healthy and alert but I guess that means that Kira and Alex are the ones that keep you sane and grounded!

Ya know Akira (she goes by just Kira) and Alex are my more fussy kids (sorry Kira if you are reading this) Zach and Zoe are more laid back but are mischievous. Zach and Zoe are little bruts. Everything is tackled with force. Kira and Alex think things through. All of them keep me sane, yet drive me crazy. I have a wacky family.

Awesome! I hope that Steve gets the job, although I hope that they will understand when he has to take time for his sickness and to help you while going for the tests! Oh I hope that this comes through for your family!

Things will work out the way they need to I am sure. I have faith. We will make what ever we have to work...

Ann, I'm sorry you are not feeling well. You need to go and have those tests and take care of yourself.

Thanks, I will take care of it... I promise.

Great news about Zach; he sounds just like my Markie -- always the comedian!

I think every mother should have a comedian! While they can make us pull our hair out at times, they also keep us laughing.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed on Steve's job situation.

Thanks.. I hope that we hear something this week.

And I agree with momabaarjo...if said male was watching, the house wouldn't have turned out like "Irene."

I agree too

And in the picture, are you waiting in line at Splash Mountain in the MK?

Sorry, not Splash Mountain.

No Sunday Update?!?

I was thinking Zoe was on the Swiss Family Treehouse. but I know I'm late.

I had every intention of getting one in. I wanted to put together the rest of the "alice" dress for Zoe for that day. I also was going to have a pirates movie night. Sadly, by the end of the day I was tapped after going out and getting material and stuff for dinner. I did make a rum cake which was yummy. Kira made the tillapia and we had that with yellow rice and mango salsa. Didn't make it to the movie though and I am not sure if I am actually going to make the apron for the dress. I have the material...and I didn't spend hardly anything on it, but I am not sure that I shouldn't just skip it.

As for the pic, yes that is SFTH. I will give you a point not only because of the hurricane, but because I didn't tally things last night.

I just went back and re-read and didn't realize you weren't feeling so well. Sorry. And. yes, you probably should go and have that checked out. Feel better.

Thanks, I am sure I will feel better soon. I am not sure why I have been so tired this week, but it is catching up with me. I got 9 hours of sleep last night and am STILL tired.

 

[shocky5]

I always feel so behind these past few weeks! Cute picture of Zoe - I'm not sure where she is either... but am going to throw the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse out there as a possibility!

As for your health/tests... I know this has been said but I'm going to repeat it... go get the answers you need to feel better and know what's going on. You have been under a tremendous amount of stress, since January for sure, if not longer - Zach being gone, the wedding, Zoe's surgery not to mention the responsibilities of a mother and wife... stress can trigger strange things in a person's body.

On a lighter note after that little lecture, I'm so happy that Zach will be home soon - able to make the trip, still, right???

 

[shocky5]

Darn it! I should not have scanned through so quickly some of the responses... you'd already revealed the SFRTH. DUH But maybe kudos because I really didn't see that before I put my two cents in? J/K

 

[annmarieda]

As for your health/tests... I know this has been said but I'm going to repeat it... go get the answers you need to feel better and know what's going on. You have been under a tremendous amount of stress, since January for sure, if not longer - Zach being gone, the wedding, Zoe's surgery not to mention the responsibilities of a mother and wife... stress can trigger strange things in a person's body.

On a lighter note after that little lecture, I'm so happy that Zach will be home soon - able to make the trip, still, right???

I made an appointment. I have to laugh though...maybe even cry. not sure which. Basically, I have to go up for the evaluation first. Well, that is not for a month. It is funny how "oh so serious this is" and then just to be seen is a month out. I am not surprised, I mean... I know how far out stuff had to be planned with Zoe. But I can't be going in for surgery in November since that is just toooo close to December. So first step will be that eval in September to schedule a biopsy. Since the eval is at the end of September the biospsy will be in October. And...based on how fast they move...November would likely be the time for surgery. Depending on how involved the surgery is, recovery could be 6 weeks. Um??? Hello??? December, remember? So keep your fingers crossed that a. things move a bit quicker than that and b. removal of affected cells are minimal. I really can't believe that this is on my plate...fall was supposed to be medical issue free for our family.

As for Zach and the trip... it is all still up in the air. He had said that he wanted to go, but not for the full time. He also thought he would just come down and crash in our room. Um... ya can't just sleep in a sleeping bag on my floor dude. He also is growing into a full fledged MAN. Doesn't want to talk Disney... so kinda hard to plan with him because of that. My hope is when he gets home he and Kira can have a sit down and decide if, when and where a trip would work for them. (since I told them they had to pay their way..I would cover airfare, but not the hotel etc) luckily, Zach will be home before my 45 day mark so we can still make changes if we need to.

 

[tankgirl427]

Could you ask the special doctor to call if any cancellations become available so you can start this sooner?