Christmas all year long!

[lfwhipp]

Yay for Kira and Josh!!! the pictures are great and i love the little slide show that the student did. I especially love her cake topper, absolutely cute!!! Kira looked gorgeous and i love those bridesmaids dresses with the pockets. I do love your face while getting Zoe's hair done looks like it was a gorgeous and well done event! Congrats!!!

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Ann, everything looked great! The bridesmaids dresses were super cute and I really liked the cake stand! It was very visually appealing!!! Kira looks beautiful (I liked the little details on her dress!) and Zoe looks adorable!

Glad the honeymoon is starting off well!

Awesome about MOPS too. I was in a local group for 2 years, but we struggled with membership and ultimately halted the group. We were the only evening group in town - and most of the girls who could come nights were usually too tired to make regular meetings. I would love to get into another local chapter but they are only during the day. It's such a special group of women!

 

[momabaarjo]

Thanks, Kathy! I just hope to get some better ones soon.



Thank you, Tina. Kira was extremely happy...and surprisingly relaxed. She read her vows flawlessly.



Thank you, Karen. I know there is some issues right now regarding sharing personal vs. on topic stuff. For me though, all of the events of this year will motivate me and influence me in the direction I take for our trip. I will make sure and post more once I get them.




Thanks, Tammie. I think the red on the screen was awesome. You are so funny about the next stage of planning. Yes... flights to worry about. I told Steve today that if it looks like I can't get reasonable fares I may just cancel. Yes, me... saying I would want to cancel. Poor Steve (his chip may be slightly on since Kira and Josh are in the world now), he just came to me and said in a very soft almost sad voice. "I reeaaaaly would hate to cancel our trip. Please don't do that." Glad to know he wants this too. But... UG, UG and tripple UG UG UG on the air fare. I am so kicking myself. I should have booked last week. I thought I should wait till after the wedding. Now all the return flights are 551 when... just days ago they were 371. That is nearly $200. That will amount to $400 for us and while it is not HUGE in the grand sceme..it is $400 and would cover the cost of MVMCP. Oh.. what to do.. what to do...

Relax...everything that I am reading says the highest airfares are 6-7 months out and under 2 weeks of the flight. So we are in the highest time frame! They say 2 1/2-3 1/2 months is lowest fares (it will drive me crazy to wait, but as soon as I see flight schedules I will become a rabid stalker on KAYAK and the airline sights). Gas prices look like they may go down some and the panic seems a little less about it going up.

I agree with Steve (glad to know his chip is being your voice of reason), do not cancel. Thinks will work out...let's trust in a little Christmas and WDW magic!

 

[tankgirl427]

Loved the wedding photos, Kira looked so happy, Zoe is still adorable in every picture. I love the one of her holding the flip camera. The bridesmaid dresses are super cute too!

Now that is one big check off your list for this year and you can focus on the next one. I still have yet to book flights for October, so don't panic yet. You have ADR time coming up very soon!

 

[annmarieda]

I'm right there with you on the 'what to do' question! Hang in there and don't cancel!

I LOVE Kira's cake topper! And Zoe is so precious. Beautiful wedding, bride, groom, flower girl - the red colors are so rich! Congratulations on pulling off such a grand event! And congrats again to the lovely couple!!

I won't cancel. I just mean to say that I would cancel before I pay $1k per person for a flight. Anything over $500 in my mind is too steep.

Thanks so much! A grand event? Hmm... it really wasn't.... but thank you. I know Kira and Josh were happy and that is what really matters. Kira did not originally want red. Once we booked the theater though, she decided on that color. Until the day of, I didn't see why it HAD to be that color. With the screen lights and wall colors and carpet colors... I can now see why.

Yay for Kira and Josh!!! the pictures are great and i love the little slide show that the student did. I especially love her cake topper, absolutely cute!!! Kira looked gorgeous and i love those bridesmaids dresses with the pockets. I do love your face while getting Zoe's hair done looks like it was a gorgeous and well done event! Congrats!!!

Thank you. This has been 2 years in the making. So much has changed in how we were approaching it. One thing though stayed the same... the cake topper. Although we didn't order it until just a few weeks ago. From the moment Kira got engaged, she wanted this topper. Josh is her prince for sure... but also he is a herpetologist..so the frog that the princess is kissing is too appropriate.

Ann, everything looked great! The bridesmaids dresses were super cute and I really liked the cake stand! It was very visually appealing!!! Kira looks beautiful (I liked the little details on her dress!) and Zoe looks adorable!

Glad the honeymoon is starting off well!

Awesome about MOPS too. I was in a local group for 2 years, but we struggled with membership and ultimately halted the group. We were the only evening group in town - and most of the girls who could come nights were usually too tired to make regular meetings. I would love to get into another local chapter but they are only during the day. It's such a special group of women!

I loved the cake stand. It exceeded my expectations so so much. My group leader from MOPS... her dh made it. Can you believe that??? It was one of my favorite parts of the entire wedding.

As for MOPS, it has been a big part of my life for years. I have mentioned living in a small town. Prior to this group starting there was one group at a different church. I attended that group until I was in leadership. That group had troubles and so I went to my church to ask if we could start a charter there. It was unusual at the time for there to be a MOPS group at a Catholic church. Once they agreed, we found how much work it was to start a group. That was nearly 10 years ago. The group still thrives. I think there are roughly 70 or 80 women in membership. I have long since not been in leadership. (technically I graduated and then rejoined when Zoe was born) I graduate this year. I have not been asked to come back as a mentor so as this year concludes, next Monday will be my last meeting. Actually, I am ready. I find that more an more the moms coming in are closer to Kira's age than my own. Still, I have had so many things happen to me since joining that I could not have got through if it it had not been for this group. This wedding is just the latest example. They are truly a wonderful group of women who have been a blessing in my life. I truly hope and pray that Kira will find herself in a group the minute she becomes pregnant.

Relax...everything that I am reading says the highest airfares are 6-7 months out and under 2 weeks of the flight. So we are in the highest time frame! They say 2 1/2-3 1/2 months is lowest fares (it will drive me crazy to wait, but as soon as I see flight schedules I will become a rabid stalker on KAYAK and the airline sights). Gas prices look like they may go down some and the panic seems a little less about it going up.

I agree with Steve (glad to know his chip is being your voice of reason), do not cancel. Thinks will work out...let's trust in a little Christmas and WDW magic!

I know.. I know... I just get worked up. I think when I feel like I made a poor choice it makes it worse. See... last week, the fare I wanted was $200 less and yesterday, I let a companion fare expire. It makes me frustrated with myself for not booking. My gut tells me it will work out though. Just last night I booked the cheapest fare possible for Steve to go to Zach's graduation. It was on continental. well... the message sent to us was that once this itinerary was completed we would be awarded nearly 5k in points. Okay...well.. that means that rather than having enough for 2 tickets come november or december (too late to take advantage of for our trip)... we could very well have enough come July. (which is in a better booking window) I won't cancel... as I already mentioned... I just will refuse to pay 1k per person. I know I won't have to... but until I have a flight booked... I will be a bit antsty.

Loved the wedding photos, Kira looked so happy, Zoe is still adorable in every picture. I love the one of her holding the flip camera. The bridesmaid dresses are super cute too!

Now that is one big check off your list for this year and you can focus on the next one. I still have yet to book flights for October, so don't panic yet. You have ADR time coming up very soon!

Zoe used that flip camera like a pro. The video she took at the reception was soo cute. She shot the floor saying "and this is the dance floor" while moving the camera in a circular motion. She shot the disco ball, saying "diiiisco ball" She shot herself, saying "this is me" while angling the camera up and down. You get the idea... we got some very detailed exposure of the "little" things about the place that we would not necessarily have got had it not been for her taping.

 

[shocky5]

I won't cancel. I just mean to say that I would cancel before I pay $1k per person for a flight. Anything over $500 in my mind is too steep.

ITA! Your diligence and patience will pay off. I understand your anxiousness but in the end you will be happy you waited.

 

[Monknmom]

Oh how pretty her wedding was! And she looked so happy, I know that it made you exhausted but just look how wonderful you made that day for her! Zoe is so cute and I love all 3 of your hair do's! I can't wait to see more! Now you just have to get through Zoe's surgery and Zach's graduation and you'll be on your way!

 

[flamestarrdust]

Kira and Zoe look so beautiful! Congratulations! I'm happy to hear that Kira had a great wedding! Can't wait to see more pics!

 

[veggiemama]

What a beautiful wedding Ann! So glad things went well and Kira looked so happy! Love the dress, simple and very elegant, it suited her well.

BTW, I love that you post about other things. Trying to fill this much time with only Disney would be very hard. Please don't stop posting non related stuff. It's what makes this so much fun!

As for flights. I have to agree with another poster. This is THE highest cost time for flights. All the summer flights are being booked, everyone is traveling, airlines have no incentive to offer discounts right now, and add to that the price of gas going up and it's not surprising that prices are so high. Last time I went we booked our flights 4 months before and paid less than half of what the rate would be for me right now. This is definitely the other hard waiting period! Hang in there, I'm positive that in the end you find the deal you are looking for!

 

[All7OfUs]

HI Ann! I know it must seem like I've completely abandoned you- it's been WAY too long since I've come over for a visit! But I did see your pictures that you got- even those few gave us a nice glimpse into how beautiful it was and how much fun y'all had! Love it!

 

[annmarieda]

Oh how pretty her wedding was! And she looked so happy, I know that it made you exhausted but just look how wonderful you made that day for her! Zoe is so cute and I love all 3 of your hair do's! I can't wait to see more! Now you just have to get through Zoe's surgery and Zach's graduation and you'll be on your way!

Thank you. I did try and really the fact that Kira was happy has made all the work I put in worth it!

Now,yes... Zoe's surgery.. Zach's graduation... July will be here soon. In the mean time I just need to figure out what ADR's I want to book. I have a good idea....

Kira and Zoe look so beautiful! Congratulations! I'm happy to hear that Kira had a great wedding! Can't wait to see more pics!

I too can't wait to see more pics. I can't believe I didn't take more. Course... you would not believe how much I was running around. I had strawberries out on one plate an as fast as I would restock them... they would be gone. (until there were no more)

What a beautiful wedding Ann! So glad things went well and Kira looked so happy! Love the dress, simple and very elegant, it suited her well.

The dress was simple. I had not thought about that. I had encouraged a dress with embroidery. This just had little rhinestones and no embroidery. It did suite her. You are right!!!

BTW, I love that you post about other things. Trying to fill this much time with only Disney would be very hard. Please don't stop posting non related stuff. It's what makes this so much fun!

Thank you. ITA. I just know that on another thread it came up that you were not suppose to talk about non PTR stuff... to stay on topic. I guess I mingle the topic in a bit...so maybe it is all good.

As for flights. I have to agree with another poster. This is THE highest cost time for flights. All the summer flights are being booked, everyone is traveling, airlines have no incentive to offer discounts right now, and add to that the price of gas going up and it's not surprising that prices are so high. Last time I went we booked our flights 4 months before and paid less than half of what the rate would be for me right now. This is definitely the other hard waiting period! Hang in there, I'm positive that in the end you find the deal you are looking for!

I know you are right. I need to just give it a couple months. I think come July I will have it all squared away. I just hate the wait. I feel like too much is uncertain until I get those flights booked!

HI Ann! I know it must seem like I've completely abandoned you- it's been WAY too long since I've come over for a visit! But I did see your pictures that you got- even those few gave us a nice glimpse into how beautiful it was and how much fun y'all had! Love it!

Hey there! No worries. Life gets busy. I think we all know that Dis cant always be the thing that takes up our time. (even though sometimes, we may wish it could ) I am glad you could a glimpse. I really hope that the photographer got some good shots. I am just dying to find out!!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Kira looks sooo beautiful, as I knew she would, but the whole family looked amazing! I love your hair! And Zoe is as cute as ever! The wedding looked like so much fun! I'm so happy for your family! I hope Kira is enjoying her Disneymoon!!

 

[annmarieda]

Kira looks sooo beautiful, as I knew she would, but the whole family looked amazing! I love your hair! And Zoe is as cute as ever! The wedding looked like so much fun! I'm so happy for your family! I hope Kira is enjoying her Disneymoon!!

Thank you so much. We tried to look our best. The wedding was fun. I think having popcorn, redvines and water bottles at the wedding was a fun touch. Kira is enjoying her Disneymoon... other than her bride ears broke. Weather has been good...as have been the buses. (after our last trip, she needed a good transportation experience)

 

[disneyaddicted]

Congratulations to you and to Kira. The wedding sounded fabulous. thank God you had extra help.

 

[annmarieda]

Congratulations to you and to Kira. The wedding sounded fabulous. thank God you had extra help.

Thanks, I was very very blessed to have the help I did. I certainly could not have done it without it.

 

[annmarieda]

I just had to take a moment to have a bit of a pity party. Not a huge one mind you, but... just a moment.

I think I forgot to mention that as the wedding approached, I got a cold. It has been the worst one I have had in so long. I lost my voice at one point. It is just KICKIN my behind. I just keep waiting to wake up and feel better, but... so much has been going on I am just not able to take a complete break.

Ad change starts up tomorrow and I am tapped... but... onward I must go (and I will) but just feeling like I want to stay in bed... not spend hours and hours on my feet.

Then today we took in my 11 1/ year old kitty and had him put down. He has been getting sicker and sicker. A couple months ago we brought him in and he was given some "quick fixes" that if it wasn't something more severe (like cancer) would have worked. Well, it never made a bit difference and he as been having more bad days than good lately. He is down to about half his normal weight and you can see the bones on his back. It hurt him to eat...(the lesions in his were noticeable in his mouth.) He also won't use the litter box. (and..well ya know we just put in new carpet) So I know it was the right decision for both our family and for him, but it was hard. I am sad...

Between the wedding, being sick, having a ton or work and now this... I am tapped.

whew... got that off my chest... so time to shake it off... go have lunch with a friend... and get ready for the next moth.

TIA for listening to my pity party.

 

[pollymn]

 

[veggiemama]

I just had to take a moment to have a bit of a pity party. Not a huge one mind you, but... just a moment.

I think I forgot to mention that as the wedding approached, I got a cold. It has been the worst one I have had in so long. I lost my voice at one point. It is just KICKIN my behind. I just keep waiting to wake up and feel better, but... so much has been going on I am just not able to take a complete break.

Ad change starts up tomorrow and I am tapped... but... onward I must go (and I will) but just feeling like I want to stay in bed... not spend hours and hours on my feet.

Then today we took in my 11 1/ year old kitty and had him put down. He has been getting sicker and sicker. A couple months ago we brought him in and he was given some "quick fixes" that if it wasn't something more severe (like cancer) would have worked. Well, it never made a bit difference and he as been having more bad days than good lately. He is down to about half his normal weight and you can see the bones on his back. It hurt him to eat...(the lesions in his were noticeable in his mouth.) He also won't use the litter box. (and..well ya know we just put in new carpet) So I know it was the right decision for both our family and for him, but it was hard. I am sad...

Between the wedding, being sick, having a ton or work and now this... I am tapped.

whew... got that off my chest... so time to shake it off... go have lunch with a friend... and get ready for the next moth.

TIA for listening to my pity party.

Hang in there Ann.

Stressful weeks have a way of catching up with you. I had coffee with a great friend today and vented and cried and basically dumped all the crappy stuff going on in my life right now into her lap. wonderful friend that she is, she cried with me, hugged me and then told me to get off my but and do something about it!

I'm so sorry about your cat. We are cat lovers here and last fall one of them ran away. My ds has been very sad because it was his kitty. But because I teach out of my home i can't get another one, too many kids with allergies.

I hope you get a chance to relax and get better this weekend.

 

[lfwhipp]

I just had to take a moment to have a bit of a pity party. Not a huge one mind you, but... just a moment.

I think I forgot to mention that as the wedding approached, I got a cold. It has been the worst one I have had in so long. I lost my voice at one point. It is just KICKIN my behind. I just keep waiting to wake up and feel better, but... so much has been going on I am just not able to take a complete break.

Ad change starts up tomorrow and I am tapped... but... onward I must go (and I will) but just feeling like I want to stay in bed... not spend hours and hours on my feet.

Then today we took in my 11 1/ year old kitty and had him put down. He has been getting sicker and sicker. A couple months ago we brought him in and he was given some "quick fixes" that if it wasn't something more severe (like cancer) would have worked. Well, it never made a bit difference and he as been having more bad days than good lately. He is down to about half his normal weight and you can see the bones on his back. It hurt him to eat...(the lesions in his were noticeable in his mouth.) He also won't use the litter box. (and..well ya know we just put in new carpet) So I know it was the right decision for both our family and for him, but it was hard. I am sad...

Between the wedding, being sick, having a ton or work and now this... I am tapped.

whew... got that off my chest... so time to shake it off... go have lunch with a friend... and get ready for the next moth.

TIA for listening to my pity party.

Aww just hang in there and you go ahead and vent all you need to, thats what we are here for.

I am so sorry about your kitty, we had to put down my 12yr old kitty and it about broke me.

I hope you start to feeling better soon and things slow down a little bit

 

[shocky5]

I just had to take a moment to have a bit of a pity party. Not a huge one mind you, but... just a moment.

I think I forgot to mention that as the wedding approached, I got a cold. It has been the worst one I have had in so long. I lost my voice at one point. It is just KICKIN my behind. I just keep waiting to wake up and feel better, but... so much has been going on I am just not able to take a complete break.

Ad change starts up tomorrow and I am tapped... but... onward I must go (and I will) but just feeling like I want to stay in bed... not spend hours and hours on my feet.

Then today we took in my 11 1/ year old kitty and had him put down. He has been getting sicker and sicker. A couple months ago we brought him in and he was given some "quick fixes" that if it wasn't something more severe (like cancer) would have worked. Well, it never made a bit difference and he as been having more bad days than good lately. He is down to about half his normal weight and you can see the bones on his back. It hurt him to eat...(the lesions in his were noticeable in his mouth.) He also won't use the litter box. (and..well ya know we just put in new carpet) So I know it was the right decision for both our family and for him, but it was hard. I am sad...

Between the wedding, being sick, having a ton or work and now this... I am tapped.

whew... got that off my chest... so time to shake it off... go have lunch with a friend... and get ready for the next moth.

TIA for listening to my pity party.

You once told me to vent away so I'm telling you the same! Glad you let it out and I'm sorry about the miserable cold.

One thing at a time... that's the only advice I have... or it's just too overwhelming to stare it all in the face at once. While I know you have Zach's graduation and Zoe's surgery coming up, and each of those are weighing on your mind on top of the day to day stuff, find time to take care of you... even 5 or 10 minutes.

Sorry about your kitty. So hard to let them go even when you know it's time.