From Pop to the Top - Funtastic Adventures in the Summer Sun!

[Charleston Princess]

Really dumb question... When you say cake mix, you aren't talking about wet mix but rather dry, straight from the box???

Dry straight from the box.

 

[angmom]

I am so sorry about your car but relieved that Drew and his passenger are safe. Hopefully, everything with the insurance will be settled quickly. It is so inspiring to me that through times that are not so great you always reflect back on what is good in your life and what you are thankful for. I pray that you have a peaceful week at school and are able to enjoy some quality family time during Thanksgiving.

On a happier note, I love your pictures from Finding Nemo. Last year was the first time that we all saw it and we really enjoyed it. My kids have been singing "just keep swimming" for almost a year. Can't wait to see it again in January!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Oh MeMom, I am so sad for you. Why would someone do that to Drew? Just because he wasn't going fast enough? That is just not okay. This really bothers me. You are such a kind person and do not need this at all. Please keep us updated as far as the insurance companies go.

 

[MagicShell]

I am so sorry to hear about your car situation. It is just not fair. You deserve to be able to have a little extra money with no car note. I hope every thing gets worked out.

 

[cherokeemamma]

Oh Memom! I am sooooo sorry about the car!
I know it all makes for a stressful time. I really hate that happened and hope the police can find out who did it. I am thankful that no one was hurt. You and the car situation are in my prayers.

In regard to spending money on WDW when we know it probably isn't the best idea in the world...well I am right there with you. I justify it because time is so short with our families. It is important to make those memories and have fun times together away from day to day stresses. I get this sinking feeling when I think about my DS graduating HS and going away to college in a little over a year! There are so many places I wanted to take him and my DD but financially we haven't been able to do .... so we do what we can. I would hate to talk to Suzie Orman (sp??) she would really chew me out.

Jackie: Thanks so much for posting the yummy pumpkin cake recipe. Sounds delicious and so easy! My DD loves pumpkin so I will definitely be trying it soon.

Have a great day everyone!
TTFN
Darlene

 

[DWGal210]

Oh MeMom, I am so sorry!! Just wanted to send hugs from me to you.

This might sound trite, and I apologize in advance if it does. I was having some financial headaches last week, & i just prayed to let go and let God help me. SO easier said than done, but it gave me peace of mind. I pray that for you!!

 

[disneyfan61]

Oh MeMom I was so sorry to hear about your car. They say everything happens for a reason but sometimes you have to wonder WHY!!

I am glad Drew is ok. That must have been scary for him.

I know what you mean about your job stressing you out. Mine stresses me out almost every day & sometimes I wonder why I am still doing it but I do enjoy it at other times & I enjoy all the girls in the office. We have a really good group that all get along. It is dealing with the public on a daily basis that can be good at times but really bad at other times.

Keep your chin up & hopefully everything will work out ok.

 

[momof2TNboys]

I am so sorry Memom! I wish that I could help in some way. I understand when something like this happens. I just pray that God will help you find away around this burden. I am so glad that you posted the blessings today. Many times I forget these, but it is true. I do not deserve any of the blessings that God has given me. I have two beautiful children, a wonderful husband, and a great family. That is all that matters. We just have to focus on that and we will get through the tough times.

 

[Tink9721]

I'm sorry about your car MeMom I'm very glad Drew is okay!

I got my first quarter report card last week. My lowest grade was an 87 This is the best report card I've gotten since 6th grade!

Funny story. Last week my mom was opening mail and I was sitting on the other side of the room with my laptop. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a little flash of what looked like Cinderella. I ran over and grabbed the envelope and it was a pin code My mom said "How could you tell what that was from that far away?!?!" I'm still not sure if we're going in 2011 but that pin code will definitely make it easier

 

[Cat0727]

Hope you're having a good day MeMom. I'm so sorry about your car I'm glad Drew is ok. How terrifying it must have been for him. I hope everything gets worked out. On a happier note, my trip was great. Crowds were super low all week and the weather was nice and cool. I will definitely be using the dining plan next time because food has gotten crazy expensive over there. It's worse than NY prices

 

[Mic_n_Min]

Sorry to hear about your surgery and long recovery. Sorry, too, that we're not all around to help you out by loading your fridge, doing your chores, and bringing your favorite magazines.
Keep us posted, please.

Do you need a photographer's helper? I happen to know one I love very much who would love to be a 'real' photographer.

I would love a photographer's helper! As long as he doesn't mind wrangling the little ones when they decide not to stay in the shots! Love, love the age of little ones when they are learning to crawl and walk, but that always want to get away from wherever we are trying to take the photos! Not so bad when we are outdoors- then I just chase them with my camera! Indoors, not so much! He's welcome to join me anytime though! Any of you would be though- it's so much fun!

Here's my favorite photo of the moment- my kids visiting Santa at the Mall of America- it will be one of my featured photos I have put on my Christmas card collage I have designed:

I am in need of happiness this evening. My car - the one I am two payments away from paying off - was wrecked this afternoon. Airbags deployed, window is smashed, bumper is crushed, side panel is bent. Two payments. Two payments. I just keep shaking my head and saying two payments. Drew was driving, but apparently not fast enough for the Jeep behind him. When the guy passed him, he got in front of him and put on his brakes to let him know what he thought of it, I guess. Anyway, Drew managed to miss hitting him, but the car hit the wall and is, according to the insurance lady, most likely going to be declared totaled. I am pretty sick about it. I have cried, I admit. I know all good things work for good, but I am weak in faith as of this moment. I know I'll be better tomorrow, but right now, I just feel pretty crummy. I am counting my blessings, though. Neither Drew nor his passenger were hurt, and I have only two days of school this week. I'm getting a ride in with another teacher in the morning, and I'll get a rental car tomorrow afternoon. I hope the insurance person can get here quickly and get this settled - hopefully as quickly as Jill and John were able to get their ordeal settled. Pray for me to have a good attitude. I can't tell you how much I was looking forward to having NO car payment.

I am so, so sorry to hear about Drew's accident with your car. Thankful every one is okay. Hopefully the insurance company will get it all worked out quickly for you.

 

[MeMom]

Good Morning MeMom!! I wish you a very happy Monday and I hope some unexpected blessings will come your way!!

You are so right, we all have so much to be thankful for!! Thank you for starting this morning off with that reminder!!!!!

I needed to start my day off with being thankful.
I 'll take any unexpected blessings that come my way. I got a special one today when Drew read my FB post and said 'thanks mom'. Just that little thing meant a lot to me.

Hang in there MeMom!! I'm so sorry you are dealing with the stress over this

Trust me, you are on Santa's nice list...the Jeep driver is the one on the naughty list! Santa knows all you do all year long and how much you mean to your real and Dis families!

Ooooh, yeah, I didn't think about that! That guy is getting coal for sure!

just read what happened to your car. that stinks!!! hope your insurance company (or theirs) treats you right. and so glad to hear drew and his friend are okay. i will hopefully give you a real hug in a few days!

We will see you and that smiling little boy of yours sometime Saturday. Can't wait to hold him!

Oh, MeMom! I am so, so, so sorry to hear about your car! I am very glad Drew is okay, but how devastating to be so close to paying it off. You need lots of hugs and pixie dust!!!

I will post your pumpkin recipe. I will do it in a separate post, so I can label it. I will go grab my cookbook right now.

More hugs for you! I am just sick about this for you!

I am sick for me, too. I've never said 'two more payments' followed by this so many times in my whole life!

Set aside 1 cup of a yellow cake mix. Add the rest of the mix, 1/2 cup butter, and 1 egg. Press that into the bottom of a greased 13 x 9 pan.

Mix a 29 oz. can of pumpkin, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup milk, and 2 eggs. (I added a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice as well.) Spread that over the top of the cake layer.

Mix the 1 cup reserved cake mix, 1/2 cup sugar, and 4 tablespoons butter until crumbly and spread on top. Bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees.



Chelsea and I made it yesterday, and it is so good. My kids have been eating it like there is no tomorrow.

Yeah, I 'member now. I'm thinking adding some pecans and cream cheese to the pumpkin would be good, too. I like a mild flavor of pumpkin, so I don't add the spice. Thanks for sharing!

Thinking of you again this morning Memom. Like I offered on FB, if anything from your insurance company does not seen right or you'd like a second opinion, Ryan would be very glad to help. I hope today proved to be a bit more sunny for you!

Are Jill and her crew coming up for thanksgiving dinner?

Jill has to go to KY for Thanksgiving, but they're coming here Friday night. We'll eat a big meal Saturday. Jill loves chicken and dumplings, so I'll fix that.

Thanks for the offer. I am looking at two possibilities, both from trusted friends, right now.

I am so sorry about your car but relieved that Drew and his passenger are safe. Hopefully, everything with the insurance will be settled quickly. It is so inspiring to me that through times that are not so great you always reflect back on what is good in your life and what you are thankful for. I pray that you have a peaceful week at school and are able to enjoy some quality family time during Thanksgiving.

On a happier note, I love your pictures from Finding Nemo. Last year was the first time that we all saw it and we really enjoyed it. My kids have been singing "just keep swimming" for almost a year. Can't wait to see it again in January!

If I can be inspiring through adversity, I am happy about that. Thanks for sharing that thought with me.

We sing 'just keep swimming', too!

Oh MeMom, I am so sad for you. Why would someone do that to Drew? Just because he wasn't going fast enough? That is just not okay. This really bothers me. You are such a kind person and do not need this at all. Please keep us updated as far as the insurance companies go.

I got a rental car today, and it shouldn't cost me anything, so that's good.

I am so sorry to hear about your car situation. It is just not fair. You deserve to be able to have a little extra money with no car note. I hope every thing gets worked out.

I would love having no car note!

Oh Memom! I am sooooo sorry about the car!
I know it all makes for a stressful time. I really hate that happened and hope the police can find out who did it. I am thankful that no one was hurt. You and the car situation are in my prayers.

In regard to spending money on WDW when we know it probably isn't the best idea in the world...well I am right there with you. I justify it because time is so short with our families. It is important to make those memories and have fun times together away from day to day stresses. I get this sinking feeling when I think about my DS graduating HS and going away to college in a little over a year! There are so many places I wanted to take him and my DD but financially we haven't been able to do .... so we do what we can. I would hate to talk to Suzie Orman (sp??) she would really chew me out.

Jackie: Thanks so much for posting the yummy pumpkin cake recipe. Sounds delicious and so easy! My DD loves pumpkin so I will definitely be trying it soon.

Have a great day everyone!
TTFN
Darlene

My dad died right after he turned fifty. He left work one day, went into the hospital that night, and never went home. I want to get the most out of my time while I am here. I need to do things to this house, but I am hoping to do that when the house is paid off in a few years. For now, I'd rather be spending my money on special times together rather than things.

Oh MeMom, I am so sorry!! Just wanted to send hugs from me to you.

This might sound trite, and I apologize in advance if it does. I was having some financial headaches last week, & i just prayed to let go and let God help me. SO easier said than done, but it gave me peace of mind. I pray that for you!!

I have no control over any of this, and I trust God to take care of us. I think God is okay with us having a little crying session, though, when things like this happen.

I hope this week will be better than last week for you.

Oh MeMom I was so sorry to hear about your car. They say everything happens for a reason but sometimes you have to wonder WHY!!

I am glad Drew is ok. That must have been scary for him.

I know what you mean about your job stressing you out. Mine stresses me out almost every day & sometimes I wonder why I am still doing it but I do enjoy it at other times & I enjoy all the girls in the office. We have a really good group that all get along. It is dealing with the public on a daily basis that can be good at times but really bad at other times.

Keep your chin up & hopefully everything will work out ok.

Teaching can be stressful. I know a lot of people don't think we do much, but we do.

You mean chins? Keep my chins up...

I am so sorry Memom! I wish that I could help in some way. I understand when something like this happens. I just pray that God will help you find away around this burden. I am so glad that you posted the blessings today. Many times I forget these, but it is true. I do not deserve any of the blessings that God has given me. I have two beautiful children, a wonderful husband, and a great family. That is all that matters. We just have to focus on that and we will get through the tough times.

You're a doctor - come and fix my car!!!

You do have two awesome boys, and it's nice that you can say you have a wonderful husband. Many, many people don't have that.

We'll get through. I look very forward to seeing my girls at the end of the week.

I'm sorry about your car MeMom I'm very glad Drew is okay!

I got my first quarter report card last week. My lowest grade was an 87 This is the best report card I've gotten since 6th grade!

Funny story. Last week my mom was opening mail and I was sitting on the other side of the room with my laptop. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a little flash of what looked like Cinderella. I ran over and grabbed the envelope and it was a pin code My mom said "How could you tell what that was from that far away?!?!" I'm still not sure if we're going in 2011 but that pin code will definitely make it easier

Congratulations on the good grades! Keep it up!

Hope you get that 2011 trip. Pin codes are excellent.

Hope you're having a good day MeMom. I'm so sorry about your car I'm glad Drew is ok. How terrifying it must have been for him. I hope everything gets worked out. On a happier note, my trip was great. Crowds were super low all week and the weather was nice and cool. I will definitely be using the dining plan next time because food has gotten crazy expensive over there. It's worse than NY prices

He said he is sore today, as I expected. I'm glad there were no cuts or broken bones.

Great time for a trip - low crowds, good weather, and getting to see the Christmas decorations.

I would love a photographer's helper! As long as he doesn't mind wrangling the little ones when they decide not to stay in the shots! Love, love the age of little ones when they are learning to crawl and walk, but that always want to get away from wherever we are trying to take the photos! Not so bad when we are outdoors- then I just chase them with my camera! Indoors, not so much! He's welcome to join me anytime though! Any of you would be though- it's so much fun!

Here's my favorite photo of the moment- my kids visiting Santa at the Mall of America- it will be one of my featured photos I have put on my Christmas card collage I have designed:

I am so, so sorry to hear about Drew's accident with your car. Thankful every one is okay. Hopefully the insurance company will get it all worked out quickly for you.

I would love to visit the Mall of America one of these days. If we ever make it up there, you'll have to come and give us a guided tour.

If you've got a garage for him to sleep in, I'm sending Drew your way.
Wait, I better get him some long johns. It's cold where you live!

Nice picture of your kids. They're at fun ages.
Santa's shirt is cool!

 

[MeMom]

Brooklynn and I headed to the front of the park. We stopped for some shopping and a potty break at Rainforest Cafe.

I miss Nashville having a Rainforest Cafe. Ours was in Opry Mills Mall, which may not be opening back up. It was fun to go there occasionally and 'pretend' we were in Disney World.

If anyone knows a Jill, she could have this cool mug.

Brooklynn finds where we need to go on the board. This is a good way to enhance her beginning reading skills.

Consulting the park map at the bus stop.

Back at the room, Brooklynn got some rest time. Later, I can't remember where the big people went, but Brooklynn went with them, and then Bella and I spent some time together. We went to Downtown Disney. So that is where we will go next.

E

is for

T

is for

A shirt in honor of Trent.

And one in honor of Jarvis.

Sports stuff.

I think those are unofficial signals, actually.

 

[MeMom]

This B

is a place I am very fond of.

This place smells so fresh and clean, and there are so many neat things here, especially to give for gifts.

If I was doing an Oprah and giving away my favorite things, gift certificates to this place would be in the baskets.

World of Disney.

CD information someone had wanted on the Nemo CD.

 

[MeMom]

Jewelry.

My cute little shopping buddy and I snuck into the ice cream shop.

We shared a delicious vanilla ice cream.

A cute little table.

That's it for tonight. Almost through another day.

 

[Poolrat]

CD information someone had wanted on the Nemo CD.

I have this and love it. The day I decided I must have this CD, was when I woke up singing Dory's diddy. La La La LaLa. It took me a second to figure out what I was La Laing

I hope your week continues to get a little better each day.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

So sorry to hear about your car. Fingers crossed that it all works out!

 

[declansdad]

I think the Minnie Volleyball t-shirt is the best one!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Basin looks awesome. In my four trips, I have never set foot in that store and it looks to be right up my alley. How do you choose from all of the delicious smelling soaps?!

Glad you and Bella also got some fun time together. Ice cream, yummy!

 

[reelmom]

Oh, MeMom! I am so sorry to hear about your car. Glad that everybody is alright but sorry about the car. Maybe you can buy a good used one and won't have too much of a car payment.