Hakuna Kidani, What a Turtleful Phrase!

[MEK]

I'd like to thank everyone that has commented on my weight loss. It's been a real lifestyle change that started last November. Since then, I've shed 64 lbs.
Here's to keeping the changes permanent and keeping the weight off. I'd love to lose another 10 - 15 lbs but we'll see how that goes...

You do look fantastic Wigd! Congratulations to you!

 

[MEK]

MeMom -

That cottage looks amazing on the inside. The turtle print is just too cute.

I think the girls just hit the mother load with all their goodies.

I am so sorry about the loss of one of your students. That is so tragic and must be so awful for the parents and family. It really leaves a hole in your heart. So very, very sad.

I'm with C. I can never believe you guys go back to school so early. For us up in the Northeast it just seems wrong to go back to school before Labor Day. I hope you have a great school year.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I'd like to thank everyone that has commented on my weight loss. It's been a real lifestyle change that started last November. Since then, I've shed 64 lbs.
Here's to keeping the changes permanent and keeping the weight off. I'd love to lose another 10 - 15 lbs but we'll see how that goes...

Hurrah for you! That is amazing!! You look terrific and I bet feel even better, which is so much more important. Any tips/tricks or is it "just" that pesky move more, eat less thing. I know how hard it is...bravo to you!!!

I hope this post shows the time. You are probably getting up for the day and I am just now going to bed.

At 5 am?? I couldn't do that when I was 20 nevermind today. Hopefully you were doing something fun.

Sorry for the hijack MeMom. Have fun with the girls today!!

 

[DWGal210]

Anita, you look fantastic!! You're such an inspiration - - I need to start moving, literally, on living healthier.

MeMom, I hope you had a great first few days of school! It's so hard to believe that school time is upon us again....

What are everyone's plans for the weekend? Tonight I am volunteering on a benefit concert for a local soldier. I don't know if you guys remember but last year, I had asked for prayers for a friend of the family who was badly injured overseas. As an update - he is doing GREAT. It's really remarkable what a positive attitude and great spirit he has, considering all he has been through. He did lose both his legs, and most of both of his arms but with prosthetics he is doing so much, it's really remarkable to see. The actor Gary Sinese (was Lt Dan in Forrest Gump and also the TV show CSI) has a Lt Dan Band, and they go around the country performing concerts to raise money for wounded vets. They're going to be in my town tonight, doing a benefit concert for Taylor (he and his fiance are building a home that will meet his mobility and health needs), and so I'm volunteering at that. It should be a great show.

And I have to pack more boxes, but that's no fun so I won't anymore talk about that.

Have a great day!

 

[daisylove]

Just catching up quick. I am so sorry about Abram. It breaks my heart thinking of any child hurt or dying so young. Sending Prayers for his family.

We leave tomorrow and I am just now was king and thinking of packing so I will be off now. Good luck at school. Have a fabulous celebration!

 

[TinkyCheeks]

First of all, I'm so incredibly sorry to hear about the loss of Abram. My prayers are with his family and the entire school. It's sad when anyone passes, but the loss of an innocent child is just beyond comprehension.

The cottage is absolutely stunning. I love how it looks beachy without being cheesy.

 

[punkin413]

It was soooo good seeing you all today!!! Glad we could make it happen. Will post pics on my TR (which you are free to steal) when I get back home and settled.

 

[Poolrat]

I just wanted to let you know, I got a job not at Disney yet but a job nonetheless.

Congrats and good luck.

I'd like to thank everyone that has commented on my weight loss. It's been a real lifestyle change that started last November. Since then, I've shed 64 lbs.
Here's to keeping the changes permanent and keeping the weight off. I'd love to lose another 10 - 15 lbs but we'll see how that goes...

Congrats on the weight loss- I need to get more off and hide so it does not want to come back. Too busy at work lately and that stinks.

What we brought for the girls was the loot from our Fish Extender on the cruise that we had just been on. We had sailed on the Fantasy, 7 night Eastern. So much fun and, yup, tons of stuff for the girls to go through.

Looks like lots of fun stuff

I hope this post shows the time. You are probably getting up for the day and I am just now going to bed.

What the ..... I surely can't do that anymore. I hope it was something fun and not health or school related.

At 5 am?? I couldn't do that when I was 20 nevermind today. Hopefully you were doing something fun.

I hope so too.

 

[vamassey1]

I'd like to thank everyone that has commented on my weight loss. It's been a real lifestyle change that started last November. Since then, I've shed 64 lbs.
Here's to keeping the changes permanent and keeping the weight off. I'd love to lose another 10 - 15 lbs but we'll see how that goes...

You do look fab! I wish I had the staying power to do this. I bet you feel better too.

 

[MeMom]

Back later for chit chat. Just wanted to report on Cara. Her surgery went fine, but she had some lung issues and they kept her overnight. She was expecting to go home 'soon', which I hope meant today. I will update you when I hear from her, if she does not check in here first.

 

[TCKK]

So sorry to hear about the little boy at your school. That is so sad.

What an absolutely beautiful view!!

 

[CanadianWDWfan]

Prayers to all who need them!

Memom, I am so sorry you had to start off your school year with a little boy's passing.
Very touching that the school honored him in a lovely way.

Cara you are in my thoughts...I wish you well after surgery!

Wow MsAnita you have done an awesome job of loosing weight!
Congrats on your success!
I'm sure it feels great.

I had a very magical day today....
I called Disney reservations to ask a question and to my surprise I had a pin code.
I got Free Dining for most of our stay!!!
I was thrilled it worked out for our dates.
We are now 3 nights at POP and 7 nights at Caribbean Beach!
Only two more weekends and we will almost be there.

 

[Surfinpiratee]

Can't wait for the next update!!!

 

[PlutosRHM55]

That is too too sad about Abram. I send my thoughts and prayers to your school and to his family. I can't imagine what you all must be going through, much too young.

Glad to hear Cara is recovering well.

Just had my wisdom teeth taken out (all four) two days ago now that you mention surgery. I'm all Chip n' Dale'd up at the moment, but hopefully the swelling will be gone before I have to go back to work on Tuesday.

Love the cottage! Reminds me of the Beach Club with an added bonus of actually looking out onto a beach. So cool!

 

[GoofyFan1515]

Back later for chit chat. Just wanted to report on Cara. Her surgery went fine, but she had some lung issues and they kept her overnight. She was expecting to go home 'soon', which I hope meant today. I will update you when I hear from her, if she does not check in here first.

Good to hear the surgery went well! Thoughts and prayers that the rest of Cara's recovery progresses quickly and smoothly!

 

[CanadianWDWfan]

I just had to come on here and share in my excitement....I just got a diner ADR for Chef Mickey's!!!!

Persistence finally worked out for me!
You do not know how much time I have spent checking each day, several times a day for this ADR.
Ever since we changed our dates and booked for August I have been trying and trying and hoping for some magic.

Thank you to whomever cancelled! You have made my daughter's day!

 

[Poolrat]

I just had to come on here and share in my excitement....I just got a diner ADR for Chef Mickey's!!!!

Persistence finally worked out for me!
You do not know how much time I have spent checking each day, several times a day for this ADR.
Ever since we changed our dates and booked for August I have been trying and trying and hoping for some magic.

Thank you to whomever cancelled! You have made my daughter's day!

Congrats

 

[MeMom]

Hi there!

I've been on a few different reports, but don't comment that often. I'm excited to see what you think of Vero Beach! We're recent DVC members and are definitely interested to check out this place. Turtles, of course, have absolutely nothing to do with it......

Thanks for chiming in! If you like turtles, you will like Vero. If you don't like turtles, you'll still like Vero. I hope you get to check it out soon!

My heart goes out to that little boys family. What a hard way to start the school year. I'll say prayers for his family as they heal both body and spirit.

I'll also keep Cara in my prayers as she has surgery tomorrow.

Another beautiful beach picture. The cottage is just perfect! I love that the turtle is represented in so much of the decor.

I bet the girls had a blast looking through that bag. I looks like it had a ton of wonderful treats for them.

They very much enjoyed going through all of the goodies. That was a huge batch of treasures!

The cottage was great. I wish we could stay in a place like that on Disney property. It would be great to have the whole family together or to share with friends. Having the open living and kitchen area was just perfect.

So sad about the student & his family. Hopefully you won't have too hard of a year ahead.

Son took us out to dinner, other son made dinner the next day. DH took me shopping for the day & I got some new things at Talbot's. hope you had a great day also.

Glad you got some new things. We all ate at Red Robin for lunch.

Unfortunately, I can already tell I am going to have some behavior issues I am going to have to get worked out. One has transferred in from another school and has a 'history', so I hope to be able to work some magic on her so that we can both have a good year.

That cottage is so so so cute! Nice digs! What I wouldn't do for that beachside patio! I think I'm gonna have to add Vero to my Disney bucket-list. My best friend in high school used to collect sea turtle stuff and when she passed away I inherited her collection. Your pictures really made me think of her

Here's hoping the first day of school was a success! im sure your room still looks pretty great! Besides, it's the warm, caring teacher kids remember, not the room and I'm certain many children have fond memories of being a part of your class! It's wonderful that you can provide them with a safe place where they know they will treated with care and respect.

I'll be thinking of and praying for a speedy recovery for you Cara!

I'd love to see a picture of the sea turtle stuff. I have always liked them, too, although I have questioned myself as to why, as they lay their eggs and leave their babies, never nurturing them. I would have thought I would be more drawn to an animal that really nurtures its young.

Tomorrow is the first day of the first full week. I hope nine of them zoom by and fall break will be here in a flash!

So sorry for the loss of your little guy, I'm sure your school will miss his presence for some time. I know his family will always have a void that will never be filled...
Cara, if you happen to look at this tomorrow, I'll be thinking of you and praying for everyone involved with your care.

MeMom, how was your day?
Are you going back tomorrow?
I'm sure you are, we can all do anything for a day.
Then you get to have the famous Red Robin party!

I'm so glad you got all of those pictures of the cottage before Marc and I got there to make it all messy.
I am now ruined to stay in any place smaller. I think we need more points!

Wish you could have joined us at Red Robin! Jarvis, Brandon, and Heather came, and so did Drew.

I have to tell you I felt strange about taking pictures in your room. I felt like I was invading an area that I should be in. Don't you want to be hanging out upstairs or on the deck again when you see the pictures. I need a redo on the turtle hunt.

More points?

Awww Memom

sorry i am late to the party - I missed your special day. Happy belated birthday. I hope you had a nice time and enjoy Red Robin. We ate their 3 times when we came over in 2010 - it just hit the right spot for all the different appetites and tastes in our family group.

Good luck with the new school year - I cant believe you are back already - its flown by, so must feel even worse for you

Really enjoying the Vero tour as have never seen this place - heard alot of people refer to it but its the first lot of pics. What a lovely place you had to stay in.

My birthday was no big thing, so you didn't miss much.
I got the Whiskey River Burger. It was very good!

All I am focused on with school right now is getting my students settled in and trained. We get one week to get into a routine, and then we spend two weeks testing. When those three weeks are over, I will focus on the paperwork we now have to do for evaluations. Along with my part-time job, I am hoping the first quarter will be so busy it will seem to zoom by.

After seeing those AMAZING Vero pictures, I think I need to suggest that we take a family trip there. How spectacular!

I'me sure your family would enjoy it.

Wow that was quite a haul the girls got!! That cottage looks so nice!

When I look back at the cottage pictures, I want to be there again. It was so peaceful and quiet where we were.

The cottage looks beautiful! I think we will be renting points for a trip in the next year. I'd never considered Vero but it might be nice to do a "non-Disney" vacation for a change Thanks for going ahead and testing the waters for us

Miss Anita is looking quite thin, isn't she?

I can't believe it's back to school time already. I have a big 2nd grader starting in two weeks and her little sister (22 months) will be starting daycare the same day! Hope your first day was great! (As great as going back to work can be, that is )

I'm going to try and figure out what to request for our Pop stay next weekend today. I may just let it be luck of the draw.

I hope you won't mind me mentioning it here MeMom, if so, let me know and I will edit my post; but we were selected for the current test program for Magic Bands! I am posting about it in my blog, link in my signature, and will be happy to answer any questions anyone might have there.

Can't wait to see pictures of Pop! It is not the nicest Disney resort, but it is dear to my heart.

Miss Anita can wear children's clothes now.

I will get over there to read about your Magic Band experiences.

 

[MeMom]

Time to go back to school already? That doesn't seem quite possible. I am feeling sorry for you now but shall be quite green with envy come May when you're already done!

So sorry to hear about the little boy from your school. Just awful.

Prayers for successful surgery today and to anyone else who needs some pixie dust!

Wow!!! The cottage is amazing. What a beautiful set-up! Do you know how many cottages there are on the property? I love it. I could see myself quite happy in there!

Enjoy Red Robin this weekend. YUM.

It does make summer plans a little more difficult when working around school and camps, but I like having the longer breaks in October and March.

I think maybe there are six. That's a guess, though.

Red Robin was good. Lots of baskets of fries and yummy burgers.

MeMom,
Thoughts and prayers with Abram's family- such a tragedy.

Cara- Hope surgery is going/went well and you are quick on the road to recovery.

I have not heard from Cara today. I hope she is getting good rest. I know her family is taking very good care of her. I wish we were all closer so that we could be of help, as well.

Prayers for that little boys family. Anita congratulations on your weight loss. We are thinking we will rent points next year and stay at Vero or Hilton Head, dh wants a beach vacation.

I'd love to try Hilton Head, too. I don't know if Marc and Anita have stayed at that one.......yet.

So sorry to hear about the student who was killed in the car accident! Anytime there is a tragedy like that it is difficult, but one so young makes it even worse! Prayers for this family, and all of the students and teachers impacted by this horrible tragedy!

I can certainly relate to your description of the families that have students at your school. Unfortunately that is a common situation in this area also!

Hope everything went well for Cara today!

Your room at Vero Beach! I love the layout and how everything looks!

Oh yes, I love tables like that!

That all came in a bag??? That reminds me of one of those movie tricks where the person keeps reaching in, and finding more and bigger and better things to pull out...............

Yes, very cool!

That table was nice and big. We enjoyed our breakfasts there.

Maybe you can have a Vero trip sometime. I think you'd enjoy exporing the towns around it, too.

I think I've been to Perkins as a child but I can't remember exactly.

That cottage is beautiful!!!


I just wanted to let you know, I got a job not at Disney yet but a job nonetheless.

Yay for a job! Making money is a very good thing. I am thankful for my job every day. I don't always like the job, but I am still glad I have the job.

I'd like to thank everyone that has commented on my weight loss. It's been a real lifestyle change that started last November. Since then, I've shed 64 lbs.
Here's to keeping the changes permanent and keeping the weight off. I'd love to lose another 10 - 15 lbs but we'll see how that goes...

What we brought for the girls was the loot from our Fish Extender on the cruise that we had just been on. We had sailed on the Fantasy, 7 night Eastern. So much fun and, yup, tons of stuff for the girls to go through.

I hope this post shows the time. You are probably getting up for the day and I am just now going to bed.

Cheena, congratulations on getting that job! I hope we get to see you next time we are in town since you are now among the gainfully employed!

I hope we get to see Cheena in December.

I don't think you can afford to give up another 10-15 pounds.

My girls left after lunch. They went to get haircuts on the other side of Nashville on their way out. Jill sent pictures, and they both look cute. I miss them already, and I won't see them again until Sophie's birthday weekend. Brooklynn is not having a party this year. She's just taking some friends to do a pampering session. They will have a blast. Bella is going to spend the night with a friend that night, so that will be wonderful for all. She'll get to do something special, and Brooklynn won't have Little Sister wanting to hang out with the big girls.

MeMom -

That cottage looks amazing on the inside. The turtle print is just too cute.

I think the girls just hit the mother load with all their goodies.

I am so sorry about the loss of one of your students. That is so tragic and must be so awful for the parents and family. It really leaves a hole in your heart. So very, very sad.

I'm with C. I can never believe you guys go back to school so early. For us up in the Northeast it just seems wrong to go back to school before Labor Day. I hope you have a great school year.

We used to go the day after Labor Day, but then they slowly backed it up a week and another and another over the years.

Turtles were all over Vero! It was nicely decorated - light and airy. Very beachy.

Anita, you look fantastic!! You're such an inspiration - - I need to start moving, literally, on living healthier.

MeMom, I hope you had a great first few days of school! It's so hard to believe that school time is upon us again....

What are everyone's plans for the weekend? Tonight I am volunteering on a benefit concert for a local soldier. I don't know if you guys remember but last year, I had asked for prayers for a friend of the family who was badly injured overseas. As an update - he is doing GREAT. It's really remarkable what a positive attitude and great spirit he has, considering all he has been through. He did lose both his legs, and most of both of his arms but with prosthetics he is doing so much, it's really remarkable to see. The actor Gary Sinese (was Lt Dan in Forrest Gump and also the TV show CSI) has a Lt Dan Band, and they go around the country performing concerts to raise money for wounded vets. They're going to be in my town tonight, doing a benefit concert for Taylor (he and his fiance are building a home that will meet his mobility and health needs), and so I'm volunteering at that. It should be a great show.

And I have to pack more boxes, but that's no fun so I won't anymore talk about that.

Have a great day!

I hope that show was great and much money was raised. I very much remember you talking about your friend.

I am not jealous of your moving chores. I need to pretend that I am moving, because I would probably throw out some more things.

Just catching up quick. I am so sorry about Abram. It breaks my heart thinking of any child hurt or dying so young. Sending Prayers for his family.

We leave tomorrow and I am just now was king and thinking of packing so I will be off now. Good luck at school. Have a fabulous celebration!

Hope you are having a very magical time in WDW!

First of all, I'm so incredibly sorry to hear about the loss of Abram. My prayers are with his family and the entire school. It's sad when anyone passes, but the loss of an innocent child is just beyond comprehension.

The cottage is absolutely stunning. I love how it looks beachy without being cheesy.

It was definitely not cheesy. It was very nicely done.

 

[MeMom]

It was soooo good seeing you all today!!! Glad we could make it happen. Will post pics on my TR (which you are free to steal) when I get back home and settled.

Yes, it was nice for us all to get together. I am glad your mom could come. I wish Erica's mom could have come, also. I took a few pictures, too, but I have not had the chance to load them yet. You can share some here, if you want.

So sorry to hear about the little boy at your school. That is so sad.

What an absolutely beautiful view!!

It sure was!

Prayers to all who need them!

Memom, I am so sorry you had to start off your school year with a little boy's passing.
Very touching that the school honored him in a lovely way.

Cara you are in my thoughts...I wish you well after surgery!

Wow MsAnita you have done an awesome job of loosing weight!
Congrats on your success!
I'm sure it feels great.

I had a very magical day today....
I called Disney reservations to ask a question and to my surprise I had a pin code.
I got Free Dining for most of our stay!!!
I was thrilled it worked out for our dates.
We are now 3 nights at POP and 7 nights at Caribbean Beach!
Only two more weekends and we will almost be there.

Yay for free dining!

We are so excited for your TEN nights!!!
This year, you can share pictures on FB so we can see them right away.

Can't wait for the next update!!!

I am just trying to catch up right now. I will try to do some pictures this evening.

That is too too sad about Abram. I send my thoughts and prayers to your school and to his family. I can't imagine what you all must be going through, much too young.

Glad to hear Cara is recovering well.

Just had my wisdom teeth taken out (all four) two days ago now that you mention surgery. I'm all Chip n' Dale'd up at the moment, but hopefully the swelling will be gone before I have to go back to work on Tuesday.

Love the cottage! Reminds me of the Beach Club with an added bonus of actually looking out onto a beach. So cool!

Hope you are feeling better from your dental issues. I had all four wisdom teeth taken out at once. It was not fun for a few days after that!

I had not been to the Atlantic Coast in a long time. That whol drive and all of that area had me experiencing a lot of deja vu.

Good to hear the surgery went well! Thoughts and prayers that the rest of Cara's recovery progresses quickly and smoothly!

I have not heard from her today. I hope that means she is sleeping and healing perfectly now.

I just had to come on here and share in my excitement....I just got a diner ADR for Chef Mickey's!!!!

Persistence finally worked out for me!
You do not know how much time I have spent checking each day, several times a day for this ADR.
Ever since we changed our dates and booked for August I have been trying and trying and hoping for some magic.

Thank you to whomever cancelled! You have made my daughter's day!

Fun! So glad you got the ADR you wanted. It's good that you kept trying.

Congrats

What does it mean when we get so excited about someone else's Disney meal plans? Is there something wrong with us?


Naaah....we're perfectly normal.

Aren't we?



**********************************

Thanks to all for your thoughts for Abram's family. This will be a rough year as they go through all the 'firsts'.

Also, I have not heard from Cara today, so I am hoping no news is good news, and she is resting like she should be with no further issues.