"I've Got Some Bad News and Some Worse News!" 11/14 Last chap!

[Dizneydawn]

I haven't heard anything else about this place and already -I- want to move there.

BTW - I think Dan and I may just have found where we want to get married at! We have batted around Disney, Vero's Disney and so many things we liked but none felt perfect. Making calls today to book a big ole house in Charleston on the beach to have a wedding next summer!!

I'm here and can't wait to hear about your trip! I've never been to that part of the country, but it sounds like you had a great experience. Looking forward to re-living it with you!

I am telling you it was amazing from the first to the last moment. LOOVED IT!!! The kids and we all agreed, better than the Keys and closer!!

SUBSCRIBING!!!!

I am ashamed to say that though I am only a few hours away, the last time I was in Charleston was back when I was too young to remember it.
It would make a great weekend getaway!!!
Can't wait to read the rest of your story!!!! And if you ever get a chance, you should check out the Outer Banks in NC. Absolutely breathtaking, and full of lighthouses!

That is absolutely on our list for next summer after the wedding - drive up the coast!!

Anyway, I have been using a completely FREE website called Nutrimirror.com.

I was on sparkpeople before and it did all the same for free as well but since I pay monthly for WW - I get their online tools for free. Great advice though and will pass that along as another option on our WISH thread!!!

OOH OOH , I do!!! Are you going there next??

Italy is the first place Dan and I would like to travel to out of country - with a wedding and a graduation next year, we will probably have to wait till 2012 though.

Dawn:

It sounds like ya'll had a great time in Charleston! I love, love, love Charleston! Have you been to EVO Pizzeria yet? No lie - better than any pizza we have ever had in any state or country we have ever traveled to. Wood fire fantastic yumminess. Their tri-fecta pizza, with home made sausage is literally like tasting heaven.

I usually am not a sausage fan but it was beyond glorious. In fact, they are on my list to call to look at booking for a dinner with family next summer. Plus Dan and I will stop by there in October.

Did I mention they had for dessert the most amazing fudge on the planet? I am a fudge snob and it was to die for. Made from goats milk and OMGoodness, did I do a happy dance when I found out it was from a company based in....ANDERSON, SC!!!!! You can order from them cheese and fudge etc. I have told Treyner when he comes home on holidays, he better plan on making room in his cooler for me!!!!

K - I better shut up or there will be nothing to write!

We have a friend who is a history teacher. He was a part of the program that you are talking about.
There is one federal program and one for SC residents who go to school in SC and then teach in SC. Obviously the federal program is the one she could use!
Side note....I joined WW in April and have lost 22 pounds so far! Congrats on your weight loss!

Hey! You should join our WISH thread!!! We could use more inspiration! A friend on there has lost over 40 pounds through WW and many of us follow that. Some track points via online forums etc.

It is full of success stories as well as those still figuring out their way.

Just go to the WISH thread and look for "When did I get voted off of SKINNY ISLAND - Chapter 2!!" Just started the new chapter this past week!!!

knock knock......got room for one more?

Heck yeah! The Booger can always squeeze in one more!

Dawn! New trip report, and i am on board!

Glad to see you!!

I'M JOINING IN!! alrighty, going back to catch up!!

Welcome!!

 

[SoccerDogWithEars]

If you drive up NC's coast, I do have to put in a quick plug. You absolutely, without a doubt, no questions HAVE to stop in Carolina Beach and stop at a place called Britt's Donuts on the boardwalk. They have the best donuts ever made. Some magazine rated them #2 in the country (though we never have figured out where the #1 place is), but they honest to goodness melt in your mouth. It's the same recipe they've had since they opened in the 30s, and only two people know it. They use all the same equipment, including the old cash register, and only open March through September. So, seriously, if you want just the most awesome donut you've ever had...stop there.

 

[MEK]

OMG. You make me want to drive there right now. I think I told you this, but one of my friends from church moved there last year. She came up north a few weeks ago and helped at our church carnival. She absolutely LOVES charleston. I know I would love it because I have never been truly content living in the midatlantic / northeast region. As soon as I was old enough to realize that other places existed in this great big country, I wanted out. Unfortunately, with aging parents and high school students that is not possible. But someday, someday........

I am taking a trip there as soon as I can. I wish Brian was interested in colleges there, but right now he is interested in nothing which makes me concerned for his college future being that he is now a senior. Perhaps Nick will experience the call to the south!

 

[jessrose18]

Can we see new pics of the puppy????

 

[Disneymoon09]

I'm here! I was on the boards last night and cannot believe I missed it!

 

[Dizneydawn]

If you drive up NC's coast, I do have to put in a quick plug. You absolutely, without a doubt, no questions HAVE to stop in Carolina Beach and stop at a place called Britt's Donuts on the boardwalk.

It will be on my to do list for next summer for sure!

OMG. You make me want to drive there right now. I think I told you this, but one of my friends from church moved there last year. She came up north a few weeks ago and helped at our church carnival. She absolutely LOVES charleston.
Truly, I asked probably 20 newbies to the area and they had all lived there for at least 5 years now and do not want to leave.

Can we see new pics of the puppy????

Kizzy - I posted some pics of her with Treyner and at Easter on the last TR....but she came with us so I will have a ton for this trip. I need to get Leah over here with her camera so I can download some pics so I can start this bad boy! She had the camera for the first 3 days!

I'm here! I was on the boards last night and cannot believe I missed it!

It's okay!!! No worries...we have not even left the driveway yet!

 

[tlenzendorf]

If you drive up NC's coast, I do have to put in a quick plug. You absolutely, without a doubt, no questions HAVE to stop in Carolina Beach and stop at a place called Britt's Donuts on the boardwalk. They have the best donuts ever made. Some magazine rated them #2 in the country (though we never have figured out where the #1 place is), but they honest to goodness melt in your mouth. It's the same recipe they've had since they opened in the 30s, and only two people know it. They use all the same equipment, including the old cash register, and only open March through September. So, seriously, if you want just the most awesome donut you've ever had...stop there.

TOTALLY agreed! And just going to Carolina Beach is a wonderful area, too. We stayed there a few years ago and LOVED it!

 

[Disney Geek]

I may be a newbie on the DIS but I have already heard about Dizneydawn's TR's so I'm in!!!

 

[DONTMINDME]

Haven't missed one yet and not about to start. You booked a house for the wedding, too cool you just sort of slipped that in and yes I caught it, can't wait to hear more. My old boss moved down there and absolutely loves it, they had a house built on a golf course, her husband lives for golf.
Kizzy is adorable omg it is amazing how they sort of take your heart and wrap it up.

 

[Dizneydawn]

I may be a newbie on the DIS but I have already heard about Dizneydawn's TR's so I'm in!!!

Really? You heard about me? Do tell...am I amazing? Perhaps tantilizingly delightful? Maybe it is because I have raised 3 wackadoo kids with a wackadoo family!

Haven't missed one yet and not about to start. You booked a house for the wedding, too cool you just sort of slipped that in and yes I caught it, can't wait to hear more. My old boss moved down there and absolutely loves it, they had a house built on a golf course, her husband lives for golf.

Have found the place we think we want - now just waiting for people to decide who wants to share a house so we know if it will be the right fit!

 

[tlenzendorf]

I caught that wedding part, but I didn't know if it was still supposed to be hush hush or not so I left it alone

 

[Dizneydawn]

I caught that wedding part, but I didn't know if it was still supposed to be hush hush or not so I left it alone

Not hush hush...just finally accepting who will and will not be there and deciding to be happy for us and the people who are not happy can stuff it.

Talked with the property team again this morning and the place we really want is not a "venue" place so they are getting in touch with the owners to see if they will allow a small wedding party on their property. We are talking about 20 people as of now max so they do not need to be worried about throngs of people traipsing through their digs and blocking up their septic system. Fingers crossed they say yes. If they say no, then we have a few back-ups.

We really thought and looked at Disney but blowing through $6,000 easily for the small wedding package after you figure in food etc., (not hotel or tickets) seems crazy for a few hours, when a whole week in a million dollar home is about the same. We usually take a family vacation each summer so why not do it then? The bad part is we would miss burn camp next year as a family but, that week has the least amount of soccer to worry about missing and people would have vacation days built in to come etc. We would probably do it on a Tuesday or something because you can't get on property till Saturday afternoon and that allows for Sunday/Monday to iron out wrinkles being not on location for the pre-wedding planning etc. Plus since it will be so small, we can look at weather and if the pastor is available, maybe be flexible for days for being on the beach. Just in the beginning stages...a lot of fun ahead but a lot of work too! Biggest thing...it gives me a year to be in a shape that is not round!

 

[tlenzendorf]

Not hush hush...just finally accepting who will and will not be there and deciding to be happy for us and the people who are not happy can stuff it.

Sounds like a great plan. Crossing my fingers that you get it!

 

[gellybean]

Lenz can do the ceremony!





Right?? Didn't you get ordained on the web or have I had one too many Dole Whips this past week?!









I'm here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Sorry I'm a little late, but better late than never! So excited that you guys had a (what sounds like) life changing trip. Love those. Now I wanna move there.... sight unseen. Maybe we could all chip in and buy an island.

Can't wait to read all about it!!!

 

[Disney Geek]

Really? You heard about me? Do tell...am I amazing? Perhaps tantilizingly delightful? Maybe it is because I have raised 3 wackadoo kids with a wackadoo family!

Actually, I think the word "legendary" was used to describe you!

 

[SoccerDogWithEars]

You know, I caught the wedding thing, but thought that you had mentioned someone else's wedding earlier and that's what you were referring to. I feel sheepish. But then again, these last two days have just been baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad.

 

[tlenzendorf]

Right?? Didn't you get ordained on the web or have I had one too many Dole Whips this past week?!

Sure am

 

[DONTMINDME]

I just know no matter what happens as long as the right people are there no matter where you have it it will be perfect. Your kids love him and thats the biggest hurdle, who cares about anyone else, btw we think he's the right guy for you just by the way you gush about him so what else do you need. You are the queen at making it all come together so what you got to worry about right? Anyway we will be right here thru all the planning and side trips, soccer games, college trips and anything else you want to chat about you have an avid audience.

 

[zoegirl]

Hey Dawn! Just finished your last TR & I'm here!
The next time you breeze through the Carolinas I'll have to come meet you or if you swing close enough to my town I'll feed ya. 'Cause that's what we do in the south, love ya, & feed ya

Btw- I love Charleston too. Have been several times, and I'm trying to figure out a way to get down there for a quick trip just to eat seafood. My FIL has a airplane & can fly me down in like an hour, BUT (there's always a big but right?) I'm very nervous about flying, especially in a tiny airplane. I think I might be able to get over it if I can sit on a deck overlooking shem creek or folly creek eating some shrimp or oysters.......YUMMMO!

 

[Dizneydawn]

Sounds like a great plan. Crossing my fingers that you get it!

Thanks! Hoping today I might get word!

Lenz can do the ceremony!
I might need that very thing!!
Sorry I'm a little late, but better late than never! So excited that you guys had a (what sounds like) life changing trip. Love those. Now I wanna move there.... sight unseen. Maybe we could all chip in and buy an island.
No joke. Dan and I are already looking at deals and bargains in a few of the areas we liked.
Can't wait to read all about it!!!

My neighbor who had so many pics in the start of the trip is on another road trip and I need her pics to start this pony show!!! ARGH!!!

Actually, I think the word "legendary" was used to describe you!

Great...now I have to try and not suck. Thanks fo rthe pressure!

You know, I caught the wedding thing, but thought that you had mentioned someone else's wedding earlier and that's what you were referring to. I feel sheepish.

Warning: Emotional purge ahead!!

Heck no! We got engaged 2 years ago this December and with Baylor's burn recovery, Treyner's college drama, my Dad's amputation, family dysfunction in the extended family and breakdowns of what once were thought to be key relationships, it just has been a whole bunch of other things that seem to always mentally take over making a set time and place.

Then there is the fact we wanted someplace new to both of us. We had both been to WDW with our ex's, and Vero I had been many times with mine. So although the allure of a Disney wedding seemed great, there was just a piece of us that really wanted a fresh start, no memories of anything but our new family and it was a nagging doubt in the back of our mind no matter how much we looked forward to many aspects of a Disney wedding. I don't want my kids to feel like they are betraying the love for their Dad in anyway, by celebrating Dan and I in a place they also like having their dad a part of.

So much more complicated the second time around and I also needed to let go of ideals that were not mine to deliver or control when it comes to others actions. If I sit around waiting for adults to change their behavior or opinions, I could easily die before marrying Dan. It has taken me 10 years to make the choice to finally do more than lip service to loose weight. I have no idea how long it might take for multiple people within any family pool to change or if they ever will. I have finally grown up enough to realize that they have their opinions and I have mine and if they do not match, that is okay. Wish them well and just because they are family by name does not mean they have to be a part of our lives by right.

It is weird because some of my friends have gotten remarried and they all say the same thing. The first time you marry you worry about all the small details and who will get mad over which choice. You try and please all the family you have and all the friends and a wedding turns into a big hassle.

Now, for me this in many aspects is my first wedding that I actually have a say in developing. Not first marriage of course, but my wedding to the kids Dad was probably one of the worst experiences of my life. Literally found out Treyner was on his way and got married 31 days later so we could live in married housing at the college we attended.

From the day I found out to the wedding, I was in the hospital for 2 weeks with 105 temp's, my first kidney infection raging, thought I was going to loose him, had my soon to be MIL having Nuns visit me all hours of the day and night in the hospital telling me I should love my child enough to give him up, then when that coercion did not work, calling me to tell me I would never get all of her sons money. I am still waiting to find out where that family fortune is hiding because after being with them in my life for over 20 years now, they are middle class financially at best.

Did I mention she was pregnant with my ex when she got married? So her pointing of fingers just makes me want to throttle her to this day.

Then you have the fact that my parents were in the middle of their divorce and hating the life out of each other. His parents were saying they refused to come and literally, showed up the night before to say they felt forced to be there for him. After we got married and I would visit his relatives houses for birthdays or holidays, I soon realized that the pictures they had of our wedding that my MIL had given them, was of their immediate family. Groom and family and the bride was not in them. Nice welcome and nothing says we do not accept you more than that.

I had no wedding dress just a maternity dress and he wore a pair of pants we bought for him and shirt because his parents refused to help in anyway although his Mom had a huge wedding even though she again, had been pregnant.

Man, I am sorry for rambling but maybe it helps you understand how important this day is to me. I have let go of wanting anything more than some immediate family and friends and none of those known to cause drama are invited. It's not about looking into a crowd of hundreds of family and friends who will pick apart the wedding and the reception.

I look forward to the day I will truly marry my everything. He is my best anything and all I could have ever wanted. There has not been one single moment in any day we have spent together that I have not known his arms and heart is where I want to spend my life here and in the next with. I have never questioned his love for me. Not once. Not for a millisecond.

I feel lucky to have had him been by my side for this long and only look forward to our lives being more blessed and growing together as we grow older.

My grandparents were the light of each others lives. Next door neighbors from 3 & 4 years old, married for 60 plus years and my grandpa gave me the best advice I could ever hoped for and I have held onto it forever.

The day my grandma died, he talked with me about love. That his only hope for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were that they could feel the love that he had for her. That at the end of the night when you lay down your head and you know there is nowhere else you want to be and you are there because you want to be not because you have to be. That, that, is the biggest blessing anyone could have, not money or fame and he was lucky to have known that life since the day he saw her in the driveway next door.

When we had the wake and everyone had left but immediate family, he threw himself on her coffin, heaving, like his heart had been ripped from his chest. It took his 4, grown sons, to pry him off and he wailed on the floor like he had lost all emotion from his being. Like his suffering was an offer to God in hopes of bringing her back.

I never believed anyone could love me like that. I assumed I just would not have that connection in my life and although it broke my heart, it also strengthened my spirit because I felt so incredibly fortunate to have witnessed and been a part of anything attached to them.

Then there was Dan and I can only hope we can have 1/2 the years in marriage and life together that they did. At first I felt cheated but then, I realized that the hard times make me awe over what we have even more and there is not one piece of my life I would change because it would alter how beneficial I feel each moment I have with him.

I just know no matter what happens as long as the right people are there no matter where you have it it will be perfect. Your kids love him and thats the biggest hurdle, who cares about anyone else, btw we think he's the right guy for you just by the way you gush about him so what else do you need. You are the queen at making it all come together so what you got to worry about right? Anyway we will be right here thru all the planning and side trips, soccer games, college trips and anything else you want to chat about you have an avid audience.

I appreciate your faith. It makes me feel better and actually more calm.

Btw- I love Charleston too. Have been several times, and I'm trying to figure out a way to get down there for a quick trip just to eat seafood. My FIL has a airplane & can fly me down in like an hour, BUT (there's always a big but right?) I'm very nervous about flying, especially in a tiny airplane. I think I might be able to get over it if I can sit on a deck overlooking shem creek or folly creek eating some shrimp or oysters.......YUMMMO!

Small planes would freak me out as well cause I am claustrophobic plus you lost me at seafood. Not yummo for me...but I will give you my portion cause I like ya!!!!