Life’s too short...to never sleep in a treehouse! 8/27 TR is up! Link in siggie

[cjackearl]

Oh my. Guess what we have sitting in our living room right now? A TROMBONE! Yep, it was calling Maddy's name too.

Your ADR list looks great. Where is the Turf Club?

Your tuna noodle casserole looks better than the PTC one. I've never had it, but I like my tuna rare and yours looks rarer (is that a word?) Yummy!

 

[eandesmom]

You know....I was thinking...

What if you did a Girls lunch at Chefs and the boys went to Teppan or Tokyo Dining? I bet Sandie would just love the idea of a girls lunch....who knows. I'm just thinking out loud. Might be a way to keep the boys happy.

Oh wow, I that idea!!!!!!!!!!!! Brilliant. Sandie would love it and so would Kendall. Very Very Sandie. Perfect!

Those ahi casserole whatchamacallit yumminess looked divine!! Man, I could go for some of that RIGHT NOW! I think it looked esp. good because we had leftovers. Go figure...

So DH is doing the math- good for him, better for you!

HA! A blowhard. Too funny!

Congrats on deps. being made!! Great feeling that is, isn't it! Now, I guess I should pay maroo back, but she says not to yet; that things may change; ya THINK?!

Deposits made is a great feeling!

Great updates!!

First,about the Grand Gatherings experiences!

We did the Illuminations Dinner in 08. It was a wonderful experience!! It was a buffet dinner with all different types of international cuisine, not your typical disney buffet. There was a DJ and and MC. Aunt Roz is the MC, she annouces birthdays and special occasions and goofs around. There is dance party for everyone with Minnie and Goofy including a conga line! It was really a lot of fun.

After dinner and dancing we were escorted to our own private viewing area for Illuminations! In the viewing area they a dessert buffet with all sorts of treats set up!

We had a GREAT spot for illuminations!! We were really front row, center! Which is how Illuminations is meant to be viewed. The show is all oriented toward Spaceship Earth, so if your looking at Illuminations with Spaceship Earth to your back you have the best spot. That's where our viewing area was!

I highly recommend doing it if you can!

We didn't do the Tony's breakfast so I can't speak to that! We did the Wishes Pirate Cruise thing thats open to everyone now, that was a lot of fun too!

It does sound cool, espeically the Illuminations viewing but I do have a hard time using 2 TS credits for it. I think if we had more small kids in our group the dinner portion might be good but I am thinking that a character breakfast would be less uncomfortable for the newbies. A conga line would be WAY out of Doug's comfort zone. LOL! We will see, I'll run them all by Sandie when things get closer.

Oh my. Guess what we have sitting in our living room right now? A TROMBONE! Yep, it was calling Maddy's name too.

Your ADR list looks great. Where is the Turf Club?

Your tuna noodle casserole looks better than the PTC one. I've never had it, but I like my tuna rare and yours looks rarer (is that a word?) Yummy!

on the trombone! We can compare notes, I picked up Evan's yesterday. He is SO excited. Actually out there blowing on it right now.

Turf Club is at SSR. Which is pretty out of the way BUT it gets amazing reviews. Supposedly the best steakhouse according to some. As good as LeCellier or better but only one TS. I don't get why Yachtsman is 2TS, the interior doesn't impress me at all! But a big steak dinner in August? I don't know about that.

Thanks for the food compliments! The tuna was seared and rare, which is they way I like it. The boys was a little tough (though they didn't seem to care) as I hadn't mastered searing on my griddler right, ours was super yummy!

The PTC one looks like it had a glaze of some sort on it which I don't recall...I'm good on the tuna part, just think the casserole itself is missing something, either in the sauce or the spices. I also didn't think to top the tuna with breadcrumbs and will do that next time since I sear them and then finish them in the oven so they aren't raw!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Oh wow, I that idea!!!!!!!!!!!! Brilliant. Sandie would love it and so would Kendall. Very Very Sandie. Perfect!

Oh, I am so glad you like it!! I think it would be really fun sometimes it's nice to get away from the boys in the group.

 

[KathyRN137]

That grilled tuna casserole looks yummy! I looked for the recipe on AllEars, but they didn't have it.

When we eat at PTC in November, I'll ask for it!


Kathy

 

[eandesmom]

Oh, I am so glad you like it!! I think it would be really fun sometimes it's nice to get away from the boys in the group.

It is perfect! I might make it dinner instead of lunch only because it is our first full park day and I'm not sure people will want to stop to sit down that long for lunch. Then again...it will be hot out so maybe...We will have a full group dinner the night before so splitting up at dinner would be ok. I'll let Sandie pick lunch versus dinner.

I was struggling with the girls thing. I am sure we will go girls only shopping and typically we'd do pedicures but, having done the GF pedicure with Kendall last year I know she'd prefer what she'll get at the Nick Kids Spa (not to mention it is a lot cheaper) and Sandie won't want to go there, if she's even in FL for that part of the trip. This is a perfect solution without paying for an extra big "event" which I am trying to avoid this time. Plus the WS has all the great shopping, if we are split up for dining, we girls can stroll away through the countries shops which I never get to do and really really want to!

That grilled tuna casserole looks yummy! I looked for the recipe on AllEars, but they didn't have it.

When we eat at PTC in November, I'll ask for it!

Kathy

That would be wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My inner perfectionist is frustrated that it's not quite there and I can't figure out what I am missing.

 

[eandesmom]

This PTR is all about what's important. Today what is important is Jeff's dad, Ron.

We just learned that he has a mass in his lung, pressing on his bronchial tube. We are getting VERY conflicting reports from his dad and his stepmom Mary.

His dad says it is benign.

His stepmom says it is cancer.

Based on what we've been told and can research, we can't see how they will know one way or another what it is without a biopsy. Which is scheduled for Thursday. He is not a smoker now but did when he was younger, no idea how heavy. He is feeling really crummy though and Thursday seems very far away for all of us.

Please keep him in your thoughts.

Next...and the rollercoaster continues

 

[Lady Lallie]

I am so sorry. You will all be in my thoughts.

 

[elphie101]

Thinking of you and your family

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Many prayers and positive thoughts!!

 

[Angies1274]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

 

[KathyRN137]

I will! Sending prayers...


Kathy

 

[Sandy321]

Know that prayers are being sent from IL - May you feel His peace and find comfort - reach out, and know, you are not alone!! He knows your needs before you do, we are lifting you up in prayer - and He feels your pain, knows pain... healing prayers from our Great Physician are being lifted up!!

 

[All7OfUs]

Oh,Cythina!! That's not good news at all! Thank Heavens, though, you know what is important for today! I really pray that Ron will know His peace that passes all understanding! Please let us know on Thursday (or sometime after I imagine) what the news is!

Liesa

 

[eandesmom]

Thank you all so much for the thoughts and prayers. Waiting is hard. Not knowing is hard. It can be just as hard on those around the one waiting and the feeling of helplessness across the miles is, for me, paralyzing.

Yesterday was a bit rough. This is really hard on Jeff and I feel really helpless and I'm not good at feeling helpless. While I can, and do, give up my faith and trust for Ron and have peace that we will get through this, that he will get through this and that we will all be there for him no matter what it is, it is the day to day tactical support of my husband during times like this that is hard.

He is a guy. He doesn't like to talk about stuff like this but it weighs on him. Worries about his dad, his brother and yes, his own health and mortality and what the implications of all of this mean for him. I know, I know all I can really do is just BE there for him but the type A in me wants to do something.

Being a girl, all I can do is what I know how to do, offer comfort in food, in the little things. It's funny though, those little things, they do help. I made Jeff his favorite meatloaf and a handmade card for his dad. Jeff picked up a book to send him about the history of a local float plane company that Jeff is doing his certification training at. Jeff and his dad have become much closer over the past 3 years and their shared love of planes, and Jeff's building of one has been a big part of it. Those little things, comfort food, a glass of red wine, a special card and a book all packed up and ready to go...

Made us both feel a little better.

Thank you all again. Once we know anything, I will update. It does not sound like we will know on Thursday however having had quite a bit of experience with cancerous tumors before, if it is really bad we could find out right away. So in a way, no news is good news if we don't hear right away. I hope. What I don't understand is it sounds like they are just biopsying. It would seem like they could take it out (if they can) while they are in there at the same time. The location of it, benign or not, will make things difficult from what I understand though. Neither Jeff or I understand this part and his dad and Stepmom aren't much help. This is when we wish we lived closer.

I am so sorry. You will all be in my thoughts.

Thank you, it means a lot!

Thinking of you and your family

Thanks so much

Many prayers and positive thoughts!!

Thank you!

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

thank you Angie

I will! Sending prayers...



Kathy

Thanks Kathy, they all help!

Know that prayers are being sent from IL - May you feel His peace and find comfort - reach out, and know, you are not alone!! He knows your needs before you do, we are lifting you up in prayer - and He feels your pain, knows pain... healing prayers from our Great Physician are being lifted up!!

Thanks Sandy

Oh,Cythina!! That's not good news at all! Thank Heavens, though, you know what is important for today! I really pray that Ron will know His peace that passes all understanding! Please let us know on Thursday (or sometime after I imagine) what the news is!

Liesa

Thanks Liesa

 

[eandesmom]

You would think, if you are planning a trip 11 months out, that locking dates in really wouldn’t be that hard, right?

Wrong.

Much as we wish it weren’t so at times, our ability to schedule vacations revolve around 2 things. School and Kendall’s sports schedule, namely soccer (though others have influenced it as well).

With 5 schools to contend with, we are left with Christmas and Summer as our only trip options. Christmas is shared with their mom and just too complicated to contemplate. Summer should be easy but it’s not. When I picked our dates I tried to factor in what I could for Kendall’s schedule, what is probable at any rate. The reality is we won’t know anything “for sure” until early June. Which of course one can’t plan around! So we are making our best guesses.

Except I forgot something.

High School.

Kendall will be a freshman next year which means High School Soccer. And tryout for that starts 2.5 weeks before school starts. Which means I have to move our trip up to accommodate it. Booking basically on the 1st, or 2nd day of free dining (I hope!). Which cuts it awfully close for my comfort and still, of course, isn’t a sure thing. It makes the trip span 2 weekends which I was trying to avoid for potential tournaments. We now have no wiggle room on the Disney part with FD, at all.

It is what it is.

Right now I’m not much of a soccer fan.

Moving does open back up all the other room options. So….do we stay with the Yacht Club????? Or do we move to THV, BLT or even maybe Kidani?
UGH.

Sandie is deferring this to me, surprisingly and Jeff is a bit annoyed about this much chatter about something so far away. I actually don’t think he’s annoyed, he’s just worried about his dad, as am I. Financially I think they end up equal since even though THV is a lot cheaper it means a car.
I did look at the SSR resort map and they are REALLY remote. Which is fine for us but more and more I see it as not being fine for some of our crew, if for no other reason than all the walking within the resort itself. Not a huge price difference on the others, just the loss of a kitchen a washing machine and almost 400+ SF (which really is kitchen and the extra bathroom).

I am thinking proximity to parks, in August heat, trumps all. Maybe 2 rooms with really separate space is a good thing. There is such a thing as too much togetherness.


On that note I think I’ll end up moving Doug to our room and letting both K&T be with their grandparents but we can move when we get there. I do like YC a lot better than BLT. I think. I feel torn. I DEFINITELY like the themeing and room décor better. I can't belive I'm going to walk away from a full kitchen and a 3rd bath. It comes down to Monorail dining and MK versus walking to Epcot, DHS and the Boardwalk.

Right now SAB is tipping the scale…

And even though Sandie “says” she is deferring to me….she prefers the Yacht Club. She confirmed that more than once.

And so, for now.
BFP_YC_v0.4 Nick Hotel 8/12-8/16, YC 8/16-8/22. We have officially moved all the ressies. Nick's price went UP another $5 per night

My ticker jumped forward by 2 weeks!

By all accounts Doug is doing well, getting used to the new meds but is back at work and feeling good. Unfortunately I got so wrapped up in Jeff’s dad’s situation yesterday I completely spaced about a moment I should have been celebrating today with my middle sister. She is “retiring” after 10 years as youth group leader at our church. We have not been regular attendees for the last year for a variety of reasons (schedule issues as an excuse but really, pastor issues) and despite the fact that I saw her on Friday, and Saturday, it didn’t come up and I completely spaced.

We did have a soccer game sunday morning as well as a birthday party and a playdate but I could have, and should have, worked around it. I am thrilled for her, it was a special moment but at the same time it wasn’t really a moment I’ve been involved in and I know I’d have felt like an outsider who should feel like an insider if that makes any sense. Still. No excuse.
Now I’ve somehow agreed to make placecards for a wedding shower she is throwing Friday in addition to an appetizer. A shower I’m not even going to as I have a girls weekend away with my dinner club, for which I also need to make stuff for. Amazing what guilt will do!

Next...a park bag = a lost wallet?

 

[mickeysmyboy]

You would think, if you are planning a trip 11 months out, that locking dates in really wouldn’t be that hard, right?

Wrong.

Much as we wish it weren’t so at times, our ability to schedule vacations revolve around 2 things. School and Kendall’s sports schedule, namely soccer (though others have influenced it as well).

With 5 schools to contend with, we are left with Christmas and Summer as our only trip options. Christmas is shared with their mom and just too complicated to contemplate. Summer should be easy but it’s not. When I picked our dates I tried to factor in what I could for Kendall’s schedule, what is probable at any rate. The reality is we won’t know anything “for sure” until early June. Which of course one can’t plan around! So we are making our best guesses.

Except I forgot something.

High School.

Kendall will be a freshman next year which means High School Soccer. And tryout for that starts 2.5 weeks before school starts. Which means I have to move our trip up to accommodate it. Booking basically on the 1st, or 2nd day of free dining (I hope!). Which cuts it awfully close for my comfort and still, of course, isn’t a sure thing. It makes the trip span 2 weekends which I was trying to avoid for potential tournaments. We now have no wiggle room on the Disney part with FD, at all.

It is what it is.

Right now I’m not much of a soccer fan.

Moving does open back up all the other room options. So….do we stay with the Yacht Club????? Or do we move to THV, BLT or even maybe Kidani?
UGH.

Sandie is deferring this to me, surprisingly and Jeff is a bit annoyed about this much chatter about something so far away. I actually don’t think he’s annoyed, he’s just worried about his dad, as am I. Financially I think they end up equal since even though THV is a lot cheaper it means a car.
I did look at the SSR resort map and they are REALLY remote. Which is fine for us but more and more I see it as not being fine for some of our crew, if for no other reason than all the walking within the resort itself. Not a huge price difference on the others, just the loss of a kitchen a washing machine and almost 400+ SF (which really is kitchen and the extra bathroom).

I am thinking proximity to parks, in August heat, trumps all. Maybe 2 rooms with really separate space is a good thing. There is such a thing as too much togetherness.


On that note I think I’ll end up moving Doug to our room and letting both K&T be with their grandparents but we can move when we get there. I do like YC a lot better than BLT. I think. I feel torn. I DEFINITELY like the themeing and room décor better. I can't belive I'm going to walk away from a full kitchen and a 3rd bath. It comes down to Monorail dining and MK versus walking to Epcot, DHS and the Boardwalk.

Right now SAB is tipping the scale…

And even though Sandie “says” she is deferring to me….she prefers the Yacht Club. She confirmed that more than once.

And so, for now.
BFP_YC_v0.4 Nick Hotel 8/12-8/16, YC 8/16-8/22. We have officially moved all the ressies. Nick's price went UP another $5 per night

My ticker jumped forward by 2 weeks!

By all accounts Doug is doing well, getting used to the new meds but is back at work and feeling good. Unfortunately I got so wrapped up in Jeff’s dad’s situation yesterday I completely spaced about a moment I should have been celebrating today with my middle sister. She is “retiring” after 10 years as youth group leader at our church. We have not been regular attendees for the last year for a variety of reasons (schedule issues as an excuse but really, pastor issues) and despite the fact that I saw her on Friday, and Saturday, it didn’t come up and I completely spaced.

We did have a soccer game sunday morning as well as a birthday party and a playdate but I could have, and should have, worked around it. I am thrilled for her, it was a special moment but at the same time it wasn’t really a moment I’ve been involved in and I know I’d have felt like an outsider who should feel like an insider if that makes any sense. Still. No excuse.
Now I’ve somehow agreed to make placecards for a wedding shower she is throwing Friday in addition to an appetizer. A shower I’m not even going to as I have a girls weekend away with my dinner club, for which I also need to make stuff for. Amazing what guilt will do!

OMG! Life is never dull for you is it?! There's sooo much going on around you!!

You can only do your best! Your obviously doing that and even a bit more It is what it is and you've tried your best to schedule the trip to not conflict with soccer, etc. At some point the kids have to decide for themselves what is important to them.


I'm sure your sister understands! Like I said, you have soooo much going on!!


This seems like a great time for you to get away for a girls weekend!! It sounds like you could use it

 

[Sandy321]

Guilt I understand -
I also understand all the thoughts and plans and changes you are making - I also understand no one understanding why if its 11months out why its so important!!

I say stick with the Yacht Club - 2 rooms, 2 bathrooms... Soccer schedule and Kendall's mom -

and know I continue to lift you all up in prayer - take time and Be Still and know God!!

 

[cjackearl]

Hi Cynthia, I'm so sorry your last few days have been so up and down. Prayers for your FIL, definitely. And for you. I think your making a good decision with the ressies.

 

[eandesmom]

OMG! Life is never dull for you is it?! There's sooo much going on around you!!

You can only do your best! Your obviously doing that and even a bit more It is what it is and you've tried your best to schedule the trip to not conflict with soccer, etc. At some point the kids have to decide for themselves what is important to them.

I'm sure your sister understands! Like I said, you have soooo much going on!!

This seems like a great time for you to get away for a girls weekend!! It sounds like you could use it

LOL, no, life isn't dull. But this is pretty normal.

If I survive this week between work (which is BUSY!), PTA Auction Stuff, Cub Scout commitments, Evan's next level Black Belt meetings, and all the stuff I need to make for the wedding shower and the girls weekend, I'll be good. I'm actually only going for one night for the girls weekend, as we had plans with another couple to go to a show on Saturday night and as it is Jeff is going to have to juggle a soccer game, a den meeting at the zoo and a black belt meeting.

But still, 24 hours with 12 of my dinner club/sorority sisters will be a blast, it always is! We will pack a LOT into those 24 hours

My sister does understand. Sadly she liked the placecard design so much somehow now I've agreed to make wineglass name tags as well. But better now than after I ran to paperzone! They are awfully cute though.

Guilt I understand -
I also understand all the thoughts and plans and changes you are making - I also understand no one understanding why if its 11months out why its so important!!

I say stick with the Yacht Club - 2 rooms, 2 bathrooms... Soccer schedule and Kendall's mom -

and know I continue to lift you all up in prayer - take time and Be Still and know God!!

Jeff does get it, he just gets discouraged with how hard it is to even find one "potential" week.

Thanks for the prayers and hugs!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I am praying for your DFIL, and for peace and strength for all of you.

As for your planning - Yikes! It is so hard be "the one" in charge of planning for everyone and try to figure it all out. No matter what you choose, someone will second guess you.

You sound like those of us on the Control Freaks and Worry Wart thread - come on over if you want to worry an control with us!
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2217413