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[All7OfUs]

Welcome back, Liesa. I'm hoping that as time goes on watching "Up" will become a time of memories of your grandparents for you without being linked with the grief I know you must have gone through/are going through right now. At any rate, def been keeping you in my thoughts. Looking forward to the next update and clue..the soybeans thing really threw me off on Teppan Edo, but seen enough of the onion volcano pictures in food reviews that I had a pretty good chance at getting it. Your lil Tink is so cute!

I do too! But I'm a sap! I confessed I cry at the Nemo show, so it may as well be known that I will probably always cry when I watch UP too.

Glad you're still with me!! Tis been slow on the boards these days. You got it right this time!!! HA!! The soybeans gotcha!! There's a tag fairy line!!

isn't she a cutie!!??

Wow you all are eating at a LOT of places. That is so GREAT They are very adventurous places too. So to all of you.

Your daughter looks adorable with her missing tooth.

I haven't yet seen UP, the boys got some gift cards for Christmas so they are deciding if they should combine and buy that movie and get a couple smallish things or if they should each just get books for their Tag systems that we got them. I LOVE that they are enjoying reading (even though neither can actually read yet).

Glad your friends are ok, continued prayers for you and all your happenings.

I go back to work today, so I'll try and keep up this time, but if I don't talk to you before next weekend, have a Happy New Year.

So far they all look like great places!!! and the cool thing is that going with all adults we'll be able to get so much more done in a quicker amount of time, so we'll have more time to hit some fun places to eat!!

UP is so different from any other PIXAR I've ever seen. GREAT in all respects, but such a poignant message. I don't know maybe it's just me and the circumstances I was in both times I saw it.

Here's a link to an article that talks about our friends from a Portland paper.

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/12/portland_evangelists_son_recou.html

Liesa-
I really haven't been on the boards for the last few days... just have really popped in a few times to see if there were any AP rumors for March. I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather. I'm with you in thinking that the UP coincidence isn't really a coincidence. I hope you & your family find comfort in knowing both your grandparents lived long full lives.

I missed the RD this time but will be here for the rest (I hope!)

I"ve wondered where you've been! I think lots of people are just really busy this week! No, I think not either about UP. Yes, they both lived long lives, but in many respects his especially was so empty- chasing after money, living from one deal to the next. It could have been so much richer if he has spent more time enjoying his family instead of trying to make another million.

We only have 8 more, hope you're there!

 

[englishrose47]

I guess I am more German than Japanese !!!But I should have picked up on the Volcano!!!! That wasa huge hit with Kyle at TE

 

[All7OfUs]

I guess I am more German than Japanese !!!But I should have picked up on the Volcano!!!! That wasa huge hit with Kyle at TE

I do hope it lives up to all hype!! Seriously can't wait for the scallops here!

Hope we get a fun table too!

 

[pooh'smate]

Your little Tink is precious. Glad to hear that your friends were ok.

 

[KatMark]

Leisa, love your Christmas morning photos--Tink is adorable, and I'm sorry to hear about your grandpa.

Hope you had a magical Christmas.

 

[All7OfUs]

Your little Tink is precious. Glad to hear that your friends were ok.

AWww, thanks!! She's such a funny girl!! A few days ago she was reciting some of the bones her older sister taught her: the tibia, phalanges, patella and carcass bones!! (she's 7)

Leisa, love your Christmas morning photos--Tink is adorable, and I'm sorry to hear about your grandpa.

Hope you had a magical Christmas.

Hey Kathy!! Thanks!

It was a bit of a shock. Although he'd had cancer for quite some time, he really went down hill fast!! The Lord is good!

We had a wonderful Christmas. Lots of family time, hot buttered rums, a party at our local fellowship with some hilarious games, all that good stuff.

One of the games was sooooooooooo funny. They told us to put a piece of candy in our mouths, and to "hide it" in our cheek. Then they woudl turn the lights off, and come and "find" it. We were all like, huh? This is sorta stupid. So, we all did it, they turned off the lights, they "felt our cheeks", etc.. They turned on the lights only to discover that the girls had SOOT on their fingers as they were "searching" for our candy. It was SO funny!!! with everyone's face with big black smudges!!

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Speaking of real life, I wanted to share some random thoughts before revealing Rations Drop #4 Answer.

I find it very ironic that I found a copy of UP the day before Christmas to give to the family. I can neither confirm or deny whether it is an authentic copy- not sure I"d be able to tell the difference anyway. I paid a bunch for it, which makes me think I got the real McCoy- a general rule of thumb over here is, "You get what you pay for".

Anyway, the irony is that 6 months ago I got the news that my beloved grandmother passed away. As I was wrestling with the decision to travel the 36 hours home, my father had a strange episode that looked like it might have been a stroke (since then that was ruled out). So I did travel and spend 3 weeks grieving with my family. It was hard. It was in fact, awful! Not only did my grandmother leave a huge hole in all our lives, it brought about the inevitible junk that comes around concerning "estate".

During that 3 weeks, UP was playing at one of the local drive-in theaters. My sister and her family took me, and as I sat in her pickup, I literally bawled my eyes out. It was all just too close to home, so to speak. Funny that just as my grandfather was dying in the hospital the day after Christmas, I was again watching this movie.

Although, I love this movie- A LOT- it will forever be associated with loss in my family. That is just what I identified most with while watching it- both times. Perhaps it is only coincidence, but I think not.

Another weird thing that happened in the last days was that airline crash in Jamaica. I posted about this, but think most of you missed it. We actually had friends on that plane!!!! I can't believe how lucky they are to be alive! From the articles I read about his injuries, and how they smelled smoke and fuel, I am just thrilled that Andrew, Wendy and the kids are fine!! If you want to Google them, their last name is Palau, which might be a very familiar name to some of you reading this.

So sorry to hear about your grandfather. You're in my prayres. That was amazing about the plane crash. I have heard Luis Palau speak, but have not heard Andrew before. Great Christmas morning pics!

 

[winkers]

I LOVE UP! It's my favorite in a long time I think the last disney movie I loved was Nemo. I cried when we saw it in the theater and bawled almost to the ugly state when we watched it on thanksgiving. sometimes it just feels good to let it all out.

I'm so glad your friends are ok! I'm totaly out of the loop so I hadn't even heard about the plane crash.

I love the game you played with the sooty fingers! I think I'll use that one this summer at girls camp.

 

[eandesmom]

Tink is ADORABLE! Just adorable.

I can't believe you knew people on the plane, what a blessing that they are ok!

I agree, UP is not a coincidence and I hope as the years pass while it may always be a little bittersweet it is also full of love as you watch it and brings you comfort each time.

I still haven't seen it. They boys saw it at a bday party and movies aren't often in the budget for us. I'd bought it to be for the family from Santa and then got hit with a last minute gift exchange that wasn't supposed to be. So into it, it went. Kendall FOUGHT for it, stealing it more than once and it is now back at our house. We will be watching it new years eve.
And I'm quite sure it is a fluke that I am doing so well at this game when I consider the multitude of places I've not eaten at and don't have a clue. The smoking volcano was a ringer for me.

I'm not so big on the soybeans....which equal a rather gassy chassis for me but those onions are delish! The steak is the best as far as I am concerned and will likely be what I order on our trip having made it onto the list rather soundly as expected. Although I've not tried the scallops, didn't realize that was an option!

Sake. BLEH!

For some reason we have a giant bottle of it. Jeff had it before we were married. It used to be used as a decoration. I should just toss it, it's taking up valuable cupboard space but I keep thinking I'll find a cooking use for it.

You gave up CP? How come? I think I missed that one.

I think you should get the wishes soundtrack to play during the fireworks, that would be a hoot!

 

[KatMark]

One of the games was sooooooooooo funny. They told us to put a piece of candy in our mouths, and to "hide it" in our cheek. Then they woudl turn the lights off, and come and "find" it. We were all like, huh? This is sorta stupid. So, we all did it, they turned off the lights, they "felt our cheeks", etc.. They turned on the lights only to discover that the girls had SOOT on their fingers as they were "searching" for our candy. It was SO funny!!! with everyone's face with big black smudges!!

This is too funny...I love it.

We spent yesterday with our youngest son (as he has to go back to school already tomorrow...short break for him--just ten days). We went to return a few gifts, pick up a few things and then went to the movies--Markie with Mark and I. We went and saw The Blind Side--a GREAT movie and Sandra Bullock was superb!

 

[All7OfUs]

So sorry to hear about your grandfather. You're in my prayres. That was amazing about the plane crash. I have heard Luis Palau speak, but have not heard Andrew before. Great Christmas morning pics!

Thanks, GB! I've really come to know that everyone here can be counted on when things go sour in the real world. Life. We need each other, don't we?!

Andrew is as equally as gifted as his dad. He has one powerful life story to tell!

Need to go to your TR to check for any updates! It's been awhile since I"ve hit the TR side of the boards.

I LOVE UP! It's my favorite in a long time I think the last disney movie I loved was Nemo. I cried when we saw it in the theater and bawled almost to the ugly state when we watched it on thanksgiving. sometimes it just feels good to let it all out.

I'm so glad your friends are ok! I'm totaly out of the loop so I hadn't even heard about the plane crash.

I love the game you played with the sooty fingers! I think I'll use that one this summer at girls camp.

Yeah, Nemo- another one with a powerful good message. Our Father- pursuing us and calling us to Himself. I'm all over that!

Me too. Apparently, Andrew smashed his face on the seat in front of him, and has stitches on his face and 2 big black eyes. They ran for it when jumped off the wing, but headed towards the beach. When they saw waves they ran the other way. I can't believe the whole thing didn't explode!!

Wasn't that game a hoot??! I'll have to remember that one; it's perfect for a girls' party or retreat!

Tink is ADORABLE! Just adorable.

I can't believe you knew people on the plane, what a blessing that they are ok!

I agree, UP is not a coincidence and I hope as the years pass while it may always be a little bittersweet it is also full of love as you watch it and brings you comfort each time.

I still haven't seen it. They boys saw it at a bday party and movies aren't often in the budget for us. I'd bought it to be for the family from Santa and then got hit with a last minute gift exchange that wasn't supposed to be. So into it, it went. Kendall FOUGHT for it, stealing it more than once and it is now back at our house. We will be watching it new years eve.

It's just so different from the others. Good move on Kendall's part!! Great save! Maybe you should have taken the sake??

And I'm quite sure it is a fluke that I am doing so well at this game when I consider the multitude of places I've not eaten at and don't have a clue.

The smoking volcano was a ringer for me.

I'm not so big on the soybeans....which equal a rather gassy chassis for me but those onions are delish! The steak is the best as far as I am concerned and will likely be what I order on our trip having made it onto the list rather soundly as expected. Although I've not tried the scallops, didn't realize that was an option!

Sake. BLEH!

For some reason we have a giant bottle of it. Jeff had it before we were married. It used to be used as a decoration. I should just toss it, it's taking up valuable cupboard space but I keep thinking I'll find a cooking use for it.

I can't imagine anything tasting good with sake in it. Even with 4 cloves of garlic or something?? Blech!

You gave up CP? How come? I think I missed that one.

Well, I"m not sure we officially announced that. I think the only reason we were going to hit it up was for the early entry, but an AM EMH oughtta take care of that. I'm not so into the character thing, so on our long list of places, it was the easiest to throw out.

I think you should get the wishes soundtrack to play during the fireworks, that would be a hoot!

Yeah, except, i've been blacklisted from iTunes AND Amazon for downloading. Apparenly, my country is on the NOT ALLOWED list. I'm perturbed. If I want music, my dad has to do it for me, then send a CD.

 

[All7OfUs]

This is too funny...I love it.

We spent yesterday with our youngest son (as he has to go back to school already tomorrow...short break for him--just ten days). We went to return a few gifts, pick up a few things and then went to the movies--Markie with Mark and I. We went and saw The Blind Side--a GREAT movie and Sandra Bullock was superb!

Oh, that really is a short break!! My son gets 2 1/2 weeks, and wont' go back until the 12th. They get a long-ish winter break because a fair amount of the students are from S. Africa and when they go home they want a long "summer break" which is winter break for us. Sorry, that's probably not making much sense, but they are in the southern hemisphere; so they want to spend their winter holiday at the beach doing summer stuff. So, the school's "summer break" is quite a bit shorter and the winter one longer, so that things get evened out for all the countries represented.

 

[KatMark]

Oh, that really is a short break!! My son gets 2 1/2 weeks, and wont' go back until the 12th. They get a long-ish winter break because a fair amount of the students are from S. Africa and when they go home they want a long "summer break" which is winter break for us. Sorry, that's probably not making much sense, but they are in the southern hemisphere; so they want to spend their winter holiday at the beach doing summer stuff. So, the school's "summer break" is quite a bit shorter and the winter one longer, so that things get evened out for all the countries represented.

Actually they get a month break, but with Markie being an athlete he has to be back for practice at 10:00 a.m. on New Year's Eve. We got 12 inches of snow over the weekend and more is predicted for Wednesday so he is going back a day early.

And you made perfect sense in what you were telling me. I got it exactly. I'm not sure if that is a good thing or a scary thing?

 

[All7OfUs]

Ahhh, gotcha! I have a feeling his breaks from here on out are going to be cut short if he opts to go with the ROTC thing. I imagine there will be lots of extra stuff he'll have to be at outside of class time.

Hmmm... great minds??

 

[winkers]

Where does your ds go to school? Is it in blankastan or some other remote part of the world?

 

[All7OfUs]

Where does your ds go to school? Is it in blankastan or some other remote part of the world?

He is in our capital city at an MK school. over half the kids are S. Korean, and tons of others from S. Africa, the US, Australia, all over. His foreign language is Russian.

 

[winkers]

He is in our capital city at an MK school. over half the kids are S. Korean, and tons of others from S. Africa, the US, Australia, all over. His foreign language is Russian.

what is an MK school?

 

[All7OfUs]

what is an MK school?

Sorry, that's short for missionary kid. But it's actually not really just that. There are some gov't workers' kids there, and some business community kds there too.

 

[winkers]

Sorry, that's short for missionary kid. But it's actually not really just that. There are some gov't workers' kids there, and some business community kds there too.

ok, that makes sense. sometimes I'm about as sharp as a plastic spoon.

 

[All7OfUs]

ok, that makes sense. sometimes I'm about as sharp as a plastic spoon.

Don't worry- plastic spoons work just great on cheeseballs and pumpkin rolls.