May 10, 2008 Ship of Thieves! Stealing the Magic..AGAIN!!! Panama Canal FL to CA!!! Part 7

[EllaEnchanted]

Are you doing DCL shuttle?



Deb, I know how hard this is. I was very anxious about this past saturday. I did not think I would make it throught the day, but having all of my mom's family (and mine) around made it easier to bear.
We don't have any special plans for TG, we are going out for dinner to Black angus with Bubbas DM,DF and DB and DB's roommate. My DNeice and Dnephew will be with their mother. We did this last year, just Bubba and I and this year his family asked if they could join us. The more the merrier.
Tomorrow we are going to Outback for Bubbas DD's birthday dinner. She justed turned 26.

I'm happy that I was finally able to properly grieve...I knew that it was building up and had to come out. This was just the trigger. I am also happy that I'll be surrounded with other family that I love. It will make it better.

I'm so glad you got through your day with the help of your family too. What a beautiful day it was. One to always be remembered.

Sounds like you and Bubba have the same family dynamics that we do....because of a previous marriage, John came to me with adult kids in tow and then the grands followed shortly thereafter. It's my first marriage (and last) and John and I don't have kids together. His kids are real and present in our lives to be enough for both of us and then the grands lived with us when they were babies thru childhood up until the teen years...thank goodness they moved out before those years started! We're all one big happy family.

 

[lillygator]

they are trying freeze each other out....funny!

 

[birkner]

wow, how awesome. What island are you going to? We so hope to go to Hawaii in 2010 - our 10 year wedding anniversary. Our problem is knowing which island we'll like best, which is why we wanted to cruise their first.

Of all the islands, I love the Big Island best, especially the Kona side. When Samantha was little, we used to go to the Kona Village which sadly has drastically changed since we went there. It is now so expensive ($500 per night minimum for two) that I wouldn't even consider going back. When we went 15 years ago, it was $200 per night for the 3 of us in our favorite room SS (Sand Samoan 8).

The Kona Village used to be this wonderful barefoot resort with a tiny airport. All your food was included. No phones, no tv's but a hammock for two outside your Hale. If you didn't want to be disturbed, you put your Kona coconut outside your door. Washers and dryers were just outside where you could just throw your clothes in and wash so you didn't have to bring much. Best fruit cold soup you ever tasted. You could sit at the sunken bar for a drink, play shuffle board or explore the petroglyphs. There were lots of programs for the kids, tennis, swimming with the manta rays or sailing for the adults or just laying either in the sun or under a shady hut. Sigh....... Still available but a MUCH higher price.

We have friends on Oahu and Maui. Whatever island you choose, you can't go wrong. There are so many fun things to do and see.

I have cruised the islands on NCL (not recommended) but would consider Celebrity of if DCL decides to go to Hawaii.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

I am so excited for you. I know how much both you and John need this cruise. You are going to have the bestest bestest time. Have a couple of DOD's for me

I will do a DOD cheers to you!!! And I will be DISing while on board....I'll be giving you play by play updates and pics.....so it will be like you're there with me.

 

[birkner]

I'm happy that I was finally able to properly grieve...I knew that it was building up and had to come out. This was just the trigger. I am also happy that I'll be surrounded with other family that I love. It will make it better.

I'm so glad you got through your day with the help of your family too. What a beautiful day it was. One to always be remembered.

Sounds like you and Bubba have the same family dynamics that we do....because of a previous marriage, John came to me with adult kids in tow and then the grands followed shortly thereafter. It's my first marriage (and last) and John and I don't have kids together. His kids are real and present in our lives to be enough for both of us and then the grands lived with us when they were babies thru childhood up until the teen years...thank goodness they moved out before those years started! We're all one big happy family.

I am glad that you have been able to finally properly grieve. I know this has been a hard time for you and the holidays may even be harder. When my father died in 2005, we set a place for him at every holiday meal, poured his favorite wine and all of us made a toast to him. It helped each one of us remember him and share our memories of him together.

 

[lillygator]

I'm happy that I was finally able to properly grieve...I knew that it was building up and had to come out. This was just the trigger. I am also happy that I'll be surrounded with other family that I love. It will make it better.

I'm so glad you got through your day with the help of your family too. What a beautiful day it was. One to always be remembered.

Sounds like you and Bubba have the same family dynamics that we do....because of a previous marriage, John came to me with adult kids in tow and then the grands followed shortly thereafter. It's my first marriage (and last) and John and I don't have kids together. His kids are real and present in our lives to be enough for both of us and then the grands lived with us when they were babies thru childhood up until the teen years...thank goodness they moved out before those years started! We're all one big happy family.

that sounds great!! Growing up with little to almost no family around I dreamed of having a large family. DH did too...it's just him and his sister. I wanted to have Christmas with tons of kids and their friends and lots of chatter and gatherings in the kitchen.

He would still love loads more kids, but we just can't afford it, we would have to get a new house!

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Hi Venetia--I did purchase the transfers through DCL - it's all part of the experience! That way all I have to worry about is having a friend come and pick me up at the airport when I fly back (no parking fees).


Deb--only 17 more days until you meet ME!!! (I know - it'll be a landmark day in your book )

It will be an awesome meet that I'm very much looking forward to! It'll be my first day off the boat....so I'll have lots of stories to tell!

RE: Thanksgiving...nothing special planned. My buddy Will & I are going to hang out...maybe go see a movie.

Sounds like a close and relaxing experience....sometimes the best of times! Hope it will be one of those for you!

 

[lillygator]

Of all the islands, I love the Big Island best, especially the Kona side. When Samantha was little, we used to go to the Kona Village which sadly has drastically changed since we went there. It is now so expensive ($500 per night minimum for two) that I wouldn't even consider going back. When we went 15 years ago, it was $200 per night for the 3 of us in our favorite room SS (Sand Samoan 8).

The Kona Village used to be this wonderful barefoot resort with a tiny airport. All your food was included. No phones, no tv's but a hammock for two outside your Hale. If you didn't want to be disturbed, you put your Kona coconut outside your door. Washers and dryers were just outside where you could just throw your clothes in and wash so you didn't have to bring much. Best fruit cold soup you ever tasted. You could sit at the sunken bar for a drink, play shuffle board or explore the petroglyphs. There were lots of programs for the kids, tennis, swimming with the manta rays or sailing for the adults or just laying either in the sun or under a shady hut. Sigh....... Still available but a MUCH higher price.

We have friends on Oahu and Maui. Whatever island you choose, you can't go wrong. There are so many fun things to do and see.

I have cruised the islands on NCL (not recommended) but would consider Celebrity of if DCL decides to go to Hawaii.

love it! Sounds great! I would probably leave the coconut outside the whole time! Well if it was just John and I. We may go to Beaches somewhere in the Caribbean.

I will do a DOD cheers to you!!! And I will be DISing while on board....I'll be giving you play by play updates and pics.....so it will be like you're there with me.

Oh, have one or two for me as well!

 

[birkner]

that sounds great!! Growing up with little to almost no family around I dreamed of having a large family. DH did too...it's just him and his sister. I wanted to have Christmas with tons of kids and their friends and lots of chatter and gatherings in the kitchen.

He would still love loads more kids, but we just can't afford it, we would have to get a new house!

As your kids get older, you may make your house the place that all the other kids want to be. I know my kids always had the house full of kids all the time when they were growing up. We shared holidays with family and many of their friends. Maybe you will only have two children but I am sure your life will be full of family and friends. You seem to have a special gift for I can see the happiness and the love in your children's eyes.

 

[waltsgirl]

I'm looking for John at the game!

You would probably do better to listen for him then to look for him!

Looks like they got towels again so tell Johnny we will be sending him one!

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Certainly! All are welcome. I can't even count how many we have "adopted" over the years. I just have this "thing" that no one can be alone on Thanksgiving (I was alone the Thanksgiving that I was 16), so we drag home whomever we know that is without family in the area for the day. Lots of for everyone.

How did that come to happen....I hope you don't mind my asking.....it's just that you always have such great life stories and I couldn't resist.

 

[lillygator]

you know, I really like the DIS....I belong to a baby board...since first beginning trying to conceive which was in like 2000 - great group of gals and many are members here as well. But I really have found such fantastic people ....sometimes I truly can't believe what friendships I have formed. I thank you all for listening to be ramble, vent, and all the other V'ism's I am sure I have. I have a feeling this is going to truly be the cruise of a lifetime!

 

[lillygator]

Certainly! All are welcome. I can't even count how many we have "adopted" over the years. I just have this "thing" that no one can be alone on Thanksgiving (I was alone the Thanksgiving that I was 16), so we drag home whomever we know that is without family in the area for the day. Lots of for everyone.

you know I was alone on my senior year Thanksgiving....I had just turned 17 and I was working at Checkers. I loved the people I worked with and my mom wanted to go to the mountains but I had already committed to my schedule and $$ was important, I had car insurance and college upcoming. She ended up taking Amber and my Uncle - her brother up to the Pigeon Forge area. She had no qualms about leaving me - I was pretty responsible, we lived in a 2 bedroom apartment and I worked the whole holiday weekend. There were several other high school students who were my friends that worked there and they, along with a few others all brought Thanksgiving dinner to me at our apartment. One girl even brought flowers. It was the most memorable Thanksgiving for me.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

I am glad that you have been able to finally properly grieve. I know this has been a hard time for you and the holidays may even be harder. When my father died in 2005, we set a place for him at every holiday meal, poured his favorite wine and all of us made a toast to him. It helped each one of us remember him and share our memories of him together.

What a nice thing to do....thank you for sharing that with me...it sounds like the beginning of a new tradition. Did you only do it for the first year or continue to do it?

 

[birkner]

What a nice thing to do....thank you for sharing that with me...it sounds like the beginning of a new tradition. Did you only do it for the first year or continue to do it?

We don't set him a place any more but we do take time to toast and remember both he and my mother at every holiday. I think of it as a way to not only remember them but to share my memories of them with my own grandchildren.

 

[Ginamarie]

I think for us it is the joy of giving to the kids. We enjoy the time we spend with the family and don't want more stuff!!!

This is my theory too. I don't need STUFF, but travel time with my family is the best gift I can get.

I don't drink coffee...so I have no experience with it, but I know others will want it...can anyone reccommend a nice but on the inexpensive side that would be appealing? I am thinking Foldgers won't be a hit.

It isn't the most inexpensive coffee, but I buy two kinds that are our favorites. Kona coffee and Dunkin Donuts.

Certainly! All are welcome. I can't even count how many we have "adopted" over the years. I just have this "thing" that no one can be alone on Thanksgiving (I was alone the Thanksgiving that I was 16), so we drag home whomever we know that is without family in the area for the day. Lots of for everyone.

This sounds like our Thanksgivings.. we always have extra people! I'm not sure who's coming yet this year or exactly what day we're celebrating. Last year my mom and brother worked on Thanksgiving, so we waited until Saturday and celebrated "Spanksgiving" instead.

you know, I really like the DIS....I belong to a baby board...since first beginning trying to conceive which was in like 2000 - great group of gals and many are members here as well. But I really have found such fantastic people ....sometimes I truly can't believe what friendships I have formed. I thank you all for listening to be ramble, vent, and all the other V'ism's I am sure I have. I have a feeling this is going to truly be the cruise of a lifetime!

Awww, I'm so glad I've met all of you guys too!!


Holly- you're doing the right thing about Tyler. Don't worry about WWIII!

I wish you guys could see me now.. Olivia is falling asleep on my legs. Her head is on my feet, and her feet are agains my hips. She's such a mommy's girl!

 

[EllaEnchanted]

that sounds great!! Growing up with little to almost no family around I dreamed of having a large family. DH did too...it's just him and his sister. I wanted to have Christmas with tons of kids and their friends and lots of chatter and gatherings in the kitchen.

I too grew up yearning for a large family because it was just mom, my brother and me in our house. I lived with a best friend for a year when I was 16 and she had 5 kids in her family and I LOVED it! It was always busy and active. I still consider them my family to this day and love spending time with them.

He would still love loads more kids, but we just can't afford it, we would have to get a new house!

OR add on the the one you already have....you need at least 3 kids....two is just not enough for that big family feel.

JMHO as Noel would say!

 

[lillygator]

I am glad that you have been able to finally properly grieve. I know this has been a hard time for you and the holidays may even be harder. When my father died in 2005, we set a place for him at every holiday meal, poured his favorite wine and all of us made a toast to him. It helped each one of us remember him and share our memories of him together.

My Grandfather was the first love of my life and continues to hold a very special place in my heart. I grew up with my Grandparents from 6 weeks old until the age of about 7-8. When I was younger I always asked what he wanted for Christmas, and he was a peanut lover, so when Grandma and I went out, I desperately had her buy one of those Planters nut gift packs they had at the holidays. Whether he ate it or not, he had me convinced he loved it. To this day there is always a Planters gift pack wrapped under the tree for my Grandaddy.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

love it! Sounds great! I would probably leave the coconut outside the whole time! Well if it was just John and I. We may go to Beaches somewhere in the Caribbean.


Oh, have one or two for me as well!

AT LEAST two for you....V!!!

 

[LiserAnn]

Sorry, but I haven't had time to read one single post since I logged off last night. Work is super hectic today and I won't have time to read anything here until tonight after Tyler's in bed. But since many of you expressed concern about my little guy (and thanks 1grumpyjohn for your PM--my thoughts exactly!), I just want to share what happened at his pediatrician appointment today. To save time, I've just copied and pasted what I e-mailed to his dad. I surely just started World War 3, but will do everything I possibly can to help Tyler.

Just passing Dr. Hart's thoughts on to you while I have a free second. I had her read what the school and Miss Gimm wrote/typed, and told her about the things he was saying at day care about wanting to kill them and cut them all up, as well as how he would go into Tasmanian Devil mode (the spinning all over ripping things off the walls, knocking things over, throwing everything, hitting, biting, kicking, etc.) and how it would just come out of the blue and then a complete switch to happy kid just like a light switch. Her thoughts are that this is way beyond just a behavior issue because in her words, "he's already not succeeding at day care, not succeeding in school, and will soon not be succeeding socially (because kids will start teasing even more than they already do) which will affect self-esteem", etc. She wants to do an EEG to at least rule out any brain misfiring or whatever it's called, but her main concern is bi-polar, so she wants him to go see Jennifer Huffman, a neuropsychologist to get things narrowed down. She was quite frustrated with me because I expressed to her your concerns and how you disagree that anything's really wrong. She's really concerned because the things listed by the school are very unusual and extreme and not normal kid misbehaving and basically told me to just go get him evaluated no matter how you feel about it. So that's about all she said. Tyler had a great time with the cool books in the office!

Press on Holly!! You're doing the right thing and if you're ever doubting it, feeling low or just need some bolstering...come here....we'll hold you up when you need it!!!