Mingos in the Watah! What in the Wuhld?

[reelmom]

Prayers for the families hurting. I watched my grandmother battle cancer and it is not an easy thing to do. Cancer is horrible. I pray that God will comfort them and give them stength.

 

[MeMom]

Memom, i just want to say that your two dear friends are in my thoughts and prayers right now.

Thank you. Mike's oldest daughter graduated from college yesterday. She was sad that her dad could not be there, but her friends came through in a big way and made her day very special.

Stopping by to say hello.

I'm sorry to hear such sad news coming from your part of the world. I will keep your friends/family in my prayers.

I hope you enjoy Bella's recital. I'm sure it will be just precious!

Bella was the smallest ballerina in the performance. (I would say she was the cutest, too, but that would be boasting, right? )

We know you are missing home and family this Christmas. I hope your friends over there will make it special. Tune in to Jill's FB for WDW pictures, too.

So sorry to hear about your aunt Joan. What you said about her reminds me a lot of my great-aunt; she quietly gave and gave and gave and never expected anything back. Definitely will be thinking of her and all of you guys

I of course love all the pictures. We are officially in the teens (18 days!) and it's starting to freak me out a little! I'll be at Charles's brother's on New Years Eve, as always, but I'm going to see if I can get the webcam link to work on my iPhone.

I think I will begin my freaking out tomorrow morning
when I don't have to get out the door to school
and I realize
that it is almost time to go
and I better do something about packing.

Joan and Ray have been so blessed financially, and they have blessed others with that, as well. I give a little bit to several things that I know through church and friends, but I wish I had the means to give a whole lot more. That's actually one thing that makes giving up the spring trip a little easier - knowing I can spend some money on a new tub and bathroom floor (I really, really hope) and knowing I will be able to double my money on a few donations. Those things will both make me feel pretty good when the income tax refund is put to good use.

I'm so sorry about your dear friend, Caren. I'll be praying for her & her family.

And I spy me & my sister in one of those pictures!! That was a fun night. I can't wait to hear all about this years DIS meet!!

It won't be right without you on the beach,

Thanks for the prayers.

My thouthts and prayer are with your Aunt Joan.

Thank you.
I got your Christmas card yesterday.

So sorry for all that Aunt Joan and all of her family are going through. We will absolutely keep her in our thoughts and prayers.

Thank you. She is a little woman, but she is feisty. She'll fight this battle as well as anyone can, I believe.

I'm so sorry to hear about everything your Aunt Joan is going through! I will definitely be sending good thoughts to her and all of you guys!

Have a great time at Bella's recital!

We did have a good time. It was what you would expect from a dance studio's second ever Christmas show. There were some long pauses waiting for music to start, and there were some curtain closings and openings that were less than perfect (read: funny), but it was a fun time for the families of all of the beautiful little dancers.

Thanks for the good thoughts. I hope she will be able to go home and spend Christmas with her little guys.

I will certainly add your prayer requests to my list. The end of life is always difficult no matter what the circumstances are. And even though you know she's going to Heaven and what joys and blessings await her there, it is still hard for those left behind. I've experienced both kinds of death before, the one that comes instantly and the kind that comes with warning. Several of my family members have died slow deaths from cancer, and I had an aunt who shot herself and died immediately. Neither kind of death is easy, but looking back, I would say that I was grateful for the instances where I could say the things I wanted to say and prepare mentally for what was to come. I believe that there is a blessing to be found in everything, and maybe that is yours right now. I hope you spend as much time with her as possible in the coming days and squeeze every ounce of life from the time you have left. I also, hope you can find peace in knowing that she will be completely healed in Heaven and that you WILL see her again. I'll be praying for you too Memom.

Death is a hard part of life, right? Bringing life into the world brings so much joy, and having lives leave brings so much sadness. It is a fact, though, that one follows the other in its own time. Past all the sadness, though, there will be eternal life, and the sadness will not exist. We just have to keep that in mind.

I just had to comment today. Your Christmas pictures bring me such joy and a smile every time - so Thank You. I really needed that today.

I will pray for your Aunt Joan and family as well as the man from school It's terribly sad.
We too are having a sad time. We got word this morning that my MIL passed away. Unexpected for sure. She's been in a nursing home memory care center for about a year but we didn't know anything was really wrong. Don't have a lot of details, but she had previous bypass so her heart could have had something to do with it. I feel awful since we haven't seen her in a while and I had thought about taking a trip to see her next summer. Tentative plans are to wait and have the services after Christmas, so we will have a road trip down to VA. DH is doing okay, I think he knew that she was no longer the same Mom he once had. Ironically his dad passed away right before Christmas too on 12/20/99.

Thoughts and prayers for you family as you face the days after Christmas traveling and going through the services. The best way you can honor the memories of his parents is just to do what you are doing - raise your own sweet family the best way you know how.

I am glad the pictures have bought you some joy. I think I am about finished with all the Christmas ones I have, so I am mkaing plans to return soon for some more.

Sorry to hear about Aunt Joan and Mike. Both those families will get extra prayers from me.

So hard when such sadness is felt around the holidays.

There are seven great grandsons who will still be expecting big things from the jolly old fat man, and I feel sure the troops will rally to see that that happens. Everyone knows that's what Joan will want. It will be rough on the adults, but they will go through the motions and muddle through as others have done before. In Mike's case, the children are grown, so they don't have the diversion of little kids and wrapping paper flying everywhere. This will be an exceptionally hard time for them.

Thanks for those extra prayers. Quality of life and physical and emotional strength and comfort are what I hope for for them all.

MeMom, many prayers will be said for Aunt Joan. She sounds like a wonderful person to have in your life. Cancer is so sad, so scary. I wish that someday a cure will be found and it will just be a bad memory. Prayers for your friend Mike as well.

I would love for you to pick me up an ornament if it wouldn't be too much trouble. I'm not picky. Just would like it to say 2011. I can send or Paypal you money.

Sheree, I'm so sorry for your loss. We just lost my MIL last month so this year's holidays are tinted with sadness.

If you'll send me your phone number, I'll send you a phone picture when I see some ornaments and you can choose. Does that work? You can just send me a check later. I will most likely have them ship it straight to you from the gift shop, so be sure I have the current address. I think I still have the envelope from the Christmas card you sent of your incredibly sweet family, but just to be sure, you can PM me.

I know you are very sad to be going through your first Christmas without your MIL, but those four great kids will keep you busy and happy, and she'll be smiling on you from where she is.

I'm really sorry to hear that Sheree. It's always harder at Christmas. I'll be praying for your family as well.

Sheree- you are in my prayers also. It is such a difficult time to deal with especially during the holidays.

Sheree, you know you have these and all of our DIS friends' thoughts and prayers coming your way.

Caren, our prayers are with all that are going through sadness due to Aunt Joan's illness. It is such a horrible ordeal, we went through it with my dad until he passed away at home... It was such a sad time.
I'm also praying for the friend that has the brain tumors and his family and friends. We certainly don't understand the reason for this type of suffering but we just have to stay strong.

Sheree, Dave, and girls, I'm very sorry for your loss. Prayers for strength are being sent your way.

We don't understand pain and suffering, but we know that it is a part of this life and that we will be free from the bondage of it in our time. I think having watched two grandparents and my dad die cancer deaths, I am just bothered by what I know this is going to be for her kids. One daughter had her father-in-law die of cancer, so she will have the best idea of what it will be like. So far, they are all sort of in the shock/processing it all stage.

MeMom and Family, Prayers for your loved one and your friend! I just lost my cousin to cancer last month he was 50 yrs old and had been fighting it for 2 yrs. He was strong in his faith and I know he is visiting with my Dad and my brother in heaven. I lost my brother to brain cancer when he was only 50 and my Dad to lung cancer a few months later. Cancer seems to touch everyone at one time or another doesn't it? Again your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Yes, I think we have all had to deal with cancer, unfortunately, and more of us will have to in the future. We never know who will be its next victim.

After the grief has subsided a bit, it is a joy to picture our loved ones having a big party 'on the other side'. My dad used to sing a song with these words -
This world is not my home,
I'm just a passing through!
My treasures are laid up
Somewhere beyond the blue...

Heaven was his goal, and I believe he will see that. Right now, wherever it is a soul goes to wait for that day, I think it is the happiest place around and all of those there are verry glad to be there.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Aunt Joan, Mike, &Sheree and to all their families and friends. Such a horrible thing to go thru, especially at this time of the ear.
I think we need a giant group hug!

I think you are right about that giant hug!

I've already emailed you about this but I'm so so sorry to hear about your aunt and you, she and your family will be in my prayers. I hope you're able to find some happiness and comfort this holiday season despite this bad news.

I vividly remember talking to Heather very late on NYE 2009/2010 and she was telling me about Trent and Jarvis dancing on the webcam - I had missed it b/c we were at a friend's house that night. I ended up watching it somehow (maybe on your TR?) and it was so funny. So those pics bring back some memories even though I wasn't there....funny how pictures can do that! And about 9 days later I found out I was expecting my Seth-man....so surreal!

We will still go on with Christmas, as it is not good to bury yourself down in sadness. Joan has always been a lively lady, and she will want everyone to carry on as usual.

I'm not sure what is on the entertainment agenda for this year.

As for Seth - what joy he has brought to you and all of your family! I told you it was a love like none other you had ever known.

 

[oOJulieOo]

Bella was the smallest ballerina in the performance. (I would say she was the cutest, too, but that would be boasting, right? )

We know you are missing home and family this Christmas. I hope your friends over there will make it special. Tune in to Jill's FB for WDW pictures, too.

I am positive that Bella was indeed the cutest ballerina! No boasting there.

We are actually heading home for Christmas. Claire and I leave Tuesday and Gordon leaves Friday. I am super excited! We are all sick right now (hence the ample DIS time) and I'm hoping Claire and I are better in time for the flight on Tuesday.

 

[Charleston Princess]

MeMom, many prayers for strength and peace headed to Joan and all of you right now! My heart hurts for everyone right now.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

So sorry to hear about the families hurting now. Sending along hugs and prayers.

If anyone is looking for a smile, I think you'd all love the video below. I believe it was MeMom who "introduced" us to this family last year and they've made another great video trip report this year.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43488890&postcount=1

 

[BrooklynnsMommy]

So sorry to hear about the families hurting now. Sending along hugs and prayers.

If anyone is looking for a smile, I think you'd all love the video below. I believe it was MeMom who "introduced" us to this family last year and they've made another great video trip report this year.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43488890&postcount=1

Thanks so much for sharing!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

So sorry to hear about the families hurting now. Sending along hugs and prayers.

If anyone is looking for a smile, I think you'd all love the video below. I believe it was MeMom who "introduced" us to this family last year and they've made another great video trip report this year.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43488890&postcount=1

I hurried right over to see what that family had done! I really loved their last video!
Thanks Christine!

 

[lmillercrew]

I'm sorry to hear about your friend. I pray for comfort for her and her family. I know that the Lord hears our prayers and that he will provide her with strength and comfort in her time of need.

Thank you for sharing that video. It brought tears to my eyes. What an awesome way to remember a trip. That man sure has a talent.

 

[stace208]

Many hugs and prayers going out to all those who are hurting and dealing with family deaths and illnesses. Cancer is horrible as I have watched both of my parents suffer and die at its hand.

I loved that video! Thanks for sharing the link Christine!

I am so jealous of those of you that are done with school. We have to go not only Monday, not just Tuesday, but all the way to Wednesday!!! scared:) If I don't post at all next week please send out a search party!

Your trip is soooo close!! Can't wait to see all the pictures and find all the flashy friends on the webcam!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

So sorry to hear about the families hurting now. Sending along hugs and prayers.

If anyone is looking for a smile, I think you'd all love the video below. I believe it was MeMom who "introduced" us to this family last year and they've made another great video trip report this year.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43488890&postcount=1

Loved it!!! Makes me want to take more video of the kids and catch some of "those" moments!
Thanks for posting it!

 

[MeMom]

Prayers for the families hurting. I watched my grandmother battle cancer and it is not an easy thing to do. Cancer is horrible. I pray that God will comfort them and give them stength.

I personally witnessed three cancer deaths, and they were all horrible. I hope someone somewhere will discover a way to eradicate it for future generations.

I am positive that Bella was indeed the cutest ballerina! No boasting there.

We are actually heading home for Christmas. Claire and I leave Tuesday and Gordon leaves Friday. I am super excited! We are all sick right now (hence the ample DIS time) and I'm hoping Claire and I are better in time for the flight on Tuesday.

Good! I am glad you get to be at home, and I know your family is elated!

Get better quickly, and enjoy a wonderful, awesome, fabulous Christmas with your family and friends!

MeMom, many prayers for strength and peace headed to Joan and all of you right now! My heart hurts for everyone right now.

Thank you very much for your compassionate thoughts.

So sorry to hear about the families hurting now. Sending along hugs and prayers.

If anyone is looking for a smile, I think you'd all love the video below. I believe it was MeMom who "introduced" us to this family last year and they've made another great video trip report this year.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43488890&postcount=1

What a great present you shared with us! I watched it twice yesterday. I can't think of a better family to be chosen for Family of the Day!

I hurried right over to see what that family had done! I really loved their last video!
Thanks Christine!

Still cute, but I missed the grandparents being there this time. Having seen both videos, I have become greedy now. I hope they'll make a video of every trip so we don't get left out of their fun!

I'm sorry to hear about your friend. I pray for comfort for her and her family. I know that the Lord hears our prayers and that he will provide her with strength and comfort in her time of need.

Thank you for sharing that video. It brought tears to my eyes. What an awesome way to remember a trip. That man sure has a talent.

Farther along, we'll know all about it.
Farther along, we'll understand why...

That song keeps me going when bad things happen.

Many hugs and prayers going out to all those who are hurting and dealing with family deaths and illnesses. Cancer is horrible as I have watched both of my parents suffer and die at its hand.

I loved that video! Thanks for sharing the link Christine!

I am so jealous of those of you that are done with school. We have to go not only Monday, not just Tuesday, but all the way to Wednesday!!! scared:) If I don't post at all next week please send out a search party!

Your trip is soooo close!! Can't wait to see all the pictures and find all the flashy friends on the webcam!

Brooklynn goes today and half the day tomorrow. Mine works out perfectly - I get a week at home to relax and to do chores, and then I get a week for the trip. I usually enjoy having my fun for a week and then doing my relaxing and NY cleaning between Christmas and NY.

So sorry that you have lost both of your parents. I hope you have plenty of friends and other family members to share special times with.

We're working on a dance number for the NYE webcam show.










Not!

Loved it!!! Makes me want to take more video of the kids and catch some of "those" moments!
Thanks for posting it!

He does a good job, and the kids are great about playing to the camera.

 

[MeMom]

One week from today, we will be waking up at Pop Century.

I suppose that means we should actually leave from the last trip, huh?

After our Dolphin time,

we had Swan time.

The covered walkway was much appreciated that day.

I used Brooklynn as a decoy to take a picture of a herd of nice-looking waiters headed to work.

I blame having to keep my eye on two girls for the quick snaps and blurry pictures. When I am taking pictures on my solo roams, I have no one to blame.

Our little shopper girls.

If you forget to pack your swimwear, you can get some here that is not totally Mickey-covered.

The girls found a coloring station.

Supply section of the gift shop.

It is nice to know that all of these things are available should we need them. They might be a little costly, but when you forget something or need something in case of illness, it is a blessing to have them without having to make a trip off property.

Mickey knows how to cover all of our needs while on vacation, right Mick?

This is pretty to visit, but too elegant to stay in for folks like me.

Always drawn to the water.

Next time, we make our way to Yacht Club, where Jill had parked the car earlier.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Cool pictures of the Swan and Dolphin -- we have never even walked through there, so it was fun to see the inside. I am still laughing about using Brooklyn as a decoy to snag a photo of the cute waiters!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

It is great that Disney does have those pharmacy items...however expensive they will mark them up to be! This trip, we are going to attempt to be as prepared as possible (but we all know we're going to end up buying the $50 Advil at some point...)

 

[BrooklynnsMommy]

So let's discuss the events that led up to this point. Mom wanted to visit the Swan and Dolphin and we had our own vehicle so we decided to stop there on our way out. I was driving and it was pouring down rain so I dropped Mom, John and the girls off at the door under the overhang. I gave John my bag (containing my wallet, phone and everything) I was just going to park the car and come in so no big deal right? Wrong! The parking lot I started toward was valet parking only so out onto the road and into the general public park your own car lot. Except this lot you have to pay $20 to park in, regardless of how long you stay. I was not paying to park when I could park in the Yacht Club parking lot for free and walk. So I turned back out onto the road and headed into the Yacht Club parking lot. I got to the security gate and reached for my purse to get my ID and KTTW card. Yep, the purse that is in John's possession at the Dolphin. I was so frustrated at this point and then I remembered that I had Bella's KTTW card in my back pocket. Flashed that beautiful card and parked the car. THen started the long WET walk to the Dolphin. By the time I got there my family thought I had been kidnapped.

John and I then walked over to Epcot to get a sombrero from Mexico. By the time we made it out I looked like a drowned rat. There was a photopass guy at the International Gateway and he took our picture. I will post it when I get home so you can get a visual.

 

[DWGal210]

Nice S&D pics! Looks like a neat place. Jill, I'm sorry to hear you were a bit waterlogged! That's no fun!!

I'll miss you all on NYE but I'll be there in spirit!! We'll meet up again soon. If there are any meets, even in TN or Atlanta, I would drive over & make a long weekend of it & see everybody.

Have a great week! It'll be nice to have the time to pack
& get ready, and not be rushed.

 

[Happy Elf]

Just dropping in to say hi!

Prayers going out to Aunt Joan and family! Such a hard thing to deal with.

Hope you all have a wonderful trip!

 

[sunny_stace]

Hugs, prayers, and pixie dust to everyone who needs it right now. I am so sorry to hear so many of our Dis friends and families having such a difficult time.

MeMom - I use my DBFF Lauren as my decoy sometimes for photos...or I just pretend I'm playing around with my camera settings!

$20 to park regardless of how long you stay? That seems like robbery to me!! I hope it was a mighty nice sombrero! That's lucky that at least you had Bella's card with you Jill!

 

[snowbell]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I also lost my Dad to cancer and it is the hardest thing to go through..

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Sounds like an adventure! I think we have all been there at some point. Thank goodness you had one KTTW card in your pocket!

We had our first experience with rain at Disney on this last trip and I have to say that I don't know how people make it who have rain the entire time. It REALLY throws a wrench in your plans, especially when you are crunched for time.

Memom, I agree with you. The Swan and Dolphin look pretty nice, but they aren't for me either. They would probably be my last resort choices along with All Star Sports.