Mingos in the Watah! What in the Wuhld?

[MeMom]

NO RAIN NO RAIN!!!!!

I am leaving the 29th and staying through Jan 3rd. SSR/AKL split

We will have our eyes on the forecast over the next few days. I doubt it will rain enough to ruin anyone's trip, but maybe we'll get lucky and have none.

I was at Target and I hopped over to the shoe department to take some pictures of adorable little boots for some adorable little princesses. (They are at a price that won't knock the socks off their Memom!)

Looking forward to some Swalphin pictures! (I might visit them in person if I can fit it in!)

I saw some cute boots this evening at Sears too....

Emily has some boots, sans the glitter from Old Navy. She wears them all she can (she cannot wear to school with her uniform)

Lucky you to be done Friday.... we go Monday and Tuesday. I am done doing assessments and real work on Friday. Monday we will make gifts, Tuesday we will party.

I appreciate the pictures and information. Jill was telling me about the brown ones. I am finished with the girls now, though, so I may think about those for next year. I think Jill was going to have to buy Brooklynn some new shoes before we leave, because her foot keeps growing and growing and growing!

I am so excited (and a little jealous) for everyone with trips coming up soon. Can't wait to hear about all of the fun. Hopefully we are still going at the end of February. Still waiting to hear about DH's job situation.

Memom - those last few steps out of the park are just agony - no wonder you were dragging your feet. On our last day, we ate at Chef Mickey's, rode the monorail, ate at EOS at DTD and finished up our shopping. We finally hit the interstate at 2:00 for a 8 hour drive home Talk about dragging it out until the last minute.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day.

That was a nice non-park day for you. Thankfully, we had our annual passes, so we didn't use up a daily ticket on a half day in the park. On trips that we don't have AP's, we do the same kind of things. DTD is a good way to make your way out and do your last bit of shopping.

I wish Earl would sell packages of his bread. That would be a souvenir I would bring home from every trip!

The flashing package from Oriental Trading came yesterday! Anyone watching on NYE will be able to spot us!

Awww the last day has arrived....bummer!! But at least we know you are going back so we have another fabulous trip report to look forward too!!!!

YAY for flashing things!!! That is awesome!

I will be watching at least a little of it! I'll need the link however.

I'd like that link too please!

Here's the link, anyway, it's the place I watched from last year...
http://www.**********.com/forum/live-video.php

10 more days for me (well...in an hour or so!!! ) and some of you are in single digits!!!!!!!!

might need a message on FB for that one!

I'll post a link on FB!!!

Good to know we have flashing things and webcam all set. Dave messaged me yesterday that they are ready for the 'party'.

Well I'm still not sure about my January trip. They told my mom on Tuesday that they're expecting to discharge my grandma on December 29th. That seems early to both of us but she's about ready to explode. We're checking her out for the day on Christmas. We're having dinner at our house with her, my uncle, Jeremy, Leslie, Caleb, and I think Josh and Kazin. We're gonna have a hard time getting her to go back to the nursing home after

This is definitely gonna be a very last minute trip if we go. I'll probably be texting you while you're there to let you know if we're going or not My mom did say that if we don't go we'll try to go in May when I'm done with school. But I really, really hope this January trip works out. I'd love to be there at the same time as Meg, and I want to see the Osborne lights and the castle lights. I was also really looking forward to the low crowds. I tried not to let myself get too excited about it but up until all of this happened with my grandma I was about 95% sure we were going. Of course I'll completely understand if we can't go, but I'll still be disappointed.

On the bright side, I'm done with school until Jan 23 I really did enjoy my first semester but I'm definitely excited to get a break for a while!

Well, if it doesn't work out, May will be fun, too, and you and Meg can arrange another meet up there somewhere. Sometimes family things happen that we just need to attend to, and WDW is going to be there after you get your grandmother all situated. Maybe it will work out that another relative can help her for a few days, though, or maybe she could have a home health nurse come while you guys get a little break.

 

[MeMom]

Jill and John were making a last minute stop in Epcot, and I was visiting two resorts I had not been inside - Swan and Dolphin.

We started here.

This is the kind of Disney/non-Disney gift I can get Trent and Drew, although I didn't get them shirts this time.

I have certainly heard a lot about this place.

Going down.

Another place I had heard about, so it was nice to finally see it in person.

Next time, we will visit the Swan, so I'm giving you bird-haters ample warning.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I love the Swan and the Dolphin, I know they sometimes don't get as much love as the other resorts, but I think they're really unique and fun! It looks like you guys missed Sugar3 though! (Should be "sugar cubed", but I can't figure out how to make it show up correctly!) It's a fun little (VERY little) candy store with some unique candies and treats in the Dolphin!

 

[Kgroo]

Memom, great update - we have never been over to the Swan or the Dolphin. Thanks for taking us on a tour via pictures. Looks pretty cool. I guess that is why we keep going over and over - always something new to see

 

[sunny_stace]

I always walk by the dolphin but have never been inside! It really looks lovely! I'll have to make a point of going inside the next time I'm there! I've heard nothing but good things about all the restaurants and the spa and everything.

 

[snowbell]

All caught up...

I have stayed at the Dolphin a bunch of times... I love the pool. Luckily when I stay there my company usually picks up the bill..

 

[punkin413]

Thanks for the pictures of Shula's. One day when I take my dad back to Disney World I want to take him there to eat. He's a HUGE Miami Dolphins fan - grew up in Hialeah, which is a subdivision of Miami - and he'd love seeing all the memorabilia they have there. Plus I heard the food is awesome.

I'm okay with a hotel called the Swan....just not a real swan.

 

[MeMom]

I love the Swan and the Dolphin, I know they sometimes don't get as much love as the other resorts, but I think they're really unique and fun! It looks like you guys missed Sugar3 though! (Should be "sugar cubed", but I can't figure out how to make it show up correctly!) It's a fun little (VERY little) candy store with some unique candies and treats in the Dolphin!

I think those resorts were pretty to look at, but they weren't my style as far as staying there. I am very glad that Disney World has so many types of resorts for such a variety of tastes, needs, and wants in a vacation. I read all the time about people who would not go to WDW if they had to stay at a value resort, yet for me, I'd rather stay at a value than at Swan or Dolphin. I think it will fun to see what other themes and types of resorts are yet to come, too.

I guess I did miss the candy store, which was possibly a good thing, since I had the girls with me. Brooklynn loves, loves, loves sweets, so she probably would have talked me into some large amount of sugar.

Memom, great update - we have never been over to the Swan or the Dolphin. Thanks for taking us on a tour via pictures. Looks pretty cool. I guess that is why we keep going over and over - always something new to see

So much to see and do! 2-4 trips a year seems like a requirement, doesn't it?

I always walk by the dolphin but have never been inside! It really looks lovely! I'll have to make a point of going inside the next time I'm there! I've heard nothing but good things about all the restaurants and the spa and everything.

People sing the praises of these resorts, and i know teachers can get nice discounts. My personal taste would take me back to the 'regular' resorts, though, even if they are value.

All caught up...

I have stayed at the Dolphin a bunch of times... I love the pool. Luckily when I stay there my company usually picks up the bill..

I did not get a chance to roam the grounds, since it was raining. I will have to make another trip there sometime.

Thanks for the pictures of Shula's. One day when I take my dad back to Disney World I want to take him there to eat. He's a HUGE Miami Dolphins fan - grew up in Hialeah, which is a subdivision of Miami - and he'd love seeing all the memorabilia they have there. Plus I heard the food is awesome.

I'm okay with a hotel called the Swan....just not a real swan.

That would be a great treat for him, Dawn!

We may do all things swan-ish tomorrow.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

I have never been inside the Dolphin either. It's pretty! It's fun to explore other resorts!

Question for you MeMom. Any idea where I can buy a 2011 Disney World Christmas ornament? I have looked everywhere! Disney Store, Laughing Place, Ebay, etc. Nothing! Any other ideas?

 

[nowellsl]

Question for you MeMom. Any idea where I can buy a 2011 Disney World Christmas ornament? I have looked everywhere! Disney Store, Laughing Place, Ebay, etc. Nothing! Any other ideas?

Not Memom here, but have you seen these

http://www.disneystore.com/personalized/ornaments/mn/1001222+1000344+1000882/

Or something like this http://www.disneystore.com/walt-disney-world-cinderella-castle-ornament/mp/1274127/1000882+1000344/ and you could write 2011 with a silver sharpie!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Jen treated me to a spa morning at Mandara last summer. It was heavenly!

 

[MeMom]

I have never been inside the Dolphin either. It's pretty! It's fun to explore other resorts!

Question for you MeMom. Any idea where I can buy a 2011 Disney World Christmas ornament? I have looked everywhere! Disney Store, Laughing Place, Ebay, etc. Nothing! Any other ideas?

I very much enjoy exploring the resorts. I love seeing the pictures, flowers, furniture, lighting, etc., hearing the music, and tasting the food of each one.

Stephanie always comes through on the Disney shopping ideas, but if neither of those work for you, we'll sure be glad to try to get you one when we're in Disney World. It wouldn't get to you for this year, but you could still have it for years to come.

Not Memom here, but have you seen these

http://www.disneystore.com/personalized/ornaments/mn/1001222+1000344+1000882/

Or something like this http://www.disneystore.com/walt-disney-world-cinderella-castle-ornament/mp/1274127/1000882+1000344/ and you could write 2011 with a silver sharpie!

You and Wigd - nobody can beat you two when it comes to the shopping. I may take the most pictures, but you guys are the supersleuths in tracking stuff down.

Jen treated me to a spa morning at Mandara last summer. It was heavenly!

I bet it was.



**********************************************

For those of you who are so inclined, we would appreciate good thoughts and prayers for our Aunt Joan. She's the mother of Dawn and Kellye, and they are the grandmothers of all of our little guys that we have so much fun with. Joan is the one who had the bad car wreck back in the spring. She is lucky to have lived through that, as the guard rail went in through the driver's side headlight and came out through the passenger side back window of her van. If you saw the pictures of the car, you would see she came close to literally being sliced right through the middle of her body.

 

[jenjolt]

Prayers being sent for Aunt Joan!! I hope everything works out for her!

 

[MeMom]

I have never been inside the Dolphin either. It's pretty! It's fun to explore other resorts!

Question for you MeMom. Any idea where I can buy a 2011 Disney World Christmas ornament? I have looked everywhere! Disney Store, Laughing Place, Ebay, etc. Nothing! Any other ideas?

I very much enjoy exploring the resorts. I love seeing the pictures, flowers, furniture, lighting, etc., hearing the music, and tasting the food of each one.

Stephanie always comes through on the Disney shopping ideas, but if neither of those work for you, we'll sure be glad to try to get you one when we're in Disney World. It wouldn't get to you for this year, but you could still have it for years to come.

Not Memom here, but have you seen these

http://www.disneystore.com/personalized/ornaments/mn/1001222+1000344+1000882/

Or something like this http://www.disneystore.com/walt-disney-world-cinderella-castle-ornament/mp/1274127/1000882+1000344/ and you could write 2011 with a silver sharpie!

You and Wigd - nobody can beat you two when it comes to the shopping. I may take the most pictures, but you guys are the supersleuths in tracking stuff down.

Jen treated me to a spa morning at Mandara last summer. It was heavenly!

I bet it was.



**********************************************

For those of you who are so inclined, we would appreciate good thoughts and prayers for our Aunt Joan. She's the mother of Dawn and Kellye, and they are the grandmothers of all of our little guys that we have so much fun with. Joan is the one who had the bad car wreck back in the spring. She is lucky to have lived through that, as the guard rail went in through the driver's side headlight and came out through the passenger side back window of her van. If you saw the pictures of the car, you would see she came close to literally being sliced right through the middle of her body.

Anyway, she had not been feeling well and had lost her appetite. She's little anyway, and she couldn't afford to lose any more weight. They did tests, which came back not good. They suspected cancer - ovarian and stomach. When they did the surgery yesterday, the doctor said there is disease everywhere. She has tumors wrapped around organs, and the doctor said he couldn't get them without compromising the organs. After more results come back Monday, they will make decisions about any treatments and how they might affect quality of life vs. the time she could have left.

Joan and Ray are two of the finest people around. When I moved to TN and became friends with their daughters through the church youth group, they took me in as their 'third daughter'. I didn't have a close family, for reasons I won't go into, but their family life was like I wanted my family to be someday. I practically lived at their house. We went on camping trips. We played board games. We coached and played on softball teams and basketball teams. We played tennis. We laughed. I ended up marrying a nephew of theirs, and even though we divorced, they kept me on as family, and Dawn, Kellye, and I raised all of our kids together at school and church. When my ex refused to pay court ordered school tuition, Ray stepped in and paid it until I could finish school. Instead of taking all the kids to swimming lessons, Joan paid a swim teacher to come to her house to have a class just for all of our gang. When I didn't have the money for Jill to go on a youth retreat, Joan and Ray paid it. Ray has been very blessed in his career. He was a highly revered accountant with a large firm, and he made good, good money. He has always had the means to give, and he has always given. A lot.

I have no doubt that they will spend their eternity in heaven, but it is still so very sad to see this active, vibrant woman begin to face what will most likely be the end of her days here on earth. Ray will not do well without her. He hovers over her like a mother hen, and he will be lost in a big way.

Joan has been a part my life since I was 16 years old. She was a mother figure when I badly needed one. Her family kept me in church. I love her dearly, as does the rest of her family. I have a pretty good idea of what she is most likely about to go through. I saw my dad die of cancer, and it was ugly.

Also, a friend of ours from the kids' school, a guy that worked ballgames as one of the scorekeepers and whose wife taught both my boys, also is dying of brain tumors. He is young - with children in their early 20's and one still in high school. Another fine, fine man. So kind to everyone.

Please keep both of these people and those who love them and watch after them in your thoughts and prayers. They need courage to face the days ahead with strength and assurance. Their families need comfort, because this hurts, and it hurts badly. We know that everyone has a time to die, but when we begin to understand that that time is drawing near, we need the support of many people to go through it. Thank you for your prayers for these people that we care for so much.

 

[MeMom]

Prayers being sent for Aunt Joan!! I hope everything works out for her!

My computer did something crazy. I didn't realize the beginning of that post had gone through when FATAL ERROR showed up. Anyway, the rest of the post is now up, and we cherish your prayers.

 

[jillyb]

MeMom So sorry to hear about Aunt Joan...just doesn't seem fair or right that she lived through such a horrible accident only to be faced with something much worse. Life throws ya for a loop like that sometimes I guess.

I'll keep her and your friend in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[pooh'smate]

MeMom, I will be prying for Aunt Joan. I watched my grammie die of the same thing (stomach/ovarian cancer) and I will be praying for her family too.

I will also be praying for the man with the brain tumor.

 

[IluvXU]

Sending prayers to your family and friend. Knowing someone is dying, especially this time of year is so difficult. Even two months after my friend died, I am still brought to tears, especially when I see her girls, husband or parents. Cancer is just a terrible way to die.

 

[jenjolt]

OH Caren I'm so sorry to hear about your dear friend!! Yes many prayers will be sent for her and her family during this hard and difficult time!

 

[momof2TNboys]

I will be praying for Aunt Joan and the man you know with brain cancer. It is devastating. It seems like cancer is everywhere. I deal with it on a regular basis. I just had a dear sweet patient pass away from lung cancer. My job was to help Hospice give her the best medications to make her comfortable. That is as important as anything else I do. I pray that God gives comfort. As you know, my father is ill and we just found out that a close friend has to have triple bypass surgery on Monday. It makes you stop and count your blessings and remember the important things in life.