NOBODY IS MORE SURPRISED THAN US! GKTW alumni return! 10/21 MOVING DAY!!

[McDuck]

Oh how fun!! But now you've gone and made me hungry!!!

 

[blessedmom4]

Yes, the message works for me, it just took me a few days to realize it was there. I need a blinking billboard to tell me "LOOK HERE" because I always miss private messages for at least several days. I'm either really focused on keeping up with the TR's I follow, or I am just *that* oblivious! lol Hopefully you can get in a Disney day or two, but even without, you are going to have a great time. I think a Disney-area trip without a week full of park days would actually almost force me to do some of the things that I always want to, but don't find time for...like ride the monorail around and looka t all of the resorts, spend more time in Downtown Disney, etc

I purposely avert my eyes from the PM button so I don't see how far behind I am. I know some people have gotten angry with me over that; however, I just don't have enough hours to do al lI want, so I fully understand. Even if we can't manage a Disney day, we will have a blast. But if I had my druthers we would do MK to see the new stuff, Epcot for a food whirl and DHS because we love it and have never seen Fantasmic. Come on lottery! I am with you though, I have many things to keep us occupied if that doesn't happen. We have done many a monorail trips, it is good, cheap fun!

I know you will have fun even if you don't do a disney day but I hope you can go at least one day. Who knows if or when you can all go back.

This is true on all counts.

Judy, I know that there is no way you will be bored in central FL. There is just so much to do. There are some little gems that tourists over look.

There's Spook Hill, where you go up hill without accelerating. http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2058

Bok Tower is a nice relaxing place http://boktowergardens.org/

Hollis Gardens - small but charming (free) http://www.lakelandgov.net/parkrec/HollisGarden.aspx

Lakeridge winery in Clermont. Not really for the kids though they do have an amazing grape juice made from muscadine grapes. Unfortunately you just miss their jazz at the winery event. http://www.lakeridgewinery.com/

Orange County's visitor website http://www.orangecountyfl.net/Visitors.aspx

LEGOLAND has homeschool days $8 for students and $25 for accompanied adult http://florida.legoland.com/en/buy_tickets/Groups/education/Home-School-Days/

Loved al of your suggestions Michelle. Especially like the Spook Hill one. Have ya'll tried that one? Please feel free to share more if yu know of may other places. Forgive me I am VERY far behind. HOw is JJ doing? Is he well yet? I have bene praying for him (and you)!

Just a rambling thought from the soggy south - for 21 years I have had a pool, I have prayed and prayed for rain each year so I didn't have to pay for water to keep it filled up...............SO I didn't open it this year for the first time in those 21 years..............and it RAINS every day! I am sure its great for anyone that grows fruit and veggies, it keeps our water supply stable etc but now my friends are saying their gardens are not growing good due to too much rain, there is flash flooding in areas etc............it would be nice to let God save on his water bill just a little bit

Judy - have you started packing yet? I haven't unpacked from my trip to WDW last fall...............I am a slacker, what can I say! I guess I shouldn't tell you that I haven't fully unpacked from a trip to San Antonio 3 years ago then. I figure when I need something I know where it is, if I travel I save myself time packing because I can just go in the guest room and pick out what I need to take with me. If I stayed off of the computer I might get things put away........NOPE, not gonna happen

Deborah, this rain has been horrible...we are on day 19 or 20straight of rain/storms.Tat is so typical about your pool! My kind of luck.

As for packing...not much, but thinknig about it and assembling things. I keep a toiletry bag packed at the ready. I have had to fly out of here too many times at odd hours with a sick child and it just makes life a bit easier to grab and go.

Good morning Judy. How is the Disney planning going?

I have many ideas, but nothing concrete. Getting Lisa well has been a huge priority.

I found this free activity and thought of you. Does anybody know anything about it?

Oh that looks yummy/fun/interesting. Has anyone tried this? I am just not sure I have ever had this type of food and what I would think of it...IF they let us taste it..

 

[blessedmom4]

Judy check out mrfreestuff.com/things-to-do-in-orlando/ for a list of 40 free things. Not all would be good for a family but many would. If you read the comments people mentioned other ideas as well. For instance someone mentioned a coffee house that has a free open Mic night. I think I mentioned this before but here is the movie night and Chip and Dale sing along at Fort Wilderness. You can also see the horses they use in the parades as they are housed at Fort.You can do smores there or at the Poly on the beach.I think the ones at Poly start at 5. At AKL you can get night vision goggles to watch for animals.

I looked at the list, too bad for the open mic night they want locals...boo. I have seen some of them before, some were new. THANK YOU too for including ideas for us! We have had the movie night on our radar for awhile. There are SO many things to do at Disney/Orlando...I want to do them all! I hope you enjoy your last few nights before the children get home I DO know how hard this was for you!

Judy, thank you so much for the Disney filled July 4th greeting! So sorry that I did not repay in kind. Which reminds me of something that I have been meaning to say for some time.... I absolutely love how you invest the time to get to know everyone that signs on and follows your family's life story. So many people who are blessed by your enthusiasm and graciousness...your gratitude and faithfulness. You live what you believe so well!

I hope you are having a blessed weekend!

You are so very incredibly sweet. Thank you! I DO try to know everyone, it makes me happy to hear everyone's joy, how I can pray, what your family is like. Unfortunately, not everyone likes that trait about me...but it is who I am. Some folks are so unhappy, it is sad. But ALL are welcome. I truly hope I get to meet YOU one day, you are such a kind soul and always know just what to say. I see your God Light shining brightly and it makes ME happy!

Evening Judy, just popping in to say "hi". I had the fourth off from work but I worked my buns off at home. Allllllll day long! Went to work on the 5th and worked 'til Noon and then came back home and worked some more. But, once all of the painting, changing out, etc. is done, it will all be worth it.

So, 'nuff about what I've been doing. What have you and the family been doing? Working on Florida plans? Inquiring minds want to know!

I have read all you have been doing...when are you coming to do my place?? Seriously, I can't wait to see pictures!! Speaking of another wonderufl spirit filled soul... you!


Okay, so I need to finish cooking, it just feels so great to have Lisa a bit better today, I feel more light hearted than I have in over a month!

 

[lovethattink]

So glad to read that Lisa is feeling better today! JJ asks me every day how Lisa is. But I have to be so careful what I say to him.

Loved al of your suggestions Michelle. Especially like the Spook Hill one. Have ya'll tried that one? Please feel free to share more if yu know of may other places. Forgive me I am VERY far behind. HOw is JJ doing? Is he well yet? I have bene praying for him (and you)!

Today was one of JJ's worse days with the ticking. This afternoon they were painful. They last anywhere from seconds to a few minutes. Seems when he fights it, they come back more plentiful and more powerful. At the same time it's hard to try to relax when he is choking. The medication is not helping him at all. He is 16 on a waiting list for OT. In between, we try to make the best of it. The last 2 Mondays we went to Disney for a couple hours. Those brief escapes are heaven. (Posted pictures on my TR.) Wish you were close enough that you could escape for a bit too.

If I think of anything else, I'll let you know. Somewhere I have a book called One Tank Trips. Many of the destinations are right here in Central FL.

The movie night looks fun. Those red, white and blue strawberries look delicious.

 

[miprender]

Please, if you have time as you read this, log in and let me know you are praying. Lisa is still very medically fragile, no matter how healthy she appears. I need her to be well and for her tests to turn out good tomorrow. Thank you for caring enough for my little sweetie to pray for her! I will be back for more responses, I promise.

I am still here even if I don't have time to log on that much. You and your family are always in my prayers.

Love those strawberries.... YUMMY

Glad to hear Lisa is doing a little better. I have been sick for two weeks. I know I had the beginning of pneumonia again and the antibiotics barely helped.

 

[danygirl]

Glad to hear Lisa is feeling better! So far with our exchange students we have learned that people in china don't have ovens. The girls had never baked before!!!! So my baby and our exchange students made toll house cookies. Fun and delicious


More prayers needed for my dad

 

[blessedmom4]

uh oh, no posts from Judy during the night is not a good thing! That usually means computer issues, something she does not need.
I hope every one has a great sunday, I for one plan to do as little as possible since I finally get a few days off!

It has bene a tough few months, Thanks for sticking with us and for caring.

This NOT good, no posts from anyone since mine this morning! Did I break all the computers? Is everyone just having too much fun on a lazy Sunday?

No, its okay lol you were just the last post. But i hope you enjoyed your Sunday! Mine was a lazy day too.

I hope you come back to visit.

Trust me, this thread is usually busy! I hope everyone had a great day free of all the normal stressors that everyone has, or as free of them as possible.

It has been a little quiet lately, but i am so happy to know who is still here. Thank you.

This is just the first time I have been on the computer all weekend. I hope that everything is okay with Judy and the kids and it is computer issues and not health issues that are keeping her away.

Unfortunately, it has been both So glad you are still here, Thank you.

I am getting a bit concerned also. Judy, praying for your family.

Thank you.

I hope everyone is having a nice long weekend.
Thoughts and prayers for all!!

Glad to see you Michele, praying all is well.

I've been checking in. I sure hope you are having the best weekend ever celebrating our country's independence.

That was a tough weekend, thanks for being here Michelle, even when I can't be.

 

[blessedmom4]

Thinking of you Judy and praying for no big issues. Hope you had a great 4th. We just got home from vacation tonight and it was fabulous. One of our most relaxing vacations ever and we needed that!

That made me so very happy! I can't wait to read all about it!!!

No, I did not speak to Judy. I was just letting her know I've been checking in. She gets so many lurkers and appreciates when someone takes the time to let her know they are thinking of her. That was my way of letting her know. And I'm hoping no news is good news. And also hoping that no news means they've been having so much fun this weekend that there was no time to check in. They need a break and I hope they caught one this weekend.

I am always glad to know you have been here Michelle, Thank you! Praying for JJ, I am truly sorry about the tics, that is tough. If he can just feel safe and Tic it does help.

So sorry to hear both girls are such. I hope the antibiotics work soon for Lisa. The sweet child really needs a break. I wish both she and JJ were enjoying their summer.

Thank you sweet friend, these children DESERVE to have to not live with a they do. I am thankful you understand....and I am SORRY you have to!

Ugh! Sounds like the one upside to everything right now is the fact that Pete got to spend time with ya'll during the holiday. Hope the girls start to feel better soon!

It was such a blessing to have him home with us...and NO ONE was in the hospital That is ALWAYS a better day! You know what I mean!

I'm sorry that your girls are sicker. I appreciate knowing what is going on because it helps me be more specific in my prayers. (even though I think God knows the issues and reads what is in our heart)

God bless you Piper, I know you understand the trials of ill children and health challenges of your own. Always good to see you! Lifting you in prayer as well!

Sent you a pm. Hope you had a wonderful july 4!

Ah Mary Ellen...I just love you One of these days!!!!

 

[happybelle]

Love your Disney movie fun, I liked your flyer. I thought the guys did a great job on the cookies. Who decorated the berries, they looked good. That blue sugar was a nice touch. I hope Lisa continues to feel better.

 

[ladylyons]

I'm glad that Lisa is starting to feel better. I hope it continues!!

OMG! I love the red, white and blue strawberries! They don't just look like fun but they also look delicious!! We love strawberries!!

Had another appointment today and everything is going great!!!

 

[blessedmom4]

I really appreciate each and every one of you who take the time to let me know you are here and thinking about us.

Sorry to hear that the girls are under the weather again...hoping they feel better soon.

Thanks Kathy!

Just checking in on you. Sorry to hear the girls are so sick. Praying for them to feel better soon.

We need the prayers. Thank you.

Sorry that the girls are both sick, hoping that they start feeling better soon. At least Pete got to spend some time with ya'll because of the holiday I know that was probably nice.
Thoughts and Prayers to all that need them.

It was wonderful to have Pete home and us NOT having to run a bunch of places! Doesn't happen often enough.

Sorry I've been MIA!! We left for my parent's house in Oregon on Tuesday and just got home late last night! We had a great time and I loved getting to see my brother from Washington and my older sister who lives in Redding. Such a fun time! Kids had a ball playing with their cousins!

Hope you were able to have a fun filled 4th of July weekend! I hope the girls start to feel better.

So happy you had some time away as a family and could spend time with family! that your MD appt went well, I hope you continue to feel better!!

Prayers for the girls to quickly be on the mend!

Thank you Alyson.

I'm checking in after a few days in WV. Praying for your girls to get better, your computer to get better, and the car as well. Thanks for putting all your posts in blue, it makes it so much easier when I'm playing catch up.

Thank you, I hope you had a great time away! We do have a plethora of needs, don't we...I am grateful for our blessings, they balance them out.

Praying Rachel and Lisa feel better very soon.

Thank you.

Judy,

I am praying that the girls feel better. I am so glad you got that time with Pete at home. I hope the computer issues work themselves out.


Thoughts and prayers for all.

Thanks Michele, I am happy we can use the computer/ Internet...now I just need more time to do it!

 

[blessedmom4]

I hope the girls feel better, the computer gets fixed and all of the other needs are met.

Thank you...we are a mess, aren't we?

Sorry it has taken me forever to join in. Like Lisa, I have a horrid sinus infection! I really feel for her and can completely empathize.

All that aside, I am really excited for your upcoming trip! I am still hoping to sneak a few days in with the kids this fall, but we shall see. We have a lot to get in order with finances and still have the issues in our crawl space so that may delay any planned future vacations. Likewise, we just got back from our UT vaca and need to recover from that.

I'm just delighted though that you and your family have something so wonderful and exciting to look forward to. You really deserve this!

ANDREA!!!!! Sp glad you are here!!! I truly pray your sinus infection and shoulder are both MUCH better and no new health issues (or any issues) have cropped up! I am glad you were able to get away to see family, I hope you will share more details of the fun and some pictures... If I had my druthers, we would be gong the first week of December, but beggars can't be choosers, right? I do hope the finances get in order, I now it was a LONG time of stress and I am so thrilled the house is finally gone! Thank you for letting me know you are here.

I hope the girls are on the mend and no one else gets sick. I thought of you folks as I foolishly walked around Carowinds yesterday, I waited until the afternoon but it was still HOT and HUMID, I bet my clothes could have stood up on their own..............I know TMI At least it was cool in the water at the water park. Just when you think you know a 5 year olds mind, he fools you! I thought he would love the kids area or the lazy river, but NO, he loved the wave pool, mind you he hates the ocean because of the waves, go figure Hopefully you and your clan are staying cool inside a nice air conditioned house and healing fast.

YOu were a brave lady to go that day to Carowinds, it has been so hot, humid and muggy here! I haven't been to Carowinds water park in years but i KNOW it was a great place to cool off...Lisa loves the wave pool, they scare me to pieces with her leg length discrepancy and right sided weakness...she obviously can't wear her lifts or brace in the water and I hold her so tight, I worry she will get swept away...I am the same way at the beach....AH, I need to see the ocean soon, it has been much too long!

Hey there Judy and family, hope that things are looking better than they were when you last checked in with us. Praying for you all the way across the miles!

Thank you Lisa! We are all good, at least we were when I put everyone to bed and I am claiming more of the same for today!

Praying that the girls feel better and that no one else gets sick!!

Thank you Erika, Praying all is well for you and your family!

 

[blessedmom4]

Sorry to hear the girls are not feeling well. I really hope they are already feeling much better, and well on the road to being 100% again soon!

Thoughts and prayers being sent!!!

I've been keeping up, but usually on my DISboards app on my phone, so I typically can't see the pictures. I had to stop by and check everything out. Movie night looked like a huge success, and the creative food ideas was a definite

What a wonderful idea to make the countdown fun (and hopefully not seem so long).

Thanks for being here Marv and for your good wishes and prayers! I am in awe of anyone who can see their phones to do anything, it wouldn't behoove me to have a smart phone, I wouldn't be able to see it. Actually, I feel like the trip is rapidly approaching and I am not nearly ready! I better get that way though, we only have a couple more months to go! We are loving the family nights, Christina is u next, so I can't wait to see what he chooses...he has hinted at French foods...and when you start thinking of Disney and France...well, there are quite a few ways to go! So since I am sure you are reading...H!!!

I hope your girls are on the mend today. So sorry they are under the weather again!
I worked this morning, and now we are chilling out here at home. I should be cleaning my house, but I'm feeling pretty lazy at the moment, probably from the unusual heat. We are hoping to meet up with some friends tomorrow at a park with a stream for the kids to splash in. Haven't seen them in months even though they are only one town over, so we are all looking forward to it. Oh, and I got great news - my Grandmother is coming for a visit at the end of the month for my cousin's wedding and she is going to stay with us for a few days! I haven't seen her in over a year and she has promised to give Elisabeth and me a few knitting lessons, so we are excited about that!

Thank you Amy! I hope you all are continuing to enjoy the wonderful days of summer and the children are well!! I hope your Grandmother's visit goes well and how I wish I could be there to learn to knit!!

Hi Judy, sorry to hear the girls aren't feeling well. Prayers for them!
I sent you an e-mail when you get a chance to check.

Tracy, I need to answer several of your emails, forgive me! PLEASE don't hold it agains't me, I really do care about the fact I am so far behind on everything. I am thankful you are a good friend and gracious and really understand!

THANK YOU for your prayers and your friendship!

 

[happybelle]

I hope Lisa wakes up feeling much better today and that your worries are few. France, I wonder what Christian has in mind?

 

[DrMomof3]

What an adorable movie night!

Amanda

 

[redomni]

I am still here and praying for everyone to feel better soon. I have just been checking in the last few days because I aggravated an old wrist injury and have been wearing the brace which makes it hard to type, but I am reading.
If I could ask for some prayers for my dad he has been having some issues that are getting worse the last few days and the next step is surgery so I am hoping he gets better and doesn't have to have that.

Thoughts and prayers to all that need them.

 

[blessedmom4]

Praying the girls feel better very soon.

We got back from our fourth of July trip just yesterday and got a surprise today that will take us out of town again on Friday. Don't worry though it was a good surprise. I told you that Jenna and Jonnie got into Camp Corral, well Tess has been bummed that she is too old to go as a camper this year and we weren't able to figure out how to get her in as a counselor in time. Or so I thought. Today I was talking to the camp director about Jonnies medical needs and somehow I mentioned Tess wanting to be a counselor and he told me it was a great coincidence (I would call it something else) that he had just got off the phone with a counselor that had to back out at the last moment. So now Tess is Camp Corrals newest junior counselor but she has to be there before the campers so my MIL offered to get a us a hotel with her points so we could take her up (4 hours away) and just stay there for a few days until its time for the younger ones to go. One of the best things about this is that it will give Jonnie a chance to see the camp before having to go there as a camper. I really feel this was an answer to many prayers as I feel a great relief knowing Tessa will be there to help calm Jonnie if he has any medical issues. Before I knew that Tessa would be there John and I had actually booked a hotel for Sunday and Monday night figuring that if anything were to happen it would likely happen in the first day or two because of stress. We can't cancel that booking so this little jaunt has turned into a 4 night trip. We will go down on Friday, drop Tessa off really early Saturday. Spend the day with Jenna Jonnie and Paige (maybe a zoo). Sunday afternoon we check the kids into camp and then we will spend a few days just hanging out. Paige want's to go to the lake so I think we might do that. I think it will be good for Paige she really has been dealing with a lot and she's a lot of fun for me to hang out with so I will have company when John needs to rest. It should be fun but I still don't have everything put away from the last trip.

Had a longer lunch break because Therapy got cut short, so checking in while my lunch cooks, leaving at 1 for the hematologist. Thanks for being here Krystal, you have been an understanding friend from the start of my DIS days. So glad you had some unexpected time away and the children were able to go to camp. I hope the rest of the week has gone smoothly, I am sure you will be regaled with stories from their wonderful time away and you will see a lot of happy smiles.

I am so thankful the girls are improving, I hope that continues. Prayers for good news about your Dad.

July 9 is a memory filled day at your house and shows the power of God. Thanks for sharing with us.

Thank you . I was happy to replace one bad memory of that day with a happy one of such a positive nature!

PRAISING THE LORD FOR ALL OF THE GOOD NEWS! Hopefully, the girls will continue on the path to getting better.

Thank you my dear friend, love you!

Glad everyone is on the mend! Praying that you get good news today with your upcoming doctors appointments!

God Bless you Erika, praying all is well!

So happy to hear the girls are doing better. Sorry Lisa got the stomach bug too. It's hard to prevent things even with separation. The impaired immunity really makes it tough. I hope the boys have been able to stay away from both the respiratory and GI illnesses.

Anniversaries of life changing dates are definitely emotional times. ((hugs)). Praying Lisa continues to not need surgery for a long time.

Praying for you all.

Thanks for being here Tink and for the understanding. I don't think some people can really understand the strain living with a chronically ill person can be, the unknown factor (of the knows that can happen) are huge. It has ruined many a friendship because I have to put their needs first...and we do have more than one person with so many needs. But you know, we have discussed this aspect before and I appreciate your understanding.

Praying JJ is feeling so much better today!

 

[p00h4me]

Hi Judy, Great movie night pictures! Glad that Lisa seems to be feeling better.

We've talked about the wheat elimination that's been helping my husband and I with some health issues...sinuses is one of them besides lowering his blood sugar (102 this morning ). Just read from the wheatbellyblog.com about "Mucous flows where wheat goes" http://www.wheatbellyblog.com/2013/07/mucous-flows-where-wheat-goes/#comments and thought of Lisa and others that seem to be having sinus problems. Have you all tried eliminating wheat for a month and seeing if the symptoms get better or goes away? This modern dwarf wheat (started around 1980) is horrible stuff and it's in almost all processed foods now. If you want to learn more about it, you can go on YouTube and search for Dr. William Davis to hear what he has learned treating his patients as a cardiologist. I listened this morning to this interview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Jsi3RlWz48 Just seeing first hand that this really works for us and want others to see the dangers of consuming this poison into their body along with their family members. This is life changing for us and there's no going back eating wheat again now that we know the truth about it. We have shared this knowledge with friends and family. Some embrace it and others do not. Okay, off my soapbox. Hope this information can be of help to you all and that as you learn, you can pass it on to those you love too.

Prayers for all those who requested it!

 

[blessedmom4]

Alice In Wonderland
I got most of this stuff right after Easter on clearance really cheap- like 90% off. We had animals shaped sandwiches and cantaloupe slices for the Cheshire Cat Smiles. We wore hats that I got at the dollar store.
http://[URL=http://s976.photobucket.com/user/reelmom/media/42b74c1c-df96-4773-95b2-27c2cb764354_zps9393358c.jpg.html][/URL]

I am so in love with all of your movie days, they are FABULOUS!!! THANK YOU for sharing them with us all. The children look so happy and you really have some great ideas. I want to do an Alice n Wonderland T-party! I think that is going to be my next Movie!The boys will love it. I will be on the lookout for future movie night deals, this will be a great way to have some magic, even when we can't go to the real place.

Sorry, I don't know why the pictures are showing up twice when I view it on my phone. On the laptop, the pictures are only showing once. I don't know what happened. I am not very computer savvy so I don't know if I could attempt to correct it.

The pics and size are perfect

Judy, glad the girls are both doing better, sorry that Lisa got sick too. I hope that they both continue to improve and that everything goes okay at all the doctors appointments today. Hopefully they will be able to figure out what the internet issue is soon. I don't know what I would do without mine especially since I take classes online a lot. Hope that it is a quite a while before Lisa needs another surgery and she keeps continuing to surprise the doctors.

Thoughts and prayers to all that need them.

Thank you for your continued prayers. PLEASE KNOW I am lifting your Dad, you and the entire family up. I hope you feel God's Love and Grace.

 

[kayrosek]

Judy, Good to see you on and also to know Lisa is doing a little better. Loved the pics of you Movie Night Celebration.