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

[cogero]

Andrea loved reading your update.

Judy I am thinking of you all as always

 

[blessedmom4]

Days can go from crazy normal to insane normal in the blink of an eye. I am glad the day is done, Christian was kind enough to step in and take David to woodworking, so I am home after being gone the majority of the day. I hope your day has been calmer than mine.

Hi again,

Thanks for the sweet reply. I saw on your ticker that you are under the 2 month mark, Hooray!! Your last movie night looked so fun. I showed the whole family the strawberries you made, we were all drooling. I hope that Lisa is feeling better. I could relate to your being so happy to hear her sing.

Oh and I'm glad to hear that wish families can return to GKTW and participate in all the fun!! We do not have trip plans in the near future, maybe 2-3 years. I would love to go back while Mallory is still young!! The whole pizza thing was awesome!! I think we got pizza every night!!

Here are some recent pictures of the kids:


This was our family vacation this year. We went on a cruise with my side of the family. It was so much fun and we booked early so we got a great rate.



Mallory's Baptism (last month)





Can't wait to hear more movies nights and trip plans.

See you soon,

Madeline

Madeline I honestly didn't realize we were under two months until you told me...I felt a moment of panic!

I just LOVE the pics you posted, Michael and Mallory have grown so much and look just as close as ever...they are adorable together. How exciting you got to go on a cruise that is my dream. Pete and I were supposed to go on a cruise when we got married, but Pete was on air alert for months because of Libya, then I was pregnant and Pete got the cruise to the Gulf War...23 years after the war we still haven't gone...but we ARE going to Florida!! And Mallory looks so grown up in her baptism photos...such a little beauty. I wondered if she could still wear her Dumbo dress. That was one of my all time favorite BG outfits! I still think of it and drool!

We got pizza every night as well, it as amazing to be there and enjoy some much freedom. I am so happy we get to go back!

Do you get to Disneyland any? I know that would be closer than Florida!

Thanks for being here and being excited for us..I am excited for us. Let me know how Mallory is doing health wise if you have time.

Hi Judy, Enjoyed our talk yesterday and catching up with each other. Can't wait to see the pictures from your movie night and to see the yummy dishes that Christian made. I'm sure Rachel will do a great job with her choice too. So glad that your internet connection seems to be fixed this time. Praying for a good report from your Dad's doctor appointment on Wednesday, and for the family's needs. If we lived closer, I wouldn't mind helping cook and bake for you all with the new recipes I've been trying going wheat free.

Sandra, congratulations on the baby news!

Dawn, sorry about Maxine! These pups are our family members too. Hope you enjoy your time at the zoo in San Diego with your sisters.

Praying for everyone here!

I am gong to post David's movie night next (I am always behind on everything aren't I I really DO need a Mama or a Wife)! Rachel and I talked some about her movie night, I think we have a great idea for it. It is funny how you have ideas and then see others had the same thought...which makes you think you must of had a great idea! How I wish you were here to cook for me, that would be so awesome...and the boys could do the hard outside stuff for you!

 

[blessedmom4]

Good morning, all!


Sandra, congratulations on the new blessing to come!!!

Dawn, so sorry for the loss of your dog. I am praying for you.

Praying for all the needs.

We got some surprise blessings Friday night!! We had to get a fifth ticket, since the deal was for four. While we are in line I notice it is military night. So we get to the window, hand over our voucher and Bill's military ID and now we have five lowerlevel seats for the price of two. Military plus their family was free but we just got the extra free one since we had already paid for the 4-for-2 deal. Bonus--it was firework Friday so we got an awesome show after the game. Which the Zephyrs won!

We don't know when he is leaving yet--the window rumors have changed three times already. It's soon, though. I am not looking forward to it. Especially since I've been spoiled having him here for the last almost 6 years. But the good news, is he is going somewhere "nice". Forgive me if I repeat myself at all.

Another blessing. I was getting the pics from our January trip from my Dad finally, and he found a terabyte drive stowed away. He pulled it out and told me to see what was on it and I could wipe it and have it. Well, what was on it was pictures and files from a laptop we had that died while we were in England! I have pictures back I thought we had lost!!!! And a new to me drive!

So, I think when Bill does leave, in addition to ramping up the sewing for Kaity's outfits for our October trip, I'll be working on my trip report and photobooks!

Judy, can't wait to hear about Rachel's movie night! I'm intrigued!

Just keep teling me when he leaves, I need repeating, I forget too easily these days. I am glad yo have things to take your mind off of Bill being gone and trip stuff to keep you busy! I am also glad he isn't gong to a war zone and not for a lengthy deployment. The schedule changes are so hard, it was the unknown that got to me. I am excited about your recovered photos, I have a hard drive I wish we could get pictures off of, lesson learned.

SANDRA a huge congratulations to you My prayers are with you for a healthy pregnancy. It's so great that you didn't have to deal w/ the fertility treatment as it's not fun at all (and we never got a baby out of it :*( ) I'm really excited for you and your family and can't wait to hear how your next appointment goes.

DAWN I am so very sorry for the loss of your baby. We just lost of cat of almost 18 years -- it was the hardest on Alexa who slept with him every night. Animals are family members and it takes a long time to ease the sorrow. My thoughts are with you during this tough time.

JUDY sorry I have just been skimming b/c I've been busy and it seems like most posts were replies. I can't wait to see pics of your latest movie nights. I am still working on laundry from our vacation!!! I didn't help that I worked almost every day last week and still have to normal loads like sheets and towels. And this afternoon I must make more laundry detergent b/c I ran out!

I haven't started PT yet (recall I have military health care which is the next best thing to socialized medicine -- care is great, just a lower process). My shoulder was good except for the days I worked. Spinning dials on a phoropter is wearing on one's shoulder. I still have a little residual from my sinus infection. Is that nasal mist better than the Neti Pot? I was using my Neti Pot, abs, and a steroid spray. And good ol' mucinex too! Hope Lisa is doing much better!

We did get to go to my sister's pool on the day I had off last week so that was fun -- they have 4 hrs per day where guests are allowed with passes. I hope she has another set of passes left so we can go again next month. And my sister babysat the kids Sat evening b/c dh and I had a work function and she took them to the beach.

So b/t work, catching up from vaca, being sick, etc., my house is a royal mess! I feel like I am never going to get caught up and back to a normal life, but I'll keep plugging away. All is good

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you -- I am always thinking of Christian and his health and job searching, Pete's car, your father (and so glad to hear the GOOD update), Lisa, and of course you who constantly runs ragged.

In skimming I did not see any definitive Dis plans -- do you have anything decided on?

Andrea, skim and comment when you have time, it is so wonderful to hear how things are going. I am glad yu have had some work, although it would be a whole lot better if you weren't in pain I hope the insurance approves soon! FUN that you got to go swimming that must have felt good in this heat. I actually like this bottle of nasal mist saline, I can't do the neti pot, burns and "drowns me". I got two bottles of this stuff, one for me and one for Lisa (It was a dual pack). It is a lot easier to deal with than the neti pot too. Lisa is SO much better, although her INR was still too low today...arghhh...there is no rhyme or reason to how her body reacts to antibiotics and coumadin.

Don't worry Andrea, you wil get caught up soon...it will be waiting on you until you do (how well I know that)!

Hope you are having a great day Judy!
Another Sunny one here

It has been a bit weird today, stressful at speech and OT...but I am home. And it has only rained for a brief spell today...I am glad you had sun!

Popping by to say I'm thinking about you today Judy and praying for a good day.

God Bless you Krystal, Thanks for being here.

Andrea loved reading your update.

Judy I am thinking of you all as always

Thank you for being here as well Chiara. I think of your newest little sweetie every time I see your name.

 

[blessedmom4]

I am caught up (I hope I didn't miss anyone, it was NOT intentional) so I thought I would post something fun! David was in charge of our third movie day. He chose Toy Story as a theme. He didn’t care which one, as long as it wasn’t all three (I had suggested that we could have a marathon weekend). He, Lisa and I were on our way to their doctor’s appointments when he was brain storming and thought it would be good to have a birthday cake for Andy’s birthday. Lisa suggested we could have a party for Andy and an idea was born. He made the grocery list with Pete, while Rachel and I were at School of Rock rehearsal and the three men went to get haircuts, then picked up what we needed to complete the meal at the grocery store...I loved it, no help from me was needed on this task.

David also took charge of dinner, with assistance from Pete and Christian. I was technical advisor and showed them how to roll the Woody’s roll-ups. Thankfully I buy paper products when things are 80-90% off (I don’t care about the occasion, I just like the price) so we have lots of different plates for themes.

The menu included:

Buzz’s Pizza Planet Pizza
Mr. Potato Head Tater Tots
Jessie’s Juice
Stinky Pete’s Saloon Salad
Woody’s Roundup Roll-Ups (Pigs in a Blanket)
Bullseye’s Cornfeed Chips (Tortilla Chips)
Andy’s Birthday Cake with Al’s Ice Cream​

David made the design in sugar on the cake and we sang Happy Birthday to “Andy.” I am truly loving watching my children take charge, plan, organize and have fun with these ideas. He finally chose Toy Story 2 for us to watch...we enjoyed the birthday theme and cake anyway Oh yes, Christian put on his ToyStory T-shirt to get in the mood.

​

 

[homeschoolmomof4]

Erika, I DO think your ten year old would like it. I also thing they would like Drive through History...it is a bit silly, definitely biblical based and throws n enough history to whet the appetite! They have one geared to America. Also, have you ever seen the Liberty Kids videos...I love them as well and it refreshes my memory of many things I have forgotten.

Dad did NOT make the call,I see him Wednesday, I am not calling I feel better...sure you do! Praying for your Dad as well! I am just thankful they are still here to cause us both a little worry!

Judy, thanks so much for reminding me about Liberty Kids. My eldest loved those when they were on PBS. I just checked and our library has the whole series!! Yahoo!! And it had American Legends as well!

Praying all is well with you! Can't wait to see more of your movie nights!

 

[homeschoolmomof4]

Must have been posting at the same time! YAY for another movie night!! What a fantastic idea doing a birthday party for Andy!!! Way to go David!!

 

[blessedmom4]

Judy, thanks so much for reminding me about Liberty Kids. My eldest loved those when they were on PBS. I just checked and our library has the whole series!! Yahoo!! And it had American Legends as well!

Praying all is well with you! Can't wait to see more of your movie nights!

I love the library for good resources and I do love Liberty Kids as well. I didn't like history a lot when I was in school, it always seemed so dry. I have loved relearning with the children and having fun with it.

I just posted a new movie night, it was fun.

 

[blessedmom4]

Must have been posting at the same time! YAY for another movie night!! What a fantastic idea doing a birthday party for Andy!!! Way to go David!!

We were posting at the same time...I just type slowly! It was a great idea, I agree!

 

[ladylyons]

Sandra, congratulations on the baby news!

Thank you! This has been about 2 years in the making. I'm just staying positive through it all right now.

The prayers will continue Sandra as you know. I am so incredibly excited that this is progressing well, what a journey you have had! YOu never shared too much, that is what I am here for! You know I truly know firsthand much of what you endured. August 14 is going to be a GREAT day! Please just take good care of yourself!

I'm just thankful to have someone like you who understands. I'm trying to take it a day at a time right now. Between the kids swim lessons (they have their first pool party on Sunday and I figured they better at least understand pool safety and be comfortable enough with their floats to still have fun), play dates and I've started back to school shopping since they start on Aug 27!! The summer is going to be over before I'm ready. Plus right now we're still having days over 90+ so I'm just trying to stay cool and hydrated. We do everything either early morning or early evening when it starts to cool down. Also when the kids nap in the afternoon I at least lay down and rest. Not only do I need it physically but mentally some days as well. I'll be sure to keep you posted.

Thank you all for the prayers and well wishes!!

Sandra, congratulations on the new blessing to come!!!

Thank you!!


That's great news that you got some pictures back that you thought were lost!! Always a great feeling when something like that is found!

SANDRA a huge congratulations to you My prayers are with you for a healthy pregnancy. It's so great that you didn't have to deal w/ the fertility treatment as it's not fun at all (and we never got a baby out of it :*( ) I'm really excited for you and your family and can't wait to hear how your next appointment goes.

Thank you Andrea!! We did get lucky that we didn't have to do the infertility treatments. We had done the 15 vials of blood they wanted to take and 2 days before we were to sit down with our Dr. to discuss what our next steps were we found out we were pregnant. Come to find out the cycle I thought I had in May was a false cycle and we were already pregnant!! We did have to do progesterone shots so I can only imagine all the shots I would have had to do should we have had to continue with the actual infertility treatments. (I hate needles!!!) I'm sorry you went through all that and didn't get a baby at the end of it. You do have 2 beautiful children though!! I'll be sure to keep you guys posted!

 

[redomni]

As Judy already knows we have been trying for baby number 4 for the last few years and have had a few heart aches along the way. I don't know if anyone's noticed but I have a new ticker. It may not be for a trip but I think it's for something even more exciting!! We are 12 WEEKS PREGNANT with baby number 4!!!! I will admit that we were starting the process to do infertility treatments but before we could start any of it (expect for some blood work where they took 15 vials of blood!!!) we got pregnant on our own! If I can please continue to get some prayers to make sure we continue with a healthy pregnancy it would be greatly appreciated (we are due January 31, 2014).

Congratulations!

 

[redomni]

I hope your Dad is MUCH better and your wrist is feeling better as well, It is hard to type when our hands, arms, fingers hurt!

Unfortunately my dad isn't doing any better, he has an Eye appointment at the VA Wed and my step mom said if another doctor can't see him, then she is just going to take him to the ER while they are there so they can get a consult at least and try to figure out why his pain is so much worse right now. My wrist is still bothering me but I think it is from a lupus flare up because some other joints are hurting too. Nothing I'm not used to just makes it difficult to type to much but I am reading along and I do appreciate your prayers. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers and hope that Lisa is feeling even better now.

I also wanted to weigh in on the wheat thing I have been gluten free for almost 2 years and I feel so much better than when I was eating it. Of course I didn't have a choice because I tested positive for Celiac but it has made a world of difference. I eat a lot of rice since I can't eat regular noodles and rice is still pretty inexpensive.

Thoughts and prayers to all that need them

 

[courtneybelle]

That cake looks wonderful! Family nights are the best...it is nice to see other older kids who love spending time with family. I am 20 and still love vacations/movie nights/day trips with the family, and I'm realizing that's a rare thing for a lot of families nowadays. I am definitely blessed with my family! It's so great to see your family doing things like my family would do!

 

[blessedmom4]

Thank you! This has been about 2 years in the making. I'm just staying positive through it all right now.



I'm just thankful to have someone like you who understands. I'm trying to take it a day at a time right now. Between the kids swim lessons (they have their first pool party on Sunday and I figured they better at least understand pool safety and be comfortable enough with their floats to still have fun), play dates and I've started back to school shopping since they start on Aug 27!! The summer is going to be over before I'm ready. Plus right now we're still having days over 90+ so I'm just trying to stay cool and hydrated. We do everything either early morning or early evening when it starts to cool down. Also when the kids nap in the afternoon I at least lay down and rest. Not only do I need it physically but mentally some days as well. I'll be sure to keep you posted.

Thank you all for the prayers and well wishes!!

I am happy you are getting some rest when you can. Yes, the days fly faster and faster, don't they. I would like to bottle snippets of time to savor at a later date, it is much too quick. And it has been a scorching wet mess for weeks around here. Glad the children are having swim lessons to keep them safe for their pool party, how fun!

Unfortunately my dad isn't doing any better, he has an Eye appointment at the VA Wed and my step mom said if another doctor can't see him, then she is just going to take him to the ER while they are there so they can get a consult at least and try to figure out why his pain is so much worse right now. My wrist is still bothering me but I think it is from a lupus flare up because some other joints are hurting too. Nothing I'm not used to just makes it difficult to type to much but I am reading along and I do appreciate your prayers. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers and hope that Lisa is feeling even better now.

I also wanted to weigh in on the wheat thing I have been gluten free for almost 2 years and I feel so much better than when I was eating it. Of course I didn't have a choice because I tested positive for Celiac but it has made a world of difference. I eat a lot of rice since I can't eat regular noodles and rice is still pretty inexpensive.

Thoughts and prayers to all that need them

I am sorry your Dad is having so many problems that is a tough one. I understand about the lupus flares and how it affects so many things at once Did stopping the gluten help any of the pain, and other lupus issues? I like rice, it just seems to take more to fill you up and we don't need the added calories, that is certain. I can take several cups of veggies and throw them in with some noodles to spread the meal out and fill us up. Not sure how the veggies would taste in the rice, but it is worth giving it a go! People put little bits of rice in Fried rice, don't they? Thanks for the suggestions.

Lisa is feeling SO much better, although Rachel's asthma has flared up a lot with the horrible heat. Lisa's INR (coumadin level) is still much too low, praying for it to rise...it is such a chore to get it right sometimes.

I am lifting you in prayer.

 

[blessedmom4]

That cake looks wonderful! Family nights are the best...it is nice to see other older kids who love spending time with family. I am 20 and still love vacations/movie nights/day trips with the family, and I'm realizing that's a rare thing for a lot of families nowadays. I am definitely blessed with my family! It's so great to see your family doing things like my family would do!

Ah Miss Courtney, when I was teasing you I didn't know you were young enough to be my daughter! Now I need to see a picture, you know I have two good looking fellows! Ok, here I go teasing again, but I would like to see a picture!

My children DO love their family and Disney of course! It IS a rarity to see older kids who love to spend time with family. I feel happy every time they jump in and enjoy family time, I am truly blessed. I just realized you have TWO trips planned! How cool!! Do you mind me asking how close you live to the mouse?

I am glad you love your family and like them too! LOVE IT!!!

 

[courtneybelle]

Ah Miss Courtney, when I was teasing you I didn't know you were young enough to be my daughter! Now I need to see a picture, you know I have two good looking fellows! Ok, here I go teasing again, but I would like to see a picture!

My children DO love their family and Disney of course! It IS a rarity to see older kids who love to spend time with family. I feel happy every time they jump in and enjoy family time, I am truly blessed. I just realized you have TWO trips planned! How cool!! Do you mind me asking how close you live to the mouse?

I am glad you love your family and like them too! LOVE IT!!!

I will be doing trip reports for my next two trips so you will definitely see pictures of my family and me then!

I am from Massachusetts, so not very close. Normally we save up and do one trip a year...but this year I convinced my family to go twice. My grandmother passed away last December, and since Thanksgiving was the last time I saw her I didn't want to be at home that day...so I asked if we could go on vacation. We have APs this year so we decided that instead of doing gifts for Christmas this year we would do a Thanksgiving/holiday trip instead! I am so excited and definitely lucky to be able to go as often as I do

 

[lovethattink]

What a fun Toy Story Movie night. Love the kid's creativity and organization.

JJ is still having lots of tics. The car is the newest place they are happening. Also at Walmart tonight.

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi Judy! What a fun movie night. David did a great job with the planning and all the details!

So sorry about Lisa continuing to feel ill despite the antibiotics. Hoping and praying for better days.

Take care!

 

[ladylyons]

I am happy you are getting some rest when you can. Yes, the days fly faster and faster, don't they. I would like to bottle snippets of time to savor at a later date, it is much too quick. And it has been a scorching wet mess for weeks around here. Glad the children are having swim lessons to keep them safe for their pool party, how fun!


Lisa is feeling SO much better, although Rachel's asthma has flared up a lot with the horrible heat. Lisa's INR (coumadin level) is still much too low, praying for it to rise...it is such a chore to get it right sometimes.

I am lifting you in prayer.
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I have to share a cute little story about Jeremy. He was asking me why I don't have birthday parties anymore. I told him Mommy still has birthday's we just don't have parties. He then goes is it because you don't have any friends? I tell him Yes I do have friends we just don't do big celebrations for Mommy anymore like we do for him. He then told me "Mommy I don't want to grow up if I can't have birthday parties anymore." I told him no matter how old he is he will always be my baby we can always celebrate his birthday. He seemed ok with that but still doesn't want to grow up.

Glad Lisa is feeling better but sad now that Rachel isn't. Hope you can get everyone healthy (well as much as you can anyways) very soon!!

Loved all the ideas they came up with for Toy Story! That's one of my kids favorite movies right now!

What a fun Toy Story Movie night. Love the kid's creativity and organization.

JJ is still having lots of tics. The car is the newest place they are happening. Also at Walmart tonight.

Oh know! Hope he's feeling better tonight.

 

[blessedmom4]

I will be doing trip reports for my next two trips so you will definitely see pictures of my family and me then!

I am from Massachusetts, so not very close. Normally we save up and do one trip a year...but this year I convinced my family to go twice. My grandmother passed away last December, and since Thanksgiving was the last time I saw her I didn't want to be at home that day...so I asked if we could go on vacation. We have APs this year so we decided that instead of doing gifts for Christmas this year we would do a Thanksgiving/holiday trip instead! I am so excited and definitely lucky to be able to go as often as I do

That is so exciting that you get to go twice so close together...you could do a PTR for the trips combined...and I am very glad you will do a TR. for your grandmother, I love that you will have something to keep you busy. I know you will think of her no matter were you are. I am sorry for your loss. I think Disney instead of gifts is a FABULOUS idea!!

What a fun Toy Story Movie night. Love the kid's creativity and organization.

JJ is still having lots of tics. The car is the newest place they are happening. Also at Walmart tonight.

It was a great night Michele, lots of fun.

I am sorry to read about JJ and the tics/choking. Do any of the meds for his OCD help with anxiety? I thought maybe they would suggest play therapy, just to r/o that as a factor and/or to be sure some of the anxiety isn't coming from the choking. If I was choking I can assure you I would be worried/anxious! I am truly sorry JJ has to deal with the tics on top of everything else. Neurological issues/illnesses are so very difficult to work with! HUGE HUGS!

Hi Judy! What a fun movie night. David did a great job with the planning and all the details!

So sorry about Lisa continuing to feel ill despite the antibiotics. Hoping and praying for better days.

Take care!

I agree with you, David did a wonderful job with his plans/details. I know he was vary happy to pull it off and it was fun for him.

Thank you for all of your prayers and support!

I have to share a cute little story about Jeremy. He was asking me why I don't have birthday parties anymore. I told him Mommy still has birthday's we just don't have parties. He then goes is it because you don't have any friends? I tell him Yes I do have friends we just don't do big celebrations for Mommy anymore like we do for him. He then told me "Mommy I don't want to grow up if I can't have birthday parties anymore." I told him no matter how old he is he will always be my baby we can always celebrate his birthday. He seemed ok with that but still doesn't want to grow up.

Glad Lisa is feeling better but sad now that Rachel isn't. Hope you can get everyone healthy (well as much as you can anyways) very soon!!

Loved all the ideas they came up with for Toy Story! That's one of my kids favorite movies right now!
Oh know! Hope he's feeling better tonight.

I love the sweet story about Jeremy. I love how children's logic works. When I was little we never had BD parties, but I thought it was sad Santa didn't bring my parents gifts, etc. I didn't realize that when I grew up, things like that wouldn't matter to me. The fun is watching them have fun. He is a sweetheart.

Rachel says she is okay, we actually have an appt with her Pulm. Monday, I will take her to the peds if she gets worse. Thank goodness for inhalers! I keep saying we are having so much rain and illness so that when we go on the trip neither will be a problem!

Praying you are tucked in bed sound asleep!!

 

[lovethattink]

I am sorry to read about JJ and the tics/choking. Do any of the meds for his OCD help with anxiety? I thought maybe they would suggest play therapy, just to r/o that as a factor and/or to be sure some of the anxiety isn't coming from the choking. If I was choking I can assure you I would be worried/anxious! I am truly sorry JJ has to deal with the tics on top of everything else. Neurological issues/illnesses are so very difficult to work with! HUGE HUGS!

I was not all tucked in when you posted. I was on my phone reading. I fell asleep watching tv early in the evening. So by 4am I was wide awake.

He is on a waiting list for Occupational therapy. They also ordered counseling for him. His OCD meds were bumped up and they do help for anxiety, but apparently not enough. On Friday, she added a medication that is specifically for tics. So he quickly learned how to swallow pills since it doesn't come in a liquid. He found milk easier than applesauce.

I hope things start working out for him before our vacation up north.