Our "long time coming", first time ever, very magical trip to WDW!Pictures 1/27!

[kayrosek]

I love the castle pics! Jonnie is adorable. I bet they don't see many princes there. What a treat for the CMs! How funny that they were going to put you by the window when you really were better off out of the crowd. We requested the window, they said ok, then went to seat us in the corner. We had already messed up the table a tad before I got the guts to tell them we could lift phoebe's chair down the 3 little steps. Thank goodness she's still light! We loved the window seat.

Melissa,
It's so nice to see you. Thanks for stopping by. I remember reading about your seating at the castle. In fact I'm pretty sure the corner you were originally seated in was the area we were finally put in. The waitress actually apologized for sticking us so far back, but the place was packed. I hope she believed me that I was actually happy with that table.

I get instant updates to my email on your site, so I read it there before I read the site and it had the original update about Jenna! It made perfect sense,
just me for a moment. I am a bit overwhelmed lately. I hope your day went well! I know this was a busier than ususal week for you!

KING JOHN AND QUEEN KRYSTAL...

I pray today is a wonderful one for your entire family!

Judy,
Thanks for the thoughts and the adorable GIF. I'll have to show that one to John when he wakes up. Today is a big day for us. We have some people from the VA system coming to evaluate our house for accesibility remodeling. John's doctors have recomended an outside ramp, stair lift, hand railings and possible bathroom remodeling to make the house more accesible and safe for my DH. I'm thrilled thier coming and really hoping the'yll be able to help us make this place easier for John to navigate. This is something we have wanted for awhile but have'nt known how to go about getting. It's one area where I feel very blessed to have John in the VA system as there is no way we could afford to do all this on our own, but according to John's doctor it's considered medical equipment and is therefore covered by the VA due to John's status.

 

[blessedmom4]

Judy,
Thanks for the thoughts and the adorable GIF. I'll have to show that one to John when he wakes up. Today is a big day for us. We have some people from the VA system coming to evaluate our house for accesibility remodeling. John's doctors have recomended an outside ramp, stair lift, hand railings and possible bathroom remodeling to make the house more accesible and safe for my DH. I'm thrilled thier coming and really hoping the'yll be able to help us make this place easier for John to navigate. This is something we have wanted for awhile but have'nt known how to go about getting. It's one area where I feel very blessed to have John in the VA system as there is no way we could afford to do all this on our own, but according to John's doctor it's considered medical equipment and is therefore covered by the VA due to John's status.

How did the evaluation go? When can they start or is there a lot of redtape/paperwork that has to be accomplished first? How long will it take to complete the work once they start. I am SOOOOOOOO Happy that, at least in THIS instance, the government will step up and take care of one of thier service members who sacrificed so much for thier country. PLEASE tell John Thank you from us! Have an amazing Day!

 

[kayrosek]

How did the evaluation go? When can they start or is there a lot of redtape/paperwork that has to be accomplished first? How long will it take to complete the work once they start. I am SOOOOOOOO Happy that, at least in THIS instance, the government will step up and take care of one of thier service members who sacrificed so much for thier country. PLEASE tell John Thank you from us! Have an amazing Day!

The evaluation went well Judy. Thanks so much for asking. We were given the choice of a ramp for the front yard and a stair lift for one staircase of our split level home, a wheelchair elevator (even though John is not in a wheelchair yet) for our back deck or two stair lifts so John can come in the house through the garage. We chose the two stair lift option as that would give John safe access to the basement family room as well as in and out of the house. That process is started though I don't know yet when they will come in to install it. Thier contractors will also have to add two electrical sockets to the stairwell for it to work, but luckily that's all covered. Today we came home from the VA with a bunch of equipment for the bathrooms, (grab bars, handheld shower head etc.) Those are things we have to install ourselves so we got them quickley. The rest of the stuff (widening doorways and a roll in shower) requires his primary care doctor to authorize but that will not be a problem as she is all for anything that will help John. Normally the VA takes forever to get anything done but this has moved remarkably fast so far. It could take awhile to get it all done but it feels great to be moving towards having a more accesible home where John can have more freedom. The doctors that got this started for us have been amazing. His physical therapist in particular has really fought for John. He currently has a rollator for trips out of the house and she had recomended a walker for in the house (the rollator is too wide for the hallway) to reduce his fall risk inside. We got the walker brought it home and the VA called saying they coulden't give him a walker and a rollator and we had to bring one back that day. This was last Friday. I told John to stop and leave a message for his PT about it then. Yesterday we got a call from her telling us she had fixed the problem and we were to come get his walker back, for good this time. She was very apologetic, but I am thrilled to have someone on John's side that will fight for what he needs. Oh Judy, I know you know all about the goverment hoops and having someone you love sacrifice so much while serving thier country. John has asked about your DH as well and whether he is getting any help from the VA for his issues. John and I both have a passion for seeing Vets get the benefits they deserve and helping them where we can. We know so many guys that are still jumping through hoops to get the benefits they need and deserve. We feel very blessed that John has the benefits he does even though it was a headache to get them, but in this instance we have had alot of help and that has been an incredible blessing. I'm headed over to your PTR now to check on you. Hope you have had a good day.

 

[blessedmom4]

Only time for a Quick note ( I am cooking dinner). AMAZING news about the renovations and VA. Unfortunately, the VA has NOT helped us on any front. I will be back. I can't think of anyone who deserves a Pot of Gold more!!!

 

[kayrosek]

Only time for a Quick note ( I am cooking dinner). AMAZING news about the renovations and VA. Unfortunately, the VA has NOT helped us on any front. I will be back. I can't think of anyone who deserves a Pot of Gold more!!!

Thank you so much for stopping by. I am feeling greatful that the renovations appear to be moving forward, but I HATE that your DH hasen't gotten any benefits. I don't mean to harp on it but have you guys spoken to a service rep. someone from the VFW or DAV. The service reps (from the VFW) are who helped John get his benefits.
Thanks for the Pot of Gold I wish I could give a real one to you. We were hoping we would have luck with the lottery this week but no such luck

 

[kayrosek]

My Tessa is growing up. Tonight she is attending an event for youth 14-18 held by a church ours is affiliated with. Since the event is the Cinderella Ball I thought it was Disney sounding enough that I could get away with posting a few photos here.
Tessa all ready for the dance

The back of her hair. She wanted bling and butterflies so I suggested rhinestones and Grammy and Papa picked up that beautiful butterfly clip while at an event at an art gallery.

Ahhh, finally one where she's smiling!

 

[blessedmom4]

My Tessa is growing up. Tonight she is attending an event for youth 14-18 held by a church ours is affiliated with. Since the event is the Cinderella Ball I thought it was Disney sounding enough that I could get away with posting a few photos here.
Tessa all ready for the dance

The back of her hair. She wanted bling and butterflies so I suggested rhinestones and Grammy and Papa picked up that beautiful butterfly clip while at an event at an art gallery.

Ahhh, finally one where she's smiling!

Tessa looks ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!!!! I hope she has a MAGICAL time, she looks like a PRINCESS!!!!

 

[blessedmom4]

Thank you so much for stopping by. I am feeling greatful that the renovations appear to be moving forward, but I HATE that your DH hasen't gotten any benefits. I don't mean to harp on it but have you guys spoken to a service rep. someone from the VFW or DAV. The service reps (from the VFW) are who helped John get his benefits.
Thanks for the Pot of Gold I wish I could give a real one to you. We were hoping we would have luck with the lottery this week but no such luck

You aren't harping on it...I am not sure what else to do. Every time I have tried to get any help we have been stonewalled and he wasn't "injured" while he was deployed...at least they will not admit to it...and he didn't retire military, we had enough with him going to a war zone when Christian was two weeks old, so he served his time and left. I AM happy John is going to get what he needs/deserves...and when we DO find that pot of gold...Lets go to Disney TOGETHER!!!!

 

[jj0plin]

Tessa looks so beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing!

 

[blessedmom4]

How was the Cinderella Ball????

 

[kayrosek]

You aren't harping on it...I am not sure what else to do. Every time I have tried to get any help we have been stonewalled and he wasn't "injured" while he was deployed...at least they will not admit to it...and he didn't retire military, we had enough with him going to a war zone when Christian was two weeks old, so he served his time and left. I AM happy John is going to get what he needs/deserves...and when we DO find that pot of gold...Lets go to Disney TOGETHER!!!!

I'm glad you don't feel like I'm harping on the subject or bugging you about it. It just really bothers both John and I that Peter doesn't have benefits to help you guys. Gulf War Syndrom is definatley a tricky thing to get service connected although there has been some improvements in that process over the past few years but even without it there are a few things I really think he could be eligible for eigther now or in the future, but that's another conversation. As far as your suggestion, your on! I can't think of anything better than to be at Disney AND be with your sweet family. Now we just need to find that gold or win the lottery!

Tessa looks so beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing!

And thank you so much for stopping by. Tessa will be thrilled to know you commented on her photos.

How was the Cinderella Ball????

According to Tessa "Amazing" and she's already talking about next year so that must be a good sign. I really love that they do this. It's held once a year, is formal dress, includes dinner and a short service as well as the dance, is well chaperoned, with appropriate music and is a great alternative to some of the other activities kids want to be involved in, even some of the ones offered by the public schools.

 

[blessedmom4]

I'm glad you don't feel like I'm harping on the subject or bugging you about it. It just really bothers both John and I that Peter doesn't have benefits to help you guys. Gulf War Syndrom is definatley a tricky thing to get service connected although there has been some improvements in that process over the past few years but even without it there are a few things I really think he could be eligible for eigther now or in the future, but that's another conversation. As far as your suggestion, your on! I can't think of anything better than to be at Disney AND be with your sweet family. Now we just need to find that gold or win the lottery!

Mega millions was 244 MILLION last night....! Did you win? Me neither.... As for Pete, I don't even know where to start anymore...I have spent so much time and effort on paperwork over the years and now I don't have the energy...of course, I KNOW that is what they count on!



According to Tessa "Amazing" and she's already talking about next year so that must be a good sign. I really love that they do this. It's held once a year, is formal dress, includes dinner and a short service as well as the dance, is well chaperoned, with appropriate music and is a great alternative to some of the other activities kids want to be involved in, even some of the ones offered by the public schools.

Forgive me for being so MIA the past few days...I did bring you a cup of coffee though...



I love that Tessa has a "teen prom" to look forward to for next year, Rachel would love that as well...it is so much fun and it is nice the environment is one you know you want her to be in! It sounds like they really do it up right!

 

[kayrosek]

Forgive me for being so MIA the past few days...I did bring you a cup of coffee though...



I love that Tessa has a "teen prom" to look forward to for next year, Rachel would love that as well...it is so much fun and it is nice the environment is one you know you want her to be in! It sounds like they really do it up right!

Goodmorning Judy,
Awww, there's nothing to be forgiven for you are so busy MIA on my TR is totally understandable. Thanks for the coffee though, I ran out of the real kind so the virtual stuff will have to get me through until I go to the store later today.The dance really is amazing. They actually have several smaller (just the dance not dinner, sometimes a short service) church/appropriate dress ones throughout the year, but this formal one is the one all the girls look forward to. What's neat is that this is the first dance Tessa was eligible to go to age wise so it really started the experience off with a bang for her. I do know what you mean about the paperwork for Peter though, It took us five years to get John's full benefits and technically we still have one more status to finish fighting for to make sure I get his benefits if something happens to him. So the paperwork seems never ending, and yes you getting tired is exactly what they hope for. The one thing we've got going for us is that John's service rep does most of the actual leg work and paper work for us which is really nice. The service reps are a God send. I understand sometimes the last thing you need is one more thing to deal with but if you ever do decide to start the fight up again and you have any questions at all please don't hesitate to ask. John and I have become fairly knowlegable about the benefit process in the hope of being able to help guide other Vets that God places in our lives, through it. Until then you definatley have someone here who understands how frustrating the system can be. this is tessa here hi my moms freind im an sent from above i just went to my first dance my mom posted piks say hi to lisa for me ive heard so much about her from my mom and i occasionly look over my moms shoulder and just read stuff on the dis! i heard racheal plays guitar im learning to its really been fun i enjoy it well nice chating gotta get off b 4 i get in trouble i dont know to work this thing so i really hope what ive been blabing will just dissa pear when i say bye so bye feeling
I found the little note above (in purple)when I returned to my computer after checking on John. Apparenly Tessa was having fun with the smilies, but I thought I would leave it since it made me

 

[blessedmom4]

Goodmorning Judy,
Awww, there's nothing to be forgiven for you are so busy MIA on my TR is totally understandable. Thanks for the coffee though, I ran out of the real kind so the virtual stuff will have to get me through until I go to the store later today.The dance really is amazing. They actually have several smaller (just the dance not dinner, sometimes a short service) church/appropriate dress ones throughout the year, but this formal one is the one all the girls look forward to. What's neat is that this is the first dance Tessa was eligible to go to age wise so it really started the experience off with a bang for her. I do know what you mean about the paperwork for Peter though, It took us five years to get John's full benefits and technically we still have one more status to finish fighting for to make sure I get his benefits if something happens to him. So the paperwork seems never ending, and yes you getting tired is exactly what they hope for. The one thing we've got going for us is that John's service rep does most of the actual leg work and paper work for us which is really nice. The service reps are a God send. I understand sometimes the last thing you need is one more thing to deal with but if you ever do decide to start the fight up again and you have any questions at all please don't hesitate to ask. John and I have become fairly knowlegable about the benefit process in the hope of being able to help guide other Vets that God places in our lives, through it. Until then you definatley have someone here who understands how frustrating the system can be. this is tessa here hi my moms freind im an sent from above i just went to my first dance my mom posted piks say hi to lisa for me ive heard so much about her from my mom and i occasionly look over my moms shoulder and just read stuff on the dis! i heard racheal plays guitar im learning to its really been fun i enjoy it well nice chating gotta get off b 4 i get in trouble i dont know to work this thing so i really hope what ive been blabing will just dissa pear when i say bye so bye feeling
I found the little note above (in purple)when I returned to my computer after checking on John. Apparenly Tessa was having fun with the smilies, but I thought I would leave it since it made me

Good Morning Krystal,

I read this update yesterday just before we went to ballet and didn't have time to respond. Last night I was TRYING to get over here to have a little "chat" when the most turbulent of storms came through. (WE are fine) , some of our neighbors weren't as fortunate.
I hope you were able to get your coffee!!!

That is WONDERFUL that you have a church where the teenagers are being guided to have dances in a Christian way. How exciting Tessa's first one was the formal.

I am SOOOOOO Thankful you and John have a service rep to help navigate through the VA system, John's injuries and limitations are HUGE and he deserves everything they do to help you all and more!!! I honestly wouldn't know where else to start at this point in time. (any thoughts). We have been told in the past because Pete wasn't a lifer that there just ins't anything they can or will do for us. Tessa us a sweetheart, my next note is for her!!! (I start messages often...this one is a good example that I am writing...and then have to come back to them...something else in common).

I hope that you have a WONDERFUL day and that everyone at your house feels the blessings of God!!


Blessings,
Judy

 

[blessedmom4]

this is tessa here hi my moms freind im an sent from above i just went to my first dance my mom posted piks say hi to lisa for me ive heard so much about her from my mom and i occasionly look over my moms shoulder and just read stuff on the dis! i heard racheal plays guitar im learning to its really been fun i enjoy it well nice chating gotta get off b 4 i get in trouble i dont know to work this thing so i really hope what ive been blabing will just dissa pear when i say bye so bye feeling

Very nice to have a note from you Sweetie. You looked absolutely gorgeous in your dance photos and it sounds as if you had a WONDERFUL time at the dance! I am so happy you were able to have a special time, with friends your age. Rachel LOVES to play the guitar, the two of you would have a great time together. I wish we lived near each other! I am HAPPY your note didn't disappear! I hope your day is filled with happiness!!!

Blessings,
Judy

One of my FAVORITE gifs!!!

 

[blessedmom4]

It is TOO QUIET on your thread...Praying everything is okay.

 

[kayrosek]

Judy,
Your right it's definatley too quiet over here, but nothing to be concerned about. I read your last responses but coulden't get back to respond and Tess hasen't read the one for her yet. Mostly I've just been busy (nothing compared to your schedule but busy for mine). Yesterday was the VA PTSD clinic for John and houshold/homeschool/kid stuff. I had planned to get over hear to post a real update but no such luck. Then today has been errands, laundry, and art show with my DH and now rushing to get ready to take Jonnie to Toy Story 3 on Ice. So I better run but thanks for coming by and as always thank you so much for your prayers.

 

[yinyanggirls]

Melissa, I actually thought of you and your family when I read what Krystal had written about the seating!

Too funny!

Melissa,
It's so nice to see you. Thanks for stopping by. I remember reading about your seating at the castle. In fact I'm pretty sure the corner you were originally seated in was the area we were finally put in. The waitress actually apologized for sticking us so far back, but the place was packed. I hope she believed me that I was actually happy with that table.

Normally, I wouldn't want to be front and center but knowing we might never get back there I wanted to make it as memorable as I could. Even if it meant being embarrassed as Tessa scurried around on the floor or Phoebe drooled a little. Who cares? We're eating in the castle!!! I enjoyed it, and I know the family did too.

I loved your Tessa's picture. Her hair was perfect!


I HAVE TO show this to my Tessa. She's enthralled with kitties now...

 

[blessedmom4]

Judy,
Your right it's definatley too quiet over here, but nothing to be concerned about. I read your last responses but coulden't get back to respond and Tess hasen't read the one for her yet. Mostly I've just been busy (nothing compared to your schedule but busy for mine). Yesterday was the VA PTSD clinic for John and houshold/homeschool/kid stuff. I had planned to get over hear to post a real update but no such luck. Then today has been errands, laundry, and art show with my DH and now rushing to get ready to take Jonnie to Toy Story 3 on Ice. So I better run but thanks for coming by and as always thank you so much for your prayers.

I am happy you are all doing well, hoping for an update when you have time! I KNOW how busy it can be! Just making sure you were all okay!!! How was the ice show? Please know even when I haven't signed in, I am PRAYING for the fmaily always!!!! Huge for everyone!!!!

I just LOVED this!

 

[blessedmom4]

You have a of Gold, just like your Mom!!!