PTR for Noah's wish trip -MAW/GKTW- April 7th - 13th, 2010

[kellyw8863]

Yay! Those shirts are so cool! I love the first pic of them all together. The girls are huge Star Wars fans, too. They take after their father.

 

[noahsketomom]

Today was a CRAZY MAIL DAY --- in an AMAZINGLY AMAZING sort of way!!!

Not one .........but TWO Big Give packages - one from Jennifer (scouthawkk) and one from Dania (DisneyCP2002)

and our letter from GKTW!!! WOW WOW WOW!!!

The kids and I are still REELING from all the excitement!

I'm overwhelmed with all the BIG GIVErs....you truly must have extra big loving hearts. Words can't really express how blessed you have made our family feel!

Reading the letter from GKTW had me just in tears -- this is really going to happen....AND SOON! It's still so surreal. Something about having Noah's name written on that packet just made me get all sentimental.

Don't mind me, today. Just feeling very teary and emotional....in a very, very good way.

Okay, I promise pics tonight!!!

 

[Momofwishkid]

I so know what you mean by the tears of happiness the Big Givers create. They are truley an amazing loving group of people and the GKTW packet Yay!! It makes it seem so real when that arrives. You guys are going to have a blast. I cant wait to read all about it.

 

[noahsketomom]

All,
I am still overwhelmed with the love and generosity that has been shown to us. My kids remarked today that we have "two new friends in Maryland and Texas". (Did I mention ever that I'm teaching US Geography at our Co-op? So the kids are always interested in where the package is from!)

Well, I'm going to try to capture all of today's excitement in one post. Here goes....

The first package was from Kissimmee, FL!! It was our GKTW welcome packet! Noah was thrilled to get mail of his own! And me, well you know how I felt -- knowing that our dream trip is almost upon us was too much to not shed a few tears!

The 1st BIG GIVE package was from Jennifer (aka "scouthawkk"):

Note to self: Don't have kids wearing reflector clothing with the flash!

Inside was a lovely note and two packages for the girls....

Ella's present was the MOST beautiful Minnie-inspired twirl dress!

She immediately knew what to do!

Not sure how clear you can see it, but the little girl embroidered on the dress is wearing mouse ears, has a green dress with matching green balloon and has blond hair and blue eyes like somebody else I know!!!

Abby's outfit was equally amazing!! Her Hannah Montana rocking it outfit has three pieces which coordinate PERFECTLY -- embroidered T-shirt, pleated skirt, and matching short vest! Very Hannah! Abby, AGAIN, was THRILLED!!!

(1st pic is better of Abby, 2nd is better of the outfit - though I still don't think the picture does it justice!! It is soooo cool! )

Abby was particularly excited when she noticed that the embroidered girl was wearing the same outfit and playing guitar! I'm talking coordinated to a T -- guitar, leggings are in the purple pattern, the dress and shoes are in the plaid....and of course, she is BLOND like somebody I know! Abby called it "totally cool" and thinks it might be perfect for DHS!

Jennifer, the dress and outfit are both gorgeous and the girls were so thrilled and felt so special getting them. That alone warms a mom's heart....not to mention the details you incorporated that meant so much to me!! Thank you from ALL the girls...big and small!

*******************************************
The other BIG GIVE package we received today was from Dania (DisneyCP2002)

Inside were FOUR very cool pixie dust bags!

Each bag had a different REALLY cool design on it -- similar to a splatter painting with awesome colors! They were each labeled and loaded with goodies!

Each bag had a photo album (perfect!), a magic towel (still can't wait to see what these are!), playing cards, character stickers, and an activity or joke book which will be AIRPLANE GOODIES!!

However, you guys are probably starting to understand my kids -- they didn't want to wait! I did convince noah and Ella to hold off on their activity books since they are "magic" books and I didn't want them to lose the special pencil/markers! Not to mention -- I wanted to save them for maximum usage on the plane! However, no such luck with the joke books. I've been hearing sponge bob jokes for the better part of the afternoon. Believe me, I was happy when Brian came home -- his turn!

Dania, thank you so much for all the pixie dust you sent -- it worked it's magic here and will continue to during our trip! The bags are super cute too and will definitely come in handy! THANK YOU!

I am just blown away by the BIG GIVE!!! Thank you, thank you for giving of yourselves for families like ours. We will never forget such love and generosity!!!

Blessings,

 

[ellenbenny]

I absolutely love seeing the pictures of the kids getting the Big Give Packages! It is so fun to see the excitement in their faces. They are all just too cute, and I love all the the outfits!

 

[noahsketomom]

Today ANOTHER BIG GIVE package arrived....WOW WOW WOW!!!!!

This package was from an unnamed "Fairy Goodmother" in Modesto, CA. Ideas, anyone??


The kids are going to have withdrawl from opening all these packages!!

This package has something for each and is all about SEAWORLD!

It was around now that Noah got grumpy over something -- who knows what. He woke up on the wrong side of the bed today and is hasn't improved.

Inside were two BEAUTIFUL shirts for the boys -- here's a closeup of John's -- they are embroidered and the color looks great on the boys....

And here's the grumpster....

Now the girls outfits -- a dress for Ella and coordinating capris and a top for Abby! In addition, 2 gorgeous hairbows that the girls were ooohing and ahhhing over. The girls were soooo happy! They are really excited about feeding the dolphins on our trip, so they loved the "theme" of the outfits!

What's with the head tilt, eh?

My favorite pic...

I love the colors too -- the blues help bring out their eyes!

I tried to get a pic of all four, but Noah was having no part of this by this point.

They'll be another chance when we are actually AT Seaworld in less than 3 weeks!!

Fairy Goodmother, THANK YOU from the bottoms of our hearts. We are feeling truly amazed and blessed -- again. I know you guys might think I'm sounding like a broken record, but we are just so touched by each and every gift. Thank you thank you thank you. I can't believe that I will hardly have to pack any clothes for the trip other than BIG GIVE gifts!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH BIG GIVE !!!!

 

[fairygoodmother]

Thank YOU so much for posting the beautiful pictures of the kids! As you can see, I'm Fairygoodmother...I did the outfits and my cousin, poohnpigletCA, made the bows.

We both are prayerful that you will have a wonderful trip - that all of your Disney wishes come true!

Darla (FM) and Karen (PNP)

 

[scouthawkk]

I am so glad the outfits arrived and that the fit. The girls look so cute in them. Thank you for posting the pictures. I truely hope you have a wonderful trip.

Best wishes, Jennifer

 

[VroomVroomLightning]

Those outfits are amazing! You and your family deserve this trip so much!

 

[DisneyCP2002]

I am so happy that the package arrived. I had fun putting those bags together. I had to buy a couple for myself lol I hope you guys have a wonderful trip.

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

I love all of the Big Give goodies!! Lovin the dresses and shirts!! Your girls and thier posing crack me up!! The feet on the couch and hand on the face OMG too precious!! The head tilt I am lovin it!! They are so cute!! And not lets not forget the boys. Grumpiness or not they are adorable!!!

 

[Momofwishkid]

Love the seaworld outfits!! All the kids look great. I cant wait to see the pics From Seaworld!

 

[yinyanggirls]

Love all the Big Gives and the GKTW packet!!! How cute for Abby to get her big girl versions of the characters. I love that pink Minnie dress. And the embroidery!!! Too bad we won't be there at the same time...people would want to know where we all found the Sea World couture line. I love the blues too. So pretty!

 

[noahsketomom]

Thank YOU so much for posting the beautiful pictures of the kids! As you can see, I'm Fairygoodmother...I did the outfits and my cousin, poohnpigletCA, made the bows.

We both are prayerful that you will have a wonderful trip - that all of your Disney wishes come true!

Darla (FM) and Karen (PNP)

Thank you both Darla and Karen -- everything is PERFECT!!!

I am so glad the outfits arrived and that the fit. The girls look so cute in them. Thank you for posting the pictures. I truely hope you have a wonderful trip.

Best wishes, Jennifer

Thank you, Jennifer! The girls can't wait to wear them. The plan might change, but Abby wants it for DHS and Ella for MK.....tune in later to see what transpires! The details in the outfits are still making me smile.

Those outfits are amazing! You and your family deserve this trip so much!

The Big Give folks are soooo talented!! Of course I've seen pictures from other PTRs, but to have them delivered and have them made especially for your kids, just AGAIN brings tears to my eyes. What a group of loving women who use their talents for blessing others.

I am so happy that the package arrived. I had fun putting those bags together. I had to buy a couple for myself lol I hope you guys have a wonderful trip.

I don't blame you -- those bags were COOL! Thank you for them!!

I love all of the Big Give goodies!! Lovin the dresses and shirts!! Your girls and thier posing crack me up!! The feet on the couch and hand on the face OMG too precious!! The head tilt I am lovin it!! They are so cute!! And not lets not forget the boys. Grumpiness or not they are adorable!!!

The kids have gotten increasingly CRAZY excited with every package that we get. I'm just waiting for the day when a package comes and it's not a BIG GIVE package. Noah's vitamins should be coming this week in the mail -- hope the kids don't see it first!!

Love the seaworld outfits!! All the kids look great. I cant wait to see the pics From Seaworld!

I can't wait either! I really want a pic of all four because the outfits coordinate soooo well!!

Love all the Big Gives and the GKTW packet!!! How cute for Abby to get her big girl versions of the characters. I love that pink Minnie dress. And the embroidery!!! Too bad we won't be there at the same time...people would want to know where we all found the Sea World couture line. I love the blues too. So pretty!

The embroidery is soooo beautiful!! Seeing all the beautiful creations makes me think I wish I had paid more attention to my mom's sewing lessons. Maybe someday we can have a repeat lesson!!

A "Sea World couture line" by "FGM". I love it. I'll spread the word about it at sea world so when they see you guys, they'll think Phoebe and Tessa are "en vogue"!!

Thank you so much guys for getting excited with us. We are really getting excited now!!! The chef's at Disney are starting to contact me to see if there is anything they can do to help with Noah's diet. That is amazing. What a wonderful organization! I mean, they don't have to do anything -- they could just say, well just bring his own food that doesn't have to be heated, or don't come at all! But instead they are working with us individually to keep Noah safe and healthy and help him have the best time possible on this trip. That is all a mom can ask for.

 

[Granna4679]

Loving all of the BIG GIVE outfits you have received! They REALLY are a great group of people! We all converse daily and there is a bond that seems to grow (not just sewing, but we share everything with each other). Its AWESOME to be a part of it and I am so blessed to be able to be a tiny part of it. Each one of them that I have come to "know", have huge loving hearts. I hope ya'll have a fantastic trip to Disney. Not too much longer!

Just had to add....Ella's expressions make me giggle every time.

 

[pnutallergymom]

Beth, the kids look soooo happy!!!! I am so glad you guys have been blessed to have all of this pixie dust!!!!

How many more days for you guys?????

 

[noahsketomom]

Shannon,
I just happened to be sitting here at the computer.... again procrastinating going running. I try to do it before everybody gets up, but I've been soooo tired in the AMs recently. It's definitely going to be painful when I have to squeeze into some summer clothes (let alone a bathing suit) in a few weeks!

Speaking of.....16 DAYS!!!

(with a little dose of -- better get my act together!)

 

[kellyw8863]

16 days! Fantastic Big Gives. Great pics of the kids, and I love the SW couture! Have you started packing yet?

 

[pacrosby]

OMG.............I LOVE that pink/red/white dress on Ella! That is adorable!

Your kids must be getting so excited. 16 days? YIKES Best get on the schtick there girl!! (no pressure or anything )

 

[noahsketomom]

Okay, since we will hopefully be on our way 2 weeks from today, I'm starting to feel the crunch -- and the excitement is growing too!!

Thank you guys sooo much for being with me on this planning thing --- could not have done it without you!!! You are INVALUABLE!!!

I've been flying through random "to do" things...

-- got medical letter for transporting food
-- contacted TSA to ensure we are jumping through proper hoops
-- got my backup scale and it's very portable and small -- perfect!
-- called the Walmart near GKTW and found that they have several "brand name" items that Noah needs --- YAY! Less to pack!
-- have spoken with chefs from DHS (super helpful with tons of info!), Universal (contacted me TWICE) and Seaworld (did research, called me back, and SUPER nice!). I've confirmed their policies for bringing food in, heating up, and nutritional info. They have all been EXTREMELY helpful. Some places Noah will be able to eat park food (after weighing) -- plus what I bring to supplement to make the meal ketogenic. Other places we will just heat up his food at baby care stations and other places we will just bring food that doesn't require heating. Phew!
-- got somebody to watch the house and the dogs!!

Phew! It really is coming together, though I'm sure the inevitable problems will happen -- I'm just praying I can handle it calmly and not FREAK OUT as I've been known to do.

Still have to:

-- get memory sticks for the camera!
-- find the 2 "missing" rolling suitcases my mom was going to let us borrow. They are nowhere to be found!
-- file our state taxes (since we're coming home late on the 13th, not sure that's going to be on our mind the day after we get back!!)
-- lose 15 pounds. Here's to hoping, right? Can I still call it "baby fat" if my baby is 3?
-- take a whole day off from planning and packing to celebrate Resurrection Sunday on APRIL 4th!!!


And I saved the most exciting news for last.....

Noah's WISH GRANTERS are coming this SUNDAY to drop off our tickets!!! How about THAT?!?!!?