~ Sew Sweet 16 ~I’m packing your angry eyes just in case~Aug 2014~ BFF' bag 8/20!!!!

[jedimeg16]

The pirate Stitch bag is adorable!

 

[ladylyons]

I am so relieved for you that your mom is there, so you can get some rest. And it sounds like he is just a wonderful baby.

Glad you are having some great weather... I do wish we lived somewhere warmer - I am really beginning to despise winter!

Well I guess you can probably guess I haven't been around because we're getting used to a new routine. It has been great having my mom here and Baby Jeffrey is just a very calm baby which is always a great thing!! He is such a sweetie and I can't believe he's 10 days old already!!! I know the time fly's but sheesh I just want to enjoy him while he's little. Need to take some more pictures and share them. Maybe tomorrow while the kids are in school.

I do love our weather!! Really hate hearing about friends in Alabama right now who's husband is stranded 4 miles from home due to the snow. Luckily he's at a church and has food and heat. Really hoping he makes it home tomorrow.

Great pictures of your mom. Sorry you lost her so young.

Great Stitch bag!! Not a favorite character of mine but the bag still looks amazing.

 

[cogero]

I will not show C this bag ha ha ha.

Love it.

 

[DMGeurts]

ohhhhhhhhh your talking a lot about this new bag your creating...

Not really... It's a SECRET.

so the book is good?!?! TODAY i will be researching the diet.. i have to after the new set of blood test results...

Well, to be honest, it's a bit boring... Lots of scientific facts. But a lot of it is interesting, and I am so glad I purchased it - I am certain I will be looking it over whenever I have questions.

ANYWAY... i LOVE the new jammies!!! Once i have most of this trip planned it's time for trip SHOPPING!!! favorite part of planning...

your doing fantastic KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!

LOL Thanks!

I love those PJs! I'm not sure which ones I like better, yours or Oopsi's! I see a trip to Target or Walmart in my future.

LOL - well, I am not sure if you will find these there anymore... they were 70% off last week... I just hope I can stuff myself into them sometime soon.

II had a pretty good weekend. The class I had to go to downtown Atlanta was a total waste of time but at least I got a free Chik-Fil-A lunch out of it. Neither me nor my co-worker who went understood anything they were talking about. It was more of an expert class on the subject and we are both beginners.

LOL - glad you got something out of the class. And glad you got home before the snow.

II got a lot done on my packing on Sunday! A few weeks ago I bought 6 long sleeve shirts in neutral colors at Kohl's. Between the sale they were having, a coupon I had and a gift card I got for Christmas, I ended up paying $20 for the six shirts. Not a bad deal! On Sunday, I matched up one of my Disney shirts with each of the long sleeve shirts and put them together on the same hanger. I'm going to pack them that way so it's easy to pull them out of the suitcase. I don't know if I will need the long sleeves each day but at least I'll have them!

Excellent idea... I don't know why I never think to do that?

II can't wait to see the new bag and will be stalking the thread today!

Good luck with the appointment.

I love your new jammies.

Thanks, it went well.

D, glad Josh made it safely. Bundle up when you go out with Ali today. Although I have to admit, it doesn't feel as bad it did a couple of weeks ago (could it be we are just getting used to it?).

Although I am NOT a fan of Stitch at all, I just love that bag. It is very cute.

Thanks! Yah - pretty sad when I saw the weather for the weekend... 13 deg This actually prompted Alli and I to a 15 minute conversation about capris/sandals/swimsuits. My 3 favorite subjects.

D.,
Love the new bag... All the great details -- right now to the map. Hope it warms up soon. We've had some really bad days here but your area is really getting hit hard. Good Luck with go out to the Doctor's with your daughter...stay warm.
Sheila

Thank you Sheila! It's great to see you! Yah - I am pretty sick of the cold. I still don't know why I live here? Like Nini told me the other day - she is a delicate flower and that is why she lives in GA... I am a delicate flower too...

Well I didn't get to stalk your thread today like I wanted to. It started snowing about 9 am here and at 11:45 am they sent us home from work. 2 1/2 hours later I finally made it home. I had to park my car at the entrance to my subdivision because I couldn't get up the hill. I thought I was going to have to walk the mile uphill to get home but luckily a Good Samaritan was ferrying people home. Jim is still out there and has no idea how he is going to get home, the roads are horrible and there are accidents everywhere.

That being said, I love the Stitch bag!! So cute and perfect colors for a Pirate bag.

I am so glad you were allowed to go home early, and thankfully someone brought you home. I went and checked your FB page this morning, just as soon as I read this - and I am happy to see that Jim did make it home safely. What a relief! Stay warm and stay safe out there.

Oooh, your jammies are cute too! You and oopsi are making me jealous! I had to put my Mickey PJs away until warmer weather. Those capris are just too chilly right now.

Love the new bag...Stitch is fun as a pirate

Thanks! Ummm... I still wear the capris you gave me... They are the first ones I always pull out to wear. I love that they are knit - they are my favorite! They look great with tall socks and a sweatshirt.

The pirate Stitch bag is adorable!

Thank you!

Well I guess you can probably guess I haven't been around because we're getting used to a new routine. It has been great having my mom here and Baby Jeffrey is just a very calm baby which is always a great thing!! He is such a sweetie and I can't believe he's 10 days old already!!! I know the time fly's but sheesh I just want to enjoy him while he's little. Need to take some more pictures and share them. Maybe tomorrow while the kids are in school.

I figured you were busy! I cannot wait to see pictures - and I cannot believe he is already 10 days old - NO WAY! You are right, it does go too fast.

I do love our weather!! Really hate hearing about friends in Alabama right now who's husband is stranded 4 miles from home due to the snow. Luckily he's at a church and has food and heat. Really hoping he makes it home tomorrow.

Ariana's DH Jim (above) was also stuck in the Atlanta weather yesterday... I pray everyone stays safe down there.

Great pictures of your mom. Sorry you lost her so young.

Thank you - I am glad you enjoyed them.

Great Stitch bag!! Not a favorite character of mine but the bag still looks amazing.

Thanks! It was really a fun bag to make. I have lots of fun ones coming up.

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

Yesterday was a great day...

Since it's my "rest week" - I was able to get upstairs promptly at 8am and start this week's bag. Super excited about it! I was able to bust my behind and get it all cut out and quilted before I had to take Alli to town.

Alli's appointment went good... we go back in a month. They want to inject her psoriasis with steroids... Not sure how I feel about that? I need to do some research first.

Then we had to stop at Joanns... I needed a few things.

Then we had to stop at the grocery store... Again, I needed a few things.

Then home... Made dinner... Josh and V had cream cheese stuffed croissants topped with mozzarella cheese and hamburger spaghetti sauce. Alli had the same thing - no hamburger in her sauce. And I had the hamburger spaghetti sauce with zucchini noodles. This making 3 differrent meals every night is really starting to grate on my nerves. I have always abhored when families do this for their picky children - I've never allowed my girls to be picky - they eat what we put on the table. Now, here I am, making 3 different meals every night. It makes my blood boil just to think about it. Grrrr....

Then - read my book for a while and went to bed.

Josh was home yesterday... He slipped on a patch of ice the night before and threw out his back. It's pretty bad this time. I am certain he will be home today and probably tomorrow too.

The girls are finally going back to school today... They've been closed for the last 3 school days due to weather/cold. They are both happy to be going back, as these days off have prolonged their finals - and they've been so stressed about them.

I work at Target...

I hope all of you have a wonderful day... Prayers and good thoughts going out to all of you!

D~

 

[Chicago Mo]

i LOVE the stitch bag!!!! He is adorable! came out PERFECT!!!

OH NO poor josh.. I relaly hope he feels better. Back pain is THE WORST KIND OF PAIN!! I would rather give birth to the triplets again then that back pain.

Please give him my best!

good luck at Target! be safe and have a wonderful day!!!

 

[Pluto0809]

Oh no, I hope Josh's back feels better soon.

Yesterday was a nightmare here in Atlanta. Jim and I were so lucky just to make it home. There are STILL thousands of people stuck on the roads and have been there all night. Just in our county alone there are over 400 kids still at school. I've seen pictures of kids sleeping on gym mats and also pictures of people sleeping on floors in grocery stores. People just abandoned their cars on the roads and highways and started walking so I have no idea how they are going to get everything cleared out. The Governor has declared a State of Emergency for Georgia and has called in the National Guard. Thank goodness it's supposed to get warmer this weekend so all the snow can melt because that's the only way the streets in our subdivision will get cleared out.

Both Jim and I are home today and are not planning on going anywhere! My work is closed and Jim is working from home.

Hope you have a great day at Target today! I think I'm going to do some serious cleaning since I will be pretty busy this coming weekend.

 

[disneychic2]

Oh no, I hope Josh's back feels better soon.

Yesterday was a nightmare here in Atlanta. Jim and I were so lucky just to make it home. There are STILL thousands of people stuck on the roads and have been there all night. Just in our county alone there are over 400 kids still at school. I've seen pictures of kids sleeping on gym mats and also pictures of people sleeping on floors in grocery stores. People just abandoned their cars on the roads and highways and started walking so I have no idea how they are going to get everything cleared out. The Governor has declared a State of Emergency for Georgia and has called in the National Guard. Thank goodness it's supposed to get warmer this weekend so all the snow can melt because that's the only way the streets in our subdivision will get cleared out.

Both Jim and I are home today and are not planning on going anywhere! My work is closed and Jim is working from home.

Hope you have a great day at Target today! I think I'm going to do some serious cleaning since I will be pretty busy this coming weekend.

I read your first post and felt so badly for you. Then I saw Jim got home okay and felt relieved. Now, this second post is just awful! I do hope the weather warms up so those poor kids can get home and the roads can be cleared. What a mess! At least in Ohio we're pretty equipped to handle the snow and ice. I'm so glad you and Jim are okay! I'm getting a little nervous about our flights next week being cancelled because of weather. But, hopefully by then things will have calmed down.


D~, sorry I made you cry, but I thought it was so well said.

Stitch has never been one of my favorites either, but that bag is amazing! You captured that little rascal as no one else could. Great job!! Sounds like you got a lot done in your sewing room too. Good for you.

That's so hard to make three different meals. I'm sure it gets old fast. Hopefully as time goes on, you'll be able to integrate your eating with theirs a little more. And disguise it!

So sorry about Josh's fall and his back problems. I hope taking it easy for a couple of days helps. He'll be in my prayers for sure!

Would love to see more pics of baby Jeffry!! I got to facetime with Jennifer yesterday and Amelia is growing like crazy. It was lovely pandemonium as Moriah was singing a medley of Jesus loves me and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Selah was telling us about school and Miles was photo bombing in and out. Then Moriah was playing house with Miles, and he was the floor! Crazyness!

Jennifer is getting along slowly. She still has to ice her leg due to swelling. She still needs a crutch. She may have to stop Pt because if she ends up having to have surgery this year, she'll need it more after that. She goes to her surgeon at the end of February for another x-ray and evaluation. If it hasn't gotten worse, they can postpone the surgery for sure. If it has gotten worse, surgery will be needed right away. Thanks for asking about her.

Okay, I need to get down to my sewing room. I can't believe our trip is in 7 days and I still have so much to do!! But I'm so excited!! Have a great day!!

 

[KatMark]

I'm so sorry Josh hurt his back...I hope he is feeling better real soon.

Happy to hear the kids are going back to school. Andy has not been thrilled with this time off because as a substitute teacher he does NOT get paid for snow/cold days.

Hope you have a good day at work today.

 

[Clio]

The Stitch bag came out really cute. The lining really goes with the theme.
Sorry Josh hurt his back. I hope it gets better soon.
I hope you have a good day a Target. I'm off today.
Our inventory isn't until after Easter this year. They just decided to reorganize the backroom. It looks like they're almost done. What's nice is that all the tvs are binned by size so it's easy to find what you're looking for.
Schools are still closed here and there is no garbage pick up today. This is actually the warmest day so far.
Liz

 

[Terkina]

Nice jammis you have
Cool bag you have made with Stitch pirate.

Even if we haven't got any snow this January it has been cold enough. Some days it has been 12,2ºF Brrr

 

[ladylyons]

I figured you were busy! I cannot wait to see pictures - and I cannot believe he is already 10 days old - NO WAY! You are right, it does go too fast.

I knew that we were going to be busy but I forgot how tired I would be. But it's all worth it in the end. Here's one from the other night. He fell asleep on my lap.



I had to show off Jeremy's very 1st Pinewood Derby Car for Cub Scouts. He loved working on it with Jeff and now can't wait to race it on Saturday.

 

[lovesdumbo]

D-so sorry I've been MIA. I've been struggling to recover from my Dec trip-we had a great time but it so hard to be away in Dec. Came home to school issues with Joe, Emma had to make up her missed work, the holidays and then year end crunch at work.

I was trying to read along and was praying for you & Dad. So happy to hear about his new place (LOVE the towels!) and how well he's doing now. Sorry you had to endure all that stress. Victoria is just so sweet to tell you what a great daughter you are.

LOVED the family photos Ali took!

I don't know how you are dealing with the weather you're having. I'm barely tolerating the teens we've been having here.

So sorry to hear about Josh's back-hope he gives it the time he needs to heal.

On your trip-have you had BFF do things to perhaps trigger a PIN code? Sign up for a info DVD, save a vacation but then cancel. I'm sure there are threads on the resort discount boards about what to do to up your PIN chances. You likely won't get one because you've gone often enough now to look like you've got a Disney habit that they don't need to give you a pin.

I'm sure there was a ton of other things I wanted to say but I've got a nasty sinus cold and not thinking too clearly. OH.....LOVE Stitch!!!! OH...and WTG on your exercise/eating/life style changes!!!


I'll do a new post with reviews/thoughts about my Dec trip.

I knew that we were going to be busy but I forgot how tired I would be. But it's all worth it in the end. Here's one from the other night. He fell asleep on my lap.



I had to show off Jeremy's very 1st Pinewood Derby Car for Cub Scouts. He loved working on it with Jeff and now can't wait to race it on Saturday.

So adorable! Goodluck to Jeremy-very cool car!

 

[lovesdumbo]

I promised to tell you about the new resorts we tried. We started with 4 nights in a 1BR villa at OKW. The room was HUGE. I loved the layout of the kitchen/livingroom. Emma loved the very homey feeling and declared we could move in and stay for a few months. I didnt love the layout of the bathroom but it was fine for the 2 of us and fine when my friend Terry & her DD Halley were with us too. The bathroom was huge, had a large laundry room with full size side by side (not stacking) washer & dryer, and had another room with huge jetted tub. I just wish the toilet wasn't in the room with the shower-would be more of an issue with the 5 of us trying to get ready in the morning. We had a pool near our unit so we used that rather than the theme pool-which did look fun. We walked to DTD one morning and then took the boat back. We stopped to get salads to go 1 night from quick service place but it wasn't very quick. Didn't try table service but hear lots of great things about it. I think Gene would like this resort and I would stay here again but probably not first choice.

Then we spent 3 nights at BLT. When we checked in they wanted to put us in a room that was ready on the 2nd floor but I said we would like to wait if they could put us on a higher floor on the MK side of the building. They found a great room for us on the 9th floor with a view of the fireworks.The studio was tiny but I loved the very functional layout of the room and it was perfect for the 2 of us. I really liked the galley kitchenette. I loved being able to walk to MK. Loved having easy access to CR and quick service. Just about everything we had there was great (I had a breakfast sandwich one day I didn't love) and service was always quick. We didn't try any table service here. We took the boat to Ft Wilderness one night from CR dock to do a sleigh ride so that was pretty cool. I did love this resort. So much that I book an 8 night stay in August in a 1BR MK view unit. I know I will love the 1BR with 2 bathrooms. I didn't want to hope we would get partial MK view so I booked a room with a view. That meant I had to use all my 2014 points plus some of 2015 but I think it will be worth it.

This trip was mostly about Christmas stuff rather than rides. We did a TON of new to Emma things on this trip. We saw Osborne Lights, saw Whoopi Goldberg narrate Candlelight Processional, saw all the Holiday storytellers at Epcot, did Flights of Wonder at DTD, saw the Ice! Exhibit at Gaylord Palms, did MVMCP, and did the sleigh ride. We also spent a day at Legoland (I got free tickets at work).

So we didn't use magic bands a ton. But we did have mostly good experiences with them. We went to Epcot one morning and the afternoon at DHS where we rode TSMM-something we never could have done without FP+. However when we did ride TSMM there was about a 10 minute wait just to check magic bands. We encountered this a few other times too. I'm hoping as folks get used to using the bands things will go better. I like the convenice of paying with the band and loved using it as a room key. We never had any issues with the band coming off and it was hot in the high 80s and never had a problem with the bands being annoying or sweaty.

On our last day we had an early breakfast at CP. we had to go back to the room to finish packing, check out and check my bag for our flight. After that we went to AK. I tried booking a few fast passes on my phone but it wouldn't go through but I was able to book Safari, Dinosaur, and Mickey/Minnie meet & greet all for times that would work for us to leave the park in time for our flight at a kiosk. I don't think we could have easily been able to do those things in time without FP+.

I'm not 100% sold on FP+ but I'm not as pessimistic as I was before using it in Dec. I think it might work well for our family trip.

On our last day at AK I was checking my emails at lunch and had 2 from Joe's math & English teachers saying he wasn't doing his homework. He had a mid term report card that day that all 5 academic teachers said he had missing work. Joe didn't come to the airport with Gene & Lizzy to pick us up-I think he was afraid to see me. I struggled to get him to get caught up all the next week and over Christmas break. He was still dragging his feet so I told him he couldn't come downstairs for Christmas until his math homework was done. Then I took all his gifts away 12/26 til he finished the rest. He had no explanation.. I wonder if it was an attention getting thing for my poor middle child. Gene has been spending so much time with Lizzy (she's playing hockey) and I took Emma away. I just got another email today from his English teacher that he has done 1 of 4 assignments this new term. UGH! I don't know what to do for him or to him???

Emma has a tough (mean) teacher this year but she's got a nice group of friends so she's doing OK. Lizzy is loving hockey and is doing well in high school but keeps saying she doesn't want to go to Disney. We have our APs and the rest of us want to go so we are going but for "only" 8 nights. I will PM you with our dates-I think too early to see you. Then I think we're going to rent a car and drive north to see a few sites-St Agustine, Savannah, Hilton Head, Outer Banks... Then fly home from where ever we end. We've just got to finalize where we want to go. We will book a flight home not just wing it. I thought about driving all the way home but I dont think we want to do that.

 

[ladylyons]

So adorable! Goodluck to Jeremy-very cool car!

Thank you!! They worked really hard on the car and he couldn't be more excited about it.

 

[DisMom1981]

Prayers for Josh and I love the pirate bag! I'm going to go research the pirate and pals cruise right now even though I should be getting ready for work!!!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[DMGeurts]

i LOVE the stitch bag!!!! He is adorable! came out PERFECT!!!

Thank you!

OH NO poor josh.. I relaly hope he feels better. Back pain is THE WORST KIND OF PAIN!! I would rather give birth to the triplets again then that back pain.

Nah... Not poor Josh anymore... He is kind of in the Dog House right now...

Please give him my best!

Do I have to?

good luck at Target! be safe and have a wonderful day!!!

Thanks Hon! It was a great Target day - I had my red shoes on.

Oh no, I hope Josh's back feels better soon.

It's not exactly better... But - it will be. Trust me... He's in the Dog House right now... You'll see below...

Yesterday was a nightmare here in Atlanta. Jim and I were so lucky just to make it home. There are STILL thousands of people stuck on the roads and have been there all night. Just in our county alone there are over 400 kids still at school. I've seen pictures of kids sleeping on gym mats and also pictures of people sleeping on floors in grocery stores. People just abandoned their cars on the roads and highways and started walking so I have no idea how they are going to get everything cleared out. The Governor has declared a State of Emergency for Georgia and has called in the National Guard. Thank goodness it's supposed to get warmer this weekend so all the snow can melt because that's the only way the streets in our subdivision will get cleared out.

Both Jim and I are home today and are not planning on going anywhere! My work is closed and Jim is working from home.

Hope you have a great day at Target today! I think I'm going to do some serious cleaning since I will be pretty busy this coming weekend.

I am so glad you stayed home! Seriously! I saw some photos of Atlanta and I couldn't believe my eyes! I was shocked that people just abandoned their cars in the middle of the roads and started walking! Clearly - everyone behind them didn't have much choice but to do the same.

What a mess! So glad you are safe!

I read your first post and felt so badly for you. Then I saw Jim got home okay and felt relieved. Now, this second post is just awful! I do hope the weather warms up so those poor kids can get home and the roads can be cleared. What a mess! At least in Ohio we're pretty equipped to handle the snow and ice. I'm so glad you and Jim are okay! I'm getting a little nervous about our flights next week being cancelled because of weather. But, hopefully by then things will have calmed down.


D~, sorry I made you cry, but I thought it was so well said.

No worries Lois... LOL - Sometimes I am a bit emotional anyways.

Stitch has never been one of my favorites either, but that bag is amazing! You captured that little rascal as no one else could. Great job!! Sounds like you got a lot done in your sewing room too. Good for you.

Thanks! I really liked that bag, it just turned out fun. I always have such a hard time with him, because of his colors... I feel like I can never get my thread colors to go well with the color of the fabric (which took me a while to find the right shades) - but I think I finally have it figured out?

Looking forward to today in my sewing room... I am working on something FANTASTIC this week!

That's so hard to make three different meals. I'm sure it gets old fast. Hopefully as time goes on, you'll be able to integrate your eating with theirs a little more. And disguise it!

Hahaha... Maybe? I need to take Alli in for bloodwork - I am really starting to get nervous that her nutrition is suffering. I wish I could, at least, get her to eat a bit of meat here and there - even if I had to go out and buy organic... She doesn't realize that if she does't eat a little meat now and then, she may not ever be able to eat it again. I have heard of so many vegetarians who tried to go back to eating meat - discovering that it made them incredibly sick and they can no longer eat it at all. I hate to see her whole life of eating wrecked when she is so young. But she won't budge. I am hoping, if I can get her bloodwork done, and the Dr. can - at least - talk to her about the importance of getting all of her nutrients... and tell her that she must really concentrate on eating healthy. I am just so frustrated. Part of the "deal" with us allowing her to go vegetarian, is that it was her job to research her meals, take some time on the weekend to make her meals in advance so she was getting proper nutrition. She has NEVER done this... I do the best I can - but half of the time, she has a PB&J sandwich... It's driving me crazy! OK... I am done now, but I just don't know what to do next?

So sorry about Josh's fall and his back problems. I hope taking it easy for a couple of days helps. He'll be in my prayers for sure!

Oh no... He isn't taking it easy at all... He is currently in the Dog House!

Would love to see more pics of baby Jeffry!! I got to facetime with Jennifer yesterday and Amelia is growing like crazy. It was lovely pandemonium as Moriah was singing a medley of Jesus loves me and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Selah was telling us about school and Miles was photo bombing in and out. Then Moriah was playing house with Miles, and he was the floor! Crazyness!

Awww... They all sound so cute! How wonderful that you get to facetime them! I love when we get to Skype B/M/T... They are in Austria right now - skiing/snowboarding... It looks like so much fun!

Jennifer is getting along slowly. She still has to ice her leg due to swelling. She still needs a crutch. She may have to stop Pt because if she ends up having to have surgery this year, she'll need it more after that. She goes to her surgeon at the end of February for another x-ray and evaluation. If it hasn't gotten worse, they can postpone the surgery for sure. If it has gotten worse, surgery will be needed right away. Thanks for asking about her.

My continued prayers go out to her. I sure hope her appointment goes well and the surgery can be postponed. Please keep us updated.

Okay, I need to get down to my sewing room. I can't believe our trip is in 7 days and I still have so much to do!! But I'm so excited!! Have a great day!!

Yay! It's coming so quickly! I cannot wait for your TR!

I'm so sorry Josh hurt his back...I hope he is feeling better real soon.

Thanks Kathy... He is in the Dog House right now... I am trying hard to feel badly for him... but he's in big trouble!

I'm Happy to hear the kids are going back to school. Andy has not been thrilled with this time off because as a substitute teacher he does NOT get paid for snow/cold days.

Hope you have a good day at work today.

Such a bummer about Andy... Hopefully he is going back to school soon.

Thank you - the same to you.

The Stitch bag came out really cute. The lining really goes with the theme.
Sorry Josh hurt his back. I hope it gets better soon.
I hope you have a good day a Target. I'm off today.
Our inventory isn't until after Easter this year. They just decided to reorganize the backroom. It looks like they're almost done. What's nice is that all the tvs are binned by size so it's easy to find what you're looking for.
Schools are still closed here and there is no garbage pick up today. This is actually the warmest day so far.
Liz

Thanks Liz! I hate when the upper people decide to do "projects" like that. LOL It's always such a mess, because it feels like they don't think things all the way through. I hope it all settles down for you soon.

Nice jammis you have
Cool bag you have made with Stitch pirate.

Even if we haven't got any snow this January it has been cold enough. Some days it has been 12,2ºF Brrr

Thanks Lillian! When does winter typically end for you?

Thinking of you today as you travel... Have a safe trip and please let us know when you are back.

I knew that we were going to be busy but I forgot how tired I would be. But it's all worth it in the end. Here's one from the other night. He fell asleep on my lap.



I had to show off Jeremy's very 1st Pinewood Derby Car for Cub Scouts. He loved working on it with Jeff and now can't wait to race it on Saturday.

Oh my gosh - he is soooo precious!!! I love the one you put on FB this morning too - he is so wide awake! LOL I miss those days.

I love Jeremy's Pinewood Derby Car!!! Great job! Good luck to him, please let us know how he does.

D-so sorry I've been MIA. I've been struggling to recover from my Dec trip-we had a great time but it so hard to be away in Dec. Came home to school issues with Joe, Emma had to make up her missed work, the holidays and then year end crunch at work.

BERNADETTE!!!!!!! I've been wondering about you... And I have been meaning to text you to see if you are OK - you've been on my mind a lot these last few weeks. Every time Josh heads to Northfield for a hockey game - I think of you guys. I am still wearing Emma's bracelet... I took it off for the holidays, but I put it right back on again. I still LOVE it!

I was trying to read along and was praying for you & Dad. So happy to hear about his new place (LOVE the towels!) and how well he's doing now. Sorry you had to endure all that stress. Victoria is just so sweet to tell you what a great daughter you are.

Thank you! It's been a rough few weeks/month... And after this weekend, things should settle down immensely. I hope.

LOVED the family photos Ali took!

Thanks - I will be sure to tell her that. I will admit - I take full advantage of having a photographer in the family.

I don't know how you are dealing with the weather you're having. I'm barely tolerating the teens we've been having here.

LOL - well, it sucks. I just put all my gear on (coat, hat, scarf, mittens, flip-flops) and run outsdie as fast as I can, trying not to think about how cold it is... Mentally ticking off the calendar days until it will start to warm up again. We really only have about a month until the worst of it is over... Usually by March, we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Last year, of course, was the exception.

So sorry to hear about Josh's back-hope he gives it the time he needs to heal.

Thanks... but he hasn't... He's in the Dog House now...

On your trip-have you had BFF do things to perhaps trigger a PIN code? Sign up for a info DVD, save a vacation but then cancel. I'm sure there are threads on the resort discount boards about what to do to up your PIN chances. You likely won't get one because you've gone often enough now to look like you've got a Disney habit that they don't need to give you a pin.

I have not had her do that... but she is using my military discount at the moment - so at least she isn't paying rack rates. You are right though - I should tell her to do that. Thanks for the reminder.

I'm sure there was a ton of other things I wanted to say but I've got a nasty sinus cold and not thinking too clearly. OH.....LOVE Stitch!!!! OH...and WTG on your exercise/eating/life style changes!!!

Oh no... I hope you feel better soon. How is work going? The last time I talked to you - it was pretty stressful. Has it simmered down at all?

I promised to tell you about the new resorts we tried. We started with 4 nights in a 1BR villa at OKW. The room was HUGE. I loved the layout of the kitchen/livingroom. Emma loved the very homey feeling and declared we could move in and stay for a few months. I didnt love the layout of the bathroom but it was fine for the 2 of us and fine when my friend Terry & her DD Halley were with us too. The bathroom was huge, had a large laundry room with full size side by side (not stacking) washer & dryer, and had another room with huge jetted tub. I just wish the toilet wasn't in the room with the shower-would be more of an issue with the 5 of us trying to get ready in the morning. We had a pool near our unit so we used that rather than the theme pool-which did look fun. We walked to DTD one morning and then took the boat back. We stopped to get salads to go 1 night from quick service place but it wasn't very quick. Didn't try table service but hear lots of great things about it. I think Gene would like this resort and I would stay here again but probably not first choice.

Thanks for this review... I have heard so many great things about OKW... I know that Alli wants to try to stay there some day. I thought, for sure, for her graduation trip - but she told me the other day she wants to do GF for her graduation... I should have started saving for that trip when she was in kindergarten...

Then we spent 3 nights at BLT. When we checked in they wanted to put us in a room that was ready on the 2nd floor but I said we would like to wait if they could put us on a higher floor on the MK side of the building. They found a great room for us on the 9th floor with a view of the fireworks.The studio was tiny but I loved the very functional layout of the room and it was perfect for the 2 of us. I really liked the galley kitchenette. I loved being able to walk to MK. Loved having easy access to CR and quick service. Just about everything we had there was great (I had a breakfast sandwich one day I didn't love) and service was always quick. We didn't try any table service here. We took the boat to Ft Wilderness one night from CR dock to do a sleigh ride so that was pretty cool. I did love this resort. So much that I book an 8 night stay in August in a 1BR MK view unit. I know I will love the 1BR with 2 bathrooms. I didn't want to hope we would get partial MK view so I booked a room with a view. That meant I had to use all my 2014 points plus some of 2015 but I think it will be worth it.

That is some AMAZING Pixie Dust you got there! HOw awesome - especially for a Christmas trip! I am glad the studio worked out nicely for you. I am anxious to hear what your Aug dates are, and if we will overlap again. I sure hope so - we had so much fun with your family!

This trip was mostly about Christmas stuff rather than rides. We did a TON of new to Emma things on this trip. We saw Osborne Lights, saw Whoopi Goldberg narrate Candlelight Processional, saw all the Holiday storytellers at Epcot, did Flights of Wonder at DTD, saw the Ice! Exhibit at Gaylord Palms, did MVMCP, and did the sleigh ride. We also spent a day at Legoland (I got free tickets at work).

This just sounds wonderful! I am so glad you were able to do so many Christmas themed things! That sleigh ride sounds magnificant!

So we didn't use magic bands a ton. But we did have mostly good experiences with them. We went to Epcot one morning and the afternoon at DHS where we rode TSMM-something we never could have done without FP+. However when we did ride TSMM there was about a 10 minute wait just to check magic bands. We encountered this a few other times too. I'm hoping as folks get used to using the bands things will go better. I like the convenice of paying with the band and loved using it as a room key. We never had any issues with the band coming off and it was hot in the high 80s and never had a problem with the bands being annoying or sweaty.

I am glad to hear that your MBs were mostly painless. What a relief! I do think that FP+ will be great for riding rides like TSMM... but it will make it harder to ride all the other rides, because we will have no choice, but to wait in line. Sigh.

On our last day we had an early breakfast at CP. we had to go back to the room to finish packing, check out and check my bag for our flight. After that we went to AK. I tried booking a few fast passes on my phone but it wouldn't go through but I was able to book Safari, Dinosaur, and Mickey/Minnie meet & greet all for times that would work for us to leave the park in time for our flight at a kiosk. I don't think we could have easily been able to do those things in time without FP+.

I am also happy to hear that FP+ allowed you to get so much done on your last day. I guess there is good and bad in everything.

I'm not 100% sold on FP+ but I'm not as pessimistic as I was before using it in Dec. I think it might work well for our family trip.

I am glad to hear this.

On our last day at AK I was checking my emails at lunch and had 2 from Joe's math & English teachers saying he wasn't doing his homework. He had a mid term report card that day that all 5 academic teachers said he had missing work. Joe didn't come to the airport with Gene & Lizzy to pick us up-I think he was afraid to see me. I struggled to get him to get caught up all the next week and over Christmas break. He was still dragging his feet so I told him he couldn't come downstairs for Christmas until his math homework was done. Then I took all his gifts away 12/26 til he finished the rest. He had no explanation.. I wonder if it was an attention getting thing for my poor middle child. Gene has been spending so much time with Lizzy (she's playing hockey) and I took Emma away. I just got another email today from his English teacher that he has done 1 of 4 assignments this new term. UGH! I don't know what to do for him or to him???

Oh no! That does make sense, like maybe he was trying to get some attention? I am not sure. Is he normally like this? We used to have such problems like this with V, I am not sure what happened this year - but she is just sailing right through high school with out any problems at all. I have no idea what changed her? I think that part of it is that she finally got to "choose" some classes that she actually enjoys? And the other part of it, is that she has to carry her backpack with her EVERYWHERE, so there is no chance of "forgetting her homework" in her locker/bus/home. Does Joe have a locker? That was always V's biggest problem - no matter how we tried to keep her organized, it never worked. I wish I had some great advice for you.... Maybe someone else will?

Emma has a tough (mean) teacher this year but she's got a nice group of friends so she's doing OK. Lizzy is loving hockey and is doing well in high school but keeps saying she doesn't want to go to Disney. We have our APs and the rest of us want to go so we are going but for "only" 8 nights. I will PM you with our dates-I think too early to see you. Then I think we're going to rent a car and drive north to see a few sites-St Agustine, Savannah, Hilton Head, Outer Banks... Then fly home from where ever we end. We've just got to finalize where we want to go. We will book a flight home not just wing it. I thought about driving all the way home but I dont think we want to do that.

Sorry to hear about Emma's teacher... but glad she has some good friends to lift her spirits. And happy to hear that Lizzy is loving hockey - good for her!

I didn't see a PM from you with your dates, I am anxiously awaiting that. Your trip sounds magnificant!

Thanks so much for stopping by, I am so glad to hear you are doing well. Please pass on our "hellos" to the family - we talk of all of your and our time together in Disney often. I hope our paths cross again, my friend.

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

Oh gosh, where do I start? Long boring story ahead - if you want to skip it...

Let's start with Josh, and his new Dog House...

So... on Monday evening, I get a phone call from a random number. On MY cell phone, for Josh. Hmmm... Weird. So, I asked the caller who he was... It was "Mike" - from the Ford dealership... Really... That's interesting... So, I handed my phone over to Josh to let him talk... I didn't listen in, but I didn't need to.

Over the weekend... Every time I glanced over to see what Josh was doing on the laptop... He was looking at trucks.

I am a smart woman... And I KNOW this man... I knew exactly what he was up to. But, I figured I'd ride it out...

So, I am driving home from work last night with the girls... And I drive past the Ford dealership... Thinking silently to myself - wondering which truck Josh purchased... I had a feeling he bought a truck while I was at work yesterday.

As I am driving home... I passed this nice new Ford truck with the plastic dealer plates on it... Again, I had a thought that the person driving it looked a little like Josh... Hmmmm... But it wasn't. Phew!

So, I turn on to our road... And I see Josh's truck parked outside the house... I could see that his topper was up, his tailgate down and the back of his pick-up was empty (we hadn't cleaned it out from our weekend at my Dad's yet)... Mr. SoreBack had been doing some awful heavy lifting all day - cleaning out the back of his truck BY HIMSELF!

I KNEW right then and there - Josh DID buy a truck. I am smart like that.

So, the girls and I walk into the house... to see my lovely DH sitting at the kitchen table... Laptop open... My Dad's items that were previously in the back of Josh's truck, scattered about the house - not put away - of course. Sigh.

"Sooooo....." I said to him. "I see you've cleaned out your truck... How's your back?" Pause... He told me "It's doing better...." Wait for it.... wait for it.... "I had to clean it out... I sold it today." Me: "WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - You did WHAT?" So, now what?

Yup... I am THAT smart... I just KNEW it... he traded it in on a new truck. With. Out. Telling. Me. Or. Discussing. It. With. Me. At. All.

DOG HOUSE anyone? Ooooh yah... Big Red Dog House with a Heavy Chain!

Sigh...

So, Josh is getting a "new" truck today. It is not brand new (we do NOT do brand new vehicles... we are smart enough not to take the hit of that first year's depreciation)... It is a few years old. It's a nice truck - I think. To be honest with you all - I haven't even seen it yet. I was so mad at him last night, I wouldn't even look at it.

In his defence... but I won't EVER admit it to him... His truck was starting to nickle and dime us A LOT... It was almost 20 years old - even though it's been well maintained, there were things going wrong with it that were making me nervous to have the girls riding it in... And I was starting to get nervous with Josh driving it too... And trips to the lake in the summer were starting to get a bit sketchy. So, it WAS time... However, I was really hoping to wait more towards summer before we purchased. Sigh.

So, Mr. SoreBack is feeling better... Well enough to clean out his truck yesterday. Even though he is still walking crooked - and he SHOULDN'T have done that.

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

I worked at Target yesterday... I wore my red patent leather shoes and my red/white striped socks... So it was a good day. I accidentally went into work an hour too early for my shift, so I had a short shift and I was able to wear those shoes for my whole shift.

Today, I will be working on the applique for this week's custom order. I am very excited about it! I hope to finish the applique today, but I doubt it.

Tomorrow is the last day of the month... This is significant why? Well, my Dad's garage is still quite full... we still have more garbage in there that needs to come out. And we also have a large load of furniture to go to Goodwill. Because of the blizzard last weekend - we weren't able to go up and do this. So, my Dad's garage has to be EMPTY by tomorrow night. Which means, I am driving up tomorrow morning, meeting my brother's foster parents at my Dad's garage, and they are going to help me load the remaining furniture and haul it to Goodwill. HOPEFULLY - we can get it all done. I hate to leave anything behind for the landords... They have been very kind to us, and working with me to get my dad out of his new lease - so I am trying to be a diligent as I can not to leave them a mess. HOpefully, by tomorrow night - the move will be DONE and I can finally relax.

I will be spending tomorrow night at my Dad's, so I can take him to church on Saturday. I will spend a bit of time with him on Saturday afternoon, then I will head home. I was going to take Alli with me, and pull her out of school a bit early tomorrow, but her very last class of the day is her AP Engligh, and I just can't have her miss that class - it's so hard for her to catch up when she does. So, it's just me going up there.

I hope you all have a fantastic day! Sending out prayers to all who need them!

D~

 

[Nurse_Mommy4]

Good Morning D!

Love the truck story! LOL I was wondering....has Josh caved yet about the trip? If not, new truck sounds like a wee bit of leverage (insert evil laugh)

Have a great day friend!

 

[NiniMorris]

Yup. Truck. Trip.

 

[Chicago Mo]

OK i take back telling him to feel better.. Now you can give him a Slap on the back and tell him i said hi...

Bad Josh. I hope the dog house has a good floor to sleep on for that back of his!!!


Good Luck at Dad's this weelend!! Still wish i lived closer so i could help you!!!!

 

[nolacindy]

Stitch is adorable and makes a great pirate! I think I like him so much because he can go from showing his badness level to having such a sweet face so fast!

Josh is a brave, brave man, doesnt he know its going to be cold outside in that doghouse? I understand the need for a new-to-you vehicle but that seems like something that would need to be discussed. Heck I get aggrevated when Gerald goes to the grocery and spends money on snacks and candy!

Truck for him=Trip for the girls! This means you are free to book away without discussing it with him right?

Love the pictures of your mom, all the curls are so cute! My mom will be 70 this year, i'm thankful everyday that she is still in good health! My sister and I are planning a surprise for her, my niece Morgan is planning a Disney cruise wedding and really wants her there so we are going to force her to go by booking and telling her we can't cancel! She is really hesitant about a cruise but I think she will love it once she gets there! We are such mean daughters!