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

[disneychic2]

Awww, love the pics! How old is Sarah? Hope your first night home was not a typical first night with a new baby...meaning I hope you got some sleep!

 

[Iamthequeen]

Baby Jeffrey is beautiful .... and so is big sister Sarah!

 

[DMGeurts]

OK - before I do my morning update...

SQUEE!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is just so very precious! And I love that picture of Sarah holding him - how sweet. How does she feel being the only girl with a gaggle of brothesr to protect her? And he is just so sweet in that little Pooh outfit... I wish I lived closer so I could snuggle him.

Again - congratulations! I hope you are feeling OK and continue to.

D~

 

[Tinkercc]

Your children are precious!! Congrats on baby Jeffrey!

 

[Nurse_Mommy4]

Your baby is Gorgeous Sandra! Congratulations!

 

[DMGeurts]

Good morning D!

I hear ya on the TS meals. I didn't realize you were eating in the MK area on those days. That would be a bit of a PITA. It is doable though with realistic expectations. We almost always eat at a DTD restaurant on our WP days so of course we just hop on the boat and head downtown.
I know you will make the right decision for you guys and you will be in our happy place so of course you will have an awesome time!
Have a great day friend!

It is a PITA, imo... But - what else should I do? I am totally open to suggestions. We are going with someone who hasn't gone in a long time, and doesn't anticipate going again real soon - I feel like I really need to suck it up and let her enjoy her vacation doing things that she likes to do. Even if I'd much rather hop a boat to DTD and just enjoy the breeze of the boat moving on the water (hopefully with no flash photography aboard... )... I plan to take the time to explain to her exactly how the logistics work... And the fact that I am booking ALL of the dining "deposits" on my card... She is much like me, when I planned our 2008 trip - I had never done any character dining before, so that was all I wanted to do. I didn't realize, at that time, Character dining kind of sucks... You don't really get to eat and you are constantly being interrupted, besides - the food isn't all that great either.

Sigh... It will be a great trip, no matter what - even if it isn't my idea of a relaxing trip.

D~, as far as what to do with your trip. Disney isn't going anywhere, so getting back to see your family is most important. You and the girls will probably be back again next year, so that's a comfort. Dan and I have never had an official "down" day in all the years we've been going and we've done fine. Of course, with just the two of us, if we feel like getting there at rope drop, leaving after lunch to lounge by the pool, then go back to close the park, that's what we do. I am glad Nini suggested the GP free dining watch. Brilliant!

I hope today went well for you and Josh clearing out the garage. Can't wait to see the latest bag. Catch you later!

Thanks Lois... I agree, and you are right - we will probably be back next year.

See, and that's how the girls and I are - we are pretty flexible. I have a feeling there will be lots of "leaving BFF and dd to their own devices" while we go back to the resort and soak up the air conditioning/pool. I am still quite sad that we didn't do hardly any pool time on our last trip, it was just SOOO Hot and none of us wanted to make the effort to walk down to the pool. LOL

Thank you - yesterday went very well for us!

D~ hope all went well with you today.

You could eat dinner at your resort - Boatwright's is a great place to eat!

It went great - thank you Tess.

You know, I have never eaten at Boatwrights, and I have heard great things about it - I have heard it's really a hidden gem. So, I'd definately like to try it out sometime. If we are lucky enough to add an extra day or two at the beginning of our trip - I plan to make sure any meals that are added are NON-character meals.

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

Josh and I couldn't have asked for a better day yesterday. The weather was perfect and roads were great. We arrived at my Dad's old apartment around Noon... We spent much less time there than I had anticipated - hauled a bunch of the garbage bags to the half-empty dumpster (which we filled). Josh will be taking my car to work on Wednesday (dumpster emptying day) to fill the dumpster with the remaining trash bags from my Dad's garage. Then everything left in there is for donation - so I will be calling one of the local donation groups and asking them to take the rest. Let's pray they take it all. Then we will be DONE!

From there - we drove to my Dad's new apartment... Stopping at Subway on the way for lunch... I am still just so excited... Every time I go - I just expect to see my "old" Dad, and I am always shocked to see my "new" Dad... It's so wonderful! He is so happy, so healthy and so fun! I know I have said it a bazillion times - but it makes my heart sing to see him doing so well. It amazes me that 1 month ago - we were so afraid for his health and the possibility that he'd had a stroke... and in that month - he is done a total 180... It really blows my mind. I am so thrilled we were able to make this happen for him in such a short time.

I wanted to take a moment to thank Carol and Lois... The cards you sent him were so nice... He has them set up on his kitchen table. Since I have all of his mail forwarded to me - the only mail he currently gets is from people that physically have his new address (I did this on purpose, so I can try to get him unsubscribed from some of the junk he was getting) - so it just means the WORLD to him to know that he hasn't been forgotten. So, THANK YOU - from the very bottom of my heart!

We were able to get all of his pictures hung... His new apartment is finally feeling more like home to him. He is telling me tales of how he is meeting soooo many new people, and how friendly most of them are... He complains a little that he is not getting enough food... and he desperately misses his turkey bacon (he doesn't eat pork)... Which - after cleaning his kitchen - I am trying to enourage him to live with out cooking turkey bacon - or anything else... but I have a feeling this will be a losing battle for me in the end.

The girls and I are planning to go up there once a month now... We will bring a blow up mattress, and fill his living space with it - but we plan to go up once a month on a Friday after school... That way - we can hang out with him and visit, then on Saturday morning, I can bring him to church. It's not ideal, but it's better than him not going to services again. I can't say I am very happy with his church at the moment... He has been a member there for well over 30 years, he gives $$ that he cannot afford to give, and he volunteers countless hours weekly... but since he has been in the hospitaly - NOT ONE SINGLE PERSON has contacted him or gone out of their way to contact him - which, in my mind is absolute CRAP! Annnnd... It's not as if they didn't know he was in the hospital/nursing home - as my cousin physcially called his pastor himself and told him... So, in my mind - it's total BS. But I won't go on and on about it. Just know - as I am sure you all do - how very angry I am about it.

We came home last night, had dinner... Watched Downton Abby... Not happy about Anna at all. Glad Edna got what she deserved. Hoping for better episodes in the future. For those of you that don't watch this show... You really MUST!

OK - I've done enough rambling for today... Sorry to go on and on.

Today, I plan to start a little of this week's custom order. It's a Federal holiday, so Josh is home and the girls are home. I'd like to be done up there by noon, so I can spend the rest of the day with them - and relax.

I hope you all have a wonderful day. Prayers to all who need them.

D~

 

[cogero]

Fist Sandra little Jeffrey is just super adorable.

D are you going to have any downtime from BFF and Olivia or are you glued to the hip for the entire trip. Maybe you can take one meal and let them go on their own and you and the girls on your own.

I am going to make the suggestions of some private time for you all. Traveling with others can be rough.

I am so happy to hear your dad is doing well. It is upsetting about his church though and doesn't sound right.

Hope you spend some quality time with the family. I have 2 episodes of Downton to watch.

 

[Clio]

Sandra, congrats on baby Jeffrey. He is so cute.
I'm glad your visit with your dad was good. Sorry about his church. That just doesn't sound right. I'm sure he'll enjoy the visits with you and the girls.
I have to go to work today. I've been off sick since Thursday. I'm sure I'll have plenty to do. My stomach's still not 100% but I have to go in.
My daughter just came home from work early complaining about her stomach.
I didn't go to the baby shower yesterday. It was 2 1/2 hours away. My daughter and niece went and it took forever to get back home.
I hope everyone have a good day.
Liz

 

[Nurse_Mommy4]

I think that's a great idea about your dad and the visiting schedule. I wish I lived closer to my parents!
I'm sorry about your dad's church. That really is a bunch of BS! You would think they would show a little more concern about a long time member.
Trip related news: I am not moving resorts and I am really happy about it!

 

[solana131]

Ack....I missed Downton last night! I don't think I even DVRed it I hope they replay it before next week.

So happy your Dad is doing well...I had tears in my eyes reading that last update. It really does suck about his church and I would let them know how you feel when you take him. It is just not right.

I missed all the back and forth about the extra days....but I think you will be fine. You have two WP days and although they are not official "down days" they are a lot more relaxing than park days! So I think you will be fine. I just really hope you don't push too hard. I know you want BFF and O to have a great time, but sitting in the hospital will NOT be fun for them! Take it easy, don't try to do everything in half the time you usually have.

Sorry....not trying to be a downer, just worried about you and the girls. I remember how hot and sick you were a couple times last August

 

[DisMom1981]

Happy you had such a nice time with your dad. I'm so glad your prayers were answered and his health is in order now as compared to last month.

I get your anger with the church. My Nana and Grampy were loyal parisheners of their church for many, many years and big $$$$$$. It didn't amount to much in the end when they were very sick. In fact we pretty much had to beg the priest to come do last rights for my Nana. So sad.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Texan]

Hey D! Finally checking in after a nasty stomach bug all weekend. I haven't had one of those in a long, long time. I was the only one out of the 3 of us to get it, go figure. Please do not stress about your vacation. You will get this all sorted out, and remember, you are planning a VACATION, a time to rest and enjoy each other and make new memories. I would try to go for Option #1, but if you can't, and your original plan stays, just be sure and not wear yourself out where you and your girls aren't enjoying yourselves. Yes, you want your BFF and O to have a great time, but they will, its Disney! So glad to hear your daughters are doing their job and wearing Josh to a big permanent YES!

And yay for your Dad doing so wonderful, I am glad he got my card!!! I know you and Alli and V will have some wonderful weekends with him. I wish churches would remember what they are there for, to serve and help others as Jesus would. This type of behavior makes me so mad, I would love to give them a piece of my mind.

I love your TA, she helped me so much with my small weekend; hopefully she will find some more magic for your trip.

Have a beautiful week D, and take care! Many prayers for you and your family and your Dad.

 

[sewmess]

Wow, so much happens when I can't get on the DIS.

Vacation-y: I agree with Mo and be logical about it. You don't want to be there after the family arrives, so cut those options. You don't want to go crazy with the $$$, so cut that one. With the options you have left, talk it over with BFF and you'll have the best time you can!

I feel ya with your Dad's church. Mom would have been in a similar position with her old church: they got used to her being there, counted on her volunteering, but when she was in the hospital - nada. Luckily she moved and has a church with a much bigger (too big in some cases) heart and for her knee surgery there was a bunch of support. If the Pastor knew and did not use the process (prayers for the people, for example) to let everyone know, he's not being much of a pastor. (Have I mentioned that my Dad was a PCUSA minister?)

Anyway - everyone be safe, have fun and blessings on all y'all.

 

[nowellsl]

There's a huge retirement/assisted living community near my house that has buses to provide transportation to those seniors that are without cars. They take them to the grocery store, drug store, doctors offices and church. Is there anything like that at your dad's new place?

It's a shame his church didn't show the proper care and concern when he was in the hospital! Maybe he'll make some new friends that can refer him to a church closer to his new apartment that would look out for him!

 

[Terkina]

I can understand it's tough for you to find out how your dad has been living. But you have to think that he now lives in a nice apartment and have people around him to look into him and see that everything is ok. Sounds like a good plan to visit him once a month and stay overnight. It's a shame that his church haven't offered to help him out.

You have some big decision to make about your WDW trip. I know the feeling of wanting to be there as much as possible. But one day in each park is possible (that's what I did when I was there last February).

 

[DMGeurts]

Fist Sandra little Jeffrey is just super adorable.

D are you going to have any downtime from BFF and Olivia or are you glued to the hip for the entire trip. Maybe you can take one meal and let them go on their own and you and the girls on your own.

I am going to make the suggestions of some private time for you all. Traveling with others can be rough.

I am so happy to hear your dad is doing well. It is upsetting about his church though and doesn't sound right.

Hope you spend some quality time with the family. I have 2 episodes of Downton to watch.

Well, my goal is to have some down time from them, but every time I suggest the girls and I do something different, she changes her plans to coincide with ours. So, that's not going well for me.

I am thinking - the only private time we will get is while we are in our room.

I know - I am still pretty upset at his church. I realize there have been issues with his phone and reception - even though it's been hit or miss - I am still able to contact him most of the time. I am really hoping that after his landline is hooked up this afternoon, he will have better contact with these people, and I hope it was just the lack of reception and they truly haven't forgotten him.

You need to watch those 2 episodes... On second thought - maybe you don't want to...

Sandra, congrats on baby Jeffrey. He is so cute.
I'm glad your visit with your dad was good. Sorry about his church. That just doesn't sound right. I'm sure he'll enjoy the visits with you and the girls.
I have to go to work today. I've been off sick since Thursday. I'm sure I'll have plenty to do. My stomach's still not 100% but I have to go in.
My daughter just came home from work early complaining about her stomach.
I didn't go to the baby shower yesterday. It was 2 1/2 hours away. My daughter and niece went and it took forever to get back home.
I hope everyone have a good day.
Liz

Thank you Liz... I hope that you were OK at work yesterday and that you are feeling much better. I hope dd didn't get it.

I think that's a great idea about your dad and the visiting schedule. I wish I lived closer to my parents!
I'm sorry about your dad's church. That really is a bunch of BS! You would think they would show a little more concern about a long time member.
Trip related news: I am not moving resorts and I am really happy about it!

Yay!!! Super happy you are keeping your original resort. The girls and I will steal you away from your family... And you can steal us away from BFF - and we can hit DTD one night.

I think the girls and I will have fun staying at Grandpa's house - I know he is looking forward to it.

I know - I am so upset with his church... I hope it's just a phone reception thing, and once he has his landline hooked up today, that things will be much better. But I fear that isn't the case.

Ack....I missed Downton last night! I don't think I even DVRed it I hope they replay it before next week.

So happy your Dad is doing well...I had tears in my eyes reading that last update. It really does suck about his church and I would let them know how you feel when you take him. It is just not right.

I missed all the back and forth about the extra days....but I think you will be fine. You have two WP days and although they are not official "down days" they are a lot more relaxing than park days! So I think you will be fine. I just really hope you don't push too hard. I know you want BFF and O to have a great time, but sitting in the hospital will NOT be fun for them! Take it easy, don't try to do everything in half the time you usually have.

Sorry....not trying to be a downer, just worried about you and the girls. I remember how hot and sick you were a couple times last August

Thanks Suzi... I hope you get to see Downton soon - it was a good episode.

I really want to let his church know how I feel, but I am just hoping that they haven't been contacting him because of the bad reception on his cell phone... but I have had many opportunities to talk to him, so I fear that isn't the case.

You are right... I do need to just do the best I can. I could care less about how much I want to accomplish - but I know that BFF expects to see it all, and I know she won't.

Happy you had such a nice time with your dad. I'm so glad your prayers were answered and his health is in order now as compared to last month.

I get your anger with the church. My Nana and Grampy were loyal parisheners of their church for many, many years and big $$$$$$. It didn't amount to much in the end when they were very sick. In fact we pretty much had to beg the priest to come do last rights for my Nana. So sad.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Thanks Ann... UGH! That makes me so very angry too! That is not how it should be! And I am coming to realize that it's often how it is... So sad.

Hey D! Finally checking in after a nasty stomach bug all weekend. I haven't had one of those in a long, long time. I was the only one out of the 3 of us to get it, go figure. Please do not stress about your vacation. You will get this all sorted out, and remember, you are planning a VACATION, a time to rest and enjoy each other and make new memories. I would try to go for Option #1, but if you can't, and your original plan stays, just be sure and not wear yourself out where you and your girls aren't enjoying yourselves. Yes, you want your BFF and O to have a great time, but they will, its Disney! So glad to hear your daughters are doing their job and wearing Josh to a big permanent YES!

And yay for your Dad doing so wonderful, I am glad he got my card!!! I know you and Alli and V will have some wonderful weekends with him. I wish churches would remember what they are there for, to serve and help others as Jesus would. This type of behavior makes me so mad, I would love to give them a piece of my mind.

I love your TA, she helped me so much with my small weekend; hopefully she will find some more magic for your trip.

Have a beautiful week D, and take care! Many prayers for you and your family and your Dad.

So sorry you weren't feeling well Carol - I hope you are better now. That flu bug is awful this year - praying it stays away from us.

You are right - we just need to take it as it comes and have fun. I will try not to stress about all the stuff we won't get to do, and worry about what we will.

I would love to give them a piece of my mind too. If they continue to ignore him once his landline is hooked up - then I will let them have it when I bring him to church.

I am so glad you love my TA - I love her too - she is just THE BEST!

I hope you have a great week, as well - FEEL BETTER!

Wow, so much happens when I can't get on the DIS.

Vacation-y: I agree with Mo and be logical about it. You don't want to be there after the family arrives, so cut those options. You don't want to go crazy with the $$$, so cut that one. With the options you have left, talk it over with BFF and you'll have the best time you can!

I feel ya with your Dad's church. Mom would have been in a similar position with her old church: they got used to her being there, counted on her volunteering, but when she was in the hospital - nada. Luckily she moved and has a church with a much bigger (too big in some cases) heart and for her knee surgery there was a bunch of support. If the Pastor knew and did not use the process (prayers for the people, for example) to let everyone know, he's not being much of a pastor. (Have I mentioned that my Dad was a PCUSA minister?)

Anyway - everyone be safe, have fun and blessings on all y'all.

You are right Ruth... Yes, those options are being cut as I speak. I don't mind flying in the day after they arrive - but we won't stay down there any longer than that. And if we can book earlier if a public FD offer is offered - then we can fly in the day they arrive instead. We can cross our fingers.

Exactly - no, I didn't know that about your Dad... How sad about your mom... I am glad she found another church that appreciated her and her hard work.

There's a huge retirement/assisted living community near my house that has buses to provide transportation to those seniors that are without cars. They take them to the grocery store, drug store, doctors offices and church. Is there anything like that at your dad's new place?

It's a shame his church didn't show the proper care and concern when he was in the hospital! Maybe he'll make some new friends that can refer him to a church closer to his new apartment that would look out for him!

My Dad's assisted living center does provide a bus to some places... the problem is that his church is SO FAR AWAY - and there isn't one of his demonation that is any closer. So, he has to provide his own transportation to church services - which was a huge deciding factor about this assisted living apartment - in the end, it was HIS decision and he knew about this... This was the only drawback to this place... Hopefully we can work something out. Sigh. It just really grates on my nerves that he hasn't heard from them, I pray it's due to his lack of cell phone reception - and after his landline is installed today - hopefully they will have better contact with him... Otherwise, I will have a few choice words for them when I bring him to services in a few weeks.

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

Can't say that I accomplished anything yesterday.

Bad me.

I did lift though, so that's good. I am up to deadlifting 75lbs - which isn't much, but I've definately increased my strength over the last few months.

I am also really starting to notice my body changing... Once I took off those extra calories I was (accidentally) eating, it just seems to be melting away. I've also started eating a mostly Primal/Paleo diet - which is making a HUGE difference in my energy and sleep. I am very excited about it.

I noticed yesterday that I can tighten my belt another notch. Considering that this is a belt I coulnd't even get around my waist last summer, and now I can put it on the 3rd notch in... I am happy with that. It's the progress I like to see.

So, anyways - I was very lazy yesterday... I did nothing, except for cook.

Today, I will be starting my next custom order.

I do have a hair cut appointment this afternoon. Not that I am in desperate need right now, but I know what happened the last time I skipped one - don't want to go through that again.

Josh is staying home today - he wasn't feeling well last night. I sure hope he isn't sick.

I hope you all have a wonderful Monday! I will be back later to post pictures of last weeks' custom order. Sending out hugs and prayers to all who need them.

D~

 

[Nurse_Mommy4]

Good Morning D!

Congratulations on the progress! I am still sooooo proud of you! I know how exciting tightening that belt just a little bit more can be!!!

I definitely plan to steal you at least for a little while during your trip! DTD would be fabulous! Wonder if there will be any flash photography on the boat!

 

[Chicago Mo]

FIRST i must say BABY Jeffery is the CUTEST little guy!!! just squishable!!!! CONGRATS!!! so glad to hear everyone is healthy and home..


D~
Do you want a picture to hang in your Dad's new apartment? if so let me know which one and what size...

Can't wait to see the new bag...


Yeah yeah yeah your doing good on your diet... Whatever... I will fix all that weight loss crap on the next Epic dis meet...
Seriously.. your doing fantastic.. wanna come and help a fellow Chicagoan out? i need to lose about 60...

 

[Wood Nymph]

My husband was very mad at Downton Abby the other night when Anna decided not to tell her husband what happened. He threatened to stop watching the series. I had to laugh that he had gotten that wrapped up in it

 

[disneychic2]

So glad things went well for you and Josh and that your Dad is still doing great. What a load off your mind. Makes it easier to leave him I'm sure. Glad he liked the card.

I think when you have that talk with BFF about all the character meals and the logistics, you should just honestly tell her up front that you and the girls will need some down time, just the three of you. I know you don't want to hurt her feelings or offend her in any way, but if you explain it to her ahead of time, I don't see how she could be hurt over it. Once there, she may realize the SHE would like a bit of alone time as well. She has no idea what that heat is going to feel like!

I'm so sad that your Dad's church hasn't been there for him! I do hope he finds another one closer by since I don't think it was cell phone problems. Someone could have visited him while he was in the hospital at the very least. When we moved three years ago, we left our church we'd been a part of for many years. When they found out about Caroline's struggles when she was born, they called to see if they could do anything and the pastor called for follow up so he could update the congregation. I was so moved. That's the way a church should be, IMO.

I'll check back later to see if you've posted your latest bag. Don't sweat taking yesterday off...you deserved it! Hope you're having a great day!