Snow to 80 in 8 days–A spoonful of Holiday Cheer (2/5 update Ch 36 - Final Thoughts)

[that's nice]

I tried that too...but it says you have to have at least one character or something. And then I thought, well, Marv is a character.

LOL Good one!!!!!

I'm in a teensy bit of a holding pattern. Waiting for the last load of laundry to dry so I can throw it in a bag, I need to startd the dishwasher and then throw the food in to the coolers. BUT, Zach doesn't get out of school until 3:15, so I have a bit of time, I was about to go change clothes though; meantime I am having a cup of coffee and hanging out with YOU (all)!!! It's only an hour drive to our new pad, so it's a pretty low stress move compared to our last move which was 48 hours.

I'd say!!!!

Well we are glad to have you!

 

[englishrose47]

I too am in a holding pattern .. the kitten who wants to answer Marv !!!dddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddyt see she did!!!!!

 

[Sleepingbooty]

Am I too late? Followed you over here from Glenn's. Can't wait to hear more!

 

[englishrose47]

Am I too late? Followed you over here from Glenn's. Can't wait to hear more!

You are in plenty of time Marv seldom updates his TR!!!Luv ya Marv!!!!!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Well, apparently this TR is the happening place to be! Or so I've heard! (compliments of Kathy). She told me you need all the nice people you can get over here, so here I am!

What a cute family you have! And you seem like a smart guy...you didn't list your DW's age! That's always a smart move! I see you have all boys, I have 3 girls myself. Well, I guess if you don't count DH, and somehow I never do.

I'm impressed that it's already page 9 and you've only done the pre-trip intro! I'm not judging! Nice intro. though, it sounds like it was a great trip! And I love food pics, feel free to post a ton please! (I take pics of my food too while at Disney yet I never see anyone else doing so!)

Looking foward to your updates.

 

[marvali]

sounds about right to me...once you hit the double digit mark since your last update it is time to do another one.

Cool, I have more time to wait.....but I'm trying not to!

I guess Marv got the last dot on this one.

Why do you sound surprised??? You all know I am a man of few words!!!

I tried that too...but it says you have to have at least one character or something. And then I thought, well, Marv is a character.

I'm in a teensy bit of a holding pattern. Waiting for the last load of laundry to dry so I can throw it in a bag, I need to startd the dishwasher and then throw the food in to the coolers. BUT, Zach doesn't get out of school until 3:15, so I have a bit of time, I was about to go change clothes though; meantime I am having a cup of coffee and hanging out with YOU (all)!!! It's only an hour drive to our new pad, so it's a pretty low stress move compared to our last move which was 48 hours.

Liesa, hope the move goes smoothly!!!

LOL Good one!!!!!

Thanks FRIEND!

 

[marvali]

I too am in a holding pattern .. the kitten who wants to answer Marv !!!dddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddyt see she did!!!!!

Rosie, you know I love you, and I have missed you lately.......but what the Helmann's Mayonnaise was THAT???

Am I too late? Followed you over here from Glenn's. Can't wait to hear more!

Rebecca!!! Great to have you here, even if you ARE one of Glenn's friends.....

Just kidding! Hopefully there will be more real soon! And feel free to join in the fun any time!

You are in plenty of time Marv seldom updates his TR!!!Luv ya Marv!!!!!

Oh Rosie, you always say the nicest things.....

Well, apparently this TR is the happening place to be! Or so I've heard! (compliments of Kathy). She told me you need all the nice people you can get over here, so here I am!

4th Pretty Princess??? It is good to have another "nice" person joining in here! There are so few of them so far......

What a cute family you have! And you seem like a smart guy...you didn't list your DW's age! That's always a smart move!

Okay, I'll settle for the complement part of that, regardless of the reasoning!

I see you have all boys, I have 3 girls myself. Well, I guess if you don't count DH, and somehow I never do.

Are you saying it would be 4 girls if you did???

I think I know what you mean! It is a house full of boys around here, including me and the dog!!! We seldom count DW either......

I'm impressed that it's already page 9 and you've only done the pre-trip intro! I'm not judging! Nice intro. though, it sounds like it was a great trip! And I love food pics, feel free to post a ton please! (I take pics of my food too while at Disney yet I never see anyone else doing so!)

Looking foward to your updates.

Thanks! I'm actually hugely surprised it has grown so fast with so little return for the readers..... Working on the next two updates though, and should have at least one of them up very soon!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

4th Pretty Princess??? It is good to have another "nice" person joining in here! There are so few of them so far......

Are you saying it would be 4 girls if you did???

I think I know what you mean! It is a house full of boys around here, including me and the dog!!! We seldom count DW either......

Thanks! I'm actually hugely surprised it has grown so fast with so little return for the readers..... Working on the next two updates though, and should have at least one of them up very soon!

Thanks for the warm welcome and yes, I'll be the 4th pretty princess! DH says I am and that's good enough for me!

I have a house full of girls which can be interesting at times. Let's just say there's way too much estrogen circulating at my house! And don't worry, DH is quite manly so I can count him as one! A man, that is. Just so we're clear!

Hey, don't be so hard on yourself about your TR. You've already done the intro. and...what else...oh, the table of contents! Just kidding! Good luck on those updates, don't want to make the natives restless here! They seem like a rough bunch...

 

[that's nice]

You are in plenty of time Marv seldom updates his TR!!!Luv ya Marv!!!!!

Rosie... you are on a roll today!

Well, apparently this TR is the happening place to be! Or so I've heard! (compliments of Kathy). She told me you need all the nice people you can get over here, so here I am!

I hope you know what you are getting yourself into here.

Thanks FRIEND!

No problem PAL!

]Hey, don't be so hard on yourself about your TR. You've already done the intro. and...what else...oh, the table of contents! Just kidding! Good luck on those updates, don't want to make the natives restless here! They seem like a rough bunch...

Oh yea.... you are going to fit in just fine here!

 

[marvali]

We got up Christmas morning with the goal of getting on the road to the In-laws much earlier than we usually do. The possible snow early Christmas morning hadn't made it in yet, so we woke up to a rainy day instead. Still, the weatherman was predicting the conditions to worsen as the day went along. But the possible winter weather concerns weren't the only thing driving us to leave earlier. Our schedule for the next three days was driven by not only spending time with family, but being able to leave early on Tuesday morning for "sunny" Florida and our planned trip to Disney!

So here was the scheduled travel goal. We get to the In-Laws early afternoon on Christmas Day (Saturday) and stay until Sunday around 5:00. This would give us enough time to get there Sunday night before bedtime. We would have the whole day with my Dad on Monday, celebrating Christmas with my family Monday night, and then be ready to leave 9:00 Tuesday morning for Florida.

This would give us a little extra time with my Dad. He was going through a rough few weeks without Mom being there for the first time. November included what would have been my Mom's 83rd birthday, my parent's 65th anniversary and my older brother's 64th birthday (he passed away a few years ago from Leukemia), plus Thanksgiving and now Christmas.

This whole Holiday season was always my Mom's favorite time of the year. She loved to cook and have all of her family together to eat and laugh and just share family time! I knew my Dad would be really down going through all of this for the first time since she passed away, and wanted to try and spend as much time as possible with him, trying to make it special. I had already prepared 2 batches of my Christmas treat specialty (7-layer bars) and DW had everything prepared for her traditional sour cream coconut cake for our trip to the In-Laws. I already had everything measured out and in zip-loc bags ready to bake more 7-layer bars fresh when we arrived at my Dad's, and everything was together for another sour cream coconut cake to have for our family get-together Monday evening. We would have plenty of time early Monday to get all of the baking done, plus whatever food we made for that night. Our only concern was that the stove at my Dad's house hasn't been working properly for a while now, so burning things had become rather easy if you didn't pay attention, but more on that later.....

Even with the plans to leave early, the day seemed to fly along, while getting everyone and everything ready to go seemed to drag longer and longer. Usually Christmas morning involves our traditional breakfast of homemade biscuits, country ham, grits and scrambled eggs but we did this one morning earlier this year in an attempt to help speed up the getting ready process on Christmas morning. The boys had packed a lot of their clothes the day before, but they wanted some of their new Christmas clothes for the trip, which were working their way through the washer and dryer. We finally got it all together and loaded into the cars, but it was getting later in the day and the weather wasn’t getting any better. After getting all the presents loaded in the back seat, I was able to stop and take a couple of pictures of what we were leaving behind.

Here are a few shots of our Christmas tree. We didn’t decorate quite as much as we usually do since we knew we would be gone most of the time we would have been enjoying everything.

I started noticing glitter on the floor. Then I saw it all over me, and everywhere between the tree and the car. Note to self: Never again let your DW buy any more ribbon decorated with glitter to make the bows for the presents!!! It was all in the back seat of the car, and before our trip was over, all over the In-laws’ house, and my Dad’s house……

We were finally on the road. At least we didn’t have to deal with any snowy or icy roads yet. But by the time we got about an hour from home, we started seeing some snow mixed in with the rain. Then the boys started getting text messages that it was snowing at home. We had escaped just in time. Thankfully it never got too bad while we were travelling, but not long after we arrived at the In-Laws’ house it had turned to nothing but snow coming down, which made it fun trying to unload luggage and presents for our short stay at our first stop on the way to Disney!

But what would we find when we got up the next morning, and would it affect our goal of getting to my Dad’s on schedule so we could get everything prepared for the family get-together?

Coming Up Chapter 3 – Change in Plans???

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Awww, what a sweet, heartfelt post! I think it's wonderful that you were sensitive to your dad's needs this holiday season. I'm sure it was hard for him but having you and your family around must have helped so much.

Ah, 7 layer bars! I think the recipe for those fell straight from heaven, they're so delish! I remember years ago when I was a college student and someone made them in our dorm! I'm pretty sure I became friends with that girl just for that reason! Does that sound shallow?

Thanks for the tip on the glitter ribbon. I don't think I'll ever have that problem though since I hate wrapping gifts and usually try to put everything in gift bags! No way would I be doing ribbon too, that's too much work.

Your tree is beautiful! I love the angel on top. The bows are pretty too. DH and I argue (well, mildly disagree!) over putting bows on our tree. I don't like them at all but for some odd reason he does. And they have to be put on just so perfectly, evenly spaced apart. Do you see why I can't stand the bows? Next year I think I'll just have to 'misplace' them so that we can't find them when we decorate the tree...

I hope the weather didn't put a damper on anything!

 

[KatMark]

an update from Marv.

First, I'm glad you made plans to spend more time with your dad and baking for him, etc. I remember you telling me this was his first Christmas (as well as yours) without your mom and I know first hand how difficult that first one is.

I love the Christmas tree! The very last picture in the lower left hand corner, I have that little ornament bear. I don't put it on my tree anymore because our tree is now ALL Disney ornaments except for two for our dog.

Glitter. That's like that stuff they put in Christmas cards...like the little pixie dust Mickey stuff they put on the tables at restaurants. I open a card and it flies all over.

Can't wait to hear what happens the next day.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Your tree is very pretty!

Good thing you missed most of the snow on your drive although rain is no fun to drive in either.

 

[englishrose47]

Great Updater Marv !!! It will keep us going til next month when you do the next!!!

Sounds nice to plan all the family time !!

 

[MEK]

Wow - you did escape just in time!

Beautiful Christmas tree. I love the pretty red ribbons!

 

[Poolrat]

Beautiful tree.


Our tree made it up late and we got as far as lights and some garland.

We stayed home for Christmas too.

I guess we kept waiting for everyone to be home and well with teens that does not really happen much anymore.


Next year, I am pulling the tree out Thanksgiving day.


Can't wait to hear how the next couple of days go.

 

[marvali]

Thanks for the warm welcome and yes, I'll be the 4th pretty princess! DH says I am and that's good enough for me!

Sorry I didn't know what else to call you but I figured the 3prettyprincesses referred to your daughters, so that didn't seem appropriate since I wanted YOU to feel welcome, although they are welcome too.......

I have a house full of girls which can be interesting at times. Let's just say there's way too much estrogen circulating at my house! And don't worry, DH is quite manly so I can count him as one! A man, that is. Just so we're clear!

Glad you cleared that up! Actually DW can relate to your DH, only in reverse! Probably way too much testosterone in our house......

Hey, don't be so hard on yourself about your TR. You've already done the intro. and...what else...oh, the table of contents! Just kidding!

So much for that warm welcome.......

Good luck on those updates, don't want to make the natives restless here! They seem like a rough bunch...

Well, if you've seen some of my posts on other threads, you probably already know I don't deserve such abuse.......

Rosie... you are on a roll today!

You mean the NAUGHTY list????

I hope you know what you are getting yourself into here.

If not, it probably won't take long......

Oh yea.... you are going to fit in just fine here!

Oh THAT'S nice...... And she was supposed to be coming here to be one of the "friendly" ones and you're already trying to corrupt her......

 

[marvali]

Awww, what a sweet, heartfelt post! I think it's wonderful that you were sensitive to your dad's needs this holiday season. I'm sure it was hard for him but having you and your family around must have helped so much.

Thanks! It was definitely an adjustment for all of us! You get so used to having someone there, doing so many things for you....... I got my "wit" and joking remarks from her, if that tells you anything.

Ah, 7 layer bars! I think the recipe for those fell straight from heaven, they're so delish! I remember years ago when I was a college student and someone made them in our dorm! I'm pretty sure I became friends with that girl just for that reason! Does that sound shallow?

Yeah, pretty much.

That is something my Mom used to make every Christmas, and one of those "favorites" of hers that she copied the recipe for and gave to me years ago. Since they are pretty easy to make, I have made them and taken them to work around Christmas the past few years. I guess they are now one of those Christmas things I took over for Mom now that she's gone.

Thanks for the tip on the glitter ribbon. I don't think I'll ever have that problem though since I hate wrapping gifts and usually try to put everything in gift bags! No way would I be doing ribbon too, that's too much work.

That is definitely a DW thing. As far as I'm concerned, peel the paper off the back and slap on a bow! (at least semi color-coordinated to the wrapping paper...)

Your tree is beautiful! I love the angel on top. The bows are pretty too. DH and I argue (well, mildly disagree!) over putting bows on our tree. I don't like them at all but for some odd reason he does. And they have to be put on just so perfectly, evenly spaced apart. Do you see why I can't stand the bows? Next year I think I'll just have to 'misplace' them so that we can't find them when we decorate the tree...

Usually I put up the tree and put on the ornaments, and DW adds the bows (and yes, "perfectly" spaced). But I like them mainly because they add color. We have been giving each other (and the boys) Hallmark ornaments from the very start, so almost everything on the tree is one of those. A lot of them aren't all that colorful, so the red bows take care of that.

I hope the weather didn't put a damper on anything!

I can't really remember. Can't wait until the next update so I can read and find out......

an update from Marv.

Well, you weren't getting any younger and I wanted to make sure you got a chance to read it......

First, I'm glad you made plans to spend more time with your dad and baking for him, etc. I remember you telling me this was his first Christmas (as well as yours) without your mom and I know first hand how difficult that first one is.

It definitely had a different feel to it, but still good to share with family!

I love the Christmas tree! The very last picture in the lower left hand corner, I have that little ornament bear. I don't put it on my tree anymore because our tree is now ALL Disney ornaments except for two for our dog.

I made sure our meager supply of Disney ornaments was in the picture just for you! You never know, though, there could possibly be a few more in our future.......

Glitter. That's like that stuff they put in Christmas cards...like the little pixie dust Mickey stuff they put on the tables at restaurants. I open a card and it flies all over.

Yes, vile messy stuff!

Can't wait to hear what happens the next day.

Already pushing for another update??? Don't expect it to take so long for that one since it is almost written. I was going to include everything up until we were supposed to leave for the Disney part of our trip but it started getting too long, so I decided to make it a two-parter! I guess I should have put "To Be Continued...." at the end of the latest update to make sure everyone comes back, like they do on TV!

 

[marvali]

Your tree is very pretty!

Good thing you missed most of the snow on your drive although rain is no fun to drive in either.

Thanks Lessa! Snow the whole way wouldn't have been any fun, but being Christmas Day at least we didn't have all that much traffic to deal with along with the rain!

Great Updater Marv !!! It will keep us going til next month when you do the next!!!

Sounds nice to plan all the family time !!

Yes, family time is the best part of Christmas to me! And I'll try to get in another update before next month, just for you!

Wow - you did escape just in time!

Beautiful Christmas tree. I love the pretty red ribbons!

Thanks MEK! And for a while there, I was afraid we weren't going to make it out in time, in spite of the plans......

Beautiful tree.


Our tree made it up late and we got as far as lights and some garland.

We stayed home for Christmas too.

I guess we kept waiting for everyone to be home and well with teens that does not really happen much anymore.


Next year, I am pulling the tree out Thanksgiving day.


Can't wait to hear how the next couple of days go.

Thanks Pat! Ours wasn't up very long either. I was supposed to be stuck at home over Thanksgiving with on-call duty at work, so I was planning to put it up that weekend so it would be done when the rest of the family got home, but someone took the duty for me and "spoiled" my plans. Worked out well since there was a celebration planned for DFIL's 80th birthday!
That was the only opening for a while, so we definitely didn't give ourselves very long to enjoy it before we left. Like you said about teens being home, we were then waiting for two DSs to make it home from college.

You should be pretty familiar with my next couple of days, since the In-Law's live about 30-45 minutes south of you! I'm sure you had pretty much the same weather to deal with.....

 

[glennbo123]

Our only concern was that the stove at my Dad's house hasn't been working properly for a while now, so burning things had become rather easy if you didn't pay attention, but more on that later.....

Good job laying the groundwork early for the upcoming excuse. That's a very manly thing to do, and I approve!

But what would we find when we got up the next morning, and would it affect our goal of getting to my Dad’s on schedule so we could get everything prepared for the family get-together?

Coming Up Chapter 3 – Change in Plans???

Glad you escaped the snow, but this section has me thinking that you didn't escape all of it.