~Snowbird Chat~

[Momof2Disneyboys]

January 16-23 we are staying at the Animal Kingdom Villas- Kidani Village in a dedicated 2 bedroom, savannah view. I decided for our first visit as DVC Members we should do it right (It's where Joni always wanted to stay and I know she'll be there with us). Her Sister (w/Hubby) and Brother (w/fiancé) are coming along with us.

The kids are very excited. We have locks of Joni's hair that Kaili and Bryant are going to leave behind (so Mommy is always a WDW). Mommy’s special place with the kids was always Disney World. The trip will certainly give the kids a sense of normalcy.

I’m not sure how I’ll do the first time I see “Wishes” or walk up Main Street not holding her hand. She was my best friend and I miss her terribly. It will be tough, but she left me with two of the most beautiful, loving children in the world. So, I’m still pretty lucky.

At the very least, we were able to have 5 amazing trips to Walt Disney world with our children. She'll be there for number 6 I'm sure.

Thanks for sharing your plans with us Rick. Sounds like a wonderful trip you have planned for the kids. It's so great that Joni's family is able to come too.

 

[Monny2AE]

I did get a couple nice pictures from our trip, however!


New Buffalo summer trip by sarbah77, on Flickr



New Buffalo summer trip: sunset by sarbah77, on Flickr


University move-in starts Tuesday and the first football game (college, of course) starts in a week. Yikes!!

Sarah your pics are beautiful! I googled the Nikon D40 and just may print out a pic of it and leave it lying around in case DH needs some bday or Christmas gift ideas. I'd love to move up from my little point and shoot Coolpix.

Had the best evening yesterday! We were going to the theater (dh had bought tickets for our anniversary a few weeks ago), and looked for a place to have dinner. Well, we found a place run by one of the winners of the Food Network competition Chopped! We didn't actually like the chef on the show, but the restaurant was wonderful! And the server told us that the chef was really nice, but it was the way the show was edited that made the chef look like an a$$. But it was such fun! And the theater was great - saw a show we weren't familiar with (Songs for a New World) with a very talented cast and a beautiful production!

OK, back to reality today. Have to pack up all the stuff my daughter still needs for school & drive out to give it to her next weekend. Oh, well , , ,

Sounds like a wonderful anniversary! Congrats!

Well we ended up at POFQ.... my DH picked it... and CSR was sold out... so now I have to do some research as I haven't stayed here in many years....

okay... I have to go on line and find that music...I am so excited!!!!

I'm still waiting for my CD to ship- it says it won't ship until tomorrow. I have very little patience when it comes to shopping.

January 16-23 we are staying at the Animal Kingdom Villas- Kidani Village in a dedicated 2 bedroom, savannah view. I decided for our first visit as DVC Members we should do it right (It's where Joni always wanted to stay and I know she'll be there with us). Her Sister (w/Hubby) and Brother (w/fiancé) are coming along with us.

The kids are very excited. We have locks of Joni's hair that Kaili and Bryant are going to leave behind (so Mommy is always a WDW). Mommy’s special place with the kids was always Disney World. The trip will certainly give the kids a sense of normalcy.

I’m not sure how I’ll do the first time I see “Wishes” or walk up Main Street not holding her hand. She was my best friend and I miss her terribly. It will be tough, but she left me with two of the most beautiful, loving children in the world. So, I’m still pretty lucky.

At the very least, we were able to have 5 amazing trips to Walt Disney world with our children. She'll be there for number 6 I'm sure.

I'm sure Joni will be smiling when you walk up Main Street holding Kaili and Bryant's hands.

Evening Snowbirds!

Rick - your plans sound great! I'm sure it will be different, but it's great that you have Joni's siblings with you.
We just are in the process of a resale DVC purchase. I hope someday to have enough points to stay at AKL villas. We loved AKL when we had our one measly night there!!

Anyone start school today? A few schools around here did, not my kids. We have a law that says you have to wait until after Labor Day unless you get some special dispensation from God or someone. We start on 9/7. The girls are getting excited - we got their haircuts on Saturday and packed up the school supplies. Meet the teacher is on Wednesday afternoon.

Andrew started last Wednesday and so far first grade has been great for him! His teacher is such a positive person, he has only 19 in his class compared to the 30 he had in K, and he's been excited to go every day. So far so good! I can only hope it stays that way! Here's some pics...

Jason went into work late so he could be there to see him off on his first day.

 

[Monny2AE]

Jason's dad was admitted to the hospital again yesterday and I'm waiting to hear some news about him. He hasn't been eating or drinking enough and they think he may have an infection. It's been a roller coaster.

 

[Pluto_fan]

Kim--we're keeping all of you in our prayers. Please continue to keep us posted.

 

[crzyred]

Rick - She'll be with you...every step

Kim - saying some prayers


xxx
Anyone have big plans for this weekend? I'm heading to Chicago with some friends...so excited to get away for a little bit!

 

[sarbah77]

Sarah your pics are beautiful! I googled the Nikon D40 and just may print out a pic of it and leave it lying around in case DH needs some bday or Christmas gift ideas. I'd love to move up from my little point and shoot Coolpix.

Well, it's been replaced with the Nikon D3000. I love love LOVE my camera. It went with me to Alaska and Europe and it'll go with me to Atlanta next week. It's almost idiot-proof!

Jason's dad was admitted to the hospital again yesterday and I'm waiting to hear some news about him. He hasn't been eating or drinking enough and they think he may have an infection. It's been a roller coaster.

Oh no! My thoughts are with you and your family!

Sheree: We (Michigan) don't start until after Labor Day, either. I have no idea why. But for the University of, move in started today. So the early-arriving students have a full week before classes start. It's sort of dangerous, as you can imagine, but it's nice to see campus lively again!

Shelly: no weekend plans. It'll be great! Of course, it turns out we're having a party Thursday night, as I have possession of a traveling cardboard sheep. Having a bunch of people over before the sheep moves to the next person. Cake!

 

[MAGGIED]

Kim.... keep us updated.... hope he is okay

 

[Pluto_fan]

it turns out we're having a party Thursday night, as I have possession of a traveling cardboard sheep. Having a bunch of people over before the sheep moves to the next person. Cake!

A traveling cardboard sheep? I'd love to hear the story behind this!

 

[Monny2AE]

Thanks for all the thoughts everyone! They ran some tests yesterday and he has an infection in his liver so he should be in the hospital for at least the next week. He's also getting nutrients through a port they put in his arm so he should be feeling stronger soon hopefully.

Our house has been super stressed lately. I went through a scare last week after finding a lump in my breast- turned out to be dense tissue thankfully but my family has a history so I had it checked. DH's work is worrying us. He's an technician for a Ford dealer and on Friday they told the Lincoln Mercury part of the dealership that they were closing as of yesterday. Poor people were given NO notice! His dept. is doing just as poorly. They've let people go underneath him (thank God he has seniority) and now he's responsible for getting all the work that those tech's used to do plus his work done. Rumor has it that they took out a loan just to make payroll this month. He came home last night and prepped his resume and looked up some jobs just in case. There aren't many jobs out there these days.
On the positive side- all my teacher kids came back from summer break so I'm getting paid again and I just signed a new family that is expecting a baby in December. It won't be income for me until February but it's a little glimmer of sunshine.

Sorry to vent but I'm overwhelmed and it feels good to let it all out.

Well, it's been replaced with the Nikon D3000. I love love LOVE my camera. It went with me to Alaska and Europe and it'll go with me to Atlanta next week. It's almost idiot-proof!


Oh no! My thoughts are with you and your family!

Sheree: We (Michigan) don't start until after Labor Day, either. I have no idea why. But for the University of, move in started today. So the early-arriving students have a full week before classes start. It's sort of dangerous, as you can imagine, but it's nice to see campus lively again!

Shelly: no weekend plans. It'll be great! Of course, it turns out we're having a party Thursday night, as I have possession of a traveling cardboard sheep. Having a bunch of people over before the sheep moves to the next person. Cake!

Idiot proof is perfect for me...too bad they are so darn pricey. Someday...

Your cardboard sheep sounds like an excuse to have cake- not that there's anything wrong with that!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Kim~sorry to hear that you have been going through all of this! I know the dealerships here have been struggling as well...August was a good month for our local Chevy dealership I know--they were about wiped out! But...they have been slow since around Dec...so I know they needed it badly...hopefully he has some security, and if not, the Lord will direct him to something better!! Keep us posted on your FIL--maybe he will get to come home earlier than expected!!!

 

[Monny2AE]

Kim~sorry to hear that you have been going through all of this! I know the dealerships here have been struggling as well...August was a good month for our local Chevy dealership I know--they were about wiped out! But...they have been slow since around Dec...so I know they needed it badly...hopefully he has some security, and if not, the Lord will direct him to something better!! Keep us posted on your FIL--maybe he will get to come home earlier than expected!!!

I've been praying Shawna! Thing is that Jason hasn't really been happy at his job for quite a while now so maybe this will open up a new opportunity for him. He's 35 which is by means old but being a tech is pretty physical work. If he's going to jump ship and switch careers at least he's young enough to do it. I only wish the job market was a little better for him to do it.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I've been praying Shawna! Thing is that Jason hasn't really been happy at his job for quite a while now so maybe this will open up a new opportunity for him. He's 35 which is by means old but being a tech is pretty physical work. If he's going to jump ship and switch careers at least he's young enough to do it. I only wish the job market was a little better for him to do it.

Well, we can know that the Lord will take care of ya'll and put him where he wants him to be!! I will keep his job on my prayer list..right under your FIL!!! Glad you are getting a new little baby in Feb!!!! Toooooo sweet!! How many do you have now?

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Oh, Kim, I'm sorry to hear of the stresses you are experiencing!
I hope that some good doors open for your DH and your FIL will heal quickly. Hang in there, and we are here for you any time you want to vent!!!


Oh, and your first day of school pictures are adorable! Those kids are getting big!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Kim-We will continue praying for your FIL and for your DH.

I just had to come in here and share my excitement.....

I leave for WDW in 3 weeks!!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Kim-We will continue praying for your FIL and for your DH.

I just had to come in here and share my excitement.....

I leave for WDW in 3 weeks!!!

YAY for three weeks!! That's going to fly by!!

 

[Dancegrl624]

YAY for three weeks!! That's going to fly by!!

I know! We have another wedding (#4 this summer) to go to this Friday, my dad's birthday is Sunday, Labor Day is Mon and Maddie starts school on Tuesday. The following weekend (10,11,12) is empty which is awesome! I'm sure we'll fill it by getting things ready for vacation. Dance starts up again for Maddie on the 13th and for me on the 15th. I also have to learn the Bandette tryout dance during that week (I get to help teach it at tryouts!). Let's see...the 18th Madison has a feis in Syracuse so we'll be staying at my aunt and uncle's house the night before. We have Open House/Back to School night the night before we leave for vacation. Crazy!!!!

 

[sarbah77]

A traveling cardboard sheep? I'd love to hear the story behind this!

It's from a yarn website that has a deal a day - dizzysheep.com - kind of like woot.com but yarn. The main character has been flattened and is making the rounds.

Yes. It's that silly.

 

[MAGGIED]

Snowbirds... I just heard from Maggie... she has a new job... "Merchantainment" 5% cashing someone out and 95% entertainment.... her job is to make dreams come true for the guests... to be out in the park (by the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom) making magic happen, playing with the kids, etc.... she loves it!!!! I am so happy for her. She said that today she spent 20 minutes playing monkey in the middle with two little boys... then helping some little girl pick out a princess pen.... then the little girl didn't want to give it up so Maggie brought her behind the register and let her scan it and tell her parents how much it was... she said the little girl was so happy.... she really is enjoying it.....

 

[crzyred]

Wendy - How lucky for her!!! I have regrets that I never did the college program. I needed to make a choice, it was at that time when Grandma was moving in with us and at that point they gave her 2 months to live. So my decision was to stay home and help out. I don't regret spending time with Grandma, it's something not a lot of people get to say they've been able to do.

Kim - when it rains it pours, huh. Keep your chin up, God has some pretty amazing ways of making things turn out.

Meghan - Sounds like a busy few weeks! Good luck!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I know! We have another wedding (#4 this summer) to go to this Friday, my dad's birthday is Sunday, Labor Day is Mon and Maddie starts school on Tuesday. The following weekend (10,11,12) is empty which is awesome! I'm sure we'll fill it by getting things ready for vacation. Dance starts up again for Maddie on the 13th and for me on the 15th. I also have to learn the Bandette tryout dance during that week (I get to help teach it at tryouts!). Let's see...the 18th Madison has a feis in Syracuse so we'll be staying at my aunt and uncle's house the night before. We have Open House/Back to School night the night before we leave for vacation. Crazy!!!!

Jeez, when will you pack? That empty weekend? Yup, time will fly for you!

It's from a yarn website that has a deal a day - dizzysheep.com - kind of like woot.com but yarn. The main character has been flattened and is making the rounds.

Yes. It's that silly.

AWW, that's cute - I love that silly stuff!

Snowbirds... I just heard from Maggie... she has a new job... "Merchantainment" 5% cashing someone out and 95% entertainment.... her job is to make dreams come true for the guests... to be out in the park (by the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom) making magic happen, playing with the kids, etc.... she loves it!!!! I am so happy for her. She said that today she spent 20 minutes playing monkey in the middle with two little boys... then helping some little girl pick out a princess pen.... then the little girl didn't want to give it up so Maggie brought her behind the register and let her scan it and tell her parents how much it was... she said the little girl was so happy.... she really is enjoying it.....

WOW, that is so cool! That's truly a "Disney" job! I bet it doesn't even feel like work! Does she get to wear cool safari looking clothes too? What a lucky duck!

Wendy - How lucky for her!!! I have regrets that I never did the college program. I needed to make a choice, it was at that time when Grandma was moving in with us and at that point they gave her 2 months to live. So my decision was to stay home and help out. I don't regret spending time with Grandma, it's something not a lot of people get to say they've been able to do.
QUOTE]

I wish I had known there was even such a thing as the college program when I was in college. Of course, I wasn't a Disney nut yet back then. Maybe I can work on my girls to do it and live vicariously! I've got about 10 years.