Someday: the Sequel! A Dec 2013 PTR

[GrammyJudy]

I'm here too....counting the days

 

[GinnerD]

Still here, patiently waiting.

Yay! She's back. Can't wait to hear how your plans are coming along.

 

[jenseib]

You know I am still here too

 

[Tinker_Tam]

I know I said I would get this party started up again... but that will be waiting till Monday when my kiddos are in school. I have to tell you all that I am hating sending them both to school. I hate the quiet in the house... and hate when Jon tells me I need "me" time. What I really need is more time with my babies! So, I am taking every minute I can this weekend to spend with them. Right now they are watching a movie but it's almost over... so you all are stuck waiting till Monday to hear about the TRIP THAT ALMOST WASN'T!!

 

[Caretames1]

I'm here! I have the opposite problem though, now that I'm back to work I have no time!

 

[francis6306]

I am still here! I've had a few things keeping me away and busy over the last month, so I understand. I only have one of my babies in school- I can't think about them BOTH being in school! I have 3 more years with my Catie-baby!

 

[disnyfan4ever]

I'm here! I just found your TR tonight. I live very close to central PA also, about 45 minutes east of Harrisburg. DH and I will be checking into Pop on December 5th after making our 1100 mile drive! Looking forward to hearing your plans!

 

[Tinker_Tam]

Normally I would give individual shout-outs and responses but I am so SUPER excited to get going on this PTR again that I hope you all will forgive me. I am not ignoring you... I love you all but if I don't get to typing this thing, I may never get going again. Hope you all understand!

********************************************
It occurred to me as I was thinking about getting this going again, that I never really took the time to introduce myself or my AWESOME (still using that word a lot!!) Family!!! So, I guess that is the first thing I need to get to... and thank goodness, Photobucket cooperated this morning!!! I know that some of you know my family very well.. and to you all I am sorry. You have to suffer through more pictures of my family! And if you don't like that well, you should skip this installment and pick up on the next one.

Without further ado... Me and my awesome family!!!
First there is me...

I would be the one in the pink sweater!! My husband and son gave up wearing the pink sweaters many years ago! It just didn't suit them well!

My name is Tammy... and you might have guesses from the TAM part in my user name. I am 21 (with 17 years experience). I am a stay home mom to two small loves of my life... even though they have decided to grow up and go off to Kindergarten (Gavin) and Second Grade (Brenda) I have been married to my high school anti-sweetheart for 15 years this past August. You are probably wondering why we were anti-sweethearts. Well, Jon and I were very good friends in high school... attended the major dances as "friends". Everyone always said we would end up together, but we always said no! We were just too good of friends... Well, years passed and loves came and went for both of us, till one asked me to marry him and I accepted. That sent Jon into a tizzy!! It was hard because at that point he was living in NC. So, long story short, He packed up and moved back to PA and I broke the heart of someone who, in all honesty, was not very nice and didn't deserve me! That is the story... and much more than I planned on getting into but I do chatter away at most times... when I can.

The guy in the blue shirt would be Jon. He is an amazing father and husband. He works 2 jobs so that I can stay home and take care of the kiddos. He is the hardest working man I know and I am so glad to be his wife. I won't tell you that he is also 38 because you know how the whole age thing goes! He has been married to the love of his life for 15 years! (See story above! )

Next would be my littlest heart breaker! Gavin!!!!


I am going to take off the playful hat for a few minutes and tell you about Gavin. I know I joke around a lot on here but Gavin is a pretty serious situation. Gavin is 5 years old... will be 6 years old on Sept 26! Gavin was born with Hirschsprung's Disease. For those of you not to squeamish, he was born unable to poop. The cells were missing that send the message to the brain that release the poop into the next section of the intestine. We discovered this the day after he was born and Gavin has had struggles everyday of his life since. He had a large portion of intestine remove at 5 days old and has had 14 surgeries since. We were told when he was in the NICU "we might not have a baby to take home". Those words are etched into my mind. His most recent surgery was to place a Cecostomy in Gavin. This is a tube that was surgically placed to allow me to physically force his system to flush. He had this surgery in June and really it was a nightmare for almost 2 1/2 months. Even still, every day is something new... Some good and still some bad. He just recently stated Kindergarten and it is a new adjustment for all of us... and the school. Gavin is the first child EVER, IN THE ENTIRE DISTRICT, to have a Cecostomy. He has a weakened immune system and last week, after only 4 days of school he has a nasty cold. I must tell you though, Gavin is a HUGE inspiration to me. He never complains about pain or things that go on with him. He just accepts it. He sees the good in everything! He is amazing!!

Picking up the playful hat again. I promise not to get the serious hat out too often.

Last, and certainly not least is my sweet Brenda!!

Brenda is our first born!! So she will inherit all the great riches that are ours...
Brenda is 7 years old... She won't be 8 till January. She just started Second Grade. She is amazing too! She loves everyone... thinks of everyone first... and doesn't speak an unkind word about anyone, other than her brother! Brenda has a great love of American Girl Dolls. I am sure at least 1 will be making the trip with us. She also is a Girl Scout Brownie (I'm her busy troop leader). Brenda has an amazing talent. She plays piano. I am not talking about tinker, tinker, pound piano. I am talking 2 handed, chords and sight reading... at 7 years old! I am truly amazed at this! Here is an awesome picture of her playing her piece at Church last Christmas. (I know..I am a proud bragging mom!)


The other thing I want to share about Brenda is a little lie I have going on. Brenda makes Rainbow Loom bracelets and sells them. She is doing quite well with them... making some money. The bracelets look great and I am very proud of how serious she takes her "Business". She thinks she is saving her money for Black Friday shopping with me. Little does she know, she is saving it as some of her spending money for Disney!!!!! I know, I know a mom shouldn't lie to her babies. But it's no different than my encouragement of Santa, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy. I just want her to have some money for herself at Disney... that she can spend with "permission" and I know that if it weren't for Black Friday shopping she would be shooting through it.


So there you have my AWESOME FAMILY. As you have probably guessed at this point, these 3 people are my entire world! I am so very blessed to have them and I thank God everyday that he put them in my life... even on the bad days.

The next time I post an installment I will be telling you about some changes that have occurred in our trip... and then the trip that almost wasn't! Let's just say it has been a rough summer...

Thank you all for sticking with me! I promise to get down to the fun again soon. If you all are real lucky, maybe I'll post again before the end of the week!

 

[KatMark]

Well, even I know your family from your past trip, I thoroughly enjoyed your introduction of your beautiful family.

I'm not ever sure I knew the whole story about Gavin and thank you for sharing it. He is such a sweet boy.

And Brenda is such a sweetie too (I forgot to mail her money on Friday so it went out first thing this morning for my order).

You are a very lucky woman, Tammy.

Can't wait to hear more about the trip...especially the part where we are meeting.

 

[francis6306]

I am so happy that Gavin has started school. I know that things have been so rough for your family, so this is quite the accomplishment!

My Oldest is a Daisy!! She has just earned two of her leaves this weekend at a big unit thingy- sorry, still learning all the lingo!!! I am very excited about my sweet little girl scout!!

Can't wait to hear more about your trip!!

 

[jenseib]

I didn't know the whole thing about Gavins disease, so that was good to know.

Claire makes those bracelets too. She loves making them. but she is very slow.

I wondered after reading updates on facebook this summer if the trip was still on. Glad to hear it is.

 

[Tinker_Tam]

Well, even I know your family from your past trip, I thoroughly enjoyed your introduction of your beautiful family.

I'm not ever sure I knew the whole story about Gavin and thank you for sharing it. He is such a sweet boy.

And Brenda is such a sweetie too (I forgot to mail her money on Friday so it went out first thing this morning for my order).

You are a very lucky woman, Tammy.

Can't wait to hear more about the trip...especially the part where we are meeting.

I tried to post pictures that you haven't seen a million times on Facebook! I love the face shot of Gavin!

No biggie on the money. Her and I spent so much time together (with Gavin of course) Over the weekend that she didn't work on too much. She said "Mom, I have to work on some bracelets tonight, or I am going to start losing my customers. You know you have to keep your customers happy!"

I refuse to leave Disney this time without at least a quick meet up with you and your hat-wearin' hubby!

I am so happy that Gavin has started school. I know that things have been so rough for your family, so this is quite the accomplishment!

My Oldest is a Daisy!! She has just earned two of her leaves this weekend at a big unit thingy- sorry, still learning all the lingo!!! I am very excited about my sweet little girl scout!!

Can't wait to hear more about your trip!!

I am so glad that Gavin loves school... I on the other hand am still hating it. It's just so hard to handle those hours of the day that are quiet and un-crazy!

Girl Scouts in an adventure. I have to tell you the only reason I ended up her troop leader is because no one stepped up to lead and I couldn't afford dance! Honest truth... Brenda came home in Kindergarten and told me "I either want to do dance or Girl Scouts." I looked up dance and it was over $500... so Girl Scouts it was. There are times that I still wish we had that extra $500 for dance! I keep my troop VERY active. We have our bi-weekly meetings but then we add in a lot! For example, next week is mini golf. It really is great to spend the time with Brenda.. and my troop really is a great group of girls!

 

[Tinker_Tam]

I didn't know the whole thing about Gavins disease, so that was good to know.

Claire makes those bracelets too. She loves making them. but she is very slow.

I wondered after reading updates on facebook this summer if the trip was still on. Glad to hear it is.

Gavin sure has had his fair share of struggles. We have almost lost him more than once... it truely is a mother's worst fear.

It's funny. Brenda started out slow but now she is up to making a few different bracelets a day. She actually has taken MANY orders for bracelets. She has herself a little chunk of change that grows everyday. Although, she is also learning that it takes money to make money as she has to replenish her bands and charms. It's so funny to see her at the store, trying to figure out what she needs to by!

 

[Tinker_Tam]

Ok, I am sure by now you have all seen the new inter-active Mickey hats. I think they are super cool!! I am sure Brenda and Gavin will each want a pair. What I am wondering is, will they light when we are home? I know they won't do a fancy dancing light show, but a solid light. Does that sound like a dumb question???

 

[KatMark]

Ok, I am sure by now you have all seen the new inter-active Mickey hats. I think they are super cool!! I am sure Brenda and Gavin will each want a pair. What I am wondering is, will they light when we are home? I know they won't do a fancy dancing light show, but a solid light. Does that sound like a dumb question???

Doesn't sound like a dumb question to me at all; wish I knew the answer.

 

[francis6306]

The thought of if they would work at home or not hadn't occurred to me! I would assume they would simply light up, but I have no idea!

 

[GrammyJudy]

Thank you for posting the pictures of your family and telling Gavin's story. I will say a prayer for him. And your daughter is so gifted, you have every right to brag. I was a girl scout leader when my daughter was young and we both enjoyed it so much. It is so good for the girls teaching so many valuable lessons. We will be at Disney 11/29-12/7...3 generations...maybe we will see you. 79 days

 

[stephielela]

That's great that Brenda is already learning about working hard for money, so many kids just don't get that! I knew about Gavin's issues too from your past TR but I didn't know all the details. My son has had surfer twice and I can't imagine having to go through that stress as often as you have! You truly are a remarkable woman! I'm glad he is enjoying kindergarten, though I'm sure it must be rough on you! And how awesome that you are leading your daughters GS troop! My mom led mine when I was young too. I don't know about the hats either but that's a great question! Hopefully someone will find out!

 

[MaryAz]

Jumping in to say hi!! We are going to be at Disney at the same time!! First part just me and the girls, 2nd part with Kathy and Mark (KatMark) Your little man is quite a fighter. I hope he continues to have good days!! I also have a 2nd grade AG loving little girl!! She does gymnastics. I also have a 9 yr old DD. Godd for Brenda for making $$$ for Disney!! Hopefully we can plan a meet while we are all there!!

 

[Tinker_Tam]

Doesn't sound like a dumb question to me at all; wish I knew the answer.

I thought for sure someone here would know!! After all, my PTR readers are the smartest people around!!!

The thought of if they would work at home or not hadn't occurred to me! I would assume they would simply light up, but I have no idea!

I guess I will just have to keep an eye out and see what others say! If ya hear anything... LET ME KNOW!

Thank you for posting the pictures of your family and telling Gavin's story. I will say a prayer for him. And your daughter is so gifted, you have every right to brag. I was a girl scout leader when my daughter was young and we both enjoyed it so much. It is so good for the girls teaching so many valuable lessons. We will be at Disney 11/29-12/7...3 generations...maybe we will see you. 79 days

Thank you, Judy! We take all the prayers we can get! I do think Brenda has so much talent. She does amazingly well for only being 7. Girl Scouts does keep me super busy. Hopefully we will bump into each other and we can at least say hi and have a name with a face... well, a real life face!

That's great that Brenda is already learning about working hard for money, so many kids just don't get that! I knew about Gavin's issues too from your past TR but I didn't know all the details. My son has had surfer twice and I can't imagine having to go through that stress as often as you have! You truly are a remarkable woman! I'm glad he is enjoying kindergarten, though I'm sure it must be rough on you! And how awesome that you are leading your daughters GS troop! My mom led mine when I was young too. I don't know about the hats either but that's a great question! Hopefully someone will find out!

Thank you for the vote of confidence in me. I must tell you, Most days I don't feel like a remarkable woman. Some days it's enough to just survive. That is why this trip so is important. It really is the light at the end of the tunnel for us. Gavin is the one that is truly remarkable. I have NO IDEA where he gets his positive attitude about everything but some days I rub his arm just to see if it will rub off on me!

Jumping in to say hi!! We are going to be at Disney at the same time!! First part just me and the girls, 2nd part with Kathy and Mark (KatMark) Your little man is quite a fighter. I hope he continues to have good days!! I also have a 2nd grade AG loving little girl!! She does gymnastics. I also have a 9 yr old DD. Godd for Brenda for making $$$ for Disney!! Hopefully we can plan a meet while we are all there!!

I am so hoping we bump into each other. I am so excited for all the new friends I might get the chance to see!!!! Gavin is a fighter. That is one thing that EVERYONE says about him. He has been through more than most adults, and still fights on. I am guessing our daughter would hit it off!!! Brenda did gymnastics for about a year. Then we had to pull her because of Gavin's surgery coming up. It was a hard decision but she completely understood. We tried to do other "special" things with her. It's been hard on here too and hopefully, in the end, she will know that we had to do what was best for everyone... Ok, look at me getting all sappy!