Team Focker Watch: Lucky Number 13!

[princessjv]

Kristel- I just can't stop thinking about you and Doug. I'm so terribly sorry. Sending you much love.


Jo- DH is on his way over there for the next 3 weeks. I would be coming with him, if we had family to help with the kids. We are going to MX in Feb, so I can't pull them from school any more than I have already (for WDW). SO FAR they are just manning his proect from here. This project is ending in the next month, but then more are starting as long as this one goes well. There is word on the street that they MAY need him off this project on on a Brazil project that involves all of South America, Latin America and S. Africa. We should know more soon. I hope. (this is how my life feels).

------------------


No one met her last night to bring in the NY! I was here!


I'm making our missed Christmas Ham, today and my little "brothers" are coming over to join us. We've officially been abandoned by my "dad" and his new wife. They didn't want to spend Christmas with us. They asked if they could stop by and drop our gifts off... to which my dh told them off. It's amazing how much my "dad" changed after my "mom" died. It's sad. It makes me very sad.



My Christmas Presents were the: Cricut Expression & Cricut Gypsy I had the small Cricut Cutter and now I have the BIG! Both will make my Scrapbooking much more fun and easier!


I'm still working on firming up my 2011 dates for WDW. I wish I could plan 2 trips... but it's not in the cards. POO! 2011-12 is the LAST school year that I can easily remove ds from school. What to do... Thoughts?

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

Happy New Year, Fockers!


Kristel - Sending good thoughts for Doug and sending lots of hugs your way. I can't imagine what you're going through - but we're here for you to offer whatever emotional support we can.

TE - PM me on FB and let me know your dates! It sounds like a perfect plan, enough time everywhere. You'll LOVE SF! It's my fav. CA city, next to San Diego.
*******************************************************

So last night my brother and his family ended up coming over. I made raspberry martini's. Those things are DANGEROUS! They taste like blue raspberry ICEE's, so you can drink a lot and not feel anything, until you stand up! You may have read my drunk posts on FB.

We played games and had dance-off's with the Kinect Dance Central and just had a great time. Evan made it just barely to midnight and then at 12:10pm, he was OUT!

Kids are watching the Rose Parade and then this afternoon is my nephews b-day party.

Anyway... need more coffee today.....

Hope everyone has a GREAT 2011!

 

[jcc0621]

Hey all! Just a quick drop in to see if there was any news from Kristel

Sounds like everyone had a great new years. I worked yesterday and then went to Target to get another Wii controller and a bluetooth for my phone. The bluetooth doesn't work so I have to take it back Charged it and it just won't turn on

We are then heading over to see dad. He is flying home on Tuesday so it will JImmy's chance to say "see you later".

Tomorrow is back to school and back to the normal routine. When we get home tonight I am going to De Christmas the inside of the house. The outside is going to have to wait until next weekend becasue most of it is still buried under snow

Hope you are all enjoying relaxing days. Chat soon

 

[princessjv]

Janet- Good Luck getting it down. How much longer are you planning to work at Macy's? Is it a seasonal thing or longer? Are you liking it?

T- Those martini's sound Yummo! Recipe? Please!

Happy 2nd day of the new year! We haven't excaped the flu bug yet. DH has it and may not be able to fly out tomorrow. It lasted 8 days for me, so I'm hoping it will be much faster for him!

I'm spending the day doing nothing... but I REALLy need to take Christmas down lie everyone else. I wish it could last a few more weeks. I love Christmas and need a do-over!

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

Sounds like everyone had a great new years. I worked yesterday and then went to Target to get another Wii controller and a bluetooth for my phone. The bluetooth doesn't work so I have to take it back Charged it and it just won't turn on

Thanks for the reminder.... need to get to Target today.

Tomorrow is back to school and back to the normal routine. When we get home tonight I am going to De Christmas the inside of the house. The outside is going to have to wait until next weekend becasue most of it is still buried under snow

Lucky you! I have 1 more day. It wouldn't be so bad, but our weather's been crappy!

T- Those martini's sound Yummo! Recipe? Please!

Super easy! I just bought Rose's blue raspberry Martini mix and some Grey Goose vodka. Put the vodka in the freeze for a few hours, so it's reeeeally cold then I put equal parts with some ice in the shaker and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

I'm spending the day doing nothing... but I REALLy need to take Christmas down lie everyone else. I wish it could last a few more weeks. I love Christmas and need a do-over!

I do, too! Except I'm so over Christmas. I just wasn't into it this year. I guess I was just too tired dealing with getting my Dad healthy again, when Christmas came, I was already overwhelmed.
I am looking forward to next Christmas, though.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Well, the crappy weather returned. We headed over to DTD to return some of Evan's Lego duplicate sets and found out they're sold out a set he needs. HELLO? The set came out yesterday and they're already sold out and back ordered until late January. Oh well, it's ordered and he'll just have to be patient.

I was totally in the mood to do some shopping, but then the stupid rain started, so we headed home. And now I'm sitting here, pouting. I know, I'm being a weenie.

It is a perfect day to snuggle down on the couch with a good book and a cup of coffee.

Enjoy what's left of the weeked!

 

[jcc0621]

How much longer are you planning to work at Macy's? Is it a seasonal thing or longer? Are you liking it?

They asked me if I wanted to stay on as permenant p/t so for now I am going to do it. THe extra money is nice. It is allowing us to pay a few things off a bit faster than planned, which beens maybe getting back to Disney that much faster If it starts to interfere with any of Jimmy's activities I will give it up

Lucky you! I have 1 more day. It wouldn't be so bad, but our weather's been crappy!

I;ve been hearing about all of your rain on the news

I am looking forward to next Christmas, though.

Do I smell a trip????

they're sold out a set he needs. HELLO? The set came out yesterday and they're already sold out and back ordered until late January. Oh well, it's ordered and he'll just have to be patient.

I hate that though. They now something is going to be popular so they don't order enough to make it seem like a huge demand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Hey all. Hope everyone had a good weekend. We went to see dad and surprise, surprise my brother showed up. DId I tell you that one??? Let's just say I was soooooooo po'd. My older brother did not call my father on Christmas Day I was furious and so my other brother. My dad was really upset. The older brother couldn't figure out why we were all mad

Anyway, we had a nice time yesterday. Dad is flying out tomorrow and after the cold and the snow probably won't come back again until July

When we got home I had all intentions of starting to pack away the Christmas stuff. Uh, yeah that didn't happen I will do some tonight and some tomorrow night. If I can get the inside done, then the boys can do the outside while I am Macy's on Saturday.

Everyone is back to work and school today. I really thought it would be rough going this morning becasue Jimmy was still awake at 10:30, but he did surprisingly well getting up Back to the routine.

Happy Monday and have a great day

 

[PrincessV]

Good morning and happy 2011! I'm sorry I never made it over here NYE - we bought Just Dance for the Wii and spent the evening dancing our little booties off... OMG, I've been mainlining Aleve ever since, lol!

We had a really nice weekend; busy, busy, busy, but with fun things so it's all good.

Back to the grind today - I'm at work and Leo's back to school. And with no WDW vacations on the near horizon, it's time to set my sights on our Big, Fat Southwest road trip! I can't believe that's coming up in 6ish months. I've got a good outline and time frame going; we just need to firm up stops and dates and make some reservations. (I booked the Grand Canyon long ago, but the rest is yet unbooked.)


Kristel, I'm thinking of you guys and sending you TONS of virtual hugs. I'm so sorry you're going through this.

 

[TEminnie]

They asked me if I wanted to stay on as permenant p/t so for now I am going to do it. THe extra money is nice. It is allowing us to pay a few things off a bit faster than planned, which beens maybe getting back to Disney that much faster If it starts to interfere with any of Jimmy's activities I will give it up





I;ve been hearing about all of your rain on the news



Do I smell a trip????



I hate that though. They now something is going to be popular so they don't order enough to make it seem like a huge demand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Hey all. Hope everyone had a good weekend. We went to see dad and surprise, surprise my brother showed up. DId I tell you that one??? Let's just say I was soooooooo po'd. My older brother did not call my father on Christmas Day I was furious and so my other brother. My dad was really upset. The older brother couldn't figure out why we were all mad

Anyway, we had a nice time yesterday. Dad is flying out tomorrow and after the cold and the snow probably won't come back again until July

When we got home I had all intentions of starting to pack away the Christmas stuff. Uh, yeah that didn't happen I will do some tonight and some tomorrow night. If I can get the inside done, then the boys can do the outside while I am Macy's on Saturday.

Everyone is back to work and school today. I really thought it would be rough going this morning becasue Jimmy was still awake at 10:30, but he did surprisingly well getting up Back to the routine.

Happy Monday and have a great day

You must be a good worker for them to keep you on after the holidays!

my girls made it back to. Ab was ready to go back--she needed to double check her college aps---that really had nothing to do with high school, but she needed the holidays to be over so people would be back at work and school! BA was not that enthusiastic.

Good morning and happy 2011! I'm sorry I never made it over here NYE - we bought Just Dance for the Wii and spent the evening dancing our little booties off... OMG, I've been mainlining Aleve ever since, lol!

We had a really nice weekend; busy, busy, busy, but with fun things so it's all good.

Back to the grind today - I'm at work and Leo's back to school. And with no WDW vacations on the near horizon, it's time to set my sights on our Big, Fat Southwest road trip! I can't believe that's coming up in 6ish months. I've got a good outline and time frame going; we just need to firm up stops and dates and make some reservations. (I booked the Grand Canyon long ago, but the rest is yet unbooked.)


Kristel, I'm thinking of you guys and sending you TONS of virtual hugs. I'm so sorry you're going through this.

We have been playing Just Dance 2 also. I got my niece Just Dance for kids and have been thinking about getting that for us too cause we love this---it is 19.99 at Target this week.

 

[englishrose47]

Hello Fockers !!!! I have been busy strating my new PTR for our Family August trip !!I am looking for ideas to make the trip special for the girls as they will turn SIXTEEN during it !! They have already requested to eat dinner at the Castle so any thoughts ideas etc that you guys have will be appreciated !!!!

Talkinfg of Wii games I was just playing teh drawing one with the girls !! They said do Movies and we will guess !!Soo I drew a Bridge and a river going under it !! Of course they were clueless so I said It's THE BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER KWAI !!! They replied okay Gram but what's the movie

 

[jcc0621]

Good morning and happy 2011! I'm sorry I never made it over here NYE - we bought Just Dance for the Wii and spent the evening dancing our little booties off... OMG, I've been mainlining Aleve ever since, lol!

DO you need that board thing for this one? I haven't gotten that yet.

Back to the grind today - I'm at work and Leo's back to school. And with no WDW vacations on the near horizon, it's time to set my sights on our Big, Fat Southwest road trip! I can't believe that's coming up in 6ish months. I've got a good outline and time frame going; we just need to firm up stops and dates and make some reservations. (I booked the Grand Canyon long ago, but the rest is yet unbooked.)

Are you going to blog about this trip? I want to hear all about it!

You must be a good worker for them to keep you on after the holidays!

But of course I am the best Seriously, they must think so becasue I was talking to a couple of other people and they were a little ticked becasue they weren't asked

my girls made it back to. Ab was ready to go back--she needed to double check her college aps---that really had nothing to do with high school, but she needed the holidays to be over so people would be back at work and school! BA was not that enthusiastic.

Any acceptances for BA yet?

Talkinfg of Wii games I was just playing teh drawing one with the girls !! They said do Movies and we will guess !!Soo I drew a Bridge and a river going under it !! Of course they were clueless so I said It's THE BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER KWAI !!! They replied okay Gram but what's the movie

You better stick with DIsney movies

 

[PrincessV]

We have been playing Just Dance 2 also.

We have teh JD2, too - I keep leaving off the 2, lol! Too much fun!

I am looking for ideas to make the trip special for the girls as they will turn SIXTEEN during it !!

Already?!

DO you need that board thing for this one? I haven't gotten that yet.

Nope, just the Wii remote!

Are you going to blog about this trip? I want to hear all about it!

Oh HECK yeah - can you even imagine the stories I'll have from 2 weeks in a car, on the open road, with Leo and Gramma?!

 

[TEminnie]

DO you need that board thing for this one? I haven't gotten that yet.



Are you going to blog about this trip? I want to hear all about it!





But of course I am the best Seriously, they must think so becasue I was talking to a couple of other people and they were a little ticked becasue they weren't asked



Any acceptances for BA yet?




You better stick with DIsney movies

Uh....BA is in 8th grade.....so no, she really hasn't applied anywhere yet! Although she does keep an eye on which school has the best cheer squads---which is usually UK!
VT ranks 5th in nation right now.

Ab on the other hand did hear that all her aps were complete which was good news for the two she applied too. So it's waiting game. She won't hear from JMU till close to 4/1....GMU maybe by 2/1 since it was early action. She is on pins and needles. 3 of her friends got into VT early action (and it's binding so they have to go). GMU is not binding...she will have till 5/1 to make up her mind.
She is still on the fence about applying to VT---as much as we love it (went to game yesterday), she feels like it's not the right school for her and that she would tend to socialize too much! We'll see--I'm not pushing her--certainly want her to stay IN school once she gets there!

 

[TEminnie]

We have teh JD2, too - I keep leaving off the 2, lol! Too much fun!


Already?!


Nope, just the Wii remote!

Oh HECK yeah - can you even imagine the stories I'll have from 2 weeks in a car, on the open road, with Leo and Gramma?!

Ab has been the undisputed Dancing queen amongst us and her friends---challenging everyone---UNTIL her boyfriend came over last nite and she forced him to play---he beat her 3 songs straight and he'd never played before! She was so mad! She LOOKED better dancing but he scored better. I think they're still dating.......

 

[princessjv]

Rosie- For sure do a SPA day!!

Janet- You must rock! (well I think we already knew that)

V- I've been working on our Yellowstone trip and I've hit a wall. It looks like I should have reserved our room last summer! Yikes!

A TR is a MUST!!

TE- Hello! Should I get the kids version or the adult of the just dance? Or both?

Okay ladies - Everyone keeps talking about this dance game. Please tell me about it/them!

Hubby is off to work again.

I spent the day at the psych with ds. We are again going through a battery of testing to see how we can help him be/stay successful. Last year we went through hours and hours of testing and came out with diagnosis of extremely high IQ and inattentiveness. Both often go hand in hand. This year we are peeling another layer, to ensure that there isn't anything else causing the inattentiveness.

Ds is currently in his schools high achiever program (they call it "gifted", yet I feel it isn't true "gifted" program). A neighboring school district has developed special school for kids like him. I'm considering seeing if he'd qualify. They only accept 25 new students per year for 3rd-5th grades. It would mean pulling both kids from our current school district, which is where I attended. My entire family graduated from and it's small town USA.

I'm struggling ... But I need to give ds what he needs.

I feel so fortunate of where I live. I know we have amazing school system. I feel that our schools have a plethera of classes and adaptations for children falling below, yet kids who are well above---not so much. These kids need to be engaged, pushed, allowed to become the next scientist who finds a cure for a terrible outbreak.


Off my stool.

Thanks for listening.

 

[jcc0621]

Oh HECK yeah - can you even imagine the stories I'll have from 2 weeks in a car, on the open road, with Leo and Gramma?!

That's what I was hoping

Uh....BA is in 8th grade

Typo - stop b=making fun of me

Ab on the other hand did hear that all her aps were complete which was good news for the two she applied too. So it's waiting game. She won't hear from JMU till close to 4/1....GMU maybe by 2/1 since it was early action. She is on pins and needles. 3 of her friends got into VT early action (and it's binding so they have to go). GMU is not binding...she will have till 5/1 to make up her mind.
She is still on the fence about applying to VT---as much as we love it (went to game yesterday), she feels like it's not the right school for her and that she would tend to socialize too much! We'll see--I'm not pushing her--certainly want her to stay IN school once she gets there!

It sounds like she has a good head on her shoulders and knows what she wants and what will work for her (That of course reflects on you) Will keep my fingers crossed for her.

Oh, and sorry about the Orange Bowl

I think they're still dating.......

Janet- You must rock! (well I think we already knew that)

THanks

I spent the day at the psych with ds. We are again going through a battery of testing to see how we can help him be/stay successful. Last year we went through hours and hours of testing and came out with diagnosis of extremely high IQ and inattentiveness. Both often go hand in hand. This year we are peeling another layer, to ensure that there isn't anything else causing the inattentiveness.

That sounds exactly like Jimmy

Thanks for listening.

Of course

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Morning Here at work since 7:30. Jimmy has an OT appointment today. He can't wait to tell the therapist about the Wii and how he keeps beating Jim in tennis and bowling

1st day back at school went well for both of them. So, hopefully it won't take too long for the routine to settle back down

Not much else going here. Hope everyon ehas a great day!

 

[PrincessV]

I think they're still dating.......

LMAO! That's too funny!

V- I've been working on our Yellowstone trip and I've hit a wall. It looks like I should have reserved our room last summer! Yikes!

Keep trying! It's the same for the Grand Canyon - book a year or so in advance or most rooms will be gone... BUT, the nice folks on Tripadvisor keep telling people to call daily - lots of people book early and then cancel, so opening do happen. Worth trying!

Okay ladies - Everyone keeps talking about this dance game. Please tell me about it/them!

Hmm... Just Dance 2 for Wii comes with 40 songs and each song has a choreographed dance routine for it. People on the screen perform the moves, you hold a Wii remote in-hand and follow along. I've been surprised by how advanced the dance moves can be! Honestly, you guys know I'm a former dancer, and I was afraid it wouldn't be challenging... WRONG! But I'm also trying to do everything exactly as shown; legs, arms, back, head, etc. In reality, you can just move the hand with the remote to the right places and score high, lol! Leo loves it

Thanks for listening.

Any time. I understand what you mean - while Leo isn't a high achiever, he's extremely imaginative and very much a spatial learner - he views all information in pictures (which is, in part, why the movie Temple Grandin touched my heart so). There's not a lot available here to give him what he needs, either, so he does a good chunk of his learning at home. It's frustrating, I know.

Jimmy has an OT appointment today. He can't wait to tell the therapist about the Wii and how he keeps beating Jim in tennis and bowling

LOL, I love it!

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

Hmm... Just Dance 2 for Wii comes with 40 songs and each song has a choreographed dance routine for it. People on the screen perform the moves, you hold a Wii remote in-hand and follow along. I've been surprised by how advanced the dance moves can be! Honestly, you guys know I'm a former dancer, and I was afraid it wouldn't be challenging... WRONG! But I'm also trying to do everything exactly as shown; legs, arms, back, head, etc. In reality, you can just move the hand with the remote to the right places and score high, lol! Leo loves it

You should try the Kinect Dance Central. No remotes, and it scans your whole body, so you HAVE to move exactly like the dancer. 2 songs and I'm finished!

JenV- That's a tough one. I often think I need to to have Maddie evaluated. She's a high acheiver, but a complete worry wart and has complete melt-downs about not being "perfect", when in fact she is making perfect marks. Poor kid's in 3rd grade and about to crack....

The good thing about our school, is while each grade is a level playing field, there are teachers who go above and beyond the norm for students like Maddie. I'm lucky enough that I can rally and make sure my kids are with who I believe will help them acheive.


TE - Sorry about VT. TE & Waldo are ecstatic, though. Sanford's my brothers alma mater.

Janet - Love that Jimmy's enjoying the Wii. You might want to look into the UDraw for the Wii. It's very cool!

*******************************************************
Good morning everyone!

Not much going on here. Got the kids off to school this morning with only minimal tears. Ah, that Maddie - already freaking out about her new teacher. Not sure if I told you about the new teacher they hired to replace the teacher that passed away in Nov? Anyway, I met her before the break. She seems nice enough, and pretty strict, which we like. Can't wait to hear how the day went.

Hitting up the internet for some part-time work. As much as I love being home, I really feel the need to get out there and work a little bit, if only for my mental health. I do need to be home in the afternoon, so I'm thinking retail or if I'm lucky I'll find a part-time admin position. Anyway, wish me luck.

Been working on our Christmas trip as well. Waldo and TE were in, then they're out, then they're in, then they're out.... BAH!!! I'm booking on the 15th, so they better **** or get off the pot already! Now I'm just debating if I want to come home before or after Christmas..... :

Oh and it's January 4th and I already broke my diet. Someone just harpoon me already!

Have a great week!!

 

[DisneyJo]

Although she does keep an eye on which school has the best cheer squads---which is usually UK!

Really, but we don't cheer over here


Things got back to normal today, the girls went to school, D went back to normal hours at work and I played golf It was only the second time I'd played since end of November, first lot of 18 holes, I played pretty good too

Tomorrow is major clean/tidy/iron etc day oh and dye my hair too I'm soooo grey it's frightening!

 

[lazydoxy66]

Thank you everyone and thank you Kat for getting the word out.

I have pretty much lived at the nursing home since New Year's Eve. Doug had a very bad seizure which rendered his right leg useless. His mental faculties are becoming very challenged as well. I couldn't take proper care of him at home any longer.

I hated the idea of handing him over to complete strangers but I know it is for the best. He is getting a lot of therapy - physical, speech, mental. The staff has been very good to us. I am there to help most of the time. He has lots of friends and family visiting him too.

He will start radiation treatments next week. The nursing home will transfer him to the radiation center and back. I plan to be there for those treatments every day.

I will try to post when I can. Things will be very busy with me as I will return to work tomorrow night.

Also to all of you that sent us Christmas cards - Thank You!

Big hugs to all of you!!!

 

[cmp1111]

Kristel, - Please know you're both in my thoughts.

Jo, I had to do my hair last week, for the same reason. I never knew how grey I was! Glad you had fun with your family - how long is Em back before the move to Switzerland?

Janet, sounds like you've been busy, glad dad made it home OK, have fun at work!

T, hope Mads is OK - Woody is the exact same kid, it sounds like. Good luck finding something part time. I have to say that I think I've found the perfect solution for me - the work barely feels like work, is the right time, is very flexible...

Jen, good luck with your ds as well. Hope you find out something soon about the move, or not. Gah!

V, glad school is sorted! Did you say you started again today?

TE, glad the girls are finally back in school!

Hi, everyone! I read 3 or 4 pages, so I know I'm forgetting stuff. Sorry!

***********************************************
Just more crazy-busy-ness here... My parents were in from the 26th (they drove all night to beat the snowstorm that amounted to not too much) to the 1st in the afternoon. We skied on NYE, then just celebrated here, with a late call/visit to the neighbor's for an hour or so. Nice.

Saturday was a laze about day, particularly once my parents left, though I did get the tree undone. Sunday was Harry Potter 7 and a quiet evening before school, with most of the rest of the undecorating done.

Monday was a practice tennis play, for our first real "at level" match that is tomorrow, so I didn't work. I worked today (super, super easy day) and then won't work tomorrow due to my tennis match. I hope to work again Thursday, then I'm not working Friday as Dr. Belle arrives around lunch time!

She's in until Tuesday morning, so it'll be another busy weekend. The boys have their first ski club Thursday night (a bus from school goes to a local small hill, they get a lesson and some free ski, then can either ride the bus or come home with D, who goes as much as he can...) Then, they have their normal basketball practice Friday night and a game Sunday afternoon...

Just the normal chaos, I guess!

Anyway, hope the first few days of the New Year have been good for you all. I'll probably be spotty again for a bit, with Dr. Belle around. With the working being only school-day, I'm finding that my afternoons/evenings aren't that much worse (particularly, let's face it, when I'm working only 2/3 days a week) so I hope to check in more often again once all the company's gone.