The DDA Trouble Free Zone Part 18

[Glynis]

Well, I am off to pick up our family photos. I need to get them home, put in frames that we bought, and wrap them as gifts to my family. I also have to figure out something to make for our family dinner tomorrow. Maybe a dessert? I am sure I will figure something out. Talk to you all later!

I've got a recipe for gingerbread trifle if you want it. Just let me know! It's very yummy!

 

[Glynis]

I started to pack for our trip last night. I am up to my eyeballs in so many things this week and next. I am almost done with my autograph pages, I think I am going to try to make one or two (don't laugh, I know I am clueless). I need a Prince Phillip and a FairyGodmother along with the mice (suzy and ?????)

I hope PM (Ricky) gets to us soon so we can clebrate Christmas with a him, I would also like to take him to my in-laws if he gets here by Friday.

I have all but one or two gifts done. Saturday we are off to visit the in-laws for the day. Sunday my mom will come down to prep for Monday.

If I don't get back before Monday, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

And a most wonderful and merry Christmas to you, too, Paula! I hope you have a great one!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Noone mentioned it to me at all while I was there and I was non stop go/go/go there so I didn't do it. I don't know what dates we'll be there so I didn't feel like I was ready to commit. I'm thinking 10 nights starting around 8/22 but I don't know where we'll stay. I'm thinking we should go with POR as that is the cheapest option for the 5 of us but would really prefer the YC or BC. I think my DH would really love a 1 BR at BCV. I loved the CR but I don't think I'd stay there again too soon. My favorite parks are Epcot and MK. It was great walking to MK but returning to CR from Epcot seemed to take an hour. Take monorail to TTC walk down the ramp and back up the ramp to catch the resort monorail, wait for that monorail and then take that monorail nearly all the way around to the 4th stop at CR. I really loved being able to walk to the Poly from TTC. I know I'd enjoy walking to Epcot from BC.

Concierge at CR was awesome! My DH would LOVE that!

We had a few technical problems on our trip and when you've only got 3 nights you just don't have time for those things. I was really disappointed that we didn't really do all that much. I was really annoyed with my friends over a few stupid things. I can't talk to DH about them because I know I'll get over it and I'm afraid he'd always hold it against them. I'm sure it doesn't help that I am exhausted and starting to feel the holiday stress. I think I am done traveling with friends unless it is an adult only trip.

We walked from Epcot to YC last October. We had dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse followed by the IllumiNations cruise. It was a toasty walk. Not a walk I would find pleasant in August. Well, maybe early in the morning it would be OK.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

I started to pack for our trip last night. I am up to my eyeballs in so many things this week and next. I am almost done with my autograph pages, I think I am going to try to make one or two (don't laugh, I know I am clueless). I need a Prince Phillip and a FairyGodmother along with the mice (suzy and ?????)

I hope PM (Ricky) gets to us soon so we can clebrate Christmas with a him, I would also like to take him to my in-laws if he gets here by Friday.

I have all but one or two gifts done. Saturday we are off to visit the in-laws for the day. Sunday my mom will come down to prep for Monday.

If I don't get back before Monday, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

PAULA!! i miss talking to you! have a great christmas!

 

[Glynis]

Ok, I'm in Oreo heaven!!! I just made a batch of oreo truffles using double stuffed mint oreos! They are so awesome! The recipe couldn't be simpler, either.

1 pkg. oreos
1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, room temp.
dipping chocolate

Grind oreos in a food processor until only crumbs are left. Dump them into a big bowl, and mix in the cream cheese until it resembles a soft dough. Form into 1 inch balls and refrigerate until firm. Dip in chocolate and set in fridge to harden.

There you have it! So simple, and absolutely wonderful!

 

[lovesdumbo]

everyone.

We all had a wonderful time, except for the flight home. Had a 12 hour delay, do to of all things fog. Plus I came home with bronchitis.

I would like to thank of all you who sent post cards, and glad to hear the wedding was a success.

I would also like to thank the McCormack's, the Brook's and Bernadette for the Christmas cards.

Kelli, nice family picture.

Bernadette, thank you for the picture of your children.

I guess I cannot complain about the 2 hour delay getting there for us.

 

[babytrees]

I started to pack for our trip last night. I am up to my eyeballs in so many things this week and next. I am almost done with my autograph pages, I think I am going to try to make one or two (don't laugh, I know I am clueless). I need a Prince Phillip and a FairyGodmother along with the mice (suzy and ?????)

I hope PM (Ricky) gets to us soon so we can clebrate Christmas with a him, I would also like to take him to my in-laws if he gets here by Friday.

I have all but one or two gifts done. Saturday we are off to visit the in-laws for the day. Sunday my mom will come down to prep for Monday.

If I don't get back before Monday, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Paula-

Merry Christmas to you!!!

Sounds like life hasn't slowed down any..... for a more restful new year!!

 

[PrincessLeighsDaddy]

I've got a recipe for gingerbread trifle if you want it. Just let me know! It's very yummy!

Yes Glynis! Please post it! It sounds yummy.

 

[babytrees]

Well, just offhand, since the kitty's black, you could name her after Minnie Mouses's cat, and the cat in Pinocchio: Figaro.

Figaro is a wonderful name!!

 

[Glynis]

Yes Glynis! Please post it! It sounds yummy.

Here you go. It's a 2 parter.

Gingerbread Cake

1/2 C. butter flavored shortening
1/3 C. sugar
1 C. molasses
3/4 C. water
1 egg
2 1/3 C. flour
1 ts. baking soda
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
3/4 tsp. salt

In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add molasses, water and egg. Combine flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon and salt; add to creamed mixture and beat until combined. Pour into a greased 15 X 10 X 1" jelly roll pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

Gingerbread Trifle

2 C. cold milk
1 pkg. (instant) French Vanilla pudding mix
7 C. cubed gingerbread cake
3/4 C. English toffee bits
1 carton Cool Whip (French vanilla flavor, if you can find it), thawed
1 maraschino cherry

In a mixing bowl, beat milk and pudding mix on low speed for 2 minutes. In a 2 quart trifle bowl, layer half the cake cubes and pudding. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup toffee bits. Top with remaining cake and pudding. Spread Cool Whip over the top; sprinkle with remaining toffee bits. Garnish with the cherry.

Make sure you put it into the refrigerator before you serve it. Also, store any leftovers in the fridge, as well.

 

[Tammi67]

I started to pack for our trip last night. I am up to my eyeballs in so many things this week and next. I am almost done with my autograph pages, I think I am going to try to make one or two (don't laugh, I know I am clueless). I need a Prince Phillip and a FairyGodmother along with the mice (suzy and ?????)

I hope PM (Ricky) gets to us soon so we can clebrate Christmas with a him, I would also like to take him to my in-laws if he gets here by Friday.

I have all but one or two gifts done. Saturday we are off to visit the in-laws for the day. Sunday my mom will come down to prep for Monday.

If I don't get back before Monday, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Hi Paula. I hope you all have a wonderful trip. Merry Christmas to you too.

 

[Tammi67]

I swore I wasn't going to do it. I promised myself that it didn't matter, as long as the kids had a fun Christmas. But the blues are starting to get to me and I am trying my best not to let them. I so wish I had someone to share this holiday season with and to make a family with for my kids. There. I said it. I've cried a few tears. Now I need to toughen up and get over it.

 

[ReAnSt]

Paula, Have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful trip.

Vicki- Thank you for the card and the SSP that was very touching.

I still have to go run my errands, so I will be off to do that in a little bit.

I finally finished my trip report from August, just a warning it is very photo heavy.

I'll probably be back on later but I am off to run my errands.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I swore I wasn't going to do it. I promised myself that it didn't matter, as long as the kids had a fun Christmas. But the blues are starting to get to me and I am trying my best not to let them. I so wish I had someone to share this holiday season with and to make a family with for my kids. There. I said it. I've cried a few tears. Now I need to toughen up and get over it.

Oh, Tammi! I am sorry! Want me to send you an evil cat to take your mind off your troubles?

 

[Glynis]

I swore I wasn't going to do it. I promised myself that it didn't matter, as long as the kids had a fun Christmas. But the blues are starting to get to me and I am trying my best not to let them. I so wish I had someone to share this holiday season with and to make a family with for my kids. There. I said it. I've cried a few tears. Now I need to toughen up and get over it.

Tammi. It's only natural that you would feel a little bit blue right about now. I'd be worried about you if you weren't. I wish that you and the kids could come here for Christmas. There's so much noise and bustle around my house, I don't think there would be time for the blues. I'm sure that this holiday will be the hardest. However, just look at all you have accomplished without the ex. You have proven that you are a capable woman, who can take care of herself and her children. You are one of the strongest women I know. You should be proud of yourself for the growth that you have made this year.

Let yourself have a good cry. It will do you good. Then, make some new traditions with the kids. Try out a new restaurant, go see a movie, have popcorn and a movie at home in new pj's. Find a way to make this holiday yours and the kids (without the ex!) Make sure you take some time for yourself, too. A bubble bath with some chocolate to nibble on would fit the bill nicely!

Most of all, please know that we are here for you. Vent, cry, scream, and let us help you through this. We're as close as the internet or phone lines can get us.

P.S. My invitation is a sincere one. If you and the kids ever want to take me up on it, you'd be welcome!

 

[UP Disney]

Thanks to everyone's comments about my kitty issue. I think we will go ahead and get her.

I just hope she doesn't end up being like this

.
My brother John told me that she was very loving and very affectionate, one of the tamest in its litter.
Now to just come up with a unique name for her.
Maybe I should get some ideas from all of you and let Leighanna pick out the name she likes best. If I let her pick out the name, I know it would be "Blackie". She tends to name things the color that they are. Thus, her brown BAB "Brownie", her orange stuffed kitty "Orangey", her white teddy bear "Whitey".
We are celebrating Christmas tomorrow with my family, so that is when we will get her. I will try to post a picture of her so that you can see her and submit your ideas for a name. I think a Disney related name would be neat!

Our labs were named Licorice and Cocoa. They were a black & chocolate lab. The girls were young and wanted to name them after their colors as well. This was my compromise.

 

[ReAnSt]

I swore I wasn't going to do it. I promised myself that it didn't matter, as long as the kids had a fun Christmas. But the blues are starting to get to me and I am trying my best not to let them. I so wish I had someone to share this holiday season with and to make a family with for my kids. There. I said it. I've cried a few tears. Now I need to toughen up and get over it.

I was on almost on my way out the door and I saw this post and had to respond.



Tammi- I wish I was there to give you a hug and Jen too. You do not need toughen up and get over it. Crying and pain is there for a reason, something I admit personally still do not know. I try to hold everything in and that is a bad, bad thing.

Not only is this your first Christmas with just you and the kids, but you have reccently had a death in your family you have every right to be crying and not in the best of moods. Please let your kids see you crying, it is a good lesson for them to learn that their Mom misses people too and doesn't really want the holiday to be the way it is. Your kids may be experiencing similar feelings and not feel that it is right to express them.

Try to make this Christmas the best you can, if tears are shed, they are shed and it is for a reason. Remember everything happens for a reason, although you may never really know the reason.

You are a truly fantastic, strong woman and mother to Alyssa and Nicholas and although you do not have someone to spend Christmas with and make a family with for your kids, I know someone is out there for you and me sorry I had to add that in as I wish I wasn't spending the holidays single. Go hug your kids and spend lots of time with your kids and make some special holiday memories with them. Do something for the holidays you have wanted to do and have never gotten a chance.

Break out your treasure box notes from the DDA and read them, I know you can get through this. Know that we are all here to help get you through this. If tears are shed they are shed their is nothing wrong with crying, screaming, venting, etc and you do not need to just toughen up. and

 

[UP Disney]

I swore I wasn't going to do it. I promised myself that it didn't matter, as long as the kids had a fun Christmas. But the blues are starting to get to me and I am trying my best not to let them. I so wish I had someone to share this holiday season with and to make a family with for my kids. There. I said it. I've cried a few tears. Now I need to toughen up and get over it.

I wish that I could give you a real hug!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Tammi - Or you can come here and see the evil cat in her natural surroundings!

It is hard when circumstances change from one holiday to the next. Nobody is going to think less of you for admitting that you are sad!

I am a little sad that my mom isn't going to be at our house on Christmas Eve. We used to do Christmas Eve at her house every year, then moved it to mine after she and my father split up. DS has never had a Christmas Eve without her. DS misses her. DH is really fed up with my mother over the way she handled some things (OK, lots of things) over the summer and he says he doesn't want to go visit her at Easter. The airfare is a decent price right now. I have tickets on a courtesy hold so I will have to talk to him about it tonight and TRY to get him to be serious. He keeps ranting and raving and saying he won't go up there. His choice, but I should go and take DS to see her.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I need to get Brother & Sister up and dressed for the Hanukkah dinner at the synagogue. Brother has misplaced one of his good shoes. Sister didn't have any shoes to match her dress so I bought some for her today, but I don't know if they will fit her. I could have some very interesting footwear choices in my future.

I gave the clear lights to DH when he picked up DS, so I do think we are going ahead with the tree. I guess we will wrap the cords from the tree to the wall with tin foil as a preventative measure and hope for the best.

Chat with you all later!