The new convert's first ever PTR to DCL Alaska Cruise (8/16/11 - 8/23/11)

[YukiPhnx]

I'm so happy for Jordan!!!!

It's also great to hear about the work you did. Skid Row is an incredibly heart-breaking place. To see all those people sleeping in tents on the sidewalk. It's wonderful to see so many people volunteering to help them though!

 

[DisneyDerek]

Amen Sounds like you have alot of good works to do, too!

Yeah, I look forward to the ministry opportunities that God opens up but unfortunately, my Day Planner is getting filed

Great news!! Thanks for sharing!

Ok now I have to go back and watch that video! Your kids are just to darn stinkin cute for words!

Thanks, they're a handful but can be cute on occasion. Hope you're doing well.

Oh so sorry about your cat! Did you read the rainbow bridge?? I can't to makes me cry. We lost our Springer over a year ago and I just haven't been able to get over his loss. He was really special to me (a mommy dog) my DH wants another Springer but I just can bear getting one at this point. I would want him to be like our Springer we lost and I know that is not possible. It's weird I feel as if he is still around, he died at home in his sleep so I wonder if his presence lingered? But ever so often I get the feeling he's standing next to me.

Thanks for sharing about Springer. Sounds like he was a special friend and family member. While I enjoy pets, Wendy has more of a soft heart for them (she has supported a number of pet charities over the years and had always said she wanted to buy a farm to house all kinds of pets...but guess who would have to tend to them ).

HOORAY!!!!! We were watching for a date and wondering if by some chance we would be able to make a quick trip to Kentucky. However, it's just not in the cards for us. We are super excited for Jordan and can't wait to talk to him soon!

Yeah, his time came fairly quickly (compared to other folks at PureLife) but I'm sure you guys will have a chance to see him. He was debating about driving his 4Runner out there so he could have transportation. If so, maybe he can do a drive by visit

I'm so happy for Jordan!!!!

It's also great to hear about the work you did. Skid Row is an incredibly heart-breaking place. To see all those people sleeping in tents on the sidewalk. It's wonderful to see so many people volunteering to help them though!

Thanks Yuki, we're all so very proud of him and for the changes he's gone through. I agree that the Skid Row ministry has touched me and I wish I had more open weekends to continue to serve locally. I've been conflicted about the time I personally spend on family vacations which prevents me from having time to help with short term ministries such as Mexicali to build homes for families. There is so much need in this world and I know that I can only help out so much but I need to get back into a regular role of getting involved in one of our local outreach activities (as i mentioned, I used to attend a ministry where we delivered groceries to our local housing projects).

 

[wisegal]

Hello

I have lurked on Jordans trip reports, and am going to follow yours as well. When are you going on the cruise, my family is booked on on leaving on the 16th of Aug. There is a lot of info on the cruise theard on the boards if you want more info as well. We have not planned anything yet for shore excursions, my kids (4 & 3) are very excited and love the commercial.

 

[DisneyDerek]

Hello

I have lurked on Jordans trip reports, and am going to follow yours as well. When are you going on the cruise, my family is booked on on leaving on the 16th of Aug. There is a lot of info on the cruise theard on the boards if you want more info as well. We have not planned anything yet for shore excursions, my kids (4 & 3) are very excited and love the commercial.

Thanks for joining this TR. Looks like we'll be cruising together! as we're also on the Aug. 16th cruise too. I look forward to comparing notes on shore excursions and meeting up on the cruise. I too still need to make plans for the shore excursions and am waiting to compare notes with the rest of our crew. Wendy and I are also somewhat dependent upon our childcare needs with wee little ones. It would be great to introduce our kids together since I have an 8 year old (Erin), 5 year old (Dylan) and 2 year old (Ashlyn).

I look forward to more DISing on the DIS!

 

[wisegal]

if you go over to the Cruise board there is a meet thread where you can chat with other Disers on that cruise. Lots of info on DCL and things for kids to do as well.

 

[DisneyDerek]

if you go over to the Cruise board there is a meet thread where you can chat with other Disers on that cruise. Lots of info on DCL and things for kids to do as well.

Thanks, I'll check it out. And I see from your signature that this is your first ever cruise (with Disney or overall?). Might I say you picked a great one to embark on!

 

[DisneyDerek]

Well, we survived the garage sale (Wendy still needs to tally up her receipts) but we successfully got rid of everything since all the leftover items were picked up by a charity Now we have more room in the house, both of my cars are back in the garage (Wendy prefers to park her car outside) and life is semi-back to normal.

We also had a busy Sunday since Dylan and I had another Indian Guides (dads and sons) outing with our tribe to visit a Dino Show event followed by a reptile exhibit and Shakey's pizza, then Dylan and I joined Wendy and the girls at my college roommate's home for a family get-together and finally, we returned back to our church for a congregational business meeting where we were officially voted in as new members of our church of 3.5 years

So now that the initial busyness is over, I'm hoping to get back on board with the DIS.

Wendy and I are also trying to figure out if one of us will attend Jordan's graduation from PureLife. As much as we want to be there to support him in the momentous achievement, funds are tight for the time being as is our vacation time off. Jordan is being understanding with the situation but sounds a little bummed that things are not working out for family or friends to attend his graduation Please keep him in prayer as he finishes out his time at PureLife.

Thanks again for your support. Much for you all.

Derek

 

[wisegal]

Yes this is our first Disney cruise and our first cruise over all. I hope we like it as I have many plans in my head for other cruises with Disney. We are traveling with a big group as well, there are 19 of us in all and I think that only 2 of the group have cruised before. New experiences for everyone.

 

[brookelizabeth]

CONGRATS to Jordan!!!!! I wish we could all attend via webcam or something to cheer for him! I know you will pass on all the congrats here though-or perhaps in the future he'll see them himself.

I hope all the details on possibly being there for the graduation work themselves out quickly and easily...that's a tough spot to be in.

 

[saralexander97]

Derek and Wendy,
I just read Jordan's last trip report. I feel like I know you and would love to join your family on life's ups and downs with trip planning.
#1 You kids are sooooooo adorable!!
#2 I am inspired by your family and how you stay positive through thick and thin.
#3 I have a two year old to, I feel your pain. She is a maniac.

Cant wait to hear more =)

 

[YukiPhnx]

Thanks Yuki, we're all so very proud of him and for the changes he's gone through. I agree that the Skid Row ministry has touched me and I wish I had more open weekends to continue to serve locally. I've been conflicted about the time I personally spend on family vacations which prevents me from having time to help with short term ministries such as Mexicali to build homes for families. There is so much need in this world and I know that I can only help out so much but I need to get back into a regular role of getting involved in one of our local outreach activities (as i mentioned, I used to attend a ministry where we delivered groceries to our local housing projects).

Yeah, I know what you mean by wanting more time to volunteer. I've been wanting to volunteer at a local soup kitchen or food bank, but my school schedule is just not right for it.

Well, we survived the garage sale (Wendy still needs to tally up her receipts) but we successfully got rid of everything since all the leftover items were picked up by a charity Now we have more room in the house, both of my cars are back in the garage (Wendy prefers to park her car outside) and life is semi-back to normal.

We also had a busy Sunday since Dylan and I had another Indian Guides (dads and sons) outing with our tribe to visit a Dino Show event followed by a reptile exhibit and Shakey's pizza, then Dylan and I joined Wendy and the girls at my college roommate's home for a family get-together and finally, we returned back to our church for a congregational business meeting where we were officially voted in as new members of our church of 3.5 years

So now that the initial busyness is over, I'm hoping to get back on board with the DIS.

Wendy and I are also trying to figure out if one of us will attend Jordan's graduation from PureLife. As much as we want to be there to support him in the momentous achievement, funds are tight for the time being as is our vacation time off. Jordan is being understanding with the situation but sounds a little bummed that things are not working out for family or friends to attend his graduation Please keep him in prayer as he finishes out his time at PureLife.

Thanks again for your support. Much for you all.

Derek

Congrats on being official church members!!! That's so cool that they do that! I've been with my church FOREVER so I'm not really sure if we did something like that....

It's so great to see you spend so much time with Dylan. Their Guides have so many fun activities! I watched your youtube video and it looked like Dylan had a LOT of fun

Like Brooke mentioned, it would be really cool to be connected via live webcam! Then we could ALL be there for him!

 

[englishrose47]

Just checking in !!Tell Jordan I miss him !!!!

 

[DisneyDerek]

Hi everyone, sorry for the hiatus. Life has been hectic lately due to my church involvement but I'm not complaining since I love being plugged in at our church.

Yes this is our first Disney cruise and our first cruise over all. I hope we like it as I have many plans in my head for other cruises with Disney. We are traveling with a big group as well, there are 19 of us in all and I think that only 2 of the group have cruised before. New experiences for everyone.

Wow, that's great to inaugurate your cruise experience with DCL. I think you are in for a wonderful experience and while I would normally say it's great to have another cruise experience to compare DCL to others, I think there's really no comparison for family cruising. That's also awesome that you'll have a big group too (but your group outnumbers us at 19). I almost wished we booked (and could afford) one of the larger state rooms so we could have a place to hang out (we once booked the 2 bedroom state room which had a huge balcony and a living room/dining room. Im looking forward to sharing Alaska cruise plans.

CONGRATS to Jordan!!!!! I wish we could all attend via webcam or something to cheer for him! I know you will pass on all the congrats here though-or perhaps in the future he'll see them himself.

I hope all the details on possibly being there for the graduation work themselves out quickly and easily...that's a tough spot to be in.

That's a great idea about the webcam! I wished I had thought about tat. I'll have to work on that one!

Thanks also for the encouragement of Jordan, we're so proud of him, but unfortunately, as funds and vacation time off are short, it looks like a trip to Kentucky are not in the plans for us. Jordan has been pretty understanding of this and fortunately his brother Jon is flying out from Northern Cal to be there with him. (On a side note, Jon lost his wife Gail a few years back and Gail and Jordan had a really special bond, so life has been tough in Jordan's family).

Derek and Wendy,
I just read Jordan's last trip report. I feel like I know you and would love to join your family on life's ups and downs with trip planning.
#1 You kids are sooooooo adorable!!
#2 I am inspired by your family and how you stay positive through thick and thin.
#3 I have a two year old to, I feel your pain. She is a maniac.

Cant wait to hear more =)

Sara, thanks so much in joining the fun You're always welcome to join the craziness of our family. If we can be good for a laugh, smile or even an inspiration I'm glad that we're doing something right. We are blessed to have a wonderful family, friends, and support group on DIS and around us at home. As I've seen many friends, family members and peers pass on way too early in life, I've learned that few things in life are more important that relationships (even those online with our "make believe" friends). Unfortunately, it's tough for me to get online and respond as quickly due to commitments with family, church, my University of Chicago alumni club here in LA, Indian Guides, Indian Princesses, T-Ball (for my son), and other hobbies (photography and magic) so God is teaching me a lot this year about time management and investing in the right things in life. That being said, I welcome the shared stories, laughs and trials of raising two year olds. We need to create a club Parents of Tempests (I call Ashlyn a Tempest at times) or POTs for short Well, maybe not. Parents of Maniacs (POMs)?

Yeah, I know what you mean by wanting more time to volunteer. I've been wanting to volunteer at a local soup kitchen or food bank, but my school schedule is just not right for it.

Thanks Yuki for sharing. One thing I've seen (for better and worse) is that there are opportunities all around us. I struggle with allowing myself to be available and willing to serve wherever and whenever God leads. As they say, "God can't move a parked car" (well, really he can) but you seem to have the righ heart attitude and just need to see when the right opportunity becomes available.

Congrats on being official church members!!! That's so cool that they do that! I've been with my church FOREVER so I'm not really sure if we did something like that....

Yeah, I think I was taking it as a more emotional moment that the others as it really means a lot to me to commit to a church family (and because it means that we're officially closing the door on the church that we left that my parents helped to start in our home community). But it's good to have an official church family

It's so great to see you spend so much time with Dylan. Their Guides have so many fun activities! I watched your youtube video and it looked like Dylan had a LOT of fun

Like Brooke mentioned, it would be really cool to be connected via live webcam! Then we could ALL be there for him!

Cool idea about the webcam, I'll have to try that with my iPhone 4 sometime. Haven't tried it yet but I always wanted to UStream live events. Thanks for the inspiration, Brooke and Yuki!

Just checking in !!Tell Jordan I miss him !!!!

Thanks Rosie, we'll pass long the love But I"m not sure I want to pass along any kisses to him

 

[DisneyDerek]

Well, this is a little late as it's 9:35 pm on West Coast time but I'm trying to slip in a Happy Valentine's Day to you all .

How did everyone spend their special day? Unfortunately, with 3 kids, Wendy and I don't often get a "romantic night out" so we'll have to live vicariously through your stories.

Hope all is well. Life has been hectic here lately and I apologize for the long neglect of this TR.

On a planning front, Alaska continues to be on our mind but we're scrimping every penny for our future trip plans. Shore excursions are a distant thought as we have many more pressing financial issues to attend to. (Ashlyn has some decayed front two teeth due to weak teeth and too much apple juice so unfortunately, she will lose her front two teeth until her permanent teeth come in in 3.5 years as a 6 year old ). So much for nice family pictures going forward

Anyway, hope everyone is doing well. I talked briefly to Jordan tonight and he is focusing on wrapping up his last two weeks at PureLife. God has definitely protected him and we thank you all for your prayers, support and care packages. We all owe you for being his extended family.

Fortunately, his big brother Jon and his parents will be able to attend his graduation. We are not so lucky due to the aforementioned dental bills for our little tempest.

Take care,

Derek

 

[englishrose47]

Hi Derek !!!Poor Ashlyn and you guys for footing the bill !!!Glad to hear news of Jordan, he is always on my mind and in my prayers !!! I hope he will be able to chat on the Dis soon but totally understand if this is not in God's plans for him!!!

 

[glennbo123]

Kids cost a lot of money, don't I know it! I hope you're able to sock enough away for some nice shore excursions.

Thanks for giving us a little update on Jordan.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Congrats to Jordan for completing his program! I'm glad some family can be there.

Sorry about Ashlynn's teeth. Poor baby. I guess I shouldn't be mad at my DIL - she is a dental hygienest and won't let her kids have juice.... guess that is a real concern.

Have fun with your Alaska Planning!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Sorry to hear about Ashyln's teeth! And the hit on your pocketbook. Ugh.

We didn't do anything romantic for Valentine's Day either due to the upcoming Disney trip - gotta pinch those pennies! Every.single.one.

Great to hear about Jordan's family being able to attend his graduation, that is wonderful!!

 

[DisneyDerek]

Hi Derek !!!Poor Ashlyn and you guys for footing the bill !!!Glad to hear news of Jordan, he is always on my mind and in my prayers !!! I hope he will be able to chat on the Dis soon but totally understand if this is not in God's plans for him!!!

Kids cost a lot of money, don't I know it! I hope you're able to sock enough away for some nice shore excursions.

Thanks for giving us a little update on Jordan.

Congrats to Jordan for completing his program! I'm glad some family can be there.

Sorry about Ashlynn's teeth. Poor baby. I guess I shouldn't be mad at my DIL - she is a dental hygienest and won't let her kids have juice.... guess that is a real concern.

Have fun with your Alaska Planning!

Sorry to hear about Ashyln's teeth! And the hit on your pocketbook. Ugh.

We didn't do anything romantic for Valentine's Day either due to the upcoming Disney trip - gotta pinch those pennies! Every.single.one.

Great to hear about Jordan's family being able to attend his graduation, that is wonderful!!

Thanks everyone for your congrats to Jordan and encouragement with Ashlyn. Seems like we're surviving by saving every penny and then more financial issues come up. Sorry to drop a short note but I have to leave early for work. I'll try to catch up more during this long weekend (fortunately, my company celebrates President's Day).

 

[YukiPhnx]

No 2 front teeth for 3.5 years??? Woooah.

Well, I'm sure you will plenty to do on your cruise even without all the shore excursions (I think).

My baby cousins got a lot of cavaties from sucking on tylenol pills, because they're candy coated