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

[DisneyDerek]

The Indian Guides camping trip sounds like a ton of fun!!! Can't wait to read about it when you get back.

Dylan and I had a blast. Mini trip report pending.....

We received the DVC vacation planner 2 days ago and I can't even let myself look at it because I already know there is 99.9% no way we can book another vacation between now and our June cruise. I am really wishing upon a star that we can but I just don't see it. Schedules are NOT working together this year. Bummer!

I hear you on that Cherie. We're on the every 3 year cycle to WDW if we're lucky so these vacation planners are always a tease for us. As Brooke mentions, just killing trees.

As far as peepfest 2012, if it's still on, we are planning on making it for the June portion if that is still how the plans stand. There is still plenty of time to plan for that one, though.

We'll keep you all posted on the June 2012 Peepfest dates.....I suppose that Jordan deserves a little fun after his long hiatus (or should I say hibernation.....just kidding). I know you all would be a welcome sight for him (and for us). Tell Chris I'm looking forward to hanging out with the boys but at Jordan's expense, we might have to sip cider instead of beers or anything else too tempting

I hope you had a great time on your camping trip! It sounds like it would be a blast. I should see if they have something like that around here for Joe and Henry.

I think your boys would love it. YMCA Indian Guides (Y Guides) are for ages 5-8 but the events are pretty lax in terms of planning but are expensive. You basically pay for an initiation fee, and per event. Our campout was $150 per person for 2 nights so most tribes do their own events in the third year. Wendy wants me to pull Dylan out next year for Cub Scouts with our church so hopefully it will be more Christ-focused.

Exactly!!! We are generally perfectly happy with just one, and have had the "Should we have another?" discussion several times and it always ends up as "Nope, we love just having one!" but there are days I think about a second....!

I hear you on stopping at the first child. Although Erin (our eldest DD) can be a handful, fortunately, she didn't detour us from having more otherwise we wouldn't have had Dylan (who is an ) and Ashlyn (who can be a little devil as I have already mentioned....)

We haven't gotten ours yet! Bummer! I didn't even realize they were sent out already. I can't wait to see it! (even though everything is online and these are kind of a waste of money and trees....maybe they could quit sending these and put good coffee in the villas instead? )

I hear ya, Brooke, on the good coffee and wasting paper. When I look at the color print, I'm just thinking "and we're paying for that?" "How about reducing our maintenance fees by $10 and we'll call it a day!"

You guys have some great vacations coming up! Currently we just have 2 weeks in WDW next month/March, Minnesota in July, Minnesota in December. I'd like to squeeze in another WDW in December for NYE, but we'll see. If/when I get a job that list will expand to include more east coast/local things, there are so many places I want to go!

Sounds like you guys have some great vacation plans too and I take it you're visiting family in Minnesota. Not sure if I could handle a December trip to Minnesota though

Ooo, I missed your post with the Vacation Planner. I'm glad Brook quoted it.

We got ours a week or so ago also. I guess it's good that it says 2011-2012. I never understood why they sent out the 2010 version in January of 2010...by then it was too late to plan. You'd either made your reservations or you hadn't.

Glenn, I had the same thought myself I mean, the vacation planner should come earlier but maybe they think most folks vacation in the summer. Who really knows I promise to revisit your TR....been a little busy but promise to check in soon

 

[Brenle]

Hopping on board!

 

[DisneyDerek]

Hopping on board!

Thanks for joining the fun!

 

[nowellsl]

It looks like Jordan's thread got closed I hope you and Wendy will continue to keep us updated on this thread! Looking forward to your mini report on the camping trip!

 

[glennbo123]

Yes, thanks for the udpate on Jordan. We'll continue to pray for him.

 

[Blueyed Girl]

Dylan and I had a blast. Mini trip report pending.....

I hear you on that Cherie. We're on the every 3 year cycle to WDW if we're lucky so these vacation planners are always a tease for us. As Brooke mentions, just killing trees.

We'll keep you all posted on the June 2012 Peepfest dates.....I suppose that Jordan deserves a little fun after his long hiatus (or should I say hibernation.....just kidding). I know you all would be a welcome sight for him (and for us). Tell Chris I'm looking forward to hanging out with the boys but at Jordan's expense, we might have to sip cider instead of beers or anything else too tempting

That's what Chris said too....hmmm

I just read Wendy's update on Jordan. I'm so glad he is doing better and I wish we could make it to the graduation but it doesn't look like it's possible for us. Perhaps we should start looking into taking a trip to Cali instead!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Sounds like you guys have some great vacation plans too and I take it you're visiting family in Minnesota. Not sure if I could handle a December trip to Minnesota though

Minnesota was -3 today.

December isn't the best time to visit, but family + Christmas...it'll be great...and hopefully I won't put the rental car in the ditch from snowy roads.

 

[DisneyDerek]

It looks like Jordan's thread got closed I hope you and Wendy will continue to keep us updated on this thread! Looking forward to your mini report on the camping trip!

Yep, you beat me to the announcement about his TR being closed but you're all welcome to hang out here until Jordy's glorious return. Sorry but I've been busy the last couple of days so I'll have to post the Indian Guides camping trip in the next few days......unfortunately, life is getting more busy as I've been stepping up my activities at church so the DISing has to be put off for the wee hours

Yes, thanks for the update on Jordan. We'll continue to pray for him.

Thanks Glenn for keeping our bro (or cousin) in prayer. It's great to hear good news for Jordan and that God has kept him safe thus far.

That's what Chris said too....hmmm

I just read Wendy's update on Jordan. I'm so glad he is doing better and I wish we could make it to the graduation but it doesn't look like it's possible for us. Perhaps we should start looking into taking a trip to Cali instead!

Yep, you guys (as well as anyone else) are always welcome to crash out here. "Mi casu, su casa". Glad to see that Chris and I are on board with the 3 year Disney schedule.

Minnesota was -3 today.

December isn't the best time to visit, but family + Christmas...it'll be great...and hopefully I won't put the rental car in the ditch from snowy roads.

Whoa -3 yikes! I guess I won't complain when our SoCal weather dips below 60 anymore....well, as long as it stays north of 50 degrees Hoping you stay safe from putting the car in the ditch.

 

[*Seanaci*]

Wow. I am literally crying happy tears for Jordan. I think about him daily...wondering how he's doing...when he'll be done...and his life after "treatment".

It warms my heart to know he is doing so well...and healing. He is truly blessed to have so much support not only with-in his family (Wendy, Derek, et al) but his DIS family as well.

I thank you from the bottom of my hear, Derek, and Wendy for all the updates on Jordan.

It's strange how, though I've never met him...I can support him so fully in his path to heal and live a much richer life than he previously was living.

I look forward to his return to the boards (hopefully)...and for certain a future DISMeet with him.

 

[DisneyDerek]

Wow. I am literally crying happy tears for Jordan. I think about him daily...wondering how he's doing...when he'll be done...and his life after "treatment".

It warms my heart to know he is doing so well...and healing. He is truly blessed to have so much support not only with-in his family (Wendy, Derek, et al) but his DIS family as well.

I thank you from the bottom of my hear, Derek, and Wendy for all the updates on Jordan.

It's strange how, though I've never met him...I can support him so fully in his path to heal and live a much richer life than he previously was living.

I look forward to his return to the boards (hopefully)...and for certain a future DISMeet with him.

Thanks for keeping Jordan in your prayers. I got a call from him tonight and read him your message. He really appreciated your support of him. Hopefully he'll be home soon enough

 

[DisneyDerek]

I got a call from Jordan tonight and as most of you already read on Jordan's TR, the end is near for his program. We'll find out next Tuesday whether he graduates in late February or in early March. The current plan is for him to return home after graduation for about a week to recoup and then return back to KY to work for a couple of months until the end of April to attend an alumni conference. As Wendy mentioned, part of his reason for returning to KY is because he has a current job but he plans to return to LA full time after April.

He asks for your prayers for his transition home including: 1) whether he'll return to living with his prior friends/roommates, 2) finding a new job, 3) settling in and readjusting to life outside of PureLife, 4) his spiritual sustainment.

As Seanaci mentions, Jordan is fortunate to have a wonderful DIS family. You guys have really stepped up in support of him and we really appreciate your love and kindness for him as his extended family.

It's evident to me already that he has grown a lot and will have to make tough choices returning to a "normal life" not taking for granted the temptations that exist all around us (e.g., TV, internet, magazines, etc.) which can negatively impact our lives. As such, he'll have to moderate things from his old life somewhat.

Please continue to keep him in your prayers.

Thanks much,

Derek

 

[englishrose47]

I got a call from Jordan tonight and as most of you already read on Jordan's TR, the end is near for his program. We'll find out next Tuesday whether he graduates in late February or in early March. The current plan is for him to return home after graduation for about a week to recoup and then return back to KY to work for a couple of months until the end of April to attend an alumni conference. As Wendy mentioned, part of his reason for returning to KY is because he has a current job but he plans to return to LA full time after April.

He asks for your prayers for his transition home including: 1) whether he'll return to living with his prior friends/roommates, 2) finding a new job, 3) settling in and readjusting to life outside of PureLife, 4) his spiritual sustainment.

As Seanaci mentions, Jordan is fortunate to have a wonderful DIS family. You guys have really stepped up in support of him and we really appreciate your love and kindness for him as his extended family.

It's evident to me already that he has grown a lot and will have to make tough choices returning to a "normal life" not taking for granted the temptations that exist all around us (e.g., TV, internet, magazines, etc.) which can negatively impact our lives. As such, he'll have to moderate things from his old life somewhat.

Please continue to keep him in your prayers.

Thanks much,

Derek

He is always in my thoughts and prayers !!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Looking forward to hearing the official news when you have it of when Jordan graduates.

He is in my prayers! I think it's great that he is going to return to KY for a while and live in the "real world" there, yet be close to PureLife - I imagine if necessary they can be there for accountability. It'll be an easier transition I would think.

Lots of big decisions in his very near future, I'll be praying for him to know God's exact will for each detail!

 

[DisneyDerek]

He is always in my thoughts and prayers !!

Thanks Rosie, we really appreciate your prayers and thoughts for Jordan. Hope all is well.

Looking forward to hearing the official news when you have it of when Jordan graduates.

He is in my prayers! I think it's great that he is going to return to KY for a while and live in the "real world" there, yet be close to PureLife - I imagine if necessary they can be there for accountability. It'll be an easier transition I would think.

Lots of big decisions in his very near future, I'll be praying for him to know God's exact will for each detail!

Thanks Brooke, Jordan does have a lot of tough decisions to make as he exits PureLife but I think he'll be changed for the better. We'll all be adjusting to his new way of life and we'll be sure not to take for granted the decisions he'll need to make (financially and spiritually) to do things he used to in the past. For example, I just recalled that I booked him a hotel room to attend Wendy's friend Kim E's and her fiance Allan's wedding in New Jersey in July since Jordan travelled with us (but mostly ditched us for Rosie and the gang) during our WDW trip in Feb 2010. He'll probably have to rationalize his future spending after he leaves PureLife.

 

[DisneyDerek]

Life has been a bit hectic as of late so I apologize for not keeping up and posting photos of my campout with Dylan last weekend. But I wanted to report on some good and sad news as of late.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to serve with my church and set-up a banquet on the streets of LA's skid row alongside a local mission organization called the Fred Jordan Mission. We served over 1,500 people on the streets of LA with over 500 volunteers from our event called "Taking Jesus to the Streets." I am so proud to be part of a church with so many people who wanted to serve folks on a Saturday, setting up tables and chairs (my role), setting up decorations, serving the food, handing out boxes of pre-packaged food and blankets, praying with folks, breaking down the event, cleaning up, serving on the worship team, etc. It was such an awesome event but I was humbled by seeing folks carry their worldly possessions in garbage bags, backpacks and shopping carts. My heart was also broken for the families with kids and elderly who survived by the clothes on their back. While I'm happy to have served with our church, it was sad to think that we have the benefit of leaving the streets but those we served did not and some made their homes on the sidewalks immediately across from our event. I know that there is so much need and only so much as a church that we can do but I pray for these folks....

On another sad note, yesterday, we had to put down our last surviving cat. Nikko had recently suffered from cancer in one of her hind legs and had to have it removed. She was getting by on her single hind leg but yesterday was hobbling around, not able to put any pressure on the remaining hind leg. Wendy took her to the ER vet and found out there was no blood in her leg, indicating that either a blood clot or cancer had cut off the blood making her leg, essentially dead. Faced with having to get by on only her front legs which would be a challenging life, Wendy made the tough choice to let her go.

So it's been an emotional Saturday for us and I've was totally drained yesterday from getting on the computer. We're also gearing up for a family garage sale next weekend so every waking moment is spent on combing the house for items to sell (Wendy even wanted to sell some of my old sneakers )

Hoping that everyone is relaxing this weekend. Sending happy thoughts to all of you.

 

[Poolrat]

Oh Derek.

So glad you be a part of the solution for some of the people in need in your area.


I hope you get some rest and relaxation this weekend.

 

[nowellsl]

So sorry to hear about your cat! RIP Nikko.

 

[englishrose47]

Derek and Wendy so sorry about your cat !!It is a tough decision to make and one I have had to make in the past!

As for the Street Ministries , a friend of mine has devoted her life to helping the "street people " her minisitries are Life Minsitries and the Magdalene Project which is an international ministry that reaches out to prositutes and their famililies. She has a monthly street Ministry where she distributes sandwiches and toiletries and of course the Lord's message !Also they have an after school program for the kids once a week and a saturday weekly lunch!! For Christmas I had my Self Advocates Group sponsor a Mitten Tree , we collected about 50 pairs of mittens for her to donate !! It is a good feeling to help those in need in what ever small way you can !

 

[DisneyDerek]

Oh Derek.

So glad you be a part of the solution for some of the people in need in your area.


I hope you get some rest and relaxation this weekend.

Thanks for the encouragement. One of my favorite ministries is delivering groceries and praying with families at a housing project just down the street from our church. It is amazing that literally within a half mile, you have million dollar homes and housing projects but one thing I love about our church is that it is open and loving to all folks. One women who regularly serves on the ministry team to the housing projects used to live in one herself. Now she's a living testimony of God's good works!

So sorry to hear about your cat! RIP Nikko.

Thanks for your thoughts about Nikko. The funny thing is, Nikko used to gravitate towards Wendy being a female thing, whereas our boy cat, Taiko, used to gravitate towards me. Sadly, the night we brought Ashlyn home from the hospital, Taiko ran out the door (he was an indoor/outdoor cat so that was normal) but he never returned. We only saw him for that brief moment as we were in the hospital for a few days during Wendy's delivery of Ashlyn. We think the local coyotes might have taken him

Derek and Wendy so sorry about your cat !!It is a tough decision to make and one I have had to make in the past!

As for the Street Ministries , a friend of mine has devoted her life to helping the "street people " her minisitries are Life Minsitries and the Magdalene Project which is an international ministry that reaches out to prositutes and their famililies. She has a monthly street Ministry where she distributes sandwiches and toiletries and of course the Lord's message !Also they have an after school program for the kids once a week and a saturday weekly lunch!! For Christmas I had my Self Advocates Group sponsor a Mitten Tree , we collected about 50 pairs of mittens for her to donate !! It is a good feeling to help those in need in what ever small way you can !

Thanks Rosie. It's great to have friends with a sincere calling for ministry, let alone street ministry. I have ambitions to go on a short term missionary trip sometime but have to rationalize fewer WDW trips But I love serving with our church's local outreach ministries as noted above. I think everyone was blown away with the need but also outpouring of support from our church. I'm proud to see so many people stepping up to the task

 

[DisneyDerek]

After much tinkering, bemoaning and testing with Aperture 3 (Apple iPhoto on steroids), I finally edited, exported and uploaded a slideshow of Dylan's and my campout at Camp Whittle last weekend. Unfortunately, I couldn't embed the video in DIS so you'll have to click on this link to see it on YouTube.

Enjoy!