The only way to have a friend is to be one." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

[Tinkerbell_Girl]

Lyzziesmom, I should know whether I got the job in about 2 weeks. So, you'll think of me every time you hear an MJ song?! I'm still surprised, After Ed Mcmahon died the other day I was wondering which other 2 celebrities were next.

I hope you are able to contact the agency about the job and you get it.

My mom, my grandma, and I are going to see Wayne Newton on Saturday at a casino in Louisiana! None of us are big fans, but we all would like to say we've seen him perform.

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

Good Morning!

Ashley, sorry about your tooth.

I can't wait to see pictures of Portofino Bay!

Nicole, glad to hear the interview went well.

Have fun seeing Wayne Newton!

Lyzziesmom, I hope you were able to speak to the temp agency.

I can't believe MJ died either (and I learned about it from Nicole too).


My grandmother had a blood transfusion the other day, but according to my mom is doing better.

 

[lyzziesmom]

The temp agency called this morning, they actually needed someone to start today and filled the position. But they might have something coming up with the same company in a couple weeks, and they know that I am available again starting on Monday. They seem to have had some personnel turnover so hopefully the one lady who was making all the mistakes won't be an issue anymore.

OMG I have got to think of something to do with these kids. They are going stir-crazy! Everything I can think of to do with them either costs too much or is outdoors, and it has been SO hot anything completely outside (like the farm or the zoo) would be miserable. I think we might go to the store and buy a fun sprinkler for the backyard, or a small pool to splash around in.

We went to the pool yesterday and brought Lyzzie's friend, that was fun. We had to leave earlier than expected because Emma had a huge blowout accident... luckily she was not in the water. I am getting worried about her upcoming swim lessons, if she continues to have BM accidents every time she goes swimming she will be kicked out of lessons. She doesn't even know when it happens, it's a big surprise to her and quite embarrassing. Her GI specialist seems to think it's all mental and there is nothing wrong, but we have been dealing with this for over a year now and I think it's time to find a new specialist. This guy only sees her about twice a year and has never even actually looked at her, just listens to what my mom and I tell him (and the way my mom talks, she isn't always clear) for literally 2 minutes and then interrupts us to say that Emma is just withholding and it's weakening her muscles. It made sense last year when she wasn't 100% potty trained, but now she is and is having these issues again. I can't help but think something else is going on. Poor kid.

Amber, good thoughts for your grandma. She must really have a great attitude, it sounds like she's been through a lot and really wants to get better.

Have fun seeing Wayne Newton, Nicole. I'm not a fan either but would probably go if someone was taking me. Some of my favorite things I've ever done were things I never would have thought I'd have liked. Play a nickel slot for me while you're at the casino!

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

Lyzziesmom, that stinks that the temp agency filled the position, but hopefully they have something else soon.

Poor Emma. I would definitely see another doctor. I've never heard of that happening from withholding; usually that leads to constipation (because it sits in the body for so long, the body reabsorbs moisture and makes it harder to go).

As for something to do, a pool would be great. We got an big inflatable one at Walmart (it even has a canopy that will spray water). Spencer loves it and it was $10, but they had others for less.



My grandmother is in MUCH better spirits than she has been (even with the blood transfusion). Before January, she was so active (walking at least a mile a day, sometimes more), she would go out, and was able to help out around the house (she lives with my mom). However, her issues started so quickly and multiplied, so she became really depressed. Now that she had the surgery (and they figured out what was wrong), she is feeling good.

 

[Tinkerbell_Girl]

Amber- I'm so happy your grandma is doing better!

Lyzziesmom- I'm sorry about Emma. I agree, she needs a new doctor.

 

[lyzziesmom]

We picked up my parents from the airport a little while ago. The first words out of Emma's mouth were, "What did you bring me?" The poor girl doesn't know that my parents don't believe in souvenirs. (When I was about 12, my dad went to England and brought me back a Prince Charles Barbie doll. It was just about the ugliest thing I'd ever seen. I immediately gave him a makeover. Now I think I probably should have kept it.)

Anyway, they bought the girls each a plastic stencil with hieroglyphic characters on it. They also gave them each a set of plastic dishes from the flight, as well as a little kit from the flight that has a bag on a lanyard; inside the bag are a pair of socks, a pair of earbuds, and a toothbrush with toothpaste. They also gave each girl an Egyptian dollar, which is worth about 13 cents. I got a five, which is worth almost a dollar. My dad tried to spend all his money at the airport on a coffee but the guy couldn't figure out how to split Egyptian/American money so he paid all in American dollars and gave the Egyptian money to us. The girls like their gifts though and the money is neat.

They said it was hot in Egypt, but only a few degrees hotter than it's been here. We will be going over there for dinner tonight so we'll hear more and maybe see pictures, they just really wanted to get home and take a nap. Sounds like a good idea!

 

[hellokitty86]

Hey guys!!!

We are home from Gainesville. We had a really great trip!! The trip home was hard though. I was so tired and just not very comfortable, I am happy to be home!!

We found out about Michael Jackson on our way up on Thursday!! At first I didn't believe it, we heard from my Dad's best friend who is a jokester. I know he's always been weird but I can't help liking his music (my whole family makes fun of me because of it!!) Anyway, its so sad, considering he has little kids. Of course something big happens when I go out of town and can't read about it or watch tv! Nicole, I thought the same thing about Ed McMahon and the next two celebrities. I guess I'm superstitious that way!!

I have some pictures to share from my trip!! I will post them shortly.

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

Welcome Back Ashley!!!

What the heck is with all the deaths?? Today, it was Billy Mays.


Spencer got a kitchen. We spent this morning putting it together and he loves it! He loves to open and close things and loves to organize (he will put stuff in one spot, then move it to another, and back. This can go on for hours). So, I thought he would like the cabinets and such and he does! I have a photo on FB.

He also has a new tooth (molar)!

Hey everyone else! Hope you had a great weekend!

 

[lyzziesmom]

Welcome back Ashley! Glad you had a good time. I didn't believe it at first about MJ either, I found out on fb from Nicole and had to go look it up to see what the heck she was talking about. Even my parents heard about it in Egypt, they said it was the only thing on the news! Lyzzie says this is not a good week to be famous.

When Steve Irwin died, we were at WDW. We were riding in the front of the monorail and the driver told us. I still remember the driver's name, how weird is that?! We had him again a year or two later but I was too chicken to mention that I remembered it, I didn't want to seem stalkerish.

Amber, that is so cute about Spencer and his kitchen! He is getting so big, I really hope we get to see you guys in September. Emma just loved her kitchen, we are actually considering selling it in our next garage sale because she hasn't played with it in a long time. Of course yesterday she decided to play with it for half the day.

Gotta go put the girls to bed. They have been super crabby today! Of course I have been too so that doesn't help.

 

[Tinkerbell_Girl]

Ashley- I'm glad you had a good time! I can't wait to see pics!

Amber- I saw the pics of Spencer and they are so cute! I'm glad he likes his kitchen!

Lyzziesmom- Lyzzie is right, it's not a good week to be famous.

The show last night was okay. Poor Wayne, his voice is shot, but he still is a good entertainer. After I got back this afternoon, Steven and I took our niece and nephew to his sister's place so they could swim. They had a good time, but boy am I tired!

 

[lyzziesmom]

Bah. Can't sleep.

 

[Linzybrooke]

Grrr...I just typed a long post and lost it!

 

[Linzybrooke]

Anyway, we have been crazy busy the last few weeks, so I'm sorry I haven't checked in!

Lyzziesmom, hopefully your teacher doesn't turn out to be a total flake! Did Lyzzie have fun at camp? Your snake commentary had me cracking up!

Amber, good news about your grandma!

Nicole, good luck with the interview process!

Ashley, travel safe!

Well, in the last three weeks we have spent a weekend in Lubbock seeing my grandparents, a week in Minnesota visiting my sister, and this weekend helped my mom with a wedding, got the nursery 85% painted, and both worked at Eddie Bauer. Tonight we went with my parents to Babies-R-Us so they could help us do the registry thing, it was way to overwhelming when we went the first time! And then tomorrow I have errands to run before we leave for WDW early Wednesday morning! I feel like there are a million things I need to do, but can't think of them at all!

Night ladies!

 

[hellokitty86]

Good morning everyone!!!

Just wanted to check in before I have to start getting ready to leave. We are driving to Jacksonville tonight (ack). I'm bringing my computer so hopefully I will be able to post some!! I'm happy because my Aunt is flying down from Fort Worth to visit, and she's staying at my house. I'm not happy I won't get to see her, but it makes me feel better having someone stay here.

Tomorrow I'm getting together with my Great Aunt who lives in Jacksonville, so that should be fun! I usually only see her once a year, at Christmas.

I posted the Gainesville pics on Facebook if anyone wants to see them! I didn't really want to post them on here. It's kind of nice to have some 'privacy' on there since only certain people can see my stuff.

Lin- I hope you have a great trip!!! Be safe!

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

Hello All!

Ashley, drive safe! I saw the pics on FB (I agree, I like posting things there too)


I was up WAY too early this morning making ADR's. I didn't get everything I wanted, but I'll keep trying. We decided to eat at LTT instead of 'Ohana (but will now have 'Ohana for my birthday). I couldn't get Chef Mickeys or Le Cellier.

So, I have

09/28 Boma
09/29 LTT
09/30 Chefs de France
10/01 Tutto Italia
10/02 Kona

If I can get Chef Mickey's, I'll cancel Kona (and Chefs is gone if I get Le Cellier).

 

[Tinkerbell_Girl]

I am so upset right now!

I went to my bank to deposit some money and the stupid ATM didn't credit all the money to my account! It's one of those new ATM's where you stick in your money without using an envelope. I put in the money and it took everything except a $10. A bunch of things happened but to make things short, it only registered that the $10 had been deposited. So I went inside and they told me that they only have access to one of the ATM's. Guess which one I used. She told me I needed to talk to customer service. I did and the person I talked to said I should be credited the remainder of the money tomorrow and if not to call back. I really hope the remainder gets deposited, because my receipt only says that $10 was deposited. The only good thing to come out of this was that I did manage to change my debit card to the Hello Kitty card!

Ashley, Have a great trip and have fun with your Great Aunt! I saw the pics and they were great! I agree about FB.

Amber, Those are great choices! I hope you are able to get CM's and Le Cellier!

 

[lyzziesmom]

Nicole, yikes I hope they get your deposit credited. I'd be worried too, there isn't really any way to prove what you actually put in if your receipt is wrong. Darn, and I was liking those new ATM's too.

Your ADR's look good Amber. I don't know what's wrong with me, I still haven't even thought about making ours. I guess in the back of my mind I still think the trip is not going to happen.

Have a safe journey Ashley! That's nice that you don't have to worry about your house while you are gone.

Hi LIN! Nice to see you pop by. Sounds like you have been very busy. Don't worry about getting every little thing done, just enjoy these few months. You're lucky you have a great support system. Have a great time at WDW and don't forget to take lots of pics of Baby's First Visit!!

My mother called Emma's GI specialist and got her an appointment for tomorrow. She will be seeing the nurse practitioner and they are usually a bit nicer. That sounds wrong, I mean they usually have a better bedside manner and more time, so I'm hoping the appointment goes well. After all this time I am hoping they take us seriously this time and don't just chalk it up to her withholding. I know they are the professional, but I am the parent and I know what is normal for my child and this ain't it. I'm glad we were able to get her in so soon. Swimming lessons start on Monday so hopefully the dr. will at least have some suggestions on strategies for the pool.

Today is my phone interview with unemployment. I am nervous. Even though the lady I talked to a few weeks ago said it looks like there won't be a problem, I'm still afraid something will go wrong.

I have been a nervous wreck and unable to sleep for days. Between this unemployment crap, my COBRA is changing providers tomorrow and I still haven't gotten touch with my previous employer to find out what to do, and I have my first test tonight at school. It's my first test in 14 years and the practice test last week was HARD. I should be studying right now but I'm procrastinating and I have no idea why. Our teacher assured us that the test will be easier than we think but I'm not convinced.

Wow I just reread my post and I am very much of a Debbie Downer today! So sorry!!

 

[Tinkerbell_Girl]

I am worried about that too, Lyzziesmom, But they lady said that they would discover that the ATM is over and it would be deposited. We'll see.

I'm sorry you haven't been able to sleep. I know things are tough right now, but it will get better I promise. We are here for you! Good luck with unemployment and your test. Study, study, study!!! I know, easier said than done, especially when your mind is in a million other places! Good luck with Emma's DR tomorrow!

 

[lyzziesmom]

Ack, I am running out of time to study! I've always been a good test-taker and never really studied. I either knew the material, or didn't. I usually knew more than I thought I did. BUT I don't know about now, my brain seems to work differently than it did when I was younger. As long as I pass the test, I'll be ok with that. I'll go over my notes but won't have the chance to really study up like I wanted to.

I got the phone call from unemployment, it took over an hour. It seems pretty pointless, all the lady did was go over my statement that I had mailed in about that one temp-to-perm assignment at the temp agency. I think I got her very confused with all the details. She then wrote a new statement that said pretty much the same thing I had already sent in. That's all. It turns out that with the info she gave me, I figured out that the quit claim was sent at the point where the temp job became temp-to-perm -- wouldn't that be the opposite of quitting?

Now she will call the company that the temp agency uses for sending claims to unemployment and ask why the heck they sent a quit claim when it's obvious that I didn't quit. The new statement will then get sent on to the determination department and I will get a letter of approval or denial. She had no idea how long that might take but said it could be weeks. There is nothing I can do. I'm so frustrated with the system. I know it's in place to help, but it is so hard to get that help. I really feel like I've been falling through the cracks. Even the lady I spoke with said, "You've done nothing wrong. You are really trying hard and doing more than anyone else I've interviewed - I don't know how you keep it all straight! It shouldn't be this hard for you." No kidding!

 

[lyzziesmom]

I survived the test! It wasn't as bad as I thought, but I did struggle with quite a bit of it. Lyzzie helped me study, she read the practice test questions to me as I was getting ready and in the car on the way to my mom's house. It helped a lot! Unfortunately for her, I have found a new recurring chore for her: quizzing Mom. Hey she might learn something along the way!