~~ They're leaving the nest, sew it's time for a trip - or two - or three...~~ D~'s bag ~9/22 ~~

[DMGeurts]

I wish I had time to do replies this morning, but sadly - I do not.

It has been a whirlwind few days here - emotionally and physically taxing - so say that we are all tired is an understatement.

But this is the day we've all been working towards for months now, and I feel like we are as ready as we will ever be.

Yesterday I ran errands in the morning, and came home to start cleaning up and prepping food. I was able to get done everything that I could get done.

I took V to her appointment in the afternoon and then dropped her off at work.

Meanwhile - Josh went flower & mulch shopping, so I came home to him and Allison planting flowers and laying mulch. I put on my work clothes and got to work helping them.

We all worked really hard last night, getting as much done as we could - Allison and I went as far as carrying one of our neighbor's picnic tables 2 blocks - LOL That was a sight! Sadly - I brought a bunch of stuff into the house from outside - so I didn't forget to clean it up, LOL Now I have a lot of cleaning to do this morning in the house. Nothing I can't handle - but it will take time.

Not only is today a big day for Allison - it is also a big day for Victoria. As you all know, she has been taking art classes at her college on the weekends - well, today is her final day for this quarter and it's her Showcase... Where she gets to show us what she's been working on - I am pretty excited about it. Not only are we going, but since all of her grandparents are going to be here for Allison - they are all coming early for V... This is a big deal, and I am so excited that everyone will get to see her work in person.

While we are doing that, Allison and BFF will be at home setting up the party. I've left a list and left it in their capable hands. There is a little set up to do and a little food prep, but the hardest stuff is done.

It's just a matter of waiting for people to get here.

Thank you everyone for following along as we prepped for this - it was a lot of hard work, but in the end - I am so happy with the results.

A few pictures from the front yard... Remember - I am a seamstress, NOT a photographer. LOL

I hope all of you have an amazing weekend! Lots and lots of pixie dust to you all!

D~

 

[dalmatian7]

Enjoy the day. Can't wait to hear about both big events

 

[mymainmouse]

Thank you so much! I would love to! I am having so much fun with this... but I've gone over budget like 6 times now. So, I would love to spend someone else's money. LOL
D~

Budgets are more of "guidelines" anyhow! lol
It's all looking great! Have a great day and enjoy every moment. Our oldest graduated last year and I remember all the business leading up to it but barely remember the party because I was so busy serving and hosting. haha It's a lot of work for such a small moment in time but so worth it. I know Emily (DD ) appreciated all of it and I am sure Allison will too!

 

[jkfandel]

I hope you have a wonderful day! As they say: Enjoy the fruits of your labors. Everything you did looks fantastic.
Jane

 

[Texan]

Everything looks so cozy and inviting; lots of hard work with amazing results.

So excited for V! I didn't know this was her last day with a Showcase. I know you are so proud of her. It will be interesting to see where her talent leads her. i can't wait to see some of her art work.

And the party is finally here! Woo hoo! Enjoy it D! What a way to celebrate Allison with family and friends. That is the best kind of party.

Thinking of you all day today - sending a huge squeeze.

 

[Iamthequeen]

So happy for both Allison and Victoria! Congratulations to both girls. Enjoy the party - all the hard work is behind you.

 

[FantasiaMagic]

The front yard looks great! I hope you all had a great time at Allison's graduation party, I'm looking forward to hearing about it. Also, congrats to V for completing her art college courses! I hope her Showcase went well!

 

[Born 2B a Princess]

Such an exciting day! Can't wait to hear all about it!

 

[DMGeurts]

My apologies for Day #2 in a row of no replies... And my apologies in advance - but this week will be hectic and crazy, and we prepare for Allison's trip, while I try to stay caught up on work. I will do my best and stop in as I can.

Victoria's Showcase went wonderful yesterday. We dropped her off at school promptly at 9am, Josh and I decided to wander around downtown Minneapolis, and find some breakfast... We found a great and friendly little place under the IDS building. The food was wonderful and it was nice to just sit and relax before all of the craziness began. We did a little shopping downtown and walked around a bit before we had to be back to school.

I am happy to say that V was very well represented by family yesterday... She had 10 people there to share her day with. It was really cool. We were able to see her work and hear a little bit about the process and the assignment. It really didn't take long, and we were finished about an hour before we thought we would be.

Again - no pictures. We all took pictures together - but not on my camera, so I don't have them. Hopefully Josh's dad will post them on FB, so I can grab them.

V rode home with my foster parents, and we met everyone back at the house.

When we arrived here - BFF and Allison were still setting up... It was very chaotic and I admit that I was very frazzled and on edge for a good while, until things were organized and set up. So many people traveled from so far to share Allison's day with her too. It was so fun to see everyone and to visit. We wished for a day with no rain - and we were very grateful to get that... but we also got a day that was incredibly hot and humid - so it was pretty uncomfortable. And all of my doors were propped open - so the flies in here were terrible... But all in all, a great day.

I am sad to admit - I didn't take many pictures... I had every intention of doing so - but every time I went to go do it, I was distracted by something else that needed to be done. My only regrets from yesterday, is that I feel I didn't have enough time to properly visit with everyone, I didn't get many pictures at all, and I had to use the counter top to serve food - so the kitchen was a total disaster all day. Otherwise - everything was wonderful and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. I was able to step outside for a quick minute and snap a few photos - I was really surprised that everyone gathered in the front yard, the back deck was better set up for people and was cooler due to the shade and breeze...

Overall - it was a great day and we had a great time. Probably the highlight of my day, is that my BFF from elementary/HS was able to drive down for the day - it was so wonderful to see her and to catch up. It meant a lot to all of us that she was able to make it.

Our last guests left at 8:30 last night... Josh's dad and step mom...

Last night, we cleaned up and Allison opened all of her cards - they were all so beautiful... Such great memories and such a wonderful day. Again - just so happy that so many people were able to make it.

This morning - we have a bit of clean up to do... A few tents and tables to take down. We are meeting Josh's dad and step mom for Father's Day breakfast somewhere, and then we will likely come back home and clean some more. As a last ditch effort - I threw a bunch of stuff in the office and closed the door - story of my life - I need to clean out my office yet again. LOL This poor room.

And then this week will be crazy... I will be doing my best not to cry and break down, even though I know it's inevitable... And just spending as much time with Allison as I can before she leaves. It is going to be a very difficult week for me - I won't deny it.

I hope you all have a wonderful Father's Day & you are able to spend it with the important men in your life!

D~

 

[Terkina]

Sounds like you had a good day yesterday with family

 

[FantasiaMagic]

I'm glad yesterday went well! It sounded like an overall success!

 

[Texan]

I know this coming week will be a hard one for you D - sending a huge hug your way - know I fully understand!

Thank you for sharing Allison's party with us. It is so hard to host a party and at the same time visit. But, everyone understands that and I know they had a great time. Most important, Allison has some wonderful memories to store. You did good.

Lots of prayers being sent your way. Take care of yourself.

 

[WDisneyMom]

Ok, where do I begin?! I haven't been on the Dis in a minute but I happen to be on vacation and how do I choose to spend some of my time?! Reading PTR's and TR's of course!

I just love your reports and I don't even know where to begin sharing how much we have in common! I am 39 years old and have lost 82.4 pounds over the past 14 months with Weight Watchers and a serious commitment to exercise, specifically walking and lifting thanks to my 17yo Powerlifting son. I took my boys and a couple of their friends to The Arnold Classic in Columbus this past March and it was amazing!!

I am from Chicago and lived 13 years in Maine so it's fun to read about your great Dis friends Mo and Suzi because I can so relate to both! I'm just past the Maine trip and I really hope you had some lobstah! I'm back home in the Chicago Suburbs and have been since 2012. In 2013 I was able to meet KatMark which was awesome!

I love, love, love your bags. You are so talented!!

Off I go to read more of this report!

 

[Ladyfish77]

I have been totally MIA, but all caught up now. Sounds like all the celebrations were wonderful. The kitchen is beautiful, and I look forward to seeing how you transform those stairs! Amazing that you found the vent cover!

I need to PM you, because it looks like I'm headed back to WDW this summer. I don't remember when your trip is planned, and I know you don't like to post specific dates. It would be so cool if we overlap on our trips.

Hang in there and know that Allison will be on a trip of a lifetime. You'll miss her, but you'll be so excited to hear about every step of the trip, too. It's hard letting them grow up and grow wings. I've been lucky that my oldest has been able to stay fairly close to home for college and now medical school. I don't know how I'm going to handle it when he gets his first assignment after medical school and moves away and possibly overseas.

 

[WDisneyMom]

Sorry i can't do replies today everone... I am mobile. I will do them in the morning.

I did want to tell you about my race yesterday though. I'll do mre details later... But essentially, i started at the back of the pack and never could catch up. :/ i had a few moments of feeling sorry for myself, but i moved on easily from it. However, even though I came in dead last, i increased my pr pace by almost a minute from last weekend... I was really proud of that!

As a good friend of mine said to me on FB last night... It's been your dream to run... Now you've done 2 5ks in 7 days, be proud! And I am.

It was a great race for an amazing cause, and i was so happy to be able to do my part!

I hope you all have a great day! We are at a family reunion for Josh's family in Albert Lea today, it looks like it will be beautiful!

Prayers and pixie dust to all!

D~

I'm back!! So love that you have now completed two 5K races!! I (we) will be completing our first 5K race in WDW in February 2017 with friends. Yes, it has to be Disney for the first race, kind of weird that way. Can't wait!! We might even add in the 10K. We shall see!

 

[WDisneyMom]

Hi Stephanie! It's great to see you!

OK... I think I know which window you all are talking about, because I remember passing it - isn't it right at the exit they only open at the end of the night to help with all the foot traffic?

I guess it doesn't matter when I activate it - I was trying to be cautious and save myself a day, just in case I decide to do the Wine N' Dine half next year before my AP expires - since the Lord knows I'll never be able to afford another one.

I did enjoy my visit with him, I felt horrible that we had to take him back home so early though.



Yah - he had a good day, and really enjoyed seeing his family. He was VERY TIRED though by the evening.





I did... I wish I could move him closer to me - it would make MY life so much easier. But my handicapped brother still lives up near my dad, and he still visits/stays with my Dad every other weekend - so if I move my Dad down here, he will rarely get to see my brother - which wouldn't be good for either of them. So, for the time being - my dad will be staying put.

I will double check the expiraton - I know, for sure, that it won't expire until one year from activation... But since it's possible that I will be activating it on a different day than I go into the park - I am not sure which day will be my expiration... I am pretty sure it's the day I activate it?



Awww... Thank you. it took me a LONG time to get to this place in my life. Trust me when I say - there were many years of regret for the life "I missed out on"... Something that used to be terribly embarrassing to me, has become something I am now comfortable with. I guess, it's all perspective. And just a really big part of finally "growing up" and seeing my childhood through the eyes of an adult, and being a mother myself - KNOWING with out a doubt that my parents made every decision out of love for me, and what was best for me. Then realizing - this was my childhood - I didn't have a choice - I can let it haunt me forever, or I can learn and grow from it... I chose the latter.



I know - I am so sad about it, but next time - we will be double checking for all of his meds.

It was a lot of fun to meet so many people ,and to try and figure out how they are related to me.

Sounds like you had a great weekend! I love that you get to meet so many people through your geocaching!

I know - I've been so terribly busy trying to wrap up orders/auctions and general trip stuff before my trip - I haven't forgotten about it, I promise.



Hahaha... I guess I am a hot runner? I just get so warm out there - there has been times where I am wearing long sleeves to run and I get so hot - I debate with myself if I can pull off running in my sports bra. LOL It's at that point - I realize how desperate I am. LOL Thankfully - I haven't actually done it yet.

It is pretty easy... Josh loves it... I used to like it a lot - but now that I am so picky about the foods I eat - I get the heebie-jeebies from the soup/green beans/tater tots - so I eat it, but grudgingly... And the girls both hate it. So, I don't make it too often anymore.



This looks soooooo good Lynn! I wish I would have seen this yesterday. I think I am going to try it. I wonder if I have a good olive oil store anywhere nearby? I know there is one in the MOA...

I've been doing a lot of stir fried cabbage lately too... It's so good - I substitute it for my broccoli slaw all the time (I rarely buy the broccoli slaw anymore) and eat it with my eggs on top in the morning, it's delicious!



So, once I activate my card/voucher, will I be able to use my existing MBs to get through the turnstyles, or will I have to carry my AP card with me? Thank you for being the "all knowing" AP person in my life.

Hmmm... Maybe it's best if I activate it the night before then... That way I won't have to mess with a line so early in the morning.

Hahaha... Sounds like you do a LOT of walking throughout the day? Yes - you might need to adjust your step goals? I don't move nearly as much as I thought I did... I mean - I know I work a sedentary job, but I just thought I moved more. In a way, I am glad I've added running in my life, because it does get me out there and give me more activity.

And I am "that person" who pushes a shopping cart with one arm, so my fitbit registers that walking. LOL I don't get enough steps in as it is, so I might as well get what I can, when I can get it. LOL

Thank you - It wasn't an easy childhood, by any means - but I am sure most of us didn't have a stellar childhood, so I try not to focus on it too much, but there are days that I do think about it a lot.

*****************************************************************************************************

Yesterday was a bit crazy for me - along with the remainder of the week.

I did Insanity Max 30 yesterday morning - that was a good work out.

I ate breakfast and then I went up to work.

I made a scheduling error - so I am working on two bags simultaneously this week. I will be working every possible moment this week to try and catch myself up in time for my trip. I have a custom order next week and one the week after - and then I am done until after I get home from WDW. It's getting so close - I can hardly stand it!

Today... I will be doing my heavy lifting...

Then I will be working all day... Squeezing in a run at some point before dark.

Suzi mailed my MB yesterday... So, I am anxiously awaiting it's arrival.

I hope you all have a marvelous day! Prayers and good thoughts to everyone!

D~

Good lord. So many similarities. Our childhoods were not identical but the foundations seem to be be along the same line. I too had to decide years ago to either dwell on previous unfortunate circumstances/situations and let them consume me or learn from the past and move on. I chose to move on. And forward. Always forward.

 

[anniebean]

Just popping in to say I'll be thinking of you this week. It's hard to see them grow up and leave.

 

[DMGeurts]

Sounds like you had a good day yesterday with family

We had a great time! It was wonderful seeing everyone!

I'm glad yesterday went well! It sounded like an overall success!

Thank you - It was great! It was just so nice to have everyone here - I need to do that more often.

I know this coming week will be a hard one for you D - sending a huge hug your way - know I fully understand!

Thank you for sharing Allison's party with us. It is so hard to host a party and at the same time visit. But, everyone understands that and I know they had a great time. Most important, Allison has some wonderful memories to store. You did good.

Lots of prayers being sent your way. Take care of yourself.

Thanks... I've been doing a lot of crying. I cannot believe that she will be gone in a matter of days... All of the "what ifs" are eating me up inside. I just keep reminding myself that over there, it's just like here and she will be OK... She will be with family the entire time - or most of it, and she will be OK. Ahhhh - I am going to miss her so much!

I hope so - there were a few people that traveled hours to get here and I barely had a chance to say hello to them. I feel terrible. I need to send them a note and apologize.

Thank you - Trying hard to get back into "life" and eating well and taking care of me... It's not good that we have over 5 dozen leftover cupcakes - Josh is taking most of them with him to work today and I am back at it hard.

Ok, where do I begin?! I haven't been on the Dis in a minute but I happen to be on vacation and how do I choose to spend some of my time?! Reading PTR's and TR's of course!

I just love your reports and I don't even know where to begin sharing how much we have in common! I am 39 years old and have lost 82.4 pounds over the past 14 months with Weight Watchers and a serious commitment to exercise, specifically walking and lifting thanks to my 17yo Powerlifting son. I took my boys and a couple of their friends to The Arnold Classic in Columbus this past March and it was amazing!!

I am from Chicago and lived 13 years in Maine so it's fun to read about your great Dis friends Mo and Suzi because I can so relate to both! I'm just past the Maine trip and I really hope you had some lobstah! I'm back home in the Chicago Suburbs and have been since 2012. In 2013 I was able to meet KatMark which was awesome!

I love, love, love your bags. You are so talented!!

Off I go to read more of this report!

Hi there! Welcome! I love reading TRs and PTRs, so fun - sadly - I have not had a spare moment to read anyone's lately... I look forward to getting back into it asap.

WOW!!! Congratulations! I wish I could say that I've maintained my loss - but I have not... I've gained a bit back and lost a lot of body composition over the course of the last 3 months... I am looking forward to getting back on track today! My body needs it, my mind needs it, everyone around me needs it. LOL Heavy lifting is such a powerful and amazing thing - I admit, I have a love/hate relationship with it. I love the results - I hate doing it. LOL I've only been able to lift intermittently over the last few months - so I look forward to having a legitimate schedule again... Hopefully it won't take me too long to get my previous body comp back? Not that it was anything wonderful, mind you. LOL

I love my Dis friends - I've met so many wonderful people and some of my best friends here... I am very lucky. Suzi, Mo and I have some great times together - that's for sure! And Kathy has become a great friend, as well. Such beautiful people and kindred spirits!

Thank you! I love making them! It's so much fun! And I love adding magic to Disney trips!

Enjoy - and thanks for stopping by!

I have been totally MIA, but all caught up now. Sounds like all the celebrations were wonderful. The kitchen is beautiful, and I look forward to seeing how you transform those stairs! Amazing that you found the vent cover!

I need to PM you, because it looks like I'm headed back to WDW this summer. I don't remember when your trip is planned, and I know you don't like to post specific dates. It would be so cool if we overlap on our trips.

Hang in there and know that Allison will be on a trip of a lifetime. You'll miss her, but you'll be so excited to hear about every step of the trip, too. It's hard letting them grow up and grow wings. I've been lucky that my oldest has been able to stay fairly close to home for college and now medical school. I don't know how I'm going to handle it when he gets his first assignment after medical school and moves away and possibly overseas.

Welcome back! I was JUST thinking about you last night! Sooo funny that you should post. I never go back and read my old TRs - but I happened to be reading through Allison's grad trip and I noticed one of you posts... I wondered how you were doing and what was new? I hope you are having a good summer - it's great to see you!

Thank you - It is such a relief to have it all over. I am not looking forward to Allison leaving at all - but at the same time, I am so excited for the adventures she will have... To visit another country is one thing - but to actually LIVE there among family and friends is a totally different experience - and as an added bonus - she will be living approx 30 minutes from where Josh's ancestors originated from - so she really will be "going home"... I cannot wait to hear all about it.

Yes! Send me a PM - I'd love to meet up if it works out!

Wishing you the best of luck - But what a wonderful accomplishment for him! I am trying to learn to take every day as it comes - but it also doesn't hurt to prepare yourself for some of the hard stuff - IMO. I understand - hopefully by then, it will be much easier, since you've had time to mentally prepare for it.

It's great to see you back!

I'm back!! So love that you have now completed two 5K races!! I (we) will be completing our first 5K race in WDW in February 2017 with friends. Yes, it has to be Disney for the first race, kind of weird that way. Can't wait!! We might even add in the 10K. We shall see!

That is awesome! Best of luck to you! Sadly - I am not really running anymore. I may try to pick it up again at the lake this summer, and see if I can get back into it again... Life just kind of threw me for a loop this spring, with Allison graduating and redoing the house. It's back to normal today.

Good lord. So many similarities. Our childhoods were not identical but the foundations seem to be be along the same line. I too had to decide years ago to either dwell on previous unfortunate circumstances/situations and let them consume me or learn from the past and move on. I chose to move on. And forward. Always forward.

I agree - at some point, there has to be a way to find the good in the bad, or it consumes us. I firmly believe this. Overcoming it and moving on is all part of growing up. yes - we all have to choose to move forward, and sometimes it's a definite choice, not something that just happens naturally. I am glad that you were able to choose to move forward. It takes a strong individual to do that.

Thanks for stopping by - it was wonderful to meet you.

******************************************************************************************************

OK all - Trying to get back to "normal life" today.

Yesterday was a really nice day... I spent the morning cleaning the kitchen and living room. There wasn't much to be done - but a bunch of stuff to put away really.

We had over 5 dozen cupcakes left... Pretty sure I polished off a dozen of those myself... That frosting! Gah! Sending 4+ dozen to work with Josh this morning... Getting them out of my house asap! If they aren't here, I don't have an issue with them!

We also have most of our yard put back to rights... We still have to put the grills back on the deck, and rearrange the deck properly... And a few chairs to bring back down to the shed, but the front is back together and looking very nice.

I brought the farmhouse table into the house (it's broken down, legs are off of it) - so I can get it painted and swapped out with the big dining room table. That likely won't happen until the weekend though.

And that's it... We spent our evening just breathing and relaxing... It felt odd to do that - as we have had a VERY full plate for way too long now. But it was nice.

Today... I have to run to town right away this morning... V has a full week ahead of her, and so does Allison - not to mention me. No rest for the weary right? LOL

I plan to work out here in a few minutes - if I don't do it right away, as usual, it won't get done. I must refocus as I've had enough time to goof off and my body is paying dearly for it.

Then I will be in my sewing room all day... I need to work while I can this week, so I don't fall too far behind. Plus I need to start working on V's trip again.

I hope you all have an amazing day. I'll try to go back and do the replies I missed as the week goes on, but please forgive me if I don't get to it - Allison is my priority this week and I need to make the most of her being home.

D~

 

[Wood Nymph]

I'm glad that everything fell into place so well for you. It sounds like Victoria's special event could not have worked out better. It is nice that she was able to have so many family members there. That was nice to have something special for her, too, that day.

It looks like the graduation party went well. Everyone looks relaxed in that picture. I hope Allison enjoyed her party. You certainly worked hard for it.

I know that you will miss Allison a lot while she is gone on her European adventure. In spite of the fact that she will experience a lot of wonderful things, she will miss you, too. Just make sure you can do International phone calls without it costing a fortune.

 

[Chicago Mo]

I was watching Facebook waiting for pictures!!! and nothing. blah.

Well my friend you must keep busy now as the more time you have to sit the more time you have to think.. No thinking!

so i have that solution on your Not a photographer and a seamstress.. keep it in your thoughts. and just leaving it out there.

Glad it all went great!!!