We've Bounced Back like Tigger SB09 TR NEW 9/11 CLOSING TIME....

[Gabrielsbigtrip]

Oh, I am sad you had such a stressful trip home. Poor Michael.

I know those moments and I absolutely HATE explaining that "hey, he is Autistic". Having the invisible disability can be one of the hardest parts. The stress it puts on me by having to explain and then I feel bad for explaining, why do I have to explain, can't people just understand, especially when you are usually trying to calm a child down at the same time.

I don't think my husband has ever actually said Gabriel has Autism outloud Maybe he feels like it makes it too real for him if he does? I am the super uber mother hen so I am the one usually preparing Gabriel for what's going to happen and dealing with him if he melts. Daddy gets to reap the fun boy time

I know you aren't asking for pity but anyway.

 

[DisneyMomLiz]

Michael is my child, a gift…I must take good care of this precious gift I have been given. He’s not broken and doesn’t need fixing, maybe just a band-aid every once in awhile.

Julie, that is beautiful. I don't even pretend to know how challenging your life must be, but your attitude and strength are an inspiration.

Thanks so much for sharing the whole story, high and low points! It was a great read and I can't wait to read your blog and hopefully "see" you around when I get to my TR (I finally decided I will do one for sure after this trip )!

PS - I was re-reading my post, a couple back after your series of updates and I wanted to add some smilies b/c I was afraid I came across wrong?! I said something like "how dare work interfere with my Dis time?" but I didn't include any smilies to make it seem like I was joking/not being serious. Hope it didn't come across wrong, definitely not my intention!

 

[lisalonglash]

Nooooooo, I don't want your TR to be over!!!

How cool that you had an impromptu DISmeet with IndianaJ - love to read stories about those!

Aww, poor Michael No fun for anyone, I'm sure You know, autistic or not, we all have those moments that just seem so unfairly difficult that it's a real challenge not to just break down. Honestly, I have those moments too - and the moments are much much harder when they occur in situations that we can't "fix" (like an airplane or at a family event).

[In most moments on most days, Michael is a happy “normal” 10 yr old boy (whatever you call normal), but in that moment and others before and since…Matt and I looked at Michael differently for just a mere second as we blinked our eyes.

He “looked” Autistic….

I understand this, J. Tigger is not autistic (he's never been tested, but we believe he may have ADHD or just may be extremely spirited), but I really "get" what you're saying here. I've definitely had those thoughts about him - those thankfully pretty rare times when I can almost literally "see" the differences between him and other kids kwim?

Michael is my child, a gift…I must take good care of this precious gift I have been given. He’s not broken and doesn’t need fixing, maybe just a band-aid every once in awhile.

That's lovely, truly lovely

************************
I'll be back for anything you write - wouldn't miss it!

 

[mousescrapper]

Oh, I am sad you had such a stressful trip home. Poor Michael.

I know those moments and I absolutely HATE explaining that "hey, he is Autistic". Having the invisible disability can be one of the hardest parts. The stress it puts on me by having to explain and then I feel bad for explaining, why do I have to explain, can't people just understand, especially when you are usually trying to calm a child down at the same time.

I don't think my husband has ever actually said Gabriel has Autism outloud Maybe he feels like it makes it too real for him if he does? I am the super uber mother hen so I am the one usually preparing Gabriel for what's going to happen and dealing with him if he melts. Daddy gets to reap the fun boy time

I know you aren't asking for pity but anyway.

thanks

Julie, that is beautiful. I don't even pretend to know how challenging your life must be, but your attitude and strength are an inspiration.

you are too kind really....

Thanks so much for sharing the whole story, high and low points! It was a great read and I can't wait to read your blog and hopefully "see" you around when I get to my TR (I finally decided I will do one for sure after this trip )!

I'll be there!!!!

PS - I was re-reading my post, a couple back after your series of updates and I wanted to add some smilies b/c I was afraid I came across wrong?! I said something like "how dare work interfere with my Dis time?" but I didn't include any smilies to make it seem like I was joking/not being serious. Hope it didn't come across wrong, definitely not my intention!

oh please never.... I got it

Nooooooo, I don't want your TR to be over!!!

it's not completely over yet....

How cool that you had an impromptu DISmeet with IndianaJ - love to read stories about those!

I was so glad she had the "guts" to come and ask me if I was "mousescrapper"

Aww, poor Michael No fun for anyone, I'm sure You know, autistic or not, we all have those moments that just seem so unfairly difficult that it's a real challenge not to just break down. Honestly, I have those moments too - and the moments are much much harder when they occur in situations that we can't "fix" (like an airplane or at a family event).



I understand this, J. Tigger is not autistic (he's never been tested, but we believe he may have ADHD or just may be extremely spirited), but I really "get" what you're saying here. I've definitely had those thoughts about him - those thankfully pretty rare times when I can almost literally "see" the differences between him and other kids kwim?



That's lovely, truly lovely

************************
I'll be back for anything you write - wouldn't miss it!

You're so sweet Lisa, thanks!

 

[MRYPPNS]

Not everything we do in life is sugar-coated or covered in pixie dust…

So very true, and especially with a big Disney vacation. I thank you for writing about the amazing times, the adult mini-meltdowns, the kid mega-meltdowns and everything in between. It's the real stuff that happens in a fantasyland.

Bravo to you my friend, Bravo!

 

[jmamom]

So sad, its over. Oh Man, that plane ride. My kids all have their particular anxieties and quirks , and getting them through an episode can be challenging. I can't even imagine how much patience you must have. Sounds like you did all the right things, and you did make him feel better, because you got him on the plane and home safely. Your son is perfect the way he is, don't let anyone tell you differently.
I really enjoyed your report, I'll be keeping my eyes out for next year's!

 

[mousescrapper]

So very true, and especially with a big Disney vacation. I thank you for writing about the amazing times, the adult mini-meltdowns, the kid mega-meltdowns and everything in between. It's the real stuff that happens in a fantasyland.

Bravo to you my friend, Bravo!

thanks Heidi

that means more than you know

Jules

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

He “looked” Autistic….

I know that sounds bad and can sound like a stereotype of what you may think an Autistic child “looks” like….

But in that moment he did.

Not everything we do in life is sugar-coated or covered in pixie dust…though we wish it was.

I’m not trying to educate or give an example to or for anything…but this was part of our trip, and yes I could have left it all out (it felt worse than how it comes across in writing)

Julie, I think that was one of the most honest, poignant, very real and true- moving things I've read...

and I don't mean that in a let's feel sorry for Julie way-because I think a lot of us with children with an Asperger's diagnosis sort of exist in a sort of amorphous middle ground when it comes to our children... They are on the autistic spectrum even though they don't always look like what most people think of as autistic-whatever that may be...

I know exactly what you mean when you say that He "looked" autistic...

There are a lot of times when if David is rested, and well fed and well-happy...ie everything is well aligned-he looks (and I hate saying this-I don't mean to offend anyone) perfectly normal-maybe a little precocious if he's going on about space, or China or Star Wars...etc...

but there can be times when if he's tired, or nervous he acts "differently" and just gets this "look" and while I'm not sure if you don't know what you're looking for you would know what it is but he definately seems "different"

I used to think before I totally accepted the diagnosis that it sometimes seemed that he was so close to NT-like his nose was pressed up to the screen door and if I could just give him the teeniest push over...

I don't ever get angry with him but sometimes get a little frustrated that he has to go through some of things that he does and if I were being perfectly honest that I in turn were going through them with him-I wish I could take it away and make it easier for him...

Simulateously I know that I'm very lucky he is to have so much going for him...sometimes I'm not sure how to interact with moms whose children have more serious needs on the spectrum (I guess I'm uncomfortable-I don't know how they'll react to me) because I guess I don't totally understand what they are going (just like someone with an NT kid might not get what I'm going through) although I can certainly empathize and I guess I'm afraid that maybe they'll feel anger that I don't understand where they are coming from...


Michael is my child, a gift…I must take good care of this precious gift I have been given. He’s not broken and doesn’t need fixing, maybe just a band-aid every once in awhile.

Hear, Hear Sister-truer words have never been said... Wow-I don't know where that all came from...I think its time to have a group hug...

BTW-your flight home sounds hellish even if you weren't on the spectrum-Emily who is an uber NT-would have been freaking over the turbulence-she would have had to been sedated...so go figure...

 

[hollisterluva92]

Scrappie’s Get to Know Your Inner Disney QUIZ>>>>

1) Your Disboard name and why you chose it?
hollisterluva92--I wish I would've came up with a more disney name--but I just used the name I use for my email and everything else.

2) Trips to any Disney Park: year, park and resort off or on
oh boy--here it goes!
1997, Disney World, on--Grand Floridian
1998, Disney World, on--Grand Floridian
2004, Disney World, on--Animal Kingdom Lodge
2006, Disney World, on--All Star Music
2008, Disney World, on--Saratoga Springs

3) Your first Disney Memory
in 2006 when I walked into the Magic Kindgdom and seeing the castle and hearing the music, and just everything together....I started crying....and now every year when I walk in, I burst into tears--it's the same thing for wishes..oh man, i'm getting teary-eyed writing this

4) Your favorite Big Attraction
Splash Mountain

5) Your favorite “secret”
I'm planning to save my paychecks and suprise my best friend with a trip for graduation

6) Why did you start Dising? Do you remember what your first post was?
Because I was going on my trip and I needed help planning since the planning was mainly me responsiblity. Hm.....I think I just introduced myself to the board

7) Have you ever worked for the Disney Company, when and where?
nope--but I am doing the Disney College Program in 2012

8) Have you ever won a Disney trip or experienced a “dream” during the Year of a Million Dreams?
nope--but I hope so

9) What is your Disney planning style?
Oh man, I'm definantly the over-planner....I plan every detail down to the T....it's bad...I have binders and notebooks and guide books...

10) If you were in a Disney movie who would you be?
The Little Mermaid--no doubt in my mind, I find myself to be a lot like Ariel <3

11) Name something you do every trip
Go on Splash Mountain

12) Name something you have never done
Gone on Soarin', Toy Story Mania, and Peter Pan...

13) Name something you wish would happen to you or a family member at Disney
hmmm....either to win a night's stay in the dream suite or be in one of the parades

14) If you could decide what the next park at WDW would be, what would you call it?
Hmmmm....maybe a princess park or a villian park or something...that would be a hard call....

15) Would you ever consider moving to Orlando to work at WDW and what job would you want?
Yes--that is what I am doing--after I graduate in June of this year, i'm moving to Missouri to do my undergraduate studies. My grandparents offered for me to live with them and pay my tuition, so after I do that, I am moving to orlando and doing the college program probably for just the two years--then I will stay in Orlando and get my bachelor's! I would really like to be a character performer, daisy or minnie--but my dream would to be one of the princesses

16) What is your favorite Disney song?
Wishes and when you wish upon a star.

17) If you designed the perfect Disney vacation, what would it include?
It would probably last a month--and I would spend my time at a few different resorts. I would just take my time to do every attraction and since I love photography, take a bunch of time to leisurely take thousands of photos.

18) When do you normally Dis?
anytime I can...since it's summer vacation, I tend to do it in bewtween watching TV

19) When you are not Dising, what do you do?
watch TV


20) If you had only 1 hour to spend at WDW what would you do?
go straight to the Magic Kingdom and spend as much time as I can going on all the rides possible and then meeting a few characters, going around to all the resturants and getting carry-out, and finishing the hour off with wishes and the parade!


21) What is your favorite Disney souvenir?
Oh boy! I love t-shirts, bags, and things that I can use everyday like pens, paper--stuff like that. Of course DVD's and CD's are great too! And don't forget the Mickey ears!!!

21) Does every room in your house have at least 1 Disney item in it, or name which rooms and stuff.
Yes--
-Family Room:Expedition Everset photo & Frame, Splash Mountain photo & Frame, three different disney world photo albums filled with all my pics
-Kitchen: Mickey hand towels, 8 different plastic cups, 4 mugs, 2 travel mugs, and a mickey pizza cutter
-Dining Room: Alice in wonderland tea set
-Living Room: more ride photo's and frames
-Bathroom: Princess trash can, princess hand towel, princess baby wipes, hannah montana tissue cover
-Laundry Room: princess hamper and disney clothes
-My bedroom: oh boy, pictures everywhere, mementos, framed photos, the new fiji bedding set @ jcpenney, everything...
-Spare Bedroom:animal kingdom bedding set
-master bath: shower curtain, bath mat, toothbrush holder, trash bin, toothbrush, body products, it's filled

22) Have you ever been Backstage at any Walt Disney Park?
yes--magic kingdom, when I went with band in 2006 and went backstage for the music program

23) If you had to sum why you LOVE Disney so much, what 3-5 words would you use?
Most Magical Place On Earth!!!

 

[hhockman]

Julie, I just want to say thank you for having the courage to tell the whole story. Maybe someone who is reading this was at the airport and saw Michael. And maybe they understand more now than they did. You were honest and I didn't feel any more sorry for you all than I would for anyone who was tired at the end of a very long trip (but I did feel sorry for you for that). Michael is Michael and he wouldn't be Michael if he was any other way.

Like Lisa's Tigger, I know there is something with my Will, but he's not diagonosed and no one has ever asked that he be tested for anything (his Kindergarten teacher discussed an auditory processing issue, but no one ever got anywhere with it). There are a lot of things I see with him that don't seem "normal" to me, but like you said, what is normal? Remember a spectrum is a continuous line. Just because the official "autism" classification ends at a certain point doesn't mean the line doesn't continue on. If Patricia is saying David is sometimes right at the door of NT and she could just "push" him over, there are times that I think Will is just right on the other side of that door. He may not be diagnosed autistic-and he definitely isn't on the far side of the spectrum or anything-but he has issues too and I don't think it would take much for him to be over that line onto the end of the spectrum. I mean, just like "somebody" decided that Gifted is 130 IQ (why not 129 or 131?), somebody decided the autism line is here_____. And it has to be. There has to be a line. But some kids are standing just on the other side of that line.

All that to say...anyone with kids (especially boys for some reason-although I know there are girls too) knows that kids are kids. And the kind of stimulation and stress that Michael-that you ALL-went through on this day could cause a meltdown in anyone. I read what you wrote and thought "oh poor Michael. He's so tired." And I felt tired too. I didn't think "Oh poor Michael. He's autistic".

I hope this isn't coming out wrong. I almost feel like I'm not saying this right. I'm just trying to say, you don't need to apologize for Michael. Or for Aldine. Or for any of your kids. They are perfect just the way they were made. As is Will. And Tigger. And David. And Gabriel. I know you feel like you have to sometimes. And sometimes it feels better to do it. But here we love you and Michael just the way you are.

And I for one thank you very much for being totally honest.

 

[mousescrapper]

it's ok too

I have been a tad bit over stressed lately....

Ok maybe REALLY stressed lately

and it has reared it's ugly head and as most Mom's or women know who get's that Ugly Head lashing...but their kids or spouse or friend who just happend to walk past....

I think the summer coming to a head, the time getting everyone ready for "back to school" season...I have not gotten myself ready...

One of my of biggest releases is to sit here and chat w/ you, my friends of whom I have never really met...but just knew if we sat down together in my Living Room, we'd be laughing, crying, hugging and all that good girl stuff.

Yes I have some wonderful "in person" friends in comparison to you my "online" friends and I love them

but I can not tell you how much these Disboards mean to me, and not just for my daily Dis fix but for the really good stuff, the friends I have made

especially when it comes down to Mom's dealing w/ some of the muck I walk through each day and then turn around and hey I realize that was nothing.

THANK YOU! for sharing w/ me about your brillant children and letting me share about mine...most may not get it, but I'm glad we do

I can't even imagine how much patience you must have.


I really enjoyed your report, I'll be keeping my eyes out for next year's!

Thanks Elaine, I never have quite considered myself a very patient person....but I'm learning in those really rough moments for your children what else can you do. It's kinda like I think that if one of my kids was ever drowning that fear of myself in water or the fact I don't know how to swim, would be gone...and I would be there.

I'm looking forward to sharing all the fun and crazies agian w/ you all too

Julie, I think that was one of the most honest, poignant, very real and true- moving things I've read...

Patricia, thank you...I appreciate that very much. Writing here w/ my awful grammer and usual misspellings is such a great lesson for myself, a chance to look back at the hard moments and let it be real for what it was and realize it is OK

and I don't mean that in a let's feel sorry for Julie way-because I think a lot of us with children with an Asperger's diagnosis sort of exist in a sort of amorphous middle ground when it comes to our children... They are on the autistic spectrum even though they don't always look like what most people think of as autistic-whatever that may be...

thank you

I know exactly what you mean when you say that He "looked" autistic...

thank you for sharing about David and giving me that arm around the shoulder feeling I'm with you....

I don't ever get angry with him but sometimes get a little frustrated that he has to go through some of things that he does and if I were being perfectly honest that I in turn were going through them with him-I wish I could take it away and make it easier for him...

this is still an area I sadly find both Matt and I struggle in...it is hard at times to 2nd think out the moments when Michael is "freaking out" like today yelling at me that it is raining out and that it is so unfair, or on Sunday when he completely lost it w/ dealing w/ a new pair of shoes.

Oh there are things that bug me and make me mad but it can be the biggest challange we face w/ raising Michael and our girls. Fair and Honest parenting, discipline and re-directing...much has changed in how Matt & I deal w/ our children when we or they are mad since Michael's diagnosis...and probably for the better.


Simulateously I know that I'm very lucky he is to have so much going for him...sometimes I'm not sure how to interact with moms whose children have more serious needs on the spectrum (I guess I'm uncomfortable-I don't know how they'll react to me) because I guess I don't totally understand what they are going (just like someone with an NT kid might not get what I'm going through) although I can certainly empathize and I guess I'm afraid that maybe they'll feel anger that I don't understand where they are coming from...

I understand


Hear, Hear Sister-truer words have never been said... Wow-I don't know where that all came from...I think its time to have a group hug...

How about that...it seems like we all needed a good one today...

Julie, I just want to say thank you for having the courage to tell the whole story. Maybe someone who is reading this was at the airport and saw Michael. And maybe they understand more now than they did. You were honest and I didn't feel any more sorry for you all than I would for anyone who was tired at the end of a very long trip (but I did feel sorry for you for that). Michael is Michael and he wouldn't be Michael if he was any other way.

this is when my eyes were welling....you guys are too much....and that is SO GOOD!!! thanks Heather


Like Lisa's Tigger, I know there is something with my Will, but he's not diagonosed and no one has ever asked that he be tested for anything (his Kindergarten teacher discussed an auditory processing issue, but no one ever got anywhere with it). There are a lot of things I see with him that don't seem "normal" to me, but like you said, what is normal? Remember a spectrum is a continuous line.

thanks for being so open and honest about your son Will...this is for another post and time but I know what you are feeling....we have concerns for Margaret...not autism but something

I read what you wrote and thought "oh poor Michael. He's so tired." And I felt tired too. I didn't think "Oh poor Michael. He's autistic".

I hope this isn't coming out wrong.

not at all, it was very comforting...thanks

I'm just trying to say, you don't need to apologize for Michael. Or for Aldine. Or for any of your kids. They are perfect just the way they were made. As is Will. And Tigger. And David. And Gabriel. I know you feel like you have to sometimes. And sometimes it feels better to do it. But here we love you and Michael just the way you are.

thank you ok and I'm crying again....I need to get to bed and Mr. Potter is waiting for me to finish chapter 4 of Book 7....

And I for one thank you very much for being totally honest.

thanks Heather and to all you lovely ladies

 

[mousescrapper]

Scrappie’s Get to Know Your Inner Disney QUIZ>>>>

1) Your Disboard name and why you chose it?
hollisterluva92--I wish I would've came up with a more disney name--but I just used the name I use for my email and everything else.


15) Would you ever consider moving to Orlando to work at WDW and what job would you want?
Yes--that is what I am doing--after I graduate in June of this year, i'm moving to Missouri to do my undergraduate studies. My grandparents offered for me to live with them and pay my tuition, so after I do that, I am moving to orlando and doing the college program probably for just the two years--then I will stay in Orlando and get my bachelor's! I would really like to be a character performer, daisy or minnie--but my dream would to be one of the princesses

Hi there and welcome....so nice of you to have some fun w/ my little quiz

I just love reading what people have to say...it is so fun!!! and your answer to #15 above...oh if I ever had a few do-overs in life...I would have so applied for this. I remeber seeing the signs for this when I was in college and bummer that would have been awesome!

I really hope that so works out for you!!!!

thanks for reading

Scrappie

 

[hhockman]

it's ok too

I have been a tad bit over stressed lately....

Ok maybe REALLY stressed lately

and it has reared it's ugly head and as most Mom's or women know who get's that Ugly Head lashing...but their kids or spouse or friend who just happend to walk past....

I think the summer coming to a head, the time getting everyone ready for "back to school" season...I have not gotten myself ready...

One of my of biggest releases is to sit here and chat w/ you, my friends of whom I have never really met...but just knew if we sat down together in my Living Room, we'd be laughing, crying, hugging and all that good girl stuff.

Yes I have some wonderful "in person" friends in comparison to you my "online" friends and I love them

but I can not tell you how much these Disboards mean to me, and not just for my daily Dis fix but for the really good stuff, the friends I have made

especially when it comes down to Mom's dealing w/ some of the muck I walk through each day and then turn around and hey I realize that was nothing.

THANK YOU! for sharing w/ me about your brillant children and letting me share about mine...most may not get it, but I'm glad we do




Thanks Elaine, I never have quite considered myself a very patient person....but I'm learning in those really rough moments for your children what else can you do. It's kinda like I think that if one of my kids was ever drowning that fear of myself in water or the fact I don't know how to swim, would be gone...and I would be there.

I'm looking forward to sharing all the fun and crazies agian w/ you all too






thanks Heather and to all you lovely ladies

Okay, seriously, on a lighter note PLEASE tell me that this isn't your FIRST time through Book 7!

 

[mousescrapper]

Okay, seriously, on a lighter note PLEASE tell me that this isn't your FIRST time through Book 7!

no.....

now if Michael was reading it he'd be done in like 3 days...but me...well I'm a slow reader and generally read before bed when my eyes are already tired or waiting in the car to pick up the kids...and in like 3 weeks Women's Bible Study starts up again (which I have not down for the past two yrs 'cause I was teaching the coordinating kids class) and I will be doing my lessons in the car....so it will take me even longer.

No Matt and I actually spent the night of our 11th anniversary in line at the Borders Bookstore picking up our copy at midnight....nice huh

we did something else too that yr...but I'd have to look that up

I have read it once....but I re-read Year 6 before the movie came out to refresh my brain and then help me nit-pick the movie so now I decided to keep going and re-read Year 7...

now mind you back to Michael in a course of 1 week (last week) he re-read Years 4, 5, 6, 1 and listened to Year 3 on CD and then re-read year 2

Ok now I'm going....

J-

 

[KathyRN137]

In most moments on most days, Michael is a happy “normal” 10 yr old boy (whatever you call normal), but in that moment and others before and since…Matt and I looked at Michael differently for just a mere second as we blinked our eyes.

He “looked” Autistic….

I know that sounds bad and can sound like a stereotype of what you may think an Autistic child “looks” like….

But in that moment he did.

Michael is my child, a gift…I must take good care of this precious gift I have been given. He’s not broken and doesn’t need fixing, maybe just a band-aid every once in awhile.

Aww, Julie! As always, thanks for your honesty.

I know exactly what you mean; autism can really sneak up on you sometimes! You go around for days, perhaps even weeks, thinking, "It is what it is," and you feel as though you've integrated it into your family's life. Then you hit a rough patch and much of the original pain and grieving comes back and smacks you in the face when you least expect it.

Transition times are always difficult for our kids, whether it's the end of a Disney trip or the beginning of a new school year. Sometimes we can't help feeling that stress ourselves. You are not alone!

I'm looking forward to the re-cap... I've been terribly lax in writing mine...

Wishing you a happy and peaceful back-to-school week,

Kathy

 

[mommytothreeboys]

I'm so sad that this report has come to an end. I hope that doesn't mean you won't be on here as often. I'd miss you!

I'm so touched by your words about Michael. I can't even pretend to know what it's like to have a child with special needs like his, but you handle it with such grace, honesty, and humility that it's inspiring. (And I know that's not why you share, but I wanted to say it anyway!)

Dan deals with anxiety disorder, another invisible disorder, and although it's minor compared to autism, it's tough to explain to people sometimes. Why is my 14 year old double medicated, why can't he watch the news without getting scared, why is he so concerned about his health...?? UGH! Most of the time he's like any other 14 year old, but now and then that anxiety puts itself at the forefront and we have to deal with it. Just know that you are not alone and we get it! Thank God for our special and wonderful children!

I'm looking forward to your recap...I can't believe your TR is over.

 

[mousescrapper]

Aww, Julie! As always, thanks for your honesty.

and thank you Kathy

I know exactly what you mean; autism can really sneak up on you sometimes! You go around for days, perhaps even weeks, thinking, "It is what it is," and you feel as though you've integrated it into your family's life. Then you hit a rough patch and much of the original pain and grieving comes back and smacks you in the face when you least expect it.

Transition times are always difficult for our kids, whether it's the end of a Disney trip or the beginning of a new school year. Sometimes we can't help feeling that stress ourselves. You are not alone!

You always have the right thing(s) to say....

I'm looking forward to the re-cap... I've been terribly lax in writing mine...

well you've been busy...getting your Pirate Crew ready for happy-haunts!

Wishing you a happy and peaceful back-to-school week,

Kathy

each day a bit better, actually had time to do both girls hair for picture day and get a shower in for myself

I'm so sad that this report has come to an end. I hope that doesn't mean you won't be on here as often. I'd miss you!

well I'll be on your TR's and such, but that's why I started my BLOG...to keep in touch and jot down my Disney-doings....I'll post the link soon

I'm so touched by your words about Michael. I can't even pretend to know what it's like to have a child with special needs like his, but you handle it with such grace, honesty, and humility that it's inspiring. (And I know that's not why you share, but I wanted to say it anyway!)

thanks Missy, you are so sweet

Dan deals with anxiety disorder, another invisible disorder, and although it's minor compared to autism, it's tough to explain to people sometimes. Why is my 14 year old double medicated, why can't he watch the news without getting scared, why is he so concerned about his health...?? UGH! Most of the time he's like any other 14 year old, but now and then that anxiety puts itself at the forefront and we have to deal with it. Just know that you are not alone and we get it! Thank God for our special and wonderful children!

Anxiety can be a scary and confusing thing, DH has suffered from mild anxiety his whole life and even though we've been together for over 13 yrs and I have 2 children who present various degrees of it, it is still hard for me to always understand...

I'm looking forward to your recap...I can't believe your TR is over.

me too should be fun, it's a nice way to close up the TR

Scrappie

 

[mousescrapper]

“MY WALT DISNEY WORLD TRAVEL RE-CAP”

By

Julie

Dates: From March 26th To: April 2nd 2009

Who Went: The MouseScrapper Family: DH-Matt, DS-Michael, DD’s-Aldine, Mae, & Margaret and me-Scrappie AND my parents DGrandma and DJa-Ja

Daily Highlights from Day1) Thursday 3-26​

"We've Bounced Back"​

Where We Went: Airports (Chicago’s Midway and Orlando’s) and our Resort Disney’s Coronado Springs (CSR) Casitas building #1 in rooms 1168 and 7

What we Discovered: Our rooms at CSR were ready, but we were not in the renovated ones, but our location was GREAT! The resort was HUGE, but very nice, pretty and we loved all the details and fountains.

What we Liked: The Dig Site Pool was excellent, spacious, clean and fun.

What we Didn’t Like: bummed we didn’t get the beautiful looking renovated rooms (minor step down from staying at the Poly in ’08) and the Pepper Market was a bit confusing at first and the kid meal options were a bit boring.

Souvenirs we Got: me-a “green” Disney re-usable tote bag, Easter car topper; Michael- Mexican Donald plush and Steam Boat Willy pin; Aldine- ceramic painted rabbit; Mae- mini Fairy notepads from DGrandma

Memorable Moments: No flights delays coming down , happy that our rooms were ready upon check-in and prompt luggage delivery from DME. Just so happy to be there and just relax and enjoy our resort (but remember from Casita 1 go to the right to get to the pool . And so loved how much fun Margaret had at the pool

Favorite Picture of the Day:

All of us enjoying the R & R and being happy because we are WDW

Day 2) coming soon...

 

[KathyRN137]

I loved that family picture, too!

It's fun to go back and review each day...


Kathy

 

[shannon47142]

Love the recap of the days!! It was a great first day family picture