It was the best of times, it was the worst of times!

[lovedonaldduck]

Ditto what D~ said above, hope you are well.

 

[Chicago Mo]

Here to check in too.


Hope all is well!!!

 

[Iamthequeen]

Me too! Lois, where are you??????

 

[disneychic2]

Glad to hear Jennifer is doing better. I hope either the electric shock or the brace works for her.

Thanks. I hope so too.

Sorry to hear Mom was back in the hospital, but it sounds like your Dad might be seeing the light finally.

He runs hot and cold, mostly cold, so I'm not holding my breath. I'm taking one day at a time and trying not to pull my hair out!

Charlie and I loved staying at POFQ and didn't want to stay anywhere else, but last year, he decided he wanted to try CBR . We absolutely loved it - except for the double beds. We have a king size bed at home and even though we are both short people, the bed was just too small. Luckily, CBR is supposed to be undergoing a refurb and queen size beds will be going in. I don't know the time frame on that though.

A September trip sounds lovely - I hope that if you do go, our times overlap!

Thanks for the info. I think CBR is definitely in our future. Just not in September. Update below.

Glad to hear some good news. But hope your Mom gets the help she needs!

Sept eh?

Thanks Mo! Update below on Disney.

Sorry your mom had to go back to the hospital again. I wish they had answers for her so they could treat it. Hopefully in a couple of weeks water aerobics won't be so daunting for her. Glad you may be making headway with your dad on the assisted living front, it may be just what they both need.

Thanks! I hope so too!

We are looking at a free dining trip too! Actually, as soon as they release it to the general public I am booking a November trip and a December trip. Peyton has sometime off from school both months, and I can take up to 4 days off so we are going to make the reservations. POFQ is our first choice, but I don't have a second choice. I guess POR. Then, at the 45 day mark, hopefully my dad will know his schedule and we can keep the trip he'll be home for and cancel the other one. And, if DH gets the new job we'll be able to save for it by then and maybe still do a Spring Break trip!

I'm so glad you are planning a trip before you thought you could! Do you know about the new job yet? That's a good plan to have a couple of trips reserved so your Dad can make one of them. Looks like you'll be getting your Disney fix satisfied after all.

So, I am home today with a very sick Charlotte (although she is now starting to perk up a bit). I took her to the doctor on Saturday and she has a double ear infection and strep throat. I thought she'd be better by today but she woke up about 3:45 this morning crying for me (first night in her big girl bed!) so I slept with her until about 5:30. I noticed that she felt very warm. Then when I got her up for school this morning she was burning up. Running a 103 degree fever. It's only down to 102.2 now. Poor baby!

I hope by now Charlotte is back to her old self and no one else got sick. Poor thing, she just can't seem to get a break. Hope she doesn't associate her big girl bed with feeling lousy.

Glad Jennifer is doing better. My DH had to do the electrocution for his Achilles tendon, he said it was very painful but it worked well for him. Hope Jennifer has good results too.

That's good to know. She doesn't mind pain with a purpose, but still, it's not something she looks forward to exactly.

We are looking at a free dining trip too! Actually, as soon as they release it to the general public I am booking a November trip and a December trip. Peyton has sometime off from school both months, and I can take up to 4 days off so we are going to make the reservations. POFQ is our first choice, but I don't have a second choice. I guess POR.

POR and POFQ were excluded from this free dining offer. We ended up having to switch to CSR to get it, but it saved us about $3000 so switcharoo!!! Maybe so many people have switched from POR with this time period that they will offer it there in Nov/Dec. Good luck!!!

I did see that AoA Little Mermaid rooms were NOT excluded this time. I believe that's a first. Not sure about the suites?

Oh LOIS!!! Sept sounds pretty good to me, like maybe the last week..........

That would be soooo great!!

Just stopping by to check in on you. I hope everything is OK.

D~

Thanks D~. I know I've been MIA. Update below.

Ditto what D~ said above, hope you are well.

Here to check in too.


Hope all is well!!!

Me too! Lois, where are you??????

Thank you all for checking in. I have totally been MIA.

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

I've been MIA only because I've been so busy! Our DS and DDIL came for the weekend and we hadn't seen them since Christmas. And they only live 2 1/2 hours away!!! But we had a fantastic time with them while they were here.

I've also been trying to help out my Mom and Dad when they let me. They keep saying they don't want to impose and won't let me do meals very often or anything else for that matter. I guess it's nice they don't call me for anything and everything, but I do wish they would let me do more for them.

And lastly, I'm getting ready for a trip to Colorado to visit Emily, Charlotte and Caroline. Dan can't go because he's still working 12 hour days 6 days a week. He did just get a pretty nice raise, so that helps. And the end is in sight for him during the first week in June. I'm going for a week and then, because my flight stops in Dallas, I'm spending a couple of days with my sister. I'll get home on a Thursday and the next day Dan and I will leave for Virginia to celebrate Selah's birthday. Whew!

I'll be hosting Mother's Day dinner here on Sunday, but it will only be 9 of us, so that's no big deal. Dan is going to smoke ribs and chicken. Yum! And he always tries to get me not to lift a finger on Mother's Day, but it's next to impossible when you have a crowd over. He'll still try, bless his heart!

Okay, so update for our possible Disney trip: There isn't going to be one. And it was totally my call. We could do one, but I have been saying to Dan for years that we'll do a cruise and we just keep going back to Disney. He's the one who wants to cruise, not me. So, I figure it's time for me to plan a vacation he's been wanting, which is a cruise to Alaska. We've been saving for it, but then I get that itch for Disney and they offer something great and we spend the money that way. Dan loves Disney too, so it hasn't been a hardship for him either. I sooo wanted to go and it would have been the end of September so there would have been some awesome DIS meets going on too. I try not to think about it.

Anyway, I thank you all for checking in with me. I've missed my DIS friends and will go now to check in on all of your reports. Have a great day!

 

[Iamthequeen]

A cruise sounds awesome! We had planned to do a cruise to Alaska a few years ago with Jim and Gwen, but we just could not swing the price then. Charlie left the decision up to me, but I just could not justify spending the money at that point.

We are hoping to do a cruise next spring, but that is still up in the air right now. Too much going on between now and then to worry about it just yet, but it will be a Caribbean cruise more than likely.

Enjoy your Mother's Day! I plan to spend the day with my oldest dd Kate at the Orioles game and then dinner out.

 

[lovedonaldduck]

A cruise will be fun! DH and I were just talking about our ideal annual vacation schedule - a trip to Vegas for he and I, a family trip to Disney, and a family trip to somewhere new. Unfortunately our vacation budget isn't usually quite big enough for that - probably because every time we have the money, we go to Disney.

You are so busy! And traveling all over the place. Hope you enjoy your time in Colorado and Dallas - how fun to get to see your family.

 

[sweetpeaandevie]

I'm glad that what has kept you away is family!!! That's always a great reason to miss out on DIS time!!

Awwwww, that sounds like a great plan. You guys are so thoughtful of each other. I think the alaska cruise will be wonderful!!

 

[sewmess]

Well, as hopeful I was to see you in September...I see the appeal of an Alaska Cruise. DH refuses to do Cruises - he has it in his mind he'll feel "cooped up" and stuck. I did go on one in HS, and it was OK, but it was to the Bahamas and I'm just not a beachy type person.

 

[Chicago Mo]

Ohhhh A cruise!
Ya know the Disney cruise line does go to Alaska... Just sayin.............

we were thinking about a Disney cruise next year.. maybe.


Glad to hear things are going well!!! Hope you had a wonderful Mother's day!!!

 

[disneychic2]

A cruise sounds awesome! We had planned to do a cruise to Alaska a few years ago with Jim and Gwen, but we just could not swing the price then. Charlie left the decision up to me, but I just could not justify spending the money at that point.

We are hoping to do a cruise next spring, but that is still up in the air right now. Too much going on between now and then to worry about it just yet, but it will be a Caribbean cruise more than likely.

Enjoy your Mother's Day! I plan to spend the day with my oldest dd Kate at the Orioles game and then dinner out.

I've always dragged my feet about a cruise due to my fear of water. But I think I'm finally ready now. We actually had a Caribbean cruise booked several years ago and two days before we were to fly to Florida, Dan herniated a disc in his back. I told him that was God's way of saying we belonged on dry ground!

Awww, too bad you weren't able to take that cruise with Jim and Gwen.

Sounds like a fun day planned with Kate. Is she as fond of baseball as you and Charlie?

A cruise will be fun! DH and I were just talking about our ideal annual vacation schedule - a trip to Vegas for he and I, a family trip to Disney, and a family trip to somewhere new. Unfortunately our vacation budget isn't usually quite big enough for that - probably because every time we have the money, we go to Disney.

You are so busy! And traveling all over the place. Hope you enjoy your time in Colorado and Dallas - how fun to get to see your family.

I know you've mentioned Vegas before, but I didn't realize you went to there every year. What do you enjoy doing while you're there?

Maybe your next family vacation can be a combination Disney cruise and resort stay. (I mean your next one after the one you're working on planning now, of course!)

I'm glad that what has kept you away is family!!! That's always a great reason to miss out on DIS time!!

Awwwww, that sounds like a great plan. You guys are so thoughtful of each other. I think the alaska cruise will be wonderful!!

Well, it's really time I gave him the trip he's wanted. Although he really does love going to Disney. He asked me again yesterday if Disney was out for sure. I really don't need him tempting me like that. I'm only so strong, ya know?

Well, as hopeful I was to see you in September...I see the appeal of an Alaska Cruise. DH refuses to do Cruises - he has it in his mind he'll feel "cooped up" and stuck. I did go on one in HS, and it was OK, but it was to the Bahamas and I'm just not a beachy type person.

See, I totally get what he's saying!! I always thought if I couldn't just walk onto dry land whenever I wanted to, I would go a little nuts. But everyone tells me these mega ships won't have that effect on me. So they say!

I wanted a chance to meet you in September as well. Maybe next year.

Ohhhh A cruise!
Ya know the Disney cruise line does go to Alaska... Just sayin.............

we were thinking about a Disney cruise next year.. maybe.


Glad to hear things are going well!!! Hope you had a wonderful Mother's day!!!

How right you are that Disney goes to Alaska and we are definitely wanting to go Disney. But we'll see how everything plays out. It won't be until next year after Miles' Disney trip in April.

You're already thinking Disney cruise for next year?? That is awesome!! they have so much to offer the young ones!

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

Hi all! Hope those of you who are mothers had a fantastic Mother's Day. Dan smoked 3 racks of ribs and 10lbs of chicken and we had potato salad, baked beans, grilled veggies, strawberry pretzel salad and deviled eggs. (I forgot to cut the watermelon that was out in the extra fridge! I made gluten-free brownies and some shortbread type cookies for desert.

My parents, Dan's mom, Dan's sister and her hubby and one of their DDs, Dan's brother and his wife came. At the last minute our young neighbors came back from their trip much earlier than they expected, so we had them over too. It was a lot of fun. Our neighbors came back over in the evening for a supper of left-overs out on the patio. Great day! My mom seemed to really enjoy being around everyone.

Even though I didn't get to have Mother's day with any of my children, I did get to talk to each of them, which was nice. And both the girls posted old photos of us on Facebook, which I got a chuckle out of. Was I really that skinny???

As soon as I'm able to book, I plan to go ahead and book our April trip with Miles. It will be toward the end of the month, but not sure exactly what dates. If he decides he doesn't want to go, I'll change the dates and Dan and I will go in the latter part of September. I feel like I've said this before, so if I have, just ignore please. How lazy am I that I didn't go back to check! Chalk it up to being up most of the night. I'll be heading to bed as soon as I get finished here.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day and week. I'll try to check in while I'm in Colorado, but not sure how often that will be. After all, I'll have 2 DGDs to spoil!! And I take that job very seriously!!

 

[Iamthequeen]

Have a great trip to Colorado! Spoil those gds too!

Yes, Kate is an avid Orioles fan - so much that when she lived in NYC, she would go to Yankee Stadium when the Orioles were playing there -- in her Orioles gear! Since she moved back to Baltimore and lives within walking distance of Camden Yards, she joined a group called the Orioles Advocates - which is an official organization that does fund raising and other activities that promote the Orioles organization. They also hand out the give-aways at the games, which is what we did yesterday. They gave away hats to all the women over 18. You would not believe the number of men that tried to get one!

Sadly for me, Kate is probably going to be moving back to the NYC area (actually in New Jersey) by the end of the summer.

 

[Denovagirl]

MMMMM...sounds like a wonderful Mothers Day for you! Even if you didnt get to SEE all your kiddos

 

[Chicago Mo]

Sorry you didn't get to see the kids in real life! one of the best things about facebook you keep in touch every day with people!
yet your Mom's day sounds like the BEST FOOD EVER!!!!



Enjoy your grandkids and have a great time!!!!!

 

[lovedonaldduck]

Glad you had a great Mother's Day. We did not, my mom was actually hospitalized on Saturday. Apparently she had several small strokes last week. She is home now but has some physically therapy in front of her. She is doing very well considering. Prayers and good thoughts are greatly appreciated. I didn't even get to see Peyton until past her bedtime on Sunday, I was at the hospital before she even woke up. I owe my girls a do-over on Mother's Day.

We love to go to Vegas! We've been going since we were newly engaged, although we took short breaks when I was pregnant with each of the girls and when they were new babies. The last couple of years, we have gone over Super Bowl weekend. We saw George Strait in concert Saturday night and went to a Super Bowl party on Sunday. We also do a couple of restaurants that we love each trip. We spend some time gambling in the different casinos, sight seeing, and being responsibility free for a few days. It is DH's Disney World. We've gone in the past when it wasn't Super Bowl and seen some different shows and had some nice dinners. We've done spas and the pool and DH has gone to an indoor shooting range to shoot machine guns. We've probably stepped foot in every casino on the Strip. We really love it for a grown ups only vaction!

We may do a cruise and park trip at some point. It would be nice because DH and I would both get to do what we want.

Enjoy the granddaughters, daughter, and Colorado!

 

[Chicago Mo]

Oh Jennifer.. I am so sorry to hear about your Mom... Prayers to you,

 

[disneychic2]

Have a great trip to Colorado! Spoil those gds too!

Yes, Kate is an avid Orioles fan - so much that when she lived in NYC, she would go to Yankee Stadium when the Orioles were playing there -- in her Orioles gear! Since she moved back to Baltimore and lives within walking distance of Camden Yards, she joined a group called the Orioles Advocates - which is an official organization that does fund raising and other activities that promote the Orioles organization. They also hand out the give-aways at the games, which is what we did yesterday. They gave away hats to all the women over 18. You would not believe the number of men that tried to get one!

Sadly for me, Kate is probably going to be moving back to the NYC area (actually in New Jersey) by the end of the summer.

Passing out the freebies sounds like tons of fun! I CAN believe the guys wanting the hats. You say FREE and it doesn't matter if you can use it or not, but people want whatever it is. HaHa!

So sad about Kate going back to NYC area. Is she pursuing her career there? She must be so talented to be asked to sing so many places! We raise them to grow and pursue their dreams and when they do it is bittersweet. I know just how you feel.

MMMMM...sounds like a wonderful Mothers Day for you! Even if you didnt get to SEE all your kiddos

It was really great. I just know you had a good one with those adorable little ones!

Sorry you didn't get to see the kids in real life! one of the best things about facebook you keep in touch every day with people!
yet your Mom's day sounds like the BEST FOOD EVER!!!!



Enjoy your grandkids and have a great time!!!!!

I love Facebook for that reason and also FaceTime. I sometimes feel electronics are getting out of hand, but then, it keeps me connected to my loved ones, so you won't hear me complaining!

Glad you had a great Mother's Day. We did not, my mom was actually hospitalized on Saturday. Apparently she had several small strokes last week. She is home now but has some physically therapy in front of her. She is doing very well considering. Prayers and good thoughts are greatly appreciated. I didn't even get to see Peyton until past her bedtime on Sunday, I was at the hospital before she even woke up. I owe my girls a do-over on Mother's Day.

Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear that Jennifer! I hope your Mom is doing better now. Is she still in the hospital? Prayers going out for her and for your whole family!

And certainly ANY day can be designated Mother's Day! (Just don't tell Hallmark!) Bless your heart!

We love to go to Vegas! We've been going since we were newly engaged, although we took short breaks when I was pregnant with each of the girls and when they were new babies. The last couple of years, we have gone over Super Bowl weekend. We saw George Strait in concert Saturday night and went to a Super Bowl party on Sunday. We also do a couple of restaurants that we love each trip. We spend some time gambling in the different casinos, sight seeing, and being responsibility free for a few days. It is DH's Disney World. We've gone in the past when it wasn't Super Bowl and seen some different shows and had some nice dinners. We've done spas and the pool and DH has gone to an indoor shooting range to shoot machine guns. We've probably stepped foot in every casino on the Strip. We really love it for a grown ups only vaction!

We may do a cruise and park trip at some point. It would be nice because DH and I would both get to do what we want.

Enjoy the granddaughters, daughter, and Colorado!

Sounds like Vegas is a fun place to be for you guys! I've been twice, but I was just 15 the first time and we were just passing through. Dan and I went several years ago with several other couples to celebrate one of the guys getting his masters after a long haul. We had a good time then, but haven't been back. To tell the truth, with our kids scattered so much, we spend a lot of vacation time visiting them. Good thing Dan gets 6 weeks!!

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

So, for my update. I'm sitting at the Cleveland airport. Due to bad weather last night, two flights to Chicago were cancelled and I didn't get on my first flight. So I've been here since 5:30 am (it's 1:05pm now) and waiting on the only other flight to Colorado Springs today at 1:45. It is full and I may not get on that one either. Tomorrow's flights are oversold, so it's looking pretty grim for me. I guess I should explain that I am flying standby with a pass from my sister who used to be a flight attendant for American. Her husband is still a captain with AA. We can fly for the cost of the taxes, but the hiccup is, it's only if there are seats available. There were 8 people standing by this morning for the 7:00 flight, and 7 got on. Guess who didn't?? So, I read the last 2/3rds of a book and have another one ready to go. If I don't get on this flight, I may just go to a hotel nearby and try all over again tomorrow. Just have to decide if I want to do that. To me, it's a small price to pay to get to see my babies. So I'll probably try for a couple more days yet. Little Caroline got up this morning and asked for me. So you know I'll do everything I can to get there! I checked two bags, one of which was just for stuff I bought for them! So I've gotta get there! I'll keep you all posted.

Have a great day everyone, and prayers to those who need them!

 

[Chicago Mo]

I hope you got your flight and your on your way too see your beautiful grand kids!!!! Yes weather here was really bad...

Keep us updated!!!

 

[lovedonaldduck]

Hope you got on a flight to Colorado by now!

My mom is home now, she went home Monday night. We are still waiting on my dad to get a flight out of Afghanistan so he can be home to help her. She has to have someone with her 24/7 right now, so my aunts and I are staggering our days off to fill in the gap. I am back at the office today but will be taking either tomorrow or Friday off to get my dad from the airport. Hopefully he'll be home by then.

Thanks for the prayers from you and Mo! It could have been much worse but I hate dealing with any kind of serious medical emergency. And, now that I have to deal with the first one for one of my parents, I hate being an only child all that much more. It would be nice to have someone to share the emotional burden with and to split the workload. (Helping my mom is not a burden, but it is work. I am thankful that it wasn't more serious and know that I'm blessed that she'll be making a full recovery. And I'm happy to do whatever she needs done - although an extra set of hands would be nice). I know you all understand but I hate to sound like I'm complaining.

 

[Chicago Mo]

Still here making sure all is well..

Jennifer. I really hope it get better, I understand needed the extra help. it's a lot of work. to you!!! Prayers always!!!!

 

[lovedonaldduck]

Just checking in, too.

Thanks, Mo! I will be leaving within the hour to pick my dad up from the airport. Once my dad is home, that will take a lot of pressure off of me. I will still be willing and able to help but it will great to have him home to be the primary person in charge. I hope that doesn't sound selfish - it's just a lot with a family of my own and a full time job.

Thanks so much for the prayers, they are really appreciated!