You ASKED for it, You GOT it!! GKTW ALUMNI RETURN! UPDATE 1/9 MOVING DAY

[blessedmom4]

Originally Posted by DMGeurts

Thanks for keeping us upadated on Lisa and Megan... Glad they had a safe trip... They look wonderful!

D~

They DID look beautiful, I agree!

Originally Posted by happybelle

How much did the contractor want? Love the picture, they look so happy.

The contractor on Thursday we are still waiting on to give us a price. The Friday contractor wants $40,000 and has "no idea what else he may find once they start the work". That is well more than 1/3 the value of our home. I have been sick over it.

Thank you that is very kind. Happy New Year to you as well!


Thank you for the nice compliment, I LOVED hearing Rachel and her Talent has opened up a new opportunity for her...

What is the new opportunity Rachel has? I would like to hear her sometime.

The SOR has invited her to play in one of their shows in late spring (late May, early June). They typically offer 30 minute individual lessons and a three hour group rehearsal each week to prepare for this 1.5 hour show. Rachel will be part of the three hour weekly rehearsal and that is typically $300 per month (No individual lessons)! They are giving her a full scholarship, $300 per month. They only ask us to sell $80 in tickets for the show, that will be our only requirement (and we need 5 of those for us already)...I told Pete I thought we could handle that, this is an amazing opportunity and I am thrilled they see her talent.
You can see Megan and Lisa right in the middle of things.

Those are great pictures

I definitely agree!

Originally Posted by p00h4me

Thanks for the update on Lisa and Megan! They look so happy in the pictures. Praying that this journey will bring much healing to them both!
I agree with you Gail, even if I am late!
Judy, hope you can get other people to give you more reasonable bids for your repairs on the house. Sometimes I think it's better to be a renter. There's always something that needs repairing or replacing with each home every 15 years or so.
I am quite overwhelmed Gail. I would love to rent sometimes; however, in our area, even a 2 to 3 bedroom home rents 25 percent more than our mortgage. Our problem has been so many medical bills and nothing left over for repairs as they were needed. I am weary of it all and with a $2,500 deductible PER PERSON (NOT family) it is obscene.
Tink, so glad that JJ is feeling better!

Hope that continues!

Originally Posted by lovethattink

Wait? Rachel has a facebook page?
Only for her SOR, that is how they communicate. That made me LOL Tink!
Those are great pictures.

Originally Posted by Restrasz

I am so glad Lisa and Meghan are having a good trip. The pictures are great! I hope their trip is both healing nd a blessing!
I KNOW they appreciated your good wishes Ruth!
January is such a difficult month to deal with health insurance. They all reset with new rules that no one understands. It seems that coverage for necessary equipment should be clear and decided before the new year starts??

Pete's insurance runs August to July...that meant we paid THREE deductibles in 2012...For His COBRA January to May, From May to July, then again August 1. I had SO much minutia happening in late July to August, I might not have even said anything here, so many really just don't get it...and don't want to read it, I fully understand. I am feeling so sick about it tonight I need to write and process. It is unfathomable how they expect us to go onward.

Originally Posted by angel's momma

Judy - Glad you have some good to counteract the problems. Praying all of the problems will work out, especially Lisa's cpap machine. Thank you for the FB page to follow Megan & Lisa's trip. Continued prayers for your family.
Thanks Christi, I hate to be such a downer, sometimes though it just becomes too much to bear. I think if I had been irresponsible with my money or lived in a house that wasn't falling down around me, I could handle it better. We have been dealing with this the past ten years and I see no relief in sight.
Andrea - Sorry you're dealing with the potential of lice - hope she doesn't get it. If you have a black light, it can be very helpful in detecting nits (I helped check heads many years ago at camp).

Oooh , a new trick for me to know!


Glad he is doing better, continued prayers.
Sorry you weren't able to go to CA. Prayers for safe travels.
Prayers for all in need.

We all appreciate them!

Originally Posted by McDuck

Posting and keeping one eye on the embroidery machine--making shirts for our trip. excuse any typos i may miss!
What are you Making????
Praying insurance gets their act together for the cpap machine! Understand your dad refusingchemo, continuing prayers for healing! Thanks for sharing the pics of Lisa and Megan.
Thanks Jennie!
Andrea, hope you escape lice! so not fun!
Makes me itch every-time I read it!
hope jj continues to feel better.

training is going well, my mileage is way down in prep for the race. I am getting sick now, though. praying it is gone by weds when we leave! Fundraising, we are now at $101.20, not counting any direct donations to Team Gleason i don't know about. I think a friend of minedonated directly before i had a tracking fundraising page. We hoped to raise $500, but any amount is good, right?
SO SORRY You aren't well. I can relate..but I am not trying to run a marathon, well at least not physically! I say Go Team Gleason! I think ANY money raised is fabulus and so is raising awareness!
Well, I better get back to embroidering shirts. I am working on our post race shirts. They say "13.1 Miles! What was I thinking?!" and will have Donald on them. I have to do the words on one more and then I am off to bed, hoping to feel improved in the am but skipping church nonetheless.
Those sound ADORABLE!!!! I need pics when you have time. And I REALLY PRAY you feel MUCH better very soon!
Love and prayers to all!!!! ((((((((hugs)))))))

Originally Posted by KatMark

Judy, thank you for sharing the pictures of Lisa and Megan; so good to see their radiant smiles.

Thanks for being hear Kathy, love you to pieces! That was the BEST smile I saw on Lisa's face, so wonderful to see her and Megan so happy!


SOOOOOOO, enough complaining about insurance I need to get to bed...another busy day awaits!

[blessedmom4]

Originally Posted by VBAndrea

Thanks to all for the lice advice. So far Alexa is lice-free I'd like to keep it that way as another girl was in school with it on Friday. I got the full scoop from another mom. A girl, E, originally had it for weeks as the mom thought she was having a reaction to shampoo and didn't know to check for lice. She was treated as soon as nurse friend of hers told her to check for lice. E was treated on NY's eve so likely had it before break. L had it on Thursday and that's when we were told. L's parent's sent the little sister, A, to school on Friday and she was found to have it at noon. Alexa told me she stayed in school so I called the director b/c I was more than a bit upset about this. According to the director the father was called but he works about an hour away from the school so she did not go home immediately. I still think the school should send written notices like they do when kids get strep. I worry not everyone knows and this will perpetuate.
What a HUGE MESS! They need to put this to bed once and for all and you have the right to KNOW!
I have been flea combing Alexa's hair everyday and bought Rosemary and Mint shampoo. Alexa does have dandruff when I flashlight search so it makes it more challenging, but I read that nits stick and dandruff moves and her dandruff is really fine. Sad thing is I have never seen nits so I don't know how they compare size wise to dandruff. Anyway, so far so good, but I'd like to keep it that way so anymore tips are welcome. I love the coat in the trash bag one!!!
Poor Alexa and her beautiful long tresses! How is she handling it?
Judy, I'm glad your father is progressing decently. He went through a very major surgery and with some of his issues in the hospital during recovery I think he is doing remarkable. And I fully respect his decision not to do chemo. I'm just that way -- I really feel an individual knows to what extent he wants to be treated and it is his right.
Oh I do too Andrea! I had Friendship Trays out today and they qualify to have the meals delivered for a reduced rate. My parents have agreed to the 10 meal trial...It wil be such a blessing to them!
I am really miffed at the way insurance is handling this CPAP issue. I feel your pain! I'll be praying they come to their senses. Keep pressuring them and keep talking to different people until you get what you need.
You should hear what they have told us about Christian's testing...okay I will go ahead and tell you...We found out today we need $2,500 UPFRONT by January 24...that HAS changed since January 1. I am so miffed, we have been waiting so long and I am just sickened by it all. We are tied by our BCBSNC policy and they have been very unhelpful.
Thank you for the pics of Lisa! I really know this trip must be so bittersweet for her, but I think I will be really healing and it's so good to see her there with a smile on her face.
It really was so wonderful to see her smile.
Jen -- hope you feel better and get your shirts done!

Ruth -- I'm so glad to see you posting. I honestly just thought of you yesterday morning and was wondering where you had been and how you were doing back at work. I hope things are going smoothly for you. I think your trip is just a couple months away right now, correct?
Ruth, how are you feeling????
Prayers to all in need. Please say some for us too or I will be starting to look for another part time job in a week or two. No big deal if I could find something that wouldn't take time away from the kids, but doubt that's possible. I'm still toying with the idea of doing an etsy shop and while I know that is not financially stable or as financially productive as my real job, it would allow me to work while the kids are in school. I may try that first and see what it does. Need to talk to D about a couple of business aspects though to see if it is really worthwhile. We will not be able to survive with the loss of the tax breaks that should be hitting us this month on our paychecks. And I am really getting tired of scraping pennies.

HUGE HUGS ANDREA! Since the summer when you told me what you were shelling out for these two mortgages... I wish I could be your sole customer! YOu are amazing and anyone would be lucky to have your creations. Ah, the end of the tax breaks, I can hardly wait...they come at a great time, don't they.

Originally Posted by Piper

I understand the insurance issue completely. I just needed to get a rail for my bed that would help me get out of bed and stand up. (My dizzy spells and nausea are worse at night and I have to get up several times a night. I have fallen a few times lately.)
Thank you Piper, I am so sorry to hear of your falls though!
Through the DME companies, I would have had to pay a $50 deductible and then medicare would have paid $94. I found the exact same one on Amazon for $41 shipped! (and I had about $30 in credit left from a Christmas present from my sister--so I only had to pay $11.) Plus I got it delivered in 2 days rather than waiting a couple of weeks for it to be approved, etc.
It is ridiculous that companies jack up the price to people that have insurance!!! You know Amazon was making a profit. Think how much profit the DME company would have made.....and most people my age aren't savvy enough to research and/or look for less expensive products.

Amazon is a great place to get many things, I so agree! I am happy you are savvy enough to find what you need and to help reduce the outrageous prices. It is shameful.

Originally Posted by happybelle

Judy I saw on the Be Like Brit Facebook they are flying home from Haiti. I hope you are having a better day.

Thanks Happybelle, nothing that a 100K couldn't cure....at least unitl next month.

Originally Posted by lovethattink

Lisa just called. They are back in the states. She should arrive home tomorrow around noon. She will try to post something tomorrow.

Michelle, I really did appreciate all of the updates!

Originally Posted by VBAndrea

Thank you all for the Lisa updates. I had a feeling this would be a very well needed, wonderful time for her. I'm glad all her travels went safely.
Angel's Mom (sorry your name escapes me),
CHRISTI meet Andrea!
we verified it's dandruff. I started itching but I do periodically get dandruff too in the winter (Alexa and I both have dry skin) so I used dandruff shampoo and then flea combed my hair to be safe. In one spot I got some white things on the comb which dh immediately said were dandruff, but I really needed proof. So we got out the microscope and it indeed is just dandruff. I know lice isn't the end of the world but bugs give me the heebie jeebies and I would like to keep them out of our house. I think my friends in the UK are laughing at me b/c it's apparently not at all uncommon over there. My kids have been at this school for 5 years now and this is our first incidence. Alexa will still be getting her hair braided for a few weeks and I'm having her wear a scarf today too. Yes, I'm paranoid.
Me too, I don't blame you. Hope it is getting better!
Judy, since it's your thread I'll say "hi" and hope that you have a wonderful day. I am going to spend my day taking down Christmas decorations (yuck!).

THANK YOU for not forgetting it was my thread (actually I thought it was yours too). HI!!! Hope you got everything down.

Originally Posted by p00h4me

Andrea, glad that you verified that it was dandruff you saw on Alexa and praying that she won't get the lice. Hopefully since all the parents have been notified that the problem will end soon. Praying that you'll find another part time job or if you decide to sell your sewing on etsy that it will help your family through this time until you can get your other house sold! Our son-in-law was shocked to see less in his paycheck after they started taking back the 2% for SS. I guess people forgot that this was only a temporary tax break. I didn't remember it because it didn't affect us retired folks.
Pete's company paid them the typical amount Jan 1 and plan to take it all out at once "once they figure out what that is".
Thanks all for the updates on Lisa and Megan! Great to hear they had an amazing time!
I know, how wonderful!
Still have patches of snow in places that the sun doesn't hit. It should all melt soon since we are supposed to get back up into the 50's and low 60's this week.
I hope the snow melted and the sun dried up the yard so Tiffy could have lots of fun...without her boots and coat!
Have a wonderful week Judy! Praying that it's not too crazy and that you'll be able to get someone to give you a straight answer from the insurance company.

Thank you Gail, I know you are keeping it in prayer for me! Thank you!

Originally Posted by WDWRids

Happy New Year (7 days late!!)!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR ALYSON! I have been wondering how the insurance precert woes were coming!
Been a while since I've been on the boards. Life has been so hectic with sick grandparents and getting ready for DH's surgery. Glad to report that grandparents are improving. My Dad is single and only child so I help him ALOT with my grandparents. We started off the New Year with grandma in the ED but she is slowing improving and hopefully will be back to her normal self soon.
Glad your grandparents are improving, that is good news and that your Dad had you to help. I am NOT a single child but when it it time to help I might as well be.
Insurance woes.....oh, I so understand!!! Surgeons office messed up with the paperwork and didn't submit preapproval until last THURSDAY!!! 1 week and a day before surgery is scheduled. I was so upset with them I went and found the surgeon and let him know. (something good about working in a hospital). Now insurance says not enough to warrant surgery and he should do pt. His mri is 18 months old so I have a feeling we will do another mri or malogram tomorrow. Don't understand why we and they have to spend more money just to approve the surgery. Sorry for venting but I am behind upset on this. Trying so hard for DH not to see me but so upset as I don't want to upset him. On my way now to find the surgeon again to see what we can do.
Insurance and government need to STOP dictating medical care and let those who have studied to be physicians and surgeons DO THEIR JOBS! It has NOT stopped qualified, honest doctors from cheating, it has just limited their ability to give adequate care. PLEASE kepe me posted and huge I so get it.
So happy that Lisa and Megan have had a good trip. Those pics of them smiling brings tears to my eyes. Can't wait to hear all about it. What an amazing journey!!
I KNOW, it is wonderful isn't it!
Everyone take care!

You too Alyson!

Originally Posted by mommy2mrb

we are home! the trip was amazing, heart-wrenching, happy, blessed and loving....I will be doing an update on my PTR in a couple days, need some time to reflect on our journey....just so you know the little guy on my lap is ChrisLove and his mama works at the orphanage and is a little lovey!
thank you all for your prayers and support, means so much to us both!
Judy sorry I missed you too, let me know when you have a bit of time so we can talk!

We will just have to carve out some minutes, it is here.
I need to hear all about it! I know I will need kleenex.
ChrisLove, what a sweetie.


Okay, so maybe NOW I will go to sleep....

[mommy2mrb]

Good Morning Judy! had a great night sleep! hope you did too!
just let me know when we can talk!

thank you again everyone for your prayers, our journey had every emotion in the book, we were surrounded by love and support, just as we are here!

I hope to have an update in the next couple of days, will be working on editting and uploading my photos today.

P & PD and all in need

[Restrasz]

Just a quick health update: I am back at work! I still tire easily and wish not working was an option! However, I will still need health insurance for a couple years before Medicare will start. I've looked into part time so I could keep my health insurance but will make too much to collect social security. At this point I will continue to work full time. Recently my problems with dizziness and the accompanying nausea and vomiting has been a real problem. I've spent time in the hospital several times but we still have no answer.
I am very much looking forward to our disney trip in early March, and am so thankful for all of my friends on the dis plus the continuing support from my family and friends at home.
I'm thinking of all of you and keep you in my prayers! Ruth

[McDuck]

This is probably going to be one of my last few posts until after we get back from the Half....well, unless I check the DIS from my phone on the road. We leave super-early tomorrow. I'm starting to feel better, but now Kaity has a cough. Oy. She is doing a kid's race on Thursday, so I'm hoping it's nothing. She did have some water go down the wrong way at lunch and slept all the way back home (we dropped the dog off with my brother), but gave her something just in case and upping the prayers.

I am planning on doing a trip report when we get back, and I will show off the stuff I made.

I am excited to hear about Rachel's scholarship and share frustration with you over the insurance and home repairs. Continuing to pray it all works out.

Okay, I need to get back to packing because I am woefully behind. LOL

Love, hugs, and prayers to alll!

[VBAndrea]

Jennie - have a super trip and hope ALL of you get healthy asap! I can't wait to see the outfits -- you may have posted on Disbout but I haven't been over there in ages

Lisa -- I'm just so happy you went on your trip and am so anxious to see pics.

Ruth -- thanks for the update. Sorry things aren't better. I'm glad you have your vacation to look forward to.

Hi Judy! It is your thread so thought I'd say hello

[danygirl]

Too bad doctors can;t be more like dentists - they tend to work with you to help you finance the expensive work you need. Hope you find a way to make things work for Christian. One hint when on the phone with insurance (my mom does this) When she gets on the phone and they try to blow her off, she tells them she doesn;t have a job and has ALL DAY to get this handled. She refuses to be put on hold, saying very cheerfully, no I would rather stay on the line with you, it's not a problem, I have ALL DAY (which is not true btw). She says it scares the crap out of them and they tend to find a way to make things work for you. maybe that will work for you.

[babynala]

Sorry that the insurance is driving you crazy. It is so frustrating that everything has to be so troublesome.

Congrats to Rachel on her scholarship. She deserves it. She has so much talent but obviously works hard on her music.

[miprender]

Just checking in, I seem never to be able to get on the DISboards anymore.....


but I am still waiting for a shirt to be sent to me

Originally Posted by VBAndrea

Prayers to all in need. Please say some for us too or I will be starting to look for another part time job in a week or two. No big deal if I could find something that wouldn't take time away from the kids, but doubt that's possible. I'm still toying with the idea of doing an etsy shop and while I know that is not financially stable or as financially productive as my real job, it would allow me to work while the kids are in school. I may try that first and see what it does. Need to talk to D about a couple of business aspects though to see if it is really worthwhile. We will not be able to survive with the loss of the tax breaks that should be hitting us this month on our paychecks. And I am really getting tired of scraping pennies.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. The stuff you design is gorgeous and I think you should open a shop on Etsy or even FB

[blessedmom4]

Originally Posted by mommy2mrb

Good Morning Judy! had a great night sleep! hope you did too!
just let me know when we can talk!
I wanted to call you so badly last night; however, I felt CERTAIN it was an early night! I know how your sleep is, so I hope you can sleep again tonight.
thank you again everyone for your prayers, our journey had every emotion in the book, we were surrounded by love and support, just as we are here!

I hope to have an update in the next couple of days, will be working on editting and uploading my photos today.

Take your Time Lisa, we will be here when you start!

Originally Posted by Restrasz

Just a quick health update: I am back at work! I still tire easily and wish not working was an option! However, I will still need health insurance for a couple years before Medicare will start. I've looked into part time so I could keep my health insurance but will make too much to collect social security. At this point I will continue to work full time. Recently my problems with dizziness and the accompanying nausea and vomiting has been a real problem. I've spent time in the hospital several times but we still have no answer.
I am very much looking forward to our disney trip in early March, and am so thankful for all of my friends on the dis plus the continuing support from my family and friends at home.
I'm thinking of all of you and keep you in my prayers! Ruth

Ruth, please be good to yourself. Thankful you have a trip to look forward to!

Originally Posted by McDuck

This is probably going to be one of my last few posts until after we get back from the Half....well, unless I check the DIS from my phone on the road. We leave super-early tomorrow. I'm starting to feel better, but now Kaity has a cough. Oy. She is doing a kid's race on Thursday, so I'm hoping it's nothing. She did have some water go down the wrong way at lunch and slept all the way back home (we dropped the dog off with my brother), but gave her something just in case and upping the prayers.
Jennie, HUGE prayers coming your way for a safe trip, for you all to be well and I am trying to imagine little Katy running a "marathon". I hope she is feeling MUCH better by morning!!!
I am planning on doing a trip report when we get back, and I will show off the stuff I made.
I can't wait!!!
I am excited to hear about Rachel's scholarship and share frustration with you over the insurance and home repairs. Continuing to pray it all works out.
Thank you for the acknowledgment for Rachel and for understanding how difficult some of this can be.
Okay, I need to get back to packing because I am woefully behind. LOL

Love, hugs, and prayers to alll!

I hope you are all packed and in bed sleeping, getting rest. I can't wait to hear how things turn out!

Originally Posted by VBAndrea

Jennie - have a super trip and hope ALL of you get healthy asap! I can't wait to see the outfits -- you may have posted on Disbout but I haven't been over there in ages

Lisa -- I'm just so happy you went on your trip and am so anxious to see pics.

Ruth -- thanks for the update. Sorry things aren't better. I'm glad you have your vacation to look forward to.

Hi Judy! It is your thread so thought I'd say hello

Hi Andrea...You ignored all I said above... Glad you didn't forget me.

Originally Posted by danygirl

Too bad doctors can;t be more like dentists - they tend to work with you to help you finance the expensive work you need. Hope you find a way to make things work for Christian. One hint when on the phone with insurance (my mom does this) When she gets on the phone and they try to blow her off, she tells them she doesn;t have a job and has ALL DAY to get this handled. She refuses to be put on hold, saying very cheerfully, no I would rather stay on the line with you, it's not a problem, I have ALL DAY (which is not true btw). She says it scares the crap out of them and they tend to find a way to make things work for you. maybe that will work for you.

I never give up due to lack of time (even when I don't have any. Lisa B can vouch for that, she saw me in action). If it gets dicey, I let them know I am an RN who worked for an insurance company. The problem is, the insurance is getting worse and the plans are a nightmare. I DO appreciate the hint and the reminder to stay tenacious!

Originally Posted by babynala

Sorry that the insurance is driving you crazy. It is so frustrating that everything has to be so troublesome.
It can be at times. I just wish things could be easy and straight forward...I know everybody has the same woes, ours just seem magnified because there are so many of us and so many with health issues.
Congrats to Rachel on her scholarship. She deserves it. She has so much talent but obviously works hard on her music.

You are very kind to say so Liz. I LOVE to hear her play and she just really has great passion to go with that talent, The more she plays the more she wants to. I know I talk about it a lot; however, it really is a HUGE part of who she is.

Originally Posted by miprender

Just checking in, I seem never to be able to get on the DISboards anymore.....
I really understand. You were on my mind ALL today, now I know why...






but I am still waiting for a shirt to be sent to me


I am a BAD girl...
I haven't even been to the store to buy groceries in three weeks..And I was thinking about the shirt today, I need to go....


I've said it before and I'll say it again. The stuff you design is gorgeous and I think you should open a shop on Etsy or even FB

I SO AGREE Andrea!!!!

You too though Michelle, I LOVE your shirts!

[blessedmom4]

Time to Move!

Started our New Trip Report Here!


They are about to shut this one down...Please come by and say hi.

[ladylyons]

We're back!! and I've finally had the time to get on and try to get caught up!! We had a fantastic time and really enjoyed time together.

I did get some really sad news while I was out of town. A friend of mine from Elementary school had a heart attack and passed away on Dec. 30. Please keep his wife and 2 young daughters in your prayers that they are able to get through this. He was a very caring, giving person and was taken from us way too soon. His passing makes me treasure my family even more.

Glad Rachel had a successful event on Saturday!!!

I'll be back soon once I know if my husband has taken the pictures off the camera yet.

[blessedmom4]

Originally Posted by ladylyons

We're back!! and I've finally had the time to get on and try to get caught up!! We had a fantastic time and really enjoyed time together.

I did get some really sad news while I was out of town. A friend of mine from Elementary school had a heart attack and passed away on Dec. 30. Please keep his wife and 2 young daughters in your prayers that they are able to get through this. He was a very caring, giving person and was taken from us way too soon. His passing makes me treasure my family even more.

Glad Rachel had a successful event on Saturday!!!

I'll be back soon once I know if my husband has taken the pictures off the camera yet.

Once again, WELCOME HOME!!!!! I am incredibly sorry to read this Sandra, HUGE HUGS to you and especially his family. That is shocking, I know. I know what you mean about treasuring your family when tragedy strikes, it reminds us of how truly blessed we are!