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

[KatMark]

Glad you had such a great visit with friends, Judy.

I'm sorry I've been missing (just a lot going on with Mark's mom, my brother and the kids came in for the weekend and kept us busy).

[WDWRids]

Judy, just caught up on all the fun you all have had with the dismeet. How cool!!! Sounds like everyone had such a great time.

Can't believe its almost time for you to be headed back to Orlando. It will be amazing to hear how your trip back to GKTW in a volunteer role is. I bet it will be truly amazing and special. Do you have any of your plans worked out?

I'm jealous....feeling the blues we are not going. Been in Sept for the last two years but cant swing it this time. But hopefully we will be there in March if DH is not having back surgery....we found out last week that fusion is coming sooner than later. Gonna do a series of three injections to help with the pain and extend him out a while. I go in March for an annual work conference and can't imagine going without him!!!

Special prayers going out today to all on the board going through personal and family issues.

[mommy2mrb]

We are home safe and sound!


Flight was delayed about 1 hour out of Atlanta, but made up 30 minutes, we got to our house at 1130 pm our time and CRASHED! Megan is still sleeping!



We had such a wonderful time with Judy (joy) and her gang, yes we stayed up way to late most nights and loved having Andrea and Alexa join in on the fun!

Andrea I couldn't say it any better of your description of Judy and the family, they so sweet, kind and generous with their love and support!
I felt bad we didn't get any photos of the 4 girls either, realized it after you all had left! will send you what I do have after I get photos edited and uploaded!



will be back later to see all the updates I've missed...am sending lots of prayers to those in need!

[thebeesknees]

Glad to hear LisaB and Megan made it home safely! You girls must be exhausted! Candee, I read your post after I posted last time and wanted you to know that my heart goes out to you. I realize I am a stranger, but I am praying for you and your family during this difficult time. I can't imagine having to go through one thing right after another like that, especially when it is your precious children experiencing these troubles.

Any news on Scotty today? Heard anything from his doctor? How frustrating to be stuck in the waiting game. Sometimes I think that is the hardest part. Once you know what you are dealing with, at least you can make some plan of action, but the not knowing can be agonizing.

Off to school here in a minute to pick up my son's homework. The teacher gave him a page yesterday to fill out and bring back when they start class on Thursday, and wouldn't you know he left it in my daughter's classroom? DH was so annoyed with him - school hasn't even started and he's already forgotten his homework! But that's my "gifted and talented" child for you...scores sky-high on tests and would lose his head if it wasn't attached to him! We had a great meeting with both teachers. Elisabeth already adores hers from just our brief meeting yesterday, and Benjamin knows his homeroom teacher from last year when she taught his math class, so that put him at ease. Hopefully that will help us start the year off on the right foot. Hope everyone has a great day today - so excited for you, Judy, that your trip is just around the corner now!

[McDuck]

Actually didn't make it out the door last night, but today is a new day, right?

I hope everyone is doing well this week, glad everyone made it home safely.

Here is my potty-trained princess with her two new friends. We bought the purple one, which she named Abracadabra. My parents bought her the pink one, which she named Quadaquasqua. She certainly doesn't lack creativity, does she?



I did finish the dress for our Team Gleason fundraising, and my mom helped me make a coordinating bow. Here they are!




They have matching "bling"



I can't believe 32 days to go! I hope y'all have so much fun!!!!!!

[RooRach0906]

Originally Posted by McDuck

Actually didn't make it out the door last night, but today is a new day, right?

I hope everyone is doing well this week, glad everyone made it home safely.

Here is my potty-trained princess with her two new friends. We bought the purple one, which she named Abracadabra. My parents bought her the pink one, which she named Quadaquasqua. She certainly doesn't lack creativity, does she?

I did finish the dress for our Team Gleason fundraising, and my mom helped me make a coordinating bow. Here they are!

They have matching "bling"

I can't believe 32 days to go! I hope y'all have so much fun!!!!!!

So cute!

Also any tips for Potty Training? I tried last week with no luck.

[VBAndrea]

Originally Posted by mommy2mrb

We are home safe and sound!


Flight was delayed about 1 hour out of Atlanta, but made up 30 minutes, we got to our house at 1130 pm our time and CRASHED! Megan is still sleeping!



We had such a wonderful time with Judy (joy) and her gang, yes we stayed up way to late most nights and loved having Andrea and Alexa join in on the fun!

Andrea I couldn't say it any better of your description of Judy and the family, they so sweet, kind and generous with their love and support!
I felt bad we didn't get any photos of the 4 girls either, realized it after you all had left! will send you what I do have after I get photos edited and uploaded!



will be back later to see all the updates I've missed...am sending lots of prayers to those in need!

So glad you made it home safely Glad Megan is catching up on her zzzzzzz's -- I felt absolutely exhausted most of the day Sunday -- just out of sorts -- and I figure that's how Megan felt as well. I have to blame you and Judy for keeping me up so late!

Yes, please e-mail me photos. I do have one of Alexa, Lisa and Megan at the School of Rock and it would be so cute if it wasn't so blurry. Now you know why I barely take any photos. Someday I will have a decent camera.

Originally Posted by thebeesknees

Off to school here in a minute to pick up my son's homework. The teacher gave him a page yesterday to fill out and bring back when they start class on Thursday, and wouldn't you know he left it in my daughter's classroom? DH was so annoyed with him - school hasn't even started and he's already forgotten his homework! But that's my "gifted and talented" child for you...scores sky-high on tests and would lose his head if it wasn't attached to him! We had a great meeting with both teachers. Elisabeth already adores hers from just our brief meeting yesterday, and Benjamin knows his homeroom teacher from last year when she taught his math class, so that put him at ease. Hopefully that will help us start the year off on the right foot. Hope everyone has a great day today - so excited for you, Judy, that your trip is just around the corner now!

Your son sounds like my dd's long lost twin -- she's as smart as a whip but can't remember the simple stuff.

Originally Posted by McDuck

Actually didn't make it out the door last night, but today is a new day, right?

I hope everyone is doing well this week, glad everyone made it home safely.

Here is my potty-trained princess with her two new friends. We bought the purple one, which she named Abracadabra. My parents bought her the pink one, which she named Quadaquasqua. She certainly doesn't lack creativity, does she?



I did finish the dress for our Team Gleason fundraising, and my mom helped me make a coordinating bow. Here they are!




They have matching "bling"



I can't believe 32 days to go! I hope y'all have so much fun!!!!!!

Great photo of your potty trained princess I love her now outfit and accessories.

[Mrs. Bradbury]

Originally Posted by blessedmom4

My prayers will continue for your family and for some stability and peace.

Thank you, Judy. I had some bad news today and I am awash in emotions.

Background - my parents both had previous marriages and children prior to marrying and having my brother and me. My childhood was filled with sisters and brothers and nieces and nephews and I thought we were a close-knit family until my dad died when I was in my early teens, and we didn't really hear much from his kids after that, or my mother's first set of kids either, for that matter. No falling out, just . . . silence. Clearly my dad was doing the legwork to get everyone together, and no one was interested anymore. That realization created quite a shift in my world.

Today my brother called me to tell me that our half-sister died, one of our dad's children, and not of natural causes. Either a homocide or suicide; the police had not made a determination when he called me. And of course he starts in about me going to her funeral. This from the brother that we talk twice a year, on my birthday and his birthday.

After my mother died several years ago, I kind of drew a line and said, "this was my life before" and "this is my life after", and for very specific reasons, a lot of people I chose to leave out of the rest of my life.

I have wonderful memories of my sister from my childhood, but it feels like that childhood happened to another person. And I don't care to see those people again.

*sigh* Please remember me as I struggle with this decision. Honestly, there isn't much of a decision for me, but as a female raised in the South I am used to bending over backwards to be pleasant and get along with people, at my own expense.

[addictedtonostalgia]

Originally Posted by blessedmom4

There absolutely were NOT any duplicates! She loved them and you were very generous. I pray you have a great day at class and i am so happy you are back in there, praying this surgery really makes the difference for you! You are young and DESERVE to feel good and enjoy life!!

Oh, I am so happy there weren't any duplicates, I was concerned, but I knew if I didn't make it a surprise you would try to get me not to give them... And well, that simply wasn't an option!! I do wish I had more, I know I did at one time, they just got lost in the shuffle.

I had a great day at school today AND yesterday! I am soooo happy, I have been getting around fine and in excellent spirits! I don't want to jump the gun, but I feel like the surgery may have helped if my mood is any indication. I think my bubbliness and wit are back to how they used to be! I've loved all my classes and getting to know new people. My worst class is actually adapted PE, the teacher is just ... not very understanding considering which class she teaches. Everything else has been great! I was a bit homesick yesterday, but it passed quickly when I started having fun with my roomate.

Thank you for the prayers that the surgery works and makes a difference. I'll always still have stuff, but I am more optimistic now that maybe I will be more like a normal 20 year old! It will take about 3 months before we determine whether the surgery was a success. I have my follow-up appointment with my surgeon here at Duke (not the one who performed this surgery) tomorrow, anxious to see what he says.

Originally Posted by thebeesknees

Off to school here in a minute to pick up my son's homework. The teacher gave him a page yesterday to fill out and bring back when they start class on Thursday, and wouldn't you know he left it in my daughter's classroom? DH was so annoyed with him - school hasn't even started and he's already forgotten his homework! But that's my "gifted and talented" child for you...scores sky-high on tests and would lose his head if it wasn't attached to him! We had a great meeting with both teachers. Elisabeth already adores hers from just our brief meeting yesterday, and Benjamin knows his homeroom teacher from last year when she taught his math class, so that put him at ease. Hopefully that will help us start the year off on the right foot. Hope everyone has a great day today - so excited for you, Judy, that your trip is just around the corner now!

Your son and I are cut from the same cloth. I'd like to think I'm smart , but I am the most absent-minded person you will ever meet! It's quite terrible really! I'm glad their school year seems to be off to a good start though!

Originally Posted by McDuck

Actually didn't make it out the door last night, but today is a new day, right?

I hope everyone is doing well this week, glad everyone made it home safely.

Here is my potty-trained princess with her two new friends. We bought the purple one, which she named Abracadabra. My parents bought her the pink one, which she named Quadaquasqua. She certainly doesn't lack creativity, does she?



I did finish the dress for our Team Gleason fundraising, and my mom helped me make a coordinating bow. Here they are!




They have matching "bling"



I can't believe 32 days to go! I hope y'all have so much fun!!!!!!

the stuffed animals she picked out and cute names too! Love the dress and "bling"! Great work!!

Originally Posted by VBAndrea

Your son sounds like my dd's long lost twin -- she's as smart as a whip but can't remember the simple stuff.

Ah, another one of us! I think Alexa is probably a mini me then; smart, absent-minded, and skinny as a stick!!

[petals]

Originally Posted by blessedmom4

Thanks for still being here Emma...You are such a kind soul and I pray things are well!

No problem. Things are frustratingly calm if that makes sense?!

[blessedmom4]

Originally Posted by VBAndrea

I knew you would be back to your appointments today! I'm so glad you got in a good little last visit with Lisa and Megan though. To be honest, on Sunday I kind of felt like Megan did the day earlier. I think lack of sleep did that to me so I must blame you and Lisa B. So I hope Megan was feeling better and I think after tonight and a good rest in her own bed she will be happy and smiling again. For those who don't know -- the girls stayed up chatting and laughing a bit too much as well and I think the fatigue hit Megan on Saturday.
Sorry I kept you up so late, I am used to little sleep and didn't mean to exhaust you...but I was having too much fun visiting! Megan was tired Saturday through Monday, poor sweetie...she had a LONG vacation and deserved to sleep in today, that is certain.

I will try to post pics of the totes on Disbout later this week (they're not even off my camera yet) and can post them here too if you want.
YES, PLEASE POST THEM HERE!!!!
And speaking of cameras, I am a goon with picture taking and never take enough. My camera is pathetic though, but on the way home I realized I don't even have a pic of the four girls together and I can't tell you how sad that is making me. I will have Lisa send me the pics she has and I think D took a lot as well so hopefully I can get copies sent to me. I do know I had my camera out at the School of Rock and when Rachel and Pete performed at home. Don't forget to mention that Lisa sang for us as well (you probably did -- I just really skimmed the thread when I got home so may have missed some details). Loads of talent in your family!!!
I could not BELIEVE we didn't take more pics! We were having too much fun! I will send you what I have...as soon as I download them.
If I can figure out how to share my photobucket account with you I will e-mail you a link. You can also have Lisa look through the Disboutiquers photobucket for ideas or patterns she might like. I can also e-mail you with patterns I have and you can let me know if there are any specific requests. I wish you were going in Oct so the kids were back in school giving me more time to sew for you. But with the outfits you have that the girls still fit into and a little magic from Lynn and a bit of help from me I think we'll get you by. I will e-mail you and we'll figure out what is highest on the priority list and start with that. And send me pics of Lisa's latest designs -- that girl has talent!
I will send Lisa's pics... she is loving looking at your pics! (I have to put her to bed shortly though). I KNOW we will have more than enough for us to be dressed beautifully, you are too kind! So is my sweet Lynn. You are BOTH very generous!
I have to laugh at you saying Alexa is several inches shorter than Lisa b/c if you look at the group photo you can see that I'm significantly shorter than Rachel Can you imagine, a 14 y/o taller than a 29 y/o? Honestly, I was expecting Alexa and Lisa to look more mismatched ~ maybe because they got along so well it didn't seem that noticeable to me. But yes, Alexa is a twig. You will have to teach me how to set up pictochat -- I assume we can just do it with the cameras in the Mac, correct? We have no other video devices for the computer.
Okay I have to go back and look again I looked at Lisa and Alexa, and Lisa said she could rest her chin on Alexa's head. I THOGHT you had said pictochat, you said video chat...the girls said we MIGHT be able to do a DSI pictochat IF we know when she is on. Rachel IS three inches taller than you (so am I...and lots heavier)!
I'm glad you said you got the card too. I knew Lisa would make sure you did. And wasn't it a beautiful card? Convenient how well that came in handy and now it saves me mailing you a thank you. (((the little secret is Lisa B made some stunning handmade notecards that she gave to us as a gift so I was able to leave my hospitality thank you note on Judy's desk)) I will only reserve those cards for a select few as they are very dear to me.
For those who don't know Lisa does BEAUTIFUL work and we just LOVED our cards!!! Lisa gave me a surprise I have been SWOONING over for more than a year! Pictures to come... You were an AWESOME houseguest!! So was Lisa B!!!
And I hope the hematology visit went well and good numbers resulted. I was back in full swing too -- Ben had speech today and Penny gets her blood work tomorrow so I should have an update on Wednesday -- and Meredith, thank you for asking about her. She had her very last pill today and hopefully there will be no more! All right, off to do more laundry!

Lisa's INR was 2.3...close....Glad Ben had speech (hopefully without issue) and VERY happy to hear Penny's numbers tomorrow.

Originally Posted by Panotchr

So happy you all had a great visit! Friends are so important!
xo Kelly

Friends ARE important! Now, we need to start thinknig of a time to meet! You are TOO CLOSE TO ME NOT TOO!!!

[blessedmom4]

Originally Posted by miprender

Sound like you had a wonderful time this weekend. I know about the lack of sleep. We stayed at a beach house my SIL rented this week and I think I only got about an 1 hr sleep the other night.
Really missed you! OOH, any pictures???? How was the weather? I hope yo uare catching up on your sleep!
I thought I was going to fall asleep at work today

Just don't fall asleep driving!

Originally Posted by cogero

Can't wait to see the goodies Andrea made. So happy you all had a great visit.

We missed you too! Hoping Andrea posts her pics over here!

Originally Posted by McDuck

Sounds like it was a truly magical and loving time! So happy for you all! I did take pics of Miss K and her new "friends" -- my parents bought her one also since they said she potty trained there, too. I will try to post pics and also the dress and coordinating bow which are done! It will have to wait til later tonite--we have a 30 minute training run to head out on.

Love and prayers to all!

Saw the pics, will comment shortly! (I hope)

Originally Posted by ladylyons

Ah thanks for the sweet words Judy!! Hoefully the next time I'm out on the East Coast wil be a trip to WDW and you'll be there too!! Or I'll just have to make a detour and come see you!! Thank you for the prayers. Unfortunatly we knew this day would come it just still came as a surprise. I'll have to check out the elderberry extract. I've had this darn cold now for 4 days and it just doesn't seem to be getting any better.

Oh yes a detour, sounds FUN!!!! Of course WDW or Charlotte, I must say WDW would be more fun! I hope the cold is resolving, you have enough on your plate without dealing with NON-SENSE!!

Originally Posted by RooRach0906

Sounds like you all had a fabulous time!
Always good to spend time with friends!

Good friends are hard to come by, it was so great to have Lisa B and Andrea staying with us...we missed you AMY!

[blessedmom4]

Originally Posted by p00h4me

I'm sure that Lisa B and Megan are happy to be home after their long trip and sleeping in their own beds. Usually by the end of a trip, I'm ready to get back home. So glad that they were able to spend their days in Charlotte with the family and getting to know you all better.
I feel the same way! It was great to have them and swap more stories, that was what we had hoped to do...and we did!
How is Lisa's INR numbers? Are they back in her normal range? Still praying for healing of her hole. It needs to be closed before your vacation!

The hole is still there in her stomach, although we noticed today it didn't seem QUITE so oozy...I plan to focus ONLY what has to be done in the next month as we prepare for the trip. We have school work to complete, activities starting back and MD appts. galore. Lisa's INR was 2.3, slightly low, but we adjusted and will return next week. I need to get things stable with no drama!

Originally Posted by lovethattink

Judy, thanks for the kind words. Dh works on the 23rd, and I don't drive far alone with Anakin. He has off work the 24th and on the 27th doesn't go into work until the afternoon. Unless I can work something out where Anakin and I stay in Orlando a couple days?

Love you Tink! I hope we can make it work, the 24th is my birthday and the 27th we have an activity planned..but we will see what we can work out for that day!

Originally Posted by nannye

Judy I've been so off of Dis for a while now, I'm heading back to the catch up on your PTR so I thought I'd ask how plans for the return to Florida is going. Did you guys settle on what park you are doing with your 1 day ticket?

Welcome bakc! Are you doing a TR?? At least some pics?

We NEED to work these Florida plans out! We have a few things already, but the drama of the last three weeks has been crazy! Of course, WHEN is it NOT crazy at my house...oh yes, this weekend. Lisa B told me I had not been out since Friday night! I need more weekends like that! Well, maybe with more productive things getting done around the house (we DID have four more people here)...but sometimes a girl has to visit!

Originally Posted by KatMark

Glad you had such a great visit with friends, Judy.

I'm sorry I've been missing (just a lot going on with Mark's mom, my brother and the kids came in for the weekend and kept us busy).

Kathy I am heading over RIGHT NOW to catch up on what has been going on with you! I am so sorry I have been MIA for you too. PLEASE know I am still praying! I have NOT been myself and I am trying to get back to who I am. Which includes checking in on you.

[kaoden39]

Hi guys.


I have been crazy busy trying to do 10,000 things at once so I am not getting my Disboard time in. I glanced through what I missed.


My prayers and thoughts are with you all.



We have not heard anything else from Scotty's Dr. I know that she sent a referral. Now we wait on the urologist. I checked the HMO information to find out where the nearest urologist is. He is in a town 25 miles away. He is the only one in our medical region. I figure this means we wait, and who knows how long. I am frustrated by this and I am considering contacting Scotty's Dr and asking if it would be quicker if we would go out of our region. There are more urologists in Sacramento and that is 45 miles away. To me that isn't that much further, if he has cancer chances are he will be treated there anyway. That is where my mom was treated for hers. So I sit here in what I feel is limbo. I think hearing that it is cancer would be better to hear bad news than to sit and worry.

[blessedmom4]

Originally Posted by WDWRids

Judy, just caught up on all the fun you all have had with the dismeet. How cool!!! Sounds like everyone had such a great time.
SOOOOO, when are you coming to Charlotte????
Can't believe its almost time for you to be headed back to Orlando. It will be amazing to hear how your trip back to GKTW in a volunteer role is. I bet it will be truly amazing and special. Do you have any of your plans worked out?
I can't believe it either, I really wish we could have delayed the trip, but beggars can't be choosers. Until Lynn reminded me I didn't realize it was so close (thanks Lynn...how is the college student doing)? I AM lookingi forward to volunteering at GKTW!
I'm jealous....feeling the blues we are not going. Been in Sept for the last two years but cant swing it this time. But hopefully we will be there in March if DH is not having back surgery....we found out last week that fusion is coming sooner than later. Gonna do a series of three injections to help with the pain and extend him out a while. I go in March for an annual work conference and can't imagine going without him!!!
Will keep DH in prayer, backs are scary things to not be working right and they HURT! I hope he is well enough to join you in March!
Special prayers going out today to all on the board going through personal and family issues.

SO many needs,spoken and unspoken...prayers lifted for you all.

Originally Posted by mommy2mrb

We are home safe and sound!

YEA!!!!
Flight was delayed about 1 hour out of Atlanta, but made up 30 minutes, we got to our house at 1130 pm our time and CRASHED! Megan is still sleeping!

Sorry your layover was longer than planned but SO happy Dear Megan was able to sleep in! Hope YOU are sleeping well yourself!

We had such a wonderful time with Judy (joy) and her gang, yes we stayed up way to late most nights and loved having Andrea and Alexa join in on the fun!
I gave you FULL credit! Speaking of bed, that is where I should be...had some not great news today, then more stress heaped on top of that...everything leads to MORE time away from my family and I don't have time for it.
Andrea I couldn't say it any better of your description of Judy and the family, they so sweet, kind and generous with their love and support!
I felt bad we didn't get any photos of the 4 girls either, realized it after you all had left! will send you what I do have after I get photos edited and uploaded!

You are both very kind. As I have said, I am not perfect, but what you see is what you get..the good, the bad, the snarky...I own it all.

I need to download my pics...

will be back later to see all the updates I've missed...am sending lots of prayers to those in need!

Prayers for you as well, I know you have a busy plate!

Originally Posted by thebeesknees

Glad to hear LisaB and Megan made it home safely! You girls must be exhausted! Candee, I read your post after I posted last time and wanted you to know that my heart goes out to you. I realize I am a stranger, but I am praying for you and your family during this difficult time. I can't imagine having to go through one thing right after another like that, especially when it is your precious children experiencing these troubles.
Also Candee, will address your last post but Huge hugs to you!
Any news on Scotty today? Heard anything from his doctor? How frustrating to be stuck in the waiting game. Sometimes I think that is the hardest part. Once you know what you are dealing with, at least you can make some plan of action, but the not knowing can be agonizing.
Saw the update Michel, so sorry you are dealing with the waiting game, so scary,especially if is is cancer. I am with you, I would drive to!
Off to school here in a minute to pick up my son's homework. The teacher gave him a page yesterday to fill out and bring back when they start class on Thursday, and wouldn't you know he left it in my daughter's classroom? DH was so annoyed with him - school hasn't even started and he's already forgotten his homework! But that's my "gifted and talented" child for you...scores sky-high on tests and would lose his head if it wasn't attached to him! We had a great meeting with both teachers. Elisabeth already adores hers from just our brief meeting yesterday, and Benjamin knows his homeroom teacher from last year when she taught his math class, so that put him at ease. Hopefully that will help us start the year off on the right foot. Hope everyone has a great day today - so excited for you, Judy, that your trip is just around the corner now!

AHHH, glad you didn't get upset Mom...that is always so much fun to have to go back and get what they forget....

I can't believe the trip to Florida is almost here! NO excitement yet, just HOW will I get it all done????