Yes, the family went to Disney World last week. Me, my parents, my sister and my niece. We left early on a Saturday morning and came back in the evening on the next Saturday. We had to stand in several long LOOOOOOOONG lines, but it was well worth it. If you are a resort guest at Disney World you get to enjoy extra time in the parks. We didn't take advantage of that until our last night. My niece, my sister and I played in the Magic Kingdom until after 2:15 a.m. It was a blast! The only line we really had to wait for any amount of time in was Space Mountain, but my niece really wanted to ride it again so we were cool with that.
We went to Animal Kingdom, EPCOT ("Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow" for those of you who were wondering), Typhoon Lagoon, MGM Studios, Downtown Disney and the Magic Kingdom. Dad made the mistake of assuming that we would be through EPCOT early in the afternoon and then we'd be able to go on to another park. WRONG! We loved it! Mission: Space was awesome. I only got to ride it once, but three of our party got to go twice.
The light shows were amazing!!! Especially "Fantasmic" at MGM Studios. Just a warning, if you do go to see this show, get there early (1 1/2 - 2 hours ahead of time) and don't sit in the first few rows. You'll get wet and if it's a chilly evening....cold. But, once again, well worth the wait. We also saw the EPCOT light show "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth". Many fireworks and a hugantic globe with different pictures popping up throughout the show. This show is great if you're not an 8-year-old who doesn't like loud noises. She kept her ears plugged and enjoyed the show anyway. And finally, we saw the Magic Kingdom light show "Wishes Nighttime Spectacular". Another warning. If you want to enjoy this show, do NOT sit close to the castle. We missed most of the fireworks because we thought we had good seats. Oh well. We went back the next night and got to enjoy the entire show.
As far as shopping goes, there was Downtown Disney. It had the biggest Disney Store I've ever seen. I think there are 12 different rooms in it. My niece was in Disney heaven. Downtown Disney also had a Ghirardelli "store". We got ice cream. It was yummilicious! DD has a Christmas store, a Pooh store, a toy store (of course), a Lego store, restaurants (including McDonald's) and a giant Lego monster in the pond. How cool is that?
I could go on and on about all the cool things there are to do at Disney World, but I won't. This blog would go on forever and ever. We had a good time, we ate like little piglets and we walked our feet off. Who could ask for more?
18 April 2006
30 March 2006
Faith In Times of Trial
I have often wondered how I would handle tragedy in my life. No...I'm not asking for anything to happen so that I'll find out.
A couple very close to myself and a lot of people at church and around them lost a loved one this week. But, not just a loved one....a son. In my heart, knowing these people, I knew how they would be when I went to see them with my cousin. Yes, they are sad, but their hearts still hold God. He wasn't pushed out or set aside. They spoke of God's getting them through and you could see that even though they are hurting, they know they have someone on which they can lean. His mom was telling us about her trip to the hospital and about how it seemed that God was slowly preparing her for the news she was about to receive. She said that she prayed OUT LOUD!!! I know this seems simple, but how many Christians hide their prayers in public so that others won't hear? I know I do on occasion. But why? There are so many things she could have done differently, but she (and her husband) stayed on the path through all of the pain. She is one of a few people I use as an example of a true Christian. I could explain that more, but this will go on forever.
I also heard a story on Tuesday about an accident in Wyoming that took the lives of a man and his baby girl and injured the wife (mom). A few years earlier they had had a little boy and due to health issues he was taken from them within weeks. My mom read me the eulogy that this man had written for his son's funeral. It was absolutely beautiful. I wish I could put it on here, but I don't have it. He basically said that even though his baby boy was taken from him, he knew there was a reason. People often question why God would allow a woman to go through 9 months of carrying a little one inside them and then take them away so soon. This couple knew the answer to that question. If their loss could lead even one more person to know the love of God, their son's death would not have been in vain. I pray that the wife/mom will hold that faith in her heart through her loss and her healing.
So, my question is...when God sees fit to take away someone I love will I question him? Will I push Him out of my life so I can grieve and not allow myself to see that my loss is Heaven's gain? Will I pretend that I understand but secretly harbor resentment? OR Will I react in the same way these two couples have? I am not asking for this to be put to the test any time soon. I just hope that when this does happen that God and those close to me will help me attain the latter. It's so easy to say you love God when things are working out the way you'd like them to (or when they're pretty close). How much easier would it be to get through the hard times if you have someone to whom you can hand your sorrow? It doesn't sound like a difficult question. We're the ones who won't accept an easy answer.
A couple very close to myself and a lot of people at church and around them lost a loved one this week. But, not just a loved one....a son. In my heart, knowing these people, I knew how they would be when I went to see them with my cousin. Yes, they are sad, but their hearts still hold God. He wasn't pushed out or set aside. They spoke of God's getting them through and you could see that even though they are hurting, they know they have someone on which they can lean. His mom was telling us about her trip to the hospital and about how it seemed that God was slowly preparing her for the news she was about to receive. She said that she prayed OUT LOUD!!! I know this seems simple, but how many Christians hide their prayers in public so that others won't hear? I know I do on occasion. But why? There are so many things she could have done differently, but she (and her husband) stayed on the path through all of the pain. She is one of a few people I use as an example of a true Christian. I could explain that more, but this will go on forever.
I also heard a story on Tuesday about an accident in Wyoming that took the lives of a man and his baby girl and injured the wife (mom). A few years earlier they had had a little boy and due to health issues he was taken from them within weeks. My mom read me the eulogy that this man had written for his son's funeral. It was absolutely beautiful. I wish I could put it on here, but I don't have it. He basically said that even though his baby boy was taken from him, he knew there was a reason. People often question why God would allow a woman to go through 9 months of carrying a little one inside them and then take them away so soon. This couple knew the answer to that question. If their loss could lead even one more person to know the love of God, their son's death would not have been in vain. I pray that the wife/mom will hold that faith in her heart through her loss and her healing.
So, my question is...when God sees fit to take away someone I love will I question him? Will I push Him out of my life so I can grieve and not allow myself to see that my loss is Heaven's gain? Will I pretend that I understand but secretly harbor resentment? OR Will I react in the same way these two couples have? I am not asking for this to be put to the test any time soon. I just hope that when this does happen that God and those close to me will help me attain the latter. It's so easy to say you love God when things are working out the way you'd like them to (or when they're pretty close). How much easier would it be to get through the hard times if you have someone to whom you can hand your sorrow? It doesn't sound like a difficult question. We're the ones who won't accept an easy answer.
20 March 2006
Family Wrecks
Well, I had a slight scare last week. I say slight because I know my cousin did a whole lot more freaking out than I did. I called my cousin before church on Wednesday to see if she was going to meet for dinner as we usually do before choir. When she answered, she was not her usual jovial self. Quite the opposite. The first words out of her mouth were, "I've been in a wreck! The car is really bad!" Now, if you know my cousin, you know she's a laid back sort of individual. It takes a bit to rattle her. So, of course, I was immediately worried. Turns out she's fine. Bumps, bruises, broken finger and slight burns (from airbag). Hey! I'm starting to not like the letter "B". It starts several not so fun words. Anyway, I digress. She has a tiny splint for her finger (which would work much better if she'd wear it) and her bruises are that really "pretty" yellow color now. Yuck! But, she sang at church last night (and did very well, if you ask me...but you didn't) so at least we know her vocal chords weren't damaged. :-D
My sissypoo was in a wreck several weeks ago, but it didn't scare me quite as badly because I had a good portion of the information up front and I wasn't talking to someone in "I've JUST been in an accident" mode. She did get banged up a tad though. See her blog under my "Tamra" link. There's a great pic from after her surgery. She seems to be recovering though. I talked to her on Saturday (her b-day) and the family was thrilled because she could raise her arm half-way. Nope, it doesn't take much to amuse us!
Hopefully both of them will be healed and back to their normal (well, as normal as they can get) selves in no time. We'll see.
My sissypoo was in a wreck several weeks ago, but it didn't scare me quite as badly because I had a good portion of the information up front and I wasn't talking to someone in "I've JUST been in an accident" mode. She did get banged up a tad though. See her blog under my "Tamra" link. There's a great pic from after her surgery. She seems to be recovering though. I talked to her on Saturday (her b-day) and the family was thrilled because she could raise her arm half-way. Nope, it doesn't take much to amuse us!
Hopefully both of them will be healed and back to their normal (well, as normal as they can get) selves in no time. We'll see.
06 February 2006
Cari is NOT the boss of me!!!!
Despite what she thinks, Cari is NOT the boss of me. I am writing this blog because I want to, not because she made me. Granted, I have nothing to write about, but there you go. I was sick this past week. So was half of Oklahoma.
This is sad. This is about the extent of my brain capacity at the moment. I need more memory. I do only have three more minutes before I get to go home for the day so I'm going to keep this short. If you want more to read go see Cari or Tamra's blogs. Lots more to read and tons more interesting.
This is sad. This is about the extent of my brain capacity at the moment. I need more memory. I do only have three more minutes before I get to go home for the day so I'm going to keep this short. If you want more to read go see Cari or Tamra's blogs. Lots more to read and tons more interesting.
19 January 2006
Insert Witty Title Here....
I'm not really sure what I should type for this blog, but it's been so long since last I typed and I'm feeling the pressure. Not much has been going on lately. I got my Christmas presents finished in time and everyone liked them. I crocheted a scarf for my sister, but she didn't get to wear it for a couple of weeks because it was so warm in Colorado. Oh wait, I'm not supposed to tell anyone how nice it is in Colorado. Y'all just go on believing that it's miserable up there in the winter.
I ran the marathon. Not all of it. Just 21 miles. But hey! The most I'd ever run before I started training was 2 miles and that was usually in 1/4 mile track increments. Not very exciting. This was the Disney Marathon. It was sooooooo fun! I'm ready to go back and run it again...but the entire thing this time. It was so cold at the beginning of the race...in Florida!! Who knew?
I ran the marathon. Not all of it. Just 21 miles. But hey! The most I'd ever run before I started training was 2 miles and that was usually in 1/4 mile track increments. Not very exciting. This was the Disney Marathon. It was sooooooo fun! I'm ready to go back and run it again...but the entire thing this time. It was so cold at the beginning of the race...in Florida!! Who knew?
20 December 2005
Freaking Out
It's just a few days before Christmas and I'm not ready. I know that's a real shock to those lovely people who know me, but it's true. In previous blogs I mentioned how much I love this time of year, but I neglected to mention how stressed I usually am also. I will admit it. I am vice-president of the Procrastinator's Club. Cari gets top honors. Only because she manages to wait until the last minute and in her stress and freaking out, something wonderful emerges. That's just how she is. She does her best thinking when it gets down to the wire. See Cari? One more spiritual gift. :-D But, I digress.
I'm almost finished with my Christmas gifts. I'm making them, not buying. I always cringe when people open my home made gifts. Will they think it's hokey? Will they think I'm cheap? Will they understand that home made - to me - means so much more than store bought some times? Don't get me wrong. I'm all for "store bought". I just enjoy the pleasure that goes in to hoping that whatever I make will be well thought of (Cari, sorry for the preposition, but I couldn't be bothered to rethink the sentence).
This year I've added an extra stress to my list of reasons to freak out. I signed up to run a marathon and raise money for it and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Well, I've raised 1/3 of what is needed. Great! What began as something good for someone I go to church with has also become my greatest stressor. I still see it as something good and worthwhile. I just don't want to fail. I hate to fail. That, and I'm still a little pudge. Even with the training (which I've had to do by myself), 26.2 miles still seems like a long distance to run, walk, whatever.
I am so glad that Christmas is on a Sunday this year. While we do read the Christmas story - no, not "The Night Before Christmas - THE Christmas Story every Christmas, we go straight from there to opening presents and the entire meaning gets lost, or at least set aside. I like that when Christmas is on a Sunday, we stop, go to church, and truly concentrate on what the day means. We should do that whether we are in church or not, but despite our best intentions, it just doesn't happen that way most of the time.
I'm still incredibly excited about Christmas time. I was thinking about it this morning and realizing that Christmas is almost here and I don't want it to be. I know that sounded funny, but what I mean is that I've enjoyed the days leading up to it. I want to add a few more or find a way to prolong it afterwards. The day after Christmas is such a huge let-down and it shouldn't be. It's just 364 shopping days until the next Christmas. Start early! Beat the rush! I think that's when I'll start planning. Go ahead and send your wish lists. I might get to them before Dec. 24, 2006. Here's hoping.
I'm almost finished with my Christmas gifts. I'm making them, not buying. I always cringe when people open my home made gifts. Will they think it's hokey? Will they think I'm cheap? Will they understand that home made - to me - means so much more than store bought some times? Don't get me wrong. I'm all for "store bought". I just enjoy the pleasure that goes in to hoping that whatever I make will be well thought of (Cari, sorry for the preposition, but I couldn't be bothered to rethink the sentence).
This year I've added an extra stress to my list of reasons to freak out. I signed up to run a marathon and raise money for it and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Well, I've raised 1/3 of what is needed. Great! What began as something good for someone I go to church with has also become my greatest stressor. I still see it as something good and worthwhile. I just don't want to fail. I hate to fail. That, and I'm still a little pudge. Even with the training (which I've had to do by myself), 26.2 miles still seems like a long distance to run, walk, whatever.
I am so glad that Christmas is on a Sunday this year. While we do read the Christmas story - no, not "The Night Before Christmas - THE Christmas Story every Christmas, we go straight from there to opening presents and the entire meaning gets lost, or at least set aside. I like that when Christmas is on a Sunday, we stop, go to church, and truly concentrate on what the day means. We should do that whether we are in church or not, but despite our best intentions, it just doesn't happen that way most of the time.
I'm still incredibly excited about Christmas time. I was thinking about it this morning and realizing that Christmas is almost here and I don't want it to be. I know that sounded funny, but what I mean is that I've enjoyed the days leading up to it. I want to add a few more or find a way to prolong it afterwards. The day after Christmas is such a huge let-down and it shouldn't be. It's just 364 shopping days until the next Christmas. Start early! Beat the rush! I think that's when I'll start planning. Go ahead and send your wish lists. I might get to them before Dec. 24, 2006. Here's hoping.
07 December 2005
Thank You, ABC!!!
With all of the arguments going on now about the commercialism of Christmas and whether or not Christians should just stand back and let whatever happens happen, it was very refreshing to tune in to ABC last night. I don't watch much TV (maybe an hour or two a week) and I just happened to be flipping through the channels last night and came across one of the Charlie Brown Christmas specials. At one point Charlie Brown asks, "Doesn't anyone know the real meaning of Christmas?" Linus does. He goes to center stage (they're in the school auditorium) and tells the story of Christmas straight from the Bible. Not only was this on a major TV station, but it was shown during prime time viewing! See? Not everyone is worried about offending those who don't agree with Christianity. It helps, too, that Peanuts is such a beloved cartoon.
I still believe that we should continue our effort to keep Christ in Christmas. Otherwise, why would we celebrate the holiday at all? I realize that there are a bunch of holidays tucked together this time of year, but what does it hurt to separate them? I only celebrate one holiday on the 25th of December. So, I'm going to wish people a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year instead of saying "Happy Holidays." I have friends who celebrate Kwanzaa and I will wish them a Happy Kwanzaa. I don't know anyone who is Jewish, so that leaves out Hanukkah. I'm sure there are other holidays around this time of year that I'm leaving out, but if you celebrate one of them, just know that you're included. If you're offended by my "Merry Christmas" then I'm sorry you feel that way. I'm not sorry I said it, though.
I still believe that we should continue our effort to keep Christ in Christmas. Otherwise, why would we celebrate the holiday at all? I realize that there are a bunch of holidays tucked together this time of year, but what does it hurt to separate them? I only celebrate one holiday on the 25th of December. So, I'm going to wish people a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year instead of saying "Happy Holidays." I have friends who celebrate Kwanzaa and I will wish them a Happy Kwanzaa. I don't know anyone who is Jewish, so that leaves out Hanukkah. I'm sure there are other holidays around this time of year that I'm leaving out, but if you celebrate one of them, just know that you're included. If you're offended by my "Merry Christmas" then I'm sorry you feel that way. I'm not sorry I said it, though.
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