This is totally understandable. They wanted you to be less sad when your mother passed away.
I'm so glad that you found Alice. It must have been wonderful to hear her stories.
Definitely - I completely understand. I know my family only had our best intentions at heart - they always have.
It was wonderful seeing Alice!
How great that you got to meet your mom's friend Alice.
I'm glad to hear your dad is able to attend the church service since this is something he enjoys.
My trip to Vienna was great. I got to meet old and new friends and I got to see a lot of Vienna.
Ulf and I was discussing if I needed to get the tires changed on my car to winter tires this week, but we ended up not changing them since it has been 48ºF this week and the weather forecast said it would stay like that this weekend. We aren't allowed to change to winter tires until 16th October unless the weather says something different. Meaning that if the temperature gets close or under freezing point we are allowed to change tires before the 16th. The forecast for this coming week says that the temperatures will get really close to freezing point so I think Ulf will change the tires on my car during the coming week.
We have had a warm and sunny autumn so far. But now the temperatures are getting lower and winter will come soon. Today we have 44.6ºF outside and cloudy.
Yes - it was wonderful and I was so happy to be able to take Dad to church too!
Glad to hear that Vienna was great - as I imagined it would be.
You always take the best trips!
It is that time of year, isn't it? You put on new tires and we turn on our furnace.
Although - this year, I need new tires on my car too.
Dreading winter - as usual. LOL I put the electric blanket on our bed yesterday afternoon and cranked it up to "9", so it was nice and toasty when I went up to bed.
I'm glad you and your mom's friend Alice found each other and were able to get together.
It's good that you found a church for your dad to go to. I understand not liking long services. the pastor of my church once said that he keeps his sermons at around 5 minutes because people stop listening after that. The whole service would last about 45-1 hour.
My dryer is still not fixed. I have to call a repair man tomorrow. My neighbor couldn't figure out what was wrong with it. My clothes are hanging outside right now. Hopefully it doesn't rain. Other than that, it's been quiet around here.
Enjoy your day
Liz
It was neat seeing her... Sadly, neither of us can quite pinpoint when we lost touch.
Well, I am glad that I can just drop him off - it worked out OK... It will be much more difficult once winter weather and roads set in - but for now, it's manageable.
Bummer! I sure hope you are able to get it fixed soon!
I hope you have a great day too!
I am crying happy tears for you...to reconnect with Alice and know that she was trying to find your Mom’s family. What a true friend she was to your Mom, and how sweet to learn more of your Mom. I’m so happy for you. I’m sure it was bittersweet, but truly a blessing. I can’t stop smiling for you!
Congratulations on more debt paid off! I’m debating what to pay off first...I have three options (well, there’s much more than that but these are the three I’m looking at first)...just trying to figure it out. One is a retirement account loan that, while it has a low interest rate, is a bigger payment (much bigger!) each month than the other two...so it would make a bigger impact in our ability to pay other things off faster. What to do..... but you may be happy to know that I actually think I am ready to put our bank’s app on my phone and not leave all of it to Mark. That’s a HUGE step for me, and I surprised myself yesterday when I had the idea to ask him for the info so I could put it on my phone...
I’m glad your Dad was able to go to church and that you have made connections there that will make it possible for him to go. That’s wonderful, and I’m sure that it will help him feel more settled in. I’m sure he appreciated you taking him. Once we sign the contract to build our home we’re going to start attending church there every other week and then with my mother-in-law the other weeks. I hope that quickly integrating into our new congregation will help me get to know people and feel confortable. I thought our church service was long at 3 hours (for the worship service, Sunday School, and auxiliary meetings) but your Dad’s 4 hour service has mine beat!
I spent the day with my girls yesterday...nothing big (other than family pictures in 32 degree temperatures...) but we ran errands, went to Costco, and just hung out. It was lovely.
Enjoy your work day...I love seeing your beautiful creations!
It was so wonderful seeing Alice, and hearing her stories.
Hmmm... That is a hard decision. We have just been paying off lowest balance to highest balance, regardless of interest or payment amount... Which was really hard at the beginning, because our smallest balances were also our smallest payments - so our snowball gained very little momentum at first.... I guess - as long as you are making progress, that's all that matters.
WTG with the bank stuff - so you can at least know what is going on. Proud of you!
I sure hope it helps dad, even a little bit... I am trying so hard to make this transition easier on him - though it isn't easy sometimes.
That will be wonderful for you to finally have your own connections and to finally feel settled. I am very excited for you to start building your house, so you can start building your own life again... There is NO way I could live with my in-laws, ever... We barely survive 4th of July week each year. LOL
It is so awesome that you are able to spend time with your girls now... I know how precious this time is for you - as it is for me!
We are planning to do "girls pics" here soon - we finally have all of our outfits assembled, just waiting for the fall colors to pop! I am excited, as it has been several years since the 3 of us have been on a photo shoot... I'd love to do the family too - but I am not sure if we will get that done this fall or not? I'd even love to do just Josh and I - but I've been trying to get that one done for years, and I just can't seem to drag him out.
Thank you - same to you!
Wow you had an amazing weekend! It’s wonderful that you were able to meet Alice & learn about your mom. Reading about the meeting was really touching. I’m so glad she found you (or your uncle).
Great job with the paying off debts! I’m a little jealous that you can work in your pjs.
It was neat to meet up with her, I didn't have very high expectations, but I definitely wanted to have that connection back in my life.
Thanks! We are working hard - we will have almost everything paid off this year... Just a few stragglers for the early part of next year, but it will go fast!
Hahhaa... Sometimes it's not always an advantage. LOL I am sure Josh loves coming home and seeing me still in my PJs... Though - usually when that happens, it doesn't mean I've been lazy - it means I've had a very accomplished day.
I have been "off" Disboards for about a year (lots of changes in our lives--we bought a house, moved, had our 3rd granddaughter, holidays, I retired, finally sold our old house...etc.!) and was so surprised to see another PTR for your DLP trip...Have been reading off and on all day (we've had our 3 year old granddaughter here) and then...wow...another PTR for your January trip to WDW! Can't wait to read about your plans!
My husband and I are also going in January (I will PM you our dates) It came about very similar to how yours did. I saw REALLY good flight prices and not only was the price great, the times were great also! In about 10 minutes, I'd gotten the go ahead from my husband, booked our flights and resort! I think I made the reservations very close to my 180 day for ADRs and now have to wait to make FP ressies....
Glad that you are making this trip for you and your daughters. I think you needed this! I could tell a difference in your writing! You do so much for your family!
Oh, and great job on getting debt free!! I created a very similar budget process over 30 years and except for tweaking the numbers every year or so, it has remained much the same. We do use our Disney card but pay it off in full every month. You will love budgeting for Christmas--it's so great to purchase gifts as you see them!
Oh WOW!!! You have been very busy!!!
I still can't believe those January flight prices! They were awesome!
We are also waiting on FP reservations - but we won't do those until December, so we have some time yet... Still trying to get a few better meal times though.
I am super excited - you are right - we did need this! It has been such a stressful year and I am not sure how I got through everything... It's really nice to have this "pot of gold" at the end of the rainbow to look forward to.
Thank you.
Thanks - we have been working very hard to be more financially responsible, and teaching our girls the same. I only wish we had found this plan much earlier in life - our course would have been very altered.
I have already been buying Christmas gifts - it's been nice, as I see things I can just get them.
Not to mention BMTL - I always have to have their shopping done early so I can send their gifts over with Machteld - I am getting close with them, I just need a couple more things.
Thanks for stopping by and checking in - it's great to see you.
How great to meet up with Alice. I'm sure hearing old stories mean a lot to you. When my husband found his birth parents they had died, but we have connected with most of his siblings. Only 1 brother didn't want to meet us out of 8. He just had a hard time as no one knew. But the stories are what he loves to hear. One sister even had a vhs tape of his father talking with his brother about his life growing up on a farm. What a gift to see and hear him. His parents had gotten back together and you couldn't see his mom but you could hear her.
Oh my goodness! Congrats on paying off 6 credit cards. We have 5 but mainly use 2, our Target and 1 other that save 5%. Our major one is a GM card where we earn points to buy a car. We pay them off every month though. I can't imagine carrying balances on that many. Plus you've paid off other things too. I'm sure you will make your goal to be debt free.
How nice that your dad can go to church now. I can't imagine 4 hours though. That's a long time for him, but I'm sure he's glad to find a church. It's great there are people who can keep an eye on him so you don't have to stay.
We're kind of like you on planning for our Disney trips now. We make fp's and usually just 1 or 2 dining reservations and play the rest by ear. So different from when we first started going. But since we stay longer now, we aren't rushed into trying to do everything. I will really miss going and just getting away from the cold this year. I wish I knew that we are taking a trip to
Disneyland because that would help me and we could start planning for that. My grandson already is planning and I hope he isn't disappointed if his parents say they can't afford it.
It was wonderful seeing her and hearing her stories!
Every connection to my mom is very important to me.
What an amazing gift, for your DH to see that video!
I don't think there is much video out there of my mom... I do know there is some, but I don't have it. I am glad he has been able to form a relationship with some of his siblings, I can't imagine how hard that had to have been, hopefully the last one will come around one day.
Thanks! Ha! Well, it's not as if we went out and racked up lots of debt all at once on all of the cards... We've been married 20 years, so you get one here, you get one there, free interest here, cash back there, miles there... And before you know it - something comes up and then there's balances. Everyone starts off with the best of intentions, I suppose, and then life happens... Bottom line is, we are paying them off honestly and not looking for shortcuts or hand outs, working hard with extra hours and overtime, and getting them GONE!
We are both looking forward to living life debt free and paying cash for everything from here on out.
It will be a much different life for us.
Yes - that helps out a lot... It is a long service, but they do have a break in the middle... As we learned last week - he needs to have a snack during this time, or his blood sugars crash... It's kind of crazy trying to get everything organized for these long days for him - and I don't think he realizes just how much work goes into making it happen? I guess that's a good thing? LOL I don't want him to feel like it's inconvenient at all, I just want him to enjoy himself.
It's so much easier going when a person can take their time and enjoy... Once I realized that we would be going back and perhaps going back many times - it really took the "fraintic-ness" out of the trips, and we were able to relax and enjoy. We do more than a "few" dining reservations... It seems that we all have our favorite "must-dos", but thankfully we all like the same things. LOL Regardless - it's fun to be able to plan again, I did need to have another Disney trip in my life.
What a wonderful meetup. I'm sure there were great stories shared, and I'm glad you're reconnected now!
So happy you're doing a girls trip and that we'll be in the same place, same time for crossover girls trips!
It was really awesome!
And so fun/sad/happy to hear all of her stories.
Are we meeting up???? Did we plan something on FB??? I can't remember now. LOL
Huge lump in the throat moment for me reading about your Mom and re-connecting with her friend. What a lunch that was Dorine! I am so happy for you; and now you will be able to continue this friendship. Kudos to your uncle and aunt.
And your Dad! So glad you have found a way for him to attend church. This will mean so much to him. Wonderful job Dorine.
Yes, it was a quick trip; we are back from Universal. We flew in Friday evening late; and flew back Monday morning. Speaking of flying in late; by the time we checked into the hotel we had 10 minutes before the on-site food court closed at 11:00; we cut it close. It was so good to have all of my family together. Oh my goodness though, the heat, wow, we are native Texans and we were all melting. Then add rain to that Sunday late afternoon. And the crowds Saturday. We managed
There was so much security at the Halloween event Saturday evening; Universal and Orlando police; I could not see Santos any where though. That was an experience of a lifetime
We did all 9 horror houses.
Can't wait to see more about your trip Dorine!! So good to check in and see you back on the boards. Sending a huge squeeze.
Yah it was awesome Carol... I wish I could find her other friends - sadly Alice didn't know them, or didn't remember them... I honestly don't know if they are even still living? Maybe one day - I will get lucky with them too? I search their names on FB and Google occasionally - sadly they have pretty common names, so I am not sure I will ever find them?
I hope so... I really want him to feel at "home" here, and hopefully this helps. I know it means a lot to him, so therefore it means a lot to me too.
Wow!!! That was quick Carol!!! Yikes! Yah - I don't think anything will be open by the time we arrive and check in... I think we will just plan accordingly. We will be starving by the next morning for sure though. LOL
I am so glad you had that time with your family! It sounds like you had a good time despite the heat (and the rain)? You sure did get a lot done!!! Did you get to do any of the HP stuff? That was our favorite part - honestly. Bummer about not seeing Santos - but I bet it was super crazy there anyways!
Looking forward to sharing more planning and trip stuff soon!
I think it's great that you are able to squeeze in another trip to Disney with your girls. Make all the memories with them as you can.
I hope everything goes well with your weekends with your brother. I have a sister in law that has special needs. When my in laws died several years ago all the siblings take turns having her on the weekends. I think your brother will really appreciate what you are doing for him.
What a lovely reunion with Alice. I hope she will be able to help you know your mom a little better.
We are so excited - it's almost all we talk about these days! We love this time together in Disney!
I cherish every moment!
I am sure it will go fine - it's just a lot of driving for me and coordinating... I am not sure that Jonathan entirely understands - but we all do and it means a lot to us to have him here - so that is important too.
I am just glad we are able to make it happen for all of us.
It was wonderful seeing Alice... I think it healed her heart a little to see me too. It was just great all around.
Thanks for stopping by - it was great seeing you!
I've been terrible at keeping up with reports on the disboards lately, but yet here I am joining in to read another one!
I'll also be at Disney in January! If you see a short brunette with a giant, puffy wedding dress along the Boardwalk be sure to say hello! We were there last year during the cold days - we saw lots of people with mittens and touques and scarves, but since we're Canadian we were just wearing light spring jackets haha.
Ha! Same! LOL It seems I am never very good at that.
Ooooh - congratulations!!! How exciting for you! I will keep my eyes open! As we will likely end up at Boardwalk at some point. We will definitely have our "winter gear" with us.
Thanks for stopping by! It was nice seeing you!
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OK all - nothing exciting up update... My life has been pretty boring this week - just how I like it.
I did weigh in on Monday... I was down a considerable amount! I am only 5 lbs away from my lowest weight in January 2015! So, hopefully by this time next month, I'll be making progress towards my original goals again.
Working hard at it!
Hmmm... Otherwise, I've just been working...
Today, I plan to have lunch with Dad... Then I plan to bring V up to Josh's work and he's taking her to look at a car she's interested in... I really wish she'd wait another week, as she'd have a lot more $$ to work with, but her $$ is burning a hole in her pocket... Sigh. So, I am kind of hoping that this car doesn't work out. Is that bad of me?
In trip news... I was able to get my Steamboat Willie bag clean!
I was really nervous, because after my hand washing, it still looked terrible. So, I thought, what the heck... Gonna throw it in with a white load (no bleach yet) and see if that does the trick... Sure enough - SBW is nice n' clean now. Yay!!! I was almost thinking I was going to have to resort to remaking him.
So, now I can start working on pulling together some outfits.
That's about all! I hope you all are having a nice week! Sending prayers and pixie dust out to all of you!
D~