'Tis This Season

I love Lent.

There, I said it.
That could, perhaps, sound odd to some.

Lent is, generally, thought of as a season of denial. Of penitence. Of restraint.

All of these terribly downer-feeling words. Words that no one really enjoys hearing.... especially when it comes to their own lives. (me included) But, in spite of and (perchance) because of that... it's one of my favorite seasons of the year.

Confession, it wasn't until I was in my 20's that I truly began to observe (understand) the Lenten season.

This time that leads up to the Holy Sacrifice.

When my son was born and my world started to crumble~ yes, I understood it more.

As I've grown up & come to understand the magical power of grace... oh, that grace... I've embraced this time more and more.

To see and feel and touch and taste the mess that I can make of my life. And then to know that it has been Redeemed. Not by my sad self. But by a God (the One) who sees me and loves me.

Me.
The happy, smiley, shiny, sparkly me.
The dark, ugly, tarnished, fragile me.

Not because of me.
(Never)
Because of Him.
(Forever)

Lent reminds me of that.

And, whatever my sacrifice this season (or any). It's a poor, shallow, all-encompassing, small, fleeting but powerful & mighty shadow of the gift that was freely given for me by sacrifice of the Lamb.

It's a sacred time, this time of Lent.

We're Heading for a Wedding

(or a break down. Whatever.)

So.

Wedding.

Yes, indeed.

E and I are getting married. Soon. Very soon. And this whole shindig is being put on and planned by me. Sorta. As the bride, I feel that it is my job to have a vision. (I consider that one of my strengths.) And then, after visioning the vision, I should share and delegate the before mentioned vision. And this would work *great* if I wasn't a compulsive people pleaser. (name it and claim it, I say)

And, let's just say that there have been a *few* wires crossed with my devoted band of Merry Men (errr-women). But. But, I'm optimistic that those wires have been sorted out.

My mother is head of the decorating committee- and really, we do work well together (most of the time!). It took a bit, but she's seen my vision & is turning it into a reality for me. Bless her. Everything is going to look fabulous, I know it. I know my mother. (Seriously, the woman has a gift. Not kidding. My mommy is one of the most talented people I know.)

My soon-to-be mother-in-law is heading up the food committee. And, really? Bless her. She's been shuffled around a bit on her job & she's had the best attitude over it. She's got the menu & the troops behind her to pull it all off.

My soon-to-be big sis, Mindi is building me a chuppa. Yes, you heard that right. She's building me a chuppa. Why? Cause she loves her brother and she loves me. So cool.

My Matron of Most High Honor, Faith is keeping me sane & throwing me a 'not a shower, but a dinner where people might happen to bring presents'. :-) I am so thankful & blessed that she agreed to take this job on!

And, my other soon-to-be sis, Faith (yes. I have 2 Faiths in my life.), my soon-to-be niece Heather, & my soon-to-be sister (or sister-in-law) Janice, are all pitching in and trying to help wherever they can. Huge, amazing shout-out & thank you's go to them.

My sweet friend, Jennifer S., is photographing the wedding & reception. I'm so excited about this. Really. She is an amazing photographer & I'm so glad that she agreed to photograph my Day.

And, lest you think that there will be a cake-less reception..... I am beyond thrilled that another friend of mine is making my "Wedding Cupcakes!" That's right, we're not having a traditional cake-wedding or grooms. Instead, the uber-talented Melissa is making 2 or 3 flavors of her cupcakes for my reception. And, I'm just saying now, heads will roll if I end up walking out of the reception hall without eating a cupcake (or 3).

Y'all, I'm so excited.
But. I just need to:
find a dress (minor detail, I tell you.)
Decide what the gentlemen of the wedding will be wearing.
Send the invitations (meep! and double meep!)
....
and about 9000 other details that are making my head over-heat at any given moment in time.

That moment when I want to be a ballerina

I knew this parenting gig was going to be harder than it looked.

But, good golly.... some times I think my youngling goes out of his way to prove my theory.

We go to church on Sunday. Just like every single Sunday of the child's life.

We dropped him off in Sunday school.... that can be something of a challenge at times. I cannot figure this one out. He does great at the drop off for preschool.... But. But. Sunday school and Wednesday night choir.
Oy. And, sigh. Sometimes he does great... other times he acts as though he's been asked to walk through the gates of Hell.

Anyway.

A couple of Sundays ago, we went to pick him up after 'big' church was over, as usual.

However.

His new Sunday school teacher pulled me aside.
(never a good sign, btw)

She asked me if there was something that she could do to make his time in class better. I blinked at her for a moment and inquired of her what she meant. Well. Apparently the youngling was 'mean' to the other children and had some 'challenges' listening.

Hmmm.

The 'challenges' part... yeah, I knew right away as to what she was referring to. It's the same issue we've been having this year.

The 'mean' part.... that required further investigating.

It seems as though the child decided that the best way to get his way would be to hit the other children and steal their toys and hide them from the other children.

Uh-huh.

My first impulse was to attempt to use all my mothering powers and call down fire and destruction upon this precious child, whom I carried in my body for 9 months. Instead. Instead, I took a *very* deep breath and turned to my child. He wouldn't look me in the eye. A very good sign that he has been on the naughty side of the street.

Oy.

Now, I should back things up a bit & reveal that Jacob has a fond & deep relationship with iPHONES, iPADS, and his VTech pad.

I hit 'em where it hurt.

All of his privileges REVOKED for a week.

It seems to have made an impression. He's been telling me (ever since) about how well-behaved he is going to be from now on, unto the end of time. And (except for 1 glaring moment in swim school) he has been.


Disciplining.
It ain't for the faint of heart, I tell you.

Donut Lad

A special treat for the house tonight!

Donuts!!!!!!!!

I think it's safe to say that they have been a favorite!

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Counting the 2012 Blessings

This will be the post where I count down (with pictures!) some of the biggest blessings of 2012. 

(my deep apology for all the pictures.... yes, I know it adds to the loading time. But, I love pictures- my favorite way to tell a story.)

1)Another amazing year of being a mommy. But not just any ol' mommy.

This little boy's mommy.

My baby turned 4 in 2012. 

I love this kid with all my heart and then more. 

2) Another year with Grandmother Winnie.

The older I get, the more I appreciate how crazy lucky/fortunate/blessed I am to have had 3 of my 4 grandparents when I turned 30.... 

I just have 2 grandparents now.... and that makes the time with them all the more sweet.

Grandmother Winnie with 7 of her 8 great-grandchildren. 

I love this picture.

3) The 20 years I had with my fur-baby... 

Chester was my first 'baby' and my best bud.

4) The Rangers game with 2 of the 3 most important guys in my life.

E

and my Daddy.

5) Living the dream of taking Jacob to Disney World with my parents.

So amazing. 

(Mother, I had to use a picture with you in it. How else will people know that you're real?)

The greatest day of his 4 & 1/2 years, thus far.

Making memories... and taking pictures.

6) Another magical Christmas season for my son.

7)Saying 'yes' to marrying E.

2012 was a wonderful year.

I'm looking forward to an amazing 2013!

Easy Rider

So, the short one received a couple of big items from Jolly Old Saint Nick & his elves this Christmas. One was The Hummer.

The other?

The Big Boy Bike.

Oh, yes. The young lad is growing up & he'll be more than happy to let you in on that important piece of info... And prove it at the dropped a hat (sassy-ness often occurs in these demonstrations in varying levels).

Behold.... The Bike.



Trying it out for size on Christmas morning.



Posing with his mommy before taking it out for a spin.



Getting ready to take off.



And there goes the easy rider.




Yes, I know he doesn't have a helmet or any safety gear on. Sigh. Santa kinda forgot that little detail when he dropped the bike off... But when you have to assemble it, what do you expect?

Ah, well. A trip to Target is in our future......

Which will thrill the child- he loves that place. No, really. He does!


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Coming Down from the Christmas High

It's 3 days after Christmas... and my house doesn't have that "Santa's Workshop Just Puked All Over the Place" look anymore (as much. kinda)

There's still toys- everywhere. But they are slowly being beaten back into the youngling's room. (a riding Hummer and a brand new 'big boy' bike are currently parked in the front entry way... yeah, Santa didn't think the storing needs quite through on those.)

There's food as far as the eye can see. In the fridge. On the table next to me. Every counter space has some mind of food item- left over from The Big Fat Christmas Eve Celebration we have in my family every single year.

And Jacob is slowly discovering the fun to be had with his Christmas toy haul.

I love Christmas.

I love the way the whole world looks different. I love the way everything gets all gussied up and pretty. I love the smells & the sounds. And I adore the lights and the decorations.

I love that it's the one (absolute) guaranteed night of the year when my family is together under one roof. It's loud and messy and fun. And it flashes by in such a blur. This past Christmas Eve night, I spent much of the evening just trying to take it all in. To slow down and be fully in the moment.

I confess, I wasn't too successful. Without my permission, the night fled by at warp speed and I was sitting on the couch in the suddenly silent house.... amazed that another year had gone by. And, oh so thankful that it had brought my beloved family together again. And I bask in that connection. It's an amazingly  beautiful notion that a family knows where they are supposed to be- and, barring some emergency, they are there. Together.

And, every year- that becomes the best gift received.

From us to you

Merry Christmas, from me and my little Jedi to you and yours!

Dining at Disney

Good golly, what can I say about the food at Disney World? 

Oh, yeah.

Yum.

and.....

really freaking spendy.

When I was planning and researching for the trip way back in June and July I went back and forth on the Meal Plan option. Sigh. Back and forth. Back and forth. There were opinions a plenty on both sides of the issue, but I finally decided to go with the Disney Dining Plan. It just seemed like the better option, especially after I took a look at the price points on the majority of the fine (and not so)dining establishments around Mickey's extra special playground. 

It turned out to be a GREAT decision. 

The Dining Plan takes a few minutes to get the hang of (quick serve vs table serve.... and just what the heck constitutes a "snack"...) but once you sit down and figure it out.. yeah, total breeze. And, you can go ahead and not worry about what you're going to eat because you've already made your reservations for the table side dining (you did that right? as soon or maybe even before you made your hotel reservations??... yeah, not kidding. dining fills up before hotels. way. way before.) before you even left for the trip! And, (bonus) it's all paid for. (well. almost.)

I can say that keeping up with the 'snacks' was a pain. I could never remember how many we had left.

With 4 people (well, 3 adults), it just became a little much. 

However, because I had planned the table side dining out (literally) months before the trip, that was a cinch & the quick serve was easy-peasy too. 

(I know I'm speaking Greek to some of you. Sorry. If you decide to go to Disney & check out the Dining Plan, all will be made clear! I promise!)

Anyway.

A few places we ate yummy food......

Teppan Edo at Epcot.

So. Very. Very. Good.

And, lot's of fun. Even the short one enjoyed watching our food being prepared!

 ****

Hollywood & Vine at Hollywood Studios

It's a breakfast & lunch buffet and a character meal!

We ate breakfast there one morning. Really good.

And the character interactions were great too. They came to each table a couple of times & when Jacob (some how) missed June, they made sure he saw her before we left. Very sweet.

(yup. not one picture of the food. too busy eating & meeting the characters!)

 ****

Two mornings we ate breakfast at our hotel. 

Behold.... the famous 'Mickey Waffles'

Yes. You should go just so you can have these. 

 ****

Lunch in the Magic Kingdom from a quick serve that I cannot remember the name of for the life of me & I am far to lazy right now to go look it up.

But! Look! It's a lobster roll! 

 ****

We ate at Chef Mickey's our last night.

Yes. Whatever you do. Wherever else you eat.

Go. Here.

It's at the Contemporary Resort (right next to Magic Kingdom)

we sat at the little bar area to the left while we were waiting for our

reservations (9pm!) and were HIGHLY entertained by the bartender/magician. 

He was awesome.

and he made the ice in Jacob's water glow.

and got Jacob on a kick of saying "Abracadabra!"

Chef Mickey's is another buffet and a character dining.

And we all loved it.

Because our reservations were so stinking late, I think that actually ended up working in our favor.

The characters ended up being able to spend a little more time with the people there. Goofy and Donald came by several times and horsed around quite a bit. The rest of the staff was very sweet as well.

The food was good, for the most part. We didn't love the meats.... but the sides, the pastas and the salads were AMAZING. I went back twice. 

 ****

On the night we went to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (another blog of it's own, I think), we ate at the Liberty Tree Tavern. Again, we had reservations. We had to have them & we still had to wait about 20 minutes to get our table. But, it was well worth it.

Cause, the food was fabulous.

(especially my birthday fudge cupcake)

the salad... and the dressing. so crazy good.

Hey look, the mug! It's cute!

I was going to snap a picture before we started eating.... yeah, not so much. The food was served (family-style), we served our plates & then ate like we hadn't eaten in a week.

and... there was dessert. 

there you go....

Long winded, but with such an important subject, I just couldn't leave the details to chance!

The Grand Value

So, we stayed at Disney's All Star Movies Value Resort.... 

Well.

The main part of the Resort- called 'Cinema Hall' (where the check-in is, the dining area, gift shop, etc) .... that was lovely. Very nice. Everything you would expect from a 'value' level resort that belongs to Disney. It was all gussied up for Christmas & lovely cast members walking about being so helpful.

The out side of the resort is quite nice too. I didn't get any pictures of the pool area, which is a shame. That was pretty darn spiffy. 

We stayed in the 'Toy Story Tower'.... specifically the 'Woody Building....'

(I am, however, still trying to figure out how 3 stories makes up a 'tower'.... hmmm.)

Anyway.

(please see the below pictures)

 A very large wooden cowboy.... and a very little boy.

 Jacob and 'Buzz the Lightyear'.... who was apparently getting a face lift

A great view up the dino's nose!

I really, really wish I could say that I would come back to this particular resort again. But, I just can't. The rooms.... oh, the rooms. The rooms were so sad and worn down. It was painfully obvious that this is one of the older resorts (which is totally fine that it's one the older resorts!) and that it's one of the cheaper ones... But. But. 

I just strongly feel that Disney shouldn't let it feel like one of the older and cheaper ones.

(Fix the leaking toilet. Replace the carpet.) 

Spif up the room a little, guys. No, this isn't the Grand Floridian.... but. It's not the Bates Motel either. 

That last crack was probably mean. 

But, you know what? When I check into a Disney Hotel.... I'm really not wanting to check into a hotel that reminds me of a seedy-looking hotel on the side of lonely, creepy, dark road somewhere. 

I expect clean and fresh and nice. 

And....

I rather expect more Disney ambiance in the room than a picture of Buzz & Woody... and a lame wall paper boarder running around the top of the walls. Just sayin'. 

I will be spending the extra money next time up upgrade our accommodations. Lesson learned. 

Okay. Enough complaining. 

It was great to stay on property. I HIGHLY recommend staying on property! There are bus & monorail systems to get you anywhere you need to go & most of the systems run every 20 minutes or so. Awesome. We rented a car, but the only time we used it was to get to and from the airport. I say again.... stay on property! And use the Magic Express... it will take you to and from the airport. (again, another lesson learned. The money we spent on rental car could have been used to upgrade to nicer digs, I'm thinking.)

Disney does so. many. things. so. amazingly. well. .... that it is sort of a let down when they don't. But, I am really happy to say that the only real low was the room. The people were lovely, the food was wonderful and the parks were amazing. 

Come back tomorrow for my thoughts on the Dining Plan! 

and food!

Yum!

So, Guess Where We Just Got Back From.....

Yup. The Happiest Place on Earth. :-) My parents took me and the short one to Disney World last week. Yeah, happy late birthday Jacob/early birthday me/and Merry Christmas to us both!

It was a total blast. 

We crammed every bit of fun we could into every single moment. 

We hit 3 parks in one day (oh, yes we did.) and, on the day we left, we went to a park one last time.

Go Big, Before You Go Home!

I just *might* have a few opinions about our stay! Come back this week to hear them, if you're interested. We went to the freshly opened part of FantasyLand in the Magic Kingdom.

Ate at Chef Mickey.

Stayed at a "Value Resort"

Used the buses.

And the meal plan.

Yup, I have opinions, a plenty!