Disney World 2015

On January 9, 2015, I took off with Brenda to go to Disney World where she was going to run a half marathon to raise money for LLS.  This is an organization that raises money to fight blood cancers like the one that I had.  This year, 2015, will mark my five year anniversary since my cure, so it seemed only fitting that I should be there to see her run across that line.
We had a very early 6 a.m. flight which required our awaking at 3 a.m. Friday morning.  The flight was wonderful and the plane was new.  It was spacious seating and, of course, not full at that time of day.  I slept most of the way which should not come as a surprise.

Upon arriving there, we boarded the Magic Disney Bus to our resort, Coronado Springs, where the rest of her team was staying.  It was a beautiful place and VERY spread out.  Our room was quite a walking distance from the lobby, but that was just par for the course for the rest of the trip.  This was definitely an event which was about either walking or running. The neat thing was that we did not have to worry about our luggage.  The hotel picked it up and delivered it to our rooms later in the afternoon.

The first order of business was for the girls to go get their packets at ESPN to officially register.  Following this, we shopped around the Expo for awhile.  By this time, I was really starting to get sleepy, so I sat down on the ground for awhile and waited for them.  All of the things for sale had mostly to do with running.

After we left the Expo, we went to Downtown Disney.  The first thing we did was EAT because we had not eaten since breakfast at the airport.  We ate at a place called the Earl of Sandwich.  I can truly say that it was the best sandwich I have ever put in my mouth.  After we ate, the shopping began.  Oh, my goodness, there was Disney stuff everywhere and it was all calling my name.  However, I used restraint and wound up buying a hoodie with a small MM decal that I would certainly use later.  (The weather was very chilly for Florida the first two days we were there!).  I also bought an Ani and Alex bracelet with a MM face on it.

We eventually headed back to the resort to get ready for the Inspiration dinner at 5:30.  This turned out to be a very special time for me.  For one, my picture was one of the ones flashed on the wall as a cancer survivor.  I sat there and realized that I was truly healthy again and so grateful to God and all of the people in this room.  They asked for those of us who had beat cancer to stand up.  This was very powerful.  I heard inspiring stories from speakers that have inspired me to go home and start walking, even if it is only with a slow start.

We went back to our room and hit the sack.  We were very tired from our early morning flight but more importantly, the girls had to get to sleep so they could get up at 3:00 again and head for the starting corrals!!
I got up and was out to the bus at 6:45 for the Magic Kingdom.  I was hoping to see Brenda there but missed her.  Luckily, I did see Shari and cheer her on.  I immediately headed for the Euro-rail and headed to Epcot where the Finish Line was located.  It was pretty cold, around 45 degrees, but I was fine.  Once there, I got a fabulous cup of hot coffee and an insanely delicious pastry before going down to where all the runners were crossing the line.  I would guess that I got there around 7:45.  I stood and waited for Vicky and Brenda to cross the line until around 10 o'clock.  It was so exciting to watch all of the runners.  They were all sizes, ages, athletic abilities and a couple were even pregnant.  It was so inspiring to see the pride in their faces.  It was an amazing experience that I will always treasure and never forget.  Of course, my happiest moment was when I saw Brenda pass me and cross the Finish Line a few feet away. It was such a personal experience for us to put a stamp on what we had experienced during the last five years.  Incredible!

When everyone had finished, we went to the busses and headed back to the resort so they could take a shower before our plan to head to the Magic Kingdom.  We ate a quick lunch then off we went.  By this time everyone was running on adrenalin.  They due to running;  me due to standing for so many hours! Pain, pure pain.  However, we plunged ahead.  The Magic Kingdom was what you would expect.  Huge crowds but so beautiful!  I loved the first sign of the castle.  The parade, the stores, the characters were so delightful. We went to It's A Small World, some went to a haunted museum, saw the Riverboat, and did more shopping.  Brenda and I decided that we were "done" and decided to go back to the resort.  Brenda and I got dinner to go from the hotel and ate in our room.  As soon as we finished the last bite, we turned out the light around 9 p.m.  I can't remember ever being so tired unless it was the night before!

Sunday morning was definitely the start of a new day!  We were all  rested and ready to go.  We boarded the bus for the Animal Kingdom, which next to Epcot, was my favorite spot.  We went straight to the Safari Ride.  It was like being in Africa.  There were beautiful animals to photograph and see from afar.  Yes, I wouldn't have wanted that lion to be too close.  His being way up on that rock was just fine for me!

We then went to ride on what one of the girls described as a "baby roller coaster ride."  Now, I am not one to ride on roller coasters, but figured I could manage this one.  It was actually fun but the reason it was fun was because I kept my eyes closed most of the time.  I peeked and when I knew we were coming to a curve I shut my eyes while the girls screamed! It will always be referenced as the "baby ride" for Shari, Brenda and me! I felt a great sense of accomplishment after it was over! ha  We continued on to some Dinosaur Ride which was also pretty scary, but fun scary.  Of course, we ate and shopped all along the way!

Then it was on to The Lion King.  It was so fabulous!!!!  The singers were awesome and the sets with the animals were purely delightful.  I loved that show!  However, it was the show called A Bug's Life, I think, that was a real favorite!  It was in 3D and was so great! The fun just didn't seem to stop.

Around 4 p.m. we got on the bus to go to Epcot to spend the rest of the day and end with the fireworks we had been hearing about.  For some reason, my expectations for Epcot were not very high.  I don't know why, but man, was I ever wrong!  Epcot turned out to be a real favorite place.  It was like going on a trip around the world.  We walked from country to country, pausing for a little something to eat and drink here and there.  We laughed so much and created some great memories.  We, as friends, will always remember, "Norway"!!  Yes, we will.  One of my most favorite sights was the Eiffel Tower.  Oh, dear, it brought back so many memories of Paris.

We wound up going to a Chinese restaurant called Nine Dragons where the food was really delicious.  We took our time and really enjoyed talking and listening to each other's stories.  After we finished, we went outside to claim our spots for the fireworks. As you will see in the pictures, they were incredible.  Of course, they were set to music which made the presentation even more spectacular!
Great time watching those!!

After the fireworks, we headed back to catch our bus but decided to go into "one more store".  When we came out, it was raining!  Fortunately, it didn't rain while the fireworks were going on, and forunately, also, it didn't last long.  Crazy!  Anyway, we had a fabulous, fabulous day!

Magic Kingdom!

Brenda and her marathon running shirt.

Brenda and I at the Inspiration Dinner

Finish line!  Woo hoo!

Vicky and Brenda after completing their half marathon!

Brenda and I celebrate together after a 5 year run.

It's A Small World After All!

Mickey and Minnie

Our traditional shoe picture

Rosie and new friends

Animal Kingdom - Safari Ride

Posing just for me.

Yes, Lion King, you can stay right where you are!

Beautiful animal ignoring all of us.

This is across the street from the Baby Roller coaster ride that I actually rode!

Mt. Everest ride in the background

Welcome to Epcot

Eiffel Tower at Epcot

Beautiful late afternoon sky in Germany at Epcot

One of my favorite pictures.

Closer view of the tower

Fireworks at Epcot on our last night at Disney World

Striking with music in the background!

A very dangerous crew:  Amy, Shari, Brenda, Vicky and yours truly.

On Monday morning, we got up and packed, turned our luggage into the service and had a last breakfast together.  We boarded the bus that took us to the airport and after a slight delay, took off for Texas. Luckily for us, we were one of the last planes out before they started delaying flights due to bad thunder storms.  For us, the end of a perfect trip.

It seems that every time I go somewhere I continue to think, "That was the best time ever" and this was no exception!  However, the real story is that is what travel does for me.  It makes me deliriously happy every time I do it.  I love going to places, being with people, and creating new experiences.  What I can say about this one is that Disney World truly was a Magical Place!

Lion King!

Fantastic Finale of Lion King!

Christmas 2014

PLEASE SCROLL ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM FOR THE BLOG. :)

John, Robert, Mandy, Lindsay, and Josh

Merry Christmas from Santa.

Lindsay and Josh snuggling by the tree

Ron and his loyal best friend, Alex

Yes, I was there, too!

The tradition where John puts the star on the tree.  We used to have to lift him up to reach it!

John checking out his trombone ornament from his sister, Cindy.

It's always fun to watch Josh open presents.

Lindsay loving her gift card.

Just had to snap this picture!  Robert is behind there somewhere.

Mandy loving her gift from Lindsay and Josh

This is my favorite first born son!

John taking a break after opening gifts.

Robert and Mandy checking it out.

This picture taken by accident but was very appropriate when it was said and done.

Lindsay loved her gifts for her dogs.

Mandy holding her new stocking. It was my mother's last Christmas stocking.

John and Ron doing a little jamming.

Alex loved his chew toy he received for Christmas

There are no words to describe how much I love these two guys.

Last minute picture before they left to go home.

This one is going to stay till January 9th!  

Since I have experienced many Christmas seasons, most of which I remember, it would be hard to select the best one.  There have been many throughout my own childhood, and then, of course the childhood of my own sons up to now.  However, I have to say that this one would be right up there at the top.  In my previous blog, I showed how I got the house prepared for Christmas, inside and out, and that was a lot of fun.  Ron and I have enjoyed the warmth that the beautiful lights, candles, and decorations have brought to our home.  It has been great for me to see some very special people through the holidays who I don't get to see as often as I wish.
One of my special treats was to get to play Santa for a family who needed a little help.  I had not been to a Toys R Us in many, many years.  I had a blast picking out dolls, stuffed animals, race tracks and a basketball.  Oh, the joy one gets from giving.

With all of that being said, the real magic began when my kids started coming home.  Robert and Mandy were the first to arrive on the 23rd!  We did a lot of running around together plus spent some great chill time here at home.  There are no words to describe the joy of having Mandy in our family now.
On Christmas Day John arrived.  Robert and I went out to meet his plane and it was thrilling for me to stand there with my two sons once again.  Yes, they were here at Thanksgiving, I know.  But, you have to realize that the only time that I have them here together at the same time are Thanksgiving and Christmas.  When we got back to the house, Lindsay and Josh, our other two, were waiting there with Ron and Alex.  Now the family was complete and Santa could come!  And come he did!  As I posted on FB, grown "kids" are still as much fun now at Christmas as they were when they were little.  We had a fabulous time as we shared gifts with each other.
We spent the rest of the holiday eating, going to movies, playing cards, and laughing a lot.  We watched lots of Christmas movies and did I mention eating?
The Friday night after Christmas, we had a gathering of family over for a little Christmas closure! ha  It was not an official party if you are a family member and were not here.  It was rather last minute and I promise I will get us all together again.  The highlight of the night was playing music.  Sometimes it was Mal playing keyboard, then sometimes Mal and me.  Later Ron joined us on his clarinet and John with his trombone.  Robert, (Cindy's husband), added a great beat with his drum pad/sticks.  It was fun, especially playing When The Saints Go Marching In!  Not a Christmas song, you say?  Well, to all of us it is now.
It is now Saturday after Christmas and Robert and Mandy just left for Oklahoma!  I am so happy for them in that they are so blessed with each other, their cat children, and their new home.  The good news for me is that John will stay here until January 9th, when we will both be flying out.  He will be meeting Salome in New Orleans (she was in Zurich for Christmas and truly missed!) and I will be going to Orlando to watch Brenda run a half marathon. This is my 5 year celebration of being cancer free.  So, it seems only fitting that I go down there to celebrate as she runs with my name on her back.
So, there is a brief description.  They say you are supposed to keep blogs short, but sometimes that is simply impossible.  There are dear friends yet to see during the holidays and those who I won't see but will be thinking about!  Thanks be to God for all of his continual blessings.

We always wait for John to put the star on the tree.  Same plastic star since he was little.

This bell ornament was from my mother's Christmas tree

Not a fancy picture, but representative of really great food we had to eat.

This "puppy chow" was addictive! (This dessert has many different names)

Mandy baked these fabulous cookies!

She also baked banana bread and made a fabulous trail mix.

Christmas: Thinking Back...

When I think back to my childhood and asked who my favorite  teacher was, I would answer without hesitation that her name was Wilma Sappington. Mrs. Sappington was the type of teacher that you would dream to have. She made learning fun and very meaningful.  There are several things that I remember about her. I can still visualize her sitting beside me, helping me to learn to make a Cursive “W”.  My last name was Warren.  Now being left handed, making that slant was not easy.  Perhaps since her first name was Wilma, she had that same experience when she was a child, I am not sure.  Another thing I remember about her was that she had a contest every month where whoever drank the most cartons of milk would be the Milk Queen or Milk King for the next month! Well, I got to be Milk Queen one month and I still remember how that made me feel.  I was obsessed with crowns anyway, always making them out of aluminum foil and wearing them around the house.  The third thing I will mention (and believe me, there are more) was that in Mrs. Sappington’s class we had a Christmas play….yes, Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, the real thing.  Well, of course you know that I wanted to play Mary in the worst way but that role went to Barbara Hill, one of my best friends.  No, I got the part of one of the speakers!  So, when it came to the part of the shepherds, I stood up on a stool and recited the part of the story from Luke…”And in the same country, there were shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night....”  You know that one.  I memorized all of these verses to the “shepherd part” and still remember them to this day.  I also remember what I was wearing along with the giant bow that was always prominently on the top of my head, thanks to my mother.  Isn’t it funny the things that you can remember from so long ago?  Yet, I would have to think awhile as to what I did each day last week.

            I am one of the lucky ones who can say that I can only think of one or two times in my life that Christmas was not a special time of the year.  As a child the anticipation of Santa was more than I could stand!  I would never be able to sleep the night before.  I was a true believer that Santa was real and remain a believer still today.  We always opened presents on Christmas morning and I can remember the wonderful sounds of rustling of paper late the night before as my parents were doing last minute wrapping and getting ready the next day.  I bet this was always a special time for them, now that I think about it.

            I know that it certainly was a good time for me when I had sons of my own.  I spent many a Christmas Eve staying up late getting things ready for them so that it would be magical when they woke up and came down the stairs. How I treasure those memories!

            Even though my parents made Christmas consistently wonderful for my brother and me as far as Santa was concerned, there was no doubt in our minds as to what we were really celebrating.  Much emphasis was put on the birth of Jesus and what that meant to the world.  It was a tradition at our house on Christmas Eve to have a “program” of sorts and everyone was expected to be there.  It usually consisted of my daddy reading the story from the Bible, and then my brother and I would take part somehow.  Mother played the piano and we sang carols.  This tradition continued until my father’s death in 1990.  Only, in addition to his reading the story, we had performances from John and from Robert.  I was even known to sing!  But, the important thing is that we all had a part to play in this important service.  I remember the first Christmas Eve after daddy died.  My mother came to Texas.  We still had our “program” and I have a picture of Robert reading the Christmas story in daddy’s place.  Unfortunately over the past years, we have discontinued having our special time.  Part of this was due to the fact that I was always at the church on Christmas Eve playing the piano for sometimes 4 or 5 services that day.  Anyway, I dropped the ball with keeping that tradition alive and it makes me rather sad when I think about it.

Christmas has changed over the years since the kids are grown, but it is still a wonderful time to be together.  I love getting the house decorated and anticipating their arrival.  The best Christmas for me is when all of us are under the same roof!  I know that there will be new traditions and new memories to be made and for this I am very grateful.