Day 31

 Austin George...14 years old today.

"Uh, Mom...I farted...must be because I'm nervous...its a bad one....sorry."
~Austin

"Aw, REALLY AUSTIN?!?  We SMELL THAT!"
~Max, Rylee and Gannon

"Ah, you see, I don't really need a Fairy Godmother...I'm an archaeologist...a collector..."
~Austin

Grateful for Austin George

He's 14 today.  When he was born, he had the most beautiful big, blue eyes, and the darkest of hair.  He grew into the toddler phase and he and his cousin Brennan were little buddies, dressing them alike, going places together, etc.  When they were two, Austin said some words, but Brennan was up on his vocabulary.  (I tell you this because of the following story.)  Brennan and Austin were often right next to eachother at the dinner table at Mom and Dad's.  They would often make each other laugh, etc.  One day, Austin farted really loud...which led to a one Grampie begin to laugh his ass off...and to follow that, Brennan yells out, "Christ Austie!"  (Brennan had a lisp, so his "Christ" was equally as funny as the fart itself.)  We nearly all choked on our food at the table.
Brennan and Austin would get in their Little Tikes cars, and Brennan would say, "B go fassst..."  and Austin would say..."gadela gadlea gadela "b" gadela gadlea gadela"  followed by laughter.
Austin also called Grampie "Lingus" for quite sometime.  He grew out of that...but he has always called Grammie "Grannie".  This kid...he knows more about archeology and ancient Egypt than most college grads.  He knows all about history, the presidents, the wars, etc.  He is a freaking walking encyclopedia.  He is his own person.  He is Austin.  He is perfect.
He is perfect.
<3



Day 30



"Before beginning a hunt, it is wise to ask someone what you are looking for before you begin looking for it."

~Winnie the Pooh

Grateful for Izzy

Isabella is my cousin Terri's granddaughter, and was Aunt Jean's first great-grandchild.  Isabella was born shortly before we all found out that Aunt Jean had cancer.

Isabella was the "ray of sunshine" in Aunt Jean's life (well, every one's life...but really kept Aunt Jean here as long as she was.)  Izzy was everything to her.

With everything now so high-tech, we are able to see Erica's posts about Izzy walking, bathing, laughing, etc...and enjoy each and every one.

This video, she didn't get what she wanted, and this was the fit that she threw.  (Someday, she will kill her mother for this!)  I just wanted to go up there and pick the little tweety up.

Coconut didn't like this noise...this crying...and he didn't get where it was coming from.

So...being the "Mom" that I am, I thought it would be funny to video his reaction.  I love how he tilts his head side to side and smells the computer.  Him Mommy's good boy.

Izzy is a little sweetheart.  Thank you, God...for letting her be born so Aunt Jean could enjoy her and love her for that long.  <3



Day 29

The kids relaxing after a long day sightseeing in Duluth.

The moon...so very pretty on this night.  The water was calm, and we took in every bit of it.

"Not every lake dreams to be an ocean.  Blessed are the ones who are happy with who they are."

~M. Muratildan

Grateful for Lake Superior

She holds many stories, this lake.  She has played a part in my life since I was small, born in Superior, WI., and living there until Dad took the job here in Iowa. 

Whenever I am there, I am calm. I am at peace.  I can take a big deep breath, and close my eyes...and just feel better.  When we moved away, we were too little to know about it all, but Mom and Dad kept the history of the Lake in our lives

Every time we went up north to visit Gram and Aunt Jean, we ended up in Canal Park, or on Barkers Island.  Weather it be for watching the big ships come in (which amazes me still)...to swim on a hot summer day...to watch the lift bridge go up and down...and of course, every one's favorite...rock skipping.

We even got a rock tumbler one Christmas so we could collect rocks and then bring them home, put them in this noisy ass contraption for DAYS....and then we would have an agate. 

We were given Lake Superior maps that were place mats when we were little.  Many dinners we had we would look at the maps and talk about different shipwrecks, etc.

My parents taught us many things about this amazing place...this lake.

Now, we are teaching our children...and Grammie and Grampie are teaching our children.

All eleven grandchildren have the Lake Superior place mats, all eleven have watched ships come in, tossed rocks into, swam in, and explored her shores.

Stories are told- by us- and by Grammie and Grampie, and the kids have books on shipwrecks, they know who Gordon Lightfoot is, and all have The Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald on their ipods.

This lake means peace.  This lake, she is beautiful.  This lake, she holds our hearts forever as well as Duluth and Superior.

This lake...is someplace you have to visit to understand why...she is so beautiful.

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for carrying her beauty and her story into all of our lives.

<3

Day 28

"Other things may change us, but we start and end with family."

~Anthony Brandt

Grateful for my family

I love sidewalk chalk.  I love even more that Kailey drew this picture one summer day.  Family.

My God, have we been blessed.  I feel sad tonight, that my brother is leaving his family to train for a job.  I know its necessary, and I know that this means...that they are leaving here at some point. 

I don't like it.  I hate it.  I have nothing but good things and prayers for all six of them.

It will be hard for the kids, and Jenny.  It will be hard for Jason.  He will have to leave his family, who is everything to him...for 6 weeks...but it will be ok.

It sucks...but its what they have to do.  Family is special.  Family means....no matter if you are here, there, in Minneapolis, Germany, Kansas, Wisconsin, etc...

they will always, ALWAYS be there.  You can pick your friends.  You cannot pick your family.

I am glad that I have my family picked for me, and I am blessed to be a part of the life story we are creating.

It will be a good one to pass down.  It already is....

Day 27

                                             "While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about."                                                   

Grateful for together

Our kids show us that together is a beautiful place to be.

Its a place where you know you are safe.  Its a place where you know someone always has your back.

Its a place where you don't have to say anything, or for that matter...do anything except "be."

Its a place where you know you will feel ok, and its a place where you can laugh.

Its a place you can cry if you want.  Its a place where...no matter what....you won't worry.

Its a place where loneliness is unknown.

Its a place where you can do anything, because you have others by your side.

Its a place where you will never forget even when you are 98, because its that important.

Together.

Its that special.

(at least it is to me.)

Day 26

“Promise me you'll never forget me because if I thought you would I'd never leave.”

~Winnie The Pooh to Christopher Robin

Grateful for porches

If I could rewind to this day and freeze time, I would.  Beautiful, sunny, clear day in Superior, WI on Bradford Drive.  George was mowing the lawn, waiting for all of us to come over to say our goodbyes before we left for Iowa after a week in Hayward and 4 days in Duluth.

I didn't want to go, but at the same time, I did.  I knew it was a matter of time before I would never have Aunt Jean anymore.  The cancer had her.

I knew this could be the last time I saw her alive.  What do you even talk about?  What should I say?  How will she know I love her so much?

We pulled up, George cut the mower, and greeted us with, "Howdy."  He was sweaty, and he was working hard. (As always.)  I hugged him, and he said, "she's out on the porch."

We all walked up to the porch, and there she was.  She greeted us all with her beautiful smile.  She said, "Hi guys!"  And we proceeded one by one to hug her.  She insisted we sit.  We did.  What the hell do I say?  I smiled at her.  She looked at Regan, and then said, "I like your shirt, what's it say?....Holy Shit?" 

We BUSTED out laughing.

Regan said, "No, silly~ it says 'hollister'." 

The ice was broken.  From here we discussed many topics, including the Mama Bears and Deer in her yard, and how she loved to watch them protect their young.

We laughed about Hayward, about memories, we even discussed the cancer...and that it sucked.

We decided though, that today she felt so good, and it was a nice day.

The porch.  Ever since I was little, that's where Aunt Jean loved to be.  Outside, taking it all in, reading a book, feeding the grey squirrels, soaking up the sun, drinking a nice glass of whatever...

and reading a book.  Or talking to a friend, or family.

Her porch on Hughitt held many memories.  She at one time called Matt "porch boy" because he may or may not have spent the night at her house when she was gone and she found out about it...

...so...he was not allowed back in her house in a very long time.

Wherever your porch is...use it.  Tell stories there.

Let the kids build forts on it.

Read.

Just enjoy it.  Enjoy the people who are there with you, or enjoy the noises around you.

If there is a porch in Heaven, I bet she's on it.  Soaking up the sun, having a strong drink, and

solving the world's problems.
And all the while...she knew I loved her.  I said it, perhaps louder than I ever had, but she knew anyway.

Day 25

 "Hands are made for gentle things, and to work with."

~Mimi

Grateful for hands to hold

Mimi.  We love her.  Wish we didn't live so far away.  Matt spent many a childhood day with her.  She would say things like, "fun is fun...but silliness is something else again."  My girls have come to know this saying along with the hand quote above.  When they fight, Matt will say this out loud..."Hands are made for what?" (And they will repeat the saying.)...funny how it passes down. 

Just like fun is fun.  Fun IS fun.  BUT, when it turns to silliness....I don't like that at all. (Mimi must not have liked the silliness either.)

Another saying that is said every single night from Mimi is, "Pleasant dreams, God loves you."  The kids repeat it back.  EVERY night, followed by "I love you to the moon and back"...which is passed down from my Grandma.  I am grateful today, for hands to hold.

I believe that you are never too old to have your hand held by someone, or too cool, to young, whatever. 

Holding some one's hand simply means..."I am here."

Mimi has held many hands.  Look at them.  They tell a story.

My Grandma's hands were the softest hands I have ever felt.  I miss them.

Mine...my kids will tell you, are rough and cracked and bleed.  (Welcome to hand washing and being a nurse). My Mom's are very soft, too.

My Dad's hands are strong.  They tell a story.  One hand was badly hurt, and oddly enough, following his surgery after his entire hand was crushed and fingers shattered, he fell asleep and had a dream.  He had his hand dressed with bandages that were attached to an iv pole to keep it above his head.

It hurt him so bad, he cried.  The dream: he fell asleep in the recliner, his hand got very warm, and for a moment or two, stopped hurting...and he felt so absolutely no pain.

He opened his eyes and his father...Stanley was there, holding his hand.

Hands are made for gentle things and to work with.

Hands tell a story or two.

Never pass up the opportunity to hold an elders hand, they have stories to pass on.

Never pass up the opportunity to hold a child's hand.

After all...the song says, "He's got the whole world in His hands."

Day 24

"Life is full of beauty.  Notice it.  Notice the bumblebee, the small child, and the smiling faces.  Smell the rain, and feel the wind.  Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams."

~A. Smith

Grateful for life

This is maybe one of my favorite pictures of the family.  This is in Hayward, and after being sick of "posing nice" for the annual Christmas card for Grammie and Grampie, this is what you get.

It's perfect.  It shows "life" in every one's faces.

Back row left to right.

Rylee: It was her 10th birthday, and she thought the "peace out" sign was the thing to do.  She's 10 days younger than Mary and 6 mos. older than Max.

Gannon:  He's a cool cat full of piss and ginger as Dad will say.  He's busy giving "rabbit ears" to Rylee. He's 6 months older than Regan, and 4 days younger than Cecilia.

Austin George: Laughing at his favorite cousin and best friend Brennan, even though B is probably pinching him in the rear.  Austin and B are 6 mos. apart.

Brennan: The eldest of the bunch of 11.  He's a good kid who will do anything for his friends, but really watches out for Austin...and makes him laugh like no one else.  (That's awesome.)

Mary: Turned 10- 10 days before Rylee.  She's quiet, she loves bubblegum, and loves the word "like."  She has the rabbit ears up for her brother Brennan and "peace out" sign in the other hand.

Maxwell: Three peas in a pod with Mary and Rylee, although he is doing the "double peace out" sign, I think he sticks his tongue out in protest cuz he's a boy.  He laughs like an asthmatic (he is), and he sounds like Chunk on the Goonies.  Love this kid.  He also reminds me of Russell on UP.

Cecilia: The freckled wonder, cute as a bug...quiet, but not too quiet Cece.  She is the "forgotten middle child" of the Berg family...I relate to her.  :)  She's 6 months older than Regan, and her, Regan and Gannon will usually triple up at the cabin.

First row left to right:

Regan:  The blond haired blue eyed little ball of energy, giggles, and fun.  She is the "forgotten middle kid" in our family, and her and I are a lot alike....I see a pattern already with school, the unstoppable giggles and everything else.  Grammie probably told her not to make a silly face...so this was what she came up with.

Grammie:  Herself.  Her Highness.  Her Majesty.  Momage.  THE number one, the head honcho.  The best hash-slinger ever.  She has my Gram's eyes.  Irish smiling eyes.  She is mean if she needs to be-I think I learned how to talk through my teeth from her), but she is best at loving each and everyone of us.  Her on-going wish for Christmas presents?  "Oh, I don't want anything...I just want peace, love, and harmony in the family."  (ooh...but i DO like this ipod!) The best Mom I could ask for.

Kailey Kathleen: The youngest and claimed by her sisters to be the most loved and the princess.  She is 6 months older than Erin, 6 months younger than Jackson.  She is a 30 year old in a 7 year old's body.  She also sees dead people.  (totally serious.)  **freaks me out like you would not believe**

Erin:  The youngest of the Bergs.  She is a ball of fire.  She is silly, she is bubbly, she is her own little fashonista.  Usually she's in a get -up that could ONLY be created by herself.  And...she has spongebob teeth.  I think Grampie is tickling her here. 

Grampie: THE GRAND PEE.  The Grand Pubah. The story teller.  The fish liar.  The best friend my Mom has ever had.  He gives the best hugs, and you can always count on him.  Adopted and has quite the story.  Ask him sometime...its amazing.  He's the rock, our strength, and he is one hell of a guy.  He spends his days in Hayward making pancake breakfasts, fishing (and baiting many hooks)...and pulling the kiddos tubing and skiing.  He loves it.

Jackson: The youngest of the White Boys.  He is his own little person.  He has an extra tooth.  He loves his Mama...and he loves and looks up to his big brothers.  He's a feisty little turd, tho....and will jump right in with no fear when he has to/wants to.

This picture is full of LIFE.  Full of LOVE.  Full of people who I would do anything for.  NOTICE the smiles, the lake, the surroundings.  THIS is LIVING.  Love you all.  <3

Day 23

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."

~Roger Caras

Grateful for "The best boy in ALL of STORY COUNTY...and Grampie." and Grammie, but she doesn't like dogs...

So Coconut loves him Grampie.  (And its no secret that Grampie loves Coconut.)  However, this relationship has to be ripped on every time by Grammie herself...with "C'mon, really?"  And we usually follow up with something like, "Look how much Dad wants a dog, Mom..." and she makes that face.  THAT face.  I think its face # 435.  It's not a nice one.  We all know these faces by now, and we tend to giggle about them, and say things like, "Well, Grampie's birthday is coming up, and he would really like a fluffy Westie with a big bow tied around him neck."  ~Which follows with a "You God D......better not...we don't want a dog." ~Grammie...but....we all know that DEEP down...in the depths of her little heart, that she might not "mind" a dog that didn't shed.  (and she adds one that doesn't pee or poop either.) But..those weren't the words she used.  I don't know.  From this picture, it looks to me like Grampie sure loves his boy.  AND...it looks like Grampie agrees that this boy...aka Coconut....is HIS favorite, and the BEST BOY in ALL OF STORY COUNTY.  Its true.  Grampie, your birthday is coming up.  Expect a ball fo fluff or sorts from all 11 of your grandchildren.  ("We got him for youuuu Dad"....) ...Norman....

Westies are better.  Norman was bad judgement.  Westies are the besties.



Day 22

"Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing."

Grateful for fear....

Tower of Terror Hollywood Studios


I never thought I would get Austin on this ride.  He knew the day was coming from the beginning of the trip.  He was not happy about going, but since he had done some you tube research, he was "ok" going.  He did so well.  First we were loaded...ready to go, and then unloaded due to a problem.  This made him freak out a little.  However, he was able to pull it together and ride.  He did so well.  In this video you will see Rylee's bag lift out of her lap, and Jamie about to puke, and Ausitn leaning towards Mom to make this horrible ride stop.  (then he chewed me out at the end)....and you will hear my "goofy" laugh.  Apparently, this is what I sound like on most rides.  Funny.  I am proud of Austin.  He TOTALLY went out of his box here.  Way to go, buddy.  Love you.

Day 21

"Grandparents are people with silver in their hair, and gold in their hearts."

~Author Unknown

Grateful for Grandparents

I guess you could say we have had it very good, in more ways than one.  We all are here, together, in Ames.  Grammie and Grampie have been able to watch all eleven of their grandchildren grow up.  Grammie and Grampie love each and every one of them.  They are wise people.  They make awesome cookies, snacks, and give the best hugs.  They often remind me...to not be so hard on one of mine, and to just relax...and to say, "Hey...it'll be ok." 

They live for their grand kids.  They have and will do anything for their kids.  We are thankful for such wonderful parents.  They are two of the most selfless and noble people I know. 

They make us laugh, cry, smile, and remember.  Remembering is one of my favorite things.  Remembering Gram, remembering Aunt Jean, remembering family trips, funny stories, etc.

We should all remember more.  We get too busy with the phones, the ipods, etc...I like it when we can just sit around the cabin, play cards, and be around one another.

I think being around one another...and remembering things is one of God's greatest gifts.  In this, stories are created, passed down, and discussed.  I love my parents.  My kids love their Grandparents.  We are blessed in so many ways...love you, Mom and Dad.  <3

Day 20

"Fun is fun, but silliness is something else again." ~Matt's Grandma Mimi

Grateful for silly monkeys

This little monkey...Regan Mariah Gibbs...was born ten years ago today at 11:40 am.  She had reddish blonde hair and the biggest bluest eyes.  Her hair stuck straight up, and her ears kind of stuck out a little.  She was a little cuddler.  She always wanted Mama.  Never Daddy.  She would cry so hard if Matt tried to feed her at night...I would accuse him of pinching her or whatever...cuz I was soo tired.  Poor guy even wore my mint green bathrobe to "smell like me" and it still didn't work.  She is such a happy little girl.  She smiles and the room lights up.  She can be very silly, too...and when you try to get her out of the silly mode...its hard.  (I know all about that...I used to be the same.)  :)  Regan's middle name is Mariah.  Once I read a book with my Aunt Jean about angels, and how to find your guardian angel.  You kind of had to meditate, etc., and my angel's name was Mariah.  Mom and Aunt Jean had an Aunt Mariah.  I like it, her middle name.  Its special to me...and Regan is my little sweetheart, silliness and all.  We are blessed.

Day 19

                         Andy (taking a look at his toys before he leaves for college)

"Thanks, guys." ~Toy Story 3

 

Grateful for childhood friends

                             

Much like Andy on Toy Story...my girls have become very fond of ALL of their stuffed animals.  I am not lying when I tell you that EACH of their animals have a name.  Some are more attached than others.  Rylee has her bunny "Da."  Regan has her elephant lovie "Mikey.", and Kailey...has more animals names than you can count.  From left to right...Jerry, Ruffy, Bella and Hippy.  And they love each other.  Just look at how Kailey placed their hands and paws.  This is part of childhood...that I remember, and that I love, and that I never want to go away for my girls.  Tea parties with several of the animals...no...friends.  Love it.

Day 18

"The dog was created specially for children.  He is the god of frolic."

  ~Henry Ward Beecher

Grateful for Pele' and Coconut

Pele' was our baby.  She was born on St. Patrick's Day, and we rescued her from the shelter.  She was abandoned with her brothers and sisters.  She was our first "child."  We loved her so.  She would play, go for walks, loved to run, chase, and snuggle.  She put up with moving lots of different places and put up with each new child that we added to our family.  She was such a good girl.  Rylee would call out to her when she was two..."Pay-a-lay-da-lay-da-lay..."   and she'd come running to greet Rylee with wet kisses.    When she wasn't a good girl,  we had her middle names to use.  "Pele' Jean Marie!"  And she would stop what she was doing.  :)  Then...for blessing of the animals at school....I surprised the girls with Coconut...a Westie, just like the one from American Girl.  He is a cute little shit, and we love him.  He was a ball of fluff.  But...he pissed on everything that was Pele's.  (I found myself muttering, "I should have listened to Janice..."  "NEVER get a male dog....they piss on EVERYTHING."  Well, he did for about the first week or more.  Pele' didn't mind him, she just ignored him.  We had to put Pele' down two years after we got Coconut.  She was 14.  She was going blind, could not hear, and was weak to get up.  It was literally one of the saddest days of my life.  I lost my girl.  Our dogs are family.  I miss my ole' gal a lot.  Coconut is a good boy, in fact, he has earned the title of "The best boy in all of story county."  He is Mommy's boy.  I love him.  I love Pele', and I hope she really is up in heaven with Aunt Jean MARIE and Gram...cuz they loved her too.

Day 17

"I bet when neandrathal kids would make a snowman, someone would always end up saying, "Don't forget the thick, heavy brows!"  Then they would get all embarrassed because they remembered they had big husky brows, too and then they would get mad and eat the snowman."

~Jack Handy

Grateful for snowmen

I guess one of the best things about winter is the snow, and when you are little, building a snowman.  As a parent, though, you know how much this sucks.  I would not want to squash my kids' dreams of building a Frosty, but it truly does suck for the parent, because usually, you are the one building the thing.

Its cold, there are runny noses, and perhaps whining going on if you are lucky like I was this particular day.   (Whining is always an added bonus no matter what you are doing.)  Well, they got built, and there was a little help by the two..and the third spent her time with this exact look on her face, ate some snow and cried at times.  End result?  I am an extremely happy Mom today as I look at this...because I remember how it sucked, but remembered how fun it was too...and their faces are priceless.

So, next time they ask me...I will without hesitation, go build one with them, for them, and take another picture. 

Day 16

     "Love ya, buddy." ~Kailey

Grateful for backyard memories

Summer is the best time to be in our backyard.  The pool, the garden, the creek that is full of frogs and such.  Fairy houses and fairy gardens...gnomes and whatever else they imagine.  The fire pit, the marshmallows, the smores, hot dogs, and burgers.  Catching fireflies and looking at the stars until really really late at night.  Pitching a tent in the backyard so they can tell eachother spooky stories or have a camp out until they get too uncomfortable and come inside to "actually" go to bed.  Summer.  I miss it so much right now.  In the summer, there is more time to look around, relax, breathe...

...and create memories of a lifetime.

Day 15

 

"Angel of God, my Guardian Dear, to Whom God's love commits me here.  Ever this day be at my side to light, to guard, to rule, to guide."

I am grateful for folded hands

Look at her hands.  They are folded so very tight, and the prayer was said.  Then...a preschool snack was devoured in minutes.  I love how tight her hands are here.  She was concentrating, and praying really hard.  Maybe  its all just that simple.  Pray hard.

 

Day 14

"Cousins are the childhood playmates that grow up to be forever friends."

~Anonymous

I am grateful for cousins

This is perhaps one of my favorite pictures.  Regan and Gannon, 6 months apart, hand in hand at Reiman Gardens.  Buddies.  Friends.  Soon to be partners in crime.  When they are together with their other 9 cousins, they tend to forget that if they joined forces, they would be hard to reckon with.  My cousins mean the world to me.

They are family.  These kids will forever, with their other cousins...have each other's back.

Its priceless.



Day 13

"I wonder if I've been changed in the night? Let me think. Was I the same when I got up this morning? I almost think I can remember feeling a little different. But if I'm not the same, the next question is 'Who in the world am I?' Ah, that's the great puzzle!"

~Alice in Wonderland

I am grateful for curiosity

I also like the quote "Curiouser and curiouser."  I love Alice in Wonderland because it is soo off the wall.  The Mad Hatter.  "Why is a raven like a writing desk?"  I find myself wondering who Lewis Carroll was.  He amazes me.  These ideas, the storyline, the momeraths....all of it...captures my curiosity.  I wish that I could sit and have tea with the Mad Hatter.  Bet it would be fun as hell.  I would like to talk to the white rabbit too.  How cool would it be to drink something to make you smaller? 

I think I shall like that thought for now.

I also like that Kailey and Jackson got Alice's autograph...and that Kailey approved of Alice's accent.  "It was real, Mom, Mary Poppins didn't sound like Mary Poppins at all."

And...Kailey would know.



Day 12

"Life's too short...eat dessert first." ~Anonymous

Grateful for dessert

There was a point in time I would have never touched this.  Now...another story.  Are you kidding me?  Look at all of that delectable goodness.  Uh. Mah. Gad.  I guess I will go with fat and happy vs. skinny and angry/mean all the time.  Plus when you are fat and happy you can drink, too.  Which is another topic.



Day 11

"Meep Meep" ~Beeker

Grateful for Muppet Vision 3-D

I think this is 'nuff said here.  Beeker rocks.  Gonzo cracks me up for more reasons than one, we all love Kermit.  Miss Piggy is annoying, but I am a fan of Sam Eagle.  He's pretty cool.  I love Beeker and I love the old guys up in the audience.  Oh yeah.   And the Sweedish Chef.  This is a must do for us every time we go to Hollywood Studios.  I wish I could go about my day and just say Meep Meep...I would probably find myself in a lot less trouble if I could.  :)



Day 10

"Do you need me to write this down for you, MARK?!" ~Deb the Waitress

"Yes I do." ~Mark White

Grateful for manners

The 50's Prime Time Diner.  It rocks.  It has the most fun atmosphere, and the waiters and waitresses play this part of something close to June Cleaver...and by God you better have your manners in check.  You better eat your veggies.  If you talk while she is talking or taking the order, you are likely to find yourself being embarrassed in front of the entire place holding a sugar packet to the wall with your nose.  (Trust me...I know from experience.)  :)  The kids had a ball here, and loved messing with our waitress Deb, and quickly found out that sassing was not good (Gannon...or you will mop the floor)...and that throwing your beans on your cousin's plate while Deb is gone (Rylee)...will end up BUSTED!  Manners are not such a bad thing.  Perhaps next time we go, we will follow the rules and mind our manners. 

Day 9

"Hakuna Matata"~ The Lion King

Grateful for no worries

Hakuna Matata.  What a wonderful phrase.  Hakuna Matata...it ain't no passin' craze.  It means no worries, for the rest of your days...its a problem free- philosophy~~HAKUNA MATATA!  What Disney World does for you...gives you basically a time of no worries...just fun.  (Be quiet, Terri).  :)  I need to remember this phrase more often.  Say it, sing it, laugh about it...and not focus on things that don't matter.  Or shouldn't matter.  Life is too short.  Smile more, worry less. 

Day 8

"Be who you are, and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." 

~Dr. Seuss

Grateful for the silliness

So the day we decided this was a good idea...was fun.  We had our faces painted and got to be silly for the rest of the day.  Jackson was a Jedi, and he is on the ground pouting behind Jamie and Mark in this photo because it was the meltdown part of the day...until he got to get a "build your own light saber"....and then he was just fine as the Jedi.  All of us were painted with the exception of Austin, because he told us, "I am not someone who does this....I am a collector of art, pins, and artifacts.  THIS  is not for me."  So, he didn't have to.  The remaining 11 of us were passed by many who decided to stare and occasionally laugh...and we would burst out in song, "It's a Small World After All!"  This would be followed by laughter by all of us and usually made the crabby Disney park goers laugh too.  We proceeded to have an awesome evening of a private African Safari.  We fit in well there, and had many more laughs and giggles. 

Thankful for the memories made on this day.  :)

Day 7

"This ride really isn't to bad, you know, Aunt Colleen?  It kind of makes you forget about all the problems in our world and the economy.  Like we should all come together to fix it."

~Austin George White

Grateful for Austin-isms

I didn't know Matt took this picture.  Austin was not too sure about this ride from the start, and he grabbed my hand for reassurance.  I told him it was a ride about all the different countries, and asked him if he thought he could figure out all of the places of the world that we rode through on the boat.  He did.  He knew every country, and named the monuments, etc in each country and also observed the different languages, and costumes of the children.  He held my hand through the whole ride, and was pointing things out to me.  (Things I would have never noticed normally, as I am usually too engulfed in singing the song- its a catchy little tune).  Then Austin says this about the world, the economy...put it together in a very simple and beautiful way.  Walt Disney would be proud...because that is exactly what the ride is supposed to do to you.  I love you, Austin George!

Day 6

"Big sisters are the crab grass in the lawn of life."

  ~Charles M. Schulz

Grateful for the middle sister

I know this role all too well.  Middle sister.  The one that is usually blamed, mistreated, stuck to eat worms, etc, etc.  Usually there is an ailment that is sure to kill you on a daily if not hourly basis when you are the middle sister.  (I would know).  Perhaps if people would just pay a little more attention to us lowly middle kids...our life would be as great as the youngest (aka the little princess) or the oldest (the most wonderful and does no wrong).  Here....this is a RARE moment.  Where Regan and Rylee have decided for whatever reason...to like each other for now.  Even if it was for a split second, it felt like there was no middle sister.  They were friends.  Which is what happens later in life.  The middle sister will be your best friend...through thick and thin.  Promise.

Day 5

"Reach for the sky!" ~Buzz Lightyear

Grateful for wings

This photographer didn't want the "same old same old" photo in front of Spaceship Earth in EPCOT.  She said, "JUMP!"  The kids all looked at each other like she was crazy, but did it anyway.  They all have huge smiles on their faces, their wings are spread, and they are all reaching for the sky.  Each of us have a pair of wings...its just letting ourselves find them and use them.  We should use our wings more often, because as you can see here...it looks pretty fun to fly.

Day 4

"Why do we have to grow up? I know more adults who have the children's approach to life. They're people who don't give a hang what the Joneses do. You see them at Disneyland every time you go there. They are not afraid to be delighted with simple pleasures, and they have a degree of contentment with what life has brought - sometimes it isn't much, either."  ~Walt Disney

Grateful for magical moments

When we step foot into Disney World...its magical.  Everything about it is.  The smiles in our children's faces, the joy we feel as we ride that roller coaster, the memories that are made there with our loved ones...that is magical.  The mouse ears happen to be one of my favorite magic moments...even for Mama and Daddy...complete with our names embroidered on them...we are all kids again, and its magical.  Disney makes you forget what else is going on around you, and live like a child again.  That is why I love it so.

-

 



Day 3

"If ever there is a tomorrow when we're not together...there is something you must always remember.  You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.  But the most important thing is, even if we're apart...I'll always be with you."

~Christopher Robin to Pooh

Grateful for Pooh

Winnie the Pooh has always been my favorite Disney Character.  I find myself relating to him all of the time, and if not Pooh, I can relate to the other characters in the Hundred Acre Wood, too. 

Every single character lives somewhere in my heart. I know every movie, every story.  This year Pooh got me through Aunt Jean's cancer story.  The quotes, the sayings, kept us all together, and kept our family together...hand in hand...through her death, in her life, Pooh comforted us.

Aunt Jean loved Pooh also...and the above quote reminds me that everyday...those that have left us...are ALWAYS with us.  (That comforts me. <3)

Breakfast with Pooh and Friends this year was very special for all of us.

Day 2

"Always let your conscience be your guide."
~The Blue Fairy

Grateful for Pinocchio


Funny that Matt took this picture.  In every visit to Disney World, I have NEVER noticed this very statue.  It is now one of my favorite things around the castle.  Jiminy Cricket and Pinocchio tug at my heartstrings because my Dad will tell the story that shortly after his Mother died, (he was only 5)...his father brought him to the showing of Pinocchio in the theater I suppose to try to get his son's mind off of things.  What this movie did, however, was stick this question in my Dad's head forever.
There is a part in the movie about wishes.  Jiminy Cricket sings: "When You Wish Upon A Star."
My Dad, as he listened to this song leaned over and asked his Father, "If I wish upon a star, will Mom come back?"  I can only imagine what my Grandfather did to try to console him and explain to him why she would not come back, even though Jiminy Cricket said your dreams will come true.
Dad told me this story when I was in my early 20's.  Every time I hear When You Wish Upon A Star, I think of him being 5, and so innocently believing this.  So each time we go to Disney World,
we seek out the Cricket, to get a hug, an autograph for my Dad, and a pin.  I don't know why, it just seems right.  I cry every time I see him in costume.  And I am thankful that I have both of my parents with me today...because they are two of the best people I know.  And for the record...whenever I have trouble, or get lost, or feel like I don't know what to do...I ask Dad, Mom, and then I let my conscience guide me too.

Day 1

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
~Lao Tsae

Grateful for the journey...

2011.  Disney World bound.  Seven cousins, and five adults.  The anticipation for the trip had been mounting for weeks, months...a year..and today, we make the journey.  Our plane was delayed on the tarmac in Des Moines for over an hour, but we finally got off and when we hit Orlando, we all cheered...and RAN to the Magical Express to take us to the Boardwalk in Disney World.  We had wanted this day to come forever, and when the man on the Magical Express said with his Spanish accent, "We would like to welcome you to the Disney Magical Express"...we all giggled and smiled because we had been waiting to hear those words for way too long.