Gale Storm 1922 - 2009...Goodbye Margie.....

One of my favorite television shows from when I was a little girl...."My Little Margie"....starring the lovely Gale Storm....

Disney World Trip - Post #4 - Characters and Max

One of the unexpected delights of our "Best Trip Ever" journey to Disney World was meeting & taking photographs with the Disney characters. On previous trips to Disney we never had a chance to do this. Little people waiting patiently in strollers in the hot sun did not lend itself well to such pursuits.

This time however was different. Not only did we have a chance to meet and greet the characters....we had a grown-up Max along to make the experience a total joy. I have long said that when Max smiles, the room fills with light...and these pictures reflect just that light.

The Crystal Palace was a beautiful restaurant filled with good food and visits from Winnie the Pooh and friends....much to Max's obvious delight....






We encountered Captain Hook outside the Pirates of the Caribbean....


A quick rest in a comfy chair at Mickey's house....


Heading to the Toontown Railroad we met Snow White...


Lastly, on our way out of the park on our last night, we found an area filled with several characters and a chance to take photos with them all!! This was one of the most enjoyable, spontaneous moments of the entire trip.





More characters photos to follow......

Trifecta of Great News!!!!!!

Just so that, in less than stellar times, we remember that good things can and do happen.....recently we have experienced joy, relief and peace from these....


1. Tess auditioned for a flute chair with the Schaumburg Youth Symphony Orchestra for the coming season. Having been with the Schaumburg Youth Concert Orchestra for this past year, it had been her goal to move up to this more challenging orchestra. After one short year with the Concert Orchestra...and with only two possible flute chairs available...she was accepted! We are so happy & proud that her hard work & talent were recognized. We can't wait for their first concert to hear this wonderful group.


2. Christopher & Melissa received sudden & unhappy notice that the lease on their current condo would not be renewed for the coming year. Their landlord decided to sell this property, so the search for a new place to live began for these two. After visiting relatively few potential condos, an acquaintance of Christopher's lead him to an amazingly cool apartment located close to work, to downtown, & to us! It is an apartment I would have loved when I was their age. Great, great luck in this new home!


3. We had a recent serious health scare with one of our own. There is little to say about experiencing that long, long wait while a loved one is away being tested for the unknown. We hope for the best & prepare for the worst, and luckily this time the results were good. The all clear was sounded & life continued on...reminding us that life is fragile & not to be taken for granted.

So there it is. Three moments in time, in our time, experienced as a family.

Moving forward.....

Surprise 16th Birthday Party!!! - From Mollie to Tess

Mollie planned, organized and paid for a terrific surprise Sweet 16th Birthday Party for Tess this past Saturday.

Good friends, good music, good food and lots of volleyball, badminton and water balloons filled the evening.

The night was topped off by an outdoor showing of "Pirates of the Caribbean" complete with popcorn, candy and drinks.

Thanks Mollie for making this party a wonderful success!!!!



















Tess also has photos on her camera and will post them soon.

Happy 16th Birthday Tess!!!!!!!

Happy Father's Day Bill - We Love You!!!!!!!!

Words To Consider.....

.....via late author Erma Bombeck....

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the "good" living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed. I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching TV - and more while watching life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more "I love yous"...more "I'm sorrys"...

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it...live it...and never give it back.