Fall Fun!

Our annual trip to the pumpkin patch always brings out the best smiles.

Thankfulness …

Content, grateful, indebted, obliged, pleased, relieved, satisfied. These are a few synonyms for this state of the heart. I am challenged today by another blogger friend who blogs at http://www.DisneyFaithful.blogspot.com. She is counting down the days to Thanksgiving by counting her own blessings.

I wanted to take minute and thank God for these 3 little boys. They are such gifts to me and my husband. It’s hard to imagine what life used to be like before they were around? I’m sure it used to be really boring. Ha! Now our days are filled with little feet that hit the ground running around 6:30am (or 12am like last night…) and keep running all day. They only pause for a few moments to eat, take a rest and play an occasional quiet game. Did I mention that was occasional? We spend our time playing basketball, football, Star Wars & Harry Potter. Also at this point I am practically a Pro-Wrestler. Our 3 year old is ready to wrestle by 7am every morning. We love to laugh and talk and watch movies and read but most of all we love being together.

“Children are a gift from the Lord.” Ps. 127: 3

Take a minute today. What are you thankful for? Do something to celebrate this weekend and leave a comment to let us know what it was. Thanks!

It’s all your fault!

What’s the big deal about Walt Disney World anyway?  I can’t tell you how many times someone has asked me that question.  My family started visiting WDW the year that it opened in 1971.  Consequently, that is also the year that I was born!  Growing up we always camped at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.  This was the best value…and still is.  It was here that I watched my first Disney movie, had my first character experience and saw my first armadillo!  They are one crazy looking animal.  It was here, in this safe place with my sweet family that this love of Disney was born.  Now, forty years later, it is still going stronger than ever.  :)

Specifics you ask?  Here are just a few.  I love how every Resort Hotel is meticulously constructed down to the smallest detail.  I love how beautiful the grounds are no matter what direction you look.  I love how clean every park is.  Did you know that there is a trash can every 10 feet at the Magic Kingdom?  I love how every ride is designed with families in mind.  Being a college Psychology professor I love that there is something appropriate for every developmental stage.  I love Disney dining.  Our youngest son has had a very severe dairy allergy since he was born.  If he ingests any type of dairy his throat immediately closes.  When you go to WDW with allergies, the chef of whatever restaurant you choose will personally come out to talk with you.  Every time.  It doesn’t matter if you are eating at a counter service restaurant in the parks or if you’re at a sit down Character dining buffet.  That is service that puts families with allergies at ease.  Each time we’ve been, the chef has personally delivered my son’s food to our table. (Side note:  Just 2 months ago he grew out of this allergy.  Praise God!)  I love how Disney accommodates any special need that you might have from an autistic child to a severe physical disability.  I love how the Cast Members (Disney does not have employees) are always friendly and helpful.  They really are.  I love how, even though a Disney vacation is pricey, there are always “Special Offers” and discounts available so your family can experience the magic.  *O*  If you don’t believe it, contact me by leaving a comment and we’ll find a way together.  Right now through March 2012, with a minimum 4 night stay, Disney is offering FREE dining for your whole family.  That’s right…FREE.   Check it out here http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/.

Finally, I love the innocence that is still alive at Walt Disney World.  There is no need to worry if what you see around the next corner will be appropriate for your kids.  It will be.  It’s designed with you in mind.  And when my parents ask me why I’m headed back to Disney again in November, my answer is, “it’s all your fault!”.  :)

(See the pic below of me & my mom in September.)

Me, Mickey & Mom

My mom and I took a spur of the moment trip to WDW in September. It was a fabulous trip! This was taken at Shades of Green which is Disney’s Resort for military families.

I do believe in fairies, I do, I do.

Our 3 gifts.

A little pixie dust helped Wendy, John & Michael fly to Neverland with Peter Pan.  I believe in this kind of magic.  No, I don’t believe that Tinkerbell is waiting around the corner to sprinkle me so that I can fly but I do believe that we are presented with amazing adventures each day.  What do you think?  Through what lens do you see your days?  Sometimes these adventures come in small packages like the ones in my picture above!  Sometimes in a great conversation with a friend.  Sometimes in a song that moves you.  Sometimes in a film that awakens your heart.  Sometimes in a trip with your family or friends to your favorite destination.  Sometimes they come in the unlikely package of suffering.  This mixture of adventure, of joy, of hope & of struggle is what connects us all.  It’s what makes us who we are.  In this blog I want to share all of my “worlds” with you.

I want to share my story with you in hopes that you find parallels in your own story.  Obviously, I am a mom to these 3 amazing little boys.  My husband and I work in a ministry to high school students & I am also an online college Psychology professor (so that I can be home with my boys).  I have been playing the guitar and singing for 22 years now & I love it!  Wow, sounds weird to say 22 years!  I love leading worship in my church and I also love playing out at coffee shops and bars.  I hope to post some songs and videos to share with you too!  I have always been a doodler but have recently put some of those doodles on canvas.  If I work up some courage I’ll share those as well.  :)  I love to mountain bike, although it’s tough to find several hours a week away from my family to make it happen.  Last, but certainly not least I am a lover of all things Disney.  I am passionate about it and I truly love to help others find ways to make their vacations there magical…and affordable.  I hope that you can jump in with me and find some connections.  I can’t wait to get to know you.  :)

I am inspired to blog because of other friends who blog. Some of them are Dan @ danportnoy.com, Kaylene @ memorymakermom.com & Faith @ DisneyFaithful.com.   Check them out too because they have a lot of great stories and perspective to offer.