happy halloween from cinderella and mickey

Off to trick or treat this afternoon at Aunt Dottie's house, Estelle and Irvin's house, Aunt Jackie's house, and Uncle Frankie and Aunt Sally's neighborhood. There will be a stop at Johnny Harris for dinner as well.

Here's to your wonderful day!

cathy

blessed

We are focusing on The Sermon on the Mount this week in Bible study.

How often I hear the word "blessed" used in conversation and I too use it alot in my writings.

"and opening His mouth He began to teach them, saying,"

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.
Blessed are those who have been persucuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 5: 2 - 10

The Greek word for blessed is "makarious."

This is it's meaning.......to be blessed indicates the state of the believer in Christ. A blessed person is one whom God makes fully satified because He indwells that person in Christ.

O God in heaven, help me to grasp the magnitude of the truth of being "blessed."

I'll be looking into what each of these mean in the days to come.

cathy

"and they call it puppy love"

Lucy dancing her heart out by the pool in her beautiful skirt on the day they had to leave Disney.

"return to pooh corner"

"Winnie the Pooh doesn't know what to do
Got a honey pot stuck on his nose
He came to me asking help and advice
And from here no one knows where he goes
So I sent him to ask of the owl if he's there
How to loosen a jar from the nose of a bear"

lyrics by Kenny Loggins 1969/1994 (love it)

Ya'll, I know................I will get over all of this soon (I hope)

beware of the shark

The real "Nemo" and the real "Dorie" at Epcot

These pictures of Jake and the shark represent the only time I freaked out while we were at Disney. He and I were alone when Jake started climbing into the shark's mouth.

At first I thought it would be a great picture and I took a few shots. The next thing I knew he had fallen on these teeth and was screaming. I dropped everything, pulled him out, and laid him out on a bench.

I couln't find anybody. ( they were calmly enjoying a turtle show) I just knew he had sustained internal injuries. I was getting ready to call 911 when he roused up, stopped crying, and asked to go back to play on the shark again.

All Jake had to show for this mishap was an imprint of a large tooth on his stomach for a couple of hours.

It took me half a day to recover.

i found a few more pictures

This is when and where we lost Harry.

The noontime parade

Remember Piglet..........one of Pooh's dear friends?

Jake sliding down through the "Changing Tree." "Slip - sliding away."

Intensive parade watching.

Harry with Mickey and his mom.

Hope you don't mind a few more pictures.

There will be more in a little while.

I am having to rest with my knee up on pillows with ice.

Pain seeks me out with a vengence.

Cathy

all good things must come to an end

Donald Duck you are the best ~ I love your new outfit.

Beautiful flowers everywhere.

Why is granddaddy's head popping up behind rocket?

Victoria's Garden at the Canadian exhibit at Epcot.

Eli at Mickey's 3-D show

Cinderella's evil stepmom and stepsisters.

Okay.....the tornado alarm just went off and a scary voice on a microphone said that we should take cover immediately.

This ends my panormic view of our trip to Disney World. There was so much more that I didn't capture with my camera. Hope you enjoyed....

cathy

faces at disney

Every day Amanda was faithful to pack us a delicious lunch to take into the parks.We were all so thankful, plus we saved a ton of money. Remember......we had this amazing trip on a shoestring.

Look for more pictures in a little while and don't forget to look at the ones that I have already posted.

some more shots from the character breakfast

Harry hugs Eeyore

Lucy showing off Eeyore's tail

Jake, Lucy, and Eli snuggling up to Tigger.

We saw him bouncing all over the Magic Kingdom.

muy bein gracias, e tu?

Having lunch at the Mexican pavillion at Epcot.
Bubba bought us two large platters of nachos...........so tasty because we were so hungry.

Lovely weather and a cool breeze made this spot delightful.

too minnie minnies

and not a single stuffed animal was bought by any of us........

in the jungle

Lucy and Jake in the jungle.....cousins forever.

pumpkins everywhere

Amanda and Mark just left with Jake and Eli to drive home to Virginia.

We kept the boys since we returned on Sunday so that they could have some alone time over at the other condo. Now our trip is officially over.

While I am home today washing clothes and putting away toys, I will post more pictures like I did yesterday. Hope you enjoy!

horns rule

I will say goodnight with this shot of some of the most startling horns I have ever seen. We were on the Safari ride at Animal Kingdom. I am glad these animals were docile and didn't come charging at the jeep we were riding in.

Be sure to look at all the pictures I posted throughout the day.

it only rained once

Thankfully, Mark had bought us all rain ponchos at the dollar store before the trip.

watching a parade

One of the delightful things about Disney is that there is always a parade to watch. All of the characters pile on elaborately decorated floats and sing and dance their little hearts out.

I am celebrating our trip today!

pumpkin mickey

The Magic Kingdom was all decorated for Fall.

some more happy carousel riders

This beautiful carousel is the centerpiece of Disney World.

It is located directly behind Cinderella's castle and is usually the very first ride for everyone.

lucy on the carousel

Does anybody see a monkey on Lucy's back?

harry greets eeyore

Harry had to come home early because he got sick.
This was taken Thursday morning.
We got to go to the "character breakfast" at the Crystal Palace.
After he started feeling better on Saturday morning, David asked him what he liked best at Disney World...........

Harry answered "hug eeyore."

sweet, sweet boy....i love you.

with pooh

Do you like my Mickey T-shirt?

riding on the monorail

Today I will post a panoramic overview of our time at Disney so check in periodically.

These pictures are of our first monorail ride.

the ten of us

First day in the Magic Kingdom.......full of vim and vigor and lots of energy.

Now we are home. Very tired and I am not completely well......
but filled with happiness and enough memories to last a lifetime.

disney........the last day

Cinderella hit the wall today.
Me and my prince charming just spent the last 45 minutes walking around the "grumpy" parking lot. We couldn't find out car.

I did find a discarded balloon in the parking lot and brought it home to Amanda.....she had been wanting a "Mickey" balloon all week..This one was not Mickey.

Walt Disney started his fun-filled parks to have a place to take his two daughters.....a place where families could go and have fun together. We thank this man for his vision.

Our time here has been "magical."

bi-ba-di-bob-ity-boo..........cathy

disney...........days 3 & 4

I didn't write last night because I was just too tired......
couldn't get into the bed fast enough......
slept all night like a log that never moved.

Yesterday morning we all had breakfast with:
Winnie the Pooh
Tigger
Eeyore
and Piglet.
Such fun and the buffet was actually very tasty.

Last night the children got to be a part of a real live Playhouse Disney episode with all of their favorite characters participating. That took place at Disney Studios. We can't even imagine what their little minds must be thinking. It is just "heaven come down' for them.

Sadly, Harry got sick and he and his family had to leave and go back to Savannah today. We miss them so much, but are glad that Harry is back in his comfort zone. This trip may have been a little too much for the little guy. The time that we did have altogether was amazing.

Today we did Epcot all day. I just love that place. The highlight was "Soarin." That is one amazing ride. I just spent the afternoon walking around in all of the "countries savoring the sights, sounds, and smells. Eli and I shared a giant swirl sucker.

Today for Jake consisted of more roller coasters. He cannot get enough. He rode one three times in a row.

I have taken lots of pictures and I will start posting them when I get home.

The goodness of the Lord to those of us who believe is unsearchable.
Praise His holy name.

Cathy

disney........... day 2

I put in a lot of prayer time for this trip.....that God would go before us and prepare the way.
I don't think that anything could be more perfect.
The weather is warm, but not humid.
The lines are short.....on some you just hop on.
There are just the right number of people here.

This morning we went to Animal Kingdom.
The "Safari Adventure" was so exciting.
Lisa, the animals are "real and not stuffed."
The "Nemo Musical" was Broadway. A fantastic show.
Sandy, you and Kelly would love it.
"Mount Everest" was incredible, so they said.
Roller Coasters are not for me.

In a little while we are having an early dinner of Giodano's Chicago Style Pizza and then off to the Magic Kingdom for a night time visit. I love all of the lights and the fireworks. This is magic to all of us. What a joy and a blessing!!!

I bought a Mickey Mouse T-Shirt today. Not the boxy, man style, but a beautiful, pink, feminine one. I think I will wear it tonight in honor of our favorite mouse.

"The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life."
"Proverbs 22:4

That would be spiritual riches, honor for God, and eternal life.

blessed beyond measure.....cathy

disney.....day one

We love our house.
It is just perfect for what we are doing.
Two bedrooms on each side of a living room - dining room - and kitchen.

We were at the Magic Kingdom when it opened this morning.
As I thought, the best part of the day was watching the children's faces.
There was wonder and awe there.

We came home in stages:
Bubba and Harry first,
Eli and I second, and last to drag in, the "big children" including Lucy and Jake.

The biggest surprise of the day was Jake's love of all things roller coaster.
He who started out the day afraid of riding a horse on the carousel was riding Thunder Mountain and begging for more.

I am always amazed at the beauty of the Disney experience. It is a well oiled machine.....everything runs smoothly. The grounds are clean and the flowers are beautiful.
It is a go - go time, but so worth it. Just makes you sleep really well at night.

Just now I was having some sofa time when Harry and Eli soon joined me. The horseplay soon got rough and before I knew what had happened we had a head bonk that nearly knocked me out. Eli was fine, but I was brought to tears which made both of the boys laugh with glee.
It hurts bad......

Children all in bed at seven after a "four in the tub" experience.
Life is sweet right now.

from mickey's house....
cathy

aunt dottie's mum

Aunt Dottie won this mum playing BINGO the other day.
Out of the kindness of her heart she gave it to me.
I think it is beautiful and I have named the color....PAPRIKA!
I love you Aunt Dottie and I love that you love to read my blog.

Cold day here in Savannah as I pack for Disney World.
We will leave early Monday morning.
So many of you are so excited for us and that means so much.
The most important thing is to be together with our family having fun.

This is one of my favorite verses:

"No temptation (trial) has overtaken you except as is common to man;
but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted (tested)
beyond what you are able,
but with the temptation (trial)
will also make the way of escape,
that you may be able to bear it."
IICorinthians 10:13

I cling to this verse as a drowning man clings to anything that will keep him afloat.
It is one of the greatest verses in the Bible when you are going through various trials.

cathy

dumb...........o

This is the only intact pop-up picture left in our book...
A Fun-Filled visit to Disney World.
The Jungle Cruise.....I wonder if that ride still exists?
I want to buy a brand new copy of this book while I am there.

The pop-up teacup from The Teacup Ride has been ripped out and left on the floor.
Mickey Mouse was torn off and now all that is left is the monorail he was getting onto.
The instruments in The Country Bear Jamboree are all missing and I've heard that this attraction is missing from Disney World too.

The babies are hard on the books that I kept from David and Amanda's childhood, but that is okay because I love that they are being used again.

I want to ride It's a Small World because that was my mom's favorite ride.
I want to ride on Dumbo because there is an O at the end of his name.
I want to go back to Epcot and see if I can find the store where I bought my most cherished duck.
I can't wait to eat breakfast with all of the characters because I love them too.
I want to go through The Haunted House and The Pirates of the Caribbean where that life-like man's leg is hanging down.

I can't believe that this trip is really happening. I am so excited.
ps I think Bubba is too.

Cathy, who is your favorite princess?
Cinderella, of course.
She got to live happily ever after with her handsome prince.....
and I love her dress and shoes.

sometimes i just don't understand

but maybe I do. Sin is a destroyer, pure and simple.

"But as for me, my prayer is to Thee, O Lord,
at an acceptable time;
O God, in the greatness of Thy loving kindness,
Answer me with Thy saving truth.

Deliver me from the mire, and do not let me sink;
May I be delivered from my foes, and from the deep waters.

Answer me, O Lord, for Thy lovingkindness is good;
According to the greatness of Thy compassion, turn to me,
And do not hide Thy face from Thy servant,
For I am in distress; answer me quickly." Psalm 69: 13 - 14 & 16 - 17

going now to pray with my husband and offer all of the grief of this day up to Him......cathy

my 700th post

I cannot believe I have written 700 of these since I started back in June of 2007.
I think that every title is different.
What an outlet this blog has been for me,
and....there are even a few people who read it faithfully.
Sometimes I wonder why you read it.
It is just me living my life,
and....loving God with all my heart,
and sharing the joy of God's word and how it works itself out in my life.

Thank you all for reading and keeping me straight.

I think that Savannah has finally turned the corner into Fall............the 15 day forecast shows only temps in the low seventies with that brilliant sunshine that heralds autumns arrival.
It has rained all day today...........lovely, gentle rainfall that washes everything pure and clean.

Today was infusion day and it is raining so I will not walk tonight. I am a little sore, but doing well overall. I can't explain it, but I am changing for the better. There is just a hint of a new well-being in my physical body that I haven't felt in so many years.

The blessings of God on my life are so profound. There are so many times in the day that I stop and am aware of God's overwhelming kindness to me. He has given me a rich, full life and a good mind to understand His word and I am so grateful.

I can't tell you how much trouble is swirling around my life right now. Every time the phone rings I wonder. "What next?' But my spirit and my soul are at peace because I know that God is sovereign over all of these things.

"Blessed be the Lord who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation." Psalm 68:19

cathy ~ 700

and then the sun went down

Late this afternoon, just after supper, I went down to walk by the shore.
Bubba stopped by the docks on the way home and picked up some shrimp.
They were just bringing them in off the boat...........so absolutely wonderful!

I love the beach in the fall.
Now there are more bird footprints than there are human prints.
The waves were roaring.
Their tunnels rising up black with white foam turning florescent in the long, low rays of the setting sun.

I took a sweatshirt because it has been cool today, but I left it on a piece of driftwood by the path. Warm, soothing breezes were blowing in my face and the smell of the ocean was strong and intoxicating.

So many of you tell me how much you love to read of my walks by the sea. I only wish you could be here to share them with me.

Today I walked over to the library to get a book that had been recommended by a friend to take on my trip. I love the library, but they never have the book I need. After putting my name on the waiting list, I decided to browse for another book.

Of all things, I forgot my glasses. I was trying to carry on without them, but was really struggling with the fine print.

The Tybee library is really small and lots of people use it.

While I was straining my eyes to find a good book, I started having a coughing fit. (an annoying remnant of the swine flu) The cough seemed to be brought on by the dust each time I pulled out a book. I was trying to subdue the cough and that was making it worse. People were staring.

What a complete fiasco that endeaver was.

takes my breath away ~ by tuck and patti
i love it....c

impossible situations

I am sitting here at the computer.
The window is open and there are briny ocean breezes blowing through the condo.
Rain is falling gently on the tin roof across the way.

I am glad that I went to my Bible study today.
There is always something God wants me to hear.

Sometimes my life gets so busy that I neglect my spiritual needs.
When this happens I begin to drift.

There are two what I consider to be impossible situations in my life at this time.
These situations are not new......they have been going on for quite a while.
It seems like God does not hear my supplications because nothing ever changes.

In these last few weeks, because of my busyness and my neglect of God's word,
I have let doubt creep in.....I have questioned God.

Today we studied Jesus' first miracle....turning the water into wine at the wedding feast.
He took nothing and made something wonderful and good.

I don't know what God is doing in these situations, but I do know He hears my prayers.
I know that what He does will be for my good and for His glory and I should want nothing more than that.

Two things:
God can change my "impossible situations" into something wonderful and good.
I need to trust Him even in the long haul and never give up hope.

The biggest miracle of all is that He loves me enough to call me back where I belong....to His word and to prayer every day, many times a day.

"And now Lord, for what do I wait?
My hope is in Thee." Psalm 39:7

you've just won the super bowl.....

what are you going to do now?

We're going to Disney World!

Very soon the ten of us are going south to see the mouse again. It has been way too long!

Our love affair with all things Disney began soon after we were married thirty-nine years ago. We and our friends Sandy and Robert went just a few weeks after Disney World officially opened. Many of the attractions were not even built yet, but we had a real blast and couldn't wait to see it all again.

Three months after David was born we went back. David was tucked away with his grandparents and the two of us took off. I think we thought he was to little to enjoy. We came back with a stuffed Winnie the Pooh and a plastic Pooh as well that became David's favorites. He kept "Plastic Pooh" for many years after that and eventually bit his nose off.

The book pictured above is a relic of one of those trips and is loved by this next generation.

After we had David and Amanda, we began to go regularly with my family. We had so much fun and every time we went we loved it more and more. We have so many great memories from that wonderful place.

It is a great honor now that we are able to introduce our little grandchildren to this magic. We will be there for a week. We are staying in "Goofy's Getaway," a four bedroom ~ three bath house with a pool from which we can watch the fireworks every night.

Because Bubba is military we were able to get great ticket prices. His was free and ours were greatly reduced. We have five day passes for all of the parks and we can come and go whenever we please.

The great blessings of God are making this dream vacation possible for us. I even peeked ahead on Accuweather and noticed that the temps will be in the low eighties all week.

It is all so amazing and I cannot wait to see the wonder on the faces of the little ones.

supercaliflagelistic xp aladocious! (did I spell it right?)

cathyc