Disneyland

Disneyland was amazing this year. I can't remember when I had been there with my own kids. It has been so long. David's youth group was going, along with his girlfriend and my sister's family. Vanessa and I decided to go the same weekend, and although massively crowded, we had an amazing time. I think it was my best time ever in the "Happiest Place on Earth." That place and I share History....we are the same age and it has always fascinated me. My Grandma used to train children in that area to learn folk dances, and they would perform them in Disneyland. I have a picture of her, my Grandma Jean, talking to Walt himself. I think the first time I was there was close to fifty years ago. Going with Vanessa was a treat. She acted just like a three year-old....squealing and jumping around excitedly every time a new adventure presented itself. She was no longer nearing thirty, but closer to age three and I was loving every minute of it. She ran around the first few hours, trying to make it on all the special rides, before the crowds were overwhelming. At the time we made it to the Small World ride, there was a film crew and a celebrity in the boat a few ahead of us, filming a Christmas Special. In the middle of the afternoon, we were blessed to share a few hours with David and we all experienced Pirates, the Tom Sawyer Boat, the Haunted Mansion and the Jungle Cruise. We passed my nieces several times and ran into Paige, holding the famous Dole Whip. I'm close to sixty and it was the first time I had ever tasted one.....after Vanessa told me you can only find them in Hawaii and Disneyland. We continued on experiencing old and new adventures, tasting all the unbelievable treats we usually don't have at home, including carmel corn. Upon arriving at the Hotel after ten, Vanessa checked her step counter and we realized we had walked close to eight miles. Such a fun day. I didn't even feel tired, but was still hoping for a good night's sleep.....as the drive home loomed. All in all, I was very thankful to spend this amazing single day with my kids and Mickey......Minnie as well, as Vanessa received her first pair of  "Minnie Ears."

My Worst Nightmare

One of my worst nightmares is that my child would be home sick and in pain and I would not know it and be out doing a play. That happened this summer. My son David was ill. I thought he had stomach flu, but he was actually having an attack of his appendix. I asked him questions, thinking it could be his appendix, but he didn't seem to have the symptoms. By the next morning, he had a fever and I suspected that was it. We spoke to the doctor and left for the emergency room. I wrote something on my facebook just before I left. It was "David needs prayer." I knew my friends would pray for David and I knew he needed it. He was in the surgery within two house and we are thankful.