Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night

Well, good night at least until I get back from my vacation!!! I leave tomorrow to go see Derek, to hang out with James and Emily and to surprise 2 little girls who have no idea I will be there on Christmas.

I am so excited and I have not been eating well and I have acid reflux right now, and as I type this Cordelia is going NUTS on the couch playing and just being a kitten. I think she took some drugs today. Not sure.

I called my sister today to ask about a hair dryer and she asked if she could come pick me up tomorrow night when I landed. The suspense is killing her and I know she is having a hard time not saying anything to the kids. Trust me when I say that my sister and I are alot alike and I will probably want to go to their house by Thursday night!!! I cannot wait to see them.

Derek will be driving out tomorrow afternoon as opposed to the original plan which was to leave Thursday at 2am. This makes me very happy as I will get to see him almost immediatley after I get to James and Emily's. I am excited to see James and Emily as well. The plans for Thurs and Friday are just kind of "whatever". No major plans which is kind of odd. I am used to going on vacation and running all over the place. One thing is for sure, I will be wrapping gifts. Keeping Derek far away from my suitcase where his gifts are will present a challenge (You better not peek goofy head).

I just want to leave. While I look forward to Thurs and Fri with James and Emily I can hardly wait for Saturday. I miss my big Cici (sister) and my brother in law and my babies.....wow there are 3 to love now. I need a hug from all of them, and I can't wait for them to meet "Mr. Derek" (that is what the girls will call him until he becomes their Uncle). I can't wait to just relax and not think about my hell hole of a job. I just can't wait.....

So have a great Christmas everyone!!!! See you on the flip side!!!!

Stealing from my siblings is fun

Now coming into her recurring role as SOB (sister of the Bride) I give mad MAD props to Lauren for the following post!!!! So basically I go back and look at my life the last yr by re-posting the first line of the first entry of every month this year.


january: WOW.
(not to be confused with the Ben, Angiela, Dave club)

february: Just rambling
(and how is this different from any other day???)

march: Things from a hat

april: A day of reflecting, not for fooling

may: I'M GOING TO DISNEYLAND!!!

june: New Post coming soon!!!

july: Much to blog

august: Friends visiting, and embarking on new journies

september: Come on everybody here we goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!

october: And now few words from our Blogger

november: To blog or not to blog, that is the question

december: Creepy Santa and a rant

For my kids cause I love them

The following text was posted in my myspace for my youth. They hurt and I hurt. I'm blessed with the greatest group of kids in the world and I wish at times I could make their lives a little easier, so they do not have to bear the burdens alone. Or ever feel they are alone again!!!

I admit, I read the blogs/my space area's of my youth. It's how I keep up with what's going on. One thing I have realized now more than ever is that they hurt. Many times they hurt more than I can ever imagine hurting in my small, and uneventful life. They struggle with more peer pressure, pressure from parents to do well in school, sports etc, school in general has them stressed, and yet....what is there for them at the end of the day? Sometimes they feel as if there is nothing. Probably because their parents are yelling at them, their siblings suck (or they are probably compared to them ALL THE DANG TIME), everything they think they are doing that is right, is met with critisism. They are just trying to find their way in this life without scrwing up. And sometimes they do just that. They mess up....sometimes it's just a little, and sometimes it's ALOT!!!!! Huge, and I have to talk with parents, I have to talk with them, and help them get through it. (This is why I love my job cause I know I can be there for them). Sometimes I don't have the right words, sometimes all I can do is offer my outstretched arms and my ear. I hurt when they hurt, because I am the type of person who wants to get out the magic wand and make it all better for them. But I can't because if I do, there will be no lesson learned!!!!!



I am so sorry you guys hurt!!!!! I'm sorry that at times, we adults think we know it all and that you can't mess up. I am sorry that we don't let you fall enough. No matter how many times you fall, I'll be here to pick you up and help you heal!!!!! I LOVE YOU GUYS

Creepy Santa and a rant

I have two things to bitch about today, so please excuse me. Well one thing is a silly observation and the other is a bitch!!!!



Silly observation:



A local radio station here in the L.A. area is playing Christmas music 24/7. they began at like midnight Nov 1st I think. Ok no not really but it sure seems that way. now I love Christmas music but how much can one take 24/7? Maybe a couple times a month, but wow. I kliked it when they just did 24 hours of Christmas music on Christm,as Eve. Ah well. I guess I'm gripy today forgive me. Well in addition to the Christmas music, in the morning the two who do the morning show are having Santa call the little kids (whose parents send letters ahead of time) to tell them how good they have been etc. It really is a cute concept because these kids are just too darn precious. But what I heard today made me feel weird. Santa said to on little girl "Oh I know you like riding your horse up at your grandma's house. I watch you all the time" Is it just me or does Santa sound a bit...err.....weird. An old man watching little kids. By today's standards Santa would have been arrested, charged and in jail. Just a thought!!!! lol




Ok now for my rant. I have a co-worker who is unhappy with her life. As we all know, those who are unhappy with their lives try to drag others down with them. I can't remember what the term is for a chronic liar...but whatever it is, this is what my co-worker is. I don't know WHO decided to change the music books at church recently, but they were changed and alot of money was spent on them. I have a chior director who handles my youth and they sing once a month. All chiors have been told that they have to use what is in the new books and cannot branch out and use other forms of music. Much to the dismay of my youth and the youth chior director, I might add. Seriously....the songs in this book are so old school that I am sure my father who grew up pre vatican 2 would probably barf!!!! And he's been dead for almost 14 years!!!!! At any rate, as I stated this was news to those of us on staff who had nothing to do with this change, and when this particular chior director asked for the books and told my co-worker that if she was requesting this change be made then the proper materials should be provided. MY COWORKER SAID



"Please be assured that I am not requesting this. This was a decision by
the staff."





Um, no it wasn't a decision by the staff. I had NOTHING to do with this change. All of a sudden I was TOLD this change would be made. OMG!!!! I love being dragged into her little lies. I'm tempted to take this email to Fr. Tony and say "If it were my decision we never would have changed the books in the first place. The music in the new ones is CRAP"

Ramble ramble

I have really slacked off here and for the sake of my love who enjoys reading this site. I decided to update. I ahve sooooooo many pictures to share of the ongoings of life the last few weeks that I dont know where to start!!!! Shay's wedding, thanksgiving. OY VEY!!!!

In 23 days I will be surprising my neices by showing up at their house for Christmas. They have no clue I will be there and I am so excited to see the looks on their faces when they open the door and see me there!!!! We plan to take them to the Aquarium as part of their Christmas gift!!! Very excited as this is the World's largest Aquarium. It just opened last week!!!!!

Time with Derek is precious and last week was not exception. I hate how hard it gets to leave him. With all the stress I have been dealing with at work, I just didn't want to leave at all this time. I wanted to run away from all the pain, hurt, anger and stress that is my job and just rest in the arms of my love. It's such a safe haven. But knowing that running away would do me no good, I returned to CA. I think alot of things will be more bearable once our Evening of Reflection is over next week (note to self: read this in a yr and ask yourself.....are you a better person for having endured all that you have gone through the last few months?)

8 more months....8 months left in CA, of going to Disneyland, of living in this apt....8 more months until I am with my Derek, happy, content and in love. God is good.

For Todd.....

...i was going to post a pictire of th OSU logo, but out of fear that it might jinx me on December 3rd, I will merely offer my condolences here. It looks like it may have been a really close and tough game!!!!!

I still have a buttload of stuff to blog about. I saw HP 4 and Chicken Little and I STILL have to blog about Bryan and Shay's wedding

My weekend....postponed

it's postponed until I get home and find a good 30 minutes to transfer my thoughts on paper (I wrote it all out on the plane ride home) to my blog. A great weekend though...good times, definitely good times!!!!

I was doing a few things around the house today when I saw on the news, that the Traveling Vietnam War Memorial (a replica) was in Ontario this weekend. I looked up the location and found that it was 2.1 miles from my house and decided to drop everything and go. I took pictures and I am going to share my amazing experience with you guys. There are alot of pics...you have been forewarned LOL!!!!

I have been to the Vietnam Memorial twice in DC. Both times, I've been rendered speechless by the enormity of it and the thought that each name represents a real person. Today was no exception. I went thinking I would see a replica, take some pictures and that would be it. Not so.
The memorial is in the back portion of this cemetary and is surrounded by mini exhibits with pictures, memorial quilts and information booths.
Like the memorial in DC, you can go up to one of the books:

and look for one of thousands of names inscribed on the wall:


The wall has an East side:




And a West side:




They have volunteers (some of which are Vietnam War Veterans) who read the names of those on the wall:


As you can imagine, you are left speechless at the amount of names on the wall:


And proud at what these men (and 8 women) did for our country:


When I went in 1992, I found that there are two men who share my maiden name. Because my dad is adopted and I do not know much about his biological parents/family, I may never know if these two men are my relatives, but I keep them close to my heart!!! They died 10 days apart from each other in January 1968:




What happened next will stay with me forever. I was looking for the names of these two men. I turned to go ask someone for help on finding their names and right in front of me was a Vietnam Veteran, I could do nothing more than shake his hand with tears and say "Thank you for everything you have done to serve our country." Corny? Perhaps, but we owe alot to these guys for all the suffering they have and continue to endure. His name is Ted. He asked me if I knew anyone on the wall. I told him I did not. Then he said "Let me show you something." He walked me over to a name and pointed to it:




Sp4c Ingalls died when a grenade was thrown into an area where he and his squad were during an overnight invasion. He put his combat hat over the grenade and it exploded, mortally wounding him and saving his squad. Hearing his story gave me goosebumps. There is a park named after him, Ted explained, in Norco. I said to him "I know where Norco is, I lived in Corona" Ted explained to me that He and George Ingalls both attended Corona High School...which is the same high school I graduated from!!!!! What are the odds? Ted looked at me and said, "See, now you can say you do know someone on the wall" He showed me on a map from 1967 where he served (twice) in Vietnam. We had a brief talk and went our separate ways. In our brief meeting I learned about a few things I had not known about The wall and the war. I also met a few other Veterans and shook their hands as tears streamed down my face. It was just amazing.
So that was my afternoon. I have no words to describe the emotions. Just alot of pride for our servicemen and women!!!!
Here's a few more pictures:










This is a memorial to the POW's. It is a table set with the hats representing each Branch. The chairs are empty to symbolize the men who have not come home:




Thanks for letting me share!!!!

To blog or not to blog, that is the question

Todd suggested that I blog about Disneyland and since he was the only one to suggest anything, I shall do just that........When I get home tonight!!!!!

Remembering someone I never knew

I can't sleep...well I slept for all of an hour or so, but I went to lay down, and restlessness took over. So I gave in because I felt maybe I need to surrender to whatever it is God is trying to get me to pay attention to. Somehow I was drawn to Andrew's blog, where is posted two links to Marko's blog. Marko has been dealing with 2 deaths. One of a pastor in TX who was electocuted (sp?) during a service at church. The other death is the 2 year anniversary of Mike Yacconelli.

I first heard of Yac through a Youth minister I knew when I was working in the Orange Diocese. I was told by Jaymes, to get my butt to a YS convention because Yac was amazing, he had a way of helping you reach into your soul, yet not taking life so seriously. Yac helped you just be the silly, crazy goofy YM's we all started out being and rejuvinated your passion for the youth we serve. I was so pumped after hearing Jaymes talk about the YS convention, that I quickly went back to church to see if it was in my budget to go to St. Louis. It wasn't...for some reason or another!!!!!

At these conventions (and my YS friends can correct me if I get anything wrong) Yac would talk to those gathered there...and we're talking THOUSANDS of people. 6 days before he died, he talked about the Christian life being like a roller coaster. I don't think he could have hit the nail any harder on the head. As I was litstening to the clip I cried...over a man I NEVER MET!!!! A man who helped me realize that amidst my disorganmized ways at times of doing what i love doing...it's ok cause I do it for my God and not to get the pat on the back. I don't do it to hear "You're doing a great job" I do it to hear the laughter of the kids, the smiles on their faces and to watch them go into the church and kneel before their God. It's not about me....it's not about how many kids show up, it's about Jesus being real to the 5 that show up one day and the 20 that show up another.


"If I were to die, right now, as I was falling to the ground I would look at every one of you and go " what... a.. ride...what a ride" (Yac- 10/24/03)

I came to my own conclusion. My faith journey is like Space Mountain. Loud, confusing and sometimes disorienting in the beginning, full of twists and turns and the best ride of my life.

Rest in Peace Yac and thank you for showing us grace and love even after your death!!! (and thanks for helping bring the love of my life to me!!!!!)

???

I don't know what to blog about!!! To blog about all the poop going on at work would just anger me and I am trying not to let it bother me. I don;t share my pastors vision and at this point if I get fired...so be it. I'm not banking on getting fired, but hey I won't be surprised if it happens either!!!

So if you can leave a comment and give me something to blog about....fantastic. Fall Festival ius Sunday so I'll likely blog about that. Until then...i can be reached at Disneyland.

Writing about whatever pops into my head

Well the last post was about the "Sweet Victory" but let me tell you that it was short lived when my Angels lost the Series on Sunday!!!! My friend Mike has a theory. He says that because they changed the teams name to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, that the Angels will never win a World Series again, until they change it back. He says it's a curse. To some extent, yea maybe it's true, but they couldn't get to the WS even when they were the Anaheim Angels 2 yrs ago!!!! Dang Angels!!!!

Since moving I have been living like a person who has recently moved, with good reason right? Yes, well it's been almost 2 months and I am tired of looking at the last few boxes. So I went and looked on Saturday for an entertainment center and a computer desk. Finding an entertainment center that is not going to break the bank and had a box that I could lift (as all my friends were busy Sat and could not help me) was a challenge. Plus if it doesn't match I am sure there will be H to pay from a few friends. Truth be told. I SUCK at decorating. But anyway I did get a computer desk (for less than $50) and I found an entertainment center I like. I just need to get the "thumbs up " from my "decorators". The desk came from Staples and had to be dragged up the stairs from the carport (which HURT bad but worked my glutes) and into the house and then I had to put it together. The end result?



Not bad huh? Well, I sustained an injury. The darn screws they give you that you lock in with these crazy locking type deals (I can't remember what they are called) anyway the screws were being difficult and not going in right and at one point my phillips screwdriver slipped and stabbed my thumb. It hurt like a !!!! I'm happy to have the computer on a desk and not on an end table with me sitting on the floor!!!! Plus it gives me a place to display pics and Disney memorabilia!!!

Derek is in MS this week helping out with the clean up and what not from Hurricane Katrina. He has posted some pics on his blog and when he sent them to me I asked him if an earthquake hit. The streets are so torn up that one of them is literally on it's side





It amazed me how much destruction this hurricane caused. Derek said when they got to one house they moved some tree branches and such off it and out ran an orange cat!!!! I told him he needed to go back and feed it. Unfortunately he won't have a chance. Monday and Tuesday they worked on cleaning out a house, tearing out insulation, taking out the outlets etc. He says they will help the homeowners clear the place out but frm there it is up to them to rebuild. I asked him if they will get money from insurance and he said no. The insurance is claiming that the flood did not cause the damage...ok yea whatev. Why have homeowners ins then? Good God!!!!

On Friday I had a package delivered to the house while I was out looking at a reception place. I had been expecting this but was so happy to see what was inside. Shay's mom made me the COOLEST blanket. She said I am supposed to share it with Derek...heh heh, ok!!!!


I have never seen Mickey material like this. I used it for the first time this week when we had our rain/thunderstorms. Speaking of rain. I enjoyed the weather Sun-Tues and I am sad to see it end. It is supposed to be in the 80's this weekend :( I want fall to take over. I want cold weather. Ah well.

I suppose that is all for now. This weekend will no doubt bring lots of news. I need to look at reception locations still, so I'll likely be reporting on that too. Anyway. Have a happy humpday!!!!

Sweet Victory

I don't ever want to hear that my boys have not proven themselves as a true team. What Cracks me up are the excuses I am hearing as to why the Yankees lost. Most noteably from Jason Kruk on ESPN...."The Yankees had tired hands" Yea ok. Whatever.

I am soooo proud of my Angels!!!!! Keep up the good work guys!!!!! I hope you guys beat the Sox, but if not, hey at least you have shown the world that you are a good team.

And now few words from our Blogger

So much to type but not enough time to get my thoughts together. I wrote down some thoughts while I was on the plane so I will share those as well as others:

The plane? Yes, I spent a few days with Derek and his family. I left on Wednesday. We had a parent meeting for Confirmation 2 parents and students. That ended at 8:30pm. My plane left at 11pm. I got to Dirk's, changed...in my car and he got me to the airport at 9:45pm. Luckily there was no wait to get my boarding pass (as I was not checking baggage) and no wait to get through security. YAY!!! So I got a hamburger from Mc Donald's, caught the last inning or two of the Angels/Yankees game 3....YANKEES SUCK!!!!! Then I was on the plane. Derek picked me up, it was raining, he was in his PJ's. Very cute. It was so incredibly wonderful to see him, to be in the familiar surroundings of his house, to see Midnight and to drink sweet tea!!!! and now...the thoughts of the trip:

Northlake Mall. This is a new mall that is approx 15 minutes or so away from Derek's house. People were waiting outside the doors at 2am for free ipods on opening day a few weeks ago, but really, this Mall did nothing for me. At least they could have tried to compete with Concord Mills!!!!

Humidity: Just sucks...and that is all I have to say about that

Derek; is the greatest man that has ever lived. How he puts up with me is beyond me!!!! I love him more and more everyday and you know what? He bought me Cinderella!!! YAY!!!! I love you so much baby and I can't wait until we do not have to count on fingers anymore, the amount of times we have to say goodbye to one another!!!!

Wal-Mart Supercenter: Is so much fun to go to with Derek at midnight. It is becoming a tradition now!!! LOL

Nieces: Please excuse me if this is a tad long, but it was what I wrote while I was on the plane. This was by far the stand out part of the entire weekend. Not that spending time with Derek wasn't memorable, That goes without saying. But there were just some serious stand out moments that I had with these three girls that I was not expecting to have happen.

"I love you Katie"
"Don't leave me"
I know you are thinking, "aww sweet! She and Derek had happy, lovey dovey moments and then a bittersweet farewell." No......ok, WE DID, but the above words were spoken to me by his nieces during my short trip to NC. While the last few visits with Derek have primarily been focused on the two of us, I found that his trip took on a different "feel" so to speak. With the engagement behind us, my focus now is on planning our wedding, the impending move and of course, deepening my relationship with my love. The excitement of being able to countdown the goodbyes on 10 fingers (or less) and building relationships with his family. His mom and I have begun to build our relationship with phone calls and picking colors for a quilt she is making for us (though she has promised a cat quilt for me..tee hee). His sister and I grow closer each visit, and his sister in law and I exchange emails frequently. However, my interactions with his nieces, astounds me. We spent 30 minutes or so on the computer on Friday looking at Jr. Bridesmaid dresses and hairstyles. When all of the grown ups were sitting at the dinner table, I found myself wanting to go eat with them at the other table, worrying that they felt left out. I love hanging out with A & K and having picnics with R. These girls have truly touched my life and I am so excited to be their Aunt. I can't wait for them to come over to make Christmas cookies, go to recitals, concerts (being that A is in band now), sleepovers, parties and all the other girlie things. Poor Derek. His days are bound to be filled with phone calls about boys (they will need someone to talk to about how silly they are), prom, lipstick colors, and the never ending stream of "girls nights". These life changes not only mean that I get to marry the craziest, silliest, goffiest, most spectacular man alive, but I also get to be and Aunt again......now 8 times over!!! God is Good to me.

Random

Tonight was fun. I got off work early and dropped some stuff off at the homes of 2 youth. Then I headed for Disneyland to meet up with a YS forumite and his wife. OMG Knotter and E are so super great!!!! We talked and talked and it was sad to see them go cause we probably could have talked and talked more. However, my back was hurting and they have to get up early to go to a YS convention. (5am airport shuttle pick up...yikes) If any of my YS friends have the opportunity, do not miss out on meeting these two. They are so great. AND if you ever need Mr. potato Head parts stuffed into a box (and you want a TON of them) Then Mike is your man!!!! I doubted he would be able to close the box, and of course, he was offended (Dude, I got to hear him say that in person, it was sweet!!!) and proved me wrong. He is the Potato Head parts stuffing king!!! All Hail Knotter!!!

Sad news on the Micechat front. Mt friend Dsnylndmom, lost her pretty little calico kitty, Sonic. Sonic was a beautiful kitty with a crooked head. I hear she was a joyfully happy and sweet cat. As soon as I heard the news I wanted to go and be with her family. Losing a pet is so terribly difficult. Especially for little ones. She has a young son, whom Sonic belonged to, who took it particularly hard. Both her kids did actually. Being that she and her family live 3 hours away, a trip to see them was not in the cards, so I am making other plans to help them honor Sonic.

Ok, ok, I admit it. I cried, I cried hard. I looked at my two boys who are now 8 yrs old and just thought of what I would do if I lost them suddenly, and I started bawling!!! Latte and Marley may truly be "just cats" to some, but they have seen me through some very tough times. they have been forever faithful and loyal to me. They are my babies, and Cordelia is too!!! If anything happened to them, I would be heart broken!!! I told Derek that my cats can never die, he agreed to the same terms for Midnight.

I find it so ironic how quickly we become so emotionally attached to our pets. Why? Is it because when the world is cruel, mean, nasty, nit picky, back stabbing and gossipy our pets see through all of that and love us just because we give them a home, food and love? I've always been fascinated by how easily these beautiful animals pull on our heartstrings and are quickly added to our extended family. I remember a mean, mean dog we had when I was younger, J.R. He was mean. He only liked my brother and if you so much as walked the wrong way by Kevin, J.R. would go into attack mode. He was awful!!! Yet, when the attacks got to be too much, we had to let him go. Not an easy thing to do by any means. As much as I was sick of my brother having to hold the dog so we could walk around the house (cause you know, even 20 ft was too close for this dog), I was heartbroken when he had to be put to sleep. I cried. He was a cute dog and his constant desire to want to pee on car tires always made me laugh. Yet, why? Why such a strong attachment to a critter who cannot speak, you has to be cleaned up after, fed, bathed, and what not? You'd think we woud never want to domesticate animals!!! So much work, yet so worth it. Especially lately for me. 4am wake ups by Cordelia to be loved upon. I love it, even if it is 4am.

Rest in peace Sonic!!!!!! And the same to all the animals who we have loved that have gone before you: Isis, Here-Tis, J.R., Ashley, Aloyisius, Peanut, Josh, Toto.......

Sometimes the rainbow comes before the rain

Today it did at least. Around 5pm ish or so, or maybe it was closer to 6 or 6:30pm I looked up from my notes I had prepared for the upcoming teacher in service and out my window to see a bright orange/purple, cloudy sky and a rainbow. Not a drop of rain in sight, but a rainbow that got brighter and brighter with each passing minute. I ventured outside and found myself in awe of this HUGE rainbow that was hidden by the clouds at the top so that I could only see the sides of the bow and it was so bright that you could faintly see the double rainbow that was appearing. I thought to myself that I had never seen a rainbow before it actually rained. Or had I? Being the Youth minister that I am I IMMEDIATLEY started to think...how could I apply this to the kids and the struggles they face? How can I apply the metaphor Rainbow before the rain (there was a serious light show about an hour or so later)? Then I had to stop and remind myself to just take the time to enjoy the view!!!!!

I got up close and personal...ok not personal, but definitely up close with Johnny Depp....Pics to follow (look down and I'll have some pics posted shortly!!!! )It was such a fun day. E and I got to Hollywood on Friday at 5:45am and took our chances pf beiong in the line that would "possibly" get us up close to where all the action would be. I am soooooo glad I listened to E and went over to the line instead of staying across the street. the "possibly" produced a "golden ticket" and there we were pressed against a steel barricade waiting for almost 2 hours to get a glimpse of the Deppster. We were CLOSE....and after the ceremony (his hands and feet forever memorialized in poopy green colored cement, he came out and signed autographs. I was so close I could wipe the sweat off his brow. E felt sick and I was literally speechless. I got his autograph on a Corpse Bride poster which was very cool. What a day.

Later that evening, T came over and we went to Alfred Angelo to try on dresses, only they did not have me down for an appt. So we went to David's Bridal (after looking at some outrageous price tags on the Alfred dresses). As we pulled into the parking lot I glanced at a dress in the David's window and told T I wanted to try that dress on. So I did. First dress, fell in love. Tried on a few nmore, but nope...first dress was it. I told T my idea of putting beads on it in certain spots and she soon was in the "Yep that's your dress" mode. So I put the deposit down and the rest is history. I cannot link a pic or describe it, because my future husband reads my blog. So if you want to see it.....let me know and I'll get you the pictures!!!!! It's soooo pretty!!!!!

Ok, I need to post the Depp pics...below....so I'm done here for now!!!!

The Deppster!!!!

Here is a timeline of our adventures:
E and I are anxiously waiting for the ceremony to begin. This was after we had gotten our "golden ticket" that led us to "ringside" seats


Honorary Mayor, Johnny Grant reads a list of Johnny's accomplishments, but we kept yelling things at him to get his attention. I think he kind of liked it cause it distracted him from what was going on. He seems like the shy and humble type.


Tipping his hat to the crowd


Where's Danny??? That's Danny Elfman in the black shirt back there!!!


We were screaming "WE LOVE YOU JOHNNY" and got a wave and a smile!!!! The girl next to me said he was "amazing" and he put his hand over his heart. It was cute


During his speech he admited that he did not know what to say. Poor guy. But he did tell the fans that we should be applauding ourselves because we have stuck by him. Ok I haven't but the other girls there have.


We really didn't get good shots of the ceremony cause he was surrounded by really big guys, so yea, only the media was able to get those shots. But, WE got to be closer to him than the media freaks (and the body guards kept saying to them, "You GOT your pictures already")


Johnny was so great about receiving gifts and making sure EVERYONE got his autograph


He was quiet, and moved quickly, brought his own sharpie, and you know I remained calm and cool as he got closer!!! Which is odd for me


See what I mean when I say I was up close? I got so into taking this picture that I forgot to get his autograph


Luckily when I asked him to sign my poster he stepped back and signed it for me. SO NICE


and what would a celebrity appearance be without people dressed as some of the characters from recent movies?

Jack Sparrow


Willy Wonka (this guy had no front teeth though...pretty scary )



So that was my day!!!!!! Well, part of it at least. But I can't post dress pics, so :(

But Thanks Johnny for being so great to us fans who got up really early to come see you.

And the work continues......

Last night we had an Evening of Reflection for all the teachers and aides that will be helping out this year. It was a very nice evening put together by the Director of RCIA here at the parish. We were expecting 32 and only 15 showed. Not bad, but I am finding myself a tad disappointed in the few that said they would be here and did not show. No phone calls, nothing. It was frustrating. But the night went on.

One of the questions asked of us last night was "In regards to deepening my relationship with the Lord, I feel called to...." and I simply said to Pray and to serve. Then, before sharing I thought about what that meant:

To Pray: So many times during the day i find myself walking past the church, and not going in to pray. Or I glance at the rosary that lies on the prayer table behind me next to a very beautiful picture of the late Pope John Paul II. How many times do i stop whatever it is I am doing and just pray? I can tell you honestly, not often enough. And I want to change that. I am the type that if I don't write myself a note, i will not remember to do something. I write notes for everything!!!! So, with that in mind, i have decided that at home in a prominent place in my house I am going to create a prayer space. I have the perfect spot. It is by the door way that leads to my bedroom in my house. When I walk up the stairs I will see it. I will remember to pray, to take the time to offer up prayers of my friends and family to our Lord. I will pray for a few moments before I call Derek on my way to work (did that this morning...), I will spend a few moments in the silence of the church each day. And I will reflet on the daily scriptures. I better write myself a note so I don't forget to do that!!!!!!

To Serve: There is such a need in this parish community for evangelization and I will make sure that teens here are catechised and evangelized. The Amazing Encounter retreat that i have the desire to start, will be started.....that is my goal. I have youth who are pumped about it along with their parents and I knwo it will bring these kids closer to Christ. i will work my tail feathers off to get this up and running. I will not let these kids suffer from lack of knowledge, not just in mind, but in heart, of Jesus!!!!!

And with that...the paperwork piles upon my desk. I don't think there has been a week where i did not have a stack of papers to sort through, and things that needed to be completed, on my desk, and thorugh it all...He makes sure it falls into place and is completed in the way He sees fit. I'm no longer in control. i do not work for myself. I work for, through and with Him.

......and the work continues.

A bit of Katie theology

A recent discussion on Scifi Chick messageboards sparked this train of thought within my brain and I decided what better place to share it then here on my blog. I will caution my non Christian readers, that this particular post deals with quotes from the bible, so therefore, I apologize. However, I feel the need once in a while to share "Katie theology" (andrew's favorite) with the world every now and again.

Now before I begin I must point out that if I can be corrected I am fully and completely open to such correction. However, if comments ensue that are rude, or flame me...ah well...keep them to yourself!!!!

Last week the Gospel reading at Mass came to us from Matthew. It read
"Jesus said to his disciples 'If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen to you, take one or two others along with you, so that every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or tax collector. Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose shall be loosed in heaven."

So, here we have Jesus telling us that we need to make those who sin against us accountable for their actions. Am I wrong in that if the sin does not affect us, that we are to pray for them and hope that they see their wrong? (I am not sure of the exact bible quote where it says I have to tell my brother he is wrong, but I do believe it exists). However, where do we draw the line for calling one accountable for their sins and actually judging them for their actions?

Is telling someone they are wrong for what they watch on TV, see in a movie theater, listen to on the radio cause for us to break out a bible and say "It says right here that if you do these things you will burn within the fires of hell?" Am I not to believe that what someone does that does not directly affect me is simply between God and that person? At what point is it for me to tell someone "OMG, you saw THAT MOVIE...WHY? It's full of sin and lust" How do I know that that is what this movie is saying to this person? Are we all to assume that because a song talks about sex that it's going to affect every person in the same way? What happened to positive mentoring? If my kids say they like a certain song, I look at the words, talk to them about what it's saying and see where they are coming from with it. What is so appealing about it? Never would I look at them and say "YOU ARE GOING TO HELL, you are not acknowleding the sin in this song. How can you justify listening this without first acknowledging that this is causing you to sin?"

I am a Catholic Christian, and far be it for me to point out the sins of others (though I do admit to doing that from time to time), before recognizing and being absolved of my own. I think only one of perfection, Christ himself, can truly do that. Other's, IMO, come off as arrogant and judgmental. "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone"

In other words, I see so many people trying to tell me, my collegues, my boss, my co workers, my friends where they go wrong in the simplist things, yet where are they so perfect that they can do so and show that they too are walking a truly sinless life? Christians with this attitude are the reason that some say "the church is dying" It's dying because people are being pushed away. No one wants to be told "YOU"RE A SINNER because you do this that and the other thing." They know where they are wrong, they are just seeking acceptance, and love not judgement. Sometimes I get so mad when I hear people judging. I hurt when I hear that people are leaving the church (ANY church, not just the RCC) because they feel they have been judged by others because they have made mistakes or what not. Whatever happened to the golden rule? "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul and Love your neighbor as yourself". Perhaps we need to start working on loving ourselves a little more, no?

I'm going on vacaaaation!!!!

I just got my time off for Oct, Nov and Dec, approved today and so that means that i get to:

1. See my future in laws in Oct and ask my future neices to be in the wedding (via create your own puzzles).

2. Spend another Thanksgiving with Derek and his family!!!! (Go down airfare...GO DOWN)

3. See the looks on my neices faces when they realize that Santa Claus brought Auntie katie for Christmas!!!! Not only that but they will get to meet their future Uncle!!!!!!

I am excited. I love traveling and I love spendign time with Derek. This is going to be a shortpost and I hope to post more later tonight or sometime tomorrow!!!! i am not going to look at dresses tomorrow. My partner in crime had to postpone til next week which is ok cause now I can straighten things up a bit at the house!!!!

Come on everybody here we goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!

Sorry for the silence, but I've been working early, getting off work early and going home for the last 3 days. I had no internet connection at home until I signed up for 2 months of free AOL. Derek says I am addicted. Tell me something I don't already know. I'm addicted to him!!! LOL

The apartment is CUTE!!! I have pictures, but I am far too embarassed by the "mess" topost them here. Once all is in order,I will post. I got the kitchen and bathroom unpacked by Weds night and now I am just trying to survive without a dishwasher!!!! I will soon be suffering from dishpan hands. Oh the HORROR!!!

Friday I was supposed to go to Group USA to try on wedding dresses with T. But we figured traffic would be too bad to even try and get out to the mall so we postponed our plans to later next week. I found that about 5 minutes away from me is an Alfred Angelo store which is the designer I am looking to go through for my bridesmaids dresses. I just have to find the perfect style.

This weekend hopefully will be fun. I am going to a bday party for my friend,Matt,at his sisters in Camarillo. I am in charge of a side dish so I am bringing yummy potatoes. Hashbrown potatoes, green onion, sour cream, cream of chicken soup Cheese,mixed up, and baked to perfection. I swear it's baked cardiac arrest!!!!! Matt said for cake we are having donuts (his choice) and smores (I am guessing his neices choice) DUDE that is almost as awesome as my desire to have a Barbie Doll cake for my bday (which I am STILL, after 25 yrs, WAITING TO GET). I am really looking forward to being with my friends tomorrow. Joanne and Paul and Jimmy will be there too, so the fantastic 5 will unite again!!!!! Hopefully Joanne won't fall on her face this time. Paul,Jimmy, Kristine and I are going to lunch before hand, so it's just going to be a nice relaxing day.

Monday Phil (who helped me move) invited me to a BBQ at his mom's place which is 20 minutes from my house. SWEET!!! I told Phil I want to go out to Redlands (were he lives) and take pics at Univ of Redlands. It's such a beautiful campus!!!! Maybe I'll convince Paul and Jimmy to tag along one time!!!! Not sure if I am going to Phil's just yet. I've got so much to do at home with finishing unpacking. Hopefully I'll get to go to Ikea soon to get an entertainment center and a computer deask to spruce up the apt.

Derek is desirous of going out to MS to help with the Hurricane relief. He's's being told by our friend Lisa that he'd likely behelping with the little kids (playing with them and what not), but the thought of him going out there scares the you knowhat out of me. I admire his bravery, his compassion, and his desire to help, but I fear what could happen to him out there. People, in general are desparate and they will stop at nothing to get what they want/need at this point. I just want him home and safe from harm. But I can't hold him back from doing what his heart is telling him to do now can I? I know I would do the same if I could get time off from work, but I just worry about him. That's all. I love you so much baby, I am so proud of you and your enormously large heart!!!!! There is an extra special place in heaven meant just for you!!!! You always tell me I am the greatest woman ever, and I always disagree with you. You are the greatest man EVER and don't argue with me. Hee hee.

Speaking of Hurricane Katrina, while my family is safe I still worry and pray for those who have not heard from family members, those who lost loved ones, and those who await rescue. I simply cannot fathom the amount of destruction that this hurricane has caused. I feel like I want to do more than just drop money in a tin can to help those in need. At times I just want to fly out to LA or MS and pick up a family and bring them home with me. Feed them and help them out if I could. But alas, I can't. I found myself stressing so much over money and what not with having moved and I was immediateley put back in my place with images of children, separated from their families, men and women who have lost spouses, families displaced with no homes. How coul I be so selfish in such a tragic time? One of my church members has her parents in NO. They were ok after the hurricane went through, but once the levee broke they had to evacuate. They are both 80 and not very mobile. They were in a shelter for 3 days with no food and water. Someone heard of this and picked all of those there up. Dropped them off on I-10 and told them to walk to the convention center. Her parents caretaker wheeled her mom to the center while her dad, who could not walk anymore, waited on the freeway to be picked up. As of yesterday afternoon, the national guard was taking them somewhere. To Texas? To Baton Rouge? I know not. But thank God for the National Guard. Through it all G said her parents were in good spirits. What else could they do? Get angry? At who? The president? Yea right, like he had anything to do with this natural disaster.

Those who critisize GW need a reality check. While yes, we as a nation constantly prepare for natural disasters, they are not textbook disasters and no matter what anyone tells me you cannnot honestly say that we, as a nation, were prepared for the destruction and limited access and the thousands of people that would need to be saved. Give me a break. Do you all really think GW is sitting in the Oval office saying "Eh, let them kill each other, one less city to worry about. Most of them are black anyway!!!' I don't think so. It's not Political People!!!!! And my words to Kayne West.......I hope you soon take a long walk off a short pier. If anyone is racist my dear, it most certainly is you along with everyones "favorite guy" Jesse Jackson. Why not do something about what is going on instead of sitting back and complaining about what our President "isn't doing". Give me a freaking break.

(Sorry for the typo's my computer is being dumb right now)

moooooooove

Tomorrow is the day!!! I am awaiting contact from Dirk who is trying to get the day off so he can help us as well. Dirk is one of those really laid back guys and when I stress, he stays calm which, in turn, keeps me a tad more calm. I am hoping he can help us out. We definitely need it. A church member has offered to help as well so we should have everything moved by the time the 5pm truck return comes around. I really do not have too much stuff so this should not be a difficult move. The only hassle I forsee is I have to go get a cashiers check in the morning and I can't get to the apt office until 9am. Even still an 8:30am truck pick up shoud be ok. I figure if Dirk can make it he and Phil can start loading while I go down the street to get the check. Then we all drive over, I get the keys and we are good to go!!!!! I found a Souplantation 5 miles from the new place and told Dirk if he wanted to we could head out that way for dinner or just do Pizza. We shall see. I can't afford to pay for EVERYONE's dinner, so pizza may be the way to go. I have put Andrew in charge of moving the cats. Though, that will depend on whether we decide to move them in the morning when it is a tad cooler and much easier to lock them in the bathroom as we move things into the apt!!!!!

Once moved, I will be able to focus on way more important things...the wedding. I plan to go for a tasting on a Friday to see if I really like the caterer I found at the bridal show and to see if I can get the Upland Women's Club as well. Lot's to do. Lot's to do.

I cannot believe it is Labor Day weekend this weekend!!!!!!

HURRICANE KATRINA UPDATE: Here is reporter, Michelle, from Alabama, neice of our blogger, Katie with a report "Hurricane Katrina turned off all the lights in our house". Yes folks, an eyewitness report from a 3 yr old who was seeing the storm outside her window!!! My family is safe and in good spirits. Doing very well. Thanks for the prayers.

Whew. It's 11am I am hungry. Maybe I'll go get a bagel today...who knows. But one thing for sure.....I'M MOVING TOMORROW!!!!!

Luau's, Bridal shows and moving

I have been uber bad about blogging, but I SWEAR I have a good excuse:

To all my valued and faithful readers,
This note is to serve as an excuse for Katie's bad blogging lately. The reason she has been so bad at it all is because she had Leadership training for 4 days with her youth, a Luau last night and she is preparing to move to a new apartment this week. Once you see her new apt you will forgive her because it is soooooo cute. Once in the new apt it may be a couple days before she has internet up and running, but she will try to blog as often as possible.

Thank you for your understanding

Your favorite person in the world
Katie

Onto other things. Yes, I am moving to the cutest apt ever. A split level 1 br 1 ba place that is so gosh darn cute and totally fits my personality!!! I love the place and wish I could move in right now. However a few things need to be in order such as finishing packing and getting my renters insurance (which is required for move in). I think Marley suspects something. He has not been his sweet loving self the last few days. Poor kitty. We've moved alot in the last couple years. As you know, Latte and Marley are not young lads and so it gets tough on them. (They are both 8 yrs old). At least the new place will give them alot of exercise with the stairs being in the apt.

Cordy has no clue what is going on and is as happy as ever. She has been super sweet as of late, wanting lots of attention in the morning. Purring, and head butting. The only problem is she is wanting said attention at 5am!!!!

Today I am going to a bridal show with 2 friends from Mice Chat. One is getting married 2 months after Derek and I and the other is a friend of ours!!! She is really getting into the wedding planning stuff with Teresa!!! I am looking forward to spending the day with them, but not so much to all the paper I will be bringing home. You see at a bridal show you get a sticker that says "Bride" and the vendors overwhelm you with flyers and such. It's insane!!!! But we will get all sorts of ideas and look at dresses and what not. Hopefully find some stuff we like and go to the Garment District to get it all really cheap!!!! I love the way Teresa thinks!!! Kudos to Teresa and Ken on finding the perfect wedding location!!!! It's going to be gorgeous!!!! As for Derek and I, I booked the church about a week ago and when Fr. Jerry comes back from Ireland I will be talking to him about preparations. Once the move is over, I will be contacting the caterer Derek and I found as well as giving a couple other places a look!!!! I just want to keep all my options open. I heard about the Upland Women's Center and I know of a couple people who have had receptions there and were quite pleased. So we shall see.

Last night was our Youth ministry Luau. 37 kids showed up to eat, play games, dance and just have a good time. Fr. Tony stopped by for a while and munched on some goodies and he even got into the limbo competition. He didn't participate but he got a kick out of watching the kids. I also finally saw the cha cha slide for the first time. It looks easy!!!! Even this white girl could do it. Overall I have to say it was a success. THe kids really pulled together for it!! YAY!!! God is good.

I need to post some pictures. I'll take a few and post a few engagement pics too!!! Thanks for being so understanding of my hobo blogger-ness

Life has taken a turn for the better

I promise to post some pictures. I am horrible at it, but as of Sunday my life changed. Derek was on one knee asking me to be his wife. I said yes. I can't wait. I never imagined I would find someone who makes me feel so beautiful, happy, who gets me, who wants to be with me, who accepts my blondness, who loves me no matter what!!!!! Derek is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me!!!! He asked me last night what I thought my life would be like if I had not met him. I cannot even fathom it. I can't even remember how I lived. I can't remember how I breathed!!!! Ok I remember that it was breathe in breathe out!!!! You know what I mean. He's the missing link, he completes me. So corny sounding but so true. HE has made me see things in a different light. He makes me laugh and as frustrated as he makes me....I love him even more. I am so blessed. I promise to post pictures. I'm just trying to absorb it all. I'm still in awe, still feels surreal. My head is still in the clouds!!!! Plus, he left tonight and I'm sad. I hate when he leaves. I NEVER cry when he gets out of the car, I cry when I pull away from the curb at the airport. So when he calls I'm sobbing. 360 days left until I do not have to say goodbye to him anymore!!!

short post

Derek is finally here...I pouted for my ring...LOL What a brat I am.

Yesterday I lowered my standards and went to a Dodger game. A DODGER GAME.... It was all good though. Thanks to Shay's future sis in law for the tickets!!!! We ate at the Disney Soda Fountain store which was a really cute place. Ice cream was ok. I promise to give a better review later.

So much going on really. I find I do not want to be at work when I knwo I am leaving Derek behind. I just want to hang out with him. Yesterday was soooooo much fun!!!! We had to compromise big time. We went into Pottery Barn to look at stuff. I found some shadow boxes that i REALLY want to buy. THey are just was too cute and I could have too much fun with them. They are a bit pricey so if you know of a more inexpensive route to go that won't make me pull every hair out of my head individually... let me know.

I have found that I really have an urge to scrapbook lately. I guess I just need to turn off the computer and do it!!!!! I have a really cute picture fo 2 of my friends (who are dating) and I want to surprise them with a page. Awwwwww, so sweet huh?

I asked my nieces to be in the wedding (Derek is scheduled to ask on Sunday by the way) and now the 3 yr old says to me on the phone "Hi Auntie Katie...I'm going to be a flower girl in your wedding" It's so freaking cute!!!! They are so excited.

Wow this is just random random stuff. I better stop now before this turns into a long post not a short one!!! I promise to bloge more soon.

Friends visiting, and embarking on new journies

My friend, Shay was in town and we had quite the adventure at LAX. First off the place was packed. I think everyone and their mother was arriving into the airport at 11pm!!!! I was fighting traffic and awaiting Shay's "I'm on the ground" call. It came and she told me she would be a bit. So, I circled around back into the terminal. About halfway there she called and said "OK I'm at the curb" She gave me her location and I could not find her. Drove around again, still no Shay. We figured out she had not gone down to baggage claim/arriving flights. So, I parked and walked over to the terminal. By the time I got there, there she was: Tired, hungry and wanting desparatley to see Bryan. (Can't say I blame her given the circumstances. He seems to be doing some what better, but they are still watching him and all...keep praying). We headed out and stopped at Del Taco. Watched a bit of Harry Potter 2 and then went to bed. Cordy warmed up to Shay by this morning which was odd. She will hopefully be more people friendly by the time Derek leaves.

In the morning I took Shay to Bryan's mom's work and she gave her an update on him, directions to the hospital, her car and we were off. I drove out to I-15 with her (she followed) and off she went. Admittedly I was selfish today. Shay was in town. She is going to be one of my bridesmaids. I love the heck out of her and I wanted to spend the day with her. But she needs to be with Bryan. Hopefully her next visit out here will be a chance for us to do fun things. I love you Shay Shay!!!!!

Tomorrow night after my leadership meeting I will go pick Derek up from the airport. I am sooooooooooo excited. When he leaves CA next week, he will be my fiancee!!!! How amazing is that??? I've had my relationship ups and downs and to find this perfect, caring, gentle (as long as he is not behind the wheel of a car), wonderful, funny man is beyond fathomable to me. God has truly blessed me. I only, at times, find myself wishing I had listened to Him so I could have met Derek sooner. At the same time, I realize thjat we both needed to grow in order to love one another the way we do. I can't wait to continue this journey with him.

I can't wait for Sunday!!!! We're going to the Queen Mary with Paul and Jimmy for brunch. Bring it on!!!! They have seafood, Asian food, mexican food, carving station, pasta station etc. Derek said he will not eat for like 12 hours before hand. At noon we'll meet up with some of the micechatters at Disneyland and then go off to ride some rides we did not ride when he was here. At 6:30pm it will be a big shindig celebration with the micechatters. Why? Well because something big will happen between 12:30ish and 6:30. The details are unknown to me at this point and I am sure Either Derek or I will post them to our blogs after Sunday!!!! Stay tuned.

Good News/ Bad News

There seems to be lots of good news popping up all over the place!!!! My friend M is about to adopt a beautiful baby girl from China. What a blessing!!! This little girl is going to become part of a very loving and happy home. This has been a long time comng for M and B and I am so thrilled to hear of the arrival of this precious little Angel.

Just found out this morning that my friends Steve and Kristi are expecting a little wee one in March or April!!!! Again, I am elated as they have been waiting a long time for this little one. They are going to be the greatest parents. I wonder if Steve is already telling the baby about Disneyland!!!!

Lots of great things happening!!!! I am so excited for my friends.

Last night there was an accident on California Screaming at Disney's California Adventure. I am sure many of you have heard about it. 48 people total on the cars and 14 people went to the hospital but were released. No serious injuries. One train rear ended the other and of course, the ride was shut down. Early speculation is that there was a train in the loading area that was taking longer than usual to be loaded, and so, somehere there was a malfunction. Be it computer or operator error. That remains to be investigated. At any rate......being that Paul Pressler built DCA on the cheap and that not alot of care has gone into things as should be happening, this comes to many as no surprise. Thanks to Presslers neglect of the Disneyland Resort (DLR), alot of changes need to be made under the command of Matt Ouimet. As a friend of mine pointed out, there have been more accidents at DLR in the last 10 yrs for ride malfunctiuon than there was in the first 40 yrs of Disneylands existence( there were zero ride malfuntions and more ignorance on the part of the riders that caused any accidents Pre 1990). Does the new President of the DLR need to be out there inspecting things right along side with the saftey dept??? (I think that is what they are called) You bet!!! Did Mr. Pressler do such things. Doubtful. But I won't say he didn't at all. He relied ALOT on computers though and they are not 100% accurate!!!! Pressler didn't give a rats A** about the park. That was evident in how he cheaply did things (Rocket Rods, CA Adventure, "New" Tomorrowland) . It amazes me how he did a great job of ruining the park and raising prices to get people in. And some wonder why I find the brick with his name on it and stomp on it and pretend to take a dump on it. I pray CM Matt will be able to return proper attention to the park. Every aspect of it.

Photos are here

Here are some pictures from this wekend!!! This is for you Derek cause I know you wanted to see them!!!! :)

Steve and Kristi hanging out in the waiting area of the Enchanted Tiki Room.


Steve and I on Space Mountain!!!!!


Me and my partner in Disney "crime" Joanne waiting in line to get into Disneyland. This picture was taken at about 6am. Note: We look EXHAUSTED


Picture 1 of the Espalande. These are the peopel who did not show up at the butt crack of dawn (i.e. 2am-5am) to get in line in DCA


Picture 2 of the Espalande. They were backed up to the CALIFORNIA sign. If you have been to Disneyland/DCA you know this area is huge!!!


This is a shot of the Main St. Merchandise Cast Members who were cheering as we walked down Main St.


A sea of gold could be seen down Main St once they let everyone in!!!!


Out with the old Submarine Voyage and in with the newly announced Finding Nemo Sub Voyage. Opening in 2007!!!! FINALLY they announce this. It took forever


Dude, I'm like totally crushing on Crush!!!!!



"I Was There" but I refused to stand 4 hours in line for this pin. Luckily my friend Theresa let me borrow hers for this pic (you can see my wristband in this pic)


Bjorn and Karol join in the festivities!!!! Here they are showing off the front of the hat we received upon entry to DCA


Here is the back of the hat


Here's Art Linkletter on the jumbotron!!! Not only was he commemorating Disneyland's bday, he was also celebrating his own BDay!!! He turned 93 yesterday!!!


My group JUST missed him waving to the crowds who had gathered by the castle area after the morning ceremony. But I got him as he zoomed off in his motorized wheelchair


The Governator was in attendance, dressed well, but his speech was WOW, very political and I think we all were hoping for a less "Kul E For Nee Ah's" great Economy speech......


Art Linkletter talked about his co-hosts on Disneyland's opening day and reminded us of one host in particular, who became a great President and returned to Disneyland for their 35th bday in 1988


The most touching moment was Diane Diney Miller!!!! So nice to have a member of Walt's family there!!!


YAY Happy Birthday Disneyland!!!!


Ahh, time to depart from the group for lunch


Here is Steve trying to read the Blue Bayou menu in the dark. This picture looks light, but it really is dark in there.


And of course, we enjoyed our cupcakes!!!!






And we enjoyed the rides!!!

Here's the crew on Casey Jr!!! Who let the monkey's out???


Lee and Joanne...what a cute couple heading up the front of the train


and on to IASW!!!!




Sshhhhhhhhh!!!! Phil wasn't bored, just tired from being up at 4am to get in line


A view of Main St from Town Square


Me standing in almost the exact same spot Walt stood in on July 17, 1955 to deliver his speech


Mickey made a special appearance during the broadcast of the Dedication Speech


"We must never forget, that it all began with a Mouse!!!"