The Disney World Phenomenon

I love Disney World.  I grew up in a family that loves Disney World.  And one of the most compelling reasons why, is because it literally is a world within a world.  They so effectively create a land of 7-foot characters and princess castles and $10 chicken fingers that when you are there, it doesn't take long to forget that another world exists, one that has some decisions slightly bigger than, "At which park are we going to eat tonight?" or "Where do you want to use our Fast Pass next?"  

The only problem with doing that so effectively, is that in forgetting that there is another world out there, sometimes, in the midst of the trip, I can forget to truly appreciate the joy of Disney World.  I become so busy in thinking about the next ride, the next meal, the next day, that I miss truly enjoying the thrills of the Rockin' Rollercoaster or the simple nostalgia of walking down a Main Street from long ago.  I forget to do so at least until I get home and remember that Disney World was a pretty special treat, and think, "Why didn't I appreciate that more?" as I wake up and prepare for the normal tasks of everyday living.

And so why could I possibly be writing about Disney World before dawn on this glorious Christmas morning?  On the drive back to Pittsburgh last night, I was struck with the realization that all too often, I am living in the fog of this "Disney World Phenomenon," going through the steps of each day without really stopping to realize the beauty in each moment.  

I'm preparing for the next meal, the next program, the next major life-event coming up, and if I'm not careful, the ride goes on and on and I forget that this is the ride.  I forget that this is a greater joy, a most incredible opportunity that we've been given by our Heavenly Father to enjoy the gifts of this world for such a brief moment, and to actually be able to be used to make a significant life-impact for other people by His grace alone.  And while life on this Earth, I'm sure, cannot hold a candle to eternity with Him, it's still a pretty amazing place to be.

I know.  Heavy thoughts to think about at 6 AM on Christmas morning.  Maybe it's the fact that I came back home last night, back to the Christmas decorations that have been here since I was a kid, the duck gravy bowl that signified that a fancy dinner was coming.  My dad even made chocolates just like we used to have at the old candy factory.  I actually started to tear up when I ate one.  Maybe it's the fact that this is my last official Christmas as a "kid," as a new kid will be with me enjoying Christmas next year.  Maybe it's the fact that Boppli is already waking me up before dawn on Christmas morning even though I can't see him/her yet.

Whatever the reason, I'm kind of glad for the little splash of cold water on my face.  Glad for the opportunity to soak in the joys of the next few days.  To soak up the delights of childhood memories and family and friends and to be truly thankful for the new things that God has done and is doing in my life.  To thank God for a husband and new family that is a dream come true and realize that this ride is a Good one, all of it, even the twists and turns that sometimes make me wish I could somehow get off.  

Everyone will be up soon.  Okay, maybe not too soon.  We seem to not be as early-risers as our younger years.  Regardless, may you soak in this Christmas and ALL the gifts that God has placed under your tree, both tangible and intangible.  May you live in the joys of the dreams He has already given to you and with the hope of the ones not yet realized.  And may you enjoy the ride, remembering the past hills and thrills and relishing each and every moment of the ride right now.  Merry Christmas!

Official Detroiter

I think I have mentioned before that I grew up in a family that was in the chocolate business.  I know.  Too bad I didn't truly realize how cool that was until I was older.  Anyway, I distinctly remember going to help out at the retail stores during the Christmas or Easter holidays, and even as a little girl, my dad taught me proper rules and etiquette of customer service.  Treat the customer with respect.  Welcome them, but don't hover about them.  Help them without pestering them.  Greet them with a smile.  Basic things, but simple things that can make a big difference.

Perhaps it was from these early lessons, but in the years since, I have become a customer service junkie.  Whenever I meet a company or business or associate that shows exemplary skills, I will be their biggest cheerleader and tell everyone I can about it.  Thanks to an AT&T associate named, Quiana, I am now a raving fan of AT&T's service.

On Monday, she spent about an hour with me, helping me activate an iPhone for Brad and gave me a temporary number for it so I could give it to him for Christmas.  I think she was almost as excited as me. 

Monday night, I lost my phone.  When I realized it wasn't coming back, I went back on Wednesday, and she immediately remembered my name, situation, and was concerned something happened with the surprise.  When I told her about the phone, she spent about another 45 minutes with me helping me look at possible plans and phone options.

I gave Brad his phone last night (I think I have a better idea of what a cute little boy he must've been when he received "Snake Eyes" for Christmas.  The man has a new toy and he is happy) and we went back to the store where Quiana again spent 1.5 hours with us (even staying after the store closed) to make sure we were completely set up and pleased with our choices.  We are even Facebook friends now.

All that to say, I am now a very happy AT&T customer, with a new phone (an LG Vu - I'm thinking of calling it Barbara after another "View" star) and a new Detroit phone number.  I guess it's now official that I am a Detroiter.

The Best of Times . . . The Worst of Times

Ok, so maybe the "worst of times" is a bit hyperbolic, but anyone who has misplaced their cell phone knows how "worst of times" it can really be.  Seriously, if I try really hard, I can remember a time without cell phones, but I don't know how we functioned!  I continue to pray that it will show up, but I fear that my dear Samsung Alias may be lost forever.

On the best of times side of things . . . this morning, Brad and I got to hear little Boppli's heartbeat!  It was pretty amazing (no hyperbole used) . . . a really fast "swoosh swoosh" rather than the traditional "lub dub" that fully grown hearts seem to beat.  Doctor said that everything sounded great so we continue to thank Jesus for the gift of little Boppli and trust him/her in His care.

AND . . . as if the day couldn't get better after the heartbeat, I went to my e-mail and saw that what I thought to be my impossible dream has come true.  One of my all-time favorite stores, Bed, Bath, and Beyond (see prior post here), has indeed branched out to baby land and is opening a store not too far from me!  BuyBuy Baby is coming to Canton, MI, right by another Top 10 store, Ikea!  How happy is Leah.  And Boppli too.  Boppli told me so.

Never Too Early

So my friend, Kim, sent Brad and I a very helpful e-mail yesterday that she read on another friend's blog.  It's some very helpful reminders about how to best care for Baby when little Boppli comes along.  I've read it several times and it never ceases to make me giggle.  You can never start preparing for these things too early!

Not Hijacked

A few weeks ago, my blog was hijacked by my oh-so-funny husband when he announced to the world that I was pregnant and what a great husband he was.  

I just wanted to start off by saying that this post is not hijacked, but I do want to reiterate again what an amazing husband I have. :-)  

My man has been serving this family like crazy, unpacking all of our luggage, helping with the Christmas decorations, cleaning the house and dishes, and even came home on Saturday with one of the first e-mails I sent him over 2 years ago with a recipe for Cranberry Chicken on it that he was going to make me for dinner (and then he even allowed the menu to be changed when he saw that it really wasn't sitting well with my stomach).  All of this in the middle of catching up from vacation and the busy weekend at church with a kick-off to the Christmas season!  What a guy.

Thanks, Brad, for being such a picture of Jesus to me.  I love you, Baby!

Mele Kalikimaka!

So we're back from an incredible Thanksgiving vacation with Brad's family.  And, as you can see from the title of this post, we enjoyed a wonderful Hawaiian kickoff to the Christmas season!  It was a little strange seeing Christmas trees and wreaths adorned with fake snow in the middle of an 85 degree sandy beach (Santa ditches his suit, sleigh and reindeer in Hawaii for a Hawaiian shirt and shorts, a red canoe, and a team of dolphins), but it was a happy time nonetheless.  I feel incredibly blessed to have such an amazing new family to add to my already great family.  No words to convey my gratitude.

I'll include a few pictures of the whole family (Brad's mom and dad, sister, Betsy, and brother-in-law, Rob, and nephew, Robert - who is now about 13 months).  

In other news, Boppli (the gender neutral name that we're calling our baby until we come up for something more appropriate) seemed to really enjoy Hawaii, even deciding not to make me sick while we were there and letting me sleep a little more.  Isn't that the most thoughtful baby ever?!? :-) Boppli also started encouraging me to have some more, um interesting, tastes in food (including cherry Twizzlers and A-1 steak sauce, which I ate on potato chips).  These were always fulfilled nearly on demand by my caring father-in-law.  

Today is re-entry day which is always hard, but it's lots of fun seeing friends and family again and to be able to decorate for Christmas for the first time in my own home!