Disney 2010: Day 2: Epcot Living Seas.

The Living Seas has always been one of my favorite attractions at Disney World's Epcot. During this particular trip, I was not as focused on picture taking ... so there are only a select few random pictures ... such as ...

... a really cool poisonous fish ...



... an extra cool jellyfish ...

... Isaac enamored by the gorgeous fish ...

... and the kiddos being eaten by a shark ...

Just kidding! Humans "are friends - not food". Silly you.

We ran around the place - peeking in at manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, etc. The whole place was wonderfully reconstructed to flow with the Finding Nemo movie. Plenty of educational opportunities and fun. I could have stayed all day.

Here is a glimpse of the newer Turtle Talk with Crush attraction --- as Isaac experienced it :)

And here is a glimpse of one of my favorite restaurants in all the Magic Kingdom, The Coral Reef ... (the Seared Scottish Salmon is to die for!) ...

Yes, we missed Erica. And wanted her to see the sharks all around us. I LOVE eating fish right in front of fish. I am sick that way.

More goodies to share soon ...

xo,

Jodi

Read More

Disney 2010: Day 2: Epcot Character Spot

Want to see all the 'primary' Disney characters in one swoop? You can! At Disney's Epcot ... almost as soon as you walk throught the gates. And the line is no where near as long as the lines at the Magic Kingdom.

It was nice to make this a Day 2 event ... to sort of get the character-hunting over with at the beginning of the vacation.

And, of course, the kiddos brought their Mommy-made Autograph Books! (shameless plug)

First stop: Mickey!

And then, Isaac's fave ... Pluto:

Next, we completely skipped the line for Minnie (neither kids were interested - sorry Miss Minnie) ... and we headed for Goofy ... another favorite ...

Donald, oh Donald ... you are a short-tempered bird with a Napolean complex ... but we love you too ...

And Isaac was determined to show you his "dance" skills ...

Good times. Thank you, Epcot, for making our friends available for picture taking and autographs. Easy, fun and a great start to the week. Highly recommended.

Love,

Jodi

Read More

Disney 2010: Day 1: 1900 Park Fare.

Firstly, a HUGE "Thank You" to all the wonderful people who supported our family vacation to Disney World. Thanks to those who supported our fundraisers, who watched our pets while we were away, who represented my work at the local art fair that I missed, who gave special support to Meaghan so that she could join us, etc. etc. We are so grateful for you all.

Secondly, we had a GREAT time. Perhaps even too much of a great time as we are absolutely exhausted now! But we have taken the time to rest for a day ... and now it is time to share some pictures :)

We arrived at Disney World on the eve September 5th ... just in time to take the monorail to our dinner reservations at 1900 Park Fare in Disney's Grand Floridian. This is where Cinderella, her Prince, and Cinderella's step-family drop in to dance and dine with guests.

It was a lovely way to begin our vacation ... surrounded by fairy-tale characters brought-to-life. Though we were absolutely exhausted from our flights and lay-overs, these characters gave us quite an introduction to what our week at Disney would be like ... full of fun, whimsy, magic, and fairy tales.

Princess Cinderella and all her family members went from table-to-table ... engaging all their guests with one-on-one conversations and photo opportunities. It took Isaac a bit of coaxing to be receptive to all this attention even though he loves Cinderella dearly.

It took Daddy no time at all ...

My favorite characters were Anastasia and Drizella. They played their parts very well ... and though Cinderella was the epitome of grace ... these two girls were silly, jealous, and mildly wicked. I loved them.

Anastasia was Meg's favorite ...

Drisella was my fave ... but I think Isaac was a bit afraid or unimpressed by her ... either way, I love this pic ...

Now Lady Tremaine ... she was quite stately and reserved. I didn't see any outward signs of wickedness. Perhaps she is now content to live the high life ... even if it is due to Cinderella's marriage to the Prince ... and not to one of her daughters. Isaac wanted nothing to do with her. He is quite unforgiving that way. Meg, however, found her interesting ...

Our visit at 1900 Park Fare was fun, energetic, and a bit magical. We danced, we sang, we ate, we schmoozed with fairy tale characters. All good stuff. I even began to believe that I was truly IN the story itself. And THAT is the magic of Disney.

More stories to tell & pictures to share throughout the week.

Love to all,

Jodi & Family

Read More

Almost There ... maybe.

Well, here it is ... just 2 weeks before we may leave for Disney World ... and we have fallen short of our goal to earn/raise enough money to get there. The tickets were bought quite a while ago and are non-refundable ... and the entire trip was planned before we took Meaghan in (an expense we did not plan for but we are infinitely HAPPY to endure). We have all worked very hard to try to meet this goal. The kids sold many of their fave toys (including their beloved Wii) ... they have collected bottles & cans for deposit money ... Meaghan has worked at the studio whenever possible ... I have taken in extra clients ... Halis has squirreled away money when he could (despite losing his truck in a fire) ... and we have held three yard sales (third one is this Saturday) ... but somehow we are still short. Life just keeps getting in the way of our best laid plans ... and this economy royally sucks.

So, our sweet, sweet Meaghan nearly broke my heart when she told me that she no longer wanted to go ... as I knew she was lying. She said that she much rather see Isaac go, and therefore would gladly stay home in order to not let Isaac down. Seriously. She said that. She said she would stay with friends ... and not to worry about her ... because she knew we planned this before she came to live with us. It was both beautiful and heartbreaking. And it left me feeling like I had let her down. I mean, there are children who are in need of much more than my kids are ... but Meaghan has had such a hard year. I mean a really hard year. She has spent the last year living in 3 different dysfunctional homes before finally ending up in her forever home here with us. She has endured countless pains from a neglectful family ... and has done so well in overcoming some serious issues that have threatened her very soul. I am so very proud of her.

Recently she has started working as a volunteer at the Bangor Humane Society. And I mean working. She puts in 8-10 hour days cleaning kennels, bottle feeding kittens, walking dogs, and helping in all ways possible. And they love her there. She is so responsible and kind. It is perfect for her. One of the coordinators there told me that she brings such joy to the place and that the employees there were "beaming with pride" over her. That's my girl!

So look ... I KNOW that there are greater issues in the world than sending this kid to Disney World. Even though I truly believe she needs a week of magic in this year of chaos ... I recognize that some kids don't even have food. So, it is with a humble heart that I ask anyone who feels compelled to assist Meaghan in achieving her week of magical Disney bliss to donate what you can to her. I have created a link on the sidebar of this blog in order to raise some funds for her. This is not something she asked me to do - it is one of my last ditch efforts to get her to her goal. We still plan on busting our butts to come up with the money on our own ... but short of not paying rent or utilities, I don't think it can happen without a bit of help.

Again, this is not a dire need for a life in jeopardy ... to be sure. Thus we understand if people have more pressing issues to donate their hard earned money to. We just figure we will give it a shot. You never know what magic can happen unless you open the door to it.

If you are willing to offer something up for Meaghan ... and she/we are still not able to meet our goal ... we will donate all funds to the Bangor Humane Society. Also - I am sure that she will send a heartfelt letter of thanks ... along with a picture of her favorite part of the trip to any and all donors. And no doubt she will continue to work hard for all the animals at the shelter ... because she is awesome :)

Thank you all for sharing & caring.

Much Love,
Jodi & Family

Read More

Fundraising Opportunity: Good for Us ... Good For YOU!

See the check above? Sure, it's only for $6.50. But guess how I earned it? By taking 3 online surveys. Seriously. While sitting on my couch. Watching tv. In less than 40 minutes. And the check was sent to me in less a week after I requested it. I have already earned much more ... but I wanted Opinion Outpost to send me a check as soon as possible, so that I could show all of you that this is for real.

Want in? Well, guess what? First, it is so easy to get started. Secondly, if you use the link below in order to get started, we get $2.00 toward our trip after you finish your first paid survey. See that?! We both win!

So, please click below to get started ... and once you do ... you too can invite friends and earn $2.00 for every friend who joins ... not to mention the money you earn by sharing your opinions.

http://OpinionOutpost.com/join/8143038

Please let us know here in the comment section when you join and finish your first survey. That way we can be sure to track whether their "Refer a Friend" program is working. Also, please share your experience with the site. We'd love to hear that you too are earning some extra cash for your families as well.

Love
Jodi

P.S. Thank you Cousin Nicole ... for referring us to this awesome program!

Read More

Virtual Yard Sale: Day 4. For Sure.

Sorry about skipping out on you all last night. (sigh). Busy juggling "life" ... as I am sure you all are.

But here we are ... Day 4 of our online sale to raise funds for our efforts to get to Disney World this year. I hope you find something you can't live without :)

ITEM #1d:

The following Paula Deen & Sons cookbooks. Both for just $8 plus $4 shipping. Brand New! Great, inexpensive gifts ...

ITEM #2d:

Set of vintage braille playing cards. Totally cool! Not sure if they are all here (I suppose I could count them) but these would be great collages & other fun art works. $3 for set. $2 for shipping.

ITEM #3d:

Lot of vintage childrens' books. All as shown below. All in great condition. I have been a coolector of vintage kids books for years, but am willing to part with some of my collection to get the kids to Disney World :) Just $5 for all. Shipping $3.

ITEM #4d:

Loads of quilting and sewing patterns. Here they are:

And here is the list:

Noah's Family by Indygo Junction, Inc.

KinderKakes : Baby Shower Centerpieces

Blast Off! Spaceship Applique Quilt

Reversible "Coveralls Bib" by Belinda's Designs

Storybook Animals Series: Little Duck Quilt

Fish Bowl Fun: Quilt

Karate Kids: Applique Quilt

Sew Easy Stained Glass Quilt: Dinosaur

Bath Puppet Pals by Sewbaby.com

Sew Special Designs: VW Bug Season

Everyone Loves the Circus: A Peek-A-Boo Quilt

Stardust Quilt by Sagebud Designs

T-Shirt Quilt

Turkish Nutcracker Applique Quilt

Home Sweet Home Fish Aquarium Quilt

"Truckload of Tools" Applique Quilt by Pavelka

Baby Bunting by Rag Merchant

Seasonal Button Pillows

"I Never Saw a Purple Cow" by Four Corners

2 for 1 Classics: Dream Wardrobe & Flying High Quilts

The Pantry Shelf Quilt

All 21 patterns for just $20 plus $3 shipping. Most retail for $6 each.

Interested in anything? Just leave a message here or on Facebook ... or e-mail me at jrenshaw@hotmail.com.

Thank you!

Love,

Jodi

Read More

Virtual Yard Sale: Day 3.

By now perhaps you have read that the kids and we (Halis and I) are doing our best to get to Disney World this year. Well, today is Day 3 of a week long yard sale that we are hosting on this blog ... and we thank you for taking a look.

Today is Mommy's "Photography Contribution Day"!

I have several extra 5x7 prints from a previous shop order (I ordered too many) ... and I am willing to let them go "cheap" in an effort to bring us closer to our goal. All prints are already packaged in cellophane bags ... backed with cardboard ... and are ready to be shipped. The glare you see in the picture above is due to flash and the prints are way more beautiful than can be seen in that terrible (sorry) shot.

Here they are ... all just $5 each (half-price) ... shipping $1 for as many as you want ... no copyrights will be visible on front of print ... ready to be matted and framed ...

ITEM #1c:

That-A-Way-to-the-Ferris-Wheel

4 Available

(Click on image to see larger version)

ITEM #2c:

Happy Spring!

4 Available

(Click on image to see larger version)

ITEM #3c:

A Horse With No Name

1 Available

(Click on image to see larger version)

ITEM #4c:

Purple on Red

3 Available

ITEM #5c:

Belfast Dingy

3 Available

There will be a couple more photo purchasing opportunities this week ... even the opportunity for an autographed print of Mr. Isaac ! Seriously.

Thank you for your purchases and your enthusiasm. xo

Love,

Jodi & family

Read More

Virtual Yard Sale: Day Two.

Hey loves. Thank you all for your purchases thus far. Here are today's offerings for our online yard sale:

ITEM #1b:
Lord of the Rings Trilogy paperback book set & handmade pinback button set. Still in shrink wrap. Retail: $29.96 & $5 (respectively). Our bargain price: $15. Shipping: $3.

ITEM #2b:
One yard of silk screened Alien print from Keepsake Quilting. 100% Cotton. Still in package. Retail $17.99. Our price: $10. Shipping: $3.

ITEM #3b:
Sew an elephant kit from http://www.sewingstars.com/. I bought it and never got to it. Maybe you can :) I think I paid about $20 for the kit. I see she is not offering them anymore. So get yours here! Just $10 with shipping!!!


ITEM #4b:
Now THIS is cool! Meaghan has been collecting these 1980's music "baseball" cards for a while now. And now she is willing to part with all her "extras". We are talking TOTAL RETRO FUN!!! There are about 80 or so cards here. From Ratt to Bobby Brown to Madonna to Little Feat to U2 to Hall & Oates. These are a riot! Great for collages, bike spokes, crafting a mosaic or mobile. All for $10 plus $3 shipping.

Thanks again ... for helping the kiddos get to Disney World.

More goodies to come this week. I am even thinking of parting with my beloved Gocco & Yudu. (sigh).

Love,

Jodi

P.S. Please remember, first-come is first-served. Leave me a message here or on Facebook in order to purchase any of our goodies this week. Or e-mail me right away at jrenshaw@hotmail.com. THANK YOU!

Read More

Virtual Yard Sale: Day One.

Thank you all for your enthusiasm regarding our virtual yard sale. I hope we have some goodies here that you will enjoy. Please come back every day for the next week - to find all sorts of stuff that we are digging out from around the house.

Basically, all items will be sold as "first come - first served" ... so the first person who calls "dibs" on something will be the winner of that item. Payment can be made through Paypal or by check. Items will each be priced ... and an additional price will be given for shipping (for those who can't just meet up with me at the studio). Is that easy enough? If not - please let me know.

So, here is ITEM #1:

26 Vintage National Geographic Maps in excellent condition. Great for homeschooling, crafting, or hanging on the wall. Just $5 for all. Shipping an additional $2.

ITEM #2:
Pampering Kit. 2 facial masks, 2 body balms, 1 eucalyptus balm and 1 lavender face wipes. Retail: $ 18. Our Price: $5 for all. Shipping an additional $2.

ITEM #3:
4 kids dvds. As shown. Just $5 for all. $2 shipping.

ITEM #4:

2 sets of Vintage style Christmas cards (from Borders Bookstore). 24 of each design shown. Red envelopes. Retail: $10. Our price: $5 for all. Shipping: $2.

ITEM #5:
Daddy's books. Declassified: 50 Documents That Changed History. AND One Second After. Retail on Amazon.com approx. $32. Our price: $10 for all. Shipping: $3.

ITEM #6:
SABA, a retired doll from the Pleasant Company's American Girl GIRLS OF MANY LANDS Series. Collected by Meaghan many years ago. Still in box in excellent condition. See here for more info. Just $25. Shipping: $6.

ITEM #7:
Super cool books from Isaac's collection. Gallop! and Swing! Click on their links to see why they are so cool :) Just $4 for all. Shipping: $3.

ITEM #8:

Disney World Yoda Shirt! Read it ... I LOVE it. But it is too small for Isaac. Short sleeved. Brand new with tag that reads $21.95. Size: Youth XS - which is about a size 5/6. Just $10. Shipping: $2. Awesome gift.

Well, that is today's installment of goodies. More tomorrow. Please leave me a message here on on Facebook ... or e-mail me at jrenshaw@hotmail.com if you would like to purchase anything. Thank you for helping make the kids' wishes come true. (By the way, they helped me pick returnables out of the trash today --- so they are working hard for this!).

Thank you all.

Love,

Jodi

Read More