Trickey Trip Planning--The Fairy Godmother creates a Princess

[Piper]

I'm in the middle of planning a kind of tricky trip--I am planning but although I know one of the other participants, I barely know the other!

First the cast & then I'll try to explain my dilemma!

Me--Fairy Godmother--63 years old with more physical challenges than I'd like to have--but I'll be bring the Glitzy Mickeymobile to help with many of them.

http://www.disboards.com/http://thumb7.webshots.net/t/64/564/0/85/9/2138085090067077547tGyrjq_th.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2138085090067077547tGyrjq)

Giuliana--Princessprincess: -- a sweet, well-behaved, and very smart 5 year-old.

Isabel--her mother--who recently found out the Giuliana will become a big sister in November.

The story starts last August when the paraprofesional I share with 2 other Pre-K teachers (BTW, I teach PK in a public school in the Houston area) told me she had requested my class for her granddaughter. Panic set in--what if the child were a behavior problem--what if her grandmother either favored her or was too harsh in her expectations, :scared1: , you get the drift.

It turned out that the child is delightful, good self-control, well liked by her peers, responsible, and extremely smart. And the children don't even realize that my para is even related to her--she treats her just like the other kids. A great situation!

Just a little brag--I had 12 students start reading this year along with a slew who are on the verge:woohoo: & Giuliana is reading at a second grade level fluently now.:banana: :banana:

Anyway--back to the regularly scheduled report--:surfweb: In December, her grandmother and I started talking about taking her to WDW. Being the compulsive planner that I am, I started planning. Then a couple of months later, Sandra said that family things with her other children had come up, but Isabel (Giuliana's mother) would like to take her place if I didn't mind. Nope, I didn't. Giuliana knows that she is going to WDW, she knows I am going, but she doesn't know we are going at the same time or that we are travelling together.

I booked the Dolphin with my teacher rate for June 24-29. I asked for a hc equipped room because I need grab bars and a slightly higher toilet. I have a walk-in shower and bars (no---not the fun kind:drinking1) in my apartment at home. I also need room for the Glitzy Mickeymobile. Giuliana and Isabel will be staying in an adjoining room. I stayed at the Dolphin in 2003 and had a dumpster view---I am really hoping for something a little more apealing outside my window!

In February, we decided to extend to June 30th because the plane tickets were cheaper if we added a day. I am using frequent flyer miles for my fare. I added the extra day using my Starpoints, so there wasn't a charge.

Between then and now I have been busy making ADR's checking the Disboards and TGM.....making lots of stuff......just generally immersed in All Things Disney! :lmao:

I'll close for now--my hands are misspelling more than they are spelling! I'll post some more tomorrow!

[Piper]

http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/43099/2734510580067077547S200x200Q85.jpgThis is my baby Mai Li.:cat: She was abandoned as a baby and had been abused. She is very connected to me, but is extremely shy around others. Whenever I am on the computer, she is in this position--but her head is on top of my hand (she just looked up to see what I was doing.) She is 10 months old and (as you can see) is very small for her age......and her eyes are really blue (I just didn't "take the red out")

I am not sure what I will be doing with her when I go to WDW. :confused3 My neighbor has offered to feed her and change her litter box for me. Mai Li tolerates her--she is slowly getting to where she will let her touch her, so this is probably my best bet. Mai Li hates our vet (who is a cat specialist) and would probably be miserable there. Oh well, I still have a little while to decide.

I have been very busy with making "stuff" -- especially since I dicovered the DISigners! Thanks to Michelle for the designs for these shirts:
http://inlinethumb43.webshots.com/25962/2109491510067077547S200x200Q85.jpg http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/9661/2805041970067077547S200x200Q85.jpg I am so tickled with them--of course there is one of each for Isabel and Giuliana, too. One is for wearing on the plane to WDW and one is for wearing home. While I am actually AT WDW, I wear a cooling vest to help me tolerate the heat. It's a real fashion statement, let me tell you! :rolleyes1 With it on, you can't see any cute tees :sad2:

I also adapted the Epcot Passport a little and have been working on Pre-scrapping (my term for doing all the work except for adding the actual photos.) I have done this before and it works great. I take a list of the pictures I want and that way I don't miss anything.....and you can always add new pages later! I also find that helps me to actually finish the book!:teeth:

Here is the schedule I made for Giuliana:
http://inlinethumb56.webshots.com/20855/2903932520067077547S600x600Q85.jpg
Of course, I have made some changes--tweaked it a bit--and will probably continue to "enhance" it until it is time to leave.:thumbsup2 I made one for me with all the adr #s, flight #s, & other important stuff!

You can see that we're using Mears because we're at the Dolphin and need a lift-equipped vehicle. I am really hoping it works out and doesn't take a very long time. I added the meet and greet to the package because I have a difficult time with luggage--so there will be someone there to help!....and I'm hoping maybe it will help things run smoother pixiedust: is definitely needed.

I need to go wash my "school clothes", do my homework (tweak some lesson plans and gather some materials for next week), and generally get ready for another week with my two classes of 40 (total) 4 and 5 year olds!

[Diamondintheruff]

Sounds like a wonderful trip. How great that you get along with the paraprofessional in your room so well that you want to vacation with them as well.

I think it's a good idea that Giuliana doesn't know you're vacationing together yet. It's a fine line that I am well aware of. I'm a teacher in a small community and my children attend my school. Naturally some of my students are friends of my children and are frequent visitors to our home. Luckily there are a few other teachers with their children at our school too so we are not alone in striving for the right balance between professionalism and familiarity within the school community.

[Piper]

Sounds like a wonderful trip. How great that you get along with the paraprofessional in your room so well that you want to vacation with them as well.

I think it's a good idea that Giuliana doesn't know you're vacationing together yet. It's a fine line that I am well aware of. I'm a teacher in a small community and my children attend my school. Naturally some of my students are friends of my children and are frequent visitors to our home. Luckily there are a few other teachers with their children at our school too so we are not alone in striving for the right balance between professionalism and familiarity within the school community.

Finally a reader!! I came on to post an update just for me since I'd decided this was going to be one of those "readerless" reports!

Sandra is a very good and caring person. Unfortunately, I have to share her with several other teachers, so I don't get to take advantage of her skills as much as I would like, but c'est la vie!

[Diamondintheruff]

c'est la vie!

LOL! I don't think I mentioned it but I'm a french teacher.

And sharing is better than nothing. Our school was deemed to small to get any additionnal support people.

I just bought t-shirt transfer paper. I'm still trying to decide which designs I want. My hubby thinks we're only getting one each. Shhh... I didn't tell him I bought two packs of the paper.

I'm on TGM too. Same name less one "f".

[Piper]

I am continuing to tweak the plans. (like that's a surprise:rolleyes1 ) I added ADRs at Rose & Crown on the 27th at 8 p.m. I'm hoping that won't be too late to see Fantasmic. I wasn't sure if the outside area was ecv friendly and have found out it is!

I may be getting new afos (braces) in the next few weeks. My right ankle has been swelling from the RA and rubbing on the current one. I have an appointment next week....I'm hoping they can just do something to the ones I have. (and fix the left one so I won't have the problem there if that ankle decides to be contrary!)

One of the most fun things I've been doing is to think of ways to spread the magic while I'm there. I am sending post cards to some of the kiddos on the disABILITIES board and I've been getting things to share with other kids as we meet them. I have 50 glow necklaces and 60 glow bracelets. I'll give some to Giuliana to wear and some for her to share with others during parades and night time shows. I have 3 sets of princess "colorform-type" princess paper dolls for the airport and plane. Giuli can pick out her favorite and share the other 2. I also bought an extra lanyard and a few pins to give away to someone.

I've also decided to take advantage of my ugly cooling vest during our lunch at the castle. It is a royal blue quilted vest that you soak in water, then wear to help keep cool. Not pretty--especially since I'm very pooh sized due to cortisone and lack of exercise! So I'm going to wear a red t-shirt under it and a yellow skirt to approximate Snow White. I wonder if anyone will "get it!"http://inlinethumb56.webshots.com/20471/2510616800067077547S425x425Q85.jpg

I also have a sign to put on my ecv basket that says "my other coach is a pumpkin."

My main quandry right now is whether to go to Epcot on our arrival day (it is a TGM red day and night EMH) or go to DHS. :confused3 Now Since we will be taking mid-day rests, I am not sure if we will get to do everything in Epcot in one day and without park hoppers, we can't just go back when we want to. I am thinking that if we do the future world part in late afternoon, it may not be so crowded since most people do that in the morning......but on the other hand, it is a red day!:confused:

In any event, I'm sure we won't stay very late--just a couple of hours.

Only 50 more days:jumping1: until we leave! I have already begun turning in materials at school--that makes it seem closer. I have made a countdown calendar for Giuliana, but it doesn't start until the first of June. The last few weeks of school are so busy that they seem to fly by. Next week is teacher appreciation week--the parents or kids don't do anything--they are all low economic--but our principal orders in bar-b-que one day and provides donuts another--our superintendent usually gives a cheesy gift ( staple puller, pencil, etc.) It will be nice to get to skip making a lunch for one day!

Okay, I need to get dressed for church and eat something. It is almost 10 and all I've done is sit here and drink coffee!:surfweb: this picture is very accurate if you put a cat in the picture laying on my hand!

I'll try to post any updates.....and a little more about the plans soon.

[Piper]

LOL! I don't think I mentioned it but I'm a french teacher.

And sharing is better than nothing. Our school was deemed to small to get any additionnal support people.

I just bought t-shirt transfer paper. I'm still trying to decide which designs I want. My hubby thinks we're only getting one each. Shhh... I didn't tell him I bought two packs of the paper.

I'm on TGM too. Same name less one "f".

How cool that you teach French. I spoke it with my meremere (grandmere) until I was 3. Then she passed away. I was not allowed to take it in school (my mother was very controlling!) but I can still understand and speak a little. Of course, I sound like I am a toddler (kind of odd coming out of a 63 year old mouth!!!:scared1: )

I love the t-shirts. I also made Giuli one outfit, but I don't want to do too much and "take over." It is just a simple skirt and t-shirt for crystal palace http://inlinethumb25.webshots.com/39832/2249117770067077547S425x425Q85.jpg

After that picture was taken, I put a square with Pooh on the shirt, but I don't have a picture.

Good luck with the shirts.

[Diamondintheruff]

my other coach is a pumpkin
Too cute. Are you going to put your Dis/TGM name on it too?

J'aime la jupe. The skirt is soo sweet. When I looked at the picture of it I was thinking she should put a picture of pooh on the t-shirt too.

I'm sure someone will get your "snow white" outfit. You could always find a red headband too just to take it totally over the top. I haven't seen the cooling vests before. We have bandana type things that we soak and stay cool for around our necks. We go in August and I found some hats on the web like that I was thinking of getting.

I get nervous going somewhere on a red TGM day. I suppose if you are just doing it to look around-buy a mickey bar and get the lay of land. I would try to prep Giuliana with the ideas that there maybe a ride/attraction she wants to go on that might be too busy today but you will come back to it. It's pretty overwhelming for a first timer regardless of their age. So I guess in a nutshell my advice it to prepare everyone for a crowd at Epcot and have them take notes for your next visit on a green day.

Here in Canada we don't have teacher appreciation day/week. It is mandated that all students must take french until grade nine so if you lived here you would have had to keep taking it no matter what your mom said.

[Piper]

I wish we had lived in Canada! I teach children from all over the world and I encourage their parents to make sure they keep their language.

My mother not only made my father refrain from speaking French with me, she made him move several hundred miles from his twin brother. She wanted to be the focus of attention at all times!

We will not be riding any "rough" rides--so no test track, R&R etc. Isabel will be 5 months pregnant, I can't do them and Giuliana has no desire to ride them. We will most likely eat lunch and take a nap after we check into the Dolphin. Then we will go wherever later in the afternoon. I thought we could get my GAC to avoid sun, heat & stairs and look around innoventions if it isn't too bad. I really just want to get the GAC so I won't have to do that on the first full day! I hope I can just show them the old one & not have a problem!

It will be almost like the first time for both of them. Isabel went as a child, but I don't think it was well-planned and she doesn't remember much at all. I am really hoping this will be a time for her to make memories with Giuliana before someone new enters their life.

[Piper]

This has been a busy week at school--and it will just keep on getting worse until June 2nd. We had field day on Friday and I had to go out 2 times (morning and afternoon class.) I was so exhausted yesterday that I did nothing all day ;) . I did wear my vest and my students found it amusing that it was wet! (it doesn't take much to tickle a 4 or 5 year old.:) ) They know that the sun can make me sick and that is why my para always takes them out on the rare occasions we can fit in a recess. Thanks to my 65 spf sunscreen and a conveniently placed picnic table under a group of trees, I survived. And knowing that I was out there, helped the class "do their job."

We read Junie B Jones is Captain Field Day and discussed it for read-aloud. The class really likes Junie B--but they have come to the consensus that they're glad she is NOT in our class!:lmao:

They were working in pairs and had 31 stations to choose from. The stations were manned by 4th graders. The children had cards on their backs with their names, their partner's name, my name, each station listed and the numbers 1, 2 3 under behavior. There were lots of parents patrolling the ground. Each child could only do a station once--then it was checked off. There was a "3 strikes, you're out" behavior system in place. 1=warning 2=5 minute time out 3=out for the rest of the time. None of my kids got to 2...and only a few got a 1. :woohoo:

Next week is the culture program. It is my favorite program of the year. The students in my school literally come from all over the world. Once a year we do a program celebrating that fact. Sometimes we focus on different cultures; this year is celebrating friendship. I am in charge of Pre-K and we are singing and dancing to Dr. Jean's "Twinkle Friends." (a song to the tune of Twinkle, twinkle little star.) Each teacher has sent three kids to participate, so I'm working with 9 kids and me. We start practicing on the stage Monday and the program is Friday. I am not looking forward to walking down to the stage and back every day----it is a looooong way!


I have been working on a few things for WDW--not much this week. I made luggage tags with the princesses princess: for Giuliana, Tinkerbell :tinker: for Isabel and the Fairy Godmotherpixiedust: for me. I made water bottle labels with the same pictures and names on them. That way they can also go in the scooter basket without mixing up which one belongs to whom:confused: . I also found the very small Misty Mate misters at WM for $3 each. I got 2 of them. They will fit in my basket and be available for whoever needs them....and that is all that will fit in the very small basket!:moped:

My Rainforest Cafe Safari Club card and $10 certificate finally came yesterday. I have a $25 gift certificate and the $10 (plus 10% off the total.) It should cover breakfast and tip for the 3 of us--or at least come close.

I know this is short, but I have some gradebook updating :teacher: to do and I need to gather "stuff" to turn my dramatic play area into a beach (towels, empty sunscreen bottles, beach umbrella, Picnic basket, etc.) We are studying ocean life :fish: during the next few weeks. Wish I could show "The Little Mermaid!"

[Diamondintheruff]

Yes it certainly is crazy the last 8 weeks of school. I think I've taught the grade 5's three times in the last two weeks because of special events and assembly in the afternoon. I've been doing a fairy tale unit with all my classes. I've started showing enchanted (with french subtitles) as a conclusion for them. Last week my principal evaluated me and we learnt how to read a map and directions in french. I had taken a bunch of magic kingdom maps in french on my last trip and I lamenated them. They had to tell me whether pirates of carribean was north(nord),east(est),south(sud)or west(ouest) of the castle(chateau) and such. The kids loved it. I got to wear one of my tinkerbell t-shirts and played disney music in the background. It was a grade four class and since that is the first year they take french it's kind of like teaching kindergarden. I dress up, dance, sing silly songs and read picture books alot with them. Because I get so silly and caught up with it I'm able to conjole(spelling) the boys into it too. I do a superhero theme the boys really like.

Speaking of dancing, I just did the double digit dance this weekend. We're at 98 days today.

Tell me about the rainforest club. We have one here in Toronto(about an hour away but in a really great Mall) and I know I saw it advertised but I can't remember. I was thinking of having us go there for dinner the night we arrive. We land around 2:30ish and are staying at POR. I figured we'd take a boat to DD and try dinner there. I hadn't booked anything for the arrival day because I know my kids like to "get the lay of the land" at the hotel. Sometimes I think I could just at the hotel the whole time and they'd be pretty happy. Especially if it was one of the beach clubs.

Speaking of the beach clubs... the other idea I had for the first night was to visit beaches and cream. It's just come up on my radar lately. Have you been there?

Oh yeah, I wanted to let you know that kindergarden here is full days but alternating. So my son goes every Tuesday and Thursday but alternating fridays. I wish it were half days. He's in senior Kindergarden now but last year in junior Kindergarden on the friday when he had just been at school all day on the Thursday he'd be in bed by 5:45. He usually fell asleep at the supper table. We have a picture of him fast asleep with his head in his plate.

[Piper]

If I were you, I would visit Beaches and Cream. I really enjoyed the food and atmosphere the last time I went there (2003.) My son and I shared a burger, fries and each got a malt. It was more than enough for us (my son was 37 at the time--so not a small eater!)

The Rainforest Cafe is a fun place to eat. The club gives you a 10% discount on your order (or a free appetizer) and priority seating. You also get gift certificates and offers sent periodically.

In our district, PK is half-day and kindergarten is full day. It is really rough on the kids making that adjustment. Many years ago, I taught full day kdgn and the students napped for 30 minutes--now they don't allow a nap. To my way of thinking, it is a very long day for a young child.

Congrats on the double digits! I have 6 weeks (tomorrow)--I can't wait!

I have 40 profile sheets to fill out--each one requesting way too much info--just look at the child's report card or PreK Literacy Assessment to get the same info!! gripe....gripe.......so I'm off to get started!

[Laysee]

I'm signing up for this post.

[Piper]

I'm signing up for this post.

Yay!!! Two whole readers!!:cool1:

[Diamondintheruff]

Hey Piper!!!

I supose you've been really busy lately to post anything else on your trip. I can't believe you haven't been doing some disney planning though.

I just heard from my principal that I am being moved to kindergarden next year. I'm a bit scared.:scared: It's a big jump from teaching french to grade 4-6's to teaching 4-6 year olds. I don't even know where to start yet.

[Piper]

You'll love teaching the little ones. They are so eager to learn and they learn so fast (most of them!) They are full of love and joy. On days when I can barely drag myself to school, they will say something funny, or I see a lightbulb go on in someone's brain, or the million hugs a day they give me make it all worth it!

Teaching the challenging kiddos has rewards--seeing one make a good decision, having one who has been struggling finally master a concept, and one even told his mother that the thing he liked best about my class was the rules (which confirmed my opinion that there were none at home!)

I have mostly been concentrating on school. Last Friday was the culture program and I was in charge of my grade's performance. Wednesday is our Pre-K graduation (we read Junie B. Jones is a Graduation Girl to learn what not to do:lmao:) And everything has to be packed up and put away for the summer.......not to mention end of the year paper work! In a week, I'll be ready to go at it again!!!

[scojos]

just popped over to say have a nice trip, and thankyou for fairygodmailing josh a card.
Moi aussi je suis prof de francais - dh is french and i teach high school. Small world! have a lovely holiday, hope you post some pictures when you come back.
Tracy

[Diamondintheruff]

Piper, I just realized that you are leaving before I'm even finished school. We go until June 26th this year and on the Friday June 27th is a staff meeting for next year.

I bought my first items for Kindergarden today. I was in a teacher's supply store and had coupon that was going to expire.It was hard deciding because I'm not sure what the other teacher is taking with her so I ended up getting a book of songs with finger actions and a rainbow border for a bulletin board.
Moi aussi je suis prof de francais
Bonjour Tracy. I wanted to pass on an idea to you from one french disney-loving teacher to another. I brought home a bunch of magic kingdom maps in french last year and lamenated them. I just finished doing a fairytale theme with my nine year old beginning french class (read cinderella and a few other plays) so it fit in. I taught them a few basic directions (nord, est, sud, ouest) and had them locate disney attractions according to the chateau. They had fun and I got to wear one of my tinkerbell t-shirts to school!

[Piper]

Okay---deep breath---I am getting ready to go to school today (Saturday) to pack up most (hopefully) of my stuff for the summer. I had the morning class for their usual 3 hours yesterday and I decided to let them help me. Giuliana and Bryan packed up my big books for me Thursday. They read the titles and checked them off my master list. Some of the class went around writing "books" on my boxes for me. (I will have to relabel some of them for what I really put in them!) I noticed a group of kids at the writing station working intently together while another group packed up the ABC center and I was trying to get final report cards in backpacks and hand out extra clothes I keep for each child in case of accidents!

This is what they were doing:


May 30, 2008

The Smart Kids



Ones upon a time ther was 20 kids. They did not no nothink. They went to skul. They lurn ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ. and they sowns. They lurn to rede. and rite. They lurn 12345678910. and calendar. They make paterns. They shar toy. and make jinjerbred man. When it May 28,2008 they gradyouate PK. and now they SMART!!!!!

Love,
Their names are here

I cried. When you consider that some of them could not even speak English in August........wow! they have come a long way. I can't wait to see what their Kindergarten teachers think next year!

Monday is our end of school meeting. Since there is no way I can lift them, I have a teenager coming after the meeting to put the boxes in my cabinets and the bathroom. Thank goodness for that bathroom--I don't know how I would store all the stuff I have without it!!!

I have been having "issues" with my elbows, shoulders and wrists--so I have not been typing much lately. I've been saving my energy for school. As soon as I get finished packing up and get the final meeting over with, I can work on posting some more specific plans!


For Kindergarten, I think some of the best supplies are a variety of writing materials, many different ABC charts, nursery rhymes, and books, books, books! You can check Ebay for "lots" of books. They aren't always is pristine condition, but since I let the kids use them, they wouldn't stay pristine for long! I have books in every area of my room. It is really important to make sure you have lots of non-fiction as well as picture books and story books. Also, remember that kiddos enjoy hearing stories that are "higher level" than their reading skills. My students enjoyed the "Henry and Mudge" series and have loved "Junie B. Jones." We read all of both series for read aloud. They are great for predicting, problem and solution, implied information, etc. (Plus the Junie B.s are wonderful for "what not to do" discussions!!!) We also read Maud Hart Lovelace beginning Betsy-Tacy books. The secret is to challenge the kids without overwhelming them!

From some of the ideas you have posted, I don't think you will have any problems! You are creative and fun and that is what makes kids want to learn.

[Piper]

Yay! I'm back in trip planning mode!! I spent several hours yesterday working on touring plans and making a Minnie dress for Giuliana.
http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/5146/2929329420067077547S500x500Q85.jpghttp://inlinethumb37.webshots.com/43300/2617148380067077547S500x500Q85.jpg
Here is the outfit before that one--a princess skirt and t-shirt
http://inlinethumb54.webshots.com/41525/2132885390067077547S500x500Q85.jpg It isn't hung on the hanger straight--it is not really crooked!

The hardest part of all this is not being able to try things on Giuliana because she didn't know she was going. I've made 12 outfits all together.

She was excited when I told her Friday. :yay: She has been accepted into a private school and will skip Kindergarten and go into first grade. Her reading level is a DRA 20 (beginning 2nd grade) and her math skills are comparable. Also, her birthday is November, so she won't be much younger than the others. She is also way mature for her age!

That is another reason I thought it would be okay to do this. There is no chance of her ever being my student again. First, I won't teach anything other than PreK for my last two years of teaching and she won't even go to the same school!

It has been difficult planning this without much input from Isabel. Since she hasn't been since she was a child (and no planning went into that trip) she just doesn't quite "get it." Her being pregnant has actually helped my planning-----she won't be able to ride the rides that I can't do. I have really put my focus on making this a trip for Giuliana. I hope this will be a time for the focus to be on her before she has to share Mom with a new brother.

[Piper]

June 24--
Get up insanely early--the lift-equipped shuttle is coming for me at 4:35 a.m.:scared1:
Our flight leaves at 7:30 and arrives at 10:50. We are taking Mears to the Dolphin (ME doesn't go there and because of my :moped: I can't do a towncar.

Check in and rest until:
2:00--Launch to DHS
Get GAC to avoid sun (I'll be wearing my lovely cooling vest for the heat)
Get FP for TSM (if available)
3:30 BATB
4:20 HSM
5:00 Indiana Jones
TSM if able to get FP

Go back to hotel for early night--we need to be at RD at MK tomorrow!


June 25
Breakfast at hotel
8:00 catch bus for MK
Dumbo
Winnie the Pooh
Peter Pan's Flight
FP for Mickey's Philharmagic on the way to Peter
Snow White
Carrousel
PhilharMagic
If time go to Toontown to ride Barnstormer

Be at BBB at 10:30
CRT at 12:00

Get FP for Pirates on way out of park for rest

Catch bus at 4:30
FP for HM
Aladdin
Priates
HM
FP for Buzz
If near 6:40 Dream along with Mickey
Tiki
TTA
Buzz
Spectro and Wishes

June 26
Breakfast at Dolphin
8:00 Launch to DHS
FP TSM
Ride TSM
Playhouse Disney
Voyage of Little Mermaid
Backlot tour
HISTK
Great Movie Ride
Muppet Vision

Launch to Boardwalk
Lunch at Beaches and Cream

Rest

3:45 Launch to DHS
4:35 Dinner at Brown Derby
The Magic of Animation
One Man's Dream
Narnia
Check out Hollywood Blvd--window shop--ride TSM with FP
9:00 Fantasmic

June 27
Breakfast at Dolphin
FP Soarin
Soarin (if line not long)
Living Seas Pavillion--Nemo
Trutle Talk
Spaceship Earth
Imagination
Innoventions
Living with the Land
12:15 Lunch at Garden Grill
Back to Hotel to rest

4:45 Launch to Epcot
Make way around world showcase
8:00 Dinner at Rose and Crown
Illuminations


June 28
7:00 Bus
8:05 Breakfast at CRT
FP Buzz
Ride rides in Fantasyland
Be at Ariel's Grotto by 9:30
Toontown Fair
11:10 Storytime with Belle
Lunch at Columbia Harbour House
FP Pirates 12:25 Pirate Tutorial
Ride Pirates
Buzz
3:00 Share a dream Parade

Go back to hotel for swimming and an early night


June 29
7:30 bus to AK
8:15 Breakfast at Rainforest (I have $35 in Gift cards!)
Safari
ITTBAB
10:30 Lion King
11:10 Pocahontas
12:00 Flights of Wonder
1:00 Finding Nemo
1:30 Lunch

rest

Go to DTD and shop!!!!!


June 30

Lift equipped taxi to Poly

8:10 Breakfast at O'Hana

Back to Dolphin
Check out
11:30 Mears shuttle coming to take us back to airport:worried:

[lovesdumbo]

Enjoying your PTR!!! What a lucky little girl Giuliana is!

I took my oldest on her first trip when she was 3 1/2 and I was 6 months pregnant with my 3rd (I had to leave my 21 month old at home with Dad). It was a very magical trip!!!

I LOVE all 3 outfits you made! I have a soft spot for Pooh so I really love that skirt but your Minnie dress is simply stunning!

The only "problem" I saw with your schedule is that I don't think HM has fast pass????

Also on your first afternoon at DHS you may want to hit the animation courtyard area so you can do some character meets.

I'm sure it will be a very magical trip!!!!!!!

[Piper]

Thanks--I think you're right--no FP for HM! Oh well, we'll just play that part by ear!!

[Piper]

OK--one more thing (I'm on a roll--it's either feast or famine, huh:rotfl: ) Here are some of my dollar store finds along with the personalized autograph book. I also made a journal for her--can't go on a trip with your teacher and not write! Some of the stuff (like the color wonder and colorform "paper dolls") are for the plane. I got 3 sets of the colorforms, so she could share with 2 other girls waiting to board the plane. Other stuff is for nightly Tinkerbelle visits. I also got 50 light up necklaces and 60 light up bracelets so she could share those also.
http://inlinethumb12.webshots.com/23947/2498765980067077547S500x500Q85.jpg

[Diamondintheruff]

Haven't had time to digest your touring plan but I wanted to express an

"AWWWWW" at the adorable minnie dress. Too cute!!

[tarheelmjfan]

Hi Piper, :wave2:
You're certainly a very special person. You make a great Fairy Godmother. I wish my son had a grandmother like you. (My mom is deceased & my MIL..... let's just say she's not the most attentive, loving grandmother ever. :sad2: Isabel & Guiliana are very lucky to be sharing the magic with you. I know you guys will have a great time. :yay:

I can totally sympathize with you on your health problems. I'm very impressed that you not only go to work everyday, but also keep up with 4 & 5 yr. old kids. I turned 40 last month & don't do nearly that good. You mentioned your ankles. Right now, it's my knees that are giving me a fit. One of them has been needing surgery for awhile, & the other has recently starting swelling too. I also have back trouble. Don't you just love that wonderful arthritis. It moves in & takes over. :mad: Hopefully, you'll get the help you need to ward off as much pain as possible on your trip. pixiedust:

I have a question about your cooling vest. My DH spends several hours outside on most days. To make it worse, we live in FL. Lucky him! :p Do you think he'd be comfortable wearing the vest all day? Also, how long does it stay cool for? Thanks in advance for the info. :)

I'll be looking forward to your next installment.

[Piper]

Hi Piper, :wave2:
You're certainly a very special person. You make a great Fairy Godmother. I wish my son had a grandmother like you. (My mom is deceased & my MIL..... let's just say she's not the most attentive, loving grandmother ever. :sad2: Isabel & Guiliana are very lucky to be sharing the magic with you. I know you guys will have a great time. :yay:

I can totally sympathize with you on your health problems. I'm very impressed that you not only go to work everyday, but also keep up with 4 & 5 yr. old kids. I turned 40 last month & don't do nearly that good. You mentioned your ankles. Right now, it's my knees that are giving me a fit. One of them has been needing surgery for awhile, & the other has recently starting swelling too. I also have back trouble. Don't you just love that wonderful arthritis. It moves in & takes over. :mad: Hopefully, you'll get the help you need to ward off as much pain as possible on your trip. pixiedust:

I have a question about your cooling vest. My DH spends several hours outside on most days. To make it worse, we live in FL. Lucky him! :p Do you think he'd be comfortable wearing the vest all day? Also, how long does it stay cool for? Thanks in advance for the info. :)

I'll be looking forward to your next installment.

Thank you for reading.

I think he'd probably be fine wearing it. He would probably need to have a supply of water to rewet it when it dried out. How long it stays cool depends on the heat and humidity. He could at least get a couple of hours before it needed rewetting.

I wish arthritis were my only problem! But it certainly is a pain in the-----well, wherever it wants to land that day! The kids I teach are always great. I just explain that the doctor gave me braces so I won't fall down so much. They are very accepting. If I am on the floor and need to crawl to the closest chair for support to get up, they just crawl along with me!!

[SallyfromDE]

Hi Piper,

I see your posts on the DisBoutique thread. I don't know why, I just started to read your pre trip report. I don't usually have the time to do more then my normal threads.

I did Disney last year in ECV. This year I am hoping to walk all the way. But I know they have chairs if I have problems. I have RSDS, it's a nerve problem in my left foot and the nerve pain goes up my leg. I spent 7 months in a chair and on disability because I had a jones break in my right foot!! (and lucky me, that RSDS spread to the right foot - it gets in your nervous system). I'm still having issues from the broken foot. If I fell, I couldn't get up on my own. I have no muscle strength in my thighs. Hopefully I can get back into PT to have that taken care of. I was just told had early arthritis in my back. I just turned 51. I know it's from car accidents I've had. But my back is the one thing that is feeling pretty good right now!! :rotfl:

I found your post on the cooling vest interesting. I know people that work outside. And right now we are in a heat wave. What a great idea for them. I also work with a woman that has MS, and she was just telling us about an ice vest she can get from the MS society. What a brilliant idea!! Why is this not common knowledge? My Dad has passed, but this would have been great for him to use. He had several brain surgeries, and he just couldn't stand the heat.

Anyway, I just wanted to say HI. I love to plan our trips. I'm busy sewing for Kirsta. She loves to dress up in the parks.

[Piper]

Hi Piper,

I see your posts on the DisBoutique thread. I don't know why, I just started to read your pre trip report. I don't usually have the time to do more then my normal threads.

I did Disney last year in ECV. This year I am hoping to walk all the way. But I know they have chairs if I have problems. I have RSDS, it's a nerve problem in my left foot and the nerve pain goes up my leg. I spent 7 months in a chair and on disability because I had a jones break in my right foot!! (and lucky me, that RSDS spread to the right foot - it gets in your nervous system). I'm still having issues from the broken foot. If I fell, I couldn't get up on my own. I have no muscle strength in my thighs. Hopefully I can get back into PT to have that taken care of. I was just told had early arthritis in my back. I just turned 51. I know it's from car accidents I've had. But my back is the one thing that is feeling pretty good right now!! :rotfl:

I found your post on the cooling vest interesting. I know people that work outside. And right now we are in a heat wave. What a great idea for them. I also work with a woman that has MS, and she was just telling us about an ice vest she can get from the MS society. What a brilliant idea!! Why is this not common knowledge? My Dad has passed, but this would have been great for him to use. He had several brain surgeries, and he just couldn't stand the heat.

Anyway, I just wanted to say HI. I love to plan our trips. I'm busy sewing for Kirsta. She loves to dress up in the parks.

The cooling vest is great! The only problem I have had with it is that it fades a bit.:( But since I wear a thin white long sleeve shirt under it most of the time, that is not too big of a problem.

:hug: to you for the nerve pain. It isn't fun--one of my problems is Neurofibromatosis, type I. It is a genetic disorder and one of the manifestations is fibromas (tumors) on nerves. I am very lucky that mine are small and few (only about 30 right now.) Some people can have hundreds and those stories about 150 lb tumors are usually NF tumors!

I have had Lupus for many, many years (diagnosed for 40 of them), I am lucky in another respect. I am just now starting to develop the heart and lung problems many people develop much younger. This may well be my last trip to WDW (as it might for all of us.:confused3 )

I am just happy to be able to do this trip and plan to scoot around WDW and have loads of fun!

[SallyfromDE]

I have had Lupus for many, many years (diagnosed for 40 of them), I am lucky in another respect. I am just now starting to develop the heart and lung problems many people develop much younger. This may well be my last trip to WDW (as it might for all of us.:confused3 )

I am just happy to be able to do this trip and plan to scoot around WDW and have loads of fun!

Piper, where do you get a cooling vest? Is it from a medical supply?

They are testing my Mom for Lupus. She's had a mastecomy from breast cancer and she keeps losing blood platlets and they can't find them. So they are suspecting Lupus.

I've been doing Disney for 18 years, twice in a year on a few occassions. I hope to go for as long as I can. I enjoy the excitement in the kids. I love the atmosphere. I just enjoy it. I feel really relaxed when I get home, even if we are crazy busy while away.

[Piper]

Piper, where do you get a cooling vest? Is it from a medical supply?

They are testing my Mom for Lupus. She's had a mastecomy from breast cancer and she keeps losing blood platlets and they can't find them. So they are suspecting Lupus.

I've been doing Disney for 18 years, twice in a year on a few occassions. I hope to go for as long as I can. I enjoy the excitement in the kids. I love the atmosphere. I just enjoy it. I feel really relaxed when I get home, even if we are crazy busy while away.


Medical supply would probably have them. My PT got it for me. She talked to my rheumy and she wrote a prescription.

Good luck to your mother. Lupus is hard to diagnose. It is a good thing that she has a doctor who is trying to find the problem.

This will be my 8th trip to WDW. I even went solo last summer.

In my much, much younger days when I lived in California--I tried twice to go to Disneyland and both times I had to cancel the trip because I found out I was pregnant! My husband said no way would we schedule another trip!

[SallyfromDE]

In my much, much younger days when I lived in California--I tried twice to go to Disneyland and both times I had to cancel the trip because I found out I was pregnant! My husband said no way would we schedule another trip!

:rotfl:

[Piper]

I haven't disappeared. I just haven't been in a Disney mood. Our beloved principal has been fighting cancer for the last year and a half and he is at the end of the battle. Pray for his family that they find peace in his passing and for the children and staff of our school that the transition next year is as smooth as possible.

He convinced the doctors to let him out of the hospital so he could hand out diplomas at our PreK graduation. He went back in that afternoon and was released for the last teacher day. Last week he went into "in home hospice." Yesterday he became unresponsive and was taken to the hospice run by the hospital.

He will be very hard to replace as he has been the best principal I ever worked with. He pushed the staff to excel and therefore the students excelled as a result.

[Diamondintheruff]

So sorry to hear that. It must have been very bittersweet to watch him at Graduation.

[Piper]

So sorry to hear that. It must have been very bittersweet to watch him at Graduation.


It was. He went all out for the kids--even ordering gowns for them. We sang Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star in English and Spanish as well asthe ABC's in both languages and then several other songs in English. After the dress rehearsal, he told me that it tickled him to see all my Vietnamese, Creole, Philipino, Nigerian, etc. children singing in Spanish better than the Bilingual Spanish class!

While we were singing our school song, he held hands with one of my students. (We sing the song every Friday on Sprit Day and hold hands. We raise our hands in the air on the last phrase. Here is a recording. You have to wait, but it does load--I checked the link. It is a really good song.
www.alief.isd.tenet.edu/Hicks/Hand%20in%20Hand.WAV (http://www.alief.isd.tenet.edu/Hicks/Hand%20in%20Hand.WAV)

[Piper]

My principal passed early this morning. Unfortunately, they are having the memorial service at the school while I am on my trip. I will miss him, but I am relieved to know he doesn't have pain anymore.

[Piper]

Nine days left! :banana: :banana: :banana: I am going to have to go over my list and make sure I have things in order.:surfweb:

I am being picked up in Houston by Super Shuttle because they have a lift-equipped vehicle. I have a nagging worry that they will either forget me or not be on time. I will call them the day before to remind them.

In Orlando, I am using Mears because I am staying at the Dolphin. I requested meet and greet at the airport. Again, a nagging fear it won't be smooth. I'll remind them on the 23rd, too.

I have heard a lot of negatives about Disney transportation lately. I am really hoping it is smooth for me. I have had some problems in the past with drivers not wanting to load me, letting people board before me (this makes it difficult to park) and having to wait for 3 or 4 busses because they already had 2 wc or ecv. I don't mind waiting if the busses are full, but I resent the drivers who just don't want to deal with me. I can park on a dime because I use my own ecv and am very used to it. :moped: I can't turn my head to look behind me, so I am hoping I don't get any of the old busses they make you go on backwards! That is a little tricky for me ::yes:: .

Okay, I am off to go over my packing list one more time.

[Diamondintheruff]

Oh Piper! I am sorry to hear that but it is hard to watch people you care about suffer in pain. Perhaps you can come up with your own way to honour his life while you are in WDW. Sounds to me like passing out some glow in the dark necklaces to passing by children would be the kind of pixie dust that he would appreciate.

I just took a few minutes break from report cards. I though they were due on Thursday but found out friday they had been moved up to this monday. I already had a full social calendar this weekend with father's day. I hope my administration meant 5pm monday because there is no way I'll get mine done until then. So I'd better get back at them.

I have school until June 27th.

[Piper]

I had already bought a lot of extra bracelets and necklaces to pass out. It is a good idea to think of Drake as we do so. He definitely helped add light to so many children's lives that it is an appropriate action!

[Piper]

Okay. Tthis morning, I put together the book I'm going to take with me. It is small 6x8 so it fits in my baggalini and the pages are cardstock. I made pockets for the index cards with my daily plans (on the back of each card I have a list of where the good HC bathrooms are!::yes:: )
http://inlinethumb59.webshots.com/42426/2100470310067077547S425x425Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb24.webshots.com/36375/2202298240067077547S425x425Q85.jpghttp://inlinethumb43.webshots.com/14698/2115565520067077547S425x425Q85.jpg
I put Pasporter's park maps behind the information for each day. That way I can just grab the card and map. The opposite page has room for info about the day for my TR. Also, each day is color-coded. Am I just a tad obsessive? :confused3 Nah, just thorough! :lmao:

I made the arrangements with the vet to have Mai Li :cat: spayed while I am gone. She will have the surgery on Monday while I am here and instead of just staying one night, they will board her until I return. My vet only treats cats and even runs a Kitty Day Care as well as boarding. She calls Mai Li the itty bitty kitty--she finally weighs 5.6 lbs! Yea! (Actually, that is a good thing as I am only supposed to lift 5 lbs.--so I can pick her up without feeling guilty!) She is a year old now, so probably won't get much bigger.

My friend just called and wants me to come up and see the pictures of her GD's recital. So I'll stop for now and continue soon.

[go2cindys]

I have enjoyed reading your pre-trip report. I admire you so much.

We - DD, DSIL, DGS 12, DGD 8, and me Grandma nearly 65 - are going to DW in August. :eek: I went once in early Oct and thought I would melt and that was when I was able to walk around on my own two feet. We went in early Dec 2007 and it was wonderful - around 80. This time DD doesn't want to take the kids out of school again. So, we are renting a villa with private pool for a week and will probably only visit the parks a couple of days :( leaving in afternoon, and hopefully returning in the evening. I also need a scooter to get around (5 minutes is the max that I can walk or stand) but this time, we are renting one from outside the park. Last year I took the autotrain and brought my own van and scooter. That experience was not good. I did not have an accessible room; it was just a regular room with a bathroom. I am very poohsized and the bathrooms are soooo tiny. Maybe an accessible room would be bigger but they are book wayyyy in advance. On the 24th of Aug, we will be going on our first cruise on the Disney Wonder for 4 days. I am nervous about this as I have never cruised before; also, I will have to use a scooter. I have Lupus, bad back, knees, shoulders, and ankles.

I dearly love DW but have never stayed at a Disney resort. I am trying to talk a friend into going with me this winter (she has never been to DW :confused3 ). Right now, I don't think she will go. I have been thinking about going alone and staying on property. I too am uncertain about using Disney transportation and think I would prefer to rent an accessible van & scooter) and drive myself so I can also go to the outlets. However, one of my favorite things about Disney is having someone to share the magic with. :goodvibes

How does the GAC benefit with the heat problem.

Enjoy your trip. I will be looking forward to your trip report. You have inspired me to consider writing one myself.:dance3: :moped:

[Piper]

I have enjoyed reading your pre-trip report. I admire you so much.

We - DD, DSIL, DGS 12, DGD 8, and me Grandma nearly 65 - are going to DW in August. :eek: Disney Wonder for 4 days. I am nervous about this as I have never cruised before; also, I will have to use a scooter. I have Lupus, bad back, knees, shoulders, and ankles.

I dearly love DW but have never stayed at a Disney resort. I am trying to talk a friend into going with me this winter (she has never been to DW :confused3 ). Right now, I don't think she will go. I have been thinking about going alone and staying on property. I too am uncertain about using Disney transportation and think I would prefer to rent an accessible van & scooter) and drive myself so I can also go to the outlets. However, one of my favorite things about Disney is having someone to share the magic with. :goodvibes

How does the GAC benefit with the heat problem.

Enjoy your trip. I will be looking forward to your trip report. You have inspired me to consider writing one myself.:dance3: :moped:

Thanks for reading.

The GAC mostly helps by providing a shaded waiting area when the attractions are in the sun. The cooling vest is the most help. I wear a thin long sleeved shirt, the vest, a hat and use SPF85 Neutrogena sun screen. I also tour early mornings for the rides I can do and then rest, rest, rest...and go back in late afternoon. Don't get dehydrated or too hot. Do shows inbetween the hot rides.

About 10 years ago, when I still just needed a WC, I took the HC sleeper to see my daughter in San Francisco. I had the porter make up the bed and told him just to leave it made up the whole trip. Since I couldn't do stairs, he brought my meals. I took oodles of books and just had an orgy of reading, resting, and recharging. I looked out the window when I wanted, read when I wanted and slept when I wanted. I am also pooh sized and the toilet area was small, but adequate. I loved it!

I have done several cruises -- all solo. I enjoyed each and every one. I only picked 1 or 2 tours that were accessible each trip and then enjoyed the quiet of the ship the other port days. I think Alaska was my favorite. You'll have no trouble using the scooter on the ship. The elevator was the most difficult part, but I just asked my steward which one was used less & used that one!

My solo trip to WDW last year was great also. Usually I feel like I am holding people back when I go places with them since there are many rides I cannot do. I tell them to go on them, but often a family member feels they must stay with me--not! There are also many exhibits, shows, etc. that I had always wanted to do that others had no interest in. So by going by myself, I went at my own pace & did what I was interested in doing.

This year, Isabel is pregnant, so she will not be able to do a lot of rides. We are planning around Giuliana.

You will have a great time. Just pace yourself and let the magic renew your spirit!

[lovesdumbo]

Nine days left! :banana: :banana: :banana: I am going to have to go over my list and make sure I have things in order.:surfweb:

I am being picked up in Houston by Super Shuttle because they have a lift-equipped vehicle. I have a nagging worry that they will either forget me or not be on time. I will call them the day before to remind them.

In Orlando, I am using Mears because I am staying at the Dolphin. I requested meet and greet at the airport. Again, a nagging fear it won't be smooth. I'll remind them on the 23rd, too.

I have heard a lot of negatives about Disney transportation lately. I am really hoping it is smooth for me. I have had some problems in the past with drivers not wanting to load me, letting people board before me (this makes it difficult to park) and having to wait for 3 or 4 busses because they already had 2 wc or ecv. I don't mind waiting if the busses are full, but I resent the drivers who just don't want to deal with me. I can park on a dime because I use my own ecv and am very used to it. :moped: I can't turn my head to look behind me, so I am hoping I don't get any of the old busses they make you go on backwards! That is a little tricky for me ::yes:: .

Okay, I am off to go over my packing list one more time.
I am so sorry for your school's loss.

I have read lots of negatives on the busses too but they were pretty good on my last 3 trips (Nov 07, Jan 08 & May 08). I have never seen a driver not load a wc or evc first. At DTD one day last Aug guests were complaining about the wc loading first (it was raining) so I just told my children loud enough for them to hear that we should all be happy to be able to walk onto the bus. Of course we were there first and these folks pushed their way onto the bus in front of us and got seats while we all stood up.

I have school until June 27th.
I'll be at Disney when you are. We (dh, me, dd(9), ds(7), dd(5)) will be at ASMu family suite. We were at POR last year.

[Piper]

I'll be at Disney when you are. We (dh, me, dd(9), ds(7), dd(5)) will be at ASMu family suite. We were at POR last year.

Cool! Are you feeling that last minute "What am I forgetting" panic yet? :) Look for my ECV (should be REAL easy to spot :lmao: ) and come say "hi!"

I am off to get the oil changed in my car and the state inspection done. I only drive to and from work and for groceries (there are 2 stores within a block of me) so my car only has 58xx miles on it. It will be 2 years old on July 3rd! This will be the second time I have changed the oil! I'm also going to have the tires rotated. The mechanics who work on it always say they want to buy it when I am ready to sell!! Uh yeah, I have family members who want it, too! ::yes::

[lovesdumbo]

Cool! Are you feeling that last minute "What am I forgetting" panic yet? :) Look for my ECV (should be REAL easy to spot :lmao: ) and come say "hi!"

I am off to get the oil changed in my car and the state inspection done. I only drive to and from work and for groceries (there are 2 stores within a block of me) so my car only has 58xx miles on it. It will be 2 years old on July 3rd! This will be the second time I have changed the oil! I'm also going to have the tires rotated. The mechanics who work on it always say they want to buy it when I am ready to sell!! Uh yeah, I have family members who want it, too! ::yes::

Sorry...I'll be there the same time diamondinthefuff is and our families are simular-just sort of opposite-she has 2 boys & 1 girl. I have 2 girls and 1 boy. The ages are the same. And she stayed at ASMu family suites last year and is going to POR this year we stayed POR last year and are doing ASMu family suites this year. I thought it was all sort of cool.

BUT...I am still almost in the panic mode. I've got lots of outfits to make the kids. Another bowling shirt for DS, a twirl skirt for younger DD, a couple of dresses for oldest DD and lots of other ideas.

My DH is a stay at home dad. I think he has about 60,000 on our 10 year old minivan. It gets less mileage now that we replaced my car with a minivan so the new one is the primary weekend car and even less next year when my youngest starts Kindergarten and takes the bus to school. We're hoping to get another 4 or 5 years out of the old mini van.


You must be getting super excited!!!! I'm sure it will be a magical trip. The trip I took pregnant with my 3rd was the trip that taught me how to slow down and really enjoy the atmosphere of WDW. I just couldn't move too fast and it was amazing how much more I saw when I took the time to look.

[Piper]

Wow! That is a coincidence--kind of like Alice through the looking glass!!!

I love the new bowling shirts. They are really great looking and seem to have so many variations. That's what makes a good pattern--being able to get many looks from it!


It took 3 hours at the dealer!!! :faint: I am exhausted. And they wonder why people don't get regular oil changes there instead of at a local shop!

I am going to get busy making some more crayon roll-ups for school. Now that I have figured out how to make them for the 8 big crayons and a spot for scissors it should go pretty quickly. I made 2 for me using the material I made my chair cushions out of---5 for use in small group at the "teacher table" -- and now I need to make 20 for the kids to use for large group work -- and 5 out of yellow material for the art station! Then I am finished!

[lovesdumbo]

Wow! That is a coincidence--kind of like Alice through the looking glass!!!

I love the new bowling shirts. They are really great looking and seem to have so many variations. That's what makes a good pattern--being able to get many looks from it!


It took 3 hours at the dealer!!! :faint: I am exhausted. And they wonder why people don't get regular oil changes there instead of at a local shop!

I am going to get busy making some more crayon roll-ups for school. Now that I have figured out how to make them for the 8 big crayons and a spot for scissors it should go pretty quickly. I made 2 for me using the material I made my chair cushions out of---5 for use in small group at the "teacher table" -- and now I need to make 20 for the kids to use for large group work -- and 5 out of yellow material for the art station! Then I am finished!

Your crayon roll ups sound great. I did just 2-1 for regular size crayons and 1 for colored pencils. I need to do a bunch more including one for 8 big crayons. Would love to see a photo of yours.

[Piper]

Okay--here are samples of the crayon rollups:
http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/19886/2923112150067077547S500x500Q85.jpg
The floral stripe/black & white checkerboard is for my use (it matches the chair pads I have on my chair.) I made 2 of these because I usually have a student teacher
The motto/cherry is for the small group/teacher station. I made 6 of these. My mouse pads are in the motto fabric and the table cloth, apron, hot pads, etc. in the dramatic play area are the small cherry fabric.
The floral/blue & black checkerboard is for large group. This is what I used last year to make the curtains for the room (checks on top & floral sewed on to that.) I am making 20 of these.

I closed them with hair bands. I didn't want to have to tie them everytime someone was finished using them and some of the kiddos don't have the coordination to line up velcro every time--so this was my solution.

I also decorated the baskets I have materials in with ribbons in the color of the workstation. They have dots, checks, flowers, etc. on them. The kids take care of it really well because it is "pretty" and well organized. I don't even have to tell them to clean up--they just do it when the bell rings. If a child doesn't put something away nicely, I don't have to say anything. Another child will tell him or her to do "quality work."
http://inlinethumb34.webshots.com/21473/2210169430067077547S500x500Q85.jpg

Here is a picture of my teaching table. You can see the valance and under the easel is a trash can I covered in the floral stripe. You can see my Alice dolls on top of the TV cabinet. I also have Ann Estelle and her friends and the Mary Engelbreit books about them. My room is small for 20 kids, teaching area & workstations so I gave up my desk. I never sat at it during class anyway--but I do miss the storage! I have another trash can covered in the motto material. My other pictures of the class have children in them and I don't want to post them without parent's permission!

[Diamondintheruff]

What are crayon rollups? I only know about fruit rollups.

Your trip organizer looks great. I wish I could be that organized but it gives me something to work up to. I carry around a small mickey photo album with my schedules and such in my baggalini too. The photo album has made multiple trips to disney with a few of my friends and each of us adds new information to it each trip. I'm venturing out to Seaworld this year so I'll be filling up a few pages on that alone. Just booked the believe lunch and the polar excursion and my kids are all psyched about touching a penguin.

lovesdumbo-that is kind of neat that we are opposite this year. We loved the family suite but are hoping for a room only discount that will make our sacrifice of room space worth it. The suites weren't eligible for the room discounts last year. Also we are looking forward to the slides at the pool. But we did love ASmu. I love the bright bold colours and the energy at the busy pool. You'll love it.

[lovesdumbo]

Okay--here are samples of the crayon rollups:
http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/19886/2923112150067077547S500x500Q85.jpg
The floral stripe/black & white checkerboard is for my use (it matches the chair pads I have on my chair.) I made 2 of these because I usually have a student teacher
The motto/cherry is for the small group/teacher station. I made 6 of these. My mouse pads are in the motto fabric and the table cloth, apron, hot pads, etc. in the dramatic play area are the small cherry fabric.
The floral/blue & black checkerboard is for large group. This is what I used last year to make the curtains for the room (checks on top & floral sewed on to that.) I am making 20 of these.

I closed them with hair bands. I didn't want to have to tie them everytime someone was finished using them and some of the kiddos don't have the coordination to line up velcro every time--so this was my solution.

I also decorated the baskets I have materials in with ribbons in the color of the workstation. They have dots, checks, flowers, etc. on them. The kids take care of it really well because it is "pretty" and well organized. I don't even have to tell them to clean up--they just do it when the bell rings. If a child doesn't put something away nicely, I don't have to say anything. Another child will tell him or her to do "quality work."
http://inlinethumb34.webshots.com/21473/2210169430067077547S500x500Q85.jpg

Here is a picture of my teaching table. You can see the valance and under the easel is a trash can I covered in the floral stripe. You can see my Alice dolls on top of the TV cabinet. I also have Ann Estelle and her friends and the Mary Engelbreit books about them. My room is small for 20 kids, teaching area & workstations so I gave up my desk. I never sat at it during class anyway--but I do miss the storage! I have another trash can covered in the motto material. My other pictures of the class have children in them and I don't want to post them without parent's permission!
Those are great! I LOVE the Mary Engelbreit fabrics!!!! I used that check to make my DD a Car's outfit so I also used it on a rollup I made for her. Your classroom looks awesome! Your kids are lucky to have you!


What are crayon rollups? I only know about fruit rollups.

Your trip organizer looks great. I wish I could be that organized but it gives me something to work up to. I carry around a small mickey photo album with my schedules and such in my baggalini too. The photo album has made multiple trips to disney with a few of my friends and each of us adds new information to it each trip. I'm venturing out to Seaworld this year so I'll be filling up a few pages on that alone. Just booked the believe lunch and the polar excursion and my kids are all psyched about touching a penguin.

lovesdumbo-that is kind of neat that we are opposite this year. We loved the family suite but are hoping for a room only discount that will make our sacrifice of room space worth it. The suites weren't eligible for the room discounts last year. Also we are looking forward to the slides at the pool. But we did love ASmu. I love the bright bold colours and the energy at the busy pool. You'll love it.
Here are directions for a crayon rollup:
http://skiptomylou.wordpress.com/2007/04/25/on-a-roll/

I'm really looking forward to the family suites. I booked it as soon as 2008 AAA rates came out-sometime in 2007 so I was lucky enough to get a AAA discount. Last year I had POR booked at AAA but did end up with a discount code that beat that. :wizard: Hope you get a great room only! Your kids will love the POR pool and we were near a quiet pool too. You could also walk over to POFQ to use that pool too. The boat to DTD is great too.

[Piper]

[quote=Diamondintheruff;25736036]What are crayon rollups? I only know about fruit rollups.

Your trip organizer looks great. I wish I could be that organized but it gives me something to work up to. I carry around a small mickey photo album with my schedules and such in my baggalini too. The photo album has made multiple trips to disney with a few of my friends and each of us adds new information to it each trip. I'm venturing out to Seaworld this year so I'll be filling up a few pages on that alone. Just booked the believe lunch and the polar excursion and my kids are all psyched about touching a penguin.

quote]
The photo album is a great idea and it is great that you get input from other's perspectives! Your Seaworld plans sound like so much fun. I usually give my students 5 or 6 books a year for them to keep (for some, it is the only books they own) and my end of the year book for them was a non-fiction book on penguins. They loved it!

I am just waiting until the rush of kids at summer school has settled down to call the school. Last night was the board meeting. I am very anxious to find out who will be our new principal. I hope they put the assistant principal who has virtually been running the school last year. It would make the transition smoother. We have a principal and 2 assistants--one assistant is being replaced this year already (which is a very good thing) so now we'll have 2 new administrators next year. If they don't put her in charge, she will resent it big time I'm afraid! Also 7 or 8 of our former teachers are now either principals or assistant principals. It would be nice if they put one of them back in our school as they already know the high standards our school has. We'll see.

Meanwhile--sewing continues. I can only do 5 or 6 at a time because the checks get to me! Like walking on those floors in the hospital--don't look down or :faint:

[Diamondintheruff]

I can only do 5 or 6 at a time because the checks get to me!

I can understand that.

Ran into a Mother of a one of my children's friends. The poor woman just mentioned she was heading down to Disney July 1st because her child is in a dance competition down there and I think that was the last word she got into the conversation. I just took over. She is staying off site(but one of the downtown disney hotels-Buena vista I think) and has no specific plans. She was just going to see what they were interested in while they were down there. So again she has nothing booked-not even her tickets.

I forget that there are people out there like this. I'm still in shock that she has nothing planned. I popped home at lunch and grabbed some planning stuff and sent it home with her child. I have to restrain myself from calling and planning out her families vacation for her.

[Piper]

I can understand that.

Ran into a Mother of a one of my children's friends. The poor woman just mentioned she was heading down to Disney July 1st because her child is in a dance competition down there and I think that was the last word she got into the conversation. I just took over. She is staying off site(but one of the downtown disney hotels-Buena vista I think) and has no specific plans. She was just going to see what they were interested in while they were down there. So again she has nothing booked-not even her tickets.

I forget that there are people out there like this. I'm still in shock that she has nothing planned. I popped home at lunch and grabbed some planning stuff and sent it home with her child. I have to restrain myself from calling and planning out her families vacation for her.

I so get this!! The father of one of my students appologized to me one morning last May because his child wasn't going to be at school during the last 2 days. They had booked a WDW trip and had to go when he could get time off from work. I told him "no problem" and started asking about his plans--They had bought a package and were staying at Pop, but no adrs, no idea of what they were going to do. So I wrote the url for the dis on his card and told him to hit the library or book store and buy at least one book--and I gave him a list! I don't know if they did, but I certainly hope so!

[lovesdumbo]

I am just waiting until the rush of kids at summer school has settled down to call the school. Last night was the board meeting. I am very anxious to find out who will be our new principal. I hope they put the assistant principal who has virtually been running the school last year. It would make the transition smoother. We have a principal and 2 assistants--one assistant is being replaced this year already (which is a very good thing) so now we'll have 2 new administrators next year. If they don't put her in charge, she will resent it big time I'm afraid! Also 7 or 8 of our former teachers are now either principals or assistant principals. It would be nice if they put one of them back in our school as they already know the high standards our school has. We'll see.

Meanwhile--sewing continues. I can only do 5 or 6 at a time because the checks get to me! Like walking on those floors in the hospital--don't look down or :faint:
Good luck with the new administrators!:wizard:

I can understand your problems with that fabric. I used it to line my DD's a-line dress and it wasn't easy cutting that out.:laughing:

[Diamondintheruff]

Just noticed your doll's in the picture. How long have you been collecting?

Thank goodness for the disboards where we can all talk openly about our disney plans without anyone thinking we are all going overboard.

We are getting a new principal next year. We are also closing our school next year, building a new one on the edge of the property and joining with another school. So it should prove to be a busy year.

[Piper]

Just noticed your doll's in the picture. How long have you been collecting?

Thank goodness for the disboards where we can all talk openly about our disney plans without anyone thinking we are all going overboard.

We are getting a new principal next year. We are also closing our school next year, building a new one on the edge of the property and joining with another school. So it should prove to be a busy year.


My goodness~what a lot of changes you will have next year! Changing grades is stress enough.

Are they going to be building the school during the year? If it is close enough for the children to see some of the construction, that would be a good theme to study. You could read books about building, construction workers, vehicles, etc. A couple of years ago, we added a wing to our school and my kids really enjoyed watching all the changes......I think their favorite was pouring the concrete and watching the men (and ladies) slide around on large boards holding the ropes attached to them (to smooth the concrete.) We translated that into the kids walking on "romper stompers." (kind of like short buckets with ropes to hold on to.) They drew pictures and wrote about what they saw.

We even got into history by talking about how the first settlers had to cut down trees, build their own furniture, etc. And then we looked at how people around the world live in different types of "houses." (And how some of us lived in one story or two story houses or apartments--made a graph about that one.) We also kept a tally of the different construction vehicles and wrote a book illustrating "How to Build Kindergarten." (The classes that were being added were designated for kdgn--so they would be where the kid went the next year.

That's what I love about teaching PreK---I can make kids want to learn by focusing on what is interesting to them at the time and then just slip in the academics painlessly!:lmao:

[Piper]

Okay!! I am in packing mode. I moved everything from my purse to the baggalini. Added the extra stuff--remembered to put my extra ecv key and house keys on the little clip (along with the gate card so I can get back in!)

I have my carry-on packed with the cooling vest, shorts, and all my chargers! I got a new book to read on the trip up and one for the trip back. Each one has 3 stories in it. I have my toiletries in a quart bag. Hope I don't forget to pack the makeup after I use it Tuesday morning! I put an extra big ziplock bag in the suitcase so I can put the cooling vest in it to pack if it is still damp.

I have the tip envelopes ready and filled for the ride to the Houston airport, Mears at Orlando, bell services for delivering the 2 cases of water I ordered yesterday from Staples, mousekeeping and then reversed for the return trip!

Clothes and shoes are ready to go in the checked case. Lime green bows are on all the cases along with ID on the inside and outside.

I even used some turtle wax and waxed my ecv! I put the lime green seat cushion and seat back cover on it and put my sign (My other coach is a pumpkin) on the basket with lime green gingham bows. It's purty now. :rotfl: :moped: :rotfl:

I have Mai Li's food ready to go to the vet. She isn't going to be happy when I take her food and water away on Sunday evening :worried: it may be a noisy night with her demanding I give it back! When she wants something, she has this loud meow that sounds like "herrow, now" I tell her she is a cat, not Scooby Doo!

I have that panic you get when you are afraid you will forget something--I keep telling myself that if I forget--so what. My OCD side isn't buying it.;)

[DisneyFun08]

Hi! I just found your pre trippie and you had me hooked from the get-go! I subscribed so I will definitely be checking back in soon! Great job!:yay:

[Piper]

Welcome! My Pre-trippie is almost a trippie!!! Three more sleeps:banana: :banana: :banana:

[Piper]

I am finished sewing!!! Here are the desk crates (actually table crates) I have made to hold the kids supplies.
http://inlinethumb05.webshots.com/23492/2193351020067077547S500x500Q85.jpg

Each one will hold the stuff for 4 kiddos. We "share" supplies so each crate will have 4 crayon rollups, 1 pencil cup with 8 pencils (I don't let the kids near the heavy duty sharpener, so they need extras) and either glue sticks or glue. The rollups each have one extra space for scissors.

http://inlinethumb56.webshots.com/3255/2031445590067077547S500x500Q85.jpg
The flowers have all the colors of the bows.....well, except for the purple. That's the one that goes on my teacher table. It will have different rollups (5 for the kids and 1 for me.) The material on the cups matches the wrist bands for the workstations (I made 3 extra of each color band--hope that is enough.)http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/42011/2602800600067077547S500x500Q85.jpg

I have spent the morning vaccuuming 3,257,835 pieces of thread, specks of material, etc. off my floor! Now I'm off to JoAnns to get some decoupage medium to put on the cups. I hot glued the bows so they won't come untied. Tomorrow I will drop them off at school so I won't have to worry about Mai Li messing with--umm, exploring them.:hyper:

[DisneyFun08]

When I first found and subscribed, I only read the first page. Had to come back today to read the rest!;) I am a Parapro here in Virginia. I work mostly in a Kindergarten classroom. Love, love, love it! Junie B. is quite the popular young lady here, too. As you said, a great intro to what NOT to do.
I am trying to get a closer look at your planning sheet. Looks cute! Thought I might try to copy it for my daughter so she could see at a glance the plans. Where did you find the clip art you used, if you don't mind my asking?
I hope you are planning to do a trip report when you return!
I also wanted to say I hope all goes well with Kitty's surgery!!!!!!
I'm doing the happy dance for you all to have a magical trip!:ccat: :donald: :sulley: :tigger: :tink: pixiedust: :hmghost: :mickeyjum :dogdance: :yay: :banana: :cool1: :woohoo:

[mrsksomeday]

This is a fantastic ptr and you are amazing with all your crafts!! I love your planning, it is nice to see other people that like to plan like I do.

I can't wait to hear how your trip went, I hope it is as magical as you want it to be.

[Piper]

When I first found and subscribed, I only read the first page. Had to come back today to read the rest!;) I am a Parapro here in Virginia. I work mostly in a Kindergarten classroom. Love, love, love it! Junie B. is quite the popular young lady here, too. As you said, a great intro to what NOT to do.
I am trying to get a closer look at your planning sheet. Looks cute! Thought I might try to copy it for my daughter so she could see at a glance the plans. Where did you find the clip art you used, if you don't mind my asking?
I hope you are planning to do a trip report when you return!
I also wanted to say I hope all goes well with Kitty's surgery!!!!!!
I'm doing the happy dance for you all to have a magical trip!:ccat: :donald: :sulley: :tigger: :tink: pixiedust: :hmghost: :mickeyjum :dogdance: :yay: :banana: :cool1: :woohoo:


Junie B is not usually a book chosen for read aloud for PreK, but I love her and I love to read books that the children can really connect to. We also read all the Henry and Mudge books!
I got the clip art by googling clipart-and then what I wanted....like clipart Mickey Mouse.

I will be doing a TR--Thanks for the happy dance!

I am about to take Mai Li's food and water away in a few hours. She will not be a happy kitty. She is used to eating and drinking whenever she wants. It may be a rough night!!!

[Piper]

This is a fantastic ptr and you are amazing with all your crafts!! I love your planning, it is nice to see other people that like to plan like I do.

I can't wait to hear how your trip went, I hope it is as magical as you want it to be.

Thank you. I really like having a classroom that reflects my persoanlity. The kids really do take care of it and I do very little after the first few weeks of school when I am showing them how to keep it looking nice. I figure a few weeks of modeling leads to less work in the long run and I feel better in an attractive space and I think they do too)

Congratulations on your weight loss. I admire your determination:worship:

[Piper]

Breaks into singing :cool1: ~~~~~My bags are packed and I'm ready to go.....I'm leaving on a jet plane~~~~~~~

See you when I return!

[mrsksomeday]

Have a fantastic time!!!

[Diamondintheruff]

Have a great time Piper!

I can't wait to hear all about it.

[DisneyFun08]

Have a magical time, Piper!

[Diamondintheruff]

Piper should just be finished watching "Wishes" now.

[Piper]

We're back and really had a great trip--all your good wishes worked! I am really tired right now(long day in the airport,) so I will continue this in a real trip report either tomorrow or Wednesday.

[mrsksomeday]

WELCOME HOME!!!!

I am so glad you had a great trip, I can't wait to read all about itpopcorn::.

[DisneyFun08]

It's wonderful to hear that you had a great trip! I am looking forward to hearing all about it!

[Diamondintheruff]

Good to know that you are home safe and sound.

[SingingMom]

We're back and really had a great trip--all your good wishes worked! I am really tired right now(long day in the airport,) so I will continue this in a real trip report either tomorrow or Wednesday.

Glad to hear you had a great trip! We saw you on Tuesday coming off the Friendship boat and up the ramp, but we couldn't catch you quick enough to say "Hello"! :goodvibes We head home on Wednesday..

[Piper]

Hope this works......here is a link to the trip report: FairyGodmother+Princess=MagicalTrip (http://www.disboards.com/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=18)

[Piper]

Glad to hear you had a great trip! We saw you on Tuesday coming off the Friendship boat and up the ramp, but we couldn't catch you quick enough to say "Hello"! :goodvibes We head home on Wednesday..


Ahhh--that was when I was getting my GAP. Tuesday was not a very smooth day! I was probably hurrying back to the room in case there was a message! I envy you the extra days. Our trip was way too short!

Thanks for all the welcome homes! I am glad to be back, but I wish I could just twitch my nose and have everything put back in its place--I hate unpacking!;)

[Diamondintheruff]

The link to your trip report is not working for me.

[DisneyFun08]

:sad: Nope, I couldn't find your trip report either.

[Piper]

I fixed it!