Our Grand Gathering Adventure:Surprising the Boys! 9/17 WE LEAVE TOMORROW!!!

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Cute pictures of the boys Heather. You could see Christian sweating when he was asleep in your lap. Poor baby. I like Will's "50" outfit. Those clothes I know. We wore jeans and WHITE t-shirts all the time in those days. I bet lots of people don't even have white t-shirts anymore.

Getting really close for you. How exciting.

Ginny

[longing2Batdisney]

looks like fun was had by all...except you at the end and Christian. great growth chart of the boys

[hhockman]

Okay, I promise I'll be back with hellos and such in a few minutes. Matt made me some french fries and I'm STARVING (yes, I did just get through walking-haven't quite fixed the eating part of my lifestyle).

But I just HAD to share this design that Tebi73 made for me. It's adorable! Do you think it's too babyish for two 7 year olds and a 4 year old (btw thanks lisalonglash for her link!)
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33208815&postcount=513

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Okay, I promise I'll be back with hellos and such in a few minutes. Matt made me some french fries and I'm STARVING (yes, I did just get through walking-haven't quite fixed the eating part of my lifestyle).

But I just HAD to share this design that Tebi73 made for me. It's adorable! Do you think it's too babyish for two 7 year olds and a 4 year old (btw thanks lisalonglash for her link!)
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33208815&postcount=513

I think they are really cute. Of course I don't think they are to babyish but I'm a grandma and I want them to stay small. If they were 9-10 yes but not 7 and 4. Really cute idea.

[longing2Batdisney]

Okay, I promise I'll be back with hellos and such in a few minutes. Matt made me some french fries and I'm STARVING (yes, I did just get through walking-haven't quite fixed the eating part of my lifestyle).

But I just HAD to share this design that Tebi73 made for me. It's adorable! Do you think it's too babyish for two 7 year olds and a 4 year old (btw thanks lisalonglash for her link!)
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33208815&postcount=513
this is really cute!!! no I do not think it is too young for the boys!! it will be soon but not yet!

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Cute pictures of the boys Heather. You could see Christian sweating when he was asleep in your lap. Poor baby. I like Will's "50" outfit. Those clothes I know. We wore jeans and WHITE t-shirts all the time in those days. I bet lots of people don't even have white t-shirts anymore.

Getting really close for you. How exciting.

Ginny

That's all my DH wears is white t-shirts and blue jeans! Unless we're going to church or he's playing golf, that is!

Okay, I promise I'll be back with hellos and such in a few minutes. Matt made me some french fries and I'm STARVING (yes, I did just get through walking-haven't quite fixed the eating part of my lifestyle).

But I just HAD to share this design that Tebi73 made for me. It's adorable! Do you think it's too babyish for two 7 year olds and a 4 year old (btw thanks lisalonglash for her link!)
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33208815&postcount=513 I think the shirt is adorable. For seven year olds, I don't think the shirt is too babyish. Any older than that, and it probably wouldn't work. REALLY CUTE SHIRTS!

[mickeystoontown]

Whew! All caught up again. Looks like your planning is going well and your trip is getting closer and closer.:yay: I'm still uploading pictures to photobucket. Seems like it is taking foreeeeever!

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Whew! All caught up again. Looks like your planning is going well and your trip is getting closer and closer.:yay: I'm still uploading pictures to photobucket. Seems like it is taking foreeeeever! Hey, Lisa! We'll be waiting for your first installment. When you have 800+ pics, I imagine it will take awhile. That's okay. We're patient people!

[hhockman]

Whew! All caught up again. Looks like your planning is going well and your trip is getting closer and closer.:yay: I'm still uploading pictures to photobucket. Seems like it is taking foreeeeever!

So glad to have you back safe! I'm seriously looking forward to all those pictures! Your TR is going to get me through the next 29 days! :thumbsup2

[hhockman]

Officially today we are UNDER A MONTH...

seriously.

look at my ticker.

It says 30 days. August has 31 days, so we're UNDER a month.

Plus, by Lisa's way of counting we're at 29 days anyway! :cool1:

WOW! Did I just say 29 days?:banana:

So guess what came in the mail on Saturday while we were at the Braves game (which consequentially-that is SO spelled wrong-means I didn't see it until Sunday):
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/MickeyMail112.jpg

Yep. Our very own MICKEY MAIL! (btw Lisa, did you manage to use all 3 of your sets of vouchers? Did they let you?)

Here is another picture for you, though we've had these for a while now:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/MickeyMail111.jpg
Just never got around to taking the picture. Haven't even actually taken them out of the envelope. I know. :sad2:

So, I was talking to my dad this afternoon and mention that the boys "don't even know yet" and we're still "planning to surprise them" and that we're "not even going to tell them on the way down" when Will walks into the room and says:

"What surprise?" :scared1:

Ummmm. "Nothing. Don't worry about it."

"But what surprise?"

"We weren't talking about YOU guys."

"Oh."...and he goes back to his homework. WHEW!!!!

Am I going to get in trouble for that white lie? :littleangel: HE understands, right?

So, back to said surprises. I've been hanging out some on Jaycns threads and she is just truly inspiring. Seriously, check her out if you haven't yet. Right, Ginny? Mel?

You all know we're not telling the boys about this trip.

At all.

No countdown chains. No movie nights. Nuthin'.

We're not even telling them when we get in the car. :littleangel: again. "Yeah boys, we're going to the beach" (I've GOT to remind Cole's parents that this is the plan so they don't tell him and spoil it for everybody!) That way even if they are seeing signs

ALL THE WAY DOWN THERE

We can still say "beach".

I'm seriously planning for them to all have their noses (and eyes) fully immersed in either A) their Nintendo DS (and the BRAND NEW games we have for said DSs that they are not getting until we leave) or B) their DVD players (and a new movie or two they will also not get until we leave. They may not even notice any of the 10 or 12

million

signs on the way there.

The one thing that could totally ruin the "surprise at the Welcome arch" is that darn Mickey-head-shaped electric pole on I-4. When we lived in Florida Will ALWAYS saw it, and ALWAYS knew that we were almost at Disney.

But it's been 3 years now since we lived in Florida. And we haven't been to Disney in 2 years. So maybe he's forgotten. Or maybe they will all have to be distracted by some VERY important thing just as we're driving by the darn electrical pole. *ahem*

I'm totally planning to have the camcorder on and ready as we drive down the street to the arch. If Will doesn't figure it out by the exit off of I-4, which could also be a problem....hmmm....distractions...

SO. You all know about the backpacks. And I think I've told you/shown you most of what will go in there (at some point I'm going to group it all together and show you the pile). Well Jay suggested a sort "surprise" reveal of the backpacks. And here is my current plan (subject to change of course):

After checking in at the resort we will drive to DTD. I'd wanted to take the boat, but this will work better. After TRex (can you imagine their faces...we're at DISNEY WORLD....look at this RESORT-they'll say hotel-WE'RE EATING HERE!!! Can't wait!), Matt will take the boys on to Disney Quest while I do some "shopping" (which really will be shopping, I still have to get my backpack). I'll go into Goofy's and get some treats, and then head back to POR in the car. I will sprinkle some confetti outside the door and leave a trail that ends at the table. Inside the room I will put three 4" Mickey heads. One green (Will), one red (Christian), and one blue (Cole). Their names will be on the front. On the back will be the instructions to "follow their own color-coded trail" to a "Welcome to Disney World SURPRISE". We'll have to help Christian read it, of course. They will follow a trail of 3" Mickey heads in their own color (LOVE my CRICUT!!!) to three different hiding places where they will find their backpacks filled with stuff!


I'M SO EXCITED!!!

I'm also planning for mid-week (probably Monday night) to get these personal Mickey head shaped cakes that they have at the Boardwalk Bakery and leave them on the table. I'll have something in "their" color on the cake and I will have three of the 4" Mickey heads hidden throughout the room (one in each color). The Mickey heads will reveal the hiding place of a shirt to wear to the Magic Kingdom the next day-which is our somewhat "full day" at the Magic Kingdom (I'm going to do the ones that say "I love..." because I think those might be their favorite shirts).

I'd like to have other little surprises throughout the week, but I don't want them thinking they're getting something every day because 1) if they expect it, it's not a surprise, and 2) it would be awful hard to get back to the room before them EVERY day.

So, what do you think? Any suggestions? Up until now I've been beside myself with excitement as the days have gotten closer. Now I just can't STAND IT! We've never surprised the boys like this before. For one thing they weren't that old the last time we went and for another, it just never occurred to me. Thank goodness for the DIS and all my new friends.

Okay, I'm off to read some more of Jaycns's old threads, as I seem to be caught up on all my subscriptions. Let me know what you guys think!

[dismagiclover]

Your suprise will be so much fun! And if your boys are anything like mine it won't be too hard to get them focused on their video games;)

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Your surprises sound GREAT! And yes, Jay is wonderful!!!! I'm so inspired by her.

I can't wait to read all of your TR's after you get back. Looks like I'll be living vacariously through you guys until we get back to Disney, which will be "I DON'T KNOW WHEN!" So ya'll keep it up! :thumbsup2

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Totally great Heather. When our girls were that age Don used to get them everytime with the "Did you see that pink elephant in that field?" I don't know why they fell for it but they did every single time. Then one time we were going to St. Louis and saw an "Arnold's Fireworks sign. Sheri was about 4 and thought it read "Arnold the Pig" (Green Acres was popular about that time). So forever it was did you see Arnold the Pig. In other words it is really easy to disctract kids. But a Disney sign is pretty hard to miss.

I do think Jay is an inspiration to all women. She is her own self but so intuned to her family.

Ginny

[mickeystoontown]

Heather,

I know you are just about to burst with excitement. I know I was last year when we surprised Hunter with his trip. I almost slipped up so many times.
Believe me, your kids will be watching the DVD player, playing their games and probably doing a little bit of fussin' (sorry to say but you know it happens in every family;)) and you'll have miles and miles and signs and more signs under your belt before they ever even suspect anything (if they do at all).

I love your mini-scavenger hunt ideas!

Just keep on countin' my way and your trip will be here before you know it!

[DisneymoonJess07]

Under a month! :banana:

:woohoo:

[longing2Batdisney]

sounds like so much fun!! what a great way to add to an already magical vacation!!!
I can't believe you leave in under a month already!!!!
Have a great day!!

[DisneyMomLiz]

Love, love the shirt design. Tebi is great, she did a few for me too after I got the link from lisalonglash / Lisa :) I'm planning on making our shirts this next week...finally got the t's and transfer paper at walmart this weekend. This will be my 1st attempt at anything remotely crafty so wish me luck :laughing:

I think your surprise ideas are great. I may have to "borrow" :rotfl: some parts of them...especially in the room scavenger hunt, as my DS already knows about the trip. :thumbsup2

:scared1: Doh, I've been reading your PTR for how long and it just dawned on me that we are going at the same time, at least overlapping a few days?! :rotfl2:

:banana: 30 day dance :banana:

[hhockman]

Your suprise will be so much fun! And if your boys are anything like mine it won't be too hard to get them focused on their video games;)

Yeah, I don't expect it to be hard. Especially because I have brand new ones that we're giving them the day we leave. Two for Christian (because most of what we have is a little old for him), one for Will, and one for both of them (Star Wars Lego, which they are playing on the Wii right now-except I think we're going to have to get another one because they can't play together until they have two cartridges). I bought a new Pokemon movie today and am getting at least one more before we leave. I think I can manage to keep them from looking out the window at the wrong time. ;) (I hope!)

Your surprises sound GREAT! And yes, Jay is wonderful!!!! I'm so inspired by her.

I can't wait to read all of your TR's after you get back. Looks like I'll be living vacariously through you guys until we get back to Disney, which will be "I DON'T KNOW WHEN!" So ya'll keep it up! :thumbsup2

I'm excited to write my TR...and actually finish it this time! :thumbsup2 And I DO know when we're going back...but I'll leave that for another post. :rolleyes1

Totally great Heather. When our girls were that age Don used to get them everytime with the "Did you see that pink elephant in that field?" I don't know why they fell for it but they did every single time. Then one time we were going to St. Louis and saw an "Arnold's Fireworks sign. Sheri was about 4 and thought it read "Arnold the Pig" (Green Acres was popular about that time). So forever it was did you see Arnold the Pig. In other words it is really easy to disctract kids. But a Disney sign is pretty hard to miss.

I do think Jay is an inspiration to all women. She is her own self but so intuned to her family.

Ginny
Jay is a total inspiration. Matt totally wants to do the thing where we each take a kid for a day. Or maybe 1/2 a day and then switch. The problem is, next time we go his mom is going. So it still wouldn't be each of us one on one with a kid. We might try it anyway though.

Heather,

I know you are just about to burst with excitement. I know I was last year when we surprised Hunter with his trip. I almost slipped up so many times.
Believe me, your kids will be watching the DVD player, playing their games and probably doing a little bit of fussin' (sorry to say but you know it happens in every family;)) and you'll have miles and miles and signs and more signs under your belt before they ever even suspect anything (if they do at all).

I love your mini-scavenger hunt ideas!

Just keep on countin' my way and your trip will be here before you know it!

I am TOTALLY counting your way! That makes us 28 days away (which is SO much better than 29 days!) And I am about to burst (but the boys still don't suspect anything!). I don't think the signs on the way down will mean anything to them until we get really close, because we used to live in Clearwater (which is in the same direction) and we're purposely telling them we're going to the beach to throw them off. Now when the sign says Walt Disney World exit 1 mile, we might have a problem! :laughing:



Under a month! :banana:

:woohoo:

UNDER TWO WEEKS FOR YOU!!! That's AMAZING!!!

sounds like so much fun!! what a great way to add to an already magical vacation!!!
I can't believe you leave in under a month already!!!!
Have a great day!!

I can't believe I'm under a month either. I'm VERY happy about it though!

Love, love the shirt design. Tebi is great, she did a few for me too after I got the link from lisalonglash / Lisa :) I'm planning on making our shirts this next week...finally got the t's and transfer paper at walmart this weekend. This will be my 1st attempt at anything remotely crafty so wish me luck :laughing:

I think your surprise ideas are great. I may have to "borrow" :rotfl: some parts of them...especially in the room scavenger hunt, as my DS already knows about the trip. :thumbsup2

:scared1: Doh, I've been reading your PTR for how long and it just dawned on me that we are going at the same time, at least overlapping a few days?! :rotfl2:

:banana: 30 day dance :banana:

GO ahead and "borrow" whatever you'd like. I got most of the ideas from jaycns anyway! :rotfl: I think the shirts are adorable too. I just hope my trying-to-grow-up-to-fast 7 year olds don't think they're babyish. They'll deal if they do. I have one other design that I'm planning to iron on too, if I ever get around to it. I have so many "bought" t-shirts that I'm not sure when we'll wear them all anyway! Iron-ons are easy. Just make sure you follow the instructions. I made a bunch for myself, Christian, and a couple friends with Will's All-Star team's logo on them this summer so I'm a "pro" now. ;)

I don't think I realized we were going at the same time either (although it should have been easy enough to figure out by actually LOOKING at your ticker). Do you have a PTR? Will you have a LGMH. I don't actually have one yet, and I'm still a little wary about putting it on because I really don't know THAT many people on the DIS. But I'm starting to see that a couple "friends" are going at the same time, so I might have to break down and do it.

Your DS is going to have a great time (even if he has been a few times before)!

And HOW did you get the upgrade? I'm sure it's too late for us now, but it would be such a shame if we were all of a sudden at a different resort than the rest of my family. :rolleyes1

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UGGG I am starting to dread the whole "family" thing, which I knew from the beginning I would, but we'll deal when we can, and leave when we can't. (I was just on the phone with my brother and I don't often have a conversation with him that he doesn't annoy me). I know that sounds awful, and I'm sorry if that offends anyone, but it's starting to feeling like everyone else is "intruding" on our vacation (he wants Matt to go golfing with him and my dad...which Matt can do if he wants to and we can afford it...but still. I suggested Oak Trail which Will and Cole could also do-and he said something about if he wanted to go Minature Golfing he would. :mad:). I was saying something about how this was supposed to be OUR families vacation and he said, "Yeah, your family and Cole." Like it's not just OUR family since we're bringing Will's friend. :sad2:

Anyway, griping done...in 28 days I'M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!!!


I've got to go help Will with his homework, so I'll be back in a little while!

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Ugh. Families can be so irritating. I RELATE! You know I do after reading my TR, right?

Just branch off and do your own thing. DO YOUR OWN THING! It bears repeating. LOL!

:idea: And you're going back in June, right? Birthday celebrations, I'm thinking.

[longing2Batdisney]

well, you do need to make time for the "family" and than just off on your family time...
it will work out and it will be lots of fun... the only thing that gets me about men is how they can find time to do things like that but rarely do the women get to do things where they keep the kids--know what I mean....


but you will be in Disney very very soon and having the magical time of your life....

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Heather, I so completely understand the situation. Just be a duck and let it slide off your back. Don't allow them to ruin your vacay. If they want to join you fine but don't change what you want for them. Enjoy your vacation with your family, Matt, Will, Christian, Cole and yourself.

Ginny

[longing2Batdisney]

Good Morning! Heather

Sounds like you have a great walk this morning; hope your lunch date is a fun one!!

Have a great Day!!1
:wave:

[mousescrapper]

Hi Heather,

off the dis for just a few days trying to get caught up this morning...but need to start getting ready to take the twins to a pre-ortho appt. :eek:

I think the Disney fund is going to be found on their teeth :confused3

anyhoo....

1) the shirt design is very cute and fun for 7 yr olds...yes I'd think a 10 yr old boy would not like so much, but go w/ it while you can :thumbsup2

2) love the surprise all the way!!! and the mickey head trail too. Very cute! we did the whole big family trip and surprise thing back in 05...it was tough keeping it all togehter. We actually told the kids at the airport, but then had several smaller surprises during our stay. I think you have to pre-decide which things everyone wants to do together, ie meals, a few rides 1 morning, parade etc. otherwise it can become stressful...I know.

do you guys have an off day that the big guys could just go golfing and the little guys could be swimming or something?

3) happy under 1-Month :banana: :woohoo: :dance3:

Scrappie (J-)

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Hi, Heather! Have a WONDERFUL Day!!!!

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Good morning Heather. Hope you have a magical day. It's coming faster than you can say 'where did it go'. It's over.

Ginny

[hhockman]

Ugh. Families can be so irritating. I RELATE! You know I do after reading my TR, right?

Just branch off and do your own thing. DO YOUR OWN THING! It bears repeating. LOL!

:idea: And you're going back in June, right? Birthday celebrations, I'm thinking.

Yeah, we will break off when we need to. Matt has no problem telling my family we're going off for a while. :rotfl:

Shhh! Don't spoil the surprise (BIG surprise, right? I'm sure I've already mentioned it)!

well, you do need to make time for the "family" and than just off on your family time...
it will work out and it will be lots of fun... the only thing that gets me about men is how they can find time to do things like that but rarely do the women get to do things where they keep the kids--know what I mean....


but you will be in Disney very very soon and having the magical time of your life....

Yep! That's it exactly. :thumbsup2 He gets to go golf for 4 hours, meanwhile not only do I have all three kids, I have to deal with my mom AND my grandma too. Unless I want to take the kids by myself. The two times (they are only going once) they're looking at for golf are already scheduled (well, everything is) and I'm not changing the plans, so I'll just have to suck it up I guess.

Heather, I so completely understand the situation. Just be a duck and let it slide off your back. Don't allow them to ruin your vacay. If they want to join you fine but don't change what you want for them. Enjoy your vacation with your family, Matt, Will, Christian, Cole and yourself.

Ginny

Thanks Ginny. We are going to do what we need to do. I had it out with my mom last night too. Not pretty. She basically takes my brother's side in everything. But then I flat out said that I didn't want to spend my vacation with her hounding me like she does at home. She said something like she'll treat me like a responsible adult when I act like one. That I whine all the time and act like a 12 year old. :sad2: Whatever. Is said something like "If Granny is going to be there until Wednesday and you and dad want some time with the kids without them, when are we supposed to have time for just the 5 of us?" You know what she said? The Friday and Saturday before we they get there. Uh no. But then of course she said she didn't care what we did. It will all work out. We'll be in DISNEY. Thanks for listening though. :hug:
Good Morning! Heather

Sounds like you have a great walk this morning; hope your lunch date is a fun one!!

Have a great Day!!1
:wave:

My lunch "date" was great. I actually got a semi-double date. The one boy in Will's class he already knew was in his Cub Scout den last year (there isn't a single child in his class this year that was in his class last year). Since I always take Will to Cub Scouts I know Matthew, so it was fun eating with the two of them. He kept asking me to go to recess too, but I told him I didn't think I was allowed (his teacher let me last year but I don't think this year's teacher would). He's so sweet. I'm blessed that he still wants me around at 7 1/2.

Hi Heather,

off the dis for just a few days trying to get caught up this morning...but need to start getting ready to take the twins to a pre-ortho appt. :eek:

I think the Disney fund is going to be found on their teeth :confused3

anyhoo....

1) the shirt design is very cute and fun for 7 yr olds...yes I'd think a 10 yr old boy would not like so much, but go w/ it while you can :thumbsup2

2) love the surprise all the way!!! and the mickey head trail too. Very cute! we did the whole big family trip and surprise thing back in 05...it was tough keeping it all togehter. We actually told the kids at the airport, but then had several smaller surprises during our stay. I think you have to pre-decide which things everyone wants to do together, ie meals, a few rides 1 morning, parade etc. otherwise it can become stressful...I know.

do you guys have an off day that the big guys could just go golfing and the little guys could be swimming or something?

3) happy under 1-Month :banana: :woohoo: :dance3:

Scrappie (J-)

Yikes! Braces for two at the same time? That will drain a Disney fund. I guess it's better to get them over with, but it's not going to be fun for you or them.

Thanks for your opinion on the shirt. I think it's adorable, and I really like the memory it was leave, so I think I'm going to do it whether they like it or not. I guess I'm a little more worried about it being girly than babyish, but every time I look at it, it seems okay.

It appears that Matt, my dad, and my brother will be going golfing. My dad was looking at possible tee times today. We will most likely be either at Disney Quest or at EPCOT. My mom and grandma and probably my SIL, nephew, and my SIL's mom will all be with me, so I'll be fine. Just frustrated. I'm trying to gently let my family know that there are times that we plan on going off on our own, but they just keep asking "Why?" and then getting defensive. I'm sure it will work itself out.

Thanks! I'm really getting excited. We leave 4 weeks from tomorrow. I have to remember to call tomorrow to make the photo session reservation. I remember when even August 21st seemed forever away and it's HERE.

Hi, Heather! Have a WONDERFUL Day!!!!

Thanks Mel! :hug:

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Your little boy sounds so sweet Heather. I know just how you are feeling when it comes to them wanting their mommas. It WARMS the heart!

Mitchell asked me this morning (as we're driving to daycare) if I liked him. I told him I "more than liked him, I loved him". He said, "but do you LIKE me?". I said "I like you a whole, whole lot Mitchell! And I love you a whole lot too!"

Mitchell responded. "Awwww, Mo-mma!"

I said "What?" He sounded exasperated when he said that, so i wondered.

Get this. He said, quite loudly and exhuberantly "YOU'RE THE BEST MOMMA IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD!!!"

I turned around with tears in my eyes and he was grinning so big and looking at me with those big old brown eyes. My heart just melts over him. :love:

So I know JUST how you feel, Heather. We mothers (most of us, anyways) would try to move Heaven and Earth for our kids. All they gotta do is give you that special look and you're a GONER!

[longing2Batdisney]

Awwww!! I can't wait for Ashton to say things like that!!!
although, I do get 'I love you, mommy" alot lately and I love when he tells "I love you, tooooo mommy!"
and I always melt when Dayne says "I Love you, too mom"!
I rarely get it from Gwendolyn :(

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Thanks Ginny. We are going to do what we need to do. I had it out with my mom last night too. Not pretty. She basically takes my brother's side in everything. But then I flat out said that I didn't want to spend my vacation with her hounding me like she does at home. She said something like she'll treat me like a responsible adult when I act like one. That I whine all the time and act like a 12 year old. Whatever. Is said something like "If Granny is going to be there until Wednesday and you and dad want some time with the kids without them, when are we supposed to have time for just the 5 of us?" You know what she said? The Friday and Saturday before we they get there. Uh no. But then of course she said she didn't care what we did. It will all work out. We'll be in DISNEY. Thanks for listening though.

Heather, feel free to say what is on your mind anytime. You will do fine. You have the right attitude. You will be in Disney and the weight will just slide off your back. You are a good daughter and trying very hard to get out on your own. But your mom shouldn't say such things. She does it because she wants to be controlling of everything you do. And it is her way of doing so. You try to remember that she obviously is unhappy so let's take it out on someone that she can hurt. Hang in there and remember you are a good person, a good wife and a good mother. Sometimes we (and I do mean me) have a hard time being a good daughter. Your are loved.

[hhockman]

Your little boy sounds so sweet Heather. I know just how you are feeling when it comes to them wanting their mommas. It WARMS the heart!

Mitchell asked me this morning (as we're driving to daycare) if I liked him. I told him I "more than liked him, I loved him". He said, "but do you LIKE me?". I said "I like you a whole, whole lot Mitchell! And I love you a whole lot too!"

Mitchell responded. "Awwww, Mo-mma!"

I said "What?" He sounded exasperated when he said that, so i wondered.

Get this. He said, quite loudly and exhuberantly "YOU'RE THE BEST MOMMA IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD!!!"

I turned around with tears in my eyes and he was grinning so big and looking at me with those big old brown eyes. My heart just melts over him. :love:

So I know JUST how you feel, Heather. We mothers (most of us, anyways) would try to move Heaven and Earth for our kids. All they gotta do is give you that special look and you're a GONER!


You see why I LOVE my boys?! I've always wanted boys and Matt's always wanted girls. 'Cause he knows my boys are MINE. That was so sweet, what Mitchell said to you! I hope you weren't turned around long with tears in your eyes. :scared1: What a sweet boy. Now, tell me where it is I'm not seeing the plans for Mitchell's birthday party. Must be your thread. Is that the one I've been neglecting? I'll be over in a bit after I get the boys from school.

Awwww!! I can't wait for Ashton to say things like that!!!
although, I do get 'I love you, mommy" alot lately and I love when he tells "I love you, tooooo mommy!"
and I always melt when Dayne says "I Love you, too mom"!
I rarely get it from Gwendolyn :(

It won't be too long. Christian is just 4 and I get "I love you Mama" out of thin air all the time. He still likes to snuggle too and wants me to "sleep with him" at night, which I am all over. I know it will end soon enough.

[hhockman]

Heather, feel free to say what is on your mind anytime. You will do fine. You have the right attitude. You will be in Disney and the weight will just slide off your back. You are a good daughter and trying very hard to get out on your own. But your mom shouldn't say such things. She does it because she wants to be controlling of everything you do. And it is her way of doing so. You try to remember that she obviously is unhappy so let's take it out on someone that she can hurt. Hang in there and remember you are a good person, a good wife and a good mother. Sometimes we (and I do mean me) have a hard time being a good daughter. Your are loved.

Aww Ginny. :hug: You just brought tears to my eyes. I SO needed that right this second.

We just had a phone call that was good, but also stressful news. Will got his coach for fall ball again (the draft was last night and he's just NOW calling), but he wants to "talk" to us before the season starts. There's a lot of history behind this. I had what I will nicely call a "nervous breakdown" in the middle of an All Star practice LAST YEAR (June 2008). Nobody has ever quite forgotten it, but I guess it's been let go. Then, this past June Will's coach and one of the assistant coaches had a "talk" with me about a remark that I made after a game. It was totally innocent (They were talking about not going to World Series and I said we should). A lot of stuff happened, Matt was LIVID that they cornered me without him, and there were a lot of apologies. Anyway, at the last game of the World Series I was a little upset about his coaching. I didn't cause a scene. I went off by myself. All of the other coaches questioned his coaching too-and we lost the game and were out. After the game I didn't particularly want to talk to him or his wife, but it was a whole big thing about our friendship and not just about the game. Something they totally don't get. So now he wants to "talk" again (with Matt present this time) and Matt is NOT happy. I don't blame him. I'm not particularly happy either. I'm tired of being singled out (although he did tell Matt he had to talk to some other people too).

And in case you haven't put 2 and 2 together yet, these are Cole's parents. :sad2: Why can't anything ever just be easy?

(I'm not worried they're going to say Cole can't come. They are going on a cruise and need someone to "babysit" Cole anyway. It's just the whole situation. We all used to be good friends).

Gotta go get the boys! I'll be back.

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Aww Ginny. :hug: You just brought tears to my eyes. I SO needed that right this second.

We just had a phone call that was good, but also stressful news. Will got his coach for fall ball again (the draft was last night and he's just NOW calling), but he wants to "talk" to us before the season starts. There's a lot of history behind this. I had what I will nicely call a "nervous breakdown" in the middle of an All Star practice LAST YEAR (June 2008). Nobody has ever quite forgotten it, but I guess it's been let go. Then, this past June Will's coach and one of the assistant coaches had a "talk" with me about a remark that I made after a game. It was totally innocent (They were talking about not going to World Series and I said we should). A lot of stuff happened, Matt was LIVID that they cornered me without him, and there were a lot of apologies. Anyway, at the last game of the World Series I was a little upset about his coaching. I didn't cause a scene. I went off by myself. All of the other coaches questioned his coaching too-and we lost the game and were out. After the game I didn't particularly want to talk to him or his wife, but it was a whole big thing about our friendship and not just about the game. Something they totally don't get. So now he wants to "talk" again (with Matt present this time) and Matt is NOT happy. I don't blame him. I'm not particularly happy either. I'm tired of being singled out (although he did tell Matt he had to talk to some other people too).

And in case you haven't put 2 and 2 together yet, these are Cole's parents. :sad2: Why can't anything ever just be easy?

(I'm not worried they're going to say Cole can't come. They are going on a cruise and need someone to "babysit" Cole anyway. It's just the whole situation. We all used to be good friends).

Gotta go get the boys! I'll be back.

My prayers are with you that this will work out in the boys best interest. I know you and Matt are adults and will deal with whatever this man thinks he needs to do. We just don't want to see the boys hurt in any way. Matt is such a good man. Always seems to know what is in your best interest and very protective of you. HE will make it be right. Extra hugs from us all. :grouphug: Keep us up to date.

Ginny

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Sounds like you've got a lot to worry about right now, Heather. I'm sorry! :sad1: I know it stinks when people you thought were your friends and then suddenly, something's changed and you aren't quite sure why. I've been there, done that. More than once. Some people are hard to figure out. :sad2:

Hang in there and stay true to yourself and your family! :goodvibes We love you very much. Vent to us anytime. :hug:

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Oh, and I've typed out a couple of birthday ideas on my TR, if you want to go check it out. Mitchell's turning 5 in December, so I still have a little ways to go. We like to start planning early!

Any ideas that you have, feel free to post!

[hhockman]

Thanks girls. It's amazing how good of friends you have become in the short time we've known each other. :grouphug:

Yes, as I keep trying to explain to people who don't understand, we really NEED this vacation. We need this time with our family. Matt and I both know there are plenty of sensible things we could have done with the money. But there isn't anything more important than what we're doing.

We did think they were friends. Close friends at that. Because of a couple of things that have happened, we finally woke up to the fact that we were doing ALL the giving. Now, I'm certainly not someone that gives expecting anything in return, but eventually you realize everything is one sided. And I don't think they've ever figured it out. There are other people on the team, other adults, who I've had discussions with and we are not the only people to make this observation. Things pretty much had to come to a head sooner or later. I'm not sure a conversation is going to help anything. They just plain don't get what friendship is, but it's got to be done.

Will is on the team for the fall and we are happy about that for his sake. Most of his friends from the summer (and the spring, and last fall, and last summer etc) are also on the team. There were only a couple Tony didn't get. Will is very attached to Tony and everyone involved knows that. My most important objective is to make sure Will doesn't get hurt. I will do whatever I have to to make sure he doesn't. So will Matt. But Matt is just as hurt as I am. I don't think they've even figured out that this isn't about baseball.

In any case, Matt left for work MAD :mad:. He doesn't anger easily and the fact that he's still mad 2 hours later is very telling. We aren't supposed to have this "conversation" until Saturday, so we'll see what happens in the next two days.

I don't think they'll change Cole's plans, it would be too inconvienent for them, but one of the reasons we haven't told the boys about the trip is just in case they do decide to do something like that. There have been several times where they said Cole could go with us somewhere or spend the night and then changed their minds and Will was disappointed. I figured avoiding that from the outset was the best idea. Plus, more than that, I'm SUPER EXCITED about surprising the boys.

I'll keep you guys updated. You don't know how much I appreciate having someone "outside" the situation to talk to. We just plain don't have any friends here that aren't connected to baseball.


FOR ANYONE THAT MIGHT BE LURKING or anyone that wants DISNEY, I'm really sorry about this little interlude. It's a little applicable as it does have to do with Cole, but I promise we'll get back to our regularly scheduled program in just a bit.

Mel, I'll head over to your TR tonight after the boys are in bed to check out the birthday plans. ;) Somehow I didn't realize that Mitchell was only 6 months older than Christian. I'll bet they'd get along SO well!

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Heather, I personally don't understand 'adults' (and I use that term loosely) that tell children they will do something, then back out. Sometimes things do come up and that is where you are smart in case changes have to be made they don't have to know. I can't imagine hurting any child and words hurt. As I previously said. I know in my heart you and Matt will do what is right for your boys and these 'adults' loose out well they weren't your friends to begin with.

[DisneyMomLiz]

First, I just wanted to say, :hug: for all the trouble you are having to deal with lately between family issues and friends/baseball issues. As some other posters mentioned, you know you will be doing what is best for your DH and your kids, so don't worry about what anyone else thinks or says!! :goodvibes

:grouphug:


GO ahead and "borrow" whatever you'd like. I got most of the ideas from jaycns anyway! :rotfl: I think the shirts are adorable too. I just hope my trying-to-grow-up-to-fast 7 year olds don't think they're babyish. They'll deal if they do. I have one other design that I'm planning to iron on too, if I ever get around to it. I have so many "bought" t-shirts that I'm not sure when we'll wear them all anyway! Iron-ons are easy. Just make sure you follow the instructions. I made a bunch for myself, Christian, and a couple friends with Will's All-Star team's logo on them this summer so I'm a "pro" now. ;)


Well pro, I'll be sure to check in with you if I run into any trouble. Hope to work on them tomorrow. ;)


I don't think I realized we were going at the same time either (although it should have been easy enough to figure out by actually LOOKING at your ticker). Do you have a PTR? Will you have a LGMH. I don't actually have one yet, and I'm still a little wary about putting it on because I really don't know THAT many people on the DIS. But I'm starting to see that a couple "friends" are going at the same time, so I might have to break down and do it.


That's what finally made me realize...I read your ticker again more closely :rotfl:

I don't have a PTR, been stalking :rolleyes1 er, I mean reading too many others that are just too good (like yours). I was afraid no one would read mine :laughing:, but I'm getting the itch. Unfortunately, probably too late to start a PTR, but I'm determined to write a TR, even if no one reads it, at least I'll have all of my memories in one place...and I can print it and actually have a scrapbook of sorts?! ;)

I do have a LGMH, put it on the diaper/backpack we carried in May (last trip), but didn't spy any others while we were there, but I had just started on the DIS?! This time I'm even planning a DISmeet :cheer2: with a Dis-Friend! Wear your LGMH proudly, or at least stick it on your purse...I'll keep an eye out for them a little more closely this time since I know so many of us will be around this time :)


Your DS is going to have a great time (even if he has been a few times before)!


Thanks :) He loves and so do we...that's why it's our only family vacation destination!


And HOW did you get the upgrade? I'm sure it's too late for us now, but it would be such a shame if we were all of a sudden at a different resort than the rest of my family. :rolleyes1

pixiedust: I guess, a few weeks ago I got an email that said "surprise" would you like an upgrade to SSR or OKW...call now, only limited available. So as you can imagine I was on the phone immediately. After getting disconnected when I was about to get the upgrade :scared1: I finally got through (read 35 min on hold, cell phone about to die) and we were blessed with a SSR - Studio. My first ever upgrade!

There's still hope for you, I've been reading a lot recently, about people checking in and getting an upgrade right then and there?! Lots of pixiedust: for you!!!

ok...rambled long enough, sorry. Again :hug: for all you are going through and as you stated, soon you'll be at Disney and all will be well :woohoo:

[longing2Batdisney]

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO START; PERFECT TIMING TO TUNE UP YOUR PLANS!!! AND SHARE SO WE CAN AWAIT YOUR TRIP REPORT!

AND I started my PTR WAAAAAAY toooooo early!!! I don't even have a booking yet:laughing:

[mickeystoontown]

Heather, I am sorry that I haven't posted a big hug and a urgent prayer for you before now. We had some bad weather come through and the internet got knocked out.

It's going to work out for the better so try not to worry too much. I say that but I know it's hard not to worry.

Sending hugs your way.

[longing2Batdisney]

Heather, I'm sorry I had to go back and read what I did not realized I had missed. I'm sure you and Matt will come to terms w/how to handle the situation at hand. I know it is hard; been there and still go through it with Danny & I's BF's and neighbors. I feel like they really only call when they need me to explain or figure something out. Or they need Danny to repair something. Just keep in mind Will & Cole and keep your distance at other times until things settle down. Just because the kids are BF's doesn't mean you have to be (I learned that the hard way too!!)
Good Luck!!

[hhockman]

I just want to quickly say THANK YOU so much to all of you. It's been a hard day. I found out from a friend (who really is a friend-and ended up on a different team) things are much worse than we even knew. Apparently Cole's mom said (in my friend's hearing) that they "weren't going to pick up Will this fall" to "teach me a lesson" so that I would "behave myself come Spring". :eek: Really? I'm not sure exactly who this man thinks he is, but he's not my dad, my husband, my pastor, or my Father. So I don't have to answer to him. The friendship is totally done. And it hurts us both. But we also know that we have friends out there, so that helps. I'm not sure what will happen with Cole. On our end we're taking him because we are not about to hurt that child because of his parents. We'll see what happens in the coming weeks.

Thank you all so much for listening to my saga. The good news is, we leave for Disney in 4 weeks and I AM going to have a good time and have a GREAT TR to share with you all when I get back! :cool1:

:love: you guys!

[hhockman]

Okay, who wants to talk about DISNEY?! :goodvibes

I made some lists last week and I figured I'd share them with you. Let me know if you think of anything that's missing:

The Boys' Car Bags (they will all be the same except that Will has a Didj, Christian has a Leapster, and Cole will have neither-or the old LMax)
Nintendo DS + charger + games (I will probably have the game bag)
Didj/Leapster + games
3-4 books to read
Workbook (math or games)
Sunglasses
Movies (in a case shared between the three of them)
Blanket
Small Pillow
Crayons/Pencils
Coloring Book

In all actuality they will probably play the DSs and/or watch movies the whole trip, but might pull out the Didj and Leapster Star Wars games

My Car Bag
Harry Potter 4 and 5 (I'm still getting through 3 for the umpteenth time)
39 Clues Book 5
Alice In Wonderland/Through The Looking Glass (if I haven't finished it)
Anne of Green Gables 5
Unofficial Guide
Passporter
Nintendo DS + charger + games
Scrapbook magazines
iPod + charger
Reservation info
Disney Dollars/Chase Rewards Card

I will probably spend most of the trip reading, but might play my DS some, especially if I manage to get the new Professor Layton game that is supposed to come out next week.

Bag For The Car
change of clothes for each kid (just in case)
DVD Players and chargers (we have 2-the kids each got one for Christmas last year, but one of them wasn't working the last time I tried it so we'll see)
Cooler w/ drinks
iPod cord (to play my iPod through the Auxillary)
Sunglasses for me and Matt

Snacks For The Car (and then the room)
Peanut Butter crackers
Pringles
Triscuits
Grapes/Oranges/Apples
Cheese
Town House Crackers
Sour Patch Kids
Fruit Snacks
Popcorn
Capri Suns
Diet Pepsi
Dr. Pepper
Sprite
Granola Bars
Water

Snacks For The Room (mostly breakfast stuff)
Bagels
Cream Cheese
Rice Crispies
Frosted Mini Wheats
Honey Bunches of Oats
Pop Tarts
Bread
Peanut Butter
Milk
Donuts

Matt is complaining that we are only eating one breakfast out of the room (Tusker House), but I just hate to waste credits on breakfast. I'm not much of a breakfast eater, but he is, and the kids like it, so we might be doing a couple of food court breakfasts. We'll see.

Okay, that's the car. We have everything for everyone's bags and some of the food, but not all of it, already. Next post: suitcases.

[hhockman]

I have a much more detailed individual lists in front of me, but here's the basic list for everyone's suitcase. "Essentials" will be listed in the next post. This is just basically clothes.

Clothes
Underwear
Socks
T-Shirts
White Polo/Nice shirt for pictures
shorts (athletic and khaki and jean-even for the boys Lisa! LOL)
tennis shoes
crocs/sandles/flip flops
swimsuits (plus rash guards for the kids)
bras
hats
eye mask
Good Nights (Will still wets the bed-Matt did it until he was 10)
sunglasses (extra pairs)
pajamas

EVERYTHING ELSE to pack
shampoo (adult and kids')
conditioner
razors/blades
sunscreen
beach towels
pillows (POR had some of the worst rated pillows in the UG)
pressed penny books
travel journals (mine and 3 boys')
lanyards (still haven't decided about these yet-but Matt and I have 2 from when we were AP holders)
water bottles
backpacks (for the 3 boys-buying mine when we get there)
cameras (3 POC cameras, my point and shoot and SLR and the camcorder)
memory cards
DVDs for camcorder
camcorder charger
rechargable batteries + charger
camera backpack
watches
fans
bubbles
Mickey's (stuffies-which we will hide until we get there-but I'm hoping this will prevent buying another one-we have 2 average-sized Mickeys)
Guide to the Magic (if I end up getting it)
Christian's Swim Vest
First Aid-band-aids, itch cream (benedryl), neosporin, tylenol, ibuprofen, carmex, aloe, Pepcid, Gas-X, super glue, kanka
Rainforest Cafe Membership Card
TRex GC
Yahtzee electronic game
Pencil Pouches with pencils, colored pencils, erasers, sharpeners
Workbooks
Playing Cards
Uno + Skip Bo
Toothbrushes + Toothpaste (adults' and kids')
Cups
Bowls
Straw Cups (the Disney ones)
Antibaterial Wipes
Antibaterial Soap
Waterless Hand Sanitizer
Bathroom Wipes
My purse
Matt's wallet


Things To Buy
rechargable batteries (we have some, but I want more-too many things take AA batteries)
the rest of the food
Christian's water bottle (Will has this AWESOME Thermos water bottle that he takes to school. It was $13, but it still has ICE in it at the end of the day)
DVDs for camcorder
Ringer Ts and Transfer paper
bubbles
Guide to the Magic for Kids (?)
Christian's Swim Vest (we apparently left the yellow one at White Water, but they couldn't find it)
Shorts for Matt
Shoes for Matt
Star Wars, Presidents, and Dinosaur Fandexes
Goodnights
Pins (?)

Sooooooo, what do you think? What am I forgetting? I know there's something!

[hhockman]

Okay, I know we established earlier that I'm a dork but does this song make anyone else want to turn off the lights and use less water? I'm not a big environmentalist as far as that goes, but this song STAYS in my head (good thing I like it) and I keep remembering to turn things off.

OKAY, OKAY...I just admitted I'm a dork!

http://disney.go.com/disneygroups/friendsforchange/#/disneygroups/friendsforchange/

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Just making sure you packed the 'jorts' in there. You sound ready. Good for you. Have a great day.

Ginny

[cjackearl]

Hello. Is there room for one more? I read the first few pages, then skipped to the last because I'm impatient like that.:laughing: I promise to go back and get all caught up.:thumbsup2 Your packing lists look fabulous and very thorough. I saw Anne of GG on your bag list. I've read the whole series, except book 7 which I could only read once, 3 times now. I love that Anne! Your trip is so very close now.:yay:

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Heather, as I've said before, I know just where you are on the friends situation. I, too, was in a one-sided friendship, where I was doing all the giving and she was doing all the taking.

She's my cousin, so I took her crap for years. I threw her a babyshower and got YELLED at for asking her to get me a list of names and addresses and I was paying for the entire shower by myself, she could have been grateful, but she was not. She demanded CAKE and CUPCAKES. When I told her I was only doing the cupcakes, she got angry and said I TOLD YOU I WANTED CAKE and CUPCAKES!". Geez!

She had her mother in law make her a cake and I did what I said I was going to do. Guess how many people came to this shower??? A grand total of four people. Now I know why she has so many friends.

I loaned her everything I could possibly think of that belonged to my son (crib, swing, bassinet, blankets, clothes, etc.) and then I loaned her a lot of MONEY and then she screams at me b/c I call to chat with her, telling me that I was "getting all up in her business." Whatever. I was just trying to be nice. I told her to take a HIKE! I couldn't take it anymore!

I have talked to her since and asked for my baby things back, just in case we wanted to have another, but I still haven't gotten them. She has since had another child and called to tell me all about it, and mentioned giving my things back. She also said she wanted to be friends again, and she realized that we had both just had a bad day on the day of the phone fight. Um, she was having a bad day, not me! Anyways, I don't really want to start the friendship back up again. I can't do that anymore. I just know how she is and I don't want to take that abuse anymore. But I do want my stuff back, though!

Don't allow them to bring you down, Heather. If Cole can't go, then that's really unfair of his parents, but you are being the bigger person by not taking it out on him and still wanting him along.

[longing2Batdisney]

only thing I did not see and maybe I just passed over it was a small first aid pack!!! pain meds(tyenol or motrin whatever you use), benadryl (if you use that) bandaids, antibotic cream, etc.


Just remember that people spread visious rumors. It may be correct what she said but it may also be exagerrated! I lost a very good friend (we are still friends but nothing like before) girl we were both friends with would tell me something and than her something needless to say after we both got rid of her and months of not speaking when we talked alot of things were taken WAY OUT OF CONTEXT!! just beware!!

I would just blow it off for now and worry about Disney and enjoy the family gathering that is about to commence!

[aaaateamsgrandma]

You must have a small first aid kit. I put mine in a small cosmetic bag. moleskin, AAA antibiotic ointment, bandaids, motrin and chewable pepto. I even have little scissors and needle and thread in case a button pops.

[hhockman]

Cole is not going. I called this morning to take him off of the reservation. Apparently Tony didn't want him to go because we will miss a game and since there are only 10 kids on the team this season, two kids missing would cause us to forfeit.

Yes, Tony is actually taking a fully paid for week long trip to Disney World from a 7 year old because of a baseball game. At least Cole didn't know about the trip beforehand.

Kelly is going to give me the money back for the things I've bought Cole. When I called this morning it didn't sound like Disney was going to charge me the change fee, so that's good, but Kelly said she would pay that too if they charge it.

Honestly, I'm relieved. Not just because of the strain on the the friendship but because the whole thing was getting hard. I know my mom would want to buy things for and do things for my kids that she didn't want to pay for for Cole. So she would either end up not doing for my kids, or doing for Cole too and not like it. We're only getting a small refund (he didn't cost much), but at least now we have a little spending money. Everything out of pocket will be less. And we'll have more room in the car. So it's all good.

I really appreciate all of your prayers and hugs. Tomorrow when we have our "talk" isn't going to be fun, but I'm past the point of caring. As long as Will is having fun, I'm good.

I'm thinking of booking the Pirates League for the boys (if it's not too late). I've wanted to do it since I first heard about it, but couldn't afford to pay for Cole too. I think they would really enjoy it.

Also, we've decided not to do the Portrait session at the Beach Club. When I called they said they are not giving a discount for having prepurchased the CD anymore, so it costs more. Plus they "strongly suggested" we book an extra session with such a big group. I called my dad and we just decided we would either take our own pictures or have a PP photog take one. We can just give my grandparents a picture of everybody standing in front of the castle. One less stressful thing to worry about.

Ginny and Connie-I think I did have First Aid on the list somewhere. I already have a tiny little first aid kit like you get in the travel aisle, I guess I just forgot to put it on the list.

Can someone please tell me WHERE you get moleskin? I know it's to prevent blisters, but I've never seen it anywhere.

27 DAYS!!! :banana::cool1::dance3::yay::cheer2:

[hhockman]

You must have a small first aid kit. I put mine in a small cosmetic bag. moleskin, AAA antibiotic ointment, bandaids, motrin and chewable pepto. I even have little scissors and needle and thread in case a button pops.

The needle and thread is a great idea as is the chewable pepto! I'm adding both to the list. :thumbsup2

[longing2Batdisney]

It will work out better that you are not tagging along a friend. We have done trips both ways; its easier for us and our pocket book w/o but the kids do always have more fun. Thank goodness they did not know; so, as you said no hurt feelings for the boys. I CAN'T believe YOU were paying Cole's way. I take friends but parents have to chip up the main expense (tickets and food in the parks). And about your mom we have always had that problem too! we usually have my parents along with us and they will buy snacks and things and feel they have to include the friends and she always complains why do we have to bring tag alongs.

Can't help with moleskin never used it!

your meeting the first thing that needs to be said "WE ARE HERE FOR THE CHILDREN!!!"

[aaaateamsgrandma]

It will work out better that you are not tagging along a friend. We have done trips both ways; its easier for us and our pocket book w/o but the kids do always have more fun. Thank goodness they did not know; so, as you said no hurt feelings for the boys. I CAN'T believe YOU were paying Cole's way. I take friends but parents have to chip up the main expense (tickets and food in the parks). And about your mom we have always had that problem too! we usually have my parents along with us and they will buy snacks and things and feel they have to include the friends and she always complains why do we have to bring tag alongs.

Can't help with moleskin never used it!

your meeting the first thing that needs to be said "WE ARE HERE FOR THE CHILDREN!!!"

:yay::yay: CONNIE, CONNIE, she'e our er-man-. If she can't do it no one can.:yay::yay:

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Heather you get moleskin anywhere but go to the foot products in the pharmacy area. It is in about 4 inch square and you cut it to fit where you need it. I can't find anything but the padded kind anymore and it works fine. Just remember take it off every night and don't let it get wet. If it does be very careful peeling it off. That little bit if info will save you a world of hurt. Sheri has a pair of flip flops that bother her so everyday just a piece. I needed much bigger pieces. I know my Barney Ruble feet are bigger than hers.

On the note of Cole not going. I know how glad you are that your boys did not know. You went to an awful lot of trouble for him to have everything just like your boys. Someday what they have done to Cole over a 'game' is going to come back and bite them in the butt. That will be their worry. You are doing the right thing.

When we cruise Austin's friend Joel goes with us. I love Joel. His mom is Sheri and my best friend. She pays his way and he has been a part of our life since he was 6 also. So he is like having one of my own. He would even go with us if Austin didn't. I'll have to put pictures on my TR of our cruise last Nov.

But not everyone can have that friendship. I treasure it. He really doesn't have grandparents either so I have always been grandma to him. I thought at one time Aust might be a little jealous of that fact and he just told me that "everyone should get the opportunity to have a grandma like you" Ok say it. Awwwwwwwwww.

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Awwwww!!!!!!!!! Ginny, really, everyone should have a grandma like you! :hug: I'm glad your grandchildren are smart enough to recognize. :thumbsup2

Heather, I know you're looking at the bright side of things on the Cole issue, but my heart breaks. Like Ginny said, you went through an awful lot of trouble to make sure that he was treated just as equally as your kids. I'm proud of you, though, for taking the high road. You're a good person and you should always know that you did what was right.

I agree with Connie about making sure they know the conversation is just about the kids. Good Luck! Please be sure and post back so we know how things went.

:love: You!

[dismagiclover]

Sorry about the whole Cole situation, but hopefully things will work out for the better in the long run. They usually do:hug: I hope you do the Pirate's League. I want a first hand report on it. It's something I've thought about for my boys when I take them next summer. And they changed the discount for the photo session:headache: That is really a bummer. I loved our session, but I don't think I loved it enough to pay $150.:scared1: The quality is not that good. I'm sure you'll be able to come up with pictures just as good by taking them yourselves and having the park Photopass guys take a few as well. You are getting closer every day:banana:

[hhockman]

It will work out better that you are not tagging along a friend. We have done trips both ways; its easier for us and our pocket book w/o but the kids do always have more fun. Thank goodness they did not know; so, as you said no hurt feelings for the boys. I CAN'T believe YOU were paying Cole's way. I take friends but parents have to chip up the main expense (tickets and food in the parks). And about your mom we have always had that problem too! we usually have my parents along with us and they will buy snacks and things and feel they have to include the friends and she always complains why do we have to bring tag alongs.

Can't help with moleskin never used it!

your meeting the first thing that needs to be said "WE ARE HERE FOR THE CHILDREN!!!"

Yes, we were paying for him. I'm not sure if they would have given us any money for him or not when the time came, but they didn't up front. It was our idea to take him and I guess they just took it for granted. He was only about $300 extra and when you're paying as much as we are, that's not THAT much. And we truly wanted him to come. But I'm okay with getting that money back too. ;)

Heather you get moleskin anywhere but go to the foot products in the pharmacy area. It is in about 4 inch square and you cut it to fit where you need it. I can't find anything but the padded kind anymore and it works fine. Just remember take it off every night and don't let it get wet. If it does be very careful peeling it off. That little bit if info will save you a world of hurt. Sheri has a pair of flip flops that bother her so everyday just a piece. I needed much bigger pieces. I know my Barney Ruble feet are bigger than hers.

On the note of Cole not going. I know how glad you are that your boys did not know. You went to an awful lot of trouble for him to have everything just like your boys. Someday what they have done to Cole over a 'game' is going to come back and bite them in the butt. That will be their worry. You are doing the right thing.

When we cruise Austin's friend Joel goes with us. I love Joel. His mom is Sheri and my best friend. She pays his way and he has been a part of our life since he was 6 also. So he is like having one of my own. He would even go with us if Austin didn't. I'll have to put pictures on my TR of our cruise last Nov.

But not everyone can have that friendship. I treasure it. He really doesn't have grandparents either so I have always been grandma to him. I thought at one time Aust might be a little jealous of that fact and he just told me that "everyone should get the opportunity to have a grandma like you" Ok say it. Awwwwwwwwww.

Thanks Ginny. I will look for it. The boys will mostly be wearing Crocs everyday, but it's better to be safe and all that. ;)

I definitely agree with Austin that everyone should have a grandma like you! I sure am glad I have you as a friend at least!

Awwwww!!!!!!!!! Ginny, really, everyone should have a grandma like you! :hug: I'm glad your grandchildren are smart enough to recognize. :thumbsup2

Heather, I know you're looking at the bright side of things on the Cole issue, but my heart breaks. Like Ginny said, you went through an awful lot of trouble to make sure that he was treated just as equally as your kids. I'm proud of you, though, for taking the high road. You're a good person and you should always know that you did what was right.

I agree with Connie about making sure they know the conversation is just about the kids. Good Luck! Please be sure and post back so we know how things went.

:love: You!

Don't worry. I will let you know. I have two friends that want me to call them too. All this drama over 7/8 year old baseball! Silly. I wanted to do it for Cole because I know at home nobody really every spoils him. I really wanted him to have a fun trip. But I can't do anything about that now and I just want to put everything into making sure my boys have a great time. I will if they do.

Sorry about the whole Cole situation, but hopefully things will work out for the better in the long run. They usually do:hug: I hope you do the Pirate's League. I want a first hand report on it. It's something I've thought about for my boys when I take them next summer. And they changed the discount for the photo session:headache: That is really a bummer. I loved our session, but I don't think I loved it enough to pay $150.:scared1: The quality is not that good. I'm sure you'll be able to come up with pictures just as good by taking them yourselves and having the park Photopass guys take a few as well. You are getting closer every day:banana:

As soon as we get our refund from Disney I'm planning to make the Pirate League reservations. My only worry is that the day I want to do it (the one day we're supposed to spend most of the day at the Magic Kingdom), there is a MNSSHP that night. We're not going because it's too expensive (we went last time-it's a lot of fun, but just not really worth THAT much money this time). I'm afraid the whole day will be booked up because of the party that night. I want to wait until we get the refund (which will probably just take a couple days I would think-it's going back on my card) because I'm afraid they're going to make me pay for it right then. Christian LOVES pirates, and Will really does too. I think they will think it's the best thing ever (next to Jedi Academy) so I really want to do it. I'll let you know if we get in. :thumbsup2

As far as the portrait session, the guy I talked to said it was $99.95 for the session, the CD, and the print package. That's not really that much more than the $70 we were planning on, but my dad said to ask my mom (they were going to pay for it) and I decided I just really didn't want to mess with it. Just too many people involved. I think we are going to do it (even if it is $100) next summer when it's just the four of us (and possibly my MIL) and I know we'll get the pictures we want instead of worrying about how fast we have to get them all done with 14 people. I REALLY want that one like you got on the beach!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Christian has his first practice (I did tell you guys that I'M Christian's coach didn't I? :sad2:) at 5:45 so I've got to get ready for that in a bit. I'll be back tonight though. Off to do a little reading before I have to change....

[aaaateamsgrandma]

I am very proud of the way you have worked through this situation. I wish your mom could see what a good adult you have become. You have done the right things for you and your family and that is what matters more than anything else.

Have a good practice. I was a coach for Sheri's fast pitch softball team when she was 10. It's lots of work

[DisneyMomLiz]

:hug: Heather, sorry about the Cole situation but as others have said it will all work out for the best. And as you said, thank goodness the boys didn't know about it. Very smart of you and DH to keep the "secret" from the boys!!

In regards to your list, WOW :worship: borrowing again...can't ever have enough lists, I say :rotfl: One thing I know I need, not sure if you do, an eyeglass repair kit, if no glasses in the house, then a mini srewdriver tool kit thingie?!

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Good morning Heather. Just wanted to wish you a good day. I know you will handle yourself with grace and dignity. You are the better person. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ginny

[mickeystoontown]

Mornin' Heather,

Lacey played softball until she was in the 7th grade and then everything because really political and there was too much drama going on. She as one of the best catchers around. All the coaches wanted her but her uncle was the sponsor of our team and she wanted to continue to play for them. Then, one day the coach's daughter decided she wanted to play catcher (she never had before). Guess who got the boot? You guessed it, Lacey. Our team really suffered for it because the coach's daughter wasn't as agile as Lacey and missed a lot of balls which cost us a lot. Many of the parents complained but it didn't help. We finished out the season and we never looked back.

I don't know about around your house but here in West Monroe, Louisiana, sports are almost everything. People falsify their addresses so that their child can play for a certain school. Our high school football team has been State and National champs. It seems like the parents care more about the sports than the academics. It's sad that they can take something that supposed to give the kids and their family pleasure and turn it into something ugly.

I am very thankful that Hunter plays football for the private school he used to attend. The coaches all attend church. The team say prayers before and after practice and games. The coaches praise the kids more than they discipline them. We may not be the most winning team around but we have fun and fellowship.

I have said a prayer for you today, Heather. Actually, one for you and your entire family. It's going to be okay. I have faith that it will.

Lisa

[mkluvsmickey]

Hey Heather! :hippie: Just stopping by to let you know I'm still reading. I haven't been posting much, but I do read.

Love all the stuff you've made, you are very creative. Your kids are going to have the best time.

Sorry about Cole. I feel bad for him. At least he didn't know what was coming. And you may be better off with just your family anyway.

Can't believe how close you are! :cool1:

[hhockman]

Thank you again, everyone. "The Talk" did not go well. There wasn't screaming or yelling or anything like that, but Matt and I tried to be honest and really put everything out there and he just didn't want to hear it. We even offered to just change parks (he said "You don't need to do that. You've just got to stop the outbursts".) Over and over again like a broken record he just saying I need to stop the outbursts, even as Matt and I kept trying to tell him that none of the 3 situations he was talking about was what he said it was. Finally we just told him we were done. That we're not putting any more into friendships or helping or anything (Matt will continue to help Will of course, but he's not "coaching" because we're coaching Christian). He just seemed to get more and more upset. Especially when I suggested that there were times when he actually got upset. Finally he just said, "Well, I'm leaving. I'll see you guys tomorrow," and walked off. Nothing was accomplished. I feel much worse and Matt and I both feel like he's angry. We meant what we said. We ARE done. But at one time we felt like they were really good friends and I'm sure you all know how much it hurts when a relationship ends.

Will is still going to be on his team. We're not changing teams for the fall, and Tony has Will "frozen" in the Spring. If I understand correctly, he is not allowed to unfreeze Will. Only we can request that, and we won't because that guarantees that Will gets to play with his friends. I don't know if we will be invited to play All Stars next year or not (Tony will most likely coach again. Will is definitely one of the best players in his age group, but like you said Lisa, sometimes that doesn't matter). If not, we'll be okay. There are plenty of other things we can do (and spend our money on). As long as Will doesn't get hurt, we're fine. If Will gets hurt somehow, we'll leave.

The whole thing stinks, but there's nothing we can do about it.

Lisa, sports are like that here too. Kids start football at 5. If you start at 5, you are pretty much guaranteed a spot on the team of the middle school that you attend. People are serious about baseball too. We have five Dizzy Dean/Pony associations that are close enough that we'd be willing to drive to them, and 2 or 3 more that we could drive to if we really wanted to. A team from our district almost always wins state (or is at least runner up). The whole thing is crazy. Will is good enough to play in middle and high school (maybe college, who knows, he's 7), but we're not going to make our whole world about it. It's just not worth it.

Hopefully this will be the last time I hijack my own thread with this mess. I'm getting REALLY excited about our trip! I finally started working on the boys' travel journals last night (and I'm also starting to think ahead to our next trip). :thumbsup2

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Heather, I think it was a matter of timing. This was going to explode anyway. I feel he had been searching for his time to do it. What a shame. I wish he could see what he is doing to those children.

Sports is very competitive here also. I Aust was always very fortunate to get to play. He was good. He broke his hand (at the sphenoid joint, below the thumb) playing football his 8th grade year. He said nothing to anyone till the next summer when he started playing baseball. He couldn't grip the ball. So his baseball career ended. He does fine with a football. It's about the size. He wore a cast for 6 months and the Dr. still says he needs surgery but it really doesn't affect anything but baseball. He was a great outfielder. Could throw from the fence in to the pitcher. And he was a really good hitter.

Your life will go on and you will be the winner despite what that "friend" wants. So sorry it couldn't work out. He just did not want it to. I think he probably needs some prayer and forgiveness in his life.

Ginny

[hhockman]

Heather, I think it was a matter of timing. This was going to explode anyway. I feel he had been searching for his time to do it. What a shame. I wish he could see what he is doing to those children.

Sports is very competitive here also. I Aust was always very fortunate to get to play. He was good. He broke his hand (at the sphenoid joint, below the thumb) playing football his 8th grade year. He said nothing to anyone till the next summer when he started playing baseball. He couldn't grip the ball. So his baseball career ended. He does fine with a football. It's about the size. He wore a cast for 6 months and the Dr. still says he needs surgery but it really doesn't affect anything but baseball. He was a great outfielder. Could throw from the fence in to the pitcher. And he was a really good hitter.

Your life will go on and you will be the winner despite what that "friend" wants. So sorry it couldn't work out. He just did not want it to. I think he probably needs some prayer and forgiveness in his life.

Ginny

Yes Ginny. I'm sure it would have happened sooner or later. It will be interesting to see how practice goes tomorrow. Although Matt and I will be working with Christian's team anyway. I'm so glad Christian is able to play this fall (we weren't sure they would let him since he misses the cutoff by about a month. Apparently they're being flexible. We have another little boy on our team who is 2 days younger than Christian).

As long as Will doesn't get hurt (I mean emotionally, of course. Physically he's been hurt several times-that's part of baseball), I'm good. I just want Will to be happy. And he's happy with his friends. It will be fine.

I so appreciate everyone's prayers. I know that is part of what got me through today. Tony could definitely use some prayer. There is so much more to him than I've even mentioned here. No need to really get into it, though.

Poor Austin! I can't believe he can't play baseball anymore. I don't know what Will would do. I'm glad Aust still has football. :)

[aaaateamsgrandma]

I waiting on photobucket. That is your main objective to be sure your children are taken care of. You will always be there for them to watch. I'm glad you are helping Christain. It will help keep you busy and that never hurts. Have a great day tomorrow. This weekend has flown by. Don says I have to get up early. He is going to the attic and you have to get there before the sun comes out. I will go back to bed.

[hhockman]

I know I have already mentioned our trip next June here somewhere. As I start to come to the end of the plans for this trip (don't worry, I still have a TON to do), I'm also starting to think about our next one.

We decided when we moved from Florida we would only go to Disney every other year. That worked the first time, we didn't go at all last year.

This time? Not so much. We originally started planning this trip so I could meet up with my Birth Club friends. It's already looking like some of them won't be able to come. I'm really hoping at least a couple of them can come as meeting them is my "excuse" for going (when my dad starts asking why we're spending all that money and we "just" went this year).

Since then we have decided we are going no matter what. Looking at past Disney pictures a couple weeks ago, I came upon some pictures of a trip we took with MIL when Will was 15 months old (that was June 2003. We also went in August 2003 with my family and I think in December 2003-I MISS living 2 hours from Disney!), so I mentioned to Matt that we should invite MIL to go with us next summer. JUST her (she lives with Matt's sister, who has a tendency to tag along for this kind of thing, thus resulting in Will and Christian not getting their Nana's undivided attention). We're really hoping she will be able to go.

We are planning the trip around June 9th, which is Christian's 5th birthday. I want to be in Disney on his birthday but I also want to go to both Sea World and Universal this time. I've been tentatively planning for June 8th-16th, but there are a lot of variables to factor and those dates will probably change.

1. I want to be in DISNEY for Christian's actual birthday on the 9th.
2. We want to Star Wars weekends on the 12th and 13th.
3. I've thought about coming a little early, but the Gay Days weekend will be the 5th and 6th and while I have no problem with homosexuality personally, I do not particually want my kids to witness that much sexuality of any kind. That being said, I believe when we were there for Christian's 1st birthday it was during Gay Days and I don't really remember it being a problem, so unless it has gotten MUCH bigger in the last 4 years, we probably won't let it affect our plans too much.
4. I have to wait and see what kind of promotions will be offered by both Disney and Sea World or Universal during that time period. I'm hoping for the buy 3/get 2 free that was offered this year by Sea World to be offered again, because I found a GREAT offer on the Nick hotel through that promotion and I would love to let the boys stay there. Of course the nature of the promotion could present a problem with us having to stay there for 5 days. Especially if Disney offers the buy 4/get 3 free. Now we are talking about a 12 night vacation, which is quite a bit longer than we've ever taken. I'm also toying with the idea of just renting DVC points instead of doing the promotion. If we did that, we would not be at Disney for 7 nights.
5. The idea came to me today that if Disney is still doing the "What Will You Celebrate?" theme (and really, even if they are not) we are also going to celebrate Will's birthday and our anniversary, even though Will's birthday is in March and our Anniversary is in April. We will have an "unbirthday" for Will and make sure Disney makes just as big a deal of it as they do for Christian (although 5 is a pretty important birthday). Next year is our 10th anniversary so we will also make a big deal of "celebrating" that two months late. Disney likes to do year long celebrations, I think we can celebrate 10 years for longer than a day. If MIL comes I'm planning to let her watch the kids one evening so that Matt and I can have a dinner out together. If she doesn't, we'll probably take advantage of a kids' club.

That's where I am so far. We can't really afford to spend any more on that trip than we are on this one (and we might need to spend less), but I want there to be a lot of fun surprises and things to do so I'm going to have to try to get the best bang for my buck.

I will more than likely start a PTR for coming trip as soon as we get back from the one that is only 24 DAYS AWAY (by Lisa's way of counting-it's after midnight here)!!!

I'm headed to bed. I'll check in with you all tomorrow, dear friends. :grouphug:

[mickeystoontown]

Heather:

Your trip is so very close and I'm glad that this whole debacle is over and done with so you can toss that aside and get excited about the trip again.

As far as next year's trip goes, it looks like you've got a great plan going. Don't listen to anybody who starts talking crap about "Why do you want to go every year? I've learned years ago to just blow them off. If we want to go to Disney every year that's our business.

We've been to Disney multiple times during Gay Days. We simply avoid the parks that they are scheduled to be at and we're fine. My kids have never even really taken notice of them. Well, except for the one time where a couple (guys) were wearing bride and groom hats and they were both guys. Lacey understood but Hunter thought they were just being silly.

I don't know what kind of "theme" Disney will have next year but I, too, wonder if they'll extend the What Will You Celebrate theme like they did the Year of a Million Dreams.

I see absolutely nothing wrong with including all of your family's celebrations at Disney. That's exactly what we did. We had our 25th anniversary there. Lacey celebrated her 2nd year of college graduation. And, Hunter celebrated his birthday which was actually in May. I even had a castmember tell me to "celebrate everything".

Have a good day,

Lisa

[lisalonglash]

Heather, first: :hug: and :hug: and more :hug: - what a schlemozzle! :sad2:

Second, your plans for both this trip and your next one sound fantastic! I know you'll all have a blast :wizard:

Third, more :hug: for your past couple of weeks of totally unnecessary stress!

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Heather, I am so going to need your help. I am going to make Austin a scrapbook for his senior year. Right now I'm in gathering mode. So when you get back from your magical trip we will chat so you can give me ideas. You know I've only done one scrapbook ever and after I put $90. in it I decided maybe that wasn't my thing. So I'm gonna give it another try.

Ginny

[hhockman]

Heather:

Your trip is so very close and I'm glad that this whole debacle is over and done with so you can toss that aside and get excited about the trip again.

As far as next year's trip goes, it looks like you've got a great plan going. Don't listen to anybody who starts talking crap about "Why do you want to go every year? I've learned years ago to just blow them off. If we want to go to Disney every year that's our business.

We've been to Disney multiple times during Gay Days. We simply avoid the parks that they are scheduled to be at and we're fine. My kids have never even really taken notice of them. Well, except for the one time where a couple (guys) were wearing bride and groom hats and they were both guys. Lacey understood but Hunter thought they were just being silly.

I don't know what kind of "theme" Disney will have next year but I, too, wonder if they'll extend the What Will You Celebrate theme like they did the Year of a Million Dreams.

I see absolutely nothing wrong with including all of your family's celebrations at Disney. That's exactly what we did. We had our 25th anniversary there. Lacey celebrated her 2nd year of college graduation. And, Hunter celebrated his birthday which was actually in May. I even had a castmember tell me to "celebrate everything".

Have a good day,

Lisa

Thanks Lisa. :) I don't think we're going to be able to keep our trips to every other year for now. I don't want the kids to miss a year when they are this age just because we went the year before. We won't always go during fall break, but I don't see any reason we can't go sometime every year (except for $$$ which is why my dad would complain. But I have an "excuse" for next year and I'm hoping by 2011 we will finally be in our own house and not have to worry about what my parents think about it).

I'm really excited about the idea of celebrating everyone's special day. I need to think of something for MIL too I think. ;)

LOVING your TR so far!

Heather, first: :hug: and :hug: and more :hug: - what a schlemozzle! :sad2:

Second, your plans for both this trip and your next one sound fantastic! I know you'll all have a blast :wizard:

Third, more :hug: for your past couple of weeks of totally unnecessary stress!

Thank you so much. You guys have no idea how much it helped to have my friends on the DIS to "vent" to. We are okay and I think things are going to be fine. Just different. I'm excited about the new possibilites on our trip now that it really is just me, Matt, and our boys. I'm even back into real planning mode. FINALLY started working on the boys books and I'm super excited about them. Only 25 days left!!!

EVEN LESS FOR YOU!!!!

I can't wait to see what your boys say. :thumbsup2

Heather, I am so going to need your help. I am going to make Austin a scrapbook for his senior year. Right now I'm in gathering mode. So when you get back from your magical trip we will chat so you can give me ideas. You know I've only done one scrapbook ever and after I put $90. in it I decided maybe that wasn't my thing. So I'm gonna give it another try.

Ginny

Ginny, I would love to help. You tell me what kind of ideas you have and I will try to point you in the right direction. There is certainly no reason to spend $90 on one scrapbook. I'm am pretty big about keeping it simple. Paper, pictures, journaling, and a few extras, but not much. It's the memories that are important. I'm sure this will be something Austin will treasure for the rest of his life.

And you are super smart to start now instead of waiting until April or May! :thumbsup2

[aaaateamsgrandma]

I will and I'll start jotting them down and saving everything in one place so I won't be constantly searching. My worst habit.

[hhockman]

I will and I'll start jotting them down and saving everything in one place so I won't be constantly searching. My worst habit.

Get a box or something to put everything in. Then you just have to remember where the box is. If you want to you could go to Archiver's (if there's one near you) or Michaels or JoAnns and get a box that is made to hold scrapbooking projects. It should be plastic and about 14"x14"x2' or so. I'm just guessing. It's a good way to keep everything together, but it's also spending more money. Just make sure everything is in a safe place. Feel free to start asking questions whenever you're ready (mousescrapper might be able to help too). I'll be here for another 24 days! :rotfl:

[hhockman]

Yes, that is a new ticker you see in my signature (I see yours too Lisa!)

Just had to add it.

I FINALLY finished putting all the background papers on the boys' books. I've been dying to get to the decorating and that took forever (partly because I couldn't figure out what papers to use a lot of the time).

Only 24 days by the Lisa school of counting!

Gotta sub half a day tomorrow, so I'm going to bed, even though it's "only" 11:30. ;)

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Yes, that is a new ticker you see in my signature (I see yours too Lisa!)

Just had to add it.

I FINALLY finished putting all the background papers on the boys' books. I've been dying to get to the decorating and that took forever (partly because I couldn't figure out what papers to use a lot of the time).

Only 24 days by the Lisa school of counting!

Gotta sub half a day tomorrow, so I'm going to bed, even though it's "only" 11:30. ;)

Glad you get to work. Love the new ticker

[longing2Batdisney]

Yes, that is a new ticker you see in my signature (I see yours too Lisa!)

Just had to add it.

I FINALLY finished putting all the background papers on the boys' books. I've been dying to get to the decorating and that took forever (partly because I couldn't figure out what papers to use a lot of the time).

Only 24 days by the Lisa school of counting!

Gotta sub half a day tomorrow, so I'm going to bed, even though it's "only" 11:30. ;)
Heather, you need to make your letters smaller so we can see your new ticker!!!
Have a good day tomorrow!
:wave:

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Hey, Heather! Okay, first off, I'm so SORRY that it didn't work out for you on Saturday. You were well prepared for it to come off the way it did, but it still stinks that some people cannot behave like adults.

Question: I remember you said that Cole would probably still get to go since his parents were going to be on a cruise. Then they told you that he couldn't go b/c he might miss a game. Does this mean the cruise is off? Or did I misunderstand something along the way, something I'm really good at!

I'm loving that you've got two tickers going now. That's AWESOME! I'm so jealous.

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Good morning Heather. Hope you had a good day teaching. Even tho it was just 1/2. Hope your weekend ended well. Just look how close you are getting. How exciting. I bet it is really getting hard now not to tell the boys.

Ginny

[DisneyMomLiz]

Hi Heather, sorry things did not go so well on Saturday :hug:

You are definitely not crazy for starting to plan your next trip in June. I'm the one that's nuts ;) we haven't left for Sept trip yet, but I'm planning our March return. :rotfl: but wait, I have an excuse, not that I need one here, right :confused3 :rotfl: My DMom, DSis and I are going to do the Royal Family 5K...we have to sign up soon so of course time to plan! :woohoo:

Love your new ticker!! Maybe I should make one for March...hmmm...ideas :laughing:

Continued :hug: for all of your stresses!

[hhockman]

Glad you get to work. Love the new ticker

Thank you. :goodvibes

Heather, you need to make your letters smaller so we can see your new ticker!!!
Have a good day tomorrow!
:wave:

I can see my ticker. Can you guys not see it?

Hey, Heather! Okay, first off, I'm so SORRY that it didn't work out for you on Saturday. You were well prepared for it to come off the way it did, but it still stinks that some people cannot behave like adults.

Question: I remember you said that Cole would probably still get to go since his parents were going to be on a cruise. Then they told you that he couldn't go b/c he might miss a game. Does this mean the cruise is off? Or did I misunderstand something along the way, something I'm really good at!

I'm loving that you've got two tickers going now. That's AWESOME! I'm so jealous.

I'm not sure if they cancelled the cruise or not. I kind of doubt it. Last year they were out of town for a weekend and missed a game and they just left Cole with a couple of different friends. They will more than likely leave him with his grandparents, which is where is his sister is staying. Or he might stay with a friend that is staying in town for the week.

Good morning Heather. Hope you had a good day teaching. Even tho it was just 1/2. Hope your weekend ended well. Just look how close you are getting. How exciting. I bet it is really getting hard now not to tell the boys.

Ginny

I had a good day teaching. I taught at the same middle school where I taught a couple weeks ago (different class though). On Friday I am there again all day. I have never been to this school before this year, but some of the kids I had last year when I was teaching long term were moved to this school for this year (a new middle school opened and everyone was shifted around). So I've been seeing a lot of "my" kids from last year and they all seem excited to see me, which makes me feel good. Also makes me wish I could have my own class...but that will come someday.

I am getting close (though we're at the point where Matt and I keep saying "HOW many days?" Still seems like forever. It is hard not to tell them, but I just keep thinking of the look on their face as we got through those gates (that and the fact that their father keeps saying "HOW long" makes me realize that I do NOT want to here "It is time yet?" a thousand times a day either ;) ).

Hi Heather, sorry things did not go so well on Saturday :hug:

You are definitely not crazy for starting to plan your next trip in June. I'm the one that's nuts ;) we haven't left for Sept trip yet, but I'm planning our March return. :rotfl: but wait, I have an excuse, not that I need one here, right :confused3 :rotfl: My DMom, DSis and I are going to do the Royal Family 5K...we have to sign up soon so of course time to plan! :woohoo:

Love your new ticker!! Maybe I should make one for March...hmmm...ideas :laughing:

Continued :hug: for all of your stresses!

We haven't left for our September trip yet either and my June trip is later than your March trip, so plan away girl! Get busy on that ticker. I started this TR more than 12 months (373 days I believe-it's on page 1) before we were leaving and it's only 9 months until June, so I don't feel bad.

I would LOVE to run a 5k at Disney and would SO do it if we still lived in Florida. It's just too far to drive for a 5k. And I'd never manage a half marathon (that's like 13 miles, right? :faint: I'd pass out half way through!). And we really can't afford for me to go down there even for that. Someday, maybe.

I'll bet your going to have a great time though! You need a PTR!

[hhockman]

Just thought I'd give you all a quick update on yesterday after all of your sweet wishes. Will had his first practice. The first thing Matt does is walk up to Tony and say he wants to "start over". Tony says he does too, and that's that. At least for them, I guess. Tony went to church yesterday and he always has a much better attitude when he does than when he doesn't (don't we all?).

I'm not really sure how I feel about it. Matt did that without talking to me. But I'm ready to let bygones be bygones for Will's sake. I will not be putting my heart out there in the same way though. We can be "friends" without it being the close friendship it was before. I think that's gone now, even with Kelly (Cole's mom). There's just been too much gossip and too many words and I can't do that kind of stress again.

So it looks like things will be okay. I know that is all largely a result of your prayers. I can't thank you all enough for being here for me. Hopefully things will be okay for a while now. :)

I'm looking forward to decorating the boys' books tonight. I doubt I'll get them done tonight (though I might), but as soon as I do I'll take pictures and post them. We don't have any activities tonight, so I'll have time to work on them.

I'm starting to go over in my mind the other things that need to be done, but other than pack I can't think of many (I really need a haircut, but I'm not sure if I'll manage that before the trip or not). 3 1/2 weeks. That's not long at all, right?

[lisalonglash]

Thank you so much. You guys have no idea how much it helped to have my friends on the DIS to "vent" to. We are okay and I think things are going to be fine. Just different. I'm excited about the new possibilites on our trip now that it really is just me, Matt, and our boys. I'm even back into real planning mode. FINALLY started working on the boys books and I'm super excited about them. Only 25 days left!!!

EVEN LESS FOR YOU!!!!

I can't wait to see what your boys say. :thumbsup2

First, :cool1: for your new ticker!!!!

I'm glad venting here was helpful - the support and advice of DISsers is one of the best things about the DIS IMO Can't wait to see the boys' books! :worship:

Time is really starting to fly - it's making me :scared1: LOL

I can't wait for Saturday! Even Grumpy is excited about it! I think we've established the how and the where, so now just in waiting mode :headache:

[DisneymoonJess07]

I am so jealous that you are planning your next trip already! I have no idea when we will go again!!!

Can't wait to see teh boys books!

[hhockman]

First, :cool1: for your new ticker!!!!

I'm glad venting here was helpful - the support and advice of DISsers is one of the best things about the DIS IMO Can't wait to see the boys' books! :worship:

Time is really starting to fly - it's making me :scared1: LOL

I can't wait for Saturday! Even Grumpy is excited about it! I think we've established the how and the where, so now just in waiting mode :headache:

I can't wait for Saturday just to see what your boys do! I know it's going to make me want to tell mine, but I'll be strong!

I love your ticker that tells the hours and minutes and everything. Is that based on midnight or did you put an exact time in?

[hhockman]

I am so jealous that you are planning your next trip already! I have no idea when we will go again!!!

Can't wait to see teh boys books!

I asked Matt today if we would still go even if the friends I am supposed to be meeting decide not to go. He said "of course". :goodvibes He loves Disney as much as I do (well, maybe not AS much), but he sure wouldn't admit that to anyone!

You are SO CLOSE!!! DAYS left. I'm jealous of YOU!

[mickeystoontown]

Heather,

I understand your hesitancy of being friends again. I can pretty much forgive somebody for something but I rarely forget what happened. Over time, it kinda dims a little but I never completely forget. Maybe that's not the way I am supposed to handle the situation but it's true.

John's family has a huge blow out at least once every two or three years. When I say huge, I mean huge. Some of the siblings don't talk to the other. The parents try to defend the other siblings. Yah yahing starts behind the other's backs and it is just plain ugly. Etc. Etc. Etc. We always end up forgiving them but I tell you what, if they weren't family, I'd probably say the heck with it.

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Good to have you back Heather. Good you get to work again on Friday. Every little bit helps. More ways than one

Matt had to handle that with Tony in his own way so don't be upset with him. He knows that Will is on that team and he wants to protect Will. So if he weren't the bigger person to say Let it Go. Who knows how it would affect Will. Matt's and your main goal to protect your children. Good job.

You have got to be so excited. The next 3 weeks are gonna fly by.

Ginny

[lisalonglash]

I can't wait for Saturday just to see what your boys do! I know it's going to make me want to tell mine, but I'll be strong!

I love your ticker that tells the hours and minutes and everything. Is that based on midnight or did you put an exact time in?

Seriously, I think I'm more exciting about telling the boys than I am about going! :rotfl2: I'm sure that will change after we tell them though - being able to start packing and stuff will help!

I think it is based on midnight. I don't think it gave me an option to put in a time :confused3 If you click on it, it'll take you to the site and you can make one for you! :goodvibes

[MICKEY4EVER!]

I'm glad it all worked out. Maybe not the way you wanted it to, but you've got to protect yourself at the same time. REmember what I told you about my cousin? She's wanting to be friends again, too, but no matter how many times she apologizes and tells me she misses me, I've been thru it too many times to give it yet another go.

Three and a half weeks really isn't long at all! But, as time always does before a vacation, it will most likely pass by slowly. And if you're like me, the closer it gets, the less you'll sleep b/c your mind will be full of possibilities!!!! :goodvibes

[hhockman]

Heather,

I understand your hesitancy of being friends again. I can pretty much forgive somebody for something but I rarely forget what happened. Over time, it kinda dims a little but I never completely forget. Maybe that's not the way I am supposed to handle the situation but it's true.

John's family has a huge blow out at least once every two or three years. When I say huge, I mean huge. Some of the siblings don't talk to the other. The parents try to defend the other siblings. Yah yahing starts behind the other's backs and it is just plain ugly. Etc. Etc. Etc. We always end up forgiving them but I tell you what, if they weren't family, I'd probably say the heck with it.

I'm sorry you have those kinds of issues with family, Lisa. I can't imagine how anyone could have a problem with you guys. I'm not sure I've ever known of a nicer family. We have a big problem with Matt's brother. I have never gotten along with him. Even when he was 13 and I was 17. It's a shame he's such a, well, not nice person, because it means we don't get to see my niece and nephew (who live with their mother) very often. My nephew's birthday was Friday and I wouldn't even know where to send a gift (though my MIL probably does). I know what you mean about giving up. Sometimes you just can't take anymore. :hug: That's when it's good that at least YOUR family is so close. No matter what I know I always have Matt and my boys.

Good to have you back Heather. Good you get to work again on Friday. Every little bit helps. More ways than one

Matt had to handle that with Tony in his own way so don't be upset with him. He knows that Will is on that team and he wants to protect Will. So if he weren't the bigger person to say Let it Go. Who knows how it would affect Will. Matt's and your main goal to protect your children. Good job.

You have got to be so excited. The next 3 weeks are gonna fly by.

Ginny

Matt has a very hard time staying mad at anyone (which is why I was so surprised on Thursday). He is really a people person. I'm okay with him making up with them, I'm just not going to put myself out there in the same way again. I'm glad that it hopefully means we won't have the tension during the season.

Every little bit does help. The first two days that I sub of every pay period go to pay for Christian's food at school and my student loan (which is currently more than I borrowed. I have paid a total of $37 on the principal and I graduated 10 years ago). After that the money goes to other bills, my parents, or something like that. I need Friday plus one more day to cover those two things this month. Any more days than that will be a little spending money for me (I still have to pay my mom back for taking Jordan to the vet a couple weeks ago, but I can do that in October. ;) ). I have a little bit of spending money now (I think), but a little more would be nice. We'll see.

Seriously, I think I'm more exciting about telling the boys than I am about going! :rotfl2: I'm sure that will change after we tell them though - being able to start packing and stuff will help!

I think it is based on midnight. I don't think it gave me an option to put in a time :confused3 If you click on it, it'll take you to the site and you can make one for you! :goodvibes

I KNOW I am more excited about my boys' reaction than anything else. But of course once that's over, I'll be excited about every day of the trip! I don't know how you're going to get through the two weeks between telling them and actually going. I'd go crazy! :dance3:

I'll go check out your ticker site in a bit.

I'm glad it all worked out. Maybe not the way you wanted it to, but you've got to protect yourself at the same time. REmember what I told you about my cousin? She's wanting to be friends again, too, but no matter how many times she apologizes and tells me she misses me, I've been thru it too many times to give it yet another go.

Three and a half weeks really isn't long at all! But, as time always does before a vacation, it will most likely pass by slowly. And if you're like me, the closer it gets, the less you'll sleep b/c your mind will be full of possibilities!!!! :goodvibes

I'm sorry about the whole thing with your cousin, but you know her and you know you can't put yourself in that situation again. Sometimes you just have to be protective. I hope you get your stuff back though.

I am already getting to where I'm not sleeping. Constantly thinking about everything from book decorations to things that still need to be bought. I hope it will come fast (though I then it will be over so quickly-SO glad we have another trip to plan), but I'm afraid the days will go rather slowly. Maybe not, though. September starts in a WEEK!

You need to start working on your DH to go again.

How long until TN. Just a week or two, right?! :yay:

[MICKEY4EVER!]

I'm sorry about the whole thing with your cousin, but you know her and you know you can't put yourself in that situation again. Sometimes you just have to be protective. I hope you get your stuff back though.

I am already getting to where I'm not sleeping. Constantly thinking about everything from book decorations to things that still need to be bought. I hope it will come fast (though I then it will be over so quickly-SO glad we have another trip to plan), but I'm afraid the days will go rather slowly. Maybe not, though. September starts in a WEEK!

You need to start working on your DH to go again.

How long until TN. Just a week or two, right?! :yay:

Ha, ha, ha! I hope I get my stuff back, too! It's not looking very likely, though.

Woo hoo! We leave on Sunday! I'm so excited! :woohoo:

[hhockman]

GEEZ! Doesn't anyone eat dinner? Okay, maybe it is just 4:30 for you people in the Central Time Zone.

I don't know when I've seen ALL of my subscriptions updated so much. I can't keep up. Guess I'll have to do some serious reading tonight.

Gotta go get some batting practice in with both the boys. I'll be back!

[longing2Batdisney]

Hey Heather,
just checking in...I'm happy Matt and Tony are on speaking terms for the boys. I understand about the not being able to go back. Been there done that...

It's so exciting that ya'll only have 3 wks left :yay:!!!

I love middle school kids; my favorite classes to sub are 5th - 8th!! I have never been in the HS. I need to sign up again this year to keep my name on the list; but, I think I'm going to wait until my dad is finished w/his radiations (spelling) treatments.

Hope batting practice is fun, fun, fun...
OH! and I can only see the very top half of your second ticker (the tip of the castle and a yellow balloon-that's it!):confused3

Have a great evening!!:wave2:

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Continued prayers to fill your needs. :hug:

Ginny

[hhockman]

Continued prayers to fill your needs. :hug:

Ginny

Ginny,
Has anyone told you how special you are today? :hug:

[hhockman]

Hey Heather,
just checking in...I'm happy Matt and Tony are on speaking terms for the boys. I understand about the not being able to go back. Been there done that...

It's so exciting that ya'll only have 3 wks left :yay:!!!

I love middle school kids; my favorite classes to sub are 5th - 8th!! I have never been in the HS. I need to sign up again this year to keep my name on the list; but, I think I'm going to wait until my dad is finished w/his radiations (spelling) treatments.

Hope batting practice is fun, fun, fun...
OH! and I can only see the very top half of your second ticker (the tip of the castle and a yellow balloon-that's it!):confused3

Have a great evening!!:wave2:

Do NOT want to teach high school. Middle school is okay, no high school, thanks.

Batting practice basically consists of the boys taking turns hitting off the tee in the backyard. Christian is still just learning and we've found that if Will consistently hits off the tee 4-5 times a week his hitting is much better.

That's weird that you can't see my ticker. I can see if just fine.

Can anyone else not see my second ticker?

[longing2Batdisney]

I can't see Lisa's either!?! I wonder what's up with my screen. When I had redone my ticker it was cutting off the bottom of mine?!?

Have a great day!!! tomorrow!!!
:wave:

[crocko]

Nope -- no ticker sighting.

[DisneymoonJess07]

I can see the second one! So strange!

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Hi, Heather! Hope your day is going well.

Hmmm, I have been able to see your second ticker also. :confused3 That's strange that Connie and some others can't see it. :confused:


I think I've finally got most of my subscriptions caught up for the moment. Now I'm off to get a little work done. I've got to get my desk sparkling clean for next week! :woohoo:

[hhockman]

I can't see Lisa's either!?! I wonder what's up with my screen. When I had redone my ticker it was cutting off the bottom of mine?!?

Have a great day!!! tomorrow!!!
:wave:

That's just weird. Neither of mine are working right now, but when I don't see the little "x" I can see the whole thing. And how did you get your signature so long?

I am having a good day, so thanks!

Nope -- no ticker sighting.

Weird. Maybe it will be there later. Welcome back! Only 3 weeks and 2 days for you. Are you going crazy?!

I have seriously been looking at hotels halfway between here and there and thinking about leaving Thursday night. Matt and I are both off Thursday and I just can't stand it. I doubt we'll really do it though.

I can see the second one! So strange!

I'm glad some people can see it. I just don't get it. Weird.

Hi, Heather! Hope your day is going well.

Hmmm, I have been able to see your second ticker also. :confused3 That's strange that Connie and some others can't see it. :confused:


I think I've finally got most of my subscriptions caught up for the moment. Now I'm off to get a little work done. I've got to get my desk sparkling clean for next week! :woohoo:

Yes, you need to get that desk SUPER clean 'cause you only have 5 days till Tennessee!!!

(See, I'm in a strangly good mood today :confused3)

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Your in a good mood because in a couple of weeks, you'll be in DISNEY! :cool1: :banana: :dance3: :yay: :cheer2: :woohoo:

[hhockman]

Your in a good mood because in a couple of weeks, you'll be in DISNEY! :cool1: :banana: :dance3: :yay: :cheer2: :woohoo:

That's part of it! ;)

[hhockman]

Hey girls (and guys). I made a decision today and I wanted you guys to be one of the first I shared it with. While I was out doing my running (jogging, walking, whatever) I decided that

I'm going to do the Donald :donald: half marathon in 2011 (not 2010-that one is already full-and I won't be ready by January anyway)!

I already talked to my best friend (who lives in Gainesville, FL) and she said she would do it with me. :cool1:

I've been wanting a "goal" to work towards, and now I have one.

I haven't decided whether I will go by myself, or take the whole family. I am leaning toward taking the family because Will really likes running (and he's fast) and there are a couple of kids' races he can do. Christian might want to do the 200m too.

My birthday is January 23rd and the 2011 race will be about 2 weeks before I turn 35. I can't imagine a better gift to myself. :goodvibes

So, there ya go. Now you can all hold me accountable!!!

[longing2Batdisney]

SEP 2009:woohoo: ALMOST HERE!!:cheer2:
JUNE 2010:cool1::banana:
2011:thumbsup2
GREAT PLANNING!!!
:wave:

[mousescrapper]

I'm going to do the Donald :donald: half marathon in 2011 (not 2010-that one is already full-and I won't be ready by January anyway)!

that sounds so great! good for you...how exciting!


My birthday is January 23rd and the 2011 race will be about 2 weeks before I turn 35. I can't imagine a better gift to myself. :goodvibes

So, there ya go. Now you can all hold me accountable!!!

That does sound like a fun 35th...fit and healthy and Disney World :cool1:

[dismagiclover]

:yay::yay: Heather! That is exciting news! I'm going to do the half in 2010 and if everything goes as planned I want to do the full in 2011. I've done the Disneyland Half before and Disney races are so much fun!!! They have characters you can stop and get pictures with along the way and all the runners are so nice and friendly. (Though I've found runners to be nice and friendly in whatever race I've done.) That is such exciting news. Take a gander over to the WISH boards and you'll find lots of company! :banana::banana:

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Cool, Heather! That's quite a goal and what better place to do a marathon than at Disney World??? :yay::yay::yay::yay::yay::yay:

[DisneymoonJess07]

What a great goal! I love it! :dance3:

I wonder if I could get my dad to do the Disney World Marathon - since he does the Chicago Marathon every year anyway!!

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Heather that is totally awesome. You can do it. I'm really proud of you for setting a goal. That is so important to give yourself something to work for.

Your time is getting so close. Missed everyone today. Tomorrow will be a better day.

Ginny

[hhockman]

SEP 2009:woohoo: ALMOST HERE!!:cheer2:
JUNE 2010:cool1::banana:
2011:thumbsup2
GREAT PLANNING!!!
:wave:

:wave: :)

That does sound like a fun 35th...fit and healthy and Disney World :cool1:

I sure hope it will be!

:yay::yay: Heather! That is exciting news! I'm going to do the half in 2010 and if everything goes as planned I want to do the full in 2011. I've done the Disneyland Half before and Disney races are so much fun!!! They have characters you can stop and get pictures with along the way and all the runners are so nice and friendly. (Though I've found runners to be nice and friendly in whatever race I've done.) That is such exciting news. Take a gander over to the WISH boards and you'll find lots of company! :banana::banana:

What are the WISH boards? I'll have to go try to find them. I am so bad about going to any other boards besides the PTR/TR. I can't ever seem to find anything.

If you end up doing the marathon in 2011 I'll cheer you on! It sounds like you've been doing this for a while. I haven't run in a race since elementary school. I've been walking/jogging every weekday (with a couple of exceptions) since mid-June and I really enjoy it (I've always really enjoyed running, just couldn't ever get motivated). I'm not planning to place, I just want to finish. But I think it will be fun.

I think it's awesome that you're planning to do the full marathon. I can't even fathom 26 miles! :worship:

I can't wait to hear about the half after you do it!

Cool, Heather! That's quite a goal and what better place to do a marathon than at Disney World??? :yay::yay::yay::yay::yay::yay:

(or half marathon, as the case may be)
Exactly what I was thinking! It actually sounds like fun.

What a great goal! I love it! :dance3:

I wonder if I could get my dad to do the Disney World Marathon - since he does the Chicago Marathon every year anyway!!

He should do it. I've heard it's really a lot of fun. I am in awe of people who can run a marathon. I'm just hoping to finish the half. And giving myself a year and a half to prepare!

Heather that is totally awesome. You can do it. I'm really proud of you for setting a goal. That is so important to give yourself something to work for.

Your time is getting so close. Missed everyone today. Tomorrow will be a better day.

Ginny

That's what I was thinking Ginny. I wanted a goal. At first I figured I'd look for some 5k around here. They have them all the time. And I probably will. But then I remembered that Jenny (dismagiclover) was doing the Donald and I thought "wouldn't THAT be cool!" I'm determined now. Wait till you see my facebook update today. ;) But I'm also realistically giving myself a year and a half to get ready.

I'm at 22 days by the Lisa' countdown. Still seems too long.

Hope you're able to be around more today! We missed you too! :hug:

[DisneymoonJess07]

I mentioned the idea to my dad for 2011, and he seemed to think it was interesting. I think he wanted to find out what the route is before agreeing - I think he wants to say he ran a marathon through the Magic Kindom

[mommytothreeboys]

Hi Heather! I'm caught up once again! UGH!! I hate being so far behind!

I'm so sorry about the Cole/friends/baseball situation. What a shame that adults can act that way. And too bad for Cole...it's good he didn't know about the trip. We are dealing with a similar situation with "friends" right now. It really is very hurtful. My prayers are with you and also with Cole's family. Sometimes putting the past in your behind (as Pumbaa would say) is best, but those relationships are never really the same. :sad2:

I can't believe your boys are so clueless! I could never pull off a surprise like that...but only because I couldn't keep my mouth shut!! I get so excited! I can't wait to see their reactions!

I know what you mean about NEEDING this vacation. That is exactly how we felt before our 2007 trip. I felt slightly guilty about how much we were spending, but when it came right down to it, we needed that family time. You can't put a price on that.

Your shirts, backpacks, notebooks, etc are amazing! Nice job! And the surprise at the resort sounds FANTASTIC!

You're getting so close!! I'm looking forward to counting down with you!! :goodvibes

[hhockman]

I mentioned the idea to my dad for 2011, and he seemed to think it was interesting. I think he wanted to find out what the route is before agreeing - I think he wants to say he ran a marathon through the Magic Kindom

Jess, from what I read the half goes through Magic Kingdom and Epcot. The full marathon goes through all four parks. At least that what I think I read. Jenny would probably know better. Isn't that cool?!

Hi Heather! I'm caught up once again! UGH!! I hate being so far behind!

I'm so sorry about the Cole/friends/baseball situation. What a shame that adults can act that way. And too bad for Cole...it's good he didn't know about the trip. We are dealing with a similar situation with "friends" right now. It really is very hurtful. My prayers are with you and also with Cole's family. Sometimes putting the past in your behind (as Pumbaa would say) is best, but those relationships are never really the same. :sad2:

I can't believe your boys are so clueless! I could never pull off a surprise like that...but only because I couldn't keep my mouth shut!! I get so excited! I can't wait to see their reactions!

I know what you mean about NEEDING this vacation. That is exactly how we felt before our 2007 trip. I felt slightly guilty about how much we were spending, but when it came right down to it, we needed that family time. You can't put a price on that.

Your shirts, backpacks, notebooks, etc are amazing! Nice job! And the surprise at the resort sounds FANTASTIC!

You're getting so close!! I'm looking forward to counting down with you!! :goodvibes

Missy, I know you've been busy. It's okay, but I missed you! I'm going to eat lunch now but as soon as I get back I'm headed to your update.

I haven't really kept my mouth shut. I've literally talked about the water parks with my mom with the kids in the room. They are just CLUELESS. Which is SO fun. I just hope we make it all the way to the gates. I'm thinking of making them close their eyes when we turn off of the exit (because I'm afraid Will will recognize the windey exit) until we're almost to the gate.

And I totally see this vacation as priceless. And the one we're taking in June (for a completely different reason-I'm really looking forward to meeting my friends and to not having a ton of family. Totally different trip).

Thanks for the compliments. I got most of the surprise ideas from jaycns. She's amazing.

Thanks for counting down with me. It seems to be taking FOREVER, but seriously, I'll be in the teens in just a couple of days, so I guess time is actually moving! :lmao:

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Heather. 2 things. Good for you for making the commitment to do the Donald and being so close to time. It will be time for you to go and you will be saying 'but, I didn't get this or this or this done'. Then you will say, 'oh well, we are going to Disney who cares?' It will all work out.

Ginny

[dismagiclover]

:What are the WISH boards? I'll have to go try to find them. I am so bad about going to any other boards besides the PTR/TR. I can't ever seem to find anything.

If you end up doing the marathon in 2011 I'll cheer you on! It sounds like you've been doing this for a while. I haven't run in a race since elementary school. I've been walking/jogging every weekday (with a couple of exceptions) since mid-June and I really enjoy it (I've always really enjoyed running, just couldn't ever get motivated). I'm not planning to place, I just want to finish. But I think it will be fun.

I think it's awesome that you're planning to do the full marathon. I can't even fathom 26 miles! :worship:

I can't wait to hear about the half after you do it!

The WISH boards are in the Just for Fun section of the DIS. You have to scroll down aways to find them. I think it stands for We're inspired to Stay Healthy? The events board in that section has lots of people training for the Disney races. Another cool site is disneyrunnng.com I also highly recommend the book Marathoning for Mortals. It has some great info and training plans that include walking, running or a combination of both. I've been dabbling in running since 2001 or so, but I'm super slow and take plenty of walk breaks. I've done a couple of half marathons. I really enjoy the alone time out there just running and thinking during training. And then race days are always so much fun! But so tiring as well. I always need a nap after a long race:rotfl:
As far as the full marathon for me it's pretty hard for me to fathom 26 miles:scared1: But I remember feeling that way about 13 before I did a half. Hopefully I can find the time for the training. That is the tricky part.
:dance3: Your trip is coming soon!

Jess, from what I read the half goes through Magic Kingdom and Epcot. The full marathon goes through all four parks. At least that what I think I read. Jenny would probably know better. Isn't that cool?!

That's right. Both races run thru the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, thought the half barely runs thru Epcot. The full goes thru all 4 parks including around the World Showcase. You can find a map of the race route on the Disney Sports website or at Disneyrunning.com

[DisneymoonJess07]

That is super cool! I totally need to talk to my parents about this one - if it's Jan. 2011, we will have moved and then we could do a get together at WDW with my parents and us....now I'm dreaming :laughing:

[mickeystoontown]

What a fantastic goal to set for yourself! I used to run or walk all the time. It just made me feel so much better. Now my running is basically non-existent and my walking is on a treadmill.

[PracPerfPatricia]

I'm so sorry to hear about the friend situation...that's not fun at all...:confused3

but you are getting closer to your trip and that's awesome....:thumbsup2

All of this talk of running marathons and half marathons has me inspired...

I think though I should start with a 5K-you have to crawl before you walk right?:rotfl:

[hhockman]

Heather. 2 things. Good for you for making the commitment to do the Donald and being so close to time. It will be time for you to go and you will be saying 'but, I didn't get this or this or this done'. Then you will say, 'oh well, we are going to Disney who cares?' It will all work out.

Ginny

I'm totally going to be saying "But I didn't get this done" if I don't get busy. I'm getting somewhere on the boys' books, so I think that will be done, but it seems like I still have stuff to buy and I know there are other things I need to do. I want to start packing. Might do that next week. Just the stuff we won't need between now and then. At least then I can start marking stuff off the list.

The WISH boards are in the Just for Fun section of the DIS. You have to scroll down aways to find them. I think it stands for We're inspired to Stay Healthy? The events board in that section has lots of people training for the Disney races. Another cool site is disneyrunnng.com I also highly recommend the book Marathoning for Mortals. It has some great info and training plans that include walking, running or a combination of both. I've been dabbling in running since 2001 or so, but I'm super slow and take plenty of walk breaks. I've done a couple of half marathons. I really enjoy the alone time out there just running and thinking during training. And then race days are always so much fun! But so tiring as well. I always need a nap after a long race:rotfl:
As far as the full marathon for me it's pretty hard for me to fathom 26 miles:scared1: But I remember feeling that way about 13 before I did a half. Hopefully I can find the time for the training. That is the tricky part.
:dance3: Your trip is coming soon!


That's right. Both races run thru the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, thought the half barely runs thru Epcot. The full goes thru all 4 parks including around the World Showcase. You can find a map of the race route on the Disney Sports website or at Disneyrunning.com

I'm going to have to check out those WISH boards. I'd really like to know what I've gotten myself into! :lmao: I'd love to one day do the whole thing. It must be SO fun to go through all of the parks. I'm pretty sure I could do the half now if I walked most of it. I usually walk faster than a 16 minute mile. But I'd like to look like I'm kind of running...uh, some of it! Plenty of time left to get in better shape! I enjoy the running (if you can call it that-DH doesn't) for the same reason. I like the "thinking time". I'm going to see if I can find that book. Now that I've been doing this for almost 3 months I can see that I will stay commited so I don't mind investing a little. I'm even planning to ask for some shorts, shirts, and sports bras for Christmas (I MUST be crazy). Thanks for all the info. I know where to go if (when) I have more questions!

That is super cool! I totally need to talk to my parents about this one - if it's Jan. 2011, we will have moved and then we could do a get together at WDW with my parents and us....now I'm dreaming :laughing:

It would be really cool if you could go. We could all have a DISmeet before the races!

What a fantastic goal to set for yourself! I used to run or walk all the time. It just made me feel so much better. Now my running is basically non-existent and my walking is on a treadmill.

I'm getting to where I really enjoy it. I started because I had a bit of a health scare in June (it was really nothing-more my over active imagination than anything), but I tend to have anxiety issues and sometimes my heart would do funny things when I lay on my left side. I had high blood pressure with both my pregnancies and it's still a little "up there" so I decided I wanted to do something about all that. We have heart issues in my family too (in addition to cancer issues) so I thought one Monday "I'm just going to start" and I kept going. Like Forrest Gump. Except I only did it for a little while every day. Like I said, I really enjoy it. And it's fun to post what I did each day on facebook too. I like to go back and see where I was just a couple of months ago! And, hey, walking on the treadmill is certainly better than nothing at all!

I'm so sorry to hear about the friend situation...that's not fun at all...:confused3

but you are getting closer to your trip and that's awesome....:thumbsup2

All of this talk of running marathons and half marathons has me inspired...

I think though I should start with a 5K-you have to crawl before you walk right?:rotfl:

I am TOTALLY going to do a 5k first....probably several! If I still lived in Florida I'd do the 5k they have on Friday of the race weekend in January, and also the one that goes with the Princess thing in March. That would be FUN. But it's a little far to drive now for a 5k. So I'll find some around here to "practice" on. You should do it! We can all be a support for each other.

I'm loving your TR (what there is so far). The Alice statue in NYC is amazing.

I AM getting closer...but it sure does seem like a far-away close. Oh well, one more day to mark off in just a few hours. :) And I still want to PM you at some point about the "issues" stuff. Possibly not until after my trip though. We'll see. :)

[DisneymoonJess07]

3 weeks from today!!!

And I am totally up for a DISmeet beforehand!

[hhockman]

3 weeks from today!!!

And I am totally up for a DISmeet beforehand!

I KNOW I KNOW!!!! Thanks. :goodvibes :cool1:

But it's only THREE DAYS for you!!! How crazy is that? Are you packed?! :banana::dance3::yay::woohoo::cheer2:

[hhockman]

Okay, so I have to go out and run some errands so I'll be back to catch up with everyone in a little while, but I just had to let you all know this FIRST (like, I literally haven't even told Matt the time)

I got the boys into

pirate:THE PIRATE LEAGUEpirate:

and it gets better...well, just a little bit. I got a 9:25am appointment (on Tuesday, the 22nd-which is our pretty much all day MK day)...and we have to be there 15 minutes early...so you know what that means!

YES! We get to walk through the Magic Kingdom BEFORE Rope Drop. At least I think we do. Maybe just a couple minutes before, but before. I mean, it's taken more than 10 minutes to walk from the front to POC, right? And we have to BE THERE 15 minutes early (so, 9:10). So we get to walk through the WHOLE park before anyone else.

I know, I'm probably more excited about that part than the kids will be, but I am :cool1: about walking through the park before rope drop. All the way to the back, baby!

Just had to share. I'll be back in a little while...

[MICKEY4EVER!]

I'm a big dummy, but what is the Pirate League?

That sounds like something my little boy would just love to do! I'm with you, I'd love to walk through the whole park before it opens, so you can really soak in the splendor that is Disney! :goodvibes

[DisneyMomLiz]

Congratulations on your new goal :cool1: The Disney marathon is really neat...at least watching it was great and my sister, who ran it in Jan '05 loved it. She said it was cool to run through the parks and stuff.

My DSis does a marathon almost yearly and now she is doing triathlons :scared1: definitely didn't get the running bug from her older sis, me :rotfl: However, since I've been working on my health, dieting for the last 10 months now and have been doing pretty well...adding in exercise, my Dsis has convinced me to do a 5K - walking, I told her :laughing:!! DSis, DMom and I will be doing the Royal Family 5K in March.

:rolleyes1 just realized I think I told you about the 5K already!? oops, sorry. But still wanted to note that my sis reallly did enjoy the Disney Marathon :laughing:

:yay: for the Pirate's League! I think I'll wait a bit to do that for my DS, he likes Pirates but I don't know how much he'd get out of it just yet?! and would he sit still while they put on the make-up...NOT :rotfl:

for the PP - Pirate's League is (copied from wdw info...) it's the Pirate version of BBB :)

"The Pirates League allows boys and girls to transform themselves into Pirates, and allows their dreams to come true as they join Captain Jack Sparrow's crew. Participants receive a pirate identity, are transformed into a pirate by a WDW Pirate Master, and have access to a secret treasure room. They are also able to unlock clues to additional pirate encounters in Magic Kingdom."

[hhockman]

Congratulations on your new goal :cool1: The Disney marathon is really neat...at least watching it was great and my sister, who ran it in Jan '05 loved it. She said it was cool to run through the parks and stuff.

My DSis does a marathon almost yearly and now she is doing triathlons :scared1: definitely didn't get the running bug from her older sis, me :rotfl: However, since I've been working on my health, dieting for the last 10 months now and have been doing pretty well...adding in exercise, my Dsis has convinced me to do a 5K - walking, I told her :laughing:!! DSis, DMom and I will be doing the Royal Family 5K in March.

:rolleyes1 just realized I think I told you about the 5K already!? oops, sorry. But still wanted to note that my sis reallly did enjoy the Disney Marathon :laughing:

:yay: for the Pirate's League! I think I'll wait a bit to do that for my DS, he likes Pirates but I don't know how much he'd get out of it just yet?! and would he sit still while they put on the make-up...NOT :rotfl:

for the PP - Pirate's League is (copied from wdw info...) it's the Pirate version of BBB :)

"The Pirates League allows boys and girls to transform themselves into Pirates, and allows their dreams to come true as they join Captain Jack Sparrow's crew. Participants receive a pirate identity, are transformed into a pirate by a WDW Pirate Master, and have access to a secret treasure room. They are also able to unlock clues to additional pirate encounters in Magic Kingdom."

I think you told me you guys were doing the Princess one, but not all the stuff about your sister. Maybe by 2011 you'll want to do the Donald with me! :thumbsup2

I know they can do the Pirate League starting at 3, but I don't know whether a 3 year old would sit still for it either. Christian is a pretty old 4 (though he just turned 4 in June, he's "old for his age") and I know he is going to have the time of his life! I think Will will like it too...especially since there won't be anyone with us to tell us it's uncool for 7 year olds (not saying Cole would say that-Cole might even like it-just that there ARE 7 year olds that would say it). I am SUPER excited about it. :yay:

I'm a big dummy, but what is the Pirate League?

That sounds like something my little boy would just love to do! I'm with you, I'd love to walk through the whole park before it opens, so you can really soak in the splendor that is Disney! :goodvibes

Liz explained it somewhat for you. Here's the link to the Disney World site:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tours-and-experiences/pirates-league/

Like Liz said, it's basically a Pirate version of BBB. pirate:

[hhockman]

The Crocs website is having a cool sale with B1G1F plus free shipping plus I found a 25% off code. So I got Matt some new flip flops which he desperately needed, PLUS MICKEY crocs (just like the boys'). I never thought he'd wear them, but he wanted them. Paid $22.49 total.

So now Matt's got shoes.

Things are falling into place. Hope the next three weeks goes by fast (for me, not for any of you going before me...for you I hope the time until your trip goes fast and the time during your trip goes S-L-O-W).

Okay, off to do errands and have lunch with Matt. Mmmmm buffalo chicken tacos! :banana:

[mickeystoontown]

We saw some boys who had done the Pirate's League makeover while we were in Disney. They looked really cool. I wish they had of had something like that a few years ago. I don't think Hunter would want to walk around dressed up all day at his age. Now, if we were going during Halloween, absolutely!

Great deal on the Crocs! John is in desperate need of new ones so I may just have to check out their site.

Buffalo Chicken Tacos sound great right now.

[mickeystoontown]

I'm a big dummy, but what is the Pirate League?

That sounds like something my little boy would just love to do! I'm with you, I'd love to walk through the whole park before it opens, so you can really soak in the splendor that is Disney! :goodvibes

It's like a BBB for boys. They give them pirate makeovers.

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Heather that is great. I really think your boys are going to like it. Good deal on the crocs. Things are just kinda falling into place for you.

Ginny

[dismagiclover]

I really can't wait to hear about the Pirate's League! If you give a good report I may sign my boys up for it in June (maybe I'll even do it too):cool1:

[PracPerfPatricia]

YOU ( and the boys...:lmao:) will love the Pirates League-and the fun thing it that it isn't just about the making up-there's a whole experience surrounding it involving getting new pirate names/identities, the CMs are a hoot-I found them really good at reading the kids-both DS 7 and DD 14 did it-there seemed to be some older girls doing it (teenagers) and there were boys at least up through 10 maybe older when we were there...

(One caveat-figure out how much makeup the boys can tolerate on their faces..they give you a sheet of 5 different looks to choose from-but they can improvise a bit-ds wound up with an awful lot of makeup on his face and while he was really good about it-I think it was a bit much for him-It must have taken me at least 10 face wipes to get it off later that evening...DH was watching him while I was watching DD-I'd have had the CM go a little lighter...)

Having said them it is an absolutely Fabulous experience and you are going to have so much fun...(We were able to walk right onto POTC right before to get in the mood...:thumbsup2)

Congrats on the crocs....:goodvibes

[MICKEY4EVER!]

The pirate league sounds cool! Thanks for all those who explained it for me. I would LOVE to do that for Mitchell. He's all into pirates now, anyways. He wanted to be a pirate one year for Halloween, so we did that. Now he wants to be a pirate again, except this year it HAS to be Jack Sparrow, he says! And of course his first Mickey ears were the pirate ones when he wasn't quite two. He picked them out himself.

So, we've had a life-long love of Piracy.

Heather, your boys are going to FLIP! I can't wait to read the TR and hear all about it. Cool on the great deal on the Crocs. :thumbsup2

[mousescrapper]

Heather...


very cool about the PL for your boys...can't wait to hear how that goes and see pictures...I would love to do that w/ Michael next yr too.

you shouldn't have told me about a Crocs sale :eek:

I'm going to be a good girl though since DH let me stock up on some scrapping materials to start some projects to keep me busy and happy while the kids are back to school...but oohh if I get b-day $ from the I-L's I may check that out....FUN!!!!!

[hhockman]

Heather...


very cool about the PL for your boys...can't wait to hear how that goes and see pictures...I would love to do that w/ Michael next yr too.

you shouldn't have told me about a Crocs sale :eek:

I'm going to be a good girl though since DH let me stock up on some scrapping materials to start some projects to keep me busy and happy while the kids are back to school...but oohh if I get b-day $ from the I-L's I may check that out....FUN!!!!!

Yeah, it's a really good deal. I'd like to get some more for myself (and get the boys some flip flops) but we don't NEED them and I'm trying to save everything extra for Disney. Matt NEEDED some new shoes.

I was in Archiver's looking for Disney today too! Didn't find what I needed, but I was there for a minute. I did buy 3 stickers today. I really think these books I'm making for the boys are going to end up costing more than if I'd just bought them each a Guide to the Magic!

The pirate league sounds cool! Thanks for all those who explained it for me. I would LOVE to do that for Mitchell. He's all into pirates now, anyways. He wanted to be a pirate one year for Halloween, so we did that. Now he wants to be a pirate again, except this year it HAS to be Jack Sparrow, he says! And of course his first Mickey ears were the pirate ones when he wasn't quite two. He picked them out himself.

So, we've had a life-long love of Piracy.

Heather, your boys are going to FLIP! I can't wait to read the TR and hear all about it. Cool on the great deal on the Crocs. :thumbsup2

Yeah. They really are going to flip. Especially Christian. But I think Will will really like it too. Actually, I think I'll really like watching it. I'm beyond excited for them! I'll be sure to tell you all about it. Christian is really into pirates too. Maybe it's a 4 year old boy thing?

YOU ( and the boys...:lmao:) will love the Pirates League-and the fun thing it that it isn't just about the making up-there's a whole experience surrounding it involving getting new pirate names/identities, the CMs are a hoot-I found them really good at reading the kids-both DS 7 and DD 14 did it-there seemed to be some older girls doing it (teenagers) and there were boys at least up through 10 maybe older when we were there...

(One caveat-figure out how much makeup the boys can tolerate on their faces..they give you a sheet of 5 different looks to choose from-but they can improvise a bit-ds wound up with an awful lot of makeup on his face and while he was really good about it-I think it was a bit much for him-It must have taken me at least 10 face wipes to get it off later that evening...DH was watching him while I was watching DD-I'd have had the CM go a little lighter...)

Having said them it is an absolutely Fabulous experience and you are going to have so much fun...(We were able to walk right onto POTC right before to get in the mood...:thumbsup2)

Congrats on the crocs....:goodvibes

Thank you! I haven't heard from anyone with first hand experience. How COOL that Emily did it too! I can't wait to read that part of your TR. And I'm SO glad David liked it. :goodvibes I'll be sure to try to get them to go with the less-is-more theory on the makeup. We're doing it first thing in the morning so they can have it all day at the MK and I don't want it to get itchy or anything in the heat. Especially Will. He can be especially sensory sensitive (especially to smell and touch-like itchy things-and noise too actually). Was the "adventure" part fun for them? Is it a scavenger hunt type thing? (But don't tell me too much :rotfl:)

I really can't wait to hear about the Pirate's League! If you give a good report I may sign my boys up for it in June (maybe I'll even do it too):cool1:

I didn't even think of doing it myself! If they like it, we'll probably all do it again in June. Then maybe take the Pirates and Pals cruise if they are still offering it (and it's not out of our price range). I think I'm going to have as much fun as they are!

Heather that is great. I really think your boys are going to like it. Good deal on the crocs. Things are just kinda falling into place for you.

Ginny

They are kinda falling into place. But it's still THREE WEEKS. Does that seem like a long time to anyone else? :confused3

We saw some boys who had done the Pirate's League makeover while we were in Disney. They looked really cool. I wish they had of had something like that a few years ago. I don't think Hunter would want to walk around dressed up all day at his age. Now, if we were going during Halloween, absolutely!

Great deal on the Crocs! John is in desperate need of new ones so I may just have to check out their site.

Buffalo Chicken Tacos sound great right now.

There is a MNSSHP that night and I thought it would be excellent to do the Pirates League and then go to the party, but 1. the tickets are just too much money (we did it last time and it's a lot of fun-but not enough that we wanted to spend the money again) and 2. the rest of the family pretty much had no interest (and my mom and grandma have done the party before too). Hunter is right there isn't it. Half way between little boy (well, older boy) and young man. It's a rough age. I've spent a lot of time with 12-13 year olds lately. I seem to be teaching 7th grade a lot. He's a good kid, though, so I know he'll be a great young man. :)

The tacos were good! And that will probably be the last time we eat out until we're in Disney (every time I spend money on anything anymore I keep thinking of what I could have bought there with that money :lmao:).

[hhockman]

Okay, here's the thing. Now that we're doing Pirates League on our Magic Kingdom day I figured that's enough of a surprise, so I decided I'm not doing the cake/shirt thing on Monday night anymore. Plus Matt keeps insisting they need the cakes on the first night (who knew he would get so into this surprise thing? :confused3). In an effort to continue Matt's participation (he even wants us to get Mickey-head shaped confetti-anyone know where I can find it? I've looked and can't find it anywhere-or at least colored confetti to put all over the room. Poor Mousekeeping!), I'm going to do as he wants and do the cakes Friday night.

So here's the deal for Friday. The newest deal:

We will get to the hotel, check in, unpack (HOPEFULLY our room will be ready about an hour early) and head to the Marketplace to eat at TRex.

Then Matt and the boys will head to Disney Quest (I LOVE me some Disney Quest, but I figure they'll be there for a few hours-have I mentioned that the boys are video game obsessed?-so I should have time to do what I need to do and still get back in time to do some fun stuff. Plus we're planning to go back at least two other nights. :rolleyes1).

So they are on their way to Disney Quest and I will head to World of Disney to get my backpack (and maybe a couple of other small trinkets-like I don't have enough for them already. But I really want one of those character cars for each of them to have to play with-we have some here-but I want new ones).

Once I'm done shopping I will head to the Boardwalk. I'm thinking we're going to drive over to TRex so I'll have the car. I'll run into the Boardwalk Bakery and get two (or maybe 3 or 4 :rolleyes1) like Mickey head shaped personal sized cakes.

Then I'll head back to the room. If we get the confetti I'm going to start it just outside the door and put it on the floor leading to the table where the boys will find their cakes (with their names on them-I'm going to bring icing tubes from home). I'm going to use my Cricut to cut out the words "Welcome to Disney World" in BIG letters (it can cut up to 24" or something like that, but I'll probably do 5-6" letters) and string the letters together with fishing wire and hang it from the ceiling. I would really like to get them each a Mickey balloon and have it floating on the ceiling (does anyone know where I can get the balloons outside of the parks?-we can't go into the parks until Saturday). I will probably also have a couple of balloons taped to the table and I will have streamers going across the ceiling. Oh. And we have two of the medium-sized plush Mickeys that the kids don't even seem to realize we have. So I'm bringing them and I'll put one on each bed, and the kids will probably think they got brand new Mickeys! ;) Underneath each cake will be a colored Mickey head (red for Christian, Green for Will) with the words "Follow Me" on it (I'm going to try to teach Christian to recognize the word "follow"-he already knows "me" before we go). I will help them, if necessary, to follow their Mickey heads to the place where their backpacks are hidden. After they find the backpacks (which will be empty-or mostly empty, might have bandaids and hand sanitizer and other non-fun stuff in there), they will continue on the "trail" to find other things like their cameras, race car, notebooks and autograph books and pens, glow sticks and braclets, bubbles, etc. There won't be that much room to hide stuff in the room, but they will still have fun with it. I just hope I can get them to sleep that night!

I am not going to tell them about the Pirates League either. On Tuesday we will just get up early and go to the Magic Kingdom and walk through the quiet park. I will not tell them where we are going, just that it's a special "surprise" place. It's going to be amazing!

I'm so excited about both things I can barely stand it. I don't know how we're going to make it through the next three weeks!

I've gotta sub tomorrow, so I need to get to bed. I won't be around during the day and Christian has practice in the evening (if it doesn't rain), but I'll be on tomorrow night. Hope you all have a great Friday!

[longing2Batdisney]

CHECK OUT WHAT I FOUND!!
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=mickey+mouse+confetti&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=3587862825&ref=pd_sl_7z4jdwri9g_e

I have also seen it in the party section at walmart and partycity!
Good Luck!! :wave:

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Okay, here's the thing. Now that we're doing Pirates League on our Magic Kingdom day I figured that's enough of a surprise, so I decided I'm not doing the cake/shirt thing on Monday night anymore. Plus Matt keeps insisting they need the cakes on the first night (who knew he would get so into this surprise thing? :confused3). In an effort to continue Matt's participation (he even wants us to get Mickey-head shaped confetti-anyone know where I can find it? I've looked and can't find it anywhere-or at least colored confetti to put all over the room. Poor Mousekeeping!), I'm going to do as he wants and do the cakes Friday night.

So here's the deal for Friday. The newest deal:

We will get to the hotel, check in, unpack (HOPEFULLY our room will be ready about an hour early) and head to the Marketplace to eat at TRex.

Then Matt and the boys will head to Disney Quest (I LOVE me some Disney Quest, but I figure they'll be there for a few hours-have I mentioned that the boys are video game obsessed?-so I should have time to do what I need to do and still get back in time to do some fun stuff. Plus we're planning to go back at least two other nights. :rolleyes1).

So they are on their way to Disney Quest and I will head to World of Disney to get my backpack (and maybe a couple of other small trinkets-like I don't have enough for them already. But I really want one of those character cars for each of them to have to play with-we have some here-but I want new ones).

Once I'm done shopping I will head to the Boardwalk. I'm thinking we're going to drive over to TRex so I'll have the car. I'll run into the Boardwalk Bakery and get two (or maybe 3 or 4 :rolleyes1) like Mickey head shaped personal sized cakes.

Then I'll head back to the room. If we get the confetti I'm going to start it just outside the door and put it on the floor leading to the table where the boys will find their cakes (with their names on them-I'm going to bring icing tubes from home). I'm going to use my Cricut to cut out the words "Welcome to Disney World" in BIG letters (it can cut up to 24" or something like that, but I'll probably do 5-6" letters) and string the letters together with fishing wire and hang it from the ceiling. I would really like to get them each a Mickey balloon and have it floating on the ceiling (does anyone know where I can get the balloons outside of the parks?-we can't go into the parks until Saturday). I will probably also have a couple of balloons taped to the table and I will have streamers going across the ceiling. Oh. And we have two of the medium-sized plush Mickeys that the kids don't even seem to realize we have. So I'm bringing them and I'll put one on each bed, and the kids will probably think they got brand new Mickeys! ;) Underneath each cake will be a colored Mickey head (red for Christian, Green for Will) with the words "Follow Me" on it (I'm going to try to teach Christian to recognize the word "follow"-he already knows "me" before we go). I will help them, if necessary, to follow their Mickey heads to the place where their backpacks are hidden. After they find the backpacks (which will be empty-or mostly empty, might have bandaids and hand sanitizer and other non-fun stuff in there), they will continue on the "trail" to find other things like their cameras, race car, notebooks and autograph books and pens, glow sticks and braclets, bubbles, etc. There won't be that much room to hide stuff in the room, but they will still have fun with it. I just hope I can get them to sleep that night!

I am not going to tell them about the Pirates League either. On Tuesday we will just get up early and go to the Magic Kingdom and walk through the quiet park. I will not tell them where we are going, just that it's a special "surprise" place. It's going to be amazing!

I'm so excited about both things I can barely stand it. I don't know how we're going to make it through the next three weeks!

I've gotta sub tomorrow, so I need to get to bed. I won't be around during the day and Christian has practice in the evening (if it doesn't rain), but I'll be on tomorrow night. Hope you all have a great Friday!

Heather you have a great plan. I think the boys are going to love it. I'm glad Matt is getting excited for them too. It will be such fun.

CHECK OUT WHAT I FOUND!!
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=mickey+mouse+confetti&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=3587862825&ref=pd_sl_7z4jdwri9g_e

I have also seen it in the party section at walmart and partycity!
Good Luck!! :wave:

Look at you Miss Connie. Always on top of things. I bet since those on Amazon were hallmark any hallmark store would have them too.

Ginny

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Cool ideas, Heather! Isn't it wonderful when the hubbies get on board and get excited? You're gonna have so much fun watching their sweet faces! :goodvibes

[hhockman]

Thanks everyone! I'll look into that edible confetti. That would be fun to put on the cakes. :) I may just have to go with circles for the room. I KNOW I've seen Mickey confetti before (the little shiny kind), but I can't remember where.

I'm having kind of a rough afternoon. I know, what now, right? Will came home with papers from school and they are a mix of an O (last week's spelling test), a couple S's, and couple N's, and a U. He also had a couple of U papers in his desk when I went to Open House last night (he has to fix them at school). I'm really frustrated because he's always been really good at school and I don't know what's going on. There are a couple of things he missed that he really didn't know, but most of it is not only easy for him (he corrected it easily when I asked him to), but he knew how to do last year-or even in Kindergarten. I ask him what happened and he says things like "I'm no good" or "I'm a loser" (I HATE the "L" word. We've had that discussion before. I don't know where he gets that because no one has EVER called him a loser. I think it's from tv). I've emailed his teacher to ask for a conference, but I don't know if it's too early in the year. We'll see what she says. I'm just in shock. There was one activity (an M&M activity) where he was supposed to group M&Ms into groups, write how many groups there were each time and then write how many were left. He missed 9 out of 10 of the questions. I had him do it with pennies and he got them all right. Easily. Without my help. I have this Vanderbilt Asseessment Scale that his pediatrician gave me at his 7 year check up (in March) when I talked to her about some of the auditory processing and comprehension concerns I had. She said it was used the diagnose ADD and ADHD (there are about 45 phrases like "Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities" and you have to circle Never, Occasionally, Often, or Very Often). Anyway, she said it didn't sound like he had ADD, but they also use it as a starting point to diagnose other things. Well I put it to the side and didn't give it to his 1st grade teacher because there wasn't much on there that sounded like him and it was the end of the year and we were busy. Well I went over it last night, and then this afternoon I went ahead and circled everything and he has a BUNCH of Often and Very Oftens. Not really any in the "violent" section of the questions, but a bunch in the "distracted" set. I'm really thinking a lot of his work problems are that he's getting so easily distracted, but I don't think he teacher has had him long enough to see it yet. In any case, I guess I just needed to vent. He's always been good at school (and really good at math-and he's not doing well at all-I'm wondering if the teacher thinks I was lying when I told her he was good at math!) and I don't know where this is coming from. I told his teacher I want a conference, but that if she wanted to wait until the first report card came out I'd be okay with that. I guess we'll see what happens.

I'm going to work on the boys' books tonight. I think I'll have them finished soon. Thank goodness I have this trip to look forward to! We can forget about school and everything else for a week.

Oh, btw, Christian just said to me a little while ago, "Mama I asked Daddy that I wanted to go to Disney World. :scared1:" Apparently we got new vouchers and luggage tags today (since we took Cole off) and he saw them. I asked him why and he said "I want to see Mickey Mouse". I said, "Honey, I don't think we'll be going to Disney World any time soon. :littleangel:"

Hey, as far as I'm concerned, three weeks is NOT soon!

Uggg, I never thought Christian was the one I'd have to worry about!

I'm going to go play Mario Kart with the boys. After I talk to them about touching each other. Again. :headache:

[mickeystoontown]

Oh Heather,

I am sorry for the school problems Will is having. I know, as a mother, I sometimes overreact to things way to quickly. I am praying that that is your case as well. Maybe it is just going to take some time for Will to adjust to the new school year.

I understand, though, your wanting to try to nip any problem in the bud before it builds into something larger. It's so hard to make these decisions on whether or not to react now or wait until later.

I'm glad that you feel that we are friends enough to vent to us. It's nice to know that there's somebody out there to listen and understand what you're going through.

Let's move on to funner (I know that's not a word.:rotfl:) stuff. Now that you know that Christian really wants to go to Disney World, it'll make the surprise all the more sweeter.

Have fun playing Mario Kart and, hopefully, it'll help take your mind off school.

Lisa

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Oh, Heather! I don't blame you at all for wanting to nip this in the bud right away! I'm curious to know what his teacher says. I'm sure he's just adjusting to new teacher and new surroundings and such. He's probably bored b/c he DOES know all of that stuff already.

I've been teaching Mitchell a lot of things lately like how to spell certain words since he knows what all the sounds letters make now. He's been very good at picking it up so far (can spell cat, at, car, bat). Daycare teacher told me not to teach him too much b/c if I do, he'll be bored in kindegarten next year and disrupt the class. :confused3 I know she's right, so I'm having to restrain myself b/c I know Mitchell well enough to know that he WILL get bored and start looking "distracted".

I bet you anything that's what's wrong with Will. He's just too SMART!!! :goodvibes

[hhockman]

Oh Heather,

I am sorry for the school problems Will is having. I know, as a mother, I sometimes overreact to things way to quickly. I am praying that that is your case as well. Maybe it is just going to take some time for Will to adjust to the new school year.

I understand, though, your wanting to try to nip any problem in the bud before it builds into something larger. It's so hard to make these decisions on whether or not to react now or wait until later.

I'm glad that you feel that we are friends enough to vent to us. It's nice to know that there's somebody out there to listen and understand what you're going through.

Let's move on to funner (I know that's not a word.:rotfl:) stuff. Now that you know that Christian really wants to go to Disney World, it'll make the surprise all the more sweeter.

Have fun playing Mario Kart and, hopefully, it'll help take your mind off school.

Lisa

I do consider you guys friends :grouphug: and I'm thankful to have you. I hope there aren't any lurkers that think I'm a nutcase at the point! :dance3: The next three weeks can't go by fast enough (though the week after needs to go S-L-O-W). I hope I'm not overreacting. If I am, I guess his teacher will tell me. Teachers make the worst parents, just like doctors make the worst paitents. I don't want to be obnoxious, but I really am concerned. He's been in school for 4 weeks and they get progress reports on Monday. I'm honestly afraid to see it for the first time since he started school. The whole thing is just sureal to me. But then, you all know I worry way too much about everything.

Christian is way too cute, but :scared1: YIKES! I hope I convinced him that there's no way we were going. It's one thing that he said it to Matt, but the fact that he told me what he told Matt means he's been thinking about it. Good thing we're getting close.

Thanks again, Lisa. I do really appreciate you guys! And we did have fun playing Mario Kart. :)

Oh, Heather! I don't blame you at all for wanting to nip this in the bud right away! I'm curious to know what his teacher says. I'm sure he's just adjusting to new teacher and new surroundings and such. He's probably bored b/c he DOES know all of that stuff already.

I've been teaching Mitchell a lot of things lately like how to spell certain words since he knows what all the sounds letters make now. He's been very good at picking it up so far (can spell cat, at, car, bat). Daycare teacher told me not to teach him too much b/c if I do, he'll be bored in kindegarten next year and disrupt the class. :confused3 I know she's right, so I'm having to restrain myself b/c I know Mitchell well enough to know that he WILL get bored and start looking "distracted".

I bet you anything that's what's wrong with Will. He's just too SMART!!! :goodvibes

Mel, I don't really think it's because he's bored. I mean, maybe, the careless stuff could be boredom. I hadn't really thought of that (even though I got in a lot of trouble from being "bored" when I was a kid). He definitely has reading/writing issues though. The short answer questions on his Reading test didn't even make sense. But I knew about that and have been planning on working on that. That can wait until after the first report card. This missing things he should know backwards and forewards can't. I hate to even use the word ADD. Not because I'm afraid he has it or because there's anything "wrong" with him if he does, but because I feel like that word is thrown around a little bit too much and I don't want to make excuses for him if he's just bored or "doesn't feel like it". On the other hand, I don't want to punish him if he truely CAN'T pay attention (and I have seen him awfully distracted by the littlest things lately). But I'm not sure his teacher has been with him long enough to have any idea at all. Hence the frustration. These grades can't continue. I'm not sure if he's passing anything besides spelling (I'll know on Tuesday). I mean, he probably is. I don't think there have been THAT many "U"s. He probably has what would be a C in most things (the kids here don't get letter grades until 3rd grade), but still there is no excuse for that. Most of these mistakes are careless mistakes. But he's made so many of them, I'm afraid his teacher won't believe me that he really does know this stuff! There's nothing I can do this weekend, though. So I'm going to TRY to relax about it (not likely, but I won't let it monopolize my PTR either-my lurkers are going to get bored).

As far as Mitchell is concerned, you teach that boy whatever he wants to learn and let his kindergarten teacher worry about what he does and doesn't know! I'm teaching Christian to read because he wants to learn. He already knows most of what he's "learning" in PreK (though he seems to have an excellent teacher, so he is learning stuff I'd never have thought about teaching him). I wouldn't be surprised if he went into Kindergarten 3/4 of the year ahead of the other kids-or more. I'm still going to teach him what he wants to know. And remember, you are not the only Mom teaching their child at home before K. He will be just fine in Kinder. If he wants to learn, teach him. Christian, I am not worried about (except maybe a little about the behavior, like you). He never had the language issues Will did. I just wish I knew somewhere I could take Will to get him evaluated that I could afford. The school system just doesn't seem to think there's a problem. Yet.

Thanks again, girls!:grouphug:

Oh, and I have some more news. Matt was offered a 3rd shift position today and he took it. I know it sounds crazy, but he wanted it, and it is probably the best thing for us. He usually sleeps all day anyway, because he often doesn't get home until 2am. Now he will be working 10p-6:30a. He'll be home for baseball games and school stuff before he goes to work. AND he works Sunday to Thursday, so he's off Friday and Saturday nights (Christian has practice on Friday nights, so that's awesome). He gets a little more shift differential, but I don't know how much of a difference that will make. The main thing is he won't miss anymore ball games or practices, which is what he wanted. Next week he will work his regular shift. Then until we leave he'll work days to "train" (there's not much to learn, it's the same department, but the overnight shift has to do a few different things). Then, when we get back, he will start his new shift. I'm excited for him. Though a little worried he won't get a enough sleep. Hopefully he will.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Heather, not to bring all of this up again but to let you know I hate that Will is having problems with school. I hope that a child in his class is not giving him a hard time and he's afraid to tell you. At that age it could be so many things. If the teacher will talk to you now fine and if not just wait till you get home from your trip. You will be able to work it out because you will listen to what the teacher has to say that can make it better for Will.

I will be thinking of him.

On the lighter side. Too funny about Christian and going to Disney. Yes thank goodness 3 weeks seems like a long time to a 4 year old.

Don worked that shift when the girls were young and he did like it cause he could go to their school activities and games and he would get home about the time we left in the morning but then he was with them all afternoon till I got home in the evening. It was better than that mid afternoon thing.

Hope you have a better tomorrow. :hug:

Ginny

[hhockman]

Heather, not to bring all of this up again but to let you know I hate that Will is having problems with school. I hope that a child in his class is not giving him a hard time and he's afraid to tell you. At that age it could be so many things. If the teacher will talk to you now fine and if not just wait till you get home from your trip. You will be able to work it out because you will listen to what the teacher has to say that can make it better for Will.

I will be thinking of him.

On the lighter side. Too funny about Christian and going to Disney. Yes thank goodness 3 weeks seems like a long time to a 4 year old.

Don worked that shift when the girls were young and he did like it cause he could go to their school activities and games and he would get home about the time we left in the morning but then he was with them all afternoon till I got home in the evening. It was better than that mid afternoon thing.

Hope you have a better tomorrow. :hug:

Ginny

Thanks Ginny. I just needed to vent and I'm so glad I have friends like you guys to listen. I know it will be okay. We'll get it worked out. I think I was just in shock by so many not-so-good papers. I'm hoping I can talk to her this week, but if not, it will wait until after report cards in October. Matt says to just enjoy the weekend-which we will.

And I'm TOTALLY not worrying about school at Disney. 19 days!!! We're under 3 weeks. Finally.

Thanks for being there. :hug:

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hey Heather,

I'm sorry for your obvious and understandable distress...:hug:...

I'm still waking up (I have a nasty cold and need my coffee to wake up) but I want to give you some ideas/advice and hopefully I'll be coherent...

First, as hard as it is-you need to try to relax as well as possible if you are going to advocate for him...Will is still the same awesome kid he was just 4 weeks ago before school began...he's obviously just having some problems in school right now...and it's a bit of a puzzle that you're going to have to step back and piece together...

He has three very big things going to him: he is obviously bright, he isn't oppositional, and most importantly he has a supportive family and a mother who is more than willing to go to bat for him...

I'm not sure what your school district is like and or the faculty at his school-but it seems to me that you have every right to request a conference when you feel you need it...but first

I think you need to really think about WHAT YOU WANT & WHAT YOU ARE ASKING THEM FOR-(in terms of testing you may want, in terms of the communications you want with them-ie. do you want a update from his teacher weekly on what's going on, on any accomodations you might like regarding his curriculum materials-ie do you want a copy for home, etc.)

When you go in you want to be able to drive the direction of the meetings-or else you will be driven-

of course you always want to be polite and assume the best of the school upfront until proven otherwise-think iron hand in velvet glove...;)

Alright I can just feel that I'm rambling...but you know so many things could be going on...Will is obviously bright, gifted-he could be bored-he also may tend to tune out stuff he's not interested in, he could have an auditory processing issue, has he had a recent eye exam, is there some creepy kid who is a bully? He could possible have ADD-it isn't black or white-there is a continuum..., He could possibly have NVLD-although his strength in math probably rules that out...this is just for a start...

I don't remember exactly what testing Will has had...(which ones have you done?)

It's going to all be ok-it really and truly is and I understand (believe me I really do) your desire to figure this all out ASAP but unless you nail it correctly -it may only make things worse...slow and steady and correctly is how you want to go...

I"m sorry that Will is feeling bad-that's really hard...:hug:...I know how badly I felt when I picked David up one day and he was really upset (some transition at the end of the day) and we were driving and he told me that his "brain worked differently than the other kids"....:guilty:I wanted to stop the car and get and hug him...when we got home I told him that it was ok a lot of really amazing people had brains that worked "differently" including Mozart, Jefferson and Einstein to name just a few...and how wonderful it was that there are different kinds of brains that think differently...

Whatever is going on on with Will-it will be fine and you will resolve-maybe not today or tomorrow but sometime soon...

You know something isn't right...but what do you want to do/or have tested now to try to start to nail it down...

(I'm going to be online a lot today since I have this cold and I'm giving myself permission to relax and knock it out...if you need anything or having any questions...just post or PM me...I'm here....:hug:)

BTW-I was going to say hurrah for all your good Disney Plans but I went on this other tangent...

[MICKEY4EVER!]

I hope you get it figured out with Will soon. I know you can't help but worry. He's your child! You'll worry when he's eighty and you're a hundred! That's just the way it is. If it is ADD or something like that (not saying it is, but you brought up the possibility), then HE will give you the tools you need to cope and help Will. Chances are, he's just adjusting and it's hard. I'll be praying that you get your answers soon.

Thanks for the advice on Mitchell. He's a very bright little boy, knows all his colors and shapes, letters, sounds they make, and now he's wanting to spell. ONly for short bouts, but still, he seems interested. Seems very excited that one day he can read his own books. Ah, our little babies are growing up! :guilty:

Congrats to Matt on the job he wanted. I know that will be good for him to be there for his kids and it will be good for Will and Christian too! HE is certainly blessing isn't HE?

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Good morning Heather. Yes, I'm finally up. I didn't go to bed till 1:30. Got to watching a movie and playing a game. Darn laptops.

Hope you have a grand day and get done what is needed for this day and enjoy it as it happens.

You have received lots of good advice here. Sort thru it use what fits you and Will.

Ginny

[hhockman]

Hey Heather,

I'm sorry for your obvious and understandable distress...:hug:...

I'm still waking up (I have a nasty cold and need my coffee to wake up) but I want to give you some ideas/advice and hopefully I'll be coherent...

First, as hard as it is-you need to try to relax as well as possible if you are going to advocate for him...Will is still the same awesome kid he was just 4 weeks ago before school began...he's obviously just having some problems in school right now...and it's a bit of a puzzle that you're going to have to step back and piece together...

He has three very big things going to him: he is obviously bright, he isn't oppositional, and most importantly he has a supportive family and a mother who is more than willing to go to bat for him...

I'm not sure what your school district is like and or the faculty at his school-but it seems to me that you have every right to request a conference when you feel you need it...but first

I think you need to really think about WHAT YOU WANT & WHAT YOU ARE ASKING THEM FOR-(in terms of testing you may want, in terms of the communications you want with them-ie. do you want a update from his teacher weekly on what's going on, on any accomodations you might like regarding his curriculum materials-ie do you want a copy for home, etc.)

When you go in you want to be able to drive the direction of the meetings-or else you will be driven-

of course you always want to be polite and assume the best of the school upfront until proven otherwise-think iron hand in velvet glove...;)

Alright I can just feel that I'm rambling...but you know so many things could be going on...Will is obviously bright, gifted-he could be bored-he also may tend to tune out stuff he's not interested in, he could have an auditory processing issue, has he had a recent eye exam, is there some creepy kid who is a bully? He could possible have ADD-it isn't black or white-there is a continuum..., He could possibly have NVLD-although his strength in math probably rules that out...this is just for a start...

I don't remember exactly what testing Will has had...(which ones have you done?)

It's going to all be ok-it really and truly is and I understand (believe me I really do) your desire to figure this all out ASAP but unless you nail it correctly -it may only make things worse...slow and steady and correctly is how you want to go...

I"m sorry that Will is feeling bad-that's really hard...:hug:...I know how badly I felt when I picked David up one day and he was really upset (some transition at the end of the day) and we were driving and he told me that his "brain worked differently than the other kids"....:guilty:I wanted to stop the car and get and hug him...when we got home I told him that it was ok a lot of really amazing people had brains that worked "differently" including Mozart, Jefferson and Einstein to name just a few...and how wonderful it was that there are different kinds of brains that think differently...

Whatever is going on on with Will-it will be fine and you will resolve-maybe not today or tomorrow but sometime soon...

You know something isn't right...but what do you want to do/or have tested now to try to start to nail it down...

(I'm going to be online a lot today since I have this cold and I'm giving myself permission to relax and knock it out...if you need anything or having any questions...just post or PM me...I'm here....:hug:)

BTW-I was going to say hurrah for all your good Disney Plans but I went on this other tangent...

Thank you Patricia. There is some very good advice here. I do really need to think about what I want. I will probably take you up on your offer to PM you in a little while. I'm feeling better today, and I don't think the whole thing is as "bad" as it seemed to be at first (I tend to overreact sometimes-it causes problems. ;) ), but there is definitely an issue. There has been for a while. His kindergarten teacher tried to start the process of finding out what we could do, but the speech teacher blew her off and then she went to one different school and Will went to another. His first grade teacher knew there was some reading comprehension issues, but he seemed to be getting better (in her eyes) and she had so many kids that were below level, she just couldn't do much for him. So here we are. Now I'm rambling. I'll PM you in a bit and try to give you some background without making your eyes glaze over...

Thanks! :hug:

I hope you get it figured out with Will soon. I know you can't help but worry. He's your child! You'll worry when he's eighty and you're a hundred! That's just the way it is. If it is ADD or something like that (not saying it is, but you brought up the possibility), then HE will give you the tools you need to cope and help Will. Chances are, he's just adjusting and it's hard. I'll be praying that you get your answers soon.

Thanks for the advice on Mitchell. He's a very bright little boy, knows all his colors and shapes, letters, sounds they make, and now he's wanting to spell. ONly for short bouts, but still, he seems interested. Seems very excited that one day he can read his own books. Ah, our little babies are growing up! :guilty:

Congrats to Matt on the job he wanted. I know that will be good for him to be there for his kids and it will be good for Will and Christian too! HE is certainly blessing isn't HE?

Thanks. He's really excited about the job and I'm excited for him. As long as he gets the sleep he needs, it will probably be the best solution for all of us. HE definitely had HIS hand in this one.

Christian is always wanting to spell and read too. He can read quite a few sight words and sound out a lot too. He's forever asking me what "that" says. Work with Mitchell if you want to. It's only going to help him.

Good morning Heather. Yes, I'm finally up. I didn't go to bed till 1:30. Got to watching a movie and playing a game. Darn laptops.

Hope you have a grand day and get done what is needed for this day and enjoy it as it happens.

You have received lots of good advice here. Sort thru it use what fits you and Will.

Ginny

Thanks Ginny. :hug: I feel better today. I think I just needed to get it all out. Now I need to move slowly, like Patricia said, so we can figure out what is really going on.

I can't believe you stayed up that late! A nap might be in order today. ;)




BTW, I got their "Welcome to Disney World" sign cut out. I want to add some stickers and then I'll post a picture. Still working on the books....

[hhockman]

Just wanted to let you guys know that I just got an email back from his teacher with an excellent response. She is willing to conference in a couple of weeks (I believe it's actually a week from Thursday) so she can have time to get a few more grades together to look for patterns. That's good for me too so I can get my "thoughts" together as Patricia suggested.

She is also going to call me this week because she is concerned about Will's response when I try to talk about his papers ("I'm no good" ect).

I really feel like she is listening to my concerns and will work with me to address whatever needs to be addressed. Will also has a student teacher in his class until November, so there are two "adults" in there that can help.

Now to think about what comes next....

Thanks again so much for your prayers. You guys must have some pull with the man upstairs because I'm feeling awful blessed lately...especially with some great friends! :hug:

Patrician, I'm still going to PM you in a bit. ;)

[mommytothreeboys]

HI Heather!

I'm so glad you got a positive response from Will's teacher. If you aren't an advocate for your child, no one will be...that's your job. If things aren't sitting well with you, then you step in and get to the bottom of it! Just remember to take into account that it is very early in the year, etc. Let us know how things go. :goodvibes

Congrats to Matt on the new job. I hope the new shift is just what your family needs and you all adjust to the new schedule quickly!

Uh-oh...sounds like you have a little detective on your hands! I hope you are able to keep the secret as long as you want to!

The new surprise plans sound awesome! The boys will be thrilled! :banana:

[mickeystoontown]

Heather:

It sounds like the school problems are on their way to working out. Hunter went through a stage of "I'm dumb. Nobody likes me. I'm not good enough." I don't know where he got that because he has always had a ton of friends. We knew the teachers and knew that they'd never say anything like that at all. I think it's just a stage they all go through.

I'm so glad that your hubby was able to switch shifts. John has always said he would rather work graveyard shift than any other. We are really blessed that he has been able to be self-employed for years now and we haven't suffered from the economy.

Pray is a powerful thing!

[hhockman]

HI Heather!

I'm so glad you got a positive response from Will's teacher. If you aren't an advocate for your child, no one will be...that's your job. If things aren't sitting well with you, then you step in and get to the bottom of it! Just remember to take into account that it is very early in the year, etc. Let us know how things go. :goodvibes

Congrats to Matt on the new job. I hope the new shift is just what your family needs and you all adjust to the new schedule quickly!

Uh-oh...sounds like you have a little detective on your hands! I hope you are able to keep the secret as long as you want to!

The new surprise plans sound awesome! The boys will be thrilled! :banana:

I am really excited about the surprises. I just can't wait to see their faces (especially for the first really big surprise...:rotfl:). Also, I don't know if I've mentioned it or not, but we're not telling them that my parents are grandparents are coming either. We're just going to leave on Friday morning and say good-bye and then they can be surprised again when everyone shows up on Saturday! :)

I guess Christian isn't quite the detective I thought he was. I asked Matt about it and he said he actually said something about Disney World to Christian when the "castle" came up at the beginning of Underdog. :headache: Hopefully I've gotten him "off the scent" now. ;)

Heather:

It sounds like the school problems are on their way to working out. Hunter went through a stage of "I'm dumb. Nobody likes me. I'm not good enough." I don't know where he got that because he has always had a ton of friends. We knew the teachers and knew that they'd never say anything like that at all. I think it's just a stage they all go through.

I'm so glad that your hubby was able to switch shifts. John has always said he would rather work graveyard shift than any other. We are really blessed that he has been able to be self-employed for years now and we haven't suffered from the economy.

Pray is a powerful thing!

I'm not sure where Will gets it either. We're always really encouraging (well, sometimes Matt isn't, but it usually has to do with baseball-which isn't right either and we "discuss" it when Matt is, uh, less-than-encouraging). My mom and I were talking about it today and we both know that sometimes he just "uses" phrases like "I'm no good" to avoid really thinking about the question I asked him in the first place. But it's hard to tell when he really means it or not.

Matt is really excited about his new shift and I'm pretty happy about it too. It won't change my life that much, but I'm happy for him that he'll be able to be there for the kids' baseball and school things now. :)

Prayer is definitely a very powerful thing.

[DisneymoonJess07]

For the whole teaching your kid before school thing, my mom deliberately didn't teach me to read before school, and so I was so ready that I learned almost immediately and was ahead of grade level very quickly. I did like that I learned with the class, and the teacher knew exactly what level I was at so she recommended books for me. My husband taught himself to read before he went to school and did fine as well, so I'm not sure it totally matters.

In terms of his being bored or distracted - I had two experiences of that. I was always one of the top of my class, but in one class all my friends sat next to me so I would talk instead of doing thigns and would come up with writing assignments that didn't make sense because of the distractions, and later on, I was in a class that went very slowly with an excruciatingly boring teacher (I called him Mr Watermelon since he was about as interesting as one - I was 8) and again, I was distracted, by daydreaming this time, and it also meant a drop in grades.

Either way, I really applaud you for working to get this taken care of, whatever it turns out to be - and remember to look into the simple things as well as things that can be diagnosed. :hug: All my best to you and your family!

[hhockman]

For the whole teaching your kid before school thing, my mom deliberately didn't teach me to read before school, and so I was so ready that I learned almost immediately and was ahead of grade level very quickly. I did like that I learned with the class, and the teacher knew exactly what level I was at so she recommended books for me. My husband taught himself to read before he went to school and did fine as well, so I'm not sure it totally matters.

In terms of his being bored or distracted - I had two experiences of that. I was always one of the top of my class, but in one class all my friends sat next to me so I would talk instead of doing thigns and would come up with writing assignments that didn't make sense because of the distractions, and later on, I was in a class that went very slowly with an excruciatingly boring teacher (I called him Mr Watermelon since he was about as interesting as one - I was 8) and again, I was distracted, by daydreaming this time, and it also meant a drop in grades.

Either way, I really applaud you for working to get this taken care of, whatever it turns out to be - and remember to look into the simple things as well as things that can be diagnosed. :hug: All my best to you and your family!

Thanks Jess. I apprecite that. And guess what?

YOU'RE LEAVING TOMORROW!!!!

:dance3::yay::woohoo::cheer2::banana::cool1:

[longing2Batdisney]

Hey Heather! sorry I missed your problem with Will but it sounds like everything is falling into place!
I'm happy that Matt is happy with his new shift and I hope that everything is going well! and falling into the place you and Matt need it to be!

Disney time is almost here!!!!! I wish I could say the same
Have a great rest of the weekend!!! :wave2:

[hhockman]

Hey Heather! sorry I missed your problem with Will but it sounds like everything is falling into place!
I'm happy that Matt is happy with his new shift and I hope that everything is going well! and falling into the place you and Matt need it to be!

Disney time is almost here!!!!! I wish I could say the same
Have a great rest of the weekend!!! :wave2:

Thanks Connie! Things are going fairly well this weekend. I hope you are having a good weekend too! :goodvibes

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Look at you Heather. Getting so close. Hope you've had a great weekend. I think everything will work out for everyone. (for whatever I think is worth)

Ginny

[hhockman]

Look at you Heather. Getting so close. Hope you've had a great weekend. I think everything will work out for everyone. (for whatever I think is worth)

Ginny

It's been a good weekend. Thanks Ginny. I'm sure what you think is worth a lot. :) If you think you have any pull, I can use all the prayers I can get in the teaching job department. Now that Matt has a job he is happy with. :)

I hope you had a great weekend too!

[hhockman]

Hey everyone! I hope you all had a good weekend. :goodvibes We didn't do much here. Christian's practice got rained out on Friday. On Saturday we had a workday at the park. The boys went and played with their friends Caleb and Jared and Cole was there too. Cole came home with us (and ended up spending the night-Will and Christian have both been asking for him to come over). Later yesterday afternoon Matt took Will and Cole back over to the ballpark where they met Aaron and his dad (who are also on our team) and Colton and his dad (good friends of ours who have been on our team since Colton started at 6, but are on a different team this season. Colton's mom is going to be feeding our dogs and cat while we're at Disney). They were there for about 4 hours.

I went to Walmart and Publix with my mom. Christian went to Walmart with us. He did pretty good for a while, but eventually got bored (who can blame the poor boy). I picked up a Level 2 DK Readers Pokemon book for him to look through and at one point the poor thing is trying to sound out the words letter by letter. We're working on learning to read, but the poor kid wants to be able to read NOW.

This morning we went to Tony and Kelly's church (because we had Cole). I really like their church, but it's kind of a drive for us, so we don't always go there (we are members at a church here, but haven't gone to that one in a really long time. It's huge and we just got to where we felt swallowed up. We've gone to a couple of others in the meantime and Matt and I like Tony and Kelly's the best, although it's small. It's a little old-fashioned, but reminds us of the church we grew up in back in Fort Walton. There's also another church that we've gone to the most the last 6 months. It's also a bit of a drive (most of the places we've been are), but not quite as far. We really liked our Sunday School class and what they have for the kids, but we like the preaching better at Tony and Kelly's. We went so far as to take the Membership class at this church (but haven't joined yet because the Membership class made me uncomfortable). We've had a really hard time finding the church we want here because almost all the churches are either big or small and we like medium. Small enough to know everyone, big enough to have what we want for the kids. If Tony and Kelly's wasn't so far away, we would probably continue to go there. If we ever manage to get our own house, we will probably be moving over to that side of town, so it will be closer and maybe we will go more often (my parents and brother and SIL and grandparents went with us to that church at Christmas-my grandparents liked it but everyone else didn't. Of course they all didn't like the other, bigger and newer, one we've been going to at Easter either). Wow. What a long paragraph about church. Guess I feel like I can tell you guys anything. ;)

Anyway, after the service got out and I picked Christian up from the 3-4-5 class, we went into the Fellowship Hall to get Will from Children's Church and found this:

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/IMG_3349.jpg

They were singing and doing sign language to the song "Jesus Messiah" (LOVE that song). Cole was standing over to the side, not really participating, but Will was right up front in the middle of the action-remember this is not our regular church and we haven't been there in a WHILE. I'm not sure he even knows anyone besides Cole. I told you he loves music (incedentally, when they went to bed tonight they both asked to watch Baby Einstein: Meet the Orchestra. Yes, my kids both still like to watch Baby Einstein because they love the classical music. The both loved Little Einsteins too (though don't watch it much now). Will said he wanted to watch it because of the "saxophone part". I thought it was funny that we were just talking about this on Lisa's thread).

For the fun of it, here is a picture of Christian. He was looking at my mom's search-a-word book and reading the letters. Then I heard him asking himself what he needed to do to "put the check mark" (that you put in the box next to the word after you find it). Here he is looking at the book:

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/IMG_3354.jpg

and then I had him look up:

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/IMG_3355.jpg

Once the kids went to bed (not that they are asleep yet), I finally got a picture of the Welcome to Disney World sign:

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/IMG_3356.jpg

Here are upclose pictures of the boys names that will go at the front and end of the sign:

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/IMG_3357.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/IMG_3358.jpg

And here are the Mickey Heads the kids will follow to find their goodies (SO love my Cricut). There are more than this, but I just took the picture of a few because they are all the same:

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/IMG_3359.jpg

I think I mentioned this when I told you about Matt almost ruining the surprise with Christian (thankfully he's back to clueless), but we did get another envelope full of vouchers and luggage tags on Friday after taking Cole off the reservation. Still fun to get Mickey Mail, even when it's repeat Mickey Mail.

I'm making progress on the books. I took a 3 hour nap today (which didn't make me feel any less tired and didn't get rid of the headache I had-still have, though it's minor), so I will probably be up for a while tonight. Might finish them. I'm playing with the idea of making Matt one. He said he doesn't need one, but I would love to have his thoughts about each day too, and I think it would be a fun activity for us all to do together every night. If I do it, his will probably be Disney themed (unlike mine), but much simpler than the boys'.

Both boys were supposed to have practice today, but it rained all day so both practices got cancelled. That means Christian hasn't had a practice all week. Will has practice tomorrow, but Christian doesn't have it again until Friday. I really hope it doesn't rain.

So, a pretty low-key weekend, but decent. I spent an hour today just sitting with the boys playing Pokemon. I love spending this time with them and I am so looking forward to the 8 days we're going to have at Disney SOON. :yay:

[aaaateamsgrandma]

It is really hard to find the 'right' church that suits your needs. It is out there. Don't rush to join just to join. You will be led to the one that will be 'yours'. And you will know it when it happens. Glad you had a good weekend. We did. Drove 1 1/2 hours last night to Kansas for a place Sheri wanted to eat at. Silly girl. It was delish. Really busy day tomorrow. End of month bills need mailed and the mood the Doc has been in for the past 2 weeks he'll find something major for me to undertake I'm sure.

Have a great week. We haven't had rain in the day time here since Wednesday.

Ginny

[mickeystoontown]

It's really hard to find a church that feels "right" for your family. John's dad is a pastor and we used to go to their church every Sunday. It was over an hour drive there, we usually ended up eating with them and then we had to drive back. The majority of our day was on the road. Then, there were family problems and I just couldn't stand sitting in church with some members of the family. All I wanted to do was go home. I wasn't listening to anything John's Dad was saying. It was a waste of my time and I felt like I was wasting God's time. I mentioned it to John and he was feeling the same exact way. John's Dad was a little country church with about 50 to 70 people.

We decided to go to our present church which has an average "big church" attendance of 600. Wee Worship has about 50 kids and children's church has about 75 kids. Youth has 100 kids. It's a big church. But, John and I really like it.

John likes the fact that he can walk in and if he wants to participate he can, if he doesn't want to participate, he doesn't have to. He has this thing about being watched because he's a preacher's kid. Everybody was always waiting for him and his siblings to do something wrong so they could be talked about.

We haven't been to church on a regular basis in a while. Some of ya'll might remember from my prior trip report that I left my job because my boss was doing some things that weren't quite on the up-and-up. Tax evasion, putting everything he owned into his wife's name in case the IRS came after his business. And more! I found out about them and jumped ship. I also knew he was sending his grown kids money and his wife didn't know about it. That was always a big bone of contention between them. Anyway, I went to the church counselors because I just had to talk to somebody about the situation. They helped me through it all.

I thought that all was well until I hear all these things that my ex-boss is saying about me....I stole from him. I let his insurance lapse. I didn't do the work I was supposed to do. Etc. Etc. Etc. I know that he is only saying these things to cover his own behind with his wife who now owns everything (remember, the dummy put all of his assets in his wife's name). So, in other words, she has him by his **** and he has to say anything to save face and keep her happy. I spoke to the church counselors again. They told me to hold my head high and try not to let it affect me. The problem? A lot of my old boss' clients go to my church. I know for a fact that he has told them all of these false things. Even though I know that I didn't do anything that my old boss accused me of, they don't. To make a long story short, I now feel uncomfortable in my own church so I don't go regularly like I should.

I am so sorry to have posted all my "junk" but, like we say all the time, I consider all of us to be friends.

Lordy Heather, you've said that any lurkers might think you were crazy. Well, now, they think you've got a reader who is a thief and is crazy.:laughing: I assure you....I am not! Well, not a thief but I sometimes think I am crazy.:lmao:

On to the good stuff, I think your Welcome To Disney World sign is going to be so cute and I love all the Mickeys.

Your friend,

Lisa

[mommytothreeboys]

I agree, finding the right church is tricky. Remember, no church is perfect! We aren't 100% happy with ours right now, but not quite ready to leave either. It's a real balance. I love the pic of the kids singing! I'm the Director of Children's Ministries at our church so that just touches my heart!

Great sign and cool Mickey heads! That is going to be so fun for the boys! :banana:

[hhockman]

It's cool Lisa. It might be easier for our readers if we all had one thread (like when I started posting about Will's love of music which was a take-off of your thread). Maybe it will encourage everyone to read ALL of our TRs. :thumbsup2

Oh, and just so you know, your church would be what we considered "medium". The church where we went when we first came here split the preschoolers up into 3-4 classes PER age (so there was a Sept-Dec birthdays class, a Jan-Mar birthdays class, an April-June birthdays class and a July-August birthdays class-or something like that). There were THAT many people there. In the thousands. Even when Will was in Kindergarten there were two classes for Kindergarten in each Sunday School hour (services at 8, 9:30, and 11:00, Sunday School at 9:30 and 11:00). Seriously. It was too big. The one we've been going to is smaller. Probably closer to the size of yours. There are still 2 or 3 Sunday School classes for 4 year olds. The have maybe 50-75 in Children's Church each hour, but the first hour is grades 3-5 and the second hour is grades K-2. The church where we were yesterday had maybe 20 kids in Christian's 3-4-5 class and maybe 40 in Children's Church grades 1-6. So MUCH smaller. What we actually want is something like your church.

And we spent most of the summer not in church too. I missed the Sunday I went to my cousin's wedding in April and didn't get back to church until the Sunday after school started in August. We missed VBS at both the huge church and at the one we've been attending. Not for any good reason but just because I didn't want to drive there every day (they are both far enough away that gas is an issue if you're going 5 days in a week). So, you're not the only one who hasn't been as often as they should. And I understand where you're coming from. It would be hard to change churches-and also not fair to you-but gossip is an awful thing. Believe me, I know.

I'm so glad we've got this group of friends here we can all talk to :grouphug:.

Oh, and totally on a different (Disney) topic, I think I'm moving our June trip back by a couple of days! I'm really thinking of renting DVC so we can do AKL for the Disney part of the trip, and the number of points needed go way up after the 10th. So I'm thinking we might do Disney the 6th-10th and then the other places (when we'd be staying in the Nick Hotel) the 11th-16th. The problem with that is, we want to be there for SWW and if we arrive on the 6th we won't see much, so we might have to come in on the 5th and just stay somewhere else or something so we can be there all day on the 6th. Not sure yet. Still not sure I'm going to do the renting thing. Gotta find someone we can trust that will still have points available in February (everyone says with renting you have to do it 7 months out and I don't think we'll have the money in November). We'll see. So MAYBE we'll get to see you. I can't remember if you were supposed to leave the 5th or the 6th. But even so, maybe. That would be SO cool! :goodvibes

[mickeystoontown]

I agree, finding the right church is tricky. Remember, no church is perfect! We aren't 100% happy with ours right now, but not quite ready to leave either. It's a real balance.

I totally agree with you. I think John has a kind of warped sense about churches sometimes since he was always the preacher's kid. He's seen all the ya-yaing that goes on behind the scenes. I think he said they averaged about 2 or 3 years in each church. So, that's a lot of churches from the time he was born until he was 18. One day, we'll find a church where each member of our family feels comfortable and so will you, Heather.

[hhockman]

I agree, finding the right church is tricky. Remember, no church is perfect! We aren't 100% happy with ours right now, but not quite ready to leave either. It's a real balance. I love the pic of the kids singing! I'm the Director of Children's Ministries at our church so that just touches my heart!

Great sign and cool Mickey heads! That is going to be so fun for the boys! :banana:

If we lived where you live we would go to YOUR church because the Children's Ministries is what I'm most interested in right now and I know yours must be a GREAT one if you're running it!

I know a lot of people probably aren't 100% happy with their church all the time. I just want to feel comfortable. The only one where we really feel comfortable is the small one. And the big problem with that one is distance. We'll figure it out eventually I'm sure. :)

[hhockman]

So I was looking over menus last night and trying to figure out if the money I'm budgeting for gratuity is enough (remember, our group is well over 6 for almost every meal, so they are going to automatically add 18%). Some of the prices were :scared1:, especially on the buffets. I just couldn't believe the prices have gone up that much. Or maybe I didn't know how much they were before. I mean $28.99 at Garden Grill for an adult really just seems like a lot. Also, in looking at the menus I actually, well, LOOKED at the menus. And discovered that pretty much no one in my family is going to eat what they have available at San Angel. Even the kids. Well, maybe the quesadilla. Maybe. So, the result was that I did two things to our ADRs:

-I changed Whispering Canyon from a dinner to a lunch. The prices are much better at lunch, but more than that I like what is available at lunch better. There are a lot of sandwiches and that kind of thing as opposed to huge meals. Plus I like the idea of being at MK for 3-4 hours, riding the boat over to WL to eat lunch, then going back to to MK for 4-5 hours. Our old plan was to be at MK before rope drop (9:15 at the Pirate League, remember?), stay all day. And then leave about 5:00 for dinner at WL at 5:50. This idea is SO much better for everyone (especially the kids...and my grandparents).

-The second change is that I cancelled San Angel at 5:00 and got Planet Hollywood at 3:30. The only problem with that is that we'll have to leave Blizzard Beach a little earlier than I wanted to, but if we really feel like we didn't get enough time there, we can always go back on Friday morning. They didn't have anything in the early evening at Planet Hollywood, and I didn't want to make it too late because we need to be at Epcot in time for Illuminations (which we're not watching on Sunday because we're going over to MK for EMH). I'm actually pretty happy with this change too, because I can't even get enough of Epcot and this will get us there early enough to really do some countries again. We're staying for Epcot EMH on this night, but most of World Showcase (except Mexico and Norway) is closed. Also, both my mom and Matt had said they wanted to eat at Planet Hollywood and that they thought the kids would like it. Plus, we all have the $15 vouchers, so if we want appetizers we can get them. :)

The only other change is that we MIGHT drop Rainforest Cafe on Friday night. I'm not sure we'll want to pay OOP for the difference after the $25 GC I have by this point in the week, plus after doing TRex AND Planet Hollywood, I think the kids might be just about to the point of BTDT. I'm also thinking that our first night there we're probably going to do Wolfgang Puck Express because it's right across from Disney Quest so on this night (our last night-Friday, the 25th) it might be a good time to finally do Earl of Sandwich. All the pictures I've seen are making me really want to get this into the plan somewhere...and I'm pretty sure we do have one QS credit left (I was planning to use it to get food "to go" for the trip home, but I'm not sure how that would work anyway).

So, a few changes, but I'm really happy with all of them. It takes away one of Matt's "new" restaurants (but not one of mine because I did San Angel a really long time ago so I wasn't counting that as new for me-we've ALL done Planet Hollywood-but it's been a while), but that's okay. If you count EOS then I added a different new one for both of us.

Off to read and see what everyone is up to today. 17 days!!! :cool1:

[mickeystoontown]

It sounds like the changes will work out for you guys in the long run. I think we are going to stick to restaurants that are on the dining plan next year. We always save one of the credits and then combine it with another table service credit in order to see a dinner show. We've done Hoop Dee Doo twice and the luau this past trip. Mickey's Backyard BBQ just doesn't sound like something we'd want to do. Thus, there will be no need to pay out of pocket for any meal.

If it were me, I'd drop the Rainforest Cafe ADR too. Especially since you are doing Planet Hollywood and T-Rex.

I've thought about booking an ADR at San Angel but Hunter is so picky. He won't eat anything on their menu. But, it looks like a cool place to eat.

Just 17 days!

[mommytothreeboys]

Your ADR changes look good. I think it's wise to switch to a lunch at WCC..it will break up the day nicely.

No point in going to San Angel if no one is going to enjoy it. The atmosphere is great, but not worth the hassle if no one eats!

Blizzard Beach is great...we spent the whole day there. But...it's nice that you can squeeze it back in another time if you want to. ;)

I'd play the RFC ressie by ear. If you realize that it's just going to be overkill, cancel and do something more simple like EOS. :thumbsup2

[longing2Batdisney]

I agree with Missy and Lisa...your idea and update on the ADR's seem a better fit for your family! and since you are going in June you can do T-Rex this go round and plan for RFC next time that gives you and the family something to look forward to next time!

Have a great day!!
:wave:

BTW--I really like your welcome sign!!!! and the smaller mickey heads great idea... and I was not looking for the edible confetti but the ones I've seen at walmart/party city in the party section! Hope you have luck finding them. I did think of something I had purchased at walgreens sometime back. They were small shiny (mylar type) disney charcter stickers (I want to say the fab 5) that would make great confetti and than they could use them in a book or something to that sort!

[aaaateamsgrandma]

If you think you have any pull, I can use all the prayers I can get in the teaching job department.

I meant to tell you sooner that I know I have no more 'pull' than the next person but I think that our group together can help.

Hope you are having a wonderful day.

[DisneyMomLiz]

Hi Heather, sorry I was MIA for the Will issues with school and church decisions...but lots of :hug: that everything gets resolved for the best! :goodvibes

ADR changes sound good :yay: for more EPCOT time, love EPCOT! Which day will you be at Planet Hollywood? We have a 4pm ressie on the 15th, but I have to go back and check your days, I know we overlap, just can't remember beg. or end?

[mickeystoontown]

I meant to tell you sooner that I know I have no more 'pull' than the next person but I think that our group together can help.

Hope you are having a wonderful day.



Amen!

[hhockman]

Your ADR changes look good. I think it's wise to switch to a lunch at WCC..it will break up the day nicely.

No point in going to San Angel if no one is going to enjoy it. The atmosphere is great, but not worth the hassle if no one eats!

Blizzard Beach is great...we spent the whole day there. But...it's nice that you can squeeze it back in another time if you want to. ;)

I'd play the RFC ressie by ear. If you realize that it's just going to be overkill, cancel and do something more simple like EOS. :thumbsup2

That's exactly what I plan to do. I'm not cancelling the RFC ressie. I'll just wait and see how we feel that day (and whether or not we've managed to make it to EOS yet).

Matt and I have done Blizzard Beach before but I don't think the kids have. Maybe Will. Maybe. I'm hoping we will get enough time in, but we have all morning Friday if we need it too. Of course we will have the same amount of time at Typhoon Lagoon on Saturday too, so we may decide to return there. We'll see. :)

I've been to San Angel before and the atmosphere is awesome, but my dad doesn't even eat lettuce on his tacos and my SIL doesn't like mexican at all, so we're better of at PH. ;)

I agree with Missy and Lisa...your idea and update on the ADR's seem a better fit for your family! and since you are going in June you can do T-Rex this go round and plan for RFC next time that gives you and the family something to look forward to next time!

Have a great day!!
:wave:

BTW--I really like your welcome sign!!!! and the smaller mickey heads great idea... and I was not looking for the edible confetti but the ones I've seen at walmart/party city in the party section! Hope you have luck finding them. I did think of something I had purchased at walgreens sometime back. They were small shiny (mylar type) disney charcter stickers (I want to say the fab 5) that would make great confetti and than they could use them in a book or something to that sort!

Thank you! I think I know the stickers you're talking about. If I remember right I got some last time, but no idea what I did with them. I've seen them around though and those just might work...

I meant to tell you sooner that I know I have no more 'pull' than the next person but I think that our group together can help.

Hope you are having a wonderful day.

I am having a good day, thanks. I hope you are too. And I know this group must have something, because HE put us all together! :grouphug:

Hi Heather, sorry I was MIA for the Will issues with school and church decisions...but lots of :hug: that everything gets resolved for the best! :goodvibes

ADR changes sound good :yay: for more EPCOT time, love EPCOT! Which day will you be at Planet Hollywood? We have a 4pm ressie on the 15th, but I have to go back and check your days, I know we overlap, just can't remember beg. or end?

No problem. :) I think we overlap at the beginning...and just barely. We arrive on the 18th and I think you're leaving on the 19th. My PH is on the 23rd. We're doing DTD on the 18th and if I remember right, you're in a park (EPCOT maybe?). It's too bad. I wish we could come a day early. LOL

Amen!

I second that!

[aaaateamsgrandma]

I am having a good day, thanks. I hope you are too. And I know this group must have something, because HE put us all together!

I know we all feel that way. What's the chances? We were very fortunate to meet. I haven't sent my package yet cause I was lazy over the weeked but I will get it done

[mousescrapper]

Hi Heather...

I am so sorry I became a little MIA w/ your PTR here....:sad2:



I was in Archiver's looking for Disney today too! Didn't find what I needed, but I was there for a minute. I did buy 3 stickers today. I really think these books I'm making for the boys are going to end up costing more than if I'd just bought them each a Guide to the Magic!

Have you ever tried the online Disney scrapbbok supply store Mouse Memories?....carefull though you can get carried away...they have several different things you can't find at Archivers, etc...but prices are basically the same

and hey the point is YOU MADE IT!!!! way more special :goodvibes







Mickey-head shaped confetti-anyone know where I can find it? I've looked and can't find it anywhere-or at least colored confetti to put all over the room.

Not sure if you can get Mickey Confetti, but you should be able to get fun colored stuff at any party store...and if you really had time on your hands...not sure if a tiny confetti size Mickey head punch exits but you could punch your own :rotfl:

Mickey balloon and have it floating on the ceiling (does anyone know where I can get the balloons outside of the parks?-we can't go into the parks until Saturday).

I really think you can only get in the parks....besides they are SCARY expensive....how about paper cut out ballons in the shape of a Mikcey Head? I did that for Mae and Margaret's Mickey Mouse b-day party last yr.




The whole surprise sounds so wonderful...who would think to do this once you are there...I can't wait to here how it goes and there reaction....KIM, when we decorated my parents room it took us w/ 2 people and some helps over a half hour to just decoate...so make sure you have enough time and I love the letters for your sign SO AWESOME!!!!!

Will...

first I have to give out a :hug:

I know my friend, I have been there! :hug:

I think Patricia has some wonderful points....


Will is still the same awesome kid he was just 4 weeks ago before school began...he's obviously just having some problems in school right now...

he has a supportive family and a mother who is more than willing to go to bat for him...


I think you need to really think about WHAT YOU WANT & WHAT YOU ARE ASKING THEM FOR
When you go in you want to be able to drive the direction of the meetings-or else you will be driven-


It's going to all be ok-it really and truly is and I understand (believe me I really do) your desire to figure this all out ASAP but unless you nail it correctly -it may only make things worse...slow and steady and correctly is how you want to go...


Whatever is going on on with Will-it will be fine and you will resolve-maybe not today or tomorrow but sometime soon...



Just wanted to let you guys know that I just got an email back from his teacher with an excellent response. She is willing to conference in a couple of weeks (I believe it's actually a week from Thursday) so she can have time to get a few more grades together to look for patterns. That's good for me too so I can get my "thoughts" together as Patricia suggested.



First I am so glad to hear his teacher is on board and happy to meet w/ you now and not let a whole quarter slip by, but as well glad she is willing to watch and see!!!!

2nd...something I'm not sure has been mentioned by you or other posters as thoughts to ponder as you weigh this situation w/ Will.

* it's not just a new grade but new work....yes generally the first few weeks and quater is somewhat review of ALL OF THE LAST SCHOOL YEAR in 6 weeks or so....so what I am saying that the speed of work, and pace they may be going could be hard or him to keep up in.

As you know my Aldine (10) just started 5th grade was recently diagnosed w/ ADHD. It wasn't like yesterday she woke up and had it or yesterday Matt and I said we think Aldine is ADHD....

it started a little here and then there and eventually it was all over! (kinda like the years and sequences leading to Michael being diagnosed w/ it and Aspergers) K-2 were good years for her, she was doing quite well, nothing really to worry or complain about, she seemed able to handle and manage what was expected, but 3rd grade thru 4th was different is was increasingly harder and harder for her to manage and her work (marks, grades, production) was slipping.

All I'm saying is yes it's OK to be concerned and yes it could be "something" but I think you already know not to over annalyze it, but keep a careful eye. You are Will's Mom and you know him best :)

ADD or ADHD may seem to be thrown around a lot these days...but I feel that if you have a doctor you trust and know...you are in good hands. I also feel it is diagnosed more becuase the Doctors know more understnad more can easily test for it and have a more complete accessement done.

The first full day of school Aldine had 3 peices of homework and it took her all afternoon and evening after dinner to get it done....I was like :eek: are you kidding me...we [her] are [is] suppose to be handling this easier and getiing it done w/out trouble...she eventually did finish and the last few days same amount of work...but she is moving quicker and easier....

I am calming down ;)

You and Will will be in my thoughts...I understand :angel:


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 more things:

Church: It [HE] will find you I am sure of it!!!!

Changing ADR's: :thumbsup2 making good decisions there...I like the lunch hour personally, beat the heat and crowds get a mid-day boost!

I havn't dined at TREX or RC at Disney, but I have ate at RC our here...it is more astomphere then food imho...so if you were to drop it I don't think you'd miss much...

3 more weeks is a long time...but not as long as 3 months ;)

J-

[DisneyMomLiz]

No problem. :) I think we overlap at the beginning...and just barely. We arrive on the 18th and I think you're leaving on the 19th. My PH is on the 23rd. We're doing DTD on the 18th and if I remember right, you're in a park (EPCOT maybe?). It's too bad. I wish we could come a day early. LOL


:thumbsup2 thanks for reminding me. We're actually there until the 20th :goodvibes. Yep, the 18th we'll be at EPCOT all day, then 19th DHS and MK, then 20th AK our traditional last day park. I wish you could come a day early too ;)

[hhockman]

Hi Heather...

I am so sorry I became a little MIA w/ your PTR here....:sad2:






The whole surprise sounds so wonderful...who would think to do this once you are there...I can't wait to here how it goes and there reaction....KIM, when we decorated my parents room it took us w/ 2 people and some helps over a half hour to just decoate...so make sure you have enough time and I love the letters for your sign SO AWESOME!!!!!

Will...

first I have to give out a :hug:

I know my friend, I have been there! :hug:

I think Patricia has some wonderful points....






First I am so glad to hear his teacher is on board and happy to meet w/ you now and not let a whole quarter slip by, but as well glad she is willing to watch and see!!!!

2nd...something I'm not sure has been mentioned by you or other posters as thoughts to ponder as you weigh this situation w/ Will.

* it's not just a new grade but new work....yes generally the first few weeks and quater is somewhat review of ALL OF THE LAST SCHOOL YEAR in 6 weeks or so....so what I am saying that the speed of work, and pace they may be going could be hard or him to keep up in.

As you know my Aldine (10) just started 5th grade was recently diagnosed w/ ADHD. It wasn't like yesterday she woke up and had it or yesterday Matt and I said we think Aldine is ADHD....

it started a little here and then there and eventually it was all over! (kinda like the years and sequences leading to Michael being diagnosed w/ it and Aspergers) K-2 were good years for her, she was doing quite well, nothing really to worry or complain about, she seemed able to handle and manage what was expected, but 3rd grade thru 4th was different is was increasingly harder and harder for her to manage and her work (marks, grades, production) was slipping.

All I'm saying is yes it's OK to be concerned and yes it could be "something" but I think you already know not to over annalyze it, but keep a careful eye. You are Will's Mom and you know him best :)

ADD or ADHD may seem to be thrown around a lot these days...but I feel that if you have a doctor you trust and know...you are in good hands. I also feel it is diagnosed more becuase the Doctors know more understnad more can easily test for it and have a more complete accessement done.

The first full day of school Aldine had 3 peices of homework and it took her all afternoon and evening after dinner to get it done....I was like :eek: are you kidding me...we [her] are [is] suppose to be handling this easier and getiing it done w/out trouble...she eventually did finish and the last few days same amount of work...but she is moving quicker and easier....

I am calming down ;)

You and Will will be in my thoughts...I understand :angel:


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 more things:

Church: It [HE] will find you I am sure of it!!!!

Changing ADR's: :thumbsup2 making good decisions there...I like the lunch hour personally, beat the heat and crowds get a mid-day boost!

I havn't dined at TREX or RC at Disney, but I have ate at RC our here...it is more astomphere then food imho...so if you were to drop it I don't think you'd miss much...

3 more weeks is a long time...but not as long as 3 months ;)

J-

It's okay, Julie. I know you've been busy! I said it on your report, but I'll say it again here too. :bday:

Thank you for all of your input. I'm so thankful to have friends here that understand that I overanalyze everything too much. We got mid-quarter progress reports today. In 2nd grade they don't get letter grades (As,Bs,Cs etc) yet. They still get Os, Ss, Ns, and Us. For progress reports they get "Exemplary Work", "Passing", "Borderline", and "Not Passing". I'm happy to say that for everything he was graded on (they didn't get grades in Social Studies and Health because they haven't done any yet) he was "Passing" except in Spelling where he got "Exemplary Work". So I am happy. Maybe I'm not seeing as many Ns and Us as I think I am. Or maybe there is work that hasn't come home yet.

His teacher said the same thing you said about it being a new year and having to get into the routine of more challenging work at a quicker pace. She also said he's not the only one that "doesn't completely read directions". He is in what is supposed to be a somewhat accelerated class. If I understand correctly the Gifted Certified teachers get the higher level kids. I'm not positive about how the whole thing works, but his teacher is Gifted Certified and he doesn't have a single child in his class that was in his class last year. So maybe the work is a step up for him (which he needed compared to last year) too. It's not a Gifted class. Gifted is pull-out, but there are probably Gifted kids in the class.

I know that there is an issue there. He has a long history (that I explained to Patricia in a PM (well, two actually) about as long as a book. It most likely stems from ear infections/hearing issues he had as a baby. So I do want to talk to his teacher so that she can watch for the things I know he already has issues with. The other, the carelessness, may very well be a beginning of the year thing. We will both be watching to see.

I so appreciate your input and I will definitely keep you all updated (as I hope you will do with us on your blog and coming PTR). The DIS just has a way of making friends out of people who've never met and I have some great friends on this board! :grouphug:

As far as time, yes three weeks is most definitely less than three months (or the 14 1/2 you still have to go! :scared1:). And it's even less than three weeks now. Thanks for the reminder!

I hope you kids are settling back into their school routine well. Did Aldine do better with homework tonight? How is Michael doing this year?

Gotta go read your Days 2-4 final thoughts now! :goodvibes

:thumbsup2 thanks for reminding me. We're actually there until the 20th :goodvibes. Yep, the 18th we'll be at EPCOT all day, then 19th DHS and MK, then 20th AK our traditional last day park. I wish you could come a day early too ;)

Hey! Somehow I missed that you'll be at MK on the 19th. We'll be there that night! We're doing Typhoon Lagoon in the morning then going to ESPN to watch the Gator game...uh, eat lunch...:rolleyes1. Then we're going to MK to see Spectromagic and Wishes. Are you guys staying that late? Maybe we will see you! That would be cool. :yay:

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hey Heather,

Before I forget "Smart but Scattered" is a book I'm in the process of reading-It's all about helping children who have Executive Planning problems...good, good, read...:thumbsup2

(In short for anyone reading not familiar with Executive Planning-its the set of skills that enable us to hear as assignment and carry it out from start to completion...getting organized, staying focused, and controlling impulses and emotions...everyone uses it...you don't need any kind of official "diagnosis' to need help with Executive Planning although certain diagnoses will almost always carry an EP deficit with them...ADD with or without impulsivity, -some of the sensory processing disorders, Spectrum Disorders-BUT any one can have a deficit in this area and the book goes through lots of practical hands on stuff to help with it...


Anyhow-you are getting closer and closer...:yay:

I want a cricut...that looks like so much fun...GReat Sign...

I think you will love taking a break for lunch at Whispering Cayon-we did that once....a ways back...before DS was born...but the ride was fun on the boat...it is so relaxing over at the WL and the WCC was a little more mellow at lunch with a variety of choices...:thumbsup2...Awesome choice....

WPE is very good and I'm really curious to hear about PH-I think the kids might like that...

[mickeystoontown]

Morning Heather,

It certainly sounds like you and your teacher are on the same page. I am sure that helps calm your fears a little.

How's the Disney planning going today?

It's pretty calm at the office right now but I am sure it's about to pick up 'cause the boss just came in. Ugh! Hopefully, he's in a better mood than he was yesterday. If not, I may just have to fire him.:rotfl:

Lisa

[mousescrapper]

Did Aldine do better with homework tonight? How is Michael doing this year?

Gotta go read your Days 2-4 final thoughts now! :goodvibes

First wonderful news about Will's PR....

to answer your questions? Yes, that she got it done fairly quickly but no that we had to drive back to school to get her homework before she could even begin :headache: we're getting there

and so far :thumbsup2 for Michael he has mentioned getting "water in his eyes" a few times when something didn't quite go right for him and he's a bit confused about when snack time is suppose to be...doesn't seem he understands the routine yet of class or the teacher has not established enough of one for him :confused3 curric night is tomorrow for 5th so hopefully I'll get a few more ideas of what is going on and then we are in the process of setting his 504 plan meeting for the school yr later this month (he is not on an IEP...whole other story there) I will request a meet w/ his teacher before that too. But at home he is doing ok...bit of a blow-up last night as Matt and I were coming home from 1st grade curric night and he had a major rough appt w/ his pschologist on Monday after school...which Matt and I are still trying to smooth the edges out...I'll tell you more on that later.

Thanks for thinking of us!

J-



Hey Heather,

Before I forget "Smart but Scattered" is a book I'm in the process of reading-It's all about helping children who have Executive Planning problems...good, good, read...:thumbsup2



what is the author on this?

TIA

[hhockman]

Hey Heather,

Before I forget "Smart but Scattered" is a book I'm in the process of reading-It's all about helping children who have Executive Planning problems...good, good, read...:thumbsup2

(In short for anyone reading not familiar with Executive Planning-its the set of skills that enable us to hear as assignment and carry it out from start to completion...getting organized, staying focused, and controlling impulses and emotions...everyone uses it...you don't need any kind of official "diagnosis' to need help with Executive Planning although certain diagnoses will almost always carry an EP deficit with them...ADD with or without impulsivity, -some of the sensory processing disorders, Spectrum Disorders-BUT any one can have a deficit in this area and the book goes through lots of practical hands on stuff to help with it...


Anyhow-you are getting closer and closer...:yay:

I want a cricut...that looks like so much fun...GReat Sign...

I think you will love taking a break for lunch at Whispering Cayon-we did that once....a ways back...before DS was born...but the ride was fun on the boat...it is so relaxing over at the WL and the WCC was a little more mellow at lunch with a variety of choices...:thumbsup2...Awesome choice....

WPE is very good and I'm really curious to hear about PH-I think the kids might like that...

Thanks Patricia. I will definitely look for that book. It sounds like it could really help him.

And I think the lunch at WCC is a really good idea. I'm liking it more and more.

(Incidentally, I was talking to Matt the other day and I said something about the DVC and AKL and he made fun of me for using acronyms! Apparently people don't talk like that outside of the DISboards :confused3).
Morning Heather,

It certainly sounds like you and your teacher are on the same page. I am sure that helps calm your fears a little.

How's the Disney planning going today?

It's pretty calm at the office right now but I am sure it's about to pick up 'cause the boss just came in. Ugh! Hopefully, he's in a better mood than he was yesterday. If not, I may just have to fire him.:rotfl:

Lisa

The planning is going well.

I had to change a bunch more things this morning and I just finished all of the changes. And I had to make golf reservations. I told my dad and my brother that I'm going to charge them a Travel Agent fee. My brother wants a typed itenerary with the places that he HAS to be a certain time highlighted. And he's serious. He figures I'm doing one for myself anyway, so I can just make him a copy. Except I'm not. I'm happy with my written in pencil itenerary. But I'll probably do it anyway. And then charge him for it. ;)

I'd update about everything right now, but I'm starving so I need to go find something to eat.

Yesterday Christian turned on Underdog, the Castle came up and he says "Mama, I want to go to Disney World! I want to see Mickey Mouse!" :headache: I meanwhile, want to do some not-so-nice things to my husband who thought it would be funny to plant that idea in the child's head. :mad: I mumbled the "not-any-time-soon" excuse again, feeling a little bad because now it is rather, um, soon.

Then I got a brilliant :idea:

"Hey Honey, how 'bout we go for your birthday next year?!"

'Cause we ARE going for his birthday next year. And I'm not planning on that one being a surprise. :thumbsup2

So now any time he asks I can say "for your birthday..." and leave it at that.

Still not happy with Matt....GRRRR

[longing2Batdisney]

Hey Heather!
I bet Matt thought it was funny, too!:confused3

Just a thought for your brother, maybe steal Missy's idea with the daily index cards! it would fast to do his like that because you are not planning his entire day! list the times and locations on a daily card and hand them over!:rolleyes:

Hope lunch is a good! I just had left over hotdogs. Ashton is still at my mom's I called this morning and asked if he was ready and was told "NO!" Don't I feel loved...wish I would have had some extra cash laying around I would have called an old work buddy to go to lunch; maybe next Wed.

later :wave2:

[PracPerfPatricia]

what is the author on this?

TIA

Smart but Scattered is authored by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare....ISBN...978-1-59385-445-4


Thanks Patricia. I will definitely look for that book. It sounds like it could really help him.

And I think the lunch at WCC is a really good idea. I'm liking it more and more.

(Incidentally, I was talking to Matt the other day and I said something about the DVC and AKL and he made fun of me for using acronyms! Apparently people don't talk like that outside of the DISboards :confused3).



The book is really good but definitely not a light bedtime read...

WCC is really fun-I think that leaving the park and taking a park over at the WL will make your day...:goodvibes

:lmao: Really I had forgotten that everyone didn't do DIS speak...-so "We took the bus from the DVC at AKL for our adr at CP at the MK...wouldn't make sense to everyone?...:rotfl2:

[hhockman]

what is the author on this?

I'm sorry that Michael got "water in his eyes". It took Will a while to understand when snack was too. It turns out they are allowed to eat their snack whenever they want before lunch.

Will forgot his reading book today and he was supposed to read. He forgot it last week too and we went back in to get it. Today I told him I wasn't going back. Except for DOL all of his homework is due at the end of the week. So we're doing part of Thursday's homework today and doing part of Wednesday's homework tomorrow. It turns out he just got his days mixed home. He brought home his journal (they do a journal topic on Thursday) instead of his reading book because he thought it was Thursday, so that's why we're flip flopping the homework.

I can't imagine why Michael wouldn't have an IEP?! I guess it's good that he has a 504, but I would think he's need an IEP. Am I wrong?

Hope homework goes well today. :)

TIA

Hey Heather!
I bet Matt thought it was funny, too!:confused3

Just a thought for your brother, maybe steal Missy's idea with the daily index cards! it would fast to do his like that because you are not planning his entire day! list the times and locations on a daily card and hand them over!:rolleyes:

Hope lunch is a good! I just had left over hotdogs. Ashton is still at my mom's I called this morning and asked if he was ready and was told "NO!" Don't I feel loved...wish I would have had some extra cash laying around I would have called an old work buddy to go to lunch; maybe next Wed.

later :wave2:
Actually, he does intend to pretty much do everything we do. That's why he wants the itenerary. So he knows where we're going and what we're doing every day. He may eventually break off (and if he doesn't, we will), but he's planning to mostly stick together...and so are my parents.

Smart but Scattered is authored by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare....ISBN...978-1-59385-445-4




The book is really good but definitely not a light bedtime read...

WCC is really fun-I think that leaving the park and taking a park over at the WL will make your day...:goodvibes

:lmao: Really I had forgotten that everyone didn't do DIS speak...-so "We took the bus from the DVC at AKL for our adr at CP at the MK...wouldn't make sense to everyone?...:rotfl2:


Makes perfect sense to me...maybe it should be code. If you say it to someone at Disney and they understand you then you know they are DISers...though I'm thinking the LGMHs are easier (LGMHs would TOTALLY confuse an outsider!!! :rotfl:)

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Good evening Heather. Home now and getting ready to post the birthday. It could not have been better. I thank you for Sheri's bd wish as does she. She says mom who are all your new friends? So I had to explain. She just says that sounds like fun chatting with people far away and learning about them and their lives. She allows me my space as I allow her hers.

I think this with Will should be fine in the end. The path may be a little crooked. Take care.

Ginny

[hhockman]

Good evening Heather. Home now and getting ready to post the birthday. It could not have been better. I thank you for Sheri's bd wish as does she. She says mom who are all your new friends? So I had to explain. She just says that sounds like fun chatting with people far away and learning about them and their lives. She allows me my space as I allow her hers.

I think this with Will should be fine in the end. The path may be a little crooked. Take care.

Ginny

Glad you had such a great time. You deserved it. Your family is so special. I'm looking forward to the birthday story. :)

[hhockman]

Well, I should be going to bed, but I promised you an update so here it is, quickly.

Somehow I got saddled with making the tee time for Matt, my dad, and my brother to golf. Matt doesn't even really want to golf (he normally loves golfing but he wants to spend our vacation time with us, not on the golf course :love:), but my dad and brother decided not to go on Tuesday (MK day where Matt refused point blank to golf) so they changed it to Thursday so he would go. He still didn't want to go because Thursday is Hollywood Studios, which is his favorite park (told'ja) and we have to cancel Hollywood and Vine (which he specifically requested).

In the end he gave in (I know, the sacrifices he makes, right?). So I cancelled Hollywood and Vine. The guys are golfing Magnolia at 3:51. My grandparents are leaving on Wednesday, so they won't be there either. The 7 of us that are left (me and my boys, my mom, my SIL, her mom, and my nephew) are now eating at Nine Dragons at 4:45. I figured it would be a good time to get some Chinese food in, which we all love, but the guys don't like. I would have preferred Yak & Yeti, but of course AK closes at 5pm. Plus, I'm going to try to talk them into walking from HS to Epcot. I think it will be an enjoyable walk (if it's not too hot) and we can take our time if we leave at about the same time as the guys (around 3:00).

The other change today is that I cancelled Cape May Cafe on Saturday. I just did not want to get up on our last day in time for an ADR at 7:35. Plus I really want to make Morning EMH at HS and we can't be at HS at 8:00am if we're sitting down to eat at 7:35. I also don't want to waste a ton of time on our last day sitting down eating and waiting for characters. But that left us with a TS credit, so I made a 2:00 ADR at The Plaza (thanks to Jenny's recommendation-I've eaten there once with my mom, but it was a long time ago). I figure that even though it's sit down it shouldn't take too long, plus it will be a lighter lunch. The main thing that sold me was when I saw "Grilled Cheese with grapes" on the kids' menu. Christian will be in heaven. After we eat we'll get in 2 or 3 last minute absolute must dos before we head home. Not a terribly exciting end, but a relaxing one.

So there's our two (more) changes. Hopefully we're set now. I'm getting tired of messing with things. I'm in the middle of typing up the itenerary. I was hoping to get it done tonight, but I'm tired so I'm going to bed. Tomorrow I guess.

On Monday I get to check-in! WOW! This is insane. I know a couple of you are leaving even sooner. Just a couple more days until this week is over and then it will go fast. Hope you all have a good Thursday! :wizard:

[longing2Batdisney]

sounds like a great fun plan! I know sacrafices are being made but you will all have a GREAT TIME! and anything you don't hit this go round remember ya'll will be back next year just your family!!
I can't believe you leave sooooo soon! :yay:
the pixiedust: is getting closer can you feel it party:

Have a great day!
:wave2: connie

[dismagiclover]

:woohoo: for trying the Plaza. I thought it was such a relaxing, simple place. A nice change of place from all the craziness of many Disney meals. I think you made the right call about the Cape May ADR as well. Of course that is a fun meal, but it isn't that different from other meals and you would really have to go out of your way quite early in the morning. Especially by your last day I think you'll be glad to not have to worry about it. Your trip is coming up, slowly but surely:goodvibes

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Good change of plans. I think that is when you know your husband really loves you. He gives up what he wants to do for your family. Don has done that for the past 42 years and I'm thankful. That is the only reason I go to his family reunions that are so boring. If it were his direct family it would be fine but it is all these distant people I don't even know. Even tho I've been to many. I speak to a couple of the cousins that I like and that is it. I am a bad girl. Of course at my family reunions they all say Don should be the Siegrist and I should be the outlaw.

Ginny

[PracPerfPatricia]

Awww...Matt's a good guy...:lovestruc

I haven't been to the Nine Dragons...but I love the China Pavilion and I know you'll have a great time there...

Disneymagiclover is spot on about the Plaza...it is relaxing and calm-it's hard to believe that you are right off of Main Street-across the way from the Castle-which you can see in there btw...:thumbsup2 the food is simple...good sandwiches and salads and ice cream of course...its also a very pretty little restaurant-we had our last Disney meal there last month too...It's a great choice...:)

[DisneyMomLiz]

Good changes :) I think they will all work out better for you.

Our plan for the 19th is DHS is the morning, lunch at Play-n-Dine then back to SSR for pool time then MK in the evening for Spectro/Wishes, so hopefully we will run into you, that would be really neat pixiedust: for us!

[hhockman]

Good change of plans. I think that is when you know your husband really loves you. He gives up what he wants to do for your family. Don has done that for the past 42 years and I'm thankful. That is the only reason I go to his family reunions that are so boring. If it were his direct family it would be fine but it is all these distant people I don't even know. Even tho I've been to many. I speak to a couple of the cousins that I like and that is it. I am a bad girl. Of course at my family reunions they all say Don should be the Siegrist and I should be the outlaw.

Ginny

Yeah, I'll keep him. I really did just about have to talk him into going golfing...although I'm not sure it was as much "family time" as it is having to leave DHS. It really is his favorite park. He LOVES ToT. Plus our DHS time is kinda choppy this trip. This day was supposed to be our "main" DHS day. We've got to make sure we find time for Jedi Academy somewhere. Otherwise, we'll be sitting at DHS all day on our last day...or at least until we absolutely have to leave to make our 2:00 ADR at The Plaza. Hopefully it won't come to that and they'll get chosen earlier in the week. I guess I need to buy some yellow shirts or something...

Awww...Matt's a good guy...:lovestruc

I haven't been to the Nine Dragons...but I love the China Pavilion and I know you'll have a great time there...

Disneymagiclover is spot on about the Plaza...it is relaxing and calm-it's hard to believe that you are right off of Main Street-across the way from the Castle-which you can see in there btw...:thumbsup2 the food is simple...good sandwiches and salads and ice cream of course...its also a very pretty little restaurant-we had our last Disney meal there last month too...It's a great choice...:)

Yeah, he's a good guy. ;) I've been to the Plaza once before but it was a LONG time ago and it was just me and my mom. I think it was pre-kids. I like the idea of being able to just sit quietly and relax before we race to get just a couple more rides in before going home. And I like the ice cream choices. But seriously, what sold me was the grilled cheese with grapes. I don't think there's many grilled cheeses around and Christian just loves grilled cheese. He'd eat it ever day if I let him. I'm really thinking of getting that club too. Mmmm. I hope we get a table where we can see the castle!

Good changes :) I think they will all work out better for you.

Our plan for the 19th is DHS is the morning, lunch at Play-n-Dine then back to SSR for pool time then MK in the evening for Spectro/Wishes, so hopefully we will run into you, that would be really neat pixiedust: for us!

That would be REALLY cool! pixiedust: Will you have a LGMH? I still haven't made mine, but I think I'm going to do it. I feel a little weird about complete strangers coming up to me if they see it, but I don't want to miss friends because I don't have it. Do you have any idea where you plan to stand? I don't yet. I'm still thinking about it. Probably somewhere in front of the castle, even though it will be more crowded. Since we're going over to MK just for this we can get seats right away (well, maybe, being that it's the first time we'll have been to MK, I'm not sure I'll be able to get the kids to sit). I'm hoping my parents and brother and his family are going to meet us there so someone can save seats and I can let the boys ride a couple of things. I really like the area that surrounds the "island" in front of the castle. So we may be there. It will be a madhouse though. We'll definitely have to look for each other before all of the mayhem starts!

[mousescrapper]

Smart but Scattered is authored by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare....ISBN...978-1-59385-445-4


thanks I will look for it the next time we go to the library...

[SIZE="3"][COLOR="Blue"]

though I'm thinking the LGMHs are easier (LGMHs would TOTALLY confuse an outsider!!! :rotfl:)

today as I was dropping the kids off at school, I think I saw a boy riding his bike, w/ a green MMH tied to his back-pack....could there be a Diser that close to me? :confused3

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Good morning Heather. Hope all is well for you and those handsome men in your life. I wish you a great weekend. Just that much closer to 'the day'. YAY.

Ginny

[hhockman]

today as I was dropping the kids off at school, I think I saw a boy riding his bike, w/ a green MMH tied to his back-pack....could there be a Diser that close to me? :confused3

There certainly are enough of us that there could be. Do you think it's his mom's LGMH, or his? :confused3

Good morning Heather. Hope all is well for you and those handsome men in your life. I wish you a great weekend. Just that much closer to 'the day'. YAY.

Ginny

Thank you so much Ginny. And I wish the same for you. :hug: Be safe.

[longing2Batdisney]

Hey! Heather
hope ya'll have a great weekend! and enjoy the outdoors for practice...our weather here is suppose to be rainy all weekend! **we do need the rain** just not on the weekend!

HAPPY PACKING!!! how's it coming?!?
:wave2:

[hhockman]

Hey guys, sorry I haven't done a great job of updating the last couple of days. I haven't really been doing anything important. Just reading other TRs/PTRs and hangin out I guess.

Before I catch up on a couple of things, I wanted to mention something. Tony's dad had a massive heart attack today (or yesterday, I'm not really sure) and is in the hospital (the one where Matt works) in critical, but stable condition. His name is Cleveland. If you could remember him in your prayers (or positive thoughts). He is a big supporter of the boys and always comes to the games. Thanks in advance.

As far as the trip is concerned, we are down to TWO WEEKS! I can hardly believe it. My brother called me three times today. I finished his itenerary and I hope he's happy with it. If not, too bad. I'll take a picture when I have the camera handy, although you'll only be able to see the first page (I'm not taking 9 pictures, although I might take 2 since the first page is a little different than the other 8).

I made one more small change. I canceled our 8:00 ADR on Friday for Rainforest Cafe at DTD and changed it to a 4:15 ADR at Rainforest Cafe at AK. I originally did it because when I went back to look at the times for the week (while making the itenerary) I noticed that they added 9:30pm Fantasmic shows on both Fridays. I thought Matt wanted to see Fantasmic, so I figured this way we could head over to HS after AK closed at 8:00. Turns out Matt doesn't really care one way or another. He liked seeing it because it meant eating at Hollywood and Vine first. :confused3 He's weird. I'm leaving it the way it is, though, so that we have the option to go over and see Fantasmic if we want to that night. If not, we'll probably go back to Disney Quest. But I like having the option available.

I just added a couple of things to the boys' books and they are almost done (I know I've been saying that forever). I still would like to do a quick one for Matt, but I don't know if I'll get to it in time. I mostly want it because I'm interested to see what his favorites are every day. He's already complaining that we don't have enough time at HS and he thinks it's going to be the boys' FAVORITE park (it probably will be). He doesn't want to be "scheduled". He wants to "play it by ear". Sorry, honey. We'll be flexible, but I have to have my schedule. He'll deal.

Anyway, I know that's not much of an update, but there isn't much to add. Hopefully I'll finish the boys' books in the next couple of days so I can get some pictures up. We don't have any plans for this weekend other than baseball practice all three days. And I think my brother, SIL, and nephew will come over to eat one of the three days. I'm just planning to relax.

I hope you all have a safe and relaxing weekend!

[hhockman]

Hey! Heather
hope ya'll have a great weekend! and enjoy the outdoors for practice...our weather here is suppose to be rainy all weekend! **we do need the rain** just not on the weekend!

HAPPY PACKING!!! how's it coming?!?
:wave2:

Doesn't look like we're supposed to get rain until Monday, but you never know. We could use some...but I'm not really up for a lot.

Um, I haven't even started packing. We have most of the stuff together...in one place...covered up so the boys don't see it. But I haven't actually packed anything. Might start this weekend. Might not. :laughing:

[longing2Batdisney]

packing may be a good thing to do when the boys are in school!
and since you have it all together should be easy...
again happy packing!!! and planning ;)

[hhockman]

packing may be a good thing to do when the boys are in school!
and since you have it all together should be easy...
again happy packing!!! and planning ;)

I'm planning to start packing tomorrow while the boys are in school and Matt is at work. Matt has already started packing some of his stuff. I know it's not all going to fit in our two Mickey suitcases (my parents gave the set-which also includes a carry-on size duffel bag that we use for toiletries-to us last Christmas). So I'll have to see what other luggage we have.

I'm excited about starting to pack. I'm going to do it right after I CHECK-IN!!!

TOMORROW!!! :cool1:

[aaaateamsgrandma]

I'm planning to start packing tomorrow while the boys are in school and Matt is at work. Matt has already started packing some of his stuff. I know it's not all going to fit in our two Mickey suitcases (my parents gave the set-which also includes a carry-on size duffel bag that we use for toiletries-to us last Christmas). So I'll have to see what other luggage we have.

I'm excited about starting to pack. I'm going to do it right after I CHECK-IN!!!

TOMORROW!!! :cool1:

10 days. Isn't that amazing? Hope you had a good weekend. Ours was here and now back to work tomorrow. Oh well, it's just 4 days. I can do it.

Have a great week.

[longing2Batdisney]

party: :dancer: :dancer: party:
10 days left---CHECK IN :yay:
boys are still in the dark?!? you are good!!! I could not have done it!!
Have a great day tomorrow!
:wave2:

[hhockman]

How sad is it that I haven't actually posted on this thread in 3 whole days when I am now 10 days away from Disney? It's not like I haven't been on the DIS. I've been on every day. But I'm always reading/posting on other threads when I'm on.

And I haven't been TOO terribly busy. We only really did baseball practice this weekend, but I also haven't really done anything trip related, so I haven't really had anything to post.

Today I took Will to his Cub Scout Belt Loop Frenzy. They do a bunch of activities (up to 6) that they get belt loops for. We only managed two, because we got there really late. He did Soccer and Flag Football. Then we came home for an hour and then he went to baseball practice. That's my boy. Even when he's doing Cub Scouts he's doing sports. Got hit in the face with the ball during the last play at practice. It's the third time in the last couple of months. He's got a couple of "stitch marks" (where the ball made an imprint) right on the corner of his mouth. Poor kid. He's trying so hard not to be afraid of the ball after the last two times he got hit, and he gets hit again. :sad2:

Tony's dad had been doing better the last couple of days, but made a turn for the worse today. I don't think Matt has talked to Tony since this morning, but I hope things have gotten better since then. They have been at the hospital almost constantly since Thursday. So of course Matt ended up helping coach Will's team, even though he's not an "official" coach this time. He doesn't mind though. Both boys have their first games on Saturday. Will has pictures at 8am and his game is at 10am. Christian's pictures are at 11:20am and his game is at 12:30pm. So basically we're going to be at the ball park all day. We're used to it.

I took some pictures of Will at Cub Scouts today, but they are not uploaded, so I'll try to get some up tomorrow. I'm planning to start packing tomorrow while Matt is at work and the boys are at school.

I posted on another thread that my obsessive anxiety (I always seem to have something I'm anxious about) right now is that the kids will get sick before next Friday. Last time we went to Disney (2 years ago), Will had pneumonia in the week before we left (he was 5, in Kindergarten). He missed 4 days of school the week before fall break. But we got to leave a few hours earlier than we'd planned because he had his doctor recheck at 9am on that Friday and we left right after that instead of after school. One of Will's teammate's sister had H1N1 last week. She is fine now, but her mom said it is definitely in her school and I'm worried it's in Will's too. That thing is scaring the bejeebers out of me 1. Because my mom works at one of Emory's hospitals and keeps coming home with stories, 2. Because different people react differently and while some people have regular flu symptoms, others have much worse reactions and you don't know what will happen until you get it-I'm so afraid my boys will be one of the bad reactions. There is also apparently a new respiratory strain of it and Christian almost always had repiratory problems (has to go on an inhaler) when he gets sick. He doesn't have asthma all the time (like Cole does), but it's still scaring me.

You guys know I have an undiagonosed anxiety problem (and I'm half OCD too), so I'm just hoping to get through the next 10 days with no sickness. I've been drilling them on the washing hands WITH SOAP and hand sanitizer.

My nephew (my brother's son) is also sick. He's had a low grade fever and has been teething for two months so everyone figured it was that, but he broke out in a rash all over his body today, so my SIL is taking him to the pediatrician tomorrow. The rash doesn't seem to bother him (though the teeth ARE), but she wants to make sure.

One of Christian's friends (who is one of Will's teammate's brothers) cut his hand so bad on his bike today that he had to have somewhere between 6-10 stitches. He's 4, like Christian (and smaller). My poor little Carterdude....and now I can add worrying about them getting hurt to worrying about them getting sick.

The 18th just needs to get here. TOO MUCH STRESS! All of the above could use any prayers anyone has. My anxious stomach could use some prayers too. It looks like Will's coach might be adding a practice on Wednesday. I'm kind of thankful because we have Cub Scouts tomorrow and I'm working on Thursday plus I have the conference with Will's teacher (remember that), so Wednesday is the only "slow" day. It would be something else to make the week go faster.

We still don't know if MIL is coming this weekend or not. She keeps saying she is coming on Friday, but my niece has a gymnastics meet on Saturday and my SIL (Matt's sister) wants my MIL to stay home and watch my two nephews while she is away with my niece at the meet, instead of coming to see us. My kids haven't seen her since the week after Christmas. Matt is a little annoyed with his sister right now, needless to say, but hopefully she is still coming.

Anyway, that was a lot of chatter about nothing, but at least it's a post. Tomorrow I will hopefully be back to announce that I did ONLINE CHECK-IN!!! Woo Hoo! :cool1:

I'm going now to check if the boys are asleep. :) Seems weird that they have school tomorrow.

[hhockman]

10 days. Isn't that amazing? Hope you had a good weekend. Ours was here and now back to work tomorrow. Oh well, it's just 4 days. I can do it.

Have a great week.

I've been thinking forever if I could just get to today, the rest of the time will go fast. Now it doesn't seem real. And I'm afraid the next 10 days are going to crawl. They won't, but everything seems unreal right now.

At least it's only a 4 day week. I have to take Matt to work every day before I come back and take the kids to school (except Thursday when I am actually working. Then I have to take Matt to work and go to work myself and my mom is taking the boys to school). I am not looking forward to getting up early enough to do that.

Hope you have a great week too!

party: :dancer: :dancer: party:
10 days left---CHECK IN :yay:
boys are still in the dark?!? you are good!!! I could not have done it!!
Have a great day tomorrow!
:wave2:

I know, I can't BELIEVE I get to Check-in tomorrow!

The boys still apparently don't have a clue. Though Christian says he "wants to go to Disney World to see Mickey Mouse" EVERY time he watches a Disney movie and sees that Castle now. :mad: GRRRR MATT!

One of Will's teammates, Vince, is going to be there Wednesday-Saturday of the week we are there. They know they are going. Vince's dad told me today that he almost said something to Will! He said, "Just two more weeks, huh?" and Will just looked at him and then said, "Until what?". So Ryan said, "Until Fall Break. Are you doing anything?" Will said no. :eek: Tonight Ryan asked me if it was still a surprise and told me about that conversation. I told him we weren't telling the boys. Thank goodness he covered himself. And thank goodness Will is apparently TOTALLY CLUELESS!!! We're hoping to see them one of the days we're there. Another fun surprise for the boys (Vince has two sisters and one of them is about Christian's age. Both girls are in the "sibling" group that Christian usually plays with).

Anyway, going to check on the boys. Then maybe finish their books. Maybe. At this point they are MAYBE going to be finished if I don't get busy!

Hope you have a great week!

[longing2Batdisney]

sounds like you need a nice warm lavender bath!:hug:
tomorrow you will start to feel better when you check in:woohoo: and you get the packing started:yay:

need to not worry so much about what you cannot control and live in the moment!:cutie: wash hands, hand santizer, and tell them not to share food, use the water fountain, shake hands all that kind of stuff:cutie:

its almost here; I hope your MIL is able to make time to see the boys; I know she would enjoy it as much as your boys...sounds like SIL needs to call in a few favors from friends:hug:

Have a great evening!!!
:wave2:

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Heather, anxiety and ocd go hand and hand. Like Connie said concentrate on what you can change. The other will take care of itself. Prayer works wonders.

Have a great day tomorrow. Anxious to hear you checked in.

Ginny

[dismagiclover]

I hope you are all checked in and ready to go:yay: Single digits. Time to :banana::banana::banana:

[MICKEY4EVER!]

OMG! Look how close you are now - NINE DAYS! :woohoo:

I'm so :cheer2: for you!!!

[mickeystoontown]

Heather,

I totally understand the whole "I haven't done anything on my trip report because I've been reading other trip reports" scenario. That's what I have been doing too. Just got around to posting an installment on my own report yesterday.

Quit being obsessive compulsie and a worry wart! I know that it's hard but you can't really do a whole lot about whether or not the kids will get sick before you leave. Just keep telling them to wash their hands really good, not to share food/drinks with others, etc. etc. etc.

Everything will be fine and dandy!

Lisa

[longing2Batdisney]

party: SINGLE DIGITS party:
I hope things went well with check in!!!
GREAT JOB ON THE RUN THIS MORNING!!
Have a great day! getting ready!!!
:yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :drive:
:wave2: Connie

[hhockman]

sounds like you need a nice warm lavender bath!:hug:
tomorrow you will start to feel better when you check in:woohoo: and you get the packing started:yay:

need to not worry so much about what you cannot control and live in the moment!:cutie: wash hands, hand santizer, and tell them not to share food, use the water fountain, shake hands all that kind of stuff:cutie:

its almost here; I hope your MIL is able to make time to see the boys; I know she would enjoy it as much as your boys...sounds like SIL needs to call in a few favors from friends:hug:

Have a great evening!!!
:wave2:

Thanks Connie! I should have taken a warm bath last night, that would have been nice. I really need to start packing. Haven't done a thing yet today. Well, I did do one thing....:rolleyes1

I hope MIL is able to come too. The boys really want her to see them play. I don't think she's seen a game since Will was 5. And actually I'm not sure she's seen him play at all. I know she saw him play soccer once. I hope she comes.

Heather, anxiety and ocd go hand and hand. Like Connie said concentrate on what you can change. The other will take care of itself. Prayer works wonders.

Have a great day tomorrow. Anxious to hear you checked in.

Ginny

Thanks Connie. I spent a lot of my running time today praying and I feel better. I usually do feel better in the morning. It's at bedtime that I have problems. :rolleyes:

I hope you are all checked in and ready to go:yay: Single digits. Time to :banana::banana::banana:

THANK YOU!!! :cool1:

OMG! Look how close you are now - NINE DAYS! :woohoo:

I'm so :cheer2: for you!!!

Thanks! Now give me something to read for the next 9 days. I want to hear about Tennessee!

Heather,

I totally understand the whole "I haven't done anything on my trip report because I've been reading other trip reports" scenario. That's what I have been doing too. Just got around to posting an installment on my own report yesterday.

Quit being obsessive compulsie and a worry wart! I know that it's hard but you can't really do a whole lot about whether or not the kids will get sick before you leave. Just keep telling them to wash their hands really good, not to share food/drinks with others, etc. etc. etc.

Everything will be fine and dandy!

Lisa

Thanks Lisa. :thumbsup2 I've got to remember to tell them the sharing food thing. We've gone over the washing hands thing so much that Christian tells me every time "Mama, I washed my hands with soap." I've also had to tell Will to STOP hugging. Other kids I mean. He was hugging kids he just met at the Cub Scout thing yesterday. On top of the germ spreading factor, a lot of kids don't like it. He is a hugger though!

party: SINGLE DIGITS party:
I hope things went well with check in!!!
GREAT JOB ON THE RUN THIS MORNING!!
Have a great day! getting ready!!!
:yay: :yay: :drive:
:wave2: Connie

Thanks. :goodvibes Yeah, I'm tired, but a good tired. And I'm getting ready to go get something to eat. Taco Bell. I know, I know, but I still haven't changed my eating habits even if I am exercising. It's weird to have the house so quiet. And it wasn't fun getting up at 6:45 to take Matt to work either. But it will be nice to have him home tonight. :)

(Sorry, I had to get rid of some smilies. It wouldn't let me post the message)

[hhockman]

Okay, so here's the thing...I know my ticker says 9 days, but apparently (even though I KNOW I put the 18th in there) my ticker counts like Lisa, because according to Disney, I've got 10 days. But 10 days means...


ONLINE CHECK-IN BABY!!! :cool1::dance3::yay::cheer2::banana::woohoo:

In looking at my two tickers, I find myself wishing today was tomorrow...to the point where my weird self is considering changing the tickers so that our current one will accurately reflect the fact that we really have 10 days left, and the new one will show us arriving one day later than I told them.

Why?

Because I'm really weird and if you notice, both my tickers say "9" today. 9 days until this trip and 9 months until the next one (I didn't plan that, it just happened that way). Well, tomorrow is 09-09-09 (which I JUST realized after looking at my tickers-seriously, I DID!), so wouldn't it be SUPER cool if my tickers said 9 days and 9 months on 09-09-09? The current one would even be kind of right (although I'd have to change the second one back. I know we won't be arriving 9 months from tomorrow because that is Christian's birthday and we will be arriving AT LEAST the day before...and WAIT a second...how is it that it's been THREE MONTHS since Christian's birthday already? I'm happy for the next, uh 9 ;) days to go by quickly, but after that time needs to slow W-A-Y down).

Anyway, I'm going to get some really-bad-for-me lunch. It's too weird with the house being this quiet.

MIGHT start packing when I get back. Don't know if I'll have time. I've gotta be at Will's school at 2 to volunteer for an hour before I have to go get Christian. Then we've got library this afternoon and Cub Scouts tonight.

I KNOW, I'm making excuses.

It will get done.

It WILL!

I'll check in with ya'll later!

Thanks for the happy dancers. They sure did make me smile! :goodvibes

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Yay Heather. You are close, close, close. Glad you were able to do online check in. That is cool. Enjoy your cheat lunch and I will enjoy my cheat dinner. We are such cheaters. Have a great day.


Ginny

[mousescrapper]

There certainly are enough of us that there could be. Do you think it's his mom's LGMH, or his? :confused3

we saw the little boy again, the other day, and the kids knew who he was (in their grade) I think Aldine is going to do some investigating...:confused:
[QUOTE]

[QUOTE=hhockman;33450807]
Before I catch up on a couple of things, I wanted to mention something. Tony's dad had a massive heart attack today (or yesterday, I'm not really sure) and is in the hospital (the one where Matt works) in critical, but stable condition. His name is Cleveland. If you could remember him in your prayers (or positive thoughts). He is a big supporter of the boys and always comes to the games. Thanks in advance.

sorry to hear about this...:angel:


But I like having the option available.

always good to have the option available and have a couple plans to work w/ :thumbsup2

I just added a couple of things to the boys' books and they are almost done (I know I've been saying that forever).

can't wait to see them!





so wouldn't it be SUPER cool if my tickers said 9 days and 9 months on 09-09-09?

:lmao: you were cracking me up w/ your ramble and thinking out loud about your two tickers....



I KNOW, I'm making excuses.

It will get done.

It WILL!



will you pack already....my anxiety will be kicking in....;)

J-

[PracPerfPatricia]

Heather...

I'm really sorry you're having a spike in anxiety right now...you're transitioning into a new school year, you are worried about Will...(poor boy-hit in the face with the baseball...:sad2:)...I'm sorry about Tony's dad...you have a lot on your plate...I know none of this is earth shattering info but...

Lavender is really calming-you can have diffusers in your room...

Are you drinking too much coffee/tea?

Exercise is a definite :thumbsup2

Too much sugar isn't...

ARe you breathing properly...I mean sometimes when I'm anxious I've actually got myself holding my breathe-I wouldn't reccomend it...

I know you're worried about illness but just step back and take a deep breathe...more often than not-its ok and people get sick and get better...try to remember...

BTW...I have a bunch of book/other suggestions...(I get the anxiety stuff too...)

I for one would love to see the cub scout pictures...I'd love to get David involved in that...

[hhockman]

[QUOTE=hhockman;33450688]There certainly are enough of us that there could be. Do you think it's his mom's LGMH, or his? :confused3

we saw the little boy again, the other day, and the kids knew who he was (in their grade) I think Aldine is going to do some investigating...:confused:
[QUOTE]





will you pack already....my anxiety will be kicking in....;)

J-

Yeah, I didn't get any packing done today...hopefully tomorrow though! I am awful about packing. Even when the stuff IS already together. :rolleyes1

Heather...

I'm really sorry you're having a spike in anxiety right now...you're transitioning into a new school year, you are worried about Will...(poor boy-hit in the face with the baseball...:sad2:)...I'm sorry about Tony's dad...you have a lot on your plate...I know none of this is earth shattering info but...

Lavender is really calming-you can have diffusers in your room...

Are you drinking too much coffee/tea?

Exercise is a definite :thumbsup2

Too much sugar isn't...

ARe you breathing properly...I mean sometimes when I'm anxious I've actually got myself holding my breathe-I wouldn't reccomend it...

I know you're worried about illness but just step back and take a deep breathe...more often than not-its ok and people get sick and get better...try to remember...

BTW...I have a bunch of book/other suggestions...(I get the anxiety stuff too...)

I for one would love to see the cub scout pictures...I'd love to get David involved in that...

Thanks Patricia. I almost feel like I should be paying you between all the advice you're giving me for Will and for me.

I do have a lot going on (nevermind trying to get ready for a trip to Disney). The conference with Will's teacher is this Thursday. Just another thing. ;)

I don't know if I'm eating too much sugar, but I do have to have caffine. I don't do coffee, but if I don't have a diet Pepsi by a certain time of day I will get a headache. Probably more than I should have. I've been trying to drink more water...not doing a great job of it though.

I enjoy running. It's good "me" time and thinking time and today I used it as praying time. That helped some.

Tony's dad is better today, but of course it's a super long road. I am concerned about him, and for Tony and Kelly, but (and I hope I don't sound insensitive) that isn't at the top of MY worry list. That sounds awful. But I hope you know what I mean. I mean, I know Cleveland some...from the team...but I'm not THAT close to him. I don't know how to explain without sounding like I don't care. And I do care. But, there are other things closer in my life. Now that sounds selfish. ANYWAY...hopefully you know what I mean. I just mean I don't think that particular thing is as much of a stress causer.

Like the fact that Christian's school sent out a flu letter today because one of the kids in another class definitely has the flu, but they don't know if it's the seasonal flu or H1N1. And two kids in Christian's class were sent home "sick". UGGG :sick: I'm calmer about the H1N1, because it still seems to be mild. But I really just don't want any of us to get sick in the next week. I'm doing better about it, though. Really. I am. :thumbsup2

This is really just my personality. I've always been anxious about things...often silly things...and Will is taking after me, although I don't know if it's a heredity thing or a learned behavior. Hopefully it's not learned because I would feel awful knowing he's learning to be like me. I try not to worry so much. Some times are better than others.

I really need to try the lavender thing, although strong smells give me headaches, so it would have to be mild.

Geez, I'm going to end up running people off this thread.

I'm not sure about the breathing. I've never really noticed. I'll have to pay closer attention. I do notice that sometimes all of my muscles are tensed up and I have to physically relax.

Thanks so much for the suggestions. If you get the time, I'd love for you to PM me some book suggestions (I still need to get that other one you were talking about).

I am going to actually go to bed in just a minute. Being tired doesn't help anything as I'm sure you know. :)

I'll get the Cub Scout pictures up tomorrow. He had a meeting tonight and I've got a couple of pictures from that too. I'll bed David would love Cub Scouts. 7 is a good age to start. Will started last year, as a Tiger (which is the youngest they can start), but a lot of the boys are new this year. About half of his age group I'd say. I wasn't sure we were coming back, but he really enjoyed it and wanted to. I don't know that much about it, but if you have any questions, let me know. :goodvibes

[hhockman]

THE BOOKS ARE FINISHED!!!!

Finally! Well, that's not entirely true. I need two stickers for Christian's, which I'm hoping to get tomorrow. But Will's is put together and I've taken pictures. The only problem is that I had to use bigger rings and I only had bigger rings in silver and I'm not sure I like the silver...but I doubt the boys will care about the rings one way or the other. Hopefully I'll get Christian's finished tomorrow and I'll get the pictures up.

I still can't believe we're at 9 days (almost 8!).

I'm going to try to get to sleep at a decent time tonight (decent time being 11:10pm), so I promise I will check in on everyone else's TRs tomorrow. We were just too busy this afternoon.

Hope you all have a good night! :goodvibes

[longing2Batdisney]

:yay: on the books;
now to the packing; you only have 8 days left :yay:
have a great night! rest peacfully! :hug:

[aaaateamsgrandma]

THE BOOKS ARE FINISHED!!!!

Finally! Well, that's not entirely true. I need two stickers for Christian's, which I'm hoping to get tomorrow. But Will's is put together and I've taken pictures. The only problem is that I had to use bigger rings and I only had bigger rings in silver and I'm not sure I like the silver...but I doubt the boys will care about the rings one way or the other. Hopefully I'll get Christian's finished tomorrow and I'll get the pictures up.

I still can't believe we're at 9 days (almost 8!).

I'm going to try to get to sleep at a decent time tonight (decent time being 11:10pm), so I promise I will check in on everyone else's TRs tomorrow. We were just too busy this afternoon.

Hope you all have a good night! :goodvibes

Don't you feel good for getting something done? Congrats to yu. Have a great day tomorrow.

[eandesmom]

So exciting!

I've been lurking and am finally caught up, right as you are about to leave!

I'd love to see pictures of the belt loop frenzy, we've never done anything like that (well camp felt like it but not with his pack lol) and this will be DS9's 3rd year, we are just kicking off this coming weekend.

[longing2Batdisney]

I know I shouldn't do this to you...but I have to share the T-rex design w/you...I thought of you when I saw it
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=33507779#post33507779
:wave2:

[hhockman]

:yay: on the books;
now to the packing; you only have 8 days left :yay:
have a great night! rest peacfully! :hug:

Thank you, I did. I think. Haven't done any packing. :sad2: Gotta sub tomorrow too. Friday I guess.

Don't you feel good for getting something done? Congrats to yu. Have a great day tomorrow.

Thank you! I still need two stickers for Christian's, but I had to order them, so I can't add them until they get here-and the one I ordered today might not get here before we leave. Christian won't know the difference.

So exciting!

I've been lurking and am finally caught up, right as you are about to leave!

I'd love to see pictures of the belt loop frenzy, we've never done anything like that (well camp felt like it but not with his pack lol) and this will be DS9's 3rd year, we are just kicking off this coming weekend.

:welcome: so glad you came out of lurkdom!

I will get the pictures up tomorrow. There aren't a lot. We got there rather late. Basically they set up 10-12 "stations" (maybe even a few more) and walk you through learning whatever that beltloop is. Last year it was crazy silly. They had kids signing things off. But this year it was better...although some of the classes I thought were a little too long. It's a fun way to start the year with some new beltloops, though. Plus they offer Archery and BB Shooting there, which you can only get at certain times. Will got those last year. I was glad we didn't have to wait again this year. :)

I know I shouldn't do this to you...but I have to share the T-rex design w/you...I thought of you when I saw it
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=33507779#post33507779
:wave2:

Those are CUTE! I'm not doing any shirts though. Haven't done one. They have so many "bought" shirts now (my mom has 2 or 3 for them too) that they won't be able to wear them all. Plus, we won't have much time for a change between checking in really fast and getting to our lunch ADR (which is also a surprise...so I don't want to give them shirts that will give it away). Those are really cool designs though. She is so good!

[hhockman]

As you can see, no pictures. And I really should be in bed since I have to work tomorrow (it's going to be SUPER hard...she has the computer lab scheduled all day. She actually told me to bring a book with me).

I went out today looking for the two stickers I need for Christian's book (even though I already ordered one of them) and didn't find either. So I'll take pictures of his book tomorrow and post all of them, even though his is missing two small things. Obviously, I'm not going to have time to make one for Matt, but I've decided I'm going to ask him to write his favorite thing in my book every day because I want to know his too.

I did get these little tiny Mickey stickers that kind of look like confetti. I'm going to put them on the table around the boys cakes. And I'm going to use one of Julie's ideas...kinda. She said if I had a tiny Mickey head punch I could "punch out" some "confetti". I do actually have a tiny Mickey head punch, but I'm not about to do that much work. So I'm gonig to have my Cricut cut out a bunch of Mickey heads in the smallest size it can do (1/4 of an inch). But I'm also buying some red and blue round confetti at Walmart.

Haven't started packing. I KNOW, but seriously, almost everything is sitting together in my room. I just have to actually PUT it in the suitcases. And some stuff we still need so I can't pack it yet.

Most of the goodies are in two boxes underneath a comforter in my room. Will accidentally pulled the comforter off while he was in there today studying spelling.:eek: He didn't say a word about the boxes. Even when I went over and put the comforter back on top of everything! I don't think the boy could get any more clueless! Of course, the only thing you could really see was a pack of Camcorder DVDs, but still. There were a couple little things poking out. I guess he's going to be surprised....or at least I hope so. My friend that is going to feed the dogs almost gave it away tonight. She forgot it was a surprise. I'm telling you, if they find out before we get there it's not going to be because I told them...it's going to be someone else messing up!

I gave my brother his itenerary tonight when they dropped Matt off, but I haven't heard his opinion yet.

Oh, and Disney called me today to confirm that we need 5 rooms for our group and who was in the rooms. I told them that we wanted Alligator Bayou and she said she'd put it down but we probably wouldn't get it because we don't have any groups of 5 and they have to save those rooms for people who DO have groups of 5. Darn it! I told her she could just give US Alligator Bayou and put everyone else in the Mansions. She thought I was joking. UGGG. So they really ARE going to put all 5 rooms together. Is it awful that we were hoping they wouldn't? I can't decide who I want to be next to. My parents I guess. My nephew is teething (and apparently has a virus, though he should be over it by then) and we do not want to hear crying all night (we did our turn). Oh well. At least we'll be in Disney, right? :upsidedow

They boys are still both healthy so far. Keep praying. :goodvibes It seems like that darn flu is everywhere. Only two more days until the weekend!

We went to watch a scrimmage game tonight between two of the teams we will be playing (my friend's-the one who is watching the dogs-son is on one of the teams) and all I can say is :sad2:. It's awful to say, I know, but our team is going to slaughter them. Both of them. And Colton's team (our friend's son) was supposed to be our main competition. Oh well. It will be good practice I guess. They really need to find a way to divide the teams up fairer.

Okay, now I'm really going to bed. 6:15 is going to come WAY too early. Hope I don't fall asleep in the computer lab!

Pictures tomorrow, I promise (and the conference with Will's teacher is tomorrow too so I'll let you all know how that went)!

'Night.

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Hello, Heather! Lovin' the plans you've got for the big surprise. I can't wait for the TR to hear about all of their reactions. I don't blame you for not wanting to be RIGHT next to your family, honestly I don't. This is a family vacation, but it would also be nice to branch off with your own family and have some private moments. I'm pointing my finger at you here: you better take some time for you just you, the hubby and the boys. Don't spend every waking moment with the family or your trip will become stressful and unenjoyable. REmember my TR? Well, learn from my mistakes! :goodvibes:goodvibes

I hope you have a wonderful day today. I can't believe that your trip is so close now. You'll be there before you know it!

[hhockman]

Okay, I promised pictures, so here you go. Christian's book is still missing a couple of stickers, but I went ahead and put it together. First here are a couple of pictures from Will's Cub Scout Belt Loop Frenzy. They could get up to 6 belt loops if they were there all day, but we were only there a couple of hours and he got two: soccer and flag football.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September143.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September168.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September184.jpg

And here are their books:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September191.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September211.jpg

Will:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September193.jpg

Christian:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September212.jpg

Will Day 1:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September194.jpg

Christian Day 1:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September213.jpg

Day 2-this one is the same for both:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September196.jpg

Will Day 3:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September197.jpg

Christian Day 3:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September215.jpg

Will Day 4:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September198.jpg

Christian Day 4:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September216.jpg

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST...

[hhockman]

Will Day 5 (this is my FAVORITE page on both of theirs):
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September199.jpg

Christian Day 5 (he is missing the "WALK THE PLANK" and a small pirate ship sticker in the bottom corner. This is one of the stickers that is coming):
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September217.jpg

This is the middle of the book. We will add small 2"x3" pictures on these pages when we get back. This one is the same for both:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September218.jpg

Day 6 (this is the same for both too):
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September208.jpg

Will Day 7:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September202.jpg

Christian Day 7:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September220.jpg

Will Day 8 (I love this page too):
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September203.jpg

Christian Day 8:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September222.jpg

Will Day 9 (and this one):
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September204.jpg

Christian Day 9:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September223.jpg

The "Memories" page. It's the same for both of them, but Christian is currently missing the Parade Mickey sticker. It's coming.:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September205.jpg

Will's last page (the left side will be for a 4x6 picture):
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September206.jpg

Christian's last page:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September225.jpg

Will's back cover:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September207.jpg

Christian's back cover:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j253/hhockman/disboards/September226.jpg

Christian is apparently still awake and asking for me. I'll be back in a bit...

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Wonderful books. You put in such great detail in keeping them the same but different. You knowwhat I mean?

I will be in touch when it is time to work on Austin's book. I'm saving everything.

Love the little boys playing. So cute. What a pretty day.

Ginny

[longing2Batdisney]

Dayne sat at the computer when I had the pic of the boys playing up; wanted to know "where do they play flag football?" :laughing: he is 17 I don't think they have flag football at his age anywhere!

the books are awesome!!!! I've never done scrapbooking! I agree w/Ginny; I like how they are alike but different! It will be fun doing memories with them; and I like the idea of you and Matt sharing a book! ;)

have a great evening! :wave2:

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Good morning Heather. When you are ready to share how it went with Will's teacher, we are ready to listen. Hope you have a great day.

Ginny

[hhockman]

Thanks girls. That's what I was going for: the same, but different. A little personalized. There is no RnRC sticker in Christian's but there is one in Will's because Matt's hoping Will will go (he probably will because he has no idea, but he probably won't ever go again!). The first page has Goofy for Will and Mickey for Christian because they said those are their favorite characters. But who knows if that will change, so I didn't want to stick with that throughout the book. They do also each have a set of stickers (where Will's is Goofy and Christian's Mickey) to add wherever they want...if they can find room. ;) I tried to make each page about what we were mainly doing that day and then the little sticker in the bottom right hand corner is for whatever we are doing that night...except for when I don't really know what we're doing that night. :laughing:

Anyway, I fell asleep last night on Christian's bed and woke up at 2am, hence the reason I didn't get back. The conference with Will's teacher went very well. I was there for an hour and a half! She has noticed some of the things I am worried about, but hadn't noticed other, mostly little things. She does see some of the processing issues, but she thinks it is developmental and that he will eventually get there. I tend to agree with her on that, as long as he gets some help with it. She is just starting to work on reading strategies with them, but will eventually introduce a total of (I think) 7 reading strategies that we will also work on at home, that I think will really help. He actually has an S in Reading right now, and he's doing fine on the tests for the stories from the book (except the short answer, but she thinks that's even getting better). He has an N in Language Arts, but we're working on the difference between a declarative and interogative sentence (whether it needs a period or question mark) and that seems to be his main problem (which she didn't realize, but does now). So hopefully we can get Language Arts up to an S by report card time. He's doing fine in Math. Graphing kind of hung him up, but he got an O on yesterday's Place Value test. I don't know how he did on the Science re-test yesterday though. She did say he is welcome to take his reading book home every day if we want and that he can bring his Science book home too. I don't think he needs to bring his Reading book home. The stories in the reading book are pretty easy for him. And he's actually doing Social Studies right now instead of Science and he loves Social Studies.

She said she noticed that he is VERY Bodily-Kinesthetic (sp?) which I knew. He definitely learns best by doing. And of course he has a great memory.

I am very comfortable after talking to her that we will be able to work through the processing issues and if we're still having a big problem by next semester I told her I'd come back. He is adjusting better to the level of the work, I think. And you guys that said he had to adjust to being back in school, I think were right. Not only that, but he had to adjust to the level of the work. She said she could give him work that is 1st/2nd grade work and he'd always make 100s, but that doesn't teach him anything and I agreed that I would much rather see him challenged. Last year he was in the highest reading group. She said this year he is about in the middle (as far as leveled reader groups-guided reading). That is fine with me because this group of kids seems to be higher level that the kids he was with last year (remember I said he doesn't have a single kid in his class this year that he had last year?) and I think he's still being challenged.

All in all it was a good meeting. She understands where I am coming from and she knows what I am concerned about so she can look more carefully for it. He is still going to have to work on READING THE DIRECTIONS. And reading the problems if he has to. Hopefully eventually he will get in the habit.

I don't think we are going to have to go the Sylvan/Huntington route just yet. I think the strategies she has started teaching them will probably be what he needs, but we'll see how things go as the rest of the semester goes on.

I thank you all very much for your suggestions, ideas, your listening ears, and your prayers. This definitely isn't over, but I am more comfortable and happier than I was (though I am also continuing to watch closely).

Now I mostly just have to worry about the illness thing.

ONE MORE WEEK!!!

You guys are the BEST!!! I have so enjoyed sharing this journey with you. Planning to start packing in a little bit (I've GOT to make myself go run first!). I'll let you know tonight if I actually did anything. Thanks for everything my friends. :grouphug:

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hey Heather,

I love...:lovestruc the boy's books-they look awesome!:thumbsup2

Cute pictures of the Cubs-I think David would love to be a CS...:)

Hope your conference went well...:goodvibes...Please talk about it if you're comfortable doing so...I've been really anxious this week since it was the kid's first week of school...I'll feel better when everyone is settled...

I hope you that you get the room set up that you want...(btw I don't think you're terrible for wanting to be separate from your group if you get a room by the pool...:lmao:...Unless that makes me terrible too...:lmao:)

It's all going to be good...

You should focus on having an awesome time...

(I will put together a list of some books on anxiety that helped me...and pm you-but they aren't pool reading so much...Read some fun escapist stuff...)

[hhockman]

Good morning Heather. When you are ready to share how it went with Will's teacher, we are ready to listen. Hope you have a great day.

Ginny

Ginny you must have been typing at the same time I was. :laughing:

Hope you have a GREAT day too! Do you get off early today? I know you're worried about Austin's game tonight. I hope they surprise you! :goodvibes

We have been having sprinkles all morning. I'm keeping my fingers crossed it doesn't get any worse because we REALLY need to have one more practice with Christian's team before the game tomorrow.

I just checked the weather for Lake Buena Vista (the 10 day forecast) and it has Scattered Showers EVERY DAY for the next 10 days. :sad2: I know that's typical Central Florida in the summer, but I still wish it wasn't there. But Disney in the rain is better than no Disney in the sun!

Where are you going out to eat tomorrow? I love to go out to eat, and we can't too much (though we will be next week-every day!!!-woo hoo LOVE "free" dining). So I like to live vicariously through you!

Okay, gotta MAKE myself go run. Didn't get to yesterday. I'll be back later. :)

[aaaateamsgrandma]

That was a wonderful report with the teacher. I know you have to feel much better about how it is going for Will. It is good to know she is concerned and can help guide you and Will in the right direction. So glad that is working out for you. Now we will work on the illness thing.

Have a great day

Ginny

[hhockman]

Hey Heather,

I love...:lovestruc the boy's books-they look awesome!:thumbsup2

Cute pictures of the Cubs-I think David would love to be a CS...:)

Hope your conference went well...:goodvibes...Please talk about it if you're comfortable doing so...I've been really anxious this week since it was the kid's first week of school...I'll feel better when everyone is settled...

I hope you that you get the room set up that you want...(btw I don't think you're terrible for wanting to be separate from your group if you get a room by the pool...:lmao:...Unless that makes me terrible too...:lmao:)

It's all going to be good...

You should focus on having an awesome time...

(I will put together a list of some books on anxiety that helped me...and pm you-but they aren't pool reading so much...Read some fun escapist stuff...)



I just posted about the conference. It's kind of jumbled. I'm not sure I put everything that happened, but I think it went well. I'm watchfully happy. I think this is going to be a growing year for him, but hopefully by the end things will be good.

I think David would LOVE CS too. Will sure does like it.

I'll be looking for your PM. Will and I could both use some anxiety helps (I did mention both Will's anxiety issues-which she's seen some-and his sensory issues to her. His sensory issues have decreased some since he's gotten older, so I don't think she's really noticed them as much). She is a very positive person and had some good ideas for how we can answer some of his anxiety/down on himself problems when his perfectionism kicks in and he doesn't get something right away. I am happy with the way she handles that in class too. I think she is going to be a great teacher for him to have this year. That being said, she has a student teacher in the class that she wasn't expecting, and the student teacher does things a little differently (not in a bad way, just different). I think I will be glad when November gets here and she can teach the class completely herself again.

I am feeling much better myself this week. Well, today. So far they aren't sick at least (though I'm almost afraid to actually type that-there is SO much sickness going around everywhere!). I've signed myself up to work at the Book Fair at Will's school on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning (I LOVE Book Fairs...well, I love books in general :rotfl:) so I think that will help pass the time next week. Unless I get called to sub...which will also help pass the time.

I am taking several books down with me, but they are all light reading. Mostly kids' books that I've read before (Harry Potter 4 & 5, the new 39 Clues book, and Anne of Green Gables 5, plus Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass-I'm in the middle of the Mad Tea Party. Might bring Narnia too). The kids' books are really escapist books for me because I don't have to think too hard and I love the stories. And I'm bringing a lot because I usually go through them pretty quickly. I also have some scrapbooking magazines I'm bringing.

I don't think we're going to end up separated from my family. The lady seemed to think I was joking-I did book a Grand Gathering after all, even though we weren't able to get any of the experiences-so I'm pretty sure she's going to put us all together. I'm kind of sad because I really do like Alligator Bayou much more than the Mansions, which seem an awful lot like any typical hotel to me. But at least it's a "typical hotel" in DISNEY! And POR is beautiful.

How do you think your kids are doing now that the first week is over? Are they settled in? Is David in 2nd grade like Will? 2nd grade is a really hard year here because 1st is still pretty easy, but there's a lot of pressure in 3rd, so it's like a bridge year. Is 2nd like that there? What grade is Emily in now? Let's see...14 would be 9th grade, right? High School?! :scared1: You HAVE had a stressful week!

I really need to get over and read the EE update. I'm glad it's Friday so you (and I) can enjoy your weekend. :goodvibes

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Enjoy the run. I will run with you in my mind. We have Don's family reunion this weekend. Love him, the family not so much. We have to leave at 5 am. Hopefully will get home around noon on Sunday. Don has to go back on Monday. His aunt passed away and the service in Monday afternoon. He will go get his parents and take them.

[mommytothreeboys]

Hi Heather! I guess I got a little behind, but I'm all caught up now.

The books for the boys look amazing! You really did a nice job. Those will be great keepsakes for them.

I'm glad the conference with Will's teacher went well. It's important that you are comfortable and it sounds like you are now....and also that you and the teacher are pretty much on the same page.

Your itinerary/ADR changes all sound good. Try not to stress out too much and remember to enjoy the little moments!

What a good husband to sacrifice to make your family happy! He's a keeper! ;)

So close now!!! :banana::banana::banana:

[mousescrapper]

Hi Heather,

First...

I LOVE the BOOKS!!!!! Great job! the titles are wonderful, did you use the Circut for that? oh I so need one of those..... and some of your papers are so nice. I will have to look back through them again :thumbsup2

I just know they will love them and what a great keepsake for the future!

sorry you can't stay in Alligator Bayou area...that is stinky (but on the other hand it is nice they do save them for families of 5) Can you request certian building # of the mansions at least? I'm sure it will work out...

super glad your meet w/ Will's teacher went great and that you guys see eye to eye on several things. I'm glad he seems to be easing into things a bit better too. Matt (my Matt ;)) met w/ Michael's teacher on Wed (I was suppose to except I was :sick:, we've had a nasty stomach bug running rampid through our home) and they talked for about an hour...I was so impressed. She seems so in tune w/ extra needs and willing to be much more accomadtive for Michael w/ some of the smaller things that his 4th grade teacher wasn't. We had his 504 review meet today and that went smoothly too, talked about a few other things and ways to help him and the beginning thoughts for next yr when he transistions into middle school. Oh and btw Aldine is handeling homework way better, mornings are still a little rough, but we are getting there...unfortunately Mae is not in love w/ 1st grade :sad1: Matt and I are going to talk w/ her over the weekend and then I'm going to email her teacher so we can see what is going on. She says she still doesn't like lunch it's too loud and gym is hard and some boy is bothering her...it doesn't help she missed tow days of school this week either...

I am so excited your trip is almost here and that you still haven't packed...:rotfl: JK!

and thanks for the shout-out w/ the punched mickey heads :idea:

J-

[mickeystoontown]

Hey Heather, You must be a busy girl this weekend. Hope you had a good one.

Lisa

[longing2Batdisney]

Hi! Heather,
just read about the conference; I'm so happy that she is on track with Will, and that you feel better. Dayne had reading problems in 2nd grade; my first conference w/his teacher around this time in the year. She told me he would be repeating the second grade :eek: ! wasn't even going to help find a program for him. I told her we were going to try Sylvian; but after I got a quote from them I decided to try on my own first. By Dec. she told me she was telling other teachers how wonderful Sylvan was for Dayne! :laughing: I subbed there all the time, so the teachers I was good friends with knew he was not going to Sylvan! Anyway point is I found some ways to work with him nightly and it really made the difference. It will come and he will do great because he has a TEACHER and a MOM who cares! :hug:

So, how is the packing and getting it together coming!! I'm so excited for you it's almost time for some pixiedust:
:wave2: C

[hhockman]

Enjoy the run. I will run with you in my mind. We have Don's family reunion this weekend. Love him, the family not so much. We have to leave at 5 am. Hopefully will get home around noon on Sunday. Don has to go back on Monday. His aunt passed away and the service in Monday afternoon. He will go get his parents and take them.

Hey Ginny. I'm glad you had such a great weekend. I'm sorry Don has a sad day tomorrow but glad he can be there for his parents. Don't work too hard tomorrow!

Hi Heather! I guess I got a little behind, but I'm all caught up now.

The books for the boys look amazing! You really did a nice job. Those will be great keepsakes for them.

I'm glad the conference with Will's teacher went well. It's important that you are comfortable and it sounds like you are now....and also that you and the teacher are pretty much on the same page.

Your itinerary/ADR changes all sound good. Try not to stress out too much and remember to enjoy the little moments!

What a good husband to sacrifice to make your family happy! He's a keeper! ;)

So close now!!! :banana::banana::banana:

Hey Missy! It's okay, I know you're busy. Yeah, DH is a keeper (most of the time). I can hardly believe how close we are. It doesn't even seem real at this point. :goodvibes

Hi Heather,

First...

I LOVE the BOOKS!!!!! Great job! the titles are wonderful, did you use the Circut for that? oh I so need one of those..... and some of your papers are so nice. I will have to look back through them again :thumbsup2

I just know they will love them and what a great keepsake for the future!

sorry you can't stay in Alligator Bayou area...that is stinky (but on the other hand it is nice they do save them for families of 5) Can you request certian building # of the mansions at least? I'm sure it will work out...

super glad your meet w/ Will's teacher went great and that you guys see eye to eye on several things. I'm glad he seems to be easing into things a bit better too. Matt (my Matt ;)) met w/ Michael's teacher on Wed (I was suppose to except I was :sick:, we've had a nasty stomach bug running rampid through our home) and they talked for about an hour...I was so impressed. She seems so in tune w/ extra needs and willing to be much more accomadtive for Michael w/ some of the smaller things that his 4th grade teacher wasn't. We had his 504 review meet today and that went smoothly too, talked about a few other things and ways to help him and the beginning thoughts for next yr when he transistions into middle school. Oh and btw Aldine is handeling homework way better, mornings are still a little rough, but we are getting there...unfortunately Mae is not in love w/ 1st grade :sad1: Matt and I are going to talk w/ her over the weekend and then I'm going to email her teacher so we can see what is going on. She says she still doesn't like lunch it's too loud and gym is hard and some boy is bothering her...it doesn't help she missed tow days of school this week either...

I am so excited your trip is almost here and that you still haven't packed...:rotfl: JK!

and thanks for the shout-out w/ the punched mickey heads :idea:

J-
Julie I'm so glad it looks like Michael is going to have a good teacher this year! That's so important! And I'm glad Aldine is doing better with her homework too. I think mornings are pretty much rough for everybody. Who wants to get up that early?! I'm sorry Mae isn't loving 1st grade. I know you said that you think you might be looking at a diagnosis for Margaret, has Mae been diagnosed with anything? The noisy lunchroom was making me think sensory. I know Will doesn't like loud noises (like fireworks) either. I know with you for a mom she will be able to work through whatever is going on! Here is some :pixiedust: for her!

Still no packing, but I absolutely MUST make myself start tomorrow!

Hope you guys had a good weekend!

Hey Heather, You must be a busy girl this weekend. Hope you had a good one.

Lisa

Hey Lisa. I did have a good weekend. I hope you did too. :) I know you weren't looking forward to the wedding shower you had to go to today, but I hope it didn't turn out too bad. ;)

Hi! Heather,
just read about the conference; I'm so happy that she is on track with Will, and that you feel better. Dayne had reading problems in 2nd grade; my first conference w/his teacher around this time in the year. She told me he would be repeating the second grade :eek: ! wasn't even going to help find a program for him. I told her we were going to try Sylvian; but after I got a quote from them I decided to try on my own first. By Dec. she told me she was telling other teachers how wonderful Sylvan was for Dayne! :laughing: I subbed there all the time, so the teachers I was good friends with knew he was not going to Sylvan! Anyway point is I found some ways to work with him nightly and it really made the difference. It will come and he will do great because he has a TEACHER and a MOM who cares! :hug:

So, how is the packing and getting it together coming!! I'm so excited for you it's almost time for some pixiedust:
:wave2: C

Aww. Thanks Connie! :blush: Moms do usually know what they're talking about. I can't believe the teacher told you he would have to repeat 2nd grade so early in the year. Glad you were able to help him so much!

The "getting it together" is going okay. Most of the non-everyday stuff has been together for a while. The packing, not so much. I really have to make myself start tomorrow. :rotfl:

[hhockman]

Hey everyone. Well, we've had a busy weekend, but not a whole lot of Disney related stuff going on.

Yesterday was Opening Day for both boys. And they both won their games! Will's team won 15-1 in the 4th inning (they play 6 innings, but they will call it any time after 4 innings that the other team is "mathematically elimiated"). Will played 2nd for the first two (or three, I forget) innings, and then outfield when they let some of the other kids come in and play infield. He helped turn an awesome double play and they had another one where they were this (-) close to getting the second out, but only got 1. The game ended when one of Will's teammates hit a homerun over the fence and three runs scored. I mean, we felt a little bad about winning by so much, but I think the kids on the other team still had fun and it was just so beautiful to watch (not that we won by so much, but just watching how well the boys are playing...they are so much better than they were even at the end of All Stars 2 months ago-it's amazing). They actually kept playing for a little while even though the game was officially over, so the other team could bat again. :)

Christian's game only went 3 innings before we ran out of time. They won 18-17 because one of my little guys (his name is Parker) got 3 outs all by himself (he was playing 1st and all three of the balls were hit straight to him so he just had to pick up the ball and step on the base). It is SO stinking cute to watch these little guys (and girls, I have a girl) play.

I'll get some pictures up as soon as I get them from my dad's computer to mine.

We spent the evening watching football and then at a friend's house for a little while.

Matt had to work today. I went shopping with my mom, my SIL, my nephew, and Christian. Will stayed home so my dad could take him to practice at 3. I didn't get much, but the $1 section at Target had a bunch of new Star Wars stuff so I got more stuff for the boys. Pencils, notebooks, stickers, coloring books. That kind of thing. Most of it will go in their backpacks. I also got them each a pair of athletic shorts on clearance and me a shirt to run in (also on clearance). Of course I say "I got..." but my mom paid for it all (and also everything SIL was getting...which was pretty much all for my nephew). My mom also got Christian a new Wow Wow Wubbzy Halloween movie, which he spent all his time in the car watching. We went to the mall and my mom got a Tink shirt for her and a Donald shirt for my grandfather (there wasn't much to look at in the Disney Store). Then she got my nephew some clothes and my dad some shirts at Macy's. Can you believe my dad has to fly to Dallas on Thursday and then back on Friday before they leave for Disney Saturday morning? We went to BJ's and just SIL went in. Then back to Target where just my mom ran in. Then we finally took my SIL and nephew home. I'm tired (of course, I should be in BED by now).

But didn't get anything "Disney" done. It just doesn't seem real that we're leaving in 4 days. We talked a lot about the trip today (thankfully Christian didn't seem to hear any of it), but didn't really "do" anything. My mom keeps asking me about Magical Express for my grandparents and I keep telling her to CALL DISNEY. Which she hasn't done yet. And they fly in on Saturday. So it may be too late. My cousin called today and said she and her husband and their baby (she was born in April, so she's about 5 months) are coming on Saturday and staying one night so they can see everyone. They live in Jacksonville, so it's not that far of a drive for them. I don't know yet whether SIL's dad is coming on Sunday or Tuesday, but we are now up to 17-18 people on Sunday counting the babies! My cousin will leave before dinner on Sunday though. I am SO going to be ready for MK EMH by Sunday evening. And hoping everyone will be too tired to go with us. I think it will be fun for the one day though.

Anyway, I really need to go to bed. I've still got to take Matt to work in the morning. Then take the kids to school. Then run. Then I'll try to pack for a little bit before I have to go back to Will's school to work at the book fair. Will has practice tomorrow at 5:45 if it doesn't get rained out (rain is forecasted for the entire week...here and at Disney!). I'm purposely keeping myself busy so the time will go fast. :thumbsup2 I'll check in tomorrow. Maybe with some pictures. :)

[MK2010]

Okay, I must confess... at page 4 I got discouraged and skipped to the last page. Maybe one day (or later today :rolleyes1) I'll come back and read some more. The thing is you managed to cram in so much in those first few pages that now my mind is filled with, "Oh, I need to do that." , "Oooh, that's right. Better not forget.", and "Hmmm, maybe I should check into that too."

So now, I'm off to cook breakfast, clean the house, and school the kids. We homeschool and I'm having one of my typical panic attacks. You know, "Oh no! The second grader isn't operating at a third grade level! Heavens to Betsy!" I might be a bit of an overachiever when it comes to my kids education. :confused3

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Good morning Heather. Sounds like you had a good day despite no Disney work. That's ok. You don't want to 'burn out' before you leave. You have got to be about beside yourself by today. I am super excited for you. You must get a picture of the boys when you tell them. This is so fun.

Have a great day.

Ginny

[PracPerfPatricia]

Heather,

I just realized that you posted about your conference right before I posted asking about it...so I crossed your post...:confused3

(I think its cute you feel asleep in Christian's bed...I've been there...


First Congrats girl---You are almost on your way to the world-where you can just bask in all the magic and let everything else go for a while...:woohoo:

(Good choices on reading material-I loved reading the HP's and as for Alice...it's a great read-a little different than the Disney version though...;)

It seems like Will has a really empathetic teacher...who is also a good listener...:thumbsup2...you can't beat that combination...and it also sounds like Will is settling in and finding his mojo...(for lack of a better word...)

That being said you're his mom so if anything comes up that you question-don't doubt yourself or your insticts...pursue it...cause at the end of the day you're his advocate-you have your 2 and his teacher has however many she has...

I'm going to say cautiously say that our week was good-David made it into 2nd grade every day...there was some hugh confusion about one of the doors in/out of the back of school being broken...so I walked him back to his line one day-he's not always that great with change...but he seems to really like his teacher...:thumbsup2 and seems to be happy-although he'd always choose to stay home if he had that choice...this week is back to school night...and I thought I give the teacher a chance to observe him before I hit her with the full force of all of my neuroses...:lmao:-(not kidding...) so I think I have a better read on his situation in another week or maybe two-they didn't get any homework last week-so I haven't been able to observe that...

as for Emily-yeah High School...(sigh)...she is a perfectionist, a very good student and just a little bit (haha) anxious...put that together and that makes a very stressful cocktail...:sad2:...but she seems very happy socially-she's got a great group of friends and she seems to like her teachers although she is saying that her work load makes middle school seem like a joke...so we'll see...;)

Anyway I think I've just stressed myself out at your expense...so I think I should go run now---or at least start trying to run...:lmao:Sometime you'll have to talk about your running...I am really interested in beginning-I'd love to run one of the Dis half marathons one day...heck at this point I'd be thrilled to get through a 5K...

Hope your day is great Heather and everything comes together smoothly...Just think in a couple of days you'll be waking up in Disney...:cloud9:

[hhockman]

Good morning Heather. Sounds like you had a good day despite no Disney work. That's ok. You don't want to 'burn out' before you leave. You have got to be about beside yourself by today. I am super excited for you. You must get a picture of the boys when you tell them. This is so fun.

Have a great day.

Ginny

Good morning Ginny. I have to tell you, your "good mornings" always make me smile. I will miss them while I am gone. :goodvibes

I plan to have the camcorder going. Hopefully I can get a picture too, but we'll have to see. I'm not planning to tell them at all. If we can manage it I'm just going to say "look boys" as the Welcome to Disney World arch comes into view and see what happens. We're planning to stop around Wildwood, have a potty break, get a drink and a snack, and get them settled with a movie so that they are totally distracted as all of those "5 miles to Walt Disney World" signs flash by. Hopefully that will work. We'll see. ;)

Heather,

I just realized that you posted about your conference right before I posted asking about it...so I crossed your post...:confused3

(I think its cute you feel asleep in Christian's bed...I've been there...


First Congrats girl---You are almost on your way to the world-where you can just bask in all the magic and let everything else go for a while...:woohoo:

(Good choices on reading material-I loved reading the HP's and as for Alice...it's a great read-a little different than the Disney version though...;)

It seems like Will has a really empathetic teacher...who is also a good listener...:thumbsup2...you can't beat that combination...and it also sounds like Will is settling in and finding his mojo...(for lack of a better word...)

That being said you're his mom so if anything comes up that you question-don't doubt yourself or your insticts...pursue it...cause at the end of the day you're his advocate-you have your 2 and his teacher has however many she has...

I'm going to say cautiously say that our week was good-David made it into 2nd grade every day...there was some hugh confusion about one of the doors in/out of the back of school being broken...so I walked him back to his line one day-he's not always that great with change...but he seems to really like his teacher...:thumbsup2 and seems to be happy-although he'd always choose to stay home if he had that choice...this week is back to school night...and I thought I give the teacher a chance to observe him before I hit her with the full force of all of my neuroses...:lmao:-(not kidding...) so I think I have a better read on his situation in another week or maybe two-they didn't get any homework last week-so I haven't been able to observe that...

as for Emily-yeah High School...(sigh)...she is a perfectionist, a very good student and just a little bit (haha) anxious...put that together and that makes a very stressful cocktail...:sad2:...but she seems very happy socially-she's got a great group of friends and she seems to like her teachers although she is saying that her work load makes middle school seem like a joke...so we'll see...;)

Anyway I think I've just stressed myself out at your expense...so I think I should go run now---or at least start trying to run...:lmao:Sometime you'll have to talk about your running...I am really interested in beginning-I'd love to run one of the Dis half marathons one day...heck at this point I'd be thrilled to get through a 5K...

Hope your day is great Heather and everything comes together smoothly...Just think in a couple of days you'll be waking up in Disney...:cloud9:



Patricia, sorry you stressed yourself out, but thanks for updating me on the kids. :goodvibes I'm a little weird right, but I just like to keep up with how my friends' families are doing. I hope David has a good week this week. Will is not really one for change either, so I know where you're coming from. This is part of the reason why, despite all that's gone on, I'm hesistant to change his baseball team. He's just so comfortable with those friends. :) I'm glad Emily is doing well. I know where she is coming from. My perfectionism and anxiety made for an interesting start to high school too, but she sounds like she's got a great head on her shoulders. She'll do well.

Hey, if you're going to start running, you should commit to do the 2011 Donald with me! I've already talked a friend on mine who lives in Gainesville into it. It's a great motivation when I'm out there-plus I can keep reminding myself that I still have 16 months before I really have to be ready! :rotfl: I'm planning to try to find a 5k to do in October. I think I'm at least ready for that. There won't be any real competing, but I should be able to finish under the 16 minute/mile rule that Disney has.

Oh, and I am totally going to be watching Will closely. I don't know if I told you guys, but his papers were all Os and Ss on Friday and he got an O (a 94, that would have been 100 if his teacher had graded it instead of the student teacher-the student teacher marked two problems wrong that were actually correct, but he didn't show his work-his teacher told me she would have marked them correct...anyway...), so we'll see how things go this week...okay who am I kidding? I won't even be looking at his papers this week. He's not going to school on Friday. We'll see how the week after next goes! :lmao: But I am definitely going to stay on top of it.

Thanks again for all of your support. :goodvibes Let me know how this week goes for your kiddos!

[hhockman]

Okay my friends, I just wanted to hop on here quickly and let you know that I promise to read PTRs/TRs tonight but I'm now down to half an hour before I have to go to Will's school, so if I don't go pack a little RIGHT NOW there won't be any packing today....


....I'll be back this afternoon to read! :thumbsup2:goodvibes

[mickeystoontown]

Heather,

Your surprise plans sound a lot like the one that we did when we surprised Hunter. I made sure that he had all kinds of PSP games and the portable DVD player out the closer we got to Disney World. I really lucked out when he fell asleep for about 75 miles!

Go get your packing done while you have the chance. We'll be here when you have the time.

Lisa

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Your trip is close now! TAKE ME WITH YOU! :goodvibes

We'll miss you while you're gone. I've said it before, but I'm really looking forward to the TR that will follow! :woohoo: