Murphy's Visit with us on the Fantasy Eastern!

[Joanna71985]

Wow, that's scary about your son! I'm glad it all worked out in the end

 

[lmhall2000]

Tara, I'm loving your trip report, and I can SO relate to your worry about your son! I'll look forward to what lies ahead!

Isn't it awful?? Parenting has its highs and lows for sure!! Ds is an awesome kid...we homeschool so he's always under our radar and honestly felt that at 17 he needed some independence and trying to spread his wings...he got caught up in the 'gang' mentality of one kid suggesting something and all the others saying "That sounds GREAT" and no one wants to be the dissenting fellow. I will admit I am very sensitive to the ranges of parenting...it is 100% my son's fault for not letting us know where he was and not carrying a wave phone..but I was surprised that parents allowed their 14-17 year olds to hang out until 2:30 and not think to make them turn in for the night. We were too trusting with our son's maturity and all learned a valuable lesson!

Wow, Tara, after such an awesome day on St John & such beautiful pictures! I'm so sorry you had to go through that ordeal with your son. Whatever was he thinking?! Not having kids of my own, I can't imagine what that must have felt like. It's going to be really interesting to hear how the rest of your cruise unfolds!

Realized I'd missed your St Martin report. Sorry the island was not as nice as you hoped. I really do want to get to Maho Beach to see the planes some day.

He was thinking it was pretty cool to have a crew of buddies who laughed at his jokes, shared the same sense of humor, and were always there to hang out with...at home, we've got a busy schedule, he rows 5 days a week, takes college courses and is active in about 4 other activities...not many have good 'hang' time. Every other weekend a regatta or event taking place...all kids need some down time...and no one wants to be the party pooper and say they have to leave the 'fun'. You should have seen his face when I asked if there was anything going on that I would not allow..he was upset that I thought he would be with those types of kids...but on cruises you never know. I ran into two kids while searching for him that were from Vibe and something funny was with them...slurring words..not comprehending what I was saying...our son is very strong against drinking and smoking...but at 2:30 in the morning you have to check out all angles! We put character first and he's learned an important lesson about his responsibilities and how that tarnishes or molds a good character. Parenting is really a journey, and most the time joyous!!

well since I don't have kids I don't understand how you felt about your son being missing for that time, but I can kind of understand why my dad use to stalk(know where I was at night). He doesn't anymore since I am 24. I can understand your son wanting to be out with friends though, I've had plenty of late nights, till 4:00am once

Love those stalker Dads!! We did that on our first cruise! My husband could not believe other families would just let their children stay in a club and roam the ship or go to their room by themselves...he followed them for about 4 hours and then gave up. We do get too trusting on the ship, but that is one reason why we love Disney...you can trust the CM's and most the time your children...during 3 cruises, this is a first for us...and it's always the first born, you can bet the next two in line won't make the same mistake. We knew my shouting had awakened them both, but neither made a peep..they were probably trying to figure out what had happened. The next day, I asked them if they heard all the ruckus and they said, "Mom, I've never seen you so angry!" Whew!! I was!!
And a friend just posted on FB that a couple was murdered in their condo on St. Maarten 2 days after we left...I'm telling ya, it just did not give ya the loving safe feeling being there.

I just wanted to say congrats on that win.
We had 48 out of 50 (missed Proclaimers and Tight Fit -- never would have come up with that group; I was thinking of the version by the Nylons but couldn't remember their name).
That cruise was the first time I've seen the ear buds as prizes, so I'm glad we did end up winning some finally.

I can only imagine how much anxiety your son gave you that night. I don't have kids, but I remember worrying my parents at least a couple of times when I was home from college.

I think that was also the night of the Pop! game show? If I'm remembering correctly, by leaving early you missed quite a show in the Tube that night.

AWWW!! 48!! That Tight Fit missed us all up! If you were sitting close to us you could have heard him shout Proclaimers 10 songs later and we could have tied!!! Oh don't even have me thinking about college breaks, eek!!! We were soo exhausted that night...wait! I think we did stay for the Pop game!! That was where they had to match the cards, right?? Yes! We left right after that...they were hilarious!! We got back to the room around 11:30 right after Pop

Just finished reading your latest report...and proceeded to chew out my 9-yr-old daughter, just to be proactive! (Naturally, she is still too young for a curfew, but I figure it doesn't hurt to begin discussing this issue as soon as possible, including the consequences when/if she pulls this stunt.) Glad that everything was ok in the end!

Start young!! Leave the questioning what you actually found out they did and they'll do less Feel blessed our journey has been pretty few bumps along the way...a momma just wants to know her birds are safe and secure and doing right! You're doing a great job starting at 9...hug and reprimand, hug and reprimand Just kidding...load more hugs and very few reprimands between...unless they push your buttons, that is!

I am really enjoying your report! we leave in 12 days with our 16 year old DD and 11 year old DS. Your report is giving me lots to ponder and will help us be proactive. Can't wait to read more. I would have a really hard time coming up with a suitable consequence too - one that wouldn't end up being a punishment for the parents as well! Thanks for sharing your experiences!

I guess I just never expected parents to allow other teens in their rooms past midnight...and of course expected my son to let us know where he was....our daughters had NO problems, were always carrying their wave phones...my son is horrible about keeping up with it and kept leaving it in Vibe or at dinner and was so afraid he'd lose it and it would cost us $250..he knows how tight budgets are...but next time he'll have to velcro it to his belt buckles!

Were the teenagers in the Royal Suite? I say this as I know they had a teenage girl in the Walt Disney Suite & we were right next to it. They always seemed to be having people over there.

You know, they could have been, I know we were on deck 6 and they came down from above. I knew the family's name and they were from out West, that is as much as I knew about the room....it was not their fault, solely my son's and I think having security call them at 2:30am was enough to send a message that it's not good by some parents.

Wow, that's scary about your son! I'm glad it all worked out in the end

We came up with a punishment that was fitting. And I have to admit, he was an ANGEL the next two days. The most considerate, kind, loving son...sometimes it pays to have these blips!!

 

[Joanna71985]

Ooo, this should be interesting!

 

[Tami0220]

Just finished reading your latest report...and proceeded to chew out my 9-yr-old daughter, just to be proactive! (Naturally, she is still too young for a curfew, but I figure it doesn't hurt to begin discussing this issue as soon as possible, including the consequences when/if she pulls this stunt.) Glad that everything was ok in the end!

LOL this is so true! We have a mixed family. So daughter is 10 years younger than step son. Everytime he got in trouble I would scold her and say "If I ever catch you doing that!" She was a great kid never in trouble and laughs about it today now that she has her own daughter.

 

[tokyodisneydad]

If I could do that, I think I would have publishers knocking down my door!! Let's send pixie dust to each other that we get it in the next 20 years!!

I think it's going take all the Pixie Dust in Pixie Hollow for me to get it within the next 20 years Love my wife with all my heart, but she and I are like oil and vinegar sometimes.

The more I read your story, the more it's like looking in a mirror. I am the bargainer in my family....when we went to Nassau I bargained for everything...best deal was when I bargained for hairbraiding at 80 cents a braid versus the 2 bucks onboard. I am the dancer out of the wife and I...when we were on the Wonder I wanted to dance, but she refused.

Oh man would my kids have been in hot water had they pulled that stunt. They would have been locked in the cabin the rest of the cruise. You would have thought that girls dad would have had a little sense to send everyone out after 1 in the morning. Oh and by the way my wife is alot more flexible with curfews and rules of the house than I am.

 

[technoarch]

Great trip report thus far! This is Jim (and Heather) from the cruise. We had a blast with this group

Yoda, we must have been just a few doors down from you (12508).

 

[HermanTriplets+1]

Yeah, parenting teens. ! Testing limits apparently - guess he found them!
I enjoyed reading about your "girls' day" on St. Maarten. I am very proud of you for being able to "let" the boys stay put. Do they have a smiley for "pat on the shoulder"? I can totally imagine myself in that situation. I think I'd also say about 1,000 times that day "Oh if they only knew what they were missing!" Important thing is that every individual did what made him or her happy. It's a vacation, right?

 

[cheryllarsen]

Sure looks like fun.

 

[cheryllarsen]

Just returned from a 7 day Alaskan cruise which was spectacular! Deciding on our next destination now!

 

[TRULYEVIL]

Kids. Can't live with them Can't kick them out fast enough lots of love

 

[TRULYEVIL]

Kids. Can't live with them Can't kick them out fast enough lots of live

Should be lots of love

 

[malacajo]

We were there with you guys and going through most of this with you (except the heart attack that was the night before your bday!) and I'm SO loving your trip report! Gives me inspiration to write ours..Maybe-you know me! Loved eating at Palo with you guys, we had the best night, we never get out like that, it was as if we have all been friends for so many years Yes, totally agree with Mayito our server in Palo-he was absolutely incredible, awesome service, only complaint I could ever say was the wine situation...Palo trains their servers well!! We would have never even come close to drinking an entire bottle, heck you and I didn't even have a glass! What an awesome cruise, haven't gotten to your birthday yet Next year-much better!!! By the way all three of your kids are AWESOME! Love them!

 

[ImprovGal]

AWWW!! 48!! That Tight Fit missed us all up! If you were sitting close to us you could have heard him shout Proclaimers 10 songs later and we could have tied!!! Oh don't even have me thinking about college breaks, eek!!! We were soo exhausted that night...wait! I think we did stay for the Pop game!! That was where they had to match the cards, right?? Yes! We left right after that...they were hilarious!! We got back to the room around 11:30 right after Pop

Ok, if you stayed through Pop, you might have seen the beginnings of the "entertainment" as it was sometime during the game when the presumably rather intoxicated guest removed her dress. She took to the dance floor after Pop.

 

[Jane1967]

Imhall2000....your trip report is AWESOME!! You have cracked me up several times. We had an issue with our oldest and a late night as well on the last cruise. We will definitely be setting up some guidelines on our upcoming Fantasy trip to the eastern carribean in March.

 

[malacajo]

Ok, if you stayed through Pop, you might have seen the beginnings of the "entertainment" as it was sometime during the game when the presumably rather intoxicated guest removed her dress. She took to the dance floor after Pop.

Was this "topless wonder" a blonde?? If so, we saw the beginning of her night during the 80's contest...Trevor even stopped and one point and said "I don't think I can stop staring"...She was just getting started at that point

 

[lmhall2000]

I think it's going take all the Pixie Dust in Pixie Hollow for me to get it within the next 20 years Love my wife with all my heart, but she and I are like oil and vinegar sometimes.

The more I read your story, the more it's like looking in a mirror. I am the bargainer in my family....when we went to Nassau I bargained for everything...best deal was when I bargained for hairbraiding at 80 cents a braid versus the 2 bucks onboard. I am the dancer out of the wife and I...when we were on the Wonder I wanted to dance, but she refused.

Oh man would my kids have been in hot water had they pulled that stunt. They would have been locked in the cabin the rest of the cruise. You would have thought that girls dad would have had a little sense to send everyone out after 1 in the morning. Oh and by the way my wife is alot more flexible with curfews and rules of the house than I am.

Ha! We must have been raised in similar households! Generation 80s?? I think I'm before Generation X or right at the start of it, am 45 now..raised on Leave it to Beaver and Happy Days...ya don't want your child galavanting around with Pinky Tuscadero at 2am!

Great trip report thus far! This is Jim (and Heather) from the cruise. We had a blast with this group

Yoda, we must have been just a few doors down from you (12508).

Oh Jim and Yoda, I'm so sorry to say that I do believe the room they were in was near y'all...hope they did not keep you up and if you have any bulletins to share, you better let me know! Asked son today where that room was and it was on the 11th floor. He mentioned he liked the TV in the mirror..so had to be concierge floor. Aha!!! I should have been Sherlock's Watson!!

Yeah, parenting teens. ! Testing limits apparently - guess he found them!
I enjoyed reading about your "girls' day" on St. Maarten. I am very proud of you for being able to "let" the boys stay put. Do they have a smiley for "pat on the shoulder"? I can totally imagine myself in that situation. I think I'd also say about 1,000 times that day "Oh if they only knew what they were missing!" Important thing is that every individual did what made him or her happy. It's a vacation, right?

Yep! You hit it right on the nail! Ya have to be go with the flow on these sorts of things, everyone was happy and that's what we go for!!

Just returned from a 7 day Alaskan cruise which was spectacular! Deciding on our next destination now!

How was the Alaskan cruise?? Kids and dh want to try but honestly, we lived in Seattle for 2 years and it took me 5 years in the deep south to break the chill! I'm not sure I could enjoy a ship where it's not sunny and warm...please share!!

Kids. Can't live with them Can't kick them out fast enough lots of love

Ding Ding Ding!! It only proves my point that I am glad I held him back (late birthday) he'll be 19 entering college in 2014...he SOOO needs more guidance! Sweet kid, earnest to a fault, and is coming into his 'own' person FINALLY! Love seeing him have passions..but also would appreciate more consistency in the 'trust' category...that's what lifelines are for, he has two more left

We were there with you guys and going through most of this with you (except the heart attack that was the night before your bday!) and I'm SO loving your trip report! Gives me inspiration to write ours..Maybe-you know me! Loved eating at Palo with you guys, we had the best night, we never get out like that, it was as if we have all been friends for so many years Yes, totally agree with Mayito our server in Palo-he was absolutely incredible, awesome service, only complaint I could ever say was the wine situation...Palo trains their servers well!! We would have never even come close to drinking an entire bottle, heck you and I didn't even have a glass! What an awesome cruise, haven't gotten to your birthday yet Next year-much better!!! By the way all three of your kids are AWESOME! Love them!

Grumpy was just saying today that meeting y'all and our night at Palo made the trip so much more fun than our other two cruises!! Loved song trivia night...too much fun!! You guys ROCK! Thanks Dis for making these connections possible!!

Ok, if you stayed through Pop, you might have seen the beginnings of the "entertainment" as it was sometime during the game when the presumably rather intoxicated guest removed her dress. She took to the dance floor after Pop.

YES!! We were still there! I saw TRevor drop his mouth in the middle of his retort..we all looked in that direction, I saw a lady with her dress up over her head!! I was embarrassed for her and could not look again...I wondered if she dropped an appetizer down it and that was the only way to remove it!! Freaky yet Cheeky!!!

Imhall2000....your trip report is AWESOME!! You have cracked me up several times. We had an issue with our oldest and a late night as well on the last cruise. We will definitely be setting up some guidelines on our upcoming Fantasy trip to the eastern carribean in March.

The scary part is next cruise our son will be 18!!! Still a senior in high school but hope he doesn't start pulling the "I'm an adult" caveat! In the whole scheme of things, it is a transgression I would take over many others..but still need to kick in that Momma ain't happy mode!!

Was this "topless wonder" a blonde?? If so, we saw the beginning of her night during the 80's contest...Trevor even stopped and one point and said "I don't think I can stop staring"...She was just getting started at that point

Yep!! Kind of want to know the 'rest of the story' on that one!

I had a minor setback (Murphy ya know) and am finally recovering from a nasty kidney infection...only had 2 in my life and both this year!! UGH! So, on to the next installation...THE DUALITY of PUNISHMENT!!

 

[kaseyC]

Oh Jim and Yoda, I'm so sorry to say that I do believe the room they were in was near y'all...hope they did not keep you up and if you have any bulletins to share, you better let me know! Asked son today where that room was and it was on the 11th floor. He mentioned he liked the TV in the mirror..so had to be concierge floor. Aha!!! I should have been Sherlock's Watson!!

OMG!! Tara,I think it was the teenage girl in the Cat. T next to us on Deck 11. She always had a number of teenage boys hanging with her. I can't recall the exact night but she had a loud group of teens in her suite one night. Ask your son if the young lady liked to sing. She seemed to like to sing quite a bit on the balcony... scales and such.

The family in the Walt suite had daughter my Hailey's age. They became fast friends at the Edge and spent quite a bit of time in the Concierge lounge feeding their smoothie addiction.

 

[lmhall2000]

Men at Work: "Be Good Johnny"

Nothing like a good night's...er 4 hour sleep. Sun is up and so am I...finally talk the kids into rising around 8:00 for breakfast. Ds is being very, very apologetic...even comes of his own accord to apologize again to me and even wishes me a Happy Birthday! Now THAT is the boy I remember!! It's my birthday! My heart begins to soften because I was in rare Mommyraptor mode lsat night. As much heat as he takes for being on the receiving end, I honestly believe it takes more out of us as parents to have to go into frantic mode!

I think it's time for a lifeline. I ask the girls if they heard all the commotion..at first they feigned ignorance, but then realized my 'sweet' mommy voice was on this morning...they let out a big "whew" and went on to say how they had never seen me so upset and was glad it wasn't them, then of course they wanted to know what he did. Nah, nah, he's been through enough no sense in rehashing it and risking my 4 hours of sleep and buffer to wear off. I tell ds that I realize I can not have him chained to me for 48 hours and we would not end our vacation like this.

I guess you can call this lifeline "Ask the Audience"....So, I ask the girls and Grumpy what would be an appropriate punishment. Now is the time for all those times your dear brother pushed your buttons, make it good girls...someone spoke up and said, "Make him take pictures with the characters." WAHOO!! We have a winner. If you haven't noticed, but there are very few pictures of ds at all, much less of any with a character..he is 'too' cool for characters. It's like asking Yosemite Sam to go on a picnic with Bugs Bunny and be a good host. His kryptonite if you will. You can see a very short eye roll (didn't quite make the full circle..much more that his self control took over when he caught me seeing his eyes go up into his forehead.)

He quickly adjusts: "Mom, whatever you want me to do. I really am sorry."

Mom: "Done! You must find 5 characters today and get pictures with them." Not only does that mean waiting for long waits with little toddlers but all his 'buds' will see him doing it...he'll have to explain to them why he's very much a fan or why he's being punished. All in all, a good exchange....humility for terrifying your parents...sounds good!

We get a text from our Dis Friends to meet for breakfast...honestly, I need another mom to 'vent' to...she'll know the right things to say!! But, wait, as I stand up to leave I'm feeling pretty light headed..I knock it off to being very tired and worn out.

We make it to Royal Court for breakfast with all kids in tow. Girls are having fun showing son the Navigator so he can 'pick' his punishment! I am feeling more and more 'not so right'...knock it off to seasickness now. We are full steam ahead this sea day to Castaway Cay. Only raisin bran sounds good...they did not have any, sweet server went to Cabana's to find me some...that was soo sweet! I tell my fellow momma a bit of the drama and she was soo there with the right words...nice to have backup!

Son is eager to make his first character picture so he's off to stand in line with his sisters...Grumpy and I make it back to the room and now I KNOW something is not right! I had bought 2 passes for rainforest room and had planned on going today, it was NOT going to happen. Whatever is hitting me is hitting fast and I can not stand at all. Nausea, light headed, body aches. At first, I think I just need to rest and get some sleep.

I fall asleep quickly and wake up a few hours later feeling worse than before. Oh NO!! I'm sick!! I check my fever and it's over 100...ugh! My birthday and all I can do is hug those awesome pillows and rock away the nausea. And that blanket!!! Oh my goodness, it's like having your grandma hug you when you're not feeling well...that blankie was like my new best friend! Just the right weight to keep the chills going through me at bay and help me feel everything's going to be okay! I must find that blanket!! Googling doesn't help but I do find I'm not alone in my passion for these blankets!!

Grumpy, girls and of course dear son are awesome, coming in and checking often. Son gives me updates on what characters he has had pictures with and continues to apologize even asks if he can get me anything. If I have to be sick on my birthday, there is NO better place than on a ship..I get to see the beautiful ocean outside, know my children are enjoying themselves (and son even said his punishment was not as bad as he thought, that hanging with the characters was kind of cool.) Ladies and gentlemen! If there is ANYTHING I can gain for this kid on the cusp of independence is to embrace the little joys...you are NEVER to cool to get a hug from Goofy!!!!

So,the Murphy may have been the mysterious illness I contracted...Felt completely nauseous and as if some type of Caribbean Revenge had been thrust upon me..but life is funny...moments like these help you just sit back and take it all in. Our family was here to celebrate our 20 years of marriage...just like this cruise...each day of it represented the exact experiences we've rejoiced in, survived, and embraced during our 20 years. Some amazing experiences, some trying ones, the whole better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and health...ya just have to smile at the imagery of it all played out in an anniversary cruise!

It was pure joy hearing all the kids get along famously, being kind, offering a hair brush (when on other days it can be an impetus for war), Grumpy losing his Grumpy edge...being the doting, loving, sympathetic man that comes out either from fear I'm going to die and leave him with the manic days of raising three teenagers or just raw sincerity shining through that errant dwarf facade. Sure, I'm curled up in the fetal position just waiting for this 'too' to pass, but never too unaware of the dualities of hardships...sometimes in those, we see the true gems of our blessings!! This day is nearing a close, never touched the chicken noodle soup, 2 cups of sprite were my nourishment this day..no birthday cake, no candles, but a slew of cool birthday magnets/messages/gifts left by amazing Disers to ensure there is no mistaking, this WAS my 45th Birthday!! Thanks Guys!!!!

I will leave you with three images of a boy taking his punishment to the max...he did manage to get all five pictures today and he chose some amazing characters! The personalities of which if you added them all up together would be exactly how I want my son to live his life.."To Infinity & Beyond!" "Gawrsh" "To Laugh at Yourself is to Love Yourself" "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes" and "What's the Big Ideal?" Can you guess the characters?? And best of all, he made it back to the room 15 minutes before curfew...way 2 B!!!

Only one day left, hope I recover and can make it to our first trip to Castaway Cay!!!!

 

[Desi]

You are a good mother. I'd still be seeing red.

 

[lmhall2000]

You are a good mother. I'd still be seeing red.

Believe me, it takes great pains to push aside the red! I'll share this aside here and part of why he got off without being chained to me...the day before he was very down...would not share what was going on but moms know! So hard to see a down boy. I've been able to piece it together since coming home with the help of key accounts from his sisters. I'll put it in small print..if I think ds would be annoyed or that his privacy had been disregarded I would not post it...but it helps explain much...ds is all about being open and honest...so when he's sulking and withdrawn...you can tell he needs encouragement in a big way. I know this is all cryptic...but will be revealed soon!