(update 08/06) This One's for You, Mom -- Sep 2015 PTR

[SarahDisney]

I can't believe I missed an update from like 2 weeks ago!

Congrats to Victoria on the new job! I hope it's going well so far and she's not spending all her money as soon as she earns it.

I love the MagicBand watch! I've seen one or two other people do this ... its so creative! (I just wear my regular watch on my other wrist...)

The beach pictures are great - it looks so relaxing.

I think this is my favorite picture!! I assume Victoria put that there ...

 

[LoJoDisney]

Yay for Victoria getting the job! And how awesome that Disney pixie dust may have played a part! It really does connect people!!

I love the beach pictures & that you 2 played hooky to go. Good memories!

I know from your post on my report that fast passes went well for you! We're getting real close- the next month 1/2 will fly by!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Hi All!!! It’s been a LONG time since I’ve updated or responded to everyone and I apologize. You know how life gets in the way, huh? Over all our summer is going well. Everyone is in pretty good health although Peter’s foot is still bothering him from the surgery a while back. He’s kind of discouraged over that, but there’s not much he can do. We haven’t done a whole lot other than swim in our pool and just hang out around the house. We still are working on Victoria’s driving experience to take her driver’s test. Boy, it’s hard to acquire 70 hours of driving time when she doesn’t want to drive. Grrrrr! Her permit doesn’t expire until July 2016, so hopefully by then she will have all her hours in.


We did take a little mini-trip to the Boothbay Railway Village in Boothbay Harbor, ME. Peter had always wanted to go and I’ve never been so it was a really neat experience. It’s about an hour’s drive away from our house. There is an old steam engine train that takes people around the whole little village. Apparently all the buildings were donated and they are the actual structures from long ago. So incredibly cool!!! I bet you anything that one or two may be haunted, but there’s no proof of that. You really should check out their website for more info. Again, it was so cool!! The description is from their website:

“The heart of the Boothbay Railway Village is the village. Comprised of many historically significant structures that house artifacts and displays of rural Maine from the mid-19th through the mid-20th centuries, the village can transport the visitor to a time well before computers, cell phones and even television.

Whether it is a lecture series in the 1847 Town Hall or one of many festivals and special events that take place on the green, the village is the center of the museum and its activities. From a 1927 GE Refrigerator to an immense collection of vintage salt & pepper shakers the Museum’s collection of every day objects offers visitors the opportunity to reminisce and reconnect with times long past.”

They had mannequins set up and honestly, those were kind of creepy!!! One really scared me as I didn’t expect it to be there. They also had a display of what looked to me as Gulliver from Gulliver’s Travels when he was a giant. Really weird. They also had a model train set up that took an entire building itself. It really was amazing!!

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This dude actually came around and hole-punched our tickets!! Just like in the Polar Express, but not as creative!

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Ok, this is the mannequin that freaked me out!!

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And the Gulliver’s Travels one…

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The model railroad:

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At the goat barn:

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One room schoolhouse:

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Old benches:

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Afterwards we went and had a nice meal. This was my first shore dinner of the season which consisted of 1 lobster, steamed clams, corn on the cob and cole slaw. Yummers!! I was in heaven! Of course neither Peter nor Victoria like clams or lobster, so it was mine, all mine!! Yes please!!!

As for Disney planning, all the fast passes are done and we got everything we wanted including Anna & Elsa on our 2nd MK day. Over all I’m pretty pleased at how easily everything is going. I hope it’s as easy to stop at DTD the first day to pick up our Tables in Wonderland card and Annual Passes. Sometimes I hate reading the Dis due to the horror stories about tickets not reading on the magic bands, etc. I know I worry way too much about stuff like that, but it is concerning. I want everything as perfect as I can get it for Mom’s trip. I also read that the quick service location at VGF will be closed 8/23/2015- 9/4/2015. I’m hoping they reopen as scheduled for our quickie items! Online check-in is also done. I left things alone as Member Services already put in our requests --- higher floor, near the elevators, courtyard view. We’ll see.

You remember that dress that I bought? Yeah, I’m probably not going to fit into it, so I’m not sure what to wear for 1900 Park Fare. Mom’s wearing a beautiful dress, but my plans are basically poop for me. I can’t figure out how to add a couple of inches without ruining the dress --- too many sequins! Maybe I can do something under the arms, but I don’t know. It’s going to be tough even if I can do it at all! We’ll see. Maybe I’ll take another look at it tonight. Miracles can happen.

So, Victoria lost her job. She couldn’t keep up with the “piece work” and they let her go after her probation period was up. I felt really, really bad for her, but she seemed to take it in stride. I don’t think she really wants to work (heck, I don’t either!!) so she’s not too upset. She did have an interview at the Y for an evening child care attendant. She hasn’t heard back on that one, but she says the interview didn’t go well. Grrrr…. I know I told this to Erin, but I’m just hoping I’ve raised a well-adjusted child who will be able to function in this society. Yes, it’s a major concern of mine. I just want her to find her place and I’m worried she won’t do so.

My suitcase is out and ready to be packed!! 46 more days baby! Of course my toiletries and Disney stuff is already packed, but both Victoria and I have to go through our shorts to see what fits, what doesn’t and what needs hemming, etc. My ears and lanyards are packed. I’m not sure if anyone other than me is wearing a lanyard, but I still want to pin trade before we lose that activity like the pressed pennies. Did you guys read where pressed pennies may soon be a thing of the past? That make me sad as I have my pennies ready to press, too!!! I have to look into where Cutie is going to go as she was kicked out of the last doggie daycare I took her to. Ugh! There is one up the road from me that I’ll probably check out. I’ve been lucky the last few trips I’ve had people to watch her, but not this time. Oh well.

That’s all for now!!!! [/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][URL=http://s933.photobucket.com/user/victoriasmom98/media/boothbay%20railway%20village/IMG_1667.jpg.html][URL=http://s933.photobucket.com/user/victoriasmom98/media/boothbay%20railway%20village/IMG_1668.jpg.html][URL=http://s933.photobucket.com/user/victoriasmom98/media/boothbay%20railway%20village/IMG_1669.jpg.html][URL=http://s933.photobucket.com/user/victoriasmom98/media/boothbay%20railway%20village/IMG_1670.jpg.html][URL=http://s933.photobucket.com/user/victoriasmom98/media/boothbay%20railway%20village/IMG_1674.jpg.html][URL=http://s933.photobucket.com/user/victoriasmom98/media/boothbay%20railway%20village/IMG_1676.jpg.html][URL=http://s933.photobucket.com/user/victoriasmom98/media/boothbay%20railway%20village/IMG_1679.jpg.html][URL=http://s933.photobucket.com/user/victoriasmom98/media/boothbay%20railway%20village/IMG_1680.jpg.html][URL=http://s933.photobucket.com/user/victoriasmom98/media/boothbay%20railway%20village/IMG_1684.jpg.html][URL=http://s933.photobucket.com/user/victoriasmom98/media/boothbay%20railway%20village/IMG_1687.jpg.html][URL=http://s933.photobucket.com/user/victoriasmom98/media/boothbay%20railway%20village/IMG_1691.jpg.html][URL=http://s933.photobucket.com/user/victoriasmom98/media/boothbay%20railway%20village/IMG_1692.jpg.html][URL=http://s933.photobucket.com/user/victoriasmom98/media/boothbay%20railway%20village/IMG_1702.jpg.html][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url]

 

[solana131]

What? Gasparillas is being refurbed??? They just did a total overhaul like what a couple years ago? It was beautiful last summer.....hmmm, fingers crossed it opens on time for you!

Pooh, I'll have to check out the Boothbay railroad thing. It looks fun. Although those mannequins are really freaky.

Sorry about Victoria's job. Hope she finds something!

Yay! Your trip is coming right up! So excited for you....th Grand is just so pretty and special

 

[SarahDisney]

I'm glad to hear you're all doing well, and I hope Peter's foot gets better soon!

Boothbay Railway Village sounds/looks really cool - thanks for sharing all the pictures!

Congrats on getting all the FP+ you wanted! I think that people share a lot of horror stories on The DIS ... but those horror stories happen in maybe 1% of cases. Most trips run fairly smoothly, and hopefully yours will be one of those!

Sorry to hear about Victoria's job ... it's rough for a kid to get and keep their first few jobs. I never worked when I was in high school or college, and I still regret it, but I had a hard time getting a job. Hopefully she'll find something for August ... but even if she doesn't, I'm sure she'll be okay. Sometimes it's hard to know if you raised your kids right, but you just have to do your best and hope they can figure out a way to make life work.

46 days! So awesome! I hope you get a chance to press some pennies on the trip before they get rid of all the machines!

 

[JDailey]

Found you!!! All caught up.

 

[Victoriasmom98]

I can't believe I missed an update from like 2 weeks ago! Congrats to Victoria on the new job! I hope it's going well so far and she's not spending all her money as soon as she earns it. I love the MagicBand watch! I've seen one or two other people do this ... its so creative! (I just wear my regular watch on my other wrist...) The beach pictures are great - it looks so relaxing...

Hi Sarah!! Don’t worry about missing updates….it’s not like I write them all the time. There’s nothing much to say as everything is done now. It’s just a matter of packing and waiting for Magic Bands and Magical Express tags to come. I really think I’m going to like having the watch on the MB.

Yay for Victoria getting the job! And how awesome that Disney pixie dust may have played a part! It really does connect people!!I love the beach pictures & that you 2 played hooky to go. Good memories!

I know from your post on my report that fast passes went well for you! We're getting real close- the next month 1/2 will fly by!

Hey Lauren!! The days seem to be flying by at this point. I’m on Day 40 now and I just can’t believe I’m so close!! Victoria tried on her shorts this morning and only 1 pair fit. Ugh!! Guess I’ll be running out to get her some shorts --- probably about 5 pairs. I’ll have to see if I have some old ones that she fits into first and we’ll go from there. I feel bad that her PCOS makes it hard to lose weight for her. I wish I could help it.

What? Gasparillas is being refurbed??? They just did a total overhaul like what a couple years ago? It was beautiful last summer.....hmmm, fingers crossed it opens on time for you! Pooh, I'll have to check out the Boothbay railroad thing. It looks fun. Although those mannequins are really freaky. Sorry about Victoria's job. Hope she finds something! Yay! Your trip is coming right up! So excited for you....the Grand is just so pretty and special

Yep, Gasparilla’s is being refurbed --- it’s what I’ve read. I’m not sure when the last time it got refurbed, but I sure hope it opens in time. I know, I know I can just walk to Poly for whatever I needed, but it wouldn’t be as convenient. Victoria has an interview at Chipotle’s next week, so we’ll see what comes of that. The college kids should be returning to school in a month or so and that will open up some job opportunities hopefully.

I'm glad to hear you're all doing well, and I hope Peter's foot gets better soon! Boothbay Railway Village sounds/looks really cool - thanks for sharing all the pictures! Congrats on getting all the FP+ you wanted! I think that people share a lot of horror stories on The DIS ... but those horror stories happen in maybe 1% of cases. Most trips run fairly smoothly, and hopefully yours will be one of those! Sorry to hear about Victoria's job ... it's rough for a kid to get and keep their first few jobs. I never worked when I was in high school or college, and I still regret it, but I had a hard time getting a job. Hopefully she'll find something for August ... but even if she doesn't, I'm sure she'll be okay. Sometimes it's hard to know if you raised your kids right, but you just have to do your best and hope they can figure out a way to make life work. 46 days! So awesome! I hope you get a chance to press some pennies on the trip before they get rid of all the machines!

Yeah, I’m sure Victoria will be ok. I just worry, but that’s what Moms are supposed to do, right?


So, I’ve altered the dress and changed up the plans a bit. Remember how I said it didn’t fit? Well, I was able to find some glittery gray fabric to add a few inches to the sides under the arms to make it fit. I then made a waist sash out of the same fabric to tie it all in together. I then bought some cheap party-favor Minnie ears and covered them in the same fabric. And I was able to find some shoes in the same type of glittery color as the rest of it. This is now my outfit for 1900 Park Fare! I’ve put in so much time sewing and mending this past weekend, but I am soooo happy with how it turned out. Now if only I’ll be daring enough to wear the ensemble!! LOL!


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What do you all think???[/url][/url]

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Found you!!! All caught up.

Yay!!! Jenn is here!!!!!

 

[SarahDisney]

The dress and ears look amazing!! And the shoes will look great with that outfit! I'm very impressed!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Oooooooh.........lookie here:

The Garden Grill Restaurant at The Land pavilion in Epcot's Future World will begin offering breakfast and lunch later this year.

Since lunch was discontinued a few years back, the Garden Grill has only served dinner, but starting November 8 2015, the restaurant will also offer breakfast and lunch.

Operating hours will be 8am to 10:30am for breakfast, 11:30am to 3pm for lunch, and dinner 4pm to 8pm. All three periods will offer the family-style dining service, and will feature characters appearances by Pluto, Chip and Dale, and Mickey.

 

[solana131]

Love Love Love your 'new' dress and outfit. It will be so cute

 

[Victoriasmom98]

The dress and ears look amazing!! And the shoes will look great with that outfit! I'm very impressed!

Love Love Love your 'new' dress and outfit. It will be so cute

Thanks guys. I’m pretty impressed with myself, but I was patient and determined so it actually worked out. Believe me I am no seamstress by any imagination, so I’m pretty psyched! I think just a little tweek here and there and I’ll be golden. For instance it’s now a little big at the shoulders, but that’s an easy fix --- a little pinch and that should do it.


Yep, I’m definitely on my sewing kick right now. Victoria needed another pair of shorts, so I just shortened a pair of pants into shorts. All good now. She’s actually running out of pants as well, but fortunately I saved all the pants that don’t fit me (yeah, in hopes I lose the weight – hahahahaha!) so some of them actually fit her now (boo, I was hoping she would never be in plus size like me). Here’s where the more sewing comes in --- I’m 5’3” and she’s 4’11” ---- yep more shortening! I think I have 6 or 7 pairs of pants to do now. I have to work on the tan kahki pants first because ----- VICTORIA GOT A NEW JOB!!!! Yep, she’ll be working as a sales associate at Party City which is about 3 miles from our house. Yeah!!! Part time hours, of course, but I hope she likes it and can handle the workload. We shall see. She starts next week, although she doesn’t have the schedule yet. Their uniforms are kahki pants and a black Party City shirt which will be provided. We do have to find her some comfy shoes that are not sneakers. That will be this weekend’s project. Ugh!


So we are sitting at 38 days now. OMG!!!! It’s really going by quickly, but I’ve already said that. Today in Maine it’s a nice toasty 90 degrees with high humidity. Lovely. Good practice for September in Disney, though, right? I’m thinking a nice evening for the pool after work if the pop up storms go either north or south of us. I have to make supper, though. Victoria and I went out to Texas Roadhouse last night, so I have to cook tonight. Can’t afford to go out more than once per week, even though Victoria could eat out every night. So could I, to be honest.


That’s about all for today!!!! Thanks for reading!!!

 

[LoJoDisney]

Hi! We are getting so close I can't believe how fast time is flying!

Your outfit looks so great! I love all the sparkles!

Sorry to hear about Victoria's job. I know you are worried, but you just have to trust you did the best you could & she will be ok Hopefully she'll land another job that she enjoys.

That is awesome you've been able to sew and make a lot of things! I've never learned to sew, wish I could!

Joe & I decided about a month ago we were going to limit going out to eat to one night a week too! We want to try and save more money and also eat more healthy. We've been pretty good at it except my birthday was this past weekend so we went out more but it was our parents taking us out, so it still counts because we didn't have to pay haha!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Hi Lauren!!! Is the time passing by quickly for you too??? It doesn't usually so I wonder what's up with this year. Thank you for the compliment on my outfit. There was a lot of work put into it, that's for sure! You must not have seen where I stated Victoria did get a job at Party City!! Thus all the freaking sewing (hemming) I have to do!!

 

[Tinker326]

Congrats on Victoria's new job! That's awesome! And you are so, so close to your trip! So excited to see those Grand Floridian Villas!

Your dress is awesome & good job on the sewing! I am so impatient when it comes to projects like that... I can never follow through.

 

[Victoriasmom98]

30 DAYS AND COUNTING!!!!!


First of all I am sooo excited as today I got our MICKEY MAIL!!!!!


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Isn’t it just beautiful?? I just keep looking at it and reading the tags….ahhhhhhh……let’s face it, I’m obsessed!!!! I don’t believe there is a 12 step program, either! LOL! Just think when I get back from this trip it will almost be time to book for next trip in April and well, I hear tell there’s a BB offer to book for Free Dining late summer 2016. Decisions, decisions…….although, that might not be financially doable as we would have to book a cash reservation and I’m already paying monthly for DVC. Victoria will also be entering college next fall, so I may be putting the cart before the horse at this point. There will be no points left to do a trip next fall, so we’ll see.


Moving on…….I’ve been working on these little gems.


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A while back someone from the Disboards provided a template for the cover bands and I’ve been trying to learn how to work Photoshop Elements so that I can make our own covers. I purchased vinyl white sticker paper which is waterproof to print them out on as that was what was suggested. So I’ve done a couple so far and I think they came out pretty good. I had to cut them by hand, so the edges aren’t perfect, but I feel they are good enough. I swear Elements doesn’t like me though because sometimes I can merge the images and sometimes I can’t. There doesn’t seem to be a rhyme or reason for it, so I get frustrated, but eventually I get it. I posted them on the Facebook page You Might Be A Disney Addict and I had over 45 requests for the template! Of course I emailed them all and provided it. Last night I did one for the step sisters since we are going to 1900 Park Fare the first night. I didn’t take a picture of that one.


Victoria took some selfies the other day and I love this one so much, I had to share…


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Oh, and she loves her new job at Party City! Thank goodness!!! She’s happy and actually likes stocking shelves and running the register. Yeah!! Now if only she continues to enjoy it. It does seem like a very fun place to work!


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That’s it for today folks!!! Now to wait for the Magic Bands to come! I no longer can update them so hopefully I’ll see those soon!!![/url][/url][/url][/url][URL=http://s933.photobucket.com/user/victoriasmom98/media/magic%20bands.jpg.html][URL=http://s933.photobucket.com/user/victoriasmom98/media/on%20the%20band.jpg.html][URL=http://s933.photobucket.com/user/victoriasmom98/media/Vic.jpeg.html][URL=http://s933.photobucket.com/user/victoriasmom98/media/name%20tag.jpg.html][/url][/url][/url][/url]

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Hi All!!! (ok, so it’s probably only 2 readers I have left…..) Today is Day 23!! 23 MORE DAYS!!! Can you believe it? No more time to change my mind on anything --- too late to add the Dining Plan or anything like that. Not that I would as the figures just work out better for Tables in Wonderland, but alas, I’ve discussed that to death! I just can’t believe it’s been almost one entire year since we’ve been to my happy place! I cannot believe we are actually going and so far (knock on wood) no one is deathly ill or has broken or sprained anything. Geez, I probably shouldn’t have said that….eek!


So, we got our bands in the mail yesterday and I was so freaking excited. Yes, I was tracking them so when I saw them out for delivery, I couldn’t stand it…..I left work during break time to see them. Of course I put the cover bands I made on them right away!


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I touched up everyone’s with a little bit of clear nail polish as the sticker vinyl I bought isn’t as sticky as I’d like it to be and I noticed the edges were coming off. Problem solved, though. What do you guys think? I’m changing mine out daily and since our first night is with the Stepsisters, I made one for them first!


I do have to place my grocery order with Kelly’s Personal Delivery Service soon. I want to get the liquids such as milk, soda and cold stuff like cheese and fruit. Other than that I’m packing bagels, bread, pb and for my Mother --- coffee!

 

[SarahDisney]

I'm here ... just a little behind.

Congrats to Victoria on her new job! I'm glad to hear she's enjoying it.

Mickey Mail is the best! I think my favorite part is the "MK" on the tags ... because you're staying at a Magic Kingdom area resort!

I love the MagicBands - they all look great!

YOUR TRIP IS SO SOON!!! YAY!!!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

I'm here ... just a little behind. Congrats to Victoria on her new job! I'm glad to hear she's enjoying it. Mickey Mail is the best! I think my favorite part is the "MK" on the tags ... because you're staying at a Magic Kingdom area resort! I love the MagicBands - they all look great! YOUR TRIP IS SO SOON!!! YAY!!!

Yay!!! Sarah is still reading!! Yahoo!!!!! Oh, I just love Mickey Mail.....now the L - O - N - G wait for 22 more days!!! I have a really good start on packing and I believe Peter said he was packing his stuff this weekend. I bought him 2 pairs of shorts and 2 new t-shirts. My mom went out and bought him some Polo shirts as she feels he should wear more than t-shirts around the Grand. Ugh! But hey, it makes her happy to buy him something.

So here I am at work listening to Disney Park music on Spotify. I'm obsessed!!!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I'm here! I'm here! You haven't left yet, right???

Bands look cute, I cannot believe it's been a year since your last trip, it seems like yesterday. I hope you have a fantastic time!!