~ºoº November 27, 2010- Western Magic! ºoº~

[BealsRwe]

I wasn't happy that ours is considered an "unexcused absence" either. Why did they make me submit it in writing 2 weeks prior when they KNEW they wouldn't "approve" it. Their teachers told me they will give us a "general plan" of what will be missed. They have their spelling and math workbooks, so I just plan on going over those lessons with them before we leave, and we will go from there. I know we are not the only family to take their kids out of school, and a few "unexcused absences" is not going to change my plans anyway.

The kids will enjoy seeing new places and learning different things, and we have them write in a journal while we are gone. It's all good....and we will be experiencing the GOOD in one week!

I agree. I know in our disctrict, DD is at a charter school, and in Florida, the school does not get paid by the state when the students are absent. Last year, her week was listed as excused. DD is allowed to miss 20 days of school per year (and medical absences are not included in that number). She gets to miss 5 while we are away, and she will learn so much outside the classroom. Her class just finished a unit on oceans...we are doing the turtle farm in Grand Cayman. Her charter school is a global studies academy, and we are going to Mexico. My thought is we will have a great family cruise and learn a little bit too. I understand they have to have policies in place as some parents would aduse the system, so it makes it a hassle for the rest of us.

 

[iloverags2]

Well Mom made it through the surgery (and hours of waiting) like a trooper. The doctor will know whether or not he got all of the cells when we get the report back from pathology on Tuesday. We pray that all the 'abnormal' cells were taken out. We got to the hospital at 5:30 AM and were discharged at 2 PM. Overall I think everything went well and everyone we came in contact with were truly doing what they loved and it showed. We got her home (after a good amount of controlled drugs being dispensed) and she took a nap and was good to go around 5 and was dragging by 7. The funniest part of it all is that my mother is always known for her perfect hair and the hair net they put on her didn't mess it up at all. I appreciate all your thoughts and prayers today. They were truly felt. She said thanks for keeping her in your thoughts.

Excellent that your mom's surgery went well! I didn't want to mention this before her surgery...my mom woke up during hers!

The doctor said she started waking up and asked, "Are you finished?" The doctor responded, "We're just finishing up some stitches," (not sure if that really was where they were at) and mom said, "Oh, ok," and went back to sleep!

Continued prayers for a good reading.

My DS9's school did not "approve" the pre-arranged absence form I submitted on November 2. Instead, his teacher told me today that he is "marked to be gone those days." Whatever! My 3rd grader is cruising!

That is so irritating. Good for you for just looking past it!

1 week from today we're telling her we're going on a cruise! I don't know if I can keep this secret much longer!

So awesome you have kept it a secret! She will be thrilled when she finds out just before sailing away!

So much info in a few hours!
Just one more week til we will sail and meet everyone! I have 10 1/2 hours to get ready for this party tonight. Still a lot to be picked up around here, and the vacuuming, and cooking/baking. I'm really not sure what I was thinking with having this the weekend before we leave!!!

I'm sure it will all be fine and I will just finish all the packing tomorrow (and making a list of what else I need).

Darcy, remember to relax in there somewhere!!!! (Or at least take a breather!)

ONE WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Va-NanaTink]

Getting ready to head to DS1's house for DGD's 4th birthday party...oh yeah, I'm excited about that..... a house full of chattering 3-6 year olds bouncing around!


Darcy, BREATHE!!! have fun with your party!

Everyone traveling, be safe see you in less than 150 hours!!!

 

[jd99]

After inviting my whole family to our house for Thanksgiving dinner, everyone punked out for a variety of reasons. So we found ourselves thinking, "Why are we staying here again and not heading to Florida a day earlier?" So we put the wheels in motion. I love Southwest. Changes made, we actually got a $38 credit. Found a DVC discounted room at Bay Lake Tower. Have to change hotels (from Bay Lake to BCV) but who cares? Got a LATE dinner reservation at Whispering Canyon. We may or may not still all be awake but so what?. Now we get a WHOLE day at WDW before the cruise instead of just a few hours that evening. So now we are leaving a day earlier, get a BLT night, a dinner at one of our favorites and then a whole day (albeit a busy one) in the parks before we cruise.

Gotta change my ticker now!

 

[DLW8]

Getting ready to head to DS1's house for DGD's 4th birthday party...oh yeah, I'm excited about that..... a house full of chattering 3-6 year olds bouncing around!


Darcy, BREATHE!!! have fun with your party!

Everyone traveling, be safe see you in less than 150 hours!!!

Good luck surviving the DGD's birthday party - it may be just as loud here with 24 people, incluling 12 kids that range in age from 3 - 12.

I always go overboard with food for a party (just like my mom), but am trying to not do too much. Others are bringing some appetizers or desserts as well, but I have:
chips & salsa
chips, smartfood, cheese balls (kid food)
shrimp cocktail
hot chicken & artichoke dip (DH's request)
spinach dip in the pumpernickle bread
cheese, cracker and beefstick
Profiterole Puffs (homemade mini cream puffs)
2 batches of brownies

Anyone else want to stop on by?

It's a sunny but chilly day here...it's getting colder and colder and I am so ready for some sun that is WARM...

Steph - I love that you are now counting by the hour!

 

[iloverags2]

After inviting my whole family to our house for Thanksgiving dinner, everyone punked out for a variety of reasons. So we found ourselves thinking, "Why are we staying here again and not heading to Florida a day earlier?" So we put the wheels in motion. I love Southwest. Changes made, we actually got a $38 credit. Found a DVC discounted room at Bay Lake Tower. Have to change hotels (from Bay Lake to BCV) but who cares? Got a LATE dinner reservation at Whispering Canyon. We may or may not still all be awake but so what?. Now we get a WHOLE day at WDW before the cruise instead of just a few hours that evening. So now we are leaving a day earlier, get a BLT night, a dinner at one of our favorites and then a whole day (albeit a busy one) in the parks before we cruise.

Gotta change my ticker now!

Excellent decision!!! Enjoy your extra evening, dinner at WCC, and the entire day at Disney! See you in a week!

 

[DLW8]

After inviting my whole family to our house for Thanksgiving dinner, everyone punked out for a variety of reasons. So we found ourselves thinking, "Why are we staying here again and not heading to Florida a day earlier?" So we put the wheels in motion. I love Southwest. Changes made, we actually got a $38 credit. Found a DVC discounted room at Bay Lake Tower. Have to change hotels (from Bay Lake to BCV) but who cares? Got a LATE dinner reservation at Whispering Canyon. We may or may not still all be awake but so what?. Now we get a WHOLE day at WDW before the cruise instead of just a few hours that evening. So now we are leaving a day earlier, get a BLT night, a dinner at one of our favorites and then a whole day (albeit a busy one) in the parks before we cruise.

Gotta change my ticker now!

ENJOY! What better way to spend Turkey Day that with more time with Mickey!

 

[Va-NanaTink]

After inviting my whole family to our house for Thanksgiving dinner, everyone punked out for a variety of reasons. So we found ourselves thinking, "Why are we staying here again and not heading to Florida a day earlier?" So we put the wheels in motion. I love Southwest. Changes made, we actually got a $38 credit. Found a DVC discounted room at Bay Lake Tower. Have to change hotels (from Bay Lake to BCV) but who cares? Got a LATE dinner reservation at Whispering Canyon. We may or may not still all be awake but so what?. Now we get a WHOLE day at WDW before the cruise instead of just a few hours that evening. So now we are leaving a day earlier, get a BLT night, a dinner at one of our favorites and then a whole day (albeit a busy one) in the parks before we cruise.

Gotta change my ticker now!

Woo hooo!!! My gang is still coming for Thanksgiving, but have been told they are to bring tupperware with them to remove all leftovers since we are leaving the next day. Then there is the 'prize drawing'...someone will win the black trashbag award and will be the lucky individual to take our trash home with them! LOL!!!

Good luck surviving the DGD's birthday party - it may be just as loud here with 24 people, incluling 12 kids that range in age from 3 - 12.

I always go overboard with food for a party (just like my mom), but am trying to not do too much. Others are bringing some appetizers or desserts as well, but I have:
chips & salsa
chips, smartfood, cheese balls (kid food)
shrimp cocktail
hot chicken & artichoke dip (DH's request)
spinach dip in the pumpernickle bread
cheese, cracker and beefstick
Profiterole Puffs (homemade mini cream puffs)
2 batches of brownies

Anyone else want to stop on by?

It's a sunny but chilly day here...it's getting colder and colder and I am so ready for some sun that is WARM...

Steph - I love that you are now counting by the hour!

Yum!!! Sounds like a good time! Have fun and enjoy!

Time for me to get busy and get the Christmas Decs out of the boxes that have been sitting around since forever it seems! Our quiet weekend to get things done has gone by the wayside and we are back to jammed packed with stuff to do. My 'plan' was to spend the weekend working on things I need to get done. I didn't. Oh well, the FEs are done, the clothes are clean if not in the bags yet, the decs are out of the basement....a fun time will still be had!

 

[lisamarch]

We are 90% packed!

I have one more day of work on Monday. I made a flyer with our cruise logo to post on my door. Part of the fun is rubbing it in, right?!

We are also keeping a scrapbook/journal so she can share with her teacher and class.

I printed out Disney journal pages for my son, too. Probably from the DIS boards.

Thinking of Darcy and her House Party! When we had our Clone Wars House Party in September we had some people stay VERY late. Fun, but late!

Have a great weekend everybody!

 

[laura001]

Tonya- so glad to hear that things with your Mom are going well, will continue to keep her in my prayers.

Sorry to hear that you are having a rough time and are stressed to the max - the cruise might be just what you need to get a break and get away from it all. If the FE stuff doesn't get done then you can use it on your next cruise and nobody will care...just throw some clothes in a suitcase and bring money for cocktails - you'll be fine!

Yeah!!! Great advice...We just want you there and you need the relax part! I know I do! So, don't worry about the FEs, or worry about perfect outfits or clothes, as long as you have clothes to wear and cocktail money...Disney will take care of the rest for you...grab this chance at relaxation...we just went through a wedding last year...it's a whirlwind...and we were the parents of the GROOM!!

I do understand, truly I do, work has been off the hook the past two weeks, and today was no exception...I'm just looking at this cruise as a chance to slow down, catch my breath and restock my sanity! sounds like you need it for the same reason!!!

Laura - take a deep breath and picture yourself on the cruise with a nice big cocktail in your hand with the warm breezes blowing.......

As the other said, don't stress about the FE or anything else. Just pack a couple of outfits and bring some money (or just a credit card) and ENJOY!

I am with Steph - work is insane and I am REALLY looking forward to some relaxation on the cruise. Join us and forget about the real world for a week!

Laura - so sorry that you are feeling so stressed out I agree with the consensus - don't worry about FEs, perfectly organized packing and just bring yourselves and money for cocktails. Enjoy each other's company and relax. That's what's important.

Laura - hang in there. Congrats on your DD getting engaged. That's a fun, special time. Just relax and enjoy it. I agree w/ Darcy - forget about the FE's. We'll all still like ya no matter what.

I'm with everyone else, Laura...do not worry about FEs. Just be sure to show up to the ship on time with yourselves (and a few bucks for a few drinks!) and you are good to go!

Thanks everyone! I can't believe how down and stressed out I was. I totally freaked out my DH, don't think he has ever seen me not be so excited I can't sit still for going on vacation. He has really been a big help, and a real rock to lean on. Yesterday he even knew how busy I was (had a customer appreciation day to put on) and he cleaned the house, when I came home he put me to bed for a nap and then took me out later for some wings, pizza and BEER! It was a perfect night!! We were able to talk about the trip and I started to get that excitement thing going on. He will probably be sorry for that later

Anyway, feeling much better, thanks again for the little push (es)!! We are leaving early Thursday morning, so will be spending Thanksgiving with Mickey! DH and I are Canadian so this will be our second Thanksgiving this year. I think we are going to go see the Osborne Lights on Thursday night and try to find some dinner somewhere, which should be interesting!

I actually have my FE's finished (well will have today), had already started and had most of the stuff here so it was just a matter of organizing them. I need a whole suitcase for them, of course DH thinks I am totally off my rocker!

So.........now I am off to show DH the beer packages so we can decide! Then after Church, i am going to get out the suitcases and start trying to figure out packing! Wish me luck

OK, the 'big' meeting....was a shocker to say the least! Something happened I never in 100 years expected!

Now do you want to know the downside? The awards ceremony is on 2 December! My boss (not the AAG) told me he would approve me canceling my leave....I just laughed at him! I told him I will think of them as we tooled about the Caribbean!!!

So it's all good news, I'm shocked, and humbled that they think what I do is worth this honor. I've gotten regular bonuses over the years, but this has really floored me...sorry if I'm rambling, but I'm still having problems believing it actually happened! Maybe it's a good thing I won't be here to get the award presented to me!

Anyway, I am still employed and can still go on our cruise...I just have an additional thing to celebrate!!!

Congrats!!!! What an honour!!

After inviting my whole family to our house for Thanksgiving dinner, everyone punked out for a variety of reasons. So we found ourselves thinking, "Why are we staying here again and not heading to Florida a day earlier?" So we put the wheels in motion. I love Southwest. Changes made, we actually got a $38 credit. Found a DVC discounted room at Bay Lake Tower. Have to change hotels (from Bay Lake to BCV) but who cares? Got a LATE dinner reservation at Whispering Canyon. We may or may not still all be awake but so what?. Now we get a WHOLE day at WDW before the cruise instead of just a few hours that evening. So now we are leaving a day earlier, get a BLT night, a dinner at one of our favorites and then a whole day (albeit a busy one) in the parks before we cruise.

Gotta change my ticker now!

Woohoo!!! Good for you!!!!

 

[Va-NanaTink]

Yay!! I'm so glad you found your Mickey mojo, Laura!!!!

Have a blast, relax and enjoy the warm sunshine and all the laughs!! it's gonna be a great trip!!!

 

[BealsRwe]

I guess cruise excitement is setting in. I just couldn't sleep last night! I fell asleep on the couch at 930pm. DH grabbed DD and I and we went up to bed at 10pm. I woke up at 1am, and just got up at 130am. I couldn't pack since they were in bedrooms. I couldn't finish off FE gifts since I need to pick up labels. So, I did 2 loads of laundry and cleaned out my walk in pantry. I managed to get back to bed at 5am, and at least DD didn't wake up until 930am. DH working today, so DD and I are getting ready to go out for a leisurely run. Today is cleaning day, along with a stop at the funeral home. When DH gets out of work tonight we are heading to DHS to see the Osbourne Lights.

6 days

 

[DLW8]

Well, the party was a success, but much quieter than expected! We had a few bail because of stomach bugs and strep throat (hoping we all stay healthy here), but it was a good time.

I think the last people left here around 10;30 and then DS helped me clean everything up (he's my buddy). The platters still need to be washed, but that is easy. I made WAYYY too much food (as usual) so am bringing some brownies to work tomorrow and I think DH will bring the cream puffs as long as they aren't too mushy.

Steph - I love your lottery for the trash bag. That is too funny.

I am off to work for a couple of hours (since I wasn't that productive on Friday) and then home to PACK THE SUITCASES!!!!

It's sunny but cold here today, only up to 40. They are now predicting some rain for Turkey Day night into Friday, hoping it clears up so we have no flight issues for our 4:30 pm flight on Friday.

Enjoy the day everyone...hoping the next time I post is to say "I am all packed!"

 

[Popovich]

Excellent decision!!! Enjoy your extra evening, dinner at WCC, and the entire day at Disney! See you in a week!

Cindy - I second Jeff’s opinion!! Excellent decision!! We’ll also be at WDW. We leave on Tuesday.

Gailyn

 

[Popovich]

Stephanie - CONGRATULATIONS!!! I’m so happy for you. That is such an honor. It’s always nice to know that your work is noticed and appreciated. GREAT JOB

Gailyn

Tonya, hope your mother did well with the surgery!!!! Please let us know how she did!

OK, the 'big' meeting....was a shocker to say the least! Something happened I never in 100 years expected!

A little background:
I work for the US Department of Justice in the National Security Division. I am an intelligence specialist. That's about all I CAN say about what I do. Our "big boss" is the Assistant Attorney General (AAG) for National Security. He only answers to the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General.

Anyway, there turned out to be about 30 of us from a division of 300+ in this small conference room, mostly attorneys. You could cut the tension with a knife. Finally, the AAG walked in with his 'groupies'. He was kind of quiet, and looked a little intimidating (which he is not usually). He said "we have asked you all here because we have some issues with your work we need to discuss..."



I am being awarded an Assistant Attorney General Award for Excellence in support of the mission of the National Security Division(NSD). I'm still a little in shock. I have worked there for 15 years. My time predates the NSD and I'm used to "if you aren't an attorney, you don't count".

Now do you want to know the downside? The awards ceremony is on 2 December! My boss (not the AAG) told me he would approve me canceling my leave....I just laughed at him! I told him I will think of them as we tooled about the Caribbean!!!

So it's all good news, I'm shocked, and humbled that they think what I do is worth this honor. I've gotten regular bonuses over the years, but this has really floored me...sorry if I'm rambling, but I'm still having problems believing it actually happened! Maybe it's a good thing I won't be here to get the award presented to me!

Anyway, I am still employed and can still go on our cruise...I just have an additional thing to celebrate!!!

 

[Popovich]

Tonya,

So glad that your Mom’s surgery went well. We’ll be keeping your mom in our prayers. I hope the results come back all clear.

Sorry that you have had the extra stress

Gailyn

Good Evening All:

Congrats Stephanie. That is too cool. You should feel honored. I think that deserves a glass raised in your honor on the boat.

Well Mom made it through the surgery (and hours of waiting) like a trooper. The doctor will know whether or not he got all of the cells when we get the report back from pathology on Tuesday. We pray that all the 'abnormal' cells were taken out. We got to the hospital at 5:30 AM and were discharged at 2 PM. Overall I think everything went well and everyone we came in contact with were truly doing what they loved and it showed. We got her home (after a good amount of controlled drugs being dispensed) and she took a nap and was good to go around 5 and was dragging by 7. The funniest part of it all is that my mother is always known for her perfect hair and the hair net they put on her didn't mess it up at all. I appreciate all your thoughts and prayers today. They were truly felt. She said thanks for keeping her in your thoughts.

DS wants to go to Branson and eat dinner tomorrow and we have tickets for Harry Potter on the IMAX. I hope I can stay awake for it. But its what he wanted for his birthday and who am I to say no?

Its getting late here and 4:30 was really early this morning. I have to get up early and get my hair done. 3 more work days for me before I am on vacation. It can't get here soon enough. Bed time for me.

I hope everyone gets their stuff around in a timely fashion and remember to pack your toothbrush. I forgot mine one year.

Goodnight everyone. Sleep Tight. Dream of Mickey!

 

[Va-NanaTink]

Thanks everyone for all your kind words...I'm still feeling a little unreal about it!

Today I have been very busy, the tree is up, the mantle decorated, most of the other things put out, only the stairway to do inside, Sulley is getting ready to do the lights outside, the santa train and the snowpeople have taken their place in the yard...lights will not go on until the day after Thanksgiving though! the drapes in the living room are closed as well so you can't see the tree.

I took about an hour and a half and now I have pretty flipflop perfect toes!

 

[alady89]

Yippee!!!! 3 days and we will be in the world!

Thansk - everyone for the great advice - I have learned a lot!

Hoping for great weather - we didn't get the deck party last time due to heavy rain! Hoping for the sunshine!

Look forward to seeing everyone soon!

 

[DLW8]

Thanks everyone for all your kind words...I'm still feeling a little unreal about it!

Today I have been very busy, the tree is up, the mantle decorated, most of the other things put out, only the stairway to do inside, Sulley is getting ready to do the lights outside, the santa train and the snowpeople have taken their place in the yard...lights will not go on until the day after Thanksgiving though! the drapes in the living room are closed as well so you can't see the tree.

I took about an hour and a half and now I have pretty flipflop perfect toes!

WOW - you have been busy! Nice to hear that you won't light up the decorations until after Turkey Day...there are 3 houses near me that have their decoratios outside and LIGHT THEM ALL DAY LONG!!! It's crazy. One even has the blow up Santa and that is blown up all day, too.

I put in 3 1/2 hours at work today, but hopefully that makes my day a little better tomorrow. I am partially packed, but know I have way too many clothes, so need to take some out. Right now my goal is to clean up enough in my room so i can find the bed as I'm exhausted!

Tomorrow will be crazy at work, and then DD has a girl scout meeting that is a potluck dinner for Ethnic Night. I was supposed to try to make Irish Soda Bread today (never made it) and forgot. So, I am going to try to leave work a little early tomorrow and make Aebleskive (Danish pancakes) that I feel comfortable making as I do it a lot for breakfast on weekends. Never a dull moment, huh?

Safe travels to all of you that are leaving this week...see you in 6 days!!!

 

[heatherlynn444]

evening! hope everyone is having a great weekend.

today we took my parents to see our house in progress for the first time and the slab has been poured and they are framing this week, woo hoo! I am so excited to see progress!

heading home tomorrow and my mom is tagging along so I can get suitcases, clothes, swimsuits, and all that jazz so I can FINALLY start packing!

I hope everyone has a great night! my Saints won so I am happy!