08 was so Great at the Poly...TR-NEW 2/3 Time to say Good-bye (final post) / pics

[dismom9761]

Sorry to hear you can't make it in January but I understand....

 

[mousescrapper]

Just wanted to say I'm around, but I just got slammed on a few posts, and I think I need a little break, feeling a little whoa....

I'll be back.

me

 

[dismom9761]

Just wanted to say I'm around, but I just got slammed on a few posts, and I think I need a little break, feeling a little whoa....

I'll be back.

me

Yikes! By other Dissers? or by the mods?I am so sorry...

 

[KathyRN137]

Just shake it off, baby! There's always going to be a few bad apples.... the rest of us are still crunchy!


Kathy

 

[mousescrapper]

Yikes! By other Dissers? or by the mods?I am so sorry...

Just shake it off, baby! There's always going to be a few bad apples.... the rest of us are still crunchy!


Kathy

Thanks guys!

I just read that Bernstien's Bears book to my DD 4 1/2 about strangers and Mama Bear uses that apple analogy....

Kathy you made me just think of that. I promise to get up to date on your TR's and more tomorrow night.

Just wanted to say HI

Glad to have good Diser crunchy apples like you both!

Mousescrapper

 

[dismom9761]

missin' ya...

 

[mousescrapper]

PTR Post # 8

The BIG October post: Experiencing Technical Difficulties….
Ok so if anyone is really paying attention out there you may have noticed 2 things:

1) I’ve been under the radar for a few weeks
2) This post was suppose to be entitled “Traveling with ADHD and Aspergers”

So to answer those observations I’ll give it a go:

So isn’t each day, this little thing called life we tot to and fro in like one big trip anyhow? Not that I’m trying to explain human existence or anything, but sometimes I just feel like I got dropped off at the wrong exit or I have 2 flat tires and no spare to get to get me home. Lately I’ve been experiencing some technical difficulties. Think those beeping noises on the radio….or the white line going through your favorite tv show, or the internet being down. You’re stuck and need a hand to pull you up and out of the muck, right?

Now DH is an IT specialist and deals with technical difficulties on a daily basis, but sometimes even he can’t quite get me back in working condition.

Over the summer part of my life became derailed and a few weeks ago it felt like it hit a brick wall in so many ways. I have 4 wonderful kids and I love each of them equally and uniquely. They all are treasures to me and I’m grateful and humbled that God would bless me to be a mother and to care for each of them. I remember when I found out I was having twins and thinking he must think I’m a lot stronger than I do….as much Faith and trust I place in HIM, I still get dumbfounded and lost in this journey. I always knew DS needed a little extra of this or that and certain things needed to be cared for in just such a way. Over the years, things have gotten harder, and through lots of support, prayer, and evaluation we found one missing link to his puzzle….a diagnosis.

My son has ADHD and Aspergers Syndrome. This doesn’t make life harder or easier it just makes life this now and each day that comes. I’ve been traveling this new path with him for sometime, but once you have a word to attach to it, it does open new doors as well as open doors you did not expect.

Since school began the end of August I’ve been walking this thin tightrope watching, waiting and hoping things will go better for him. And for the most part we have positive days, but there still is a lot of negative. And sometimes those negatives are just so HARD! Earlier this month I think it all came to a head for me, and it has hit me hard. I’ve been stressed beyond stress…I’ve been hit hard where I least expected it and I’ve cried a lot and I’m feeling the effects.

But I know things will get easier and the good days will be on the rise again soon, so I look forward to where my travels with ADHD and AS will bring me, DS, and my whole family.

Now I’m not writing some epic boo-hoo pity me the mom with a child with special needs…no sir. I’m writing to help me, and maybe just let one other person out there know, it’s OK. I’m no expert and will never claim to be.

Thanks to my Diser friends who have missed me and for those of you who keep on reading away.

So let’s say good-bye to my technical difficulties for another day….baby throwing up for 2 days….me having a fever of almost 103 and asthma difficulties….one DD smearing chapstick all over DH’s nightstand and then the next day coloring on the computer screen with permanent black marker….DS crying, struggling, upset over homework….twin DD getting lost in the chaos….burnt bagels….well you get the idea.

I’ve got one more for you tonight…so read on

Mousescrapper

 

[mousescrapper]

PTR Report #9

Booking the airfare.....

Now for a little regular scheduled broadcasting on the DISboard….back to “08 will be so GREAT at the POLY!”

Now in the midst of all that….I managed to book our airfare for the trip. This was not going to be as easy as I first imagined….not by a long shot.

Ok maybe it was because I was (am) under mega stress with other things…or I forgot to use the 1-800 number…duh!!! Or I called during dinnertime…whatever it was it turned out to be a 4 day ordeal…

First, I’ve been monitoring the flights form Chicago down to Orlando since the summer and figured I’d book the airfare sometime next month for my family of six and my DM too. Well these were the particulars:

1) need 7 seats on departure
2) need separate flight home for DM on the 10th
3) need 6 seats home for us on the 12th
4) need to sit near front of plane for last on, first off capability and
helpful with child under 2 and with DS
5) need to fly on carrier that uses DME
6) need to fly out in morning, home at night
7) need a non-stop flight


OK that doesn’t seem to hard right? Heck I booked all our flights 3 separate reservations back in 05 by myself on line with no problems less than 6 months out. Not so easy this time….

Problem one: the prices were going up and no hope for additional flights being added out on the 5th
Problem two: limited non-stop flights from O’Hare, nothing from Midway
Problem three: cheapest flight didn’t seem to use DME
Problem four: next cheapest flight front half of plane already booked

Now the discussion and call: I was checking out the transportation boards here on the DIS for help with a couple of my problems and came to the conclusion we’d have to book our flights on the more expensive air carrier to get what we needed. None of our needs really could be budged. But it IS SO MUCH $$$$$$$$$

So I decide to call 1-407-WDISNEY and ask a couple transportation questions….(mistake number 1) didn’t use 1-800…..don’t want to see this MCI bill

I talked to a really nice CM and at first I thought we’d sing chorus of ALLELUHA!!!! All night long…but no the air carrier was flying through some other contract…bla..bla..bla and DME wouldn’t work.

Now we needed DME! We got the luxury of using the buses back in 05 though we needed to cart our own luggage. Arriving not the biggest deal, but departing from Orlando…um let’s just say less than an a hour to board 9 people, 12+ suitcases, need to print boarding passes and we were dropped on the other side of the terminal…..UGH! not doing that again.

Hence then I should have said thank you to the nice CM and gone on my merry way and booked the flights on my own, pick my seats etc. Whelp, no….(mistake #2) I stayed on the phone and booked through WDTC. Now don’t get me wrong, we got it all booked our flights and DM’s but it took like forever! And then I was assigned default seats, which I later realized were not quite together and WAY at the BACK of the plane….no, no that just won’t do.

So I had to wait at first what I thought 2 days till Mon to call AA to adjust our seats for a medical need (DS) and then I’m told they can move up to 2 of our party and we call 2 days before we leave to find out what are seat assignments are. AHHHHHH!!!!! Do you see the flames of terror coming out of my eyes????? I hang up. Re-dial the auto system, double check our seat assignments (like a gazillion times because the kids are goofing off in the background and I can’t hear….) and then call AA again asking for “agent” I need a human!!!

REMINDER TO SELF! DO NOT MAKE IMPORTANT CALLS ON OFF-SCHOOL DAYS!!!!

I know I sound completely freaked on the phone and the woman, moved the 6 of us on both flights to the front of the plane row 12/13. I really told her, thanks and if I could hug her right now I would! I think see was glad to hang-up with me….

So now I’m good on my flights but poor DM is stuck in like row 26….poor DM. AA said I had to call the travel company I used to book the flights to adjust her seats. I’m like not another phone call. So I attempt to try and do it myself.

Did I do it?

Did I fix her seats?

Did I have to call Disney again?

Do I have any hair anymore?

Are my fingers tired of typing for tonight? That one I’ll answer…yes.

Mousescrapper

PS thanks for missing me Amy (dismom 9761)

 

[KathyRN137]

Burnt bagels??? OMG!!!


(J/K)


The terrorist attacks of 9/11 occured only about a month after we got Billy's diagnosis... I was an absolute wreck for quite some time.

You are grieving a loss, the loss of your "normal" child, and you will have lots of burnt bagel days. So... what did you do when you burned the bagel?

Did you scrape off the black parts and eat the rest?
Did you toss it and make another?
Did you eat cereal for breakfast instead?

Whatever it was, you got through it. There is no one "right" way to cope with a problem, or to grieve a loss. I know that with the help of God, your family, and your friends, you will find the strength to get through the difficult times and come out all right.

Kathy

p.s. Sending lots of for the flight arrangements.

 

[dismom9761]

First of all I know pretty close to what you are feeling and it can be overwhelming. Anytime you want to "talk" PM me-lately Peyton has had some setbacks so I can always use a friend too ..

Back to your report,WOW! you are making me happy that we drive. Glad you seem to have gotten most of it figured out and here is some more to go with Kathy's for DM's.

Do not stay away so long this time....

 

[DisMomAmy]

I know how you feel about those "off" days! As much as we I looked forward to our WDW trip and had a great time there, I am glad to be back and into our routine. Alex has had an AWFUL time adjusting to first grade this year. We have seen improvement since we returned. I think part of it was the excitement and anxiety surrounding the trip. I was so optimistic for a fantastic start to the school year, and it just didn't happen. The full day has been so hard for him, which I really did not expect. He was in half-day kindergarten, but he stayed until 2 or 2:30 every day to work on social skills, have speech therapy, etc. I guess the full day with all of the kids there is just too much of a change for him!

I have had quite a few burnt bagels lately too! Hang in there! Make sure you buy a few extras when you go to the grocery store!

 

[mousescrapper]

Thanks Kathy, Amy and Amy,

You guys are really so AWESOME!

I know I don't know you, but I KNOW you!

Thanks for your words Kathy, they made me tear up a bit, but in a good way . I literaly had burnt bagels but then again some of those days were just like that gross burnt smell you just can't get out of the kitchen....thanks for your ever clever and supportive analogies and friendship. We have friends in Jersery and if we ever get a chance to visit them, I'll be sure to look you up.... Hugs


Amy, I so will PM you one of these days, you too. It's good to have a chance to laugh, cry, vent and do whatever we need sometimes to get through a bad day...

Amy, hang in there with first grade issues, sorry to say, but that was DS's worst year too. We saw signs back in K, but 1st was horrible. We didn't really know what was wrong or going on back then, let alone how to help him. So you are really one up on us then that YOU can HELP. Keep your chin up and hopefully you have a good relationship with his teacher to keep feedback flowing.

I'll be back soon with the continuance of my airfare saga and thanks for all the

Need to get the baby her bottle and ready for bed....ta ta for now

Mousescrapper

 

[mousescrapper]

still trying to get caught up with everyone's TR's and PTR's...thought I'd finish up tonight with DH at school but hey in 3rd grade (the twins, not DH)you study all 50 states and Thursday is the 1/2 way point review...don't think I liked studying when I WAS THE STUDENT, now to do it all over agian.

I'll try and get caught up in the next couple days and finish my DM's seat placement post on Thursday night....

till then

Mousescrapper

 

[DisneyMomFanatic]

[QUOTESo let’s say good-bye to my technical difficulties for another day….baby throwing up for 2 days….me having a fever of almost 103 and asthma difficulties….one DD smearing chapstick all over DH’s nightstand and then the next day coloring on the computer screen with permanent black marker….DS crying, struggling, upset over homework….twin DD getting lost in the chaos….burnt bagels….well you get the idea.

I’ve got one more for you tonight…so read on

Mousescrapper[/QUOTE]

So right there with you sister. I completely understand. Been there, done that only a little different types of things. I know life happens and it often happens alot all at one time. If you ever need to talk, just PM me. I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone and we are here and when you are ready to get on with the DIS, we will be here.

 

[mousescrapper]

Hi Karla,

Thanks for stopping by...can't quite seem to get out of my technical difficulties lately. But I'm here. Thanks for the and keeping me smiling!

Mousescrapper

 

[mousescrapper]

Hi all,


Ok so I think it was almost over a week now that I said I'd be back to finsih my DM's seat assignments for our flights down to the World...well, sorry

Hope you can forgive me and my lack of being a good Diser lately. Before too much more time slipped away I wanted to finish telling of my air ressie crazies....

I last left off, with getting my family all situated and still having my poor DM stuck way in the back of the plane. With worrying that I would be back and forth on hold with Disney again, I decided to take the matter into my own hands and I try fixing her seats on the AA site myself.

First I had to create an AA advantage account in her name to access the Recorder code.... After that it was just amatter of click...click...and ta-da she was now in the 2nd row of Ecomony-window seat. Could it have been that simple? Did I really move her? First I call the auto line again, to listen to her seats...that took several attempts.... And then to be on the super safe side I call Disney, and explain my issue and ask them to help with her seats. I did not recieve the friendliest of CM's this time. But all in all got DM in a seat across from us going to WDW and up front departing. YEAH! one headache checked off the master list...well they're not all headaches, but this one turned out to be.

It was a crazy...stressful afternoon trying to get it all adjusted but alas it is done! So enough of that stuff....and on to some FUN!
Hope everyone had a fun and enjoyable Halloween if you celebrate. We took our 4-some out for some trick or treating and came home probably 2 1lbs heavier per person.....
After sorting out the big stuff and putting some in a family bowl and donating about 2 lbs to the local community center, heres a bit of their loot.

I forgot to take some good pictures to share of the kids in their costumes so you'll have to use your imagination....DS was Harry Potter and he was quite conviencing, DD 8 was a gypsy a last minute change and DD almost 5 was Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl. Here they are at someone's house getting some treats sorry it's so dark. You can see Jessie w/out her hat, it was windy and it kept falling off, but that red hair wig had a good amount of bobby pins holding it on.

Our Baby DD was a cute little Minnie Mouse. It was a bit cold trick or treating with some friends and so she became a pink warm bundle for the night

One last picture to share for the night, 3 of the kids admiring their pumpkin finds at the Pumpkin Farm before the holiday.

Baby DD has a stomach bug yet again, so I'll be home in the morning instead of teaching at church. If she is doing better, I'll try and get caught up on some of your PTR's and TR's. I plan to post again before 2 of my girls upcoming b-days and Thanksgiving with a mini post about our mysterious mailbox Cinderella visitor and then start revealing my plans for our Touring Plan and a recap of the ADR's as December is now getting closer and time to make my ADRS.

Thanks for reading....

Mousescrapper

 

[mousescrapper]

sorry real tech issues, delay in my post....

 

[dismom9761]

Hi! Glad you could get DM's seating issues figured out. Loved the pictures.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Hi Mousescrapper! Thanks for the new post! Cute pictures. Glad your issues (technical & seating) are under control for now. Amy

 

[dismom9761]

Hi!