2 Castles, 2 Send out 2011 & Ring in 2012...12 Days of Christmas

[momabaarjo]

I have a funny about our Elf, Stanley... This is our first year to have Stanley in our home... he freaks Nate out and I LOVE IT!

They avidly seek him every morning to see where he's gone... I'm hoping to get organized this weekend to set up some "stanley pranks" now that they are more used to him. But I put him in the boy's bathroom on his third day in our home... Nate refused to do anything in that bathroom for the entire day! "Mom - he is always looking at me!" "Why would he be looking at you, Nate?" "I don't know but it's freaking me out..."

That makes me laugh....Nate must be a believer still and you are EVIL (just like me)! I had never thought of pranks until I saw a website in November about all the ways to pose your elf. This morning I had Kirby sticking out of the bag of chocolates he brought yesterday with chocolate on his face...Joseph thought that was the funniest thing! I caught him standing and talking to Kirby this morning before we went to school!

The hardest thing about Kirby is making sure you don't get caught moving him and you REMEMBER to move him. He needs to move a lot around the house...I had to text Jeff this morning because I forgot to move him before we left!

 

[shocky5]

That makes me laugh....Nate must be a believer still and you are EVIL (just like me)! I had never thought of pranks until I saw a website in November about all the ways to pose your elf. This morning I had Kirby sticking out of the bag of chocolates he brought yesterday with chocolate on his face...Joseph thought that was the funniest thing! I caught him standing and talking to Kirby this morning before we went to school!

The hardest thing about Kirby is making sure you don't get caught moving him and you REMEMBER to move him. He needs to move a lot around the house...I had to text Jeff this morning because I forgot to move him before we left!

He is still a believer and I'm EVIL! Erin believes in the magic Christmas brings but has resigned herself to who Santa is and Nolan says he is pretty he sure he knows 'what's up' but doesn't want us to tell him for sure because he loves Santa. I love that my kids still want to be 'kids' right now!

I love the chocolate idea and the chocolate on his face!! I may steal that idea!!!!

 

[annmarieda]

Love the crocs! I have a pair of minnie janes... and they are by far the best shoes I have ever taken to the parks!

 

[momabaarjo]

23 Days Til Christmas​

Advent Calendar Symbol: Meaning of the Christmas Tree and Christmas Ornaments

Clue: Upon the branches I hang, but I am not a leaf. Clouds growing dark, winds blowing strong, flurries begin to fall…if it is outside you are going, you better bring me along.

Location: Coat Tree, in a coat pocket

Gift: Ornament and Ornament Album

Each year we get the kids a Christmas Ornament based on something about them during that year and if we take a special trip there is a second ornament for the year (can't wait to pick a WDW one out at the Christmas Store in DTD). It is my hope that when they get married we will send them off to their first married Christmas with a box full of ornaments. This year:
Ab-Cheerleader
Boo-Boy Scout
Goo-Soccer

Along with the ornaments this year, I finally finished a scrapbook project I have been meaning to do for years. I have taken pictures each year of the ornaments the kids received and this year all the pictures along with the reason why that ornament was chosen is now in an album by year. It is my intention that will be updated each year with the newest ornaments and placed inside their ornament box.

I think Ab really liked the book…she spend a long time reading and smiling at each page.

Task: Put up the Christmas Tree and Decorate It (We will do this tomorrow morning…too many things to do and we did not get home until after 7)

 

[momabaarjo]

I have to share my find yesterday....

I have been wondering what kind of shoes to wear to the parks...I really did not want to go the sandal route but I also did not want to wear tennis shoes the entire time. I LOVE CROCS...but I do not like the clog type and again I did not want to pull out my sandals. Yesterday, I stopped in at Big Lots to kill some lunchtime between meetings and I stumbled upon these CROCS in MY SIZE for $5!!!! I wish they were black, but navy works for most of the clothes I plan on wearing...if the weather allows!

What a bargain! I hope you find them comfortable in the parks.

I'm not a croc fan. My speery dockside flips are my park staples. I found them on sale a couple years ago and bought 4 pairs. I'm on the last pair now, and it doesn't look like they make the same flip anymore. They are great in the rain too.

I thought I was the only one that stocked up when they found a pair of shoes they like....

Love the crocs! I have a pair of minnie janes... and they are by far the best shoes I have ever taken to the parks!

I my crocs too! When I was pregnant with Goo the last 3 months they were the only things I could wear. I was so in need of a new pair, but I am picky on the style. I had never seen this style before (probably why it was at Big Lots)! I wore them to work today...even though it never got above freezing today.... and my feet felt so great, but then again I stayed in my office most of the day! The best part was that they were only $5. I also picked up 2 pairs of sunglasses...they had a brand that I love that nornally cost about $20 each and I got each pair for $3! YAHOO!

I think I am going to run past the other Big Lots tomorrow, if the weather is not as nasty as they are predicting (on my way to the post office to hopefully mail out some packages) and see if they have this style or another style I like in black!

 

[momabaarjo]

that is such an awesome idea!!! They are going to be SO excited and say "YOU'RE THE BEST MOM EVER!!!!!" And I agree, please video it! That's gonna be priceless

I am very impressed with your advent calendar. Not only how it looks but the time and thought it took to put it together...not to mention the bonding activities It makes me wish my kiddos were all still around and we could start a new tradition. Sadly, it is only Zoe and even though every few days there is suppose to be a gift in her stocking for the countdown... I tend to forget.

You are an AWESOME mom!!!!!

I know I am not supposed to be on right now! I just couldn't help it seeing my monkey sleep and DH laying on the couch watching TV!

Your advent looks awesome and actually I want to start that next year for Damien! Every year I mean to teach him about Christmas but never get to teach him the real meaning (I worry that he will believe me more than K at this point and I don't want him to be one sided)! So next year will be the year with your ideas! I love how much thought and time and effort you put into it though! It's sad to loose the questions, but to tell you the truth I am more excited to see what you have come up with for each day now! And I will get back just in time to catch up before the BIG reveal!

And I didn't say save the most for last... I said the best! Although I was reading different ways to keep a trip going through periods of Mickey withdrawal! so we should ban together and figure it out... of course after our trip! And I'm sad that your not with any of us... if we put you in Willy Wonka's machine to shrink you down I'll sneak you in the parks in my purse and hand you off to Amy when I leave so you can stay longer and then just wait for your family- if they are anything like my family they won't notice until they want dinner

Love the calendar. So creative.

I am just in awe at your creativity and the work you put into projects and things for your kids. Awesome job!

i just can't wait for your trip and to hear all about it!

The advent calendar is AMAZING!!! And I love the activity ideas! You are, just as Ann said, an AWESOME mom!!!

I have a funny about our Elf, Stanley... This is our first year to have Stanley in our home... he freaks Nate out and I LOVE IT!

They avidly seek him every morning to see where he's gone... I'm hoping to get organized this weekend to set up some "stanley pranks" now that they are more used to him. But I put him in the boy's bathroom on his third day in our home... Nate refused to do anything in that bathroom for the entire day! "Mom - he is always looking at me!" "Why would he be looking at you, Nate?" "I don't know but it's freaking me out..."

Thanks guys...but I am NO WHERE NEAR MOTHER OF THE YEAR or the BEST MOM. I think I am making this trip so over the top to make up for some of my huge mommie failings in addition to wanting so bad to make a lasting memory for the kids! There are so many times that when I see what other parents are doing that I feel so inadequate...we are a pretty boring family in general and just do not do a lot so this is really out there for us. Also, I feel a lot of the time that we are just not close like other families I see. I have raised my kids to be like me, very independant in nature and sometimes that is not a good thing! My mom was really not a good roll model for me as a parent and I cringe sometimes because some of things that bothered me I now see me doing! It makes me sad, because I don't want Ab and me to end up like my mom and me in 25 years! I don't know how to change or fix things...maybe this trip is the first step!

And just for the record...I have now been dreaming of this trip for EXACTLY 1 YEAR...in 365 days you too can be creative!

 

[swwake]

Don't shortchange yourself on Best Mom Ever! I mean, theme movie nights, advent calendar, family tasks, a surprise trip to Disney?!?!?! You are super creative and obviously love your family. Even if they don't show it now, they appreciate you. And they'll have theme memories forever.

I love the advent countdown. All of the ideas are so creative. You have spent LOTS of time on this!

Pinterest apparently has lots of Elf on the Shelf ideas. I haven't looked, but I have heard. Makes me sad that the Elf came along after Katie was too old. And now she's not here, even if she would appreciate the fun.

 

[momabaarjo]

100 Things I am Looking Forward to...​

100. Checking into the Royal Pacific Resort
99. Italian Margarita and a Cheeseburger in Paradise at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville
98. Breakfast at Chef Mickey's
97. Experiencing the Osborne Lights
96. Seeing Lightning McQueen and Mater
95. Grinch and Friends Breakfast
94. Tree of Life
93. Mickey's Philharmonic
92. Christmas Trees
91. Tower of Terror
90. Dinner at T-Rex
89. Pressed Penny Hunting for the boys
88. Seeing Tink Fly
87. Breakfast at the Crystal Palace
86. Toy Story Mania and its Line/Que
85. Innoventions
84. Main Street Stroll
83. Dole Whip
82. Pirates of the Caribbean Ride
81. Jedi Training
80. Mickey Bar
79. Miyuki in Japan
78. Tom Sawyer's Island
77. Riding the Monorail
76. Tonga Toast at Kona Cafe
75. Mission Space: Orange Side
74. Strawberry Soup
73. Kidcot Stations in Epcot
72. Shopping for Mickey Ears
71. Dinner at Ohanas
70. Living with the Land
69. A Mug of Butter Beer
68. Animation Studios Drawing Class
67. Karamelle-Kuche
66. Christmas Store Ornament Shopping
65. F!
64. Honeydukes
63. Tough Being a Bug
62. Swiss Family Treehouse
61. Biergarten
60. Soarin
59. Lego Store in DTD
58. Starring Rolls Cupcakes
57. Haunted Mansion
56. Via Napoli
55. Goofy's Candy Co. in DTD
54. Gingerbread House at GF (& other resort Christmas Displays)
53. Kim Possible Missions in Epcot
52. Macy's Holiday Parade at USO
51. Boulangerie Patisserie in France
50. 50's Primetime Cafe
49. POP Century Resort
48. Exploring the Windows in Hogsmeade
47. Ridemakerz
46. Date with dh at Yachtsman
45. Illuminations
44. Dinner at 1900 Park Fare with the Step Sisters
43. Grinchmas at IOA
42. Snorkeling at Discovery Cove
41. Breadpudding
40. Expedition Everest
39. Parades
38. Ghirardelli sundae
37. Night time in the parks
36. Test Track
35. Mickey Pretzels
34. The Sword in the Stone
33. Fish & Chips
32. Feeding the Larakeets
31. Yak & Yeti
30. Discovery Island Trails
29. Sci Fi Diner
28. Spiderman
27. Rice Krispe Treat
26. Walt & Mickey Statue…Roy & Minnie Statue
25. Festival of the Lion King
24. Main Street Bakery Treats
23. Pirate Tutorial
22. Discovery Club Stops in AK

22. Discovery Club Stops in AK

I really am trying to schedule some time in my touring plans to take time and smell the roses. I am going to pick up a Discovery Kids Passport when we enter AK for the boys and Ab to complete…the passport is free and can be picked up at any of the stations. They also sell an Activity guide for $10.95, I might look at it and if I think it is worth I might just get it. When we go to National Parks the kids love the Jr. Ranger Programs, so I know they will love doing this.
From the Disney Site:
Kids Discovery Clubs are fun-filled activity stations for kids of all ages located throughout Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park.
There are 6 Kids Discovery Club outposts where kids can explore and discover nature's wonders through hands-on experiences such as constructing a dinosaur from a pile of bones, going on a scavenger hunt, becoming a wildlife detective and viewing the world from a bug's point of view.
After completing each activity, kids receive a stamp. Once they collect all 6 stamps, they can receive a special bonus for completing all the activities.
To find all 6 Kids Discovery Clubs locations, check your in-park guide map and look for the red squares with a "K" symbol.

Links:
http://www.stitchkingdom.com/discovery/
http://www.guide-to-disney.com/anim...land/discovery-island-kids-discovery-club.php
This link is for the teacher in me…could you imagine a field trip to AK? Here is a complete behind the Discovery Guides teacher style!!!
http://www.izea.net/education/Education Materials/Africa KDC.pdf

 

[momabaarjo]

Guess what...I went to the other Big Lots in town and I found the same Crocs but in BLACK....now I have 2 pairs of park shoes!

 

[momabaarjo]

After watching the Disney Park videos today with the kids...I have made the mommie decision that we WILL NOT be riding Kali River Rapids on December 31st. There is no way I am getting that wet and having to head back to the resort to change!

 

[swwake]

Guess what...I went to the other Big Lots in town and I found the same Crocs but in BLACK....now I have 2 pairs of park shoes!

After watching the Disney Park videos today with the kids...I have made the mommie decision that we WILL NOT be riding Kali River Rapids on December 31st. There is no way I am getting that wet and having to head back to the resort to change!

I don't blame you. We probably won't ride it either. Nor the water rides at IOA. I will miss all of them though. They were so much fun when we went in September last year. I guess another trip is in order...

 

[momabaarjo]

22 Days Til Christmas​

Advent Calendar Symbol: St. Joseph…today is the fest of St. Joseph

Clue: You barely notice me, I keep the floor snug and clean. Roads run across me as well as little knees. If it is the next task you need, just give me a tug.

Location: Under Goo’s Radiator Springs Rug

Gift: Magic Kingdom Game

Task: Play the Game & Have a Walt Disney Birthday Movie Night

I think the kids enjoyed playing the game! I loved it because it introduced the kids to all the main attractions in the Magic Kingdom. After we played the game, which Ab would love you to know she kept winning, we watched the Disney World Park Video series…the kids again loved seeing all the rides. Ab especially was interested in Animal Kingdom. The boys picked out Test Track and of course ToT!

 

[annmarieda]

I think you will enjoy the discovery club outpost. I know we did... only problem is we never paid attention to where they all were so dd never finished the entire book.

Again, the advent gift was awesome! What good kids you have that they play together.

And..as for Kali... well, if it is hot then it is great....but if it isn't...then it is no fun. I have been watching the weather and it seems to change drastically each day. The day we are going to MVMCP... just 3 days ago the forecast was for 81.. then 74... then yesterday 83 and now today 73. The 15th... two days ago the forecast was 81. yesterday changed to 69 and now today it predicts 74. Really, if it were to be in the upper 70's or higher then Kali would be a go for us...but how to plan when one day it is under 70 and the next it is over

 

[momabaarjo]

I think you will enjoy the discovery club outpost. I know we did... only problem is we never paid attention to where they all were so dd never finished the entire book.

Again, the advent gift was awesome! What good kids you have that they play together.

I forgot to mention that it was forced family fun with Ab...she did not want to play! But I made her...grumpy teenager, it might have been better if she hadn't played...I told her that if she did not play she was not getting pizza for dinner...see forced family fun.

And..as for Kali... well, if it is hot then it is great....but if it isn't...then it is no fun. I have been watching the weather and it seems to change drastically each day. The day we are going to MVMCP... just 3 days ago the forecast was for 81.. then 74... then yesterday 83 and now today 73. The 15th... two days ago the forecast was 81. yesterday changed to 69 and now today it predicts 74. Really, if it were to be in the upper 70's or higher then Kali would be a go for us...but how to plan when one day it is under 70 and the next it is over

I just can't wrap my head around water ride and December no matter how warm it is...but then again we are spending the day at Discovery Cove...now my logic is blown. Watching the park videos today and seeing a wave literally drench half of the raft was enough for me to say no way!

 

[FosterA]

What a neat game! I've never seen that before. I think you said way back when where you got it, was it Ebay?

Kali River....such a gamble. Ian did it with his friend on our trip (we all chickened out) and they came out dry as a bone! My luck, I'd be drenched.

 

[momabaarjo]

100 Things I am Looking Forward to...​

100. Checking into the Royal Pacific Resort
99. Italian Margarita and a Cheeseburger in Paradise at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville
98. Breakfast at Chef Mickey's
97. Experiencing the Osborne Lights
96. Seeing Lightning McQueen and Mater
95. Grinch and Friends Breakfast
94. Tree of Life
93. Mickey's Philharmonic
92. Christmas Trees
91. Tower of Terror
90. Dinner at T-Rex
89. Pressed Penny Hunting for the boys
88. Seeing Tink Fly
87. Breakfast at the Crystal Palace
86. Toy Story Mania and its Line/Que
85. Innoventions
84. Main Street Stroll
83. Dole Whip
82. Pirates of the Caribbean Ride
81. Jedi Training
80. Mickey Bar
79. Miyuki in Japan
78. Tom Sawyer's Island
77. Riding the Monorail
76. Tonga Toast at Kona Cafe
75. Mission Space: Orange Side
74. Strawberry Soup
73. Kidcot Stations in Epcot
72. Shopping for Mickey Ears
71. Dinner at Ohanas
70. Living with the Land
69. A Mug of Butter Beer
68. Animation Studios Drawing Class
67. Karamelle-Kuche
66. Christmas Store Ornament Shopping
65. F!
64. Honeydukes
63. Tough Being a Bug
62. Swiss Family Treehouse
61. Biergarten
60. Soarin
59. Lego Store in DTD
58. Starring Rolls Cupcakes
57. Haunted Mansion
56. Via Napoli
55. Goofy's Candy Co. in DTD
54. Gingerbread House at GF (& other resort Christmas Displays)
53. Kim Possible Missions in Epcot
52. Macy's Holiday Parade at USO
51. Boulangerie Patisserie in France
50. 50's Primetime Cafe
49. POP Century Resort
48. Exploring the Windows in Hogsmeade
47. Ridemakerz
46. Date with dh at Yachtsman
45. Illuminations
44. Dinner at 1900 Park Fare with the Step Sisters
43. Grinchmas at IOA
42. Snorkeling at Discovery Cove
41. Breadpudding
40. Expedition Everest
39. Parades
38. Ghirardelli sundae
37. Night time in the parks
36. Test Track
35. Mickey Pretzels
34. The Sword in the Stone
33. Fish & Chips
32. Feeding the Larakeets
31. Yak & Yeti
30. Discovery Island Trails
29. Sci Fi Diner
28. Spiderman
27. Rice Krispe Treat
26. Walt & Mickey Statue…Roy & Minnie Statue
25. Festival of the Lion King
24. Main Street Bakery Treats
23. Pirate Tutorial
22. Discovery Club Stops in AK
21. The Simpsons Ride

21. The Simpson’s Ride

Let’s just start by saying that I am not a Simpson’s fan…I can honestly say that I have never watched even 5 minutes of the tv show. But with that being said, I know enough about the Simpsons to understand this attraction…which by the way I LOVE! The attraction is amazing…I love motion simulator rides and this one is a great one!

 

[swwake]

Chris LOVES the Simpsons ride. It's one of the things he is most looking forward to!

 

[momabaarjo]

21 Days Til Christmas​

Advent Calendar Symbol: The 2nd Advent Candle-Love

Clue: In here it is dark, small children like Boo I frighten but cats I hide. If it is a task you wish to find open the door and look inside.

Location: Dad’s Closet

Gift: Superheroes Puzzle

Task: Put the Puzzle Together

 

[Monknmom]

I am not big on Johnny Depp either, but like you do love this character! My son likes the movies and I am sure that this is going to be a neat experience for all of the boys!
I love the crocs shoes! I have to get new shoes and may copy what you have bought! I am planning on picking the up sometime between everything! And $5.... who can complain?
@Amy- I love that... "mom he's always looking at me!" And I want Damien to believe for as long as I can! It's so sad when you have kids though already in 1st grade trying to tell him otherwise!
Oh my I do the same thing for Damien with the ornaments every year! This year has been a big year for us though so we are going to get him a few! I love it!
We too are a boring family! I am making this over the top because we don't really go anywhere, but upstate all of the time and his friends have been to so many different places that I feel bad! i want him to really remember this trip because it's going to hopefully let us have that family time that we need!
@Ann- I too have been on and off the weather websites and I can't believe the changes from day to day for the same day! I guess that by thursday they will hopefully have a better idea?
I love how the advent tasks are things that are bringing the family together weather it be forced or not!
Okay all caught up again! I was very busy this weekend and just couldn't get on here!

 

[swwake]

Ohhhh puzzle night! Fun!

Have any of them picked up on the clues to the BIG gift yet?