After 3 years, we went for a visit! Updated 5-27 -It's a Wrap

[eyor44]

I finally did it. I finally made the “If we were staying at Pop” comment. DS is still refusing to help me gather coke caps and aluminum cans and today we were on the interstate and there on the side of the road was a child’s toy sitting there as it had obviously fallen off of someone’s truck. Looked to be perfect condition, at least from what I could tell with DH flying down the interstate. I’m like “Oh look, STOP!” Did DH stop? Well no. This starts a chorus of admonishments from DH and DS about my picking up trash on the road for financial gain. I do believe the old saying is “One person’s trash is another’s treasure” or something like that. And that would have been as easy $20 extra for the yard sale. Of course, Gram was along and had to know what we were talking about. DH finally said. Grudgingly, “Do you want me to go back?” We didn’t, because I do realize it was some child’s toy and as soon as the parents arrived to their destination and discovered what had happened, they went back to find it. At least that is what I am hoping happened.

We held our yard sale on October 4. What a wonderful turnout. The weather was great, a bit warm, but no rain. There were a total of 34 yard sales plus one flea market in my town, so there was a bit of competition going on. My policy is, if someone else will take it, I don’t have to deal with it. On that note, I sell really cheap and give away quite a bit. People were at my house calling others to come over. At one point there were three women all calling others about a jogging stroller I had. About 9:30 a woman told me that she heard about me at the flea market the private neighborhood next to me was holding. Seems there were some buyers there who had already been to my house and were telling those at the flea market not to buy there, but to come to my house ‘cause my stuff was so much cheaper. I’m sure that went over real well with the residents of that neighborhood. See, I use to live there and participated in the flea market a couple of times. I always did much better than most due to my prices and willingness to deal. Several times they asked me to raise my prices and I refused. I’m sure they are very happy that I moved to a new neighborhood. Having the yard sale one the same day as their flea market was a complete accident. They use to always hold it the first weekend of November. Now they would have to change weekends, wouldn’t they.

 

[eyor44]

Fast forward to today. I have been busy planning and double checking plans.
I have my count down numbers up at work which is driving everyone crazy. When I put them up last week, one guy thought I was going that Friday. Total panic city. He starts rushing around bringing me stuff he needs help with. When I finally figured out what the problem was, I had to make him go back and look at the calendar. Really smart people have a problem with simple addition/subtraction sometimes. You would think I am going to be gone a whole month instead of just 11 days. What can I say, the love me. or at least the way I take care of everything so they don't have to.
I have gotten Gram an ECV to use while we are in the World. Figured it would help us both a lot. She will be able to keep up with me and I won't get irritated. I can't help it. I walk fast and in crowds, I tend to walk faster. Not sure why.
Have all of our tixs. Annual pass coupons, Universal tixs, and Express Plus Passes. I figured the passes would be worth it since we are doing Universal and Islands of Adventure in one day. Plus lunch at Margaritaville, we will need the extra time.
I have joined a Photopass group, so that is taken care of and a stroller swap, so we will get the stroller when we get there and not have to wait in line each morning.
We are driving and stopping at the turn of the interstate in FL. Already have reservations for on the way down and back. Staying at the same place both times.

 

[eyor44]

10 days. In 10 more days we will be there. We will be standing in front of the castle breathing a huge sign of relief. Because the sight of the castle will mean we have arrived. Arrived to the place where worries can be forgotten for a little while and the real world is held at bay.
Tomorrow is DD's birthday. We took her to dinner tonight as she wanted to go to a restaurant in another town and DH has bowling league tomorrow night. So it was dinner tonight out of town or dinner tomorrow night in town. Of course she chose out of town.
We have a real busy weekend. Tomorrow night is presents of course. Friday night some friends and I are taking the younger kids to a paint-your-own-pottery place to paint Christmas ornaments for their teachers.
Saturday is DD's b-day party at our house for all of her friends. Directly after her party a friend is staying her with the kids while some other friends go with us to a b-day party for one of DH's friends. This friend is turning 50, so we kind of feel obligated to go. The friend who is staying with the kids is spending the night and will help me clean up. Most likely will have the house spotless by the time we get back.
Sunday is a b-day party for one of DD's classmates. Still haven't got directions for that one. Gotta remember to call!
Sunday DH also has to pack for his trip out West. He leaves Monday AM....EARLY.
Then next week starts. This is where we ask....Will DH make it home in time to go with us?

 

[eyor44]

We are single digit dancing today!
9 days until we are there. Oh, it is getting excited around the Klingenberger house now.
and we have a double celebration today. Today is also DD's 6th birthday. My little girl is growing up. At this time 6 years ago, I really didn't think we would see this day. After a routine labor and delivery and first few hours where visitors came and went, DD was taken to the nursery for the nurse shift change. When they didn't bring her back for over an hour, I sent DH to find out what was going on. My boss and his wife were there (DD was born on my boss's b-day. Good thing I like him) and they wanted to see her. They finally went down to peek in the nursery window and after they left DH came back in to tell me what had happened. DD had stopped breathing and they didn't know why. A nurse happened to be walking by the line of bassinets and noticed how blue she was. She then spent three days in NEONET unit while they ran many tests and brought in a few specialists. For two days I couldn't even hold her, much less feed her. They finally determined that she had a severe case of reflux and would hold her breath instead of spitting up. Babies that young don't know when to start breathing again. She was put on some really strong medicine to help control the reflux and we were sent home with a monitor. Before we left the hospital, we had to have a class in infant CPR. Hence the start of a very guarded year. The first eight weeks she stopped breathing many times. If we got to her fast enough, simple stimulation would start her breathing again. A couple of times we had to use more vigorous stimulation, but never actual CPR. For which I am very grateful. The Pediatrician was concerned about the nero damage, especially since we didn't know exactly how much oxygen loss she had the first few days. It was with a huge sigh of relief when she passed her 12month visit with flying colors. When she began talking very early and very clearly, the doctor said there was nothing more to worry about. The only issue we have now is with whole milk and we have to watch how much sugar she has. Other than that, she is fine and at the top of her Kindegarten class.
This is what I have been reflecting on all day as I morn the loss of my "baby". Now I have a sassy, spunky 6 year old who is really coming out of her shell.

 

[llurgy]

We are single digit dancing today!
9 days until we are there. Oh, it is getting excited around the Klingenberger house now.
and we have a double celebration today. Today is also DD's 6th birthday. My little girl is growing up. At this time 6 years ago, I really didn't think we would see this day. After a routine labor and delivery and first few hours where visitors came and went, DD was taken to the nursery for the nurse shift change. When they didn't bring her back for over an hour, I sent DH to find out what was going on. My boss and his wife were there (DD was born on my boss's b-day. Good thing I like him) and they wanted to see her. They finally went down to peek in the nursery window and after they left DH came back in to tell me what had happened. DD had stopped breathing and they didn't know why. A nurse happened to be walking by the line of bassinets and noticed how blue she was. She then spent three days in NEONET unit while they ran many tests and brought in a few specialists. For two days I couldn't even hold her, much less feed her. They finally determined that she had a severe case of reflux and would hold her breath instead of spitting up. Babies that young don't know when to start breathing again. She was put on some really strong medicine to help control the reflux and we were sent home with a monitor. Before we left the hospital, we had to have a class in infant CPR. Hence the start of a very guarded year. The first eight weeks she stopped breathing many times. If we got to her fast enough, simple stimulation would start her breathing again. A couple of times we had to use more vigorous stimulation, but never actual CPR. For which I am very grateful. The Pediatrician was concerned about the nero damage, especially since we didn't know exactly how much oxygen loss she had the first few days. It was with a huge sigh of relief when she passed her 12month visit with flying colors. When she began talking very early and very clearly, the doctor said there was nothing more to worry about. The only issue we have now is with whole milk and we have to watch how much sugar she has. Other than that, she is fine and at the top of her Kindegarten class.
This is what I have been reflecting on all day as I morn the loss of my "baby". Now I have a sassy, spunky 6 year old who is really coming out of her shell.

Very scary!! You count your blessings every time another milestone birthday comes around!! for Birthdays

Happy Birthday Eyor44's DD!!

 

[eyor44]

Very scary!! You count your blessings every time another milestone birthday comes around!! for Birthdays

Happy Birthday Eyor44's DD!!

thanks for the birthday wish. She was thrilled.

 

[eyor44]

6 days and counting.
We had a very busy weekend. Aly's (DD) birthday party was this weekend (yesterday). First on Friday night some friends and I took our kids to a Paint-Your-Own Pottery place in town. We had them paint Christmas ornaments for their teachers. They had so much fun. Aly also painted something for her dad, a unicorn.
Saturday a friend (April) came early to help me get ready, she mainly occupies Aly while I get everything together. This year I decided to go simple since we are going to Disney, I did warn all the parents first. We normally do big parties and go way out, but I am trying to scale back a bit. I think all the parents were glad and the kids didn't care in the least. They all came in and headed straight for the garage (playroom) and stayed there until the pizza arrived. Ate pizza and headed to the back yard to play on the play set. After a little while I called them all in for cake and ice cream, during which April got them to sing Happy Birthday before I had the candles lit, so they had to do it again. Then presents with which I have all the kids trained. Aly sits in a chair in front of the fireplace with the stack of presents beside her. Next to her is an empty chair. Each child gets a turn at handing Aly their present and then sitting beside her while she opens it. After she is done, I take their picture together. The picture is included in the thank you note. It's taken four years, but this year not a single child crowded Aly to see what she was opening.
Then back into the garage to play more until time to leave. I did have them decorate their own treat bags as an activity.
After all the guests left, DH and I along with another couple left our kids at our house and went to a b-day party down on the coast for a friend from work. That party ended real early so we had a late dinner. Came home and April had all the kids fed, bathed and asleep. She had also picked up the garage, Aly's room, the family room and washed the dishes. Our friends took their DS home, but let their DD spend the night and April and her DD stayed also.
Sunday afternoon we went to a b-day party for a classmate of Aly's. Never been there, had real vague directions and no address. Hwy 11 to McNeill, turn left at the gas station on the left, left at the fork, right at the stop sign and last house on the left, but not the trailer. Okay, left, left, right and left. got it! We did make it there.
Now that the parties are over, I can get back to Disney. Got to get all my t-shirts and outfits for Aly finished, plus a few other things I am trying to get done. DH is going to San Diego in the morning and got a luncheon to put on Wednesday. It's going to be a busy week, but at least time won't drag.

 

[eyor44]

Okay, 4 days to go. DH is in San Diego and my carpooler is in VA. My friend and I are swapping the children around each morning and afternoon so we can both work regular hours. Day 2 and things are working out real well.
I had a bad migrane yesterday so I left work at lunchtime. Came home and slept for three hours, then got help feeling some what better and decided to make a few of the iron on shirts. Printed a few out and got some shirts ready. Did the first one and it peeled away beautifully. As I was admiring my work, I realized something wasn't quite right. Suddenly it dawned on me......MY SON'S NAME WAS BACKWARDS!!!! I had forgotten to reverse the picture before I printed it. I looked through the rest and had not reversed a single one. Okay, several iron on sheets and one tshirt ruined. Back to the printer and back to the store. Now I can't find any white tshirts. Hobby Lobby kept promising to get more in, but no smalls. I have a couple more days so I am going to keep looking.
Yes, I am one of those who waits until the last minute. I make tons of plans, but then leave execution to the last minute.
Today was better as my headache finally went away. I had a crowd at my desk this morning and tried the, my husband is gone, my carpooler is gone, so I am having a man-free week, so everyone needs to leave. Only one of the five took my advice. They figure they have a weeks worth of harrasment to cram into just a couple days, so they are trying to get in as much as possible. As usual one went a little too far and ended up buying my lunch. Plus he had to finish the shopping with me.
I have suitcases out and a few things in the pile to start with. John (DS) was suppose to start getting his clothes out, but he suddenly remembered he had homework. The children wear uniforms to school madso packing for them ahead of time is easy.
Tomorrow is our Thanksgiving Luncheon at work and I am not cooking a ton of food to take in. Nor did I make a list as to what everyone is bringing. Half don't bring what they put down anyway, so I told them this time, if we have 20 desserts, then that is what we have. I know we will have fried turkeys, hams and drinks as that is what I am in charge of. Plus stuff to eat with. After that is anyones guess. I told them, this is a true pot luck. We will just be thankful for whatever shows up.

 

[llurgy]

You crack me up!!!
You sound like you are on Speed!!

 

[eyor44]

You crack me up!!!
You sound like you are on Speed!!

Probably too much Disney! Is such a thing possible? I am so wound up and excited I can barely contain myself. But I'm trying......

 

[eyor44]

3 days and counting.
Today was our Thanksgiving Luncheon at work for which I am in charge. I am in charge of all of our parties, so I asked that party planner (or morale booster coordinator) be added to my job description. It went very well, if I do say so myself.
For this one we fried three turkeys and baked two hams. I did the hams. Frying of the turkeys is a very complex task and involves the "supervision" of several people...so they tell me. At least there are always several people standing around offering advice. As usual at the last minute I decided we didn't have enough food. If I can't see it all ahead of time, I panic. One time, the very first time I did one of these we ran out of meat. I work with mostly men who love to eat and I didn't plan properly. We have enough food for leftovers tomorow, breakfast and lunch and desserts for Friday. Even then some will have to be tossed. I had my crew setting up and they did very well. Of course I was cracking the whip. Too bad I don't want to be a supervisor, I give directions well. Everyone was full and happy so it was a good day.
Had to put the truck back in the shop this morning. Service engine light was on and I kept smelling gas. We just had a lot of work done on it a couple weeks ago, so I wasn't too happy. But they did find out the problem and it is related to the work they just did, so I won't have to pay this time. I have to take it back tomorrow as the part didn't come in today, but it will be fixed. Good thing as we are driving it to Disney. It's an Avalanche which should be plenty of room for the five of us. I shudder every time I think that we might have to take the car. A little bit too much closeness in that one.
Now I am working on more tshirts for the kids. Got a couple more done tonight and hope to finish a third before I go to bed. Which means I need to get off of here.
I do have a digital camera now and I hope to figure out how to download the pics before we leave.
I know how people like visuals on here. I do to.

 

[eyor44]

Here it is the day before we leave and I'm not ready. Packing for me is easy, but I think DH is getting a little nervous. I sent him to bed. He's just tired. Good news is, he made it home. He did have to work today though. Guess that's the price some pay for being so important.
Got the truck fixed. Seems some part they had put on last week, wasn't just right so they did it again.....at no cost to me. One less thing to worry about.
Work was nuts today. You would think I was leaving forever. Now should the mouse make me an offer..... Everything that could go wrong did. I barely made it home before the school bus, but I did. and I got everything finished at work.
Tonight we went out to celebrate my oldest DS' b-day which is tomorrow. At dinner middle child, John, says "Oh yeah Mom, Mrs. Hayes said if we come to the health fair tonight she'll give us an extra 100." It's 7:05, we have just started eating (buffet thankfully), the health fair closes at 8:00 and is a good 15 minutes away. We ate fast, told oldest DS happy birthday and went to the health fair. Just made it as people were starting to break the booths down. and Mrs. Hayes was already gone. Another teacher did say she would vouch for him. Plus he picked up a program and got one of the presenters to sign it for him. We need every extra 100 he can get.
Now, I am washing clothes, making clothes (mainly tshirts) and getting list together of what I have to do in the morning. It's gonna be an all-nighter. Oldest DS asked me to make him a cake before I leave. Sure, let me just add that to the list and whip one up. Problem is, he knows I will do it.
And here I sit. Gotta go. Will try to do one last update before I leave.
After all, can't leave my public hanging for too long........

 

[llurgy]

Oh, it is so close now, I hope you all have a WONDERFUL time and lots of great and magical Disney things happen to everyone!!!
Take it a little bit easy whilst you are there, it sounds as if you sorely need a rest after all the running about you have been doing the last few weeks.

Love
Mandy

 

[eyor44]

Oh, it is so close now, I hope you all have a WONDERFUL time and lots of great and magical Disney things happen to everyone!!!
Take it a little bit easy whilst you are there, it sounds as if you sorely need a rest after all the running about you have been doing the last few weeks.

Love
Mandy

Thanks Mandy. As soon as I am in the truck and we are on the interstate, I will be heading towards my happy place and the rest and relaxation will begin. Yes, we have a full schedule, but it will be a different kind of busy. The good kind.

 

[eyor44]

Just wanted to give a quick update on the mornings activities and then I am off. Literally, off the laptop and off to the World!
Went to bed at 2:00am and woke up at 5:40am. Aly came in @ 5:45. Got up and took the kids to school, dropped off the recycables (down to .35 a lb ), got gas in the truck, went to the store, pick up a prescrip, stopped at the bank, paid the newspaper bill, went by the post office and dropped Sophia's (Aly's friend) fundraiser stuff at her house.
The bank, oh, that was fun. I have already figured all of our TS meals and approximately how much they will be so I would have cash for tips. I then figure the different tips (based on the possible highest amount and will adjust from there) and figure out the different denominations I would need. So I have this scrap of paper with the figures on it and go into the bank. I look around for a withdrawl slip and there never is one. Guess who is in front of me in line? A police officer. When it is my turn at the teller I don't want to hand her my slip, cause I don't want to look suspious. I have to explain to her in full what I want and keep apologizing for what I am asking for.
17 twentys, 2 tens, 13 fives, and 75 ones. Yeah, looks odd alright. The teller finally hands me this stack of bills. (she was having fun counting) and I just look at it. What am I suppose to do with a STACK of bills? I tried to put them in an envelope and wasn't succeding. She finally helped me.
After I got home I finished up a couple of last tshirts, and began packing. Yes, that is right I began packing this morning beginning at about 10:00am. All done with the clothes, just the misc. stuff that goes different places in the truck Drives DH crazy how I pack. But it works. Now he is off to get the kids and I have to deal with a dead fish before they get back. Yep, just discovered it. We are a rather ordinary family, but nothing is ever dull with us around.
Look out World, here we come!

 

[eyor44]

We are back. Just got home this evening. Left on time, arrived to the Lodge early. Arrived home as planned. The trip had its ups and downs. Will update as soon as possible and with pics as soon as I figure out how to upload from the new camera.

 

[llurgy]

I cant wait for the report, I am all ready and stocked up on munchies

 

[eyor44]

Hi everyone. I'm back and hope at least a couple will take time to read my trip report. Sorry it has taken me soooooo long. The day we left for Disney I received a call from the office. Actually DH did, but they were looking for me. One of my supervisors had a heart attack at work and they needed to get in touch with his wife. They wanted to know if I had my contact list with me. Now lets understand, I ALWAYS have my contact with me, but decided that this one vacation I wouldn't take it. I got in touch with my main supervisor and asked if I needed to come home. Only you all can understand what courage that offer took. He told me no, that they would keep me posted. Barely in Florida and already work had crisis. Since I have been back, we have been fully into our move into our new building at work, plus the holidays with our last party and lunch in our old building. Christmas party for friends, Christmas parties and birthday parties to attend, shopping to do and Christmas for the family. I have missed the Disboards so much. I keep wondering about everyones trips, how Linette of the Disboutiquers is doing, if Becca is getting excited about her trip, did Marina and Grumpy make it to the World in December and so many more questions. It is going to take me forever to catch up.
But for now. I am going to try loading a couple test pics to see if I have it right. If so, look at for way too many Aly's (my DD) and a few of the rest of the family.
Aly's Birthday

Aly's present from Carly. The piece of furniture behind her is a doll clothes wardrobe that he built. and she can almost fill it.

Thomas, Aly & John

My own Dancing Banana

 

[llurgy]

Hi everyone. I'm back and hope at least a couple will take time to read my trip report. Sorry it has taken me soooooo long. The day we left for Disney I received a call from the office. Actually DH did, but they were looking for me. One of my supervisors had a heart attack at work and they needed to get in touch with his wife. They wanted to know if I had my contact list with me. Now lets understand, I ALWAYS have my contact with me, but decided that this one vacation I wouldn't take it. I got in touch with my main supervisor and asked if I needed to come home. Only you all can understand what courage that offer took. He told me no, that they would keep me posted. Barely in Florida and already work had crisis. Since I have been back, we have been fully into our move into our new building at work, plus the holidays with our last party and lunch in our old building. Christmas party for friends, Christmas parties and birthday parties to attend, shopping to do and Christmas for the family. I have missed the Disboards so much. I keep wondering about everyones trips, how Linette of the Disboutiquers is doing, if Becca is getting excited about her trip, did Marina and Grumpy make it to the World in December and so many more questions. It is going to take me forever to catch up.
But for now. I am going to try loading a couple test pics to see if I have it right. If so, look at for way too many Aly's (my DD) and a few of the rest of the family.
Aly's Birthday

Aly's present from Carly. The piece of furniture behind her is a doll clothes wardrobe that he built. and she can almost fill it.

Thomas, Aly & John

My own Dancing Banana

YaY!!! you are posting at last!!

You asked work whether they wanted you back in??
You are a braver person than I, Much, much braver!

Love the pictures, love the dancing banana

Want more please

Mandy
P.S. Becca doesnt know what to do with herself, she is so excited! Needless to say, trying to get her to concentrate on her schoolwork is proving nigh on impossible.

 

[eyor44]

While I finished packing the suitcases, Scott (DH) packed the truck, then he went and got the kids out of school early. We left the house at 1:45pm, 15 minutes early. We stopped to pick up Gram and finished loading the truck there. We were off. Traffic was good and we were making good time. The kids and I took a little snooze. I sat in the back with John and Aly and the plan was to have Aly in the middle in her car seat. Now, we have had this truck for 7 years and just a couple weeks ago realized that there was not a shoulder belt in the middle of the back seat, so she couldn't be there. Guess who go the middle. Yep, yours truly. The middle is not that comfortable. By the end of the trip I was so glad to get there. We made our first rest stop just the other side of Pensacola. This is when the office called Scott, hunting me. For some reason the front office didn't have my current cell number. After that call, I tried to sew to take my mind off of what was going on back home. I was still working on Aly's shirts to wear. On the drive down, I was working on her High School Musical shirt. We stopped at McDonalds for dinner. Can't remember what town we stopped in.

After dinner we drove some more and Aly and I took another nap. We arrived to Lake City at 9:45pm. We stayed at the Best Western there. It's an older hotel, but kept up rather well and since I had a good rate and we were only there for one night, it worked for us. The breakfast was really good the next morning also.