Changing My Life (Disney Bento Boxes)

[Alysa]

My mum was my best friend. We talked on the phone every day. Two summers ago, after a two year long battle with liver cancer, she died early in the morning at the hospital, surrounded by my brother and sister and me. My youngest son was born three months later. One of my great regrets in life is that she never met him. He and Disney saved me. I put my head down and just concentrated on taking care of him and looking forward to a trip to Disney with my three wonderful kids, my darling husband, my beloved sister and her family, and my dad.

Here is the link to the video I made of the trip and my pre-trip report. We had a great time and after we got back I realized that I had perhaps gone just a little crazy that year. I did a lot of movie nights. I also realized that Mum would not have wanted me to waste a single moment of my life because every second of it is precious. It goes by so fast and it is such a gift.
So I made some changes.
We moved closer to the hospital where my husband works so we could all have more time together as a family. I started taking the exams for my realtor licence. I worked really hard to do them quickly and I am going to be finished July 19th. I heard my mum tell me that if I was unhappy with how things were going, that I should save myself, instead of waiting for others to do it for me. I realized that things we had been praying about didn't work out, but that there was an awesome reason they didn't, and that things are now going to be even better than what we had hoped and prayed for. I started running again and I booked a studio at the Boardwalk for the upcoming Princess half marathon at Disney in February. I'm booking the race this July, just a trip on my very own, to celebrate that I can change and be and do so much more than I thought I could.
My husband and I also realized that while things are tight as we work and save, that we look back on our trips to Disney with so much happiness, that they are a reason to keep going when things get tough, that they are a light at the end of the tunnel. We remembered that no matter how hard things are, we will be alright because we have each other and our wonderful kids. So we are booking a ten day trip to Star Wars Weekend for the first week in June, 2015.
In 383 days we will be strolling down the walkway towards the giant Mickey hat. Along the way there will be running (pounds will be lost), there will be shopping, there will be laughter with friends, there will be Star Wars costume sewing, there may even be a few movie nights. This is the story of that journey.

 

[Dugette]

I'm here and looking forward to following your journey!

Totally agree about those happy Disney memories being so special and important, especially when things are tough.

I'm excited to see the Star Wars things you'll come up with!

 

[mamamaleficent]

Joining in...Your trip video is beautiful and I love the story of your journey. So sorry for the loss of your mom.

 

[SnoWhiteRabbit]

Joining in!

 

[Mydreams]

Hi, Alysa,

I am pretty new to the board, even though I did join years ago when I was "dreaming" of a trip to Disney World. This time, I am determined to make it a reality. I am planning a trip (and I pray that it works out this time) for June, 2015, but the week after yours. It will be my husband and I, my son and his family, and my daughter and her family. We can't make it the first week of June because the oldest granddaughter will not be out of school yet. I have been wondering about Star Wars Week-end, because my son has always been crazy for Star Wars. Do you, or anyone else, know when it ends for 2015? I am afraid we might miss it.

Thanks and any help or advice from all is greatly appreciated as this will be our first trip!

Cathy

 

[Millie12591]

Wow, Alysa! You really did have a whirlwind couple of years!

I know some if not most of it, as I followed along with your PTR, but when you put it all together it's kinda overwhelming and humbling at the same time. Humbling in that the Lord is so good to us to never allow it all at once and yet makes us strong enough to endure the trials and hopefully....hopefully, come out of it much stronger in the end.

Sounds like you've done just that. Proud of you, sister. Losing a parent is a tough road, a road that can be done, but not without family, friends, and prayer, lots and lots of prayer. I'm so blessed to see you have all of that in place.
You are so sweet to offer your dear words of comfort to be about my mom, thank you.

Can't wait to see what you have in store this year! Looks like we'll be missing one another by about a week or so next year. Oh well, one of these days I'll be able to meet up with all my favorite Dis'ers.

Your video was beautiful. I loved it, and I'm such a sap that when the music got to the sad parts in UP I cried in both places while watching your video. That movie gets me every time, and apparently the music is just as much apart of it as the visual.

 

[Alysa]

I'm here and looking forward to following your journey!
Totally agree about those happy Disney memories being so special and important, especially when things are tough.
I'm excited to see the Star Wars things you'll come up with!

Hi Dugette! Thanks for stopping by! I've already done some fun Star Wars stuff to make up for not being there this past Victoria Day, coming up!

Joining in...Your trip video is beautiful and I love the story of your journey. So sorry for the loss of your mom.

Hi Maleficent! Thanks for stopping by and watching the video!

Joining in!

SnoWhite, thanks for stopping by, I love your trip report already!

Hi, Alysa,
I am pretty new to the board, even though I did join years ago when I was "dreaming" of a trip to Disney World. This time, I am determined to make it a reality. I am planning a trip (and I pray that it works out this time) for June, 2015, but the week after yours. It will be my husband and I, my son and his family, and my daughter and her family. We can't make it the first week of June because the oldest granddaughter will not be out of school yet. I have been wondering about Star Wars Week-end, because my son has always been crazy for Star Wars. Do you, or anyone else, know when it ends for 2015? I am afraid we might miss it. Thanks and any help or advice from all is greatly appreciated as this will be our first trip!
Cathy

Welcome Cathy! We've been to 3 Star Wars Weekends now and usually the dates are the last two weeks of May and the first two weeks of June so you should be fine! How many grandkids do you have? It sounds like you have a wonderful trip planned! Can't wait to hear more about it!

Wow, Alysa! You really did have a whirlwind couple of years!
I know some if not most of it, as I followed along with your PTR, but when you put it all together it's kinda overwhelming and humbling at the same time. Humbling in that the Lord is so good to us to never allow it all at once and yet makes us strong enough to endure the trials and hopefully....hopefully, come out of it much stronger in the end.
Sounds like you've done just that. Proud of you, sister. Losing a parent is a tough road, a road that can be done, but not without family, friends, and prayer, lots and lots of prayer. I'm so blessed to see you have all of that in place.
You are so sweet to offer your dear words of comfort to be about my mom, thank you.
Can't wait to see what you have in store this year! Looks like we'll be missing one another by about a week or so next year. Oh well, one of these days I'll be able to meet up with all my favorite Dis'ers.
Your video was beautiful. I loved it, and I'm such a sap that when the music got to the sad parts in UP I cried in both places while watching your video. That movie gets me every time, and apparently the music is just as much apart of it as the visual.

Dear Millie, You sweetheart, I can't believe we will miss each other AGAIN! We'll be at Vero after the Disney portion until the following weekend so maybe I can buy you a Starbucks as we pass each other at the airport! I have a photo of my mum with Minnie during the Halloween Party at the spot you cried so I still cry buckets every time I see it too! Tonnes of hugs.

 

[Mydreams]

Thanks for your reply, hopefully we will make that last weekend of Star Wars!

I have 4 grand-children, 3 girls currently ages 16, 13, and 2; and 1 boy, age 3. I am so hoping I can pull this trip off!

 

[Alysa]

For May the Fourth this year we had a
Star Wars day, we made shortbread...

We all helped Toby work on his LEGO Death Star. He decided he was never going to save enough to buy it at the store ($500!) so we are putting it together from spare parts.

Then during dinner when everyone said how much they were going to miss not going to Star Wars Weekend this year we decided to plan our next trip
Six days at Boardwalk Villas (we may change to Beach Club if we can get it) followed by four nights at Vero Beach. We are going to splurge and do the dining plan because of the two new Star Wars character meals we hope they will still have next year. The dining plan is getting ridiculously expensive, isn't it?
377 days!

 

[Dugette]

Love the cookies! And impressive to make the Death Star from spare parts.

Oh, cool, does the dining plan work on those Star Wars meals? I think they are pretty expensive otherwise.

We may go to SWW in 2015 too. Nothing decided yet, but we're strongly considering it. We want to get in another trip before Izzy turns 3 (while she's still free). Maybe we'll see you!

 

[Alysa]

Love the cookies! And impressive to make the Death Star from spare parts.
Oh, cool, does the dining plan work on those Star Wars meals? I think they are pretty expensive otherwise.
We may go to SWW in 2015 too. Nothing decided yet, but we're strongly considering it. We want to get in another trip before Izzy turns 3 (while she's still free). Maybe we'll see you!

Thansk Dugette! Each meal is 2 credits. First week of June, see you there!

My scale has been at the same point for almost a month now despite running and not eating bread, rice, pasta, sugar or potatoes. Time to take drastic measures. I'm giving up Splenda. No more sweetened tea, crystal light or yogurts. Eek. It's getting the plain water in that is difficult for me. Wish me luck!

Also, trip update: I talked to the kids about the run and they agreed that if Eveie comes with me to the Princess marathon in February, that Harold can take Toby and Robbie on a boys trip in 2016 to SWW again. Also, I heard about this!

He's a cast member at Disneyland Paris, this was taken after a cast member fun run and his button says "Disneyland Paris 1/2 marathon September 2014"
So Eveie and I are definitely going to have to do that together when she turns 14! Went running on Thursday. This is my view every run. Did I mention I am SLOW? Going again on my own this afternoon.

 

[emmysmommy]

Oh Alysa, I'm so glad to see this PTR! The kids are getting so big and just as adorable as ever!

You had/have the BEST movie night themes. I always thought you'd have a career in party planning or something along those lines since you are ever so creative. That's awesome that in July you will finish your licensure exams. I wish you ALL the BEST with those.

What an awesome commitment to running. I still run about 16 miles a week but if I had time it would be more. I don't think anyone who is seriously running could be any slower than me... my 5K is 'up' to 38 minutes since I'm still struggling with getting back to where I was before I broke my ankle and gained weight, and got lazy.... anyway, what awesome goals and I look forward to hearing more.

I watched the video again and it still makes me feel so sentimental about the journey to get there! You did an outstanding job with the Halloween party costumes. Just awesome!

I'm so glad to join in this new PTR and follow along on this journey.

 

[Alysa]

Oh Alysa, I'm so glad to see this PTR! The kids are getting so big and just as adorable as ever!
You had/have the BEST movie night themes. I always thought you'd have a career in party planning or something along those lines since you are ever so creative. That's awesome that in July you will finish your licensure exams. I wish you ALL the BEST with those.
What an awesome commitment to running. I still run about 16 miles a week but if I had time it would be more. I don't think anyone who is seriously running could be any slower than me... my 5K is 'up' to 38 minutes since I'm still struggling with getting back to where I was before I broke my ankle and gained weight, and got lazy.... anyway, what awesome goals and I look forward to hearing more.
I watched the video again and it still makes me feel so sentimental about the journey to get there! You did an outstanding job with the Halloween party costumes. Just awesome!
I'm so glad to join in this new PTR and follow along on this journey.

Thank you Brenda, my dear friend! You are so sweet!
You know 16 miles a week is 25 km, right? No wonder you look so young and beautiful!
Hope you had a great time at the 24 hour event! How was it? Can't wait to read about it in your trip report!
And one day, we will have a DISmeet.

Now, because the kids had to postpone their trip by a year, Toby was whingeing about how far away it seemed (and let's be fair, to an 8 year old, 374 days is forever). So, I came up with a tricky solution. Advent calendar. But it does not measure the days, it measures the weeks! Every Saturday he gets to open another window. It looks deceptively close and he has fun opening them. I would have printed it out on card stock but somebody used it all up on paper airplanes <<Toby>>!
Anyway, if you too are making a trip to the dark side in 2015 just let me know, pm me your email and I'd be happy to send you a pdf so you can print a copy yourself.

By the way, Happy Towel Day everyone!

 

[MonsterWDWmom]

Can't wait to read more of your journey!

The Advent calendar is a great idea, and weeks instead of days I am sure that makes the time go by faster!

Sorry to hear about the loss of your mother.

Congrats on running the Princess Half Marathon, that is a huge feat that one day I hope to accomplish!

 

[Dugette]

Great idea on the SWW advent calendar! If we decide to do that trip, I'll send you a PM. Awww, cute pic of Robbie with the towel!

 

[emmysmommy]

I saw your FB post with your change of plans. Whether 2014 or 2015, I do look forward to getting together!! What a great idea about the Advent calendar for the kids. It makes the wait fun and exciting.

What an adorable photo of Happy Towel Robbie!

 

[Alysa]

I saw your FB post with your change of plans. Whether 2014 or 2015, I do look forward to getting together!! What a great idea about the Advent calendar for the kids. It makes the wait fun and exciting.
What an adorable photo of Happy Towel Robbie!

I'm sad about it too. 2016 - and you'll get to meet the whole clan!

Can't wait to read more of your journey!
The Advent calendar is a great idea, and weeks instead of days I am sure that makes the time go by faster!
Sorry to hear about the loss of your mother.
Congrats on running the Princess Half Marathon, that is a huge feat that one day I hope to accomplish!

Welcome and thank you for the kind words! And I have to tell you, if I can start running, you can!

Great idea on the SWW advent calendar! If we decide to do that trip, I'll send you a PM. Awww, cute pic of Robbie with the towel!

Thank you! It would be so fun to see you there!


The trip is officially 365 days away! To celebrate tonight I had planned something fun for the kids. I did enjoy doing the movie nights last year but they were very time intensive. I was trying to think of a fun way to count down to the trip and I thought of bento boxes, those little Japanese lunch containers. They are also a fun way to get them eating more veggies, definitely a challenge with Toby. So as we have 52 weeks, we have enough Disney movies for each of them to get one every other week, they'll take turns and for the first week they each get one. I bought one small box and one larger one from the Mastermind toy store. I didn't really know how much they would hold but I wish I had gotten the smaller one for both because the large one holds a lot of food. The ones I got are just plain plastic kid ones but you can find some very beautiful ones online. Maybe I'll order a special ones for them for their birthday if they enjoy using them. We went through all the films and they had fun splitting up who would get which movie.

Here are the photos of the first two. Sorry they are so over exposed. I WILL buy a new camera before this trip. Grumble.
The special snack in the Snow White one is homemade caramel sauce for the apple. The treat for Peter Pan's is gold doubloons. They are sitting on the kitchen counter waiting for school in the morning. I took out the cheese and yogurt and refrigerated them, I just set them up tonight because I wanted to see how long they took to assemble and I also wanted to know how the rice tasted made in advance. It didn't take long at all to prepare the boxes so cross your fingers for me that the kids like them and that they keep well. Have a great night everyone!

 

[TinkLovinMomma]

Hi Alysa! I followed you over from my PTR. Your family is just so incredibly beautiful! And I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Sending lots of love your way.

I've been wanting to do the Princess 1/2 for the past few years, but it just hasn't happened yet. I am so jealous! You and your daughter will have a marvelous time I am sure.

 

[Alysa]

Hi Alysa! I followed you over from my PTR. Your family is just so incredibly beautiful! And I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Sending lots of love your way.
I've been wanting to do the Princess 1/2 for the past few years, but it just hasn't happened yet. I am so jealous! You and your daughter will have a marvelous time I am sure.

Hi Jess! Thanks for stopping by! Thank you for the nice words about the munchkins, and my mum. I still miss her every day.
You could totally do the Princess. If I can do it, you can! Well, if I can do it, anyone can really. I hate running. But I went out for an hour this afternoon with the baby. Because here is the thing. I've got this crazy expensive stroller my wonderful sister and dad bought me as a shower gift and I'm in this teeny apartment as we save for our house and I didn't want to spend $ on a running stroller and they are so expensive and I have nowhere to put it anyway. Then I discovered that the stroller I have works fantastic!
So running stroller report: Slow but probably getting a better workout by pushing the darn thing. And I still have a couple of months to work on it before I have to start training properly.

Trip updates! I've booked the Boardwalk for the run weekend! One bedroom for 4 nights, standard view. Eveie and I discussed the trip and here's our itinerary:
Thursday arrival - head to Epcot, Teppan Edo, watch Fantasmic
Friday - Magic Kingdom, Crystal Palace breakfast, tea at Grand Floridian in the afternoon
Saturday - 5:00a.m. 10K run with Eveie, head over to Magic Kingdom in the afternoon for dinner at Be Our Guest
Sunday - 5:00a.m. half marathon! Eveie to Cape May Cafe for breakfast, afternoon visit to the spa at Grand Floridian
Monday - Relax by the pool in the morning, then off home at lunch.
I got the one bedroom even though it is just the two of us so one of our good friends from Eveie's school can join us if they wish. I've got her pretty much convinced!

Also, on the June Star Wars weekend trip, Harold's best friend will be joining us with his wife whom I love, and their two kids. It should be a blast. I always drag my family along on trips so I hope this one is really fun for Harold. We are going to book a two bedroom at the Boardwalk - in 16 days!

I'll leave you with my newest bento lunches. Last week's was 101 Dalmatians, the treats were eggless gingerbread dog bones. This week, the kids got Harry Potter and Hermione, the treats were chocolate frogs and Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans.

 

[momabaarjo]

Following along!