Christmas all year long!

[3princesses+aprince]

I started readin your PTR the other day but don't think I replied. We're going in Novemer! Can't wait....seems so far away but I know it will come quickly! I love the Christmas decorations and the shirts! Plans are looking good too. My main concern for this trip also is the airfare. We're going the week before Thanksgiving so I cannot wait to see what rates will be. We can fly either Southwest or Jetblue. Neither of them have their flights for my week yet....we'll see....

 

[lfwhipp]

Hi Ann (Laurie from the FB group) Lovin the PTR, going to go read up and get caught up! Your pics on Page one are so cute!!!

hey Angela, didnt realize you were a NOLA gal too!!! YAY!! Im in BR now, but lived in NOLA my entire life.

 

[KatMark]

Ann, I will be thinking of Zoe and keeping her in my prayers. As if you didn't have enough to deal with the wedding and your daughter's surgery, you have to deal with an interfering school.

 

[annmarieda]

Hi Ann! (It's Angela, from FB group)

Joining in and caught up!

Just a few things: We are keeping an eye on airfares too, to see if it's worth driving...

I wish driving could be an option for us... but it isn't. I have no idea how long it would take... but I am sure days would be in the answer. Hopefully, no one will have to drive and airfare will come down and be reasonable. I have never gone in December, but I fear "normal" for December is still way higher than "normal" any other time.

Say thank you to your son for his service, from me and my family.

Thank you

Your daughter is so precious, and pink is my favorite color too! I'll be saying prayers that her surgery goes well..

Thank you. I think she is quite cute in pink. And, thank you for the prayers. She will definitely be needing them.

Wedding stuff will definetly take up time I hope though that there is some fun in the planning.

Yes, there is fun. It just can be a bit stressful.

Waiting for surgery is so hard. And to add the insult of school interference! Sheesh! You're daughter is beautiful and of course you take excellent care of her. A little more support from school would be nice! Sending good thoughts and prayers your way for your sweet dd.

Thank you. I know they mean well, but I just wish they wouldn't "over step" As far as surgery, yeah... it is hard waiting, but it is good to wait a bit since the wedding has to happen first.

I went and read your TR from your last WDW trip. Loved all the pictures and food. Makes me long for our time.... it seems so far away yet.

that is impressive that you read my last bit of ramblings There are times the December trip does seem so very far away... times where I just wish I could escape to WDW now. It will be here before we know it. Especially as the summer approaches. Still, I kinda need a vacation soon..

Your busing experience has made me stop and think. Not sure I want the crowds but at the same time it seems so much easier... other than trying to get to other resorts for meals from our resort..... oh well, I have lots of time to ponder the dilemma! [/COLOR]

Even with the problems we had on our last trip... I wouldn't go another route. It is so easy to get to the parks using their transportation. Not only get there, but... the drop off is in front. The first time we went and had to park in the lots... So many cars... so many spots. Remembering where we parked was not impossible, but at the end of a long day.. I really didn't want to think. Plus... taking the tram wasn't my favorite either. And as for going to another resort for our meal. While it maybe a bit more challenging than driving directly, it wasn't hard. We went from Pop to MK and then to Poly with very little effort. When we went for our ADR at Boatwrights in POR, we were already in a park and just took the bus from there to POR. Not too complicated. The ONLY time it was complicated is after that ADR when we went to DTD. The boat from POR was easy... but then we had to get from DTD back to MK. We took the bus to CR and then walked to MK. It wasn't bad, but we did have to think a bit on how it was going to work since I did not plan that in advance. But, as you said... there is plenty of time to ponder this.

I started readin your PTR the other day but don't think I replied. We're going in Novemer! Can't wait....seems so far away but I know it will come quickly! I love the Christmas decorations and the shirts! Plans are looking good too. My main concern for this trip also is the airfare. We're going the week before Thanksgiving so I cannot wait to see what rates will be. We can fly either Southwest or Jetblue. Neither of them have their flights for my week yet....we'll see....

Thanks you. I was kinda going nuts on buying stuff for the trip. I settled down.. but I did buy a couple more things just a couple days ago. It is so hard cause I can find tons of fun stuff for Zoe. For Alex... I barely see the point in buying stuff since he could care less. But... I have to keep it balanced. so I try to find stuff.

Airfare... ack... seems we are all waiting. I even am not sure of my dates because of airfare.

Hi Ann (Laurie from the FB group) Lovin the PTR, going to go read up and get caught up! Your pics on Page one are so cute!!!

Thanks so much!!

Ann, I will be thinking of Zoe and keeping her in my prayers. As if you didn't have enough to deal with the wedding and your daughter's surgery, you have to deal with an interfering school.

Thank you, Kathy! Yes, the interfering school is a bit frustrating... but what am I to do? What is really the issue is they want to "help" with her care. Right now, the only thing that is in her care plan for school is her allergy. Thus far she has experienced no respiratory symptoms and so while I am vigilantly cautious I only administer benadryl when she is exposed. The nurse has wanted to use an epipen... and that worries me. PCP told me though that it shouldn't be a problem if she gets it without need. Ok.. I guess a shot of epinephrine won't kill her. I just hate for the panic and drama to scare Zoe when it is not needed. So up until now I have not supplied them with the epi... now because the district contacted the PCP... I have to...even though I had already signed a medical waver. Now looking forward past when she has her surgery, there will be medical supplies she has to use and mostly... the procedures will be done at home. The nurse at school insists that she be able to do these things too. I just don't know how to communicate that I will have it covered... and more importantly I don't want to again have my hand forced to allow them to participate.

 

[All7OfUs]

I'm so sorry you're having to deal with the invasive mindset of the school dist., Ann! Seems like as a parent, that should be your realm. More stress you really didn't need.

 

[annmarieda]

I'm so sorry you're having to deal with the invasive mindset of the school dist., Ann! Seems like as a parent, that should be your realm. More stress you really didn't need.

Thanks, Liesa

 

[annmarieda]

So excited I have to share. It couldn't have come at a better time since I have had a bad few days...


I got a call from Zach!!!!

He could only talk for 4 minutes. He graduated today. He leaves for the next set of training on Monday. He will be there for 10 weeks. Now, I am thinking I missed something. I was thinking he would be home in 13 weeks... but it dawned on me that I think in my excitement my math was flawed. I believe his final set of training is 13 weeks... darn. I forgot to add the 10 to the 13. Still, 23 weeks and he should be home. Unless his AIT is 3 weeks. Good grief I am losing my mind..

On another personal note, my mom is coming over. I am excited to see her...but I really don't have time to take the time to run her around. (she has a set of doctor appointments) However, of course... I WILL. I WANT to, so I will find the time... but... . maybe we can all hope that while I work this next week (it is my heavy week at work and so I will be gone a lot) my family can at least pick up after themselves... if not maybe actually clean a bit too.

Ok... off to get Zoe fed. I guess it is just the two of us again tonight.

 

[veggiemama]

So excited I have to share. It couldn't have come at a better time since I have had a bad few days...


I got a call from Zach!!!!

He could only talk for 4 minutes. He graduated today. He leaves for the next set of training on Monday. He will be there for 10 weeks. Now, I am thinking I missed something. I was thinking he would be home in 13 weeks... but it dawned on me that I think in my excitement my math was flawed. I believe his final set of training is 13 weeks... darn. I forgot to add the 10 to the 13. Still, 23 weeks and he should be home. Unless his AIT is 3 weeks. Good grief I am losing my mind..

On another personal note, my mom is coming over. I am excited to see her...but I really don't have time to take the time to run her around. (she has a set of doctor appointments) However, of course... I WILL. I WANT to, so I will find the time... but... . maybe we can all hope that while I work this next week (it is my heavy week at work and so I will be gone a lot) my family can at least pick up after themselves... if not maybe actually clean a bit too.

Ok... off to get Zoe fed. I guess it is just the two of us again tonight.

So glad you got to talk to Zach, even if it was a quick one. Good for Zach for graduating!

 

[lfwhipp]

So excited I have to share. It couldn't have come at a better time since I have had a bad few days...


I got a call from Zach!!!!

so glad you got to talk to him!!! Sorry its still 23 more weeks

 

[tinacaplan]

for hearing from you son!

But what is up with your school district? I've never, ever heard of anything like that out here and I've been a teacher for ten years. Connecticut actually has some strict legal guidelines about what schools and teachers are able to say to parents regarding medical care. I cannot believe that your school contacted Zoe's PCP. I'd figure that's the last thing you want to deal with right now... So sorry.

 

[KatMark]

for hearing from Zach. I hope your family gives you some help this week and mom doesn't put too much pressure on you.

 

[annmarieda]

So glad you got to talk to Zach, even if it was a quick one. Good for Zach for graduating!

so glad you got to talk to him!!! Sorry its still 23 more weeks

for hearing from you son!

for hearing from Zach.

You are all so sweet.

But what is up with your school district? I've never, ever heard of anything like that out here and I've been a teacher for ten years. Connecticut actually has some strict legal guidelines about what schools and teachers are able to say to parents regarding medical care. I cannot believe that your school contacted Zoe's PCP. I'd figure that's the last thing you want to deal with right now... So sorry.

Yeah... I would have thought it was a violation of privacy, but... I asked our PCP and since Zoe is considered to be under the care of each of them... they can talk to each other regarding Zoe. Oh well, I have such a busy week ahead I am not sure that I will get in with her epipen until next week. Hopefully they won't think I am not complying..

I hope your family gives you some help this week and mom doesn't put too much pressure on you.

Thank you, Kathy. However, my family... I think being a stay at home mom for so long has left them incapable of doing anything on their own. I worked all weekend. (got like 20 hours in) My house is horrific already. I am stressed out about it, but I will have to just relax until I can get to it. It is amazing how just a few people can leave such a big mess. I made a deal with Steve that if I made dinner. (I even made dessert) He would clean up the kitchen (which was already in quite the state BEFORE I cooked). Well, dinner was yummy...we all enjoyed dessert. Now we all have scattered to different computers.

As for mom... she won't pressure me... I just need to be able to be with her for those couple days that she is in town. I will be happy to spend the time with her.... but... I know what I will come home to.

 

[NOLAdisneymom]

Hi Ann (Laurie from the FB group) Lovin the PTR, going to go read up and get caught up! Your pics on Page one are so cute!!!

hey Angela, didnt realize you were a NOLA gal too!!! YAY!! Im in BR now, but lived in NOLA my entire life.

Hi! I'm about halfway between NO and BR (Laplace, right on the interstate)!

Ann, sorry for the hijack!

 

[NOLAdisneymom]

After reading all that airfare stuff, I guess here is where I'm grateful to have the option. Southwest hasn't put out there fares for Dec yet, but just estimating based on other dates, we are looking at about 800.00 for the three of us. Based on gas prices right now, we are looking at 300 to 400 to drive.

WWYD if you were me?? I bow down to the super-planner. It's about 9.5 to 10 hrs driving.

 

[momabaarjo]

Prayers for Zoe! Working for a school district, I am trying to figure out what they were thinking. When we do ARDs, medical ones, there is always someone there from the child's health care...but we never contact them outside of the meeting. There is such a fine line we have to walk...I am appauled that they did not talk to you first!

I am glad you got to talk to your son, I bet that the call meant just as much to you him!

 

[Joyciemc]

Hi Ann! Glad you got to talk to Zach, I'm sure it was much needed!

Sorry to hear about the troubles with Zoe's schools... sounds quite frustrating!

 

[All7OfUs]

What a frazzled mama you sound like, Ann! I"m so sorry it's so hectic for you right now! I know any of us would make time to do what our moms need from us, but I hope you don't get sick from all the stress and extra work and worry you have right now.

Take care of you, Ann, too!

 

[shocky5]

Have a lot to get caught up on your report but am so glad you heard from Zach and WHOA on Zoe's school. We don't take that route in our school district - there is definitely a more tactful way to make sure everyone is abreast of a situation. I'm sure I will have a lot more to say. But wanted to send you a great big !!

Take care of yourself, too! And if you need to vomit out the stress - I'm game! I had to do that today with a friend to keep from exploding with all we have going on presently, as well. Going to go read the rest now! (Is it Dec yet??)

 

[annmarieda]

Thanks so much, everyone. I am just fine... or will be. It is always a cyclic thing.... I get my house in order and start to clear some of my plate... then ad change hits with work and I work a ton for a week... then as the week ends, I find I am back to square one. At the beginning of ad change week I have grand hopes and dreams that I can get my family to change their ways. Somewhere in the middle of the week I realize this is just part of how my life works and I sigh and plan for the next week of catching up on laundry and dishes and well.. the "what is that all over my living room floor?" type chores. It can be frustrating, but I love my messy brood. And the alternative??? Well, they could be on the other side of the country and I wouldn't have to clean up after them. Still... I can't help but think that I created little monsters

On a more positive note, we did manage to sit down and watch Tangled together last night. I had not seen it. What a super cute movie! I am glad that I bought it rather than rent it since it is the 50th Disney Feature film. (this does not include the pixar films) There is a neat segment In the bonus materials that shows clips from each of the 50 films in order. It was very cool! The movie was really good, like I mentioned... but I still think I am a bit more fond of Princess and the Frog.

And... all the excitement over talking with Zach the first time... it got better!!! He called me 5am Monday morning. He was being transported. We got to chat in a more normal fashion then since he got his phone back and wasn't on allotted time. Then once he got to where he was going he was able to use his computer while waiting to be picked up at the airport. So we chatted on facebook for quite a while. I guess he is going to be able to call home every Sunday. Also, with his scores he qualified for additional opportunities... so he WILL in fact be gone longer since he is staying for extra training. Looks like about 30 more weeks. After that he is hoping to enter the officer program. I am proud.

And trip related thoughts....

Thinking I am going to have to try Sanaa. Anyone every been there? So just one more to add to my never ending wish list. Just how am I ever going to narrow it down????

Thinking that I HAVE to take Zoe to BBB. Maybe not for the full deal. (maybe I can buy a dress on ebay?), but for at least the hair, makeup and nails. Anyone know if the sash is included in that? I am having a hard time understanding how it goes from about $50 to $200 just by adding the costume. I mean.. the dresses are about $60, right? So even just buying the dress and salon service is roughly $110. Hmmm... I guess there is shoes. A girl has to have shoes. So isn't that only roughly about $130 - $140? Someone help me with the math if they know better.

And, while I had thought we would be likely to do the Christmas party...I know am thinking the only real reason to do that would be to see the fireworks and parade. Since those are offered later in our trip as a part of the normal day... the only benefit would be the free cocoa and cookies. I think at the cost... probably cheaper to just pay oop for a nice dessert somewhere. Course, I could be wrong. Please... anyone with wisdom here feel free to share.

 

[tinacaplan]

Congratulations to you and your son. That's wonderful for him. You should be proud!

And I'm afraid I'm zero help on BBB or the Christmas party, as I seriously doubt I'll ever do either of those because...well...I don't have a daughter and I can't see when we'd be able to go at Christmas.

I'd like to try Sanaa, too. I love Indian food and it would be different to have that on a Disney trip. Plus, everything I've read about it has been super positive.