Christmas all year long!

[lovethattink]

The laundry is the only thing I keep up with continuously. Everything else...well. We won't talk about it.

Beautiful pics, looks like a charming town!

Love your Epcot day planned. Sadly the school bread has changed. It's now pre-made and smaller. Doesn't quite taste as fresh, but it is still good. Recently they changed the free pic for the DV. It has to be of that photo session. Unless you can schmooze the cm to break the rules, or who knows, maybe they changed the rules again too. It's been a while since we did the free pic. The lines have been too long to suit us to wait!

Love your choice for lunch. Love the lamb platter!! Wish the kids loved eating there as I do. Just FYI, fries are no longer included as a side, but you can purchase them additionally. I have to do that for Anakin who wouldn't dare try something new!

 

[annmarieda]

Now you have me dreaming of school bread and of course my dream stay at the Boardwalk! I love your plans for the day (and your food choices)!

BTW...yes we made lots of road trips when I visited my friend in Centrailia...great college memories.

WA has a lot to offer when it comes to road trips. It is a fairly diverse state.... ocean, sound, mountains...and scab lands.

Looks like a great day! And with just the right amount of eats and rides!

Would you recommend the counter service meals in WS as opposed to what's in FW?

I think Sunshine Seasons is great cause it is a large area that offers everyone in your party "something" where as if you eat in WS... you might have to have someone settle for something or you might have to make multiple stops. I like the food in both. I think I like the atmosphere of eating in WS better. SS is more cafeteria feel.

The laundry is the only thing I keep up with continuously. Everything else...well. We won't talk about it.

Beautiful pics, looks like a charming town!

Love your Epcot day planned. Sadly the school bread has changed. It's now pre-made and smaller. Doesn't quite taste as fresh, but it is still good. Recently they changed the free pic for the DV. It has to be of that photo session. Unless you can schmooze the cm to break the rules, or who knows, maybe they changed the rules again too. It's been a while since we did the free pic. The lines have been too long to suit us to wait!

Love your choice for lunch. Love the lamb platter!! Wish the kids loved eating there as I do. Just FYI, fries are no longer included as a side, but you can purchase them additionally. I have to do that for Anakin who wouldn't dare try something new!

Hmm, you have given me quite a bit to think about haven't you. While I like school bread... I like the sweet pretzel just as much if not more. Either way, I am sure I will see something I want.

I wasn't sure on the DV pic. Last September, the cm told me I could pick any of the photos on my pp card... but I got the dv one cause it seemed odd to get one that wasn't "the" one. But since dh and I will both be entitled to one...and we will be going to Epcot 3 days, I am not sure we need to do 6 DV photo shoots. Maybe if my older kids come down at a different time...but otherwise... probably not.

fries at Tangerine cafe? Hmm... I wouldn't have thought to get them there anyway so I guess I won't miss them.

 

[annmarieda]

Not a lot to report. I have been getting more and more hours in part due to that "Wednesday service deal" I told you all about. It makes for a very long Wednesday..and really a long Monday and Tuesday. Thankfully though tomorrow and the next day I have only a couple hours of work to get in. So my work weeks is about done.

Zach left on a train yesterday morning. He has a friend about to ship out... so took a train down to Oregon to see him. He comes home tomorrow.

Kira and Josh will turn 21. I feel kinda sad about it since I didn't plan anything. Then Josh's mom contacted me and I kinda feel a bit scammed. She wanted to know what the plans were...if the kids were working...etc. See... Josh and Kira live like minutes from me...but about an hour to an hour and a half from his parents... so I tend to be more "in the know". Anyway... after giving info.... Kira called me all upset. Basically, Josh's family invited him out on his birthday to have "one on one time" with him. They said that Kira could come over that night and we would all get together then. So now Kira is spending the day with us (I have to come up with a plan) Then she and Josh will head out for a mini trip to the ocean once he gets back from his parents. (or at least that is the plan)

I have a meeting with school staff regarding Zoe on Monday. I am still making at least one trip a day to the school to insure that she has a reminder to use the restroom. Her teacher and the school nurse have felt that it was too much for them to be the ones to remind her. Surprisingly, her friday class (she is enrolled on fridays in a "special" class to help enrich her since she is advanced) teacher had no problem with the official plan that asks that she remind Zoe in the morning and the afternoon.

Alex is fine... just hanging out doing online school.

Picture game update

So obviously, I have not posted a picture in some time. So I think we will conclude this. I have something special for the winner (Kathy). However, I would like to send a little something to each participant. If you played and would like to receive your prize, please send me a pm with your snail mail addy.

Final scores....

Kathy 131
Betsy 78
Susan 58
Karin 54
Tammie 37
Amy 20
Fred 12
Laurie 8
Heather 4
Michelle 2
Tina 2
flamestarrdust 2
Danielle 1

 

[annmarieda]

As I work on a more "set in stone" sort of plan for our next day... I wonder if I should cancel an ADR. It is at WCC for breakfast. My thought was we would go there before we went to the park. The park of the day will be DHS... and we all know that if you don't get to that park at opening...well it is unlikely that you will get to ride TSM. This is a MUST do for us since Alex has never been on it. We do have 2 days in this park, so if we don't make it that first day then in theory we could the next. Our ADR is for 8:30 and the park opens at 9am. Going to breakfast would also be oop and oddly enough I do have quite a few oop meals planned..so cutting this could save my budget a bit. It is the only time I have planned for us to eat at WCC and since we are staying at WL, I thought we should eat there once....

So... Should I keep the ADR or cancel it?

 

[dizneeat]

I'd get a CS waffle at Roaring Forks and head to the park for rope drop. But again, this is just me ........

 

[momabaarjo]

I hear a Starring rolls cupcake for breakfast that morning!

I am not sure what the hype about TSM is...when I went to summers ago touringplans ranked DHS an 8 that day...we got to the park a little after noon and were able to get FP tickets for around 4:00 that afternoon. But, I still would not chance it if Alex will actually go to the park with you that day...

 

[annmarieda]

I'd get a CS waffle at Roaring Forks and head to the park for rope drop. But again, this is just me ........

I think that is a good idea... now to run it by the non committal... can't believe we are going again... why are you asking me anything regarding the trip, other members of my group.

I hear a Starring rolls cupcake for breakfast that morning!

No... I think that would be a wee bit too much sugar first thing in the morning... after I get moving a bit then it would be fine.

I am not sure what the hype about TSM is...when I went to summers ago touringplans ranked DHS an 8 that day...we got to the park a little after noon and were able to get FP tickets for around 4:00 that afternoon. But, I still would not chance it if Alex will actually go to the park with you that day...

Ya know... I can't remember if it was up and running in 2009. However, I definitely do not remember any hassle with getting a fp or getting on. Fast forward to 2/2010... it was a very long line and you HAD to get a fp. Then...by 9/2010... fp ran out by mid morning. I followed a couple threads where people waited in line for hours to get on that ride. I can't do that so getting a fp before they run out is a must. And... you said it...if Alex will actually go to the park with us that day... then I hope to take advantage of it.

 

[tankgirl427]

I'm glad Zach is home and safe.


What about doing a girl day with Kira? I've done these the last two years with my mom, sometimes with my aunt and cousin as well. We've gone to the chocolate buffet and got manicures, I took my mom for a massage and facial, and this year we took a trolley tour of Boston and went out to lunch. We had also thought about taking our moms to a proper high tea, which if doable would be nice since you are taking Miss Zoe to one in WDW.

Just my two cents.

 

[momabaarjo]

I have been thinking of Kira...and I feel awful for her. Sounds like to me MIL needs a good talking to, that her little boy is no longer a little boy but a married man with a wife! I have no earthly idea, why they would only invite him. I hope you figure out something special to do with her.

This does not scream breakfast too you...

Okay I concede probably too much surgar but they have this at Starring Rolls and it has fruit!

Or this...

Okay...this is more breakfast

 

[lovethattink]

As I work on a more "set in stone" sort of plan for our next day... I wonder if I should cancel an ADR. It is at WCC for breakfast. My thought was we would go there before we went to the park. The park of the day will be DHS... and we all know that if you don't get to that park at opening...well it is unlikely that you will get to ride TSM. This is a MUST do for us since Alex has never been on it. We do have 2 days in this park, so if we don't make it that first day then in theory we could the next. Our ADR is for 8:30 and the park opens at 9am. Going to breakfast would also be oop and oddly enough I do have quite a few oop meals planned..so cutting this could save my budget a bit. It is the only time I have planned for us to eat at WCC and since we are staying at WL, I thought we should eat there once....

So... Should I keep the ADR or cancel it?

TSM can be a zoo in the morning. Best bet would be to send someone to get the FPs for TSM as soon as entering the park. Breakfast at DHS is hard to find. They no longer serve it at any of the airconditioned restaraunts. Only some breakfast biscuit things at a stand on by the icecream place near ToT. (Sorry don't remember the name of it.) I was desparate and got a egg and sausage sandwich. Writer's stop has muffins that are nice, the carrot cake cookie is very good, I've heard.

 

[annmarieda]

I'm glad Zach is home and safe.


What about doing a girl day with Kira? I've done these the last two years with my mom, sometimes with my aunt and cousin as well. We've gone to the chocolate buffet and got manicures, I took my mom for a massage and facial, and this year we took a trolley tour of Boston and went out to lunch. We had also thought about taking our moms to a proper high tea, which if doable would be nice since you are taking Miss Zoe to one in WDW.

Just my two cents.

I think a girls day out is perfect... now to just find something to do. I actually thought about wine tasting... but not sure that she would be all that into it. I will make sure to let you all know how it goes.

I have been thinking of Kira...and I feel awful for her. Sounds like to me MIL needs a good talking to, that her little boy is no longer a little boy but a married man with a wife! I have no earthly idea, why they would only invite him. I hope you figure out something special to do with her.

This does not scream breakfast too you...

Okay I concede probably too much surgar but they have this at Starring Rolls and it has fruit!

Or this...

Okay...this is more breakfast

OMG, while those aren't for breakfast type foods, they ARE something I would LOVE to eat. Yumm....

And as for Kiras mil... she is super nice...but I do feel as though she could have been a bit better about it all. I mean... I didn't plan anything since I figured the two of them... their first "married" bday and their 21st to boot...I figured they would be keeping it to themselves.

TSM can be a zoo in the morning. Best bet would be to send someone to get the FPs for TSM as soon as entering the park. Breakfast at DHS is hard to find. They no longer serve it at any of the airconditioned restaraunts. Only some breakfast biscuit things at a stand on by the icecream place near ToT. (Sorry don't remember the name of it.) I was desparate and got a egg and sausage sandwich. Writer's stop has muffins that are nice, the carrot cake cookie is very good, I've heard.

I know... and I think this is the reason I planned for WCC in the first place. But... looking at the time we have and the time the park opens. I am not sure we will want to miss the opportunity to get a fp.

 

[tinacaplan]

I have a meeting with school staff regarding Zoe on Monday. I am still making at least one trip a day to the school to insure that she has a reminder to use the restroom. Her teacher and the school nurse have felt that it was too much for them to be the ones to remind her. Surprisingly, her friday class (she is enrolled on fridays in a "special" class to help enrich her since she is advanced) teacher had no problem with the official plan that asks that she remind Zoe in the morning and the afternoon.

THIS MAKES ME WANT TO SCREAM! What do you mean its too much to help one of your students??? Goodness...how old is Zoe? Shouldn't things like that be pretty much standard at that age? I would for sure do this for any of my kids. Want me to come out there?

Sorry..I'm done with my rant for now.

 

[annmarieda]

THIS MAKES ME WANT TO SCREAM! What do you mean its too much to help one of your students??? Goodness...how old is Zoe? Shouldn't things like that be pretty much standard at that age? I would for sure do this for any of my kids. Want me to come out there?

Sorry..I'm done with my rant for now.

Tina, I can't even tell you how tapped I am with this. Today was the first day that I sent Zoe with the larger sized catheters. I know that she has trouble using them and I anticipated that I would need to go to help her. I go to the school at least once a day anyway...so no more a big deal than any other day. however, I had some work to do (I travel during the day remember) and work was going to take me out of town so I was not going to be able to come back to help with the process in the afternoon. Well, when I told the nurse.... the nurse who was suppose to take extra training to be able to help Zoe and the nurse who was given a full time position at the school because of Zoe responded by saying "do you think I am going to be able to do it?" She looked a bit panicked so... I rearranged my schedule so that I could make it back. I could maybe understand if this was a deeply intimate sort of act... but this is just through her belly button. So tomorrow I don't know what I am going to do. I have the day off...but my car is in the shop. Going there twice tomorrow will mean quite a bit of walking on my part. I want to say it is couple miles each trip. Course... could get me in shape for Disney. so maybe the walk there and back won't be the end of the world.

 

[tinacaplan]

Tina, I can't even tell you how tapped I am with this. Today was the first day that I sent Zoe with the larger sized catheters. I know that she has trouble using them and I anticipated that I would need to go to help her. I go to the school at least once a day anyway...so no more a big deal than any other day. however, I had some work to do (I travel during the day remember) and work was going to take me out of town so I was not going to be able to come back to help with the process in the afternoon. Well, when I told the nurse.... the nurse who was suppose to take extra training to be able to help Zoe and the nurse who was given a full time position at the school because of Zoe responded by saying "do you think I am going to be able to do it?" She looked a bit panicked so... I rearranged my schedule so that I could make it back. I could maybe understand if this was a deeply intimate sort of act... but this is just through her belly button. So tomorrow I don't know what I am going to do. I have the day off...but my car is in the shop. Going there twice tomorrow will mean quite a bit of walking on my part. I want to say it is couple miles each trip. Course... could get me in shape for Disney. so maybe the walk there and back won't be the end of the world.

I guess what I don't understand is how you could take a job working with children and then look at a kid like Zoe and not want to help her. Since school started in August, I've cleaned up puke, given hugs, and in many ways acted as a surrogate mom to my kids. Just today I brought in crutches for a student who had sprained her ankle and didn't have them.

And the nurse can't help Zoe???!!! And something tells me that if you can learn how to do it, she can, too being that she's a nurse and all.

Good thing you have a very special trip coming up...its almost October!

 

[momabaarjo]

This nurse is making me

...once again people in schools make the rest of us look bad who give 110%. I wish I had answers for you, other than raising...._ _ _ _....which I would gladly come and do for you!

 

[Woth2982]

Oh my goodness Zoe's school seems incompetent! My mom is a nurse and had to learn how to use a catheter in nursing school. She said it is basic training, even the medical assistants can do it. Don't know why TWO school nurses can't help her! Poor kid. On the plus side your trip is getting so close! Chin up. Things always have a way of working themselves out.

 

[annmarieda]

I guess what I don't understand is how you could take a job working with children and then look at a kid like Zoe and not want to help her. Since school started in August, I've cleaned up puke, given hugs, and in many ways acted as a surrogate mom to my kids. Just today I brought in crutches for a student who had sprained her ankle and didn't have them.

And the nurse can't help Zoe???!!! And something tells me that if you can learn how to do it, she can, too being that she's a nurse and all.

Good thing you have a very special trip coming up...its almost October!

I think they are just overwhelmed.... but yes, it is strange that a person would take a job like that and then not be able to help. Oh well...

And... just 10 weeks to go... it can't get here soon enough!!!

This nurse is making me

...once again people in schools make the rest of us look bad who give 110%. I wish I had answers for you, other than raising...._ _ _ _....which I would gladly come and do for you!

Thanks, Tammie. I appreciate the support.

Oh my goodness Zoe's school seems incompetent! My mom is a nurse and had to learn how to use a catheter in nursing school. She said it is basic training, even the medical assistants can do it. Don't know why TWO school nurses can't help her! Poor kid. On the plus side your trip is getting so close! Chin up. Things always have a way of working themselves out.

Trip is getting closer and you are right... things do tend to work out...just read my next post.

 

[annmarieda]

So since I have been bad mouthing the nurse... I figure I should also point out some good.

This morning, I had to walk to the school to help Zoe use her catheter. It was a much longer walk than I anticipated and it took me like 40 minutes to get there. As I was wearing down I was really feeling as though I would not be able to go back for a second trip today. This had me feeling pretty frustrated.

however, when I got to the school... guess what had just happened???

First... the nurse had pulled Zoe from class. Normally I would think this was overkill, and would just hope for a reminder... but since Zoe is struggling with the larger caths... I can see where bringing her to the office was a good idea. So points for being on the ball and getting Zoe to cath.

Second... the nurse attempted to help Zoe cath. Now, she was too nervous about using too much force so didn't successfully do so, but she attempted!! Points for that!!!

Third... she used a syringe to aspirate the catheter! I suspect she went super slow since she said Zoe told her she could go faster. So points for this too!!

In the end, Zoe got the cath in on her own woohoo: for Zoe since this was her first time with the big cath). The nurse got "on the job training" with Zoe. She told me she asked Zoe throughout the process things like; how many times this?... how far that?.. to which Zoe just told her things like... well, when it is done. I think the nurse finally got it... this isn't a strict measure and timed sort of event. Zoe is done when her bladder is empty... just as with anyone else... being done is just when you are done.

I got to the school as it was taking place. Went to her class...was told she was in the restroom... then found that the nurse had pulled her. I walked into the nurses office just as they were finishing up.

So I am not going back this afternoon.... and this may be the start to being able to leave Zoe at school full time. Not that I want them to be babysitters, but it is so disruptive to my day.. Zoe's day.. etc. for me to have to go to the school like I have been doing.

 

[momabaarjo]

What a great post! I am glad things went well for you, the nurse, and most of all Zoe!

 

[tinacaplan]

YAY! So happy that Zoe was able to get the nurse all straightened out.