Christmas all year long!

[momabaarjo]

 

[Leger13]

Sounds like a very fun day!!

A few comments

I've never seen the Beauty and the Beast show. I'd love to watch it but I have a feeling Alex won't allow this

The drawing experience is awesome!! I've done it twice now and it's so much fun!

I've never been to Mama Melro's. Is this your first time there or have you been there before?

We LOVE SciFi! If you decide to induldge in an adult beverage I recommend Marsha's Martian!! Desert and alcohol....can't go wrong there!

 

[lovethattink]

 

[annmarieda]

Ann, plans sound great for this day. I really think you'll like Writer's Shop and I know you will love the Animation class. When we were there in September, it was Sorcerer Mickey and Winnie-the-Pooh for pictures/autographs (the year before it was Sorcerer Mickey and The Incredibles.

I know I will love the animation class and I think Zoe is at a good age that she may just be up for it.

The Incredibles are still there. They are on the floor you walk in on while Sorcerer Mickey and Pooh are on the lower level. Unless you happen to time yourself right.

All are characters I wouldn't mind seeing...so

Hmmmmm....I missed that. I also remember seeing Lotso in there as well somewhere last year.

Oh, but Lotso would be even better.

Yep Lotso was where Pooh is now. Usually they switch that spot out for whatever movie they are pushing at the moment.

Wonder what movie will be being pushed. I don't think any of come out have they?

Sounds like a very fun day!!

A few comments

I've never seen the Beauty and the Beast show. I'd love to watch it but I have a feeling Alex won't allow this

The drawing experience is awesome!! I've done it twice now and it's so much fun!

I've never been to Mama Melro's. Is this your first time there or have you been there before?

We LOVE SciFi! If you decide to induldge in an adult beverage I recommend Marsha's Martian!! Desert and alcohol....can't go wrong there!

You never know, maybe he will be ok with BATB. I love the show... but I love all the shows..

I look forward to the animation studio... it should be fun.

We have been to Mama Melroses' a few times. I have always enjoyed it...however, we have had some not great service...

Hmm if I am not hungry, maybe I will ahve to indulge. Sci Fi is fun. The only thing I don't like is how you really aren't "eating" with your party. You sit side by side and even behind some of them. It is not conducive for making conversation.

 

[Leger13]

You never know, maybe he will be ok with BATB. I love the show... but I love all the shows..

I look forward to the animation studio... it should be fun.

We have been to Mama Melroses' a few times. I have always enjoyed it...however, we have had some not great service...

Hmm if I am not hungry, maybe I will ahve to indulge. Sci Fi is fun. The only thing I don't like is how you really aren't "eating" with your party. You sit side by side and even behind some of them. It is not conducive for making conversation.

Yeah I'll have to see how he does with some of the 3d shows first. If he does ok in there maybe we can try BATB. How long is the show?

Can't wait to see what character you get

Hmmm I think we'll have to stick with SciFi then

Yeah, I've only been once with more than just Chris and I. I wonder how it will work out with a high chair. Or maybe I can put Alex in a booster at that point. Should be a totally different experience this go round for us

 

[Monknmom]

Hey Ann I am coming back to catch up later tonight! I quickly looked over the DHS plans though and they look good! How much does the park usually clear out after Fantasmic?

 

[Monknmom]

With 6 weeks left to go, I started a countdown calendar. Zoe and I worked on it. I think it turned out ok... a little simple and small..but it will more than do the job. I had thought about just using the disney advent calendar, but that has 25 days to count...and I wanted a bit more time. Behind some of the squares are markers to indicate that the kids get a gift that day. I purchased some stockings from dollar tree the other day and the gifts will go into those. Alex was less than excited...but Zoe was thrilled.

Here are the pics I have to share of the calendar and stockings....

and a bit up close

Zoe's stocking...

Alex's stocking...

It is kinda cool that all the Christmas stuff is starting to show up in stores.

I really love this countdown calender!!! And the idea of getting a gift? How magical! I should make one for Damien, but he doesn't know when we are going, only that we are going and I'm trying to keep that part a secret! I hope that Alex gets into it a little more for you!

 

[annmarieda]

Just a bit of a drama moment in my life. I am just not sure what I am going to do.... but had to come here to share

So you all remember when Steve took the month of Zoe's surgery and was working from home/the hospital etc., right? Well, we knew he was going to be short a bit on vacation time right?

Well here is what has happened in since June.

1.Without telling Steve they continued to doc his vacay time as it accrued.
2.He did get offered that VP position, but declined it because he is in the middle of a bad Chron's flare (remember we just were at the ER a couple weeks ago) and he didn't want the added stress even though there would have been more money. (had he taken this...the added income would have made a difference in what is going on now)

So when he went to put in his time (why now he is just getting to this ) he was basically told he has no time and that they could tell him that he could not go at all. If he does manage to get them to agree to let him have the time off it would mean a full paycheck worth of pay lost plus insurance premiums since they will not cover it during "unpaid" time.

I feel sick... and mad...

Sad thing is in a lot of ways I am mad at Steve the most. I can't believe he didn't watch what was going on in June. I am angry that when his boss left right as all this "hit the fan" he didn't rat his boss out by saying that "Ben approved all my work from home time" Instead he just took it and agreed to who knows what?? obviously more than he thought since they have continued to doc his vacay time. I can't believe he didn't further watch things. I am just frustrated. I don't want to cancel the entire trip... but I also don't want to go without him.

Any suggestions on how to make this work?

I gave him three options....

1. he quits (he did have another actual job offer in hand just weeks ago...but it was for slightly less than he makes now and...well...unless they give him a sign on bonus he still wouldn't have the vacay time or money set aside to take the time)
2. He takes the pay hit (but this is our rough time of year and to be honest he has gone a bit nuts with spending since June - I swear he had a minor breakdown or something - and so we just are tapped right now, especially with things like my car needing a ton of repairs, our fridge breaking down, me needing dental work and lets not forget all our medical bills that are piling up)
3. He comes down for only part of the time. If they don't pull any more time from him...he might...MIGHT have a few days. Pair that with a weekend and he could in theory come down for part of the trip.

The other option is just to bag the entire trip. Lord knows how much I would hate that...and who knows how much I would lose since we are within the 45 day mark (oh, yes... did I ask him to double check things before we hit 45 days???? YES!!! Damn him all I got was, "I don't want to talk about the trip, Ann. I will make it work" )

I am very mad.... I think I am actually getting more aggravated the more I think about it. Usually, I can "talk it out" and become less mad/frustrated...but... I think I am only getting more frustrated.

ok... I have to go calm down. There is nothing he can do now...so no sense staying mad at him...his ex boss...his current hr department...

sigh....

 

[ladytink75]

OH Annmarie I feel for you.. I'm so sorry to hear that all of this is going on right now. I pray things will work out for you somehow. I know you really want to go on this trip. You have been planning for so long and changing things around to make this trip just magical for you and your family. Sometimes I just hate men.. .. but you gotta love them at the same time. Maybe just maybe us females know what we are talking about when we tell our hubbies to please take care of these issues or to watch these issues and not let them go unattended.

Keep your chin up things will work out.

Here's a from me to you..

 

[Leger13]

Oh my I am so sorry y'all are faced with this!!! I wouldn't want to cancel the trip all together either but I totally understand where you are coming from. I think the option where Steve comes down for part of the time is better than him taking the huge pay cut or quitting all together.What a load of BS for his employers to do that to him

 

[Joyciemc]

Sorry, Ann... I hope it all works out and quickly, so you don't need to be stressed any more!

 

[annmarieda]

So I am leaning toward canceling... I could keep the trip and Zoe and I could just go..but really as much as I worried that Steve would get sick or spend his time in the room, I romanticism him going to all these resorts with me and eating at all these restaurants with me...and just over all enjoying WDW at Christmas with me. If he can't go...it really seems a bit pointless to me.

So... deep breath... chin up... life... goes... on..

 

[Leger13]

So I am leaning toward canceling... I could keep the trip and Zoe and I could just go..but really as much as I worried that Steve would get sick or spend his time in the room, I romanticism him going to all these resorts with me and eating at all these restaurants with me...and just over all enjoying WDW at Christmas with me. If he can't go...it really seems a bit pointless to me.

So... deep breath... chin up... life... goes... on..

BIG BIG my friend! I know how hard it is to come to that kind of a decision especially when you've been looking fwd to this trip for so long now but you just gotta do what you gotta do. I understand not wanting to go w/o Steve. I couldn't go on a Disney trip w/o my DH either and be happy about it.

 

[tankgirl427]

Ugh! So not good! Is it possible for Kira to take Steve's place or Zach? I'm so sorry this is the last thing you need!

 

[Monknmom]

Ugh! So not good! Is it possible for Kira to take Steve's place or Zach? I'm so sorry this is the last thing you need!

I could see it being hard for you to go without him because as much as I yell and get mad at DH he's still my hubby and I'd love for him to enjoy and see and do most of what we are doing! But is it possible for one them to take his place? Maybe even give you a little of the money back? I am so so sorry Ann! I have been keeping everyone in my prayers and whatever you do I'm sure that your going to do it with a head on your shoulders and not just a spur of the moment decision! Have you asked how much you would loose if you maybe pushed it back a few weeks? Maybe then he will have the time in? You have gone often and have even had your daughter starting the tradition so maybe they will give you a little pixi dust! I am praying!

 

[momabaarjo]

Hugs...prayers...pixie dust!

 

[dizneeat]

Ann, I am lost for words.

I really hope that somehow you can work this out and be able to go to WDW nonetheless.
I too would second the version where Steve would just come and "visit" for a portion of the vacation. You were all so looking forward to this vacation and I would hate you not going.
The idea about pushing your vacation out a bit is nice, but wasn't the whole idea to see the Christmas decorations?
See, I am no help at all ...... so I just keep hoping and praying that you will find a solution for this problem.

 

[Woth2982]

Oh my goodness I am so sorry. You all needed this trip too with all the stress you were under all year. Like someone said above would it be possible for Kira to take Zach's place? She could fly out with Alex. Hopefully it will all work out for you.

 

[lovethattink]

Oh Ann, I am so sorry!! That just stinks!

I hope it all works out.

 

[annmarieda]

OH Annmarie I feel for you.. I'm so sorry to hear that all of this is going on right now. I pray things will work out for you somehow. I know you really want to go on this trip. You have been planning for so long and changing things around to make this trip just magical for you and your family. Sometimes I just hate men.. .. but you gotta love them at the same time. Maybe just maybe us females know what we are talking about when we tell our hubbies to please take care of these issues or to watch these issues and not let them go unattended.

Keep your chin up things will work out.

Here's a from me to you..

Thanks, I do love my dh... he is a pretty great guy (most of the time. ) I just hate all of the options I have before me. I just want it all to work the way I planned...and not some other way.

Oh my I am so sorry y'all are faced with this!!! I wouldn't want to cancel the trip all together either but I totally understand where you are coming from. I think the option where Steve comes down for part of the time is better than him taking the huge pay cut or quitting all together.What a load of BS for his employers to do that to him

The idea of him going down for just part of the time is one of the options we are toying around with.

Sorry, Ann... I hope it all works out and quickly, so you don't need to be stressed any more!

Thank you, soon would be good. However, I will know more tomorrow. Friday is when I think we will make our final decision. That can't get here soon enough.

BIG BIG my friend! I know how hard it is to come to that kind of a decision especially when you've been looking fwd to this trip for so long now but you just gotta do what you gotta do. I understand not wanting to go w/o Steve. I couldn't go on a Disney trip w/o my DH either and be happy about it.

I think that is what I battle. I could easily go with Zoe still. I have all my ducks in a row... but yes, going with out Steve would be very disappointing.

Ugh! So not good! Is it possible for Kira to take Steve's place or Zach? I'm so sorry this is the last thing you need!

Kira has to work and Zach will be on duty for the first part of our trip. However, Zach for part of the time might work.

I could see it being hard for you to go without him because as much as I yell and get mad at DH he's still my hubby and I'd love for him to enjoy and see and do most of what we are doing! But is it possible for one them to take his place? Maybe even give you a little of the money back? I am so so sorry Ann! I have been keeping everyone in my prayers and whatever you do I'm sure that your going to do it with a head on your shoulders and not just a spur of the moment decision! Have you asked how much you would loose if you maybe pushed it back a few weeks? Maybe then he will have the time in? You have gone often and have even had your daughter starting the tradition so maybe they will give you a little pixi dust! I am praying!

I am waiting to make a decision. Today I had a LONG work day and then tomorrow Steve is planning to talk to his boss's boss... then we will know more of what we will be doing. If we push it back we would just have a $50 fee for changing while within the 45 day window. However, I am not sure just how much more time he would build up. Plus, the point is Christmas... I wanted to see the decorations.

Hugs...prayers...pixie dust!

Ann, I am lost for words.

I really hope that somehow you can work this out and be able to go to WDW nonetheless.
I too would second the version where Steve would just come and "visit" for a portion of the vacation. You were all so looking forward to this vacation and I would hate you not going.
The idea about pushing your vacation out a bit is nice, but wasn't the whole idea to see the Christmas decorations?
See, I am no help at all ...... so I just keep hoping and praying that you will find a solution for this problem.

Thanks, Karin. You are correct... the idea is Christmas... and so I don't want to push it out. I am with you totall... I have to find a solution for this problem. It is there...I just haven't figured it out yet. I will by friday....

Oh my goodness I am so sorry. You all needed this trip too with all the stress you were under all year. Like someone said above would it be possible for Kira to take Zach's place? She could fly out with Alex. Hopefully it will all work out for you.

If I could get Kira to go I would...in a heart beat, but... she can't get the time off in December. She already looked into when she booked her trip in January (hence why she is going just a month after we are)

Oh Ann, I am so sorry!! That just stinks!

I hope it all works out.

It will...one way or another...it will. I just have to remain calm over the next day or two. I have to have faith that what is meant to be will be...and that things happen for a reason.