DDA Chapter 9

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Don't be sorry, Elizabeth. The first three reviews on the Country Inns and Suites included the word "filthy" in relation to the rooms. I'm looking around a little more. Maybe the Fairfield Inn which is in that Wanamaker Road location...but we'd have to be a family of 4 that night. I'll figure it out. I'm just starting to stress about everything that could possibly go wrong on this trip.

I know a thing or two about pre-trip stress.
It's funny, because Hotels.com and Expedia both seem to have decent ratings for the Country Inn. The Holiday Inn didn't even come up on those sites, so I couldn't compare. I guess the good thing is that if whatever hotel you choose is gross there will be more hotels within a few blocks and they won't be sold out because Topeka isn't a big tourist destination!

We stayed in the Courtyard Inn in Lawrence, KS and it was very nice. But you aren't going to Lawrence, are you? My cousin lived in Lawrence while she was in law school, and she went to the hotel and inspected it for us. She even made them open a room so she could see if it was clean and odor-free! We all really like Lawrence - kind of a funky little college town. Now my cousin lives in KC, but Lawrence is the halfway point so a lot of times when I am being "handed off" going to or from the airport we'll stop in Lawrence to eat.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Hello, Mac!
Sorry to hear that your have been laid off! I hope a new job will come your way soon!
I enjoy seeing the pics of the kids and reading about Aidan's triumphs! I hope Mya's surgery goes well! When do you go to Galveston?

 

[tinknme]

Don't question, just enjoy Kyle's determination! And he's right. You guys are really going to need some time to yourselves. Trust me, it's easier now, while you are pumping then when the girls get a little older. It's important to keep the husband/wife relationship alive right now. It's tempting to fall into the "I'm a mom" or "I'm a dad" routine, but remember you were husband/wife first.

Wisely said Glynis & something I did fall into & I hate to admit but I am still this way. My boys come 1st no matter what & now I am stuck in my ways. I love Gary but our relationship is not what it should be.

 

[tink2020]

I had a lovely visit with Amy, Alyssa and Matthew today! The kids were great, and I think they're really going to love when Baby Noah arrives!

Also, I got the most adorable frame in the mail today from Jen! I'll try and post a picture soon! Thank you Jen, I love it!

 

[tinknme]

Hi Mac!

Wow you are one chatty group. Hope all is going well. Have a little more free time now and thought I would jump in if the water was still warm.

 

[bethbuchall]

I know a thing or two about pre-trip stress.
It's funny, because Hotels.com and Expedia both seem to have decent ratings for the Country Inn. The Holiday Inn didn't even come up on those sites, so I couldn't compare. I guess the good thing is that if whatever hotel you choose is gross there will be more hotels within a few blocks and they won't be sold out because Topeka isn't a big tourist destination!

We stayed in the Courtyard Inn in Lawrence, KS and it was very nice. But you aren't going to Lawrence, are you? My cousin lived in Lawrence while she was in law school, and she went to the hotel and inspected it for us. She even made them open a room so she could see if it was clean and odor-free! We all really like Lawrence - kind of a funky little college town. Now my cousin lives in KC, but Lawrence is the halfway point so a lot of times when I am being "handed off" going to or from the airport we'll stop in Lawrence to eat.

OK...I'm going to take a deep breath and think of positives. Those reviews made me feel much better. I think I'll keep the Country Inn and just know that I can move if it is filthy. We'll only be there about 14 hours anyway. I have always had luck with Country Inns and Suites in the past.

 

[babytrees]

OK...I'm going to take a deep breath and think of positives. Those reviews made me feel much better. I think I'll keep the Country Inn and just know that I can move if it is filthy. We'll only be there about 14 hours anyway. I have always had luck with Country Inns and Suites in the past.

speaking of hotels...which one are you at in Colorado Springs???

 

[bethbuchall]

speaking of hotels...which one are you at in Colorado Springs???

Fairfield Colorado Springs South...I hope it's ok. I'm feeling a bit like this about the whole thing right now. It's all coming up so fast. I feel so unprepared, and it's going to be a busy couple of weeks before we go.

 

[babytrees]

Fairfield Colorado Springs South...I hope it's ok. I'm feeling a bit like this about the whole thing right now. It's all coming up so fast. I feel so unprepared, and it's going to be a busy couple of weeks before we go.

I like Fairfields....although I haven't been in one in Colorado Springs...I'll scope it out for you!! (Because it's on the south side it's probably fine since that's the olympic training side)

I for sure have the day off so we can definitely come up to the Springs or meet you down here for Casa Bonita...whichever.

 

[babytrees]

Before I forget...I've been playing phone tag for a second interview....I hope he answers his phone soon!!

 

[Glynis]

Wow you are one chatty group. Hope all is going well. Have a little more free time now and thought I would jump in if the water was still warm.

We are trying to plan a trip (fork in the road due to loss of employement last week) for the future when Aidan gets out his Trach and has both ears implanted. A little celebration and allow him to hear the Magic that is Disney.

Mya should be able to walk better with her PERCS procedure done that we are going down to Galveston to have done. The rest of us are doing pretty well without much sleep, but we do get a Nurse for Aidan every other night. So what all have I missed?

Mac!!! It's nice to see from you again! We keep updated with your Care pages, and we always keep your family in our prayers.

As for an update, let's see...

Jennifer (Tink2020) had twins earlier this month, they are home and doing well.

Amy is expecting her 3rd, a boy, Noah, any day now.

Lots of people are getting ready for trips, and are very excited!

Elizabeth is dealing with her mom's cancer, and trying to take care of everyone. We are hoping she doesn't wear herself out!

Jennifer is looking for a job as a teacher, and is a bit frustrated. We keep telling her that the right job will come along.

I am expecting in early December and am feeling every one of my 41 years right now!

Tammi is off visiting her parents, and hopefully relaxing a little bit.

Robyn is planning baby Lucy's first birthday party, and we're anxious to hear all about it.

Chanon is having her air ducts cleaned out, planning trips for everyone, and trying to get ready for her wedding this Fall.

I know there are other people with great things happening, but I'm still trying to get caught up myself.

It's great to have you back, Mac! Good luck with the employment situation. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Ok, here's a quick story all of you Disney fans...

I was in a group of mom's talking today. Someone mentioned their DS was going to see "The Wallys".

The other mom said "Wall E??"

The first mom said "Oh yea, that's it"...

so then I say "Yeah, It's short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth Class"....

You could have heard a pin drop.

I would love to go to a conference in Boston in December, but am not sure how the weather will be for driving there.

It would likely be OK but you really just don't know. The potential is certainly there for heavy snow.

AK has me tempted, but I need to keep this BUDGET.

The availability is very limited at AKL from what I've read.

My house is very clean.

That must feel great!!!!!

Maybe we'll stop by Sonic and get their 99 cent shakes as a treat today!

Maybe I'll even get to my trip report!

I saw an ad for those and they look great but no Sonic around here.

Would love to see your TR!!!!

The fare Terry snapped up for $88 this morning is now $183.50.

Congrats on snatching the $88. $149 doesn't sound too bad relative to the $183.50.

Wow you are one chatty group. Hope all is going well. Have a little more free time now and thought I would jump in if the water was still warm.

We are trying to plan a trip (fork in the road due to loss of employement last week) for the future when Aidan gets out his Trach and has both ears implanted. A little celebration and allow him to hear the Magic that is Disney.

Mya should be able to walk better with her PERCS procedure done that we are going down to Galveston to have done. The rest of us are doing pretty well without much sleep, but we do get a Nurse for Aidan every other night. So what all have I missed?

Hi Mac! Aidan and Mya are so cute-love your signature! Good luck with the job search!

I had a lovely visit with Amy, Alyssa and Matthew today! The kids were great, and I think they're really going to love when Baby Noah arrives!

How nice!

 

[Glynis]

Before I forget...I've been playing phone tag for a second interview....I hope he answers his phone soon!!

Oooooo, my fingers and toes and eyes are crossed for you!!!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Before I forget...I've been playing phone tag for a second interview....I hope he answers his phone soon!!

Great news!

I am expecting in early December and am feeling every one of my 41 years right now!

I was 41 (3 months shy of 42 when she was born) when I was pregnant with Emma. The pregnancy was a bit rough-I was so sick with morning sickness until about 24 weeks and then I carried her so low. But Emma was super healthy and I had the easiest delivery with her.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

OK...I'm going to take a deep breath and think of positives. Those reviews made me feel much better. I think I'll keep the Country Inn and just know that I can move if it is filthy. We'll only be there about 14 hours anyway. I have always had luck with Country Inns and Suites in the past.

It seems to me that Trip Advisor is the one that recently said Wilderness Lodge is a dump. We stayed at WL for 9 nights last summer and I never found it dumpy. Hopefully your hotels will all be fine!

Before I forget...I've been playing phone tag for a second interview....I hope he answers his phone soon!!

Good thoughts, Theresa!!!

Glynis - Mom was 44 when she had Diva. And when Diva popped out there was a complete knot in the umbilical cord. I was in the delivery room with Mom. (The Ogre was there too, but he doesn't count.) The doctor said she was a "miracle baby" because the knot didn't pull tight enough to cut off the blood flow. High maintenance right from the beginning, that one.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

2 good things happened today.

1 - I got my annual review/contract renewal. I get to keep my job for another year! My salary increase is much more than I was anticipating, AND I got a year end bonus! Yesterday Momboss said they will NOT count the 4 days I was off as vacation, it was just paid time off. Have I mentioned how truly incredible and fabulous my bosses are?

2 - DH talked with the office manager today and she said they WILL count the day he missed as a paid sick day, so he isn't being docked for Tuesday.

Because of these unexpected windfalls I ordered DH the camera bag he wants from Best Buy. It was on sale for $10 less than normal, and we had $15 in reward certificates, and it had free shipping. Not too shabby! Now he needs a tripod and then maybe he will hush!

 

[Blueeyes101817]

I had a lovely visit with Amy, Alyssa and Matthew today! The kids were great, and I think they're really going to love when Baby Noah arrives!

Also, I got the most adorable frame in the mail today from Jen! I'll try and post a picture soon! Thank you Jen, I love it!

Glad you guys had a good visit--I cant believe you got the mail already! Glad you like the frame,,i have had that for a few months!

Before I forget...I've been playing phone tag for a second interview....I hope he answers his phone soon!!

OOO hope he answers the phone soon!

 

[tink2020]

Glad you guys had a good visit--I cant believe you got the mail already! Glad you like the frame,,i have had that for a few months!


OOO hope he answers the phone soon!

We love it, it's absolutely adorable!

 

[tink2020]

New album at Picasa, and a new post with some of my favorite photos, hands down.... if anyone is interested

Kyle's med-peds class is coming any time now, so I'm off for the evening. He's off the next 3 days, too. We're all pretty excited! If I'm not on a lot, have a great weekend!

 

[babytrees]

2 good things happened today.

1 - I got my annual review/contract renewal. I get to keep my job for another year! My salary increase is much more than I was anticipating, AND I got a year end bonus! Yesterday Momboss said they will NOT count the 4 days I was off as vacation, it was just paid time off. Have I mentioned how truly incredible and fabulous my bosses are?

2 - DH talked with the office manager today and she said they WILL count the day he missed as a paid sick day, so he isn't being docked for Tuesday.

Because of these unexpected windfalls I ordered DH the camera bag he wants from Best Buy. It was on sale for $10 less than normal, and we had $15 in reward certificates, and it had free shipping. Not too shabby! Now he needs a tripod and then maybe he will hush!

and aren't you a good wife??

New album at Picasa, and a new post with some of my favorite photos, hands down.... if anyone is interested

Kyle's med-peds class is coming any time now, so I'm off for the evening. He's off the next 3 days, too. We're all pretty excited! If I'm not on a lot, have a great weekend!

absolutely adorable...enjoy your family time!!