"Does Peter have to come to Disney with Us???"

[-Hope-]

Hi All!!! Well, after reminding my TA that she COULD make all my ADR's at one time, she did it for me and I got all the ones I wanted withing 15 minutes of the times I wanted. I'm soooo excited!!! I was so disappointed that they haven't announced Free Dining, but there's still hope. Either way, I'm going and I already have it budgeted, so we'll be ok. I have 2 m&m tubes of quarters/pennies for the penny press machines so I think that should be enough. We are just going to use the autograph book from our last trip as there are so many pages left, so I won't have to buy another one. I'm also going to use that for the passport stamps, too as I'll be taking it apart to put in the scrapbook anyways.

As for Victoria, she did go back to school today. We did go to the doctor's on Monday and he did a urine culture, but we won't have the results until probably tomorrow. I'm now thinking that she doesn't have a UTI because my baby started her period!! OMG!!! My baby!!! I believe the stomach pain she was having was due to that lovely event. We have talked about this life change many many times, so she's not freaked out, but she doesn't like it very much. Hey, welcome to our club, right ladies?? We are being referred to the pediatric orthopeodic for her scoliosis. I'm waiting to hear about when the appointment will be. That concerns me but like Peter says, we will do whatever we have to for her health.

So, are all my East Coast friends sick of this rain yet??? I think we are going on day number 5 now of downpours!! But, they are forecasting sunny and warmer weather tomorrow so we will see. And our Easter Sunday will be sunny and 70!! I can remember Easter egg hunts not too long ago in the snow. Sure makes it hard to wear pretty Easter dresses, doesn't it? I still have to get a basket together for Victoria and Peter.

We had a little excitement this week. The new hamster, Gucci, escaped from her cage on Monday night and we couldn't find her. Finally last night I pulled the refridgerator and there she was, all curled up. Poor thing!!! The dog must have chased her there and tormented her. Apparently she had taken off one of the stoppers where you can connect a tube and that's how she escaped. I tell you, never a dull moment at my house!!!

Yay for getting your ADRs!

I'm glad Victoria is feeling better and wasn't really sick- I'm sure that's a rough moment as a mom when there's absolutely no denying that your baby isn't a baby anymore. I'm getting a little teary eyed just thinking about it.

That hamster story is exactly why my kids can't have one!! I have a serious rodent phobia and if one was loose in my house I would FREAK out. Glad you found it though- you're a braver mamma than me I guess.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

All RIGHT for booking airfare! How exciting. And it sounds like you did get a great deal!

Glad you got your TA to book all of your ADRs. Another exciting thing down!

I dread the day that my daughters get their periods. Good luck with that. Better that than the UTI, right! I also hope all goes well with the doctor.

And yes, I am definitely sick of the rain. But, we are getting some great weather starting tomorrow!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

YAY FOR ADR's!!!!!!

My baby is well on her way to starting as well, it's so hard to watch them grow up, but so wonderful as well!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

OMG!!! You all have got to read the thread...

Disney Trip Planning Forums > Theme Parks Attractions and Strategies
Can I cut line, pool hop, take my kids out of school and reuse my refillable mug?


I just spent 1/2 hour laughing!!!!

 

[3princesses+aprince]

I saw that, but didn't click it, I thought it was an argument waiting to happen. You know how some people get carried away on what's right and wrong on here. But, i'll have to go check it out now!

 

[3princesses+aprince]

What are you up to Ann?

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Hi All!! Not too much is going on around here lately. I've been compulsively checking the boards for the Free Dining promo like everyone else and being disappointed every morning when I don't see it. I know I've already booked with a 20%off pin, but 20% off hotel price ($200 +/-) is nothing compared to Free Dining for 3 of us ($1386 +/-)!!! Like I've said before, I have it budgeted, but that additional savings would be heaven!!!

I hope everyone had a great Easter. Mine was fine. I had an Easter Egg hunt with my 2 "kids" first thing on Easter morning and then gave them their baskets. That was great!!!

We had our first thunderstorm of the year this morning around 2:30am. I just love thunderstorms. It wasn't a very powerful one, but just enough to remind me that summer is right around the corner! I cannot wait! I'm planning on starting some seeds indoors this weekend. I don't plant a huge garden, just some carrots, yellow beans, cucumbers and pumpkins. I just love to grow stuff!!

We will also be having our dance recital picture day on Saturday. I have to find some spanx before I put that costume on. It's really funky and I do think it's cute! Just think of 60's go go dancers with neon and you'll have an idea. I'll have to post pics when I have them. Peter seems to be excited to start practicing for his Dads and Dancers routine. I think it will be adorable.

So, like everyone else, I'm pretty much in a holding pattern for Disney planning. C'mon Free Dining!!!

Remember how I thought Victoria had a UTI last week and then thought, well it's just her period.....well, I just got off the phone with the doctor and yes, it is a UTI!!! Ugh!!! So, it's back on antibiotics for her....I'm going to discuss this situation with Mom and Peter as I think it's now beyond time to get a second opinion. I'm thinking about asking for a referral to a specialist in Boston. Maybe there's more knowledge down there. I'll have to do more research. I think they still have a children's hospital there. I just know it's wrong for a child to have as many UTI's as Victoria has.

 

[tinkerbell3747]

I'm Here! Now I have to go back and read all the I have missed....

 

[Victoriasmom98]

welcome!!!!

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Oh, another UTI? Ugh! The Easter Egg hunt with your "kids" looks like it was fun!!!
I love thunderstorms too! I hope for them every time it rains! The girls love them too, they were never scared!

FREE DINING COME ON FREE DINING COME ON

Now I need it too, so I can get switched to POR!!!!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

It has been FOREVER since I've posted anything in my own pre trip report! Bad me! Bad me! Let's see.....I've just been informed that Pam and her crew were able to use their free QSD pin at POR!!! YEAH!!!! I, however must wait until Free Dining is open up to the general public in order to switch to POR. That's if there are any rooms left at POR for that pin. I really really hope so!!! I've never stayed on Disney property before and to be able to afford to stay in a moderate for my honeymoon would be just incredible!!! I've stayed in the Downtown Disney Hotels before, but never an actual Disney resort. OMG!!! I am soooo excited! I now have to swing $300 per biweekly paycheck from now until then to have the funds to go. Ugh! Doable, but it there won't be any room for mini trips this summer. That's ok. It's worth it for DISNEY!!!

As for wedding plans, I'm going to work on the RSVP cards this weekend. Well, that's if my printer ink holds out. I may need to buy some before all is done. I just can't believe it's 5 months away now! OMG!! And Pam's wedding is even closer than that!!! I still have to alter my dress, too. My Mom is all worried that I won't be able to do it.....oh, ye of little faith!!! Of course I will be able to do it! It shouldn't be too bad at all and if it is, I only paid $53 for the dress on ebay!! Mom said she'd buy me another dress if this one can't be fixed. I am really hoping it won't come to that!

We had our dance recital pictures done last weekend. I look like a stuffed sausage....seriously!!! But, I did do the retro makeup and fake pony tail and those came out really great. I can't wait to see the pics! And yes, of course I will post them when I have them, although I don't know when that will be. I'm excited for this weekend as I have a 4 day one! Monday is Patriots Day for Maine and Mass, then Tues is a state shut down day. Yeah, I don't get paid for it, but at least I have a day off. Oh, they are saying it may snow tonight???!!! SNOW??? Are they crazy??? My tulips are up and it's going to snow??? I don't think so!!! I will have to take my pansies inside if that's the case! C'mon crazy weather!!!

Rumor has it that Free Dining will be coming out on May 3rd, so I will be praying for that day!!! Anyone else????

Oh, and if anyone is waiting.....this is now available on the disney site:

Buy early and save with these great offers!
Magical moments are just around the corner. Before you pack your bags, make sure you've got a way to preserve those memories by taking advantage of one of these Pre-Arrival Savings Offers! You pay $99 for the Photopass CD if you preorder!!!

OH, I also read that the MNSSHP tickets are now on sale. I haven't been on wdw to confirm, but that's what I've read.

 

[tinkerbell3747]

Hi ANN!

I am so hoping you and Pam get to stay at POR, that would be a great honeymoon destination. In fact all this talk about POR has me wanting to switch my ressie for Aug....but I will refrain....

Can't wait to see the recital pics!

Snow on the tulips! It can't I love tulips if they live through the night I would love to see pic of those too....

This post sounds like a homework assignment

 

[Victoriasmom98]

As long as I'm not graded on the quality of my photos, you've got a deal!!! And you could ALWAYS book a bounceback for September 2011!!! I'll be there, hopefully........Pam?

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Oh, I am so hoping for a bounceback too!!! WOOHOO!!!

So, it might snow there huh? That does stink! It's pouring here tonight. I didn't even know it was going to, I came out of work to the rain and no umbrella!

I can't wait to see your recital pics either.

I can't wait til May 3rd either, I really want the FDDP as opposed to QSDP, but of course i'm going to just do the upgrade if for some reason I cannot get the ddp.

And Oh boy MNSSHP tix are on sale. I'm gonna go check that out right now! Not that I can buy them until after the wedding My funds are running dry!!! lol

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Good Morning my Peeps!!! Is it May 3rd yet? Has free dining been released yet? Oh, c'mon! another week and 1/2??? I think I'm going to go crazy!! My budget isn't working out like I was hoping it would ---- saving $300 per paycheck to go to Disney. Rusty (my diabetic cat) had 3 vet appointments this past week. One was his check up ($85), then they switched his insulin and needed him to come back in two days in the morning and then late afternoon at $32 per visit. Just to check his blood sugar!! I love that cat dearly and he's 12 years old now, but $149 in one week for my cat? Ugh! Not what I had planned! On the good side, he now takes the same insulin I do --- he takes 1 unit in the am and 1 unit in the pm. I take 25 units in the pm. So, long story short, he will just use the same scrip I do and it's covered under my insurance! That will be one less expense. His old insulin was $53 per month and now it will be $30 per 90 days since it's mine, too. Too funny! I also forgot to stop the automatic renewal of Victoria's Jonas Brothers Fan club membership, so there's another $40 down the tubes! I really wish companies wouldn't do the automatic renewal thing! Sometimes it feels like you just can't win!!! OH, and the child support check from my exhusband is late ---- funny thing is I WORK FOR THE STATE'S CHILD SUPPORT AGENCY!! Just goes to show you, I really have no control!!

Speaking of animals, we adopted out 2 of our 8 bunnies. It was time. The babies were born in September and I should have given them away long before now, but both Victoria and I are so attached to them. Courtney and Gwen are the ones who left. Now we are down to the parents and 4 babies. Also, Victoria's friend couldn't keep her guinea pig or hamster anymore and instead of sending them to the shelter, she gave them to us. So, now my other guinea pig Honey has a new friend, so that worked out. As for the hamster, he's a boy named Elvis and I already have two girls, so there's another cage to clean. OH, I have moved the bunnies outside to their hutches so no more rabbit cages inside now. I can claim my kitchen back!! Yeah! I know you guys are thinking I'm a sucker for animals!! I really am! I never was allowed any growing up, so I may be overdoing it a bit much now. Oh well. They all get fed, cleaned and loved and that's all that matters. Yes, both Victoria and I cried when the bunnies left last night...

I got all the backs of the RSVP postcards done for the wedding last weekend. Now it's a matter of getting the fronts done. I had to buy more printer ink (yeah, that was $56 for the dual cartridges) but I am hoping to work more on those this weekend. Also slowly but surely I am cleaning out the playroom and bringing stuff to Goodwill. Peter needs some space for his things, after all and there are some toys in there not even out of their packages! I've also cut the bottom part of my wedding gown and will start the alterations this weekend. I think it will all work out fine.

We've had Peter home with us all week since he took vacation this week. Poor man has 4 weeks of vacation time that he has to take or he loses. He sleeps in Victoria's room and she sleeps with me. I know it's old fashioned, but I want Victoria to have those values and hang onto them. I'm not dreaming I know she will probably not wait until she is married, but I at least want to be a good example to her right now. He's got the cement floor down for our new shed. That took him 2 days because he actually uses a cement mixer with sand and rocks to make it himself whereas I go to Home Depot and buy the "just add water" kind. But it looks really nice. He let Victoria write her name in it, so that will be a nice keepsake as the years go by. And I do have some very exciting news......He bought us a pool!!!! There was an ad in Craigs List and we got it for $400! This couple in their 70's just couldn't keep up with it and it's in such good condition!!! We drove up on Tuesday to meet with them and look it over. I immediately fell in love with it, but since it was Peter's money, it was his decision. He went to disassemble it yesterday and he has to go back today. It's too cute because the lady sent home cookies with Peter!! I think she liked us! They are giving us the winter cover, the solar cover, the vacuum, the pump and any chemicals they have left. We got a heck of a deal. I looked online and these pools (Gibraltar) run about $4,000! Here are some pics;

I'm so excited! Maybe this will get Victoria away from the laptop for a while! And it will be good exercise for her! And me!

Speaking of the laptop, Victoria had been piggybacking off of someone's unprotected internet access for a couple of months now. Don't hate me --- none of the internet service providers stated they could service my house! Well, yesterday Victoria tried to go online and couldn't. There was a new connection listed, but it's password protected and the old connection that she was using was no longer there!! OMG! You would have thought the world was coming to an end!! We still have dial up on my desktop computer, but You Tube and music stuff doesn't download very quickly and she doesn't have the patience for it on my computer. Well, I tried several different providers this morning who all said no service was available. (OK, SOMEONE has internet in my area, so how is there no service????) Anyways, I finally reached Time Warner Cable who will be sending a tech out to my address within the next 10 days to see if connection is possible. Goodness, I hope so!

Last night I had dinner with 2 ladies from work Heidi and Laurie. We went to a nice little restaurant and I had steamed clams and haddock chowder! I was in heaven!! And I walked out of there only $12 poorer, so I thought that was an excellent price for an excellent meal!!! This weekend I have a baby shower to go to, but other than that it will be pretty quiet.

OMG!!! That was quite the ramble, Ann.......Karen is going to be so proud!

UPDATE: As I was home for lunch, a Time Warner Cable guy showed up and stated internet service to my house would be no problem at all. He was kind of laughing about it because my house is located approximately 1/2 of 1 mile from their Augusta office!!!! So, I have to call in four days to have service hooked up. Victoria can stop hyperventilating now!!!!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Oh where oh where have my disney buds gone.....oh where oh where could they be?? I've updated now and they're all gone....oh why won't they dis me?

OK peeps......no supervisor this afternoon.....(typical Friday) and there's no one to play with on here!!!! Whaaaaa

 

[-Hope-]

Hey Ann! Sorry you were all alone when you could have been playing hookie, lol.

I love the pool! That is an amazing deal with all those accessories! I would love to have a pool but I'm afraid it would be too much work so I've always resisted. You'll have to let us know how the upkeep is.

I feel for you with the unexpected expenses- these things always seem to crop up at unexpected times. You might be able to get your money back, or at least part of it, if you cancel the fan club membership. I'd at least call and check.

Printer ink is such an expense that I usually just won't even do big jobs myself. You should check into buying the refurbed cartridges on ebay or amazon, they are MUCH cheaper.

Have a great day!

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Hey Ann, I haven't been on as much as usual over the past 2 days! A lot going on! BUT HOLY COW, LOOK AT THAT POOL!!!!! I'd say that should get Victoria off the computer!!!

Glad to see you're coming along with your wedding to do list. I'm going to order my cake tomorrow, i'm so excited!!!

 

[tinkerbell3747]

Hi Ann,

So sorry I was MIA yesterday....can you beleive its Saturday and I am STUCK IN THE OFFICE....actually its part of my master plan to be able to DIS more next week...got a good head start for Monday...

Its so nice out today so me hubby and the kids are heading out to Mini Golf, and the BEACH later this afternoon....

LOVE LOVE LOVE the pool...what a deal WOW! Yup once you do get internet and the pool is installed she will care less about the computer...

Sorry about those unexpected expenses...I am in a rute myself just trying to gather everything up for my trip....the kids needed new clothes so I had to order online ( I live in the Cayman Islands - no shopping here) then ship it down could only afford one kid this month plan to order for DS next month... ....I am right there with ya my pockets runeth bare...

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

How did I miss that you updated?!?!?

That pool ROCKS! I cannot believe the price you got it for!!!!!!! What fun you will have this summer!

I'm glad you got some real internet, I live out in rural Missouri and we even have DSL now, I didn't know there was anywhere that still had dial up!