I Can't Believe I Invited My MIL -I'm BAAACK! And determiend to finish this thing!

[MRYPPNS]

Yeah! I found another great TR!!!

For MIL's t-shirt

I paid for this vacation and all I got was this lousy T-shirt

or

My grandkids and all my money go to Disney World


And by the way you are not long winded and no need to keep the posts short...I have pee pads for my dogs

 

[Jiminy'sGirl]

hmmmm, mother in law t-shirt slogans..............

Official party pooper

I put the poop in party pooper

I'm just here to babysit

My daughter in law ROCKS!

sorry, that's all I got for now......................

OH MY GAWSH - LOVE the I Am Only Here to Babysit!!! Now that will certainly put ole MIL in her place (kidding!). Seriously, that is funny stuff. And how could I not ADORE My DIL rocks?? I think MIL is getting another shirt with that slogan, fer sure! Awesome!!!

Yeah! I found another great TR!!!

For MIL's t-shirt



I paid for this vacation and all I got was this lousy T-shirt

or

My grandkids and all my money go to Disney World


And by the way you are not long winded and no need to keep the posts short...I have pee pads for my dogs

I am loving you - so glad you are loving me. We are definitely on the same wave length Because the I Paid for this Trip tee has already been made by yours truly for good ole MIL. In fact, that is my next installment...coming today... So keep your eyes peeled, loyal readers!

 

[Jiminy'sGirl]

So the time has come to show you the shirt design I have conceived for my MIL. She as no idea I am making her clothes to wear while at WDW. She will probably be packing her own shirts, only to find that was a huge waste of time.

By the way, two of you replied with HILARIOUS shirt slogans... I mean, how could not love "My Daughter In Law Rocks?" I mean, it is funny, and TRUE! HAHA. "I am Just Here to Babysit" is also hilarious, and I promise I'll be using that one (should I credit you on the shirt?). But one of you was actually able to hit the nail on the head with the slogan I had already come up with - amazing! Check it out:

Cute, huh?

Let me just state this here for the record: We did NOT actually allow my poor MIL to foot the entire bill of this trip. Let me explain something here... MIL is very generous. She did not have a lot as a single mom when Donald was growing up, but she worked overtime to give him things like toys and name-brand clothes. My MIL shows love through stuff. She has a hard time expressing emotions out loud, so she does it through buying us stuff. She makes a comfortable enough living for a single lady, but she is by no means rich. And I try very hard not to take advantage of her willingness to spend every last penny she has on her grandkids, and on us. (Donald has no such scruples). SO I tricked her. Yes, I tricked my MIL. I am that girl.

You see, after inviting her, she said she wanted to help out with the cost of the trip. I said, sure! I"ll let you know how much your tix cost, and you can pay us back for those. They were much cheaper than she thought they would be, so she offered up some more $$. Next thing I knoew, she tells me she wants to pay for the whole she-bang. So we fought about it. And finally I gave in. I LET HER BELIEVE SHE IS PAYING FOR THE WHOLE TRIP. in reality, she is paying a third, which is really more than she should. Oh, yes. I am a filthy rotten liar. But my intentions are good.

Because MIL has no idea how much a Disney trip costs and is not one to go looking into it, I can get away with this. And I know wearing this shirt will make her feel special.

So, if you see us walking down Main Street, don't blow my cover!! Let the old broad think she treated us to an entire 6 day WDW trip. It will make her happier than you could ever know!! One day, we'll get her some therapy. But for right now, we're going to WDW!! And besides, I am sure she will make up her 2/3rds by buying Buzz and THE PRINCESS every last thing their eyes fall upon in the gift shops....

 

[Jiminy'sGirl]

Keep those t-shirt slogans coming - LOVE THEM!!

 

[MRYPPNS]

Cute Shirt!
I didn't really think she was paying for the whole thing ... A third of the total is a fair amount, all of hers plus a 1/3 for each child. But the funny part is that she thinks that her third is the total cost for a vacation for 3 adults and 2 kids in Disney!! Wait until she sees the prices for a dinner buffet or a t-shirt. She may get a clue at that point that you used fuzzy disney math on her.

Looking forward to your next post.

 

[Jiminy'sGirl]

Cute Shirt!
I didn't really think she was paying for the whole thing ... A third of the total is a fair amount, all of hers plus a 1/3 for each child. But the funny part is that she thinks that her third is the total cost for a vacation for 3 adults and 2 kids in Disney!! Wait until she seeing the prices for a dinner buffet or a t-shirt. She may get a clue at that point that you used fuzzy disney math on her.

Looking forward to your next post.

Hmmm...Good point, Mary Poppins.... She might figure it out, huh? Well, I did tell her we got a great deal (we did use a code when we rebooked with two rooms at ASMu), and Donald told her that the All Stars are like a motel 6 with Mickey Mouse soap (he is so cynical), so maybe she'll fall for it. Who knows? Then again, maybe she KNOWS she is only part a portion, and she thinks she is appeasing me like I am doing to her... You never know.

I'll tell you on thing, I think I am going to br driven nuts by all the crazy trinkets she will be buying the kids... I might be wishing I had let her foot the entire bill, and thus her pockets would be lighter... At least the stuff at WDW is all pretty good!!!!!

 

[winkers]

I had a good chuckle over you using fuzzy disney math on your mother in law! And I love her shirt!

 

[desiab]

Do you ever do something without thinking? Something you look back on later, smack your head, and say "Hello??? Stupid????" If this is a disease, I definitely have it. And it may be catching. Just consider yourself forewarned.

We are going to WDW in 47 days. We are bringing along my MIL. No one tied me down, gagged me, shoved bamboo shoots under my fingernails and FORCED me to invite her. Oh, no.... I INVITED HER MYSELF. I actually sat down one day, wrote her an email, and let her know she was more than welcome to come to WDW with us on our next trip in November 2007. She was immediately on board.

What??? What did you ask me just now? Oh, no. No, I was not under the influence of mind-altering drugs or suffering from an extremely high fever. You see, I have two kids, 5 and 3, and I thought having an extra adult along would make things easier on us all. While I admit I had not thought out all the details (like being with my MIL for 7 days, 24 HOURS A DAY), I can still see some merit in my idea. Some. A little bit. A smidgen of merit.

You might be asking yourself, does this chick even GET ALONG with her MIL? Good question. Hard to answer. Stay tuned, and I might have a better answer for you in approximately 64 days. If I come back alive.

I found myself in this same predicament last May, but thankfully I got by with a little help from my friends.

In my mind I kept thinking, "How bad could it be?" Honestly it was like a dream! (Interpret that how you will.)

At one point during the vacation I called my husband from my cell phone to tell him that Disney execs and security were escorting DMIL, the kids and myself off of an elevator. I won't hijack your thread for that story, but I promise it wasn't anything that the kids or I did.

Friday my DMIL asked if she and my FIL could go the next time we go. I am on my way to call the Dr. to get my candy.

Loving the start of your trip report.

 

[hjd0411]

Hi Heather - you are soooo funny!! I'm loving this pre-trip report!
And I will be definitely looking out for your lovely family at MK! Those t-shirts are great!!!

And as much as I feel like a child of the 70's I am actually a child of the late (very late!!) 50's!! Yes, I am celebrating my 50th birthday on Nov 4, at WDW, which is the best place to turn 50 that I could think of!!

Keep up the good work here, and I look forward to seeing more creations!

Heather

 

[Jiminy'sGirl]

I had a good chuckle over you using fuzzy disney math on your mother in law! And I love her shirt!

Aren't I horrible?? Filthy liar is all I am. But seriously, guys, I did it for her own good!! And like another poster mentioned, I am sure to get caught once we get into the parks and she sees those prices!! Oh well!!

I found myself in this same predicament last May, but thankfully I got by with a little help from my friends.

In my mind I kept thinking, "How bad could it be?" Honestly it was like a dream! (Interpret that how you will.)

At one point during the vacation I called my husband from my cell phone to tell him that Disney execs and security were escorting DMIL, the kids and myself off of an elevator. I won't hijack your thread for that story, but I promise it wasn't anything that the kids or I did.

Friday my DMIL asked if she and my FIL could go the next time we go. I am on my way to call the Dr. to get my candy.

Loving the start of your trip report.

Skittles are my favorite candy...Do you think they'll have the same effect? Seriously, though, I am thinking a few Lapu Lapus could get the job done....

And, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell us the elevator story!! It won't be hijacking...just a friend adding to a conversation!! This is gonna be good - can't wait to hear what happened!

Hi Heather - you are soooo funny!! I'm loving this pre-trip report!
And I will be definitely looking out for your lovely family at MK! Those t-shirts are great!!!

And as much as I feel like a child of the 70's I am actually a child of the late (very late!!) 50's!! Yes, I am celebrating my 50th birthday on Nov 4, at WDW, which is the best place to turn 50 that I could think of!!

Keep up the good work here, and I look forward to seeing more creations!

Heather

I looked all over for a smilie denoting the 50's, but alas, found none. Well, at least you got to be a Heather by yourself, instead of with 673 other Heathers in your graduating class!!!

I'll be at Chef Mickey's on Nov. 4 - I'll raise my glass and toast to your birthday!!! You have to let us know how much fun you have!!!

 

[Jiminy'sGirl]

We all know it's true. The anticipation for our trips is so great that we almost can't stand it. Doing something to prepare for the trip makes it seem as if the time is going faster, doesn't it? I sure think so.

One thing I like to do is shop for the trip. Who am I am kidding (or should that be WHOM am I kidding?? oh well, no matter)?? I like to shop. Period. I LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT.

There are 40 days or so to go before our trip, so at this point I am still concentrating on the larger items...I'll move on to ponchos and moleskin in a few weeks, never you fear (and rest assured, there will be pics of these beautiful items!), but in the meantime, I have been concentrating on a stroller.

You see, we have been stroller-free for a long time. THE PRINCESS is only 3, sure, but she has abhored strollers from the day she could walk. She refused to sit her tiny bum into one. So we ended up doing the extremely slow toddler shuffle everywhere we went, often picking her up after a face plant. For the past year and change, a stroller has been the last thing on my mind.

Then, I read the DIS boards.

Stroller posts around here are almost as popular as crocs v. sneakers and fanny packs v. baggallini. People get seriously heated up over stroller conversations, which might be odd anywhere else in the world. Well, I knew I was going to need a stroller. So I began searching for posts on the "best one." Let me make a long story short (for the first and final time, people, don't get excited!!) - I knew Buzz, who will be 5.5 years old at WDW, would not be riding in a stroller. I odn't want to rent a humongous plastic beast to schlepp around. Those would not be comfortable on THE PRINCESS' fanny, right? So, I ultimately decided on the McClaren Volo....I bought this beauty yesterday. Check her out:

Picture this baby in cherry red....Or, as I prefer to call it, Minnie Mouse Red! The DIS seems to think this stroller is the best, so I went for it. I did some research on the Maclaren site, and do you know what their slogan is? Innovation...Durable....British. I guess those are the best three adjectives they could think of to describe their product. Well, pip pip and Cheerio, good chap!!! I love this stroller!!!! I mean, this stroller is Slap Your Grandma great. It is pretty, easy to use, lightweight, and best of all, THE PRINCESS likes sitting in it!! I nfact, she has become downright lazy since I bought this thing. Yesterday she made me push her 4 houses up the street to meet Buzz's school bus. Then she made Buzz push her in it in the cul-de-sac for about an hour. Poor Buzz. He is getting some good Dh-to-be training, though.

Ok, so we also need shoes for the trip. My kids have been wearing CROCS all summer. Buzz has black, and THE PRINCESS has light pink. Well, I am not a Croc lover, but Buzz is old enough to want what every other kid on the block has, so he wanted some. Then his sister had to have them, too. As long as I don't have to put them on my feet, I must say they have been great. The kids can easily slip them on and off at the door, but they seem safer than a flip flop for bike/scooter riding (just don't take them on an escalator ). Well, THE PRINCESS is outgrowing her pink Crocs, which are a size 6/7. I wanted to make sure she had something comfy for WDW, so I went shopping for a new pair... Check these out:

I actually find these to be not only UN-hideous, but downright precious. They scream WDW to me. I had to had to had to have them in red. How cute will they look with the red polka dot pants with black ruffle I am making for her to wear when she meets Minnie??? By the way, the shirt to go with this ensemble is white cap sleeve with a red polka-dotty ribbon sewn acorss the best and her first inital monogrammed above the ribbon. Too precious. Wel, finding them in red, in the 8/9 toddler size was a chore. After searching my relatively small South Carolina town, I finally gave up and ordered them online. Which only goes to show you how perfect for WDW I think these shoes are, because I hate paying shipping.

Ok, that is all for now, loyal readers!!! The three of you (ha!) probably have important things to do, so I'll let you go do them!!!

 

[jnykly]

Skittles are my favorite candy...Do you think they'll have the same effect? Seriously, though, I am thinking a few Lapu Lapus could get the job done....

I gave in to the Lapu Lapu on our last night...It just kept calling my name.

We have two MacLaren Volos...my DD (5) had to have one too. It was a lifesaver ....especially after a long day in the park...DD would be so tired and we weren't about to carry her to the bus/monorail after being hot and tired.

 

[desiab]

Skittles are my favorite candy...Do you think they'll have the same effect? Seriously, though, I am thinking a few Lapu Lapus could get the job done....

And, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell us the elevator story!! It won't be hijacking...just a friend adding to a conversation!! This is gonna be good - can't wait to hear what happened!

Skittles probably wouldn't have the effect that you would want!

As for the elevator story. *the screen swirls as we are transported back in time*

My MIL has had both hips and both knees replaced over the last few years. When we were planning for our WDW trip DH and I strongly suggested to her that she would need an ECV for moving around the resort hotels and the parks, so she rented one from an offsite vendor. One thing that people often complain about the ECV at Disney parks is that they are set to only be able to go very slowly--not so with the ones from outside vendors. Several days my DH and my FIL warned my MIL not to amp the speed up because she was having a hard time controlling the chair. And every time that they would turn around she would amp it back up. Keep this in mind.

My DH and FIL thought that it would be nice to let the ladies (myself and the MIL just in case you were confused) and my three kiddos sleep later and we would meet them for breakfast at our leisure. We are finally on our way and my MIL is racing with my 6 year old down the hallway. I am behind her with the stroller trying to keep up. As we are making our way to the elevators I ask her if she had turned the speed back up. She starts giggling like a little kid and says she figures the guys aren't around so she can have some fun.

As we are approaching the elevators she didn't turn the speed back down and she is just going to try to wing it on the turn into the open elevator doors. She runs smack dab into the doors with the ECV. We were laughing--no harm no foul. We got her straightened out, everybody loaded up, and the doors closed. My DD12 pushes the button to go up and nothing happens. She pushes the button again and NOTHING happens. My MIL decides that she needs to push the button and still nothing happens.

Okay. Everybody stay calm! Lets just call the operator and let them know that the elevator is stuck. I speak with the operator and explain our predicament and she promises to have someone there as soon as possible. It couldn't be soon enough. I am claustrophobic and prone to panic attacks, but every parent knows that you have to keep it together for the kids.

I was able to pry the doors open about an inch and we could feel a bit of a cool breeze coming through the crack. The minutes are ticking by and we see people in front of the elevators keep pushing the buttons. So this really large man comes in front of the elevator and ask if we are stuck. Ummm...Yeah! So he says, "Stand back. I am going to try to pry the doors open." He struggles for a few seconds and he can't get the doors to move. As soon as he stops struggling with the doors they slam shut! So now we have lost the bit of air that we did have.

I did manage to get the crack back in the door and again we are waiting. Some more people approach the elevator and ask again if we are stuck. My MIL yells out, "Yeah, and I am about to go into labor!" Since people couldn't see how old she is you hear excitement on the other side of the doors. People if a 72 year old woman is in here having a baby then we need to call Guiness not security.

My DH is usually a comfort to me when I am stressed, so I decided to call and talk to him until the doors are opened. He and his dad start cracking up laughing that we were stuck in this stupid elevator. My MIL chimes in that one day we would laugh about this and have a wonderful story to tell. Not today!!!!

It seemed like we were in there for an eternity, but it was more like 20 minutes. We hear a technician on the other side of the doors telling us that he would have us out in no time. As the doors are finally opened we are met by a suit-clad gentleman from security, a hotel manager, and some other exec that I didn't register. As soon as we step out of the elevator my legs start shaking and the panic set in. I left my MIL sitting there with security to answer questions while I went and sat down. They didn't suspect foul play on our part so they just escorted us to another elevator and rode up with us to our original destination.

This all happened before I had my morning skittles. Now any time we are going somewhere with the IL's DH strongly suggests that I take my daily allotment of skittles.

Picture this baby in cherry red....Or, as I prefer to call it, Minnie Mouse Red! The DIS seems to think this stroller is the best, so I went for it. I did some research on the Maclaren site, and do you know what their slogan is? Innovation...Durable....British. I guess those are the best three adjectives they could think of to describe their product. Well, pip pip and Cheerio, good chap!!! I love this stroller!!!! I mean, this stroller is Slap Your Grandma great.

I actually find these to be not only UN-hideous, but downright precious. They scream WDW to me. I had to had to had to have them in red. How cute will they look with the red polka dot pants with black ruffle I am making for her to wear when she meets Minnie??? By the way, the shirt to go with this ensemble is white cap sleeve with a red polka-dotty ribbon sewn acorss the best and her first inital monogrammed above the ribbon. Too precious. Wel, finding them in red, in the 8/9 toddler size was a chore. After searching my relatively small South Carolina town, I finally gave up and ordered them online. Which only goes to show you how perfect for WDW I think these shoes are, because I hate paying shipping.

My DD3 would flip if she saw these and the adorable outfit you described.

Ok, that is all for now, loyal readers!!! The three of you (ha!) probably have important things to do, so I'll let you go do them!!!

Well, this one of three can't wait to hear more about your planning.

 

[winkers]

Those crocs are sooo cute!

 

[Jiminy'sGirl]

I gave in to the Lapu Lapu on our last night...It just kept calling my name.

We have two MacLaren Volos...my DD (5) had to have one too. It was a lifesaver ....especially after a long day in the park...DD would be so tired and we weren't about to carry her to the bus/monorail after being hot and tired.

I made my 5 year old, Buzz, sit in the Maclaren, and he fit just fine. He is a pretty skinny kid, but long. I figure if necessary, he can sit in the stroller for short periods while THE PRINCESS walks. So glad to hear your DD did well in this stroller!! Dontcha just love it?? I wish I would have had this when I actually had babies....

Skittles probably wouldn't have the effect that you would want!

As for the elevator story. *the screen swirls as we are transported back in time*

My MIL has had both hips and both knees replaced over the last few years. When we were planning for our WDW trip DH and I strongly suggested to her that she would need an ECV for moving around the resort hotels and the parks, so she rented one from an offsite vendor. One thing that people often complain about the ECV at Disney parks is that they are set to only be able to go very slowly--not so with the ones from outside vendors. Several days my DH and my FIL warned my MIL not to amp the speed up because she was having a hard time controlling the chair. And every time that they would turn around she would amp it back up. Keep this in mind.

My DH and FIL thought that it would be nice to let the ladies (myself and the MIL just in case you were confused) and my three kiddos sleep later and we would meet them for breakfast at our leisure. We are finally on our way and my MIL is racing with my 6 year old down the hallway. I am behind her with the stroller trying to keep up. As we are making our way to the elevators I ask her if she had turned the speed back up. She starts giggling like a little kid and says she figures the guys aren't around so she can have some fun.

As we are approaching the elevators she didn't turn the speed back down and she is just going to try to wing it on the turn into the open elevator doors. She runs smack dab into the doors with the ECV. We were laughing--no harm no foul. We got her straightened out, everybody loaded up, and the doors closed. My DD12 pushes the button to go up and nothing happens. She pushes the button again and NOTHING happens. My MIL decides that she needs to push the button and still nothing happens.

Okay. Everybody stay calm! Lets just call the operator and let them know that the elevator is stuck. I speak with the operator and explain our predicament and she promises to have someone there as soon as possible. It couldn't be soon enough. I am claustrophobic and prone to panic attacks, but every parent knows that you have to keep it together for the kids.

I was able to pry the doors open about an inch and we could feel a bit of a cool breeze coming through the crack. The minutes are ticking by and we see people in front of the elevators keep pushing the buttons. So this really large man comes in front of the elevator and ask if we are stuck. Ummm...Yeah! So he says, "Stand back. I am going to try to pry the doors open." He struggles for a few seconds and he can't get the doors to move. As soon as he stops struggling with the doors they slam shut! So now we have lost the bit of air that we did have.

I did manage to get the crack back in the door and again we are waiting. Some more people approach the elevator and ask again if we are stuck. My MIL yells out, "Yeah, and I am about to go into labor!" Since people couldn't see how old she is you hear excitement on the other side of the doors. People if a 72 year old woman is in here having a baby then we need to call Guiness not security.

My DH is usually a comfort to me when I am stressed, so I decided to call and talk to him until the doors are opened. He and his dad start cracking up laughing that we were stuck in this stupid elevator. My MIL chimes in that one day we would laugh about this and have a wonderful story to tell. Not today!!!!

It seemed like we were in there for an eternity, but it was more like 20 minutes. We hear a technician on the other side of the doors telling us that he would have us out in no time. As the doors are finally opened we are met by a suit-clad gentleman from security, a hotel manager, and some other exec that I didn't register. As soon as we step out of the elevator my legs start shaking and the panic set in. I left my MIL sitting there with security to answer questions while I went and sat down. They didn't suspect foul play on our part so they just escorted us to another elevator and rode up with us to our original destination.

This all happened before I had my morning skittles. Now any time we are going somewhere with the IL's DH strongly suggests that I take my daily allotment of skittles.







My DD3 would flip if she saw these and the adorable outfit you described.



Well, this one of three can't wait to hear more about your planning.

I LVOE the elevator story...Your MIL sounds like a hoot!! I mean, how sassy is she?? I think I could get along with a pistol like her!! Especially if I had some of your skittles!!! I could probably get along with just about anybody with those babies!! Thanks for sharing your story - and glad you made it out of that elevator with your sanity (and that ECV) intact!!

Those crocs are sooo cute!

Aren't they just??? And I am a self-proclaimed Croc-hater!! But these are too darned adorable...but what isn't in those tiny little sizes???

Thanks to all who are reading along!! I am having a great time writing this, and it makes the waiting ever-so-much easier!!!

 

[winkers]

Dontcha just love it?? I wish I would have had this when I actually had babies....



!

Well you could easily rectify that problem...................

 

[Jiminy'sGirl]

Well you could easily rectify that problem...................

Hush your mouth - now I'm jinxed!! Just Kidding!!! I used to want a third child, but I am over that now. And DH is WAYYYYY over it. But I could always tell him we have the perfect stroller, so why not???



But seriously, the few kids we have, the more $$ we'll have to spend at the World, right???

 

[MRYPPNS]

But seriously, the few kids we have, the more $$ we'll have to spend at the World, right???

Now that's some major Fuzzy Disney Math!!!

 

[SeptemberGirl]

I just wanted to say that I'm having a great time reading this! I have a Maclaren (Triumph) and I love it! And a 3yr old princess...and I hate Crocs but love them on my kid!

We were just there on 9/18-9/21 but we are going again in March - you have to tell me how you make those shirts! I've never done anything crafty for a trip.

 

[Jiminy'sGirl]

Now that's some major Fuzzy Disney Math!!!

Clearly I am the EXPERT on fuzzy DIsney Math!! Maybe I should write a textbook.... I think it would be a bestseller!!!!

I just wanted to say that I'm having a great time reading this! I have a Maclaren (Triumph) and I love it! And a 3yr old princess...and I hate Crocs but love them on my kid!

We were just there on 9/18-9/21 but we are going again in March - you have to tell me how you make those shirts! I've never done anything crafty for a trip.

Oh my gosh - were we separated at birth??? Love all the stuff we have in common. Now just get some precious red Mary Jane Crocs for your princess and head to the World in November...I'll teach you how to make the tees, and we're all set!!!

Seriously, for the tees I use clip art from http://www.disneyclips.com/movies.html and then Photoshop. A tutorial might be a little lengthy to write here, but if you really want to know some basics to get started, feel free to PM me. I'd love to hear from ya!!