I have a plan.. Will you tell me what you think? (Sorry - kind of long..)

[C.Ann]

Okay - this is the deal.. As some of you know, last year I had hoped to take my DD and my 5 yr. old granddaughter to Disney in December so we could experience the Christmas magic together for the first time.. For various reasons it didn't work out and we never made the trip..

Now - due to health reasons and other issues that make it impossible for us to stay here in our own home anymore - my DH & I are getting ready to move in with my DD & her family as soon as they sell their present house and buy a new one..

Once we get my DH moved in with them, I'll finish up what I have to do here and then put the house up for sale.. Although I'm fairly certain we won't get a "lot" of money for our house (it's over 60 years old and needs lots of repairs) whatever we do get will be clear profit as there is no mortgage involved.. We only have one outstanding bill for around $1000 that I would like to pay off with the proceeds from the house and the rest will go in the bank to take care of what we may need in the future..

As some of you know, I've really been grappling with this move and although I feel like I'm on an emotional roller coaster, I know it's a move we have to make.. Also, because of my DD's health issues and various female problems in the past, I'm pretty sure there will not be anymore grandchildren forthcoming..

DH & I are very frugal people.. I drive a used vehicle - we don't go out anywhere (movies, restaurants, etc.) - I only shop the sales - I have no problem buying my clothes in garage sales - and can pinch a penny with the best of them..

So - do you think it would be foolish (or irresponsible) if when I sold our house I took the money right off the top and set it aside so I can take my DD and my granddaughter on that trip to Disney this December? I really, really want to make that trip when my granddaughter is still young (she'll be 6 then) and while I can still trek through the parks without suffering any ill effects healthwise..

For many reasons our future is looking rather bleak right now and I could really use something to look forward to - but - I'm not sure if it's the responsible thing to do.. My DD's DH would be more than willing to take care of my DH while we're gone, so that's not an issue - and my DH has said repeatedly that he wants us to make this trip in December..

So - what do you think? And please try to refrain from saying, "Go, go, go" just because we're all a bunch of Disney fanatics here.. LOL

 

[ScarlettO]

Go!

But definitely go in early to mid December, rather than Christmas week. The crowds are really horrible starting Dec24th.

 

[C.Ann]

Originally posted by ScarlettO
Go!

But definitely go in early to mid December, rather than Christmas week. The crowds are really horrible starting Dec24th.

---------------------------

We would definitely go early in the month, but someone said something about trying to avoid when the Pop Warner group is there or something??

 

[Kallison]

You only live once, it's not a dress rehearsal. Go now while you can enjoy it and your gd will have memories to last a lifetime.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

C. Ann after reading your stories from quite some time I say that you have more than EARNED this trip! A trip to WDW is a modest request in my book.

 

[faithinkarma]

Absolutely do it ! The memories will be cheap at the price. Not because it is Disney, but because it is something you want to do.

 

[C.Ann]

Originally posted by The Mystery Machine
C. Ann after reading your stories from quite some time I say that you have more than EARNED this trip! A trip to WDW is a modest request in my book.

---------------------------------

You're making me cry... Thanks for saying that though..

 

[***tink386]

You should go this December!! What do you have to lose? Nothing!!! There's nothing like spending precious time with your family and especially at Disney World!!! I know!! Go next December too!!!

 

[Beauty]

Nope, it wouldn't be crazy at all! I say GO GO GO!!!!!! See my signature!! Disney at Christmas IS AWESOME!!! I would go the first week that they have MVMCP......you don't want to miss that. Its awesome!!!!!!

 

[helenabear]

C.Ann, I truly think that is a great idea! I Think it would be a trip that all would enjoy and remember for years to come. As long as you can afford to do this, I would.

And 1st week of December is a great time to go!! I've been the last two years in a row (hope to go again this year). Have fun planning!

 

[joshsmom]

I can't think of a better reason to go!! Go, take your granddaughter, and enjoy your wonderful time together. Kids are only young so long!! Ok, we're all still kids here on the boards, but GO ANYWAY!! You deserve it!!

 

[kadaten]

C. Ann,
I've not responded to any of your posts before, but I've read many of them and know you and your entire family are dealing with quite a lot right now. Through it all, you have managed to come across here as somehow maintaining a positive outlook and try to make the best out of every situation that's been handed to you. You and yours have made/are making lots of difficult changes right now that would send many folks off the deep end, but you seem to be handling it with grace. For all you and your family are going through and will be dealing with in the future, I think it would be a wonderful present to them and to yourself to set aside that money and take that trip! Personally, I think of Disney as my "happy place" and when things are rough, I just focus on planning my next trip, getting the kids excited for it, or if none is in the works, look through our old pictures to bring back those feelings. As I see it, you want to give that happy place to your family, and especially to your granddaughter. You want her to experience the magic that you can only find at Disney. With all you have on your plate right now, I think something wonderful to look forward to would be one of the best things you could do for yourself and your family. It is a personal decision, but that's what I think. Good luck to you in your move and all the changes going on, and best wishes for all the health concerns in your family.

 

[Stepharoonie!]

Like others have said, you live only once...so go for it!

 

[JayCT]

Definitely take the trip. If you don't, you will always regret it. You sound like a very responsible person who only spends what she has to. Taking a little of your hard earned money for the trip will be the best money you ever spent. The memories will be priceless. As you know by these boards there are a lot of ways to save money, so the trip doesn't have to cost you a lot. Best wishes and keep us informed.

 

[C.Ann]

Originally posted by kadaten
C. Ann,
I've not responded to any of your posts before, but I've read many of them and know you and your entire family are dealing with quite a lot right now. Through it all, you have managed to come across here as somehow maintaining a positive outlook and try to make the best out of every situation that's been handed to you. You and yours have made/are making lots of difficult changes right now that would send many folks off the deep end, but you seem to be handling it with grace. For all you and your family are going through and will be dealing with in the future, I think it would be a wonderful present to them and to yourself to set aside that money and take that trip! Personally, I think of Disney as my "happy place" and when things are rough, I just focus on planning my next trip, getting the kids excited for it, or if none is in the works, look through our old pictures to bring back those feelings. As I see it, you want to give that happy place to your family, and especially to your granddaughter. You want her to experience the magic that you can only find at Disney. With all you have on your plate right now, I think something wonderful to look forward to would be one of the best things you could do for yourself and your family. It is a personal decision, but that's what I think. Good luck to you in your move and all the changes going on, and best wishes for all the health concerns in your family.

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Oh dear.. Now I'm REALLY blubbering.. Such kind words from you.. I don't know how much "grace" I present in trying to deal with these issues, but I DO try to remain as positive as I can.. Granted, I may get a little down at times - and I can "whine" with the best of them - but for the most part, I know that life is "what it is" and we just have to play the hand that we're dealt..

I've already been to Disney with my granddaughter once - just before she turned 3 - but what was supposed to be the best trip of our lives sadly became a trip that we will always remember for all the wrong reasons.. You see - we were there on 9/11 - and although we stayed and tried our best to enjoy the rest of the trip, I came home with the most bittersweet memories you could imagine.. Ever since then I've been trying to get back there again - to do the trip "right" - to arrive "happy" and leave "happy" - and it just hasn't worked out for us.. I feel like with the sale of our home maybe we could really do it - and do it "right" - but being a penny-pincher all my life (and being raised by the ultimate penny pinchers - LOL) I guess I just feel a little guilty about spending money on something that many feel is "frivilous"..

You folks are sure doing a good job of convincing me that I should go though! LOL

 

[4nana]

PLEASE GO!!

We feel life is short and we are going to live it to the fullest while we are able!! We had similar idea a few yrs back and our family voted GO! Our family saved for over 2 yrs to do a family reunion Disney Christmas cruise. Maybe a once in lifetime!

Since then, sadly I lost my dear Dad. A year later I convinced my Mom and my sis to go with me on a cruise to celebrate Mom's 74th BD. It was their first flight and cruise!! We know Dad was smiling down from a above ^i^.

I cannot begin to tell you the special memories we made both trips and the absolutely wonderful time we had!! The grands still talk of all their adventures and we love looking back at the videos and pictures!

You will make priceless memories w/your DD and DGD to carry in your hearts forever!
Have fun planning!!

~ Sandie

 

[sk8belle]

I feel like with the sale of our home maybe we could really do it - and do it "right" - but being a penny-pincher all my life (and being raised by the ultimate penny pinchers - LOL) I guess I just feel a little guilty about spending money on something that many feel is "frivilous"..

C. Ann:
Sometimes, we get so caught up in taking care of others, we forget to take care of ourselves. Do not feel guilty about spending the money for the trip (OK, well, try not to) - it is not like you are a spendthrift. You need to do something for yourself, too. You are doing it for good reasons - you need a pick-me-up after everything you've been through lately (like kadaten, I've been lurking and seen your posts) and, most importantly, you are spending time with your DD and DGD. You are giving the both of them such a great gift right there. So go for it. I think all of us would say that no matter where you were going.



sk8belle

 

[Antonia]

My friend's mother who is in her 80's always says to go places while you are able because one day all you'll be able to do is stay home.
Go and have a good time!!!

 

[Pooh93]

I say "GO." I have been feeling guilty about planning our trip in June although I have it all paid for already. A month ago I was brought into reality that life really is short when my dad's youngest brother (age 61) dropped dead in the middle of the afternoon. He'd only been retired for about 2 years. No more will I feel guilty because there are no guarantees that any of us will make it through this day or wake up to a new one.

Go make your memories with that beautiful daughter and granddaughter of yours. Your DGD will remember that "grandma, took her to WDW and they had so much fun." Your DD will remember spending time with you and the smiles on DGD's face. You can't put a price tag on that.

God Bless.

 

[minniecarousel]

Oh, C.Ann - you know the answer to this one: Go.

Since your son-in-law is able to care for your DH. you have no reason not to plan and go on this vacation!

You'll have a wonderful time!