I'm so excited! I'm so excited!! I'm so SCARED!

[ToyStory#1fan'sMom]

Just found your trip report & following along! We're planning our 2nd trip to WDW (1st was last Nov) for end of April/ beginning of May 2015 now... we were planning om end of Jan/early Feb but had some serious concerns coming from the northeast of possible flight delays/cancellations- so we changed our dates & are getting very excited and am so happy to follow your plans as well!

I LOVE all the beautiful jewelry finds you got!

You're much further ahead than I am w/the planning... trying to decide on our resort! the more I read the more I change my mind We stayed the Poly last year & while we loved it, with all of the construction, we kind of ruled that one out.

Good luck with your planning & Congrats on your weightloss!! I have about 10 more pounds I'd like to have gone (and keep gone!) by time we leave too

Following along & Getting super excited!!

Thanks for joining along! The jewelry has been fun finding. And I hear you on the resort picking...I was back and forth. After realizing we'd have 4 days at MK, we decided it made sense to stay at CR. Good luck planning! It's one of my favorite parts!

 

[ToyStory#1fan'sMom]

Just a quick check in...22.6 pounds down...weekends are so hard, at work I'm too busy too think about food, weekends there is plenty of time and eating out... and long weekends, uggh.... I did wear a dress to church today that I haven't worn in over a year. That felt pretty good I'm also packing up some clothes that are too big to get rid of. I don't want to keep "fat clothes" around any longer than I have to.

I did run across these pics this weekend and am know sitting her bawling...why do they grow up so fast?











As far as trip planning, I'm seriously thinking of backing up our dates. Leaving the day before Memorial Day is asking for much higher plane ticket prices. I'm going to wait until the prices come out for those dates (only in April right now) and then seriously consider backing up a few days.

Still planning on dining OOP instead of DDP. DH loves the DDP because he feels like it means he can eat whatever he wants without worrying about cost, but even with pricing all of us the most expensive meals at every location, we still come out on top. I hope he doesn't stress about it and will just order what he wants. Vacation is the one time I order and eat exactly what I want with no regards to price!

Has anyone done the Marceline tour? I'm thinking of booking that for DH and DS while DD and I do the tea party at GF. Thoughts?

Hope you all have a fantastic holiday weekend!

 

[ToyStory#1fan'sMom]

Trying to stay caught up and post, as promised, every weekend!

Weight loss check in, down 25.6 lbs. For some reason, it's becoming harder rather than easier? I blame it on school starting and all the activities that come with that, but I think my resolve is fading. I was trying hard not to tell those around me, hoping they would notice and mention it. That didn't last long, since I've always been one to go out to eat with the whole work crew, they thought I was being a snot when I started eating at my desk, I had to spill the beans. Uggh, now, they all comment how much they can tell, etc. I have a hard time believing them, but that's my own issue.

I was getting up early to walk every morning. If I'm honest, I haven't done that since school started. Have to get up so early to get everyone off that it feels impossible to add that. But, with me, money talks...I am seriously considering joining a local gym. If I pay for a membership, I know me, and I know I'll go. Planet Fitness is running a deal now, thinking of checking them out.

Trip purchasing....bought some ADORABLE Little Mermaid inspired earrings this week. They have shipped and I'll post a pic when I receive them. I'm figuring out that LM is my favorite movie and now I know why....it was the first movie DH and I say together in a theatre when the re-release came out in 1998. Also, Old Navy was having a sale, so I picked up a few of their workout type clothes that I think will come in handy in the Florida heat.

DD is starting to talk about wanting to have her birthday party at this place or that. Of course, she had NO idea she'll be spending it in DW! I am planning a Christmas party for her so she'll have an opportunity to have her friends come to an event for her. We have a neighborhood pool and community room. I've reserved the room and am planning on a fun night with a couple crafts that the girls will make and wrap for their families for Christmas along with a hot chocolate bar, make your own cookies, and reindeer food bar. I think it will be a lot of fun. So thankful for Pinterest and all the fabulous ideas there!

Nothing too exciting in the world of pictures this week. DD was the proud recipient of the literacy bag that had Froggy in it. We took Froggy to gymnastics. This was the after picture, she wouldn't let me share it with her class due to the sippy cup in the background, so I thought I'd share it here.



DH has a class this week three hours away ....uggh, hate doing the only parent thing. DS was invited to join a local wrestling club that will get him a head start to obtaining a spot on the high school wrestling team in a few years. DD is being a total diva these days and driving me to want to stuff my face with carbs...looking forward to joining the gym this week for some "me" time!

Trip planning....no opinions about the Marceline tour? What about the driving experience thing? Trying to figure out something for the boys to do while DD and I do the Princess Tea at the GF...ideas? Now that daycare is over, the vacation account is growing rather quickly...nice to see that! Very anxious for Southwest to release dates for end of May so I can finalize our vacation dates...and fingers still crossed for room discount for our days! Next week I plan on researching hotels that allow long term parking and have a shuttle to the airport. Also, looking into an awesome restaurant to eat at while in Kansas City...will post when I figure it out!

Hope you all have a wonderful week!!

 

[ToyStory#1fan'sMom]

Have a crazy weekend ahead so thought I'd go ahead and post for the week. This weekend is DS's belt testing for senior orange in MMA and then belt ceremony will be Sunday evening. Also on Saturday, the first annual work picnic at the pumpkin patch. DH is NOT thrilled about this...it's during college football (our team plays right in the middle of it)....he would much rather But he will be there to support me. Being part of admin, I refuse to be the only admin member there sans family....

So on to the planning. Made some fun purchases last week which have now come in. I think I told you all about the Ariel earrings. I have decided it's my favorite...first movie DH and I saw together in the theatre and the first Disney movie DD every really loved. Plus, the music, still an all time fav!
So when I saw these earrings....I had to have them. They don't SCREAM LM, but they remind me and are so pretty! Have ya'll found Etsy? Surely you all have. There is a fantastic blog about "Etsy gone wrong"...so have to look that one up if you need a laugh-so funny! Okay, but Etsy, it's so wonderful, but don't go there if you aren't prepared to buy!

Just lovely....


Then, I have searched and searched and researched and googled, and well you get the idea, looking for the perfect park bag. I'm one of those people who has to at least coordinate the bag with the outfit. I know I'll have to bring a couple bags-depends on clothing and what the plans are for the day. For most of the time we're there-at least the mornings the Vera Bradley Little Hipster will be PERFECT. But then, you have to pick a pattern! STRESS I mean, I plan on wearing a couple of simple waisted, cotton, sleeveless dresses (red/white stripe, black, and a navy/white combo). Then I also plan to bring some dri fit type material tanks and Nike shorts and skirted leggings in bright pinks, blues, etc. Uggh! Finally decided on these two. Will coordinate with most of the colors and materials I am bringing.

Aren't they cute!



These patterns have retired. I found them through Amazon. I'm not a huge fan of the current patterns so Amazon was a great resource for me!

Trip planning...we're going to be flying out of Kansas City early in the morning. I've been researching hotels that allow us to park and fly (free parking) that actually works out cheaper than parking at the airport for 11 days! I've got it narrowed down and am hoping for a discount booking through my work. We'll eat dinner that night (because one must always eat dinner, right?). Last time, we ended up at an IHOP, we were starving and I didn't do any preplanning for that portion. This time, I've gone to several sites (yelp.com to name one) for some opinions. I've got it narrowed down to Niecie's and Mixing Bowl Noshery. Both are down home, country cooking which my family loves and doesn't get often. I also had a gift card for restaurant.com and was able to get a cheap gift certificate to use at both. Figure I'll narrow it down closer to time, or maybe a game time decision and will return the other gift card.

That about wraps up this week. Hope you all have a GREAT Friday and an even better weekend! Until next time...

 

[ToyStory#1fan'sMom]

Happy weekend, all...well end of weekend... Back to work tomorrow...but one day closer to our trip!

Not many purchases made for the trip this week, but these came in this week. So cute and can't wait until I can put them on our magicbands!


Trip planning....I think we're officially on day two. Day two leaves us flying out and landing late morning (11ish). I can't decide, part of me wants to ride DME, but another part wants to surprise the fam with a fancy limo ride. I haven't made up my mind, but will as we get closer and I look more closely at the finance situation.

After landing and arriving at CR, fingers crossed that a room will be ready , but chances are we'll drop our luggage and head to DTD. Once there, we'll eat a late lunch. WPE or EOS....choices, choices. Some window shopping and probably some shopping shopping and will try to end our day fairly early to head to MK bright and early the next morning!

As a real life update, so proud of DS! He was chosen as one of 53 from the state to attend a Colonial Williamsburg adventure (all expenses paid) in December. It was based on his character, grades, love of history, and an essay he wrote. He has class every Tuesday night to prepare. That added to his schedule of MMA makes it crazy, but then add that he's joined a local youth wrestling club (so he can be eligible to practice with the high school team next year) and we're running around like crazy people all week long! I can't lie, I do kinda love it. So proud that he's found something he loves and excels in! He has a MMA competition this weekend. Very excited!

And we have made a decision that is HUGE to us. DH and I have always belonged to a certain denomination. We met at church even. But lately, it hasn't fit us, we've grown in the last 15 years we've been married and our beliefs and needs in a church have changed. We attended an informational class today and have decided to place membership at this church (which is a different denomination). It's strange, I've been married for 15 years, have had two children, have completed school and had MAJOR accomplishments in my career over the last nine years and yet, this, this is the first time I've felt "like a real for real grown up"....very odd.

Well, sorry for the pictureless update. I know it's kinda boring. Trying to keep my commitment of posting a weekend update...oh yeah, weight loss, down 27 pounds. Not fantastic, but still loosing so I'll take it! Hope you all have a fantastic week and I'll be around next weekend (fingers crossed that you'll see pics of gold medals!) Until then, pixie dust and happy dreams!

 

[ToyStory#1fan'sMom]

Another week closer to Disney! Hope you've all had a great week and fantastic weekend!! I know mine, even though an extra day, flew by so fast

Friday started with a mandatory day off from work (for profit company and end of third quarter), but the kids were out of school and we had a MMA tournament to get to so it worked out for us! DD and I started the day by getting her a much needed haircut, then off to drop some clothes off at Once Upon A Child, drink pick up at Wal-Mart for the road trip, post office to pick up mail, and then to work to drop off a couple packages. That early Christmas shopping means I can't hide gifts at home! We got home and started packing for the overnight trip to Little Rock. DH got home about 2 and we headed south. We stayed at the River Market downtown at the Hampton Inn and Suites. Dinner was at the Flying Fish (yum!)



After dinner we headed back to the hotel. DS and I headed to the gym while DD and DH tucked in for some Nick Jr on tv.



Quick note about weight loss...down 29.6 pounds...slowly, but surely!

After a good workout, we headed upstairs everyone showered and tucked in for the night. We had to be up at 5:30 to get ready and head to Jacksonville for the tournament.

Next morning, we woke up early and headed down to breakfast. Honestly, very underwhelmed. No salt or pepper, eggs were rubbery, turkey sausage was cold. However, the muffins-they were DIVINE. Maybe because I haven't had a muffin in forever, or maybe they were that good? Either way, it was much enjoyed! After a quick cup of coffee, , we packed up and headed to Jacksonville. DS had to get weighed in and we knew it would be close. That kid has gained 12 pounds in 5 months....and all of it solid muscle. MMA is no joke folks...he had completely transformed-physically and mentally, it's AWESOME! We got there and checked in, and he had some time to zone out while waiting for the tournament to start...




After about an hour, the matches started. This is his fourth tournament and by far the toughest. He earned those two gold medals. He went all four minutes in both rounds, outscoring the opponent 7/0 in NOGI and 14/2 in GI...this momma was a nervous wreck!













We stopped at Buffalo Wild Wings for a quick lunch and were on our way home. It was a great tournament! When we got home I did some lunch preparation for the week and DH cleaned house. Today was church and yard work...

On to trip planning...

Purchases for the trip...I think scent is one of the more under appreciated senses! I smell a smell and it takes me completely back to a time when that smell was present. For this trip, I've purchased a new scent from Bath and Body Works to use and then when I use it at home, I can be transported back to the World! I also HATE the slimy soap at hotels. I've purchased a pump of antibacterial soap to use at the sink at the CR.





Having computer issues...going to save and post so I don't lose this...be back in a few...

 

[ToyStory#1fan'sMom]

So more about trip planning...

I think I left you on Day two, but I remembered that I forgot to mention something about our arrival day....GROCERY DELIVERY! For my family, who every member ALWAYS has a drink in the hand, this is a must. We'll be ordering, well, forget it, I'll just copy and paste our order...

Apple & Eve 100% Juice Box Variety Pack 6.75oz EA 36CT 12.49

Boar's Head Pre Sliced Vermont Cheddar Cheese 8oz $8.19

Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50 Quick Cover Lotion Spray 6oz BTL $11.89

Crunchpak Fresh Sliced Apples Sweet 14oz Bag $4.19

Diamond Toothpicks 250 Square - Round Tip $1.12

Dr Pepper 24 Pack of 12oz Cans $8.79

Gatorade G2 Low Calorie 20oz Bottles 24 Variety Pack $19.89

Kellogg's Pop-Tarts Frosted Strawberry 12CT 22oz Box $4.49

Kleenex Cottonelle Fresh Flushable Wipes 42CT $2.79

Monster Energy Drink Low Carb 16oz can $2.89

Mountain Dew Diet 6 Pack of 16.9oz Bottles $5.39

Mrs. Freshley's Mini Donuts Powdered Sugar 10oz Bag $1.49

Popcorn Pre-Popped 7oz Bag $2.39

Quaker Instant Oatmeal Apple & Cinnamon 10PK 15.1oz Box $4.89

Seagram's Escapes Frozen Pina Colada 10oz Pouch *ID Required* $1.99

Store Brand Milk Fat Free 1/2 GAL 64oz. CTN $3.69

Sunshine Cheez-IT Crackers Original 13.7oz Box $5.29

Yoplait Gogurt Strawberry Splash & Berry Blue 8CT 2.25oz EA $3.69

Yuengling Lager Beer 12CT 12oz Cans *ID Required* $13.99

My hint, if you're ordering from GG, be sure to plan and order early. If you order at least 60 days out, you get 10% off. Also, consider spending $200 to get a $12 discount on shipping. I don't order $200 worth of food, but I do add a few items (shampoo, detangle spray, etc) that are about the same price, we'll need anyway and might leak on the flight over.

That's about all I got for tonight... Work out starts at 5:15 tomorrow morning...gotta get everything prepared for the morning. Hope you all have a fantabulous night and even better week. I'll be back to post about Day three next weekend!

 

[ToyStory#1fan'sMom]

So some trip plans are changing, but no worries, it's all good!

Three years ago, this Christmas Eve, my sister passed away. We had been estranged for seven years due to her lifestyle choices and the constant drain on all levels she forced on our entire family. Shortly before her death, I attempted to make amends. I find comfort in that. Anyway, our parents adopted her two children (at the time were 9 and 7). Soon after, they packed up and moved from Texas to Oregon. Mom retired, Dad got a job, the kids needed a new start. It's been three years, three years of only seeing them once (maybe twice) a year. It takes three days to drive there and several thousand dollars to fly. It doesn't happen very often. Recently, they decided they could no longer be so far away. Dad got a position outside of Tyler, TX and they are moving in three weeks. THREE WEEKS! I have been very quiet about their decisions, but to be able to once again pack up and go for the weekend (only 5 1/2 hours away), I am very excited!

How does that factor into trip planning? Well, I have been fretting about when to leave. To fly out of our local tiny airport is EXPENSIVE. So, we were going to leave out of Kansas City. The flight is at 6am...it's a four hour drive...that means we spend the night in a hotel. We are leaving around Memorial Day...so do we go the day after so flights are more reasonable? So all weekend we sit around the house waiting to go? Do we leave before Memorial Day? Flight are more on the weekend...and messes up the coming back home day. I don't want to leave on or the day after DD's bday....we'll be sad...can't be sad on the actually birthday. I know none of that probably matters to others, but it does to me. Well now, new plans! We'll leave for Tyler after work/school on May 22. We'll stay with Mom and Dad May 22-24. On Memorial Day, we'll head into Ft. Worth and stay with their best friends. They will take us to the airport (no hotel costs, no eating out costs, no parking costs, and time with grandparents!) and we'll leave on May 26. This will bump us back a day (gotta call and adjust my reservation), but I'm okay with back-just not up! Then, and this might be the BEST part...know how you're all sad when you come home from WDW? We'll come back on Thursday, spend Thursday and Friday in Texas. And then DH and I will head back on Saturday...leaving the kids in Texas for 10 days to spend with their cousins and grandparents. We'll get to spend out 16th wedding anniversary sans kiddos! They will get to spend their sad, post vacation with grandparents. I'm sure they will be a disaster when they come home, but it'll be awesome for us all to get a break after so much togetherness!

Purchases for the trip, not too much, but a few good finds at the Dollar Tree...







So life stuff....this weekend, the weather actually turned cold. Such a nice change! All the windows are open and the fresh air is amazing! We went on our annual pumpkin hunt at the local pumpkin patch today.

















Quick trip to Cabela's where DS found something he thought was wonderful...





Then we came home and decorated HUGE pumpkin cookies...







Oh, and DS had to have these...maple bacon cookies...tasted like pancakes...



Tomorrow is church and DD has a birthday party at the skating rink and DS and DH have a date with the garden. It was very plentiful this year (first year we've ever tried! ), but we gotta get it ready for next year.

Weight loss check in, I've lost 32 1/2 pounds so far! Got to think of a good reward when I get to 50...haven't figured it out yet, but it's gotta be good!

Signing off for now...have a fantastic week and I'll check in next week!

 

[ToyStory#1fan'sMom]

Well, it sucks to be a grown up...

After a long talk with DH and looking at the cash we have in front of us for the trip, we've decided to take care of some grown up responsibilities with it and take our trip next year. I wanted to , but I think in the end I'll be because the anxiety and stress of that debt will be gone. It was so hard to look at that stack of money and not take care of our responsibilities. So I'll continue to update here, and talk about plans, but not with the same urgency.

Weight loss will continue. It's taken a back seat to depression at the moment, but I'm still hanging at 33.5 pounds lost. More chance to be exactly where I want to be health wise. That's a good thing.

Debt dumpers will gain a new member, I can make some new acquaintances...that's good.

Best of all, we've talked about going Christmas 2016. That would be my ideal trip...gorgeous decorations, MVMCP, better weather...but we didn't want to drop the $$ on it...now we can take this money, pay off the debt and save for another year to get the trip we want.

So yes, it sucks, but it will be worth it and I'll be proud of us when we do meet this goal.

I'm still sad, but here's a snapshot of this week...

Some purchases for the trip...






And this! DH found this on the front door this morning!!!



Until next week....