January 2009. . . Calling all Snowbirds ~ Part II !!!

[Pluto_fan]

And I just noticed...here is my
100th post!!




LOL, it only took me seven months! At this rate, I'll hit 5000 in about 29 years!

 

[snykymom]

All you Mommy's..... seems that you all have little ones.... mine are much older... DD will be 19 in a couple of weeks and DS will be 16 in January.... so many of the things you are concerned over I was also when they were younger... and it doesn't change... the older they get the concerns just change.... I will tell you nothing makes you heart skip a beat like the first time they pull out of the driveway.... and the relief you feel when they get back home... or when you drop them off at college and pull away.... talk about tears....

I would rather spend all my time with my kids.... we have wonderful relationships.... while still parenting I am also a friend to them... they confide in me, ask me to go places with them, my DS still tells me he loves me every day and gives me a kiss.... even in front of his friends.... he is one of the "popular boys" in school, great athelete, great student, cutie.... and still a mama's boy and I love it.... one of the things we have really instilled in our children is the importance of giving back.... they realize they are very fortunate children... have many things that others don't.... they both have given hundreds of hours in community service... at school, church and community.... I know for a long time my inlaws really thought we pushed our kids to hard.... but we look at it as encouraging them to become better citizens.... and it works.. my DD is a kind, caring young woman and when she was ready for college she received a numerous scholarships not based on academics (although they were great grades)... but based on community service....

so don't give up on doing what you think is best... we all might parent in different ways... no one knows what is right and what is wrong... lead by example and be positive... and you'll have great kids....

You're not alone on these boards - I've kind of stayed out of the conversations because (1) my d is a sophomore in college (which, BTW, is why we're going in January - that's her winter break); (2) I was only a stay-at-home mom until she was 1, then I went back to work; and (3) we're Jewish, so no church, Christian cable, MOPS groups, Christmas planning, etc.

Anyway, there's an old Yiddish saying: "Little children don't let you sleep in the morning; bigger children don't let you sleep at night" because you're worried about where they are and what they're doing!

Keep doing what you do, and what you believe is right, and your kids will do just fine. There's no other choice, is there?

 

[snykymom]

Oh, and I've hit 500 POSTS!
And I'm not even in the top 10 on this thread!

75 days and counting!

 

[jenjolt]

And I just noticed...here is my
100th post!!




LOL, it only took me seven months! At this rate, I'll hit 5000 in about 29 years!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Its sad for me to admit I've only been around a couple of months and I'm heading toward post 500...WOW I am such a talker LOL!!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Sheree--we also love Shades of Green for all the reasons you and Wendy mentioned. But I can't help thinking about possible Disney discounts, and what it would take to make me change our whole plan! Another thought on tickets...if your MIL is near a military base or post, have her check at the MWR (morale, recreation, and welfare) or ITT (not even sure what that stands for--something tickets and tours?) office. They can get WDW tickets that are often even less expensive than the ones at SOG (and still no tax). They might have to order them, but you still have time before January."

OOH - another great idea! I'll have MIL check on that and compare prices.

Wendy - thanks so much for your comments about parenting. It's nice to hear words of wisdom from someone who's been there before. It sometimes seems so hard with all the media and outside influences to teach our kids good values, but we are pretty tough on our kids - trying constantly to teach them lessons about being good people. Wouldn't the world be a better place if everyone did that? Of course, then I'd be out of a job - since I work in the court system - where it's all about people doing wrong or disputes between people..

One more thing DOUBLE DIGITS FOR ME!!!

 

[jenjolt]

You're not alone on these boards - I've kind of stayed out of the conversations because (1) my d is a sophomore in college (which, BTW, is why we're going in January - that's her winter break); (2) I was only a stay-at-home mom until she was 1, then I went back to work; and (3) we're Jewish, so no church, Christian cable, MOPS groups, Christmas planning, etc.

Anyway, there's an old Yiddish saying: "Little children don't let you sleep in the morning; bigger children don't let you sleep at night" because you're worried about where they are and what they're doing!

Keep doing what you do, and what you believe is right, and your kids will do just fine. There's no other choice, is there?

I too stay out of a lot of the children talk because we are yet to have children, although its on the to-do list for the spring LOL!! We would like to start a family soon but I really wanted to have my masters finished. But I love children and I love all the advice given on this board and the fun tips because I just save it for someday to apply with my children.

 

[jenjolt]

One more thing DOUBLE DIGITS FOR ME!!!

YAY!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

 

[trixiequilts]

One more thing DOUBLE DIGITS FOR ME!!!

Woo-hoo! Doesn't it feel great???

 

[Kazooie01]

Wow first of all a true DH I'm in awe!! And what great advice, I've been really stressing about crowd levels because of MLK weekend. But you said it best its all about what you make of it. If you have done the research and have planned your itineray you know what you need to do to make this your best trip ever!!!

Thanks so much for these words!!!

PS...any tips on how to get a hubby interested in Disney LOL (just kidding, I have no hope for mine LOL)

I was converted young in life. I wish I knew the secret to getting other Husbands interested in Disney, if I did I would be a millionaire . Not many of my "boys" share my views towards Disney!

 

[trixiequilts]

Hi Snow Birds, this is Kazooie's Hubby. It doesn't look like she has been on this morning so I just wanted to chime in.

So how often is it actually you when we think it's Kazooie? I was thinking we needed some sort of code or something so we know when it's you, but I think saying "This is Kazooie's Hubby" makes that plenty clear!

 

[MAGGIED]

And I just noticed...here is my
100th post!!




LOL, it only took me seven months! At this rate, I'll hit 5000 in about 29 years!

Oh, and I've hit 500 POSTS!
And I'm not even in the top 10 on this thread!

75 days and counting!

Party time for the posters........

So how often is it actually you when we think it's Kazooie? I was thinking we needed some sort of code or something so we know when it's you, but I think saying "This is Kazooie's Hubby" makes that plenty clear!

I was thinking the same thing.... my computer just logs me in everytime... so snowbirds if someone gets on with my screen name and says that Disney is not their absolutely favorite place in the world... you know it is DH hijacking my screen name......

 

[steffali]

All you Mommy's..... seems that you all have little ones.... mine are much older... DD will be 19 in a couple of weeks and DS will be 16 in January.... so many of the things you are concerned over I was also when they were younger... and it doesn't change... the older they get the concerns just change.... I will tell you nothing makes you heart skip a beat like the first time they pull out of the driveway.... and the relief you feel when they get back home... or when you drop them off at college and pull away.... talk about tears....

I would rather spend all my time with my kids.... we have wonderful relationships.... while still parenting I am also a friend to them... they confide in me, ask me to go places with them, my DS still tells me he loves me every day and gives me a kiss.... even in front of his friends.... he is one of the "popular boys" in school, great athelete, great student, cutie.... and still a mama's boy and I love it.... one of the things we have really instilled in our children is the importance of giving back.... they realize they are very fortunate children... have many things that others don't.... they both have given hundreds of hours in community service... at school, church and community.... I know for a long time my inlaws really thought we pushed our kids to hard.... but we look at it as encouraging them to become better citizens.... and it works.. my DD is a kind, caring young woman and when she was ready for college she received a numerous scholarships not based on academics (although they were great grades)... but based on community service....

so don't give up on doing what you think is best... we all might parent in different ways... no one knows what is right and what is wrong... lead by example and be positive... and you'll have great kids....

My DD is 22 years old, she is disabled so her maturity level is that of a very young teen, so I can relate to the mommy's with the younger children and also with the older ones. I sat out in the car parking lot when my daughter went to both her prom and her friends... I was a nervous wreck!
I think once you become a mother there is not a day that goes by you don't worry about your children no matter how old they are.

 

[peach3es]

"Bring your own cheese"...that just made me
One of the great things about living in or visiting other countries is experiencing the cultural differences.
Now I'm thinking about that hymn, "Bringing in the cheese, bringing in the cheese, we will come rejoicing, bringing in the cheese..." Oh wait, it's sheaves...

HA! FUNNY!

We had a great time! We found the most delicious ice cream that I've eaten here. YUM!

Today is the day of the funeral for the little boy whose family I asked you to pray for. The scrapbooking community suggested wearing red today in Danny's memory, and there is a simultaneous release of red balloons at the time of his memorial service. Some, rather than releasing a balloon, will be posting a balloon in thier front yards, donating red hot wheels cars to a children's charity in his honor, etc. He loved Disney's Cars and the color red. The family is surviving. But I'm sure they'd appreciate continued prayers.

Other than not too much happening today.

Shelly, you got my mouth watering with that Ohana menu! I'm so glad my friend recommended that restaurant to me! That menu sounds heavenly!

Now, who is the first Snowbird to return from her trip? I can't wait to start reading reports...or to type one myself!
~~Carrie

 

[sharadoc]

PS...any tips on how to get a hubby interested in Disney LOL (just kidding, I have no hope for mine LOL)

Here's my suggestion - If you can manage it, get him there on at least one trip before or without kids. Teach him about it before you are on a kid-oriented schedule, show him there's more to WDW than the castle and the Magic Kingdom (even though we all love that, too)! I notice that when folks go their first time WITH kids, they see WDW as a kid-oriented vacation.

If you are a kids trip family, then maybe you can take some time to ask DH what would be HIS favorite activity, or what does he enjoy the most and plan time for that, even if the kids might be bored. Make him the focus sometimes on the trip and maybe he'll like being at WDW more.

I'm sure this will be unpopular. I'm just saying don't make the kids the total focus of the trip every minute of every day and then Dad may enjoy himself more.

Regarding conventions, I did attend a convention in January there, and 90% of the people left and went home when it was done. I don't expect any impact on the parks.

 

[danceintherain]

I mostly just skimmed everything.... I've had a Crrrrazy weekend...

Believe it or not, I have never seen HSM. My dance students all love it, but I actually have no desire to watch it. All of my DD's friends love it too. Maybe, it's just me, but I don't want my DD to watch it. I know that it's a disney movie, but I feel it would be too grown up for a 6yo to watch. We also don't watch hannah montana in our house. I let her watch it once, but when there was a kissing scene, it was all over. She's only little once and I don't want her growing up too fast. So, for now, it's just cartoons in our house.

HSM... Yuck! Sorry, I just really don't like it. I love musicals, I love Disney movies, and Disney Channel Orginal Movies but HSM has cheese dripping all over it. I seriously sat there watching it thinking, "Seriously, you're going to break out into song now?" I just didn't like it. Actually I don't even think I've seen the first one, just the second one, and I have no desire to see the third one. Don't worry about watching it... it's really not worth it.

And on the topic of monitoring what your kids watch. I completely support you all. Childhood is so precious, we didn't have cable until I was 13 (well... I think we might have had it for a while while we lived in FL but I'm not sure) and I have so many amazing childhood memories because of it. My younger brother and sister not only have Cable, but they also have a DVR and it's amazing how much TV they watch, and I watch when I'm home. They watch the same episodes over and over and over and over again, and don't spend any time playing. Given, my little sister is 15, but it makes me sad sometimes, because her and my little brother haven't really lived a life without cable.
Watching TV is really just a waste of time anyways (disclaimer: I do spend time watching it when I go home for the weekend, I don't have it while I'm at school, so I enjoy some things) Especially since most children's channels do play the same episodes over and over again. It amazes me when I go home and sit down to watch Hannah Montana (I love it, but I'm 21, and it's probably not suitable entertainment for a 6 year old) and it's an episode I've already seen, and I tell my sister "If I've already seen it, then you've definitely already seen it," and she just looks at me like I'm crazy, because it doesn't matter.
All of you that don't have cable, Rock on... spend some real time with your family not zoned in to a little black box.

OMG! I cannot believe I missed this... there is a HUGE dance competition going on the second weekend of our trip. I heard that it draws 30,000 students and 10,000 spectators... and they all stay at the All-Stars... which is were we are planning to stay this year. Someone also said that they are expecting crowds from the Superbowl... when I booked, everyone was saying that the Superbowl isn't a family event (tickets cost $800 each), so that wouldn't affect crowd levels. We are leaving early Saturday morning, but I'm really nervous that Thursday and Friday will be really crowded... it is true that the Unofficial Guide has crowd levels estimated at a 9? I've never been there for that kind of crowd... will it ruin our trip? I'm seriously considering changing our dates... please give me some advice...

I don't believe the SuperBowl populations will make it to Disney, and competitions at Disney probably don't effect the parks much either. My brother marched in the New Year's Eve day parade a couple years ago, and I think they only spent that day at Disney World, which was at capacity anyways, so it didn't make a difference. The rest of their trip they spent pretty much at Universal. They didn't stay on the Disney property though. I think it was brilliant of his band directors to put all the high school kids in a place where they don't even serve alcohol on New Year's Eve.

Just a thought for you or anyone else going non-cable. We don't have it either--but we use Sky Angel. We looooove it!! They are limited on the channels offered, but they have Fox, The Weather Channel, The Hallmark Channel, Discovery( My kid loooooove this one) and some channels that run different pastors or speakers. It's definitely Christian minded. Before we could get it, we went a long time without anything--just rented or borrowed movies, or watched our Disney collection. Ya'll should check into it-it might be something you want. It's cheap too!!!

We are seriously going to be at Part 3 by Halloween!! LOL

I don't have children but I work with teenagers and I totally get the whole growing up too fast. I have three students who are pregnant and I can't even wrap my head around being a mom and I'm 26 and they are 16 year olds it blows my mind. Some of my students have been through so much more than I could have even imagined when I was at that age. So I'm with all of you about protecting their childhoods.

Wow I haven't been around much this weekend, but I always find more time during the week, weekends are so busy with church activities.

Well I did make another change to my itinerary..I have decided to take Thursday off from work too (LOL my last personal day) and get to Orlando during the day and have the evening at Epcot YAY!!! I was very nervous about driving in the dark and being tired this way I can just drive during the day!!!

Hope you all had a great weekend and I will see you all in the morning!! We don't have students again for another teacher workday so I'll be around between faculty meetings!!

Haha... I'm glad I scheduled my trip for 10 days in the beginning, because I have a feeling I would be adding days every which way, just like you, otherwise.

 

[danceintherain]

Here's my suggestion - If you can manage it, get him there on at least one trip before or without kids. Teach him about it before you are on a kid-oriented schedule, show him there's more to WDW than the castle and the Magic Kingdom (even though we all love that, too)! I notice that when folks go their first time WITH kids, they see WDW as a kid-oriented vacation.

If you are a kids trip family, then maybe you can take some time to ask DH what would be HIS favorite activity, or what does he enjoy the most and plan time for that, even if the kids might be bored. Make him the focus sometimes on the trip and maybe he'll like being at WDW more.

I'm sure this will be unpopular. I'm just saying don't make the kids the total focus of the trip every minute of every day and then Dad may enjoy himself more.

Regarding conventions, I did attend a convention in January there, and 90% of the people left and went home when it was done. I don't expect any impact on the parks.

I agree with Sharadoc to a point (grown up time is very important), but I think that it's possible that for your DH the kids could be the key to loving Disney. I think you've already taken him on trips before, correct? Maybe once you have kids and he gets to go and play with them, he might decide that it's worth loving, just because they love it. Train your kids to love Disney, and then Daddy might just decide that their joy and laughter changes his mind.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I was thinking the same thing.... my computer just logs me in everytime... so snowbirds if someone gets on with my screen name and says that Disney is not their absolutely favorite place in the world... you know it is DH hijacking my screen name......

My DH wouldn't even know how to find the DIS!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I think that it's possible that for your DH the kids could be the key to loving Disney. I think you've already taken him on trips before, correct? Maybe once you have kids and he gets to go and play with them, he might decide that it's worth loving, just because they love it. Train your kids to love Disney, and then Daddy might just decide that their joy and laughter changes his mind.

I agree. My DH wasn't so thrilled about the first WDW trip. But now after 3 wonderful family trips he is really looking forward to going back!! I know he likes to go to make me happy and see the kids so happy, but there are also some things there that he really enjoys, so I always make those a priority so that he gets to do what he wants to do and eat where he wants to eat. That way he enjoys WDW and keeps taking us back!!

 

[PEANUT1]

My DH wouldn't even know how to find the DIS!

me and my hubby argue about who disses more

and shelly...don't worry about crowd levels too much. As I have said before, there really aren't any "slow" times in disney anymore. Disney is the one place that the economy won't affect too much. Just go in with a plan and a positive attitude and it will be great!!

 

[Monny2AE]

What's gotten into you girls this morning! I can't keep up with all the chatting! And did I read correctly there was husband hijacking the boards? I don't even think mine knows what the Dis is... let alone know how to get on it and type something. He wouldn't like it anyway because he's not a fanatic like me. I introduced him to WDW for our honeymoon when he was 25. I think it was good that we went together before kids because he got to experience all WDW has to offer before having to experiencing it while lugging diaper bags and pushing strollers.

I liked all the heartwarming parental advice from veterans with grown kids. As a mom of a preschooler and toddler it's very reassuring to hear that you survived and your children turned out so well! As a side note, I know some of you are MOPS members. I'm part of the Chesapeake Mommies which is a branch of The Mommies Network (www.themommiesnetwork.org). They are very open to members of all parenting stages. It's an online forum style with local activities and such to get together. You can be a member as long as you are trying to conceive, pregnant, a mom or step mom (aka a Bonus Mommy)! Just a thought for all of you who are beyond the MOPS stages.