Juan says "BAAAA!" - 12/24 - Our last few Disney hours. COMPLETE

[brookelizabeth]

Congratulations, Brooke. I'm very happy for you. I missed not being able to stay at home when my kids were young (I went back to work when each of them turned six months) as I had to work, but I was comforted by the fact that my dad retired and he took care of my kids for me...and what a great opportunity it was for them...they had a very special relationship with my dad/their grandfather. A lot of kids don't get to spend that kind of quality time with their grandparents. And since dad died, the kids appreciate all the time they spent with him even more.

I know that you will love staying home with your sweetie pie.

We leave tomorrow so I'll have to catch up on your report when I get back.

I know so many people that don't have that choice to stay home, I am very blessed that we do. Especially in this nutty economy. I think it's WONDERFUL that your Dad was able to watch your kids! That is the best situation possible.

Have a GREAT trip - I look forward to hearing all about it when you get back!!!!

Oh my gosh...

I've been off the boards for a couple of days...and everything seems to happen at once...

Wow...not only are you back...I can't wait to read about your trip...you are already on 11 pages...---didn't you just get back---wow that went fast...

I'm thrilled for you that you are starting a new stage of your life-gosh that sounds all new agey...but you know what I mean...

Have to get some coffee for the ride along...

It feels like we just got back! It's been just 10 days...but I'm ready to go back.

I do know what you mean on the "new stage" - and that's really what it is...a new stage, a new adventure, a new chapter...the new unknown!

I should be putting up a new installment of the TR very soon - work is INSANE lately, so I'm trying to write it during my free moments...which is a challenge.

Congrats on your decision! I am so happy for you.

Thank you!!!

This is me too! When I finally quit my job I was so stressed and miserable that we just didn't see another option. It was hard not working at first, I felt like I wasn't contributing enough, but as I got more comfortable with my new role, I began to love it.

Last year my old boss called me and they were so busy and behind that he practically begged me to come back. I did, I worked the hours that my boys were at school, figuring that they were old enough now that I could do that. WRONG!! They are involved in so much, and DH travels a lot for his job and is gone quite a bit, that I found myself getting overwhelmed again. I needed those few hours while the kids were in school to clean my house, do laundry, run errands, etc, because I didn't have time to do those things once they were home. Thankfully, they only needed me at work for about 9 months, and I was able to get back home - that little stint with working showed me that we made the right decision all those years ago, and being at home is where I belong.

Congratulations, Brook! I'm very happy for you!

This makes me smile....and sigh with relief!! Despite knowing this is the right decision, I still have fears building about those feelings of not contributing, money being too tight, going crazy, etc. I am also glad I'm not alone in feeling tired and frustrated and torn into a million places at once. It's exhausting. I have zero clue how some women do it, and do it with a smile and clean house! Kudos to them though!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Congrats on your decision to be a SAHM! I love being home with my kids! Sometimes it is challenging, but I wouldn't trade it. DS goes to preschool 1 day a week now and loves it. DD and I go shopping and play while he is in school. It is so great to be there for every step they take.

I love your reading your TR, can't wait to hear more!

I look forward to being there with Henry has he learns and grows...first up on the agenda is potty training.

Good for you Brooke! I am glad that you are doing what is best for yourself and your family. It takes a lot of strength and courage to do something like this, which is a testament to your character.
I didn't notice, but do do you have a job ticker??

Thank you! Such encouraging words!

I don't have a job ticker yet, but that is a great idea! I just have a countdown on my Google Homepage (which I'm on 43638 times a day). I have to move out the September ticker too....

I would love to be a SAHM!

Shoot - I'd be happy to be able to do part time!

I'd be able to keep the house clean, put a great meal together (maybe even a recipe from the Disney Cookbook) and be less stressed for my hubby and son.

I carry the insurance for us since my husband is self employed and it just isn't in our cards

I am so happy for you and I hope you love it!

That is really what I look forward to, "be less stressed for my hubby and son"...exactly! I'm sorry that you want to be a SAHM and are unable to--I know so many people in that same situation. It is difficult....

Wonderful decision. I stopped working after I had Claire it is wonderful. I had to work when my older two were yong and I missed so much.
I have just recently found some very part time online work that is very little pay, but I am making a few extra bucks a month now to give me some extra spending money, so I fel better about that ,but still have the freedom to do what I want with Claire.

That is the sorta thing I plan on doing too-some online things I can do easily during the day just to make a few bucks. Along with a few online programs I do to earn giftcards, etc. and couponing, I know I can make up a bit that will be missing in our budget! Can I ask what job you got online?

Brook, congrats on your decision! You know what's best for you, Joe and Henry.

Thank you! It was a decision that took a long time to make, but I truly think it will be the best for our family.

Congrats on your decision!

Thank you!!

Good for you!

Thanks!!

Yipppeeee Brook!!! I know you were thinking about it!!!

Being able to stay home is such and great thing! You and Henry are going to have a blast together!!

I completely understand the done part. Before I left my job I was completely, totally done!! I couldn't stand another minute of it! The exhaustion and frustration, UGHGHGH!! Not to mention the Mommy guilt!!


You must be soooo excited and happy!!! I know I was!!! Good luck!!

Thank you!! I was VERY much at that point where I was just loosing it somedays. My boss actually wasn't too surprised when I told her - she knew the time was coming! I'm glad you (and others) can relate to what I'm feeling-I'm NOT the only one out there that just can't do it all!

Hi Brook! That's great news about leaving your job. You will *never* regret this time with your little man!

Denise

Thank you!!! These years are just too precious to work them away when I have the option to not.

Congrats on being a future SAHM. Kids grow up so fast and I'm so happy that I have been able to be a SAHM. I really consider myself lucky and that being a SAHM is the best job in the world. I'm sure you are going to have tons of fun and will love it. Looking forward to the rest of your trip report.

Thank you for these words! Everyone is SO encouraging! I do consider myself blessed that we have this option, knowing so many people don't. I think it's going to be a tough job, but incredibly rewarding!



Henry learned a new word today: "Ka-chow!" In case you aren't as familiar with "Cars" as I am , it's Lightning McQueen's little slang word when he shows off. Henry looks us square in the face and whispers "Ka-chow!". It's absurdly cute!

 

[vladimir10]

I sooooooooooo agree! We don't get NEARLY enough of that now - maybe once every few months. It's very difficult for both of us to sacrifice a Friday night because we hardly get to see Henry on a Friday then at all. But, with me staying home, I know it will be easier for me! And it IS so important. And Joe's Mom is always eager to watch him, so we'll probably be taking advantage of that more regularly. Our neighbor already said he would watch Henry sometime too-he's got three younger brothers, so he's got experience! We figured one night we could let him come over after Henry was in bed and we'd hit the movie theater and do a late night showing. The neighbor could sit in our basement and watch a movie, eat our food and drink our soda and get paid for it. But, it would provide Joe and I that nice time out too!

A TR is MUCH easier to write than a PTR. A PTR can easily get lost...a TR you have the excitement and pictures! I don't know if I have your PTR in my list-o-subscriptions (that is massive and there is ZERO way I can actually keep up with any of it )...I'll check and subscribe if I don't already have it (I don't think I do...)! I would love some live info if you decide too-it's always fun. Even just a quick posting, "twitter style".

It sounds like you guys have a great plan! It will work out, I am sure. Date night for the parents is so important. We have fun on the weekend and during the week with James, but Friday nights, generally, is ours.

I have a link in my sig, so if you want, you can check it out. Our plans are there, and what not. Not much more to it, though, with getting there Saturday!


I will get some kind of updat live, just for you and my other dis friends, even if it's from my iPhone. I have seen several live reports on the boards, and it looks quite promising!

So excited!!!!!


Thanks for sharing, Brooke!

(Oh, I guess I should give my 'name', as vladimir10 isn't it (didn't know that, did ya...)

I'm Craig!

Nice to meet ya all!!!

 

[MeMom]

It's time to be home with my little man, and any possible future children. (MeMom, you can throw in a coin for us in October if ya want, I wouldn't object. )

Some women can balance the art of being a Mom, a wife and having a career - I am just not one of them. I am often exhausted and frustrated and I feel like I am not successful in any area of my life. I am more than ready to grab a hold of this adventure that lays before me - I might have days of "What was I thinking?!" but, I am pretty certain the rewards will far outweigh those days.

My boss' boss pulled me into a conference room the other day when I put in my notice and told me I was making a wise decision. He was sad to see me go, but he knew it was right for me. He also told me that if and when I'm ready to get back into the workforce to look him up-he'll hire me back.

My last day is October 16. While I am going to miss aspects of my job, my co-workers, and my Clients....I still have a countdown.

29 full days, 22 work days!

We will put it at the top of our list to throw in a coin or two for you. We might not go over to Wilderness Lodge, but we'll see many more fountains.

I am very excited for you being able to stay at home. I stayed at home when Jill and Trent were very small, and I loved it. Drew came along and my husband left, so it was full-time school and work for me after that. I have always been sad that I was not able to stay home with Drew the same way I did with them. I could be a stay-at-home-housewife for the rest of my life (if the right man came along ), and be quite happy with it. I'd love to do some volunteer things, like Meals-on-Wheels. I'd also like to be able to see my little girls more often. I think I'm pretty much stuck working for the rest of my life, though, so I try not to think about it much. You are very, very blessed in my opinion.

I wish Jill didn't have to work, but she likes to. I think a 2-3 day work week would be good for her - out some and at home some.

I wish all the best things for you in this decision!

It's nice to know they will hire you back whenever you are ready.

October 16th is the night we are leaving for WDW, so there will be much celebrating going on all over the place on that day!

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Good for you and your family Brook!! I can just hear the excitement in your words and what a blessing you're able to do this! Oooh...I'm excited about the possibility of more too!! HEE HEE.....

Heather

 

[A.Mickey]

Some women can balance the art of being a Mom, a wife and having a career - I am just not one of them. I am often exhausted and frustrated and I feel like I am not successful in any area of my life. I am more than ready to grab a hold of this adventure that lays before me - I might have days of "What was I thinking?!" but, I am pretty certain the rewards will far outweigh those days.

I think, that most women are exhausted and frustrated and putting everyone ahead of themselves! I know I am!! Some days I just need someone there who knows what it feels like! I think there aren't enough hours in the day to work full time, be a great mom and be a wife! Luckily, I am technically only a wife on the weekends since my DH works 3rd shift during the week we don't see each other until the weekend. I so wish it wasn't like that though! And my DH is a SAHD sort of...he takes care of Aaron all day until 3pm then his mother (nana) comes over and takes over watching Aaron while Jason goes to sleep...and until I get home around 5:30. On Fridays Jason has a day off of being a Dad and my mom (grandma) takes Aaron for the day and brings him home when I get back from work. We are lucky that family is always with Aaron!
I am the main bread winner so I won't have the opportunity anytime soon to be a SAHM. But Jason did say he wants to go back to school....maybe it will be in my cards one day....after all!

I AM SOOOO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!

So does this mean that there will be a baby in your near future?!?

Woo! And you will have more time to DIS shortly .

 

[A.Mickey]

Well, the quitting the job didn't have to do with the certified nerd thing-he didn't get a pay raise (yet) for that - possibly in the future, or at least it opens him up to be more marketable should he ever change jobs/companies!

I bet Aaron will be much chiller with his carseat-it's familiar and comfortable, I think that helps a TON.

That is great that you guys are financially stable enough without a pay raise for Joe to be a SAHM! That is just AWESOME! I strive to be a SAHM one day!

If you can believe this! Aaron is too big for his car seat! He is 3' 3" and I am not sure what he weighs....but I know it is over 40lbs. He is in a booster now! He will use the same one until he is over 4'9" or over 100 lbs!

 

[thewesterberg]

Totally missed you had started a TR (hang head in shame for showing up on page 13 - my DIS time has been limited lately to finding out some key info for my trip next week regarding the race, MNSSHP and Food and Wine Fest - that's about it!)

and totally missed your big news!! Good for you - sounds like it was the right choice for you guys and you sound so excited for this new adventure!!

Okay, let me see what I remember from your TR...

Also have to agree, loving the Delta/NWA merger for the snack options! It was the highlight of the flight for me to have a bag of peanuts!!

How adorable how Henry curled up in his carseat! Does he sleep like that in bed normally?

what else... what else... you big news is clouding my memory of other things you wrote... Oh yeah, SICK AGAIN??? It's like your body is allergic to Disney or something!!

Well, now that I'm subscribed, I'll try to keep up!

 

[IluvXU]

Brooke, so glad for you. Going to work and not liking it would be hard to do especially with a little boy at home to spend time with. I know I could not work full time year around and not go crazy.. half day is enough for me!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Henry woke us up the next morning around 7:00 am. We took our time around the room that morning, I was feeling quite a bit better – the fever had not returned, I was just left feeling a bit off and with a lovely cough. I could deal. We were in Disney World – no way would a cold stop me!!

I unpacked both myself and Henry, we all started to watch the new Stacy...but quickly switched it over to Playhouse Disney (it was the Minnie’s Birthday episode, the one they based the one at DHS off of...kinda ironic!),

and we took a few minutes to decorate the window.

We’ve never decorated the window before, but I’m thinking this will become a tradition….Henry really enjoyed it!

We were in awe of the humidity that morning.

We still knew we were in Florida, you can see the outline of a palm tree.

Our summer in Minnesota has NOT been warm. It hasn’t even creeped above 90 degrees more than a couple of days. I was looking forward to real heat finally!

Soon we made our way out of the room and toward El Centro. We were very ready for breakfast at the Pepper Market. I was starved. I hadn’t eaten since my little bag of pretzels.

First a quick pit-stop - Henry was still a bit "Dut Dut" fan on this trip!

He wanted to hug them and was making little "eh, eh" sounds as he reached for the duts.

The big ‘ol breakfast platter looked and sounded great.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t.

The eggs were...bizarre. I can’t really explain how they tasted… “like paper” is the best I can do. However, Henry thought they were delicious, so not all was lost!

The rest of the meal was edible. Nothing to write home about, but it served its purpose. I was full by the end of the meal.

Joe’s French Toast was again, nothing special, but decent. He ate every bite. Well….Henry probably had a few!

We really enjoyed the atmosphere of Pepper Market-very unique and themed to the hilt!

Continued in the next post

 

[brookelizabeth]

My favorite part of the meal was the coffee.

NOT NESCAFE AT CSR!

Happy girl.

Happy boy! He had his milk. We are "cheersing" our drinks.

After breakfast we wandered for a brief time around El Centro

Bye Pepper Market!

LL would be in light fixture bliss here, so many unique and beautiful ones!

The awesome ceiling which is directly above the fountain when you first walk in the main doors.

Also still a fan of "ju ju's"

I have zero clue why he is on the floor...

He really enjoyed the "wader" "oooh!" (he thought it was pretty)

Off the bus we go!

Ahhhh! My first glimpse of the Disney buses was had.

We waited exactly enough time it takes to cover a toddler from head to toe with sunscreen, put his hat back on and then apply sunscreen to my face and shoulders. i.e. not long.

We were headed that morning for AK! I think we have started nearly every trip with AK...

Let me back track for just a moment. On the way to the Pepper Market earlier that morning I had asked Joe, “You have your Annual Pass, right?”

“Ugh.”

He had forgotten it at home.

I made him shake it off and not worry. We were in Disney World. The Ultimate of the Customer Service. I am sure we could work it out somehow.

Onto AK. Straight to Guest Services.

Personal Identification was handed over, and within a minute Joe was the proud owner of a Manly Annual Pass.

His previous ticket was Minnie Mouse...not so manly. This time he scored Donald. Much better.

We grabbed a map and a Times Guide and winded our way through the Oasis discussing our plan of attack. We quickly opted to hit up the Festival of the Lion King show. It was about to start in just 15 minutes, we had never done it, and it was something we both wanted to do.

First glimpse of the Tree of Life

We headed to the left...

Sorry for the blur...we were walking pretty quickly

I made Joe keep going, but I had to stop and get a pic of the beast. I believe I learned about this on Heidi's (MRYPNNS) report...I had NO idea this was here-very cool!

Continued in the next post

 

[brookelizabeth]

I was a bit nervous about getting in. We would arrive JUST before show time…but much to my surprise we were ushered right in to the Warthog section.

This theater is cool! I had no idea it was a black box type of theater. I love that kind of theater, and the fact that there was still a good number of open seats for the show gave me hope that the park wasn’t insanely crowded.

And, wow! What a show!

\\

We all really enjoyed this show – Henry was bopping along to a good portion of it, clapping and shrieking with excitement. He also was very fond of the giant giraffe just to our left, and the giant Pumba on the right – he kept pointing and then snorting like…well…a warthog! He did get a bit timid during the fire and darker scenes, curled up on my shoulder for a bit...I didn't mind.

After the show we aimed for It’s Tough To Be A Bug, knowing they had centralized Fast Passes here-we were going to snag one for EE and one for Dinosaur and take advantage of the Child Swap…

Ahhh, walking slow enough now to soak in the beauty!

Henry eating ice chips...we were already starting to feel that heat...

I thought the detail on this pole was amazing

but nope, not that day...no Centralized Fastpasses...another sign perhaps that the park was slow???

So, plans were changed on the fly – to the Boneyard!

Next up: Dripping our way through AK

 

[brookelizabeth]

I missed replying to these three a few pages back - I'm sorry about that! Hopefully I did not miss anyone else...just cough a bit and nudge me or somethin'...

That's great news Brook. I was fortunate to be able to stay at home with both my children and I'm so happy that I did. They grow so fast! My baby is now 7 and my oldest is turning 12 next month.

I will miss those extra trip reports though but I think it's great that you are doing what is best for you and your family.

I was just realizing our babysitters older child is now 6. When I moved here, he was 3 and their little one who started school this year was only a year old! She was younger than Henry! EEP! I'm sure it will be here before I know it.

I will miss the extra trips....BUT, the benefits will outweigh the stress that I currently have - money just isn't worth it. And who knows, maybe we'll make it work somehow....squeeze in 2 maybe...

yay I found your TR!!

Congrats on your decision to quit your job, I'm sure it will take an adjustement but you will love being able to focus more time on your little man. I'm a SAHM too and my DD will be 2 in just a few days, she keeps me on my toes, that's for sure but I wouldn't trade my days with her for anything in the world!!

Can't wait to hear more of your TR, glad you liked CSR we did too!!

Thank you for joining in and reading!!! I have seen your DDs happy and beautiful face around the boards. This age is such a blast, isn't it? It's HARD being they are getting wiser and wiser, but it's so neat to watch them grow at the same time. Happy birthday to your DD!!!

That's awesome, Brook. I think you will love staying home with your little man! I am a SAHM as well and it is challenging, but so rewarding!

It definitely takes some sacrificing, like those extra Disney trips, but it is worth every bit!

I'm so glad to hear all these encouraging words about it being worth it. I have only ever spoken to one person who said they tried to be a SAHM and it just did not work for them-they didn't like it. I am pretty certain once I get into my flow of things, I'll really be enjoying it...and during those hard days, if I keep focus on the precious years that will be gone before I know it-I think I'll be able to get through the moment easier. (or at least I can talk my way through it, "this will be gone before I know it, he's learning, he's two..." )

 

[KathyRN137]

First, congrats on the decision to stay at home! I wish you all the best with this new phase of your life!

Wow... I can never get enough of FOTLK... I'm glad Henry loved it!

It's so much fun to walk around the Animal Kingdom but oh! That humidity!


Kathy

 

[Flossbolna]

Thanks for the great update! CSR really looks stunning. I think it is such a pretty resort!

What a shame that the breakfast did not taste good. You were on the QSDP, weren't you? Was that a good choice? I think for CSR that might work out very good, I found the Pepper Market prices to look rather expensive - even for Disney.

FOTLK is a wonderful show. I am not a show person at all, but this one is on my must do list for every trip! There is always talk about Camp Minnie Mickey being only temporary and whenever AK will get a new land, it will be in that area. It is the area where Beastly Kingdom was planned to be, therefore the dragon in river. I just hope that if that's the case, they would relocate FOTLK to Africa. To be honest, it really would fit much better there than in an Northern American mountain camp!

 

[lazydoxy66]

Hi Brooke!!

Congratulations on your new life path. I think it will be wonderful for you.

I can't believe you started the trip with a cold! It sounds like you nipped it in the bud though.

CSR is a very pretty place. I love the fountains.

The pictures of Joe and Henry in silhouette at the widow are beautiful.

 

[praisehisname]

Sorry your breakfast at Pepper Market wasn't as good as it looked. It *did* look good!

FOTLK looks awesome! I can't wait to see it!

Denise

 

[RachelTori]

Brook,

Congratulations on your "retirement"! Your last day of work is my 27th wedding anniversary -- my DH will be out of town (although, in his defense, it's work related and he asked me if it was OK! It could have gotten interesting if I'd said "no!" )

I was finally able to be a stay-at-home mom with my 3rd child and it was a gift I will always cherish.

There will always be a great job out there when you're ready to return to the work force. You only get one shot with your children -- and you already see how quickly Henry is growing. It goes by in the blink of an eye.

Enjoy every precious moment of it!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Love the update. So what did you think of the new Stacy? I'm looking forward to watching it -- is that sick or what??

Pepper Market LOOKS terrific. Even your food pics make me hungry. Sorry the actual experience was not as good. But hurrah for real coffee!! Maybe they figure those conventioners need something stronger?

We didn't have much of a summer in New England either so I am also looking forward to some real heat!

MUCH more manly an annual pass.

I am really looking forward to exploring more of the detail in AK this trip!

Looking forward to more. And congrats, again, on your big news!

 

[jessily]

Great updates! That picture of Henry sleeping while you checked in is just about the cutest thing I've ever seen I'm excited to see all your photos of CSR... we're thinking about staying there in January!

How was your experience w/ the bus service there?