Kidnap the Sandy Claws, lock him up real tight- Oct PTR pg. 234 8/25 up to date itin

[eandesmom]

So very glad I switched from POR. AoA is fantastic.
We're checking out of BCV today and heading to AKV-Kidani. BCV is amazing. We loved it here. I'm hoping we love AKV just as much.

I can't wait to hear about it! I could see us doing 1-2 nights at AoA sometime in the future. AKV, to me, is like another world compared to BCV. Really cool as it's such a unique experience! Enjoy those animals! It's really magical and the pool is killer.

I totally trust your experience with her. We've PMd on FB but I'm hoping we can move it to regualr email. I waste enough time of FB.

Do you have her regular email? I just send it to you, that's what I use with her.

Do you wear contacts? I don't recall seeing you in glasses?

I used to wear contacts but now, yeah, glasses. I need them primarily for distance so on vacation don't wear the regular ones so much unless we are at a show but all my sunglasses are Rx these days and I wear them a LOT to keep the wind out of my eyes.

I saw your FB meeting on 18th at 1:30. That's our MNSSHP but that should work. I'm hoping I don't get too pushed for time. Our plan was to leave the THV by 3:00 to get to MNSHHP by 4:00. We're doing the tri tip that night with Jenna and her family so I'll keep ypu posted. Any other good times to meet up? Even if we have a drink of cup of coffee, I'm game. Not sure that late in the day will work for me.

I don't have a ton scheduled to be honest, we have some totally open mornings and some loose plans, we are firming it up now and once it's done you can see if a better time might work? Definitely up for coffee

We are probably switching to the 18th as well though at present we aren't planning to dress so can head straight there and I'm not sure that we are dying to be there by 4. I guess I'm not sure why, if you have hoppers and are on a longer trip and the party doesn't start till 7, what the benefit is of getting there at 4 but I've never been so??? 21st worked better with the meet but we are at VWL on the 18th and BWV on the 21st so the 18th works a LOT better from that angle.

Love the eliptical but need to do more free weights. I need to tone in the worst way. I could do cardio ALL day, it's the toning that I don't love.

PT really helped me with that and is a big part of the reason I started PT. I've always had nice arms (hey, you use what you got, right?) and they were NOT so nice as I couldn't lift anything without fear of reinjury. They might seem like wimpy weights to anyone watching but you know what? I've got my arms back and they help my neck at the same time. I still can't do much but it's better than nothing! I really hope to get further along though and be able to do more.

I don't have IBS and carbonation, aside from a small or sip or two, irritates my acid reflux. I miss my soda but it was a blassing in disguise. Even the diet is so bad for us.

Coke KILLED me on the Alaska cruise. We pack rum to make drinks and at most I'll usually have a coke 2 times a month. A week of them and I was a wreck. I haven't had a soda since. That and grapefruit seemed to really do me in. Challenge is that knock out beer, knock out soda, knock out bubble it leaves wine or straight cocktails (no thanks) or ones with juice. Citrus juice is also a trigger so I have to be careful and try to stick to things like mango. Let's just say I tried a number of drinks that I normally wouldn't have on this trip as a result. And that juice is a LOT of empty calories. LOL! My guess is that the juice and a little too much red meat is what I'm paying for now but it is so minimal compared to last years trip I am grateful. I could have just avoided it all of course but it was vacation.

I have myfitnesspal too. When I forst started using it, I was shocked by the amount of calories I was taking in. It's the little things like salad dressing and sunflower seeds that add up for me. I could live without a sweet for the rest of my life but keep sunflower seeds off my salad? I'd rather lob off an arm.

LOL! I can pass on the sunflower seeds but definitely have my own things I don't want to give up. It's HARD! Cardio days are the best since I can eat back what I burned off. LOL. I get paranoid anymore about moving into a "maintenance" calorie level as it seems like SO much more than the losing level that one would have to gain weight back. Heck things fluctuate enough on their own. Hoping a couple of weeks of being good has me feeling on top of it again, I think it will.

Still, the calories are shocking. I tracked it for the 1st 4 days of the trip and then fell off the wagon. Interesting how that correlates with a drop in the working out while on vacation too. Although I did make it to the fitness center once at OKW, Vero and the Dream so that's something. Right?

 

[rentayenta]

Do you have her regular email? I just send it to you, that's what I use with her.

I just sent her a regualr email. FB is too hard and then it makes me waste the next 30 minutes.

I used to wear contacts but now, yeah, glasses. I need them primarily for distance so on vacation don't wear the regular ones so much unless we are at a show but all my sunglasses are Rx these days and I wear them a LOT to keep the wind out of my eyes.

Gotcha. I just got glasses, bifocals to be exact but they gave me the worst headache so I'm opting to not see far away. Seriously. Does it take that long to get used to them?

I don't have a ton scheduled to be honest, we have some totally open mornings and some loose plans, we are firming it up now and once it's done you can see if a better time might work? Definitely up for coffee

Perfect! I'll look and tell you my best options. What are your dates again?

We are probably switching to the 18th as well though at present we aren't planning to dress so can head straight there and I'm not sure that we are dying to be there by 4. I guess I'm not sure why, if you have hoppers and are on a longer trip and the party doesn't start till 7, what the benefit is of getting there at 4 but I've never been so??? 21st worked better with the meet but we are at VWL on the 18th and BWV on the 21st so the 18th works a LOT better from that angle.

The party doesn't begin until 7? Why did I think 4? I haven't a clue. If that's the case then the 18th is great for an Epcot meet as we can eat at 5 and head over to MK about 5:30. I need to find out what time the parade and fireworks start. I want to see both.

PT really helped me with that and is a big part of the reason I started PT. I've always had nice arms (hey, you use what you got, right?) and they were NOT so nice as I couldn't lift anything without fear of reinjury. They might seem like wimpy weights to anyone watching but you know what? I've got my arms back and they help my neck at the same time. I still can't do much but it's better than nothing! I really hope to get further along though and be able to do more.

Use what you got! Too bad I lost what I had Good luck. Smart to use low weights and if you're healing and toning then who cares what a bunch roid heads think!

Coke KILLED me on the Alaska cruise. We pack rum to make drinks and at most I'll usually have a coke 2 times a month. A week of them and I was a wreck. I haven't had a soda since. That and grapefruit seemed to really do me in. Challenge is that knock out beer, knock out soda, knock out bubble it leaves wine or straight cocktails (no thanks) or ones with juice. Citrus juice is also a trigger so I have to be careful and try to stick to things like mango. Let's just say I tried a number of drinks that I normally wouldn't have on this trip as a result. And that juice is a LOT of empty calories. LOL! My guess is that the juice and a little too much red meat is what I'm paying for now but it is so minimal compared to last years trip I am grateful. I could have just avoided it all of course but it was vacation.

It's so hard not to go bananas on vacation! It's vacation which means a break from reality in all avenues. But the aftermath stinks on many levels particularily the waistline and wallet for me.


I agree, juice is a ton of wasted calories. I rarely drink juice of any kind unless it's mixed with Vodka. I prefer water and drink about 90 oz a day. crazy. I do enjoy the occasional beer depending on what we're doing. Love beer by the pool or on the boat. I'm not a huge wine lover. I enjoy a glass but not much more than one, maybe two and even then it needs to be white for the most part or a light red.

LOL! I can pass on the sunflower seeds but definitely have my own things I don't want to give up. It's HARD! Cardio days are the best since I can eat back what I burned off. LOL. I get paranoid anymore about moving into a "maintenance" calorie level as it seems like SO much more than the losing level that one would have to gain weight back. Heck things fluctuate enough on their own. Hoping a couple of weeks of being good has me feeling on top of it again, I think it will.

It totally will. It just takes a couple weeks to get back into the swing of things. Miraculously, I haven't gained but have lost some tone. I am fine with my weight. I fluctuate about 1-2 lb but rarely more than that. But I am a flabby mess. I know what I need to do: weights. So I really can;t cry but I do anyway.

Still, the calories are shocking. I tracked it for the 1st 4 days of the trip and then fell off the wagon. Interesting how that correlates with a drop in the working out while on vacation too. Although I did make it to the fitness center once at OKW, Vero and the Dream so that's something. Right?

You tracked on vacation? I'm not even going to try. I think I'll be too shocked. And you made it to the fitness centers? That's inspirational. I always say I'll walk in the mornings but once I make my coffee and get on the deck in the quiet of the morning, fuggetaboutit!

59 days until WDW!!! ​

 

[eandesmom]

Gotcha. I just got glasses, bifocals to be exact but they gave me the worst headache so I'm opting to not see far away. Seriously. Does it take that long to get used to them?

I have progressives these days, which sucks as I have so many totally cute frames and it would cost a fortune to replace the lenses. It took a good month to get used to it but it was worth it.

Perfect! I'll look and tell you my best options. What are your dates again?

16-22

The party doesn't begin until 7? Why did I think 4? I haven't a clue. If that's the case then the 18th is great for an Epcot meet as we can eat at 5 and head over to MK about 5:30. I need to find out what time the parade and fireworks start. I want to see both.

I have last years info somewhere....

People who just have party tix but not park tix can get in at 4. Actual party isn't until 7 and that's when they kick non wristband folks out. I would think before 7 would be good but maybe not 4. We'd originally planned to do a late lunch at LTT when it was on the 21st but that won't work for the 18th but I'm ok with that.

I agree, juice is a ton of wasted calories. I rarely drink juice of any kind unless it's mixed with Vodka. I prefer water and drink about 90 oz a day. crazy. I do enjoy the occasional beer depending on what we're doing. Love beer by the pool or on the boat. I'm not a huge wine lover. I enjoy a glass but not much more than one, maybe two and even then it needs to be white for the most part or a light red.

I love beer, it doesn't love me. I haven't had any since April and feel a TON better. Easy to give up if it makes you miserable! I do like juice but the sugar, yikes! Goes right to my head. It can be a decent way to get calcium though.

You tracked on vacation? I'm not even going to try. I think I'll be too shocked. And you made it to the fitness centers? That's inspirational. I always say I'll walk in the mornings but once I make my coffee and get on the deck in the quiet of the morning, fuggetaboutit!

HAH! Only for the first 4 days and then I gave up. All things considered, I did ok. I worked out on every night before we left, including that night and then 1 day each at OKW, Vero and Dream. Had a couple of activities in there that burned some and then one park day which is a lot of walking. Still, I could feel the drop off towards the end, I think it all went downhill after Palo brunch. LOL!

 

[rentayenta]

I have progressives these days, which sucks as I have so many totally cute frames and it would cost a fortune to replace the lenses. It took a good month to get used to it but it was worth it.

Mine are called that too but let's call it what it is: bifocals. And I'm old. And a month? Crud but I better do it before WDW! I'll start right after our Bear Lake vacation that starts Sunday.

16-22

Cool, thanks! I know my Saturday 10/20 is empty other than M's buddy coming up but I could surely get away for a bit. I'll look at the ohter days. We'll have to exchange cells before then.

I have last years info somewhere....

People who just have party tix but not park tix can get in at 4. Actual party isn't until 7 and that's when they kick non wristband folks out. I would think before 7 would be good but maybe not 4. We'd originally planned to do a late lunch at LTT when it was on the 21st but that won't work for the 18th but I'm ok with that.

Oooohhhh ok. Yeah, I agree, 4 is unnecessary. I can swing Epcot then. I might have to bring the hubster. I can't imagine he'll give up the chance to drink beer at Rose and Crown.

I love beer, it doesn't love me. I haven't had any since April and feel a TON better. Easy to give up if it makes you miserable! I do like juice but the sugar, yikes! Goes right to my head. It can be a decent way to get calcium though.

Yeah. Does coffee creamer count for calcium? I know I don't get enough. My diet consists of far too much meat, an equal amount of veggies, plenty of fat, very little sugar and carbs. Sugar goes to my head too. Tequila is the alcohol that I enjoy but doesn't love me back. It gives me the worst acid reflux. I don't know what's in it but ouch on the heartburn. Do you take a multivitamin?

HAH! Only for the first 4 days and then I gave up. All things considered, I did ok. I worked out on every night before we left, including that night and then 1 day each at OKW, Vero and Dream. Had a couple of activities in there that burned some and then one park day which is a lot of walking. Still, I could feel the drop off towards the end, I think it all went downhill after Palo brunch. LOL!

Good girl and it should have all gone downhill starting with Palo! I've seen pics and it looks amazing! Was it an good as it appears? I'm not going to be able to wait until the Cruise part of your report.

 

[eandesmom]

Mine are called that too but let's call it what it is: bifocals. And I'm old. And a month? Crud but I better do it before WDW! I'll start right after our Bear Lake vacation that starts Sunday.

Stairs are the worst. It's faster for some folks but the trick is to keep wearing them as much as possible or you'll never train your eyes.

Cool, thanks! I know my Saturday 10/20 is empty other than M's buddy coming up but I could surely get away for a bit. I'll look at the ohter days. We'll have to exchange cells before then.

Sounds good. here's what my days look like
10/16 5:30pm arrival, dinner at Les Chefs

10/17 1pm culinary seminar at Epcot. Probably am at MK, PM at Epcot but it’s loose, could be a resort morning!

10/18 Breakfast at the wave, DIS Meet, MNSSHP. Maybe MK morning, or resort, Epcot mid day, MK night

10/19 Dinner at Citrico's. AK AM, MK PM

10/20 Dinner at Flying Fish. DHS basically all day is the current plan but kind of depends on how the earlier part of the week played out. DHS in the AM for sure but the afternoon is open.

10/21 1pm culinary seminar at Epcot, Dinner at HBD. Open morning, Epcot mid day, Evening at DHS

10/22. Open until I leave on DME around 3:30. Guessing it will be mostly at Epcot. May add in a breakfast at Kouzzina though..YUM!

Oooohhhh ok. Yeah, I agree, 4 is unnecessary. I can swing Epcot then. I might have to bring the hubster. I can't imagine he'll give up the chance to drink beer at Rose and Crown.

Bring him! I'd love to meet him.

Yeah. Does coffee creamer count for calcium? I know I don't get enough. My diet consists of far too much meat, an equal amount of veggies, plenty of fat, very little sugar and carbs. Sugar goes to my head too. Tequila is the alcohol that I enjoy but doesn't love me back. It gives me the worst acid reflux. I don't know what's in it but ouch on the heartburn. Do you take a multivitamin?

Greek yogurt is my friend. Not enough calcium by itself though for darn sure but it helps. Right now I'm not taking anything supplement wise and should. I'd been taking D, Omega 3 and some B12 and then my skin went nuts. I think it was the B12, my dr. says no. To be safe, I quit everything but really need to start up again on the D and omega 3. I just finished on the rx cream to clear things up so will probably start these back up tonight and see what happens. I have a pretty low fat diet which helps a lot. A lot of fish, pork and chicken. Not much red meat. It is hard to get enough calcium but I wills say that the app has helped me improve on it. I get a ridiculous amount of Vit A but the C is a challenge thanks to the citrus and fruit sugar intolerance

Good girl and it should have all gone downhill starting with Palo! I've seen pics and it looks amazing! Was it an good as it appears? I'm not going to be able to wait until the Cruise part of your report.

So so good! Just as good as last summer. We did both the brunch and the dinner and yep, you'll have to wait.

 

[rentayenta]

Stairs are the worst. It's faster for some folks but the trick is to keep wearing them as much as possible or you'll never train your eyes.

Oh I never go upstairs. The kids' rooms are all upstairs. And their bathroom.

Sounds good. here's what my days look like
10/16 5:30pm arrival, dinner at Les Chefs

10/17 1pm culinary seminar at Epcot. Probably am at MK, PM at Epcot but it’s loose, could be a resort morning!

10/18 Breakfast at the wave, DIS Meet, MNSSHP. Maybe MK morning, or resort, Epcot mid day, MK night

10/19 Dinner at Citrico's. AK AM, MK PM

10/20 Dinner at Flying Fish. DHS basically all day is the current plan but kind of depends on how the earlier part of the week played out. DHS in the AM for sure but the afternoon is open.

10/21 1pm culinary seminar at Epcot, Dinner at HBD. Open morning, Epcot mid day, Evening at DHS

10/22. Open until I leave on DME around 3:30. Guessing it will be mostly at Epcot. May add in a breakfast at Kouzzina though..YUM!

We'll be at Epcot the night of 10/17 too. We have Rose and Crown that night. Or just F&W depending on how we're feeling. My kids love English food so I'm really wanting to go there just not sure how F&W will affect our ADR plans when we're at Epcot.

We'll also be at MNSSHP the same night so that's another option. You can meet the whole fam damily.

The 19th is our water park/AKV resort day with dinner at Saana. I'm super duper excited about this day!

10/20 is totally open except for a slight dream to do EMH at DHS. I'll never learn that scheduling morning EMH is a pipe dream. This is the day though that M's buddy will be with us so as I think about it, it will be next to improbable I'll get away.

HBD? We've got evening EMH at DHS, Boma at 5:00, and Epcot in the morning. I have a feeling the only thing that really may happen is Boma.

10/22 is a sleep in day, which I don't do, so coffee would work here too. I could come to you even. Hmmm.....

We've got some viable options.

What seminars are you doing?

Bring him! I'd love to meet him.

I just may! We can ditch the kids for a while. Do you know how long I've been waiting to say that?

Greek yogurt is my friend. Not enough calcium by itself though for darn sure but it helps. Right now I'm not taking anything supplement wise and should. I'd been taking D, Omega 3 and some B12 and then my skin went nuts. I think it was the B12, my dr. says no. To be safe, I quit everything but really need to start up again on the D and omega 3. I just finished on the rx cream to clear things up so will probably start these back up tonight and see what happens. I have a pretty low fat diet which helps a lot. A lot of fish, pork and chicken. Not much red meat. It is hard to get enough calcium but I wills say that the app has helped me improve on it. I get a ridiculous amount of Vit A but the C is a challenge thanks to the citrus and fruit sugar intolerance

I hear ya. No pork here though which can be so lean. Lots of chicken and far too much red meat. And way too much fat.

What is the Omega 3 for? Healthy fats? I was taking a multi vitamin but it was like a horse pill and made my pee stink. TMI. I guess I should warn with that first?!

C is the challenge but I eat a lot of tomatoes which I think have C. I don't think a day goes by that I don't eat a tomato. Weird huh? I'm tempted to go back on prenatals as it made my hair so nice.

So so good! Just as good as last summer. We did both the brunch and the dinner and yep, you'll have to wait.

>€#%#! One day I'm taking one of those darn Disney cruises. I may have to copy your Alaska idea just to reel M in.

 

[eandesmom]

We'll be at Epcot the night of 10/17 too. We have Rose and Crown that night. Or just F&W depending on how we're feeling. My kids love English food so I'm really wanting to go there just not sure how F&W will affect our ADR plans when we're at Epcot.

We are planning on F&W that night so we will be there!

We'll also be at MNSSHP the same night so that's another option. You can meet the whole fam damily.

10/20 is totally open except for a slight dream to do EMH at DHS. I'll never learn that scheduling morning EMH is a pipe dream. This is the day though that M's buddy will be with us so as I think about it, it will be next to improbable I'll get away.

We are doing EMH. At least I hope to pull it off. It is SO great for TSM! We are moving to BWV that day so it's a little tricky but I think it's doable. I want to try anyway! The boys and I did it once. I think we got there at 8:30 but even that helped a ton. I left the rest of them in bed. Actually not really, K&J worked out..she had to do soccer conditioning so they left Taylor in bed. And then got locked out of the room if memory serves. LOL! They met up with us around 10:30 I think.

But my plan is EMH/TSM, followed by a carrot cake cookie and iced coffee and then a later lunch of sushi at Starring Rolls! My wish list anyway.

HBD? We've got evening EMH at DHS, Boma at 5:00, and Epcot in the morning. I have a feeling the only thing that really may happen is Boma.

HBD = Hollywood Brown Derby. So we will definitely be there for EMH after dinner.

10/22 is a sleep in day, which I don't do, so coffee would work here too. I could come to you even. Hmmm.....[/QUOTE]

Breakfast at Kouzzina is amazing...and their coffee is good too! think about it

What seminars are you doing?

Culinary, both at 1pm. 17th and 21st. 17th is a chicken one by the guy from the San Angel Inn/Mexico. We eat SO much chicken any new ideas would be welcome. Plus it's only $9. 21st is a gal from Kerrigold Irish butter (OMG that stuff is insane) doing a cheese/pork seminar. YUM!

I hear ya. No pork here though which can be so lean. Lots of chicken and far too much red meat. And way too much fat.

What is the Omega 3 for? Healthy fats? I was taking a multi vitamin but it was like a horse pill and made my pee stink. TMI. I guess I should warn with that first?!

C is the challenge but I eat a lot of tomatoes which I think have C. I don't think a day goes by that I don't eat a tomato. Weird huh? I'm tempted to go back on prenatals as it made my hair so nice.

Nah, the omega 3 is for my eyes. I do get lots of it with all the fish we eat but more is helpful. I eat a lot of tomatoes, when we have them. I live in a house of tomato vultures.

I was planning on pork chops tonight but Eric requested fish and that does sound better to me, we will see. I get VERY sick of both pork and chicken. I actually do a lot with ground turkey and chicken and chicken or turkey sausage. In some ways not ideal. Great for the older teens and adults but the E's need every ounce of fat I can put on them!

>€#%#! One day I'm taking one of those darn Disney cruises. I may have to copy your Alaska idea just to reel M in.

It was incredible. Although Castaway Cay was pretty stinking cool too!

 

[rentayenta]

We are planning on F&W that night so we will be there!






We are doing EMH. At least I hope to pull it off. It is SO great for TSM! We are moving to BWV that day so it's a little tricky but I think it's doable. I want to try anyway! The boys and I did it once. I think we got there at 8:30 but even that helped a ton. I left the rest of them in bed. Actually not really, K&J worked out..she had to do soccer conditioning so they left Taylor in bed. And then got locked out of the room if memory serves. LOL! They met up with us around 10:30 I think.

I love that K did conditioning during vacation. She's so dedicated! She's darling. All of your kids are.

There's truly no other way to do TSMM than with FP. The lines at both WDW and DL get ridiculous. And at least WDW has a FP for it, DL doesn't and it's a joke.

But my plan is EMH/TSM, followed by a carrot cake cookie and iced coffee and then a later lunch of sushi at Starring Rolls! My wish list anyway.

They have good carrot cake? I love carrot cake. And I didn't know Starring Rolls had sushi. For some reason, DHS is my least favorite park and it's M's favorite. I think I just answered my own question.......I've never really investigated DHS before this trip but now that we've got 50's planned, I'm a little more excited. I know it's got great attractions like TSMM, The Great Movie Ride, One Man's Dream, R n R, and ToT (which I actually could give or take) but there's something about the layout that bugs. Maybe I haven't given it a chance. We've never done the Backlot Tour so that's on my list.

HBD = Hollywood Brown Derby. So we will definitely be there for EMH.

Breakfast at Kouzzina is amazing...and their coffee is good too! think about it

Breakfast sounds perfect. Think we need an ADR?

Culinary, both at 1pm. 17th and 21st. 17th is a chicken one by the guy from the San Angel Inn/Mexico. We eat SO much chicken any new ideas would be welcome. Plus it's only $9. 21st is a gal from Kerrigold Irish butter (OMG that stuff is insane) doing a cheese/pork seminar. YUM!

$9? You can't go wrong! how long do those last. What do you get to try for $9?

Nah, the omega 3 is for my eyes. I do get lots of it with all the fish we eat but more is helpful. I eat a lot of tomatoes, when we have them. I live in a house of tomato vultures.

I was planning on pork chops tonight but Eric requested fish and that does sound better to me, we will see. I get VERY sick of both pork and chicken. I actually do a lot with ground turkey and chicken and chicken or turkey sausage. In some ways not ideal. Great for the older teens and adults but the E's need every ounce of fat I can put on them!



It was incredible. Although Castaway Cay was pretty stinking cool too!

I have the best pork roast with sage recipe. It's super easy too. I miss it. I've tried to substitute chicken breasts but it's not the same.

I'd go just for Castaway Cay. It looks so amazing. The sand looks so clean and the water looks so blue. We're the characters really there on the island? Don't feel you have to give anything away. Just wondering because every brochure has Mickey on the sand.

Us too with the tomatoes. Every since they were little, they'd eat them off the vine. This year I have more cherry tomatoes than I know what to do with. We have them in the candy dish.

 

[eandesmom]

I love that K did conditioning during vacation. She's so dedicated! She's darling. All of your kids are.

There's truly no other way to do TSMM than with FP. The lines at both WDW and DL get ridiculous. And at least WDW has a FP for it, DL doesn't and it's a joke.

They have good carrot cake? I love carrot cake. And I didn't know Starring Rolls had sushi. For some reason, DHS is my least favorite park and it's M's favorite. I think I just answered my own question.......I've never really investigated DHS before this trip but now that we've got 50's planned, I'm a little more excited. I know it's got great attractions like TSMM, The Great Movie Ride, One Man's Dream, R n R, and ToT (which I actually could give or take) but there's something about the layout that bugs. Maybe I haven't given it a chance. We've never done the Backlot Tour so that's on my list.

Breakfast sounds perfect. Think we need an ADR?

$9? You can't go wrong! how long do those last. What do you get to try for $9?

I have the best pork roast with sage recipe. It's super easy too. I miss it. I've tried to substitute chicken breasts but it's not the same.

I'd go just for Castaway Cay. It looks so amazing. The sand looks so clean and the water looks so blue. We're the characters really there on the island? Don't feel you have to give anything away. Just wondering because every brochure has Mickey on the sand.

Us too with the tomatoes. Every since they were little, they'd eat them off the vine. This year I have more cherry tomatoes than I know what to do with. We have them in the candy dish.

Well the conditioning takes a little nagging. That was in 2010. She wasn't thrilled about it but didn't want her mom to hear she wouldn't do it either lol. Think she it in 3 workouts over 12 days, not great. But not nothing either . This trip I think she only officially worked out once but had some serious sand volleyball and soccer and heck she needed the break. No nagging this time. She's have gone at vero with me but AP English and geometry had to be dealt with and she really fought us one those all trip. She'd have taken the gym in a heartbeat over the homework even though she chose the summer work! 2010 was different and was right before her first hs try outs ever an she was really hoping to make varsity.

Writers stop has a carrot cake cookie that is to die for! The sushi at starring rolls is new.

Why can't you make the pork roast?

Probably don't need an ADR though we could make one to be safe but I'd bet it's be fine as a walk in for breakfast.

I can't afford to keep them in the candy dish but my kids would love it! That and raw bell peppers.

 

[rentayenta]

Well the conditioning takes a little nagging. That was in 2010. She wasn't thrilled about it but didn't want her mom to hear she wouldn't do it either lol. Think she it in 3 workouts over 12 days, not great. But not nothing either . This trip I think she only officially worked out once but had some serious sand volleyball and soccer and heck she needed the break. No nagging this time. She's have gone at vero with me but AP English and geometry had to be dealt with and she really fought us one those all trip. She'd have taken the gym in a heartbeat over the homework even though she chose the summer work! 2010 was different and was right before her first hs try outs ever an she was really hoping to make varsity.

Writers stop has a carrot cake cookie that is to die for! The sushi at starring rolls is new.

Why can't you make the pork roast?

Probably don't need an ADR though we could make one to be safe but I'd bet it's be fine as a walk in for breakfast.

I can't afford to keep them in the candy dish but my kids would love it! That and raw bell peppers.

3/12 is good especially for a teenage girl who is also doing homework. Way to go K!

I'm glad her mother didn't give you grief this trip like the others. It just makes it harder on everyone.

We generally try not to eat pork at home, it's a kosher thing. We don't keep actual kosher as that would require two kitchens but we do what we can. Now, when we're out or on vacation, it's no rules, just right. I sound like an Outback commercial. and I know how insane we seem having a Christmas Tree but that's just for social/custom reasons, not religion.

I have them from the garden and they're so delicious. If you were closer, I'd share. I love raw peppers too but not the green ones. They make me burpy where the others don't.

I can make an ADR. How early do you think? Your friends are welcome to join us.

I knew I'd been to Starring Rolls and thought I was losing it as I don't remember sushi. It's been over 3 years since we've been so I am sure a lot has changed. This has been quite the pre trip of research. I feel like I'm spinning.

 

[eandesmom]

3/12 is good especially for a teenage girl who is also doing homework. Way to go K!

I'm glad her mother didn't give you grief this trip like the others. It just makes it harder on everyone.

We generally try not to eat pork at home, it's a kosher thing. We don't keep actual kosher as that would require two kitchens but we do what we can. Now, when we're out or on vacation, it's no rules, just right. I sound like an Outback commercial. and I know how insane we seem having a Christmas Tree but that's just for social/custom reasons, not religion.

I have them from the garden and they're so delicious. If you were closer, I'd share. I love raw peppers too but not the green ones. They make me burpy where the others don't.

I can make an ADR. How early do you think? Your friends are welcome to join us.

I knew I'd been to Starring Rolls and thought I was losing it as I don't remember sushi. It's been over 3 years since we've been so I am sure a lot has changed. This has been quite the pre trip of research. I feel like I'm spinning.

That's what I figured, kosher, but since you had a recipe I was confused. What about fish?

Sadly I do think part of the reason her mom gave less grief on the conditioning is simply that her spots are secure. I hope she gave k grief on the homework, it was not good and there will be stories as the tr goes on. Not sure if she's caught up or not but I sure hope so.

It'd just be Mary Ellen if she's up for it, I'll ask. Totally flexible on time . Whatever works for you

 

[rentayenta]

That's what I figured, kosher, but since you had a recipe I was confused. What about fish?

Sadly I do think part of the reason her mom gave less grief on the conditioning is simply that her spots are secure. I hope she gave k grief on the homework, it was not good and there will be stories as the tr goes on. Not sure if she's caught up or not but I sure hope so.

It'd just be Mary Ellen if she's up for it, I'll ask. Totally flexible on time . Whatever works for you

I'm posting from my phone so I apologize in advance for typos......

In a nutshell, we're just trying to be better Jews. We're Reform which basically means liberal. We don't follow and haven't followed kosher restrictions strictly but we do what we can. Like most folks I know, we simply try to be the best people we can. We haven't always done the *no pork* thing so that's why I've got a recipe. We also weren't as involved until the kids started religious school- which is fairly typical- especially around here. As you can imagine, there aren't a ton of Jews

We love fish! Shellfish is a no no but we're not the best there. Again, we're Reform so not being kosher won't get you kicked out or anything.

Homework is always an issue- for us anyway. I fear this will be our last year pulling them out for such a long trip. Missing 6 days of school, in retrospect, wasn't the brightest idea. As soon as we get their schedules/teachers, I'm going to email. We are doing a YES class so I can church it up there with a little education.

I sure hope K got caught up! How often do you get to have her? She sounds like a great soccer player too- very dedicated.

Cool, I'll look at the night before and see what looks reasonable for time. With travel to the BW from AKV and breakfast, I think I'll need no less than 2 hours. I don't think I can bus from AKV to the BW can I?

 

[rentayenta]

58 days until WDW!!! ​

 

[eandesmom]

I'm posting from my phone so I apologize in advance for typos......

LOL! I do that at the gym while on the elliptical, it can make for some funny posts! But it does make the time whiz by.

In a nutshell, we're just trying to be better Jews. We're Reform which basically means liberal. We don't follow and haven't followed kosher restrictions strictly but we do what we can. Like most folks I know, we simply try to be the best people we can. We haven't always done the *no pork* thing so that's why I've got a recipe. We also weren't as involved until the kids started religious school- which is fairly typical- especially around here. As you can imagine, there aren't a ton of Jews

We love fish! Shellfish is a no no but we're not the best there. Again, we're Reform so not being kosher won't get you kicked out or anything.

Cool, I didn't think regular fish was a kosher issue but you mentioned mostly eating red meat and chicken so I wondered. I'd planned to make pork chops last night but the night before Eric goes "I'd like to have fish" and all day all I could think was...me too! Grilled red snapper with tropical salsa, black bean quinoa and spinach salad. YUM! And helped made up for the gardettos snack mix that the evil folks at my office keep in the kitchen for everyone to use that I couldn't resist. I have got to restock with healthier crunchy things at my desk, major weakness. Although the salsa I picked up was too spicy for the kids, bummer.

Homework is always an issue- for us anyway. I fear this will be our last year pulling them out for such a long trip. Missing 6 days of school, in retrospect, wasn't the brightest idea. As soon as we get their schedules/teachers, I'm going to email. We are doing a YES class so I can church it up there with a little education.

I sure hope K got caught up! How often do you get to have her? She sounds like a great soccer player too- very dedicated.

Yeah, we had a rather disastrous experience in 2009. K was in MS, T in HS. Both basically said they had little to no homework, we emailed teachers, got little to no response. One night Tay was up till midnight writing something that had to be submitted by midnight Seattle time and neither cracked their math. Both bombed a math test upon return. Not abnormal for Tay but hugely abnormal for K.

And they only missed 2.5 days! So....we are avoiding it at all costs. It may come into play for next years trip for a day or 2 but it's too early to say and who knows if that trip will really happen. I'd like to think it will but there are a LOT of variables.

Basically for AP she had to read a book and write a paper before school started. She hadn't really started the book before we left and didn't get much read on the trip. For the math, she's taking an online geometry class so that she can get onto the right math track. For whatever reason her mom had her at the regular track and she should be on the honors track. She needs the geometry done before school starts in 3 weeks to be able to take the math class she is registered for!

She got barely anything done on that too and fought us on both, BIG time. Which is funny as she is the one driving both of these classes, she could have chosen regular English, not tried to move up in math, no one is making her do that, heavens knows her grades are more good enough without all that. This is a girl who sulks at an A-. We won't see her till labor day weekend. This would normally be our weekend but we traded to have 2 on the trip. Typically we have her every other weekend and Jeff sees her more than that as they sort of split some of the soccer carpooling, etc. We used to have them on one weeknight a week which was GREAT in feeling in the loop and seeing the classwork but once HS hits it was really hard to make it work with schedules and how early school starts since they are in a different district.

Cool, I'll look at the night before and see what looks reasonable for time. With travel to the BW from AKV and breakfast, I think I'll need no less than 2 hours. I don't think I can bus from AKV to the BW can I?

Sadly no. You can cab which is fastest but obviously not free. I would think best would be to bus to DHS and walk over or hop on a friendship boat. You can do that with Epcot as well but I think DHS is better as you don't even have to go into the park to walk or catch the bus whereas at Epcot you have to walk all the way through FW and part of the WS to get to the International Gateway and then the Boardwalk is on the left. You can catch a boat at the IG but once you are through it's not that much farther at all. Plus I think the DHS walk is pretty!

 

[rentayenta]

LOL! I do that at the gym while on the elliptical, it can make for some funny posts! But it does make the time whiz by.[

Great idea.

Cool, I didn't think regular fish was a kosher issue but you mentioned mostly eating red meat and chicken so I wondered. I'd planned to make pork chops last night but the night before Eric goes "I'd like to have fish" and all day all I could think was...me too! Grilled red snapper with tropical salsa, black bean quinoa and spinach salad. YUM! And helped made up for the gardettos snack mix that the evil folks at my office keep in the kitchen for everyone to use that I couldn't resist. I have got to restock with healthier crunchy things at my desk, major weakness. Although the salsa I picked up was too spicy for the kids, bummer.

We eat a lot of red meat because we're total carnivores. M and I love fish. Gab and Joshua like it, and Chloe is not a huge fan so we do eat it but not more than once a week. Our favorites a halibut and tilapia. Yum, tropical salsa! What do you put in yours? M makes a great pineapple, mango, red and yellow pepper one. It's got a bunch of spices too but I haven't a clue what they are.

Evil Gardettos! I hear ya. I just have to stay away. My office mates snack constantly and I just have to say no. To all of it! Once I get started I will snack all day. I used to be a big snacker but not so much anymore. If M is cooking dinner, that gives me willpower for the most part. Except last night. My friend bought me some of my very favorite crack laced tortilla chips from her trip to Cali. I sat in bed and almost ate a full bag last night. so worth every flipping calorie though.

Yeah, we had a rather disastrous experience in 2009. K was in MS, T in HS. Both basically said they had little to no homework, we emailed teachers, got little to no response. One night Tay was up till midnight writing something that had to be submitted by midnight Seattle time and neither cracked their math. Both bombed a math test upon return. Not abnormal for Tay but hugely abnormal for K.

That's my fear right there in a nutshell. I'm not worried about Joshua at all, he's a stellar student. Gabby is in the middle depending on how motivated she feels. But Chloe, sweet sweet Chloe, just refuses to follow through unless she finds it interesting. I'm blue in the face from trying to explain life isn't always interesting nor are our responsibilities. She either refuses or is unable to conceptualize that. Either way, it makes for more than a few headaches.

And they only missed 2.5 days! So....we are avoiding it at all costs. It may come into play for next years trip for a day or 2 but it's too early to say and who knows if that trip will really happen. I'd like to think it will but there are a LOT of variables.

Basically for AP she had to read a book and write a paper before school started. She hadn't really started the book before we left and didn't get much read on the trip. For the math, she's taking an online geometry class so that she can get onto the right math track. For whatever reason her mom had her at the regular track and she should be on the honors track. She needs the geometry done before school starts in 3 weeks to be able to take the math class she is registered for!

2.5 is fantastic! I should have thought my time out better but there is no other time to do MNSSHP and F&W.

Is she caught up? I was wondering if she was in summer school or if you guys did some sort of modified year round like they do in Arizona?

She got barely anything done on that too and fought us on both, BIG time. Which is funny as she is the one driving both of these classes, she could have chosen regular English, not tried to move up in math, no one is making her do that, heavens knows her grades are more good enough without all that. This is a girl who sulks at an A-. We won't see her till labor day weekend. This would normally be our weekend but we traded to have 2 on the trip. Typically we have her every other weekend and Jeff sees her more than that as they sort of split some of the soccer carpooling, etc. We used to have them on one weeknight a week which was GREAT in feeling in the loop and seeing the classwork but once HS hits it was really hard to make it work with schedules and how early school starts since they are in a different district.

Anything fun planned for Labor Day weekend? Seems as though Jeff and his ex have an amiable relationship? I bet you miss her during the week.

Sulks at an A-. That's a lot of pressure to put on herself. Joshua is the same way. Gabby and Chloe are stoked with C's. I think I'm too liberal. I'm a social worker/therapist.

Sadly no. You can cab which is fastest but obviously not free. I would think best would be to bus to DHS and walk over or hop on a friendship boat. You can do that with Epcot as well but I think DHS is better as you don't even have to go into the park to walk or catch the bus whereas at Epcot you have to walk all the way through FW and part of the WS to get to the International Gateway and then the Boardwalk is on the left. You can catch a boat at the IG but once you are through it's not that much farther at all. Plus I think the DHS walk is pretty!

By Day 11 as far as money goes, cab fare will be the least of my worries Cabbing it is a good idea. That's what I'll do. Do they have them waiting, do you know?

 

[eandesmom]

Yum, tropical salsa! What do you put in yours? M makes a great pineapple, mango, red and yellow pepper one. It's got a bunch of spices too but I haven't a clue what they are.

Whatever the store put in it lol! I don't have the time to be chopping up fruit and veggies for a salsa. This one had pinapple, mango, red & yellow peppers, a hot pepper but not sure which one and red and white onions so it definitely had a had a bite. Cliantro, lime juice and i'm not sure what else. A mango/papaya one with a little less kick would have been preferred by the E's.

crack laced tortilla chips from her trip to Cali. I sat in bed and almost ate a full bag last night. so worth every flipping calorie though.

OMG I am addicted to cheddar sun chips and the boulder canyon rice/black bean ones. total crack. worth every calorie.

That's my fear right there in a nutshell. I'm not worried about Joshua at all, he's a stellar student. Gabby is in the middle depending on how motivated she feels. But Chloe, sweet sweet Chloe, just refuses to follow through unless she finds it interesting. I'm blue in the face from trying to explain life isn't always interesting nor are our responsibilities. She either refuses or is unable to conceptualize that. Either way, it makes for more than a few headaches.

yeah, Eric's that way which is doubly frustrating as he is the one in the "highly capable" program. Evan's challenge has been comparing himself to eric and thinking he isn't capable of good grades and getting his mind beyond "a B is good enough". Big progress in that area last year though.

2.5 is fantastic! I should have thought my time out better but there is no other time to do MNSSHP and F&W.

Is she caught up? I was wondering if she was in summer school or if you guys did some sort of modified year round like they do in Arizona?

That's what we thought but they still bombed a test so it scared us from any future pulls. She's not technically in summer school. She has AP English this fall and it had summer homework. A book and a paper. paper is due the first day of school She also chose to try to move to a higher math track for fall. Geometry is a requirement and she hasn't taken it yet. So she is doing an online class through BYU and has to have it complete before school starts. no clue if she is caught up, won't find out till labor day weekend and at that point it will be close to too late. We are going to Whistler with Jeff's dad and step mom. I predict she is NOT caught up and will be in the condo all weekend on a laptop trying to get it done, but really on facebook when she should be working. While you want to be mad, when the kid has a 3.93 it's hard to get too upset. Still though...she gets the procrastination gene from her mother for sure.

Anything fun planned for Labor Day weekend? Seems as though Jeff and his ex have an amiable relationship? I bet you miss her during the week.

Sulks at an A-. That's a lot of pressure to put on herself. Joshua is the same way. Gabby and Chloe are stoked with C's. I think I'm too liberal. I'm a social worker/therapist.

Civil is a better word. She and I are amiable, Jeff and she tolerate each other. LOL! C's aren't acceptable at our house. Doesn't mean they don't happen but it makes for very unhappy parents. Expectation is a B with a strong emphasis on the fact that they are ALL capable of A's in almost all subjects. We do pay for grades once they hit MS and it's a sliding scale so they can definitely see the payoff if they do well.

By Day 11 as far as money goes, cab fare will be the least of my worries Cabbing it is a good idea. That's what I'll do. Do they have them waiting, do you know?

Sometimes but if not, bell services at the front will call. Usually you only have to wait if you are a large group that needs a van. For just one there is probably one either at Kidani or Jambo within a few minutes I'd think. I've done cabs to and from Kidani and from Jambo. Each time we waited between 5-20 minutes but we had either 5 or 6 of us.

 

[rentayenta]

Whatever the store put in it lol! I don't have the time to be chopping up fruit and veggies for a salsa. This one had pinapple, mango, red & yellow peppers, a hot pepper but not sure which one and red and white onions so it definitely had a had a bite. Cliantro, lime juice and i'm not sure what else. A mango/papaya one with a little less kick would have been preferred by the E's.

OMG I am addicted to cheddar sun chips and the boulder canyon rice/black bean ones. total crack. worth every calorie.

yeah, Eric's that way which is doubly frustrating as he is the one in the "highly capable" program. Evan's challenge has been comparing himself to eric and thinking he isn't capable of good grades and getting his mind beyond "a B is good enough". Big progress in that area last year though.

That's what we thought but they still bombed a test so it scared us from any future pulls. She's not technically in summer school. She has AP English this fall and it had summer homework. A book and a paper. paper is due the first day of school She also chose to try to move to a higher math track for fall. Geometry is a requirement and she hasn't taken it yet. So she is doing an online class through BYU and has to have it complete before school starts. no clue if she is caught up, won't find out till labor day weekend and at that point it will be close to too late. We are going to Whistler with Jeff's dad and step mom. I predict she is NOT caught up and will be in the condo all weekend on a laptop trying to get it done, but really on facebook when she should be working. While you want to be mad, when the kid has a 3.93 it's hard to get too upset. Still though...she gets the procrastination gene from her mother for sure.

Civil is a better word. She and I are amiable, Jeff and she tolerate each other. LOL! C's aren't acceptable at our house. Doesn't mean they don't happen but it makes for very unhappy parents. Expectation is a B with a strong emphasis on the fact that they are ALL capable of A's in almost all subjects. We do pay for grades once they hit MS and it's a sliding scale so they can definitely see the payoff if they do well.

Sometimes but if not, bell services at the front will call. Usually you only have to wait if you are a large group that needs a van. For just one there is probably one either at Kidani or Jambo within a few minutes I'd think. I've done cabs to and from Kidani and from Jambo. Each time we waited between 5-20 minutes but we had either 5 or 6 of us.

C's aren't acceptable here either unless they've truly done their best. I only said they are happy with C's We're not of it's due to plain old laziness.

That's the issue now with computers- too much temptation to get off task! I'm a great case in point. I don't think I've been on the computer without checking the DIS in ages. Pitiful! But we do everything online; pay bills, email, register kids for school/sports, movie tickets etc etc.....

Haha on the salsa! Trader Joe's makes a decent pineapple salsa. Yes, there was cilantro and line juice. Clearly, I'm not the cook.

Civil is doable. When my folks spilt, they were so far from civil. Hopefully as the kids age, it will become smoother. But then there are weddings and grand babies, graduations and so forth.

 

[eandesmom]

C's aren't acceptable here either unless they've truly done their best. I only said they are happy with C's We're not of it's due to plain old laziness.

I hear you there. Tay and Evan have come home with C's on major tests...that we know they worked their butt's off on. Evan is a terrible test taker. I'm not going to berate them over that...but will show them how they can get their grade up in other ways for sure.

Civil is doable. When my folks spilt, they were so far from civil. Hopefully as the kids age, it will become smoother. But then there are weddings and grand babies, graduations and so forth.

Mine and Jeff's weren't either. My dad tried, my mom was crazy. Jeff's folks think they were civil but she badmouthed his dad a lot and it really colored his opinion. I've no idea how valid or not it was as I've heard mixed things. My guess it was somewhere in the middle. I go out of my way NOT to badmouth my ex though lord knows there is plenty to say. It's not baggage the E's need and they are entirely capable of forming their own opinions. I try to be honest, if asked but there is plenty they just may never need to know. As far as Jeff goes, it's not un-smooth and as much as possible, fine in front of the kids. They just go out of their way to avoid talking to each other. LOL! The whole college thing has been interesting and I'm sure will continue to be.

Mary Ellen is up for breakfast, I figured she would be. She was with me the last time I ate there (only time lol). SO yummy!!!

 

[rentayenta]

I hear you there. Tay and Evan have come home with C's on major tests...that we know they worked their butt's off on. Evan is a terrible test taker. I'm not going to berate them over that...but will show them how they can get their grade up in other ways for sure.




Mine and Jeff's weren't either. My dad tried, my mom was crazy. Jeff's folks think they were civil but she badmouthed his dad a lot and it really colored his opinion. I've no idea how valid or not it was as I've heard mixed things. My guess it was somewhere in the middle. I go out of my way NOT to badmouth my ex though lord knows there is plenty to say. It's not baggage the E's need and they are entirely capable of forming their own opinions. I try to be honest, if asked but there is plenty they just may never need to know. As far as Jeff goes, it's not un-smooth and as much as possible, fine in front of the kids. They just go out of their way to avoid talking to each other. LOL! The whole college thing has been interesting and I'm sure will continue to be.

Mary Ellen is up for breakfast, I figured she would be. She was with me the last time I ate there (only time lol). SO yummy!!!

So sorry it's taken me so long to reply. It's been a nutty couple of days. I've been packing, shopping, chopping, and getting ready for our trip to Bear Lake tomorrow. I'm so excited to get out of here and into the blue sky. We've had so many wild fires locally and the sky is grey/blue. I need some sunshine!


Okay, cool. Glad she's in. It'll be fun. I'm going to make an ADR, what time?


How did you meet Jeff? I'm always curious about how people meet. Michael and I met in bar. He had dated a friend/coworker's sister a while before. He came in to say hi to my friend and that's how we met. I was dating someone else at the time. He asked me out. I said no. On NYE my boyfriend broke up with me, per usual and I ran I to M at a party on New Years Day. The rest is history. Isn't that crazy? I married my rebound and it lasted. Such a crap shoot!


Its good that they know their limitations and minimize contact. And I agree that the kids don't need to know everything. It took me 30 years to realize I wasn't an extension of my mother. I hope to never inflict that garbage on my kids. My folks were married and divorced to each other three times. Yes, you read that correctly. I grew up in total emotional chaos. I think that's why my boundaries are so solid now. I knew what I didn't want but having totally unhealthy role models didn't do me any favors. Becoming a mother was the catalyst for true change for me.

What does this have to with Disney some might ask? Umm......let me see.....my dad used to take me weekly, if not more, as a child.

 

[eandesmom]

So sorry it's taken me so long to reply. It's been a nutty couple of days. I've been packing, shopping, chopping, and getting ready for our trip to Bear Lake tomorrow. I'm so excited to get out of here and into the blue sky. We've had so many wild fires locally and the sky is grey/blue. I need some sunshine!

Ick on the fires, they keep us (my company) busy but wild fires are their own animal. Have a GREAT trip!

Okay, cool. Glad she's in. It'll be fun. I'm going to make an ADR, what time?

Honestly whatever works for you should be good, though maybe not before 8...I try not to speak too much before then, it's best for everyone involved. Neither Mary Ellen and I are late sleepers and well, we will be walking there so it's pretty darn easy! I have to pack but since MEK isn't leaving till the next day I really don't have to do it in the morning YAY and can be a little last minute about it if I want and DME isn't until about 3:30. Not that I should have all that much to pack anyway. We will have only beent here 2 nights and my guess is that I won't really unpack there so it should be a piece of cake.

Compared to my last girls trip where I was literally sitting on my suitcase trying to zip it up

How did you meet Jeff? I'm always curious about how people meet. Michael and I met in bar. He had dated a friend/coworker's sister a while before. He came in to say hi to my friend and that's how we met. I was dating someone else at the time. He asked me out. I said no. On NYE my boyfriend broke up with me, per usual and I ran I to M at a party on New Years Day. The rest is history. Isn't that crazy? I married my rebound and it lasted. Such a crap shoot!

It is a crap shoot! The boys dad was the rebound guy...not such a happy story. Jeff and I actually met online. As did my brother and his current wife. Apparently we do much better that way for some reason, go figure. Still it's pretty cool. Jeff and I are SO alike in so many ways and were living really similar lives but were just far enough away (dfferent school districts, kids different ages, different church) that our paths never would have crossed otherwise. God Bless the intranet!

Its good that they know their limitations and minimize contact. And I agree that the kids don't need to know everything. It took me 30 years to realize I wasn't an extension of my mother. I hope to never inflict that garbage on my kids. My folks were married and divorced to each other three times. Yes, you read that correctly. I grew up in total emotional chaos. I think that's why my boundaries are so solid now. I knew what I didn't want but having totally unhealthy role models didn't do me any favors. Becoming a mother was the catalyst for true change for me.

What does this have to with Disney some might ask? Umm......let me see.....my dad used to take me weekly, if not more, as a child.

Oh my! Yes, that will help with boundaries for sure! NO matter what you do, kids will take both good and bad. It took me a long time to realize I couldn't fix my (biological) mom. And that marrying guys who needed fixing because I couldn't fix her, wasn't the answer either.