Leaving the hubbies and kids behind - A May 2010 PTR, TR has begun!

[2xcited2sleep]

Oy. Mommy guilt sounds like the worst!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Hi kschafer and everyone. Finally found that spare 18 hours to read this thread and am now subscribing.

Mother Guilt.....a part of our lives!

I'm doing a little revenge of my own at the moment. DH has traded in points for one part of our flights. 9 y.o. DS and I haven't yet purchased this leg yet. He is seriously concerned that he and I won't be going. So, at the moment DS is on his best behaviour and working his socks off to help out around the house .

Do I have Mother Guilt? NOT!! I'll savour this moment and store up the memory for those teenage angst years.

Your dining plans have me green with envy. It looks like you are going to be well watered and fed in between your rides, parades and shows at the World.

BTW - I'm busy hunting for budget lime green items to "wear" (lime green and me do not mix well at all, so I'll be doing lots of accessorising) so that I can bump into y'all at the World.

 

[kschafer]

Ahhh...but wait and see how much more they ALL (dh included) appreciate you when you come home! Really!! It'll make the tears and drama worht it, not to mention how great it is to recharge the mommy batteries a bit. Believe me, I know how hard it was. When my kids were little I was a stay-at-home-breast-feeding-co-sleeping-attachment-parenting-mom. I rarely left them for an hour, much less a week, but now they're a bit older and we ALL benefit from mommy down time! (and presents don't hurt either!)

Yeah, I have pretty much been that mom too! I once left for 2 weeks when Patrick was 2 but otherwise haven't been away more than 1 night (although I do adore my time while they are both at school!)

Mother Guilt.....a part of our lives! My friends and I have discussed whether or not men ever have Father Guilt, and we've decided that they don't so much. It must be genetic with us women!

Like kangaand2roos mentioned, it is important for moms to have some time off to recharge. It's just as important for daddys and kids to have some together to have fun and bond, without mom around.

It's getting toward the end of basketball season in our house and I can say, Greg does have some guilt about being away from the boys so much. It does however take a lot more for him to get there! He often comments how the head coach he works with is home less than he is. There have been nights they have returned to town after midnight and the head coach asks Greg if he wants to visit the local casino for the midnight buffet and Greg just says "I want to go home!"

Mommy Guilt is the worst! Try not to let it get you down! You deserve this vacation, and the boys will be just fine.

I know they will! I know I will get over the guilt quickly once I get there

Oh Katie don't you just hate Mommy guilt! Try not to let it get you down, you deserve a break to relax and unwind and just enjoy yourself. The boys will be just fine with their dad, and they'll probably enjoy getting to do all the gross guy stuff that we mom's tend to squash!

Just tell them to look forward to the gifts they'll get when you return!

Ah yes...boy life! I'm not much of a girly girl and rarely wish I'd had a little princess but the gross boy stuff I just will never get used to.

Daniel said something again yesterday about not wanting me to go so I asked him what present he wants me to bring him back and he suddenly perked up again!

I'm not a mommy yet so I don't know about mommy guilt, but I do know that from talking with other moms that you deserve to have a little "me" time every once in awhile and as already mentioned you will definitely be welcomed home in grand fashion. Sometimes you have to go and have your batteries refreshed and this will be your time to do that...so don't let this get you down too much!

When Greg and I were discussing me taking this trip I brought up that there are very few things I do to spoil myself (I don't shop much, don't have my hair done at a salon, no manis or pedis) and he had to admit that I have not spent a lot of money over the years we have been together so I definietly deserve this!

 

[kschafer]

Ohhhhhh they will be fine without you Katie They will have some quality guy time Wow there are a lot of people going our week aren't there!! We will rule the World! Muhahahhaha

Thanks Tracy, I cannot wait to meet everyone!!!

I'm really sorry about the mommy guilt. I can't relate to it, but now that I'm older and have a much different relationship with my mom, I can see and appreciate a LOT more what she has done for us, and understand why she needed to get away sometimes with just her friends, with no hubby and kids. I have really fond memories of it just being Mike, Kailyn, and I with our dad when my mom would take the rare vacation with her friends -- Daniel and Patrick will have those kinds of memories with Greg, too. I hope this doesn't get you down too much!

How sweet of you to say Meghan! Have a great time on your trip, hope you get out OK!

Oy. Mommy guilt sounds like the worst!

Not much fun but it's better than fighting with the boys

Hi kschafer and everyone. Finally found that spare 18 hours to read this thread and am now subscribing.

I'm doing a little revenge of my own at the moment. DH has traded in points for one part of our flights. 9 y.o. DS and I haven't yet purchased this leg yet. He is seriously concerned that he and I won't be going. So, at the moment DS is on his best behaviour and working his socks off to help out around the house .

Do I have Mother Guilt? NOT!! I'll savour this moment and store up the memory for those teenage angst years.

Your dining plans have me green with envy. It looks like you are going to be well watered and fed in between your rides, parades and shows at the World.

BTW - I'm busy hunting for budget lime green items to "wear" (lime green and me do not mix well at all, so I'll be doing lots of accessorising) so that I can bump into y'all at the World.

princess!

that's so funny about your DS! Threats are a well proven behavior modification technique!

Yes, we will be overfed and "watered" ...and I can't wait!

 

[kschafer]

How do you appeal to kids that are being left at home?



Bribery!

(I wrote this little episode a few weeks ago and was going to wait until I had finished with my wish lists but given the situation the last couple days, it seemed fitting to squeeze it in now)

While in the process of Christmas shopping, I purchased a few Disney themed gifts (pencils, notepads, pez despensers) that were not also Christmas themed. After purchasing them I decided to not give them to the boys then but rather hang onto them for gifts while I am away. I was thinking I would make up little bags for Greg to put on the table each morning for the boys to find.

Since then, I also purchased a couple books from Amazon (needed something to qualify for free shipping and they had a buy 3, get 1 free on kids books special)

I have my gift list but I was also thinking about making some cute signs made that say “Hi Patrick” and “Hi Daniel” so if we run into some characters the boys love, I could have them hold the signs.

What other fun things could I do?

 

[Lady Lallie]

Those are really cute ideas, Katie! I love the idea of the characters holding up signs for the boys.

What about leaving little notes for the boys around the house to find while you are gone?

 

[jenjolt]

Those are really cute ideas, Katie! I love the idea of the characters holding up signs for the boys.

What about leaving little notes for the boys around the house to find while you are gone?

That's a great idea...of if they take their lunch to school you could have Greg put a note in their lunch box for them to find during the school day!!!!

I love all your ideas Katie..they are great! The boys are going to love it!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Oh, I'm so sorry to read about the Mommy Guilt! It is the worst, isn't it? I am certain your boys will have a BLAST with their Daddy though, wonderful memories!!!

And like others have said, you deserve it. Re-charge those batteries! I know it's easier to say than do though.

I love your ideas for the boys while you are gone! The little gifts will be much appreciated I'm sure! I also like the sign idea-very cute, and maybe having their favorite character write something to them and you can bring it home as a special gift. The notes ideas are really fun too! Make a scavenger hunt around the house with notes and little treats!

On your first day you could mail a postcard with a character signature on it, so hopefully it arrives at home before you do! If you do Disney Movie Rewards I think one of the prizes is a Magical Phone Call from Mickey or someone...something like that might be really fun for them while you are gone. And you can leave your schedule with them, so they can follow along with where you are each time of the day - and if you have a cell phone take pictures to send to them, maybe bring one of their lovies/stuffed animals/toys with, so they are on the adventure with you and can be in various pictures??? I always thought that sorta thing was really cute!

 

[MHTeacher]

but I was also thinking about making some cute signs made that say “Hi Patrick” and “Hi Daniel” so if we run into some characters the boys love, I could have them hold the signs.

I LOVE this idea....planning to borrow it!

 

[Megablocks]

I absolutely love the idea with the signs! That would be really cute. I also love LL's idea about leaving little notes around the house for them to find. Could you maybe have their favorite character(s) sign a postcard for them and send it to them?

 

[kschafer]

Those are really cute ideas, Katie! I love the idea of the characters holding up signs for the boys.

What about leaving little notes for the boys around the house to find while you are gone?

Hmm, I'll have to give that one some thought

That's a great idea...of if they take their lunch to school you could have Greg put a note in their lunch box for them to find during the school day!!!!

I love all your ideas Katie..they are great! The boys are going to love it!

The lunch note idea is cute! Daniel is in preschool and only goes in the morning and Patrick takes his lunch on days he doesn't like the school lunch (about 1/2 the time) so I'll have to wait and see what the menu looks like that week. I could always give a couple notes to our sitter since that's where Daniel will spend his afternoons.

On your first day you could mail a postcard with a character signature on it, so hopefully it arrives at home before you do! If you do Disney Movie Rewards I think one of the prizes is a Magical Phone Call from Mickey or someone...something like that might be really fun for them while you are gone. And you can leave your schedule with them, so they can follow along with where you are each time of the day - and if you have a cell phone take pictures to send to them, maybe bring one of their lovies/stuffed animals/toys with, so they are on the adventure with you and can be in various pictures??? I always thought that sorta thing was really cute!

All great ideas! I was planning on doing the picture thing so they can see me during the week. I do have some movie rewards points so I'll have to look at the phone call thing.

I LOVE this idea....planning to borrow it!

borrow away!

I absolutely love the idea with the signs! That would be really cute. I also love LL's idea about leaving little notes around the house for them to find. Could you maybe have their favorite character(s) sign a postcard for them and send it to them?

They would love the postcard I'm sure!

******************************

I got thinking more this week about the sign idea. I thought I could possibly combine it with a little autograph page. I've poked around on the disigns threads and there are some really cute ideas than I am considering.

So here is the dilemma....

My park bag, although big enough, is the wrong shape to carry what I have in mind Then I saw Michelle's new Vera's and headed over to e-bay to see what I could find a deal on.

and here's where I need help from you Vera experts...

I need a squarish/rectangular shape bag that is either a messenger, sling or backpack style (no short handles, hands free carrying) that is at least a couple inches deep because I am planning on carrying a lightweight long-sleeve shirt for morning/evening wear but need enough room to fold or roll it up and keep in the bag during the warmer parts of the day.

Which style do I want????

 

[Charleston Princess]

Not the hipster, that's for sure. I am not sure about the other styles.

 

[Lady Lallie]

Have you made any decisions in your bag dilemma since we talked??

 

[MHTeacher]

and here's where I need help from you Vera experts...

I need a squarish/rectangular shape bag that is either a messenger, sling or backpack style (no short handles, hands free carrying) that is at least a couple inches deep because I am planning on carrying a lightweight long-sleeve shirt for morning/evening wear but need enough room to fold or roll it up and keep in the bag during the warmer parts of the day.

Which style do I want????

Not sure about being an expert......but, I think the mailbag , or messenger bag would work.

A large backpack could work too. The "frill" line of VB has a pretty large backpack. Not sure if it's larger than the lg. backpack in the signature cotton line.

Any of those would be hands-free.

I'm really curious about what you have planned........

 

[kschafer]

Not the hipster, that's for sure. I am not sure about the other styles.

The hipster looks too narrow to fit something bulky like a shirt. Thanks for that confirmation!

Have you made any decisions in your bag dilemma since we talked??

Other than I didn't bid on the one we talked about...no. Yes folks, I had to call the baglady herself rotfl2 to ask about a Vera on e-bay that only had 30 minutes left in the auction. Thankfully, she was able to say it was too big for want to haul around the parks.

Not sure about being an expert......but, I think the mailbag , or messenger bag would work.

A large backpack could work too. The "frill" line of VB has a pretty large backpack. Not sure if it's larger than the lg. backpack in the signature cotton line.

Any of those would be hands-free.

I'm really curious about what you have planned........

I am watching a Vera backpack on e-bay that has another day to go. It is never used and starting bid is $16. I'm intrigued but not convinced it is what I really want.

Wigd posted pictures on her TR yesterday and her daughter used the baggalini that I was looking at before. Anita said it is hers and she has used it and loved it. So I keep going back to that one in my mind...I'm quite undecided!!

I need to do some printing then I will post some pictures of what I have planned!

***************************

One little exciting tidbit!

I got an e-mail this morning that indicated there had been a schedule change for my flight. Of course this made me a little nervous because our flight was scheduled to arrive at 3:05 and our first ADR is for 5:00 and we will be cutting that close I fear!! Luckily, the change moved it up by 20 minutes so we will now arrive at 2:45. This makes me feel a bit more confident we may be able to stop at guest relations first to pick up Beth's GAC (Haven't mentioned this yet, I'll share a bit more later) and/or grab fastpasses if there are any left for RnR or ToT

 

[MeMom]

I was thinking I would make up little bags for Greg to put on the table each morning for the boys to find.



I have my gift list but I was also thinking about making some cute signs made that say “Hi Patrick” and “Hi Daniel” so if we run into some characters the boys love, I could have them hold the signs.

What other fun things could I do?

The boys will love getting treat bags. Great idea!

I took signs on a trip and had the Power Rangers hold them up for a couple of my friends' little boys. They were happy to hold the signs and both boys have their pictures in their rooms to this day. They were thrilled with them. Your guys will think that is very cool.

Are you going to be sending pictures live to Facebook or on the computer? Maybe you could make a game of some kind - like tell them to find a certain item in the picture or give them a close-up/hint picture of a place and have them guess where you are, then widen it out for the answer.

 

[sunny_stace]

Hi Katie! Having a long weekend I was able to catch up on all of your fun plans! And don't worry about the mommy guilt, I'm sure they'll have plenty of trips in the future! All mom's need time away - it gets you relaxed and back to your top game!

 

[brookelizabeth]

20 minutes earlier is ALWAYS nice!

I can't help with Veras...sorry! I do love my Baggalini! It works so well for me I haven't strayed from it yet.

 

[kschafer]

The boys will love getting treat bags. Great idea!

I took signs on a trip and had the Power Rangers hold them up for a couple of my friends' little boys. They were happy to hold the signs and both boys have their pictures in their rooms to this day. They were thrilled with them. Your guys will think that is very cool.

Are you going to be sending pictures live to Facebook or on the computer? Maybe you could make a game of some kind - like tell them to find a certain item in the picture or give them a close-up/hint picture of a place and have them guess where you are, then widen it out for the answer.

The sign idea came from my SIL (she is a childrens therapist and one of her clients loves the princesses so she did this on our 2008 trip) but I remember you saying you did that for your friends too

I will definitely be sending pictures to FB for all my dis friends!! Greg isn't on so I may have to allow Patrick to check my account from home so he can see them.

Hi Katie! Having a long weekend I was able to catch up on all of your fun plans! And don't worry about the mommy guilt, I'm sure they'll have plenty of trips in the future! All mom's need time away - it gets you relaxed and back to your top game!

Glad you finally made it over Stace!! How is your trip coming? Any fun plans? I still can't believe we will miss each other by 1 day

20 minutes earlier is ALWAYS nice!

I can't help with Veras...sorry! I do love my Baggalini! It works so well for me I haven't strayed from it yet.

I bid on a Vera backpack on e-bay but now am questioning if it's what I really want. There is only a few hours left and no other bids have been made. I guess if I don't like it, I'm not out much so I will see.

Do you have the baggallini messenger bag? I'm starting to lean that direction and will keep looking for a good deal if I don't like the Vera

 

[manntra]

I'm a Vera hipster kind of girl and that is definitely too small for what you want.....I am also bringing the bagallini that we talked about....the teardrop one but I am pretty sure I will use my hipster more. It's the perfect size for me
75 days Katie!!!!! Pretty soon the 60's and then it will fly by!!

Tracy