Life is too short for self-hatred and celery sticks: final update 12/29, p.98

[Uncle Remus]

I got a little sidetracked from my report. I posted this in the Disneyland section but would love your guys opinions:

Just wondering everyone's thought on giving a trip to Disneyland as a Christmas gift for the kids? Here's the issue: the trip won't be until August 2013.

Too far? They're 15,14, and 11 so they can abstract think so they won't think we're going now. I hope.

And as far as what they'll open, I haven't bought or booked anything and really won't need to until January Ideally we'll stay at the GCV if we can get in at 7 months. I can print off a pic of the GCV and maybe add it to the gift?

I'm having a friend send me 3 maps of the park, I have 3 kids. I'm going to buy some pins from eBay as they love to pin trade still.

Not sure if we'll drive or fly yet.

Was thinking about using our old tickets from our recent trip to WDW for something...it's not like they to open active tickets, right? I don't even think they'll do more than glance at them in all honestly.

I've got 3 bunches of Mickey suckers that DS forgot to give his soccer team when we returned from WDW last month. I could do something with those too.

I found a small bag of Mickey head confetti too. And some Mickey Home Depot paint swatches.

Any ideas on how to put it all together as a wrapped/openable gift or is the trip too far away to give as a gift? It won't be their only gifts. They're still getting a few things.

I'm open to all ideas, concerns, and comments. I'm not very creative and appreciate the help.
​

I think it's a great idea, your kids seem to love Disney so they will love the idea of going again even if it is in August. I can see them reacting like this>>>

We're doing the same thing, announcing our June Disney trip as a Christmas present by giving each of the guys a Disney gift card so they can buy their own snacks and traditional T-shirts and ball caps. We're just not sure on how to "wrap" the gift card yet, I'm thinking it might be the last thing to come outta the Christmas stockings (stuck way down in the toe) so they can connect the idea that's why they didn't get upteen movie dvds and video games usually requested by them.

Then Jen and I can start singing our "We're goin' to Disney" song aloud instead of this whispering we've been doing for the last month.

Jen and I will keep in mind you're doing this for your kids so if we think of anything creative, we'll pass it on. Maybe you could arrange for the Disney Christmas Parade to be on while your kids are opening gifts and make remarks like "I sure wish we could go to Disney again this year, wouldn't that be a wonderful gift?"

 

[rentayenta]

Sounds like a great present.

Have you considered getting 3 large boxes, putting all the Disney references in there with a letter like one they would get from a travel agent advising them of the trip?

If so, I would then get a Helium filled Disney balloon into the box.

Get them to open the boxes at the same time and hopefully the balloons will float out of the boxes and they can see the contents together.

The other way might be to do a scavenger hunt. Work out little clues leading them to the next spot. At each spot, have a different item for them to collect. At the last spot, you could have the letter with the trip details??

I really like the 3 boxes idea. Scavenger idea is very creative too. My head is spinning with ideas. My only hesitation is that the trip isn't until August. The girls other big gift are tickets to see One Direction, which wont happen until late August. If nothing else, it'll tach them patience. Chloes birthday is in late Deb and Gabby's is in Feb. Joshua and Michael are going to SF on 12/14 so its not like they are deprived. Thank you. I think I'm getting more okay with it as a Christmas gift. The letter idea is a must. Because I won't have the actual tickets yet, I can use the Mickey confetti inside the envelope. The ballon/box/clue idea is really good.​

Yes, he is.

Any more pics?​

I think that's a tough call to be honest. If you hadn't have just been to WDW and it had been a while, or it was something really new to them and different, then a 7+ month delay on their xmas gift might totally work. Much as my crew would love to go, I think it would fall flat as it is just too delayed, even with other gifts, if the trip was meant to be the "big" gift. I guess the question I'd have for your crew, since they have been to DCL a bunch...would it be a big enough deal to them to make the wait ok? With mine I'm not sure I could get away with a trip as a xmas gift farther than spring break.

I don't mean to be a downer, just being honest about how it would be received at my house. The kids do like tangible things at least mine do, at the ages they are at. I think Taylor (20) is just now getting to the age where a delay like that, for the right thing, would be just fine.

You're not being a downer, I want all opinions even if they are dissenting. You make some very valid points. They're really really wanting to see Carsland. I think with all of their summer fun that they've already got planned, a trip might be too much to give at the same time; does that make sense? I don't want them spoiled I guess. I think if they have to wait a little, it might be good for them. They will have all just returned from camp/friends just over two weeks before the trip. I think to say, hey now we're going to Disneyland might be too much indulgence. I don't do big Valentine or other gifts aside from birthday so there isn't another option to surprise them with it. I've obviously thought too much about this. ​

I think it's a great idea, your kids seem to love Disney so they will love the idea of going again even if it is in August. I can see them reacting like this>>>

We're doing the same thing, announcing our June Disney trip as a Christmas present by giving each of the guys a Disney gift card so they can buy their own snacks and traditional T-shirts and ball caps. We're just not sure on how to "wrap" the gift card yet, I'm thinking it might be the last thing to come outta the Christmas stockings (stuck way down in the toe) so they can connect the idea that's why they didn't get upteen movie dvds and video games usually requested by them.

Then Jen and I can start singing our "We're goin' to Disney" song aloud instead of this whispering we've been doing for the last month.

Jen and I will keep in mind you're doing this for your kids so if we think of anything creative, we'll pass it on. Maybe you could arrange for the Disney Christmas Parade to be on while your kids are opening gifts and make remarks like "I sure wish we could go to Disney again this year, wouldn't that be a wonderful gift?"

UncleR, I see a similar reaction. Especially if I church up the delivery. I will gladly ride your coattails with any great ideas you want to share about how you and Jen are doing the BIG surprise.

I like the idea of you putting the card at the bottom of the stocking. There are so many neat ways to do it. Giving Disney is such a fun gift to give, not only for the recipient but for us too. I just love it. And I want to hear your song. Your fellas are going to be so elated.

I've figured how to give the girls their 1D tickets for Christmas. I got them each 2013 1D calendars and when they flip though, which they will immediately, the tickets will be attached to the day they;re going.

I like the parade idea but Michael may have to work Christmas Day so we've got to be all finished with gifts by 7:20 am. I'm trying to talk him out of working but he is home Christmas Eve too. He wants to trade to work Christmas Day because we predict between traveling to Africa and the A&F jobs, he'll need to take advantage of shift trading vs using straight leave.​

 

[kaoden39]

Yesterday was a slow picture day. I think that he isn't as homesick. But, he did send me a couple.

This was my favorite. He took it with his cell phone.

 

[rentayenta]

Yesterday was a slow picture day. I think that he isn't as homesick. But, he did send me a couple.

This was my favorite. He took it with his cell phone.

Oooo I love the icicle lights on the castle. Beautiful. Lucky buggar getting to be there during the holidays. When does he get home?

Sherry's pictures are amazing. I swear, I'm stalking her holiday photo thread.​

 

[kaoden39]

Oooo I love the icicle lights on the castle. Beautiful. Lucky buggar getting to be there during the holidays. When does he get home?

Sherry's pictures are amazing. I swear, I'm stalking her holiday photo thread.​

He comes home tomorrow. I haven't seen him since Tuesday night when I took him to our friends house. I miss the bugger.


I think Sherri's pictures! I can hardly wait until she goes again in a few weeks.

 

[MEK]

I meant to sub to your TR before your trip, but I just never got a chance to read much.

I am Cynthias (eandesmom's) roommate from F&W and am sorry that I didn't get a chance to meet you and your family the night you met up with Cynthia. I had a foot meltdown of sorts. What can I say? I'm old and I have plantar fascitis. Anyway, I know you kept Cynthia out really late because I looked at the clock and it was midnight. I remember thinking "should I be worried?" Then I was like. "nah...Disney world is safe and she's a big girl". And back to dream land I went........

I am glad I am not the only person who thinks the ice wine was the biggest rip ever! Seriously, I chugged it because I was so dismayed at the serving size.

I'm glad you and your family loved the THVs. My family and my brother's family stayed there in June. It was great. I kept imagining how much nicer it would be in the cooler weather, especially for cooking out and stuff. I am also a big fan of SSR in general. So pretty.

So, I am not caught up yet, but will keep reading along!

 

[rentayenta]

He comes home tomorrow. I haven't seen him since Tuesday night when I took him to our friends house. I miss the bugger.


I think Sherri's pictures! I can hardly wait until she goes again in a few weeks.

I'd miss Joshua too. Something special about our little, or not so little, boys. ​

I meant to sub to your TR before your trip, but I just never got a chance to read much.

I am Cynthias (eandesmom's) roommate from F&W and am sorry that I didn't get a chance to meet you and your family the night you met up with Cynthia. I had a foot meltdown of sorts. What can I say? I'm old and I have plantar fascitis. Anyway, I know you kept Cynthia out really late because I looked at the clock and it was midnight. I remember thinking "should I be worried?" Then I was like. "nah...Disney world is safe and she's a big girl". And back to dream land I went........

I am glad I am not the only person who thinks the ice wine was the biggest rip ever! Seriously, I chugged it because I was so dismayed at the serving size.

I'm glad you and your family loved the THVs. My family and my brother's family stayed there in June. It was great. I kept imagining how much nicer it would be in the cooler weather, especially for cooking out and stuff. I am also a big fan of SSR in general. So pretty.

So, I am not caught up yet, but will keep reading along!

and hi Mary Ellen, glad you popped over. I'm sorry we didn't get to meet. I'm sorry I missed the big meet but it we couldn't tear ourselves away from the High Rock Springs pool. That's what happens when I have Bloody mary's for breakfast.

I'm sorry you were having foot issues too. Thats a bummer especially when on vacation. Cynthia said that you ladies had a blast. One of these days I'm going to have to tagalong on one of the ladies only trips.

We did keep her out late. Blame my hubby and the round of margaritas he bought. And then the rest of us from dragging her around a semi-open WS. I had no idea that F&W didn't stay open during EMH.​

 

[kaoden39]

I think that boys spend more time with their moms than the girls do.

 

[rentayenta]

I think that boys spend more time with their moms than the girls do.

I'm guessing and totally hoping that Joshua won't exhibit the same teen angst towards me that the girls have. I can't stand that they're clueless to the fact that I had a life, and a pretty damn good one, before becoming their mother.
​

 

[kaoden39]

I'm guessing and totally hoping that Joshua won't exhibit the same teen angst towards me that the girls have. I can't stand that they're clueless to the fact that I had a life, and a pretty damn good one, before becoming their mother.
​

I am happy to say that at 16 years old Loren is still a very level headed kid and kind of spoils me. You are singing my song about the girls. Kacy especially! I tend to liberal politically, she makes me seem conservative. Kody is a little better but they act like I know nothing. It can be annoying as all get out!

 

[MEK]

and hi Mary Ellen, glad you popped over. I'm sorry we didn't get to meet. I'm sorry I missed the big meet but it we couldn't tear ourselves away from the High Rock Springs pool. That's what happens when I have Bloody mary's for breakfast.​

Bloody Mary's for breakfast will do that. SSR has some great pools and I am a pool fan, so I completely understand.

We did keep her out late. Blame my hubby and the round of margaritas he bought. And then the rest of us from dragging her around a semi-open WS. I had no idea that F&W didn't stay open during EMH.

She did mention that margaritas were involved.

 

[eandesmom]

You're not being a downer, I want all opinions even if they are dissenting. You make some very valid points. They're really really wanting to see Carsland. I think with all of their summer fun that they've already got planned, a trip might be too much to give at the same time; does that make sense? I don't want them spoiled I guess. I think if they have to wait a little, it might be good for them. They will have all just returned from camp/friends just over two weeks before the trip. I think to say, hey now we're going to Disneyland might be too much indulgence. I don't do big Valentine or other gifts aside from birthday so there isn't another option to surprise them with it. I've obviously thought too much about this.

I hear you on the spoiling. Our poor kids, they come to expect these trips as a given, not a gift. Personally I'd love to give that to the E's for Christmas, I'm dying to see Carsland but there is no way Jeff will go for it. He'd say it was for me, more that for them and well...there might be some truth to that. It would not have the same impact with the older two at all though, for different reasons but if you think they'd be that into it, go for it. I love surprise trips. I made puzzles when we surprised the boys with a California trip (DCA, Knotts and Long Beach...no MK...long story lol). It was great. We flew into Long Beach...which they didn't know where it was and I had them put together the puzzles on the plane. Took the whole plane ride. Just before we landed they figured it out. I loved that trip!

Girls are getting OneD (killer gift!) what is Josh getting?

 

[kaoden39]

Jenny, I wanted to show you the gifts Loren brought home for me.

I knew about the antennae topper but the Mickey was a complete surprise!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Jenny, I wanted to show you the gifts Loren brought home for me.

I knew about the antennae topper but the Mickey was a complete surprise!

What cool gifts.

Is the gingerbread an antennae topper??? WOW!

 

[kaoden39]

What cool gifts.

Is the gingerbread an antennae topper??? WOW!

Thank you.


Yes it is! Isn"t that the cutest?

 

[rentayenta]

I am happy to say that at 16 years old Loren is still a very level headed kid and kind of spoils me. You are singing my song about the girls. Kacy especially! I tend to liberal politically, she makes me seem conservative. Kody is a little better but they act like I know nothing. It can be annoying as all get out!

You conservative? She must need a tourniquet, she's such a bleeding liberal. ​

Bloody Mary's for breakfast will do that. SSR has some great pools and I am a pool fan, so I completely understand.

She did mention that margaritas were involved.

It was a nice night. She got a very big dose of us though. I'm just glad she's still talking to me.

​

I hear you on the spoiling. Our poor kids, they come to expect these trips as a given, not a gift. Personally I'd love to give that to the E's for Christmas, I'm dying to see Carsland but there is no way Jeff will go for it. He'd say it was for me, more that for them and well...there might be some truth to that. It would not have the same impact with the older two at all though, for different reasons but if you think they'd be that into it, go for it. I love surprise trips. I made puzzles when we surprised the boys with a California trip (DCA, Knotts and Long Beach...no MK...long story lol). It was great. We flew into Long Beach...which they didn't know where it was and I had them put together the puzzles on the plane. Took the whole plane ride. Just before we landed they figured it out. I loved that trip!

Girls are getting OneD (killer gift!) what is Josh getting?

Josh is going to SF with Michael next month to see a Raiders game as past of his gift. We're still tossing around Disneyland as a gift; I'm truly torn.

I love your puzzle idea. I'm so jealous of you creative types. I think they'd get into it.

I'm also tossing around a nonDisney Mexico cruise in Feb. I'm a freak.

What is your crew wanting for Christmas?​

Jenny, I wanted to show you the gifts Loren brought home for me.

I knew about the antennae topper but the Mickey was a complete surprise!

I love it! He's adorable. I am digging the gingerbread antenna topper too. Big points for him! And proud mommy moment for you. ​

What cool gifts.

Is the gingerbread an antennae topper??? WOW!

It's so darling; I love it too.​

Thank you.


Yes it is! Isn"t that the cutest?

Sorry I've been MIA. I've been a FB junkie trying to organize and rally the troops for our foster boys Christmas. Its truly one of my favorite things about the season.

Happy almost Thanksgiving. ​

 

[eandesmom]

Josh is going to SF with Michael next month to see a Raiders game as past of his gift. We're still tossing around Disneyland as a gift; I'm truly torn.

I love your puzzle idea. I'm so jealous of you creative types. I think they'd get into it.

I'm also tossing around a nonDisney Mexico cruise in Feb. I'm a freak.

What is your crew wanting for Christmas?

Well Kendall and Taylor are the worst at saying what they want. I don't know and clothes are usually the responses, followed by gift cards.

We are getting T an iphone, which means putting him on our plan (his mom's doesn't have data) so that will be a huge deal. Not sure about K but we might be splitting the cost of her letterman's jacket. If not that, I have no clue. Both will get an outfit as well. Evan has mostly clothes on his list so that's what he's getting (he will die though, Santa got him purple skate shoes and a purple UW sweatshirt), he will be over the moon plus more clothes under the tree. Eric's getting clothes under the tree but from Santa? Not sure. He wants a water filtration kit for scouts so it may be that. But it seems awfully boring. Still, in his geeky way it could be exciting to him. He has the "unreasonable" and the "reasonable" list. Unreasonable is a new Wii, Xbox, etc. Stuff he knows will never happen.

Honestly I have way more fun with the stocking stuffers and those are very Disney from ornaments, biographies, cookbooks, mugs, pins and more. Both boys are also getting a shirt from my trip that they don't know about and will be completely stoked to get.

I'm actually completely done with Evan and done with Eric other than Santa. The other two though... I have a few stocking stuffers for K and that is IT so far.

I would seriously look at the Feb-April Disney cruises if you can, some of the prices are just wonderful out of Galveston and Miami (comparatively speaking to summer lol). My kids would die over that but it's not in the budget or I might seriously push for it. It will be a LONG summer around here with no trip but with next NYE at the World and Universal, we've got to save up.

I should be figuring out our SF plans...it's in 2 weeks! But no...I'm looking at Aulani stuff. While drinking eggnog in front of the fire. I'm sure getting my room request in at 182 days will ensure we get what I asked for, right? LOL. I still can't believe we are booked. Not sure how I'll manage in a studio but I can suck it up for Hawaii.

 

[kimszath]

Wow! Just read your thread... you've got me in the mood to head back over to WDW. We live less than an hour away, and don't take advantage nearly often enough!
Thanks!
Kim

 

[kaoden39]

You conservative? She must need a tourniquet, she's such a bleeding liberal.







It was a nice night. She got a very big dose of us though. I'm just glad she's still talking to me.





Josh is going to SF with Michael next month to see a Raiders game as past of his gift. We're still tossing around Disneyland as a gift; I'm truly torn.

I love your puzzle idea. I'm so jealous of you creative types. I think they'd get into it.

I'm also tossing around a nonDisney Mexico cruise in Feb. I'm a freak.

What is your crew wanting for Christmas?



I love it! He's adorable. I am digging the gingerbread antenna topper too. Big points for him! And proud mommy moment for you.



It's so darling; I love it too.







Sorry I've been MIA. I've been a FB junkie trying to organize and rally the troops for our foster boys Christmas. Its truly one of my favorite things about the season.

Happy almost Thanksgiving. ​

She is terrible. I remember being almost as bad as her when I was her age. I know she will outgrow it but I hope it is soon. She embarrasses Loren terribly.

 

[rentayenta]

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. How cute is this?

Here's a pic of our tree:

And finally I'm making one of these two beauties:

Back to the kitchen I go....I'll be back to respond properly. ​