Looking for Control Freaks & Worry Warts - Part 4!!!

[karajeboo]

thanks everyone for the warm welcome! It's so hard to really PLAN anything more than just conceptually at this point...who knows where we'll stay, what we'll want to eat, what the latest deals will be that are offered, etc.

All we know for sure is we're going the week before the little man turns 3 so that he's still free. I would LOVE if they continued the get in free on your birthday promo, so then I'd be covered one day, and we could actually spend DS's 3rd b-day at the park. Who wouldn't love that?!?!

I'm already freaking out about all the STUFF we'd have to bring (double stroller) and baby/toddler gear, etc. We'd be flying, as we have in the past, so we'll survive, but the amount of stuff seems crazy!

Just remember that whenever you actually book your trip - if any other deals pop up before you actually leave, you can change your ressie. This is why I don't use a TA - it's easier for me to monitor the deals out there, and make changes myself to use the better deal.

And depending on where you stay, the value resorts all have stroller swaps. My SIL did this back in May and it worked great! They got a double jogging stroller for $20 for the whole week!!!! They drove so they didn't need one for the airport, but it's something to consider. We also rented a fridge for $0 for the week last year at Pop Century. I think there was a coffee pot included in that swap, too. Seriously, the DIS makes it so much easier for us!!!

Kara you need to download the WDW dining guide love it I also have all of the park maps which we used last year they have GPS not like I don't know where everything is, but Tabitha didn't so when she and my nephew went off they would take the phone and could find there way anywhere!

I actually did download that! And Jeff has the park maps on his phone. So between the two of us, I think we have nearly every WDW app!

Verizon needs to get their butts in gear and get some apps like this! I really hope the iphone becomes available on other carriers soon.

Don't know how soon that will happen. Apple is really stingy with the iphone and there are NO special deals out there. I had Verizon for 4 years in SC and never had a problem. But I don't like AT&T. Jeff's business uses AT&T so that's why we switched, but overall I'd take Verizon again in a heartbeat. As for the iphone, they give no breaks. Yes, right now there is a deal (I got mine for $100 with my annual upgrade) but if I lost it tomorrow, it would cost me $499 to get a new one!!! No exceptions! I have a friend who works for AT&T and even they couldn't get a deal on them. They can only get the same deals as the general public. Crazy!

 

[Camster0307]

I actually did download that! And Jeff has the park maps on his phone. So between the two of us, I think we have nearly every WDW app!

Nerd.

Who loves ya, baby?

 

[TinaLala]

Happy Saturday!

Well we just came back from the beach. The girls got 'bored' after an hour - I think because we were there yesterday too. DH went with us -shocking - but he was pretty much bored after one round of swimming so we came home. Now the girls are swimming in the pool I don't try to understand it. DD7 has been begging to get her ears pierced so I think we'll go tonight.

I'm trying to wok on my Minnie shirts but the weather isn't helping. Why is DD10 trying to fight with DD7 - they make me so mad.

Hope everyone is enjoyin the weather!!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Hi girls, just checking in -

I know I'm being a brat, and I have alot to do, but tonight that's how I feel. I'm not even looking forward to our trip in 3 weeks. We're going down to Bakersfield to see my DB, then to LA and DL, then to Vegas - we have tickets to see Lion King! I really don't care.
Jim is trying, but he doesn't talk much and all he wants to do is watch ESPN, so I'm still alone, even when I'm not.

Kiss your kids while you can, cuz they grow up and leave, or marry people who don't like you.

Thanks for letting me vent - I'll take a happy pill tomorrow - I promise

 

[ShellyShellfish]

Just remember that whenever you actually book your trip - if any other deals pop up before you actually leave, you can change your ressie. This is why I don't use a TA - it's easier for me to monitor the deals out there, and make changes myself to use the better deal.

And depending on where you stay, the value resorts all have stroller swaps. My SIL did this back in May and it worked great! They got a double jogging stroller for $20 for the whole week!!!! They drove so they didn't need one for the airport, but it's something to consider. We also rented a fridge for $0 for the week last year at Pop Century. I think there was a coffee pot included in that swap, too. Seriously, the DIS makes it so much easier for us!!!

Don't know how soon that will happen. Apple is really stingy with the iphone and there are NO special deals out there. I had Verizon for 4 years in SC and never had a problem. But I don't like AT&T. Jeff's business uses AT&T so that's why we switched, but overall I'd take Verizon again in a heartbeat. As for the iphone, they give no breaks. Yes, right now there is a deal (I got mine for $100 with my annual upgrade) but if I lost it tomorrow, it would cost me $499 to get a new one!!! No exceptions! I have a friend who works for AT&T and even they couldn't get a deal on them. They can only get the same deals as the general public. Crazy!

I didn't realize it'd be that easy to change ressies! Thanks for the heads up!

I was looking for a fridge swap the last time we went, but they were all booked by then, as we literally decided to go down 2 weeks before we wanted to go. That was interesting...planning a 4 night trip 2 weeks before you leave. I'd want the stroller for the airport, between an almost 1 year old and an almost 3 year old, I think it'd be mandatory, otherwise, that's a fantastic deal with the stroller swap.

My DH's company just switched to AT&T for work from Verizon and they only let a few people, basically the sales staff, get iphones. But we have Verizon for ourselves as I get a corporate discount through my employer, so we can't beat the price. I am looking at the EnV Touch as my next phone, I get to upgrade this fall, and it looks similar, just doesn't have all the apps, I think. But maybe they're becoming more available to Verizon customers?

 

[Lovin Life]

Tammie - Cheer up, friend! I don't know what to say. No one can say the right thing when I get into one of those funks. I hope that you woke up feeling better. I know that you are missing those babies. Your trip sounds wonderful!, and is so close!! DL and LV in the same trip? I'd be in heaven!

Tina - Did DD get her ears pierced? Sounds like you guys are having lots of fun at the beach. I've lost the little sun that I got at the beginning of the summer. I cannot believe that school starts in 3 weeks for us! I don't even try to understand the kids' logic sometimes...What bores them one minute, doesn't the next. It's exhausting!

Kara/Shelly - We've never done the fridge swap thing, but it sounds like a great idea. We've stayed at value resorts and gotten the resort mugs. I enjoy my AM walk to the food court to fill up our mugs w/coffee and hot chocolate that we drink while we are getting ready, then we head to breakfast, where we get our water and milk intake. We all make the trek to the food court at night for cold drinks. I know that we don't get nearly enough water and the kids don't get enough water and milk on vacation. Without a car, I don't know how we would get stuff to put into the fridge. I will bring granola and cereal bars along, for the mornings that we don't eat breakfast in the food court, but go onto one of the parks for a big breakfast.

Has anyone ever shared a Photo Pass?

My family is still asleep! Tay gets home around noon today. Meg is going to late Sunday school, then a water park. I am dragging Darrin grocery shopping w/me today. I get tired of thinking of things to fix for dinner during the week. I would be content most nights eating a bowl of cereal or soup, but that doesn't please everyone.

Have a great Sunday everyone!

 

[karajeboo]

Nerd.

Who loves ya, baby?

Happy Saturday!

Well we just came back from the beach. The girls got 'bored' after an hour - I think because we were there yesterday too. DH went with us -shocking - but he was pretty much bored after one round of swimming so we came home. Now the girls are swimming in the pool I don't try to understand it. DD7 has been begging to get her ears pierced so I think we'll go tonight.

I'm trying to wok on my Minnie shirts but the weather isn't helping. Why is DD10 trying to fight with DD7 - they make me so mad.

Hope everyone is enjoyin the weather!!

I'm the same way with the beach. I love to go and rent a condo on the beach and sit outside drinking my morning coffee, listening to the surf, or walking on the beach at night. But I get antsy just sitting there or splashing around. For getting wet I prefer a pool, too.

Hi girls, just checking in - I'll catch up later. Just having a bad night and I need to vent. I guess I'm haivng a royal pity party. Jim called Mark and left a message asking them to call us so we could get on skype and talk to the kids - no reply. The last time we called, they didn't even try to help us speak with the kids. You know how little ones are on the phone - they don't get it. Ryan had been stationed in Idaho this month and Dana hasn't returned my calls since we've been back from Texas - we haven't seen Mason for a month!

All I've ever wanted is to be a mom - and now that's done. I don't know who I am now. I don't feel like anyone needs me, and everything I do I screw up anyway. Oh, and the day care for Myles and Londynn is going to be $1100 a month, so now they are trying to find a nanny. Sure, some stranger is going to be raising my grandbabies. B****

I know I'm being a brat, and I have alot to do, but tonight that's how I feel. I'm not even looking forward to our trip in 3 weeks. We're going down to Bakersfield to see my DB, then to LA and DL, then to Vegas - we have tickets to see Lion King! I really don't care.
Jim is trying, but he doesn't talk much and all he wants to do is watch ESPN, so I'm still alone, even when I'm not.

Kiss your kids while you can, cuz they grow up and leave, or marry people who don't like you.

Thanks for letting me vent - I'll take a happy pill tomorrow - I promise

Oh, Tammie!!! I hate that! And the bad part for you is that you have sons.... what I mean is that by nature men aren't as apt to call home or send cards, remember dates, etc. I know that nobody in Jeff's family gets cards anymore because I gave up. And I have to remind Jeff to call his family on bdays, etc. But at least you are calling them. Just don't give up!

My inlaws don't call us. Unless they call Jeff first on his cell and schedule a time to call. It makes no sense and really pisses me off. So as long as you are making the effort, I think it will work out in the end. Just ask them for help with the kids on the phone!!!! But be a little forceful. Not intrusive, but still make yourself known!!!! These are YOUR grandkids, and it's not like you're asking for too much!

I know that daycare is sooo much! We found it for $100/week but that was 8 years ago and only one child. Sounds like that is one thing they neglected to research when they went to TX, huh?

I didn't realize it'd be that easy to change ressies! Thanks for the heads up!

I was looking for a fridge swap the last time we went, but they were all booked by then, as we literally decided to go down 2 weeks before we wanted to go. That was interesting...planning a 4 night trip 2 weeks before you leave. I'd want the stroller for the airport, between an almost 1 year old and an almost 3 year old, I think it'd be mandatory, otherwise, that's a fantastic deal with the stroller swap.

My DH's company just switched to AT&T for work from Verizon and they only let a few people, basically the sales staff, get iphones. But we have Verizon for ourselves as I get a corporate discount through my employer, so we can't beat the price. I am looking at the EnV Touch as my next phone, I get to upgrade this fall, and it looks similar, just doesn't have all the apps, I think. But maybe they're becoming more available to Verizon customers?

Yes, I think when my inlaws booked our trip last year, I got online and found out that they were offering free park hoppers, so I called the TA and she made the change. Then they added free waterpark option too. And we got that. But I had to keep calling the TA and hope that she would do her job. That is the only time we have used a TA for WDW, and that is only cause my inlaws booked that trip.

I don't really dislike AT&T but I was very happy with Verizon. But Jeff got AT&T when he moved here b/c everyone at work is AT&T. BUT he got his own plan, so adding me was $10/month! So adding the iphone, which REQUIRES the $30/month data plan, wasn't so bad.

Kara/Shelly - We've never done the fridge swap thing, but it sounds like a great idea. We've stayed at value resorts and gotten the resort mugs. I enjoy my AM walk to the food court to fill up our mugs w/coffee and hot chocolate that we drink while we are getting ready, then we head to breakfast, where we get our water and milk intake. We all make the trek to the food court at night for cold drinks. I know that we don't get nearly enough water and the kids don't get enough water and milk on vacation. Without a car, I don't know how we would get stuff to put into the fridge. I will bring granola and cereal bars along, for the mornings that we don't eat breakfast in the food court, but go onto one of the parks for a big breakfast.

Has anyone ever shared a Photo Pass?

The fridge swap is great, as was the stroller swap for BSIL it sounds like. But I can totally understand needing a stroller in the airport. I only took Ally's stroller through the airport once, but that was such a hassle, gate checking it, etc.

Oh, another thing people swear by is shipping a big box to your resort before you get there. Diapers, granola bars, water, etc..... That saves you a lot of packing and hauling through the airport!!!

Pam - I have not done a photopass share but Ellen did in May. I think it ended up working out okay, but remember, someone else does have access to all your photos that way. I don't know if I'd like that or not......

 

[DizzyErin]

Hey girls
Well summer has gone and left us and i do not think it's gonna return however on the bright side i get to go to DLP in 12 days woooohooo and they are having better weather i have been picking up all the tips i can and we are getting very excited about our trip, we've never been on the eurostar so that will just be soooo nice

Pam.. I am so with you on cereal for dinner
Tina .. Did DD get her ears pierced? How are the Minnie shirts going??
Michelle.. i would looove the b'day thing to carry on into next year too, as we are going for my DD's 11th b'day no matter what hahahha
Tammie... That sounds awful for you, it must be a really hard situation and i cannot imagine how it must make you feel, no idea what to say but wanted to send big hugs across the water to you

 

[TinaLala]

Happy Sunday!

Well DD7 got her ears pierced last night - it was so funny. She was so excited, jumped into the chair and the pierced one side and she freaked. When they went to do the other side she dodged and flinched. It took a few minutes but she finally got them done - she was so EXCITED! She told everyone from Claires to the Disney store that she got her ears pierced.

Well one Minnie shirt is almost done - it's actually starting to look like a dress. I'll post a picture after the girls go to bed. I just spent an hour sewing on girl scout patches. I'm totally burned from the beach right at the bra strap - ouch!

So tomorrow is Monday and another week down to our trip - can't wait!!

EDIT - ok so I had to ask DDs what they thought of the shirt/dress and it turns out DD10 HATES it. DD7 loved it. I'm still not sure if I'm going to make it a shirt or a dress or if I should put ruffles on the bottom.

 

[Camster0307]

Oh Tammie - my heart absolutely ACHES for you!

This is my biggest fear in life. I'm already having panic attacks about Lauren leaving for college in 5 years. Yes, I'm crazy - I'm worrying about something that will happen in five years!

But plain and simple - it sucks! I think you have every right to think they should make the effort to make sure the kids video chat. And I seem to think there may have to be a confrontation about that in your future. But be strong, it's not too much to ask.

In the meantime, you and Jim need to focus on each other. Enjoy this time together - and don't allow him to be a stick in the mud. Unfortunately, it's always up to the woman to be the "cruise director" in life, but if that's what it takes, then so be it.

But, bottom line, I'm sure the kids and grandkids miss you terribly but are just trying to exert their independence. As hard as it may be, don't take it too personally. Hang in there!

 

[Camster0307]

So I'm heading down to my sister's for a few days tomorrow. Will try to check in from her house but I wanted to leave some more concert pix - for those who care.

No comment......................

 

[TinaLala]

Cammie - BLESS YOU! I enjoyed every angle of Nick that you just gave to me! Now I can go to bed with those visions!

Just wanted to show the final version of the shirt - added a ruffle.

 

[tttessa]

Hiya all,

love the shirt/dress - a pair of black leggings / white capris with that would look great too....

Tammie - I do feel for you..... I get on great with my MIL, but that's because I make the effort to..... she can be a bit meddlesome (don't even know if that's a word, but it does describe her a bit... )

She is great with the kids, but expects her son to be there to run her to hospital, the train station etc, without a thought that he has other family commitments - like last time we had to ring her and FIL a taxi *** they chose to travel to her sisters on a Monday - at 9 am - i.e. during the school run, on a day DH was on a training course that started at 9.30 - then all she said all week to her sister was how selfish I was that I wouldn't let DH run her to the station!!! Hey ho.....

Just keep up the communications and keep trying for the Skype thing - I would have thought it would make things easier for them too...

Hi everyone else too, my mum is here right now, so can't stay around long - she finally got to meet her sister she hasn't spoken to in 38 years (yep, my mum can bear a grudge that long!!!!!) and things went well. No floods!!!! sunny right now.....

Tessa

 

[TinaLala]

Good Monday Morning!!

I don't want to go to work today. I want to sleep in and do nothing today.

I hear all of you about mils. I love mine, but she definitely has isssues. It's taken 20 years for my DH to finally realize her true side. Sounds like lots of people are having visits from their parents.

Well I'm off to work. Hope everyone has a great Monday!!

 

[karajeboo]

Hey everyone!

Tammie - any word from the kids? This has bothered me this weekend b/c I think of my inlaws and how they won't call us. And to think that you are trying so hard and they are blowing you off. I agree with Cammie, I think maybe Jim needs to have the talk - you know, father/son thing. It might be that they are just really busy getting settled and getting ready to start work. Or they are struggling without you there to help out and they don't want you to know it. Either way, those grandkids want to hear from you so don't give up!

 

[LydiaAch]

Tammie, I am so sorry you miss your grandkids so much. If you wnat, I can send you MY kids for a day or twelve!

 

[soontobewed07]

Tammie- I'm sorry for what the kids are doing, but I agree talk to your son and tell him how you feel. I agree with everything Cammie said.

Well girls this was a busy weekend and I stayed at my SIL's house and we went to the beach and had a girls weekend. Mike kept Luca after a HUGE fight. He just had to put Luca to bed and get him ready the next morning I am not sure what the big deal was? He kept saying to me " I thought the whole point was to bring Luca to the beach" He knows better Luca doesn't like the beach. My SIL was trying to get me out of the house so I could rest since I haven't done that since surgery. Well he basically told me I was a bad mother since I was leaving my child at home so I could go and have a few glasses of wine with SIL and her friends. ARGH!!!!

So I am thinking deluxe 2010, but the I think if we stay at CSR we can stay a few days longer like 10 days compared to 7??? What do you think? We only have POR and CSR to complete the moderate resorts.

Happy Monday I am still off work I am going to see the Dr. I think I have a post surgery infection.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Aww, thanks everyone for all the encouragement! I know we'll adjust. Jim is hurt enough that he's pretty much not making much effort at the moment, but we'll see. I'm teaching VBS at church this week, so I'll be busy with that!

Mark called me yesterday - they were busy at the pool and their friends' Sat night - Oh! I forgot they might have a life - they didn't have time for one here! They have made friends with a young doc and his family from the Air Force - they are having lots of fun together - and their neighbor the VP who hired them is also a good friend. Anyway, I got to talk to Londynn, but Myles wasn't in the mood to talk. I guess the Skype has really messed Lindsay's computer up even after uninstalling, so we are going to research another method. I didn't really feel better, but I got out for a meeting last night, and that felt good - I just have to stay away from home!

Jillian, I'm glad you got some rest - sorry it is a struggle for you. I hope you are okay?:

Tina, cute top!!!!

Kara, thanks for the reminder not to be "those in-laws". The daycare is a full time preschool - that's probably why it's so $$. Their neighbor with the new baby is going to watch them this year - yah, I tried that once with a newborn too - this is her first baby, so we'll see! Anyway, next year Myles will be in all day kindergarten, so they may pay for preschool for Londynn.

I see on FB you got all of your projects done, Jeff too! We'll be doing our inside ones as Winter projects when we get back from Boise in Nov. The outside ones will have to wait until next year.

Lydia - send your kids over - my swingset is lonely!

Cammie - have fun at your DS - thanks for the eye candy Miss Cougar!

Tessa, Erin, Pam - thanks for the Welcome newbies!

I'm off to get ready for my hike up the mountain with the VBS kids - wish me luck! Love you all - you are the best!

 

[CRdisMom]

holy cats! I go away for a week and you guys burned thru so many pages. Now where to start.

I'm sending a big, flamming pile of P** to Cammie's ex for being such a dunder head. What a jerk. Lauren is lucky to have a great mom like you to have her back. How did Amanda's play go?

jillian- glad to hear that you made it thru the procedure well. Take it easy. Bummer on the trip. who know storybookland maybe a good thing. it will make disney that much more enjoyable.

Hi Pam. I can't believe that you guys are going to get a 3rd car. It doesn't seem possible that the girls are that old. I know we all have known each other for over a year but in my mind all the kids are my girls age. LOL. Glad to hear BTS went well.

Kara--what else would you expect from those people? They can't seem to plan anything without causing waves. Let it ride and see what happens. July is a long way off. I'm really perplexed about the Mexican resturant. There are 8 within 5 miles of my house. I'm in MN for cryin out loud. FL is a lot closer to Mexico. It must be the great weather that we have here. (actually we know the owners of two of them. The families were migriant farm workers and loved it here so they stayed.) Ally sounds like she is doing great swimming. Why did the cabana lose it liqour liscene?

Tammie--my heart goes out to you. It is tough with them being gone. I guess we have always been really lucky with having family so close. Now there have been really rough patches but they pass. Hopefully as they find their footings they will come back to you. Anyway we love you. Sounds like the trips are going to be a blast. Is VBS the Crocidle dock program from group?

Our week at the lake was okay. The weather was okay. The cabin is an hour and half northeast of Minneapolis. It is my in-laws place. The girls went tubing, swimming a fishing. Pam I feel your pain about bass boats. One of the boats is a Champion Bass Boat. My girls love it. I would prefer to ride on the pontoon. It is 28 feet long but onlyl has a 40 hp motor on it so it doesn't go too fast. We went for a hike on the St. Croix river. There is a large gorge that has been cut out of the rock. Really cool. The cliffs are about 70 feet from the water. I will get the pictures downloaded soon.

The anniversary party went off without a hitch. The in-laws were shocked. The weather held and my yard looked great. Now school is starting to get ramped back up and I am heading the committee to replace the playground. Yuck! Not really the project I want to own but it sounded great about a year ago. I want to repair it but I don't think adding and making it extravagent right now would be a good choice. Plus one of the boilers went out and we really should help replace that. I think lots of PTOs are going thru the same things.

Happy week to everyone. Hi to Tessa, Erin and all of our new friends.

 

[karajeboo]

Tammie - you can actually but the webcams for about $25. That's what we had on our old desktop and we bought one for my dad. He still uses his but our laptops have the webcams installed. It's really easy to use!