Looking For Control Freaks & Worry Warts - We're still here!

[karajeboo]

Renee - my personal opinion (fwiw) is that school HELPS kids out who may not be socially outgoing or have crying breakdowns, etc. Example. My neighbors have two adopted children. Kyle was born over a month early and he was a crack baby - so sad. He had multiple surgeries as an infant, and is VERY small for his age, also he is behind socially. He turned 5 in the summer and they debated holding him back, but since they are moving soon anyway, they decided to enroll him in kindergarten and if he struggles, they can pull him out and wait a year.

He is doing GREAT! He was the BIGGEST crybaby I ever saw but he has come a long way. He's doing well academically, and he's making friends too. He may not be the most mature of the kindergarteners, but school has done wonders for this little guy.

Just something to keep in mind - you can always repeat a grade if you need to. At a young age it's really no big deal.

OK, I'm worried about this whole thing with everyone coming to visit now. Again, Jeff's aunt and uncle are fine - my P's would be fine with it for a couple of days. But Jeff's parents basically just want to tag along, and that puts us in a bad spot. Plus, my P's don't need to have that kind of crap while they're here.

Last year Jeff's parents came down for Easter and we thought they would have come in early to spend time with Ally since she was out of school that whole week? No, they drove in on Good Friday and left early that Monday. That's crap. It really bugs Jeff. So why should WE now have to accommodate them? And Jeff is a wimp when it comes to his family. He thinks because it's family you just go with the flow. I say NO, because it's family you should be able to speak freely and respect each other.

And his sister wants to come and use us before they leave for a cruise, and she wants to bring a friend that we've never met! That's just rude! But yet as of right now they are not talking about seeing us on their way to Disney in May (not that I'm complaining!). If they dont' stop and see us, Jeff will say NO WAY is she using us in Sept for her stopover.

Family really sucks sometimes!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Renee - my personal opinion (fwiw) is that school HELPS kids out who may not be socially outgoing or have crying breakdowns, etc. Example. My neighbors have two adopted children. Kyle was born over a month early and he was a crack baby - so sad. He had multiple surgeries as an infant, and is VERY small for his age, also he is behind socially. He turned 5 in the summer and they debated holding him back, but since they are moving soon anyway, they decided to enroll him in kindergarten and if he struggles, they can pull him out and wait a year.

He is doing GREAT! He was the BIGGEST crybaby I ever saw but he has come a long way. He's doing well academically, and he's making friends too. He may not be the most mature of the kindergarteners, but school has done wonders for this little guy.

Just something to keep in mind - you can always repeat a grade if you need to. At a young age it's really no big deal.

OK, I'm worried about this whole thing with everyone coming to visit now. Again, Jeff's aunt and uncle are fine - my P's would be fine with it for a couple of days. But Jeff's parents basically just want to tag along, and that puts us in a bad spot. Plus, my P's don't need to have that kind of crap while they're here.

Last year Jeff's parents came down for Easter and we thought they would have come in early to spend time with Ally since she was out of school that whole week? No, they drove in on Good Friday and left early that Monday. That's crap. It really bugs Jeff. So why should WE now have to accommodate them? And Jeff is a wimp when it comes to his family. He thinks because it's family you just go with the flow. I say NO, because it's family you should be able to speak freely and respect each other.

And his sister wants to come and use us before they leave for a cruise, and she wants to bring a friend that we've never met! That's just rude! But yet as of right now they are not talking about seeing us on their way to Disney in May (not that I'm complaining!). If they dont' stop and see us, Jeff will say NO WAY is she using us in Sept for her stopover.

Family really sucks sometimes!

 

[karajeboo]

Cammie, Tammie, Debbie, Laura & Jillian~

My goodness! How do you guys live where you do! We were 15 degrees this morning - with a wind chill of 0!!!! I thought I would die! We had to run to the cleaners and it was small little snowflakes floating around. Nicolas declaired we were having a snow storm! I I couldn't wait to tell you all that!

Too funny!

Nicolas' friend has a playdate scheduled. I woke up with a bad headache. Hope I feel better by 2. All I want to do is curl up in a blanket under the couch! I am DYING here. I took 4 motrin, two Musinex D and drunk a Dr. Pepper - should have some results in a few minutes. It has to be sinus, headache, or caffine!

I went on Ebay yesterday to see about getting rid of some things. I have a scrapbook table tote and a Handy Manny tool thing that I want to get rid of on there. Problem is all that is currently offered is new, so I have no idea what to price things as. Plus everyone seems to be padding their shipping too much. I think $5 to ship max - and people are charging $30 or north! I'm just going to watch things for a week and see if I can get a baseline.

Keep in mind how much it ACTUALLY costs to ship! I got screwed on several items I sold because I had to ship to CA and I barely broke even after shipping. Or take it to UPS or post office BEFORE you post it so you know EXACTLY what it would cost to ship to the furthest point.

Mia's showing interest in sleeping in a "real bed". She's still in her crib -but is REQUESTING real blankets on top of her sleep sack. Nicolas was in a toddler bed by 17 months, but that is because he climbed out. She can't with the sleep sack. Part of me likes the containment.

What are girls like in cribs? My neighbor said leave them in until 3 She is 75th percent in height, but only 3% in weight - barely cracks 20 lbs still!

Ally was in a crip until 3 then into her toddler bed. She was never a climber though so we weren't in a big hurry.

 

[DizzyErin]

Erin - Lauren's good friend is on Facebook and I'm really good friends with the mom - they've all requested me as their friends on it. Lauren knows and she's jealous but I've told her - NO WAY! I really see no reason for her to be on it - everyone she needs to talk to, she sees in school. If she wants to electronically communicate, I tell her to IM or text. I agree with you - the internet can be a dangerous place and they just don't need to be out there like that. Unfortunately, some parents don't feel the same way. But I really don't anticipate letting Lauren do FB until she's in college -- and then she can communicate with me!

Thing is i do not understand why a 9 yr old would even want to go on facebook, seriously who is she gonna find?? People she knew from her toddler group? Which is kinda what i said to Cj when she asked, she's 9 she has club penguin to meet and chat with her mates or you know go play outside and chat to your friends

You are so right - it really is scary out there. Ally is pretty good on the computer, she goes to Disney, Nick, and a website calls girlsgo.com where they can basically make paper dolls and such. And she knows how to bring up IM, but she doesn't know how to add anyone. We've had the talk about "bad" people and all that. It's just such a shame to have to do that. At our old house, I got my neighbor to come over and try to get Ally to open the door for him (she had never met him). We had an all glass front door, and he told her that it was okay, he was a friend and "your mommy says it's okay" - while I hid in my bedroom and listened to her. She didn't do it! He did a great job too though. He wasn't threatening but he was very insistent but she didn't cave in.

Oh yeh the internet is a scary place but i think it's important for kids to understand and not just the "bad" people either. My cousin who at the time was 14 was getting very badly bullied on the internet, so called "friends" had set up a site calling her all sorts of horrid names and spreading rumours about her, none of which were true .. I hated having to tell Cj about "bad" people but i have also warned her about so called friends and being careful with them too grgrgrg parenting sucks bigtime sometimes

Erin, I feel for you. I agree with Laura it would be nice if you could help keep an eye on her, but for CJ (and I LOVE THAT btw) I would have to decline and send the girl a message, or tell the girl personally, that you didn't approve of FB at such a young age and since you aren't allowing CJ to do it, you can't approve her as your friend out of fairness. It is a hard call

Thanks Renee it stands for Chloe Jessie, my grandpa passed away whilst i was pregnant with her and it was his middle name, obv the boys spelling and he in turn gave my mum the same middle name

I tried to catch her mum at school today but didn't see her, i don't want the girl to be upset because i've declined i want to tell her mum my reasons so she can explain to her .. the unfortuante thing is i forsee it could turn into a slight nightmare and he rmum think i am being judgemental, which of course i'm not, we all bring our kids up differently and who's to say who's right or wrong it's just something i disagre with

Again ggrgrgrgrgrgr

Thanks for listening all xx

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Ally was in a crip until 3 then into her toddler bed. She was never a climber though so we weren't in a big hurry.

Good to know - I'm in no hurry!

As for ebay - I generally weigh mine, and figure out priority on the front end. If it is high, like you I use the prepaid boxes.

I did 12 last November (never doing that many at once again) and I think I ended up overcharging someone about .74, and undercharging someone around $2 - so I won't "guess" anymore, that is for sure!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

You know, I just want to throw this out there to you guys. I know I probably sound pathetic, but with the kids, I'm busy with them - I don't have tons of flexible time, etc.

But you gals are really blessings to me. You are amazing friends, that are there for me when I do have time and understand - no questions - when I don't. I go missing, and I have people check in - I "sound" down, and I get a phone call. I just don't want to not take the opportunity to say thanks and that each of you mean a lot to me.

Also, I can't begin to tell you how much parenting help I feel like I get from you guys. Most of you know, my mom remarried when I a smidge younger than Lauren, and sent me to my dad - who was kind, but going though his mid life crisis. I grew up an only child - so I feel sorta clueless with parenting at times, but I'm learning a lot from you all - and good things too.

So a big thank you to each of you - for being you - for being a friend - and for being an inspiration. Okay, mushy soap box over....

 

[soontobewed07]

i finally added the ticker for our next trip. It's a long ways off but I need to know there is something out there with this weather.

I can't wait to add another ticker after this one. I am thinking maybe Sept. for Mike's birthday/ free dining I think that was when the CFWW were going to go down so Mike already had it in his mind.

Renee- What I learned is when you need someone in this group they are there for you. It is amazing how close we have all become in the last year. Everyone has helped me thru some major life events. I hope one day we are all able to get together and meet as a group.

Well Now Yesterday for me was a bit crazy. I went to the doctor to have my thyroid checked again and to also discuss trying to get pregnant. Aunt Flo went from normal to every 55 days so the doc says I may need intervention. I do not know if I am ready for that. I will have multiple ultrasounds and testing done within the next month and then we will make a game plan.
Then Mike came home and said he couldn't take working in the cold weather anymore he said it is near impossible to perform CPR when it is 5 degrees outside. He wants to move and Florida is where he wants to go. I am trying to convince him maybe S Carolina is better closer etc... but it is harder to change over our credentials. I don't even know where to start how do you find a safe neighborhood? I am use to my Firefighter/police/EMT/Paramedic neighborhood. Our neighbors are great.

Kara- I may need your help for this one. How did you make the big change? How did you know your neighborhood was safe?

By the way it's Thursday only one more day 'til Friday

I'll be updating my Pre trip report today my Dsil is driving me crazy

 

[CRdisMom]

ditto for me.

Renee the trip for spring is off. The timing isn't going to work. Now think g once school gets out in june. It will be just Atlanta. Wdw will have to wait. Only 2+ years.

 

[karajeboo]

Oh, Jillian, we need to talk. I'm gonna call you one of these days.....

Choosing a neighborhood in a new city is so tough. The first thing I researched was school districts by county. So we knew which county we wanted to be in (yeah, you see where that great research got me - I hate our schools!!!). Then we literally just drove around. We picked up lots of newcomer magazines, etc, and talked with our realtor. Once we drove into this neighborhood, quite by accident, we fell in love with it. There's a homicide detective and his wife also works for the force, who live here, plus two other police officers. The homicide det works at Jeff's auction sometimes so he would talk to him about this neighborhood. And I used the internet A LOT! But the funny thing is that Jacksonville as a whole has a much lower crime rate than Spartanburg, SC. But of course we didn't live in "that part" of Spartanburg. So it's all relative I guess.

What I'm saying is..... it just doesn't matter how you research, it's nearly impossible to get it right! Great advice, huh?

 

[karajeboo]

OK, I just got a message from one of the gals in our company - schools in Chattanooga are closed tomorrow because of the cold...... 32 degrees! I swear!

 

[karajeboo]

Yeah, so I just bought 5 boxes of Girl Scout cookies! I have until Feb 18th to drop this weight, so I can eat an entire box in one night and gain it all back! Cause everyone knows you canNOT eat just one GS cookie!

 

[CRdisMom]

my mind can't wrap I'd self arou d that one. 32? I'd love 32? Today it was MINUS 22. We still had school.

 

[Debbie6221]

Girls...this weather is bringing me down! I am so sick of it!! I actually do not mind running around but when it is in and out of this cold I just want to scream. Plus, I have to take care of the dog and the snow so my Mom wont go out there and Mark has been working a ton so he is basically working and sleeping. I am bummed I don't have a trip to look forward to but I am still trying to get a grip on our finances. I am not saying some kind of trip wont happen. I just don't know how or when.

Elizabeth had me get her from school today. She said she was sick when she just wanted to come home....
I am just not good this time of year! Never do good this time of year. It's REALLY too bad my parents rent Naples out to a snow bird because Elizabeth has 5 days off in February. Yes, WDW sounds delightful but I just can't swing it yet...
See, why do you guys want me posting here. I'm just a big whinier!!!!!!!

 

[Debbie6221]

my mind can't wrap I'd self around d that one. 32? I'd love 32? Today it was MINUS 22. We still had school.

Isn't that crap! I am so mad they are in school. Today at Elizabeth's school they had a fire drill and the kids were all outside in below zero temps, half the kids had NO coats...it was a disaster with no one to blame..... Oh wait! I blame the 5th grader who pulled it like a dumb *** and the CPS big wigs who kept school in session!
See here I go again!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

OK, I just got a message from one of the gals in our company - schools in Chattanooga are closed tomorrow because of the cold...... 32 degrees! I swear!

Okay, we are suppose to be down to 2 - Chatt is always colder - are you SURE they are going to be 32 tomorrow? Then again, they could be going off the low rather than the high. Those rodes are scarey on that mountain - very twisty with drop offs. I'm hoping my pipes don't freeze, but then again - 2 is REALLY COLD here. We have a decent crawl, so I hope it is okay.

Yeah, so I just bought 5 boxes of Girl Scout cookies! I have until Feb 18th to drop this weight, so I can eat an entire box in one night and gain it all back! Cause everyone knows you canNOT eat just one GS cookie!

I have always asked why they don't sell them at the holidays! I LOVE Tagalongs. Problem is I eat a box per sitting. I go on a mad GS scouting trip, trying to find me some!

my mind can't wrap I'd self arou d that one. 32? I'd love 32? Today it was MINUS 22. We still had school.

That is CRAZY! YUCK! Oh, I meant to ask - how close are you to the Land's End Call Center? Would that be a option for you? Just asking because I sware those are the nicest people! Remember my suit I got for Disney? The lady HAND WROTE me a nice little "have a nice time in Disney" on my packing ticket! We talked about the weather there - so all I know is they are out of your state - but they seem SO LOVELY!

Girls...this weather is bringing me down! I am so sick of it!! I actually do not mind running around but when it is in and out of this cold I just want to scream. Plus, I have to take care of the dog and the snow so my Mom wont go out there and Mark has been working a ton so he is basically working and sleeping. I am bummed I don't have a trip to look forward to but I am still trying to get a grip on our finances. I am not saying some kind of trip wont happen. I just don't know how or when.

Elizabeth had me get her from school today. She said she was sick when she just wanted to come home....
I am just not good this time of year! Never do good this time of year. It's REALLY too bad my parents rent Naples out to a snow bird because Elizabeth has 5 days off in February. Yes, WDW sounds delightful but I just can't swing it yet...
See, why do you guys want me posting here. I'm just a big whinier!!!!!!!

Okay, we need to get together. Same here - budget. First year no vacation BUT I figured a way to get us out of 1/4 of our debt this month, and maybe another 1/4 next, and then just snowball it. It takes work to think through, but it is worth it to figure out why it wasn't working and what to fix.

You're problem is a lot like mine - shopitis. DANGEROUS ILLNESS. I must stop. Mine is a little easier - I shop to deal with things. I feel bad, Mia must need new shoes. I get my feelings hurt, kids get new toys. etc. Hang in there and just know you aren't alone!

Can I whine about how badly my face hurt from the cold when I went out????? It was 13 with a -2 wind chill. This is crazy!

 

[sewer]

my mind can't wrap I'd self arou d that one. 32? I'd love 32? Today it was MINUS 22. We still had school.

Hey, in your location that's shorts weather.

 

[CRdisMom]

of course it is. I'll break the pool out for that

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Kara, back away from the cookies! Oh! They moved all the smileys again!

Renee, I agree with Kara - I think Nicholas will do just fine at school. My oldest was very mature for his age, and he had little friends to play with all around him since birth -we lived on Air Force bases, so he was fine with social skills.

I can tell you what I've seen with Myles, who hasn't had many kids to play with. When they did start taking him to social events, he was smarter and had a better vocabulary than the kids his age, so he would try to play with the older ones, and he didn't have the social skills - they thought he was strange. Once he started preschool, he has done fine, and he interacts well with the other kids. He has friends at school, and is invited to a birthday party this weekend. He is very happy there!

Debbie, I know I of all people shouldn't suggest this, but have you ever gone to tanning in the winter time? Sometimes I just have to - that little 20 mintue warm vacation does wonders for my mood. Just use a very good one with natural ingredients and moisturize with your spa lotion after. And not very often, mind you.

Laura, as soon as it warms up to 40, you can go out and have a BBQ! I remember doing that when we were in Minot, ND. After months of -30 with a -60 windchill, we got the Feb thaw and it was 40 - we washed our cars outside and had a BBQ in short sleeves! P.S. They didn't close down schools, cuz when would they be open?




Okay, "sistas" I just wanted to say, that I feel the same way about all of you! No one can understand how you can have good friends you met on the internet! They just don't understand DISers! You are all so caring and loving! I feel blessed to know each of you! I hope someday we can have a girl's weekend!

 

[karajeboo]

Isn't that crap! I am so mad they are in school. Today at Elizabeth's school they had a fire drill and the kids were all outside in below zero temps, half the kids had NO coats...it was a disaster with no one to blame..... Oh wait! I blame the 5th grader who pulled it like a dumb *** and the CPS big wigs who kept school in session!
See here I go again!

Oh, Debbie, I would be LIVID!!! I hope that little **** was suspended or expelled or whatever! You know he did it on purpose to see what they would do because of the cold. Oh, again, I would be so fired up!!!! I'm be marching my big ole butt to that school and goin all redneck on them!!! I learned that in SC.

Okay, we are suppose to be down to 2 - Chatt is always colder - are you SURE they are going to be 32 tomorrow? Then again, they could be going off the low rather than the high. Those rodes are scarey on that mountain - very twisty with drop offs. I'm hoping my pipes don't freeze, but then again - 2 is REALLY COLD here. We have a decent crawl, so I hope it is okay.

I have always asked why they don't sell them at the holidays! I LOVE Tagalongs. Problem is I eat a box per sitting. I go on a mad GS scouting trip, trying to find me some!

That is CRAZY! YUCK! Oh, I meant to ask - how close are you to the Land's End Call Center? Would that be a option for you? Just asking because I sware those are the nicest people! Remember my suit I got for Disney? The lady HAND WROTE me a nice little "have a nice time in Disney" on my packing ticket! We talked about the weather there - so all I know is they are out of your state - but they seem SO LOVELY!

Okay, we need to get together. Same here - budget. First year no vacation BUT I figured a way to get us out of 1/4 of our debt this month, and maybe another 1/4 next, and then just snowball it. It takes work to think through, but it is worth it to figure out why it wasn't working and what to fix.

You're problem is a lot like mine - shopitis. DANGEROUS ILLNESS. I must stop. Mine is a little easier - I shop to deal with things. I feel bad, Mia must need new shoes. I get my feelings hurt, kids get new toys. etc. Hang in there and just know you aren't alone!

Can I whine about how badly my face hurt from the cold when I went out????? It was 13 with a -2 wind chill. This is crazy!

I love Lands End and their customer service!!! And kudos to you Renee for getting a handle on things. Sounds like you've really buckled down and taken the time to get it together. I feel so relieved for you!

Hey, in your location that's shorts weather.

Kara, back away from the cookies! Oh! They moved all the smileys again!

Renee, I agree with Kara - I think Nicholas will do just fine at school. My oldest was very mature for his age, and he had little friends to play with all around him since birth -we lived on Air Force bases, so he was fine with social skills.

I can tell you what I've seen with Myles, who hasn't had many kids to play with. When they did start taking him to social events, he was smarter and had a better vocabulary than the kids his age, so he would try to play with the older ones, and he didn't have the social skills - they thought he was strange. Once he started preschool, he has done fine, and he interacts well with the other kids. He has friends at school, and is invited to a birthday party this weekend. He is very happy there!

Debbie, I know I of all people shouldn't suggest this, but have you ever gone to tanning in the winter time? Sometimes I just have to - that little 20 mintue warm vacation does wonders for my mood. Just use a very good one with natural ingredients and moisturize with your spa lotion after. And not very often, mind you.

Laura, as soon as it warms up to 40, you can go out and have a BBQ! I remember doing that when we were in Minot, ND. After months of -30 with a -60 windchill, we got the Feb thaw and it was 40 - we washed our cars outside and had a BBQ in short sleeves! P.S. They didn't close down schools, cuz when would they be open?


Okay, "sistas" I just wanted to say, that I feel the same way about all of you! No one can understand how you can have good friends you met on the internet! They just don't understand DISers! You are all so caring and loving! I feel blessed to know each of you! I hope someday we can have a girl's weekend!

Why do they move the smilies???? And to echo Tammie and Renee - I love you guys! And in Cammie's case, I love youse guys! Jeff still rolls his eyes when I talk about y'all, but I think he's starting to get it. I just feel like I can get such good advice here without the judgements, and that's what I love! I truly feel that you gals are very special friends!

So, about that DPing tonight????

 

[karajeboo]

Oh, and Debbie, I totally agree with Tammie! A tanning session here and there ALWAYS makes me feel better! The smell, the warmth, it all feels like vacation to me!