Marriage: The Trip Report - Update 2/28 - Final Thoughts & Link to Disneyland TR!

[brookelizabeth]

LOL at your future Dining Reporter!

The video cracked me up b/c he was so into checking out the ECV that he didn't even notice the castle . You know kids of photo bugs too--you say their name and they say "cheeese" w/out even looking at you. Mine do the same thing .

Sooooooo very true! Henry does that "cheese" without even looking all the time, LOL. Sometimes I ask him, "Where's the camera?" "I not know..."

Haha Loved the picture of photographer Henry!

That video was precious. He made it to Mickey's house!!!

Disney fruit is yummy!!

Disney fruit IS delicious. How do they make those grapes so ridiculously good?

YAY for Main Street

Glad you were able to hang back a bit and get to MK whenever. Great choice for a second breakfast.

I love me my second breakfasts! Yum, yum! I think I could eat breakfast for several meals in a day and be quite happy.

Great update!!!!!!!!

That cinnamon roll looks fabulous I LOVE the picture of Henry taking a picture of his food. That's priceless. What a nice morning and how lovely that milk was actually less than at Hess!

Wow, that must be new since August, or at least I didn't see anyone walking past us but good to know, I'll be calling in the future!

Eric hated the sensation of "going" in the open air, keeping him naked was the only way to get him past it. But it took care of everything at once (#1, #2, day and night) so it was worth it.

I was shocked that milk at the BW was cheaper than Hess!! But good info to know for those staying in that area.

Henry has gotten everything down at once too, #1, #2 day and night. It's almost easier this way. He's already just telling me when he has to go, when I asked him I get a "Nooooo! Why you ask me all the time???"

I always "plan" to stop at the Main St. Bakery and get breakfast and yet that never seems to happen I'm glad you all enjoyed your selections.

Henry taking a "food porn" picture is hilarious! He definitely has a future on the Dis

I got your PM! THANK YOU! I will be replying soon!

I think Joe wouldn't be able to feel satisfied from a trip unless it included at least one Bakery stop. I think we missed it on our very first trip (we didn't know about it!), but not since then! I do miss the French Toast Loaf though. I only had it once and it was soooooo good.

I love your view! I am so homesick for Disney


Aw Henry looks adorable in his sunglasses

I also like the Memories banner I can't wait to see it in person!

Aw that's adorable that Henry is already taking food pictures He will definitely be a DISer when he gets older

Can't wait to hear about the Barbershop!

I am homesick for Disney too! Your ticker is lookin' GREAT though. Almost there, almost there!

The Memories banner is really beautiful, such a nice added touch. But wait until you see the SHOW. WOW. It's amazing.

How funny that little Henry already knows about the importance of food porn!!

Did he take a lot of pictures during the trip? I hope you will include some of his again! It is so interesting to see things from his perspective.

I love your morning BWV pictures!! Just a bit over 6 months until I get to go there...

I will include Henry's pictures again! Surprisingly, he didn't take too many this trip, only around 30 (several of which I'm sure aren't of anything). I felt like we had the camera out more often too. Perhaps it was his mounds of gifts distracting him. But anyway, I will include those at the end again.

The morning sites at BWV are breathtaking. I just love the Boardwalk. I can imagine myself sitting there right now....ahhh. That would be a resort I could get up early at and just soak it all in while sipping some coffee.

What a fun update! I love the last picture of Henry taking a food picture. lol

Can't wait to see the barber shop pics.

Isn't he funny with that picture???

Barber Shop pics...well...hmmm...

That is super fantastic!! Gotta love a three year old with a camera, and what does he want to shoot, his food!! A DISer in training, through and through!

Ah Main Street Bakery, you will be mine in three days!!!!

It's true! By the time he's 5, he'll have it all down pat. I think I'll be helping him write his first food report soon.

And, YOU ARE THERE RIGHT NOW!!!!!! I'm jealous. But I am enjoying the updates on Facebook! Have a magical trip!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Oh Brook!!! That picture of Henry taking a picture of the food is just too precious!!! I laughed so hard when I saw it & thought to myself "Wouldn't it be awesome to see a co-written Brook & Henry TR?"

Your pictures of the Boardwalk area are gorgeous! I know that there are many more to come & I cannot wait to see them! Thanks for explaining how to get from the Boardwalk to DHS! I actually was talking to my mom about their trip the other day & we were going through her old maps. I found one of the Boardwalk/BC/YC area!!! It shows the walkways for both going to Epcot & DHS...of course I've already obsessively researched it via Google Earth and Bing Maps but your description made it much clearer to me! I can totally picture the walkway in my head now! Thanks!

Joe's video of Henry seeing the castle is soooo cute!!!! I loved the music too & how he made the pictures pan in & out! Very cool video!!!! I think I most look forward to reading your first updates to see the picture of Henry seeing the castle for the first time! And this time, we got a bonus with the video!

Congrats again on the potty training!!! That must be sooo exciting! I cannot wait for the day when I can say Luke is potty trained!

Don't you just love those Baby Care Centers? When I saw that picture of Henry, I almost cried! It just reminded me of all the times I've taken Luke to the care centers over the past few years & how much he's grown! Look at this...when I saw the picture of Henry, it reminded me of this pic!

Everytime we're at MK, we always end up at the Ice Cream Parlor instead of Main Street Bakery! I have no idea why but I think I'm a little more obsessed with ice cream than I am with the croissants! Good choice on the fruit though!

I am soooo looking forward to reading another update!!!!

I was just scrolling quickly through the pages on my TR before I was about to respond here and the pic of Luke made me stop and laugh out loud!!! Like toddler, like toddler, eh?!

Glad I could help on the BW to DHS walk. It's a great little walk, very relaxing right along the river. We did it once this trip, I cannot recall if I took many pictures or not...I guess we'll find out when I get that far.

I love the ice cream parlor too, we've done that a few trips and it certainly tempted me more than once this time! I love all the options. We once got treats just before we left the park and ate them as we slowly wandered down Main Street saying good-bye. That was a great way to end the trip!

MK morning!

So glad to see someone else does the morning pic of their kid in case you get separated. We did that every day.

Henry's shirt is so cute! And his grin? Adorable!

I want that D&B purse now!!

Yum! Breakfast at the Bakery is a favorite of mine. I'm drooling over that cinnamon roll now!

My little guy just got that same camera Henry has! How many pictures does it hold up to?

I can't remember who's trip I saw that idea on, but I thought it was EXCELLENT. I mean, I'd like to think I know what my kid is wearing should he somehow get separated, but in the panic of the moment, who knows. Plus, I know I have read on reports where Disney sometimes makes your "prove" something is yours. I could easily prove he's MINE.

Isn't that shirt sweet? I got it from a DISer who I haven't seen around here in a veryyyyy long time. He's worn it on every single trip! It finally really fits him though. LOL

I think the camera holds around 150 pictures if I remember correctly. If it gets up there I just go through and delete a whole bunch of the random ones he takes of the walls and his pants.

Oh what a perfect first morning! Magic Kingdom is just so lovely. We ended our last trip at the Bakery and oooh it was perfect! That food looks awesome, it's killing me because I'm eating strictly healthy until I head down in May. We'll see how long THAT lasts!

The Bakery would be a GREAT way to end a trip. I might have to store that idea away for a future trip... What a perfect parting memory.

I wish you the best on your healthy eating plan! It's hard, but worth it. You'll feel so much better. I have had a rough week on Weight Watchers, but I'm going strong this week. Hopefully the scale will be kind!

First off Yay for Henry being potty trained. They do get it eventually.

Joe did a great job with the video. Love it when he says "Mickey Mouse House".
We have only stopped once I think at the bakery (when they had the French Toast Loaf) but I am thinking I really want to go back again. Good job picking the fruit. I know that is not what I would have been craving. Now the croissant on the other hand..

LOL, I looked a bit ahead in my pictures and a croissant shows up either later this same day or the very next day. I didn't last very long!

Ha! In that picture of you clicking your heels as you walk down the hall, it looks like you only have one leg

I really like the new Memories banner in front of MK, I hope they keep this promotion going long enough for me to see it in person.

Joe did a great job on the video, love it!

As big a fan as I am of the Disney D&B bags, the princess one just doesn't do much for me

Totally LOVE the picture of Henry taking food porn shots

LOL, I didn't even notice the one-leg thing! Hilarious!

Aren't you taking on a Disney day before or after your cruise? I have YET to catch up on your PTR but I recall seeing that info on someone else's...maybe Jackie's? If you aren't doing MK, you just might have to at least go to the gates.

wow, how am I this far behind already! I'm here

and LOVE the intro. can't wait to read the rest

I admit it, I skipped the chatter to read your posts. Now I am SOO EXCITED even more for May. Henry is SO cute & WHOOP WHOOP for potty training. YEEHHAAA

I love the "mickey mouse house" and the video of him heading to the door first thing in the morning at home.

No worries on skipping the chatter! That's what the links are for. Glad you made it over here!!

 

[luvfigment]

Hey Brook! I am all caught up and totally understand your blues. I actually f was feeling bummed that I won't be taking my trip this year. I was so excited to go to Disney this year and to go with my whole family. Although I am totally excited about beng pregnant and having my baby during what was suppose to be our trip I haven't been since 08. Ha ha.

I hope you hear back soon about being a Disney TA. You would be awesome!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I'm in!

This is brilliant, I love all the videos and pics. Can't wait for the next installment!

Also, your Henry is just gorgeous, this thread is making me rather broody! I always thought I wanted a girl, but I'd be very happy with a little cutie like Henry!

Christine xxx

Thank you for reading!!

You are so sweet! Thank you for the kind words about Henry.

Great updates! It looks like it was such a beautiful day at the Magic Kingdom. Good idea to stop in at the Main Street Bakery before haircut time.

Henry does look very cute in his sunglasses. Does he actually keep them on?

The weather was amazing for our first week. Absolutely perfect out. How I long for that weather now!

Henry DOES keep his sunglasses on! He actually requests them. Today we were in Manhattan and I forgot his, so he wore mine. He got some pretty great reactions. Even in Manhattan a little boy in big black flower designed sunglasses still gets double-takes! Anyway, he wasn't good about keeping them on until late last summer though. He broke several pairs the same day we bought them, but he finally "gets it" now and is very good with them.

I'm really enjoying reading about your trip. It is getting me excited for my trip in May.

Thank you for reading!!! I hope I can tide you over until your leave. I'll help share a bit of that magic until then.

Henry looks cool in his sunglasses!

Love the video of the castle and the way it is put together as well as the pic of the D&B bag!

You def have trained Henry well! Hopefully, the trend will continue and he will still want to take Disney food pics when he is older!

I am thinking Henry and I will have to do a joint report or food report someday soon! Wouldn't that be funny...and actually pretty useful!

HOW did this happen???? WHERE have I been for the past 22 pages (okay I KNOW where I have been, doctors office are my life...But STILL. I need a new vanity plate for my van... DRSRUS )! Going back to read every page. I read the Marriage intro first...loved it! Now I am signing and then I will read more. You weave SUCH a great story Brooke!!!!

LOL! Glad you found me girl!!!

Just want to say that I am loving your report!

Love that Let the Memories Begin sign in front of the train station. I actually hadn't seen that yet.

And about that "giddy" feeling you described as you were walking home to the Boardwalk on the 1st night of your trip, knowing you had your whole trip ahead of you...isn't that the best??!!! I totally get that too.

It is the BEST feeling. And I love that it still happens every single trip!!

Signing up! I love, LOVE, LOVE everything I have read so far. Your son is adorable ... about the same age as my daughter...so cute.

I laughed when you called the fountain at Epcot YOUR fountain because I usually refer to it as MINE. It always amazes me to see people walking right by it without noticing the great show it puts on. Anyways... cannot wait to read more.

Q

Thank you, and welcome!!! Isn't this age...interesting? One minute he's so sweet and loving, the next minute---hoooooo boy! Three is an ADVENTURE!

about the fountain! I suppose we can share it...

Wahoo for leaving diapers behind!!!! But you might want to re-think leaving the stroller behind, at least for WDW. We took ours to the World when our "baby" was nearly six. We hadn't used it for her in years, so I balked at the idea initially, but it was a lifesaver. Best surprise-hit advice that trip.

Glad my name tickled you. Those who (like me) never heard of the radio show can just think of me as an optimist. Or eye-roller. I can be a sarcastic optimist.

I always bring coffee, too. I consider it a public service to make sure DH & I are well caffeinated before heading out for the day.

Henry is just so dear. Love him in the 1st Glimpse video. Heckuva phone Joe has, too, to be able to put together something so fancy. What a great memento.

Oh ya, the stroller will be coming with us for many more trips. Hopefully we can start to leave it behind on little outings around home though. He's getting better with it. We went to Ikea yesterday and he did a lot of walking.

I like the sarcastic optimist! I think I'm kinda that myself sometimes...ha! And I'm certain NO ONE has heard of the radio show. It was in a little Minnesota town on a Christian radio station once a week. Though, we did have our band of dedicated listeners, most people never knew we existed! But, it sure was fun.

LOL about the "public service" to ensure you are well caffeinated! I suppose it would be the same in my case. Me without coffee ain't pretty.

Joe has an iPhone...so it is pretty amazing what it can do! He used the iMovie app to make that video. I hope he does more like it in the future, I was super impressed myself!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Great update! What a gorgeous morning!
Henry is just so adorable Brook!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

xxx

Thank you!!!

It was a beautiful day - the weather that first week was amazing.

blessedmom4-Just got back from our NC trip two weeks ago and I noticed North Carolinians (is that what you are called?) LOVE a vanity plate. I've been on many road trips and have never seen so many in my entire life so I say go for it, you will fit right in

I even saw one in binary code!

Binary code?! That would ROCK! Joe would be all over that!

Love the "hidden Mickey" with the morning coffee. And yet another sweet video with Henry.

We have never reallys topped at the Main Street Bakery for breakfast...I think that is a definite "new thing" to do this year.

Brook, you look great "clicking your heels" getting ready to get to the MK.

I hope you two enjoy Main Street Bakery as much as we do! If anything, it's just fun to gaze into the case at all the goodness. I really like sitting at the tables (though, sometimes it's VERY busy), and hearing the noise from Main Street. Sometimes you can time it just right to hear the various songs. Ahhh, I want to go right now!

YAY I'm all caught up now!!! I just love you, Joe's and Henry's adventures at Disney!!! Glad you had a plan!! I try to go with the flow and often I do, but I always have a plan just in case!!

Loved your first night!! YAY for Test Track!!

You know I have only been to the Main Street Bakery once, I really need to stop in there again!!!

I have to have a plan of some sort. I think I figured out this trip I would explode if I didn't. Even if it's just in my head and can be completely thrown away. A plan has to be made!

Great update! There is nothing better than walking down Main St. for the first time.

Love the picture of Henry snapping pictures of the fruit.


for potty training.

It's true--there is nothing better than those first glimpses and smells of Main Street. Everything fresh in front of you, who knows what kind of magic the day will hold?

Oh, how I love your updates! Always so much fun!!!

I am cracking up over your Mickey Head coasters! Good job!

Henry seeing the castle for the first time has become one of my favorite moments in your trip. I always look forward to seeing how he will react. LOL!

Oh, iced coffee and baked goodies from the Main Street Bakery -- yum, yum, yum!

Henry is definitely a DISer in the making with his food shots!!!

You should just see what becomes Mickey Heads at home! Henry is a Hidden Mickey Spy, I swear. He's seeing Mickey Heads in EVERYTHING from food to toy handcuffs from the dollar store. He's worse than me!

I'm happy we are past the scowl/yawning stage at the Castle. The excited smile and shriek is much, much more fun! I wonder if we'll go back to the scowl or yawn when we hit the teen years? I hope not!

I love the video of Mickey Mouse house and totally agree with Henry it should be Mickey Mouse house always and not Cindy's

I agree too!! We saw the end of the Castle show this trip and Henry saw Mickey and the gang all go into the Castle and that made it even more secure in his mind that was Mickey's House. He mentioned Mickey going to take a nap.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Hugs to you Brook
Im sorry that you are going through such a hard time....Let Go and Let God...He will take care of you and your worries in His time I have been super stressed about things happening on our next trip, and I just had to give it over to Him. I was going crazy stressing so much about it I am trusting that everything will work out and I know it will for you too! Take as long a break as you need to get thoughts and things in order...we will wait
Praying for you

Thank you for your encouraging words!! Your prayers truly are making a difference.

I'll be praying for you about the trip too. It WILL all work out!

Hey Brook! Thanks for sharing what you've been going through. I think we all get into funks like that every once win a while. I always get like that sometime around late February and I know it's the weather! So I can definitely see how, after getting back from two glorious weeks to this BS Spring, can certainly get you down. Good luck with the travel agent thing! I've seriously been considering becoming a Disney travel agent too. I have many websites of information bookmarked but just don't seem to be getting around to it. Maybe when school is out for the summer.

Anyway, hope you are feeling better soon!

The weather truly makes a difference! It's never really seemed to bother me much until this year. But this weekend made me feel SO much better. Today we were out in the sun a lot and I could feel myself relaxing. It was wonderful. Now, we are supposed to get THREE days of rain this week...hopefully that changes.

I'll keep you all posted on how the TA thing works out. I'm excited about the possibility!

I get it Brook! I always have Disney blues after a trip, in one form or another, and know the best way to get rid of them is to plan another trip! But that isn't always possible! I think becoming a Disney TA would be a GREAT job for you!! I hope you hear back soon. In the meantime, keep thinking about spring... it has to be right around the corner. Maybe start planning some of the day trips you can take around the city once the weather does improve.

I have been itchin' to plan another trip. I don't even care (all that much ) if it's Disney or not - just something! Though, Disney would be the best of course!

Thank you for your encouraging words! I did just what you suggested in planning some day trips. We live in a tourist destination and have a million things at our finger tips, we will be taking advantage of them! Now the weather better start agreeing.

I feel your pain. The only way to end a Disney trip is to start planning the next one. I have promised my DH the next trip will be the beach, but my heart is just not in it.

That stinks that your DH wants the beach! Maybe you could do Vero Beach though???

hahaha you trained Henry too well lol

Now train me. I never take pics of my food lol

My 2 faves(so far) at the bakery are the cupcakes and the apple turnovers.

It took a few trips to remember to take pictures of everything, but now we ALL know the drill. No food is touched until we photograph it!! I'm sure we've gotten weird glances, but all well!

Joe is a big fan of the apple turnovers as well. I don't think either of us have tried their cupcakes though. We might have to fix that.

I so understand Brook. Lately I've been struggling in some aspects of my life, and just wanted to quit and start anew. Well not for now. I'll finish some of it, and see later on what's gonna happen. Hang in there! I'm thinking about you and your family a lot!

Thank you my friend! I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers too. I know you've been applying for jobs and all that going on. I hope something works out that is just right.

I totally understand Brook. When we first get back from a trip I do not even want to go on these boards because I hear about everyone else that will be going & it is tough. And this stupid winter weather does not want to leave us yet. Everyone is so ready for Spring & it seems like it is taking FOREVER to get here!! If we could be outside & in the yard & taking walks it would be better.

That's great if you can squeeze in another trip this year.

In the meantime let's hope that the nice warm beautiful weather is right around the corner.

Spring is taking forever this year, isn't it? Even though the winter here is much shorter than in MN, it's is harder since we are outside so much more. Come on Spring!!! Today certainly did help though, it was bright and sunny here, we spent over an hour in the park.

Totally undersand.... I personally find this time of the year worst than the peak of Winter. We just want Summer already.

I alway joke around that I will only love my job the day it will have something to do with Disney. I hope things work out for you.

Have a great weekend.

Q

I'm so glad I'm not alone! All these messages back encourage me so much. This time of year is hard. It's not winter, but not quite spring. And rain, rain, rain.

I just applied to another agency tonight, so hopefully something does turn up in the TA department! It makes me excited to think about it all. I know it will be a lot of work, but I know it will be work I enjoy!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Oh Brook. That's an awful lot of important *thoughts* to be having all at once.

Disney blues just plain suck, they just do. I hate leaving Disney and the moment I get home, I'm already trying to work out another trip.

Henry does sound more independant which is as it should be. It's hard though, I hate that my three DD's are getting so big and need me less and less. But it's that stupid natural part of life, blah blah blah.

Work sounds like a great idea. A Disney TA?? Oh, totally do it! I hope that works out. I know you'd be wonderful with that, your clients would love you!

Just keep trusting that God will work out these details for you. Remember when you interviewed for that job months ago thinking it would be great? Well, a Disney TA would be even better, right?? Hang in there.

Soooo, what dates are ya looking at for this trip? Totally out of curiosity of course.

And the fact that they are all at once just makes it rougher, KWIM?

Anyway, thank you for the encouraging words and prayers! With Henry growing up, part of it is easier, and part is harder. It's harder transitioning back into work and figuring out what I'm going to do with myself, that is FOR SURE. I feel just sorta lost and unsure sometimes. But, with this TA work, I've prayed about it and thought about it long and researched it...this just might be IT. Whatever it ends up being, it will work out, in just the right timing. I gotta trust, trust, trust.

We have been tossing around quite a few other dates for a trip. The ones that have been sticking the most are late August, just before Henry goes into school and we still have our APs. Are you going in October this year???

Oh Brook, I am right there with you on the Disney blues. I have to admit I got a little teary-eyed looking at your report one night when we were there because we had some of that crummy weather in WDW! 2 days of nonstop rain! I got so jealous looking at your sunny, blue-sky pictures and wishing we had that kind of weather the whole time. I guess we were due for some lousy weather since most of our recent trips have been beautiful.

I'll be looking forward to your next update though.

Oh man! I read your response here the other day and it made me tear up for you! The weather down there has been down right SCARY!! I hope you were able to make the most of it and are able to go back SOON.

Oh Brook! I will keep you in my thoughts & prayers!!! I definitely know how you feel & what you are going through. As you know, I've recently been going through the same exact thing. And honestly, the only thing keeping me going right now is our September Disney trip -- after that, I will be living through other people's reports & trips!!! Definitely go for it with the travel agency! I've been looking into it for quite some time & just recently found something that worked out! I really, really know that it will work out for you!!! You are amazing when it comes to anything Disney related & I know an agency will see that!!!!

I think this weather has been getting to everyone! I swear this is the looooongest winter I have ever lived through! I guess its fun when you're a kid because Luke keeps asking me where the snow went (on days when its melted) and he jumps up & down with joy when the snow comes back (much to mommy's disappointment!) One great thing that happened for us was that the local petting zoo opened today -- but the downfall is that its too cold to walk around outside for an hour & see the animals! They are also only open on the weekends for the whole month of April -- so we have an entire month to wait until we can go during the week. Luke has been asking me ALOT recently if he can go play with the kids or go to the playground. I try to take him to the mall once a week to play on their little playarea but its not much space & he needs to get outside to run around! I think he's ready for school -- for the learning & socialization with others -- but he won't start until next September.

I completely know what you mean about the transition in your life. Luke & Henry are almost the same exact age, so I totally get it!!! If you ever need to talk, please feel free to PM me here or message me on facebook & I will do the same!

Thank you so much for your words Hope! And yes, I do know you have been in that same "What do I do???" boat. It's hard, isn't it? Congratulations on becoming a TA!! That is awesome! I sure hope something works out for me too. I have a few things in progress, but no responses from anyone. Just waiting to hear back if they like me or not is the hard part!

I hear you about the snow! Henry does the SAME thing! This weekend was wonderful weather, which has helped. We were in the park for over an hour today, Henry had a blast. Hopefully it keeps up and stays in the 50s and 60s. No more 30s!

I will be messaging you next time I just need to let it all go! Gosh, if we lived closer I think we, and our boys, would have a blast together!

I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND! Being a SAHM is one of the toughest jobs out there, especially in the colder months. Those 4 walls closes in on you fast. Hence the quick 1 night trip to Ocean City, MD we took last weekend in the snowLOL The whole family really needed to break the daily routine. I'm sure it's even harder coming off a 2 week Disney vacation. It's such a magical place. I often struggle with the DIS myself knowing a Disney trip in not in my near future. Then I realize we will go back (most likely late next year) and in the mean time I can share in the magic though others TRs. Not the same as being there but a reminder of what I have to look forward too. Hang in there. Warmer days are just around the corner and the right job will be there too.

BTW : Please don't lose sleep over the Disney items for others. You have already gone above and beyond for us. We understand that life gets in the way.

It is true! How many hours of Legos can I log? I feel hope now, the weather is slowly improving and hopefully will NOT go back to those awful temps like last week...we were in the 30s. Being a SAHM is tough work, not necessarily physically-but mentally!

First Congrats on Potty Training!! that is wonderful! WTG Henry!!!!
I love the pic of him with his camera/ food! start em young! LOL!

i totally understand...add it to being a long horrible winter that never seems to end..doesnt help. The weather has never affected me mentally as much as it did this year! Add a 3 year old with lots of energy and I can totally understnad the need to go anywhere! !LOL!!

I totally see you as a travel agent!!! I will pray they contact you soon with good news!!!!

Would you start now?? Or in the fall when he starts school??

The winter has never affected me like it has this year either. I do think it's partly because I have a 3 year old with endless energy...and I feel bad that I can't keep up with him or that I don't want to play 20 hours of Legos each day. Day by day, spring is coming!

Thank you for your encouraging words and prayers! I would like to start the TA work now and increase my hours once Henry starts school. Right now I could easily fit in some hours in the morning and while he naps, and then after dinner. Plus, Henry has a regular play date which gives me some free-time.

Now, when will the house get clean? I have no idea!

I hope you feel better soon Am sure everything will work out and hope a company contacts you about the TA work.

Coming back from a trip can be depressing so take your time and come back when you are ready - we will still be here

Thank you for your encouragement!!! All these kind messages really do help! I know everything will work out in the right time...it's just waiting can be so hard can't it? Patience is the life-long lesson.

 

[brookelizabeth]

All caught up! And what a fun Sunday morning doing so!

Totally agree with you on La Cantina. Yummy. I was hoping the refurb would alleviate some of the demand for tables but no such luck. Definitely a mad house!

Isn't that first night in WDW just the best? When the real world seems so far away and you have the rest of your trip (in your case 2 whole weeks!) stretching out before you?

Sorry H got scared on TT... I can see where it might be scary at night.

Congrats on potty training!!

Sorry to hear you are struggling with the blues and transitional stress. This winter has been the WORST, hasn't it? Ugh. SO ready for spring and sunshine. Hopefully that is around the corner!

A Disney travel agent sounds like a great plan. I'd love to hear more about the process as you go through it.

Very cool for dreaming about another trip. Am sure we'll be seeing a ticker before too long!

Hang in there!!

That first night IS the best. All the excitement and giddiness over finally being there.... love it!

I hope to be adding a ticker very soon. I'm not certain we will be, but I can dream, right? lol

As for the TA, so far I have contacted a handful of agencies and have heard back from a few. I have done two "big" applications for two different agencies. One I just finished tonight, and another over a week ago. I did a smaller application with another company just about a week ago too. Now in that waiting stage.... I'll keep you all posted!

I think we can all relate. March hasn't been the easiest month and I wish I had half of your grace when handling all of the unknowns life can throw our way. Rest assured, though, that nicer weather should be just around the corner, so that should help, at least.

For a moment there, I thought we wouldn't be going back for quite a while and I was just not happy about it in the least. I had to wait for most of the month before I knew for sure that we'd be able to book anything!

And my hat is really off to you for being a SAHM. While I have often wished that I could be home full-time, for the most part, I know that I would have a very tough time with it. Though, a part-time job somewhere has always sounded like a nice compromise...and being a Disney travel agent sounds like it could be a ton of fun... hmm.... plan other people's trips?? I think you'd be fantastic at it, btw. You are certainly knowledgeable in the Disney department and, even on-line, your outgoing personality comes shining through. All the cute pics of Henry aren't the ONLY reason most of us follow you!

Maybe those of us in the greater NY area could think about a Dismeet for the spring sometime...

March has been rough! It's been awful cold and rainy. I'm ready for April if today was any indication of it's beauty!

Thank you so much for all your kind and encouraging words! You guys are seriously the best. Being a SAHM is HARD. I cannot tell you how many days I miss working. Age 2 was a boatload easier than age 3 has been. It's hard to transition now, again, too. Do I go back into software support? Or do I do something new? I am open to both, but certainly leaning more toward the "something new" with the TA work....we shall see what happens!

So Henry isn't the only reason you guys follow me???? LOL! Cute kids do help though, right?! Problem is, the DIS is full of 'em! I have over 80 TRs in my subscriptions!

I reallyyyyyyyy like your thoughts on the DIS meet. I am going to keep that in the forefront of my mind. Something needs to happen soon!

I can totally relate about having the blues after vacation. We just got back last night from our cruise on the Magic. It was such an amazing trip and I am so sad this morning as I am doing laundry.

Oh man. That first day back is always full of awful chores too! Laundry, grocery shop, unpack. The magic is truly over.

With that said, I hope you had an AWESOME trip! I can't wait to cruise sometime...maybe this year...

Enjoying your trip report and I completely understand the let down. Three weeks ago today we were on day 2 of our stay at the Boardwalk. Now I am 8 months away from our next trip and don't even know when we are going back after that as I did quite a bit of point borrowing for December. Looking forward to reading more and hope the Disney TA idea works out.

I completely concur about the weather. Our DD is a college lacrosse player. I am tired of sitting at games in below freezing temperatures and snow. Spring please come!!!

I'm so glad you guys all "get it"! I've never had the Disney blues like I had this time. I'm glad you have another trip on the books, even though the trip after might be a big question mark. That's kinda where we are at too. We have December booked, but we are borrowing...plus, I don't know if it will work financially with Christmas, so I'm not really counting it right now-just wanted to secure the room over NYE! We'll see...

Hi Brook, I am sorry that you are feeling low at the moment. I hope you will get some beautiful spring days soon which should at least make your life a little bit better!

I hope you will find somthing to do professional which will be a good fit for your needs and ablilities, whatever it may be. But I think you would make a good travel agent.

Oh and regarding possibly another trip in 2011: the time between October 11-22 is supposed to be a wonderful time to be at WDW!

And we did! Today was beautiful. 55 degrees. It was perfect. It truly helped lift my mood!

Thank you for your kind words. Everything said here is so encouraging.

October IS a lovely time to go...and it would be right around our 5th wedding anniversary. Hmmmm...we were looking at late August because of our APs and school; however, October...

I can so relate to what you are feeling. That is one of the reasons why I take way to long to look at my Photopass pics. I get the cd each time, so I have to download them, and do all the things that I like to do. But I never feel like doing it when I get back from our trip, because it gives me the blues. I mean looking at the pictures are wonderful, just like I'm sure you feel about retelling your trip, but it makes things so final. I can't even imagine coming back after 2 weeks. It is really hard to come off from that Disney high and being a true Disney Lover, that high is even higher for you.

It will get better and summer is just around the corner. And then we'll all be complaining about how hot it is.

Until then. Here is a hug. And I hope you get to feeling better soon. Remember to take care of yourself, because us Moms have a tendency to not do that.

That's the word! "Final" It's OVER. And even though I know we will be back, I am unsure when. I dream, and plan and price stuff out, but nothing can stick right now. It's all up in the air--like everything else in life currently.

That's so true about summer. I'll be dying laying in front of the air conditioner before I know it.

And so true about us Moms too. Thanks for the hug!!

I hope the weather warms up for you all soon. Something that I find comforting, when the weather is unreasonably cold is to go online and check the weather for places that I know will be worse. Compared to the people further north, a high of 56 doesn't seem quite as bad.

that's a GREAT idea about the weather! Today we were in the 50s and it was amazing. It felt SO good. I hope those 30s don't come back.

 

[brookelizabeth]

You will be an awesome TA! It's easy to feel like you're not getting anywhere as a mom because the work is in a loop; you can't put laundry/cooking/cleaning in a completed pile and have it stay that way! But just remember all the joy you bring to the lives of those who no longer have little ones/frequent trips: we look forward to reading about your adventures!

Thank you for such kind and encouraging words! That is so very true about the work of being a Mom. Sometimes I like the loop, and other times I crave that straight line.

Or just to finish one thought without a "Hey Mommy?"

Just wanted to send a hug your way, and hope you are feeling better soon! The weather has truly been miserable this winter, I don't know how any of us got through it with a smile on our face! And those post-Disney blues hit hard too! I was so sad after finishing my dining report, I had to start a trip report right away to relive my vacation another time! The weather seems to be warming up though, soon enough we'll be in the middle of summer, hoping for a cool breeze!

Thank you!!! Doing the TR will help, it always does! And hopefully it will somehow take me right into my next trip...though that might mean we are hanging out hear for a year.

I hope you are having a better day today, Brook.

Whatever you decide just think of this quote “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.”

Today was MUCH better, thank you!!!

I like that quote! I truly have nothing to lose in going for it all. And something pretty darn great might come out of it all.

I'm two updates behind.

Loved your first night at Epcot. Every boy should have a sword. Sorry Henry was as trilled with TT as in the past. When kids are around 3 they start to have fears. Hopefully he's over this one.

I'm also glad you got the milk problem solved, I was worrying too. I'm a planner and lucky for me Dennis is a planner and list maker. We don't have to plan every minute but we have a set of goals for each day so every one gets to do something they like. You're handling your non planner much better than I would.

I loved the video Joe made. It's soooo cute that Henry call the castle Mickey's house. Your second breakfast looked really good too. I find that I eat a lot of fruit in Disney. Loved how well trained Henry is.
Hopefully we'll get to see some pictures from his point of view.

Congrats on getting him trained. They was always such a big chore. He is proof positive that when they're ready they're ready.

I totally understand the funk you're in. It happens every time we go to me. I don't have the added stress of cold weather or keeping a 3 yr old entertained. I think being a Disney travel agent is perfect for you. You'll be able to use all those planning skills to help others.

That's just what Joe said about the sword! He didn't care how much that sucker cost, his boy was gonna have a sword!

It would be easier if Joe was even a slight planner or list maker. He is in some things in life, but not vacation. Not even a little bit! I think we function best when the crowds are low because we almost can just do whatever and we are both satisfied.

He truly is the text book proof of when a kid is ready to potty train, he's ready. I think we had about 4 accidents total. He's completely day and night trained. It was almost easier this way if I could just have let it go all the attempts I made. All well!

I'm sorry that you have the post-Disney blues Brook. The weather and other circumstances can definitely add to it.

Hang in there. It is no problem at all if you need to take a hiatus from the DIS.

Thank you Glenn! It is just all a lot of things up in the air at one time...hard for me to deal with all the unknowns in life. But, makes me a stronger person in ways learning to deal with it!

Hey Brook! I am all caught up and totally understand your blues. I actually f was feeling bummed that I won't be taking my trip this year. I was so excited to go to Disney this year and to go with my whole family. Although I am totally excited about beng pregnant and having my baby during what was suppose to be our trip I haven't been since 08. Ha ha.

I hope you hear back soon about being a Disney TA. You would be awesome!

That is hard! A baby is a WONDERFUL excuse not to go, but just when you were all set... Think about how magical it will be with that little one though! I just looked at your pregnancy pics on FB, you are adorable!!!


Everyone,
Thank you again for all your kind words and encouragement! I truly appreciate them. I always know I'm not the only one feeling the way I may, but it sure helps when you hear it first-hand from others.

The past couple of days have been good. I've been thinking, praying and doing some soul searching about all these things up in the air in life. Letting it go, trusting that something WILL work out when it's supposed to. Just like many of you said to me.

Also, the weather here was in the 50s this weekend. Incredible what warm weather will do for the soul. We spent over an hour in Central Park today and walked all over the City. I sat there in the sandbox watching Henry dig and play and just soaked it in, reflecting on everything going on. It was pretty much awesome.

I finished up another application for another agency this evening. I am feeling re-energized and re-focused. The Disney blues are fading away. Another trip will happen...a ticker will appear at some point. We are addicts, we can't stay away too long. And I know the TA work, or something else, will happen as well.

I struggle with the unknown. I like to be in control of all those aspects of my life. But sometimes I can't be. And this is one of those times. It will work out, I just gotta sit back and enjoy the wait.

Thanks again everyone. An update will be done TOMORROW, I can't wait!

 

[MeMom]

The past couple of days have been good. I've been thinking, praying and doing some soul searching about all these things up in the air in life. Letting it go, trusting that something WILL work out when it's supposed to. Just like many of you said to me.

Also, the weather here was in the 50s this weekend. Incredible what warm weather will do for the soul. We spent over an hour in Central Park today and walked all over the City. I sat there in the sandbox watching Henry dig and play and just soaked it in, reflecting on everything going on. It was pretty much awesome.

I finished up another application for another agency this evening. I am feeling re-energized and re-focused. The Disney blues are fading away. Another trip will happen...a ticker will appear at some point. We are addicts, we can't stay away too long. And I know the TA work, or something else, will happen as well.

I struggle with the unknown. I like to be in control of all those aspects of my life. But sometimes I can't be. And this is one of those times. It will work out, I just gotta sit back and enjoy the wait.

I hope you'll find just the right mix of job and family and alone time to make life good for you.

Everyone is different. I loved being a SAHM, and I had no desire to go to work. We went to visit a great aunt about once a month, took one grandmother to the store on Fridays, went to see the other grandmother about once every week or two, went to Ladies' Bible Class on Thursdays, and enjoyed plenty of fun with other young families and down time at home. I went back to school and work when I was left to raise three kids alone. I cherish those days that I had at home. Jill, on the other hand, wants to work, even though she doesn't really have to. She thinks she will want to cut back to part-time when Brooklynn gets in school. She wants to free up some time to be able to do things at her school, and I know she and Brooklynn will both love that.

I'm glad you had some sunshine and good weather to be able to get out a little. That does a person a lot of good. The right thing will come, in time, but you may have to try some things that don't work first in order to get there.

From one Disney addict to another - hope you have a good Monday! I look forward to more pictures soon.

 

[chloe770]

Good morning Brooke! Looks like we are going to have a nice sunny day today . Can't wait to get the kiddos outside to burn some energy Have a great day!

 

[Flossbolna]

Wow, all those replies! I am really happy to hear that you are feeling slightly better!

I hope you'll find just the right mix of job and family and alone time to make life good for you.

Everyone is different.

I totally agree with MeMom! I have seen so many friends who chose so different lifestyles for their families and think that those who followed their heart are those who are happiest. I have one friend who is incredibly intelligent and who was on a fast track in her career which she enjoyed very much - she now loves being at home with her two daughters (while still doing some research work for her profession at home). Nobody expected her to do this, but it was what she wanted to do. Another friend had a daughter who was the most wonderful baby, who never cried and was just so happy all the time. But when she was about 6 months old she started to become really troublesome, would not sleep, started to cry. The parents were starting to get really worried. But then the mother went back to work and immediately the daughter was happy again. My friend had really missed work so much that her unhappyiness had made her daughter unhappy, too.

 

[ClaireW]

We've just taken a short family trip away (not to WDW though!) and now I'm home and catching up and totally understand the post-holiday blues. For me I think a big part of it is that we get so used to having DH around on holiday and even though I couldn't be happier being a SAHM, it's nice to be sharing the fun and the responsibilities for a while. After two whole weeks as a group of 3, going back to cold weather and just the two of you must have been tough at times.
Glad you're starting to feel a bit better, and looking forward to more updates in the future
Plus - we're back in WDW late August so I'll be watching out for that ticker! We could finally get that Dismeet almost 12 months later!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I hope you'll find just the right mix of job and family and alone time to make life good for you.

Everyone is different. I loved being a SAHM, and I had no desire to go to work. We went to visit a great aunt about once a month, took one grandmother to the store on Fridays, went to see the other grandmother about once every week or two, went to Ladies' Bible Class on Thursdays, and enjoyed plenty of fun with other young families and down time at home. I went back to school and work when I was left to raise three kids alone. I cherish those days that I had at home. Jill, on the other hand, wants to work, even though she doesn't really have to. She thinks she will want to cut back to part-time when Brooklynn gets in school. She wants to free up some time to be able to do things at her school, and I know she and Brooklynn will both love that.

I'm glad you had some sunshine and good weather to be able to get out a little. That does a person a lot of good. The right thing will come, in time, but you may have to try some things that don't work first in order to get there.

From one Disney addict to another - hope you have a good Monday! I look forward to more pictures soon.

Thank you for your words MeMom! (you really are like my DISMom at times!) It is true that everyone is different. Finding that exact balance is the trick. I really enjoyed my first year at home, but this year has been much harder as Henry has grown older. I still enjoy most days, but also struggle myself more often. I am definitely ready for some sort of work.

Henry going into school is one of the major reasons I have been looking at the TA work. I know it will be a lot of work, but also provide some flexibility, so hopefully I can be involved some with his class. That's important to me too.

Good morning Brooke! Looks like we are going to have a nice sunny day today . Can't wait to get the kiddos outside to burn some energy Have a great day!

Oh my word! I just looked at the forecast - a high of 69 today! REJOICE!!!!! A 20% chance of rain, but meh, that's tiny!

Wow, all those replies! I am really happy to hear that you are feeling slightly better!

I totally agree with MeMom! I have seen so many friends who chose so different lifestyles for their families and think that those who followed their heart are those who are happiest. I have one friend who is incredibly intelligent and who was on a fast track in her career which she enjoyed very much - she now loves being at home with her two daughters (while still doing some research work for her profession at home). Nobody expected her to do this, but it was what she wanted to do. Another friend had a daughter who was the most wonderful baby, who never cried and was just so happy all the time. But when she was about 6 months old she started to become really troublesome, would not sleep, started to cry. The parents were starting to get really worried. But then the mother went back to work and immediately the daughter was happy again. My friend had really missed work so much that her unhappyiness had made her daughter unhappy, too.

It is true. I really enjoyed my first year as a SAHM, but now I'm ready to return to work of some sort. Henry can tell too. Sometimes he even tells me I should get a job. Though, he's caught glimpses of classrooms and daycare centers and is VERY excited about it all. He knows I will start working once he enters school. I'm really ready at this point, excited and motivated at whatever ends up working out!

We've just taken a short family trip away (not to WDW though!) and now I'm home and catching up and totally understand the post-holiday blues. For me I think a big part of it is that we get so used to having DH around on holiday and even though I couldn't be happier being a SAHM, it's nice to be sharing the fun and the responsibilities for a while. After two whole weeks as a group of 3, going back to cold weather and just the two of you must have been tough at times.
Glad you're starting to feel a bit better, and looking forward to more updates in the future
Plus - we're back in WDW late August so I'll be watching out for that ticker! We could finally get that Dismeet almost 12 months later!

It is nice sharing those responsibilities sometimes, isn't it? Henry still comes to me for everything, but Joe is quick to cut-in and help. Which I love! I gotta say that was one of the best things about the vacation.

Oooh, I will keep that in mind for August! I really haven't a clue yet what will work out, but late August works very nicely with school. And since we've done early September we kinda know what to expect weather-wise....hot, almost to the point of melting!

 

[chicagoshannon]

I totally get your winter blues. Spring has not sprung here yet either. Being a SAHM is a struggle some times especially in the winter. I"ve been dreaming of moving to the south the last few weeks. So not realistic but it sounds nice at the moment.

Can't wait for your next update.

 

[hcmommy]

I've stayed at home for the last 6 years, the last 5 with kids and it is hard. I am at a weird crossroads too so I know how you feel. I will have one in Kindergarten full time next year and the 3 year old will start Preschool part time so I will have more time to myself to figure out what I want to do with my life. I'm going to school very part time right now and should be able to go full time next year so that will help out with my feelings of no direction, being tired of being at home, etc. I feel grateful for the time I've had with my kids but the whole SAH thing IS like a giant loop or groundhog day or something, nothing is ever done and it's the same old thing day after day! Now if I could just figure out what the heck I want to go to school for?!! 32 years old and still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.

Hang in there. Something great will come your way soon

 

[tinkgurl]

I think the camera holds around 150 pictures if I remember correctly. If it gets up there I just go through and delete a whole bunch of the random ones he takes of the walls and his pants.

Oh yes, we get plenty of those!

 

[merbobear]

I have been following along w/ this TR and loving it, so I went ahead and started reading your previous TRs as well.

I was wondering what lens you typically use on your camera while in the parks? I have a kit lens (18-55mm) and a zoom (55-200) and trying to decide if I should bring both along with me to the parks...how about filters? I have several,but again wondering if it will be worth it to tote around this extra stuff! Thanks!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Hello there! I'm joining in for the ride! Looks like I'm not too late. I've really enjoyed the story so far and your pictures are wonderful. I love photography so that caught my eye immediately. You must use lenses and filters at WDW???? I know it makes a huge difference in the picture quality, but I just can't convince myself to lug all that stuff around on vacation, especially when I already have to carry everything except the kitchen sink for my DD. Maybe one day. I'm sure enjoying looking at your pictures though! And Henry is as cute as can be. Can't wait to read more.

As for your SAHM feelings, I would say that you are totally normal. I have stayed home with my DD for 7 years now and I get into a funk sometimes too. I think that women today are so used to getting out, being social, and "having a life of their own", that sometimes you do feel like you are missing out on something. I would just offer you some encouragement on that front, because Henry will be grown and gone from home before you can hardly blink, and I am certain that this time you have spent with him will be priceless to you. I don't think you will ever regret it. And try not to let the world convince you that you are wasting your time or talents because there is nothing more important that you could be doing with your life right now. There will be so many years ahead of you for all that other stuff, but Henry will only be little for a VERY little while. And I must say that the SAHM blues always hit me hardest in the winter, so hang in there just a little longer and I'm sure you will feel better.

As for going back to work... Everyone has to figure out what works for them and their family, but for me, working part time has been perfect. My DD started half day kindergarten last year and I started keeping kids after school. This year she started 1st grade (all day) and so I took on a part time accounting job as well as the after school care. Between the two jobs, we are doing fine financially (we'll never be rich from it, but it provides that budget breathing room you were talking about). Working like I am now allows me to be there for my DD after school, and I am able to be active in her school functions which is important to me. So I would say thinking outside the box when it comes to work was the answer for us. I think if you could find something part time to do, you would see that it helps a lot on the financial end without making you feel like you are loosing your mind because you can't juggle being a wife, mother, career woman, and everything else all at once. I know there are women out there who do it, but it just ain't for me!

Good luck sorting it all out. I know all about how you are feeling having just gone through this transition myself and it does take a lot of consideration. I'm sure you will come to the right conclusion though!

 

[that's nice]

Still following!


Good call on TT for the ride of the night in Epcot!

Your MK morning on Main St. is eerily familiar to our morning. You will see for yourself..... if I ever get my TR started.