MVMCV-Melanie's Very Merry Christmas Vacation - We're BACK!!!

[DisneyMom14]

Maybe that is all I need, time! I have only know my MIL for 3 years, another 15 and we'll be semi-golden !

I am glad I found your report when I did, it will surely be a fun report to follow!!!

Time does help. At 3 years, shoot, at 6 years, it was BADDDDD. But of course, I had my first child (her first grandchild) at 6 years. There was a lot of line drawing that year... We have a better understanding now.

I see you've got a few more readers!

What is it with DISers taking their InLaws.....? Shouldn't be too bad right?

It does change how you do the parks though....hmmm...is she independent?

If she wouldn't be so old and alone... I wouldn't even consider it. I kinda' feel bad for her sometimes. I'm pouting right now because my big thing is that I didn't want it change the way we park tour. I don't know if it will. She does walk for exercise every day (more than me) so physically I think she can make it. I just don't know if we can take all that togetherness. She doesn't exactly like the same things we do.

 

[DisneyMom14]

Well, I was on a roll for a while and then life took over again. I'm kinda' in a lull right now. Not close enough to do much more planning or packing and don't have all my disigns to start shirts. I don't even want to order them until I see the disigns and can pick colors. So I'm achin' for something DISNEY to do!!!!

And then...

A co-worker who I don't see often came in today and said, "I need some advice. We're going on a short trip to Disney for Thanksgiving." CHA-CHING!!!!! I REALLY did try to contain myself but I had the overwhelming urge to jump up and down clapping!

I calmly asked her what their plans were so far (breathe...slowly). Her husband booked a package and dining reservations but she couldn't tell me any details. I told her that if she got me the info I could help her have some kind of basic plan. The last time she went was 2003 and without kids so there are a lot of things to consider. I'm looking forward to sharing all of the wonderful information I've accumulated over the last couple years on the DIS. It will be hard to not overwhelm her (or take over her trip). Does anyone get this way???? or is it just me???

The next big thing for me is to pay this trip off by Nov. 2 which is right around the corner. Then I get to wait for Mickey Mail.

Of course there is lots to do like make tshirts, eventually start packing in total secret from the kids, arrange for the "big surprise," and of course there is real life (work, football games, Thanksgiving, Christmas shopping, etc.)

Happy almost Friday!

 

[jordanyosh]

Take over her trip!!!

 

[DisneyMom14]

So sorry to be MIA for so long! I've just been so busy!
Here's an update:

I have all of my designs for our tshirts. Yes, we will match the entire trip (even more than our last trip). I have a Brady bunch reputation to uphold. (Inside joke - my brother calls us) M-inlaw will not be dressing up with us as she ONLY wears button down shirts and knit pants.

I ordered our blank tshirts and will be shopping for transfers for when our shirts come in. BTW I have NEVER ironed a transfer before. This should be interesting.

I have finished xmas shopping for everyone except the babies in the familly (4). This includes my kids. I have ordered just about all presents online and am awaiting their arrival. I consider this disney planning because it HAS to get done before we leave!

Our trip is now paid for! I had to pay by Nov. 2nd and on Nov. 1st, I put it on good ole' Disney Visa to get my points. I just paid that off and can officially say "paid in full!"

I'm really excited about the 50% off of the Pirates' League while we will be there! This means I will only pay about $50 for my two instead of the $100!

AND my disney reward dollars are up to $342!!!! I will be using these for souvenirs, extra food and drinks, and a couple of xmas present add ons!!!

In "real life," I have my tickets to see New Moon at the midnight premier! I am a BIG Twilight fan and will attempt to survive a work day with only 2 hours of sleep after the premier because I simply cannot wait another day! I did manage last year after the Twilight premiere so my chances are pretty good.

Also in "real life," school/work is officially cancelled tomorrow because of Hurricane Ida which I don't think will actually affect us a whole bunch. This is our first hurricane in our new house. We picked up toys and closed our new shutters today as well as bought a few nonperishables just in case. I think we will only get a little wind and rain.

AND..... Geaux Saints!!! 8 - 0 baby! Could this really be the year???? I remember when fans wore bags over their heads. We will proudly be sporting our beautiful Saints designs in Disney very soon!

Oh and I did help my co-worker. She seemed appreciative but I'm anxious to see if she uses any of my advice. I guess I'll find out after Thanksgiving. AND get this: my best friend from school (who has NEVER been to wdw) called me to tell me she wanted to book wdw for Dec 13-17!!!! OMG! I almost lost my mind! I am sooooo glad they want to go but the planner in me was screaming noooooo!!!!! Of course, I helped her the best I could, but she was very disappointed when she couldn't get the restaurants she wanted at such a late date. She is so lucky though. She is staying at the Poly on the deluxe dining plan! I hope she realizes how lucky she is. We could never afford that! So, I am slowly dissemenating information to her. She's going from 0 to everything and I don't want to overwhelm her. I want her to have the best trip ever so I will be working on that as well.

I promise I will not wait so long to update next time! Thanks for reading!

 

[jordanyosh]

Another person to help plan for...

Congrats on being paid off.

It doesn't seem like Ida will be too bad....hopefully.

 

[DisneyMom14]

I think she is fizzling out and moving more east. Looks like I got a free day off! Well, maybe not "free." I'm sure we'll have to make it up later.

 

[DisneyMom14]

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

Welcome back Isn't it crazy that the real world gets in the way of our DISworld!

 

[DisneyMom14]

Yes - crazy! I don't think I even mentioned the infestation of red ants that have invaded my new house that I can't get rid of. They show up in a new room every few days! Or that we just closed on our house yesterday Or that this year, we formed a dance team at our middle school and it's taking a LOT of practice and games, etc. It's a really good thing my husband has the same hours as me. I don't know what I would do if he worked to 6pm everyday. We go in early, but we get off early too.

Today is the last football game so I'm thinking I'll have some time for more disney planning, BUT I just heard today that basketball season will be starting in DEC. Ugh! More practices and games to perform at. Man! I was hoping we could break until January! Actually, I have to admit that even though it interferes with my Disney-planning, I LOVE my team and choreographing, etc. for them. I just know that I'm getting down to the line here. 36 more days!!!

To do:
Finish park planning
Make a packing list
Make shirts (when blank t's come in)
Shop for packing list stuff
KEEP THIS A SECRET FROM THE KIDS!!!
Plan and do all for Thanksgiving and then Christmas BEFORE we leave! (we host for both sides of the family)
Oh and host my godchild's bday party Saturday after Christmas.
Hmmm and MUST SEE: Twilight, Christmas Carol (we saw the train too!), and The Princess and the Frog!
Can't forget about the special exhibit in New Orleans: Disney Art from the Classic Fairy Tales - want to go!

More to come soon!

 

[DisneyMom14]

Just a quick post to say my blank tshirts came in yesterday!!!! Will be working on them this weekend!

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

Just a quick post to say my blank tshirts came in yesterday!!!! Will be working on them this weekend!

Can't wait to see the finished product!!!

 

[jordanyosh]

looking forward to seeing your designs as well.

time is going to FLY by...

 

[raider97]

You are right we do have so much in common! I have loved catching up with your trip report. I can't wait to see the t-shirt designs. I may be starting this weekend too. Just went out and got a new printer cartridge.


Stephanie

 

[raider97]

Wednesday, Dec. 16 - Our travel day

Thursday, Dec. 17th - Epcot

Friday, Dec. 18th - We will be in MK too today!! This is our anniversary.

Saturday, Dec. 19th - We will be in AK too today!

Sunday, Dec. 20th - We will be in Epcot too today!!

Monday, Dec. 21st - We will be in MK today.

Tuesday, Dec. 22nd - We will be at DHS today.

Wednesday, Dec. 23rd - We will be at MK today!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++
WOW!! We will be at the same places a lot. I'll be on the lookout for you guys!

You have a beautiful family and a beautiful home!

Stephanie

 

[DisneyMom14]

You are right we do have so much in common! I have loved catching up with your trip report. I can't wait to see the t-shirt designs. I may be starting this weekend too. Just went out and got a new printer cartridge.


Stephanie

Good luck! This is my first attempt at iron ons so we'll see how this goes. Thanks for comin' over!

Wednesday, Dec. 16 - Our travel day

Thursday, Dec. 17th - Epcot

Friday, Dec. 18th - We will be in MK too today!! This is our anniversary.

Saturday, Dec. 19th - We will be in AK too today!

Sunday, Dec. 20th - We will be in Epcot too today!!

Monday, Dec. 21st - We will be in MK today.

Tuesday, Dec. 22nd - We will be at DHS today.

Wednesday, Dec. 23rd - We will be at MK today!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++
WOW!! We will be at the same places a lot. I'll be on the lookout for you guys!

You have a beautiful family and a beautiful home!

Stephanie

Thanks! It was so eerie reading your ptr and noticing all the similarities! "Talk" to you soon!

 

[DisneyMom14]

Just got back from watching A Christmas Carol in 3D. Wow! This was REALLY well done. They did a wonderful job with the animation and stayed true to the original even with the language. Having said that, I think it was a bit too dark for my 4 year old. Even my 8 year old, who I admit is somewhat of a chicken, was covering her eyes for some parts. I knew that there were some dark parts but I didn't expect them to be so long. I felt like most of the movie was dark and scary. I loved the movie but I think I'll feel some little ones sneaking into my bed tonight!

My blank tees are washing and drying right now so I should be good to go tomorrow whenever I can sneak around the kids.

 

[DisneyMom14]

Working on shirts. Not too bad actually. Just DON'T use the Transfermations brand from Michael's!!!! I wasted two before I finally tried a different brand (Transfermagic from Hobby Lobby) and found out it wasn't my printer but the brand of transfers. Using the 40% off coupon it wasn't too expensive. Originally 11.99 for 5. I THOUGHT I was getting a deal from Michael's as I used a 40% off coupon also but was getting 10 transfers. The ones from Michael's left these ugly rain drop looking dark spots. I did bring them back to Michael's with the other brand example and they gave me my money back.

I'm taking a little break as DH goes to get more ink. We just got home an hour ago and realized we forgot to get extra ink. I was already low.

I've done all of our AK shirts and 2 of our Saints shirts. I'm going to do as many as I can tonight while my DD is at a slumber party. DS is slightly oblivious so won't spoil the surprise. He just thinks he's getting shirts.

I'll post pics tomorrow of my very first Dis designed shirts!!!

PS - Also scored some major xmas loot in the dollar bins at Michael's!!! All disney of course!!!

 

[jordanyosh]

GO DrewBrees

 

[DisneyMom14]

Well, this tshirt thing isn't too bad once you've figured it out! I was able to do about 1/2 of our shirts with the packs of transfers I had. I'm using my 40% off coupons from Hobby Lobby to get them so I'll be getting more this week.

Who Dat? Watchin' the Saints whoop the Rams so here's a sample of our Saints shirts. Each of us have one with our name on it.

Can't leave our Tigers out so here's a sample of our LSU shirts. Again we each have one with our name on it.

Animal Kingdom Girl shirts (Navy) no names

Animal Kingdom Boy shirts (Navy) no names

This is DS4's Mickey shirt. (DH and I will be wearing our Anniversary shirts - not done yet)

This is DD8's Minnie shirt from last year. I'm so proud of it that I'm making her wear it again.

These shirts really weren't hard to make and I REALLY appreciate the help of our wonderful group of Disney designers who selflessly made them for me. I can't wait to get more transfers to do our anniversary shirts, MVMCP shirts and Joy from the World shirts! Can't wait. After this is done, I'll start packing!!! Who says you can't pack a month ahead?!?!

Who dat?! 3 more minutes and still 28 - 17!!! 9 - 0 baby!!!! Thanks for the "cheer out" Jordan!
Spoke too soon 28 - 23. Don't let me down, Saints!!!!
Whew! That was a close one but the Saints won. This should have been an easy win but it seems like the Saints are bent on giving me a heart attack for each game lately!
Who dat nation celebratin'

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

Love the shirts!

I'm sitting here watching the Pats spank the Colts!!! GO PATS!!!