Our Grand Gathering Adventure:Surprising the Boys! 9/17 WE LEAVE TOMORROW!!!

[mickeystoontown]

Heather,

I totally understand the whole "I haven't done anything on my trip report because I've been reading other trip reports" scenario. That's what I have been doing too. Just got around to posting an installment on my own report yesterday.

Quit being obsessive compulsie and a worry wart! I know that it's hard but you can't really do a whole lot about whether or not the kids will get sick before you leave. Just keep telling them to wash their hands really good, not to share food/drinks with others, etc. etc. etc.

Everything will be fine and dandy!

Lisa

 

[longing2Batdisney]

SINGLE DIGITS
I hope things went well with check in!!!
GREAT JOB ON THE RUN THIS MORNING!!
Have a great day! getting ready!!!

Connie

 

[hhockman]

sounds like you need a nice warm lavender bath!
tomorrow you will start to feel better when you check in and you get the packing started

need to not worry so much about what you cannot control and live in the moment! wash hands, hand santizer, and tell them not to share food, use the water fountain, shake hands all that kind of stuff

its almost here; I hope your MIL is able to make time to see the boys; I know she would enjoy it as much as your boys...sounds like SIL needs to call in a few favors from friends

Have a great evening!!!

Thanks Connie! I should have taken a warm bath last night, that would have been nice. I really need to start packing. Haven't done a thing yet today. Well, I did do one thing....

I hope MIL is able to come too. The boys really want her to see them play. I don't think she's seen a game since Will was 5. And actually I'm not sure she's seen him play at all. I know she saw him play soccer once. I hope she comes.

Heather, anxiety and ocd go hand and hand. Like Connie said concentrate on what you can change. The other will take care of itself. Prayer works wonders.

Have a great day tomorrow. Anxious to hear you checked in.

Ginny

Thanks Connie. I spent a lot of my running time today praying and I feel better. I usually do feel better in the morning. It's at bedtime that I have problems.

I hope you are all checked in and ready to go Single digits. Time to

THANK YOU!!!

OMG! Look how close you are now - NINE DAYS!

I'm so for you!!!

Thanks! Now give me something to read for the next 9 days. I want to hear about Tennessee!

Heather,

I totally understand the whole "I haven't done anything on my trip report because I've been reading other trip reports" scenario. That's what I have been doing too. Just got around to posting an installment on my own report yesterday.

Quit being obsessive compulsie and a worry wart! I know that it's hard but you can't really do a whole lot about whether or not the kids will get sick before you leave. Just keep telling them to wash their hands really good, not to share food/drinks with others, etc. etc. etc.

Everything will be fine and dandy!

Lisa

Thanks Lisa. I've got to remember to tell them the sharing food thing. We've gone over the washing hands thing so much that Christian tells me every time "Mama, I washed my hands with soap." I've also had to tell Will to STOP hugging. Other kids I mean. He was hugging kids he just met at the Cub Scout thing yesterday. On top of the germ spreading factor, a lot of kids don't like it. He is a hugger though!

SINGLE DIGITS
I hope things went well with check in!!!
GREAT JOB ON THE RUN THIS MORNING!!
Have a great day! getting ready!!!

Connie

Thanks. Yeah, I'm tired, but a good tired. And I'm getting ready to go get something to eat. Taco Bell. I know, I know, but I still haven't changed my eating habits even if I am exercising. It's weird to have the house so quiet. And it wasn't fun getting up at 6:45 to take Matt to work either. But it will be nice to have him home tonight.

(Sorry, I had to get rid of some smilies. It wouldn't let me post the message)

 

[hhockman]

Okay, so here's the thing...I know my ticker says 9 days, but apparently (even though I KNOW I put the 18th in there) my ticker counts like Lisa, because according to Disney, I've got 10 days. But 10 days means...


ONLINE CHECK-IN BABY!!!

In looking at my two tickers, I find myself wishing today was tomorrow...to the point where my weird self is considering changing the tickers so that our current one will accurately reflect the fact that we really have 10 days left, and the new one will show us arriving one day later than I told them.

Why?

Because I'm really weird and if you notice, both my tickers say "9" today. 9 days until this trip and 9 months until the next one (I didn't plan that, it just happened that way). Well, tomorrow is 09-09-09 (which I JUST realized after looking at my tickers-seriously, I DID!), so wouldn't it be SUPER cool if my tickers said 9 days and 9 months on 09-09-09? The current one would even be kind of right (although I'd have to change the second one back. I know we won't be arriving 9 months from tomorrow because that is Christian's birthday and we will be arriving AT LEAST the day before...and WAIT a second...how is it that it's been THREE MONTHS since Christian's birthday already? I'm happy for the next, uh 9 days to go by quickly, but after that time needs to slow W-A-Y down).

Anyway, I'm going to get some really-bad-for-me lunch. It's too weird with the house being this quiet.

MIGHT start packing when I get back. Don't know if I'll have time. I've gotta be at Will's school at 2 to volunteer for an hour before I have to go get Christian. Then we've got library this afternoon and Cub Scouts tonight.

I KNOW, I'm making excuses.

It will get done.

It WILL!

I'll check in with ya'll later!

Thanks for the happy dancers. They sure did make me smile!

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Yay Heather. You are close, close, close. Glad you were able to do online check in. That is cool. Enjoy your cheat lunch and I will enjoy my cheat dinner. We are such cheaters. Have a great day.


Ginny

 

[mousescrapper]

There certainly are enough of us that there could be. Do you think it's his mom's LGMH, or his?

we saw the little boy again, the other day, and the kids knew who he was (in their grade) I think Aldine is going to do some investigating...

Before I catch up on a couple of things, I wanted to mention something. Tony's dad had a massive heart attack today (or yesterday, I'm not really sure) and is in the hospital (the one where Matt works) in critical, but stable condition. His name is Cleveland. If you could remember him in your prayers (or positive thoughts). He is a big supporter of the boys and always comes to the games. Thanks in advance.

sorry to hear about this...


But I like having the option available.

always good to have the option available and have a couple plans to work w/

I just added a couple of things to the boys' books and they are almost done (I know I've been saying that forever).

can't wait to see them!

so wouldn't it be SUPER cool if my tickers said 9 days and 9 months on 09-09-09?

you were cracking me up w/ your ramble and thinking out loud about your two tickers....



I KNOW, I'm making excuses.

It will get done.

It WILL!

will you pack already....my anxiety will be kicking in....

J-

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Heather...

I'm really sorry you're having a spike in anxiety right now...you're transitioning into a new school year, you are worried about Will...(poor boy-hit in the face with the baseball...)...I'm sorry about Tony's dad...you have a lot on your plate...I know none of this is earth shattering info but...

Lavender is really calming-you can have diffusers in your room...

Are you drinking too much coffee/tea?

Exercise is a definite

Too much sugar isn't...

ARe you breathing properly...I mean sometimes when I'm anxious I've actually got myself holding my breathe-I wouldn't reccomend it...

I know you're worried about illness but just step back and take a deep breathe...more often than not-its ok and people get sick and get better...try to remember...

BTW...I have a bunch of book/other suggestions...(I get the anxiety stuff too...)

I for one would love to see the cub scout pictures...I'd love to get David involved in that...

 

[hhockman]

There certainly are enough of us that there could be. Do you think it's his mom's LGMH, or his?

we saw the little boy again, the other day, and the kids knew who he was (in their grade) I think Aldine is going to do some investigating...

will you pack already....my anxiety will be kicking in....

J-

Yeah, I didn't get any packing done today...hopefully tomorrow though! I am awful about packing. Even when the stuff IS already together.

Heather...

I'm really sorry you're having a spike in anxiety right now...you're transitioning into a new school year, you are worried about Will...(poor boy-hit in the face with the baseball...)...I'm sorry about Tony's dad...you have a lot on your plate...I know none of this is earth shattering info but...

Lavender is really calming-you can have diffusers in your room...

Are you drinking too much coffee/tea?

Exercise is a definite

Too much sugar isn't...

ARe you breathing properly...I mean sometimes when I'm anxious I've actually got myself holding my breathe-I wouldn't reccomend it...

I know you're worried about illness but just step back and take a deep breathe...more often than not-its ok and people get sick and get better...try to remember...

BTW...I have a bunch of book/other suggestions...(I get the anxiety stuff too...)

I for one would love to see the cub scout pictures...I'd love to get David involved in that...

Thanks Patricia. I almost feel like I should be paying you between all the advice you're giving me for Will and for me.

I do have a lot going on (nevermind trying to get ready for a trip to Disney). The conference with Will's teacher is this Thursday. Just another thing.

I don't know if I'm eating too much sugar, but I do have to have caffine. I don't do coffee, but if I don't have a diet Pepsi by a certain time of day I will get a headache. Probably more than I should have. I've been trying to drink more water...not doing a great job of it though.

I enjoy running. It's good "me" time and thinking time and today I used it as praying time. That helped some.

Tony's dad is better today, but of course it's a super long road. I am concerned about him, and for Tony and Kelly, but (and I hope I don't sound insensitive) that isn't at the top of MY worry list. That sounds awful. But I hope you know what I mean. I mean, I know Cleveland some...from the team...but I'm not THAT close to him. I don't know how to explain without sounding like I don't care. And I do care. But, there are other things closer in my life. Now that sounds selfish. ANYWAY...hopefully you know what I mean. I just mean I don't think that particular thing is as much of a stress causer.

Like the fact that Christian's school sent out a flu letter today because one of the kids in another class definitely has the flu, but they don't know if it's the seasonal flu or H1N1. And two kids in Christian's class were sent home "sick". UGGG I'm calmer about the H1N1, because it still seems to be mild. But I really just don't want any of us to get sick in the next week. I'm doing better about it, though. Really. I am.

This is really just my personality. I've always been anxious about things...often silly things...and Will is taking after me, although I don't know if it's a heredity thing or a learned behavior. Hopefully it's not learned because I would feel awful knowing he's learning to be like me. I try not to worry so much. Some times are better than others.

I really need to try the lavender thing, although strong smells give me headaches, so it would have to be mild.

Geez, I'm going to end up running people off this thread.

I'm not sure about the breathing. I've never really noticed. I'll have to pay closer attention. I do notice that sometimes all of my muscles are tensed up and I have to physically relax.

Thanks so much for the suggestions. If you get the time, I'd love for you to PM me some book suggestions (I still need to get that other one you were talking about).

I am going to actually go to bed in just a minute. Being tired doesn't help anything as I'm sure you know.

I'll get the Cub Scout pictures up tomorrow. He had a meeting tonight and I've got a couple of pictures from that too. I'll bed David would love Cub Scouts. 7 is a good age to start. Will started last year, as a Tiger (which is the youngest they can start), but a lot of the boys are new this year. About half of his age group I'd say. I wasn't sure we were coming back, but he really enjoyed it and wanted to. I don't know that much about it, but if you have any questions, let me know.

 

[hhockman]

THE BOOKS ARE FINISHED!!!!

Finally! Well, that's not entirely true. I need two stickers for Christian's, which I'm hoping to get tomorrow. But Will's is put together and I've taken pictures. The only problem is that I had to use bigger rings and I only had bigger rings in silver and I'm not sure I like the silver...but I doubt the boys will care about the rings one way or the other. Hopefully I'll get Christian's finished tomorrow and I'll get the pictures up.

I still can't believe we're at 9 days (almost 8!).

I'm going to try to get to sleep at a decent time tonight (decent time being 11:10pm), so I promise I will check in on everyone else's TRs tomorrow. We were just too busy this afternoon.

Hope you all have a good night!

 

[longing2Batdisney]

on the books;
now to the packing; you only have 8 days left
have a great night! rest peacfully!

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

THE BOOKS ARE FINISHED!!!!

Finally! Well, that's not entirely true. I need two stickers for Christian's, which I'm hoping to get tomorrow. But Will's is put together and I've taken pictures. The only problem is that I had to use bigger rings and I only had bigger rings in silver and I'm not sure I like the silver...but I doubt the boys will care about the rings one way or the other. Hopefully I'll get Christian's finished tomorrow and I'll get the pictures up.

I still can't believe we're at 9 days (almost 8!).

I'm going to try to get to sleep at a decent time tonight (decent time being 11:10pm), so I promise I will check in on everyone else's TRs tomorrow. We were just too busy this afternoon.

Hope you all have a good night!

Don't you feel good for getting something done? Congrats to yu. Have a great day tomorrow.

 

[eandesmom]

So exciting!

I've been lurking and am finally caught up, right as you are about to leave!

I'd love to see pictures of the belt loop frenzy, we've never done anything like that (well camp felt like it but not with his pack lol) and this will be DS9's 3rd year, we are just kicking off this coming weekend.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

I know I shouldn't do this to you...but I have to share the T-rex design w/you...I thought of you when I saw it
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=33507779#post33507779

 

[hhockman]

on the books;
now to the packing; you only have 8 days left
have a great night! rest peacfully!

Thank you, I did. I think. Haven't done any packing. Gotta sub tomorrow too. Friday I guess.

Don't you feel good for getting something done? Congrats to yu. Have a great day tomorrow.

Thank you! I still need two stickers for Christian's, but I had to order them, so I can't add them until they get here-and the one I ordered today might not get here before we leave. Christian won't know the difference.

So exciting!

I've been lurking and am finally caught up, right as you are about to leave!

I'd love to see pictures of the belt loop frenzy, we've never done anything like that (well camp felt like it but not with his pack lol) and this will be DS9's 3rd year, we are just kicking off this coming weekend.

so glad you came out of lurkdom!

I will get the pictures up tomorrow. There aren't a lot. We got there rather late. Basically they set up 10-12 "stations" (maybe even a few more) and walk you through learning whatever that beltloop is. Last year it was crazy silly. They had kids signing things off. But this year it was better...although some of the classes I thought were a little too long. It's a fun way to start the year with some new beltloops, though. Plus they offer Archery and BB Shooting there, which you can only get at certain times. Will got those last year. I was glad we didn't have to wait again this year.

I know I shouldn't do this to you...but I have to share the T-rex design w/you...I thought of you when I saw it
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=33507779#post33507779

Those are CUTE! I'm not doing any shirts though. Haven't done one. They have so many "bought" shirts now (my mom has 2 or 3 for them too) that they won't be able to wear them all. Plus, we won't have much time for a change between checking in really fast and getting to our lunch ADR (which is also a surprise...so I don't want to give them shirts that will give it away). Those are really cool designs though. She is so good!

 

[hhockman]

As you can see, no pictures. And I really should be in bed since I have to work tomorrow (it's going to be SUPER hard...she has the computer lab scheduled all day. She actually told me to bring a book with me).

I went out today looking for the two stickers I need for Christian's book (even though I already ordered one of them) and didn't find either. So I'll take pictures of his book tomorrow and post all of them, even though his is missing two small things. Obviously, I'm not going to have time to make one for Matt, but I've decided I'm going to ask him to write his favorite thing in my book every day because I want to know his too.

I did get these little tiny Mickey stickers that kind of look like confetti. I'm going to put them on the table around the boys cakes. And I'm going to use one of Julie's ideas...kinda. She said if I had a tiny Mickey head punch I could "punch out" some "confetti". I do actually have a tiny Mickey head punch, but I'm not about to do that much work. So I'm gonig to have my Cricut cut out a bunch of Mickey heads in the smallest size it can do (1/4 of an inch). But I'm also buying some red and blue round confetti at Walmart.

Haven't started packing. I KNOW, but seriously, almost everything is sitting together in my room. I just have to actually PUT it in the suitcases. And some stuff we still need so I can't pack it yet.

Most of the goodies are in two boxes underneath a comforter in my room. Will accidentally pulled the comforter off while he was in there today studying spelling. He didn't say a word about the boxes. Even when I went over and put the comforter back on top of everything! I don't think the boy could get any more clueless! Of course, the only thing you could really see was a pack of Camcorder DVDs, but still. There were a couple little things poking out. I guess he's going to be surprised....or at least I hope so. My friend that is going to feed the dogs almost gave it away tonight. She forgot it was a surprise. I'm telling you, if they find out before we get there it's not going to be because I told them...it's going to be someone else messing up!

I gave my brother his itenerary tonight when they dropped Matt off, but I haven't heard his opinion yet.

Oh, and Disney called me today to confirm that we need 5 rooms for our group and who was in the rooms. I told them that we wanted Alligator Bayou and she said she'd put it down but we probably wouldn't get it because we don't have any groups of 5 and they have to save those rooms for people who DO have groups of 5. Darn it! I told her she could just give US Alligator Bayou and put everyone else in the Mansions. She thought I was joking. UGGG. So they really ARE going to put all 5 rooms together. Is it awful that we were hoping they wouldn't? I can't decide who I want to be next to. My parents I guess. My nephew is teething (and apparently has a virus, though he should be over it by then) and we do not want to hear crying all night (we did our turn). Oh well. At least we'll be in Disney, right?

They boys are still both healthy so far. Keep praying. It seems like that darn flu is everywhere. Only two more days until the weekend!

We went to watch a scrimmage game tonight between two of the teams we will be playing (my friend's-the one who is watching the dogs-son is on one of the teams) and all I can say is . It's awful to say, I know, but our team is going to slaughter them. Both of them. And Colton's team (our friend's son) was supposed to be our main competition. Oh well. It will be good practice I guess. They really need to find a way to divide the teams up fairer.

Okay, now I'm really going to bed. 6:15 is going to come WAY too early. Hope I don't fall asleep in the computer lab!

Pictures tomorrow, I promise (and the conference with Will's teacher is tomorrow too so I'll let you all know how that went)!

'Night.

 

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Hello, Heather! Lovin' the plans you've got for the big surprise. I can't wait for the TR to hear about all of their reactions. I don't blame you for not wanting to be RIGHT next to your family, honestly I don't. This is a family vacation, but it would also be nice to branch off with your own family and have some private moments. I'm pointing my finger at you here: you better take some time for you just you, the hubby and the boys. Don't spend every waking moment with the family or your trip will become stressful and unenjoyable. REmember my TR? Well, learn from my mistakes!

I hope you have a wonderful day today. I can't believe that your trip is so close now. You'll be there before you know it!

 

[hhockman]

Okay, I promised pictures, so here you go. Christian's book is still missing a couple of stickers, but I went ahead and put it together. First here are a couple of pictures from Will's Cub Scout Belt Loop Frenzy. They could get up to 6 belt loops if they were there all day, but we were only there a couple of hours and he got two: soccer and flag football.

And here are their books:

Will:

Christian:

Will Day 1:

Christian Day 1:

Day 2-this one is the same for both:

Will Day 3:

Christian Day 3:

Will Day 4:

Christian Day 4:

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST...

 

[hhockman]

Will Day 5 (this is my FAVORITE page on both of theirs):

Christian Day 5 (he is missing the "WALK THE PLANK" and a small pirate ship sticker in the bottom corner. This is one of the stickers that is coming):

This is the middle of the book. We will add small 2"x3" pictures on these pages when we get back. This one is the same for both:

Day 6 (this is the same for both too):

Will Day 7:

Christian Day 7:

Will Day 8 (I love this page too):

Christian Day 8:

Will Day 9 (and this one):

Christian Day 9:

The "Memories" page. It's the same for both of them, but Christian is currently missing the Parade Mickey sticker. It's coming.:

Will's last page (the left side will be for a 4x6 picture):

Christian's last page:

Will's back cover:

Christian's back cover:

Christian is apparently still awake and asking for me. I'll be back in a bit...

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Wonderful books. You put in such great detail in keeping them the same but different. You knowwhat I mean?

I will be in touch when it is time to work on Austin's book. I'm saving everything.

Love the little boys playing. So cute. What a pretty day.

Ginny

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Dayne sat at the computer when I had the pic of the boys playing up; wanted to know "where do they play flag football?" he is 17 I don't think they have flag football at his age anywhere!

the books are awesome!!!! I've never done scrapbooking! I agree w/Ginny; I like how they are alike but different! It will be fun doing memories with them; and I like the idea of you and Matt sharing a book!

have a great evening!