Playlist Schmaylist --- I'M GOING BACK TO DISNEY!!!!

[Victoriasmom98]

Hello!!! Its now 65 days left until we get on the big ole plane to Orlando with the first stop being the Caribe Royale and Playlist Live 2014. I wish it were 65 days until Disney so that I could make my fast pass plus choices. I know everyone said its easy to do and to just remember to accept the block of availability and then go back to edit each one individually. You know, that sounds good, but I wish I could see what that means now! Im not very patient ---- SHOCKER!!! I know what I want to ride when, but I want to make sure it works out the way I want to. I want back-to-back fast passes like 1-2, 2-3, 3-4 like that, but I dont know yet if the system will do that. It sounds like it does, so Im hopeful.

So, latest news from WDW is that Magic Kingdom no longer has legacy fast past machines effective today. And I just read that all WDW resort guests will ONLY have the magic bands and not the KTTW card effective January 20th, so this roll out keeps coming. It sounds like I wont need to bring any old media cards to get more fast passes as there wont be any more machines to distribute them! Cest la vie! I do have some great news, though! I was able to snag a free day on our park tickets with the new discounts they just released!! I already had 20% off the rack rate at POP, so this is in addition to. I was able to call and have it applied. I know when I last posted it had only been released to the Visa card holders. It really works out well because as you know we were transferring from Caribe to POP on Monday, March 24th. Well, if we do that really early, we can use the extra day then to go to HS!!! Yes!!! My favorite park!!! I would have liked an additional MK day, but easywdw labeled that a red day and to avoid that park on Monday. Then I got to thinking about HS. No matter where we would be we have ressies at 1900 Park Fare at 5pm. The girls are leaving from the GF to go to the Miley concert by 7pm which leaves me the entire evening for myself! Ahhhhhhh! Heaven!! And where else would I want to spend an evening alone?? HS!!!! Id just catch the bus right back to HS!! Single rider line to Rock n Rollercoaster!! Fantasmic by myself --- easy to find a seat for one out front! It will be nice to just be there!! I think it will be wonderful as I never want to leave! And I can pin trade by myself with no one rolling their eyes at me&&Watch, I have all these big plans and I will probably just go back to the resort and rest after our dinner ressies.

Ive finally finished by ADR tip envelopes. Im pretty pleased at how they came out. I do still have to work on my Mousekeeping ones. I havent decided whether or not I will do them for the Caribe housekeepers. Im thinking probably not, but well see. Maybe Ill be on a roll making them and just keep going. Of course I will have to wait until our tax refund comes in before stuffing them. Ugh!! Im just hoping there IS a tax refund to be able to have. Otherwise the scrimping and saving will continue. Oh, how I hate it. I much rather rely on Peter to pay for vacations!! Hee! Hee! But, good news on that front, too, is that I only have 2 more payments to make and it will be PAID IN FULL!!! I will still have the Caribe to pay for, but I have more time to pay that one off!



This is the park bag that Ive decided on for Disney:



I got it at Claires for $5!!! Not too bad for a bag that was originally $22. I just love me a good clearance sale! Ive also got my suitcase down out of the closet and have started packing for it. This year is throwing me a bit off as I usually have a down day to do laundry and theres not one of those planned. Ill either have to be up real early or real late to get laundry done. As it stands Im going to have to pack 6 complete outfits and do laundry sometime in the middle of the week. I am probably boring everyone to death here, arent I? Does anyone really care when I do my laundry? Would you care to know that I pack the detergent and fabric sheets at the bottom of my fold up hamper so as not to forget them when I enter the laundry room? No? Yeah, I guessed you wouldnt.

So thats it for today!!!!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I can answer some questions about making your FP+ reservations if you want!

Yes, you can do 1-2, 2-3, 3-4 BUT...it will most likely not pick those for you. Pick theirs and then go back, but it takes some shuffling b/c it will NOT give you the option for a FP when you already have one at that time, does this make sense? So it's probably best to pick the later batch of times and then go back and try to change each one to an earlier time. I had to do some shuffling around and messing with it but finally got it done.

AND, naturally every.single.time. I changed something it would time out and I would have to go back. I just got used to it, I would wait for Donald and then go right back in and my changes would be made. Beware ADR's though, it won't offer you time near those either! I finally have ours worked out and they are pretty perfect (as far as I can tell this far out from the trip!).

Yep, I wanna hear about laundry detergent. I like all the little details!

 

[Tinker326]

Sounds like you have some good plans in place & those ADR tips are adorable. I love them!

Cute bag too- Claire's had some great deals this past weekend.. we got a bunch of stuff there too!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

I can answer some questions about making your FP+ reservations if you want!

Yes, you can do 1-2, 2-3, 3-4 BUT...it will most likely not pick those for you. Pick theirs and then go back, but it takes some shuffling b/c it will NOT give you the option for a FP when you already have one at that time, does this make sense? So it's probably best to pick the later batch of times and then go back and try to change each one to an earlier time. I had to do some shuffling around and messing with it but finally got it done. Yep, I wanna hear about laundry detergent. I like all the little details!

So, I think if I'm understanding you correctly, I should pick the latest "batches" of times and then go back to change them, right? I want to do this so that I can be assured that it will process my request as there will be nothing already set for that time which I truly do want. Am I correct?? And thank you for wanting to know about my laundry detergent. If you want even MORE details, I take the Tide pods and Snuggle fabric sheets.

Sounds like you have some good plans in place & those ADR tips are adorable. I love them!

Cute bag too- Claire's had some great deals this past weekend.. we got a bunch of stuff there too!

Thanks Nicole. I really do enjoy making the envelopes and I just love the reactions I've had from the servers! I still can't get the hang of Photoshop (even with Photoshop for Dummies!) so I make them in Paint. I can do most anything I want to in paint as I don't get too fancy with them.

OH, I love Claire's and your girls are the perfect ages for that store. My teen tomboy on the other hand is another story. Oh well. I like the stuff and I wear it, so it's all good!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

So, I think if I'm understanding you correctly, I should pick the latest "batches" of times and then go back to change them, right? I want to do this so that I can be assured that it will process my request as there will be nothing already set for that time which I truly do want. Am I correct?? And thank you for wanting to know about my laundry detergent. If you want even MORE details, I take the Tide pods and Snuggle fabric sheets.

Yes, it will be easiest to change (if you are wanting earlier ones) to make the later batch and then pick each and change to an earlier time. The opposite if you are wanting afternoon...pick the morning times and then one by one change to afternoon. Makes for less jumbling-up!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Ah, 49 days from today I’ll be on that big plane to Orlando. In fact, we would almost be there since our flight leaves at 6am. Although I’m extremely excited to go, I think I want to leave the girls HOME!!! Oh, it’s your typical teenage drama right now. See, Kali has a boyfriend Tyler. Things were great as far as Victoria was concerned at the beginning of this new relationship, but now Victoria realizes that her time with Kali has to be shared and she does NOT like it at all!! Yes, there is some jealousy there as Victoria doesn’t have a boyfriend, so she feels like she’s being abandoned. Victoria also states that Tyler is a bad influence on Kali as in making her do things she never did before they started dating. I’m trying to be as supportive as I can be, but again, it’s Victoria feeling left out. I do tell her that she has other friends and that there are plenty of activities at school she could get involved in. She’s mentioned the Photography Club a number of times (must be your influence, Karen ) but it’s taking the first step to get involved that is the big hurdle for her. We’ll see what happens. Right now there is tension between Kali and Victoria that I hope disappears before we leave. Otherwise…..well, let’s just say it won’t be much fun if they are not getting along!



I don’t really have much for Disney updates. I did buy some more dye for the spiral Mickey shirts. Kali’s came out really well, but I didn’t like Victoria’s or mine. There was too much of the white shirt and not enough color! The kit I usually buy does not use soda ash, but I’m thinking the dye may adhere to the shirts better if the shirts were damp. Anyone have any hints about this? I’m probably going to get to this on Sunday. Hopefully. I have another scrapbooking fundraiser day this Saturday. Yes, I am still working on my August 2013 Disney trip, but I’m on the last park --- HS!! I’m thinking I will probably get it finished at the event and if not it will be pretty darn close. It would be nice to have this one finished before I leave on the next trip. I did buy some really pretty material and a new shirt pattern, but I don’t think I’ll get time to make it. I don’t even have the pattern cut out yet.

Fast Pass selections are done!!! I don’t know what I was so freaking out about as it was so simple to do! I do have one “ghost” selection showing up, but I know it’s not correct and I won’t attempt to use it! I got everything I wanted at the times I wanted so I’m good. Again, my concern is that I’ve never gone during peak season, so I’m not sure what we will actually get done. We’ll see. I’ve also completed my online check-in. Hopefully I will get what I’ve requested at POP. I’ve requested building #9, 80’s section, closest to transportation. Wonder what we’ll end up getting --- anywhere will be fine with me as long as I’m there! I’m also looking forward to staying at the Caribe for the first couple of days. I’ll be spending a lot of time in that hot tub, I can tell you that! I’m also planning on taking the free shuttle to one of the outlet malls.

Our addition where we are putting the hot tub is almost done. We’ve painted it a nice lavender. He just has to put the flooring in and hook up the tub, but that’s on hold right now as this room has become our birthing room!! Birthing room? Yep, we have 5 eggs in the egg incubator I bought Peter for Christmas! He’s actually set a sheet of wood across the top of the tub and put the incubator there. If all goes well and those eggs were fertilized, we should have baby chicks by Feb 21st. He’s all excited over this and is obsessive about checking the turning and humidity levels. He’s really cute about it! I’ll let you guys know how this all turns out. I may be getting some additional eggs from a friend so that Peter can really build up his “chicken army”.



I’m on another health kick. Actually, I have to be as my diabetes is creeping back into the “unhealthy” level again. My A1-C level is 8.8. It’s supposed to be under 7, so the nurse/counselor wants to see me in one month with changes made. Ugh! I know I have to do it, but I’m always too tired, too lazy and I sometimes just don’t care! So, I’ve started writing down what I eat and how many WW points there is, etc. I’ve made her a deal that I will AT THE VERY LEAST walk on the treadmill every night for 5 minutes. That goal for me is more doable than 30 minutes 4 days per week. I’ve given up regular Coke as I had been having one 20 oz bottle in the morning with breakfast. Oh, and I actually found a juice that tastes just like “Stitch Juice” from O’Hana. It’s V-8 V-fusion Orange. Yummy!!! It has sugar, but it also is the only way I will get my servings of fruits and veggies in. Yeah, not a big fan of fruits and veggies here. So, I’m trying. I’m not going to be perfect, but I’m trying. My weight is also above the 200’s again. I can’t believe I’ve told you guys that. Ugh! Hopefully even these small changes will help my numbers come February 21st. That’s the date I go back and see the nurse/counselor. Hopefully I can maintain the motivation I have right now. You would think the thought of death would keep me motivated, but it doesn’t. I’m crazy, I know!



Victoria turns Sweet 16 on February 18th. She’s not sure what she wants to do for a party. Usually she just picks a friend and we go to the Mall. But this is a big one, so I’m not sure. I do know I’m going to pick up some decorations at iparty. They have some really cute Sweet 16 stuff. No matter what we end up doing, it will be fun!

Sorry for no real pictures here, but I did add clip art. That does count, right??

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Clip art?!?! Doesn't really count.

Ooooh, photography! I hope she takes the plunge and goes for it. I totally get how hard it is to take that first step though. My boys just started college classes and it was such a departure from homeschooling...but they already have adjusted and are enjoying it!

Sorry about the boyfriend thing, makes sense that she would be jealous of the time lost. Hopefully it will be better in 49 days when she gets her all to herself on the trip!

Little steps towards health are the ones that stick, I'm sure of it!

 

[Tinker326]

Oooh how I remember the angst of watching my BFF get a boyfriend when I didn't have one. The truth is, the friend does get slighted because usually the BFF is spending most time with the boyfriend. Hopefully she will get involved and find a new hobby!

You are almost done with your 2013 scrapbook? Oh my- I JUST finished my 2009 one. I am approx about 3 disney trips & 1 Disney Cruise behind. I will never catch up!!! I'm jealous you have one park of an August 2013 vacay left. That's amazing!

Watch your health girl! YOu don't want to mess with that. Cut all soda's, limit carbs/sugars and get on that treadmill. Remember, your daughter needs you HERE with her!!! (Did I Scare you?) I just know too many poeple with too many complications from Diabities.

That hot tub room looks a-mah-zing! Love! When can I come over?

Speaking of- I am throwing around an option of heading into Boston and driving up to Acadia next summer. Have any good recommendations along that route of things to do/see?

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Yep!!! This is what I have on my wall in my cubicle at work. If I’m having a bad moment I can just look over to it and think, “this is just a moment…..soon I will be in Disney!” I’m also surrounded by my towel animals from last trip. Yeah, I have my cubicle “Disney-fied!!!”

Clip art?!?! Doesn't really count.

Ooooh, photography! I hope she takes the plunge and goes for it. I totally get how hard it is to take that first step though. My boys just started college classes and it was such a departure from homeschooling...but they already have adjusted and are enjoying it!

Sorry about the boyfriend thing, makes sense that she would be jealous of the time lost. Hopefully it will be better in 49 days when she gets her all to herself on the trip!

Little steps towards health are the ones that stick, I'm sure of it!

Yeah, little steps…..that’s about all I can manage right now. Especially when there’s a constant supply of junk food at work. Those darned Oreos are calling my name, but I refrained from them yesterday and I’m really trying hard today. I’m just thinking I’ll go to lunch at noon, so if I could just hold on until then! I had pasta last night and no treadmill so my blood sugar this morning was high, but I did expect it. I keep remembering all the success stories I’ve read, even yours, Karen. You look so different now and healthy! I’ve just got to remember nothing tastes as good as healthy feels. Ugh! I want a freaking oreo!!

So, clip art doesn’t count? Well, darn it!! I had no pictures to correlate with my ramblings. I would think that my friends would give me a break, but I guess not, huh?

Yes, Victoria will adjust well if she would just take the first step. She wants to go to the next Quebec trip with the French Club, but she has to participate in the French Club first to go. I think this is now on her agenda to do. Kali is coming over and spending the night tonight so let’s hope that goes well and that there is no last minute change of plans. That’s what happened last week --- Kali was supposed to come over but at the last minute decided to spend the time with Tyler. See, I may be old fashioned here, but Kali’s parents let him spend the night and I just don’t agree with that. Yes, they sleep in separate rooms, but I just think that’s way too much temptation for these kids. Tyler’s a senior, too, so you have a 17 year old boy and a 15 year old girl sleeping in the same house. I just don’t agree. Call me prude! I do think everything will be fine when they are on vacation together.

Oooh how I remember the angst of watching my BFF get a boyfriend when I didn't have one. The truth is, the friend does get slighted because usually the BFF is spending most time with the boyfriend. Hopefully she will get involved and find a new hobby!

You are almost done with your 2013 scrapbook? Oh my- I JUST finished my 2009 one. I am approx about 3 disney trips & 1 Disney Cruise behind. I will never catch up!!! I'm jealous you have one park of an August 2013 vacay left. That's amazing!

Watch your health girl! YOu don't want to mess with that. Cut all soda's, limit carbs/sugars and get on that treadmill. Remember, your daughter needs you HERE with her!!! (Did I Scare you?) I just know too many poeple with too many complications from Diabities.

That hot tub room looks a-mah-zing! Love! When can I come over?

Speaking of- I am throwing around an option of heading into Boston and driving up to Acadia next summer. Have any good recommendations along that route of things to do/see?

Oh Nicole, don’t let my 2013 Disney scrapbook make you think I’m doing well. I’m still working on Victoria’s toddler years. See, I work on general life and then when I go on a trip I put the general life books aside to concentrate on the vacation scrapbooks. I only started scrapbooking in 2003 so everything from 2003 to 2013 is done. I think I’m on Victoria’s 4th year or so. I have my scrapbook desk with 2 small filing cabinets (those 2 drawer ones) set up in a corner in the living room so when I feel the urge I can do a page or two while watching tv. That helps get my work done. I also absolutely love going to the scrapbook fundraisers. I tend to get anywhere from 10 to 20 front/back pages done while gabbing with friends. Do they do anything like there where you are? This Saturday’s event is to benefit the PTA of a school. I also buy raffle tickets and love to win the prizes! The organization usually provides lunch and snacks. My pages can end up so plain at times so it’s nice to see different ideas from everyone.

YOU SAID SODA!!!! You’re funny!!! You think you scared me with your little health discussion? Afraid not. I mean, I do want to be around for Victoria but it never seems like I can maintain a healthy lifestyle for a long period of time. At this time I CANNOT GIVE UP MY DIET COKE!!! I gave up regular Coke, but don’t take away my Diet Coke! Believe me, I know this isn’t funny and it’s a very serious thing. I’m trying. That’s all I can do! Now, where’s that Oreo??? Just kidding!

I will let you know when the hot tub is up and running! So, you are planning on Acadia? OMG I absolutely love it there! It’s so beautiful and I love the smell of the ocean. I can’t really recommend one place or another. The funnest and best thing to do is just get in the car and drive without a real route in your head. It’s very busy during the summer, so we try to visit in September when the tourists go home. I do recommend a day or two in Old Orchard Beach. There’s a downtown area where the shops and amusement park are (Palace Playland) but if you head north a couple of miles you will find nice hotels with beautiful beaches. We may be camping there for a week this summer. I love it there and have been going there with my family since I was very little. Definitely let me know if and when you are coming and I bet we could meet up. That would be soooo cool!!! I’m not sure if you know, but Old Orchard Beach is where Peter and I got married…..







And boy, can the downtown area get busy:



But it’s so much fun!!!

 

[Tinker326]

Oh Nicole, don’t let my 2013 Disney scrapbook make you think I’m doing well. I’m still working on Victoria’s toddler years. See, I work on general life and then when I go on a trip I put the general life books aside to concentrate on the vacation scrapbooks. I only started scrapbooking in 2003 so everything from 2003 to 2013 is done. I think I’m on Victoria’s 4th year or so. I have my scrapbook desk with 2 small filing cabinets (those 2 drawer ones) set up in a corner in the living room so when I feel the urge I can do a page or two while watching tv. That helps get my work done. I also absolutely love going to the scrapbook fundraisers. I tend to get anywhere from 10 to 20 front/back pages done while gabbing with friends. Do they do anything like there where you are? This Saturday’s event is to benefit the PTA of a school. I also buy raffle tickets and love to win the prizes! The organization usually provides lunch and snacks. My pages can end up so plain at times so it’s nice to see different ideas from everyone.

YOU SAID SODA!!!! You’re funny!!! You think you scared me with your little health discussion? Afraid not. I mean, I do want to be around for Victoria but it never seems like I can maintain a healthy lifestyle for a long period of time. At this time I CANNOT GIVE UP MY DIET COKE!!! I gave up regular Coke, but don’t take away my Diet Coke! Believe me, I know this isn’t funny and it’s a very serious thing. I’m trying. That’s all I can do! Now, where’s that Oreo??? Just kidding!

I will let you know when the hot tub is up and running! So, you are planning on Acadia? OMG I absolutely love it there! It’s so beautiful and I love the smell of the ocean. I can’t really recommend one place or another. The funnest and best thing to do is just get in the car and drive without a real route in your head. It’s very busy during the summer, so we try to visit in September when the tourists go home. I do recommend a day or two in Old Orchard Beach. There’s a downtown area where the shops and amusement park are (Palace Playland) but if you head north a couple of miles you will find nice hotels with beautiful beaches. We may be camping there for a week this summer. I love it there and have been going there with my family since I was very little. Definitely let me know if and when you are coming and I bet we could meet up. That would be soooo cool!!! I’m not sure if you know, but Old Orchard Beach is where Peter and I got married…..







And boy, can the downtown area get busy:



But it’s so much fun!!!

There are lots of crop for a cause's up by me, the trouble is my hubby is a cop & works weekends/nights and there ain't noone wantin' my three babes for a weekend! My goal is to finish them before I die- I figure when my kids are grown, MAYBE I can catch up. Maybe.....

OMG - I did say soda, didn't I? Shame on me and what disrespect for my fellow Midwesterners. Hahaha....

I JUST gave up diet - January 1st to be exact. Very, very hard for me to do as I am a sugar addict and I don't drink coffee so that was my 'caffeine". But I just read too many articles of the bad stuff in diet's & I was feeling a lot of those effects (brian fog, joints hurting, headaches) that I decided I wanted off it. It's been hard. For sure.... There are many days I crave it something fierce. Never mind that I'm trying to diet at the same time. Ugg! I too, TRY...... but dang it- I'm going on a cruise soon and I want to be able to confiedently wear a bathing suit without someone asking me when my baby is due!

If we go, we will go the 3rd week in June (like leaving the 13th). I had read somewhere (trip advisor boards maybe) that it gets it's busiest after the 4th so hoping it's not CRAZY summer crowds yet. I will def. have to check out Old Orchard- and I will def. let you know dates so if you can swing it- we can do a East Coast Dis Meet!!! We want to spend a few days in Boston as well & I want to go to Salem.

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Ok, you guys are going to think I’m totally nuts…..and you’d be right. I just did something without consulting anyone because I thought it was too good of a deal to pass up. I’m thinking too good to be true, but I’ve read all the fine print and I don’t see anything off base. I haven’t even told Peter yet. I wonder what he’s going to say. Ugh. I would think he would be happy because it’s technically not a Disney trip (oh my!), but close…..ok, here goes…..

This was listed on Deal Chicken which is a discount website for various local and other merchandise, etc. They sent me an email which stated:
5 days and 4 nights for 2 adults and up to 2 children under 18; choose 2 locations and spend 2 nights at each; options include Worldgate Resort in Orlando, Atlantic Cove in Daytona or Ramada Plaza Resort in Fort Lauderdale. Also receive $100 Restaurant.com gift card. Travel to be completed by February 11, 2015. $79!!! Yep, 4 nights accommodations for $79!!! Hey, I have $79 in my checking account currently, so why not?! Yep, I bought the deal. What I have to do now is talk it over with the family to see when everyone wants to go. I’m thinking October. Just the $100 Restaurant gift card is worth it! We would stay in Orlando and Daytona since they are pretty close in a proximity. Of course we would have to pay to fly down (but we already have enough SW points for that!) and transportation from Orlando to Daytona. Food, of course, too. Did I mention the hotel in Daytona is right on the beach!!! With a pool??!!!

I’m excited!!! I think it’s a tremendous deal if only my family wants to go. I’ll keep you posted. Should I be this excited or do you guys think there’s a huge catch?

 

[Tinker326]

It does sound too good to be true, but sometimes if they are desperate for tourists, then those kind of deals are offered. I've never heard of Deal Chicken so not sure if that's a reputable discout site or not... but if it is all good... SCORE!!! That's a great deal! If not, I guess the bright side is the MOST you lose is $79. Not wonderful, but not like thousands of dollars either.

I would book the hotels and then call directly to the hotels to verify it's all on the up and up.

Now, my word of warning on Daytona. And take this with a grain of salt because it comes from a slightly biased person who is terrified of lurking ocean creatures called 'sharks'.

But the ocean shelf off Daytona area is one of the worlds's (not the US but the WORLD'S) hotbed for sharks. I know this, of course, because I spend more time than I'd like to admit reseraching this stuff when planning my vacations......

Anyways, a few years ago we did head over there to see the beach. I knew this already and was already leary about the whole place. My kids were little- like 5 & 2 I think- so MOSTLY happy to play and stay in the sand. However, they did a beg a little to go in the water. If there's one thing I try to do, it's make sure I never transfer MY fears to my children so I spent A LOT of time talking myself up to get into the water for the sake of my kids. I did not want them to be afraid of the ocean, after all....

So we go in and I did literally spend the entire (short) time scanning everything in the water and finally about (MAYBE) 10 minutes I pulled them out. NOT EVEN JOKING- about 15 minutes later all the wistles blew on the beach & the lifeguards hauled everyone out. Wanna guess? Yup, shark sightings in the vicinity. They closed the beach for the rest of the time we were there. Ugg- WAY TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT!!!!

So there's my warning. Watch that beach. Carefully.
(I also spend unecessarily long amount of times when in the ocean where shark sightings are not at all common LOOKING for sharks.. so take it for what it's worth!)

 

[Victoriasmom98]

20 MORE DAYS!!! I CANNOT BELIEVE IT!!! OMG!!!

I apologize as it’s been since February 4th since I’ve last posted. Wow! I’ve been unusually busy at work and that’s when I can find time to post updates normally. Apparently not this month! We’ve had a lot going on at home as well but I did want to post what’s been going on lately.

First of all, you all know the Mickey telephone that is at POP? Peter found one at a pawn shop and it now belongs to me!!! It was missing the receiver and I’ll have to find one at a yard sale (if the snow ever melts and it gets above 20 degrees!!). It shouldn’t be that hard to find one. He also picked up a Pandora bracelet at the pawn shop for me. I absolutely love it and it came with about 6 charms on it. I need to add more and I know there are Disney charms from another company that fit onto it. I’m excited to get those!!

We now have 12 baby chickens!! (ok, so Donald is a duck and not a chicken.....) Yep, Peter has been putting his new incubator to good use! They are so stinking cute and they started hatching about 2 weeks ago. They are staggered as to how old they are, so we still have about 8 more eggs to hatch out. But, I’m now losing track of who is who and naming them. I know, huge problem isn’t it? Yeah, poor me! The constant sound of “peep-peep” is so nice to hear!








We received our Magic Bands yesterday and our Mickey Mail came last week.



I’ve ordered a cover band for my magic band and hopefully it will take less than 2 weeks to get here. I ordered the Haunted Mansion one. I guess they are more like stickers than an actual band, so we’ll have to see. It was only $7 including shipping, so I’m excited! I sent the link to Victoria and Kali so we’ll see if they want to order one for themselves. If anyone is interested, the web address is: http://dvccentral.com/cover-bands.html. (boy, I hope that works for you guys). It has been so darned cold here (high of 20 degrees today!) that I just can’t wait to feel the warm sunshine! I feel bad for Karen who just went back home to the cold weather. It sucks, doesn’t it Karen? And she came back sick. That sucks for sure!!

Victoria and I did go shopping on MLK day at the Mall and we found quite a few new outfits for Orlando. I think my baby might be getting out of the jeans and t-shirt phase because the clothes she chose were very girly and beautiful! (Unlike her mother, she doesn’t feel the need to shop the clearance racks!! Oy vey!) After I get out of work we are going to shop for a bathing suit. She doesn’t have any that really fit and the one she does have comes from Goodwill, so it will be nice for her to have a brand new suit. She deserves it. Speaking of Miss Victoria, she turned Sweet 16 on February 18th and a couple of her friends came over for ice cream cake. I gave her some money for her birthday that I’m hoping she’s saving for Playlist, although she wants to get her hair colored before we leave. It was funny…..on Saturday we were shopping at Wal-mart which has a hair salon. Due to the texture and length of her hair, it would have cost $85. It would have come out of her money, so she opted to not do it. Welcome to my world, young one! You are learning!










And this is when they all decided to put make up on Kali's boyfriend who will now be known as Tyla instead of Tyler!!



So, day 20….just a waiting game now. I did reserve our shuttle from the airport to the Caribe today. It’s called SuperShuttle and I found them on the Mousesavers Newsletter (with a discount, I might add!) For the 3 of us it’s going to be one way for $58. Boy, the Magical Express certainly saves us money when we do take it. Since we are not arriving at Pop first, we cannot take the Magical Express, but we are taking the UnMagical Express when leaving Pop for the airport. Yuck! I don’t even want to think about that yet. Boo, hiss!

Oh, other news…..I asked Deal Chicken for a refund on that Daytona/Orlando trip and got it. The more and more I thought about it, the more it just didn’t sound on the up and up. I’d much prefer to just book with the hotels themselves rather than go through a discounted travel promoter that I’ve never heard of. Besides, I’m really hoping on changing my family’s minds on going in the Fall. In fact, I may just book the Bounceback offer if it involves Free Dining in the Fall. How can they not want to go??!! What are they, Neanderthals??? We now have half of our tax refund in the bank for any vacations/camping trips for this summer. And remember, we still have that property in Starks to be sold. I really am hoping and praying this will be the summer to sell that puppy!!!

Never fear folks, there IS another trip in the works. Victoria and her friend Allison are going to see One Direction in Foxborough, MA in August. Yep, they opened up another date there and when tickets went on sale (actually pre-sale) we scooped them up. They are getting the whole VIP package with 6th row seats and other special little treats. Yes, those tickets were more expensive, but we had just gotten our refund and decided what the heck. I’ve reserved one night at the Holiday Inn in Mansfield. Yay, another hotel stay!!! It has a pool and hot tub so I’m good! Peter and I will be driving down and there’s a shuttle from the hotel which will take them to the stadium so while they are at the concert, we can be doing whatever! Sounds good to me!

 

[Tinker326]

Happy 16th Birthday Victoria! I saw those pics on facebook! I hope it was wonderful!!!

We are so close to our spring breaks! Woo! We are heading to Arizona and sunshine and I can not wait! The countdown is def. on!!!!

I'm so glad I don't have to worry about you getting eaten by sharks. I was worried you know. One of my best friends is going to Hawaii over spring break so I made sure to pull up all the recent Tiger Shark attacks there & give her the beach names. I'm so considerate like that!

Congrats on the chick-e-dees... and what fun for the 1D concert! I love their new song.. but I'd choose the hotel hot tub over it too! Hahahahaha!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

ONE MORE WEEK!!! ONE MORE WEEK!! I cannot believe it is sooo close now. Next week at this time I'll be by the pool, probably having a marguerita and just enjoying the sun. I've planned and planned and it's almost here!

Both Kali and Victoria wanted cover bands for their Magic Bands after they saw mine. I got the Haunted Mansion version, Victoria got the Frozen version and Kali got Pluto. I think they look great! They are just stickers, but I really think it jazzes up the bands. Oh, jazz.....hey, that reminds me of ole Jazz Hands Karen!! I am thankful for Ms. Jazz Hands though as I now know that I scan the band first, THEN I will place my finger in the scanner. I sure don't want to have a hard time. Thanks for that tip!!!



I know there's been a suggestion that Magic Bands could have a watch attachment so you don't have to be looking at your smartphones all day. Well, I think my idea is going to work out well. I have made a little tiny watch band from wide elastic and slipped it on my lanyard. I don't need my lanyard anymore for my cards, so it will just be for pin trading purposes. I also wanted to have my hands free so I rigged it up so that my point and shoot camera was attached to my lanyard. This way it will always be available without banging around too much. Darn, I'm going to look like such a tourist, huh?



I suppose as long as it's functional I really don't care what I look like! Oh, and lookie here.....guess who's just about done packing? Anyone? Yes? ME!!!! Amazing!!!!



Is anyone longing for more snow? Well, come on over to my house cause we've got plenty!! School was called off today and us state employees had a 2 hour delay. Ugh. Oh, I made it to work ok (yeah, I only live 1/2 mile away from my office) but I couldn't make it up the driveway at lunchtime. Go ahead and laugh! It's okay.



And my driveway isn't even much of an incline! Ugh!! Just in case you want more snow pictures (and I have to meet the quota) here they are:





Had enough yet?! Yeah, ME TOO!!!

Thanks to Netflix I now have a new obsession.....DOCTOR WHO! Yep, we are currently watching the episodes with the 11th doctor --- Matthew Smith. OMG I just love that show now. I even ordered this on Amazon today. I tell ya, Netflix is a dangerous, dangerous thing!



So, that's where I am right now! ONE MORE WEEK TO GO!!!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

JAZZY!!!!!!

Love the magicband stickers! I didn't know they had them??? They look great. I'm so excited for you, especially since it looks completely miserable there. I don't know how you do it! Yuck!

Will you get to see Erin then?!?!?

Oh and yes, I think they should put a watch on them. I don't even wear a watch, but I guess I did years ago and just having something on my wrist, I kept looking at it, expecting to see a watch! It would have come in handy.

 

[Tinker326]

I can't believe you are already packed?!?!

I have gotten so far as MOST of my children having summer clothes to take with..but that's it.....

I love all three bands! Esp. the Elsa one!! Very cool!

Good job with the lanyard camera rig.... and the snow needs to get the heck out.

I am SO DONE WITH WINTER. This has been the most frustrating winter evah!!!!

EEK. A week! That rhymes!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

WHY did you have to go to Disney after Playlist Live and leave me here wondering how it all went?!?! HURRY UP and get home!!!!!!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I KNOW you are back now, you must post or I'll be forced to stalk you all over the interwebs!!!!!!! POST! POST!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I think you are doing this on purpose to torment me.