Sarilas' O-fficial Pre-Trip Report (a.k.a. Vacation, Take TWO!) - Jan. 30-Feb. 8, '09

[willwriteforears]

I have a list a mile long of things to do today! Not the least of which was double check our travel dates with DH's boss and pay the $200 deposit! So now we've REALLY got the ball rolling as I did those things this morning!

Yesterday DH found out one of his bonuses is going to be significantly more than we'd anticipated... this is VERY good news since he's got some expensive 3-D imaging software to buy for school next semester... and because there'll be funds left over for us to put toward our trip! My goal is to make this first trip ridiculously special - to have so much saved up that we don't HAVE to say no to the kids for every little ridiculous souvenir they want to bring home. I reserve the right to veto the choice on a case by case basis, but I don't want it to be a financially motivated decision. I want each of them to feel special and spoiled and get a fully Disney experience!

I'm working on a couple new projects - one is ANOTHER countdown calendar - the regular calendar looking one is mostly for the older kids, but I wanted something more simplistic for the littler ones. Having liberated all those Mickey heads last weekend I decided that I'd make a big ol' poster board count down complete with colorful Mickey heads and characters underneath! It's a good way for Stasia to get to know some of the characters she's unfamiliar with too. Two birds, one stone!

Aww, how sweet for you to want to do that for your kids! You and your fam are going to have an awesome time. I'm looking forward to the TR already!

 

[Sarilas]

I do love the little Monchichis....

I'm in a heated moral dilemma right now. We were all set to homeschool our oldest (Kyle, going into 7th grade) for numerous reasons, not the least of which was that he's been bullied badly by the same group of kids since entering middle school in 5th grade. (I'm talking bruises, black eyes, being jumped by 5 kids, just major tormenting.) For the most part his teachers are fantastic, but it was the principal who did nothing to punish these bullies (so much for the zero tolerance bullying policy). He came home in tears last May begging me to homeschool him and after having to be on the phone with the principal or in the office once a week for the last two solid years, I was totally on board. (Metro Nashville Public Schools has a horrible reputation, and the numbers to back it up. Drop out rates in the 50%'s, no direction at the school board as we had no director, etc.)

Anyway... the district hired an interim director who came in and started making clean sweeps - both of my kids' schools have new principals and we're being told that the district is essentially starting over from scratch without making everyone reapply for their jobs. A lot of restructuring. So now I've got a day and a half to decide if we want to give this another go and pray that the new administration takes bullying seriously and punishes the little twirps who made my kid's life a living hell.

The fact that he's grown nearly 2 inches and 4 shoe sizes over the summer might help too...

Decisions.

 

[Lady Lallie]

Hmmmm...that is a tough one.

If I were in your shoes....I think it would depend on the reasons for homeschooling. Being that the bullying is the reason, why not have your son start the school year at school and see how the new adminstration handles it. Things change, he may not even be the target this year, you never know. But on the other hand if he is going to be terrorized by having to go to school it may not be worth it. But if he goes and things are better, it's a good lesson for him.

Wow. I did not help the situation at all, did I?

Could you call the new principal and explain your concerns? Or what about going straight to the new Superintendent? It seems like He/She is committed to change so maybe they can make sure your son's school experience is a good one.

 

[willwriteforears]

I do love the little Monchichis....

I'm in a heated moral dilemma right now. We were all set to homeschool our oldest (Kyle, going into 7th grade) for numerous reasons, not the least of which was that he's been bullied badly by the same group of kids since entering middle school in 5th grade. (I'm talking bruises, black eyes, being jumped by 5 kids, just major tormenting.) For the most part his teachers are fantastic, but it was the principal who did nothing to punish these bullies (so much for the zero tolerance bullying policy). He came home in tears last May begging me to homeschool him and after having to be on the phone with the principal or in the office once a week for the last two solid years, I was totally on board. (Metro Nashville Public Schools has a horrible reputation, and the numbers to back it up. Drop out rates in the 50%'s, no direction at the school board as we had no director, etc.)

Anyway... the district hired an interim director who came in and started making clean sweeps - both of my kids' schools have new principals and we're being told that the district is essentially starting over from scratch without making everyone reapply for their jobs. A lot of restructuring. So now I've got a day and a half to decide if we want to give this another go and pray that the new administration takes bullying seriously and punishes the little twirps who made my kid's life a living hell.

The fact that he's grown nearly 2 inches and 4 shoe sizes over the summer might help too...

Decisions.

Wow, that's awful! Poor Kyle. I homeschooled for the majority of high school (health/emotional issues) and personally think I turned out okay. That said, I think I also would've benefited from finding some sort of program thingummy just for some social aspects.

I'm sending and prayers for your decision!

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

Ok, I'm here and catching up WAAAAY back on Page 6 or 7 when I came across this beaut from our girl LL:

Welcome to the DIS. Your welcome packet includes, doubting your ADR's, compulsive checking of Trip Reports, lime green mickey heads and changing your resort 50 bazillion times.

HOLY CARP. This had me snort-laughing at my desk at work. Thankfully I've been sick this week so they probably think it's just some sort of viral-related convulsion.

 

[Sarilas]

I love that quote from LL!

I'm going to meet with Kyle's new principal tomorrow afternoon around lunchtime. He's SO MAD at me for making him try one more time. He's convinced he's going to end up with a pencil in the eye.

PTR UPDATE!

Tink's having found that quote from LL couldn't have been more timely...

I'm considering a split stay... or depending on exactly how much more it is than the suite we already have... upgrading altogether to a deluxe resort!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Ok, I'm here and catching up WAAAAY back on Page 6 or 7 when I came across this beaut from our girl LL:



HOLY CARP. This had me snort-laughing at my desk at work. Thankfully I've been sick this week so they probably think it's just some sort of viral-related convulsion.

I am glad that I made you snort-laugh, as I got a good chuckle out of imagining your snort-laugh.

I love that quote from LL!

I'm going to meet with Kyle's new principal tomorrow afternoon around lunchtime. He's SO MAD at me for making him try one more time. He's convinced he's going to end up with a pencil in the eye.

PTR UPDATE!

Tink's having found that quote from LL couldn't have been more timely...

I'm considering a split stay... or depending on exactly how much more it is than the suite we already have... upgrading altogether to a deluxe resort!

I think that is great you are meeting with the new principal. Is Kyle going with your or just you?? Maybe it would help him if he got to voice his concerns for part of the meeting.

DO IT DO IT DO IT!!! I am so very happy that I decided to do the split stay. I would have upgraded for the whole week but I just wasn't able to do it financially.

 

[willwriteforears]

I love that quote from LL!

I'm going to meet with Kyle's new principal tomorrow afternoon around lunchtime. He's SO MAD at me for making him try one more time. He's convinced he's going to end up with a pencil in the eye.

PTR UPDATE!

Tink's having found that quote from LL couldn't have been more timely...

I'm considering a split stay... or depending on exactly how much more it is than the suite we already have... upgrading altogether to a deluxe resort!

I hope the meeting with the principal goes well! And I think LL's idea is good--would it be possible for Kyle to come with?

Ooh, split stay or perhaps an upgrade! I can't wait!

 

[Sarilas]

So the meeting with the principal went really well; I would have loved Kyle to come with but it just so happened to be his last day at summer camp which was the day they went to Nashville Shores (our water park). I couldn't let him miss that. So I went alone (well I took Stasia so I wouldn't classify it quite as 'alone') but I was impressed with all she had to say. First of all I was THRILLED to find out that the main culprit in all this drama is already suspended for the first week of school based on something he got in trouble for last year. He was new to the school last year and his reputation had not yet proceeded him - now EVERYONE is aware of his trouble making abilities and Kyle feels like he's vindicated for all the times his asking for help were brushed aside. The new principal was pretty appalled at the former principals idea of punishment. She told me she does not stand by the idea of a wrist-slapping for a first offense, the old "I'll call your mommy" for a second offense, etc. This is the biggest problem I had with the school - Kyle was physically ATTACKED by 5 boys, beaten and given a black eye and they were all back in school the next day because it was their first offense. Livid doesn't EVEN begin to describe it. But this principal was at the city's alternative school for 4 years, then at a high school riddled with gang violence for 4 years so she's more than familiar with how to appropriately handle a disciplinary case. She's going to tweak Kyle's class schedule so he should have no contact with any of these boys during school hours, and hopefully he'll fall off their radar entirely.

We (the principal and I) did get a giggle out of the fact that Kyle has grown 2 inches over the summer and now stands nearly 5' 7" tall... he's going to TOWER over these other kids (who were already smaller than him to begin with). It's just amusing to picture these little kids looking up at him trying to start drama... I only hope it's as comical in real life.

We took Kyle school clothes shopping today and out for sushi, just his dad, myself and him. It's a rare treat in a family this size for one child to have that much parent time to themselves! I can't get over how much he's grown... I had to buy him new shoes AGAIN... He's in a men's size 10 shoe and he's not even 13 yet!

In Disney related news, I'm going to wait on making a decision about a room upgrade. I really don't want to be squished into one room, but I don't want to pay $500 a night for a deluxe room either... I just need to think about it and see if it'd be worth the $1000-ish upgrade for just a couple of nights at AKL or somewhere... I don't know.

And we may be going BACK to deluxe dining! I can't decide if it's worth buying the dining experience card or doing deluxe upgrade. We're going to have the 18% gratuity added automatically since we're a party of 6, so that's a non issue... but the DDE doesn't appear to work for quick service places which we could utilize if we wanted with the DxDDP. And I like the idea of having EVERYTHING paid for with the DxDDP and only paying for alcohol and gratuity with the DxDDP... decisions, decisions.

 

[TarzansKat]

I am so glad that things are looking up (ha, in more ways the one! ) for Kyle for this school year. Thank god that school has a new, sensible principal in it, and that you were on the same page, you know?

I would wait on trip decisions as well, let you get back into the swing of things before you decide. It's so crazy how much there is to do for "back to school." Plus with Anastasia's birthday coming up, I would bet you guys are busy, busy.

 

[MRYPPNS]

That is such wonderful news about school...you must be so relieved....
I can just picture this new Principal walking into a classroom and announcing that "there is a new sheriff in town" and those little turds peeing themselves!

Deluxe Dinning sounds the way to go if you think you'll do 3 meals a day.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I am so glad that the principal meeting was productive!

Those Disney decisions will make your head spin, won't they?

 

[willwriteforears]

for a principal who will actually do her job! And it sounds great that she also changed Kyle's schedule so he can avoid those kids. Hopefully his increased height will help, too!

I think it's a good idea to wait on the upgrade decision. Like TK said, let things settle down a bit.

 

[Sarilas]

I am so glad that things are looking up (ha, in more ways the one! ) for Kyle for this school year. Thank god that school has a new, sensible principal in it, and that you were on the same page, you know?

I would wait on trip decisions as well, let you get back into the swing of things before you decide. It's so crazy how much there is to do for "back to school." Plus with Anastasia's birthday coming up, I would bet you guys are busy, busy.

Looking up... ha! You're probably right; I'm so used to our lives being chaotic that I forget to slow down and THINK before making a rash decision!

That is such wonderful news about school...you must be so relieved....
I can just picture this new Principal walking into a classroom and announcing that "there is a new sheriff in town" and those little turds peeing themselves!

Deluxe Dinning sounds the way to go if you think you'll do 3 meals a day.

I'm really looking forward to hearing from Kyle this next week; Monday is a half day so there will be some adjustment time while everyone gets situated. God I hope it goes well...

I am so glad that the principal meeting was productive!

Those Disney decisions will make your head spin, won't they?

I'm telling you, 6 months ago I never would have fathomed the effort it takes to plan the best feasible trip to WDW and 6 months from now I wouldn't be able to imagine anything else!

for a principal who will actually do her job! And it sounds great that she also changed Kyle's schedule so he can avoid those kids. Hopefully his increased height will help, too!

I think it's a good idea to wait on the upgrade decision. Like TK said, let things settle down a bit.

I'm really crossing my fingers for this principal... she's got great potential AND it's time for Kyle to get the upper hand and feel safe at school!

Oh, I hate waiting to make decisions about this trip. They say patience is a virtue but I am COMPLETELY without virtue.

 

[GeminiAngel]

I haven't posted because I just didn't know what to say.
All I know is that I'm happy things might turn around for Kyle now.
And I am heartfully sorry for the things he has gone through.

I think the boys are jealous! I saw his pic on the first page, stunning blue eyes.

I have a daughter with alopecia universalis (total hairloss), and I'm always afraid someday the teasing will begin. She does have a great Hair re-placement system now. But, I'm still afraid.

 

[Lady Lallie]

I am so glad the meeting with the principal went well. I am anxious to hear how it works out for Kyle at school.

 

[Sarilas]

I haven't posted because I just didn't know what to say.
All I know is that I'm happy things might turn around for Kyle now.
And I am heartfully sorry for the things he has gone through.

I think the boys are jealous! I saw his pic on the first page, stunning blue eyes.

I have a daughter with alopecia universalis (total hairloss), and I'm always afraid someday the teasing will begin. She does have a great Hair re-placement system now. But, I'm still afraid.

Even if you're not sure what to say, I love reading it! So thank you for your comments; and he is a handsome little bugger, if I do say so myself!

I understand what your fears must be with your daughter; I thank God every day that my children are inquisitive enough to ask questions about kids who look or behave differently. Kyle in particular has made friends on numerous occasions by being brave enough to ask a child or their parent about an unusual skin condition or the loss of a limb, and befriending that person. He is the kindest soul, and yeah, I'm biased but I love that he is so non judgmental and friendly.

If only I could bottle that!

I am so glad the meeting with the principal went well. I am anxious to hear how it works out for Kyle at school.

So far, so good! Yesterday was just a 1/2 day, but he says he towers over the other kids now and everyone gave him distance; he even saw THE BULLY (the main one) in the lunch room during their brunch break and Kyle said "I don't know what used to scare me about him." I pray that that holds steady!

 

[Lady Lallie]

So far, so good! Yesterday was just a 1/2 day, but he says he towers over the other kids now and everyone gave him distance; he even saw THE BULLY (the main one) in the lunch room during their brunch break and Kyle said "I don't know what used to scare me about him." I pray that that holds steady!

Good for Kyle!! That's really awesome.

 

[willwriteforears]

I understand what your fears must be with your daughter; I thank God every day that my children are inquisitive enough to ask questions about kids who look or behave differently. Kyle in particular has made friends on numerous occasions by being brave enough to ask a child or their parent about an unusual skin condition or the loss of a limb, and befriending that person. He is the kindest soul, and yeah, I'm biased but I love that he is so non judgmental and friendly.

If only I could bottle that!



So far, so good! Yesterday was just a 1/2 day, but he says he towers over the other kids now and everyone gave him distance; he even saw THE BULLY (the main one) in the lunch room during their brunch break and Kyle said "I don't know what used to scare me about him." I pray that that holds steady!

Aww, Kyle sounds like a great kid! That's wonderful that he befriends those with special conditions.

And for the kids leaving him alone and Kyle not fearing the bully! It sounds like the year is off to a good start.

 

[trixiequilts]

So far so good! Yesterday was just a 1/2 day, but he says he towers over the other kids now and everyone gave him distance; he even saw THE BULLY (the main one) in the lunch room during their brunch break and Kyle said "I don't know what used to scare me about him." I pray that that holds steady!

Sounds like he grew a lot over the summer, both physically and emotionally!