Sept. 11, 2011 It's never too early to Dream

[drummerwife]

Welcome Janice! Secrets like this are fun, and there are creative ways to keep it a secret. Our Magic Cruise of just a few weeks ago, was a surprise for my two boys, and we kept it a secret for almost a full year! They knew we were taking their Nana to New Jersey to visit her sister, and that we'd then go tour Washington for a day, but that was all. I got around being able to mention cruise stuff, by talking of a fictional cruise off in the future, telling them we'd cruise again maybe in another couple of years. Then in Washington, they had clue cards at each point of interest to deciper the cipher puzzel they were given at the beginning, and then GPS coordinates to my friends house just outside Washington, where they found a letter from Mickey telling them the BIG SURPRISE! It was fun to plan, even if their reaction was quite subdued! LOL (the youngest was sound asleep when we arrived, and he's not always in a good mood when being awoken from a deep sleep, and on top of that, we had a FAN club waiting for us there, and boys are somewhat very shy at times. This was a time where their shyness made an appearance, so although my 13 year old told me later, he was bursting with excitment on the inside, he just couldn't show that on the outside in front of a bunch of strangers to him (my friend, and her DH and their kids, and another family that was cruising with us). It was Awesome though!

Your son, I'm sure will be GREATLY surprised no matter when he finds out. Do you have a plan yet as to how you'll break the surprise to him? (if it helps, I can do up a graphic I created, with Mickey standing in front of the ship holding open a scroll. The scroll is addressed to the child/person, and reveals the surprise).

Thanks for the welcome and the offer to help me break the surprise TJ. DH and I have given much thought on this subject. Our son has Aspergers and does NOT do well with surprises when he finds out at the last minute ie: we're leaving tomorrow even when it is something he really wants. He IS ok with them when he has enough time to get used to the idea. For this reason we're thinking about letting him open up the documents when they arrive, but this seems a little bland. I'm open to all suggestions. I know what you mean about talking around the 'event'. We have a 5 nt cruise booked for May '12 CC double dip and all of the references have been about that one, as well as the 9nts we'll be at CSR after this cruise

Well I gotta run...DS piano recital is this afternoon. Thanks again for the welcome

 

[tjbaggott]

Retrolocco, what are your precruise plans? I am able to currently get the CI&S for $77.70 (taxes and fees included) using a Carlson industries Friends and Family promotion code. Not sure how long that promotion code is good for, but it does work for the kids suite! We LOVED that place this last trip, our first time there. I'm seriously thinking of booking that. If you are interested, the promotion code is CARLSONF. The kids suites have a Queen bed, and a separate room with a single bed, bunkbeds and the kids own tv/dvd player, as well as a microwave, and fridge. I have photos if you'd like me to post them. It is a Beautiful Hotel, and SO close to the port! If I book it, it does mean renting a car, and I think I'm ok with that. Does anyone know if I can purchase one way DCL transfers? If I can, I'd do that for disembarkation day, and take the DCL bus to the airport. Or share a town car anyone????? Lots of options out there!

 

[davidls]

Well gang, the Christmas tree is all decorated!!
After thanksgiving on Thursday we will do the rest of the house. Christmas is DW's and my favorite holiday. So we tend to go all out decorating for Christmas. And the kitties.............so far so good. They have been perfect little angels. HA!!!! That ain't the truth, but at least they have been leaving the tree alone!!!

Well, gots to go and do my excercises on the ol' torture machine. (I hate that machine!!!)

 

[tjbaggott]

I couldn't find it on Youtube earlier this week, but it's there now!

This is the one thats been shown here in Canada for the past few weeks!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COx7cbxcuY8&feature=channel

 

[davidls]

Well here it is..............Good Ol' Monday morning again gang!!! Another day closer to our cruise date!!!

Here is the latest up / update on our Christmas tree. As you will remember, in yesterday's episode, the Christmas tree was completely decorated. And, all parties were happy. Well it seems as the day went on DW got to inspecting the tree for flaws..............checking where ornaments her hubby put on the tree that did not look right in that spot!!! She stepped back to admire her work and all of a sudden.......... she said something's not right!!! Well hubby was to say the least!!! Then DW says all of the garland that was put on the tree with great care and has to be taken off and put on the tree in a different way!!! Well hubby is still, and says but why , DW says stop calling me !!! Ok.........ok........DW says the tree looks. So this week-end we will be pulling the garland off the tree and putting it back on in the way DW wants it to be put on! It seems I go around in a state of mind most of the time now any more!!!!

Well, ya'll have a great day today. I'm going to try and figure out a better way to put on the ol' garland!!!

 

[tjbaggott]

Well here it is..............Good Ol' Monday morning again gang!!! Another day closer to our cruise date!!!

Here is the latest up / update on our Christmas tree. As you will remember, in yesterday's episode, the Christmas tree was completely decorated. And, all parties were happy. Well it seems as the day went on DW got to inspecting the tree for flaws..............checking where ornaments her hubby put on the tree that did not look right in that spot!!! She stepped back to admire her work and all of a sudden.......... she said something's not right!!! Well hubby was to say the least!!! Then DW says all of the garland that was put on the tree with great care and has to be taken off and put on the tree in a different way!!! Well hubby is still, and says but why , DW says stop calling me !!! Ok.........ok........DW says the tree looks. So this week-end we will be pulling the garland off the tree and putting it back on in the way DW wants it to be put on! It seems I go around in a state of mind most of the time now any more!!!!

Well, ya'll have a great day today. I'm going to try and figure out a better way to put on the ol' garland!!!

Nice to know your the type of guy that no matter what you think, you KNOW the best response is "Yes Dear" and everyone is happy!

 

[davidls]

Nice to know your the type of guy that no matter what you think, you KNOW the best response is "Yes Dear" and everyone is happy!

That's right..............I learned early on in our marriage those two special words
...................Yes Dear!!! So guys out there, if you want anything in life, or even if you want to eat the same things DW eats..............like for example all of the Thanksgiving dinner foods like turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy.........you know all the fixings. In stead of peanut butter & jelly on 5 day old bread that you pain sakingly try to shape into a turkey............you too will learn to say Yes Dear!!!!

 

[davidls]

Judy, and question for you. I was reading a trip report someone posted with pictures of their navigators. The navigators are in full color. Was your navigators in full color? The last time we cruised our navigators were just two colors, blue and black. Now I like blue and black, but the full color navigators sure do look sharp!!! Just wondering.

 

[drummerwife]

Judy, and question for you. I was reading a trip report someone posted with pictures of their navigators. The navigators are in full color. Was your navigators in full color? The last time we cruised our navigators were just two colors, blue and black. Now I like blue and black, but the full color navigators sure do look sharp!!! Just wondering.

I just did a 4 nt on the Wonder and yes, the navigators are indeed full color. I think they are using a heavier stock paper also. I can't speak for the Magic, but I would think they would be as well.

 

[drummerwife]

That's right..............I learned early on in our marriage those two special words
...................Yes Dear!!! So guys out there, if you want anything in life, or even if you want to eat the same things DW eats..............like for example all of the Thanksgiving dinner foods like turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy.........you know all the fixings. In stead of peanut butter & jelly on 5 day old bread that you pain sakingly try to shape into a turkey............you too will learn to say Yes Dear!!!!

Heed these rules if you want to have a happy marriage:

Rule #1 Yes Dear
Rule #2 Whatever You Want Dear
Rule #3 If Momma Ain't Happy, Ain't Nobody Happy

We've been married for 28 years, and while it took alot of training...I finally have him behaving like a 'good' husband should be.

 

[tjbaggott]

drummerwife, you got it

As for navigators, yes, they've changed them. Although nice, I DO prefer the old style. I found them easier to read, easier to highligt. Now there just seems to be too much color and when I highlight an activity, it just doesn't stand out as much because there is color everywhere. Probably just my eyesight though. They are GREAT for scrapbooking!

Well, I"ve got both the front and side hall closests and halls all cleaned, and organized. Today, it's the living room/dining room. Then I'll pull out from the basement (somewhere) the garland for the stairs (it has bells that play different crhistmas tunes, and pretty lights all on it) Once that garland is up, and some Christmas music turnd on, everyone gets in the Christmas spirit, and before you know it , the tree, the outside lights, all the decorations will be up!
I'm Hoping and praying these little twins mom gets a job, so I can continue to care for them beyond New Years. They truly are a joy and wonderful happy babies! It's difficult to figure out what to get my kids for gifts when I don't know if my paycheck will be as big in the future, BUT they already have TOO many toys and gadgets.... What are some desired, but useful, not mindless things, I can get for a 7 and 13 yr old? Ultimately, they are getting the FANTASY cruise, so I'll try and make up some things like that, with a countdown Calendar of sorts. Gotta figure out how many days are between December 25 2010 and August 25, 2012. Thats gotta be some BIG number (though my brain just won't think right now). Maybe that will be the first gift! A Giant NUMBER! I've gotta find a place that will turn a photo into a puzzle, as I'm doing that too for the final reveal of the trip. Those will be the invitations, they have to put together to be able to read it!

Actually might not get too much accomplished today as I have my youngest home sick today. (went to the Hockey game last night, Ottawa Senators VS Los Angeles Kings) All that pizza, caramel corn, OJ and 5 Alive probably has something to do with why his tummy hurts so much!

 

[davidls]

Heed these rules if you want to have a happy marriage:

Rule #1 Yes Dear
Rule #2 Whatever You Want Dear
Rule #3 If Momma Ain't Happy, Ain't Nobody Happy

We've been married for 28 years, and while it took alot of training...I finally have him behaving like a 'good' husband should be.

OH NO!!! Now I have more rules to try and remember!!! This is way too much pressure on usn' guys. We'll never remember all of those!!!! Come on..........take it ease on us pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease!!!! (PS I tried that second one, one time a ways back............DW says I should know from the start, "What she wants!!!" I can't win!!!!!

 

[tjbaggott]

Just thinking about this "Mommy And Me" trip and the plans I'd like to make. Things I'm adding to my book of THINGS TO DO:
-attend family game shows with my son
-some evening, find a place with music and a dance floor and Dance with my son
- have lunch with my son on the pool deck
-go snorkeling with my son at Castaway Cay
-have a silly picture done of me and my son (lifestyle ones are great at this)
-not MAKE him do homework
-switch menus with him one night (I'll take the kids and he takes the adult)
-experience the Aqua Duck with him
-play foos ball and shuffel board with my son
-Dress up as Pirates together
-if he's game, try Kareoke one night

 

[drummerwife]

Just thinking about this "Mommy And Me" trip and the plans I'd like to make. Things I'm adding to my book of THINGS TO DO:
-attend family game shows with my son
-some evening, find a place with music and a dance floor and Dance with my son
- have lunch with my son on the pool deck
-go snorkeling with my son at Castaway Cay
-have a silly picture done of me and my son (lifestyle ones are great at this)
-not MAKE him do homework
-switch menus with him one night (I'll take the kids and he takes the adult)
-experience the Aqua Duck with him
-play foos ball and shuffel board with my son
-Dress up as Pirates together
-if he's game, try Kareoke one night

This sounds like a great list, and should make wonderful memories
Something my son liked doing, was playing bingo. It sounds a little corny but it really was fun.

 

[tjbaggott]

My Favourite photo taken so far!

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[davidls]

I just wanted to wish everyone a very safe and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! I know you mom's are busy in the kitchen getting everything ready for your Thanksgiving dinner. But stop every now and then, take a breather, relax.........because you deserve it. I know DW is busy in our kitchen this morning already. And I am doing my best to get in her way!!!!
Happy Thanksgiving all!!!

 

[tjbaggott]

So... for American's how does the Thanksgiving day work? I mean our Thanksgiving is ALWAYS on a Monday, thus giving us a 3 day weekend, and kids a 4 day weekend, as they get the Friday before off as a PD day, Always. American Thanksgiving is always on a Thursday? How does that make for a long weekend, or do you all automatically get two days off, the Thursday and the Friday?
In Any case
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU!!

 

[davidls]

So... for American's how does the Thanksgiving day work? I mean our Thanksgiving is ALWAYS on a Monday, thus giving us a 3 day weekend, and kids a 4 day weekend, as they get the Friday before off as a PD day, Always. American Thanksgiving is always on a Thursday? How does that make for a long weekend, or do you all automatically get two days off, the Thursday and the Friday?
In Any case
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU!!

Well Judy, Thanksgiving for us Americans works like this, Thanksgiving always falls on a Thursday. So, it you work in manufacturing you well get a nice 4 day week-end. If you work in retail, you might get Thursday off but have to work on Black Friday. But more and more stores are opening on Thanksgiving to get try to draw in more shoppers for the Christmas shopping. And, Black Friday is the day everyone shops for Christmas. DW and I don't do the Black Friday shopping. We usually start around July or so, but mostly do most of our Christmas shopping online!!!

 

[fantich]

We just got off our Disney Wonder Cruise on November 24th and we just book our Dream Cruise for September 11th. We can't wait to go. It will be me, my husband, son 11, and daughter 9.

Does anyone know if we can ask for a server we had on our last cruise to be our server on this cruise? He did such a great job.

Jackie F. Cowan

 

[tjbaggott]

Are you ready to get into the Christmas spirit now? We got off our Magic cruise on Nov. 6th, and I'm still having trouble feeling like Christmas! But our tree is up, that helps a bit.
Glad you had a fabulous cruise on the Wonder. I know you can request specific servers, but they are only that, a request. It's 50/50 as to weather or not you'd actually get them. The other thing is, do you know if your server was moving over to the Dream? If not, then your outta luck there. But will likely get some other fabulous servers!

Anyways, welcome again! Happy to see this thread growing!