September 2011 - We are going to Disney World {THIS MONTH}! (Third Thread)

[peachydreamyxx]

Only five more days and my nerves are shot, all I can think of what I will be doing next week. My boys still dont know about the trip, really suprised that my oldest hasn't asked why we have all the halloween costumes done 2 months before halloween since we are usually scrambling on halloween night to come up with something for them to wear. cant wait for Sunday to get here any quicker so that we can leave.

Thats awesome! One day I want to suprise my DS but Im terrible with secrets! Have a great trip and safe travels!

 

[pinkle]

two-week dance (is there such a thing? Okay, i just made it up )

of course there is!

 

[Trinity524]

So tired this morning, how am I going to handle being at WDW if this is how tired I am before I get there? Oh that's right, I forgot, WDW pumps something into the air so that you are always happy and bever too tired to ride just one more ride!

Can't wait!!!

 

[parith1114]

13 days!!! Can't wait!!!!

 

[JewelsG]

10 DAYS TO GO!!!!

And I am on panic mode - so much to do... and yet sooooo excited to go!!! And the kids don't know yet - how we have kept it a secret for so long is beyond me! since 232 days I think only 10 to go - we can do it!!! Right Weezy (she's almost spilled the beans like 50 gazillion times)

 

[RobRees]

How are you surprising them?:

Our plan is to move them to car after they are asleep and start driving my real hope is that they will sleep all the way there both my boys are real heavy sleepers and travel well in the car at night then we want to wake them up when we hit the gates hopefully around 7 am.

 

[sparks19]

Thanks guys for listening and all your advice when I was in meltdown mode yesterday Hubby came home and talked me off the ledge he agrees that we do need something as an added source of income but he says we have TIME. so STOP PANICKING lol. in his line of work he comes in contact with many different kinds of businesses and he's going to put out some "feelers" and see if we can find something that works for all of us.

I hear you. Although I am fortunate enough to be able to work from home, I would love to be a 100% stay at home mom, rather than a work-at-home and stay-at-home mom! Because I work for a real employer with real hours, I needed to have in-home care of the girls when they were younger, and now they go to preschool and elementary school during my work hours. It's hard not being the sole caregiver of my girls, but it's been a necessity. How old is your little one?

We are constantly re-assessing the chance for me to just be a full-time homemaker, but right now, this is where we are. I don't know if you've ever heard of it, but we took Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University course and it was life-changing (his 'Baby Steps' are so easy to follow: http://www.daveramsey.com/new/baby-steps). On days when I feel down about working, it helps me press on, knowing we are working towards long-term goals that will go beyond just keeping us ahead of our bills, but will also build a legacy for our children.

Hang in there. No matter what decision you make, as long as it's in the best interest of your family, it will be the right one!

My daughter is turning 4 (while we are at disney actually lol)

I'd like to try to find some sort of work from home work if I could. I don't want to do those home parties though... sales is NOT my forte lol plus with hubby's unpredictable work schedule I can't have a party and then he have to work late or be stuck out of town. so I need something with predictable hours or hours I can make on my own.

I know making and STICKING to a budget would probably change this whole thing around 180. but I'm kind of lost as to how to do that.

I am SO sorry! When my husband was laid off last year I decided try to go to work, and I balled hysterically while trying to apply places. (It was online so no one thought I was insane) I love being home with my kids, so I totally understand!

Would you be comfortable babysitting from your home? You could put up flyers around town or something? Maybe just one or two children would be enough extra money?

Do you coupon? I'm not talking "extreme couponining" (lol) but you can really shave SO much off of your monthly grocery bill. I rarely pay anything for toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, etc.....

Maybe you could try a home based business? I sold Tupperware for a year, and it was really great for me.

I recently read an article about "sidejobs" people can earn money at...I'm going to go find it!!!!



Love love LOVE Dave Ramsey!

Here it is sparks19...

http://www.faithandfinance.org/2011/09/33-side-job-ideas/

Thanks so much for that article.

I'd like to have a little mini daycare but my house is too small and I have two large dogs and no where to put them during the day. they are friendly but they are large. so while we are in this house that idea is on hold... but we are hoping to not be in this house forever lol.

Couponing... how did you learn how to coupon? I know that sounds weird lol but I honestly don't get how people save so much. how do you find them? I mean I get some in the sunday paper and on coupons.com but it's usually save a dollar on 2 boxes or something. so not much even though every little bit helps. We did go to BJ's once and saved $50 with coupons and that was awesome. but I just seem totally lost as to how people really save.

hubby assures me that things will be fine again once it gets closer to Christmas and my etsy shop picks up again... it's just been a REALLY slow 2 months. the slowest I've ever had BY FAR. so I'm also thinking of maybe trying some new things like tutus or starfish ornaments etc right now I just sell jewelry so maybe if I do a couple different things that will help with more steady sales since I'll be reaching a wider market.

I'm sorry you're having to make such an emotional decision about going back to work. If I had my way, every woman who wanted to stay home purely out of love for their children would be able to, including me.But, we were just cutting it too close every month to ever be able to breathe comfortably, and if something unexpected came up, we were scrambling. Dave Ramsey DOES offer an amazing program, and it's worth checking out, believe me! Good luck, it will all work out the best way possible for your family if you just keep chugging!

Thanks so much for the support. I was a wreck yesterday. I don't feel quite as hopeless today lol.

sparks19 I hope your day has improved a bit! Thats an emotional decision to have to make, and I too would be a wreck! Right now, the way the economy is, being a stay at home mom is a luxury. Its so tough living off one income, we also are just getting by so I know the feeling. With DH back in school, he is no longer able to pick up the overtime we counted on. Its hard, but we have cut back on everything and will have to for the next two years. Hoping its all worth it in the end!


Last day in the double digits! 10 days to go I cant wait to start reading some reports of this years MNSSHP!! That will really get me into the spirit!!

Thank you my day did get better once hubby got home and pulled me out of the hole I was in

11 days for us but only 10 days until we start driving to our destination

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

My daughter is turning 4 (while we are at disney actually lol)

I know making and STICKING to a budget would probably change this whole thing around 180. but I'm kind of lost as to how to do that.

Will your daughter be homeschooled at all? If not, you can always try to hang on until she reaches kindergarten age and then work somewhere part-time while she is at school. Will she be going to kindergarten next year or the year after that?

As for a budget, it's all about behavior modification, which is the hardest part! We use a budget spreadsheet to tell our money where it goes (most of our budget items are automatically debited bills) and we use cash for virtually everything else. We can spend more cash than we have budgeted, as long as we realize that it has to come from somewhere else. Since any "extra cash" is usually taken from our budgeted savings for the month, it makes us think twice about it. We just got to the point where we realized every dollar we spend today is another dollar we won't have for future auto repairs, home improvements, and all the other things that happen along the way. We still have a long way to go, but we're making strides!

As for couponing, it's not so much where you get coupons from (we use the Sunday paper), it's how you use them. For example, I'll buy cereal when it's Buy One, Get One Free and will use a coupon for $1.00 off two boxes at the same time (and sometimes the coupon is doubled). Find a store you like, pay attention to specials, see how their specials match up with coupons you have, and make the most of it. Some stores allow you to use a digital store coupon (like on their rewards card), plus a manufacturers coupon from the Sunday paper, on top of any current specials going on. However, because of all those couponing shows, alot of stores are no longer allowing such "stacking" of coupons. But become familiar with the coupon policy of a store near you and go for it! One of our favorite supermarkets will double coupons with a face value of up to $0.99, and then will have limited time offers where they double coupons with a face value of up to $1.98! So that would turn a $0.75 coupon into $1.50 off or a $1.50 coupon into $3 off! When you combine a doubled coupon with an item that's already on sale, it really adds up!

 

[sahmoffour]

One week from today and I will be on an airplane!!! Only 6 more days before I'm packing like crazy and getting ready to pick the kids up at 3 from school then heading out to the hotel by the airport! I CAN"T WAIT!!!!

I'm a bit disappointed though because our costumes are NOT what I expected them to be. I think me and dh look ridiculous! It's tough for me because I'm a perfectionist too, and when I put on my costume (generic captain angelica that you can buy at any costume store) I don't think I even look like a pirate. My one boot cover's elastic snapped already so I can't even wear them as I don't have time to return it. The "corset" is just a piece of fabric that keeps falling and folding in on itself. The belt just plain doesn't stay on. I'm sad, I really wanted us to all look awesome at the halloween party. There is a costume store close to where we live that I could still order from last minute, but I can't even think of another idea. I think the Incredibles would be hilarious but I probably would refuse to be seen in public in a spandex suit.

 

[sparks19]

Will your daughter be homeschooled at all? If not, you can always try to hang on until she reaches kindergarten age and then work somewhere part-time while she is at school. Will she be going to kindergarten next year or the year after that?

As for a budget, it's all about behavior modification, which is the hardest part! We use a budget spreadsheet to tell our money where it goes (most of our budget items are automatically debited bills) and we use cash for virtually everything else. We can spend more cash than we have budgeted, as long as we realize that it has to come from somewhere else. Since any "extra cash" is usually taken from our budgeted savings for the month, it makes us think twice about it. We just got to the point where we realized every dollar we spend today is another dollar we won't have for future auto repairs, home improvements, and all the other things that happen along the way. We still have a long way to go, but we're making strides!

As for couponing, it's not so much where you get coupons from (we use the Sunday paper), it's how you use them. For example, I'll buy cereal when it's Buy One, Get One Free and will use a coupon for $1.00 off two boxes at the same time (and sometimes the coupon is doubled). Find a store you like, pay attention to specials, see how their specials match up with coupons you have, and make the most of it. Some stores allow you to use a digital store coupon (like on their rewards card), plus a manufacturers coupon from the Sunday paper, on top of any current specials going on. However, because of all those couponing shows, alot of stores are no longer allowing such "stacking" of coupons. But become familiar with the coupon policy of a store near you and go for it! One of our favorite supermarkets will double coupons with a face value of up to $0.99, and then will have limited time offers where they double coupons with a face value of up to $1.98! So that would turn a $0.75 coupon into $1.50 off or a $1.50 coupon into $3 off! When you combine a doubled coupon with an item that's already on sale, it really adds up!

well we were really planning on homeschooling but I don't know if that's going to be a possibility now unless something really changes.

We don't want to send her to the public schools here though so if she's not homeschooled she be going to the private school here... so I'll need to think about tuition costs when I find a job. If I can expand my etsy store and bring in a more steady amount through there that will make the rest a lot easier... I may be able to go only part time. Actually it's not so much that we don't have enough money NOW... it's when we need to start paying for her education (whether private or homeschool) that it's going to get sticky. the private school here also offers a co op for homeschoolers where they homeschool part time and go to the private school part time.

I don't know... a lot of thinking and figuring to do.

Behaviour modification... that's a good way to put it. I had to do that when I needed to lose weight... and so far I've lost 75 lbs so hopefully I'll be able to do this too.

thanks for the info about the couponing

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

well we were really planning on homeschooling but I don't know if that's going to be a possibility now unless something really changes.

We don't want to send her to the public schools here though so if she's not homeschooled she be going to the private school here... so I'll need to think about tuition costs when I find a job. If I can expand my etsy store and bring in a more steady amount through there that will make the rest a lot easier... I may be able to go only part time. Actually it's not so much that we don't have enough money NOW... it's when we need to start paying for her education (whether private or homeschool) that it's going to get sticky. the private school here also offers a co op for homeschoolers where they homeschool part time and go to the private school part time.

I don't know... a lot of thinking and figuring to do.

Behaviour modification... that's a good way to put it. I had to do that when I needed to lose weight... and so far I've lost 75 lbs so hopefully I'll be able to do this too.

thanks for the info about the couponing

Because I work, homeschooling wasn't really an option for us, so I was set on placing my children in private school. I did not want them attending public school here. However, as the years ticked by, it became apparent that the $7000-$10,000 price tag per year per child (we have 2) was not going to happen. Even if we were to scrape by to afford it, there are so many other ways we could use that money over the course of their lifetimes. So, for now, my oldest daughter is in public school, and I am really pleased with her progress. On paper, the school doesn't fare well, but it's all about the teacher they get and the effort the parents put into it. We supplement her education by enforcing reading and writing and learning at home, and I know the education she is receiving is more than I could have given her on my own at home. My youngest is in a church preschool, and I would still love to put both of them in private school at some point. In a couple of years, when my youngest is ready for kindergarten, I wouldn't mind switching careers to work in a private school where I could get a tuition discount. But, for now, we are just keeping our options open.

And yes, if you have the drive to lose all that weight (congratulations!), you can stick to a budget!

 

[wubbogirl]

2 days before we leave. Mom supposedly left this morning so hopefully her flight went ok.

 

[basketkat]

So tired this morning, how am I going to handle being at WDW if this is how tired I am before I get there? Oh that's right, I forgot, WDW pumps something into the air so that you are always happy and bever too tired to ride just one more ride!

Can't wait!!!

I am not a morning person at all, but I have NO trouble getting up at WDW! I was texting with a friend while waiting on the bus last year (forgetting Fl is an hour ahead) and she was all "I can't believe YOU are up already!"

Couponing... how did you learn how to coupon? I know that sounds weird lol but I honestly don't get how people save so much. how do you find them? I mean I get some in the sunday paper and on coupons.com but it's usually save a dollar on 2 boxes or something. so not much even though every little bit helps. We did go to BJ's once and saved $50 with coupons and that was awesome. but I just seem totally lost as to how people really save.

hubby assures me that things will be fine again once it gets closer to Christmas and my etsy shop picks up again... it's just been a REALLY slow 2 months. the slowest I've ever had BY FAR. so I'm also thinking of maybe trying some new things like tutus or starfish ornaments etc right now I just sell jewelry so maybe if I do a couple different things that will help with more steady sales since I'll be reaching a wider market.

Couponing- I get the majority of my coupons from the Sunday paper. I will say that my little local paper is not as awesome with coupons as the big paper I get. I have only the Sunday edition of the Chicago Tribune delivered to my house...and it always has about 60-70% more coupons than my local paper. So you might want to look into what the "big" paper in your area is.

As far as getting started with couponing I know it seems overwhelming, but it is just a little planning and clipping and you are on your way! Check out couponingtodisney.com...she loves coupons and Disney...a fabulous combination!!!

And as far as your etsy shop...I know a few people who also have a facebook page for their products...do you have that as well? You could make a business page, and have your friends all "like" it. Then maybe run a referral contest and give away a piece of jewelry to whomever sends you the most people??? That way you can grow the traffic that is looking at your stuff? I know I am more likely to look at people's albums on facebook for bows, etc. because I am already on there.

 

[wubbogirl]

I am not a morning person at all, but I have NO trouble getting up at WDW! I was texting with a friend while waiting on the bus last year (forgetting Fl is an hour ahead) and she was all "I can't believe YOU are up already!"





Couponing- I get the majority of my coupons from the Sunday paper. I will say that my little local paper is not as awesome with coupons as the big paper I get. I have only the Sunday edition of the Chicago Tribune delivered to my house...and it always has about 60-70% more coupons than my local paper. So you might want to look into what the "big" paper in your area is.

As far as getting started with couponing I know it seems overwhelming, but it is just a little planning and clipping and you are on your way! Check out couponingtodisney.com...she loves coupons and Disney...a fabulous combination!!!

And as far as your etsy shop...I know a few people who also have a facebook page for their products...do you have that as well? You could make a business page, and have your friends all "like" it. Then maybe run a referral contest and give away a piece of jewelry to whomever sends you the most people??? That way you can grow the traffic that is looking at your stuff? I know I am more likely to look at people's albums on facebook for bows, etc. because I am already on there.

Fabebook coupons are probably the best out of all of them and first of the month first web page you should go to is the betty crocker and pillsbury pages their coupons usually have the highest value coupons.

 

[taylor3297]

I see many are excited about their trips coming up soon. I leave Friday morning and I still haven't packed. It will have to wait until Thursday night.

Part of my morning was messed up because the President arrived late this morning and the highway was shut down near the airport. If he had arrived on time thing would have been ok. So, after doing an illegal u-turn on the highway, crossing the median, I made it to my appointment about 10 minutes late.

I so look forward to hearing about everyone's trip.

 

[sparks19]

I am not a morning person at all, but I have NO trouble getting up at WDW! I was texting with a friend while waiting on the bus last year (forgetting Fl is an hour ahead) and she was all "I can't believe YOU are up already!"





Couponing- I get the majority of my coupons from the Sunday paper. I will say that my little local paper is not as awesome with coupons as the big paper I get. I have only the Sunday edition of the Chicago Tribune delivered to my house...and it always has about 60-70% more coupons than my local paper. So you might want to look into what the "big" paper in your area is.

As far as getting started with couponing I know it seems overwhelming, but it is just a little planning and clipping and you are on your way! Check out couponingtodisney.com...she loves coupons and Disney...a fabulous combination!!!

And as far as your etsy shop...I know a few people who also have a facebook page for their products...do you have that as well? You could make a business page, and have your friends all "like" it. Then maybe run a referral contest and give away a piece of jewelry to whomever sends you the most people??? That way you can grow the traffic that is looking at your stuff? I know I am more likely to look at people's albums on facebook for bows, etc. because I am already on there.

Ditto on the morning person at Disney bit lol that's exactly how I am.

I'm thinking of starting a spread sheet with all the stuff we normally buy. like the staples... the stuff we get every time and then that way I can make a better list of what we need by just scanning the list and checking off the items we need at that time and then make a list from that to take to the grocery store so we get all the stuff we need and hopefully less of that "hey lets try this" stuff lol. and maybe that will help curb unnessecary trips to the store when we inevitably forget something that would have been on the list if we had one. and it might make it easier to look for coupons that way for things we need and not things we just think of buying because there is a coupon

I do have a facebook fanpage for my etsy shop

Thanks for the links you shared on facebook. those are really helpful

 

[janabananas]

Janabananas-Glad to hear you had a great trip! Can't wait to read your trip report! Did you go to rope drop? And if you did, did you find an advantage in it?
Thanks!

We only made Rope drop for our EPCOT day. I found that to be an advantage because I was on the first flight for Soarin. And we ended up getting done with FW just after WS opened.

Otherwise on our DHS day we missed rope drop by about 15 minutes. We also missed the mad rush to TSM. But we got on it really quickly then got FP for early afternoon. The listed wait time was 25 minutes, but we were on and done in 20. I walked right on RNR and Star Tours too.

AK day we got there around 10am. DBF took his sweet time looking at the animals but we still walked right on the safari, EE, and Dinosaur. Kali river rapids was about 10 wait. Probably because they didn't have FP for it and it was mid day (hot, hot, hot)

MK day we totally missed RD. We didn't get there til about 11:30am. The wait times were a breeze. Except for getting stuck in Space Mountain queue for 15 minutes, our wait times were 15 minutes or less. We walked right on BTM & POTC.

The wait times for September are great. I already have next years trip planned. We are going Sept 5th to Sept 9th. Our AP expire on Sept 8th at 11:59pm, so we want to use them up as much as possible.

HTH!!

 

[Trinity524]

I am not a morning person at all, but I have NO trouble getting up at WDW! I was texting with a friend while waiting on the bus last year (forgetting Fl is an hour ahead) and she was all "I can't believe YOU are up already!"

 

[pinkle]

just waiting!

 

[sahmoffour]

Yay! I got some pixie dust today!!! I've had to switch some days around because of adding MNSSHP at the last minute, so I've been trying and trying to get a T-REX ressie again for lunch on our MNSSHP day. Sure enough, I lucked out today and scored one at the exact time I wanted! Now all my ressies are perfect!