~Snowbird Chat~

[jenjolt]

I love your plans...and that closet is HUGE!!!!

 

[sarbah77]

I love your plans...and that closet is HUGE!!!!

It was the FIRST thing I noticed, before Soleil even pointed it out!! I love it; it looks fabulous. Of course, I'm biased; I live in a ranch! And I LOVE my main floor laundry.

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Well, you know that they are gonna do some kind of code...rumors are maybe soon!!!!! So, just kinda play with your #s...see what it would be with or without any codes/pins. you know how much your airfare will be....see if you can swing it!!! $600 would be hard to beat tho!!! I bet you get to do it!!! Let me know!!!! Is she still at camp? Are you going to surprise them if you go back this time, or tell them?

We pretty much have until Friday afternoon to decide! I am on the hook for the majority of the payments if we decide to go so I will most likely be doing A LOT of childcare this fall and winter! I really hope Disney comes out with a great code so we can make it happen!

I think we would include the girls in the planning this time! I feel like they are both old enough to have a say in what happens on the trip! Since they have been once, they know what they like and what they want to do! It would be fun to have them help in the planning!

The draftsmen came by the church to see me today. Woo Hoo!!!

And a close up on the actual house (minus the garage).

It's a little crooked. I was trying to hurry and take it before Belle got to it with a crayon.

Check out that closet, girls!!!!

What a great house Soleil! Lots of space for a big family! 4 bedrooms! Looks great! I love looking at house plans! My dad used to be a part time house builder and I helped him out on a lot of builds as a teenager! My favourite part was "checking the plans"

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

Soleil~the house looks amazing! Are you sure there's enough closet space?

Kim~$600 roundtrip for 4? WOW!! What a great deal! Don't know how I could pass that one up!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Soleil~ Love your house..it's gonna be great!!!! You're gonna love that spacious closet!!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Okay...are ya'll ready for a long sappy post? Watching you tube...trying to show Gracie what the Osborne Lights are..we loved it. then we watched the Castle lights pre-show and lighting.AMAZING---so, of course I had to cry!!! She just looked at me like I was crazy!!!! I know it stems from childhood! we had looooots of tension(to say the extreme least)...and fighting, verbal/physical abuse. Well, I had my little red record player with my Disney records. What a life saver for me!!!! HOURS I spent with that thing!!!!! Between that and playing with my baby dolls...that was my escape. Or going to stay with my Granny and Paw Paw!!! Which, of course I had to haul my record player/records and dollies over there too!!! Ha!!
So, when I hear the very first note of a disney song, or see the darn Castle on pre-views....the tears flow!!! My kids don't feel that way for the same reasons I do. Thank the Good Lord above!!!! But, they do love it!! they too get teary when we have to leave!!! But, I really get a wreck!!! Then, you know, you try to hold it in and not cry, then you get a headache!!!!
I think I will get out my little record player and records today and have fun with the kids with it. Nostalgia!!!! Bitter-sweet childhood.....
Okay, thanks for taking that trip down memory lane with me!!!! You now know I am officially weird and sappy!!! Ha!!!!! But, I figured if anyone in the whole world would maybe understand me a weensie bit....it would be my disney lovin' buddies!!!

 

[Monny2AE]

Well my Friends - it's decision time! Flights from MSP were released today for late January and they are at an incredible rate! $600 CD roundtrip for the four of us! The seat sale is only on until midnight friday so we have to decide THIS WEEK! Airfare is the one thing we CAN'T cancel, so if we book airfare - We are committed! I am so excited! I want to go SO BADLY!!!

Your post has me looking into flights and I can't believe some of the low fares! DH wasn't a fan of flying but I can dope him up on dramamine I would MUCH rather fly than drive for 2 days. We've always driven because it's cheaper but flying may be an option if the fares are going to stay where they are. The nonrefundable part frightens me though.

So I have a question to ask from those of you that fly...which airline do you recommend?

The draftsmen came by the church to see me today. Woo Hoo!!!

And a close up on the actual house (minus the garage).

It's a little crooked. I was trying to hurry and take it before Belle got to it with a crayon.

Check out that closet, girls!!!!

Soleil- congrats on getting your house plans- you must be giddy! Just one question- where's Belle's walk in closet?

Okay...are ya'll ready for a long sappy post? Watching you tube...trying to show Gracie what the Osborne Lights are..we loved it. then we watched the Castle lights pre-show and lighting.AMAZING---so, of course I had to cry!!! She just looked at me like I was crazy!!!! I know it stems from childhood! we had looooots of tension(to say the extreme least)...and fighting, verbal/physical abuse. Well, I had my little red record player with my Disney records. What a life saver for me!!!! HOURS I spent with that thing!!!!! Between that and playing with my baby dolls...that was my escape. Or going to stay with my Granny and Paw Paw!!! Which, of course I had to haul my record player/records and dollies over there too!!! Ha!!
So, when I hear the very first note of a disney song, or see the darn Castle on pre-views....the tears flow!!! My kids don't feel that way for the same reasons I do. Thank the Good Lord above!!!! But, they do love it!! they too get teary when we have to leave!!! But, I really get a wreck!!! Then, you know, you try to hold it in and not cry, then you get a headache!!!!
I think I will get out my little record player and records today and have fun with the kids with it. Nostalgia!!!! Bitter-sweet childhood.....
Okay, thanks for taking that trip down memory lane with me!!!! You now know I am officially weird and sappy!!! Ha!!!!! But, I figured if anyone in the whole world would maybe understand me a weensie bit....it would be my disney lovin' buddies!!!

Oh Shawna, you're not weird! We all have memories that bring us back- good or bad. My only trip to Disney as a child was such a big deal for me. We didn't have much money and my parents saved for years to take us just that once. I kinda understood back then that it was a big deal but now that I'm saving to take my own kids I definitely get it! Be proud you've given your children your very best and they'll have happy memories of Disney-and more importantly of you- to share with their own kids someday.

 

[Dancegrl624]

Soleil- Your house plans look amazing! That closet is just to die for. In our apt, we had the biggest walk-in closet. You'd think we would have had minimal closet space in an apt, but we sure didn't. Every time I go in my current closet, it makes me miss the one at the apt. We still technically have a walk-in closet, but it's long and skinny. I have to walk sideways to get to my stuff in the back!!!

Speaking of house plans, that's all I've been looking at the past 12 hours or so. But, it's not for a house for us (we just moved last summer). I've been looking at floor plans for vacation homes in Virginia Beach! My cousin is getting married there next summer and my mom had the brilliant idea of renting a vacation home for a week instead of booking hotel rooms. I LOVE the idea! We were planning on going to Virginia the Wed before the wedding and staying until the Sunday after (so 4 nights). The cost of a room for 4 nights is about the same (if not more) than chipping in for a house for the whole week! These houses are just amazingly gorgeous! We're looking at some pretty big ones because aunts, uncles and cousins would be staying there too. A lot of these houses have outdoor AND indoor pools!!!!! There are bedrooms galore, some have movie theaters, game rooms.....the list goes on and on. We would save so much money because we wouldn't be going out to eat for almost every meal. Everyone could pick a night to make dinner instead. Does anyone know of a good rental company in Virginia?? I've found one that has amazing houses, but they only rent from Sat to Sat and we'd like a Sun-Sun or even better, Mon-Mon.

 

[sarbah77]

Good afternoon, all!

Oh, I never told you - my parents thought a family trip to Disney World for their 40th anniversary in 2011 was a GREAT idea. So, I'm working on planning that!! At least until my dad decides he wants in. I'm SO his daughter in these things!!

Went in and talked with the surgeon again today. Found out he went to Disney World last July. Said he hated the Magic Kingdom but admitted it was probably the heat. His favorite part? "The thing with Donald and the 3d glasses? I went on it THREE times!"

Of course, that was because I asked about pain management for my September trip. He's the team doctor for U Michigan's football and hockey teams and his reply was "If I can't give a player a cortisone shot for the Ohio State game, I sure can't give a civilian a shot for Disney!" Rats.

In un-Disney news, we've agreed that the major surgery - the osteotomy - is really my best option. Tomorrow, when it's not my anniversary, I'll probably start the ball rolling that way. Welcome to my late 2009... on crutches!

But I'll be better! And, optomistically, it could be forever! (But conservatively, 15-25 years)

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Oh Shawna, you're not weird! We all have memories that bring us back- good or bad. My only trip to Disney as a child was such a big deal for me. We didn't have much money and my parents saved for years to take us just that once. I kinda understood back then that it was a big deal but now that I'm saving to take my own kids I definitely get it! Be proud you've given your children your very best and they'll have happy memories of Disney-and more importantly of you- to share with their own kids someday.

Thanks Kim I needed that!! I have been kinda sappy for the last couple of days! I just blame it on the heat!! Guess what? I am coming to Maryland!!!!!! My bff that is over there...we are going the end of October!!! I can't wait!! Of all the places they have lived, we have never gotten to go. We never could afford it, and then when we could, they were moved to California and the rates were always awful when we could go! I am so excited!! I will have to get tips from you closer to time about what to pack!!! We may even get to do Halloween with her and her baby!!

As far as flying, we love Continental. We have never had any trouble and the airfare right now is good. Hence, our trip to Maryland. We are looking at $188 or so RT & we fly out of Houston...for our Dec trip they are at $248 right now, we are waiting to see if they drop in the next few weeks. I would fly over drive any day--if it's not a ridiculous amount of $$$. I personally think anything under $300---preferably $250, is worth it. By the time you figure gas, 6 meals, one hotel night, and alllll that time in the car with the little kids...it just isn't worth it!!!!! If you get traffic or just worn out, that's another night you have to add in. And your tired when you get there!!!! Of course, some of ya'll are a lot closer and can make it in a day, but we just can't!! And my hubby doesnt like driving 8hours straight per day anyway.

A lot of people on the eastern side of the states get great rates from Southwest. We never get the good rates!! Usually they are higher for us than Continental. American Airlines doesn't offer us direct flights. so, Cont is pretty much our best bet.


Sarah---glad you got some answers about that knee!!!! let the healing begin!!!! You are really getting close to your disney trip!!!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Soleil- Your house plans look amazing! That closet is just to die for. In our apt, we had the biggest walk-in closet. You'd think we would have had minimal closet space in an apt, but we sure didn't. Every time I go in my current closet, it makes me miss the one at the apt. We still technically have a walk-in closet, but it's long and skinny. I have to walk sideways to get to my stuff in the back!!!

Speaking of house plans, that's all I've been looking at the past 12 hours or so. But, it's not for a house for us (we just moved last summer). I've been looking at floor plans for vacation homes in Virginia Beach! My cousin is getting married there next summer and my mom had the brilliant idea of renting a vacation home for a week instead of booking hotel rooms. I LOVE the idea! We were planning on going to Virginia the Wed before the wedding and staying until the Sunday after (so 4 nights). The cost of a room for 4 nights is about the same (if not more) than chipping in for a house for the whole week! These houses are just amazingly gorgeous! We're looking at some pretty big ones because aunts, uncles and cousins would be staying there too. A lot of these houses have outdoor AND indoor pools!!!!! There are bedrooms galore, some have movie theaters, game rooms.....the list goes on and on. We would save so much money because we wouldn't be going out to eat for almost every meal. Everyone could pick a night to make dinner instead. Does anyone know of a good rental company in Virginia?? I've found one that has amazing houses, but they only rent from Sat to Sat and we'd like a Sun-Sun or even better, Mon-Mon.

How fun!!! Sheree just got back from Va...her in-laws are over there. I bet she can tell you some good places. I have always heard it's beautiful---you are gonna have so much fun!!!

 

[danceintherain]

Soleil- congrats on getting your house plans- you must be giddy! Just one question- where's Belle's walk in closet?

Soleil - I love the floor plan. It's so spacious! I've been looking at various living places recently, because we should be moving within a year. Our lovely starving college student apartment is probably around 500 sq ft. I've been gaping at the lovely places we'll be able to get with our Basic Housing Allowance.

Disney Mommy 3 - I got to go to Disney plenty when I was younger, but I still get teary eyed at points.

Monny2AE - Personally I like Delta, but that's mostly because it's what I usually fly. My Dad flies it for work, so that's where the frequent flier miles flow in. (living in Atlanta for a while probably had something to do with it as well)
I'm considering Airtran for December, because the nonstop fare has been consistently the lowest. Delta pretty much always stops in Atlanta, but if the Airtran nonstop goes away, then I'll probably revert. Unless we drive... and I don't really feel like driving.

sarbah77 - Did he give you any advice about the pain?
It's great that you're planning a trip for 2011 now!

 

[sarbah77]

:sarbah77 - Did he give you any advice about the pain?
It's great that you're planning a trip for 2011 now!

He told me to take anti-inflammatories and use my brace.

http://www.donjoybraces.com/product...ith-Fource-Point-Hinge-Knee-Brace-695p471.htm <---that's what my brace looks like. Is big, bulky, but effective! I just think it will be awful hot in Florida in September! Plus, you can't see it, but there are straps behind the knee and they chafe something fierce. I'm trying to figure out how to get around that so I can wear it!!

So, in short, I dunno. And my friend and I are still figuring out an action plan.
Lots of Advil and lots of booze? Did I say that?

 

[BellaSoleil]

Soleil - I love the floor plan. It's so spacious! I've been looking at various living places recently, because we should be moving within a year. Our lovely starving college student apartment is probably around 500 sq ft. I've been gaping at the lovely places we'll be able to get with our Basic Housing Allowance.

Disney Mommy 3 - I got to go to Disney plenty when I was younger, but I still get teary eyed at points.

Monny2AE - Personally I like Delta, but that's mostly because it's what I usually fly. My Dad flies it for work, so that's where the frequent flier miles flow in. (living in Atlanta for a while probably had something to do with it as well)
I'm considering Airtran for December, because the nonstop fare has been consistently the lowest. Delta pretty much always stops in Atlanta, but if the Airtran nonstop goes away, then I'll probably revert. Unless we drive... and I don't really feel like driving.

sarbah77 - Did he give you any advice about the pain?
It's great that you're planning a trip for 2011 now!

We are coming for a 900 sq foot place ourselves. We've not going to know what to do with all of that space. I'm honestly so freaked out about Belle sleeping on the other side of the house. Our bedrooms shared a wall in the townhouse and she sleeps right across the hall at my parents right now. If she cries I can hear it, but I'm not sure I will be able to in the new house. She'll have a moniter in her room until she's 16!!!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Sarah,,is there any way you could cut a t-shirt or something to put on your knee and wrap around under those straps? Might look weird, but at least it would not hurt! Surely they make something for that? OOhhhh, whatever you put under it, decorate with Mickeys!!! That would be sooo cute!!!

 

[sarbah77]

Shawna, I've been considering one of those cheap-o Ace pull on braces, because they're so thin. The brace is actually designed to readjust the weight in my knee so I can't wear a lot under it. Something like this maybe? http://www.amazon.com/ACE-207305-Kn...ef=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1250180429&sr=1-2

I think what would be best would really be something like women's nylons, but only around my knee!

I've set a surgery date - tentatively. OH MAN I SHALL NOW COMMENCE PANICKING.

Does anyone want to run around in circles, wringing their hands, with me?

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

We are coming for a 900 sq foot place ourselves. We've not going to know what to do with all of that space. I'm honestly so freaked out about Belle sleeping on the other side of the house. Our bedrooms shared a wall in the townhouse and she sleeps right across the hall at my parents right now. If she cries I can hear it, but I'm not sure I will be able to in the new house. She'll have a moniter in her room until she's 16!!!!

Don't worry. You'll hear her! In our last house the master bedroom and the rest of the bedrooms were separated like that and I could still hear the kids. DS7 sleepwalks and I swear I could hear him as soon as his foot hit the ground. DH on the other hand could sleep through a tornado!

I think it's mother's intuition or something!

At our new house they are across the hall from us and I am wishing they were across the house from us again! I have to go roll DS10 over every night so he'll stop snoring!

 

[Monny2AE]

Afternoon ladies!

It's naptime here at my house and boy am I enjoying it! I'm sitting here with a cup of tea (yes I know it's summer and it's hot but it's my stress reliever) and my laptop and just enjoying the silence.

Andrew is doing his happy dance because he received a letter in the mail with his bus number assignment. I'm having such a hard time with my baby going to K in just 18 short days.

Thanks for all the info on airlines. I'm going to talk to DH about it more. If we can do it cheap enough he may go for it. Plus if we fly we can stay a little longer because it only takes 3 hours to get home rather than 2 days...hmmmm.

Shawna- you'll have to let me know what part of MD you're visiting!

 

[BellaSoleil]

Don't worry. You'll hear her! In our last house the master bedroom and the rest of the bedrooms were separated like that and I could still hear the kids. DS7 sleepwalks and I swear I could hear him as soon as his foot hit the ground. DH on the other hand could sleep through a tornado!

I think it's mother's intuition or something!

At our new house they are across the hall from us and I am wishing they were across the house from us again! I have to go roll DS10 over every night so he'll stop snoring!

 

[BellaSoleil]

I meant to ask...

Did any of you catch Miley Cyrus on the Teen Choice Awards? What do you think about that? G had a fit and said no more Hannah Montana in our house. Belle likes the movie soundtrack even though I don't allow her to watch the show just yet- but at two, she's already mesmerized by Hannah Montana. We have to listen to The Climb alot.