So this is what mid-life crisis feels like? Dec 2011 PTR

[shocky5]

Thank you everyone for the Happy Mother's Day wishes! It was a busy day for us!! I had a tremendous amount of homework to do in between loads of laundry... We did take my mother out for lunch, so I guess I went out for lunch as well - but my sweet family got me a cute frame for our home and some smell good 'thing' that smells wonderful!

I hope everyone had a wonderful day, as well!!

Our MVMCP tickets arrived in the mail yesterday! DD was headed to the mailbox and I had to tell her to stop - for some reason I just knew they would be there... and she says "What's the big deal mom? I know we are going back to WDW!" I asked her how she was so certain and she says "You are always on those websites on the computer!" To which I replied "Honey, we are not going to WDW this summer. I promise you that." And she bought it. It's the truth - summer is the only time we've ever gone so she's totally clueless about a Christmas trip! I just wonder if I will be able to keep up this secret...

But the kids have been asking 'When are we going back??' So I really think they are going to be so excited when we tell them "We leave RIGHT NOW!"

 

[veggiemama]

Thank you everyone for the Happy Mother's Day wishes! It was a busy day for us!! I had a tremendous amount of homework to do in between loads of laundry... We did take my mother out for lunch, so I guess I went out for lunch as well - but my sweet family got me a cute frame for our home and some smell good 'thing' that smells wonderful!

I hope everyone had a wonderful day, as well!!

Our MVMCP tickets arrived in the mail yesterday! DD was headed to the mailbox and I had to tell her to stop - for some reason I just knew they would be there... and she says "What's the big deal mom? I know we are going back to WDW!" I asked her how she was so certain and she says "You are always on those websites on the computer!" To which I replied "Honey, we are not going to WDW this summer. I promise you that." And she bought it. It's the truth - summer is the only time we've ever gone so she's totally clueless about a Christmas trip! I just wonder if I will be able to keep up this secret...

But the kids have been asking 'When are we going back??' So I really think they are going to be so excited when we tell them "We leave RIGHT NOW!"

Don't know how you will keep the secret that long! lol
My ticket voucher is apperently in the mail but has not arrived yet. Can't wait till it does though, it will make things feel even MORE real! Lucky for us mail does not come to our door, I have to go to the post office for it so no fear of my kids discovering things before I want them too. I'm very sure though that my dd will state that she knew about the trip long before I actually tell them.... sometimes she is just a little too smart for her own good!

 

[Monknmom]

Thank you everyone for the Happy Mother's Day wishes! It was a busy day for us!! I had a tremendous amount of homework to do in between loads of laundry... We did take my mother out for lunch, so I guess I went out for lunch as well - but my sweet family got me a cute frame for our home and some smell good 'thing' that smells wonderful!

I hope everyone had a wonderful day, as well!!

Our MVMCP tickets arrived in the mail yesterday! DD was headed to the mailbox and I had to tell her to stop - for some reason I just knew they would be there... and she says "What's the big deal mom? I know we are going back to WDW!" I asked her how she was so certain and she says "You are always on those websites on the computer!" To which I replied "Honey, we are not going to WDW this summer. I promise you that." And she bought it. It's the truth - summer is the only time we've ever gone so she's totally clueless about a Christmas trip! I just wonder if I will be able to keep up this secret...

But the kids have been asking 'When are we going back??' So I really think they are going to be so excited when we tell them "We leave RIGHT NOW!"

YAY for the tickets coming- that's fast! I still have not decided to go or not to go....

Your DD is too funny- she already knew! Just say that the websites keep you updated for when you do go back!

I'm glad that you got to see your mom on mother's day and go out to eat! Frames are always nice and useful!

 

[momabaarjo]

Thank you everyone for the Happy Mother's Day wishes! It was a busy day for us!! I had a tremendous amount of homework to do in between loads of laundry... We did take my mother out for lunch, so I guess I went out for lunch as well - but my sweet family got me a cute frame for our home and some smell good 'thing' that smells wonderful!

I hope everyone had a wonderful day, as well!!

Our MVMCP tickets arrived in the mail yesterday! DD was headed to the mailbox and I had to tell her to stop - for some reason I just knew they would be there... and she says "What's the big deal mom? I know we are going back to WDW!" I asked her how she was so certain and she says "You are always on those websites on the computer!" To which I replied "Honey, we are not going to WDW this summer. I promise you that." And she bought it. It's the truth - summer is the only time we've ever gone so she's totally clueless about a Christmas trip! I just wonder if I will be able to keep up this secret...

But the kids have been asking 'When are we going back??' So I really think they are going to be so excited when we tell them "We leave RIGHT NOW!"

That was a narrow escape!

 

[annmarieda]

Wow, what a close call. But... as others have said...and I think you know... once summer is over I am thinking you may have a hard time keeping the secret.

 

[shocky5]

Oh boy, friends! Where do I begin?

SOOOO the school calendar came out for next year and they have 'reshuffled' some dates for winter break... yep... you guessed it... the norm would have been for us to be out of school on the 16th. So our trip is set for the 16th - 23rd. HOWEVER - now school is not being dismissed until the 20th which translates to mean DH and kids would miss the 19th and 20th because we would be at WDW.

I honestly didn't think this would be an issue... and neither did DH. SO DH went and talked to his principal this morning to inquire and the response he got was basically he couldn't miss those two days of school. If his principal was a jerk, I would be upset. But he's not and I am positive it killed him to have to give us this answer. But he'd already told someone else they would have to change some plans around so he's keeping it consistent. I respect that.

Here is what this means:

DH told me to go ahead and take the kids on the 16th and he will fly down on the 20th after school and have basically the 21st and 22nd together as a family before we turn around and fly home on the 23rd. This means I would have to:
1) adjust his airfare to depart on the 20th - have no idea the cost of that
2) adjust our reservation down to me and the kids for the 16th - 20th and add DH back on beginning the 20th with the rest of us through the 23rd. Can that be done??? And is there a CM able to guide me through it?

Another thought I have is we are staying club level so we have use of the IPO's at the Poly - could they guide me through this? Basically, if this is what we do, I don't want our discount getting lost or our availability snatched up while the changes are being made. Sounds silly, I know.

Another option - try to fit out trip in the end of July... BAH HUMBUG. I would still love it - could still be a surprise... but am so looking forward to the holiday time. BUT DH would be there for the duration of the trip. We would totally waste our MVMCP tickets and be out $$ for changing all of our airfare... but the cost overall is more value than holiday time so it might even out?

Another option - switch our dates to Dec. 26 - Jan 2. We would all be together - could enjoy the christmas atmosphere but be out:
1) $$ changing all of our airfare
2) MVMCP tickets we've purchased
3) Loss of our discount as it's not valid for these dates
**This all means a more expensive trip but we'd all be together there at Christmas.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO AND HOW???

I'm not panicked... if the trip were next week - I would be a little bit more frantic. And I don't even mind taking the kids by myself. They are wonderful and well mannered and I'm not SKEERED! However, feel completely guilty about leaving DH... he hides it well but he loves WDW and you just can't get enough of the 'magic' in just two days. He knows my love for WDW so he definitely wants us to go... just want him WITH us.

 

[momabaarjo]

I am so sorry about the calendar change! We have issues with the school calendar too (lucky for me it is my children's private school and not my public calendar...the kids are going to end up missing 3 days in January...who starts back on Jan. 4 with the public goes back the following week...GRRRR).

Think about July vs. Christmas...you have not done WDW at Christmas and that was important...Christmas is family and this trip was meant for family. If $$$ I could take the loss, I would go for the later dates of the trip so you can enjoy family and Christmas at WDW.

 

[annmarieda]

I had some challenge when I looked at our calendar for next year too. What is up with schools staying in so close to Christmas. I am so sorry you have your dh's job to content with in regards to it though.

For me... yes, I agree with Tammie... if the cost wasn't an issue I would spend the extra to stay together and experience the holiday as a family. If it is... I think my second choice might be July. What a horrible decision to make.

 

[shocky5]

Okay - so here's where things stand... DH is insistent on just changing his flight out (going to cost $170 - not too bad) and he will meet up with us on the 20th. AND he suggested we tack a day or two on so he is there for 4 or so days. Which means the kids and I would be there for like 9.

I think this would be fine. Definitely want the family time - love being with my kiddos but I know I will be ready for him to join us, too. And he seems happy that he will have more than a couple of days there. That would put us home on Christmas Eve - which is fine. Right?!?!

Can't believe this happened but is it wrong that I'm somewhat excited about a little longer stay?

We are going to talk some more tonight. I did talk to IPO and they said we should completely remove him from the reservation, and then they will add him as a day guest upon his arrival and we can buy tickets for just him for the days that we need and pay out of pocket for his food. This decrease in cost should offset the extra days... I think.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Okay - so here's where things stand... DH is insistent on just changing his flight out (going to cost $170 - not too bad) and he will meet up with us on the 20th. AND he suggested we tack a day or two on so he is there for 4 or so days. Which means the kids and I would be there for like 9.

I think this would be fine. Definitely want the family time - love being with my kiddos but I know I will be ready for him to join us, too. And he seems happy that he will have more than a couple of days there. That would put us home on Christmas Eve - which is fine. Right?!?!

What junk that they changed the schedule for next year! We had our submitted and approved by February.

ITA with Ann that they are getting a little too close to Christmas. Last year, we got out Dec. 21-ish... this year, Dec. 17-ish, next year is the 20th as well. It makes NO sense.

I think it will be to your advantage to be there for the 9 days. That way, you and the kids can knock out some of the stuff that just the kids want to do and then they can go back and hit up the highlights with dad and really focus on him - they'll get most of the excitement and Disney craziness out of their system by the time he makes it down.

My memory is super fuzzy this morning BUT...

Is there a friend or relative that could stash your Christmas stuff until you get home and then have them bring everything over and set it up for you on your return day? It might be a fun little surprise.

 

[shocky5]

What junk that they changed the schedule for next year! We had our submitted and approved by February.

ITA with Ann that they are getting a little too close to Christmas. Last year, we got out Dec. 21-ish... this year, Dec. 17-ish, next year is the 20th as well. It makes NO sense.

I think it will be to your advantage to be there for the 9 days. That way, you and the kids can knock out some of the stuff that just the kids want to do and then they can go back and hit up the highlights with dad and really focus on him - they'll get most of the excitement and Disney craziness out of their system by the time he makes it down.

My memory is super fuzzy this morning BUT...

Is there a friend or relative that could stash your Christmas stuff until you get home and then have them bring everything over and set it up for you on your return day? It might be a fun little surprise.

ITA agree with getting close 'to Christmas' for the break start day, too. I guess our district said it was an 'off' year.... whatever that means? The only thing I can deduct is that by releasing on the 20th, they go back on the 4th of Jan which gives them a shorter week starting back. And it's leap year next year? Yes... I'm reaching... Just trying to have a good attitude about everything!

I will say DH and I talked about this quite a bit last night - he's completely fine with us going ahead of him and coming on the 20th. We will be staying through the 24th now, which we are fine with, to give him time in his favorite parks - which I love love love that he had to admit that! WHICH MEANS... I have more tinkering to do with our plans. WHICH MEANS... you all get to listen to me some more and shoot me your advice.

I'm waiting on one more email from the IPO at the Polynesian to make sure we get the reservation handled appropriately. So happy to have their assistance - I would be somewhat lost and sometimes when I call WDW travel - I don't always feel 'completely secure' with each person I've ever talked to. Most are great but occassionally feel like I get one here and there that is somewhat flying by the seat of their pants.

Airfare is 'almost' switched over and done. Got DH's fixed last night and now we are looking at moving our flight home to the 24th. I'm on hold... Shocking, I know.

Okay - on a lighter note - my DD's school called me yesterday to make sure I knew about the awards assembly this morning because she's getting 5!! I'm so proud of her. Yes, we are educators but we truly try to let our kids 'be who they are going to be' with gentle guidance because we would not be okay if they chose to be a criminal or politician... JUST KIDDING!! I actually think I may have one in the making (politician, not criminal) Anyway I'm digressing... We do make sure they are on top of their studies - meaning homework is done and the occasional question to inquire if they have prepped for a test - we don't punish in regards to their grades if we know/feel they are trying their best. And we don't bribe them to do better - so to see them reaching for it because they WANT to is a wonderful thing. Anyway - DD was a little bit confused when I looked over her hair and clothing attire when she left for school this morning.

Okay - I'm out for now - but I'll be back! Seriously can't believe I'm reworking plans and ADR's are only 4 weeks away!!!!! It's all good!

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Meh... 4 weeks is plenty of time in DIS-years.

And don't worry about the kids. I have a good mindset that educators have a whole different view on education than those who are not. (my mom was a teacher) They just let it ride. I did what I did because it was what needed done. They didn't push me, just encouraged me to excel on my own.

Keep it up!

 

[shocky5]

Just had to share...

Just got off the phone with Continental about changing our home flight to the 24th - she said "Actually, you've had a schedule change (by 5 minutes) on your original flight - let me try to submit the date change for you with no additional charges." Are you kidding me?? It went through and didn't cost us anything extra. We are now only out $170 for changing DH's flight into Orlando on the 20th and out his MVMCP ticket... anyone want a freebie for the 18th party? And if I'm not allowed to say that on here - sorry! I'm still learning the rules! Nor do I know if that ticket has his name tied to it or if it's just an adult admission ticket...

Anyway - feeling really good about our decision. Have a great day everyone!

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Just had to share...

Just got off the phone with Continental about changing our home flight to the 24th - she said "Actually, you've had a schedule change (by 5 minutes) on your original flight - let me try to submit the date change for you with no additional charges."

Hot dog!!! That's great!

 

[momabaarjo]

How about that pixie dust!!!!!

 

[annmarieda]

Wow, so many good things!!!

First... that you are going to stay longer

Second... that your dh's travel plans were all easy enough to rearrange

Third.... that your return flight didn't cost anything extra!

Fourth... on your good student. 5 awards ??

Sounds like everything is going to come together beautifully.

Oh and as for coming home on Christmas eve... I hope it works out just fine. I am now looking at different return dates too... and while I really wanted to go home on my birthday, it looks like it may be cheaper to travel on the 24th or 25th. So... that thought makes me feel a bit unsettled too.

 

[taymacsmom]

Just had to share...

Just got off the phone with Continental about changing our home flight to the 24th - she said "Actually, you've had a schedule change (by 5 minutes) on your original flight - let me try to submit the date change for you with no additional charges." Are you kidding me?? It went through and didn't cost us anything extra. We are now only out $170 for changing DH's flight into Orlando on the 20th and out his MVMCP ticket... anyone want a freebie for the 18th party? And if I'm not allowed to say that on here - sorry! I'm still learning the rules! Nor do I know if that ticket has his name tied to it or if it's just an adult admission ticket...

Anyway - feeling really good about our decision. Have a great day everyone!

Congrats!

 

[shocky5]

Thank you everyone for the warm fuzzies!!

Here's how it is all shaping up - we will be in disney for 4 days w/o DH so I'm going to rearrange some planning to make sure DH is still going to get to do the things he actually had prior requested when he gets there. Then we will have him with us for the next 4 days.

The IPO at the Poly said they will add DH to our 'room' as a day guest upon his arrival - no extra charges there - and they will get our park tickets for him upon his arrival and he can have full access to the club level building we are in as well as the lounge. So the only other expense we will have for him while he is there are the park tickets and his food and transportation from airport to Poly on arrival day.

So... anticipate new plans tonight or so for critiquing!!!

Also - yes DD got 5 awards. She received honors in English, Math, Science and Social Studies as well as being recognized as a member of the Oklahoma National Middle School Honor Society. This will drive her brothers a little nutty... because she will have medals and certificates... Perhaps a driving factor for them, too???

 

[cberhorst]

Loved reading along! Your PTR caught my eye because our dates are the same! We are going from Dec. 16-24th too! We also work in education so there aren't alot of other options to beat the heat in Florida! Now i feel really behind as I haven't done much planning!! I'll keep checking in to see what I should be doing!!

 

[momabaarjo]

So... anticipate new plans tonight or so for critiquing!!!

Wahoo, cant wait to see them! Extra days, how fun is that going to be!

Also - yes DD got 5 awards. She received honors in English, Math, Science and Social Studies as well as being recognized as a member of the Oklahoma National Middle School Honor Society. This will drive her brothers a little nutty... because she will have medals and certificates... Perhaps a driving factor for them, too???

Congrats to dd, quite an accomplishment!!!!...the girls in our families are setting a high bar for the 2 younger brothers!

So glad today has gone from to !