Sorry kids! We're going to the DARK SIDE!

[gunit12210]

for chain idea ... 3 kids + 54 days = they each did 18 strips.

Now just the

Try the junk food garage bribe per poop , worked for ours

 

[Lynne G]

I hope you are feeling better. Lots of colds and sniffles around here.

Good luck with little one's potty training. My DS needed stickers and mini tootsie rolls as incentives. I was not beyond bribery as he had to be trained to be in pre-school before he turned 3. So, at 2 and 1/2, he was trained. Try to find a small item or treat that will get him to go at home. I was so happy when both of my kids were out of diapers. Less to lug around.

Well, booked my airfare. Much higher than I wanted, but I guess rates are going to stay high this year. Anyway, I bought the Uni tickets and will order the disney ones from the MWR. So, summer here we come!

 

[mrsabbott]

Thanks, I'm feeling a little better and back to work today. I'm thinking it was some sort of virus that was going around. My appetite isn't back, but on the bright side, I've lost another pound!

I'm glad that others are enjoying the countdown chain idea! Just three short weeks to go! You know, I had a friend that did one for an entire year to countdown her husband's deployment. The kids took turns tearing one off each night. It was a loooong chain!

Going to get new tires for Bessie this week. And an oil change. Also need to get myself a new pair of shorts. Going to check and see if Old Navy or TJMax has anything good and inexpensive. Kiddos all need haircuts. I am debating on cutting mine. I was going to grow it out long but I keep going back to this one style that I think would be better..

We have sunscreen, Tylenol, and stuff. Need to get a small first aid kit together and get myself some Benadryl. Bee allergies. Pretty sure bees are around all the time in Florida.

I got my Valentine's day gift in the mail, finally! It is a family tree ring that has all of our birthstones in it. It's really pretty! I am happy with it. Now if they would just get my engagement ring fixed.. Seems like it is taking forever. I feel naked without it.

 

[mrsabbott]

ONLY 18 MORE DAYS!!!!

I bought myself a few new spring/summer clothes. Had to get rid of most of my old ones as they were too big. I have a real love/hate relationship with clothes shopping because I'm picky and hard to fit. But, I found the best pants at Old Navy!! Their Pixie pants are amazing! They have patterns and solids, are comfy, slightly stretchy, and very flattering! I bought 2 pair in store and then ordered 2 more online! I got khaki, navy (that have this cool but subtle floral design), black, and red. They are short, ankle pants and have a cute retro kind of feel to them that I love! Highly recommend them! Way cute with flats or flip flops or even some sandals!

Anyhow, I am going to go get an oil change for Bessie today, I think.

 

[chs27]

I'm still 50 days out! Can't wait to hear about your trip.

 

[mrsabbott]

I just realized that part of my post went missing... I got new tires and brakes for Bessie. I still need to get the alignment done though. And the oil change. I didn't go today after all. I did get Bessie washed and vacuumed out though!

I know that your next 50 days will fly by! These past 2 months have flown by!

 

[mrsabbott]

Tomorrow will be TWO WEEKS!!! Just two weeks!
Tomorrow afternoon, Buds is getting his hair cut. Friday morning, Pod has her audiology appointment for her hearing aids and that afternoon, Bessie has an appointment for her alignment and tire sensors. Saturday morning, the girls are getting their haircuts and then we are going to visit my mom and pick up some goodies she got for the kids for vacation. I will start packing Sunday afternoon.
Next week, I need to get my hair cut. Finish packing stuff. Hubs will need to make reservations via ITR for Medieval Times. Clean the house. Double check my lists.
We haven't gotten our tickets and stuff in the mail yet. If we don't get them by next Wednesday, I will have to call or email to find out what's going on.
So, so, so excited!

 

[mrsabbott]

So, I was browsing DIS and was reading a thread about lockers. I started to get all worried about what to pack and bring with us. Hubs and I both have camelbacks and I was planning to being a soft sided insulated bag with snacks and things to keep in the stroller. Then, I realized that we would be doing the parent swap on most rides since Buds is too young. Still, it did get me thinking that I need to revise what I am bringing with us to the parks. I did buy a small travel first aid kit to put in my camelback. Pull ups and wipes for Buds, of course. Got sunscreen. Camera. I am wanting to get a wristlet/wallet/phone purse thingy to keep the basics in: money, ID, phone, key. I tend to overpack. Trying not to do that at the parks. So, I am debating on buying the kids each a little wallet. They have some cash and a gift card each. Should I just put their stuff in my wallet and try to keep it separated somehow or should I have them be responsible for their own stuff? Truth be told, it will end up in my bag most likely.. I don't know.

One more thing.. Do you wear makeup at the parks? I don't wear make up often, although I prefer to use it. I was debating on if I should even bother. I was thinking more along the lines of light makeup.. Waterproof mascara, a little powder and lipgloss. Silly thing to fret over, isn't it?

 

[gunit12210]

I keep cards/cash for kids as more than once they've lost on vacay. They wanna feel responsible for it but more than devastated when it is missing or lost. I keep receipts/tallies daily and give them a nightly expense report w/ remaining balances. You can still let them pay and get the kick out of that but I like to keep $$$/cards on our adult persons.

 

[mrsabbott]

I keep cards/cash for kids as more than once they've lost on vacay. They wanna feel responsible for it but more than devastated when it is missing or lost. I keep receipts/tallies daily and give them a nightly expense report w/ remaining balances. You can still let them pay and get the kick out of that but I like to keep $$$/cards on our adult persons.

Yeah, you're right.. I see it getting lost and them getting heartbroken. I'll just keep their money with me.

Got Buds' haircut and he now looks like a BIG BOY!! He actually did pretty good this time. I didn't have to hold him and he sat in the barber chair for a long time without throwing a fit.

 

[mrsabbott]

I'm excited because I can officially post that we only have ONE week and 6 days until we leave!!

I'm a little excited.. can you tell?

It's so nice to not have to go to work in the morning. I'm going to enjoy a cup of coffee at leisure (well, sort of) and then we have to go in for Pod's appointment. Hubs is coming with us today. We are going to stop by Ramse's Café before coming home. If any of you are ever in the Louisville area, eat at Ramse's.. it is amazingly delicious! I remember when it first opened and it was a tiny hole in the wall place. They've expanded quite a bit. All kinds of food and everything I've ever had there was so good! I've not had a bad meal there. Lots of vegetarian options also!

Anyhoo, Bessie's appointment isn't until Monday. I tell you, I don't know where my brain is.. Actually, I do. It's already on vacation!

 

[mrsabbott]

Just 12 more days... it hardly seems real. 12 more days and we will be on the road!

I am enjoying a cuppa joe and some computer time before I have to get started on my day.

Girls have their last cheerleading game of the season this morning. Then, I need to come home and do a little bit of house cleaning for a couple of hours and then it is off to get the girls' haircuts! I'm getting mine cut next Friday. We have family in town and I think we are going to try to meet up with them this evening.

I had ordered some new clothes from Old Navy and they came yesterday. I gotta say, Old Navy got a lot of my money this year. 4 pairs of their Pixie Pants, a pair of shorts, 2 tops, 2 tanks, 2 lightweight cardigans, and 3 flip flops.. I also got a couple of "fake Toms" at Target which were pretty comfy. And a blouse. And a couple of their Ultimate Tee's.. which are pretty doggone ultimate. I love those Target t-shirts! Combined with the few things that I have leftover that still fit, I'm in pretty good shape for spring/summer clothes!

Let me brag for a second here because I'm so excited! I think I mentioned that I had been losing weight for awhile now. Well, I plateaued a few times and it has been a struggle to get off these last pounds. I weigh myself every morning and this morning, for the first time in YEARS... I weigh under 150 lbs!! I was 149 this am!! My goal is 130-135. I'm not crash dieting or anything, just trying to eat reasonably healthy and get some sort of exercise in each day (usually walking). I have been taking some natural fat burners to help with my metabolism (which seems to have disappeared as I have gotten older) and I think that, along with the exercise and healthy eating, has gotten me over this latest hump. Total lbs lost so far is 37.4!!

Obesity and poor health run in my family. I don't want that. I want to stay as healthy as I can for as long as I can! I want to be there for my grandkids, you know? Hubs' grandmother is my inspiration! She's still pretty active at age 90!! She is amazing!

And on that note, I just noticed the time on my computer and realized that I forgot to set my living room clock ahead an hour! OOPS!! Guess I won't be having as leisurely a cuppa joe as I thought! Gotta run!

 

[chs27]

Good for you on your weight loss! Y'all are going to have a great time and I'm looking forward to your updates.

I still have 6 weeks to go before my trip. I live vicariously through these Dis board posts.

 

[mrsabbott]

Good for you on your weight loss! Y'all are going to have a great time and I'm looking forward to your updates. I still have 6 weeks to go before my trip. I live vicariously through these Dis board posts.

Thank you! I also love getting on the DIS and reading stuff. I honestly don't know what I am going to do once our trip is over!

Girls got their haircuts yesterday. Although, only one got theirs cut at our usual place. We've been going to the same place for years. Granted, Hubs goes there once or twice a month and the kids and I go less often. But we are all about supporting local, family owned businesses and they give great haircuts there. The wife/owner is very type A and I can usually brush off her sometimes abrasiveness, however she crossed the line with me this time. She knew all 3 girls were coming in for a haircut. She was upset because I had my son with me and because I was 15 minutes early. She was running behind. No worries, I walked the kids over to Taco Bell and fed them lunch. Got back there and she once again voiced displeasure that Buds was there, wanting to know if Hubs or someone could watch him. Obviously not or else he wouldn't be with me. I assured her it was fine. Buds is a typical 2 year old boy and, at the time, he was being very good. A little antsy, but I was singing him silly songs and holding him in my lap while she was cutting Punky's hair. She's the oldest. The other two girls were playing on my iPad.

The owner chastised my girls for sitting on their knees instead of their bottoms in the chairs. The leather chairs. They weren't climbing or jumping, or anything. Their shoes weren't muddy. They were just trying to both share the iPad. She then chastised them when they got up to see what their sister's hair looked like after the initial cut. It was long, and she got it cut short. Buds was fascinated with the barber pole and all he wanted was to talk about it. That was when the owner said she would have to reschedule the rest of the cuts. She said my kids were disrupting the atmosphere. People came there to relax and she felt like she had to rush to get them out of there, that they were hijacking their shop. Their transgressions were sitting on their knees, getting up to look at their sister's hair, and talking in a normal tone of voice.

Now, I know that my kids can be a handful. They can be bad. However, if they were acting out and being disruptive, I would have cancelled the appointments myself and left. My kids were actually being quite good. The way she spoke to me though, I felt very insulted. I let Punky finish her cut, but we went elsewhere for the rest and we will never return there again.

That said, haircuts are done and they all look cute!

Bessie's appt is today, not last Friday. I'm going after work and will walk over and try to get my hair cut while they are doing her repairs.

We visited family yesterday and had an impromptu birthday party for Boo Bear. My family went overboard with getting the kids new clothes and stuff for our trip. We are very blessed!

Just ten more days!!!

 

[Lynne G]

Woot! Another day closer!

Yep, I always have the kids haircuts when I get mine cut, bring my DM there with me too. DD is still mad I made her cut her hair short to grow her bangs out. She's now trying to grow it long, since the bangs have now caught up. I keep reminding her that hair does grow, and she's made 4 donations of hair in her life so far. Last time was 10 and 1/2 inches. DS is a teen and has bed head. I tried to get him to keep it shorter, but some battles you have to step back from. Only thing I ask is clean cut elsewhere. He's ok with that.

Hope Bessie is all ready to go. I need to get my car's tires rotated and oil changed. One of these days. Since we just had snow, I need to get it washed too.

Hope this week flies by for you!

 

[mrsabbott]

WE ARE IN THE SINGLE DIGITS NOW!!!! ONLY 9 MORE DAYS!!! I cannot believe how fast the time is flying by! Bessie has to go back on Wednesday because they didn't have the right tire sensors in stock, but she got an alignment and oil change. They also checked her over just to make sure everything else looks okay because they knew we were leaving soon. She is looking good and is ready for the trip! Well, I want to take her to the car wash one more time and clean out the interior again. But if that doesn't happen then it's not the end of the world.

So, the kids are mostly packed. I will need to throw their tooth brushes and stuff in their bags but otherwise, they are good to go! I need to pack. I also need to do some laundry before we go. Planning to knock out a few loads this afternoon. Hubs is on his own, I don't mess with his stuff.

I got my haircut yesterday while Bessie was getting worked on. Just a simple angled bob.. Nothing fancy, but cute and easy to work with. Not to mention cool since it is off my neck now! I'm ready for the hot weather! I also stopped by the dollar tree and got a few things to keep the kids busy on the trip. Between that stuff and their DS's and an occasional movie on the DVD player, we should be in good shape. I hope. I will assemble the activity bags and have them sitting in their seats as a surprise!

Still need to get tickets to Medieval Times. I will try to do that this week. Need to check about our park tickets..we haven't received them in the mail yet. I need to check over my shopping list and pick up the rest of our stuff. I can go ahead and pack up the snack foods I had been buying so we can just put it in the car Thursday afternoon. I double checked and my friend is still willing to watch our house for us. Need to make sure we have enough pet food and stuff and write out instructions.

Oh.. And I need to CLEAN MY HOUSE!! Can we say "disaster area"?? That reminds me.. I heard on the radio this morning that a fish tank burst at T-Rex Cafe in Downtown Disney. Yikes! Hearing that reminded me that I haven't made my reservations there yet, nor have I redeemed my swag bucks for a Landry's gift card. Better do that soon!

 

[poofiesdream]

Medival Times is running a special right now. But 1 adult ticket get one free!

 

[mrsabbott]

Medival Times is running a special right now. But 1 adult ticket get one free!

I just saw that!! We just made reservations! Hubs and I decided to splurge and get the celebration package where the kids get souvenir's, they will wish Boo Bear a Happy Birthday, and everyone gets birthday cake with their meal! Tickets are printed out and in the vacation folder. I still need to call and let them know that we'll need vegetarian meals with ours and whose birthday it will be. YAAY!!

 

[mrsabbott]

Just 8 more days!!!

So, I got the tracking number for our tickets and it says they should arrive by Friday!! I have our itinerary done for the week. I'm working on the final shopping list which is mainly food. I did pick up a ton of Capri suns for super cheap! I pick up our bountiful basket this Saturday. We're getting a ton of apples and strawberries this time. The rest of the grocery shopping will be done by Monday, I think. Bessie is completely fixed and ready for the trip! Well, with the exception of a car wash.

I need to clean the house.. Which seems to never get done. Cleaning the house with children is like shoveling snow in a blizzard or raking leaves in a wind storm.. Impossible and pointless. And yet, I keep trying. I miss my dishwasher. I've done six sink full do dishes so far this evening and I'm not even done yet..

I haven't planned a menu.. Should I? I'm not much of a menu planner but perhaps I should give it a try. But really, it's going to be simple fare.. Breakfast will consist of cereal, oatmeal, pop tarts, granola, and fruit. Lunch will mainly be snacks and sandwiches. Dinners are another thing. I wish I knew what was provided at the condo. Do we need to bring cleaning supplies? Garbage bags? Toilet paper?

 

[mrsabbott]

One more week!!!!!