Surprise... It's Someday!! A Dec 2010 PTR!!

[Tinker_Tam]

I've been reading so many PTRs and getting so many ideas I thought to myself-- "Self, why not start your own PTR?" I went back and forth wth Self since this is our first trip to WDW --Ever-- but in the end being the smart woman I am, I listened to myself and here I am! Self also wanted me to let you know that I get so excited while writting I sometimes skip over commas,,,,, missspelll words, and do all kinds of CrAzY StUfF! Self told me to let you know that I am indeed an educated woman... just VERY excited about my Disney trip. Now I'm gonna tell Self to shut up, opps...we don't use that phrase in our house... "Self, please be quiet" so I can write!

Up next, an award winning cast of Characters!​

 

[KatMark]

I'm in.

 

[Tinker_Tam]

YAAAAA!!! My first follower!!!!

 

[disneydreamer1970]

I'm in too....now get writing!

Trish

 

[Tinker_Tam]

We have the best cast of characters EVER! I know all of you reading think you have the best cast-- But I must tell you, you are wrong! This PTR is full of AWARD Winning cast members! Ok, I am partial!

Cast of Characters...and boy are there some characters involved!
First, there is me! I am Tammy. Just turned 21, with 14 years experience, this past birthday! (Doesn't that sound so much better than turning 35?) I have the best job in the world...no the real world! I am stay home mom to 2 fabulous characters you will soon meet. I am a loving wife to another member of our cast of characters! In my free time (what's that?) I love to scrapbook and of course plan my Disney dream vacation. The planning now taking most of my free time. After all, isn't that what everyone likes to do in their free time... if they have any??? Here I am having fun at DD's last birthday party...last JANUARY! Did I mention I am scrapbooker and I can't find any more recent pictures than January????

Next cast member...
The award for best husband in a CrAzY family goes to my DH, Jon. Jon is also 35, although most days he doesn't act his age... but who does? My loving husband works 2 jobs so that I can stay home and be with the kids. He is the best hubby and daddy in the world-- I took a vote on that and he won! He has no free time--EVER! What time he gets, when he isn't working, he either spends with the kids or tries to sleep. He tries to catch up on sleep once every 6 months or so, whither he needs it or not! Here is a picture of my wonderful husband at the park with our DS. A little later in the year...this is very early spring! But still ! Ok, So I scrapbook mostly the kids!

Next member of the cast...
Award for best daughter in a CrAzY family goes to my daughter, Brenda. Brenda is a very active 4 year old...and that is putting it mildly! What 4 year old isn't overly active though? SHe is the most amazing little girl... very caring and loving. She has been very understanding because she has had to, a few times, take a backseat to what brother needs. (Which i'll get to in the next cast member's story) Even through it all she remains loving and just overall amazing! Her and I try to have "girls day" at least once a month and we have some time planned for just the 2 of us in WDW... but i'll get to that int he plan... gotta keep you coming back! Brenda's new found love, other than Disney princesses and Tink, is Littlest Pet Shop. That is how she spends her free time. Does anyone know if they sell Littlest Pet shop animals in DTD??? If not she may have a withdrawal. Here she is at the beginning of spring. I have tons of pictures of her but I like how wide eyed she is here! This is how I picture her looking at the castle for the first time!

The last member of our cast of Characters...
The award for best son in a CrAzY family goes to my DS, Gavin. Gavin is 2 but will turn 3 next month. And before everyone jumps all over me...yes, we are paying for him to go and not fibbing about his age. I know how heated that gets so wanted it out of the way. Gavin is one of the most amazing boys ever!
I am going to put on my serious hat so I can tell you a little about Gavin. He was born with Hirschsprung's Disease. It was immediately apparent and severe, At less than a week old Gavin had a very long and difficult surgery to remove between 2/3 and 3/4 of his total intestine. He was left with just enough to not need a colostomy for the rest of his life. we assumed this would be the only medical issue but the Hirschsprung's Disease had effects on most of his digestive system. There were many time we didn't think he would make it and were told to make the best for him. We have faced losing him more times than any parent should have to but he always seems to bounce back His most recent surgery (7 in the past 35 months) was this past June. I won't go into detail but it has made a great improvement on his life. We will continue to have the same surgery every 3-4 months for the next 2-3 years but at least it is helping. When we originally thought about the WDW trip we knew the first step would be to get the approval of Gavin's team of Drs. Their response was "YES! You should do this!" One dr went so far as to tell us "You should make as many good memories with Gavin while you can". That is a sentence that sticks with you and always taints what you do. Its kinda become my motto in life...not just with Gavin but with everyone important to me....make as many memories as you can. Of course, we will be taking all of Gavin's meds, supplies and records with us, but as of lately I have been a lot less fearful about if this is best for Gavin. He has been doing so much better since his last surgery and most likely will have 1 more surgery before we go. He reminds me that miracles happen everyday.
The other thing I should tell you is Gavin has above average intelligence. The drs believe this is most likely do to overcompensating for what his body hasn't been able to do. His mind has constantly been going, even when all his body could do was lie there. I also spent many hours just reading and talking with him...as has Brenda. One example of how smart he is (I know all parents say it but drs have confirmed it with Gavin) he has been speaking COMPLETE sentences since about 16-18 months. He can count to 27 and knows all his letters. BUT he only does things when he wants to do them. He is very stubborn! Must get that from JOn 'cause I'm not stubborn! NO I AM NOT!!!
Taking of my serious hat now and tossing it to the corner...you won't see that too often, I hope! Here is Gavin. Also taken in the early spring on the same day as the picture of Brenda. He needs a haircut in this picture!

And a picture of Brenda and Gavin at the JoePa statue at Penn State...about 15 minutes from home. This was taken 4th of July...see I do have more up to date photos!!

So there you have it! The best cast of characters anywhere!!! Hope you will come along with this CrAzY PTR on our FIRST EVER WDW VACATION!!!!!!!

 

[Tinker_Tam]

I'm in too....now get writing!

Trish

A new update...Just for you!!!!

 

[exwdwcm]

you've got another reader! what a great family!! adorable kiddos too.

i LOVE the 'years of experience'. i might have to start using that, afterall, i am adding another year of experience in 2 weeks.

can't wait to hear details of your trip- especially as a first timer!

 

[PoppyGirl]

What a sweet family! Enjoying your PTR so far!

 

[eecteacher82]

Yeah! You started at PTR!!! I'm definitely here. It's so nice to put faces with a name! Can't wait for more!

 

[KatMark]

Hi again, Tammy, who just turned 21. (When you reach MY age, then we'll talk ).

I love your introduction of your very wonderful cast of characters. And you get a vote from me for best Cast of Characters.

I can't wait to follow you and your family on your first trip to Disney.

 

[Tinker_Tam]

you've got another reader! what a great family!! adorable kiddos too.

i LOVE the 'years of experience'. i might have to start using that, afterall, i am adding another year of experience in 2 weeks.

can't wait to hear details of your trip- especially as a first timer!

Thanks! I think the kiddos are keepers! You aren't allowed to use my "years of experience" when you are celebrating in Disney...just doesn't seem fair! ok, Maybe I will let you since its DL and not WDW

What a sweet family! Enjoying your PTR so far!

Thank you! Hoping to get the where and when taken care of soon!

Yeah! You started at PTR!!! I'm definitely here. It's so nice to put faces with a name! Can't wait for more!

...and to think the only thing that stopped me from starting it sooner is I wasn't afraid no one would follow me! Glad to see I was wrong! Makes me want to get right on the next installment!

Hi again, Tammy, who just turned 21. (When you reach MY age, then we'll talk ).

I love your introduction of your very wonderful cast of characters. And you get a vote from me for best Cast of Characters.

I can't wait to follow you and your family on your first trip to Disney.

We can all be the same age..just with different years of experience! Thanks for the vote! I will be sure to put your name on the ballot for award for best PTR reader!

 

[TiggerFan3590]

I'm in.....

 

[mrsksomeday]

I am here!! I am so happy you decided to do a PTR!

The awards idea is too cute. It is great .

Brenda and Gavin are so adorable . I love how you have "girl's days" with her that is so important to have one on one time. Sweet little Gavin has been through so much. Bill understands about having to have so many surgeries, it takes a toll on all of you. I am so happy you are coming to WDW!!

I love your "make as many memories as you can" motto. More people need to be like you.

I can't wait to read about your plans and perhaps might you have a binder? We LOVE binders on here .

 

[Tinker_Tam]

I'm in.....

Welcome!!! So glad you could join me on this CrAzY PTR!! Hope you will sticking around for the whole thing...and then the TR!!!

I am here!! I am so happy you decided to do a PTR!

The awards idea is too cute. It is great .

Brenda and Gavin are so adorable . I love how you have "girl's days" with her that is so important to have one on one time. Sweet little Gavin has been through so much. Bill understands about having to have so many surgeries, it takes a toll on all of you. I am so happy you are coming to WDW!!

I love your "make as many memories as you can" motto. More people need to be like you.

I can't wait to read about your plans and perhaps might you have a binder? We LOVE binders on here .

Thanks Tracy for joining me! I have to admit, I look forward to girls say as much as Brenda does. They are always a huge hit for her. When Jon works all these crazy hours I have a BFF in my town that takes Gavin for a few hours. Brenda always feels so special after girls day. I feel so bad sometimes that Gavin takes extra time but it really makes her appreciate the days she gets just mom. I usually let her pick what she wants to do...usually shopping or an indoor play area in the winter. Its great. For some reason it always ends with a trip to the store for a littlest pet shop. That is the other thing she enjoys. Its just hers. Gavin is not allowed around when she is playing with her littlest pet shop. She has her own play area for them. Anything to make my baby girl happy!

I do have a binder. Right now its just a play white binder. I am going to spiff it up soon. I have really got to get to work on it. Jon says he can't believe its still so plain. He'll feel my head and check for a fever form time to time...he's always afraid i'm getting sick when he sees something plain in the house! Once I get it beautiful I will get some pictures of it all posted!




I am going to try to post another new post tonight after I get the kiddos taken care of and down to bed. I would love to get all this intro stuff out of the way.

 

[jenseib]

I'm joining in! Now I have to go back and actually read it!

 

[*Meagan*]

Hi hi Im here!

 

[Tinker_Tam]

I'm joining in! Now I have to go back and actually read it!

Hi hi Im here!

Welcome ladies! So glad you could join me! I'll be posting more soon!

 

[Mickey_Mom]

Hello! Hello! I'm so happy you started a PTR.... face to a name! I'm also celebrating an anniversary of my 29th birthday.... but I never say which one.

Brenda and Gavin are just adorable. Can't wait to hear more of your plans!!

 

[Tinker_Tam]

Last fall, yes its been almost a year since the idea has popped into my head! I remember it like it was almost a year ago. I was sitting home, playing with the kids while Jon was rushing off to work...another typical fall day in our house. Mikey Mouse Clubhouse was coming on and I knew I would be getting a 24 minute break. I must tell you now that fall is the worst time in our house. Jon works more hours than anyone I know and in the fall he adds even more hours. But in all fairness fall is the money making time of year for him. As I have mentioned we live near Penn State and when the students come they bring their money... and their parent's money...and sometimes their grandparent's money. My grandpa used to tell me "You have to make hay when the sun shines". Never really understood where he got that since he was no where near a farmer... But I digress... My point is we take advantage of the extra income potential in the fall...EVEN THOUGH IT STINKS!!!!!

So back to the story...We (the kids and I) were sitting here watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and I hear Gavin say that magic sentence... "I LOVE MICKEY MOUSE." My mind starts spinning, until I come o the realization that it could never happen. I have to force myself to forget it or I will get fixated on a WDW trip, and well, money is too tight to make it happen.

A few weeks later Brenda and I are having our "Girl's Day". We were picking out some new clothes for Pre-School. She goes 2 hours a day, 3 days a week to give her some time to be herself...not Gavin's Big Sister or Tammy and Jon's daughter... Just 4 year old Brenda--BIG GIRL! She wanted a princess outfit. The cutest jeans and shirt she had ever seen...just not available in her size. She talked on and on about how she wanted to meet the princesses and how she wanted to live in Cinderella's Castle. I must tell you here that my heart was breaking. I knew we just couldn't afford to do it. At this point in the fall Gavin was requiring more and more medical attention. He would be having surgery that was a complete failure and told us nothing. The Children's hospital where Gavin's specialists are takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours for us to get to. Trips were coming more and more often. There was no way we could afford some big, expensive vacation.

This brings us to almost Halloween last year. Each Halloween (and Easter) we take a weekend and go to Hersheypark. At Halloween, Hersheypark has what is called Hersheypark in the Dark. It is the best (and cheapest) time to go. This is usually our vacation...once a year for Halloween and once a year for Easter. We go to the park 2-3 days that weekend and stay in a hotwire room, shop the outlets, and enjoy some much needed time together. Hershey is only about 2 hours away from home. After our weekend at Hersheypark, Jon and I sat down and were talking. Those weekends were still costing us about $500 each for Oct and April. Wow! I didn't realize that! So I kept that in the back of my mind. Its so easy to lose track of it when the money is trickling out on vacation. (I am sure it will happen at Disney but I won't mind as much! )

Along comes November. We are already getting hit with snow. The weather is stinking. Gavin's health is not getting any better. It just all feels BAD! In passing I mention to Jon that I wish we had the extra money to take all of us to Disney. I explained how I wanted to take the kids while they still thought everything was real and not just people in costume. Now, before you jump on that one--I know they are real but you know how kids are... you give them too much sugar one day and all the sudden the characters at Disney are just people in costumes. Us intelligent people know better!! At this point I am not even sure Jon is listening to me. I end by saying, "SOMEDAY I WANT TO TAKE THE KID'S TO DISNEY WORLD!"

Fast forward with me to a little later...TAX TIME! This is the time of year Jon really looks closely at the budget. He tries to figure out where we spent all the money that year...where we could do better and where we did a great job (not to many of there great jobs though ). We always try to end the year with a small tax refund. We prefer that to trying to pay a huge tax bill at the end of the year. I'll never forget the next hour. Jon asks me to find something for the kids to watch on TV...after all it is winter and probably SNOW so its not like I can take them out long to play (it was Disney Channel of course). He wants me to sit and talk to him. I of course think i am going to get a lecture on my spending habits... Boy, was I wrong!

Jon started by telling me not to get too excited. He went on to explain that if we didn't do Hersheypark at Easter or Halloween, use our small refund, and cut back on Christmas (and a few grown up holidays before then) we could make a WDW trip our Christmas gift this year. We would still buy some things for the kids but nothing like the past years. I am so embarrassed to tell you what Christmas is like with our kids. So you get an idea...last year both kid's got new bedroom furniture, including a twin set for Brenda with dresser, nightstand...the whole works. Both got entire bedding sets and bedroom decorations...Brenda's being Tink and Gavin's being Cars. Then the toys...on top of new bikes, a bunch of Leapster cartridges, a HUGE walk in kitchen center and a train table the kids got enough toys to get BORED opening them. At one point they asked if they could just leave the rest. Now, in all fairness, I am a bargain shopped. I buy all year long when things are on sale. My mom taught me to start early and not stop... and she taught me well! UGH! So, cutting back would not be hard at all! I was sold!!!

So...the award for the best listener in this CrAzY family (first time going to male I am sure) goes to my sweet hubby, Jon!

Up next...Jon has some stipulations!

 

[Tinker_Tam]

Hello! Hello! I'm so happy you started a PTR.... face to a name! I'm also celebrating an anniversary of my 29th birthday.... but I never say which one.

Brenda and Gavin are just adorable. Can't wait to hear more of your plans!!

Welcome!! So glad you stopped in to check out my PTR! Thanks on the compliment. I think Brenda and Gavin are cuties too...but as I said, I am partial!

My dad used to tell me he stopped aging at 29. I got a little upset when I passed him by...decided I liked 21 better anyway!