Tasty Planning Time with ZeBrook! A 2 for 1 PTR - 12/24 - All our bags are packed

[onelilspark]

Coffee?
I posted this over on the CSR thread, but noticed you haven't been over there. I want to be sure you see it, so I thought I'd post it here too!

Coffee in the room:

Coffee at Rix Cafe (self serve):

According to my brother it is better than NesCrape! At the Pepper Market and at Rix Cafe they also offer Lattes, Mochas, Espressos, and Cappuccinos.

 

[robinm1215]

Hi there! I am missing so many other DISers by just a few days or weeks! It's such a bummer. I hope our trips cross at some point too!

What day do you leave?

Since we both are DVC owners and take multiple trips per year, I'd be surprised if our trips don't cross at some point. Have you ever gone during the Food & Wine Festival? That's one of my favorite times to go -- great weather and you can't beat the F&W festival! This will be my second year in a row so I'm wondering if that's going to become a regular thing

We leave next Wednesday, so only 5 more days of work, not that I'm counting or anything... So much to get done before then though. I know the trip will be here before I know it. I'm so excited to be staying at both the Treehouse Villas and Kidani in one trip

I wanted to post a quick 'The Boot' update since some people have asked over the past few days....

Well, last week I was hopeless that I would be ditching the boot by this Thursday. I was in serious pain and it looked like there was a small baseball attached to my ankle.

However, having Joe back allows me to rest a LOT more and this weekend things have started to improve. Tonight I can almost see my ankle bone. The swelling is down much more than it ever has been!

I don't think I'll be home-free on Thursday; however, I do think I have a very good case of getting switched into the lighter boot where I can wear normal shoes on BOTH feet along with the boot. I might have to wear tennis shoes....but that is a great reason to go shopping, right?

Glad your foot is feeling better and hope your doctor's appointment goes well tomorrow Oh, and you never really need an excuse to go shopping, do you?

 

[A.Mickey]

Completely makes sense about having just a Adults trip on the cruise! I know I was thinking the other day that if Henry does not like the Kids Clubs, we'll be missing out on a lot of the "adult fun" - we'll be having "kiddy pool fun" with the other families, which is okay....but I'd like a good mix of the two! Regardless, I don't think there is any possible way we'll have a BAD time! Sounds like a very good plan to bring Grandma on 3.0!

We are thinking of staying a few days before (value season, hello!) and then a few days after. Joe is very into the after - so the majority of our stay will probably be after. He doesn't want to step off the ship and be like "Ugh, we have to go home now!" Which I understand! Yesterday we were discussing our DVC Points and he kept mentioning buying another 200. I have no idea where he's going to come up with that money. We'll probably take advantage of the deal that Dreams cuts with the Swolphin for at least a few nights depending on our additional vacation plans in 2010.

Was it very weird at first to think your baby was two? I can't believe how much Henry has grown up in the past few months, but I still can't grasp that he's going to be two!!

I will try to help you have a good mix of the two (adult time and Henry time)! I think we will get along great! Yeah you most definitely will not have a bad time! There is no possible way!

LOL! I like the way Joe thinks! Yeah, staying before the cruise you really just anticipate the cruise! I don't know how people can do the cruise on the last leg of the trip! More points! That is awesome! Where are is your "home" resort? How many points do you have? I would love to buy DVC one day..but first I am working out of my credit card debt! Have you stayed at the Swolphin before?

Oh my yes! I cannot believe how much he has learned even since he turned 2! I think he is already starting to read! If not read, he definitely is able to see a word and remember what it looks like! Just this morning I was watching old videos of Aaron, and I just can't believe how much he looks like a little boy now! They sure grow up fast!! I never thought it would be true, but wow do they ever! Pretty soon they will be off to college at this rate!

Hope your doctor's visit goes well and you are out of that boot by your trip!!

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Excellent news on the Boot! I hope you are able to shed the excess footware in time for your departure. Not long now! Soon you'll be regaling us with tales of gucks and corndogs! Can't wait to see what Heny thinks of life sized Lightning & Mater!

 

[DreaGirl]

Excellent news on the boot. I hope you get downgraded (or would it be upgraded) to a smaller ankle support.

 

[mickeysmyboy]

I'm glad your ankle is feeling a little better! I hope you the lighter boot tomorrow!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Yesterday we were discussing our DVC Points and he kept mentioning buying another 200.

I didn't see this before and when I saw it I had to comment!

Can you have Joe call my DH?!

Really, earlier tonight I actually had a brief discussion with DH about adding on points!

We haven't even taken our first trip home and I already want more

Seriously, though I think we'd be much better served to have 300 points instead of the 200 we have! our January trip is 272 points! So, we used our 200 2009 points and borrowed 72 from 2010! When we go in December 2010 use the 128 points we have for 2010 and probably borrow the rest from 2011! But if I want to go in Oct 2010 with the 2 big kiddos for MNSSHP I need points for that too! If I had 300 points to play with it would be a lot easier!! The resale prices on timeshare store are really good!! $81 a point! UGH! If I could only convince DH he never, ever had to buy me another b-day gift, christmas gift etc, etc

 

[MeMom]

There's a message from some little 'friends' of yours over on our TR. Check it out, because I definitely had you in mind when taking the picture.

Hope the foot is feeling better each day. My swelling is subsiding, and I was happy to be able get my foot into a sandal yesterday!

 

[ClaireW]

Brook and MeMom- like so many other moms I have tonnes of sympathy for your swollen ankles/feet - just a few weeks ago before I had Daisy my feet, legs and ankles were swollen, hot, and painful. Even my midwives looked shocked! I only managed to put up with it because I had an end in sight. Hope both of you will return to your usual selves soon

 

[jenseib]

Goodluck with your foot today!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Hey Brook,

Just popping in to say hi from the dells. We did decide at the last minute to take the trip. I appreciate your advice and recommendations! We arrived last night and will be staying for the next 2 full days. We are looking forward to some good times! Thanks for your help!

Hey Katie!
I'm so glad to hear you were able to take the trip! Where did you guys end up choosing to stay? I hope it's a wonderful, relaxing and fun trip for you and your family--enjoy!

Glad to hear your ankle is doing better! Hope you can get the smaller boot on Thursday.

Thank you! I do have a boot update---posting it at the end here...

That happiness was certainly worth the 75 cents plus a stamp...and maybe even a little more!

I'm going to try to catch up with all my DIS reports today as I detox from Disney World to real world. Your comments on single parenting are interesting, as I raised three alone starting from when Drew was a year old. When I hear people talk about having the kids alone for a week or whatever, I just smile. You are very blessed to have your good husband around, and I know you know that. You have a precious family!

I hope the ankle makes much progress between now and trip time.

I am so very, very thankful for my incredible husband. He is ever helpful, thoughtful, forgiving, understanding...and Disney loving. Whenever I get in a mood, or an attitude, it never fails that God gently reminds me of how good I have it. This prompts me to go and give my dear husband squeeze and thank him for how wonderful of a husband, and Daddy, he is. I truly am blessed!

My Mom and Dad were married until I was a Senior in high school; however, my Dad was a truck driver almost since I can remember, and when he was home he was....really, less than helpful (to put it mildly). He thankfully has learned from his mistakes in his marriage; however, looking back I realize how much my Mom did and how strong she was--and still is! She, like you, raised 3 kids (basically on her own) and worked full time. At the time, growing up, I didn't realize all what she did, and now I look at her in such a new respect and light. It takes a very strong person to raise children with help, and it takes an AMAZING one to do it well alone! All of your children are incredible people-just from the bit I know of them. I can see why you are proud of them MeMom, and why you enjoy being with them so much. You are an amazing lady - and I know they would all agree with me (and so would the entire DIS community!)

Fingers crossed for the smaller boot - then you'll be able to chase your cute little red-headed man just a bit faster!

Instead of hobbling behind him and him laughing at me since I can't catch him!

YAY for Disney mail! The picture of Henry with postcard from MeMom is too cute! I like Fauxporter envelopes that you made...I am also addicted to the PassPorter and buy one for every trip.

I hope you get a smaller boot on Thurs and they you don't have to rent a scooter for your trip.

No scooter! See below.

The PassPorter is just great, isn't it? I really keep meaning to dive into their website a bit more, but haven't found the time yet.

Hello! I just stumbled upon your PTR and I love it!! Still need to get caught up on everything. AKL is gorgeous, you are so lucky that you got in! You'll be there when the decorations are up which is my absolute favorite time to go!!

Hope you get the lighter boot! The picture of your son reading the Disney Mail is absolutely adorable! Looking forward to more fun planning adventures

Hi Lauren! Thanks for joining in!
I am THRILLED about our upcoming stay at Kidani! I was really happy to see all the waitlists come through. AKL is so beautiful, I really look forward to seeing it all decked out. The pictures I have seen are stunning, so I imagine it's even better in person.

Coffee?
I posted this over on the CSR thread, but noticed you haven't been over there. I want to be sure you see it, so I thought I'd post it here too!

Coffee in the room:

Coffee at Rix Cafe (self serve):

According to my brother it is better than NesCrape! At the Pepper Market and at Rix Cafe they also offer Lattes, Mochas, Espressos, and Cappuccinos.

I can't even tell you how big my grin is each time I think about this! I am a coffee FIEND. I even told Joe, he just kinda rolled his eyes at me. He likes his coffee, but isn't quite as dependent as I am.

THANK YOU again and again for this information!

Since we both are DVC owners and take multiple trips per year, I'd be surprised if our trips don't cross at some point. Have you ever gone during the Food & Wine Festival? That's one of my favorite times to go -- great weather and you can't beat the F&W festival! This will be my second year in a row so I'm wondering if that's going to become a regular thing

We leave next Wednesday, so only 5 more days of work, not that I'm counting or anything... So much to get done before then though. I know the trip will be here before I know it. I'm so excited to be staying at both the Treehouse Villas and Kidani in one trip



Glad your foot is feeling better and hope your doctor's appointment goes well tomorrow Oh, and you never really need an excuse to go shopping, do you?

Oh your trip is so soon! And THV and Kidani all in one! That really sounds like an awesome trip - are you writing a TR? (Have I asked you that already? )

We have gone twice during the F&W Festival. Last year we partook in some of the booths, not quite as much as we were hoping as we don't didn't feel good that day, but it was still a good time! And back in 06 on our Disneymoon when I hadn't a clue what it was all about. We hope to go at some point (soon, hopefully!) during the F&G Festival. I know I would love it with all the beautiful flowers.

Our anniversary is in October-so I wouldn't doubt us ending up around that time again in a future year!

I will try to help you have a good mix of the two (adult time and Henry time)! I think we will get along great! Yeah you most definitely will not have a bad time! There is no possible way!

LOL! I like the way Joe thinks! Yeah, staying before the cruise you really just anticipate the cruise! I don't know how people can do the cruise on the last leg of the trip! More points! That is awesome! Where are is your "home" resort? How many points do you have? I would love to buy DVC one day..but first I am working out of my credit card debt! Have you stayed at the Swolphin before?

Oh my yes! I cannot believe how much he has learned even since he turned 2! I think he is already starting to read! If not read, he definitely is able to see a word and remember what it looks like! Just this morning I was watching old videos of Aaron, and I just can't believe how much he looks like a little boy now! They sure grow up fast!! I never thought it would be true, but wow do they ever! Pretty soon they will be off to college at this rate!

Hope your doctor's visit goes well and you are out of that boot by your trip!!

Our Home resort is AKV and we have 200 points. I hear ya about the CC debt. We had over $20K! I'm not even kidding. It was eating us alive. We barely could afford to eat. This is pre-Henry, thankfully. We worked VERY hard on it for a long time and now only owe on my student loan, the house, and the DVC! NO CREDIT CARD DEBT, NO CAR PAYMENT! It is complete freedom to be able to say that. I want to add onto DVC, and so does Joe, but we really need to resist until we can pay cash for any add-ons.

We haven't ever stayed at the Swolphin, I just walked through during our January trip to rent a car-it looks beautiful! I would love to stay there a few nights. I am so excited about the cruise-reading your report, and Jaime's, just makes me even more excited about it all. The ship looks amazing, and getting to meet everyone will be a total blast!

Oh gosh, I can't even imagine Henry being able to recognize words! It's amazing how quickly they learn. I'm sure in a few months I'll look back to these months before he's 2 and be amazed at how much he's learn and grown too. I don't like it that they start to loose their baby look though!

Excellent news on the Boot! I hope you are able to shed the excess footware in time for your departure. Not long now! Soon you'll be regaling us with tales of gucks and corndogs! Can't wait to see what Heny thinks of life sized Lightning & Mater!

Henry is gonna just flip over Lightning and Mater! He wants to watch that movie every-single-day from the moment he wakes up, to the moment he goes to bed.

Excellent news on the boot. I hope you get downgraded (or would it be upgraded) to a smaller ankle support.

Upgraded!

I'm glad your ankle is feeling a little better! I hope you the lighter boot tomorrow!

Thank you!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I didn't see this before and when I saw it I had to comment!

Can you have Joe call my DH?!

Really, earlier tonight I actually had a brief discussion with DH about adding on points!

We haven't even taken our first trip home and I already want more

Seriously, though I think we'd be much better served to have 300 points instead of the 200 we have! our January trip is 272 points! So, we used our 200 2009 points and borrowed 72 from 2010! When we go in December 2010 use the 128 points we have for 2010 and probably borrow the rest from 2011! But if I want to go in Oct 2010 with the 2 big kiddos for MNSSHP I need points for that too! If I had 300 points to play with it would be a lot easier!! The resale prices on timeshare store are really good!! $81 a point! UGH! If I could only convince DH he never, ever had to buy me another b-day gift, christmas gift etc, etc

I am blessed to have a Disney lovin' man. The other day he said "I can see us going 4 times a year...." LOVE IT HONEY!!

I am with ya on the 300 points. We can truly only afford 200 at this point, and I am pretty set on any odd-ons will have to be cash so we don't add to our debt. So, we'll probably end up borrowing for now until eternity until we can add on. We also have discussed doing a Studio at OKW to save on points in a year or two to make up for the Holiday 2 bedroom we have coming up in December. We'll see. Hopefully we will get it paid off and added on though!

There's a message from some little 'friends' of yours over on our TR. Check it out, because I definitely had you in mind when taking the picture.

Hope the foot is feeling better each day. My swelling is subsiding, and I was happy to be able get my foot into a sandal yesterday!

Ooh, ooh! That makes me excited...and curious! I do plan to get over to your TR today!

I am happy to hear your leg is doing a bit better...have you gone to the doctor?

Brook and MeMom- like so many other moms I have tonnes of sympathy for your swollen ankles/feet - just a few weeks ago before I had Daisy my feet, legs and ankles were swollen, hot, and painful. Even my midwives looked shocked! I only managed to put up with it because I had an end in sight. Hope both of you will return to your usual selves soon

Oh, thank you! I had big swollen ankles while pregnant too, it's just awful, isn't it?

Goodluck with your foot today!

Thank you!


Boot update!
Today was my doctor appointment and it went just how I was hoping. The doctor looked and could still see it was swollen, but not nearly as bad as it was. Since I have seen a lot of progress, much less swelling and pain, he suggested I keep with the boot a while longer and if I have no progress in 2-3 weeks, to come back and see him. Otherwise, as I see fit, I can slowly wean myself from the boot.

I also asked him about a smaller boot. He was all for it. He said it would be a great option when running around the house and running errands. He has kids, he truly "gets it".

So, I'm sitting here in a smaller boot that just wraps around my ankle, foot propped up. I'm certain I will see more progress over the next couple weeks and will NOT need a scooter for our trip! I will most likely bring the small brace along-just to be safe-but things are looking very good!

Thank you everyone for your prayers, thoughts, concern and encouragement!

I hope to have a PTR update for you today (possibly later tonight). Work is a bit nutty, we have a nasty bug in our software, and one of our big Clients happened to stumble across it. So, not only is it handling them and getting them back into a good spot, but also fixing the software, and managing the other Clients who have the same version of software. It all adds up to a lot of meetings!

 

[ClaireW]

for the smaller boot!

 

[Flossbolna]

Hi Brook, I am just having trouble to keep up with all my subscriptions...

I just wanted to say thanks for ordering the DVD, I will be looking forward to finding it in my mailbox!

And it's great to hear that your foot is improving! I hope it will keep on improving!!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Yay Brook for a smaller boot! You're on your way!!!!

 

[DreaGirl]

That's great news about the upgrade to a smaller cast!!! I hope it is 100% by your trip. I do agree that taking the walking cast with you is a good idea.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hurray for the smaller boot!!! Hope work slows down for you soon!

 

[brookelizabeth]

for the smaller boot!

Hi Brook, I am just having trouble to keep up with all my subscriptions...

I just wanted to say thanks for ordering the DVD, I will be looking forward to finding it in my mailbox!

And it's great to hear that your foot is improving! I hope it will keep on improving!!

Yay Brook for a smaller boot! You're on your way!!!!

That's great news about the upgrade to a smaller cast!!! I hope it is 100% by your trip. I do agree that taking the walking cast with you is a good idea.

Hurray for the smaller boot!!! Hope work slows down for you soon!

Thanks everyone! I've been wearing the small boot since I got it, so far things are good with it. Tomorrow I'll wear it in the morning while running around getting everyone out the door, but then strap on the big guy for work. Gotta be a good patient.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Tuesday was a very special day in this household.

We broke out this:

The Countdown!!
(like my fancy coloring job? )

A while ago someone here (was it you SoonerGirl? I cannot recall who! ) directed me to a site full of DIScreations for countdowns, the Cars one was a good choice with Henry's love of all things with wheels. It is even more appropriate now since he is going through a MASSIVE Cars phase and all he wants to do is watch the movie or YouTube clips. He also loves the song "Life is a Highway" because it's in the movie. He will "sing" it and rock back and forth and dance. It's absurdly cute.

Whoa, off topic.

Okay-countdown.

Monday night I had it hung on the fridge (with a Disney World magnet of course!), so Tuesday morning I led Henry over and then pulled out the stickers.

-squeal of delight-

This boy looooooves stickers!

I explained he could choose one for the countdown

He chose Mr. Incredible, which was a big surprise to me being he doesn't know who that is.

I showed him what square to put it on, and he followed my directions! Again, a big surprise. I thought for sure it would go straight onto his shirt! He did pretty good with getting the sticker on the right square, I had to help him just a bit. He's getting so big!

And then, I allowed him to select one for himself, he chose Nemo

Look at him checkin' out Lightning McQueen!

He really, really, really likes the countdown. He walks over to it several times a day and points to the cars, "Car!" or "Truck!"


While Tuesday morning was an exciting morning, Monday evening also was.

Lookee here!

My Target Travel Aisle stash! Unlike Jordan, I managed to not collapse in the aisle with glee. Though, I did kill an electric scooter in the aisle and Joe had to go get the other one...

And, a few of the small bottles in the upper right are from Joe. He came home from his week of training and said, "I have something for you." and proceeded to dump a moisturizer (with spf 15 ), a shampoo, a conditioner, a lotion, and a face wash, from his hotel room, into my lap!

The Tide to Go stick is a full size. The Travel Size was the SAME PRICE. Just silly.

I had a coupon too. Woot!

 

[IluvXU]

I love the countdown calendar! You are so close, I cannot wait to see how Henry is this trip!

Good for you to accept being Point Poor... I am sure I will feel it soon! I am curbing the desire to get a trip before June to use some of the points.....and I know no add on until I go back to work full time, and I am not in a hurry to do that!