The DDA Trouble Free Zone Part 29

[mommy2emmersNmo]

Cool! I can't remember how many pieces are in DS's set. I think I bought him one set, then found another huge set on clearance so he has a bunch.



I think August will be our only trip for 2008. BUT if I get to go for 16 nights hopefully I won't mind only going once. I am intimidated by cruising. Too many details!



Karen - It sounds like interviewing attendants is kind of like interviewing nannies. They only show up for interviews if they feel like it. Of course there are good ones out there, but it is tricky to find them!
I hope the new job goes well!



They advertise that on TV all the time. It does look neat!



That would be terrific! I'll try to think about a restaurant to suggest.



You're not boring me! You give me hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel! DH has an incredible work ethic, and I think that is something very hard to find. I hope DS matures into a responsible member of the work force. Right now he tends to be rather complacent.

Robyn - I think girls are harder than boys once they hit about age 5. Hang in there! PM if you want my advice on anything. Not that it would work, but maybe having another perspective would give you some new ideas.

So today we tackle DS's room! He is actually looking forward to it. That is a SURE sign that we have let things go too far! I brought home a big empty Pampers box from work, but I'm sure that will be full in about 10 minutes. I'm trying to stay off of EvilBay this weekend so it's good that I have a project. I would take a "before" pic, but I am embarrassed at what a disaster it is. Perhaps just an "after" pic.

Thanks Elizabeth! I will be taking you up on that offer. She is great in school, it's just at home. I am sure that Lucy's arrival has upset the balance.

Good luck on DS's room. I have a ton of diaper boxes, if only we were closer.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

Morning everyone!

 

[MinnieMouseMom]

Morning, all!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Yep, I looked at them but I think the kids will like Pop more. I like the idea of everyone getting a bed too. 4 beds & 2 baths seem like it would work better for us...but I'll see how I like it in 12 days!!! I really want something without transportation issues (another reason I love BC) & aince Pop has their own buses I hope getting from the parks late at night will be relatively easy.

I hope you enjoy Pop! I really love it there. Well I actually really LOVE the Polynesian until I pay for it. Pop is really fun and you've got to love the price!

When I went in May and we stayed at MK for EMH our first night I was freaking when I saw the bus line BUT I couldn't believe how fast it moved as they sent 2 or 3 buses at a time. We were in line about 20 minutes which really isn't too bad for late at night. I was very satified with the bus service AND you will have your own car too.

Leighanna was having the time of her life!

Tom-Thanks again for sharing! I was thinking of taking Joe to Brown Derby as I really liked it when I took Lizzy but maybe I'll try Mama Melrose as I've never been there.

This is so good to know, Tom. I am thinking about trying to do this with Mitchel on our trip and I wanted to make certain it was a worthwhile event. Thanks!

I've got to agree with Tom on this! It was great! Here's a photo from 8/05:

Bernadette (and Tia)... Kathrin is setting up TWO interviews in Boston now. In fact, she has decided she needs to go sooner rather than later so that they don't think she is disinterested. She has told them she is on a family reunion from the 18-21, but is hoping to head up there on the 14-16 and be done with it all before we go away.

With that in mind she has been looking at package deals through orbitz. Would it make sense for her to stay out near Logan and take a cab into the city for the interviews or take the cab into the city and then stay close to where her appointments are? Any suggestions? She is looking at a Holiday Inn Express, but I don't know which one.

I am so glad Tia responded to you on this. I was going to say I thought she'd be better off not at the airport but didn't know where to say to go.

Bernadette- That toy is so cool! I need to get moving on my Christmas shopping. Emma is getting a Nintendo DS but I have no clue what to get Mo and Lucy.

You confused me for a minute as I am getting myEmma a Nintendo too. She's a bit too young but she's always hovering over Joe & Lizzy so I think if I get her the right easy games she'll be OK. I did get her the new red/black one this week on sale at Target. Joe has black and Lizzy pink so this will be perfect. I'm sure there will be some bundle deals as it gets closer to Christmas but I want to be done and really only wanted that color.

I feel like I am going to bore you all at times, but our kids and lives are all so important to us all, I know you all would really understand! Thanks, friends.

NEVER!!!!

Well, I've got to get back to my game. I'm hoping that they have recovered the score to be on the winning side, but unfortunately, I'm not too sure of that since there haven't been many loud cheers going up from the tv. I got sidetracked on the anniversary thing and was posting questions on restaurant suggestions.

Any thoughts here? Phil wouldn't like anything too fancy and prefers poultry dishes to steak, etc. I'm so used to planning meals for Terra and me, that I'm not sure what to do for our anniversary. I forget about some of the other meals out there when focusing more on her. There would also be the option of just ordering a cake for whereever we eat without worrying about a "special" place. (Chocolate cake goes a LONG LONG way to making Phil a happy man.)

Will Terra be with you? Gene & I went to Citricos while my friend watched the kids. I wasn't too impressed-it was really loud-well louder than I would have liked. BUT....that was the trip that he was so miserable so I'm sure my impression was off.

We are having a rough time with Emma as of late and I just hope that Eric and I have it in us to get her and us through it. It's just heartwarming to see that pride in your "voice" when you talk about them and it gives me the hope and strength to keep pushing forward.

Tomorrow is my aunt's dessert party so it bodes for a long evening. I am trying to convince myself that when I see all those desserts I won't be the least tempted. I restarted Weight Watchers last week and I don't want to blow the progress I've made so far (down 5lbs). I hoping that I will be overwhelmed by all the offerings that I won't be able to decide what to eat and will then eat nothing

Have a great evening and weekend. I'll try to check in on Sunday.

Good luck!

Thanks, we are headed out this morning for new shoes and the girls want the Mary jane Crocs. If I can't find them in the color they want I will order them.

I could forward an email to you with a link for 20% off at shoebuy.com for this weekend. I am going to order Lizzy some Merrel mocs that she loves and has outgrown. I think I'll get myself some Clark shoes for work.

 

[lovesdumbo]

So today we tackle DS's room! He is actually looking forward to it. That is a SURE sign that we have let things go too far! I brought home a big empty Pampers box from work, but I'm sure that will be full in about 10 minutes. I'm trying to stay off of EvilBay this weekend so it's good that I have a project. I would take a "before" pic, but I am embarrassed at what a disaster it is. Perhaps just an "after" pic.

Good luck with that project!

I should be tackling the family room and dining room table but it is so humid here today that I don't feel like it. I am doing lots of I had to do one empty load to start. The first load is in the dryer now. It seemed a lot dryer than my even my old front loader. That was a relatively small load. The kids need their soccer clothes. I had to wash Lizzy's shirt by hand and she had to wear non oficial shorts. They only have soccer for 45 minutes this week due to the holiday. Lizzy is going home with a girl from class to go swimming. I'm sure Lizzy will have a blast. She's never had a playdate with this girl. It will be good for her to have some fun time with a classmate out of class. She has a lot of new kids in her class this year.

The load I have in the washer now is huge. This new washer is bigger than my old one.

 

[mommykds]

Are you going to park at the port? Or are you going to stay at a nearby hotel the night before and park there for the time you are cruising?

I recommend that you book your WDW and DCL sections separately as it is normally cheaper to do it that way. Plus you get more flexibility with where you can stay at WDW as they align the staterooms up with different levels of WDW hotels if you book a package.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask. I love talking about Disney Cruise Line.

We are staying at the residence inn at PC the day before the cruise & so I guess we will leave the car there? Not sure what their parking fee is compared to the ports? Do you know what it costs to park at the port?

Everything is booked. I did do the land & sea seperately.

Oh Becky I have many questions..where to start??!!!! Well since we are taking the 4 night & we would like to dress up for dinner...which restaurant would be the one you would want to dress up the most? Do you dress up for pirate night (when is pirate night?) Also Dana & I wanted to try dinner at Palo's but I so don't understand when you book for that? I am sure I can think of more things to ask you!!! We are really looking forward to it. I just have this feeling between all the tipping, excursions, snorkle rental, & pictures we will be so broke we won't be able to go to Disney in August. Thanks!!!!!

 

[tmfranlk]

Will Terra be with you? Gene & I went to Citricos while my friend watched the kids. I wasn't too impressed-it was really loud-well louder than I would have liked. BUT....that was the trip that he was so miserable so I'm sure my impression was off.

Yes, she will be with us. I'm considering letting her do the Pirate Cruise or Alice Tea Party so that would be our only time without her, yet it wouldn't be enough time for anything more than a counter service lunch probably.

 

[tmfranlk]

Good morning, everyone! I hope your Saturday is looking bright. We're just hanging out at home. Considering following Elizabeth's lead and tackling the one pile left in the playroom. Mostly it is the craft stuff and games that just need to be sorted out. I have a bunch of great boxes for the craft stuff, just need to actually get it INTO them.

First though, I think we're going to walk over to a garage sale and try to track down Rachel. She spent the night with that friend last night and was supposed to call me about something. Might as well get to do some garage sale browsing in the process of talking to her.

Catch you all later!

Elin - Enjoy the show tonight!

 

[Glynis]

Had it been anywhere but here, I would never have posted that way. But here I feel very comfortable.

I feel the same way! I tell you guys things that I wouldn't dream of telling anyone else. You all just feel like family to me!

 

[Glynis]

This won't help Deb as she ordered her Crocs before I got the post card. The Crocs website is offering free shipping, the code is fall2007.

Oh, thanks for this!!! I think I'll go order my Christmas present!!!

 

[ReAnSt]

Becky - Good to hear from you, too! How's the job?

Night, all! Have a great weekend!!!

Job is going well. I have just been busy because I had a night meeting/event 4 nights this week. Plus I spent like all of my free time dealing with my bank mess. Which is still not straightened out. They have contacted the federal bank organization to try and get the money back and apparently now I am supposed to wait. Not likely. I am calling the police again on Monday, as I was told to do if they were not helpful at the bank. They are still not being super helpful, wouldn't let me file the dispute or affidavit that the money was taken out, like I have been told I need to do. I don't think they are following the proper procedures and I am going above their head.

Good point, Becky. Although, I will say that I tried on both Mary Jane styles. The ones with the normal crocs holes are wider than those with no holes at all. I have a narrow foot too, and found that the "hole-less" Mary Janes were too snug fitting in my size. Going up a size only made them too long. So, I got the ones with the holes instead.

I wish I would have known they had ones without holes, as I rarely wear mine because I darn near hurt my feet every time since my feet don't stay still in them. They seemed to fit OK as first and felt very comfortable but walking in them is not easy. I don't think the hole less style was available when I bought mine back in June.

I think August will be our only trip for 2008. BUT if I get to go for 16 nights hopefully I won't mind only going once. I am intimidated by cruising. Too many details!

You could just show up to your cruise with a little planning. Its not like you have to plot much as most everything happens on the ship. Obviously if you wanted to do excursions you would need to pick them. You would need to plan how to get to and from the ship. The give you a Daily Navigator or activities guide which shows you what is happening at different times.

Thanks Elizabeth! I will be taking you up on that offer. She is great in school, it's just at home. I am sure that Lucy's arrival has upset the balance.

Robyn- Please remember that everyone needs a chance to relax, vent, let their hair down, and have fun or let their frustrations out. If I were you I would be happy that my child felt comfortable enough to do so at home in front of me. Instead of at school or elsewhere, where it is going to cause major issues. I know it may cause you and Eric to shake your heads and disbelief wondering what is going on. But she is probably trying to deal with the change of a new baby as best as her body and mind knows how to do so. Plus she has to share a room which she didn't have to do before so maybe she feels like she lost her chance to have some alone time. Perhaps allowing her to have alone time in her room by herself with no distractions would help. that you can hang in there and come up with some solutions so she and you and Eric can handle this in a effective manner.

 

[ReAnSt]

We are staying at the residence inn at PC the day before the cruise & so I guess we will leave the car there? Not sure what their parking fee is compared to the ports? Do you know what it costs to park at the port?

Everything is booked. I did do the land & sea seperately.

Oh Becky I have many questions..where to start??!!!! Well since we are taking the 4 night & we would like to dress up for dinner...which restaurant would be the one you would want to dress up the most? Do you dress up for pirate night (when is pirate night?) Also Dana & I wanted to try dinner at Palo's but I so don't understand when you book for that? I am sure I can think of more things to ask you!!! We are really looking forward to it. I just have this feeling between all the tipping, excursions, snorkle rental, & pictures we will be so broke we won't be able to go to Disney in August. Thanks!!!!!

Parking is $12 a day at the port. You need to pay when you park for the entire time. To park at the Residence Inn you pay $6 per person round trip to ride the shuttle. If you have not checked out my trip report I have a bunch of pictures in there from the Residence Inn as that is where I stayed in September.

The most formal rotation restaurant would be Triton's, what night you end up there depends on the rotation you receive. Also you can let your travel agent know if you would like early or late dining, this is just a request. Early dinning is around 5:30-6pm. Late dinning is around 8pm. If you have early dinner you watch the show after dinner, if you have late dinner you watch the show before you eat.

Although DCL designates a night which is more formal which may or may not be the night you are in Triton's. Pirate night has recently been on Castaway Cay night on the 4 night. Some people dress up on Pirate night, others don't. It appeared to me more people dressed up on the 7 night then the 4 night cruise. Although people still did dress up. DCL provides pirate bandannas to everyone at dinner.

You can book dinner at Palo 75 days out. If you do not get a spot online do not panic. These save most of the reservations for once you arrive on board. You can book as soon as you get onboard. You can also stop at Palo later to see if they have open space or to go on a waiting list. We had booked online for brunch one day and ended up changing to a different day once on board.

As for snorkeling equipment you may be able to buy it cheaper then you can rent it. Some places might still have it on clearance. If you do that then the kids could try it out and get comfortable with it before you go. Which I highly recommend. Some kids take awhile to understand the concept of breathing through your mouth instead of your nose. I know it is another thing to lug then but the kids could get comfortable with it, even if it is just in the bath tub.

As for pictures I always asked somebody to take a picture with my camera and didn't buy any. Lots of people had them take pictures with their personal camera. The only difference is most of the pictures they take have a graphic design around them or on them. I know if I had kids though I would probably think differently. I truly wish they would set up a photopass system and you could buy a CD full o pictures.

I hope this helps. If you have any other questions ask away.

 

[PNO4TE]

Elin good luck to Kathrin on her job search.

Thank you, Heidi!

 

[PNO4TE]

Thanks Elizabeth! I will be taking you up on that offer. She is great in school, it's just at home. I am sure that Lucy's arrival has upset the balance.

Good luck on DS's room. I have a ton of diaper boxes, if only we were closer.

Kathrin could hardly wait until her baby was born. And then, shortly after she got a "baby sister just like her" our PracticallyPerfectInEveryWay daughter turned into a monster! It took a good 6-8 months for her to realize there was still room in our hearts for her. I think the fact that she was in school all day long and knew that I was spending all my time with THE BABY made it even a harder transition. I bet you will see some change soon, especially since I know that you and Eric will not tolerate rude behavior.

 

[PNO4TE]

Good morning, everyone! I hope your Saturday is looking bright. We're just hanging out at home. Considering following Elizabeth's lead and tackling the one pile left in the playroom. Mostly it is the craft stuff and games that just need to be sorted out. I have a bunch of great boxes for the craft stuff, just need to actually get it INTO them.

First though, I think we're going to walk over to a garage sale and try to track down Rachel. She spent the night with that friend last night and was supposed to call me about something. Might as well get to do some garage sale browsing in the process of talking to her.

Catch you all later!

Elin - Enjoy the show tonight!

Thanks, Tia! I hope you found some real gems at the garage sale.

 

[PNO4TE]

Oh, thanks for this!!! I think I'll go order my Christmas present!!!

I haven't decided what I am getting for Christmas yet!

 

[PNO4TE]

I wonder why my countdown isn't showing up???

 

[my3princes]

Good luck with that project!

I should be tackling the family room and dining room table but it is so humid here today that I don't feel like it. I am doing lots of I had to do one empty load to start. The first load is in the dryer now. It seemed a lot dryer than my even my old front loader. That was a relatively small load. The kids need their soccer clothes. I had to wash Lizzy's shirt by hand and she had to wear non oficial shorts. They only have soccer for 45 minutes this week due to the holiday. Lizzy is going home with a girl from class to go swimming. I'm sure Lizzy will have a blast. She's never had a playdate with this girl. It will be good for her to have some fun time with a classmate out of class. She has a lot of new kids in her class this year.

The load I have in the washer now is huge. This new washer is bigger than my old one.

Can you give me details on the washer/dryer. Mom is still looking for one. I think you said Maytag, but which model. How does it work? Will it hold a king sized comforter? Does it shake alot? I know that she will ask me all those questions.



Bowling went well this morning. All 3 boys had at least one good game. We came home and gave Colby and me a short nap. Now we are heading back to the bowling alley for Nick's party. Hopefully it will be fun.

My back is much better today, still a bit sore, but much much better. I think extra rest is exactly what I needed

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

UGH! I have been cleaning DS's room for the past FOUR hours! And all I have managed to do is make a bigger mess! There is a HUGE pile of crap in the middle of the room that I pulled out from under the bed. There are pieces of all sorts of things in little piles here and there. I have almost filled the hallway with stuff to donate, sell at Half Price Books, give to Princess, or throw away. How can his room still be such a wreck when we have taken so much stuff OUT? I need another box for train track pieces, but I have decided to take a little break.

 

[Glynis]

I haven't decided what I am getting for Christmas yet!

I have to do my own shopping. Alan hates to do it, and this way I know that I'll be getting what I want, instead of what was on sale on December 24 at Walmart! Although that can sometimes be fun, too!