I knew you guys would agree 
I just had to tell everyone that DH and I have been trying really hard to come up with a low cost vacation for this year since we can't go to Disney. Well, DH has REALLY shocked me because he keeps telling me that he wishes we could just go back to WDW!!!I think he has really been bitten by the bug! That makes me a very happy girl!
He has seen that hotels, food, activites, etc. at other destinations are very expensive, and now he truely realizes that we got great deals both years that we went to WDW. So anyway, it looks as though as soon as we can scrape up the money, we will be going back. DH even said that he would prefer not to spend the money going somewhere else and just save that and put it towards our next Disney trip!
That may not seem like big news to all of you, but it is really exciting to me to know that I have converted him!
Also, I have turned in my resume at DD's current school and at the one she will start attending in the fall. Hopefully, if I can get hired at one of them on a part-time basis, we will be on for another trip for sure!! Maybe even EARLY 2011 (like January possibly). Anyway, it isn't "real" news, but it's a step towards having some "real" news!
WOW!!! GREAT report!!! I'm not sure how long I've been on DIS tonight but I just read your entire report!!!!It was really great. I loved all of the pictures!!! We are doing a GF photo session, Chef Mickey's, hopefully MVMCP, and some of the other things you did on your trip so it was nice to read about them & see the photos! Your DD is too cute! It was great to watch her reactions to everything & how excited she was to be there! I have a son who is almost 2 & thats the best part of every trip...watching his reactions! (as I was reading your report, he kept saying "WOW" alot!)
Just wanted to say it was such a great report!!! One of the best I've read on DIS!!! Congrats on another trip to Disney & good luck with the jobs! Hope it all works out for you!
I don't think I have ever been able to do that! I'm very glad you enjoyed it and so happy that it helped you get a glimpse of all the fun you have in store! You are going to have the best time with your DS!!! That is such a fun age. I just know he will be overwhelmed by all the wonderful things you have planned! Enjoy your trip and take lots of pics and video so you can remember it forever! I just wanted to pop back in and say that I really enjoyed your TR and all your wonderful pics!
Thank you! I'm glad you decided to stick around for the whole thing. I'm still reading on your report and enjoying it very much too. Hopefully I will have more time now that my TR is over and I will get it finished along with several other TRs I've been trying to catch up on.
Congrats on converting your DH!It is so awesome that you may get to go back to WDW sooner than expected!!
Thanks! I'm very excited about going back.
Good luck on finding a part time job. I recently went back to work after being home nearly 5 years. I got hired on part time with my kids school. I am really enjoying it!
It's a tough decision isn't it? I've been home for six years now and it has really been a mental struggle for me to figure out what is best for our family. I want to be there for all of DD's school activites, and I want to have time to keep my house in order, cook dinner, and have a manageable to pace to our lives. I can't deal with the rat race. But I also know it would help us tremendously with our finances if I go back to work. After LOTS of debating, DH and I have decided that it would be best if I just work part time at DD's school so that I can still be there for all her stuff. I think I will really enjoy it if I can get hired. It's very reassuring to me to hear you say that you are loving it. I really hope I will too if I get offered a job.
So sorry your TR has come to and end! Thoroughly enjoyable read!
Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Loved your update with Sea World. I definitely wasn't as smart as you though...we fed our fish to them in about 5 seconds and were gone. You were way more savvy!
That's funny! You call it savvy, DH calls me cheap!
Loved the shots you took around Pop before you left. I love the one with your DD and Pongo from 101 Dalmations. I had no idea he was that big! I just might have to make it over to Pop one day to check it out for myself!
The 101 Dalmations stuff was taken at All Star Movies on our '08 trip. It is really cute over there. Pop has some great stuff too, but the Toy Story and 101 Dalmations stuff at ASMo it too cute!!
Hopefully things will work out on the 2011 trip and we will see a PTR from you soon!
Sorry, I don't have any tips. I desperately wanted DH to fall in love with Disney like I had, but it didn't happen right away. After our second trip though, it had started to rub off on him. I have no idea what has gotten into him lately. I'm just happy about it and don't plan on questioning it!
I am almost definately going in Sept !!! I think I can pick up a few real easy extra hours a week and that should justify me going RIGHT!!!!
Of course that is big news!
By the time you add up the costs of doing lots of little things on a vacation, you come up with not a whole lot less than you can do a Disney vacation, and a Disney vacation offers something for everyone - every age and every interest - so I think it is an excellent deal. Rooms are more expensive, I agree, and so is food, but for what you get in the feeling of the vacation, I think it's worth it.
I hope one of those jobs works out for you.
More Disney money.
and wishes that you get a job at your DD's school! Before I had kids (and for a few years after I had DS) I took care of other people's kids afterschool...and on days off...and when they were sick...and it made me realize that I didn't want to be the mom who had to get other people to do all that for me, I really wanted to be the one doing all of that myself! So I know how nice it would be if you were only working part time and still got to experience all that fun for yourself. I know sometimes it's just necessary to work, so I hope everything works out and you get the best possible arrangement that you can! 
Everyone will be back at school and you will probably have the place to yourself! I'll bet they have free dining again too! I hope you have a great trip! Sounds wonderful to me!Just wanted to pop back and send you
We have gotten so much flack from our family over the last 6 years about me being a SAHM. They act like I am just lazy and want to waste my degree by not doing anything with it! They have not been supportive at all. But they all have the mentality that life is about gaining all the material wealth that you possibly can. That is NOT my motto for life. I don't care about material things at all anymore (I did when I was younger, but I realized that isn't where true happiness comes from). In fact, we actually paid for our last two Disney trips by selling things that we really didn't need. In '08, I sold a lot of my scrpbooking things that I had bought years ago, and we sold our storage building. That was enough money to pay for our trip. In '09, we sold DH's truck since he has a company car and we just really didn't NEED it. That was enough to pay for our second trip. I've also sold lots of things on ebay and done pretty well. It was nice hearing from you though about staying home with your kids. It is such a blessing and you have blessed me by sharing your story. There have been times over the last 6 years that I felt like I was the only person on earth who thinks like I do. So thank you!!!! You've made me feel like I'm not nuts after all! 
It is so nice to hear of someone else who feels the same way about this that I do. Thank you for taking the time to post!
so I'm glad you appreciated it!) 
How wonderful that he thinks my favorite place is wherever he is. (I mean, he's not wrong!) I really feel like that's a gift I've given him, that kind of constant reassurance that he's someone wonderful to be around and that nothing is more important to me. I could not agree with you more. You literally took the words right out of my mouth! After our long struggle with infertility, I was 100% sure that I wanted to quit work and stay home with my DD (which is why I always say that I am thankful for my infertility, b/c it made me realize what a blessing it is to be a mother and not to take it for granted). Well it has been a struggle financially, but SO SO worth it. I wouldn't trade these last six years for ANY amount of money!
It is so nice to hear of someone else who feels the same way about this that I do. Thank you for taking the time to post!
There have been times over the last 6 years that I felt like I was the only person on earth who thinks like I do. So thank you!!!! You've made me feel like I'm not nuts after all!
And I consider myself very blessed. 
Here's my sweet story of the week though, that really brought home to me how important it is that I'm here all the time (disclaimer: I know this might sound like I have something against working mom's, and I don't. I know everyone is different and I don't think that you can't be a great mom if you work full time...it was just a sweet moment that re-affirmed my belief that I was doing the right thing for my family, and that's something everyone can use every once and awhile!)...I was doing some schoolwork with DS and we were doing some "mad lib" sort of fill in the blank story thing for toddlers, and it asked where "Daddy's favorite place" was, and DS said "work" which I thought was funny, but I guess it is appropriate, since DH does spend most of his time there. So I asked DS where "Mommy's favorite place" was and I expected him to say "the house" or "at home" but he said, "Right here with me! And with Sydney (DD)!" which made my heart melt.
RInky - kudos to you for doing what is right for you and important to your family. One thing you mentioned was saving for retirement. I know Social Security might not be around when you or I retire (I'll be first, I'm that much older!), but if you do work at least some, you will be putting into SS and be able to draw SS at retirement. I think sometimes SAHMs forget that part of it, and don't put enough away on their own for retirement. Hopefully, some extra PT income will help on both levels.
I've thought about the whole SS thing quite a bit. Honestly, I don't think it will still be there when I am 65 considering that it is already in the red.That's a soap box that I don't need to get onto though, or I'll be here all day!
I was actually incorrect when I said we don't have any retirement or savings. What I meant to say was that I worry that we don't have enough. DH actually has a pension with his job, which is fantastic, but we want to max out the comapny match in his 401K as well and we haven't been doing that. I mean, that's "free" money for retirement that we are just throwing away. That is our number one reason for me going back to work part time.
We also want to put more in savings. We have some savings, but again, don't feel like it is enough. I've been studying all the financial advice from Dave Ramsey (a Christian finacial counselor) and that has made me realize that the pension and our savings is just not enough. He recommends 6 months worth of living expenses in savings and we just don't have that. He also says you should be puting 15% of your income into retirement savings and we aren't doing that either. I'd also like to have a ROTH of my own since all our retirement eggs are in DH's basket!
We have worked very hard over the last several years to get rid of all our debt (except the house) so that we could focus on savings/retirement. We have finally reached that point, but have realized that we just don't have enough left over every month to be putting away the amount that we think we will need. And after all of that is taken care of, I'd like to have vacation money every year without having to sell things off.
Please don't take this as a lecture! Just food for thought.
You can say anything you want on here and it won't bother me a bit.
I tried staying home for 1 1/2 years after working while the girls were little, and I just couldn't do it for long. I discovered it wasn't for me. I had always thought I would originally. When I did go back to work, it was VERY part time - 2 days in the office, 1/2 day at home. Now that they are both in school FT, I am up to 4 days. I enjoy it and don't have to miss out on much, since I volunteer in class and my work is more flexible so I can take off to go on field trips, or attend parties too. It works for me.
It sounds like you have a great deal!
I don't think any one thing will work for everyone, and I would never consider it wasting your degree by not working. You have an education and it is for more than earning a living. No one can ever take your education away from you whether you "use" it in employment or not.
I agree. I would never pass judgement on someone because they didn't make the same choices in life that I have made. I respect everyone's right to choose what works best for their own family. That is all I have ever wanted in return. Unfortunately, I have not been given the respect that I have shown to others in my family.
And I agree about my education as well. I do sometimes feel like I wasted a lot of money getting a degree that I am not "using" but I know it has helped me in so many other ways too. And who knows when the day might come that I do need it. If God forbid something ever happens to my DH, I will be very glad that I have that to fall back on. A good friend of mine who has four young children (she was also in "short term retirement" from teaching to be a SAHM) just recently found out that her husband was having an affair. When she confronted him, he left her and the kids for the other woman. I have been utterly heartbroken for her. I would have NEVER seen that coming. They seemed like a perfect family. Now she is back teaching to try and earn a living for her kids. I am so glad that she had a degree and teaching experience to fall back on after that happended. I would NEVER ever think that my DH would do that, but I never thought her's would either.
Okay, I'm getting off my soapbox now! Sorry to take over! I hope you find a job that works for you!
Take over any time you want to!
Haha, I actually had typed out a bunch more but I deleted it because I thought you might think I was a little crazy
I'm sorry people have given you a hard time about staying home. Luckily, I haven't really had that too much...I actually took a heavier course load in college so I could graduate in 2 1/2 years so that we could start having kids, so they probably knew I was like that from the beginning. (And no, you don't have to do the math, that makes me 24...it took us a year to get pregnant with DS, or I would be even younger!
I'm glad to hear your family is supportive. That makes things much easier, I'm sure.
WOW, you really had a plan for your life, didn't you!
We definitely have the same outlook about things...we don't ever buy anything we can't afford, and we cut out all extras. My kids get presents that we found on clearance throughout the year, and never anything that isn't on sale. We buy clothes at this awesome thrift store that we have in town that has great stuff. And we don't mind it one bit, we love it. We have some money to put away for vacations and retirement though...maybe not as much as some people, but an okay amount.
We don't really mind living frugally either. Once you get used to it, it just becomes habit to search for deals instead of buying the first thing you see. I take it as a challenge to get the most for my money.
So we consider ourselves in a fine place financially, and if things continue this way, DH wants me to stay home until the kids are out of high school (the "plan" is to have another when we're in our early 30s, but who knows what will actually happen) since he doesn't want teenagers doing crazy things at our house after school when we're not here. People thought you were crazy? Trust me, they'll think I'm REALLY crazy when I'm home and have highschoolers! But I spent my afterschool days at neighbor's houses and then alone, on top of knowing what it was like spending that time with other people's kids as the babysitter, and I felt like I was really missing out not having someone home with me, so I value it. If we couldn't afford to eat or pay bills or something, or if we didn't have any extra money, of course I would go back to work to provide for my family...but as long as the basics are covered, I'll happily find my place at home.
That is really great that you guys are in agreement about you staying home and you can make it work. I agree that it is best for kids to be watched by a parent or responsible adult after school. There is just too much that could happen to them if they are unattended. Not to mention what they could get into. I plan on being that crazy parent that is there for my teenager after school too. I already have people think I am nuts b/c I won't let DD go off anywhere without me. I don't let her spend the night with friends and whatnot. I just don't think she is old enough for that yet, and I don't trust other people to take care of my baby like I would.
Here's my sweet story of the week though, that really brought home to me how important it is that I'm here all the time (disclaimer: I know this might sound like I have something against working mom's, and I don't. I know everyone is different and I don't think that you can't be a great mom if you work full time...it was just a sweet moment that re-affirmed my belief that I was doing the right thing for my family, and that's something everyone can use every once and awhile!)...I was doing some schoolwork with DS and we were doing some "mad lib" sort of fill in the blank story thing for toddlers, and it asked where "Daddy's favorite place" was, and DS said "work" which I thought was funny, but I guess it is appropriate, since DH does spend most of his time there. So I asked DS where "Mommy's favorite place" was and I expected him to say "the house" or "at home" but he said, "Right here with me! And with Sydney (DD)!" which made my heart melt.
That is precious! What a blessing that you are there to soak up all those sweet moments. You should write those things down so you will remember them later. And you're right, it is a gift to your child for them to know that you WANT to be with them. I see so many parents treat their kids like they are a burden and I think that is so sad.
Okay, now I've rambled enough. But as you can see, I share your sentiments, and I am happy for you that you stayed home with your DD for these 6 years! Not a waste at all, making and helping these little people grow. What could be more important?
There is no greater calling in my opinion.
I was able to be a stay-at-home mom for Jill's and Trent's younger years, and I absolutely loved it. For me, being a stay-at-home mom is the ideal situation. It seems like the young generation (Jill's age) likes to work, though. Maybe part-time is a good deal for many - a little adult company and getting out of the house, and a little staying at home watching Sesame Street, observing butterflies, and baking cookies. If I could have been a SAHM for all of my life, I would have been happy. I had Ladies' Bible Class on Thursday, I'd be doing Meals on Wheels, the house would stay straight, etc.
I think we were separated at birth Memom! You just described me to a "t"! I would love to do that too. I have always thought it would be great to just volunteer what time I had left over in my day after the kids were taken care of and the housework was done. I've always loved the MOW program too. What I am really hoping for is that I will only have to work for a few years until DH's salary increases enough to pay for the 401K contributions, savings, and vacation fund. I don't know how long that will take, but I will most likely quit for good when we get to that point. I know some women say they go crazy at home, but I love it dearly!
I know some people do better when they work, or at least they say they do, so I guess that is best for their families. I went to work and left Drew with a sitter out of neccesity, since my ex left shortly after Drew arrived.
BIG
I don't think you are a bit weird. I would not trade the days I was able to stay home and snuggle with my little ones, either. Some of my friends that are my age started teaching right out of college and taught right through their kids' young years. They are retiring or about to retire within a few years. I got a late start. I'm jealous that they are just about finished with all of the school craziness, but the years I'm going to have to work until retirement are worth the years I had at home.
I'm so glad you had that time. I know that is something you will never regret even if you had to work until 85! I wish you could retire today though! You would make a great stay-at-home Memom!
Yes, it definitely is a tough decision. DS8 is in 2nd grade now, so he has been in all day school for 2 years. (we have half day K too) Even with the kids both gone all day I have still found plenty to keep me busy without working -- I am very involved with our school's PTO, I am at every classroom party, every field trip, etc. Plus keeping things going around here - cleaning, cooking, paying the bills, running the kids everywhere, etc. We, like you can make it without me having an income, but certainly aren't getting rich! Of course I would like to save more for our future (kids college funds & our retirement), but I would never give up the time I have had with the kids.
I'm certain that I could stay busy as well just keeping things running at home and volunteering. I'm hoping as DH's salary increases each year that I will eventually be able to just stay home full time again. I do like keeping the kids after school though, so I would probably continue with that. I like working from home and the money is good for only 2 1/2 hours a day.
Like I said, I am really enjoying working at the school. It allows me to be close to the kids and make a little extra money in the meantime! It was hard to get back into the swing of things after being home for so long, but all is going well. You might want to look into starting out on-call/substituting. That is what I am doing. That way I always have the option to say no if I want to or have a prior commitment. I thought I'd try it this way first before I commit to a regular permanent schedule. Kind of easing back into it!
I've already been thinking about what a shock to the system it will be trying to get back in the grove of working again. But I actually did apply to be a substitute or a Pre-K teacher or assistant since that is only half days, four days a week. I think I would really like subbing b/c like you said, you can say no if you have something else to do. I'm just hoping to get a call at this point though.
I wish you luck, I really hope all works out for you and your family!
Thank you so much!
Hey there, Rinky! I am a few pages behind, and I have to go back later and catch up, but I wanted to check in with you and make sure you are all okay and not affected by the tornadoes in North Carolina last night. I hope you are all safe and sound! Please let us know.
I sat up for about three hours in the middle of the night watching the radar. The wind was howling and it was storming! Ugh! Tears my nerves up! Did you guys get any of it? The news made it sound like it was mostly NC that got the bad stuff.
I'd love to have a ticker though, even if it was a bum one! Yeah, we got an early start. But I met DH when I was 15, so we had been dating 5 years before we got married. Yikes, that means we'll have been together 10 years this year. Crazy. I wasn't going to let the fact that I was young prevent me from doing what I felt I was being called to do...and I am so happy that I didn't, since my son had over two years with my Dad before he died, and he was the only grandchild at that time...my dad loved being a grandpa so much so I know there was a plan for us and we just fulfilled it! 
Thanks!
We are very fortunate that things have worked out the way that they have for us, and we don't take anything for granted. We know that things could be very different and we count our blessings each and every day!
We're just trying to teach our kids that money and things aren't the important things in life, and I feel like we're showing them that by living this way, so I hope I would try and live this way irregardless of our income.
It is really nice that people are supportive, but there's a definite gap for me...I'm so much younger than most of the other moms I know, PLUS I'm extremely happy staying at home and really wouldn't ever want to work if I don't have to...so that just makes me even more different since I'm not one of those moms who gets bored at home and needs to go out all the time. We stay home and bake and play and learn and do chores and it's completely fulfilling for me, this is completely what I was made to do.
Hope you don't mind my rambling on here, it's just very near and dear to my heart, and you're such a wonderful person to talk to!
I really understand where you are coming from though. I don't have very many women that I connect with either. I don't have the age issue that you do, since most of the mothers I know are my age, but most of them do work. Even at my church, there is only one other woman that is a SAHM out of probably 30 or so mothers my age. And it's not that I can't be friends with a woman who works, but our schedules are so opposite and they are just too busy. It would be so nice to have a few mothers to meet with during the week who have kids that DD could play with. I just don't have that though. But I guess it is ok since I enjoy spending the time that I have with DH and DD. Sometimes even I feel like I don't have time for friends and I only have one child and don't work outside the home! Life can get crazy busy!
