ticked at family

[pigletforever]

Ok so we leave in 6 days. Actually 5 since we are staying at an airport hotel Friday night since our plane leaves so Early Saturday AM. I have asked for help to pack some things today so it isn't left to me this week. Everyone is home today and it is a perfect opportunity to get this done. But when I suggest it everyone laughs and says we have all week. Excuse me? everyone has school and work all week. They mean I have all week. I ahve worked so hard on this trip to make sure it is magical and fun. They tell me (DH and DS 17) they will be excited when we get there. DS 4 has never been so he doesn't understand. I am ready to cry. I am ready to say forget it why should I bother if no one else cares? Sorry I just had to get it off my chest.

 

[N&B'smom]

So, why don't you pack for you and your 4 year old. When the others run out of time they'll learn a valuable lesson. Don't pack for them!!! Then they'll understand why you wanted them to do it early!!

Shelby

 

[Suzdon]

I would pack two of the dorkiest outfits you can find then their real clothes when you get there lay the dorky outfits out and say that you figured they didn't care about going so why care what your wearing?????????MAybe they will thinkn twice the next time! It's tough being a mom but you know your going to have a BLAST when you get there!!!! Have FUN!!!!

 

[sweetinmaine]

I am guilty! I am a procrastinator! We have to be at the airport at 4am on Sunday and I haven't packed yet My DH worked all weekend so it should not have been a problem. He's been packed for about a month. I have everything picked out...it's just ironing and putting it in the suitcase. Maybe it's because I'm spending too much on the Disboards? I know one thing for sure...When I get back from this trip I'm leaving my summer clothes packed for our March trip. I won't have to deal with the packing all over again! Pack yourself and your 4 yr old...The others will "catch" up to you later in the week. If not, they will wear what they wear.

 

[Unregistered]

I understand totally what you're talking about. But sometimes you just have to say whatever! The worst thing here is that they are getting you all upset. Don't let them ruin it for you, do what you think you need to and the rest will fall into place. Trust me, they won't go naked!

 

[DizzKneeGeek]

I think at 6(or even 5) days out...you should cut them a bit of slack. If it takes somebody 5 days to pack for vacation; then they're doing it wrong or taking waaaay too much stuff.

 

[bab31]

I agree with the above poster, just get the suitcases out and lay it in their room. If laundry has to be done leave them a note stating I will do laundry up to such and such a day for you. Make sure what you need washed is in the wash. And let them pack. I know my DH doesnt pack until the night before. likewise I start a couple of days before but major packing the night before. Guys just dont think like women. Try to relax and enjoy getting ready. oh yeah have a wonderful pixie dust filled vacation!

 

[pigletforever]

thanks everyone. i normally wouldn't care but DS has play practice and work 3 nights this week and DH has class 2 nights. Unfortuantely I have traveled with these men before and i know what is coming. All I really wanted was for everyone to get laundry to the laundry room and let me know anything tehy needed me to pick up - socks, underwear, etc. I have one suitcase with things like nighttime diapers, sunscreen, Costuems for MNSSHP, etc that I wanted to get done but alas I gave up and said every man for himself (except DS4) and came back to the boards. DH informed me if we don't have something we will buy it there. I can think of lots of things to leave home if i can buy it there (the silly man)

 

[daisyduck123]

Go ahead & pack for them...but only pack matching outfits!
If you don't already have some, head to the Disney store & buy matching t-shirts for the family to wear. (My family has about 10 sets of matching t-shirts & sweatshirts & we match everyday of our trip). We also all wear black shorts each day to go with the shirts.

After being stuck wearing matching outfits for a week, maybe next time they'll show an interest & pack themselves.

The matching shirts look great in the pictures anyway!!

 

[pigletforever]

I have already bought 3 sets of matching shirts much to their dismay.
I have told them if they don't make it to WDW I will go to the nearest store and buy them 10days worth of matching shirts. I even bought shirts that say Anderson family Vacation October 2006. We are wearing those to MNSSHP on October 19. If you see us say HI!!!

 

[Moonpie]

I wouldn't normally pack anyone else's clothes...except for your little 4 year old, who could totally pick out clothes, and help. In fact, I don't think that my own mother ever packed a suit case for me...it was always my own responsibility. It's their bags, their clothes...they should pack their own stuff. If they leave it for last minute, then that's their own fault. You should not feel any obligation to pick up the slack for them...and I think that doing it for them won't teach them responsibility, or help them appreciate the event, or for that matter, how much work you do.
That's just my two cents.

 

[Hannathy]

They are big boys..... I would pack for myself and your little one and let them fend for themselves. I agree with the give them a laundry deadline then forget about it. I don't pack for my DH or my DD who is 14. I give them each the suitcase they are to use and that's it until we leave. I generally don't pack till the day before though either. I pack for my 8 yr old as far as clothes but he is responsible for his back pack if he doesn't pack it and has nothing for the plane oh well he'll learn. He also knows what he packs in there he has to carry so he has learned to make good choices. Quit worrying if your son has to wear the same shorts a few days it won't kill him. You don't have to do it all, relax have fun.it's your vacation to.

 

[martyshoney]

I know what you mean, we are a family of 4 and I always end up packing everything for everyone and the whole way to our destination my DH asks me if I packed this or that and it drives me nuts. I always tell him I won't pack for him anymore but of course I always do, but for my more than him b/c I don't want to be embarassed by what he packs!! If it truly bothers you just tell them you will not do it and they will have to wash their own clothes before y'all leave if they need something done.
Hope you have a wonderful trip!!!

 

[pepe of ohio]

We've always gone with the notion, you snooze you lose. I pack for myself, if I forgot anything, its my own fault. I, personally, didn't get married to have my wife be my valet or butler. She does enough every day anyway but getting ready for a vacation and packin, should be up to the indivdual. I know what I like to wear, what fits and it stops any arguements upon arrival as to where things are or whats forgotten. I'll give my wife stuff to be washed but I do the picking and packing. We compare notes on what she has and me so as not to duplicate toiletries and the like. We seem to have our Disney trips down to a science and both of us have lists of things we must have and the list changes only on length of stay, amount of clothes. Kinda easy this way, gets us both into the swing of going to Ddisney, but we could go on a whim and take nothing just to enjoy the World.

 

[Cee]

Our family is going in December and now that all the kids are grown and on their
own, I don't do everyone's packing anymore. Whew! The other day when DH
was making air ressies he mentions that coming home we could get an early
flight. EARLY. We're doing DME which picks you up three hours early from the
resort. I told him, "Yes and it would be MY responsibility to get everybody up
and ready and I DON'T WANT IT." Eventually it becomes time for Mom not to
have to be the one to do everything. Remember what Dr. Phil says, "You teach
people how to treat you."

 

[Mysteria]

Show them this post. Then if they still don't listen...go with the dorky outfit idea! If it comes to that it'll never happen again on a future trip!

Myst

 

[eliza61]

I too have 2 teenage DS. for our trip in August I gave them a dead line. I will pack whatever you want as long as you have it in my bedroom by 8/19 (we left on the 23rd). After that you are on your own. I stuck to it. It was hysterical, 8/21, my dsons and my dh were running around screaming like chickens with their heads cut off. I politely went to Baskin & robbins ice cream shop and picked up a double scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream on a waffle cone and giggled my head off.

You know what, every one was happy when they got to WDW with what they had packed. I realized that I was stressing out way more than they were.

 

[pigletforever]

Thanks everyone. I am much better today. I was just at stress level red yesterday. Everyone does usually pack for themselves but I get the laundry done. It is one of those weeks where no one has a free night and I didn't want everyone running around at midnight Thrusday or 3 PM Friday when we are suppose to be heading to KC. So I have told everyone I will do Laundry until Wed if it is in the laundry room then I am done. thanks Eliza61 for that idea.

 

[PaMom001]

I would pack two of the dorkiest outfits you can find then their real clothes when you get there lay the dorky outfits out and say that you figured they didn't care about going so why care what your wearing?????????MAybe they will thinkn twice the next time! It's tough being a mom but you know your going to have a BLAST when you get there!!!! Have FUN!!!!

OOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, I like this idea!!! That would teach them.

 

[kimmikayb]

thanks everyone. i normally wouldn't care but DS has play practice and work 3 nights this week and DH has class 2 nights. Unfortuantely I have traveled with these men before and i know what is coming. All I really wanted was for everyone to get laundry to the laundry room and let me know anything tehy needed me to pick up - socks, underwear, etc. I have one suitcase with things like nighttime diapers, sunscreen, Costuems for MNSSHP, etc that I wanted to get done but alas I gave up and said every man for himself (except DS4) and came back to the boards. DH informed me if we don't have something we will buy it there. I can think of lots of things to leave home if i can buy it there (the silly man)

With that being said by your DH, I would pack for everyone else and conveniently forget your clothes Forget your sweatshirt, socks, swimsuit...it can all be bought there!!