Top Secret Pixie Dust! A Surprise 13th Birthday PTR! NEW! TRIP REPORT LINK PAGE 220!

[Hedy]

The Vera order has been placed. I will save what I ultimately decided on for a future post, but I will say that I bought two things for myself and one thing for Chelsea which will end up in her Easter basket. I did wrestle with that final order total but figured I needed a treat. It was trip-related after all…

Lately, Chelsea has been so caught up with her social life that she has let schoolwork fall by the wayside. Being in the seventh grade, she was almost destined to go through this phase, but it’s been rough. I can access her grades online, and it has been a continuing battle all year to make sure she is turning in all of her work and studying for tests. She has always been an excellent student, and I have never had to stay on top of her like this. Socially she is a butterfly and given her penchant for making sure everyone in the seventh grade knows what is going on at any given time, I am sure she has an unrealized career in tabloid journalism later in life.

The straw that broke the camel’s back occurred on Sunday night when I asked her if she was planning on studying for her language arts final (which was the following day.) She hadn’t even brought anything home with her and attempted to tell her father that she didn’t know the final was Monday. Really? The irony of her trying to use this excuse is the fact that I am her language arts teacher. Hmmm, let’s see. I know I told her class every day last week when their final was, and we spent three days reviewing for said final. Charles and I were livid with her.

Hence, the birth of Chelsea’s new lifestyle change -- we keep telling her she is not being punished, just learning new ways of doing things. From now on, she has to fill out her agenda every day for every class and has to bring home all of her books and notebooks every night. She has to study at the kitchen table for one hour whether she has actual written homework or not. She cannot have her cell phone or use the computer Monday through Thursday. On Friday, I will check her grades, and if she has made good grades on all of her assignments and turned in everything, then, she can have her cell phone, the computer, and a social life Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday. This is the way things are going to be for the next forty-five school days.

I can’t wait for summer!

On a more humorous note, Connor cracked us up the other night at dinner. This was the conversation:

Connor: Does your belly button really have any purpose once you are born?
Me: No, not really.
Connor: Well, when I am older, I am going to get it filled in.
Me: But then you won’t have a belly button!!! Won’t that look strange?
Connor: But I don’t need it…
Me: People will think you are a clone or an alien.

Of course at that point, the conversation completely degenerated into the “What if people suspect you are a clone…” type of discourse because that's how we roll at our house.

Now, on the trip planning front, Chelsea is obviously getting a bit antsy about the lack of Disney trip discussions occurring at our house.

Chelsea: Have you booked our summer trip yet?
Me: Nah. (Lord, please forgive me for lying point blank to my daughter.)
Chelsea: WHAT??? When are you going to do that??? I feel very unsettled without a Disney trip booked! (Hmmm, where did she learn that?)
Me: Well…(I tried the whole nonchalant, noncommittal shrugging thing.)
Chelsea: I think you need to…(she pulls up the calendar on my cell phone) book a trip for July 14 through the 19th. We need to stay at Caribbean Beach Resort, I want a birthday button to wear all week, and I want to eat at Teppan Edo on my actual birthday.

See, she has it all planned out in her mind what she wants.

Two out of the four things she wants are pretty good, right?

There may be a better example of 12 year old thinking than telling your TEACHER/parent you didn't know about a final, but I can't think of it.
How is it, having your kid as a student, both my parents were teachers, but not in my district.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

I am very upset for you. Families count on income. To take that away with no notice is wrong. I would have cried too. I hope that you can still somehow take your trip. Maybe a shorter, budget trip but still a Disney vacation that you deserve Jackie. And if I win that lottery like I am planning, keep an eye on your mail for a check!

 

[mousescrapper]

Anyway, at this point, I am not canceling anything but taking it one day at a time. We’ll see if it all pans out. I have all my fingers and toes crossed -- after all, I have a new bag to use, we have a birthday to celebrate, and the Main Street Electrical Parade is only going to be around until mid-August.

CP...I am so sorry....when it rains it pours huh? here's some pixiedust for hoping the trip happens!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Oh no Jackie! I haven't been on Dis for a very long time and am trying to catch up! I just read your last post! I'm so, so sorry! I hope you can still make the trip work! I'll be thinking of you!

 

[Happydog]

Hey Jackie, this does indeed bite. What a drag that the school system pulls that. Did he have a contract that he signs? Seems rather underhanded and to not be informed, seems unfair somehow... I am also embarassed for that assistant coach, if that teacher was not involved to the same degree, they should step up or speak up, or take care of it themselves... But despite these musings, I do feel for you guys. It is hard to swallow the rug being pulled out like that.

So now to what others have suggested. I don't know how much of a savings a value would be -- I know you got great discounts, etc. BUT as someone said, Disney vs. NO Disney... Do you normally get Park hoppers? Maybe stick with basic txt for less? However, I guess there is also something to be said for doing Disney the way you want and had expected to, vs compromising. There are different ways to look at it. Seems to me though, your kids seem to just want to be there because they love it. And if this is the case, then cutting a few corners still gets them what they are most excited by.

Whatever you decide, it will be the best for you, and we will be here to talk about it with you.


PS. I love the bag, and I bought a CC Green make up bag for my CC Mailbag, too! Joan Jett eyeliner.. gotta love it.

 

[yinyanggirls]

Oh no! Not the kind of news I came here to read! I'm so sorry these things keep happening. I had big plans for extra money coming our way before the trip (tax refund?, refi our house? a raise?) but none of them seem to be panning out. But we're not losing money like you guys are. That just stinks so bad, I have nothing I can possibly say to chear you up. Maybe SOMEONE is testing you to see if you can keep your faith and your good spirits. And the reward will come! I hope things start looking up soon!

 

[MeMom]

Happy Friday, teacher friend!

 

[micandminforever]

Have a good day. Count down for Spring Break can start.

 

[MHTeacher]

Oh, Jackie, I'm so sorry another wrench has been thrown into your Disney plans. Is staying at a value an option? Or is a trip totally out of the question for this year? Even though we haven't stayed at a value in nine years, sometimes, I'm tempted to get two rooms there just for the two bathrooms since I have two teenaged girls!

I'm sure something will work out to the best for you and your family. Hope your doggie is recovering, too!

 

[MEK]

CP:

I haven't been on the boards for awhile again. I keep taking these long breaks and now I come back to read your bad news posted several days ago. I don't think I can say anything that hasn't already been said. It's bad enough to lose that income, but the way the money was reallocated makes absolutely no sense to me.

Anyway - in your defense, I don't think you have brainwashed your kids. Any family vacation can be expensive. Personally, I think Disney vacations can be economica,l so I don't see a big difference in going there versus going to the beach. I do think that you get a lot more value for your dollar at Disney.

Anyway - your family deserves a family vacation and I truely believe that this is going to work out for you, even if you have to adjust your plans a bit. I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I really feel for you, CP. Things will work out how they are supposed. Disney is always going to be there and don't think of it as canceling but postponing...that is a much better way to look at thing.

I like your way of thinking, LL!

Oh man Jackie, that's just lousy that they did that to Charles! Poor Connor-I know my kids would be the exact same way. Hugs to all of you!

Thanks, Stace! Connor seems to be doing better with all of that -- we talked about some alternative trips in case we don't do Disney this year.

There is always Pop Century and the new renovated rooms. I am sure the kids would love it as long as it is Disney, and they have my favorite food court on site.

I do love the food court at Pop -- tie-dyed cheesecake calls to me! LOL!

I'm so sorry Jackie! I can't believe that they are changing Charles's pay after so many years. Ridiculous. And I am with LL -- if it comes to it, think of it as postponing and not canceling. I can't imagine how much harder it must be with Connor knowing.

On a lighter note, I adore your new pretties. I am so not a "pink" person, but I love that pattern!

Thanks, Meghan! I can't wait to use the new Vera stuff. We are still trying to figure out why it had to be changed -- completely ridiculous!

Thinking of you Jackie! You have time to think decide and do what is right for your family!

Thanks, Laura! With less than three months before our vacation dates, I am beginning to feel panicky, but I know it will all work out one way or another.

Oh man Jackie, that just stinks! It stinks that the school system just decided to change the rules at the end of the season like that, and really it stinks that the assistant coach is willing to accept head coach pay that she did not earn. I guess no one is going to turn down more money, but she has to know that is not right.

Keeping my figures crossed for you that everything works out

Thanks, Michelle. Well, the county did not change the rules at the end of the season -- we just weren't told until the end of the season. The assistant coach has not said one word about it to either of us which bothers me. Even an "I'm sorry about all of this" would be adequate in my eyes.

Would you be totally opposed to doing a value? I mean if it comes down to not going and going....

Also as far as budgeting for food....that could be looked at as well....

I am willing to do whatever it takes to get down there -- if I could just get our food budget down a bit, but I know we enjoy our table-service restaurants. We'll figure something out.

Well, phooey! Now I know what you meant about my "only if I need it budget" comment. I'm so sorry you're dealing with this struggle. I know that you will figure out a way to do it. It might be cheaper or shorter or later, but I'm sure you'll do it. I wish you luck and I'm hoping for the best!

I agree that it was not only bad timing but totally unfair the way they changed his salary. I can only imagine how you felt when Charles said that about Disney trips. Even just joking. It's got to be hard.

Hang in there Jackie!!! We're all here for you to vent, or bounce ideas off!

Thank you, Sheree! It has just not been our year financially, but I have to keep reminding myself that if it is only a vacation that gets sacrificed, we are pretty darn lucky.

Oh, Jackie! What a tough decision to have to make.

I'm sure you'll come to the right decision in the end, whatever that may be.

I do love your new Veras!

Hi, Julie! Thanks! Do you have a brand new darling baby yet?

What fun new bags! I can't wait to see the gift ones too.

I am so sorry for all that you've been going through this week. It makes me honored that you posted on my PTR! Not cool what happened to Charles's pay.

Thanks, Susan! The DIS is my escape in times of stress!

Did I miss something? Does Connor know about this planned trip now?

No, but the kids have always just assumed we would be going to Disney. When Charles said that about the pay, he was just talking in generalities.

I agree with the others. This can be postponed, and Disney will always be there. We've waited two years for our trip, so I know it can be done. If you have to postpone, the fact that you have to wait for it will make it even sweeter when you get to go. But if you still get to go, whether CBR or a Value resort, even better, and even sweeter. You will know how hard you both had to work to make it happen.

Either way, it will happen on its time. If you do have to postpone, there's probably something that will be either newly added or newly renovated. So think of it that way!

Hang in there, and keep us posted.

Oh, I know Disney will always be there, and it wouldn't be the end of the world if we took a year off -- just no other place sounds like it would be quite as much fun! Part of my desire to get down there this summer is that Main Street Electrical Parade. I really don't want to miss that.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Oh Jackie I am so so sorry, you guys just seem to be getting hit left and right. Completely unfair on the soccer and absolutely tear worthy.

You will regroup, you will adjust and whatever it is that does end up happening will be the right thing. It doesn't make it any easier in the moment though. Poor Conor. Poor you.



Your pretties are very pretty though and I hope Tabasco is doing better, vet bills are absolutely brutal and never planned for. Just breathe, take it a day at a time as you are doing and you will figure it out.

Thanks, Cynthia! I do feel like every time I turn around, the money is drying up. It has definitely been one thing after another. I think Tabasco is doing better -- the sores on his back seem to be drying up. Thank goodness. Hopefully, it won't entail any more procedures.

Oh Jackie, I'm so sorry that all of this is happening Changing Charles' pay at the end of the season is not fair and very shady. I hope your principal is able to do something.

As for Disney, I'm sure it'll all work out. You can always stay at Pop to cut costs. Those newly renovated rooms look great.

Since it is a decision from the county office, nothing will be done which is a shame. If we don't do Disney this year, there will be something almost as fun to do this summer, I am sure.

Oh no! The way the school system is handling this definitely doesn't sound right. And your poor pup with a skin infection. What is the saying? When it rains it pours? Oy. I hope things get better soon.

One day at a time is a good strategy. As others have said things will work out the way they are supposed to. In the meantime, I am crossing my fingers and toes for you too and thinking happy thoughts of Veras, birthdays and the Main Street Electrical parade... that has to bring some pixie dust your way!

Thanks, Christine! It has truly been a rainy season around here. I am hoping that pixie dust kicks in soon.

When it rains, it pours. The head coach stipend going to the teacher seems totally unfair. Has she said anything about it? If I were her and it wasn't my decision, I woulld have spoken up and said Charles should get it.

I really need to check out the mail bags. I like the size.

Thanks, Carissa! The teacher has not said anything about it -- that bothers me, too, because I know I would feel compelled to do so.

I haven't actually used the mailbag yet, but it looks like it will be the perfect park bag size for me.

Oh Jackie I'm sorry all of this is happening!!! However like many others have said, its all going to work out for the best I just know it!!!

BTW...love the Vera's what a gorgeous pattern! I have been thinking about getting a new pattern of saddle bag (my favorite purse so far LOL), but just thinking about it LOL!

Thanks, Jen! Have you seen the new summer prints that were released this week? Very pretty. I really like the coral one.

I'm so sorry Jackie! The whole situation just stinks!! Playing it day by day sounds like the way to get through this... is there any more to be said/done about the coaching stipend? Or is that just how it's going to be?

Thanks, Amy! Unfortunately, I don't think there is anything to be done since it was a county office decision and not a school decision. It was done to all the community coaches. I feel really bad about the boys' basketball coach (who is also a community coach). It meant a $1000 difference for him. At least ours wasn't nearly as drastic (but drastic enough).

That is really lousy to pull this at the end of the season! I'm glad you talked to your principal about it, that is just wrong!

I'm keeping the hope that a trip will materialize for you

Thanks, Katie! If the trip can't happen this year, I will just start planning the 2011 Christmas trip.

Well, CP, I'm right there with ya when it comes to vacation budget woes. I'm really pulling for you and hope you don't have to reschedule...


Kathy

Thanks, Kathy! I know vacations end up in the "luxury" column, but for me, I feel like they should be in the necessity column. I need them to retain my sanity.

So sorry to hear your bad news. I hope that you can still go on your Disney trip. Like others have mentioned, would you be willing to switch to a value? We ADORE Pop! It's so colorful, we love the food court and the busses are super (no sharing and no multiple stops around the resort).

Thank you! We have stayed at Pop before for a quick weekend trip and enjoyed it there! I just worry about the room size for our family of four. My daughter and all of her things takes up a lot of space.

I get why you want to go back to Disney for each vacation. Because in the end a vacation is about relaxing and for a lot of us it's the only place we can truely relax for a host of reasons. We know where everything is, we already know where to get a great burger/steak/dessert and about how much it's going to cost. We know how to get where we are going, where to park etc. Going to Disney takes the guess work out of going on vacation to a new city/state/country. This vacation decision will just depend on how much of that comfort you are willing to give up (because of $) and still want to go to Disney. Maybe that's a value resort or staying off site or chopping off days. Maybe it's not going at all if you can't do it the way you want this year.

Thanks, Heidi! You are so right about all the reasons we love Disney. I looked at some other places to vacation that we have never been before, and quite frankly, I ended up with a headache because I couldn't plan them the way I plan a Disney trip. (My freakish control nature was rearing its ugly head .) Your suggestion about taking away a day had me running numbers -- that is a possibility for sure).

 

[Charleston Princess]

I hope you can at least get a short trip away, even if you have to stay at a value. Pop is great! You can always visit the other places, like we do. You need and deserve the break. Get yourself a big jar of peanut butter, join me as a peanut butter pal, and start sketching out a value trip as a back-up.

Thank you, MeMom! I bought a big old jar of peanut butter at the grocery store the other night!

That really seems incredibly unfair. I don't know how you can contain yourself from letting someone hold it! I know how that feels. DH was done sooooo wrong at his last job and it was a daily struggle for me not to call his boss and tell him a thing or two. I really feel for you. Maybe he should take his coaching skills elsewhere. I'm sure there is another league that would love to have him. Maybe a city or county league would need a good coach. I hate to say it, but this is the type of thing you get when government is in charge!

Thanks, Rinky! The thing about Charles and soccer is that he would probably coach for free if it came down to it. That's how much he loves it. I am the one that seems most bothered by it.

My dad said the same thing about the government.

I agree with Memom though. Don't throw in the towel on it until you have considered a value resort. It may not be what you want, but I think it is better than no trip at all.

I agree -- a value would be just fine as long as we were at Disney. I really want CBR for Chelsea though.

And just an idea to throw out there................. I keep children afterschool and it is a really good way to make extra money for minimal time input. They are only here for 2 1/2 hours a day and it gives my DD someone to play with. I know the last thing that you want is to spend more time with other people's children after you have taught all day, but it's just a thought. I know of lots of people who just keep a few kids in the summer as well.

I did think of getting a part-time job this summer.

I hope things start to look up for you. It does seem that you have had more than your fair share of financial troubles lately. I'll say a special prayer for you that things will turn around and for everything you've lost, something better will take its place. That reminds of me of the saying that "sometimes God closes a door, and opens a window." Who knows what window might be opening up for you.

Thanks, Rinky!!!

Isn't it always the way that what we praise our kids for can end up coming back and biting us in the patoot?

I am learning not to jinx myself. LOL!

And thank you for enabling me on the darker Veras, as if I need to go down that road.

Did you see the new summer prints?

I'm sorry you have so much going on right now. I think that's particularly shabby to let Charles go through all that work and then tell him, essentially, hey pay cut. I'm sure it wouldn't have changed anythign for him, but it's still a poor way of handling things.

I agree 100%!

And you're not an Eeyore, you're a human being with feelings. It's okay to get upset when crappy stuff like that happens because when you put out good in the world, you generally expect to get good back. It just doesn't always work out that way. On a side note, I think one of the hardest things for me to get over, in life in general, is that people don't hold themselves to the same level of integrity that I do. That's a tough blow for an idealist.

Anyway, regardless of what you decide, it will be the right decision. I know you're worried about the money, but certainly there must be a way to continue with this trip and trim back. You've already dicussed that I think, so I know you can do it. And if it's just not comfortable to do so, you'll have a wonderful vacation somewhere else. (Don't lynch me)

Thank you, TK! I have two other ideas for possible vacations...

Jackie, so sorry that your having a rough time right now. Probably the best thing do do right now it to take a few steps away from the vacation plans and then go back to them in a few days with a clearer head. Where ever you go for your vacation, you'll be making memories as a family and that's all that really counts. One of my favorite vacations as a kid was one I took with my mom, brother, aunt and cousins to Wildwood, NJ. We were all crammed into one small studio room, eating things like PB&J for the week. Not our typical vacation at all, but the outlandishness of it was enough for us to remember it years later and we al have fond memories of being together that trip.

What a fun trip as a kid! I do think we will have a good time wherever we end up, and I just have to remember to we are lucky to be able to vacation at all right now!

How sneaky!! I think that is really unfair what they are doing to your DH. I am so sorry that you are going through this. Sometimes it takes a little time to know what you should do

Thanks! I feel like time is running out, but that's just my nature to want everything decided long beforehand.

Love the new bags!

I'm with everybody else...that's totally wrong what they did to Charles. I'm sorry you're having to deal with this. Financial worries are no fun.

Thanks, Jill! I keep trying to put it all in perspective. All of these financial stuff is just putting a damper on vacation plans -- that should make me thankful that it's not worse.

I pray that it all works out! I know it will. There's always Pop if it came down to it!

Thank you, Cass! Values are always a possibility if need be!

Awww Jackie, I never understood why unjust things happen to good people That's extremely unfair that the school is doing that to Charles

I see a few people have mentioned staying at Pop...that's where we'll be and have heard nothing but good things about it there! Plus, they're refubishing all the rooms as we speak. Tinkgurl just got back and she loved it! Something to consider to save some $$!

That's right -- you and Chris will be there, too, if we end up at Pop! That would be fun and we love Petals!

You've got tons of advice from everyone and I doubt I could add anything wise to it. So instead I'm sending you my sympathies with a big hug and some chocolate to dip into that peanut butter jar from MeMom.

Thanks, Diamond! Chocolate is always a good thing, and it's even better paired with peanut butter! LOL!

Jackie- so sorry. It is unbelieveable that they are able to get away with just swapping salaries I like that you are waiting to make a decision.

Is there another place to vacation besides Disney?

Thanks, Deb! Yes, we have two other places we are looking at -- I know we will have fun no matter where we end up!

Love the Vera. I keep looking at the new Sitting in a Tree and Totally Turq, but today I saw the new summer prints - like I wasn't already having a hard enough time deciding!
Deb

I love that new coral color!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Oh Jackie It just does not seem right that he is the one coaching & she is going to get the pay for it. I would have a hard time biting my tongue on that one!! But then again the older I get the more I have a hard time with biting my tongue I so hope things work out & like you said just take it one day at a time for now.

I love your new purchases!!

I hope your dog is doing ok. We love our pet but those bills can be high

Hang in there!!

Thanks, Doreen! I would have a better time if Charles' pay had been cut, but to have it switched like that really bugs me.

Tabasco is doing better. He likes his turkey wrapped antibiotic twice a day.

Oh Jackie, that totally stinks about the pay cut for Charles....
Is changing to a value resort even an option at this point?

Honestly I hope the plans get to go on as before but time will tell on that!

I know that you are wanting to go for Chelsea's birthday but what if you were to go earlier before the 10th of June, wouldn't that be less expensive as well?
Just a thought....
Plus you know me, always plotting to get you down there when we will be there.

Thanks, Anita! I did run the numbers, but going earlier wouldn't really save us any money. I do hope we end up at Disney this summer, but if not, then I will just throw myself into planning for our 2011 Christmas trip. I have lots of time to save for that!

I'm with MeMom you DESERVE a break! This is just such sad news and I really hope you will end up going.....you can stay at Pop but still keep all of your other plans....will that work? I know you can figure out a way. You just have too......I was so misty when you mentioned Conner Oh Jackie
Peanut butter goes really good with Nutella
How is Tabasco doing?

Tracy

Thanks, Tracy! Connor tears really did me in, but he seems happy with the alternate plans we have mentioned.

Tabasco is doing better. The sores on his back are healing slowly, but they are still gross to look at.

I'm sorry, sometimes being an adult sucks!

That's so true!

Big Jackie! I think it is very unfair they way they treated Charles. I am glad you were able to talk to your principal about it. I really hope things start to look up and the trip can go on!

Thanks, Mary! I am hoping we still end up at Disney this summer, but if not, I know we will have a good vacation elsewhere.

i really hope it works out for you guys to go.

i can't believe the switched those soccer stipends! you'd think they're REWARD a coach who's doing a good job instead of taking something away. i could see if they were cutting salaries to save on the budget but to SWITCH them? that's just not fair.

Thanks, Dawn! I agree that the switching is the worst part. I would so understand if his pay was just cut because of all the budget woes in the state, but the switching makes absolutely no sense to me.

How terribly unfair for Charles! Ugh, I'm so sorry about all of this. You'll figure it out though, I'm sure! I agree with some of the others - would you consider a value?

Thanks! I would consider a park bench at this point.

I guess I am late to the party, but I really enjoyed your last TR so I'm glad to be here now!

Glad to have you here!!!

I'm sorry all this negative stuff is going on right now, but I hope that means you are due for LOTS of positive things happening!!! I am a very positive, hopeful person, so I have not given up on your trip yet....don't you either!!!

LOVE THE VERAS!!!!

Thank you, Jen. I am not giving up hope yet, I promise! Aren't the Veras just beautiful? Although, had I known what was about to happen, I would have saved the money. Oh well. Hindsight and all that.

So sorry that you are being thrown these curve balls. Keep your chin up.
P.S. I'm sending you some pixie dust from Charleston...keep your eye out for it!

Charleston pixie dust is the most powerful, so thanks for sending it my way! Chelsea told me the other day that she would really like a trip to Charleston and would want to do all the things I used to do as a kid. Don't know if she realizes it would entail going to Northwoods Mall and the beach. Now, if she wanted to do all the touristy stuff, now that could be fun.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I had to make a quick trip to Florida last week & just got caught up. Jackie, I'm so sorry that things are getting so screwed up. Especially for Charles, that stinks!
We are all pulling for you, it will get better in some way.

Thanks! I know it will get better -- a vacation of any sort will be fun!

Hi Jackie! Just found your report, and got all caught up on your updates. Shame on them for being so underhanded with your husband's coaching situation.

I'm hoping that everything works out for you to be able to take the trip you wanted.

Thanks for reading along! We have been very lucky with our trips the past few years, so I can't be too upset about it all.

Oh Jackie...so sorry to hear the bad news. Hoping things turn around for you soon!!!

Thanks! I am hoping, too!

There may be a better example of 12 year old thinking than telling your TEACHER/parent you didn't know about a final, but I can't think of it.
How is it, having your kid as a student, both my parents were teachers, but not in my district.

Doesn't that just illustrate a true seventh-graders mindset? LOL!

Most of the time it is fine having her in my room except when she flakes.

I am very upset for you. Families count on income. To take that away with no notice is wrong. I would have cried too. I hope that you can still somehow take your trip. Maybe a shorter, budget trip but still a Disney vacation that you deserve Jackie. And if I win that lottery like I am planning, keep an eye on your mail for a check!

Thanks, Kelli! A shorter trip is one of the options that we are looking at -- I am so glad that we live close enough to drive so I wouldn't feel like it is a waste of travel expenses.

CP...I am so sorry....when it rains it pours huh? here's some pixiedust for hoping the trip happens!

Thanks, Julie! I am still taking it one day at a time. I have until June 3rd to make the final payment so that helps.

Oh no Jackie! I haven't been on Dis for a very long time and am trying to catch up! I just read your last post! I'm so, so sorry! I hope you can still make the trip work! I'll be thinking of you!

Thanks! I know we will find someplace fun to go even if we have to postpone Disney for awhile.

Hey Jackie, this does indeed bite. What a drag that the school system pulls that. Did he have a contract that he signs? Seems rather underhanded and to not be informed, seems unfair somehow... I am also embarassed for that assistant coach, if that teacher was not involved to the same degree, they should step up or speak up, or take care of it themselves... But despite these musings, I do feel for you guys. It is hard to swallow the rug being pulled out like that.

Thanks, HD! Unfortunately since Charles is a community coach, he did not have a contract that he signs. I am a little shocked the assistant coach hasn't said anything. I know I would feel compelled to speak up if it had been me. No way would I feel that what I do justifies the extra money in comparison to what the head coach has to do on a daily basis. The surprise factor of it was the worst part of it all. Had we known back in January before the season even started would have made it a little easier to adjust to.

So now to what others have suggested. I don't know how much of a savings a value would be -- I know you got great discounts, etc. BUT as someone said, Disney vs. NO Disney... Do you normally get Park hoppers? Maybe stick with basic txt for less? However, I guess there is also something to be said for doing Disney the way you want and had expected to, vs compromising. There are different ways to look at it. Seems to me though, your kids seem to just want to be there because they love it. And if this is the case, then cutting a few corners still gets them what they are most excited by.

Whatever you decide, it will be the best for you, and we will be here to talk about it with you.

I have played around with the idea of a value or ditching the dining plan or taking a day off the trip. Not sure how I feel about any of those, really. I think I like the dropping of a day the most. We always go with basic tickets these days -- we never seem to park hop enough. Charles and I have also talked about going to New Orleans or Hilton Head instead. After our adults-only New Orleans trip in 2004, I said I wanted to take the kids when they were older. Well, now they are older, and after watching The Princess and the Frog, I know they would get a kick out of seeing the real deal. Although Connor has expressed concern about meeting up with the Shadow Man (Dr. Facilier) , but he did say he wanted to take a swamp tour. To know Connor is to find that hilarious! On the Hilton Head side, we would want to stay at the Disney resort there -- they do have cash rooms available, but their summer prices are INSANE. Anyway, we have lots of things we are batting around.

PS. I love the bag, and I bought a CC Green make up bag for my CC Mailbag, too! Joan Jett eyeliner.. gotta love it.

Chelsea is a hoot about her make-up. She made a B on an assignment this week and per her new "lifestyle changes," she doesn't get her cell phone or computer this weekend. She is also not supposed to be able to have any social engagements, but since she was invited to a birthday party this weekend, I told her she could go -- we had already RSVPed and I know parents buy food, etc. based on that. Anyway, she pitched a royal fit about that until Charles said, "Well, you could not wear make-up all next week." She was quiet after that.

Oh no! Not the kind of news I came here to read! I'm so sorry these things keep happening. I had big plans for extra money coming our way before the trip (tax refund?, refi our house? a raise?) but none of them seem to be panning out. But we're not losing money like you guys are. That just stinks so bad, I have nothing I can possibly say to chear you up. Maybe SOMEONE is testing you to see if you can keep your faith and your good spirits. And the reward will come! I hope things start looking up soon!

Thank you! I hope Someone is just testing and not telling me that we don't need the trip!

Happy Friday, teacher friend!

Happy Saturday to you, my teacher friend!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Have a good day. Count down for Spring Break can start.

Five more school days!!!

Oh, Jackie, I'm so sorry another wrench has been thrown into your Disney plans. Is staying at a value an option? Or is a trip totally out of the question for this year? Even though we haven't stayed at a value in nine years, sometimes, I'm tempted to get two rooms there just for the two bathrooms since I have two teenaged girls!

I'm sure something will work out to the best for you and your family. Hope your doggie is recovering, too!

Thanks, Michelle! We'll still have a trip -- it's just a question of what kind of trip we will be taking. Tabasco is doing better. Hopefully, that crisis has been averted for now.

CP:

I haven't been on the boards for awhile again. I keep taking these long breaks and now I come back to read your bad news posted several days ago. I don't think I can say anything that hasn't already been said. It's bad enough to lose that income, but the way the money was reallocated makes absolutely no sense to me.

Anyway - in your defense, I don't think you have brainwashed your kids. Any family vacation can be expensive. Personally, I think Disney vacations can be economica,l so I don't see a big difference in going there versus going to the beach. I do think that you get a lot more value for your dollar at Disney.

Anyway - your family deserves a family vacation and I truely believe that this is going to work out for you, even if you have to adjust your plans a bit. I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed.

Hi, Mary Ellen!!! Thanks! Pricing out trips, I have noticed that almost everything is on par or more expensive than Disney. The only one that is truly cheaper seems to be the New Orleans one, and that's because the hotel rooms are so substantially discounted for the summer months. The place Charles and I stayed in 2004 right in the French Quarter has the best prices -- it would only be $380.00 for four nights. That's a hard price to beat.

 

[Happydog]

Hey! Seems like you have been doing some crunching, so I am sure you will make it work... I am sure regardless, it will be a great CP trip! Now, do you think you would change your dates at all? I wasn't sure if these other discounts they are sending around might help any...

Looking forward to hearing more

 

[stace208]

CP, I think I am right when I say you are on the same spring break schedule as me so I am here with a 5 school days left dance!

 

[lori1043]

Jackie- hey, my friend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are finally moved. We are in Clermont, Florida. There are 25.4 miles from my door to that wonderful entrance sign welcoming us to WDW.

We haven't been able to get our AP's yet, so we are bummed- B/t Uncle Sam and the Powers that be saying, "wait", we haven't been able to swing it yet.

We joined a Disneyschooling homeschool group here, but only can do half of thier planned activities b/c half are in the parks and half are not. We are looking forward to getting those Florida resident AP's though. Someone blessed us with 1 day PH's and we joined the group to Disneyschoolers homeschool day in MK about a month ago. It was wonderful.

I read your update and sometimes it just isn't meant to be, but I sure hope it works out. If you recall, we had a trip kinda like that last year and we held on to the ressies and it did work out in the end............if only we KNEW we were moving here! We would've saved the money for AP's and such! owell, hindsight is 20/20, as they say.

Just wanted to say hello and let you know we are moved and somewhat settled after a crazy roller coaster ride of a 2009. Layoffs and getting a job and the possibility of Orlando or Houston-planning on Houston since Orlando originally was taken- and then re-opened. Then offered and taken. It was crazy.

Lori

 

[kcandbella]

Just read your news and wanted to say that it is really unfair that they did that. I am also a teacher and things in our state budget are not good so we are getting a lot of cuts, too, so I totally understand how stressful it is. Just wanted to say I hope everything works out for you!