Waited forever to go --- arriving August 2013!!!

[OregonMomToWDW]

We are at 23 days to go. We are all getting pretty excited. Yesterday, the packing cubes came, so now with 2 sets per person, we are ready to start packing. Well, not really, because we are still wearing our clothes, but we could pack now.

I was reading D's PTR and realized I need to buy some Scotch Guard to protect my bag and wallets I ordered. I wouldn't have thought of that myself.

Jacob and I were talking today. I am a bit stressed because my kids want to pin trade, press pennies and get character autographs. I imagine they want to ride some rides and eat too. Not sure how we are going to do it all. I printed off the pressed penny map and checklist. There are a ton of them. I was surprised not a single one for BC. POR has 5 penny machines. Anyway, I was asking Jacob if he was really going to get autographs this year. I was thinking he would think he was too old. The look on his face was how I would picture him looking if I shot his puppy. So, I guess he is going to be doing autographs. I asked him about the penny press and he was just as determined to do that. So, besides taking tons of pins to trade, I need a bag of pennies and quarters and autograph books. I have been putting pennies aside (pre-1982 because I read they are best for the penny presses). Now, we will have to clean them soon. We used crest toothpaste as kids to clean them, but I have read vinegar and salt work too. The things I do for happy kids.

Although Marissa is still quite upset that I can't sew like D~. She saw the latest bag that she made for her daughter and Marissa feels that I am just not living up to her ideals. There is a sewing / quilting camp next week. She better be nice or she will find herself enrolled and she can be the one locked up in the sewing room (which we don't have) for hours.

Anyway, I should get some work done today, since it is employee appreciation day.

 

[OregonMomToWDW]

Thanks to the August FB group, I have a lunch reservation at BOG. I know there are some people that don't think it is legit, because they say you have to be invited, but then the same thing happened with magicbands. People were able to select them and even received them, before they got an invitation. We went ahead and did the FP with the meal pre-ordered. I was trying to figure out which day to do it, since I have 2 MK days planned. One is our first full day there (higher crowd prediction) and the other is on the a low crowd prediction day. So, I decided that the lines for the QS on the lowest crowd prediction day would be more manageable, so I went with our first MK day. Our first time selections weren't great. They were 10:50-11:05 (arrival time), 1:45-2:00, and 2:45-3:00. I chose the 1:45. Then I selected all the meals. I got to the confirmation page. Then I closed out. I had done that on the smart phone. I went to my computer and got back to the site. I then said modify and it gave me a better option of 12:45. So I grabbed it. I then had to reselect the food items. Wasn't that thrilled with that, but glad we will get to try BOG without having to wait in line. Plus, with the food pre-ordered, we shouldn't have to wait long for the food. Jacob wasn't thrilled with the food selections, so he is going to try the pork. Marissa and I are trying the grilled ham and cheese sandwich and Chelsea is having the turkey sandwich with fries (kids menu). I then went and read the FAQ section on the site. It said you don't need a magicband because this test is separate from that one. You just go up to the CM at the podium and tell them the name it would be under. I didn't see the FAQ section when I was on the smart phone, so was glad I got to read them on the website on the computer.

Nothing else on the planning so far today. 3 weeks from today, we will be headed to Portland for the night to catch our very early flight the next morning. Coming up fast.

 

[OregonMomToWDW]

17 days until we are in WDW. Why does that put fear in my heart? I could not sleep last night. Had all this stuff I have to get done for Jacob going to college and with this trip, I am just frazzled feeling.

Well, the no child support is putting a dent in the planning. If I spend what I had planned, then no school supplies, clothes or school fees for the kids. I went through and made my spending plans for the next three months (without child support). So, I had to have a talk with the kids on Friday. If we keep our ADRs, we won't have any left for souvenirs. Well Jacob and Marissa, wanted the food. Chelsea wanted souvenirs. So, we selected 3 ADRs that will be cancelled if the child support issue doesn't get worked out before the trip. They are Biergarten, Cape May Breakfast, and Park Fare. I am going to try my best to keep Park Fare because that was Marissa's must do selection.

No more eating out. It amazed Marissa at how many dishes we go through with eating all meals at home. I felt chained to the kitchen all weekend. Just as I finished one meal and cleanup, it was time to think about the next meal. I planned out the meals and did my grocery shopping. One of the 'Just for U" discounts at Safeway didn't work, so I had to go back and get the $5 from customer service. I was able to come $30 under budget, so that goes toward trip. Everything we don't spend on trip will go toward school clothing. Marissa told me how glad she was to see me using the cash envelopes again. She said it made her feel safe. Hmmm. Did not know that. I know I have spent way too much from eating out the last few months, so I am sort of glad too.

I got a $10 reward from Kohls. So, we went in to try to find something for $10. Marissa found some socks that were $10. So, we went to pay and free socks. Then I mentioned that I had some Kohls cash that expired less than a week ago and I was bummed that I didn't get to use it. The cashier said they would still honor it. I had $40 worth. Well, Marissa was wanting a big purse that she would use for school instead of a backpack. She finally found one that was on sale for $41.40, originally $69. With the $40 of Kohl's cash, she got it for $1.40. One school thing down. We got her backpack that she had been using before her Freshman year, so it lasted 3 years. So, we were very happy with Kohl's.

We went to see Despicable Me 2 this weekend. We went to the $4 matinee and I had $15.50 left on 2 giftcards, so it cost the 4 of us $0.50. It was ok. We thought the 1st one was better, but it was still good. I had taken the girls to see Monsters U when Jacob was in Texas, so he didn't get to see it and he is a bit mad. It is no longer in the theater here, so I am hoping it goes to the $1.75 theater before the trip.

We cleaned our pennies this weekend for the penny press machines. We are getting closer to being ready to go. The excitement level is crazy in the house. I love it.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Yeah for Kohls and them honoring that discount especailly yeah for the quick thinking and doing the BOG test ADR No worries with it a lot of posters on the Dis have done it and have reported it worked fine The food there is fantastic I don't think you can go wrong with any selection

Sorry you are having financial issues, I was too up through this weekend ( was holding my breath since rent was due the 1st and I had none of it...long story not for your ptr) Things worked out for me thank God and I will continue to pray things work for you and your precious family

You will be here VERY soon Can't wait to meet you all !!

Ruthie

 

[Denovagirl]

17 days until we are in WDW. Why does that put fear in my heart? I could not sleep last night. Had all this stuff I have to get done for Jacob going to college and with this trip, I am just frazzled feeling.

Well, the no child support is putting a dent in the planning. If I spend what I had planned, then no school supplies, clothes or school fees for the kids. I went through and made my spending plans for the next three months (without child support). So, I had to have a talk with the kids on Friday. If we keep our ADRs, we won't have any left for souvenirs. Well Jacob and Marissa, wanted the food. Chelsea wanted souvenirs. So, we selected 3 ADRs that will be cancelled if the child support issue doesn't get worked out before the trip. They are Biergarten, Cape May Breakfast, and Park Fare. I am going to try my best to keep Park Fare because that was Marissa's must do selection.

No more eating out. It amazed Marissa at how many dishes we go through with eating all meals at home. I felt chained to the kitchen all weekend. Just as I finished one meal and cleanup, it was time to think about the next meal. I planned out the meals and did my grocery shopping. One of the 'Just for U" discounts at Safeway didn't work, so I had to go back and get the $5 from customer service. I was able to come $30 under budget, so that goes toward trip. Everything we don't spend on trip will go toward school clothing. Marissa told me how glad she was to see me using the cash envelopes again. She said it made her feel safe. Hmmm. Did not know that. I know I have spent way too much from eating out the last few months, so I am sort of glad too.

I got a $10 reward from Kohls. So, we went in to try to find something for $10. Marissa found some socks that were $10. So, we went to pay and free socks. Then I mentioned that I had some Kohls cash that expired less than a week ago and I was bummed that I didn't get to use it. The cashier said they would still honor it. I had $40 worth. Well, Marissa was wanting a big purse that she would use for school instead of a backpack. She finally found one that was on sale for $41.40, originally $69. With the $40 of Kohl's cash, she got it for $1.40. One school thing down. We got her backpack that she had been using before her Freshman year, so it lasted 3 years. So, we were very happy with Kohl's.

We went to see Despicable Me 2 this weekend. We went to the $4 matinee and I had $15.50 left on 2 giftcards, so it cost the 4 of us $0.50. It was ok. We thought the 1st one was better, but it was still good. I had taken the girls to see Monsters U when Jacob was in Texas, so he didn't get to see it and he is a bit mad. It is no longer in the theater here, so I am hoping it goes to the $1.75 theater before the trip.

We cleaned our pennies this weekend for the penny press machines. We are getting closer to being ready to go. The excitement level is crazy in the house. I love it.

Woo for discounts and coupons! All the planning and saving will pay off soon!

 

[OregonMomToWDW]

Work is crazy. Life is crazy but I am going to Disney World in 16 days so everything is fine. I put a hold request on my mail for vacation time. Things are getting closer. So excited.

 

[OregonMomToWDW]

We have 10 days to go. I feel like I should be doing somthing, but I don't know what. I can't pack because the kids still need clothes. Everything is pretty much planned. Just waiting is making me nervous. I feel like I must be forgetting something. Plus, it is the first time I have ever taken the kids on a plane. Jacob and Marissa have flown before but never with me. I think I have well researched, but I am realizing there is still so much I don't know. I have never been there.

Marissa really wanted to see Trek in the Park. It is a free performance and they theater group was doing an episode from Star Trek. It was the Trouble with Tribbles episode. I had never been to this park and we tried to mapquest. We gave up and Marissa pulled out her phone. We then had the man on the phone (navigation app) direct us. She chose a British accent. She named him Oliver. So, Oliver gave us perfect directions and we made it without too much difficulty. I am excited to have Oliver help us find our hotel in Portland next week.

Jacob and Marissa fly to Arizona on Friday. They have some Yellow Ribbon thing to attend because their Dad is being deployed soon.

Our work is switching us from paper time keeping to a computer based time keeping system. So, I had to rerequest the time off in the computer. My boss approved it the first time, but this time, I haven't had a response. Sort of making me nervous.

We might go get school supplies after I get off work tonight. I saved enough at the grocery store this wee that I should be able to cover the school supplies.

That is it for now.

 

[OregonMomToWDW]

Single Digit dance today!!!

I tried to go through the box last night. Too much stuff right now. My vacation got officially approved in the new timekeeping system. I also saw that on MDE they are now showing only 1 set of tickets per person and it is for the 8 day park hoppers. I am so glad that is finally showing up correctly.

Jacob and Marissa leave for Scottsdale, AZ on Friday and will be back late Sunday. So, Chelsea and I had better get most of our stuff packed. I would pack for Jacob and Marissa but they need their clothes. Although Marissa would be ok in only wearing pjs all next week. Jacob has a couple of pairs of shorts that I hate, so I could pack everything else and leave those for him to wear. Then I would only have to wash and pack what they are taking to AZ.

Things I need to do:
Color Marissa's hair
Pack
School supply shopping (if I don't do it now, there won't be anymore supplies by labor day).
Chelsea wants a haircut
I need to find a baseball cap to wear. Everyone else has a hat.
Get the passport or military ID for Jacob


I have to get back to work. Tinkerbell is almost touching that star. So close.

 

[Denovagirl]

We have 10 days to go. I feel like I should be doing somthing, but I don't know what. I can't pack because the kids still need clothes. Everything is pretty much planned. Just waiting is making me nervous. I feel like I must be forgetting something. Plus, it is the first time I have ever taken the kids on a plane. Jacob and Marissa have flown before but never with me. I think I have well researched, but I am realizing there is still so much I don't know. I have never been there.

Marissa really wanted to see Trek in the Park. It is a free performance and they theater group was doing an episode from Star Trek. It was the Trouble with Tribbles episode. I had never been to this park and we tried to mapquest. We gave up and Marissa pulled out her phone. We then had the man on the phone (navigation app) direct us. She chose a British accent. She named him Oliver. So, Oliver gave us perfect directions and we made it without too much difficulty. I am excited to have Oliver help us find our hotel in Portland next week.

Jacob and Marissa fly to Arizona on Friday. They have some Yellow Ribbon thing to attend because their Dad is being deployed soon.

Our work is switching us from paper time keeping to a computer based time keeping system. So, I had to rerequest the time off in the computer. My boss approved it the first time, but this time, I haven't had a response. Sort of making me nervous.

We might go get school supplies after I get off work tonight. I saved enough at the grocery store this wee that I should be able to cover the school supplies.

That is it for now.

I know how you feel with having nothing to do! I have started packing but some clothes we still need so I'm in that boat too. I wish I had something to make the days go faster!! Ahh!

 

[LB1122]

AHHH you must be so excited and overwhelmed at the same time. It is going to be a wonderful trip for all of you.

I was happy Kohl's let you use the bonus cash...I always seem to forget I have mine until too late but they are often pretty great there.

Make sure you have quarters ready for the penny press. It is 50 cents a penny I think. I had never done this before but we found it last visit and daughter says we must have them. I told her it was on her piggy bank not mine. She has one just for the trip so now she is saving.

DEEP breathes...you are super close. ENJOY!!!!

 

[DMGeurts]

Just stopping by to say hello!!!!!!!!!!! Your trip is soooo close!!!!!!!!!! I hope you are able to get everything done in time... Looking forward to meeting up!

D~

 

[OregonMomToWDW]

AHHH you must be so excited and overwhelmed at the same time. It is going to be a wonderful trip for all of you.

I was happy Kohl's let you use the bonus cash...I always seem to forget I have mine until too late but they are often pretty great there.

Make sure you have quarters ready for the penny press. It is 50 cents a penny I think. I had never done this before but we found it last visit and daughter says we must have them. I told her it was on her piggy bank not mine. She has one just for the trip so now she is saving.

DEEP breathes...you are super close. ENJOY!!!!

We have been saving our quarters for months now so I am hoping we have enough. Have a great trip.

 

[OregonMomToWDW]

Just stopping by to say hello!!!!!!!!!!! Your trip is soooo close!!!!!!!!!! I hope you are able to get everything done in time... Looking forward to meeting up!

D~

Hello! I am excited that the trip is so close. I woke up with a cold today so I will be trying to get laundry and packing going today. Can't wait to meet you. So soon.

 

[DMGeurts]

Hello! I am excited that the trip is so close. I woke up with a cold today so I will be trying to get laundry and packing going today. Can't wait to meet you. So soon.

Oh no!!! Feel better - No sickness on vacation! LOL

D~

 

[OregonMomToWDW]

Took Nyquil last night and woke up feeling all better. Yay! Yesterday, I did laundry and got all the suitcases together. I put the Magical Express tags on. I was going through my Disney box and couldn't find my Drypak wallet that I was going to take to the waterparks. It was one of the first things I bought. So ordered another from Amazon (along with left-handed scissors for Chelsea). It is supposed to arrive Wednesday. Yes, that is the day we leave. Hopefully it arrives before I get off work.

We also did school supply shopping. We went to Target so I could get the last of the giftcards. I also needed scotch guard but they didn't have it. This year's school supply that doesn't exist are the 2 red FINE felt tip pens. I seriously think the teacher that puts an item on the list should be required to see if it is available. Target had medium not fine. Stsples had medium not fine. Walmart did have them but in a pack with 7 other colors for 8 bucks. So to get the 2 needed I would have to spend 16? No way. Rite aid didn't have. 4 stores and countless stores later we are still missing that. Also scotch guard cannot be found. Their website said it wad carried at Target and Wal-Mart but I couldn't find it. I asked and they kept directing me to static guard. That wasn't what I wanted. So today I will check at Joann's. I want to do my park bag and wallets and Chelsea's new backpack.

Anyway, I promised myself I would have my packing and chelsea's packing done today. I better get a move on today.

 

[OregonMomToWDW]

Just another little school supply pet peeve. Why do I need to provide 48 pencils? There aren't that many weeks in school. I used th get upset when marissa would brag that she kept the same pencil for months and it was down to a nub. I started telling her that I bought 48 to go in to the classroom stock and she had better get a new one each week. So I tell Chelsea that too. It really upset me when I went to parent teacher conference once and they had thousands of pencils. The teacher said she didn't know why the school kept putting that on the list because it would take her years to go through the ones they had.

 

[OregonMomToWDW]

We are leaving this week!!! It is so hard to contain the excitement I feel. While Jacob and Marissa were off in Arizona, Chelsea and I started packing. I think we have us mostly packed except for my everyday supplies, like makeup and toothbrush. We started out early yesterday to try to find Scotch Guard. We had looked at a couple of stores on Saturday and had no luck. So, I decided to try Fred Meyers and they had it. I also bought myself a baseball cap to wear and some of those dry wik socks.

Chelsea then wanted to make cookies, so I figured might as well. So, we made some snickerdoodles (mainly because they are the quickest, easiest cookie with the least amount of ingredients). While I was doing that, I also opened the Brita water filter bottles and made sure that I filled them each with water and squeezed them out. Didn't want to forget and have one of the kids get a mouthfull of that lovely black water.

We scotch guarded Chelsea's back pack and the park bag and wallets. I put my order in for Garden Grocer this morning. I will still need to help the older two kids pack tonight. I would like to get the car washed, but maybe I could make the kids do that after work today. I am going to have to print off my packing lists to make sure I remember everything.

The kids sort of had a rough day yesterday with their flights, so not sure if they are thrilled to be flying again. For some reason, they had 2 connections in their flight. Arizona to Seattle to Portland to Eugene. They made it to Seattle. Their 7pm flight was delayed till 7:50pm. When they went to check on whether or not they would make their connecting flight, they were told that they wouldn't be making the connecting flight because they decided to cancel the delayed flight. So, they were able to get an 11pm flight from Seattle to Eugene. They got home a little after midnight. I am hoping all the legs of our trip go well.

Well, I should get some work done. 3 more days!!!!!!!!

 

[OregonMomToWDW]

It is almost vacation time. I have recorded my extended absence message and have an "out of office" message set up for Outlook. I tidied my desk. Now, I can go home and grab the kids and suitcases and put the garbage out. Then after fueling my minivan, it is off to Portland for the night and then very early tomorrow, we will be headed to airport. I cannot believe it is finally here.

 

[Luvchefmic]

It is almost vacation time. I have recorded my extended absence message and have an "out of office" message set up for Outlook. I tidied my desk. Now, I can go home and grab the kids and suitcases and put the garbage out. Then after fueling my minivan, it is off to Portland for the night and then very early tomorrow, we will be headed to airport. I cannot believe it is finally here.

Hope you are having a great time We never did exchange phone numbers not sure if you did with anyone else re-DisMeets Not even sure you'll see this while down here since no post in 3 days..But none of that is really important ..Hope you & your kids are having a wonderful time

 

[OregonMomToWDW]

We are having a blast. The rain is something else though.