Westbound Repo Ship of Thieves-Remember the Magic!

[Belle Beast]

What day of the week will it be? Sundays are busy because everyone is coming home. Other than Sunday, it should be 70 miles per hour or faster if you dare, unless there is construction or something going on. Once you get closer to Anaheim the traffic is almost always bad. That's just how we live.

The bathrooms will be on signs for a few miles before you get to them. Right before you pass them it will tell you how many miles until the next place you can eat or go to the bathroom or get gas. When the kids were that young, we stopped a lot. Now we bring snacks and drinks and when we get to a sign that says "Next bathroom 30 miles" we ask them if they would need to go in the next 30 minutes. It is a boring drive but depending on what time it is, the young one may sleep.

We are flying into Vegas Aug 14th (Thursday) arriving at 12:30 their time. The plan is to spend some time at the Hoover Dam and maybe drive around Vegas a little to see the sights and then drive to Anaheim.

We would like to arrive at the DL Hotel around 9:00 so we figured we must leave Vegas by around 5:00 PM.

 

[lillygator]

ugh, I have a vent....a long one but maybe you guys can offer some advice.

My mom came to Samantha's graduation on Saturday and immediately said oh I can take the girls for the night and then said it again in front of the girls, which of course, I would prefer her asking us privately first. I don't know why she got the impression that she was going to take them anywhere she had never mentioned it before. Dh and I both said no. She lives an 1 1/2 away and neither of us are comfortable with her driving them on I4 and I75. Of course she left in a huff and I was already a bit angry as the girls would not get up and we were the last ones to arrive.

So she stops by last night and I already knew what was up because of course she goes home and tells my sister everything who then said something to me. She said she was taking time off next week and could she take the girls somewhere. I said I would have to talk to DH, etc, she immediately gets an attitude and says, so what, it is me, I just can't take them.

I am over it. If she lived in town it would be fine, I really don't want the girls at her house, as she and her husband want to get divorced but won't until they sell their house. So it doesn't make for nice environment if things get heated or he tells her what to do, etc.

There are also other factors. She and my sister are so darn secretive about tings and they discuss absolutely everything. Growing up when I was around my mom I was on eggshells all the time as to how her mood would be. I still am constantly worried about her feelings and she gets pissed off at the tiniest of things. I don't think she would be that way too much but I really don't want to chance it.

I was talking to my sister, but now she hung up on me, whatever. She is now saying mom only took the job here because of the girls. Well, I don't think that is fair to lay on me. If she wanted to be here, she would have moved or rented a place already.

She is more than welcome to come over and visit the girls whenever. I just don't know what to do. I am so sick of all the secrets and who told whom what. It's to the point where my Grandma will ask "should I tell your mom I phoned you?" as mom gets mad if we talk sometimes. It's ridiculous.

I just don't know what to do or say anymore. Nothing is right with her.

 

[taysmom]

Steph - are you watching the Mole?

no, i just tivo'd In plain sight on USA..haven't watched yet. Summer is my time to catch up on DVD's and eat too much!

 

[fourmcds]

We're still not recovered from our 22 days of pure heaven. Think we still have a couple of suitcases left to unpack and 3 huge mounds of laundry (and we did it on board ship and at HoJos....)

I am sorry we did not meet more of you on the cruise, we sure saw a lot of the lanyards around..

Highlights....Panama canal day, Liam's Oceaneer lab Talent show (he was the opening act) and those afternoons in the Cove Cafe with Nancy

Low Lights......always running into Scooter Lady as she rammed her way into the front of every line we were in (literally....and then discovering that she could get around just fine without it, as evidenced by her shopping prowness on two feet), the cliff divers excursion at Acapulco...too hot and far too long

Wonder if this was the same Scooter Lady Bubba had such love for as well! From the sounds of it she was a piece of work......

 

[fourmcds]

Skimmed lots of posts this am....let's test my memory.....

Cheri & Ken: Great pics! Thanks for sharing.

Lisa: Congrats to Gretchen and I hope all works out for Vanessa.

Holly: Glad to hear that the IEP stuff is moving forward.

V: 2 WDW trips planned...how fun!!! We are thinking of WDW next Turkey day...so let me know how it goes this year.

 

[fourmcds]

I wouldn't worry either. I just don't want to do it every year for two weeks. We always take them out a day or two here and there. I wouldn't hesitate to take them out again for two weeks, just not next year. This was the end of the year for us so they had already finished their math books and everything else was review. The Sept and Oct cruises are right after school starts so that is harder.

Well, call me bad mom of the year! I have taken Jaide out of school 2-3 weeks every year for our trips. It is not that I don't have respect and understanding for her elementary education, but I think she has gotten so much more from our vacations.....We would come home with all of her homework done and she would usually sit for the first week back because she was now ahead of her class. This next year is my last year in elementary school and I fear that our school year vacations will be over in 2009/2010

 

[hawkaye19]

ugh, I have a vent....a long one but maybe you guys can offer some advice.

My mom came to Samantha's graduation on Saturday and immediately said oh I can take the girls for the night and then said it again in front of the girls, which of course, I would prefer her asking us privately first. I don't know why she got the impression that she was going to take them anywhere she had never mentioned it before. Dh and I both said no. She lives an 1 1/2 away and neither of us are comfortable with her driving them on I4 and I75. Of course she left in a huff and I was already a bit angry as the girls would not get up and we were the last ones to arrive.

So she stops by last night and I already knew what was up because of course she goes home and tells my sister everything who then said something to me. She said she was taking time off next week and could she take the girls somewhere. I said I would have to talk to DH, etc, she immediately gets an attitude and says, so what, it is me, I just can't take them.

I am over it. If she lived in town it would be fine, I really don't want the girls at her house, as she and her husband want to get divorced but won't until they sell their house. So it doesn't make for nice environment if things get heated or he tells her what to do, etc.

There are also other factors. She and my sister are so darn secretive about tings and they discuss absolutely everything. Growing up when I was around my mom I was on eggshells all the time as to how her mood would be. I still am constantly worried about her feelings and she gets pissed off at the tiniest of things. I don't think she would be that way too much but I really don't want to chance it.

I was talking to my sister, but now she hung up on me, whatever. She is now saying mom only took the job here because of the girls. Well, I don't think that is fair to lay on me. If she wanted to be here, she would have moved or rented a place already.

She is more than welcome to come over and visit the girls whenever. I just don't know what to do. I am so sick of all the secrets and who told whom what. It's to the point where my Grandma will ask "should I tell your mom I phoned you?" as mom gets mad if we talk sometimes. It's ridiculous.

I just don't know what to do or say anymore. Nothing is right with her.

I grew up in the same situation...and my brother and sisters are all the same as my mom....

Part of their 'power' is the effect they know it has on you..they do everything to cultivate that 'secretive' environment and love using people

I just keep my distance and avoid situations where I just know my temper will be tested

Good luck...and just remember your kids and hubby come first no matter what

 

[gaylean93]

We are flying into Vegas Aug 14th (Thursday) arriving at 12:30 their time. The plan is to spend some time at the Hoover Dam and maybe drive around Vegas a little to see the sights and then drive to Anaheim.

We would like to arrive at the DL Hotel around 9:00 so we figured we must leave Vegas by around 5:00 PM.

That is fine. There shouldn't be any traffic on Thursday night until you get closer to Anaheim. There aren't any lights on the highway since there is really nothing around but I think you guys should be fine because it hasn't been getting dark until 8:30.

 

[hawkaye19]

Wonder if this was the same Scooter Lady had such love for as well! From the sounds of it she was a piece of work......

she sure was...can not get the picture out of my mind.....red electric scooter, flowered dress, white visor, always done up to the nines, glasses....

we spent 30 minutes longer at the fallen bridge site on Aruba, as she was now where to be found...then she appeared with 8 bags of loot...navigating the packed bus with no problems all together...

 

[gaylean93]

Well, call me bad mom of the year! I have taken Jaide out of school 2-3 weeks every year for our trips. It is not that I don't have respect and understanding for her elementary education, but I think she has gotten so much more from our vacations.....We would come home with all of her homework done and she would usually sit for the first week back because she was now ahead of her class. This next year is my last year in elementary school and I fear that our school year vacations will be over in 2009/2010

I don't consider you a bad mom. Your girls are probably a lot different than Ethan. He is very smart but hard to get motivated. He is still having trouble doing his homework now. It is like we had to start all over again to get him to do his homework and even get out of bed. He is in the stage right now where he will cry when he gets upset and he'll cry and tell me how hard it is, even though he can get it done in a few minutes if he just does it. I don't know how to get him out of this He went back last week and they learned something that he had done already and he was mad that he had to sit through it. Brooke would be fine because she begged to do her homework on the cruise. I hope to take them out again because it seems to be a lot cheaper. I hope for some different ports as well. Something special like this one was.

 

[gaylean93]

ugh, I have a vent....a long one but maybe you guys can offer some advice.

My mom came to Samantha's graduation on Saturday and immediately said oh I can take the girls for the night and then said it again in front of the girls, which of course, I would prefer her asking us privately first. I don't know why she got the impression that she was going to take them anywhere she had never mentioned it before. Dh and I both said no. She lives an 1 1/2 away and neither of us are comfortable with her driving them on I4 and I75. Of course she left in a huff and I was already a bit angry as the girls would not get up and we were the last ones to arrive.

So she stops by last night and I already knew what was up because of course she goes home and tells my sister everything who then said something to me. She said she was taking time off next week and could she take the girls somewhere. I said I would have to talk to DH, etc, she immediately gets an attitude and says, so what, it is me, I just can't take them.

I am over it. If she lived in town it would be fine, I really don't want the girls at her house, as she and her husband want to get divorced but won't until they sell their house. So it doesn't make for nice environment if things get heated or he tells her what to do, etc.

There are also other factors. She and my sister are so darn secretive about tings and they discuss absolutely everything. Growing up when I was around my mom I was on eggshells all the time as to how her mood would be. I still am constantly worried about her feelings and she gets pissed off at the tiniest of things. I don't think she would be that way too much but I really don't want to chance it.

I was talking to my sister, but now she hung up on me, whatever. She is now saying mom only took the job here because of the girls. Well, I don't think that is fair to lay on me. If she wanted to be here, she would have moved or rented a place already.

She is more than welcome to come over and visit the girls whenever. I just don't know what to do. I am so sick of all the secrets and who told whom what. It's to the point where my Grandma will ask "should I tell your mom I phoned you?" as mom gets mad if we talk sometimes. It's ridiculous.

I just don't know what to do or say anymore. Nothing is right with her.

I hate my mother-in-law and it hurts me to let the kids go with her because she tells them things that I don't think kids should hear. I don't know what to do because she is our only chance for alone time and I do think they get some benefit from her because she takes them fun places and gives them something that only a grandma can give them. I know how you feel believe me. I usually end up going with them because I'm scared what will happen and it's just sad because I wish Jon and I could have more alone time.

 

[Belle Beast]

That is fine. There shouldn't be any traffic on Thursday night until you get closer to Anaheim. There aren't any lights on the highway since there is really nothing around but I think you guys should be fine because it hasn't been getting dark until 8:30.

Many thanks. Your information was very helpful.

 

[HollyTyler]

V & Gaylean: I don't have any advice, just .

 

[gaylean93]

V & Gaylean: I don't have any advice, just .

Thanks, although I'm not having an issue right now. My MIL just retired so they have been gone pretty much the entire year. They just come home for a day or two and then go somewhere else. It's nice but the kids do miss them.

 

[fourmcds]

ugh, I have a vent....a long one but maybe you guys can offer some advice.

My mom came to Samantha's graduation on Saturday and immediately said oh I can take the girls for the night and then said it again in front of the girls, which of course, I would prefer her asking us privately first. I don't know why she got the impression that she was going to take them anywhere she had never mentioned it before. Dh and I both said no. She lives an 1 1/2 away and neither of us are comfortable with her driving them on I4 and I75. Of course she left in a huff and I was already a bit angry as the girls would not get up and we were the last ones to arrive.

So she stops by last night and I already knew what was up because of course she goes home and tells my sister everything who then said something to me. She said she was taking time off next week and could she take the girls somewhere. I said I would have to talk to DH, etc, she immediately gets an attitude and says, so what, it is me, I just can't take them.

I am over it. If she lived in town it would be fine, I really don't want the girls at her house, as she and her husband want to get divorced but won't until they sell their house. So it doesn't make for nice environment if things get heated or he tells her what to do, etc.

There are also other factors. She and my sister are so darn secretive about tings and they discuss absolutely everything. Growing up when I was around my mom I was on eggshells all the time as to how her mood would be. I still am constantly worried about her feelings and she gets pissed off at the tiniest of things. I don't think she would be that way too much but I really don't want to chance it.

I was talking to my sister, but now she hung up on me, whatever. She is now saying mom only took the job here because of the girls. Well, I don't think that is fair to lay on me. If she wanted to be here, she would have moved or rented a place already.

She is more than welcome to come over and visit the girls whenever. I just don't know what to do. I am so sick of all the secrets and who told whom what. It's to the point where my Grandma will ask "should I tell your mom I phoned you?" as mom gets mad if we talk sometimes. It's ridiculous.

I just don't know what to do or say anymore. Nothing is right with her.

V....what a difficult situation you are in. My best words of advice: Samantha and Haley are your girls and you need to allow them to do what you are comfortable with...not what you are guilted into doing! I know that may upset some, but that is the way life happens.

I was very strict (and to some controlling) when it came to what I allowed the girls to do when they were younger and it upset my IL's to no end, but they learned to deal and moved on.

Stay strong and know that you are doing what is best for the girls!

 

[nanatink]

she sure was...can not get the picture out of my mind.....red electric scooter, flowered dress, white visor, always done up to the nines, glasses....

we spent 30 minutes longer at the fallen bridge site on Aruba, as she was now where to be found...then she appeared with 8 bags of loot...navigating the packed bus with no problems all together...

DH and I were on that same bus too. Sorry we didn't meet. I question to my DH was she buying stuff for her or putting it on e-bay? She sure was buying a lot.

 

[hawkaye19]

DH and I were on that same bus too. Sorry we didn't meet. I question to my DH was she buying stuff for her or putting it on e-bay? She sure was buying a lot.

never thought of the e-bay angle.....you could well be right

I am sorry we did not meet as well...I was the guy taking a lot of pictures out the window of our bus....capturing the essence of Acapulco...

 

[nanatink]

never thought of the e-bay angle.....you could well be right

I am sorry we did not meet as well...I was the guy taking a lot of pictures out the window of our bus....capturing the essence of Acapulco...

DH was taking alot of pictures out the window of the bus also. In Acapulco we needed more stops for picture taking. One stop was shopping. This was not listed on our excursion but somehow was included. I was so looking forward for the Acapulco excursion and that was the worst excursion we had. I didn't like having to wait on the bus for the cliff divers in the hot sun and stopped on a hill for so long. This excursion was poorly planned.

 

[lillygator]

Acapulco was one place I am glad to say we have been, but doubt I would go back. We did go see the divers on our own and it was much different than I expected.

 

[MrsMork]

ugh, I have a vent....a long one but maybe you guys can offer some advice.

My mom came to Samantha's graduation on Saturday and immediately said oh I can take the girls for the night and then said it again in front of the girls, which of course, I would prefer her asking us privately first. I don't know why she got the impression that she was going to take them anywhere she had never mentioned it before. Dh and I both said no. She lives an 1 1/2 away and neither of us are comfortable with her driving them on I4 and I75. Of course she left in a huff and I was already a bit angry as the girls would not get up and we were the last ones to arrive.

So she stops by last night and I already knew what was up because of course she goes home and tells my sister everything who then said something to me. She said she was taking time off next week and could she take the girls somewhere. I said I would have to talk to DH, etc, she immediately gets an attitude and says, so what, it is me, I just can't take them.

I am over it. If she lived in town it would be fine, I really don't want the girls at her house, as she and her husband want to get divorced but won't until they sell their house. So it doesn't make for nice environment if things get heated or he tells her what to do, etc.

There are also other factors. She and my sister are so darn secretive about tings and they discuss absolutely everything. Growing up when I was around my mom I was on eggshells all the time as to how her mood would be. I still am constantly worried about her feelings and she gets pissed off at the tiniest of things. I don't think she would be that way too much but I really don't want to chance it.

I was talking to my sister, but now she hung up on me, whatever. She is now saying mom only took the job here because of the girls. Well, I don't think that is fair to lay on me. If she wanted to be here, she would have moved or rented a place already.

She is more than welcome to come over and visit the girls whenever. I just don't know what to do. I am so sick of all the secrets and who told whom what. It's to the point where my Grandma will ask "should I tell your mom I phoned you?" as mom gets mad if we talk sometimes. It's ridiculous.

I just don't know what to do or say anymore. Nothing is right with her.

V, you have a lovely family and you need to take care of them. If staying over at your Mom's, a long distance from you, seems like not the right thing to do then don't let them go and don't worry about hurt feelings. Your girls are ALL that is important....well, and your Grandma, she is important. It makes me sad when families have all this silliness to deal with.