What a great idea to sell your bags to have money for another trip. Hope Josh doesn't object and I can't see why he would now. March is a great time to go, although spring break can be really busy if you're going then. We still had a great time when my daughter's family came down then and just made sure we made it to rope drop. We got so much done before it got too busy and hot. It was high 80's the whole week they were there.
Love your tree as I always do. We are putting ours up today. My husband usually helps me set it up and then leaves it to me, but I kind of like decorating it myself. I did get the last of my outside decorations finished Friday when it was so warm out. Couldn't believe I was outside in just a sweatshirt and I almost felt too warm. I have decided I need to get a new tree for my Disney ornaments. I have it on a desk and it could be a little taller and the branches stronger. It was a pretty cheap tree I got at Michael's. Many of my ornaments are too heavy and I have too many now. I'm even thinking of just getting a 6 foot tree. But then I have to find a place to put another tree. My husband said unless you're going to stop buying ornaments you better get a big one, lol.
Golden Corral was great! It's like Old Country Buffet if you ever ate there, and they are taking over most of their old buildings since Old Country went out of business. They had so many sliced meats that my kids didn't even have turkey! We were planning on noon but decided to go at 11:30 thinking we'd have to wait in line. We only had to wait maybe 10 minutes, but when we left the line was quite long. I think next year I will make dinner though as it didn't really feel like Thanksgiving. I'm glad we tried it though.
I did most of my Black Friday shopping online this year. My granddaughters made me a list at Kohl's and I was able to find quite a few things online and have it delivered. Now I'll just have to get back there to spend the Kohl's cash I earned. I was even able to order a small tv at Target on Friday morning and get the 20% off coupon. We needed to replace a 20" tv in our computer room and got a 32". I was surprised to see it still available. I imagine most people are looking for big ones, but this one is perfect for this room.
Hope your talk with Josh goes well and he doesn't object to your trip.
Sadly - I didn't get to your quote in time, but I have decided not to go to WDW in March - it wasn't a very hard decision to make and I am still very much at peace with it.
Thank you - hahaha... I know, as I was organizing Christmas decor - I have enough for 3 more big trees, at least. I may have to divide up some of the ornaments between the girls and I when they move out.
Thankfully - I purchased almost everything at 90% off, so it wasn't a huge waste of $$.
Yes - OCB was Dad's all time favorite place to go... He was very sad when they closed. Their food and restaurant condition got to be pretty nasty those last years though - so I hope Golden Corral is much better?
Glad you were able to get a lot of your shopping done. I am done, done, done with everyone - except for gift card purchases... Those I am waiting on, just because I don't feel rushed... And - one year I purchased them early - put them in a safe place... I have yet to find them.
So, I am waiting. LOL
Just a quick reply...I completely understand your decision on the SBW bag and can’t wait to see the new one when you get to it. I would have loved to buy your SBW bag in the auction yesterday but just couldn’t....I’ve spent more on Christmas by a long shot than I had planned. Darn stress spending.
Your Christmas decorations are lovely. I love how you display the nativity. I’m getting a new nativity for Christmas this year...other than tgat and my yearly dated silver bell I’m not letting myself buy any Christmas decor this year. But it’s so tempting.
Thanksgiving was nice but hard at the same time. I miss my family. Brie went back to school a day early because there isn’t a bedroom for her here (well, only because MIL hasn’t offered to let Brie use her office, which has a sofa sleeper) and so she slept with me and Mark slept on the couch. Brie and I had a good cry about how hard these changes have been and she and I are both worried about Christmas when she’s here for almost three weeks with no friends to hang out with. I suggested flying her back home for a short visit but she doesn’t want to impose on anyone and wouldn’t have a car to get around. It’s just hard and I’m not sure what we’re going to do. *sigh*
I did a little Black Friday shopping with the girls but Brie isn’t a shopper at all so we weren’t out long before the crowds got to her and even got to alyssa. Yesterday we went to a new outdoor shopping center that we lived and it wasn’t crowded at all. It was nice to spend time with them.
Hugs!
I am very excited about all of my bags for this upcoming trip... My SBW fabric will ship on Monday and I am soooo excited for it!
Overall, once SBW is done, I'll have managed to make 5 new bag sets for myself this trip - when I didn't plan to make any.
LOL With 7 full days down there - I think I am only going to bring 6 bag sets... All of my new ones, plus my original red/black Mickey Pluto - so on one of our non-park days, I'll wear a bag set twice - which I don't really care too much about, as we don't take many pictures of ourselves on those off days - as there aren't many Photopass photographers not in the parks.
Thank you! Yay!!! You decided to get the new Nativity? Good for you - I hope you'll share pictures, I am anxious to see it - and it will be a lovely addition to your new home when you get settled.
Yikes! Brie has no where to sleep there? How awkward is that? Poor girl! You would think that she would be offered somewhere to lay her head. I sure hope the next holiday goes better for her.
I am glad that you were able to spend some time with the girls though - I do know how precious that is!
Sorry it took me so long to get to replies - my week just got away from me, I hope you are well.
Hi, D! I haven't fallen off the face of the Earth-I'm just on the other side of it, LOL. I am sorry that I have been absent here for a while. I am trying to get caught up. I am glad we are FB friends and I get glimpses here and there. Your bags are fabulous this fall. And I am sure it must feel strange and difficult to try to part with some of your old, beloved ones. But I am excited to see the new ones and the outfits that go along with them. I am so jealous of your Black Friday fun! I have always loved Black Friday- just for the adventure of waking up early and "hunting" bargains with family or friends. Here, unfortunately, it was "just Friday", Lol. Oh Well, it will make it that much more fun when we get back to the states.
We have been busy over here. Quinn continues to make slow progress on her speech. She's had trouble sleeping the past few weeks, so I have had some 3 am late nights with her. We had her first evaluation with the child psychologist this morning, but it will take a few sessions before they give a diagnosis. My understanding is that if they do diagnosis her with Autism Spectrum Disorder, it automatically makes us ineligible for overseas duty assignment, and we would be sent back to the States. However, the red tape and paperwork that goes along with this is massive. There have been kids who were diagnosed 18 months ago and still have not received orders to return to the States. The good news for Quinn is that all the interventions she needs (right now) are available to her here. The blanket rule for all kids on ASD is a rule set by Navy Medicine and is kind of unfair because there is such a huge variety of reasons a child can be placed on the Spectrum. Anyway, for now, she is doing ok. She is happy and physically healthy and everything else will come when she is ready.
In other news, Emma had a fracture in her arm from a bike wreck. It didn't go all the way through and she didn't complain of it hurting unless she bumped it, so I thought it was just bruised. It was still swollen a week later, so I took her in and sure enough... It was fractured. So, she had a 1/2 cast and a sling and new braces on her teeth. She was very upset and to use her words "like the ugliest 11 year old ever. Seriously, Mom." She has been down on herself the last few weeks. I fear the dreaded pre-teen is starting to rear its head, Lol. She got her cast off the day before Thanksgiving, so that was a relief. We worried that she might need it for longer and would have it when we go to Hawaii. We are less that 3 weeks from our trip and are super excited. I am beyond excited to see my parents and my brother and family. Not to mention going to Aulani! I still can't believe we made it happen!
I am so thrilled to hear your financial plans are coming to fruition and that your girls are following right there with you. What an amazing head start you have given them by learning these lessons early in life! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I sure am Thankful you are here and have such an open heart to share your life with us.
Brandi!!!! It's great to see you, my friend!
It is a little strange and weird to see my old bags go... It's like saying good-bye to an old friend... Buuuuut - it's FUN and AWESOME when I get to see the new owners enjoying them just as much as I did... Why not give them new life - they'd just hang here forever otherwise.
Jackie
@missjackiemcg posted a picture yesterday - and OMG, my (former) Toy Story bag never looked so good on someone!!! I loved it!
It has always seemed to me that the military is one large blanket of red tape, no matter the situation.
Sending you lots of hugs as you go through this process and everything gets sorted out. I know that you are a great momma and Quinn is so lucky to have you fighting for her!
Thinking of you always - keep me updated please... And always feel free to PM me if you don't want to post it.
Yikes - Emma!!!! Glad it's off already - but wow! Gotta have drama in life, right? I hated those pre-teen years, I was never so thankful as when my girls were out of middle-school and into high school... It did get a little better then. And now that they are both out of high school - the drama is very, very little - thank God! I swear it's a "right of passage", but not a fun one - though I do think that this time of their lives gives them good life skills to deal with bigger things later... It doesn't make it any easier and some of that "junk" stays with them for a long time... Never be afraid to get them counseling - saying this from experience - especially us military families - we deal with a lot of things that others can't even begin to comprehend. Sending hugs!!! Just be there for her, and hug her a lot... Listening is often more important than our opinions at this stage - but that never kept me quiet either. LOL
About Aluani....
So awesome!!!! So excited for you too!
Yes - it's hard to think back to where we were financially 1 year ago - things have changed a lot and we are so blessed.
It was great to hear from you - thank you for the update. Sending hugs around the world!
Sounds like you had a great Thanksgiving with family.
Sounds like you got a lot done on Black Friday and had a fun time doing it as well.
Your Christmas decorations looks great.
Your dad's Christmas tree is so cute. I'm so glad to hear he is enjoying the holidays so far.
It sounds like the best decision for you was to not take the Disney trip in March.
Now with the extra money in your budget you can get the mattress. I'm sure Josh is looking forward to that with his bad back.
This weekend Ulf and I were in Oslo with some geocaching friends. We had a great time. Our flight was at 2PM so I got up a little early to see if there was any good Black Friday offers, but there were not much good offers. A PC game I have wanted for some time now was 50% off so that was a very good offer. I bought the game and I bought me a new computer which was 15% off. 15% off is better than nothing, but I don't feel it was a very good deal. Since I need a new computer I bought it. It will arrive around 5th December.
We did - thank you! It was so nice to gather with everyone and to have Dad here!
Hehehehe... We had a great time Black Friday shopping!
Thank you - you know how much I love decorating for Christmas.
I am very much at peace with my decision to not take the March trip - it was just becoming a huge burden, and I am glad that I made the decision I did.
More is not always better.
Hehehe... Well, we divided up the extra $$ into different categories... The largest chunk did go to the mattress - we haven't purchased it yet, but we are VERY close to having enough.
I think we will have it before Christmas... 1 year ago, we never would have been able to make a "selfish" (but necessary) purchase like this, right before the holidays, and not have it affect other areas of our financial lives - so this is a HUGE accomplishment!
Yay!!!!
I am so glad you were able to get your new computer!!! That is awesome Lillian! I am a little bummed for you that you didn't get as good of a deal as you'd hoped for - but I am glad you were able to save a little bit. Congrats! I hope it's easy to set up once you get it and you are back to freely enjoying the internet.
Happy Thanksgiving - a little late. I saw your Christmas decorations on FB and your home looks lovely.
I was off all last week and my hubby had a few vacation days left, so he took off of work and we decided to paint our family room/kitchen (great room). I’ve been wanting to paint these rooms forever since the builders paint was still on the walls, and after 8 years and two kids, the walls were looking rough. If there is one thing hubby and I hate doing, it’s painting. We got several price quotes and the cheapest was right at $1000
Since we are trying to be more responsible with money and stick to a budget, we needed to paint the rooms ourselves. We started the Monday night before Thanksgiving, painted most of the day on Tuesday and Wednesday, and finished after a little painting on Friday and Saturday. It certainly wasn’t fun days off of work for either of us but it’s done, looks great, and we only spent about $350 - well within our budget.
All of that to say, we decorated the inside of our house on Saturday night and the outside yesterday. I’m so happy that’s done, too. I always feel so accomplished when the decorating is done. Now to finish up some shopping.
As hard as I’m sure it is to not go on the Disney trip in March, you made the right decision since you have peace about it. Sometimes adulting is hard, lol.
Thank you - I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving, as well.
Ooooh - yikes! Those are some high painting quotes! I would have chosen to do it myself too - as much of a terrible job as it is... Just "painting" our living room turned into an entire living room/kitchen remodel. LOL That one kinda snowballed on us.
Woohoo to both of you for getting it done so quickly and efficiently... and I bet it looks awesome all decorated too!
I am still very much at peace about not taking the March trip... It was a kind of hard decision to make - but I knew it was right, and it still feels right - so I know I made the right decision.
You are right - adulting is very hard... Especially with this darn Disney trip weakness that I have.
I totally believe you on this one! I've been searching for one to go under my Country Bears T-shirt that I plan on wearing this January. I have three "go-to's" for plain shirts are Sonoma and Croft & Barrow at Kohls and Christopher and Banks. None of them have brown! Well C & B does have a three quarter length sleeve brown shirt but I really want full length. I guess I will be sticking with the grey shirt even though it bothers me that it doesn't match perfectly.
I love seeing all of your decorations!
I haven't done Black Friday for several years. I planned on shopping online that day but I did so much decorating and cleaning on Thanksgiving that I was just too tired on Friday. We went to see Coco instead which was awesome!
Have a great day!
Hahaha... Yah - no brown yet... I either do the Mossimo brand from Target... Or the Lands End modal l/s tops... No brown in either of those... I did find a nice aqua color that goes well though - so I think I am going to go with that. Odds are that I will have my jacket on over it most of the time anyways.
Thank you - I love putting them up and I hate taking them down... Which has kept me from going "all out" this year.
I've heard that's a great movie! I'd like to see it eventually.
Thanks Ariana, you too!
We did have a good Thanksgiving. Although, there was an incident with the dressing at the inlaws' Thanksgiving day dinner. My husband's parents are still with us at 93 and 86, and as long as they are we will have the Thanksgiving day meal with his family (one of my husband's sisters hosts it now). My husband's niece, who's in her 30s, married with kids, so not a novice cook, made the dressing this year, and no one was forewarned that she wasn't making traditional southern cornbread dressing - what she made was dark brown, dry, with no cornbread in it and had cherries, mushrooms, craisins and maybe golden raisins too.
I tried it because I felt bad for her - no one was taking any - but we all felt robbed of our Thanksgiving, if you know what I mean. We're all from the south, including her, and it was just odd. I don't mind experimenting but usually someone will test a recipe and still have the regular stuff too.
The Saturday after Thanksgiving I always cook a Thanksgiving meal for my immediate family, because while they happily go to my inlaws', it's not Thanksgiving to them without MY cooking. And I made cornbread dressing, LOL.
Your decorating looks great! With just my husband and son left at home, I usually pull out my red and green kitchen towels and call Christmas decorating "done".
Yikes!!! I totally understand - though we've never had cornbread stuffing... I prefer my stuffing to be more bready with herbs and spices... Every year - Josh makes it this way, but he adds cranberries and raisins too... I hate those in it - I just want it regular. LOL I agree though - when trying a new recipe, especially at a family event like that... A person should do the original and then a little of the new, to let people try it out. Hopefully next year - the original recipe is used, since this one didn't go over well.
LOL - I am glad that you all got the cornbread dressing... Any interest in sharing your recipe??? I'd love to try it out.
Thank you... LOL I may be the same way once the girls move out - though I can't imagine... I just love Christmas!
Hoop Dee Doo is a lot of fun. We did it once with our daughter, son in law and two grandchildren.
It is nice that you can spend more time with your Dad during the Christmas holidays than in the past.
We are at the Grand Floridian pool right now, enjoying our vacation. I hope it is warm like this for the January trip.
I still haven't made a decision on HDDMR... It kind of locks us into plans on our "day off" - so I am having a hard time committing. I don't mind doing a late breakfast on those days - but I like to keep them open too, so we will see...
I am loving spending more time with dad - it's so easy now!
Enjoy your time there!!! I hope it's warm then too! LOL
Your decorating all looks so nice! I love how excited you said your Dad was to get his apt into the holiday spirit. My DH put our tree up this weekend but it isn't decorated yet nor the rest of the house. We leave for WDW on Sat. and it's been so hectic with Thanksgiving, Christmas shopping, our grandson's 1st birthday and getting ready to travel. If all my normal decorating doesn't get done, it's OK. I decided to not pressure myself so much since no one else seems to care. It seems you made the right decision opting out of the March trip. Sometimes we just have to trust our gut instincts. I'm sure you feel the weight of the world off your shoulders. I know when I struggle that much with a decision and keep going back and forth, it's probably not the right thing to do. But, you have a lot to look forward to!
Thank you! Yes - Dad loves his tree, and I've had so many compliments from the nurses too. It seems like not many people get to decorate their apartments? Sad.
Woohoo!!! You leave today!!!! Enjoy!!!! I agree - no need to worry about decorating when you have a trip to go on!
I still feel like I made the right decision about March... We have so much going on early this coming year - it wasn't even as much a financial decision as it was a mental decision. LOL
Enjoy your trip!!!!
I seriously did LOL at this
"They don't like when I do that." I bet not!!
LOL
Love all your Christmas decorations, as always!! Your Nativity is just beautiful, and I Love that there is history with it in your family--that makes it all the more special!
Your Dad's little tree looks just perfect. Reading that part of your post made me teary because I remember decorating for Christmas in my Grandma's little room and she was just so giddy about each little thing we put out.
Last year was our first without her and I think being away at WDW really helped!! This year, spending Christmas at home without her is going to be tough!!
On a happier note!! You just made my day yesterday! I was SUPER excited, like you have no idea! Can't wait to get my package in the mail!
Hehehe... They don't like it when I do a lot of stuff. LOL But secretly - I think I add adventure to our "Target life" - so they keep me on.
Thank you - I enjoy it all so much!
Thanks... It seems that not many get to decorate their apartments... I've had a lot of comments from the nurses - and it made me start to think that Dad is pretty lucky.
Sending you hugs about with your Grandma - I know that you were so close to her and the holidays are just so hard... It took me many Christmases to get used to my Mom being gone - and it was even harder, as the anniversary of her death is so close to Christmas - it will be 26 years this Christmas since we lost her - and though it does get easier some, it's always a very difficult time for me - I try hard to focus on what I do have and making the holiday extra special for those around me - that helps a lot too. Sending you lots of hugs my friend.
Wahoo!!! I saw your picture this morning and it made my day too!!! That bag never looked that good on me - you rock it my friend! Enjoy!!!!
I'm glad you had a good Thanksgiving with you family.
Your Christmas decorations are really nice. You really go all out. Your dad looks so happy in the pictures from Thanksgiving and at his apartment after you decorated it for him.
It sounds like you and your girls had a lot of fun Christmas shopping. I hung around after work on Thanksgiving and did some shopping with my son in law's sister ans niece. The sale started at 6 and I was home by about 7. I got what I wanted and left. The store was crazy. At the store meeting this morning, the manager said we did much better than expected. Most of the sales were on Friday not Thanksgiving.
I did put up the Christmas wreath on my front door and took down the Thanksgiving decorations outside. I haven't decided if I'm putting up the outdoor stuff yet. Next to my neighbors, my stuff looks really sad. I still have to get a tree. I get an extra discount this week for working thursday and friday. I'll probably use it for that and I also have a savings catcher gift card I can use.
It sounds like you made the best decision for you concerning the spring dw trip. you just have so much going on next year.
have a good day
Liz
Thanks! I am having so much fun enjoying all of the holiday decorations and festivities this year!
We did - I enjoy spending time with both of them, no matter what we are doing.
Glad to hear that you did so well on Black Friday!
I hope you were able to get your tree and everything decorated to your liking... It doesn't matter how it all looks - it's the heart that's in it that matters and I am sure yours looks beautiful!!!
I hope you had a nice "week after Thanksgiving" Liz!
Your Black Friday shopping experience sounds fun! I didn't have much luck on Friday with my shopping ,but much better shopping online. I'm having quite the year, since my in-laws and my own parents have both had health issues arise. My husband has spent a total of 3 months with his mom this year in Florida helping to care for her. It has definitely added to my work load at home with 2 teen son's at home and working FT. I love reading your updates and seeing all your beautiful bags and coordinating ears. Thanks for sharing
We did have a lot of fun - I always enjoy spending my time with the girls!
Yikes - you have had quite a year!!! I sure hope this coming year is much easier on your family - you have a lot on your plates! I understand the "single parenting" portion of it - as I did a LOT of that while the girls were growing up - it's never easy. Sending you hugs and strength my friend!
I am glad you are enjoying my updates.
I love sharing here!
I had to chime in Dorine; I was laughing to hard. My decorating is so disorganized and nothing like your Better Homes and Garden beauty. You have such an eye for it all. I have 3 cats so I can't put much out. And this year I have a huge challenge. My youngster cat who is now a year and a half old and is HUGE is so completely crazy he was a lot smaller last year and just about destroyed our tree, I don't know what we are going to do this year. He is about 10 pounds heavier
And when you try to discipline him he decides its a challenge. Hoo boy. I am going to try just about every natural method there is to keep him away from my tree. Hanging rosemary inside, putting cotton balls with lemon essence inside, and lining the bottom with lemon and orange peels. Yes, I am nuts. But I love my tree and will do anything to keep it upright and semi-together. I love what your Dad's tree too! He looks so happy in his Thanksgiving pic and his pic at his apartment. This makes my heart smile. Your Thanksgiving feast sounded delicious.
You did what you feel is right with the March WDW trip. Sounds like a wonderful plan with what to do with extra money. Your 20th is coming up Dorine? That is so wonderful.
November is almost over and December is almost here! So exciting for you and your girls, your trip is on a short countdown! Looking forward to more updates. Sending love.
Thanks! Your cats crack me up... I am sure it's frustrating - but I am glad to hear that you are trying many methods to see what works best... Hopefully you find something that works well so you can enjoy your tree this year!
Yes - I was so happy to get to decorate at Dad's... He loved it too. Also, I was cleaning off his table and I found your Thanksgiving card you sent him - thank you for always thinking of him - that means a lot to me!
Yes - I am still very much at peace with my decision. Yes - our 20th is right around the corner - it's hard to believe it's been that long... I've nearly lived half my life with this wonderful man!
I definitely couldn't imagine my life any better or any different.
Can you believe it??? It's coming so quickly!!!
Always sending love, hugs and good thoughts your way Carol - you've become such a good friend to me over these years, and I am so grateful for it!
Your dad is too cute, I loved his messy hair in the thanksgiving picture!!!
Your right sometimes we know when something is not the right decision for us and then you have to go with your gut!! You will go on that trip one day!!
I need to read up on this intermittent fasting, I need to get on track to be healthier, and I need to get my budget on track.
Thanks! He's a goof-ball!!! We love him and his fun personality! Even if I do have to brush his hair for him every now n' then. LOL
I am still very much at peace with my decision... I am glad I chose what I did.
I love doing IF - it works well for me... It's MUCH easier though if you are "fat adapated" - which means, you burn fat for fueling your body vs. carbs... If you are a fat burner - a person has very few cravings. Lots of interesting info out there about it.
If you have any questions - LMK, always happy to help.
**************************************************************************************************************
Phew! All caught up on replies... it took me over an hour this morning!
Which means I have very little time for an update...
Just know that I have been super busy with work and life.
OK - so I'll post a few pics and that will be the extent of my update today... I have Jonathan this weekend - and I need to leave in an hour to go get him... and I still need to shower...
First pic... I went back to the Eddie Bauer outlet this week - we weren't there for the coat, but I figured, since I was there - I'd try it on and take a picture of it... I was so excited that it was a size large and I was able to wear it with a heavy sweatshirt under - this is a HUGE accomplishment for me... This isn't the actual coat I ordered on Cyber Monday - but I am hoping the one I ordered looks this nice on me, or I will be very disappointed.
And on the opposite spectrum... Yesterday was such a nice day out - December 1 in MN and I was able to wear capris!
I don't think that has EVER happened before?
On a side note - I weighed this last week... Probably not the best thing to do 4 days after Thanksgiving... I only lost .8 this month - ahh, but at least I didn't gain.
And I finished my next bag set for our trip... Toy Story!!! I just love this theme and these fabrics - I used all of the same fabrics from my original TS set that I've been hoarding for myself - but I used royal blue instead of aqua.
OK - that's all, sorry that i have to run!!!! I hope you all have a nice weekend! I really need to get more park days posted! It's coming too quickly and i am running out of time. This coming week - it's my goal!
Sending prayers and pixie dust out to all!
D~
