I need your help.
As you may be able to tell from the tiredness of my recent posts, October has been a busy, busy month. Three huge events: CRHP, Halloween Bash and the Ball all right in a row. I am just getting warmed up.
Everyone has a busy November and December, right? Add the regular Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities to THREE Princess birthdays, my own birthday and a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth. I guess I also have to do laundry for the five of us. What's the word? Yikes.
Tips, helpful hints, and suggestions are all welcome here. What's that you say? Flee to Mexico (outside the country, ahem) and wait for it to all blow over? Don't think I haven't considered it.
However, I really do need more practical ideas about organizational tools around this busy time of year, that you've successfully used in your lives. (Lisa, from Take 90 West, I am especially interested in hearing from you with your beautiful laundry room). Link back to yourself with the posted hint OR just leave it in the comment section.
Help. Holiday Organizational Tips
Help. Birthday Parties for Princesses
Help. Disney planning
dot. dash. dot.
I wish I had some fabulous ideas for ya, but I'm wondering myself how I'm going to handle all the hectic times. If I think of any great ideas, I'll come back and post.
Posted by: Misty Dawn | October 28, 2007 at 01:19 PM
I can't really help with the holidays, except..less is more...same with birthdays. But, Disney. I LOVE Disney...we went there this summer and had a fabulous time. Tips. Stay in a Walt Disney World Resort if at all possible! (even a value priced one!) on property! that has some type of shuttle service; it will save you bundles in time and energy and frustration. Also, all of the parks have a day they open early and a day they stay open late, for resort guests. If possible, schedule your day for they day they open early and be there early. You can get in a lot of kids rids in the two hours before the park opens. The longest wait is Peter Pan Flight (we waited 1 1/2 hours) - we didn't realize about the fast pass tickets where you get a ticket (for any ride) and come back at your appointed time and go right on....the walk in line has to wait for the fast pass riders... One more. If you stay at a resort, you can do the park early, then go back and rest, then go back in the evening for the parade and the fireworks. If you want more tips or have questions...email me...
Posted by: Just Beachy | October 28, 2007 at 05:05 PM
We also love Disney, belong to the Disney Vacation Club (Disney's timeshare) and go every year. I would recommend you plan ahead, stay at a Disney resort, and make your must do sit down meal reservations far in advance. The most helpful websites for Disney planning are:
allearsnet.com (amazing amount of info! menus! reviews! photos)
mousesavers.com (disney on a budget)
passporter.com (an excellent guidebook and keepsake of your trip, and the website and community is great!)
Disney is a lot of walking for adults, so while we don't bring a stroller any longer, we did when they boys were younger and if we'll be out late we still rent one for our 7 year old. And my 10 year old hops in whenever he can!
Have a GREAT time! We just got back 2 weeks ago.
Posted by: Beth | October 28, 2007 at 06:17 PM
No fancy words of wisdom here... just decades of experience, I guess. I'm old now but what I wish I would have done, back in the earlier years, was simply realize that there's just so many hours in a day and so many days in a week. There's just so much energy I have and just so much ability I have to work my butt off. So, I do what I can do and let the rest blow in the wind. Whatever doesn't get done, won't be realized or even remembered next year at this time. There won't be any epitaph written on my headstone that says "She almost accomplished everything she wanted to... but not quite."
In other words, take a no-care attitude and I think you'll be a lot less stressed out.
But what do I know?! :-)
HomeKeeper
Posted by: HomeKeeper | October 29, 2007 at 07:41 AM
No fancy words of wisdom here... just decades of experience, I guess. I'm old now but what I wish I would have done, back in the earlier years, was simply realize that there's just so many hours in a day and so many days in a week. There's just so much energy I have and just so much ability I have to work my butt off. So, I do what I can do and let the rest blow in the wind. Whatever doesn't get done, won't be realized or even remembered next year at this time. There won't be any epitaph written on my headstone that says "She almost accomplished everything she wanted to... but not quite."
In other words, take a no-care attitude and I think you'll be a lot less stressed out.
But what do I know?! :-)
HomeKeeper
Posted by: HomeKeeper | October 29, 2007 at 07:42 AM
Ugh! I totally hear you! I am so overwhelmed with all this nonsense - I thought it would get easier when they went back to school; instead, it's MORE stuff (because there's "more" time). Can't wait to hear if you come up with anything better than my solution thus far: ONE.DAY.AT.A.TIME. (Not too helpful - just gets us through is all!)
Posted by: madmad | October 29, 2007 at 08:34 AM
Just drink a lot. Solves everything.
At least I think it does. I can't remember.
Posted by: Beth F. | October 29, 2007 at 09:31 AM
I'm waiting to see the wisdom that you get. Then I'll give you the same advice others do. Because I'm smart that way.
P.S. Gave you a little blog award today. Pop over and see!
Posted by: Christie | October 29, 2007 at 01:55 PM
I'm with Beth F. Drink a lot. It really does help.
As far as organizational tools for the holidays, we make a budget spreadsheet that includes each person, how much money we have allotted for them and how much we actually spend. We update it every time we go shopping and give the extra (I'm a budget shopper) to charity.
Another holiday tip: Got parties to go to? Line up your babysitters NOW. They go quick this time of year.
Posted by: Julianne | October 30, 2007 at 07:26 PM
I am doing a Princess party in 2 weeks for my 4 year old - We are going to make princess hats (craft foam folded into a cone, glue on jewels, and staple some tulle and curling ribbon from the top) I also saw a site where they hung tulle from the ceiling and curling ribbon from the ceiling - it looked really cute. I also want to have a "dress up" area where the girls can put on princess stuff we have. Those are my thoughts so far - but I plan to look at www.birthdaypartyideas.com
Enjoy!
Posted by: Ellen | November 02, 2007 at 08:57 AM
Disney is a blast we have been twice - going again in June 2008 with Jo Ann and the two kids. Already have reservations in a disney resort - Fort Wilderness Cabin. We made them through AAA and got a discount for being members. You can make dinner reservations 180 days in advance. We will be making ours Dec. 11th. We bought several books on Disney and each gave us great advice - like which parks open early and stay open late for resort guests. Plan ahead which parks to attend which day and plan what is a must see for you in those parks. And remember - nap time in the afternoon is not just for kids :-)
Posted by: Your FAVORITE cousin ;-) | December 07, 2007 at 11:49 AM