Words of Wisdom from Carolena
It's a good idea to surprise your mom or dad by throwing a book in his/her face. They'll appreciate your spontaneity and creativity. The best part: chances are they'll reward your use of that great pitching arm by offering to read you the book. So chunk a book at someone's face and then prepare to get snuggled in!
Never drink water when you can have lemonade.
If you see your cat Max, meow at him and try to snuggle. If you see Olive, say "Olive!" as loudly as possible and then chase her. If she's lying down when you first spot her you can also choose to yell "Olive!" and then promptly point at her eye or ear and yell out "eye!" or "ear!" accordingly. Why does Max get snuggled and Olive get harassed you ask? Exactly. Always keep 'em guessing.
If your mother is making dinner just stand at her feet and whine. If you are feeling particularly creative other activities can include but are not limited to: asking to taste what she's making, walking in circles around her legs, reaching up for her to hold you, and (a personal favorite) tickling her legs. It's good to help out when it comes to meal preparation.
Frozen peas are a culinary delight. Just eat them straight from the freezer. They are best when served frozen.
If you are lucky enough to find yourself enjoying a snack while cruising along in your car seat, be sure to tuck a little away for later. A well hidden pretzel or cookie can escape your mother's eye and be discovered the next time you're in the car. You might have to give up a little bit of your snack now, but next time you're in the car you'll be so glad you did.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Sunday, May 26, 2013
I Did It!
Recently our family was seated around our dinner table sharing a meal. I think it was breakfast... yes, let's say it was breakfast. Breakfast or brinner - either way we were eating eggs. Anyway, Carolena suddenly yelled, "I DID IT!" and help up a fork full of eggs for us to admire. She had conquered use of the fork as a stabbing tool and was gleeful over her new skill.
To be honest, Chris and I were more impressed that she strung three words together into a sentence than with her fork usage. Woah. She's sharp.
Today I'll borrow a phrase from Carolena and shout from the rooftops (or computer screen as the case may be)... I DID IT!
She may have accused me of using children's lefty scissors, but thanks to my mom who taught me to sew these two new outfits for Carolena! I did it!
To be honest, Chris and I were more impressed that she strung three words together into a sentence than with her fork usage. Woah. She's sharp.
Today I'll borrow a phrase from Carolena and shout from the rooftops (or computer screen as the case may be)... I DID IT!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
W.O.W.
Words of Wisdom from Carolena
Raw mushrooms are a delicacy. Other toddlers might not realize the intricacies of their flavors, but then again, other toddlers probably like Spaghetti-Ohs.
If you have a favorite song you should listen to it in the car. In fact, you should listen to it every time you are in the car. Moreover, you should listen to your favorite song on repeat every time you are in the car. A good recommendation if you don't have a favorite yet is "Heigh-Ho," otherwise known as the dwarfs' song from Disney's Snow White. The minute your mother straps you into your car seat you should politely ask "hi-ho?" The song should be playing before she even gets into the car. By the time she has put on her own seat belt and started the engine you could have already heard the chorus! Make your demands a little less polite, "hi-ho! HI-HO!" until she gets the song going. Then, do the only appropriate thing: dance. Wave your arms in the air and sing along. Just for good measure start saying "again, again, again" before the end of the song. Sometimes your mom slips up and lets the CD continue on. Sheesh, doesn't she realize this is your jam?!
Always gather a few things before leaving the house. Shoes, pants, hairbands? These are all optional. A baby doll, a tricycle, a tent, or a doll stroller? These are essential on any quick outing.
If you take a bite of food and find it not to your liking, spit it out. Spit it out disgustedly, glare at it, and throw it on the floor. Then, just for good measure, take every single piece of food on your plate that might also be offensive and remove it from the table too. The best way to do this is to place each piece of food carefully on the table and then yell, "no!" at them while sweeping them off of the table in one dramatic swoop of your arm. There, take that seasoned chicken!
Raw mushrooms are a delicacy. Other toddlers might not realize the intricacies of their flavors, but then again, other toddlers probably like Spaghetti-Ohs.
If you have a favorite song you should listen to it in the car. In fact, you should listen to it every time you are in the car. Moreover, you should listen to your favorite song on repeat every time you are in the car. A good recommendation if you don't have a favorite yet is "Heigh-Ho," otherwise known as the dwarfs' song from Disney's Snow White. The minute your mother straps you into your car seat you should politely ask "hi-ho?" The song should be playing before she even gets into the car. By the time she has put on her own seat belt and started the engine you could have already heard the chorus! Make your demands a little less polite, "hi-ho! HI-HO!" until she gets the song going. Then, do the only appropriate thing: dance. Wave your arms in the air and sing along. Just for good measure start saying "again, again, again" before the end of the song. Sometimes your mom slips up and lets the CD continue on. Sheesh, doesn't she realize this is your jam?!
Always gather a few things before leaving the house. Shoes, pants, hairbands? These are all optional. A baby doll, a tricycle, a tent, or a doll stroller? These are essential on any quick outing.
If you take a bite of food and find it not to your liking, spit it out. Spit it out disgustedly, glare at it, and throw it on the floor. Then, just for good measure, take every single piece of food on your plate that might also be offensive and remove it from the table too. The best way to do this is to place each piece of food carefully on the table and then yell, "no!" at them while sweeping them off of the table in one dramatic swoop of your arm. There, take that seasoned chicken!
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Over the River and Through the Woods
Some tips from Carolena on visiting Grandma and Granddaddy's house
Sleep late the morning of a scheduled visit. Going to Grandma and Granddaddy's house is an exhausting outing. There will be ducks to feed, gardens to explore, and grandparents to woo. There will be cats to meow at, new toys to play with, and lots of office equipment to examine. Trust me on this, you will need a good night's sleep before this adventure.
Once your mom thinks you've slept "too late" she'll pop her head into your room and announce that it's time to get up. Cheer! Let out a big "Yeah!" and begin to gather all of the things you want to bring to show Grandma and Granddaddy. Your mother will probably ask you to narrow it down to two things. The choice should be obvious: two Minnie Mouse stuffed animals of course!
When you get to G&G's house don't immediately ask to go feed the ducks. You are older and wiser now. That was the first thing you asked when you were a baby. Now, you should yell, "knock knock!" outside their door and then march proudly inside and present a Minnie to each person. Be sure to say, "hi" in your best southern belle accent.
Before long Grandma will ask you if you want to go help Granddaddy pick some vegetables from his garden. By all means say, "yes!" Going to Granddaddy's garden is awesome. First, you'll go outside and look in the ponds. Every time you spot a fish you should make a fish face at them so that they know you love them. On your way back toward the garden peek into the cat houses and meow so they know you're here. Cats love toddlers. They'll appreciate your announcement of your arrival. When you get back to the garden Granddaddy will take you on the grand tour and let you pick ripe vegetables to hold and bring home.
When you arrive back inside carefully place each of your vegetables in a paper bag. Insist on holding the bag. You are the one who did all of the hard work. You deserve the honor of being the one to carry the bag.
After checking out the garden you're now ready for one of your favorite activities in the entire world: feeding Grandma's ducks. Start loudly quacking at her with a questioning look on your face. She'll get the idea. Together, you will go to the garage and get the corn. You'll hold hands and carefully cross the street. Then, once you are safely at the pond you'll get to feed the ducks! Be sure every single morsel of corn is out of the bucket before you return home. Sometimes Grandma tries to go back home with corn still in the container. This is unacceptable. Be sure to let her know you will not stand for it and every single grain of corn must be thrown to the ducks.
When you return to Grandma's ask her for a snack. All of that duck feeding has made you hungry. A big cold glass of milk and some peanut butter pretzels will really do the trick.
Eventually your mom will announce that it is time to go home. Give Grandma and Granddaddy big hugs and kisses. Be sure to grab your vegetables and Minnies on the way out. When you get in the car, flash your mom a big smile and exclaim, "happy!" Just for good measure you could say "happy" repeatedly for a while in the car. After a big morning at Grandma and Granddaddy's you are happy indeed.
Sleep late the morning of a scheduled visit. Going to Grandma and Granddaddy's house is an exhausting outing. There will be ducks to feed, gardens to explore, and grandparents to woo. There will be cats to meow at, new toys to play with, and lots of office equipment to examine. Trust me on this, you will need a good night's sleep before this adventure.
Once your mom thinks you've slept "too late" she'll pop her head into your room and announce that it's time to get up. Cheer! Let out a big "Yeah!" and begin to gather all of the things you want to bring to show Grandma and Granddaddy. Your mother will probably ask you to narrow it down to two things. The choice should be obvious: two Minnie Mouse stuffed animals of course!
When you get to G&G's house don't immediately ask to go feed the ducks. You are older and wiser now. That was the first thing you asked when you were a baby. Now, you should yell, "knock knock!" outside their door and then march proudly inside and present a Minnie to each person. Be sure to say, "hi" in your best southern belle accent.
Before long Grandma will ask you if you want to go help Granddaddy pick some vegetables from his garden. By all means say, "yes!" Going to Granddaddy's garden is awesome. First, you'll go outside and look in the ponds. Every time you spot a fish you should make a fish face at them so that they know you love them. On your way back toward the garden peek into the cat houses and meow so they know you're here. Cats love toddlers. They'll appreciate your announcement of your arrival. When you get back to the garden Granddaddy will take you on the grand tour and let you pick ripe vegetables to hold and bring home.
When you arrive back inside carefully place each of your vegetables in a paper bag. Insist on holding the bag. You are the one who did all of the hard work. You deserve the honor of being the one to carry the bag.
After checking out the garden you're now ready for one of your favorite activities in the entire world: feeding Grandma's ducks. Start loudly quacking at her with a questioning look on your face. She'll get the idea. Together, you will go to the garage and get the corn. You'll hold hands and carefully cross the street. Then, once you are safely at the pond you'll get to feed the ducks! Be sure every single morsel of corn is out of the bucket before you return home. Sometimes Grandma tries to go back home with corn still in the container. This is unacceptable. Be sure to let her know you will not stand for it and every single grain of corn must be thrown to the ducks.
When you return to Grandma's ask her for a snack. All of that duck feeding has made you hungry. A big cold glass of milk and some peanut butter pretzels will really do the trick.
Eventually your mom will announce that it is time to go home. Give Grandma and Granddaddy big hugs and kisses. Be sure to grab your vegetables and Minnies on the way out. When you get in the car, flash your mom a big smile and exclaim, "happy!" Just for good measure you could say "happy" repeatedly for a while in the car. After a big morning at Grandma and Granddaddy's you are happy indeed.
Friday, May 17, 2013
WOW: WDW
Words of Wisdom: Walt Disney World Edition
Having been to Walt Disney World somewhere around 20 times it is not uncommon for people to ask me for my Disney tips before they plan their trip. I think 9 times out of 10 people ignore my advice, but this doesn't bother me because, hey, it's your money not mine. If you want to go on a once in a lifetime trip to Disney, be my guest. I on the other hand, will enjoy going again and again and again.
So, here is what we do... free advice, take it or leave it:
We Stay in Kissimmee
Hotels in Kissimmee are ridiculously inexpensive. Because of the high concentration of hotels in one small area you can get great deals. They are insanely close to the Disney parks at a fraction of the cost. On our most recent trip we stayed in the Comfort Suites. We stayed in an executive suite which meant we had a small kitchen, living room, two bathrooms, and a bedroom. We were able to stay up late at night playing cards while Carolena slept peacefully in the bedroom. They have an incredible continental breakfast which serves pretty much anything you would ever want for breakfast (waffles topped with fruit and whipped cream! holla!). That meant we went into the parks each morning with a stomach full of free food. You won't get that if you stay on property.
We go Prepared
Some things are going to cost and arm and a leg when you get to Florida. Purchase sunscreen, rain gear, toiletries, etc. at home and bring it into the parks. I always bring a water bottle to fill up in the parks. It will be really hot and you aren’t going to want to throw down a few bucks every single time you want a bottle of water. In the summer it rains almost every afternoon and Disney rain ponchos will cost you. Bring your raincoat/umbrella from home.
Having been to Walt Disney World somewhere around 20 times it is not uncommon for people to ask me for my Disney tips before they plan their trip. I think 9 times out of 10 people ignore my advice, but this doesn't bother me because, hey, it's your money not mine. If you want to go on a once in a lifetime trip to Disney, be my guest. I on the other hand, will enjoy going again and again and again.
So, here is what we do... free advice, take it or leave it:
We Stay in Kissimmee
Hotels in Kissimmee are ridiculously inexpensive. Because of the high concentration of hotels in one small area you can get great deals. They are insanely close to the Disney parks at a fraction of the cost. On our most recent trip we stayed in the Comfort Suites. We stayed in an executive suite which meant we had a small kitchen, living room, two bathrooms, and a bedroom. We were able to stay up late at night playing cards while Carolena slept peacefully in the bedroom. They have an incredible continental breakfast which serves pretty much anything you would ever want for breakfast (waffles topped with fruit and whipped cream! holla!). That meant we went into the parks each morning with a stomach full of free food. You won't get that if you stay on property.
We go Prepared
Some things are going to cost and arm and a leg when you get to Florida. Purchase sunscreen, rain gear, toiletries, etc. at home and bring it into the parks. I always bring a water bottle to fill up in the parks. It will be really hot and you aren’t going to want to throw down a few bucks every single time you want a bottle of water. In the summer it rains almost every afternoon and Disney rain ponchos will cost you. Bring your raincoat/umbrella from home.
We Don't Eat Every Meal in the Parks
People are really into the new Disney meal plans. I am opposed to purchasing these for several reasons which I will not fully go into here. Food is one of the reasons we stay in Kissimmee - you have much more choice and freedom if you aren't staying on property. No offense Disney, love you, mwah. That said, we don't get the meal plans. Here is what our eating looks like on a Disney vacation:
Breakfast: free at the hotel. One morning I hopped to McDonalds for a fancy coffee so for the entire vacation (9 days) that was the only money we spent on breakfast.
Lunch: in the parks. BUT we don't go overboard. We go with two ideas in mind: 1, share. 2, have whatever you want but not more. So, lunch often meant each person getting an entree (sandwhich, chicken fingers, whatever), one person getting a large coke (*ahem*chris*), others drinking water (free!), sharing some fries. We never went hungry. Not overeating at lunch left room for indulging in...
Snacks: in the parks and some brought in. Disney allows you to bring food into their parks. Not everyone realizes this because it seems so insanely generous! We brought in our own cokes (and then just got cups of ice if we wanted them), snacks for Carolena, and lunch if we were at the water park (more on that later). Having not spent an arm and a leg on lunch we would guiltlessly purchase snacks in the afternoon. This is once again a good time to share. Why buy popcorn for every single person? We would buy one or two containers of popcorn and share it. Typically no one wanted to buy more. No, that's not entirely true... typically we would finish the popcorn and then move on to sharing some ice cream...
Dinner: Same as lunch or outside of the park. If we weren't closing down the park that night or we'd spent the day in a park that closed early we would eat dinner in Kissimmee. Some nights we went out to eat, some nights we stopped at the grocery store, and some nights (okay, most nights) we ate Flippers.
*Note about our eating on vacation: we ate embarrassing amounts of food and came home with food hang-overs ready to just eat some salad. You can still be in vacation eating mode and not spend a million dollars.
*Note about our eating on vacation: we ate embarrassing amounts of food and came home with food hang-overs ready to just eat some salad. You can still be in vacation eating mode and not spend a million dollars.
We Go to Typhoon Lagoon
When you purchase your Disney park tickets you'll notice that the more days you purchase the cheaper they become. We throw in some days for the water parks. The water parks are cheaper and tons of fun. We prefer Typhoon Lagoon and on our last trip spent two days there. Personally, I am not one to bring lunch into a park. Chris and I made this mistake exactly one time during the first month of marriage. Sitting at Schlitterbaun eating soggy homemade sandwiches was so depressing we ended up buying lunch there and throwing away our homemade lunches. What a waste! That said, I actually prefer to bring my lunch to Typhoon Lagoon. On the way into the park I ran into Publix and grabbed fancy sandwiches and chips. It's just so darn hot outside and wearing a bathing suit doesn't get me in the mood to eat hotdogs and fries for lunch.
We Don't Buy Souvenirs
We bought exactly two souvenirs in the park: a Minnie stuffed animal and mouse ears for Carolena. Other than that we didn't buy a darn thing. No $30 t-shirts. No $10 light up toys. No $whoknowshowmuch balloons that won't make it home. Nothing. Nadda. BUT - Carolena didn't realize that. Here's what we did: we brought our own Disney stuff. Yep, a quick trip to Target and the Dollar Store and we saved a ton of money. Did Carolena wear a Cinderella dress to the Magic Kingdom? Yes! I bought it on clearance for less than $10 at Target. Did Carolena get to wear light up glow necklaces at the fireworks and parades? Yes! They cost $1 at the Dollar Tree. Did Carolena get a cool Minnie Mouse key chain, Minnie Mouse bag, and Disney Princess books? Yep, yep, and yep. They were secretly stowed in my bag when we left home. You can buy Disney stuff anywhere nowadays. Your kids won't know the difference but your wallet sure will.
Tips for Traveling with Kids (which I have now done only once and with a very easy-going traveler)
Most of the parks now have splash pads for the kiddos. Each day
go into the park with a change of clothes so that they can enjoy
the water. Be sure to bring extra shoes since some of the splash pads require
kids to wear their shoes in the water!
Before we left for our trip we reminded each other often that we would have to chill out when it came to Carolena’s sleeping schedule on vacation. At home she takes a long afternoon nap every day. She refused to nap in the parks so most days we would give her a morning nap. She goes to bed at 7pm in normal life. On vacation she regularly went to bed between 8 and 10. Sometimes that meant she got grumpy so we would just relax and get a snack or let her run around. We didn’t push her or freak out when she was tired/annoyed/whatever. Go with a laid back attitude. You will have a grumpy child sometimes. You will wait in long lines. You will be hot and tired. Go with the right attitude and none of these things will stress you out.
Before we left for our trip we reminded each other often that we would have to chill out when it came to Carolena’s sleeping schedule on vacation. At home she takes a long afternoon nap every day. She refused to nap in the parks so most days we would give her a morning nap. She goes to bed at 7pm in normal life. On vacation she regularly went to bed between 8 and 10. Sometimes that meant she got grumpy so we would just relax and get a snack or let her run around. We didn’t push her or freak out when she was tired/annoyed/whatever. Go with a laid back attitude. You will have a grumpy child sometimes. You will wait in long lines. You will be hot and tired. Go with the right attitude and none of these things will stress you out.
We didn't fill her with crappy food. Well, we did... but not exclusively. Anyone is miserable and grumpy if you are only eating junk food. So we made sure Carolena had little fruit cups and healthy snacks to bring in to the parks. Most days for lunch she would sit and have some fruit while Chris bought our lunch. After having fruit she would then just have a couple of french fries and be full. I think she was less grumpy because she wasn’t full
of fried food every single minute.
We brought our own stroller. The strollers for rent in the
park are for bigger kids and don’t lay back for naps (not that my child took any). You can gate check a
stroller if you fly. Plus, bringing in a stroller meant we could bring in
snacks/drinks/etc. without having to carry them.
Sometimes Carolena just needed a pick me up. So
I hid in my bag wrapped presents for her to open when she needed some
“redirection” – books, mardi gras beads, whatever. When we were standing in
line and she would get antsy I would whip out a present. Opening it and
checking it out would kill a lot of time.
So here's the thing: we go to Disney World pretty often. When you go to Disney you won't be forced to spend money (except
for parking and entrance). If you think $40 is too much for a stuffed
animal, then don't buy it. If you think $20 for mouse ears is too steep, walk
away without them. Don't want to spend $5 on ice cream? Then don't. Do
what you want and spend your money on the things that matter to you.
THAT is my best Disney advice. If it's important to you to stay at a
Disney hotel, then do it. If you want to fork over the cash to have a
character breakfast, do it. Just keep in mind that it doesn't have to be the most expensive trip of your life. If you want to spend a bazillion dollars you should go abroad. We don't miss out on anything in Disney, but we don't break the bank either. Seeing the parades, going on the attractions, and just being there is truly enough to have a great Disney vacation.
One morning at breakfast I asked Carolena if she wanted to go back to WDW sometime. "Yeah!" she shouted. "When do you think we'll go back?" I said, "in a couple of years?" I kid you not, the child replied, "like four."
It's a deal Carolena. Let's go back in "like four."
One morning at breakfast I asked Carolena if she wanted to go back to WDW sometime. "Yeah!" she shouted. "When do you think we'll go back?" I said, "in a couple of years?" I kid you not, the child replied, "like four."
It's a deal Carolena. Let's go back in "like four."
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
The Happiest Place on Earth
Carolena's Rules for Enjoying Walt Disney World
Rule 1: You're Not Sleepy as You Seem, Stay Awake Don't Nod and Dream Mary Poppins
This is crucial: Do not nap in the parks. Do not. You mother/father/Moom will repeatedly try to convince you to take a snooze in your stroller. Don't fall for it. They will offer you a pacifier, your blankie, and any other objects that might seem comforting. Act appalled and casually toss them out of the stroller. Hah! You'll show them! You mom will probably resort to something dumb like pointing out all of the other kids sleeping in their strollers. Those kids are suckers. They were naive enough to sleep in WDW and therefore deserve to miss out on all of the fun. YOU are smart enough to know that sleeping kids do not ride rides, meet celebrities (like Minnie), or eat ice cream with Jimmers. No matter how tired and exhausted and miserable you get, keep those little eyes open.
Rule 2: Painting the Roses Red, We're Painting the Roses Red... Alice in Wonderland
While you are busy avoiding a nap, take time to stop and check out the flowers. Be sure to grab a handful and loudly sniff them. Bonus points if you can get your mom to screech, "stop picking Minnie Mouse's flowers!"
Rule 3: Neither Fat nor Skinny She's the Horses' Winnie Minnie's Yoo-Hoo
Give Minnie Mouse all of the love and adoration she deserves. Talk about her every day. Hold her close when you get the chance. Let her sleep in your crib at the hotel. When you get home the first thing you should do upon walking in the door is introduce Minnie to your toys. Make her feel loved at all times.
Rule 4: Think of a Wonderful Thought, Any Happy Little Thought Peter Pan
While in EPCOT have your Moom introduce you to your shadow. You will LOVE it. You won't remember what life was like before the fantastic discovery of your shadow. Spend time waving and talking to your new shadow friend. If you happen to walk into a shaded area call out loudly, "Shashhh-tttoowww?!" as though you are calling your dog. When your shadow reappears on the wall, offer it your "wah-wah" (pacifier).
Rule 5: Now I'm the King of the Swingers, Oh the Jungle VIP The Jungle Book
After a long day in the Magic Kingdom go back to the hotel room and kick back with a cold glass of milk and some graham crackers. Peel your shoes and socks off your aching feet and use those tootsies like the monkey hands they were meant to be.
Rule 6: Spectacular Festival Pageant of Nighttime Magic and Imagination Main Street Electrical Parade
Rule 7: So This is Love, So This is What Makes Life Divine Cinderella
There is only one rule when it comes to ice cream: always get your fair share. Always. Jimmers is very generous. When it comes to ice cream, be sure you're near Jimmers.
Rule 8: Who's the Leader of the Club That's Made for You and Me? Mickey Mouse Club
Mouse Ears go with everything. Opt for a classic pair if it's your first. Upon arriving home it's a good idea to frequently wear them in your crib. This will be a good reminder to your parents that you had a great time on the trip and are more than ready to go back.
Rule 4: We Hope That You'll be Coming Back Again Country Bear Jamboree
With all of that nap avoiding and ice cream eating and parade watching, you are bound to be exhausted by the last day of your vacation. Your family will be busy packing bags and getting ready for the flight home. Find a nice small space to snuggle down with your "wah-wah" and blankie. Trust me, you'll be glad you did.
Rule 1: You're Not Sleepy as You Seem, Stay Awake Don't Nod and Dream Mary Poppins
This is crucial: Do not nap in the parks. Do not. You mother/father/Moom will repeatedly try to convince you to take a snooze in your stroller. Don't fall for it. They will offer you a pacifier, your blankie, and any other objects that might seem comforting. Act appalled and casually toss them out of the stroller. Hah! You'll show them! You mom will probably resort to something dumb like pointing out all of the other kids sleeping in their strollers. Those kids are suckers. They were naive enough to sleep in WDW and therefore deserve to miss out on all of the fun. YOU are smart enough to know that sleeping kids do not ride rides, meet celebrities (like Minnie), or eat ice cream with Jimmers. No matter how tired and exhausted and miserable you get, keep those little eyes open.
Rule 2: Painting the Roses Red, We're Painting the Roses Red... Alice in Wonderland
While you are busy avoiding a nap, take time to stop and check out the flowers. Be sure to grab a handful and loudly sniff them. Bonus points if you can get your mom to screech, "stop picking Minnie Mouse's flowers!"
Rule 3: Neither Fat nor Skinny She's the Horses' Winnie Minnie's Yoo-Hoo
Give Minnie Mouse all of the love and adoration she deserves. Talk about her every day. Hold her close when you get the chance. Let her sleep in your crib at the hotel. When you get home the first thing you should do upon walking in the door is introduce Minnie to your toys. Make her feel loved at all times.
Rule 4: Think of a Wonderful Thought, Any Happy Little Thought Peter Pan
While in EPCOT have your Moom introduce you to your shadow. You will LOVE it. You won't remember what life was like before the fantastic discovery of your shadow. Spend time waving and talking to your new shadow friend. If you happen to walk into a shaded area call out loudly, "Shashhh-tttoowww?!" as though you are calling your dog. When your shadow reappears on the wall, offer it your "wah-wah" (pacifier).
After a long day in the Magic Kingdom go back to the hotel room and kick back with a cold glass of milk and some graham crackers. Peel your shoes and socks off your aching feet and use those tootsies like the monkey hands they were meant to be.
Always be on the lookout for a parade. You're in Disney World for Pete's sake! There should always be a parade.
Rule 7: So This is Love, So This is What Makes Life Divine Cinderella
There is only one rule when it comes to ice cream: always get your fair share. Always. Jimmers is very generous. When it comes to ice cream, be sure you're near Jimmers.
Rule 8: Who's the Leader of the Club That's Made for You and Me? Mickey Mouse Club
Mouse Ears go with everything. Opt for a classic pair if it's your first. Upon arriving home it's a good idea to frequently wear them in your crib. This will be a good reminder to your parents that you had a great time on the trip and are more than ready to go back.
Rule 4: We Hope That You'll be Coming Back Again Country Bear Jamboree
With all of that nap avoiding and ice cream eating and parade watching, you are bound to be exhausted by the last day of your vacation. Your family will be busy packing bags and getting ready for the flight home. Find a nice small space to snuggle down with your "wah-wah" and blankie. Trust me, you'll be glad you did.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
W.O.W.
Words of Wisdom from Carolena
If your parents are jabbering on and on while you are trying to do something important like say, eat, just close your eyes and tune them out. Continue eating in the peace and quiet of your own imagination. Be sure to chew slowly and savor each bite. With you eyes closed and your head back against your headrest you can calmly enjoy the remainder of your meal. This method can also be used while lounging in your car seat. Simply close your eyes as though you can't deign to continue the conversation with your parent and calmly ride with your eyes closed as though he or she hasn't been annoying you.
Your mom really likes it when you help out around the house. If she's sweeping the kitchen you should pitch in. Don't let her hold the broom and dustpan - you should be the one to hold them! She will really appreciate all of your hard work sweeping.
Don't accept, "this is empty" or "they're all gone" for an answer. Demand more. Always demand more.
Tinkerbell pajamas are at the height of fashion this Spring. Wear them as often as possible. If your unfashionable mother dares to put a casual dress on you, pull out the Tinkerbell pjs and tell her in no uncertain terms you should really wear them instead. Insist upon it. They are worth fighting for.
If your mother tells you to stop licking the bottom of your shoe, shoot her the evil eye. You can't help it that she has an unsophisticated palate.
If your parents are jabbering on and on while you are trying to do something important like say, eat, just close your eyes and tune them out. Continue eating in the peace and quiet of your own imagination. Be sure to chew slowly and savor each bite. With you eyes closed and your head back against your headrest you can calmly enjoy the remainder of your meal. This method can also be used while lounging in your car seat. Simply close your eyes as though you can't deign to continue the conversation with your parent and calmly ride with your eyes closed as though he or she hasn't been annoying you.
Your mom really likes it when you help out around the house. If she's sweeping the kitchen you should pitch in. Don't let her hold the broom and dustpan - you should be the one to hold them! She will really appreciate all of your hard work sweeping.
Don't accept, "this is empty" or "they're all gone" for an answer. Demand more. Always demand more.
Tinkerbell pajamas are at the height of fashion this Spring. Wear them as often as possible. If your unfashionable mother dares to put a casual dress on you, pull out the Tinkerbell pjs and tell her in no uncertain terms you should really wear them instead. Insist upon it. They are worth fighting for.
If your mother tells you to stop licking the bottom of your shoe, shoot her the evil eye. You can't help it that she has an unsophisticated palate.
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