Taking A Break from Life with a Trip to My Happy Place About This Page:

[Cam22]

I am very glad you've decided to write this TR, and hopefully, the writing and the trip will bring you some comfort!

[DaisynDonald]

Glad you decided to do a trip report! Your trip sounds like it is very much needed. With the relationship you and your mom have, 25 minutes won't make a difference, she will always be your best friend & will still be there for you. I'm sure it will take some time getting used to her being farther away, but at least it is still doable to see her everyday. I wish I was real close to my mom, my sister is the favorite one

[honeybee723]

Before I do individual replies, I just wanted to thank all of you for your kind words and advice. Some of you brought tears to my eyes with how much you could relate to what I am going through, and it gives me comfort knowing I have people that I can talk to about this.

Originally Posted by lexiemom

I don't have any advice, but I am in sort of the same shoes as you. I have always had the closest relationship with my mom out of my siblings and I also live the closest to her at 10 minutes away. My mom dropped a bombshell on me about a month ago that she is moving to Florida (we live in KS) and I am crushed. I cried for 3 days and then I went through a stage where I thought I was just too old to need my mom that much. But, I was only kidding myself and I don't care how old you are, when you are that close to your mom it is not easy to be far away. Thanks for being so open, it always helps when there are others out there that understand.

Now I can't wait to hear about your trip plans!! I am glad you decided to do a TR.

After I read your comment I thought to myself, "she has it way worse than I do". Your mom moved to a different state, and mine is only moving 25 minutes away. It's weird, because the way you processed the news is the same way that I did, like you went through the same exact feelings as I'm going through right now. Thank you for sharing your experience, and you're right, it helps knowing you can relate to what I'm going through.

Originally Posted by islandgirl

First of all, I'm really glad you decided to do another TR. I always enjoy reading them!
I fully understand where you are coming from, as I have a very close relationship with my mom as well. We are more like sisters than my sister and I are, and while I love my sister dearly, I have always had a very special relationship with my mom. We are so alike and have so much in common, we understand each other when the rest of the family just doesn't get it. Of course, having that relationship with my mom has caused friction at times, even jealousy at times, from both my sister and I, for different reasons. It's automatic that mom & I get along, but the relationship my sister & mom have has had it's ups and downs, so mom has had to overcompensate sometimes, just to make the situation better. This in return, often left me feeling like the one left out.
Just try to understand that as moms we have to spread ourselves very thin sometimes, and if we have more than one child, we have to be different things to that child under different circumstances at different times throughout their lives. It doesn't mean we love or care for one of them any less, that's just how it is sometimes.
It sounds like you have an amazing relationship with your mom {as I do}, but sometimes even the most perfect relationships go through rough times.
I hope that this trip will help to ease some of the tension you are feeling, and you get to enjoy some special time together with your mom & Hope.
Looking forward to following along.....from the start this time!

Thank you so much for trying to help me understand where my mom is coming from when it comes to the relationship between her and both my brother and myself. Since I only have 1 child, I guess it's hard for me to understand how a mother knows how to split her love and attention between two. I've always said that I don't know how I would be able to love another child as much as I love Hope, so having another one was never an immediate thought for me. You helped put everything into a clearer perspective for me.

Originally Posted by Colexis Mom

I'm glad you're writing the report! I'm sure it will be a special trip for you all!

Thank you.

Originally Posted by JKnott17

Great start, Melissa. I'm so glad you decided to write this TR, I've enjoyed the last couple of ones you did! Great pictures from your past trips!

I'm so sorry that you are going through a rough time right now with your Mom thinking about moving away, I hope that some quality time spent with her in Disney will help you some. I went through something similar last year when my parents dropped a bombshell on my sister and I that they were selling our childhood home and moving about 30 minutes away (they used to be about a minutes drive away ). It was seriously upsetting to me, I remember crying and feeling depressed over it for a while. Especially since there was no warning at all. They went away for the weekend to Cape May, and when they came back they tell us they just bought a new house in a 55+ community They moved in last November, and in the end, everything has worked out for us. Our relationship is just as strong as it ever was, if not stronger, and I know that they are really happy which makes me happy. I hope that the same will happen for you

That would definitely be considered a shocker. It helps knowing there are people here that can really relate to what I'm going through, and I'm happy that things have worked out so well for you and your parents. I hope I can say the same when the time comes for me to fully deal with this, and thank you so much for sharing your story with me.

Originally Posted by KMB733

I'm glad you decided to write another TR. This trip sounds like just the thing you and your mom need right now. Looking forward to hearing the details!

Thank you.

Originally Posted by bsblady01

I hope that you and your family have a magical time at the world

I hope we do too.

Originally Posted by lauriep

I'm so glad you're doing a report! I don't find your reports boring at all (I always think MINE are boring, though.) I'm sorry that you're going through this with your family, but it also makes me jealous that you have such a close relationship with your mother. It sounds like you have a bond that her moving a bit further away will not change. I hope travelling together again will reaffirm that for you.

You TRs are definitely not boring! Thank you for your kind words Laurie.

Originally Posted by cubfancolleen

Glad you're doing another TR. sorry things feel so tough right now with your mom. It's great the two of you have such a close relationship, and it sounds like she feels the same about you, so have faith you aren't losing her. This will be a good chance for you to have some good quality time!

Thanks so much, and I think you're right about this vacation being exactly what we need right now.

Originally Posted by OhToodles!

Oh Melissa! I feel so bad! How come you have not shared this with us on our monthly chats? I'm sure you & your Mom will make it through this. This trip will come at a great time and you'll have so much fun!
I'm close to my mom too. I see her every day at work and on the weekends I tend to call or see her too because it just seems weird if I don't. She called me tonight to make sure it was ok to go visit my brother & his family this weekend as we're going to see the new baby for the first time and she didn't want to take anything away from us. I told her it was fine, but I got the baby and she had to take Lukas aka 'Terrible 2'!
Can't wait to hear the exciting news!

When we all get together for our girls nights the last thing I want to do is bring you all down with my problems. I'm so happy just to be seeing and talking to you girls, that I usually push it out of my mind. Besides, when I do talk about it, it gets me all emotional, and you really don't need to be dealing with that when we're trying to catch up on all of the other wonderful stuff going on in our lives.

It sounds like you have the same kind of relationship with your mom that I have with mine. It makes things extra tough when these sort of issues pop in our lives, but knowing that other people out there can relate or are willing to be there and listen, makes me feel not so alone anymore.

Originally Posted by MayraLR

Oh my Melissa, I was on the verge of tears reading your post. I'm so sorry you're going through this situation. I've seen, through your TR, how close you are to your mom and I know how difficult this situation must be.

I've never had that kind of relationship with my mom, it's just not the way I was brought up. I do love my mother dearly but still at my age, it's very difficult for me to have a relationship that deep. I've never confided in her because growing up she was never that open with me. And when I see people who have these close-knit relationships with their parents, it makes me feel like I missed out.

I hope this trip helps you solidify your relationship your mom. Thank you for trusting us enough to share your feelings with us. Rest assured that we will always be here when you need to talk. And don't even think for one second that your TRs are boring. I enjoy reading them and I've loved seeing Hope growing through the years. I still remember your first TR I read, Hope was so little and look at her now.

Can't wait to read what you have planned.

I know I am very lucky to have had this wonderful relationship with my mom since there are people out there that haven't had that. I wouldn't know what to do if I didn't have that with my mom, and I hope to have the same kind of relationship with my daughter because I think it's important to have the connection with each other. I'm sorry that you missed out on that with your mom, but just know that being such a wonderful mother to your boys is making up for everything that you missed out on with her.

Originally Posted by chezp

I'm so glad you're writing another trip report, as I love reading them.

I have no words of wisdom for you, as my mother lives 250 miles apart and see each other two or three times a year. Much as I love her, the distance doesn't bother me, as we just don't have that type of relationship.

I hope you have a great time with your mother on this trip and I can't wait to hear the exciting news!

Thanks Cheryl for sticking with me. Sometimes some of us need a little distance between the ones we love. I've felt that way after a few vacations of my own, but this is definitely not one of those times.

Originally Posted by dutchdisneyfamily

I'm so glad you are writing another TR. I love them! I understand about the family stress, believe me. It does feel like family on this board. We're here for each other.

I'm so glad you enjoying reading my reports...it means a lot.

Originally Posted by mushu22

Great start, Sorry about the trouble with your mom, but at least the move is fairly close. Hope you have a great Mom trip.

Thank you.

Originally Posted by Cam22

I am very glad you've decided to write this TR, and hopefully, the writing and the trip will bring you some comfort!

When I started writing this, it almost felt like a diary entry, so maybe it will bring me the comfort that I need. Thanks for joining along again Cam.

Originally Posted by DaisynDonald

Glad you decided to do a trip report! Your trip sounds like it is very much needed. With the relationship you and your mom have, 25 minutes won't make a difference, she will always be your best friend & will still be there for you. I'm sure it will take some time getting used to her being farther away, but at least it is still doable to see her everyday. I wish I was real close to my mom, my sister is the favorite one

Thank you so much for your sweet words. You're most likely right about the distance. It's just the getting used to it part that will be the worst for a bit.

[honeybee723]

Do We Even Know Where We’re Staying? And Some Exciting News (no, I’m not pregnant)

When we originally made the reservations for this trip it had fallen a few weeks after our 11 month booking window, which meant the chance for scoring a club level studio at AKL was pretty much gone, and we were right. Instead we booked a savannah view studio room in Jambo House, and then reluctantly put ourselves on the waitlist, but seriously, who are we kidding here? There’s not a chance in you-know-where that our waitlist request is coming through for club level, especially when we’re now this late in the game.

All of this was done before our trip in May when we stayed at BCV, and after enjoying SAB and the perks of the location, we really wanted to stay there again. So when we got home we checked to see if there was any availability for the dates we would be traveling, and of course there wasn’t, so once again we put ourselves on another waitlist. I think we’re going for a record here.

We are now less than a month out, and none of our waitlists have come through. It’s not that we don’t like AKL, it’s just that if we had the choice, we’d prefer to stay at BCV now. The bus system at AKL just makes me cringe, but on the positive side, I’ve never stayed in a true savannah view room (club level doesn’t really count), and I know Hope will definitely love watching the animals from the balcony again.

So right now, even though we do have a room booked in a wonderful hotel, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that something opens up for BCV, and as for club level, I’m not holding my breath.

And now for the exciting news! It’s not Disney related, but I wanted to share anyway, and honestly, how often do we all really stick to the “TRs must be Disney Only” mantra anyway? At the end of August we found out that my SIL was pregnant again, which means I’m going to be an aunt for the second time, however, the excitement doesn’t end there. So when she told me she was pregnant, she asked if I could take a few photos for her pregnancy announcements. *Remember this as well because it will segway into my next update* All she wanted to do was wait until after her 8 week appointment to make sure all was good, and then I could do the pictures so she would have them when she made the announcement at her 12 week mark. No problem.

I got the phone call the night of her appointment that everything was good to go for the pictures. I scoped out an awesome location, had my very first photo shoot, and these are the end results…







Yes, there are two sets of empty shoes in that last picture! And yes, that most definitely means they are having twins!!! I’m not just going to be an aunt for the second time, but for the third time as well!!!!!!

Needless to say, I was a bit shocked when my brother called and gave me the news. Of course they’re nervous, overwhelmed, scared, worried and excited all at the same time, but who wouldn’t be? I think I’d be ready to jump off a 12 story building or run far far away, but hey, that’s just me. Things will be very different for them from now on, but we’re all here to help, and at least I can steal one baby from them, and they won’t feel like they’re losing out on anything.

Up Next: A Possible Dining First and an Exciting New Venture

[chezp]

Love your photo shoot - and especially the photo of the shoes. What a neat idea!

Here's some that the wait list comes through for you.

[MayraLR]

Congrats on being an auntie for the 2nd & 3rd time, all at the same time!
Hope one of your waitlists comes through, but I know you'll have a great trip either way.

[lfredsbo]

WOW! You deserve this trip with your Mom - those are moments to truly treasure! No problem venting here - been there, done that, still doing that! That's what is so great about PP - we are our own community and it feels "safe" to vent here! Usually just writing it makes us feel better!

that your waitlist comes through!!

And CONGRATS on becoming an aunt again!!! Beautiful pics!!! What a cute little subject too!

[Linnynad]

Yeah you started a PTR!!!
First I have to tell you that you think of the longest titles ever for your TR
I am so sorry you have ben going through this mess, I have no advice to give you however, I'm not close with my family. I have always lived at least an hour or more away from my parents, so I have always goten use to the drive. I know being super close to you mom is the best scenario, but a 25min drive will start to feel like nothing in no time......I am sure.
Yeah!!! A double Auntie on the way. Great pics!! You ar doing really well with that camera now.
Maybe in the end having your mom close to your brother now is a good thing, I know...not what you want to hear I'm sure. At least you will be getting in some great girly time real soon and that I know wil make you feel better

[Laurast]

I am so sorry for what you are going through with the very real possibility of having your parents, especially your mom, not live as close to you anymore. Other than the first 2 years I was married, I have lived 5 hours away from my parents. I guess I have gotten used to the distance, but it was very hard at the beginning, especially since I had a 2 year old when my husband & I moved. Hoping you feel better about things as time goes on and that your "Girls only" trip will be a step in that direction

Wonderful news about being an aunt to twins. I bet Hope will be excited to get 2 more cousins as well

[lazanya]

Hope your waitlist comes through!
Congrats on becoming an Aunt a 2nd & 3rd time! Loved the photo shoot!

[lauriep]

Good luck with the waitlists. There's still time for something to open up, but I agree it's not likely. Jambo House with a Savanna view is nothing to complain about, though!

So exciting about the twins!

[KMB733]

I love the birth announcement picture!! And congrats on being an aunt again (two times actually) How exciting to have twins in the family!!

Hope one of those wait-listed locations comes through for you!

[Colexis Mom]

Great pictures! congrats on becoming an aunt again! Good luck with the wait lists!

[Mileese]

That IS great news! Congrats Aunt! It is really great that you get to have your girls trip. I hope you three have a great time, and good luck with everything. ( so I tried to get a pixie to come up, but no luck :0( )

[Hugmonster]

Looking forward to the TR.

My Mom and I are very close, but not in the Best Friend sense. When I was in my teenage years she want to be my best friend and know everything, but her habit of telling stories kept me from wanting that. You are very lucky with your Mom.