patty, if I have the numbers right, you have about 6 or 7 days to get ready to take your children on a cruise. there is a LOT to accomplish now in a short period of time. I think you said it was an 8 day cruise? that's 8 days worth of outfits for 5 people, day wear, pj's, swimsuits, shorts, nice outfit for dinner, undies, diapers, sunscreen, Dramamine, medications, suitcases, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo.....ID, copies of birth certificates, copies of your itinerary...someone to watch to house, having the mail held, talks with the children as age appropriate about the trip, expectations, and behavior. activities, books, games, toys.
the list goes on. why not just focus on THAT? and let all the other stuff GO? you don't have the time or energy to waste on anything else. you keep talking about wanting a family....sweetie, you HAVE one. you don't need anything else!!!
did I mention sunscreen???