Calling all Chicago DISers #2

[irish dancer]

Afternoon everyone. I sure like vacation better than "real" life......

Thankfully my oldest is only 11 so I haven't run into the teen battles yet but she's gearing up . Both DDs go to Catholic school so there will be no battles there, they have a very old and strict nun as a principal. DD6 told me she 'got in trouble' for not having a hat and gloves yesterday . DS7 has Autism so he goes to public school and as long as they clothes aren't too tight he will wear whatever so I don't anticipate any battles I hope.

mac - I was looking at airfares yesterday. American had $99 down on Sat Oct 4th but it was $161 on the return - too much. We've lucked out getting Ding fares from Southwest so I'm holding out for that. A few times we've paid just under $600 for all 5 tix total, that's what I'm hoping for again.

Bunchkin - we're having chicken of some sort. I think I'll just use the recipie on the Bisquick box for tenders and make rice and broccoli to go with. Not exactly exotic but my kids like it.

slo - when are you going in October? It will be our first time at that time of year and I'm really looking forward to MNSSHP. This is the first time we're keeping the trip as a suprise for the kids, it is fun but hard!

Becky - glad to hear the house repair isn't so high. DH played a joke on my a couple of weeks ago, he called me at lunch time and told me he lost his job . He was only kidding - NOT funny .

Well, DH is on his way home from work so I'd best run and get dinner going. Have a good evening everyone.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Mac Hawaii is one place I must take Alex too. I always wanted to go back there. I still remember the smell of flowers and jet fuel at the airport in Honolulu

This was too funny Hersey!!! Because, I have thought the same thing!!! The plumeria flowers (that many leis are made of) are the most wonderful smelling things ever. The airports there are surrounded by those plumeria trees. So, it is flowers and jet fuel!!!

Teens and dressing is definately a battle left unfought. The other day when it was barely 30 and the wind was howling, I saw a teen girl wearing capris, flip-flops and a spaghetti strapped top. I just figure as did Forest, "Stupid is as Stupid does". Can't cure stupid!!!

Slo, we have Haunted Mansion Clue here as well. Kids have a blast playing that game. I have to watch Kellie, though. She cheats. She peaks at the cards before putting them in the Clue envelope.


John, Nathan, Nathan and Geoff!!! Hope you all have had great days. DD Kellie turns 10 on Saturday. She is plotting parties these days. Too bad we are too busy this month to have one. She asked about the Shedd. I checked into it - $500. UMMM. NO!!!

Dinner here tonight is not exciting Bunchkin. I have PTO meeting, so tonight is Chicken Nuggets, noodles and a vegie. I guess I will have to try a little harder for tomorrow.

What happened to Spring? Even the robins aren't happy. We have one that keeps hopping up into our picture window on the lower level of the house. Kids call him RobinHood. Keeps trying to break and enter.

Well, better get those nuggets in the oven. Kids are off plotting April Fools for their father. Better him than me.
Later

 

[HERSEY]

Hello everyone Happy birthday to all the birthday boys!

I've been busy as usual. I thought I would jump in here before the evening got away from me again.

So far Alex still wears his coat just not zipped. I guess I must have bought the coat without the zipper silly me.

So where is spring?

I heard Johnny is going to be in Aurora around April 4 so who is going?

Mac I've never used flicr how is it? I've used photobucket it is a little slow but ok.

 

[Crissup]

Crissup - What kind of birthday cake did you have?

I'm a pretty simple guy when it comes to cakes. I love angel food cake. So, we picked up one regular, unfrosted angel food cake from Meijer's, another one that was sugar free and one boston creme pie cake. I think we still have half of the boston creme pie left. The angel food cakes were gone by monday morning.

 

[macraven]

Hello everyone Happy birthday to all the birthday boys!

I've been busy as usual. I thought I would jump in here before the evening got away from me again.

So far Alex still wears his coat just not zipped. I guess I must have bought the coat without the zipper silly me.

So where is spring?

I heard Johnny is going to be in Aurora around April 4 so who is going?

Mac I've never used flicr how is it? I've used photobucket it is a little slow but ok.

flickr.com is okay. i don't know any difference.
my son set it up for me and i'm still working on it.


i was trying to make a slide show with music for the few Lost pics i have.

 

[slo]

Even though it's not warm out, it's nice to have it not so bitter cold
According to Tracy Butler (Channel 7), we should be seeing sunshine today
I love nice sunny days, because they really help warm up the store


DG - 15 days until your trip!!!! I bet you are excited!!! Are you packed?

geffric - The boys wore shorts?! Oh well, pick and choose your battles - right?!
*I can't remember - do you have to drive far to your new job?
* to Geoff!!!!
I hope he had a great day yesterday!!!!

Becky - How is your DD doing with her backbrace lately? She sounds like such a trooper with having to wear it. When is her next checkup?

Bunchkin - I haven't played that game since way before I was married, and all I remember is there are actors, and a narrator. It must not have been that big of a hit, because you don't see it anymore. I'll definitly have to show you sometime!!
**I have been to Sea World, but it's been forever. The girls have never been, so this will be a new experience for them
*I made my Tastefully Simple Creamy Wild Rice Soup last night for supper - which was great!!! Kevin loved it too!!!!! Since I knew the girls wouldn't eat it, I made them mini corndogs, and then I decided to make enough for all of us, which I wish I didn't do now. Mini Corn Dogs and that soup doesn't go well together - what was I thinking?!?! Next time I will make rolls (or leave enough time for Beer Bread), like I originally wanted to do - oh well, you live and learn
*Tonight we are having leftover chili, and hotdogs (even though was just had the mini corn dogs last night - oh well)

Zero - Wow, you got front row seats - that's awesome!!!!! We never got that - we have to stay backstage while the girls are on stage. We can see them, but all we see is there backs.

momto1 - I played no jokes yesterday, and I had no jokes played on me - it was like April Fools didn't exist
**My meals have been very boring too lately

Mac - Good for you for staying on vacation time for the rest of the week

ID - We are going the last week in October The MNSSHP dates have officially been posted, and we are going Oct 28th - I can hardly wait!!!! When are you going again?

Tigggggern - There was a girl in our subdivision with flip-flops on the other morning too - what was she thinking?! She was standing there trying to not act cold, but you could tell she was freezing!!!!

HERSEY - Stephanie wears her coat unzipped many times too When I look back at myself in middle school - I would wear a hat and then remove it the second I was out of my mothers site. I guess kids don't change much throughout the years

Crisssup - MMMMmmmmm........Angel Food cake!!!! I love it plain with Cool Whip on top, or I love it plain, and then I just pick it up and eat it - LOVE IT!!!!



Well, I need to get going, so I can get to work early - I have a rep coming in this morning, and I have some stuff to do before he comes in.

Have a good day today!!!

 

[geffric]

Morning..

 

[piglet too]

Morning everyone, I really wish Dewain had gotten me coffee before heading out for the day.

 

[disneygal922]

Good Morning Everyone The sun is out!! And... it's not terribly cold (still wore my hat and gloves in case). I totally forgot I had a quiz last night in class so I studied for a few before class and still got an A on it! I was shocked!

Zero ~ right now I go to Harrington College of Design. I decided I wanted to go back to school and instead of getting my Masters like I should be, I decided on an Associates of Applied Science in Interior Design. I'm a little backwards but hey, it works for me, at least right now! I've taken art classes at Moraine Valley CC (i'm not sure if you are in the district) but they were a lot of fun and i learned alot! I would definitely check into the Community College near you! They might have a beginning drawing or painting or ceramics or something else you might enjoy. Don't worry if Dh is awesome at it, just go and enjoy yourself!

Slo ~ I am super excited for the trip! Having a hard time trying to find time to do everything though All my clothes are out and ready to be packed I just need to get the suitcase out. I've located it in the basement, but need my dad to move some things for me to get to it! There are still a few small things I need to purchase.

Has anyone ever used the OFF! bug repellant wipes??? I saw those at Jewel the other day and was thinking they would take up less space than the bottled spray.

Crissup ~ Angel food cake is my fave! like Slo I love it with cool whip! Sometimes, I will throw a little fresh fruit on there too! mmmm...

Well, hope everyone has a wonderful day!

 

[momto1]

Morning gang! It is great to see the sun! Maybe, just mabye, spring is coming real soon!

Disneygal - Way to go on the quiz. Good job! Have fun packing for your trip.

Slo - Have a good day at work. Hopefully, the sun will bring in some customers. Mini corn dogs and wild rice soup?? That reminds me that I have a TS beer bread and some type of soup handing out in the pantry.

Supper tonight is BBQ pork sandwiches and salad. I wish I had planned ahead and gotten something out of the freezer for dh to grill out. Mabye tomorrow.

Lori

 

[Bunchkin]

Good Morning all!!


Trouble with the washing machine since yesterday afternoon!!
And of course it's past it's extended warranty we bought on it! GRR!!
But my mechanically inclined DH was able to fix...Thank the Lord!!
I have to tell you that we bought a top of the line, highly rated, Bosch frontloader washing machine and dryer, which = $$$$$, and I HATE them!!!!


Ok so yesterday when I posted about dinner ideas, I forgot to mention what I had the night before. DUH!!
So the night before we had meatloaf, noodles, corn bread....I meant to make veggies but forgot because I got distracted....as usual!!!

Yesterday afternoon was more hectic then usual so dinner was an after thought to the day. I had to run and get DD from Newspaper club and then take her to the library to find books for a report she's doing on Sitting Bull. So I just ended up making 2 frozen pizzas. A cheese one the kids like and a sausage Palermos for me and DH. I love that they have frozen Palermos pizzas at the stores.

Tonight is a Market Day night!! (Because I forgot to defrost chicken breasts!!! )
They have new pepper coated breaded chicken breasts that are really yummy! So we are having those along with their potato skins. But I'll also make some rice as I have a taste for rice but not everyone here likes it so hence the potato skins as well. Probably a flavored rice. And veggies too, a broc/caul/carrot mix.

bunchkin - last night I made italian pasta skillet, one of DH's favorites and very easy. Tonight, well, I haven't figured it out yet. Typical.

This sounds yummy! What's in it?
It's typical for me to wait to plan dinner too!

Morning all! I am about to give up the battle over shorts with ds11. I do insist on the coat. He would wear the same clothes all the time - dirty or not. I used to have the rule of it had to be predicted to be 70 degrees to wear shorts to school Not any more, I guess.

Bunchkin - My suppers have been very uninspring lately. Today I have a pork roast in the crock pot. Tomorrow will be BBQ pork sammies using the leftover roast. Last night was sloppy joes which I hadn't made in a long time.

My DD, 10yr old, wants to wear capris on cooler days but not shorts. At least not yet!!!

I've never done a pork roast in the crock. How do you prepare it? Do you pre-brown it at all?

It was middle school.. 7th grade.. I just gave up and told them as long as it is clean or semi clean that it all i ask...They are in a world all to themselves.. This morning I opened their door to loudly.. so they yelled at me.. Teens!!!! They are quite a handfull... I chose my battles.. like Geoff wants to go to Europe with his friends next spring break.. not gonna happen.. so we can discuss this loudly for several months.. til he understands that no is no is no..


Bunchkin to night is a good dinner ;cause I am home and it is Geoff's 17th b'day.. yes he was born on April 1.. so He asked for orange chicken and rice..tomorrow is leftovers!!

No wonder why they give you problems.....one of them is 17!!!!

Happy b-day to your son!

Orange chicken sounds really good! But it would never fly with my picky eaters here!

Thankfully my oldest is only 11 so I haven't run into the teen battles yet but she's gearing up . Both DDs go to Catholic school so there will be no battles there, they have a very old and strict nun as a principal. DD6 told me she 'got in trouble' for not having a hat and gloves yesterday . DS7 has Autism so he goes to public school and as long as they clothes aren't too tight he will wear whatever so I don't anticipate any battles I hope.



Bunchkin - we're having chicken of some sort. I think I'll just use the recipie on the Bisquick box for tenders and make rice and broccoli to go with. Not exactly exotic but my kids like it.

My DD's teacher has made comments to some of the girls in her class about wearing t-shirts on cold days.

I make yummy chicken tenders. I take the tenders and coat them in egg beaten with a little water, with salt and pepper thrown in too. Then coat them in bread crumbs mixed with some grated parm cheese and a little Tastefully Simple season salt. Then fry them up quick in a little olive oil in a pan, or I'll bake them. My kids love them served with pasta.

I just figure as did Forest, "Stupid is as Stupid does". Can't cure stupid!!!



John, Nathan, Nathan and Geoff!!! Hope you all have had great days. DD Kellie turns 10 on Saturday. She is plotting parties these days. Too bad we are too busy this month to have one. She asked about the Shedd. I checked into it - $500. UMMM. NO!!!

Dinner here tonight is not exciting Bunchkin. I have PTO meeting, so tonight is Chicken Nuggets, noodles and a vegie. I guess I will have to try a little harder for tomorrow.

I have a button that I bought from the Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurant at Navy Pier that says "Stupid is as stupid does!" with a big smiley face (like the one Forest makes on a t-shirt in the movie when he's running). I keep it pinned to the visor in my car!!!!!

$500 for a party at the Shedd????!!!!! WOWZERS!!!

What are you making tonight for dinner?

Bunchkin
*I made my Tastefully Simple Creamy Wild Rice Soup last night for supper - which was great!!! Kevin loved it too!!!!! Since I knew the girls wouldn't eat it, I made them mini corndogs, and then I decided to make enough for all of us, which I wish I didn't do now. Mini Corn Dogs and that soup doesn't go well together - what was I thinking?!?! Next time I will make rolls (or leave enough time for Beer Bread), like I originally wanted to do - oh well, you live and learn
*Tonight we are having leftover chili, and hotdogs (even though was just had the mini corn dogs last night - oh well)

The other week Tony and I had that soup for lunch with the Beer Bread!
I altered it a little though with ideas from the box. I sauted onions first, and then added the pre-cooked and chopped boneless, skinless chicken from Market Day, then added the soup ingredients. It was FAB!!!

Your lucky that both your kids like hot dogs! Lauren hates them!! So I always have to make something else for her. Usually I just make mac and cheese along with the hot dogs.

Has anyone ever used the OFF! bug repellant wipes??? I saw those at Jewel the other day and was thinking they would take up less space than the bottled spray.

We've brought those before and they worked well. But I don't think you'll have much in the way of bugs yet down there. The only bugs we've encountered was in the heat and humidity of late summer and those were the love bugs! YUCKO!!




Need to run!!
Everyone have a great day!

 

[irish dancer]

Morning everyone

Ahhh, today is cleaning lady day - I love cleaning lady day. Every other Wed Stella comes and cleans the house from top to bottom. This was one splurge that my DH agreed to when we moved into this house. It is a 2 story 4 bed 1.5 bath with finished basement. At that time we had a newborn, 1yr old and 4yr old and I was running my own Irish dance school. I know it will be a matter of time before the kids come home and start messing it up but right now it's nice.

Bunchkin - the chicken tenders came out great. I cut up 2 huge breasts, dipped them in buttermilk and then coated them in a mixture of Bisquick, parm cheese, garlic salt, paprika and flax seed meal (shhh, don't tell anyone) and baked them in the oven. Tonight I think it will be kielbasa (sp?) and I'm not sure what else.

Zero - I'd love the recipie to the pasta skillet too!

slo - we're going the first week of Oct, before Columbus Day. I called today and left a message for the Concierge staff so they can make our ADRs next week - yeah!

Well, DH is coming home for lunch today so I've got to run. Enjoy the sunshine everyone!

 

[macraven]

i want a cleaning lady too..............











or maybe if i got off the computer, i could clean the dump up myself........

 

[Crissup]

I forgot to defrost chicken breasts!!!

If you knit little sweaters for the chickens, you won't have that problem.

Sorry, in a bit of a strange mood today.

 

[Bunchkin]

Bunchkin - the chicken tenders came out great. I cut up 2 huge breasts, dipped them in buttermilk and then coated them in a mixture of Bisquick, parm cheese, garlic salt, paprika and flax seed meal (shhh, don't tell anyone) and baked them in the oven. Tonight I think it will be kielbasa (sp?) and I'm not sure what else.

Those chicken tenders sound yummy! I may have to try that one out!
Did you say it's on the box or did you whip it up yourself? I'm notorious for concocting recipes like that myself!


Wish I had a cleaning lady.....oh wait.....that would already be me!
We have a 2 story, 4 bedroom (really five, but we left it open as a playroom for the kids, 2 1/2 baths house. Just about the time I get it cleaned I feel like I'm just repeating myself.

i want a cleaning lady too..............



or maybe if i got off the computer, i could clean the dump up myself........

If you knit little sweaters for the chickens, you won't have that problem.

Sorry, in a bit of a strange mood today.

 

[ZeroMyHero]

Good afternoon everyone!

Yeah! My bills are paid for the month. That's my most hated chore so at least it's over with for another four weeks.

bunchkin and irish - Italian pasta skillet: brown 1lb ground beef (could use turkey instead), drain and put back over heat; add one can cream of mushroom soup with roasted garlic, 1 cup water, 1 can diced tomatoes with peppers and onions, and 6 oz (about half a box) penne or rotini pasta; stir and bring to boil, once boiling reduce heat and cover, simmer for 15 mins; turn heat off and top with about 1 cup shredded mozzarella/provolone cheese and re-cover; when cheese is melted (about 2 mins), serve. This is one of my "oh shoot DH will be home in 30 mins and I haven't started dinner!" dinners.

disneygal - interior design, cool! I thought about doing that for a while in high school but never pursued it. Moraine Valley is southeast of where I live, over by Hickory Hills I think? I'm not in that district but I'm sure the CC by me has art programs. Because DH works all the way up by Wrigley Field, it's after 7:00 by the time he gets home, so it would be tough for me to even get to class on time, esp. with no one to watch DD. Oh well, maybe someday...

slo - mmmmmmm, Tastefully Simple - love that stuff! I use their spice mixes a lot when I cook.

geffric - wow, shorts! I'm so glad DD is still too small to fight me on clothes, though she did mention that she is tired of wearing a jacket when she goes outside. I told her I was sick of wearing one, too!

crissup - my girlfriend made me an angel food cake from scratch for my birthday last year - delicious! Oh, and Boston Cream Pie? Haven't had it in years but oh, love that stuff, too! Sounds like you had a dessert-filled birthday.

Hersey - Since I live in Aurora, I'm thinking of heading to the downtown district to see if I can't catch some of the filming. It's only about 10 mins from my house. If I see anything (or anyone!) I'll be sure to post about it.

I made pork chops with potatoes and corn last night. DH ate it but DD still isn't keen on meat or potatoes. I made kielbasa last week and she really liked it, so maybe I'll make that tonight for dinner. Hope everyone has a great evening!

 

[Crissup]

Oh, and Boston Cream Pie? Haven't had it in years but oh, love that stuff, too! Sounds like you had a dessert-filled birthday.

Yes. It was all very good. I think the last time I had Boston Creme Pie was at the Liberty Tree Tavern in the Magic Kingdom.

 

[slo]

DG - My employee is going to Ball State for Interior Design, and she is loving it!! I can't remember how far away you are from me, but if you ever need something for a class (matboard, foamcore, etc), give me a PM and I'll let you know where I'm at.

momto1 - Your sandwiches for last nights dinner sounded good!!

Bunchkin - You always have such good altering ideas - I wish I was brave enough to do that. I'm always chicken that I'm going to screw something up, and then I just wasted something I was looking forward to. I need to get braver!!!!
**I'm so glad that Tony was able to fix your washer - he's such a great guy!!!

ID - Where are you staying??? We've stayed concierge at The Contemporary and The Poly, and all 3 times, I never trusted the staff to make my ADR's - I'm so goofy!! Kevin always told me I was nuts, but I just wanted to do it myself

Zero - I'm not brave enough to use my Tastefully Simple spices when I cook either I follow my receipes to a tee, and I'm always to nervous to add anything - I really do need to get braver!!!! This will be a 2009 New Years Resolution

To everyone else -




Well, I gotta run and get ready for work
Have a good day today everyone!!!

 

[irish dancer]

i want a cleaning lady too..............

or maybe if i got off the computer, i could clean the dump up myself........

Shhhhh, don't remind my DH! I've recently retired from teaching and could probably do it all myself but I like having Stella....


Morning everyone! Another sunny day, at least for now. I also saw 60s forecasted for Sunday

Bunchkin - the tenders recipie is on the Bisquick box, I added the flax seed meal myself in an attempt to sneak in some added nutrition. I had made up my old breading mix with bread crumbs, parm cheese, etc but DH said he likes the Bisquick one better .

Zero - thanks for the recipie, sounds good will have to give it a whirl.

slo - we're DVC members so we're using points for AKV. DH and I stayed there for a long weekend on our 10th Anniversary but the kids have never stayed at AKL. It is also a suprise trip so I think they'll love it. I talked to concierge yesterday and they are already making our ADRs! According to the ADR calculator my window doesn't open until Apr. 8th Does concierge get to pre-book? Did you like concierge? We're trying CRT again, not too happy about the price but we haven't done it in a while and probably won't do it again so DH said to take advantage of concierge making our ADRs, that way I don't have to be up at the crack of dawn fighting to get an ADR.



Has anyone done a Specialty Cruise (Illuminations or Wishes)? It is a bit pricy but am thinking of trying for it for our Oct. trip.



Well, I'm off to put in a load of laundry . Enjoy the sun while it lasts!

 

[paintnolish]

I'm still alive but just barely! The semester is coming to an end and the wedding is under 2 monthes away. I don't know if I can make it!

disneygal- Was it you that asked my major a while back? I am Eng Ed, but a looong time ago I studied Ineterior Design. I even went to an open house at Harrington, but didn't go because I wanted to spend time with my boyfriend (who became my h, then my xh!). I ended up going to JJC and ISU and wasting money on credits I never used!

irish- Send your house cleaner this way. Does she write papers, too?

bunchkin- They don't make them like they used to, do they? Our dryer and washer are old. If they are going to break, I hope they do soon. They are covered my our homeowners warranty until June. We just got a new garbage disposal using the warranty.

bunchkin, slo, zero- I love TS! If I wasn't so insanely busy already, I'd sell it. I just used Garlic, Garlic the other night in an alfredo sauce- only, I did not open the shaker side. I opened the pour side and dumped a ton in. It was still good and we kept away vampires.

mac- Now, see, if you were off the pc, doing other things, you could actually be causing further messes in the house. It is better if you stay put and not disrupt anything, right?

Okay. Off to do something productive. Maybe.