Chicago area Diser's - check in here Part 4

[Becky2005]

I'm not sure I re-did my introduction, so here it is.

I'm Becky, stay-at-home mom of 4 munchkins. 1 girl & 3 boys -- ages in my signature although one to turn 7 soonly. I've been married *almost* 16 years (or as DH says "only seems like forever"). I live in Geneva, so "far west suburbs" at least I *think* we are still the "far west suburbs" -- that's what the ancient telephone books used to classify us although I think the city is moving out to us.

 

[maiziezoe]

Hi! I thought I would introduce myself too.

I'm Ann... just turned 39 six days ago... I'm married to Tom. I have 4 kids, two from my first marriage and two from my second marriage. Alex is 18 (almost 19), McKenzie is 10, Logan is 2 and Piper will be 3 months on the 4th (she was born on Superbowl Sunday ). I live in Algonquin where I have lived almost my whole life... I'm a CUBS fan, a HAWKS fan and I love Jimmie Johnson (NASCAR #48). I work from home writing a column for a local newspaper.

Oh, and I love DISNEY!!!

 

[mvazul]

Whew! I finally made it through!! I'm glad I missed all the controversy. I just wanted to say one thing in response to all of it - every single one of you here have been absolutely wonderful to me. It felt like all of you welcomed me with open arms. With that said, if any of you would like to meet at the Lincoln Park Zoo sometime, let me know.

I doubt I will make it to the POTC3 meet, because I am just really not into Pirates. I still haven't seen the second one yet. MIL and her husband took DS to see the second one. I have a feeling they will take him to this one, too. I am waiting for the new Harry Potter to come out. It has been a tradition for me to go with DS to see it - just the two of us.

I'm glad all of you had a great time bowling this weekend. It looks like an awesome alley. The pictures were great. I wish we could have been there, but we had a previous engagement.

Saturday was the Ball & Auction for our kids' school. It was held in the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier. We had a great time. Dinner was horrible, though. We were started off with a salad of spinach, almonds, strawberries, feta cheese and a very rancid, champagne dressing. We didn't have a choice for our entree. It was a chicken breast roll filled with pine nuts, feta cheese and (I think) peppers. It was extremely dry and really lacked flavor. We had mashed potatoes as a side. They were good, but also had pine nuts in them. Then, we had a bunch of peppers and one lone carrot as another side.

Dinner aside, we had a great time. Janet Davies (from ABC7) was our host. She has a child in the same pre-school. She is going to give the commencement speech at DD's pre-school graduation next month!! I actually sat back to back with her - our table was right next to hers. At our table, we sat with a movie producer (don't remember his name) and a guy who works for Playboy (not sure what he does?). I felt very much out of my league! We sat at that table, because we know one of the other men (a financial advisor). He and DH coached girls' basketball together at the school this winter.

I'm not sure if you remember, but I had donated 5 photography packages. I know at least three were bid on. One was for a personalized DVD. I take family pictures and put them on a DVD and set it to music with text and graphics. The lady who won that called me yesterday. We are meeting Saturday afternoon to discuss it. She is having it made for her daughter's rehearsal dinner. She also won my newborn session. She is expecting a new grandchild in September. So, I will be taking baby pictures in September or October!! I think the other package bid on was my family shoot.

I don't think anyone bid on my "Stepladder" package. It included a maternity shoot, newborn shoot and a shoot for each stage of 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and first birthday. Plus, each shoot comes with an 8x10. But, I think no one bid on it, because they had the bid starting at $450!! The other one that didn't get bid on was my "Mommy Cards". Basically, they are personalized "business" cards for SAH or busy moms/parents. I can't tell you how many times, as a SAHM, I needed to write down my number/info and had nothing to write with or on. So, I came up with this idea. Unfortunately, they didn't add an explanation, so I don't think anyone knew what they were.

Anyway, here are a couple pics of DH and me:

Okay - need to run. Baby is awake!!

 

[Bunchkin]

Hello all!!

Busy, busy day around here!!

The total distruction of our yard has begun.
After marking out the front and back yards, DH is now in the front digging up the grass around our big front porch. A small paver block wall will be built to edge it out and then new bushes and bulbs and plants will go in and new mulch. Lots of work!!
Anyone in need of some bushes and come and take the one's we are digging out!! They are in good shape and nice, they are just not what I want to go with, they are what the builder put in.

Next is the back yard. DH will be leveling out some of the back yard with a bobcat and then a huge 20x30 patio is getting put in.



Just made final plans for our Brownie Troop's annual mother/daughter event.
The girls chose to go to Libby Lu and then to lunch.
Trying to organize a free day for everyone to attend was like trying to avoid the humidity at WDW in the summer. ........IMPOSSIBLE!!!!
I also needed to set the wheels in motion for the campout we are having here this summer. I had to cancel it last summer due to my foot surgery.


mvazul Sounds like the event you attended was nice! I hope it drums up some business for you too!!



maizezoe Writing for a local paper sounds like a neat job!!!
Another Cubs fan.....YAY!! But I'm not with ya on Jimmy Johnson!! I'm a Tony Stewart fan!!


John I hope all goes well with the driveway replacement!!!




Gotta run and pick up DS from preschool!!

 

[SamIAm21]

Hey Chrismiss! Welcome to the Chicagoland thread. Despite our tiff a few pages back, rest assured we are a friendly and very welcoming group! Sorry you didn't quite get in the groove last time, but if you ever go way back, you'll see I tried a few times too before it "stuck" with me too! Please drop in and share, and yes, your DD working at WDW is an awesome thing. I was just there at the Journey Into Imagination ride and it would have been great to see your DD there! My daughter was chosen by the Kodak Digital Lab Geek/Scientist and she got stuck putting on the lab coat and goofy glasses. It was pretty funny and I have a great picture of her too.



So, heading to Tinley Park and Mokena seemed far to you huh! I don't live far from there. I'm a Mokena-ite. I am married have a daughter named Megan and she's 7.

mvazul, you and your DH make an adorable couple. What great pictures!! I'm really intrigued by your line of work. We may need to talk "off line".

Bunchkin, Tony is really on a tear around the house huh? First the aerating and now this. Sounds like your yard will be picture perfect by the full swing of summer!

Well, I gotta run. Take care everyone!

 

[macraven]

Good afternoon, all!

Yep, Bubba Gump's was fun on Saturday, except it was wicked crowded, and they kind of "lost" Mark's order in the shuffle..and brought me two salads

where is a bubba gump located around here?
i planned to go to the one in city walk in october but would rather try BG before then.

)

Hi to All

I have been lurking for quite a while and decided to be brave and post.

:

I live just north of Chicago - am 51 and have 2 DDs 19 and 22 - 22 DD lives in Florida and works for the MOUSE More about that later........

Thanks for listening and hope to talk to you soon.

Have a Magical Disney Day!!

Chrismiss 56

welcome to the thread.
i am north of chgo also. it's 34 miles from downtown to my house.

are you in lake county like i am?

 

[mvazul]

mvazul, you and your DH make an adorable couple. What great pictures!! I'm really intrigued by your line of work. We may need to talk "off line".

Aaawww, thank you so much!! I think we look a little like Mutt and Jeff with him being so tall and me being so short!!

We can talk off-line anytime. Just PM me or shoot me an e-mail at: mamalion2cubs@aol.com

Thank you, again!!

 

[macraven]

bunchkin i hope you read back when you miss pages as i gave you the heads up on bon jovi being on AI last night. wow was he hot.
he will be on again tonight and do a song.


be there
or
be square


tonight fox at 8pm

 

[macraven]

Thanks to everyone for sharing what type of camera they have.
I want a good camera but don't want to spend a ton of loot to get one!!
So I've been pricing them out on line first before I go hit the stores.

Lauren is excited because I promised her my old camera when I get a new one. I know it will take her abuse.....I dropped it 4 times at Disneyland!!!

bunchkin:

i had my son help me out with buying a digital camera.
he set me up on a site that gives the pros and cons, cost, etc on all digital cameras. if you need the site let me know and i will call him for it.

but, i decided on Canon power shot SD 630 digital elph, 60 mega pixels

i love it but still trying to do everything it does. can do video, also with it.
you can hold the camera on it's side and the pic adjusts to what you are shooting. and you can put color in the pics if you make it serpia.
very kewl.

i bought it at beachcamera.com
on the camera seek website, it also lists the major places you can buy on line. i knew of others that used beach camera so i went with them.

this camera was $365 with other companies and i paid $280.
i did buy the extra memory thing and they discounted it since i bought the camera. it comes with one as it is.

 

[mvazul]

Good Morning All!!

Just taking a quick moment from work - I work at a dog training, boarding, grooming and daycare facility. I work the front desk It is an interesting job and I get to do what I do best TALK ALL DAY

mvazul- Another die hard Cub fan here - used to live on the Northside and take the EL to Wrigley when it was safe for a 11yr old to do

First of all, to the board!! Your job sounds like fun. My sister has a chocolate lab and my mother has a yellow. Too bad they live in PA and NY!! My sister is always looking for a good boarding place when she has to go on business trips.

Yes, I am a big Cubs' fan. However, I have to admit, I have only been a Cubs' fan for the last 8 years - since I met DH. But, in my defense, I didn't have a favorite team. If I did, the closest would have been the Orioles. That's only because Maryland was my first home as a baby (but I don't remember it). Then, I lived there for a few months as an adult (and loved it). I was asked to be a nanny for one of the players, but they were looking for live-in and I wasn't. Also, my uncle helped design Mike Mussina's gym for his home in Montoursville, PA.

A little more about me and mine.....

My name is Michelle. I am 35, married to a wonderful man and have two semi-wonderful children (DS12 and DD5). I grew up in Northeast Pennsylvania. My entire family is still in PA/NY (except my dad - he's in Nashville.)

I have been a SAHM for the last 5 years. I started my own photography business in March, 2005, in North Carolina ( Michelle Vazul Photography ). DH, the kids and I moved to Chicago last June. DH was born and raised in Chicago. (He also remembers going to Cubs' games when it was safe for an 11 year old to ride the El! And he remembers when he was able to cash in soda bottles for Cubs' tickets!! ) Wwe now live in the same house DH grew up in - with my MIL!! However, we just got an apartment yesterday, so we will be packing and moving soon (diagonally across the street from MIL!! )

Since it has been hard to get my business up and running, I have gone back to being a nanny, again. I am really liking it. I take care of one baby (almost 5 months old). I have Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays off. For now, it's a nice balance of work and being home with my family.

Anyway....enough rambling from me. Again, welcome to the board!!

 

[Crissup]

but, i decided on Canon power shot SD 630 digital elph, 60 mega pixels

I think you mean 6 mega pixel, not 60.

The Canon digital Elph was my choice also. I went with one of the last "S" series models only because I wanted to continue using all the Compact Flash cards I already owned. The "SD" models are the same camera, except SD cards instead. They're great cameras, I've been very happy with the two that I own.

 

[paintnolish]

Chrissmiss- DiNolfo's! That is where I had my wedding reception. Gorgeous, but it turned out to be a fabulous waste of money for me! Probably would have been better had I not invited XH, huh? Oh well. It was a fun party, at least!
Mvazul- Not a POTC fan! For shame! Anyway, cute pics of h and you. Oh, and at the semi-wonderful children comment. I hear ya'!
maizezoe- What kind of things to you write about?

 

[DonnaW]

Hey, Chicago folks...another gorgeous day today! I love spring weather when it's like this.

Mvazul...When we were at Navy Pier on Saturday, I saw the room (thru the windows) where it looked like an auction was being set up...may have even seen you!

Cameras...seems like Canon is the popular favorite for the Chicago DISers!

Idol...Bon Jovi looked GREAT last night...wow...I didn't know he could look that good, actually! And Blake...yowser, that boy can sing a song! I am anxious to see what happens tonight since there will be two of them going home.

Bubba Gump..in Chicago, right at Navy Pier. In the summer, I LOVE to eat outside there.

Mackinac Island...I've been on-line, pricing things out, not too sure if we are going to go there or maybe back to Door County. I'm looking at a trip in June (for my...ahem...*big*...ahem...birthday!) I have never been to Mackinac, but not sure about going there or not...have been to Door County, and it's very nice there. Or, maybe just a trip to my lake...Lake Geneva...decisions, decisions. Anyone have any other ideas?

Everybody...have a great night!

 

[HERSEY]

Ok here is the pic of the castle almost completed.

 

[HERSEY]

Hey, Chicago folks...another gorgeous day today! I love spring weather when it's like this.

Mvazul...When we were at Navy Pier on Saturday, I saw the room (thru the windows) where it looked like an auction was being set up...may have even seen you!

Cameras...seems like Canon is the popular favorite for the Chicago DISers!

Idol...Bon Jovi looked GREAT last night...wow...I didn't know he could look that good, actually! And Blake...yowser, that boy can sing a song! I am anxious to see what happens tonight since there will be two of them going home.

Bubba Gump..in Chicago, right at Navy Pier. In the summer, I LOVE to eat outside there.

Mackinac Island...I've been on-line, pricing things out, not too sure if we are going to go there or maybe back to Door County. I'm looking at a trip in June (for my...ahem...*big*...ahem...birthday!) I have never been to Mackinac, but not sure about going there or not...have been to Door County, and it's very nice there. Or, maybe just a trip to my lake...Lake Geneva...decisions, decisions. Anyone have any other ideas?

Everybody...have a great night!

Have you tried to look at the AAA travel site? I think they had pretty good prices.

 

[Bunchkin]

mac I did remember to watch AI last night!!! 1st time I sat down and watched the whole show all season.
I didn't really care for many of the renderings of Bon Jovi's songs but did love watching Jon!!!
And I have a reminder already set up for later to watch them play!! Swooooooooon!!

60 pixels!!! Those must be some super sharp pics!!!



Donna Now you know why I have the hots for Jon!!!
Good thing my DH tolerates it!!







I think I'll go camera shopping this weekend. A perfect reason to get out of the house since it seems like our aweful neighbors behind us are already preparing for a party this weekend!!
Tony had to go over there 2 weekends ago to tell them to turn down their radio which was blarring music right into the direction of our house.....and they had it on for hours!!! The kids had to turn the tv up super load just to hear it over their music!!

 

[Bunchkin]

Ok here is the pic of the castle almost completed.

Great castle!!! Is Alex's dad still helping?

 

[HERSEY]

Yup! he let us mess up HIS house. We just have to put a door on the castle and get it to school tomorrow in one piece.

 

[Bunchkin]

Yup! he let us mess up HIS house. We just have to put a door on the castle and get it to school tomorrow in one piece.

Excellent!!!
Make sure you take another picture when it's all done!

 

[Bunchkin]

Our thread is almost at 1,000 pages!!!

And 15,000 posts!!!