DDA Chapter 3

[Tinkaroo]

Good morning all! Looks like a busy day ahead. Rachel's birthday party is tonight and Mom works until 4:45 so I'm in charge of the final prep. We've got to get to the library, Target and the grocery store this morning. After that, I've got to make mask shaped cookies for the party. She's having a Mardi Gras theme and their going to decorate their own mask cookies in lieu of cake. They are also going to decorate "floats". That reminds me, I was going to find some Mardi Gras-type music to download for playing during the decorating and "parade". The hardest part is going to be keeping Terra distracted enough to keep her from wanting to join in. I wish there was a way to take her out to do something, but I've got to stay and help mom lest she go a little crazy with 11 way-to-hyper-12yos running around.

Happy Friday everyone!

Hope it's gone/going well! I hope they're not as hyper as you're fearing - don't give them any sugar!

It's not so much the amount of things that are asked for as it is the way people ask. Even my preschoolers know that if you want someone to do something for you, you had better remember your PLEASE and THANK YOU. Then there are the ones that you spend days working with making changes, correcting colors, etc., and, not only do you not get a thank you, but you also see a request on the board for the exact things that you have done for them. If you don't like my style/designs, that is fine, but don't start with a request for something with purple lettering then have me change it to blue because the boys won't wear purple then change it to green because someone else doesn't like blue and then decide to ask another designer for the same shirt. I want people to be happy, so I really don't mind making changes if the design is actually going to be used. And then the THANK YOU should be said.

Guess I'm a bit of a witch today, huh? The other designers are obviously much, much nicer and much, much more patient than I am.

I've always been amazed at the generosity of those that have designed and customized. It's a huge time commitment, and I've always been floored by people that think they can monopolize people's times who are just doing it out of the goodness of their own hearts, and also have other lives/families to attend to, etc. My hat is off to each of you, and a simple "thank you" should be the least you should expect!

I hope your day got bettter, Beth!

I hope to check in periodically over the next three days. It is our first weekend of pre-Festival practice recitals. Between 3:00 this afternoon and 5:00 Sunday evening I will listen to and judge somewhere around 165 students, in 17 recitals. I also have to accompany 9 concerto students so I do have a chance to get up and play the piano a bit. :

I hope you all have great weekends if I miss checking in. Please leave me a forwarding address if we move!

Wow - that is a lot! I hope it passes quickly (and enjoyably!).

Right now it's been narrowed down to Utah, TX, Colorado or near Ama. It will probably expand by a couple of more states as she looks....or maybe, just maybe she'll narrow it down even farther(who am I kidding )

Yay - I was wondering if Texas was going to be in the mix! Any idea which campuses?

Can I just tell you all what a wonderful man I have found. Bob showed up at my work today (lucky for him I was in my office; well, maybe lucky for me) with flowers and a card, wanting to take me out to lunch. Tomorrow it's officially one year.

That is just awesome, Tammi! I'm so glad you guys have such a happy story after 1 year. Lots of for many more!

I have 2 suitcases that are 29", and at least 3 that are 24". And 3 21" carry-ons. And 2 backpacks and my Magic Bag. Those will get us to WDW, then we'll check one of the carry-ons and carry on the souvenir duffle coming home. And I will be prepared to pay $25 each for the big bags to be over the weight limit. It'll be fine.

Yes, but how are you going to get it all to the airport?!?!

So when you plan your wedding Can it be at WDW and can we all be invited?

Oh, yes! Can you imagine what kind of wedding we could "help" with? Remember that a small group has already had the trial run with the stuffies!

Deb - That turned out cute! Much more flattering than the first one!

I agree! And WTG Colby for the great photography!

 

[Tinkaroo]

PD to everyone who needs it today.


I have been trying to read for a while and keep getting pulled away.

I have been toying withthe idea of making my pillowcases for $$, but it can cost me as much as $10.00 to make a case if the fabric cost me alot, then I use a firm backing for the embroidery.
I might be able to do it cheeper if fabrics are on sale. I would have to get a group that I could try it out on and see if it would pay off.

So the survey is....
What would you all pay for a custom pillowcase? Fabric and embroidery?

$10, $15, $20 more or less?

As a parent of a child in an activity.... Would you be willing to pay for a specail pillowcase for that band, dance group, basball team etc?

OR would you find it bothersum that that are pimping you for more money for a silly thing?

Sample for those of yo have not seen one of my cases in a long time.

Thank you for your time DDA, I am thrilled to have you all to ask these questions.

Paula, I agree with everyone else. I think you could easily get $20+ for them, particularly if tied to a special event, etc. Have you looked on eBay to see what the going rate for these types of things might be?

I also agree that if you could come up with some sort of coordinating item, you could up your asking price significantly!

Well, Brantley-Kate had a migraine, so she went to school at 10:30am. Tonight is the Father-Daughter dance at their school. She is wearing a black velvet and pink silk dress, John will be in a suit, and he got her a wrist corsage. The theme is Winter Wonderland. She is so excited!

I'm so glad she was feeling up to going! I feel for all these DDA kidlets that get migraines - you just shouldn't have to deal with those until you're older! The pics were just wonderful!

Debbie glad to hear all went well at the Dr.

Ditto!

lindsay, marci, elizabeth, and paula i got yalls checks and thanks for sending them. i go to the walk tomorrow morning.

desirae brought her son with her today and he is getting so big. our house isnt kid proof so he was into everything. he was even into chasing the dogs who didnt want anything to do with him.

have any of you guys been on the cruise boat mariner of the seas. i think we are looking into that ship. channon do you know anything good or bad about it. maybe even accessible excursion? any other ships good for someone in a chair?

You're very welcome - please let us know how the walk goes.

And thanks Elizabeth for coordinating!

I am so tired. It was home from work, eat a quick dinner, take Alyssa to ballet, then it was Family Game Night, which should have been called Run Around the Cafeteria Screaming Night, at their school. There was an arts/crafts table set up, which Alyssa and Bethany stayed at most of the time. Then they had tables with Checkers, Chess, Jenga, etc where most of the older kids played. For the younger ones it was more of a free-for-all. This was the kick-off for Book Fair Week, so of course I got bamboozled into buying some books too. Nicholas got a new Magic Treehouse book and Alyssa got a level one reader. She is really progressing with her sight words and sounding things out. I hope they sleep in, as they were very exhausted tonight. I think we will all be going to the Hannah Montana movie tomorrow since they extended it.

Wow - that does sound like a lot! for a huge blanket of sleep for your house tonight!

Hanging in there...been a precarious few days...but am moving forward. Now that I have finally received medical clearance I have been feeling a little blue...fear put sadness on the back burner for awhile.

I hope getting away, just the 2 of you, can start the healing process. Lots of prayers for you, Bill, and the kids.

maybe the 4 of us could make a commercial!!

That is really wonderful that you both have found such wonderful men!

Oh man, 10:30 cannot come soon enough. AnneMarie and Glynis, are your girls and their friends really loud? These girls are insanely loud. It is just crazy. My head is pounding from the din of noise. Luckily, only two are spending the night.

I may have to catch up in the morning. When they all leave, I think that bed is calling my name. If I don't make it back...night all.

Ouch, Tia. I was afraid of that - so sorry! that this passes quickly!!

 

[Tinkaroo]

Well, now that my P3 is over, I think I'm going to head to bed. My travel home from NY yesterday was fairly uneventful, which was good. I have a multi-colored knee cap (thank goodness it's pant season!), but the swelling has gone down and I'm no worse for the wear. I'm just so relieved that today was Friday!

And tomorrow is Saturday, and I get to see our friends Marci and Elizabeth for lunch! I'm very much looking forward to it!

Good night, DDA! Check in with you tomorrow!

 

[KMH1]

Hey there...I hope everyone is gearing up for a good weekend!

Tammi, Happy 1 Year!

Denise, super pictures! I'm glad BK was feeling well enough to escort John to the dance!

Kristine, I hope the Disney magic enables you to forget the real world for a few days.

Marci, I hope you're feeling better soon. Bernadette, you too.

Paula, you definitely have a great talent. I have a few burp cloths that I treasure! You could also customize baby bibs...

Anne-Marie, you've had a rough week. Take some time for yourself this weekend!

Lindsay, Elizabeth, and Marci, have a great lunch tomorrow.

Deb, really cute shirt!

Karen, I hope tomorrow's walk is a big success!

Debbie, good to read that things went well at your doctor's visit.

Tia, hope you manage to get a good night's sleep (and your ears stop ringing!)

Elin, you win for busiest weekend ahead...hope it all goes smoothly!

I know I'm forgetting things. Lots of and to you all!

 

[Pooh67_68]

Very nice.

 

[Pooh67_68]

Kristine

Hoping that going to your happy place will help some, however little.

 

[Pooh67_68]

Morning.

 

[PNO4TE]

Elin, just thinking aloud here...

I would probably skip Tutto Italia. Who knows, it might not even be open at that time, as last I heard, I thought TI was just a temporary restaurant until the Patina Group closed that space down for a refurbishment into the new Italian restaurant that is to go in that spot. I have also not heard very good things about it.

I would probably also leave Coral Reef off, since you guys have been there numerous times, and the service has been spotty. You don't want a less than satisfactory experience on this trip!

So, that gives you 4 credits right there. That leaves you the 4 signature restaurants you want to try, maybe a lunch at Chefs de France one day, and the 3 big breakfasts.

It all sounds great, though. For what it's worth, we love Cali Grill and Yachtsman. I was not overwhelmed by Citricos (we're more Narcoossee's fans), but we might need to give it another shot. I didn't care for Jiko all that much, either, but Jonathan went back there on a business trip, and had an amazing meal! I know they changed chefs not long ago, and don't know how that has affected the menu.

Have fun deciding!

ETA: If you go to Cali Grill, ask for Gary or Topher - both excellent servers!!!!

Thanks for your input, Lindsay. I know that the Patina Group has taken over Italy and that is one reason I wanted to try Tutto Italia. We ate at Catal in DD in DLand in July and it was an amazing meal. Joaquim Splichal looks to have his eye on great service as well as special cuisine. I think the reason I have included it is that I have good reviews of the dishes that most interest Bob and me. Add to that the hope that the new restaurant could be open when we get there... who knows... we will leave it on there for the time being and revisit the choice in 30-45 days.

I also think we will forego Coral Reef as you suggested. For the very reasons you stated! Thanks!

The reason I chose Citricos over Narcoossee's is the menu. Bob is not a huge seafood fan. There is a more meat-friendly offering at Citricos and it is as close to V&A as I am going to get with my gastronomically timid hubby!

We will be certain to ask for Gary or Topher at CA Grill. I am hoping that we have a better meal there this time!

Again, thanks for the brainstorming session! I do have to say that it has presented another problem though. I forgot that Bob asked to eat at Biergarten on day!

 

[PNO4TE]

Well, now that my P3 is over, I think I'm going to head to bed. My travel home from NY yesterday was fairly uneventful, which was good. I have a multi-colored knee cap (thank goodness it's pant season!), but the swelling has gone down and I'm no worse for the wear. I'm just so relieved that today was Friday!

And tomorrow is Saturday, and I get to see our friends Marci and Elizabeth for lunch! I'm very much looking forward to it!

Good night, DDA! Check in with you tomorrow!

I am glad your return flight was fine, but so sorry that your knee is looking like mine did in December. I hope yours heals more quickly too. Mine is still tender to the tough, but no longer swollen or rainbow-colored!

We want pictures from the luncheon!!

Which reminds me, Tammi... we DO need to find time to get together again!

 

[PNO4TE]

Amy - I hope after your midnight post you managed to go to sleep and stay there for the entire night. : As for winning the busiest weekend crown... I would gladly abdicate!

 

[PNO4TE]

Good morning, DDA!

 

[Mommy2EmMoLu]

Hey there...I hope everyone is gearing up for a good weekend!

Tammi, Happy 1 Year!

Denise, super pictures! I'm glad BK was feeling well enough to escort John to the dance!

Kristine, I hope the Disney magic enables you to forget the real world for a few days.

Marci, I hope you're feeling better soon. Bernadette, you too.

Paula, you definitely have a great talent. I have a few burp cloths that I treasure! You could also customize baby bibs...

Anne-Marie, you've had a rough week. Take some time for yourself this weekend!

Lindsay, Elizabeth, and Marci, have a great lunch tomorrow.

Deb, really cute shirt!

Karen, I hope tomorrow's walk is a big success!

Debbie, good to read that things went well at your doctor's visit.

Tia, hope you manage to get a good night's sleep (and your ears stop ringing!)

Elin, you win for busiest weekend ahead...hope it all goes smoothly!

I know I'm forgetting things. Lots of and to you all!

Amy thanks so much for the lovely recap! Ditto everyone.

 

[Mommy2EmMoLu]

Theresa- I sure hope Cassidy finds a college near her Ama.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

lindsay, marci, elizabeth, and paula i got yalls checks and thanks for sending them. i go to the walk tomorrow morning.

Have fun at the walk today, Karen!

I would be lying if I said it hasn't crossed my mind!

I think a WDW wedding would be lovely!

I'm glad you are doing so well Debbie. Keep up the good work.

Debbie, I hope the increase in meds helps your levels! Sounds like you are on the right track!

Thanks, Janet (and everyone else) for the compliments. But, other than Elizabeth, no one has had any suggestions for me yet!

As for a Bob... mine is for rent.

Well, here's the thing. You already know we didn't have a great time at Yachtsman, and Jiko didn't impress us, either. I love Citrico's and I can't wait to try Cali Grill. But you can't put off your ADRs until I get back and tell you about that. The only reason I didn't book Tutto Italia in August is because I am afraid it will be closed and I don't want to have to scramble to replace it several months from now. The reports I have read are that it will close in "Spring" and re-open "Late 2008" which is a bit vague for me! So my suggestions aren't helpful!

Denise great pictures

Denise, B-K looks beautiful! What a nice event! The YMCA has a Daddy/Daughter dance but the schools don't.

Hanging in there...been a precarious few days...but am moving forward. Now that I have finally received medical clearance I have been feeling a little blue...fear put sadness on the back burner for awhile.

Kristine, I am sorry for your loss! I am glad that you can still go to WDW.

maybe the 4 of us could make a commercial!!

Want me to be the naysayer who told you internet dating is dangerous and the only men you could possibly meet are loser slimeballs?

Hope it's gone/going well! I hope they're not as hyper as you're fearing - don't give them any sugar!

Yay - I was wondering if Texas was going to be in the mix! Any idea which campuses?

Yes, but how are you going to get it all to the airport?!?!

Oh, yes! Can you imagine what kind of wedding we could "help" with? Remember that a small group has already had the trial run with the stuffies!

Tia - Nyah nyah nyah! I have a boy!
Screaming girls would push me over the edge. I hope things settled down! How did the cookies turn out?

Theresa - Yes, which schools is Cassidy looking at in TX?

Lindsay - Shoot. You HAD to bring up the luggage not fitting in the car, didn't you? Well, you live pretty close! What are you doing on August 1 at 4:30 AM? Maybe you can bring a couple of cases to the airport for us!

Tammi - The only wedding I have ever planned is my own, but I am happy to offer consultations.

Marci & Lindsay - Can't wait to see you girls today! It has been a long time!

 

[PNO4TE]

Before I go...

Happy 1st Anniversary, Tammi and Bob!

And Happy Anniversary to me too! It has been one year since my infamous "evil" post!

How about this one instead.

Hope you all have great days. Think of me...

 

[my3princes]

Good morning. It's cold here and there is more wintery weather heading our way. We have bowling this morning and a friend of Nick's will be coming home with us for a while after that. We need to make a trip to the dump and recycling too. I suppose we should shovel the camper roof as with all the rain that snow must be heavy. We need our camper for our 3 week trip this summer Can you believe that I've already started a grocery packing list When I see the boys enjoying shelf stable food I am jotting it down that way I will have ideas for easy things to pack I know that we will eat breakfast at the camper each day and we'll try to do either lunch or dinner there depending on our plans for the day. I'm sure some days we won't get back, but other days we will be at the camper all day so it will probably was out in the longrun.

I hope everyone has a nice day, maybe even a productive one

 

[PNO4TE]

Well, here's the thing. You already know we didn't have a great time at Yachtsman, and Jiko didn't impress us, either. I love Citrico's and I can't wait to try Cali Grill. But you can't put off your ADRs until I get back and tell you about that. The only reason I didn't book Tutto Italia in August is because I am afraid it will be closed and I don't want to have to scramble to replace it several months from now. The reports I have read are that it will close in "Spring" and re-open "Late 2008" which is a bit vague for me! So my suggestions aren't helpful!

Well, it does help! I have thought the same things and just need someone to help me brainstorm, so keep your ear to the ground and let me know what you all hear about the TI closing. and reopening!

Want me to be the naysayer who told you internet dating is dangerous and the only men you could possibly meet are loser slimeballs?

You crack me up, Elizabeth. Aren't you glad you were wrong? twice...

Lindsay - Shoot. You HAD to bring up the luggage not fitting in the car, didn't you? Well, you live pretty close! What are you doing on August 1 at 4:30 AM? Maybe you can bring a couple of cases to the airport for us!

I think that is a great use of a friend!

Marci & Lindsay - Can't wait to see you girls today! It has been a long time!

Have fun, you three!!

 

[PNO4TE]

Good morning. It's cold here and there is more wintery weather heading our way. We have bowling this morning and a friend of Nick's will be coming home with us for a while after that. We need to make a trip to the dump and recycling too. I suppose we should shovel the camper roof as with all the rain that snow must be heavy. We need our camper for our 3 week trip this summer Can you believe that I've already started a grocery packing list When I see the boys enjoying shelf stable food I am jotting it down that way I will have ideas for easy things to pack I know that we will eat breakfast at the camper each day and we'll try to do either lunch or dinner there depending on our plans for the day. I'm sure some days we won't get back, but other days we will be at the camper all day so it will probably was out in the longrun.

I hope everyone has a nice day, maybe even a productive one

sounds like another full day for the Brooks Clan! I think making a grocery list now is a smart move, Deb. And if any of those staples go on sale you can pick them up and put them in your pantry for use this summer. Smart move! Enjoy your day and get that roof cleaned off before more snow heaps on.

 

[Mommy2EmMoLu]

Not much on the agenda for this weekend. Emma has a birthday party this afternoon. They are supposed to dress like a High School Musical character. I think we are going to straighten her hair and she can go as Sharpay.

I also need to sign both the girls up for soccer today. Molly is beside herself with excitement that she finally gets to play. Emma has evaluations tomorrow afternoon. Her age group gets split up now from the boys and then they group them by skill level.

I desparately need to finish up and put it away. It's sad when about 90% of our clothes are clean but never make it to where they actually belong.

 

[my3princes]

Elizabeth...what will you do if other airlines jump on the one checked bag per person rule that United just instituted? They are charging $50 per bag over the one bag limit. Your multi suitcase plan could be either costly or foiled all together.