Having a GRAND time - the NEW Official GF Chat Thread PART 4

[Lcaemom]

Good morning...just spent an hour reading through two days worth of posts, to catch up with everything.

With everyone mentioning no more vacation mode and back to reality...in some ways I'm sad...it's been a GREAT December but, another part is sooooo ready. Can't wait to get back to a routine, and a DIET...I've never looked forward to dieting but, after Disney and the holidays...I am so ready!!! We are slowly re-entering reality this weekend. Some of the girls' games that were cancelled in December due to the snow, are being made up this weekend. Two of them, have been early, early...7am yesterday and 7:45am today. I got yesterday's game...DH went to today's. The girls however, are finding it painful to get up and then go run for an hour. Hey, they're young!!!
Blueskies I don't know if it'll be better or worse, when they can drive themselves...I cringe when I think of my 13yoDD getting to the point of driving. I feel bad for my little one...she gets dragged all over the place.

Tete01830 We live about 20-30 minutes away from each other. I'm in Peabody. We're actually heading in your direction in about an hour...my DD has a game in Dracut.
You're NYE sounds amazing...where did you stay? Did you stay at the hotel or venture out? I imagine there was so much to see in Boston but, the winds were so awful and it was so cold.
I hear you about cleaning out the toy bins...three bags of trash!!! Must feel good to have really cleaned out. I think that might be the plan for today. We really need to do the same thing and for as much as I dread it...it always feels great when you're done.

Channing I laughed when I read your bunny comment...mine is relegated to the laundry room, too!!! The idea of getting a bunny way back when, seemed so cute and sweet...not so much anymore. She is very loud...bangs her bowls together...and smelly. We visit her everyday but, that is about the only place I can consider keeping her.
You had back to back sleepovers and you're having another next weekend!!! You should get a mother of the year award!!! You're making me tired! I suppose if they really entertain each and other and stay busy, that would be fine.
Must be nice to have the Christmas stuff done and finished with. That's a big job...it's always nice...and festive to get it all out, and do all the decorating; it's completely another job to take it all down and put it away. Today, in addition to the basement we need to take down the tree. I keep putting it off...I'm just not ready to take it down. I keep saying "tomorrow." So, we may take it down...and we may not.
Are you really planning a Christmas trip? Over Christmas or in December? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on that and/or details!
You mentioned that there were discount dates for 11/29-12/5...I perked right up when I saw that. I can't imagine not going back until 2010...and I can't imagine not going at Christmas time...just not sure that the girls can keep missing a week of school and sports. But, I think those dates may tie in with Thanksgiving; bball doesn't start until the following weekend. Hmmmm!!! Now the wheels are spinning!!!

Dawn Hope your scrapping day was a success!!! Do you have a big group of friends who do it regularly? Sounds fun...even to have a whole day to do it by yourself. Looking forward to hearing some details. Are you doing a specific album...kid's album, vacation album...or a chronological album of all family events...or both? Don't need a voice for that...hope you're feeling better!

Maxie86 Sorry to hear about your car!!! That is awful. What did they tell you about preventing this from happening again? Is there anything you can do? Hope you're enjoying this cold weekend, anyways.

Princessrule4 That is so nice that you're planning a trip with your mom. Have you gone together before? The food and wine festival sounds like it would be alot of fun...especially just the two of you.

Mickeynut1 I'm so jealous that you are planning a December 09 trip. I'm getting antzy about not planning a trip for this December...it is so beautiful at Christmas...can't imagine going any other time. Are you planning on the GF? Any other plans...details??? Looking forward to hearing about them.

OK...time to run...not literally...that starts tomorrow. Need to get going to the next game. Hoping to get back here later...hope you all have a nice afternoon.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

good morning everyone
I just ran to DD to grab the kids some muffins and donuts and now I am not going anywhere again today.
I am watching football and doing laundry!

 

[Maxie86]

I got the downstairs cleaned and am doing laundry. I'll do the upstairs tomorrow. I'll be anxiously awaiting tomorrow's mail, hoping for the 40% off flyer. It is very confusing because if it is for all passholders, why not send e-mail notice and post on the passholder site?
Deb, since you asked. It is 75 days until spring.

 

[BlueSkies]

Morning Gals!
Kelly I am sitting here with a nice big cup of DD...it is the best coffee (sorry Mare I know you are a Starbucks girl...)and we all love their muffins too...they had nice pumpkin ones last month (not as good as Dawns recipe though).

Lcae I still have all my holiday decorations up too...still lighting the tree I'm not taking any thing down until next week end...

Channing Congrats on the discount code....time to plan one more trip(or two)!!!

Everyone else here is still sleeping...what a surprise!!! Soon it will be back to reality

Deb I think there are going to be some grumpy kids going off to school tomorrow...I'll be smiling and waving bye

So how many people are planning December trips...it really is such a beautiful time to be at WDW...have fun planning...if I go back towards the end of the year (hopefully) it will be in the fall...love MNSSHP...hopefully I can get this worked out in everyones schedule and maybe get a discount code too...I want it all

Have a few things to get done around here...have a nice morning...ttyl

 

[mickeynut1]

Morning Gals


Lcaemom.......I'm facing the teen driving issue right now as my oldest DS will be 16 the end of June . He's not really interested in taking drivers ed but I think it's a little different with boys....some just don't care when they get to drive . Plus he had to wait an extra year to start school with the way his birthday falls so he's one of the older ones in his grade and the rest of his buddies only turned 14 this year while he turned 15. I really am NOT looking forward to it because we live in the country and these country roads scare ME......I'll be a basket case when he's out driving . On the December trip.........the last (and only) time we were at Disney in December was 2003 . I can't wait to get back that time of year......I think that's my favorite time of year to go . We started going in the fall and taking the boys out of school . But now that BOTH DSs will be in high school next year, we have to be a little pickier of when we plan vacations because it's way too much to have them miss 5-6 days for a vacation . So I'm thinking of pulling them out 3 days right before Christmas break and staying until right before Christmas. I'd LOVE to go over Christmas Day but I can't get my whole family on board with that and I think my dad would be devistated if we weren't here for Christmas . But just going back in December to see all the awesome decorations and going to MVMCP again is just as good for me . We are trying the GF for the first time in June and I would love to do GF RPC for our December trip......but that's not likely since most of our days would be during holiday pricing and that's just a little too much out of our budget . We've stayed at the WL twice and visited during our December trip and that resort is just absolutely gorgeous.....so I'm thinking we may do that and get back to the GF another time . But I'm still deciding on that as well as dates so I haven't booked anything yet.....but it is exciting to plan .


Maxie........YAY for spring being only 75 days away....I can't wait . Good luck on getting the passholder 40% in the mail tomorrow .


Kelly.....I'm with you 50%.......I'll be watching football today but not sure about doing the laundry . And I LOVE DD blueberry muffins.....yum!!!!!


BlueSkies........Ya I'm kinda looking forward to tomorrow morning when everyone is gone to school and work and I can get back to my normal schedule . But then it has been kinda nice the last 2 weeks not to be on a schedule and have to be somewhere or be up by a certain time . But like someone mentioned...it's BACK TO REALITY . We were coming home from church last night and there are still ALOT of peeps still with their outside stuff up AND their trees lit inside....so you're not alone . It's weird though for me since my stuff has been down for 11 days already .


Now that I've written a book.........Hi to everyone else . Hope everyone enjoys their Sunday .


Deb

 

[Lives4Disney]

hi! Morning everybody! the kids are still sleeping....lol....I finally came down to the kitchen, am making coffee and let Tatum have free reign of the house....she goes right to the girls on the floor. She wanted to FEED them this morning earlier but I kept her with me in the kitchen(she loves to get a mouthful of her food and put it on Jojo's bed, pillow, or lap - Jojo is her "baby")... That's a really nice GOOD MORNING....a face full of doggie food. But it will get them moving.

Gosh...I don't know about when to go to WDW.....We love going over our bdays in that first week of July. We have end of June booked with the deal...but nobody is thrilled - including ME -about June. It's a tease....because the next week is the special bday week and the 4th of July etc..and we'd be HOME. But there are no special AP deals on the card for July.

And...I would love a Xmas trip....but the deal ends Dec 24...haven't heard if you check in before the deal dates if the deal continues on....that is what I would want. Otherwise it's $1K/nt and I am over paying that. Plus...my family is NOT on board about being gone for Xmas...evne though I was a grump because it's ALL ME that does their Xmas....and I am sick of it...that has sucked teh fun out of it for me. Nobody seems to REALIZE that I am making this happen for them. ANd I feel unappreciated and AGGRAVATED....so that is why I want to getaway next Christmas...but the kids want to be home. (I almost say TOO BAD TO THAT)

My issue is DS18....his work, school, whatever and do I dare leave him home? Have him fly down and meet us? How about June? Not sure how I'd play that off either. He is not really trustworthy.....

Maxie, I was almost wondering if they let these postcards trickle out slowly due to high call volume. It looked like there was a mess on the phones with CRO yesterday from some posts...people were on hold a long time, all circuits busy and that stuff. I hope you get it tomorrow!!

ugh..ok off to make myself a cup of coffee....and to read and catch up!
Channing

 

[tinklvr64]

Morning all...WAIT its afternoon!
I woke up at 11:30!!! I never do that

Anyways it must have been the all day scrapping!......I did end up staying the whole time 1030 am to 11pm I only got 8 pages done Oh well it still was fun...and I only spent 17.00 for the whole day! That is a record for me..... Lcaemom we do have a group of us that goes to scrap we just say who ever can make it come...we are now going to be back to our regular Thurs night scrapping 4:30-9pm~then we go out for dinner. Its really fun...its nice to bounce ideas off of others or get new ideas from other scrappers....
The best part is my Cricut i got for xmas....

Chan...OMG that is so cute about Tatum bringing the girls food...did she always do that??? Funny....
Hey I want a 40% off code! We want to go at Christmas next year cause I am boycotting Christmas at home!

Thanks Blue for the compliment on my pumpkin muffies.....I love the DD coffee cake muffins TDF!!!!!!

OMG now its off to the grocery store! Back to school routine~Shel are you ready????? ICK I HATE GROCERY SHOPPING!!!!! I usually send DH but i had better go and make sure I get some DIET food

TTFN! dawn

ps...GF gals rock!

 

[mickeynut1]

Dawn......I'm glad you had fun scrapping . Have you gotten your voice back yet ? I hope you continue to feel better .


Chan.....Too cute about Tatum . I've always wanted to go to Disney over 4th of July and considered it for this year.....but with the 4/3 deal that's too much savings to pass up . We are planning on summer 2010 but we'll have to go before June 19 since our APs will expire at that time. So looks like it will be a couple years before I get there over the 4th . I hope you keep your June dates since we'll be there the same time . I won't be changing the dates since we have my parents, brother, and sister coming along......it's not too easy for my sister to change dates, so we'll be there as planned.....but I hope to see you and your family there .


Nothing much going on here today.........just relaxing and watching football .


Deb

 

[Lives4Disney]

Morning all...WAIT its afternoon!
I woke up at 11:30!!! I never do that

Anyways it must have been the all day scrapping!......I did end up staying the whole time 1030 am to 11pm I only got 8 pages done Oh well it still was fun...and I only spent 17.00 for the whole day! That is a record for me..... Lcaemom we do have a group of us that goes to scrap we just say who ever can make it come...we are now going to be back to our regular Thurs night scrapping 4:30-9pm~then we go out for dinner. Its really fun...its nice to bounce ideas off of others or get new ideas from other scrappers....
The best part is my Cricut i got for xmas....

Chan...OMG that is so cute about Tatum bringing the girls food...did she always do that??? Funny....
Hey I want a 40% off code! We want to go at Christmas next year cause I am boycotting Christmas at home!

Thanks Blue for the compliment on my pumpkin muffies.....I love the DD coffee cake muffins TDF!!!!!!

OMG now its off to the grocery store! Back to school routine~Shel are you ready????? ICK I HATE GROCERY SHOPPING!!!!! I usually send DH but i had better go and make sure I get some DIET food

TTFN! dawn

ps...GF gals rock!

Hi, Dawn! ARE YOU CHANGING YOUR MIND!?!?!?!!!

Did you have a fun time at the scrapbooking?!?!! Tied one on? Is that why the 11:30 wake up? I had to FORCE myself out of bed at 10....omg..and I just told Jojo it's school tomorrow and she looks forlorn. Her friend is still here...they are busting their tails cleaning up what they trashed. I am bummed about shcool tomorrow also....crappy deal.

YEs...Tatum thinks Jo is her baby. She gives her EVERYTHING. If I give her a doggie cookie she puts it UNDER Jojo's pillow on her bed. She tucks it in there and Jo finds it at bedtime. I gave her a huge chunk of roast beef once and guess where it turned up? If Jo is watching TV Tatum will put treats in her lap...and when Jo is home sick....OMG...she is constantly getting goodies dumped on her...I have to get the vacuum out.

well....I have to hit Jewel too. I have spent a small fortune this past week on food.....Lol when I send DH to shop he buys some weird stuff.

OK! TTYL
Chan

 

[tinklvr64]

HI Deb...nope I still have that 1800BEMYBABE voice ...how long til these meds kick in????

Chan...Im keeping all options open KWIM??? OMG ya I had a SCRAPBOOKING HANGOVER....and they didnt serve any pink squirrels or grasshoppers!

I have to go wake up DS's they are still sleeping.....its going to be UGLY around here tomorrow

 

[Lives4Disney]

HI Deb...nope I still have that 1800BEMYBABE voice ...how long til these meds kick in????

Chan...Im keeping all options open KWIM??? OMG ya I had a SCRAPBOOKING HANGOVER....and they didnt serve any pink squirrels or grasshoppers!

I have to go wake up DS's they are still sleeping.....its going to be UGLY around here tomorrow

That's awesome you had a fun time scrapping!

OMG...that is cool about your voice. I love that voice. Maybe I'll start smoking.

I KNOW....Z spent the night at a pals...he was home by 10 but in bed again....I got his butt out at noon.

Jo is so sad about school.

I am kinda, but then again....I am ready to start fresh.

OK...I am off!! happy Sundae ...LOL...(you know yummy)

Chan

 

[mickeynut1]

HI Deb...nope I still have that 1800BEMYBABE voice ...how long til these meds kick in????

I think we're all going to be in the same boat tomorrow . It is going to be BRUTAL around here......I can already see all the GRUMPINESS I'm in for tomorrow morning .

 

[Lcaemom]

Good afternoon

Just spent 4 hours total going to and from one freakin bball game!!! Half of the day is gone. Don't want to sound like I'm complaining...but, I guess I am! The rest of the day will consist of cleaning out the toy room and then making my grocery list...like someone here mentioned...need to get all of my own diet food...and then it will be time for the kiddos to get ready for SCHOOL!!!

Alicnwndrlnd I love my DD...almost time for the afternoon round. Ice French Vanilla...yes, even in January!!! I even brought a pound to WDW to brew my own coffee every morning. Next to the internet...DD is my other addiction.

Mickeynut1 I just cringe at thought of these kids driving...I know we all were in their shoes at some point but, it really is scary, when you're the parent. Not even when they're the ones driving but, when they drive with someone else. I can imagine country roads make the worry even worse. They're so dark at night.
Going to Disney before Christmas is great...it is so beautiful. Your idea of going right before Christmas sounds great...I think if you go that close to Christmas that MVMCP is over because they do the parade and the shows everyday during park hours. Being there on Christmas day would be great in my opinion but, my family would never go for that, either. Channing, I hear you on all the planning, too...I love how that all works out! But, I think my parents would be devastated too, if we were not there and I would feel so strange not seeing them either. Our next trip will probably be 12/26 through 1/2 or 1/3...maybe let the kids miss a day or two on the other end of Christmas break. For a fleeting moment homeschooling sounds so appealling but, then I snapped right back into reality...phew!!!

Dawn That sounds so great!!! Do you go to a crop that is strictly CM? I used to have a CM consultant that had crops every Fri nt and once a year, we would go away to Wolfeboro, NH and stay on Lake Winnepesaukee for a weekend and scrap for days straight. The consultant stopped CM and thus, all of her crops. I have a few friends who I still get together with every now and then but, none of them do it regularly. We have all said that things will be different in 2009...we'll see. I am so jealous of your Cricut. The more I learn about them the more appealling they become...hmmmm, maybe Happy BDay to me...I'll be 40 in July...that might be a great gift!

OK...off to clean the toys out of the basement. I found some really cute storage boxes at HomeGoods last night. I didn't buy them but, I'm really hoping I find a good use for them and can go back and get them.

 

[princessesrule4]

Hi all!

Dawn, sounds like you had a fun day scrapping!

Lcaemom - yes - my mom and I and sometimes DD, sometimes my cousins and aunt (they both live in Florida) have been doing a girls trip for the last 3 years. The first one we did in October, went to MNSSHP and DD and my aunt, cousin and her daughter came. We've gone the last 2 Decembers and DD has not been able to come. She dances and plays basketball and December is too crazy busy. So DH stays home with the kids. That is why I thought if we went in October that DD could come. We have so much fun together and even though we are all going in June, she likes WDW and the GF as much as I do! She wouldn't care about Food and Wine, but she wants to do MNSSHP . I'm over doing Disney in December to be honest. I need a year off, so I think Oct. will be great!

Chan - that is adorable about Tatum giving JoJo food! Just like Nana!

I love DD coffee! No more donuts for me. French vanilla and hazelnut are my favs for coffee. I like that they have a frequent buyer card too.

My kids are grumpy and whiny today because they know school is coming tommorow. I'm ready for spring break!


Well, I am going to the fitness center and to Publix. I've been putting off doing both!

TTFN

 

[mickeynut1]

Lcaemom.......I homeschooled for 3 years and I gotta tell ya......not having to worry about school schedules and all the nonsense politics that go along with it was GREAT . I did it due to circumstances at the school that just weren't going to get resolved .....but I knew homeschooling was a temporary thing as I was not about to homeschool during the middle school/high school years . But I did enjoy it while it lasted . And the one thing I loved about it was being able to take off anytime we wanted without having to worry about ANYTHING school related . Our December trip is going to have to be planned just right in order to catch one of the last MVMCP . I think the last one is either that Thursday or Friday right before the crowds start rolling in that weekend . I've also considered going when your thinking of going....after Christmas but over New Years . Do you know how long the decorations stay up after Christmas??? I guess if the decorations were still up the only difference for us would be no party......as I think the pricing would be about the same either way for us . I'm getting excited just thinking about it .


Wendy.....I'm ready for spring break too . When in June are you going again........ I can't remember if we'll be there the same time or not ? I am soooo looking forward to our June trip . I just wish SWA would get their act together and bring those airfare prices down so I could get those purchased .


Deb

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi, guys...omg...I went grocery shopping. The cost of STUFF is getting outrageous. I made DH go with me. It's our "date" time. Kinda pathetic but true. Plus we are going to paint our master bath about now so we had to go to Home Depot...and the minute I walk in there I want to just lie down on the floor and sleep...so I can't go in there alone. No way no how. I'd go into some kind of auto bored coma and never come out. I hate that place. Anyway it was funny because at Jewel they had signs for 50% off diff meat, roasts, etc...and there was this regular old normal size roast beef that was $20.00....and I asked the lady is this 50 off or will it be taken at the register? And she said it was already - everything is already marked....and I though WTH? When was the last time I paid $40 for a dumb old roast beef?!?!? And DH got into a teensy argument with her comparing the diff prices of various meat...like I care...I have no clue what I usually buy only that I don't pay $40 and never have for a plain old roast beef. I think I need to leave him home next time.

So...this was my break while I juice up on Diet Coke. Now off to paint. It's gonna be wicked cool when it's done.

Hope all you guys watching football are having fun & your teams are winning.

Oh...Deb...did you ask....about the Xmas decs coming down? They came down on Jan 2 this year. Crazy but true. WDW was early about doing that like some of you guys were.

OK.....off to change and paint! We are weirdos and decide last minute to do this stuff. Just have to be in the right mood I guess, too.

Hi, to everybody!

TTYL!
Chan

 

[Tinker*Shell*Bell]

omg- i typed a book and it got deleted!!! pisser.
i have 3 seconds left so here is the basics:
dawn- tomorrow is going to remind you that we deserve a feb break. ugh. open options ROCK!
chan- good luck painting, i get distracted and never finish.
deb- my son is turning 16 in August...terrifying.
wendy- fv and haz from dunkie..YUMMY, FAVORITE!
lcae- i want to have no schedule, until i have none, then that bores me too, I am fickle. Like a cat on the wrong side of every door.
kel- did you manage to stay in all day? i knw you are on the go non-stop.

My IL's came to visit today and it wasn't hottible. I hate them and I must be going soft in the head, because today was almost enjoyable. no drama at all. good, but very weird. Oh right, i spent a zillion on sandwich fixings and catered to them for an hour...they were too full to be awful Well worth the cost of fixings.
Rented Burn After Reading to watch tonight, hopefully it will get me settled into bed before midnight LOL I may have to take an ambien.
OMG- dh's car in driveway- i have not done a thing. I was supposed to start spaghetti 30 mins ago LMAO!!@!! bye friends....

 

[vbarry]

Hi guys! We got back late Friday night and I am still exhausted. Had to pick up the puppy yesterday and get some grocery shopping done. The girls went with grandma shopping. Grandma was in deep depression over us being gone so she took the girls all day which was very nice.

I loved being gone for Xmas and I am now looking forward to next year at home. I kind of feel like I missed something at home but everyone I talked with said the holidays were just as stressful as ever the our weather was awful so I am glad I got away a year. Now I will be all refreshed for next year.

The trip was great and I really loved the GF. Dh said it was by far his favorite resort...now if I could afford a suite so I could have a little more room.

We are heading back in July and using our DVC points. I am actually thinking of staying at OKW. Don't ask me why but we are not doing any parks and just relaxing and doing the water parks. OKW just seems like a relaxed place to stay. I love BCV but the pool is just crazy and the thing I really loved about the GF was the pool may have been busy but there was always a chair and I could keep a good eye on my girls. At BCV the pool is so darn large that you are always losing site of one of the kids. I really did sit back and just relax at the GF. We spent all Christmas Day at the Courtyard pool. It was very nice.

I did not spent a lot of time in the main building at all since we were in Conch but it was beautiful. I do not know why anyone would think the GF was stuffy. Everyone was so nice. I felt very comfortable and even walked in the main building with my swimsuit and cover up on to go to the little gift shop to grab some pool toys.

We did the Candlelight Processional on Christmas Eve. I cried the entire time. It was very moving and I am glad we did it. My dh was a little worried about not being in church Xmas Eve but he said that was the best Christmas Eve we have ever had. I just loved it.

Well- I better get back to getting busy. Talk to ya all later! V

 

[BlueSkies]

Evening Everyone...

Today was one busy day...trying to get ready for the week ahead...like we've been saying back to reality!!!

Sheli Your posts always crack me up.... Just stuff those IL's until they're nice...

Vanessa So glad that you had a great trip, I think that the Candlelight Processional is very moving too...

Channing My kids dont want to be anywhere else at christmas but in their own home either...I guess they really do appreciate the traditions... or maybe they just want to drive us crazy...not sure What color paint did you choose...

Deb Oh yeah once they start driving its cant help the worrying...DD is working on getting her license...not quite there yet!!! Look out everyone... I think Dawn has the best teen driving story...Kids...gotta love em!!!

I am a big DD fan too...have to have it to start the day....just a nice big cup of regualr coffee...lots of caffiene too thank you...

Princesses No more donuts for me either... just the coffee...so far so good...but its only the beginning of the month...Next week ...who knows... When in June are you going to disney?

Dawn Hope that your voice comes back...I bet you're going to need it tomorrow to get everyone moving!!!

Lcae Very ambitious cleaning the toys out of the basement on a Sunday afternoon(and after all the sports)...My goal is to not do any more than I have to on Sundays...

All the guys here are watching...what else football!!! think Ill go relax for a while....ttyl...

 

[Maxie86]

Vanessa: Welcome back. Glad you had a nice time and enjoyed the GF. I love the CP, and how special to go on Christmas Eve.

To all of you whose kids will be driving soon. DS will be 23 next month and I am still nervous when he is driving. It doesn't get any easier. Today he slid off our road and just missed a tree. AAA had to come and pull him out. It is a private road leading up to our house. He was driving too fast in the snow.

Another DD gal here. Is there another kind of coffee. Of course, this is MA and there is one on every corner.