"Having a GRAND time - The Official GF Chat Thread"

[DeborahB]

I LOVE Jon and Kate +8! If you liked the Disney episode you should check out the episode where they fly to Colorado to go skiing, I almost cried for her! I have watched the show since day one and I love watching how they deal with life with so many little ones. I have 4 children very close in age and on days when I am dealing with difficult children I think of Kate and think its not so bad after all!

mandymommy, I did see that episode! Ya, she's really super organized, but I guess you would have to be w/ 8 kids. My sons are grown now so maybe the part of the appeal for me is missing having little kids (and hers are so darn cute!). I became a fan around the first of the year, so I'm still catching up with the earlier episodes. Love it, though.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Ok the pic of Jose with the queen is AWESOME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Channing, your pictures are a riot! The one you just posted of Jose with the chocolate mouth made me LOL! And that last one, what is he hanging with his peeps?
Of course they're beautiful, too. I love WEDway People Mover and it holds a special place in my heart.
Keep them coming. Where's the RPC shots?

Kelly, I just noticed you have a new ticker. That's great! I'm a little jealous though....16 Days?

Yeah over the summer we like to get a chunk in and DH will have a bunch of vacation. So are going down the Friday 8th and coming home Sat or Sunday the 23rd and 24th. I cant wait. I have a villa booked right now. We also have sometime in July booked at the GF.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Yeah over the summer we like to get a chunk in and DH will have a bunch of vacation. So are going down the Friday 8th and coming home Sat or Sunday the 23rd and 24th. I cant wait. I have a villa booked right now. We also have sometime in July booked at the GF.

You go girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Channing, your pictures are a riot! The one you just posted of Jose with the chocolate mouth made me LOL! And that last one, what is he hanging with his peeps?
Of course they're beautiful, too. I love WEDway People Mover and it holds a special place in my heart.
Keep them coming. Where's the RPC shots?

Kelly, I just noticed you have a new ticker. That's great! I'm a little jealous though....16 Days?

Deborah!!! I didn't take any NEW RPC pics this trip .....I took tons in November....I will dig some up & post them for ya. Have you stayed RPC before?? If so, you will know the nice ladies there. They are the same as always, the food was pretty much the same as always, too.....I LOVE the trifle at tea time. That's one of my favorites.... Hmm.....the phyllo dough cheese triangles were new to me & super yummy. Good thing they had those out on our Ohana night, so we went to Ohana not really hungry. They had some super pretty desserts out on Easter evening....I wish I would have took pics, but the lounge was crowded - more so than I have ever seen it - and I would have looked like a total dork....(OK like I didn't carrying a Spanish doll around. ) The thing I appreciate too, is that they always replenish everything - unlike what you hear about at other resorts. There was not ever a shortage of chocolate covered strawberries or eclairs. I am honestly pretty sick of the same old bfast that they offer. Wish they'd offer yogurt in indiv containers and oatmeal and Krispie Kremes like you get at other resorts. Ham/cheese/turkey just has NO appeal to me at all in the morning. I guess - and I thought of this too late.....I could have made a ham/cheese croissant sandwich as they had those out one morn....usually just the cheese danish or the little apricot coffecakes and once cinnamon rolls were out. I am not a big one for bfast, but I like yogurt so it's a bummer it is only in large bowls and it's not the best.

Hmm.....Once the lounge was so crowded at bfast time we ventured up to the 5th floor. There are a couple nice seating areas there. We had a nice quiet time up there.

There were a couple times when GUYS had the KIDS tv on basketball games!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THAT was bad. They made themselves cosy right there in the kids' section and the game was on both tvs. Jojo is so happy to have that kids' area, sit & watch tv and make friends....she always brings Polly Pockets or markers etc and shares and likes to meet kids and it was a bummer that these adults took that territory.

The bands were terrific & it was so nice to sit in the lounge area and listen and enjoy the live music. There are actually two bands that switch off...I didn't know that 'til this trip. Usually two totally different groups, but sometimes they intermix. It's kind of a shame that nobody applauds for them much!!!! We always tried to make a point to. Same for the pianists....they are FABULOUS.

Here's some RPC lounge shots.....

kids area....

Third floor concierge CM area - right below the lounge...the stairway leads directly up to the lounge.....

 

[grannyminnie]

Channing, I think what I'll try to do is call when we're there and ask them if they'll just transfer the ressie, and if they want to speak to my sister, I'll put her on to "give her permission". If they won't, I'll call back, make a new ressie, and then get her to call back and cancel the existing ones. Silly to have to do it that way, but I want that 30%!!
Keep those pictures coming!

 

[Golfing Goofy]

Thanks so much for all the photos! They are great!

 

[goofygal531]

Channing love the photos! Jose is one lucky doll!

So regarding these TV shows:

I'm watching Dancing with the Stars, but just not into it.

Jon and Kate: I've watched from day one. I do admire that she has the kids on some routine. I can't get my two on a schedule or to eat all the same dinner, how she does that with eight kids amazes me. Oh the other hand, she's a little nuts about the organic stuff. Come on did you hear her ask if Aunt Jodi gave the kids organic lollypops! Wacko! And the episode at the Crayola factory! They couldn't use markers they would get dirty. Everything in the factory was there to color and make a mess and have fun, the poor kids couldn't do anything! I'm sorta getting tired of her, but like that they're focusing on each child individually. Just odd that the producers had to TELL THEM to start taking the kids out one by one.

I saw Ramona from The Housewives of NYC this morning walking down Third Avenue at 79th St. I heard that voice and turned around it was her. She was on her phone saying to someone the producers want her to reshoot episode 7, so I knew it was her. She looked nice, very loud like she wanted people to know it was her, but I'm the only idiot around to notice her! She's my least favorite on the show. On my way home from my drs appointment I was looking for the Dutchess' townhouse. I have no idea where she lives. It looks like a very quiet block. Jill lives 3 blocks away from me. Haven't seen her yet. I have a feeling I'll bump into her in Starbucks. It's a very busy Starbucks in her building. I'm no stalker, I just find it so funny and interesting that these people live right in my neighborhood!

I got my confirmation from Kid's Nite Out (the babysitters) for our trip. I'm not so nervous anymore about this idea. We've never left our kids before, but we're so in need of some mommy and daddy time. Plus I'm dying for a birthday dinner just the two of us. We have a 7:20 ADR at Narcoossee's then we're going to run around MK like two love struck teenagers! We haven't done that in years!

The babysitters asked me if I'd like a young college female, young college gentleman, motherly figure or grandmotherly figure. I said young "energetic" college female. I need to make my DS4 think he's having some amazing playdate on this special night. They said to call when we arrive at the GF to give them our room number and they will tell me the girl's name so I can hype DS up and tell him who's coming. I really hope this works. I'm actually looking forward for my date night with daddy and tell my sons of their special playdate. She better have SOME bag of tricks to keep my son busy!

Oh and someone's spreading a rumor around here (we'll not this thread) that the babysitters comes with DVD players, they don't. The service does not believe in TV as a sitter! Well, I not only agree, but was impressed. The reservationist said the sitter comes with toys, arts and crafts, books, etc... They are not supposed to put a movie on and plop the kids in front of the tv.

Hopefully everyone will have a great night that night!

I also keep reminding my DH of the GF private dining number should he want to order me a cake or cindy's slipper I don't think he's listening to me when I talk about the GF anymore! He keeps telling me "again about disney!" Yes, it's ALWAYS about disney to me!

Well gotta get to bed.
Mare

 

[spacec47]

Good morning! Time to go to Disney World...... Have a great week and a half... talk to all of you when we get back from our first trip to the GF!

 

[vbarry]

Good morning! Time to go to Disney World...... Have a great week and a half... talk to all of you when we get back from our first trip to the GF!

Have a great time!!

 

[vbarry]

Mare- Please let me know how the sitter thing goes. I am still thinking about this. I would just like one quiet dinner for our Anniversary. Our 7 year old sits fine but our little 3 year old is a very different story. Thanks!

 

[WishesQueen]

spacec47

Have a great time!!!

goofygal531

WOW, I am impressed too!!! I am sure the kids will have a great time!!

Channing

I have to show my kids your Jose pictures. My DD travels to WDW with an imaginary friend for years (Jenna). I think it all started when she actually got a laugh from her brother and then it just kind of took off. She actually takes pictures around WDW with her arm over her imaginery friend. We all run away and laugh to no end. She could care less whos watching, she just wants her brothers attention.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I like LuAnn and Jill on the NY Housewives show. Ramona is annoying as well you know.

I also like the john and kate how but have not been hearing alot of good things about her on boards and stuff she does to get free stuff for her kids.
I was kinda shocked.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Spacec- have a wonderful time!! Looking forward to hearing about it when you get back.

Mare - That is great info about the sitting service. I like that no tv thing, too - that's a good idea. Very cool about seeing "celebrities" in your neighborhood....that sounds like a show I'd like. What channel is it on??? We have digital cable and I still find myself watching the same couple channels - I need to branch out. Your comment about your DH not listening to you re the GF anymore made me laugh. Mine is the same. Last night I was finishing up cleaining up the kitchen after dinner, and the Disney World commercial came on TV.....I said "WOW! I was JUST NOW thinking of Disney World! How cool!!!".....DH was like, "What's so cool? YOu're ALWAYS thinking of Disney World." I am glad I have no post trip bummers this time though. Wonder what that means?!?! I've never been this easy going about coming home before.

GrannieMinnie - Good luck on the ressies. You should definitely get that savings. It will work out.

Annette, that is cute. OK so we're not the only weirdos around WDW. Makes me feel better.

Channing

 

[mandymommy4]

I like LuAnn and Jill on the NY Housewives show. Ramona is annoying as well you know.

I also like the john and kate how but have not been hearing alot of good things about her on boards and stuff she does to get free stuff for her kids.
I was kinda shocked.

J&K getting free stuff is no different than movie stars being given free designer stuff in hope they will wear it and be walking advertising for them. At least they need it. I did think it was weird that she let complete strangers send them christmas presents, i'd draw the line there.

Channing love the photos! Jose is one lucky doll!

So regarding these TV shows:

I'm watching Dancing with the Stars, but just not into it.

Jon and Kate: I've watched from day one. I do admire that she has the kids on some routine. I can't get my two on a schedule or to eat all the same dinner, how she does that with eight kids amazes me. Oh the other hand, she's a little nuts about the organic stuff. Come on did you hear her ask if Aunt Jodi gave the kids organic lollypops! Wacko! And the episode at the Crayola factory! They couldn't use markers they would get dirty. Everything in the factory was there to color and make a mess and have fun, the poor kids couldn't do anything! I'm sorta getting tired of her, but like that they're focusing on each child individually. Just odd that the producers had to TELL THEM to start taking the kids out one by one.

I saw Ramona from The Housewives of NYC this morning walking down Third Avenue at 79th St. I heard that voice and turned around it was her. She was on her phone saying to someone the producers want her to reshoot episode 7, so I knew it was her. She looked nice, very loud like she wanted people to know it was her, but I'm the only idiot around to notice her! She's my least favorite on the show. On my way home from my drs appointment I was looking for the Dutchess' townhouse. I have no idea where she lives. It looks like a very quiet block. Jill lives 3 blocks away from me. Haven't seen her yet. I have a feeling I'll bump into her in Starbucks. It's a very busy Starbucks in her building. I'm no stalker, I just find it so funny and interesting that these people live right in my neighborhood!

I got my confirmation from Kid's Nite Out (the babysitters) for our trip. I'm not so nervous anymore about this idea. We've never left our kids before, but we're so in need of some mommy and daddy time. Plus I'm dying for a birthday dinner just the two of us. We have a 7:20 ADR at Narcoossee's then we're going to run around MK like two love struck teenagers! We haven't done that in years!

The babysitters asked me if I'd like a young college female, young college gentleman, motherly figure or grandmotherly figure. I said young "energetic" college female. I need to make my DS4 think he's having some amazing playdate on this special night. They said to call when we arrive at the GF to give them our room number and they will tell me the girl's name so I can hype DS up and tell him who's coming. I really hope this works. I'm actually looking forward for my date night with daddy and tell my sons of their special playdate. She better have SOME bag of tricks to keep my son busy!

Oh and someone's spreading a rumor around here (we'll not this thread) that the babysitters comes with DVD players, they don't. The service does not believe in TV as a sitter! Well, I not only agree, but was impressed. The reservationist said the sitter comes with toys, arts and crafts, books, etc... They are not supposed to put a movie on and plop the kids in front of the tv.

Hopefully everyone will have a great night that night!

I also keep reminding my DH of the GF private dining number should he want to order me a cake or cindy's slipper I don't think he's listening to me when I talk about the GF anymore! He keeps telling me "again about disney!" Yes, it's ALWAYS about disney to me!

Well gotta get to bed.
Mare

Well in her defense about the markers they were wearing gymboree I know what you mean, my kids wear a lot of gymboree and I try to take care of the stuff but they are kids and if you are going to be doing messy activites then put on the walmart clothes! Someone needs to introduce her to the tide pen, i'm suprised they havent delivered a case to her house!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Well in her defense about the markers they were wearing gymboree I know what you mean, my kids wear a lot of gymboree and I try to take care of the stuff but they are kids and if you are going to be doing messy activites then put on the walmart clothes! Someone needs to introduce her to the tide pen, i'm suprised they havent delivered a case to her house!

That's funny....I always carry SHOUT wipes. They are awesome. I tried the Tide pens, but the Shout Wipes seem to work better and they work on EVERYTHING - even older stains!!! I couldn't live without them.

Kristin........Did you hear???? Johnny Depp is in town. He is in Chicago filming a movie.

 

[mandymommy4]

That's funny....I always carry SHOUT wipes. They are awesome. I tried the Tide pens, but the Shout Wipes seem to work better and they work on EVERYTHING - even older stains!!! I couldn't live without them.

Kristin........Did you hear???? Johnny Depp is in town. He is in Chicago filming a movie.

Gotta try those, I get a high over pulling a stain free piece of laundry out to the washer!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I love gymboree. I used to work there as a Store Manager. Its not about her getting the free stuff its the way she is described going about it that shocked me. I am sure they do need all that stuff they have 8 kids. I always watch that show and wonder how they even afford for her not to really work. Buying organic groceries is $$ and she buys alot, LOL. But it was also her choice to have all these kids. She knew she could have more sets with the fertility drugs so it what it is. I respect that she kept them all.
They are soo cute and it seems like they have a good support system.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

There was one on the other day and she freaking out at John and he wa slike you are embarrassing me. Its interesting to watch there interaction with each other.

 

[goofygal531]

What's so special about Gymboree clothing? Is it a girly thing? I don't shop there. My boys are usually in Gap for play clothes and trendy stuff like Ed Hardy, Charlie Rocket, etc... for going out outfits I'm more the boutique shopper for them. I like the designer jeans with a funky Ramones t-shirt or they go totally preppy with khakis and a Burberry polo I like to dress them like little rock stars or prep school kids. Depends where we're going And what mood mommy's in

I guess I wouldn't dress the kids in their finest clothes going to a Crayola factory, it sounds like common sense to me! You have to expect them get messy. Bring a shout wipe and let the kids have fun. Kate is just always uptight.

Kate does "expect" a lot of freebies. I've read horror stories about her online. Like when the kids were babies she got a free nurse from the state to help her take care of them then when the contract was up she flipped out. She went to some state meeting demanding help raising these children she couldn't do it alone. I don't know all the details, it was just her wording that got people upset. She demanded help. She expected things. I'm surprised Oprah didn't give them anything when they were on, I bet Kate was disappointed!

What annoys me about Kate the most is how she makes that poor old lady neighbor fold 8 loads of laundry every Thursday! Then another old lady neighbor comes in to do all their ironing! What nerve! The kids are old enough to play independently, why can't she do these chores herself!

Did you see the episode where they re-carpeted the entire house in preparation for selling it! I bet they're trying to get a house out of this tv deal now! She's really too much!