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

[praline3001]

My hubby gave up long ago on the gymbo interventions

My DD is a huge gymbo fan! I just recently bought her that new plaid bathing suit for Disney. She is in love with it.

 

[tinklvr64]

We love living in Central FL! We are an hour away from the west coast beaches and 45 min. to Tampa (love their aquarium) and 45 min to Orlando. Our county is BORING but I like raising my kids in the small town that DH and I both grew up in! The nickname for the area that I live is Tamplando or Orlampa..... Both city's keep grow closer and closer together and we are smack in the middle!

We are a weird family, I guess. I am a RN and could make a lot of money if I wanted to but we decide to cut our expenses when #1 was born so I could stay home and now we home school. We have decided to live debt free so we don't eat out and we don't go to movies (except Disney movies). Disney passes are our Christmas and that's it! The grandparents and my sister indulge the kids way to much anyways! DH now makes a little more thanks to his Engineering degree but we haven't changed much about our life style since we are saving for our dream home which we need desperately (we live in a 3bed 1 bath, that is only 1100 sq. ft, theres 6 of us ) Disney is our "eating out, happy meal, and movie night" substitute! It's worth it We just did a road trip and ate at 2 restaurants and 3 fast food places and you would think my kids had died an gone to heaven! We are not "poor" by any mean we just choose to put our money away for a rainy day. Remember my husband had to do a Gymboree intervention!!!! I would rather have Disney passes and dress my kids in Gymboree than eat out every day!

you are not a "weird" family Dis is our treat too....and I used to dress my kids when they were little only in GAP that was my downfall

 

[praline3001]

Room service queen here...
we will have the SL lobby to have breakfast but...well room service queen has rubbed off onto the room service princess

We did the deluxe dining plan last time so I didn't even bother to look.... we are NOT doing a dining plan this time... do they add the tip to all room service orders automatically?
With Deluxe the tip for room service was included
I don't want to end up tipping 50% if the tip is already included with the bill.

 

[goofygal531]

I am so in withdrawl for WDW and the GF that I took the kids into NYC today to check the World of Disney. I wanted to bet the Pope into the city, the kids have off today and tomorrow due to his visit, so we picked up my DH at work first, the weather was beautiful, but the store was boring. We walked around eat some hot pretzels, shopped alittle and went out to dinner. This trip didn't help my withdrawl at all!!!!!!!!!!! Soon my ticker will read 2 months 30 days. At least it will say 2 months!!!

Annette: Glad you finally went to World of Disney I thought of you this morning while I was watching Good Day NY. I didn't realized the Pope was in DC today and is coming to NY tomorrow sorry! I'm trying to avoid this can you tell! I don't even know his schedule and he's having a mass at our church (St. Joseph's!)!! It's not for the parishners, it's for invited priests and other religious figures.

The World of Disney in NYC is nothing like the one in DTD. DTD is so much better. I only go to this one for stuff for our trip. I bought the boys t-shirts on sale, I bought some Goofy candy snacks for DS4's airplane backpack etc... things like that. We were once the first family of the day and got a free photo with a character (I can't remember who it was!) they gave us the golden mickey ears. They do cute things, it's just a disappointment if you're expecting it to be like DTD. Sorry I didn't warn you.

I wasn't up for walking the Bronx Zoo today, isn't it one of the largest zoos in the country? I thought I heard that once? So I took the boys to the Central Park Zoo then we had a picnic in the park. The zoo was so crowded with class trips that we did a quick loop around the zoo once and left. It's nothing like in the movie "Madagscar"! Not one of the animals from the movie are at the zoo! There are no lions, zebras, hippos, elephants, giraffes in Central Park!! Basically it's the sea lions, penguin, gus the one polar bear who is always sleeping, some cute monkeys and the HOT rainforest of birds that I avoid! Then went to the children's zoo, quick loop around saw the bunnies, turtles, goats, one cow, one llama, one pig then left . You could seriously do each zoo in 15 mins! Thats why I have APs! We found a nice sunny spot on the lawn and had a picnic. DS1 wouldn't crawl off the blanket! It was so funny! I think the grass scared him! He kept crawling in a circle! It was so cute. DS4 took his shoes and socks off and just kept running around so happy to run on the lawn. He then ran over to some Nannies blowing bubbles and played with them and the little babies they were watching. It was cute. We stayed there for 4 hours! I got a little sun on my face!

I'm debating if I should leave the city tomorrow and head to the outlets as planned. I don't know if I'll have problems coming back in since the Pope will be uptown holding mass at 6pm? He's really messing up my plans

Mandy: Same here. We've cut our income by me staying home. I used to work in Corporate America before kids, but we always knew we'd make do on one income. We're debt free too, don't eat out fancy restaurants just pizza and chinese take out - it's cheaper to order out in NYC than to cook sometimes! Our Poconos house is smaller than our apt! My house is 1,400 sq while our apt is 1,600! We don't have monthly gas or electric bills for our apt, it's a co-op so we pay a monthly maintenance fee. Our house bills are very minimal. We mostly use the fireplace for heat but we're rarely there in the winter. Mostly summer, then we get $100 monthly electric bills from the central a/c, it's still not too expensive. The most expensive bill for that house is the annual community dues which are $1,400 but it's worth it for all the recreation that they offer.

Channing did the Easter brunch, I bet the Mother's Day brunch is very similar. Ask her about.

Kristin: Cute shorts! Would never expect jolly rogers at the Loft!

Kelly: Lucky you! It's so exciting when it get's that close!

Ugh! I hate not knowing what I'm doing tomorrow!! I'll have to see on the morning local news the street closings again. As long as the FDR is open, I'm good!

Have a good night everyone!
Mare

 

[goofygal531]

Room service queen here...
we will have the SL lobby to have breakfast but...well room service queen has rubbed off onto the room service princess

We did the deluxe dining plan last time so I didn't even bother to look.... we are NOT doing a dining plan this time... do they add the tip to all room service orders automatically?
With Deluxe the tip for room service was included
I don't want to end up tipping 50% if the tip is already included with the bill.

Brook, Found this on allearsnet.com:

Private Dining $3.00 delivery, 6% sales tax and 18% service charge will be added to all orders.

It doesn't indicate "gratiuties included", I'd still tip them a few bucks.

 

[vbarry]

Good morning everyone! Yesterday was a beautiful day in Central IL. Went shopping all day (it pays to have your office at home!) . Found great deals at the Disney Store for our Dec trip. I cannot believe I am buying Xmas presents in April! I guess it helps pass the time.

Kristin- Love the shorts! I just went to the Loft yesterday and did not see these. Very cute! I just do not know what is up with all the longer shirts that make you look pregnant this year. Not very attractive on me since I am only 5'2. I bought a cute black one at the Loft but I think I am going to take it back.

I woke up and turned on the news and we had an EARTHQUAKE in IL this morning at 4:30 or so. I could not believe it.

Hope everyone has a good day! Vanessa

 

[WishesQueen]

Annette: Glad you finally went to World of Disney I thought of you this morning while I was watching Good Day NY. I didn't realized the Pope was in DC today and is coming to NY tomorrow sorry! I'm trying to avoid this can you tell! I don't even know his schedule and he's having a mass at our church (St. Joseph's!)!! It's not for the parishners, it's for invited priests and other religious figures.

The World of Disney in NYC is nothing like the one in DTD. DTD is so much better. I only go to this one for stuff for our trip. I bought the boys t-shirts on sale, I bought some Goofy candy snacks for DS4's airplane backpack etc... things like that. We were once the first family of the day and got a free photo with a character (I can't remember who it was!) they gave us the golden mickey ears. They do cute things, it's just a disappointment if you're expecting it to be like DTD. Sorry I didn't warn you.

I wasn't up for walking the Bronx Zoo today, isn't it one of the largest zoos in the country? I thought I heard that once? So I took the boys to the Central Park Zoo then we had a picnic in the park. The zoo was so crowded with class trips that we did a quick loop around the zoo once and left. It's nothing like in the movie "Madagscar"! Not one of the animals from the movie are at the zoo! There are no lions, zebras, hippos, elephants, giraffes in Central Park!! Basically it's the sea lions, penguin, gus the one polar bear who is always sleeping, some cute monkeys and the HOT rainforest of birds that I avoid! Then went to the children's zoo, quick loop around saw the bunnies, turtles, goats, one cow, one llama, one pig then left . You could seriously do each zoo in 15 mins! Thats why I have APs! We found a nice sunny spot on the lawn and had a picnic. DS1 wouldn't crawl off the blanket! It was so funny! I think the grass scared him! He kept crawling in a circle! It was so cute. DS4 took his shoes and socks off and just kept running around so happy to run on the lawn. He then ran over to some Nannies blowing bubbles and played with them and the little babies they were watching. It was cute. We stayed there for 4 hours! I got a little sun on my face!

I'm debating if I should leave the city tomorrow and head to the outlets as planned. I don't know if I'll have problems coming back in since the Pope will be uptown holding mass at 6pm? He's really messing up my plans

Hey Mare - It was a huge store, I just thought it would help my WDW withdrawl, but this thread is the best for that!!!!

We love the Central Park Zoo, the Bronx Zoo with those Hills!!!

I too used to work Corporate America for Goldman Sachs in NYC. I had TONS of perks. When I was pregnant with my son we made plans for my FIL to watch him. As soon as I laid eyes on him I was a done and so was my DH, we tightened our belts and I said home. We live in a semi-attached home in the suburbs and we definitely could move into a larger home (constantly discussing), but we would have to give up WDW at the GF and shopping!!! My home is smaller then I would like, but we do alot of work to it and we really don't need anything larger except for the holidays (when I freak out)! So we decided to save for college and enjoy life instead of move. I recently started answering phones for a party company in my home and I make alittle cash without going out my way. I don't regret my choice to stay at home, we had our share of not going out and not going on vacations, but I have enjoyed watching my kids grow up and them knowing I am right here. If the economy would just change, we would all be more secure.

 

[princessesrule4]

I watch the Hills that Heidi is ANNOYING.

Some news I leave Tuesday for a week at WDW!!

LUCKY! Are you staying at the GF?

I just read that annoying Heidi wants to get BUTT IMPLANTS! Could she get any more fake?

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I will actually be at the BWI villas actually in a 1 bedroom.

Heidi is sooo annoying. I like Whitney she seems like the most normal.

 

[princessesrule4]

I will actually be at the BWI villas actually in a 1 bedroom.

Heidi is sooo annoying. I like Whitney she seems like the most normal.

Cool! We keep saying we're going to do a split stay with the GF at one of the Epcot resorts - we need to soon. We stayed at BC a few years ago and really liked it and loved being able to walk to Epcot!

You're right about Whitney - she does seem the most normal! Spencer is such a cheeseball. He and Heidi definitely deserve each other!

 

[vbarry]

I will actually be at the BWI villas actually in a 1 bedroom.

Heidi is sooo annoying. I like Whitney she seems like the most normal.

Have a good time Kelly. Gotta love those one bedrooms. That is why we bought DVC. My husband loves the area because he can go down to the ESPN Club, have a beer and watch the Cardinals play. Hope you have a great time!

 

[praline3001]

Hey Channing and the rest of you yankee's from that general area.... did you get a nice wake up call this morning?

I hope everyone is safe and sound! Earthquakes scare the daylights out of me

 

[vbarry]

Hey Channing and the rest of you yankee's from that general area.... did you get a nice wake up call this morning?

I hope everyone is safe and sound! Earthquakes scare the daylights out of me

Pretty crazy! That is big news around these neck of the woods. We thought we would try to get some attention since we do not have anyone like the Pope visiting!!

 

[mandymommy4]

My hubby gave up long ago on the gymbo interventions

My DD is a huge gymbo fan! I just recently bought her that new plaid bathing suit for Disney. She is in love with it.

I'll take your word for it, I can't visit the site until I get my Gymbo money, it's just to hard for me to restrain.... I have a picture of our dream house taped to the side of my monitor with a receipt from a big Gymbo purchase to remind myself not to dip into the savings

I am selling a bunch of gymbo on ebay b/c my consignment shop rips me off. The last time I took my stuff to her she tried to give me the same $ for a target dress and a gymbo dress! WHAT! I said something to her and she said that the target dress was just as cute? I gathered my stuff and left and told her thanks but no thanks. I have about $70+ credit and the past few time I have been she has had junk! I don't know if I will ever spend it. I made a lot more on e bay. It's ebay time again and I am ready to go shopping again! I actually went to a few yard sales recently and scored some nice baby lulu and lots of gymbo that I'm going to e bay!

Hey Mare - It was a huge store, I just thought it would help my WDW withdrawl, but this thread is the best for that!!!!

We love the Central Park Zoo, the Bronx Zoo with those Hills!!!

I too used to work Corporate America for Goldman Sachs in NYC. I had TONS of perks. When I was pregnant with my son we made plans for my FIL to watch him. As soon as I laid eyes on him I was a done and so was my DH, we tightened our belts and I said home. We live in a semi-attached home in the suburbs and we definitely could move into a larger home (constantly discussing), but we would have to give up WDW at the GF and shopping!!! My home is smaller then I would like, but we do alot of work to it and we really don't need anything larger except for the holidays (when I freak out)! So we decided to save for college and enjoy life instead of move. I recently started answering phones for a party company in my home and I make alittle cash without going out my way. I don't regret my choice to stay at home, we had our share of not going out and not going on vacations, but I have enjoyed watching my kids grow up and them knowing I am right here. If the economy would just change, we would all be more secure.

We are getting ready to sell our house! We are finishing up some things like neutralizing the paint, freshening up the landscaping and doing some work to the ONE and ONLY bathroom to make it more modern with our stimulus check. If we only had 1 or 2 kids we would stay put, we bought our home for CHEAP and have improved it as we could and have paid cash for all improvements. Our house is small but it's so easy to clean and we have a huge yard and we live outside! We have a friend who is needing to down size b/c her kids are older and moving on and she is divorced and only wants to sell the house for what she owes on it so she doesn't have to give the ex a penny.... The market sucks so it would be a fair price for her to sell quickly and a great deal for us. We are excited it would be more space (2500 sq ft) and would require less than 10K to do some upgrades to make it an awesome house! And we would be able to live with the down payment we would be able to make.

I totally agree. I gave up a great job as a L&D nurse to stay home. I love being with them! With four kids it would not be worth going to work with the cost of a nanny (our day cares suck around here). I sell stuff on ebay and that funds my Gymbo, BE, and shoe addiction!

 

[vbarry]

Well....as we speak we are having another earthquake! Whatta day!

 

[tinklvr64]

Well....as we speak we are having another earthquake! Whatta day!

You are????
I did not feel the earthquake this morning but others here at school woke up to the ground shaking
I am deathly afraid of tornados~this is the season too!

 

[vbarry]

You are????
I did not feel the earthquake this morning but others here at school woke up to the ground shaking
I am deathly afraid of tornados~this is the season too!

One of my friends said there have been 2 since this morning that were around a 2- 2.5 on the scale.

I am with ya on the tornados. I work from home as a large loss adjuster and have worked several storm duties due to tornados , fires, etc. Got out of all the hurricanes due to pregnancy. This is not a fun time of year for us.

 

[princessesrule4]

One of my friends said there have been 2 since this morning that were around a 2- 2.5 on the scale.

I am with ya on the tornados. I work from home as a large loss adjuster and have worked several storm duties due to tornados , fires, etc. Got out of all the hurricanes due to pregnancy. This is not a fun time of year for us.

Wow! Hope there aren't any more!

We live on the SC coast so our danger is hurricanes! At least with a hurricane there is some warning and time to prepare and get out! But having been through a couple - they can be devastating. The clean up, repair, beach erosion is bad news!

We are actually right near a fault line too. We've had 1 or 2 earthquakes that I've felt, but we're supposedly due for a big one! I try not to think about that!

If we get tornadoes, they usually are after a hurricane- nice double whammy. Tornadoes are scary!

 

[mandymommy4]

Hope every one in the Midwest is ok!

We have our hurricanes in FL but at least we have the chance to prepare!

Have a good day ladies!

 

[irisbud]

I didn't feel the earthquake this morning, but I think my doggie did. He woke me up just after 4:30 crying, but he didn't want anything. He just sat by the bed while I petted him for a while. He never would lay down and relax, so he finally went out to patrol the living room.

My dad said that their cat jump straight up in the air, the dog whimpered and the birds started calling all at once just before they felt the house shake.

Earlier this morning I was taking a phone call at work and the office shook slightly. I thought it was a big truck going by, expect that it seemed to shake more than that and the walls made this horrible cracking sound. I didn't know that was what it was, though, until my dad called and asked if I had felt it and then told me about the other quake early in the morning.