January 2009. . . Calling all Snowbirds ~ Part II !!!

[BellaSoleil]

Okay--just went to see BH Chihuahua---a must see for you and the kids!! Guess what my kids want for Christmas? a tiny but mighty....chihuahua!! They really are cute-just not to sure about the yapping!!! Really- go see it--it's great!

I love her dog collar-Bella you gotta get one for Lulu!! and her Jackie O outfit!!

Belle is OBSESSED with the BHC movie preview. She sings "Ooooh...EEE-Wah-Wah!" and says "You-You, Dog-Dog, Eee-Wah-Wah." People think she's so smart because she knows her dog is a chihuhaua. Nope, it's just because she thinks her beloved doggie is in the movie.

I was going to take her last weekend, but we spent out movie money plus a lot more on Lu in the E-Vet's Office. Ouch!

Wow, what a fun night I've had! Rehersal went very well and so did the dinner. My mom put together a little slide show of my sister and fiance. I just love looking at old pictures! We have a very busy weekend, so I probably won't be around until Sunday evening or Monday. I will definately post some pics of the wedding next week! Later!

I hope your sister has a wonderful wedding and marriage!

Really there is about a million kinds, I worked at Payless and they had a no name brand but yoou could go into any shoe store or Wal-Mart and they all have diffent kinds. As long as it say's for leather & Suede. In Canada I wouldn't pay more than $7.99 a can but in the US maybe $5.99 a can?? Really there is no diffrence, the trick is when any water (snow, ect) starts to absorb into the fabric it's time to re-spray. About every 7 weeks. We actually did a test on a pair of boots one year (I know shoe geeks) and sprayed both boots the first day and then the left boot evey 7 weeks and you would be amazed about much better the boot that was sprayed every 7 weeks looked. It was amazing !!

Anyways, I just let all the snowbirds know what a shoe geek is.

Thanks for letting us know! They tried to sucker me into the UGG spray, but I didn't want to spend that much money. Payless here I come!!!

Peaches-
I know we tell you all the time, but you've got such beautiful children!

 

[sarbah77]

peach3s, that's quite nice! I admire all of you who can do either the digital or paper scrapbooking. I definitely think I missed out on the creativity gene, when it comes to visually interesting things!!

I went to my first hockey game of my season tickets last night. Happily, Michigan decided to win. We're still debating going early for the Stanley cup but since there's also a home football game, the crowds are probably going to be outrageous.

I haven't had any anxiety dreams about Disney yet. I'm waiting. They're usually pretty silly. Back in 2007, one of the dreams I had was that my favorite band was playing in the gift shop that's closest to the TTA in MK.

Today's my 90 day mark!!!!

 

[Monny2AE]

Haha! My teacher makes it pretty interesting...he plays clips of movies to demonstrate points. However, he is one of the only teachers I have this semester who allows laptops in class, which throws me into the bad habit of surfing the i-net while in class (the precise reason why my other teachers have outlawed them)
However, part of the reason I'm excited about my topic is because my other choices are less sparkly... FBI (no) criminal justice system (I'm already taking another class on that) Army (uh...I'll be spending the next 8 years of my life as an Army Wife, and that thought doesn't appeal to me half as much as Disney)

Anyways... I have to check out my Disney books, read a book about garbage (I'm not kidding it's called Gone Tomorrow:The Hidden Life of Garbage) and write a paper on it.

Can you somehow pull off a trip to WDW for research purposes?

Then, Saturday is my big sister's big day! I'm so excited!!! On Sunday, my parents are having a brunch for our out of town guests, wedding party, etc. We're also celebrating my DD's birthday that day with our extended family since they'll all be in town. Wow. What a weekend! So, I'll try to peek on in here tomorrow! Have a great weekend everyone!

Hope today is wonderful!

I just couldn't resist this!

Too cute!

P.S.

Last nigth I had a dream/nightmare that I was half-way through my trip and didn't take pictures from my meals. I was in a serious panic! (This is the 3rd time I have dreamed that. I think I'm Dissing too much!)

I've had terrible dreams of our trip already too. In one I forgot the camera and didn't get pics of the kids riding Dumbo. Others involve snowstorms and broken down cars keeping us from getting there. Yuck!

Hopefully we (the snowbirds) will be the only people there in January!! Wouldn't that be a hoot!! Well.. we can hope can't we? I loved last January. It was perfect. I am wondering how many people will decide to cancel due to economical changes. I hope no one HAS to--that would really be sad. But I have heard rumors of people really tightening up around our area and probably every where. Lots of people panic and just decide not to spend. Maybe Disney will give us some wonderful perks for stickin' it out!!! I wish they would hurry---I am sooo excited!! Last year we got to add the park hopper for free and it really saved us more than I thought it would.

I really hope they offer something soon. I could go for some free dinging AND park hoppers! That's not being greedy is it?

Hi, there, Snowbirds!

So, more laundry. More Sunday school prep (we have church Saturday nights), and, what I'm most excited about? DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKING! I got Photoshop Elements 6.0 yesterday in the mail (Mom shipped it to me from the US) and a Bamboo FUN tablet, so I'm ready to learn how to digital scrapbook. ANyone here do it? I managed to create my first layout without having ever used or seen Photoshop Elements before! This was my first attempt:

Simple and I only used freebies. I haven't purchased any digital stuff yet. I gotta get the hang of this first.

Anyway...I'm here! I missed out on all the parties yesterday. I had my nose in the Photoshop Elements tutorials!

Looks like we had a lot of parties going on!

Great job! I'll be getting started soon and have no idea what to do either. Hope my first page turns out half as nice as yours!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Good Morning Snowbirds!

I have a very serious question to as you all........ARE YOU READY TO PARTY?

99 DAYS BABY! OH YEAH, DOUBLE DIGITS DANCE! WOOT WOOT!

 

[danceintherain]

my littlest man is sickly and he told me in bed last night (with his spiking fever), mom I just want a cheeseburger and fries.!!!! So....guess that's what we are off to get!!! Sorry-but when you brought it up it reminded me! ha!!

Man... I remember when I was little and sick, and Mommy would get me whatever I wanted to eat.

Let's see if I can catch up:

We also just discovered a wrinkle in our planning...Little sister's school district hadn't yet released their calendar for the year...We planned used the last four year's calendar...the high has had finals the week before MLK (Tue, Wed, Thur), records day on Friday and MLK on Monday...she would have only missed 4 days...we received a tenative calendar the other day...finals are the Wed, Thur, and Fri after MLK...the week we are at Disney...AHHH...Mom is worried about how this will affect her taking her finals...this is her 1st year of high school...since we already bought our plane tickets, it would be difficult and expensive to cancel or change planes.

Have her, or a parent, inform the school of your plans now. Then make sure she takes all her finals before you leave. Usually schools are pretty good about that, though I know some have no miss for fun policies. As long as she has good grades it shouldn't be a problem, and she'll probably be happy to have her finals out of the way.

That is such a good tip!! I have printed off the menus to all the restaurants that I am going to eat at so when I get in I can just say I would like this to drink oh and btw I'm ready to order!! It just seems more convienient that way!!!!

Haha... more convenient for the obsessed.

I like to look at them ahead of time anyway since my kids are such picky eaters. That way it doesn't take us forever to order!

I've looked at all the menus ahead of time, because I'm a picky eater. I can usually find something to eat on any menu, but I like having choices.

Okay, I should clarify that I meant Epcot, not the real world.

Oh I know... but if the default assumption about French people is incorrect, then the Disney French shouldn't be rude.

Okay Northern ladies--or whoever can help me!!! New Yorkers!!!!

My oldest son is turning 13 early dec (4th) and he is just really wanting to go to New York--he's always wanted to go. so,....I know nothing about it, except that the streets are laid out pretty grid like--so you can't get TOOOOO lost, and that Mary Poppins is on Broadway!!! What should you tell me???? Should I really pursue this? $$$ is the only thing right now, with a Disney trip in January--that of course the kids don't know about. So,... if dh thinks we can swing it---what next? We would have to fly- I am NOT driving that far. Unless he got a HUGE motorhome! anyway, is this a good 13 yo trip-give me honesty!!!! Tips, hints, insight!!!

I went to New York for the first time when I was 17, and absolutely loved it. I know 17 is a bit older than 13, but if your kids can handle walking around Disney then they can surely handle walking around NYC. Just do a little research before, especially if you're planning on taking Public Transportation. I would not recommend driving in New York unless you're used to it. Walking and public transportation should work fine, but if you have younger kids than 13, you might not feel comfortable on public transportation. I think your kids would probably love it, but you might not.
Just do some research and you'll be fine. I could go on and on...

Hi Snowbirds!

Just checking in to say hi!

Having a nice lazy Saturday afternoon here... But tomorrow, I'm off to see Wicked! (For the 2nd time.) I'm so excited!!



But bad news... Our Australian dollar is so bad at the moment!! At the moment it's only worth 60 US cents, and that means lots more saving for our big USA trip in January!!

Lucky we've already paid for all of our Disney trip, when our dollar was pretty good. Another reason why the dining plan works well for us - we've already paid for everything! Phew!

This is getting much too complicated. Money, shmoney.

That sucks... but at least your trip is paid for!

Can you somehow pull off a trip to WDW for research purposes?

Probably not for this paper, but maybe I can do a project on it next semester and go for Spring Break too!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Really there is about a million kinds, I worked at Payless and they had a no name brand but yoou could go into any shoe store or Wal-Mart and they all have diffent kinds. As long as it say's for leather & Suede. In Canada I wouldn't pay more than $7.99 a can but in the US maybe $5.99 a can?? Really there is no diffrence, the trick is when any water (snow, ect) starts to absorb into the fabric it's time to re-spray. About every 7 weeks. We actually did a test on a pair of boots one year (I know shoe geeks) and sprayed both boots the first day and then the left boot evey 7 weeks and you would be amazed about much better the boot that was sprayed every 7 weeks looked. It was amazing !!

Anyways, I just let all the snowbirds know what a shoe geek is.

We are all geeks in some way or another!! Right?!?!?! I for example have told you before I am an unashamed book-nerd--very proud of it too!!!

peach3s, that's quite nice! I admire all of you who can do either the digital or paper scrapbooking. I definitely think I missed out on the creativity gene, when it comes to visually interesting things!!

I went to my first hockey game of my season tickets last night. Happily, Michigan decided to win. We're still debating going early for the Stanley cup but since there's also a home football game, the crowds are probably going to be outrageous.

I haven't had any anxiety dreams about Disney yet. I'm waiting. They're usually pretty silly. Back in 2007, one of the dreams I had was that my favorite band was playing in the gift shop that's closest to the TTA in MK.

Today's my 90 day mark!!!!

Yay for 90 days!! Isn't it fun to start the 10 days countdown?80,70,then 25,15,5!!!!!! And yes--I too do the nightmare thing. Like, in my dreams it'll already be the day we leave & we didn't do anything the whole trip. Not sure what we DID do, just no rides and no memories of what happenend Or , we get there and have no room ressies, or didn't get theme park tickets.....

Good Morning Snowbirds!

I have a very serious question to as you all........ARE YOU READY TO PARTY?

99 DAYS BABY! OH YEAH, DOUBLE DIGITS DANCE! WOOT WOOT!

Yippeee!!!!!

I went to New York for the first time when I was 17, and absolutely loved it. I know 17 is a bit older than 13, but if your kids can handle walking around Disney then they can surely handle walking around NYC. Just do a little research before, especially if you're planning on taking Public Transportation. I would not recommend driving in New York unless you're used to it. Walking and public transportation should work fine, but if you have younger kids than 13, you might not feel comfortable on public transportation. I think your kids would probably love it, but you might not.
Just do some research and you'll be fine. I could go on and on.

Thanks--yeah the subway thing is NOT gonna happen. I think I would def feel weird on there-- NYC has so much I am afraid without some direction from you guys I will be totally overwhelmed!! What's a great place to stay that is NOT an arm and a leg?!?! But, in a good place?

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Well, Happy Weekend Snowbirdies!!

Hope you all have some fun planned for the 3 day weekend--if you get one.I thought about giving my kids the day off(homeschool), but since my little man was sick and missed 2 days last week--not gonna happen. Those days pile up quick when everything has to be doubled up.

Peach3s----love the picture!! Your babies are just little dolls. You can tell they are happy kids--you and Scot are doing a great job--blessings to you.I just gotta know--How much is a shekel? You may have said, but I just love that little Bible word!! I have ALWAYS loved Bible words--anything with a Hebrew/Jewish sound I love to say!! I know it's weird, but ..there it is!!! Like Esthers real name--Haddassah..( Is that spelled right, I forgot!! )-I just love it!! I bet when we go to Heaven my new name sounds like that!! Whaddya think Carrie? Huh, Huh,?!!

we have a vote at church tomorrow for a guy who is a prospective Senior Pastor. I am not sure how that's gonna go. Those of you who have been throught this know exactly what I am talking about. There are some people there who are gung-ho and of course trying to talk everybody they can get ahold of to vote yes. Well.....we only heard the guy one time And he's from way over on the coast-so we won't be talking again unless he's voted in. I am getting a 'not-good' on the feelings spectre. We've prayed about it, but there's just not peace. I am curious how things will pan out if he's not picked. Our church is very divided right now. I hate that politics that invade Church.
Speaking of church stuff-- Laura, how are things? Better we hope.I am thinking about you Pop in and say Hi!!

Well, I'll check in later and see what's going on with you birdies!!!

 

[BarbieGal457]

I just had to post - last night I had a dream about TSM and I've never even ridden it yet! That's how crazy excited I am for this trip. Is anyone else THIS excited, or is it just me? We're making the final payment on our room sometime this weekend, and the rest of my party is getting their flights on Monday, and I just cannot wait!!

 

[danceintherain]

We are all geeks in some way or another!! Right?!?!?! I for example have told you before I am an unashamed book-nerd--very proud of it too!!!



Thanks--yeah the subway thing is NOT gonna happen. I think I would def feel weird on there-- NYC has so much I am afraid without some direction from you guys I will be totally overwhelmed!! What's a great place to stay that is NOT an arm and a leg?!?! But, in a good place?

That's what I figured. You should look into touring packages, that way you can have a bus take you anywhere you want to go (some hotels might have shuttles... I don't know)

I can't really help on inexpensive accommodations. The first time I went was for a choir trip, so they planned everything and got group rates, and the last couple times I've stayed with family. My Mom went a couple years ago, but I think she used my Dad's hotel points.

 

[BarbieGal457]

And that was my 400th post!!!!!! WAHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[danceintherain]

I just had to post - last night I had a dream about TSM and I've never even ridden it yet! That's how crazy excited I am for this trip. Is anyone else THIS excited, or is it just me? We're making the final payment on our room sometime this weekend, and the rest of my party is getting their flights on Monday, and I just cannot wait!!

I'm soo soo soo excited... this is the first time I'll get to do a lot of things I've never done... stay on property, eat in restaurants etc.... Also it's my soon-to-be DH's first time EVER, so I am really excited to show him everything.
I think I'm going to get more excited as it gets closer... I just hope that 1) I don't over excite myself and wind up getting disappointed and 2) I don't over plan and make the trip unbearable for my soon-to-be DH, because I'm soo excited.

 

[BarbieGal457]

I'm soo soo soo excited... this is the first time I'll get to do a lot of things I've never done... stay on property, eat in restaurants etc.... Also it's my soon-to-be DH's first time EVER, so I am really excited to show him everything.
I think I'm going to get more excited as it gets closer... I just hope that 1) I don't over excite myself and wind up getting disappointed and 2) I don't over plan and make the trip unbearable for my soon-to-be DH, because I'm soo excited.

Last January was my DBF's first trip! I was insanely excited and we watched tons of movies, trip planning DVDs, read the guides, websites, everything! He was a big complainer all week, but in the end he loved it and we're going back this January. I planned the whole trip for all 8 of us this time, and it'll be his first time on property as well (last time we stayed at a timeshare at Orange Lake). It's almost like his first time again since he's doing lots of things we didn't do last time, like dining! My group only wanted to eat food they made, so we rarely grabbed food in the parks. I'm super excited to show him everything all over again. I always think I get too excited and then will be disappointed, but I never am. I think it's almost impossible to have an unbearable trip, although I've definitely had my share of experiences. I think you'll have a great time!

I see you're staying at AKL! I hope you take a ton of pics and share with us, I'm dying to stay here. I'll be at POP - definitely more affordable for 8 college kids!

 

[pamouselover]

Our favorite places to eat are Chef Mickey’s and Crystal place. Whispering canyon and hoop Dee do were added last year. Cosmic ray’s is our favorite for counter service. We like to eat at CRT but I think the price or TS credits is not worth it anymore. When we ate there last, we felt very rushed.

My children have off Monday. DD had a half day yesterday, so I left work at 2pm and we want to color me mine. I painted a tinker bell.
When I was a SAHM we used to go to Lancaster on Columbus Day. We would go to the corn maze, or a local apple orchard.

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Pretty slow day today! Hope everyone is having a good day!

 

[jenjolt]

Good Morning Snowbirds!

I have a very serious question to as you all........ARE YOU READY TO PARTY?

99 DAYS BABY! OH YEAH, DOUBLE DIGITS DANCE! WOOT WOOT!

You thought I was going to miss your party didn't you LOL!! YAY KIM on DOUBLE DIGITS LOL!!!

 

[sharadoc]

Thanks--yeah the subway thing is NOT gonna happen. I think I would def feel weird on there-- NYC has so much I am afraid without some direction from you guys I will be totally overwhelmed!! What's a great place to stay that is NOT an arm and a leg?!?! But, in a good place?

Hi DM3,

I don't know how you feel about cities in general, but NYC is the ULTIMATE big city. It's HUGE, it's dirty (not grungy, but lots of exhaust fumes and people), it's VERY crowded. The cabs are pretty scary if you're not used to it = they are getting better but they still drive like maniacs. I used to go there on business a lot, and I had a few friends who went to NYU, so I had other familiar people to go with me. If you're comfortable with "winging it", then do a lot of research. Otherwise, I think you should go through a travel agent and plan things out as best as you can.

I think a 5 day trip to NYC would probably cost you more than a week in WDW. Even McDonald's doubles their prices in New York. Expect to pay around $8-$10 for a Big Mac - no kidding!

A decent hotel in NYC is going to run you around $250 a night minimum. Driving in NYC is not for the novice - if you've never driven in New York, then just DON'T. DH did it once and he said NEVER AGAIN!!!!

A train is a great way to go to New York, but I guess you're too far away for that. The train station is right under Madison Square Garden, you can walk to Macy's, and it's about 10 blocks to Broadway. You can hop a cab and take a short ride to 42nd Street. See a matinee, maybe grab something to eat.

Since 9/11, New York has gone out of it's way to welcome visitors, so it's not unfriendly or full of crime or anything. I don't want you to think I'm being negative about it, but I just want you to have realistic expectations. It's really different from any other big city - it's international and it honestly is HUGE!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Sharadoc~ I know its insanely big--that's why I feel kinda nervous about it!!! YIKES!! I have a cousin who's a travel agent--she's suppose to be really good--I have never used her, I do all our trips myself--but never NYC!!! I am totally at sea here. Dh may just say forget it--I mean, we are going to Disney in Jan, & with the housing market slowing down, we may just have to wait, or let him pick somewhere a little more affordable!!! If we def decide to go-it's gonna have to be a decision we make pretty soon--I don't like all that last minute stuff!!! Anyway, thanks!!! I didn't think you were being negative--just honest

 

[trixiequilts]

Happy Saturday Night Everyone!

 

[trixiequilts]

Anyone?

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Hey Trixie!! I am signing off as well!!! Hope everyone has a blessed Sunday !!