Kidnap the Sandy Claws, lock him up real tight- Oct PTR pg. 234 8/25 up to date itin

[franandaj]

PDS is working on that order including the cake. I've heard Publix has a nice bakery so I'm going that route for chloes cake vs Disney. Betsy made the basket and sent pics.

So who is Betsy and PDS? I've heard of We Go Shop but not this service that you've been talking about.....

Our next trip I think we will actually do our shopping. Fran likes to go to grocery stores and especially Costcos in other towns, she considers that as part of our vacation!

 

[rentayenta]

Definitely do that night goggles, it's cool! Also...not sure if you are there on a Monday or not but they were doing something called a Monday mingle for DVC that we got an invite to. A "sundown mingle" actually. Didn't work for us but might want to keep an eye out for an email, we got it maybe 1-2 weeks before the trip.

I've read about those- they sound cool. Where do we find the goggles? I've also heard about the folk tales around the camp fire which sounds really cool too. I'm sure DH will be all over this because he's had a few long trips to Africa.

I haven't heard of the mingle? Is that at AKV too? We are there 2 Mondays.

So who is Betsy and PDS? I've heard of We Go Shop but not this service that you've been talking about.....

Our next trip I think we will actually do our shopping. Fran likes to go to grocery stores and especially Costcos in other towns, she considers that as part of our vacation!

Betsy is the woman making my surprise arrival gift basket for the crew. I shipped some things to her from the Disney Store and she added some things I couldn't find. She wraps it and delivers it to the resot the morning we check in. I used her before in 2007 and she was great. I had forgotten all about her until someone jogged my memory. She sent me some pics. I'll post them here. I wasn't going to do a welcome basket but because it's Chloe's friend's first time, I thought it would be fun. www.memoriesbybetsy.com Her site isn't fantastic looking but she does a great job. She's expensive though but she allowed me to ship most of the contents to her from Disney. I got free shipping through them and 25% off along with some free Vinylmation so it was terrible.

I. Am. A. Huge. Sucker.

PDS or Kelly has a grocery service. It appears, from the emails, that its just her and her husband, and she handpicks everything meaning you can give her the exact brand, size, specifications, whatever, and she'll get it. She's ordering Chloe's cake from Publix, whose supposed to have a nice bakery. She's also choosing our meats, cheeses, fruit, breads etc....I wasn't thrilled with GG's produce last time. With Kelly you can be very specific. I asked for 2 bunches of bananas; one semi ripe and one green for later in the trip. I also asked for whatever fruit is on sale that week and told her what we liked. Cynthia told me about her. I just got my final quote from her last night. She charges 20% of the groceries plus $10 to stock at Bell Services. It's not cheap but I like the idea of someone willing to meet my picky meat and produce needs. Bakery too. With GG I could only get a standard cake and with PDS I could be specific to size, flavor, color, writing, etc....I think I'll be very happy with her service.

She didn't answer my beer question so we ordered that from GG too. I post my final lists here.


Looks like I missed a day on my countdown. Yesterday I posted 38 when it was actually 37.

36 days until WDW!!! ​

 

[eandesmom]

I've read about those- they sound cool. Where do we find the goggles? I've also heard about the folk tales around the camp fire which sounds really cool too. I'm sure DH will be all over this because he's had a few long trips to Africa.

I haven't heard of the mingle? Is that at AKV too? We are there 2 Mondays. [/COLOR]

The night viewing is actually set up in a specific area, one of the overlooks. We kind of found it by accident. We'd wanted to go to the fire pit but it was raining so...no fire. Signs directed us upstairs for a movie and then we somehow found the overlook from the room they were setting up the movie in. This was at Jambo but I believe they do it at Kidani too, also at an overlook. You have to check them out from a CM who also shows you how to do it. It was busy, the kids had to take turns. I think it was noted in the daily activity thing we got at check in though, just check there first and if not, ask at the desk.

You are at AKV 2 mondays? This was an AKV/DVC specific invite that I got an email for. I'd just watch your email, as they know you are coming (or Michaels lol) and if not, ask at the DVC desk. You are supposed to register for it at the desk anyway but it was some kind of DVC sundown mingle with appetizers and maybe drinks...I can't recall but can try to dig up the email as I"m sure I still have it!

 

[rentayenta]

The night viewing is actually set up in a specific area, one of the overlooks. We kind of found it by accident. We'd wanted to go to the fire pit but it was raining so...no fire. Signs directed us upstairs for a movie and then we somehow found the overlook from the room they were setting up the movie in. This was at Jambo but I believe they do it at Kidani too, also at an overlook. You have to check them out from a CM who also shows you how to do it. It was busy, the kids had to take turns. I think it was noted in the daily activity thing we got at check in though, just check there first and if not, ask at the desk.

You are at AKV 2 mondays? This was an AKV/DVC specific invite that I got an email for. I'd just watch your email, as they know you are coming (or Michaels lol) and if not, ask at the DVC desk. You are supposed to register for it at the desk anyway but it was some kind of DVC sundown mingle with appetizers and maybe drinks...I can't recall but can try to dig up the email as I"m sure I still have it!

The night viewing sounds awesome! I think Kidani has it too along with stories by the fire. I'm determined to really enjoy our resorts. I love you paddle boat update. It reminds me how great the DVC resorts are and that we need to keep it at a slower pace as far as resort time and activities. Why stay at such cool places if we're not going to take full advantage of the amenities?!

That'd be great if you could find the email. We got our ME documents they mixed up a few of the names. Michael ended up with my maiden name. Joshua got Chloe's friend's last name, and I got my married name though official I've never changed it do on all travel and legal papers I have to use my maiden. I hope it's not a prediction in terms of trip chaos.

Here are pics of the basket that Betsy made. It's chock full of good things:

And the thing we all love to see:

 

[rentayenta]

And I thought I'd upload countdown photos from here out. My favorite part of Epcot. I'm not a huge shopper but love the items in Morocco:

I can't tell if these pics are showing up? I'm using the photobucket app and I can't see them from my iPhone.

 

[jenny105]

I got two of those ME packets cause I have two reservations. Double the fun!

I can see your countdown photo It's getting close!

 

[rentayenta]

I got two of those ME packets cause I have two reservations. Double the fun!

I can see your countdown photo It's getting close!

When did you get yours? We're very close. We won't get our second packet at AKV until the night before check out.


Are you getting excited? What are you most looking forward to?

I called this morning and got the names corrected as well as the resort. They put AKV instead of AoA. We'll be departing from AKV but our first night is at AoA. It'll take 7-10 business days. Glad I called when I did.

 

[jenny105]

When did you get yours? We're very close. We won't get our second packet at AKV until the night before check out.


Are you getting excited? What are you most looking forward to?

I called this morning and got the names corrected as well as the resort. They put AKV instead of AoA. We'll be departing from AKV but our first night is at AoA. It'll take 7-10 business days. Glad I called when I did.

We got the first one over a week ago and the other packet yesterday.

I'm super excited. We have 22 days to go! I think I'm most excited for MNSSHP and the F&W Festival. Can't wait to eat around the world!

 

[rentayenta]

We got the first one over a week ago and the other packet yesterday.

I'm super excited. We have 22 days to go! I think I'm most excited for MNSSHP and the F&W Festival. Can't wait to eat around the world!

Me too! Have you been to either? This will be our first for both. What are you dressing up as?

The booths look good this year. The only one that looks so-so is the champagne and chocolate one.

 

[DrMomof3]

I'm behind! How was the 1st week of school?
Basket is beautiful!!!
I love GG. We just went to Publix this time because we had a car. That was fine.

Amanda

 

[rentayenta]

I'm behind! How was the 1st week of school?
Basket is beautiful!!!
I love GG. We just went to Publix this time because we had a car. That was fine.

Amanda

Welcome back! How was your trip? Have you got too far into your report? I saw your few check ins while there or maybe they were after you just returned?

How did your kids do on the first day?

Thanks I'm pleased with the basket. I'm bringing the colored pencils, sharpener, and pins. They arrived today and there don't appear to be any fakes. I think Betsy did a great job. She's a little spendy but last time it was worth it so I'm guessing time will be too.

Gabby loves high school, Joshua likes 6th grade, and Chloe is tolerating 8th grade. That's pretty par for the course when it comes to school around here.

I bought some of our groceries for WDW today: pb, jelly, Kraft Mac n Cheese, granola bars, pancake mix, syrup, candy corn, pasta.....sounds like the movie Elf.

GG is great. I faxed my ID over so they can deliver the beer and coolers. They called within 5 minutes of me placing my order and then called back to confirm they received it. I'm glad that PDS is getting my meats, cheeses, veggies, and fruit though. I wasn't ecstatic over the look of our GG bananas last time. Plus I couldn't get a personalized cake through GG. The Publix cake isn't breath taking like some of the Disney cakes but at least it'll have a Star of David on it and it's costing me $16.99.

 

[DrMomof3]

Welcome back! How was your trip? Have you got too far into your report? I saw your few check ins while there or maybe they were after you just returned?

How did your kids do on the first day?

Thanks I'm pleased with the basket. I'm bringing the colored pencils, sharpener, and pins. They arrived today and there don't appear to be any fakes. I think Betsy did a great job. She's a little spendy but last time it was worth it so I'm guessing time will be too.

Gabby loves high school, Joshua likes 6th grade, and Chloe is tolerating 8th grade. That's pretty par for the course when it comes to school around here.

I bought some of our groceries for WDW today: pb, jelly, Kraft Mac n Cheese, granola bars, pancake mix, syrup, candy corn, pasta.....sounds like the movie Elf.

GG is great. I faxed my ID over so they can deliver the beer and coolers. They called within 5 minutes of me placing my order and then called back to confirm they received it. I'm glad that PDS is getting my meats, cheeses, veggies, and fruit though. I wasn't ecstatic over the look of our GG bananas last time. Plus I couldn't get a personalized cake through GG. The Publix cake isn't breath taking like some of the Disney cakes but at least it'll have a Star of David on it and it's costing me $16.99.

I haven't even uploaded pictures yet! I know I'm a bad DISer.
1st day went better than expected. We're still working out some kinks with bedtime....
Awesome about the pins. My kids are starting to get into the whole trading thing but I've been afraid to order from eBay.
I forgot to buy syrup for the Eggos and my daughter complained every day.
That's great about the special cake! I didn't know about faxing an ID for alcohol. Good to know!

Amanda

 

[rentayenta]

I haven't even uploaded pictures yet! I know I'm a bad DISer.
1st day went better than expected. We're still working out some kinks with bedtime....
Awesome about the pins. My kids are starting to get into the whole trading thing but I've been afraid to order from eBay.
I forgot to buy syrup for the Eggos and my daughter complained every day.
That's great about the special cake! I didn't know about faxing an ID for alcohol. Good to know!

Amanda

Bedtime is difficult the first two weeks after school starts. Mine were staying up so late up into the week before. Bad mommying on my part. I wouldn't let them nap after school though my girls tried so hard to do. They finally started to acclimate around Thursday and we've all been dragging this weekend.

I have always ordered pins from eBay and haven't had an issue. If you pay though PayPal you're protected. PayPal is very buyer friendly much more so than eBay which seems seller friendly.

I bought a small syrup. Funny the small one cost $1 and the big $2 but I don't need that much syrup and the bag needs to be less than 50 lb. I might struggle with that.

I see you updated on 9/8. I'll have to go check it it. Hebrew school beins again. Gabby teaches and this is Joshua's last year. Lucky Chloe gets to sleep in.

 

[DrMomof3]

Nathaniel is 8 going on 16. He could easily sleep all morning! He has trouble going to sleep - his anxiety kicks in.
How did you find a good eBay seller?

Amanda

 

[rentayenta]

Nathaniel is 8 going on 16. He could easily sleep all morning! He has trouble going to sleep - his anxiety kicks in.
How did you find a good eBay seller?

Amanda

Anxiety is tough. I had no go completely off caffeine. It adds to anxiety. It actually helped. I'm sorry, I know how rough it is.

I guess I got lucky. I'd be happy to share their names via PM. I've bought from them since my kids collected pins years ago. They've never had an issue. Pin trading isn't as popular as it was so I think that's also why they sell for less.

Off to Jew school as we so lovingly refer to it. I'll PM you the names later if you're interested.

 

[Native NYer]

We need to decide when we're meeting for drinks.

 

[DrMomof3]

Anxiety is tough. I had no go completely off caffeine. It adds to anxiety. It actually helped. I'm sorry, I know how rough it is.

I guess I got lucky. I'd be happy to share their names via PM. I've bought from them since my kids collected pins years ago. They've never had an issue. Pin trading isn't as popular as it was so I think that's also why they sell for less.

Off to Jew school as we so lovingly refer to it. I'll PM you the names later if you're interested.

I'd love a PM! I might buy some for the December holidays. Hebrew School is torture this year because Jessica goes Saturday morning and Nathaniel goes on Sunday morning. We don't have enough classroom space for everyone to attend at the same time.
Nathaniel is getting better. He takes medication at night that eliminated his nightmares so that's been a big help.

Amanda

 

[kaoden39]

I'm sorry I have been MIA.

My nephew who lived with us for many years got married yesterday. It was a beautiful wedding.

This is the bride and grooms first dance.

 

[rentayenta]

We need to decide when we're meeting for drinks.

Yes, we do! The 14th or 15th. We'll be with Jenna et al. We've got a 50's reservation on 10/14 and 'Ohana on 10/15; both are for dinner but on the early side. We could meet at a bar before or after dinner on either of those days if that works for you. Or you and your mom, if she wants, can join us. We can add you on when we check in.

What are you thinking? Epcot would work and we'll be there 10/15 during the day. We can ditch the kids in FW if we do that. I'm all about a lunchtime cocktail.

Let me know.....

 

[rentayenta]

I'd love a PM! I might buy some for the December holidays. Hebrew School is torture this year because Jessica goes Saturday morning and Nathaniel goes on Sunday morning. We don't have enough classroom space for everyone to attend at the same time.
Nathaniel is getting better. He takes medication at night that eliminated his nightmares so that's been a big help.

Amanda

Two different mornings wouldn't be fun. Your synagogue must have a lot of members. We've got 3 b'nai mitzvah kids this year. It's beautiful though in terms of bar/bat mitzvah prep. We hardly have to share the rabbi. Joshua's will be October 2013. Genesis is good. We're waiting until after this October to choose the date and his parsha. Three in a row makes me Jewish Mother of the Year, certifiable, or both!

I'm glad the meds are helping him.