The DDA Trouble Free Zone Part 2

[Tammi67]

Kate - I am so glad you have left your gallery for us to "window shop". I can only speak for myself, the creative-challenged person, that unless I can visually see something, I have no idea what to request. In other words, I can't design it in my head, but when I see yours or one of the other designers, I can say "AHA! That's what I want." For me to just say "This is the idea I have, could you please design it" I would never be able to formulate something. So, thank you.

 

[lmartin2711]

Don't worry about taking a break from the designs. You have earned the right to take sometime for yourself. I even click on the designs in your siggie just to look at as a slideshow. My grandkids, neices and nephews always ask me to put the Disney pictures up on my computer. I just click on your links and start the slideshow. We are all very excited about our big family trip in December and I always give them their Disney "fix" when they come over.

Relax and enjoy your day.... Lynn

 

[babytrees]

Glynis -- my DS10 has learning differences, so he's not reading very difficult books, but he loves reading the Amelia Bedelia books. They are short, so he feels like he is accomplishing something, and they are funny. Plus, there are a lot of them in the series so he loves to see what she is going to do next. I actually enjoy them, too.

Have you tried the Berenstein Bear Chapter Books? My oldest loved getting these from the library when she was younger. They are actually written very well and I found them to be a bit more of a challenge than Amelia.

 

[babytrees]

Glad to see you Kate!!!

 

[Glynis]

Find things he is interested in. Perhaps he is interested in Motorcross bikes or Pokemon cards. Even if it is reading a magazine on the topic it will help get him interested in reading. Or perhaps he has a hobby. Encourage him to find books on it to learn more about it.

Comic books are also another thing that might encourage him to read. Trading cards like pokemon or baseball cards require reading skill as well.

Not sure of your DS's age or if he is older than some of your other kids, but have hime read to them. Even if it is an easy book it will help him to see it is not a chore.

Magazines like Boys Life, Sports Illustrated for kids are great to encourage reading.

Even if he can read on his own continue to read to him and with him.

Try to find a book series he likes to get him hooked on reading.

Another idea is to read the book slowly and audio tape record it. This way your son can read along to the tape. Make sure to record it slowly enough that you are not reading it to him but he is reading and the tape can guide him if he doesn't know what a word is.

You could do this with the first few chapter of a chapter book to help him know names and places that are difficult to sound out on his own. Encourage him to reread the chapters it helps with comprehension. Depending on the book he could read the rest on his own or work up till you get to the point where you read the first few chapters and he reads the rest on his own.

Have him read a short book and then act it out. He can either act it out himslef or get his siblings involved and assign them parts as different characters and words to say.

Sorry if this doesn't make sense. I tried to put out a bunch of ideas but I'm not sure how well I explained them if you have any questions let me know.

Becky

Becky, these are fabulous ideas! I've stored them in a file for future use. Jacob is 6 right now, and can read quite well, but he just doesn't enjoy it as much as Katie. I know kids are different, and I don't want to force him, I just want to give him some choices. Have stuff lying around he might enjoy! Luckily the twins are younger than him, and they pester him to read to them.

I appreciate all your ideas!

 

[Steamboat Marti]

Was it worth it? On our first (and only ride on Saturday), I was a tad bit underwhelmed. But, for whatever reason, it was way better when we rode it 4 times in a row on Sunday morning! (Although I do think maybe 4 times back-to-back is the limit - we were both a little wobbly-legged after the 4th time!) We tried it in the front and in the back of the vehicle, and I think near the front is the better spot on this ride. You get to see so much more of the detail and story. (I wish I could say that the lines were better on Sunday - they weren't - but we used all the FP's given to us by our DVC guide on EE!)

It's themed very well, and is one smooth ride. It's definitely more intense than BTMR or SpaceMtn., but not as overall "roller coaster thrilling" as RnRC. You need to check it out!

I'll start another post for the DVC tour part, as this is not as quick as I'd thought...

Want to know something?? Those were my exact sentiments as soon as I came off the ride to - I expected somthing more. Too many people hyped it and I was scratching my head a little. That being said - when I went on it two more times, I came off loving the ride. The themeing is great and the ride is really fun. I just had to get over my preconceived notion of what it would be. I'll be riding again!! We like to equate it to being like BTMRR - on steroids.

 

[Steamboat Marti]

I know many of you are getting anxious, so I'm finally posting the "results" of our collection for Kate's and Nancy's grandmother's memorial.

We collected an unbelieveable $483 dollars to donate to the St. Joseph Orphanage in Cincinnati, OH.

Thank you so much to everyone who responded to my PMs, whether you donated or not. Though most of us are strangers, we are one special internet family, and I know Kate, Nancy, and their family appreciate the DDA's overwhelming generosity and thoughtfulness.

I hope everyone has a great day!
Amy

I'm glad we were able to do something in Kate and Nancy's grandmothers name. I'm sure those children at the orphange sure could use that money. Thank you to everybody that donated. It brought a smile to my face this morning!!!

 

[Glynis]

Glynis - I just wanted to say that you are one AMAZING mom to your kids. That sounds like great fun

Awwww, you're making me

 

[julia & nicks mom]

I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando

 

[Glynis]

Oo if you're gonna make fish and chips you gotta do it the English way.

You'll need cod or haddock in batter...
FAT chips - just cut the potatoes up chunky (you should really deep fry them but oven cooking is fine)
Then salt and vinegar and some tomato ketchup or tartar sauce

Oh and to be real authentic you should wrap each serving in newspaper and eat them out of that yum...

Oh, I would definitely do it the English Way!!! I absolutely love malt vinegar all over the fish and chips. No yucky tartar sauce for me. Must have vinegar. I always keep a couple of bottles on hand. The first time I ever had fish 'n chips was in a small pub in London, and I was in LOVE. Then I got them again the next day from a street vendor all wrapped up in newspaper, and loved it even more! I'm afraid I was probably born on the wrong side of the pond. I absolutely LOVE all English food.

 

[Tinkaroo]

Loved your trip report. I have mentioned to my husband about an adult only trip......like Skunka gave Marti . He didn't think I could leave the boys behind and told him to plan it and I would be there.

Anyway.....I was going to comment on your TX shirt and your DH jacket and hat in your siggie. My DS 12yrs asked for a TX fitted hat and we gave him one for his birthday. Although I am a diehard GA fan he tells me he is going to try TX first. He said he wants to play football for the Longhorns. Now keep in mind he has been a TX fan for about 2 years. He reminds me he was a TX fan before they won the Rosebowl. I told him if he wanted to go to TX he better be getting a full scholarship because out of state tuition would be out of my price range. Then again airfare for me flying to TX atleast once a month will be costly also.... .

I am just glad at the age of 12 he is already talking about which college he wants to go to. Of course his love for football has something to do to with that.

Thanks again for the mini-trip report.....glad ya'll had fun.

Lynn

UT is a great school (football or no football). My parents are both alums, and I followed in their footsteps. DH is a Longhorn by association!

I hear you on the out-of-state tuition, though! Even in-state has gone up so much since I graduated 8 years ago. The good news for your son - he might have an even better chance than someone in-state for getting in to UT. Admissions for in-state students not in the top 10% of their high school class is becoming incredibly difficult, but I think they look at out-of-state students differently (they love that extra tuition! ).

And hey - TX and GA rarely play each other. You could cheer for both!

 

[Glynis]

What about some ENid Blyton? The famous five or secret seven - or are they too old? Or the Hardy Boys? Or Harry Potter of course.

I've never heard of Enid Blyton. What are the book about?

 

[Glynis]

Glynis--I don't remember how old your son is or his reading level. My son loved the "Great Brain" series of books by JD Fitzgerald when he was younger. One thing that really worked for him was to get him started on a series. Then he'd fly right through the books. I think that I read the first Great Brain book to him or at least started reading aloud. He also liked the Magic Tree House books (easier reading than the Great Brain), Harry Potter, almost everything by Road Dahl...I'll try to keep thinking. Even now at 14, he is a strong reader and will read something very quickly if he gets into it, but it takes a little push to get him started.

Beth

I'd almost completely forgotten all about the Great Brain! I loved those books when I was a girl. I'm going to have to check those out of the library!

 

[Tinkaroo]

Isn't that just a gorgeous picture?? It looks almost 3D. The color, the pose, the framing...wonderful.

You guys are too sweet! Those PhotPass guys certainly know what they're going, and the picture is extra special for us - 4 of my favorite things in one frame (my DH, the Castle, Tinkerbell, and UT)!

 

[Glynis]

Tinkaroo -- congrats on DVC!

Glynis -- my DS10 has learning differences, so he's not reading very difficult books, but he loves reading the Amelia Bedelia books. They are short, so he feels like he is accomplishing something, and they are funny. Plus, there are a lot of them in the series so he loves to see what she is going to do next. I actually enjoy them, too.

Cool, more books to put on my check out list! Thanks everyone!

 

[Glynis]

I know many of you are getting anxious, so I'm finally posting the "results" of our collection for Kate's and Nancy's grandmother's memorial.

We collected an unbelieveable $483 dollars to donate to the St. Joseph Orphanage in Cincinnati, OH.

Thank you so much to everyone who responded to my PMs, whether you donated or not. Though most of us are strangers, we are one special internet family, and I know Kate, Nancy, and their family appreciate the DDA's overwhelming generosity and thoughtfulness.

I hope everyone has a great day!
Amy

Once again, Amy, thanks for spearheading this effort! How wonderful to be included in a "family" of people who are so generous with their time, talents and money when needed! DDA rocks!!

 

[Tammi67]

Did you book the Ding fare???

 

[lmartin2711]

I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando
I will not book the $100 Ding fare to Orlando

LISTEN TO KATE!!!! I booked to early for our airfare to Miami for our cruise in April. Now the one way ticket from Atlanta to Miami is $79!!! I called Airtran and they gave me a credit on my A+ rewards account for the difference but we have to use it within 12 months or loose the money. We are thinking we will use it when we go down to Disney for our December trip. We would just have to get a rental car since we are staying offsite. I think the $300 for a rental car for the week would be worth it.

Lynn

 

[bear74]

I'm making a whole new line of shirts with the character's autograph (from the parks) and their image. I've done 17 so far. Here's the link. Hope you like them!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=11350818#post11350818

they look great.

 

[bear74]

Hey lynne - I was thinking the same thing

I made a bunch of valentine's designs if anyone is interested

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=11353172#post11353172

I cant see the Pictures all I get is red x's in boxes. I have refreshed the pafe several times. From what I read that every one else posted the sound cute.