The only way to have a friend is to be one." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

[lyzziesmom]

Oooh thanks Ashley, I completely forgot that it's Idol night! I might have to work tonight so we might once again be way behind in watching. I thought last week was right on, we didn't really like Sarver very much and were not sorry to see him go. He seemed like a nice guy, just not a great singer. (As if I could do better! ) I'm not sure who should go next... I kind of like everyone that is left. Oh and I LOVED Adam Lambert last week!! He looks so much better without all the black -- Lyzzie is completely enamored.

I talked to my mom at lunchtime and she wants me to research prices and go ahead and book something for WDW, Labor Day week. She is all gung-ho about it! I told her I'd really like to stay in a Deluxe (hey I can try, right?!) and she said, "Oh honey you're gonna have to marry a rich man." Anybody know one?

 

[hellokitty86]

I talked to my mom at lunchtime and she wants me to research prices and go ahead and book something for WDW, Labor Day week. She is all gung-ho about it! I told her I'd really like to stay in a Deluxe (hey I can try, right?!) and she said, "Oh honey you're gonna have to marry a rich man." Anybody know one?

LOL!! I want to stay in a deluxe too!! If only we both had rich men. Seriously though, I would rather go twice and stay at Pop than once and stay at a deluxe! Remember my dates- 9-15! Just in case we get there at the end of your trip...I'd love to meet up with you guys again!

I really liked Adam too. Up until last week he just screeched too much for me! He does have a very good voice and he showed it off. I was disappointed though, I wanted to download his song on Itunes and like Ryan said, they had the original arrangements for the song instead of theirs- I really liked his acoustic version better!

 

[lyzziesmom]

I didn't know that about iTunes -- so they do the song twice? Or is it just the original song and not the one performed on Idol at all? How weird. Do they still do the studio version like they did last year?

My mom wants to go to WDW Sept. 5th through the 12th or 13th. I am going to price out a few different options. Have any of you stayed at POR? I know they have rooms that include a pullout so they can fit 5 people, I'm wondering if the rooms are actually bigger and whether it's a request or if you can reserve a larger room. That might be an option if it's not crazy expensive, because Mom doesn't want to get 2 rooms and still doesn't understand why I think the values are a little too crowded. Since she is paying I don't want to take advantage but would like a bit more space, especially since Lyzzie would rather sleep on the floor than share a bed.

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

I didn't know that about iTunes -- so they do the song twice? Or is it just the original song and not the one performed on Idol at all? How weird. Do they still do the studio version like they did last year?

My mom wants to go to WDW Sept. 5th through the 12th or 13th. I am going to price out a few different options. Have any of you stayed at POR? I know they have rooms that include a pullout so they can fit 5 people, I'm wondering if the rooms are actually bigger and whether it's a request or if you can reserve a larger room. That might be an option if it's not crazy expensive, because Mom doesn't want to get 2 rooms and still doesn't understand why I think the values are a little too crowded. Since she is paying I don't want to take advantage but would like a bit more space, especially since Lyzzie would rather sleep on the floor than share a bed.

The mods are a bit biger than values. POR only has trundles in the Alligator Bayou section.

You could also do a family suite at ASMu. It's about the same price as a mod, but sleeps 6 and is bigger. Of course they might not be included in the Free dining promo.

 

[hellokitty86]

You could also do a family suite at ASMu.

I think that's a great idea! Hopefully they are offering that with free dining. You could also look at the Ford Wilderness Cabins. I've stayed there before with my parents and it was alot of fun.

The rooms with a trundle bed at POR aren't any bigger than the rooms at POFQ. There is just a twin size bed that pulls out from underneath a bed to sleep on. I personally don't see a room size difference at all with the values and mods- only difference is, the values have full size beds and mods have queen. If Lyzzie doesn't like sharing a bed, getting a trundle at POR could be a good solution- doesn't solve the problems regarding the room being too small though!

ETA, I've stayed at POR before and I loved it! I liked it alot better than POFQ. I just think the theming is beautiful!

 

[hellokitty86]

Just had to share.... (sorry its blurry, took the picture with my phone!)

 

[Tinkerbell_Girl]

Ashley- Cute pic!

Lyzziesmom- Good luck deciding where to stay!

Ya'll are making me want to go back so bad!!! Well.....Steven has been working alot of overtime lately..... And I got a good rate at ASMo. We would also be going over his birthday so I checked the birthday ticket promo and instead of a ticket he would get a gift card in the amount of the ticket. I'll have to convince him!

 

[hellokitty86]

Ya'll are making me want to go back so bad!!! Well.....Steven has been working alot of overtime lately..... And I got a good rate at ASMo. We would also be going over his birthday so I checked the birthday ticket promo and instead of a ticket he would get a gift card in the amount of the ticket. I'll have to convince him!

Come sometime during our dates and we can all have a mini meet!!! ....Now we have to work on Amber & Lin!

 

[hellokitty86]

Anybody catch the series premiere of 'Cupid'? It was on after Dancing With the Stars...I thought it was cute!! I will watch it again next week.

 

[lyzziesmom]

I love that picture Ashley! Too cute.

Thanks for the info on the resorts. I would love to do a family suite at ASM, but I'm pretty sure they are not included in the free dining. I will have to run some numbers -- the CM discount might be a little less than free dining, depending on the resort price. I had time yesterday to do a comparison on POR and even with buying the DDP, it would save about $200 over free dining to just use the CM discount. I wish we could get discounted tickets because of course that is where the biggest expense is. I'd also love a FW cabin, but they are just too expensive. My folks are huge cheapskates, I can already see this is going to be a headache. I might have to offer to pay the difference for a larger room. But even after last fall... I'd rather go on Mom's terms than not at all!

Has anyone had any April Fools yet? My mom called me early this morning, just a few minutes after I woke up, to tell me something came up and she couldn't watch the kids today. I froze with panic, my mind was racing (as much as it could that early in the morning!) trying to think of what to do, and she said, 'April Fools!' and I could hear her and my dad cackling away. Ha ha, very funny, guys.

 

[lyzziesmom]

We would also be going over his birthday so I checked the birthday ticket promo and instead of a ticket he would get a gift card in the amount of the ticket. I'll have to convince him!

I love the birthday gift card idea, just wish we had someone's birthday at a time where it would be convenient for us to go! I'm sure you can convince him.. it's like getting free money, right?

Come sometime during our dates and we can all have a mini meet!!! ....Now we have to work on Amber & Lin!

How great would that be?!

Anybody catch the series premiere of 'Cupid'? It was on after Dancing With the Stars...I thought it was cute!! I will watch it again next week.

I haven't heard of Cupid. I might have to check it out.

What did you think of Idol last night? As much as I want to like Megan, I think she is on her way out. And Anoop... I think some of these kids just want to win so badly that they are not thinking about what "fits" them. They don't seem to get that just because they like something, doesn't mean it's right for them. Then again, the judges do try to fit each contestant into their own little box and I'm sure that can get annoying. Oh and Allison's outfit... yikes!! I was surprised to see Adam with his poufy hair again. I guess he knew people liked it.

 

[hellokitty86]

just wish we had someone's birthday at a time where it would be convenient for us to go!

I wanted to go for (our) birthday this year SO BAD! I techinally could've, because you can book your trip from October 3 (the end of free dining) and it would apply for the whole stay, but it wasn't ideal for Jeremiah to take time off from work that week. Darn responsibility!!!! I WILL go someday!!!

I haven't heard of Cupid. I might have to check it out.

I thought it was cute- its on ABC. It's about a man who thinks he is Cupid (the greek God) and how he is being punished and he has to make 100 couples fall in love the "old fashioned way" instead of with his bow & arrows. He also was committed to a psychiatric hospital because people think he's crazy so his doctor is in the show too...Sounds kind of weird but it is cute!

I liked IDOL...Unfortunately Adam was back to screeching again. I actually really liked Matt, I'm surprised the judges didn't. I liked the arrangment of the song. My favorite was Kris. Loved it! I think either Megan, Scott or Anoop's going to go...Anoop used to be one of my favorites in the begining, but he hasn't been doing too good lately!! Surprisingly, I thought this week was the best Megan has done the whole competition, but she's nowhere as good as the others. Thought Lil was kind of boring, and I liked it when Kelly Clarkson sang that song in Season 1 better. Her kids are adorable though!

How did Emma's parent/teacher conference go?

 

[lyzziesmom]

Emma's conference went great! It's so funny because her personality is so different from Lyzzie's, but they both get about the same comments in school. "Smart, confident, but doesn't speak up." That's the same comments I used to get too! Emma's teacher said she is more than ready for kindergarten, even though she is the youngest in her class. Most of her classmates turned 5 already and Emma won't be 5 until June.

Oh and I am ready to strangle my Mom (raise your hand if you didn't see that one coming. Nobody? ) over this WDW trip, and it's not even planned! I spent most of the morning running numbers and doing price comparisons for all of the hotels, figuring out if it's a better deal to use free dining or the CM discount, with & without the DDP. I brought her the spreadsheet I made (nerd alert!) and she didn't even look at it, because she said, "Oh your Dad has decided to come with so we'll need 2 rooms." Well the CM rate is only for a room the CM is staying in. There is a "Friends & Family" rate, but it's only good through the end of April right now. And you can't get quotes online, you have to call which I can't do from work. Gah! I knew this was going to be a bad idea! But I'm trying to keep an open mind.

That Cupid show sounds neat, I will definitely have to try to check it out. I already have a DVR full of shows I haven't had time to watch! I had to give up on Heroes and Desperate Housewives because I missed too many when my last DVR died, hopefully I will be able to catch up on the reruns.

I was hoping to go for my (our) bday too, Ashley. Depending on the CM rate and what my parents decide to do, I might just decide to go then anyway if we can work it out so it saves $$ over free dining.

 

[hellokitty86]

"Oh your Dad has decided to come with so we'll need 2 rooms."

Actually I did see that one coming..... Hopefully it all works out for you. I'm sure it will. Glad Emma's conference went well!

 

[lyzziesmom]

Haha, I kind of saw that coming too Ashley... I just figured it would wait until a couple weeks before we were ready to go.

It looks like we are going to use the CM rate and stay in the FW Cabins. My parents have always wanted to stay there ever since my mom's sister stayed there and raved about how much fun it was. I will have to look into horseback riding options - I think Lyzzie might be too young. I'm really going to try to go into this with a different attitude this time. I'm going to try really hard to just let go and enjoy. I think the Cabins are big enough that we shouldn't be TOO crowded. We've already agreed that we will spend most of the days split up and then meet up for meals, it's much more fun that way!

I'm looking forward to it! Is it wrong that I'm wishing the summer away? I wish we could just move it up (to May maybe?) but then I'd just want to go again in the fall anyway. I'll have to plan some fun things to do over the summer too. Maybe we can finally make a trip to that exotic animal farm bed & breakfast I've been wanting to visit for years!

Lyzzie forgot that she brought her report card home this week, and it needed to be signed & returned today. She did very well, but she did get her first B (in science). I asked her how she feels about that -- she shrugged & said, "Well a B+ isn't that much different from an A-." Stinker!!

OH and I worked at TDS last night, so I HAVEN'T WATCHED THE IDOL RESULTS YET!! PLEASE WARN ME IF ANYONE IS GOING TO DISCUSS WHO WENT HOME!! Thanks.

Nicole -- any luck convincing Steven to go to WDW?

 

[lyzziesmom]

Eh, Mom doesn't want to stay in the Cabins anymore. I called and found out we can't add the DDP to the CM rate for our time frame yet, and they don't know if/when that code will be released. So for now, unless the CM DDP rules change, we'll get 2 rooms at a value. I was looking forward to something different.

 

[lyzziesmom]

Yay, our trip is booked!! AllStar Movies 9/05 - 9/13. We are getting 2 preferred rooms and I requested the Toy Story section, because last time we checked it out on our departure day and the kids were VERY impressed with the coolness.


Now hopefully I can get the time off of work...

Ashley, please remind me where you are staying. (You can PM me if you want to.) We will have to be sure to make plans to meet up! Emma has gotten SO much bigger -- she doesn't even use the stroller anymore even at WDW -- and you'll finally get to meet Lyzzie! She feels like she already knows you.

Everyone must be busy today, I feel like I'm talking to myself.

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

Hey Everyone!

Ashley, that picture is too funny!

Lyzziesmom, congrats on getting it booked! Sory your mom is alread being a pain.



Spencer had his check up today. He weighs 24.11 lbs, is 31 1/2 in, and his head is 18 1/2.

Not much going on with us. Mike mentioned going to WDW Sunday, but not sure if we actually will.

 

[lyzziesmom]

Hi Amber! Well I hate to sound like a brat, but my mom is kinda always a pain. But I'm not going to complain when it comes to a free trip! I always read "elsewhere" about gift trips and I never believe it, but I guess it really does happen. Wow Spencer is such a big boy, he will be eating you out of house and home before you know it!

Have fun if you end up at WDW on Sunday -- actually I hope you have fun even if you don't go.

I am excited about Disney on Ice tomorrow! I have just told the girls that I have a "small surprise" for them.

 

[hellokitty86]

Hey guys!!!

Sorry I haven't been around today, my Grandparents visited for the day from the West Coast.

Lyzziesmom, I'm SO excited about meeting up with you guys, and finally meeting Lyzzie! And you finally get to meet Jeremiah too!!! We are staying at Pop. I wish we could stay for 8 nights. No way I could ever convince Jeremiah. He has said that we could go for 7 nights, but the 7th night (if we added it, we would get there a day earlier) we would be getting in around 8pm because Jeremiah has to work that day, and then we would probably just go to sleep early for the parks next day. If we went for 6, we would leave here early the day our vacation starts and get into Orlando around 12 or 1, check into the hotel and go in the parks. I'm not sure if thats worth the extra $130 (cost of room and tip for dining plan)?? What do you guys think? My head keeps telling me to book the extra night while its still available! But my responsible self is doubting it

Amber, do you think you could arrange a little trip during our dates too?

Nicole and Lin, I think you should be pricing trips right about now.....just sayin'....

Can I just say, I'm sick of my animals being sick (or showing signs that they could be sick)!!!! My cat Buddy has been scratching in the litter pan all day- seems like he is peeing alot. I'm worried he has a bladder infection. The good news though- Ruby had her recheck today and her annual vaccinations and she is all better!