The Chit Chat Chit Chat Thread

[ajrwdwgirl]

I like the Naperville area it is fun. Congestion galore but as a visitor there is always something to do and the outlet has a large Disneyland outlet Aurora.

Joliet is where my Dad rests in Peace. A beautiful military cemetery and kept immaculate

Good to know about the Disneyland outlet. We usually stop at the outlet in the Wisconsin Dells on the way down. It is a good place to get out and stretch our legs and see some Disney stuff.

I must admit we haven't explored that area too much. When we are down there our time is either spent at the sister's house or downtown. We have spent some time at the Woodfield Mall too.

 

[BAChicagoGal]

I have bought a lot of great stuff at the Disney Store in the Dells. My husband and I were annual visitors to the Dells until just recently when we decided to skip our annual trip.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

I had no idea there was such a thing as a Disneyland Outlet. I only just new of Disney Store outlets, or the Disney World outlet in Orlando. And even weirder that it is in Wisconsin.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

So I know I've been a bit of a downer lately complaining about my in-laws so I thought I would share a cute work story with you.

If you remember (or not that is fine too) I teach 7, 8 & 9th grade science (along with a section of 7th grade social studies). Anyway, my 7th graders are finishing their Geology unit and we have been studying the water cycle, ground water, and geysers. So for the last 5-6 class periods we've had I put on the live stream through the National Park service of Old Faithful in Yellowstone. Every time we have missed seeing it's eruption. On Tuesday the first period of 7th grade science I have was able to see the eruption but it was snowy so the view wasn't the best but the kids still thought it was cool. The next section came in and I had the live stream on and broke the news that the last class got to see it so they probably wouldn't get to see it today, they were bummed but hopeful.

Well I didn't realize how much they wanted to see it. So again today I put on the Old Faithful live stream for that last bunch of 7th graders. I had it on for when they entered the classroom and I went into hall to supervise that area. All of a sudden I hear a large ruckus in the classroom and see a kid run out and tell another kid in the class to come quick and see it. All the while I'm still hearing a lot of noise, so I'm thinking some kids were fighting or something. Why else would there be so much excitement!?! So I rush into the room ready to yell at them but nope....20 some kids are gathered at the Smart Board in the front of the room cheering and jumping up and down because Old Faithful was erupting!!! What a bunch of little nerds!! It made me smile and laugh. So we watched the rest of it before starting class. I was glad that the weather was clear and they were able to see such a good eruption of the geyser especially since they were that excited about it. Now I think I'm going to do some searching for some other live streams that they might enjoy seeing, it is a nice way for them to enter the room.

Oh I forgot the group today asked me if the other class got to see as clear a view as they got and I told them no. And one kid said, "we got the better view because we are better kids." That also made me chuckle.

 

[donaldtoo]

I wonder what your daughter will think when she sees Rocket Raccoon from Marvel...

"Mommie, coco is rambo!!!"

 

[donaldtoo]

That looks like fun. We don't do presents either for each other. We save it for trips like to WDW!!! I do put up a baby-size tree on a table. And outdoor lights around the house. Nothing too elaborate.
I thought you always put up a tree or kept one up ?

Yes, I always thought the same thing...

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

So I know I've been a bit of a downer lately complaining about my in-laws so I thought I would share a cute work story with you.

If you remember (or not that is fine too) I teach 7, 8 & 9th grade science (along with a section of 7th grade social studies). Anyway, my 7th graders are finishing their Geology unit and we have been studying the water cycle, ground water, and geysers. So for the last 5-6 class periods we've had I put on the live stream through the National Park service of Old Faithful in Yellowstone. Every time we have missed seeing it's eruption. On Tuesday the first period of 7th grade science I have was able to see the eruption but it was snowy so the view wasn't the best but the kids still thought it was cool. The next section came in and I had the live stream on and broke the news that the last class got to see it so they probably wouldn't get to see it today, they were bummed but hopeful.

Well I didn't realize how much they wanted to see it. So again today I put on the Old Faithful live stream for that last bunch of 7th graders. I had it on for when they entered the classroom and I went into hall to supervise that area. All of a sudden I hear a large ruckus in the classroom and see a kid run out and tell another kid in the class to come quick and see it. All the while I'm still hearing a lot of noise, so I'm thinking some kids were fighting or something. Why else would there be so much excitement!?! So I rush into the room ready to yell at them but nope....20 some kids are gathered at the Smart Board in the front of the room cheering and jumping up and down because Old Faithful was erupting!!! What a bunch of little nerds!! It made me smile and laugh. So we watched the rest of it before starting class. I was glad that the weather was clear and they were able to see such a good eruption of the geyser especially since they were that excited about it. Now I think I'm going to do some searching for some other live streams that they might enjoy seeing, it is a nice way for them to enter the room.

Oh I forgot the group today asked me if the other class got to see as clear a view as they got and I told them no. And one kid said, "we got the better view because we are better kids." That also made me chuckle.

You? A downer? Never! We are all allowed a bit of complaining now and then. If you can’t complain to your Disney friends, then who can you complain to?

That is cute about the kids. It is one of those things that makes you happy to go to work.

 

[Pixieish]

So I know I've been a bit of a downer lately complaining about my in-laws so I thought I would share a cute work story with you.

If you remember (or not that is fine too) I teach 7, 8 & 9th grade science (along with a section of 7th grade social studies). Anyway, my 7th graders are finishing their Geology unit and we have been studying the water cycle, ground water, and geysers. So for the last 5-6 class periods we've had I put on the live stream through the National Park service of Old Faithful in Yellowstone. Every time we have missed seeing it's eruption. On Tuesday the first period of 7th grade science I have was able to see the eruption but it was snowy so the view wasn't the best but the kids still thought it was cool. The next section came in and I had the live stream on and broke the news that the last class got to see it so they probably wouldn't get to see it today, they were bummed but hopeful.

Well I didn't realize how much they wanted to see it. So again today I put on the Old Faithful live stream for that last bunch of 7th graders. I had it on for when they entered the classroom and I went into hall to supervise that area. All of a sudden I hear a large ruckus in the classroom and see a kid run out and tell another kid in the class to come quick and see it. All the while I'm still hearing a lot of noise, so I'm thinking some kids were fighting or something. Why else would there be so much excitement!?! So I rush into the room ready to yell at them but nope....20 some kids are gathered at the Smart Board in the front of the room cheering and jumping up and down because Old Faithful was erupting!!! What a bunch of little nerds!! It made me smile and laugh. So we watched the rest of it before starting class. I was glad that the weather was clear and they were able to see such a good eruption of the geyser especially since they were that excited about it. Now I think I'm going to do some searching for some other live streams that they might enjoy seeing, it is a nice way for them to enter the room.

Oh I forgot the group today asked me if the other class got to see as clear a view as they got and I told them no. And one kid said, "we got the better view because we are better kids." That also made me chuckle.

That's awesome!!! What a great idea to get them in the right mindset for class!

 

[MOXOMUMD]

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

You? A downer? Never! We are all allowed a bit of complaining now and then. If you can’t complain to your Disney friends, then who can you complain to?

That is cute about the kids. It is one of those things that makes you happy to go to work.

Thanks! I love my Disney friends!

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Thanks! I love my Disney friends!

Right back at you!

 

[donaldtoo]

They are an incredibly caring family and they've always welcomed me as one of their own. They're really really good people and I love them dearly. But taking a trip during the holiday break is something we've started since we had our daughter because her school closes and it's slow at work and it's the best time for us to have a family vacation. So it's just something they're going to have to get used to. This year is Disney, but next year will be the same situation only we'll be going to Costa Rica or some place.

When the kiddos were little we hung close to home (Texas) for the holidays. It wasn't for my folks or my MIL, per se...they were all very close by and we saw them multiple times a week, and they never guilt-tripped us. It was mostly for the great grandparents that lived further away. They never demanded it, or made us feel guilty about it either...At all. EVER. They were all awesome!!!
But, we (and they) knew they weren't going to be around a whole lot longer.
But, they all lived a minimum of 2 hrs. away, so we always did A LOT of driving in those early years. But, it was worth, as our kiddos still have good memories of those times...!!!
Sorry we're so abnormal...for the most part...

 

[DryerLintFan]

When the kiddos were little we hung close to home (Texas) for the holidays. It wasn't for my folks or my MIL, per se...they were all very close by and we saw them multiple times a week, and they never guilt-tripped us. It was mostly for the great grandparents that lived further away. They never demanded it, or made us feel guilty about it either...At all. EVER. They were all awesome!!!
But, we (and they) knew they weren't going to be around a whole lot longer.
But, they all lived a minimum of 2 hrs. away, so we always did A LOT of driving in those early years. But, it was worth, as our kiddos still have good memories of those times...!!!
Sorry we're so abnormal...for the most part...

We visit as much as possible throughout the year and we go on an extended family camping trip every summer too. It's important to me that my daughter has those memories with my in-laws. We don't do the drive much on actual holidays though because the 2.5 hour drive turns into a 4 hour drive. So we visit them mostly in "the off season"

 

[donaldtoo]

Just accept it, you guys and gals love the faces! XD






Err, does that count progress or regress?

Indeed..!!!

Actually, It probably just counts as status quo with a 2-hour time (flux capacitor) fluctuation...!!!!!

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Indeed..!!! View attachment 247276

Actually, It probably just counts as status quo with a 2-hour time (flux capacitor) fluctuation...!!!!!

Sounds like you need a "My Pillow".

 

[donaldtoo]

We visit as much as possible throughout the year and we go on an extended family camping trip every summer too. It's important to me that my daughter has those memories with my in-laws. We don't do the drive much on actual holidays though because the 2.5 hour drive turns into a 4 hour drive. So we visit them mostly in "the off season"

No judgement, and very cool about the camping trip...!!!
I am the oldest kid in my family, and the first to marry and start having a family. Again, it wasn't expected, but, they were great times. But, I always appreciate that every family dynamic is different and they need to do what's best for them. I guess I just get a bit sentimental this time of year, because I do have so many good memories.
Blessed, indeed, and I never forget that....!!!

 

[donaldtoo]

View attachment 247039

 

[StarWarsGirl]

Anyway, my 7th graders are finishing their Geology unit

Sorry, had to.

 

[Gabe1]

We lived in a tiny town, so selling cookies was always hard. I was always the top seller in my troop though. I usually mad it to about 450 boxes and that was usually more than the rest of the troop combined. Nope, no s'mores then...they've changed some of the names I guess. I still call them samoas, but they are now "Caramel delights" and I say "Tagalongs" but they are now "Peanut butter patties" not to be confused with the former Do-si-dos which are peanut butter sandwich cookies. There are some other new ones, too, but I'm a classic kind of girl. I like the old favorites.

That is here too, a small-ish area. And like all things the price keeps going up and the amount of cookies in a box keeps decreasing. I'm just not a fan of the overall process of scoutings popcorn or cookies. Out of so many 501 c 3 organizations out there the individual troops receive so little vs what they collect. Boxes here range by council some $3.50 others $4.00. The regional council keeps 70% of which comes the bit the troops receive, depending on the council 10-15% of the gross sale price. I wrestle with any organization that uses this type of model.

I did like how Girl Scouts originally sold cookies way back. It was a good idea. Individual troops made cookies and sold cookies. The girls learned to work cooperatively, learned baking and packaging along with selling their own cookies to support their own troop. I liked that the funds they earned from their hard work funded their troop. Me<---I like the idea of teaching kids to create something like cookies, do it well and then sell them to earn money. I like how that builds commitment, skill and pride in their goods. Our 4H group have bundles of greens delivered and they spend a weekend making wreathes to sell at a fair price. Our Boy Scouts also sell wreathes that are ordered already made for them and more expensive than the 4H which doesn't have order forms or anything like that. It is just posted when they will be sold and where.

My favorites are thin mints and shortbread.

 

[donaldtoo]

That is awesome!! Looks like you had a blast! I know someone who is doing it in 2018.

Awesome for your friend!!!
It was definitely a blast for us sillies...!!!!!!!
And, it was definitely a whirlwind trip, as well...we flew in on a Wednesday night, and out that next Saturday afternoon.
But, we spent Thurs. in MK (before having to go to the run expo that afternoon, and then head back to MK) and Fri. in Epcot after the 5K that morning...short, but, awesome, AWESOME TRIP...!!!!!!!