May, 2010 | The Angel Forever

Monthly Archives May 2010

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Thank you on this Memorial Day and beyond

Posted on May 31, 2010 2:09 pm by TheAngelForever

Too often we forget why we have this day off and long weekend with family and friends. In the sunshine and fun we get caught up in the moment. Please stop for a while to remember the real reason for Memorial Day.

There is no hero braver than those that serve in our United States military to protect our rights. Far too many pay the ultimate price to defend our country and the rights that we have. To all of those that have served, lost their lives and the brave families behind them . . . .thank you! All of you are the real reason that we celebrate Memorial Day.

Categories:
holidays looking back

Whole Grain White Rice

Posted on May 31, 2010 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

About the only time that we have white rice in our house is when we order Chinese food, or have a sick child that needs it. Long ago, we made the switch to brown rice, whole grains and the like. The boys really do not know any better. Of course, they do seem to gobble up the white, sticky rice a bit more than when we have the more grainy and textured brown rice cousin.

Recently, we were asked to try the new Uncle Ben’s Whole Grain White Rice.

With the look, taste and texture of white rice, but packed with whole grains (almost a full day’s worth in one serving), Uncle Ben’s new Whole Grain White Rice provides a healthy alternative to plain sides like pasta or potatoes. The rice comes in a variety of flavors from traditional Long Grain to Chicken, Broccoli Cheddar, Taco Style and Sweet Tomato, so you can mix-up meals and still know that you’re getting whole grains on the table. Plus, with a quick 10-minute prep time, Uncle Ben’s Whole Grain White Rice provides a great solution for the nights when jam-packed schedules leave you scrambling for a quick, healthy option.

Nutritional Claims & Product Benefits

Good Source of Fiber
45g Whole Grains per Serving
Low Fat
No Saturated Fat
0g Trans Fat
Cholesterol Free
Made with Natural Ingredients
No Preservatives
No Artificial Colors
Vegetarian
No MSG

We received our samples of the Uncle Ben’s Whole Grain White Rice just in time for JSL’s third birthday party. One of the dishes that we were making was sweet and sour meatballs (using vegetarian burger substitute). We figured that having rice to put the meatballs and sauce on would be a nice side. Plus, we could see what others thought.

The instructions were easy to follow, it did not take too long to make, and was not overly sticky once prepared. Once in the serving dish, I immediately noticed how long the rice grains really were. It did look slightly different than the sticky white rice we get from time to time. There was not as much visible texture in comparison to the brown rice we get. This could definitely be a good thing when considering kids that are picky eaters. Speaking of picky eaters, even thought JSL was not going to eat the meatballs at his party, he asked to try the rice. As I predicted, he gobbled it up quickly and asked for more. When we ate leftovers the next evening, again he asked for the rice.

When I made my plate, I put a little of the rice down with some of the Sweet and Sour "Meatballs" on top. I really enjoyed the long grains of the rice. It helped to soak up the delicious sauce. The rice was not gritty, like many high fiber/whole grain products can be. My only complaint – I wish Uncle Ben’s was kosher. Since it is not, I can not make it in my kitchen. I will be buying it to make at my parent’s house when we have meals there since it was a nice change from our usual brown rice.

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Uncle Ben’s and received samples to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central will be sending me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Categories:
food glorious food photos Product review

Thinking Pink for Cora

Posted on May 30, 2010 4:49 pm by TheAngelForever

On November 30, 2009, Cora Mae McCormick was born and has become a hero thanks to the devotion of her loving parents. Cora passed away on December 6, 2009 in her mother’s arms from undetected congenital heart disease (CHD) while nursing. Cora never could have known how much her precious life has changed the world, but no doubt she is looking down at her Mommy Kristine smiling proudly. Back in February, Kristine was my first and only guest blogger to date. She wrote a beautiful poem called My angel forever for Congenital Heart Disease awareness week.

Today is Cora’s 6 month birthday. On this day, we celebrate and remember Cora by wearing pink along with Kristine and her family. This beautiful little girl is helping to spread the word about CHD and save other lives in the process. Although I do not own pink summer clothing, I will be thinking about Cora as I knit a special pink item for Kristine. You can read the letter to Cora on her 6 month birthday here.

When I send Kristine some special pink items, I will also be giving her a check. I want to support her non-profit organization and have my own Cora Bracelet. Here is where you can go to get your own Cora bracelets like the one seen below.

Please stop by to visit Cora’s Story to support Kristine and Cora in their quest to get the word out about CHD. Big hugs going out to Kristine for being such a wonderful mother.

Categories:
birthday bloggy friends charity health awareness

A wedding we will never forget

Posted on May 29, 2010 9:04 am by TheAngelForever

Dear NHL,

It seems like yesterday, Memorial Day weekend 2006. It was a very special weekend for our family. Uncle I was getting married, so Aunt M officially joined our crazy family. You decided to make things more interesting. On the car ride to the wedding, I noticed something. Your eye was glued shut. *sigh* This was the beginning of what we now lovingly call the Buffalo jinx!

Not only did you have pink eye, but the next day you spiked a really high fever. You were miserable and we were quite worried. Our doctor called in medicine for you (assuming you had an ear infection) so we could get you ready for the wedding. That weekend we became quite familiar with many pharmacies in the Buffalo area. Each time we had to do medicine, you fought us. You did not want to take anything, but we forced the issue.

On the day of the wedding, I was not with you much. I went with Nana to get our hair done. When I came back, you were running around the hotel room playing. As I was almost ready to leave, your temperature started to go up again. I felt so guilty, but I knew Daddy would take care of you with Nana and Papa’s help.

The next time I saw you, you were dressed in your cute little tux. You had a job to do. The two of us were in the wedding and going to walk down the aisle together. You were so adorable, even with your ultra pink cheeks. It was two months before you would be three, but you took your job seriously. You watched over the pillow with the ring making sure nothing happened to it.

Then, the moment we will all remember. Uncle I and Aunt M were under their chuppah. The room was quiet listening to the rabbi reciting the ceremony. Suddenly behind me, I heard a familiar little voice loudly declare "I need to go potty!" Oy! Daddy took you out quietly to the bathroom, where you apparently had no business to take care of. The two of you came back into the room and sat back down. Seconds later "I need to go potty!" boomed across the room again. Thankfully this time around, Daddy kept you out of the room. Both times the rabbi was quick on his feet and made a jokes about how these things in life happen and when you have to go, you have to go.

That night at the reception, even while sick and heavily medicated, you danced like a super star. You loved seeing all of our family and spending time with them. I’ll spare you with a few details of what happened when we forced your medicine at the dinner table. Let’s just say we learned our lesson the hard way.

Why did this come to mind today? One very important reason is yesterday was Uncle I and Aunt M’s 4th Anniversary (HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!), so it made me relive the day. Another is we are going to another wedding in a few weeks. This will be your second wedding and JSL’s first. Daddy and I already have a plan on where to sit so we can have a quick escape route just in case. You taught us a very valuable lesson at your first wedding. Now here is hoping that your second wedding is filled with healthy vibes, quiet little boys and is fun and memorable for different reasons.

Love,

Mommy

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If you want to participate in Dear Kid Saturday, head on over to Cutest Kid Ever by clicking on the button below.

Categories:
Dear Kid Saturday family looking back nhl photos road trip sick kid

Fun with Play-Doh

Posted on May 28, 2010 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Thanks to only using one snow day this winter, NHL was home on Thursday. The minute he woke up he begged to play with Play-Doh. I have fond memories of using Play-Doh as a child. I remember my salon kit, where I could make the Play-Doh people have hair and then chop it off using special scissors or a razor. We also had a Sesame Street kit and others that I can not recall right now.

For some reason, I remember loving Play-Doh until I used it in the classroom and had my own kids. Don’t get me wrong – I still think it is a fabulous item that really helps kids imagination and fine motor skills, but man the clean up is the pits. Just the thought of this bucket of items can bring shivers down my spine.

Thursday morning, I was nice. I let the boys play with the Play-Doh, but I some rules:

That purple octopus, that the kids lovingly call Henry, was not coming out of the box. Picking all of the Play-Doh out of his parts with a toothpick was not on my agenda today (did it last week). Eventually, I did cave and let them use his six removable arms.
The Fun Factory extruder also a no-go. Yes, it is a great toy to help the boys with their muscle building and fine motor. On the flip side, the little guy got Play-Doh stuck in places last week that I had a tough time with. I needed one turn without it.
The Play-Doh sprinkle maker would also remain in the box. Last week the Play-Doh sprinkles that were made wound up all over the table, hard wood floors, carpet, shoes and more.

This may sound harsh, but it still left a lot of options. The kids could use the rollers, scissors, cookie cutters, and other items that mold/shape/cut or help create items, along with their own hands. Thankfully, the boys did not protest my rules too much. They were too happy to use the Play-Doh.

So my question to you this week:

If you have kids, do they like to use Play-Doh? Kids or not, what are some of your current or past favorite sets to use when playing with Play-Doh?

Thanks for any suggestions. I am always looking for new Play-Doh items that are kid tested and adult approved. . . especially when it comes to clean up.

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Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this fun for Friday. Please be sure to head over to her blog to say hello and sign the MckLinky there if you are participating.