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Tuesday Tales: 2014 Summer Library Program

Posted on July 1, 2014 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

As a kid, I loved the summer. It was a time when I could go to the library with my friends and read books that I wanted to with no pressure from school. When summer reading programs started, it was even more fun. Of course, times have changed and summer reading programs at the library have also grown up. Two years ago, my boys adored the program that we had. We were able to check our books in online, head in for events and fun, and in the end they read a LOT. My boys really fed into the 15 minute increments when reading and wanted to add more and more time. Last year, the boys were not into the program. You had to go into the library to record things and a lot of it focused on going to activities and other items.

Saturday we went to the library to check out the 2014 program. Based on the theme – Fizz Boom Read, I think it’s going to be a very fun year. The boys are in different programs now that NHL is heading to Middle School. The boys each received a sheet with items to do over the next week (or beyond if need be).

JSL’s Elementary Reading Program had a beaker with bubbles to complete including:

Read a book out loud
Read a mystery book
Read a Science Fiction Book
Read a book by an author you’ve never read
Read a book by your favorite author
Read a Graphic Novel
Attend a library program

There were many other bubbles with tasks to complete. For every 5 bubbles completed, he will receive a prize. On the flip side of the sheet is an area to write observations for the week. When JSL finished reading his first book that night, he declared it was by his favorite author and he read it to me. Nice try, but I quickly explained only one bubble per book read. Even more impressive, JSL has been reading a book he got from a friend when we picked up a new bike Sunday. Suddenly, the solo chapter reading bug has hit the newly minted second grader.

NHL’s Teen Summer Reading Program sheet (High School/Middle School) has a flask with bubbles to complete including:

Read a magazine
Write a Haiku about the library
Read an Adventure Book
Read a Dystopian Book
Read a Poetry Book
Listen to an Audio Book
Read an e-book
Complete a SNAP Circuit Project

Like the other sheet, there were additional bubbles and items to fill out on the back. For every five completed, a prize will also be awarded. NHL has been working hard and seems to be very happy and I hope it continues the rest of the summer.

So this made me curious. What are the summer reading programs like at your library? As always, Tuesday Tales is all about sharing our love of books. Please let me know what you have read recently. Be sure to link up to your book posts in the comments below. Include something you read on your own, with a child, or someone else.

Categories:
books Tuesday Tales

Saying Goodbye to Elementary School

Posted on June 26, 2014 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Watching your child grow up often comes with mixed emotions. This week has given me so many of those moments all at once. Monday morning, I cried driving the boys to school.

Why?

It hit me on the ride over that it would be the last Monday I would ever be taking both boys to the same school. NHL and JSL will never be in the same school again. This was the last year. The kids saw that I had tears in my eyes and asked why. I was honest and told them. They were so sweet and held my hands on the way into school. Clearly, they knew that Mom needed a little TLC.

Of course, more emotions were there on the last full day that both boys would be in the same school. Over the last month or so, I have watched each afternoon as NHL and JSL would grab each others hands and walk to my car. They would go ahead of me and talk about gym, lunch, class time, and homework. There was something special about this time and I will miss witnessing it.

Now, the school year is basically complete. I wanted to cherish all of this more, but living in the moment you often forget to do this. What hurts most is knowing there were days that I wanted this school year to be over, but in reality I never did. I liked knowing that the boys had each other in the same building if there was ever an emergency. I loved being able to see both of their smiling faces if I happened to stop by to help in one classroom or the other.

In September, things will be different. NHL will be off to a new adventure in middle school and JSL will continue along for the next four years in elementary school. As summer break is about to begin, my goal is to relax and enjoy the time with the boys. I want to have fun, explore, and help them to make special memories. We will try not to worry about the unknown that lies ahead of us with middle school and keep focused on summer and the next two months we have together.

Categories:
looking back parenting school summer

Thirteen Years with TechyDad

Posted on June 24, 2014 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Thirteen years ago, I woke up and knew my world would be changing. After months of planning, it was time to get ready to be the bride on our magical wedding day. I still remember walking into our synagogue early that afternoon to prepare for photos and our ceremony under the chuppah. Most of the day was a blur, except that I can still see the smile on TechyDad’s face. Yes, thirteen years later I can still picture my husband’s face when he saw me walk out in my dress for the first time.

There are days when I wonder where the time has gone because it seems like only yesterday when we were going to different florists, checking out caterers, and planning our magical Walt Disney World Honeymoon. While there are times that I miss those more simple days when we were newlyweds with few cares in the world, I would not change a thing. We have had our adventures together and we have two beautiful boys who are growing up before our eyes.

What I did realize when going to write this post is that we need to take more photos of US. Perhaps we make it a project for the boys. The two of us need to get out from behind the camera and document being a couple, not just TheAngelForever/Mom and TechyDad/Dad.

JL, thank you for accepting my Eeyore moments trying to make me willfully say Allons-y a bit more. I love you with all of my heart and look forward to adding more memories to our 13 years of being husband and wife.

For more wedding photos and memories:

Categories:
looking back milestone TechyDad

Sharing Our Trampoline Park Adventure

Posted on June 23, 2014 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Several months ago, we heard that the Capital District would be getting a new family friendly destination. Yes, Flight Trampoline Park would be opening up a location in Albany and we were excited. There are very few local indoor play areas for the entire family. We had heard great things from family and friends who have a Flight Trampoline Park near them. When it recently opened, we were looking for a time to head over and check things out.

On Sunday, we went to Albany Flight Trampoline Park for the first time. When I asked TechyDad if we should take his SLR camera, he told me not to bother. Why? Well, he knew that with my Samsung Galaxy S5 in hand I would be able to take picture and videos to capture our memories. This is huge because TechyDad almost always brings his camera with us. In addition to this, I would be able to check in and share photos/videos if I had time while we were there. The check in was key in being able to finally meet someone in person too, thank you social media!

Since we were unsure of the crowds, we did not purchase our tickets online before heading to the park. Once inside the building, we went over to the computers to sign waivers and then went to pay for our visit. FYI – even those who are not planning on using the trampolines must do this. The three boys were going to bounce, jump, and fly through the air. My plan was to watch everyone and take photos. In addition to this, I had to be ready in case my one son went into sensory overload. As the parent of a child with autism, I never know exactly how first treks to a new location will go.

We had about 15 minutes to look around before our designated time would begin. The kids saw the area for little ones, noted where the basketball hoop was, and watched other people fly through the air. Of course, I noticed the rules posted all over the space and took a photo.

What really impressed me, there were staff members all over the trampoline area. They answered questions, talked to people, and watched to make sure that everyone was safe while exploring and exercising.

I also made a quick Instagram video to share what the atmosphere was like while we were there. It was much less crowded at this point and a lot more people showed up half way through the hour.

Just before the boys went off to jump and play, I asked them to take a quick photo. I knew that catching them in action would be difficult to do, especially while they went off in different directions. The other photos show the boys while they were jumping, hopping, and flying around.

For the first half hour or so, the boys had a great time. Then the area got a little more hectic with additional people coming in at 2:30. After about 15 minutes, NHL had seen his limit. He had a great time playing with other kids at the basketball area and even tried dodge ball. His foot was bothering him from being barefoot, so I walked over to a side area for him to decompress. JSL and TechyDad continued to bounce during this time. I was even able to get a video of the kid at heart having some fun.

My suggestion to parents of children with special needs, you know your child. Perhaps try 30 minutes your first time and go from there. Next visit, we plan to head back on the Special Needs Night that they have on the first and third Tuesday each month. I think the pace may be better for NHL. In addition to this, JSL may feel less like he will be run over by so many big kids and adults moving so fast. We have heard from other families that went last week that it was a fantastic experience. Many reported that everyone at the park were accommodating and kind, which we also saw during our visit.

What place have you gone to for the first time recently where you opted not to bring your camera and just use your smartphone? I know I felt so free with just my phone and still being able to capture these special moments.

Disclosure: As a member of the Verizon Lifestyle Bloggers, I receive devices like the Samsung Galaxy S5 to test out and share ways that I use it in my life. I am a long time Verizon customer, and all opinions are my own.

Categories:
family Local Business Special Needs Technology

A Different Perspective at Disney

Posted on June 18, 2014 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Part of the beauty of being at Walt Disney World is walking around and taking in the world around you. Of course, this also includes looking at it from a different point of view. Wandering around the Art of Animation Resort provided a wonderful opportunity for just this purpose.

What is your favorite place to stop and look at it from a different perspective? Be sure to stop by Focused on the Magic by clicking on the button above to join in the Disney magic this week.