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Tuesday Tales – Rufus Goes to School

Posted on August 27, 2013 7:00 am by TheAngelForever

Back to school in our house means more reading, especially for the boys. While we have read over the summer, it was not nearly as focused. As we get ready for going back to school in September, first grader JSL and I have been gearing up on books related to school. Last year, he really latched onto The Kissing Hand to give him comfort when going to a new school and entering Kindergarten. This year, I was looking for books that would give him self confidence and remind him about the amazing things he can do and learn in school. The timing of an email from Sterling Publishing about a new book called Rufus Goes to School was perfect. I immediately asked JSL if he wanted to help me to review it.

While the cute little pig named Rufus was a selling point in the email that I received, the book trailer sealed the deal. JSL wanted could not wait to read the book and kept asking when it would arrive.

As you can see in the video, the illustrations by Valerie Gorbachev are beautiful and really make Rufus and his tale come to life. Author Kim T. Griswell introduces us to Rufus and we watch him problem solve a way to go to school. He is a very determined pig and has to figure out a plan to get Principal Lipid to listen to him. Needless to say, JSL thought that the principal was not being nice to Rufus. Each time he would say he could not go to school, we would cheer on our little hero and wonder what he would think of next.

What impresses me most about this book is the message. Children that read this will see that the small little pig does not give up. He is determined to follow his dream and pursues this in a polite way no matter how others have tried to stop him. This charming picture book will inspire young children heading back to school to keep believing and use their words to be self advocates for what they want. JSL and I highly recommend this book for kids as they go back to school this year. He has already asked me to share it with his teacher and I think we will ask if it can go in for read aloud.

What books do you enjoy reading with your children for back to school? I would love for you to share them below. 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.

Disclosure: As noted above, I received this book from Sterling Publishing to review. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

Categories:
books school Tuesday Tales

Security Changes and the NFL All Clear Bag Policy

Posted on August 26, 2013 7:30 pm by TheAngelForever

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I have been asked to share information about the new All Clear policy at NFL Stadiums. As a long time sports fan, I have seen changes and wanted to share the NFL’s concern and how they are addressing it with new clear bag options. All opinions are my own.

Sports were a big part of my life growing up. Traveling to different parts of the country would typically include going to a major sporting event. Then, when I was in college, I bought season tickets of my own for several years to our minor league hockey team. I still have the backpack that I used to tote everything that I needed to these games. Inside my bag, I had my purse, camera, autographed game-worn jersey, cow bell, and depending on the weather some gloves. This was back in the day when security was never a thought in the world, you just entered places. The world changed drastically on September 11, 2001. From that day on, bags would be searched, TSA would require clear bags with liquids in them, and many venues would alter their rules. Did I have a problem letting them search my bags? NO! In fact, I would often laugh in my head when a poor gentleman at security would look inside and hit feminine hygiene products and squirm. Hey, it’s a fact of life….move on.

It was after this time that my brother and his friends bought season tickets to the Buffalo Bills. Insert your jokes here, they have probably heard all of them in the Buffalo area. Yes, they were diehards and would tailgate before the games and sit there cheering on the team that never seems to catch a break. Watching my brother prepare for a game in Buffalo was fascinating. He had to layer clothing just right, often prepare for snow, and make sure everything was set for the pre-game festivities. These men cooked amazing items to share with each other. There were rules they followed about items that could and could not be brought into the stadium. The NFL had already banned coolers and backpacks into stadiums in 2001 for all fans.

Then, in an instant, more changes happened on April 15, 2012. The horrific events at the Boston Marathon meant that people questioned permitting bags/purses and how to safely allow people to carry items into events. The NFL decided that they were not going to take any chances after the tragic events that happened in Boston. They got to work on the #NFLAllClear policy. Like other pro leagues and college stadiums had already done, they would not be allowing purses, diaper bags, and other large totes into their facilities. Season ticket holders were notified before the pre-season, and to assist fans, they have a video explaining the changes along with more details on their NFL All Clear page. Here, you will be able to locate the sizes of bags allowed. In addition to this, the NFL released the video below over a month ago to explain more about the new security policy.

While the NFL hopes that fans will leave their bags at home, they have outlined what is permissible to carry if they need to head into a game. Also note that medically necessary items are permitted they explain in the FAQs more about that. In addition to this, the Buffalo Bills have their own website with information about their stadium at the bottom of their website. This also includes a page on permitted/prohibited items and lists more information about the bag policy.

While I admit that, when I first heard this on the news, I wondered how it would work for families and women that need to bring more than the items into their pockets to a game. After reading the information on the website, I realized it was less that you can not bring things just a change in how it will be done. As you can see from three of the example NFL bags above, the sizes are not bad and would work for fans to tote in any necessities that would go inside a purse, diaper bag, or beyond. So try not to worry about the changes, it is for your safety. It will take time to adjust, but go with the flow and focus on the important part…cheering on your team. Let’s Go Buffalo!

What do you think about the new NFL security measures? How will this alter the way you pack items to head to cheer on your favorite team?

Please join @TheOnlineMom and other #NFLAllClear ambassadors to share your thoughts on the new policy this Wednesday evening on Twitter. Join in on the conversation from 9-10 PM ET.

It's Me

Disclosure: As stated above I am working with the NFL to spread the word about the new policy. This relationship and compensation does not influence my thoughts and opinions as a long time sports fan.

Categories:
PSA real world news sponsored post

Videos on the Go with the Nokia Lumia 928

Posted on August 26, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

I hate to admit the number of times that I have forgotten to bring our small video camera with us to events. I am not good at remembering it. In a pinch, I usually have my point and shoot camera that will also record video. While it does a decent job outside in natural lighting, inside will typically look yellow and the audio is not very good. This can be frustrating, though it is better than having nothing. Of course, there have been times when I just attempt to use my smartphone to capture the moment in a longer video than Vine or Instagram. Enter my testing of the Nokia Lumia that I recently received as a member of the Verizon Lifestyle Bloggers.

While the boys and I were out the other day, we stopped by the Museum of Innovation and Science in Schenectady, NY. As members, we have been there a lot and I have documented our visits with my phone, Instagram video, and other resources. While the boys were reading some new items, I decided to record video of two of the dinosaur displays. I never told the kids what I was doing, so you will actually hear me whispering to them during the filming. My face was not near the phone, but it picked it up very clear. In addition to this, the museum lighting is very low. Even with this going against it, the Lumia 928 proved why people are always talking about the camera and video capabilities. I used Windows Live Movie Maker to put two pictures and two videos together into this for YouTube.

For a comparison, I thought I would use Patrick the cockatiel as a test subject. Patrick is now living with my parents after my aunt and uncle moved to Israel. I thought it would be nice to send a quick video to them to see how well he is adjusting. What you will notice is the clarity of the video and audio. Not only can you hear Patrick chatting to himself in the mirror (he’s in love with mirrors), you can hear the big mouth cockatoo in another room letting everyone know that she is jealous.

Once again, I did nothing with the video, I simply put it onto YouTube. Knowing the quality of the video from these examples and a few others, I know that if I was caught at school, or an event without something else that I could capture moments on the go.

Do you use your smartphones for longer video or stick to the shorter versions with apps to share on social media?

It's Me

Disclosure: As a member of the Verizon Lifestyle Bloggers, I receive different devices to check out in my life. There is no other compensation. I am a long time Verizon customer, and all opinions are my own.

Categories:
family Technology video

Summer Themes

Posted on August 23, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

While many children across the United States have gone back to school, my kids do not head back until the week after Labor Day. We typically go the week of Labor Day, but the holidays made that week hectic enough that they pushed it back. Thanks to this, we are still filling the days with summer fun. It made me wonder if there was a theme to our 2013 summer. Last year, Harry Potter and Magic Tree House books claimed a lot of our attention, along with LEGO fun. So what would I say our theme was this year? Most likely it would be Doctor, more LEGO fun, and a major dose of dinosaurs and general science fun.

Several of these silly photos were set up my the boys, others done while participating in the #SummerADay Instagram fun that A Frugal Friend and Simple Sojourns have been running all summer. Either way, I have had fun documenting the fun while on the go with my phone and sharing it with family and friends.

Why yes, our theme would probably have a lot to do with dinosaurs and science thanks to out miSci membership. Of course, even Doctor Who has had his run-ins with these topics and more.

So my question to you this week: If you had to come up with a theme to describe your 2013 summer at this point, what would it be and why?

It's Me

Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this Friday fun. These days, Pamela at A Renaissance Woman is reviving the fun Friday Meme. Head over there to link up and join in the fun.

Aloha Friday by Kailani at An Island Life

Aloha #251

Categories:
Aloha Friday summer

Israel Bound and Making Aliyah

Posted on August 22, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

When I was little, I loved spending time with all of my aunts and uncles. I have a lot of memories of special times with each of my parent’s siblings. My mother’s brother showed me how to swim and dive at my Nana and Papa’s pool. My mother’s sister lives in California, so time with her was more about seeing my cousins and playing with them since they were older than us. My father is the oldest of his siblings, this meant that my brother and I were the only grandchildren for some time. This allowed us even more moments that I can remember before my younger cousins came into the world. My father’s sister introduced me to the VCR, concert watching, crafting, and a lot of other things. Dad’s brother and his wife would come to visit and take me out alone. When my little brother was little, I recall them taking me to a pizza place, teaching me to play Pac-Man, and introducing me to The Polk Street School books.

I remember seeing their wedding photos from England (Aunt A is British) and hearing stories about their times in what is now Russia. Even back then, everyone talked about them moving to Israel. It was never a question of if they would, more of a when it would happen. I remember when they moved back to the United States with their family and settled in Pennsylvania. We were able to see them a lot more and watch my cousins grow up. Then as I went into teaching, I would talk to Uncle J about things because he is an educator.

Years have passed and all of my cousins are grown up now and three of them are already living in Israel. In fact, one is getting married in under two weeks. About a year ago, Aunt A and Uncle J announced that they were indeed moving to Israel during the summer of 2013. This meant extra special family gatherings before they were on their way. Over Independence Day weekend, they came into town and we gathered at the lake. Just before they left for home, I got a picture of the boys with them. Though I know we will see them, it will not be as often and I wanted this photo for my kids.

NHL and JSL adore spending time with Aunt A and Uncle J. They have so much patience and understanding of children. Uncle J helped NHL in the pool over that weekend and he still talks about it to this day. JSL loved playing games on the floor with Aunt A.

I wanted to take this time to say Mazel Tov to them on making their dream a reality. This week, they flew to Israel and made Aliyah. Wishing the two of you the best as you get to know your new home. Please send our love to everyone and take lots of photos of H & M on their wedding day.