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Goodbye to Kindergarten

Posted on June 20, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

It seems like it was just September. I remember the morning when I brought my baby to kindergarten for the first time. It was something new for us in this school, and I was nervous. Of course, I knew that JSL was ready to read, write, and learn more. Still, having both boys in school for the entire day was a major milestone.

Kindergarten 2012

The year has been absolutely amazing for my little guy. He has grown, flourished, learned a lot, and is really coming out of his shell. While he still tells me he is nervous in the morning (I think he wants extra hugs and kissing hand moments), the huge smile on his face at the end of the day tells me he is fine. Oh, and the other thing that tugs at my heart – every day he gives his teacher a hug on the way out the door.

Last week, JSL had his Kindergarten Celebration at school. TechyDad, Nana, Mimi, Aunt S, and I all went to be with him on this special day. The teachers and other support staff in the building did an amazing job. The focus was on the kids and celebrating their accomplishments. Each of the classes performed a song. Then, we watched a slide show of kindergarten memories. I have to admit, I wiped away a few tears. It hit me that my kids are really growing up. My little guy is going into first grade and my big kid has only a year before he heads off to middle school. Once this was over, the classes marched across the stage and back to their classrooms for some refreshments with family and friends.

I can honestly say, our kindergarten experience this year was beyond amazing. There was never a moment that I doubted his teachers, worried about my son’s well being, or questioned anything that the school could control. The truth is, I am sad to see it end. While I know JSL is ready for first grade, I am not ready to let go of this amazing year that he had because I know in my heart that this was something so special.

Categories:
milestone school

Disney Days of Summer

Posted on June 19, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

The summer time in Orlando can be down right hot and humid. As someone that spent most of the late June honeymoon in 90+ degree temperatures and recalls August adventures, you have to think about things to help the Disney Days of Summer when you visit during those hot and steamy days. Here are some possibilities to help keep cool and go along with the theme for this week.

Be sure to stop by Focused on the Magic by clicking on the button above to join in the Disney magic this week.

Categories:
Disney travel vacation

Tuesday Tales – Summer 2013 Reading

Posted on June 18, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

The boys are participating in a summer reading program at our local library again. As I have mentioned in the past, it really helps to motivate kids to take time and read during the two months away from school. Of course, they are not the only ones that like to read. I have a lot of books that I want to read and only wish I had more hours in the day.

This summer there are a few books that I hope to read about Autism and related items. My goal is to come up with more information that will help my son, his teachers, and our family to make the transition from elementary school to middle school in a little over a year easier. I also like to preview some books that the boys may read before they get to them. Of course, I also want to play catch up on Ridley Pearson’s Kingdom Keepers series. I am now two books behind and would love to catch up before the last in the series is released. My Kindle is also stocked with several Net Galleys of books that will be coming out soon. It is always fun to get a sneak peek of books coming soon. To say that my to-read list on GoodReads is large would be an understatement.

In addition to this, I will be reading books with the boys. NHL and I have all of the Splurch Academy for Disruptive Boys books to complete. Last summer, JSL and I voraciously read through practically all of the Magic Tree House books and are waiting for the next releases. No doubt he and I will find something to read together, plus he will be reading books to me this year. Now to make a plan and get ready to start next week.

So what is on your list of books to read with your children or solo this summer? I would love to hear about more titles that other people are reading. 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

Some Time with Vine

Posted on June 17, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

For quite some time, I watched as friends were using an app with their iPhone called Vine. Simply put, Vine is a social media platform that allows you to be creative and share 6 second videos. I stayed away from it for a while and then got a little nudge from my fellow Verizon Lifestyle Bloggers that were trying it out with their Apple and Android devices.

My first Vine was introducing my new Windows Phone just to get used to using it. After that, I was a little more creative. Why not showcase how I am going to have to debate between two different types of smartphones.

Then I had a bit more fun. I made a Vine to share with my boys. Yes, I had some explaining to do when they got home from school and saw their TMNT items had been used.

I have had fun sharing the non-stop rain in our area and a few other items while waiting for the boys outside of school. I do believe my favorite use of Vine was at when we went to the miSci Museum over the weekend. I could quickly showcase a few of the fun items that we explored in a more authentic way that a simple photo can not capture.

Of course, a great example was when the boys were completely fascinated with one of the new items in the Notions of Motions Exhibit. I think they would have stayed testing this out a lot longer if we had allowed it.

So are you on Vine yet? If you are I would love to know how you are utilizing it. For me, it will be a great way to showcase educational fun and learning as we travel.

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:
Educational Phone Apps Technology

Phone to the Rescue at Mabee Farm Historic Site

Posted on June 14, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

A week ago today, I was on a field trip with my son’s class. I was very excited to be headed to a new place that I had never been to before. It was a chance to be with my son, really meet his classmates, and explore the Mabee Farm Historic Site. The night before the trip, I was writing a post about setting up my new Windows Phone as a member of the Verizon Lifestyle Bloggers. I used my camera to take some photos to use.

The next morning was hectic as we prepared for what would be a very wet and cold day outside at Mabee Farm. While loading up my things, I tossed my camera in my backpack. When we arrived in the barn for the introduction by the curator of the museum, I tried to take a photo. My camera buzzed because it’s memory was filled. I opened it up and then realized my SD card was at home.

This is where my current smartphone, RAZR HD, saved the day. I had kept this phone with me since I had a case for it and knew it would be safe in the rain. I was also more comfortable using it at this point. Most important with this scenario, it had another memory card in it and I knew I would be safe taking lots of photos. All of the photos above were taken with my RAZR. This phone helped me to capture memories of the kids learning about chamber pots, life on a colonial New York State farm, and using sheep to make yarn.

Since Aloha Friday is being brought back, this weeks question is:

Have you ever been caught without your camera working and had to use your cell phone? Let me know what happened and how you made out. I was very lucky that I captured some great memories of our time on the Mohawk River in colonial times.

It's Me

Disclosure: As a member of the Verizon Lifestyle Bloggers, I receive different devices to check out in my life. The RAZR HD was sent to me several months ago and my go to phone in a pinch. There was no other compensation. I am a long time Verizon customer, and all opinions are my own.

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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.