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The Neverland Pirate Party Cupcakes & Crafts

Posted on May 16, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

This weekend was JSL’s 4th birthday. As I have mentioned before, he is a BIG fan of Jake and the Neverland Pirates. Since he wanted that theme for his birthday, we had to improvise a bit. I bought the supplies and pretty much knew what I wanted to do with them.

Saturday afternoon, I baked the cupcakes in the Wilton pirate wrappers. They were nothing special to look at now, but soon they would change.

When I was preparing everything for the party Sunday morning, the first thing I wanted to get finished were the pirate cupcakes. I had my Wilton Dessert Decorator Plus, frosting, gold sugar crystal sprinkles, and pirate flags. Before I knew it, they were looking like this:

Yes, my little pirate was quite excited to see that his pirate cupcakes were finished.

After lunch, it was time to switch the table over to a Neverland Pirate Party theme. I had to take these items and make them look pretty on the table.

While I worked on this, the kids did some pirate arts and crafts. As you can see, we found some great items that worked well for several ages.

It did not take too long to get the table ready. The cupcake display with the doubloons around it was first. Then, it was time to put the Peter Pan Pirates in the front along with JSL’s cupcake and 4 candle. To tie in, we also had some cute pirate napkins to add a splash of color.

Yes, the props certainly helped to make it more of a Neverland Pirate Party feel.

After opening presents, JSL went over to have everyone sing his birthday song.

Yes, we pulled off a Neverland Pirate Party and the birthday boy seemed to have a wonderful time. More to come soon, but I wanted to share some yummy and crafty details now.

Categories:
baking birthday cousins crafts Disney family food glorious food fun jsl nhl photos weekend yummy

Ready For His Pirate Party

Posted on May 15, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

When JSL woke up, the first thing he did was run out of bed to see his big brother. After that, he came into our room to announce that NHL was the first one to wish him a happy birthday. After this, we opened up his new VTech Kidizoom Plus camera and put the batteries in. Then, NHL gave him his present.

We got dressed and went to Nana and Papa’s house. Uncle I, Aunt M, and Cousins GG and BA were at their house. JSL was too excited to eat since he was running around the house taking photos of everything.

The kids played with the new pirate toys and watching some Jake and the Neverland Pirates. I have a feeling that JSL’s camera is likely filled with photos similar to this one:

While the kids played, I was busy in the kitchen making pirate cupcakes today. They will be decorated for the party early Sunday morning.

When we asked JSL where he wanted to have his birthday lunch, his answer did not shock me. He wanted to go to Cici’s for Mac and Cheese pizza. He was a very happy birthday boy.

Next, we went to Scoops for some ice cream. JSL had a blast taking photos of their cows and running around with Cousin SG. Of course, NHL was proud when he yelled that baby BA was trying to sneak into the cow area.

We tried to play at the park. A little running by the pond got in before the rain came to stop the fun. To try to stop JSL from being upset we got him to sing the pirate song. When we got back to Nana and Papa’s house he belted out a bunch of the only verse he really knows.

Then, Aunt M and I went to get some items for the party tomorrow. We happened to find a cake that was perfect to have on JSL’s actual birthday. We sang him his song and then it was time to blow out the candle.

Aunt M, Uncle I, and the kids wanted to give the birthday boy something on his birthday so he could use it at the Pirate Party. Here is JSL right about when he figured out what was inside.

Now check out why he has such a HUGE smile on his face:

Yes, Pirate JSL was quite thrilled with his new costume by Melissa & Doug. Eventually, we were able to get him to take it off so we could head home. I have a feeling we will be seeing a pirate show at his party at one point or another.

Lots to report from the party and more soon.

Categories:
baking birthday cousins family food glorious food fun jsl kid talk laughs photos play time video weekend yummy

A Much Needed Mommy Field Trip

Posted on May 12, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Yes, it is true. This mommy took herself, and a friend on a field trip the day before Mother’s Day. Some may call it selfish; others call it a must needed adventure. I call it being a GEM and knowing that I need ME time. Thanks to Rene Syler, I have realized that it is fine for me to need time away from my family. I love the boys, but this mama likes time with friends and having some additional estrogen in her life.

The reality is that a lot has changed since we got back from Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. At the time, I knew there were big changes coming, but never could have imagined the way it would play out. We started to look at different schooling options for our son. After a major bullying incident, we had to look into this faster than we had intended. I am no longer associated with the local magazine for a variety of reasons. What I realized during all of this chaos is that I love my family/friends and their place in my life. I also saw how people stepped up, helped me with things, and allowed me to laugh during a highly stressful time. Most important of all, I saw the power of women coming together. Reinventing myself is happening with each breath that I take.

Since we got back from Disney, I have been communicating with Rene Syler. Rene has been awesome cheering me on in the background as I embrace my inner GEM (Good Enough Mother). Her energy is contagious. At one point, Rene and I realized that we do not live too that far from one another. The Head GEM suggested that we meet for lunch one day. Before I knew it, Rene and I set a date for a Mommy Field Trip for the two of us and Christina from Cutest Kid Ever.

This past Saturday, yes the day before Mother’s Day, we met at a restaurant. After lots of hugs, we sat down, ordered some drinks/food, and talked up a storm. We had a lot to chat about. Business, families, education, social media, fun, Disney, and pretty much anything else you can think of was on our agenda. Being bloggers, we all took turns taking photos of our food and other items:

Of course, being the social media groupies that we are, we also sent out some Tweets from the Mommy Field Trip. Here is the TwitPic that I captured of the beautiful Rene:

Before we finished our meal, we asked someone in the restaurant to take a photo of us. We hoped to get one outside along the Hudson River, but needed one from inside. Here is a view from our Mommy Field Trip:

Before we knew it, the time had come to head out to our cars. Lots of hugs, some photos by the river, and promises to do this again. It was an amazing first ever Mommy Field Trip for me thanks to the women I was with. Thank you Rene for being an inspiration. I know that Christina and I will use your words of wisdom in the not too distant future. Thanks to you, I move forward one step at a time toward my GEM reinvention. Thank you for supporting me and my new projects that are yet to be seen.

Have you been on a Mommy Field Trip recently? If not, what are you waiting for?!

Categories:
decisions DisneySMMoms food glorious food friends fun interesting laughs looking back me moments photos road trip weekend

Nursery School Passover Seder 2011

Posted on April 16, 2011 8:29 am by TheAngelForever

Dear JSL,

This week you had a big celebration at nursery school. Your class and the others, have been working to prepare a special Passover Seder for families to come and celebrate. When I arrived the room was all set. Everyone had a Seder plate set in front of their seat along with a Haggadah. The front of the room was also beautifully arranged with a giant display for the holiday.

Everyone participated in the Seder – kids, teachers, parents, and other family members. I brought the video camera and can not wait to see how some of the songs came out. You were still nervous about being in front of everyone, but I did see you singing the four questions a few times. When you came over to me, you were adorable.

It was fun sitting together. We followed along with the Haggadah.

Then when the time came, you surprised me with your frog puppet

I still wonder what plague got the frog since he has four eyes. Of course you were not interested in eating the delicious kugel they made.

You kept chowing down matzah and cream cheese. I have a feeling a lot of that is in your future next week.

Thank you again for sharing this special time with me. I loved being there with you and watching your love of Passover and our holiday shine.

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 food glorious food fun holidays jsl photos school yummy

Adventures in Sandwich Land

Posted on April 15, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

This weekend, we went Passover food shopping. One of our stops was the Honest Weight Food Co-op since they had a Passover bulk nut/dried fruit sale. We bought some almonds and cashews for next week. Then, on the way out – something caught my eye. In the prepared food area they had sandwiches. Within a few seconds, we were both almost drooling at the food in front of us.

Since it was almost lunch time, TechyDad and I decided to splurge. We bought two sandwiches to split. Here they are:

They were A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Seriously, I have been craving another since we had them on Sunday. So what were they? Here are the descriptions:

Cheese Sandwich: veganaise, cheese (munster, swiss or provolone), lettuce, spinach, carrots, peppers, cucumber, onion and sprouts on sourdough bread
Fakin BLT Sandwich: veganaise, lettuce, smoked tempeh strips, tomato and sprouts on sourdough bread

My Aloha Friday question is inspired by the delicious experience we had this weekend.

If you could have any sandwich for your next lunch, what would you pick and why? It could be one that you make yourself, or buy at a store or restaurant.

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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 linky there if you are participating.