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The Care Bears are Back

Posted on June 25, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

As a child that grew up in the 80’s, a lot of the hot toys and shows are back. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane. Imagine a world filled with clouds, rainbows, and cute bears with special symbols on their tummy. Do you know who I am talking about?

These Care Bears were the ones that my mother collected. I had several of the huggable bears, figures that would move, and their Cloudmobile (need to locate those). The grandkids adore playing with the ones that Nana still has. I am often quizzed to recall their names. Some I can recall, but others do escape me.

When I was contacted by Mom Select and MommyParties to host a Care Bears Welcome to Care-a-Lot viewing party for the new Care Bears show on the Hub, I jumped at the opportunity. I have two boys, but it was the chance to share part of my childhood memories with them.

Our original party had to be rescheduled thanks to my little guy going to the ER. Now, we are attempting a redo with friends to share the new series with them. While JSL was not feeling well, we watched an episode that we had on our DVR together. My five year old son really enjoyed it. Check that, we both liked watching the Care Bears come to life in front of our eyes.

I remember watching the old Care Bears show and specials. At the time, they were really decent and we would watch them over and over with friends. The new series has fantastic animation and lessons to learn from. There is even a place to meet them on the official Hub website. I know we will be watching more of the Care Bears as the series has just begun and airs Saturday mornings on the hub at 8 am ET.

Now, it’s time to fess up. Who is your favorite Care Bear? I think I still love my original Cheer Bear (the rainbow tummy up above), but Grumpy in the new series has a lot of spunk.

Disclosure: I was selected by MomSelect and Mommy Parties to host a “Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot” in home party. We received a DVD screener and media kit featuring stickers, crayons, activity sheets, and party ideas. The opinions are 100% mine and I received no other compensation.

Categories:
fun looking back me moments photos television

Michaels Passport to Imagination Surprise

Posted on June 23, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Dear NHL and JSL,

Last summer, we traveled to many different countries. We had craft filled adventures to Canada, Australia, India, Russia, France, Mexico, China, and Brazil. There were other countries, but we just could not make it to all of them and the programs at the library. It was a great time thanks to Michaels and their sponsors. This year, they are doing the same program.

Since it was a half day of school on Thursday, I decided to surprise both of you and take you to the Mexico event. JSL loved making a stingray on Tuesday, so I knew it would be a nice change and break in the heat. When we arrived, the table was set up in the front of the store with the items being made.

Just like last year, the people at our local Michaels store have been so wonderful, helpful, and patient. They quickly showed both of you how to get started making monarch butterfly. Both of you had a great time trying out some new items like the paint pen.

When your monarchs were finished, it was time to make some gecko lizard pins. NHL, I loved how you wanted your gecko to have an extra long tongue. JSL, then you asked to have two different colored eyes on yours.

I know we will reference the passport book for more ideas to create over the summer and to learn about the places that we “travel” to together.

Today is the first official day of your summer vacation. I am sure we will have many more days at Michaels and other locations exploring all that is out there together. Watching your faces and smiles makes this time even more special.

Love,

Mommy

Categories:
arts and crafts crafts Dear Kid Saturday fun jsl Local Business local event looking back nhl photos school summer

Tuesday Tales – 2012 Summer Reading Programs

Posted on June 19, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Growing up, I remember spending a lot of time at the library. We would go there to check out new books and sign up for the summer reading program. These days, most local libraries have some kind of reading program for children of all ages to participate in. If you are unsure about programs near you, please contact your local library. In addition to these, many libraries offer enrichment activities for kids to enjoy at little or no cost during the summer months.

Last year, I wrote about going to several events including:

This year, the New York State Libraries are all working around the theme Dream Big READ. More information can be found on the Summer Reading NYS website. Here, you can find booklists, videos, games, crafts, coloring, and more items for elementary aged kids, teens, parents, educators, and even for infant to preschoolers. They also created this video as a PSA:

This summer, both of the boys will be eligible for the same program since JSL will be heading into kindergarten and NHL fourth grade. JSL and I will continue to read Magic Tree House Books together and work on his reading readiness with some picture books. Meanwhile, NHL will probably explore different genres of chapter books. I secretly hope that he will think about reading The Series of Unfortunate Events or perhaps Harry Potter. I do know that we will reinstate the “Reading Ultimatum” that eventually fizzled out some during the homework months.

So, will you be participating in a summer reading program with or without your local library? I would love to know what you do with yours, so please share in the comments below. As always, Tuesday Tales are all about spreading the love for books. What have you read recently? Please 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:
arts and crafts books Educational fun interesting jsl local event looking back nhl photos summer Tuesday Tales

My Views From Today

Posted on June 15, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

When I received my new phone Violet, I was thrilled to be able to try new and different apps with her. Early on, I found that I really liked making a collage of photos that I had taken throughout the day. I still do this and often use PhotoShake and AddWatermark to make ones like this:

I do not take specific photos for the collages, they are just randomly shot during the day. Then, at the end of the day, I can send the collage on Instagram stating it is my “Views from today” Tweet.

Once the kids are in bed, I sit with my phone for a few minutes to see what pictures I have snagged while out and about. It is interesting to see how, on some days, I have a lot of options to put into the collage. Then there are days where there are very few.

So my question to you this week:

Do you like to make photo collages? What programs do you use on your phone and/or computer to make them? I do use PhotoScape and PicMonkey (more on this soon) for blog collages and on my Facebook page.

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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.

Aloha #207

Categories:
Aloha Friday fun me moments photos social media

A Magical Family Moment with Duffy the Disney Bear

Posted on June 13, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

It's Me

Disclosure: This photo was taken before the 2012 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration and was part of the PhotoPass CD that we received. Although we paid for our own trip to Disney World to attend the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, we were given an incredible deal from Disney. Also note that Disney never asked us to blog about this event. As a long time Disney fan, it is my pleasure to share my experiences from the event. More about the PhotoPass coming soon!