holidays | The Angel Forever

Category Archives holidays

Thankful on Memorial Day

Posted on May 27, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

There truly is no perfect way to thank all of the amazing men and women in our armed forces. Each time I see someone in uniform, I try to let them know we truly appreciate all that they do and sacrifice with their families for our country. My boys are young, but I want to take some time with them to make sure they know the real reason that we are together as a family instead of at work and in school today. They are old enough to understand that men and women in the uniforms we often see are heroes that give us many of the privileges that we take for granted in America.

While the weather this weekend has been far from perfect (rainy and cold), it was still filled with people that I love. My boys have had a wonderful time seeing their cousins, exploring a new museum, and being kids. We will make sure to remember the do something to say thank you, whether make cards for troops or something else that they can understand.

Once again, on this Memorial Day weekend, we all need to stop and remember the brave individuals in our armed forces. Far too many pay the ultimate price to defend our country and the rights that we often take for granted. To all of those that have served, lost their lives, and the brave families behind them . . . .thank you! All of you are the real reason that we celebrate Memorial Day.

It's Me

Categories:
holidays PSA

Looking Back at Mother’s Day

Posted on May 13, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Ten years ago in May, I was expecting my first son and looking forward to being a new mother. I had no idea how my life was about to change and the love that I would immediately feel for this new little life.

NHL changed the way that I forever see the world. This is nothing negative, but he has given me the inner “Mama Bear” moments where I will fight and advocate until I am blue in the face.

Six years ago, I spent mothers day, extremely pregnant with my second son. I was days from my due date and feeling so tired because I was also battling an infection during the last month or so. Little did I know that the very next morning, I would see my second little boy and fall head over heals in love with another child. At the time, I worried that I would not have enough love for both of my children. Of course, I quickly learned that it would simply expand to fit the needs of our growing family.

Watching the boys on the day that we took JSL home was amazing. The boys have grown so much over the last six years and are now such good friends. They have their moments as all siblings do, but the two will protect each other like nobody else can.

I rarely take photos with the boys because I am usually the one with the camera in my hands, but this mother’s day I asked TechyDad to get one of the three of us.

I always want to remember these moments because my babies are growing up before my eyes and each time I blink more and more milestones are gone forever.

Categories:
family holidays looking back

Passover Ponderings

Posted on March 28, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Although our two Seders are over, Passover continues until early next week. During our second Seder, I took a few photos of the boys and other items. When looking back at them, it got me thinking.

Whine about Wine

I may be an adult, but I am not a fan of most wines. Sit me with the kids and pour me a glass of grape juice because that is my preferred “wine” for Pesach.

Charoset Bonds the Family

Charoset on the Seder plate symbolizes the mortar that the Israelites used to make bricks when enslaved in Egypt. It seems only fitting then that Charoset is the single item that everyone in our family enjoys. Nobody complains and everyone gobbled it up.

Acting out the Seder is Fun

Getting the kids involved the second night was important. We were more relaxed since the food was prepared and everyone could enjoy. This meant that the 10 Plague Finger Puppets came out. JSL helped us to pull them out and model them as they were recited.

Not to be outdone by the finger puppets, the first born males in our family reenacted the tenth and final plague of the Seder. We may have been a bit silly, but the boys were learning and we were sharing history and making traditions.

Our Seder may not have been fancy, but it was special both nights because of the loved ones with us and memories made.

Categories:
family holidays

Views of Passover Preparations

Posted on March 26, 2013 10:38 am by TheAngelForever

Getting ready for Passover can be a whirlwind. TechyDad is really in charge of most of it, since he is the stickler for the kosher for Passover rules. This year, we were having a Seder at our house the first night, also my parent’s 40th Anniversary. We seemed ahead of schedule on a lot and the pressure was off.

After all of the cleaning was done and the charoset was made and chilling, we started to peel hardboiled eggs and get vegetables ready for the Quinoa Pilaf.

Then, we got a little silly while putting the brisket into the oven. I think the fact that we are usually 95% vegetarian at home may have had something to do with this.

Once everything was in the oven and almost prepared, it was time to set the Seder table. We went with simple, easy, and not too fancy.

To all those celebrating with their families Chag Pesach Sameach.

It's Me

Categories:
family food glorious food holidays

Les Misérables for Passover

Posted on March 21, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

For months now, people all over have been talking about Les Misérables taking over the big screen. While I have not had a chance to see it yet, I have watched the phenomenon take over. It isn’t new for Les Misérables to make a splash thanks to the success it has had on Broadway and traveling productions over the years. Even Shalom Sesame Street made a spoof a few years ago called Les Matzarables for Passover.

While this is a cute example of the long time popularity of the Les Misérables culture, there is now something new out for Passover. The Maccabeats just released a new Passover song that is inspired by Les Misérables. Once again, they show their amazing talent, sense of humor, and reach.