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Goodbye to 2013 – Part 1

Posted on December 31, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

It is hard to believe that that end of 2013 is already here. Looking back at this year, it is difficult to focus on a theme. There were many ups and downs, but I really feel that my growth as an advocate was huge and a major accomplishment over the last 365 days. Here is a trip down memory lane of the year that was 2013.

January:

After coming back from the opening of New Fantasyland in December 2012, Disney was on my mind in many posts about Mickey listening, Mickey bars, magical roller coaster moments, and more.
Over winter break, JSL finished up his project and got to be Star of the Week in Kindergarten to begin the new year.
An event that left me numb inspired a therapeutic post where I was very vague. A few weeks later, something big happened and most of this made a bit more sense.
The boys had fun helping me review a lot of books, but they were especially in love with iPad Apps for Kids For Dummies.

February:

This was the month where the kindergarten kiddo celebrated 100 days of school. We had fun putting together his project.
February also marked my sixth year of blogging. My have I come a long way from those first days.
A favorite activity from the winter months was definitely when we made slime. The boys spent hours playing and exploring for days and also enjoyed making a fort in our living room.

March:

A goal for 2013 was to learn to crochet. It was something I had tried in the past, but this time I got it and I have not stopped hooking.
By March, my role as an autism advocate really kicked into high gear. Major changes meant that I was reflecting on the simple wishes I had for my son.
Passover was also a big part of March and preparing for the Seders at our house took a lot of time. Of course, even during Passover we were able to be silly and enjoy the time together.
Big news arrived when I was asked to join the Verizon Lifestyle Bloggers. This has been an amazing experience thanks to The Online Mom and Verizon.

April:

We all had a fantastic time visiting the Canstruction exhibit at the New York State Museum. I know this will now be something that we try to get to each year because the items the teams made were amazing.
This was the first year that I wrote about World Autism Awareness Day because NHL was diagnosed after this in 2012. It was a bitter sweet day where I noted the need for educating people so they can understand more.
Community events were a big draw for us when we went to the Teddy Bear Hospital. The kids loved exploring, learning, and having fun with the medical students.
Our love for authors and illustrators came alive when we went to The Albany Children’s Book Festival. The boys had a blast meeting new authors and illustrators and adding to their must read lists.

May:

We celebrated Pigeons birthday and JSL absolutely fell in love with Mo Willems and his books. Elephant and Piggie books became his absolute favorites.
My baby turned six and we celebrated his birthday in style at school with Never Land Pirate cupcakes.
Crocheted granny squares had taken over my world by May. I was almost finished making squares for my first ever crochet blanket.
When family came to visit to celebrate JSL’s birthday with us, we went to miSci and loved it so much we became members.

June:

We finished celebrating JSL’s birthday with a friend party at Jo-Ann Fabrics and Craft Store. The pirate theme party was amazing and we know this location is perfect for future events.
The boys went with us to their first rally. The One Voice United Rally for Public Education rally was an experience we will all remember. It also launched my desire to do more in advocacy which would come even further alive in September.
The end of fourth grade included a fieldtrip with NHL to a historic farm in our area. Although it was a miserably rainy day, we had a lot of fun learning together.
The kindergarten kid finished his first year in school and was so upset to be finished because he loved his teachers.
As the summer began, we spent a lot of time exploring the Museum of Innovation and Science with our membership, especially when NHL got his braces. The kids enjoyed trying everything and visiting with the new dinosaur exhibit.

There was so much more that happened in the second half of 2013. More of that to come in a second post. What were your favorite memories of the year gone by? Please share below or leave a link to one of your favorite posts if you blog.

Categories:
family looking back me moments

My Disney Side Through the Years

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

Disney’s new campaign is focusing on showing your Disney Side. I have to admit that growing up with Disney, it is a natural part of me and my life. Whether I am in the parks or at home, Disney is always there for me. Even during a really bad day, something sparkly from Walt Disney World can make me smile during a rough autism/parenting moment. While my Disney Side is extra magical while I am visiting a Disney Park, it is always there with me. Here is a walk down memory of my #DisneySide as a child, on my honeymoon, and recent vacations with the next generation of Disneyphiles.

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 looking back vacation

Weddings from a Distance

Posted on August 30, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Twelve years ago when TechyDad and I were married, we were blessed that almost all of our cousins from near and far were able to make it to our wedding. Looking back at the pictures, it is hard to believe how everyone has changed.

Now, we are all adults. Not only do TechyDad and I have two children, my brother is also married with two kids of his own. Two of my California cousins have also gotten married and have their own children. Then last year, the first cousin on my paternal side of the family was married and we were not able to make it to his wedding. Then news came that another cousin would be getting married and his wedding would be in Israel. It’s hard to admit that I knew immediately that we would not be able to go. Not only is the trip a long one, it is a very expensive one. In addition to this, the wedding will be right before the start of the school year. Right now I sit at home thinking about my family in Israel getting ready to celebrate with Cousin H.

Mazel Tov to Cousin H and your beautiful bride. May your wedding day be the start of many years of wonderful memories in your life together.

Categories:
family looking back

Disney Letter N

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

Think about the Disney alphabet and most of the time you immediately go to characters. With the letter N, Nemo is prominent thanks to his adventures in Epcot and entire area at the Art of Animation Resort. This week I decided to mostly head outside of the traditional box when gathering photos for the theme. Of course, that also made me go back a few years and see just how much my boys have grown. So many magical memories and hoping to have lots more in the years to come.

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 looking back travel vacation

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.