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Photos on the Go – Appreciating Nature

Posted on August 27, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

You never know what may be photo worthy when you are out and about. Often times, I just use my phone quickly to capture something that I want to check into later. Sometimes, I know if I do not get it with my phone , the moment will be lost by the time I get my camera out of my purse. Here are some of those moments from the last week that focus on nature.

On Sunday, it was time to tackle the over grown lawn. Thanks to the dry summer, TechyDad has used our new Black and Decker lawn mower much. It came out and did a nice job shortening the green weeds that make up our lawn areas.

While wondering around, I also noticed a single white rose. This new rose plant came off of one that had previous been died. None of the other buds made it this year, but this beautiful sign of life came out to say hello that morning.

While heading into the library on Monday, the boys and I noticed a lot of activity in the butterfly garden. There were at least a dozen butterflies flying around the flowers. They were amazing to watch and the boys asked me to take out the camera to snap a photo. On the way out, I snagged an extra one with my phone and there was a little bee hanging out as well.

While walking back into the house on Wednesday, a little someone caught my eye. Thank goodness it was nothing too exciting. Just a beautiful little lady that I noted in my letter to the boys.

Then, while getting the garbage cans ready, I noticed the beautiful blooms on the side of the house. These trees have really taken over this summer and the flowers on them have remained for weeks.

No, these photos may not be perfect, but they were taken while on the go. I was able to spend a few moments appreciating nature, her creations, and capture them to look at and smile again later. No doubt these will be appreciated more in the winter months.

What photos have you taken while out and about this week? I would love to know and hear more about how you capture those unique moments while on the go.

Categories:
flowers and plants me moments photos TechyDad

Cleaning Pet Peeve

Posted on August 24, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Cleaning an older home can sometimes be a challenge. Sure the old hardwood floors add character to our living space, but they add a challenge to cleaning around the house. If you use the wrong item on them, you can damage the wood. Moisture is a problem, but you do need some to properly clean a floor.

For quite some time, I have been thinking about purchasing a steam mop to help with the floors. What often worried me was too much water remaining on the floors and ruining something. When I was offered to review the Hoover TwinTank Steam Mop, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to see how this would work. This is not a review post, you can see my review on Amazon here.

The experience with the steam mop has changed my feelings about cleaning not only the hardwood, but other floor surfaces in our house. Now, it is probably the toilet area that I loathe to keep clean (house of boys and me – ick!).

My question of the week is inspired by my cleaning find:

If you had to select only one cleaning task that is a pet peeve of yours, what is it and why?

Disclosure: I received a sample of the product mentioned to facilitate my review, but my opinions are entirely my own. Should you be interested in purchasing the Hoover TwinTank Disinfecting Steam Mop, you can use my Amazon Affiliate where I will receive a percentage from the sale.

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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 #217

Categories:
Aloha Friday house me moments photos vent

They Grow up too Fast

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

The fact that my “baby” is heading to kindergarten has hit me hard. By the time JSL starts school after Labor Day, I will likely be a mess. I should stock my car with tissues now. I know that he is ready, but I’m not too sure about me. The little guy has been my side kick for five years now. Sure, he’s been at preschool, but that was different. Suddenly, he’s going to be thrust into a full day of school, soon he will be reading on his own all the time, and there will be homework.

Last week on NHL’s birthday, the boys were in our bed and a photo flashed before my eyes.

This was NHL on his fourth birthday next to his barely three month old little brother. Look how young and innocent they were. Not a care in the world. They simply loved each other and spending time together.

The boys still adore each other. They squabble here and there like all siblings, but there is just something extra special about their relationship. What I love is how they truly look out for each other. NHL wants to teach his little brother everything he has learned in school. JSL wants to take his big brother’s hand and reassure him about everything and model what he is taught.

Of course, when that photo of the boys flashed before my eyes I followed them into the living room. Five years later, JSL was a lot more animated. He curled up on the couch next to NHL to watch his big brother check out all of his new presents. Do you notice someone else wearing something familiar in the latest photo below?

Now, my two boys are going to be heading to the same elementary school to learn, grow, and become independent thinkers. Not only will TechyDad and I help them to follow their dreams, but I know they each have another person in their corner – their brother.

Categories:
brothers jsl looking back me moments milestone nhl parenting photos school

Pesky Baby Tooth Be Gone

Posted on August 16, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Raise your hand if you are not a fan of teeth that are wiggly and about to come out. Imagine me hiding under a blanket. I’m not proud to admit it, but I have never been a fan of teeth once they are loose. It bothered me when I had them in my own mouth, when students would show them to me, and now as a parent.

NHL has had his fair share of bad luck with teeth loosening up and coming out. One day, while looking in his mouth, I noticed stubborn tooth #8 that had move into an outward facing position. To add to the “fun”, the new adult tooth was already coming up behind it. This tooth was stubborn and did not want to give up. The orthodontist finally made the decision that NHL’s 8th tooth had to be pulled by our pediatric dentist.

Yesterday, NHL went to see Dr. N to have that pesky tooth taken out. He was nervous, but he loves Dr. N and I do believe that, with her in charge and the amazing staff in their office, he was ready to go. Even with a few surprises tossed in, they told me he did fantastic. He was very lucky and did not require a shot of Novocain. With enough of the topical numbing medicine and just the right pulling, that tooth could not be a resident of NHL’s gums any longer. I am so proud of my big kid and how well he did. Of course, I have to admit I am thrilled we get a break in tooth adventure with him for a while. On the flip side – JSL is five and will probably have some of his coming out soon.

So my question to you this week:

How do you handle wiggly teeth? Cope with them, hate them, or are you fascinated with them? FYI – I know it isn’t Friday today. I am posting a day early because it is NHL’s birthday tomorrow. I always do a special birthday letter to the boys on their big day. If you have a minute and want to stop by on Friday to wish him a Happy Birthday, I know he would love it. I will link up later when that post goes live (here it is).

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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 #216

Categories:
Aloha Friday doctor looking back me moments nhl photos

Summer Days 2012

Posted on August 11, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Dear NHL and JSL,

It is hard to believe that there is less than a month before the two of you go back to school. I have often wondered how I would feel that day. NHL, for some reason, it did not phase me as much when you went to kindergarten. Since JSL is the youngest, it has been tough to handle. My little boys are getting bigger.

I thought I would be excited, but the reality is that it scares me. I know the two of you will do fine in school. You are both smart kiddos. This really has nothing to do with school and more of time passing by. The two of you are growing up before my eyes and these days will forever change as you learn new things and figure out your paths in life.

While we were at Walt Disney World in April, they reminded us that you only have 18 summers of fun with me. Basically, you have to pack those moments with memories that will last a life time. While JSL is only five, NHL is going to be nine this week. That means that half of your family summers before turning 18 are over. It really does seem like just yesterday when both of you were born, and getting rocked to sleep.

So boys, please amuse me when I ask for a hug here or there, or pester you to take and let me capture a moment with my camera. I am not trying to bother you, I am making sure I document these times so we can look back and recall them years from now when you have your own children. Now, let’s make sure we get serious about the next few weeks and other summers ahead of us. We need to make lists of places to see, people to meet, and things to learn about.

Love,