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A Back to School Milestone

Posted on August 22, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Back to school in our area does not officially begin until after Labor Day. The day after Labor Day, NHL goes back to school. He will be a third grader this year. It is a big day for him because he has never done a back to school in this building yet. Last year, NHL switched schools at the end of the year. He did this with grace and adored the new school.

For the first time since JSL was born, I will have me time five days a week. JSL will be in preschool Monday to Friday. For 20 hours each week I will be able to devote time to my new business, my writing, cleaning, and ME! Yes, I will miss the boys, but it will be nice to get things accomplished without interruptions. Of course, next year when JSL heads to kindergarten for full days – I will likely be in tears.

As a former teacher, it is strange not sitting at home working on seating charts, lesson plans, and letters to parents and students. It is still nerve wracking to be on the flip side and wonder how the school year will be for both of my boys.

Back to school season is the perfect time to start thinking about items for the teachers in your life. Think about it, they spend a large amount of time in the classroom with your child. The reality is a school family is formed for those 10 months. I know during this time I would look for cards to use to write notes to parents, or for thank you notes when people would volunteer in my room or go on a fieldtrip with us.

So what is a back to school milestone that you remember from your childhood, as a teacher, or with your own children?

Now please excuse me, I am off to make more magical memories before Summer 2011 is over and the 2011-2012 school year rush begins. Oh and when I have time, I will be checking out the lunch notes and other items to surprise kids with from Tiny Prints.

Disclosure: I wrote this post as part of a Global Influence campaign for Tiny Prints. By sharing this information with my readers, I will also receive a Tiny Prints gift code to thank me for my participation. No other compensation has been given.

Global Influence Network

Categories:
jsl looking back milestone nhl photos school sponsored post

Learning About Niagara Falls

Posted on July 7, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

When NHL heard that we were going to visit my brother and his family, he was excited to hear that we were thinking about going to see Niagara Falls. Although he had been to the Canadian side of the falls years ago, he had no memory of this.

As the trip got closer NHL kept asking questions and telling us things about Niagara Falls. You see, at NHL’s new school, they learned about the falls. My son was like an encyclopedia of knowledge telling us one thing after another.

As we were driving toward Niagara State Park, he asked if the water we saw was the Niagara River. He was fascinated with the water under the bridge. Then, as we walked into the park, he noted how quickly the water was flowing.

First, we looked at the American Falls and he was blown away with the beauty, just standing there and taking it all in.

Of course, NHL was really interested in the Maid of the Mist boats across the water. We promised him that another time we would take him on this.

Then, it was time to head over to see the Horseshoe Falls. These really had NHL’s attention. He thought it was funny getting cold water misted by the water.

He also liked the view of the Skylon Tower. Yes, this was another item he had learned about in school. It made him so happy when TechyDad mentioned taking a photo of him with the Skylon in back. Here he is posing with Cousin SG.

Have you ever been amazed by something your child has learned at school? I would love to know.

Summer memories and learning are something I recall from my childhood. I hope to continue this tradition and Niagara Falls was just the start.

Other recent posts about Niagara Falls:

Categories:
cousins Educational family interesting milestone nhl photos road trip school summer travel weekend

My Bridal Shower Memories

Posted on June 13, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Just shy of ten years ago right now, I was busy getting ready for my wedding day. All of the months of preparations, stresses, and dreams were about to result in our magical day. I was going to marry my Long Island Love. That was the nickname that I had for TechyDad before we were married and long before we had our boys.

In April, I had a bridal shower that my aunts had for me. It was a day of laughing, smiling, fun games, and great food with family and friends.

The beautiful hat I was wearing above was the traditional craft made by the Jersey Girls. They did an amazing job and I know where that hat is to this day. Some friends and family were not able to be there that day. They were saving time to come to our wedding just a few months later. Of course, I have photos with my friends that were there with me.

It was also a day of family. I was sad because several grandparents were no longer able to be with us. Now, ten years later my Papa S and TechyDad’s Grandma (far right), are loved ones we have lost. Here are our grandparents on that special day.

It is so hard to believe that it has been ten years. Ten years since I became a teacher, was getting ready to become a wife, looking forward to a honeymoon in Walt Disney World, and making memories like the ones above that make me smile to this day.

Thank you to everyone that was there for the wonderful day that put me at ease during a stressful pre-wedding time. I love you all.

P.S. There were a lot of other photos taken, but some were not digital and the scans were not the best. If any family wants to see them, just let me know.

Categories:
family friends fun jl looking back me moments milestone photos TechyDad

First Circus Memories

Posted on May 9, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Mother’s Day memories are made by doing something fun with my family. Two years ago, we were at Walt Disney World with my parents and our boys for their first full vacation day in Orlando. Sad to say, we can not be at Disney every Mother’s Day.

This year, we decided to take the boys to the Ringling Bros. Circus. After NHL came home from his Hebrew lesson, we had a quick snack and packed the boys up to go to the Times Union Center. NHL and JSL had never been to see a circus. What I didn’t realize at the time was that neither had TechyDad. The three boys were going to a major milestone.

We arrived early enough to head down onto the floor for the all access preshow. There were clown noses to wear, performers to meet, and mini-acts to view. It was a lot of fun. At one point, we happened to see one of the clowns standing alone. The boys wanted to go over for a photo. I decided to stand back and capture this memory on video.

Of course, on the flip side – TechyDad got the photo of the boys below:

This was not my first time to a Ringling Bros. performance, but the preshow was new to me. Being able to interact with the performers before really enhanced the show. The boys fell in love with the clowns thanks to some of the amazing acts before the BIG two hour show began. Here is another one to enjoy:

The comedic timing, stage presence, and athleticism of this clown blew us away. Many more memories to share soon.

Have you been to the circus or taken your children? I would love to hear your circus memories.

Categories:
Disney family fun jl jsl laughs milestone nhl photos show video weekend

Opening His First Vinylmation

Posted on April 9, 2011 9:42 am by TheAngelForever

Dear NHL,

Before we left for Disney World, we were all really curious about the relatively new collectables called Vinylmations. Basically, artists have created art pieces on a standard Mickey Mouse vinyl figure. The results are a multitude of series of these fun critters.

When we looked at them online, you were really interested in the Muppets, Toy Story 3, and Animation options. Daddy was curious about the Star Wars one (which we never saw in person). I wanted to see the Nerds and figure out which one to begin my collection with.

When we switched resorts, you were an amazing helper. Thanks to being really great at the conference, we offered to buy you your first Vinylmation at Pop Century before we went back to our room. We asked you to wait to open it in our room so I could capture it on video. I wanted to do this since Scott on InnerMouse had featured a video of a little girl doing something similar. I figured it would be fun to capture this memory for all of us. Here is what happened:

As you can see, you were VERY happy with the Swedish Chef Vinylmation – thank goodness! By the end of our trip, you had a few additional friends to add to your new collection.

What I love about Vinylmations is that all four of us enjoy looking for them, reading about them, and saving our money to get more. I can not wait to see which one you add next. I love your passion for Mickey collectables – you should be proud of being NDK78!

Love,

Mommy

Disclosure: Although we paid for our own trip to Disney World, we were given an incredible deal thanks to Disney. The sweet conference fee included 3 nights at the Grand Floridian, several meals for the entire family, 7 day park hoppers for everyone, conference/meals for me and some other items to take home. 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.

_______________________________________

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