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Fun Times at Snip-its

Posted on September 1, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Dear NHL and JSL,

Getting hair cuts for the two of you has not exactly been one of my favorite items to accomplish over the years. I think we often wait until your hair is beyond ready to get a trim because it has always been an adventure. Whether it was bad cuts, too many noises, people that were not friendly with children, or our favorite person leaving – something always seemed to happen.

Over the years, I have documented a lot of your hair cut milestones. There was the time NHL decided to be a barber at six years old and we had a hair emergency. There was the photo shoot of JSL’s first hair cut back in November 2008. Thanks to this, it should not be a shock to either one of you that I had to take photos when we finally went to have your hair done at the Snip-Its last weekend (they opened during the winter).

I will admit that I am now kicking myself for not taking both of you here before this time. It was not just a place to get hair cuts, it was an experience. From the moment you walked in, the two of you were mesmerized. Snip-its was bright, beautiful, and beyond kid friendly. The two of you kept busy while I chatted with the owner and filled out some forms to get coupons in the mail. Then, it was time to get your hair done.

Both of you were so quiet the entire time. Neither of you were wiggly, upset, or bothered by the new location. Of course, I do believe I now know the secret of success at Snip-its. Yes, they have a great weapon to keep kids happy and it worked brilliantly.

The two of you were more worried about your gaming than anything else. There was a milestone of sorts on this adventure. JSL, you finally had a haircut that used clippers. Since you are going to kindergarten and the amazing hairstylist showed you not to be afraid you agreed. When we asked if it was too short, you said you wanted more off. I have a feeling you would have kept going until you were bald because you were so happy. When it was finally time to go, you used your passes to get your prize.

I know that we will be back to Snip-its because we all had a wonderful experience. The people there were fantastic with both of you, they get working with kids and that means a lot. Thank goodness Daddy was on his toes. Before we went in, we took a photo of the two of you with the figure outside the store. When your hair cuts were done and paid for, we did another one. Here are the results:

I hope both of you agree that we will be heading back to Snip-its again when your hair needs some attention. We will leave it to the professionals who know what they are doing and work well with kids.

Love,

Categories:
Dear Kid Saturday fun jsl Local Business milestone nhl photos shopping

Rewarding Summer Reading

Posted on August 26, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Over this summer, I have written about the reading program that the New York libraries were running. I love that each local branch can do things differently to encourage children to read. Thankfully, this summer I have not had to really push the boys to read. Keeping track of the books that have been read, now that is another issue in itself.

While shopping for books at Barnes & Noble, the woman helping us asked if we had taken a Summer Reading Journal for the boys to fill out. While I had heard about the program, and we had done it in the past, I forgot to do it this year. We took two of the forms home to fill out.

What is the program? Basically, Barnes & Noble encourages children to read over the summer. When they read eight books and fill out a form, they are eligible for a free book at their local store. The journal must be completed and brought into a store by September 4, 2012. Then, they may pick from a book on the list features within the journal. This weekend, we took the boys to our local store to select their books.

There were 18 books on the list, but not all of them were still on the section for the reading program. The boys picked out the books above. JSL likes dinosaurs and thought the new chapter book would be fun to start reading together. I can not wait to read LuLu and the Brontosaurus by Judith Viorst with him. TechyDad sold NHL on the quirk in the book Half Magic by Edward Eager.

I thought I would share this with others in case you were not aware of this. To print the reading journal at home, you can go here. The journal lists the books that may be available to select from when you get your reward. In addition to this, Barnes & Noble has an activity kit that teachers and parents may want to look at. It has some interactive sheets that look like a nice resource.

A huge thank you to Barnes & Noble for running this program. As an educator and parent, I love that you are encouraging literacy and introducing children to new books. Enjoy and happy reading with your family!

Categories:
books deals Educational jsl nhl photos shopping summer TechyDad

Our Lucky Ladybug Summer

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

Dear NHL and JSL,

This week, NHL went to camp every morning. This gave JSL and I some extra time together. We worked on some pre-kindergarten items. Those pesky letters that you need to read and write have been something that you want to avoid. Suddenly, you are interested. On the way home from camp one morning, you asked me a question: “Mommy, you know how you used to be a teacher? Do you remember how to teach?”

The supplies that I had waiting for when you were ready showed you that I do indeed remember how to teach. Of course, after some time went by it was time to play. In an attempt to show me that you still love Jake and the Never Land Pirates and want more of the toys sets, Bucky, Jake, Izzy, Cubby, Scully, and Captain Hook came out to play.

Wednesday afternoon, I had some alone time with NHL. It was really nice to be able to go to the store and spend some time together. You had so much to tell me about camp, your new friends, and all of the things you had done. You were thrilled with the activities and everything that they taught you there. Thank goodness things lined up just right and you were able to attend. It truly made my heart melt to see you so happy.

Earlier in the week, JSL and I spotted another ladybug by the house. The two of you have been fascinated with them.

As I watched the latest ladybug friend, I stopped to take her photo and felt a sense of hope. Seeing so many ladybugs around the house this summer made me think that perhaps these lucky little critters were a sign of good things coming in the school year ahead. I do hope for this because it is what you both need, what we all need.

Love,

Categories:
Dear Kid Saturday Educational jsl looking back nhl parenting photos school summer

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

Disney Friends

Posted on August 22, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

You’ve got a friend in me… Now that you have the tune in your head, think about Disney friends. Picture certain faces from different places and spaces of Disney history. The possibilities are rather interesting and fun to think a little outside of the box. This week, the theme of the Disney Wordless Wednesday is Disney Friends.