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Making Mini Golf Memories

Posted on July 5, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

There is something extra special about going back to a place that you went to as a child with your own children. Add in going with your parents to watch them with the grandkids, and it is even more magical. On the fourth of July, TechyDad was working to move his office to a new location. Nana and Papa decided to surprise the kids by taking them to a Golden Pond Miniature Golf in Clifton Park.

The place has not changed much since I went there as a child. They have kept it clean, in good condition, and possibly even made some improvements. While walking around, I had visions of my brother and I learning to avoid the water hazards, getting a hole in one in a certain location, and bringing our neighborhood friends there to enjoy.

On the flip side, I watched my father assist the kids with holding the golf club the right way. I saw my mother smile as I recalled certain items. Then, there was the laughter, running, and smiling from my boys.

Although we missed TechyDad, we had a great time beating the heat on the shady golf course. I know the kids will definitely want to head back here again and I am sure we will. For me, it was not only about making new memories with my boys, but also reliving some special times from my childhood. It is always nice when a location from your past lives up to your expectations of years gone by.

What did you do with your family on the 4th of July?

Categories:
family fun holidays jsl Local Business looking back me moments nhl photos

Tuesday Tales – Vote For Me

Posted on July 3, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

I rarely talk about politics on my blog or in general. The other day, I actually mentioned that I would love a filter on Facebook to get rid of the political chatter that I keep seeing from so many after the Supreme Court ruling. Reality check, this is only going to get worse on Twitter, Facebook, the news, and beyond as we head into a presidential election. Please hold me!

While at the library the other day, something caught my eye and now I do believe I may buy this book to give to adults, especially politicians.

Vote for Me! by Ben Clanton (link to the author’s fun website with more of his work) is a perfect read for children and adults heading into this election year. Although the target audience is 4-8 year old children, I think it may be even better for older children who are studying elections at school. Let’s be honest here, kids hear the negativity, whether they read the newspaper, see the national news, or listen to their parents. They are taking all of this in and this book will show them in a nice way how foolish both side look, how we need to work together, and can compare read world items to Donkey and Elephant. This could lead to conversations about how they think candidates should talk about their views of the important issues, rather than simply name calling and saying what is wrong with the the other person.

Here is an extended book trailer of Vote for Me! from Kids Can Press that gives you a nice version of the story. If you are wondering, you have to read the book to find out how it ends.

The book is definitely a satire, but it does strike a nerve with readers that are fed up with the campaign tactics that we see these days. I highly recommend this for adults (especially politicians) to read with some younger children to see the light. TechyDad and I both read this book with our boys and we had a lot of laughs. My guess is that NHL will appreciate it even more once they start to talk about the election in fourth grade this fall. A little bit of caution, beware your children may use some of the name calling that is “funny” in the book. Sunday, the boys were calling each other Booger Breath several times. We ignored it hoping it would fade away.

As always, Tuesday Tales are all about spreading the love for books. What have you read recently? Please be sure to link up to your book posts in the comments below. Include something you read on your own, with a child, or someone else.

Disclosure: As mentioned, the book was taken out of the library and I am thinking of gifting it to some of my political friends this election day. One Amazon affiliate link is included and should you purchase the book mentioned I will receive a small percentage from the sale. As always, all opinions are my own.

Categories:
books photos Product review real world news Tuesday Tales

Finding Nemo Life Lessons

Posted on July 2, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Some days you just need to try to put things into perspective. The reality of life may be hard to swallow, but sometimes transforming it into a familiar Disney story can help make you smile. Today, Finding Nemo will remind us to:

Sometimes, we must keep moving across a great distance to get to the other side of an obstacle. Though there are times that I wish I could forget everything like Dory, her message rings in my head over and over again. We must “Just Keep Swimming” past the tough times which will make us appreciate family and friends.

It is during those quiet times with our family that we can sit and appreciate the beauty of the world around us, even if it feels like we may be stuck in a mass of coral looking at the world beyond our reach.

Of course, there are moments that will teach us to let go. To allow ourselves to keep swimming, set new goals, seek assistance, and allow Mr. Rays in the world to show us the great beyond.

Although it may be easy to beat yourself up, you have to pick yourself up and get through the current of life. There is no such thing as failure if you use it as a life lesson. Not everything can go right day in and day out. We have to think like Crush because…

As you can see, Nemo and friends can certainly remind you of some important life lessons. What others can you think of from Nemo or another Disney movie that help you to put things into perspective and push through a rough patch?

It's Me

Categories:
Disney me moments Movies photos vent

Faux Tattoo Fun

Posted on June 30, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Dear NHL and JSL,

The summer of 2012 may be dubbed the season of faux tattoos in our house. We have bought some in the past, but neither of you were really interested in them. The Avengers ones that I bought you for Chanukah sat for months unopened. Last week, one of you asked to buy some Toy Story tattoos from Michaels while we were there for an event. I said sure. The next thing I knew, you each had three tattoos, while I had one.

I am not sure what changed your interest in them. I have a feeling it may be thanks to seeing your cousins wearing them at JSL’s pirate party. It has been fun watching the two of you debate between Toy Story, Avengers, and other random tattoos that we have around the house from over the years.

No matter what tattoo you pick, I will love you both to infinity and beyond!

Love,

Categories:
Dear Kid Saturday Disney fun jsl nhl photos summer

On the Wall at the GYN

Posted on June 29, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

When I head to the doctor’s office, I rarely pay attention to the art on the wall. Most of the time, I am wrangling children, reading a book (if lucky enough to be alone), or catching up on e-mail (hello smart phone). There could be some amazing art on the walls, but I’m sorry to admit they are usually wasting their money trying to impress me with it.

All of this may have changed the other day. I had my annual gynecologist appointment. After I put on my magical paper gown, flicked the ready switch, covered my legs over, I sat with nothing to do but wait. Everything else was on the chair with my clothing. Suddenly, I looked up on the wall to this:

The next thing I knew, I was laughing. It was like I was a middle school student in a health class. I knew that I had to pull myself together before my exam. I also knew that I HAD to take a photo there was a blog post here.

Did you notice what made me laugh? If not, take a close look at the artists name. I am not making fun of it, just think it’s hilarious since I was sitting with stirrups starring me down in a paper gown. It made me wonder if they had done it on purpose. Perhaps to see if patients were paying attention and to provide a little comic relief since so many people get anxious while waiting within this type of medical practice. I think I like this more than the anatomy posters or ads for different medications. It made me think and laugh at the same time.

So my question to you this week:

Do you look on the walls while waiting for your doctor? I would love to know if you have ever noticed anything like this. It really makes me wonder if others may be doing similar hidden funnies for patients to find.

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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.