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Favorite Disney Characters

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

Growing up in a family that loves Disney, we always had favorite characters. Of course, they would change depending on my age when I was little. I loved Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and then the year Epcot opened, I feel in love with Figment. He was just the cutest thing, especially when paired with Dreamfinder.

Once I was in high school I feel head over heels in love with a positively pessimistic guy who stole my heart. I collected Eeyore items at the Disney Store, Disney World, and he had a special place in my classroom as well. Here is a photo of me with Eeyore at The Crystal Palace breakfast last year.

I thought it would be fun to see who the boys like these days. TechyDad will be writing a post about who he likes this week.

A few months away from his fifth birthday, JSL took no time to reply. He immediately shared his love for Buzz Lightyear and Tigger. How funny that I have a photo of him chatting with Tigger from our last trip while wearing his favorite Buzz Lightyear shirt.

I think JSL has a special place in his heart for Tigger since he was the one he connected to on his second birthday at The Crystal Palace. Prior to Tigger letting JSL honk his nose, he was very much afraid of the characters walking around the parks.

NHL was not as quick to list people. He mentioned several characters from Phineas and Ferb. I know he can not wait to meet the title characters at Hollywood Studios. Last time we were there, they had not moved into their new home at Walt Disney World. Then, NHL surprised me and mentioned Piglet. I think this is again from our first trip in 2009 when the boys really liked the easy going nature of the characters at The Crystal Palace.

The second character he mentioned was Captain Hook. Of course, once JSL heard this – the pirate was added onto his list as well . . . along with others from Jake and the Never Land Pirates.

No doubt that another adventure to Walt Disney World will change some of these favorites or add on many more for the boys. So, who are your favorite Disney characters and why?

P.S. A huge thank you to Mariana from The Domestic Buzz for creating this magical Blog Hop! The link will be within this post the day after it is published.

Categories:
Disney DisneySMMoms jsl looking back me moments nhl photos travel vacation

Celebrating Platypus Day

Posted on March 4, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Did you know that yesterday was Platypus Day? Over the last few weeks, we had heard that Radio Disney was going to be at the Hannaford Kidz Expo held at the Empire State Plaza.

Since Saturday was Platypus Day, they were focusing their area of the Expo with Phineas and Ferb. To get into the spirit, all three of the boys wore one of their Perry shirts to unite with Agent P. The people at Radio Disney loved this and commented to everyone, including TechyDad. The kids had fun searching for the clues that were hidden for an Agent P Scavenger Hunt. This was one of the signs hidden at the event.

When we got home, I made sure to get a photo of the boys with their Agent P masks and the Phineas and Ferb shirts that they wore in honor of Platypus Day.

Although very crowded, it was a lot of fun. More about the Kidz Expo coming soon from TechyDad when he shares JSL checking out friends from Reptile Adventure. NHL and I had seen them over the summer when JSL did not want to go. I do believe this may have been a favorite for the little kiddo.

Did you do anything special for Platypus Day? Would love to hear all about it, or about your adventure at Kidz Expo if you were there.

It's Me

Categories:
animals Disney fun jsl local event nhl photos TechyDad weekend

Finally Some Snowy Fun

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

Dear NHL and JSL,

I know the two of you do not understand how I could possibly dislike the snow. Both of you will probably understand that a lot more once you have to drive in it and own a home. Of course, I can remember being a kid and making snow forts and playing outside for hours at a time with my friends. This winter, I have watched the two of you celebrate when you see a snow flake form, only to realize that there was nothing to go outside and play with.

That certainly changed this week when we doubled the winter snowfall in a 24 hour period. Finally, the two of you would be able to test out new winter gear and romp in the snow. Of course, that had to wait a day. I was not feeling well during the snow day and both of you were so sweet taking care of me. I promised you before school on Friday that if it was not raining you would have time outside.

Once NHL was out of school, we ran into the house and got everything on you and then went outside to check out the snow. I have to admit, this was amazing snow for building things. It had just enough moisture to make perfect snowballs.

The two of you played, ran, dug, slid, and so much more. Watching you smile, concentrate, and hearing the laughter was worth my numb toes.

Of course, I had to laugh when you both noticed the spot on the lawn that was perfect with no marks in it. JSL immediately immediately tossed his body down and went into perfect snow angel form. NHL was not into this, instead you just plunked down and looked around taking everything in.

It may have been cold, but it was fun watching the two of you enjoy the time together being creative in the snow. I promise not to complain too much next time it snows – well, not for too long.

Love,

Mommy

Categories:
Dear Kid Saturday fun jsl laughs looking back nhl photos school weather winter

So this is Winter

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

Earlier in the week, I had almost forgotten about that white stuff that falls from the sky.

Of course, I know where we live and it is hard to forget the snow from last year. This could have been the least snowy on record for February, but it was not meant to be. No, that funny 29th day killed that plan thanks to Mother Nature sending us a dose of reality. As of Tuesday, we had only received .6” of snow during the month. With a storm coming on Leap Day, we were going to easily go over the 1.2” record.

The photo above was taken right before I went to get JSL from preschool on Wednesday. The snow had started quickly and was making an impact. By about 4:00, it looked like this outside the house:

Thank goodness we all made it home safely, although skidding on the road was an issue. This morning, schools throughout the area were closed for the first time this season. The boys stayed home with me as more snow fell. After lunch, I went out to take some photos and get rid of the giant boulders of snow at the bottom of the driveway from the plows.

So my question to you this week:

How has the winter been by you? Mild, typical, snowy, tropical, or something in between. Share below and let me know what you think.

It's Me

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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 #193

Categories:
Aloha Friday me moments messy photos weather winter

A Goal Met – Evolution Fitness NY

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

About eight years ago, I met a group of wonderful women in my Capital District Moms group. Together, we have shared stories, inspired each other, and been a shoulder to cry on when needed. The founder of the group was Debi Condon. Over the years, I have watched this amazing woman change her path in life and follow her dreams. She balances family life, being an entrepreneur, and healthy living all while showing others that it can be done. I hope to be one of these women that Debi kicks into gear because I know I need to do this for me. The following is a guest post from this phenomenal lady. Thank you Debi for sharing your story and helping others.

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Have you been wanting to fit into those special pair of jeans, but notice that they just not fitting right any longer? Or what about playing outside with the kids? Are you finding you are getting short of breath trying to keep up with them? Have you just been denying that you should make the time for yourself to get back in shape? Always coming up with an excuse, saying I’ll start tomorrow, or when the baby goes down for a nap?

That was me 6 years ago. I was a mom of 3 kids all under the age of 5. I had let the post pregnancy weight stay on me and then some and I made every excuse in the book. If there was an excuse I had it: laundry to be done, dishes to put away, the house to be cleaned, errands to be done or me to just have some “down” time. I found I was constantly putting everyone first and not making the time for myself! My eating habits were not all the greatest. I would pick at whatever my kids didn’t finish, or snack all day long. I did not have the words vegetables or portion control in my vocabulary!

In December 2006, a neighbor asked me if I would like to join Weight Watchers with her and I gave her a “sure I’ll check it out with you” response. I’m not sure why I decided to go and waste the money but I did. I kept going each week with her. Each week I learned a little bit about myself and a little bit about how to make the changes I needed to make to be healthier for my kids and myself. With each passing week, I saw the weight coming off! By July 2007, I had hit my lifetime goal weight and had lost 31lbs. At that time, I started exploring Sparkpeople more often and learning about strength training, eating clean and ways to maintain my weight loss. I started having friends and family members asking me for advice and steps they should take to change their lives around. Leading me to make the decision to pursue my certification as a Personal Trainer & Fitness Nutritionist.

In April 2009, I began the process of starting my own personal training business: Evolution Fitness. I first started teaching beginner boot camp classes and then began working with individual clients. Evolution Fitness offers 1-1 personal training sessions, nutritional guidance, small group training sessions, boot camp classes, TRX training, corporate classes, and seminars. Coming soon I will be offering Zumba classes and Wellness coaching.

You are probably wondering what boot camp class is – probably thinking I’m dressed in Army fatigues, have a whistle and yelling at each participant! That is FAR from the truth! Boot camp is a 1 hour class combining cardio and strength training in each class. We are in 1 big group setting, laughing, talking, and telling jokes: anything to help each participant get through the 1 hour class and away from the thinking of what they are doing. It is designed to push your body out of your comfort zone and take your fitness to the next level. The participants in these classes really form a camaraderie amongst each other: helping to hold each other accountable, offer the support needed to keep going, and help each other through any exercises.

Each of you has the potential of changing your life. Each of you has different goals and no matter what they are, Evolution Fitness can help!

Commit to making one change at a time. If you overwhelm yourself with too many changes, you are more likely to throw in the towel. Change won’t happen overnight, so be patient, be persistent & be consistent.

For more information about Evolution Fitness head to their Facebook page, Google+ page, catch them on Twitter, and feel free to e-mail Debi –> debi@evolutionfitnessny.com