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A Coloring Giraffe

In a few weeks, I will be the mother of a nine year old. This is hitting me hard because, in a year, my kiddo will be in the double digit years. In an attempt to figure out some ideas for NHL’s birthday present, we went out in the rain to Toys R Us. While NHL and I were looking at some school supplies, we noticed someone rather tall coming from behind us. We called for JSL and he came over to get a photo with a very special giraffe. Geoffrey Giraffe at Toys R Us

Geoffrey was beyond patient and posed for two photos with NHL alone, and then the boys together. He even got down to their level for a sweet photo. Little did he know that we are big giraffe fans.

While I was looking at things for NHL’s Muppet birthday party, the boys went over to a table to do some coloring. Shortly after I went to look at them, someone else joined the table.

Geoffrey Giraffe coloring

The boys were alone and coloring with Geoffrey for quite a while. I have to say, this is one talented giraffe. He was able to color neatly and stay in the lines. Meanwhile, my little artist was showing his latest style of coloring. JSL seems to be going more abstract these days. Rather than stick with simply blue, he likes to maximize color exploration. It may look like scribbling, but he is very exact about the destination of each color and section it is placed into.

Coloring Geoffrey Giraffe

After coloring, we went to explore the store for a little while. NHL gave us a few ideas, some Legos and Nintendo DS games. Still, we need to try to get other ideas before his big day. Until then, I will be switching my attention to TechyDad. His birthday is in less than a week – yikes!

It's Me

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Crocs a Colorado Company with Heart

I am a big fan of buying products from companies that support their community. Our family owns a lot of Crocs. I have sandals, wedges, Mary Janes, and other items. I bought my father a pair with the Dodgers logo and a pair of Yankees ones for TechyDad. I almost always wear one pair or another while visiting Disney World. Recently, we noticed that the boys Mickey Mouse Crocs that we purchased last year were nearly too small. Thanks to this, the kids got fun Crocs.

Lego Crocs

Unfortunately, the ones for JSL were too big. Since we were not close to the outlet to return them, I went online the other night to check out new options. The perfect pair of Toy Story Crocs were available in his size. I ordered them. The following day, I received an e-mail from Crocs that warmed my heart.

Crocs is a company based in Colorado. We all know about the tragedy that happened in the  Aurora, Colorado community. From now until July 31st, Crocs will be donating $5.00 to benefit the Aurora Victim Relief Fund on GivingFirst.org.

So, if you were looking to get new Crocs for the rest of the summer, back to school, or some other occasion – now is the time. I am simply writing this because I wanted to share about company that is reaching out and has in the past across the globe. Now, they are once again helping those within their own state and we can do our part as well.

It's Me

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Deal E-mails for Savings and Fun

Raise your hand if you receive daily e-mails from Groupon. My e-mail not only has something from Groupon each and every day, it also has items from Living Social and Double Take Deals. There are probably a few others, but these three seem to have had some great local and national deals in recent weeks.

Just before Passover, I bought the boys subscriptions for the National Wildlife Federation magazines through Living Social. It was a very good deal and was the perfect Afikomen gift. The boys have been keeping up on animals with Big Backyard and Ranger Rick. The best part is they love reading and getting something special in the mail.

Ranger Rick and Big Backyard Magazine

In the past, we have also bought deals for local bakeries to have an extra special treat at Fluffalicious or Sweet Temptations. For a while, nothing really caught my eye. A week or so ago, I saw a half off coupon for a local restaurant that we really enjoy. I bought two of those and we used one of them for lunch this weekend.

This weekend, I bought two other deals. TechyDad and I are hoping to go on a date night one day soon. We have never been to The Melting Pot and have always wanted to try it. Thanks to Living Social, I bought a $30 voucher to use for $15. Not too shabby for a fun and different date.

While looking for something to do with the kids, a Groupon for frozen yogurt store that is new to the area caught my eye. My parents told me that they had tried it while visiting my brother once. We bought a deal and used it for something special after shopping on Sunday. Enter Lemon Tree Frozen Yogurt into our lives.

So many options different froyo flavors and lots and lots of toppings.

Froyo toppings at Lemon Tree

The boys had a lot of fun experimenting with items since we had the amazing Groupon deal. Check out the fun look at Lemon Tree:

Lemon Drop Froyo

The coupon e-mail deals are a great way to try a new location for fun, food, or something else. What deals have you tried and enjoyed with one of these companies? If you know of other great deal websites, please share below.

It's Me

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A Kermit Sized Surprise

Dear JSL,

Last Sunday, I decided to head out just with you. Our goal had been to look for a birthday present for NHL. Since the three of us are together every day, it is hard to shop and make things a surprise. When I asked you where you wanted to go, you said to the mall with Build-A-Bear. I agreed to take you there, but told you that we would only look.

Papa Smurf, Kermit, Miss Piggy

When we walked into Build-A-Bear, I watched to see if you noticed the bin of Papa Smurf dolls sitting there. After a while, you stared to ask to make something. You saw Kermit, a cute bear with stars, and then Papa Smurf. You had been asking for Papa Smurf since he came out just after you made Snowflake.

I sent a text message to Daddy. I mentioned that you had some birthday money and perhaps if you really wanted something after your rough week we could let you. When Daddy agreed, you were not sure if it was a trick. Then, you narrowed it down to two choices.

Build-A-Bear Decisions

After some time to think about it, you decided that you really wanted to bring Kermit home to your friends. Yes, Kermit had a special place in your heart because he was also a puppet. We both had a lot of fun together during this time. I think to this day you are still shocked that you were able to make him.

 Kermit the Frog at Home

In the end, the smiles on your face, the laughter, and the adventures that Kermit has been on have made it even more of a wonderful experience. I can’t wait to watch Kermit continue to bring you comfort. More about our fun making him soon.

Love,

Mommy

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2012 School Supply List – Grade 4

If you have been to Target, Walmart, Staples, or pretty much any other retailer recently, you would see a trend. Back to school aisles and sections are popping up and have been since late June. This is especially alarming in New York State, where most children and teachers are in classrooms through June 22.

School supply shopping

As someone who used to have a classroom of her own, I remember sitting with the ads making a list of what sales I wanted to get to for my room supplies. Now, I sit here as the parent of a soon to be fourth grader and kindergartener. As of today, I only have a school supply list for NHL who is going into the fourth grade in September.

Some Third Grade Supplies

Showing the list has become a tradition that I have done on my blog since he started school. So here is NHL’s list for the 2012-2013 academic year:

  • 2 Black and White Composition Notebooks
  • Red, Green, Yellow, Purple, and Blue Composition Notebooks
  • Red, Green, Yellow, Purple, and Blue Poly Folders
  • Take home folder
  • 2” 3 ring binder
  • Wide rule paper (will keep supplying throughout the year)
  • Pencils  (no specific number mentioned)
  • Erasers
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • 2 Highlighters
  • Colored markers, 24 box of crayons/pencils
  • Pencil Pouch
  • Glue Sticks (no number again)
  • 2 Boxes of Tissues
  • 2 Rolls of Paper Towels
  • 1 Box of Wipes
  • 2 Dry Erase Markers
  • 1 Clean/old sock
  • 1 Bic four-color Pen
  • $$ for classroom magazine and agenda book
    Like last year, the kids are starting to color code by subjects as they get closer to middle school. This is a smart move that will help them to become more aware and responsible. Everything looks relatively typical in the scheme of things. I am very intrigued to see how they utilize the binder since that is new to fourth grade.
    School Supply Stash

My first step will be to raid my classroom boxes like the one above. I know we will not need to buy pencils, glue sticks, highlighters, or erasers. NHL’s scissors, ruler, and pencil pouch still look like they are brand new and will be recycled as well. Update since I started drafting this post: I went to Staples and Target and began shopping. There are some great deals out there and I wish I had the list for the kindergarten kiddo.

2012 School Supplies

I will definitely be watching the sales flyers to get the composition notebooks, folders, and coloring supplies. As I have stated before, I am a Crayola snob. Sure the other brands are cheaper at the start, but they do not last nearly as well. I learned this one the hard way in my own classroom.

So what are on your school supply lists? Have you found any really great sales yet? Please share below. The teacher in me is always a geek when it comes to school supplies.

It's Me

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