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Tuesday Tales – 2012 Summer Reading Programs

Posted on June 19, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Growing up, I remember spending a lot of time at the library. We would go there to check out new books and sign up for the summer reading program. These days, most local libraries have some kind of reading program for children of all ages to participate in. If you are unsure about programs near you, please contact your local library. In addition to these, many libraries offer enrichment activities for kids to enjoy at little or no cost during the summer months.

Last year, I wrote about going to several events including:

This year, the New York State Libraries are all working around the theme Dream Big READ. More information can be found on the Summer Reading NYS website. Here, you can find booklists, videos, games, crafts, coloring, and more items for elementary aged kids, teens, parents, educators, and even for infant to preschoolers. They also created this video as a PSA:

This summer, both of the boys will be eligible for the same program since JSL will be heading into kindergarten and NHL fourth grade. JSL and I will continue to read Magic Tree House Books together and work on his reading readiness with some picture books. Meanwhile, NHL will probably explore different genres of chapter books. I secretly hope that he will think about reading The Series of Unfortunate Events or perhaps Harry Potter. I do know that we will reinstate the “Reading Ultimatum” that eventually fizzled out some during the homework months.

So, will you be participating in a summer reading program with or without your local library? I would love to know what you do with yours, so please share in the comments below. 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.

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arts and crafts books Educational fun interesting jsl local event looking back nhl photos summer Tuesday Tales

Tuesday Tales – Magic Tree House Books Take 2

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

It is hard for me to believe that my baby has already turned five. This September, JSL will be heading to kindergarten. He loves to learn. I believe that with a little help from his big brother, he may be ready to try reading this summer. JSL adores being read to, but I can tell he wants to take off with a book and try to do it on his own.

The summer before NHL started kindergarten, we spent a lot of time at the library. It was a place to explore, keep cool, and find books to read with both of the boys. This was also the time that we first read The Magic Tree House book series by Mary Pope Osborne. Although I began reading these early chapter books to NHL, TechyDad eventually took over since I was busy with the little guy. It was sad not hearing the stories, but in the back of my mind I knew I would have another chance.

By the time NHL was almost finished with kindergarten, he had read the 40 Magic Tree House books that were already published! The first book was published in 1992 and the 48th book with Jack and Annie will be coming out this July for the 20th Anniversary of the series. It only seems right that JSL and I started reading these books now.

JSL and I sat down over two nights and read Dinosaurs Before Dark and he loved it. He already has demanded to keep reading more about Jack and Annie. I am certainly not going to say no. As a parent and educator, I love the positives in the book. The characters do not give up, they help each other, they think about their surroundings, and they are chock full of educational items. From dinosaurs, to knights, to pirates, and onward he will be learning about literature, people, places, and things from history and the world of science.

Although the books are made up of ten chapters, they are the perfect length to introduce children to longer stories. They are filled with just the right amount of writing and pictures to keep the attention of younger children. In addition to that, the stories connect with one another and will allow kids to really get to know characters and their adventures.

I know that JSL and I will continue reading these books. Even NHL has joined in to listen since it has been a while since he enjoyed them. Before I know it, the little guy will probably be reading the books to me. For now, I will enjoy our time together as we see where Jack and Annie are off to next. Who knows, maybe we will even be able to check out the Magic Tree House play one of these days.

Are you a Magic Tree House fan? I would love to know what other books you like to read with your preschoolers that are getting ready for school. 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. Tuesday Tales are all about spreading the love for books.

Categories:
books Educational milestone school summer Tuesday Tales

Razor Scooter Surprise

Posted on May 20, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Everyone had been asking what JSL wanted for his fifth birthday. The reality is that he only asked for one item. We cringed at his one request, but figured that walkie talkies would be a lot of fun for the kids to use outside this summer.

We were left with no real ideas and relatives asking for suggestions. When my mother and I went shopping, something clicked while walking down an aisle. JSL has been asking for his kiddie scooter to ride. Unfortunately, it was not in the best of shape after two kids and he is just too big for it. Check out the birthday boy’s face when he opened up his gift Monday afternoon:

JSL was beyond excited to try out his new Razor Scooter. Thanks to rain most of the week, we never had a chance to do that. Yesterday, the weather was beautiful, so we packed up the box to take out and try with JSL’s new helmet.

It truly was priceless watching JSL try to figure out where he wanted the handles, how to place his foot, and whether or not he was going too quickly. I do think he will be doing tricks before I know it since the kiddo has no fear and likes to try things other children are doing.

I guess I should enjoy this stage, especially thanks to the big smiles JSL provided from sheer happiness.

Yes, seeing my little guy smile made my entire day!

It's Me

Categories:
birthday decisions family fun jsl me moments milestone photos shopping summer weekend

Sports Time for Kids

Posted on March 8, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

While touring the main room of the Kidz Expo at the Empire State plaza this weekend, it reminded me that this is the time that we need to sign our children up for sports and even look at summer camp options. With two young boys, I have a feeling we will be registering for soccer and possibly karate. The return of more consistent mild temperatures shows that spring is just around the corner. The robins have returned to the area and soon children will be out and about on playgrounds, fields, and beyond.

For those of us living in the Capital Region, it is time to dust off the sports equipment. Then, we need to figure out what activities our children want to do before summer break and sign them up. Does your child prefer baseball, softball, karate, swim lessons, tennis, soccer, or something completely different. There really are so many possibilities these days for our children to try.

I still remember going with my parents to the old Westland Hills Park as a child. We spent many spring days at practice and games. The memories I have of parades, fun with friends, and banquets for trophies at the end of the season are priceless. When I look back at the photos of those days, it still makes me smile.

In addition to the physical fitness benefits from participating in a sport, there are many other items that your child will learn. The activity will also help them to get energy out and reduce some stresses that exist in their life.

Teamwork Time

For kids that participate in group sports, it allows them to be part of a larger team with a goal of working together. Your child belongs to a group and together they have common interests on and off the field. This time also allows them to learn to encourage their friends and cheer them on. Often, being part of a team gives a child the opportunity to shine in one way or another, even if they are not the best at the sport. Sports help develop teamwork and leadership skills. It does not take long for the kids to see that they have to work together and communicate for success.

Life Lessons

No matter what sport you play, you must develop some sort of self discipline. Listening to your Karate teacher, following the instruction of your coach, or taking time our of your day to practice. Kids realize that they must do these items to accomplish their goals and see it makes them feel good. Whether playing baseball, running track, or swimming in a league – kids see after time that winning is not everything. Kids that are part of a sporting ritual see that sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. Understanding the importance of being a good sport whether you win or lose is a major life lesson for children in elementary school. We all know it is not nice to gloat or be a sore loser. Participating in a sport helps children to see how others cope with disappointments, successes, and keep going.

What sports do your children participate in? Please chime in on the comments below and let me know so I can check into them for my kiddos. Always looking for new and exiting options for our family and no doubt others are as well.

Disclosure: Parts of this post were previously used on another project, but new additions have been made to update it.

Categories:
exercise looking back play time summer

The Year that was 2011

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

It is hard to believe that 2012 is here. Once again, the year went by with a lot of fun, photos, and memories. Here are just some of the highlights from the year that was 2011.

January:

Mother Nature started her tricks with a lot of snow that came our way. We had fun making memories with the sled in our own yard.
I started writing Education posts at The Disney Driven Life and introduced it to everyone. Thank you to J.L. for the amazing opportunity. I look forward to getting back on track in 2012.
NHL lost three more teeth during the first three months of the year. Much relief as they came out without dental assistance.

February 2011:

The Snowpacalypse welcomed the month of February threatening 18-30 inches of snow. It left lots of the white stuff and tons of ice damage. Our neighbors probably had a laugh with knee-highs on our roof.
With all of the freezing cold, even the little guy was trying to ride Tony Pony to Disney World to escape. Of course, we were gearing up for Disney Social Media Moms Celebration 2011 in March.
We continued to take the boys to introduce them to hockey. They had a blast checking out all of the extras between the on ice action.

March 2011:

Mother Nature teased us with warmth to melt snow mountains early in the month, only to knock us down with an ice storm to remember. Crackling trees and ice pelting the house is hard to listen to in the dark.
A magical trip to Walt Disney World for the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration allowed me to see amazing friends, learn, and have fun with my family. Lots of items from that trip were shared throughout the months ahead.
Of course, the reality world hit hard once we got back from our magical adventure. Tough decisions were ahead and left my head spinning. All of this made me remember the wise words of Rene Syler – The Good Enough Mother.

April 2011:

Passover preparations were dominant this month. Making lists, shopping, and getting the house ready. Of course, we also captured memories of the holiday itself.
Lots of moments where I wished I was not the adult who had to make decision. Thank goodness, JSL helped to keep me smiling along the way.
A routine visit to the dentist for NHL revealed the need to see an orthodontist. We made the appointment for several months later in June, but knew the missing adult tooth was going to be something to contend with.

May 2011:

Even moms need field trips. Yes, the weekend before Mother’s Day, Cutestkidever and I jumped into the car for a lunch date with Rene Syler.
JSL’s 4th birthday and new love for Jake and the Never Land Pirates required working on a theme for his party. Supplies were bought and cupcakes were made.
The sun coming back also provided an opportunity to test out our new grill, plant some veggies, and attempt to regrow our front lawn.

June 2011:

After taking NHL out of a school he had been in since kindergarten, TechyDad and I watched as our second grader started to flourish in a new school. Once again, we started to believe in the education system. This entire drama made it SO hard to bite my tongue and keep a lot of things to myself.
Father’s Day we spent a fun day together. We had lunch out, went mini-golfing, and had dinner with Nana and Papa. It reminded me of how special these moments together are.
The end of June marked a major milestone for TechyDad and me. We celebrated out 10th wedding anniversary. Memories of our special day, honeymoon at Walt Disney World, and everything over the ten years together came flooding back. Of course, the day of our actual anniversary was a house nightmare. A plumbing fix resulted in us moving out for several days.

July 2011:

The month started with a visit out to see my brother and his family for 4th of July. While there, we went cherry picking and beat our previous record. A day at Niagara Falls was also included in the fun adventures.
Both of the boys were home with me for the entire summer. We looked for fun activities to do. We often ended up at the library for learning and crafting.
We also spent a lot of time at Michaels crafting our way around the world. Yes, Michaels and Crayola teamed up to make a great passport of crafts for kids to do that were mostly free. The kids learned so much and we found some great new crafts to try later on.

August 2011:

At the end of July, we started to think about a magical getaway to celebrate our 10th anniversary. Shortly after this, we booked a fantastic trip to relive our honeymoon at Walt Disney World. Everything was planned from the hotel, dining, and place for the kids to stay over Labor Day.
NHL turned 8 in August and requested lion cupcakes. We documented the construction process and birthday celebration.
The end of the month was heart breaking. We watched as Hurricane Irene wrecked havoc up and down the east coast. Thanks to the fear of the kids being stuck with no power and our flight getting canceled, we postponed our big trip to Disney. Being responsible adults was tough.

September 2011:

The boys started back to school after Labor Day. NHL loved his new school and was settling into third grade. JSL thrived at his familiar nursery school and we had lots of fun going apple picking with his class.
As a Type-A personality, I am a planner. So it was very rare for me to pack up in just a few days notice to head to New York City for the first ever SheStreams Conference. It was an amazing time seeing friends, learning, and getting away for a weekend. A huge thank you to all of those that made it a magical and empowering weekend.

October 2011:

As a third grader, NHL started to take band in school. He picked percussion instruments and drum practice even got a Disney touch thanks to Nana and Papa.
During the month of October, two large packages arrived to host parties. The boys loved learning and playing with LeapFrog items during the Learn, Create, and Share Party. The LeapPad had been an amazing addition to our family learning electronics. HexBugs also invaded our house for some glow-in-the-dark holiday fun.
Halloween was a lot of fun thanks to everyone staying healthy. NHL was Darth Vader, JSL was Jedi Tigger, and even TechyDad dressed up. Of course, Snowtober threatened to make things more interesting just a day before heading out.

November 2011:

The start of the month meant going to a fun event for bloggers at Price Chopper, headquarters. The Price Chopper Holiday Cheer afternoon showcased endless holiday entertaining ideas. Of course, I wanted to highlight the Decadent Desserts line.
This was also the month that my entire family fell in love with Susan Egan. I had been lucky enough to see Susan at Disney Social Media Moms in March, but her new CD review was a hit in our house. My little guy even had a crush on her and certainly did care more than Nina.
The boys learned about what an aufruf is and spent a lot of time with family in November during Thanksgiving weekend.

December 2011:

The month began with full on Muppet madness in our house. The boys have always loved the Muppets, but the anticipation of the new movie brought it on even more. There was Muppets mania clothing style and lots of Muppet music playing in our house. Heck, I even tossed in some fun Muppets nail polish. Bringing things from our childhood back are so much fun.
Chanukah was more quiet this year as we focused on time with each other, festive music, watching the menorah glow, and less attention on presents.
A surprise trip to Build-A-Bear workshop introduced our family to Snowflake and Clumsy. Snowflake has been on a lot of adventures and even requested a beary special knitted scarf.

There were so many other things that made 2011 special and amazing. Thank goodness that is what archives are for. We can look back, laugh, cry, remember, and reflect.

What are some of your favorite part of the year that was 2011?