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Perry the Platypus for President

Posted on January 15, 2012 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

We are a Phineas and Ferb family. NHL had a birthday party with them as the theme, the kids have pajamas, shirts, special Disney World Perry shirts, toys and more. It is one of a few programs that we can all sit on the couch to watch, laugh, and enjoy together. Of course, as I type this at the dining room table, the boys are watching one of the new episodes and I hear the new song called Zubada.

This song will now be stuck in my head until the next one plays which is going to be shortly. No doubt, Way of the Platypus will be a song that the boys keep singing over and over.

Sure, we love all of the characters from Phineas and Ferb, but there is something extra special about Perry. Not every pet could be a secret special agent and fight evil. Yes, even Perry got me the other night. After the boys had gone to bed, I was avoiding work. I pulled out NHL’s drawing book and made this to surprise the boys with in the morning. I know it needs work, but not too shabby for a first attempt.

Next, I think I should draw up some Perry for President signs – what do you think?

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Tuesday Tales – Disney Drawing Books

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

Do your children like to draw? My eight year old son, NHL, has caught the drawing bug. I still remember growing up and constantly drawing with the Ed Emberley books. I loved, loved, loved them and would spend hours making the critters and characters in the books come alive. I think these books may have sparked my desire to continue with art classes when in high school. To me, they were great to be creative and relax a bit from the high level science and math courses that I took.

During our February 2010 trip to Walt Disney World, NHL was fascinated with the drawings and animation area at Hollywood Studios. While visiting one of the gift shops, he begged TechyDad and I to allow him to purchase something. It was a giant “How to Draw” book of Disney characters. It looked like a bit much for him, but certainly something he would grow into. As a perk, it was not a plastic toy or new stuffed animal. We bought the book seen above. We pulled the Learn to Draw Disney: Celebrated Characters Collection book out recently and NHL adored it. He kept trying new characters and making up stories to go along with his drawings.

Recently, a Scholastic book order came home and something snagged my attention. There was Learn to Draw Disney Phineas and Ferb Book that I knew NHL would love. This would combine his love for Perry, Doofenshmirtz, and other characters from the show with drawing. I ordered it to put away for Chanukah. TechyDad and I were right, NHL was in love with his new drawing book.

We were impressed with the easy to follow instructions in the book. The new Phineas and Ferb book is actually made by the same Walter Foster publishing company. Inside the book there is a table of contents with all of the characters that you can learn to draw yourself. NHL was excited to see not only Phineas, Ferb, Perry, but also Baljeet, Buford, Jeremy, and many others.

Here is a sneak peek inside the book at drawing Agent P and Dr. Doofenshmirtz:

During one of the days of vacation, we pulled out the drawing books and other items to spending some time inside the warm house. NHL immediately picked a character to draw. Much to my surprise, he picked Buford and got started.

It was fun to watch NHL concentrate and smile when he was finished and had a favorite Phineas and Ferb character drawn on his own paper. Yes, I do believe many hours of drawing fun will continue with this book, and likely more from Walter Foster in our future.

Do you have any drawing books that your family loves? I would love to know. I would also like to hear about what have you read recently? Please be sure to link up to your Tuesday Tales and/or leave a comment below. Include something you read on your own, with a child or someone else. Tuesday Tales are all about spreading the love for books.

Disclosure: As mentioned, we bought both of the books featured in this post. Two Amazon Affiliate links are included. Should someone purchase these from Amazon I will receive a small percentage of the sale. As always, all opinions are my own.

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arts and crafts books Disney looking back me moments nhl photos television Tuesday Tales vacation

Favorite Child Syndrome

Posted on October 19, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Let me begin by saying that this post is inspired by Rene Syler, head GEM or Good Enough Mother. I was lucky enough to meet Rene in March at Disney. In May, I had lunch with her and then saw her earlier this month at SheStreams. The woman tells it like it is and is not afraid to admit that she is not perfect. The reality is that Rene has helped countless other parents, including myself, to accept that being good enough is perfectly acceptable. Rene also reminds us to take care of ourselves so we can be the best we can for our children.

Monday night, Rene mentioned that she was going to be on a segment of Tuesday’s Anderson. The topic of the show Are Parents Playing Favorites? Rene also let all of her GEM fans know about it Tuesday morning. I set the DVR, but happened to be able to catch it and sat there with my mouth on the ground. Here is the show preview from Anderson’s website.

Leading up to the segment with Rene were two parents telling the world that they admit they have a favorite child. Then, we saw video of one mother discussing it with her six children. WHAT?! No really, I could not make this up. Next, Rene came onto the panel:

The one mother stated that she didn’t think that this was going to cause any issues for her children. In the back of my mind, I could see the future therapy bills racking up. As you can see in the clip above, Rene did NOT agree. She kept bringing up the point that we birth our kids and our role should not be to have favorites. The other mother on the panel stated that she had a favorite parent and kids often do. Once again, Rene noted that it is one thing for a child to say this about a parent, but completely different for an adult to say to their child. Amen Rene!

The odd part of this show is the timing. Driving home from school the other day, my eight year old son asked me a question. He wanted to know if I had a favorite child. I told him no I did not. Of course, then I wanted to know why he was asking this. He said he was just wondering and had asked TechyDad the same thing the day before. I told NHL that both of them were my favorite boys. I love both of them with all of my heart, and that even when they may not make the right choices, or do something that makes me upset, it does not mean that they are not a favorite or that I love them less.

I have to say that my parents did an amazing job. My brother and I often joke that one or the other is the favorite child, but neither of us is really serious. I think they knew the importance of this for our growth into the people that we would become. Thank you Mom and Dad!

TechyDad and I always tell the boys that they are our favorite 8 and 4 year olds. The reality is that at any given moment my attention may be with one child over the other, but it is not because of favoritism. Parenting is a balancing act and each day we try to make it work. I am a parent and spread myself to the kiddo that needs it at that moment. Is it perfect? Nope, but that’s the beauty of parenting. We learn from our mistakes and our kids become better humans because of it.

So, what do you think about this subject? Should parents have a favorite child?

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Blogging Conference DisneySMMoms me moments photos real world news TechyDad television

Smurf Filled Memories – Then and Now

Posted on August 6, 2011 12:05 am by TheAngelForever

Dear NHL and JHL,

A few weeks ago, we went to see the new Winnie the Pooh movie. While waiting to get into the theater, I went over to take this photo.

The two of you sat puzzled and curious. Finally, one of you asked what they were and why I was taking the picture. Daddy tried to explain about The Smurfs that we grew up with, but it was kind of hard to explain. Later, as we walked around the mall, we arrived at Build-A-Bear where they were handing out hats for everyone.

You were officially intrigued with Smurfs and seeing what they were about. When we got home, Daddy found the old episodes that we grew up with via Cartoon Network on Demand. Since that time, I have heard a lot of Smurf jokes coming from both of you. You both want to be a certain Smurf and battle Gargamel. Luckily, you have not been singing their song.

Nana had the day off of work on Friday and wanted to take us to see the new Smurf Movie. We arrived at the theaters and who should we see while getting our tickets?

Yes, it was Smurfette and Gutsy Smurf. They must have known we were coming. The two of you were so excited. When we got upstairs by the theater, we saw the birthday room all decked out in Winnie the Pooh and Smurf clings. Since we had time, the two of you had fun standing with them for some pictures (tough since the lighting was odd).

NHL, you were blown away with seeing Clumsy’s feet at the bottom of the Smurf area. He was definitely the Smurf that you were interested in seeing.

JSL, you wanted to see Smurfette and Papa Smurf. Of course, you were very excited to have your photo with Tigger and Eeyore.

When the movie was over, the two of you immediately wanted to see my old Smurf toys. I have to see where they are, but I am sure I kept them. It certainly looks like we will be having some Smurfy days ahead.

Love,

Mommy

_______________________________________

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Disney Junior – Live on Stage!

Posted on May 19, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

During our extended stay at Walt Disney World in March, we knew there was a new show at Hollywood Studios that we had to go to. Just a week or so before we arrived, the park opened up the revamped Disney Junior – Live on Stage! Prior to this, it had been a Playhouse Disney Live show, but was redone to go with the new branding.

The boys knew that Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny, and Little Einsteins would be back. JSL recalled the previous show and was upset that Tigger and Pooh were no longer included. This disappointment quickly went away thanks to something else. A new Jake and the Never Land Pirates part would be in the show and intrigued all of us.

This was especially true after the Disney Junior Party during the Disney Social Media Moms event. That was where the boys met THE Sharkey and Bones.

We knew that this show meant sitting on the floor, surrounded by other parents and children, but it was well worth it. Check out the excitement on JSL’s face just before the Jake and the Never Land Pirates section was coming on:

That happy little guy fell in love with all over again with his Disney Junior friends. Minutes later, the audience got really excited as Jake, Izzy, Cubby, Skully, Sharkey, and Bones came onto the stage.

Before we knew it, it was time for Captain Hook and Mr. Smee to add to the story line.

Now, I am kicking myself for not keeping the video on during the entire show. I will admit – my feet fell asleep sitting on the floor. Man, getting older is the pits. Anyway, thank you to Disney for creating a fun filled and interactive show that is perfect for young children.

Have you seen the Disney Junior Live Show? I would love to hear what you think.

Disclosure: Although we paid for our own trip to Disney World, we were given an incredible deal thanks to Disney. The sweet conference fee included 3 nights at the Grand Floridian, several meals for the entire family, 7 day park hoppers for everyone, conference/meals for me and some other items to take home. Also note that Disney never asked us to blog about this event. As a long time Disney fan, it is my pleasure to share my experiences from the event.