The Angel Forever

Passover Ponderings

Posted on March 28, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Although our two Seders are over, Passover continues until early next week. During our second Seder, I took a few photos of the boys and other items. When looking back at them, it got me thinking.

Whine about Wine

I may be an adult, but I am not a fan of most wines. Sit me with the kids and pour me a glass of grape juice because that is my preferred “wine” for Pesach.

Charoset Bonds the Family

Charoset on the Seder plate symbolizes the mortar that the Israelites used to make bricks when enslaved in Egypt. It seems only fitting then that Charoset is the single item that everyone in our family enjoys. Nobody complains and everyone gobbled it up.

Acting out the Seder is Fun

Getting the kids involved the second night was important. We were more relaxed since the food was prepared and everyone could enjoy. This meant that the 10 Plague Finger Puppets came out. JSL helped us to pull them out and model them as they were recited.

Not to be outdone by the finger puppets, the first born males in our family reenacted the tenth and final plague of the Seder. We may have been a bit silly, but the boys were learning and we were sharing history and making traditions.

Our Seder may not have been fancy, but it was special both nights because of the loved ones with us and memories made.

Categories:
family holidays

Disney Hat Memories

Posted on March 27, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Growing up, I have had a lot of different Disney hats. Of course, when TechyDad and I went to Walt Disney World on our honeymoon, it continued. Now, with our boys, we have passed along this magical tradition on with them. So many hats for us and on characters throughout the park. There are countless memories and not enough times to wear all of the hats that we own. Here are a few of our Disney hat moments that capture the spirit of the theme this week.

Be sure to stop by Focused on the Magic by clicking on the button above to join in the Disney magic this week.

Categories:
Disney travel vacation

Views of Passover Preparations

Posted on March 26, 2013 10:38 am by TheAngelForever

Getting ready for Passover can be a whirlwind. TechyDad is really in charge of most of it, since he is the stickler for the kosher for Passover rules. This year, we were having a Seder at our house the first night, also my parent’s 40th Anniversary. We seemed ahead of schedule on a lot and the pressure was off.

After all of the cleaning was done and the charoset was made and chilling, we started to peel hardboiled eggs and get vegetables ready for the Quinoa Pilaf.

Then, we got a little silly while putting the brisket into the oven. I think the fact that we are usually 95% vegetarian at home may have had something to do with this.

Once everything was in the oven and almost prepared, it was time to set the Seder table. We went with simple, easy, and not too fancy.

To all those celebrating with their families Chag Pesach Sameach.

It's Me

Categories:
family food glorious food holidays

40th Anniversary Wishes

Posted on March 25, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

40 years ago today, two very important people in my life got married. Yes, my parents are celebrating their 40th anniversary today. The two of them are such an important part of our lives.

The two of them have always been there for me. They listened to me when I made a change in careers during college to follow my dreams. My parents have also been there with TechyDad and I since we were dating, planning our wedding, and started our family. No matter what time of day or night, I know they will be there for us. Nana and Papa have been with us for the birth of the kids, met and or taken us to the emergency room when a kiddo was sick, and celebrated magical memories at Walt Disney World with us twice.

It only seems fitting that the people that started my love for all things Mickey Mouse and Disney got to be with the boys for their first trip. Then, last year, it made me the happiest to be able to invite my parents with us to a special event in Orlando. They never blinked about taking the boys into the parks alone so TechyDad and I could go to the conference. Instead, they were like kids themselves watching in wonder at the events unfold. I saw just how amazing and magical Walt Disney World is for my parents.

The two of them enjoyed time with all of us, just the kids, and they walked miles exploring all of the parks as a couple. It did not surprise us when they started to look at a destination to go for their 40th Anniversary Celebration. Of course, it will be Walt Disney World in the not too distant future.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad. May there be many more happy and healthy years together making magical memories together.

Categories:
Disney family milestone

My Own Little Roger Rabbit

Posted on March 22, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

TechyDad and I both love to share movies and parts of our childhood with the boys. One of our latest is Roger Rabbit. While NHL had seen it before, JSL had never really sat down to watch it. Of course, he had met a giant Roger while visiting Walt Disney World.

Granted, JSL did not remember seeing this monster version of Roger. Over the last week, he has decided that it is extremely funny to reply to everyone like Roger. As the days continued, he really got the voice down. A milestone was happening and, as we got out of the car from school the other day, I mentioned I wanted to capture this on video. Well, JSL took that to mean right then and there. The problem was that my hands were full with school gear since NHL was at Hebrew School, and well I didn’t have my video camera.

As my five year old continued to insist and find just the right spot, I agreed. I told him we would test out the new Droid RAZR HD phone that I received as part of the Verizon Lifestyle Blogger program. I have to admit that in the past I have not used my Droid Bionic for video much. It was not the easiest to use and, in a pinch, I always have my regular camera.

JSL was being quite the entertainer. He was super excited and talking fast. Still, you will see from this video that he has got the Roger voice down.

When we got back into the house, I took the video off my phone along with some photos I had taken of the snow earlier in the day. Then I processed the video (had to flip it – ooops) and used my phone to record some audio with an app for the introduction. When it was finished, I put it onto YouTube to share.

I would love to know what parenting moments you have captured on the go with your cell phone?

Disclosure: As a member of the Verizon Lifestyle Blogger program, I am testing out different devices and sharing how I utilize them in my life. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own. We have been long time Verizon Wireless customers.