July, 2009 | The Angel Forever

Monthly Archives July 2009

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No go for BlogHer ’09

Posted on July 21, 2009 10:54 pm by TheAngelForever

As we all know, plans often change and usually for a reason. This is the case for me and the BlogHer convention that is right around the corner. At first, we were going to take a family vacation to Chicago so I could attend BlogHer 2009. Then in December, our plans changed. I started to hear about the deals for Walt Disney World. We went into a travel agency on a whim and came out stunned. The price for a Disney vacation was just too good to pass up. By New Years Eve, we had finally opted to book the trip to Walt Disney World for May. At that instant, I knew that my chances of going to BlogHer were slim to none. I was accepting of that since I knew it meant going on a magical family vacation to Orlando.

Our May vacation to Disney World was fabulous. One of these days, I will finish blogging about the last few days of the trip, including JSL’s 2nd B-day at the Magic Kingdom. I often find myself thinking about those days and wishing I was back there. Life was good, we were carefree and the boys, my parents, JL and I were having the time of our lives together.

Now I sit here sad and jealous. Everyone on Facebook, Twitter and the blogosphere are a buzz about BlogHer in Chicago. Friends from the interenet that I had hoped to meet are packing, checking off get togethers to meet at and swag that they are hoping to get. Meanwhile, I am going to be gearing up to have my in-laws visit for the first ever weekend stay.

I keep reminding myself that although I can not be in Chicago, I was already in Orlando. Still, the memories of Disney World in May seem like distant memories at times. The boys have already grown so much, my kindergarten kid is going to first grade and the summer is already half over. I am sure that during these next few days I will often sit reading my blog posts about Disney, looking at the thousands of photos that we have from the trip, and dreaming of our next magical vacation.

To all of my bloggy friends, have a safe and wonderful trip. Take lots of photos, Tweet often and know that I wish you a wonderful time in Chicago.

Categories:
bloggy friends decisions Disney dreams family looking back me moments photos vacation

Perhaps the great camera comeback

Posted on July 20, 2009 10:10 pm by TheAngelForever

Back in January I wrote about the death of my little handy dandy point and shoot digital camera. Here is a reminder of what my camera looked like:

I was not willing to invest money in my camera. When we contacted Canon they told us that we could send it in and they would look at it. The cost for a diagnostic check was almost as much as a new camera. Over the months I whined a lot about not having my little camera with me. I missed the convenience of being able to toss it in my diaper bag. Instead I would schlep JL’s big camera with me to events where I needed to take photos.

When we arrived home from Disney World my father was quite upset with his Canon PowerShot A570. It was starting to do similar things that my camera had done. He went to different stores and was quoted prices to look at it. In the end, he decided to purchase a new bigger camera. During one stop at a small camera store Dad happened to mention the problem that we were having with our Canon’s. The suggested that we try something with our cameras. We should use some rubbing alcohol on a Q-Tip to the battery area to clean the contacts.

What the heck, I certainly could not make the camera any worse .

Yesterday I charged up some new AA batteries in my Energizer unit and took out some rubbing alcohol. I put the batteries into the camera and decided to test it out. Much to my surprise, I did not see the flashing red dying battery light. In the past I would see this as soon as I put in fresh batteries, whether rechargeable or not. Today I took the camera out with me and the batteries are still going strong. I am not holding my breath just yet, but it looks like it could be a new life for my little camera.

So far I have taken 54 shots, off loaded the pictures and these batteries are still going. Some of the memories captured include the following:

JSL heading off to get into my car before we went to the post office, Staples (great bargains this week), and Target.

Then it was time for both of the boys to get into their seats in my car.

Before dinner JSL actually asked to take some photos with Daddy. Here they are having some fun.

While doing some cleaning we found an old pair of shades that had been NHL’s. Now they are perfect for the little dude.

Oh my how I have missed my little camera. Who knew that a simple cleaning with a little rubbing alcohol could do the trick. So glad that I did it myself instead of spending ~$100 sending it away. Here is hoping that it continues taking many more photos of our special family moments.

Categories:
customer service decisions interesting jl jsl nhl photos vent

School supplies – what’s on your list?

Posted on July 19, 2009 8:41 pm by TheAngelForever

If you have been inside any retailer like Target, Walmart, CVS, Staples, Rite Aid, Walgreens or the like, you have probably seen the sale. Yes, even though it is still July, the Back to School craze has already started. We are over a month away from the start of school here (after Labor Day). Still, NHL’s 1st grade school supply list has been on my brain for a while. Not that I mind since I really love getting bargains this time of year. Here is what we have to purchase:

The following should be labeled with your child’s name:

Pencils – at least 5
2 large erasers
2 large glue sticks – NO liquid sticks or bottles of glue
Standard size pencil box – NO pencil bags please
Box of 16 crayons – NO larger
2 solid color folders
A book bag

The following should not be labeled with your child’s name – they will be community supplies:

Box of tissues
A set of 4 Dry-erase markers (the brand "Sharpie" works best) *black
Package of baby wipes
Package of plastic spoons
Package of small paper plates

Not really a horrible list. I believe there were supplies for Pre-K and K. We have most of the items, but need to get a few more. So far the most challenging item has been the 16 pack of crayons. Of course, you should know that I am a Crayola snob. As a teacher and parent I will do nothing else. Sure Rose Art are cheaper, but they are not the same quality and man they do not clean as nicely if they get on items. We finally found a 16 pack of crayons in stock for $1.16 – compared to 20 cents for a 24 pack of Crayola crayons. Sick I tell you!

We are stil debating a backpack. I am leaning toward an L.L. Bean bag since the quality is amazing, they last and have a wonderful warranty. At the same time a lot of people love their Lands End bags. Whatever we buy will be something that will be used for several years. I had a Tough Traveler bag that I received in 5th grade (’87) and used it on my honemoon (’01).

NHL really likes the Nautical Red Grid Camo back that I showed him in the L.L. Bean catalogue the other day. Check it out:

I can definitely see this lasting, but which size do we get?

This is now the third year that I have been on the school supply receiving list end. I think it was much less stressful making the list for my students to get when I was teaching. Of course, I am sure they probably shook their fingers at me too!

So what is on your child’s school supply list? Is there something in particular that you find strange, hard to find or that you really like purchasing? Please share your thoughts. It is always interesting to compare with each other.

Categories:
decisions nhl school shopping

Summer finally arrives…for now

Posted on July 18, 2009 9:49 pm by TheAngelForever

This summer has been a wild ride. It has rained almost every day. The sun barely has time to come out before another storm is passing by the area. Seriously, it has not felt like summer some days. Not only do you need a jacket to walk outside in the morning, but by late day temperatures are hardly into the 70’s. Sure, our AC units are not cranking away as much as we may need them and the humidity has not been up to the usual pea soup. Still, it would be nice to be able to go outside more and let the boys have fun during this so called summer.

Today the sun actually came out and it was warm enough to take out the kiddie pool for the boys to play in. NHL had gone in it the other day while JSL was napping. Today, we made a point to try to keep the little guy awake to go in the pool for some fun in the sun. When we got home from some errands, JL got the pool ready. Meanwhile, I took the boys into the house to get them in their bathing suits and sun lotion.

The water was quite cool from the hose. My toes decided they were not going in, so I was the designated photographer of the fun. At first, the boys just had fun playing with the water and watching it.

Then the little guy decided to try to splash his big brother. Not a really smart thing to do considering NHL had the much larger bucket, but what can you do? Clearly, JSL will learn since he is only two.

Of course, another thing the little guy needs to learn is NOT to drink pool water. ICK! Who knows what was in that sucker in reality. Oh, and the more we told him not to. . . it became a game.

Soon, JSL learned how to maximize his water spray to make more fun water displays.

The really big kid had fun playing with the boys in the pool. Of course, he decided to rain on JSL’s parade.

Soon, both of the boys were ganging up on JL and getting him soaked. NHL had the easiest job of this thanks to the big buckets of cold water!

After a few too many buckets from NHL, JL decided to get NHL back. I don’t think he was completely expecting this.

A special thanks to Mimi for the fun new pool toy that the boys enjoyed.

All three of my boys had a fun time soaking in the sun rays for several hours in our front yard. With any luck, this will not be yet another tease from Mother Nature.

Categories:
fun jl jsl laughs my boys nhl photos play time summer weather weekend

Walking with Dinosaurs

Posted on July 17, 2009 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

As the Mommy of two little boys, I am quite familiar with dinosaurs. I’ll admit it, even as a little girl I was fascinated with these amazing creatures that roamed our planet. I still remember my clay model dinosaur that I had to made for a report in second grade.

NHL has been fascinated with dinosaurs since he was around two years old. For quite a while, we watched a lot of the cartoon Harry and the Bucket Full of Dinosaurs. We have read a ton of dinosaur books, done a dinosaur birthday theme where I made a volcano cake for the dinosaurs to parade around.

Recently, the Walking with Dinosaurs live show came to our area. We toyed with whether or not to take the boys to the show. Eventually, tickets came our way and the four of us went together. If you ever have the chance to go please do. It is worth the money to see this arena spectacular. Yes, the dinosaurs were loud, but the kids were too fixated on the gigantic creatures towering over the audience below. The information in the show is amazing. Our son loves the fact that dinosaurs are related to birds. As an adult, I loved the mix of the history, dinosaur facts and humor that was included in the show.

Before we saw the show, we happened to catch a making of Walking with Dinosaurs on PBS. We saw the long process that created these phenomenal life-like dinosaurs. Every detail was put into them and it showed. The night before the show I Tweeted to see if anyone knew about taking photographs during the show. The next morning I had a Tweet from DinoTalesByKari with the answer. Kari just happens to be a Voodoo Puppeteer on the Walking with Dinosaurs North American Tour (who also blogs from the road). She told me that photography is permitted so long as no flash was used. You have to love Twitter and Kari too!

I was a good girl. Before the show I played with our camera to get the setting the best I could. The arena was quite dark, but I still managed to get a few good shots. Here are some from the afternoon we went:

The larger versions of the photos can be seen here: 1. P1180458, 2. P1180473, 3. P1180482, 4. P1180511, 5. P1180547, 6. P1180561, 7. P1180565, 8. P1180598, 9. P1180588, 10. P1180624, 11. P1180627, 12. P1180646

Inspired by the dinosaurs, my question for this week is:

What is your favorite dinosaur and why?

For the record, I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Stegosaurus. Not sure why, but I was always intrigued by the armor and beauty of this dinosaur that I never did a report on in second grade.

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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 Mr. Linky there if you are participating.