Monthly Archives July 2013

Social Media Memories at Disney

Our last handful of trips to Walt Disney World have had a major social media presence to them. During our May 2009 trip, I was very limited in sharing items with everyone back home. I was able to send some Facebook photos, but few and far between. By the time we went back to the first Disney Social Media Moms in February 2010, tweeting photos was part of my repertoire. Things continued to magically change as I entered the world of smartphones and more apps allowed me to share memories in real time. During my last visit with TechyDad for the opening of New Fantasyland, we were sharing on Instagram immediately. I adore this way because I can tweet them, share on Facebook, and also connect with a large Disney community right on Instagram. Here are a few of my December 2012 Instagram Disney memories.

Disney Instagrams Collage from New Fantasyland Celebration

Focused on the Magic

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

It's Me

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Tuesday Tales – Can I tell you about Asperger Syndrome?

Asperger Syndrome is part of my world. While my son has only had an official diagnosis for a little over a year now, I suspected it for many years and wrote about it here and there. When my son started fourth grade last September, it was our first academic year with answers at the get go. I truly was thankful for answers, although I was cautiously optimistic about some things. My son began the year with a long term substitute in his classroom and we documented some items heading into our Committee for Special Education Meeting a short time after. While I will not go into our CSE meetings, I will tell you about an amazing discovery thanks to my son’s teacher that started the year.

Ms. P was told about NHL’s diagnosis and we met many times to talk about things that would trigger his anxiety, stimming, and other behaviors. In addition to this, his long term substitute bought books on her own about Autism and Asperger’s. While I know they were not entirely to learn about NHL (she was in graduate school), she wanted to know more about the way he was thinking to help him in the classroom. One day, after school, she walked out with some of the books and asked if I wanted to borrow some to look over if they were new to me. One of the books caught my eye. It was actually on my list to purchase because a lot of people had recommended it.

Can I tell you about Asperger Syndrome - book

Can I tell you about Asperger Syndrome? – A guide for friends and family seriously changed our lives. The first time we read the book as a family with the boys. Each time, we would stop to talk with NHL and he would weigh in on how things were similar to his feelings. I highly recommend reading the book with a newly diagnosed child to ease their fears of new buzz words that they may be hearing from the adults in their life. As a parent not on the Autism Spectrum, a light bulb went off in my head as we read. Not only did it really explain things in terms for children, it would be a great book to share with our family members and possibly to gift to teachers in the future that will work with my son.

Author Jude Welton has an Aspie son and wrote this book to help children 7-15 years old to understand the challenges that children with Asperger Syndrome face. The book explains what Asperger Syndrome is, what it feels like to an Aspie child living in a neurotypical world, and how they can assist. Each section of the book has a cartoon drawing of Adam on the left side by illustrator Jane Telford. With each of the drawings, there is a statement from Adam. The right side of the page continues explaining items in simple terms that children and adults who are unfamiliar with the Autism Spectrum will understand.

Learning about Asperger Syndrome

This relatively short book is packed with truly valuable information. Welton has managed to hit so many of the topics that really do confuse friends, family, and others that are unfamiliar with Autism. These items include:

  • Reading feelings
  • Tones of voice
  • Playing with others
  • Loud noises
  • Confusing groups
  • Unexpected change
  • Motor skills
  • Special interests

In addition to these areas, there is also a section about Asperger Syndrome, suggestions on how to help children, and specific pointers for teachers. Welton has also included other recommended reading, websites, and organizations at the end of the books. The book really is a fantastic resource that we have loaned to our family and some individuals that work with our son. I do believe I am going to be buying a copy to leave in our school as a donated resource for the future.

If you have other book recommendations about autism, please be sure to let me know. As always, Tuesday Tales is all about sharing our love of books. Please let me know what you have read recently. 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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An Afternoon at CMOST

One of my goals this summer is to try to utilize our science museum membership. As I have mentioned before, there are a lot of museums that have free admission  via the ASTC Travel Passport Program. One of the other museums is actually located right in our area. CNSE Children’s Museum of Science and Technology (locals call it CMOST) is in Troy.

Last time we went to CMOST was about a year ago and we had Bubbe and Grandpa with us. This time, I went with both of the boys on my own. I had a mission. I wanted to go with the boys to see the Molecularium show in the planetarium. We missed it last time. I still remember hearing about The Molecularium Project at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute when I was visiting for an event featuring Bill Nye.

Molecularium at CMOST

When the boys and I went into the planetarium, nobody else was there. Since we were the only ones there, we moved to another area of the floor and got ready for the show. Listening to the boys was fascinating. NHL is going into fifth grade and clearly knows about his states of matter, but he really liked watching the adventure of Oxy and her crew. JSL was amazed with the entire concept. He had learned about some of these items in kindergarten, but this adventure really got him talking about science. The science teacher in me really adored this show for young children. Here is a sneak peek in case Molecularium is playing by you.

After the show, we wandered around the museum. The boys adored a private lesson with Dawn by the Hudson River area. She explained to the boys about the tide pool. Then, much to their surprise, she took one of the turtles out for them to see up close and even pet. She was fantastic and answered all of their questions as they came up.

Hudson River Tide Pool Exhibit at CMOST

We spent a lot of time in the new (to us) Nano exhibit. NHL read things to JSL and they tried different areas together. I have a feeling we could have spent a lot more time in here if we were able to. More about this area another day. For now, I will share my Instagram video from this section.

If you could go into a Molecularium for an adventure, what would you like to see at the molecular level? Think about the Periodic Table of Elements, organic materials, and even polymers that could be seen.

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Saving Mr. Banks and Disney Movie Favorites

It is no secret that I am a huge Disney fan. I adore learning about the history related to the man that made so many magical memories from my life and countless others possible. In December, movie goers around the world will be able to head to theaters to see Saving Mr. Banks featuring Tom Hanks as Walt Disney and Emma Thompson as P.L. Travers.

Saving Mr. Banks - from Disney Pictures

Saving Mr. Banks is the untold story based on true events of how Walt Disney obtained the rights to make the movie Mary Poppins. Mr. Disney promised his daughter twenty years before that he would bring Mary Poppins to life. Disney Pictures just released a trailer for the movie that left me with goose bumps. I seriously can not wait to see the movie. Here it is to see for yourself.

As we all wait until December for the release of the new movie, my Aloha Friday question of the week is: What is your favorite Disney Movie to date? It could be an animated classic or one featuring live actors. I know I am not sure if I could select just one, so do not feel limited.

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Disclosure: I received information about Saving Mr. Banks from Disney PR and was under no obligation to share. As a life long fan, I was excited about this movie and wanted to use it within a post.


Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this Friday fun. These days, Pamela at A Renaissance Woman is reviving the fun Friday Meme. Head over there to link up and join in the fun.

Aloha Friday by Kailani at An Island Life Aloha #246

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Cell Phone Security for Children

My children are growing up before my eyes. It seems like yesterday they were both toddling around the house. Now I have an almost tween who will be a middle school student in a year. While I hope he is ready for the big change, I am not sure I am. I fear that before I know it NHL will be asking me for his own cell phone.

Questioning cell phones for middle school

I have mixed feelings about an eleven year old child having a cell phone and have much I need to consider over the next year. Here are some items that I am thinking about in generic terms.

1. Rules need to be clearly established. – Even before the cell phone is purchased, these need to be written, read, and explained so that everyone understands the expectations of use. Think about when, where, and how the phone may be used. Is texting allowed, data use, and who may they call on their phones. Be sure to set up rules about not using at school during classes, and protocol once out of school and homework needs to be tackled. Think ahead and write down consequences for not following the rules. If these are done ahead of time, emotions are less likely to get in the way.

2. Does a middle schooler really need a cell phone?  – This is a tough one. I think each family has to go over their rationale for a purchase. Looking ahead, my reason for possibly getting my son a phone has to do with safety. IF he needs to get to me in an emergency he can grab that phone and get to me, TechyDad, or another family member. Of course, setting up what an emergency means (see number 1 above) will be crucial.

3.  Cell phones are a big responsibility, is a child ready for this? – While it is possible to get some regular cell phones, most children have smartphones because there are more options. Smartphones are pricey items. While you may be able to get a decent deal on it with your activation, a replacement will not be the same cost. Children need to be aware of the monetary values associated with the phone. They should have a safe holder for the phone to protect it and a location to store it during the school day where it will not be a distraction.

4. Knowledge of your plan is a powerful tool. – Along with being aware of the value of their phone, children should hear about your cell phone plan coverage. Share your bill with them. Allow them to see the cost of data use and what your carrier allows within your current plan. While they may not understand everything, it will be an eye opening experience that will help with the responsibility.

5. Set up safeguards to protect your child. – There are a lot of ways to monitor your child’s cell phone use. Rather than be sneaky, be upfront. Let your child know that you have items on their phone to let you know about their usage. This will encourage open communication, trust, and let them know you are helping them to make good online and offline decisions.

Verizon FamilyBase

Verizon Wireless just launched FamilyBase to assist families with this. For $5 a month on your plan (the first month is currently free), parents can see how kids are using their phone, set controls and/or limits on data, calling, and text usage. There is a lot more that you can learn about on the Verizon Wireless page about FamilyBase.

Do your children have cell phones? If they do I would love to know how you have worked out use with them. If your children are too young, what do you think you will do as they get older?

It's Me

Disclosure: As a member of the Verizon Lifestyle Bloggers, I receive different devices to check out in my life. There is no other compensation. I am a long time Verizon customer, and all opinions are my own. I was not asked to blog about FamilyBase, but wanted to share this new feature with my readers since I am currently researching what we may need to do with our children as they enter middle school.

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