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Fun with Birthday Express

Posted on May 12, 2009 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Since we have had the boys, we spend months before their birthdays trying to figure out several items. In addition to who we invite, when to have the party, there is another big decision. We need to figure out what theme to use for the party each year. In the past, NHL has had: Bear in the Big Blue House (1st), Finding Nemo (2nd), Madagasgar (3rd), Curious George (4th), Dinosaurs (5th).

For JSL’s first birthday we did the Sesame Street 1st birthday partyware. We had a hard time finding places that carried it. After the fact, several of my friends suggested ordering from Birthday Express. Recently I had the opportunity to purchase some items from Birthday Express. JL and I decided to buy something for JSL’s upcoming second birthday.

When you go to the Birthday Express website you can browse by male/female party supples, party theme, or view all. JL and I wanted to see all of the options for boys, so we selected that. There were 85 options to look at. We immediately fell in love with two. We loved the exclusive Mod Monkey 2nd Birthday as well as the Sesame Street Sunny Days.

We eventually selected the Sesame Street Sunny Days theme. JSL is really attached to Cookie Monster and friends these days. He often asks to see "Street" and wants to read his "Street" books all the time. Next, we had to make the decision on what to order. Immediately, my eyes fell onto the personalized banners that was made out a heavy duty vinyl (like shades for the windows) and was 61"x18". The cost was only $14.99 and we could put a custom message on it for no additional charge.I fell in love with one that had most of the Sesame Street Characters on it. In addition to that, we purchased a centerpiece, some party blowers and hats. Since we will be at Disney for his actual birthday, these will not be used for a few more weeks when we have some family over for a little gathering (photos to follow later).

The website was extremely user friendly and easy to follow. This is not always the case with personalized item ordering. Four days after my order was placed, everything except the personalized banner arrived.

Two days later, the banner arrived on my doorstep in a hard tube that helped it to stay safe during shipping. As you will see it is very thick and comes with a label on the outside to preview what you will unroll.

When we unrolled the banner it is as wide as our couch. The quality is absolutely amazing. My little guy is going to love this on his birthday and beyond when we hang it up in his room.

Thanks to the great selection, quick shipping, and easy ordering we will definitely be ordering from Birthday Express again. In fact, in the next few weeks we will probaby ask NHL what he would like to have for his 6th birthday theme this summer.

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birthday jsl looking back photos Product review Web business

First plane ride adventure

Posted on May 9, 2009 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Dear NHL and JSL,

Daddy and I were just talking the other day about how you would both be having a big milestone together. Neither of you have been on an airplane yet. With our trip to Disney World both of you will be seeing/doing a lot of items for the first time. Not only will you be flying for the first time, but you will be seeing Mickey Mouse and all of Walt Disney World together. Watching your faces as you experiences these memories together will make this first real big family vacation even more special. Now I just hope that you have a wonderful time on our adventure and sleep well so we can put on a lot of miles at Disney World together.

Love,

Mommy

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Dear Kid Saturdays at Cutest Kid Ever

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Dear Kid Saturday Disney jsl milestone nhl photos sleep travel vacation

Magical vacation memories

Posted on May 8, 2009 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Timing really is everything. Today a package arrived with two pairs of Mickey Mouse ears for the boys. I happened to win a giveaway from MousekeTIPS, the vidcast for Destinations in Florida. Their first weeks giveaway was for a Walt Disney World package that included Mickey Mouse ears, a Pirate Donald stuffed friend and a surprise. Guess what we did when we saw the Mouse Ears? Here is a clue:

Of course, we all took turns. . . even the kids at heart!

Can you tell we are basically ready for Disney World?

So my questions for this week are inspired by our upcoming trip:

What was the most magical vacation that you have been on? Have you ever been to Walt Disney World? If you have, what was your favorite experience.

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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.

Aloha #47

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Aloha Friday brothers Disney fun jl jsl laughs nhl photos travel vacation

Almost two years

Posted on April 28, 2009 7:55 am by TheAngelForever

It is hard to believe that I have been a stay at home mother (SAHM) for almost two years now. Time sure does fly by when you are busy with two little boys.

I was lucky enough to stay home with NHL for his first year. After that, I went back to teaching for three years before JSL came along. JSL will be two years old in just over two weeks. He and I have been at home the entire time. Recently, I started to look for some things for us to do. Not only do I need to get out, more importantly the little guy needs to socialize with little people his own age. He certainly knows how to play with NHL, but kindergarten kids are not his true peers.

This morning, JSL and I are heading to look at a toddler program for two year olds. He would be able to start it in the fall. It is for 2, 3 or 5 days a week. I would be able to drop him off for 3 hours on those days and he would play and do other developmentally appropriate activities. They also offer the opportunity to entend the day IF you need this. Since the job market stinks, and schools locally are letting teachers go that will not likely be needed. So in a short while the two of us will head off on an adventure.

It will be hard for me to imagine leaving my little guy, but I know it will be good for him down the road.

So, we will see how this goes and if it is not for us, we have plenty of time to find something else. Then we have the entire summer to play and spend time with big brother before September is here. All I can say is they grow up WAY too quickly.

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brothers decisions jsl looking back nhl photos

Up and down battles

Posted on April 23, 2009 9:09 am by TheAngelForever

My boys are pretty healthy (*knock on wood*). The problem, when they get sick they like to drag it out for a while. Nothing is ever simple with NHL and JSL. It seems to be a major uphill battle with them when we are fighting an illness. Just when we seem like we are at the top and all better.

BAM! Right back to where we started again with a climb back to the top.

As I mentioned Tuesday, JSL had been on an antibiotic for three days and spiked a 104 fever Monday night. Obviously we had to go back to the doctor to have his ear rechecked. After some hoopla at the doctor’s office, we were lucky enough to see the doctor we really like. She looked into his left ear and there was now fluid in it. That had not been the case Saturday at Urgent Care. The infected right ear was still horrible looking and red. We were put on a new antibiotic.

While there I voiced my concern about being sick so close to when we go to Disney World. I was floored when she not only suggested a prescription for antibiotics go with us on our trip, but we fill it and take it with us. So we have a refill on the antibiotic just in case we need it while visiting Mickey Mouse and friends. We head back for a recheck a little before our trip. The doctor is holding off on an ENT visit for now. Since we only have 3-4 confirmed ear infections during the 2008-2009 season he is on the line. IF we get one more infections before the fall we are off for a consult.

Thank goodness this antibiotic seems to be kicking JSL’s infection. We can now see signs of everything draining from his ear. The poor kid is coughing and sneezing, but at least it is breaking up. With any luck he will be feeling great and we can head to the park for some fun again. As you can see he truly does love it there.