The Angel Forever

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

Story time at Chez Angel – Monkey Monkey Monkey

Posted on May 11, 2009 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

My almost two year old is really starting to enjoy story time . I love this because he will not only sit and "read" his own board books, but he likes to listen to bigger books that I read to him. JSL is fascinated with all things monkey. He will demand that we put the Wiggles monkey song on and he makes monkey sounds galore.

Recently, we read the new book Monkey Monkey Monkey by Cathy MacLennan.

I must admit, when I selected this book I definitely judged a book by it’s cover. I knew that JSL liked monkies and the cover was absolutely adorable. The minute I pulled the book out, JSL came flying to me. He was making monkey noises and plopped onto my lap. My kindergarten kid heard the noise and also came to listen to the story.

When you start the story, you immediately meet Monkey. Monkey is playing and doing what monkies do. Monkey has a problem, though. Monkey can not find something he wants. Monkey is missing his "monkey-monkey-monkey nuts!"

While reading the story, you follow Monkey as he looks for his monkey-monkey-monkey nuts. With each page you turn, Monkey finds various rainforest friends including spotted leopards, crocs, frogs, insects, birds. Monkey also travels to different places in the rainforest like to fruit trees and even the top of the leafy canopy. Monkey gets more and more hungry and does not find his monkey-monkey-monkey nuts . . . until somebody saves the day!

Both of the boys thoroughly enjoyed the book. NHL really appreciated the rhyme and repetition within the story. He quickly joined in and was able to help me read the book. Even JSL was making his monkey sounds each time we turned the page and saw the beautiful colorfilled illustrations of Monkey’s rainforest world. I know that we will be looking for more of Cathy MacLennan’s books in the future because of how the amazing illustrations put you into the world with the characters.

JSL also likes to take Monkey Monkey Monkey and "read" it alone. Here he is enjoying some reading time on his own.

Categories:
books Product review Story time

Happy Mother’s Day 2009

Posted on May 10, 2009 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

I wanted to make sure to wish everyone a very Happy Mother’s Day. I hope that you enjoy this special day with all of the mothers in your life. Growing up we would always get together with our extended family and have a special meal out to celebrate the amazing women in the family. This year, the boys and I are lucky enough to be with my mother to celebrate. Last year we had JSL’s 1st birthday party on Mother’s Day and were with many members from both sides of the family. Of course, the year before that I was miserable on Mother’s Day. All I wanted to do was stay in bed. I was VERY pregnant and wanted to sleep. My body clearly knew that I needed this rest. The next morning my little guy decided to arrive.

Thank you to all of the mother’s (my mom, grandmothers, aunts, great-aunts, cousins, sister-in-laws, friends and all in between)in my life. Without all of you, I never would have become the mommy that I am today. I love you all!

Categories:
holidays looking back

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.