Posted by bassgiraffe in Canada, family, Kitchener Waterloo | 0 Comments
Bring on the Sunshine, Family Day Event- Feb 2012
ABOUT-
“Bring on the Sunshine is a grassroots event partnered with the African Canadian Association and the KW Multicultural Center. We are run by a small but dedicated team of volunteers, of both African and Canadian origin.” for more info please visit http://www.bringonthesunshine.ca/
OUR DAY-
In Ontario, Canada we have a day in February called, Family Day. There is no school or work. The second Lee heard it was Family Day she asked, “Do we get to go to that church with the fun drums and where I got William from?” We went last year and evidently it made a huge impact on my oldest. I had a great time last year too so I looked up to see if the event was going on. I was very excited to find that it was.
Bring on the Sunshine started at 11AM and Lee wanted to make sure we were there right when it opened, she didn’t want to miss a thing. The first place we visited was the Market Place. She bought her baby boy, William there last year and wanted to give him a sister. She saved up as much money as she could so she could buy a new baby doll. She picked out the one pictured below with William and named her Lexy. I want to send a special thank you to nandikids.ca for being so kind to Lee and helping her get that special/perfect baby sister for William.
At the market place, later on int he day, I also stopped by the Bracelet of Hope booth and purchased a red & white bracelet to help raise funds and awareness of HIV/AIDS in Africa. They had a lot of beautiful bracelets and beaded key-chains I would have loved to get too, but time and money was getting short and so was Moo’s patients.
The next thing we enjoyed was some entertainment. We got to listen to an acapella grouped named, Soul Influence. They had two guys and one girl in the group. I LOVED their sound and Moo loved it too, she couldn’t stop dancing to their music. I also loved that they brought us music from all around Africa and took the time to explain the songs to those of us who didn’t understand the words. Below is a very short video, just a taste of their sound. I hope to find more concert around so we can listen to them longer.
Lee and I enjoying the concert-
After the concert we headed down for some lunch. The girls and I had hot dogs but Chris had some meat, collard greens and a special African Cornmeal Mush. I then enjoyed a Samosa, I love those things and these were the best I’ve ever tasted.
We had a BLAST again this year at Bring on the Sunshine and hope they continue to do it every year. I love having a place that I can bring my children, they can have fun and learn a lot at the same time. A huge THANK YOU to everyone involved in making this happen. Hope to see you next year.
FIND it-
website
facebook
nandikids.ca
Bracelet of Hope
Soul Influence
Posted by bassgiraffe in family | 1 Comment
Love Letter Campaign hosted by Grammarly.com
Dear Lee and Moo,
What is love? It’s not just about kissing someone, or saying nice things to one another, or doing things for others. Yes, those things are very important when it comes to loving someone, but what is most important is what is in your heart. Love in your heart will come out in all that you do and make others around you feel loved. It makes your life happy and full of fun and joy.
From the day your dad and I found out I was pregnant with each of you, I knew what love really was. I will do anything to protect you and keep you healthy. I did so before you were born and I will do so forever. Every time you kicked inside my tummy, I was reminded of how much I already loved you. Then one day suddenly you were here and in my arms. Lee, I saw your beautiful dark hair, long body and cute face and couldn’t help but feel “love at first sight”. Moo, you were so tiny, had fought so hard be born and then you came early and I loved you so much at that moment and I always will.
My two precious girls are so different from each other in so many ways, but I love you equally and with all my heart. Lee, you’re smart, sweet, loving and caring. Moo, you’re adventurous, crazy, silly and loving. I wouldn’t change a single thing about either of you. Please stay just the way you are!
I love you Lee. I love you Moo. But I know words aren’t enough to show you how much I love you. That is why I give you hugs and kisses every day. That is why I tell you both how amazing you are every chance I get. Please never forget how special and wonderful you are. Never let anyone tell you differently. I hope you learn to show love in many ways besides in words. You each have something special to give the world. I can’t wait to see what you do and where you go.
Another way I show you my love is in teaching you. I want you to have the best chance in life so I try to teach you the right way to act, how to treat others and, most importantly, how to love God with all your heart. I will scold you when you do something wrong or do something that will hurt yourself or someone else because it will protect you and help you to grow up to be good people who will care about others. Just because I am mad at the times you’ve been naughty, it doesn’t mean I don’t love you. I love you more and more each day no matter what!
I love watching you love each other. Lee, you’re an amazing big sister. You protect Moo with all your might and you teach her so many things. Moo, you’re a handful for Lee, but you love to share with her and play with her and you’re such a joy. Watching you give each other hugs and kisses makes my heart swell. I hope you are able to grow up as best friends.
I love you girls. Thank you for being my daughters. I couldn’t have asked for any better children. I am the most blessed mother in the whole wide world!
Love,
Mommy
Posted by bassgiraffe in Disney, family | 1 Comment
“Treasure Buddies” activies for your little buddies
“Treasure Buddies” arrives on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD Tuesday, January 31st!
CLICK each photo to enlarge and save-
Synopsis:
Disney’s talking canine superstars are back in “Treasure Buddies,” their 6th all-new adventure. This latest story is told from the perspective of the Buddies’ newest friend, a mischievous Egyptian monkey named Babi. As Babi tells us, more than 40 years ago a young archeologist named Thomas Howard, travelled to Egypt with his dog Digger to search for the lost necklace of Cleocatra. They managed to discover half of an artifact, the Bronze of Bastet, but their find triggered a booby-trapped cave-in, which they barely escaped. Forty years later, Thomas is living in Fernfield where he manages a museum. Digger’s grandpups, Rosebud, B-Dawg, Budderball, Buddha and Mudbud also live in Fernfield and, in fact, Mudbud belongs to Thomas’ grandson, Pete.
Thomas is about to close his museum due to lack of funding when he gets a visit from a mysterious stranger, Dr. Philip Wellington, who reveals the other half of the Bronze of Bastet and invites Thomas and Pete to accompany him back to Egypt to resume the quest for the legendary Cat’s Eye Jewel. Pete offers to bring Mudbud along but Wellington refuses as he travels with Ubasti, a hairless cat who is allergic to dogs. When Mudbud learns that Ubasti plans to steal the necklace for herself and use its power to dominate both dogs and humans, he rallies the other Buddies to stow away on the private plane in order to overtake the expedition and thwart Ubasti’s plan.
Once they get to Egypt, danger lurks around every secret sphinx, cryptic crypt and puzzling pyramid. With help from lovable new friends including Cammy, a baby camel and the clever Babi, the Buddies avoid booby traps, solve puzzles and explore a mysterious tomb in their most exciting and challenging adventure yet. “
Like “Walt Disney Studios Canada” on Facebook
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I am part of the Disney blogger program. No compensation was given for this post. I posted it to inform my readers of this upcoming DVD. I only support family friendly movies.
Posted by bassgiraffe in Disney, family, review | 1 Comment
Beauty and The Beast (in Disney Digital 3D™)- review
MY Thoughts-
I had the joy of bringing my 5 year old daughter to the pre-screening of Disney’s 3D version of “Beauty and the Beast”. I couldn’t wait, I remember watching this as a little girl and I couldn’t wait to share it with my little girl. Plus getting to see it in 3D seemed even more exciting.
The film opens up with a view of the Beast’s castle from the vantage point of the woods. With the 3d effect you felt like you were really there. I got goosebumps right away. My childhood movie had come to life. The detail the 3D brought out was amazing. When Belle was in the dungeon and the light was reflecting off of the dust it just popped out.
It had been awhile since I had seen the movie so it was fun to re-live it and feel like I was part of it.
Lee said the following about the movie- “I want to be Belle someday, she’s pretty and smart” (Oh Lee, you’re already pretty and smart, but I know what you are saying.) “The Beast scared me at first but then I realized he was just sad”. “Can we go see this again soon? I really really loved it mommy.”
I can honestly say it is worth going to see, even if you’ve seen the movie a hundred times before. Seeing it in 3D is a whole different story. One more thing I wanted to point out on how awesome this movie was it, the theater was filled and filled with a lot of kids. Usually when you have a lot of kids you have the whiners, talkers and criers. This movie, ever kid was silent. I think they all were taken in to this story. It was awesome to see how much it was loved by all the kids there.
FIND it-
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada on Facebook
Youtube page
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* Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received a free sample to facilitate my review. This post reflects my honest, personal opinion and experience with the product which may differ from yours. Product information courtesy of the sponsor. No monetary compensation was provided for this post.
Posted by bassgiraffe in baby, book, children, family, review | 1 Comment
Deluxe Baby Sign Language Kit- review
ABOUT-
“Two years ago, we developed BabySignLanguage.com because of our own frustration as new parents wanting to understand our baby’s needs with fewer tears (from parent and child!) and discovered that sign language was the key! So we set out to help other parents with a whole range of free resources to help them learn sign language and teach it to their children.
Now we are very happy to be introducing our first set of products specifically designed to help you and your baby learn sign language together! Our Deluxe Baby Sign Language kit includes a Baby Sign Language Book, DVD, Flash Cards and super-convenient wall chart so the whole family can share sign language with your child. The set has an introductory price of only $39.95. Imagine fewer tears, except tears of joy, when your baby can sign “Milk” to tell you she is thirsty or “More” if he hasn’t filled his tummy yet!”
My Thoughts-
(This is my kit, I put the white boxes over the poster to avoid others copying it, sorry)
We used sign language with both our girls and when/if I have anymore kids I will be using it too. I really wish I had the resources from BabySignLanguage.com. Although we used sign language we didn’t know a lot of words, so communication was still a bit rough with our little ones.
Sign Language helps you talk with your kids before they can talk. I knew when my kids wanted milk, needed a diaper change or wanted more. They even learned manors by signing please and thank you.
The Baby Sign Language Book would have been extremely handy when they were younger. I love the poster with the common words we use with them everyday. I think i would hang this in the babies room or in the toy room as a reminder of how to sign the words.
The Deluxe Baby Sign Language kit also comes with two books. One of the books is a “how to” book in sign language. It helps you learn the basics and progresses to signing phrases. The other book is like a dictionary with a large amount of words to sign. Both books will come in very handy when another comes along.
The last part I got to review is the set of cards. You can see the photo below as an example. One side is a photo of the word and the other is the actual sign. What I love about these is not only do they teach how to sign but it will also help your child to start to learn to read. I even used this will Lee, my 5 year old as flash cards to learn to read. I love when something has a multiple uses.
CARDS
Over all I am highly impressed with The Deluxe Baby Sign Language kit. I would highly encourage all soon to be parents or new parents to check out this company. And even if your kids are older they still can learn something from this.
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* Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received a free sample to facilitate my review. This post reflects my honest, personal opinion and experience with the product which may differ from yours. Product information courtesy of the sponsor. No monetary compensation was provided for this post.
Posted by bassgiraffe in family | 0 Comments
Ideas For A Great Family Day
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Ideas For A Great Family Day
As you know, a big interest of mine is getting my family to spend time together in healthy ways. Spending family time together is one of the most important steps to creating a healthy emotional life for your kids. A great way to do this is to have a family day. The workweek can be stressful with the kids in school and you and the hubby working to make ends meet. But set apart one day of the week that the whole family will spend as a unit. Get out your cash back reward cards (read about these deals in Chase Sapphire preferred review), buy some lunchables, and make this day symbolic, as in eat healthy and plan fun, interesting activities. Here are some ideas:
Have a picnic in the park. And I don’t mean finding a hot dog vendor at the park and then sitting down next to him and eating. I mean doing it right – blanket, basket and all. Maybe bring some binoculars so you can birdwatch, or bring a frisbee and get some exercise. Make sure you’re eating healthy though. Cheese and crackers or some tuna fish salad, juice, and fruit sound good to me. If you’ve got a dog, he or she will love the idea of a day in the park, and so should your kids.
Go to a natural history museum. Your kids may protest at first, but once they start seeing giant mammoths and saber tooth tigers they’ll change their tune. Natural history museums are a great way to learn about the history of the Earth we live on and many of the exhibits will fire up your kids’ imaginations too. Also, many museums offer family discounts AND they often have courtyards where you can have a picnic for lunch.
Return to the great outdoors. Go for a hike, go river rafting, go fishing—just get out into nature and enjoy the scenery as a family. Again, your kids may protest spending the day away from their DS gadgets and cell phones, but the sight of freshly glowing rivers, towering mountains, and the smell of fresh air should calm their minds. In many ways, nature is its very own natural history museum, except the animals and bugs are alive and the sunshine is plentiful. And, once again, here’s an excellent opportunity for a picnic. I know, I’m a little picnic-crazy right now.
I just listed three ways your family can spend the day together, engaging in healthy, fun activities. There are countless more, and that’s where you have to get creative. Only you know your family’s likes and dislikes. The important thing is to spend quality family time together.
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“This is a guest post provided by Becky W.”
