Blue & Gold 2011

 

 

Any of you who have been following my blog for any length of time… as probably seen my posts, regarding my Monkey man and his Cub Scout adventures.

He is very active in Cub Scouts, and we love that he is so involved. As we feel it has a great impact and such a positive one on his life.

 

This year he has been working to achieve his “Bear” rank. He has worked very hard, and done very well to do this. Today he was awarded his “Bear rank” badge. As well as some beads, and a special one for doing a sleepover last month.

We are very proud of him and super excited for him. Next up is the Pinewood Derby!

Another Cub Scout Milestone

Well Hunter has come to another milestone in his Cub Scout adventure.




Over the last month, Hunter has been working on his Whittling chip. He has been working on a walking stick, which he did a really good job on.

As well as he whittled a bar of soap. Which Hunter was really proud, as he made his into a Car, and a scrapper. He was very proud of himself, that he made it into multiple things. It was rather cute!



At his Christmas Party this weekend, he got his Whittling Chip. As well as an extra patch for doing the Food Drive. I was really proud of him, and he is doing very good at earning towards his Bear.





He also got to make a cute little Gingerbread House. We had a wonderful time! We are excited to see what other great achievements he gets!

Giving back to the community!

 

 

A couple weeks ago, Hunter’s Cub Scout pack got together for a community project. Yes, I know I’m a bit late getting this up…. I’m slow these days, but trying desperately to get better.

Back to the story…. I love my kids being in Scouts, cause then they really learn what it means to give back to our community’s. This time we cleaned up some brush, and raked some leaves. It was a really nice day for it too. Hunter worked really hard raking leaves, and hauling brush. I was really proud of him.

A few days later, he also helped with organizing food for the food cupboard. He worked really hard with his fellow scouts for that too!

I love watching my kids learn what it means to help others… cause I really think that in these times, people are not so good at it.

The first snow of the season…..

 

 

came and boy oh boy where the kids super excited after not having seen snow for 2 yrs!

You would have thought it was Christmas out! The girls didn’t get a chance to play in it this time, cause they went to church with Grandma… but Hunter was super excited and headed right out to play!

Here is the first Snowman made for 2010!

 

 

 

Critical Mind Benders Review

 

I was so excited to try this product out! I have been looking at buying some for a few months now…but wasn’t sure whether my son would do well with them.

They have them in many different age groups. We reviewed the Level 1-2. My son was so excited to get to try it out. He was pretty good at them too! I was excited to see him learning, and having so much fun! We did some together to, which really made him happy as well.

Critical Thinking Mind Benders are a great way to strengthen the mind during the summer. Fun, but educational for those children that don’t like the prospect of learning during the summer.

They even offer free pintables', if you want to try out some stuff before you buy them.  Which you can find on my Right Side Bar.

Currently Critical Thinking Mind Benders is hosting a Critical Thinking Moments Video Contest where you can win a “Years supply of educational product” (valued at $500).

You can also Nominate a Hero… that makes a difference in your life. The official rules are HERE. Nominations need to be in by Feb 15,2011 and the winner will be chosen by June 2011.

I suggest trying these today! You can get a book for $9.99! Great price, and a great learning tool!

Want to learn more about them??

You can follow Critical Thinking on Facebook or Twitter!

 

*This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by: Critical Thinking for this review."

Wiglington & Wenks Review

 

Need something for those rainy days that your kids are stuck inside to keep them busy??

I don’t let my kids play on the internet often, but they are allowed to play on a few sites, we have looked at and are comfortable with. Under strict supervision I assure you!!!

Wiglington & Wenks is the same. Its a Virtrual world for kids to go and play in. You pick a character and design what color hair and such that you want.

My son thought this game was cool. He enjoyed playing the mini games and just going around the worlds. His favorite part of this game is learning about history! He loves history. I love that it throws in education.  I don’t know if it would be one he would play often enough to warrant the $5.99 a month fee though.

Here are some of the things the company has to say about the game:

• The virtual world was launched in Christmas Eve 2009 and has already gotten over 110,000 registrants from 150 countries
  
• Wiglington and Wenks is more massive than any other virtual worlds for kids to date - covering at present 50 over scenes and increasing to almost 200 over the next few month
  
• "Wiglington and Wenks is so much more than your standard virtual world, it has a rich story line with well developed characters, plot, mystery, and quests.  Students are dropped into the story and invited to participate, learning through exploration, problem solving, and critical thinking." - Winner of the Edublog Award 2009 (http://ilearntechno logy.com/ ?p=1802)
  
• The virtual world features famous historical characters like Beethoven, Einstein, Edison, Wright Brothers, Abraham Lincoln, Emperor Qin, Gandhi, Darwin just to name a few. The players are given the task of looking for items related to these famous historical characters so that they can recover their memories.
  
• Games are educational yet fun. Reviews given by kids usually say that Wiglington and Wenks teaches them a lot about history without them feeling bored.

As a parent.. I like to see my kid play something educational as opposed to mindless games. I felt this was a safe place for them. They are not allowed to use their real names, so they are not giving any information out. Plus it is fairly cheap!

*"This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by:Wiglington & Wenks for this review."

Bears…. oh my!!!

 

 

Its official!!! My son is now a bear!!! He is so excited about this.

I was so proud to hear that he wants to be an Eagle Scout eventually. To know that he wants to work hard to make it there eventually! Makes me so proud of him!

Surprise!!!!

 

 

Was what we were all screaming as Hunter walked into CiCi’s Pizza on Saturday!

I had managed to get a party planned (with some of his help) without him knowing were and when it was going to be. He thought he knew, but we through him off. It was rather cute!

I’m so excited to say it was a successful Surprise! He was a bit embarrassed I think when we all yelled Surprise at him. Opps!

He had 12 little friends there, and they pigged out on Pizza, cinnamon rolls, and brownies! (Can’t go wrong with an all you can eat buffet)

Then Hunter opened his presents! He got just what he wanted, more Lego’s… Totaling just a bit over 1000 pieces… Hmmm, wander how long it will take him to put them all together!!

Then we finished off the day with some cake and ice cream. He had a Lego cake this year… and might I add that was NOT easy to come by! But we found one, and it went off with a hit!

It was lots of fun, and I’m glad he loved it! Best part for mom?? I didn’t have to set up, or clean up!!! Wonderful present for me!

Still can’t believe my little man is 8!!! I hope that he has a wonderful year as being 8!

Love you buddy!!!!!

Hunter turns 8….

 

 

and yes that is me whimpering in the background, that you here… I mean really how can my baby be 8??? The time has just flown by. I’m sad, but he is such an amazing little boy/young man. He is so smart!

Some of the highlights from his 7th year…

• He lost 3 more teeth
• reading at 3-4 grade reading level
• becoming an encyclopedia… you want to know something ask him!!! :)
• learning to hit the ball harder

Hard to believe he is now 8 ending the 2nd grade. I’m looking forward to seeing what the 8th year of his life will bring me. He is such a pleasure to have and be around… and I thank god everyday for blessing me with such an amazing boy!

Here are some pictures from his birthday.. It was just a small thing, with cake, and a couple presents. As he is having another party on Saturday. It is a surprise party, (shhh… he doesn’t know) with his friends. More for that to come!

Playing his new game

A brave boy…..

 

During vacation, Hunter needed to go have another round of Allergy testing done. After having his Tonsils, and Adenoids out we wanted to make sure everything else was set, so we can finally just get over this allergy issue.

He was a bit apprehensive cause he new this meant some needles were to be involved, and he is not a needle guy. The Allergist called and had a cream sent to my pharmacist for me. Told me to apply generously and wrap him in plastic wrap! So yup, that is what we did. It was funny!

Once we got there he started to get more nervous, until he realized he couldn’t feel his arms. The cream was a numbing cream. He got his first 32 without any issues… and then it came time for his last 31. Those had to be put in with a needle… he was a bit scared, but once she showed him it didn’t hurt he was good to go. He sat there so good, watching her put them in, reading what they were for.

Come to find out he does not have any allergies to the 63 we did. I was a bit disappointed (just cause it would be nice to have answers) but happy that this was again behind us.

My little man was very brave! I was so proud of him! Good job!!

Where do we go? By James Weinser Blog Tour:

 

 

 

 

 

Our Thoughts:

My son really loved this booked. He enjoyed the story, and the pictures. The pictures were so bright and cheery, it really made the subject easier to handle. When I asked him if he knew what the book was trying to discuss after he read it… I was very happy to hear that he understood perfectly, and he even told me some of the things he thought it was like after leaving. I was impressed with the book, and recommend it to any family with small kids. To either help ease a loss, or just to help with the discussion. Here are some pictures of my son reading it:

About the Book:

This award winning book, delicately talks about the subject of death and the hereafter. Helping parents with that difficult subject after having to deal with a tragedy. You can learn more about it HERE.

About the Author:

Born in New York City in 1945, James Weinsier was raised on Long Island. He received an Associates Degree in Applied Sciences from Nassau Community College in 1964, followed by service in the U. S. Navy. Upon completing his tour of duty, he resumed his education at the University of Miami, graduating with a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration. He is now retired and lives with his wife, in Fernandina Beach, FL.

In 2006, James experienced the devastating losses of three family members: his father, a son and grandson, Isaac Randolph, who died in a neonatal infant care unit from complications of necrotizing enterocolitis (an intestinal disorder) 10 days after his premature birth. In response to the pertinent questions from his other young grandchildren about what happens to us after we die, James wrote a children's book, Where Do We Go?, which was published in 2008.

Buy it:

You can purchase this book on Amazon or Barnes & Noble around $12.95

 

* "This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by: James Weinsier/FiveStar Publications for this review."

A Trip to Disney

 

with our visitor Holly. Well after a few days of Rain to ruin our plans.. We finally were able to get to Disney. Thanks again to our great friend Jessica for helping us out with that!

On Saturday morning Hunter, Me, and Holly headed out to check out Disney. Were we met up with some more friends there. It was a bit windy but in the 70’s, making it a beautiful day to be outside. We were going to head to Magic Kingdom first but due to crazy amounts of people, also wanting to share in this beautiful weather we ended up at Epcot first.

We checked out the Coke Cola place first. Were we managed to trick holly into tasting the Italy one. I wish, I had gotten her face on camera for that! To funny!

Then we headed over to see a few characters. You can’t go to Disney and not have your picture taken with Mickey right??

After we did that, we headed over to see the Tinkerbell Display. Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival was going on. It was beautiful, here are a few of the pictures I took in there.

After that, there really wasn’t to much for the kids to see, so we decided to take a boat to Hollywood Studio’s. Were we got some lunch, and checked out a few places. Mainly just some character spots, and the Playhouse Disney area. Here is a picture of Holly way to excited to see Handy Manny!!! (can you tell we have kids)

From there we caught the bus back to the Magic Kingdom. By the time we got back there it was dinner time, so most people were headed out. (still millions of people in there but you know) Our first stop was Tom Sawyer Island for Hunter but it was closed. He was rather upset about this, so we went on to Splash Mountain. Where is is FINALLY big enough to ride it. We got fast passes for later, and went on the train to Toontown. Got on the Barnstormer Roller coaster, and then headed to the Race track. Hunter wanted to drive, so I agreed. He gave me wicked whiplash!!! Oh my goodness!

After a few more rides it was time to head back to Splash Mountain. What a blast! Hunter loved it, and of course Holly and I got SOAKED! So worth it though. After that we watched the last Spectro Magic Light Parade, and then called it a day, as we were all tired, and we were beginning to get cold!

It was a fun day with great friends, and memories that will last a lifetime!

Opening Day Baseball…..

went off without a hitch! Two of my kids are playing baseball this year. Hunter is on coach pitch again this year, and then my youngest daughter Sage is playing T-ball.
They are both very excited to be playing this season. Hunter is happy to be returning and see how much more he can improve.

Doesn’t he look so handsome??

Sage is excited to be playing for the first year. She is so cute out there in her pink cleats, and pink/purple glove. 

They both had a great morning with pictures, and then we went out on the field to be announced. After the Mayor threw the first pitch, we had lunch. Hunter wasn’t able to play his scrimmage game, due to his surgery the week before...but Sage was. We had a great time, and enjoyed the day. More to come on this years season.

My brave man….

 

was so good yesterday. He went in to have his Tonsils & Adenoids out, and another set of tubes put in his ears. This is the 4th set of tubes he has had put in, so really he is kinda a pro at this! This time though you could see the slight hesitation in him… he wasn’t sure what to expect from the removal of his tonsils, and adenoids.

I was proud of him for going in with a good attitude, and being so chipper, despite the fact he was scared, and starving!

The nurses were great again, they remembered us from Sage’s surgery back in September which you can read about HERE. Matter of fact as I write this, they just called to check on him. :)

Sage was an amazing trooper too… As she had to sit and be good for 6hrs, while we waited for him to go into surgery and come out and be released. They keep them for 4hrs after surgery to make sure they wake up ok, and start to eat, or drink.

Hunter woke up ok, but was in a lot of pain, so to clam him down they gave him some pain meds, that made him sleep again. Once those kicked in we were able to get him to eat a popicle. Plus when he got home he ate some Jello, pudding, and ice cream. So he is already doing better than Sage in that aspect.

 

He is out of school for a week or so. We have all his work though, so we will have it done, and ready for his return. I’m very proud of how brave he is being… Even in pain, he does pretty good!

Get better soon buddy!!!

Baseball Begins…..

 

 

and the schedule gets crazier!! Hunter has decided that he wants to play Baseball again this year. He loves it. I made a deal with him, that if he really wants to play and promised to try hard, and do his school work.. I would sign him up. So here we are...

It looks to be a very promising baseball season. We have very good coaches and he could learn so much from them. I think, he is really going to improve in many areas this year.

Here are some of the shots we have from our first few practices.

 

Not to worry there will be more pictures to come!

 

Medieval Map Trek Review:

 

Hunter and I were so excited to get this review. We are both history nuts. Being only 7yrs old, he amazes me with what he wants to learn and know about it. When we got to check this out, we were eager to get started.

This program is great! We had lots of fun with it. It includes: Accurate Maps (then & now), Historical Maps, Maps that you can print and display for any project, and lesson plans. Comes with with teachers maps with full color, and then uncolored maps for the students to fill in. The feature that I really loved?? Is that it is geared for all levels of learning, in 3 different levels, Grades 1-4, 5-8, and then 9-12!! So, once purchasing this product you can use it for years to come! What an amazing deal!

Again here is the break down for you….. For 14.95 you get:

• 32 Full Color Teacher Answer Maps
• 28 Blank Outline Maps for Students
• 4 Grid Maps
• 2 Blank Grid Maps (2 different size grids)
• Instructions on how to use this map
• Lesson Plans
• Glossary of terms

That is 82 total pages!!!

Quick head on over to Knowledge Quest now, and place your order!!

Once they are able to put together all 4 different volumes they will offer a cd, as well. I can’t wait!

Right now they offer a few different maps, and I know we are going to order the others as well. They are great, and are so easy for a child of any age to follow!

*I was not paid for this review. It is completely of my own opinion. Thank you to Knowledge Quest for providing me with the product for this review & Mama Buzz.

Blue & Gold Banquet

 

This is the combination of the Birthday of the Boy Scouts, and the time when we try to have most of our big achievements done, and the boys will get their rank badges.

I have to admit this year was a bit of a challenge for me in this area. Why?? Well, I took over as the official leader of our Den back in November. Leaving me with only 3 months to get our boys their Wolf Badges. With almost 3 weeks of that being vacation times, so we don’t meet. Talk about a challenge!! Its ok, I was up for it!

I am proud to say that all but one of my boys managed to get their Wolf Badge at Blue and Gold on Saturday night! I was so proud of them…. They worked hard, and got it done. Now for the rest of the year until May, they will work on getting electives, and extra badges. Then around the end of May they will move up to the next rank.

Here is what Hunter achieved this time around:
His Wolf Badge
Gold Arrow Point (for electives)
7 Sliver Arrow Points (for electives)
Bowling Belt Loop
Nutrition Belt Loop
Hiking Belt Loop
Reading/Writing Belt Loop
Leave No Trace Patch
Outdoor Activity Award
BSA 100 Year Patch

He has done a really good job at staying on task, and working towards more. He is a very smart little man!

He was pretty excited to get all his stuff, along with a few surprises. One of them was him getting a TROPHY for Design for the Pinewood Derby!

 

Hunter mastered the………

 

the Monkey Bars!!!!!

He says he is now a big boy!

How cute is that???

He is getting to big for me….

Next he will be going on a date!

 

Oh my!

 

Hike ….

 

This past weekend we decided to take the scouts on a hike. To find “Real” woods is hard in Florida. So, I have to say the trail we picked this time was very much the closest to woods we have gotten thus far.

The kids had a blast as usual…. my kids love nothing better than to get out their with nature. My leg is still healing, so it was a bit hard at times for me to keep up, and it was ready for a rest at the end, but all and all was a good hike.

We were able to see some deer tracks, lots of types of trees, a hawk, spiders, and a few other things along the way. Not sure how long of a hike it was…I'd have to say at least a mile. I’m hoping to do another one soon. We love to get out their and explore nature!