More Disney Magic

by Christine - From Dates to Diapers on May 21, 2013

There are some big things happening at the Disneyland Resort!

Will you join me (here and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) as I attend Disney’s media event this week? Here’s a preview of what we will be checking out –

Fantasy Faire – an enchanting, immersive storybook world that extends Fantasyland. Disney Princesses await Disneyland park guests at the new Fantasy Faire and brings their timeless tales to life in fun and surprising ways.

DL fantasy faire sketchesGuests will be treated to an interactive storytelling experience with vaudeville-style Renaissance storytellers at the Royal Theatre. There will be two different shows at the Royal Theatre: the tales of Rapunzel (“Tangled”) and Belle (“Beauty and the Beast”).

DL Royal Theatre

In addition to all of this magic in Fantasyland, Mickey Mouse and a cast of beloved Disney characters will embark on a series of musical adventures through the magical powers of a sorcerer’s map in “Mickey and the Magical Map,” the all-new, live show debuting May 25 at Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park.

But, there’s more! It’s a Monstrous Summer at Disneyland Resort!

Spaceship Earth Transforms into “Monsters University” Star M

Disney parks on both coasts are bursting with unforgettable thrills and enchantment from new shows and attractions — starting with a 24-hour all-nighter for us here on the West Coast at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park!

  • Kick off a Monstrous summer on May 24, 2013, at an amazing 24-hour all-nighter in Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Scream with delight as monster hosts Mike and Sulley drop in from Monsters University.
  • Shop for limited-time special All-Nighter merchandise
  • Put the pedal to the metal at CarsLand — now going full-throttle at Disney California Adventure Park!
  • Check out the entertaining vibe on Buena Vista Street at the newly reimagined Disney California Adventure Park.
  • Immerse yourself in timeless Disney tales at Fantasy Faire.
  • Join Mickey on the exciting new magical, musical adventure, “Mickey and the Magical Map,” in the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park.

Image Credit :: Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland

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Blogging With My Daughter :: 22 Words to Describe Me and You {#BlogEveryDayinMay}

by Christine - From Dates to Diapers on May 12, 2013

For yesterday’s challege, we were to “write 20 words to sell ourself.” Julia wanted to list 10 words to “sell me” so, in return, I described her in 10 words.

We ended up each listing 11.

We were so busy at Magic Kingdom yesterday that we had to wait until today to post this. Actually, it made sense, since today is not only Mother’s Day, but also Julia’s 11th birthday!


Julia is…

  1. Talkative
  2. Bubbly
  3. Joyful
  4. Fun
  5. Happy
  6. Loud
  7. Energetic
  8. Friendly
  9. Artistic
  10. Beautiful

Plus 1. Genuine

Mom is…

  1. Loving
  2. Smiley
  3. Caring
  4. Bubbly
  5. Gorgeous
  6. Sweet
  7. Honest
  8. Creative
  9. Courageous
  10. Amazing

Plus 1. Bright

Check out Julia’s post from the other day – 10 Things to do to be a Better Mom

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A Magical Day with Janice (@5minutesformom) and Julia (@JulzBGiggles)

by Christine - From Dates to Diapers on May 11, 2013

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Merida’s Induction Into the Disney Princess Royal Court at DisneyWorld {Video}

by Christine - From Dates to Diapers on May 11, 2013

Merida's Royal Celebration

Merida was welcomed on stage by the entire Disney Princess court and was crowned by her mother, Queen Elinor, in a touching moment of love and respect that highlighted the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter. And we were there!

That was just the beginnging of another magical day here in Florida… Check out our Story from today!

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Fun with Julia at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

May 10, 2013

Do you sometimes wonder what to do with all of those photos and videos on your iPhone? Well, wonder no more. Disney has just launched a brand new app that will compose your memories in to a beautiful story. Disney’s Story app is free! I’m already addicted!! Full disclosure: I was not compensated in any [...]

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A Moment Of My Day {#BlogEveryDayinMay}

May 9, 2013

Julia and I are playing in Florida this weekend. Thanks to the wonderful Janice, who has adopted us as her family members for the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration! It’s a hard life! – Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

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Advice From My Daughter :: 10 Things to Do to Be a Better Mom {#BlogEveryDayinMay}

May 8, 2013

I was talking to my mom and she said she was doing a thing called #BlogEveryDayInMay. Today’s assignment is to “give your advice about anything” so I hacked her blog and want to give you advice on how to be a greater mom than you already are now! 1. Always listen to your kids. If [...]

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My Biggest Fears {#BlogEveryDayinMay}

May 7, 2013

There are most certainly things that make me uncomfortable, but I’m not afraid of many things. Those of which I am afraid, scare the living daylights out of me… Spiders more than just make my skin crawl; I am terrified of them. I couldn’t even search for a photo to include in this post without [...]

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You’re Invited to a Girl’s Day Out!

May 7, 2013

I have been asked to host a Girl’s Day Out. I’m being compensated for my time and energy to plan and prepare for this event. There is a CLEAR Scalp & Hair Therapy Event at Walmart on Sunday, May 19th, nationwide. I’m making an afternoon of it, and I’d love for YOU to join me! [...]

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“What do I do?” {#BlogEveryDayinMay}

May 6, 2013

Well, first I have to answer the question, “Who am I?” I am a follower of Christ. I am a wife. I am a mother of seven. I am a sister to four. I am a daughter. I am an aunt. I am a grandaughter. I am a friend. I am a teacher. I am [...]

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Friends for Life {#BlogEveryDayinMay}

May 5, 2013

When I began blogging almost eight years ago, I didn’t even imagine all that would come of it. How perfect my timing was. How I happened to be at the right place at the right time. Not only was it a fabulous way to stay in touch with friends, and display our familiy happenings with [...]

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#TeachersChangeLives :: REAL Change with Office Depot

May 5, 2013

As you may know, my four oldest kids attend a public charter school. Our teachers spent countless hours preparing their classrooms at the beginning of the year. They spend much time preparing lessons for the kids. And, each day, they pour themselves in to the children. I’m working with Office Depot to recognize the contributions [...]

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Like No One Else {#BlogEveryDayinMay}

May 4, 2013

There are many quotes I favor – verses from the Bible I treasure, poems I love, excerpts from books I have memorized – all favorites for different reasons. So, I really didn’t think it’d be that difficult to choose one for today’s challenge. But, it was! I chose the following quote by Dr. Suess simply [...]

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3 Things That Make Me Uncomfortable {#BlogEveryDayinMay}

May 3, 2013

There aren’t many things that make me uncomfortable. But, those that do, make my skin crawl. I know. Seems drastic. But, for me? These things are real deal breakers. For example… If I get your voicemail when I call you, I most likely will not leave you a message. If I do, it will probably [...]

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Finding Balance on Vacation with #TMOM

May 3, 2013

There is so much to think about when planning a vacation. All of the many things I think about here at home, I have to keep in mind on the road, too. As the mom of a large family, it’s vital to find accomodations that are comfortable enough for all of us. Is there a place [...]

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What I Know About Big Families {#BlogEveryDayinMay}

May 2, 2013

I am the grand-daughter in a big family. I am the daughter in a big family. I am the mother in a big family. I may know a thing or two about big families. we make big noises. we make big messes. we eat big meals. we have big personalities. we make big plans. we [...]

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The Story of Me {in 250 words or less} #BlogEveryDayinMay

May 1, 2013

I was born nearly thirty-six autumns ago. Four little ones came after me, and I became a mini version of my mother. I never played with dolls, since I had real babies to help feed, dress, bathe and tickle. Of course, I wanted to play mommy and loved every minute of it. In fact, I [...]

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O-Duster to the Rescue!

April 30, 2013

As a self proclaimed “Type A Neat-Freak”; nothing quite gets Andrea’s blood pumping like a new cleaning product. While others may spend their time in the shoe or makeup isles of Walmart, she can be found in the cleaning section. Sniff, spray, smell, repeat. She could spend hours in search of the next great product [...]

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Allergy Relief for Your Eyes

April 29, 2013

My allergies get worse and worse every year, it seems. Itchy, watery eyes. Runny nose. Scratchy throat. Sinus pressure. Exhaustion. Ugh! I’ve done lots of research and try everything I can to feel better during allergy season. Have you ever wondered how we can improve our eyes’ well-being during this allergy season? I hadn’t, really. So, [...]

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Celebrate National Superhero Day with Krispy Kreme

April 27, 2013

On April 28, people of all ages will be celebrating National Superhero Day with capes and costumes in honor of their favorite superhuman hero or villain.  Krispy Kreme wants you to celebrate this occasion with a FREE dozen doughnuts for the real-life everyday heroes among us! Download your Krispy Kreme Hero Appreciation Day coupon at HeroAppreciationDay.com today. Bring your [...]

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Angry Birds Birthday Party

April 26, 2013

  Ben’s 7th birthday was in January, but with so much going on his birthday party didn’t happen. Oh, I planned one. Then I postponed it, canceled it, changed it, and finally kinda gave up. So, when Party City contacted me and told me that they wanted to send me a bunch of goodies for [...]

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Topsy-Turvey Herb Garden

April 25, 2013

Now that Spring has arrived, I wish I had a green thumb. The weather is gorgeous and I would love to have a garden. Maybe some day I will; with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and maybe even some asparagus. But, for now I’ll make due with my new mini herb garden. This Topsy-Turvey Herb Garden was [...]

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