“TANNER” for Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy

Disney On Ice presents DisneyPixar’s Toy Story 3 is bringing the smash-hit box-office sensation, Toy Story 3, and memorable moments from Toy Story and Toy Story 2 to the ice in this sensational live production coming to Toronto over March Break! This brand-new ice spectacular comes to Rogers Centre March 15-20/11 for 9 performances. The performance includes Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and the Toy Story gang, along with new faces Barbie, Ken, and Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear.

Inspired by the crusade of Mom Blogger Catherine Connors, who may be best known for her tutu-flanked attire, to garner awareness of and research funding for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, (Tutus for Tanner) Disney On Ice is donating $2 from every Rogers Centre ticket sold to Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy when the code “TANNER” is used to purchase tickets.

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the treatment, quality of life, and long-term outlook for all individuals affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Duchenne is one of nine types of mucular dystrophy, caused by a genetic disorder. It affects approximately one in every 3,500 male births, and there is no cure.

Fans can support the cause simply by entering or mentioning the code “TANNER” when making their ticket purchase to any of the nine Disney On Ice performances at Rogers Centre. Tanner is the name of Connors’ nephew, who is afflicated with the disease.

Tickets for Disney On Ice presents Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 3 are available at www.ticketmaster.ca, Ticketmaster retail outlets, Rogers Centre Box Office, or by calling 1-855-985-5000.

More info:

www.parentprojectmd.org/site/PageServer?pagename=nws_index

www.herbadmother.com

March Break 24/7

It's looming for me – March Break 24/7 – with my 2 crazy, high energy boys – they are best friends and mortal enemies all wrapped into one!

For a self-employed, single mom I find spring break an immense challenge each year. I should look forward to it, and in a lot of big ways I do – quality time with my boys, no rushing to school in the mornings, no lunches to pack, no squeezing in afterschool homework and playdates. But if I'm totally honest with myself, I feel a real sense of anxiety that sits uncomfortably in the pit of my stomach. It's flash backs of summer holiday, and the loss of the 'me' time that keeps me sane. So this year I am determined to be more organised and prepared for the week of mayhem that is sure to come.

Here is my 3 step 'process' to saving my life next week (I'll let you know later if it works!)

Step 1: Plan and Schedule! I’ve almost finished planning our week. We started by making a list on the fridge of what the boys each want to do during their break. Next, scribbles on the calender, when we can fit things in, and what we can afford to do. We'll hit the zoo, check out a movie, do the Syrup Festival, but the 'scribbles' also include the quiet time they love at home (please let it be quiet!), bike riding in the park, or going swimming at the local pool.

Step 2: Free Childcare! Playdates, visit the Grandparents, Daddy day, Aunts and Uncles. Anyone they spend some time with to give Mom a fighting chance at keeping on top of the workload is a good thing (no I cannot take a week off work and still pay my bills!). Thank you to all who have offered up their time for this noble cause! I LOVE you!

Step 3: Jump Around! I'm trying to exercise everyday right now, and for as long as I can manage before the kids take over all my free time. I don't know about you, but if I don't give myself a real workout every couple of days I just can't cope, it's my natural Happy Pill that helps me smile and remain calm through the fighting and whining. I highly recommend it – year round!

Lot's to Do
If you're looking for something to do with the kiddies next week, there certainly is no lack of entertainment out there. Check the Child's Life March Break Guide for loads of events in York Region, Durham and Toronto.

Hey it's only 7 days, and I may get some work squeezed in, I think I might actually be looking forward to March Break this year!

Got any great ideas for March Break fun? Post a comment, I would love to hear from you.

bugzbitz II

Tuesday was the first warm day of the year - arriving one full week before the official start of spring! It was great strolling outside without a jacket, we decided this was the perfect day for our trip to the zoo! So off we went to spend the afternoon...

First stop was the bugzbitz II exhibit inside the Toronto Zoo educational building not far from the main gates. bugzbitz II is a special event for March Break, and the boys were anxious the view the creepy crawlys inside.

I made an error in judgement when I parked our wagon underneath two potted trees with my hair brushing up against the leaves. When I turned around I noticed people pointing fingers at the very same tree and saying 'look do you see it?" (click image to magnify). Almost invisible at first glance, the trees were covered in giant leaf like creatures - stick bugs! After thoroughly brushing off my hair and jacket (just in case!) we made our way around the room to view the other critters. The exhibit featured giant cockroaches, beetles, centipedes and a huge spider! Yikes! Even my 6 year old was - in his words – 'creeped out'.

At the art and activity tables kids were encouraged to draw bugs, play with oversized toy bugs, watch a bug movie or learn about bugs on an interactive screen. There was even a whole wall of 'bug art' - a beautiful composition made out a variety of beetles and other giant insects (click image to magnify).

The rest of the zoo added to a great day also, I can't remember seeing so many animals out to view and so playful too... it must be that spring is finally in the air!

More info: www.torontozoo.com

~Justine