momonthegoinholytoledo

Sesame Street Party: Look who turned two!

August 16, 2012October 2, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

Our baby turned two on Saturday, my how the time flies. It seems like just yesterday we brought her home from the hospital. I held her in my arms as our older two children came running inside (they stayed with Nana and Papa while we were in the hospital. I had her around noon on a Wednesday and we were out of there by 3pm the next day) eager to see if they had a baby brother or a baby sister. I asked one last time what they each thought we had and both said a baby brother. So you can imagine their surprise when I pulled back the blanket and the baby was dressed in pink. They let out a huge cheer and life has gotten, well, busy ever since.

We enjoyed our family birthday tradition, donuts for breakfast (as most of you know we like to only have donuts on birthdays so that they are a truly a special treat).

Now that she is two the volume in our house has increase exponentially. Mariah Carey has nothing on this kid (and of course whenever she is around our friends she is quiet as a mouse). And she now, like most toddlers do, has adopted a few favorite words including, MINE, NO, and MY TURN (this might just be one that toddlers with older siblings have mastered). She also enjoys changing her wardrobe like 5 times a day but when it is time to change her clothes in order to go somewhere she refuses. This is one outfit she refused to change out of…..

We threw a play date birthday party (one during the weekday, just after nap time) yesterday and she had such a wonderful time….

The theme was Sesame Street and thanks to Earth’s Best the snack table was covered! Earth’s Best has cookies, crackers, fruit bars, yogurt smoothies, etc. that our toddler enjoys.

We had Telly’s Tactile Tubs set up in the dining room for the kiddos to play in and play they did…

She had such a wonderful time. We are so blessed to have such amazing friends in our lives.

Navy Week: Navy’s Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812

August 15, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

Ships of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and Royal Canadian Navy are scheduled to visit Toledo as part of the Navy’s Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and Navy Week, August 20-27. The week will be packed with family-friendly special events recognizing the Navy for keeping the sea free for more than 200 years.

Area residents will have the opportunity to learn about the War of 1812 and about the Navy’s capabilities and relevance to national security, as well as see the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and Canadian Navy firsthand through a wide array of community events and outreach. During the festivities, the public can attend Navy Band Great Lakes concerts, view Navy Color Guard performances, interact with the Navy F-18A Flight simulator, and visit U.S. and Canadian Navy ships.

“Toledo was carefully chosen as one of 15 cities this year where America’s Navy will ‘come home’ to demonstrate the mission of the U.S. Navy and the proud Navy and Marine Corps heritage,” saidCarla E. Lucchino, assistant for administration, Department of the Navy. “We’re honored to have the City of Toledo host us as we engage with local corporate and community leaders, interact with the public and perform various community service projects.”

Arriving at the Maumee River front in downtown Toledo on Aug. 23, will be the coastal patrol ship USS Hurricane (PC 3) and the frigate USS De Wert (FFG 45), accompanied by the historic US Brig Niagara – a War of 1812 replica tall ship first constructed using the original wreckage salvaged from a Lake Erie bay in 1913. Tours aboard the ships will be open for public visitation.

Additionally, sailors from the Toledo area, the visiting ships, as well as local U.S. Marines and Coast Guardsmen will participate in many community service projects, including volunteering with the Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity, interacting with students at the Imagination Station, and participating in a softball game with athletes from the Special Olympics.

“The Great Lakes Region is as important to our Navy today as it was 200 years ago. Toledo is one of the many Navy cities in the region that continue to inspire and support our maritime forces,” saidRear Admiral Gregory M. Nosal, Commander, Carrier Strike Group Two. “I look forward to our Navy and Marine Corps team visiting this region to commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812, and showcase our ships as well as our men and women who stand the watch 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, protecting our way of life.”

The War of 1812, also known as America’s second war for independence, is regarded by many as the conflict that started our country’s rise to global influence. From 1812 to 1815, the United States fought to expand to the north and west, and to assert rights to trade freely with other countries without interference from Britain’s Royal Navy ships on the high seas. America’s modern Navy and its role as a global maritime force are deeply rooted in the events of 1812 to 1815. Earlier this year,the United States Navy and its sea-service partners began a three-year commemoration to the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the writing of our National Anthem, the Star Spangled Banner.

A full event schedule will be available online in mid August:http://www.navyweek.org/toledo2012/index.html and http://www.ourflagwasstillthere.org/

Live Experience & Review of The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure

August 14, 2012September 24, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

As the movie began and the audience received instructions on the Oogieloves “dance” I have to be honest I did think to myself…will I be able to tolerate this movie….is it going to be obnoxious ….should I have taken an aspirin or two? Then the vibrant colors, those cute Oogielove characters, and the entire storyline unfolded and I forgot about that preconceived notion that children’s movies are often intolerable to parents. Speaking of parents, the movie contains adult undertones to, the first one being J. Edgar, the vacuum, get it? Then the fun began….

The butterflies fluttered across the screen and my 2 year olds eyes lit up as she sprang to action. She boogied her little heart out and then as the turtles slowly walked across the screen she made her way back into her seat. What I found was that she was so much more attentive to this movie than any other she has seen in the theater. This was a pleasant surprise because again, I have to be honest; I was worried about how I would get her back in her seat and calm down in order to continue watching the film. After I had put aside my worries what I found was I was having fun dancing with my two-year old in a movie theater, never thought I would say that!

Meanwhile my 6-year-old followed the queuing with ease. She also sprang to action at the first sign of the butterflies. She got up and danced, said the phrases when queued, and was captivated by the plot and the Oogieloves adventures!

My only child that seemed a little apprehensive about getting up out of his seat and talking during the film was my 5-year-old son. He has just gotten to that point where he knows what is appropriate movie going etiquette. So as the butterflies fluttered across the screen he eased to the edge of his seat but that was about as far as he would go. It was as if he was afraid that the usher was going to ask him to leave if he looked like he was having too much fun. But he wasn’t the only one experiencing this dilemma.

Most of the theater stayed seated during the dance portion. I think this is just a norm that is difficult for to break. In fact, as I got up to dance the third time it dawned on me that maybe the people behind me couldn’t see and that I should sit. But then it occurred to me that if they can’t see, perhaps they should be getting out of their seats and dancing too? Why would you want to miss out on this fun experience with your children?

And a wonderful experience it was!

Review….

As a parent to young children I thought the plot was perfect. The topics were appropriate; in fact I liked the fact that the story included shapes, animal sounds, and undertones that encourage cognitive development. As a mom to younger children it was also encouraging to have them practice following directions. The characters were vibrant and contained unique features which I think is important because each child is unique. I also liked the fact that the inanimate objects were characters too, it added to the innocence of the movie. The cameos from Hollywood actors, the adult undertones, and the opportunity to dance with your children in a theater make this a positive experience for parents too! No need to bring the aspirin but do wear some comfy shoes!

The price it right too! Earlier this summer our children were begging my hubby and I go see The Fresh Beat Band live show. We had to tell them no due to the cost. It was going to cost more than $150 for our entire family to see the show. And of course as parents we were disappointed too that we couldn’t take our entire family. The Oogieloves in The Bog Balloon Adventure is the perfect solution; it is like a Live show experience for the price of a movie ticket.

I give The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure an A, 5 stars, 2 thumbs up, and I can’t wait to see it again. In fact, I plan on placing it on our play group’s calendar and can’t wait to share this experience with other moms and their kiddos.

I would like to send a special thank you to the followingin The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure family for providing a TRUE G-Rated film for my family to enjoy.

Matthew Diamond (director), Scott Stabile and Kenn Viselman (story creators), Scott Stabile (writer), Kenn Viselman (producer), Angela Rivet (co-producer), Michael A. Chirco, Scot J. Moceri and David R. Schwarcz (Executive producers), Scott Stabile (lyrics) and Josh Gronner (original song writers) and stars…..Toni Braxton, Cloris Leachman, Christopher Lloyd, Chazz Palminteri, Cary Elwes and Jaime Pressly

Calling all MOMS!!!

In order for this movie to be successful and to hopefully encourage Hollywood to create more TRUE G-Rated films we need your help. Hollywood needs to hear your voice, how?

We need you to support and promote the RatedGGG hashtag.

Like Oogieloves on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TheOogieloves)

Follow The oogiesloves on twitter (http://twitter.com/theoogieloves)

UPDATE:

We’re having a party! Join Celebrations.com in celebrating the upcoming release of the new interactive film for kids, The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure! We hope you can join us for a fun filled Twitter chat about the Oogieloves. Come ready for trivia about the movie and talk kid’s party ideas with us for the chance to win some BIG Oogieloves themed prizes.

Date: Monday, August 20th

Time: 8-9pm EST

Hashtag: #OogielovesParty

Host: @Celebrations

Sponsor: @Oogieloves

Tweet Grid: http://bit.ly/MDpe41

And if you’re planning a back to school party or just a birthday bash, check out the Oogieloves/Celebrations party info at http://www.celebrations.com/content/oogieloves-theme-party-for-the-kids

The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure World Premiere

August 13, 2012August 13, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

Wow! That is the first word that comes to mind when I think of The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure world premiere. The second word, or question rather, that comes to mind is, why Michigan?

The Michigan film tax incentive played a huge role in giving life to the film. It was written by Michigan native Scott Satible and funded by Mike Chirco and Scot Moceri both of whom reside in Michigan. Also, the movie was filmed in various locations throughout Michigan, one such example is the Tulip Festival in Holland Michigan and another scene, Milky Marvin’s, in a diner in Canton. Also, over 90% of the film crew was from Michigan. But there was also a little Hollywood in the movie thanks to the cameos from Cloris Leachman, Chazz Palminteri, Toni Braxton, Jamie Pressly, and Christopher Llyod. So, as Tim Allen would say, The Oogieloves in the Big Ballon Adventure is Pure Michigan. On with the Premiere….

As we entered the Emagine Theater in Royal Oak Michigan the lobby had been transformed into a child’s dream come true. Our first stop was Sparkeliciousness stencil glitter tattoos that caught the eye of my 5 & 6-year-old. What better way to express your Oogie love than in glitter?

Meanwhile the cubes and tubes seemed to be very entertaining to my toddler, I don’t get it but toddlers love it!

Then the excitement began, the masses crowded to hit the red carpet for a photo opportunity followed by the introduction of the creator, writers, marketers, etc.

After which the film producers presented Henry Ford Health Systems with a check for $150,000 to support funds for a new program aimed at combating childhood obesity. Then the party was officially started….

As we entered the party space the atmosphere was inviting, it was a symphony for the senses. The aroma took you back to childhood memories, like a day at the circus. The aroma potpourri of pizza, hot dogs, root beer floats, cotton candy etc. was a warm welcome. The golden balloons that danced in the air, the screens playing clips from the movie, clowns with animated expressions, and the smiles on the children’s faces was such a wonderful vision. They even had a favorite snack for adults that were sure to channel childhood memories, Cracker Jacks!

The soirée successfully awakened our senses and in doing so brought back fond childhood memories and it was as if you couldn’t tell where childhood ended and adulthood began. The crowd had transformed and we were all childlike at heart. The anticipation, excitement, and energy continued building as we made our way to the theater to view the world premiere of The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure.

Synopsis: THE OOGIELOVES IN THE BIG BALLOON ADVENTURE is a simple story of a loving friendship, a surprise birthday party and a BIG adventure…It’s a beautiful day in Lovelyloveville. It’s Schluufy’s birthday and the Oogieloves (Goobie, Zoozie, and Toofie) along with their friends J. Edgar, Windy Window and Ruffy, are organizing a party (Ssshh! It’s a secret). Everything is going along just perfectly until J.Edgar trips and loses the last five magical balloons in all of Lovelyloveville – OH NO!!! The Oogieloves immediately take action and set out to find the magical balloons in time to save their friend’s party. Along the way they meet some very interesting characters indeed, including Dotty Rounder (Cloris Leachman); Bobby Wobbly (Carey Elwes); Milky Marvin(Chazz Palminteri), Rosalie Rosebud (Toni Braxton) and Lola and Lero Sombero (Christopher Lloyd and Jaime Pressly). Can these new friends help them recover the magical balloons and get back to the cottage in time to celebrate Schluufy’s surprise birthday?

Review to follow…..

The Oogieloves: Roundtable Discussion with the Creator & Camp Oogie

August 9, 2012August 9, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

As many of you may have noticed I took a brief hiatus Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. But it was for an exciting reason and one that I can’t wait to share with all of you!

I had the opportunity to participate in a roundtable discussion with Kenn Viselman (pictures below with me), The Oogieloves creator and marketer behind Teletubbies, Thomas the Tank Engine and Eloise. During the roundtable discussion the subject of appropriate FAMILY friendly films was addressed and the fact that there is a lack of QUALITY family entertainment. True, Hollywood has released films that they felt were appropriate for young children but if you really sit back and contemplate those movies most, if not all, were not appropriate. True many were cartoons, but, just because movies are animated doesn’t make them appropriate for young children. Take a moment and think about the movies that have been released for children this summer. Now, if you were to make those animated movies into a movie with live actors would that movie be appropriate for your young child? I know I personally wouldn’t allow my 2-year-old to view those movies.

As a mother to 3 children ages 2, 5, and 6 years old I want to be able to take all 3 of my children to an APPROPRIATE QUALITY FAMILY film and…..

I do not want to have to leave my older two children in the theater by themselves while I walk around with my 2-year-old because there was a “scary” scene during a film. (True story, this did happen and thankfully my mom was with us to stay with the older two kiddos while I walked the halls of the theater with my 2-year-old while they finished watching the film).

Or, worse, after spending over $40 for my family to enjoy an afternoon at the theater together, having to leave because there are just too many “scary” scenes. Given our family budget I know I can’t afford to take a gamble like that!

I do not want to have an awkward discussion with my children during or after the film about adult issues. (Up was one such movie that was followed by a slew of questions from our preschooler that I was not prepared to address at such a young age).

The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure has heard us moms loud and clear and is a TRUE G-rated film. In fact this movie is a mommy film going ally. Not only do us moms not have to worry about scary scenes in the film for our toddler, or awkward discussions with our preschoolers, but we can also eliminate the constant request to…”sit down please”…” be quiet please”….”shhh”….”put your hands down”….”sit on your bottom”….etc.

Asking young children to sit still for over an hour is asking a lot. Also, they are young and inquisitive, they will have questions, and that is good. Now imagine if you could address the questions and actually interact during a film? Shocker right!?! Once again The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure delivers.

Children are encouraged to get up, out of their seats, and dance! As well as talk and interact with the film while in the theater. There is queuing in the film that indicate when it is time to standup and dance and when it is time to sit back in your seat. The queuing is easy for a child to comprehend and follow, the butterflies fluttering across the screen indicate it is time to get out of your seat, while the turtles indicate that it is time to slow down and be seated.

At the culmination of the round table discussion I found myself quite eager to attend The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure Premiere the next day. As I left the roundtable discussion I felt such gratitude because my voice as a mommy had finally been heard! The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure was finally going to provide the quality family entertainment us moms have been longing for.

Speaking of moms, Kenn Viselman’s mom attended the roundtable discussion and I also invited my mom to attend. Here is a picture of Kenn Viselman with his mother, me, and my mom. We give The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure a thumbs up!!

While I was attending the roundtable discussion my children were attending Camp Oogie! Where they had fun decorating an Oogieloves lunch bag, learned songs from the movie, learned some dances from the film, and had an all-around fabulous time.

As we left The Townsend Hotel on Tuesday we were all elated and in much anticipation for the premiere of The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure the next day.

Here is The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure trailer….

Stop, Drop, and Blog Roll

August 6, 2012October 2, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

Okay, so remember like decades ago when moms used to watch Soap Operas when the children would nap? And then they would get together with other moms and kibitz about the characters, plot, and actors? Well, we moms might have bid adieu to the Soap Opera era but we have happily replaced it and embraced Mom blogs with opened arms. We are welcoming this new era of inspiring, motivating, encouraging, and at times, darn right hilarious mommies. However since we are moms it can be difficult to find the time to search through tons of blogs to find ones that gels or worse, what if there is an amazing blog that you perfectly gel with but you just keep missing it? The solution…STOP, DROP, and BLOG ROLL. It should be an easy saying to remember, it is the same thing you do if you are on fire, remember, stop, drop, and roll? Now, I trust you not to confuse the two. Don’t read blogs when you are on fire just roll, roll like mad!! Okay, glad I got that out of the way, I feel more comfortable having clarified.

STOP….I know you are busy but you deserve some “me time” so put the kiddos down for a nap or bed (when it is time of course). STOP what you are doing.

DROP…Like right where you are, or wherever your computer is, drop… or if you prefer a more graceful technique, sit.

BLOG ROLL….This is the fun part, every other week I am going to be discussing a handful of the blogs I follow. I will make certain I keep the synopsis of the post brief because your time is valuable and include a link so you can read more.

Ready, set…STOP, DROP, and BLOG ROLL…

Moms Who Wine….I love this bog because she tells it like it is. I am a fan of honest, genuine, and a bit of humor blogs and this blog delivers!

Who to turn to for Avice

Do you worry that being honest will open you up to judgment from your friends and family? Who do you trust will give you good advice?

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Our Homeschooling Journey… This blog has wonderful activities that engage your children’s intellect and are a whole lot of fun! I am looking forward to making the dominos and playing dominos with my kiddos this fall!

Homemade DIY Tile Dominos

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Crud My Kids Say….I love this blog because it always offers a quick pick me up during the day. And I am sure most moms can relate to the unique things children say and it is true, you just can’t make this stuff up. I have been inspired by this blog to jot down things my own children say, try it, you’ll like it (as Yo Gabba Gabba would say, lol!).

This post is funny…

I’m Smarter than I Look

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Essential Nutrition…. This blog provides an informative and sometimes entertaining reminder that you are what you eat. I also like the food by stars posts…how many stars would your food receive?

Do This Now! Goal Setting

This post discusses goal setting for a healthier lifestyle and with school just around the corner now is a great time to set that goal.

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Weighbeyonmotherhood….This is a new blog and one that I am enjoying. Tammy tells it like it is, she is brutally honest about her health issues and struggles as a mom who is overweight. She shares her journey to a healthier lifestyle with her readers.

Here is a great example of a post that is raw, open, and honest, with emotion and her struggles…. Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead

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Lilly’s Kitchen Lab…This blog is brand-spankin new but I already love it! Lilly offers great recipes and food ideas; I especially like this post …Dating a PB & J addict

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Please let me know if this is something you think you would be interested in reading every other week or so. Also, if you are reading this and you have a blog please post a comment with a link to your blog. I will be sure to check it out and possibly include it in future Stop, Drop, and Blog Rolls.

Tea Time

August 4, 2012August 4, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

My mom treated us to tea yesterday at the Stranleigh Manor. The children were so excited. They sat out their clothes the day before. Our little man so desperately wanted to look handsome. He asked me if I could get him the coat and tie that men wear at weddings. He wanted a tuxedo for tea. He is so sweet; he told me he wanted to be a handsome gentleman so badly. In fact he asked that I call him Mr. and Sir during tea, lol! Thankfully I was able to convince him that his white button down shirt and tie were dressy enough. And that shorts were a must since the temperature that day was in the 90s.

As we walked to tea it was so much fun to see what all the ladies were wearing, some were even adorned with creative headdresses (hats, headbands, bows, etc).

Once there we received a number and we waited in the front room.

Since they only take reservations for half the seating when we called all reservations were full so we had to take a number and wait. And wait we did. After waiting half an hour the children, my sister, and I walked around the gardens for a little while to kill time.

After two hours our number was finally called. Boy was it worth the wait. There are three rooms designated for tea and since we had a larger party we were fortunate enough to be seated in the same room as the musical entertainment. Which just so happened to include one of the children’s preschool teacher, it was so awesome!

The petite sandwiches and desserts were delicious. They even had PB & J for the tiniest tea goers.

And our daughters got a kick out of the fact that there was one seat free at our table and they designated it for their Brave doll.

We had such a wonderful time and our little gentleman was so endearing. He even offered to eat any food us ladies might be unable to finish. While my sister and I were served hot tea, my mom iced tea, the children opted for punch and I just couldn’t resist this picture of them sporting their punch mustaches…

The next tea is September 7th and the theme is dress like your favorite I love Lucy episode. For reservations call 419-344-4765

Have you ever had tea with your children? Some of the best tea parties are the impromptu ones, right? With random attendants like Barbie, Big Bird, or whatever stuffed animal your child favors that day…who have you had tea with lately?

Chick-fil-A (Need I say more?)

August 3, 2012August 3, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

I toyed with the idea of posting this yesterday, or even at all. I figured enough has been said, I won’t bother. But then I started reading comments on facebook that called those who purchased Chick-fil-A yesterday haters. That is when I knew I needed to say something. I am not a hater. I love. I forgive. If I have something you need I am more than happy to share, donate, and give. I believe all people; including Gays and Lesbians have a right to live as they choose. That being stated, they don’t have the right to redefine marriage for all of us.

Here are some pictures from yesterday…

This is a serious topic and one that is very near and dear to my heart, Marriage. My grandparents on my father’s side were married for 47 years, my grandparents on my mother’s for 44 years, my own parents have been married for 35 years, my in-laws for 43 year, and my husband and I will celebrate our 10^th wedding Anniversary next April. Those marriages, all combined welcomed over 17 children. The sanctity of Marriage and family is engrained in me and my children. I pray every night that my grandchildren and great-grandchildren will experience and know marriage as love between a man and women that gives way to family.

I do not want my grandchildren to think that one-half of humanity, either mothers or fathers, are dispensable.

What is your stance? (Don’t worry, I am not a hater. You can speak/type freely. I am grown-up enough to handle opposing views. I do believe that what you have to say is important so please share. But it would be appreciated if you did it in a cordial manner, thank you)

TP: Not just for your Butt (Put it on your Christmas list)

August 1, 2012August 1, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

Think back to Christmas. Remember all that time, money, energy, gas, and more time you spent locating gifts, wrapping gifts, and then carefully placing those said gifts under the tree? Now remember how late you stayed up and how early your rose just to watch your little ones tear open those wrapped gifts? Remember how much time you spent trying to get those darn things out of the packaging? Seriously!?! Why do they make it so difficult to remove toys from the packaging? So after wrestling with the packaging for a half hour you then moved to the next obsticle, batteries. Of course you never have the right batteries on hand, who does? Thus begins the search for other toys and/or remotes with the same size batteries. Then…finally, done!

So your little one plays with the toys for roughly ten minutes and then where does their attention move? That’s right that darn packaging! Whether it is the cardboard box, plastic do-hicks (what are they called?), bubble wrap, etc. No matter how hard Fisher-Price, Mattel, Melissa & Doug, etc. try they can’t trump a child’s imagination. One such example, toilet paper wedding dresses….

The girls wanted to play bride but did not have their dress-ups at Nana’s house thus, toilet paper wedding dresses evolved.

So for Christmas this year I propose the following items be on your child’s Christmas list:

Toilet Paper
Cardboard box
Wrapping paper/tissue paper
Bubble wrap
What would you add?

Never underestimate the power of a Child’s imagination!

Can you relate to the Christmas morning mayhem? So what type of up-recycling, trash, packaging, etc. do your kiddos enjoy playing with?

Exclaim! 2012

July 30, 2012July 30, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

We had a remarkable weekend and I hope you all did too! While we did miss out on the Pizza Palooza event on Friday evening due to rain, rain that we desperately needed, the remainder of the weekend was gorgeous. Sunday was especially beautiful for Exclaim. What is Exclaim you ask? Well….

Three years ago the Toledo area Catholics decided to create a local event that would feature nationally prominent Christian musicians and family fun activities. The first year drew 4,000 and the second 7,000, making it one of the largest outdoor Christian music festivals in the region!

Exclaim is an event organized by Catholics but intended for the entire Christian community. One Faith. One Hope. One Lord. Exclaim is a FREE family friendly event. This year Exclaim featured….

Photo Booth Sponsored by The Blade.

Local band Canons played throughout the day.

National artist Josh Blakesley

The City Harmonic played

Followed by one of my favorites, Kutless!

There were workshops on various faith topics.

Inflatable games, kids’ corner, and Magic show for the children.

Nearly 40 organizations were onsite to offer faith related information.

Reconciliation and Eucharistic Adoration tents

The day culminated with a gorgeous evening mass outside. But before Mass things needed to be taken down and the kiddos got to sit on the cart with their Nana (possibly one of the highlights of their evening) then we tailgated dinner…

Mass was amazing. It was so fascinating to see so many Catholics gathered outdoors, the Mass was so moving between the awesome procession with the Bishop, the music by Josh Blakesely, the readings, Homily, and energy of the crowd the Holy Spirit was definitely present.

Thank you…

So many people put time, effort, energy, and sweat (literally sweat) into this event and it was amazing.

My parents and sister and brother helped this year and I would love to be a part of such a wonderful event next year. It is my hope that I can one day attend Exclaim with my grandchildren.

Of course none of this would have been made possible without the support and contributions from Medical Mutual, The Catholic Diocese of Toledo, and Catholic Youth Organization Athletics.

And there are many more to thank…click here