Fleeting Easter memories

Yesterday I went to Target specifically to buy two Disney DVDs for my kids' Easter baskets. It will be packaged with the swimsuits (daughter) and T-shirts (son) that I'd already bought on a previous bargain shopping trip. And I started thinking, will this be the last basket? The Easter Bunny stopped dropping off eggs a few years ago. Are gifts next to go?

I typically buy my kids — now 11 and 15 — something this time of year. It seems nice to package them together at Easter. Items of the past include swimsuits, DVDs, CDs, shoes, books, water guns and trading cards. It's part necessity (clothing) and part fun. Oh, and I can't forget a little chocolate so I can steal some. :)

My baskets are never elaborate. Sometimes they aren't even baskets. Anymore, everything goes into a bag that screams Spring is here! The baskets, along with the eggs, are in a bin in the garage. I'm not sure why I store them anymore.

I was never the mom who went all out on Easter. Crafts, Easter-themed activities, etc. weren't typical. I think we colored eggs twice, maybe three times. We had them hunt down eggs hidden in the backyard, and a few times went to community egg hunts. Lately we've gone to scavenger hunts since our kids aren't so little. Pictures with the Easter Bunny weren't the norm. I think the only one is from years ago at a hotel brunch, another rarity. I can count the Easter brunches out on my right hand. Fewer were spent with family since they are all so far away.

This Easter is already different than years past. It's the first year our kids have stuck out their Lent sacrifice without an slip ups (at least none that I know). Isn't this a bigger deal than egg hunts and baskets?

Still, I'm feeling sentimental about the Easter baskets and egg hunts. Will they hunt down their special egg? Would they pose with the Easter Bunny ever again? Are they expecting Peeps and chocolate bunnies or money? Or would they prefer just hanging with friends? The kiddie fun seems so fleeting. Wish it weren't.



Guess I

Instilling a giving spirit

I love that my daughter likes to help others. Her latest effort involved turning over two bags full of stuffed animals, some with tags still on them. She probably could have filled five bags. Maybe more.

She realizes that she's fortunate to have so many furry stuffed toys. She's also getting older and doesn't really need them. So we discussed how they could get another life with a family in need. I could have just bagged up for Goodwill. We often donated household items, toys and clothes donations there. But we wanted to give them to children who needed to be cheered up because of circumstances beyond their control.

We heard our local police department accepts gently used an new toys for its victims unit. We felt this is the way to best help. We also figured not a lot of people donate items there, so we dropped off two bags with bears, dogs, hippos, deer, cats, and more.

My daughter wants to expand her efforts to collect and donate stuffed animals. We've discussed the possibility of asking her elementary school to do a stuffed animal drive. Her brother wants to get involved, too.

As we left the police department today, my daughter says: "It feels really good to help someone out." I feel great hearing her say that.

Get a deal on Disney on Ice's 100 Years of Magic

Disney on Ice is back in the Valley April 12-15, 2012, at US Airways Center. This show, 100 Years of Magic, celebrates all that makes Disney fun for families. More than 65 of Disney's famously fabulous characters hit the ice to tell their stories. Among the Disney celebs are Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Disney Princesses, Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio, Mulan, Timon, Pumbaa, Stitch, Nemo and the Incredibles.

I was given a code to share with my mom friends and followers so that your family can experience the show at a great price on select dates. The offer is 4 tickets for only $44, using code NALA. I understand this is the best discount available, so do share with your friends.

The code is good for shows at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 13; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 14; and 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sunday, April 15. The deal excludes Front Row and VIP seating. A minimum of 4 tickets is required, and additional tickets can be purchased for $11 each. No double discounts allowed. Service charges, handling and facility fees may apply.

Disney on Ice presents 100 Years of Magic is produced by Feld Entertainment. Check out info at www.disneyonice.com. Click on 100 Years of Magic to see a video of the show!

Butterfly exhibit at Desert Botanical Garden

It's back. The exhibit runs from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through May 13 at Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway Phoenix. You'll get to see many butterflies & take lots of cool pics. Cost is $3.50 per person older than 3 and FREE for members. More info: Butterflies at Desert Botanical Garden

While you're there, take a stroll through the garden. It's beautiful and the weather is great. Membership is reasonable, but if that's out of your budget, check out a Culture Pass at the library.

Sharing a few pics from my visit a few years back. Enjoy!