Sunday, July 30, 2017
Two More Hours Two Rivers Summer Sampler Pack - 40 Count #Giveawa...
Maria's Space: Two Rivers Summer Sampler Pack - 40 Count #Giveawa...: OH MY GOSH...this was a fun pack of K-Cups. I love variety, it is after all the spice of life and the Two Rivers Summer Sampler Pack ha...
The Misadventures of Michael McMichaels Vol. 3: The Creepy Campers - A Book Review
The Misadventures of Michael McMichaels Vol. 3: The Creepy Campers by Tony Penn
Product details
- Age Range: 6 - 10 years
- Grade Level: 1 - 5
- Series: Michael McMichaels (Book 3)
- Paperback: 88 pages
- Publisher: Boys Town Press; 3 edition
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1944882103
- ISBN-13: 978-1944882105
The taste of victory becomes so sweet for Michael that he can't stop bending the rules to win the camp challenges even as his guilty conscience grows heavy. Written for children in grades 1-5, The Creepy Campers forces readers to think about their own ethical choices. Is winning at any cost worth it? Tony Penn's expertly-crafted plot twists and sharp dialogue help children clearly see the many real consequences of cheating and deception.
The 411:
So what I have learned about books published by Boys Town Press is that there is always a good message at the end and the book is entertaining and fun.
In The Misadventures of Michael McMichaels Vol. 3: The Creepy Campers we meet Michael who is at camp with his good friend Kenny. Michael hadn't planned on going to camp and when he gets there he learns there are a ton of challenges the campers will be performing for a prize. He of course wants to do his best but notices 4 boys have been cheating. While he wants to report them he doesn't want to rock the boat and these boys are letting him know that he is NOT to say anything and if he does they will make sure that an alien takes him away to a horrible place without AC and he will have only kale and quinoa to eat (poor kid)!
Soooooo what is a boy to do? Well, as the old saying goes....if you can't beat them, join them.
What I loved about this book. Michael is a good boy. He is funny, witty and kind. I love his way of thinking. He is not only amusing but teaches a great lesson in morals. This chapter book is great for those reluctant readers too. There are illustrations and I always think the usage of different fonts is great in children's books. It breaks up the reading and makes it fun!
I think kids of all 6-12 will enjoy this book.
To Purchase:
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product. No monetary compensation was offered. All opinions are my own.
Seven Children. Seven Stories. Code 7 by Bryan R. Johnson
Code 7 by Bryan R. Johnson
The 411:
We loved each story. All 7 characters are likable. Your child will relate to at least one of them. My kids are reluctant readers and we read this one together. Each story presents a story and ends with a solution. My Goddess loved Oh Rats most which which is about Alec who never cleans his room. His parents decide they will let it go until he does it himself but he knows his mom won't be able to let it go for long. He is so confident that he even tosses a banana peel on the floor knowing he will get to it. He is surprised when he comes home from school and the peel is still there. Eventually a movement at school is started and all the other kids decide they also will not clean. Solidarity wins until Public Health Notices go up around the neighborhood. Who will the winner be in this stalemate? You will have to read and find out who.
My Handsome loved The Monster about a father and son who head out to find The Monster that his father swears he saw while fishing. Talmage and his dad don't see it and there is zero proof it even existed. Dad just wants someone to believe him. Talmage seeing the sadness in his dad's eyes decides to calculate and take notes about lures, location, weather and more to determine the best time to find the Monster. Will hist determination pay off? Read and find out.
Each story has an important message and in the end all the students are included in a very important community program to help animals. It is a brilliant way of story telling and I cannot wait to read more from this author.
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Photos Found In Grandparents House
Not sure if I have talked about this at length or even if I talked about it in the blog world but I know I mentioned it on Facebook.
This year on my Handsome's 14th Birthday my Maternal Grandfather passed away. Grandpa was 98 and lived a very long time. He buried two children and lost a lot of friends and family along the way.
He was very good to my sisters and I growing up. Tractor rides, candy, money, trips to Toys R Us with a "get whatever you want" speech and always so sweet. I can still hear his voice in my head. "What? You're talking tooooo fast, slow down". He was the polar opposite of my other grandpa. I am so sad to say good-bye.
I hear he never woke yesterday. He had oxygen over his face when my uncle stopped by and was sleeping so my uncle went to my grandmother. (They were both in the same rehab home). The nurses went to my uncle who was helping grandma with lunch to tell him my grandfather had passed. He never woke and went quietly and peaceful. My uncle told grandma who said "already! So soon!"
I believe grandpa went way before lunch. This is going to sound strange but I was laying awake in bed yesterday at 5:00ish yesterday morning when I felt someone lean on my bed. There was a small hug and I thought it was my daughter coming to crawl into bed even though she hasn't in months. When I put my hand out no one was there. I was creeped out for a moment and pulled the sheet over my ear. Yup still scary even as an adult but going to bed last night that moment brought me peace. Maybe grandpa was saying goodbye. I will hold onto that thought until my last breath.
Grandma who is 99 is living in a home and doing well. I don't know that she truly knows where she is but she seemed okay when I went to see her. She seemed to know that she knew me but not sure she knew exactly who I was. She said, "I though you were coming earlier. Are you sleeping over?" We went to a private family area which is like a small balcony atrium and she said she and Artie have been coming here since before they were married. I think she was in Millbrook which is where they had their summer house. She mentioned that she never sees any animals. No deer or even a cat. We were on the 4th floor but she can only see trees and sky from the windows.
She asked if I was thirsty and told me to help myself to something in the refrigerator. There of course was none. She mentioned my cousin Jerry who she said was also supposed to come. Jerry is in a hospital with a brain tumor and they haven't talked in months. She asked who my friend was. It was my husband. It was so very sad for me to sit there not knowing what she could see or hear.
She was occupied with her hand which hurt her. She said maybe she was getting in fights at night. I think she slammed it on the hospital bed bars. God bless her. She seems happy. She asks about my grandfather and has to be reminded that he passed away. She says 'Oh yeah. Whose going to take care of me now?" UGH...my heart hurts when I think about it. Not because she was the perfect grandma and made me feel safe and warm. She wasn't and didn't. Not because she always had something nice to say. She didn't. I was so thankful to have her in my life. She is my family. Who else got cards, letters, phone calls and the occasional surprise check at 50 years old? She is old, alone and NOT in her home. She is a human being and I worry about her safety and hope she is being taken care of in the very best way. I told her I loved her before I left. I don't know if she heard me but I meant it with all my heart.
My uncle is selling their home since Grandma will not be leaving the rehab she is in. He told me to come over and collect anything I wanted. It was the strangest feeling to go through their things. At almost 51 I have never walked into their home and opened up their drawers or closets and now I was going to open every box, closet, search every drawer and cranny to make sure nothing of importance was left behind. My only focus was photos, movies and mementos.
Here are a few of them that I absolutely love (it is so strange to see pictures you have never seen before).
More pictures to come!
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| The last pic I took of my Grandfather |
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| Pulling out and staring at the door for the last time ever! |
This year on my Handsome's 14th Birthday my Maternal Grandfather passed away. Grandpa was 98 and lived a very long time. He buried two children and lost a lot of friends and family along the way.
He was very good to my sisters and I growing up. Tractor rides, candy, money, trips to Toys R Us with a "get whatever you want" speech and always so sweet. I can still hear his voice in my head. "What? You're talking tooooo fast, slow down". He was the polar opposite of my other grandpa. I am so sad to say good-bye.
I hear he never woke yesterday. He had oxygen over his face when my uncle stopped by and was sleeping so my uncle went to my grandmother. (They were both in the same rehab home). The nurses went to my uncle who was helping grandma with lunch to tell him my grandfather had passed. He never woke and went quietly and peaceful. My uncle told grandma who said "already! So soon!"
I believe grandpa went way before lunch. This is going to sound strange but I was laying awake in bed yesterday at 5:00ish yesterday morning when I felt someone lean on my bed. There was a small hug and I thought it was my daughter coming to crawl into bed even though she hasn't in months. When I put my hand out no one was there. I was creeped out for a moment and pulled the sheet over my ear. Yup still scary even as an adult but going to bed last night that moment brought me peace. Maybe grandpa was saying goodbye. I will hold onto that thought until my last breath.
Grandma who is 99 is living in a home and doing well. I don't know that she truly knows where she is but she seemed okay when I went to see her. She seemed to know that she knew me but not sure she knew exactly who I was. She said, "I though you were coming earlier. Are you sleeping over?" We went to a private family area which is like a small balcony atrium and she said she and Artie have been coming here since before they were married. I think she was in Millbrook which is where they had their summer house. She mentioned that she never sees any animals. No deer or even a cat. We were on the 4th floor but she can only see trees and sky from the windows.
She asked if I was thirsty and told me to help myself to something in the refrigerator. There of course was none. She mentioned my cousin Jerry who she said was also supposed to come. Jerry is in a hospital with a brain tumor and they haven't talked in months. She asked who my friend was. It was my husband. It was so very sad for me to sit there not knowing what she could see or hear.
She was occupied with her hand which hurt her. She said maybe she was getting in fights at night. I think she slammed it on the hospital bed bars. God bless her. She seems happy. She asks about my grandfather and has to be reminded that he passed away. She says 'Oh yeah. Whose going to take care of me now?" UGH...my heart hurts when I think about it. Not because she was the perfect grandma and made me feel safe and warm. She wasn't and didn't. Not because she always had something nice to say. She didn't. I was so thankful to have her in my life. She is my family. Who else got cards, letters, phone calls and the occasional surprise check at 50 years old? She is old, alone and NOT in her home. She is a human being and I worry about her safety and hope she is being taken care of in the very best way. I told her I loved her before I left. I don't know if she heard me but I meant it with all my heart.
My uncle is selling their home since Grandma will not be leaving the rehab she is in. He told me to come over and collect anything I wanted. It was the strangest feeling to go through their things. At almost 51 I have never walked into their home and opened up their drawers or closets and now I was going to open every box, closet, search every drawer and cranny to make sure nothing of importance was left behind. My only focus was photos, movies and mementos.
Here are a few of them that I absolutely love (it is so strange to see pictures you have never seen before).
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| My Mommy! Maybe 10 years old? |
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| Me in the background and my sister in front of me. |
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| Me with my grandma haircut! UGH not sure why Mommy let her do it. |
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| My on the right and Gab on the left wearing similar but not the SAME PJs |
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| Me and my grandma. The clothes of the 70s. YUCK! |
More pictures to come!
Friday, July 28, 2017
The Best Part Of My Summer Involves Bubbles And A Face Mask
I am fortunate enough to be able to take the summer off. My job understands that I am a mother first and an employee second and thankfully my husband is supportive. As a child I spent my summers running around alone without a parent. Life was different. Three girls on bikes alone without an adult for more than 8 hours a day?! Who didn't grow up like that in the 70s? These days if I had to work through summer my kids would be in a locked house all day until I got home probably too tired to want to do anything with them.
This year the kids joined a spa and spend three days a week there. My son heads out to the cliff and jumps about 200 times in the 5 hours we are there.
My daughter and I head to the pools and spend our time underwater after my water aerobic class. This has been one of the best summers ever.
Goddess is one of my favorite people to hang out with. We spend so much time together that usually either finish each other's sentences or say the exact same thing. It is weird but I love it. It happens at least 5 times a day and we laugh hysterically hugging each other trying not to laugh snort. She is 12 so I know my summer days with her won't always be like this. She will eventually NOT want to spend her days with me. She doesn't get to sleep as late as she would like which is why I don't go every day giving her 2 days to sleep in but I will miss our summers at the pool where my girl and I swam around each other, swam together, held each other (she loves holding me in the pool like a baby) and laughed until our cheeks hurt.
And finally me! I love being in water!
This year the kids joined a spa and spend three days a week there. My son heads out to the cliff and jumps about 200 times in the 5 hours we are there.
My daughter and I head to the pools and spend our time underwater after my water aerobic class. This has been one of the best summers ever.
Goddess is one of my favorite people to hang out with. We spend so much time together that usually either finish each other's sentences or say the exact same thing. It is weird but I love it. It happens at least 5 times a day and we laugh hysterically hugging each other trying not to laugh snort. She is 12 so I know my summer days with her won't always be like this. She will eventually NOT want to spend her days with me. She doesn't get to sleep as late as she would like which is why I don't go every day giving her 2 days to sleep in but I will miss our summers at the pool where my girl and I swam around each other, swam together, held each other (she loves holding me in the pool like a baby) and laughed until our cheeks hurt.
And finally me! I love being in water!
Thursday, July 27, 2017
3 Story Books That TeachLife Skills Without Being Teachy Or Preachy
I just read two books that are perfect for my kids. I have one cough cough Handsome who makes a BIG DEAL out of everything and one cough cough Goddess who is a constant procrastinator. I cannot wait to give them these books to read.
The two books are Boys Town Press titles and are not only fun but they build concrete skills and work on issues that many kids face, which make them perfect for parents looking for ways to address problems they're having or anticipate having.
There was another one that is so beautiful in message. It is about prejudice and accepting others even though they may look different. I think every school should carry these books but especially this one.
Of Course It's a Big Deal!
Illustrated by Lisa Griffin
This story will teach children in grades K-5 how to react calmly and appropriately to everyday frustrations.
I loved reading this book about a boy who loses his cool whenever things don't go his way. It totally sounds like someone I know. Hmmm...
Braden wants to drive a bumper car in the worst way but unfortunately he is not tall enough. He has a fit yelling that he "I hate this place" and "I just want to get out of here." When he finally sits down his mom asks him if he thinks he was overreacting then tells him about when she was a little girl and overreacted and how her his grandfather sat her down and helped her learn to react calmly.
What I loved most beside the illustrations and lesson was how the book is laid out. I think the various text sizes and colors make things more interesting to read and kids will enjoy it.
The second book is very very much like my Goddess who needs constant reminders and nagging to get anything accomplished. It drives me crazy.
The PROcrastinator
Illustrated by Anita DuFalla
Children in grades K-6 learn how to balance doing what needs to be done while still finding time for fun.
In this book Norman or Noodle needs mom to constantly tell him to feed his cat, get his homework done, clean his room, and take out the trash. He has no time management skills and this eventually leads to a ton of stress.
I loved it and I am sitting down to read this with Goddess later. Hopefully she will see someone she knows in this story. I don't know if the message will reach her but the Roger the cat holding his bowl looking for food through the whole story will definitely catch her attention.
Like the Of Course It's A Big Deal, this book has colorful illustrations and uses various text sizes and color to make the book even more exciting.
Finally...for the last book
The Judgmental Flower
Illustrated by Anita DuFalla
A new tale from Julia Cook's Building Relationships Series teaches children in grades K-6 the skill of valuing the differences of others.
In this story we meet Blue. Blue lives with it's blue family and in a flower patch with many different flowers. When Purple starts growing near Blue, Blue tells his mom that he doesn't quite like Purple. In fact, he doesn't like anyone who isn't Blue. His mom goes on to tell him all the ways the are similar. They both have roots, drink water, love the sun, etc., Blue finally decides to give Purple a chance and they become good friends.
What I loved most beside the wonderful message was the illustrations. They are frame worthy!
Disclaimer: I received complimentary books for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered.
Looking For A Summer Fun Toy For A Toddler? Look No Further!
From the Cat Machine Team is the perfect outdoor fun toy for 2+ years of age. I work in preschool with 2-3 year old who LOVE and fight over these trucks. They are the perfect toy for outdoor or indoor fun.
This pack comes with a Cat Tough Trucks 2 Pack - Dump Truck & Digger and sells for approximately $12.99. It is probably one of the best trucks I have seen for the preschool age.
There is a handle on the dump truck for easy carrying and the digger has two joints in the arm for loading and lifting.
What I love most about this beside the price is that back in the day when I was a kid the trucks were heavy and rusted in the rain if you left them outside. These are made from a durable plastic that won't rust or eventually cut you with a jagged edge. They are light and easy to carry and my preschool class LOVES them AND there are no batteries required.
My video review:
For more great toys, check out Toy State
AND follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube
To Purchase from Toys R Us
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product. No monetary compensation was offered. All opinions are my own.
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
We Are Having A Swimmingly Good Time This Summer
This summer I decided instead of going on a long weekend vacation we should put our money into something that would last longer. I joined a spa. It cost way less than a vacation and we got it for 14 months and can go 7 days a week if we want.
The spa has three pools and we are loving life. It feels wrong to be enjoying myself while my husband works all day but we would be sitting home looking for things to do through the summer and he would still be working so may as well do it pool side. He has to work right?! It is not like we won the lottery or anything!
I finally have been able to use my waterproof for more than 1 picture.
Here is my Goddess and her friend in the pool.
Here they are in a friend's pool taking pics of each other. It is amazing how clear it is underwater.
Goddess recorded the fish tank under the water which I had not seen yet. I wish she would have taken her time so I could see what was going on but maybe next time I would head down.
To order this camera head over to Amazon. Way cheaper than a GoPro and it comes with a ton of accessories.
This is not an Ad. Just sharing a camera I got back in August of last year.
The spa has three pools and we are loving life. It feels wrong to be enjoying myself while my husband works all day but we would be sitting home looking for things to do through the summer and he would still be working so may as well do it pool side. He has to work right?! It is not like we won the lottery or anything!
I finally have been able to use my waterproof for more than 1 picture.
Here is my Goddess and her friend in the pool.
Here they are in a friend's pool taking pics of each other. It is amazing how clear it is underwater.
Goddess recorded the fish tank under the water which I had not seen yet. I wish she would have taken her time so I could see what was going on but maybe next time I would head down.
To order this camera head over to Amazon. Way cheaper than a GoPro and it comes with a ton of accessories.
This is not an Ad. Just sharing a camera I got back in August of last year.
TurfMutt’s Tips For A Pet-Friendly Family Yard
Dogs love being in your family yard. Most pets need a place to romp and exercise, relax in the shade for an afternoon nap and take bathroom breaks. Your yard should have a fence to keep your dog safely secured.
2. Look for “dog-proof” ground coverings.
Grass is one of the best options for your yard because it can handle the wear and tear that comes with pets and children. Bermuda and buffalo grass are especially hardy. Check your climate zone to select the best option for your area.
3. Avoid plastic grass.
Plastic grass, also known as artificial turf, gets too hot for humans and pets, especially in summer months. A Brigham Young University study revealed that synthetic-turf surface temperatures were 37° higher than asphalt and 86° hotter than natural turf. That’s too hot for pet’s paws and our bare feet to enjoy the outdoors!
4. Select plants for your climate zone and your pet.
Be sure to check the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic garden plants before choosing flora and fauna. For areas near garden paths, select plants that have soft foliage, but are still sturdy enough to withstand a little canine “ruff-housing.” Save delicate flowering plants for patio containers when dogs are in the picture.
5. Plant for pollinators for other wildlife.
Fido isn’t the only one who uses your family yard. Keep pollinators (bees, butterflies and hummingbirds) and other wildlife in mind when selecting climate-appropriate plants, trees and shrubs. Remember, nature starts in your backyard!
To learn more about how the family yard benefits people and pets and for more tips on taking care of your living landscapes, visit www.livinglandscapesmatter.com.
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Our Boss Baby Family Movie Night #bossbabyhe #bossbabymovienight #thebosssbaby
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary movie kit to talk about this movie.
If you are living in a cave or perhaps still have your pacifier you may not have heard of Boss Baby The Movie.
We received a package for our Family Night! This was the some stellar packaging. I was in love. From the Boss Baby briefcase, to the Top Secret Mission Notebooks with pens, Magnifying glasses and two Funko Pop Boss Baby Figurines we were hooked.
Boss Baby is about a briefcase toting baby on a BabyCorp secret mission to make sure that babies will never be second to puppies.
When this coffee drinking, spicy tuna loving, suit wearing, briefcase carrying baby arrives at 7 year old Tim Templeton's house as his new baby brother, Tim quickly suspects there is more to this baby than just a dirty diaper.
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| It only took four years but Goddess ate her Boss Baby Sushi with chop sticks. Well the last three pieces anyway. |
This movie is hysterical. Boss Baby explains how babies are created and it is not what you think. The babies are delivered to families and will mature into adults if they are ticklish BUT if not they are sent to the corporate part of BabyCorp to work. Since PuppyCo has a new campaign to make sure every family wants a puppy corporate babies are assigned to some families who work for PuppyCo. Mr. Templeton works for PuppyCo.
Boss Baby and Alec Baldwin as Boss Baby is perfect. His dry, smart aleck delivery is perfect. I cannot picture another in this role as he takes over the house and pushes Tim out. The slapping of mom's hand! LOL!!!! He is after all the boss.
It was hard watching Tim being tossed aside for the new baby. I kept saying awww poor Tim!
We loved the baby play date where Tim overhears and records Boss Baby and his playmates Jimbo, Stacy and The Triplets reporting back to find out what they have learned. When Tim gets in trouble for the chaos in the backyard, (where were these parents not watching all these babies?) Boss Baby visits his room to explain what is going on by handing him a pacifier and telling him, "Suck on it until you find the answers you are looking for." Tim and Boss Baby are then transported to BabyCorp so Tim can see for himself.
We love how the boys finally come together as true brothers. First because they need to work together and then because they love each other.
I loved how the movie balanced out Tim's perception of how things were going on versus how things were in reality such as the fight scene with the babies in the backyard and Tim being sent to his room and Wizzie being chained to the wall.
There is a lot of potty humor which most families find funny. I love the explanation of where babies come from which is the opening credits of the movie. Conveyor belts, pacifiers, diapers, powder all taken care of by machines.
Basically our mission was a success. We loved Boss Baby and have seen it now three times and it never gets old. A perfect movie for the whole family.
AND...of course since Cookies are For Closers...we ended our night with chocolate chip cookies.
We highly recommend Boss Baby. If you see it or have seen it please comment below telling us your favorite parts of the movie. I doubt I could come up with one favorite scene. BTW...Boss Baby 2 is scheduled for March 26, 2021. Hmmm...I wonder what that will be about?
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