fight by mamamunky featuring brooches

Brooch
etsy.com

chloe + isabel
chloeandisabel.com

chloe + isabel
chloeandisabel.com

chloe + isabel
chloeandisabel.com

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Inside Out with Mindy Kaling

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Bedtime Reading Ritual

CJ is very ritualistic. If things have usually been done a certain way, that's the way it has to be. This is especially true at bedtime. If things don't go exactly like they're supposed to, he can't sleep. Luckily, he understands that with a new baby, things sometimes don't go off as planned.

To start with, mama and dada rotate nights putting CJ to bed. Nana puts him to bed once or twice a week, usually if I'm nursing and Craig is finishing his paperwork. We each have our own ways of putting him to bed, but this is mine. 

First, we make sure Muka is plugged in. Muka is his night light, that you plug in and charge, then if you have to get up in the middle of the night you can take it with it. It's actually called the Ikea Spoka Night Light, but for some reason CJ decided her name was Muka. 

And he's out. 

Next CJ picks out a book. Usually it's a superhero or Disney story. I try to make him pick ones we haven't already read. I can only read the same X-men book so many times before I begin to have a personal issue with Wolverine. We read our story, CJ "helps" me with some of the words, and then we talk about it a little bit. 

Then CJ says his prayers. He says "God bless" and then lists everyone he's ever met ever in his life... then "Now I lay me down to sleep..." and "God bless the moon..." For both of those, he makes some mistakes in the wording, but I'll never correct him because I think it is the cutest thing ever. Then we sing Twinkle Twinkle together. I made up my own version of Twinkle Twinkle when he was a baby, so we sing that or the regular version. Finally, I ask CJ if he's my boy. He says yes, so I ask if he's an ordinary boy. He says no, so I ask if he's a wonderful boy. He says yes. Then we snuggle for a few minutes. Later when he's asleep, before I go to bed, I unplug Muka and put her next to him so he knows that I came in to check on him. 

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Summer Reading Ideas for 8 Year Olds

My friend was looking for book ideas for her lovely daughter Aniyah to read this summer. I like to consider myself the book whisperer, so I thought I'd make a list of some great books for upcoming 3rd graders. I planned on making a girl-centric list, but I hate to put books into the category of boy vs. girl books. I hate to put limits on which books my students read, so I'm not going to do it here. These books won't necessarily be easy reads, but I choose them for the plot and for how much I think your kiddos will enjoy them. I also love when a book teaches and gets a child to think. Be prepared for discussions about books with your child, it will help them develop and grow as a reader!

Images Copyright their respective publishers

The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis - This book is somewhat intimidating because of the issue of racial tension in the book. The main character goes to Alabama to stay with family and his move coincides with the church bombings so the whole city is reeling. The racial tension in the book is handled so delicately. The main focus of the book is the importance and strength of family. Don't be afraid of the subject matter, and be ready to discuss the truth of what happened.

Runaway Ralph by Beverly Cleary - A classic that all children should read. This book is great for summer because Ralph is on summer vacation in it. Simple, silly, entertaining light read for kids.

Anything by Roald Dahl but especially The BFG or The Witches - Those were my two favorite Roald Dahl books when I read them as a kid. James and the Giant Peach is another good one, but I just wasn't as big a fan. The Witches TERRIFIED me, but if your kid isn't a giant wuss like I was (or am) then they'll love it. These books are on every third grade teacher's bookshelf, I guarantee it.

Charlotte's Web by EB White - This is one of my favorites to read-aloud to second graders, but I think it would be even better for third graders. Again, this has classic themes like life or death, so be prepared to discuss. Some teachers actually skip over the death part when they read it, but I find that to be ridiculous.

Pippi Longstocking - Every little girl should read Pippi Longstocking. She's spunky and thinks for herself and goes on crazy adventures.

Look Up!: Henrietta Leavitt, Pioneering Woman Astronomer - Learn about the woman who discovered the importance of a star's brightness.

Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom - Zeus is kidnapped and finds that he can defend himself

Last Laughs: Animal Epitaphs - A collection of funny poems about animals and how they died. It's pretty morbid and pretty hysterical.

Dogs on Duty: Soldiers' Best Friends on the Battlefield and Beyond - Pretty self-explanatory. A look
at dogs who have served in battle.

Liberty Porter, First Daughter - The story of a girl whose father is elected President and her entire life was turned upside down.

Stellaluna - A baby bat falls into a bird's nest and learns how to be a "proper" bird. A good book for teaching kids about fitting in and how sometimes it's better to just be yourself.

Magic Tree House Series - A great series that combines magic and history. Each book also has a nonfiction guide that goes into more detail.

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Coming Soon

I shall be returning presently. Pin It

New England Day Trip - Story Land

Story Land - where fantasy lives!  Story Land is a safe and natural setting where children and their imaginations can run free. We provide a great value to our guests every day, with all-inclusive rides, shows & attractions, reasonably-priced admission ticket, FREE parking, and FREE pet kennels. Featuring birthday parties and character dinners, Story Land is a celebration for the young at heart. This world of fantasy is punctuated by the kaleidoscope of flowers and emerald fields of New Hampshire's beautiful White Mountains. Timeless characters like Humpty Dumpty, the Old Woman in the Shoe, the Three Little Pigs, and Peter Rabbit came to life here in 1954. This is one of my absolute favorite places to visit in New England.


When I was a kid, I lived for the few times we went there. So much fun for kids! I cannot wait to bring CJ here this summer. We are waiting for his cousin Zachie to come visit and then we are going.

Lucky for us all, they've got an awesome deal going on. Check it out: 
Save up to $28 on regular admission.





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Happy Birthday CJ!

Happy birthday to my superhero, CJ!



A few pictures to show how CJ spent his birthday weekend. :) Pin It

15 Book-Related Confessions

Go to Good Books and Good Wine to participate.

To get myself back into the swing of this blogging thing, I am going to participate in the 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge. Today's topic is: 15 Book-related Confessions. Here's my dirty book secrets...

1. I totally judge books by their covers. I cannot abide a terrible cover. And for the love of God do not give me a book that was turned into a movie book with the movie pictures on the cover. I will cut you.

2. I have thousands of books on my to-be-read list. Thousands. It makes me want to cry that there is absolutely no way in my life that I will be able to read all of the amazing books out there.

3. Going along with number 2, I refuse to read trashy anymore. I just can't waste time on it when there are so many well-written, amazing stories out there. Sorry 50 Shades of Grey.

4. I don't always finish books! The horror! I used to read absolutely finish every single book I started but I don't anymore. I'll give it 50-100 pages and if I can't get into it, I give up. I just don't want to waste time anymore reading books that I don't love. It is actually helping me wittle my to-read list down.

5. I read more than one book at a time. I generally carry more than one with me as well. I am just afraid that I'll be stuck somewhere in the mood for non-fiction but only have a novel with me, or vice-versa.

6. My Nook Color is missing. When packing, my husband threw everything in the kitchen into a box and now that box is stuck downstairs in storage somewhere. I want it back so baaad!

7. There are ten books on my night-stand. I got a ton of books out of the library for my "summer reading" list and I have read maybe two of them. In my defense, I also have a ton of reading for school. Booooo.

8. I have 25 books out from the library right now. Again, in my defense, half of those are CJ's because he can't get a library card until kindergarten. But 10 of those are mine.

9. I hoard books. I love them. I love the look of them, the smell of them, absolutely everything about them. If I haven't read a book I like the look of it on my shelf and if it is a book I've read and loved I have to save it. I also am collecting all the classics in fancy leather-bound editions. So I might be a book hoarder. I'm comfortable with it.

10. 97% of the time the book is ALWAYS better than the movie. It's true.

11. I will sob while reading a book. Some of my favorites, I will sob at the exact same part every single time. (Stay gold anyone?)

12. My entire house may be in disarray but I will go directly to organizing the bookshelves. I just love the way they look on the shelf and when they are organized they make me happy.

13. I am a book snob. It's the English teacher in me. But if you have never read any classics, I will judge you. Except for my brother-in-law who has only read two books in his entire life. For some reason I am ok with him. (Those books were Freakonomics and a Calvin and Hobbes book.) The classics are classics for a reason. Everyone needs to read them.

14. I can't separate books from their authors. If a book makes me angry, either because it sucks or because I love it so much (ahem, George RR Martin) I will become so angry at the author that I will just... be very angry. Eventually I'll give it up and continue to read. I can't hold a grudge.

15. I love giving books as presents. I will take my sweet time trying to find the absolutely most perfect book. So you should be my friend so I can buy you a book. :) Pin It

I'm a book worshiper, what are you?

I'm a cross between a book hoarder and a book worshiper. I'm also a multi-tasker. What are you?



Please include attribution to Laura E. Kelly with this graphic. (Click to view at original large size.)

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Liquid Planet Water Park And Zip Lines

Liquid Planet Water Park And Zip Lines is New Hampshire's Home Town Water Park perfect for young families. We are proud to have New England's largest spray ground perfect for the little ones to splash around and enjoy a day at a water park, while older kids can shoot down our four amazing slides or have an amazing water adventure on the huge floating slides on Crater Lake! Our dual 1000 feet zip lines let you and your best friend zip line side by side. Liquid Planet is surrounded by the beautiful natural elements of New Hampshire including tall trees and beautiful granite cliffs! Buy One GA Pass and Get One FREE at Liquid Planet Waterpark and Ziplines!

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It's Aliiiive

Guess what! I'm alive. :) Life has been INSANE but is finally settling back into a rhythm. Let's see what has happened. My hubby turned 30, his grandfather passed away, his dad got sick, CJ and both got sick twice, I started teaching first grade (WHAT!?), I finished another semester of grad school, we moved from NH to MA, and chaos has reigned supreme in our life. We still aren't completely unpacked since I only have Saturday to get it done and have to spend the rest of the days educating some children. I promise the blog will slowly but surely come back to life. Pin It

Summer Field Trip - Boston Harbor Tour

There's nothing like Boston at night, except maybe being on Boston Harbor at night. For a great deal, check out below.

Dedicated to providing the most impeccably luxurious and hospitable sailing experience in Boston, we here at Classic Harbor Line are looking forward to the privilege of escorting you on a breathtaking excursion aboard the most elegant sailing vessel in Boston Harbor: Schooner Adirondack III. Boston’s rich maritime history is best viewed from the water, so why not do it in style?

While out on the water on Bostons best boat tour, you will be treated to skyline view and Boston Harbor that cannot be captured any other way. This is the best way to go sightseeing in Boston!  So come on out, kick up your feet, and let the Classic Harbor Line crew do all the heavy lifting (and drink pouring) for you.

Sailing on the Adirondack III with us will provide a new perspective on the city of Boston for the first time visitor and the seasoned local alike! Whether buying tickets for one of our Boston Day Sails, Sunset Sails, City Lights Sails, or privately chartering the schooner for a special family or corporate event, you will be amazed by the comfort and beauty of Adirondack III. Like all of Classic Harbor Line’s fleet, the unmatched Adirondack III was built and is maintained by the Scarano Boat Building Company in Albany, NY.

My Readers Receive $10 off each ticket purchased at Boston Sailing. Use promo code FAMILY10.

 

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Look for the Helpers

I wanted to write something today about the terrible tragedy in Boston yesterday. I realized though that I don't have anything to say that hasn't already been said. It was a horrible day, spent worrying about loved ones who were in the area. I am very lucky that the people I knew who were there are all safe. Unfortunately that isn't the case for everyone. I am so very proud of the amazing people who sprang into action to help those in need. Seeing the responders and the everyday people who immediately ran towards the victims instead of away was absolutely amazing. Stories and stories of amazing deeds are what I am going to focus on. It may have been a terror attack, but to me, they failed. They showed me not terror, but how absolutely wonderful human beings can be.

Please don't spread rumors and hate about what happened yesterday. We still have no idea who was behind it. To make assumptions is to just to create a culture of fear and hate. That is the exact opposite of what we need. To put it simply, in the absence of credible information, who you assume is responsible says more about you than it does about anyone else. God bless Boston, and God bless America.

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A to Z Mini-Challenge #4 - April Showers

April Showers Bring.... May Flowers.

Read a book with a weather or flower-related topic or cover. 

As usual, use your discretion. Good luck!

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What's in the Bible Easter Story

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Too much

Me when my alarm goes off at 6am.

Between teaching full time for the first time ever, going to grad school full time, taking care of CJ, moving, planning a bachelorette party/ bridal shower, life has just gotten too hectic for me. Something has to suffer, and I'm afraid it is going to be this blog. I apologize, but it's just the truth.

I will continue to post, but it will be sporadic and random at best. I would love some guest posts if any of you are interested, just to keep things fresh. Hopefully I will be able to get into a routine and be able to get on here once in a while. Don't worry sponsors, your posts will be scheduled as promised.

I know Big Ang, I know!

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Wordless Wednesday - Easter Eggs!

Not sure what this face was for.

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Things I Found (11)

Politicians Reactions to Gay Children - Some good, some not so good.
Resources for Raising Girls Today

Easter Science for Kids - Using eggs, peeps, etc.

Lessons in Confidence from a 2 Year Old

Religious Easter Books for Toddlers

Easter Themed Math Activities

What makes a classic novel?

Kindle Fire Giveaway

7 Ways to Recognize Great Books

How to Save Money when Dining Out
The Steubenville Rape & Other Problems

Carrot Cake Monkey Bread
Five Ways Veronica Mars Ruined My Life - #6-Logan Echolls #7-Weevil

How to Grow your Own Crystal Geodes

Hubby knows. 

 

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Religious Easter Books for Toddlers

Looking for the perfect Easter book for your toddler's Easter basket? I got you covered. Today I'll have my favorite religious Christ-centered Easter books, then on Monday I'll have my favorite non-religious Easter books. I'll put a star next to CJ's favorites. The prices are from Amazon.

Religious
An Easter Gift for Me ($6.29) - This is a softly illustrated board book that very simply tells how Jesus was born for us, then died for us. Not scary or overwhelming for little ones.
What Is Easter? ($4.98) - Gently explains that Easter isn't about the bunny or the eggs, it is about Jesus. It is part of a whole series of "What is..." books.
The Easter Story ($4.99) - A board book that includes Jesus arriving in Jerusalem, the Last Supper, and the Resurrection.
The Story of Easter ($6.29) - This one is in CJ's Easter basket. It's a very simple board book with a carrying case for your little one. Another one that gently tells the story of Jesus and his resurrection.
An Easter Prayer ($8.99) - A board book telling how God is responsible for all the wonders of Spring.
God Gave Us Easter ($6.50) - Pape Bear explains to his little Cub how much God loved people that he sent his son to save us. Gorgeous pictures of the Arctic.
The Parable of the Lily ($7.19) - I love this one, so cute! Maggie throws a bulb she doesn't care about in the garden, forgetting about it. She is shocked when a lily appears on Easter morning. Through the lily she learns about the meaning of Easter.
The Story of the Easter Robin ($10.87) - Through the eggs on her windowsill, a little girl learns about God's love of all creatures.
Easter In The Garden ($11.95) - This one gets me right in the feels. A little boy is sad because his family's friend Jesus dies, then when he hears that Jesus is alive, he is overjoyed.
The Legend of the Sand Dollar ($6.29) - Kerry learns how the sand dollar can help teach about Easter.
The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story - The cubs are obsessed with candy, so Mama Bear helps them learn the story of Jesus and his Resurrection. Pin It