Category: Mom

Back to School Books!

My baby is starting Kindergarten this year! 😭😭😭 I plan on reading The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn the night before school starts.

School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester’s fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary. Since its first publication in 1993, this heartwarming book has become a children’s classic that has touched the lives of millions of children and their parents, especially at times of separation, whether starting school, entering daycare, or going to camp. It is widely used by kindergarten teachers on the first day of school. Stickers at the back will help children and their parents keep their Kissing Hand alive.

On the first day of school, I always read First Day Jitters by Julie Love to my 3rd graders.

Everyone knows that sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach just before diving into a new situation. Sarah Jane Hartwell is scared and doesn’t want to start over at a new school. She doesn’t know anybody, and nobody knows her. It will be awful. She just knows it. With much prodding from Mr. Hartwell, Sarah Jane reluctantly pulls herself together and goes to school. She is quickly befriended by Mrs. Burton, who helps smooth her jittery transition. This charming and familiar story will delight readers with its surprise ending.

Here are some other wonderful books to read before school starts back from summer break. Just click on the book. 🙂

I Love You All Day Long by Fancesca Rusackas is a favorite in our house. The main characters name is Owen!

Owen’s anxious question prompts this heartwarming, comforting tale of how a parent’s love stays with a child whether they are together or apart — all day long.

The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wings.

It’s the first day of school! Join the kids as they prepare for kindergarten, packing school supplies, posing for pictures, and the hardest part of all–saying goodbye to Mom and Dad. But maybe it won’t be so hard once they discover just how much fun kindergarten really is! Colorful illustrations illuminate this uplifting takeoff on the classic Christmas poem.

Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School by Deborah Diesen.

Mr. Fish is nervously awaiting his first day of school, and he frets about not knowing how to write his name, how to draw shapes, and how to do math―until he’s reassured that school is the perfect place to learn how to master all of these new skills, in Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School from Deborah Diesen and Dan Hanna.

Splat the CAt Back to School Splat! By Rob Scotton.

It’s the first day of school and there’s only time for Splat to share one of his summer adventures with the class. Will it be the time he went searching for pirate treasure? Or the time he went swimming with sharks in the ocean? But before the end of the day, Splat knows exactly what to talk about—and it’s the biggest surprise of all!

Back-to-School Rules by Laurie Friedman.

School’s in session! When it comes to surviving school, Percy’s at the head of the class. If you can follow his ten simple rules, making the grade will be a piece of cake (and school will be a lot of fun). But there’s more to school than showing up on time and staying awake in class. If you have any doubts, Percy also shows exactly what not to do.

What’s your favorite back to school books?

Cherished Childhood Memories.


One of my favorite childhood memories is whenever a large rainstorm would hit, my brothers and I would race down to the pond to catch the tiny fish caught in the overflow. My mom’s favorite story to tell is how we snuck one of those tiny bass into my dad’s tropical fish tank. Well the poor little guy ate every one of the guppies for breakfast. To say my dad wasn’t amused would be an understatement.
Well, the last two weeks in Texas have been experiencing the little bitty stingin rain. Big ol fat rain. Rain that flew sideways and even rain that seemed to come from underneath. We were under numerous flash flood warnings.
Well today, the sun finally made an appearance. Hallelujah!!


With the kids dying to go outside, I decided to let them explore. On our walk about, it didn’t take long for them to notice the water overflowing out of the pond. Within minutes they were scooping the fish up and running to put them back in the pond.

I’m typically not an overly sentimental or emotional person, but I just had the best time watching my children make the same memories that I cherish.

Books for Teaching Persuasive Writing

One of my favorite units to teach is persuasive text/writing. There are so many wonderful books that display persuasive writing. One of my all time favorite series is the Pigeon books by Mo Willems. My son and I have read Don’t let the Pigeon Drive the bus every night for over three years. Some other wonderful books to include in this unit is:

 

I like to have these books displayed around the classroom during the two week unit. I also have a tiny obsession with Oreos, so I use the Oreo to introduce persuasive writing. Here is my anchor chart. Please let me know if there are any awesome books I need to add to my list.

Quick & Easy Cheese Ball

Do you need an easy dip to take to a Christmas party? I will be completely honest when I say I do not like to cook nor do I usually have time to make much of anything. That is why when I find something quick, easy, and good it becomes a regular in our household. This cheese ball recipe is one of my favorites for any occasion.

Ingredients:

  • 2-8 oz boxes of cream cheese
  • A cup of shredded cheddar or Colby cheese
  • 1 packet of ranch dressing seasoning mix (1 oz)
  • Crumbled bacon fresh or packaged.
  • Optional- fresh chopped Jalapeno peppers. (2-3 peppers)

 

In a mixing bowl combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and ranch packet. Blend with hand mixer. My husband likes an extra kick, so I add in the Jalapenos here. Tear off a large sheet of plastic wrap and dump mixture into the center. Shape into a ball and refrigerate until almost solid. (about 30 minutes) Take out and roll ball in crumbled bacon. Serve with your choice of crackers or chips or store in the fridge until party time.

Cheap Whitening Toothpaste

A few years ago I wanted to whiten my teeth without buying one of the expensive whitening kits. I researched and googled ideas and recipes. I ended up combining and morphing ideas together.

My homemade whitening toothpaste recipe:

Ingredients:

-Mix the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a tub until it makes a paste. Then add it a small squeeze of your toothpaste and mix well.

 

I use it 2-3 times a week. Disclaimer: My gums were sensitive the first few weeks of using it, but it got better quickly. My dentist appointments have been a breeze since I added this to my routine too. My cleanings are only about 15 minutes and cavity free. Saves money and super easy! 

 

Top 15 Favorite Christmas Books

Looking for ideas to do with your children over Holiday break? Read a book together. Read alouds can lead to so many wonderful discussions with your children. Here are my top 15 favorite Christmas books.

-Silver Packages: An Appalachian Christmas Story by Cynthia Rylant -¨Every year at Christmas a rich man rides a train through Appalachia and throws gifts to the poor children who are waiting, in order to repay a debt he owes the people who live there.¨

–How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss -“Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot . . . but the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville, did NOT!” Not since “’Twas the night before Christmas” has the beginning of a Christmas tale been so instantly recognizable. This heartwarming story about the effects of the Christmas spirit will grow even the coldest and smallest of hearts. Like mistletoe, candy canes, and caroling, the Grinch is a mainstay of the holidays, and his story is the perfect gift for young and old.¨

-Yes, Virginia. There is a Santa Claus by Chris Plehal – ¨In 1897, eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon wrote the New York Sun to ask a simple question: Is there a Santa Claus? The editor’s response was a stirring defense of hope, generosity, and the spirit of childhood. His essay has been reprinted countless times since, and the phrase “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” has become part of American Christmas lore.

Based on these actual events, Yes, Virginia is the story of a little girl who taught a city to believe.¨

-Christmas Tapestry by Patricia Polacco -¨When a leak ruins the sacristy wall in his father’s church, Jonathan Jefferson Weeks thinks Christmas Eve service will be ruined. Luckily he and his father find a beautiful tapestry, perfect for covering the damaged wall and giving the church a festive look! But then, an old Jewish woman recognizes the beautiful cloth. Her discovery leads to a real miracle on Christmas Eve.¨

–Welcome Comfort by Patricia Polacco-¨It’s not easy being Welcome Comfort-a foster child always moving from home to home and getting picked on by the kids at school. Even Christmas, the most wondrous time of the year, isn’t so wondrous for Welcome, since he has no family, no presents, and no Santa Claus. But when Welcome meets Mr. Hamp, the school custodian, he finally finds a friend. And when Christmas comes around, Welcome is taken on an extraordinary adventure that changes his life forever.¨

–How Santa Got His Job by Stephen Krensky- ¨Have you ever wondered what Santa did before he was Santa?
When Santa was young and needed a job, no one was looking for a man in a red suit to deliver gifts on Christmas. So Santa tried just about everything — from a chimney sweep to a postman to a circus performer. But none of these worked out. It wasn’t until he met a group of elves who helped him use all his special talents, that Santa was able to find his dream job.¨

–How Santa Lost His Job by Stephen Krensky- ¨Santa has the best job he can think of — brining presents each Christmas to children all around the world. Every year he prepares for his trip: He trims his beard, takes a bath, gets dressed, and packs up his sleigh fort he long night ahead. But there are always a few unexpected delays that make things a little hectic. Muckle, one of the elves who helps Santa, thinks he can come up with a more efficient way of delivering the toys — a method that won’t involve Santa at all.¨

–Cobweb Christmas The Tradition of Tinsel by Shirley Climo- ¨All her life, Tante had heard tales about marvelous happenings on Christmas Eve. Animals might speak aloud. Bees might hum carols, or cocks crow at midnight. Tante wished she could witness a bit of Christmas magic, too.

Everybody loves Christmas at Tante’s. The old lady decorates a wonderful tree and makes certain to have something for all who come to visit, be it the nearby village children or the shy animals of the pine forest. The only creatures Tante overlooks are the spiders she has swept out of her cottage while cleaning. But the curious spiders want to come inside and see Tante’s tree, too. When a midnight visitor lets them into the old lady’s home, they unknowingly spin Tante the very gift she has longed for–a gift that has inspired the draping of tinsel on Christmas trees ever since.

This Old World tale about the warmth and wonder of Christmas will leave children enchanted with the magical possibilities of the season.¨

-An Orange for Frankie by Patricia Polacco-¨The Stowell family is abuzz with holiday excitement, and Frankie, the youngest boy, is the most excited of all. But there’s a cloud over the joyous season: Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and Pa hasn’t returned yet from his trip to Lansing. He promised to bring back the oranges for the mantelpiece. Every year there are nine of them nestled among the evergreens, one for each of the children. But this year, heavy snows might mean no oranges . . . and, worse, no Pa!¨

–The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree: An Appalachian Story by Gloria Houston- ¨This unforgettable tale, illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Barbara Cooney, has become a seasonal classic-a touching and joyful story about courage and the power of family.¨

-The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson- ¨Laughs abound in this bestselling Christmas classic by Barbara Robinson! The Best Christmas Pageant Ever follows the outrageous shenanigans of the Herdman siblings, or “the worst kids in the history of the world.” The siblings take over the annual Christmas pageant in a hilarious yet heartwarming tale involving the Three Wise Men, a ham, scared shepherds, and six rowdy kids.

Ralph, Imogene, Leroy, Claude, Ollie, and Gladys Herdman are an awful bunch. They set fire to Fred Shoemaker’s toolshed, blackmailed Wanda Pierce to get her charm bracelet, and smacked Alice Wendelken across the head. And that’s just the start! When the Herdmans show up at church for the free snacks and suddenly take over the Christmas pageant, the other kids are shocked. It’s obvious that they’re up to no good. But Christmas magic is all around and the Herdmans, who have never heard the Christmas story before, start to reimagine it in their own way.

This year’s pageant is definitely like no other, but maybe that’s exactly what makes it so special.¨

-The Carpenter’s Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree by David Rubel- ¨This “new classic” Christmas story brings together two great traditions: the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and the neighbor-helping-neighbor program of Habitat for Humanity. Opening in Depression-era New York City, The Carpenter’s Gift tells the story of eight-year-old Henry and his father selling Christmas trees. They give a Christmas tree to construction workers building Rockefeller Center and celebrate together. Through the kindness of the construction workers and neighbors, Henry gets his wish for a nice, warm home to replace his family’s drafty shack. He plants a pinecone from that first Rockefeller Center Tree. As an old man, Henry repays the gift by donating the enormous tree that has grown from that pinecone to become a Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. After bringing joy to thousands as the Rockefeller Center tree, its wood will be used to build a home for another family in need.¨

–Olive, the Other Reindeer by Vivian Walsh- ¨Olive is merrily preparing for Christmas when suddenly she realizes “Olive… the other Reindeer… I thought I was a dog. Hmmm, I must be a Reindeer!” So she quickly hops aboard the polar express and heads to the North Pole. And while Santa and the other reindeer are a bit surprised that a dog wants to join the their team, in the end Olive and her unusual reindeer skills are just what Santa and his veteran reindeer team need. Colorful graphic illustrations accompany this zany dog story from the well-known author and artist team, Vivian and J.otto Seibold. Adorable Olive and her hilarious adventures are sure to make anyone’s Christmas merry.¨

–The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola- ¨In Mexico, the poinsettia is called flor de la Nochebuenao flower of the Holy Night. At Christmastime, the flower blooms and flourishes, the quite exquisite red stars lighting up the countryside.

This Mexican legend tells how the poinsettia came to be, through a little girl’s unselfish gift to the Christ Child. Beloved Newbery honor-winning author and Caldecott honor-winning illustrator Tomie dePaola has embraced the legend using his own special feeling for Christmas. His glorious paintings capture not only the brilliant colors of Mexico and its art, but also the excitement of the children preparing for Christmas and the hope of Lucida, who comes to see what makes a gift truly beautiful.¨

–How Murray Saved Christmas by Mike Reiss- ¨When Santa’s knocked out cold by a Jack-in-the-Boxer’s walloping punch, deli owner Murray Kleiner reluctantly agrees to take his place. The suit doesn’t fit, Murray smells a bit like pickles, and there’s no way he can remember the names of all those reindeer. But with the help of a pushy elf and an eager-to-believe young boy, Murray finds out that even though he’s not big enough to fill Santa’s suit, he’s got more than enough heart to get the job done.¨

 

Elf on the Shelf, Homework Buddy

After a weekend of behavior issues with my oldest and seeing his progress report, I changed my mind. The Elf on the Shelf would indeed make an appearance this year. Since homework has become such a chore, I’m putting that Elf the work.

Addition with regrouping has become an issue lately, so Elf left extra problems. Other concepts that could be used is subtraction, perimeter, area, multiplication.

 

Elf couldn’t leave reading out. ¨I need a synonym for     .¨ antonyms or rhyming words could be used.

Leave a riddle for your child to read.

 

Leave a homograph or homophone and have your child name the other.  

 

Sight words or if the teacher sends home a weekly newsletter, use the concepts they are working on that week.

 

For younger children, the Elf can leave a pattern with candy and have your child make another pattern. My 7 year old then counted and divided the candies evenly.

After he divided it equally, we then looked at them as an array. (2×8=16)

Leave a number and ask if it‘s even or odd.

Leave paint for your child to mix and make new colors.

 

Sick Day=Disney Marathon

My holiday break started with a super sick little person. We decided that since we were cooped up in the house all day, it was prime time for a Disney Marathon.

Our top five Disney movies to watch while sick:

 

  1. Frozen

She has every line memorized, so the little medicated naps didn’t phase her in the least.

Fearless optimist Anna sets off on an epic journey, teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven, to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.

 

 

  1. Aladdin– Aladdin is currently in the vault.

Our favorite street rat! The genie is a source of endless giggles. 

 

When street rat Aladdin frees a genie from a lamp, he finds his wishes granted. However, he soon finds that the evil has other plans for the lamp — and for Princess Jasmine. But can Aladdin save Princess Jasmine and his love for her after she sees that he isn’t quite what he appears to be?

  1. Robin Hood

My childhood favorite! Nostalgia creeps in every time I hear the rooster’s voice. I can hear my dad whistling Roger Miller’s ¨Whistle Stop¨ through the house.

Experience the fun, thrills and celebrated music of this legendary adventure with perfect picture and sound. Join Robin Hood, his trusted companion Little John and his hilarious band of Merry Men as they outfox greedy Prince John to save the good people of Nottingham. Dashing from one daring deed to the next, Robin won’t rest until he wins the hand of Maid Marian and restores King Richard to the throne. With the voice talents of Brian Bedford, Phil Harris, Peter Ustinov, Pat Buttram, George Lindsay, Monica Evans, Andy Devine, Terry Thomas, and the music of balladeer Roger Miller.

 

 

  1. Tangled

We named our Rottweiler Maximus. After the 100th time of watching this movie, I still get sucked in. I seriously enjoy it every time it is on the television. 

The fairy-tale of Rapunzel is brought to life in Disney’s vibrant animated classic. When a bandit hides in a tower, the last thing he expects to find is a girl with an unusual superpower – seventy feet of magical golden hair!

 

 

  1. Moana

Oh the concerts! The four year old has every song memorized and is ready to break out in song and dance at any moment (even with a temperature over 102). 

During her journey, Moana (Auli`i Cravalho) meets the once mighty demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), and together they cross the ocean on a fun-filled, action-packed voyage,encountering enormous sea creatures, breathtaking underworlds and impossible odds. Along the way, Moana discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity.

Teacher Gift Guide

Want to get something you know a teacher will love? While I truly appreciate any and every gift, I’m swimming in coffee mugs. After some lounge conversations I’ve come up with a list of favorites.

  • Ornaments. My favorite box to pull out of the top of the closet is the ornaments. I love reading the names and reminiscing about past classes as I decorate the tree each year. Homemade is wonderful and could easily turn into a family project. However, I typically use up all my craftiness at school, so my kids get to pick out an ornament of their choice on a random shopping trip that will be signed, dated, and delivered.  
  • Gift cards. Amazon, Target, TeachersPayTeachers.com, Starbucks, Office Depot, etc will put a smile on any teacher’s face!
  • Post-its and pens. Seriously, I don’t know a single teacher that isn’t obsessed with office supplies.

  • Snacks. Some days just require chocolate.
  • Anything personalized. I honestly have no idea what the obsession is, but we love to have our name or initials on everything. Next time you’re at the school check out the bags, tumbler’s, mouse pads, wall decor, pens, etc…
  • A book. Grab a copy of your child’s favorite book and write a sweet note to the teacher in it. We’re always looking to expand our libraries.

 

Oreos and anything purple. Well, maybe that’s just me. Whatever you chose will be loved and greatly appreciated. Merry Christmas!

Never Underestimate the Power of Play-Doh!

Recently my children have decided that if they’re in each other’s presence for longer than five minutes, the room automatically turns into a WWE cage match.

While attempting to cook supper, clean the kitchen, and reorganize the pantry I could sense the tempers starting to rise in the room. I noticed some playdough stuck on the top shelf of the pantry collecting dust. I assumed my seven year old who’s too cool for school wouldn’t be interested in the slightest, but I thought maybe it would keep my four year old daughter preoccupied until I could finish my chores.

To my surprise and total disbelief they both became absorbed in their playdough creations.  Not only were they not trying hurt each other, they were actually working together! Owen even asked, ¨May I please borrow the cookie cutter?¨  After I picked my jaw off the floor I was able to get dinner done, the kitchen clean, and get the pantry back in working order.

 

Playdough saved the day!

I scooped up extra during the back to school sales, but it‘s super easy and fun to make with the kids.

Colored Playdough

Materials

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 1 tablespoon cream of tartar
  • Food coloring
  • Saucepan
  • 1 cup flour

Directions

  1. Combine water, oil, salt, cream of tartar, and food coloring in a saucepan and heat until warm.
  2. Remove from heat and add flour.
  3. Stir, then knead until smooth.
  4. Store this dough in an airtight container or a Ziploc freezer bag.