Me, Me, Me by Annika Dunklee

This book is about three young girls that are best friends.  Their school is going to have a talent show and Annie suggest that they enter as an all-girl singing group.  This seemed like a wonderful idea to Lillemor & Lilianne until they realized that they were going to have no say about the song they sang, the name of their group, or even what they wore!  They quickly realized that the talent show was really going to be all about Annie!  The group breaks ups and Annie decided to do a solo performance.  The other two girls decide to do a duet. 

All the girls quickly find out that things are not the same without the who group. 

This book is so typical of what children go through when they won’t work together as a team.  Will the girls reconcile before the talent show?  a

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Disclosure:   I received this complimentary book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.  The opinions expressed above are my own.

Blind Spot by Dani Pettrey (Book #3 - Chesapeake Valor Series)

Book Description: 

FBI agent Declan Grey is in the chase of his life--but isn't sure exactly what he's chasing after. Threatened by a terrorist that "the wrath is coming," Grey fears something horrible is about to be unleashed on American soil. When his investigation leads him to a closed immigrant community, he turns to Tanner Shaw to help him. She's sought justice for refugees and the hurting around the world, and if there's anyone who can help him, it's Tanner.

Tanner Shaw has joined the FBI as a crisis counselor . . . meaning she now has more opportunity to butt heads with Declan. But that tension also includes a spark she can't deny, and she's pretty sure Declan feels the same. But before anything can develop between them, they discover evidence of a terror cell--and soon are in a race against the clock to stop the coming "wrath" that could cost thousands their lives.  

My Thoughts:

I have been anxiously awaiting the release of this the 3^rd book in the Chesapeake Valor series.  This book was worth the wait!   It seems like forever since I read the last book, but it didn’t take me long to recall the events from the previous book and I found myself totally sucked into this book.  Two days later (I had to sleep, eat & work!) I was finished.   😊  

This Christian/Inspirational Fiction book allows the characters to show through their words and actions their faith in God.  It is just a part of their life and the author does an excellent job of showing that without overdoing it!  As the reader, you know they are Christians, but it is not overpowering!

If you like a book full of action and suspense, then you might want to give this series a chance!   One of the characters, Declan was highlighted more in this book than the others and I was so happy about that!  He has always been one of my favorite characters in the books and I was glad this book brought out more of his character and deep beliefs in the storyline.  

The ending of the book was quite a surprise!  I love a good cliff-hanger and I was not disappointed by this one!!!! 

I would recommend that if you have not read Cold Shot and Still Life that you do so before you read this book. There is a lot of history between all the characters in this book and it will help you connect the pieces together easier.

Disclosure:  Disclosure statement:  I received this complimentary book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions are my own.

Monster Party with Oriental Trading

Every year I try to do something fun for our fall party in my first grade classroom.  This year I decided to have a MONSTER DAY!!!  I had so much fun trying to find fun ideas (that can be made educational) from Oriental Trading that I think they are going to LOVE!  They have so many monster ideas and it was so hard to pick.  I finally decided on these fun things.

Monster Bean Bag Toss Game – I am going to set this game up at a math center.  Students will throw a bean bag to knock over the plastic cans.  Students will add up the number of cans they knock over using the color key for the different colors of the cans.  Aren’t these little monster cans CUTE!  I will be using these for several other activities during the school year as well.  

Monster Weaving Mat Craft Kit – These will be a perfect addition to our Monster Party.  The only preparation I will need to do is it tear the perforated paper apart  and put in a container at our art center.  Easy Peasy…Lemon Squeezy!  I'm so glad that I did one of these ahead of time... Now I know I need to tear these apart before the party.  

Monster Piñata – It doesn’t get much cuter than this to use for decorating my classroom for our Monster Party.  I just have to figure out how to make sure all 24 of my students get a chance at hitting it before it breaks.  Instead of filling it with candy, I’m painting 24 small film canisters (Yeah! I finally found a way to use them!!) and then adding a Tattoo monsters into each of them.  

  

Monster Pencils – We will start our day by writing a monster story using the Tattoo Monster from our Piñata and a cute Monster Pencil!! These pencils are hard to sharpen in my regular pencil sharpener because of the coating that is on them.  But I have a hand turned pencil sharpener that works great on these pencils.  There are 6 different designs for the Tattoos and I'm sure my kiddos will have a favorite.

And of course… what party would be complete without food & decoractions.

Goofy Monster Head Lollipops – Super cute!  I really want to try them…but I only have 2 boxes (12 in a box)… and I have exactly 24 students.  There are 6 different designs and they are different flavors.  Yummo!

 

Mini Monster Luncheon Napkins & Monster

 Party Paper Dinner Plates – A monster party definitely needs to have monster napkins and plates!!!  They are so cute!  My kiddos are going to be so excited to use them. I love that they are very sturdy and the napkins were bigger than I was expecting.  

Mini Monster Cupcake Liners with Picks – I have a friend that makes awesome cakes and she has volunteered to make the cupcakes for my party. All I have to do it add these monster picks when I get them to school.  I think I will be more excited than the kiddos!!!  The liners are different colors and go perfectly with the monster theme.

Eyeball Gummy Candy – Monsters and eyeballs... they go together RIGHT!!!  I had to have someone try them out... Isn't he about the cutest thing you have seen all day!  He said they were delicious and wanted more!

That's it!  I am so excited about this party and can hardly wait to see the expressions on the faces of my students when they walk into our classroom on MONSTER DAY!    

You still have a littler over a month to get ready for you Halloween Party!  Please give  Oriental Trading a quick look... you will love their variety as well as quick deliveries.  
  

 Disclaimer:  I recieved the above products from Oriental Trading in exchange for my honest opinion of their products.

So Many Choices for Costumes at Oriental Trading!!!

It’s Fall Y’al!!!l  I am so totally ready for the cool weather!

Halloween is going to be here before you know it!  Have you started thinking about costumes yet?  I have the perfect place for you to shop. ORIENTAL TRADING!!!  Head on over there to see their huge selection for children and adults alike. 

My niece has always felt like she missed out by now being a part of the hippi generation.  She found this costume and now (for a day!) she is going to live the life of an adorable hippi.  I’m pretty sure that when she wears this outfit  to work at the Nursing Home, here patients are going to love it!!! 

Her little boy doesn’t even know what a hippi is and I'm pretty sure he doesn't know what a Whoppie Cushion is either.  His pre-k teacher is going to love it when he dresses up for the big parade at school.  Well… I don’t know about that…but she will definitely think this is a perfect costume for him.  Lol  Isn’t he adorable!!!

Halloween will be here before you know it  Don’t wait too long to find yourself the perfect costume. 

Disclaimer:  I received these products from Oriental Trading in exchange for my honest opinion of their products.

The Space Between Words by Michele Phoenix

SYNOPSIS:

“There were seconds, when I woke, when the world felt unshrouded. Then memory returned.”

When Jessica regains consciousness in a French hospital on the day after the Paris attacks, all she can think of is fleeing the site of the horror she survived. But Patrick, the steadfast friend who hasn’t left her side, urges her to reconsider her decision. Worn down by his insistence, she reluctantly agrees to follow through with the trip they’d planned before the tragedy.

“The pages found you,” Patrick whispered.

“Now you need to figure out what they’re trying to say.”

During a stop at a country flea market, Jessica finds a faded document concealed in an antique. As new friends help her to translate the archaic French, they uncover the story of Adeline Baillard, a young woman who lived centuries before—her faith condemned, her life endangered, her community decimated by the Huguenot persecution.

“I write for our descendants, for those who will not understand the cost of our survival.”

Determined to learn the Baillard family’s fate, Jessica retraces their flight from France to England, spurred on by a need she doesn’t understand.

Could this stranger who lived three hundred years before hold the key to Jessica’s survival?

mY rEVIEW:

The first time I tried to read this book… I couldn’t’ seem to focus on what was happening.  However, the second time I absolutely couldn’t put it down.  This book was not what I was expecting at all.   There was a mixture of friendship, terror, relationships, grief, healing, history, tragedy, family, and so much more that was woven throughout the storyline.     

Jessica is on a journey that she (or the reader) have no idea where it will lead.  I found myself hurriedly reading each page in anticipation of what might happened next.   

The emotions that Jessica experienced were illustrated so wonderfully throughout the pages. 

I love this book and am looking forward to reading more books written by Michèle Phoenix.

Disclosure statement:  I received this complimentary book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions are my own.

Cutie Meets Mr. Lizard by Felicia Di John

I fell in love with this picture book almost instantly!  Just look at the front cover of the book with the adorable Chihuahua and those HUGE ears!   I can’t think of a better name for this dog than Cutie!  (I must admit i am a huge dog lover though!!!!!)

When Cutie’s mom (a six-year-old girl named Ava Rose), goes to school one day, Cutie decides to venture outdoors and explore.  The reader realizes quickly that this dog is full of curiosity and is definitely seeking some adventure in her life.  As she explores in the dessert near her house, she gets scared very easily!  She quickly makes a new friend however and notices tht they have some very weird eating habits.  Her day is over before she realizes it and knows she needs to hurry home before Ava Rose gets home! 

My first graders were totally engrossed with this book.  It seems like they looked at every detail of the pictures and they couldn’t help but show their excitement with their friends. 

This was a fun book to read to my students and am certainly looking forward to reading other adventures of Cuties that may come along in the future.  

Disclosure statement:  I received this complimentary book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions are my own.

Oriental Trading - Lots of 4th of July Items!!!!

In just a little over a week, my husband and I will be hosting our annual 4^th of July picnic for our church.  This year we wanted to make it extra special for all our guests by decorating more and having a few treats for them.  ORIENTAL TRADING with their wide variety of patriotic items came to the rescue! 

Candy Buffett anyone???  I started off with some red containers from Oriental Trading's patriotic selection to put all the goodies in.   They also have a HUGE selection of candy to pick from.  I ended up picking the Sweet Creams Hard Candy, Candy Sticks, Tootsie Rolls, and Butter Mints.   What child (or adult for that matter) will be able to resist these eye catching sweets?!  

When I saw these Red White & Blue Leis I knew they would be absolutely perfect.  Everyone can use a bit more red, white, and blue on the 4^th of July!!!

We wanted to decorate just a bit, so we decided to add a few bows to the trees around the picnic area.  These will definitely be a cute addition to our picnic area. 

What’s a party without a photo booth?  I’m sure these will be a big hit.  The best part…everyone has a camera on their phone now days…so it will be a do it yourself.  J

The 4^th of July wouldn’t be complete without a few glowing items!  Aren’t these Glow Necklaces awesome!  There are several kiddos in our church that are going to love them.  I might have to put a sign up that says “children only.”  J

I hope you found something that you liked.  If not, you need to head on over to Oriental Trading and find items that will make your 4^th of July even more special.  You still have time but you need to hurry if you want them for your 4^th of July Celebration!!!!

Happy 4^th of July and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!

Disclaimer:  I received the above products from Oriental Trading in exchange for my honest opinion of their products.