An Early Halloween Scare

We found this great mask at Jo-ann's last week. It's called "Old Wizard". This mask looks pretty creepy on an adult. On our little 5 year old son, he looked just like the small hitchhiking ghost from Disney's Haunted Mansion ride. Being the Disney fans that we are, we didn't hesitate to decide on a costume theme for the year, and we purchased the mask right away. With coupons ofcourse, saving us 60%.

It's only the middle of September. What am I going to do with the awesome mask for the next month and a half until we are able to dress up and really use it? Yeah, I guess I could just leave it in the closet until we are ready for it. But you know what's even better? Using it to scare the loved ones I live with. Since January we have been living with my Dad and two younger sisters (currently 17 and 13). I think it's time they have a good dose of what I like to do. The best part is they won't see it coming. 

My 17 year old sister was upstairs in her room. All I had to do was wait for her to come down. I popped the mask on and silently came out of our room and up her stairs about half way. Then I stopped and waited. Thankfully it didn't take too long. I timed it right to know she'd be coming down soon to shower and go to bed. I saw her shadow headed towards the door. This was it, the fun was about to explode. 

She came around the corner and she was looking at her phone, so it took a second for her to look down the stairs and notice this old man (in a dress) standing there staring at her. Oh how I wish I had a camera rolling. First she jumped and then she started screaming. First scream she tried to run towards the wall, second scream she turned around and ran to her room, slamming the door behind her. I've never gotten someone that good before so I guess I wasn't expecting the screams. They were loud and long and I was stunned for a moment. 

I was finally able to work through my shock and laughter to pull the mask off and go upstairs after her. I was laughing so hard I tried to choke out, "I'm sorry, that was so good, but I'm sorry!" and she was laughing so hard she couldn't breathe. It was an amazing scare for the books and everyone in the house heard it. 

I told her I didn't blame her if she hated me for a while, but she said it was fine. She admits I got her really good.... now I have to anticipate her return scare. She says she'll plan a good one.

Oh, How I Miss Blogging

Life has been one crazy busy ride since my daughter arrived almost 3 years ago. With two kids, even being a stay at home mom, I have had the hardest time keeping up with my blog. I give some serious props to all the moms out there who do it consistently and have continued to do so through the years. 

I miss my blogging. 

In the last year I had one interesting adventure after another. 

One year ago on Mother's Day I was at the beach with my mother. There was a serious situation right next to us in which a young girl and her uncle dug a tunnel, and when she tried to crawl through it, it collapsed onto her. Buried under 3 feet of sand, this girl almost lost her life. Had her uncle not come to us for help in digging her out, she may not be alive today. Three of us dug her out as fast as we could while my mom watched my kids and yelled for others to come help. When that girls head finally popped up completely sand covered and in shock, I ran faster than my legs could carry me and panted hard, barely enough breath to tell the lifeguard, "girl.... needs help..... buried....." That changed my life. 

The following week, I began medication in the egg donation process I had been in for a few months prior. I had a very tough time with the medications, but I completed them and donated eggs. Eggs which made two gorgeous healthy baby girls that I had the beautiful opportunity to meet and see the wonderful family I helped create. That changed my life. 

I watched my first live birth as my youngest nephew was born. That changed my life. 

I was in a kinda bad accident in October. My first accident, and very scary. Head on, going straight through a green light someone turned left in front of me (and my friend) thankfully no kids were with us. No joke, one month later my husband and I (again, no kids) got rear ended. It was a week after we got out new car. I am still anxious about driving, but I am physically and mentally recovering. Yet, it changed my life... perhaps more than the last three things I mentioned. 

Finally, we moved in with my dad and two younger sisters to help them out after the loss of my step mom two years ago. Things are going wonderful. We have helped each other. It has been great. It too, has changed my life. 

Life is a beautiful, wonderful thing that I cannot wait to experience more of. 

Between two kids, a husband, family, crafting, cooking, friends, exercise, and all the other things that are life.... I have the hardest time finding time to blog at the same time that I have the inspiration. I post this mainly to send the energy out into the universe that time may balance out and allow more blogging. Think of it as an update and post-it/to-do list :)

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30 Days of Books: 28: Boris and Bella

 Boris and Bella
By Carolyn Crimi

Definitely one of my faves for this "30 Days of Books". The author has an adorable concept and super cute names for her characters. It's a romance story of monsters. 

Short and sweet on this book. It's awesome!

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)  

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30 Days of Books: 27: The Biggest Pumpkin Ever

 the Biggest Pumpkin Ever
By Steven Kroll

I really liked this story. It's a great message about how two lives can cross each other's paths without realizing it. The best part is that the characters have wonderful ideas for teamwork so everyone can be happy. 

The kids were excited to hear the story progress. And it seemed to me it made them feel happy when everything worked out. 

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?) 

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30 Days of Books: 26: Halloween Night on Shivermore Street

 Halloween Night on Shivermore Street
By Pam Pollack and Meg Belviso

Immediately, I fell in love with the art in this book. It's bright, fun, colorful, and artistic. To me, the definition of artwork for a child's book. 

I do think the art is far better than the story, but it's still kind of a cute story. The kids are having a great time, til a secret is revealed. 

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?) 

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30 Days of Books: 25: Dorrie and the Pin Witch

 Dorrie and the Pin Witch
By Patricia Coombs

 This book made me feel like I was reading a kids version of the movie "Halloween 3". That part of the Halloween series strayed away from Michael Myers, and they don't often show it. If you've seen it, you will know exactly what I mean. If not, you aren't missing much. 

It's a cute idea about this little witch trying to stop some trouble. Not "A" material in my opinion.

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?) 

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30 Days of Books: 24: Skelly the Skeleton Girl

Skelly the Skeleton Girl
By Jimmy Pickering

This might possibly be my favorite book yet from this 30 Days of Books. I had a lot of fun with the art, the story, everything. It has such a Tim Burton feel I had to do a double take on the author. 

I always get into the books with the kids, but this one I decided to go all out with my character voices. My son had me rolling in laughter because right when I start in with the "voice" of Skelly, he says, "Wow, Skelly has a really cute voice".  He commented on a few more characters as well. I thought it was adorable that he seemed to think these were just the voices of the characters. He had me read it again right after. 

Thankfully, this story is short and sweet because my better voices take quite a toll on my throat. I highly recommend this book, and it looks like it has a sequel as well. 

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?) 

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30 Days of Books: 23: A Handy Manny Halloween

 A Handy Manny Halloween (Disney Handy Manny)
By Marcy Kelman

This book is probably a little better for toddlers and preschoolers. It's from Handy Manny, which is a Playhouse Disney cartoon show. 

The book has a good length of story, with lift flap pages to explore. In the back you find some stickers to dress up the characters in the book. Cute story.

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)

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30 Days of Books: 22: The Night Before Halloween

The Night Before Halloween
By Natasha Wing

Most of us know the traditional Christmas Eve story. How many know of the Halloween version?

It's a super cute twist on the classic tale where you hear all about the witches and ghosts setting up for the next day. Join in the Halloween party fun with this cute kids book. The art is your typical kids book style. Every page looks like a lot of fun.

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)

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30 Days of Books: 21: The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat

The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat
By Stan & Jan Berenstain

We are a Berenstain Bears family over here. We have almost the whole collection. Naturally, we are fans of this Halloween themed book as well.

I really enjoy the books because the stories have good meaning, and are usually great lessons for kids and parents alike. They show examples of real situations kids may find themselves in, and this book is no different. Halloween can be spooky for little ones, and the book helps deal with that as well as safety on Halloween night.

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?) 

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30 Days of Books: 20: Zen Ghosts

Zen Ghosts

By Jon J Muth

This is a beautiful book. The story (well, it's a story within a story really) is very nice. There is certainly a Zen feel to the whole book and the artwork is just amazing! I think this is a wonderful addition to a Halloween book collection. It's not scary at all, so it is wonderful for all ages.

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)

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30 Days of Books: 19: Spooky House of Horror

 Spooky House of Horror
By Charles Fuge

My son found this one at our local Goodwill bookstore. He has entertained himself for hours ever since. He takes the book to kindergarten sometimes as well and all the other kids are just as enthralled as he is with the book. 

It's a really fun and detailed pop-up book with spooky decorations from top to bottom. What a fun house to explore!

 All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)

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30 Days of Books: 18: The House That Drac Built

 The House That Drac Built
By Judy Sierra

I LOVED this book. I'm a sucker for those run on stories that are just like the old lady who swallowed the fly. I love to see how fast I can read them. 

This book is particularly fun because each page shows a small part of the next picture so you and the kids can guess what is going to come next.

The artwork is nice for artwork, but I thought it was a little creepy for kids. Though, my kids didn't seem freaked out by it. 

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)

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30 Days of Books: 17: The Bumpy Little Pumpkin

 The Bumpy Little Pumpkin
By Margery Cuyler

The book is probably what you expect it to be from the cover and title. It's cute and fun to read. We had a fun time looking at all the pumpkins and talking about why we liked some and why we didn't like others. It also left open great opportunities for imaginative play with pumpkins and made up pumpkin patches. 

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)

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30 Days of Books: 16: Cinderhazel

 Cinderhazel
By Deborah Nourse Lattimore

I see the interesting twist the author put on the classic tale, but I am not fully impressed. I would have liked it a little more if she had done her own thing instead. It's still a very nice story about being different and finding someone who is compatible with you where you least expect it. It's also nice to have a story that has a unique person feel totally confident with who they are. That is a great role model for young ones. For all of us really.

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)

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30 Days of Books: 15: Rattlebone Rock

Rattlebone Rock
By Sylvia Andrews

This book is set up like a song. It's cute and rhyming and looks like everyone is having a great time partying... which slightly thrilled the children to think about what fun it would be to be there. Not super exciting but worth a try to read it at least once.

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)

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30 Days of Books: 14: Big Pumpkin

Big Pumpkin
By Erica Silverman

I enjoyed this story. I thought it was set up like a typical children's book. You kind of guess what is going to happen, but then again you don't. There is a short and simple lesson about not underestimating someone, knowing strength is more than muscle, and the important effect of teamwork. However, the problem for us was the story stumped my 5 year old because he couldn't figure out why they wouldn't just do the simple solution. His idea was far more brilliant than the one in the book.... but I guess the simple solution wouldn't make a silly story now would it?

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)

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30 Days of Books: 13: The Witch Who Was Afraid of Witches

 The Witch Who Was Afraid of Witches (I Can Read Book 4)
By Alice Low

This is such a cute book about a sweet little witch who is unsure about herself. Through the help of an unexpected friend, she finds her something special and gains confidence. 

The kids enjoy the fun throughout this book. It's broken down into small chapters and is easy for early readers. 

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)

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30 Days of Books: 12: The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin

 The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin with CD
By Joe Troiano

Spookly is pretty popular. I heard about him a few years ago from another blog, and was delighted when I scored a hardcover at the dollar book store. I've since heard alot about him, and seen many Halloween events for kids centered around the character.

It's a story about a pumpkin who is the "odd one" in the patch. All the others tease him, only to find later, he saves the day. Your typical, "love people no matter what they look like" story with a cute pumpkin twist. Certainly a fun one to add to a Halloween book collection.


All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)

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30 Days of Books: 11: Which Way to Witch School

Which Way to Witch School?
By Scott Santoro

I'm a sucker for books that rhyme. I think they are a blast to read. I like to try and see how fast I can read them without messing up and I feel like I sound awesome if I succeed. Nerdy me comes out. 

Journey through a whole school year (in rhyme) with a group of young witches while they learn their craft from Miss Thornapple. One of those cutesy witch stories. I think it would make a very cute TV show as well.

All book titles above, in the "30 Days of Books", will lead you to the Amazon link where you can purchase the book. However, I encourage you to take your kids to your local library to hunt them down. Wonderful experiences and values can be taught, and most libraries now have online catalog search so you can check to see if they have it before you leave your house. (But book lovers like yourself would still find something to come home with if they didn't have the book you were searching for right?)

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