Finding Christmas... a Robert Munsch Book Review

This week we were given the opportunity to review a book from Scholastic Books... it is part of our festive reading series leading to the holiday month.

Finding Christmas by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko, 2012, North Winds Press, ISBN: 978-1-4431-1317-5, Ages 3-8 - 32 pages - 8 ¾" x 10 5/16" 

Every single Christmas, Julie finds the presents her mom and dad have hidden. But this year, the presents are nowhere to be found! Have her parents decided not to have Christmas at all? So Julie searched the house and in places she found the presents in previous years... but they are nowhere to be found. Does she find them... or will she become something special on Christmas morning??? It becomes the family's most memorable Christmas ever!!!

My Review~~ This brings me back to memories of searching for my gifts every year as a child but I never found them... As my kids grow up I enjoy the idea of them eventually trying to figure out where we hide their gifts from us. The book is full of excitement and the kids guessing if Julie was going to be able to find her presents. We loved the ending and really want to leave it for you to figure out... where she finds the gifts and why it is a wonderful Christmas for her family...

On a fun side... there is a fun game on the Scholastic Book site to play and go allow with this book
Click HERE for the link to play!


Thanks to Scholastic Books for the chance to review this lovely book! It will definitely be a fun annual read for our family.

Disclaimer: I received these books from Scholastic for the purpose of writing a review of the them, free of charge. There was no monetary gains made on my part. The opinions expressed here at strictly that of mine and you are free to make your own judgement.

Happy reading!

How Does a Dinosaur Say Happy Chanukah? Review

Our second book, we have the opportunity to review in the festive book series from Scholastic Books is...

How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? by Jane Yelon & Mark Teague, 2012, The Blue Shy Press, ISBN: 978-0-545-41677-1 HC,  40 Pages,  Ages 0-4, 9" x 12".

Little dinosaurs love to celebrate the Festival of Lights, from the warm glow of holiday candles in the menorah to the fun of family gatherings. But sometimes the excitement of Chanukah, its treasured rituals, and the tradition of gifts can tempt a youngster to misbehave.... 
Come along on a joyful romp filled with tumbling dreidels and melting gelt as North America's favourite prehistoric pals spread a little mischief this season. Children will laugh out loud as dinosaurs fidget, fuss, and stomp through every occasion, while their human parents shift from shock to weary patience. 

My Review~~ This was a great way to teach my kids about the festival of lights and Chanukah. We discussed what Chanukah was and he traditions around the holiday. We talked of the games that children play during the celebration of lights. We also talked about the eight nights of festival of lights and what happens. We discussed the behaviour that kids might be acting like as with those children feel during Christmas. We discussed how it is important to behave well in all children during the holiday season. It makes the kids think about the holidays and how it celebrated by everyone. 


Here is a inside look of the book....

Thanks to Scholastic Books and we hope that you will give this book a read for this holidays!!!

Check back and see what our next book review will be for the holidays... next week!

Disclaimer: I received these books from Scholastic for the purpose of writing a review of the them, free of charge. There was no monetary gains made on my part. The opinions expressed here at strictly that of mine and you are free to make your own judgement.

Happy Reading!

It's Holiday Book Reviews Time...

We have been fortunate to be given the opportunity to review some books from Scholastic books in their holiday theme series.
So just in time for the Holiday season and with Christmas just around the corner...here are the books we reviewed...maybe some will make it under your Christmas tree or as part of you Christmas reading list, of interactive Advent Calendar countdown using the books each day leading to Christmas day or as the 8 nights of gifts of Chanukah.

How Does a Dinosaur Say Merry Christmas? by Jane Yolen & Mark Teague; 2012, The Blue Sky Press, ISBN 978-0-545-41678-8 HC, 40 Pages, Ages 0-4, 9" x 12" 

From decorating the tree to wrapping presents, little dinosaurs love to celebrate Christmas — and everything about it. With ornaments on the branches and carolers singing at the door, the spirit of Christmas is finally here and filling the hearts of families everywhere. But when the stockings are hung on the chimney, and the cookies are left out for Santa, how can little dinosaurs go to sleep? It's so exciting! How can they possibly calm down and behave? 

Children will laugh out loud as dinosaurs secretly lick candy canes, take sneaky peeks at gifts, and disrupt the traditional family feast. With holiday surprises around every corner, the award winning team of Jane Yolen and Mark Teague create an engaging, fun gift sure to be read again and again, year after year.

My Review~~ We really enjoyed reading this book. We first got to know all the dinosaurs in the inside cover of the book. We talked about the what a dinosaur might do at Christmas time and why he might do the things the book asked about, such as "Does he rip open presents set under the tree?" Then as we read on we discussed how we should behave at Christmas time and how excited we get at this time of the year but should be on our most wonderful behaviour to show our appreciation to how fortunate we have been all year long. This book was well illustrated and well written in the way kids would find fun and interesting. It allows parents and kids could interact with the ideas brought up in the book. It will definitely be a book we bring out every year to discuss how to behave (just in time for our Elf on the Shelf... Little Gene to arrive)

Here is a look into the book...

Thanks to Scholastic for the book to review... we will feature another Holiday book next week that we are reviewing from Scholastic.

Disclaimer: I received these books from Scholastic for the purpose of writing a review of the them, free of charge. There was no monetary gains made on my part. The opinions expressed here at strictly that of mine and you are free to make your own judgement.

Lovable Labels Back To School Review and Giveaway!!!

Well.... where has the summer gone??? It is back to school time for us here in Canada and many of you readers have had your children start school already!!
It just seemed like yesterday I was dreading the thought of what to do with the kids for the summer, and now the summer is coming to an end. Princess B is starting Senior Kindergarten in September and we have lagged in our summer brain activities, even though I spent over $100 on activity books and downloads and organizing activities for her and the Monkey to do this summer. We did have fun ignoring the need to keep out brains from running on empty from lack of knowledge.
Here is a few pictures of the activity we did do that was Fun-educational for the two of them...

We played a Pirate ABC and Sight Word Scavenger Hunt. I gave Princess B a pile of sight word cards and Monkey a pile of ABC cards then used Monkey's birthday gift at Pirate Ship Water Table filled with foam ABCs and Magnetic letters mixed up and had them run from the kitchen with a card to the Pirate Ship and find either the letter on the card for the Monkey or the sight word for Princess. Princess also had to read the word out loud before searching for it and Monkey had to tell me the letter he was looking for (on his card). It was a blast watching them run to search for the information on their cards. They also had buckets to fill with the letter or letters to match their cards. Monkey loved running back and forth with the letter and asking if he had the right letter match. Princess was a little reluctant in reading the word but I assured her that the word would help her read her books when she learned them which made it more fun!

I found some great resources on Pinterest for sight words and learning to read. One of my new favourite sites to visit, and it became handing for family trip to New Brunswick is Education.com. You will find learning resources and games for every age level from babies to high school. We enjoyed the sight word bingo and the games that centred around trains and ladybugs. If you are in need of some fun resources to get your little learner back into the grind, check them out. They are colourful and fun for all ages!

Giveaway has moved to it's own post... sorry for the incovenience....
Please click HERE!!!



Thanks for dropping by,
 

September is here....Back to School....First day of JK and Pieces of Me Pendant Giveaway

I can't believe it September already!!! Where has the summer gone??? Now that it is September...we all know what this means.... BACK TO SCHOOL!!!
This next week will be the hardest for me because Princess B is starting JK...we decide to enrol her in school rather than me homeschooling her for a different perspective on the world. Here in Ontario, the provincial school system has introduced "play-based learning" and it means a lot less sitting down and more interaction and hands-on learning. I will still work with her at home for about 1-2 hours on her off days (she only goes 2 1/2 hours per day where she is 2 days on one week and 3 days on the following week alternatively). She has been begging me to teach her to read so we will be working on the word families and Dolce sight words. See my printable Word Family sort Mats...which I will be adding more next week, so you can learn along with us. I have been using the tutorial by The Snail's Trail on homemade word family game, made from paint chips (oh how I love paint chips...I have a secret addiction to them....no really I do!) We will also be using some stuff from the blog, The Moffat Girls who have a Ready2Read  and other printables to help with learning.
I have been having bouts of insomnia as result of my anxiousness for Princess B going to school. One night all I could think of was someone trying to abduct her...which lead to a huge discussion about "Stranger Danger" and different scenarios.
How did you approach the issue of "Stranger Danger" with your kids???
It is an important issue but how did you explain it? We discussed different instances where someone might approach her when she is in a certain setting...not that she'll be out of my sight but at school it is different...1 teacher to 20 some kids....what if is I all I can say.

Now on to the Giveaway!!!!

So in honour of Princess B's first day at school, Lisa of Pieces of Me Pendants is graciously sponsoring a giveaway here at AM2CW.

The Prize is a scrabble pendant, winner choice, and chain, like these ones...

To win...here's what you need to do....
Mandatory entries (please Please PLEASE leave a means to contact you if it not on you profile, don't want you missing out on your prize should you be chosen...I use random.org to pick the winner by the way)

***LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY PLEASE***

***MUST DO ALL MANDATORY ENTRIES TO BE COUNTED IN GIVEAWAY OR YOU WILL BE EXCLUDED FROM THE DRAW...and I do check them all!***

1. Go over to Pieces of Me Pendants and choose a favourite, come back and leave a comment on which one you like.
2. Follow this blog on GFC
3. Follow Lisa's blog, Indie Craft Corner, already do please leave a comment saying so too!

Bonus entries
1. Heart Pieces of Me Pendants on Etsy
2. Subscribe to Indie Craft Corner's email
4. Subscribe to AM2CW's email, get 2 entries
5. Like AM2CW on Facebook (see right sidebar for link), get 2 extra entries
6. Follow AM2CW on Twitter (see right sidebar for link), get 2 extra entries
7. Blog, Tweet or Facebook status update about this giveaway, post link get 3 entries

Here are some other examples of what is available in Lisa's shop too...

Rudolph pendant

Personalized pendant

Pretty Pinks  pendant

Also Lisa has some great deals in her shop as well, such as:
-BUY 3 Pendants (Scrabble or Round or Mixed) and receive 1 FREE Chain
Available: FREE 17" Snake Chain OR FREE Ball Chain (your length choice) with purchase of 3 pendants.
-Buy 6 pendants get 2 free chains, Buy 9 pendants get 3 free chains, etc! :)

AND she has wholesale, as well as party and gift making kits too... I am thinking great for Christmas gifts, party favours or even wedding favours (she does do personalized work too!).

I want to thank Lisa and Pieces of Me Pendants for sponsoring this giveaway!

Stop by and check out her shop!

Good Luck!

Giveaway will run until September 10th

Winner announced September 11th

P.S. Pieces of Me Pendants is now a Blog sponsor....Thank you Lisa!

Father's Day FREE Printable!!!

Hi everyone,
I have created a free printable in honour of Father's Day coming up in the next few weeks! I love my Dad and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my time I recently spent with him and my Mom, last month! My hubby, Mr. Man, is the best father to the kiddies and will be showered with loads of love Father's Day!!!

Here is my Father's Day printable...

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to my hubby and my Dad and to all of the father's out there!!!

Ciao for now,

Just Touching Base

Just touching base with all my readers, I am so sorry for not having posted anything for over a week and a half. It is a busy time here. My baby sister's wedding prep is in full swing. The wedding happens in four days so we have been busy.
The family made the 16+ hour drive Form Ontario to New Brunswick in one piece. I can't say enough about how much the portable DVD player has saved our sanity on this trip. Gotta love the fact that the kiddies were able to enjoy their movies and see the sights. We I did get my fair share of Thomas the Tank Engine though...Monkey's fave. We have enjoyed our trip so far but it has gotta stop raining...I mean really stop! The kids have been stuck inside for a little over 4 days and enough is enough. Grampie did manage to take them out for a rain boot puddle jumping activity...enjoyed by all while going on but as soon as it was over Princess said it wasn't any fun because she was wet. They splashed and enjoyed the rain water drips on their coats from the edge of the house.  Then they enjoyed a nice warm bath and some toast before bed.
I have to thank my mom she has been my saving grace with kids. The first night we struggled with Monkey's bedtime. Since the second night, Nana (as we know her) has been bathing the kids then giving them a snack, and Princess is in bed by 8pm and Monkey goes in their room and one of us sits on the floor by the door and waits for him to fall asleep....which has gone from taking 20 minutes to 5-7 minutes. This gives me much needed relaxation time and wedding prep time.
Gotta love the experience of grandparents!!!!

I have a tutorial coming up soon for my baby sis' wedding invite!!
Ciao for now,

Dr. Sears Family Essentials and Giveaway (CLOSED)

I had the great privilege of being able to listen in on a webinar by Dr. Jim Sears, co-host of The Doctors TV show, yesterday. Dr. Jim is also from the family of doctors behind such things as AskDrSears.com and the books like The Baby Book, The Discipline Book, and Dr. Sears' Lean Kids, to name a few of them. The webinar was regarding the topic of the Paediatric Nutrition and in part to discuss the Dr. Sears Family Essentials. In the webinar, Dr. Jim discussed many of the things that are important with making sure that kids get the best nutrition for their growing bodies. I really enjoyed the discussion part where questions were posed to Dr. Jim. The information on picky eaters and how to get them eating was something I was  definitely interested in with Princess being an extreme picky eater as opposed to Monkey who eats what you put in front of him, for the most part.

Dr. Jim Sears

Some of the tips Dr. Jim suggested for picky eaters were: using the disguising method as per blending up the good for you stuff and adding it to meals. He also suggested giving the kids an empty plate and having your meal on your plate and once they notice that they have nothing to eat they may ask for what you are eating. Princess Picky-Eater is the most difficult person in my house. She will find every excuse to not eat and usually finishes the bread first or the drink and then talk throughout the rest of her meal time. I have tried everything from making meal time fun with different cutouts and the muffin tin thing but it lasts for one time them it is a fight with her to get her to finish her meal. She is great negotiator. I honestly think she could sell snow to  a snowman, she's that good (something she gets from her Daddy.)

So I will be trying some of these ideas with her if any of you have a suggestion on how to over come her picky-ness I welcome the advice. Please I will try anything to get her to eat. (I am begging you...I'm on my knees here.)

On to Dr. Sears Family Esstenials.....
So once I heard about the Dr. Sears Family Essentials, I wanted to find out more. The Dr. Sears Family Essentials are doctor-formulated and kid-approved line of 100 % all natural drinks, snacks and supplements to give children the essential daily nutrients to help them grow healthy, strong and smart. It was developed by Dr. Bill Sears and his family to help combat the overtaking epidemic facing us today of childhood obesity and all the illnesses associated with it.

Vanilla Drizzle POPUMZ™

The Dr. Sears Family Essentials include a variety of interesting ways to ensure that children of all ages are able to get those nutrients necessary for a healthy body.
First, there is the POPUMZ™, 100% all-natural popped wholegrain crisps that are packed with protein to help build strong muscles, fibre for healthy digestion and Omega-3 DHA, which is an essential component for the growth and development of young minds and bodies. POPUMZ™ come in a wide variety of flavours to fit every child's taste buds. They are designed with kids in mind with their  involvement in vast activities on a daily basis from sports to activities and homework which have lead to the grazing or snacking prevalence that has taken over their lifestyles.  POPUMZ™ also comes with a drizzle of all-natural flavours of Chocolate, Vanilla or Caramel flavours that holds the Omega-3 DHA (100mg) to increase their appeal. Thus will become a anytime snack without all the guilt for you children (and even yourself.)

Caramel Drizzle POPUMZ™

Chocolate Drizzle POPUMZ™

Look at the different flavours available:
- Chocolate Drizzle
- Caramel Drizzle
- Vanilla Drizzle
Don't they sound yummy!
Only 90 Calories, 0 Trans Fat and 5 g of sugar, 2 g of dietary fibre (nutritional information is available in the details of the POPUMZ™.




Then there is  Cool Fuel, new to the Dr. Sears Family Essentials line, is an all-natural ready-to-drink shake that is fortified. The shakes allow the kids to get all the essential nutrients that they need to perform at their best whether they are in the classroom or out on the playground.  Cool Fuel is both gluten-free and lactose-free with no artificial flavours, colours, or sweeteners. In fact, it has 60% less sugar than competitive brands. It is available in Chocolate and Vanilla flavours.

Cool Fuel helps kids live better, play better, and learn better
-Dr. Sears Family Essentials website

- Cool Fuel contains an excellent source of Omega-3 DHA, along with 18 essential nutrients and antioxidants
- Cool Fuel has only 190 calories in 8 oz serving (237 ml), 9 g sugar, 4 g dietary fibre.
















Dr. Sears Family Essentials also has Fruit Chews which are fruit-based 100% all-natural supplements that will provide children with their necessary daily nutrients with Omega-3 DHA among other essentials that will boost immune, brain and neural function to name a few of their functions.

Now you can check out the Dr. Sears Family Essentials for yourself and see if they fit the needs of your children by visiting they website to get more information on the products I touched on here as well as other products they have. Their website can be found at www.drsearsfamilyessentials.com of by clicking the various links I provided throughout this post.

Giveaway

Dr. Sears Family Essentials is providing one of my lucky readers with one month supply of samples from their line of drinks, snacks, and supplements. 

Isn't this fantastic!!!!

Here are the ways you are able to earn an entry for the giveaway:
(please leave a separate comment for each and a way to contact you if not in your profile)
1. Check out Dr. Sears Family Essentials, come back and tell me what flavour you would choose of the POPUMZ™(found in the list of the left sidebar of the site)
2. Leave a tip on how to get my Princess Picky-Eater to eat (Mandatory entry....just kidding....but please give me some pointers as one mom to another mom/ dad/ guardian, who can help out a Mama)
3. Follow AM2CW (already do please remind me)
4. Grab the AM2CW blog button and leave the location in your comment
5. Blog about this giveaway on you blog, or tweet about it, or even spread the word on Facebook (1 entry per method)
6. Follow AM2CW on Facebook or Twitter (links on the blog's right sidebar)
7. Enter any of the other Giveaways on AM2CW (1 entry per giveaway entered) don't forget to tell me separately which ones you entered.
There you have it a few chances to win! I hope you will all leave a tip for helping out with Princess Picky-Eater take the opportunity to enter and give the Dr. Sears Family Essentials a try for a month!!!

Giveaway will run until March 31st!

Winner announced April 1st (no joking)!!!!

Good Luck to all of you who enter!

Disclaimer: I have received a one-year supply  from Dr. Sears Family Essential in return for this post. The opinions expressed here are that of my own and I have obtained no monetary gain from Dr. Sears Family Essential. You are free to make your own decisions on this product.

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Ciao for now,

Got Great News on Baby Gates!!!

Well, Happy Valentine's Day everyone I hope your day was filled with lots of love! I know mine was but everyday is like Valentine's Day with Princess and Monkey! Mr. Man does a pretty good job at making me feel loved too.

Auto-Close Gate

Well, back to the reason for my post. I just wanted to tell you about the newest additional to the Munchkin® arsenal of baby gear must haves...they now have Safety Gates. They are not just you regular run of the mill Safety Gates either. The Safety Gates come in a wide variety of measurements, styles that will be aesthetically pleasing to your decor, as well as different price points plus various mounting methods to fit you budget & needs. Munchkin® has a Safety Gate Selector on their website that will help you choose the best gate to suit your lifestyle. The Safety Gates are built to the highest quality standards  and rigorously tested meeting and exceeding both American and European standards, using the latest technology and the smallest of details are designed to get the maximum safety out of their Gates. Each Safety Gate from Munchkin® has at least 2 locking mechanisms to ensure that your child cannot unlock the gate. And amazingly the Munchkin® Safety Gates are approved to be used "EveryPlace™" in your house where you need it to be safe.

To get yourself more information please visit www.infantgates.com 

Here is something for you...A Contest!!!!

Numi Gate (Aluminum)

From February 15th to March 31st, Munchkin® is having a FUN contest on their Facebook page called “Protect Your Baby’s Every Move.” If you go to their Facebook page and upload funny pictures or videos of your kiddies on the move, such as dancing, climbing, crawling, walking/running or taking their first steps, you could have a chance to be a weekly Facebook winner (from Feb. 15 – May 15) to win a Safety Gate and $50 gift card to redo your nursery.


*One grand-prize winner will also receive a nursery set from Munchkin® (valued at $530) and a $250 American Express gift card to help with their design.
*A second winner will receive a $250 American Express gift card to help decorate their child’s room.

I hope that you will stop by their Facebook page and enter your self for the chance to win... who doesn't need a safety gate when you are a parent to a mover???

Disclaimer: I have received a free gate from Munchkin® in return for this post. The opinions expressed here are that of my own and I have obtained no monetary gain fromMunchkin®. You are free to make your own decisions on this product.

Ciao for now,

Sorry for being away...I have had quite a week....AND a Giveaway!!!!

Hi everyone! I want to thank you for following AM2CW blog and I want you to know how much I appreciate all of that have stuck around and kept reading.
You can skip the trials and tribulations that I faced and get to the giveaway down below if you want.
My Last week or two:
  I have had a horrible last week (or should I say two weeks)...let me tell you.  First, Monkey got an infection and we spent two Sundays ago in the ER with him. He had to have a catheter to get urine samples and a bag to catch it too. Then we found out he had a bacterial infection in his ureter. So this meant a Rx of 3-5 baths (his poor skin wouldn't be dry after this would it?) and a cream for the area. And if that did make his start to 2011 seem to be off on the wrong foot then on Friday morning at exactly 2:22am it all began. Monkey awoke and being a tired mama I put him in bed with me to only have him seem unusually uncomfortable. Suddenly I found out why...it struck first with vomiting...and it was everywhere and anywhere you could imagine for the next 6 hours. While we were dealing with the issue coming up with Monkey, we began having to deal with the issue being brought out at the other end.  What a Friday this turned out to be, we again made a trip to the ER for Monkey because his temperature jumped in 15 minutes from 98.9 degrees Celsius to 102.5 degrees C...scared and worried we head to the ER, especially with the flu epidemic that has been circulating in the Greater Toronto Area as of late.
  And also if all of this happening to Monkey wasn't enough, he developed the worst diaper rash I had ever seen in my life it literally came on very quick and he cried screamed in terror every time he saw me dig out the change pad. He was getting so tired of it all, he began immediately telling me when he pooped so it didn't sit against his backside for long.
  I had such great plans to start my attempt at potty training him too in February but that is going to be postponed now until March, I think after this week.  He did get a cream for the rash, but as for the viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) just keep him hydrated and replenish lost electrolytes. So that was our Friday, and when we went to bed  that night, vomiting had stopped and diarrhea continued...
In the morning, I could barely make it out of bed myself, aches and pains consumed my body. I could not do anything, so I ended up grabbing Monkey and sleep the afternoon away. Sunday, I felt queasy but better and Monkey was still dealing with the output on his end. But that evening our household had a big upset when Princess, after spending the day with Daddy and no sign of the forthcoming of any illness began with the same manner as Monkey. We had two kiddies out of the norm, facing the the biggest slow down in their lives so far.
   Now Wednesday evening, Monkey has started to return to his cheery and joking self. But Princess has been facing the fear that if she eats again she will start vomiting all over again. She actually told me this morning that she "never wants to eat again." She has slept the day away and complained of a sore neck from her strange sleeping/sitting position while relaxing and watching Treehouse (Canadian children's channel), TVO and Playhouse Disney while her brother regained his energy level. At one point, Monkey even taunted Princess by playing with her prized dollhouse (Christmas gift from Santa) and would go an tell her what he was up to.

The Giveaway

I had such great plans to giveaway 2 of my Banners for Valentine's Day and still do but the giveaway will only last for three days....To be drawn on Sunday.
Prizes: 1 of 2 banners themed for Valentine's Day, and the ribbon to tie it together.
Here are a picture of each banner, Heart shaped brads, ivory tulle, kork-screwed ribbons and the spools of ribbons you will get with it:

I <3 You banner- forgot
the kork-screwed  ribbon (black and white)

Love banner

How to enter:
1. Follow AM2CW, already do remind me
2. Grab the AM2CW button, link it
3. Enter the other Giveaway going on right now until February 10th
**Please leave a separate comment for each.

Good Luck!

Draw Date: Sunday, February 6th 11:59 pm EST

They are ready to be shipped as soon as the winners are announced!

Ciao for Now,