date night

My heart really goes pitter patter when Andrew says the words, "You wanna go to Barnes and Noble tonight?" I could live there. I have day dreams of getting locked in after closing time and the shelves upon shelves of books would be mine for the whole night! So when the Mister wants to go on a date and take me to that page filled haven I can't get in the car fast enough.

When I was in college and studying Children's Literature I spent many a night sitting in a bookstore reading Children's books to review them for class at times, but mostly just to enjoy them. It became a habit and now I cannot walk into a book store without having a stack of children's books in my arms within 10 minutes. Whether you are a teacher or not, whether you have kids or not, children's books are something to be read often. They are chock full of wisdom, real life, some of the best humor, ridiculously silly characters, gorgeous artwork, and endearing-tug-at-your-heartstrings moments. 

So our Barnes and Noble dates always include a hefty stack of kid's books and some other books I am interested in checking out or reading. Last night I went with the intention of discovering a new children's book I would fall in love with and checking out Tim Keller's new book, King's Cross. I was successful.

Our community group at church is studying the book of Mark through a study by Tim Keller so the timing of his new release couldn't be more perfect! This book is going to be really good. I am looking forward to digging into it.

My children's book discovery, A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C.Stead is a downright gem! The illustrations are done by Erin E. Stead and won her the 2011 Caldecot Medal. (I love husband and wife teams.) You should go to Amazon and check out the preview of this book. It is precious! If you have a child in your life, this would be a great gift. But if you don't you could always place it on your bookshelf or coffee table. I am going to do both!

sweet retreat

I am in Orlando this week with my dear friend, Beth. She called a few weeks ago asking if I would be up for an adventure...her husband would be leaving on a business trip for a week and she was not looking forward to being home alone with her two very young (and very adorable, i might add) boys...she wanted to know if I would be up for staying with them to help her out and keep her company. I sat and thought it over for 1.3 seconds and then said, heck yes! Could I turn her down? Not only was she offering me a few days to spend with her, but I would also get to love on her boys...so for me, a girl who needs deep conversations and good laughs and a baby fix...it couldn't have been a better offer. There is just something about spending quality time with someone who knows your history so well and who you can be real with no matter what the topic. And there is something really amazing in spending time with a sweet friend's children. These kids were the very same kids we talked about way back in our freshman year of college when we talked about our hopes and dreams for the future. And ten years later I get to dance with them on my feet, sing songs to them and help them put their shoes on. Nothing else like it, and no words good enough to describe the feeling. I love being here with them! And the funniest part is that she thinks she has to find some way to repay me to show me her appreciation! Beth, consider the way E says my name and the way Noah smiles at me thanks enough! When does your hubby leave for business again?

favorite Christmas stories

I said I would post about some of my favorite reads from this past year a few weeks ago and I haven't been able to sit down and devote any time to that. So instead, I will tell you about my favorite children's books for Christmas time. The first thing you should know is that even if I weren't a teacher, I would still love children's books and collect them. So while I don't have the pleasure of hearing the pitter patters of little feet in my house yet, I still have a basket of children's Christmas books. I probably have close to 60 kids books in my Christmas tub, but only about 10 of them make it into my Christmas book basket next to the tree.

I have spent a good amount of time in Barnes and Noble every single December for the last 7 years combing the shelves and display tables for new and old Christmas books alike. Each time I go, I collect and take stacks of books to a cafe table and read them while sipping a peppermint hot chocolate. As I read, I make two piles: "Those that Didn't Make the Cut" and "Those that I'd Like to Add to My Collection". I jot those titles down or (more recently) take a picture of them with my iPhone. Then I return December 26th with a list of books that I hope to snag for half price (usually with a gift card that I received the day before).

I am fond of so many of the books that I have collected over the years, but the stories that are dearest to me are the stories that retell the nativity of Jesus. As a little girl I was captivated by Bible stories. My favorite part of the day in Elementary school was when the teacher took out these lovely picture cards that beautifully illustrated a portion of the Bible and read to us from the back of each one. Is it any wonder then that the Christmas books I love the most are beautifully illustrated stories about my most favorite person?

Here are just four of my favorites:

1. The First Christmas by Carol Heyer

This is a gorgeous book! I cannot wait to read it to my kids one day after I have read them the account from Luke. It is a straight forward account of Jesus' nativity. The words are great, but I seriously cannot get enough of the illustrations. No frills. Simply perfect.

2. Mortimer's Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman

This book is written by one of my favorite Children's book duos. It is one of the cutest and most endearing stories. Mortimer takes over Jesus' nativity scene each night, kicking Jesus out of the stable each time. Until one night when he overhears the family in the home talking about who Jesus is and realizes his error. 

3. Humphrey's First Christmas by Carol Heyer

Humphrey is a self-absorbed camel who complains about losing his blanket and carrying such a heavy load along this long journey that his master is forcing him to go on. His tune quickly changes the moment he lays eyes on a tiny baby in a manger.

4. This is the Stable by Cynthia Cotten

I think the illustrations in this book are beautiful. This story is written in a style similar to "The House that Jack Built." I love the flow of the lyrical prose. I think this book may be one that the kids ask to hear over and over again. I have been bold enough to read it in the public school classroom and my students have always asked to hear this one again.

Happy reading and Merry Christmas Eve! 

i did not get the memo

Apparently Jim Carrey's A Christmas Carol is not a children's movie.

It wasn't what I expected, but it was a good movie nonetheless. Just don't watch it with little, little ones. It airs on the scary side and it has adult themes that are very serious with A LOT of talking. Too much for young ones to care to listen to for a long period of time.

However, this movie...

 

is great for little, little ones!

For someone who doesn't have children yet, I love kids movies and books. Can being a teacher be a good enough excuse for watching Veggie Tales while wrapping Christmas presents? It was available on Netflix instant streaming and I wanted to have something festive on while I wrapped. Plus, I'm just a huge fan of the talking, Scripture quoting vegetables. What can I say...

This cartoon was ADORABLE and really funny. Plus, it gave us some history about the real Saint Nicholas that was largely based on fact. I read up on Wikipedia after I watched and I thought the writers did a pretty good job of telling as much fact as a child's attention span and understanding could absorb in 45 minutes. I also liked it for the way they explained Saint Nick's attachment to and love for Jesus as being the reason for his desire to give and to share with those in need. I give it two thumbs up. I say grab your little ones and a bowl of popcorn and cozy up on the couch with this one!