Quotes to Live By

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.
(John Quincy Adams)

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit. (Aristotle)

Every artist was first an amateur. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude. (Thomas Jefferson)

It takes ten years to build up a reputation, but only five minutes to ruin one. (Anonymous)

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Spies in the Revolutionary War

Now you may think of a million things when reading the title: Spies in the Revolutionary War, but I think this is a title befitting the content that will follow in this blog post. The reason why I picked this title is because it matches with my classroom curriculum theme.

I have created a curriculum that fits into Virginia's State Standards, but it takes students into a whole new world of learning. This book will help students learn about the dangers of living in the duration of the Revolutionary War and helps them to understand what it means to stand on "a side". Whichever side they picked during the war has its consequences.

I really liked how Robert Skead, the author of this book depicts the Revolutionary War. He has done his research and tries to make the story as real as possible, aside from the fictional characters of the twin boys.

Here is a synopsis of the book:

When Revolutionary War Patriot Lamberton Clark is shot by British soldiers while on a mission for the Continental Army, he has only two hopes of getting the secret message he’s carrying to General George Washington: his 14-year-old twin boys John and Ambrose. Upon discovering that their father is a spy in the Culper Spy Ring, the boys accept their mission without a clue about what they may be up against. They set off from Connecticut to New Jersey to find General Washington, but the road to the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army is full of obstacles; including the man who shot their father who is hot on their trail.

Monday, January 19, 2015

Modern Manners

From the world-renowned etiquette expert and her granddaughter, Liv Tyler, an elegant guide to 21st-century manners for professionals who want to be confident and successful in the business and social arenas.

Developing good manners is an important investment in your future. They allow you to feel at ease in any situation--and give you the polish and confidence to become a leader. Etiquette expert Dorothea Johnson's essential dos and don'ts address both 21st-century and classic questions, including:

* acing job interviews
* giving confident handshakes
* making conversation
* proper business attire and meeting protocol
* e-mail etiquette, including what to post--or not--on social media
* how to deal with rude cell phone users
* conducting a meeting at a restaurant
* attending business or social events
* table manners

With style, wit, and delightful commentary throughout from her granddaughter, Liv Tyler, on everything from being a good guest to finding a balance with technology, Modern Manners is the must-have guide to ensure your success.


Fuzzy Bunny Bible for Little Ones

The Little Bunny’s Bible is a soft, cuddly Bible that children age 2-5 can call their own. Throughout this plush-covered book, little ones learn that they’re loved and cared for by God as they hear about God’s faithfulness in stories from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. With sweet, rhyming text and colorful illustrations, this soft and cuddly character storybook Bible is sure to become a classic with preschoolers.

When I opened up the packaging, I couldn't stop touching the fuzziness of the book. As an adult, I loved to run my hands through the fur of the cover and the book made it a delight to handle. If an adult loves it so much, so would our precious babes of the world. The bunny's face is so inviting and happy.

The illustrations make all the characters look so happy and inviting to read along with mommy or daddy. All in all, I would give this book a 10 out of 10.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Berenstain Bears and Bragging

A new addition to the bestselling Berenstain Bears' Living Lights series that teaches simple Christian truths to children.
In this newest Berenstain Bears Living Lights book, The Berenstain Bears and the Biggest Brag, Grizzly Gramps teaches Brother and Sister a valuable lesson about bragging and boasting. When he happens to overhear the cubs bickering about who can spot the most unusual cloud formations, Gramps puts a stop to the argument. He reminds them that being proud of a special talent from God is one thing, but bragging about a talent is foolish.
I thought this book was well written for children. It's easy to relate and easy to understand for kids. There are even questions for parents and children to discuss at the end of the book to tie in the Bible verse introduced on the cover of the book. 

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Every Girl's Fantasy

Every girl, whether young or old have dreamed about their wedding. Some Pinterest fanatics have their dream wedding boards with the inspiration they want to emulate for their wedding. Although every girl did not marry a doctor or a lawyer, we can still dream.

The Knot, the #1 resource for brides, compiled their all-time best wedding details (cakes, bouquets and centerpieces, vows, décor and more), planning advice, and ideas for celebrations big and small within this beautiful box set of four colorful mini books. Whether you’re looking for a breathtaking bouquet, an unforgettably original cake, or the perfect reading for your ceremony, these books offer hundreds of ways to make the day your own.

With more than 200 photographs and inspiration for:
Invitations * cakes * bridal bouquets in every hue * aisle and altar decorations * ceremony readings  * guidance for writing your own vows * escort cards * table settings * centerpieces * reception décor * toasts * favors * and more


Thursday, December 18, 2014

Trusting God through Change

Ever wonder whether you should or shouldn't do something? How about trying to explain choices to your children? How do you go about explaining change to children? Now you can! This book explains in a heartwarming way.

Whether we like it or not, growing up brings change. For many children, this conjures fears that are sometimes real and sometimes imagined. How can kids learn that even when they face new and unfamiliar situations, they don't have to be afraid?

Little Seed and Little Fox are facing changes and brand new circumstances-and they don't like it one bit! Through this unlikely friendship, children will discover that no matter how new or fearful their circumstances, God is always with them. The whimsical art by Natalia Moore will put a smile on kids' faces and put their minds at ease. Just as Little Seed and Little Fox learn to trust that the Farmer is good and kind, children will also learn to trust God.

Written by New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst, It Will Be Okay will help kids discover that the end, it really will be okay because we have a God who is good and kind and always with us.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

A Mom's Prayers

A mom's prayers to her child is a very special thing. Everyone in the world wishes their moms would pray for them too. A mere prayer is common, unless it is prayed by someone you love.

What's more special than praying for your son? That's what this book is all about. Each prayer is characterized under a special topic. Each child is delicate, but boys especially need a mother's guidance to grow up in the right way.

This book called: A Mother's Prayers to her Son reminds me of an article I read recently about a son who had been murdered at age 20. This mother wishes that she could have seen her son one last time. For all those people out there, please remember to prayer for your son just as this mother has prayed for her son.

To My Son,
I hope you know how much I love you so.
I might embarrass you from time to time
By giving lots of love and needless kisses,
But you need to know Mom loves you so.
Before you were born I didn't know
Just how much I would love you so,
But when I looked into your eyes for the first time,
I felt my heart grow and grow.
A Mother's love is hard to explain,
Not everyone will feel the same.
Now that you are getting older I felt the need to tell you
Just how much I love you so,
Time may pass day after day or year after year,
But the love I have for you grows
nearer and dearer to my heart each day and year.
To My Son, I hope you know just how much I love you so.

Remember that Christmas is around the corner, so please pray for those around you that you love!