Today is the last day of National Adoption Month. Its a cause near and dear to my heart because, as many of you know, my brother and I are both adopted. Growing up, there weren't that many resources available to my parents to help explain adoption or that showed adopted families. The concept of adoption is often odd and confusing to other children. I think every adopted child at one point or another has experienced some hurtful taunting or teasing on the subject.In Darren Maddern's new book Adopted Ed he strives to, "Tell a story on adoption...and weave a broad message of understanding, acceptance, and empowerment." The story of Ed is told in a relatable manner, showing how Ed is very much like most children. He likes ice cream, cartoons, and comics. Then one day Ed has an altercation with some bullies, who say cruel things and make him feel very badly.
Mom comforts Ed and tells him in a very simple way that, "Adoption is a great act of love. It's a gift of the Heavens sent down from above." That he is special. It also address how adopted children usually want to know more about their birth parents at some point, and that this is normal.The entire book is told in a very positive manner, it doesn't delve too much into specifics. It focuses on what a positive thing adoption is, how adoptive parents love their kids, and how adoptive parents are...well just mom and dad to their kids. It concludes with some examples of famous adopted people.
Adopted Ed is a nice introduction to the concept of adoption. I liked how it began with all the ways Ed is probably just like you. Then goes onto a situation, which sadly many of our kids have experienced...teasing. I thought that would be a good time to stop and talk about empathy and feelings. Then at the end it reinforces that an adopted child is a gift, just like any child is. If I was still teaching kindergarten, I would use this title as a read aloud during my beginning of the year unit on families. It is good to teach that families come in all shapes and sizes, so to speak.
Disclosure: I am reviewing Adopted Ed through a campaign coordinated by One2One Network. A reviewer's copy was provided, however, the opinions expressed within are my own and unbiased.
We always decorate our Christmas tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. I think it started back when we were newly weds in California because we always traveled back to Michigan for the holidays. We were lucky in that I was teaching and Brad, as a graduate student, was also on an academic calendar. So we got to go home for about two weeks.
This year we were busy around the house on Saturday and also got our annual holiday photos done too. It was still a bit chilly but warmer than usual so we took just a few outside and then several more indoors. The Christmas magic must be in the air already because one of the two family shots in our front yard came out the best out of all our attempts.
She's a little windswept, but this one of ER's sweet little smile by the evergreen by our front porch will also be gracing the 
I also took this picture of ER with Grandma Norma. Aren't the piggy tails cute?
I'll leave you with something I was glad to see at the feast, the 
So glad you joined us during this busy holiday time! I hope all of my creative friends Stateside are full of turkey:) The big feast is normally followed by what is known as Black Friday, when holiday shopping officially kicks off. Although, it does seem like the sales start popping up earlier and earlier doesn't it? I used to love going with my mom for a little social shopping with friends, but whenever I HAVE to get something I get stressed out. I prefer to wander aimlessly, find a few things here and there, and sip on a peppermint hot chocolate than fight with crowds and longs lines.
Amie at 
Donene at 
Christy at 
Surprisingly, one of the most memorable moments is when our pair encounter a seemingly vicious bunch of pub thugs. Turns out looks can be deceiving, their some of the hero's of the movie and their crusty exteriors hide some very complex men with dreams of their own. Their musical number was the best of the film.
Being the parent of a four year old, who gets scared by every little thing, I was a bit worried that parts might be a bit too much for her. Both Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty and the Wicked Witch of Snow White scare her to the point where she hasn't been able to sit through either of those movies. Mother 
One of the most awe inspiring moments for sheer beauty is the exciting climatic scene with a dazzling, lantern-filled skyline. Every lantern has its own animated fire that contains 10,000 micro points of light. The highest lantern count in a shot is 46,000 lanterns, which equals 460 million points of light!
The bottom line, Tangled will be extremely popular. With it's enthralling tale, talented voice actors, beautiful animation, and the requisite fairy tale ending, it's more than worth leaving the shopping lines to see opening weekend. The whole family will be entertained. The little girls can sigh over the Rapunzel's long hair and the boys will find the adventure and Flynn provide more than enough of an adrenalin rush. It's also the kind of film the parents accompanying their kiddos will be drawn into as well.
Shared at: 
Today DISNEY’S THE SEARCH FOR SANTA PAWS is out! With all the shopping to be done on Black Friday, this is one DVD you'll want to add to your cart! It's a really nice movie to set the tone for the upcoming We got to preview it several weeks ago, and I've been eager to share this exciting and uplifting movie with you ever since. The big city adventure reveals the how the legendary friendship of Santa Claus and Santa Paws began and is a great children's movie for the holidays.
DISNEY’S THE SEARCH FOR SANTA PAWS comes with a stocking full of fantastic bonus
Afterward, I wanted a quick and easy art experience for ER that would build on general Thanksgiving concepts. These 