Despite the not so cold weather, I’m moving into the Christmas spirit and figuring out this year’s color scheme.  I know it’s early but these things take time.  Thinking about gold and brown, going chocolaty perhaps.  It’s Pinterest time!

And yes, I’ve got an idea swirling around in my head.  It’s only the best book / toy / reader helper ever.  Looking for prototype assistance, and this someone must have sewing skills.  I’m the dreamer, the who you know, and the where to go, but missing the how to make it part.  Will get back with you fellow mom readers and writers on that.  

Now what to do with my loofah harvest?  Found this on how to make them into sponges -and what great Christmas gifts they will make.  And yes, I still have loofah seeds if interested.  Maybe I’ll video this attempt!    

What’s In Our Tote?

I Love Chocolate

By Calì, Davide

So do you have “dainty chocolate dabblers” or “monster munchers” in your house?   Originally published in Italian, this book is not spectacularly written but being all about chocolate you can’t go wrong with it.  I loved the artwork and brown tones throughout, but remember to read in moderation.  "I love this 'chocolicious' book now it’s time to head to Sonic for shakes."  - Little Reader

The Golden Locket

By Greene, Carol

Miss Teaberry will do anything to avoid the worry of caring for a valuable object.   But little does she know the chaos it will bring.   This was an odd read, and I can’t figure out why someone would want to give something away because it’s too precious.  Maybe it’s a generational thing, but obviously not this one.

Plunk’s Dreams

By Griffith, Helen

Aren’t you a little curious of what your dog is dreaming?  Here’s a look into the imagination of a boy and his dog Plunk’s dreams.   And that’s all I got!   

Once Upon A Time, The End

Kloske, Geoffrey

Okay moms, we all do it.  When reading those extra long wordy books sometimes we just have to skip over a few lines or even paragraphs.  And now that you have admitted to it, you can thoroughly enjoy this book.  Here in lies abridged retelling of different fairy tales, but to appreciate the irony you must be familiar with these classic stories.   "Is this like when you give a Moose A Muffin mama?"  - Little Reader  Very intuitive, yep that’s my girl. 

Creepy Carrots

By Reynolds, Aaron

Have you ever been stalked by a vegetable?    Meet Jasper Rabbit who is convinced batches of creepy carrots are after him.  This unpredictable humorous tale is Little Reader approved and next year she wants to be a carrot for Halloween. 

Lucky Pennies and Hot Chocolate

By Shields, Carol Diggory

 

In this adorable romp, a boy and his grandfather share their best friend adventures.  From finding lucky pennies to playing games, and of course enjoying hot chocolate together.   I mostly loved the last page surprise!

Brr… it’s a whopping 50 degrees this evening.  (That’s a south town cold snap for ya!)  And can you guess what’s cookin’ tonight?

Hot Chocolate in the Crockpot

What’s in it?
Now What?

Stir together the whipping cream, milk, vanilla, and chocolate chips in a crockpot.

Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until mixture is hot and chocolate chips are melted. Stir again before serving. Try topping it w/ whipped cream, marshmallows, candy sprinkles, or chocolate shavings.  

Oh, and you know what else is a crock?  That through voter fraud and through the ignorance of minority non-Americans, Obama is still in office.  From one conservative mama to another, we must pray for our children’s future. 

That's a Crock, Barack by Fred Eckert