I Have Had A (Somewhat Secret) Love Affair For Years...

This is a story about how one woman, me, who has a love affair with Scholastic Books.
Before you ask, I am not an affiliate or getting any compensation.

So, the story.

As many of you may or may not know. I have a love for books. I love to read them and review them. I personally have an affinity for children's books but that is not all I read. I just happen to love the colorful illustrations, poetry, and the variety of seriousness to silliness.

Like many kids, I started receiving Scholastic book pages at school. Note: I had books in my hands way before this but this is an explanation.  Anyway,  when I brought the pages home, my Mom and I would look them over and I got to pick out a couple or so. She excited me about having new books to read.

Back then, (Omgsh that sounds old) Scholastic also sold posters and as I liked them, Mom would usually let me buy one or I would get one free with the order. I loved everything about Scholastic. This went on until I reached the age when I could no longer get them. Even though I grew up, I missed being able to peruse the pages.

Then, I had kids!

Once again, I was giddy because I sat down with my own kids and we would order. I would always order even if they did not want something. If I did not order, my Mom would for them but that was a rare occasion. Then Scholastic was big on stickers. Both kids had sticker books I started for them and so we always got those too. There again, the kids grew up and I was left with no more Scholastic pages. What was a girl to do?

That is when I got a job at a private elementary school and guess what I was in charge of? That's right, book orders! This was a total dream for me because not only did I get free books but I got all the points to get...MORE FREE BOOKS! I was in charge of book reports too. Guess where the books came from?  I seriously was in heaven!
This lasted only a couple of years though and once again, I found myself with nowhere to order from my beloved Scholastic books.

For years!

There was to be sunshine ahead though.

Eight years ago, my first grandchild was born. When she got old enough to go to kindergarten, I was excited as can be. So was her aunt, my daughter, because by now, she too had a love for Scholastic.
The first day my granddaughter came home with them, I felt like I was once again that young Michelle back in kindergarten that got to bring home her first pages to look at and buy.

Did I buy books and stuff for my granddaughter? You bet I did! I did for two years.
Then I moved away. sigh...

But TODAY happened...

Today my oldest grandson, who is now in Kindergarten, came home with his very first pages. His Mother sat down with him and they looked through everything. He has picked out games with ninjas, rock kits, and books with Peppa Pig and other older books that have been around. Yes, he is getting Pokemon stickers too for free! He also has a pending wish list. The kid wanted $60 worth!

Oh, what fun! All this could now be done online.

Guess who else ordered?

I love you Scholastic Book Club Pages!

Michelle aka Naila Moon
PS>Do you love them as much as I do? Tell me in comments.

Pretty Lights of Wonder

My sweet Granddaughter was checking out the lights in 2011. Do you think she thought they were a thing of wonder?

Link 'em up with these folks!
~Naila Moon

Wordless(ish) Wednesday...Halloween Countdown Day 9

This week in keeping with my theme of Halloween(ish) books and pumpkins, I am offering up pumpkins today.

This photo I took of my little "pumpkin" grand-daughter painting her own pumpkin. She was a mere 1 year old here. Now she is the whooping age of almost 4!

 Make sure to link up with the others.
~Naila Moon

 

Sunday Vlogging

My Grand-daughter took over my YouTube channel today.~Naila Moon

Day 9 Thankfulness/Aloha/Friendship Friday/Return of Featured Friday

Question Of The Week

What are you most grateful in your life for at this moment?

What small things do you usually take for granted

But wish to celebrate now?

Join me in expressing those things you are most grateful for

At this week’s Friendship Friday!

Interesting that this week's question focuses on what I am most grateful for. If you have been reading my blog, you would know I have been posting that everyday.  In addition, I spoke about the little things just yesterday. That does not mean however, that I am not grateful for more things.

My Grand-daughter, Bella

One of the things that makes my life full is laughter especially the laughter of children. I may be a slight bit biased here but my sweet Grand-daughter, Bella has a laughter that is infectious.

She will think something is totally funny and throw her head back and just roar with laughter. Of course it makes everyone else wants to laugh right along with her.

Bella in her stroller laughing at Pop Pop aka Mark

With her laughter is precious.  One of the things that made me really laugh along with her was this one time I was shopping with her. I was out to get stuff for the Relay For Life Fundraiser.  I wanted to get a plunger for the race. Don't ask, we had this crazy idea.

Anyway, something I would take totally for granted, my little Bella thought was the greatest thing. She looked at the colors of it, waved it around and raised it in the air like a scepter. All the while she was giggling and making my daughter (her aunt) laugh our fool heads off.

Bella and the infamous plunger

Oh yeah, laughter I am most grateful for today.

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link up

"In Hawaii, Aloha Friday a day of rest. So we're doin' the same. On Fridays we're taking it easy on posting. Therefore, our hostess is asking a simple question for you to answer; nothing that requires a lengthy response. If you’d  like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link at the very friendly place at the link up above.

My question of the week:

Do you go shopping on Black Friday? Do you think those of us that do are insane?  If you do go shopping, what are you most likely looking for (not for whom or bargains)?

My answer: Yes, I am one of those crazy nut cases that loves to go Black Friday shopping. I like the thrill of being in with the other crazy folks. I like that fun of it and believe it or not, it is fun...except the check out line but I do not count that. 

I have always gone with my Mom. Back when I was little we went with Grandma. When my daughter was still in my home, she went with us too, even when she was a few weeks old. This year I am going to rope...I mean educate Mark on the art of shopping on Black Friday.

Most likely I will be looking for bargains on PJ's for the Grand-daughter and maybe electronics for the kids.  Oh yeah, and I will be looking for a hand mixer. They usually cost about 5 bucks and as I need one...well, you get the idea!

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Today I am resuming my Featured Faces Friday. I kinda put it on the back burner in July. Grandma (seen above) makes a triumphant return this week.  

I am going to do things a little differently though. If I feature you (which you all will be at some point), I will post your blog in the upper right corner of my blog page with a link to your blog for the entire week.  It simply got to overwhelming for me to do the post the way I was doing it.

If you are featured, grab Grandma's photo over there--->and shout hip, hip hurrah, I was featured on Naila Moon's blog!

This week's Featured Friday is...

Lorie Shewbridge of The Shewbridges of Central Florida

Go tell her I said hello and follow if you already haven't!

Peace,

~Naila Moon

*C...

Izzy and Chapstick love.

My grand-daughter, Izzy, now being full swing in to the two year old stage of life, is fascinated by so many things. The most recent of her fascinations is Chapstick.


It all started when my daughter, Natasha, was in the hospital and her lips and mouth were so dry. The hospital actually issued Chapsticks to their patients.  My grand-daughter was visiting one day and saw my daughter put it on her lips, of course Izzy wanted to have some too. It was a match made in heaven.


Now if I could just get her to be not so fascinated about other things. 


Peace...Naila Moon

Day 19...Izabella

Day 19

Today I am most thankful for my fun-loving Grand-daughter, Izabella. She came in to this world in January of 2010 as a preemie and had a tough few months of getting going. Once she did though...wow, watch out world!

I have the privilege of being with her just about every day. We read books which is actually her favorite thing to play with. Of course we play and "talk".  She is truly loving and enjoys her hugs and kisses.

I am so blessed to have that sweet little girl in my life. What else is a Grandma to do? :-)

Peace...Naila Moon

Day 3...this post brought to you by...

All day today I have been taking care of my grand-daughter while my son and daughter-in-law are off on an adventure.

This morning we hung out with my Mother and drove up to St. Louis.  They were having some veteran's thing in conjunction with Labor Day events and we wanted to check it out. 

This was part of a bigger display but I love the shot I took.

The only problem for us was three-fold: we forgot Izabella's stroller, it was hot (again for the 3rd day in a row), and we got there way too early.


At least we got to see this fun hot air balloon and a police horse.  Izabella was not too sure about that but she petted the horse anyway. 

Never forgotten!

The officer told us he rides and trains everyday with his horse.

My mom and Izabella (guy got in my photo shot)

We also saw the beginnings of the National Wheel Chair Tennis Tournament.  I was so amazed at watching this one guy practice.  I'm telling you, I would not play well standing up more less this guy who was in his chair. All I can say is wow!

This guy was good!

Mom then took us over to the Boat House for lunch. As many times that I have been in Forest Park, I had never been there. It was so lovely and right next to the lake...such the name because they have paddle boats to rent. 

To the Boat House

Finally, as it was unbelievably hot, we got in the car and toured around a little bit of the park. This park has been in existence since the 1904 World's Fair that took place there. Many of the buildings and features from then still exist.  It is an exquisite park, well taken care of and well used.


After that most exciting morning and early afternoon, we came home and watched Sesame Street, sang, danced and read books. Finally, Izabella has laid back down for a nap and her grandma gets to blog about the day. :)


How has your Saturday been?


Peace, love, and Elmo...Naila Moon

My loves birthday

Yesterday was the love of my life, Tamirisc's, 51st...um, I mean 29th...birthday.  My Mom took us out, along with our grand-daughter, to breakfast. We had a wonderful time at Cracker Barrel.  I think our grand-daughter thought it was her birthday but that is ok.

Izzy and Tamirisc color

We need this color!

Must have coffee!

Mom's winning smile

The cake. Thanks goodness she did not put 51 of them on there, would have burnt the place down. LOL

Izzy thinks it is her birthday!

Way to go Tamirisc. Happy birthday love!

It was a fun time by all as attestment to these photos.
Peace...Naila Moon

Soothing the soul baby style

One of the many pleasures of moving back home is getting my baby time. I am babysitting twice a week just enjoying everything being Grandma has to offer.

Even though my grand-daughter is a few months past 1 year old, I thought it important for us to create a play space for her in our small apartment.  I remember my Grandma had that for all of her grand-children and it is a nice memory for me and I want to make a memory for her. (and subsequent grand-children ?)

So, Tamirisc and I have a box full of toys and books which is of course at her level to dump and play in as she wishes.  This area is surrounded by some of my puppets and stuffed animals of (uh-hmm- cough) my younger days.

She played hard and we enjoyed our time together but then I think the jazz music I had playing soothed her soul because she finally went to sleep.

It really was one lovely day. I look forward to many more! 


Peace...Naila Moon