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1. Star Trek Into Darkness– If you’re looking for a journey to the final frontier, pick this one! Live long and prosper!

Source: Movie Screencaps

2. Captain America: The Winter Soldier– I love Captain America and his old school ways! Also, his face.

Source: Superhero Screencaps

3. Warcraft– For any fans of computer and video games, this movie is for you!

Source: Cinema Vine

4. Avatar– I can not get over the amazing graphics in Avatar. I need a vacation to Pandora.

Source: Screen Musings

5. The Jungle Book– Who doesn’t love this classic story? And the setting is gorgeous!

Source: Cartoon Screencaps

6. Jurassic World– The dinosaurs are so real looking, I ran away from the screen.

Source: Movie Screencaps

7. I, Frankenstein– A new twist on the story of Frankenstein.

Source: Cap That

8. Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron– Who’s your favorite Avenger? Hulk? Iron Man? Captain America? Thor? If you can’t decide, you can always watch this movie featuring all of them!

Source: Screencapped

9. Men In Black 3– Will Smith in a familiar role! I’m so glad I don’t have this job…

Source: Cartoon Screencaps

10. Hugo– If you’re looking for something to watch with the kids, then Hugo is perfect! It’s heartwarming, mysterious, and thrilling all at the same time. And Sacha Baron Cohen is hilarious in this one by the way.

Source: Movie Screencaps

11. Pompeii– If you’re looking for a more historical adventure, Pompeii has plenty to offer you! Gladiators, volcanoes, Romans- such good stuff! You know, if you’re into that sort of thing…

Source: Kiefer Sutherland Home

12. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes– I love this movie, but it creeps me out. I’m now afraid of the chimps at the zoo.

Source: Blu Shots

13. X-Men: Days of Future Past– Another amazing X-Men movie to watch now! Find your inner mutant!

Source: Screencapped

14. The Martian– Imagine you’ve been abandoned all alone in the desert. Now, imagine that desert is on Mars. Adds a whole new element of desperation, doesn’t it? Watch The Martian to see how Matt Damon’s character (Mark) survives.

Source: Movie Screencaps

15. San Andreas– The Rock is in this. Need I say more?

Source: Screencapped

16. The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug– If fantasy is more your thang, you will love this one! Dragons, hobbits, wizards, and elves… It’s got everything!

Source: Movie Screencaps

17. The Amazing Spider-Man– Watching Spider-Man fly through the skylines of New York is one of my favorite parts about this movie. I wish I was that acrobatic!

Source: Super Hero Screencaps

18. Journey to the Center of the Earth– Have you ever wondered what lies at the center of the earth? No, it’s not filled with lava or a big metal ball. If you watch this film, you’ll learn that it’s a whole different world down there.

Source: Kiss Them Goodbye

19. Jupiter Ascending– Alright, I’ll admit it. I’m just a fan of anything with Mila Kunis in it. Watch her battle for Earth in this spacey film.

Source: Kiss Them Goodbye

20. World War Z– I love zombie movies. They are so creepy, but I just can’t get over them. This has to be one of my all time favorite zombie movies!

Source: Movie Screencaps

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1. Angry Birds– I love this movie. Why, you ask? Because it’s full of fluffy birds being slingshotted into big, green pigs! If that doesn’t make you laugh, I don’t know what will!

Source: Cartoon Screencaps

2. Big Hero 6– If San Fransisco and Tokyo are two of your favorite places in the world, than you’ll love Big Hero 6, which is set in – wait for it – San Fransokyo! Get the most out of 3D effects with this super hero movie your family will love!

Source: Cartoon Screencaps

3. The Book of Life– This movie is for those who love the Day of the Dead and “all you can eat churros.” With a unique animation style and original story, this adventure movie will thrill your kids!

Source: Cartoon Screencaps

4. The Peanuts Movie– I was so excited when I found out The Peanuts Movie was coming out! It’s like a trip of nostalgia with a new age twist!

Source: Cartoon Screencaps

5. Frozen– This beloved Disney movie only gets better in 3D! You can almost feel the snowflakes falling on your face! Make sure to have a nice, cozy blanket when watching this one.

Source: Cartoon Screencaps

6. Despicable Me– If you’re looking for laughs and a heart warming story, than Despicable Me is an excellent choice! Also, the minions.  That alone is reason enough to watch!

Source: Disney Screencaps

7. Finding Nemo– One of my favorite things about Finding Nemo is the incredible and beautiful animated scenery. It makes me want to live in the ocean! And in 3D- oh wow!

Source: Disney Screencaps

8. The Adventures of Tintin– Based off the comics by Hergé, this movie tells the story of a young reporter on a treasure hunt for a lost ship. Full of swashbuckling adventure, your family will love this 3D movie!

Source: Disney Screencaps

9. Bolt– Ok. Just look at this picture. How cute is that dog?! That alone should convince you that this movie is well worth your time!

Source: Disney Screencaps

10. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs– Oh my word. Don’t watch this if you’re addicted to eating like I am. I can’t stop my mouth from watering at the ice cream wonderland, the giant pancakes falling from the sky, the raining hamburgers!!! I need to watch this right now…

Source: Disney Screencaps

11. Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole– I can’t get over how beautiful this animation is! It makes me feel like I’m flying with the owls!

Source: Disney Screencaps

12. Ice Age 4: Continental Drift– I can’t lie. My favorite part of Ice Age is Scrat. Always Scrat.  I mean, look at that face! That alone makes me laugh forever!

Source: Disney Screencaps

13. Cars– Watch out. If you have any children obsessed with cars, this movie will become their life!

Source: Disney Screencaps

14. Coraline– Alright, I’ll be honest. Even I, as an adult, find this movie to be a little bit creepy… But it’s got a great message! Maybe good for Halloween?

Source: Disney Screencaps

15. Rio 2– I have always wanted to go to Brazil, and this movie brings it right to my living room! The music will get you up and dancing like you’re at Carnival (keep it PG though, people).

Source: Disney Screencaps

16. How to Train Your Dragon– For anyone who has ever dreamt of having a pet dragon (I’ve always been more of a unicorn person myself), this one’s for you!

Source: Disney Screencaps

17. Wreck-it Ralph– Find your inner video gamer (or sweet tooth) with this fun adventure!

Source: Disney Screencaps

18. Hotel Transylvania– Count Dracula, notorious blood-sucking vampire, actually makes a pretty great dad in this movie. I think I’d like to come to one of his parties…

Source: Disney Screencaps

19. Minions– I know I’ve already mentioned minions before, but how could I leave out the Despicable Me spinoff? I mean, c’mon, minions! They’re adorable and hilarious!

Source: Cartoon Screencaps

20. Kungfu Panda– I really relate to this panda. He loves to eat, I love to eat. He loves to sleep, I love to sleep. He’s clumsy, I’m clumsy. Perfect movie for anyone like this.

Source: Disney Screencaps

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When my grandchildren visit, we always do lots of fun things but my absolute favorite to do with them is to have them snuggle up and read a book together.  I have compiled a quick list of some of my favorite books to read with grandkids that you might want to check out!

A book that I have recently purchased is “The Day the Crayons Quit” by Drew Daywalt.  During my last visit with some of my grandkids, we gathered together and read this book and then did a fun craft with crayons to correlate along with the story!

What would you do if all you wanted to do was to color but your crayons were on strike?  That’s what happens to poor Duncan in this story and it was so fun to read about all of the complaints that each color had.  Poor blue crayon is sick and tired of just coloring water.  What would YOU color with a blue crayon?

And just take a look to see what the purple crayon is upset about:

After reading about all the crayon colors, we then made old fashioned sun catchers!  I remember making these when I was a child and both boys were the perfect age to make these.

Here are the items that you will need to make these:

Crayons, Grater, Waxed Paper, Paper Towels, Iron, Hole Punch, String or twine, Tape

Instructions:

Lay a some paper towels on your working surface.  Then lay a piece of waxed paper on the paper towels.

Peel the wrappers off of the crayons that you will be using.

We first started to put the crayons in a sharpener to create some shavings.  This turned out to be way too labor intensive and too much work for little hands.

We then moved to using a grater which worked much better. I was a little worried that the crayons were going to ruin the grater, but we washed it with warm water and then ran it through the dishwasher and it cleaned up beautifully!

Position your crayon shavings on your waxed paper.  It’s best to leave some room between your shavings and not make them super thick.   As they get ironed, the crayons will melt and spread and if they are too thick, you won’t be able to see the sun shine through them.  Older brother made his a little too thick with his blue crayons.

Place another piece of waxed paper on top of your shavings and then lay some paper towels on top of that so that nothing can get melted onto the iron.  On a low setting, iron over your crayon shavings until they have all melted.

After this has cooled, cut into the desired shape.  We chose plain old squares.  Then punch a hole in one corner and run some string or twine through.

Hang or tape up in a bright window and enjoy the colors!

I loved this book and think it’s worth getting.  Going along with Amazon’s recommendation, the youngest age that I think would enjoy this book is 3.  Any younger than that then the subject matter will probably be a little over their heads.  Get your copy today and then have some kind of crayon fun with YOUR grandkids!

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Children learn important character lessons best when taught by example. All children are faced with situations where they need to have courage and bravery. Outside of situations that present physical danger, children need to learn courage and bravery in the social situations they will face in everyday life. They need the courage to stand up for what is right and bravery to stand up for those being mistreated. Most importantly they must learn to hold to their standards when faced with peer pressure. You can help your grandchildren learn these important character traits by sharing and reading books like these that explore different types of courage and bravery in engaging and powerful stories.

This post contains affiliate links to take you directly to the products listed.

Sheila Rae, the Brave by Kevin Henkes

Big sister Sheila Rae is not afraid of anything – She growls at stray dogs, and bares her teeth at stray cats. But it’s hard demonstrating courage without new and terrifying challenges. When Sheila Rae decides to go home from school a new way she gets lost and becomes lonely and….well, scared. Her younger sister Louise courageously helps her find her way home. The trip home is a triumph for both girls as they learn the value of courage and sisterly support. Written and Illustrated By Kevin Henkes.

Wildest Brother by Cornelia Funke Illustrated by Kerstin Meyer

Ben is a fearless young boy, Brave as a lion, strong as an elephant. When it comes to protecting his big sister, Ann, nothing can stand in his way! Gallantly he spends his day battling monsters and all sorts of ferocious beasts. Ben is a fearless young boy, Brave as a lion, strong as an elephant. When it comes to protecting his big sister, Ann, nothing can stand in his way! Gallantly he spends his day battling monsters and all sorts of ferocious beasts.

Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage To Be Who You Are

By Maria Dismondy Illustrations by Kimberly Shaw-Peterson

How can Ralph be so mean? Lucy is one of a kind and Ralph loves to point that out. Lucy’s defining moment comes when Ralph truly needs help. Because she knows what she stands for, Lucy has the courage to make a good choice. This charming story empowers children to always do the right thing and be proud of themselves, even when they are faced with someone as challenging as Ralph.

The Bravest of Us All By Marsha Diane Illustrated by Brad Sneed

By Marsha Diane Illustrated by Brad SneedDaring ten-year-old Velma Jean walks barefoot over sandburs, swims in the new horse tank, even stands up to Alfred the Bull. Every day Velma Jean does something that amazes her siblings. To her sister Ruby Jane, she is the bravest of them all. But when a tornado sets down near the edge of their farm, Velma Jean is afraid to seek shelter in the dark storm cellar. It is Ruby Jane who stands up to the weather and brings her sister to safety.  

The Story Of Ruby Bridges: Special Anniversary Edition By Robert Coles, Illustrated by George Ford

This is the true story of an extraordinary 6-year-old who helped shape history when she became the first African-American sent to first grade in an all white school. This moving book captures the courage of a little girl standing alone in the face of racism.

Thank You, Mr. Falker By Patricia Polacco

Patricia Polacco is now one of America’s most loved children’s book creators, but once upon a time, she was a little girl named Trisha starting school. Trisha could paint and draw beautifully, but when she looked at words on a page, all she could see was jumble. It took a very special teacher to recognize little Trisha’s dyslexia: Mr. Falker, who encouraged her to overcome her reading disability.

Stuart’s Cape (pb) Illustrated by Martin Matje

A quirky, inventive chapter book featuring an unusual hero–an 8-year-old worrier. Now in paperback! Stuart’s got problems. It’s raining. He’s bored. And worst of all, he’s new in town, so he’s got a lot to worry about. What does a kid like Stuart need in order to have an adventure? A cape, of course!

Mirette on the High Wire By  Emily Arnold McCully

Mirette on the High Wire By  Emily Arnold McCullyMirette was always fascinated by the strange and interesting people who stayed in her mother’s boardinghouse. But no one excited her as much as Bellini, who walks the clothesline with the grace and ease of a bird. When Mirette discovers that fear has kept him from performing for years, she knows she must repay him for the kindness he has shown her — and show him that sometimes a student can be the greatest teacher of all. 

Not Afraid of Dogs by Susanna Pitzer Illustrated by Lary Day

Daniel is the bravest boy of all! Daniel isn’t afraid of spiders. He isn’t afraid of snakes. He isn’t even afraid of thunderstorms. And no matter what his sister says, he’s certainly not afraid of dogs ― he just doesn’t like them. But there’s no avoiding them when he comes home and his mother is babysitting his aunt’s dog. Susanna Pitzer’s humorous look into the nature of courage, fear, and friendship has a touching outcome for both the brave and the frail of heart.

Wallace’s Lists

Illustrated by Gerald Kruglik, Olof Landström

Wallace, a mouse, could do almost anything. Anything that is, as long as he had a list. Wallace is a shy mouse. He writes lists. Lists of recipes, funny words, and frightening experiences. Wallace meets his lively neighbor named Albert. His world is swiftly opened to new delights, such as painting and music. Wallace and Albert experience the excitement of an adventure, and Wallace discovers a new joy. Friendship. 

The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig Illustrated by Patrice Barton

Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party . . . until, that is, a new kid comes to class. When Justin, the new boy, arrives, Brian is the first to make him feel welcome. And when Brian and Justin team up to work on a class project together, Brian finds a way to shine.

Elmer by David McKee

Elmer the elephant is bright-colored patchwork all over. No wonder the other elephants laugh at him! If he were ordinary elephant color, the others might stop laughing. That would make Elmer feel better, wouldn’t it? The surprising conclusion of David McKee’s comical fable is a celebration of individuality and the power of laughter.

Hilda Hen’s Scary Night by Mary Wormell

Night has fallen and Hilda is late getting back to the henhouse. On her way she sees strange, mysterious shapes-a snake, a monster-lurking in the shadows. What are these creatures? Where do they go during the day? Children will soon identify the troublesome shapes as everyday objects found in the farmyard-things that can look a lot spookier at night.

Pete & Pickles by Berkeley Breathed 

Pete is a perfectly predictable, practical, uncomplicated pig. At least, he was . . . before a runaway circus elephant named Pickles stampeded into his life, needing a friend. Pickles is larger than life and overflowing with imagination. She takes Pete swandiving off Niagara Falls. (Sort of.) And sledding down the Matterhorn. (Sort of.) Pete goes along for the wild ride and actually begins to enjoy himself . . . until Pickles goes too far. And Pete tells her she must leave. Yet sometimes the simple life isn?t all it?s cracked up to be.

Willow Finds a Way by Lana Button Illustrated by Tania Howells

In this simple but substantial picture book by Lana Button, shy, quiet Willow silently wishes she could find a way to say no to her bossy classmate Kristabelle’s demands, but the words never seem to come when she needs them.Surprising everyone, even herself, Willow steps up and bravely does something shocking, and it changes the entire dynamic of the classroom.

 

The Story of Fish and Snail by Deborah Freedman

Every day, Snail waits for Fish to come home with a new story. Today, Fish’s story (about pirates!) is too grand to simply be told: Fish wants to show Snail. But that would mean leaving the familiar world of their book—a scary prospect for Snail, who would rather stay safely at home and pretend to be kittens. Fish scoffs that cats are boring; Snail snaps back. Is this book too small for the two feuding friends? Could this be THE END of The Story of Fish and Snail?

Brave Irene by William Steig

Brave Irene is Irene Bobbin, the dressmaker’s daughter. Her mother, Mrs. Bobbin, isn’t feeling so well and can’t possibly deliver the beautiful ball gown she’s made for the duchess to wear that very evening. So plucky Irene volunteers to get the gown to the palace on time, in spite of the fierce snowstorm that’s brewing– quite an errand for a little girl.

The Empty Pot (An Owlet Book) by Demi

A long time ago in China there was a boy named Ping who loved flowers. Anything he planted burst into bloom. The Emperor loved flowers too. When it was time to choose an heir, he gave a flower seed to each child in the kingdom. “Whoever can show me their best in a year’s time,” he proclaimed, “shall succeed me to the throne!” Ping plants his seed and tends it every day. But month after month passes, and nothing grows. When spring comes, Ping must go to the Emperor with nothing but an empty pot. Demi’s exquisite art and beautifully simple text show how Ping’s embarrassing failure is turned triumphant in this satisfying tale of honesty rewarded.

Rotten Teeth by Laura Simms, David Catrow

Speaking in front of the class isn’t easy for small people like Melissa Herman. Especially when there’s nothing very special to say about her house or her family or herself. But with the help of her older brother, Melissa borrows a bottle from her father’s dental office to take to show and tell. The teacher is appalled, but the children are intrigued.

The Princess Knight by Cornelia Funker, Illustrator Kerstin Meyer

Violetta is a princess. But she wants to be a knight. At night, she practices at becoming the best knight in the land. When her father, the king, stages a tournament for Violetta’s hand in marriage, she knows she must win the greatest battle yet, for the most important prize of all – herself.

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn Illustrator Ruth E. Harper & Nancy M. Leak

School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester’s fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary. This heartwarming book has become a children’s classic that has touched the lives of millions of children and their parents, especially at times of separation, whether starting school, entering daycare, or going to camp.

Little Polar Bear Lars and the Brave Little Hare by Hans de Beer

One quiet day at the North Pole, Lars, the Little Polar Bear, hears a cry coming from a deep hole in the ice. It‘s Hugo, a scared little hare, who is trapped and needs to be rescued. The two fast become friends, but Lars teases Hugo for being timid, and Hugo wishes Lars would be just a little more careful! Then Lars lands himself in trouble, and Hugo has to show just how brave he can be in an emergency.

Courage

by Bernard Waber

What is courage? Certainly it takes courage for a firefighter to rescue someone trapped in a burning building, but there are many other kinds of courage too. Everyday kinds that normal, ordinary people exhibit all the time, like “being the first to make up after an argument,” or “going to bed without a nightlight.” Bernard Waber explores the many varied kinds of courage and celebrates the moments, big and small, that bring out the hero in each of us.

Mystery of the Spooky Junkyard – A Tale of Courage (Auto-B-Good) by Phillip Walton

Mystery of the Spooky Junkyard – A Tale of Courage
A terrifying encounter with the spooky thing that lurks in the junkyard leaves EJ shaken up. But when a fast-talking ghost hunter shows up in town and promises to catch it for him — for a small fee, of course — EJ would do anything to avoid his fear. Back in the spooky junkyard, they all discover things are not as they seem and EJ finds the source of true courage.

Rainbow Fish to the Rescue by Marcus Pfister Illustrator Alison James

Being a Nana is the BEST!

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How can The Book with No Pictures be a favorite?

Just read it in your silliest voice to find out.

What! Cried Granny  is one of my grandkids all time favorite.

Do YOU have everything you need for your grandkids to spend the night?

In Frank and Ernest, they run a diner for a day.  What do you think “Nervous Pudding” is?

How can things go wrong when you have Chickens to the Rescue?

There is also Pigs to the Rescue, Cows to the Rescue and Duck to the Rescue.

Kids LOVE anticipating the tickle that’s coming with the book Tickle Monster.

You can also purchase the Tickle Mitts that go along with this story.

Classics never fail.  I remember reading Are You My Mother? when I was a little girl.

What do you name a dog that has bad breath?  Hally Tosis of course.

My grandkids are entranced when I read this book, Dog Breath.

You thought you knew the story of the Three Little Pigs.  You thought wrong.

Here’s The True Story of The 3 Little Pigs.

Winning a Caldecott Honor Award, kids love the wacky stories in

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales

Are you having a Grover’s Bad Awful Day?

Your kids will love hearing what happens to Grover in this Sesame Street book.

The post Favorite Books to read to my Grandkids appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

What do you do with your darling children who are excited for Santa to come? How do you keep them from being bored and keep them AWAY from TV and  video games?  Give them fun activities that will help them use their brain!

Today I have  listed some sites with online educational activities! Hopefully this will keep your little darlings busy and  buy you some time to finish your last minute Christmas to-do list.

One of my favorite things about this season is the opportunity to teach my children about serving those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Let me share an experience our family had about 8 years ago.

While reading the newspaper I found an article about an older couple that had spent time volunteering at a San Jose day camp for Russian orphans. While serving there they ran across 5 Russian siblings ages 9-15 who were on the verge of being separated forever. This wonderful couple in their “golden years” did the unthinkable and adopted all 5 children! Their story brought tears to my eyes. The Anacker’s were of meager income, but did not let that stop them. I showed my husband the article and we decided we wanted to help with their first Christmas as a family in America.

I contacted Marilyn Anacker, told her I was the mother of 4 young children and we wanted to help. I asked if we could drop of Christmas presents for their family and what their needs were. Marilyn said they needed clothes for all of the children, and that they had no toys or sports items. I quickly contacted our church members asking for clothing donations in the correct sizes. The response was immediate and generous. We had plenty of clothing in each size within a few days. Then came the best part, reading the story to our kids and asking them if they wanted to help. Their response was to get up, run to their rooms and start gathering items they wanted to give to this family. I was pleased to watch as they chose some of their best or favorite toys to give away.

I contacted Marilyn again to arrange a time to drop off the clothing and toys. This amazing woman said we couldn’t “drop” of the items unless we all came in to meet her husband, older son and the children. Our kids watched eagerly as Marina, Leana, Sergei, Irina and Nikolai opened their gifts. To this day, seeing my children experience the true joy of giving is my favorite Christmas memory. Helping the Anacker’s helped my children understand the true meaning of Christmas, giving of ourselves to others.

So in the spirit of Christmas I have a 2nd round up for you. Some fun ideas of ways you can give service to others!

Round up #1

Fun Educational Christmas Activities For Children

Activity Village

Claus Kids Tons of great activities at this site!

The Activity Mom  Activity Advent Countdown

Lil’ Luna

Making Memories

Creative Momma

My Delicious Ambiguity

ISL Collective

Creative With Kids

Virtue For Women

Sunday School Kids

Crazy Little Projects

Sunday School Kids

Design Dazzle

Its Written On the Wall

Round up #2 Service Ideas

The Fickle Pickle

Sugar Doodle

Permission to Peruse

I Heart Naptime

Homemaking Fun

Little Homeschool on the Prairie

Dresses ‘n Messes

Yahoo Voices

The Things I love Most

Like a Pretty Petunia

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