Title:  Hugs & Kisses, God

Author: Allia Zobel Nolan

ISBN: 978-0-310-72263-2

SRP: $6.99

Rating: :) :) :) :) :)

I really enjoy reading this book to my son, Caleb.  It reminds me of what Caleb and I do on a daily basis, and that is...to be thankful for all that God gives us in this life to enjoy. When we go on walks together, we like to point out Gods beauty that we see around us like...leaves on the trees that are turning a beautiful shade of red, orange or yellow. Looking up at the sky and seeing that the sun has turned a lovely orange-pink with a hint of yellow.  Seeing the squirrels hurry around gathering their nuts and enjoying the day.  Or birds singing sweet songs of praise as the fly so elegantly across the sky.  All of these things make my heart smile, and Caleb's too.  That's why I like 'Hugs & Kisses, God' so much.

This book is a Lift-The-Flap Book.  Fun for kids ages 3 & up.  The children in this book are children from all over the world who are learning and understanding how to be thankful for everyday gifts that God gives them.  Saying your prayers in the morning before you do anything else - is showing God you love him.  Being thankful for the food you eat - is showing God you love him.  Smelling fragrant flowers along the way - is showing God you love him.  Helping a friend and showing that you care - is showing God you love him.  Blowing bubbles and catching fireflies, along with sparkling stars that light up the sky...are all ways that children say - Thank you God for this day.  Learning about God's word - is showing God you love him.  These children are giving Hugs & Kisses up to the Lord for all that He has done.

I highly recommend this book for all young readers.

Reviewed by: Melissa Staehli 

Hi everyone!

I have just returned home from a wonderful 2 week long vacation with my family. We had a blast together!! We went to so many different places.  First we went to Hershey, PA to visit some of my husband's family and then went to the chocolate factory, which was really fun.  From there we headed to Atlantic City, NJ to take a dolphin cruise and play by the ocean.  This was our son's first time seeing the ocean.  Caleb loved seeing the ocean and playing in the sand.  It was priceless!  We stayed there for a few days then headed to Maryland to visit some more of my husband's family.  After that...we drove to Washington DC to spend the night and tour around the next day.  What a fun day, though!  We took awesome pictures of everything we could before we left at 3:00 to drive halfway to Cape Cod.  I'm tired just telling you everything we did.  We finally made it to Cape Cod on Sunday evening, September 16th. We spent the entire week there at Jared's uncle's motel. Some of my family met us there.  All of us had the opportunity to go to Martha's Vineyard for a day.  It was awesome!  Beautiful sunny weather with a slight breeze.  Just lovely!  Our boys - Jared, Ken, Caleb & Gabe were able to go fishing with Jared's cousin, Troy one evening.  They caught many a fish!  We even ate the one Ken caught - Sea Bass.  It was pretty good.  We went to see Plymouth Rock of 1620 and the Mayflower.  Barnstable had a whale watching cruise we were able to go on before we started heading back home to Ohio.  It was awesome!  We made great memories on this trip.  I feel so blessed & thankful that I had time like this to share in, with my nearest and dearest - Jared & Caleb.

Some good news to share with all of you...my second book 'Charlie's Gingerbread House' will be here in November, just in time for the holidays!  I am very excited!  Children ages 6 & under will LOVE this fun & colorful book.  If you would like to pre order this children's book please let me know.  Jared & I will be getting the website up next week and it will be set up to take paypal.  Feel free to email me at - melissakay1968@gmail.com  Thank you so much!

Local Author Book Signing

Hi friends and family!  I know it has been awhile since I have posted anything.  Life seems to be very busy right now because it is Summertime. I have been out and about with Caleb just about everyday since school has been out.  We are usually on some kind of adventure.  We love to explore!  Caleb and I have gone on a lot of bike hikes, and nature walks.  We have enjoyed swimming, going to the park, fishing, and playing ball.

My husband and I celebrated Caleb's b-day on July 3rd.  We are so thankful and blessed!  Caleb is now a big 6 years old!  I can't believe it!  Where does the time go?! He has had several b-day gatherings with friends and family.  Caleb is a very happy little guy!  We love him with all of our hearts.

Life has had it's ups and downs these last several months.  We have had several people we have known pass way.  Some due to sickness, suicide, or  an awful accident.  We also have lost our furry family members Cassie & Carley.  Cassie was 15 years old and Carley was 14.  They were both pretty sick and we knew it was time to say our goodbyes.  It has been really hard not having our sweet dogs with us, but we are hanging in there.  God is good even in times of sorrow.

An update on my book (s).  I will be at a local author book signing this Friday, July 27th from 6:30-8:30 p.m.  at Barnes and Noble in Fairlawn, Ohio if you would like to come out and say hello.  As for my second book - Charlie's Gingerbread House - Amy Rottinger has brought the drawings to final pencil.  Next is color.  I am very excited to see the final product!    If you would like to check out my facebook author pages feel free at - I Love You to the Moon  or Charlie's Gingerbread House  Thank you so much!  Also, if anyone would like to support me on Amazon and write a review or just click the 'like' button you can go here - Amazon

Well, I guess that is it for now.  I am off to another adventure with my son!  Have a great rest of your Summer!  I will update soon.

Many blessings,
Melissa~
I Love You to the Moon

Hi friends!  May 1, 2012

Well, my husband and I finally got our Kickstarter project done so we could share it with you. We need your help to back this project up. Would you be willing to share this link with your friends?  Like on - Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and any other place you can think of.  We have just 30 days to make this project "successful."  So, I could definitely use your wonderful help. Here is where you can go  - Kickstarter Charlie's Gingerbread House book project.  Remember, you will receive rewards for your donations to this book project.  Make sure you read about the rewards once you are on the kickstarter site.

Thank you!  Thank you!

Blessings,
Melissa~

Hi Friends!

Kickstarter will take a few more days to get going.  I am very excited to share it with you, though!


On my other website/blog - Christian Children's Authors - is my post for today.  It's called, We Have This Moment Today! 


Please stop by and take a look, and be encouraged today.


Blessings,


Melissa~

Hi everyone!


Spring is here!!  I Love Spring because it's a sign of new life.  New life is all around us right now.  Flowers are blooming.  Trees have their lovely leaves back on their branches.  Birds are singing sweet songs.  The squirrels are running and playing.  The smell of fresh cut grass fills the air.  All of these things puts a smile on my face.  I hope it does the same for you.

I will be at Barnes & Noble in Fairlawn, Ohio tomorrow, April 21, 2012 from 11:30-2:00 signing my book
'I Love You to the Moon.'  


I would love it if you could come out and see me.


Also, I will be at the Dayton Book Expo on April 28th if you are out that way. Stop on by and say hello.

An update on my second book - Charlie's Gingerbread House.  My illustrator, Amy Rottinger, has done a very rough sketch on the entire book.  The next step is to bring it to final pencil.  Once I approve that then we move on to color.  'Charlie's Gingerbread House' will be out this September just in time for the holiday season.


My husband and I decided to put this project up on 'Kickstarter.' Kickstarter is a place where you can go to raise support for any project. Jared and I will have things ready and uploaded on Monday for you to see.  People who are willing to back this project up, get rewards for doing so.  It's a pretty nifty thing, and I'm excited to see how this goes. 


I had a birthday a few days ago on April 17th, and there is a write-up about my book and my adoption story at this website/blog - Happy Birthday Author. Please take a look.  I hope it touches your heart.


I, along with 11 other children authors, take turns writing on our website/blog called - Christian Children's Authors.  We post things on - Parenting, Grandparents, Nutrition, Bible, Devotions, Book reviews, Crafts for kids...we are trying to reach children and their families with God's love.  So, come on by and let us bless you today.


Psalm 96:1-2


Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.  Sing to the Lord, praise  his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.


Blessings,
Melissa~

Dicy McCulloughs Blog: Living to Learn: Melissa Ivey Staehli: Author of Children's Books

Dicy McCulloughs Blog: Living to Learn: Melissa Ivey Staehli: Author of Children's Books: Melissa Staehli lives in Ohio and writes for a fairly new website http://www.christianchildrensauthors.com/ . Twelve writers take turns writ...

Feeling blessed ~

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to share with you some updates that are happening with my book stuff.  Doors are continuing to open for 'I Love You to the Moon.'  I have scheduled more book signings that are coming up.

February 11th at Berean Christian Bookstore in Montrose from 1-5.
February 18th at Hallmark in Tallmadge from 11-2.
April 14th at the Hudson Library for group book signing (waiting on time)
April 21st at Barnes & Noble in Montrose for group book signing (waiting on time)
May 12th at The Learned Owl in Hudson, Ohio  11:00 a.m.  (the day before Mother's Day)


I have an online radio interview on Feb 9th at 10:00 a.m.  The show is called Author Show Radio.  Host is Don McCauley.  This will be a pre-recording and then aired a couple of weeks later.  I will let all of you know when that will be as soon as I get word.

Also, I have been in touch with Akron Public Library and Hudson Library.  They love my book and want it on their shelf!  So excited about that.

My book is being sold at the Learned Owl in Hudson, Ohio.  Also, Barnes & Noble is looking into getting my book sold in their store as well.  Here in Ohio, of course.

My second book, Charlie's Gingerbread House is in the process of being illustrated by a very talented young lady named Amy Rottinger.  She has gotten the cover done for me so I can show all of you wonderful people what it looks like, and to be expecting it this Fall, just in time for the holidays.  Here is her website if you want to take a look.http://arottinger.daportfolio.com/  Amy is amazing with what she can do.

Thank you again for all of your wonderful support for me and my writing.  I am ready for another exciting ride with my second book.

Remember, Valentines Day is coming up.  You may purchase my book through my website at http://www.iloveyoutothemoon.com for a special little child in your life.  Thank you so much and blessings to you all ~

"I Love You to the Moon": My 2nd children's book - Charlie's Gingerbread Hou...

"I Love You to the Moon": My 2nd children's book - Charlie's Gingerbread Hou...: I have some exciting news! My second book - Charlie's Gingerbread House is in the making as we speak to be released September of this year...

My 2nd children's book - Charlie's Gingerbread House ~

I have some exciting news!  My second book - Charlie's Gingerbread House is in the making as we speak to be released September of this year - 2012!   Just in time for the holidays.  Very exciting!!
I found an AMAZING illustrator named Amy Rottinger.  You can check out her stuff at: http://arottinger.daportfolio.com/ she is working on my cover and I will be able to see it soon.




Psalm 127:3 says
"children are a gift from the Lord."


Psalm 139:13 says
"for you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb."


Proverbs 17:6 says
"children's children are a crown to the aged,
and the parents are the pride of their children."




I just scheduled another book signing at Berean Christian Stores in Montrose for February 11, 2012 from 1-5.  This is a few days before Valentine's Day.  Visit my website to order your copy of 'I Love You to the Moon' for a special little one in your life.  We can never tell our children enough how much we love them!  http://www.iloveyoutothemoon.com  order today!  :-)  If you order from my website you receive an autographed copy & I will mail it to you in time for Valentine's Day.  So order soon.  If you order my book through Amazon that's great too!  Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/Love-Moon-Melissa-Ivey-Staehli/dp/1935268880/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1  They will mail you your book.


Here is my friend Layne Case who has a site called Amity Publication.  She encourages children to read and write!  Here is a little bit about what Layne does.  Her link is:  http://www.amitypublications.com  please stop by her site.

Layne designed her literacy program “Read Up! Write On! Literacy Rules!” for schools and child care centers as a way of keeping literacy at the top of the list of what is most important in our educational system. Her theme“Celebrating Our Differences” was developed as she became more and more immersed in the world of Autism, becoming a representative for Future Horizons, the world leading publishers of resources for autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. And, with bullying. reaching epidemic proportions because of people being “different”, this confirmed that her program was of the utmost importance now more than ever.

 

Layne has years of teaching experience in many different environments. She has taught children in the traditional school setting classroom as well as in her health care facility, offering skill building “Gymboree” exercise programs. She also taught adult health & fitness programs, marketing and motivational workshops. One of her most rewarding experiences was teaching computer courses which she designed for inmates at the Strafford Country Jail in Dover, NH. It was here that she knew she could make a difference.

 

Layne has been a contributing writer and serves on the Advisory Board for Applaud Women Magazine since 2009, adding a touch of “faith” to the magazine as she uses her poetry book as her resource.

 

She has written numerous business publications and course instructional guides, to include “Reading the Bible Through Poetry”, a Bible Study Guide that is used in conjunction with her poetry book.

 

When not writing, Layne is singing at her church. And, she spends many hours, serving as a volunteer and supporting organizations such as

 

Autism Society of NH

Barrington School Foundation

Barrington Friends of the Library

Greater Barrington Chamber of Commerce

Thank you for stopping by to read and say hello.  Leave a comment if you'd like.

Blessings,

Melissa ~

Happy New Year friends and family!

Wow! I cannot believe we are into a new year already! Can it really be 2012?

Well, as you all know 2011 was a very busy year for me.  My first book  'I Love You to the Moon' was released in September.  I have had 5 book signings so far, and I have another one this Saturday, January 7th at Logos bookstore in Kent from 11-1.  I have several other bookstores that I have been in contact with to set up a time to do a book signing.  These are pending at this time.

What I am working on for this year is my next book 'Charlie's Gingerbread House.' My goal is to have it released Fall of 2012 ready for the holidays!  Please keep me in your prayers as I venture into another book project for this year.

Thank you all for being such an encouragement to me this whole last year.  I really appreciate it.  It's nice to have friends and family cheering me on as I make my dream come true.  Thank you so much!  I am going to need your cheers with my next book, too.  :-)

Valentines Day is coming up really quick.  If you would like a copy of  'I Love You to the Moon' for Valentines Day, you may purchase it through my website at: http://www.iloveyoutothemoon.com  Tell a little one that is special in your life how much you love them!  TO THE MOON!

Here is a link to my Author Central page on Amazon.  Feel free to take a look.  amazon.com/author/melissastaehli  You can order through Amazon, too.

Blessings to all of you and have a fabulous New Year ~
Melissa~