Nov. 23, 2009 - Not forgotten

I just wanted to say that I have not forgotten to do personal posts.  I'm getting some reviews done as well as dealing with things going on at the home front and working on Christmas presents - so needless to say I'm busy!

The Principal (Dad) gave us the entire week off of school since I have a hard time staying motivated around Thanksgiving and then Christmas.  I'm like a little child when it comes to celebrating.  Hannah is working on her lapbook for the Magic Treehouse book titled Thanksgiving on Thursday - which actually hasn't involved a whole lot of magic except for the children being transported back in time and they also let their parents know they were going out to play.  She must get that finished up and we can move on next week.  I'll get pictures up as soon as she is done and I get batteries for my camera.

I'm having my surgery on Friday the day after Thanksgiving - so we're putting the Christmas tree up the day before Thanksgiving.  I'm praying and hoping that this will take care of my chronic pain that I continue to have as adhesions from my 2002 c-section readhere over time.  This causes a lot of pain and also it seems now problems in concieving - so I also pray this will allow the Lord to bless us again.  I'd love to have at least one more baby - definitely more - but at least :)  we'll see what He decides.

So for now I'm logging off and I'll be updating soon with pictures - after I get batteries and hopefully before Thanksgiving or I'll do it after my surgery while I'm recuperating.

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Nov. 23, 2009 - MamaBuzz Tour: Tales from Terrestria Book 1: "The Quest for Thunder Mountain" by Ed Dunlop

If you are looking for something that your children both boys and girls can read, however boys may be slightly more interested, and that is Biblically based and sound then look no further than Ed Dunlop's series,  Tales from Terrestria.  This would make a great gift for any family during this Christmas season or a birthday as Mr. Dunlop's purpose in writing this series is to bring honor and glory to the Lord.  There is no magic, sorcery or wizardry in these series.  Although I only recieved the first book in the  Tales from Terrestria I can't wait to read the rest and neither can my daughter who is only 7 at the time of the reading.

"The Quest for Thunder Mountain" was engrossing and made for a fast paced read so that we would could know what was going on - a real page turner.  While geared for ages 10 and up, this series could be easily read by a 7 year old and up, or used as a read aloud to reiterate Biblical lessons and correlate them to the Bible.  I too would also recommend this for an adult who would like an engaging read as I too found myself captivated by the story.  Mr. Dunlop has a true gift for writing that is geared towards Christian youth and using the Bible and the Lord as his guide.  I loved the fact that these books do not need to be read in order and can be read starting at the last, the middle or the first.

At the webiste for  The Terrestria Chronicles there is an abundant array of resources from free coloring pages correlate to the books, free ebooks, God's way to Heaven, teacher books and resources and others.  The price per book is $7.99 and is geared for ages 10 and up (decide based on your child's reading skills) or you can buy all three (so far) for $19.99 with another book coming soon!  I do suggest that if you have a reader - again boys or girls - who you want reading Biblically sound books then you'll want to visit the Ed Dunlop's website and look at his other books - including fiction for youth.

**  This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by: Mr. Ed Dunlop for this review.

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Nov. 20, 2009 - MamaBuzz Tour: The Ultimate Cloth **free offer included**

Are you or have you been trying to find a 'green' way to clean around your home?  Or maybe not 'green' but you want to do away with chemicals because a loved one in your house has bad reactions to chemicals and their smells?  Well then look no further than the Ultimate Cloth!   The Ultimate Cloth  is soft so you don't have to worry about scratching surfaces like granite, glass, or even your car or electronics.  No chemicals need to be used, just wet the cloth and clean!  Yes it really is that simple, just plain water and you can remove dirt, grime and other crud around the house as well as germs!  The cloth can be cut without fraying or tearing - which is great if you just need a few smaller cloths for cleaning the tub or sink or wiping up crumbs after lunch or the science experiment gone wrong!

If you're like me and want a way to save money this is an easy way to accomplish that as well.  Even the cheapy grocery store brand can cost precious money each year - buying these reusable and washable cloths can end that drain.  So simple to use by just wetting it, wringing it, wiping then rinsing (or wash it) and your done.  So not only is it chemical free (although you can bleach it if you REALLY wanted to), saves you money but it also cuts cleaning time!  What more could a busy and frugal mom want, except maybe a cheaper iced capp, but seriously this would make a great household item to have on hand.  The children can even be put to work using this since there isn't a fear of them ingesting or breathing in harsh chemical smells.  If you'd like to experience this then keep reading for a FREE offer directly from the  people at The Ultimate Cloth!

Price:  $6

Media Blurb:  
The Ultimate Cloth is eco-friendly solution for homes as well as a money and time saver. The Ultimate Cloth is a brand new technology – in fact, it is the only cloth to receive a new patent in the last 25 years.  The Ultimate Cloth is a simple, green and effective one-step cleaning process.  The Ultimate Cloth cleans any hard surface – glass, wood, granite, stainless steel and many more – with just water!  No longer do you have to use harsh chemicals in your home, nor do you need spend hundreds of dollars per year buying them.  The Ultimate Cloth has been lab tested to remove 96% of bacteria, without the use of chemicals.  And, can cut 50% off your cleaning time.  The Ultimate Cloth is truly the ultimate in green cleaning.  

Additional Details to Include in your review:

All of my readers can receive a FREE Ultimate Cloth! 

All you  need to do is follow Ultimate Cloth America on Twitter or become a fan on facebook:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Ultimate_Cloth
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ultimate-Cloth-America/209222110335?v=wall&ref=ts

We will reveal how to get the free Ultimate Cloths via Twitter and facebook. 

*This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by: Ryan Richardson for The Ultimate Cloth for this review.

**Picture from The Ultimate Cloth website.

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Nov. 19, 2009 - MamaBuzz Blog Tour: "When Moms Pray Together" by Fern Nichols (Moms In Touch International)

This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by: Maggie Rowe at Tyndale Publishing for this review.

"When Moms Pray Together" by Fern Nichols is a book that encourages praying between moms whose children are in school.  Even though most of these mom's children are in a traditional brick and mortar school there was much for this homeschooling mom to glean from this book - namely I don't pray enough for my children or at all.  I've admitted and I'm ashamed to admit it and I'm glad I had the chance to read this book because it's made me aware that praying for our children wether they are homeschooled or enrolled in a school should be one of our uppermost priorities as moms.

When I started reading this book and how some of these women's children were going astray by getting involved in drugs, promiscuity I thought that this book wouldn't pertain to me because, well, my children won't do that kind of thing.  Then as I kept reading I realized that no matter if we homeschool or not that in and of itself won't keep my children pure - only God has that power and I need to lift my children up to Him, the One who gave them to me in the first place.  This book made me realize, or maybe just drilled it in a bit more, these aren't my children and God is ultimately in control because they are His - like I am His!  He gave these children to me to guide and rear up for Him and that includes me praying for them - no matter is too small.  Wether it's my oldest who struggles with being a perfectionish, my youngest who likes to buck authority or my middle daughter who is very strong willed- I need to pray that Satan cannot win this Spiritual battle.

Wonderful use of Scripture throughout the book makes it so much more relevant to the Christian mom who yearns to know more about praying for her children.  Just because we homeschool doesn't make us immune and this book makes me realize that I did indeed think it would - but I learned by reading this book that regardless God wants me to use Scripture to pray for my children as well as other mom's children.  I and most of my friend's don't have the time to meet weekly at a set date for prayer but we can still be in prayer for each other and our children through emails, phone calls and even Facebook.  I was so glad that even if I didn't think I would learn anything from this book I am so blessed that I did!

Product/Book Name:   When Moms Pray Together by Fern Nichols

Ages:    Moms

Price:   $13.99

Put out by:  Tyndale

To buy your own copy go to Tyndale's media center.  If you'd like more information on the author please visit her  author bio page at Tyndale.

If you'd like more information on Moms In Touch International visit the MITI website.

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Nov. 16, 2009 - The Simple Woman's Daybook - November 16, 2009

Outside my window... it's dark out now but it was a wonderfully, warm Autumn day.

I am thinking... how wonderful it is to have lost 16 pounds and God is giving me the ability to go off the diabetic meds.

I am thankful for... my children, three wonderful blessings from the Lord and my husband who is a wonderful provider.

I am wearing... my favorite skirt from CJ Banks, my 20th Anniversary OPAI Nutcracker shirt and brown crocs

I am remembering... the fun of past holidays and how to make wonderful holiday memories with my family now

I am going... to go to my tap dance class tomorrow and have reviews to do.

I am reading... When Moms Pray Together by Fern Nichols, Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie Montana by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss

I am hoping... to get my inlaws Christmas present finished by Wednesday and start my mom's present

On my mind... the reviews I need to get done and balancing that with family life

From the learning rooms... struggling to stay focused amidst bronchitis and the holidays coming up

Noticing that... I need to study God's Word more

Pondering these words... hmmmmm, nothing right now

From the kitchen... BLT's for dinner

Around the house... trying to get school done as well as housework

One of my favorite things... reading to my children while cuddled on the couch.

From my picture journal...
A beautiful sunset:

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Nov. 16, 2009 - Timberdoodle Police Blockade Game - MamaBuzz Tour

I'm always on the lookout for new educational games and when I had the chance to review   Police Blockade for Timberdoodle through MamaBuzz reviews then I jumped at the chance!  My children have played this online before but with a different objective and so I thought they would have fun with this - I was very happy when this thought came to fruition.  Timberdoodle sells quality homeschool and educational supplies and materials for all ages! As soon as I recieved the package the children were into it and fascinated by it - my husband is quoted as saying "this is AWESOME!"  He is quickly working his way through to master level and my 5 year old is becoming fast at figuring out the solutions as well.  My 7 year old has sat for an hour and played this game of logic and my 3 year old likes to just play with it as he builds a city.  This would be a wonderful gift for Christmas and disguised as a toy this wonderful educational tool is so much fun!

Here is more information from the Timberdoodle site:

Police Blockade
Sirens screaming and tires screeching, there is nothing like a little police actionto liven up a road trip. Police Blockade lets you keep it legal but is just as exciting.

Your Job: Block Him
An elegant red sports carhas been stolen and the police force is scrambling to jam every escape route. As police chief, your child will be asked to coordinate all available units in order to prevent a getaway. His career is on the line; can he block the perpetrator's escape and avoid unnecessary bloodshed?

60 Challenges!
With 60 fast-paced easy to expert challenges he will have plenty of chances for a "do over"! For 1 player. Includes game board, clear plastic lid, one red sports car, six police cars, and four sets of buildings, game booklet, and a nifty elastic band to hold it all together.

Logic, Thinking Skills, Visual Perception...
This one-player game develops logical reasoning, builds higher cognitive thinking, and strengthens visual and spatial perception. It is self-contained, includes solutions, and makes an ideal travel companion. Plus, it offers an amazing amount of fun for all ages! 
                                                                                                                                                
Game includes:
·   Game board
·   60 puzzles with four levels of difficulty
·   One red sports car
·   Six police cars
·   Four sets of buildings
·   Solution booklet

Publisher: Educational Insights
Ages: 7+
Time To Play: 5-20 minutes
Players: 1

The spiral bounded book with set up, directions and solutions is well made and will hold up for hours of play even by some of the roughest children - my 3 year old is VERY hard on his toys and the book has held up very well as has the band that holds the entire set together.  There is nothing violent about this game and doesn't deal with anything that some would find objectionable like violence, crime and bloodshed.  With the band that holds it all together, it can be taken in the vehicle and transported easily and without losing pieces - which will keep the children entertained for hours.  With 60 puzzles this game can go on for hours, I would like to see if there were more puzzles online though to keep the game going.

**This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by: Timberdoole for this review.

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Nov. 16, 2009 - Five Star Finger Puppets - MamaBuzz Tour

Christmas is around the corner and if you're like me you may be wanting to avoid the commercialism that can occur in the stores and shopping online can seem like a way to avoid all that.  If you want a gift that children will enjoy and also be educational and fun then Five Star Publications can help.  These are a set of 5 finger puppets that children will use over and over and not thrown away after getting broken or losing interest plus they are intriguing enough that if they don't get the latest or greatest 'new' toy they won't be too upset.

Here is what I recieved in the email regarding the  Five Star Publications finger puppets:  " Parents and teachers looking to inspire children to read more – and have more fun while doing it – get a hand with Five Star Finger Puppets. Handmade in the U.S. with soft, durable, hand-washable yarn, they are child safe with no removable parts and come in packages of five that include owl, snake, child, dog and cat characters. Retail: $12.95."

My children really enjoy these finger puppets and while they fit their fingers they also fit mine - so if you're a homeschooling parent these would make a wonderful addition to story time with your children.  If you do unit studies based on living books - these puppets make a wonderful way for the story to come 'alive'.  Of course they are also good for just imaginative play time, as most children enjoy using their imagination and it allows for brain development as well.

The puppets are soft and I would have no problem letting a young child play with these as there are no small, loose parts that could pose a choking hazard.  The fact that they are also washable is a great benefit with young children so that if they get dropped on the ground (or in a food dish) they can be easily washed and then played with again.  Simply put them in a mesh laundry bag (I suggest this so they don't end up like those missing socks) and throw in the washer.  I definitely would recommend these for a nice Christmas present or even as a home school material that is well worth it.

Again you can find these at Five Star Publications website along with books and other gifts.

*The picture above is from the  Five Star Publications website.

**  This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by: Five Star Publications for this review.

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Nov. 15, 2009 - Sewing and field trip to the Resevoir

A few months ago I won a pattern from Squiggly Twigs Designs to make a 3 tiered twirly, girly skirt.  I was so happy as I've seen these sold in stores and ebay for ....um....lots of money so I got a free pattern and let the girls pick out some tutti fruitti fabric at JoAnn's.  Thanks to a friend, I was finally able to make Hannah's plus I have enough fabric left to make some scrunchies for her to match (I'm thinking a nice stocking stuffer for Christmas)  Anyway here is pictures of the skirt:

Last week we took a field trip to the local Resevoir where there are several hiking trails, fishing areas and other items of interest to see and do.  We stopped by the visitor center to get permission from a Ranger to collect some items to include for the art scavenger hunt.  The visitor center has many hands on educational items for the children to do so we did some of those and then went on our hike.  We found nuts, seed pods, leaves, twigs and we also saw several fresh deer tracks, a half eaten 'money brain' fruit which looked like we interrupted something's breakfast.  Below are some pictures of what we found including the Honey Locust tree which has the needle like thorns on it's trunk.

This fish was in a tank in the visior's center.  Part of the scavenger hunt was to find a live fish - it didn't specify if it had to be in a tank or body of water.  By the way our 'art' lesson turned into science and math as well - I love homeschooling!

I will be doing a different post with some other things we've done lately - but I don't want to overwhelm one post with a bunch of pictures so I'll spread it out.  I hope you enjoyed 'seeing' our field trip!

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Nov. 14, 2009 - The Reality of Abortion on YouTube

The most overwhelming thing said by girls thinking about having an abortion is that when they went to find out about possibly having an abortion, they were not given the facts as to exactly what abortion is.  Most of the time, when a woman goes into a Planned Parenthood or an abortion clinic she is not only encouraged to terminate her pregnancy but she is bombarded with the reasons she "should" terminate the pregnancy and the ease of having an abortion as though it is just a minor procedure like getting your hair colored.  My question to the people working in these clinics is this: 

"If there is nothing wrong with abortion, why wouldn't you explain all of the facts including the emotional side effects so that each woman can make an informed decision?  Are you afraid they might decide NOT to have one? " 

If the goal is to get as many women to have abortions as possible than we are no longer trying to help women, rather we are trying to push an agenda.  If you know someone who is pro choice because they really do have a heart for women, I encourage you to share this video with her.

Without any tears or emotional pleas, this video made by Priests for Life, gives a good description of what the doctors do when performing a first trimester abortion.  It is not graphic at all but gives a gentle, yet matter-of-fact description using a fetal model and in fact is something you could share with your kids when you are explaining abortion to them.   With all the news lately of health care reform, the abortion topic comes up often within the homeschooling community.  I hope this will be a help to you.

The other fact the abortion clinics don't tell you about is the extremely high rate of deep depression in women who have had abortions.  They don't tell you about the women who can't live with themselves and are haunted by nightmares, who turn to alcohol and drugs to mask the pain they go through everyday for years and years afterward.  There are thousands and thousands of women like this who regret their decision to abort.  If you really want to help women, give them all the facts.

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Nov. 13, 2009 - Kathy Carlton Willis Communications "Set Apart" Bible Study blog tour!

About the Book:
 
(Marion, Kentucky) - In a world of self-love and materialism it's reassuring to know that God's Word has a better plan for living. Renowned author and speaker, Jennifer Kennedy Dean, provides insight to the life of Christ, specifically the Sermon on the Mount, in her new book, Set Apart: A 6 Week Study of the Beatitudes.
 
Through careful study of the Hebrew traditions of biblical times, Dean leads participants into a deeper awareness of this early ministry sermon series by Christ.
 
Jennifer guides readers to a heightened understanding of each beatitude, correlating the Ten Commandments with the Sermon on the Mount to tie these Old and New Testament principles together. Dean shares how living the Set Apart Life is an exciting and life-changing spiritual journey. Participants surrendered to Christ will see a total transformation: outward actions of holiness as well as inward attitudes of joy. Believers following along in this workbook will experience the life God intends. This blessedness comes from seeking and knowing God.  Anything outside the realm of Jesus Christ results in emptiness--the ultimate opposite of blessing.
 
Each chapter includes interactive questions for readers to answer, emphasizing God's desire to reproduce the character and attitudes of Jesus in each Christian's life. Along with the Bible study book, there is a Leader Kit that includes six DVD sessions and a CD with bonus material for small-group leaders. Jennifer's website, www.prayinglife.org, provides opportunities for previewing the Set Apart materials and extra resources for pastors and leaders.

 About the Author:

Jennifer Kennedy Dean is Executive director of The Praying Life Foundation and a respected author and speaker. She is the author of numerous books, studies, and magazine articles specializing in prayer and spiritual formation. Her book Heart’s Cry has been named National Day of Prayer’s signature book. You’ll find articles and daily quotes from Jennifer at the National Day of Prayer website. Her book, Live a Praying Life, has been called a flagship work on prayer.
 
Jennifer was widowed in 2005 after 26 years of marriage to Wayne Dean, her partner both in life and ministry. They are the parents of three grown sons. Jennifer makes her home in Marion, KY.

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