Nov. 21, 2009 - Awesome giveaway!

5 Minutes for Mom is giving away an INCREDIBLE HP TouchSmart 600 computer for Christmas!  Check it out here!

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Sep. 1, 2009 - End-of-Summer WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Wow!  I am amazed by all the reading that has been going on this summer!  I received 356 forms, representing a total of 800+ children!  My friend Ashley and I added up the total number of books read - you'll be amazed by the total ....

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Aug. 24, 2009 - a quick reminder

You only have 6 days left to fill out the form for the End-of-Summer-Reading Splash book giveaways!
Have you parents go here and help you complete the form.

I have LOTS of great books to give away and I can't wait!  Winners will be selected and notified on Monday, the 31st of August.  So sign up now!

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Aug. 18, 2009 - Splish Scavenger Hunt Giveaway Winners

We’d like to thank everyone who entered the Splish Scavenger Hunt Giveaway. I gathered all the entries and place your names into a hat.

The ten lucky entries to receive the E-Book: And Then Mama Said . . . It Takes Time to Learn to Read and the companion activity book are:

(Drum roll please.)

 Gloria, Cindy, jennebeker, Heidemarie, Vicki B., Erika, Beth, Elizabeth N., Abi, and Keri.

Watch your e-mails for these books. They have been sent.

And the three winners of the autographed copies of And Then Mama Said . . . It Takes Time to Learn to Read are:

(Another drum roll, please, this time with more excitement.)

Jessica W., Christine, and Robin.

Please watch your e-mail for notification.

Congratulations to all our winners!

 

We are so happy that you all had a wonderful time this summer playing along with us. We hope that you will continue the good job of reading throughout the rest of the year.

If you have not had mom or dad register your reading logs, you still have time. But you’ll need to hurry because August 30 is coming up fast. Be sure to have your folks go HERE to register. You may win more books.

Well, that ends this year’s Scavenger Hunt Adventure
I will sure miss spending time with all my friends,
But who knows what tomorrow brings,
We may play along with Splish someday soon again.

There are worlds beyond our imagination,
Just waiting for us to explore,
Fun and excitement in every chapter,
Adventure and so much more.

So keep on reading those wonderful books,
And with every page you turn,
Who knows where they will lead,
And what new things you’ll learn.

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Aug. 12, 2009 - Donations from ZonderKidz

From ZonderKidz:

Freddie’s Fast-Cash Getaway: The Parable of the Prodigal Son (ages 4-7)
When an ant decides he can live a better life alone than with his family on the worm farm, he takes his inheritance and sets off for the glitz of the big city. When he finds himself penniless and doing dangerous work cleaning the cat cage at the circus, he decides to humble himself and return to the family farm. Children will learn about one of the best-known parables in the Bible, retold with humor and poignancy in an imaginative world of today.




God is with Me through the Day and God is with Me through the Night (ages 4-7)
For a child, so many things can happen in one day. Sometimes the world outside is a scary place. There is so much to be discovered and understood and at times the adventure is simply overwhelming.
 
This story reminds kids that God is always present. He is a protector who never stops caring for all children each day through. With comforting pictures of lovable critters that seem to have similar feelings and an engaging message, children will be assured that God is always near.

In this book, furry friends reveal that even the biggest and bravest of God’s creatures feel frightened sometimes. This comforting story allows parents to build stronger bonds with their children while reminding readers of all ages that fear, loneliness, and hopelessness can be alleviated when we put our trust in God. The story ends with an easy-to-remember Bible verse that teaches children about God’s love. “Fear not, for I am with you”

Along Came You (ages 4-7)
What happens when the pleasures of a tidy, carefully decorated home are traded for the excitement of high chairs and noisy toys? When quiet evenings and carefully planned schedules are traded for busy days and crazy nights? What happens when the desire to experience joy is replaced with the desire that another would experience joy? Karona Drummond weaves images of life before kids with life after kids. Children will delight in this love song written to them about the joyful change they bring about and how the loving sacrifices of their parents transform a simple life into an abundant life. This book is a truly a touching glimpse and a warm reminder of the parent heart of God.

Dance Me Daddy (ages 4-7)
Dance me, Daddy. Dance me around. Don’t let my feet ever touch down. There’s nothing better than being your girl. If I am your princess, then you are king of the world.” This picture book by singer and songwriter Cindy Morgan sparkles with the joy of childhood and the blessings of families. Sing along with the CD performed by Point of Grace and listen to Cindy Morgan read the book version of this song that celebrates the joy in all stages of a child’s growing years, from the time his little girl dances on his feet until they dance at her wedding. A great celebration of God’s love.



Beginner’s Bible I Can Read books (set of 3)
Early readers will learn about how brave Esther saved her people. As part of the I Can Read® series for My First level readers, this book leads children to explore God’s Word. The timeless story of Esther, a young Jewish girl who becomes Queen, serves as an example of how God has a purpose for each of us.

A giant wants to fight an Israelite soldier. When young and small David offers to fight Goliath, the giant laughs! Can David beat the giant? Find out in this Zonderkidz I Can Read! book for early readers.

God wants Moses to save his people from slavery. But Moses is afraid. How can he convince the king to let the slaves go?







Howie Finds a Hug and Howie Goes Shopping I Can Read books (set of 2)
In Howie Finds a Hug, readers learn that “a family is a hug from God.” Young children will identify with Howie, an adorable puppy who needs some attention. Winsome illustrations and easy text make this a great choice for early readers.

Howie’s shopping spree gets out of hand, and trouble abounds. Early readers will learn that no matter how bad things get, families stick together and love each other. Howie Goes Shopping will keep My First–level readers turning the pages to find out what happens next.

The Best Breakfast and Thank You, God, for Rain I Can Read books (set of 2)
Meet Peck, a chubby desert quail who just wants to have his friends over for a morning meal. Breakfast for Everyone is the latest entry in the popular I Can Read™ line of books for young readers. Intended for level-two readers, Breakfast for Everyone is educational, entertaining, and it has a lovely message about accepting each other’s differences—differences that are God’s plan for us. Peck has made seed pancakes and invited all his friends over for breakfast. But each guest shows up with something different—from grass salad to lizard soup—and Peck’s disappointed that no one’s sharing his pancakes. Then he remembers that God made us all different on purpose, and that friendship is the very best thing to share!

For those who think the desert is a lot of hot sand and cactus, here’s a reminder that it’s also teeming with God’s creatures! Another entry in the I Can Read™ series of books for early readers, Thank You, God, for Rain reminds youngsters that we should be grateful for even the simplest things. Intended for level-two readers, Thank You, God, for Rain is peopled with a variety of desert critters—from owls, wrens, and roadrunners to jackrabbits, lizards, and crickets—all of whom have reason to be thankful for a cool summer rain. And the clever twist at the end—they pile into a play swimming pool filled with rainwater—is sure to delight young readers!

Sister for Sale and The Princess Twins and the Birthday Party I Can Read books (set of 2)
Imagine the joy of selling off an annoying younger sibling! No more fighting, biting, or tattling. But who will you play with after your sister is gone? Children will learn to appreciate the value of family, even if getting along takes some work.

Princess Emma and Princess Abby get dressed up just right for their special day in this level-one story. When their guests arrive in their beautiful dresses, Emma can't find her friend Beth, who has headed home because her dress is too plain for the royal party. Will Emma find a way to help Beth? This level-one story teaches girls what it means to be a princess for the true King. A lesson in kindness.

The Berenstein Bears Love Their Neighbors and Play a Good Game (set of 2) (ages 4-7)
The Little Lights Berenstain Bear series helps children learn how God wants them to live every day. Most of the Berenstain Bears’ neighbors are like the Bear family—they keep their homes neat and clean. Except for the Bogg Brothers who live in a run-down shack. In The Berenstain Bears Love Their Neighbors children learn that being a good neighbor takes more than keeping a nice home.

The Little Lights Berenstain Bear series helps children learn how God wants them to live every day. Coach Papa Bear wants his team to play fair. But the other coach just wants to win. The Berenstain Bears Play Fair shows that players and coaches should act in a way that pleases God.

Tales from the Back Pew (series set of 4) (ages 6-9)
With hilarious stories and nutty pictures, the Tales from the Back Pew series offers kid’s a unique view of church. Enjoy plenty of giggles with your child—and learn fun, important truths about God, church, and the Bible. Mom is taking me to church this Sunday. I’ve heard a lot about church. You have to stand up, sit down, and kneel a hundred times. It’s called being in the service—I’m too young to be drafted!



Books 1-3 of the That’s Nat! series (early chapter books, ages 6-9)
Five-year-old Natalie determines to pull off a one-of-a-kind, wonderful thing. Her inimitable spirit of adventure leads our heroine through a series of foiled attempts and ensuing disasters, until she discovers that being “Only Natalie” is a good thing in God’s eyes and she, Nat, is that one-of-a-kind wonderful thing.





A Horse to Love (first book in the Keystone Stables series (preteen, teen)
Thirteen-year-old foster kid Skye Nicholson has become an expert at being an angry, cold, and defensive teenager. After breaking more foster home placements than she cares to count, and committing numerous offenses, she’s headed to her final resort — juvenile detention. But after a court compromise, hope finds her through a beautiful sorrel quarter horse named Champ and the tough love of Tom and Eileen Chamber, who offer her another chance at their home at Keystone Stables. There she’s introduced to a God who has the power to truly save her, no matter how much she thinks she’s not worth saving.


Girl Politics and Everybody Tells Me to Be Myself (FaithGirls series, preteen,teen)
Parents and kids alike may think that getting teased or arguing with friends is just part of growing up, but where is the line between normal kid stuff and harmful behavior? This book is a guide for girls on how to deal with girl politics, God-style.

This new addition to the Faithgirlz line helps girls face the challenges of being their true selves with fun activities, interactive text, and insightful tips.

The Elijah Project series (4 books, juvenile fiction)
Zach and his sister Piper are on the run, searching for their parents while protecting their little brother Elijah. Although he never speaks, there is something pure and supernatural about the boy that the powers of heaven want to protect and the powers of darkness want to destroy.






Set of 3 books from the Kingdoms: A Biblical Epic series (graphic novels, juvenile fiction)
Jehoahaz’s three-month reign comes to an end as he is imprisoned in Egypt and succeeded as king by his brother Jehoiakim. After Jehoiakim has been subject to Nebuchadnezzar for several years, the king rebels against Babylon, and for the remainder of his reign is beaten into submission by the attacks of Babylon’s allies in this second volume of the manga-style series written by Ben Avery and illustrated by Matt Broome.

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Aug. 12, 2009 - Donations from Media Angels, Kregal Publications, Gallopade International, & Salem Ridge Press

From Media Angels:

Truth Seekers Mystery Series (teen)
A Collectors Item This set includes 3-novels from the Truth Seekers Mystery SeriesTM by Felice Gerwitz and Christina Gerwitz

Christina was only 14 years old when she began writing this series as a home-schooled student. She wrote just for fun! When I finally began taking her seriously and helping her transition her sentences the story line began to take shape! She asked me (her mom) to write them with her, and...

I said, "I don't know how to write fiction."

She said, "We're homeschoolers Mom, we'll research how, we can do it!"

The rest is history. This series has been featured as book of the month by Creation Moments and others. It has been required reading for Christian school kids, and Christina's younger brothers and sisters love them! 

Best of all children who have borrowed a friend's book often return to our website to get a set of their own. Why? Because they like to read them again and again.

Titles include:The Missing Link Found, Dinosaur Quest at Diamond Peak, and Keys to the Past: Unlocked.

Reach for the Stars Writing Workbook by Susan Marlow
Susan K. Marlow, fiction author of the Circle C Series with Andrea Carter is the newest author to Media Angels.She has written a wonderful workbook to teach children to write fiction.

This 144-page workbook for budding young authors includes sections on:

Creating characters

How to "show-don't tell" their feelings

Beginnings that "hook" the reader

Creating scenes, plotting stories and much more!

Students can work at their own pace and on their own. Reach for the Stars also works great in home school co-ops and in classrooms. Includes a parent/teacher guide with hints for expanding the lessons if desired.

Grades 3-8. Reach for the Stars!

From Kregel Publications:

Across the Wide River and The Light Across the River (teen)
The red brick home of Rev. John Rankin is a beacon—the first northern stop on the Underground Railroad. Across the Ohio River in Kentucky, every slave knows to look for it. They have heard that if they reach that house, they will never be captured. Across the Wide River tells the true story of the selfless sacrifices one Christian family made to help runaway slaves reach freedom.

From Gallopade International:

Set of 6 Carole Marsh Mysteries (ages 8-12)

• Carole Marsh Mysteries are delighting children all across America!
• "There's no denying that these mysteries are chock-full of factual information regarding real places."
       —School Library Journal
• For the ultimate experience—read the book, write your own mystery, join the fan club, and apply to be a character!

From Salem Ridge Press:

The Sign Above the Door and Soldier Fritz (2 books)
Young Prince Martiesen is ruler of the land of Goshen in Egypt, where the Hebrews live. Eight plagues have already come upon Egypt and now Martiesen has been forced by Pharaoh to further increase the burden of the Hebrews. Martiesen, however, is in love with the beautiful Hebrew maiden, Elisheba, whom he is forbidden by Egyptian law to marry. As the nation despairs, the other nobles turn to Martiesen for leadership, but before he can decide what to do, Elisheba is kidnapped by the evil Peshala and terrifying darkness falls over the land. An exciting tale woven around the events of the Exodus from the Egyptian perspective!

Young Fritz wants to follow in the footsteps of Martin Luther and be a soldier for the Lord, so he chooses a Bible from the peddler’s pack as his birthday gift. When his father, the Count, goes off to war, however, Fritz and his mother and little sister are forced to flee into the forest to escape being thrown in prison for their new faith. Disguising themselves as commoners, they must trust the Lord as they wait and hope for the Count to rescue them. But how will he ever be able to find them?

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Aug. 12, 2009 - Donations from Cross & Crown Publishing and Sleeping Bear Press

Terrestria Chronicles series (teen)
The Terrestria Chronicles allegory series was written with a three-fold purpose: to honor Jesus Christ as King, to challenge young readers to love and serve Him, and to teach them to guard their hearts for Him. The focus of the series is always on the King.

Fast-paced action… powerful imagery… heart-pounding adventure… These life-changing books are captivating and once you start reading, you’ll find them hard to put down. This adventure series has a particularly strong appeal to today’s young people: it’s a series with knights and castles, dragons and princesses. . . but these are books in which every page points to truths of the Christian walk. Biblical doctrines and character principles are taught in such a compelling, fascinating way that they will stay with the reader for a lifetime.

Written for ages ten and up, the Terrestria series is ideal for family devotions, classroom use, or individual enjoyment. So grab your sword and take your family on a quest to Terrestria! Your heart will be changed forever.

Tales from Terrestria series (teen)
Readers of the Terrestria Chronicles have frequently asked if there will be any more books in the series. The answer is no—Prince Josiah’s story is complete when King Emmanuel returns from the Golden City in The Great War and thus eternity begins.

But many more Terrestrian stories remain to be told, and will be, in Ed Dunlop’s new series, Tales from Terrestria. Unlike the Chronicles, which are a sequential series and should be read chronologically, the Tales are stand-alone books and can be read in any order. Eventually there will be seven Tales.

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Aug. 12, 2009 - Donations from Crossway Books & Bibles & Various Authors

From Crossway Books & Bibles:

What Does the Bible Say About That? (ages 8-12)
Hundreds of everyday topics and cartoons spice up this kid-friendly book to assure 8- to 12-year-olds that God’s Word is relevant to their lives.

Most kids don’t realize it, but God’s Word has a lot to say about the things they care about most—and this lively book leaves no doubt about it. Covering more than 300 everyday topics in conversational, engaging, one-page units, 8- to 12-year-olds will get biblical perspective on such topics as: homework, dieting, anger, sports, classmates, the telephone, puberty, careers, siblings, rules, self-confidence, world events, sleep, friendship, nature, movies, embarrassment, tattoos, integrity, and knowing God, plus many more.

Each page of this kid-friendly book illustrates what a particular topic has to do with the Bible, what the Bible says about it, and how the Bible’s teaching applies to readers, so that they begin to understand how relevant God’s Word is to them. And with 200 original cartoons spicing up the presentation, What Does the Bible Say about That? is quite simply an unforgettably fun book for elementary-age kids—and a great conversation-starter for adults who know them.

Big Truths for Young Hearts (ages 9+)
Equips parents to guide their young children through all major doctrines in an understandable, chapter-a-day format.

Sure, it’s easy to teach your children the essentials of Christian theology when you’re a theology professor. But what about the rest of us?

With Big Truths for Little Hearts, Bruce Ware, (you guessed it!) a theology professor, encourages and enables parents of children 6–14 years of age to teach through the whole of systematic theology at a level their children can understand. Parents can teach their children the great truths of the faith and shape their worldviews early, based on these truths.

The book covers ten topics of systematic theology, devoting several brief chapters to each subject, making it possible for parents to read one chapter per day with their children. With this non-intimidating format, parents will be emboldened to be their children’s primary faith trainers—and perhaps learn a few things themselves along the way.

Hymns for a Kid’s Heart, Vol. 1
“My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day.”— Psalm 71:8 (ESV)

In this book, Joni Eareckson Tada and Bobbie Wolgemuth collaborate to help you teach twelve classic hymns to the children you love. With richly orchestrated music, true stories, prayers, and Scripture, Hymns for a Kid’s Heart will feed your child’s soul.

KIDS WILL:

• Be inspired by the true stories of the hymn-writers.
• Connect with tenderly written devotionals.
• Learn to sing twelve classic Christian hymns.
• Practice piano and guitar with printed music.
• Understand more about God’s character and grace.
• Memorize a Bible verse with each hymn.
• Learn to pray along with their singing.

ADULTS WILL:

• Give children a lasting musical treasure.
• Experience the pleasure of filling young hearts with joy.
• Be equipped with the tools to teach children twelve classic hymns.
• Enlighten young people with an understandable theology.
• Enjoy prayer and Bible memorization with kids.

Includes a fully orchestrated CD with children’s voices singing along with Joni and Bobbie and simple piano music with guitar chords.

This is No Fairy Tale (ages 4-8)

From author Joy Delgado:

Zooprize Party book & activity book (child)
How would YOU like living next door to a group of nosy gerenuks? You would, IF it was your birthday. In Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa it s Mori the okapi s birthday. When Sally the zookeeper wishes Mori a Happy Birthday, Lito, the nosiest of all the gerenuks, is listening at the fence between the two exhibits. Follow along as he gets his other neighbor, Elvis the king vulture to help him plan and pull off a surprise party for Mori. Will Mori be surprised? How will all the animals in the zoo get to the party? Find out in: Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa by Rebekha Delgado This entertaining picture book is fully bilingual, English and Spanish, and there is an activity book that can also be purchased to take the story beyond reading.


From author Mary Jane Kelso:

Andy & the Albino Horse and Andy & Spirit Go to the Fair (children)
When Andy takes equine therapy he learns how to cope with his disabilities and searches for ways to get along with a bully at school. By learning about the horse and its own handicaps, Andy begins to see hope for himself and his future. Suggested age 5-12

Andy and Spirit Go to the Fair is the sweet story of a boy and a horse, their bond and loyalty to one another, and the challenges they must face because of being 'different'. K.C. Snider's colorful yet earthy illustrations bring the spirit of the West to life and children will particularly love the beautiful, majestic pictures of the horses. An inspiring tale about overcoming obstacles, this book carries a universal message that will be enjoyed by children and adults alike. --Mayra Calvani, Midwest Book Review Suggested age for readers 5-12

From author Kim McDougall:

Rainbow Sheep (ages 4-10)
Rainbow Sheep is a fiction picture book illustrated with felt ‘paintings.’ The text also includes instructions for two simple felt crafts for kids.

A Talent for Quiet (ages 8-12)
A TALENT FOR QUIET is a fiction picture book illustrated with stunning photography. It includes several pages of tips for kids to take better pictures.

Fairy tales tell about brave princes and beautiful princesses, castles, giants, magic, and other amazing things. But this story doesn’t need any of that. That’s because this story is no fairy tale. But it’s still amazing—and it’s true. This book tells the story of Jesus Christ so you will see him for who he is—not a fairy-tale character, but God’s Son and the one true Savior.

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Aug. 12, 2009 - The end of another great summer of reading!

Wow!  Can you believe that our 10 weeks of reading have come to an end? I'm sad that it's over because I love spending all this extra time with my friends during the summer.  But, just because our summer reading program is over, doesn't mean that you should stop reading! 

On the contrary, I hope that you will continue reading and that you will continue sharing with me.  Remember to send me your book reports, book reviews, poems, and short stories.  I love posting them on my blog!  When you e-mail me, don't forget to include your first name and age. 

Now, because I love sharing books so much, I'm going to tell you about all the great ones that you can win when you go here and tell me how many books you read this summer (you don't have to turn in your reading logs - just have your Mom or Dad help you fill out this form with your information).  I have LOTS of books to give away and I'll do a separate drawing for each one; so be sure to check off the ones you're interested in winning.

Please join me in saying a HUGE THANK YOU to the generous authors and publishers who graciously donated books for our giveaway! I would encourage you to follow the links to their websites in the 3 posts below and check out ALL of their great books.

Don't forget - go here to fill out your information and sign up to win FREE books!  Sign up by August 30th.  Winners will be announced in September.

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Aug. 7, 2009 - Change....

I used to love change when I was younger but as I have gotten older change is NOT something I embrace.  It is just too hard to change, sometimes we just want everything to stay where we are comfortable but in life we are meant to sometimes change.  We are expected to grow in Christ, switch jobs and homes at times, sometimes even towns and states!  I know many of you have moved many times and that can be really HARD.  We have to adapt to the loss of a loved one and the addition of a new one!  Change usually grows us, it moves our lives in a foward direction so we can see all that God has in store for us, but of course it can feel scary at times so we pray for courage before going on.

My life has changed so much since I starting blogging three years ago, wow!  I now have three children that are going to be officially SCHOOL Age, I can't believe it-no more toddlers, babies or preschoolers.  I have truly experienced loss with someone I loved dearly.  She is waiting for me in heaven but it has been quite the adjustment.   I have starting working from home part time for my brother (attorney) and started to review products which I love.  Life is full and busy! 

I felt in order to keep blogging, which I love, I would have to make it easier for me.  Again I hate change but have decided to move my blog, I love homeschoolblogger and love that I have been sharing my life here for three years but felt I needed something that was quicker and easier for myself.  I know homeschoolblogger is about to make many changes and I think it will be great, however I have decided to move on.    So PLEASE come over and see me at   

http://www.homeschoolingandlovingit-angela.blogspot.com

 and subscribe or follow me, I don't want to lose any of you that read my blog!  I am just trying to simplify my life!  I will be able to have my feeder right on my blog to check out my favorite blogs everday and post very quickly!

Many times change in our lives can be a good thing, there is so much in store for us that we can't possibly know about !

 

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