Thursday, October 31, 2013

Pieces of Me by Diana Lynn (Review)

Pieces of Me: Life of a Recovering Dysfunctional

by Diana Lynn

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Autobiographical

Publisher- Diana Kohn

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 114

Age Group- Adult (Women)

Description of book- Paperback ($11.66), Kindle ($9.99), ISBN-13: 978-0615663227, ISBN-10: 0615663222

Diana Lynn has had a lot of difficulties in her life, pregnant at 18, high school dropout, being in an abusive relationship.  She could have become a victim, but she decided to focus and have a fulfilling life.

Her decisions will inspire you to set goals and move forward in your life.

About the Author:

Diana Lynn currently lives in the Seattle-are and is a wife, mother, speaker, and business owner.

My thoughts:  

I don’t think Diana Lynn left anything out of this book.  She put her heart and soul into writing Pieces of Me, so I could could feel inspired and I thank her for that. 

I often feel that I have a great deal to overcome, but it is nothing like what Lynn has dealt with.  If she could do it, I certainly should be able to.  Every time I have problems in my life, I can always come back to this book and renew my spirit with how she listened to and incorporated God into her life.

I recommend this book to women who need hope and inspiration in their darkest hour.

Informational and Purchasing Links:

Diana Lynn’s Website:  www.recoveringdysfunctional.com

Blog:  http://recoveringdysfunctional.blogspot.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/PiecesOfMeLifeofaRecoveringdysfunctional

You can purchase Pieces of Me: Life of a Recovering Dysfunctional on Amazon.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a free copy of Pieces of Me: Life of a Recovering Dysfunctional by Diana Lynn to review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.  I am part of The CWA Review CrewAll links were current when posted.

Rosie’s Doll Clothes Patterns (Schoolhouse Crew Review)

We received Rosie’s Doll Clothes Patterns for review purposes.

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Product Link: Learn How to Make Doll Clothes Video Course with 8 Free Doll Clothes Patterns

Vendor Contact Information: Rosie's Doll Clothes Patterns

Age Appeal: 8 and up

Format: Online video course, PDF downloads of patterns and instructions for American Girl dolls or 18 inch dolls

Price: $47.46 at the time of my review for one year access to six lessons and eight patterns for 18 inch dolls with videos

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Do you like to sew or would you like to learn how to sew doll clothes?  Rosie’s Doll Clothes Patterns is an online video course, which shows you the easiest way to make doll clothes and includes 8 free American Girl doll clothes patterns.  

Some of the things you will learn are:

  • The best fabrics to use.
  • How to sew on Velcro.
  • The best tools to have.
  • How to use different trimmings, like ribbon and buttons.

Our Experience:

We were very blessed when we were chosen to review Rosie’s Doll Clothes Patterns.  This past summer C really wanted to make doll clothes and I didn’t have any patterns, so we improvised.  The outfit Christen made was nothing like the outfits we have made during these past six weeks.  And C was super excited to use these doll patterns.

I decided that it would be best to watch some of the video lessons first and then we would try to make the clothes.  The videos were both long and short, but the detail was incredible.  After we watched some of the lessons we decided we would make the pair of shorts.

I first printed off the pattern and the instructions, then we watched the videos that corresponded with the steps in the instructions.  We did it one step at a time.  I was really glad we did that, because I have never really sewn anything on the sewing machine.  We had a lot of success with the shorts and we also made a sarong and two crop tops.  We are looking forward to making a hat next.

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Mama’s Thoughts:
  • It seems to me as if every time I use a sewing machine that I have problems with it, and this time was no different.  We were able to borrow two sewing machines after ours stopped working, so we were able to keep going.  I had problems with one of the borrowed machines, but fortunately I was able to solve the problems myself.  I liked sewing the clothes on the sewing machine, even though I had problems.  It was a lot faster than sewing by hand.
  • I thought the video lessons were very complete.  I really appreciated that.  It would have been nice if the website could have gone from one video to the next without having to click on different links.  I had a hard time finding the video on casings one time.  I had to look through each week and each section, so it would have been helpful if I could have seen a complete list of all the videos at one time.
  • I liked all of the work that C and B could do themselves.  They just need to keep practicing, so they can pin and cut out the fabric quickly and smoothly. 
  • It took us a long time to do each step, so we only worked on a couple of steps each day.  
  • Our next goal is: as we continue to progress with the different patterns, we need to have a slower machine and a lot more time per day to work on the pattern.

B’s Thoughts (boy, age nine, officially in fourth grade):

I liked watching the videos and cutting out the patterns.  I liked sewing on the machine, because I think sewing on the machine is fun.  You really learn a lot from watching the videos.  I learned how to gather, thread the elastic through the casing, sew the hem, and more.

I think this would be good for children my age and up, boys and girls.

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C’s Thoughts (girl, age seven, officially in second grade): 

I liked Rosie’s Doll Clothes Patterns.  It was fun sewing.  I helped sew the clothes by pushing the foot pedal, ironing, and pinning and cutting.  I liked the videos.  She made it look so easy, but it really wasn’t easy, especially the shirts. 

It would not be good for children younger than me, unless you can sew with a sewing machine.  It would be good for people who have experience with sewing machines. 

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Dad’s Thoughts:

I really enjoyed Rosie's Doll Clothes Patterns website. It is very informative and instructive.  Rosie has done such a great job of laying out her course that anyone from an absolute beginner to a seasoned pro can easily navigate through her videos to find the exact topic they want.  Giving each task it's own video instruction is great as you can focus on that one project and not have to search through a comprehensive video for the specific topic you want.  That also creates shorter videos that make it convenient to stop the lesson and return to it the next day without having to remember the time code where you stopped in an all encompassing video.

While I'm not a tailor (except for the occasional emergency button repair) I could do these lessons because Rosie has done such a thorough job with her course.  Mama & C have done some of the patterns and their finished products look fantastic.  Definitely worth investing in Rosie's Doll Clothes Patterns for the seamstress (or tailor) in the family.

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Mama highly recommends Rosie’s Doll Clothes Patterns, but make sure you know how to use a sewing machine really well first.

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Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Faith-Joseph’s Story: A Novel and Christian Bible Study by Sandra Lea Hardage (Review)

Faith-Joseph’s Story: A Novel and Christian Bible Study

by Sandra Lea Hardage

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Nonfiction

Publisher- CrossBooks

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 320

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- Paperback, $14.99, ISBN: 978-1-4627-2783

Faith-Joseph’s Story, by Sandra Lea Hardage, contains a novel about Joseph and a Bible study.

When Joseph is seventeen his brothers sell him and he goes to live with the Egyptians.  By trusting in God, he is able to face the challenges that a foreign country gives him. 

The other part of the book includes a Bible Study and leader’s guide with topics like, temptations, forgiveness, and bitterness.

About the Author:

Sandra Lea Hardage and her husband have three grown children and eight grandchildren.  She has been a public school teacher, coordinator of different programs, Sunday School teacher, and more.

My thoughts:  Faith-Joseph’s Story, by Sandra Lea Hardage, was unique with the combination of the novel and Bible study.

I have never read a novel/Bible study combination before and I thought Hardage did a wonderful job.  I enjoyed reading Joseph’s story from the first person point-of-view.  It made his story more personal for me.

The Bible study was a great next step after reading his story.  It was very complete and I enjoyed reading the chapters from the Bible, summaries, and lots of thought provoking questions.  I was really glad there was an answer key at the back of the book.  I liked making sure I got the answers correct.

I would recommend this book to everyone who wants to learn more about Joseph and themselves.

Informational and Purchasing Links:

Author website with book trailer: http://sandrahardage.com/faith-josephs-story-a-novelchristian-book-study/

https://twitter.com/myfaithjourney

https://www.facebook.com/MyJourneyOfFaith

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/sandra-hardage/75/812/529

You can purchase FAITH Joseph’s Story on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a free copy of Faith-Joseph’s Story: A Novel and Christian Bible Study by Sandra Lea Hardage to review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.  I am part of The CWA Review CrewAll links were current when posted.

Writings We have Read! - October 29, 2013

Hi everyone!  This week starts our new blog post, where we keep track of the books that we are reading.
This month B and C are participating in our libraries fall reading program, so they have been reading lots of books and hours.
What C read this week:
  • Penny and Her Marble by Kevin Henkes
  • Biscuit and the Lost Teddy Bear by Alyssa Satin Capucilli and illustrated by Pat Schories
  • Flappy and Scrappy by Arthur Yorinks and illustrated by Aleksey and Olga Ivanov
  • The Day the Dinosaurs Died by Charlotte Lewis Brown and illustrated by Phil Wilson (evolutionist point-of-view)
What B read this week:
  • Trapped at Sea (The Hardy Boys, Book 75) by Franklin W. Dixon
  • Bears Life in the Wild by Monica Kulling and illustrated by Jean Cassels
  • Busy Tractors, Busy Days by Lori Haskins Houran
Right now C is reading Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, and B is reading The Great Brain is Back, by John D. Fitzgerald, and illustrated by Diane de Groat.
I am very proud of all of the reading they have been doing. 
We are reading Detectives in Togas, by Henry Winterfield, for history in school.  There was a lot of good information in just the first chapter.
I have been reading:
  • The Bible
  • Faith- Joseph’s Story by Sandra Lea Hardage
  • Letter’s from Ruby by Adam Thomas
I hope you all have a wonderful week of reading. 

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Diary of a Real Payne Book 1: True Story by Annie Tipton from Barbour Publishing (Schoolhouse Review)

We received the Diary of a Real Payne Book 1: True Story by Annie Tipton from Barbour Publishing for review purposes.

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Product Link: Diary of a Real Payne Book 1: True Story

Vendor Contact Information: Barbour Publishing

Age Appeal: 8-12

Format: paperback, 192 pages, ISBN: 978-1-62416-131-5

Price: $5.99

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Emma Jean Payne (EJ) finds her town of Spooner, Wisconsin boring and she can’t wait to leave when she is a grownup.  When she becomes the lead angel in the Christmas pageant, she learns that Spooner isn’t that boring and God has big things for her to do.

This book has drawings at the beginning of each chapter, diary entries, and EJ’s incredible imagination, which sometimes gets her in trouble.

Our Experience:

We enjoy reading books together and this book was an excellent one to read.  The children thought it was fun to read.  I enjoyed watching their faces and hearing them laugh as we read about EJ’s antics.  I thought it was funny too.  We would read a chapter or two each time we sat down.  We all wanted the book to last as long as we could, but we also wanted to keep reading.  I had to finish the book, before I finished reading it to the children, because I kept reading reading silently when I should have been reading aloud.  I even had a hard time not reading silently when I finished reading the book to B and C.  It was that good. 

I Liked:
  • I liked the message Annie Tipton was portraying: God has big things for EJ to do in Spooner, Wisconsin.  EJ had the chance to do big things and it really made her happy.  It also made her realize that her town wasn’t as boring as she thought.  A great message for B and C to learn.
  • The diary entries before each chapter always made us laugh.  They were a great start to each chapter.  I could really see the ten-year-old girl in each entry.
  • This would be an excellent book in any school or public library, because while God plays a major part in this book he is not overstated.
  • The adults, EJ’s parents and Mrs. Winkle, were awesome.  They showed great Christian strength.

I Disliked:

  • It would have been helpful if there was a table of contents

What B (boy, age nine, officially in fourth grade) Liked and Disliked:

I liked Diary of a Real Payne Book 1: True Story.  I thought it was a very, very good book.  My favorite chapter was, “Caution Flag,” because I liked when EJ went racing in the store.  I liked the diary entries too.  There was a good combination of diary entries and chapters.  There was nothing to dislike.

I think this book is great for kids of all ages.

What C (girl, age seven, officially in second grade) Liked and Disliked: 

I liked the pictures.  I liked the whole entire book.  EJ learned it was more important to give to others than to get.  My favorite chapter was “Code Christmas.”  I also liked the chapter, “Caution Flag. 

It is good for people of all ages.   

Dad’s Call:

I enjoyed the story of EJ Payne.  It combined humor, creativity, faith, and family values into a book to be enjoyed by all family members. Christian faith was worked into the storyline in such a way that it just flowed and integrated well with all of the other activities happening.  It was as natural to discuss praying as it was to discuss the dinner menu. Even though EJ's father was a pastor the view point of the Payne family  was always one of "love thy neighbor".  That really brought the story together in the final chapters.

The  highlights of the story were EJ's parents and Mrs. Winkle, their neighbor, encouraging EJ's daydream creativity even though she gets carried away sometimes. They do suggest moderation but they don't quell it altogether. That's something that we need to promote more of in our children today. The other highlight was when EJ and her family decided to give up something that's special to them in order to help others in need.

Diary of A Real Payne Book 1: True Story is one to add to your personal collection and would make for great read aloud family time.

Mama highly recommends Diary of a Real Payne Book 1: True Story by Annie Tipton from Barbour PublishingPhotobucket

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Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Read Aloud Challenge- October 22, 2013

We have not been reading aloud as much as I would like to during our days, so next week I am going to change the name of this post.  The new name of the post is, “Reading Challenge.”  In this post I will list the books the children have been reading to themselves and what I have been reading to them. 

C finished listening to Anne of Avonlea by L. M. Montgomery.  I think she really enjoyed listening to it. 

We took a drive a week ago and listened to Stallion by Starlight, by Mary Pope Osborne.  It was about Alexander the Great when he was a child.  We really enjoyed learning about him.

For fun we are reading Diary of a Real Payne Book 1: True Story, by Annie Tipton.  This book has had the children begging for more.  I will be posting a review in the next couple of days.

We recently did a unit study about George Washington and I just happened to come across, Revolutionary Friends: General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette, by Selene Castrovilla.  This was a wonderful picture book and a great conclusion to our unit study.

Unfortunately that is all we have read this past week.  So next week I am going to try to read more to the children and I will mention what the children have been reading.

Have a wonderful week!

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Early Edition magazine from God’s World News (Schoolhouse Crew Review)

We received the Early Edition from God’s World News for review purposes.

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Product Link: Early Edition (Gr 1-2)

Vendor Contact Information: God's World News

Age Appeal: 6-8 (1st & 2nd grade)

Format: magazine through the mail

Price: $28.00 for 10 issues

Are you looking for a magazine that tells about world news from a Biblical point-of-view for first and second graders?  Look no further than Early Edition from God’s World News!

A subscription to this magazine includes a map and ten issues of the magazine.  Each issue of the magazine contains articles, Bible verses, and activities for the children.  There is also a website for the children which has more information and activities.

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Our Experience:

We chose Early Edition, because I wanted something more for C’s grade level and there were more activities to do.  We had a lot of fun reading the magazine together, learning the Bible verses, and exploring the website for Early Edition

I decided to take our Bible study time in school and make it both Bible study and current events.  We would read the articles in the magazine and do the activity pages if we came across them. 

I Liked:
  • I liked how interested B was in reading the magazines.  He would sit there and read them.  It wasn’t enough information for him though, he wanted more.
  • It was a perfect magazine for C.  She had more fun exploring the website than reading the magazine.  She would select the article and have me read it to her.
  • I personally thought that there could have been more information for first and second graders.  C liked the amount though, so if a second grader liked it, then I guess it did not need more information.
  • The photography was excellent and the puzzles and activities were intriguing and challenging.
  • I thought the website for children was well designed and contained a lot of information.  It had people (biographies), science, creation, games, and more.  Each article had multiple photographs, Bible verses, and some of them had quizzes.  It is a website that I feel safe letting my children explore on their own.

I Disliked:

  • I enjoyed everything!

What B (boy, age nine, officially in fourth grade) Liked and Disliked:

I liked Early Edition,  although it could contain more information in each article.  I liked learning about different things all over the world.  I do not recommend this magazine for kids my age.  I think it would be perfect for second grade and younger. 

What C (girl, age seven, officially in second grade) Liked and Disliked: 

It is good for kids my age and younger.  I liked the games and reading the stories.  It was fun learning things in the news.  I liked learning about Carmelo Flores Laura, because he was 123 years-old and didn’t use a cane.  I loved the kid’s section on the website.  It was fun to look up past articles.

Dad’s Call:

God's World News Early Edition magazine for 1st  & 2nd graders gives a visually appealing first impression.  When you look through the magazine there are a variety of story topics from around the world that fill the pages.  They also have games and activities found on the “Puzzling Time” pages for the kids to do.  I like that many of the articles have  added scripture that specifically relates to that story.  Each story is accompanied with a picture (or pictures) adding depth to each article.  The staff pay attention to detail and the final product shows it.

The one thing I'm not overly excited about the magazine is the length of the majority of the stories.  There are one or two main stories that get a considerable amount of space (up to two pages) but the rest are simply a few paragraphs.  The Early Edition is for children ages 6-8 but I think they can handle, and may want, longer articles.  I understand that it's to keep up the attention span but I think we give our kids not enough credit when it comes to stretching their reading abilities.

Overall, I enjoyed the three issues that we have received as well as the online content that's available with a subscription.  The rates are reasonable and the content is enjoyable.  God's World News Early Edition magazine is worth looking into for your kids.

Mama recommends Early Edition from God’s World News.

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Picture of the Week- October 20, 2013

This fall couldn’t be better!

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Thursday, October 17, 2013

The Reichenbach Problem by Martin Allison Booth (Review)

The Reichenbach Problem (Reichenbach Trilogy)

By Martin Allison Booth

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Fiction / Christian / Mystery

Published by- Lion Hudson

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 368

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-1-78264-016-5

Sherlock Holmes has gotten too popular and Conan Doyle is tired of all the attention he has been getting.  Doyle decides to go to Reichenbach Falls, Switzerland for some peace.  Unfortunately even there he is unable to find some peace.

Peter Brown, a tourist is murdered, and soon everyone thinks Doyle is the murderer.  Another hotel guest thinks that he is the embodiment of Holmes, and causes a lot of trouble.  The local priest says he will help him, but does he?

About the Author-

Martin Allison Booth is a parish priest and has been a fan of Conan Doyle for a long time.  He has a career in broadcasting, as a script writer, editor, producer, and commissioning executive for the BBC and ITV.

My thoughts-

I had a hard time becoming interested in The Reichenbach Problem, by Martin Allison Booth.  Once I got past the first couple of chapters though, I really began to enjoy the characters and story.

I thought it was creative to have Conan Doyle as a character and have him feel the need to solve the mysterious death of a fellow hotel guest.  I never would have thought to use Doyle as a detective, like his character, Sherlock Holmes.  It even made it more intriguing when another guest thought he was Holmes and pointed his finger at Doyle for the murder.

The descriptions of the area, characters, and dialogue made this book hard to put down.  My favorite characters were Doyle and Father Vernon.  I enjoyed reading their conversations about religion and God.  They learned a lot from each other.

I will definitely read the next one.  I can’t wait for it.  I recommend this one to all mystery lovers.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Reichenbach Problem by Martin Allison Booth for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Read Aloud Challenge- October 16, 2013

We have been having fun listening and reading to stories this past week.

C has been reading aloud to me this past week out of her own books!  I am excited to hear her improvement.

The three of us are no longer listening to Anne of Avonlea by L. M. Montgomery.  B didn’t want to listen to it anymore.  We took a drive on Tuesday and listened to Stallion by Starlight, by Mary Pope Osborne.  It was about Alexander the Great.

For fun we are reading Diary of a Real Payne Book 1: True Story, by Annie Tipton.  This book has the children begging for more.  The review will be coming between October 18-25, so tune in then.

We haven’t been reading aloud as much as I would like to, the days just go by so quickly.  It seems as if we run out of time to read aloud.  Have a wonderful week!

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Starter Chess Learning Kit from Chess House (Schoolhouse Crew Review)

We received the Starter Chess Learning Kit from Chess House for review purposes.

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Product Link: Starter Chess Learning Kit

Vendor Contact Information: Chess House

Age Appeal: Ideally for those 6-12 of age

Format: DVD and chess set (with roll-up mat and case)

Price: $39.95 plus shipping

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Are you looking for a fun easy way for your children to learn chess? 

Have look at Chess House’s Starter Chess Learning Kit.  It contains a 49 minute video (“Pawn Level”) where Chris Elliott will teach your family the names of the chess pieces, how much they are worth, and some basic moves.  You will also receive a durable chess set, roll-up chessboard, and a carrying case that holds everything.

Our Experience:

I have played chess a couple of times and the children played their own version of chess.  I knew Chess House’s Starter Chess Learning Kit would be perfect for B and C.

When we got the kit in the mail, the children were really excited.  We had to sit down and watch the video and try to play the game.  B was more into playing the game than C, so B and I played together.  C enjoyed playing the simple activities that were shown in the booklet that came from the DVD.  She would also play games with B.  Dad even had time to watch the DVD and play the game with us.

This is a game I know we will play for years to come.

I Liked:

  • I liked the instructions on the video.  I enjoyed learning about the different chess pieces, how much they were worth, and some strategies.  My favorite strategy was castling.  It worked well for me.
  • I liked how much B learned from watching the video and how he applied it when he played with me.  He was a lot better than I expected him to be.

I Disliked:

  • I enjoyed everything!

What B (boy, age nine, officially in fourth grade) Liked and Disliked:

It is a very good product if you would like to learn chess.  I liked watching the video and playing chess.  I thought the roll-up chessboard was pretty neat.  We could take it anywhere.  It was really fun.  I was disappointed when when we had finished the video, I wanted to learn more.

I think this product is good for kids and adults of all ages.

What C (girl, age seven, officially in second grade) Liked and Disliked:

It was fun playing chess.  I liked watching the video and learning how to play chess.  It is good for people of all ages.

Dad’s Call:

I have not played chess before and I found Elliot Neff's Chess School instructional video (for beginners) easy to follow, understand and successfully play the game of chess. When I saw the travel chess set I was impressed with the quality of the case. The game pieces were nicely tucked away in their own pockets, one for black and one for white. The game board is an easy to unroll and roll up mat marked with the alphanumeric numbers for game play. The chess pieces are plastic and stay in place quit well. I also liked the size of the pieces as they were clearly indeed for children to easily use.

The instructional video is professionally done and is broken down into short segments about each piece, the game setup, and a few strategies for playing. Elliot spoke clearly during his instructions and made the information as simple as possible. They also used a computer generated game board to add illustration for Elliot's topics. B & C followed along rather easily and enjoyed Elliot's videos as well.

The one downside I saw to the videos is during the computer generated board shots. There was inconsistency in using red or green to highlight pieces, board squares, and moves. It would have been better if green had been used for identifying pieces, squares and appropriate piece moves and red used for incorrect moves, incorrect pieces and just in general not following game rules. Fix that and Elliot Neff's Chess School will be a solid checkmate for instructing beginning chess players. Even without the color fix your kids' understanding of chess rules and game play will be as clear as knight and day.

Mama highly recommends Starter Chess Learning Kit from Chess House.

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Friday, October 11, 2013

40 Days of Grace by Rich Miller (Review)

40 Days of Grace: Discovering God’s Liberating Love

By Rich Miller

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Bible Study / Nonfiction / Christian Living

Published by- Monarch Books

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 256

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $13.99, ISBN 978-0-85721-443-0

Do you have a hard time believing the grace that God has given you?  Forty days of Bible studies are available in 40 Days of Grace, by Rich Miller.  Divided into six weeks this book contains sections on:

  • “Amazing Grace”
  • “Canceling the Guilt Trip”
  • “From Disgrace to Grace”
  • “From Fear to Faith”
  • “The Power of Humility”
  • ‘The “Grace-Rest” Life’

Be entertained and informed while learning how to live a grace-filled life.

About the Author-

Rich Miller currently lives with his wife in North Carolina.  They have four adult children.  He has authored and co-authored 25 books and discipleship manuals.  He has worked with Freedom in Christ Ministries since 1993.

My thoughts-

I thought this book was very engaging and a joy to read.  I learned about the grace God has given us and how we shouldn’t feel guilty about it or our past. 

I liked the titles for both the week and for the daily studies, because now I can go back to the studies when I need encouragement.  I also liked the set-up of each daily study.  I would read the study, then the extras, “A Thought to Chew On,” A Truth to Remember,” “A Question to Mull Over,” and “Talking it Over with God.” 

I plan on sharing this book with friends and family.  Rich Miller has shown us that we all need to know the grace that God has given us.  I highly recommend this book.  Pick up a copy at your favorite book provider (or store) today!

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received 40 Days of Grace: Discovering God’s Liberating Love by Rich Miller for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

George Washington: True Patriot from YWAM Publishing (Schoolhouse Crew Review)

We received George Washington: True Patriot, by Janet & Geoff Benge, from YWAM Publishing for review purposes.

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Product Link:

George Washington: True Patriot
George Washington: Unit Study Curriculum Guide

Vendor Contact Information: YWAM Publishing

Age Appeal: 10 and up

Format: George Washington: True Patriot (224 pages in paperback, Kindle, or Nook), George Washington: Unit Study Curriculum Guide (64 pages in paperback only)

Price: $6.99 for George Washington: True Patriot, $7.49 for the George Washington: Unit Study Curriculum Guide

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Are you looking for a readable book and unit study to help your children learn more about one of our Founding Fathers, George Washington?

Look no further than George Washington: True Patriot and George Washington: Unit Study Curriculum Guide.  The book contains George Washington’s life from his childhood to his military campaigns to his death.  The unit study contains many different activities, like key quotes, field trip ideas, chapter questions, and more.

Our Experience:

B and C love history, especially American history.  I was excited to be able to bring them a book and unit study about George Washington.  We have studied him before, but we have not studied him in the detail that this book enabled us to.

We spent a lot of time reading this book.  It was a lot longer than I thought it would be, but it was very informational and fun to read.  After we read each chapter I would ask B and C the chapter questions.  I waited until we finished reading the book to work on the other activities.  We worked on the art activities, made a display of items relating to George Washington, and more.

I Liked:

  • B and C really enjoyed the book.  They were always wanting me to read more.
  • B and C had fun with the art activities and making a display of items relating to George Washington.
  • I liked the detail of the book.  The children were able to learn a lot about George Washington.
  • The unit study contained a lot of activities that we were able to do.  There were a lot of activities left that we will be able to do them when the children are older.

I Disliked:

  • I disliked nothing!

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What B (boy, age nine, officially in fourth grade) Liked and Disliked:

It was a good story if you would like to learn about George Washington.  I liked the part about George Washington and Lafayette.  The unit study was also pretty fun.  It would be good for kids my age and older.

What C (girl, age seven, officially in second grade) Liked and Disliked:

I liked the book.  It was a very, very good story.  It would be good for kids my age and older.

Dad’s Call:

I enjoyed Heroes of History George Washington: True Patriot. It's an e-book that is written for ages 10 and up, not because of any graphic battles or other scenes but simply because some of the themes would be a little difficult for younger child to comprehend.  It is an easy read that provides details of George Washington's life from his early childhood to the time after he was President of the United States.

Janet & Geoff Benge did a wonderful job of detailing George Washington's life that keeps the reader wanting more.  The happy times of George's early childhood to the difficult and trying times of the Revolutionary War to diplomatic issues of being president.  Janet & Geoff cover all the major events of Washington's life and that's what makes this a great place to start learning about our first president for our children.

Dad did not have time to look at the George Washington: Unit Study Curriculum Guide.

Mama highly recommends George Washington: True Patriot from YWAM Publishing! 

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Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Zondervan’s KJV Homeschool Mom’s Bible (Schoolhouse Crew Review)

We received Zondervan’s KJV Homeschool Mom’s Bible for review purposes.

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Product Link: KJV - http://zondervan.com/9780310431473

Vendor Contact Information: Zondervan

Age Appeal: Adult (Homeschool Moms)

Format: hardback book (ISBN: 978-0-310-43147-3)

Price: $34.99

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Zondervan’s KJV Homeschool Mom’s Bible has 365 daily devotions written by Janet Tatman, who has more than 25 years of homeschooling experience.  Some subjects included are rest, money, pride, and many more.  There is a forward written by Vickie Farris, author and homeschool mom.  At the end of the Bible is a Topical Index.

Our Experience:

I was very interested in this style of Bible.  I have read Bibles with studies in them before and since I am a homeschool mom I thought this one would be perfect.  I would have a new Bible and Bible Study together. 

I had decided that I would read all of the daily readings, so I could give you the best review possible.  I did read them all and I can’t wait to read them again as part of my daily Bible study.  I also enjoyed having a topical index.  I can go back and pick the topic when I need specific encouragement.  I also have a list of my favorite devotions, so I can go back when I need to.

I also had Dad look at the Bible, so he could give his opinion from a dad’s point of view.

I Liked:

  • I liked the description on the back of the Bible.  It described exactly what I found in the Bible.  I also thought the cover was pretty and eye-catching.
  • I liked how much Janet Tatman put her heart and soul into this book.  Each day of the Bible study had her own personal experiences and I felt that I learned about her parenting and teaching styles.
  • I liked how it could teach me about different ways to help my children grow as I teach them as a parent or a teacher.

I Disliked:

  • I wish there would have been more scripture involvement with the Bible.  The first verse could have been one that the reader had to look up.
  • I also wished sometimes that the personal stories had been finished, so I would have known how to deal with a similar situation.

What B (boy, age nine, officially in fourth grade) Liked and Disliked:

B did not take part in this review, because this Bible was for moms.

What C (girl, age seven, officially in second grade) Liked and Disliked:

C did not take part in this review, because this Bible was for moms.

Dad’s Call:

There is a growing trend to have bibles with devotionals or short one page articles using scripture to address a particular issue.  Janet Tatman has done this with The KJV Homeschool Mom's Bible.  The 365 devotionals (one a day) provide guidance, comfort, reassurance, and strength to Moms who homeschool.  This can be a big help when the day isn't going when the kids having an off day or even if the husband is off in his own little world not giving full support (or attention) to her.

The devotions address such topics as children, cheating, laziness, joy, rest, service, traditions, questions and more.  There is a topical index that alphabetically lists the many topics and tells you on which page or pages you can find them for quick look-ups.  Each devotional also has a prayer at the end and tells you the page number for where you can find the next day’s devotion.  This is a handy feature.

If you homeschool this would be a great addition to your library to support those facing the daily challenges of not only raising children but educating them as well. Janet Tatman did a fantastic job with The KJV Homeschool Mom's Bible. Get your copy today.

Mama highly recommends KJV Homeschool Mom’s Bible from Zondervan! 

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Read Aloud Challenge- October 8, 2013

We have been having fun listening and reading to stories this past week.

I am having C read to me every day for twenty minutes.  She is currently reading Princess Posey and the Tiny Treasure, by Stephanie Greene, and illustrated by, Stephanie Roth Sisson.  She doesn’t like reading it to me though, so I might have to read it to myself and let her find the books she wants to read to me.

C has also been listening to CDs in her room.  She is listening to some of the Magic Tree House books this week.  I don’t think B is listening to anything in his room right now.  The three of us are listening to Anne of Avonlea by L. M. Montgomery.  We have been listening to it when we drive places.

For fun we are reading Diary of a Real Payne Book 1: True Story, by Annie Tipton.  This book has the children begging for more.  The review will be coming between October 18-25, so tune in then.

I also read some pictures books to the children this week:

  • When Stravinsky met Nijinsky by Lauren Stringer
  • Daredevil: The Daring Life of Betty Skelton by Meghan McCarthy (an awesome book)
  • Thunderstorm by Arthur Geisert (another awesome book)
  • Water in the Park: A book about water & the times of the day by Emily Jenkins and illustrated by Stephanie Graegin

We haven’t been reading aloud as much as I would like to, but it is an improvement over the summer.  Have a wonderful week.

Picture of the Week!- October 8, 2013

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This is Buffalo Bill’s childhood home.  Do you know where it is located?

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Read Aloud Challenge- October 1, 2013

We have been having fun listening and reading to stories this past week.

I am having C read to me every day for twenty minutes.  She is currently reading Princess Posey and the Tiny Treasure, by Stephanie Greene, and illustrated by, Stephanie Roth Sisson.  It is about a young girl, Posey, who gets a tiny stuffed pig who clips on her finger.  She takes it to school, where her teacher has to take it away, because of the consequences rule. 

C has also been listening to CDs in her room.  She is listening to some of the Boxcar Children this week.  I don’t think B is listening to anything in his room right now.  The three of us are listening to Anne of Avonlea by L. M. Montgomery.  I wanted a good book to listen to while we eat instead of always watching television.  We haven’t been listening to it while we eat, but we have been listening to it when we drive around.

For fun we are reading Diary of a Real Payne Book 1: True Story, by Annie Tipton.  This book has the children begging for more.  The review will be coming between October 18-25, so tune in then.

We haven’t been reading aloud as much as I would like to, but it is an improvement over the summer.  Have a wonderful week.