Wordless Wednesday- December 26

I’m coming to get You.

Thankful for Good Roads and Weather

This is the time of year that we make our yearly winter trek to the home ranch.  We need to go through three different states, and this time of year the weather can be horrible.  We have never had roads so bad that we couldn’t travel to our hometown, but we have gotten stuck in town when we got here.  That was a really interesting trip, because our Christmas lunch consisted of burritos from the gas station and we had a flat tire.  That was our most interesting trip.
Our trip this year was great.  We were able to go on our usual route and the weather was great.  It was sunny and in the 30’s.  We almost beat our record time.  I have to say that the older the kids get the faster the trip becomes.  I’m glad we don’t have so many bathroom stops.  I am very grateful for my kids and my sisters and my husband who have traveled the roads with me.

Christmas Caroling and Other Things

We recently went Christmas caroling at a senior housing center with my sister’s 4-H club.  It was a lot of fun.  I don’t know how often you sing Christmas songs, but it was evident that my children and I need to work on singing the carols and songs, not just listen to the instrumental music on NPR.
I have never really thought that there was anything lacking in our homeschooling and this is one of those things.  We need to be practicing singing the songs for the season that we are in.  Singing Christmas songs and carols was one of the best parts of going to our rural country school.  I can still remember parts of our Christmas programs too. 
This is one of the times that I think that my children would have a lot of fun going to public school.  We have been talking recently about how it would be to go to either a country school or a larger school in town.  They have decided that they wouldn’t like it, especially since they feel there would be a lack of history and there would be no Bible study.  I never knew how much those things meant to them.  I am glad to know they treasure Bible studies and Jesus, which is so important this time of year.  God bless you.

Wordless Wednesday- December 19

Winter in the United States!

Nice to be Home

Each year at this time we make our trip across Iowa, Nebraska, and Wyoming to the home ranch.  I was surprised this year at how brown the grass was.  It started in western Iowa and never stopped.  It was brown even in the ditches.  This year all I want for Christmas is for these areas to get the precipitation they need.  I know in some parts of Iowa they are 10-12 inches below average.

 

 

 

 

 

SchoolhouseTeachers.com (Schoolhouse Review Crew)

Product: SchoolhouseTeachers.com

Vendor Contact Information: The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, owner

Age Appeal: Pre-k to high school

Format: Online content, uses PDFs and video

Price: $1.00 for the first month then $5.95 per month or one year regularly $64.26 U.S. price.  Pay with Paypal or credit card.  Please go to the SchoolhouseTeachers.com website for other options.

Are you looking for:

SchoolhouseTeachers.com is a online website that provides over 25 different subjects using videos, lessons plans, worksheets, lapbooks, unit studies, and more!  There are daily and weekly lessons divided into family, high school, middle school, and elementary school. 

Some subjects are: Spanish, French, math, chemistry, guitar, economics, writing, and film making. 

Our Experience:
I was excited to review SchoolhouseTeachers.com, because I knew how much we could use it. The first thing the children and I did was to explore the “Dailies” section and “Pre-K/Elementary” section.  We decided we would work on “Daily Grammar”, Elementary Math, French, “This Day in History,” “Daily Math,” and “Everyday Explorers: U.S.A.”  These are the subjects which our curriculum doesn’t cover at this point in time.

I found that I was able to go back into the archives and find the beginning French lessons, which we worked on first.  I also did the same with the math, because B and C work with different grade levels.  B’s favorite was “This Day in History” and C’s was “Daily Grammar.”

What I Liked:

• Perfect for when you aren’t feeling well and the kids need independent work to do.
• This website isn’t just for homeschoolers.  Any family can use this for their children when they need extra help in school or the subject matter isn’t covered.
• There are all of the subjects covered that would be in the public school and more.
• The new monthly checklists.

What I Disliked:

• The “Daily Grammar Lessons” needed answers, I wasn’t always sure what the correct answer was.
• All the ink and paper used when printing worksheets.

What B (boy, age nine, officially in third grade) Likes and Dislikes: I liked “This Day in History.”  It was fun knowing what happened that day in history.  I liked the “Daily Grammar.”   It was fun, but there were no answers.  The “Daily Explorers: USA” was fun, but you can’t go back and get the explorer packs to do the activities.  The weekly math lessons were fun too, they weren’t too hard and they weren’t too easy.  I liked this website. 

What C (girl, age seven, officially in first grade) Likes and Dislikes: I liked the “Daily Grammar” section and the math.  

Dad's Call: The first impression I had of SchoolHouseTeachers.com was one of professionalism and ease of use of their site. The categories are clear and well presented. No need to get frustrated trying to find your topic.

The Teachers section is phenomenal, professional photos with excellent write ups of their credentials and experience. I give SchoolHouseTeachers.com an A+ with extra credit points.

Momma would definitely recommend.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this product through the Schoolhouse Review Crew in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.  All links were current when posted.

Growing Great Kids by Kate Battistelli

Genre- Religion / Christian Life / Personal Growth

Published by- Charisma House

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 240

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-1616386542

 

 

 

Growing Great Kids by Kate Battistelli uses examples of how she and her husband, Mike, raised their daughter Francesca.

Parents need to take an active role in raising their children to be the best they can be.  And some of the ways parents can do that is by having goals, realizing their children’s potential, not using sarcasm, and being involved.

This book will help guide the reader to raise successful children.

About the Author-

Kate Battistelli is a wife of Mike, mother of Francesca (Christian contemporary singer-songwriter), grandmother, former Broadway actress, author, and speaker.

She currently volunteers at ESTHER Single Mothers Outreach.

Learn more about Kate at:  http://katebattistelli.com/about-me/meet-kate/

Kate's website: http://katebattistelli.com/

Kate on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/KateBattistelli

Kate on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/katebattistelli

My thoughts-

I want to have great children and I feel that if I follow the ideas given by Kate Battistelli that I will be able to help them reach their full potential.

This was not a book on disciplining children, but about how to help them to be able to reach their dreams.  So many people today are living apathetic lives and it is our job as parents to instill passion and life I into our children.  We can do it by helping our children reach for the stars.

I need to realize what they are good at, encourage it, help them set goals, set a standard of excellence, and help them be realistic.  Kate Battistelli used examples of what she and her husband did with their daughter, Francesca, and it helped me know exactly what to do with my children.

I really enjoyed learning from this book.  It is a wonderful resource.  I want my children to be the best.  Please pick up a copy today to help your children reach their life long goals.

You  can buy discounted and personally autographed copies here.

Or purchase online at:

Amazon, Christianbook.com, Barnes&Noble or your favorite online retailer.

Disclosure of Material Connection-  I received a free copy of Growing Great Kids by Kate Battistelli 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 Crew.   All links were current when posted.

Amazing Love by K. Dawn Byrd

Genre- Christian Fiction

Published by- Sword of the Spirit Publishing

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 249

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- Kindle format (581 KB), listed price- $4.99, ISBN 978-1-9392190-2-2

 

Based on the Bible story about Hosea and Gomer, Amazing Love is a contemporary version. 

Gabe Knight is a pastor in a small town and his life isn’t the same after Dee Dillow arrives.  Gabe falls in love with her, but then he learns she is a call girl and a part-owner of a brothel in Nevada.  He hears the voice of God telling him to marry Dee.  He can’t believe it, but he choses to become happily married to her.  Gabe learns in their marriage trials that it is hard to have the same unconditional love that God has for us. 

Will Gabe still be able to love Dee after she betrays him?

About the Author-

K. Dawn Byrd is married and writes inspirational historical, suspense, romance, and young adult novels.  She enjoys chocolate, pets, reading, and writing.

You can reach K. Dawn Byrd at:

Blog: www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com

Twitter: kdawnbyrd

Pintirest: kdawnbyrd

Facebook: kdawnbyrd

My thoughts-

This book was packed with emotions, passion, and deceit.  While it was full of those things sometimes I felt it dragged and I was wondering when their life together would end or be happily ever after.

I did like how the book was a contemporary version of Hosea and Gomer.  I enjoy reading contemporary versions of Bible stories, because it helps me understand it better and it gives me a greater desire to read the Bible and learn more.

Gabe I feel is one of those rare people who hears God speak to him.  I personally don’t know of anyone who has had God talk to them and he hasn’t talk to me.  It must be a book thing.  I admire Gabe for sticking with Dee, even though he didn’t always want to. 

This book is good.  I recommend it.

You can buy this book on Amazon.

Disclosure of Material Connection-  I received a free copy of Amazing Love by K. Dawn Byrd 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 Crew.   All links were current when posted.

Explore Meteor Crater and Petrified Forest with Noah Justice- DVD and Study Guide

Series- Awesome Science

Genre- RELIGION/ Christian Education/ General, RELIGION/ Religion & Science

Author- Kyle Justice

Published by- Master Books, A Division of New Leaf Publishing Group

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- Study Guide is 36 pages

Age Group- All ages

Description of book- DVD (list price $14.99 and 30 minutes in length), Study Guide ($3.99 and ISBN: 978-0-89051-656-0)

Hosted by 14-year-old Noah Justice and produced by Kyle Justice this video allows you to take a journey to Arizona’s Meteor Crater and Petrified Forest National Park

Noah Justice discusses:

• The Grand Staircase and Noah’s Flood.
• Fossilized Dinosaurs.
• Shoemaker’s Theory.

He always makes sure to reference the Bible along with scientific evidence.

The corresponding study guide is full of extra activities which enhance the video.

About the Author-

Kyle Justice has produced the Awesome Science series with his son Noah as the host and Noah’s younger brother helping with video editing and their website.  Kyle Justice’s work has appeared on the National Geographic network, ESPN and the Outdoor Channel.

My Thoughts-

My family and I have watched this video several times and we have enjoyed it each time.

It is amazing to me that evolution can still be believed after all the evidence that has been shown against it.  This is a video that should be shown in all science classes.  People need to learn about some of the other viewpoints and theories.  I have always known there was more to Noah’s Flood and it can be proven with the Mount St. Helen’s eruption.

The study guide was very useful.  There were True or False, fill-in-the-blank, and discussion questions, which helped strengthen the information in the video.

I liked this video and study guide, so did my family.  I recommend that all homeschooling families and other people who want to learn about science from a creationist point-of-view.  Pick up a copy today!

Disclosure- I received Explore Meteor Crater and Petrified Forest by Kyle Justice for free from Master Books.  All links were current when posted.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I’m disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Stargazer’s Guide to the Night Sky by Dr. Jason Lisle

Genre- RELIGION/ Religion & Science, SCIENCE/ Astronomy

Author- Dr. Jason Lisle

Published by- Master Books, A Division of New Leaf Publishing Group

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 240

Age Group- All ages (young children will like the pictures and readers will enjoy learning)

Description of book- hardback, list price $34.99, ISBN: 978-0-89051-641-6

Do you like looking at the stars and the night sky?  Do you want to learn more about the entire night sky?  This book will help you learn all that you want and need.

You will:

• Learn how to choose the best telescope.
• Explore 150 full-color illustrations.
• Learn about different celestial events such as, eclipses, meteor showers, and solar system dust.

Read this book, then check out the night sky.

Link to Preview.

About the Author-

Dr. Jason Lisle is a creation scientist who discusses topics such as Einstein’s relativity, problems with the big bang, astronomy, and dinosaurs.  He has a PhD in Astro-physics and is the Director of Research for the Institute for Creation Research.  You can reach Dr. Jason Lisle at his website www.icr.org.

 

My Thoughts-

I thought this book had wonderful pictures and information.  My son and I had fun looking at the book together.  We learned about the analema, Haley’s Comet, eclipses, sun dogs, and moon dogs.  I know that we will use this book for many years to come.

My favorite chapter is the one about astronomy with the unaided eye.  One of the best parts was all the diagrams of the night skies.  I’m glad I live in the Northern Hemisphere, because the diagrams were geared towards those living at mid-northern latitudes.

There was a lot of great information in this entire book for an amateur astronomer.  The chapter on astrophotography was one that I need to share with my sister, because she enjoys taking pictures of the night sky.

This book would be useful for homeschoolers and amateur astronomers.  I highly recommend this book.

Disclosure- I received The Stargazer’s Guide to the Night Sky by Dr. Jason Lisle for free from Master Books.  All links were current when posted.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I’m disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Evolution Impossible by Dr. John F. Ashton

Genre- SCIENCE/General, JUVENILE NONFICTION/ Science &Nature/General

Author- Dr. John F. Ashton

Published by- Master Books, A Division of New Leaf Publishing Group

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 208

Age Group- Back of the book says Juvenile, but I would say 13 and up for best comprehension

Description of book- paperback, list price $13.99, ISBN: 978-0-89051-681-2

In fourteen chapters Dr. John Ashton explains why Darwin’s theory of evolution simply is not true. 

The reader learns:

• How living cells are not by chance and new organisms cannot evolve by mutations.
• How there is geological proof of a global flood.
• How radiometric dating methods are inaccurate.

Link to Preview.

 

About the Author-

Dr. John F. Ashton currently lives in Melbourne, Australia.  He has been an editor and researcher for creationist books.  He is an adjunct professor of biomedical sciences and applied sciences .

 

 

My Thoughts-

This book says it goes under Juvenile Non-fiction, but I don’t agree.  There are many technical terms and some of the material was difficult for me to understand.

I was surprised when I learned about how many scientists know that the flood did happen and the earth is not millions of years old.  If so many scientists know, then why don’t more of us know it, especially Christians.

I enjoyed chapter 14 and the list of twelve reasons for rejecting evolution.  It really helped to bring the whole book together.

This book may be hard for someone to read and enjoy if they have preconceived notions and are unable to change.  If people are open to change this book is great.  We all need this book though, because time and time again evolution is being proven wrong.  Pick up a copy today.

Disclosure- I received Evolution Impossible: 12 Reasons Why Evolution Cannot Explain the Origin of Life on Earth by Dr. John F. Ashton for free from Master Books.  All links were current when posted.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I’m disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Show Me How to Share Christ in the Workplace by R. Larry Moyer

Genre- RELIGION/Christian Ministry/ Evangelism 

Series-  Show Me How series              

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 192

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $12.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4269-8

One of the most important things you can do as a believer is to use your workplace as your ministry.  You don’t need to just be in the ministry or a teacher at seminary.

There are seven sections and each chapter  in the sections end with key points.  Some of the sections are- “Speak as You Should,” “Pray as You Should,” and “Share What You Know.”

R. Larry Moyer will show you how to be as God directs you in the workplace.

About the Author-

R. Larry Moyer regularly speaks in classrooms, evangelistic outreaches, and training seminars.  He has written Free and Clear, 31 Days with the Master Fisherman, and others.

My thoughts-

One of the most important  things you can do as a believer is to be a disciple and you can use your workplace as your ministry.  I work in the home as a homeschooling Mom and as a Christian product reviewer.  So, the people I would minister to are my immediate family and those I correspond with on social media involving my reviews and other topics.

For me this book did not explain well enough how to share Christ when my workplace is the computer and not the traditional face-to-face workplace.  This book would work very well for those in the traditional workplace.

I liked the “key points” at the end of each chapter and how to transition into teaching the gospel.  I really like the idea of not using “Christian talk” and not using denominations. 

I liked this book and it taught me a lot about how to share Christ.  You should read this book, so you can more easily share Christ in the workplace.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Show Me How to Share Christ in the Workplace by R. Larry Moyer 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.