Picture of the Week! (June 30, 2014)- C’s Hairdo

C enjoys combing, braiding, and taking care of her own hair.  She let me do this hairdo for her.  It was a fun mother-daughter experience.

Prayer of the Week! (June 26, 2014)- Ephesians 2:1-3

A couple of years ago I took part in a Bible study where we studied the book of Ephesians.  Once a week I would like to mention the Bible verses which were studied, then give you my prayer involving those verses.
Today will be Ephesians 2:1-3.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for You!
I will not be a child of wrath.  I will no longer follow the prince of the power of the air.  I will obey you.
I will pray daily for others and myself that we will not be that person.
In Jesus’s name.  Amen

Ben Roy’s Go Science Science Videos from Library and Educational Services (Schoolhouse Crew Review)

We received this for review purposes!

Product Links: NEW (Series 2) Go Science DVDs

Vendor Information Link:  Library and Educational Services

Age Appeal: 4-12

Format: DVD

Price: each DVD costs $8.97 (List price is $14.95)

Do your children enjoy watching videos?  Do you have trouble finding good quality programs for them to watch?  Go Science: Science for Kids with Ben Roy might be just what you are looking for.  These DVDs last around an hour and are filled with different experiments done by Roy and his three helpers. (The three helpers are different for each experiment.)

Roy teaches methods of science at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.  He has made science lessons for a Christian satellite broadcasting network, the Weather Channel, and About.com.

There are currently seven volumes in series two:

• Volume One: Sound, Gravity, Space
• Volume Two: Life Science, Weather
• Volume Three: Air 1, Air 2
• Volume Four: Motion, Friction, Electricity, Light
• Volume Five: States of Matter, Water
• Volume Six: Chemistry 1, Chemistry 2
• Volume Seven: Engineering, Design, Flight

Our Experience:

B and C were super excited when we were chosen for the Go Science DVD review.  They really enjoy science and were excited to be able to watch experiments that they would probably not be able to do at home.  B chose Volume Six: Chemistry 1, Chemistry 2.  C chose Volume Two: Life Science, Weather.

When the DVDs arrived in the mail they were eager to watch them.  They agreed to watch the one about chemistry first.  They had a fun time watching it, because there were some experiments we had done in the past year.  Some of the chemistry experiments were exciting, because they caused explosions.  C wanted to watch Volume Two: Life Science, Weather by herself.  I think she enjoyed it, because she was glued to the screen when B and I watched it.

I am looking forward to the next rainy day when we can have their cousins over and they can have fun watching these experiments.

Mama’s Thoughts:

These DVDs are perfect for children who learn by watching.  It would be nice to have a greater description about the science behind each experiment.  I would have enjoyed learning more.  I think B would have as well.

In some of these DVDs there were experiments that would be perfect to do at home.  It would have been nice to have some of the measurements of the ingredients.  There was an experiment which included water, glue, and borax.  It makes a substance like silly putty.  I know all children would enjoy making and playing with it.

Ben Roy was the perfect host.  He was upbeat, friendly, and involved the audience.  In each episode he would interview three children about various topics, then he would invite them to come up and help him.  I thought those interviews were fun, because we learned more about the children.  I thought the wide variety of ages of children was nice too, because it showed B and C that all ages could watch the experiments.

I enjoyed Roy’s ending phrase, “Every time we learn more about science we learn more about our Creator God!”  It was great to see someone who emphasized that we can see God in science experiments.  I am used to seeing scientists really separate God and science, so the Go Science DVDs were very refreshing.  I liked his references to God in the different experiments.  He said God insulates us and Jesus’s love is a secret agent.

I especially liked the episode, “Eating Metal for Breakfast,” because I did not know that there were bits of iron in cereal.  Roy liquefied the cereal and used a powerful magnet to pull out the iron.  I also thought the episode about the fire tornado was interesting since we have seen real ones on television and we have experience with forest fires.

B’s Thoughts (boy, age 10, officially in fourth grade):   

My favorite experiment was on Volume Two: Life Science, Weather.  I thought it was the most interesting experiment.  I liked it because even when you are cut out a square in a garbage can it still came out in a circle.   I liked the videos a lot.  I think these DVDs would be best for ages eight and up.  I even think grownups would enjoy these DVDs. 

C’s Thoughts (girl, age 8, officially in second grade):

I liked both DVDs.  I liked the experiment that involved bobby pins and testing it on a person’s arm.  That person had to have their eyes closed.  A person put the bobby pin on another person’s arm to see if they could tell if one point or two was touching their arm. 

I think it would be good for people of all ages.

Mama highly recommends!

Social Media Links:

• Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/libraryanded

 

Picture of the Week! (June 23, 2014)- More Clouds

You all know I like clouds.  Here are some pretty spring clouds.  I think they look like a dragon.

Edwin: High King of Britain by Edoardo Albert (Review)

Edwin: High King of Britain (Book 1 of The Northumbrian Thrones)

By Edoardo Albert

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Fiction / Christian

Published by- Lion Hudson

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 352

Age Group- Adult 

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-1-78264-033-2

In Edwin, High King of Britain, by Edoardo Albert, Edwin was the king of Northumbria, but he has been exiled.  His family has lived with other kings in the area, but they are now living with King Raedwald. 

Not only is it a difficult time for Edwin, but Britain itself is in turmoil.  The old ways of the Anglo-Saxon Gods and the new ways of the Christian God.  Which way will prevail?  Will Edwin live to become a new Christian?

This book also contains a list of characters, glossary, and a historical note.

About the Author-

Edoardo Albert is a journalist for Time Out.  He is also a historian.

My thoughts-

One of my favorite time periods to read and learn about is the 1800’s and the American West.  My other favorite time period to read and learn about is the time when King Arthur could have lived. 

Edwin: High King of Britain, by Edoardo Albert, was an excellent book.  Some of my favorite parts were the map, glossary, character list, the historical note.  I found the historical note especially interesting, because I did not realize that the Britons were mostly Christians.  I thought the Anglo-Saxons were Christians and not pagans. 

Edwin was an interesting character and I thought that he really grew as a person as he turned from the other gods to the one true God.  The priest of the old gods, Coifi, surprised me.  I thought he would stay with the other gods and worship them for the rest of his life.  He changed his mind and that helped Edwin and his cause.

Now, before I go and spoil the rest of it I will end.  This is an excellent book and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading about Britain many years ago.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Edwin: High King of Britain, by Edoardo Albert, 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.

Prayer of the Week! (June 19, 2014)- Ephesians 1:22-23

A couple of years ago I took part in a Bible study where we studied the book of Ephesians.  Once a week I would like to mention the Bible verses which were studied, then give you my prayer involving those verses.
Today will be Ephesians 1:22-23.
Dear Lord,
Thank you!
You sent us Your son and He has dominion over the church.  Please help me remember that. 
We need to always be praying for the church.  Help me to be a good part of the church. 
Thank you so.
In Jesus’s name.  Amen

Picture of the Week! (June 16, 2014)- Purple Tulips

I forgot we had these purple tulips.

Prayer of the Week! (June 12, 2014)- Ephesians 1:20-21

A couple of years ago I took part in a Bible study where we studied the book of Ephesians.  Once a week I would like to mention the Bible verses which were studied, then give you my prayer involving those verses.
Today will be Ephesians 1:20-21.
Dear Lord,
You have given us Your Son, Jesus.  It was not just for then, it was for now and in the future.  You are so powerful Lord and I thank you that You have done this for us.
Thank you! 
In Jesus’s name.  Amen

Character Education from We Choose Virtues (Schoolhouse Crew Review)

We received this for review purposes!

Product Links: Parenting Cards

Vendor Information Link:  We Choose Virtues

Age Appeal: 3-11

Format: Physical virtue cards and downloads

Price: $38.49

Have you been looking for a good parenting tool to teach your children about the virtues?  The King James Version Parenting Cards from We Choose Virtues might be just what you family needs.  Your family will learn twelve different virtues:

diligence

helpfulness

perseverance

gentleness

contentment

attentiveness

honesty

kindness

self-control

patience

obedience

forgiveness

Each card has similar features with a Bible verse and what the virtue is not on the front of the card.  The back of the card has a “Virtue User Challenge,” description of the virtue, “What to say after ‘I’m sorry,’” “Teachable moments for … families…,” and “The Kids of VirtueVille.”

There is also a free download available with your order:

• Family Character Assessment  (PDF Download)

Our Experience: 

I have always known that our family needed to increase our knowledge of the virtues and integrate them into our daily lives.  I was excited when we were chosen to review the King James Version of the virtue cards.

As soon as we got the e-mail I downloaded the Teacher’s Handbook and the Family Character Assessment.  The children and I worked on filling out the assessment.  They learned that they had some challenges ahead, but I knew they were up for the challenge.  I took a look at the “Teacher’s Handbook” and it was very good and helpful.  I took a look at the handbook, then I decided we would do two cards a week.  I had B and C choose which virtue they wanted to work on, then we looked at it and studied it.  We would take the challenges and learn from them.  We placed the cards on the bookshelf in the schoolroom so we could look at them daily to see what virtues we had learned. 

Now that we have learned the virtues, we go through them daily to see which ones need work and which ones B and C have learned well.

Mama’s Thoughts:

• I really liked all of the downloads that were made available to us that are part of the WCV Download Bundle.  B and C are not into coloring anymore, so we did not print the “Kids of VirtueVille Coloring Book.”  These coloring pages would be perfect for young children or children who like to color.
• The Butterfly Awards were cute, but I do not think that boys would be interested in them.  They looked like they would be perfect for girls.  B and C enjoy verbal praise not pieces of paper, so I chose not to use them. 
• I liked that all twelve of the virtue cards were set up in the same way.  They had the “Virtue User Challenge,” “What to say after ‘I’m sorry,’” and “Teachable moments for (the virtue) families…” on the back of the cards.  The front of the card had the virtue, what the person should and should not do and a memory verse from the Old Testament. 
• B and C really enjoyed “The Kids of VirtueVille” and their stories.  My favorite character was Hat Matt, because he was very helpful.  He wanted to help and he did it.  I did not like the character of Cake Jake, because he got to eat as much cake as he wanted to every day.  I did not think that set a good example for the children.  B and C did not like the character of Cake Jake either.
• One of my favorites was the teachable moments, because it was something we could do as a family to become stronger. 

B’s Thoughts (boy, age 10, officially in fourth grade):   

My favorite card was “I am Attentive.”  I liked it, because I like watching and listening carefully.  I liked the Kids of VirtueVille on the cards, except for “Content.”  I did not like the Cake Jake story.  I did not think it was very good, because he got cake as much as he wanted and whenever.  I did not think that was a very good example.  I think he should have only gotten one flavor of cake per day and having more should have been the “wanter.”

I would recommend these virtue cards for people of all ages.

C’s Thoughts (girl, age 8, officially in second grade):

It was fun using the virtue cards.  I liked all of the virtues.  I did not like the character for “I am Content.”  I did not think that it was a very good idea for Jake to get cake whenever he wanted.  My favorite card was “I am Obedient.”  Oboe Joe was a good example for being obedient.

I think it is good for people of all ages.   

Dad’s Thoughts:

The We Choose Virtues cards are quick and easy references, and reminders, for kids to choose to follow the virtues that will help them become successful at the tasks they need to accomplish but more importantly it will teach them how to have good relationships with others. Each 6 x 9 card has the virtue, its definition and a bible verse that references the virtue. They also have a Virtue User Challenge on the back as well as “Teachable moments for (the specific virtue) families” and “What to say after ‘I'm Sorry’".

I'm looking forward to seeing how these tools help my children grow and may be a program that you would like to do with your family. Check it out. 

Mama highly recommends!

Social Media Links for We Choose Virtues:

• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wechoosevirtues
• Pinterest –  http://www.pinterest.com/WeChooseVirtues/
• Blog -- http://www.wechoosevirtuesblog.com/

Promotions for 2014!

MAY-JUNE: *Promo Code BIG50 for 50% off our amazing set of 12 11x17 Kids of VirtueVille Posters! This is the first time we have ever offered these posters at this price. They are great for school classrooms, Kids Church, or your homeschool room. Kids love them for their bedrooms, bathrooms and kids’ hallways.
JUNE-AUGUST: *Promo Code BTS20 for 20% off anything in our WCV Store. This includes any kit. Let’s start School with Virtues this year! 
*Only one promo code per order

 

Picture of the Week! (June 9, 2014) Daffodils

Our pretty daffodils! 

Deeper Than Red by Sue Duffy

Deeper Than Red (Book 3, Red Returning)

By Sue Duffy

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Christian Fiction / Suspense

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 289

Age Group- Adult 

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4267-4

The final book in the Red Returning trilogy is Deeper Than Red, by Sue Duffy.  Liesl Bower, a concert pianist, and her friend, Max Morozov, are once again a part of an evil plot that they did not ask to be a part of.  Their friends and family become part of it as well. 

This book takes place in Russia, Florida, and Germany.  In Florida there are new characters, one of them is Tally Greyson.  She is trying to save her mom from some unscrupulous mediums who live in a colony.  There is someone who Liesl and Max thought was dead, but is not, and that puts their families in danger when they go to Germany.

What will happen to them?  Will they survive to give another concert together. 

About the Author-

Sue Duffy currently lives with her husband in South Carolina.  The other two books in the Red Returning Trilogy are Mortal Wounds and Fatal Loyalty.  She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association.  Her website is www.sueduffybooks.com.

My thoughts-

I thought Deeper Than Red, by Sue Duffy, was an exciting conclusion to the series.  I have read the other books in the series and this one was just as exciting.

I really liked the addition of twenty-year-old Tally Greyson who was trying to save her mom from the colony of mediums.  I was proud of her.  She had a lot of gumption to stand up to the mediums and also to help Liesl Bower, Max Morozov, and their friends to help solve the mystery and save others.

I was impressed with all of the characters and how well they worked together to save the lives that were endangered.  I like how well Duffy blends everything together to make it seamless.  These are characters you will enjoy.  You will want to read the other books in the series as well.  It is not necessary to read them though to enjoy Deeper Than Red.

If you are a mystery and suspense fan, then this is the book for you.  I highly recommend it.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Deeper Than Red, by Sue Duffy, 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.

Prayer of the Week! (June 5, 2014) Ephesians 1:18-19

A couple of years ago I took part in a Bible study where we studied the book of Ephesians.  Once a week I would like to mention the Bible verses which were studied, then give you my prayer involving those verses.
Today will be Ephesians 1:18-19.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the inheritance that you have given us.  Please help us to remember the glorious riches and the hope that is always there for us.
My heart needs to know and always remember the hope.  Thank you! 
In Jesus’s name.  Amen

Kinder Cottage (Schoolhouse Crew Review)

We received this for review purposes!

Product Links: Peter Rabbit's Birthday and Peter Rabbit at the Farm

Vendor Information Link:  Kinder Cottage Publishing

Age Appeal: Ideal for 3-9

Format: hardback book, 64 pages each

Price: $4.00

In book two, Peter Rabbit at the Farm, from the Henry Altemus Company, Peter runs away from home and spend the day at the farm.  It is there that he fixes the pond, falls into the milk pail, and gets a ride home from Old Jim Crow.

In book seven, Peter Rabbit’s Birthday, his job is to go invite his friends to his afternoon birthday party.  Once again he has troubles, but he does make it home it time to for the party and all of his friends are there. 

Our Experience: 

We enjoy reading books and these two Peter Rabbit books were perfect for bedtime stories and for C and B to read to themselves.

C and B read the books to themselves several times.  I read the stories to them as well. 

Mama’s Thoughts:

• I really liked the size of the books, they are perfect for taking in the car on trips or for small hands.
• The price of the books from Kinder Cottage makes them perfect for gifts for others.
• I am really glad that Kinder Cottage has republished these books from the Henry Altemus Company.  I enjoy reading old books and it is even better when they have been taken from the Public Domain.  There are many good books out there and it is thanks to this company that we can read some of them again.  It brings the past alive.  There are so many books that are not good for children to read.  I am glad that there are these two book and the other eight books in the series.  I hope that Kinder Cottage is able to publish even more old books.
• I thought Peter Rabbit’s character in these stories was excellent.  He tried really hard to be good, but unfortunately he had problems and still got into trouble.

B’s Thoughts (boy, age 10, officially in fifth grade):   

My favorite part of Peter Rabbit at the Farm was when he fell in the pond.  I liked Peter Rabbit’s Birthday better.  In this book he also fell into the pond. 

I thought I was too old for these books.  I think these books would be good for ages three to seven.   

C’s Thoughts (girl, age 8, officially in third grade):

It was fun reading Peter Rabbit’s Birthday.  I liked the illustrations, because of the detail.  It was funny when Peter Rabbit fell in the flour bowl. 

I also liked Peter Rabbit at the Farm.  I liked it when Peter Rabbit fixed Mr. McGregor’s pond.  He fixed it by fixing the hole in the pond.

These books would be good for kids my age, younger, and older.

Dad’s Thoughts:

The two books, Peter Rabbit at the Farm and Peter Rabbit's Birthday, by Kinder Cottage Publishing are quite an enjoyable read. Peter gets into usual mischief but not always by being inconsiderate of others. Sometimes it is just the opposite, he's trying to help someone when misfortune occurs.

The pictures are wonderfully done depicting the various scenes in the books and bringing to life the characters that Peter meets. These are fun books that would be perfect for bed time stories or for young readers to enjoy by themselves. If you're looking for something short, sweet and fun then I recommend the Kinder Cottage Peter Rabbit stories.  

Mama highly recommends Kinder Cottage and the books about Peter Rabbit!

 

Picture of the Week! (June 2, 2014)- Farm Information

Did you know any of this?