It's been such a crazy couple of weeks. Tomorrow is October 1, and this is definitely a year where I'm happy to see the end of September. It's been the oddest combination of the longest, shortest month. With all of the flurry that was hospital visits, and the ups and downs that accompanied those, and the ultimate heartbreak of losing my mother in law, we are all tired.
Still, there are blessings. Mom knew and loved the Lord, and we rejoice that she is having a great day in Heaven. Her Memorial service was lovely, with all of the kids and some grand kids participating. It was a beautiful time of remembering, laughing, and crying. We enjoyed visiting with friends and family that came from all over to pay respects. More laughing, more crying.
Now, the dust is beginning to settle. It's been a weekend of fatigue, as we begin the task of living a new normal. It still seems unreal. We are all comforted that this is not the final goodbye. We will see her again. Heaven feels a little bit closer. Tomorrow, we will return to a normal school day, my husband will return to work, and we will carry on. We will grieve, but not without hope. Thank you Jesus.
Sunday, September 30, 2018
Sunday, September 23, 2018
This photo was taken four or five years ago, at the campground where our family spends a lot of time camping during the summers. It features my beautiful girls and mother in law. This week, our world changed forever, when my mother in law went home to Jesus. It's been an incredible shock, and we're still processing the week's events. There is already a gap in our family. We still sit in disbelief. Our emotions are on a continuous loop - grief, confusion, joy at the sweet memories, sadness...
I want to write a tribute to this woman who was a major part of our lives for so long, and I will. For now though, I need to process. So for now I'll just say, "Goodbye, Mom, thank you for your love."
Friday, September 21, 2018
By The Way Book Series ~ Ireland - A Crew Review
Books are a huge part of our family's world, as you'll notice if you've taken a look through my posts here. We love a great many varieties and genres, whether it's an exciting fiction novel, biography, historical account, and so on. I still adore children's literature, and there are titles in my personal collection that I never want to give away. A good story appeals to all ages. I've said many times, a trip to the library or bookstore is equal to a visit to the toy store for my daughters, and it really doesn't require any arm twisting on my part either. Suffice it to say, we love books.
Having shared that, it will come as no surprise to you when I say that we were happy to have an opportunity to review the book, Ireland ~ By The Way, from the By The Way Book Series from the company By The Way . This enchanting book is one in a series written by author Joy Budensiek. We had our choice of titles, and I was drawn to Ireland, as it makes up a large portion of my family heritage. Also because, I love the color green, it's a picture of serenity to me, and when I think of Ireland, I think of green.
With close to fifty pages overflowing with brilliantly colored photos of monuments, wildlife, and scenery from the Emerald Isle, this is a beautiful book for its aesthetic appeal alone. But there is so much more than gorgeous images. Illustrator Stephanie Robledo has sprinkled sweet illustrations of the fictional characters Alex, Lexi, and their family. It adds significant interest and visual appeal. Most importantly, the theme of this book, and the series for that matter, is God Himself, and the many ways that he displays His majesty throughout creation. From the very first page, you'll find Scripture quotes that relate to the theme.
So, what is this book about, and how should you use it? Great question! The first page is written to parents, encouraging them in their quest to teach the future generations about the Lord. The author includes the verse from Deuteronomy 6:7 ( I happen to have that as my verse on my blog too , up at the top) ~ "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
"By the way"...I guess we know where the name of this series originated from. So, as you make your way through this story, you'll find the following:
* Details, information, and just a plethora of cool facts about Ireland
* Science, geography, and history of beautiful Ireland
* Scripture, and how it applies to our daily lives
* Beautiful images of God's creation
Now, on to the general storyline. Alex and Lexi are over the moon to be taking a trip to Ireland. Their mother had received an email from someone who turns out to be a distant relative. So they are off to the trip of a lifetime to visit Aunt Fiona and Uncle Finn, and cousins Kyle and Kayla. They even get acquainted with the family's Irish Terrier, Dingo, who has the distinct honor of being of the lineage of a family of dogs that served in World War I, by carrying messages between the troops. The travelers are fascinated with the similarities between both families, as well as the differences. For example, they find it amazing that in Ireland, motorists drive on the left side of the road, while in America, the right side is used. That is only the beginning, as a most amazing tour commences.
Along their journey they:
* Learn about the wildlife of Ireland, including foxes, whales, kingfishers, puffins, otters, and more.
* How the Irish travel, kilometers versus miles, and what's a roundabout?
* History, so much history! Did you know that Annie Moore was the first immigrant to be processed at Ellis Island at just fifteen years old? Or that over 10% of Americans claim Irish ancestry (more than the population of Ireland today) Or that Ireland was the last stop that the Titanic made before its fateful maiden voyage in 1912? That's a mere sample of the fascinating facts you'll read about.
* How about the legend of the Blarney Stone, and the gift of eloquent speech that will be gifted to the ones that dare to bend over backwards (literally), and kiss it?
* Don't you dare forget about the legend of the lucky four leaf clovers, and leprechauns, and finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
* Of course, we could never leave out the gorgeous castles, and the rich history behind the construction of each of them.
* And we could not leave Ireland without studying the life of faithful St. Patrick, who obeyed the call of His God, and preached Jesus to the Irish.
I haven't even begun to tell you of the amount of information that you'll read in this book. What will appeal to kids is the way that it is presented, in a story format, through the eyes of children. What a great way to incorporate science, history, geography, social studies into your lives. This is a book that will be loved by multiple ages. Preschoolers will love the colorful photos of animals, monuments, and people, while older children and even adults will appreciate the rich culture of Ireland. Everyone will benefit from the Word of God being read and meditated upon.
My twelve year old daughter and I have read through this book several times, and we love it. I'm afraid that I won't be letting this one go, in fact, we'll be collecting the other titles featuring, Indiana, Alaska, and New York City. I can say, though, that in this book, and the series, I've found at least some of my holiday gifts for the littles in my life.
Find By The Way on social media:
Thursday, September 20, 2018
The Spirit Of God Illustrated Bible - A Review
We've been enjoying a look at the Spirit Of God Illustrated Bible over the past month. This is lovely, sturdy, hardcover book from Zonderkidz, for ages preschool and on up. Complete with over forty stories, young children will learn the Bible stories that followers of Jesus treasure. From the story of Creation, and Adam and Eve, to Moses, to the life and death of Jesus, and the young Church, children will lose themselves in the beautifully illustrated pages of this book.
I will clarify, this is a Bible story book, not an actual Bible. They feature the most memorable Bible stories, but not every book in the Bible. This bothered my twelve year old at first, lol, because she expected this to be a Bible in the traditional sense. She understood it better after I explained that this was kind of an introduction for little readers. Having said that, whether you are three years old, or ninety years old, you'll enjoy perusing these stories. I absolutely love the whimsical pictures alone. This book makes it into my Sunday School book bag for the littles to enjoy during free time. This will make a welcome gift for those on your birthday, holiday, or just because list. Do take a moment and follow the link to catch a view from this book.
Enjoy the description and bio's of the author and illustrator:
Description: The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible brings to life more than 40 Bible stories that help readers understand that God’s Spirit has been with us since the beginning of time and continues to be with us today. From the glory of creation through the powerful letters of Paul, God’s Spirit is living in his people. Old and New Testament stories such as Adam and Eve, Abraham, Joseph, the Baptism of Jesus, and Pentecost come alive with dramatic illustrations by Fernando Juarez and moving text by Doris Rikkers. With a cover that sparkles and shines with foil, this is a special storybook Bible that will appeal to both children and parents alike.
Author Bio: Doris Rikkers is a freelance writer and editor who has written many bestselling children’s books and Bibles. Although she loves the ocean, she lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, surrounded by her books, her flower gardens, and her family and friends.
Illustrator Bio: Spanish artist Fernando Juarez illustrates children’s books and works as an art supervisor at the Madrid studio Ilion Animation. The company produces 3D feature films for children. Fernando has three kids himself, and if he has any time left after work and family, you might catch him playing guitar in a rock band.
Learn more about the Spirit Of God Illustrated Bible , and see a sample by clicking the link.
“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice
of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
The Captain Sun Adventures - Rescue Me! - A Crew Review
What is it about comics that makes them so appealing? Some of my favorite memories involve a Sunday morning, a bowl of cereal, and the weekly comic strip. Now, I'm on the other side of the fence, watching my daughter enjoy the simple pleasure of a comic book. It's comforting to see that some things in life remain constant, even if only a cartoon, lol. So, my daughter whooped with joy as The Captain Sun Adventures provided us with their book, Rescue Me! What Superheroes Can Teach Us About The Power Of Faith to review.
The theme: Superhero Captain Sun is trying to thwart bad guy Blackout's attempts to cover Capital City in darkness.
Rescue Me! has all of the makings of the classic comics that you enjoyed as a kid. Kids will be presented with good vs. evil, superheroes, bad guys, all with a spiritual theme. The author describes this book as "part comic book, part kids' devotional. I would also add that it's also part tract. It isn't "Christian" per say, although that element is very present throughout the book. This glossy, softcover book is beautifully illustrated with bright colors and appealing graphics that kids will love.
It is available in print and kindle versions. We have been enjoying a printed copy.
There is an introduction page that welcomes kids and parents to the series, and explains the goal of the book, that is, to point readers to the real and ultimate Hero- Jesus Christ. Yes! Love it! Then there is a note to parents that offers suggestions in how to approach the book, depending on the age of the reader.
There are eight chapters, each being divided by a practical lesson that features Bible verses and discussion questions. At the end of the book are a series of questions to think about and again, discuss. The chapters are very short, about three pages, so yes, it's an easy read. This is the first in a series of three books. I love how they hint at the continuing story, by adding the question mark after The End.
My 12 year old approaches the books she reads with a critical eye. If there is material that looks questionable, she brings it to me for my take on it. This comic was a great read for that reason. There is no questionable content, no gory or disturbing images. I would be comfortable with anyone picking up this book and looking through it. I can imagine using this in a variety of settings, whether it be home, youth groups, Sunday School, Awana… It's a fun, creative way to get out the message of Jesus.
Rescue Me! was a great hit in our home. Graphic novels are a favorite of my girl, and it even inspired her creative side to make an appearance. She decided that she would create a comic of her own, and I must say, I'm impressed with her level of detail. She's been working on a black and white draft for a little over a week, with plans to create a final, color version, with a sequel already in the works! Don't you love when a book or other resource spurs your kid on to create for themselves?
Suffice it to say, this comic is a hit in our home. My daughter has requested the next two books in the series. These are great for both avid and reluctant readers. Pick up a copy for your kids!
Cool, a signed copy!
Sunday, September 16, 2018
Apple Picking
We chose this lovely weekend to make our annual trip to the apple orchard. It seems that everyone else in the state wide area decided to do the same thing- it was packed! A good time was had by all, here are some photos...
Friday, September 14, 2018
Tori Kelly - Hiding Places
In a world of Auto-Tune, and endless means of technology to make a singer sound better, it's a wonderful experience to hear a truly gifted singer bless us with her naturally beautiful, God given, voice. Tori Kelly's latest album, Hiding Places, introduces us to a new genre for Kelly, Gospel/R&B.
In Ms. Kelly's words:
"I always thought that I would do something like this, but I thought it would be much further down the line," she says. "It's been in my heart for some time, but the timing didn't feel right until now. I didn't think I'd get the chance to work with someone like Kirk just yet, and that people would be so excited and accepting." And though the album marks a stylistic departure from her work in the pop world, a commitment to uncompromising artistry carries through all of Kelly's music. "No matter what genre you're working in, there should be a level of excellence, and Tori definitely brought that excellence to this album," says Franklin. "A lot of artists out there will rely on Auto-Tune or studio tricks, but there's no button you can push for emotion, and there's no button for skill. Tori is excellent in everything she does, because she's a real, pure artist."
I couldn't say it better myself. I have associated Tori Kelly with the pop world, so I was very excited to hear what she would do with a gospel album. I wasn't disappointed either. As stated in her bio above, her passion, her emotion, come through so clearly on Hiding Places. The music arrests your attention, and pulls you in. Take a listen:
My 14 year old is a HUGE Tori Kelly fan, so when this review opportunity became available, she was stalking the mailbox. A budding music aficionado, she couldn't wait to hear this departure from pop. Her reaction? In short, she loves it! Since I've had to search her CD collection to grab this album back just so I could listen for awhile, I would say that she approves. It's a beautiful, soulful, relaxing album, and I enjoyed simply playing it throughout the day. Her voice is so clear and lovely, a definite standout in a world of screeching. I enjoyed them all, but my favorites were Masterpiece (with Lecrae), Soul's Anthem (It Is Well), and who can resist Never Alone, when it features Mr. Kirk Franklin?
These are the tracks:
1.) Masterpiece (feat. Lecrae)
2.) Help Us To Love (feat. The Hamiltons)
3.) Sunday
4.) Just As Sure (feat. Jonathon McReynolds)
5.) Psalm 42
6.) Questions
7.) Never Alone (feat. Kirk Franklin)
8.) Soul's Anthem (It Is Well)
Two thumbs up from our family, go grab a copy!
Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Thursday, September 13, 2018
Roman Roads Media - Picta Dicta - A Crew Review
Within the last few years, we've added Latin to our homeschool curriculum, much to the delight of my daughters, ha. We have a curriculum that we've been using that we love, but I'm never one to turn down an opportunity to add a supplement that may help us in our lessons. Roman Roads Media graciously provided us with one of their programs to review, Picta Dicta Vocabulary Builder . I say supplement, but this is no lightweight resource.
This self paced program is appropriate for junior high, high school, college, and adult students. You can expect to learn to read and comprehend over 1,000 vocabulary words in this course. It has been designed to work for students with varying learning styles, as it implements seeing, speaking, and hearing in its lessons.
The creators of this program have made it very easy to set up. There is an easy level, and a normal level, which is a little more advanced. Once you have your students signed up, and logged in, their progress is displayed on the screen. The program records their information, so they will simply click the icon at the top right of their page, and pick up at the last lesson completed. There are a few steps involved in completing a chapter. They are, learn, choose, spell, forms, and test forms. All of these steps need to be finished before moving on to the next. The first, Learn, is where a series of vocabulary words are introduced, only about five at a time. For each word, the picture is displayed, spoken, and used in a sentence. The next page quizzes the student to see if they can remember the word and the correlating picture by choosing from a series of pictures.
After "Learn", students move on to "Choose". This is where they will need to remember the word and its meaning, because they will choose from a series of pictures and select the correct one. It sounds simple, but it's challenging. Following this level is "Spell". This is where, you guessed it I'm sure, you'll spell the words that you've learned. The picture is presented on the first page, and you spell it on the next. Before the chapter test, you'll work through the "Forms" section. This is where the variations of the vocabulary words are practiced. Again, they are simple, but challenging. In order to move on to a different level, the prior one must be completed. No line jumping! But, you can redo a level if you aren't please with your progress. I've done that, as have my two daughters, who have been working through this with me.
Each lesson is graded with stars, ranging from 1 to 5. As you work through each page, you'll also see the current percentage that has been earned. It's a very easy to follow program. Instructions are offered at the beginning of each section, so you'll know what to do. You should plan on working through this at least three times a week.
The three of us, that is, me, my 12 year old, and my 14 year old, have been working through the "Normal" level of this program, averaging 3 days a week, although my 12 year old has done a little more than that. Personally, I love learning languages, as does my 12 year old, so we've enjoyed this program a lot. It's challenging, but very enjoyable. My 14 year old is not as much of a fan of well, most language curriculum, so as I expected, she was more neutral on the program, but did say that as programs go, it was alright. Thanks for the lengthy comments, sweetie, lol.
Thoughts from my 12 year old:
" I love this program! I love the format. It doesn't flood you with too much information at a time. There is a little bit of information learned, and then a quiz. I learn more that way. I like the colorful pictures. The voice of the narrator is great, but I wish it was a girl. I really like this program."
As I wrap up, I'll say that this is a fantastic program, and I love it. I Agree with my 12 year old, the way that the material is presented in small bites is ideal for maximum retention. Now that the school year is underway for us, I'll be increasing the amount of time that we work on the lessons. I know that my 40 something brain needs more frequent exposure to the content. You can use this as a stand alone course, or in partnership with the Latin curriculum of your choice. A great pick all, around, check it out!
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