Granola Mom 4 God

Tot Tray Fun

2010-03-09T17:26:00.001-05:00

It’s not everyday that Mr. Me-Too gets his Nana and his mommy all to himself. While Mr. Smackdown was away at Mama’s house, we tried to make Mr. Me-Too feel special. Don’t get me wrong, I try and do that EACH day with my children . . . but I do a better job at it when I have a little bit more time.

He got a special treat from Starbucks, lunch out, backrubs from Nana, and he even got to help Nana clean the bathroom. I know that doesn’t sound like a big deal, but it made HIM feel important. He had his own spray bottle filled with orange essential oil.

But what I am enjoying right now is listening to him play with his Tot Tray. He doesn’t have to share it with anyone else. He has had so much fun pushing “things” around.

So if you need an idea on a rainy day, grab a cookie sheet, rice, sprinkles, cars, and any other unusual object – and create a construction site.

If you’re not careful, you might find yourself playing in the rice.

Technorati Tags: time with mommy,tot trays

School Is In Session

2010-03-08T15:11:00.001-05:00

I know . . . you haven’t been hearing much from me lately. I have almost been avoiding my computer much like I avoid anything with a smell.

But I wanted to let you know that school has been in session. We’ve been doing some fun things.

Here is a glimpse.

Mr. Smiley acquired his first Tot Tray, much to his delight.

I finally put out some new Tot Trays.

We began the process of sprouting seeds for our garden.

We played with stickers from Oriental Trading Company.

The boys created chenille wire trees.

And we have been making an alphabet creature every day.

The highlight for me, though . . . was going to the Homeschooling conference a few weekends ago. The Hottie and I learned a lot, and it has been fun to incorporate some of the things that I learned from all of the speakers that we heard. (I also go some fun new curriculum!)

Technorati Tags: Tot School,alphabet animals,gardening

Graphic Toolbox: A Review

2010-03-08T14:46:00.001-05:00

The Hottie Hubby amazes me with his savvy knowledge of using computer programs. He flutters around like a masculine butterfly in Word and Excel and programs that I know nothing about . . . engineering related stuff.

It amazes me.

I always ask, “How did you know how to do that?” Things just seem to happen like magic for him on the computer screen.

How does he do it? He learns the program. Sometimes he goes to training sessions. But he studies it and USES it.

Well, I sat in on a training session for Graphic Toolbox as part of my involvement with The Old Schoohouse Homeschool Crew. We were given the opportunity to use and review Graphic Toolbox ($149 or free for a 30 day trial).

I was pretty excited initially about acquiring this design program. I am often curious how other moms design worksheets and find myself feeling slightly ambitious about creating my own pintables.

But after sitting through the EXCELLENT and easy-to-understand tutorial, I discovered that the design work and attention to details isn’t one of my “skills.” That is why the Hubby is the engineer and I just want him to create things for me. Or I want my bloggy friends to create my homeschooling printable and I will just print it when I need it.

Graphic Toolbox can do an amazing array of all things creative on the computer. For example, you can change the color of an image, cut a person out of a picture, combine several pictures, create Christmas and birthday cards, and design business flyers (and I really haven’t even mentioned everything that it can do). You can learn how to make some of the above mentioned crafts during one of their many online tutorial sessions.

The history of Graphic Toolbox is pretty unique. It was developed by Lynda Holler and William Tsao in an effort to provide an affordable professional grade design program for home use.

Though I think it is a neat program, it would probably not be something that I would purchase. Should the boys show an interest in design and image manipulation . . . I would consider purchasing it. But currently, I rely on my amazing blog designer, Jessica, over at The Frilly Coconut, or just ride on the coattails of the wonderful mom bloggers who create and share pintables.

Click on the Homeschool Crew banner to read other reviews on this product.

As a member of The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew, I was given this product to review, and I do not have to return the product to the vendor. I was not paid for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are delightfully mine. I imagine the Hottie Hubby will learn to use this program.

Technorati Tags: Graphic Toolbox

Dancing Duet Book Giveaway

2010-03-05T15:06:00.001-05:00

There are some authors that I wish were my neighbors. There are some authors that God has used to refresh me and give me new meaning and purpose. There are some authors I really wish they were my friend.

Sally Clarkson is one such lovely lady. I read her first book after our second son was born, The Mission of Motherhood. My friend, Larra, gave it to me for my birthday. I think I gave it multiple times as a gift to all of my friends that year. It impacted me that much.

And now that I have her recent book in my hands, Dancing With My Father, I am certain that it will strike some chords of change too. It already has. Only a few pages into the book, Sally hooked me line and sinker. I seriously felt as if she had written the words I was too embarrassed to admit to thinking. And I certainly never shared them with another girlfriend.

But I’m going to. Some ladies and I are praying about using this book as the focal point for a Bible Study.

The reality of living in a broken, fallen world can leave women feeling overcome by fear, guilt, and weariness. Many develop “sawdust souls,” numb to any sense of joy.

In this warm and wise book, author Sally Clarkson invites readers to take God’s hand and let Him lead them into a life of anticipation, passion, and purpose. With the voice of a trusted mentor, she reveals how, by getting in tune with the rhythm of God’s presence, women can nurture an inner attitude of anticipation and celebration even in the stressful seasons of life.

Through rich biblical insights woven with real-life stories, women will be inspired to recapture a spirit of joy as they follow God’s lead on the dance floor of life.

The book . . . actually is much better than the summary!

Want to win it? Keep reading . . .

Sally’s book was paired quite nicely with Cheri Fuller & Ali Plum’s first collaborative book titled, Mother-Daughter Duet: Getting to the Relationship You Want with Your Adult Daughter.

What is this book about?

When a daughter is born, her mother has a thousand hopes and dreams for her, especially that they will be best friends one day.

Unfortunately, even the best of intentions can go awry. There are so many challenges on the journey to adult friendship that the reality is fraught with friction and frustration. But a harmonious relationship is possible.

Award-winning author Cheri Fuller and her daughter, Ali Plum, have been there and have discovered the keys to a healthy relationship. In Mother-Daughter Duet they share their story—each from her own perspective—in which they have experienced distance and tension, growth and challenge, and, ultimately, acceptance and harmony. Filled with personal anecdotes and based on several basic principles (letting go; listening; respect; setting boundaries; and more), Mother-Daughter Duet helps moms repair the breach so that daughters want to draw close.

The mother-daughter dynamic is intense, personal, complex, and unique. But mothers and daughters can achieve mutual respect and learn to celebrate their differences when they learn the two-part harmony of the mother-daughter duet.

Doesn’t this sound like it would be a neat book to read with your mom, or as several moms and daughters, or I could even see some relevancy between a mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law?

Want to win it?

You are in luck. I have an extra copy of both books.

How to Enter (and yes my friends and family can enter . . . I use www.random.org to pick the winner . . . and you aren't friends with Mr. Random. No one is. So enter to win ON MY BLOG NOT through a FACEBOOK COMMENT.)

Mandatory: Tell me which book you would like to win and why.

Optional Entries (meaning write a new and separate comment for each)

Become a fan of my blog (look over on the right sidebar) and tell me that you are or already were. A little avatar will show up when you follow me through Google Connect.
Blog about this giveaway linking to this post.
Tell me about another Random House book you have read and why you liked it.
Place my Granola Mom 4 God button in a visible location on your blog.

Giveaway Ends: Friday, March 12, 2010

Sorry US residents only!

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. I was not paid for this post nor do I have to return the books. Yea! These are keepers.

Train Up A Child . . .

2010-03-05T14:03:00.001-05:00

I didn’t realize that I was hungry until we were standing at the farthest corner from the front door at Walmart this morning. I needed one tiny item to finish my latest Totally Tots post.

All of the sudden it felt like my stomach dropped, turned black, grabbed a box of sewing needles, and began to make the upward journey to my throat. Time stood still as I hugged the shopping card for the short moment I felt like I was going to faint. Almost in unison it seemed as if the boys and I began praying reverently that I wouldn’t puke all over the soft white feather pillows we stood next to. I spotted the plastic container isle and figured I could potentially make a dash to a 16 gallon bucket to deliver some rather personal liquids.

For an instant though, I was more concerned about making a mess than feeling better. I loath puking. I doubt many people enjoy their body’s natural response to eliminate an unwelcome guest from your body, but I would almost rather be miserable 5 extra hours than puke. I couldn’t IMAGINE puking in public. I was also concerned that they would whisk me out of the store, and I would have made a futile trip to Walmart only to return home empty handed.

I pursed my lips together tightly, kept my comments to the kids to a minimum and pursued my list of specific items.

Thinking that I had chosen wisely to go to the check-out line where individuals buy cigarettes, I thought I would have a speedy check out.

Wrong.

The lady was paying in change. $47 dollars worth of change.

Didn’t they notice me swaying . . . and groaning . . . and looking green? The penny lady in front of me was very sweet, overlooking my discomfort but telling me of the 10 children she had borne. 10?

And when it became my turn to pay for my items, the check out lady acted as if she had heard nothing of my ailment and proceeded to ask me how I am? Are you serious? Don’t you see the masking tape on my mouth? I’m going to ralph. It was obvious. I had cut in line and acquired a delightful bag just in case my stomach should work properly at the most untimely moment.

As we entered the bright sunlight to go home, my stomach made another lurch. I just kept repeating . . . Must. Get. Home. Must. Get. Home.

When we arrive at the Loser Cruiser I inform the children about how Mommy needs them to get into the car and buckle THEMSELVES in.

It is at this point, Mr. Smackdown began to take his role as first born VERY seriously.

He first tried to talk Mr. Me-Too through the steps of inserting the seatbelt into the clicky-thing. Didn’t work.
Rushed up to the front to deliver a snack to me.
Filled Mr. Smiley’s snack trap and handed the goods over to the baby.
Raced back to put the seatbelt in it’s proper position for Mr. Me-Too in order to get home quickly. Explained that Mommy wasn’t stealing the cheddar bunnies, only that I was sick and needed to eat.
When we pulled into the driveway, he commanded me to lay on the couch and they would bring everything in but the baby.
Covered me with a blanket, and brought me lunch which consisted of cheddar bunnies and this nasty protein bar I made yesterday.
Fed his brothers, never once stopping to eat because he wanted to make sure that we were all OK.
He got a little miffed at me when I told him it was time to go upstairs for rest time . . . who would take care of me?

There have been times I have wondered if all of our training has been for not . . . until today. I saw my little boy rise to the occasion and use the gifts that God instilled in his heart to help and serve his family. And he did it with joy (and with a little hope that he might earn some money.) But it really blessed me. Kind of makes me want to pretend to be sick more often.

Just kidding.

Kind of.

Thanks, Mr. Smackdown.

Technorati Tags: Walmart,pregnancy,morning sickness

Random, Useless Information About Me

2010-03-04T15:30:00.000-05:00

My friend, Renee, sent me this a long time ago. I am just now reading hers and thought I would share some facts about me to the world . . . to my faithful readers . . .

High heels or boots? Neither--unless they are hiking boots. I typically wear Dansko's or running shoes with my new orthodics.
What time did you get up this morning? 5:59 AM
Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds, but only because it is part of my wedding ring and band. And the metal has to be of a silver nature . . .
What was the last film you saw at the cinemas? When In Rome and Avatar
What is your favorite TV show? The Biggest Loser
What do you usually have for breakfast? cheese eggs
What is your middle name? Lynn (just like my mom and sister)
What food do you dislike? Vegemite
What is your favorite CD at the moment? No Line On The Horizon by U2
What characteristic do you despise? not taking responsibility for one's actions
Favorite clothing? Skull cap that Brian gave me at Christmas
If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation where would you go? Tibet or Nepal
Are you an organized person? Umm . . . that would be a resounding NO!
Where would you like to retire to? on a ski slope in Colorado or as a missionary
What was your most recent memorable birthday? Well, two years ago I was close to having a baby on my birthday!
What are you going to do when you finish this? more school with the boys -- art to be precise
Furthest place you are sending this? depends if someone in another country reads it . . . let me know!
Person you expect to send it back first? I think it would be GREAT is someone left a comment saying that they answered all of these questions on their blog! (Sarah . . . hint, hint)
When is your birthday? sometime in May
Are you a morning person or a night person? 10 AM person
What is your favorite color? YELLOW
Do you own any animals? a Rhodesian Ridgeback, Nemo--the fish who won't die, and part of a cow
Any new and exciting news you'd like to share: Brian biked to work today. I think that is so cool. I haven't felt nauseous most of the day. The sun is actually shinning.
What did you want to be when you were little? an airplane pilot for the Air Force
What is your favorite flower? daffodil
What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? the day we can go outside for the rest of spring and summer
What was the last thing you ate? still eating it . . . a bagel. That is all I crave. Bagels.
Do you wish upon stars? A shooting star reminds me to pray for someone.
If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Yellow
How is the weather right now? sunny and pleasant
Last person you spoke to on the phone? my midwife
Favorite soft drink? Kombucha
Favorite restaurant? this amazing Egyptian restaurant . . . that went out of business
Hair color? brown with some natural red and blond highlights
What was your favorite toy as a child? my dog, Toby
Summer or winter? depends on where I am living . . .
Chocolate or vanilla? chocolate!!!!!
Coffee or tea? tea or a cappuccino with whole milk in a china cup
Favorite food of all time? tough call . . . Indian or Thai
Do you want your friends to leave a comment? Of course . . . this is my first legit post in a while!
When was the last time you cried? maybe two weeks ago after the mean ultrasound lady made me feel stupid
What is under your bed? legos, children's books, dust, dog hair
What did you do last night? prepared for school today and working on my post for Totally Tots
What are you afraid of? Not having lived fully . . . but I can't say that I am really afraid. I know that God is with me NO. MATTER. WHAT. I have no desire to test this out, though.
Salty or sweet? Depends
Best quality you have? I'm a dreamer. And I can sew. Oh, I know. I'm a good people watcher!
How many years at your current job? 6
Favorite day of the week? Saturday . . . or any day that Brian is home!
Positive or negative? working towards being more positive
How many people will you send this to? I know it will go out to 197 emails currently; ,then there are Facebook friends, and random people who might read it from seeing me post about it on Twitter. It would be so cool if you all commented when you read it. Anybody out there that is still reading at this point?
Do you like finding out all this stuff about your friends? Sure. But it also made for an easy blog post. Shh!! Don't tell Renee!

Winner of the Tropical Traditions Lavender Soap Pump

2010-03-03T14:56:00.000-05:00

We have a winner. Sorry I didn't post until today. I've been sleeping. A lot.

And the winner of the Lavender Soap Pump is . . .

Congratulations to Hannie Dixon! Please email me your snail mail address at thegranolamom4god at gmail dot com and I will have Tropical Traditions contact you!

Purim

2010-03-01T15:28:00.001-05:00

We just celebrated Purim.

Hamantashen cookies

You might have several different questions running through your head at this point. Purim? What’s that? You mean that holiday in the Old Testament? I thought you were Christian. Jesus came and we don’t have to do that stuff anymore.

A few years ago, I would have responded the same way.

However, I have since discovered that God created a richness in the special days mentioned in the Old Testament that further help my family and I worship God.

And the cool thing . . . the Lord’s festivals foreshadow Jesus. Authors of A Family Guide to the Biblical Holidays, Robin Sampson and Linda Pierce sum up the reasons why we have chosen to celebrate the Festivals that God outlined in the Old Testament. By doing so we learn about:

historical events of the Bible
prophetic events yet to come
our Christian walk
God’s plan of salvation
the life and ministry of Jesus Christ

So . . . last night we celebrated Purim.

Just kidding, that’s not our celebration of Purim. That’s fellowship. Actually that is three guys taking on one Olympic dude. Seriously.

Now Purim or the Feast of Lots is a little different. It isn’t one of the Feasts commanded by God (Leviticus 23) for the Israelites to celebrate through Moses. Purim is considered a Post-Mosaic holiday. Purim is a celebration of the deliverance of the Jews from a horrific plot to eliminate the Jewish nation by a man named Haman. Purim is celebrated on the 14th day of Adar (February-March), which happened to be yesterday. The 14th represented the day that all Jews were to be annihilated but instead survived thanks to God working through Mordecai and Esther. Since our home fellowship just finished studying the book of Esther, we thought it would be appropriate to celebrate Purim together.

(By the way, that is sparkling cider.)

We gathered for food, fellowship, and recap the events of Esther . . . all that we had learned from solid and humble Mordecai, brave Esther, drunk Xerxes, and prideful Haman.

Let me present a little bit of history. Here are a few interesting events that ALSO happened historically on the 17th of Nissan, which is when Queen Esther’s request to save her people was granted by King Xerxes after the Persian Jews spent 3 days fasting. Each event marks a time of new beginnings . . .

Noah’s ark came to rest (Genesis 8:4)
Hebrew’s entered Egypt (Exodus 12: 40-41)
Parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 3:18; 5:13)
Israel enters promised land (Joshua 5: 10-12)
Walls of Jericho fall down (Joshua 5:13)
Cleansing of the temple by Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29)
Resurrection of Jesus (However, I know there might be some debate by various people regarding this assertion . . . maybe for another blog post.)

Coincidence? I think not.

I encourage you to read the book of Esther. Though God’s name is NEVER mentioned, His fingerprints are EVERYWHERE.

Technorati Tags: Purim,Esther

Value Fiction

2010-03-01T14:20:00.001-05:00

I was blessed to receive two of the below books, Secrets and Beneath A Southern Sky. They provided a great “vacation” from my pregnancy nausea and painful strep throat.

I read Secrets in ummm . . . one night . . . .

From. Start. To. Finish.

Yup.

I practiced a bit of moderation with Beneath a Southern Sky. By the way, watch out for this one . . . there is a big lesson to be learned in waiting, watching, and listening for God’s direction.

Check out what Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group has to say about their value fiction!

Value Fiction For Your Spring Break

Colorado Springs, CO— Fiction lovers don’t need to budget to travel this spring break with Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group’s six full-length novels by beloved Christian authors (WaterBrook, February 16, 2010). At the low cost of only $5.99, these well-read “get-aways” provide quality entertainment at a price that any reader can afford.

Full-length novels offered include:

Secrets

by Robin Jones Gunn - Jessica has moved to a new town to start a new life. But a friendly fire-fighter and a suspicious boss both want to know what she’s hiding.

Beneath a Southern Sky

by Deborah Raney – Daria Camfield is expecting her first child when her husband Nate is reported dead on the mission field. Devastated, she returns to the States and soon marries again. But two years later Nate is found alive in the jungle. How can Daria possibly choose between he two men who love her?

The Golden Cross

by Angela Elwell Hunt – Aidan O’Connor may be a poor barmaid but she’s also a gifted artists. When a famous cartographer takes her on as a student, Aidan is swept into an adventure that will bring her back to her heavenly Father, and into marriage with the love of her life.

Deep Harbor

by Lisa Tawn Bergren – Tora, Elsa, Kaatje, and Karl face trouble, tragedy, and treachery across the Wast, Hawaii, Japan, and the high seas. These four immigrants from Bergen, Norway, each grow closer to God and learn afresh the value of faith, family, and coming alongside each other in times of need.

Faithful Heart

by Al and Joanna Lacy – The adventures of certified medical nurse and dedicated Christian Breanna Baylor continue as she travels by wagon train to visit her sister, Dottie, in California. Little does she know that her most dangerous encounter might be with Jerrod, her brother-in-law, who’s suffering from dementia caused by combat fatigue.

Yesterday’s Promise

by Linda Lee Chaikin – Rogan Chantry faces danger from tribesmen, ruthless politicians, and his own family as he searches for gold in South Africa. In England, his beloved Evy is injured by a mysterious assailant. The greed and intrigue surrounding the diamond mines could very well drive them irrevocably apart.

My two books were provided for free by Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing. I was not paid for this post nor do I have to return these easy-to-read and entertaining books.

Pride

2010-02-24T20:49:00.001-05:00

I’m missing the Olympics to bring you this important message.

I feel nauseous. (It took me forever to figure out the correct spelling of that word that describes my ~~day~~ week.)

Just kidding. Well, not really. But that is not why I am choosing to blog instead of watching the Olympics.

I started a new Bible Study today. Yet another Beth Moore book . . .

Breaking Free

by Beth Moore

I got the Bible from Paperback Swap. (If you ever sign up, will you list me as your referral? I get a credit. Which means I can get a free book. And I know you want to support my book habit. The Hottie Hubby will really thank you. Not!)

Anyway, I was excited to start this study a few weeks back when I regularly did my P90x workout while eating healthy in order to get all of my pregnancy, mothering, and “I got married” weight off.

But God blessed us with The Surprise!

So when I started this study today, I wondered:

Self, why does God still want you to do this study? What does He have in store? It’s not like you are having eating issues right now. There is a lack of appetite going on here.

I don’t have the answer to the question, but at the end of the lesson, Beth (we are on a first name basis) asked me how I would respond to what God showed me today.

I said that I would blog about it.

Of course. Was that any surprise?

So here are some thoughts and a few things that I highlighted.

Isaiah means The Lord Saves. What a cool name.
2 Chronicles tells us of how mighty Uzziah was, so long as he sought the Lord. At some point, Uzziah became ~~a little~~ a lot prideful. Due to his pride, he thought he could walk into the Lord’s temple and take care of business. Umm. Wrong. Duh. (Actually though – when you become prideful you don’t see the “duh” moments.) The guy was struck with leprosy and . . . he was anxious to leave the temple. I’ll bet.
God hates pride because it involved dethroning Him and putting ourselves at the center of our universe.
God’s hatred of pride really expresses His love for us. Pride slights Him but it destroys us.
God does not enjoy humbling us any more than we enjoy being humbled, but pride is so crippling to the believer that He often has little choice.
Oh, and think about this. (Thanks Beth.) God’s hatred of pride doesn’t mean He wants you to feel bad about yourself. In fact, putting ourselves down represents another TWISTED form of pride. (Hello . . . anyone a martyr out there? Guilty!)

I’m going to go an ponder some more.

What are your thoughts?

Technorati Tags: Breaking Free,Beth Moore

Beehive Reader: A Review

2010-02-24T20:22:00.001-05:00

Ya’ll know that I am quite the book snob. I willingly admit it.

I have a new book to add to my collection.

I have yet to decide if it is a school book or a sustainable book. I suppose it could legally fall into both categories. But a school book has the designation of “it might get sold one day.”

I don’t plan on selling this book.

It is mine, mine, mine.

Errr . . . theirs, mine, theirs.

I received this book from Marie Rippel, author of the All About Spelling curriculum, that Mr. Me-Too is using. (To refresh your memory you can re-read this post.)

This book is not only a great supplement to the All About Spelling curriculum BUT it is simply a great beginning reader book – almost like a modern day Dick and Jane. I anticipate my children associating this book with fond memories as it launched them into the world of exploration and imagination.

According to Rippel, she created The Beehive Reader because she

discovered that there isn't an interesting reading series designed for children who need a solid, incremental approach. Most of the "easy reader" type of books aren't truly decodable. They throw in too many sight words that the child isn't ready for yet. And too many new reading concepts are added in at once. Or the story lines just don't make sense, and the books were not enjoyable to read.

To see how each story correlates to the All About Spelling steps you can view the word list here. Without a doubt, this is a quality book. Every single aspect of the design of this book from the hard cover, to the font, to the paper used was planned with young readers in mind.

You can purchase The Beehive Reader for $19.95 at All About Spelling.

Click on the Homeschool Crew banner to read other reviews on this product.

Technorati Tags: The Beehive Reader,All About Spelling,Marie Rippel

You’re Gonna Love Me: Tropical Traditions Lavender Liquid Soap

2010-02-23T19:53:00.001-05:00

For a long time, I never liked the smell of lavender. I guess it reminded me of old women.

Or perhaps I had never smelled pure lavender essential oil. When you smell the good stuff . . . ahh, it is pure nostril enjoyment.

I use lavender essential oil for a variety of body ailments and for relaxation. I have only successfully grown lavender in my garden once.

Lavender and I are friends. When I discovered that Tropical Traditions had combined lavender with their coconut liquid foam soap . . . my hands begged me to try it out.

And they weren’t disappointed.

I wash my hands a lot throughout the day. During the winter season, I used to DREAD washing my hands. They would become painfully dry and split from all of the times I had to wash my hands after changing a diaper to washing dishes for five people . . .

BUT I just realized that this year I have YET to have this problem.

I have the Tropical Traditions liquid soap foam pump at my kitchen sink. And I hope that I don’t gross you out, but often I wait to wash my hands from a dirty diaper that was changed upstairs until I get to the kitchen sink downstairs. The lavender hand soap smells good and leaves my hands feeling soft and moisturized without using lotion!

You won’t believe the ingredient list – organic virgin coconut oil and an organic essential oil, if that is what you ordered! They are packaged in a foam pump dispenser that adds air to the soap, causing a rich lather of foam to come out. You can also purchase a 32 oz refill container and use the foaming pump over and over again (that is what we do for our bathroom dispenser).

Want to win a

Tropical Traditions Lavender Liquid Foam Soap Pump?

RULES
Please, please, please . . .do not put more than one entry per comment. I will be using www.random.org to pick the winners. So if you would like for your comments to count, leave individual comments ON THE BLOG (click on that link), NOT FACEBOOK.

All options are worth 1 entry, unless otherwise stated. My real-life friends can enter this giveaway.

(Mandatory) Click on the link and subscribe to the Tropical Traditions Newsletter.
Become one of my fans through Google Connect if you aren't already! (It’s over there on your right . . . see all of the little people?)
Grab my Granola Mom 4 God button and place it on your blog for all to see!
Tell me the three scents of Tropical Traditions foaming soap that are available.
Buy something from Tropical Traditions. When they ask you how you heard about Tropical Traditions, list my sponsor id (5498794). I won't make any money off of this . . . but I will get a coupon for other Tropical Traditions products.)
Tell me your tip for dealing with pregnancy nausea.

Remember, only #1 is mandatory. The rest of the entries are optional, but you MUST comment separately for each one.

The Fine Print: I will email you when you have won. I must have your email address to alert you to your prize. You can include that in your comment or email me separately at thegranolamom4god at gmail dot com. You must respond within 48 hours.

Contest ends 03/01/10 at Midnight

Author's Note: I was given this product to review from Tropical Traditions, and I do not have to return the product to the vendor. I was not paid for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are mine unless otherwise noted.

Technorati Tags: Tropical Traditions,Lavender Liquid Foam Pump

Winners

2010-02-23T18:18:00.000-05:00

And the winner of the Crave book is . . .

Congrats, Julie of My Life With Boys! Please send me your snail mail address, and I would love to hear what your pastor said about Crave . . . and how he got a hold of this great book!

And I actually have one more winner to post . . . I kind of forgot about it. You know we went to Utah, got sick, found out we were having a baby, and I sleep a lot these days . . .

Remember this book?

I never posted a winner. And Brian is done reading the book.

And the winner is . . .

Congrats, Sela Fenske Young ! Please send me your snail mail address so that I can ship this out to you!

If you ladies need my email, here it is: thegranolamom4god at gmail dot com.

Be sure to check out my next giveaway: Tropical Traditions Lavender Liquid Foaming Soap Pump.

Math Mammoth: A Review

2010-02-22T15:38:00.001-05:00

I can’t find something. I can’t find the pictures that I was going to share with you of Mr. Smackdown doing his math.

I had a certain curriculum picked out for mathematics this year. It told me exactly what to do and used a bunch of manipulatives. We kind of lost interest. Perhaps I should have started with the first grade curriculum.

I never intended to use Math Mammoth, a math curriculum I received to review, as our core math component, and use other curriculums as a supplement. I expected to randomly use Math Mammoth.

But Mr. Smackdown loves Math Mammoth.

What is Math Mammoth?

There are four different affordable color-coded series of books:

Light Blue Series - a complete curriculum that goes by grade levels.
Blue Series - shorter worktexts for different topics from
addition to decimals.

The above work well for review, reinforcement, filling in gaps, etc. The light blue and blue series are similar to regular math having explanations of the concepts and practice problems.

Golden Series - worksheet collections (or workbooks)
for grades 3-8. These worksheets contain very variable
problems in each sheet, and are not script-made.
Green Series - as above, but by topic, not by grade.

Currently we are working through Math Mammoth Grade 1-A Complete Worktext, part of the light blue series.

Topics included in this worktext are:

addition and subtraction concept and basic facts within 0-10
place value with 2-digit numbers (a.k.a. tens and ones)
some adding and subtracting within 0-100
some geometry and measuring topics
reading clock to the half-hour
counting and using coins (US, Euro, or Canadian)

Mr. Smackdown likes it because in a nutshell, he likes worksheets. He knows what to expect by simply looking at the page. He is feeling very comfortable doing addition sentences/problems.

I am pleased with what I have seen so far . . . however, I have noticed that there isn’t much explanation regarding the particular concept we are learning. But what he is doing doesn’t require a lot of explaining. It lacks frills and designer graphics . . . but the pictures used do the job. I think I would prefer something simple to keep the price low.

So would I recommend it? I like it. BUT if you have an older child, I couldn’t recommend it without seeing how the more difficult concepts are introduced and explained.

Visit Math Mammoth to learn more about their products and to see if they have something you might be able to use in your schoolroom.

For more reviews, visit The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew.

Chicken Piccata

2010-02-18T14:46:00.001-05:00

I figured it was time that I gave you a new recipe to try.

This is my very favorite main dish in ~~the entire world~~ America. Because when I am in India my favorite meal is a toss up between momos or butter chicken.

EVERYONE but Mr. Smiley hearts this gourmet chicken meal.

Chicken Piccata

6 chicken breast halves, skinned and boned

1/2 cup wheat flour

1 1/2 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup dry white wine

juice of 1/2 lemon

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

capers (optional)

1. Pound chicken breast to flatten.

Here is the before picture:

Here is the after picture. By the way, this is an excellent meal to make if you are in a bad mood or angry!

2. Mix flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl (or plastic bag). Dip chicken in mixture to coat. Shake off excess flour. Chill.

Note: You don’t have to chill the chicken, but chilling seems to retard burning when sautéing.

3. Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it sizzles.

4. Sauté chicken breast, 3 at a time, for 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels. Keep war until all are cooked.

(Yes, I know that there are more than three in the pan. But I have made this dish so many times that I take a little bit of liberty with the directions.)

5. Stir wine and lemon juice into drippings and scrape bottom of skillet to deglaze. Heat, but do not boil.

6. Return chicken to pan and turn to coat. Remove from pan. Pour pan juices over chicken. Sprinkle with parsley and capers, if desired.

(see first picture – minus the parsley!)

Enjoy!!!

P.S. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of Crave. Come on! It’s a good book and it’s free!

Technorati Tags: recipe,chicken piccata

A Nice Round Number

2010-02-17T06:40:00.001-05:00

It is hard to believe that I wrote this post.

In fact just recently, I was asked either how many pregnancies or children I had. I said five. The lady, who I struggled to get along with, said, “Is your fourth in school right now?” No. I miscarried. She said, “Oh.”

Some of you have noted that I keep mentioning pregnancy in my posts. Kind of like I am dropping hints.

Well, I haven’t been meaning to drop hints or to tease you. I just have pregnancy on my mind because . . . . well . . . .

I AM PREGNANT!

Can you believe it?

We were what you would say . . .

A little surprised.

And to think that I wasn’t supposed to have any children. Wow. With God, nothing is impossible. Though I am over-the-top excited, I am a tiny bit overwhelmed at His GENEROUSITY.

The boys told the Hottie Hubby. I wanted the boys to feel involved . . . a part of the process . . . to be excited.

Here’s how it went.

Brian walked in the door, returning home to his ~~quiet sanctuary~~ loving zoo. He was greeted at the door by three very excited little boys who all appear to have eaten a lot that day. Mind you, I was upstairs hiding . . . wanting only to hear the conversation and stay out of the initial “telling.”

Brian: What’s up with your big bellies?

Mr. Smackdown: We’re having a baby!

Brian: A baby? Who’s having a baby?

Mr. Smackdown: We are Daddy! Mommy’s having a baby!

I hear a nervous laugh from the Hottie Hubby. Followed by my howls of laughter at this verbal interchange. When I arrive downstairs, I see my very dazed husband methodically repeating the words, “Eye-yigh-yigh-yigh-yigh,” as he fell onto the couch.

Welcome home!

Can you believe it?

Don’t worry. I’ve already played the pregnancy card a few times!

Technorati Tags: pregnancy

The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling: A Review

2010-02-17T02:17:00.059-05:00

I'm thankful that my professional background is education. Otherwise entering the arena of homeschooling with our 3+ children would have been overwhelming.

Where does one begin?
How do you set up a school room?
What curriculum do you use?
Can I lawfully educate my own child?

There are many resources that you can glean wisdom from as you are trying to decide if the Lord wants you to create your own schoolhouse. One such resource is Debra Bell's book, The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling printed and given to me by Apologia Press. (Remember, I've talked about Apologia Press before.)

According to the Apologia website,

Debra Bell's best-selling manual has been revised and updated for a new generation of home educators! This indispensable resource belongs on the shelf of every family taking part in home-based learning. Inside you will find:
Six ingredients of a successful homeschool

Subject-by-subject guidelines and program recommendations

Keys to unlocking your child's learning potential

Ten ways to motivate the reluctant learner

Creative solutions for burnout, budgeting, and managing your time

This new edition includes a guide to using the Internet and new technology in your home school. You will also get the latest information on teaching middle school and high school courses, including a list of academic contests and competitions. Tips on multilevel teaching and engaging toddlers and a resource guide with up-to-date contact information round out this amazing tool!

Because we are mostly at home these days due to naps and the nature of having young children, I appreciate Bell's book because in many ways . . . she is my current mentor. I am not around seasoned and "more mature" women who have been at this thing called homeschooling a lot longer than me. She has gone down the path I desire to take and she provides me with tips, trick, and bargains. Bell has largly taken a lot of my leg work out of the way and provides fast information. This is a book that I can use throughout our entire homeschooling career--useful knowledge until my children graduate from The Granola School House.

To see what other Crew members thought of this book, visit The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew blog.

I received this product from Apologia Press along with all of the other Crew Mates. I do not have to return this product nor was I paid for this post.

In the Land of Odds: A Review

2010-02-15T21:54:00.001-05:00

We are a bit picky about what we allow our children to watch on TV. They can watch SOME PBS morning shows . . . but not all of them. Mainstream cartoons . . . Disney . . . even Ronald McDonald – they would struggle to tell you who is popular.

And I am OK with that.

It means less TV for me. If they are watching TV then that means I am watching TV. I want to be there if they don’t understand something. I want to be there to discuss if a character acted according to God’s Word . . . or if the character needed to change their behavior and ask for forgiveness.

My children are young and I can’t expect them to make value and moral judgments by themselves right now. My job as their mom is to act as their guide and teach them how to view a show in light of eternity. When they are older, I will know that I will have given them the tools to view life through a Christian worldview and act accordingly.

Recently, I was given the opportunity to review, with my children, In the Land of Odds DVD, through my participation with MamaBzz.

Rising Star Studios could have just sent me the DVD . . . but they actually went the extra mile and included a note, fruit snacks and popcorn.

They didn’t have to do that . . . but they did. I may be jumping the gun, but if they pay attention to the tiny details included in a package to me, then they probably pay attention to tiny content details in their video.

You could argue that the tiny details may have a negative impact on my children.

However, after watching this DVD three times . . . overall I am pleased with the positive content and beneficial character training. My children enjoyed the characters, especially excited that they were allowed to watch some talking cars. We were able to discuss what happened, how the cars made poor choices, and what the particular car should have done instead.

I do have two issues, not deal breakers . . . but they slightly annoyed me.

Cali, a very feminine car, is a complete Valley Girl and talks like one. I already struggle with saying “like” in unnecessary places, and really do not wish to encourage my children to speak unintelligently.

Secondly, one of the bonus episodes features a car who gets her feelings hurt because no one shows up for her talent show. The episode ends with this yellow car demonstrating, I would venture to say, un-forgiveness, over her friend’s neglect. As she goes inside her house, the cars drive down the street discussing what occurred. The closing line from the scientific car is, “I wish I could invent a relationship repair mechanism.”

The abrupt ending saddened me. In our house, this story would not be over. There is a relationship repair mechanism and His name is Jesus. If we have hurt someone it is important to confess our wrong and ask for forgiveness. The offender makes an ERNEST effort to repair the relationship before walking away.

BUT other than that . . . I liked this series. I would let my children watch more Auto-B-Good episodes . . . but I would still sit with them . . . but then again, I always do. Or I am at least hovering . . .

_________________________________

The Legit Low-Down

Auto-B-Good is a five time Emmy Award winning series that can be seen on public television and all around the world. The series is based on the adventures of 9 vehicles, each with their own unique personality, who live in the City of Auto. Each episode is centered around a different Character Development Trait, such as honesty, respect, caring, fairness and many more.

There are currently six DVD’s available (Seasons one and two). Each DVD has four episodes on it.

Ages: 3-10

Price: $7.99

Put out by: Rising Star Studios

Addtional Links for Auto-B-Good include the following:

Youtube Video
Auto-B-Good Site
Purchase In the Land of Odds
Become a fan on Facebook or follow on Twitter

Technorati Tags: MamaBzz,The Land of Odds,Auto-B-Good,Rising Star Studios

Ray’s Arithmetic : A Review

2010-02-14T21:49:00.001-05:00

Sometimes progress doesn’t necessarily mean improvement.

I guess it depends on who you ask.

In the public school system, we have new school initiatives, an increase in pressure upon teachers to raise test scores, and who knows what else. TV’s are in classrooms; smelly white boards have replaced textured and dusty chalk boards; kids must learn to be inclusive and politically correct.

I’ve seen children have a cell phone before they are 6 years of age. I imagine they can text better than pass a spelling test.

Progress.

But there is one company who offers educators a return to the basics. A return to tried and tested methods.

Dollar Homeschool sent us Ray’s Arithmetic to review through The Old Schoohouse Homeschool Crew. Ray’s Arithmetic boasts of 38 books including 12 core Textbooks, + Answer Key's, Teachers Editions, and several intriguing books of mathematical pursuits for the aspiring student, such as Surveying and Navigation, Astronomy, Book Keeping, and Physics. According to the Dollar Homeschool website, Ray’s Arthmetic is

A Complete K-12 math curriculum, from counting to calculus (all for $59). The Ray's math series begins at a preliterate level with counting; then takes the child through addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and so upward until calculus, teaching concepts with thorough explanations followed by ample problem sets. The Ray's series provides a very full-bodied course of mathematics.

We have started at the VERY beginning, though I am confident that this will be a tool that will be used throughout the boys’ entire schooling IF I am disciplined to wade through the vast amount of material. And if we sit down to apply ourselves.

This 95 page book will help reinforce counting, assist in teaching the boys to answer simple problems, starting “with addition, then subtraction, then multiplication and division. The problems are very simple, so that the child can learn the concepts involved.” The books were designed so that once a child could read, they basically could educate themselves, without a school teacher. Each lesson builds upon itself.

It has challenged me to steer away from using a page or a consumable to teach. But like many things we do, it has encouraged me to use practical everyday life objects to teach a lesson.

Dollar Homeschool has many other quality and antique curriculums. I encourage you to check out their website. You won’t find any evolution in their material, satisfaction is guaranteed, and they are offering free shipping right now!

Find out what the other Homeschool Crew members think of Ray’s Arithmetic and other Homeschool Dollar products by clicking on the below picture!

I was not paid for this post. I received this product as part of my participation with The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew.

Technorati Tags: Homeschool Dollar,Ray's Arthmetic,The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew

Crave: Wanting So Much More of God

2010-02-13T15:47:00.001-05:00

Anyone who has eaten with a pregnant woman knows that she is apt to crave some unusual delicacies. Husbands joke (after the fact) about midnight runs to the grocery store for pickles in an attempt to satisfy the woman who is carrying his child.

The Hottie Hubby has learned that the more detailed the description of my particular craving and the more involved my hands become in creating this imaginary food, the stronger my lust for a particular food.

Though I do have cravings when I am pregnant, they typically aren’t all that unusual. But there is Someone I have CRAVED throughout all of my previous pregnancies: more of God. I feel a compulsive need to have hour to two hour long quiet times, as if I am storing up time in the Word to be used for an upcoming lean season when I have a newborn.

As author Chris Tomlinson states towards the end of his book, Crave, {cravings} “are signs that lead us to Him.”

When I am pregnant I have such thoughts as,

Will the baby be OK?
Is it a boy or a girl?
Will my midwife get here in time for the delivery?
What if I bleed to much?
What if my midwife is sick?
What will we name the baby?

All of these questions and thoughts are not mine to worry about. They are things that I must present to the Lord, and trust that He will give us a safe delivery of Wisdom at the proper time.

Yet God uses my pregnancies to become aware of my daily need for Him. I CRAVE God like no other time (except when the Hottie is away on a trip and I feel like I might pull my hair out parenting by myself). When I am working for two, I get tired, grouchy, selfish, stubborn, and emotional. I need God in order to not be a monster to my children. I’ve learned that seemingly attainable cravings such as comforting food, extra sleep, TV time, mommy-time, only last momentarily and never provide lasting fulfillment.

Chris states,

Our craving for happiness and joy is from God. He created us with a craving that longs to be filled. And when we fill this hole with anything but Him, we realize none of it works. We find ourselves in a story that has been told for centuries. As the pages turn in our lives, each chapter brings a new pursuit that eventually ends in disappointment. The plot twists and turns, but the cast of characters remains the same: security, comfort, wealth, power, sex, success, popularity, status. . .anything and everything we believe will bring us fulfillment. We fail to read between the line, to see the beauty of the story behind the story. I think we misunderstand the point of the craving itself.

It is a funny little process. I used to crave having kids because I was told that I would not be able to have children. But once I became pregnant, I craved comfort. When I was comfortable, I wanted to be thin. When I didn’t instantly become thin, I craved a Dairy Queen Blizzard. Once I had a Blizzard, I craved another kid. And so on and so on. And now I crave ~~peace and quiet~~ contentment with JUST the Lord.

Now that my 200 word review has snowballed into an essay, let me ask you the same thing Chris asked me as I read his book. What do you crave? Are you always looking towards the next event? Do you struggle to be present in the moment? Are your thoughts consumed with idols, things that you dwell upon that distract you from what your soul REALLY wants?

As you read Crave, Chris will take you on a tour through various venues within his heart that are revealing, thought provoking, and even piercing. Be prepared to be lured into reading chapter after chapter, because he hooks you with either sometimes shocking or at least visually descriptive sentences that will arouse your curiosity to read on.

If you are craving a new book . . . why don’t you try and win this book? I have an extra copy laying around that Harvest House Publishers sent me (for free) after Chris asked me to review his book. I’m keeping my copy, but I’ll give you my spare. I will ship it directly to you (cheaply, of course, media mail style.)

The Rules

Optional Entries (meaning write a new and separate comment)

Become a fan of my blog (look over on the right sidebar) and tell me that you are new or already were a fan.
Tell me how often you floss your teeth (you’ll understand this question when you read the book).
Describe a time when God asked you to do something that seemed utterly foolish but you obeyed anyway (Chris has a lot of these moments).
Blog about this giveaway.
Put my Granola Mom badge/button on your blog in a continuously visible location.
Describe to me the food you often crave.

Giveaway Ends: Monday, February 21, 2010

Sorry US residents only!

Technorati Tags: Chris Tomlinson,Crave,book giveaway

He Can’t Get Out To Play

2010-02-12T09:31:00.001-05:00

I have a feeling that my dad probably won’t get out today to play in the snow today. So I am going to bring the snow to him.

When morning greeted me after another restless night, I was fully anticipating seeing grey snowmelt. But instead God had created a fairly land . . . or really a land of snowy chenille wire trees.

Stunning.

It seemed like the perfect morning to experiment with the lens my dad gave me.

So, good morning dad! I’m bringing the snow to you. I hope you feel like you are playing in it!

Technorati Tags: photography

Tommee Tippee: A Happy Mom Review

2010-02-11T14:42:00.001-05:00

I just sat down. Then I hear,

“Mommy, can you get me some water?”

Grrr.

We have Siggs; we have Kleen Kanteens; we have Avent bottles; we have Playtex Sippy cups. Do you know what one thing they all have in common besides being made for kids and holding liquid?

At some point during use they leak.

It is a constant frustration of mine but a delight to my dog.

Please just give me a cup that doesn’t leak and magically refills itself.

I know that latter is a pipe dream . . . but surely the former exists?

Are you ready for a commercial, inquiring Mom? Because I am ready to film one.

Does Tommee Tippee bring back any childhood memories?

Apparently, according to my mommy, I grew up on this brand of cup. It was a cup that forever stood up. If you knocked it over it bobbled back up. My mom has been desperately searching for my old cup to show you, but has yet to find it. Back when my grandma was sick, she used it basically because it couldn’t be permanently knocked over, which is good when you are bedridden.

Well, Tommee Tippee has come back bigger and better, with a great line of products from what I can tell. Already a common household name in the UK, my prediction is that they will soon be a hit here in the USA.

Let me show you what we received in the mail (free – to review) from Tommee Tippee through the Mom Bloggers Club.

(A Tommee Tippee cup for the older two boys.)

(And a Closer to Nature Tommee Tippee baby bottle with a pack of 6+ month nipples– might I add that the structure of the top of the bottle really does resemble the real thing . . . if you know what I mean.)

I am NEVER buying a different “sippy cup” again. It has to be a Tommee Tippee. Why?

Kid tested and kid approved.

they liked the designs on the cups
the beverage didn’t leak on them, which meant the dog didn’t lick them
they especially like the flow of the liquid (seriously, Mr. Smackdown said this – not mommy lingo)

There are two main reasons why I like the cups. First, the products are Bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalate free. Secondly, they don’t leak. Let me show you why.

See where the tiny air hole is above the drinking spout? If you flip the lid over you will see that the air hole is covered by a plastic piece. That air hole is strictly an air hole, not a milk hole.

And the baby bottle, well the way the nipple fits into the bottle lid is also pretty baby proof. . . Mr. Smiley can’t push the nipple down into the bottle and subsequently spill the entire contents of the bottle all over his bed, or in the car, or on the carpet. Bonus! (Not that this has happened in our house.)

And if I were ever to have a new baby anytime soon . . . I’m pretty certain that the design of this bottle would serve as an acceptable route to transport mommy milk during the short time the Hottie Husband and I were away on our first date night post baby.

I know. I am acting pretty excited about a couple of bottles. But they seriously have made my life easier this week. There hasn’t been any fighting over cups. Each child knows their cup. No spills or leaks.

Thank you to Tommee Tippee for providing new cups for ALL three of my children and bubble wrap to play with. We love the cups and you can bet that I will be giving these cups (new ones of course) as baby shower gifts. Also thank you to the Mom Bloggers Club for providing this review opportunity for my family and myself.

Tommee Tippee products may be purchased at Babies “R” Us and Toys “R” Us where you can find them at a stinkin’ reasonable price!

Technorati Tags: Tommee Tippee,Mom Blogger Club,Sippy Cup

I Know, I'm Sorry.

2010-02-10T21:24:00.000-05:00

I know. I'm sorry.

I've been cranking out a lot of reviews.

It won't always be like this.

It will simmer down in about 2 weeks.

Here is a pretty picture to make up for it.

I have a few really heartfelt posts coming up.

Stay tuned.

I think you might like them.

Presidential Penmanship: A Review

2010-02-10T21:04:00.001-05:00

Copy work.

Is it possible that I have a child that old?

Apparently.

Zeezok Publishing allowed us the opportunity to review their Presidential Penmanship HWOT Style Complete Program (complete meaning grades first through twelfth grade complete!).

Who is Zeezok Publishing?

Established in 2003, we believe "It is better to build children than to repair men." To that end we strive to provide quality literature and educational books for use in training the next generation. We trust our products will assist you in developing your family's love for God and country.

After receiving our copy of Presidential Penmanship, I set about printing the entire book for Mr. Smackdown. I could have printed each page as needed, but I knew that having his very own book would promote a sense of pride in Mr. Smackdown and an opportunity to easily survey all that he had written—not to mention how his handwriting had improved!

(OK . . . yes, I know his pencil grip isn’t right and his paper isn’t slanted and he has poor posture – but I was trying to take a picture! It was his first day!)

To date . . . we are still enjoying this curriculum. The presidential quotes have provided stimulating conversation and it has been fun to show Daddy Mr. Smackdown’s writing success at the end of the day!

What does Zeezok have to say about their program?

Originally released as an eBook, this Complete Program CD contains handwriting practice pages in a font similar to another popular writing style for first grade through senior high. Print what you need, when you need it. Using presidential quotes and speeches along with famous documents from American history, Presidential Penmanship seeks to enlighten students on the principles of our nation's founding and history while reinforcing character qualities of good citizenship. Great for memorization or discussion as well as penmanship practice.

You can choose from six different styles of penmanship:

And the costs?

The complete program (remember it takes you from first grade through senior high) is $39.99 or you can order each grade separately for $9.99.

Thumbs up for this program!

Note: it doesn’t provide instruction on handwriting . . . only quality opportunities for practice!

Find out what the other Homeschool Crew members think of this product and other Zeezok Publishing products by clicking on the below picture!

I was not paid for this post. I am thankful for this company sending me such a quality product.

Technorati Tags: Zeezok Publishing,Handwriting Without Tears,Presidential Penmanship. The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew

Love Your Heart: A Review

2010-02-10T19:56:00.001-05:00

Even though I am surrounded by blue, I love stories about pink. The little boys in my house thought that this was a cute book. The illustrations beautifully capture precious conversations and the unique personality of little Katie, the main character.

Love Your Heart by Tim McGraw and Tom Douglas is a meaningful book that starts out as a conversation between Katie and her dad. Katie wants to find out what her talent is, and use it in the school talent show. Never quite content with her chosen talent, she still manages to put a routine together. However, the beauty of the story is that her real talent is revealed in the way she helps another little girl perform at the show. Afraid to disappoint her dad, she seeks his approval. Katie discovers that it isn’t the “things” she does that make him love her, it is her heart.

Like a good book should, Love Your Heart provides an excellent avenue through which to have a meaningful conversation with your child, pointing out how unique God made them and the talents that can be used for His purposes!

____________________________

Want the statistics?

Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Ages: 4 – 10
Price: Hardcover $16.99

To see a flip version of the book, visit here.

The second book in Tim McGraw’s My Little Girl series is a heartwarming story of a little girl’s selfless act of kindness.
Tim McGraw and songwriter Tom Douglas once again join forces to write another book about the precocious Katie and her dad. Katie has many talents, but she wonders which one will win her school’s talent show. With the help of Dad and her faithful dog Palio, and after several amusing mishaps, Katie finally chooses one talent that includes Palio. But at the talent show, she decides to drop out of the contest to help her friend, showing kindness is the best talent of all. Katie’s proud dad reassures her that she did the best thing and that while he loves many things about her, he loves her heart most of all.

Tim McGraw is: dad of three daughters, husband to Faith Hill, Country music superstar, Grammy Winner, American Music Award Winner, Peopleâ€™s Choice Winner, highest grossing tour in history (with wife, Faith Hill), and has sold more than 35 million albums. Yet, beneath all the accolades beats the heart of a dad who immensely loves his family.

Tom Douglas is a singer-songwriter who graduated from Oglethorpe University and received an MBA from Georgia State University. He is the writer of hits “Little Rock” by Collin Raye, “The Gift” by Jim Brickman, “Love’s the Only House” by Martina McBride, and “Grown Men Don’t Cry” by Tim McGraw. He and his wife have three children.

Disclosure: Mama Buzz and reviewers received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes.

Technorati Tags: MamaBzz,Love Your Heart,Tim McGraw