Book Review and Giveaway! ~ Treasury of Bible Stories : Rhythmical Rhymes of Biblical Times

We have been very blessed to review this sweet Bible story book called Treasury of Bible Stories : Rhythmical Rhymes of Biblical Times by Kelly Pulley. This hardback book was written for ages 4-8  with 352 pages is in full color. The illustrations are adorable, they were drawn by Kelly Pulley also. He has illustrated several other books including many from the Beginner Bible series.

What makes this book different from other Bible story books? Every story is written in rhyme, so my poetry loving little girls really enjoyed hearing the stories over and over again. It has found a permanent place on my bedside table with their other favorite bedtime books.

Each story can be read in just a few minutes, so if its an especially sleepy night you can get through a story quickly and then send them off to bed. Some nights we enjoyed more than one.


Some of the rhymes are so catchy I have heard the girls singing them. They like to make songs out of everything they hear. I have caught them just looking through the pictures on their own, they love all the cute little details, especially the animals. My 8 year old can read most of the words on her own, but she gets frustrated easily reading aloud and still prefers me to read it to her. She will read to my 5 year old though, she doesnt correct her because she doesnt know the difference yet.

You can purchase Treasury of Bible Stories : Rhythmical Rhymes of Biblical Times at Christianbook.com on sale for $14.99, it is regularly $19.99. I get to give away one of these cute books to one of my readers, scroll down to enter below!

Watch this little preview to get a better look at the book!





Enter to win a copy of Treasury of Bible Stories : Rhythmical Rhymes of Biblical Times by filling out the Rafflecopter form below. If you are reading this post via email you will need to click here to go to the actual blog to enter. Thank you for entering!!


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Review and Giveaway ~ Skrafty Homeschool Minecraft

Welcome!

It's back to school time, and for homeschool families - that means gathering curriculum, planning and finding new ways to inspire kids in their studies. SKrafty Homeschool Minecraft is the perfect way to add the fun and inspiration you need. This fall, the class line up is spectacular! If you need homeschool math, science, bible, history, language arts or more . . . you are in for a treat. Using some of your favorite homeschool curriculum companies (including Apologia Science, Mystery of History, and A+ Interactive Math) you'll learn to incorporate Minecraft projects into your family homeschool.

See all the new classes SKrafty has to offer HERE

Find out more about the fully monitored SKrafty Minecraft server where it is safe for your family and children - and get whitelisted for FREE right HERE. SKrafty is specially designed and the rules are constructed to encourage good sportsmanship - with no griefing allowed, no bad language or ugly talk, and no sharing of outside links to protect your children. See a full list of rules HERE. What other parents are saying about SKrafty Homeschool Minecraft:

"Since starting Skrafty my son has blossomed. His typing has gotten a lot better. School work is not a chore any more I just give him the list of what needs to be done and he does it. He finds the lessons entertaining and engaging and he loves the activities that go along with them. We are all very grateful for Skrafty." ~ Cheryl J. "My son enjoys playing on Skrafty with other kids and I love that it is a safe, moderated Minecraft server! While playing on Skrafty he has learned creative building, developed critical thinking skills, made friends, and learned to be a team player. The classes have been fun and the reading program has encouraged him to read more than ever. Skrafty has been such a blessing to our family!" ~Julie B.

Special needs learning:

"Skrafty has been a huge blessing to our family! My son with dyslexia is not only learning but enjoying learning!!!! His reading and writing have developed more with Skrafty than any other program we have used. The classes are engaging because they are so hands on and truly turn learning into an adventure. I so highly recommend Skrafty!" ~ Caroline D.

  What we learned: 

My 11 year old son is in love with Minecraft, so naturally he was excited to try out a Skrafty class! He chose Animals and Their Habitats because he loves all animals and thought it would be fun to build them. 

Getting signed up was easy, he already had a minecraft account so we filled out the whitelist form and he was approved quickly. He is pretty new to minecraft on the PC, but there were many kind kids there who helped him when he needed it. 

I felt it was safe for him to chat on the Skrafty server because the forums are moderated, and not just anyone can join. They must be a member. 

I was so amazed by the intricate designs he came up with for his biomes and habitats, his animals were super cute even if they were squarish.  (Its all blocks in minecraft.) He enjoyed being on there and was eager to move to the next lesson once he finished one.

The lessons themselves were not too long, but full of information needed to complete his tasks. Links to youtube videos that have been pre-screened gave him a look at lots of different animals and their natural environment so he had plenty of inspiration to complete his building. 

I am really excited to see Mystery of History as a class option this fall. I bought Volume 1 a month ago and we start with it next week. I am hoping my younger girls will want to build history too! 

I just love Skrafty and so does my son! Learning really can be fun and Skrafty has given us an enjoyable way to supplement our homeschooling. Thanks Skrafty! 

Affordable: Extremely affordable classes (between $6.99 - $32.00) make it easy to add creativity and excitement into your education at home. Sign up HERE for live classes or self-paced classes and begin your journey into the world of homeschool Minecraft with SKrafty.

Giveaway Companies - Multiple Winners!

 

  Check out all the wonderful companies and prizes you can win for your family homeschool: 3 SKrafty Fall Classes - Value up to $32 each Mystery of History Volume 1,2, or 3 & Super Supplemental - Value $150 A+ Interactive Math - Family Package for 3 Students - Value $450 Adventures In ChildRearing - Wildlife Adventures bundle- Value $27.99 We Choose Virtues - Homeschool Kit - Value $98.99 Sidetracked Sarah - Crockpot Freezer Meals 3 pack - Value $8.97 Moore Family Films - ABC Say it With Me - Value $15.99 Not Consumed - Back to School 4 Pack - Value $12.50 Teach Them Diligently - Family Pass to 1 Convention - Value $65 Homeschool Adventure Co. - Philippians in 28 Weeks - Value $18.95 Media Angels - Homeschool Moms Rescue Set - Value $9.99 A Journey Through Learning - Math Lapbook - Value $15.00 Dave Ramsey - Financial Peace Jr. - Value $24.95  

Enter with 1 entry or enter with them all: Click the link below to enter.....

CLICK HERE!!!

Mystery of History, Dave Ramsey, and Moore Family Films are for US winners only. The other prizes are for everyone to enter, even internationally.

Disclaimer ~ We were not compensated for doing this review, we did it in exchange for trying out a class. All opinions are my own and were not influenced by receiving the class at no cost.

Book Review and Giveaway ~ The Sparkle Egg

The Sparkle Egg is officially one of my favorite books for Easter now. It was written by Jill Hardie and illustrated by Christine Kornacki, the same ladies who created a book I reviewed at Christmas time titled The Sparkle Box.

This beautiful 32 page hardcover book was written for ages 4-8, but let me tell you, kids of many ages (and adults for that matter) will love hearing the message of hope this book brings to life!

The story starts with a little boy named Sam who is excited about Easter. He is also feeling a lot of guilt and shame over a lie he told. His parents catch him in the lie and do a wonderful thing with Sam to teach him about how God forgives completely. He decorates a special egg for Easter, nice and sparkly and uniquely his own design. His mother tells him to put a piece of paper inside the egg with something drawn on it to remind him of things he is ashamed about.

She also tells him on Easter morning there will be a surprise in his special egg.

Finally Easter morning arrives! Sam cant wait to look inside the sparkle egg! But when he opens it up.....it is empty inside. This is when his parents get to tell him the wonderful message of what Easter is really about, and how Jesus took away all of our guilt and shame for every sin when He died on the cross for us.

I couldn't wait to make a sparkle egg with my own kids!! This is a very meaningful new tradition I plan to continue at our house every year.

We used larger than normal eggs so there would be plenty of room inside for their slips of paper. I found these at Wal-Mart, they came with pop rocks inside for $1.00 each.

 
You can purchase The Sparkle Egg through Ideals Books. It is on sale right now for $13.59.

Would you like to win The Sparkle Egg book to use with your family this Easter? I get to give one away to one of my special readers! Just enter using the form below.....

Entry-Form

"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.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Movie Review and Giveaway! ~ Unstoppable

Unstoppable is the newest film from Kirk Cameron. It was inspired by the loss of a close friend who died at the age of 15 after a long battle with cancer. He and his wife have been serving in camps for children with cancer for over 20 years, and have seen many lose this battle. How do you answer the inevitable questions that come up when bad things happen? Where is God in the midst of tragedy and suffering? Why does God allow these things to happen when He could stop it?

Kirk does an awesome job of explaining that God is indeed right there through it all. He starts at the beginning of the bible, with Creation, and explains how it was never God's plan for us to suffer at all, He created a perfect world for us. When sin entered the world however, all of that changed. But God has never left us alone, all along He had a plan to fix what had been broken.

The visual depictions of happenings from the bible were very good in this film. Along with music, they give us a glimpse of not just what those moments looked like, but what they felt like. I could feel the devil laughing as Eve ate the fruit, I could feel the wrath of Cain as he killed his brother Abel. I also felt the sadness as the family of the young boy who passed buried him. I bet you cant watch this without shedding a few tears.



Kirk explains so well just why God's love is unstoppable. I have a renewed faith and hope after watching this film. I am passing along my copy to our youth leader in hopes he will show this to the teens. I could have used this kind of understanding and hope when my grandparents were killed when I was 17. I know this will touch the lives of many others out there as well and give them hope that God is GOOD all the time.

I watched this film with my younger kids, and although I dont believe they had a full understanding of everything that was said they watched it all and I answered the questions I could. The Cain and Abel scene was a little graphic for young children, but other than that there was nothing in the film they shouldnt see because of their age. I do feel like teens and adults will get more meaning from it.

Unstoppable is now available on DVD, you can find it at Walmart and other retail stores, as well as online at places like Amazon.

Would you like to win a copy of Unstoppable? Enter below using the rafflecopter form. US and Canadian addresses please.



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"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.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

The Promise ~ Birth of the Messiah Review and Giveaway!

I know what you might be thinking right now. Who needs another Christmas movie? I know there are a lot out there, especially for kids, but this one is a little different than any others I have seen. The Promise ~ Birth of the Messiah is an animated musical. If you are a fan of musicals then this will be right up your alley!





My kids will watch anything in animated form (and this isn't always a good thing) so they were excited about watching it as soon as they saw the cover. My children have heard the story of Christ's birth many times in their lives and have watched many movies as well. I like to watch them with them just in case there is something questionable so this was our family movie this week.

The animation is very good, the songs are catchy, and everyone wanted to watch it again as soon as it was over. I asked the kids what they thought afterward and I was surprised by some of the things they said. Three of them said that it ended too soon, or should have a part two. The story ended shortly after Jesus was born and Mary and Joseph took Him to the temple. They wanted to see more, and I cant blame them. The Christmas story is about more than just the birth of Jesus. I hope there will be more of the story yet to come in other sequels.

My daughter was also disappointed that the angels who sang to the shepherds in the field did not mention following a star, and no star was ever shown in the night sky. I noticed this too, and I'm not sure why that VERY important part was left out. She wanted to know how the shepherds would have found Him without it. That's my logical thinking child for ya!

The whole underlying theme of this film is that Nothing Is Impossible With God, and I loved how Mary was portrayed as being so willing to be a part of God's plan even when she was so young herself and didn't understand fully what was going to happen to her. Yet she was willing to trust God and know that He had a plan for her life. Its a lesson we all need reminding of often!

I think your family will enjoy The Promise ~ Birth of the Messiah. It is a fresh new perspective on the Christmas story.

I get to give away a copy to one of my readers out there, if you would like to win one just enter through the Rafflecopter form below. A winner will be drawn on December 13th so the movie can get to you before Christmas so enter right away!

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I is for Itty Bitty Doll Sized Tote Bag Tutorial

I is for Itty Bitty Doll Sized Tote Bag Tutorial

I am still sewing away making doll clothes and accessories for my girls and their dolls for Christmas. I am so thankful to Rosie's Doll Clothes Patterns for reviving the sewing joy I used to have. I am truly enjoying sewing again, and I just know my girls are going to be thrilled on Christmas morning!

I always have these small scraps of fabric left over when sewing, too small to do much with yet too big to just throw away. (One of these days I will have to start quilting!) I had a eureka moment this evening when one of my daughters mentioned going to the library. My girls love their special library bags, I bet the dolls would love one too!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You will need.....
small fabric scraps (or recycle old clothing)
scissors
sewing machine
thread
hand needle
thin ribbon
ruler
chalk pencil or something to mark fabric
optional tiny buttons

I started by cutting a leftover piece of fabric into a rectangle shape. I used a cotton woven, but you could use felt or a knit fabric if you don't want to worry about fraying edges. If you use a woven fabric you will need to either serge or zigzag stitch over the two smaller ends.

Then fold those ends over with wrong sides facing and sew a straight seam, this will be the top of your tote bag.

Now fold the piece in half longwise with the wrong sides facing, and serge or zigzag stitch up the sides.

Turn right side out, and this is an important step, use a ruler to measure from each side where you want to place your straps. Mark it with a chalk pencil or mark it lightly on the inside if you don't have anything that will wash off.  I used a thin ribbon for the straps, it worked really well. I had some teeny tiny buttons so I added those to make it look decorative, but they aren't necessary. I hand sewed the straps on, it took just a few minutes. Make the straps as long or short as you like.

This is what happens if you don't measure for the strap placement first. The first one is crooked. I will re-sew that one because I'm a sewing perfectionist like that.

The dolls are ready to hit the library now! I'm going to fill them with tiny pretend books too. They also have matching outfits in the works to go with them. We have such well dressed dolls around here.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial! If you have any questions just comment below.

I'm feeling generous today and I'd like to give away a doll tote to a little doll lover out there. Just enter through the Rafflecopter form below to win! The drawing will be December 13th so that it will arrive before Christmas.So enter now!

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The Sparkle Box Book Review and Giveaway

The Sparkle Box is a story that has the power to change Christmas. It was written by Jill Hardie and illustrated by Christine Kornacki.

Christmas is supposed to be a season of great joy, but often it can be a season of hardship and depression for those in need. There are many ways that people are needy, it isn't always a financial need. Some are lonely, some people live with constant physical pain. And then some are in the most need of all, they are in need of a Savior, they need to know Jesus.

The Sparkle Box may be a children's book written for ages 4 to 8, but grown ups need to read it too. The book may be short, just 32 pages, but the story inside holds a lot of meaning.

Christmas is going to be different this year in our house because of this book. The kids and I are excited to add things to our sparkle box! We loved reading this sweet story together and I am excited to read it again with my homeschool group and hopefully my Awana group too.

Included in the back of this hardback book is your own special sparkle box so you can start a new tradition in your home right away.

The book begins with.....

Dear Reader, you are the light of the world. Make it sparkle.

Sam is a young boy who is excited about Christmas! A mysterious sparkly box is sitting on their mantle, he thinks it might be for him. His mom tells him its a special gift to open together later, after it is filled.

Sam witnesses his mother and father doing kind things for others, and his heart is touched when he sees a homeless man sleeping on a bench in the park. But what can a small boy do to help? He cant stop thinking about these things, and about what could possibly be in that box.

Finally Christmas morning arrives! The family opens it together, and inside is........oh I cant spoil it for you! But Ill bet you have an idea of what was inside don't you?

Watch a short video about the book here!

Tell me what you think is inside The Sparkle Box and on December 2nd one winner will be chosen to receive a copy of  The Sparkle Box!

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Book Review and Giveaway! ~ Audrey Bunny

Do you have little ones who love curling up in bed with a good story and a stuffed animal? I do, and to tell you the truth so do I! One of my daughters especially loves bunnies. I was originally attracted to this book because of that fact, but it has become a favorite for other reasons.


Audrey Bunny is the story of a young girl who sees a stuffed bunny in a thrift shop and instantly loves it. The bunny thinks she will never be picked out of the animal bin because she has a defect, a spot on her chest that will not come off. She tries to hide her blemish, hoping someone will love her and take her home. When a young girl does choose her, she is afraid to believe that someone could actually love her for who she is so she tries to hide her imperfections to earn the little girls love.


Does that story sound familiar? I can think of many times in my life when I felt like I wasn't good enough to be loved. I felt like I wasn't good enough for God to love me either. I tried to "be good" and "do good things" to earn God's love. I tried to hide the blemish of my own sin. But each and every time my own efforts failed and yet God showed me that he loves me anyway. Even better, He loves me just the way I am right now. I don't have to do anything but trust Jesus as my savior.

God doesn't see our blemishes, He just loves. He made us who we are on purpose.

That is the message given in this sweet story. I really love this book, and I really love the beautiful illustrations too. Its a work of art and a story I don't mind at all reading 1000 times to my kids. We all need reminding of how much we are loved, each and every day, no matter what!

About Audrey Bunny

From best-selling women’s author Angie Smith (I Will Carry You, Mended) comes this sweet children’s book about a stuffed animal named Audrey Bunny who fears her imperfections make her unworthy of a little girl’s love. She'll learn the truth soon enough, and young readers will learn that everyone is special and wonderfully made by God.

[Also included]: The Parent Connection (last page of the book) shares discussion questions and activities reinforcing God's love for us.

Angie Smith is the wife of Todd Smith (lead singer of Dove Award winning group Selah), best-selling author of Mended, I Will Carry You, and What Women Fear, and one of the most popular speakers and blog writers in the country. She holds a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology from Vanderbilt University and lives with her husband and daughters in Nashville, TN.

Audrey Bunny is available in hardcover with a dust jacket:  32 pages $14.99

Would you like to win this book for a precious little child you love? Simply enter on the rafflecopter form below. If you are reading this in your email inbox click on over to the blog post here to enter.



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Giveaway! How To Be A Great Wife Even Though You Homeschool

My friend over at Fir and Cypress blog is giving away a copy of a wonderful book by Todd Wilson of Family Man Ministries titled How To Be A Great Wife Even Though You Homeschool.

Entering is easy, just click on the Fir And Cypress blog here and enter via rafflecopter.

I read this book myself a couple of years ago and gleaned a lot of interesting info from it. Todd has a real heart for building family relationships and for homeschooling as well. He gets right to the point and doesn't beat around the bush, so although the book is a short read you learn a lot from it.


So go enter now, this giveaway ends October 29th! If you win it will be mailed out to you quickly, and I hope you will pass it on and share it with others when you are done reading it.

Blessings!

Are you having trouble finding the time and energy to meet the needs of your husband after a hard day of homeschooling? Maybe you''ve forgotten what his needs are. Would you like your husband to take a more active role in homeschooling? Have you tried nagging but that just pushed him further away?
Your relationship with your husband is the key to a successful homeschool. It is the secret ingredient to increasing his involvement. But be careful because homeschooling is like a black hole. It will consume everything in its path if you let it - your energy, your free time, your relationships, and tragically, even your marriage.
- See more at: http://store.familymanweb.com/products-page/homeschooling/how-to-be-a-great-wife-even-though-you-homeschool-2/#sthash.Cso1Uk1E.dpuf

Are you having trouble finding the time and energy to meet the needs of your husband after a hard day of homeschooling? Maybe you''ve forgotten what his needs are. Would you like your husband to take a more active role in homeschooling? Have you tried nagging but that just pushed him further away?
Your relationship with your husband is the key to a successful homeschool. It is the secret ingredient to increasing his involvement. But be careful because homeschooling is like a black hole. It will consume everything in its path if you let it - your energy, your free time, your relationships, and tragically, even your marriage.
- See more at: http://store.familymanweb.com/products-page/homeschooling/how-to-be-a-great-wife-even-though-you-homeschool-2/#sthash.Cso1Uk1E.dpuf

Are you having trouble finding the time and energy to meet the needs of your husband after a hard day of homeschooling? Maybe you''ve forgotten what his needs are. Would you like your husband to take a more active role in homeschooling? Have you tried nagging but that just pushed him further away?
Your relationship with your husband is the key to a successful homeschool. It is the secret ingredient to increasing his involvement. But be careful because homeschooling is like a black hole. It will consume everything in its path if you let it - your energy, your free time, your relationships, and tragically, even your marriage.
- See more at: http://store.familymanweb.com/products-page/homeschooling/how-to-be-a-great-wife-even-though-you-homeschool-2/#sthash.Cso1Uk1E.dpuf

2 Book Reviews and a Giveaway ~ Grace Unplugged and Own It

Grace Unplugged is a book based on the movie which is coming out on October 4th 2013. Be sure and watch the movie trailer posted at the end of my review.

Grace Trey inherited her fathers talent for singing and music and is a part of the worship team at their church. She has a style all her own, but her father thinks her "style" isn't appropriate for praise and worship songs and would rather her keep things toned down.

Its hard enough being 18 and wanting to do your own thing, and she really wants a chance to have a music career like her father once had when he was young. She has no idea what all that can entail however.

When her father's old partner, Mossy, shows up and offers him a record deal if he will remake his old "one hit wonder" and he declines, Grace just cant believe it. Why would he do such a thing??

If her dad could do it, why couldn't she? So she secretly contacts Mossy and sends him a self made demo of herself singing her fathers song. She leaves home after a little fight with her dad, and heads to LA to start her musical career.

This story is a twist on the tale of the prodigal son. Life in show biz isn't all she hoped it would be, but God clearly uses the choices Grace made for good, and the story has a happy ending. Part of that ending is due to her reading the book Own It.

Paperback: 304 pages $15.99







Own It has been one incredible read so far,  Im still reading it. This book has life changing power. You will be challenged to discover just what you believe and why you believe that way.

Are you simply mimicking someone else's faith? Perhaps growing up in church or a prominent person in your life helped form your beliefs, but what about what the Bible says? What has God revealed to you? Its going to make you think!

Testimonies are given by others so you can see what owning your faith is like in real life. I am being challenged to own my faith and Im going to have my grown children read this book when Im done with it.

Paperback: 192 pages $14.99



I am so excited to be able to bless one of my readers with BOTH of these books! Just enter through the Rafflecopter form below.

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Book Review and Giveaway ~ Alone Yet Not Alone

When I first heard about the movie coming out September 27th called Alone Yet Not Alone I was so excited about taking my kids to go see it. I was blessed to be able to review the book first! This story was written by Tracy Leininger Craven, she heard it from her grandmother after she came across the account while studying the family's genealogy. The first draft was written when she was just 9 years old!

This is a true story of the Leininger family who came to America in the 1700's so that they would be a slave to no man and be free to worship God. They are a Godly family who read the Bible together and give their children hope in God that will help them their entire lives.

Tragedy strikes the family when Delaware Indians invade their home and take the two youngest daughters, Barbara and Regina, back to their tribe and tell them they are now Indian children. Many families were torn apart during the Penn's Creek Massacre. The girls get separated from each other, but their faith remains intact. They remember the words their father read to them from the Bible, and the song their mother sang to them at night, Alone Yet Not Alone.


This is my favorite preview from the movie......





This paperback book is 148 pages long and I couldn't put it down after I started reading it. I read it all in one day. My 9 year old daughter is reading it on her own now, she comes to me and tells me about what is happening, sometimes with a question, and always wanting to discuss how she relates to the story. It was written for ages 8 and up.

There are some sad times in the book, like when the girls realize that their father and brother were killed by the Indians when they were taken. Another time a woman is burned at the stake for trying to escape. The wording is not graphic however, I felt it was appropriate for my daughter to read on her own.

The story has such a good ending, and I will not spoil that for you!If you enjoy historical fiction and family friendly entertainment you are going to love Alone Yet Not Alone!

Would you like to win this book? I get to give one of my readers a copy to enjoy before the movie releases! Enter below on the Rafflecopter form. If you are reading this via email you will need to visit my blog to enter, just click on the title above to go there.

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Ring The Bell ~ Review and Giveaway

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

About Ring the Bell:
Ring The Bell shares the story of a slick, big city sports agent Rob Decker who seems to have it all. But on his latest mission to sign a high school baseball superstar, Rob becomes stranded in a small town where the simplicity of life—and the faith of the people—stand in stark contrast to his own fast-paced, win-at-all-costs mindset. Torn between these two worlds, will Rob have the courage to let faith transform his life? This heartwarming story of redemption is sure to entertain and inspire the whole family.
Ring The Bell features a host of well-known Christian music artists, such as Mark Hall along with his band Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Matthew West, all who play a role in this inspirational drama. Several former and current Major League Baseball all-stars are also featured in the film: ESPN analysts John Kruk and Rick Sutcliffe (a former Cy Young Award winner), along with Ben Zobrist.
This family-friendly movie was produced by Mark Miller, Beach Street Records' founder and Casting Crowns’ producer. Miller, who is also the lead singer and founder of country music group Sawyer Brown, co-wrote the script with Thomas Weber and Weber directed the production. 

What we thought......

Ring The Bell is one of those movies that has such a good ending you just cant help but cry, but in a good way! My daughter had a sleepover and we all watched it together, there wasn't a dry eye. This is one of those movies I will watch again and again, and enjoy sharing with others. I enjoyed seeing the concert scene with Casting Crowns, you could really feel the conviction happening in Rob's heart, yet the stubbornness of man was still there. It makes the ending even more beautiful as you watch him come to the point of surrender to God. The beauty of a life changed by the life saving power that only God can give shines through! It made me want to go ring a bell!!!

Ring The Bell would be a great movie for family nights, youth groups, even young children's groups. My 8 year old is still talking about it.There is even a study guide to download if you like.


Watch the movie trailer here....




Ring The Bell can be purchased for $19.99 or win a copy by entering through the Rafflecopter form below!

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Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach and I Think I'm Gonna Throw Up! ~ Review and Giveaway!

Ever wonder what the whale felt like in the Story of Jonah? (Yes, I know the bible says it was a big fish and not a whale, but humor me here!) This delightful hardback childrens book called Hey God, I've got some guy named Jonah in my stomach and I think I'm going to throw up! by Troy Schmidt tells the whale's side of the story.



The book was written for kids age 4 to 8. We read it to my AWANA class which includes kids up to 11 and they were all laughing at the story. The illustrations are so funny!



The whale begs God to get Jonah out of him, but God says "Not yet, you have to trust me." I love this message, how often in real life do we want our way right now? But God has a plan for everything, even when the circumstances aren't ideal for us.

We all know the end of the story, Jonah does go to Ninevah like God told him to. The whale got to be a part of God's great plan! This is just the first in a series!  Other books available include Hey God, Can You Stop the Rain so I Can Get off Noah's Smelly Ark? and Hey God, I'm Having an Awful Vacation in Egypt Thanks to Moses!

The end of the book includes a Parent Connection  page with discussion questions, activities, and bible verses to dig a little deeper into this story of obedience.


 About the Author: 
Troy Schmidt has writing and video production credits ranging from assignments with Disney (The Mickey Mouse Club) and Nickelodeon to Max Lucado's Hermie franchise. He is currently the lead writer for The American Bible Challenge hosted by Jeff Foxworthy on the Game Show Network. Troy and his wife have three sons.

You can buy Hey God, I've got some guy named Jonah in my stomach and I think I'm going to throw up! through B&H Publishers for $9.99. 

I get to give away a book to one of my readers! Enter through the Rafflecopter form below!



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"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Win a signed copy of "A Cry From Egypt" by Hope Auer

Last September we were blessed with a review copy of A Cry From Egypt through the Schoolhouse Review Crew.

Here is a little from my review of the book.....

 A Cry From Egypt is the first in a series of historical fiction published by Great Waters Press. It is written for  ages 8 and up. I read it aloud to my 9, 8, and 6 year olds. They are already familiar with the story of how God used Moses and Aaron to help the Hebrews escape from slavery in Egypt. This story uses historical facts from the Bible, and adds fictional characters to give readers a different perspective about the plagues,  how Egyptians treated the Hebrews, and vice versa.

 The story centers around Jarah, a 12 year old Hebrew slave girl. I loved how Jarah showed compassion for the Egyptians as they were going through the hardships of the plagues. Even after all the hardships her people had to face, she was able to see the Egyptians as people in need of God. In the beginning of the book she had some serious doubts about whether Yahweh is the one true God. (Yahweh is the word used for God at this time in history. I had to explain this to my kids right away.) Jarah's father believes and trusts in Yahweh completely, but her mother worships the Egyptian gods and would prefer that her children did too. This caused some conflict between the mother and father, and during these parts of the story I could tell my daughter was troubled by it. It is an essential part of the story though, and I cannot wait to read future books to see how the mother reacts to leaving Egypt.

 Read my full review of the book here.

The author, Hope Auer, has generously offered to give away an autographed copy to one of my readers! Thanks Hope! We really enjoyed this book, and we are anticipating the next book in the series!

To enter just follow the steps on the rafflecopter form below.

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Disclaimer ~ I received no compensation for posting this giveaway on my blog. I simply want to help out a young budding author, who happens to be a very good one in my opinion!

Prayers For Every Day ~ Review and Giveaway!

Little Angels ~ Prayers For Every Day is such a sweet little book. I enjoyed reading it to my little ones just as much as they loved listening. Roma Downey has written short yet meaningful prayers for this book, and along with the charming illustrations by Lisa Reed it is destined to become one of my kids' favorites.

The book itself is a padded board book written for ages 2-5, but my 6 and 8 year old daughters are enjoying it just as much as my 4 year old. There are over 50 prayers inside for all times of the day including...

Prayers for Morning
Prayers of Praise
Prayers of Thanks
Prayers for Mealtimes
Prayers for Others
Prayers for Help
Prayers for Guidance
Prayers for Forgiveness
Prayers for Comfort
Prayers for Bedtime

Scattered throughout the book are Bible verses as well. Little Angels Prayers for Every Day would make a great gift for the little ones in your life. It is available from Ideals Books (A Guideposts Company) for $9.99.

 Would you like to win this book? I get to give away one to one of my readers! Enter to win on the Rafflecopter form below....

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"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Veggie Tales ~ The Little House That Stood - Review and Giveaway!

Veggie Tales has done it again! Now there is another great story to add to your collection, The Little House That Stood - A Lesson In Making Good Choices. Remember that song from Sunday school, The Wise Man Builds His House Upon The Rock? This parable from Matthew 7:24-27 is brought to life in this DVD by Bob, Larry and other characters along with the Three Little Pigs. Watch the trailer below.....



This new Veggie tales DVD is both fun and teaches a great life lesson, when God is our foundation we will stand strong against the storms of life!

The kids and I both laughed at the crazy antics and the new Silly Song, Happy Tooth Day :) If you are a Veggie Tales fan you will definitely want to add The Little House That Stood to your collection!

From the DVD package.... 

When the Three Little Pigs roll into Cabbageville looking to build some new houses, they meet one builder with a plan and two without a clue! Larry builds with hay, Mr. Lunt with bricks, but only Bob builds his houses on a firm foundation - following the wise plans from the Master Builder's Handbook! Will the Little Piggies make the right choices when it comes to building their houses - and their lives - on solid ground? Find out in this parable that shows kids when they follow God's blueprints, then can stand strong when the storms come!

You can enter to win one! Just follow the directions on the Rafflecopter form below.....

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"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Homeschool Giveaway Share

I love entering giveaways! I have won quite a few over the past year. We have added many great family films, books, toys, and a unit study just by entering giveaways. I dont have a lot of free time to spend online, and Im sure you dont either. So Id like to share with you a place to find giveaways all in one place!

Homeschool Giveaway Share!

Simply "LIKE" the page on facebook and you will start seeing new listings in your blog feed, or visit the page a couple of times a week and enter a few that you are interested in.

Not on facebook? They also have a twitter page.

You can also have any giveaways you might be hosting listed there to get more exposure and entries! The form to submit your entry is located at the top of the page. 

Read more about this page on the Ben and Me Blog, where you will also find all kinds of kindle freebies posted weekly! She finds some really great books and apps!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Abel's Field ~ Review and Giveaway!

Abel's Field is a family friendly movie about a love for family, persevering through hard times, and finding faith. Seth McArdle (Samuel Davis) is a senior in high school who also holds down 2 jobs and cares for his young twin sisters. His father abandoned them and his mother passed away unexpectedly. It doesn't help matters that members of the football team are bullying him and end up getting him in trouble with the coach of the team.

God uses this situation for good though! Seth is given yet another job helping a man named Abel (Kevin Sorbo) fix the leaky football field, and in the end they both help each other.

This is a great movie for family night. I was able to watch it with my college aged daughter and her boyfriend, two 15 year old boys, and my 4 younger ones. The movie held everyone's interest until the end, and comments were made about what a good movie it was. It got a thumbs up from everyone!

I loved how gentle Seth is with his little sisters, how sensitive he is to their needs.

Although my younger kids enjoyed the movie, I think the characters are more appealing to teens and young adults because of the high school setting. It would make a great movie for youth group night and sleepovers.

Abel's Field is available to purchase on DVD at many retailers nationwide. It can also be purchased through the Abel's Field.com website. or from Amazon
 

You can also enter for a chance to win this DVD! Just follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter form below. If you are reading this message in your email click on the title above to go to my blog to enter.

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"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Melissa & Doug Terrific Twenty List and Giveaway!

We just love Melissa and Doug  toys here at our house! I love how high quality they are, and the kids enjoy playing with them and have passed them down to younger siblings for years. They are giving away one great toy every day for 20 days in their Terrific 20 Giveaway! Enter just once for your chance to win!

Simply sign up on the Melissa and Doug Facebook Page to enter, that's all there is to it!



My little girl fell in love with this Trunki in Sunny Orange.  Her favorite color is orange and she needs a place to keep all of her goodies. This sturdy case can be carried around as we are out and about to keep her busy, and she can  even ride on it if she wants to.

It comes in many different colors.


I am giving away a Trunki to one of my readers! Enter on the rafflecopter form below!

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Disclaimer ~ I am participating in this giveaway as a favor to Melissa and Doug and I was not paid to do this. We did receive one of the products I am giving away as a thank you for participating.
 

Father Of Lights ~ Movie Review and Giveaway!

Father Of Lights is a 98 minute documentary directed by Darren Wilson, who also directed Finger Of God and Furious Love. In this movie he attempts to show what God looks like if He could be filmed. You wont see God physically, but you will see what God can do, what God is really like and what he is not like. This film will make you think, will bring tears to your eyes many times as you experience God's love in action!

The crew goes all over the world, filming live as they encounter people from all walks and faiths. You will see a powerful witch doctor cower before the One true God. An idol worshiping priest who accepts Christ because of a dream he had, and the man who found him because of a dream as well. You will meet men and women who have given their lives over to God and the amazing stories that go along with that. You will also meet ordinary everyday people just like you and see how God loves each and every one of us!

This film can be used as a powerful tool to bring people to Christ. If you already follow Him you will be encouraged and amazed and motivated to share the love of Christ with those around you. Jesus will do the real changing, but this film can be the spark that starts the fire.

God is The

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16 NLT).





You can purchase Father Of  Lights for $19.99 or download a digital copy for $14.99

I am also giving away a DVD to one of my readers! Enter below through the Rafflecopter form to win the Father Of Lights! Ends 11/10/12

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."