Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Available #abcblogging

As I searched and spent time praying for the title and topic of this post I kept coming up blank.  Yes, I had some ideas but nothing felt right.

I could talk about Adam or Abraham.  I thought about using the word autopilot or alpha.  Those just didn't jump out at me.

Then it hit me... Available!

How many times do I say I want to be used for The Lord but when asked to do something whether at church or for family do I find excuses?  If I'm being honest way to often.

I want to be available.  Yet my selfish flesh makes bad choices and I miss being the blessing.


When I think of availability being  ready or prepared comes to mind.  Prepared in heart and ready to act.  It makes me think of the parable of the 10 Virgins in Matthew 25

Five were ready to go when the bridegroom called and 5 were foolish and were unprepared.  The were available in the flesh but not is the spirit because they hadn't taken the time to have their supplies.  They thought for the future but put no thought to the present.

So how can we be sure we are available when the time comes?

There are few things we are supposed to always be doing:

  • Praying
  • Reading our Bible
  • Studying our Bible
  • Attending church regularly
  • sharing the gospel


These things are our reasonable service....


I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. - Romans 12:1 

When we do our reasonable service we stay close to God.  This allows our hearts to be focused on Him and His ways rather than our own ways.   

Also to be available I feel like I need to ask God for specific opportunities.  If I want to be a blessing to a family I should ask God to open those doors. 

I think about tonight.  I have been sick in bed for the last three days.  My littlest is also pretty sick.  A dear church friend called and said she was bringing us dinner.  What a blessing!  I'm going to take some liberty here but I'm banking on the fact that she had her reasonable service stuff in order.  I'm also going to bet she asked God how she could be a blessing to our family.  I truly think God gave her the wisdom to prepare this meal just for us.  Why do I think that?  Well she made EXACTLY what I wanted to make for dinner tonight but was just too tired to do it.  It was pretty awesome! 

See I want to be available to be a blessing to others.  To help when needed with a sweet spirit.  Willing to go that extra mile when called upon.  This is something I work on and I hope this post has been a blessing to you.  


This post is part of Blogging through the ABCs with BenandMe.com.  I hope you will click on the link and see what other bloggers are saying about the letter A this week. 









Ben and Me

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

ARTistic Pursuits for Preschool #REVIEW

ARTistic Pursuits Review
Art is a subject that I truly worry about teaching.  My kids are not the best artists.  Yep this mom just said that in a blog post!  All of my boys have had motor skills issues when little.  Especially with fine motor skills.  I think my bigger boys not wanting to color like other kids might have had something to do with that. I am determined to change the course with my youngest!  At three he has some issues but we are working on specific things to improve his motor skills and working with art is one way I plan to help him.

ARTistic Pursuits generously sent me their  The Way They See It (Preschool) edition for review.

ARTistic Pursuits Review
This book is a complete art curriculum for littles.  The spiral bound book is soft-covered and includes many colored illustrations.   It starts at the basics which includes looking at some artistic masterpieces like View of Toledo by El Greco.  Then takes the children into project they can complete with basic everyday supplies ( finger-paints, play-doh, crayons).  It is 90 pages long and includes 26 lessons. 

Age Range:  3-5

Price: $47.95


When we first started using this product I just opened up the first page and jumped right in.  There are plenty of parental instructions (and introductions) to help you confidently move forward easily.  A nice supply list is in the beginning to help you get started and  we actually had most of the stuff on on hand already.

I had my little guy join me at the table and we looked at the first masterpiece. On the page was a beautiful famous work of art.   You have your child look at the picture and then discuss it.   Everything is laid out for you on the page including specific questions to ask.  At three this activity was a little over his head but I actually didn't mind that one bit.  While I think this activity was a tiny bit over his head, I took it for an introduction to beautiful art.  He was able to answer the questions easily even at three.

Next we flipped the page and did the first activity which was coloring.  The main focus was to learn how to hold the crayon properly.  Jace did just scribble but I wasn't expecting more than that.  The point was that he was learning to move his hands and hold the crayon in a way to eventually produce a real picture.

coloring the sky


The next few lessons were similar.  Look at a picture, talk about it and re-create your own. 

finger paints

We did coloring, finger painting and watercolor paintings in the first few sections.  Finger-painting was a lot of fun because he didn't really like getting his hands messy!  However once we got into it he really ended up enjoying the project!

watercolor paints


Then I decided to take a different approach.  I knew our scheduled review time was coming to an end and I wanted to look through the book for things I knew would appeal specifically to my little guy.  Play-doh and scissors are the two things I knew he would really enjoy.  So I skipped ahead in the book.  That is the beauty of a curriculum like this.  You can go page by page or skip around either way works wonderfully! 

Using scissors was his absolute favorite activity.  He had been begging to work with them and because ARTistic Pursuits gave such clear ideas on how to tackle this introduction to sharp tools I felt confident to finally attempt it.  All we did was cut pieces off of strips of paper but he was thrilled!

Each lesson takes as little or as long as your child is interested.  Ours averaged from 20 minutes to 30 minutes.  The lessons and activities were extremely easy to implement.  The parent sections gave plenty of tips and encouragement as well.

My overall thoughts:

I love this program.  I think you need to keep your child's age, skills and abilities in mind when tackling something like art.  For me my expectations were to just introduce the subject and have fun.  If you are expecting that your child will come away creating masterpieces this isn't the curriculum for you! Another thing I took into consideration is the age range.  My child at three is  and on the beginning end of this book's age range.  Which means that I could revisit this curriculum three times completely and see three different results as he grows.  This is EXACTLY what I intend to do.  I figure at three he might not remember the artist names that we looked at but by introducing it again and again over the next 3 years he just might remember the famous painting and who created it. (You can also go back and redo activities that you've done prior, like finger-paint again or watercolor again.  The learning keeps going even though you worked on that skill in the book).  He might not of created flowers or clouds but by five he probably will be able to produce those objects.

This book is packed with information.  It is practical and easy to implement.  The advice mixed in is calming which appealed to my nervousness with the subject.  They tell you not to worry about scribbles!! I honestly have not one criticism or suggestion!  It was clear and easy to use.  I just loved everything about ARTistic Pursuits!


Click to read Crew Reviews




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Monday, April 28, 2014

The Flintstone Kids: Rockin’ in Bedrock Now on DVD!

 A Rup Life received a copy of this dvd for review purposes.  This post contains affiliate links.
I love classic cartoons - especially The Flinstones!  Their prehistoric antics always crack me up.  It is awesome to be able to share childhood favorites with my kids now.  Flintstone Kids:  Rockin' in the Bedrock is ten episodes of Fred, Wilma, Barney and Betty before they were married with kids! See the gang as children and the fun they had before growing up!   Your family is sure to love these classic episodes!

about:


The Flintstone Kids: Rockin’ in Bedrock features 10 captivating episodes from the adorable animated series. In Curse of the Gemstone Diamond, Fred’s lookalike steals Dreamchip Gemstone’s precious diamond. Fred and Barney become babysitters on Dusty Disappears. In Freddy’s First Crush, Fred develops a crush on a substitute teacher in school. In The Bad News Brontos, the gang forms a baseball team. When the father and son picnic comes up, Fred loans his grandfather to Barney when his own father is unavailable in Grandpa for Loan. In The Rock Concert That Rocked Freddy, Fred promises tickets to a big rock concert but fails to deliver. These and several other entertaining adventures are included on the release.



“If you loved the original Flintstones, The Flintstone Kids is a must-own title. It’s a natural extension of the enormously successful animated series that has managed to capture television audiences around the world for decades,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Vice President Family & Animation Marketing and Partner Brands. She added, “The Flintstone Kids: Rockin’ in Bedrock features engaging stories the whole family can enjoy watching together. If you’re a fan of classic animation characters, this title is a perfect addition to your home entertainment library.”



The Flintstone Kids: Rockin’ in Bedrock originally aired from 1986 to 1988 on ABC.


You can purchase your copy of  The Flintstone Kids: Rockin’ in Bedrock at your local retailer or online at stores like Amazon. 

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Weekly Recap



It has been kind of a slow week for me in the blogging world.  I have things I want to share with you and reviews to go up for both sites but I caught my three year old's cold.  I feel awful and on top of that he is pretty miserable as well.  We had a fun weekend planned and sadly I had to cancel most of it.  Hoping to be better for church by Sunday.

Here is what I have blogged about:

Study Math Online with CTC Math {Review} - we love this math!  Since writing my review my oldest has asked to start doing it as well.  I think that says a lot about this program because he never wants to do school let alone something new!

*Coming Soon* Blogging The Bible A-Z #abcblogging -  I'm super excited to be starting this ambitious series.  I've only attempted one series on this blog ever (the wild card cricut series) and I had to stop about 8 from the end because I became pregnant with my littlest.  

Over at Astheygrowup.com:

Kiss My Face Sunscreen for Springtime Fun!-  - I featured Kiss My Face's awesome sunscreens.  

 

D is for Django by Django Jones #WIN  - this fun cd will be a great addition to any library.  There is also a giveaway going on for this one so don't forget to enter!

Food Should Taste Good Pita Puffs #NEW - Lastly, I reviewed the latest  my favorite snacking company.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

*Coming Soon* Blogging The Bible A-Z #abcblogging

Next week I will be starting another series of blogging through the alphabet.  This time around I picked a theme!  Blogging Through the Bible!  I'm not sure exactly what we will study during this time but I know it will be a fun undertaking! 



This series is party of Benandme.com's blogging through the alphabet.  Click on the link to learn more or see what other bloggers are saying about #abcblogging. 

Ben and Me

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Study Math Online with CTC Math {Review}

This is our second year homeschooling one of the subjects that I think is most intimidating to teach is math.  It is something I will most likely always use a online or video program for.  We recently had the opportunity to review CTC Math.  They gave us a 12 Month Family Plan for the review. 

CTC Math Review

About:

CTC Math is an online Math tutor program.  It can be used as a stand alone curriculum, supplement or for tutoring.  The company is based in Australia.  There is a parent/teacher section and a separate login for students. 

Age Range:  Kindergarten though high school.  (K-12)

Pricing:

Single student membership plan:$11.97 monthly
$50.80  for 6 months
$78.80 for 12 months
 

Family Plan (2 or more students):$15.97 monthly
$78.80 for 6 months
$118.80 for 12 months

*This is a current sale price please check the website to see if the price has changed. 


How we used this program:

We used this program to supplement our regular math for my sixth grader.  I set up a student account for him and then he was able to log on and do his work daily.  The first thing we did was a few of the comprehensive test just to see where he was.  Based on this we stayed in the 6th grade level which is what he was currently doing with his other math.  From there I let him go at the program how wished.  One advantage of having a 6th grader and online math is that it is almost entirely independent!

K-6th works a little different than the higher maths.  For the younger grades there is a reward system with certificates.  You can earn a bronze, silver, gold or platinum based on the work completed.  My son was totally motivated to re-do many of the lessons until he mastered that platinum level.  He actually looked forward to doing math each day and asked to work on it outside of regular school time.

For the parents we have a separate section to log in and track progress.  You can see a review of all the work your child does.  It even tells you the times they log in and progress they make.  On top of that you can receive emails with the same information.  (Perfect for Dad to see what is going on in your student's daily math work.)


Screenshot to show all the classes/grades offered.

A sample of a lesson

question section for lesson

Overall Thoughts:

My son absolutely loved this program and has asked to continue it.  I love that enthusiasm.  One thing I disliked was my son was more obsessed with perfectionism than moving on.  I think it would be awesome if the lessons opened up and you were encouraged to move on daily with an option of going back after you've completed new work.  Rather than staying for a week on the same lesson.  (which is what my kid wanted to do often.) Perhaps another option would be the ability in the parent section to schedule the kid's assignments each day.  Then they could go back to re-work other lessons once they completed their scheduled assignments.



I did have my oldest do some of the testing and he too thought it all looked pretty cool.  There are no cartoons so it has a nice clean cut appeal to him as a teenager.  I had my 3 year old sit on my lap and do a little bit of the kindergarten level.  He was able to do quite a bit.  The only thing he lacked was the computer mouse skills (if I had pulled it up on a tablet he would have rocked it!!)  So that is one thing you will have to be sure your student has to work independently - the ability to use basic functions on the computer and some reading skills.

 I can see us using CTC Math through the summer and into next year.  I really want my oldest to work through the algebra section.  I think he could use the extra work and it would give him a awesome advantage with the higher maths.


Click to read Crew Reviews




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Saturday, April 19, 2014

Weekly Recap!



Another wonderful and busy week here in the Rup household.  We were blessed to spend a day with my Aunt taking her shopping and fellowshipping.  We figured out our Easter outfits.  I don't know about you but when I was a little kid picking out our Easter outfits was a very big deal!  I still get a thrill over having some new clothes for Easter!

Here is what happened on the blog:

The Respect Dare 40 Days to a Deeper Connection with God and Your Husband - Book Review 

 

Curiosity Quest - Answering Questions Kids Are Curious About! #REVIEW

 

How To Make Buttercream Icing!

 

Illustrated Family Bible Stories - Book Review

 

April's Ipsy Bag is Here! #REVIEW

 

Frozen Read-Along Storybook & CD ~ Review!

 

Friday, April 18, 2014

April's Ipsy Bag is Here! #REVIEW

My April Ipsy bag is here!  It actually came on the 14th which was pretty awesome.  (The first month was well into the 20s before it came.)  The theme this month is Beauty Rocks.  I'm not sure they captured that with the products chosen but I like what I received. 



What I got:

  • square ipsy makeup bag
  • small sample sized - dr. brandt microdermabrasion skin exfoliant
  • Deluxe sample sized - Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet glide-on eye pencil in Black Velvet
  • pop! goes the shadow (Elizabeth Mott) in champagne (full sized)
  • Coastal Scents medium shadow brush

My thoughts:

I will use the shadow it is a light goldish champagne color.  I LOVE the brush and I will be using that as well.  I've been wanting a neutral lip liner so I'm thrilled with that.   The eye liner is very dark and waterproof so I'm not sure I will reach for it often but I will use that one too.  Oh how I wish I had gotten brown eyeliner (which is my go to color!)  Last is the skin exfoliant - eh.... I'm not a huge fan of this but I will try it.  The sample is small at .25 oz so I don't think I'll be able to really tell if I like it or not. 

My overall thought is the bag was pretty good this month. 

You can sign up for your own Ipsy bag.  It is $10 a month and billed on the 1st.  Ships around the 15th. 


This post was not a paid endorsement nor did I receive product for my review.  Affiliate links are used. 

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Illustrated Family Bible Stories - Book Review

We have a Christian home and often share thoughts on the bible with our children.  We do not believe that bible time is exclusive to church time.  We encourage our older kids to read for themselves daily and as parents we do the same.  I have found it hard to adapt the stories of the bible to our younger child.  Sometimes it is easy like Noah's Ark and Jonah - those are classics and we have several story books that cover them as well.  However what about Hannah giving her child Samuel to serve God in the temple?  Or Hezekiah's prayer for healing and longer life.   Illustrated Family Bible Stories is a great resource to cover the whole bible easily with your children!

About:

Help Bible history come alive for children as well as new believers so they know these true events that changed the world forever.
We live in a visually oriented society where people learn from a blend of both text and images. This collection of events and teachings from Scripture explores selected chapters verses, and provides additional highlights into:

  • More than 200 Biblical accounts, psalms, proverbs, prophecies, laws, and letters
  • The daily life of people living in the Old and New Testament times, as well as plants, animals, and Bible landscapes
  • Who's who in the Bible, maps and diagrams, a Bible quiz, and more!
With the help of maps, photographs, and diagrams, the ancient cultures of the Bible are set in a context that can be readily understood. In addition, specially written teaching helps to educate today's young reader in understanding the Bible's meaning and its relevance for everyday life.




My Thoughts:

This is a must have book for teaching younger kids about God's word.  It is not to take the place of your bible - and doesn't have scripture word for word in it.  However it goes through the bible sharing the stories along the way from Genesis to Revelations.  Each page is beautifully illustrated.  Including on the sides of the pages are interesting facts.  An example is on page 126, in talking about Daniel on the side is a side note about spices and how Babylonians used spices.  Also there is a side not about Daniel's diet.  These little side notes are perfect for young minds beginning to study their bible.  It gives you the bigger picture of what is going on at that time.

I keep mentioning little kids as the intended audiences but I think this would be easily used in a family setting with all ages or older kid's might find it equally fascinating (I know I do!). 

You can purchase your copy from New Leaf Publishing Group and also find it online at Amazon.  


Don't forget to join me  and the rest of the Masterbook Moms for the Illustrated Family Bible Stories Facebook Party on April 29th at 7pm (CST)!  We will be hanging out and talking about the book.  As always it will be a fun time and there will even be PRIZES!!




Tuesday, April 15, 2014

How To Make Buttercream Icing!



I've been making my own icing since I became a newlywed.  My Mother-in-Law taught be way back when.  I should state that she makes awesome icing!  I've modified to suit our families taste but my hubs still prefers Mom's homemade cakes!

Buttercream Icing:

1 stick of butter and 1 tablespoon of butter (softened)
8 tablespoons of regular crisco
1 box of powdered sugar (10x sugar)
1-2 tablespoons of vanilla (use one then add second if needed)
splash of water

add butter and crisco to a mixer bowl and mix well, letting the mixture whip up smoothly and looking light/fluffy.   Slowly add powdered sugar mixing well.  Add vanilla.  Use a splash of water as needed to get the right consistency. 

I like my icing a little wetter so I use more water, hubs likes it very dry and stiff so he uses less water.  Just add a splash, mix, splash mix until it comes out how you like your icing to look. 


If you have any questions please leave a comment below and I will respond back!  Thanks for stopping by!




Monday, April 14, 2014

Curiosity Quest - Answering Questions Kids Are Curious About! #REVIEW

Curiosity Quest Review



I have a great review to bring to you this week!  Curiosity Quest sent me two of their fantastic dvds to review!  I love having resources like this on hand to either supplement learning or just for some fun clean television watching.  

About:

Host Joel Greene wants to answer the question of what YOU are curious about.  Then he takes you on a television adventure to find out about that topic.  Greene shares his experiences with the view audience making you feel like you are on the quest with him!

Each DVD Combo Pack includes three episodes on DVD.  

What I received:

 DVD Combo Pack - Produce - $24.95
(Mushrooms, Cranberries, Orange Packing)

and

DVD Combo Pack - Swimmers of the Sea - $24.95
(Sea Turtle Rescue, Penguins, Salmon)



Age Range:  Recommended for ages 7-14 (I think this could be fun for the whole family!!)

How we used the product:

My bigger kids (11 & 13)  were the ones watching these DVDs.  We took to nights and watched straight through.  I think if they were a little younger I'd have broken it up a bit.  The DVDs were wholesome and family friendly so we had no problem with our three year old playing in the room while we watched.

Episode Breakdown:
Swimmers of the Sea - Sea Turtles, Penguins, Salmon

Curiosity Quest Review
Sea Turtles:  We joined Joel Greene at the  Sea Turtle hospital in Marathon, Florida.  There he met with friendly staff that introduced him to all the rescued turtles.  Joel was able to feed some of the larger turtles and even see some baby turtles.

Penguins:  At Monterey Bay Aquarium Joel joins husbandry team to learn all about Penguins.  This was especially a favorite because we LOVE penguins!!  They talked about diet and how their food was prepared as well as their habitat.  Joel even got to touch a penguin which he describes to the viewers!

Curiosity Quest Review
Salmon:  This was the most interesting episode to me!  Joel heads to a Salmon hatchery in Alaska to learn all about Salmon.  We see three different types and learn about their life cycle.  From babies to adults and how they spawn!

Produce- Mushrooms, Cranberries, Orange Packing:

Curiosity Quest Review

Mushrooms:  In this episode we travel to the Monterey Mushrooms facility to learn all about these fungi!  We see how they start with  soil and end with a premium mushroom.  Joel even gets a lesson on picking mushrooms!

Cranberries:  For this Quest Joel battles the weather in Wisconsin at a Cranberry Bog! Did you know that cranberries don't actually grow in water?  I didn't either!  They have chambers that cause them to float and the flooded bogs help to harvest!

Curiosity Quest Review
Orange Packing:  Joel learns the ins and outs of where our oranges come from.  Watch him pick the oranges and then see their journey from tree to package.  You will enjoy the amazing process  in which a computer helps decide weather a orange is the perfect orange or not so good!

My thoughts:

We really enjoyed all of the episodes in both of these DVDs.  Joel Greene is personable and enjoyable to watch.  There was SO much information and it is pretty awesome that we now have some neat facts about our food and sea-life. There were two small references to evolution (in the mushroom and turtle episode) but we just took the time to discuss them after the episode.  They didn't stay on the subject it was more of a casual ~ Did you know turtles were around millions of years ago with the dinosaurs ~ kind of conversation.  I wasn't all that concerned but I know some people would want to avoid that kind of thing.

I'd like to also mention as a option that Curiosity Quest also offers a homeschooling option where you can get 2 episodes and curriculum sent monthly to your house for just $24.95 a month. 






Click to read Crew Reviews


Crew Disclaimer

Sunday, April 13, 2014

The Respect Dare 40 Days to a Deeper Connection with God and Your Husband - Book Review

I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review. This post contains affiliate links. 




I'm always open to reading a book that will help improve my marriage.  The Respect Dare 40 Days to a Deeper Connection with God and Your Husband by Nina Roesner is a devotional that to be used for 40 days.


About:

“A long and happy marriage.” It sounds like the end of a fairy tale—an illusion that modern times have exposed.
And it is, if marriage depends on a constant stream of romantic emotion, or even on copious amounts of time or money. Thank the Lord, none of those are necessary. Two thousand years ago, Paul gave women the key to a successful marriage, and it can be summed up in two words: unconditional respect. It’s not popular. It doesn’t sound fair. It can be hard to imagine.
But it works.
Nina Roesner has led countless women through this practical and life-changing journey, and in The Respect Dare she offers you the hope that so many others have found. Day by day, true stories and thought-provoking questions will help you apply biblical wisdom to the most important relationship in your life.
Give it forty days. Experience the intimacy God intended and discover what he can do in your heart and in your marriage when you choose to show respect his way.



Closing thoughts:

This book had some good points but nothing that really stood out.  I like that it was only 40 days long so that time wise it was easy to read/complete.  Respect is an important quality but I think it is only one of the keys to a good marriage.  I liked how the book had real life stories but the activities were often skipped for me.  It was just an okay book.

You can get your copy of The Respect Dare on Amazon.



Saturday, April 12, 2014

Saturday Weekly Recap



We had nice weather this week in NJ!! Yay!! After the winter we had it was a welcome change!  The kids are working hard with school trying to get done all of their subjects so that we can close up shop at the end of May.  We started our big reading project for the end of the year.  A Progeny Press Study Guide, novel to read, oral presentation and poster.  Yes that is a lot of stuff but they are actually excited to complete the last two parts.  Blogging was busy this week with the 5 day blog hop and several reviews!  Check out those below:


5 Days of Our Favorite Books Blog Hop Recap! - all 5 post in one location!

Supercharged Science Review

 Gorton's Review & Giveaway!! 

 Victus Study Skills System - Review 

 

 Astheygrowup.com:

A Sister More Like Me ~ A Disney Frozen Book

 

5 Days of Our Favorite Books Blog Hop Recap!



Here are all the links from the 5 days of our Favorite Books!!!

5 Days Of Our Favorite Books - Day 1 ~ Blog Hop - Toddler Board Books

5 Days Of Our Favorite Books - Day 2 - ~ Blog Hop - Jr Reading

5 Days of Our Favorite Books ~ Day 3! #bloghop - Greek Mythology / 12+ reading

5 Days Of Our Favorite Books - Day 4 ~ Blog Hop - Mom's favorite help books

5 Days Of Our Favorite Books - Day 5 - ~ Blog Hop - The Bible

Friday, April 11, 2014

5 Days Of Our Favorite Books - Day 5 - ~ Blog Hop



I saved the best for last.  This is the book I read day after day and year after year.  I memorize the words and hide it in my heart.  I encourage my kids to read and memorize too.  I'm thinking you figured it out!  It is my Bible. The bible is the way God speaks to us Christians in today's time (along with preaching!)  It is so important to be in God's Word daily because it keeps you grounded, close to God and helps you live right!  All that and it is a comfort in tough times!!  It is amazing and so much more than a book!






 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. - 2 Timothy 2:15



Thank you for stopping by this week for the blog hop!  I hope you might be inspired by one of our favorite books!  Don't forget to stop by my friend's blogs to see what they are saying:

Brittney @ Mom's Heart ~ Relaxed Homeschooling
Lisa @ A Rup Life ~ Our Favorite Books
Melissa @ Life Off the Paved Road ~ Fit From Home
Michelle @ Faith, Family, and Fridays ~ Clearing Out the Clutter
Jennifer @ Chestnut Grove Academy ~ Educational Apps
Jenni @ Conversaving ~ Homeschool Cooperatives
Lisa @ Home to 4 Kiddos ~ Celebrating Lent
Tawnee @ Adventures in Homeschooling ~ Spring Schooling
Crystal @ Crystal Starr Blog ~ Christ Centered Character Training





April Blog Hop


Thursday, April 10, 2014

5 Days Of Our Favorite Books - Day 4 ~ Blog Hop



Welcome to day 4 of the blog hop.  Today I will talk about some books that changed my life.  These are the books I would recommend reading to anyone and everyone but especially people getting ready to marry, married or parents.

1) The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman.  This book saved my marriage (with the help of The Lord!)  It really shows you how to love and why to love. 



2) The 5 Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell.  This was the first book I read in the series and I think it was so important.  Just learning to fill your child's love tank is essential to a healthy relationship.




 3)  Cleaning House: A Mom's Twelve-Month Experiment to Rid Her Home of Youth Entitlement by Kay Wills Wyma.  This book changed the way I looked at my kids.  I saw that they were capable of so much more than I gave them credit for.  

 

4)   The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey.  This book is still a work in progress for us.  It has given me hop for paying down debt and achieving financial freedom.  




5)  The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home by Susan Wise Bauer and Jesse Wise.  This is the book that taught me to how to plan my children's education.  I think it is essential for anyone wanting to teach Classical or Charlotte Mason educational methods. 



 I hope you will join me again tomorrow for the last day of our hop!  I saved the best for last!!   Be sure to visit the rest of the hop by clicking on the image below.  I've highlighted a few if you just want to stop by one or two:


Brittney @ Mom's Heart ~ Relaxed Homeschooling
Lisa @ A Rup Life ~ Our Favorite Books
Melissa @ Life Off the Paved Road ~ Fit From Home
Michelle @ Faith, Family, and Fridays ~ Clearing Out the Clutter
Jennifer @ Chestnut Grove Academy ~ Educational Apps
Jenni @ Conversaving ~ Homeschool Cooperatives
Lisa @ Home to 4 Kiddos ~ Celebrating Lent
Tawnee @ Adventures in Homeschooling ~ Spring Schooling
Crystal @ Crystal Starr Blog ~ Christ Centered Character Training




April Blog Hop