Waterproof Bible Review

If you're anything like me, then you've never heard of a waterproof Bible before. So you can imagine my interest when this review came up. Waterproof? Really? I couldn't wait to see what this Bible looked and felt like.

From the minute this handy Bible arrived my kids had a great time testing the pages with mud, water, sticky fingers, and whatever else they could think up. Everything wiped clean off and the pages held up beautifully. Can you believe it even floats?

 

 

 

 

The pictures don't do it justice, this Bible is really amazing! I wish you could feel it! The durable cover and pages are synthetic, stain resistant, no bleed, and ideal for you to take with you - anywhere! But you can still highlight and underline verses with your pen or pencil.

This Bible is perfect for my family with all the little ones running around. I don't think there is anything they could do to ruin this Bible. I've had several books and papers ruined by letting them sit on my nightstand in the evening when I read in bed because a little one would knock over my coffee or tea. No fear of that happening with this Bible!

From Bardin Marsee Publishing -

The Waterproof Bible and THE OUTDOOR BIBLE originate from our desire to take God's word into all of His creation, regardless of the weather or circumstances. That is why they are completely waterproof, dry quickly, are much stronger than paper, are usable with writing utensils (ball point pen, pencil, or dry highlighter), and adapt well to all extremes or reading environments (on a rainy campout, in a coffee shop, even in a hot tub!). Just as a frog lives on land and in water, the Waterproof Bible and THE OUTDOOR BIBLE thrive in any situation or climate.
As believers in Jesus Christ and a love to be in God's creation and exposed to the elements, we have often desired to have a Bible by our side for reading here and there. Our exploring has led us to mountain tops, river banks, sandy beaches, misty valleys, dark caves, and hot springs, and has caused us to become soaked to the core while backpacking or paddling. I hate to admit that our Bible has not made it with us on many of these occasions for the sake of protecting it and because we don't trust a plastic bag not to puncture. Now we can put an end to all the worrying that we have done in the past about our Bibles and take God's Word wherever our adventures lead.

The Waterproof Bible is available for purchase at the Bardin Marsee Publishing site. Prices range from $24.95 to $44.95.
They offer -

ESV - English Standard Version Waterproof Bibles

KJV - King James Version Waterproof Bibles

NIV - New International Version Waterproof Bibles

NKJV - New King James Version Waterproof Bibles

NLT - New Living Translation Waterproof Bibles

 

 

Wherever life takes you - carry the Waterproof Bible or THE OUTDOOR BIBLE and Be Inspired. Anywhere.

 

Ring The Bell DVD Review and Giveaway

Sometimes The Next Big Thing Isn't What You Expect

 

Another great movie to add to our movie collection. Ring The Bell is a wonderful movie you are going to want to watch with your entire family! We loved the music from Casting Crowns and seeing another favorite, Stephen Curtis Chapman play a role as the pastor made this movie even better!

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. 

DVD Special Features:
The Heart of "Ring the Bell"

Casting Crowns “The Well” Music Video

On Set with Casting Crowns

Famous Faces

A Very Special Movie

Ringing the Bell

The Artists and Music of "Ring The Bell"


Ring The Bell is available on DVD for only $19.99 OR you can enter below for your chance to WIN your very own copy!!

Read more about Ring The Bell from any of the following links!

Website:  http://ringthebellthemovie.com

Watch the Trailer: http://ringthebellthemovie.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RingTheBellTheMovie

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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."

Book Review and Giveaway

 

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

The whale tells his side of the story.

 

 

This book is super cute!!! We really love it! My 3, 6, and 7 year old children ask me to read this book again and again. The bright, fun illustrations capture my children's attention and the story keeps them interested and laughing. I love the idea of this famous story coming form the whales point of view. Very clever!

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.

The story has a great message and the back of the book has a Parent Connection page where is gives a verse (I used it for my kids to memorize). A Think section where is lists questions to ask your children about the story - What is one rule you don't like to follow? How did being inside the whale help to change Jonah's mind? Great things to think about! A Do section where it lists different things for you to go do that relate to the story. Example - Climb inside a sleeping bag and make it totally dark. Imagine what you would see. smell, and hear form the inside of a belly of a whale.

This I the first book in the series. Other book available are -

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!


A wonderful story that will soon become a family favorite for years to come! To get your copy of Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Jonah In My Stomach And I Think I'm Going To Throw Up!
you can visit the B&H Kids web site and purchase this great book for only $9.99 OR enter below for your chance to win a copy for your family to enjoy!!!


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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."

Ooka Island Adventure Review

 

Over the past 11 years of homeschooling I've accumulated more books, curriculum and workbooks on how to teach your child to read then any other. For some reason I get tense when it comes to doing this. Maybe it stems back from the few years my kids were in private school and my oldest daughter was held back in first grade for not reading on the level the expected her to be at (side note - this is the daughter that is now a writing major at Full Sail University writing screen plays weekly). I've had readers in my home start as early as age 4 and start as late as age 10. I've found it just depends on the child, but that doesn't always stop me from the stress is they're not reading by a certain age. As a homeschool mom there are times I wonder if I'm doing enough and if I'm doing it right - even after all these years and all these kids.

I can't tell you how good it feels to find a product that not only is TEACHING, but one that my children LOVE and are LEARNING from!

Ooka Island is built upon the discoveries and research of Dr. Kay MacPhee, a lifelong educator who worked with hearing impaired people for many years, teaching them to use what hearing they had to speak, read and write.

Created by the founder of the US DOE’s top-rated program for reading comprehension, the OOKA Method revolves around the five following fundamentals of reading: phonemic awareness, phonetics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.

Ooka Island is a fun, engaging tool to help your child ages pre-school to 2nd grade learn to read. It's a game adventure with phonics, vocab, fluency, and comprehension.

The Eye / Ear Reading Method revolves around the five following fundamentals of reading: phonemic awareness, phonetics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.

There are many different additional aspects to Ooka Island's approach -
 
Blended Learning Model - Where the Ooka Island adventure can be used in a blended learning environment with print components including workbooks, guides, lesson plans and story game cards.

Learning Flow Cycle - Where there are three distinct parts - Guided Play, e-Reader, and Free Play.
Ooka Tunes app your children can sing along to their favorite Ooka Island tunes.

Motivational Tools - Free tools to keep your reader motivated and excited about reading! Track reading progress as your learners travel through all 85 leveled and sequenced Ooka Island book titles. And then print their reward certificate!

Ooka Island Workbooks - A free resource that provide hands on activities and complement the e-books.

CHEEReader - Used to encourage and support young learners in their quest to learn to read. “Great Job!” and “Hooray for you!” are two examples.

Ooka Reading Assessment - For children already reading.  

Ooka Island is filled with wonderful activities that your child will love! My 7 and 6 year old have had so much fun and better yet!!!! Have learned letter sounds and are anxious to continue on with Ooka Island!

Pricing for Ooka Island is as follows -
$12.95 monthly or $124.95 annual for one child. (20% savings)
OR
$19.95 monthly or $149.95 annual for up to 4 children. (37% savings)

There is also special pricing options for schools. You can read more about that HERE.

Order Ooka Island before June 1st, 2013 and you'll get 30% off any MONTHLY or ANNUAL subscription!

Ahhh Spring

I'm just coming out of a super, extra, busy time.
I woke up this morning feeling refreshed! Over the last two weeks we had our end of year evaluations which included making a portfolio for 4 children (far less then is past years for me), but two are graduating so I needed to make sure I crossed my T's and dotted my I's and they got all the credits they needed to graduate May 31st.
 

All 10 of my children!

 

 

We had our March of Dimes walk that I captain every year in honor of my son Ezra who was born 14 weeks early. This was our 6th year raising funds and walking the 3 mile walk in honor of all babies born too soon. I love walk day, but the months before are a lot of work raising funds and meeting goals. I greatly appreciate my friends and family that support my MOD efforts.

 

 

 

 

 

We also had prom for my two children graduating!

 

 

And the same night as prom was my Grandson's baby shower - WHAT???? Yes, my Grandson. Still trying to wrap my mind around that one as I'm still chasing toddlers around my house, but super excited to hold little Gabriel Alexander and love on him!

 

 

We spent a week at the beach to unwind from our craziness and came home to plant our garden.

 

 

I planted more this year and am really anxious to spend time working in it and growing my own food. This is my third year sharing a garden with one of my dearest friends Sharon who has the patience to teach me and work with me AND share her land!

 

And last, but not least, yard sale season has begun and that is where you will find me every Saturday morning - Treasure hunting as my hubby and I call it. I've already found some great deals (like my $2 Thirty-One bag and .50 DVD's). I also went to my first Mud Sale and although didn't find anything, I really liked looking and watching the auctions.

 

 

 

 

Spanish For You! Review

Spanish Curriculum for Kids Grades 3-8

 

Spanish for You! begins your child on the road to fluency. It is designed from years of experience by a Spanish teacher to effectively build speaking, reading, and writing skills as well as grammar knowledge. Students learn to creatively build sentences, ask and answer questions, and truly communicate in Spanish! And they have fun doing it!!
 

I was given Spanish for You! Estaciones E-book for Product Review. I have to be honest and say I'm always a little scared to review any type of foreign language since I don't speak any, never took it in high school, and always turned that part of teaching over to my husband when my children showed an interest. It's not that I wouldn't love for them to learn a different language, it's just a subject I don't feel confident teaching.
So when I tell you how much I enjoyed this program you can understand how much I really mean I enjoyed it!

Spanish for You is easy to follow. I think this is one of the big reasons I push foreign language to my hubby - always thinking it's too hard to teach. I was pleasantly surprised to really understand what I was reading. I also appreciate how flexible this is to fit into our school days. This is set up to use four days of work, but you can go at your own pace - just remember to go in order. Each day takes about 10 to 30 minutes. However, like I mentioned before, you can modify and go at your own pace.This could last your entire school year if you plan to teach it that way (about 30 weeks). This works great in your homeschool setting or in a classroom setting, like at a co-op. I could easily teach this to all my children in several different grades.

There are five lessons in Estaciones - El calendario y el tiempo (The Calendar and Weather), El otono y la escuela (The Fall and School), El invierno (The Winter), La primavera (The Spring), El verano (The Summer). These lessons include vocabulary, phrases, and sentences related to the lesson.

There are lots of great activities and even more on the Spanish for You web site. Like - Memory, Tic Tac Toe, Word Scramble, Simon Says, Hangman, Bingo, and many, many more!

It is also recommended that you use flashcards as they can be beneficial to your child's learning. It helps them to see a pattern and learn. Card stock would work really well for your flash cards and if you're anything like me (I love my laminator), you can laminate the cards too. The flashcards work great to quiz yourself and other great activities (many listed in your guide).

The pronunciation guide was very helpful for me and my children. Not to mention being able to have access to an audio. This really completes the package.

The packages are themed (I received Estaciones, which is seasons). You can choose to order any package as they can be done in any order.

Your package will come complete with:

• Spanish for you! soft cover book (allow up to 2 weeks for delivery) or E-book (trial pkgs.)
• Plus the following downloads:
• Audio download (MP3) of the entire book. You use these as the lesson guide instructs.
• A free bonus audio of the entire book recorded by a native speaker from Mexico. (MP3)
• 24-30 Week Lesson Guide (PDF) - The student (and parent if needed) follows this guide step-by-step to know what to do, at whatever pace works for you.
• Self-checking worksheets (PDF) - You just print these as you need them. The lesson guide will tell you what you need to print and when.
• Free set of pictures for making flashcards and other activity materials. (PDF)

Spanish for You! also offers you FREE mini lessons! They are easy to use and fun. Visit often as they will be adding more. Right now some of the mini lessons are - Colors and Numbers, Common Words and Phrases, The Alphabet Audio (and in Spanish too), and much more!
There is also a FREE worksheets page on the Spanish for You! site. A great supplement to your Spanish language studies.

I love that there isn't a lot of materials needed to learn so much. This package lasts an entire school year and allows breaks for holidays and lets you work at your own pace. You follow the lessons in order, but can use any of the packages to start with.

This is a great program and I'm anxious to use it again next year with my younger children as you can reuse everything!

Spanish for You! is currently available in two themes -21 Fiestas (Celebrations) and Estaciones (Seasons) with more themes in the works.  You can purchase the complete Grades 3-8 Package($64.95), or individual grade levels (Grades 3-4 package - $39.95; Grades 5-6 package -$39.95; Grades 7-8 package -$39.95; Extra Books -$12.95 each) There are also trial packages available - Viajes 4 Week Trial Grades 5-8 ($9.99) and Viajes 6 Week Trial Grades 3-4 ($12.99). 

This Is Our Time DVD Review AND Giveaway

This is our time to seize God's calling

 

My entire family and I enjoy the chance to review movies (big movie people in this house) and enjoy it even more when it's a movie that every one of us can watch together. I love the message this film gives, especially watching it with my older teens. Two who are graduating this year and two who have graduated in the past two years and are experiencing "real life" with college, working, and all the stresses that can come with growing up.
I often tell my children - God has a purpose for all of you.
With having a large family it's been my goal to make time for each of my children, to make each of them feel loved, and to know how special they are not only to me and their Dad, but to our heavenly father. I love the verse Jer. 29:11 and while watching this movie that verse kept coming to mind.

This Is Our Time was released on DVD and Blu-Ray Tuesday, April 16th. It's available nationwide at Family Christian Stores and most Christian online and brick-and-mortar retail stores nationwide.

About This Is Our Time

The movie tells the interwoven stories of Luke (T.J. Dalrymple) and Alé (Erin Bethea), who marry right after school and move to India to serve as missionaries for Embrace A Village, a ministry that cares for those afflicted with leprosy and their families; aspiring financier Catherine (Kate Cobb), who joins a prestigious financial institution determined to make an impact on corporate America; Ryder (Matthew Florida), who lands an impressive job in social media and can’t wait to use the powerful medium for a greater good; and Ethan (Shawn-Caulin Young,) seemingly the odd man out, who struggles to find his God-given-purpose and feels sidelined by God.

“What they all come to learn is that it never really was their time,” Arnold said. “It always was, always is, God’s time.”

 

 

 

 This is a great family movie to add to your home. Enter below for your chance to win a free copy of This Is Our Time DVD!

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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."