Christian Kids Explore Biology

We were given the opportunity to review Christian Kids Explore Biology, which was written by Stephanie Redmond.  We have been using this biology book through out the year and have really enjoyed it.

I don't quite know that I would have called biology fun before using this book, but I do now.  All the kids have enjoyed going through this book, even Alpha Boy (who is 4) enjoys listening, discussing and coloring along with the rest of us.


There are several things that we really liked about this book.  Let me tell you what they are : )

• We love that this book touches on a wide range of topics, all fitting under biology of course.  The kids liked that we were always learning something new.  CKEB teaches on many aspects of Biology from plants and insects to birds and mammals to the human body.
• I felt that CKEB was very well planned out.  I did not feel like I had to do a lot of advance planning.  I could just open up our book and go. 
• There are oodles of hands on activities in this book.  At the beginning of each unit you are given a list of all the items that are needed to do the hands on projects.  This is really the only planning that I felt was needed.  The projects ranged from dissecting owl pellets to making pine cone bird feeders and a butterfly life-cycle mobile.  
• Although there were oodles of hands on projects I did not feel obligated to do them all and felt I had the liberty to pick and choose what worked for us : )
• I LOVE that there is scripture through out CKEB.  There is even memory verses for each lesson.  I felt that Mrs. Redmond was very good at tying in the fact that Biology and all it consists of is God's Creation.  When learning about Butterflies and Moths we also get to read Matthew 6:20, But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.
• We enjoyed Mrs. Redmond's writing style, she writes like she is having a conversation with you.  She is very good at drawing the kids in and keeping their attention.
• The kids liked the coloring pages and diagrams that went along with what we were studying. 
• In the back of the book the author gives an extensive list of supplemental materials.  Some are videos, some books and even games.  I didn't feel obligated to do these AT ALL, but we did take some of her suggestions, and we were glad we did.  If you are interested in seeing her list you can view it here.
• CKEB suggests that the kids do an Animal Kindgom ABC book as a year long project.  She even gives several animal suggestions for each letter of the alphabet.
• CKEB is geared towards students in grades 3rd through 6th, but I felt is was very adaptable for younger kids.  

There are 35 lessons in CKEB, each having a Teaching Time and a Hand on Time.  Teaching time is where we did all of our reading about our topic for the week and then Hands on Time is where we did our, you guessed it, hands on project.  We normally brought the lesson into 2 sessions a week, we read one day and then would do our project the next time we did science.  Generally we do science at least twice a week.

In case you are curious what lessons are included in the 35, I've got ya covered.  Here there are:

1. Creation
2. Cells
3. Taxonomy
4. The Biosphere
5. Food Webs
6. Introduction to Plant's in God's World
7. Photosynthesis
8. Plant Reproduction
9. Fruit & Vegetables
10. Trees
11. Birds of the Earth - Taxonomy
12. Bird Diets
13. Bird Structure
14. Introduction - Mammals in the Wild
15. Monotremes and Marsupials
16. Canids, felines, and Bears
17. Monkeys and Apes
18. Aquatic Mammals
19. Introduction - The Human Factor
20. The Human Body
21. Our Five Senses
22. Human Reproduction
23. Introduction - Reptiles All Around
24. Snakes and Lizards
25. Alligators and Crocodiles
26. Turtles, Tortoises, and Terrapins
27. Introduction - Insects High and Low
28. Butterflies and Moths
29. Bees and Wasps
30. Introduction - Water Creatures
31. Mollusks
32. Sharks
33. Crustaceans
34. Freshwater Life
35. Amphibians

See, there is a lot to LOVE!! There was not anything that we disliked about CKEB, it was a great fit for our family.

You can purchase your own copy of Christian Kids Explore Biology directly from Bright Ideas Press for $34.95.  You and your kids can have fun exploring biology together too!


Please note that we received Christian Kids Explore Biology from bright Ideas Press for review purposes only.  I am an affiliate of Bright Ideas Press and if you purchase anything thru my link I will get a small commission. 

Menu Plan 3/28/11

This week we are having a very simplified menu, I actually planned 2 weeks worth of meals in about 10 minutes. 

When you plan out your meals don't you just kind of recycle the everyone likes?  That is what I do.  I love trying new recipes but my little crew over here really prefers stuff that they already love.  I guess I should be thankful that they are simple to please : )

This is what will be on our plates this week:

Monday
Swiss Chicken Casserole and Green Beans - I was browsing Allrecipes.com because I just love that place and this recipe looked delicious. 

Tuesday
Breakfast Night - Homemade Blueberry Pancakes, Eggs & Cantaloupe

Wednesday
BLT's, Veggie Sticks and Fruit Salad- It probably doesn't get any easier than this right? 

Thursday
Crockpot Sloppy Joe's, Mac and Cheese and Mixed Veggies - I am carrying this meal over from last week because we didn't end up eating it.

Friday
PIZZA - Of course!

Saturday
Tomato Chicken Parmesan over Noodles with a Salad- I am going to try this recipe this week.  I have made Chicken Parm and my crew has liked it.  I am going to follow this recipe except I am going to use mayo instead of egg to coat the chicken and Panko bread crumbs instead of regular.  Have you ever tried Panko bread crumbs?  All I am gonna say is WOW!!

Sunday
Tacos, Corn and Black Beans - My kids love to assemble their own tacos. I just load up some small bowls with all the taco fixin's and let them go to town. I think they would rather do this than go out to eat!

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

written by:  Jo­seph M. Scriv­en

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Blessèd Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.


I am so glad to Have a Friend in Jesus. For the Christian Jesus is indeed a friend (and much more of course).  Why is it that we tend to be closer with our earthly friends?  I know I can be guilty of that.  Many times have I gone to my friends for wisdom instead of prayerful seeking seeking the Wisdom of my friend Jesus.  Like the song says, O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

 

I need to by more faithful in laying my burdens at the cross and seeking the comfort and wisdom of Christ before anything else. 

If you would like to hear What a Friend We Have in Jesus you can listen right here.

Saturday Solutions: Homemade Furniture Polish

A friend of mine gave me some really awesome little books that give great tips for using things around your house.  When I read that I could make my very own all natural furniture polish I just had to give it a whirl!

Here is the Recipe:

• 1/2 of Pure Vegetable Oil (I used Canola because that is what I had on hand)
• 1/4 cup of Lemon Juice
• Empty Spray Bottle or Jar with a Lid

You just pour in the oil and lemon juice into the empty spray bottle, shake and you are ready to go!  I actually doubled my recipe and it was still great. It is so easy that your kids could even mix it up for ya.  The Lil' Chef mixed up mine.  (Thanks Lil' Chef!!)

I have been using it for several weeks and really like it.  I use it on my bookcases, all my oak furniture as well as on my china cabinet.  I did find that I DO NOT like it on my kitchen table.  It is definitly cheaper than your average wood cleaner and safer for your home and YOUR LUNGS : )

A while back I also posted about another non-toxic homemade cleaner that I made if you want to check it out.  I use it EVERYDAY!!

God is using One Little Girl...

I am sure that I have mentioned, at least once that Connie over at Smockity Frocks is one of my favorite blogger mommies, right?  Anywho, when I saw her post today I just had to share.

Her daughter Madison, who is turning 16, desperately want to build a well in Africa for people that would otherwise be drinking very dirty water. 

With all of Madison's efforts, including a bake sale, she is still shy of her $5,000 goal to build the well.  Connie has set up a Paypal account for those that feel led to donate to the Build a Water Well Fund. 

I just love how the Lord is using this young lady to accomplish His work : ) 

Homestead Blessings: The Art of Sewing DVD WINNERS!!!

The winners are:

Amy said...

I would want The Art of Cooking


Missional Mama
_____________________________________

Mrs. White said...


I am already a follower of your blog on GFC.
Thanks for this chance to win.

blessings
Mrs. White
_____________________________________
homeschooling mom of 4 said...


I just started following through GFC and I seen your blog from your tag on MFW Families group. Would love to have the canning, or sewing, or gardening, or quilting video. I ust love to learn from them.

thanks,
Kim
____________________________________

Congrats guys!  Please email me your address so that I can have them shipped out to ya!
Thanks so much to everyone that entered.  I will be doing another Homestead Blessings DVD Review/Giveaway real soon.

TOS Crew: Artistic Pursuits

We love anything artsy.  My kids love to draw, color, paint, and all the other fun and messy things that art can be.  This year I have kind of slacked a bit with a true art curriculum, the kids do so much coloring, cutting and drawing on their own that I haven't really worried about it.

Once we were given the opportunity to review Stories of Artists and Their Art, by Artistic Pursuits, I realized how much we had been missing!

I really like Artistic Pursuits and the way it is laid out, the lessons are a mixture of art history as well as an art lesson.  Each lesson starts out with a factual story about an artist or a particular piece of art (think Mona Lisa).  Next the student gets an lesson on a project similar to the the one they just learned about. 

Here is an example, after learning about Michelangelo the students are taught how to do a Carving of their very own, OUT OF APPLES!!  The girls are doing this project, but we aren't quite finished yet (the apples take a while to dry out).  I would love to post a picture of the process that they are making but I am having computer issues again, so I will have to post the pics later.  Sorry. 

We also learned about the artist Cimabue, and then we painted just him, with water colors.  Again, I would love to post the pics but, I have issues.  Computer issues that is : )

The kids really enjoyed learning about the different artists, as well as their famous paintings.  I think even more than reading about these masterpieces, they really enjoyed trying to recreate them.

 

Artistic Pursuits offers 10 different books that take students from Pre K to 12 graduation.   We reviewed Artistic Pursuits - Stories of Artists and Their Art, grades K-3 Book 2, which has 32 Lessons/ Projects which would take you through the whole school year if you did one lesson per week.  

The materials that are introcuded in Book 2 are:

• Pan Watercolors
• Tempera Paints
• Oil Pastels
• Printmaking
• Stamping
• Papier-Mache
• Mixed Media

  The Artists/ Masterpieces that are studied in Book 2 are:

1. Cimabue
2. Madonna Enthroned, with Saints and Angels
3. Giotto
4. Lamentation of Christ
5. Limbourg
6. August (Departure for the Falcon Hunt)
7. Van Eyck
8. Jean Arnolfini and His Wife
9. Leonardo da Vinci
10. Mona Lisa
11. Michelangelo
12. Delphic Sibyl
13. Raphael
14. Portrait of a Young Woman
15. Anguissola
16. Three Sisters Playing Chess
17. Durer
18. Flight to Egypt
19. Bruegel
20. Hunters in the Snow
21. Parmigianino
22. The Conversion of Paul
23. Rembrandt
24. Abraham's Sacrifice
25. Vermeer
26. The Artist in His Studio
27. Fragonard
28. A Young Girl Reading
29. Turner
30. The Fighting Temeraire
31. Millet
32. The Gleaners


The Artistic Pursuits books cost $42.95.  They are non-consumable, meaning once you buy them you can use them over and over again.  Many of the books can be used for multigrades, like the book we got is for K-3, but my 4 year old, 2nd and 4th graders can all use it. 

I would recommend this art curriculum.  It is much more thorough and far beyond the standard arts and crafts taht we are used to.  Children get to learn art history and how to do art like the pros! 

If you are interested, you can purchase your own Artistic Pursuits book directly from Artistic Pursuits. 

Please take a moment and check out what others on the TOS Crew are saying about Artistic Pursuits.

We recieved Artistic Pursuits free of charge for review purposes.  The opinions expressed here are my own and I was not influenced by the company or the free product.

Menu Plan 3/21/11

Here's what's cookin' this week:

Monday
Slow Cooker Kielbasa & Potatoes with Onions and Green Peppers - This is super simple.  I just threw it all in the crock pot along with Chicken Broth, Salt & Pepper.  We also had Green Beans (also cooked in Chickie Broth) and App Sauce (as Lil' Bits calls it)

Tuesday 
Breakfast Night - Eggs, Turkey Bacon, Waffles and Orange Slices.  Really fancy, right!


Wednesday
Crock Pot Sloppy Joe's, Mac & Cheese and Broccoli  - Haven't made this in a while and I think The Hubs is having withdrawls. 

Thursday
Supper Yummy Taco Bake- Another something that I haven't made it a while. I like to have mine on top of romaine lettuce along with fresh tomatoes, sour cream, quac and tortilla chips.  Big Yummy!!

Friday
Pizza!!


Saturday
Amazing Chicken -  I haven't make this yet, but I was told it was AMAZING.  I was also told to use Panko Bread Crumbs instead of regular.  It seems to be similar to one of my favorite chicken recipes.Oven Fried Parmesan Chicken. 
I am thinking I might make a Cold Veggie Pasta Salad to go along with this.  The way I make my pasta salad is I add noodles, any veggies I have on head like green peppers, broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, and onions.  I mix all that along with Italian dressing OR Newman's Own Parmesan & Roasted Garlic dressing along with Hellman's Mayo.  Using the dressing makes the pasta salad very flavorful and the mayo makes it creamy and oh sooo- good! 



Sunday
Spaghetti w/ Salad and Italian Bread

Jesus, Thank You

by Pat Sczebel/ Sovereign Grace Music

The mystery of the cross I cannot comprehend
The agonies of Calvary
You the perfect Holy One, crushed Your Son
Who drank the bitter cup reserved for me


Your blood has washed away my sin
Jesus, thank You
The Father’s wrath completely satisfied
Jesus, thank You
Once Your enemy, now seated at Your table
Jesus, thank You

By Your perfect sacrifice I’ve been brought near
Your enemy You’ve made Your friend
Pouring out the riches of Your glorious grace
Your mercy and Your kindness know no end

Lover of my soul
I want to live for You
______________________________________________
This song is short and sweet but gives a great presentation of the gospel.  We all
deserve God's wrath because of our sin but, for the believer,  the holy sacrifice of Christ on the cross, God's wrath is satisfied. 

What a gift of grace the Lord gives the believer, not to have to face the wrath of God.  Christ drank the bitter cup that was reserved for me.  Jesus, Thank You!!

You can listen to a sample of the song and even buy purchase the song if you want to on Sovereign Grace Music's site.

Homestead Blessing: The Art of Sewing Review & GIVEAWAY

We have been given the opportunity to watch and review the Homestead Blessings Video Series, the most recent video that we watched was The Art of Sewing.

I was thrilled to be able to watch the Art of Sewing because my sewing skills are pretty minimal, at best.  The West Ladies really do have a gift of making you feel that you REALLY can do what they are doing, and do it well.  When I watch their videos I feel very encouraged and they don't make me feel like I have to be a perfectionist to make something beautiful.

The Art of Sewing Video had several sewing lessons that teach you basting, cutting, straight stitch.  The projects in the video included a doll quilt, pillow cases, layered skirt and a RAG QUILT!  I have been wanting to make a quilt but never felt qualified to be a quilt maker, you know what I'm sayin'!  BUT the west Ladies explained that a RAG Quilt is a little more forgiving, i.e. It doesn't have to be perfect!  That sounds right up my alley.

So, I have decided to make a rag quilt for Lil' Bits for his birthday (I have until July), but I am going to wait until we finish up school for the year to start my quilt project.  I have lots of fun kids flannel prints that would make a really cute quilt for a little boy.  Plus, I have made all the other kids a blanket, you know those no sew fleece blankets and I don't want him to feel left out : )



The Homestead Blessings Videos would make a wonderful Home Education Series to do at home with the kids.  The West Ladies have a wide variety of life skills that they teach, the videos in the series are:

• The Art of Quilting
• The Art of Sewing 
• The Art of Dairy Delights
• The Art of Canning
• The Art of Gardening
• The Art of Herbs
• The Art of Cooking 
• The Art of Soap Making
• The Art of Candle Making
• The Art of Bread Making
• The Art of Crafting

You can purchase your own copy of Homestead Blessings: The Art of Sewing or any of the other Homestead Blessings videos directly from Franklin Springs Media.  While your there be sure to check out all the other AWESOME Family Friendly videos that they offer.

If you would like to WIN your very own copy of The Art of Sewing, here is your chance!  I have 3, yes THREE to GIVEAWAY!  Here is how you can enter to win Homestead Blessings, The Art of Sewing:

Please leave a SEPARATE COMMENT for each way that you enter and YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS! Here are the ways that you can enter:

• You must be a Follower or Subscriber of LSG to Win! Please leave me a comment and let me know how you follow.
• If you have just become a new Follower or Subscriber please tell me how you heard about this giveaway.
• Spread the Word!  If you have a blog and post about this contest please come back and leave me a link to your post.  
• Please visit the Franklin Springs website, let me know which other Homestead Blessings videos you would be interested in.  
• Facebook or Twitter about this giveaway and leave me a comment to let me know about it.
• Like Franklin Springs Family Media on Facebook.
• Like Homestead Blessings on Facebook.

PLEASE NOTE:  One of my wonderful ATTENTIVE readers reminded me to give an END DATE for the GIVEAWAY (thanks!).  Oops, sorry I have forgot, told ya'll I've been slackin' lately : ) 

The GIVEAWAY will END on March 23th.  Thanks for entering!


Please note that the Art of Sewing was given to us free of charge for review purposes.   The opinions expressed here are my own and i was not swayed buy the free product. 

Dear Mrs. Cardamom - I have some Eggcellent Egg Ideas!

I heard about all those eggs you have, what a blessing!  Like you, I wouldn't know what to do with 524 eggs.  WOW, those are some busy chickens you have there!  You know, I would LOVE to have some chickens of my own.  I even called City Hall last week to see just how many chickens I was allowed to have, after a hearty laugh from the other end of the phone I was told NONE!!  I was really BUMMED!

.
How stinky can chickens be, I mean REALLY!!  I am sure the neighbors wouldn't mind, as long as I promised to share our eggs.  The answer was still a big old NO WAY!!

Even though we don't have chickens we still eat eggs.  Here are some ideas to use up all those eggs:

• I know that you said you are tired of scrambled eggs, BUT have you ever made Oven Scrambled Eggs?  I make them pretty often, it is the lazy moms way to make eggs. 
• What about quiche?  You could Eat some and then Freeze some.  There are lots of great quiche recipes out there.  Like a Country Quiche, a Quick Quiche or even a Spinach Quiche.
• You could Mass Produce Breakfast  - that means stock pile some pancakes, french toast and  breakfast burritos and then FREEZE!!   You'll have breakfast covered at least for a while. 
• Of course there are Angeled Eggs and Egg Salad (this recipe uses 6 eggs for every 4 servings), but you've probably already done those.
• For dessert you could try your hand at making Homemade Flan or make Egg Custard Pie for you and all your neighbors!

Sincerely,
LSG Mama

Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

I have not made this yet, but it sounds so very YUM-MEEEE!  I found it  in the Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Cookbook. by Beth Hensperger, and thought it would be great for a St. Patrick's Day Dinner.  I am really diggin' this cookbook, the recipes in this cook book don't all call for a can of this and can of that.  She uses fresh, healthy ingredients!  Major bonus!  

Corned Beef & Cabbage

 

Serves 8

Use a Medium or Large round or oval crock pot

 

6 med sized red potatoes - quartered    

4 medium sized carrots, cut into 2 in chunks

1 medium sized onion, cut into about 6 wedges

One 3 to 4 pound corned beef brisket with seasoning packet, rinsed

3 whole cloves

1/2 tsp of black peppercorns

2 tsp  firmly packed brown sugar

One 12 oz can of beer, your choice

1 medium sized head of white cabbage, cut into 8 wedges, each secured with kitchen twine so it doesn't fall apart in the cooker

1/2 cup of Dijon Mustard

 

1 - Put potatoes, carrots, and onion in the slow cooker.  Lay the corned beef on top of the vegetables and sprinkle with seasonings from the packet, the cloves, peppercorns and brown sugar.  If the meat is too big to lie flat in your cooker, cut it in half and stack it.  Add the beer and enough water to just cover the brisket.  Cover and cook on LOW for 9 to 11 hours.

 

2 - Remove the corned beef and place in a serving casserole.  arrange the vegetables around the beef; cover with foil or lid to keep warm.

 

3 - Put the cabbage in the cooker with the cooking liquid and turn to HIGH.  Cook until cabbage is crisp and tender, about 20-30 minutes.

 

4 - Serve the beef, sliced across the grain, with mustard, vegetables and cabbage.  Pass the juices from the crock pot around in a bowl.

Doesn't this all just sound great!  Can't wait to try it! 

Menu Plan

Again, I have been a slacker blogger mommy and haven't been posting much lately.  I have been in the midst of  I really don't feel well and I am only keeping up with the necessities.   I feel like I have been sick since January, maybe because I have been.  Whatever I did have is now a lovely sinus infection.  Happy, happy, joy, joy!  I am starting to feel better, finally!


I have managed to keep the peeps fed and not every night has been cereal or mac and cheese.  Yeah me!  Here's what's for dinner this week:


Monday
Bean and Cheese Burrito Casserole w/ Corn
 
Tuesday
Breakfast Night - Eggs, Bacon, Toast and Cantaloupe
 

Wednesday
BBQ Chicken Legs w/ Broccoli and Cornbread


Thursday
Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage (Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Cookbook, p. 321)


Friday
Lasagna Dinner for The Hubster's Birthday, Salad and Peanut Butter Cake 

Saturday
Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken w/ Potatoes and Mushroom (Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker, p. 285) & Carrots



Sunday
Pizza

This week the kids made Peanut Butter Playdoh and LOVED it.  We haven't made this in a while so it was a great treat for them.

Menu Plan Monday

Here is what the LSG House is eattin' this week:

Monday
Turkey Burgers, Fries and Fruit

Tuesday
Whole Chicken in the Crockpot, Cabbage and Potatoes

Wednesday
Breakfast Night (It's Baaaaccckkk!)
Waffles, Eggs, Bacon and Oranges

Thursday
Cheese Burger Casserole (another Marta recipe)

Friday
Homemade Pepperoni Pizza

Saturday
Spaghetti and Homemade Bread

Sunday
Dinner at a friends house.  Not sure what we will be eating but I know it will be good : )

TOS Crew: Reading Kingdom

We were selected to review the Reading Kingdom.  I was happy to get to do the review and really thought that my kiddos would love the program. 



Let me tell you a little about Reading Kingdom.  It is online based program for children ages 4-10 that teaches them to Read and Write to a 3rd grade level. 
.
Reading Kingdom was created by Dr.Marion Blank, a top expert in literacy.  It was designed to customize itself to each child.  It is the only online program that teaches that all 6 essential skills for reading and writing success. 

These skills include:

• Sequencing
• Motor Skills
• Sounds
• Meaning
• Grammar
• Comprehension

Unfortunately, my kids did not love this program.  You see, initially, you take a skills assessment to see what level you belong in.  My 2nd grader and 4 year old both tested into the training section, which means that they needed a little help with mouse and keyboard skills.  I think part of this was because at first we thought they were supposed to be using the keyboard to type the letters, not using the mouse to click on them. 



In the training sections they had to practice clicking on letters, the same letters, over and over again.  They did not enjoy this very much and thought it to be very boring.  I encouraged them to press on, and told them both that they would be on another level real soon.  After using the program several times and doing the same thing repeatedly they decided they didn't like the program. 

I do understand that the program wants you to know how to match letters and be able to click on them, but personally I felt it was a little too repetitive.  I do believe that my kids would have liked the program, if they could have gotten past the Letter Land in a more timely fashion.  They really just got bored with all the letter clicking.



I even set up my own account to see what I thought of the program.  I took the skills assessment and tested in Level 1.  Once I got to Level 1 I was reading a little bit, typing out words and whole sentences.  I can see the educational benefits from this Level but can't really talk about Levels 2-4 because honestly, I didn't get there. 



In all fairness, I think this could be a pretty nice program if the intro/ training section were shorter and the kids could dive into really learning.  If you have a struggling reader or a little one that is just starting out I would definitely Try the 30 Day Free Trial.  Your children may have a totally different take on the program and it may really work for them. 

The Reading Kingdom program is a monthly online subscription, it costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 for a 12 month subscription.  If you have multiple children using the program, it is $9.99 per month for each additional child.  If you are
interested, you can sign up HERE.

Please what other TOS Crew Members are saying about the Reading Kingdom. 

We received a 12 month subscription to this product free of charge for review purposes.  The opinions expressed here are my own and I was not influenced by the free product.

Lord, I am Thine, Entirely Thine

written by Sammual Davies

Lord, I am Thine, entirely Thine,
Purchased and saved by blood divine;
With full consent Thine I would be,
And own Thy sovereign right in me.

Grant one poor sinner more a place
Among the children of Thy grace—
A wretched sinner, lost to God,
But ransomed by Immanuel’s blood.

Thine would I live, Thine would I die,
Be Thine through all eternity;
The vow is past beyond repeal,
And now I set the solemn seal.

Here, at that cross where flows the blood
That bought my guilty soul for God,
Thee my new Master now I call,
And consecrate to Thee my all.


I love the words in this song.  The last stanza is my favorite, although the whole song is good.  If you would like to hear this hymn you can do that here.

Saturday Solutions: Get a Wagon!

This might sound a little goofy but it has been a huge blessing in our little world.  Last fall we were blessed to find a plastic Radio Flyer Wagon in great shape at a yard sale for only $5.  Of course we bought it, it was a deal we didn't want to pass up.

The Hubs and I had figured that we got our money's worth after watching our 4 kids play with this wagon for about an hour once we pulled it out of the car. 

If I haven't told you before, the Lord gave me one smart husband.  One day when I had returned from the grocery store with a van full of groceries he had a brilliant IDEA!  Instead of making 8 trips to the van why not use the handy dandy wagon. 

From that day forward that is how the LSG house carries in groceries, the lazy efficient way.  We load up the wagon and usually only have to make one trip. 

We just wheel that baby right on in the kitchen, unload and then put our groceries away. 

Like I said, Get a Wagon!

Did I Mention We Got a Turtle?

Because obviously 3 dogs, 3 hermit crabs and 2 hamsters aren't enough for us, we got a TURTLE. 

We have wanted a turtle for a while.  I am included in the we, BTW.  Friends of ours had a turtle (maybe a box turtle) and every since we saw them feeding it little worms we were hooked and really wanted one. 

I looked into getting a turtle over the summer.  I found out that my county doesn't even sell turtles because of the salmonella risk.  So I just kinda dropped the subject.  Then, one day last week an ad came across my email from someone on freecycle for a turtle.  A Red Eared Slider to be exact.  The 20 gallon tank, light, filter, floating island thing and food were all included, FOR FREE. 

I emailed the lady and 3 days later we has a turtle.  His name is Bowser - isn't that the King Turtle's name from Super Mario Bro.s circa 1990?  Just sayin.  Not sure if the kids are going to change his (assuming that it's a he).  There have been some other names floating around, like Crush from Finding Nemo, Franklin and Tuck (Wonderpets) but nothing conclusive.  we are up for name suggestions if you have any.

The turtle is really cool and fairly low maintenance.  So far we know that he really likes assorted lettuce leafs, carrots, apple and celery.  When it is a little warmer I am going to send the kids out hunting for worms. 

The girls have already done some research about Red Eared Sliders (Science) and we found some cool videos on youtube (don't you just love youtube!).  Like this one, and this one.  This one is the coolest, the turtles are eating worms.  Red Eared Sliders are semi aquatic and omnivours, in case you were wondering.  : )

Bow Ties with Sausage and Sweet Peppers

This recipe is from my friend Marta.  I made it Monday night and it absolutely scrumtious!  I am so glad that I made extra, we love having leftovers for lunch.

Here is the recipe:

8oz of Dry Bow Tie noodles, I used the whole bag
12 oz of Itailian Sausage, I used 2 packages of Sw. Italian Chicken Sausage
2 medium green peppers, I used a green, red and orange pepper
1/2 cup of Beef or Veggie Broth, I used Veggie
1/4 tsp of Pepper
1/4 cup of Fresh Parsley, I forgot to but fresh so I used a handful of dry


I also added a sweet onion, a package of fresh mushrooms and salt to taste.  I also shook a little bit of Grated Parm Cheese on top of mine.


Cook your noodles.  In a large skillet brown sausage, peppers (onion and mushrooms if you are added them) until the sausage is cooked and browned.  Add the broth, salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 5 minutes.  Add in the noodles and parsely.  Mix and serve (this is the point that I added the parm cheese on mine).

Please Pray for Logan

I belong to a community email group for my area and received a prayer request this week that I really had to pass on.  The request is for 4 year old little Logan who has been battling against cancer for the last 6 months. 

My heart goes out to this little boy and his family.  It is hard to imagine an adult having to endure this trial, much less a young child.  Cancer is such a battle and it really grieves me to hear about children having it. 

I am praying for Logan and his family.  Most of all I pray that Logan and his family know the Lord and that we will surround them with His peace and comfort during this time.  I also pray that the Lord will heal Logan and restore his health. 

Will you please pray with me?

Menu Plan

I feel like things have been a bit stressful busy around here lately.  The Hubs and I went away for a weekend (tell about it soon), the Hubs got into an accident with our family van, I had a minor surgery and we got a turtle. 

Sooo, I finally feel like we are getting back into the groove of normal.  I actually went to the grocery store and did a real grocery trip for the first time in 2 weeks on Friday.  

A good friend of mine actually wrote most of my menu plan for the week (thanks Mar-da!) and I gotta say she came up with some yummies.   Here they are:

Monday
Bow Ties with Sausage and Sweet Peppers - this was SOOO yummylicious!  I will post the recipe this week.

Tuesday
Tacos w/ Corn and Fruit

Wednesday
Sloppy Janes w/ Fries and Broccoli - I have never made them before but from what I understand, Sloppy Janes are cut up hot dogs with baked beans on a hot dog bun.  If they are good I will post the exact recipe.

Thursday
BBQ Chicken Legs w/ Sweet Potatoes and Spinach

Friday
Homemade Pizza - well sort of.  I buy my dough in a little bag already made from Trader Joe's.  It is only $.99.

Saturday
Chicken Stuffed Shells w/ Green Beans and Cranberry Sauce

Sunday
Meatball Subs with Fruit Salad