Why We Don't Celebreate Halloween

Well, it seems that I have been asked this question pretty frequently lately, even from some of my children.  The main reason that I do not celebrate Halloween is because I want to honor God in my life and Halloween is a pagan holiday.  Yep, pagan! Halloween may be fun and candy to some but it is really much more. 

Have you ever gone and researched how Halloween came about?  It stemed from pagan worship and even today, true pagans and witches do esteem Halloween as a high holy day.  I consciencely can not partake. 

I grew up celebrating Halloween because I did not know what it was really about nor did my mother.  But now that I know the meaning behind the trick or treating and dressing up I am convinced that it is not pleasing to God.  Not because I am more righteous or holier than anyone else, simply because I have been given the truth and, again, I want to please the Lord. 

The History Channel has a pretty good little documentary about the origins of Halloween if you are interested.  If you want to know that truth about Halloween you can simply look it up.  The truth about Halloween is obvious, if you are willing to look for it.

Like if you read this article about the origin of Halloween, you would read that dressing up for trick or treating was done because people wanted to blend in or copy the dead spirits.   Did you know that many have lost their lives on Halloween because they were sacrificed to false gods and spirits? Sounds cozy, right? Hmm, no thanks.

I think sometimes as Christians we forgot or are just not aware how massive the demonic/ spirit realm is.  The Bible says it best...
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

I heard a message from Focus on the Family several years ago about a man called Chief Shoefoot.  He was Shamian before God saved him.  When he came to visit the United States around the time of Halloween he said that the spirits of that holiday are the same familiar spirits that he used to deal with.  To him it was obvious and grieving.  This was very eye opening to me. 

I just imagine that Satan is in all his glory when people, especially of the Christian variety, are partaking his high holy day. 

I am sure that reading this might not settle really well with some but I just really felt the Lord put it on my heart to share this truth. 

I know that many of us can get cozy in our traditions but we {including myself} must be careful..
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Have you considered taking this matter to the Lord and asking Him what he would have you to do? Have you asked the Lord if Halloween is something you should be doing?

TOS Crew: Marshall Publishing Review

What boy doesn't like fire trucks, right?!  When I saw the opportunity to review the Lots & Lots of Firetrucks & Firefighters from Marshall Publishing I just knew my boys would LOVE it.  And they do!

We received the Lots and Lots of Fire Trucks & Firefighter DVD and book combo set to check out.  The boys could hardly contain themselves! The girls enjoyed reading the book and the watching the video too but it was the boys that were really impressed.

My kids have had a little bit of a fascination with firefighters ever since we did a unit study on them.  I really wish we had this set to go along with it! 

First, let's talk about the book.  It is a 124 page soft cover book that has colored and black & white photos.  Here's what's included:

• Meet Firefighter Joe
• Firefighter's Tools & Equipment
• Rescue Vehicles - Pumper Truck, Ladder Trucks, Specialty Vehicles
• Fire Fighting Facts
• Fire Science Basics
• Fire Prevention & Safety Tips
• What is a Firefighter?
• Firefighters in action
• Words of the Firefighter - Fireman's Prayer, Fireman's Wife's Prayer, Ten Commandments for the Firefighters, Firefighter's Commitment, The Last alarm, a Firefighter's Pledge
• Old Time Firefighter's Alphabet
• Classic Fire House Traditions
• History of Fire Trucks & Fire Fighting
• Antique Fire Trucks
• Greatest Fires in History
• Firefighting Timeline
• Fire House Museums
• Cool Fire Related Websites
• Lot and Lots of Fire Trucks Sing-A-Long Song Lyrics

As you can see, Lots & Lots of Fire Trucks & Firefighters has tons of great information.  We loved the information about Fire Safety, Firetrucks and all the really cool equipment. 

Reading the Fireman's Prayer and the Last Alarm really gave us a better appreciation for what firefighters do.  This book really helped us to see the ins and outs of a firefighter's job and how they lay their lives down daily for complete strangers.

The Lots & Lots of Fire Safety Songs and Tips was a great video.  It was good for the kids to see the firefighters in action as well as how to stop, drop and roll.  We all really enjoyed the songs!  The segments included are:

• Lots and Lots of Fire Trucks
• Call 911
• Fireman Jim's Safety Tips
• Stop, Drop and Roll
• Your Home Safety Plan
• It's An Emergency
• Heroes Brave and Tall
• Great Big Fire Trucks
• Fire Trucks in Action

Many of the Song Lyrics from the DVD are included in the Lots & Lots of Fire Trucks.  Which was pretty helpful because the kids like to sing along. 

Overall, I think the Lots & Lots of Fire Trucks & Firefighters book and DVD is a wonderful set.  Whether for school or for fun, I don't think you will be disappointed.  The book and DVD set are regualrly priced at $49.90 but right now they are on sale for $29.95. Since I know ya'll love a good deal, you can use a special coupon code that Marshall Publishing gave to the TOS Crew.  If you use Coupon Code TOSF1 you can get the set for only $19.95.  What a deal! 

Marshall Publishing Company is USA based company that makes family friendly media products for the whole family to enjoy!  I love company's that have a family friendly focus! Anyhow, they also have lots and lots other books, videos and cds. 

One of the other videos that Marshall Publishing sells is George Washington Carver - His Life and His Works, which we also got by accident.  So, I wanted to mention it as well.  This video is a wonderful documentary about the George Washington Carver's life and how he became known as the peanut man.  Included in with DVD is a study guide.  This also would be great to incorporate into homeschool.  It is also available directly through Marshall Publishing and currently on sale for $19.95.

We recieved Lots & Lots of Fire Trucks & Firefighters and George Washington Carver - His Life and His Works free of charge for review purposes.  We were not compensated in anyway, the opinions expressed here are mine.

My new love... Pinterest

I have been spending a little of my time on Pinterest lately, which I think most people have heard of by now.   Oh the wonderful ideas that can be found there.  I was just telling a friend this morning that I think my Pinterest browsing is getting dangerous.  So many ideas and not enough time! {sigh}

In the last 24 hours I have decided that I think I really want to paint my kitchen table red...

Don't you just love the table, and the little wreaths and the bead board!  I guess I just love the WHOLE kitchen!!  You should take a peek at this make over at a blog called Lemonade.  I mean WOW!!  While your there can you ask her if she will come and make over my kitchen too!

Then I came across this black table and thought, hmmm that could work too!  I am not sure which color but I definitely want to paint my table and I want to do it in the next few weeks before it is too cold.  Can you tell that I have a table that could totally use refinishing?

Then I came across this mirror.  May not look like much BUT to me it does.  I have this very mirror!  It is the mirror that goes with the girl's old french provincial bedroom set.  I say old because we just got them another set on of Craigslist (which I LOVE for furniture!).  Still have the mirror but wasn't sure what to do with it until NOW.  For those of you don't know, I brown is like my F.A.V.O.R.I.T.E. color.  So this mirror is just perrrfect! 

These are just a few of the reasons I love Pinterest! 

TOS Crew: Say Anything Family Game

I love playing games together as a family! We recently got to review another great game from North Star Games, if you remember we also just reviewed Wits & Wagers Family (which we really loved).  This game is called Say Anything Family. 

The game includes:

• 60 question cards, which includes 360 topics
• 6 dry erase markers
• 6 white boards
• 12 game tokens
• Score board
• Select-O- Matic 6000

Say Anything Family is a game about what you and your family think.  This game is geared toward ages 8 and up and allows for 3-6 players. First, each person takes a turn taking a card and asking a question.  The other players then answer the question one their white boards and place their answers in the middle of the table.

Next the player that asked the question secretly selects his or her favorite answer, then selects that players color on the Select-O-Matic 6000.  After placing the Select-O-Matic face down the other players are then allowed to select who they think had the best answer and place their game tokens accordingly.

After everyone has placed their tokens, the Select-O-Matic is flipped over and points are awarded.

Say Anything Family is another keeper from North Star Games!  Another great game to give for the up coming holidays.  You can purchase Say Anything Family at several national retail stores or online through Amazon.com - Say Anything Family.

We were given Say Anything Family free of charge for review purposes only.  We were not paid in any way and these opinions are my own.

TOS Crew: Wits and Wagers Family Game

We received the Wits and Wagers Family Game from North Star Games to review for the TOS Crew.  Let me just tell ya, we LOVE this game!  Even The Hubs loved it! 

Wits and Wagers Family is a like a trivia game but all your answers will be numerical.  Let me tell you how to play so you get a better understanding of what the game is all about.  First, one of the players asks a question, like "How many Disney Princesses there are in all?"  Each person writes their answer on their little white board and then everyone's guess gets put into number order, right after the #1 that is already provided for you.  Next, everyone places a "wager" with their meeples (cute little wooden people).  Like if I think I am absolutely correct with my answer then I may put both of my meeples on my board.  If my answer is the closest to the real answer without going over then I get 3 points. 

If I am not really confident in my answer I can place my meeples on someone else's answer, if their answer was correct then I would get points for placing my wager on their answer.  If I think we have all gone over in our guesses then I place my meeples on the #1 (already provided).  There are 300 family friendly questions in the game and the first person to get 15 points WINS!  I really hope I am not making this sound difficult because it really is simple to play. I think it took us a few minutes to read over the rules and we all got the hang of it after the frist round.  

The Wits and Wagers box says that it is geared towards ages 8 and up but we all played together.  Lil Bits and I were on a team together.  He liked placing our meeples for us and wiping our board.  Alpha Boy played on his own and did just fine. He came up with all his own answers, although most of the time his answer was 2,000.  No matter the question.  If the question was "how many different colored fruit loops are there?" His answer was still 2,000, really!  He loved the game too!  Some of the questions are easier and some are more difficult. I think the 8 and up range is good but I still think its a game that the little ones will enjoy joining in on.

Up to 10 people can play at a time.  You can either play 5 single players or 10 if your doing teams.

For the record, I was the winner!!  I was pretty excited because I never win anything : )  This game is a definite keeper and I am not just saying that because I won. We had so much fun that I think we are going to bring family game night back through the fall and winter! 

Wits and Wagers Family would be an excellent holiday gift or whenever gift for that matter.  You can purchase you very own Wits & Wagers Family game on Amazon for about $15.00 (and it's eligable for super saver shipping).  You can also find it at variety of national retailers. 

Hope you all enjoy Wits and wagers Family as much as we have! 

We recieved Wits and Wagers Family Game free of charge from North Star Games for review purposes only.  We were not compensated in any way for our review

TOS Crew: E-Mealz Review

I cook.  I cook because I like to and because the people that live here with me like to eat.  Since I am cooking several meals a day I decided many years ago that I would be a meal planner, I think it is just easier to come up with a dinner plan before 5pm each day.  I also feel like meal planning helps to save money (hypothetically anyway), since I go shopping armed with a list of the things we NEED. 

BUT sometimes I get so tired of coming up with new recipes and meal ideas.  Have you ever thought how much easier meal planning would be if someone else would just come up with the plan and hand it over?  I know I have.  There is this company called e-Mealz and that is pretty much what they do.  Not only to they give you the meal ideas, they also give you the recipes and shopping list.  I know some of you who have not been faithful with meal planning are probably starting to sweat nervously at this point because you know now you are with out excuse : )  But don't worry, e-Mealz has done the work for you. 

It's easy as 1,2,3! Choose a Plan, Print and Go Shopping, Cook and Enjoy!

e-Mealz offers 28 different meal plans that you can choose from

So whether you shop at Aldi's, Walmart or somewhere else, e-Mealz has a plan for you.  Not only do they have regular meal plans for families then even have plans for those that are using portion control with their meals, and those that eat gluten free.  e-Mealz pretty much has a meal plan for everyone.  The only thing I didn't see is an option for those with egg or peanut allergies. 

Okay, let's talk food.  I am sure you guys are wondering what the food is like.  Here is a run down of some of the dinner recipes that I received on the Any-Store Family Meal Plan:

• Brunswick Beef Stew (which is a crock pot recipe, so that is major bonus!), Simple Slaw and French Bread
• BBQ Chicken Packets - these are made in tin foil and thrown in the oven.  Simple, simple, simple!!
• Creamy Pesto Ravioli and Tomato Salad Toss
• Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Lemon Butter Broccoli and Herb Pasta
• Easy Cheeseburger Pie, Skillet Corn, Celery Sticks & Ranch Dip
• Chicken & Cannelloni Soup with Cornbread Muffins
• Hamburger Pizzas and Broccoli n’ Dip
• Pesto Pepperoni Wraps, Chips and Sliced Pears
• Beef Hash and Steamed Broccoli
• Mexican Casserole, Tortilla Chips and Garden Salad

Mouth watering yet?? Not only do you get a nice variety of good meals each week but you also get a variety in the type of meals.  For instance each week's meal plan is peppered with crock pot meals, one dish meals, easy meals and even company favorites!  Did you also notice that they no only give you main dishes but sides too!

Here is a sample menu.  You can also view samples of all the e-Mealz Menu Plans here.

The recipes may sound difficult and time consuming but I assure you they really aren't.  For the most part these meals are made fairly quickly, in my opinion.  One great thing about e-Mealz plans is that they are created by moms just like you and me, they get that we are busy because they are busy too!

Let's talk price.  e-Mealz is also super reasonable, each meal plan is only $5.00 per month, which breaks down to only $1.25 per week.  I think $1.25 a week is well worth the many benefits you would get from using e-Mealz.  It would save you time by meal planning for you, save you money by having a plan when you shop and not having to always order out.  Just imagine, you could be feeding you family good home cooked, healthier meals during the week and keep your sanity at the same time!  Wouldn't it be wonderful to actually have an answer when your family asks, "what's for dinner?" 

I love this product and think it is well worth $5.00 per month.  Whtether you are new to meal planning or you are a veteran, I know you will love e-Mealz.  Great meals, great price and less stress, what's not to love?

We were given a subscription to e-Mealz at no charge for review purposes only.  I was not paid in any way and the opinions expressed here are mine.

TOS Crew: Always Icecream Review

 

The TOS Crew asked us if we would be interested in reviewing a learning website called Always Icecream and my girls were so glad that I said yes! 

Always Icecream is a fun and educational website where girls can learn and be creative!  Over the last few weeks the girls have enjoyed playing games that have helped them learn about human anatomy, math facts, geography (USA  and Europe), dog breeds and Bible verses.

They have also enjoyed all the fun that they get to have creating their own people and rooms in the Mini World part of Alway Icecream.  This is the area where they really get to create and have a great time!  Computer Girl told me that this is her favorite thing about Always Icecream.  Oh, and believe it or not she really likes playing the math facts games (which her mama really likes too!) 

On Always Icecream, girls (and I keep saying girls because it really is geared toward girls) can invite there friends to play and chat with them too.  My girls have not done this but it is an option.  I appreciate that they have it moderated. 

Girls can also watch some pretty cool learning videos.  For instance one video taught us how to make baby shower cupcakes (too cute!), one showed us how to teach a dog to sit and another one taught us the origin of ice cream cones. 

Another fun thing about the Always Icecream site it that the kids get to earn ice cream "scoops," by watching the videos and playing the games.  They can then use these "scoops" in the Mini World to buy things for their rooms.  The kids of course LOVE THIS!! 

Always Icecream is geared toward girls ages 7-12.  My girls are 8 and 10 (almost 11 as she says) and they both enjoyed this website.  The cost is $4.99 per month, $29.99 for a year or $99.99 for a life-time membership.  Personally, I would try it for a month or two before deciding on a life-time membership. 

Your kids can even try it for FREE to see if they like it before purchasing.

We were given a subscription to Always Icecream free of charge for review purposes only.  The opinions expressed here are my own and we were not compensated in any way. 



TOS Crew: Scruble Cube Review

We were given the opportunity to review the Scruble Cube for the TOS Crew, which is 3D word game that is a cross between a Rubik Cube and a Scrabble board game.  See, check it out...





This is a educational and fast paced game that is recommended for kids 8 years old and up.  According to the makers of Scruble Cube, "If you can spell C-A-T then you can play! " The Hubs was in charge of reviewing this game with the kids (I am not a cross wordy, Rubik cube kinda girl). 

I think they struggled at first with the Scruble Cube thinking that after one player built a word, the next player had to build on it, which is not the case.  You can build on another players word but it is not necessary to play.  It is quite easy to form words as you can make a totally new word or add one or more letters to an existing word to make a new word.  We soon learned that you simply make words while racking up points at the same time, each letter is given a point value.  The bigger the words the more points you earn.  The people with most points wins the game!

We liked that this game is pretty versatile and 1 to 4 players can play at one time.  You can make the rules easy or more challenging.  You can play with or with out the included timer.  You can have a three letter word minimum or four to make it more difficult.  They have even included "wild cards" to make any letter you want.

Scruble Cube even has several other options for play on their website that offer even more educational value, like sentence building.  I think it would be great to have kids try to spell out some of their spelling list words to spice up spelling. 

As a mom, I love that it is educational.  I also like that this is a simple game, in other words there aren't 37 pieces that I have to track of.  You have the cube, a sand timer, a rubber band and a pad of score cards.  One other bonus, is that when your 3 year old is so excited about this new game you have bought that he rips the box open in excitement, all the contents will fit perfectly in a Ziploc bag : )

We aren't the only ones that think the Scruble Cube is great, it received the Dr. Toys Best Pick for New Products as well as the Creative Toy Award for 2010 from Creative Child Magazine.

Scruble Cube would make a great gift for kids, adults and even teachers.  It can be purchased directly from Scruble Cube for $24.95.


We were given the Scruble Cube free of charge for review purposes only.  We were not paid in any way and the opinions expressed here are my own.

Come, Sing Allelu

by Russ Borchardt and Stan Pethel

Celebrate what the Father has done for you;
celebrate the gift of his Son;
Celebrate how the Spirit renews in you life everlasting!
Come, sing allelu!

Chorus: Alleluia!
Our highest praises we bring to our King,
singing alleluia!
Celebrate, come, sing allelu!

Celebrate every blessing upon us poured;
celebrate each gift from the Lord;
celebrate every work that he bids us do.
Celebrate him; come sing allelu!


My girls sang this a few weeks ago in choir, it is a beautiful song!  They are still singing it around the house.  My oldest was even this song in Target the other day, THAT WAS A BLESSING!! 

You can listen to Come, Sing Allelu! here.

Hand Me Downs and Yard Sale Finds

I am so thrilled and blessed that we don't have to spend a bundle for kids clothes once the weather is starting to get cooler.  The Lord has tremendously blessed us with hand me downs and great bargains at yard sales. 

There are a few people that continually bless us with kids clothes that they no longer need, this is one way that the Lord has provided to our family.  I have also been amazed at the prices I find on kids clothes at yard sales, I mean like nice, looks like it has never been worn, church kinda clothes.  Like this past weekend I bought a few church outfits for Little Bits, they were dress shirts, dress pants, a sweater vest and 2 cozy pairs of pj's (17 items total) and I paid $10 for the whole bag.  I was very excited to say the least.  I had them babies washed and ready to go as soon as we got home, he even wore one of the outfits the next day to church. 

It is not only a blessing to get but it is a blessing to give.  I am thankful that we have been able to bless others.  I pretty much have a designated home for most of the clothes that the kids out grow.  Whatever these families can't use, we give to our church's Great Clothing Giveaway, which is actually coming up and part of my motivation to go through all our clothing bins.  Well that and the freezing cold weather we've been having : )

While I will admit that it is so tiresome to go through all our clothes bins in the fall and again in the spring, I am very thankful that we don't have to go buy all new stuff.  i am thinking that buying all new stuff for 4 kids would probably cost lots.

This year I am wising up though, I am pulling out the fall/ winter stuff that we need now and while I am at it I am also getting all the spring/ summer ready for next year.  I am going to just stick the bins on the top shelf of their closets.  Please don't ask me why I haven't been doing this all along, it really was one of those Duhh! moments. 

Have you switched out your clothes yet?  Any helpful hints to make the clothing switch out easier?

MathTacular Winner!

Thanks to everyone that entered! 

The winner is..

Gretta said...                         17
I would like the MathTacular 4 DVD because word problems seem to often to be an issue for kids and this might help simplify them some.

Links I Love...Fall Decor

If you have not been on Pinterest yet, may I ask what in the world you are waiting for??  I am not on there all the time but always find amazing stuff when I am.

Today I have been on the couch way more hours than I care to count.  Not because I am being lazy but I am sick and feel miserable.  So while my kids entertain themselves and pull out almost every toy we own in the process, I decided to do some mindless searching on the internet. 

I am helping to decorate for our homeschool support group's Fall Dinner this week.  I had a few ideas but decided to check out Pinterest for some more.  Here are some of my favorite fall decor links that I found. 

Like this gorgeous pumpkin topiary!!  I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!  Yvonne at Stone Gable has a simple tutorial to make them.  She actually has lots of great ideas and the RECIPES, oh how they make my mouth water. 

I have done cranberries & water in mason jars before for the Fall/Winter season but I really like the added greenery. Simple yet very elegant.

This is too Cuuute!  You can find them on Etsy bit I think I am going to make some of my own for the Fall Dinner.  I think these would make a great center piece.

I found this over at The Heart of a Home.  Let me just say that whoever this center piece really belongs to should count themselves lucky that I don't know where they live.  I would be the lady knockin' on the door saying, "Hi, excuse me, can I buy that!" (people in real life will get this)

I haven't pulled out my fall decor yet, I am still trying to get thru switching clothes.  But I have found lots of great ideas for when I do!

Have you heard what The Old Schoolhouse Magazine is up to??

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine has some very exciting changes in the works.  Click here to learn all about them!

Completely Done

By Jonathan Baird, Ryan Baird, and Rich Gunderlock

What reason have I to doubt
Why would I dwell in fear
When all I have known is grace
My future in Christ is clear

My sins have been paid in full
There’s no condemnation here
I live in the good of this
My Father has brought me near
I’m leaving my fears behind me now

Chorus
The old is gone, the new has come
What You complete is completely done
We’re heirs with Christ, the victory won
What You complete is completely done

I don’t know what lies ahead
What if I fail again
You are my confidence
You’ll keep me to the end
I’m leaving my fears behind me now

 
I love this song ( I know I say that A LOT : )  The old is gone and the new is come, that is the life of a Christian...
 
2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

You can listen to Completely Done here.