TOS Crew: Times Alive

Through the TOS Crew we were asked to review the Times Alive Multiplication CD by City Creek Press.  We were pretty excited about it because it was quite different then plain ol' flash cards and math drills. 

Times Alive is a multiplication program, based on the Times Tables the Fun Way Book for Kids, that teaches facts from the zero's through the nine times tables.  This program is much, much more than math drills! Hard to learn math facts are illustrated in the form of a story.  The idea is that the children will learn the story and then recall the mental image and remember the answer to the fact.

I had the Lil' Chef working on this program and it seems to really be working for her.  Here's what I liked about Times Alive:

• In just a short time, I have already noticed an improvement on her multiplication memorization.  
• Times Alive holds her interest.  Some of the stories are corny, but in a very cute sort of way.  Many times she has really liked one of the stories and has called me over to check it out. 
• I do not have to hound, beg or bribe her to go do the program.  She actually does it willingly!!
• Several of the math facts are remembered by little tricks, she LOVES this.  
• I think it is pretty affordable.  For $44.95 (the download version) you have the program forever and for however many children you have.  In other words I really like that it is a flat fee and not a monthly fee.  My pockie purse likes this too! 
• While I have not reviewed the companion items for Times Alive they look really good.  They have a workbook, music cd, and clue cards.
• Last but not least, Times Alive is really FUN!

 

There really isn't anything about Time alive that we didn't like or thought they could improve on.  I do recommend this program for a child working on their times tables and definitely for one who is struggling. 

Please check out what other TOS Crew members are saying about Times Alive.

As a member of the TOS Crew, we were given the Times Alive program at no cost for review purposes.  However, the fact that this product was given to us did not in anyway effect my opinion.

Saturday Solutions: Natural Eye Make Up Remover

If you use water proof mascara then you too have probably thought of using a pressure washer to get that stuff off.  Don't get me wrong, I am thankful that I can get in a pool, cry at a movie or from laughing so hard that I almost, well you know, and not have to worry about looking like a raccoon afterwards. 

I found a cheap inexpensive way to remove that stuff with out spending lots of cash, or using harmful chemicals near my eyeballs.  Simply put a little bit of extra virgin olive oil on a wash rag, Q-tip or cotton ball and wipe it off. 

Not only does it remove mascara but it removes eye shadow and liner as well.  As a bonus it conditions your lashes and moisturizes around your eyes : )

If you wanna see the olive oil in action check out this video I found on youtube.

If it's not one thing....

I know I have been a little quiet over here.  I have not been feeling super great, I have like a upper respitory infection/cough thing going on.  On top of that lovely news I have a virus in both of my eyes, not pink eye.  Friday I went to the eye doctor and was told that in addition to taking medication for my eyes I am NOT allowed to wear my contacts for a while.  And IF I should decided to go back to them they need to be the kind that I dispose of daily. 

Did he really just say IF???  I have been wearing contacts since I was like 10.  I really do not function well with glasses on.  Truly, it is a different way of seeing and I am VERY used to my very much loved contacts.   When I told him this, he politely smiled and told me I had been spoiled. 

So, off I go for a new pair of glasses, with transition lenses because my eyes are even more sensitive to the light that usual due to this lovely little infection that I have going on. 

Once I got my new glasses I realized that the prescription was off.  I am having a hard time seeing street signs, billboards and of course my computer screen.  Yes, my computer screen.  See how I am squinting to see what it is I am typing.  No fun at all!!

Back to the doctors I went for the correct prescription and now of course that means I am waiting for my new glasses.  Prayerfully these will be better for my eyeballs.  : )

O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing

by Charles Wesley

O for a thousand tongues to sing

My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of Thy name.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease;
’Tis music in the sinner’s ears,
’Tis life, and health, and peace.

He breaks the power of canceled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood availed for me.

He speaks, and, listening to His voice,
New life the dead receive,
The mournful, broken hearts rejoice,
The humble poor believe.

Hear Him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb,
Your loosened tongues employ;
Ye blind, behold your Savior come,
And leap, ye lame, for joy.

In Christ your Head, you then shall know,
Shall feel your sins forgiven;
Anticipate your heaven below,
And own that love is heaven.

Glory to God, and praise and love
Be ever, ever given,
By saints below and saints above,
The church in earth and heaven.

On this glad day the glorious Sun
Of Righteousness arose;
On my benighted soul He shone
And filled it with repose.

Sudden expired the legal strife,
’Twas then I ceased to grieve;
My second, real, living life
I then began to live.

Then with my heart I first believed,
Believed with faith divine,
Power with the Holy Ghost received
To call the Savior mine.

I felt my Lord’s atoning blood
Close to my soul applied;
Me, me He loved, the Son of God,
For me, for me He died!

I found and owned His promise true,
Ascertained of my part,
My pardon passed in heaven I knew
hen written on my hearWt.

Look unto Him, ye nations, own
Your God, ye fallen race;
Look, and be saved through faith alone,
Be justified by grace.

See all your sins on Jesus laid:
The Lamb of God was slain,
His soul was once an offering made
For every soul of man.

Awake from guilty nature’s sleep,
And Christ shall give you light,
Cast all your sins into the deep,
And wash the Æthiop white.

Harlots and publicans and thieves
In holy triumph join!
Saved is the sinner that believes
From crimes as great as mine.

Murderers and all ye hellish crew
In holy triumph join!
Believe the Savior died for you;
For me the Savior died.

With me, your chief, ye then shall know,
Shall feel your sins forgiven;
Anticipate your heaven below,
And own that love is heaven.

I know that this song is a bit legthy but worth reading and hearing.

Large Family Logistics Giveaway!

One of my favorite Blogger Mommies, Raising Olives, is giving away 2 copies of Large Family Logistics by Kim Brenneman. 

Not sure if you have heard of this book yet or not but I have and I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to read it!! 

Large Family Logisitcs is a book filled with practical tips about meal planning, quiet time, household and child training tips.  Sounds like a book for every mom's bookshelf!!

Feel free to hop on over to enter the giveaway.