Monday, October 31, 2011

One Thousand Gifts–Week 21

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211. Mango juice at 1$ a bottle – I got 12 last week!

212. Having my kids home so I can make Mummy Dog and Spider Web dip!

213. A waved fee from a dentist for a checkup for my oldest who was complaining of pain while chewing that lasted about 5 minutes.

214. Friends going to AWANA with our kids.

215. Knowing that God is in control.

216. Sewing Awana badges on the vests/shirt

217. an helpful ten years old who loves to cook for the whole family

218. Supper with my brother-in-law and his wife at the restaurant while the kids are at AWANA.

219. A husband letting me work on my assignments for my two courses during the week-end.

220. A night chatting with the in-laws while our oldest was babysitting.

Halloween 2011

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HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!

Have a New Teenager by Friday

TeenagerHave a New Teenager by Friday
Written by Dr. Kevin Leman
Published at Revell

About the book

Do you know this person?

He eats cereal out of a large mixing bowl.

Her bedroom looks like a garbage dump . . . on a good day.

If there were an Academy Award for eye-rolling, he'd win.

She changes outfits three times before breakfast.

Congratulations! You have a teenager in your home.

Life will never quite be the same again (of course, you already know that). But it can be better than you've ever dreamed. In fact, you're just five days away from your teenager asking, "What can I do to help?" Guaranteed!

With his signature wit and commonsense psychology, internationally recognized family expert and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Kevin Leman will help you

  • gain respect--even admiration--from your teenager
  • establish healthy boundaries and workable guidelines
  • communicate with the "whatever" generation
  • turn selfish behavior around
  • navigate the critical years with confidence
  • pack your teenager's bags with what he or she needs for life now and in the future
  • become the major difference-maker in your teenager's life

With Dr. Leman's instinct and insight, plus an index with gutsy advice on 75 hot-button issues that keep parents up at night, Have a New Teenager by Friday will help you get real results--real fast.

Who is Dr. Kevin Leman?

Dr. Kevin Leman is an internationally known psychologist, radio and television personality, and speaker who has taught and entertained audiences worldwide with his wit and commonsense psychology. He has made house calls for hundreds of radio and television programs, including The View, Today, Oprah, CBS's The Early Show, CNN's American Morning, and LIFE Today with James Robison. He has also served as a contributing family psychologist to Good Morning America.

A bestselling and award-winning author, Dr. Leman has written more than 30 books about marriage and family issues, including The Birth Order Book, Sheet Music, Making Children Mind without Losing Yours, and Have a New Kid by Friday. He is coauthor, with his son Kevin Leman II, of a series of illustrated children's books for each child in the family. He is also featured on 6 video series on marriage, parenting, blended families, and single parenting.

Dr. Leman and his wife, Sande, live in Tucson, Arizona. They have 5 children and 2 grandchildren.

My Thoughts

At this point in time in our lives, we don’t have a teenager but having four kids with the oldest being 10 years old, I know that these years are just around the corner.

To be honest, I like to be prepare…   I somewhat remember when I was a teen and I know that I probably gave some white hair to my poor mom.   Therefore, knowing what I went through (and my husband knowing what he went through), we have decided to prepare ourselves in advance.   Mind you I know that we might not be fully prepared but still having books from authors like Dr. Leman is nice to have in our bookshelves.

So like I said, I am not officially in the teenage years but nevertheless, I have read the book and find it very instructive and an eye opener as well.   The book will help you to make adjustments living with a teen, reaching his/her heart through these difficult years, how to raise a street-smart kid, how to keep him/her in your world and navigate in his/her world at the same time and how to take advantage of these years.    At the end of the book, Dr. Leman also approach 75 hot topics that parents ask him during his seminars.  Not only will you read his thoughts about topics like driving, drugs, eye-rolling, attitude and so on but you will also read stories from parents who tried his tips. 

The more I read Dr. Leman’s books, the more I am sold out to him.    I am learning quite a bit while reading this book and I am feeling less stressed about the upcoming dreadful years ahead of us.   

Have a New Teenager by Friday is available at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer:  Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Science Made Easy (3 levels)

Science Made Easy (Grades K-2, 3-4 and 5-6)
Published at DK Canada

About the books

Grades K-2  Practice and reinforce the essential science skills taught at school with these home-study workbooks. Science Made Easy supports the Canadian curriculum and has been specifically designed to reinforce classroom learning. Compiled and tested by a team of science experts to increase confidence at school each book in the series includes progress charts, reward stars and Parent’s notes.

Grades 3-4  Practice and reinforce the essential science skills taught at school with these home-study workbooks. Science Made Easy supports the Canadian curriculum and has been specifically designed to reinforce classroom learning. Compiled and tested by a team of science experts to increase confidence at school each book in the series includes progress charts, reward stars and Parent’s notes.

Grades 5-6   Practice and reinforce the essential science skills taught at school with these home-study workbooks. Science Made Easy supports the Canadian curriculum and has been specifically designed to reinforce classroom learning. Compiled and tested by a team of science experts to increase confidence at school each book in the series includes progress charts, reward stars and Parent’s notes.

9781553630791H9781553630807H9781553630814H

My Thoughts

These books are fantastic for homeschoolers as well as families looking into reinforcing science lessons from school.     Each books are designed based on the Canadian curriculum and will allow your child to study science at home.    Each book contains a number of gold reward stars which can be stick on the progress chart that you can find at the beginning pages.   Once the progress chart is completed, you can complete a certificate that will testify that your child has gone through the book to learn more about science.

Grades K-2 Science Made Easy will let your child discover more about body parts, the five senses, weight, how living things grow, reproduction, taste, parts of a plant, where animals live, environment, metal, floating objects, light, shadows, pull vs push, mirrors, non-living things, life cycles, food, elastic bands, animals, materials, and so much more.

Grades 3-4 Science Made Easy will introduce your child to plants, leaves, light, soils, wood, magnets, alloy, forces,shapes of boats, food chains, habitats, vibrations, sound waves, whales, rocks, and much more.

Grades 5-6 Science Made Easy anatomy, diets, solids, liquids, gases, viscosity, evaporation, matter, temperatures, microbes, vertebrates, yeast, arthropods, birds, plants, parachutes, planes, electricity, switches, and more.

Each books is special in it’s own way because the complexity and the information presented will be adapted to the age of the child. I particularly love the progression from one book to another.   Depending of the subject at hand, they will go through the same information but in a more detailed manner.  To be honest, as I was going through these books to discover the various science subjects, I was thinking that this will be great to do with the kids because I would learn at the same time.   Some subjects were obvious to me while other ones brought some question marks in my head.   Experiments are also included in it so you can do these with your child if you want to.

My only problem is that I can’t make copies of the pages for each of my kids.    Part of me also wishes that there would be reproducible pages in the book which would be a bonus for homeschooling families with multiple children.   These books are well done and will help you to teach the essential science lessons that should be covered while homeschooling your child.  

Please note that the covers of the books I have received are different that the ones shown above.   

The Science made Easy books are available at your favorite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: I received the books for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Lego Brickmaster Lego City

9780756663100HLego Brickmaster Lego City
From DK Canada

About the product

Build the coolest vehicles, creations, and LEGO (r)City structures you can imagine when books and bricks come together like never before! Dynamic full color photos and illustrations along with step-by-step instructions make this a perfect kit for all LEGO fans! With more than 130 bricks and two minifigures, you can build your very own LEGO City featuring the LEGO Group's fantastic line of city vehicles and structures. Makes 6 exclusive LEGO(r)models!

LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick configuration and the Minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group. (c)2011 The LEGO Group.   Produced by DK Publishing under license from the LEGO Group.

My Thoughts

This is a fabulous way to develop the creativity of your kids with Lego.

This fun little package includes over 130 bricks and 2 figurines and will let your child build his own adventure in the city.   Brickmaster is a great way to add more building in your child’s life.   This particular package will allow the child to build some fun items with a policeman and a crook.    In all you will have the opportunity to build the police car, the safe, the helicopter, the getaway car, the police plane, the police hovercraft, the fast car, the one-person police car and the getaway jeep.

Two comic strips are also included in the book.  And at the end of it you are directed to a website to build and share your own comic strips.    A series of code will unlock the models you can use in your comic strips.

When I was younger I used multiple model books that I had.   I still have them but I know that the boys will be excited to discover the Brickmaster City.    It is a wonderful idea to discover a step-by-step building ideas for a specific theme.

Other Brickmaster idea packages are available at DK Canada.  You can find one for Star War, Atlantis, Ninjago, Castle, and Pirate.

These are available at your favorite bookstore even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: I received the product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

What’s for Lunch before Halloween…

Today I decided to do something I saw on Pinterest.   Mummy dogs.image

But I didn’t have the Pillsbury package instead I had a box Tenderflake puff pastry in the freezer that I decided to use for our lunch.

Take the puff pastry out of the box and cut the square in sections.

Slowly wrap the hotdog (we had chicken ones) as though you are making a mummy!

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The older boys helped me making them.

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Align the mummy dog on a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Cook 350 for about 25 minutes or so.

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While the mummy dogs were cooking, I decided to make some spider web dip with ketchup and mustard.

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Then Alexandre put the eyes on the mummies with mustard.

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And voilà mummy dogs waiting to be eaten by my four kids…

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A close up of one of the mummy dogs…    Don’t you think he looks scared to death?  Mmmmuuuaaaaahaahahahahaah!

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The kids had a wonderful lunch.  I think they liked the idea…  This could also be a wonderful lunch ideas when studying Egypt and the pyramids….  

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Next time, I am planning to use the Pillsbury package.   The dough won’t be as flaky as this one.  Still it was YummY for our tummies!

Bop-It XT

9DE5D26F5056900B103771C21D0E3042Bop-It! XT
By Hasbro Canada

About the toy

It’s time to get moving. Can you keep up? When you turn it on, this totally cool Bop It game calls out commands. It’s up to you to “pull it”, “bop it”, “twist it” — or “flick it”, “spin it”, “shake it”! Can you keep up as the tempo revs?

Play Bop It! XT in party mode or solo — you can even plug in your headphones to keep the game all to yourself. Get it right and you can keep going, but if you get the moves wrong, your turn is up. Think you’ve got what it takes to beat it? Then, start the action!

Includes Bop It! XT game unit and instructions.

Includes 3 “AAA” batteries.   For 1 or more players.   Ages 8 and up.

My Thoughts

Bop-It!

Shake it!

Flick it!

Twist it!

Pull it!

Spin it!

Oh ho!   You missed!

My oldest son has eyed this game for a while now…  His cousin got it one year for his birthday and since then Alexandre wants to have one.   Now we have the app version on the iPod but it isn’t the same as holding the game in your hand and being nervous about it. *grin*   Well I do get nervous even with the app version… LOL  but that’s another story.

So when I got the opportunity to review the Bop-It! XT I jumped on it.  When I play with it my stomach gets knots and I am nervous – result is that I can perform properly.   I hope that this nervousness will reduce itself has time goes by and I play with it.  

I find this particular game is fun for camping as well as long trip in the car.  Now mind you my husband would not be able to drive with this thing speaking all the time.  But this version has been upgraded with the possibility of plugging in headphones!  How ingenious is that?  I tested this particular feature and find it fabulous.   Once the headset is plugged in you don’t hear anything from the machine.   Fantastic!   It is a great little idea that will please numerous parents I think!

Needless to say I need to work on my score… it’s pathetic.  But the game is highly addictive as you are motivated to get a better score.   What was my score?   mmmm!   I prefer to keep it for myself if you don’t mind.

Seriously, I think every family should have a Bop It! XT in their house.  Not only is it good for entertaining the kids at camping or while driving (with headsets) but it is a perfect game for a party or a evening of fun with your kids. 

This game is an absolute must under the tree this year.    You won’t regret it!

Bop-It! XT is available at your favorite toy store.

Disclaimer: I received the product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Celebrating Advent

ImageCelebrating Advent – Family Devotions and Activities for the Christmas Season
Written by Ann Hibbard
Published at Revell

About the Book

Help focus your family on what really matters at Christmastime.

If you ask kids what Christmas is about, you'll get a variety of answers. Presents, decorating, presents, Santa Claus, presents, carols . . . presents. Few will say anything about Christ. How would your kids answer that question?

In a culture obsessed with material things, it can be difficult to help our kids understand and celebrate the true meaning of the Christmas season. In Celebrating Advent, author Ann Hibbard has created a way for parents to set aside a daily time during Advent to talk with their kids about the spiritual meaning of the season.

Learn practical steps you can take to make Christmas a more meaningful, happy experience for your family. Inspiring and creative family devotions provide a moment of peace and reflection for each evening of Advent, while fun and inexpensive project ideas help you focus your kids' attention on what really matters at Christmas: Christ.

Who is Ann Hibbard?

Ann Hibbard is a Bible study teacher and the author of several books, including Family Celebrations: Meeting Christ in Your Holidays and Special Occasions. She resides in Virginia with her husband.

My Thoughts

Last year was the first time we decided to celebrate advent with a Jesse Tree and with following a special story during that time.    We enjoyed it very much the kids and I.    This year, I am planning to continue this special time with a new story and other ideas.   So when I had the opportunity to review the IMG_5291Celebrating Advent  book I was more than eager to see what ideas I could gleaned from it.

This delightful book will allow you to approach the Holidays with a fresh look on the season.    In it you will discover advent devotions for two years that you can alternate as the years go by.   And you will also find celebrations, family worship ideas as well as the Twelfth Night Party which includes a feast, a pageant and a service. 

Last year, our Jesse Tree consisted of brown paper on which I painted a Christmas tree on it.    This book gives you detailed instructions to make one out of felt…  I wish I would be a great seamstress and created one but the reality is I am not that great and I don’t have the time to figure it out this year.  However, you will also find instructions to make a Jesse Tree with a tree branch as well as instructions to make an advent wreath which has been a dream of mine for quite some time.   Finally, at the end of the book you will also find symbol patterns to put in the Jesse tree.  These are different than the ones we had last year and I plan to use them this time.    What I usually do is that I ask one child per day to color the symbol of the day and glue it on the tree.   The kids have a blast to decorate these and it makes our Jesse tree more interesting than if I would be the one coloring them…  

Finally, at the end of the book you will find some hymns included as well as the music sheet that goes with them.

Celebrating Advent is definitively complete to make your advent days interesting and fun for everyone in the family.    Last year my husband didn’t enjoy having the story read during supper time but having devotions instead will probably grab his interest this year.  The devotions are two pages long and includes a little story, Bible readings as well as discussion questions that everyone in the family can participate while having our daily time around the table, a prayer, a song (if you want to sing), the Jesse tree activity as well as a special study for adults.  It is indeed complete and will bring you to Christmas with a new perspective.   I personally think that all Christian families should get this marvelous little book to make their Advent time more meaningful this year.

Celebrating Advent is available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, even at amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

BOO!

Boo!
From PicPocket Books

About the App

BOO! Halloween with Sophie and Sam is magical. Come meet the owls, pumpkins and ghosts on Halloween night with a playfully spooky (but not scary) rhyming tale. Get in a Halloween mood, because this night is for me and for you… full of laughter, mischief, and of course… BOO!

My Thoughts

Halloween is just around the corner and some parents might be looking for books on the special day for their kids to read.image

I received this app with a specific request to review it before the big day of trick-or-treating…  I agreed on it and immediately downloaded the app.

Once the app was installed on the iPad, I proceeded to read it by myself before I put it in the hands of my little girl.   And to be honest, I personally am happy I did this.  Though the images are adorable, there are some things in it that bug me… like the ghosts, the haunted house and the witch.  The music is somewhat creepy though sweet at the same time.  

There is interaction through the app where your child can touch the screen and you can hear the cats meowing, the cauldron bubbling and so on.   The reading is well done by the young lady and she even have intonations that goes with the theme of the story.

imageHowever, even though we let our kids running Halloween we have some reservations on letting them using scary things as costumes.   We never decorated our pumpkins in a scary way or even the house for that matter.   Consequently, I personally won’t let my three years old interact with this app because there are scary things in there and knowing that she is a pretend kid I don’t want her to start pretending about ghost and haunted house.

Mind I know that not all parents will think like me and won’t have any issues with this story.   So if you are such a parent, let me tell you that the story is quite cute and colorful even though the theme is spooky.    The drawings of the story are adorable I find. 

Apparently the iPad version includes discussion questions for kids, parents, and teachers.  Thought I have received the HD version of the app, I have not stumbled on the discussions questions.   So I am wondering if it might be forgotten in the release of the app…

Boo! is available on iTunes for the price of 2.99$.

Disclaimer: I received the app for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Names of God Bible

9780800720667Names of God Bible
From Ann Spangler
Published at Revell

About the Bible

Open the door to a more intimate relationship with God.

  • Discover the Hebrew names of God within the biblical text
  • Encounter God through prayers, promises, and devotional readings
  • Experience God's character more deeply by studying his names
  • One of the best ways to get to know God on a deeper level is to know his names and titles as revealed in Scripture. Now the bestselling author of Praying the Names of God and Praying the Names of Jesus uncovers the richness of God's character and love found in his names right within the Bible text.

    The Names of God Bible restores more than 10,000 occurrences of specific names of God--like Yahweh, El Shadday, El Elyon, and Adonay--to help readers connect with the Hebrew roots of their Christian faith and experience a deeper understanding of God's character. Perfect for personal study, prayer, and reflection, The Names of God Bible includes these special features:

    More than 10,000 names and titles of God restored to their Hebrew equivalent and printed in brown ink to stand out within the biblical text

    Names of God reading paths lead readers to the next reference of the name so they can pray and study the names of God throughout Scripture

    Name Pages feature

    • background information associated with the most important names and titles of God
    • key Scripture passages in which the name is revealed
    • devotional readings for each of the featured names
    • specific Bible promises connected to each of the featured names

    Calling God by Name sidebars shed light on the relationship between biblical people and the specific names they called God.

    Who is Ann Spangler?

    Ann Spangler is an award-winning writer whose fascination with the Bible has resulted in books that have opened the Bible to a wide range of readers. She is the author or coauthor of several bestselling books, including Praying the Names of God, Praying the Names of Jesus, Women of the Bible, and Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus. Together, her books have sold nearly 3 million copies. She has held senior positions at two Christian publishing houses and lives with her two daughters in Michigan.

    My Thoughts

    We have plenty of Bibles at home.   So to be honest I didn’t need another Bible in our house.  But this one is different as you can discover throughout the book the various names of God as well as connect to the roots of the original language the text was written.  I loved the idea and wanted to see it with my own eyes so I jumped on the opportunity to review it.   I love to see the embedded names on the side of the leather-like cover.    Written in Hebrew I know that each and single one of them is a name of God.

    The text of this Bible is based on the God’s Word Translation and the idea behind this Bible was to insert the Hebrew names of God in their places within the text.   So while you read this book you won’t encounter God, LORD or Jesus but instead you will discover El Shadday, Adonay, Elohim and many more names that describe God .    Also throughout the Bible you can read more about a specific name and discover why God is also named that way.   In a two page description, you will discover a new aspect of your Creator and the one who loves you very much.    For example, Yahwee Nissi (The Lord is my banner) is the one who will prepare me for battles that will eventually come in my life.  While reading the information associated to one name, you will also be referred to a key scripture as well as promises linked to this name (again scriptures from the Bible).  

    In this Bible you will also have a pronunciation guide to the names and titles of God as well as a reading path system for you to follow.  The Bible also contains book introductions, sidebars connecting the biblical people and the specific names of God as well as a topical prayer guide. 

    My disappointments are that not enough of the writings of Ann Spangler are found in the Bible.   I would have love to have devotions based on the Praying the Names of God and Praying the Names of Jesus books in it.  Also I would have liked to have a detailed index to find specific scriptures on a subject like love for example.  Though I would have liked to have these in the Bible, this Bible could be a wonderful tool in your hands to learn more about who God is and how He responded to the needs to His people – and still answer to this day.   

    This Bible would be a wonderful gift for Christmas or for someone looking for a new version of the Bible for 2012.  

    The Names of God Bible is available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, even amazon.ca.

    Disclaimer:  Bible has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.   I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

    L’Évangile en Papier

    When I was younger, there was a television show that I would never miss.  It was called L’Évangile en Papier (Paper Gospels) and the guy behind it was Claude Lafortune.  He would manipulate and construct any stories from the New Testament with paper.

    His creations were stunning and to be honest if I could get my hands on DVDs on this show, I would get them.   It was marvelous to see a parable get put with characters like the ones below representing the Holy Family.

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    Or even this one.

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    Monday, October 24, 2011

    Baby That-A-Way

    or…  Bébé Caprice in Quebec back in the late 70s…

    I had this doll and played quite a bit with it.   It hate batteries like there is no tomorrow though – huge D ones!  But boy did I love having her crawl on her four around the living room!

    Baby_That_A_Way_Mattel

    What was you favorite doll when you were a little girl?

    One Thousand Gifts–Week 20

    multitudesonmondaysbutton2-1

    201. Chats with other moms during swimming lessons on Wednesday afternoons.

    202. Going on a retreat with my sister-in-law.

    203. Being inspired by God while starting an Scripture Art journaling.

    204. Kids who don’t complain much when ask to help (sometimes they do but it is much more enjoyable when they don’t).

    205. Reading great parenting books like the ones from Dr. Kevin Leman, Dr. Tim Kimmel and Dr. James Dobson.

    206. The smell of Fall in the morning (okay I know I wrote this last week but I just love it…)

    207. Sunshine which allows you to wear only a warm sweater and not a coat.

    208. the business accounting documents completed and brought to the accountant.

    209. Going to the truck dealer and not having to pay anything for a wheel bearing problem (Thanks for guarantees!)…

    210. Being able to teach my kids during this season of our life together.

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    Friday, October 21, 2011

    Total Sports

    9780756682316HTotal Sports – Know the Score
    Published at DK Canada

    About the book

    From the best known to the most obscure, and covering all 33 of the Olympic sports beginning with the early Greek games and going to present day, this is the ultimate guide to the world's many sports.

    Dynamic photography brings the subject to life, and works together with clear explanations and artwork to describe fields of play, equipment and clothing, teams and players, rules and tactics, key techniques and common terms, while outlining the geographical range, history, and major competitions for each sport. Fact boxes highlight key information including star profiles, record breakers, and top tens, as well as the weirdest facts, most bizarre moments, and sports' most colorful characters.

    My Thoughts

    Do you have a child who eat, dream, and enjoy sports?   Well this book is definitively for him or her! 

    Clearly presented with stunning photos, graphics and detailed information, each sport will give you the basics to understand it.   I find this book perfect for the Olympics as my kids and I enjoy watching it on television every two years.    This book will provide much needed information on understanding how to sport is played and the goals behind it.

    The book will cover a variety of sports included in the following categories:

    • Team sports – Soccer, Baseball, Basketball, Volleybal and Netball, Football, Rugby Union, Australian rules, Ice Hockey and Field Hockey, Cricket and more.
    • Racket sports – Tennis, Table Tennis and Badminton, Squash, and more.
    • Track & Field and Gymnastics – Sprinting, Distance events, Jumping, Throwing, Weightlifting, Gymnastics, On the Floor.
    • Target Sports – Golf, Curling and Bowls, Ten-Pin, Snooker and Pool, Archery and more.
    • Water Sports – Swimming, Diving, Rowing and Kayaking, Sailing, Windsurfing, and more.
    • Combat Sports – Boxing, Wrestling, Judo and Ju itsu, Karate and Taekwondo, Fencing and more.
    • Winter Sports – Skiing, Snowboarding, Bobsled and Luge and Skeleton, Speed Skating and Ice Skating and more.
    • Horse Sports – Horse racing and Polo, Snow Jumping and Eventing
    • Wheels and Motors – Formula 1 and Indycar, Rallying, Motorcycles, Drag Racing, Cycling, Mountain Biking and BMX, Skateboarding and more.
    • Extreme Sports – Free Diving and Cliff Diving, Skydiving, freeride Mountain Bibking and Ultra-Running and more.
    • Olympic Games – Olympic history, Summer Olympics, Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games.

    It was interesting to discover sports that I haven’t heard from like the Netball for example.   This game is based on the Basketball but seems to have a ball similar to Soccer or Volleyball.    This book is packed with information on various sports.  All you have to do it turn the pages to discover them!

    Total Sports if available at your favorite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

    Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending this book for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

    George Washington Carver

    _225_350_Book_394_coverGeorge Washington Carver
    By John Perry
    Published by Thomas Nelson

    About the book

    A generation of 20th-century Americans knew him as a gentle, stoop-shouldered old black man who loved plants and discovered more than a hundred uses for the humble peanut. George Washington Carver goes beyond the public image to chronicle the adventures of one of history's most inspiring and remarkable men.

    George Washington Carver was born a slave. After his mother was kidnapped during the Civil War, his former owners raised him as their own child. He was the first black graduate of Iowa State, and turned down a salary from Thomas Edison higher than the U.S. President to stay at the struggling Tuskegee Institute, where he taught and encouraged poor black students for nearly half a century.

    Carver was an award-winning painter and acclaimed botanist who saw God the Creator in all of nature. The more he learned about the world, the more convinced he was that everything in it was a gift from the Almighty, that all people were equal in His sight, and that the way to gain respect from his fellow man was not to demand it, but to earn it.

    My thoughts

    I was intrigued and very interested in learning more about George Washington Carver after I read and reviewed The Boy Who Changed the World and Butterfly Effect.    I came across the name a few time in the homeschool communities also.   So my curiosity was picked… to the point that I jumped on the e-pub version of the book when it was available through the blogger’s program at Thomas Nelson.

    I love biographies and I am definitively not disappointed with this one.   Through adversity and though times, the one known as George Washington Carver stepped in faith and became a painter and botanist.   He was a devoted believer in God and saw Him all around creation.  I find it interesting that even though he was offered a better salary to dedicate himself in teaching and encouraging black students.    He knew the importance of an education and didn’t think twice about what his calling was.

    George Washington Carver is also the one behind all the different  uses for the peanut and learning more about his life gave me another perspective on how former slaves were hardworking and dedicate in what they did.    Reading about this humble man is a delight for my eyes!   I strongly recommend this book to anybody who like biographies.

    George Washington Carver is available at your favorite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

    Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Nelson for sending me the above mentioned product in the e-pub edition for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

    Thursday, October 20, 2011

    Multiplication Made Fun

    9780756675912HMultiplication made Fun
    Published at DK Canada

    About the book

    Multiplication Made Fun offers a fresh, fun look at mastering multiplication!

    Using up to the minute teaching techniques as well as traditional teaching methods to make sure those times tables stay in the brain, children will love the fast paced games, surprising tricks, puzzles, and the innovative times table wonder wheel.

    My Thoughts

    Starting with basic information about number, this book will introduce the multiplication to your child. 

    The first exercise that involves multiplication in this book is the counting of socks.   Quickly the child will understand that you can multiply to calculate how many you have of something in a faster way than if you would use addition.

    Our curriculum for Math is phenomenal but I am pleased to have this book in my hands for my kids.   If one of the three youngest ones has trouble to understand the concept of multiplication, I can quickly take this book out and explain in a different way for them.   The way this book is presented, it demonstrates and explains the easier multiplications tables (1, 2, 10 and 5) before getting into the more complicated ones (3, 4, 9, 6, 7, 8, 11 and 12).  In each page you will see the owl helping with the teaching.  For example, in the page of 5x the owl says “Numbers in the 5 times table end with either a 5 or a 0.”    Each page also has a little exercise to deepen the understanding.  At the end of the book, you have two pages of small activities to see if your child has understood the concept of multiplication (don’t worry the answers are at the end of the book!).

    The cover of the book illustrates an owl whose eyes are a times table wonder wheel.   It is quite ingenious to present it like this.

    Though at this point in time, my oldest son doesn’t need this book (he masters his times tables), I know that my other kids might learn differently and might need other incentives to learn them.   This book is original and can be of help if needed be.

    Multiplication Made Fun is available at your favorite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

    Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending this book for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

    Blok Squad - Police Force Pursuit

    PolicePursuitPolice Force Pursuit
    From Mega Bloks

    About the product

    All missions are possible when you team up with the three Patrol vehicles of the Blok Squad Police Force Pursuit! Build the Police Cruiser SUV – a top-of-the-line patrol vehicle with excellent control and zoom through the streets with your Blok Squad Police Officer! Construct the Police Force Carrier – a quick response Patrol truck designed to help transport Police Officers to the scene of an emergency and transport captured bad guys to jail! Assemble the Police Boat – a harbor cruiser captained by your Blok Squad Naval Police Officer. It is designed with high-performance engines and advanced radio equipment to help catch fleeing fugitives on the water!

    Band together with all three Patrol vehicles to secure a major accident site, lock down a crime scene or find a missing person!
    Ideal for children ages 5 and up!

    My Thoughts

    This 391 pieces Police Force Pursuit is set to please any boy in your family.   With a police cruiser SUV, a police boat and a police force carrier, your child will have tons of fun with this set!image  The box also includes three Blok Squad Police Officers.

    Though this kit will entertain your child, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the older siblings or even Dad enjoy them as well.    The colors of the bloks are representing the police force with the white and blue.    The characters will move and you have every details for your vehicles.    I particularly like the boat and the fact that the characters are not all the same color or wear the same clothes.   

    My boys are all into blok building and love everything connected with police, fire and rescue.    Every time we pass next to a police officer on the street, they observe and watch what he/she is doing.   Most of the time it is for directing the traffic due to an accident and such but they are curious nevertheless. 

    My only disappointment is that if you want to have a bad guy you have to purchase the police station from the same collection to get one.  I guess my boys will have to be creative and use something else…   The Police Force collection also had the Police Force Chopper, the Police Station, the Police ATV, and the Beach Patrol.   Other themes in the Blok Squad series includes the fire station, the military, the space team and the construction team.

    The Police Force Pursuit is available at your favorite toy store for the price of 24.99$.  

    Disclaimer: Thanks to Mega Bloks for sending me the above mentioned products for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

    Tuesday, October 18, 2011

    TRUNK-OR-TREAT Event

    Today is the 1st day of CurrClick's most exciting promotion of the season: Their Trunk or Treat Sale and Freebie Event! Later this morning, October 17th (around 10:00 CST) through October 31st, customers can search for 8 FREE education products hidden all over CurrClick.com. And even better, fall themed titles will be discounted by up to 75%! You will not want to miss the earning potential of this exciting and fun event.
    Below are graphics you are welcome to use on Facebook, your blogs, websites and newsgroups - even email! As always, do not forget to use your affiliate ID when posting the link as you will earn cash or credit on every sale directed from your site, for 15 days following a visitor's click-through.
    Click on the image below to be redirected to the TRUNK-OR-TREAT Sale and Freebie Event at CurrClick!  You don’t want to miss out on this!!!
    CurrClick

    Monday, October 17, 2011

    Snuggle Mountain

    imageSnuggle Mountain
    From PicPocket Books

    About the app

    Inside the snuggly cave at the very top of Snuggle Mountain is a two-headed giant who’s fast asleep, caught in the Sleeping Spell that has made it forget all about breakfast. But Emma wants pancakes, and to get them she’ll have to climb the shaking quaking mountain all the way to the top – and wake the sleeping giant herself!
    This imaginative, interactive, animated picture book pays loving tribute to a morning ritual shared by parents and children everywhere.

    My Thoughts

    Emma is on an adventure as she climbs a mountain in the hopes to get breakfast.  Her mission is simple – to wake up the two-headed giant so she can have pancakes.   This cute little book is very imaginative and will transport your little one in a beautiful story where a little girl climbs the bed of her parents to wake them up.image

    The colorful story will  allow your child to have the story read to them and interact with the story as well.  Throughout the story the child can touch Emma, the cat and the dog to discover hidden sounds.

    image

    The books from PicPocket Books brings high quality interactive stories for children of various ages.   I am impressed with the clarity of the reading done with Snuggle Mountain.  And having book on the iPad or iPhone is very interesting when you are waiting at the doctor’s office with young ones. 

    Children at an age as early as 2 years old can easily listen to the story and swipe the pages to discover more of the adventure of Emma on Snuggle Mountain. 

    The iPad version includes a pancake recipe for your own Snuggle Mountain morning.    This recipe can become a morning delight for your little ones!

    Snuggle Mountain is a delight to listen to and will entertain you and your child.  

    Snuggle Mountain is available for 1.99$ on iTunes.

    Disclaimer: I received the app for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

    Wonders of Old Medieval Timeline

    imageWonders of Old Medieval Timeline
    By iHomeEducator

    About the app

    Wonders of Old: Medieval Timeline is a beautiful timeline reference app which will give you a unique perspective on the events of world history, including…

    • kingdoms
    • empires
    • rulers
    • battles
    • explorations
    • literature
    • architecture
    • and so much more!

    It is a proven fact that timelines help cement historical facts for students and adults alike. Seeing the progression of time in the form of a timeline will allow your student to gain a better understanding of the flow of history. Maps are included so that students can see where events happened as well.

    The truth is... many students may study the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks, the end of Hundred Years' War between France and Britain, and the printing of the first book, the Gutenberg Bible, never realizing that these three events all happened within the same year - 1453AD. These events may seem unrelated and yet the use of a timeline can unlock the mystery as to why all of these events occurred within the same year. A timeline will give you and/or your student a unique perspective of time. By seeing the events of history recorded in linear progression, you will make connections between those events in history that you might not otherwise make.

    Wonders of Old is a 4-part app series, dividing the events of world history into four historical time periods: ancient, medieval, new world and modern. Wonders of Old: Medieval Timeline is the second app in this series.

    Features:

    • Tap the timeline spiral
    • Swipe horizontally to move along the timeline
    • Tap on buttons to access descriptions of events in time

    My Thoughts

    If you are an homeschooler, you probably know about the company Knowledge Quest.   And if you know about them, then you are aware of their product titled Wonders of Old.   Well you will be please to hear that they have partnered with iHomeEducator to creator another wonderful app on the Medieval times.    I say another because there is already an app on the Ancient times available.

    MedTLscreenshotI particularly love the way the timeline is presented on this particular app.   The spiral is a great way to travel through time.   Once started the app will play Medieval music which I find will transport you to that era.    It is interesting to listen to such music while exploring the visual timeline that starts at the 5th century and goes up to the 16th century.image

    Once you have selected the century to discover, you will get another timeline for that specific century separated in decades.  For each decades, you can read specific information about various historical events.  For example, in the 16th century, I clicked on the year 1512 where it says Michelangelo Buonarroti paints the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.   A pop-up window opens up and I can read more about this event in history as well as see picture linked to that event.

    I love being able to dig into this timeline and discover more about the Medieval times.   At this point in our homeschool, we have not studied the Medieval times but I know this app will be a great addition in our studies when we arrive there.

    This app is a must for any homeschoolers out there and for whoever likes to study the medieval times.

    See for yourself by watching this little video!

    Wonders of Old Medieval Timeline is available on iTunes for the price of 4.99$.    Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Requires iOS 4.2 or later.

    Disclaimer: I received the app for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

    One Thousand Gifts–Week 19

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    191. Tobymac concert in town on Thanksgiving night

    192. the kids being able to learn regular lessons from life with preparing a comic convention with their dad

    193. a youth astronomy activity

    194. getting together with another family for science experiments

    195. a walk in the woods close to home

    196. a squirrel visiting our backyard

    197. chipmunk running across the path in the woods

    198. Fall colors

    199. my hardworking husband

    200. the presence of God in my life