Janet's Planets Review and GIVEAWAY!!

 I was recently given a DVD to review that I thought would be either super boring or super cheesy. Thankfully it is neither.  Janet's Planets is a fun, informational DVD on Microgravity.  It is presented in a way that is easy to understand and will engage kids so that they don't tune out.  I enjoyed it and so did my 11yo.  We both laughed at some of the silly illustrations she used to make her point.  Trying to figure out her weight is she was falling down in an elevator showed her 'falling' with her hair flying around the top of her head-made me laugh out loud!  Then to watch her as she is weightless and flying or trying to drink water was a hoot!

From the publisher:

By focusing on science, technology, engineering, art and math, Janet's Planet travels at the "speed of thought" and is designed to fuel S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics). Gravity’s phenomena and effects are explained and the audience gets to meet Galileo, Newton and Cavendish and find out how they built on the ideas of scientists before them and formed a shared picture of how the universe works! You’ll also get a chance to see Janet onboard the Zero G plane experiencing microgravity!

Also, for any teachers out there, Exploring Microgravity is supported with integrated curriculum and teachers are provided with a lesson plan designed to integrate with Common Core standards, based on a curriculum endorsed by NASA and Space Florida.

From Janet Ivey

“For the past decade, science education has been my passion and America’s children have been my inspiration.  It is incredible to see how excited children can become about the world around them when the information is presented in an accessible and fun way.  That is the mission of Janet’s Planet, and I look forward to continuing to support better science education in the years to come.”  

If you want to check it out more for yourself I highly recommend the website.  It is so cool!  Your kids will enjoy exploring all that it has to offer.  If you would like to buy a DVD of Exploring Microgravity head here and click on the link on the right side of the screen.  The DVD is $9.99.  When you get there you will see the other items they have for sale.  We just might check them out!

                Website: http://www.janetsplanet.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Janets-Planet/59026154727

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jpjanetsplanet

**I also have a copy of this DVD to GIVEAWAY!  To enter leave a comment telling me what your favorite subject in school is/was.  Oh, and leave your email so I can contact you if you win!


"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

What I Wish I Knew at 18 Review and GIVEAWAY!!

Hindsight is 20/20.  We have all heard that before and even more importantly we have all lived it.  How many times as an adult have we said, "I wish I had known that when I was younger?"  I'm not sure that we don't actually say it multiple times a month!

Then I wonder how do we impart such wisdom to our kids in a way that they will actually listen and not let experience be their teacher.  We all know that kids don't always listen to their parents but will oftentimes listen to others saying exactly the same thing.  It's a curse and a blessing of being a parent, right?

Thankfully we have adults in our lives that we trust to speak into our children's lives to help them on their journeys.

Now, there is a book to help as well.



From the publisher:

"Most of us have said at one point or another, "If I only knew then what I know now..." and would have benefited from time-tested wisdom before the fact. And, as parents and mentors, we’ve longed for a book that serves as a “destination guide” for our children’s launch into adulthood – one that prepares them for the real world successes and strengthens our relationships."

What I wish I Knew at 18 is an invaluable resource for our young people to help guide them on the path to adulthood.  With chapters like 'Life Perspective, 'Character', 'Relationships and Communication', 'Handling Adversity', 'Career Selection and Advancement', and more this book covers much and requires much thinking.

Each chapter gives practical real-life situations and advice and then poses questions based on what was read.  There are Take Five questions, comments, or things to do to reinforce the ideas.   It is written in a conversational style that is easy to pick up and will make it enjoyable to the younger crowd that may be used to short bursts of information.

I am looking forward to handing this to our daughters in a year or two and seeing the fruits that come from gaining wisdom when they are young.

Here is a video about the book:




If you want some more information visit these websites:

                Website: http://www.dennistrittin.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dennistrittin

Blog: http://www.dennistrittin.com/blogs.aspx

Newsletter: http://www.dennistrittin.com/newsletter.aspx

And here's a little about the author:

Dennis Trittin is a successful investment manager, educator and mentor committed to helping young adults reach their full potential. Now retired from managing over $30 billion in assets, he devotes his life to promoting leadership and life management on a global basis. Trittin serves as an advisor to several charitable groups and as a speaker with national and local educational and community organizations. Dennis and his wife Jeanne are parents of two young adults and reside in the Seattle area.

**Now for the giveaway.  To enter leave a comment telling me one piece of advice you wish you had known when you were young.  Also be sure to leave an email so I can contact you if you win.  I will draw a winner on April 6th.

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

did I do that...twice?

today as I was standing in my living room visiting with my sister, brother, and father I fell. yeah, I know just call me Grace! i turned around to put something on the piano and the stepped back to the exact spot I had just been in and heard a loud crack.

ugh what was that? I immediately tried to move off the offending item but threw my hand out to the side and hit my wrist in the rocking chair further impeding my effort to save myself. i thrust my body forward but because I didn't know what I had stepped on I had nowhere to put my feet. I'm pretty sure I looked like a baby giraffe learning to walk! No lie.

When I finally landed my legs were splayed wide behind me with my knees almost in the splits. See, I told you it was awkward.

My wrist was scraped up and sore and my left groin muscle was sore but I was totally fine.

Until later that day. Some friends had just let our house when I turned around to head into the kitchen when I stepped out with my right foot and came in contact with the dog. she had parked herself right behind me without my knowing about it. She has an intense need to be touching me almost all the time. ugh

Anyway. I couldn't take a step to gain control of my body so I started falling. I swear it was in slow motion. Even the girls said it looked like I was falling too slowly to be real! But, I didn't want to fall on the dog snd kill her so I fell to my knees, rolled over to my hip and threw my arms out to catch myself. I ended up doing a reverse bridge over top of her completely sparing her any injury. Aren't I amazing?

I thought so too until a little while later when things started hurting. My hips started catching and sending sharp pains through my whole body, my groin muscle burned, my wrist was swollen, and my upper thigh where I landed was on fire. That made it official in my mind-I am old!

Beyond the pain from injuries there is the embarrassment from being a klutz!! *sigh*

 

Renita

We Choose Virtues-Mosaic Reviews

Are you ready for another review?  This time Mosaic Reviews was given the chance to review products from a great company.





Training our children is an every moment endeavor.  Sometimes we are on track and get it right and other times it feels like we are floundering.  I know in my parenting adventure there have been times that I could have used some help in teaching my kids about virtues and character qualities we want them to have.  (okay, true confession, I still need help almost every day in this area!)

We Choose Virtues is just such a company and product to help.  I have been the lucky recipient of We Choose Virtues Virtue Flash Cards, Coloring Book, and a few other great items.  I have been blessed by this company and especially by the help they have given me.

I pulled out the Virtue Flash Cards and immediately picked one for each child to work on for the next week. Well, not the 2yo(just turned 3) although I did help her working on obeying!  I chose virtue cards for each child that had a character quality we had already been working on and handed it to them.  They were to read it, memorize the verse, and work on it throughout the week.  There was some groaning as each one read their cards but they knew it was a character quality they needed help with.

During the week with their cards when they would come to a situation where they needed to employ the character quality on their card and didn't, I would remind them to review their card.  It was a gentle and sure reminder to check their attitudes.  It worked like a charm.  They immediately remembered the virtue and changed what they were doing.

Sweet!

The next week we switched out cards and started working in new virtues.  I am really loving it.  Now, I will tell you that the older two were a little resistant because it is geared for younger kids.  But it is just as useful a tool for them as it has been for the youngers and they have been using them just like their younger sisters.  I do know that the creators of We Choose Virtues is working on an version of WCV for the older kids and I can.not.wait for it to come out.  We will be buying it for sure.  It is seriously going to be amazing.

WCV uses wonderful illustrations and cute, catchy names for the qualities so that kids (and parents) can remember them easily.  They are just adorable.

Isn't this adorable?

I can't recommend these products enough.  They are wonderful and so useful in helping our children become the people they were created to be.  There are lots of options when purchasing WCV.  This page has all the options and packages available.  There are Homeschool Kits, Family Kits,  Classroom Kits, Kid's Kits, and more.  Trust me, you want to spend some time on their website hunting around.  It is well worth your time.



But, if you are on a tight budget like a lot of us then here are the go-to products that are must haves.


Flashcards-$15
Virtue Clues $5.50
Virtue Poster-$15
3 Rules Poster-$6


Now, I have some exciting news for you!  The creators of We Choose Virtues is offering a special discount code for the Homeschool crowd!  Through the month of April if you use the code Home20 when you buy the Homeschool Kit you get 20% off.  Isn't that fantastic?  Or if you don't need the Homeschool Kit you can use the code Virtue15 for a lifetime of 15% off your purchases.  Both are great offers but can only be used singly; they can not be combined.  When you go to check out, don't be alarmed about where to put the code.  The spot to put the code is on the LAST PAGE of the checkout process.  ;-)


Be sure to visit the website and find out just how great Heather McMillan and We Choose Virtues are.  I had the chance to speak with her and ask questions and it just made me even more impressed with them both.  Their About page is a full of useful information about the company.  If you need to contact them, this Page will get you the info you need.  You can also visit their Blog, Facebook page, and their Pinterest page.

You can also check out the Mosaic Reviews sight to see what else we are up to!  Go here to see what the other Mosaic Reviewers thought about We Choose Virtues!

Home Run Review and GIVEAWAY!

Check out the GIVEAWAY at the end of the post!

Home Run by Travis Thrasher is a heart stirring novel that shouldn't be missed.  It is a story that many can relate with but we can all sympathize with.  If we are honest with ourselves we all have issues we struggle with and need someone to walk alongside us on the journey.  In Home Run Cory Brand is on just such a journey.

"Home Run reminds us of the power of forgiveness, the richness of redemption, and the wisdom of trusting God to revive us."  --Max Lucado

I was hooked from the first page when I saw the words Okmulgee, Oklahoma.  I know where that is!  I know, it's a silly reason to be excited about a book but when you know where it takes place you can really envision the story and people.

Then I started reading.  I was instantly drawn into what was happening to Cory and Clay.  I cared right away.  I wanted to know their story.

Home Run is one of those books that will break your heart and give you hope in the next breath.

The story is centered around the life of Major League baseball player Cory Brand. After years of self indulgent behavior and reckless living, a DUI and team suspension land Cory back in the Oklahoma town where he started. Forced to coach the local Little League team and spend eight weeks in Celebrate Recovery©, the only twelve-step program in town, Cory must face the memories that contributed to his life becoming so destructive as well as honestly confront the love he left behind.

Home Run powerfully reminds us that no habit is beyond help, no one is beyond God’s reach when they are willing to surrender, and no hurt escapes God’s healing. “What Courageous was for fatherhood, and Fireproof for marriages, Home Run is for battling addictions, bad habits, and hang-ups. The inspiring and authentic message of Home Run is that freedom is possible.”

If you want to check more out for yourself, here are some websites:

   Website: http://www.homerunthemovie.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomeRunTheMovie?fref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HomeRunTheMovie

More Info: http://www.davidccook.com/catalog/Detail.cfm?sn=125960&source=search

You can also read the first chapter of the book at HERE.


**I also have a book to give away to one lucky reader!  Just leave a comment telling me if you are excited about the movie coming out April 19th.  ;-)  Be sure to leave your email addy so I can contact you if you win.  I will draw the winner April 4th.



"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Runes Book Review

I recently was given a copy of Runes by Ednah Walters to review.  I was honestly not very interested because the premise sounded just like another book I have read and loved.  But, I thought I would give it a chance anyway.

I'm glad I did.  After the first couple of chapters Runes sets itself apart from the other book and stands on its own.

Description from the publisher:

Seventeen-year-old Raine Cooper has enough on her plate dealing with her father’s disappearance, her mother’s erratic behavior and the possibility of her boyfriend relocating. The last thing she needs is Torin St. James—a mysterious new neighbor with a wicked smile and uncanny way of reading her. 
 Raine is drawn to Torin’s dark sexiness against her better judgment, until he saves her life with weird marks and she realizes he is different. But by healing her, Torin changes something inside Raine. Now she can’t stop thinking about him. Half the time, she’s not sure whether to fall into his arms or run.  Scared, she sets out to find out what Torin is. But the closer she gets to the truth the more she uncovers something sinister about him. What Torin is goes back to an ancient mythology and Raine is somehow part of it. Not only is she and her friends in danger, she must choose a side, but the wrong choice will cost Raine her life.


The genre is listed as: Paranormal romance, fantasy, young adult, teens, mythology, supernatural, new adult.


Here are some links you can use to check out Runes and Ednah Walters:

http://www.ednahwalters.com/
http://ednahwalters.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/GuardianLegacyBooks

As I said I was unsure of reading this book at first but I was thrilled by the end of it.  Runes is a wonderful combination of paranormal activity/supernatural, fantasy, mythology, and young adult fiction.  I love how the author used Norse mythology in the story instead of the commonly used Roman.  Of course, I love a good story with any mythology in it!

I liked the development of the characters and storyline and can not wait for the next book to come out!  If you like books in this genre you might want to check this one out.  btw my 15yo loved this book.

**I received a copy of this book for review purposes.  The opinions are my own and I was not reimbursed for this review.

It happens every Monday

Monday, why do you mistreat me?  Why must you come so early after Sunday?  Why must you insist on having everything go wrong on your day?  Why must our attitudes be stinky on Monday even before the sun comes up?

ugh  We only have two more meetings of our homeschool group for the year but I think I am done already.  I am tired, stressed to the max, and just plain ready for a break.  But, we love our group and once we are there it is fine.

Until it's over and we start getting ready for theater practice and soccer training.  Supper has to fall in there somewhere, too.

Yup, most Mondays are just like that.  (don't even get me started about Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays!)

Unfortunately we usually have pretty bad attitudes on Monday mornings.  I always have the best intentions but I inevitably forget to do something important for group, forget to set the alarm, or lose my keys on Monday mornings.

Someday we will have it all together.  Someday we will be joyous as we are getting ready to leave the house.

That just wasn't today!

Look Who's 3!!!

 

Today is Bug's birthday. I can't believe she is 3yo today. She is such a blessing to us and so fantastically fun to have around. Don't get me wrong, she is like any toddler-trouble sometimes. But, she is a joy and wee love her so completely.

We marvel everyday at the thinks she says and does. She is incredibly smart. She can write most of her name by herself, knows all her colors, counts to at least 10 by herself, knows her shapes, and has a memory that is astounding. She is loving and compassionate and crazy.

Yup, she fits in pretty well here. ;-)

We have had her two years now and the time has flown by. I can't believe it has been two years. Most days it seems like two weeks. She fits in so seemlessly that we can't remember a time without her.

I am amazed that God has allowed us to be part of her life and pray we can continue being a part of it for a long time. She has changed us in ways that wouldn't have been possible without her.

Praise God for His plans and not ours.

 

 

Renita

WINNER!! JJ Heller CD

We have a winner for the JJ Heller and the winner is...

Rhoda Castro!!  Please email me with your email and I will get you set up for receiving your CD!

edited to say:
**Well, I couldn't get a hold of Rhoda so I will have to choose another winner.  :( The new winner is Karla!

Second Game

Okay, I am normally not too bad with directions. I used to be but then I grew up and figured out the questions to ask to get me the information I needed. Now, I am a pretty good navigator. Even Steven says so!

But...when it came time to find the fields for Sunshines second game of the season I messed up big time.

I thought I knew exactly where it was and how to get there. I had an email from the coach with corrected directions. We were set.

Only we weren't. We got to where I thought it was supposed to be and the street wasn't there. I mean it just wasn't there. We drove up and down the main road looking and not finding it. We finally called the assistant coach to get directions. Thankfully her mom had time to help us find the fields. We had 10 minutes before Sunshine was supposed to be there. (this team has a late policy that says if you are late to games or practices then you lose playing time. totally understand and support that. we are never late to games. never. until today.)

We talked with the mom for a few minutes, got some directions and started off on the corrected course. We turned onto the street she indicated and called her back. But we were still not finding it. She would tell us to look for a quick shop on the corner-we found it. Turned this way, did it. Still not finding it.

She finally realized that we were ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE CITY. I'm not even kidding. It was not a pretty sight in our car. Sunshine was quite upset, understandably, Steven was frustrated because I hadn't forwarded the email with the addy to him, and I was upset that I had screwed this up for my dd. No one was happy, let me tell you.

We got up on the highway and headed off-rather quickly-to the correct destination. We finally found it but was about 15 minutes late. So not cool.

Yes, Sunshine lost some playing time but she handled it well and I apologized profusely to her and later to the coach.

When she did get to play she was on fire! She did a fantastic job on defense and save a goal or two.

The team worked well together once they calmed down and started talking. They looked like they wanted it but it was still obvious that they were having fun.

We scored one goal in the first half-it was a great goal-and then two more in the second half. The other team only scored one goal bc our defense was awesome. ;-) The mid-fielders and forwards were doing a great job and kept firing off shots on the goal every chance they got. It was a great game all in all.

One of our friends that we do RFKC with was one of the refs and it was fun to watch him interract with Sunshine out on the field.

Here's what he commented on fb about the game: "She did an excellant job shutting down the best forward on the other team in the second half." Sweet!

So glad to be on this team and seeing our girl loving the game and her teammates.

 

Renita

FamilyMint Review--Mosaic Reviews

Money management. It's something we all need but sadly not something we are all good at. When it comes time to teach those skills to our children we may not understand it enough ourselves to give them a good base of knowledge and experience.

Unfortunately if we can't give our kids those experiences and knowledge of money management they may flounder and accrue more problems than necessary.

Mosaic Reviews had the opportunity to review a program designed to help teach our kids money management, delayed gratification, and the useful things money can do for them. FamilyMint is an website dedicated to helping families teach their kids money management.

From the website:

Teach your kids to be good stewards of their money with this award-winning program!Only a few minutes a week results in lessons that will last a lifetime!

Did you know…

 

• 2 out of 3 high school seniors graduate without knowing the basics of budgeting?
• 18 to 24 year olds are the fastest growing age group filing for bankruptcy?

Give your kids an advantage...

FamilyMint's Money Management Certification Program combines a 60-page step-by-step workbook with a fun online money management application for kids. Kids that complete the 2 month program develop key money habits that will benefit them the rest of their lives.

Your kids will form new habits…

 

• Tracking their money
• Creating SMART goals
• Easy budgeting
• How interest works
• And much more!

Financial success and independence starts with forming the right habits and behaviors. This simple step-by-step program is designed to enhance learning and ensure success.

 

FamilyMint is an easy account to set up. Once you sign up you set up your account and then set up your children's accounts. It's all pretty simple. There are account options that I will talk about later. Once your parent account is set up as the Banker you then set up your children's accounts and help them decide on some goals for saving money and spending it. Your children will then begin to learn how to save their money, spend it, learn about interest, and more with the help of the workbook.

Now, you do not have to purchase the workbook. You can sign up for just the website version but the workbook is simply fantastic. It helps reinforce the lessons and if you have children like mine that need the paper in front of them then the workbook will not disappoint. It works in tandem with the website and tells the student when to go to the website.

 

I can't tell you the impact this has made on our lives. We have always striven to teach the kids good money management and the importance of making your money work for you and not the other way around. But there was one point of contention between my husband and I. Steven wanted to put money into an account for our oldest and let her buy her own clothes and things and learn to budget the needed items. I have fought it saying she wasn't old enough. After using this review I have changed my mind. Not only is she old enough it is almost past time to make sure she knows how to budget her money for the things she needs. We will be starting this next month with our oldest and then add the next one in a few months after that. Each one will begin to budget their own money for buying their clothes and other needed items.

 

They will not leave our home without knowing how to make their money work for them. "Financial literacy takes time and practice. Give them their money and let them learn to use it." That is what Bob Masterson said when we had our conference call with him. Those statements kind of woke me up. He was so passionate about helping families manage their money and teaching kids to handle money that I got even more excited about the program!

I am looking forward to using it more and seeing how the kids progress through it.

Now for the pricing information. There are 3 options for signing up for FamilyMint.

Option 1: INTRODUCTORY OFFER

Special Introductory Bundle Offer!
Money Management Certification Program workbook +
a LIFETIME subscription to the FamilyMint Premium application (normally $25/yr by itself!)

Special Introductory Bundle Offer: $29.99
Certification Program workbook PLUS FamilyMint Premium for Life!
Additional workbooks are an additional 50% off.

Option 2: PREMIUM online application subscription only

PREMIUM includes everything in the FREE version plus...

• Mobile - through any phone with an internet browser
• Allowance - never forget again
• Savings Plan - split deposits into multiple accounts
• Interest - motivate savings over spending
• Locking - to prevent withdrawals or transfers
• Matching - automatic matching deposits
• No ads - No ads in paid Premium accounts
• History - no limit on historical transactions

Annual $24.99

Monthly $4.95

 

 

Option 3: FREE online application only

Includes a 14-day trial of FamilyMint Premium

This is a great option if you think you want to find out more or want to try it out.

If you want to see the pricing for yourself, head over to the Pricing page to check it all out.

If you have more questions check out this FAQ page to find some answers. To find out more about the creators of FamilyMint head over to this page. You can also check out the Blog for great posts on FamilyMint and ideas to help your family learn about money. If you want to contact FamilyMint this page has links for all the ways to contact them.

FamilyMint workbook is designed for kids ages 5th grade through 8th grade but I am having my 9th grader work through it to reinforce what she knows and introduce her to what she doesn't. It is working out perfectly for her. The online application is designed for ages 6-14 with parental involvement.

I highly recommend FamilyMint for teaching money management to your kids.

 

Renita

Singing with Dad

This weekend our oldest dd had the opportunity to sing at a wedding.  The bride happened to be our 'old' babysitter.  She watched three of our kids when they were young and evidently grew up when we weren't watching!

She called about 3 1/2 weeks before her wedding bc the original singer backed out for some reason.  Steven hesitated since the wedding was on my birthday but I told him that he had to do it.  It was her wedding.  Then I suggested that we have Sunshine sing with him.  Perfect!  His brothers would sing one song while our nephew played the piano and Steven and Bethany would sing another song.

They picked the songs easily enough and practice commenced.  I helped Sunshine rehearse during the day and finally the week before Steven started practicing with her.  She was fantastic.  No lie.

I was anxious for her because she was so nervous but I knew that if she let God work through her natural talent she would be fine.

Her first game was scheduled for the night of the rehearsal and another wedding of a friend but then was changed to the night before.  So we had a game on Thursday, a wedding rehearsal and another wedding on Friday night, a wedding on Saturday night, and my birthday on Saturday.  Whew!  It makes me tired just typing it out. lol

Anyway.  The rehearsal went well so I'm told.  Steven was pleased and looking forward to singing the next day with her.

We had already picked out a special dress for her and fixed her hair that afternoon.  She looked beautiful.

The wedding came and they headed up for pictures and another rehearsal.  She was as ready as she could be.

Sunshine told me right before the wedding started that the wedding planner asked if she was willing to sing at other weddings and that she was impressed with how well she sang.  Woohoo!

I think I was more nervous than she was.  I was shaking!  I just kept praying that she would relax and let God work through her.

The time came for them to sing and they nailed it!

Afterward a young man came up and asked if she was my daughter, I enthusiastically said yes!  He proceeded to go on and on about how good she was and how he thought he was listening to the finals on American Idol!  He was so excited to tell her how well she had sung.  He said she even outshone Steven!  It was great.

She received quite a few compliments but still doesn't quite believe them yet.

Listen and see what you think...

First Game

Tonight was Sunshine's first game as a Warrior.  She was super excited and nervous.  We knew she would be fine but she was worried none the less.

This was her first game where she would play people that weren't part of the same league she is in.  She is playing Christian schools from around the state!  I guess that is a little intimidating.  But cool too.

We arrived early so the team could warm up and I loved seeing the camaraderie between the girls.  It is comforting to know that tall the girls on the team have the same ideals and are a good influence on my girl.  The coach is wonderful and so is the assistant.

yeah, we love it with this group.

Anyway, the game started and Sunshine wasn't playing.  :(  Not that we expected her to start, it was varsity after all.  But, if I'm being honest she is a really good player so it was a little disappointing to see her sitting.  But that's okay because there is something to learn while watching too. 

Our team is not well practiced since we have had two weeks worth of blizzards and only three practices and at least 6 of the girls never having played soccer before.  They didn't play as well as some of our other teams but they were way more encouraging of one another. 

Sunshine did get to play about 15 minutes or so in but they played her as midfielder.  My heart sank.  She is definitely NOT a midfielder.  She is a defender all the way.  She hasn't played any other position in probably five years or more.  She has been the key defender for all those years and so today playing midfield she looked a little lost.  She did her best but you could tell she wasn't quite sure what to do in that position. 

Later when the coach put her as defender she started to shine.  She kicked some hiney and did not let the other team score while she was defender.  Oh yeah!  She gave the forwards from the other team some serious frustration when she stopped them and stole the ball.  It was fun to watch! 

Our team ended up losing 2-0 but by the end our girls were starting to figure out how to work together and some good stuff was starting to happen.  I am really looking forward to the growth of the individual players and the team as a whole this season.

Plus, I love seeing the joy in my girls' eye when  she is out there on the field.  ;-)

Loved by JJ Heller Review and Giveaway!

I love getting new music to listen to.  Music is a very integral part of our every day lives.  We listen to it almost constantly.  So I jumped at the chance to review JJ Heller's new album Loved.  I couldn't wait to get it.

I wasn't disappointed.  The album is beautiful and relaxing and filled with God's Word. 

About the album:

When JJ Heller and her husband/co-writer, Dave, began writing for their sixth studio album LOVED, life looked a few shades darker, more painful and confusing than it had during the work on their work of the recent past. Over the past few years, the duo steered much of their material toward the whimsical and simple joys of life, love and new parenthood. But, when confronted by illness, death and broken marriages within their community, the Hellers chose to stay true to the weight of their season of life when crafting lyrics this time around.

This is an album I will put in when I am feeling quiet and meditating on God's Word or when I need some background music while I'm crocheting.  It is peaceful and so very enjoyable.  I am so glad I got the chance to listen to this whole album.  So many times in today's digital age we only download singles that catch our attention but with this album that would be our loss.  This is an album that you need all of.   Yeah, I liked it that much!


Some links to check it out for yourself:
             Website: http://www.jjheller.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/JJ-Heller/12004599945

             Twitter: https://twitter.com/jjheller
          




**I do have a copy of this album to give away!!  If you want to have a copy for yourself, just leave a message and tell me your favorite Go-To song when you are in the car! 

**edited to add date of drawing!  I will draw a winner on March 20th.

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Where did Monday Go?

I can't believe it is Tuesday.  Sunday came, I almost fell asleep in church, we relaxed and napped in the afternoon, then it was Tuesday.

Seriously.

Monday seems to have flown by in a flurry of activity.

And I don't like it.

Well, not all of it anyway.

Monday morning we have our homeschool group.  Then Sunshine had dissections for Biology right after group time.  We had just enough time to go home grab the rest of the girlies and head to theater rehearsal.  But, not long after we were there I had to leave and get Sunshine to soccer practice.  Theater practice lasted til 5:50 and then we had to fly over and pick Sunshine up from soccer practice. 

We got home and had to make supper.  By the time we finished eating and cleaning up it was bedtime for Bug.  ugh.  There was work to do but no one had the energy to do any of it!

We only have two more homeschool group meetings for the year so eventually our Mondays will slow down a bit and then we will complain about not having anything to do! lol

WINNER of Veggie Tales

My 11yo picked the winner of the Veggie Tales DVD this morning.  (last night was family night and I forgot!)

I told her how many comments there were, without looking at who commented, and she picked a number between 1 and 4. 

She chose number 2!

That means Libby@Everything's Coming Up Green is our winner!!  Libby get me your addy and I will have your DVD mailed to you. 

Sports and sports

Our 8yo is in gymnastics at the Y.  She has always tumbled about the house and has take some homeschool gymnastics over the years but we finally got her in a class each week.  She is loving it.  We love watching her love it! lol

She is pretty good too.  She has a natural ability for it and gets such joy from it.  It is a great thing to watch. 

But, she won't be moving on to team.  At all.  We just don't want to go that route with her or with our family.  She isn't showing any interest in competing so that helps.  ;-)  We just don't want her childhood to be lost in the gym if it is not her driving passion. 

Then we have our 15yo soccer player.  Soccer is her passion and has been for quite a while.  She started practicing for the spring season a few weeks ago with a new team.  A homeschool team.  It is awesome.  She loves the coach, her teammates, the practices.  She got her jerseys today and was squealing with delight!  She would play soccer all year long if she could. 

Theater continues for the 8 yo and 13yo and the 11yo is taking some time off right now.  She is going to take up ballet in the fall she thinks! 

Thankfully we live in an area that is rich in these opportunities and God has blessed us with the income to get them involved.