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Friday, November 21, 2014
My Week in Review #14
It is that time of the week again-- time for you to share all about your week's adventures!
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Monday, November 17, 2014
Try a New Recipe Tuesday- November 18
It is time for another wonderful week of recipe sharing! :-)
The most viewed post from last week's hop was:
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The most viewed post from last week's hop was:
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Friday, November 14, 2014
My Week in Review #13
It is that time of the week again! Time to share all of your wonderful posts about your week's adventures! :-)
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Thursday, November 13, 2014
TOS Review- Out of the Box Games
Today I am reviewing Snake Oil from Out of the Box Games.
Have you ever laughed so hard your face hurt? I'm serious! Playing this game is one of those times. My face actually hurt from the constant laughter!! :-) The kiddos said they couldn't remember the last time they laughed so much and especially while playing a family game! If that isn't a win-win (mom and dad are having fun while the kids are having fun), I don't know what is! :-)
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Have you ever laughed so hard your face hurt? I'm serious! Playing this game is one of those times. My face actually hurt from the constant laughter!! :-) The kiddos said they couldn't remember the last time they laughed so much and especially while playing a family game! If that isn't a win-win (mom and dad are having fun while the kids are having fun), I don't know what is! :-)
We LOVE Family Game nights. It is difficult to find a game that all of us can play at once and that we find appropriate. Well, we found one!
Remember the Old West? Remember how the salesmen would try to sell you their concoctions of just about anything that would cure just about anything? Well, in this game, YOU are that Snake Oil salesman trying to make that sale to an unsuspecting customer-- those who are playing the game with you.
There are over 300 word cards and just about 30 customer cards (we pulled just a few that we felt inappropriate to make it fit our family) but it had no affect on the game whatsoever!)
Each player has a chance to be a customer. Once everyone has been the customer, that round is over. The rules are easy to follow: when you are the customer, you draw a customer card. Everyone else draws two word cards. Whatever their two words are becomes their product, no matter how hilarious it may sound. They now each have to take a turn trying to "sell" you on their product. After each has provided their "pitch," you decide which one was the most convincing. Whoever won over the most customers wins that round.
As hilarious as it was (trust me, there is laughter from moment one), the kids really get to learn a lot about marketing-- how to promote and sell a product to others. And, boy you have to be creative and use your imagination!! They need to communicate well and articulate their thoughts clearly and with a 30-second limit. Wow, learning and fun at the same time-- you know that would be a hit in our house. I just love any type of fun, hands-on learning.
Whoever has the most customer cards by the end of the game wins!
This game is geared to those 10+ (there is a version for younger kids, as well) and sells for $19.99. It is for 3-10 players, so it is appropriate for families of all sizes.
My kiddos really enjoyed playing this game. I loved the fact that it was something that all 6 of us could play together and really engage with one another.
To find Out of the Box Games on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OutoftheBoxGames
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/OTBgames
Watch this fun video on how to play Snake Oil:
This holiday season, if you are looking for a fun, family game, I would recommend Snake Oil. To see what my colleagues how to say about this game or the version for younger children, click on the graphic below:
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Wednesday, November 12, 2014
TOS Review: Purposeful Design
Today I am reviewing Purposeful Design: Understanding the Creation by Jay Schabacker at Purposeful Design.
There is so much fun in this book, too. It isn't all boring science "facts and figures." There are questions answered like "Have you wondered how fish swim?" and "How does ice float?" One of my kids' favorites was "Our Purposeful Designer has a sense of Humor," especially the Piglet Squid that is the size of an avocado. He sure is funny looking, isn't he? :-)
There are sections on the human body, the human cell, stars, sea life and more! Mr. Schabacker says in the introduction of the book why he wrote this book and I think it is so worthwhile to repeat here. He said, "I have written this book because I have a passion for others-- how they are doing and how they are thinking. And, I wish everyone would have an immensely positive view of themselves, of this world that we are in, and of others--mostly because of the understanding of our own astounding and loving creation." Wow.
You can have this wonderful book for only $18.95, and if you request, Mr. Schabacker will autograph it for you. My kids think it is incredibly "cool" to have a NASA Apollo enginner's autograph in his book. :-)
Click on the graphic below to see what my colleagues on the Crew had to say about this book:
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Jay Schabacker, once part of the Apollo Moon Program, has created a visually stunning (a perfect coffee table book!) book that goes over the scientific principles that run our world in such a way that is compelling and easy to understand. Mr. Schabacker provides evidence that a loving God was purposeful in this incredible design.
He takes the time to describe in detail how exact the earth is (it's tilt, rotation, etc.) and how this never varies. It is unchanging and precise. He explains how the seasons work and just how important each one is to our survival.
My children were intrigued by the section on the water cycle. 71% of the earth's surface is covered by water. If it was higher, there would be too much rain and extreme floods. If it were less, there would too much desert and not enough rain. Everything is so incredibly precise and it all points to an intelligent and compassionate Creator.
The book quotes Albert Einstein saying "The most incomprehensible thing about the universe is that it is comprehensible." Einstein knew that the "rules" of nature do not and have never changed. Just the fact that there are these rules at all is a miracle in and of itself. Schabacker tells us in the book that the second law of thermodynamics says that "the energy for useful work si (and always has been) decreasing with time." If your child spins a top, it will slow down and stop eventually. That is illustrative of this law. What keeps the earth, planets, and moon moving and at the same constant speed and velocity year after year?
He also discusses the perfect tilt of the earth at 23 1/2 degrees. Could something so perfect have happened by chance? There are so many benefits to our earth's exact tilt-- our seasons and the changing the sun's rays in how they hit the earth's atmosphere. If it was a 0 degree tilt, we would have no seasons. Seeds wouldn't germinate, insects wouldn't be killed off in the winter (thus causing extremely high mortality rates due to insect infestations), etc. How abut a 50 degree tilt? Did you know that portions of the earth's atmosphere would get extreme "seasons" with heat of the sun 24 hours a day for up to half of the year. It is truly mind boggling how precise, exact and perfect a 23 1/2 degree vertical tilt really is. :-)
Another feature I loved is the downloadable curriculum that includes a workbook for students and a teacher's answer key. The teacher's guide also has certificates of completion to give to the students after each chapter. There are discussion questions, crossword puzzles and lots of other supplemental materials, including memory verses that make it all come together for your child, no matter what age they are (the book is geared to all ages)- from youngsters to high school and adults.
There is so much fun in this book, too. It isn't all boring science "facts and figures." There are questions answered like "Have you wondered how fish swim?" and "How does ice float?" One of my kids' favorites was "Our Purposeful Designer has a sense of Humor," especially the Piglet Squid that is the size of an avocado. He sure is funny looking, isn't he? :-)
There are sections on the human body, the human cell, stars, sea life and more! Mr. Schabacker says in the introduction of the book why he wrote this book and I think it is so worthwhile to repeat here. He said, "I have written this book because I have a passion for others-- how they are doing and how they are thinking. And, I wish everyone would have an immensely positive view of themselves, of this world that we are in, and of others--mostly because of the understanding of our own astounding and loving creation." Wow.
You can have this wonderful book for only $18.95, and if you request, Mr. Schabacker will autograph it for you. My kids think it is incredibly "cool" to have a NASA Apollo enginner's autograph in his book. :-)
Click on the graphic below to see what my colleagues on the Crew had to say about this book:
Monday, November 10, 2014
Try a New Recipe Tuesday- 11/11
It is that time of the week again-- sharing your delicious recipes! :-)
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The most viewed post from last week's hop was:
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Thursday, November 6, 2014
My Week in Review #12
It is time to share all about your week!
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The most viewed post from last week's hop was:
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Wednesday, November 5, 2014
25 Amazon Gift Ideas for Kids- ALL for UNDER $25 as of right now!
They are having a lot of deals right now and I thought I would share some of them with you.(affiliate links included- if you purchase through these links, there is NO cost to you, but my family would receive a small percentage. Thank you!) :-)
For your Frozen fans:
This is their #1 seller in dolls and they don't have a whole lot left:
Sewing School: 21 Sewing Projects Kids Will Love to Make (#1 Best Seller in Sewing) (only $11.82)
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For your Frozen fans:
This is their #1 seller in dolls and they don't have a whole lot left:
Disney Frozen Sparkle Princess Elsa Doll (only $22.28)
Spot It! Frozen Alphabet (#1 new release in card games) (only $11.85)
Disney Karaoke Series: Frozen (only $8.00)
Bounce Off (only $13.59)
K'nex 70 Model Building Set, 705 piece (only $22.50)
Disney Frozen Sparkle Anna of Arendelle Doll (only $24.90)
Crayola Sketch Wizard (only $17.49)
Spot it! (only $11.35)
Despicable Me 2 DVD and Blu-Ray (only $17.99)
Lincoln Logs Classic Edition (#1 Best Seller in Preschool Building Sets) (only $22.50)
Learning Resources Super Sorting Pie (#1 Best Seller in Leisure Sports and Games Equipment) (only $19.99)
Thomas and Friends: The Christmas Engines (only $9.99)
Leap Frog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set (only $14.99)
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Disney Frozen Ice Skating Elsa Doll (only $19.88)
Battleship (only $11.95)
American Girl Crafts Memory Book Friends (#1 Best Seller in Kids' Scrapbooking Kits) (only $5.44)
Tinkertoy Pink Building Set (only $22.50)
Shopkins Supermarket Playset (only $24.99)
Thomas and Friends: Tale of the Brave The Movie (only $14.88)
Air Hogs Vectron Wave 2.0 Vehicle 1 (only $19.99)
Robot Turtles Game (only $19.99)
Happy Nappers Ladybug (only $9.95)
Hope you find something that strikes your child's fancy! We will be searching for more gift bargains for you in the days to come. Keep checking back! :-)
TOS Review: If He Had Not Come
Today I am reviewing If He Had Not Come by David Nicholson.
This retelling of the 1938 classic by Nan F. Weeks is a beautifully illustrated Christmas story that would be a perfect addition to your Advent or Christmas book collection.
Reminding us of A Christmas Carol or It's a Wonderful Life, this sweet and heartwarming tale tells the story of a young boy who is reading the Bible with his dad on Christmas Eve. He hangs up his stocking, thinking only about what gifts he will receive in the morning and heads up to bed with words from the Scripture he just read "If I had not come" playing over in his mind.
When Bobby awakes, his home is dark, the Christmas decorations gone and life busily going on outside his home. The neighborhood factory's machinery is going at full steam, the businesses are all bustling and people going about their routine. When Bobby expresses concern that these places are open on Christmas, he hears the response, "What's that?" His church is gone, replaced by a sign "If He Had Not Come." The hospital and homeless shelter also have vanished with similar signs in their place. He runs home to look in his Bible and the New Testament is not there- just blank pages with a heading "If He Had Not Come."
At that point, Bobby is awoken by church bells ringing "Joy to the World" and he realizes it was a dream, but now knows the true meaning of Christmas and that it isn't all about what is going to be in our stocking, but what precious Gift was given to us over 2000 years ago.
Also in the book is a section in the back entitled "Interactive Topics for Families and Sunday School Teachers" with all kinds of thought-provoking discussion prompts. Another section is called "Going Deeper" and encourages children to read verses from the Bible and apply Scripture to what they have read in the story. This is a great addition for your reader to articulate what the story has meant to them and what they have learned about appreciating the true meaning of Christmas.
This delightful book is recommended for ages 6 and up and is available for $18.95 for a hardback and $3.99 for an ebook edition. I read it to all 4 Kiddos and it got a thumb's up. As easy as it is to get caught up in the materialism and hectic craziness in preparing for the holiday, a book like this is a refreshing reminder for both parents and children of what we need to be thinking about this Advent and Christmas season. I can definitely see this as a permanent addition to our Advent book reading collection. We change the focus of our homeschool in Advent-- reading books about the coming of Christ as well as doing more service projects, baking, Christmas-themed art and other beautiful traditions like a Jesse Tree. This will fit right in! :-)
To find David Nicholson and 'If He Had Not Come" on FB, click here.
Don't miss a thing! Subscribe to Home to 4 Kiddos by Email and get our posts sent right to your inbox!
This retelling of the 1938 classic by Nan F. Weeks is a beautifully illustrated Christmas story that would be a perfect addition to your Advent or Christmas book collection.
Reminding us of A Christmas Carol or It's a Wonderful Life, this sweet and heartwarming tale tells the story of a young boy who is reading the Bible with his dad on Christmas Eve. He hangs up his stocking, thinking only about what gifts he will receive in the morning and heads up to bed with words from the Scripture he just read "If I had not come" playing over in his mind.
When Bobby awakes, his home is dark, the Christmas decorations gone and life busily going on outside his home. The neighborhood factory's machinery is going at full steam, the businesses are all bustling and people going about their routine. When Bobby expresses concern that these places are open on Christmas, he hears the response, "What's that?" His church is gone, replaced by a sign "If He Had Not Come." The hospital and homeless shelter also have vanished with similar signs in their place. He runs home to look in his Bible and the New Testament is not there- just blank pages with a heading "If He Had Not Come."
At that point, Bobby is awoken by church bells ringing "Joy to the World" and he realizes it was a dream, but now knows the true meaning of Christmas and that it isn't all about what is going to be in our stocking, but what precious Gift was given to us over 2000 years ago.
Also in the book is a section in the back entitled "Interactive Topics for Families and Sunday School Teachers" with all kinds of thought-provoking discussion prompts. Another section is called "Going Deeper" and encourages children to read verses from the Bible and apply Scripture to what they have read in the story. This is a great addition for your reader to articulate what the story has meant to them and what they have learned about appreciating the true meaning of Christmas.
This delightful book is recommended for ages 6 and up and is available for $18.95 for a hardback and $3.99 for an ebook edition. I read it to all 4 Kiddos and it got a thumb's up. As easy as it is to get caught up in the materialism and hectic craziness in preparing for the holiday, a book like this is a refreshing reminder for both parents and children of what we need to be thinking about this Advent and Christmas season. I can definitely see this as a permanent addition to our Advent book reading collection. We change the focus of our homeschool in Advent-- reading books about the coming of Christ as well as doing more service projects, baking, Christmas-themed art and other beautiful traditions like a Jesse Tree. This will fit right in! :-)
To find David Nicholson and 'If He Had Not Come" on FB, click here.
To see what my colleages on the Crew had to say about this wonderful book, click on the graphic below:
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Monday, November 3, 2014
Try a New Recipe Tuesday- 11/4
It's time for another week of wonderful recipe sharing! I always look forward to seeing (and trying) them. :-)
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In the first spot below is my "New Twist on Roasted Pumpkin Seeds." We made them Italian Style and with Cinnamon sugar. They were SO good. Come check out the recipe. :-)
The most viewed post from last week's hop was:
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