Merry Christmas 2024

 

Our Tree Christmas Morning

I'm a little late to post but I hope you had a fabulous Christmas!  It has been fun to see the kids bake, decorate cookies, play games and just hang out as a family.

Birthday Cake for Jesus looked like a present this year

I love how the kids Christmas PJs turned out - they have Sarge on them!

And a silly one for fun!

In progress decorating, the kids are getting good at this.

I can't believe 2024 is almost at an end!  We are headed to a movie in just a bit.  Hope 2025 is phenomenal for everyone!

Happy 1st Birthday Sarge

 

 

So, we did a thing in March - we got a rescue puppy!  And today he turns 1.  We just love him.  Happy Birthday Sarge!

CursiveLogic Speeches and Writings in American History

I have another Timberdoodle product to share with you today!  This time it's CursiveLogic Speeches and Wiritings in American History.  This spiral bound book is geared for ages 11-18 or 5th-12th grade.  I am currently using it with F (who is 10 years old in 5th grade).  He is a little on the young side but I love that it pairs with our curriculum so nicely.  We are studying American History this year and it fits in perfectly.

 
If you are unfamiliar with CursiveLogic, it is made to be a faster way to learn cursive because rather than teaching the alphabet letter by letter as in most cursive programs, CursiveLogic's method focuses on four basic letter shapes - oval, loop, swing and mound.  This idea is for students to master cursive handwriting at a much faster pace.  This workbook is designed for students who are already familiar in the CursiveLogic method.  It is perfect for honing handwriting skills while enhancing U.S. History studies.  Those unfamiliar with cursive can also benefit from this workbook, but there will probably be a small adjustment period.

Table of Contents

This book is split into 2 main sections.  The first section contains 12 review lessons (tracing, practicing the strokes, letter strings, capitals letters, form, etc.) while the second part includes 18 weeks of work, designed to be used 3 days a week.  Students will begin to develop cursive proficiency through tracing exercises and guided writing or good old fashion copywork.  It is suggested to complete 2 assignments a week to finish within a school year.  Of course, you can choose your child's pace and what works best within your homeschool and for your particular child.  I love that students explore distinguished Americans from Patrick Henry to George Washington and many more!  These work sections begin with a brief biography, portrait with a narrative for students to copy.

 

George Washington

It has been super fun to line this up with F's reading books.  He is currently reading about George Washington so he is also doing this section in his CursiveLogic!  I really enjoy when subjects come together in this way.

CursiveLogic Speeches is part of Timberdoodle's 5th Grade Curriculum Kit.

 

I like how friendly this curriculum is to use.  It is spiral bound at the side so it stays together nicely and remains flat, which is a huge plus for a handwriting program.  If you are looking for a cursive program and you are planning on studying American history this is a great find.

Disclosure: Huge shout out to Timberdoodle for selecting me as a Timberdoodle Blogger. Timberdoodle sent my family CursiveLogic Speeches and Writings in American History in exchange for our honest review. All opinions are my own.

CSB Grace Bible For Kids Review & Giveaway

I want to share with you today the CSB Grace Bible for Kids!  This unique Bible was created in partnership with Holman Bibles, 2K/DENMARK and Cambridge University.  It is designed to specifically enhance readability for children with all levels and varieties of dyslexia and other reading challenges.  We received the blue LeatherTouch edition and it's beautiful.  I love the vibrancy of the blue and simplicity of the front cover.

Inside our Bible, The Ten Commandments

How does it do this?  The CSB Grace Bible for Kids features innovative typeface, layout and design principles.  These principles include added space between letters, words, lines and paragraphs as well as distinct letter forms.  I love that this Bible version helps include and encourage children with reading challenges to dive into God's word.  And while, my kids do not personally have reading challenges, I still appreciate this design and approach and I'm excited to add it into our Bible time.

Another sneak peek inside

It has some great visual maps as well!

Want to order your own CSB Grace Bible for Kids - check it out at CSBGraceBibles.com and order today!  Grace Bibles for adults are also available.  These would be fantastic Bibles for kids and make for a unique gift as well.

Giveaway:  Enter to win a CSB Grace Bible for Kids blue LeatherTouch edition!  Limited to US winners only.  And sorry guys, this giveaway is a quick one.  It ends 12/10.  Simply comment on this blog post and let me know who this Bible would be for, that's it!

And for the perfect gift for everyone on your list, be sure and check out the Holman Gift Guide.

Disclosure:  Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a Grace Bible for Kids for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Upcoming Film from Angel Studios: Homestead

I have an upcoming movie to share with you, Homestead!  David and I were so blessed to watch an advanced screening.  

About the film:  Based on the best-selling book series Black Autumn, Homestead: The Movie launches an epic post-apocalyptic journey, hitting theaters on December 20th. This intense family survival drama follows Jeff Ericksson, an ex-Green Beret, who takes on the role of head of security at “The Homestead”—a fortified compound designed for survival in a world teetering on the edge of collapse. As society unravels, Jeff’s resilience and leadership are put to the ultimate test, anchoring the gripping story that unfolds. Don’t miss your chance to experience this powerful tale.

You will definitely want to keep this movie on your radar to see!  And good news - even though Homestead doesn't hit theaters until December 20th, you can purchase advanced tickets!  And did I mention there is a 300K Homestead giveaway for early ticket buyers, don't miss your chance to win that as well!

Enjoy the trailer below!

Also, get to know some of the actors as they explain more about the contest.  I always love getting to see people in the real world.

Disclosure:  Huge thanks to Angel Studios for sending me an advanced screener of Homestead.  All opinions are my own.  For Giveaway *** LIMIT OF FOURTEEN THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED (14,100) ENTRIES PER PERSON/EMAIL ADDRESS. *** NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE OR PAYMENT DOES NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING. The 300K Instant Homestead Giveaway is open only to legal residents of the 48 Contiguous U.S. States (VOID in AK and HI) & DC, 21 or older.  Void elsewhere and where prohibited..  Promotion starts 10/17/24 and ends 12/22/24. To enter, visit https://angel.com/homesteadgiveaway . Sponsor: Angel Studios, 295 W Center Street, Provo, UT 84601.  Subject to complete Official Rules at https://bit.ly/HomesteadSweeps.

Timberdoodle IQ Gears

I want to share with you today a fun game from Timberdoodle, IQ Gears.  IQ Gears is a one player game recommended for kids 7 and older or 3rd grade and up.  Even adults will enjoy getting their brain in gear!

What's included in our game?

Our set includes the compact game board with transparent lid, 7 puzzle pieces with gears and a booklet containing 120 challenges and their solutions.  The 120 challenges increase in difficulty from Starter, Junior, Expert, Master, and Wizard.

 

Above you can see the 7 different colored gears pieces and their various shapes.  Also notice the big wheels on the side of our game board, these are important.
 

How do you play?

Simply try to fit all the gears on the game board.  When the solution is correct, the pieces will connect and the big wheels on the side of the game board will spin together!  That's it.  Challenges begin easy and progressively get harder as there are five levels: Starter, Junior, Expert, Master and Wizard.

 

First 8 challenges at the Starter level 

You can see that these challenges are easier as they give you the outline shapes of every piece in the puzzle.

So a player will choose a challenge from the booklet.  The challenge will show them which puzzle pieces to place on the game board and where to place them.  Players will continue to play pieces on the game board.

 

 They are finished when all pieces fit and they have created a connection between the big gears (wheels) on the right and left of the game board (see above diagram).

 

A player needs to pay special attention to the placement of the gears in some of the challenges, especially when setting up the board to begin.  This can be seen in the Expert challenges above.  This does not apply in the Starter challenges.

 

The Master challenges only show the position of all the gears, you have to figure out the position of the full puzzle pieces.

F was my first to play IQ Gears

F double checking to see that he has the solution correct!

G was next to play.

G is trying various combinations in the photo above as he works one of the Expert challenges.

 

If you have previously read my blog you know that we really enjoy Smart Games and own a plethora of them.  Smart Games encourage concentration, planning, problem solving and flexible thinking and we 💕 them.  It's so great to have a selection of creative and quality single player games in our home and IQ Gears fits right into the mix.  I also love that they are relatively inexpensive and make great gifts!  If you are looking for a new single player logic game, we highly recommend IQ Gears.  It's fun and makes you think!

Disclosure:  Huge shout out to Timberdoodle for selecting me as a Timberdoodle Blogger.  I received IQ Gears in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own.

College Care Package (Out of the Blue)

I remember when I was in college I loved getting mail!  I sent B a fun "out of the blue" care package this week and it was super fun to put together.

I packed fun items that all had blue color or packaging.  It included gum, beach note cards, nerd clusters, hot cocoa mix, fruit snacks, jolly rancher ropes, stickers, Trolli, Mike & Ike, popcorn and a fun book to take church notes.  We love you B!!

I'm always looking for fun themes to send so if you have any ideas let me know!

Veterans Day

 A huge thank you to everyone who has served our country past and present!

Operation Christmas Child Box Ideas

 

Every year the kids enjoy picking out items for our Operation Christmas Child Boxes, we have done it for many years.  It's a fun activity the kids enjoy coming up with new gift ideas and ways to bless others during the holiday season.  This year we filled up 4 boxes, 2 for girls and 2 for boys.

D chose a girl age 10-14 and above you can see what we put in her box - a few journals, markers, toothbrush, washcloths, bandages, tissues, socks, several sets of bracelets, key chain, compact mirror, comb, calculator, mini flashlight with batteries, hair ties, scrunchies and clips, sunglasses and a fun balancing bird.

 E also chose a girl age 10-14 and above you can see what we put in her box (very similar to D's box) - a large pink journal, markers, toothbrush, washcloths, bandages, tissues, watermelon socks, bracelets, necklace, key chain, compact mirror, comb, calculator, mini flashlight with batteries, hair ties and clips, sunglasses and a fun balancing bird.

 

F and G both chose a boy age 5-9 and above you can see what we put in their boxes (basically the same things) - coloring book, notepad, stickers, crayons, dominoes, toothbrush, bandages, tissues, washcloths, toy car, spinner, mini flashlight with batteries, sunglasses and a fun balancing bird.

The boys with their boxes

If you are looking for ideas for filling your own boxes, I hope this gives you some new ideas.

Eat Some Nachos!

Just a friendly reminder 😉

Timberdoodle Game Review: Mantis

I want to share with you today a fun game from Timberdoodle, Mantis.  Mantis is a 2-6 player card game recommended for kids 7 and older or 2nd grade and up so everyone in our family can enjoy the fun!  Games are easy to set-up and fairly fast paced estimated to last ~ 10-15 minutes each.

How do you play?  The video below is a fantastic explanation of how to play Mantis so you definitely want to check it out!

I have been playing Mantis with the younger boys and we are having so much fun!  The first time we played, I definitely tried to "steal" too much so I wasn't able to score enough to win.

F was our first ever winner!  He scored 10 cards :)

 

However, I definitely improved and came back and won the next two matches.  I think the boys improved every match as well.

Mantis is quick and just like many card games you learn a lot every time you play!  I love the fast-pace as it is so easy to make time for a quick game.  If your family likes cards games like we do, you will want to check out Mantis!

Disclosure:  Huge shout out to Timberdoodle for selecting me as a Timberdoodle Blogger.  I received Mantis in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own.

Happy Birthday E (And Me)

We celebrated E's 13th birthday and my 47th this month!  E had a few close friends come over and stay the night and we had a fun little family gathering for mine.

E with her cake

David made E a fun cake

And he made me my favorite chocolate cake!

I love the Fall!  I hope you are enjoying the slightly cooler weather, I know I am!

Timberdoodle's Social Skills Activities for Ages 6-7 Book Review

I want to share with you a book on social skills I'm finishing up with G, Social Skills Activities for Ages 6-7.  This book is geared for kids 6-7 years old or 1st - 2nd grade.  Since this is an activities book, it is consumable so if you are wanting to use it with multiple children I would recommend getting one for each of them.

G with our book.

This workbook contains 75 activities or exercised for children to practice various social scenarios, helping them understand right and wrong!  I like that the activities are hands-on and that there is a lot to discus together.  Activity topics include making new friends and being a good friend, playing at your house or going to a friend's house, and etiquette for the classroom, lunchtime and playground just to name a few.

 

 Above you can see an example activity.

I love that the activity sheets are perforated so it's easy to remove the ones that G needs to cut and paste.

G's completed sheet.
 

G completing another activity.

 

As a homeschooler not all the activities were a perfect fit; however, we do attend a weekly CoOp so it was easy to apply them to that day or just discuss proper behavior in multiple situations.  G is a little on the older side for this book but I have really enjoyed having him work through it.  He is a fantastic reader so he has no problem reading the instructions and completing the activities fairly independently.  I like that it includes practical things like using scissors and pasting and I particularly enjoy the conversations we have with the various activities.

Disclosure:  Huge shout out to Timberdoodle for selecting me as a Timberdoodle Blogger.  I received Social Skills Activities for Ages 6-7 in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own.