Enjoying the Chaos

Don't miss Judith Miller 's latest novel, The Brickmaker's Bride . CBA Retailers + Resources raves, ". . . a wonderful story about faith and love throughout life’s trials." Judith is celebrating with a Kindle HDX giveaway and  a "Refined by Love" Facebook author event on November 4th.   One winner will receive: A Kindle HDX The Brickmaker's Bride  by Judith Miller Enter today by clicking the button below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 4th. Winner will be announced at the Refined by Love Facebook Author Event . Connect with Judith for a fascinating evening centered around her new Civil War-era series. She'll be hosting a book club discussion, giving away prizes, answering your questions, offering an exclusive peek at the next book in the Refined by Love series, and much more! So grab your copy of The Brickmaker's Bride   and join Judith and friends on the evening of November 4th for a chance to connect and make some

We love books and although it's not Christmas yet - I know it's actually Halloween as I am writing this. However If I want to tell you about some really fun Christmas books I have to do it with time for you to check them out too before Christmas - I mean really you wouldn't want me to tell you about them on Christmas Eve - Although that's exactly when I will be reading this one (along with a few others I will be telling you about soon). The Legend of the Candy Cane This is a very cute story introducing the symbolism behind the candy cane. The story starts when a stranger turns up in town and starts fixing up an old store. The people in town are very curious, but nobody knew what the stranger was doing. Until Lucy decides to help. She sees to her joy that the stranger is opening a candy store. With excitement she looks at all the lollipops, gumballs, taffy, and her favorite candy gumdrops. In the very last crate she spies a new candy. After asking what it is s

Captain America is 'almost' reading. Well that's what he would tell you anyway. I think he just lacks confidence as he knows a lot more words than he gives himself credit for. The whole 'reading by himself' scares him a little. I was sent a copy of the book Moses Leads the People "I CAN READ! - by Zonderkidz.  by  BookLookBloggers . I love the fact that Captain America can access Christian based stories in a 'I CAN READ' format. This story is of course about Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt to the promised land. It is an adaptation of the story as told in Exodus and doesn't really miss much out. There are pictures depicting each of the plagues and although Captain America wasn't phased by the pictures they may be a bit much for younger kids. Captain America couldn't quite read this by himself BUT he did an awesome job with most of the words. Boo liked to read this to him as well. I can see it will be a book that we keep

I have had the opportunity to use some really fun Math books with Captain America over the last few months. I was contacted by Nina Levin from Mountcastle Company and asked if I would like to review a series of books called The Verbal Math Lesson . There are three books in the series book 1 is aimed at children 5-7 book 2 is for ages 7-8, and book 3  is for ages 8-10. They cost about $11.00 each on Amazon in paperback form.   I was told that I was sent the 2nd edition of these books but not seeing the first edition I can't really comment on the difference. However I can tell you that these books have been a huge hit. We haven't replaced our other math programs with the books - as I am a little math obsessed. I struggle with math (see there is a reason opposites attract - thanks math genius husband). So, I really want my kids to do well AND enjoy it. I started out using book 1 with Captain America. Each lesson builds upon the other so for example lesson 1 is calle

I was recently sent a copy of the CD  Manic Drive VIP . We received this CD from Flyby promotions and my kids were excited - new music is always a hit here. This CD was released on October 14 and the band is very popular in Canada. When I was younger I lived in England and one of my favorite things was to listen to the Top 20 on a Sunday evening. I haven't given 'Top Twenties' a thought in years but it is a fun statistic. Manic Drive have been in the Billboard Top 10 & 20 singles on CHR and Christian Rock Radio. It is nice to listen to a CD that has fun dancy beats without trashy lyrics. That is what you will find on this CD. My kids liked it - especially Captain America - he seems to be our resident music expert. He likes to listen to music while he completes his eye program on the computer, and this one made the cut. I found the lyrics a little simple, but there were no complaints from the youngest one here. The music is very good though and most of the songs hav

We love audio books and Jim Hodges Productions are definitely one of our favorites. So to pair them with one of our favorite authors and it's a win-win! We were given the opportunity to review an excellent G.A. Henty book on MP3 CD called The Dragon and The Raven .  ($25 for CD or $18 for digital download). If you are not aware of G.A.Henty then Jim Hodges audio books are an excellent way to be introduced to them.We drive an hour each way to piano lessons and I am always looking for audio learning opportunities. We have searched high and low for quality audio books and have never been disappointed with anything from Jim Hodges Productions. This audio book is 7 hours 40 minutes in length and the kids loved every minute of it. The Dragon and the Raven is set in AD 870-901 and is about the Viking Invasion of England and France. My kids had already heard of the 23 year old Alfred during our other history readings (We love history here, and read a TON.) They especially love

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Do you like treasure hunts? I know we do, what I don't like is the preparation. This year Boo wanted to give Captain America a treasure hunt for his birthday. It seemed like a fun idea. So when we were offered a review from  Clued in Kids . We were lucky enough to be sent two different treasure hunts to try. We received Pirate Treasure Hunt Clue Book in the mail and a PDF copy of  Multiplication Dragons Treasure Hunts 2x - 6x . Captain America had a birthday coming up so I planned to use that treasure hunt at his birthday party. So I kept that one safe for a while. However we used the multiplication one straight away. These treasure hunts are so easy to use. I loved the printed pirate one, but honestly the PDF file was SO easy. So let me tell you how we used these. Multiplication Dragons Treasure Hunts ($19.99 1-10 kids recommended ages 7-9) I printed the PDF file for the 2X tables first. Since Captain America is the only child that really needs to practice his 2X tables a

We love documentaries.  When I was offered a choice of a DVD from New Liberty Videos . We were very pleased to be sent our first choice from the list offered which was a DVD called Warriors of Honor . This DVD retails at $19.95. A couple of weeks ago I was feeling a little sick, and so I thought it was a perfect time to pull out this DVD and have a comfy history afternoon.  The kids were very excited to have a change of pace for the afternoon, and were more than willing to sit and watch 'TV'. Sometimes when I watch TV I fall asleep. I don't sit down during the day very often, so it was a rare treat. However, this documentary kept my attention. In fact I had to watch it twice just to make sure I didn't miss any of my favorite quotes. This DVD is a documentary that talks about the causes and battles of the Civil War from a southern point of view. It focuses on the lives and Christian beliefs of Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. I can honestly say I didn

1. Captain America had his very first birthday party today! He was SO excited. It was a pirate party. 2. Jam will finish his camping badge this weekend. I think that makes 4 more badges till Eagle - plus his project. We need to start thinking about that. 3. Captain America is really getting into Legos. It makes birthday shopping easy. 4. I am on a binge of Househunters International. Boo has been watching with me. Did you know when you rent in Germany you have to take your kitchen with you. 5. I have been walking four days a week. It feels great!

I love reading! I read whenever I get the chance. However, I am sure that you agree some books suck you in quicker than others. This is one of those books. Honestly I was drawn into the story within minutes. The story starts with a flash back to a 17 year old Mallory. Her cousin is dying and she is a match, however her parents refuse to give permission for her to donate. She makes a promise to herself that she would save a life to make up for the fact she was unable to save her cousin. The story jumps forward Twelve years and Mallory now works in a Doctors office. She still feels that she still owes her cousin, and is desperate to help save a life in her memory. However now she has her boyfriend Tate to think of too. Tate is a Christian and very clear about his relationship with God he is a devoted Catholic and wants to lead a good life. Mallory is not religious and has no need (as she sees it) for God in her life. The relationship seemed a little to 'free' for my lik

  Someone's having a birthday soon! ©2011-2014 Chickensbunniesandhomeschool. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author Chickensbunniesandhomeschool.blogspot.com

In a daring new novel, Beth Wiseman jumps way outside the box. The Promise will take readers far away from Amish country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by actual events, this is the book Beth has been working toward for a long time. Curious? Click here to read the reviews, and be sure to enter Beth's Kindle HDX giveaway! One grand prize winner will receive: A Kindle Fire HDX The Promise  by Beth Wiseman Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 9th.  Winner will be announced November 10th  here . My review will be posted in a couple of days! I loved this book, it is quite a page turner. ©2011-2014 Chickensbunniesandhomeschool. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author Chickensbunniesandhomeschool.blogspot.com

One of my biggest goals for my children is that they learn to speak a language fluently. My Mom has a thing about Spanish, and I agree that it is the language besides English that makes sense to learn living in the United States. I grew up in England, in my school French and German were the only options. So anytime I can get a little help with Spanish language instruction I jump at the chance. Captain America loves Spanish and so when we were offered the chance to use Middlebury Interactive Languages I was SO excited. The program my older children use is just not user friendly for younger children like Captain America. We were given access to their K-2 Spanish Course obviously specially designed for grades K-2. As you can see from the chart below Spanish is the only language offered in that age range. However, French, Chinese, and German are all offered for older grades. Each class is offered with or without a teacher. We have been using the 'without teacher' option

  Music has played a huge part in my life. My Dad can sing and play the guitar. When I was very young he was in a band, I remember going to see him play. He was and still my favorite musician. However, he also introduced me to some pretty good music. In fact while growing up his music was my music. One of the artists he introduced me to as a child was Glen Campbell. We didn't have DVD players in the car, or personal game consoles to keep us entertained in the car so we would listen to music or sing along as we traveled - which we did a lot. This afternoon I shared a little of that with my husband and kids. I was sent a preview copy of "Glen Campbell I'll Be Me" which will be hitting theaters this fall. It was a walk down memory lane for me listening to many of my favorite Glen Campbell songs, but that's a little ironic because that's exactly what Glen Campbell has lost - his memories. In 2011, when Glen Campbell was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disea

The Pebble Pond 1. I am taking Captain America on a date today - with no big kids. We are going to see  Seussical at a local University. He is SO excited.   2. Captain America got his new prescription swim goggles today. If you have been around a while you will know that he has amblyopia. His prescription is +5.75 in his weaker eye and +3.00 in his good eye. Yesterday the coach said she thinks he is swimming straighter already! We have only used these goggle for two days but so far for the price I am impressed. Plus they came with free shipping, and it was quite fast considering it was overseas. I am not an affiliate and this is not a paid promotion. However, I like to give credit where credits due and my experience with Goggles and More has been excellent so far. 3. I am seriously thinking of changing the name of this blog. Why you may ask...well I named it when I was being least creative. Plus we used to have chickens and bunnies. Well the only thing that's true

I love reading new books. I am also orginally from England so when I was given an opportunity from Litfuse Publicity Group to read a new book from an English author I was very interested. This book is based on a real nineteenth-century letter to The Times in which a Scottish clergyman claimed to have seen a mermaid. I love myths about mermaids. My son loves Greek Mythology and tells me stories about the Sirens that destroy the lives of sailors out at sea. Ruth and Michael have bought an amazing debilitated house on the edge of the Hebridean island of Harris in Scotland. It needs completely renovating and their dream is to turn it into a guest house. Ruth has some struggles she needs to over come from her past and the house holds some secrets. There are two main characters in the book and their stories are a century apart however learning about the past can sometimes help us deal with the present. I struggled for the first chapter or two. Books that jump between two chara

1. I think I am coming down with something. So I went to the store and stocked up on some more Emergen C and Garlic. I have been diffusing  Spark Naturals - Respire Blend all day but I think I may have to change to the  Spark Natural Shield Protective Blend to help everyone else in the house. 2. My Mom and Dad went away last weekend and brought my kids a little present. Captain America got this cute book called ' National Geographic Kids Weird But True #3 The kids love it and have been quoting stuff from it all week. 3. All the mined gold in the world can fill two olympic-size swimming pools (random fact) 4. Frog bones grow new rings as they age, just like trees. 5. Mosquitoes prefer to bite people with smelly feet! I know, I know I couldn't help but share a few of the 'random facts'. ©2011-2014 Chickensbunniesandhomeschool. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form withou

Jam recently had the chance to work with Fortunigence and take part in their Essay Rock Star Expository Essay Writing Course.  I find writing one of the hardest subjects to teach as a home-school Mom. So when we were offered this review I was just as excited as Jam. Fortuigence offers a variety of writing courses . We had the option to choose from one of the four following options. Essay Rock Star Personal Statement Writing Course Essay Rock Star Persuasive Essay Writing Course Essay Rock Star Textual Analysis Writing Course Essay Rock Star Expository Essay Writing Course Since Jam is only 13 I decided that we should start with the Expository Essay. Mainly because it is the kind of essay that he will use the most in the next few years. We have of course written essays together before, but I was very interested in what an someone else thought about his writing skills. Lily Iatridis is a former school teacher, who wanted to find a way to share her teaching skills and lo