Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

For us, church is an important family experience.  We like to worship together. My kids generally prefer sitting with adults during the worship service, too.  When the minister references Bible verses, the kids enjoy looking up the Scripture in their own Bibles.  For my 9 year old son, the NIV Adventure Bible is an excellent resource.  It’s very child-friendly and age appropriate. [Read more…]

Disclosure: I will receive a copy of this book. Post contains affiliate links; if you make a purchase, I may earn commission. Opinions shared are mine.

When the kids were small, it was easy to keep them entertained. A simple cardboard box, a pack of stickers, or even a flower with a cup of water could become an adventure. As they got older, though, it took more to hold their attention. If it’s a required activity, my kids will be present in body, but not necessarily in spirit. So when I was invited to look at 52 Uncommon Family Adventures, it was welcome advice!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this Bible as part of the tour. Post contains affiliate links to the book page; if you make a purchase, I may earn commission. Opinions shared are mine.

Yesterday I was able to spend a fun evening out with my sister.  We don’t often get together without the kiddos.  We made a Target stop (of course), and I spied The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible on the book aisle shelf.  If it caught my eye, don’t you think the kids would like to look at it, too?

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As I’ve said before, the kids and I have a bit of a trek to school/work every day. We spend about an hour in the car together.  We use that time to chat and discuss all things big and small.  Several times a week, we listen to an audiobook.  My kids love The Action Bible because it’s completely unlike the other children’s Bibles they’ve read before.  This one is exciting and sometimes shocking.  I was excited to get The Action Storybook Bible from Litfuse because we enjoyed The Action Bible so much. Opinions shared are mine.

Disclosure: I received a book to review. Post contains affiliate links; if you make a purchase, I may earn commission. Opinions shared are mine.

Generally, we prefer to attend our church’s early service instead of the later one. We find that it better suits our morning routine, and allows us to enjoy a quiet Sunday more fully.  The downfall for many families is that there are no children’s programs during the early service because few children attend at that time.  Many churches opt for a “Family Service” where the whole family, kids and all, sit together to worship.  The music and special events make that time more of an entertainment hour for kids. My kids prefer sitting with the adults.  However, when it comes to listening to a sermon, little ones may have a tough time sitting quietly.  I remembered that my grandmother used to take a tote bag filled with inexpensive items and toys to keep us happy during a long service.  I decided to try the same thing. Here’s what I put inside my bag! [Read more…]

Disclosure: I received books for review. Opinions shared are mine.

Every year, my kids know to expect a book or ten for Christmas. It’s helpful that my teen now has a Goodreads account; I can spy on it to get one of her TBR books. My 5th grader is harder to buy for. His tastes change daily, and he tends to be very selective about books he likes. Books from National Geographic Kids are a crowd pleaser, so I know these will be a hit!

Disclosure: Thanks to this post’s sponsors, I received free products and books. Opinions shared are mine.  Post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn commission. Hoppy Easter!

Easter is my favorite holiday!  I know I say that about every holiday, but Easter really is special to me.  It represents the day that the Lord Jesus conquered death. The salvation he offers, and the promise of eternal life, is such a tremendous gift. I hope you have accepted Christ into your heart, friends.  He is truly the most remarkable gift we can ever receive!  I’m all about celebrating Easter with gifts for my kids.  This year, here are some fun items that will find their way into our Easter baskets.

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Disclosure: **Sony Home Video provided me with some of the materials I used in this Blog Post/Giveaway. The opinions I share are my own.* I also received this book in exchange for an honest review.

What are your go-to gift items for baby showers?  Swings, bouncers, and clothes are wonderful packages to open. The gift that I found myself using all the time, though, were the books that my friends gave us.  We read to our babies so often that I often memorized the stories!  When my second child was born, my daughter (5 years older) was a little jealous of all the new toys and gadgets we got for the baby.  A few of my friends gave her gifts as well, and it  made her feel so special. After all, Labor Day can be stressful for siblings as well as the mama. For our Labor Day giveaway, one lucky reader will win something for baby and sibling!

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Disclosure: I received this book as part of a Litfuse tour. Post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

Since books have always been a big part of my life, from even my earliest memories, it’s difficult for  me to imagine NOT wanting to read.  I’ve been known to read the car manual out of sheer desperation for reading material.  Becoming a language arts teacher seemed inevitable!  These days, when parents come to me with the worry that their child hates to read, the desperation starts to claw at my heart all over again.  I’ve got to find a book for that child!   It seems to me that most children don’t actually hate reading; they just haven’t found “their” book yet.  If you want to know how to get your reluctant reader into a good book, try some of these tips!  [Read more…]