Learning to live a simple life, being a keeper of the home, obedient to my husband(Titus 2:4-5), teacher of my children(Proverbs 6:20-24), all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31)
“Once upon a real time there lived a boy named Luke. He dreamed of being a mighty warrior who was brave and courageous. But there was just one problem. He was afraid…”
In a lively story about baseball, camping, and facing your fears, author Kelly Chapman helps readers see that, no matter what they are afraid of, they can be strong in the Lord and in God’s mighty power. A Warrior Prince for God is all about finding out that a warrior prince is a Christian who lives a life worthy of his calling and enters into battles only when he is called, and then relying on God’s strength and not his own.
For ages 3 to 8 years
About The Author:
Kelly Chapmanis an experienced and sought-after speaker. She and the Royal Purpose Ministries staff present the Princess with a Purpose Prep School and Warrior Prince Academy programs to groups throughout the United States. Kelly married her college sweetheart, Brit, and they have two children and a dog named Bean.
Do you have a little boy in your home that you would like to train to be a Mighty Warrior for God? If so, then introducing him to the book, A Warrior Prince For God by Kelly Chapman is the next thing you need to do. The book is scripturally sound details to teach young boys how to live their lives for God, and become mighty warriors for Him, in all aspects of their life. With vivid illustrations, fantastic writing and fun characters, A Warrior Prince For God is a book I highly recommend for all families with little boys!
BUY IT: You can purchase A Warrior Prince For God online through Amazon.com - it is also available through your favorite, local Christian bookseller.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book, courtesy of Pure Publicity, for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***
"You became a real princess the moment you prayed and asked Jesus to live in your heart. And since He is the King of Kings and you are His daughter, that makes you His princess.”
Princess with a Purpose book is all about finding true identity in Christ. It all began when Kelly Chapman’s daughter, Kendall, then four years old, asked, “Mommy, when I grow up I want to be a princess. Where do I go to be one? Do I go to Mickey Land?” Those words sparked a passion in Kelly’s heart for little girls and women of all ages. In Princess with a Purpose, readers will discover that, as daughters of the King, they truly are God’s princesses. A sweet and simple story, followed by a princess prayer, gives even the littlest reader a royal feeling of being part of the family of God. For ages 3 to 8
About The Author:
KELLY CHAPMAN is an experienced and sought-after speaker. She and the Royal Purpose Ministries staff present the Princess with a Purpose Prep School and Warrior Prince Academy programs to groups throughout the United States. Kelly married her college sweetheart, Brit, and they have two children and a dog named Bean.
My Review:
If you have a little princess in your home, you need to get this book!
It is all things princess and then some. With a wonderful message that if you love Jesus - whether you are a child or adult - you are a Princess of the King, this is a wonderful alternative to the mainstream princess products on the market. Full of beautiful illustrations, scripturally sound, and enough pink and princess to satisfy any princess in your home, Princess With A Purpose will be a treasured book in our home for a long time to come, as my girls learn how to be a Princess With a Purpose. This book is part of the Princess With A Purpose Prep School Curriculum, and I am going to look further into the curriculum and see how I can incorporate it with my girls.
I highly recommend Princess With A Purpose and give it a huge thumbs up.
BUY IT: You can purchase Princess With A Purpose online, through Amazon.com - it is also available through your favorite Christian bookseller.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book, courtesy of Pure Publicity, for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***
As a mom and Early Childhood Educator, I am very aware of the importance of nutrition in the development of young children. As a member of Mom Central Canada, I was able to participate in a Cheerios Milestone Get-Together during the month of November.
About The Cheerios Milestones Get-Togethers:
Whether it’s discovering first finger foods, saying their first word, or jumping up on their own two feet for the first time, children’s milestones deserve to be cherished. Cheerios has always been a part of special moments like these, and this fall has created a reason to celebrate capturing these moments.
Commemorate your little one’s milestones with Cheerios! Mom Central is proud to announce the Cheerios Milestones contest. You could see your little one featured on a special edition Cheerios Box and possibly even win $10,000 towards an RESP from TD Canada Trust!
My Cheerios Milestones Get-Together:
As a home daycare provider I decided to have my Cheerios Milestones Get-Together with my daycare children, as well as my two children. In total, our get-together included 7 children and 7 moms. It lasted about two hours, and fun was had by all. The children ranged in age from 2 - 4 years.
I received a fantastic kit, courtesy of Mom Central Canada and Cheerios:
***A Special box of Cheerios, featuring the Milestones program
***Cheerios Tot Containers for my guests
***Coupons
***Sesame Street Platinum Hits CD
***Paper and Crayons for crafts
***$20 Prepaid President's Choice Card to pick up snacks and refreshments
***Two Cheerios Playbooks
I use learning centers as part of my home daycare, and so the day of the get-together we just incorporated these learning centers.
1. Create A Necklace Station
Each child was given a piece of yarn and a bowl of Cheerios, to thread and make a necklace. This provided a fantastic opportunity to build fine motor skills and snack at the same time.
2. Cheerios Sort and Count
I used a box of the Fruity Cheerios and gave each child a bowl full. Previous to the party starting, I had pre-cut clean egg cartons with the colors of the cereal in the bottom of each cup. Then the children could sort the Cheerios by color, and count how many of each color they had. Again, they had the opportunity to "taste-test" as they played.
3. Cheerios Dice Game
This is a game I did with the four year olds, while the other children played with other centers. Each child starts out with a pile of 25 cheerios. Each child takes turns throwing a dice and counts the number on the die. They then have to move that number to the middle pile. The first person to get rid of their 25 Cheerios wins. You can also do the opposite, by putting a pile of Cheerios in the middle and the first person to get 25 in their own bowl wins.
We had a great time, with yummy snacks too, including a trail mix made with Cheerios, chocolate chips, raisins and pretzels; served with milk and apple slices. A great time was had by all.
Check out Cheerios today for healthy eating and lifestyle tips, as well as recipes for the whole family.
****I received a Cheerios Milestones Get-Together Kit as party of my involvement with Mom Central Canada. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not compensated in any other manner***
Having been adopted from an early age (I was three when it was finalized), I am a huge advocate of adoption, either domestic or international. There are so many children in today's society that are in need of good, loving homes.
Not all adopted children have the experience the author has to be reunited with birth family, and not everyone wants that experience. During the last two years, I have been in contact with some birth family and it has been really interesting to communicate with birth family and find out some family history. Thank you Facebook for this opportunity.
November is National Adoption Month, and as a member of the One2One Network I was able to review a very timely book, Adopted Ed by Darren Maddern
About The Book:
This simple and beautifully illustrated story is about an adopted little boy and his journey through his early years. Sensitive and likable, we’re with Eddie the moment he learns he’s adopted. At school when he is teased by bullies about being adopted, his mom coaches him through the situation, which ultimately sets the course of his life with personal empowerment. Over time, Eddie feels a strong “void” and becomes curious about his biological parents, which ultimately leads him to find out more. ADOPTED ED concludes with a section of famous people who were adopted.
About The Author:
Darren Maddern is just one of the many millions of adopted people throughout the world today.
Born in England, Darren was adopted when he was only 10 days old by Don and Dolly Maddern, an American military couple who were stationed at an American Air Force base just outside of Oxford.
After spending three years in England, the Madderns were transferred to Tehran, Iran where they settled for the next five years and where Darren attended first and second grades. When Darren completed second grade, the Madderns were transferred again, this time to Fayetteville, North Carolina. Shortly after arriving in North Carolina, Darren was naturalized as an American citizen. Three years later, the Madderns moved one last time to Colorado, where Darren spent the rest of his formative years.
The Madderns made the decision to tell Darren he was adopted at an early age.
Like many adoptees, Darren became curious about his birth parents. Sympathetic to the feelings of his adoptive parents, when Darren turned 18, he secretly hired a private investigator to learn the address of his biological grandparents, who were still living in the Oxford area of England. He contacted them through a letter and enclosed a separate letter with the request that it be passed along to his biological mother. Shortly thereafter he received a phone call, and knew immediately who it was from the accent on the other end. This was the first contact with his birth mother.
During the emotional phone call, a plan for a reunion was discussed. However, after giving it serious thought Darren just felt he wasn’t emotionally ready. It would be another four years before Darren would make his fateful trip overseas.
A 22 year old more emotionally mature Darren flew back to England to meet both his biological mother and grandparents. The reunion was everything he could have wished for.
At 26, Darren found his biological father and went back again to England to meet him. During this visit he discovered he has two half-brothers.
To this day, Darren still enjoys a close relationship with his British family. He also had an extremely close relationship with his adoptive parents, who always encouraged his journey through life.
Throughout his life Maddern has been asked about being adopted. Through candidly sharing his story, he’s helped many adoptees, parents of adopted children and parents considering adoption.
ADOPTED ED is dedicated to both his adopted and biological parents with a special dedication to his mom, Dolly Maddern who passed away in 2000 and his pops, Don Maddern who joined her in 2009. It’s also dedicated to every adopted man, woman and child to remind them that they too are indeed – SPECIAL.
My Review:
Adopted Ed is a delightful book for children that explains the process and gift that adoption is.
With adorable illustrations, it is very easy to read and will attract the attention of all children, especially those between 4 and 8 years. I love that Maddern includes information about famous people who are adopted at that back of the book.
As younger children do not have the capacity to understand the concept of adoption, this book is a wonderful introduction to the subject. Whether you are adopted or not, this book has the wonderful message that everyone is special! Love that message. I know several friends who have adopted and I will definitely be referring this book to them. Adopted Ed by Darren Maddern is the perfect gift idea for any family going through the adoption process, regardless of what stage they may be in.
I highly recommend this book and give it a huge thumbs up.
BUY IT: You can purchase Adopted Ed online, through Amazon.com
***I received a complimentary copy of this book, courtesy of One2One Network and the author, for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***
In an unassuming apartment building in Brooklyn, New York, three lives intersect as the reality of war invades each aspect of their lives. Young Esther is heartbroken when her father decides to enlist in the army shortly after the death of her mother. Penny Goodrich has been in love with Eddie Shaffer for as long as she can remember; now that Eddie's wife is dead, Penny feels she has been given a second chance and offers to care for his children in the hope that he will finally notice her and marry her after the war. And elderly Mr. Mendel, the landlord, waits for the war to end to hear what has happened to his son trapped in war-torn Hungary.
But during the long, endless wait for victory overseas, life on the home front will go from bad to worse. Yet these characters will find themselves growing and changing in ways they never expected--and ultimately discovering truths about God's love... even when He is silent.
About The Author:
Lynn Austin, a former teacher who now writes and speaks full time, has won five Christy Awards for her historical fiction. One of those novels, Hidden Places, has also been made into a Hallmark Channel movie. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and make their home near Chicago, Illinois. Visit Lynn's Web site at www.lynnaustin.org
My Review:
I have had the pleasure of reading Austin's previous work, Though Waters Roar, and so was looking forward to much anticipation the release of her new book, While We're Far Apart. It was well worth the wait. Though this book covers the atrocities of war, and the Holocaust, it is done with much reverence. The detail with which Austin writes allows the reader to feel like you are right there in the scenes. Remarkable writing that will keep you drawn in right through the entire book.
As you read While We're Far Apart you are reminded that even though it does not seem like God is with us during the trials in our lives, He is and will always bring us through. Not always how we expect, but always the way He plans. You will meet some remarkable characters and I love the way that Lynn Austin has eloquently woven each characters story lines into one another. Definitely a book I plan to read over and over.
If you are a fan of Christian historical fiction, I highly recommend While We're Far Apart.
BUY IT: You can purchase While We're Far Apart through your local bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group
***I received a complimentary copy of this book, courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***
As a member of MomSelect and Mommy Parties, I was selected to have a MegaBloks Party in my home! With two preschoolers, and a home daycare, we utilize MegaBloks regularly, so I was so excited to have been chosen.
As part of the party, I was sent a fantastic kit filled with the following:
Play 'n Go Table
Mega Bloks Classic 80 piece bag
A variety of 10 Lil' Vehicles (Lil' Pink Bus, Lil' School Bus, Lil' Boat, Lil' Dump Truck and Lil' Tractor)
2010 Mega Bloks Cataloges and coupons for my party guests!
A list of game and snack ideas for use on party day
I decided to have the MegaBloks Party with my home daycare children. We had a blast. First, I had all the different toys - the block table, Classic Blocks and Lil' Vehicles - out for the children to explore when they arrived. I had them play freely for a few minutes and then we played a few organized games. I will just highlight some of what occurred during the party.
One game we played was Find That Color (was included on the Game Idea Sheet from Mommy Parties. The game consists of dumping all the colored blocks on the ground, calling out one or two colors and then having the children run to find those colors and build a creation using those colors. I modified the game slightly, and added that they needed to work together as a group to build a larger creation. The children loved it!
We had some yummy snacks, all kid-friendly of course! I made Mega Munch (from the included Snack Ideas), which is a trail mix type snack. Here is the recipe:
5 cups Corn Bran or Chex cereal
1.5 cups pretzels
1 cup chopped nuts (optional) I chose not to use
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins or dried fruit
1 cup chocolate chips
Directions: (preheat oven to 325 F)
1. combine cereal, pretzels, and nuts (if using) in a 13x9x2 inch baking pan
2. In a bowl, stir melted butter and salt together. Pour over cereal mixture, tossing gently until well coated
3. Bake at 325 F for 25 minutes, stirring once or twice. Spread in a large shallow pan or on foil to cool before mixing in remaining ingredients
4. Serve to your Mega kids!
Overall, the children and I had a blast! Our party included 6 children and 3 adults, and everyone had a great time. Each child went home with a Lil' Vehicle of choice, of which they were estatic about. I love the quality of Mega Bloks, and more importantly, I love the way that they develop imagination in children. Whatever the children want the blocks to become is what they are. Be it cars, or a phone, or even a dog. It is so wonderful to see a product that can help children develop in such strong ways. Mega Bloks will definitely be a staple in my home for years to come!
Mega Bloks are wonderful for children ages 1-4 years and are perfect Christmas gift ideas!
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***I received the complimentary products listed above, courtesy of Mommy Parties, Mom Select and Mega Bloks. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not compensated in any other manner***
Throughout the last couple weeks I have been contemplating how I can get back to the basics of making Christmas about what it is really about - celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior.
Several of the blogs I follow are posting some fantastic ways to do this. One blog that I just discovered today is Welcome To Our Wonderland, and she is hosting the Rediscovering Christmas Bible Challenge. The challenge is to read a chapter a day from the book of Luke, leading up to Christmas. The idea came from the Ace Collins book, 25 Day, 26 Ways To Make This Your Best Christmas Ever (I did a review of the book last year, here).
If you want to join in the challenge, write up a post, grab the button and link up on Welcome To Our Wonderland.
I found this great challenge for the month of December, hosted by Courtney at Women Living Well, and I am so encouraged by it.
It is called the Peace On Earth Challenge and is a way to step back from the chaos that December usually brings and take time to meditate on His word and the precious gift given to us all those many years ago. I have been trying to think of ways to really focus on Christ this Christmas season, and this is definitely one way that I will be incorporating into my life.
I highly recommend you check it out and I encourage you as you head into the next few weeks before we celebrate the birth of Christ.
Instead of the joy-filled celebrations that we build up in our minds, the holidays (pick one, any one) can often become stress-filled, money-draining, joy-less days of the year that we just “want to get through.” And it is by our own volition that we have refused too many times to allow our holiday celebrations to be the spiritual experience they are meant to be.
This book has been conceived and designed over 30 years as Dr. Bill Thrasher has spoken to thousands of people, helping them realize the spiritual battle that surrounds their celebration of the holidays. Littered with practical thoughts, ideas, experiences, and stories, Putting God Back in the Holidays will help you and your family celebrate holidays and birthdays with biblical truth in mind.Instead of the joy-filled celebrations that we build up in our minds, the holidays (pick one, any one) can often become stress-filled, money-draining, joy-less days of the year that we just “want to get through.” And it is by our own volition that we have refused too many times to allow our holiday celebrations to be the spiritual experience they are meant to be.
This book has been conceived and designed over 30 years as Dr. Bill Thrasher has spoken to thousands of people, helping them realize the spiritual battle that surrounds their celebration of the holidays. Littered with practical thoughts, ideas, experiences, and stories, Putting God Back in the Holidays will help you and your family celebrate holidays and birthdays with biblical truth in mind.
About The Authors:
Bill Thrasher (BS, Auburn University; ThM, ThD, Dallas Theological Seminary) is a graduate professor of Bible and theology at Moody Bible Institute and is a frequent speaker for churches and retreats across the country. He is the author of several books including A Journey to Victorious Praying. Bill and his wife, Penny, live in the Chicago area and have three songs.
Penny Thrasher was raised in a home given to hospitality and feels privileged to carry on that tradition, especially in hosting large holiday celebrations. Penny has taught home school for many years and enjoys serving in their church, being part of a prayer group that supports missionaries, and mentoring young women.
For more information, visit www.VictoriousPraying.com
My Review:
Putting God Back in the Holidays is exactly the book I have been looking for to use with my family for a while. Although my children are only four and two years old, there are many traditions I would love to introduce to them already. This book is loaded with fantastic ideas, and is organized so well. Holidays covered include the following:
**Christmas
**Easter/Good Friday
**Halloween
**New Years
**Birthdays (including Spiritual birthdays)
**Thanksgiving
**Valentines Day
**Martin Luther King Jr Day
**President's Day
**St. Patricks Day
***Arbor Day
**Mother's and Father's Day
**Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, and The Fourth of July
**Labor Day
The one thing that I love about this book is that all the activities are designed to have your family doing things TOGETHER. In a world where individual activities dominate family schedules, it is very nice to have some tangible ideas to do things together, regardless of the age of the family members. Love this! Since all families do things differently, there are a variety of ideas, and you obviously will pick and choose those activities that work for you. I know for my family, we personally have chosen not to participate in Halloween, and that is okay.That is what works for us.
We also do not emphasize Santa at Christmas, although my children do know who he is, we focus almost exclusively on the birth of Jesus. This year we are using scripture based Advent calendars, and reading a number of children's picture books that tell the story of the birth of Jesus.
But what I love most of all about Putting God Back in the Holdays is exactly that: the reminder that God has to be the center of all we do as we prepare for, and engage in holiday activities! I have been reminded that going into this busy season of Christmas to really take time to relax and reflect, and have Him at the center of all I do during the next four weeks.
A great reminder, and I highly recommend this book.
BUY IT: You can purchase Putting God Back in the Holidays online through Moody Publishers. It is also available through your local Christian bookseller.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book, courtesy of Moody Publishers. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***
Last year I had the pleasure to review Family Christmas from Putumayo World Music. This year I am so excited to introduce you to the most recent Christmas addition to the Putumayo family - World Christmas Party!
About Putumayo World Music:
Putumayo World Music was established in 1993 to introduce people to the music of the world’s cultures. The label grew out of the Putumayo clothing company, founded by Dan Storper in 1975 and sold in 1997. In the past fifteen years, the record label has become known primarily for its upbeat and melodic compilations of great international music characterized by the company’s motto: “guaranteed to make you feel good!” Putumayo’s CD covers feature the distinctive art of Nicola Heindl, whose colorful, folkloric style represents one of the company’s goals: to connect the traditional and the contemporary. By combining appealing music and visuals with creative retail marketing, Putumayo has developed a unique brand identity, a rarity in today’s artist-based music
industry.
Putumayo is considered a pioneer and leader in developing the non-traditional market. A large portion of its target audience consists of “Cultural Creatives,” a sociological term for 50 million North Americans and millions more around the world with an interest in culture, travel and the arts. To reach these consumers, Putumayo has built a proprietary network of more than 3,000 book, gift, clothing, coffee and other specialty retailers in the US and thousands more internationally that play and sell its CDs, in addition to maintaining a strong presence in record stores.
The Putumayo Kids division was created to introduce children to other cultures through fun, upbeat world music. Since the release of the best-selling World Playground CD in 1999, Putumayo Kids has established itself as one of the leading children’s record labels in the world, winning critical acclaim and honors fromParents’ Choice Awards, the National Parenting Publications Association and others. With its growing collection of albums and multicultural activity kits, Putumayo Kids provides children with upbeat, melodic and culturally authentic music, enhanced by educational liner notes. The company’s commitment to helping communities in the countries where the music originates has led to the label contributing more than $1 million dollars to worthwhile non-profit organizations around the world. Charitable recipients include Coffee Kids, Oxfam, Mercy Corps, Amnesty International and many more. As international markets and consumer awareness of world music grow, Putumayo continues to develop creative ways to present exciting music from around the world that is underexposed in the mainstream media. Please continue to visit our website for more information, news and updates on Putumayo World Music, its releases and events.
About World Christmas Party:
Putumayo presents World Christmas Party, a festive collection of Christmas favorites recorded by artists from around the globe. Whether listeners are seeking a fresh spin on perennial Christmas classics or want to know what rhythms get yuletide celebrations started from Jamaica to Cape Verde, World Christmas Party is sure to put people into the holiday mood. The CD unites reggae, Latin, African and other global rhythms into an upbeat album perfect for Christmas festivities.
Putumayo’s Christmas collections have sold more than one million copies and have been hailed by the New York Times and many other publications for their refreshing, uplifting holiday selections. Says Dan Storper, Putumayo Founder and CEO, “I’ve really enjoyed searching for Christmas music in my travels around the world and exploring the ways in which the holiday is celebrated in different cultures.”
Track Listing:
1. Jacob Miller - Wish You a Merry Christmas 2. Poncho Sanchez - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas 3. Charles Brown - Christmas Comes But Once A Year 4. Keahiwai - Rockin Around The Christmas Tree 5. Jose Conde - Winter Wonderland 6. Maria De Barros - Alegria 7. Heritage Hall Jazz Band - Barra De Navidad Blues 8. Brave Combo - The Christmas Song 9. H.K. Crew feat. K11NA - Kei Te Haere Mai A Hana Koko (Santa Claus Is Coming To Town) 10. Alson Brown Quartet with Joe Craven - Carol and the Kings 11. Costa Neto - Boas FEstas Mocambique 12. Ed Calle with Arturo Sandoval - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town)
Putumayo World Music has been a favorite of mine for a very long time. I am grateful to own several different CD's from the World Party and Playground collections and love them all. When the opportunity came up to review the most recent release, World Christmas Party, I could not pass it up.
World Christmas Party is an eclectic compilation of several genres of music from around the world. I love being able to expose my children to different cultures using a variety of mediums, but especially music. Music is a universal language, and I especially love the way familiar songs sound in different languages.
This CD is fantastic overall, with my favorite tracks being, Jacob Miller's "Wish You a Merry Christmas" (Reggae), Keahiwai's "Rockin Around The Christmas Tree" (Hawaii), and Maria De Barros' "Alergria" (Cape Verdean Creole).
If you love multi-cultural music, and want to add a distinctly different sound to your Christmas collection, I highly recommend Putumayo World Music's World Christmas Party.
BUY IT: You can purchase World Christmas Party online here. Receive $10 off with every purchase $50 and over until December 15, using the code: GIFT at checkout.
***I received a complimentary copy of World Christmas Party, courtesy of Putumayo World Music, for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***
For the last several years, I have been trying to live a healthier lifestyle, but was not completely serious about it. That is, until January 2010 when I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.
It was not a complete surprise that I was diagnosed as I have family on both sides with it, and I had Gestational Diabetes with both of my pregnancies (putting me at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later), but I was still taken aback when the diagnosis came.
Although I eat a fairly healthy, balanced diet I realized that I needed to make a few changes, and did so. As a result of making these changes and adding regular exercise to my lifestyle, I was able to lose 25lb in four months and reverse my diabetes.
Recently, I was able to take part in the Quaker Journey To Wellness campaign through Mom Central. Quaker understands the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, and that includes healthy eating. As part of their work to get families healthy, they invited Lynn from www.walkingwithscissors.com to document her family's journey as they challenge themselves to make lifestyle improvements. You can check out the journey at quakerjourney.ca
As part of my involvement with the Quaker Journey To Wellness Blog Tour, I wanted to let you know of a few ways I would like to see my family improve in the health and wellness area of our lives. Especially with the new year coming.
1. Eating - I want to continue to cook and bake foods that are made according to the Canada Food Guide. This will ensure that my family and I are eating healthy, well balanced meals regularly. I also make sure that everything we will eat is diabetic friendly. I want my children to learn proper eating habits and there is no time like the present to do that. It is my goal to cook at least one new-to-me recipe once a week during 2011. Stay tuned to the blog to hear about this journey come January.
2. Exercise - I continue to work out 3-5 times a week and I will continue to do that. However, I would like to vamp up my workout routine to include more strength training in the new year. As far as my children, at ages four and two, I would like to get them involved with swimming lessons, and possible gymnastics or dance, in the new year. It is my goal to walk/run at least one 10K event next year, and hopefully a 1/2 marathon in 2012, and I would love to do this with my husband by my side.
For more information on how you and your family can get healthy today, head over to www.quakerjourney.ca today. You can enter to win great prizes by voting, commenting, or simply sharing a tip for Lynn. There are weekly and monthly prizes to be won.
***I am participating in the Quaker Journey To Wellness program by Mom Central on behalf of Pepsi Co. I received a gift card as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.***
As a mom and Early Childhood Educator, I am a huge fan of music education for young children. I love introducing children to all types of music. My girls have been exposed to many genres, from country to classical to contemporary Christian and more. I am also very aware of what I listen to so make sure my children are not exposed to anything they should not be.
Recently, I was introduced to a company that introduces music to children in a fun and exciting way. I cannot wait to tell you all about Music Together.
About Music Together:
Music Together is an internationally recognized early childhood music and movement curriculum for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and the adults who love them.
Originally offered to the public in 1987, it pioneered the concept of a research-based, developmentally-appropriate early childhood music curriculum that strongly emphasizes and facilitates adult involvement. Music Together classes are now offered in more than 2,000 communities in over 30 countries around the world. For more information about Music Together family-child classes, preschool classes, and teacher trainings visit www.musictogether.com
About Music Together Family Favorites:
Family Favorites features nineteen (19) of the best-loved songs from the nine (9) Music Together song collections. This CD has won eleven awards including a Parents’ Choice Silver Honor award and includes a 32-page booklet with fun music-making activity suggestions for every song for use at home, in the car, or in the preschool classroom.
Awards won include:
A Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Award
Earlychildhood News Directors’ Choice
Earlychildhood News Judges’ Selection
National Parenting Center Seal of Approval
NAPPA Gold Award
iParenting Media Award
Learning®Magazine 2008 Teacher’s Choice
for the Family
Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice
Children's Music Web Award
Mom's Choice Gold Award
Parent-Tested Parent-Approved Award
Track Listing:
1. Hello Song 2. Biddy Biddy 3. Splishing and Splashing 4. Ridin' In The Car 5. Stick Tune 6. She Sells Sea Shells 7. Playin In The Kitchen 8. Palo, Palo 9. John The Rabbit 10. Spin and Stop 11. Mississippi Cats 12. One Little Owl 13. Goin' For Coffee 14. Obwisana 15. I've Been Working On The Railroad 16. Dancing With Teddy 17. Allee Galloo 18. May All Children 19. Goodbye, So Long, Farewell
Music Together Family Favorites 2 is a compilation of nineteen (19) best-loved songs from all nine (9) Music Together song collections. This beautifully arranged anthology of original, folk, and traditional songs from all around the world features musically rich arrangements and vocals that appeal to children and adults alike. This CD has won nine awards including a Parents’ Choice Silver Honor award and includes a 32-page booklet with fun music-making activity suggestions for every song for use at home, in the car, or in the preschool classroom
Awards Won:
A Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Award
Creative Child Magazine 2010 CD of the Year Award—Family Music Category
NAPPA Gold Award
Tilliwig “Top Fun Gold” Award
Parent-Tested Parent-Approved Award
National Parenting Center Seal of Approval
Dove "Family-approved" seal—
received 5 out of 5 Doves
Music Together Lullabies is a soothing anthology of all eighteen (18) lullabies from the ten (10) Music Together song collections. This CD has won nine awards including Dr. Toy’s 10 Best Audio-Video Products for 2009 and includes a 32-page booklet with calming activity ideas for parent-child bonding.
Awards Won:
Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence
for 2009
NAPPA Gold Award
Dr. Toy's 2009 Best 10 Audio-video Products
Dr. Toy's 2009 Best 100 Products
Dove "Family-approved" seal—
received 5 out of 5 Doves
iParenting Media Award
The National Parenting Center
Seal of Approval 2010
I had the wonderful opportunity to review all three of the above CD's not only with my own two children, but also my home daycare children.
We had a blast. I pulled out my box of instruments and we danced and moved to the music of Family Favorites and Family Favorites 2. The kids LOVED it. When it came to time put away the music for lunch, the children wanted to keep going! I LOVED that. My girls have always loved music, and I am always looking for great new music to introduce them to. I also love that Music Together teaches children music from around the world. An awesome way to bring in multi-cultural education through music. A huge benefit to me from an early childhood education background. I also love that I am finding myself singing along to many of the songs, which I don't often do with children's music.
My favorite tracks are All The Pretty Horses from Lullabies, Stick Dance (used rhythm sticks with the kids while dancing to this) from Family Favorites 2 and Dancing With Teddy (had a teddy bear dance party) from Family Favorites.
I also found out that Music Together offers classes only about a hour from my town, in Pincher Creek, Alberta. I think it is great that there are classes so close to me, and may consider enrolling my children in the future.
If you are looking to introduce your children to some awesome new music, or looking for an alternative music class to others like Kindermusik or Gymboree classes, you need to check out Music Together. I highly recommend them.
BUY IT: Family Favorites, Family Favorites 2 and Lullabies are all available through the Music Together website.
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a 3 CD set featuring from Music Together
MANDATORY ENTRY: Head over to Music Together, listen to the tracks and tell me your favorite one.
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***I received a complimentary set of the three CD's reviewed above, courtesy of Music Together. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***
