GET A FREE TRIAL of VOOKS: Storybooks Brought to Life

Videos + Books = VOOKS

VOOKS is a streaming library of ad-free, kid-safe, animated storybooks brought to life to help encourage the love of reading in children ages 2-8 (or those in that developmental age range). 

I always loved reading Curious George books when I was young, and also read them to my own kids. In fact, you might still find a few sitting on one of our bookshelves, and you might still find me taking a peek at one every now and then. (Heh heh). So, naturally, I chose a Curious George book for my first Vooks book to read/watch. 

When the narrator reads the story, each word is highlighted as it is being read, so the reader can follow along. At the same time, the images are brought to life with animated movements and with sounds. It's a whole new way to read and learn, and it's fun! 

I also enjoyed reading/watching "Gossie and Gertie," and "Who Said Moo!" and I'm sure I'll look at several more along with my adult, special needs daughter. She loves going to the library a couple times per month and choosing books like these to read, so I think she will enjoy this website. I will introduce it to her soon. 

When you sign up for a subscription, you will also find downloadable lesson plans for these books.The plans include activity ideas related to each book, vocabulary words, discussion questions, fact sheets to help aid in teaching/discussion, and several worksheet options. What a great resource to have available for teachers and involved parents! 

An example of one of the activities for "Curious George Says Thankyou."

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Then, if you decide to continue with your subscription, the cost is $4.99 per month, or $49.99 per year. 

FYI:  I did not see any faith-based books. However, there are many fun, family-oriented and educational books to choose from. Check it out FREE today! You have nothing to lose! 

Disclosure: Many thanks to Vooks for providing this product/product information for review. 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.

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18 Birthdays for Our Youngest Child

Eighteen years ago, David and I held our newborn son, our youngest child, in our arms for the first time. We thanked God then for this precious blessing, and continue to thank God today for giving Jonathan to us, and for making our lives a lot more fun...  

Take a walk with us down memory lane as we share a birthday photo from the past 18 years...

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This is the day the LORD has made. With all that is going on in our country, and in our world today, we choose to focus on the good things about this day. On this day, we celebrate the birth of our son, Jonathan. Thank you, Lord, for this day, and for the special gift you gave us. We love you, Jonathan! Happy Birthday!!

TRUST #24: Allowing Our Son to Go and Do

As I look at the photo above (taken in 2008), I see my 5-year-old son, JJ, and smile. He was so little then, and was so dependent on me and David. We knew he could have easily fallen and gotten hurt while playing on this playground equipment; but we also knew we needed to allow him this time of play. Why? Because, as he was having fun playing, he was also developing a range of much-needed skills. He was developing motor skills, coordination, creativity, confidence-building, and independence - all necessary skills that have helped him learn, grow, and engage in the world around him. 

JJ is 15 years old now, and he is experiencing a new form of independence and confidence-building skills while spending a large part of his summer 6 hours from home. He is with my brother and his family at Youth Haven Bible Camp in the hills of Kentucky. The first week of June, he attended Jr. Staff Orientation, then spent a week of being a camper during teen week, and now he is working and serving as a Jr. Staff member until the middle of July.

If you are a parent, you can understand how difficult it is to allow a child to go so far away from home, and for so long of a time; but, I realize that allowing JJ to go and do new things is all part of the growing up process - for both him and for me (heh heh). So, I have been praying for JJ daily, and have been choosing to TRUST in God by placing JJ's well-being into God's hands. In fact, David and I have both been praying, not only for JJ's health and safety, but also for his spiritual growth, and for him to have learning experiences that will help shape him into the young man God wants him to become.

I remember back when I was barely 16, and I spent most of the Summer working as a "summer missionary" at Camp Good News in Minnesota. I have memories from that time of situations that have helped shape my life and make me the person I am today. I can only ask the same for JJ. So, although I miss him, I am thankful he has this opportunity to spend some time with his cousins, and to serve and work at the camp.

Playing in the park can help a young child's development. In the same way, being away from home for awhile can help a teenager's development. I am TRUSTING that this experience will be an exciting time of learning and growing for JJ, and I look forward to hearing about all he has done and learned during his time away.

Photo of the Week #24: Our Graduates

Last Sunday, we had a graduation ceremony and celebration for our two graduates. EL has finished High School and received a Certificate of Completion. JJ received his 8th Grade diploma. It was a nice day celebrated with family and friends. A huge milestone. 

For more pictures and details, click over to the newest post on our homeschool Blog:  SONset ACADEMY: Our 2017 Graduates

Psalm 113:3 - From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised!

Photo of the Week #14: Brother Helping Sister

Last week, I mentioned how EL has been saving up her money for a "My First Flyer". Well, she was finally able to buy it this past week. The picture is a little blurry, but here you can see JJ helping his sister learn how to control the flyer. She loves it, and is doing well getting it to take off, and also with steering it. She still has trouble landing it without crashing but, with help from her brother, I'm sure that will improve over time.

Romans 12:10 - Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (ESV)

Photo of the Week #11: Hot Potato Morale Booster

Today's photo is of EL and JJ playing a game of hot potato in our schoolroom earlier this week. It's amazing what this quick little game can do for our morale - just look at those smiles! (Prior to this game, none of us were in the mood for smiling).

Since EL recently bought this Electronic Hot Potato game, playing it has become one of our newest ways to: 

• take a school break
• relieve stress and/or tension
• practice hand/eye coordination
• and have fun as a family.

It is a a fun family game for ages 4 and up, and is just like playing any other hot potato game, only this one talks and plays music (Pop Goes the Weasel). As the music is playing, we take turns tossing the potato to each other. The last person to touch the potato before the music stops is given one "potato chip," and the first person to get three potato chips is out until the next game.

Whether you have kids or not, if you are looking for a fun way to boost morale in your home, school, or office, I encourage you to get this little game (or even just a rolled up sock), and start tossing!

Proverbs 15:13 - A glad heart makes a cheerful face...

The Rewards of Parenting

The word of the week is REWARD.

: something given or received in return or recompense for service, merit, hardship, etc.

As a parent of two children, sometimes I ask myself why I continue to do the things I do for them. I think this most often when:

• I’m showing my kids vacation pictures from 3 or 4 years ago, and they don’t remember most of it.
• They can’t seem to do a math problem they were doing quite well just a few weeks ago, so we have to start all over again.
• They can’t seem to remember to feed the cat, unload the dishwasher, or take the garbage out without being reminded.

When these things continually happen, I get frustrated and wonder, “Am I the only one with kids who have such short-term memories?” I know I’m not, but sometimes I can't help but wonder why I should even bother teaching them things, or giving them opportunities to see things they wouldn’t normally see if they are just going to forget about it all! What's the point in trying!?

The truth is, your kids might not remember everything you did with them, or everything you’ve tried to teach them; but they will remember that you cared about them. They will look back on old pictures and listen to you telling the stories of when those events and special trips took place. They will love you for loving them, and for showing your love by spending time with them. And, with consistency and time, they will (by God's grace) eventually grow up to be mature, responsible adults who will finally remember to take the garbage out. It just takes time.

My sister (who has two adult children) recently reminded me, “Being a parent is the hardest yet most rewarding job ever.”  So, keep plodding along, Moms and Dads. Enjoy your children while you have them in your care. Enjoy the hugs, kisses, smiles and laughter. If you allow God to help you through the challenging times, you will be rewarded for your time.

GUEST POST: Faith-Based Activities to Suggest to Your Babysitter this Summer

If you’re a parent chances are at some point you’ll be leaving your child under someone else’s care this summer. Of course, anytime that’s the case there is a lot of trepidation. As a parent, you know it only takes a split second for someone to get hurt or upset and then chaos can quickly ensue. Any babysitter you hire will need to be able to handle those uncertainties while also keeping everyone as safe as possible.

            To help ensure your babysitter keeps everyone out of harm’s way this summer, you can gently guide them in the right direction by first supplying them with this swimming safety guide for babysitters. Then, give them some activity ideas to keep your kids occupied and happy. Here are a few safe options that your kids will enjoy.

Clean up a natural area. In its list of fun ideas for parents and babysitters, Care.com suggests visiting a local natural body of water to clean up its shores. Of course, you should provide gloves and any other needed protection. Then, once the cleanup is done your babysitter can have a picnic with the kids. It’s a great opportunity to teach the them about respecting God’s earth and also about how to be safe around natural bodies of water.

Play “The Waiting Game.” ChristianityCove.com offers a great game for babysitters to play with their charges. “The Waiting Game” teaches patience and faith. All you need is a ball. Have the children stand in a circle. Toss the ball in the air and call a child’s name. They’ll have to try to catch it before it hits the ground. Then the game turns into tag with the child with the ball trying to tag another child.

Jump in the pool for faith-based “Categories.” If your babysitter is taking the kids for a swim, give the pool game “Categories” a Christian twist. Your babysitter can provide the category—e.g., books of the Bible, names of disciples, etc. Choose a child to be the guesser each round. While the kids will find this to be a lot of fun, make sure it’s played safely. Children should never jump into the pool on or near other children.

Enjoy the outdoors with “Carnival Fun.” Invite the kids to use their imaginations as your babysitter turns the yard into a carnival. LifeScript.com recommends creating a “carnival” where folding chairs, picnic tables, and benches serve as booths. Have the kids play faith-based games at each booth and then serve hotdogs for lunch.

            As a mom, I like being able to give my babysitter options for what to do with my kids. It makes me feel better knowing she’s sticking to activities that are safe and that I’ve approved. As a Christian, I love that my kids have Bible and faith teachings available to them each day.

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Lindsay M writes for PublicHealthCorps and, in her spare time, enjoys satisfying her other passions - like cooking, biking and photography. She is happily married to her high school sweetheart and is the mother of twin girls.

Encouragement Challenge #24: Spend Time with Your Children

Children's Day in the United States is not an official holiday. However, since 2007, the governor of Illinois has proclaimed “Children’s Day” to be the second Sunday in June. Other cities in Illinois, Colorado, and Washington have also issued these proclamations. It is a day set aside, like Mother's Day and Father's Day, to give faith, hope, love, and commitment to our children.

ENCOURAGEMENT CHALLENGE #24

Set aside some time this week to spend time with your children. Do something you and your child  both enjoy doing together, remind them that you love them and show them that love. Most important, remind them that God loves them.

Some ideas to do with your child:

• Go bowling, swimming, boating, camping, fishing, hunting, play miniature golf, or do whatever sport your child likes to do.
• Go to the park and have a picnic
• Have a movie night at home with popcorn and pizza
• Play a game together - indoors or outdoors

Preparing A Child for an MRI

In a PREVIOUS POST, I mentioned my daughter had a sleep-deprived EEG done, due to some new onset seizures. The EEG showed epileptiform discharges, which basically means she has some form of epilepsy. She was put on medication (Keppra) to keep the seizures under control, and was also scheduled for an MRI.

My blogging friend, Sylvia, also has a teen daughter with epilepsy and autism. She has been dealing with yearly MRI's for the majority of her daughter's life, so I asked her what to expect and if she had any advice for us. You can check out her response on her blog: 

LIVING AND LEARNING WITH OUR NEW NORMAL

While my daughter's situation is a bit different than Sylvia's daughter, I did glean some helpful advice from someone who has gone before us. (Thankyou, Sylvia!)

This past Tuesday was the day of the MRI. She did really well with it all, and we are now waiting for the results.  Here are some of the things we did to give us a more pleasant experience, some of which were already mentioned on Sylvia's blog: 

• My husband and I went together and shared in the care of our daughter, as well as kept each other company.
• We made sure we arrived in plenty of time, so we didn't feel rushed and more stressed out.
• We asked my parents to watch our son, so we could keep our focus specifically on the needs of our daughter during this time.
• We prepared our daughter ahead of time with explanations of what she could expect.   
• We prayed and had our family and friends praying.
• I bought lots of Jell-O and clear fruit juices ahead of time to keep her tummy somewhat satisfied, since she wasn't allowed to eat anything for 8 hours prior to the test. (This was because she needed to be sedated in order to keep her completely still during the test.)
• We distracted her prior to the test with a favorite movie.
• We allowed her to bring a favorite toy for comfort. (The toy of choice this day was a stuffed Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.)
• Before they inserted an IV into her hand, we allowed them to give her nasal Versed, a medication that was sprayed into her nose in order to relieve anxiety. She did not like the spray up her nose, and had a few tears, but it was very brief. They also used a numbing spray on her hand, Pain Ease, before inserting the needle.
• We were there with her before they took her to the MRI room, and were there with her when she woke up.
• We stayed calm and reassuring, which always helps to keep her calm as well.
• As soon as we were done with the testing, we left the hospital and headed back to a more comfortable environment.

Maybe this will be a help to someone else who is preparing for their young child's or special needs child's first time MRI. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

"You Can’t Make Me" Revised Edition, by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias (Book Review)

Cynthia Ulrich Tobias has revised her book “You Can’t Make Me (But I Can Be Persuaded).” I never read the original version, so I can’t really compare; but I can at least tell you what I know about this newer version.

The book defines what a strong-willed child (SWC) is, and includes a checklist to help you determine just how much strong will is prevalent in your child (or yourself). We ALL have strong will. However, some of us rarely use it, and others find it impossible not to use. This book is specifically geared towards the latter - towards those kids who refuse to budge, even when given an ultimatum. It discusses how your SWC thinks, and gives practical suggestions on how to motivate him, while still keeping peace in the home.

My husband and I have a 9-year-old son who is somewhat in the middle of the strong-will spectrum. We know he has a healthy dose of it, but we have learned he will generally get on board with our expectations if we approach him the right way. This book helped solidify that the most important thing is to respect our son as a person who has his own thoughts and ideas, while still remaining consistent with our own expectations and not backing down on consequences when the line is crossed. We are still in the learning process and don’t pretend to have it all figured out, but we have realized there are battles worth fighting (and winning), and others that are not. Finding a good balance is the key.

With that in mind, the overall theme of the book seems to be encouraging good relationships with our SWC (and with ALL of our children, for that matter.) Without a good relationship, our authority over our children won’t mean a single thing. The author (who is also a SWC) says:

"It’s not authority strong-willed children have trouble with – it’s how the authority is communicated. If you put your finger in my face and tell me I have no choice, you’ve already lost the battle... However, if I know you value and respect me, we can build a relationship that can result in my voluntarily submitting to your authority.” (Page 120)

So.... if you are dealing with a SWC, or just need more suggestions on how to effectively motivate your children to be the best they can be without yelling and pointing fingers at them all the time, I would recommend picking up this book. It doesn't have ALL the answers; but, it can help by providing some helpful suggestions to frustrated parents, grandparents, and teachers. 

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for review purposes only.

Focusing on the Positive in Our Children

+This month marks 11 years since my daughter's diagnosis of autism. She is now 13. I love my daughter dearly and believe, on most days, I have come to terms with her diagnosis. I have accepted who she is and have accepted that life for her (and us) will never be the "ideal." But, I have to be honest with you... that doesn't mean there aren't still days when I wish things could have been different.

One thing I have come to realize, however, is that many other parents have similar feelings regarding their own “typical” children from time to time. As parents, we ALL have hopes and dreams for our children. And, when those dreams don't become a reality, it is sometimes hard to accept.

For me, it is extremely difficult when I see other girls my daughter’s age doing the things a typical 13 year old would do. I wish she could relate to other girls in a way that would bring her invitations to participate in their social gatherings. For other parents, they may wish their child could be great in sports, just like “dad” was; or, be an excellent student; or, be the social butterfly that mom is. Maybe some are frustrated that their child is involved with something that is not the "norm" for their family. Or, maybe they are dealing with a disability that limits their involvement in the things their family loves to do. There are many scenarios of how us parents wish our children could be different. And, there are many times we feel guilty for thinking this way.

One thing to remember, when those feelings of sadness or disappointment show up, is the importance of not dwelling on them. Dwelling on the negative only brings discontent and depression. What I have been trying to do is acknowledge my feelings are real and that I don't have to pretend they aren't there. Then, pray and express my feelings to God, because He is always there to listen. But, don't dwell on them. After acknowledging your feelings and expressing them to God, give them up and begin thinking about the positive things - the blessings God has given you. You may be surprised at how many things you can think of! Above all else, TRUST in the Lord, and KNOW that He will never leave you or forsake you. 

If it wasn’t for the Lord holding my hand through every step of every day, I would not be as confident as I am in knowing that "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

In spite of any difficulties my husband and I face, I love my children dearly. They mean so much to me and are truly blessings from the Lord.

LOVE your children today, truly love them... for who they are, not for who you wish they could be. 

Inexpensive Ways to Spend Time With Your Family

You can spend time with your family, and you can do it very inexpensively. The following list has something for everyone - families with children, families without children, families with grown children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc...

Play a board game or card game.

Play “I Spy” (The object is to have someone choose an item in the room, within eyeshot of everyone. Then, each person takes turns asking questions about it until they figure it out.)

Play Hangman or Tic Tac Toe.

Ask each person 20 questions about themselves to get to know them better.

Play 20 questions, where someone thinks of an object and writes it down, then everyone asks questions to see if they can figure out what it is.

Draw pictures together. One of my family’s favorite games is to have one person draw one thing, then the next person adds something to it, then continues on until you all agree that the picture is done. My dad did this with us when I was growing up, and now he is doing it with his grandchildren as well. We call it the “Drawing Game.”

Tell stories to each other, or with each other. Just like the “Drawing Game,” telling stories works the same way. Someone begins, then the next one continues, until everyone has had at least one chance.

Bake together and share some with your friends and neighbors.

Have a family movie night with pizza and popcorn.

Have an ice cream sundae bar where everyone can add their own toppings.

Listen to music and dance around the room.

Sing with each other.

Rub each other’s feet and shoulders while watching TV or listening to music.

Exercise together.

Have a scavenger hunt.

Have an indoor picnic.

Do a craft together.

Do a service project together.

Play with playdough.

Learn about a specific kind of pet, then go pick one out together.

Go on a nature hike, or just a walk around the neighborhood.

Sit on the porch swing and watch the birds.

Go to the park.

Go swimming together.

Rake leaves together, then jump in them.

Play in the snow or go sledding.

Go camping.

Ride bikes.

Fly a kite.
 
Play a game of tag or hide and seek.

The list goes on...

What are some of your favorite inexpensive things to do as a family? Please share...

Listening Sheets for Children

I first learned about "Listening Sheets" from THE BISHOP'S WIFE, and decided to try them out. These are pages you can print out and give to your children to use during a church service, which helps them to listen and pay attention better. For the past two Sundays, I have used these with both of our children (ages 8 and 13), and it helped them to keep their hands busy and their minds more attentive. There are  sheets for all ages, including non-readers up to those who read fluently.  Here is a list of the places I found (or was directed to):

• MAMA'S LEARNING CORNER (4 Listening Sheets for Non-Readers)
• RAISING ARROWS (5 Listening Pages for Fluent Readers)
• THE BISHOP'S WIFE (3 Listening Sheets)
• MINISTRY TO CHILDREN (1 Sermon Note-Taking Sheet)

Give them a try and see what you think!

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Creative Works

I had a simple, black tape recorder when I was growing up. I can remember making tape recordings with my friends - singing on them and telling stories - and I know my brother and my husband both did the same type of thing. It is so fun to listen to those old tapes and hear what we used to sound like.

Last summer, Dave and I found an old tape recorder at a garage sale, similar to the one I had as a child. So, we bought it for our kids. Our son is quite the little story teller now, and enjoys making stories on tapes, just as we both did. He has included his big sister in the productions and she enjoys taking part in them as well.

How can something so simple be so much fun for kids? Because most kids love to hear their voices, and most kids LOVE to create. This creative nature normally carries over into adulthood as well. Our labor, and even our pastimes, include architecture, various types of artists, authors, musicians, carpenters, designers, seamstresses... and the list goes on. This creativity is one sign that shows us we are made in God’s image, as God also loves to create.

Here are just a few verses which mention God’s creative works. As you read these verses, think about why you were created by God. What is your purpose for being here on earth?

Gen 1:31 - Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day. (NKJ)

Rev 4:11 - Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (KJV)

Eph 2:10 - For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)