JumpStart World: First Grade

Nathaniel loves playing the JumpStart games! He could spend hours playing the games. The best part of him playing this type of game, is that he is learning while having fun! Kids can sing along to the music videos that teach phonics in the Art and Music studio the Karaoke way. There are different lands and challenges that will open up according to when the kids progress to the next level. What makes this game so fun to play is the 3D effects, too! Kids can earn Super Gems at the Math and Reading Arcades. They can pick what character they want to use when they play the game. Kids can personalize the World with their own artwork and photos. They can create billboards, cards and special pictures. The World changes with the seasons and holidays using a real-time calendar. You can pick what holidays are celebrated. There are over 80 learning games with 40 skills to learn! Skills taught: Math: Addition, Subtraction, Telling Time, Fractions, Picture Graphs
Reading: Phonics, Consonants, Vowels, Sentences, Comprehension
Critical Thinking: Problem Solving, Patterns, Attributes, Classification
Social Skills: Friendship, Knowledge, Dedication
Parents can keep track of what their child is grasping through detailed Progress reports, and create custom rewards to present to their children. This game isn't just for First Graders, either. Nathaniel still loves playing the games and refreshes what he has learned while playing. You can get it at Knowledge Adventure, and they have free shipping! It is rated:

For everyone! :)

Microsoft Student with Encarta Premium 2008

Microsoft Student with Encarta Premium 2008 is such a great tool to have for any student! I enjoyed looking through so many topics and subjects. I haven't even got through it all. Nathaniel looked at some of the items, and he was really excited to just dive right in and learn. I am really excited to use this. I think the Microsoft student is perfect for High School students and College ages. I think that this is a great program to grow with Nathaniel, and you can get new updated information for it online. This is listed as the #1 best-selling encyclopedia software brand for the past 8 years, provides more up-to-date content and more engaging multimedia than ever before. With searching online or offline, it’s trusted for everyone in the family to easily find relevant and reliable information on just about any subject. Plus, it easy to use! You can browse over 60,000 articles, over 25,000 photos and illustrations, over 800 videos and interactive activities, and over 3,000 sound and music clips. The encyclopedia also has an interactive atlas with over 1.8 million map locations. This software is an all-in-one homework tool for math, research projects, a foreign language, and more. Just to give you a run down of the software:

Microsoft Math: A collection of powerful tools provide the confidence to solve challenging problems in a variety of math- and science-related subjects.
Foreign language help: Students can use Microsoft Word for all their foreign language assignments.
Learning essentials: Templates, tutorials and toolbars walk your student through the process of creating papers, reports and presentations that will make them proud of the work they do.
Encarta 2008: With trusted content that's accurate and up-to-date, students can find the information they’re looking for—quickly and easily. You'll be amazed to see the time that students spend researching, compelled by the sights and sounds of one fascinating presentation after another. Students enjoy access to trusted information provided by world experts. And since they can automatically download updates from the Encarta Web site, they'll have up-to-date and accurate reference software whenever they need it. Encarta Premium 2008 comes complete with a wide range of reference tools, including a dynamic atlas, dictionary, thesaurus, and language translation dictionaries. The program comes with Microsoft Encarta Kids, too! The programs on there cover: animals, science, sports & recreation, the arts, reading and writing, people, places, history, social studies, and games (with fun stuff). I think Nathaniel will really enjoy his learning even more with this super software! I was amazed at how much came with this! Microsoft Student Encarta 2008 is a $49.95 retail value. This would be great for any student at any level. You can purchase Microsoft Student, which comes with a 75 minute tutor.com trial, for download instantly. You can order the DVD's if you prefer, too. Right now I found this on Amazon for $28.75! I am not sure how long that price will be that. I think it is definitely worth that price...even at $49.95!

Thirteen movies I love~

• Anne of Green Gables
• Anne of Avonlea
• A few Good Men
• Sound of Music
• Princess Bride
• My Best Friend's Wedding
• First Knight
• Bad Boys
• Enemy of the State
• Liar Liar
• Hitch
• 50 First Dates
• Pirates of the Caribbean

I like a lot of movies, and it was hard to narrow it down to 13...Happy Thursday's Thirteen!

Giveaways~

Our Blessed Arrows is having a Meal Time Package giveaway. This is a very generous giveaway! In the giveaway she is giving away a Kiddopotamus Bibbity (blue or yellow), TinyDiner (blue or pink), and a Baby FreshFace. Contest ends December 5th.

She is having a super contest for a Roxio digital media editing + publishing suites. You can turn your photos, video + music into impressive multi-media projects to share + save on cd, dvd, online or a range of mobile devices. Easy Media Creator® 10. She will be giving away 10 of these! Enter before midnight on Monday, December 19.

An American in Canada is having a Christmas giveaway in honor of the Christmas season and the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Here is what she is giving:1. a box of chocolatey chai tea, a box of dark chocolate mint candy canes, a pair of penguin socks, a little striped mitten Christmas ornament, a cute stuffed snowman , and a little gingerbread man picture that she hand-stitched! Contest ends after her vacation (lucky gal)~ December 1.

Thankful relief

Well, I was able to get out of another $50.00 co-pay to the clinic today. I brought the kids in last week for their colds, to hear..."It's a virus, it has to run it's coarse, nothing we can do...." Yadda Yadda Yadda....But, use the nebulizer as needed.

Now Caleb and Maddie have the green noses, and Caleb's cough is worse. Madelyn and Caleb are having big issues with sleeping at night. So, momma knows best, right? I diagnose them with ear infections. Symptoms? Crying, fussy, whinny, complaining of ear ache, can't sleep well at night, loss of appetite....I kindly asked the Dr. if she could just send a prescription to our pharmacy. I really didn't want to bring them in just for her to tell me that they have ear infections. I know they have ear infections, and I really didn't want to pay $50 to hear it. Last week there was fluid in Caleb's ear, but it just wasn't infected (yet). I should have just asked her for the prescription then, and just picked it up when I needed it.

Another question I have: If you have more than one child at home ,and one of your children get strep throat, why can't the Dr. give a prescription for all kids? That way, when the momma sees the signs and symptoms, then she can fill the prescription! It's not like we would just dose up our kids if they didn't need it. I am all about finding natural remedies to treat a cold, but sometimes you just need that prescription. So, I would rather have the meds available without another co-pay for a clinic visit. I guess it is just another way for them to squeeze the coins out of our pockets.

Where is my P.H.D? I think Mom's should get awarded an honorary medical degree. Most always when I bring the kids in to the clinic, I know what they have going on. I can tell the Doctor that my child has an ear infection~ strep throat~ Really, I think the momma's make the Dr.'s job 90% easier.

I was lost, now I am found....

This is suppose to be a funny post...so, take that to heart.

The day after Thanksgiving (November 23) we had no computer. Our hard drive crashed! I was so lost without my life-line. Being a stay home mom gets lonely at times, and the bloggy world is the link to outside communication. Well, I was cut off...no more, done, Kaput'! Ok, where is that Telemarketer when you NEED them to call so you can harass them due to sheer loneliness.!

Ok, enough funniness...

I was very sad to lose everything...all the files, e-mail folders, pictures (this was the biggest loss), music!!! You get the idea! Fortunately, my friend's hubby came over last night and is helping us get back and running. I hope there is a way to recover everything! If not everything, just the real important things~

So, I am back...and I am sorry that I haven't posted in a week....now, I will post like crazy. :)

Oh, people who usually e-mail me...please e-mail me so I can put you back in my address book. That is the easiest way to get you in there. Thanks!*

You Are a Cappuccino

You're fun, outgoing, and you love to try anything new. However, you tend to have strong opinions on what you like. You are a total girly girly at heart - and prefer your coffee with good conversation. You're the type that seems complex to outsiders, but in reality, you are easy to please

What Kind of Coffee Girl Are You?

I found this at Miss Sniz's blog, and I loved the idea! I love coffee, and this description of me is pretty accurate! Thanks for sharing the idea Miss Sniz! :)

Contests

Drea at DE Reviews has TWO pacifiers to giveaway. A girly one that says : Princess and a blue one that says: Prince.
Laura Williams Musings is giving away a Booples 2: Yikity Blar DVD (2 winners). Contest ends Friday, November 23rd at 11:59 PM.

Skimbaco hosting a HUGE 12 day long sale event called 12 Days of Christmas Shopping at their store : Skimbaco.com starting this Friday, November 23rd. Daily deals, lowest prices of the season!

What the Doc said...

Caleb has fluid in his Left ear, but it doesn't look infected at this time. She did want to do a chest X-ray, but I am going to wait a bit. We are going to be using the nebulizer on Maddie and Caleb for a few days to see how they are doing. Hopefully the viruses will just go away. I hope that Caleb doesn't have pneumonia...we will find out. At least I know what to look for since he had it last January. That was "good times"...being 6 months pregnant with a toddler in the hospital for 3 days.

Trials....randomness...

Last night, Nathaniel had his conferences. His Dad came up for them, too. I think that it was good that his Dad came for them. His teacher had good things to say. Nathaniel is a great reader and he doesn't really mispronounce words when she quizzes him. He excels in Math, too...his favorite subject. He is great at seeing the big picture of a math problem and knows the answer quickly. She said that most kids in the class go through the basic steps to get an answer, and they don't always see the big picture. He struggles with his spelling, and not just the spelling words, but his everyday writing of the basic words. Part of that is with homeschooling...I didn't get too crazy with him memorizing the words, and part of that is that is his struggling subject. I told Nathaniel that spelling is something he will have to put daily effort in. Another thing she mentioned is that he has come a long way socially, and developmentally. He really struggled in the beginning of the year. He isn't very organized (OK, not really at all) and he "forgets" to turn things in. He needs to learn to grab on to responsibility. It will come...some of that is his age. Any ideas of a fun game...or way to teach responsibility to our children? We have tried the list route...but he "forgets" that, too. We met with the music teacher, and she said Nathaniel is a good kid from a class that is chatty. Nathaniel gets the honor of playing the drum for the "Holiday" concert next month. On a side note, why can't schools call it a Christmas concert anymore...it is so sad that our world keeps squeezing God out of things. I wasn't impressed with Nathaniel's gym teacher. He didn't even really know who Nathaniel was. That made a statement in itself. All in all, Nathaniel is doing great. We will work together to get him memorizing words and spellings...
Today my kids are sick. Caleb woke up about 11 last night asking to have his diaper changed. Then he told Dad that he had a headache. Terry felt him, and sure enough he was hot. I checked his temp and it was 101.7. We gave him some Tylenol, and then put him back to bed with cuddling. He was up on and off all night, though. Maddie has a cough and it is getting worse. So, this afternoon, I will be having a dual appointment for them. Caleb was sick a few weeks ago, and he got a fever of 103! He had a runny nose then, too, but we just watched him closely. I hate when I get to the clinic and they say, "Well, it's just a virus...got home and wait it out." I guess it is better to be sure...but $25.00 per child~ per co-pay...that adds up! Then, if they need medicine, too? I wish I could grow a money tree, because it sure would help sometimes.
I hope the kids are better so we can do our Thanksgiving meal here. It will just be my parents, my brother (maybe), my niece and her boyfriend, and our family (minus Nathaniel since he went to his Dad's this year). It will still be fun. My brother and his girlfriend will come later afternoon for pie and ice cream.

~oo~12 Days of giveaways~oo~

This Holiday Season, Mamanista is hosting 12 Days of Giveaways! There will be safe (non-toxic and lead-free) toys, fun gifts, and hip baby clothing and accessories. Plus, even if you don't win, there will be lots and lots of coupons, too, for savings. They're only giving away safe and healthy toys and gifts for their 12 Days of Giveaways. Check out the Toys to Trust Guide to Gifts for even more fabulous choices! Remember to share AND then comment on the specific posts for the contests you wish to enter.

Thirteen Things I am Thankful for:

• Jesus
• My Parents (and that that will celebrate 50 years of marriage in the Spring)!
• My Husband
• My Children
• My Family (Brothers and Sisters, Nieces and Nephews, Aunts and Uncles...and Grandparents who are waiting in Heaven~)
• 4 Seasons~
• 5 Senses
• Sun & Moon
• Music & Singing
• My Home
• Being an at home Mom
• Laughter
• Friends~ offline...and online :)

Happy Thanksgiving! May God be with you~ may He give you peace~

Apron Give- away~

Domestic Chicky is giving away the Dorothy Apron in Pink, and a set of the Dorothy Gloves in pink, and you can win one of two ways...simply go to Carolyn's Kitchen, and tell us which of the Aprons on this or this page is your favorite, enter your comment on this post, and you will be entered in the drawing.

Win a sling!

I would love to have this adorable sling to carry Maddie around this winter! The Domestic Diva is giving away a sling of your choice. This sling is made by ModMum. These slings are reversible, too! Just head over to The Domestic Diva and enter for a chance to win! Contest ends November 21, 2007. Winner will be announced Thanksgiving Day, November 22.

Mamanista is having the ultimate giveaway for babywearin' mamas! Head over, before November 26th, to enter to win a red silk flocking pouch sling ($64 value).

"The Crew" dressed up

Holiday Bustle....

It seems when this time of year comes, everyone is running here, running there... We have things to do, people to see, shopping to get done...baking, wrapping, cleaning...you get the idea. It can be a challenge finding someone to come watch the kids. Care.com is a great resource to use when you are looking for someone to entrust your children to when you need a sitter. Care.com does the work of background checks, and references. That is a huge help! I wish I would have had something like this available when I was finding childcare for Nathaniel when he was little. I had the worst experiences with childcare his first 4 daycare's...or maybe 5! I will save those stories for later posts. I like that Care.com can just give you a place to start with finding the person who will care for your children. There’s also so much anxiety built into finding a new sitter, especially if you happen to be in a new city and don’t have anyone to turn to for recommendations.

ESRB, what is that?

There are so many "commercials" out there throwing pornography, drugs, alcohol, sex, smoking....etc., into everything we see. If you look around it is everywhere! Billboards, magazines, books, commercials, ads, newspapers, TV, movies....and GAMES! I am sure I have missed quite a few other areas where they are sneaky and throw more pornography in the mix, and alcohol, drugs, smoking...you name it. Everything we want to keep our kids out of. I know that I can do what I can to protect what comes into my home, or what is viewed in my home ~ to some extent. Even though it is splashed all over in the world, I would like to protect the innocent eyes of my children, my husband, and myself. Most people know that movies have ratings (G, PG-13, PG, R), but did you know that your games have ratings, too? We are big time gamers in this home, and competitive, too! I have looked for these ratings on the boxes before I even look to see what the game is about. I don't even want to be enticed by something I don't want to subject my eyes, or my family's eyes to. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) is a non-profit company that assigns computer and video game content ratings, enforces industry-adopted advertising guidelines and helps ensure responsible online privacy practices for the interactive entertainment software industry. They have 6 ratings for games based on the content in the games.

You can set parental control features on popular video game consoles. Just visit this site:
http://www.esrb.org/about/parentalcontrols.jsp, to learn how to do that. The ESRB provides other helpful tips for parents, including an online tools to search for game ratings and resources for family-friendly video games and online safety. We, as parents, need to be watchful about our kid's Internet downloads! We need to make sure that our children aren't making unauthorized or illegal modifications to software and hardware that remove protective controls. I am definitely going to educate myself with all this information. Nathaniel is just around the corner from using the computer more steadily. I would like to protect his eyes from the horrific things out there as much as possible. I am so thankful for this great tool we have to use.

I have been tagged!

Miss Sniz has tagged me with a fun meme. I haven't been tagged before so, I will do my best to do this right! Here are the rules:

Devise a list of 5-10 courses you would take to fix your life. It’s more fun to be in classes with friends, so include one class from the person who tagged you that you’d also like to take. Tag five.

How to LET GO
Oh the piles of "things" I hold onto because I may need them someday! Ya' never know when you might need that! On this same topic, I tend to hold onto feelings, too...I need to be more Christ-like and let it go. I am easy to forgive (but I tend to remember quite often...and it is a boil in my soul).

How to Become Independently Wealthy in Ten Weeks or Less:
I would so take this class with Miss Sniz! This was her idea for a class, and she states:
"Oh, wait. I can take that course in the comfort of home for 5 easy payments of $79.95. (Plus shipping and handling). I'm going to get right on that." That's funny right there!

How to change a Poopie diaper without gagging:
How to lose that gag reflex that always comes up when those awful smells arise to the nose level!! I have a serious poop-phobia! I guess it isn't a terrible phobia to have.

How to organize chaos:
OK, I admit, I am a "messy". I just need to get things in an organized fashion, then I can keep it that way! Nicole, or Randi...you gals can come for a weekend anytime and organize my home. I would be forever grateful!

How to love exercise as much as a bag of chips:
I think that pretty much sums it up.

What papers/bills do we really need to hold on to, and how long?
We have so many papers in our files and on top of our desk. Really, do we need all the phone bills for the last 2 years? What ever happened to having everything in computers for easy access?

Thanks Miss Sniz! That was a fun meme! Here is who I am tagging!

1. Babystepper
2. Cheaper by the half dozen
3. Amy
4. Christine
5. Karen

I hope you all will play along! Have a super day!

Christmas Giveaway!

This Christmas Giveaway 2007 is being hosted by 5 minutes for
Mom. From now until November 24th, theywill be posting various contests. To enter the contests you just need to:
Add a comment on the contests you want to enter. You need to enter each contest individually so they know who wants to be entered in what contest. Either link back to this post and include a Christmas Giveaway button in that post or on your sidebar, or link to the individual contests you choose to enter. (If you post and include the button, either in your post or on your sidebar, and link back here, you are good for all the contests. No more linking required.)
As always, non bloggers are welcome to participate! Spread the word to your friends.
Remember to keep checking back for the latest contests – you don’t want to miss any! Thry will be posting several contests and updating this post with the links.

In Remembrance...

On this day, I would like to have a remembrance. If my little angel would have made it, he or she would have celebrated their first birthday. I was 10 weeks and four days along when I was at the Doctor's office. I was in because I was dealing with a very bad cold, and I thought maybe I had bronchitis. The Dr. I had that day wasn't my regular Dr., and if fact I really didn't like this Dr. at all. (I know that I am spider-webbing, but I just need to vent a little here). She (the Doctor) was just not very personal or friendly. She was just in the mode of "boom, boom, boom...git 'er done." Well, she said, "Do you want to see if we can listen to the heartbeat? You are a little early yet, but we might hear it." With my other two previous pregnancies I heard the heartbeat at 10 weeks, so when she was searching around and no heartbeat came, my heart just sank...and I just felt like something just wasn't right. Then she said, "Well, it is early yet, but by your next appointment, you will get to hear it."
On my way out of the clinic I stopped at the restroom. When I wiped, I got a streak of red...bright red. As you can imagine, my heart dropped, and I instantly was shaking and trembling. I walked back to the nurse station and asked the receptionist if I can see the Dr. again, right away. I was crying by this time. The nurses assistant came out, and I told her that I was spotting. She said, "Ok, we will take you back and have the Dr. take a look." She was sympathetic. She told me that many women spot in their pregnancies, but I hadn't with both my pregnancies...and this one was different. I know she was just trying to be nice (bless her heart) but I knew!
The Dr. came in and told me that she scheduled an ultrasound and that it would just be a few minutes. Those few minutes seemed to last an hour. Then, I went in the dark room. When the Technician started the ultrasound she had such a somber look on her face. I asked her if she saw a heartbeat at all. She told me the baby was measuring 6 weeks and 5 days. I KNOW that I wasn't only 6 weeks along. I told her that was impossible, and I was almost 11 weeks. She asked me if I was sure, and that maybe I had it miscalculated. Are you kidding? I am like clock-work. Ok, OK, I know...I was getting angry. Not at her, but at the fact that my baby was gone. All the excitement and joy for this baby was sucked out of me. I was empty. I was sad...oh, was I sad. The tech said that if the calculation was off, it could be the baby is fine and the heartbeat wasn't showing because it was too early. Well, that was the verdict.
I went back to the room, and the Dr. said that there is a little hope that things are ok. She assured me that women can spot in pregnancy. I was to come back in a couple of days for a blood test to see if numbers go up (showing pregnancy). I knew that the test was a waste of time, because our little baby was already in the arms of Jesus.
On the way home I called Terry to let him know what happened. I was crying...and my chest was heaving! He said that we shouldn't worry about it until we know for sure. I told him I knew.
The next day, at about 1:45, I started cramping. Then it got worse. Then I was in labor...seriously, I was crying out for God to just take the pain away. I just want the baby out. I just want it over. It hurt so much, and more so because I knew there was no joy after the pain. I had Nathaniel call Terry to come home when this started happening. He was fighting fires with the DNR. He couldn't make out what was happening at home, but he did come home as soon as he could. I am glad Nathaniel was home (I home schooled him last year). He was watching Caleb for me while all this was happening.

Psalm 31:9 (New International Version)
"Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief."

After it was all done, I just sat crying. Nathaniel came to me and asked if the baby was gone. I said yes. He stood there with the biggest tears in his eyes. I told him it was ok to be sad, and it's ok to cry. Then he just sobbed, and we held each other tight.
Over the next several weeks following the miscarriage I had gone through the grieving process. I don't know why I went through that. I never thought that I would miscarry...but it sure opened my eyes to how precious life is. What a miracle babies are! I know God has a plan. I know that my life is changed because of our loss. But, I will never forget my baby angel.

Psalm 119:50 (New International Version)
"My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life."

Things you should know....

1. In the 1400's a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. Hence we have "the rule of thumb"-----------------------


2. Many years ago in Scotland, a new game was invented. It was ruled "Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden"...and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language.


3. The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV were Fred and Wilma Flintstone


4. Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S.Treasury.


5. Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better.


6. Coca-Cola was originally green


7. It is impossible to lick your elbow.


8. The State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska.


9. The percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% (now get this...)The percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38%


10. The cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400


11. The average number of people airborne over the U.S. In any given hour: 61,000


12. Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.


13. The first novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer.

*I couldn't leave these out:

The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments

Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history: Spades - King DavidHearts - CharlemagneClubs -Alexander, the GreatDiamonds - Julius Caesar

111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321

"The Golden Compass" *BeWare!*

There will be a new children's movie out in December called "The Golden Compass" starring Nicole Kidman. The movie has been described as "atheism for kids" and is based on the first book of a trilogy entitled "His Dark Materials" that was written by Phillip Pullman. Pullman is a militant atheist and secular humanist who despises C. S. Lewis and the "Chronicles of Narnia". His motivation for writing this trilogy was specifically to counteract Lewis' symbolisms of Christ that are portrayed in the Narnia series.
Clearly, Pullman's main objective is to bash Christianity and promote atheism. Pullman left little doubt about his intentions when he said in a 2003 interview that "my books are about killing God." He has even stated that he wants to "kill God in the minds of children". It has been said of Pullman that he is "the writer the atheists would be praying for, if atheists prayed."
While "The Golden Compass" movie itself may seem mild and innocent, the books are a much different story. In the trilogy, a young streetwise girl becomes enmeshed in an epic struggle to ultimately defeat the oppressive forces of a senile God. Another character, an ex-nun, describes Christianity as "a very powerful and convincing mistake." In the final book, characters representing Adam and Eve eventually kill God, who at times is called YAHWEH. Each book in the trilogy gets progressively worse regarding Pullman's hatred of Jesus Christ.
"The Golden Compass" is set to premier on December 7, during the Christmas season, and will probably be heavily advertised. Promoters hope that unsuspecting parents will take their children to see the movie, that they will enjoy the movie, and that the children will want the books for Christmas.
Please consider a boycott of the movie and the books. Also, pass this information along to everyone you know. This will help to educate parents, so that they will know the agenda of the movie.

**Another thing in this movie are the Daemons (Demons?). Here is a quote I read from someone:
"A daemon is something like an animal familiar. It can reason and speak with you. It knows your innermost thoughts and feelings. A daemon accompanies you everywhere. My daemon would be a panda bear - a huge furry panda named Ming. Ming is about 800 pounds, and her paws are larger than my face. The pads on her paws are the size of my hands. She lumbers threateningly yet lovingly by my side, all night black and jet white. In cafes, Ming sits patiently by my side. She is wise beyond description, and her coal black eyes study passers-by with unnerving intensity.Sounds great, huh? Only one problem - a daemon isn't exactly an animal familiar. Neither does one's daemon necessarily take the form of an animal that one admires, loves or wishes to emulate. One's daemon is the animal that reflects one's innermost self. Are you a snake? Are you a puppy dog? Look at the daemon by your side, and that will tell you. One's daemon is one's soul.Pantalaimon, Lyra's daemon, often assumes the form of a mouse, a moth, or an ermine. A child's daemon has the ability to change forms until the child reaches adolescence."

I can not tell you HOW THAT SCARES ME! I will not watch this movie!! I can't believe what is coming! Satan is tightening the reigns...but we need to remember that GOD IS IN CONTROL!
Please go see C. S. Morris at Cheaper By the 1/2 Dozen's post about this!
Pray over your children...Pray over the minds of our family...friends...and please, tell (WARN) others about this terrible, horrible movie!

"Amazing!"

I am so Thankful

Isn't that very fitting for this time of year, to be thankful? I want to make a special post for the people who have graciously awarded me with gifts from Fall Ya'll carnival at Rocksinthedryer!

Jen, from Mommy Instincts, she is offering me one of her Custom Scrapbook Page ! I am so excited to see what she will do! She is going to post the finished product on her blog, too! Thank you Jen!

Diane, from Sunshine on my shoulders, is blessing me with the DVD: The Ultimate Gift! I am very excited to see this movie! I have heard only great things! Thank you Diane!

Tsoniki, from Me being crafty, is giving me an accessory pack which includes: Stampin' UP: Eyelets~Bold Brights 1 (Brilliant Blue, Glorious Green, Real Red, Yo yo Yellow), Jo Ann Scrap Essentials, Family, 60 quotes and sentiments on white vellum, Close To My Heart: Accent Beads (buttons), Buttons 4 Seasons (item 1790)Close To My Heart, Craft Buttons, Buttons Winter (item 1789)! This is so great! I can use this with my stamping that I do! Thank you, Tsoniki!

Tonight I came home to find out I won another contest! Tammy, from A Fruitful Vine, is blessing me with the book: Created to be His Help Meet, by Debi Pearl. I am really excited to read this book, and work at being more of a Titus 2 woman! Thank you Tammy!!

Fall Ya'll Winner: A Jewel in His Crown

Hello Everyone! Thank you so much to everyone who stopped by my blog to enter for my give away. Thank you to Shannon, at Rocksinmydryer, for hosting this great carnival of fun! Check out the winning list! It was great to see so many new blogs. I had a great time with this! This was my first contest, and I was so excited to have 98 comments on my blog! I think if I would have put the right link in the first time I entered...the results may have been different. I am really looking forward to her next one in January or February. Well, now the news of the winner. Instead of having my kids do something with it, I just went to Random.org and generated a number...and here it is!
True Random Number Service
Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:84
Timestamp: 2007-11-05 04:50:29 UTC

Thank you Anne for being that very lucky number! I will mail your book to you as soon as you can e-mail me with your contact information. Anne said in her comments, "This looks like a jewel of a book! Thanks." I hope you will enjoy the book. Thanks again for stopping by~ If perhaps I don't hear from her, I will pick a new winner with Random.org Tuesday afternoon at 2:00.

Fall Y'all!

What a fun way to get traffic moving throughout the blog world with Fall Y'all! You can go here to get the list of all the contests and enter.
Here is my choice for this fun carnival! I decided to offer a book called A Jewel In His Crown : Rediscovering Your Value as a Woman of Excellence!
Packed with practical wisdom, A Jewel in His Crown, by Priscilla Evans Shirer offers help for a generation of women who are at risk of losing sight of their real value as daughters of the King. It is time, the author writes, to see ourselves as God sees us. Time for us to stop allowing others to dictate our value and worth. Time to take off the masks that disguise the truth about ourselves.
Want to win this book from me? Just leave a comment on this post in order to be entered in my giveaway. For a second entry for the contest, write about this contest on your blog and link back to me. Put your e-mail address in your comment so I have a way to contact you when you win, or you can e-mail me with your e-mail address.
Comments will be open until midnight on November 3rd (my sister's birthday). I will pick a name in a creative way with my kids help on November 4, and post the winner sometime that evening. If I can't contact you, I will pick a different winner. This contest open to bloggers and non-bloggers. I will cover the shipping to anywhere in the United States. I will only be able to ship in the US, so only US residents can enter, sorry.

**I will post a winner sometime tomorrow night. It is hard to give you a certain time. Thanks for stopping by!!

Cuteness to strut

We all know our kids are super cute...and we want others to notice their cuteness...why not emphasize it with a funny, hip, and witty shirt? I came across this great website from my friend, Lisa's blog...

Julie Pruitt is the owner of this company of these great tees for babies and tots! They are made on quality fabric and made in the United States! Good stuff!! She started this company in 2004...and she was the only shop like it! Her inspiration came from the students she taught and babysat. She is also donating to P.E.T.A.,UNICEF, and now she will be teaming up with the Silly Wagon and donating for breast cancer awareness.
Right now Trendy Tadpole is offering Free Shipping! Shirts run a little small, and they are 100% cotton. They have a few options for the kind/style of shirt you want:

lap tee: a form fitting t shirt that is stretchy (sizes 12-18m and 18-24m).
snap suit: a one-piece outfit with snaps to change that stinky diaper (short sleeve only in sizes 3-6m and 6-12m).

toddler raglan: a 3/4 sleeve baseball tee with colored sleeves like black or red (sizes 2T, 4T and 6T)
t shirt: self explanatory (sizes 2T, 4T and 6T).

I suggest checking this out...you will be glad you did!!

Quelf supporter!

I love the new game that my friend, Lisa, introduced me to. It is a really fun, action-packed game. If you play, be prepared to laugh (even to the point of spitting a beverage outta your mouth)! Lisa had a contest over on her blog for some prizes with the Quelf theme. I won "The Dude" underwear! I am so excited, because these will fit my son, and he will think they are great! Thank you Lisa for this great prize, and hosting a great contest! Check out her blog and enter the Fall Ya'll for the chance to win the Quelf game...no wait, don't 'cuz I want it! :)

I feel a massage coming my way~~

From Dates to diapers had a super fun contest going on the week of her birthday (October 21-27). These are some of the things she did: Birthday stories, favorite party games, favorite party foods, favorite birthday cake, listing any birthday traditions, and making new friends!


It was fun to post about what traditions were done for birthdays, party food, and favorite birthday cakes...you really have to try the Salad Dressing cake...it is our family favorite. It was a really fun and creative contest.

Guess what? I was one of the very lucky winners! I won a tub of Simply Irresistible Strawberry Body Butter and a Body Massager! I am super excited! Thank you Christine!
It was such a nice thing to do for your birthday! I really appreciate it!

OHH, LOoKiE, LOoKiE!!

My Two Boys is hosting a giveaway that will run ALL November. Many different stores/company sites are donating toys to promote LEAD FREE. The reason for these giveaways is to make parents and grandparents aware of where to purchase Lead Free/Non-Toxic/Natural/Organic Toys. The more links to the Lead Free Toys List and to the stores, the more people will know where to purchase toys. Its about keeping kids safe.

5 Minutes for Mom is having a Retro Giveaway! Bringing back a taste of the 1950's with some kid toys. They have a very adorable jalopy car (with choice)— The Pink Princess Pedal Car, The Harry Car or The Harriett Car...but I want that Princess Pedal car, so stay away! :) I can just imagine Maddie in this as a tot!

Isn't that just the most chick thing for a little girl to have the honor of driving around?
Or you can chose a record player, if you win. I had a record player when I was little! This one is a Suitcase-Style Portable Record Player that was introduced in the late 1950’s.
And the third choice for the winner is this refrigerated coke machines. It is a nice cooler to keep those drinks chilly~

If you want to win this retro prize, simply follow these two steps:
Publish a post on your own blog linking back to this giveaway post and also linking to their store- Pedal Cars and Retro Collectibles. Then, leave a comment on this post. This contest ends on Friday, November 30th. If you are the lucky winner, you can pick the pink Princess pedal car and give it to Madelyn for Christmas. We would be really happy! :)

**Hey, for those who are not bloggers (YOU SHOULD GET A BLOG...IT IS GREAT)...but I wanted to let you know you can participate in almost all of these great contests! I have won a few of them! I just won another one that I am going to post about, and I am really excited!**

Check this out:

The Apronista is giving away a Holiday Hostess Apron. Can I just tell you that it is probably THE most adorable apron I have ever seen?? I would love to strut my stuff in the kitchen wearing this!

Each apron is reversible, so talk about a 2-fer~ So, how do you go about winning these lovely aprons? Simply go to the Heavenly Hostess site, and tell Apronista which Apron is YOUR favorite...besides the Holiday Hostess one of course...and leave a comment with your answer! I am blogging about it for a second chance...because I would love to have it! Contest ends Friday, November 2nd at Midnight!