Time 4 learning review

Time4Learning has invited me to try their online curriculum for 30 days in exchange for an honest review. My opinion will be entirely my own, so come back and read about my experiences. Visit them for information about lesson plans, homeschool portfolios or writing your own curriculum review.

Win an autographed copy of Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy!

I am looking forward to reading this book by Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick. Right now he is offering a chance to win a free autographed copy of Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy. Simply follow the link below to enter your chance to win!

http://roadsfromemmaus.org/2011/07/18/win-an-autographed-copy-of-orthodoxy-and-heterodoxy/

The Blessing by John Trent and Gary Smalley

I recently received the book The Blessing to review. It is a christian book about giving the gift of unconditional love and acceptance to those around you. It takes you through the five elements of the "blessing", along with web tools to help you along and bible verses to support the blessing.
As a parent of four, I was very interested in the premise of this book and thought of one child in particular that might be helped by reading this. I started off very eager to read this book. I enjoyed many of the stories and felt that I could connect to some of them through my own childhood. However, I felt a bit disappointed by the end of the book. I went through the five elements and didn't really feel like I learned anything new. This book may be helpful for new parents or for those who feel that they missed out on the blessing from their parents as there is much discussion on this and a chapter devoted to these individuals.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

In Constant Prayer by Robert Benson

I received a copy of In Constant Prayer by Robert Benson to review. It is part of The Ancient Practices Series. It is the first book that I have read in this collection and it was not what I was expecting. I thought from the title of the book that it would be more along the lines of prayer without ceasing, such as the Jesus Prayer. It was however, about praying the hours and Mr. Benson's personal story of how he prays the hours.
This book was a very hard book for me to get through and complete. Not because it is intellectually a difficult read, but to me it was very dry and it didn't capture my attention. I feel that Mr. Benson used to many personal stories and did not do the history or practice of praying the hours any justice. I would not recommend this book as a way to understand praying the hours. It would be ok if someone is interested to see how this practice has worked in Mr. Benson's life, but if someone is interested in praying the hours, I would simply recommend a praybook that contains the prayers of the hours.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

My Daughter is a Poet!

So, FJ has been writing really nice poems for quite awhile and I am constantly reminding her to keep a portfolio, but this one really stood out to me, so I thought I would share it.

The Horse Fair
by
Felicia Juliano


This morning starts out fine and fare,
This morning begins the annual Horse Fair.
Dozens of horses are paraded by,
The judges that ask when, where, and why.

The goal of the judges is primarily to sell,
To sell only the fit, only the well.
The judges are glad, the crowd seems alive,
I've got 450, who'll give me five?
The buyers are greedy, they all want more,
I've got 350 who'll give me four?
This crowd is quick and eager to buy,
Anything from Shetland Ponies to Golden Kustanaiz.
Going once, going twice, sold!
To Mrs. Gustave La-Vold.

I Am Hutterite by Mary-Ann Kirkby

I Am Hutterite is the story of Mary-Ann Kirkby and her Hutterite heritage. It tells the story of her grandparents and parents and their lives within the colony. I was familiar with the Amish and Mennonites, however, I had never heard of the Hutterites, so I was interested in learning more. The beginning of the book gives very good insight as to how the colonies are run and the duties of individual colony members. I would have to say that this was the most interesting part of the book for me. For the most part, it did not keep my attention and it took me a good four months to read this book. I did appreciate reading about Mary-Ann's struggle to assimilate in the English world. I felt for her as she tried to have some form of normalcy at school. Other than the history and reading about their life after leaving the colony, I would have to say the rest of the book was mundane.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Spelling Curriculum giveaway

One of my favorites sites has a spelling curriculum giveaway this week. Check it out and enter here: http://www.freelyeducate.com