do you know What's in the Bible? {fabulous review}

Do you know What's in the Bible?

I'm sure you've seen What's in the Bible's logo - it's on sidebars, facebook, and twitter. But how much do you know about What's in the Bible? Well, let me tell you I thought I knew What's in the Bible?, but I found out that these amazing dvds produced by the Phil Vischer {yes, if you're thinking Veggie Tales then you are totally right} are way more than just an entertaining dvd {which, by the way, they totally are} but are also an excellent and beautiful tool for teaching kids {and adults} about what really is in the Bible. They are Biblically and historically accurate and delve into tricky concepts and explain them in an easy and understandable way.

Our family has spent the last couple weeks watching What's in the Bible? Volume 4: Battle for the Promised Land Joshua, Judges, and Ruth. By the way, I originally wanted to wait to open the dvd so I could capture some fabulous pictures of them unwrapping it, but the excitement level in our home over the new What's in the Bible? dvd  would not wait until the camera was ready. So, instead, I'm asking you to imagine five kids thrilled like crazy ripping off plastic wrapping while their mother tells them to be careful so that the case stays nice since we're going to be taking pictures and smiling as they race down the stairs to watch the latest episode of What's in the Bible?. That's really what happened. There was a loud cheer as well -- followed by laughter from the opening scene. {thanks Phil Vischer for your awesome sense of humor and for making my boys laugh and laugh and laugh.}

{By the way, our family was already hooked from volume one.}

What we learned in What's in the Bible Volume 4

Now we're humming songs from What's in the Bible? -- songs that reinforce sections of Scripture, explain the story of Ruth, and about Redemption. We're talking about what we've learned and having a blast working through the activity sheets that go with each volume. We learned why the books after the Pentatauch  are called the Historical Books. Caleb {pictured above} is coloring pictures of the Judges mentioned in the book of Judges. He learned how Deborah was the only female Judge and how the other Judges dealt with the Cycle of Apostasy with the Israelites {yes, seriously} and then it ended with Samson. Of course the pictures of Samson were met with loud cheers - and then Brennan very seriously remarked - and to think he gave it all up.

The bottom line is that behind all the humor, fabulous visuals, and catchy songs the heart is for kids {and adults} to really grasp Biblical concepts, have a firm and solid Biblical base, and to be confident in knowing What's in the Bible.

Tell me more about Volume 4:Battle for the Promised Land

What's in the Bible Volume 4: Battle for the Promised Land {Joshua, Judges, and Ruth} while it is 60 minutes in length, it is actually two independent episodes. The first episode deals with the book of Joshua and the journey into the Promised Land. The second episode talks about the Cycle of Misery and tells the story of Ruth. If you're kids are like mine as soon as the first episode is done they'll beg to watch the next. And when that's done they'll tell you they need the next dvd. Which is awesome because then they're learning more about the Bible. :)

Here's the cool part - even I learned more by watching What's in the Bible today. These videos? They can be enjoyed by the whole family and promote discussion. The video below? It's about the historical books {not the hysterical books}. Watch. And learn. And see why What's in the Bible? is totally excellent. :)

Some of our favorite quotes? {Don't you love the graphic? My Hannah helped me put it together. And my boys chose the quotes. Except one - I chose the one about Samson because that one made me laugh out loud while I was watching Volume 4 with them.}

Okay. Bottom line? We love the What's in the Bible DVDs. My kids love them because they're funny, but they're also educational and they learn a great deal about the Bible. That is excellent. You know what? I love them for the exact same reasons. Good, solid, Biblical teaching. My kids love these DVDs and are excited to learn more about What's in the Bible. 

IMPORTANT Get your own What's in the Bible? Info

1 - To order fabulous this fabulous What's in the Bible? Volume 4 DVD visit the What's in the Bible Store to find this episode and the others in the series. These dvds make great gifts, my friends! And while you're there pop over to the main What's in the Bible site to snag the coupon for $5 for sharing the site with a friend.

2 - To print out amazing coloring pages that reinforce the dvds visit What's in the Bible Coloring Pages for Episode 4. I mean look at the concentration on my Elijah as he works on those pages. Makes you want to print them now, doesn't it? :)

3 - Make sure to join the fabulous What's in the Bible twitter party today 6/28 at 8pm ET #WITB @whatsinthebible

4 - Want to read more reviews? Visit this What's in the Bible Review List to find more awesome articles and reviews.

5 - Enter below, today, and right now to win your own copy of Volume 1: In the Beginning You'll love the dvd. Really.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

and now a bit of closing humor - I've included an outtake of us trying to get Samuel to hold his sign...sigh...give me grace...the boy was a bit cranky at that moment. grin.

disclosure: I received What's in the Bible Volume 4 for free and was compensated for the time invested in writing the review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.. All pictures are my own and the graphic was designed by me but includes the official What's in the Bible graphic.

10 Questions I'm Asked. Often.

I'm part of a top ten get to know you what questions are you asked  link up today. I've gathered up some of the many questions I'm asked and listed them below and included a link to a post that further answers each question. So it's like a mini-interview today.  And I started with that picture of me again standing in the meadow where life looks strangely calm and yet I know that it's only like that for a minute so I'm smirking instead of really smiling...Grin.

1. Do you sleep? {there's no guilt in rest}
Yes, seriously, I've been asked that question. I happen to be one of those people that can get by on very little sleep - I stay up late and rise early. In fact, for me, it's actually a bit of a challenge to sit still -- which is probably why I write a great deal about grace, and letting go of perfection, and not comparing. I've also been known to sneak in needed naps on weekends.

2. When do you find time to write? {why do you write?}
I tend to write either very late at night or very early in the morning. Often, I'll write the main portion of my post at night and then work hard in the morning to get the links, pictures, and nitty-gritty details added. I do, however, have pieces of scrap paper scattered where I'll write tidbits from my day that inspire my writing. Including, grin, a bit of truth from my recent crazy walk to the park with all of my boys that turned into almost a comedy of errors.

3. Why intentional living and intentional parenting? {10 Days of Intentional Parenting}
My journey with living intentionally was ignited in the years following my husband's cancer diagnosis. While he was going through treatment many things in our life crumbled, including finances, and I began to realize that either I would become bitter or I would live a life of joy that is not dependent upon the circumstances around me. So, I began to focus on living intentionally and recognizing the gift found in the every day little things. I would force myself to find good in the midst of challenge, and after a while this became a habit and a way of life that I want to share.

4. Why do you homeschool? {our groove. 10 facts about how we homeschool}
Honestly? I don't have a great clear convicted answer. We started homeschooling when Hannah was young and in kindergarten, and then we moved for a bit to San Diego so we kept homeschooling because it was the middle of the year. Then when we moved back we thought just one more year and then, well, here we are -- homeschooling is simply a lifestyle for us now. I am grateful for all the years that we've been able to spend together and don't take them for granted.

5. What are your top posts? {dear moms with littles}
My Dear Mom letters are some of the most shared posts that I've written. I believe mothers are looking for encouraging words in a busy and competitive world and that these letters speak to women's hearts. Often, when I'm writing them, I'm writing them from the perspective of what I need to hear during the day or if I was having a conversation in a coffee shop with a friend. Posts dealing with Celiac Disease are a close second. That is truly humbling to me as often it's parents looking for advice on Celiac Disease and how to live gluten free in a gluten full world.

6. How did you know Samuel was sick? {what I learned. how I fought. what I did.}
This one pulls at my mother's heart. Samuel, prior to being diagnosed with Celiac Disease, was sick every 3 weeks on the dot. He was chronically dealing with croup, pneumonia, and strep. On top of all of that he had severe problems with his bowels that wouldn't clear up no matter what we did. Towards the end, right before he ended up in the hospital, he was fading right before our eyes. He could no longer walk around, would sleep most of the day, and wouldn't eat anymore. I knew that something was seriously wrong when my husband told me {about one week before he was hospitalized} that he was afraid that we were losing Samuel. Those were some of the scariest weeks of my life as we knew something was wrong yet we had no diagnosis.

7. What can you tell me about Celiac Disease? {one year. the celiac disease fight}
Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease where the body cannot process any form of gluten. Gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye, and oats - or as I say - almost all foods found in the grocery store that are in a box. For an individual diagnosed with Celiac Disease they can never cheat and eat gluten as gluten destroys the villi that line that gastro track. These villi absorb nutrients, and when they are damaged or blunted {from gluten}the individual doesn't absorb nutrients and starves. Also, for cases like my Samuel, the immune system as a whole is compromised and therefore they become very prone to infections. Once Samuel went gluten free he began to grow and the chronic infections halted. He still lives with an immunes system that is slightly compromised, and when he gets ill he gets much sicker than everyone else. Today? I am grateful for his diagnosis and health.

8. Why do you write about joy? {so what's the deal with joy}
I write about joy for the same reasons as I try to live intentionally - to me the opposite of joy is bitterness. Society preaches happiness, and happiness is elusive, it's dependent upon circumstances, and while it is wonderful it is not something that can last. Joy to me, is a posture of one's heart.  It's a being willing to feel both the ups and downs and seeking out the beauty in the little moments of life that we are blessed with every single day. I don't want to live life waiting until everything becomes "perfect" because then I would spend my life waiting and miss out on the joy found right in front of me.

9. What vehicle do you drive? {sanity for the vehicle}
We don't have a vehicle that fits our family. We have a suburban and a smaller car and when our family goes anywhere together we simply take two vehicles. I'd love a larger vehicle, but at this point it just hasn't been possible. Chevy or Ford? If you're reading this and would love to bless a larger family with one of your wonderful vehicles just connect with me. :)

10. What other sites do you write for and do you speak? {there is never just a mom}
I am a contributing writer for HipHomeschool Moms and help to manage their social media. I also write for 5 Minutes for Faith. In the next months I will be joining the Home Educating Family Team of writers as well. Do I speak for events? Yes. I love the personal opportunities to share my heart and to meet so many wonderful people. In fact, I will be speaking at the upcoming BEECH Retreat. I'm just blessed to be included in the wonderful line-up of speakers and would love it if some of you could attend. If you're interested in having me speak some of my topics include : intentional motherhood, living awake - a life journey, homeschooling with joy, living a "loving the little things" life, finishing well, and managing a large family.

and of course, why coffee? well, that one is obvious. Coffee is a gift, to me, the very busy mom. As is gardening - it gives me something to start and finish and share with my little knight dressed children.

So that's it. Sharing short answers for some of the top ten questions that I'm asked. I hope they gave you a further glimpse into me, my friends! Stay in touch even more via facebook at finding joy blog or on twitter at finding_joy. And if you haven't subscribed via email and want finding joy in your inbox simply click subscribe. I think this post just might make it to the faq page...any more questions that you have?

Our style. Our groove. 10 facts about how we homeschool.

So many of you know that we homeschool. We've homeschooled for eleven years now. Eleven. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,and 11. One of the questions that I get so often is - what's your homeschool style? your method? your groove? Well, maybe not your groove, but you know, a homeschooling family, or any family, kind of gets into their today I'm going to rest in the grass and think type of groove.

So what's our style? I'd like to name us the Classical Literature Unit Study Unschooling yet Relaxed Learning family that uses Textbooks on occasion and enjoys a great deal of Delight Directed Learning along with Notebooking in the style of Charlotte Mason.

That's us.

But more than that, I've learned to not be a slave to a label. Can you imagine me spitting out that label up there every time someone asked what our style was? Way too long. Complicated. Rather I've learned to embrace our family, our learning style and groove, and to not let a label, a style, or a method define us.

Here's a bit of who we are - and our eclectic style - in ten ways.

1. We schedule knowing that life happens. No matter how I start in the fall - with the perfect program {we loved our year with Geography Matters and Trail Guide to Learning} or the perfect notebooking pages and the schedule mapped out till June - I can guarantee you that there will be something that will cause that schedule to veer off track. Quickly. Instead of getting discouraged with the days that get bumped, I've instead learned to embrace the days where we get double done and not fret on the days where we had to just exist in survival mode. It's a one day at a time philosophy - an embracing of today - and being okay to sit at the table, be family, and play Mancala in the morning before math. Even though we'll get math done later.

2. Kids are different. Not one of my children learns the same way. You'd think that after teaching for so many years that I would get the "system" down. Well, there really isn't a system and a program that fits each of them. There are things that we love and carry over - All About Learning Press/Spelling and Reading, Saxon Math {yep, that's what we use}, and more. Do I use them the same with each of them? No. But, I've learned to adapt our style at the moment to fit the child. Maybe I'll use more narration with one and copywork with another or more hands on versus read aloud to teach a certain topic.

3. Media. My kids have learned to use media. I'm not a parent that moves away from media, but rather I've adopted the idea to teach them to use it responsibly. Hannah started blogging when she 12 years old and through the blogging ended up discovering many of her talents. My husband and I want them to be aware of media, to be wise with media, to set boundaries and time limits with media, and to ultimately learn to use it for the good.

4. We read.  Both my husband and I are readers, and I think our love of books has trickled down to our children. We have always made sure to have many books in the home and have encouraged reading. Grin - we start them young.

5. We don't have a room set aside as a classroom. I wrote an entire post about this last year -- where we learn -- that details our home and learning environment . Bottom line? I'd love a room to store all of our homeschool items. The salt dough maps {made with a rice flour blend}, the piles of papers, the 3d models, the science experiments, and more. We just don't have a place in our home that we've chosen to dedicate specifically for that. So we learn everywhere - in the kitchen, on the couch, on the front porch,  on the back deck, and in the car. Learning in our home isn't set to one room. And, lol, it can include Star Wars books...

6. We never EVER have pencils that work. I don't care if I just spent $4.39 at Target. Inevitably one of the little boys will pump out all the lead in the mechanical pencils or all the other pencils will have dull tips. Please tell me I'm not alone....

7. Free to Explore. I am fairly delight directed in my teaching style even though I have a list of goals and topics and basics that I aim to cover each year. I have gotten to the point where I'm comfortable letting them run with a topic even though it's not on the schedule. Just recently Brennan found a science book about Elephants. For two days straight the conversations between the two of us consisted of Mom did you know that elephants can't jump or the african elephant has more wrinkles and is much bigger and that they can live to be really old and the african elephant has bigger ears to keep cool?

8. Coffee. It's our style. It's my style. Thanks to my faithful Keurig or runs to Caribou Coffee I tend to always have a cup of Joe next to me while I'm working. Just don't bump it so it hits my planner. And, sigh, yep, I'm often convinced into giving those littles just a sip.

9. Grace, grace, Grace. You've read my write about that need for grace. I have had littles in my house for my entire homeschooling career and I've learned about the need for grace. I'm going to say it again - just keep trying, keep working at it, but balance it with grace. Homeschooling, being a mother, having a toddler in the house - it all takes grace. I think the Lord gave me a Grace in my life to remind me to rest in grace.

10. Living Alive. Life can race by, the jobs can fill our page, the to-do list can be daunting, so much to do and so much to accomplish and yet, it can be so easy to be asleep and numb to all there is good around you.  It's a balance of learning and pushing the math facts {cause you know we need to know how to multiply} versus stepping back when needed and focusing on the heart. In our homeschool, in our family, and in our lives I want to foster this attitude of gratitude, joy, and respect for each other. And that attitude, that heart for our day in our family, means family matters, that hearts matter, and that we are so thankful for the gift of each day and the opportunity to spend time with each other learning, growing, and sharing life.

That's our homeschool, our life, our groove.

In ten reasons.

linking up with top ten tuesday and ihomeschoolnetwork
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thirty signs of summer

A simple post today with reasons - and pics from last summer - telling me that summer is here. Oh yes, and it goes beyond us wishing to have fresh corn on the cob bought from the farmer in the field almost every night. Which, by the way, at $4 for a dozen ears is absolutely amazing. Plus, I love pulling the car over by the corn field and stepping out and grabbing two bags with a dozen ears of corn.

So here are only thirty signs of summer. Because, you know, I could expand this to one hundred. :)

1. The air conditioner is running full blast before the sun comes out.
2. My hair gets poufy inside with the airconditioner running.
3. We do math in July because it's too hot to go outside and we decide it's more fun to stay cool and catch up on math facts.
4. Watermelon is for lunch.
5. And strawberry shortcake {with a gluten free shortcake} is for dinner.

6. The schoolwork from April is still on the door to the garage.
7. You count down the days until you can go to the lake.
8. Fishing is fun. {this is for those of you who live in Minnesota - besides look at that view.}

9. The house stays clean because everyone decides to play outside.
10. Curriculum catalogs that come in July become reading material at the beach.
11. Looking at pictures of snow makes you a bit nostalgic until you see the shovels hanging in your garage behind the rakes.
12. Your kids love sitting in the front yard watching construction vehicles roll by.

13. The garden is in bloom and you can finish that lesson on botany when you harvest the peas that started as seeds.
14. You finally finish the annual clothing {big sigh} switch.
15. The what shoes shall I wear today choice becomes flip flops or sandals?
16. If it's sunny you're outside playing. Or picking weeds. Or looking for raspberries.
17. You take pictures of fireworks.

18. A pony tail is the only hair style of choice versus the every other day choice during school months.
19. You go down to the laundry room to get cool not to just catch up on laundry.
20. You marvel at the amount of towels that one must wash and dry thanks to the constant flow of children that run through the sprinkler.
21. Then again, sprinklers are a family's best go-to friend during those hot summer months.

22. Iced coffee is the only coffee that one considers ordering at the coffee shop.
23. You write blog posts on the deck with birds singing, iced coffee in hand, and the sounds of sprinklers around.
24. You can finally attempt the science experiment of trying to cook an egg on the sidewalk on those extremely hot days. If that doesn't work you can look for ants.
25. You water your annuals twice a day to keep them alive while wishing that you had instead purchased more hardy perennials back at Lowes in May.

26. Garage sale signs are the norm on every street corner.
27. The littles want to play outside at 8am and you tell them it's a great time to go outside and to do more chores later while it's cooler.
28. Sunscreen sits on your counter.
29. Pool Noodles are used as light sabers in the backyard.
30. Oh yes, and in case you forgot point four about watermelon being for dinner, it can actually be for any meal and create great joy in those little one's lives. Watermelon {and summer} hear me roar!

How about for you?
What are your signs that summer is now here?

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This post is part of the ihomeschool network's top ten tuesdays linkup {answers to the why we love homeschooling are in italics} and is also linking up with my friend Angie's Top Ten Tuesdays. I've got thirty - so I think it qualifies!
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{totally wonderful} elemental science review - intro to science

I am so excited to share with you about this wonderful science program that my family has been blessed to review the last couple weeks. It's from the company Elemental Science - a curriculum provider that embraces the classical model of education. Our family reviewed Intro to Science part of the Early Year Program. I specifically asked for a program to do with my younger kids - those busy boys of mine - because they absolutely love science and I, the busy mom, have been sorely negligent in intentionally setting aside time to work through science with them. But, look below, look at the delight when we worked together. That face? Makes these moments priceless and so worth it.

Why I love Intro to Science

The Intro to Science program is designed to use with Kindergarten to First Grade. My Caleb fits right in this category. However, I involved all of my boys in this science adventure. Even sweet two year old Samuel. His favorite experiment? It was when we mixed colored water {yellow + blue = green} which is from Unit 5 on Color. The look of delight on his face was priceless! Now, know that I could tell my kids that yellow and blue makes green, but seeing it? That's real learning. In fact, Samuel still wanders around talking about the green water.

What I appreciate about the Intro to Science Early Year program is the intentional, easy to follow, and focused approach to introducing science to those younger ones. They are eager to learn, really, but often we just need a system, a routine, a guide to help us make use of those learning moments that are all around us. This is a huge benefit to me, that busy busy mom, as everything I need to do, read, and buy is clearly defined. Plus, it is so much fun! Now, I will warn you - don't leave the food coloring out for that very curious two year old to grab. Otherwise you'll end up with this:

Quick overview of Intro to Science

The program is divided into 36 weeks {we're going to be using it all summer long -- it's absolutely perfect for this} with six units - Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Meteorology, Botany, and Zoology.  These are topical studies {the author Paige Hudson designed it this way} and each unit can be used on it's own. This summer, after we finish the Chemistry section, we'll work through Botany and Meteorology {we've had enough wild weather here to make that truly applicable}. I've often found that our family works better when things are in bite size chunks - the six week unit approach works extremely well. It takes the pressure off and makes the unit manageable. Below is a slideshow of us working through an experiment with chalk and color - you'll see how easy it is - and how engaged my Elijah was!

Besides the teacher's manual {which is easy to use and thorough} you'll need the Student Sheets {which are included in the bundle online } and two other books - More Mudpies to Magnets {a staple in our home as well as Mudpies to Magnets} and The Handbook of Nature Study {which I highly recommend having in your home - another staple you'll see a picture towards the bottom of the post}. She also recommends the Usborne First Science Encyclopedia.

A week with Intro to Science

Now remember - Intro to Science - is an overview meant to spark interest in science.  I can tell you, that is exactly what happened in my home. Science time became a most looked forward time of the day. The program is gentle and yet thorough at the same time. It's scheduled so that you choose between a 5 days a week for 10 minutes or 2 days a week for 20-25 minutes plan. Honestly, we were somewhere inbetween this on our days - I tend to let them run with whatever they're learning in the moment. That's what I love - the flexibility to make this excellent program work for you. Isn't that what we all need? Freedom and options at the same time?

Below you'll see some more of our experiments - we were discussing solids and liquids. The best part? It was when we got to melt crayons and make liquid crayons which hardened back into solids crayon cookies that were beautiful and bold colors.

Just so you know, the teacher's manual is easy to use as it clearly states the topic and main idea for the week. Then, you as the parent, introduce the topic {I've shown you some on color and solids and liquids}, then there are experiments and nature study, then there are recommendations for additional books {which can easily be found in the library}, and finally some additional {and optional} activities to do with your littles.  As a nature study example for the lesson on solid and liquids we went outside to explore and examine our pine trees to look for the natural wax found in the tree. After we walked around I read some facts from the Handbook of Nature Study to further the curious interest.

Finally, for those of who you enjoy planning ahead there are schedule sheets that you can fill out with supplies that you need and how you need to prepare. I love those planning sheets - they make me feel so organized - so I'm so grateful for Paige for the extra time putting them together.  And the supplies? They're easy to find {although she does offer the complete supply kit which I've done before with other science programs because then I'm not wandering around trying to find a feather and one styrofoam cup} and not expensive.

Bottom line? This science program is perfect right now for our family and my curious little ones. I'm excited to continue working through it this summer and into the early fall. And, I know the boys are as well - Elijah wakes up and asks me which experiment we're going to do today.

Win Intro to Science - giveaway! 

Elemental Science is giving away one copy of the Early Years Intro to Science to one of you. I'm grateful for their generosity and know that one of you will be blessed with this wonderful curriculum. Simply enter below using rafflecopter!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Tomorrow, stop by Aadel’s blog at The Temporary Tents to read about her experience with Lapbooking through the Human Body. She’ll be having a giveaway as well. Be sure to visit Tabitha’s blog review from yesterday to learn more about Earth Science Grammar Stage

disclosure: I received the Intro to Science ebooks for free, but was compensated for the time invested to do the review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to do a positive review {although, I must tell you I really do love this product}. This review was coordinated via the ihomeschoolnetwork which I am a part of. Affiliate links are used within the review. Please read my disclosure tab on the top for more information. Thank you.