morphology

How is that for the title of a game?

Our family was given the opportunity to review Morphology this past December. Well, let me tell you that there were many semi-cold December days {remember our mild winter so far?} where our family would gather around the island and play this very addicting and extremely fun game.

The premise? You draw a card and then use objects {that they provide} to create one of the words that is listed.  A really simple concept, but ultimate in fun, laughter, and creativity.

They've got some challenges along the way -- such as choose only five objects  to create the picture, or make it with your eyes closed, or race against the other team -- and all these add up to even more fun.

We're a family who loves games. We've got an entire wall of games stored on the shelves in our laundry room that we can choose from, but let me honestly tell you, this one has made the top ten. I love the mixture of creativity, cooperation, and intense laughter.

Best part? All my readers can play. And even my emerging reader, Caleb, can play if one of us helps him  read {verifies} his word. See that pic above? That's his amazing and crazy robot. :)

My family's opinion?? -- totally and completely on our recommended and favorite list. Now I also know why this was Timberdoodle's Game of the Year -- it's that good. :) So, if you're looking for a game to fill those family game nights Morphology is an excellent option.

I was asked to review this for Timberdoodle and was provided a copy of Morphology in return for an honesty review. No other compensation was given. To see a list of Timberdoodle's games for game lovers click HERE. To go directly to the Morphology page click HERE. If you want a free catalog from Timberdoodle {a company I love} click HERE. 

raising real men -- thoughts and a review

I have four boys.
I have four boys that are eight and under.
I have four boys that are eight and under that are extremely busy.
I have four boys that are eight and under that are extremely busy...

... who one day will all be men.

And I am blessed to be their mother.

Being their mother means learning to let go and let them be boys -- boys that are adventurous, and daring, and competitive, and well, little warriors. I don't let them go wild -- there are boundaries -- but I do let them embrace the boyhood years. And that means forts dug out in trees, and hanging from branches, re-enacting battles in the backyard, and building sets in the family room. There are afternoons spent reading about knights, and the Romans, and learning how to build slingshots and trebuchets.

They have important and valuable hearts.

And one day, a day that will happen sooner than expected, those wild boys will be men.

My prayer is that when they are grown that they will have the tenacity to live as kingdom warriors for the Lord -- bold men who are unafraid to stand up for what is right and noble. Part of this means letting my boys, all four of them, embrace that wild heart that the Lord gave them. And it also involves giving them responsibility in life so that as grown men they understand responsibility and are not fearful of rising up to it.

Raising Real Men by Hal and Melanie Young is a brilliant book that I've recently read regarding raising boys to become men. Let me tell you - I was extremely blessed by the sound Biblical principles that this book consistently draws it's truth from. This book has encouraged me as a mother, and emphasizes how raising Godly men starts at home, and that starts with acknowledging who the Lord has made boys to be.

I'm laughing as I finish writing this -- and here's why -- as I'm typing, my Elijah, who's four, told me to watch his 'mazing double jump. And that double jump consisted of him backing up, running full force and double jumping up onto my bed. He's a risk taker. And that's good.

I highly recommend reading Raising Real Men if you're a mom of boys. I know the book will remain on my shelf next to my bed for many, many years. Now, if you're like me and love the company, Timberdoodle (they were one of the first catalogs I ever read when I started homeschooling) you'll want to check out their boy friendly toys. http://www.timberdoodle.com/Outdoor_Learning_s/1012.htm and if you haven't ever had a copy of their totally awesome homeschool catalog click this link http://www.timberdoodle.com/Articles.asp?ID=139 to get a free one.

Off to build a fort in the family room.

As a member of Timberdoodle's Blogger Review Team I received a free copy of Raising Real Men in exchange for a frank and unbiased review.