150 Day Challenge (cont)

I don't know about the rest of you parents, but sometimes I find parenting to be the biggest challenge of my life. My entire goal is to point my kids to Christ. . .but sometimes I find myself stumbling over . . . .well. . . .myself. The imperfections of my humanity can cause me to "feel" like I am less than, or flawed beyond purpose. Some of you may know exactly what I'm talking about. So, I have to push my feelings aside and rely on the truth of God's Word.


It was that particular quest that led me to stumble upon the 150 Day Challenge (we are on day 90. . .wooohooo!) My three girls and myself have been reading the same Psalm each day and then we meditate on the chapter we read throughout the day. It is always good to meditate on God's Word! Then we IM our favorite verse from each chapter. It has been so fantastic to watch what God speaks to each of them as we take this journey through Psalms together.

Life will always throw us curve balls and obstacles that we don't know how to get around, but God's Word remains. It is so important to hide it in our hearts so we can become more and more like Christ.

I know I have posted about our challenge in the past, but I thought I would share some of the scriptures with you that have touched the hearts of myself and my girls over the past several months.

I have loved watching God do great things in and through my girls as we have been participating in this challenge together. God's Word is active and alive and is a necessary part of our walk with God. So, if it's been awhile for you, put down your remote and take out God's Word...He wants to speak to you!

150 Day Challenge (cont)

I don't know about the rest of you parents, but sometimes I find parenting to be the biggest challenge of my life. My entire goal is to point my kids to Christ. . .but sometimes I find myself stumbling over . . . .well. . . .myself. The imperfections of my humanity can cause me to "feel" like I am less than, or flawed beyond purpose. Some of you may know exactly what I'm talking about. So, I have to push my feelings aside and rely on the truth of God's Word.


It was that particular quest that led me to stumble upon the 150 Day Challenge (we are on day 90. . .wooohooo!) My three girls and myself have been reading the same Psalm each day and then we meditate on the chapter we read throughout the day. It is always good to meditate on God's Word! Then we IM our favorite verse from each chapter. It has been so fantastic to watch what God speaks to each of them as we take this journey through Psalms together.

Life will always throw us curve balls and obstacles that we don't know how to get around, but God's Word remains. It is so important to hide it in our hearts so we can become more and more like Christ.

I know I have posted about our challenge in the past, but I thought I would share some of the scriptures with you that have touched the hearts of myself and my girls over the past several months.

I have loved watching God do great things in and through my girls as we have been participating in this challenge together. God's Word is active and alive and is a necessary part of our walk with God. So, if it's been awhile for you, put down your remote and take out God's Word...He wants to speak to you!

150 Day Challenge (cont)

I don't know about the rest of you parents, but sometimes I find parenting to be the biggest challenge of my life. My entire goal is to point my kids to Christ. . .but sometimes I find myself stumbling over . . . .well. . . .myself. The imperfections of my humanity can cause me to "feel" like I am less than, or flawed beyond purpose. Some of you may know exactly what I'm talking about. So, I have to push my feelings aside and rely on the truth of God's Word.


It was that particular quest that led me to stumble upon the 150 Day Challenge (we are on day 90. . .wooohooo!) My three girls and myself have been reading the same Psalm each day and then we meditate on the chapter we read throughout the day. It is always good to meditate on God's Word! Then we IM our favorite verse from each chapter. It has been so fantastic to watch what God speaks to each of them as we take this journey through Psalms together.

Life will always throw us curve balls and obstacles that we don't know how to get around, but God's Word remains. It is so important to hide it in our hearts so we can become more and more like Christ.

I know I have posted about our challenge in the past, but I thought I would share some of the scriptures with you that have touched the hearts of myself and my girls over the past several months.

I have loved watching God do great things in and through my girls as we have been participating in this challenge together. God's Word is active and alive and is a necessary part of our walk with God. So, if it's been awhile for you, put down your remote and take out God's Word...He wants to speak to you!

CrossTimber: Personalized Framed Plaque with Name Meaning and Bible Verse Review ~ Homeschool Review Crew

With approximately 8 more weeks before Christmas I have started to kick my shopping and prep into high gear! I was so excited when I had the opportunity to review a Personalized Framed Plaque with Name Meaning and Bible Verse from CrossTimber! You see, I have a pretty unique name that you don't find in the tourist shops when you are on vacation, or even at the Bible book store. . .I know that some of you feel my pain. Growing up with the first name "Barbette" you never just find your name and/or meaning easily at all!! I used to be jealous of all my friends that had personalized pens, keychains, pencils, etc. Their names were easy like; Lori, Beth, Christy, Jenny, etc. But, there were never any Barbette items anywhere!! My initial reaction to this opportunity was to get something with my name on it, but I decided to use this as an opportunity to bless someone else.


I have to say that from the first contact with CrossTimber, I have nothing but wonderful things to say! With my very first email interaction John and Katie Denhart sent me the meaning of my own name along with a verse! I have looked high and low for the meaning of my name, and have to try to piece it together from other names etc. 

Barbette is Greek in origin and means Missionary: Citizen of Heaven ~ Extending the Kingdom of Heaven
Romans 1:16 is my verse and says, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto  salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first and also to the Greek."

My mom also has a unique name. I decided that I would get her a Personalized Framed Plaque with Name Meaning and Bible Verse from CrossTimber as a gift. So, I went in and ordered the piece for my mom, but apparently didn't navigate the website very well, and didn't order what I had originally planned. In my email to John and Katie I mentioned that my mom collects lighthouses and that I was excited to give her this gift and how I knew she would love the lighthouse. Instantly I received an email back asking if I had intended to order a lighthouse background. I had ordered the wrong background and they worked it out before it ever became an issue!! The level of care and consideration in their customer service shows the true heart of Godly character!

Once I placed the order I received it very quickly, packaged perfectly to keep it safe and padded during the trip through the mail service. I want to assure you that these are not cheaply done in "Dollar Store" frames and through together thoughtlessly. I found my piece professionally crafted and beautiful to display.

Now, let me say this. . . I plan on giving it to her for Christmas. I know she isn't computer savvy and doesn't read my blog. . .but for my friends and family that do read my blog, please don't say anything to her. Let me surprise her!!

Enter the drawing to win free products!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To read more reviews about CrossTimber click on the image below!

Social media is a wonderful way to connect. Take some time to follow these social media links and like these pages.
Facebook Pinterest

Middlebury Interactive Languages: High School Spanish Fluency I Review ~ Homeschool Review Crew

I have either thought or said aloud the phrase, "I don't know how I am going to do this. . ." a lot since making the decision to homeschool my two girls. With them either in high school or prepping them for high school, I found myself feeling daunted and discouraged, wishing I knew the "right" way to educate them "properly." Some of you may feel the same way right now. . .don't feel like you are the only one. It happens to all of us from time to time and about different things. For me, that feeling kinda hit again as I realized that I needed to teach a high school foreign language!! Eeeeek! I took Spanish in high school, but I was rusty, and wasn't sure where to turn for just the right curriculum that would spark interest and be interactive enough for my youngest. So when I had the opportunity to review High School Spanish Fluency 1 from Middlebury Interactive Languages I was over the moon excited!!

I cannot say enough about this curriculum. I used this with my daughter that is a freshman this year. Although, she had taken a little bit of Spanish previously, it was nothing like this! She was able to dive into this course with all of her senses as she spent time listening, speaking, reading and writing throughout the lessons. As she worked through the course three days a week, I was able to see Spanish come alive to her in a whole new way! That my friend is always my main goal, and was the entire reason I made the decision to homeschool in the first place! 



I believe one of the main reasons this course impacted her the way that it did was the methodology behind how they do, what they do. The definitely use authentic videos and images that help her piece the whole picture together as she learns the language. Context is key when learning new things and Middlebury Interactive Languages hit the nail on the head with this one!

Another big reason that my daughter loved this course is the way they weave in task-based activities that in my opinion, bring the language to life! As she worked through the activities she was learning for the long-term not for the moment. Our homeschool motto (so to speak) is "Learning for the long-term not the moment" and Middlebury Interactive Languages and High School Spanish Fluency 1 was a perfect fit for us!

Within this course you can set up the lessons on a calendar and track grades in a gradebook. Although I use a different system for my daughter, this is a nice thing for those of you that don't usually do formal lesson plans. This will keep your student on task and help you track their grades.

Also, make sure that you watch the introduction. It has a lot of good information in there that will help both you and your student as they work through the course. That is a fabulous place to start (even though we always want to skip that stuff!!)

Honestly, I loved this curriculum. It was fun, interactive, and easy to use. My daughter had fun using it and practicing it. Finding and investing in the right course is sometimes a long process, but that is why I am here and writing these reviews! My goal is to help make your job easier as homeschool parents. Middlebury Interactive Languages is a must have for our homeschool, and would be a great asset for yours!

Click the image below to read more reviews about Middlebury Interactive Languages.

Follow Middlebury Interactive Languages through social media. . . Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Truth Nugget

It is so important for us to take time to sit at the feet of Jesus. We need to soak in the Truth of His Word. . .that is the only way that we will be able to live our life as a true representation of Him!

The Familyman: The Familyman's Christmas Treasury - Audio Collection Review ~ Homeschool Review Crew

I am not exaggerating in the slightest bit when I say that I absolutely love Christmas! I love everything about it! I love the lights, I love the cold, I love the music, I love spending time with family, I love the food. . . and now I have a new thing to love about Christmas with The Familyman's Christmas Treasury - Audio Collection by The Familyman. Being part of the Homeschool Review Crew has brought many different and wonderful items and curricula into my life and my homeschool. Sometimes what I have the chance to review is not something I would have been able to find on my own, and so. . .for that I am very thankful.
Familyman Ministries started with the main mission "to remind dad's of what's most important." Todd Wilson the author of "Help! I'm Married to a Homeschooling Mom and The Official Book of Homeschooling Cartoons is a dad, writer, conference speaker, and former pastor. Todd uses humor, straight talk, and sincerity as his trademark and God continues to grow his ministry through it.

The Familyman's Christmas Treasury - Audio Collection is narrated by master storyteller Jim Hodges. These stories will be a wonderful hit with your children and kids of all ages will find pleasure listening as the true meaning of Christmas is reinforced in a new way! 
The Familyman's Christmas Treasury - Audio Collection comes with six (6) books that are available on CD or Digital Download
Captain Chaos and the Manger Blaster is a story about a super hero that turns out to be . . .not so super! Instead of being a super hero, he brings some pretty super chaos! This story is funny and we found ourselves giggling through it. My kids are all a little older, but they did find the story engaging and funny.
Cootie McKay's Nativity is a funny story! This is definitely one that made me laugh so much. The nativity in town needs to be replaced and that is the job left to Cootie McKay! The message that stuck out the most for me in this sweet little story was that you should never underestimate the power of God's Word!!
The Stranger was a thought provoking story about how people in a church turned away from the stranger that came to them. Then one door was opened to him for Christmas Eve. This story truly is a "when you've done it unto the least of these, you've done it unto me." moments. You truly never know when you could be entertaining angels unaware!!
Harold Grubbs and the Christmas Vest was one that touched my heart. When Harold decides to change his life and follow after God, he surprised everyone. . .absolutely everyone. God was able to touch other people because of the change that was now evident in the life of Harold Grubbs. Then every year when he wore his Christmas Vest it was a reminder of the power of God to change lives! 
Gladys Remembers Christmas was a beautiful story about the importance of remember our blessings. Sometimes we forget the legacy of faithfulness and the role that God has played in our lifetime. While Gladys was cleaning out her childhood home, she finds some "treasures" that fill her life with joy once again. I love Christmas and all the memories and traditions that come with it, and this story really sparked some wonderful things in my life!
These stories were a sweet addition to our evenings and brought up great conversation about God's grace, His power to transform, salvation and what that truly means, compassion towards others, and the ability to show the love of God even to people we deem "different" or "unlovable."
You will not go wrong with The Familyman's Christmas Treasury - Audio Collection. They will make a great gift or stocking stuffer as well!!
Social Media is a great way to stay current on new and fresh things as they make their way onto the market. Take some time to follow the links below and follow The Familyman.
Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest Google+
Blog Link

If you would like to read a few more reviews, then click the image below!

Educeri ....... Educeri a division of DataWORKS: Educeri Lesson Subscription Service Review ~ Homeschool Review Crew

I can honestly say that homeschooling my kids is one of my greatest joys! I can also honestly say that homeschooling my kids is one of my greatest griefs! LOL! Can any of you homeschooling parents feel my pain?! Educeri ....... Educeri a division of DataWORKS has made my life 100 times easier. For this review I received a twelve month access to their Educeri Lesson Subscription Service.
You may be wondering what exactly that might mean, or how the Educeri Lesson Subscription Service could help you. Educeri is a great source of amazing lesson plans that are already prepped and ready for you to teach at anytime. I love they way they word it, "We are a team of educators, editors, graphic designers, grammar snobs, and math nerds who are passionate about providing top-notch educational materials." The hard work, time, effort, and experience that is part of each lesson is evident!

As a homeschool parent or a teacher this site is a one stop shop for any grade. You will find resources for grades K-12. There are downloadable "Student Handouts" available at anytime, from any computer or any of your devices that can access the internet, not to mention the vast number of lessons you can access. I was amazed as I looked through over 1000 lessons. 

I want to take a moment and reassure you that the lessons that you will have access to are not just thrown together lessons that you could find just any old place. When I went in search of high school lessons for my daughters, I found that they were well-done, high quality, interesting lessons like: Graph Linear Inequalities, Factor Quadratic Expressions, Construct & Interpret Two-Way Frequency Tables and Use Angle Relationships of Circles. . .and much, much more!

I love the way that they mark each class according to what grade level they will fit into. I know that is helpful in any grade level. . .but I found it helpful since I have two daughters both in high school in different grades. It was an easy way for me to glance through and find classes that they could work through.
I have the privilege of caring for my best friend's children throughout the week, so I took the opportunity to go through some of the kindergarten classes with "L." She had fun counting and loved the fact that there was a worksheet to download and do as we went through the lesson together.

We also spent some time completing: Describe the Position of an Object, Name Shapes, and Identify Objects that Don't Belong. Although she is not quite in Kindergarten, these classes were wonderful for her. Not to mention, we were able to print out the worksheets and work together as we went through the lesson together.
Educeri ....... Educeri a division of DataWORKS has done and amazing job with the Educeri Lesson Subscription Service. No matter the age or stage your children are in, you will be able to find classes that fit their needs!
You can find out more about Educeri by following them on their social media sites.  Feel free to click the links below.
Facebook Twitter Pinterest You can also read more reviews about Educeri ....... Educeri a division of DataWORKS by clicking the image below.