Audiobook
Imagination Station – Voyage with the Vikings by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker (Book 1)
One afternoon earlier this month I had to take one of the girls to the doctor for a blood test so as we spent time waiting in the doctors office we started reading Imagination Station – Voyage with the Vikings by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker (Book 1). Later that same evening when we were back home I finished reading the last couple chapters to the girls. If you are looking for a simple, quick, and entertaining book to read out loud to your kids this is a good one. Your kid(s) may also enjoy reading this one independently on their own too. This is book one of Focus on the Family’s Adventures in Odyssey series.
One day when the cousins, Patrick and Beth, were exploring Mr. Whittaker’s place they came across his Imagination Station. Before long they were being transported back in time on an adventure together to Greenland where they met Viking Erik the Red, Viking Leif, and more interesting people. Your kids will be captivated by the adventures on the boat, searching for the sunstone, winning a prized sword, and watching for flying spears while learning a little bit about Vikings, Greenland, and more.
Free Audio Book: “Choose Joy” by Kay Warren
For the month of March Christian Audio is offering a free download of an audio book . This month the audio book is Choose Joy by Kay Warren.
Ever wonder why some people seem to experience joy in their daily lives–even in the tough times–and others can’t seem to find it no matter how hard they search? Is a joy-filled life really possible? The answer is yes! And it’s possible for every woman, no matter what her circumstances may be. (information from Christian Audio)
If you have been wanting to a book to listen to throughout the day or while driving then this is a great opportunity to get a book for free when you download it from Christian Audio in December. Make sure to submit your order by March 30, 2013 to get your free audio book. Thanks Christian Audio!
By The Shores of Silver Lake by Laura Ingalls Wilder
I just finished reading By the Shores of Silver Lake by Laura Ingalls Wilder. The girls loved this book and hearing more about Laura’s adventures. By the Shores of Silver Lake is the fifth book in this series. The story continues as Laura and her family move from Plum Creek to the Dakota Territory. Through family Pa found a job working on the railroad which helps makes ends meet until they can file their claim on their homestead.
Once the girls who were sick with scarlet fever were well enough to travel they took the train to meet Pa in the new area. Their first winter in Dakota was cold but they were able to stay in the surveyors house that was stocked with supplies without anyone around for many miles. At the first sign of Spring many men started coming through so they could file a claim on their homestead. Ma and the girls cooked many meals for men traveling through while Pa was away hoping to get the piece of land he wanted to start their new homestead. The town of De Smet started popping up right before their eyes and even Pa built a building in the new town that he could rent or sell later.
The girls enjoyed listening to another story about Laura and her family. After each chapter they always want me to read another one. They thought it was neat that Laura got to spend some time with their cousins and they especially loved reading about Laura riding the horse. It was a cute book and the girls have loved these books so much that they are already planning on reading the series again after I finish reading them.
On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Last week I finished reading On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder to the girls. This is the fourth book of the Little House series. In this book Laura and her family start their time in Minnesota on Plum Creek in a little sod house. Later Pa builds a new house with manufactured boards, glass windows and a hinged door.
The wild game at Plum Creek was more scarce because it was a more settled area but they did find plenty of fish in the creek. They were close enough to town that the family could attend church on Sundays and Laura and Mary could go to school. The land was good and the wheat crop looked great until the grasshoppers came which meant Pa had to look for work elsewhere.
It has been a lot of fun reading about Laura’s adventures with the girls. I am reading the same books to the girls that I read as a little girl. They are always eager to have me read the next chapter to them.
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
I started reading Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume to the girls while we were on the cruise. The girls loved hearing about Peter, Fudge, and their adventures so much that they begged me to continue reading it. I finished reading this book to the girls earlier this week. They thought the book was hilarious and wanted to know if there were any more books.
The book is about a fourth grader Peter Hatcher and his little brother Fudge. Fudge was always getting into Peter’s things, messing up his school work, playing with his turtle, and many other things to embarrass Peter. Every chapter contains the daily interactions and adventures of the Hatcher family. The story is fun and silly which captivates the young listeners attention. We have the older version of this book from when I was a kid. The girls love that they are reading books that I read as a kid too.
Flat Stanley: His Original Adventure by Jeff Brown
While on the cruise last week I read the book Flat Stanley: His Original Adventure by Jeff Brown to the girls. Before leaving we had them color and laminate their own Flat Stanley’s to take with them. Both Flat Stanley’s had a blast on the cruise and were often seen looking out the window in our room at the ports, sneaking a snack from the shelf, and other random places throughout the week.
The book was a really quick read but the girls loved it. One afternoon as we were relaxing for a little bit before dinner I read the entire book to them. They thought it was silly and enjoyed taking their very own Flat Stanley on adventures with them.
In this book Flat Stanley wakes up one morning flattened by the bulletin board that fell on top of him during the night. The book goes through the adventures that encounters while being flat from being a kite for his brother to being mailed to a friend and even helping in a museum robbery investigation.
Whether you read the book to the kids or they read it on their own it will be a fun one for them.
Brina and Karlie’s Flat Stanley’s waving at them from the window in our room. The girls were tickled pink they could see them from the dock. It definitely made our room easier to spot (I didn’t see any other Flat Stanley’s in any other windows, ha).
Love It – You Version (Free Bible App)
A friend of mine shared this free app with me back in September. While in a conversation with a group of friends we started discussing how much time we actually spend reading and/or listening to Scriptures. We decided as a group to encourage each other to read through the Bible completely.
Each of person has chosen various plans, versions, etc…. Since I didn’t start this until the middle of September I decided to do the whole Bible in 90 days so I can listen to the entire Bible before the end of the 2012 calendar year. Here’s the 90 Day Plan I chose.
At the beginning of the New Year I plan to switch to another plan. I have a few that I am excited about doing but haven’t completely decided which one yet. Even though I have grown up in a godly family and church and probably have read all the Bible verses at various times I honestly cannot say that I have not faithfully followed a “read / listen the whole bible plan” until this one (I know it is really sad and embarrassing to admit).
I have been thinking and praying a lot about my life, parenting, etc…. if my heart isn’t right and I am not gaining wisdom from the best source available how am I suppose to raise children who love God? How can I make an eternal positive impact on the lives around me if I am living life in the flesh or doing what “I” think is best?
So after gathering with a few friends (for accountability) who want to do the same thing we started using this awesome free app. I LOVE that I can listen to Bible with this app. Everyone learns a different way. I have found that if I get up earlier and listen to it while I walk on the treadmill I actually retain more. The girls have come down a few times and heard me listening to it as well and have asked to listen to the last half with me while they eat breakfast for school. It warms my heart to see them eager to hear the Bible.
When I miss a day I have it set to remind me which helps me stay on track. I find the weekends harder to keep up with it since our schedule is always different so I listen to more chapters on Mondays to catch up. Doing the 90 day plan has a lot more reading / listening then some of the other plans but it has been wonderful, insightful, and encouraging listening to it.
There are 100’s of plans to chose from (whole bible plans, topical plans, devotional, and more). I chose to do the whole bible because I have never done it before. You can read it, listen to it on your phone, or on your computer. I typically listen to it on my phone (if I do it on the computer I tend to get too distracted) where I can take my phone downstairs where it is quiet and listen without interruptions or distractions.
I am so EXCITED to say that I have actually stuck with this plan! Tomorrow is my last day – Day 90!!!!! YAY!!!! I am already looking forward to narrowing down the next plan that I want to go through.
While I did listen to the Whole Bible in the past 90 days I still have A LOT to learn! There were days that I didn’t listen very well or got distracted. I am so thrilled to finally find an app that works really well for me that I want to share it with you. Since starting I have shared this app with many family and friends too. Jake is working through one as well.
I hope as we quickly approach Christmas Day and the New Year that you would consider challenging yourself to read or listen to the Bible, whether it is with this app or another. We have so much that we can gleam from the Scriptures that can help encourage us throughout our days as well as point us to the One who truly has all the answers!
Download The Bible App Now
Free Audio Book: “God is In A Manger” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
For the month of December Christian Audio is offering a free download of an audio book . This month the audio book is God is In A Manger by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
These stirring words are among forty devotions that guide and inspire readers as they move thematically through the weeks of Advent and Christmas, from waiting and mystery to redemption, incarnation, and joy. Supplemented by an informative introduction, short excerpts from Bonhoeffer’s letters, and passages from his Christmas sermons, these daily devotions are timeless and moving reminders of the true gift of Christmas. (information from Christian Audio)
If you have been wanting to a book to listen to throughout the day or while driving then this is a great opportunity to get a book for free when you download it from Christian Audio in December. Make sure to submit your order by December 31, 2012 to get your free audio book. Thanks Christian Audio!
Free Ebooks: eReader Girl
Do you enjoy a finding free or discounted ebook deals? Crystal at MoneySavingMom has launched a new website called eReaderGirl where women can go to find free or discounted ebooks!
Whether you have a Kindle or Nook this site will be a great resource for finding books to read. Even if you don’t have a Kindle or Nook you can download an app that allows you to read them on your cell phone, tablet, or computer.
The eReader Girl tells you about free ebooks available each day as well as discounted ebooks. The ebooks are categorized by different genres. They even have Children’s books listed for you. Many of the ebooks you will find listed on the website will be free for a limited time so please make sure to double check the price prior to completing your order.
You can follow eReader Girl on Twitter or Facebook too. I am super excited about this website because our family loves to read books and can be often found reading together. It is always a real treat finding a favorite book or one I have been wanting to read listed for free or at a great discount. Hope you enjoy exploring this neat new site!
Book: “Horse Shy” by Bonnie Bryant
Our girls even though they are twins are very different both in their personalities and interests. Although there are a couple areas of interest they overlap……their love for books and their love for animals. They both LOVE horses and get really excited any time they have an opportunity to ride, pet, feed, or even be around horses.
Recently I just finished reading the second book of The Saddle Club horse series to the girls Horse Shy by Bonnie Bryant. They were always eager for me to read the next chapter of the book, if I had extra time they would request that I read another chapter. The cover of our book is the older edition but the story is the same.
This is the second book in the Saddle Club series. Carole, Lisa, Stevie and a group of their classmates go on the big adventure they have been looking forward to for months the Mountain Trail Overnight. An accident happens with one of the horses, but the author does a good job of showing how to cope with the loss of a favorite animal through the encouragement of friends and a time of grief. If your child enjoys horses, likes to read or listen to you read books this is a great one to check out.
