This blog is my attempt to document our busy but BLESSED lives raising and educating our children for His glory. A child of God, wife to one, and mom to 6 fabulous kids. We are in our 15th year of homeschooling using a Classical ~ Literature based approach.

Come along for the good, the bad & the ugly.



Thursday, March 24, 2016

FishFlix: Captive ~ a TOS review

Imagine for a second that you are a young widowed mother who is trying to kick a drug addiction so that you may see your daughter again. As you go about your day hoping and trying to get your life back together, your life is forever changed as your paths cross with a killer. Does this sound like a movie you would like to see? I recently had the opportunity to watch a Christian film about the power of faith in the midst of fear called Captive from FishFlix.com . 
FishFlix.com Review
FishFlix.com is a family owned company by Lukas Media. The owner and staff believe that God is honored by hard work, good service and quality products. FishFlix.com is the most comprehensive online Christian video store featuring thousands of high quality Christian DVDs. Their mission is to bring you The Greatest Christian and Family-Friendly Films in the World at Great Prices. The website offers a wide selection of family friendly Christian videos, including entertaining movies, documentaries, biographies, educational films, and more. If you are looking for DVDs and Blu-Rays that the whole family can enjoy, FishFlix is the place to shop.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
~ Colossians 3:23-24

Captive  is a drama/thriller that is based upon the true story of Brian Nichols (played by David Oyelowo), who upon learning of his newborn son's birth takes grave actions to see him at all costs. In the process of escaping from police custody from charges of rape, Nichols kills the judge who is to try his case along with his court reporter and four other innocent lives. Along the way he crosses paths with Ashley Smith (played by Kate Mara) who was moving into her new home, minding her own business trying to get her life back in order after battling a drug addiction to regain custody of her daughter.

Nichols actions of the day cause a state wide manhunt and leaves Ashley fearing for her life when all she wants is to see her daughter. As the ordeal presses on, Ashley begins to read aloud from The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren which was given to her at her recovery group. Along the way, both Brian and Ashley learn that all lives matter and are for a purpose, whether seemingly big or small.

I was drawn into this movie because I was in court reporting school when the events took place. It was all that was talked about for weeks at a time at school and one of the factors that made me decide that I did not want to work inside of a courtroom as originally planned, but rather in close captioning. 

This movie is rated PG-13 and I originally was going to watch it with my 15 and 19 year olds, but because of time restraints and having the younger kids not being in bed on time for the last few weeks, it didn't work out. So, I watched it by myself one night. Once my husband returns home from his overseas deployment I plan to watch it again with him and the older girls. I do not plan to allow my new 13 year old view it because she is not as mature enough yet for the topics depicted. Use your discretion for your family.

Captive is a beautifully made movie that shows God has a purpose for your life at all times. His path for you is already set, you just have to let him lead. Be sure to see what my CrewMates thought of this movie and the other movies being reviewed, including War RoomWoodlawnGospel of John The Ultimate Gift My Son My SaviorTheo , Superbook: A Giant Adventure , Owlegories: The Ant, The Fruit, The Butterfly ,  and Agenda 2 by clicking the banner below.


FishFlix.com Review

Company ~ FishFlix.com
Product ~ Captive
Price ~ $19.99
Ages ~ PG-13, *use your discretion for your family


FishFlix.com Review
hashtags: #hsreviews #fishflix #ChristianMovies



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©2008 - 2016 A Stable Beginning. All rights reserved. All photographs, text, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the author. http://astablebeginning.com

Monday, March 21, 2016

Snapshots ~ 365 days of us...{34/365}



©2008 - 2016 A Stable Beginning. All rights reserved. All photographs, text, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the author. 
http://astablebeginning.com

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Snapshots ~ 365 days of us...{33/365} #icaniwillendofstory


So incredibly proud of my girl, Mikayla! Today was her Lv.9 STATE meet and because of a mix up a week and a half ago she was entered as an All-Around gymnast instead of an Individual Event Specialist (IES), She was super nervous about that, but we talked and prayed about it the whole time She was determined to qualify for the REGIONAL meet in April.

It came down to bars, but SHE DID IT!!!! She is REGIONAL bound and she also placed 5th on Vault and tied for 3rd on Floor
Awesome job Mikayla, we LOVE you and are so PROUD of you!!!

Don't count my girl out now, her mantra is, I CAN, I WILL, END OF STORY. 





©2008 - 2016 A Stable Beginning. All rights reserved. All photographs, text, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the author. 
http://astablebeginning.com

Friday, March 11, 2016

Snapshots ~ 365 days of us...{29/365}


Madison had her first Varsity softball game tonight. Our state does not allow homeschoolers to play within the public schools, however, one of the local private Christian schools does, which is a huge blessing. Her first up to bat she bunted and made it to third base! She laid the ball just in front of the plate and took off running like a cheetah around the bases. Of course I didn't have my video ready, MAN! Next game I will be ready though.

After the game one of the assistance coaches came up to me and asked if Madison has been in track because she is fast. I do not know of a track program/club in our area so I need to do some research as this is not the first coach to tell us that she needs to be sprinting. I will keep you posted...






©2008 - 2016 A Stable Beginning. All rights reserved. All photographs, text, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the author. 
http://astablebeginning.com

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Snapshots ~ 365 days of us...{28/365}




McKenzie loves to roller skate. It's her new favorite thing to do outside, especially since the weather has been so nice the last few days. Today she found the knee pads and put them on. Love this little girl!





©2008 - 2016 A Stable Beginning. All rights reserved. All photographs, text, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the author. 
http://astablebeginning.com

Grapevine Studies: The Resurrection ~ a TOS review

Remember last November when I shared with you our new found love of stick figuring through the Bible with the help of Grapevine Studies? And how I wanted to prepare our hearts for the fast approaching Easter celebration by studying The Resurrection. Well, hooray, we were selected to review this very same study and have been using it for the past 6 weeks.

Birth of John to Jesus' Ministry {Grapevine Studies Review}Birth of John to Jesus' Ministry {Grapevine Studies Review}

Grapevine Studies has developed one of the leading Bible study curriculum's to grow disciples for Christ. Children use their very own Bibles and study Biblical lessons on their level through a multi-sensory approach that includes hearings, seeing, and drawing. One of the great features is that this curriculum does not promote any one specific faith or religious practice, it just teaches the Word of God so that it works for all denominations.
Birth of John to Jesus' Ministry {Grapevine Studies Review}
We received eBooks of The Resurrection Studies Beginner and The Resurrection Studies Multi-Level Student Workbook, Teachers Manual, and Traceable Pages. This study takes you on a journey through the Last Supper and you will begin to see how all of the events of that night lead to Jesus being tried, beaten, crucified, and then gloriously rising again on the third day. With 40 daily lessons  that take 15-20 minutes or 11 weekly lessons that will take about 40-55 minutes per week, this is the perfect study to combine with Lent to prepare your hearts for the Easter celebration.


The Teachers Manual is necessary to complete this study so be sure to order both the teacher manual and student book. It includes the lesson notes, timeline and stick figure drawings, maps, memory verses, review questions and answers, along with lesson key points.

The Student Books also includes lesson notes, stick figure and timeline drawings, memory verses, reviews, and maps.

Each lesson study topic includes a complete timeline for the entire story you are learning and includes several pages to correspond to the verses, including the memory verses, you are learning about. My children are very hands-on, visual learners so the timeline helped them see the events of history better. The traceable pages are perfect for the young learners, like my toddler, and my Kindergartener who wants to be involved in Bible study or any school time. Each teacher lesson plan is followed up with a set of review questions that are perfect to check for comprehension and retention for students and Mom’s alike.

There are a few supplies needed to complete this study including:
Student list:
~ Bible
~ Student or Traceable Book
~ colored pencils or crayons
Teacher list:
~ Bible
~ Teacher Manual
~ dry erase board & set of 8 colored markers
~ Bible dictionary


I used this children’s Bible study curriculum with my youngest two daughters, aged 9 and 6 years old, during this review period. My 22 month old toddler son loved being in the mix too and drawing on the traceable pages. I love how simple stick figures have helped them see the whole big picture of Jesus’s death and Resurrection. This Bible curriculum is so versatile and I love how it fits into our classical style of learning, especially for my visual and artistic learners.

Birth of John to Jesus' Ministry {Grapevine Studies Review}

We are not quite done with our study but my girls are getting so excited for Easter. A local church that we pass every day puts up a display of Jesus’s tomb and two Roman guards on Palm Sunday and on Easter morning the stone is rolled away.


This display has so much more meaning to them now that we have had this in-depth study. The girls are eagerly awaiting the display to be put up, and more so for the stone to be rolled away Easter morning.

Overall, we have enjoyed this product and will continue our stick figuring through the Bible with other titles after this one. We wholeheartedly recommend you check out all of the Grapevine Studies. If you are not too sure about where to start, be sure to check out this graphic chart below. It will give you an idea and overview of what the company offers.

Birth of John to Jesus' Ministry {Grapevine Studies Review}

Be sure to check out what my CrewMates thought of The Resurrection and the other two products being reviewed, New Testament 1: Beginner John to the Apostles and New Testament 1: Birth of John to Jesus' Ministry {levels 1-4} by clicking the banner below.

Birth of John to Jesus' Ministry {Grapevine Studies Review}

Ages ~ Pre-K and up

Birth of John to Jesus' Ministry {Grapevine Studies Review}
Hashtags: #HSReview #GrapevineStudy #BibleStudy #Resurrection



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©2008 - 2016 A Stable Beginning. All rights reserved. All photographs, text, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the author. http://astablebeginning.com

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Snapshots ~ 365 days of us... {19-27/365}

 
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©2008 - 2016 A Stable Beginning. All rights reserved. All photographs, text, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the author. 
http://astablebeginning.com

Wordless Wednesday







©2008 - 2016 A Stable Beginning. All rights reserved. All photographs, text, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the author. http://astablebeginning.com

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Heirloom Audio Productions : The Dragon and the Raven ~ a TOS review

The Dragon and the Raven {Heirloom Audio Productions Review}
We are towards the end of gymnastics travel season and the long hours on the road that accompany it. A few weeks ago we were asked to review the newest audio drama from Heirloom Audio Productions called The Dragon and the Raven . It really should come as no surprise that we gobbled it up on our trip to Ohio, because really, I can only listen to my sons favorite videos so many times.

Heirloom Audio Productions is passionate about bringing history to life in exciting and engaging audio dramas. G.A. Henty’s adventure books became popular during the 19th century. His books became well known for emphasizing traits of courage, high moral character, diligence, and perseverance. With Heirloom Audio Productions newest release title, they have truly set the bar high and it does not disappoint one bit.

We received CD set, Digital Download of the Study Guide, Soundtrack, and a printable poster. This story retells history’s most daring expeditions of the 800's AD and tells the story of loyalty, perseverance, and sacrifice during the time when the Danes invade England. A beautifully presented story filled with character, bravery, courage, and faith.
The Dragon and the Raven {Heirloom Audio Productions Review}
The two CD set of this high energy and fast pace story focused on building character for the next generation while bringing history lessons to life within the chapters. With the extremely high quality audio reenactments, this story it is perfect for ages 6 years old to adult.

My girls and I all enjoyed this CD! My six year old was a bit scared at first as the story started, but that fear faded as the story continued on. We are on the go almost every day of the week, so we strictly listened to this while traveling on our long trips. The girls were silent as the story played, eagerly listening for each detail. Sometimes we would stay in the van until a chapter had ended just so we could hear the end of the story. I really like the fact that the stories where numbered so we could find our spot quickly.

So, what’s the bottom line?! We love this CD! I would recommend this product to any and all looking to add a bit of family friendly audio / radio drama into the homes. Be sure to see what my Crewmates thought of The Dragon and the Raven by clicking on the banner below.
The Dragon and the Raven {Heirloom Audio Productions Review}
The Dragon and the Raven {Heirloom Audio Productions Review}
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Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Wordless Wednesday








©2008 - 2016 A Stable Beginning. All rights reserved. All photographs, text, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the author. http://astablebeginning.com




Zonderkidz: Faith Builders Bible ~ a TOS review

Do you have a Lego brick builder in your family? I have several who love to build their own creations., and what a better way to tie into learning all about the Bible. When we were offered the Faith Builders Bible from Zonderkidz  I originally had planned to let Montana be the focus of the review. However, when McKenzie saw the cover of the Bible and saw that it had her given name on it, I knew she had to be the focus of this review.

Faith Builders Bible {Zonderkidz Review}

The Faith Builders Bible is a hard cover 8 1/2 inches tall by 5 1/2 wide Bible that comes in the New International Reader’s Version (NIrV). As a complete Bible that covers all 66 books from Genesis to Revelation, it is meant for readers on a 3rd grade reading level and up. A dictionary and an index of 92 Bible stories are also included in the back along with 24 full colored pictures. This Bible retails for $24.99.
Faith Builders Bible {Zonderkidz Review}

McKenzie has always had a hand me down Bible from one of her big sisters, which there is nothing wrong with that, but she has talked about having her very own Bible. I was planning on giving her her own special Bible for Easter, but this Bible came at the most opportune time. And the fact that it has her given name on it, makes it even more special for her.
Faith Builders Bible {Zonderkidz Review}
We used this Bible daily during McKenzie's devotional and memory work time. I normally read out if her story Bible while she flipped through her pages. If there happened to be a color illustration to go along with our daily story, I would have her look at that page while I read. We also highlighted McKenzie's weekly memory verse and put a bookmark in so she could find it easily as she is still putting the books of the Bible to memory. The front of this Bible has a great color-coded visual of all of the books of the Bible on building bricks which is also helping with committing the books to memory.

Faith Builders Bible {Zonderkidz Review}
Faith Builders Bible {Zonderkidz Review}

McKenzie likes to play with Lego's but she gets frustrated at times while building. But not to fear, as big sister Montana, is always eager to step in and help create illustrations. We have really enjoyed adding this Bible to our family. I love the pictures that are so detailed. If I had one complaint, it is that the font is really small for my eyes. Maybe it's because I am getting older :-) . I love that McKenzie asks so many questions now about stories we have read. She enjoys Bible time and so do I. Be sure to check out what my CrewMates thought of this book by clicking the banner below.

Faith Builders Bible {Zonderkidz Review}

Company ~ Zonderkidz
Price ~ $24.99
Ages ~ 3rd grade reading level
 
Faith Builders Bible {Zonderkidz Review}

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