Golden Prairie Press: Heroines of the Past Bible Study Review

I really enjoy being part of The Schoolhouse Review Crew because I am introduced to companies and products that I would have otherwise never known about.  The newest company I have discovered is called Golden Prairie Press, created by Amy Puetz.

Amy Puetz is a homeschool graduate, a self-taught historian, and a servant of Jesus Christ. As the owner of Golden Prairie Press she publishes books that show history at its best. 

History has been a passion for her since childhood.  Years of in-depth study have equipped her to write history-related books.  As a columnist for Home School Enrichment Magazine, she shares stories about historical events from a Christian worldview.  She especially loves to dig for little-known stories that show God's providential hand.

I was given the opportunity to read and review Heroines of the Past Bible Study.  

It is an Inspiring Thirteen-Week Virtue Study Celebrating the Noble Deeds of Women and Girls from History.  Each chapter has a story about a righteous lady from the past, and then a study that digs into God’s Word concerning the virtues demonstrated in the story.

I was extremely excited to receive this and start reading it with Funny Bunny.  After looking through the Table of Contents and List of Heroines included in the book, we decided to just start from the beginning with The Courage of Princess Edith.  Here you can see Sample Pages of both, along with the first two days of study.

Each week has five daily lessons followed by a Virtue Study that includes thought-provoking questions, a memory verse, and several Bible verses to look up and discuss.

Scattered throughout the book there is a section in the Virtue Study called Box of Visual Reminders.  It includes suggestions of what to put in a box that you have made at home, to remind you of the important truths found in God's word.  For instance, in The Courage of Princess Edith, Edith was charged with a crime she did not commit, and so she requested a champion to fight against her accuser by throwing her glove on the floor of the hall in the face if the king and all his barons.  By placing a glove in the box, it reminds the reader that Christ is our Champion.  I thought that was a neat idea and would make a great keepsake once the study is completed.

My Thoughts:  Funny Bunny and I have enjoyed working through these lessons.  The Courage of Princess Edith is written with Old English, so it was a bit challenging to read at times, but Funny Bunny understood it fine and was able to answer the questions with no problem.  The questions are thought-provoking and we continued some nice discussions afterwards.  I think this would be a great study for a mother and daughter to work through together.

Thoughts of a 9-Year Old:  I like Heroines of the Past because each story has different virtues.  For instance, Princess Edith showed bravery and Sarah Winnemucca showed peacefulness.  My favorite was the Bravery of Princess Edith. 

There are three parts to the story.  When Edith and her sister escaped from their hometown to the king's castle in another land, a man in the court falsely accused Edith of things she didn't say.  The king got so mad that he summoned her to court.  She gave her innocence by swearing to God and challenging the accuser to the high punishment.   If her 'knight' won, she would be set free.  If the man won, she would be killed.  Soon the duel began.  Who won?  Read it to find out!

I really like this book a lot!

Find Out More:  You can find out more online at Golden Prairie Press.  Heroines of the Past Bible Study is recommended for ages 8 and up and available as an e-book {PDF, MOBI, or EPUB} or printed with nearly 50 illustrations for just $21.60.  This sale price will last until September 1, 2012.
 

My Crewmates are also talking about Golden Prairie Press, so you can check out what they think about it HERE.

Disclaimer:  This product was given to Our Homeschool Reviews for free for review purposes, and I do not have to return the product to the vendor.  I have received no compensation from it and all opinions and experiences within this review are my own.

Wordless Wednesday: Zhu Zhu Pets Are Everywhere!

Smelling Flowers 

Reading 

Washing

In the Dishes

Trick or Treating

Knocking Over Shells

Receiving Valentine's

And Forming Pyramids

All pictures taken by Funny Bunny

And the Purex Winners Are...

Comment #49 - katychick said...i'd like to win, we do laundry every day and this would help cut cost- we are using purex with zout and love it

Comment #122 - JR911 said...i like you on fb

I used Random.org to pick the winners and I have already them via email.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Purex Giveaway via Our Homeschool Reviews and thanks again to Purex for allowing me to offer this great product!

The American Bible Challenge Giveaway

I was able to watch a video about the making of The American Bible Challenge that will be airing TONIGHT, Thursday, August 23rd on GSN and I am so excited about it!!  Read more about it below and enter to win a giveaway! 

The American Bible Challenge Description:

 

Comedian and author, Jeff Foxworthy hosts this studio-based game in which contestants compete based on their knowledge of the Bible. Utilizing current as well as historical references, questions will be drawn from the rich, dense narrative found in the world’s best-selling book. The contestants will share their compelling back-stories and each team will be playing for a charitable organization. The American Bible Challenge is produced by RelativityREAL for GSN, with RelativityREAL’s Tom Forman (“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”) and Embassy Row’s Michael Davies (“The Newlywed Game,” “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”) serving as Executive Producers on the project. Nick Stuart and Maura Dunbar of Odyssey Networks are Consulting Producers.

About the Host:

Comedian Jeff Foxworthy is the largest selling comedy-recording artist in history, a multiple Grammy® Award nominee and the best-selling author of 11 books. Widely known for his redneck jokes, his act goes beyond that to explore the humor in everyday family interactions and human nature.

Find Out More:  The American Bible Challenge premiers TONIGHT, Thursday, August 23rd at 8/7c. You can find out more at GSN. 

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GIVEAWAY!!

So, here's how to enter to win one (1) The American Bible Challenge T-Shirt and one (1) Zondervan NIV Quest Study Bible.  For each comment, you will get one (1) entry.

  

1. Leave a comment telling me why you would like to win

2. Follow my blog using Google Friend Connect

3. Like Our Homeschool Reviews on Facebook

4. Like The American Bible Challenge on Facebook

5. Follow OurHSReviews on Twitter

**Remember to please leave a separate comment for each entry**

Contest ends on Thursday, August 31, 2012 at 11:59 EST.  The winner will be chosen by Random.org.  This contest is open to U.S. residents who are 18 or older.  If I am unable to reach the winner by email within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected.  Your entry is only valid if you include a way for me to contact you (either an email address in your comment or on your profile).  The winner's name will be obtained and publicly announced.  The number of eligible entries determines the odds of winning.  No purchase is necessary to win and this contest is void where prohibited by law. 

Disclosure:  This product was given to Our Homeschool Reviews for free for review purposes, and I do not have to return the products to the vendor.  I have received no compensation from it and all opinions and experiences within this review are my own.

Where's the Background?

If you have noticed that my blog is loading slowly and the background and some of the graphics are not loading at all, it is just temporary. 

Over a year ago I was searching around for the perfect blog design and found the cute and free layout I now have from Leelou Blogs.  If you have never visited her site you should.  She has a ton of free blog layouts and can work with you to create a custom designs. 

Well, they recently switched servers and are aware of and working on the loading problem, so things should be back to normal in no time.

Thanks for your patience when visiting!  :)

Wordless Wednesday: Fishtail Braid

Funny Bunny's first attempt at giving Julie a fishtail braid.  :)

Purex Triple Action Giveaway!

I have yet ANOTHER Purex Triple Action Giveaway for my readers!!!

Find Out More:  You can find out more about Purex Triple Action laundry detergent on their website. 

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GIVEAWAY!!

So, here's how TWO readers can win one coupon for Purex Triple Action!  For each comment, you will get one (1) entry.

1. Leave a comment telling me why you would like to win

2. Like Our Homeschool Reviews on Facebook

3.  Life Purex on Facebook and enter to win $10,000

4. Follow my blog using Google Friend Connect

5. Follow me on Twitter @OurHSReviews

6. Post about this giveaway on your blog or Facebook

7. Tweet about this giveaway up to once a day:  I entered to #win #Purex Triple Action @OurHSReviews http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/2012/08/purex-triple-action-giveaway.html #Giveaway ends 8/27

**Remember to please leave a separate comment for each entry**

Contest ends on Monday, August 27, 2012 at 11:59 EST.  The winner will be chosen by Random.org.  This contest is open to U.S. residents who are 18 or older.  If I am unable to reach the winner by email within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected.  Your entry is only valid if you include a way for me to contact you (either an email address in your comment or on your profile).  The winner's name will be obtained and publicly announced.  The number of eligible entries determines the odds of winning.  No purchase is necessary to win and this contest is void where prohibited by law. 

Disclosure:  This product was given to Our Homeschool Reviews for free for review purposes, and I do not have to return the products to the vendor.  I have received no compensation from it and all opinions and experiences within this review are my own.

Hoover MaxExtract 60 Carpet Cleaner

I was soooo excited when I found out that I was selected to take part in the Hoover Review Program and would be receiving a Hoover MaxExtract 60 Pressure Pro Carpet Deep Cleaner!!!  Our carpets need it! 

From the manufacturer:

This MaxExtract® deep cleaner is designed to thoroughly clean carpets and rugs.  This easy-to-use machine removes water, dirt and grime with pressurized cleaning, and has heated drying for a fast dry time. Features a double chamber nozzle to power wash surfaces with even suction across a wide path, while the automatic detergent system provides the right ratio of detergent and water for the best cleaning results. Patented Hoover® SpinScrub® brushes gently loosen dirt and clean all sides of carpet and upholstery fibers, with an adjustable speed control for various floor surfaces, including a Spill Pick-Up mode so you don't scrub in spills. 

Features:

• MaxExtract® DualV® Nozzle Technology - we're pulling up a lot of dirty water so your floors dry fast and you'll be back to living on those deep-cleaned floors quickly.
• Pressurized Edge-to-Edge Cleaning - a wall of pressurized water that loosens and lifts stubborn stains with constant and relentless spray.
• SpinScrub® 60 - counter-rotating brushes engineered to surround carpet fibers, removing dirt at every angle. It's like treating your carpet to a deep, massaging salon shampoo.
• Heated Cleaning - powerful motor with forced heated air to help speed dry time.
• Auto Conversion Tools - conveniently positioned where they should be - right at your fingertips.
• SmartTanks™ System - separate tanks for clean and dirty water, so you can easily fill, empty and rinse each tank individually!

So here is what I thought.

Pros:  It was very easy to take out of the box and assemble.  I only had to attach the handle, upper tank, and wind the hose and cord and secure them.  It only took me a few minutes to put it together.

Filling the tank was simple.  Remove the upper tank, open one hole and fill with water and open the other and fill with detergent and water, and then lock the tank back into place.

Cleaning was easy.  Press the button on the handle and push the cleaner to dispense the detergent and water and then release and go back over the area to dry.

To clean out the tank, I removed it and dumped it out.  The water was black...gross!!

I cleaned the carpets close to 3:00 and by the time I came home at 6:00, they were completely dry.

Cons:  Although I think this machine did a great job cleaning our carpets, I do need to mention a few things I didn't like.  It is very loud!  I've used carpet cleaners before and this one is LOUD!  It is also a bit bulky and heavy as well.  But it got the job done so I really can't complain.  I'll just make sure no one is sleeping or watching TV when I clean the carpets.  ;)

Find Out More:  You can find out more online at Hoover, Amazon, or Target.  Prices vary based on where you purchase it. 

Disclaimer:  I received a sample of this product to facilitate my review, but my opinions are entirely my own.

Morning Devotion - Pray

Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice. ~ Psalm 55.17

O my people, trust in him at all times.  Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. ~ Psalm 62.8

From time to time I'll be sharing passages from our morning devotions.  I hope they can be an encouragement to you!

Vocabulary Spelling City Review

Do you want to hear about my new favorite online learning site?  It's called Vocabulary Spelling City. 

Vocabulary Spelling City is an award winning website for K-12 that focuses on Vocabulary, Spelling, Writing, Parts of Speech, Handwriting, and Alphabetical Order. 

Features:

*  Over 42,000 words with customizable sentences and definitions
*  A real person who says each word and sentence
*  Free home pages for teachers and parents to save lists
*  Teacher Training Videos
*  Free printable handwriting worksheets
*  Free teaching resources with lists and lesson plans
*  Twenty-five games to play online or to print
*  A free forum and newsletters

The BEST part about Vocabulary Spelling City is that you can use the basic features of their site for FREE!!  You simply start by entering your words.

Of course, becoming a premium member has its benefits, which you can see below.

I received a one-year Premium Membership and here is how we have been using it.

Funny Bunny is an excellent speller, so instead of using a spelling and vocabulary list for her grade {which I knew she would have no trouble with} I am making my own lists using her science, history, and math vocabulary words.  I cannot begin to tell you how this has helped her, and it is so much more fun for her than writing definitions or using flash cards.

Once I have added a student, I can either find a pre-made list or create my own.  There are thousands of ready-to-use word lists by subject and/or grade level.  Here is just a peek at what you can find.

The Premium Membership lets me keep track of her progress and I can even organize all of her word lists by type.  For instance, I have all science word lists in the science folder. 

Below you can see that I can view her grades and assignments that she has completed and not yet done.  I can also print off all her grade for my records.

I can also view each activity I selected for a given assignment and its status and score.

My Thoughts:  We are loving Vocabulary Spelling City!  I like that I can use it how I want.  I can use their lists, make my own, make short lists, long lists, and add as few or as many activities to each assignment.  It is really up to me.  It's great that it keeps track of everything and as a reward Funny Bunny can play spelling or vocabulary games. 

Thoughts of a 9-Year Old:  I like Vocabulary Spelling City because it's helping me learn my vocabulary words, their definitions, and how to spell them.  My favorite part of the program is the games.  I would strongly recommend Word -O-Rama.  I also liked: Letter Fall, Practice Paragraph Writing and Practice Sentence Writing (because you get to write whatever you want as long as you include the words).  My mom adds words from our science book and then on my science quiz in school, I got them right!  I really enjoy it.

Find Out More:  You can find out more online at Vocabulary Spelling City.  The cost of their Premium Membership is just $29.99 a year and is for up to five students.  Up to 25 students in a classroom or co-op can use it for just $49.99.  They also have a free app for the iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.

My Crewmates are also talking about Vocabulary Spelling City, so you can check out what they think about it HERE.

Disclaimer:  This product was given to Our Homeschool Reviews for free for review purposes, and I do not have to return the product to the vendor.  I have received no compensation from it and all opinions and experiences within this review are my own.

Wordless Wednesday: Learning to Fly

Do you remember this picture from last week?  

Well, within just one week these little babies have grown, are out of the nest, and learning to fly.  And mama does not like it when we get close.

Homeschool Mother's Journal 8-13-12

In my life last week…  
 
I had a great week with Thirty-One last week!  I worked on closing and submitting a party, signed up my third recruit, and was able to earn a nice incentive!  My work has been steady and I feel so blessed!  My goal this month is to reach out to new people and schedule parties for October and November. 

In our homeschool last week…  

Funny Bunny finished Unit 6 ~ The Israelites in Egypt in her Heart of Dakota book, Preparing Hearts for His Glory.  I read aloud several chapters in Grandpa's Box and started reading Tirzah aloud.  

 

She also finished Lesson 5 ~ Food Webs in Christian Kids Explore Biology.

My favorite thing last week was…

Listening to Funny Bunny play the piano.  I had to miss her piano recital on Friday but recorded her playing at home.  She makes a couple mistakes in the video because I think she was not thrilled with me recording her {and she wouldn't do a second take}.  She did it perfect at the recital.  :)