A Mini Birthday Tribute to My Husband

Happy 52nd Birthday to my man, Sane Man, the technical to my creative, the spontaneous to my planning, the spender to my frugal, tall to my short. We're total opposites in so many ways. We can't even agree how to set the thermostat. Sometimes I ask him, "Don't you have somewhere to go?"

Yet, over these past 30 years we have become one. We've learned so much from one another. We've become better people. I still blush when he looks into my eyes. I never tire of him telling me that he loves me. The reason for all of this is simple. We have one thing in common. We're both Jesus Freaks. While this may have started out a tribute to Dave, it's really a tribute to the Lord. God is good.

New Review! Chara Games!!!

Well, hello there!!! I'm so glad you stopped by! :) I bet you'd like to get my posts delivered right to your inbox, now wouldn't you? So why not sign up for Feedburner? Check it out, it's right there in my sidebar! Thanks!!  :)

About the product/service: As part of the Homeschool Review Crew, I received a free Unauthorized game from Chara Games. Note: That's the name of the game, it's not that someone sent the game without permission. LOL This game is meant to teach about the struggles of the underground Christian church using a social deduction model. Now, I am not huge into games, so I have no idea what that really means, but I do know that this game pits the pastor/church against the state. I am pretty much the absolute worst at learning and teaching these kinds of games, but my kids are totally adept at it. It seems like many of the other kinds of games they play are set up similarly. I tend to stick to card type games, meaning using regular playing cards. This game does use cards, but they are character and "experience" cards. 

Check out this YouTube video to see how to play: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhOdlch2XZU

Note about the YouTube video: In the video the cards seem to be in some sort of protective sleeve. The cards don't come that way, but are like normal playing cards. 

What are the pros of this product?
We have it so easy here in America and other countries where there is religious freedom. It's not like it used to be, that's for sure, but we can still worship (or not worship) as we see fit. There are many places around the globe where that just isn't a reality. Christians are being persecuted in record numbers. How do we bring awareness to this issue? Playing a game? Well, at first that might seem a little silly. However, anything that brings awareness to an issue can spark a flame of compassion for those suffering. From there we can make others aware, pray, and maybe even find a way to do something about. This game is a great way to bring the subject up with family and friends. Sometimes people don't like to hear about things that might cause them to feel bad, but we can bring out a game and get the conversation started.

What's not to like? 
Since the game is for 6 to 12 players it can be hard to find enough people available to play. Even with nine of us here, it wasn't easy to find six people who were available. I would suggest bringing the game to a church function or Bible study if your family is small, busy, or just never all home at once. 

Also, each of the character cards is two-sided. You can choose either side to represent yourself. The pastor cards happen to have both male and female pastors. If you happen to believe that the pastoral role is reserved for men, this could be an issue. I would simply suggest that you use the other side of the card. Also, the reality is that some pastors in the persecuted church are female, so it simply depicts reality. I just thought I'd throw that out there. (My kids also thought the female pastor was a little too sexy with her colored hair and tight shirt. Check the cards out yourself below. Also, the male cop is overweight and eating a donut. LOL Stereotypes anyone?)




The Crazy Mom take:
It definitely took some time to figure out how to play. To be honest, I'm still not sure if we really have it down. This is normal for these kinds of games from my experience, though. If you are taking it to a Bible study or something, it would be very helpful to really get an idea of how it works so you don't have to spend all your time figuring it out. 

It was very interesting to look at all the thought that went into the experience cards. It really made me think! Your character can experience everything from learning spiritual truths, to encountering neverending joy, to being wrongly imprisoned or worse. Of course, if you're a police officer you can go so far as to execute someone! It's also really hard to take the side of the state, but there are times you almost have to. Actually, every move is difficult. Of course, other than whoever played the police officer, we all tended to lean toward making moves that helped gain more Christian cards, but sometimes that wasn't so cut and dry. Helping another player can actually put you in jeopardy. In that sense, it parallels what actually happens in the underground church. It can be a bit confusing, but my kids actually had a lot of fun playing it.  


What's the bottom line? $14.99

I am going to give Unauthorized 5 out of 5 smileys!!! :)  :)  :)  :)  :)

Check it out! http://charagames.com/games/unauthorized/

Social Media:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharaGames/ 
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/CharaGames/ @Charagames

See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @

http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/unauthorized-chara-games-reviews/



*The Smiley System:

:) I can't really recommend this product.

:)  :) I doubt this product would be helpful to many people.

:)  :)  :) This is a good product, but it isn't right for everyone.

:)  :)  :)  :) Most homeschool moms will find this useful.

:)  :)  :)  :)  :) This is great, and I would recommend it to anyone!!!

New Book(s) Review!!! Carole P. Roman!

About the product/service: As part of the Homeschool Review Crew, I received several books from Carole P. Roman, including If You Were Me and Lived in... Egypt and If You Were Me and Lived in... Greece from the Cultural Series. 

What are the pros of this product?

These are the kind of books I like to have around the house. I have always sought them out to fill my bookshelves. I hated learning about geography in school because it was nothing but boring maps with a few facts and figures thrown in and learning lists of countries and capitals which meant pretty much nothing to me. These types of books are written more like a story which invites the reader to come and see what it would be like to live as a child in another country. Much more interesting! 

What's not to like?

The only thing I can think of is that because the books look like typical picture books, it may turn off an older child. Now, my daughter will read anything, and my son gets intimidated by small print and pages filled with words, so they both were totally okay with the books I read even though they were just a little out of the age range they were written for. (See below.) 

The Crazy Mom take:

First I have to admit, my intention was to ask for books in the Historical Series, but I guess I somehow asked for books in the Cultural Series, which is supposed to be for ages 4-8ish. My kids are 14 and 16. Oops! Being a committed person, I still read the books to my kids in lieu of our usual economics class. They didn't seem to mind at all. I still think they got something out of it, after all, new information is new information, right? They (and I) still learned all about everyday life in each country, such as the common foods, traditions, and sports. We even learned a few new words. (I also got a book about Germany as well as Greece and Egypt which follows the same format.)

As I said earlier, I did intend to get books from the Historical Series which is for kids roughly 8-15, which would have been in the right age range, but I didn't. My reason for wanting the historical books wasn't actually based on age, but based on the fact that it's been quite some time since we studied ancient history and I thought it would be a nice refresher. The nice thing is that the books do briefly mention the Greece and Egypt of old, so it was a win-win. :) Not only that, I did get sent an additional book which actually is from the Historical Series called If You Were Me and Lived in...Renaissance Italy. I found this book to actually be quite similar to the others. The main difference is that these are books about history and do include more detail. The main set up of the book though, giving information about daily life such as foods, traditions, and sports is more or less the same. Each of these four books is basically a picture book and is nicely illustrated. 

I was sent one more book, Oh Susannah: It's in the bag. This is actually a fictional chapter book meant for ages 7-12. It's one of many other fictional books available. This particular book is about a young girl who has a bad day, and somehow each bad moment includes something that adds to the weight in her backpack, such as unfinished homework, a quiz she totally failed, and an invitation to a party she didn't want to attend. By bedtime, both the backpack and Susannah burst under the weight of it all. All in all, I found these to be quality books that I will gladly keep here for my grandchildren to read, or will pass along to one of my kids for their kids. I really wish I could afford the whole set of both the Cultural Series and the Historical Series. I would highly recommend these books. :)

What's the bottom line?

The If You Were Me... books are $11.99 paperback/$24.99 hardcover/$2.99 Kindle (Unless you have Unlimited, then you can read free!) The other books have various prices. 

I am going to give Carole P. Roman books 5 out of 5 smileys!!! :)  :)  :)  :)  :) 

Check it out! http://caroleproman.blogspot.com/ 

• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/CarolePRomanAwardWinningAuthorAndBooks     
• Twitter:  Twitter:  https://twitter.com/caroleproman   
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/caroleproman/ 
• Good Reads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5854108.Carole_P_Roman

See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @

http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/oh-susannah-bedtime-stories-captain-no-beard-if-you-were-me-carole-p-roman-reviews/

*The Smiley System:

:) I can't really recommend this product.

:)  :) I doubt this product would be helpful to many people.

:)  :)  :) This is a good product, but it isn't right for everyone.

:)  :)  :)  :) Most homeschool moms will find this useful.

:)  :)  :)  :)  :) This is great, and I would recommend it to anyone!!!

Well, hello there!!! I'm so glad you stopped by! :) I bet you'd like to get my posts delivered right to your inbox, now wouldn't you? So why not sign up for Feedburner? Check it out, it's right there in my sidebar! Thanks!!  :)

Back in the Swing of Things with a Thankful Heart

All school year long, I wait for summer. That's when I'll have a lot more time to get things done around here, I convince myself. Then summer comes, and we go on vacation. Not only do I things not get done, but I fall even more behind. Finally, I get caught back up to our normal chaos, and I have pretty much the whole month of August to get stuff done. But I don't. Why? Because I have so much time, and it's just way too easy to procrastinate.

So, this year, I actually looked forward to the school year, as I guess I just do better with a more organized schedule. So far, so good. Since last week was Labor day, this is our first full week of school. Yesterday was our first day of co-op. It was by far the most productive day I've had in a long time.

We work up about 7:00 and had family Bible time with my husband.

Then it was off to co-op, for a 50-minute biology class, which is 45 minutes away! It's our first year, so I didn't know the way, and only knew of one person we know who would for sure be there. (Actually, she's the reason we are willing to drive 45 minutes!)

We got within 4 minutes of the church where the co-op is located and we heard a loud, grinding sound. It was our tire. I realize I normally communicate with my friend with facebook messenger, so I don't have her actual number. I turn on my data and it doesn't work. We were literally out in cornfields. I realize that might not be a big deal for some, but I am a suburbanite. Thankfully, I still had an email pulled up from the co-op leader because I needed the church address to put in my GPS. She had given out her number in case we had any questions. I had a question. Can someone rescue us? LOL

The answer was yes, and my friend was there in minutes. We got in her car and got there with time to spare. (No pun intended.) Since she is the teacher, I guess we couldn't have been late, anyway. :)

On my way in, I saw the one other person I realized I knew there. I asked if she could drive me back to my van. She thankfully had nowhere to be the first hour, so she took me. I then called AAA. It seemed like just minutes before the AAA guy arrived and fixed the tire. I hopped in my van and followed my friend back to the church where my kids were still in class for five minutes. Then we uneventfully drove our 45 minutes home, but not without our traditional first day of co-op Taco Bell. I skipped that, and got my free large mocha frappe from McDonald's. We were home at 11:01.

Once home, I made up a menu for the week and Bear and I headed out to Aldi. We came back and put the perishable groceries away and had to run out the door for the orthodontist at 2:30. We left a little early because my son wanted me to drop him off to get his hair cut. (That didn't work out, as the place was closed, so he went to visit his grandma who lives just a few blocks away.) Bear got to her appointment in time and is now sporting some very painful rubber bands. This is the first time she's been in pain, so she really can't complain.

Then we had to get home and get dinner in the oven before heading out to her very first piano lesson at 4:30. After that, we were finally home for the evening, or so I thought. After eating and helping my husband pull together what he needed for his first post-summer men's Bible study, all I could think of was relaxing. That's until my older daughter, Princess, asked if I wanted to go to the gym. Of course, I said yes.

It was a busy day, that didn't start off so great. Honestly, though, I couldn't have orchestrated getting my tire fixed so painlessly if I had tried. I told my kids that I really felt God's protection and provision much greater because of the mini-trial we went through. Had we gone to co-op without a hitch, I might not have appreciated it as much. I was truly thankful, and getting that flat ended up being a blessing because it truly reminded me how much God loves me, and also that, as my mom always says, God is in control.

Blessings!

Mini Update

I am always trying to develop better habits. I try to eat better, exercise more, read my Bible more regularly, take my supplements and medicines on time, etc. I like to update my progress here as a way to kind of be accountable. I am actually making some progress.

Back in April I went to the doc's and a few things were off in my bloodwork. I set out to fix that and I don't think I've missed a day of supplements since then! I also use my asthma meds consistently and have noticed some improvement.

I rarely miss a day reading my Bible. I use the YouVersion app and it's made all the difference.

My daughter, Princess, and I have been going to the gym the last several Mondays. Yeah, it's only once a week, but it's a start. I also have some hand weights sitting out, and I'll just randomly use them for a few minutes here and there. What really needs work is my core. It will happen eventually. (I hope!)

My eating habit could still use some work. I admit I eat out of stress and boredom and I need to stop.

Cleaning is always a struggle. We keep the main living area manageable, but the upstairs where the kids' bedrooms (and by kids I mean five adults and two teens) has always been a disaster. My husband and I don't go up there much, but he happened to go up there a week or so ago and just decided enough was enough. He went into one of the boys' rooms and just bagged everything up. He is also buying all new mattresses for everyone  (except for my daughter who has a newer one) and putting a new floor in as well as painting. That is one of the main areas that needed the most work, so I am happy about that. My fun contribution to all of this is going through all the bags of stuff he bagged up. Fun.

I know I could do a whole lot better in a lot of areas, but I suppose I could also do worse. I just keep making goals and actually meeting some occasionally. I figure making the goals is the first step, so I am at least doing that! LOL Of course I will never be perfect and that's okay. I just keep moving forward.

New Review! Is There Anything Better Than Candy? Box-Tract

Well, hello there!!! I'm so glad you stopped by! :) I bet you'd like to get my posts delivered right to your inbox, now wouldn't you? So why not sign up for Feedburner? Check it out, it's right there in my sidebar! Thanks!!  :)

About the product/service: As part of the Homeschool Review Crew, I received a free 20-box sample of the Is There Anything Better Than Candy? Box-Tract from Let the Little Children Come.  It's basically a Halloween tract that folds into a pumpkin! It's so cute! It's made out of heavy glossy paper that looks like a flower. The six petals that lay out the salvation message. You put candy inside (I'd say it would hold 2-5 pieces depending on the candy) and fold it up. It's really easy to do and only took my son about a minute. 

What are the pros of this product? 
This is a great way to make Halloween an opportunity to share the love of Jesus! The box is sturdy and colorful, and the message is positive. That it holds candy makes it fun! It's a win-win all around! :)

What's not to like? 
I have to say, they are a bit on the expensive side at close to 80 cents a piece. Most people usually don't spend that much per child when handing out Halloween candy. If you think of it as part of your missionary spending, that might make the cost a lot easier to swallow! 

Also, you will have to assemble the boxes and put the candy in them. I don't think that's a problem unless you are a procrastinator. (Raises hand. LOL) Seriously, though, your kids will probably enjoy the task. :)


The Crazy Mom take:
Every single year Halloween is an issue around here. We usually put off deciding what we are going to do until the last minute. While I don't think it's necessarily wrong or a sin to participate, I'm not altogether thrilled with what it's become. When I was a kid, it seemed like it was just a fun holiday for little kids. Sure, some people decorated in scary ways, but that wasn't the focus. It was just fun to go get candy from the neighbors. I used to actually be disciplined enough to stretch out eating my candy until Christmas! 

Now, it just seems different. The focus seems to be less on kids and candy, and more on older kids and adults and scary stuff. When I was young you quit trick-or-treating by junior high. Now kids are going into their 20s! I know, a twenty-something is an adult, but, um, we're talking about trick-or-treaters here. 

So, anyway, we have let the kids go out, we've kept them home and passed out candy, and we've ignored the whole thing and gone out to eat. Every year I wish I had some way to make it a positive thing. I always tell myself we should buy some Halloween tracts or something. I never do. LOL Last year we made something ourselves, but it wasn't great. Now I have a solution! I think these are just great! What a fun way to share the gospel. These will definitely stand out in a kid's trick-or-treat bag. Sure some will take out the candy and toss the cute little pumpkin, but at least the Word of God is out there. You can't beat that!



What's the bottom line? 

Price per Pack:

US$ 15.95 (1 - 10 packs)

US$ 14.95 (11 - 20 packs)

US$ 13.95 (21 packs or more)

20 in each pack

I am going to give Is There Anything Better than Candy? Box-tract 5 out of 5 smileys!  :) :) :) :) :)

Check it out! https://www.letthelittlechildrencome.com/child-evangelism-tools/is-there-anything-better-than-candy-box-tract 

See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @
 http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/is-there-anything-better-than-candy-let-the-little-children-come-reviews/



*The Smiley System:

:) I can't really recommend this product.

:)  :) I doubt this product would be helpful to many people.

:)  :)  :) This is a good product, but it isn't right for everyone.

:)  :)  :)  :) Most homeschool moms will find this useful.

:)  :)  :)  :)  :) This is great, and I would recommend it to anyone!!!

It Seems Like Everything is Broken

My dryer started making some terrible sounds a while back, but it was still working. Finally, it just stopped. Now, it hadn't been that long that I'd mostly caught up with the laundry before going on vacation, but those glory days are over. We finally broke down and bought a new one. Goodbye $600.

At the same time my dishwasher refused to turn on. I hate phone calls and we dealt with hand washing and paper plates for a few weeks until I finally got around to calling. Then it was over a week before the repairman could come out. Finally, he did and had to replace both the panel and he motor. The firs time I ran it was making some awfully strange noises. I've run it about twice since then and it seems a little better, but I might have to call him back.

Then, as if having a bad dryer didn't put us behind in laundry enough, our washer is acting up. It will run until it gets to the spin and drain cycle and then stop. We have figured out how to get it to eventually spin and drain, but it's not a great system.

My husband's laptop is in for repair, but it should be done today. He's been without it several weeks. We actually got American Express to pay over $300 for the repairs because they extend the warranty. (So do most credit cards.) It's a long, drawn out process, though. Still, I guess it's worth it! (On a very happy note, I am typing on my laptop which wouldn't work for days and suddenly, after I prayed for it, is working fine!)

Two days ago, my husband sat in his chair and it broke. He took it this morning to be fixed.

My fridge is making a squealing noise. And, now that I think about it, so it my van.

Ugh! Why do things seems to go like this? One thing breaks and it's like a domino effect. Suddenly it seems like out whole world is breaking down. Truth is, it is. Nothing here on this earth is eternal. Remember that verse about our treasures?

Matthew 6:20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. (NIV)

My appliances, electronics, furniture, and vehicles are not eternal. I'll be happy if they give me even a few good years of service. I can't count on them to last forever, and even if they did, I won't be here forever myself! During times like this, I like to remind myself that these things have very little, if any effect on eternity. What's important is our love for and our service to Christ and others. We can't take our earthly treasures with us when we die. (I wouldn't want to have to do laundry in heaven anyway!) Life is so much easier when we learn to live our lives with an eternal perspective.  :)