Review: Santa's Magic Key

We have NEVER done Santa in this house, I didn't grow up with Santa in my formative years and always thought it was a bit silly to believe in him, or to encourage children to do so. I deliberately chose to exclude Santa from stories with the lad when he was little as I remember my mom saying "don't lie on purpose to your children, if they do, they just might wonder what else you are lying to them about."

That said, every once in a while though I run into a Santa based Christmas Story that I just enjoy, and that I then share with my lad, and when we are done I ask him "what do you think the truth is in that story?" Today I want to tell you about Santa's Magic Key.  This is honestly, just a lovely book.  :)   I am looking forward to, when this review is over, putting it in the Christmas box for the local gifts for the needy.

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World: A Tale of Two Sisters

 ³⁸ Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. ³⁹ And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” ⁴¹ But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, ⁴² but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”  (Luke 10:38-42)

Art Book: Duct Tape Engineer

I know you have already gotten a bit of a preview of the fact that my boy likes to build with duct tape. I KNOW I have shown you pictures of his knight's outfit.  He is my duct tape engineer!   So when the chance came to review "Duct Tape Engineer" I thought WOW...this is a book made for me and my lad.

The Duct Tape Engineer: The Book of Big, Bigger and Epic Duct Tape Projects is filled with things that the lad and I want to build, even dad poked his head in and said "neat idea".  We haven't, at this point, actually built any of the items in the book to their full size, but we did build some mini versions of them.  :)

Review: The Magnificent Book of Dinosaurs

Who doesn't like dinosaurs, those magnificent creatures that once roamed the earth?   Don't they just fill your mind with questions, letting your imagination source as you ponder how something so large once covered our planet?  The Magnificent Book of Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric Creatures is a superb book about... well obviously.. Dinosaurs.  If you have a child interested in dinosaurs, this book will hit the spot.

 Rudolph Farkas does a great job as he uses a two page spread to bring each dinosaur to life.  From the mighty T-rex to the middlin Velociraptor and the unusual utahraptor.  Each dinosaur is shown in colour, and feathering or furring.

Tabs Open in My Browser

So, you know how it's so easy to have all kinds of tabs open in your browser?  Well, I've got a few to share with you today.

Hymn Study: All Hail the Power of Jesus Name

 This was a hymn sung in church this morning I thought I'd share with you. :)

Lyrics

All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ Name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all!

The "familiars" of my life

Familiar

I'm reading a book right now where two of the characters in it have "bond" animals.  These animals helped them do their jobs and were an intregal part of their lives.  They brought comfort and companionship.  A familiar part of their lives if you will.  :)

So when I looked at the word familiar I thought hmm...that would be a different take on this word wouldn't it?   To talk about "familiars"...those animals that are a distinct part of our lives.  You can think of them in witchy terms, or on fantasy terms, or you can think like I do.  Animals that are part of our lives that make a difference to how we live. 

Review: The Big Earth Book

You know what?  I love Lonely Planet Kids books.  I find them to be well made and very interesting.  The Big Earth Book is no different. You are invited to discover how earth, air, fire and water shaped the world that we live ... take a tour to discover the past, the present and the future of our world. 

Writing ... is it your Identity?

On Being a Writer asks me this question:
What is my identity?   Do I identify myself as a writer?

I have to admit, I find that a hard question to answer.  

Review: Writing Radar

I freely admit that I have not read this book.  I have read bits and pieces of it, but predominately this was read by my 12 year.  He'll be giving a report on it later in this post.  I'll be giving the factual details about it like chapters, length, interesting features etc.

That Mad, Monkish Architect!

This is Gaudi  is a book I reviewed about Antoni Gaudi, people either loved him or hated him, and in this tome we learn why.  :)  Author Mollie Claypool walks us through his life, his formation of ideas, and the work that he did. 

I found it a bit different that this biography had no table of contents, it dove right into telling us about Gaudi, and continued to just walk us through his life.

Think of the Weaker, Part two

I started this passage yesterday, and so want to continue looking at it.  Romans 15:1-7

 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. ² Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. ³ For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” ⁴ For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. ⁵ May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, ⁶ that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁷ Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Review: I'm Not a Scaredy-Cat

I have loved the writing of Max Lucado for a very long time now.  At one point I had all his books, but alas, I can't keep up.  :)   I admittedly was somewhat skeptical when he branched out into picture books, but have found them all to be very lovely.  Therefore, when given an opportunity to review "I'm Not A Scaredy-Cat" I lept at the chance.

Blue Ribbon Winners 2017

It's that time of the year again, time to vote for this years best review products from the Homeschool Review Crew.

Think of the Weaker

Did you know that being sick sucks!   Means you get terribly behind on things... including things like doing devotions.  I've been starting to feel a bit away from the Lord and realized I really need to get back to spending time with the Lord.

So getting back to Romans, today it's chapter 15:1-7.

Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim

I didn't know what song to do today, so reached for my hymnbook, this is song 27 for me.   The tune we sing it to is Hanover, but there are other tunes.  I shared what I am most familar with to be honest.

This hymn was written by Charles Webster.  If you want to know more about the Wesley brothers, I found this page interesting.  Charles Webster wrote a song the reminds us of who we are and who God is.  What our job is and God's gloriousness. 

Review: Animals at Night

Animals at Night is a rather cool book if you have a darkroom.  What you want to do read the story on a given page, letting the light hit the picture as you read, and then slip into a darkened room and let the page turn to life right under your eyes.

Excuse, a Poem

Today, in the midst of a busy day, following up two weeks of not having a lot of fun with my body, when I saw the word excuse these words came to mind.   The lad and I are going through the heidelberg catechism right now and this morning we were reminded on God's command to love others as much as we love ourselves.  Not always such as easy thing to do.  To put the care of others to the same measure as yourself. So easy to make the excuses, or shift the thoughts to yourself.

The word is excuse, 

The word for the day.

I wonder I wonder

What I'll have to say.

Book Study Choices

So here's the scoop, you know how I went to a writers' conference?  Had fun, bit overwhelming, but overall it was FUN!  And.... I've recently finished reading A Pearl Seeker and have been wondering what my next book project should be.  

I picked up a writing book there (Writing Tools) and  recently Raincoast sent me a book called "Pep Talks for Writers" and then I have a book that I got called On Being a Writer.  I looking through these books I thought, hey...might be fun to do a series on writing.  

Review: The Chicken Chick's Guide to Backyard Chickens

Little known fact here on the blog... I LOVE chickens.  I think chickens are just such interesting critters, and when I was young I used to tie them up and take them for walks.  :)   Go figure, I was a real farm girls.   This Guide to Backyard Chickens is a MUST HAVE if you are planning on raising chickens at all.   It is a thoroughly, helpful book.

Canada Book: Women Who Dared

I have to admit, I'm cheating a bit, I'm putting this book (a review) in on my Canada Book day.  Why?  Because at least one Canadian is included!!!!   Women Who Dared.  Admittedly, most come from the States, but I'm betting the author comes from there as well... so it's a natural thing to focus on your own land don't you know?  :)  A smattering of other countries are included as well such as France, Japan, Mexico etc.

Anyway, this is a NEAT book about women who dared... daredevils, adventurers, rebels...women who dared to be different...and that's a  most excellent thing, don't you think?  To look at a job and say "I can do that" and not let traditional gender roles stop you on your path.

Hymn Study: O Perfect Love

 I had thought about posting this one last week, it's a song I've heard at weddings, but it was part of our remembrance day service last week. But if you read the words to this hymn, it's talking about God's love for his people, and our love returned to him. It speaks also to the love between two people who will be joined together in marriage.  Love from God, holding them together, as they love each other and love God back.  It's a popular wedding hymn.

Recipe: Jam Pork Fry

Today I confused my sweetheart.  He had this thought I was going to make honey garlic pork and here I was adding stuff to pork in a pan and not making a marinade.   I told him I wasn't making that but was replicating a meal I used to make when I wasn't hungry but needed to eat something.

This is what I did.  MIND... no real measurements happened here as I was just tossing stuff in.   I'll give approximates where I can.

Review: Moving with Words & Actions

Do you work with preschool or primary aged children?   If so, Shape America has come out with a really neat book for promoting physical literacy in children, from preschool through primary grades.  This book is called Moving with Words & Actions. 

Friday Fun: Cow Art (learning acrylics)

 Not feeling so well today, so simply posting a pic of my lad with his latest project.  He's taking a class in acrylic paints.

Will be linking up with Kym's Art post... you can find that here. 

This post may contain affiliate links - using affiliate links from A Net in Time helps fuel this blog and our homeschool - thank you! ©2006-2017 A Net In Time. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. A Net In Time . We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites

In the Silence, Remember

In the Silence of the house this morning I sit.
I ponder the word Silence.
As I ponder this chorus pops into my head:

A Pearl Seeker: To Know God is Real

The other morning friends of ours stopped in for a bit.  I dearly love this lady and her hubby, they are sweet people with a strong heart for the Lord God.  It is always a good thing to spend time with them.   We can easily talk about the things of God, as well as the things in our everyday lives (I'm not trying to make them sound different or separate) it's just that sometimes it's easy to have friends that are only in one aspect of your life and not in both.  This couple is very real and know that God is real too.  

Art Book: Fine Art Adventures

What would you do if I told you that you could explore 18 different masterpieces with your student, using those 18 masterpieces as inspiration for doing 3 different art projects with students 6 years old and up?   Wouldn't that just peak your interest?   It certainly did mine.   Today I would like to introduce Fine Art Adventures by Maja Pitamic and Jill Laidlaw.

Review: Castle in the Stars

Suppose, just suppose that man's first trip, man's first journey into space happened in 1869 rather than in 1969.   What do you think might have happened?   Just suppose this for a while... and then you'll have the premise to Castle in the Stars. 

Review: Thinking Like an Engineer

Do you like it when your children and students ask questions, and have interest light up their eyes?  I would not have thought of my lad as being an engineer....but for the past few weeks he's been designing,creating and asking questions as we work through Thinking Like an Engineer by Innovators Tribe. It has been fascinating watching his mind at work and his delight that genetic engineering is considered ENGINEERING!!!

So what can I tell you about Thinking Like an Engineer?

Canada Book: Symbols of Canada

This is a fantastic book if you want to learn about the symbols of Canada.  Learn the history of our country as well as the provinces as you see each of the symbols laid out clearly. They are clearly textually and visually spelled out. 

This book is fantastic.  

Remembrance Day In Canada

 Today I took part, well, actually the family took part in a Remembrance Day Service.   In small town Ontario, these days often happen on the Sunday before Remembrance Day.   I have to admit, we'd not been to one before as normally hubby is preaching!   But being off this year (due to job loss) meant we had the opportunity to go, my lad was well intrigued.

It was interesting listening to him and his dad talk on the way home about his thoughts about the soldiers, why we walked so slowly in the parade, if wars still happen and so forth.  I kept my mouth quiet as I was just enjoying listening to them chat. 

Hymn Study: Make Me a Channel of Your Peace

I have to admit, I waffled a bit today on which hymn study to do.  O perfect love or this one, and thought this one better suited for this Remembrance Day Sunday.  The service we were at this morning changed some of the lyrics and played the song at an odd cadence, but it was good to sing a song I haven't for a while.  

This song has been attributed to Francis of Assissi. He was an Italian Catholic friar and preacher.  He cared for the poor and sick, preached sermons to animals and considered all creatures brothers and sisters under God.  He is the patron saint of animals and ecology.

Lyrics

Make me a channel of your peace
Where there is hatred let me bring your love
Where there is injury, your pardon Lord
And where there's doubt, true faith in you

Make me a channel of your peace
Where there's despair in life let me bring hope
Where there is darkness, only light
And where there's sadness ever joy

Oh, master grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love with all my soul

Make me a channel of your peace
It isn't pardoning that we are pardoned
In giving to all men let we receive
And in dying that we're born to eternal life

Oh, master…

This post may contain affiliate links - using affiliate links from A Net in Time helps fuel this blog and our homeschool - thank you! ©2006-2017 A Net In Time. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. A Net In Time . We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites

Review: The Animal Book

When I was young I loved looking at pictures of animals, and I devoured books that told me about them. Today I have a book that my son devoured that I wanted to share with you called "The Animal Book". 

I Need Thee O... I Need Thee

I Need Thee O... I Need Thee

I Need Thee O... I Need Thee

Every Hour I need thee...

Oh bless me Now my Saviour

I come to thee.

A Pearl Seeker: Seek to be Ready

Women, help each other. The preamble to this chapter talked about the need for women to mentor each other.  To be willing to love each other, step into each other lives, to be to others what we would have them be to us. 

Matthew 25 reminds us to always be ready. To be ready for the Lord to return.   Seek always to be ready. 

It's an active readiness you know...not one that counts on someone else to be ready, you need to be ready yourself.  No leaning on others readiness, it's one of your own preparedness.

You need to be prepared for it taking longer than you expect, or coming sooner than you thought. 

So stay alert, be ready, don't be sleeping.   The Bridegroom is a coming!

This post may contain affiliate links - using affiliate links from A Net in Time helps fuel this blog and our homeschool - thank you! ©2006-2017 A Net In Time. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. A Net In Time . We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Art Book: Wild Garden

 Do you remember A Hand Lettered Life from last week?   This is another in the Scratch and Create Series that I thought you might like to know about.   Wild Garden is a set of postcards, making them ideal work on anywhere you find yourself needing to wait around and the finished product makes an excellent quick thank you gift for those you meet along the way.