Where Jesus Slept Review

Where Jesus Slept
Written by Norma Lewis, Illustrated by Katy Hudson

With the holiday season just around the corner, this book has come to me at a time where I am beginning to think about preparing my little ones for the return of Christmas and the conversations about Jesus' birth.

In a style similar to the familiar children's story "I know an old lady who swallowed a fly", the book begins with a scripture and a short intro before delving into the list of connections that led to the birth of our savior, starting with the bed where Jesus slept.  From there, it leads young readers to consider things like the cow, Mary, Angels, Shepherds, the Wise Men and more.  Ending with a summation of God's son being born to us because of his love for us, the book ends with John 3:16

This story beautifully ties together the familiar Christmas story of Jesus being born by lightly touching on many of the key pieces such as places and events and leads children to realize that it was all done because God loves us so much that this Christmas gift would eventually lead to the salvation story.

Beautiful illustrations draw in little and big eyes alike and keep attention.  Though words are few and simple, the pictures help to fill in and engage.  Events and people are realistically represented, not cartoonish, and spread across 32 large pages.  The hardcover book offers long lasting readings and enjoyment for years to come.

My girls have enjoyed reading this book already, before the Christmas season has begun.  Geared for ages 4-7, it is perfect for my youngest, at 2, to understand with simplicity yet engaging enough for my 6 year old and even myself.  This is an enjoyable book and one I would be proud to pass on and share as a gift.

You can win a copy of this book by simply commenting the age(s) of your children below.

Thanks to FlyBy Promotions, I was provided a copy of this book for free to review.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

EQtainment Party

I recently had the opportunity to be a participant in an EQtainment Party, where I was exposed to the world of Q Wunder.

 The party pack came with a board game, coloring book, travel game and weighted Q monkey.

 The travel game included three sets of cards - Do, Q and You.  These are the same sets of cards included in the board game, but in a much smaller tin meant just for conversation while traveling.  The cards ask children questions about what they might do in a situation, give them opportunity to explore feelings and emotions and learn appropriate responses.

 The board game contains a board, the same sets of questions and markers as well as instructions for play.  Play is easy and follows basic board game rules with turn taking.  Colors are bright and engaging, and the game is fun for children.

 The die and game markers are large in size, easy for small hands to manage.

 The weighted monkey is provided to teach children the value of taking time to calm down and relax.  By placing Q the monkey on the child's chest, they are to breathe in for three counts and then out for three counts, over and over, inducing a sense of calm as they watch Q rise and fall.

The EQtainment folks have put thought into creating this resource for building emotional awareness and development for young children, a valuable skill in a world that has them rushing around and rarely taking time to be calm or quiet.

My children (2, 4, 6) have enjoyed playing with these toys and games and I, as mom, see a lot of value in these products.

In addition to the physical products, we were also able to use the app and watch the Q-Wunder show thanks to Tryazon.  My children have enjoyed participating in those as well, and they each offer enrichment and enhancement to the Q family of products.

If you are interested in any of these products, you can get a 20% discount right now using the code: HOUSE PARTY

#tryazon #qwunder

Kuuk Stainless Steel Water Bottle/Thermos Review

I was in search of a durable water bottle that could take a beating when my husband took it out into the garage or shop, as most water bottles he uses end up destroyed in quick fashion, especially the plastic variety.  The Kuuk Stainless Steel Water Bottle/Thermos has provided us just that option.

 This water bottle/thermos is good for hot or cold liquids.  He can use it for water that stays cold for a very long time, or for coffee, which stays hot for a very long time.

 The bottle is very simple in design with a flip top lid that has an option to lock when in transport in case of bumps or tips.  A simple press of the button flips the lid up and open to access the spout for easy drinking.  No worries about slow drinks or pressure built up from stoppers, this has an air hole that allows for liquids to pass through the opening as quickly as desired.

 The inside of the bottle is stainless steel and has a wide opening for easy filling.

 A tall, wide bottle, it is a lot to hold on to for smaller hands, but holds a lot of liquid - 34oz!

I have been very impressed with this water bottle and its ability to keep liquids at desired temperature for a very long time, much longer than expected.  It is very durable, stands up to drops with ease.  The double walls keep the liquid insulated and protect the beverage as well as hands from burns on the outside.

You can find one for yourself here

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

VeggieTales Every Day with God Devotional review

VeggieTales Every Day with God
by VeggieTales

With three girls in the house, I have resigned myself to having girly toys, books and games.  Realizing that girls and boys are divinely designed differently, I love that VeggieTales has embraced the idea of providing a devotional just for girls (or boys), full of all things pink and girly that VeggieTales has to offer while being filled with Biblical truth and promise.

We have enjoyed reading through the daily devotionals together with our 6. 4. and 2 year old.  Each of the 365 devotionals is a full page with one devotional based on a stated Bible verse with scriptural reference.  In addition to the devotional, there is a thought for the day and a short prayer.  Pages are filled with bright colors, familiar VeggieTales characters and engaging visuals to keep little ones attentive.  Devotionals are short and to the point for younger listeners or readers, but complex and thought provoking enough to engage my oldest and offer opportunity for discussion.

Anyone who has VeggieTales fans in their home will find fun and value in this devotional.  It is the perfect addition to our home and offers us the chance to talk about God and the Bible daily with our little ones without it becoming overwhelming or confusing.  We are enjoying the topics and the chance to bring God to them in this fun way.

You can find a copy of the Girls' Devotional here, or the Boys' Devotional here

I have the opportunity to give a copy away to one of my readers (boy or girl's edition).  Simply comment with which version you would prefer (Boy or Girl) for a chance.  Winner will be chosen by 9am on September 26, 2016.

*Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

VeggieTales Every Day with God Devotional review

VeggieTales Every Day with God
by VeggieTales

With three girls in the house, I have resigned myself to having girly toys, books and games.  Realizing that girls and boys are divinely designed differently, I love that VeggieTales has embraced the idea of providing a devotional just for girls (or boys), full of all things pink and girly that VeggieTales has to offer while being filled with Biblical truth and promise.

We have enjoyed reading through the daily devotionals together with our 6. 4. and 2 year old.  Each of the 365 devotionals is a full page with one devotional based on a stated Bible verse with scriptural reference.  In addition to the devotional, there is a thought for the day and a short prayer.  Pages are filled with bright colors, familiar VeggieTales characters and engaging visuals to keep little ones attentive.  Devotionals are short and to the point for younger listeners or readers, but complex and thought provoking enough to engage my oldest and offer opportunity for discussion.

Anyone who has VeggieTales fans in their home will find fun and value in this devotional.  It is the perfect addition to our home and offers us the chance to talk about God and the Bible daily with our little ones without it becoming overwhelming or confusing.  We are enjoying the topics and the chance to bring God to them in this fun way.

You can find a copy of the Girls' Devotional here, or the Boys' Devotional here

I have the opportunity to give a copy away to one of my readers (boy or girl's edition).  Simply comment with which version you would prefer (Boy or Girl) for a chance.  Winner will be chosen on September 27, 2016.

*Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

The Biggest Story Review

The Biggest Story
written and illustrated by Kevin DeYoung

Never have I seen such a beautifully created adaptation of the Bible's big story as now.  The Biggest Story is a quick overview of the Bible, from creation through main stories and characters, to the cross and the ideas of the New Heaven and New Earth.  Broken into 10 chapters, the audio and visual versions of the book offer listeners and viewers a 30 minute trip through the Bible.  Each chapter covers a different main event.  When listened to in succession, the participant gains an overview of the greatest love story ever written.

Participants are introduced to Jesus as the Snake Crusher.  From the beginning, the story is never overtly about becoming a Christian.  Instead, it offers a Biblical history lesson with the underlying theme that God loves each of us and, throughout time, has sought to love and protect us.  The stories of the Crucifixion and resurrection as well as the coming of a new era are introduced gently and without preaching or the feeling of judgment.  This is a simply beautiful presentation of God's love, His story (and ours), and the opportunity available to those who wish to accept it.

The animated illustrations in the film version are just breathtaking.  Adapted from the book, the slide show type film offers movement in each scene and beautiful illustrations that engage and attract viewers.  Even my youngest child, age 2, was drawn in by the pictures, sounds and music in the DVD and, though she didn't understand the story, was engaged for quite some time.  My older children, 4 and 6, sat through the entire video, glued to the story.

The audio CD offers those on the move the same opportunity to hear the story, only without the visuals.  Same story, same audio track.  DeYoung's voice is calming, his narration clear and filled with ups and downs to keep the listener engaged.  It is just like listening to someone read the book to you.

Pastor, husband and parent of seven, Kevin DeYoung has captured the big story of the Bible and packaged it in a way that is inviting to all, Christian and non-Christian.  His wording offers some humor hidden beneath the story, the kind that has an adult tipping their hat to his references.  Children love to listen to his story telling style.  Whether child or adult, there is enjoyment in hearing this as well as immense pleasure in viewing it.

While we have never owned or even held a copy of the book for ourselves, I now want to go out and buy it.  This glimpse into the book has made me desire to own a copy for my shelf that we can read as well.  I don't know that I have ever been so in love with a book, video or audio so much as this one, and not just because I am a believer.  This is truly a masterpiece and anyone who has the chance to see or hear it will be blessed.

You can check out samplings of the film and audio book here:
Animated Film Short
Audio Book Sample

You can win a copy for yourself simply by commenting with the name of your favorite Bible character.

* I received these items for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Our K9 Bark Collar Review

I have been toying with the idea of getting a bark collar for my dog for a while now.  I had been advised to look into a shock collar, but with my dog being 4.5 pounds, I didn't like the idea of shocking such a small, thin skinned animal.  When I came across the opportunity to obtain a shock free collar, I was immediately interested.

 The Our K9 Bark Collar comes in a handy storage case and instructions are emailed as well as included for correct use.  Purchasers receive multiple email messages with very explicit video instructions on use of the product.

 The case comes with 2 batteries, a collar and the bark control.

 This set is made for tiny dogs.  The collar was much too large for my dog, but is made with many tiny breeds in mind.  Video instructions clearly show you how to assemble and trim the collar to prevent fraying.  I easily put it together in minutes.

 Users are directed to allow and adjustment period of 24-48 hours for the dog to get used to wearing the collar before installing the battery and introducing bark correction.  When the battery installation stage comes, it is easily done by removing the collar and sliding the strap aside to access the battery door.

 The back of the bark control has two prongs that sit on either side of the dog's windpipe.  There is also a small air sensor that triggers the collar when the dog barks by sensing air movement.

 The control itself is small and comfortable fits on the dog's neck.  It is a bit bigger than I anticipated for a tiny dog like mine, but she still has room on her neck for her regular collar as well, so it's not too much of a hindrance.

 Once assembled and the adjustment period has passed, the collar is placed on with the battery in place and training begins.  There are 8 levels of correction with this collar before it resets.  The dog gets a free bark before the collar starts to offer correction, beginning with a beep at bark two, a longer beep at bark three, the beep with a short vibration at bark four and then increasing in length of beep and vibration until bark 8.  Then it shuts down for 1 minute to allow the dog a break.

My dog was intimidated by the collar itself, with out any battery or correction.  She spent the first 24 hours barely moving when it was on, and still cowers some when called and is less active if she is wearing it.  The collar definitely needs to be on tight.  I was surprised how tight.  My brain tells me 2 fingers is safe for mobility, but with this collar 1 finger is all that should fit.  I had to re-adjust a few times, but I could tell that it was not tight enough during the adjustment phase because it would move is she scratched, even when I thought it was already tight.

Usually by step three, my dog has ceased barking because if the beeps don't get her attention the vibration surely does.  I have been using this complete with battery for about 4 days now and notice a marked difference when she wears the collar vs. when she doesn't.  Things like the doorbell, visitors, people walking by, etc. would set her off before, now she is hesitant to bark or only does once or twice instead of incessantly if she is wearing the collar.

As directed, each time she barks and the collar corrects, I issue her a command to be quiet.  I am hopeful that with a few weeks of this repeated behavior she will be able to go collar free and understand my command in place of the collar correction.

I am very pleased with how gentle and effective this collar is.  There is no pain or discomfort beyond sound and a vibration (which I tested on myself and found it little more than a tickle).  It is doing amazing things for my yapping Yorkie and I am one happy customer.

With collars in 9 different sizes, you can find one for your dog here

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.