The Gabby Mom's Year in Review

So it's the end of 2011.  WOW!  That year went really fast.  At first though it started out very slow.  We had some snow here in SW Pennsylvania at the beginning of the year, then came the chaos of birthday season, our first actual testing season for homeschooling, a trip to Virginia Beach for a graduation, our 10-year Anniversary, and now the pregnancy of our 4th child.

Along with all of that I got the privilege to be a part of a wonderful review team.  The Gabby Moms!  We reviewed several products from Eternal Encouragement.  I can't even begin to say how much reading or watching each item blessed me.

Lorrie has such a way of getting to the heart of the matter.  She cares deeply about every woman who reads/watches her products.  She also makes sure that she keeps focus on what is important.  The relationship with our Heavenly Father.  That is definitely key to everything.  Yes, there are other things that go along with each situation you may be facing, the main thing is to rely on our Heavenly Father.

It has been a great year of product reviews with the Gabby Mom's.  Each one has meant so much to me.  I have truly been inspired by each product I have reviewed.  I have also been challenged to tackle many things I struggle with personally.  Each new product offered me something different.  It felt like I had a second mother with me, encouraging me through my struggles.  Lorrie does so well at putting you at ease, but also making you think.  She is kind but firm.  I am grateful to

I am also looking forward to this year with the Gabby Mom's.  I know Lorrie has some awesome products for us to review and I can't wait to share them with you.

I would like to thank Lorrie and Cindy for allowing me to be a part of such a great team.  If this sounds like something that would interest you for the 2012 year head over to the Gabby Mom's website to Get Involved! 

Yelling - The Cause, The Casualty & The Cure - A Gabby Mom's Review

Have you ever felt like this?  Screaming or yelling at the top of your lungs because nothing seems to be going right?  The baby just dumped his food all over the floor and now the dog is eating it?  Your 4 year old is coloring on the piano keys?  And your oldest, well he decided it was time to build something with the legos and you just know you are going to find them in the middle of the night with your bare feet.

Ah, the joys of motherhood!  But do the screaming and yelling make you feel any better?  NO!  (there I yelled online)  Actually, I don't know about you, but I feel a million times worse than when I don't yell.  But no matter how much I try, I can't seem to curb the yelling.  

So, when the Gabby Mom's review team was given this assignment, I practically jumped out of my seat!  I do not like yelling.  I do not like it Sam I am, I do not like yelling.  It gives me a headache plus I know my kids have picked up on it and they yell back at me or each other.

I knew something had to give.  I always felt like I spent more time screaming than talking to my kids and enjoying my time with them. 

Lorrie has always had such a way of reaching me and I know other moms.  She is gentle in her approach and cares about the ladies she is reaching out to like you and me.  I know that after reading other books, magazine articles, I often feel worse and no where near like I am going to be able to fix what needs fixing.  But after reading several of Lorrie's books & magazines I feel uplifted and have a plan of action to take.

Reading "Yelling - The Cause, The Casualty & The Cure", left me feeling equipped to face the battle ahead.  It's not just for my sake, but for that of my children and husband.  Lorrie offers 11 steps and she always to make sure that we never forget the most important thing.  God.  The relationship with our Heavenly Father always takes first place.  The relationship is never on the backburner.  I am so grateful that Lorrie always puts Him in the right place for us.

If you feel that you just can't keep control of the yelling, screaming or whatever term you prefer to call it, I highly recommend reading this book.  Lorrie offers simple suggestions that will definitely make a change.  I know that I am looking forward to less yelling and screaming in our household.

Go here to purchase "Yelling - The Cause, The Casualty & The Cure"

Eternal Encouragement

The Eternal Encouragement Store

Disclaimer: I received Yelling - The Cause, The Casualty & The Cure as an official member of The Gabby Moms blogging program for Eternal Encouragement Magazine. I did not receive compensation for this post and all opinions are solely my own.

Welcome Home Daddy - A Gabby Mom Review

"Hi Honey!  I'm home!" says dad as he enters the house.  Oh the picturesque scene of me, 3 boys and the dog all waiting to greet him as he walks through the door.  Dinner is on the table, the house is spotless and the home is his sanctuary. 

WAIT!!!  Wake up call!  Talk about dreaming.  This is more Leave it to Beaver or Donna Reed style than the way it goes at our house.  I typically am scrambling to get dinner done, the toys and other things on the floor picked up.  The dog is barking as he wants his dinner, one of the kids is crying and the baby is shaking the gate at the top of the steps since he heard daddy open the garage door. 

But wouldn't you like to have your household come pretty close to the first description?  I know I would! 

When "Welcome Home Daddy" by Lorrie Flemm arrived at my house, I was so excited to be able to review it!  Our welcome home party resembles something more of mass chaos than the organized (mostly) dream I want to have awaiting my husband when he arrives. 

Lorrie is so helpful and full of insight on how we can do our best to achieve these dreams/goals.  It will take work on our part, but in the end it will be so worth it!  I know I can't wait to see the look on my husband's face when I am actually able to pull this off.  Granted, I know it won't be "perfect", but it will be perfect for our family.  Each one of you will have a different "perfect" for you.

Here are some things that struck me while reading this wonderful book.

~ Time does not equal money.  It is MUCH more valuable! 
~ Our attitude determines the attitude of the home.
~ Enjoy the meal together and Enjoy time with each other!
~ Family devotion time is important and should be lead by your husband.

There are many more nuggets in this book! 

I truly believe it is possible to be a modern mom and have the traditional value of our mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers.  With reading this book and the idea's involved I know it is possible.  I can't wait to surprise my husband with this!

If you would like to purchase this item head on over to the Eternal Encouragement Shop.
To read more reviews on Welcome Home Daddy, jump over to The Gabby Moms page.

We are also looking for more "Gabby Mom's" to join our team.  If reviewing products like this and so much more sounds like something you would like to do, click here.

Disclaimer: I received Welcome Home Daddy as an official member of The Gabby Moms blogging program for Eternal Encouragement Magazine. I did not receive compensation for this post and all opinions are solely my own.

Energized & Fulfilled Video Review - The Gabby Moms & Eternal Encouragement

Life as a mom is perfect right?  I mean we all have energy, we don't scream or get frustrated and we have all the time in the world to get everything done.  But that was what we saw on TV in the life of June Cleaver.  Let's face it, we live in the real world and whether you are a mother of 1 or 8 or more children we all feel overwhelmed, tired, frustrated and sometimes just plain ole cranky!  But is that the way we want to feel?  I know I don't want to feel that way but often I do. 

Well, if you want some help then Lorrie's new DVD is available and is perfect for this!  From Exhausted, Irritable and Overwhelmed to... An Energized and Fulfilled Woman of God is the title of her new DVD.  I received this and the corresponding study guide for review in September.  I can honestly say that I am so glad that it came this month.  I have been feeling the entire first part of the title and not the second half.  We have had a lot of things happening and a lot of changes coming which have all left me feeling overwhelmed.  That on top of all of our normal activities make for a tired, irritable momma.

So, when I got this I put it on right away!  But then life happened and I got delayed.  So I got to try it a couple of times.  It's actually good to be able to listen to this several times.  Gives you new insight to the things Lorrie talks about.  I love how she has this new acronym!  REAL REST!  That's what we as mom's need, right?  Lorrie offers some great tips with the REAL REST acronym.  Some are so simple that we often wonder why we haven't done them before and others really make you think. 

So often we lose sight of what should really be first in our life and Lorrie helps remind you in such a gentle way.  She always makes sure we keep God first.  I can truly say that is the most important thing to do.  She offers such great tips to help make sure we are able to do that.  Not only in the Energized & Fulfilled DVD, but many others too.

I have been so blessed to have Lorrie's help as i go through my journey of being a wife & mother.  She is SO very encouraging.  You can tell she truly cares about you.

If being Energized & Fulfilled is something you desire, then head over to the Eternal Encouragement store to purchase the DVD of Energized and Fulfilled Woman of God.  Not only do you get the DVD but you get the study guide and Bible verses and Mom's Spectacular Relaxation Recipes(something we didn't get as part of our review but bet you will love!).  The purchase price is $19.97! That is a great deal.

Disclaimer: I received Energized & Fulfilled as an official member of The Gabby Moms blogging program for Eternal Encouragement Magazine. I did not receive compensation for this post and all opinions are solely my own.

Godly Woman: The 5 R's of Godly Womanhood Product Review Part 2

Welcome to part 2 of my review for The 5 R's of Godly Womanhood.  I am going to start by saying thank you to Lorrie, Eternal Encouragement and The Gabby Mom's for giving me this opportunity to review such great products.  This one came at a much needed time in my life.  

I have been struggling with the daily life of a stay at home homeschooling mom.  I often find myself getting frustrated even before the day begins.  My house always seems to be mass chaos.  (I have 3 boys so I often use them as my excuse)  I often feel run down and like there is NEVER enough time in the day to accomplish everything.  To top it all off we officially started school this past week.  We never really took the summer off, just a few breaks here and there.  So I have been completely frazzled!

I had listened to all of the 5 R's back when we first got them for review.  Little did I know that as I was listening to the last 3 for part 2 of the review how much they would give me what I needed to get me through this week.

If you don't remember the 5 R's are the following.

Refresh - A woman who kneels before God can stand before anyone!

Rekindle - Red hot is so cool

Refine - From homekeeping 101 to Graduating with Honors

Rejuvenate - What to do when Abel is raising Cain

Rest - Give it up and Give it all

This review is for the last 3 R's.  Refine, Rejuvenate and Rest.

As I said above, listening to these again couldn't have come at a more perfect time in my life.  I struggle each year with trying to get organized with school preparations.  Between getting the house cleaned, organized and also getting all the school supplies, curriculum set up for the year.  Lorrie's teaching on Refining was such a great reminder and help to me.  I have been applying things I have heard to my life the past month.  What a blessing it has been.  Between planning out my day, scheduling better and trying really hard to stick to a routine, my days have gone so much smoother.  We still hit some bumps.  The baby wakes up in the middle of the night and takes 2 hours to fall back asleep will necessitate a later wake-up time for me which will throw off the start time of our day.  But by lunch time we are almost where we should be in our day.  I have noticed the kids are getting used to the routines we are starting to follow.  It has helped me to enjoy our first week and look forward to the upcoming year!

In Rejuvenate Lorrie talks about child training.  In Proverbs 22:6 it says "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Consistency is probably the hardest thing about training up children in the way they should go.  Each child needs love, training and discipline when they make decisions that go against the rules of the house.  It is important to establish those rules early on and keep up with the training so that they know them.  If they disobey, then the appropriate discipline is given.  

One thing I am working hard on is not being angry/frustrated when I need to discipline my children.  I am not consistent all the time and often struggle with this.  So, I will count to 30 and make sure that I take them aside from the other children, then ask what they did wrong and why it is wrong.  After that the appropriate discipline is given.  It is also important that we not be afraid to discipline our children.  We love them and want them to live a long time while also living for God.  

Even our Heavenly Father disciplined us by kicking Adam and Eve out of Eden.  They were given everything and one act of disobedience ruined the perfection God created.  So they were disciplined.  I am sure it was not easy for Him just as it is not always easy for us.  But it is our job/duty as parents.  We must not fail our children.  In today's society, parents are becoming afraid to discipline their children for fear of squenching their personalities.  We must not be afraid of this.  Is it hard, yes, but it is worth it in training up a son (or daughter) in the way of the Lord. 

The last R is Rest - Give it up and Get it all.  Now when you think of rest, what is the first thing that comes to mind?  Is it a long bubble bath?  Watching a movie and letting time slip away?  Or perhaps reading a good book while sitting in the hammock with your favorite tea?

In this session, Lorrie offers what might be the best way I have heard this put in a long time.  I'll agree that all of the above definitely seem relaxing or restful.  But really does that solve the dilemma of being "rested".  As a wife, mom, homeschooler, housewife, we are always putting our families first.  This is VERY important.  But who fills our cup when we are running on empty.  A bubble bath can't do that.  But our God can.  By reading His word and taking time for others I feel rested.   

Lorrie's sessions for the 5 R's of Godly Womanhood have helped me in many ways.  I definitely feel better about my role in life as a wife, mother, homeschool mom, housekeeper and I feel more prepared to take on any other role that God has planned for me.  It won't always be easy but if I keep Him first, He will show me the way he has for me in every aspect of my life.

If you would like to see more reviews of The 5 R's of Godly Womanhood head over to the Gabby Mom's website. 


If you would like to purchase The 5 R's of Godly Womanhood click here.


Disclaimer: I received The 5 R’s to Godly Womanhood as an official member of The Gabby Moms blogging program for Eternal Encouragement Magazine. I did not receive compensation for this post and all opinions are solely my own.

Godly Woman: The 5 R's of Godly Womanhood Product Review Part 1

Welcome to Part one of a two part product review!  This review is for Eternal Encouragement's "Godly Woman: The 5r's of Godly Womanhood".  This set is 5 MP3's and 5 e-books for each of the "R's".

We are women.  God made us from Adam, who was created in His Image.  So as a woman we are to reflect the Image of God.  Not just when we leave the house to go somewhere, but at home in our every day activities.

As a woman we have many roles in life.  We are wife, mom, teacher, friend, daughter, & sister.  It can be quite hard to keep up with these roles.  We multi-task as much as we can but in the end, unless we have God first in our lives this proves to be an impossibility.  Of course we may make it several days, weeks or months without God, but then we crash and burn when we realize we simply can not do it all without His help.

In the 5 R's, Lorrie takes on the things that we need as women to help us thrive.  So what are the 5 R's?

#1 Refresh
#2 Rekindle
#3 Refine
#4 Rejuvinate
#5 Rest

When do you feel refreshed?  Is it after a long walk?  How about after reading scripture and doing your Bible study?  Does that leave you refreshed?  Well I tell you what.  After listening to and reading about being refreshed, it is definitely something I want to be more of!

In this first "R", Lorrie talks about putting God first in our lives every day.  When we first wake up.  I must say that I was convicted as this has been a very weak point in my every day life.  The tagline for this first "R" is very appropriate.  A Woman Who Kneels Before God Can Stand Before Anyone.  This is so true and can be applied to every aspect of our life!  Often I tend to rush through my morning activities and put aside my daily devotion time.  I make sure I do devotions with my kids so they get what they need, but neglect myself.  Well after listening/reading this, no more!  I need to take care of myself so I can take care of my family!  They deserve the best from me and by putting God first I can do that!

Lorrie gives such wonderful, yet simple ideas to help us feel refreshed.  You will think of BB's and M&M's completely differently now!  She even offers the suggestion of sharing your devotion time if your little one comes and finds you while you.  What a better way for your children to learn about the importance of time with God than to see it from you!

Psalm 119:11 (TNIV)

¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart
   that I might not sin against you.

The next session was Rekindle.  Now what do you think you are supposed to work on Rekindling?  That's right!  Your marriage!  Lorrie was such an inspiration in the session on rekindling your marriage.  I loved the idea of treating your spouse the way you did before you got married.  :)  Flirting with your husband, taking the time to talk to him about things going on, having a date night, and many more ideas.

Today we see more than 50% of all marriages fail.  That is such a sad statistic!  I have been fortunate to see my parents marriage go 34 years and I can't wait to see the next 30 or more!  My husband and I just celebrated our 10 year anniversary.  And I will tell you, society has it wrong when they paint the picture of marriages being all blissful and happy, no problems.  Marriage requires both parties to give not just 50% like a lot of people think but 100% effort to make it work.

I know I plan on implementing several suggestions that Lorrie gave in this session.  It is so important to keep the flame kindled and to never let it go out.  It is our job to build up our house, our husband and our marriage.  The Bible makes this very clear in Proverbs 14:1 (as Lorrie talks about).  "The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down." (NIV)

It is very important that we take time for ourselves and our marriages.  Always keep God in the center and rekindle the flame!

If you've enjoyed what you've read here about these 2 sessions, you will love the other 3!  My review for them will be out in August.  The 5 R's of Godly Womanhood is a MUST have.  It's timing for me to review was impeccable and I am so glad I got to share my thoughts on the first 2 sessions with you.  This is a product that I would definitely buy myself if someone suggested it to me.

Feel free to stop by The Gabby Moms page to see the other reviews for this wonderful product.  Also, if you are interested in becoming a Gabby Mom there is exciting news!  They are accepting applications for the upcoming 2012 year!!  YAY!! So if you think this is something you would like to do, then click here.  An application will load for you to apply to the program.

I wanted to share about my time with the Gabby Moms.  I have read many books, listened to many audio files and never felt as refreshed and able to tackle my day as I have with Lorrie's books and audio's.  They are wonderful and you can tell how much she cares about what she is talking about.  She has a passion to help women as mothers, wives, and teachers.  These products have been such a blessing to me and I am so glad to have found the Gabby Moms group.

Disclaimer: I received The 5 R’s to Godly Womanhood as an official member of The Gabby Moms blogging program for Eternal Encouragement Magazine. I did not receive compensation for this post and all opinions are solely my own.

God is good... ALL the time!

The day started out good.  Good for a 5am wake-up to meet my sister and return my niece back to her.  I dropped my hubby off at work in downtown Pittsburgh and headed on my 4.5 hour drive to Beckley, WV.  I have driven this route numerous times.  We used it just 3 weeks prior to visit family in NC and TN (where I am from).  So it is a very familiar route.  I am familiar with the turns, hills, popping of the ears and even the occasional animal on the road.

The day was going well.  We had just had a "pit" stop and Starbucks break.  (something Mommy definitely needed with 4 kids in the car)  We were on 79 South and going up the mountains when I saw the deer.  It was close but i thought I could avoid it.  So I swerved to the right to miss it.  Being in the right lane already and it being in the left, I figured this was the best option.  Well the deer must have sensed my move and went back toward the mountain on the right.  I braked...HARD... I am not sure if I screamed or not.  The kids had no clue what was going on.  SMACK, THUD, dragging noise, and another bump.  I hit the deer.

I was able to safely pull over to the side of the road about 1/4 -1/2 mile up the road.  I started to cry.  I cried that I hit a deer and it was dead, I cried because it was the 2nd accident in 7 months with the van, I cried because we were all still alive.  When you hit a deer doing between 50-70mph (though I was slowing down from a cruise position of 72 before I saw the deer) you know there is a good chance of your car flipping.  I knew my odds in the van but I prayed as I knew I was going to hit the deer that He would keep my car with all 4 kids and myself safe.  He listened!  He is GOOD!

It took several minutes for me to calm down and actually call my husband.  My wonderful husband.  He is just the way I needed him to be.  God must have known I needed a man who would not yell or scream or belittle me for something like this.  Instead, he kept asking if I was ok, if the kids were ok.  He didn't care that the front end of the car was completely gone.  He cared about what was most important, our lives.  Again, God is Good!

Trying to figure out what to do when you are stuck in another state and involved in an accident is very chaotic.  I do not like chaos...  I like PLANS & Directions!  Surprises do not do well with me.  (you are reading about the girl who kept asking about when we were getting engaged...lucky he proposed at all!)  So to hit a deer and have that to deal with and not be able to meet my sister was totally throwing me for a loop.

Finally, decided to call AAA and our insurance people.  We wound up having AAA tow my car back to N.E. Allegheny County were our wonderful repair shop is located.  Now, imagine this.  Woman, 4 kids and a tow truck driver in an extended cab flatbed tow truck.  But know what, God is good!  The kids were fairly well behaved.  A game of slapsies in the back by the 2 4-year olds had to be interrupted by me twice. But we survived.

I am so thankful to have a wonderful Mother-in-law and gracious sister-in-law who cancelled their plans for the day to help me and the kids.  Without them it would have been an interesting 2-3 mile walk from the shop to my house...not something else I would have liked to do.

In church Sunday, I knew my heart was just heavy from everything.  The car and some other personal issues were just weighing on my heart.

Earlier in the week, I had watched Facing the Giants (great movie if you want my recommendation).  It had a theme of giving it ALL to God.  Not just the good, but the disappointments too.  Trusting Him no matter what.  Even when that means the answer is No.

Well I am a control freak (remember me asking when we were getting engaged...) So for me to give Him control is something that I am not really good at doing.  Well as I said up above, we were in church on Sunday and I knew that I just had to let go.  It is not in my power to do everything or fix everything or protect everyone.  I would like to, but that's not my job.  It is His.  So I gave it to God.  I chose to give up something I never really had...control.  It is an illusion when we think we have it.  Trust me.  I wasn't in control of the deer.  If I had been, that deer would have been on 79 North and not South!  But God was in control.  Who knows what other circumstance was waiting for me and the kids had we not had that accident.  God uses EVERYTHING to HIS purpose and HIS glory!

So on Tuesday we got a blessing in disguise.  Did you know that when you hit a deer it falls under comprehensive and not collision?  (make sure you have both on your car people)  Well our deductible for comp is less than collision!  Again, GOD IS GOOD!!!  I was already fretting about finances with the extra for the towing (we do have AAA plus which covered 100 of the 154ish miles) but the extra was still quite a bit.  God knew our need.  He always does.

So that is my God is Good story!  I hit a deer.  God kept my car on the ground.  He kept the deer under my car rather than in my windshield or even in my car! (have heard of these happening)  He kept my children, niece and myself safe!  The car is a material thing and can be replaced.  Human life can not!  God is good in His protection, provision and love ALL the time!

Attitude Adjustment...

Illness here, illness there, illness everywhere!  It's amazing how fast an illness can spread through a family.  All it takes is one person to bring in a germ.  The germ then multiplies and spreads from one person to the next.  No matter how often you wash your hands, disinfect your house, it will inevitably go through the family.  This often makes for several days, weeks or even months of illness traveling through your family.

Now there are physical illnesses that spread through a family but something that is even more prominent is how we act and respond to each other.  Our Attitude.  It starts with one person.  It starts with me.  Mom.  I am the one who sets the tone for each day.  Whether I like it or not, I am responsible for the tone of the day.  Often I forget this and tend to blame the proverbial "bad day" on the way the children are or aren't behaving.  

It is hard to be mom, wife, teacher and to admit that takes a lot of courage.  Fortunately, there are women out there who are mentors to those of us who need encouragement through the rough days.  Lorrie Flem is one of them.  

 

The past couple of weeks I got to listen to 2 of Lorrie's .mp3's.  The first I listened to was Keys to a Queenly Castle and the 2nd was Attitude Adjustments.  Let me say that in listening to these I was not only encouraged but convicted as well.  I realized that I was letting my attitude control me instead of me controlling my attitude.

Not only am I responsible for me, but I am responsible for my family.  I am responsible for the attitude in my household.  The talks given by Lorrie are so helpful.  I will be listening to them again as I want to write down her suggestions!  

In Attitude Adjustments, she offers 26 ways to help with your attitude.  Lorrie gives the A-Z's and they are wonderful ways that I will be implementing in my own house.  I need to get my attitude right if I expect my family to have the correct attitude.

I hope that you will go to www.eternalencouragement.com and checkout these 2 talks by Lorrie.  They are wonderful and will bless you.  They start at $6.95 for the mp3 and area also available on CD as well.

Join me and the other Gabby Moms at www.thegabbymoms.com as we review these and other products.  This is such an awesome group of ladies.  :)

Now for some fun.  Lorrie is doing a giveaway!  This is a great way for a chance to win one of Lorrie's talks!  :)  I love free things and I bet you do to.  

So here are the rules for the giveaway.

First go to the link below.

http://www.eternalencouragement.com/theshop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=4_5

Choose the MP3 you would like a chance at winning.

Then complete the following steps.

To enter:
1.  Go to EE link given to choose MP3 file you want to win
2.  Click on The Gabby Moms tab at EE to go to blog where June's review links are 

posted & comment: 
     a.  which blog you read about the giveaway (Educating our Boys)
     b.  name of MP3 file you want if chosen as winner
     c.  email contact info
3. Winner will be chosen on Saturday, June 18th via random.org.
4. Winner will be notified by email to contact info left in comments
5. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim prize or an alternate winner will be chosen. 

I was given these products for my honest review by Eternal Encouragement. 

This is part of The Gabby Moms Program.  All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Marriage: To Have and To Hold Bundle by Eternal Encouragement Review

I was given the opportunity to review a bundle of products from Eternal Encouragement.  The subject was Marriage.  Marriage is something I will believe in and will defend the sanctity of with my very being.  I believe it is something that shouldn't enter into lightly.  Sometimes we think we are in love with someone but really we are in love with the idea of being in love.  I loved how the products in this bundle not only encouraged me to be a better wife but also touched me emotionally.

I am by no means the wife I imagined myself being.  It is something I have to work on daily.  I am blessed with a wonderful husband and 3 beautiful boys.  We homeschool and are always doing something.  In the shuffle of life, I can tend to forget what a blessing I have in my husband.  I need to remember to not only nurture my family but him as well.  This bundle will help you do just that.

Between the e-books and the 2 wonderful mp3's you will feel blessed and encouraged.  If you are struggling the advice and ideas are wonderful!  Each story that was told, statistic that was shown and advice that was given in this bundle was so very helpful.  I loved the 75 Romantic Rut Cures!  Simple to do but things that I know I will definitely be using.  The story "It Happened One Afternoon" will bring tears to your eyes.  I am always an emotional wreck with love stories. The story of never-ending love was beautifully depicted.

Something else that I am implementing from this bundle is the daily prayer for your husband.  There is a chart in here that covers 31 days of prayer for your husband and specific things to pray for each day.  It also gives Scripture verses to go with each day.  I know I pray for my husband but the prayer is often the same one each day.  Now I will have specific things to pray for each day as I pray for him. 

I am so blessed to have been able to review this bundle.  I hope that when you purchase this bundle that you get the encouragement you need and feel as blessed as I did with these products.


Feel free to visit this blog and many more at The Gabby Moms!
Also, stop by www.eternalencouragement.com and view the many products there including the Marriage: To Have & To Hold Bundle.

"I received this product for honest review from Eternal Encouragement Magazine as a part of The Gabby Moms blogging program. All opinions expressed are solely my own."

Gabby Mom's Review for Eternal Encouragement

Once upon a time I had many magazine subscriptions.  I had so many that I didn't know what to do with them.  Some I would read, some I would not.  As a mom, most of these magazines lacked what I was truly looking for.  I was looking for something to help inspire me to be strong as a mom & wife,  & encourage me in my walk with Christ.  The magazines I had didn't fit the bill.  I stumbled upon a wonderful magazine by the name of TEACH about 2 years ago.  I have been blessed to be able to have that in my hands.

Now you may be thinking this is supposed to be a review about the magazine Eternal Encouragement.  I know.  And let me share a secret.  TEACH and Eternal Encouragement are one in the same.  :)

Lorrie Flem started TEACH approximately 13 years ago. She was looking for a magazine that would help her in her walk as a mom, wife and daughter of God.  Through lots of encouragement and praying she started TEACH.  She decided about a year ago to change the title and magazine format of TEACH to Eternal Encouragement. This is off of the Eternal Encouragement Facebook page. "TEACH is taking a new name that more accurately portrays what we are all about. We are a magazine about looking more like Jesus every day. We have a little on homemaking, mothering, being a wife, and ALL that we send you is rich with . . . encouragement!"

"Eternal Encouragement has four main goals. To help women: look more like Jesus every day, to happily undergird their husbands, to love nurturing and training His children, to embrace putting their first fruits into their own homes."

The content is just as wonderful and the new size (which fits in my purse or diaper bag) is perfect for me.  I take it everywhere!


I know how important it is to have something that is relevant to moms and our daily struggles.  It is not an easy job we have.  We have so many "hats" that we juggle.  Wife, teacher, nurse, chauffeur and so many more that we often find ourselves at the end of the day drained physically and emotionally.  To know that there are other moms out there who have been where we are and that we will make it through is such an encouragement.  The authors of each story in EE have a way of touching your heart.  Whether you had a rough day at work, with the kids or you feel that you will never keep up with the housework, the articles in this magazine will touch your heart and leave you feeling uplifted.

We were asked to review the Spring '11 issue of Eternal Encouragement.  What a blessing this magazine has been.  But before I go into the articles that help me, let me share my family. 

I am the proud mom of 3 wonderful boys.  I am privileged to get to stay home with them and also homeschool them.  Jonathan, the oldest, is the artsy, quiet, and for the most part obedient.  Think outwardly obedient, but inwardly defiant.  Jordan, the middle child, is, well, we think he is Evil Knievel.  He is the daredevil and is always into something.  He is also the one who tends to provoke fights.  He has a short temper which often leaves me frustrated at the things he does.  Josef, the baby, well, ok, he is 1 now but still my baby.  He is a little cutie pie and we are enjoying seeing bits of his personality come out.  He is definitely a momma's boy.  :)

When the spring issue of EE arrived at my house I was thrilled!  It was the first edition of the new name and size and so it has been with me everywhere for the past month.  I don't always get to sit and read it at one time.  So I will look through to see what is most critical at that moment.  Well let me say this issue came just in time!  The key articles I read (in no particular order) are as follows.

• Domestically Challenged Housewife - Our Version of Toy Story
• Temper to Tranquility
• There is No Time Like the Present
• Today

I am always grateful to know that I am not the only one who is going on this journey we call motherhood.  Knowing that I will make it through the day.  And ultimately knowing that God is in control.  We just have to give it to Him.

There is a song that I am reminded of often while reading Eternal Encouragement.  It pops into my head because all the moms have something in common.  They rely on God.  They know that without Him they could do nothing.  It is through Him that we make it through each day.  They ask Him for guidance, help and strength.  This song is a wonderful reflection of what we need to realize every day.  The song is Without Him.  Here is a link so you can listen to it.  The lyrics are below.

Without Him I could do nothing
Without Him I'd surely fail
Without Him I would be drifting
Like a ship without a sail

Without Him I would be dying
Without Him I'd be enslaved
Without Him life would be worthless
But with Jesus thank God I'm saved

Oh Jesus, oh Jesus
Do you know Him today
Please don't turn Him away
Oh Jesus, my Jesus
Without Him how lost I would be
Without Him how lost I would be

I am so thankful that I am able to receive this magazine.  It provides such encouragement to me.  I know it will do the same for you.

Click on Gabby Moms to find out more about us or read more reviews about Eternal Encouragement.
Here is the website to Eternal Encouragement.  www.eternalencouragement.com

I received this product for honest review from Eternal Encouragement Magazine as a part of The Gabby Moms blogging program. All opinions expressed are solely my own."

Expedition Israel - A Download N Go Review

Expedition Israel, a Download N Go unit study.  Some quick info about Download N Go (DNG).  DNG's are a week long unit study tied in with lapbooking.  Don't be nervous about the lapbooking part.  If you have never done one, that's ok!  They are a fun way to integrate some hands on into your schooling.  DNG's are wonderful.  They have all the research done for you.  Amanda Bennett takes care of all of that so you can spend more time learning with your child.  She also finds extra books to read to your child that are suggested each day.  These are not necessary but always give a lot of extra information.

So where to begin.  I was so thrilled to see we would be reviewing Expedition Israel.  It took me back to a time 12 years ago.  A time when I was 18 and our church was going on a trip overseas.  A trip to Israel.  This unit brought back so many memories for me.  The videos of the cities in Israel, the people, the animals, and the beautiful landscape.  We also learned about great Heroes of the Bible with this unit.  It is so amazing to think about these men of the Bible.  They become real for the kids.  And I got to enjoy watching my kids learn about them.

Each day brought back something different for me and I was so excited to share my stories with them.  From Jerusalem to Bethlehem, to the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee.  I relived my trip through this unit.  But more importantly I shared it with them by showing pictures, telling stories and giving them my thoughts as we watched the videos, read the websites and all the information that Amanda put into this unit. I am so thankful that she put this unit together.  It helped me be better able to share the stories of my trip.  Because she works so hard to find the best websites and videos it made it so much fun to share with my children.  In a sense, being able to share my trip experiences combined with this unit study made it feel so real to them. 

There are also some really cool things to do as part of the lapbook in this unit.  Jonathan's favorite was learning his name in Hebrew. 




My Hebrew Name:   Courtesy of My Hebrew Name  He thought that was "so cool."  He also like learning about the animals.  I was able to share with him my story of riding the camel. (which I highly recommend)  It is definitely a ride you won't forget.

I highly recommend this unit study.  Even if I hadn't been to Israel, this unit would make me want to go.  So you will definitely want to try and plan a trip.  My oldest son, Jonathan has already asked me when we are going to Israel.  I told him we will need to save in order to do it, but that we will plan a family trip to visit this country one day.

Here is what was covered each day.

Day 1: Where on Earth Is Israel?
Day 2: Some of the Special Places in Israel
Day 3: A Bit of History
Day 4: Cool Things to Know About Israel
Day 5: Fun and Games in Israel


Take a look at the inside of Expedition Israel.

Some pictures of our lapbook.

Our Lapbook



Jonathan with the lapbook



Some Pictures of my trip to Israel.

The Sea of Galilee


Me petting a Cat at the Church on the Sea of Galilee


If you would like to purchase Expedition Israel, go here.
To follow the Blog Tour, go here.

**I was given this item in exchange for my honest review**

Kite Capers - A Download N Go Review

This is my family's review of Kite Capers - a Download N Go (DNG) Unit Study.  For those of you unfamiliar with Download N Go, they are quite fun and simple to use.  I don't know about you, but for me those are good qualities to have in homeschool curriculum!  Amanda Bennett does all the legwork of research for you.  She chooses some of the best videos, informational links, extra reading resources and some awesome activities.

My boys and I have grown to love these unit studies.  They cover a weeks worth of learning.  Each day you learn something different about the topic.

So, lets go fly a kite!  Up to the Highest Height!  I think of Mary Poppins and the kite flying scene at the end when doing this review.  I loved flying kites as a young child.  The colors, shapes, sizes, beautiful designs were always fascinating to me.  A couple of years ago we actually purchased our first kites and took them out for a flight.  There are 2 Spiderman kites in our repertoire as we speak.  We had a blast getting them to fly!  Thanks to this unit study we now want to make our own kites! 

Working on Kite Capers has been so much fun.  The videos were quite awesome.  Seeing some of the creativity in the kites that were made is just thrilling!  Seeing them in flight was breathtaking.  There was is so much to learn about the origins of kites!  It was amazing where it lead us.  We really enjoyed studying this unit.

Here are the topics covered for each of the 5 days.

Day 1: What Is a Kite?
Day 2: The History of Kites
Day 3: Kite People and Places
Day 4: Science Secrets of Kites
Day 5: Goodies and Gadgets of Kites

 Take a peek inside this unit study.  The pictures are beautiful and we loved working in this unit.

Amanda does a wonderful job in putting these units together.  We have really enjoyed using them and doing reviews.

Click here to purchase Kite Capers.  :)

**I was given this item in exchange for my honest review**

Hoppin Popcorn - A Download N Go Review

Caramel corn, cheddar popcorn, kettle corn or plain ole popcorn.  I bet you can't choose just one flavor of popcorn.  Hoppin Popcorn is a delicious unit study!

For those of you who may not be familiar with Download N Go (DNG), they are a weekly unit study combined with lapbooking.  Now don't be afraid of the term lapbooking.  It's actually quite simple.  Amanda Bennett gives you all the information you need for the unit and then she gives you links for lapbooking instructions.

So I hope you like popcorn, because that is the topic of this yummy unit!  Popcorn, we eat it at movie theatres, at home when we are enjoying family time, sporting events or just as a great snack.  It comes in many different flavors and types.  I know my personal favorite is caramel corn.  The mix of salty and sweet is just divinity! 

With Hoppin Popcorn you discover so many different things!  From what popcorn is, where it began, to the many kinds of popcorn.

So with Download N Go, each day covers something different.  There are different websites for each day, different videos that go with the topic of each day.  I will say that Hoppin Popcorn leaves you hungry so you will want to make sure you have some on hand!  :)

Here is what's covered each day.
Day 1: Popcorn—What Is It?
Day 2: The Story of Popcorn
Day 3: The Flavors of Popcorn
Day 4: The Science of Popcorn
Day 5: Fun With Popcorn

Take a peek inside Hopping Popcorn.

Click here to purchase Hoppin Popcorn!

**I was given this item in exchange for my honest review**

Eternal Encouragement Newsletter Review

E-mail, e-mail, e-mail...  I don't know about you but I sign up for so many e-mails I think will be useful, but I often don't get to look at them.  Between being a wife, mom, teacher, homemaker and many other roles I don't always get to read everything I sign up for.  I admit it.  I have every intention of reading the tips and advice of being a better wife, mom, teacher, etc.  When we were asked to sign up for the Eternal Encouragement newsletter, I was already a member of this wonderful resource.  This is one of a newsletters I make sure to take the time to read.

I was asked to review two of the most recent newsletters.  This was obviously an easy thing for me to do!  :)  I love to read and love all the words of encouragement in these newsletters.  The first one I was asked to review was sent February 10th and the second one was February 17th.  The topic of the newsletter sent the 10th, which was in time for Valentines Day, covered marriage.  I can think no better topic to cover for that week.  I loved how Lorrie put this sentence regarding disagreements in a marriage.  "Successful couples know how to keep the disagreements from spilling over and contaminating the rest of their relationship."  I believe this to be very true!  My husband and I have had our disagreements, but we always make sure that we don't go to bed angry and that whatever was being discussed was resolved in some matter.  It isn't always easy.  But we always do it.

The other thing I love about these newsletters are a little thing called "Chick Flicks for Mom."  I absolutely love these videos from Lorrie.  They are short, cute and to the point.  I have found them to be very helpful to me.  My most favorite one right now was the one dealing parenting our children and obedience!  The lesson learned from that one I wound up writing down and laminating!  It is now posted in the main area of my house so my 3 boys can see it.  We are working on memorizing the rhyme that was submitted to Lorrie about obedience.

Then there are the Timely Tips in the newsletters!  The two that I am going to talk about in my review are very important to me.  The first one dealt with Praying for your husband.  Now I know we all know we are supposed to pray for our husbands, but do we really know how to pray for them?  The timely tip linked to a document talking about why we need to pray for our husbands and also gave a 31 day plan to pray for your husband.  Each day includes a specific request and Bible verse to go with that request.  I found that very important!  I know that I want to pray for my husband, but I often don't know what to pray for.  This has been a great help!

The 2nd timely tip dealt with a budget!  This comes at a great time for me as I am leading a class on finances at our church.  Having a budget is important but sticking to it is even more important!  Anne Herrick talks about how reading Dave Ramsey's book "The Total Money Makeover" really helped her and her husband realize they were living outside their means and then gave them the tools to get things under control.  I HIGHLY recommend reading any of Dave Ramsey's books or taking his Financial Peace University course!  (which is what I lead at our church)  I am seeing things in a new way since leading this class.  We are learning to live within our means and also be able to save for our future, the future of our kids and to also be able to give to others!  Seeing this timely tip in the newsletter was just another encouraging article to help us along our way.  You can read this story here.

Along with all those things there is information on sales and discounts on products from the website.  There are some great deals out there!  www.HomemakingWithTeach.com

I HIGHLY recommend signing up for the newsletter.  It has helped me in so many ways.  I want to be a better mom to my boys, a better wife to my husband and a better child of God.  The newsletter is so encouraging and is a great addition to my day.  I look forward to getting this each week.

To sign up for Eternal Encouragement go to www.EternalEncouragement.com.  Once you go there a window should pop up to sign up for the newsletter.  If for some reason it does not, go to this website and scroll down to the bottom.  The sign up will be on the bottom left-hand side.  www.theshop.eternalencouragement.com

Also, take some time to visit us at the Gabby Moms!  We have a lot of moms that are reviewing these wonderful products, newsletters, etc.  www.thegabbymoms.com

I am reviewing Encouraging Moments as an official member of The Gabby Moms blogging program for Eternal Encouragement magazine.  I did not receive compensation for this post and all opinions are solely my own.

Expedition Ireland Review

Here is our review of the Download N Go unit called Expedition Ireland. If you are not familiar with Download N Go, then you are in for a treat!  They are unit studies combined with lapbooking.  These unit studies are meant to last 5 days (but can go longer if you choose to do so).  And don't let the work lapbooking scare you!  It's really quite easy and the writer, Amanda Bennett, gives you links in the beginning that show how to make a lapbook.



I must say this is one of our FAVORITE units by far! I have always wanted to visit Ireland. I would love to want to one day take my family there. In doing this unit we were able to enjoy Ireland from afar.  The videos were enchanting.  My oldest kept one video on in the background because he loved the music so much!  He bookmarked it so he could listen to it all day every day.

There was so much to discover about Ireland.  From the legends, stories, scenery and history.  We learned so much about this beautiful country.   We thought it was so much fun reading the different legends involved in the Irish culture.  Some of the stories were great!  St. Patricks day was another great lesson.  And seeing my son drawing shamrocks made me smile!

I love how the DNG Unit studies incorporate so many aspects of learning.  I also love how the only thing I have to do is go to the library and borrow a few extra books (if you choose to do so).  I will say the books do add a lot to the unit.  We do try to pick up 1 recommended book for each day.  :)

Take a peak at what is covered inside Expedition Ireland.

Day 1: Where on Earth Is Ireland?
Day 2: Some of the Special Places in Ireland
Day 3: A Bit of History
Day 4: Cool Things to Know About Ireland
Day 5: Fun and Games in Ireland

A peak inside Expedition Ireland.  Click on the here or on the image for a sample of what you will learn in Expedition Ireland.



So I hope this has encouraged you to give unit studies and lapbooking a try.  Use the Download N Go unit studies by Amanda Bennett!  They are wonderful and a great addition to any curriculum you are using right now.  :)

Click here to Purchase Expedition Ireland.

Expedition Ireland Blog Tour

**I was given this item in exchange for my honest review**

Download N Go Review - George Washington

George Washington was a farmer, a General, husband, step-father, and eventually the 1st President of the United States!  I knew some of these things but not all of them.  There was also so much more we discovered in our Download N Go (DNG) of George Washington.  I am still surprised at what we learn in these unit studies.  My boys are continually asking for more of them to do!  We absolutely love them!

The books that we borrowed from our library went so well with this unit.  The books on the list can add so much to the learning experience!  I love being able to sit on the couch and read aloud with my sons.  It is absolutely great.  We learned this week about George Washington's journey through childhood to becoming a young man in the army.  He got married and became a father to his wife's children (she was a widow).  He then went back to be a General in the war for Independence and eventually became President!   All the details in this study are simply amazing.  These are just some of the highlights!

Doing these unit studies has made my oldest want to read more about what we are learning about.  He has become more interested in learning and by doing that it has helped my 2nd child to become more interested in learning.  What a blessing that is for me as a mom.  To have my boys want to learn!

So here is an overview of what you will learn the week you study George Washington.

Day 1: Who Was George Washington?
Day 2: People and Places in George Washington’s Life
Day 3: The Accomplishments of George Washington
Day 4: Lessons to Learn From George Washington
Day 5: Remembering George Washington

Take a peek inside the DNG unit for George Washington.



So if you haven't done a unit study before or felt overwhelmed by doing them, a Download N Go is a GREAT way to start!  They have all the research done for you.  There are always great videos, websites and books to go with each day of learning.  It is so wonderful that Amanda spends the time on this so you don't have to!   Tie in the lapbook and you have an awesome week of fun learning and putting something together that will last a long time.  :)

If the idea of lapbooking overwhelms you, there are very easy instructions to follow in the beginning of every DNG unit study!  I know I was overwhelmed with the idea at first but we have done several now and the boys really enjoy doing them.

**I was given this item in exchange for my honest review**

Click here to Purchase the DNG for George Washington.

The DNG Blog tour.

True Treasures Book Review

Blessed is how I should describe myself after reading this book.

Let me start by giving a little bit of info about myself.  I have been married for 9 1/2 wonderful years!  I married the love of my life.  We had our first child, a boy, during our first year of marriage.  5 years later we had our 2nd son and started homeschooling.  Nearly 3 years after that we had our 3rd child, another boy!  I am a stay-at-home mom with 3 wonderful, yet sometimes crazy, active boys!

Does your day look like this?  You wake up at 9am because the baby was up twice last night.  You had EVERY intention of getting up early to star that "schedule" you have dreamed of, which included 30-45 minutes of exercise time and devotions for you.  Your 2 oldest boys are having their own WWE match in the living room and you didn't realize you were the referee.  The baby is crying because you are dealing with the WWE match in the living room and he needs to be nursed.  You try to do school but get no cooperation.  Then 4 O'clock rolls around and you have NO idea what is going to be prepared for dinner and you forgot that tonight the night you are supposed to take your oldest child to Taekwondo.  So you get everyone ready after a rushed dinner, head to the class and call your husband to let him know where you are and just how chaotic your day has been.  After class, you head back home, get the kids ready for bed and then settle down for time to breathe and try to figure out just what happened today.  If this is your day then I can totally relate to you.  This is often my day and when this day happens it makes me lost sight of something.  My "why."

My why is my children, my blessings.  As much as I get frustrated at the day described above, it is because I have forgotten my why.  Our children our only young once.  We try so hard to be the perfect mom and well, it's a hard job that we have.   We try to be the best wife, mom, homemaker and sometimes, if we are lucky, we achieve that but there are probably more days than not that we feel like we fail.  I truly believe that it is our calling to raise our children in the way of the Lord, to have God in the center of our marriage, and to keep HIM first.  And to do that we need a lot, I say A LOT of support!  The Bible is my #1 source but I often read other books to give me some inspiration and provide some extra encouragement.  I need to know that there are other mothers out there like me.

When the opportunity came by to be part of a review team thought it would be a great opportunity.  Little did I know that the book I would be reading would hit home with me.

The book which is a beautiful trove of stories from TEACH Magazine.  They touched my heart.  I would read it during our lunch break and I noticed times when the story I was reading would apply to what I was going through that day.  They touched my emotions and helped me regroup so I could make it through the day.  The different authors were great.  I love how they each had their own unique experience to share with us.  It is such a blessing to know that we as mothers are not alone.  We will all go through similar experiences at one point or another.

True Treasures is put together in such a way that if you are struggling in a certain area that you can go where you need inspiration.  I loved that about it!  Some of the stories will make you look deep within yourself, some will hit that emotion box where the kleenex box is required and some will make you smile and realize that God is there with you.  He knows your situation and your hearts desires.  He wants you to be the mom that He created you to be.  I am so grateful that the authors do a wonderful job in keeping Christ and the Scripture in these treasures.  That helps keep me focused.  I know that God is with me and that there is no problem too big that I can't handle with HIS help.  Philippians 4:13 ~ I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength.  It is not our own strength but what we glean from Him, through reading the word, through reading an amazing resource of encouragement like this one.

I am blessed to have been able to read this book and offer my thoughts.  I hope that those of you who are reading this will consider it an investment.  Just like your time in the Bible, I think that True Treasures will also offer encouragement to you.  I know it did for me.

You can view this product and many others at  www.HomemakingWithTEACH.com

**Disclaimer** ~ I received this product for honest review from TEACH Magazine as part of The Gabby Mom's blogging program.  All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Click here to go to The Gabby Moms