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! Read More

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.

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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." Read More

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."

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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**
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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**

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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**



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