The Sugar Creek Gang

Audiobooks are a main-stay in our family.  We really spend a lot of time in the car and it can be wasted time.  We started listening to Jonathon Park and just kept on listening to just about anything that I could get my hands on . 

Beloved books has taken the 1939 stories of the Sugar Creek Gang (originally by Paul Hutchens) and brought them to modern-day readers.  Paul Ramseyer dramatized these books for today's listeners, reading straight from the originals.  The stories are wonderful!  Full of character building adventures, woven with scripture, poems and other interesting tidbits, you will never get bored listening to these stories. 

I've got a large range of ages here, boys ages almost 5-15 and one sweet little girl (age 2).  Abby didn't really get into the stories but ALL the boys did.  I thought they were fantastic as well.

Beloved books has numerous resources available to encourage and strengthen your family.  G.A. Henty books, The Little Britches stories and KJV memory resources are just some of the other products that this wonderful company provides.

Don't take my word for how wonderful these stories are!  You can listen to the complete Swamp Robber story HERE for free! 

When you decide to order (and you WILL) use coupon code Lorrie12 to get $12 off each CD. 

I'm so glad that we were able to enjoy these stories together as a family and I can't wait to get ahold of the next CD - hurry up mailman!!!!!!!

***I received this product for free in exchange for an honest review as part of the Gabby Moms review program.

Artists and Authors by Lorrie Flem - and a GIVEAWAY

Are you looking for a new way to work in character training during your day?  Something simple?  Hands on?  Something that works? 

This little treasure covers 24 character traits, the 10 Commandments, The Fruit of the Spirit, and has lessons on why we celebrate major religious holidays.

I have to say that I have looked at this product for several years.  Never bought it, just looked at it online.  I wondered if it would be one more thing that I would buy and then never use.  As part of the Gabby Moms review program I received a copy in exchange for honest review.  I choose Artists and Authors because I was going to be using it with my little almost-5-year old Bear.  For older children you can choose to use Authors and Artists.

Got other things going on and need to occupy a child for a minute?  Pull this out and read them the scripture or prompt and let them go.  I love that I will have a record of their thoughts and drawings when we are finished with the book.

At $9.97 I really, really wish that I had used this product with my older children (and I still may!).  Don't be silly and wait, like I did.......

Go to www.eternalencouragement.com and check this and other great character building products out. 

Please, enter for a chance to win this great product yourself at Randy's Rib!  You've got nothing to lose and much to gain!

Catching Up......

I think I've used that as a blog post title, but it fits so here goes.......
****Lee turned 15.  I don't think I'm old enough to have a 15 year old, but he is so I must be.
****Greg went to bike camp and Junior High camp at Oil Belt this year.  He was impressed with how more mature the older years of camp are.  I think he enjoyed being more grown up.
****Lee was faculty at Niners week of camp and then attended Deeper Life week.  He also loves camp and especially enjoyed being faculty.
****Abby is starting to talk.  A little.  Most can't understand her.  Heck, half the time I can't understand her.  It is frustrating for all of us.  But we are trying.  I am going to begin working more specifically with her this school year.  The speech therapists refuse to accept her so I'm going to have to do something.
****Lee will be a sophmore this year.
****Greg is going to be a 7th grader this year.  He is starting public school.  He has went to 2 orientations and feels relatively prepared.  All the fees have been paid, all the supplies have been bought. 
Sidenote- when I was homeschooling the older boys full time I would laugh at the public school parents that would complain about school costs, etc.  I mean, I was paying for books and everything.  Let me tell you, if you don't qualify for public aid school is expensive.  I spent $300 just to register the 2 kids.  I will be required to send lunch money and sports fees throughout the year.  Not to mention fundraisers, special events, etc.  I spent $250 buying clothing and shoes for the 2 of them (4 pairs of shoes because you have to have special gym shoes).  Another $238 for the rest of the school supplies (scientific calculators, thumb drives, backpacks......).  I am going broke sending them to school. 
****I will still be homeschooling the 2 littles (at this point I couldn't afford to send them to public school if I wanted to).  I am hoping to scrape together the $124 for MFW Kindergarten.  If not, we will make do with what we have. 
****My AVON business is going well.  I am an Unit Leader and have a wonderful team that I am helping to start their businesses as well.  I love what I do and am blessed to be able to stay at home with my littles while helping to supplement the family income.
****I'm knitting an adorable baby blanket for a friend's new grandbaby.  Gotta stay busy!

I think that's it.  If you are interested in AVON you can go here - www.youravon.com/carieshinn

Have a great day!!!!!