CrossTimber Products REVIEW

 Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

I am more than excited to share with you my review about the AMAZING products created by CrossTimber.  I received a coupon to redeem for a free product of my choice from a list and I chose to review the 8x10 Plaque print.  I also received, for free, 30 pages (for ages 3-12) of AmazingName Print Activity Sheets.  As a bonus I was also sent a link to download the activity pages so that I can print more and use again later.

CrossTimber is an amazing company producing lots of fun and scriptural products.  The products are made in the USA by John and Katie Dehnart.  They are an amazing couple currently with 3 kids. The products include name meaning plaques, coffee mugs, and music boxes to name just a few and are focused around the meaning of your name. I love that they also include scripture related to your name meaning.  If you want to know the meaning of your name ahead of time you simply contact them and they will tell you.  They also create and distribute FREE name meaning cards by your request, see their website for more information on this.

I have reviewed for this company before and because I like their name meaning gifts so much I have also purchased quite a few products on my own.  Since I already had name meaning prints for the kids, I chose to get the two name option and got an 8x10 Plaque print with mine and my husband's name meanings on it.  He was delighted when he saw it.  There are a LOT of backgrounds to choose from so take your time browsing through their options.  You are also able to purchase your choice of frame if you wish. Other customizations available include a customized message, and the opportunity to add name meaning bookmarks, namecards, greeting cards, and even a special message on the back of your plaque.

Be sure you check out all the options for your name plaque.
You can even get it with only the name

Be sure to click on "Multi-Name Plaques" from top menu
to see all of the categories to choose from

The quality of the paper for the plaque is a thicker glossy paper and the print quality is also nice. The activity sheets I received are printed on both sides.  I am glad that I also received a digital copy of the set so I can print individual pages with blank backs if I choose.  Little Bug just LOVES to complete the pages.  They include mazes made out of the letters of her name, mazes that include her name in them, a desk name card, letter scramble with letters of her name, pictures with her name incorporated within the picture, number crossword puzzles, challenging coloring pages, crossword puzzles, word searches, and name handwriting pages with both print and cursive. There are also discount coupons and codes on several pages!

Mazes, coloring pages, crossword puzzles and so much more!!

I have had the pleasure to also have connection with this company in the past and their customer service is wonderful.  I love their heart and their story (check it out on their website).  During our first review with the Amazing Name personalized cartoon, we were contacted afterward and agreed to send in video of Little Bug and she was featured in one of their ads.  Enjoy this fun ad below that is now another special keepsake for our family!

I give CrossTimber two thumbs up.  We are pleased with the 8x10 Plaque print and the AmazingName Print Activity Sheets. You can connect with with CrossTimber on FACEBOOK and PINTEREST.  Be sure to check out the reviews of my fellow Crew members who also reviewed the NameCards and Name Bookmarks by clicking on the graphic link below.

Faith Journeys Bible Study REVIEW

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. 

I'm always up for a good bible study so I was excited to get the chance to review Faith Journeys Bible Study Series: Romans Bundle and Faith Journeys Bible Study Series: Philippians by Julie Polanco from Julie Naturally.  I received both of these studies in PDF digital form via a download link.  Both Bible studies are currently available as digital downloads.

Romans Bible Study Bundle

Faith Journeys Bible Study Series: Romans Bundle (97 pages) includes an 8-week study guide, printable scripture memory cards, and themed coloring pages (one for each week). It was easy to download the file and print out the pages.  I chose to bind my study guides. I printed out the memory cards separately, laminated them, then cut them into cards that I can carry with me and use as bookmarks while I am catching up on my reading.  Taping them to the bathroom mirror works well too!!  The coloring pages are included in the study guide and are also sent as a separate file to also be downloaded.  I did not bind these as I hope to either laminate or at least post these in different areas of the house (once I color all of them).

Sample prayer card from Romans bundle

In addition to the PDF download files, you are set up with an account on Julie's website for you to access the videos associated with the Romans bundle Bible study.  There is one video for each week that you watch first.  The videos are approximately 10-12 minutes each.  Each week covers 2 chapters from the book of Romans. There are 6 days of lessons each week and a lesson can be easily completed in about 15-20 minutes.  I tend to spend more time on questions but they are still easily completed in less than 30 minutes.  Romans is such a good book and Julie does a good job in covering it.  Having the scripture memory cards is great and I really liked that I could carry them with me and place them on my bathroom mirror for reminders. Another bonus was the art pages.  Coloring always relaxes the mind.

Romans study sample page

There are a lot of reflective and contemplative questions throughout the study that I thoroughly enjoyed.  The only issue I had was that the videos were a little foggy and pixelated at times. Not sure if that was my computer/internet or not, but I didn't have trouble with other videos from other sites so I'm not sure what the problem was.

Sample art page from Romans study

Faith Journeys Bible Study Series: Philippians (45) pages is a 4-week study and does not include any video component (I wonder if there might be video added in the future since the welcome page mentions audiovisuals).  There are scripture memory cards for each week and the study follows the same format as that of the Romans Bible study.  Six lessons per week, approximately 15-20 minute completion time, and bonus art pages.

Philippians scripture memory cards

Philippians Bible study sample page

Philippians sample art page

All Biblical quotes are from the 1984 NIV translation and Julie also used the Moody Bible Commentary and other notes when she compiled this study.  I do recommend Faith Journeys Bible Study Series: Romans Bundle and Faith Journeys Bible Study Series: Philippians by Julie Polanco as I like how she covered the material and best of all I was able to complete my daily lessons in less than 30 minutes and it was still power-packed!
You can connect with Julie Naturally on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST, and YOUTUBE.  Also, be sure to click on the graphic link below to see what my fellow Crew members have to say about this Bible study series.

New Babies on the Homestead

 

So exciting, new babies on the homestead!  Midnight hatched her first egg the other day.  Updates to follow.

The Adventures of Rooney Cruz Book REVIEW

 Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

I've said it so many times before and I'll say it again, Little Bug just LOVES to read.  I can just leave books lying around and she will ask if she can read them.  I had downloaded some Bible Belles books for her on her Kindle before so when we had the chance to review The Adventures of Rooney Cruz RINGLEADERS written by Erin Weidemann, one of the newest releases from Truth Becomes Her, we jumped at the chance.  The bonus was that we not only received a free hardcover copy of the book, but also a coloring book, devotional, and journal!

Bonus coloring book, journal, and devotional!

The hardcover book is of very nice quality.  The pages are heavy duty glossy pages with vividly colored illustrations throughout.  This 199-page book is made in the USA! The font is large and easy to read.  I love that there are full pages of scripture throughout the book.  It is written for ages 6-11 but I think it can even be read to girls as young as 4.  This book will last for many years to come and can be easily passed down to others due to its durability.  There are 9 chapters that cover the stories of Elizabeth, Mary, The Samaritan Woman, Mary and Martha, and Mary Magdalene.

Bible references throughout

Vivid graphics and easy to read font

Full pages of scripture throughout

The 56-page coloring book is full size with easy to color pictures.  There are a decent number of pictures to color and they are printed on only one side so they can be easily torn out and posted on the refrigerator or any of your favorite spots to put your children's artwork. The pictures follow the story.

Coloring Book pages

Some pages also have scripture

The 80-page devotional is wonderful. It includes 40 days of devotions that contain scripture, reading, and activities that include questions, memory verses, and drawing.  There are also note pages at the end of every section. The sections follow chapters in the book and include the following:

• Elizabeth: Setting the Stage
• Mary: The Role of a Lifetime
• The Samaritan Woman: The Show Must Go On
• Mary and Martha: Into the Limelight
• Mary Magdalene: Center Stage
• Ringleader: The Leading Role

The 159-page journal is nice and is designed to be used by both you and your daughter together.  It also is focused around some of the chapters in the book and encourages more discussion into the topics covered within the bible stories.  There are writing prompts, discussion questions, and free space for just thoughts.

Journal pages

The story opens with Rooney in drama class with her friend Dani.  They are preparing to audition for the school play.  While she is struggling with the courage to audition her angel Mari appears to help her remember that with God, all things are possible.  Rooney finally decides to try out for the lead role and ends up not getting it.  Her fellow classmate Thea gets the lead role. Rooney doesn't get any of the active roles.  She gets the understudy part for the lead role instead. While Rooney struggles with how to deal with her disappointment, Mari takes her back in time to the story of Elizabeth and Zechariah and how God performed a miracle with the birth of John and the mission He had for him to perform.

The story progresses from how Rooney deals with her disappointment to actually getting to play the lead role in the very end due to an injury that Thea sustains.  While she navigates through her emotions and daily life, Mari continues to take her back in time to cover the stories of Mary, The Samaritan Woman, Mary and Martha, and Mary Magdalene.  Rooney sees how God equipped these women to do the job he put them on earth to perform.

Mari encourages Rooney along the way.  In the end, Rooney witnesses the death and resurrection of Jesus, and her eyes are open to her own sin and need for a Savior.  She confesses her sins and invites Jesus into her heart.  She then realizes that God has a mission for her too, to spread the Good News.  To tell others about the Gospel and the wonderful things that Jesus has done and will continue to do in your life.

I really like the idea of what drives these stories.  The Adventures of Rooney Cruz series were created by the author, Erin Weidemann to encourage girls to walk in boldness.  To accomplish what God put them here to do and that they are more than able with His help.  In a world where young girls struggle so much with insecurity and identity crisis, it is nice to see stories that they can relate to and learn who they are in Christ.  There is discussion of "powers" of prayer, patience, bravery, loyalty, and leadership.  While I don't like the term "powers" and I am still a little sensitive about the "angel" Mari (because she looks like a fairy and Little Bug is infatuated with fairies --which I don't really appreciate), I still really like the broad message it is trying to convey. And Little Bug absolutely LOVES the stories.

I do recommend you take the time to check out The Adventures of Rooney Cruz RINGLEADERS. You can connect with Truth Becomes Her on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM.  Be sure to also read what my fellow Crew members have to say by clicking on the graphic link below.  Happy Reading!

Hope

 

You can't hardly get any more annoying than a sideways video, sorry!!  I thought I had this live video cued up properly, but I still have a lot to learn! Please join me in the coop as we talk about what it means to have HOPE, and what "not counting your chickens before they are hatched" is all about.  Quick surprise cameo from Dolly too!  May your day be blessed!

Bible Unearthed REVIEW

 Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

I could probably just write a sentence or two and be done if you are familiar with the Drive Thru History® series with Dave Stotts.  It usually only takes one time to get hooked!  If you are a homeschooler and not yet familiar with this series then let me share with you a little bit about their upcoming series Bible Unearthed from Drive Thru History® Adventures.  I received early lifetime access to this online streaming course.  You will need an internet connection to access the program.

Cool artifacts and all kinds of great info on archaeology

Bible Unearthed has not been released yet, but you can still join with an "all access" membership that has a yearly subscription and allows you to access ALL of the Drive Thru History® Adventures series, even new content as it becomes available.  This series is focused on biblical archaeology.  Dr. Kennedy goes into depth about the how and why of archaeology and how the historical finds actually link and prove what happened in the bible.  The Bible Unearthed series consists of 12 episodes that include:

1. What is Archaeology?
2. The Impact of Archaeology
3. Locating Archaeological Sites
4. The Life of an Archaeologist
5. What's Being Discovered Today?
6. Archaeological Mysteries
7. Top Discoveries in Bible Archaeology
8. Getting Involved with Archaeology
9. Trends in Archaeology
10. Weird Archaeology
11. Accidental Discoveries in Archaeology
12. What's Left to be Discovered

This particular series is a little different in that it involves Dave's friend, Dr. Titus Kennedy (Archaeologist), and Randall Niles (writer for Drive Thru History®).  It is essentially a series about archaeology but done with lots of biblical information and Dave's uncanny ability to make you laugh with his antics throughout the episodes.

Dr. Titus Kennedy and Randall Niles join Dave

Each episode is designed to be completed within a week so you can easily move through the course in 12 weeks.  Each "lesson" consists of a short video (approx 15 minutes each), a short reading, optional activity (when available), Scripture reading, Dig Deeper articles (including outside research when available), and worksheets with answer guides.  The worksheets consist of 5 questions each.

Scripture reading in each episode

You begin the course with a welcome that describes what to expect and then download the Course Guide that includes a suggested weekly schedule.

It is very easy to navigate around the program and each episode comes with links to the Course Materials (worksheet and answer guide).  Below are some samples of areas to navigate around.  It is easy to jump between episodes and go back to previous menus, etc.  You even mark the section completed when you have it done.

How-To section

Links to PDF downloads

Once you log off it's easy to come back
and continue where you last left off.

Advancing through the course

Be sure to take advantage of the exclusive private FACEBOOK page group through the link in your course.  You can connect with and converse with others who are going through the series.

I give Bible Unearthed from Drive Thru History® Adventures two thumbs up!!  The kids enjoyed learning more about archaeology and my 2nd grader got a kick out of Dave's antics.  You can connect with Drive Thru History® on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and YOUTUBE.  Please also be sure to check out the reviews of my fellow Crew members by clicking on the graphic link below.  You can also see what I had to say in my previous review of this great company Happy adventures!!