Growing Kids God's Way: Respect for Peers, Property and Nature

This week we will talk about respect for peers, property and nature.

*Peers
-love your neighbor as yourself (quoted several times in the Bible)
-no unkind speech
- be happy when something good happens to another person
-respect others' property

*Property
-main point: the object of respect is not the property itself, but the owner

*Nature
-God made it

These are just the very basic points and I hope it encourages you to look further into this class.  Next week: Principles of Obedience.

Toddler Talk Thursday: Family

We are very privileged to live within driving distance of both sets of grandparents and our sisters and their families.  However, they are long trips so we don't see them as often as we want, but we do get to see all of them at least once or twice a year.  We travel to them and fortunately we live halfway between family members so if they travel through they always stop at the "Knowlton Bed and Breakfast."  Now that we have a grandbaby, the grandparents are making a few more frequent trips.  Here are some pictures of what Shrade has done with family members:

Grandma Linda

Four generations with Grandma Nettie and Great Gma Layne

Grandpa Jeff and Grandma Nettie at Shrade's baby dedication

Snoozing with Grandpa Del on a hike

Grandma Nettie

Cousins- Ethan, Jordan, Reagan and Auntie Koren

Doing "Rough Road" with Grandpa Jeff

Walking with Grandma and Grandpa

Auntie Janine takes professional pictures and she came up to do a photo shoot

I love this one of my mom and Shrade!

What's on our Bookshelf? The Noisy Counting Book

This is such a cute book!  Not only does your toddler learn how to count, but they also learn all the special sounds of animals and insects that live around the pond.  I read this book and my son always laughs.  The more I read it, the more he gets involved in all the sounds.  He especially loves the frog- Ga Dunk!  He also learned a new word to say- Quiet.  This is a great book about a boy who decides to go fishing and one by one the pond animals start making noise until he yells- QUIET!  See what happens after that.  :)

Check it out: NOISY COUNTING BOOK (Tough Enough for Toddlers)

Growing Kids God's Way: Respect for Age

This week we discussed respect for age.  There are specific commands in the Bible concerning this like in Leviticus 19:32 it says to "honor the aged one."  So go back to the basics and teach your children to offer their seat to the elderly, open the door and honor age at buffet lines.  What a world of difference that would make and in doing so, honor God!

One of my favorite aspects of this lesson was teaching the "interrupt rule."  Basically, instead of interrupting, you teach your child to be patient.  I don't want to give away the rule since it is a fun part of the class to learn, but read the book and find out more!

And last, what happened to Mr. and Mrs.?  This is a debatable question and one that you need to decide in your own home, but we want our son to honor age by calling other adults by Mr. and Mrs.  Age has not made us equal and it teaches the children to have honor for those who are older.  Let me know your thoughts on this.  I'm open to differing opinions.  Both my husband and I grew up in this way and we would like to teach our son to address adults as Mr. and Mrs.

Next week: Respect for Peers, Property and Nature

Magic Cabin Review and Giveaway!!

Shrade and I recently were privileged to review this fascinating ABC Animal Train from Magic Cabin.  This is an absolutely incredible fun and interactive learning toy.  The carrying case has a 3 sided zipper and opens up into a plush, squishy and colorful train.  Inside there are 26 animals in pockets each labeled with the letter of the alphabet.  There is a card attached that names each animal (some I had never heard of) and on the back of each animal is the letter that it starts with so the child can match up the letters.  The animals are so unique and cute!  Shrade and I had fun taking them out and putting them back in for all the correct spots.  This would be a great travel toy!  I can envision many years of fun learning with this toy.


*This product was provided to me free of charge for the purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of this product and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion.*


Buy it: Go to Magic Cabin and find a great selection of toys and fun!  And every month they give away a $100 gift certificate to their store!

Win it: One Milk N' Honey reader will receive the ABC Animal Train.   Open to US. Giveaway ends Wednesday, November 3.


To enter: Be sure to connect with all the links before filling out the entry form.


1. (Mandatory) Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)
2. Visit Magic Cabin and tell me another toy you would like. (required)
3. Subscribe to my blog by email.(link on page)
4. "Like" Milk N' Honey on Facebook (link on page)
5. Follow on Networked Blogs (link on page)
6. Put my button on your blog and provide link.
7. Follow me on Twitter (@shondaet)
8. Vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs if you like my blog! (brown button)
9. Post about this giveaway on another site (Facebook, Twitter, Blog) (1 entry for each)

Entry for Magic Cabin ABC Animal Train

Growing Kids God's Way: Respect for Authority and Parents

We are in week 6 which begins a  3 part section on respecting others.  Our first stop is teaching respect for authority and parents.  There was so much information in this chapter that I'm just going to highlight three main points:

*When we train our children to respect earthly authority, we are training them to respect God.

*When children are young, we lead them by authority, when they grow into teens we lead them influence.

*Character is the outward reflection of the inner man.

It's not too late to teach your children to respect authority.  As we move further into this class, I will be sharing some practical ways to many of these foundations that I have posted so far.  Thanks for listening.  Next week: Respect for Age.

Toddler Talk Thursday: Games

This is a fun one!  I used to be a Kindergarten teacher for 12 years and now I get to play games with my little guy, but I have find what is appropriate for his age level.  Here are some of the things we do:

"Tent" time with daddy

Dressing up with scarves

Throwing balls down stairs

Tickle time!

I have found many other great ideas on the internet.  I just need to write them down and do them!  We also sing lots of songs, dance, play peek-a-boo, play chasing games around the "circle" in our home and also do lots of blanket games.  I can't wait to see what you wrote for your games!

I'm hooked up to Toddler Talk Thursday!

Little Shepherd Book Review and Giveaway information

Little Shepherd by Cheryl Malandrinos is a sweet little story of five year old Obed who experiences one special night his first time tending sheep with his father.  This fictional story centers around the night the angels came to announce to the shepherds the birth of Christ.  Many strange things happened and Obed was very concerned about leaving the sheep to go visit the Savior who was born.  Obed experiences the wonder of seeing baby Jesus and the protection of his sheep while he is away.  He sums it up with this thought, "What an unusual night this turned out to be."

I was very taken with this children's story and I really like that it came from the perspective of a young child.  Everything from Obed's point of view is different from adults and it was a refreshing take on the most wonderful night in history.  Equally impressive are the illustrations in this book.  The colors are dazzling and really add a lot of appeal especially if this story is read aloud to non-readers.  This is a great addition to your Christmas story reading.

Be sure to read the rules for the giveaway and you may comment on this post if you want to be entered.  Be sure to leave your email address so the author can contact you.  Thanks!

GIVEAWAY #1 (for people who comment during the VBT- Oct 4-Dec 17)

An autographed copy of Little Shepherd
Angel figurine printed with the Serenity Prayer
A Little Shepherd sticky note pad
Little Drummer Boy 2010 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament
Gift of Peace 2003 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament
Retail value of Giveaway #1 is $65 (rounded to nearest dollar)
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GIVEAWAY #2 (for those who purchase a copy of Little Shepherd between August 21, 2010 and December 17, 2010)

A ”Sparkling Angel” scented jar candle from Yankee Candle
An angel gold and silver lid topper for the candle
An angel tea light holder from Yankee Candle
A Little Shepherd sticky note pad
A Jim Shore Nativity Star hanging ornament
A Jim Shore Holy Family hanging ornament
A $25 Amazon.com gift card
Retail Value of Giveaway #2 is $97 (rounded to the nearest dollar)
Here are the rules and guidelines for these giveaways:
1) For Giveaway #1 you must leave a comment on the hosting blog with a working email address for the author to contact you if you win.
2) For Giveaway #1 only the first comment with your working email address is used to determine eligibility (one comment, per blog).
3) You are eligible to win Giveaway #2 if you purchase a copy of Little Shepherd between August 21, 2010 and December 17, 2010 and provide the author with proof of purchase via email, mail, or fax prior to December 19, 2010. Little Shepherd is available at the Guardian Angel Publishing website, Amazon, Barnesandnoble.com, and at indiebound.org.
4) All giveaway winners will be selected using Random.org.
5) Prizes will be shipped via USPS with appropriate insurance. The author cannot guarantee receipt before December 25, 2010.
6) Author, blog hosts, and Pump Up Your Book are not responsible for lost or damaged goods.
7)  The same person cannot win both giveaways.
Although it is not a requirement for eligibility, Cheryl asks that you consider following the blogs who host her during her tour and also the Little Shepherd blog.
Good luck to all who enter!

Winners for Handmade Fun 4 Children week!

Winner for Rising Moon Adventures is MELISSA!

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Winner for Sweet Melly Jane puppets is NINA!

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Winner for Jenny's Quiet Creations $35 GC is HOLLY!

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Winner for Abi's Stitchery Name Book is ABI!

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Winner for Isabella's Upcycled Treasures is KELLY!

 

I want to thank everyone who participated and supported me and my sponsors during this fun giveaway week.  Don't forget that you can order some great Christmas gifts for your children through these fun Etsy shops!

Growing Kids God's Way: Your Child's Conscience

We are now on session 5 of our study in Growing Kids God's Way.  I love how this class starts with foundational principles before it conquers the practical ones.  It gives the basis for why we teach what we teach to our kids.

I am going to be very brief in this post, but your child's conscience is their heart.  It warns you when you are about to do wrong, and it accuses you through guilt.  On the positive side, it prompts you to do right and confirms when you do.

The goal for you as a parent is to train your child to use their conscience to guide them.  You move from prohibitive training in the early years to positive training starting at about 3 years old.  Over and over our class teachers tell us that to teach in times of non-conflict.  This helps to build the moral warehouse (previous lesson).

Ask yourself this question: Who is shaping my child's heart?  Let it be you and not the world!

Next week: Respect for Authority and Parents

Exra Entries for Handmade Fun 4 Children

How did you enjoy Handmade Fun 4 Children Week?

I hope you had fun visiting these great shops that provide tremendous new ideas for children.

I hope you got some great ideas for gifts and that you will win one of these prizes!

If you want extra entries, please fill out the form below:

EXTRA ENTRY FORM

Handmade Fun 4 Children: Jenny's Quiet Creations Review and Giveaway

Ready or not, it's Jenny's Quiet Creations!!

This past summer I was so anxious about going on a long plane trip and an even longer car ride with my 20 month old.  I scoured the internet and fortunately found Jenny's Quiet Creations here on Etsy that had exactly what I needed for my traveling adventure.  What do you think I found?  Jenny makes these delightful quiet books for young children.  These books are very creative and educational as well and are made to entertain for long periods of time where little ones need to be quiet.  I chose Under the Sea that features several underwater animals counting up to 10.  All of the pages are interactive and include a cute rhyming text for the story.  They are great for visual and tactile learners.  Shrade was absolutely enthralled as we traveled and even during our week long stay in a cabin.  His favorite page was the turtle who had 6 triangle shapes on it's shell that come on and off with velcro.

  Let's get to know Jenny a little bit:

*Where did you come up with the name of your shop?

My shop name wasn't actually that creative. It took me so long to find a name that wasn't taken.

*How long have you been making crafts?

I have been crafty since I can remember. The earliest things I can remember is sewing with my Nana. She taught me to sew cloths, blankets and diapers for all of my dolls. That later turned into curtains for my first apartment and a duvet when I married my husband Chris. I hadn’t ever had my own machine until July of '09. I have the fondest memories of a quiet book that my Nana made me when we were little. I was looking for one for my son Carter's 1st b-day and had no luck. I found the patterns that copycrafts sell, ordered my machine from QVC and got started. I made him the “Buggy for You” book for his 1st b-day. I have sold tons to his friends’ parents and decided to go online a few months ago.

*What do you like best about what you do?

I love the simplicity of these books. Not that I don't love all of Carter's electronic toys, I just really love simple things. It is amazing to see a toddler sit perfectly quiet and play with a simple felt book. I love to see his friends face light up when they get one.

*What is unique about your shop? I think my shop is unique in that I really do take a long time to create a perfect book for my customers. I typically have a longer turn around that most but I feel the quality is worth it. I make each book as if it was for Carter. Plus I love to put messages on the back of my books. I love to see kids face when they see the book has been made especially for them. 

Thanks, Jenny!

Buy it: Visit Jenny's Quiet Creations and see the wonderful quiet creations that she makes!

Win it: Jenny is offering a $35 gift certificate from her shop for the winner.  Open to US.   Giveaway ends on Friday, October 8.

To enter:Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.

1. Mandatory: Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)

2. Visit Jenny's Quiet Creations and tell me which book you would like to win. (Required)

3. Put my Milk N' Honey Learn and Grow button on your blog and provide the link. 

4. Put Handmade Fun 4 Children button on your blog and provide link (button must be on blog until giveaway ends)

5. Subscribe to my blog by email (top right corner)

6."Like" Milk N' Honey Learn and Grow on Facebook (link on my blog). 

7. Follow on Networked Blogs (link on my blog) 

8. Follow me on twitter (@shondaet)

9. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site) 

10. Vote for me for Top Mommy Blogs (link on my blog)

11. Add Jenny's Quiet Creations as a favorite on Etsy.

12. Make a purchase at Jenny's Quiet Creations.

13. Tell me one thing you learned about Jenny.

Entry for Jenny's Quiet Creations $35 GC

Click HERE for extra entries if you entered more than one giveaway this week.