Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Kids Cook Real Food- End of the Year Edition

Hey, friends!  It's almost the New Year and what better time than to start some good health habits by teaching cooking with Mrs. Kimball with the Kids Cook Real Food Ecourse.

 
 
 
 
So this time, you can download the FREE Knife Skills Class starting December 28!
 
What you'll learn in these short videos:
*Basic knife skills and techniques for kids age two to teen
 
*Mastery of the three safe ways to hold food while cutting
 
*How child development impacts your child's readiness to learn new skills
 
*The #1 mistake that destroys your chance of enjoying time in the kitchen with your kids
 
*A tested 3-step process for teaching kids in the kitchen so young cooks learn basic skills the right way




Since my kids (especially my son) have taken the Knife Skills Training class I have felt so much better about asking them to help in preparing dinner.  I do supervise, but I can see that they remember so much with the catch phrases that Mrs. Kimball teaches. 

 
 
 
The Kids Cook Real Food Ecourse will officially open for registration from January 11-18. 

Be sure to check out the curriculum map for what is taught in each 8 week class.

Curriculum Map Link

I'll be back to share more about our cooking adventures in January!

*I am an affiliate for this company. Thanks for your support.*
 

Saturday, December 24, 2016

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Volunteer Service

In 2014 my husband came home from work one day and handed me a little piece of paper.  It had the name of our local food bank that he drives past on the way to work and the hours it is open.  He said that he wanted to start volunteering there with our son on Saturday mornings.  So, in December 2014 right after our son turned 6 they both started going to food bank every Saturday morning. 




A few weeks ago I finally started going too!  Our daughter is now old enough to come along as well.  It has been an eye opening experience for me, but I truly wanted to find a way to serve our own community with my husband and as a family.  I think God answered my prayer! 

 
 
 
 



Today, my son and husband went to the Christmas party and my son was honored with a medal for The President's Volunteer Service Award for 100 hours of service!  He also received a signed letter from the White House from President Barak Obama!  I was SO proud.  I am not only proud of my son, but very proud of my husband as well for taking time to teach our children about serving. 

 
May you find blessing as you serve others! 


Sunday, November 27, 2016

Kids Cook Real Food Ecourse OPEN from Monday to Wednesday this week only!


OK, for those who didn't have a chance to snag the Kids Cook Real Food Ecourse at the beginning of November, here is your chance at the end of November for just 3 days!  From Monday to Wednesday of this week you can register for the ecourse.  This would be a great idea to start over Christmas break or get it ready for the beginning of January.  Hurry, because this registration will not happen again until the new year! 

You can see a sneak peek of the curriculum map here: Curriculum Map for Kids Cook Real Food Ecourse.



Sign up today by midnight Eastern time Wednesday, November 30
 



Thanks again for being part of Milk N' Honey Learn and Grow!  We'll keep in touch!

Also, be sure to follow me on FACEBOOK for current activities and blog post links and lots of other ideas!

Thursday, November 3, 2016

My apologies! RE: Kids Cook Real Food Ecourse



I am so sorry for the blog post that went out about the last day of the Kids Cook Real Food Ecourse.  That was to be on Wednesday morning, not Thursday morning.  So, unfortunately, those who received the email got it too late...for this time!  The Good News is that the course will be available again in the new year, so if you are still interested, you will be put on a waiting list and you will hear more about it. 

Again, my apologies for not getting the blog post to send at the correct time for the registration.

Please check out the Kids Cook Real Food Ecourse sign up page for future notification.

And don't forget to peruse the Curriculum Map for the entire course listing for skills and all levels.

Thanks again for being part of Milk N' Honey Learn and Grow!  We'll keep in touch!

Also, be sure to follow me on FACEBOOK for current activities and blog post links and lots of other ideas!

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

LAST DAY to register for Kids Cook Real Food!


One of my goals in teaching my kids to cook is to build independence and responsibility.  I want them to KNOW how to use what is in the kitchen to make food for themselves and others.  I also want them to learn about healthy eating habits.

Katie Kimball has done a fabulous and professional job at creating a program that is simple and comprehensive for parents.  The videos are fun and interactive.  The printables are loaded with information and recipes to guide you. 

You might be thinking why someone else has to "teach" your kids to cook.  It's so nice to have all the work done for you!  The course is designed for skill levels and there is a clear progression.  I am so impressed with the way this is layed out.  You can see a sneak peek of the curriculum map here: Curriculum Map for Kids Cook Real Food Ecourse.


What I have seen for me and my kids is new enthusiasm and gaining new skills to make cooking fun!  Like I said before, I was not having fun with my kids.  Katie and her class make it enjoyable and educational.  That's a super combination. 

This is the LAST DAY to register for the Kids Cook Real Food ecourse.   I'm excited for you to start this journey!


Sign up today before midnight Eastern time Wednesday, November 2
 

I am so sorry for the blog post that went out about the last day of the Kids Cook Real Food Ecourse.  That was to be on Wednesday morning, not Thursday morning.  So, unfortunately, those who received the email got it too late...for this time!  The Good News is that the course will be available again in the new year, so if you are still interested, you will be put on a waiting list and you will hear more about it. 

Again, my apologies for not getting the blog post to send at the correct time for the registration.

Please check out the Kids Cook Real Food Ecourse sign up page for future notification.

And don't forget to peruse the Curriculum Map for the entire course listing for skills and all levels.

Thanks again for being part of Milk N' Honey Learn and Grow!  We'll keep in touch!

Also, be sure to follow me on FACEBOOK for current activities and blog post links and lots of other ideas!

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Kids Cook Real Food Ecourse open today!

Today is the day! 
 Register for the Kids Cook Real Food Ecourse

Before we started the Kids Cook Real Food Ecourse, I was trying to teach my kids some cooking skills.  I was impatient and unrealistic.  I also had no desire to let them pick up a knife.  But that all changed when I watched the free knife skills videos.  A light clicked on in my head and I decided that I would try the course. 

I have been really pleased with all the resources, the video teaching, the real life lessons, the simple instructions for kids to remember with cute sayings and the application that my children have taken to use in our home.  We have been slowly going through this course, but it is so worth it.  I am able to patiently teach my kids and remember to have them practice these skills when I need them for preparing meals for the family.  Eventually, they will make their own food and also make a meal for the family! 

You can also still access the FREE Knife Skills Lessons through November 2
 
 
 
 
I hope you'll take advantage of either the FREE knife skills training or sign up to use the Kids Cook Real Food Ecourse.  Both of these resources are excellent and I appreciate all the work Katie Kimball put into making these resources to help us as parents to properly teach our kids and experience the joy of cooking with our kids. 
 
*I am an affiliate for this company.*

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

FREE Knife Skills Class October 19-25!



Imagine your kids eating vegetables, helping prep for dinner, and making breakfast for you while you sip your coffee. Working with food encourages kids to try new things, but fruits and vegetables almost always require knives...
 
Does the idea of letting your kids use knives make you squeamish? I know it does for me! Let a trained teacher (Mrs. Katie Kimball!)bring knife skills and safety to your children in the comfort of your own home.
 
We have really enjoyed the knife skills classes that Katie offers.  I have been able to give my son several foods to prep for dinner.  Saves me time!
 
For two weeks only, you can get 3 free classes from the Kids Cook Real Food eCourse. Watch one with your kids like a regular class and polish your own skills with the other two (they're just for adults). 
 
What you'll learn in these short videos:
  • Basic knife skills and techniques for kids age two to teen
  • Mastery of the three safe ways to hold food while cutting
  • How child development impacts your child's readiness to learn new skills
  • The #1 mistake that destroys your chance of enjoying time in the kitchen with your kids
  • A tested 3-step process for teaching kids in the kitchen so young cooks learn basic skills the right way
They'll all disappear back into the course on Nov. 2, so sign up now and plan some time to work with your kids in the kitchen - you'll be amazed at what they can do! 
 
The 3 videos are:
  1. Knife Skills Training for Kids
  2. Adult Tips: Challenges You Might Encounter
  3. The Biggest Mistake Parent Make
Get the 3 free videos HERE.
 
*I am affiliate for this company.*

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Grapevine Studies FREE October elesson!


We are really enjoying Grapevine Bible Studies this year.  My kids love drawing and they are really retaining the information in the simple questions at the end of each lesson.  We are also memorizing the Bible verse for each lesson.  It's been an absolute delight doing these lessons with my kids.  I like that it's more than just reading a Bible passage and discussing it, but the added element of drawing is a bonus and adds a lot to our Bible time.  We can look back and review by looking at our pictures. 

Each child makes it personal to them which is really neat to see as well. My kids are pretty "artsy" so doing just stick figures is not enough for them.  They like to add embellishments!









eLesson Sharing the Gospel cover

This month the free elesson from Grapevine Bible Studies is Sharing the Gospel.  What a wonderful resource to have.  I look forward to using this one for myself and teaching my kids as well. 

 
 
I hope you enjoy the free elesson for this month.
Let me know if you download it and use it.
I welcome you to the Grapevine Studies family!
 
 
Special coupon for October for 20% off:
Oct2016
 
 
*I am an affiliate for this company.*

Kids Cook Real Food Class #3 + Kids Cook Real Food Ecourse registration coming soon!

Today in our Kids Cook Real Food Class we did Dull Knife Skills Level 2 with cross hatch cutting.


First we learned about spices.  I know I want to get my kids more interested in all the spices I use in the kitchen. 

Cutting zucchini for the potato hash.

She wants to be so independent!

Cheese on the Potato Hash. 
Kids made dinner!
 
 
I can't tell you how much I enjoy having someone else help me teach these important cooking skills in the kitchen.  My kids are always eager to do Cooking Class with Mrs. Kimball!
 
Would you like to see a bit of how the course runs?
Just sign up for the FREE Knife Skills class and you will.
Class begin tomorrow! It is available from October 19-October 25.


The FREE Knife Skills Class is open from October 19-October 25.



The Kids Cook Real Food Ecouse registration is open from October 26-November 2.
 Once your register for this course, you have 1 year access.
You can buy one level or all 3 for 1 year access.
If you want to keep them and download them, you can upgrade to VIP.
All information is on the website when registration opens.
 
 
There are 3 levels to choose from:
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
 
 
My children are 5 and 7 and they have had a bit of time in the kitchen, but I wanted them to get the basic skills so I am doing the Beginner Class.


Katie Kimball is a great teacher and she really makes it easy for kids to learn how to cook properly.  She demonstrates so many things that are helpful for me as mom to show to my kids.  You will enjoy her engaging atmosphere, easy to remember daily nuggets (like Bread with Butter is Better) and knife skills (Knife moves, eyes down, Food moves, knife down). 

My kids are always excited to do our Kids Cook Real Food class!  We had a super busy summer, but we are back in the school swing again and ready to start more cooking. 


 
 
 
 
*I am an affiliate for this company.*

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Discipline That Connects With Your Child's Heart Online Course- open enrollment through October 11

DTC OC Ad Inline Rectangle 300 x 250
 
 
 
Open registration from October 11
 
 
Recently I did a book review from Jim and Lynne Jackson for their new book Discipline That Connects With Your Child's Heart.  For those who would like an audio and visual way to experience the book, there is an online course that covers the content of the book with so many other great features. 
 
There are 6 sessions:
Session 1- How Well Intentioned Parents Miss Their Kids' Hearts
Session 2- You are SAFE with me
Session 3- You are LOVED no matter what
Session 4- You are God's workmanship- CALLED and CAPABLE
Session 5- You are RESPONSIBLE for your actions
Session 6- The 4 messages in action
 
Benefits:
*Lifetime access
*Downloadable workbook
*Discount for the book
*Unlimited access to the course (day or night)
*Money-back guarantee
 
Sign up today:
Open registration until October 11
 
*I am affiliate for this company.  I only recommend products I agree with.*

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Discipline That Connects With Your Child's Heart by Jim and Lynne Jackson Book Review and Giveaway!

Discipline That Connects With Your Child's Heart by Jim and Lynne Jackson is a unique approach to parenting that focuses on connection with discipline.  "As parents become calmer grounded in peace and purpose, they become far better positioned to influence their children toward wiser responses and decisions."  But how do parents do this?  The Jacksons have developed a framework that focuses on four Biblical principles that help parents connect to their children's hearts during discipline.  There are four actions and four messages.  First, build the Foundation with the message "You are SAFE with me."  Second, Connect to your child with "You are LOVED no matter what."  Third, Coach your child with "You are CALLED and CAPABLE." And lastly, Correct with "You are RESPONSIBLE for your actions." The authors have developed this diagram from their own experience as parents and have shared them as parent educators.  These beautiful messages are the focus of this book.  Each section of Discipline That Connects With Your Child's Heart explores each of these messages.  These ideas are revolutionary in making positive and lasting changes in family life.  There are lots of practical stories and examples that present the information in a relevant way.  Throughout the chapters there is a section titled My Response with several questions for reflection.  These questions are helpful in uncovering some of the problems parents may be experiencing.  And the book ends with an extensive Appendix for Wisdom for Special Challenges like chores, poor listening, morning and bedtime routines, defiance, lying and many more subjects. This book is an excellent tool for parents to use and apply to help family life become what they desire. 



I discovered Jim and Lynne Jackson a few years ago listening to a podcast where they were guests.  I was absolutely enthralled with their message.  It gave me hope and peace in the midst of my feelings of failure as a parent on those often rough days.  I was so excited to finally find something that made sense to me and gave me proactive steps toward creating the family life I long for. What resonated with me most was providing the foundation of connection before making the correction the focus in my discipline.   I was thrilled to be able to read their book and find real and lasting ways to apply what I'm learning.  Jim and Lynne have a heart for parents and kids and connected families and they truly have delivered a book that will be a strong voice for many parents.  I am honored to share this book with you. 


Be sure to check out the model of the 4 messages:

 
 
Bio of Jim and Lynne Jackson
Jim-Lynne-Jackson-Connected-Families-SM
Since 1993 co-founders Jim & Lynne Jackson have worked in the trenches with parents of all kinds – single parents, adoptive parents, parents of teens, parents of kids with intense behavior challenges, parents in blended families, parents of wealth and parents in poverty, and any other kind of parent you can think of. Jim & Lynne and their growing team are committed to bringing you content that will challenge, encourage, and equip you to be the thoughtful and confident parent you long to be.
 
*I was given a complimentary copy of this book for review.  All opinions are my own.*
 
 
And I've very happy to have a giveaway for this amazing book!
 
Click the link below to be entered to win a copy a Discipline That Connects With Your Child's Heart:
 
 
Giveaway ends Sunday, September 25.
US only
 
 

Friday, August 12, 2016

All About Learning Press- Pre-Reading Level for Preschool

aar-pre-reading-category-header.png
 
 
 
 
This year my 4 year old daughter started the Pre-Reading Program through All About Learning Press.  She already knew her letters and sounds, but I really wanted to make sure she had a good foundation before we started introducing her to more formal reading. 
 
This program does not just teach letter names and sounds, it also teaches 5 important skills called The Big Five Skills.  These are print awareness, phonological awareness, letter knowledge, listening comprehension and motivation to read.  These skills include rhyming, counting words in sentences, syllables and more.  The best thing is they are all taught within a game format using a fun puppet who is named Ziggy the Zebra!

 
 
 

 
 
My daughter looked forward to All About Reading time everyday.
 
We started by singing the alphabet chart, then we did a letter activity and played our special game with Ziggy.  When all done she put a sticker on her chart and had a craft page to share with daddy at dinner.
 
 
Here's a video of my daughter singing the ABC song:

ADD VIDEO
 
The first 26 lessons focus on Capital letters, the next 26 lessons focus on Lowercase letters and the last 26 lessons focus on the sounds of the letters.  There are flashcards, craft pages with coloring, cutting, gluing and painting and activity sheets. 
 
 
 
The teaching touches each learning style for visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.
 
My daughter is solidifying her reading skills in so many ways.
She has gained confidence in knowing each letter and the sounds. 
She has also started sounding out CVC words.
 
We also started this great new free program online called Reading Bear.
 
My daughter just turned 5 and she is excited to start All About Reading Level 1 in the Fall!
 
aar-full-level1.png
 
 
If you are not sure what level your child should use, be sure to access the free placement tests for your child.  And there is always a review at the beginning of each book. 
 




Don't forget to pick up your FREE ABC Summer Snacks Cookbook.  It's so fun to connect language and food!


Wednesday, August 10, 2016

My Kid Made This Challenge (Kids Cook Real Food)


We had a great start to our summer learning to cook with Kids Cook Real Food ecourse.  We have only been able to do two lessons so far which I have shared about here on my blog:

Lesson 1: Spreading and Peeling

Lesson 2: Dull Knife Slicing



If you want to get the FREE knife skills class, be sure to sign up for the #mykidmadethis challenge. 

Then registration will be open for the Kids Cook Real Food Ecourse from August 17-24.  Don't miss out!  But be sure to sign up for the challenge below so you won't miss the registration for the ecourse coming up!

Sign up for the #mykidmadethis challenge
 
Get free downloads of recipes, instructions and shopping lists.
Enter to win for prizes!

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Hal Leonard's Piano For Kids by Jennifer Linn Book Review



Hal Leonard's Piano for Kids is a beginner's guide step by step instruction for piano by Jennifer Linn.  This book has piano study materials and an access code for audio tracks to the songs in the book. 

The book begins with introducing different types of pianos, how to sit, good hand position, fingering and the keyboard.  The first lesson is about rhythm and introducing quarter notes and rests and then half notes.  The next lessons start teaching the notes by letters.  There are pictures of the keyboard and step by step instructions on how to play the lesson.  Some of the music is classical, some from Disney movies and other favorites kids may know.  And with each lesson there is a downloadable audio track available to play along with during the lesson. 

I think this would be a great first book for a new pianist who is able to read and  can follow written instructions.   This is ideal for a parent and child to do together as well.  I was really pleased to see so many familiar tunes and I was surprised to see a favorite that I learned by ear called "Heart and Soul."  I think kids will really enjoy the energy and simple ways this book teaches piano.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waldmania for review.  All opinions are my own.* 

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Grapevine Studies Bible Heroes Bundle Sale + FREE elesson Joseph: The Early Years

Bible Heroes Bundle
 
 
This month's Grapevine Studies special is Bible Heroes Bundle.  This features Joseph, Moses, Ruth and Esther.  Get 20% off!
 
These studies have two options for level- Traceable and Multilevel.  The Traceable is good for preschool and Multilevel works for school age and up.   Both of these levels are available with the bundle.  The teacher manual works for both levels as well.

You can also choose print or ebook.
 
The FREE elesson for this month is Joseph: The Early Years.
 
eLesson  Joseph eLesson cover
 
 
We did the Resurrection lesson in the Spring and my kids really enjoyed the format.

How does Grapevine Studies work?
*Read a passage of Scripture
*Draw a stick figure picture
*Look up words in a Bible dictionary
*Memorize a Bible verse
*Review questions

Simple, yet effective! 

Get your Bible Heroes Bundle today!
20% off!
Only through the end of July!

{I am an affiliate for this company.}
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Friday, July 1, 2016

Kids Cook Real Food Ecourse Class 2: Dull Knife Slicing

 
This week we learned how to use dull knives to slice bananas and cantaloupe.
First we watched a really good video about Safe Knife Skills.
This video was helpful even though we weren't using really sharp knives because it's so good to build the foundation of good knife skills with any kind of knife. 

 
There are different ways to hold the food while cutting and my son did a very good job.

 
We made fruit pizza! 

 
It was yummy!
 
Be sure to catch the next open enrollment coming in the Fall for Kids Cook Real Food.
Click on this link to enter your email for the notification.
 
This has been a fun adventure for us and my kids always look forward to cooking class!
 
*I am an affiliate for this company.*

Friday, June 17, 2016

Kids Cook Real Food Ecourse Lesson 1: Spreading and Peeling (Beginner)

 
We had our first Kids Cook Real Food Cooking Class on Tuesday!
We learned about spreading and peeling.

First we watched the All Kid video at breakfast to prepare for the class to come later in the day.
I set up the table with the necessary supplies.
Kids put on their aprons and washed their hands.
We reviewed the "rules."
 
Then we started watching the teaching video.
Mrs. Kimball showed us how to do spreading for butter on bread and peanut butter in celery.
She has some fun words and ways to show us these techniques.
We also learned a Daily Nugget to help us remember a nutrition fact.
 
During the video we paused at various points to do our own work.

Spreading butter on bread.  He thought this was easy.

Spreading peanut butter in celery for ants on a log.

Peeling carrots.

A peeled cucumber.

All done!  A yummy snack built to enjoy.



 
will be offered again in the Fall.
 
Click HERE to be notified when the next class is available.
 
We'll be sharing more about our cooking adventures and the great ecourse that is helping us.
 
*I am an affiliate for this company.*

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Grapevine Studies- FREE elesson on Ruth + SALE!

This past Spring I decided to try out Grapevine Studies for our Bible curriculum.  My kids really enjoyed drawing and interacting with the story.  I really like how the lessons only focus on a few verses at a time.  It gives a chance to really study and discuss and know what is happening in a story or what is being taught.

eLesson Ruth in Moab cover 

Check out the FREE elesson on Ruth for the month of June.  Try it out and see if it's a fit for your family. 

See my review on the Resurrection lesson.  My kids were 7 and 4 and they really enjoyed and learned a lot through these short lessons.  We used the Beginner series.

This Fall we will be doing the Creation lessons.  I am very excited to share the Bible with my children through stick figures.  We will use the Beginner series again and as my youngest gets older we will move into the materials for older children.


This offer is good through June!
 
Click on the picture above for the discount.

*I am an affiliate for this company.*