Marriage, Motherhood, & Homeschool

VeggieTales NIrV Bible (Unboxing & Review)

VeggieTales is a well-known Bible cartoon that is a familiar staple in most churches. Many of us grew up exposed to the shenanigans of those Peas, the silliness of the Cucumber, and the motherly love of the Blueberry. Now, those same characters are found within the pages of the VeggieTales NIrV Bible. We purchased this from ChristianBook.com but I have seen it available at various retailers.

Bam Bam received this as his first Bible four years ago for Christmas. He really likes the color, activities within the book, and the cool cover. Now, that he is 8, he still uses this bible but has decided he is ready for a harder version. Our only con is that the text is all blue throughout the Bible. The black text would’ve been better to read and might allow children over 9 years old to keep using it. The NIrV text was truly easy to understand and Bam Bam had no trouble leading Bible Study when it was his turn.

Ready to look inside? Watch this!

Noted Features:

Veggie Stories: 8 full-color, best-loved Bible stories as told in the VeggieTales videos, including Dave and the Giant Pickle; Rack, Shack, and Benny; and Esther, the Girl Who Became Queen
Book introductions: give important information about each book of the Bible
“Veggie Values”: teach lessons from the Bible like God made you special, God loves you very much, don’t be afraid, be kind to others, forgive one another, and many more
“Remember This”: highlights key verses of Scripture to remember
Dictionary: helps kids better understand key Bible words and concepts

COMMENT BELOW: How old were you when you received your first Bible?

For more curriculum reviews and family encouragement, SUBSCRIBE to this blog and please share this post with family or friends.

We would love to CONNECT with you!
Get a closer look at all the marriage, motherhood, makeup, and homeschool content by clicking on the photos below.

***** ***** ***** *****

BOTW: Islands and Enemies Imagination Station #28

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.

The Imagination Station series is known for engaging and energetic children’s chapter books. Islands and Enemies by Marianne Hering is the 28th installment of the Tyndale series and it does not disappoint! We received a physical copy of this hardcover book. Every title within the series can be purchased via the website, various Christian bookstores or retailers, as well as wherever books are sold.

The Imagination Station is Mr. John Avery Whittaker’s time-traveling invention. During each tale, cousins Patrick and Beth head to a different period and learn about world history. Every story is historically accurate while encouraging young readers to grow in their faith. Islands and Enemies includes the unforgettable accounts of those that encountered Captain Ferdinand Magellan. It also includes details about those that were participants in or victims of local Witch Trials.

Patrick and Beth board the Victoria in 1521 but continue to make bad impressions after meeting Captain Ferdinand Magellan. Soon thereafter, the cousins are accused of being witches, a crime punishable by death. While under constant watch and scrutiny by the crew, the two must prove their innocence or suffer their punishment. The crew is anxiously awaiting any excuse to throw the cousins overboard. To avoid suspicion, Beth works as the voyage scribe while Patrick makes friends with the crew. Eventually, a dangerous line is drawn on the ship and everyone must decide whether they will support Magellan or not.

I always find The Imagination Station books to have a fun storyline with interesting characters. The plot always makes the book fun for children but includes enough historic details so adults also pay attention. The font is a nice size for young readers and the author does a great job introducing and explaining vocabulary for that time. Sergio Cariello did a fantastic job on the illustrations placed throughout the book. My children also liked the prize they received after finding the secret word in the book. After completing a puzzle, they entered the word in a form on the website and received a printable board game.

As usual Focus on the Family alongside Tyndale gave my family a safe, surprising, and unique reading experience. We recommend Islands and Enemies for children 6 to 13 years old. This book can be read alone or as a family read-aloud.

Want to learn how other families used this in their homes? Check out the Crew by tapping the photo below!

Visit Tyndale

COMMENT BELOW: Which Imagination Station book is your favorite?

For more curriculum reviews and family encouragement, SUBSCRIBE to this blog and please share this post with family or friends.

We would love to CONNECT with you!
Get a closer look at all the marriage, motherhood, makeup, and homeschool content by clicking on the photos below.

***** ***** ***** *****

Father’s Day Prayer

Today we celebrate and acknowledge the wonderful men that take care of our children in word and deed. We also appreciate those that have stepped up to become an important part of the village or community that we can rely on. Let’s remember the many sacrifices fathers make for their children and families. Fathers also lift children up by speaking life over them which builds unmatched confidence that helps them achieve dreams once thought beyond reach.

Father’s Day Prayer

Lord, thank you for the men that take care of our children in word and deed. We also thank you for those men that have helped fill the void when needed when fathers pass or are absent from our lives. Thank you for fathers and father figures via grandfathers, uncles, brothers, cousins, teachers, pastors, mentors, and coaches. Fatherhood does not come with customized instructions for each experience and life has proven that some fathers excel while others will fail. Yet, God please bless them all and help the children (and mothers) to apply forgiveness and grace where it is needed. Grant wisdom, strength, courage, and peace of mind to all fathers as they raise their children. Give them confirmation and comfort that in following you, they will do well by their children. Let the example of their faith, diligence, and love, be celebrated and acknowledged as well as respected by their wives, sons, and daughters. And, God thank you for being the Ultimate Father and covering us all.

In Your Holy name, O God, we pray. Amen

From God, the ultimate Father, to my father, and my exquisite husband, Kevin I’ve seen how powerful the job of Father is. The strong men in my life have helped me grow into the woman I am today. So, thank you to the men that have been an intricate part of my upbringing and adulthood. I also want to say thank you to Kevin for gifting me the perfect view of fatherhood on earth. Words can not express how much it blesses me to watch him, love, edify, and even discipline our children. I hope you feel our love for you every day of your life.

COMMENT BELOW: What is your Father’s Day tradition?

For more curriculum reviews and family encouragement, SUBSCRIBE to this blog, and please share this post with family or friends.

We would love to CONNECT with you!
Get a closer look at all the marriage, motherhood, makeup, and homeschool content by clicking on the photos below.

***** ***** ***** *****

Understanding Algebra 1 by The Critical Thinking Co.™

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.

Today’s review features a detailed look at the Understanding Algebra I workbook by The Critical Thinking Co.™. This is a one-year course for students in grades 7th, 8th, or 9th grade. This soft-cover workbook has 384-pages, is perforated for easy removal, and includes detailed explanations of algebraic concepts. Examples, practice questions, enrichment problems, chapter reviews, a glossary, an answer key, and a final exam are also included.

Understanding Algebra I was written by Terri Husted, a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics with over 30 years of experience in education. She has also authored other popular The Critical Thinking Co.™ books. Each chapter begins with a detailed description of the concept and step-by-step teaching to solve the problems. Bold fonts show vocabulary, colored graphics note important functions, and charts. These components are a nice feature, even for older students, because it helps show important things that will be on the Chapter Review or Final Exam.

Course Contents

Set and Set Notation
Number Lines
Graphing
Rationals
Operations
Expressions
Equations
Inequalities
Word Problem
Percent Problems
Ratio Problems
Motion Problems
Work Problems
Absolute Value
Polynomials
Factoring
Radicals
Linear Functions
Slope
Elimination
Graphing
Substitution
Absolute Value
Algebraic Fractions

Understanding Algebra I by The Critical Thinking Co.™ is an extremely user-friendly workbook. The layout makes it easy to use, review concepts, find definitions, and even view solutions. As a complete curriculum, your high school child can earn math credit after completing this book. We suggest using the Chapter Reviews as tests and having the Final Exam worth more during the end of the year grade calculation. This book can also be used as a supplement to help your student through a different Algebra I course. Either way, this course provides students with a strong foundation for higher-level math success.

Want to learn how other families used this in their homes? Check out the Crew by tapping the photo below!

Visit The Critical Thinking Co.™

COMMENT BELOW: Share your favorite high school math resource

For more curriculum reviews and family encouragement, SUBSCRIBE to this blog and please share this post with family or friends.

We would love to CONNECT with you!
Get a closer look at all the marriage, motherhood, makeup, and homeschool content by clicking on the photos below.

***** ***** ***** *****

Forgiving vs. Unforgiving Friends

Does forgiveness matter in friendship?

I thought this encouragement clip would be helpful for those still working through their friendship checklist. Let these tips guide you in building your custom friendship circle. Also, note and work to change any areas within yourself that need improvement.

Enjoyed the clip? Watch the entire video here:

The Christian Woman’s Guide to Friendship course is STILL AVAILABLE! Through the LIVE SESSIONS and PLAYLIST shared below you will learn about the qualities of friends, making new friends, maintaining friendships, and much more. Use these guidelines to help assess your presence as a friend and those you call friends. Everyone has room for improvement! So listen and make adjustments as needed in your circle.

Watch the Friendship Collaboration Playlist here:

Every week in the Support Group, I’ve been teaching on friendship! If you missed those live courses, catch the replay by tapping the photos below. **Must join the support group to view**

Remember, friendship is important to keep us uplifted, on track, encouraged, and accountable. I hope and pray that these lessons are encouraging you to connect with others. All the previous lessons and collaboration videos can be found within the Christian Woman’s Guide to Friendship playlist.

COMMENT BELOW: Share your tips for cultivating long-lasting friendships

For more curriculum reviews and family encouragement, SUBSCRIBE to this blog, and please share this post with family or friends.

We would love to CONNECT with you!
Get a closer look at all the marriage, motherhood, makeup, and homeschool content by clicking on the photos below.

***** ***** ***** *****

Summer Enrichment: 4 Ways to Review, Teach, & Make Learning Fun

Summer at our homeschool is all about only learning for fun! This year, our annual Summer Enrichment season began a little early due to multiple vacations. Thankfully, I was already prepared with my focal point of measurement paired with the Summer Brain Quest workbooks. Today I’ll be sharing information about creating a relaxed learning environment during your break.

Learn more via this new video!

Need more ideas? Check out these Summer Enrichment posts

KEEP THE ENCOURAGEMENT GOING by sharing this post with your mom and a friend.

COMMENT BELOW: What does your Summer schedule include?

For more curriculum reviews and family encouragement, SUBSCRIBE to this blog and please share this post with family or friends.

We would love to CONNECT with you!
Get a closer look at all the marriage, motherhood, makeup, and homeschool content by clicking on the photos below.

***** ***** ***** *****

English II: Composition Skills by Paradigm Accelerated Curriculum

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.

Today’s review features a detailed look at English II: Englush Composition Skills by Paradigm Accelerated Curriculum. PAC English courses use the vignette teaching approach which encourages students to draw perceptions, opinions, beliefs, and attitudes from responses to story scenarios and situations. This is done to inspire students towards noble character, life purpose, enhanced vocabulary, and insight on wise decision making. We received print and digital copies of the Full Course Kit which contains Texts, Activities, and Teacher’s Resource Kit.

English II: English Composition Skills is the second of a four-level PAC English series. This 10th-grade class includes five soft-cover chapters and five student activity books that include section quizzes and chapter tests. During their sophomore year, your student will read, write, and evaluate various genres while learning to craft strong sentences and complete paragraphs. They will also learn how to properly use their increased vocabulary while writing poems, letters, essays, narratives, editorials, articles, speeches, allegories, and research papers. PAC curriculum also prompts students to create pieces from the various writing styles that are challenging, entertaining, informative, and persuasive.

Scope and Sequence

Chapter 1: word tone, denotation, connotation, synonyms and antonyms, analogies with homonyms, dictionary and thesaurus skills, idioms, nouns, pronouns, interrogative and reflexive, etc.
Chapter 2: verbs, tense (present, past, future, perfect, and progressive), participles (present and past), phrases, sentence fragments, diagramming, subordinate conjunctions, clauses, etc.
Chapter 3: spelling and pronunciation, vowels and consonants, blends, suffixes, prefixes, Latin roots, contractions, borrowed words
Chapter 4: writing basics, sentence construction, prewriting, planning, drafting, editing, proofreading, etc.
Chapter 5: narrative writing, vignettes, newspaper article, short story, nonfiction, fiction, descriptive writing, argumentative writing, expository writing, etc.

Bear chose this course as his first high school English class. He found the lessons to be detailed, engaging, and structured but easy to use and understand. I appreciated the emphasis on the literary concepts presented like cause and effect, logic, premises, comparison, and contrasts. Upon completion of English II: Composition Skills your child will earn one high school transcript credit. We have enjoyed using this curriculum and look forward to Bear completing the course. Paradigm Accelerated Curriculum has done a grand job incorporating honoring God while living and writing effectively with English II: English Composition Skills.

Want to learn how other families used this in their homes? Check out the Crew by tapping the photo below!

Paradigm Accelerated Curriculum:

COMMENT BELOW: Share your favorite high school English resource or course

For more curriculum reviews and family encouragement, SUBSCRIBE to this blog and please share this post with family or friends.

We would love to CONNECT with you!
Get a closer look at all the marriage, motherhood, makeup, and homeschool content by clicking on the photos below.

***** ***** ***** *****

Elementary Math Resources! Pre-K to 3rd

Math is a fundamental course that helps set the foundation for many careers and other subjects including science. Each of my Cool Kids has used different Math courses to meet the needs of their unique learning styles. We’ve also used quite a few resources over the years, and today, I’ll be sharing those with you.

Take notes while you check out this video!

Catch up on the previous Homeschool Tip posts

http://www.taneishakemp.com/2022/02/07/mom-break

http://www.taneishakemp.com/2021/04/20/you-dont-have-to-teach-that

https://taneishakemp.com/2022/01/31/elementary-writing-resources/

https://taneishakemp.com/2022/04/04/spelling-resources/

If you missed any Homeschool Tip of the Month posts, you can catch up via this playlist.

Team Kemp Academy playlist

COMMENT BELOW: What is your favorite Spelling curriculum?

For more weight loss updates and family encouragement, SUBSCRIBE to this blog, and please share this post with family or friends.

We would love to CONNECT with you!
Get a closer look at all the marriage, motherhood, makeup, and homeschool content by clicking on the photos below.

***** ***** ***** *****

BOTW: The Pastor’s Wife by Gloria Furman

The Pastor’s Wife: Strengthened by Grace for a Life of Love by Gloria Furman is a scripture-rich book filled with inspiration for ministry wives in all areas. Being married to a man in ministry is a difficult position with various challenges and constant opposition that can lead to discouragement. However, we must not allow those moments to remove our joy of serving God through this call to serve others alongside our husbands. In this encouraging and humorous book, Gloria Furman offers pastors’ wives and ministry wives reminders that Christ stands ready to help regardless of the circumstance. God will guide us through late-night counseling sessions, unrealistic expectations, issues with parishioners, desire for more time with our husbands, and even members’ complaints about our husbands’ preaching.

Mrs. Furman did a PHENOMENAL job explaining the duties of a ministry wife while encouraging us in every effort. I appreciated her testimonials, relatable anecdotes, and true understanding of women that are blessed with husbands in ministry. Her repeated emphasis on giving grace to ourselves, our husbands, and the people we serve was spot on. She also provided plenty of scripture to help us endure, especially for those times when we must serve through our hard seasons. Overall, it is a beautiful gift and privilege to be married to a servant of God and He has equipped us to handle it all. It is my prayer that all ministry wives that read The Pastor’s Wife by Gloria Furman or my review feel heard, understood, and have renewed joy as they serve God alongside their husbands and love their churches.

You can find The Pastor’s Wife: Strengthened by Grace for a Life of Love by Gloria Furman in-store or online wherever books are sold.

For more information visit:

COMMENT BELOW: What is next on your reading list?

For more book reviews and family encouragement, SUBSCRIBE to this blog and please share this post with family or friends.

We would love to CONNECT with you!
Get a closer look at all the marriage, motherhood, makeup, and homeschool content by clicking on the photos below.

***** ***** ***** *****

BOTW: The Element of Love by Mary Connealy

In the year 1872 near northern California, you’ll find the three affluent yet sheltered daughters of Margaret Stiles Beaumont running away. The new Mrs. Beaumont has decided to help her girls flee from their abusive stepfather and his plans to marry them off to his horrible friends. Each young woman is truly talented and intelligent so they have decided to find suitors that match their capabilities. This marriage will also allow them to use their engineering skills and insight to claim their portion of the family lumber dynasty.

In an effort to blend in, the Stiles sisters join a mission group traveling throughout California to serve the poor. Caleb, the mission’s parson, has plenty of potential but cannot understand and apply his knowledge in this new role. That was a fancy way to relay that his decisions might be the death of all involved if help doesn’t come soon. Thankfully the Stiles sisters and their education can assist Caleb, the mission, and all volunteers in ways they never imagined. For the first time, the Stiles ladies must work through often miserable conditions and use their talents in different ways than they were taught.

I liked how the story started immediately and not a few chapters in. From the first paragraph, you’re involved in the story of these women, their future spouses, their mother, and the family business. I haven’t read a really good Christian Historical Fiction book in quite some time so I was happy to receive The Element of Love by Mary Connealy. This is the first book in The Lumber Baron’s Daughters series and I look forward to more from this author.

You can find The Element of Love by Mary Connealy in-store or online wherever books are sold. Thank you Bethany House Fiction for the opportunity to read this book.

For more information visit:

COMMENT BELOW: What is next on your reading list?

For more book reviews and family encouragement, SUBSCRIBE to this blog and please share this post with family or friends.

We would love to CONNECT with you!
Get a closer look at all the marriage, motherhood, makeup, and homeschool content by clicking on the photos below.

***** ***** ***** *****