Radical Dating: When God Takes Over Your Love Life

With a daughter in high school and a son fast approaching the teen years, the issue of dating and relationships is an area where my husband and I want to be sure we clearly communicate our convictions and expectations. We don't just want to give a list of do's and don'ts - we want our kids to have a firm foundation in the biblical principles that underlie it all, to understand the "why". We don't want legalism - we want right choices flowing from a right heart. 

So, when I was asked to consider reviewing Radical Dating: When God takes over your love life, I gladly accepted. The book, aimed at young women, offers candid insights on dating and relationships based on a solid foundation of biblical truth about the ultimate source of true love, Jesus Christ. It's actually an adaptation of a series of blog posts by three best friends at the Unlocking Femininity blog.

Spring Gardens and Chickens!

We've had an unseasonably cool spring, but I think warm weather is finally here to stay! We've been spending a lot of time in the yard and garden, especially Karate Kid. He's definitely got a green thumb, and just loves working with his plants, keeping up with the chickens, and doing whatever he can outside.

Hands-On History Activity-Pak: Composers (Review Crew)

We've used Home School in the Woods timeline figures in our homeschool for years. I was aware that they had unit studies, lap books, and other products, but had never had the opportunity to try any of them, so when the opportunity arose, I was curious to finally get to take a look at one. For the last several weeks, we've been trying out the Hands-On History Activity-Pak: Composers.

There were several different studies to choose from this time around, including one on the 20th Century and one on the great world empires through history. When I read the descriptions to the kids, they were most interested in the Composers pack. Even the Dancer (14) said it sounded like fun. This study introduces students in grades 3 to 8 to 42 different composers throughout history, using six fun printable projects that can be assembled into a lapbook. It also comes with over 90 minutes of music in mp3 format.

Reading Practice on the iPad: Phonics and Reading With McGuffey (Review Crew)

I love the convenience of educational apps for my younger kids! They give them something to do independently while I interact with my older kids about their schoolwork. Lately we've been trying out Phonics and Reading With McGuffey by LiteracySoft. I put it on both my iPad and iPhone but they both prefer it on the iPad. Peanut (7) has been working her way through it, using it nearly every schoolday, and Monkey Boy (4) has been using it off and on as the mood strikes him.

Last Chance For a Comprehensive Home Management Toolkit!

I've mentioned the awesome deal on this bundle of resources several times this week. If you've been on the fence, now is the time to decide! The sale ends tomorrow night. I've highlighted a few of my favorite things from the bundle in the last few days. Here they are in case you missed them:

• Earthpaste: Brushing Your Teeth With Clay (Our Lemon Twist flavor came in yesterday, by the way, and is a huge hit! The kids love it!)
• The Dig For Kids: A Family Bible Study Resource
• Beauty and Fashion From a Biblical Perspective 

Then there's all the fantastic kitchen stuff: Real Food Kids In the Kitchen from Wardeh at Gnowfglins, who I mention here regularly, Simply Summer by Modern Alternative Mama, and that's just the tip of the iceberg! Scroll down for a visual of all that's included...and this doesn't even show the $140+ in freebies! Click anywhere on the graphic for more information on ordering.