Cooper and Me and the Winter Adventure by Monique and Alexa Peters Book Review and Giveaway!!

Cooper and Me and the Winter Adventure by Monique and Alexa Peters is a story about Cooper the dog and his friend Bella who get lost in the snow.  Told in rhyme, this story follows Cooper and Bella through the winter wonderland and down the hill on a sled.  Suddenly a blizzard makes it hard to see and the dogs are lost.  They decide to bark and hear barks answering back.  They make their way back to town and are grateful to their friend Trooper for bringing them home with his bark.

This is a very cute children's book with a very good lesson about being prepared and safe in case you get lost.  In fact, there is a life lesson section with connection questions about the story in the back.  There is also a wonderful question and answer section for learning together.  I think it is smart to teach kids important lessons and give messages through story.  This book is well written and the illustrations are adorable.

'As a reading specialist I see a variety of important avenues to take these wonderful stories of Cooper and Me. I would use these delightful stories in kindergarten, in grade one and in grade two for "read-to" activities. They lend themselves to many feelings and situations that children at that age experience. I would also use the rhyming in each book to teach phonics. The colorful words and pictures will stimulate the children's desire to read.'

- Linda Lupario
Reading Specialist
Bethpage, New York

 “Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or

services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it 

on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally 

and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance 

with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the 

Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Check out Cooper and Me:

Website: http://www.cooperandme.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cooper-and-Me-Inc/214695101924101

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/cooper_and_me

Please note that $1 of every Winter Adventure book sold will go to advance research & treatment of pancreatic cancer, via the Lustgarten Foundation (http://www.lustgarten.org/)

EXCLUSIVE DEAL FOR MY BLOG READERS:  

Make any purchase of $25 or more at CooperandMe.com and get FREE SHIPPING now through December 15.  MUST USE THIS CODE @ Check Out:  COOPERBLOG

  

Win it:  I am having a giveaway for this book!  Open to US only and giveaway ends Wednesday, December 7.

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

1. Be a follower on my blog

2. Subscribe to my blog by email (link on blog)

3."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 

4. Please rank this book review for me: Secure Daughters, Confident Sons (I appreciate your support)

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

PS. After you fill out the form, you can still earn extra entries by liking, commenting and posting on Facebook!  I'll add them to your entry form!  Just be sure your FB name matches your entry name.

Entry for Cooper and Me and the Winter Adventure

I need your help!!

I am part of several book review programs.  Blogging for Books requires that my book reviews are ranked.  When they are ranked I am able to read and review more books!  If they are not ranked, I might be dropped from the program.  I want to be able to continue to read books and write reviews for this program. 

Could you please help me out?  And guess what, when you rank my book then you are entered to win FREE books!  I would really appreciate if you would read my review of Secure Daughters, Confident Sons and add your rank.  Thank you SO much! 

Rank Secure Daughters, Confident Sons

Let me know that you ranked my review and I will give you an extra entry for any upcoming giveaways that I have.  Just leave a comment on this post.  Thanks!

My first born is now 3 years old: Shrade!!

I can't believe my little Shrade is 3 years old today!  I remember when I first found out that I was pregnant on Easter weekend of 2008 I was in complete shock.  My first thought was that I was not ready to be a mother even though I loved children and had taught for many years.  My second thought was, how was I going to be a good mother?  Well, ready or not, Shrade Joseph was born on the morning of November 27, 2008 which was Thanksgiving Day.  I didn't know I was having a boy and I was so excited to meet him for the first time.  The first few months I felt like a bumbling mama.  I couldn't figure out nursing and sleeping was a joke.  But as the years have gone by, I realized that I keep bumbling!  That's ok, God is my strength and guide and I raise this warrior for Him!

November 27, 2008 (my first time seeing my baby Shrade)

This year has been the most challenging, yet the most exciting year so far!

Shrade has learned to be very independent.  He can put on and take off his shoes and clothes.  He can open and close doors and he can climb in his carseat.

He loves to play.  We let him play outside on our porch, in the garden and he really wants to ride his tricycle, but can't seem to work the pedals!  He can build with blocks and he loves cars and trains.  He is not interested in many conventional toys and often plays longer with things that are not really toys at all!

His favorite cars!

He likes things a certain way and is hesitant to try new things.  He usually doesn't participate in a group, but this year he started sitting with the group at library story time rather than on my lap.  He drinks everything in because when we get home he can tell exactly what was read or the songs that we sang.  He also has found a friend at church which is very exciting!

This summer he we had some friends come visit us and Shrade found a little "girlfriend."  

At home we do lessons with Brightly Beaming Resources.  I also take him to library story time and Play to Learn (a free preschool type program).  We try to go the zoo on free days and in the winter we go to the mall playground.  Shrade knows his letters and can sing the alphabet.  He also can count objects up to 10 and he has learned to jump and recently can do a forward roll.

Making letter N with newspaper

Shrade has very sweet little voice and loves to sing.  I have taught him many Bible verses by songs using Songs for Saplings.  He also is "reading" books.  He can basically tell the story and even has memorized words.

 This video is Shrade singing one of his Bible verses!

The most amazing way Shrade has changed is in his language.  He went from speaking only a few words at a time to complete sentences and asking questions.  I have started writing down all the funny things he has said!  He also has learned to argue and he can spell his name!

This year he started having an attitude that I wasn't quite prepared for since he was such a compliant and mellow toddler.  His temper tantrums in public is something that I don't care to remember.  But he is learning to listen and obey and he knows the good or bad results that will come with his behavior.

I think the biggest transition for Shrade was welcoming his new baby sister, Jessna.  He has been a fabulous brother and he keeps asking me when she will walk and talk.  I can't wait to see them interact more this year.

And most recently Shrade is being potty trained.  He is a real trooper and loves being a big boy!  Until next time...see you in a year.  Be sure to keep up with Shrade at Milk N' Honey Learn and Grow for all the fun stuff he is learning!

We love you, Shrade.  Keep growing in Jesus!

Heavenly Homemakers- PINK Friday SALES!!!

There are BIG, BIG sales going on at Heavenly Homemakers today for the PINK Friday sale.

25% off everything
Coupon Code: PINKFRIDAY
Sale ends Monday, Nov. 28


Click here to visit Laura Coppinger @ Heavenly Homemakers

Check out these deals:

Learn Your Letters Learn to Serve Complete Curriculum Kit 

for only $33.75 (regular $45)!

Gluten Free Ebook Package (4 books) is normally $19.95 is only $14.96!!

And one of my favorites: Fill 'Em Up Ebook for cooking and teaching God's Word!

MUCH, MUCH MORE!!

Click here to visit Laura Coppinger @ Heavenly Homemakers.

Enjoy shopping!

Kitchen Stewardship Black Friday Ebook Sale!!

OH, my goodness!  OH, my goodness!  Do you love cooking as much as I do?  Do you want healthy recipes that are fun and easy?  Well, Katie Kimball @ Kitchen Stewardship has a great assortment of ebooks that are just for YOU!  Check out these great Black Friday deals!!!

Healthy Snacks to Go Ebook

Coupon Code: SWEETSNACKS 

25% off

Check out this NEW dessert book:

Smart Sweets Ebook

Coupon Code: SWEETSNACKS 

25% off

Want to know about BEANS?

The Everything Beans Book

Coupon Code: BFBEANS

55% off

And don't forget CAMPING!

The Family Camping Handbook

Coupon Code: BFCAMP

70% off

ENJOY!!!

Shop Kitchen Stewardship today!
Black Friday deals only today!

Truth in the Tinsel by Amanda White Ebook Review and Black Friday SALE!!

Now that my son is three, I really wanted to do something this Christmas that would be hands-on and meaningful as I share the real reason for the season (Jesus!). I have been scouring the internet for the just the right project. I couldn't believe when I read Amanda's blog Impress Your Kids that she had written exactly what I was looking for in her new ebook- Truth in the Tinsel.

What makes this book unique? "This is an adventure for families to learn the story together. It’s an experience with the greatest story every written and the greatest gift ever given—God’s own Son, Jesus the Christ!"  There are 24 days of crafts that tell the Christmas story one symbol at a time.  These crafts can become ornaments for your tree and you can talk about them each time you see them.   What a great visual!  And, because the kids are involved, they will want to discuss the ornaments over and over again.  For each day there is a clue (picture word that is the craft), Scripture (listen for the clue word), the ornament, the talk and an extension activity.  The crafts are simple and the whole lesson could take about 30 minutes.

There are so many ways to make this fun and exciting.  In the back of the book are strips with each of the picture clues that can be used as paper chain to take apart each day.  There is a complete supply list (most things you have in your home).  Remember it's the process, not the product!  And each day has a photo of the ornament and detailed instructions how to make it.  There are templates for some of the crafts and ideas to create alternate schedules if you don't want to do every craft.

Very simple, yet concrete way to share the Christmas story for children age preschool to elementary.  Your kids will be talking about these ornaments for years to come!

You can get a copy for yourself or buy one for a daughter-in-law, friend, teacher or anyone who has kids!

NOW for the exciting news!!  

Truth in the Tinsel

is on SALE today (Black Friday) 

for just $2.99!!

The regular price is $4.99, so snag yours RIGHT NOW!!

AND Amanda is issuing a challenge for all those who purchase the book to join the Facebook group and encourage each other through this Advent as you make these crafts with your kids by sharing photos, funny things your kids said and anything else!

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

A Whisper of Peace by Kim Vogel Sawyer Book Review

Clay Selby and Lizzie Dawson fight against spiritual and cultural odds in Kim Vogel Sawyer's fiction book- A Whisper of Peace.  Clay and his sister, Vivian, embark on a missionary journey to a small native village in Alaska.  They accidentally befriend Lizzie, who had been excommunicated from the village.  Clay and Vivian seek to make peace between Lizzie and the village and Clay begins to fall in love with the mysterious beautiful woman living in the woods.  Do Clay and Lizzie have a chance and can Clay share his love for Father God with Lizzie and the villagers?

This was a story of deep cultural differences that seemed to take dips and dives in the story line.  I wasn't entirely convinced of Clay and Lizzie's relationship which seemed very shallow and more like brother and sister.  Lizzie was described as beautiful, but also with a rough personality which changed into a more graceful demeanor by the end of the book.  However, I really liked the sweet little children that were depicted and the main story about redemption.

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

Clean Mama Printables!

For those of you who don't know, I'm CRAZY about schedules. I wish I was more organized like I used to be when I was teaching. Well, Clean Mama Printables is the place to go! Check out her Etsy shop and see what neat documents she has made to make your life easy!

Black Friday Sale Announcement!!

For those of you who get my blog posts by email, 

be sure to check my blog on Friday as I will be sharing 

about a very special ebook for Advent Activities 

that is brand new and will be 

on SALE on BLACK FRIDAY only! 

I don't want you to miss this one. It's absolutely incredible. 

So check back here on Friday! Can't wait to share more!

Here's a sneak peak at the cover:

Holiday Hospitality Ebooks by Heavenly Homemakers!

Have you ever been so overwhelmed with planning for all the holidays that you don't know where to start? Well, Laura at Heavenly Homemakers has developed these great ebooks that take all the hard work and put  the enjoyment back into your holiday planning.  These books are great for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years!

Take a look inside: Heavenly Homemakers Guide to Holiday Hospitality
This is an ebook full of organizational help and holiday time inspiration.  Including scheduling, menu plans, seasonal print out pages and lots and lots of recipes!  Mmm, I love recipes!  You will absolutely love the simple ideas in this book.

Take a look inside: Heavenly Homemaker's Guide to Holiday Hospitality (For Kids!)
This is a packet filled with holiday recipes, craft ideas, games and activities for kids of all ages.  Laura creates everything kid-friendly and fun!

EACH book is $6.95

OR

You can get the ebook package for just $12!

So check out Heavenly Homemakers for these and other great ebooks to get you through the holidays!
Many of these would make great gifts for friends and families!

There is Hope by Trudi Compton CD Review and Giveaway!!

"There is Hope" by Trudi Compton is her second album and is complete Christian worship music.  Trudi's heart and passion for God are evident in each of her songs which are like honest prayers to God.  She sings with joy and certainty.  Her music is soulful, deep and resonates with the desire of her love for the Lord.

I met Trudi three years ago when I was planning a surprise birthday trip for my husband to a cute little cabin in the Pacific Northwest.  Trudi was the housekeeper for the property and she offered to make a birthday basket.  It was awesome.  We exchanged several emails before actually meeting on that trip.  She is such a blessing to me and many others.  Her love for music and singing along with her talent allows her to share God's love with others.

Meet Trudi:
Trudi is a 39 year old Christian singer/songwriter from Washington State. Music has been her passion since the time she listened to the first 45's played at her parents house when she was just a young kid. Ever since then it has been her desire to write and record music as a means of sharing the love and Salvation of Christ.

Trudi currently serves on the Worship team at her church as a singer where she has served for the past 15 years. She continues to write new music and is currently working on writing songs geared towards congregational Worship.

Her first release "I Give You My Heart" was recorded in the year 2000 but it wasn't until 2010 that she recorded her follow up CD "There Is Hope". Her newest release is a blend of acoustic guitar, saxophone, and piano music....... easy to listen to with a positive message of hope that is sure to stir your heart and encourage the soul. All of the songs were written by Trudi and some were also co-written with some other great writers as well.

Trudi sings at many events such as Weddings, Church events, School Assemblies, and Memorial Services. If you are interested in having her sing at your event, she can be contacted at PLavonrep@hotmail.com.

Trudi continues to reside in a small town in Washington State where she lives with her husband of five years and their two children.

Trudi's music can be purchased at cd baby.

Win it:  I am having a giveaway for this CD for 2 winners!  Open to US only and giveaway ends Sunday, November 27.

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

1. Be a follower on my blog

2. Subscribe to my blog by email (link on blog)

3."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 

4. Preview one song from Trudi's CD and tell me which one and what you thought of it.

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

PS. After you fill out the form, you can still earn extra entries by liking, commenting and posting on Facebook!  I'll add them to your entry form!  Just be sure your FB name matches your entry name.

Entry for There is Hope CD

CD Giveaway on Milk N Honey Learn and Grow

Jump over to my other blog- Milk N Honey Learn and Grow and enter the CD giveaway!  You could win a gift for a special little person for Christmas!  I'm picking two winners.  Thanks!

Smart Sweets Ebook by Katie at Kitchen Stewarship on SALE!!

It's HERE!  The Smart Sweets Ebook by Katie at Kitchen Stewardship.  I'm just dying to make these yummy, yet healthy treats.  Click HERE to see the contents and see more pictures.

Check this out for the first week:

• Use the code DESSERTSLAUNCH for 50% off the first 100 copies.
• Use the code 2DAY35OFF for 35% off through midnight 11/18.
• The code for the free “Buttered Life” eBook will be in the email to your Paypal email that includes the Smart Sweets download.

There are cookies, bars and brownies, cakes and cupcakes, pies, candy, frozen desserts and MORE!  Can they really be healthy?  The recipes have easy directions and many variations.  

Be sure to snag the FREE download for Apple Crisp if you haven't already.

 Visit Kitchen Stewardship for more details!

Booking It- November

I am tapering off my book reviews in the next year.  I have SO much to be doing as a mother and homemaker and as much as I love reading, I can't keep up with all the books that I want to review.  However, I will still be doing book reviews, but I will be much more selective.  I do have several books that I will be giving away in early 2012 (mostly fiction) from what I have reviewed in the last few months.  I have a few more that I will be posting soon, so look for giveaways to happen maybe once a month.  I can only afford to send one book per month.  :(

Secure Daughters, Confident Sons by Glenn T. Stanton Book Review

Secure Daughters, Confident Sons: How Parents Guide Their Children into Authentic Masculinity and Femininity by Glenn Stanton is a book that addresses how parents can raise their boys to be masculine and girls to be feminine.  In this book male and female are clearly defined and celebrated as unique creations of God to be shaped and molded.  Glenn starts with a clear vision of authentic manhood and womanhood and how to help children to get there.  He explores all the qualities that make a good man or woman and what boys and girls need most.  What was most interesting to me was the discussion of the way mothers and fathers parent differently because of gender differences designed by God, but how essential each parent is to the raising of each individual child.

This book gave me some clear direction on how I want to raise my children.  God gifted me with a boy and girl and I want them to grow up to know and follow God.  This book focused on how the differences of each male and female should be foundational to guiding children in the path of life God has for them.

Please kindly rank my review!  Thanks, Shonda :)
(Your email is used to identify spam and will not be used for commercial purposes)


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

Recipe of the Week: Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies

I made these cookies from a tweaked recipe at Heavenly Homemakers.

2 cups shredded zucchini
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 t. salt
1 t. baking soda
1/3 cup cocoa
3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
3/4 cup chocolate chips

Shred zucchini (I use a food processor).  In a large mixing bowl mix white sugar, flour, salt baking soda and cocoa.   In a separate bowl, stir shredded zucchini, brown sugar melted butter and egg.  Then mix with dry ingredients.  Fold in chocolate chips.  Use a large scoop to put 1 1/2 T. sized balls of dough onto a cookie sheet.  I use my Pampered Chef ice cream scoop.  Bake in a 350° oven for 15 minutes. This makes about 24 cookies.

I put them in the freezer so they last longer!

FFH "One Silent Night" CD download Review and Giveaway

FFH's One Silent Night CD is the newest release from this group that is especially made for Christmas!  I love Christmas music and I love FFH so I was excited to review this CD.  There are several old favorites and some new renditions.  But FFH has that wonderful jazzy sound with their clear and crisp voices.  They juiced up some songs like Jingle Bell Rock with a twist of funky music in the middle.  Heaven and Nature Sing whispered Joy to the World between the lines.  There are 9 songs on this album.  Some you will know and others will be new.  This is a great CD to have playing through the holidays to remind you of the reason for the season.  With upbeat songs and traditional ones, you will simply love the holidays with FFH!

Check out these links:

Website: http://ffh.net/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FFHmusic

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/FFHMusic

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/one-silent-night/id474548207

 

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Win it:  I am having a giveaway for this CD download.  Open to anyone and giveaway ends Wednesday, November 16.

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

1. Be a follower on my blog

2. Subscribe to my blog by email (link on blog)

3."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 

4. "Like" FFH on Facebook

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

Entry for FFH "One Silent Night" CD download

 PS.  If you interact on Facebook by liking, commenting and posting on my wall, you will also earn extra entries!  Just be sure your Facebook name matches your entry name.  Thanks!