Heros of History Billy Graham

I gave Jacob the choice of which book he wanted to review from YWAM Publishing and  their

Heroes of History Series. He chose Billy Graham: America's Pastor which was no surprise to me

since we live in the foothills of North Carolina. We are close to Charlotte, Mr. Graham's

hometown and Montreat, his residence since 1945 so we feel like we have ties with the Graham's.

Jacob started reading the book and he would stop to discuss events

and tidbits of what he had read. Well after several days of him

pealing my interest I picked the book up and started reading

it.This book is great because it combines history and social studies

while it is fun to read and not boring. I have to admit I'm not much

of a reader. I never seem to have "enough time" but

Billy Graham America's Pastor kept me wanting to make time to

read. When Jacob realized I was reading it too he always made

sure he was a couple of chapters ahead of me. He's not a reader

either but when it got quite I'd look in the living room to see his

nose in the book.                             

Before this review I'd never heard of YWAM Publishing or Heroes of History but they have really

got my attention and recommendation to other people.

In the Heroes of History series there are 28 books that can be purchased individually or in the set.

The great thing about these books beside being well written is they all come with study guides. The

study guides are an awesome addition to reading the book. These guides include:

1. Key Quotes

 2. Display Corners

3. Chapter Questions

4. Student Explorations

5. Community Links

6. Social Studies

7. Related Themes to Explore

8. Culminating Event

There are also pages of books and resources to help with more exploration of Billy Graham and his

life as America's Pastor. On the YWAM Publishing website there's also a bonus section with

crossword puzzels,search words and coloring pages just to mention a few.

So how did we use it?

Jacob is more of a verbal learner so not only did he tell me about the book as he was reading I asked

him the questions at the end of each chapter. These questions are great because the first four want

specific answers while the final two questions of each chapter are the opinion of your child. I also

printed out the Billy Graham Fact Sheet ,timeline and maps for Jacob to fill in. The maps are to mark

where all Mr. Graham has traveled, preached and held crusades.

What Did We Think?

We both loved it and plan on purchasing more of The Heroes of History and probably will also buy

from Christian Heroes: Then and Now series. Loved that the writers/publishers recognize everyone

has different learning styles and accommodate this. This book is suggested for 10+ but I feel younger

may be able to have it read to them. Great to do as a family reading time.

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The Typing Coach Online Typing Course

When I was in junior high school my counselor signed me up for typing classes as my elective. I was

excited about taking typing because it was something new and challenging. That was quickly

squashed by my dad when I got home with, "That's a wasted class and you're not taking it." Many

years later and many papers typed by slowly pecking the words out and I'm still pecking the words

out. So when we were recently given the opportunity to receive a subscription to

The Typing Coach Online Typing Course to review I jumped at it. This course is offered by

The Typing Coach. With Jacob getting ready to start college in the fall and myself writing reviews

and blog post I thought this practice would better prepare us for faster and more accurate typing.

Jacob has worked on a couple other typing programs over the past few years but nothing like

The Typing Coach Online Typing Course.

What Is The Typing Coach Online Typing Course?

The Typing Coach Online Typing Course is a computer-based course taught by David Kimball,

The Typing Coach. He guides you through seven lessons in this course to teach you how to type

proficiently and accurate all without looking at your keyboard. The seven lessons are (1) Having

Good Posture (2) Home Row (3) Top Row (4) Bottom Row (5) Shift Keys (6) Typing Practices (7)

Number Row. Included in the course is a Teachers Resource Center with extra helps for slower paced

learners, younger children and Special Needs, Typing Coach Tickets to give students for a job well

done. There are also some informative videos available in the resource center to watch along with

print outs ( Student Checklist, Progress Reports,etc.)

There are videos, audios and written instructions throughout this course and it is self-paced so you

can work at the area you're on till you've mastered it. There are assessments that have to be taken and

passed before the program will let you move on. This course can also be guided by parents for

younger children or Special Needs.

Price/Length

This online typing course can be purchased for $17 per person for a year. They offer a free trial to try

before you buy. This is a good deal and it will pay off when you can type quickly and accurately.


Age Suggestion

It is suggested that the program is good for the young and old. The slower paced lessons can be used

for children aged 8 - 11 who are not ready for the regular paced lessons or even us adults that aren't

too good at typing. The regular lessons can be used for those 12 and up.


How We Used The Program

I did the program because Jacob being my 18 year old Special Need child couldn't focus on the

lessons. At first I felt a little overwhelmed but gradually got used to what I needed to do. I have

noticed an improvement in my typing, not as many mistakes and a little faster, Still a work in

progress but not sure I'll ever achieve the 45+ words per minute. Being reminded about good posture

has helped eliminate the sore neck and aching back. I would recommend

The Typing Coach Online Typing Course for older children and adults.

Be sure to follow The Typing Coach on Social Media   Twitter And to read what other reviewers wrote click the box below

My Baby Graduated

Well my youngest son is now a high school graduate. It was made official at church on Sunday when our preacher presented him with his diploma. I received the diploma in the mail a couple of weeks ago but hadn't let Jacob look at it or touch it.Yes some of you may say that's mean but I enjoyed seeing him squirm a little. Saturday night he asked to have it because Sunday was Graduate Sunday at church and he would look real stupid with no diploma displayed on the table. I told him no I was waiting for his test scores before he could have it.Little did he know I already cooked up plans for the preacher to present it to him when the church gave him Bible. We had family from out of state, out of town,both his older brothers, his father and step-mother and friends from the soup kitchen Jacob volunteers at come to celebrate with us.
I know graduating high school is a big achievement for all Seniors but I feel it's even bigger for Jacob. He's had so many health issues and challenges in life but never has given up. His Hydrocephalus (water on the brain ) has caused him to have four brain surgeries and developmental delays. Hearing impairment (deaf without his aides) is why I chose to remove him from public school where he was being left behind and bullied and homeschool him. I'm not sharing all this for sympathy but maybe it will give someone else courage to keep plugging along. Without God none of this would be possible.

Jacob's favorite verse:
For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord,
plans to prosper you and not to harm you
plans to give you hope and a future
                                                     Jeremiah 29:11

Review of The Thin Stix

Jacob and I had so much fun reviewing  Thin Stix 6 pk of Classic Colors which is offered by

The Pencil Grip,Inc.There were so many projects we wanted to use these mess free paints on that we

had a hard time choosing. With these paints you don't have to dred art time with the kiddos

anymore because there's no need for water, paint brushes, smocks or protection for the floor or

tables.These are non-toxic tempera  paints that are great for all aged humans and not needing to

prepare for a mess makes art time easy, enjoyable and even spur of the moment.

. The Thin Stix are part of the Kwik Stix family but have a smaller tip to make

controlling the painting easier. When I looked at the Thin Stix at first I thought they were markers

until I popped the cap off of one. In this box of Thin Stix 6 pk of Classic Colors  the colors included

are red, yellow,green,blue,brown and black Oh and did I mention the paint dries in 90 seconds? Yes

you read it right....90 seconds so no smudging on projects or little ones getting it on themselves or

your furniture.

These tempera paints can be used on various surfaces,paper,posters,rocks and more so get busy

creating and painting. They dry smooth unlike some paints.


At the time we received the Thin Stix to review for The Homeschool Review Crew we were reviewing an art program so of course Jacob had to use the paints on his artwork. He was surprised when it dried faster than he could paint it.

He liked that he could color in the small areas of his drawing without messing it up. Jacob is one of

those that if there's a slight "mess-up" he either erases it or starts over completely. No do overs on

this masterpiece. He took his time and enjoyed the art of painting which has been a real struggle for

him with his ADHD.

Here's his finished work of art colored with Thin Stix :

I used Thin Stix to draw on some of my letter I wrote to friends over the past few weeks. I loved how

smoothly the paint dried. I have to admit at first I wasn't to sure how well it would turn out because

when I popped the cap off it looked like a glue stick. We all know glue sticks don't spread smoothly

but of did I get a pleasant surprise and the colors were brilliant. I was given the opportunity to give

away a Thin Stix 6 pk of Classic Colors and I can hardly wait to hear what my winner says ( 18 year

old special needs young lady) about them and what she makes with them.

So what do we think of Thin Stix? LOVE THEM!!!!

Would I recommend them to others?

YES!!! These would be a great addition to homeschool art supplies,childrens church,VBS, Sunday

School or just a families art supplies. There are many other Thin Stix packs and colors available to

purchase either at The Pencil Grip,Inc or Amazon

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Absolutely Captain Absolutely

WOW!!!!My son hasn't loved reading a book till we received Captain Absolutely to review.He had

been anxiously waiting for the mailman to deliver the package.The day it came he tore into the

package like it was a Christmas or Birthday present.

Captain Absolutely Defending Truth,Justice,and Lots More Truuuth is a comic book where a

librarian straightening books up while his sunflower seed eating friend causes an explosion in the

library. Captain Absolutely rises from the ashes and finds himself in a room with books he's never

seen before......BIBLES. He reads these various Bibles while waiting to be rescued and breathes in

toxic air and his life was changed forever. This book is offered by Focus on the Family and is based

on a character from Adventures in Odyssey. It  shows kids how to stand firm in their faith by using

God's word to  make decisions.Wooton Z. Bassett is the writer and creator of Captain Absolutely and

his purpose was to show that bad guys try to mess with your visions and how to combat their lies. It

took him five years to put the total comic book together but it was well worth the wait.

The recommended age for this book is 8 - 12 year olds but my son,18, really enjoyed reading and

going on the adventures of Captain Absolutely and proudly shared with a friend he was reading and

reviewing the book.. It's a beautifully illustrated book that's easy to read and learn about God's

truth,justice and defending it in today's world. No matter what the situation,stealing,lying,loneliness

Captain Absolutely reminds everyone knowing God and following Him will make your life better.

I liked that there are bios of the characters from the book at the end. Also included at the end of the

book are  two pages of "Big Questions".On the pages with the Big Questions are reference pages to

go back and find  where they're located in the comic.It's also suggest  to talk to a parent or youth

leader about these  questions as you dig deeper in your faith. While reading this book I realize that

sometimes people just need to be shown God's love and words in an easy to understand form and I

think Mr.Bassett has achieved that with this book.

We would definitely recommend this book to other youngsters, older teens and even adults. Jacob has

even asked for more books like this to read. SCORE!!!




To stay in the know of what's happening with Focus on the Family hook up on social media Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram Google YouTube To read what others are saying about Captain Absolutely click on the box below.

Thin Stix Giveaway

I'm doing a review of Kwik Stix Thin Stix paint and they have given me the opportunity to give one lucky person a 6 pack FREE.Leave a comment how you would use these tempera paints by May 20.2017 and I will randomly pick a winner.
You can learn more about these Stix at The Pencil Grip, Inc.or on Facebook.

The Secret Bridge

This review is a little different for me....I got to enjoy a copy of The Secret Bridge written by Amy

Le Feuvre. It is part of The Lamplighter collection made available by Lamplighter Publishing. The

Lamplighter mission is to print books with an emphasis on biblical insights, character development,

artistic design, excellence and skilled craftsmanship. I was impressed that Lamplighter is committed

to instill moral values with each book, something hard to find in today's world.


 When I received my copy of the book I had mixed feelings....too pretty to handle but excitement to

crack it open. This is a beautifully bound book of light aqua color faux leather and a shiny gold

emblem displays the title and authors name. When reading this book I had to remember it was written

in 1899 so punctuation, spelling and sentence structure were different than present day and

Lamplighter have chosen to present it in the original format. I loved it because it made me feel like I

was there as the story unfolded.


I am a sucker for a love story so once I began reading it was hard to stop and walk away. A young

woman, Bridget whose been sheltered most of her life is faced with the loss of her father. She has a

step uncle that has offered her to move with him in England, a strange new city for her. Upon her

arrival in England she learns of her uncle's passing sending her life into a spin. She's met a gentleman

of her trip to England and he becomes more than an acquaintance to Bridget but you'll have to read

this awesome book to find out where that goes.

Of course there are secrets hence the name The Secret Bridge. They weigh heavy on Bridget's heart

and head but we all know God works all out for those who believe in Him.

My opinion of the book? LOVED IT!!! Ready to read more books in the Lamplighter Collection and

I'm not a reader. So grab a copy of The Secret Bridge, something to drink and curl up in the chair and

get lost in this book.

Don't forget to hook up  with Lamplighter Publishing on social media  

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ArtAchieve Review

I've never been an artist and Jacob has asked many times "How do you draw.....?" I felt bad not being

able to teach him how to draw because my mom and my oldest son are great artist so when I got the

opportunity to review ArtAchieve I jumped at it.When I told Jacob about ArtAchieve you would have

thought it was his birthday or Christmas.

Artachieve is an online subscription art lessons for kids but also a great teaching program for

adults. There are five different levels of lessons to choose from, begging drawing to more in depth

painting. Generally Level One is recommended for age 5 and up, Level Two 7 and up, Level Three

ages 9 and up and Level Four age 10 and up but if you have no drawing experience you should

probably start with Level One. There are some supplies you'll need for these art lessons but don't

worry they aren't expensive or hard to find. And if you're like me don't worry about buying the wrong

supplies because on the list you can click on the item listed and you'll be shown exactly what it is on

Amazon. The site does offer five free art lessons so you can try it before you buy it.The cost is very

reasonable available to purchase individual levels or in bundles of several or all the classes for a

year. John Hofland is the creator of ArtAchieve and a former homeschool dad and an educator.

We chose Entire Level One to work on and found it to be a perfect fit. In Entire Level One there are

12 individual lessons that include Power point version and video versions of the lesson, a warm-up to

print ( practice drawing some of the lines) and a print out of how the finished drawing looks. We used

both the power point and the videos on each lesson to make it easier for Jacob to calmly draw. It is 

suggested to play some calming music and gently rub your face to help you calm down and get in the

drawing zone. Being a teenager Jacob just laughed while rubbing his face and I rubbed mine too. It did

relax me before starting the lesson. This was Jacob's choice for his calming music -

 I liked how it reinforced "There is no wrong way to draw" through out the lessons. Very encouraging

for any one who uses the program.

For each lesson there are suggestions for Cross-Curriculum Connections with different links available

to help you navigate. To see a sample of these connections click Cross-Curriculum

Connections .These are the Hungarian Insects Jacob drew in Level 1 Lesson 3 and we can study

about them in several other subjects.

So grab the kids, paper and art supplies and gather around the computer and enjoy some quality time

and draw. This was the most enjoyable time of the day when we worked on ArtAchieve even though

I didn't draw. We will continue drawing even though the review period is over. Thank you

ArtAchieve for making drawing an enjoyable lesson.

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Special Needs Children Turning 18 Years Old

Thought someone else might need this info.
Special Needs Children Turning 18 Years Old