Godstruck Ministries Introduces New Curriculum For Kids!

Godstruck Ministries has a new curriculum and CD set that is perfect for Worship with your kids! What better way to teach your children about God than by using their new Sunday school/homeschool curriculum? Want to learn more?

About Godstruck Ministries

Godstruck Ministries 4Kids and the “Sing God’s Word” projects emerged several years ago so that the children in vacation bible school could learn their memory verses and lessons in a different way. VBS (vacation bible school) is a short time period, and so many times children don’t retain what they've heard just spoken to them, songs are a great way to help retain information!

From that point things exploded! The CD went on a trip around the world! The makers of this curriculum believe whole-heartedly that God had his hand upon them during this process, and has led them to be a blessing to children all over the world with these innovative and fun lessons!

Time for the review

I love how simple and fun this curriculum is and how easily it can be adapted to any situation! Whether you homeschool or teach a Sunday school class at church, this is a fantastic opportunity to share the love of God with kids!

Each song has a dedicated lesson, and each lesson has a coloring page. Even as an adult, these songs are catchy and are fun! The teacher’s guide has you listen to the song twice which is helpful for younger kids to really grasp the idea and retain the information given to them. I love that Psalms is used, as not only is that my favorite book in the Bible, but I think it’s the easiest for kids to understand. Great lessons as to right and wrong, and how to really understand God’s love.

There are so many great features! Like coloring pages, found here that are fun and easy to color, games that are exciting and encourage the kids to participate, and much more that can be found here. And don't forget, while you're over there to sign up for their newsletter!

Affordable prices that won't have you won’t breaking the bank to provide great lessons for learning the love of God! I am so thrilled to have been able to receive this opportunity to review the product, and introduce it to our Sunday school kids. 

There is a great giveaway for this over at Mommy Hot Spot! Head over so you don't miss out!

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DVD Review: Abner the Invisible Dog

About Movie:

When science nerd Chad Sheppard gets a chemistry set for his 13th birthday, little does he know
he’s in for a much bigger surprise. While experimenting with the kit, his best friend, Abner, a big,
furry sheepdog, suddenly starts talking before vanishing into thin air!

Chad already has enough problems fighting off two bullies who want to wreck his chances with
Sophie, the cute girl next door. Now, he has to hide an invisible, talking dog – who’s a bit of a
wise guy – from his parents and figure out how to get everything back to normal … All while
outwitting a pair of clumsy crooks who are determined to steal the top­secret formula  that gave
Abner his super­spy powers.

With his parents out of the house, Chad and his canine sidekick have to defeat the bad guys, get
the girl and save the day!

Our Thoughts:

When looking for a movie to watch at a school function, it can be hard to find one appropriate. So many times they look at ratings, and if they aren't rated G, you don't get to watch them. And that's a lot of kids movies anymore. I was so excited that this one was allowed to be seen at school!!!

A typical movie about a teenage kid being bullied, has his best friend, and dog to stand on his side and help him. That is however, after the big furry dog started talking and disappeared. Abner, the dog, got mixed up in a science experiment by his human, Chad. Things went wonky, and Abner is a wise cracking invisible talking dog!

Add in even more bad guys trying to get the formula, (stolen from the government) that made Abner invisible, Chad has his work cut out for him. He has to put everything back together, get the girl, defeat the bad guys, and stop his bullies, while his parents are away!

This is definitely a funny movie that your kids will enjoy!

 You can get your copy of Abner The Invisible Dog today, or look for it in your local stores!

Reviewed by Steph

Sponsored Review: Beech-Nut

 Beech-Nut food for babies is made with natural ingredients. That means no artificial colors, flavors,
or preservatives. Beech-Nut takes out everything moms don’t want, and leaves in the essential
nutrients that babies need.

Moms have trusted Beech-Nut for the nourishment of their babies since 1931. They are a family owned
company with several generations of the same families working together.  Partnered with their growers, they harvest the highest quality, most nutritious, best-tasting ingredients, from their families

to yours.

Beech-Nut, the number two leading baby food brand in the U.S., is a subsidiary of Hero AG of Lenzburg, Switzerland, an international leader in consumer goods and infant feeding.

Our Thoughts:
There are so many foods out there for babies, and toddlers now, that knowing which one to choose is difficult! With Beech-Nut, there isn't any guess work anymore. You get only the foods you want: natural, healthy, and no additives.

I was so happy to get the new products for tasting! I tried them myself before I gave them to my daughter. A lot of times what you buy for baby tastes nothing like what they say it is. I found that's not the case at all with Beech-Nut, it really is what they say it is. I love that, as a mom, I am buying real food.

Each of the four jars we received were delicious, according to my daughter! She specifically loved the beets, pear and pomegranate the best! I thought the Spinach, Green beans, and zucchini was a well rounded flavor. Each was unique and gave you something out of the ordinary with baby foods. You feel like you have options, where so many times you feel like you don't!

Beech-Nut has forty new flavors including foods like pomegranate, avocado, papaya and beets. I will definitely be purchasing some of the new flavors! The new line will be available in stores, including Wal-Mart, Kroger, Meijer and Publix, in spring 2014. The suggested retail price of a 4.25oz bottle is $1.09.

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**This post is part of a sponsored campaign with Beech-Nut and MomSelect. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone and may not represent the opinions of the sponsors.**

Review: Baby Nari Baby Hip Hugger

Baby wearing isn't a new trend, but carriers are! There are many different brands, styles, and designs to choose from; it can be overwhelming! You and baby may not like the same carrier. Trial and error is part of the process! Baby Nari offers the best of both worlds, not to mention a comfortable and stylish design.

Easy to understand, there aren't any complicated instructions. It's really as easy as undoing the velcro and wrapping it around your waist and buckle the safety strap! You're set! It's easy as pie, 

If you got the Eco Plus, I really hope you like it, because I do! I love that you can zip it on (it's really easy!) and you can carry your baby hands free! It is a wonderful idea and allows you the freedom to choose your carrying style. I carry my daughter facing out with the Baby Nari, and she loves it! My other carriers are great for sleepy time or  just to hold her close when she's not feeling well. I love my Baby Nari Hip Hugger as a more sporty option.

My husband loves this type of carrier as well! He feels more comfortable carrying her with this one because it's a solid print. I have a tendency to purchase things based on what I would like instead of functionality for both him and I. So, I got this one in the grey color specifically with him in mind. He actually isn't afraid of carrying her, and is excited to do so when he has the opportunity too!

My husband has chronic back pain, and has had surgery previously, several of the other carriers have caused him pain, and he cannot carry our daughter for very long. Even without the carrier, his time holding her for extended periods is limited. With the Hip Hugger, it really takes a lot of the stress off his back and allows him to enjoy carrying his daughter! This is a win win for everyone!

I cannot get over how much we love our Baby Hip Hugger with the Eco Plus! You really cannot go wrong and they have several colors to choose from! This would make the perfect Easter gift for your special baby! And if you have a spouse who is of the male mind, he may be more willing to carry with a sleeker and less female carrier! I say this all in good fun of course, and really hope that if you purchase this, you enjoy it as much as we do! I use it way more than I should!

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Share the Love with MAM--Review!!

Parenting can be hard, but your unbridled love for your children drowns out all fears and tears. Share with us what makes your little ones so special, your hopes and dreams for their futures and the joys of parenthood by posting a video, photo or letter on facebook.com/mambabyusa. Eligible entries will be considered for a grand prize of a year’s worth of spa treatments, valued at $2,500. It’s MAM’s way of celebrating you for the love you share.  Enter here: http://bit.ly/mamsharethelove.  Deadline to enter: April 15, 2014.

 Our Thoughts:

MAM was kind enough to send two of their products for review, and, well, we love them both! I have been a fan of MAM for several years; quality products and a reasonable price.

The sippy is playful an d practical. A spill-proof spout or nipple gives you several options of use. Easy to assemble makes cleaning a breeze! The handles are easy for little hands to grasp, come off for when older and cleaning. We take the trainer cup everywhere with us!

The nipple option is great for just starting out and you can graduate to the pink spout with the plastic add in to make it spill-proof. When you baby has the hang of it and is ready to transition to a cup you can remove the plastic piece from the spout for a more cup like feel.

The teether is fun! My daughter loves it! Specifically designed to reach the back teeth, it offers relief from those pesky teeth coming through. Small enough to fit in the mouth but big enough to grasp, it has become more of a toy than a teether. We put it in the refrigerator to get cold and she will gnaw on it for quite a while!

We are thrilled to have these products! they would make a great addition to your home or that of a special baby you know! 

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Reviewed by Steph

Book Review: Go Take A Bath!

• Invert the family hierarchy. The tendency of 21st-century parents is to place the child first, a partner second, and the self, third. This is exactly the reverse of a healthy family hierarchy and actually causes stress to children because they are out of place.
• Be a good role model. Children learn through observation and mimicry, so parents must make sure they are demonstrating the right lessons by living full, balanced lives complete with hobbies, vacations, and, yes, even baths.
• Balanced, happier parents create balanced, happier kids. Take responsibility for your own happiness and resolve trigger issues. Exploring childhood traumas and experiences helps parents identify their parenting strengths and challenges.
• Learn the art of letting go. Children can work out many of their stressors on their own, without parental involvement, so encourage them to independently problem-solve when possible. This lesson extends to acting as chauffeur, social director, tutor, and all the other ways parents over-extend themselves for their children. 
• Choices within Limits.  Parents should provide opportunities for children to make decisions—they might be surprised at all the good choices their children make when given the chance! The caveat is that you must be consistent, calm and follow-through with appropriate consequences when they don’t.
• Simpler is often better. Fun is a skill that must be taught, as is joyful living, appreciation for both tangible and intangible things, or unplugging from television and the internet. Parents need to create moments for families to rediscover and simplify their lives together.

Our Thoughts:

In this book you are reintroduced to parenting. We learn that parenting doesn't have to be hard. Taking care of ourselves first so that we can take care of our children is important. They actually have the ability to become more independent and better problem solvers. 

Robin gives us the tools to empower our kids, and give them confidence, while at the same time parenting with a firm and loving standard. This book is amazing and really should be given out to parents, new and established alike. You can read this book ten times and take away something different each time you read it. 

Her approach isn't easy and it isn't quick. In order to change how you've started you have to work. It will no doubt cause some rough edges in your relationships with your kids, but in the end you will reconstruct and build a better more loving one. 

The take away's at the end of each chapter are priceless information! I love them. It's an overview, that requires you to take a toll on your own life and delve deeper. I have to say it hurts, to have to look at yourself as a person and take action before you can parent. But, you kids will be better for it; having a whole parent instead of a spaced out, stressed out one. 

Buy the book here.

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Review: Diono--Much More Than Car Seats!

Diono car seats, Convertible boosters, storage solutions, stroller and travel accessories consistently earn high ratings from industry experts and families worldwide. Their product designs combine safety, convenience and style.

Since their company started Diono has worked to solve the real everyday worries and hassles parents face. Their first product idea was born from a family discussion on a documentary demonstrating the consequences of improperly secured car seats in collisions. Within the year family members had created a prototype that would come to be known as Mighty-Tite® — the world’s first and only seatbelt tightener designed for ease of use and peace of mind.

Our Thoughts: 

I was thrilled when I learned that Diono was sending their product! No, it wasn't a convertible car seat, but it was organizational help and window shades! Both of which was desperately needed. I am now a believer in these products! I originally thought things like this was silly and just money spent that you could have saved. I. Was. Wrong. 

The Car Shade for Kids is a life saver! My daughter doesn't care for the sun in her face, and in our car, the windows aren't tinted enough for her liking! The shade allows her to relax a bit more and enjoy the car ride. And it comes in a two pack!

Easy to install the Cool Shade goes on the window with ease in just seconds! No more worrying about creases and crinkles, it goes on smooth! Protection from the sun it filters both UVA and UVB rays. Static cling keeps it on, it's reusable and removable! 

The back seat organizer keeps my eight year old's things contained and not all over the back of the vehicle! He enjoys having his books, his hand held game consoles, his tablet, and many other things when we go places. 

This keeps them all neatly in one place, and even holds a drink! There's even enough room to hold my daughters toys as well! I would have definitely passed this up when purchasing items for the kids and am so thrilled to have it now!

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Review: Reflo Smart Cup

"The Reflo Smart Cup ™ is a revolutionary new concept in training cups. It's a smart alternative to sippy cups and a great transitional tool for your children to learn to drink from an open cup.

No buttons or other complicated mechanisms to operate. It's as easy as drinking from any ordinary cup without the worry of big spills due to the patent-pending Reflo ™ insert that controls the flow of beverage anywhere along the cup’s rim and at virtually any angle.

BPA-free, phthalate-free and dishwasher safe, the Reflo Smart Cup ™ is designed for safety and hygiene with no moving parts to trap dirt and germs.

Recommended for all ages as a smart alternative to "sippy cups" which have been associated with dental and speech problems.

The Reflo Smart Cup ™ is the safe, smart way to learn to drink from a regular cup." --from Reflo

I love the idea behind this cup! You don't get a "no spill" effect, but you teach your baby or toddler to drink out of a real cup! It's nice because you don't have to worry about the regular sippy cups that have all the pieces and parts to make it spill proof. Reflo has two pieces, the cup and the plastic piece that slows the liquid down.

This has to be the easiest to use as well! You don't have to twist anything, listen for anything to pop in place, or spend time worrying if you did it correctly! You fill your Reflo cup, slide the plastic piece down inside, and you're set! They couldn't have made this any easier!

I was so excited to get this as a review because my daughter is at the age now where she is learning to drink out of a cup. I still think there's a place for a sippy that's spill proof, like in the car or something; however, at the dinner table, or out to eat, this is the new thing to have!

My sweet girl loves this and I"m sure your special kiddo will too! They come in a variety of colors. You can purchase them online, or use their website to find a store near you!

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Review and Giveaway: Snuggy Baby Wrap

Snuggy Baby offers a variety of products for baby and Mom, not to mention doll carriers for your older kiddos who want to be like Mommy or Daddy. Cloth diapers, ring slings, wraps, Oh My! When I tell you that's just the beginning of the products offered, please believe me! Not Sure? Go here and shop for yourself at their site.

I decided when I saw all the cute carriers out to wear my daughter. I really wish I would have had a wrap when she was younger, and not so squirmy. Wraps are great, but also take some time to figure out. You can find videos here on how to use your wraps/slings.

I love this company because it's one mom who started out doing something she loved! I am always willing to help promote Moms' and Dads' alike with businesses they've started. Baby gear is all the rage today and there are certain things that Moms and Dads can make themselves to help earn some income, slings and wraps are among those things.
If you're wondering what kind of quality Snuggy Baby offers, it's great!: You get a great product and a reasonable price. Customer Service is through the roof, they want you to be happy at all costs. Questions or concerns, they want to know! Don't hesitate to contact them.

I used a ring sling (not Snuggy Baby) for quite some time with my daughter, and it worked great! I would have loved a wrap though especially in the times where she loved to snuggle on my chest. These wraps and slings are great for newborn to about 4 months, in my opinion. My baby is too squirmy for either of these now and much prefers a more structured carrier. But, your baby may love these clear up to toddler age. It's really a preference for Mom and baby.

There are so many carry's you can do with a wrap it's incredible! Kangaroo carry (baby faces outward), Craddle carry (baby laying parallel to ground in wrap), etc. And the benefits of carrying your baby are vast! You can find information on that here. Let's not forget that the wraps, slings, wet bags, etc are all way too cute and you can coordinate them all together!

The Giveaway: Snuggy Baby is offering one lucky reader the opportunity to win one of their wraps! This is only available to residents in the US. Enter the Rafflecopter form below to enter!

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Review: Sprout Organic Baby Food

About Sprout Organic Foods:
Naturally sweet and wholesome, Sprout recipes are made with certified organic ingredients and contain no preservatives, artificial colors, flavors or other additives. Sprout is also pleased to be able to offer a selection of recipes suitable for those with allergies and food sensitivities.

Our Thoughts:
My daughter is almost 7 months and just starting out with solids. With my first child, I didn't read a lot about the dangers of some baby foods, and how there are preservatives and such that can be added. I have taken extra care to make sure that her foods are pure and natural. Honestly, a lot of her foods I make myself. 
This is a company I hadn't heard of before and when I saw that it was organic, and the ingredients list was literally the organic food and water, I decided it was worth a shot to try it out. I wasn't disappointed, and neither was my baby girl. 
She loves to eat, and I have been leery of giving her too much at one time. I hadn't bought any foods yet, because I had intended to make my own. So when we got these to try I was eager to see how she liked them. I knew the sweet potatoes she'd like only because we had already tried them; however, the butternut squash was new. 
She loved them, ALL of them! I am excited to know that if we're out and about and I don't have enough of the foods I've made, I can easily find this brand. Not having to worry about whether or not this is safe for her is another ease of the mind for me as well.
Resealable and easy to dispense, you really don't even need a bowl to put anything in. I just squeeze by the spoonful for her and it doesn't create more of a mess to clean up later. They're handy and store simply. 
Purees isn't all that's available, either. They have some great recipe combinations that I am excited to try out! You won't be saddened or feel you've made a bad choice by purchasing Sprout Organic Baby Food! We loved it, and so will you!
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Review: Tommee Tippee 3 Ring Circus Collection

Our Explora Truly Spill Proof Spout Cup has been developed for babies and toddlers of around 7 months and over. The Truly Spill Proof Spout Cup has a soft spout that’s easy-peasy to drink from, while the easy-grip sides and base help little ones of around 7 months and over grab and sip with confidence. Like all our Explora cups it’s truly non spill.
Uniquely decorated with daring displays from the 3 Ring Circus, including tightrope walking and balancing acts to dancing, high-diving and magic, this range of cups will engage and excite to help make drink time fun. In addition to the endearing decorations, these cups are specially designed
with the same great intuitive product features for which tommee tippee is known.

• Truly non spill, Easiflow® technology for easy drinking
• Unique soft-flex spout protects gums
• Hygiene cover
• 11 oz. easy-drink cup
• Dishwasher, microwave and sterilizer safe
• Suitable for babies aged 7 to 12 months
• BPA-free
  

Our Thoughts:

I discovered tommee tippee after my son was already too big for their products. Now, I have my daughter and I can use and enjoy the product! Several friends have used and loved tommee tippee, and when the review came I was ecstatic!

My daughter happened to be sitting in her high chair and I was feeding her lunch when they came in, so it worked out perfectly! I washed them up really quick, and put some water in it, and she spent the next several minutes trying to figure out how to use it!

It's always so hard to find just one thing that I love most about any product, but with these it's especially difficult. When tommee tippee says they're spill proof, they mean it! I have thrown them, turned them upside down and shaken them, and let the baby do her damage, and they don't leak--at all! This is a huge plus for me, as so many cups leak, if even just a tiny bit. 

I love the spout! They're soft and baby doesn't have much trouble forming her mouth around them. They have they're own "lid" that is attached, so you aren't spending time searching for a cover to the drinking spout. Flip it up and into the indentation, and you're set! You keep the spout clean and clear of gunk, and you don't lose the lid! 

These are super easy for baby hands to grasp and keep a hold of. We love how even though the cups are wide, her little hands fit perfectly. The no slip sides work beautifully to keep her hands firmly on the cup, and provide an excellent chew toy as well! 

Another plus is that these aren't super expensive either! Less than 10 dollars USD for two sippy cups!
tommee tippee's 3 Ring Circus Collection is available at Babies'R'Us.

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ThinkFun Games: Zingo! Time-telling

About ThinkFun: 

ThinkFun was founded with a dream that they could change the world through play, and at 25 years young, they are living that dream.  Today, ThinkFun is a respected global company represented in over 60 countries and translated into over 20 languages. Thrilled to welcome you into the ThinkFun family, they hope you'll join them in new adventures!

Click picture to go to ThinkFun website.

A Fun Way to Learn to Read the Clock

Now you can play your favorite Zingo!® game and teach time all at once! Zingo! is a fun and interactive game that brings fast-paced excitement and learning to the classic game of Bingo! In this time telling version, players will learn to read the hour and minute hands on an analog clock and make the translation to a digital clock. With two levels of play, this is a great way to begin teaching children to tell time and a perfect game for them to grow with!

• Ages 5 and up

Includes

• 1 Zingo!® Zinger 

• 32 Hour Tiles 

• 32 Minute Tiles 

• 6 Double-sided Zingo!® Cards 

• Instructions and Learning Guide 

Our Thoughts:

This game is a great and unique way to teach your child how to tell time. My son is eight so he was a bit old for this one, but we played it anyway enjoyed it. We know several little ones who would benefit from this game, and played with them as well. This game was well designed for small children to catch onto quickly.

The pieces are large enough for little fingers to grab easily. The cards, much like bingo cards, have two sides--red and green. The green side is easy (you just match the numbers on the card to the number pieces) and the red side is harder (you actually must know how to read the analog clock in order to match number pieces).

When playing this game, you really must think of it as playing bingo! Our little ones enjoyed yelling ZINGO! every time they would win! 

Teachers will love this game for their preschool students! It's a fun and easy time filler for slower school days!

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