Book Review: Secrets Kids Know

I promised a few book reviews, where does the time go???

I received a copy of Secrets Kids Know... That Adults Ought to Learn  by Allen Klein for free in exchange for a honest review of the book. It is always a pleasure to receive a new book.  Review books get special priority in my limited reading alone time, so I enjoy the privilege of doing so!

Allen Klein is a self-professed "Joyologist" whose mission is to spread joy and teach others to do the same.  I can honestly say, his genuine happiness, and love for making others smile can be felt as one reads the book.

This simple to read, though thought provoking book, will touch your heart and inspire you to examine your own life.  Remember the joke book giveaway?  How many times does a 4 year old laugh in a day? 400 times is the answer. On the other hand, 40 year olds laugh about 4--maybe!

There are strains and responsibilities, for sure. However, we are called to be like little children. To view God's world with innocent joy and wonder.  How sad it is that we lose that so readily!

Klein's book is part information, part inspiration, and part how to get your childlike mindset back.  In the seriousness of living in the "real world" we adult forget that it is the same world that wowed us as children and left us rolling on the floor in laughter.

This book was a pleasure to read and is so nicely laid out. The format aids us busy, serious adults with too many "important tasks' on our docket to easily read a chapter here and there and learn from a master of joy, Allen Klein. At the end of each chapter is a section of tips and tricks so the reader can learn to "Grow Down."  Tired of trying to grow up?  Wish you hadn't been in such a rush to be a "grown up"?  This book is for you!

I am thankful to have been given this book and fully intend to read it a second time!  When life is seemingly difficult and the carefree days of childhood too distant of a vague memory, this book was a breath of fresh air!  I needed this and truly need to sit down and try Mr. Klein's method to recapture my joy!  Thank you, Allen Klein, for the privilege of discovering this sweet and honest little book.

Need a nice little stocking stuffer that will keep giving through out the year?  Pick up a copy of Secrets Kids Know--the Adults Ought to Learn by Allen Klein!  {Speaking of Christmas shopping, please remember to check out the Mom Shop Hop and buy from some hard working moms this year!}

How do you keep your childlike ways?

Book Review: Jesus Loves You

Do you like book reviews?  I hope so because I have recently been blessed by a bevy of authors sending me books to review. I guess word has gotten out that I am an unapologetic book addict!

One of those recent, and very patient, authors is Christine Topjian. She sent me a copy of her first book Jesus Loves You for free in exchange for my honest review.

I was very excited to receive my copy so quickly. Christine was a joy to work with and I can tell she is a very loving Christian.  The book is written from her heart. Her faith and love is evident from cover to cover.  It features colorful pictures that appear to be water colored, which is a nice change from the computer generated graphics in so many books these days. I appreciate true illustration.

Jesus Loves You traces all the ways that God walks through life with you and how He demonstrates His love for His children.  Beginning with the love God lavishes on new babies and walking through later life and ultimately Heaven.

This book is a sweet message of God's undying and abiding love. It demonstrates how He holds your entire life in His Hands.  There is nothing that is unimportant to God, and nothing that will make Him love you less.

I originally thought of gifting my review copy to my nephew who is also my godson, but then I realized it dealt with topics of life that were not pertinent to a five year old.  While the bright illustrations my lead you to believe this is a children's book, it is really more suited for adults.

The story is very short and simple.  Sometimes there is beauty in brevity.  I think that this would make a lovely companion to a present for a birthday, retirement, or just to cheer someone up.  It is not what I would call a gift book, but would be a lovely substitution for a greeting card--which are so overpriced, anyway.

It has been a pleasure working with Christine and I wish her great success.  May God bless you and your writing career! Thank you for allowing me to review this book.

First Ever Joke Coloring Book: A Review in #7QT

"What is the chicken's favorite day of the week?"

"Fry-Day...that's a funny one, Mom"  ---Little Man, age 4 (attempting a joke he heard at the fair)

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Have you ever been to 1st grade?  No, not as a student, as an adult.  What you will quickly notice is the unique sense of humor that 1st graders have.  It's like their own private language--or inside joke!  They can turn anything into a joke.  They laugh at jokes that aren't even funny and don't make sense. Does that matter? No, because they are having fun.

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Do you know the average number of times a day a 40 year old laughs?  FOUR

Just four.  I get it. We are serious. We are adults. We have responsibility.  We also need to laugh.

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"Why did the cow cross the road?"

"Because he wanted to be a dirty dinger! hahahahaha"

Another joke by Little Man, he is making jokes on a 1st grade level already.

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I was offered a copy of HaHa Color-Me Joke Book for free in exchange for my honest review.  This innovative book will be released October 17th to great applause.

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This book is a great little take along for long car rides, visits to DMV, or for a little peace and quiet during the day.  It is nicely set up and allows for plenty of creativity with the pages to color and pages at the end of the book to record your own jokes.  The only thing I would change is the "Party Pooper" joke--we don't allow potty humor in our home, although I know it is popular.  Nothing scandalous, just not my taste. Otherwise, this seems like a book my boys would thoroughly enjoy!

 

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Enjoy! And, oh, did I mention, for every PRINT book this author sells, she will be sending one to a child in need who can’t afford one. So when your child laughs, you know you’re sharing the laughs with another child. <— I love this!  

If you want to buy the book and use it for your own fundraising or in your kid-friendly business, or give in goody bags or as birthday gifts  (instead of those junky plastic toys that kill the environment and don’t add any value to kids). You can sign up for the #gigglegiver program and get a bulk buying discount.  

Imagine this:

1. Kid thinks you’re funny.
2. Leaves you alone to work.
3. You get to help kids in need laugh too.

What’s not to love about the world’s first social joke-coloring book? Cheaper than wine, this is the best $10 you can spend on your mom-sanity today.  

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Now for the bonus surprise!!! One reader is going to receive a copy of this new book for free. How do you win?  Answer this question in the comments:

 How many times a day does a 4 year old laugh? 

 One winner will be chosen at random. Best wishes!!!

Linking up with Kelly who always knows how to laugh!

We'll Never Tell Them :A Book Review

I was invited by Ignatius Press to preview a new Catholic fiction novel, in exchange for an honest review.  The only payment I received was the e-version of the book.

First, let me say how excited I was to be reading fiction.  As a homeschooling mom, I am usually reading about teaching techniques, or history time periods.  I try to keep up my inspirational reading as well, which I do thoroughly enjoy, however it doesn't leave much time for pleasure reading.  That being said, I am a finicky reader.  I want a well developed storyline, characters, and plot.  If it is at all predictable in any way, I will have the entire story figured out by chapter two, and while I will keep reading, I will be disappointed.  In the age of e-books published by every man and his brother, I find it difficult some times, to find a good book that I can truly enjoy and not spend my time editing all of the grammatical errors, or asking the book questions that it refuses to answer.

We'll Never Tell Them was a delight to read, I was transported to another time and place effortlessly and could not wait to read more.  The depth of character development, the richness of plot, and the well planned, well written chapters were spellbinding.

In an amazing use of language and plot twists, the reader is slowly pulled into the lives of Krisjana, a modern Maltese/British nurse, and Liljana, a Maltese orphan and late mother of Krisjana' s hospital charge.  The truth of their lives, and complexity of their stories slowly unfurl and take shape.  Who the characters are/were and why they react as they do is metered out in doses of conversation, flashbacks, and fabulous story telling.  While the reader has to piece together the events that create Krisjana' s present, and wait patiently for the completion of Liljana' s harrowing life, it is presented in a way that does not create questions, but intrigue.  The storyline is so well developed, there are no questions, no wondering about the gaping holes that have not been addressed.

This novel is a perfect Christmas present for any Catholic who appreciates good literature. Truly, though, anyone would enjoy this Catholic or not.  It is not just a good book for Catholic literature, it is a fantastic book, PERIOD.  I have been recommending it to everyone that I meet.  My only hope is that an actual, bound book version becomes available.  I did not enjoy reading such a long book (250+ beautiful pages) on my Kindle.  If a hard copy is available, I will most certainly purchase it and re-read this excellent story.

**Correction:  We'll Never Tell Them is available via hard copy.  I think I'll add that to my Christmas wishlist.

Summer Reading Catholic Book Bundle Giveaway!

In case you haven't heard, I was blessed to attend the CHAPLET 2015 conference with Kelly with whom I am linking up for Seven Quick Takes.

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Books are a girl's real best friend!  Keep your diamonds, give me books!  There were plenty of books at the conference. One of my favorite vendors at any Catholic conference is the Pauline Sisters. Who could not just fall in love with beautiful nuns who also love and produce books???

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Last year, I picked up a stack of Song to Mary books, they are just beautiful!  Aside from the gorgeous artwork paired with each prayer or litany, everything is printed in both Latin and English.  My hope was to use these as a Latin supplement. Pray and learn--a ponderous plan. I just need to improve my Latin before then!  This little book is a true treasure, suitable for any Catholic, for any occasion.

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So once I decided that I HAD to purchase another copy of Song to Mary , I decided to create a little book bundle to giveaway. The Pauline sisters publish so many lovely books, and we've already discussed my book problem!  I encourage you to visit their stores or website to see the great array of books. I chose a stack perfect for summer reading for any child. For independent reading, I would put these at a 3rd grade level.

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Here are the additional books that I am giving away:

Now You're Cooking, a book of entertaining short stories paired with delicious, easy to prepare recipes!

Family Ties, thirteen short, easy to read stories about what it means to be a family.

Saints of Note, in comic book style, this is a very colorful and engaging book. It explores the lives of fourteen saints through the eyes of time travelling kids, it also includes pages of interesting facts and amazing stories for each saint.

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These books are all "quick reads."  If you are looking for something with more meat, check out  Encounter the Saints series!  We also really enjoy 57 Saints, it is by far our favorite collection of saint stories.

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Before we get to the giveaway, since we are celebrating religious vocations both in the Church this year, and in this post, please visit and consider donating to Peter's priesthood discernment fund!

Also, don't forget to enter the 18" doll gown giveaway that ends on May 16th!

Lastly, I am still trying to get in touch with Becky D. who was the winner of the toddler art pack.  If you are Becky or know her, please contact me. Thanks.

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Here is the giveaway, four books and a handmade bookmark.

Please visit Pauline books and tell me which book you would like to read by commenting below.One winner will be chosen and announced on May 23rd.

7QT Giveaway week #1

Around Christmas time, on Facebook, there was a "pay it forward" challenge circulating. My sister posted an invitation to join the challenge and she would randomly bless you with a gift some time during the year. I signed onto hers and then posted the same challenge on my page...however, out of the ten people who should have volunteered to join on, only two signed up!  So, for the next eight Friday's, I will be sponsoring giveaways of some of my favorite things and highlighting some of my favorite businesses. This are simple giveaways to bless one of my readers, no strings attached and I receive nothing in return other than the pleasure of making one of you happy!  So, this is week one.

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I really, really, really like books.  So, my children have hundreds and I have read hundreds more from the local library.  I have a few tried and true favorites. Today I am going to share with you my new favorite series.

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Some of our collection

It's important to surround our children with beauty and goodness. In the board book department, I have found books that meet this criteria few and far between.  Then I discovered the Mini Masters series of books.  I purchased a stack for Little Man for Christmas, an extra couple just because, and then another for Easter. We now have most of the set, but I think that new ones have been released recently.

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When Cowgirl was a baby, Baby Einstein was all the rage.  Everyone wanted everything Baby Einstein. While I liked some of the products--particularly the Cds--most of it seemed to be missing something. I appreciated the inclusion of fine art, but there always seemed to be a disconnect between the pictures and the prose--or the lack of prose.  One of my favorite features of Mini Masters is how a dear little story is woven into the pictures of paintings. The pictures are tied together so well.

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I also enjoy that each book contains a wide array of examples of each artist's work. For instance, Monet' s book of course has the painting of the famous bridge and water lillies, but also includes his painting of turkeys. I never knew he painted turkeys!

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The books are well constructed and able to withstand whatever a busy toddler can throw at them, such as throwing them!  The pages are high gloss and easy to clean. All the features that a mom appreciates.

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Lastly, I must say that they are not just for young toddlers. I have used several in my preschool art class where the average age is 4.5 years. The children really enjoyed the stories and studying the various works of art. I feel that it made the art more accessible to them.

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Here's the giveaway! One of my blessed reader will win a box set of Mini Masters books, toddler crayons, and toddler markers.

Comment below for one entry
Share with friends for an additional entry (tell me where in the comments)
Sign up for updates from Veils and Vocations for a bonus 3 entries!

Contest closes April 24, 2015.

Linking up with Kelly, please keep her family in your prayers!

The Little Oratory: A Book Review

I have been working down my summer reading list and enjoying the books so much.  They have really spoken to me and convicted my heart for a strong return to God in our home.  It's not that we have walked away from God, but in the busyness, He has gotten crowded out.  I am truly seeking to bring peace and prayer into the center of our home in the coming year.

I was so excited when waiting for the book, I entered every giveaway there was.  Thankfully, I was blessed to win a copy.  I didn't know what to expect exactly, but I knew it was what I had been seeking.  I had hopes of bringing more faith and prayer into our domestic church but didn't know how.  This book delivered, and I highly recommend it.

The chapters are easy to read, well laid out, and include lovely illustrtions thoughout.  Before each chapter is a line drawing that can be copied so that children (or adults) can color it in and create their own sacred art.  The book is even specially binded to allow easier copying--they really thought of everything.-

I especially enjoyed all the references to the Catechism, explanations of the different devotions and the understanding that not everything can be implemented by everyone.  Years ago, I like many homeschool moms, read A Mother's Rule of Life.  It was inspiring but overwhelming.  I crafted the schedule and "rule" according to her model, but within two weeks just could not maintain it.  I admire the author that she is able to spend so much time in prayer and keep such a rigid schedule with so many children and still homeschool, but I have yet to meet another mom who has read it and not walked away having failed to acheive the book's loafty goals.

The Little Oratory is different, even in the deep and rich presentation of numerous devotions, it is acknowledged that not every family will be able to do every one.  The suggestion to start small and work from there was very comforting.  In all truth, how many of us could completely overhaul our daily schedule and not get rebellion from the children or burnt out in the process?  There are just only so many changes that can be absorbed while still running an active home.

This book is wonderful for families, but also is geared for everyone.  There are sections devoted to those who are single.  At the heart of the book, is the theme that all homes should be houses of prayer.  The "Domestic Church" is a church but not a monastery.  We should strive to create a Godly atmosphere and work to draw all inhabitants to Heaven, but can obviously not keep the type of schedule of prayer that a cloistered nun would. 

A lovely addition to the book is the collection of original icon art work at the back that can be removed, framed, and added to our oratory or used as additional sacred art in the home.  They are stunning, I am really looking forward to framing mine.  I have reallized that my "oratory" will only be able to house one or two of the icon prints because of my limited space, so I am having a hard time deciding which ones.  Which really is a testament to the quality and beauty of the icons, it is nearly impossible to choose just one.

The only part of the book that I felt a little disappointed with was the chapter on the Liturgy of the Hours.  I have been trying to figure out this liturgy for awhile now. I purchased a copy of Shorter Christian Prayer and hoped that between that and The Little Oratory, I would know what I was doing, but I still don't.  I think that I will need to consult with my priest because I still have many questions.  I know that there are wonderful programs online that broadcast the prayers, and I have used them in the past, I just wanted to be able to do it for myself.

I have more book reviews coming, and am still working on getting up some of the Josefina posts (thanks for being patient) but, I have to say this was my favorite book that I have read this summer.  If you only have time to read one book this summer, make it The Little Oratory.

**This is an unsolicited review.  I, in no way, received any compensation for reviewing the book.  Thanks.

7 Quick Takes: On My Summer Reading List

Here is the list of books I am reading/have read this summer.  There seems to be a recurring theme in all of them of peace and prayer--I think God is trying to tell me something.

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This is actually a re-read.  I read it over the winter but am refreshing myself with this book as I gear up to plan next year's school day.

2

 

 This one I have only read the first few chapters but can't wait to pick up, again!

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You can read my review of this book here.

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A very quick read, but valuable look at how to organize your day and use the time you have effectively for what is most important to you.  As a bonus, you can find free tools to apply what you have learned here.

5

 

I started this in the spring but haven't had a chance to pick it up again. Hoping to get there once I finish The Little Oratory.

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This one I have not purchased yet, but I am looking forward to once I have finished reading the above five books.  I think this is just what I need to kick the school year off. 

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These are newly purchased but seemed to round out the set.

So what are you reading this summer?

Teaching from Rest--A Review

I highly respect Charlotte's, at Waltzing Matilda, opinion and homeschooling advice.  She is a veteran homeschooling mom and from what I can see at her blog, a very, very good one at that.  So I was happy to see her review of Teaching from Rest and believe there is a lot of good truth in what she has to say. However, I think that I personally have to come down somewhere in the middle on this book and her philosophy of teaching.

 

As Charlotte points out, you need structure, and checks and balances.  We are raising children that will one day be out in the world as adults.  They need to be able to keep up with a rigorous schedule, develop perseverance and diligence.  It is important for them to have goals and a definitive time frame to achieve them.  While homeschooling is not just about achieving more, there should be minimum standards that we dedicate ourselves to achieving.  We also want to give our children the best education possible and open doors to them according to their strengths.

However, I think we have to remember why we are homeschooling and be pulled back every so often to the heart of our vocations.  No matter where on the continuum, from school at home to unschooling, that you fall, I think we all agree that the public school model of educating is not our ideal.  If we were undying supporters of the public school system, why would we be homeschooling, right?  My experience as a former public school teacher taught me that the system looks more for quantitative measures than qualitative achievements, more for lengthy checklists than internal mastery and inspiration, and more for great breath of subjects covered without much depth.  Likewise, as I stated above, homeschooling is a vocation.  That means it requires a good deal of dedication, sacrifice, and seeking of grace to be accomplished.  We must not lose sight of the fact that we are called to educate our children by God, for God.

I understand the need to have a plan and stick to it, to layout a schedule, curriculum, lesson plan, and assessment strategy.  I do not believe that all children, if left to their own devices, will come to the realization that they must achieve a certain level of mathematical, reading, writing, and researching skills.  I have a child that would most likely never learn any of that, because it just isn't a priority and quite honestly sitting still to learn any of it is a dreaded skill that we continue to work on.  While I admire the free-spirit, artistic daydreams, and butterfly chasing, it is hardly a resume building life.  That is why I believe that I come down somewhere between Charlotte's call for structure and Sarah desire for peaceful flexibility.

There is much to be gleaned from this book and no matter what your homeschooling style, it is good to be reminded of the importance of placing priority on educating the heart and soul.  Perhaps it is because I have only been homeschooling for five years or because I still have a toddler underfoot, that this book touched me in a way that I truly needed.  Our children are with us for such a short time and then they move on to live their lives.  In the end what will matter most?  I believe what will have the biggest impact on their life and the world is grounding them in the faith and teaching them how to live well as children of God.  St Francis said, "Preach the Gospel always and when necessary use words."  I think that being in a state of peace and rest no matter what is falling down around us and always placing the pursuit of God as our first task, is the best preaching mothers can do.  As homeschoolers, we usually spend 24 hours a day with our children, but how much time do we spend really with them, present to them in the moment, as opposed to just in the same home?

The release of this book and The Little Oratory so close to each other leads me to believe that we are truly being called to build a life, family, and house of prayer in our own little corner of the world.  Prayer changes everything, think of what the world would be like if every home were a house of prayer!  So while I am not ready to abandon my discipline of finishing all our assigned work in the assigned time, I realize that some flexibility is in order and is truly a gift of the homeschooling life style.  I am going to strive to rest in Him who is all and above all as I seek to accomplish my mission--to lead my little ones to Heaven.

**I received no compensation for this review.  I purchased the book independently and simply wished to share my views.