Little Passports teaches Sochi Spirit with 2014 Winter Olympics Symbols and Mascots!

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links which will take you to another site.



Little Passports enables you to teach your child about the hundreds of different
cultures around our world and around the USA. Each month, a package addressed to
your kids (which they LOVE) arrives full of little goodies like stickers for
their own passport, activity sheets that teach them about major landmarks around
the world and gets their brain going with fun word scrambles. Little Passports even shares fun recipes that you can cook up with your kids to
turn them into little chefs who know all about foods from different cultures.
Subscriptions start at just $10.95/month which is another bonus! This is also
the perfect resource

for anyone who homeschools out there. Let me know what you
think after you get set up with your own Little Passports subscription.



I have reviewed Little Passports in the past and currently am working on another review.  Little Passports makes a wonderful learning craft each month but is also so much fun to read and do.  My kids and I love when Little Passports arrives in the mail, as it gives us fun time together learning more about our world through the adventures of Sam and Sophia!


Little Passports Also Teaches The Symbols of the Sochi Spirit in the 2014 Winter
Olympics!



The Winter Olympic Games take place in Sochi, Russia this year! Host Countries and Cities love incorporating distinctive cultural details throughout each Olympics to share their history and spirit with the world. What are some features that make the 2014 Winter Olympics’ symbols unique?


Join Sam and Sofia as they learn about three of the Sochi Games’
distinctive symbols—the torch, medals, and mascots!

The Olympic
Torch
The countdown to the Games kicks-off with the Olympic torch relay,
which delivers the Olympic flame from Olympia, Greece to the Host City through a
series of runners. For the Sochi Games, each runner carries an eye-catching, red
and silver torch.


The torch’s
curved shape is inspired by the feather of the golden Firebird, a mythical
creature celebrated in Russian fairytales and folklore. According to one legend,
the Firebird’s feathers “light the way” and bring good fortune and happiness.
You might notice patterns inspired by the Firebird and its feathers throughout
the Sochi Games. For example, look for them on Team Russia’s uniforms!




The
Olympic Medals
The top three finishers in every event will receive one of
the 2014 Winter Olympic medals. They are metal and feature an etched glass-like
insert with jagged edges resembling mountain peaks and the seashore. This design
highlights Sochi’s unique position between the cold snow-capped Caucasus
Mountains and the warm sandy beaches of the Black Sea.

The medals also
feature the Sochi Olympics’ recognizable “Patchwork Quilt” design, a mosaic of
16 traditional patterns that celebrate Russia’s rich traditions and cultural
diversity. Keep an eye out for the colorful quilt design everywhere at the
Games, such as on the torch bearers’ outfits and Olympic souvenirs!


The Olympic Mascots  Sam and Sofia can’t wait to meet the Snow Leopard, the Hare, and the Polar
Bear—the 2014 winter Games’ mascots! The Sochi Olympics invited everyone in
Russia to submit their ideas for the mascots, and to vote for their favorite
from the finalists. Officials selected the top three finishers, representing the
three places on the awards podium, as the official mascots.



These
three native Russian animals represent the country’s spirit and embody the
Olympic values. The Polar Bear is depicted as friendly, intelligent and always
striving for new athletic heights, while the Hare is an excellent student and
loves sports. Tough and strong, the choice of the Snow Leopard, a native of
Sochi’s nearby Caucasus Mountains and a critically endangered species, draws
attention to Russia’s increasing focus on animal conservation. Look for the
three Olympic mascots spreading joy and Olympic spirit throughout the Games!


Sam
and Sofia can’t wait to join their friends in Russia to support athletes
from around the world. They are very excited to keep an eye out for all of these
Olympic symbols as they watch the Winter Games this year!

Disclosure: I am a Little Passports Ambassador and Affiliate.  Any purchase made by clicking links in this post will provide a small compensation that is used to continue bringing family friendly content through Mom Loves 2 Read. 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.”.

Need Curly Hair Help ~ Check out my Review of RevUp for Curly Hair

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

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To be honest, I'm not sure my hair qualifies as "curly" anymore.  When I was younger I had natural wavy curls that helped keep some body in my hair, but also gave my hair a bad attitude on most days.  One side would cooperate with curling iron or straightening, but the other had a mind of its' own and would do whatever it felt like regardless of what I tried.



Now, I still have some attitude issues with my hair but not nearly as much, and most of my natural curl is gone but still some striving to survive.  With RevUp Shampoo, my curls seemed to pop back to life like I haven't seen in a long while - at least without a perm!  I was able to scrunch and curl my hair and KEEP body and curl in my hair nearly all day long - most of the time my hair usually falls flat by afternoon, but not with RevUp!  Now, I can only imagine how much volume and body those with lots of Curly Hair would get from using RevUp!



I went to the website to check the product out more and found something fun!  Curly Hair Solutions has Starter Kits for a variety of Curl Styles - from Loose, to Medium to Tight Curls!  AND, a Valentine's Day bonus buy - $10 off orders of $50 or more!  Check it out . . .

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review using Tomoson.com. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. 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.”.

Steampunk meets Bollywood Novel Book Blast & Amazon or Paypal Prize ~ Third Daughter by Susan Kaye Quinn

Third Daughter by Susan Kaye Quinn

Skyships, saber duels, and lots of royal intrigue… and, of course, kissing.



The Third Daughter of the Queen wants her birthday to arrive so
she’ll be free to marry for love, but rumors of a new flying weapon may
force her to accept a barbarian prince’s proposal for a peace-brokering
marriage. Desperate to marry the charming courtesan she loves, Aniri
agrees to the prince’s proposal as a subterfuge in order to spy on him,
find the weapon, and hopefully avoid

both war and an arranged marriage
to a man she does not love.



Third Daughter is the first book in the The Dharian Affairs Trilogy
(Third Daughter, Second Daughter, First Daughter). This
steampunk-goes-to-Bollywood (Bollypunk!) romance that takes place in an
east-Indian-flavored alternate world filled with skyships, saber duels,
and lots of royal intrigue. And, of course, kissing.



From the author of the bestselling Mindjack Trilogy, The Dharian
Affairs is a new series filled with equal doses of action-adventure and
romance, meant to appeal to fans of Mindjack.



NOMINATED for the Illinois Librarian’s “Soon to be Famous Author Project”  wherein librarians hope to discover local authors whose “work will jump off the page for readers.”

“Third Daughter is vividly breathtaking. Quinn delivers royal
intrigue, exotic locations, and sweeping romance. Not to be missed!” –
Pavarti K. Tyler, author of Shadow on the Wall



“Susan Kaye Quinn writes characters that leap off the page…
Incredibly well written, the vivid setting was crisp in my mind… As the
plot raced on, I was cursing real life for not letting me just sit glued
to my kindle, punching the touch screen to get to the next page.” –
Tiffany on Goodreads

 Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * Book Depository

Excerpt

A lone two-wheeled surrey ambled out of the shadows of the Samirian
embassy and headed toward her dark corner of the Queen’s estate. Aniri
held her breath and silently cursed the full two-moon night. If the
carriage came much closer, the occupants would surely see her clinging
to the side of the palace like a spider on her thread.

The six-hooved beast pulling the surrey slowed as it neared the giant
stone statue of Devkasera. The mother goddess of ancient Dharia loomed
larger-than-life, threatening the carriage with a sword and a scroll—the
powers of destruction and creation—clasped in two of her six hands. The
Queen loved the ancient traditions, so the goddess held a place of
respect in the middle of the palace lawns. Aniri preferred the clean
streets and steam-driven inventions of modern Dharia to the unwashed
feet and mystic religion of her country’s past, but that didn’t stop her
from sending a silent prayer to Devkasera—for invisibility for herself
or perhaps a sudden loss of sight by the persons in the carriage.

 

Tour Schedule

Author Susan Kaye Quinn

Susan Kaye Quinn is the author of the bestselling Mindjack Trilogy,
which is young adult science fiction. The Dharian Affairs trilogy is her
excuse to dress up in corsets and fight with swords. She also has a
dark-and-gritty SF serial called The Debt Collector and a middle grade
fantasy called Faery Swap. It’s possible she’s easily distracted.
She always has more speculative fiction fun in the works. You can find
out what she’s up to by subscribing to her newsletter (hint: new subscribers get a free short story!) or by stopping by her blog (www.susankayequinn.com).

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Goodreads

BookBlast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 3/14/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an
Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified
prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or
older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be
chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will
have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway
is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any
other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries
received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy
from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Missy Mila Twisted Tales ~ Children's DVD Review on Mom Loves 2 Read

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

 

Mila is an 8-year-old quirky, energetic tomboy who loves to tell you
traditional story-tales but with her own twist. Kids will be inspired to
use their imagination and to become storytellers themselves. Audience
participation is triggered by Mila's direct-to-camera asides all along
the episode; her questions and games bring kids right into the story.
Join Mila, laugh at the zany dialogs and fresh art in this

innovative
series which explores the world of classic tales.



        Traditional tales are timeless stories that everyone loves to
delve back into, generation after generation. Far from old-fashioned
clichés, the series “Missy Mila: Twisted Tales” revamps this cultural
heritage through the imagination and spontaneity of a present-day little
girl. Mila’s stories are peppered with spicy anachronisms and offbeat
re-interpretations. So, don’t act surprised if you see a prince applying
hair gel before setting out to rescue a princess, unless the latter is a
kung-fu champion, that is! As for the dreadful Minotaur, Mila prefers
to picture him as the Toupouloupou, a sweetie pie with a sweet tooth.
And why do the wolves always have to be depicted as the bad guys? And,
in her very personal adaptation of the Three Little Pigs, Mila swaps the
awfully shy big bad wolf for an affable bull that… rocks!



My Review:

My 5 year old daughter loves this DVD.  She laughs with Mila through many of her unique retelling of classic stories.  Personally, as a Mom I found Mila to be quite annoying and could not watch or listen very long.  But my daughter thinks she is cute and funny.  Different opinions from different perspectives.  I'm not overly thrilled with some of the stories that are told - I don't usually let my kids watch stories with witches, ghosts, bloody-nosed pirates and mean characters; so I'm not a big fan of this video, yet my daughter pleads with me to let her watch it over and over.  Those who do not mind those sort of things will enjoy knowing that young children love the animated Characters in these made-up stories and will sit entranced as they listen and watch Mila tell her tales.  The stories are not bad really, but personally I found Mila's voice and many of the characters' as well to be high pitched and annoying - but then, I know many parents who used to let their kiddos watch a big annoying purple dinosaur on tv too - lol.  I leave it up to you to decide whether this DVD is best for your family.





Missy Mila comes in 2 volumes - each at only $19.95 per DVD.



Missy Mila Volume 1 includes the episodes: The
Hidden Princess, The Toupouloupou, Baba Yaga the Witch, Djoha’s Last
Lie, Piboule and the Bear, Strabiwolf the Telltale, the Donkey and the
King, The Houses of the Pig Brothers, Elvis, Captain Bloody-Nose the
Pirate, The Leprechaun’s Treasure, Aurel the Mocker, Pancho Pimento’s
Riddle.  



Volume 2 includes Toadette the Frog,
Prince Gabo, Miss Lazy, Bigmess the Ogress, The Mermaid’s Secret, The
Ghost Who Couldn’t Scare, Quentin and his Dragon, Tounde the Ginormous
Elephant, Rodolphe and Carlo, Chantal and Noemie, Greedy Liza, Tinytiny,
The Two Tinanooks.





Sound like a fun DVD?  Enter below for a Chance to Win one of these Missy Mila DVDs - open to US, 18+

Entry-Form

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review using Tomoson.com. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. 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.”.

Local Updates for Feb 5, 2014 - Closings once again due to this wacky weather

Once again the weather is wreaking havoc on my schedule and that of my friends and local business partners.  School was closed again today due the the ice and snow from last night and below zero wind chills again today.  Living in a town that Rarely closes school, even when all the surrounding towns are closed, is hard on the kids many years when friends are out of school due to snow but they are still in class.

This year is completely opposite for my kiddos.  The extreme cold has closed our schools for 6 days now (I think) since January 6th.  That is more closures than I believe our schools have had since

my son started Kindergarten 7 years ago!



Add to that, that we all have cabin fever (including poor Daisy - our dog).



Now for some local updates - due to weather and school closings . . .

NO CLASSES today for Inspired Arts Academy - February 5th due to extreme
weather conditions…Make ups in May! West Coast swing make- up , to be
determined:)

Make up CLasses, Performance
change- Due to the large amount of classes being cancelled
in January , we as a company have decided to extend our Monday and Tuesday
classes, and into the first and second weeks of May. Further, we NEED to
change the BROADWAY show (involving Broadway acting, dancers, singers) to May
8th, 9th and 10th. We do hope this does not cause any inconveniences,
but we want to be sure you children have adequate time to perfect their lines,
routines and songs. We will steer clear of any Mother’s Day activities as much
as possible. Mark your calendars!!

Don't worry though, DROP this Friday is still on!  This is a great way for the kiddos to run off some energy and have a ton of fun while Mom and Dad go do whatever they want, kidless!

DROP!! TOY STORY, BOUNCE HOUSE!

Toy Story theme this week and a bounce house!!! Come join
Jessica and her team from 6-9pm for a party your child won’t forget! You get a
night out, your child gets a night in!!! ALL children aged 3-12 welcome!!

RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/345675352240019/

Fridays in February- Family playdates!!

We are opening up our studio on Fridays in February from
9:30-11:30 for a small fee for you to allow your child to paint, dress up, sing
a tune on stage, tumble, dance, play with legos, computers and instruments on
cold days of winter. Invite friends and join moms for a fun time with your
children ! (ages 0-5 years)

REgister here on facebook, invite friends!!
https://www.facebook.com/events/625847140807883/

Non for Profit event - GAme Ball Run, CHildren’s
HOspital

Our very own Morton boys team will take off dribbling and
running Thursday, February 6th raising money for the infants and children at the
Children’s Hospital! On Friday, February 7th, my son Drew , along with his HEAT
team members, will play at halftime, then Pekin vs. Morton kicks off! T-shirts
can be ordered to support this meaningful fundraising event (your ticket into
the game) as well as donations! Visit this site for more information- https://choi.osfhealthcarefoundation.org/page.aspx?pid=874

Programs/REgistration-

Summer Arts/Science Camp- 1st-8th grade!

This Summer, we are launching an AMAZING summer arts and
science camp. Your child will be immersed in all things fine art (dance, drama,
music, graphic/visual art), science and history. He or she will cover topics
such as Arts around the World in session 1 and Once Upon a Time Fairytale
adventures in session 2. All campers will have the opportunity to be in our
exclusive summer musical- 101 Dalmations!

Camp 1 runs JUne 9th-July 3rd and Camp 2 runs July 7th-31st
and each includes their own special show! Time is 9am-2pm for camp, but we also
have before /after care available along with the intermittent rehearsals for the
spring musical 101 Dalmations! It’s a summer like never before… To
pre-reserve your spot, email inspiredartsacademy@gmail.com.
We will have it up on our website soon for official registration!!

Prek Summer Workshops!

Summer fun with the IAA way! Breeze through 2 week workshops
with topics such as “BLast off with Science!,” “Run Away with the Circus,”
“Discover America!,” and “Fun with Suess!” Camp starts at 9am and runs to 11:30
and involves all the arts and science discovery your preschooler (aged 3-kndg)
could want!

Again, to pre-reserve your spot, email
inspiredartsacademy@gmail.com.
We will have it up on our website soon for official registration!!

Prek Alternative, Fall 2014-Sign up by Friday for yearly
DISCOUNT! Spots filling fast…

I am soooo excited for our prek launch this coming fall!!!
Superb teachers, a state standard approved curriculum , immersion in the
arts/sciences and a facility that encourages creativity and intellect! Please
read here for more details and sign up BY FRIDAY if you want the discount.
http://inspiredartsacademy.com/prek/
(Note- if you want the 2 day program, please send us a message- launching info
on site soon) Thank you for your commitment to your preschooler- most
influential years in your childs’ life!

West Coast Swing popular, Introducing East Coast
Swing!

West Coast Swing on WEdnesdays was so popular that we are
launching an East Coast Swing!!

East Coast Swing (ECS)
is a form of socialpartner
dance. It belongs to the group of swing
dances. It is danced under fast swing
music, including rock
and roll and boogie-woogie.

THis starts February 17th, Monday at 730 and runs for 4 weeks.
Please email inspiredartsacademy@gmail.com
for pregistration! WEbsite info coming soon!!

An ARts' scholarship opportunity...

My dear friend has donated 2 classes to a NEW friend to IAA. If
you know of any person that may not be able to afford classes and wants to join,
please email me by Friday, Feb. 7th at inspiredartsacademy@gmail.com.
Please tell me why you feel this person is deserving of an arts’ scholarship.
We will determine the recipient over weekend and will notify you via email! Be
blessed!!!

Upcoming Events- 



Ongoing -- PreK Alternative registration for Fall
2014

Feb 6 -- Morton Hoops Gameball Run

Feb 7 -- DROP - Toy Story, Fridays in February
playdate and Last day to register for discounted PreK fall, wave
1

Feb 14 -- DROP - Valentine's Party and Fridays in
February playdate!

Feb 21 -- DROP - President's Day and Fridays in
February playdate!

Feb 28th -DROP- SOCHI OLympics and Fridays in
February playdate!

Feb 28 -- DROP - Sochi Style, last Friday in
February playdate and registration for discounted PreK fall wave
2

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. 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.”.

Gabriel's Bride by Amy Lillard ~ #CFBA book review

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Gabriel's Bride


B&H Books (February 1, 2014) by Amy Lillard




ABOUT THE BOOK

Rachel
Yoder has two choices: marry Gabriel Fisher or move to Ohio. As an
orphan, Rachel doesn’t have much to offer; any match she can make will
be a good one. She just didn’t plan on Gabriel with his big hands and
permanent frown.
As a widower Gabriel needs help caring for the farm and his six
children. But he never thought he’d marry a slip of a girl who barely
reaches his chin.
Yet as time passes,

Gabriel finds himself thinking about a real
marriage. They have spoken vows to God and each other, but can he risk
his heart with Rachel?





If you would like to read the first chapter of Gabriel's Bride, go HERE.





My Review:

I don't usually read much Amish Fiction but this one seemed to "call" to me - lol.  As I began reading it (and am still reading) it has captured my imagination and my heart.  Rachel has just lost the last family member, her Aunt, and is now considered an orphan.  She has lost her home and has only two choices before her . . . leave all she knows and go live with distant relatives somewhere far away from her "home" or marry Gabriel, a father of six children.

She is not ready to be married, and Gabriel has just lost his wife and would prefer not to marry again.  But God has something special in mind for this pair, if only they will turn from their stubborn ways and listen to his soft leading.  You'll have to read this book for yourself to find out what happens to Rachel and Gabriel.  I'm nearly at the end of the book, so I'll have to quit typing and hurry and finish . . . it is hard to put this book down.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I’m a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.




I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I’ve retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I’m from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son–a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!




I love homemade tacos, shoes, and romance novels–not necessarily in that order. I’m a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I’m shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.




I believe that God is love. I guess that’s why I adore romances.




I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I’m a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that’s me June Cleaver with a laptop.




I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twilight series (I’ll get to it or I won’t, either way I’m good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I’m alone on this last one, and again, I’m good with it.)




Favorite movies–(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940′s movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven’t seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn’s and Audrey’s.

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. 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.”.

A is for Abinadi by Heidi Poelman ~ A children's alphabet book for mormon children - book tour

About this book:

A is for apple but also for Abinadi! Teach your children about some of
the greatest heroes in the scriptures with this beautifully illustrated
alphabet book. They will love searching for items that represent each
letter while they get to know heroes like Captain Moroni and Esther.
Along with learning their ABCs, your children will learn to recognize
and love these great Book of Mormon and Bible examples.







Meet the Author:

Heidi Poelman has always
loved learning about

inspiring people. In A is for Abinadi, she found a
way to write about many of her favorites. Heidi received her degrees in
communication from Brigham Young University (BA) and Wake Forest
University (MA). When she’s not writing, cooking, cleaning, or
carpooling, Heidi enjoys reading bedtime stories and going on outdoor
adventures with her family. She lives in Utah with her husband and three
children.

 

My Review:

Although it is a cute book and seems like it would be great for kids, it is written for children from families that follow the mormon teachings.  There are a few references to people in the BIBLE, but most of the characters are not in the Bible but I assume are from the book of mormon instead.

This book would be great for children of those who follow the mormon teachings and read the mormon book but not for those who only read the follow the Bible and teachings of Jesus as there are many characters that are completely unfamiliar to me as a Christian.

The illustrations are well done and colorful and the story reads like a fun children's book of the Alphabet mixed with Characters and stories that mormon children most likely will enjoy.

So if you follow the mormon teachings, this might be a great book for your children, but if not - then make sure to understand that read the description and author's information carefully to see if this book would work for you and your family.

You
can find out more about the book and the author by visiting the official blog
tour page. Blog Tour: A is for Abinadi

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. 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.”.

Invisible Witness by Lisa Kroulik ~ A terifying look at life as a child in a home of Domestic Violence.

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Adults who witnessed violence between their parents when they were
children often carry emotional scars that last a lifetime. The trauma to
their developing brains can be so great that some psychologists have
compared it to what soldiers experience in war. Like soldiers, children
from violent homes are hyper-alert and expect to see danger at every
turn. Since they don't possess the skills to process what they have
witnessed, these children

often suppress the memories well into
adulthood. It often takes employment and relationship problems, a mental
health diagnosis, addictions, and other serious life issues for them to
make the connection between the events of their painful upbringing to
what they are experiencing in the present.




As a society, we tend to minimize the effects of domestic violence,
especially for those who witnessed it without experiencing direct abuse.
Children are especially vulnerable because they are completely
dependent on their parents for survival. They don't want to do anything
that might upset them even more. Although their behavior might say
otherwise, these kids often insist that they are fine.




In this autobiographical book, author Lisa Kroulik takes readers
back to her early childhood when she witnessed her father abuse her
mother and some of her siblings on several different occasions. Ms.
Kroulik discusses the abuse only to set the backdrop for the rest of her
story. She then goes on to talk about the multiple devastating effects
that witnessing abuse had on her as she became an adult. As she
discusses each issue, the author traces it back to its origin in order
to understand and release it.








My Review:

This book is not a novel, a short sweet read that has a happy ending, but the life experiences of a woman who survived growing up in a household of abuse.  While it is a difficult book to read, it is one that can open the eyes of many who do not realize the extent to which abuse, whether personally experienced, or watched through the eyes of a child as it is happening to others; can significantly impact that person in ways that often are not seen until well into adulthood.



This was a very difficult book for me to read and still haunts my dreams even now, days after I finished reading it.  I wasn't sure what to write in my "review" as I felt such a personal response to the "child" in the story.  It is well worth reading, but not for the faint of heart, or young readers, or anyone who is not willing to take the subject of abuse seriously.  Please read with an open mind, and a prayer in your heart.



*During my review time, the ebook was redone and reposted under a new title and new cover, but the story remains the same.



Invisible Witness can be found on Amazon for only $1.99

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review using Tomoson.com. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. 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.”.

SleepyPod Pet Bed Carrier Giveaway on Mom Loves 2 Read

Welcome to the SleepyPod Pet Bed/Carrier Giveaway!

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Co-Hosted by: Rude Mom Blog

The adorable pet in our home is too big for these super cute pet carriers, but I can imagine how great they would be for those with smaller animals.  A cute and safer way to transport your

little furry friend from place to place in comfort and style.  Check out this great Giveaway for a SleepyPod!

Prize:

One lucky reader will win a Sleepypod of their choice. 

The Sleepypod is a pet carrier, bed, and carseat in one!

The original Sleepypod is available in 6 different colors at $180usd and holds up to 15 pounds.

The Atom is available in 5 different colors at $100 and holds up to 12 pounds.

The Air is safe for airplane travel, too! It comes in 5 different colors at $160 and holds up to 17.5 pounds.

Giveaway Details:

This giveaway is open worldwide to persons age 18 and older. Winner will be responsible for all taxes and duties charged at time of package retreival, giveaway covers cost of Sleepypod and basic shipping ONLY!

Please enter using the Giveaway Tools form below.

Good Luck!

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: Mom Loves 2 Read is not responsible for prize delivery, for lost shipment, or missing packages/items. Giveaway is open to all persons worldwide age 18 or older. Taxes and duties are sole responsibility of the giveaway winner.

Kirk Cameron inspires viewers with the hope-filled journey in Unstoppable - DVD Review & Giveaway

Release Date: January 28, 2014

Run Time: 65 minutes

Dove Approved ages 12+

Suggested Retail Price: $14.99

Inspired by the death of Cameron’s close friend who
succumbed to cancer at the age of 15, Kirk Cameron takes viewers on an inspiring
and hope-filled visual journey to better understand the biggest doubt-raising
question in faith: “Where is God in the midst of tragedy and
suffering?”

Going back to the beginning—literally—Kirk investigates the
origins of good and evil and how they impact our lives … and our eternities.
UNSTOPPABLE will prompt audiences to consider the role that
pain and suffering has in our lives, as they affirm their

personal views on
faith, and encourage conversation starters about God, suffering, and hope. 

In theaters
for only two weeknights (Sept 24th and Oct 3th, 2013), UNSTOPPABLE: A Live
Event with Kirk Cameron sold a staggering 260,000 tickets
and reached a theatrical gross of over $3.2 million dollars. In just two nights
this independent project sent a loud message – audiences want thought-provoking
and meaningful entertainment. 

Kirk Cameron is best known for his memorable role as
“Mike Seaver,” a cultural icon of the 80's, with his mullet hairstyle, cool
glasses, and wisecracking comebacks. More recently he enjoyed much success with
the No. 1 grossing inspirational film of 2008, Fireproof, and his recent
documentary, Monumental. Kirk and his wife, Chelsea, were on-screen
sweethearts during their Growing Pains years and are the founders of Camp
Firefly, where terminally and seriously ill children and their families are
provided an all-expense paid retreat (www.CampFirefly.com). Together, Kirk and Chelsea live in California with
their six children.

My Review:

This is not a "movie" for the family, rather a study of Faith and how Difficulties, Pain and Suffering can lead to a deeper and more steadfast Faith in God.  Kirk Cameron tells personal stories of how he viewed the suffering and death of a close friend through the eyes of Faith, and how it had brought him to a closer relationship with God.  "Unstoppable" is a DVD worth watching with an open mind and heart.



About Provident Films:

Provident Films, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, produces, markets, and distributes faith-based films.
The company is part of Nashville-based
Provident Music Group, which has been one
of the world’s leading Christian entertainment companies for more than three
decades. Films from the company have included Courageous, October Baby,
Fireproof, and Facing the Giants. More info is available at ProvidentFilms.org.

Visit the official website: http://unstoppablethemovie.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unstoppablethemovie

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/UnstoppableDVD



*Enter below for a chance to WIN a FREE copy of the DVD.  Open to US & Canada only (unless prohibited by law) ages 18 and older.Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Entry-Form

Disclosure: Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the
giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by
monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for
this review and post.  Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. 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.”.