We Choose Virtues (TOS Review)

Attentive

Content

Diligent

Forgiving

Gentle

Helpful

Honest

Kind

Obedient

Patient

Perseverant

Self-Controlled

I just described your children, right?  What??? You mean your kids don't have all of those lovely character traits in the bag?  Shew... thank goodness!  I'm not the only one with little ones for which some of these are struggles.  Really... who am I kidding?  For me, several on the list are challenges. 

We Choose Virtues understands that we are human.  We have flaws, struggles, and are tempted daily.  Absolutely, character education is a life long process, but there is no reason that we shouldn't begin to teach our children when they are young.  We Choose Virtues has a myriad of helpful, high quality, child-friendly tools and is dedicated to "Simply Inspiring Character that Lasts."

I was able to review the We Choose Virtue Clue Cards with my little ones.  Currently on sale for $5.99, the velcro closure pouch contains 13 durable cards that can be taken here, there, and everywhere.  The colors are vibrant, the Virtue Kids characters are darling, and their names, catchphrases, and antonyms are all included.  That seems like quite a bit for one little 2 x 3.5 inch card to hold, but that isn't all.  Flip over the card and find the "You Can Do It" Challenge.  It is designed to give kids exact words to say when faced with temptations.  It was a joy to this Momma to hear my little ones quote these cards even in their play time. 

 

While the cards were handy and great teaching tools, my "artsy" children really enjoyed the accompanying downloadable PDF color book.  I printed copies of each of the characters as we studies the card.  The kids were able to color the picture, hang it up, and use it as a reference throughout the week.  Because it is a PDF, I can print these pages again and again as we find the need for a refresher in a particular virtue.  Character education is continuous, and this is a tool always at my fingertips.

Another product, Mom's will find of interest is the Teacher's Handbook.  Whether utilizing the We Choose Virtues products in your homeschool, home day care, church, private, or public school, this full color, 48 page handbook outlines the simple steps and inspiring tools that are needed to teach the this character education system.
 

 

 

I am impressed not only with the We Choose Virtues products we had to review, but the basis and premise of the whole company.  I definitely stand by the initiative of character education... especially when we are modeling our lives after Jesus Christ.  I do hope to instill all of these virtues in my children.

Be sure and spend some time on the We Choose Virtues website to learn about all of the fantastic products available.  The January/February Deal: You get the 100 Days of Virtue Chart  FREE in your Homeschool Kit purchase!  In addition, what great homeschooling Momma doesn't love a sale? A clearance sale at that!  Definitely be sure to note these super deals only while supplies last!

• 2011 Kids Virtue Poster $9.75 (35% savings)
• 2011 100 Days of Virtue Chart and Butterfly Stickers $11.99 (20% savings)  
• 2011 3 Rules Poster $7.75 (35% savings)

Check out the TOS Blog and read others experiences with We Choose Virtues.

Disclaimer:  I was provided complimentary product in exchange for my honest review.

Look Who's 7!!!

SEVEN

Really?  How did he get to be 7 already?

Happy Birthday, Jeremiah!!!!

Due to events the day prior, Jon's mom offered for us to relocate the party to her house.  While we were doing well, this allowed us to rest and process on Friday rather than frantically clean our house.  Much appreciated!  So, we gathered all of our party supplies, picked up some pizza on the way, and headed to Lexington to par-tay!

As always, the kiddos enjoyed being at Grandma & Grandpa's house and having cousins there to play is always a bonus.  However, the birthday boy couldn't be deterred.  After eating, he was READY for presents.  He was thrilled to get jeans, CARS 2 toys, Power Rangers, and Transformers.  All of a 7 year old boy's dreams come true.

Grandfather"s Journey - FIAR Co-op

With our favorite book buddy families, we "rowed" Grandfather's Journey by Allen Say.  I love that this book shares a character having very strong ties and great love for two different countries.  It allows for the real feelings and longings to be in both places at the same time.  I understand this duplicity as do two of my kiddos.  I love that this book affirms that as a natural feeling.

In our FIAR co-op, the kids got to learn more about the geography and landmarks of Japan.  They even tried their hands at some origami.  It proved to be a little tough, so Mommy had to step in.  I must admit that I struggled a bit myself. 

Enjoying a snack with their pals!

The kids favorite part of class was our special guest.  Ms. GiGi came to share with us about the birds she raises, and she brought Rosie to visit.  Caleb especially loved this - he was full of questions!  He studied the packet of information that she gave out and gave Daddy a briefing on polly birds when he got home from work. 

My Kind of Crayons

Long before I knew that I would be the mother of two African children, probably before I was truly aware of the racism in our world, before demolishing stereotypes and prejudices were social justice issues on my radar, I heard the song Carefully Taught.  I'm a huge fan of musicals, and this song happens to be from one entitled South Pacific.  The words and melody struck an immediate cord within, and I often quote the song in conversation, when I'm sharing "our story," or in presenting Transracial Family seminars. 

I love watching small children play.  I won't say that they are color blind, nor would I want them to be.  However, young ones have not yet learned the world's harsh stereotypes attributed to and opinions held thereof in regards to people of various shades of skin.  Therefore, they are eager and open to embracing all playmates.  It's a beautiful thing... a glimpse of heaven, I believe.  As the song says, it seems at 6, 7, or 8 - children do begin to receive an education.  Unfortunately, an oftentimes skewed, incorrect, outrageous series of lessons.  I pray that we will all be mindful and carefully teach God's love for all His children to the precious little ones in our circles of influence.  

Carefully Taught

You've got to be taught
To hate and fear,
You've got to be taught
From year to year,
It's got to be drummed
In your dear little ear
You've got to be carefully taught.

You've got to be taught to be afraid
Of people whose eyes are oddly made,
And people whose skin is a diff'rent shade,
You've got to be carefully taught.

You've got to be taught before it's too late,
Before you are six or seven or eight,
To hate all the people your relatives hate,
You've got to be carefully taught!

Multitude on Mondays

As you may recall, in November, I read Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts.  I decided that I'd join in and keep a gratitude journal or log of what I'm thankful for.  Of course, in my blogging hiatus, I failed to do this.  I am picking up where I left off in November, so that explains why I started with #31. 

31. warm PJ's straight from the dryer

32. snuggling under fuzzy, soft blankets

33. the prayers of my best friend
34. finding comfort for my fear from God's Word
35. two new families set to join our Life Group this month
36. the thrill of snow... even the small dusting we got
37. serving on the AWAA KY Board of Directors
38. our new AWAA KY - Children's Fund
39. visiting with our TN family

40. laughter
41. my flat iron
42. flavored water
43. Kindle freebies
44. Having a Children's Ministry volunteer take the time to seek me out to compliment my son (insert proud Momma smile!)

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - 1st in 2012

In my life this week...
I feel like things are somewhat back to normal even though for us Christmas just concluded.  For the past several years, Jon's Mamaw, Uncle Darwin, and Aunt Linda have brought TN orange to the land of KY blue on MLK weekend to celebrate Christmas.  (Thankfully, once again, the CATS were victorious over the VOLS.)  Not only did we enjoy visiting with them, but the kiddos got to play with their cousins as well.  We enjoyed stories, laughs, and yummy food.  The boys came home with Legos, Ben 10 aliens, and CARS 2 cars.  Rachel was thrilled with her Belle & Beast Barbies and Disney princess paper dolls.

In our homeschool this week...
I'm so pleased with all that the kids accomplished!  After two weeks break, we had a horrible time getting back in the swing of things after Christmas.  However, I finally think we've rediscovered our stride.  We actually stuck to our schedule and easily accomplished all that I had planned for us to do. Other than our usual daily activities, we had our Galloping-the-Globe co-op on Friday.  The kids enjoyed their study of Great Britain and had some interesting responses to the question asked, "What would be the best and worst thing about being queen/king?"

Also big news on the homeschooling front, Jeremiah finished the Kindergarten Math Curriculum and will officially start 1st Grade Math on Monday.  Knowing how my ET cutie has struggled with this, I'm equally excited for him.  He has really started to catch on, and I foresee him moving quickly.

I am inspired by...
A friend who is faced so many obstacles and challenges yet continues to hold tightly to her faith and live her life as an example to others.  Even amidst her own struggles, she is thinking of and praying for others!  She's the best!

Places we are going & people we are seeing...
As always, Rachel has speech on Tuesday.  Wednesday will be FIAR co-op in the morning, and our second "Not a Fan" Bible Study class that evening.  Thursday, the kids are super excited to have a "Grandma Day" since Mommy has some appointments to go to.  Then, it's party time!  Friday, Jeremiah turns 7, so we're partying with the Wells that night.  The Spaulding fam will party on Saturday.

My favorite thing this week...
Getting involved in a Wednesday night Bible Study at church was really good for us.  We've been in adjustment period the past few months, but we are truly settling in and becoming involved in our (not so new anymore) church.  We're studying Kyle Idleman's Not a Fan.  The DVD curriculum is unique in the fact that it is teaching and story intertwined.  I'm looking forward to the second installment this Wednesday.

Things I'm working on...
I was very excited Saturday night to open the All About Reading box.  I'm looking forward to starting this new reading curriculum with my boys next week.  It looks great!!!  I'm also pulling from many online resources to pull together alphabet activities for Miss Rachel.
I'm grateful for...
a friend who cares!

I'm praying for...
I've so enjoyed seeing pics from Ethiopia of a sweet Momma & Daddy loving on their little one for the first time. Those moments are so special and treasured always. Now, I'm praying for them as they return home for hopefully only a short while before they are able to travel again to bring lil' man to his forever home.

A video to share...
This is an absolutely beautiful picture of REDEMPTION!  I love, love, love this video and bawl like a baby every time I see it.  I can't believe I haven't already shared it before.  Enjoy!  Another adoption = another God story!
 

John 3:16 & Football

No, I'm not a football fan.  However, from living with my hubby all these years, I've managed to view a few minutes here and there.  One thing I've come to understand, undoubtedly, there is always a shirtless dude with John 3:16 painted on his chest or someone holding up an enormous sign probably completely annoying those who happen to have seats behind him. 

Well, tonight, Focus on the Family did one better.  Rather than holding up a sign for millions to see, they shared a 30 second commercial.  I love, love, love all the beautiful children - all so very precious in HIS sight - sharing God's message to us all.  He sacrificed His one and only son.  Why?  Because He soooo  LOVED each and every one of us.  In fact, LOVED us enough to give us everlasting life.