The 5 Love Languages of Children Review and Giveaway

A few weeks back my husband and I were able to attend a short two hour seminar held by Gary Chapman. Although I was familiar with his book, The 5 Love Languages, I had never read it or heard him speak. As we set out for the seminar I was excited to learn something new that would help our marriage. To keep this review short I will simply say that I was blessed beyond belief. Mr. Chapman really does understand love as so few do. He also bases what he has learned on the Word of God because he knows that without the Lord, there is no real love.

When I was given the opportunity to review two of Gary Chapman's books just a week or two later, the first a picture book for children on the 5 love languages and the one that this review is about I jumped at the opportunity.

 I have not been disappointed.

The 5 Love Langauges of Children has opened my eyes and helped me to understand my own kids. My prayer for so long has been that the Lord would teach me to understand my children. I desire for them to grow into godly ladies and a godly man. One tool that the Lord is using is Mr. Chapman's book.

Just like the original 5 Love Languages, its focus is on getting us to understand the languages of those around us but this books teaches us what the love languages look like coming from a child.

I'll share one example. Our son, the only blue in a house full of pink, loves to touch. Since he was tiny he would touch anything and everything he could. As you can imagine it does tend to (frankly) get on my nerves sometimes. I know what you're thinking, "Don't most kids touch things?" Well sure but some more so than others. In our home our son is the extreme. At stores he will be the one to lean on us when he gets tired. At home it's not uncommon for him to come up and give us hugs or sit on our laps. At supper time he is constanly putting his feet all over me and if you ever have to sit next to him you may as well get ready to have no personal space! That boy will glue himself to you. Yes, the others do some of the same too but he does it all the time!

A few days before I began reading this book my husband looked at our son and said, "You know you're my favorite son!" (Uh, he's the only boy!!)

That boy jumped off of the couch, flung his arms around his daddy and said "Thank you Daddy." Then he gave Hubs a big sloppy kiss on the cheek.

As I read the chapter about the Love Language of Physical Touch I was reminded of that instance. I then realized that my boy loves to touch and be touch (via hugs, pats on the back etc) because it's what makes him feel loved. It was like a light bulb going off. How could I not have seen that before?

I decided then and there that I would do my best to accept his (constant) touching with more love and not irritation. I am beginning to understand my child!!

Our 3 year old loves to help. Yes, many that age do but she LOVES, LOVES, LOVES, LOVES, LOVES to help. She is constanly asking to help around the house or with cooking or cleaning. And yes, it's HARD to always accept that help cause I can do it quicker alone. But as I read the chapter on the Love Language of Quality Time I began to wonder if maybe she feels most loved when we spend that time together. I know she is very young but her desire to help is different than her 3 older siblings.

I'm not trying to box my children up into neat little labled boxes but I think that there is something very important in what Mr. Chapman shares in his books.

I am loving the 5 Love Languages of Children.

I have to give this book 4 stars! It's great! It will open your eyes as a parent and allow you to realize why your children act/react the way they do sometimes. I would strongly suggest any one desiring deeper understanding of a child to add this book to your home library.

Quick Overview:

12 Chapters, 221 pages
In this book you will:

• be introduced to the 5 Love Languages of children
• learn how to figure out your children's love language
• see how love languages affect learning
• learn how to speak the love languages if you are a single-parent family
• and have the opportunity to take a love language mystery game.

And now for the best part! One reader will be blessed with their very own copy of The 5 Love Languages of Children. All you have to do is enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Tell your friends and family members to stop by and enter. Everyone ought to have an opportunity to win this one.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

The 5 Love Languages: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/5LoveLanguages

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/drgarychapman

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”

Lovin' Learnin'

Gary Chapman Book Giveaway Winner!!!

Congrats to our winner...


a Rafflecopter giveaway


...and thank you to all who entered. Winner please contact me with your mailing info.


And remember my next giveaway will be posted on Monday, April 2nd. It's a terrific book! You will want to enter for this one.

Gary Chapman Book Review and Giveaway

I've been spending the last few days perusing a couple of great books by Gary Chapman, you know, of The 5 Love Languages fame. One of them is called a Perfect Pet for Peyton and is geared toward children.

This book takes the 5 Love Languages Mr. Chapman is so popular for and opens it up to young children to discover their own love language.

From The 5 Love Languages website:

"This wonderfully imaginative children’s hardcover book by bestselling authors Gary Chapman and Rick Osborne, featuring four-color illustrations (with hidden details!) by Wilson Williams, Jr., will help children learn the importance of love. Based on Gary’s highly successful The 5 Love Languages®, A Perfect Pet for Peyton tells an entertaining and playful story of five children who each, with the help of Mr. Chapman and the unique pets at his special emporium, discover their own personal love language. Children and parents alike will experience firsthand the power of the love languages as they cuddle up and spend precious time together reading this book over and over again."

The story is about two twins, Penny and Peyton who are celebrating their birthday at "Mr. Chapman's Perfect Pet Emporium." This is a special place - think zoo, amusement park and birthday party all wrapped under one roof - where Mr. Chapman matches up his guests with their perfect pet. A perfect pet who "speaks" that child's love language.

The twins and three of their friends explore the emporium and eventually each are matched up with their perfect pet. Peyton, however wonders if there is one for him and worries that he will have to leave without one.

The story is sweet, the character's personalities distinct, and although the plot is not plauseable it is made believeable only because of the emphasis on the love languages.

A Perfect Pet for Peyton has been enjoyed at our home. I read it through on my own first so that I could be familiar with it before reading it to the children. As we were going through it together the first time I felt that the point of the love languages was a little over their heads. I asked them at the end of the story which Perfect Pet they liked/related to more. They gave me their answers but didn't say much else. I think that the depth of this book will require multiple readings before my brood takes in the full importance of its message.

I believe that the book has been well written and makes it's message very clear, though I believe it is better suited for kids 10 and up only because of the depth of the message.

That being said my 3 year old enjoyed taking in the bright pictures and hearing the book read aloud. All  of my children have looked through the book on their own.

I would recommend this book to any parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle who have young children in their lives. Any who desire that the language of love be opened up to that young someone special.

I am also pleased to open up a giveaway with my readers!

One of you will win your very own copy of this large, hardback book. First two entries are mandatory. I will notify the winner on Friday, March 30. Make sure to leave an email address as the winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email.

Thanks for stopping by!!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Perfect Pet for Peyton: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/resource/a-perfect-pet-for-peyton/

The 5 Love Languages: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/5LoveLanguages

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/drgarychapman

*Free interactive app with in-book experience COMING SOON to the Apple App Store.

I am also currently reviewing Mr. Chapman's book the 5 Love Languages of Children and am totally enjoying it!! I'm learning so much!! I will have a review and giveaway posted as soon as I'm done so stay tuned! You'll want this book!

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”

Lovin' Learnin'

My Memories *Giveaway*

**Got it fixed, hopefully the widget will stay open until tomorrow night now. Keep entering!!

Well, as promised I'm back ready for the giveaway. You will remember that I tried to entice you with my last post on the My Memories Digital Software that I've come to enjoy. Now I know that my creative skills are nothing to call home about but the software has been great.


I won't babble any further though, on to the giveaway...after one last look at my fav. creation. Love it.

Now, without further ado.


The giveaway. 


Okay, okay, one more:

 My designs are really quite simple considering all of the extras that can be added in but I'm trying to take a minimalist approach to life since I am by nature such a clutter bug!!!

And now....


This is gonna be easy cause I hate having to criss cross the internet to enter giveaways. I have entered a few lately that have used Rafflecopter and LOVE the ease so this is my first time trying to host with it. Hope it goes okay.


The first entry is Mandatory. All others are optional but just increase your chances of winning this great software!


Please remember to make sure I have a way of contacting you if you win so that I'm not forced to pick another winner.


Giveaway will end on Friday, March 2nd at Midnight EST. I will do my best to make sure that the winners are contacted Saturday. You will have 48 hours to respond to my email.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Have fun and thanks for stopping by! And while you're waiting for the giveaway to end why not get to know the company a little more:

My Memories website
My Memories on Facebook
My Memories Twitter

Don't forget about the coupon code!!

STMMMS75980


Click on the banner below and enter the above code to save $10 off of the purchase of the software or $10 off a purchase of some of their products!!



Lovin' Learnin'

My Memories Review

Info on a giveaway at end of post!!! Keep reading!

Do you like to scrapbook? There was a time in my life when I did. I bought the album, stickers, papers, letters, brads, glue, scissors, pictures etc, etc, etc. I can remember spending hours getting my 1st daughter's scrapbook put together. When daughter #2 came along there was less time but I still did some scrapbooking. Baby #3 was our first (and only) boy and I did finish a few boy pages cause it was new and fun.


But by the time babies #4  and now #5 got here my extra time had left the building. I no longer have ANY time to get out all of that stuff let alone actually get any pages done. Besides with all of these kiddies running around it would just be a big mess anyway and that brings me to my next point, where to house it all since we have a full house already. No space. No space. 


So, what to do? I truly LOVE to scrapbook cause I LOVE all things pictures and memories. Well how about digital scrapbooking?


I was contacted at the end of January by a company called My Memories. Never heard of them before they contacted me but upon investigation found out they were a real company with a good reputation, #1 in scrapbooking on Amazon. Really! I was given the awesome opportunity to review their digital scrapbooking software for a couple of weeks. I was totally in!


So I've been neglecting housework spending my recent free time creating pages and more. 


But before I go any further let me share with you all a coupon code for receiving a great discount from My Memories!!

STMMMS75980

This code is good for $10 off the purchase price of My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store. A $20 value!! Yeah!

Back to the software, I made my first pages within 30 minutes. So easy folks. Really. Here's how it works:


1. Choose to start with the premade pages which include embelishments or opt to start from scratch and build your own.


2. Click on the camera in the resource gallery located on the left side of the screen to access your pictures directly from the software. No need to upload and wait. Your photo files will all be pulled up and you can browse for the perfect photo.

This is one of the first pages I created using the Diva set. I love it!

3. After you choose your pictures you can select something from the control panel on the right  to spice up your page. Your options include: embellishments, background papers, text, word art, shapes and even music! Check out all of the options:

The possibilities are endless!!

The photo above shows the Embellishments drop down menu and the many choices you have.

Here is one I made to frame and hang up for my son. I.Love.It.

You even have the option of Changing the size of your album to meet your needs. In this one I was creating a Christmas card (just for the fun of it. I know it's early...or late depending on how you look at it.) and only wanted 4 x 6 size. Done. Great!

You can also purchase more materials from their store as downloads. The prices begin at $.99 and can go up to $9.99 (as far as I've noticed). Once you purchase your item it is stored in your downloads page under your account. Once you download it to your computer it is automatically uploaded to your My Memories software and simply awaits for your creativity to call.

This is a picture for Spring that I want to print and frame for my mantle.

They also have a great amount of Free Items as well and offer something Free every Friday on their Facebook page.

The My Memories software has been so easy to use. I didn't use the Intro. video or read any of the tutorials I was able to navigate my way around the program fairly easily. I do plan on going through those just to catch anything that I may have missed. I said that to let you know that ANYONE can work this program. It's so user-friendly!!


Now I've said a lot of good things about the program but I need to keep this an honest review. So, I do have to list a few of my "eh" feelings. Not necessarily negative, just things that made me go "eh."


1. The file size makes for a big download. It is even recommended that you check your hard drive space every so often to make sure that you don't run out of space. Hmmm...


Go here for a full list of computer requirements.


2. When creating your albums you will see a message pop up saying that the shaded grey areas bordering the page may be cut off so you have to make sure that your items stay inside the shaded area so that nothing gets cut off during printing. What? I would think that they could have just made sure that the measurements would be within the printable area? Hmmm...


3. The program seems to run on the slow side. Now this could be an isolated issue since I can get download happy...all those free downloads are too irresistible! Maybe my computer is tired from working so hard to keep up with me?!


Now remember, I haven't watched any videos or read any tutorials so I might be missing out on some very obvious reasons for the above problems but those are just what I've noticed from playing around with the program.


All in all its a great program and I'm so thankful to have gotten the opportunity to review it! Thanks My Memories!!


**I just saw that they have a My Memories Photobook Studio software currently selling for $29.97! That's good to know!!

Now for the good stuff...if you've stuck with me this long, first thank you and second come back by on Monday, Feb. 27 to enter a giveaway to win your very own My Memories Suite download!! You will not be sorry you entered! It's a great program. See you Monday!


Lovin' Learnin'

Theo-A New DVD Series for Children Review & Giveaway!

I was recently asked to review a new DVD series on teaching theology to children and adults. Intrigued I looked up the Theo website and liked what I saw. So I agreed to do the review and impatiently anticipated the arrival of my review copy.

Theo is designed to teach basic theological truths to children of all ages using animation, adorable characters and Bible stories. In the DVDs we are introduced to Theo, (short for theology I'm thinking!) a pleasent Englishman with a love for singing hymns, teaching about theology and of course tea. It is Theo who takes viewers on a journey through some very important theological truths in a non-complicating way.

The Theo multi-media outlests include a DVD series, curriculum, books and iPhone/iPad app. Each can work together or independantly of each other. I am interested in seeing the curriculum myself.

I loved this DVD that we received. The animation was awesome, the music was great (and we are very picky about our music) and the theology, although very basic, was sound and followed what the Bible actually does teach!

Here's a breakdown of the DVD:

Episode 1 — Saving Faith

Themes: What is faith?
Bible Story: Abraham
Bible Passage: Hebrews 11:1

Bonus Session — Good News!

Themes: God's love, sin, salvation, eternal life, ABCs
Bible Story: Philippian Jailer (Acts 16)
Bible Passage: John 3:16

My children enjoyed the animation of course, especially the two little mice, Belyfry and Luther (his two "object lessons") that live in Theo's home who through various comical blunders also bring home the importance of the episodes theme. These little mice actually reminded me a lot of the two loveable mice from Cinderella.

When I asked the kids what they thought this is what they said:

Biggest-"I like that it teaches us about God."
Big Sis-"It's funny, I like that."
Brother-"I like the mice."
McPop-(the hardest to please by far)-"It seems to follow the Bible."

The pre-release DVD episodes that we received were quite short; one was around 5 minutes and the other about 9. I don't believe that these are meant to be long drawn out shows but possibly short supplements to your family Bible time, homeschool Bible courses or Church classes.

I recommend Theo to anyone with young children (honestly, I love cartoons so I'd watch it even without the children.) and who desires that their children learn basic systematic theology in a way that will be easy for them to understand.

And now some GREAT news!! I have been allowed to offer TWO copies of the Theo DVDs as giveaway prizes. You are too blessed!! Okay, so here's what I want you to do to enter: (Only the FIRST is mandatory.)

1. Mandatory: Go to the website: www.theopresents.com and take a look at the different episodes. Come back here and tell me which you are most interested in. This doesn't mean you will win those titles as I am not sure which ones will be sent as the prize.
2. Follow me on Google Friend Connect.
3. Like Theo Presents on Facebook

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and do not forget to leave me a way to contact you. I will select the winners on Monday morning, September 19th so be sure to enter!!!

I hope that you take a look around the website. I think you will be pleased with this series as we were. Thanks for reading!

Here are some links you may be interested in:

Web: www.theopresents.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Theo-Gods-Love/dp/B005ETZEPI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315880173&sr=8-1
FREE app (available now for iPhone and iPad): www.theopresents.com
Church curriculum: www.lifeway.com/Product/theo-church-edition-foundations-of-faith-P005397446
Don't forget to enter the giveaway!!

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.



Lovin' Learnin'

A Tasty Treat

Chex Mix. Delish isn't it?! I have always been a fan of Chex Mix I've recently been sent a great little package of Chex Mix Muddy Buddy to try out. This flavor was quite a surprise to me. It'sa chocolate covered Chex cereal filled with peanut butter and covered in powdered sugar. I didn't think that I would enjoy this flavor as I am not a big fan of peanut butter snacks but I was surprised! This flavor is terrific!! McPapa and the McKiddos loved this too!!!

Apparently this flavor hasn't been available year-round but now they are making it available at all times. So you can try it out any time of the year!

And now for the best part!! I have the opportunity to bless one of my readers with a great gift package! I am holding a giveaway for the following set:

• A bag of Chex Mix Muddy Buddies
• A nice sized snack bowl.
• A magnetic, heavy duty bag clip.
• An awesome Chex Mix container to store all that deliciousness in!!! 

And what stands out about this container is that to open and close all you have to do is depress the circle on the top of the lid and it seals (or opens) the container quite nicely!!! McPapa was impressed by this little feature-and he's not easily impressed by much!!

So, if you would like to enter the giveaway for this gift package here's what you have to do:

1. Go to the Chex Mix website and tell me which of the flavors is your favorite. This is a mandatory entry.
2. Follow me on GFC.
3. Post about this giveaway on your own blog-this is worth THREE entries so leave THREE separate comments please!!

Please remember to leave a way for me to contact you so that I can notify you if you win this lovely gift set!!! The giveaway will last for 1 week beginning on Monday, June 20 and ending midnight Monday, June 27th. I will notify the winner Tuesday morning and post about it on here!!

Chex Mix provided me with the free information, product and gift pack through MyBlogSpark. All opinions stated herein are soley those of the folks here at Ruby Slippers School.

Lovin' Learnin'

Paws and Tales Givewaway Link

This little video looks sweet enough, don't know much about it but thought I'd mention it here so that those who are interested could take a look!!
The giveaway is hosted on the All American Family Blog. Go check it out, she even has an 8 minute clip up so you can get a good preview of the video before entering.

Have a great day!!

Lovin' Learnin'

A Great Giveaway...

In the day in which we live our girls are surrounded by the ideas that to truly live and be happy you need to be a career woman with few home responsibilities. Although I believe that there are some whom the Lord desires to have a career I believe that the vast majority of young girls need to realize that there is no greater honor than to serve in your home, first as a daughter then as a wife and mother.

There is a great giveaway for a jewel of a book going on right now over at The Legacy of Home. If you'd like to read more hop on over the Mrs. White's wonderful blog and enter. While you're there browse a while. She has much wisdom to be partaken of!!
Lovin' Learnin'

And the WINNER IS....

Okay, sorry I'm late to post this...but...the moment that you all have been waiting for (right?!)

The winner of the CSN Stores $35 giveaway is:

 Comment #4: Heidi from Chatter, Clatter and Things that Matter

Congrats Heidi!!!

And thanks to all who entered! I wish I had something for all of you!!!

Heidi please contact me within 48 hours so that you can claim your prize!! And the rest of you stop by her blog, it's great!!

And a big thanks to Alexandra for allowing me to hold this giveaway! If anyone is interested in hosting a CSN Stores giveaway of their own contact Alexandra! She is super helpful and will point you in the right direction on getting your own giveaway up and running.


Lovin' Learnin'

Giveaway anyone?

So, I have been considering purchasing some new things for our home. I've thought of a few things such as a new rug...

a couple of console tables to store some unsightly but necessary items,

or maybe a plant to add some much needed greenery.

 You know, the basics. ;) (But I'm thinking that some console tables might be the best choice...

Well, although I would like love to find something new for our home I figure that since the holiday season is approaching and it is always best to try to truly live the "it is better to give than to receive" lesson...

...I have opted to hold a giveaway for one of my lucky readers from CSN Stores. Ever heard of 'em? They have some great stuff (just review the pictures above if you don't believe me) and tons of stores!

Anyway one of you will be the winner of a $35 giftcard to one of their many sites. There are tons to choose from so I'm sure that you'll find something you like in one of them. WIth the holidays coming up I know you all have grandparents, spouses, children and friends on your list that you would just love to be able to cross off right? So, take a peek at one of the many CSN Stores and check 'em out!

Entering is easy peasy. Here's the info:

1. Leave a comment telling me what (from one of the CSN Stores) you would love to purchase if you did win. Leave a link so I can see it too!! I might just change my mind about those console tables!! :)

2. Follow my blog.

3. "Like" CSN Stores on Facebook and come back here and let me know!

4. And for 2 extra entries tell a friend about this giveaway. Have them mention your name and/or blog, so that I know who referred them, in their entry.

That's it. Easy huh?
The contest will be open from Friday, Oct. 22 to Monday, Nov. 8 The winner will be announced that evening.


I will be using Random.org to pick a winner and will announce here on my blog who the lucky entrant is. Please be sure to leave a way to be contacted if you win as the winner will only have 48 hours to respond...if ya don't I pick another entrant.

So, have fun browsing the many CSN Stores!!!

Lovin' Learnin'

The Book Guardians-First Giveaway

I recently became part of a small group of Moms who review any and all types of books with the hearts of our children in mind.

It's probably one of the more conservative book reviewer blogs that you will find but you can be comfortable in knowing that the books you choose from our reviews will have everything laid out for you. You will not be left wondering what else is included in the book that you may or may not like. When we reveiw we try to give as much information as possible.

Well, we've just put up our first book giveaway post here so if you are interested in trying to win a couple of new books for your family; mainly girls as they are classic girl books; then hop on over the Book Guardians Blog and enter. The giveaway is only open until Monday, October 4th at noon so don't waste any time!!!

Lovin' Learnin'

Artistic Persuits Giveaway!!

Are you looking for an art curriculum? Have you drooled over Artisitic Persuits but not purchased yet?

Well, head on over to Mama to 3 blessings blog to enter her giveaway for a chance to win!!!

Wouldn't that just start the year off right?!!!

Lovin' Learnin'

AWESOME Giveaway!!!!

Do you homeschool? Do you need more organization in your life? Do you want a chance at a $250 product for FREE? If your answer is yes to all three of those questions...although it doesn't matter if you homeschool or not cause ANYONE would benefit from this product...then you REALLY need to head on over to Homeschool Creations!!!!!!!

Jolanthe in all of her awesomeness is now running a giveaway for a Guidecraft School Library Cart worth a whopping $250 dollars!!!!! Yeah, I know!!!!

Check out her blog and enter right now!! The contest is only open until Tuesday, August 8th at 8 pm!!!

Oh, and while you are there check out her enourmous collection of great ideas, printables and more!!!

Lovin' Learnin'

Wii Game Giveaway

Wow, the giveaways are hot this week!!! If you love the Wii and need some more workout in your days, check out this giveaway  hosted by Marie at Our Best Daze. Hurry though, it ends soon!!!

Lovin' Learnin'