Charlie the Tramp {Review & Giveaway!}

Think back...maybe way back...and tell me, do you remember Frances?  I don't remember a ton about the adorable little badger, but I do remember her desperately liking bread and jam, and I remember when she had a new baby sister and when she ended up running away.  (It didn't work out that great.)  There were several Frances books and each one was cuter than the last.  I have since checked them all out from the library for MY kids to enjoy.

Imagine my surprise when I discovered that Russell and Lillian Hoban were the authors of a cute critter other than Frances!  Meet Charlie, an adorable little beaver who decides that, instead of being a beaver, he wants to be a "tramp" when he grow up.

Charlie decides that being a beaver is just way too much work...he doesn't want to practice swimming, diving and holding his breath under water.  He doesn't want to keep his teeth sharp.  As tramp he can carry a little bundle with a stick, sleep outside when the weather is nice, and do little odd jobs for a meal...  Well, of course his parents are concerned, because surely Charlie doesn't want to be a tramp?  But, he does, so with his parents blessing, Charlie goes off a-tramping.

I won't tell you about his adventures as a tramp or what he decides to do...you'll just have to read the book to find out!  It is a cute story with a happy ending.

Originally published in 1966, Charlie the Tramp is in it's 50th Anniversary hardcover edition.  As a Charlotte Mason homeschooler I have to say that this book fits the bill as a non-twaddly, early reader.  Just perfect for reading aloud or the emerging readers in your family!  

You can purchase Charlie the Tramp from your favorite retailer!

Great News!

I have also been blessed with a second copy of Charlie the Tramp to giveaway to one reader of Swinging on Small Hinges!  Enter below!  Raffle ends December 8th at midnight.

Thanks for swinging by!

Entry-Form

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize of 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.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Awaken Love - The Song {FlyBy GIVEAWAY!}

The Song Couple’s Devotional is a 6-week book for couples that can help awaken love in their marriage. With daily relationship insights and prayer points drawn from the Song of Solomon, this devotional will help couples grow in their relationship with God and one another.   Inspired by the Song of Solomon, The Song is both a full-length movie and resource for churches to explore God’s plan for relationships, love and marriage...

James and I have never experienced a "devotional" book together.  Alone, I have have read several.  Usually ones meant for frazzled Moms!  I thought it might be interesting to see if we might enjoy reading this book as a couple.  We are not finished yet, we are taking it slow, but so far we are enjoying the readings inspired by Song of Solomon!

Kyle & Desirae Idleman have taken scripture directly from the Song of Solomon and applied it to our every day lives.  I am pretty unfamiliar with the Song of Solomon.  I never would've guessed that it was so romantic!  I also never would've imagined that us, loving each other in such an intimate way, was such an important part of God's plan for us.

The book itself is divided into days with each section sharing a personal story, the Song of Solomon scripture and its application.  Then the Idleman's offer a "bridge" to connect the application in the book to your life and throw in another scripture or two for you to consider, ponder and discuss.

The reading takes less than 10 minutes but the discussion is what you make of it.  We felt a little goofy when we first started but once we were a few days into the devotional we really enjoyed discussing what we read and sharing with each other.

Would you like to Awaken Love in your relationship by reading from The Song of Solomon?  I have an opportunity to give away one copy to a reader of Swinging On Small Hinges!  Enter below!  Giveaway ends November 25th at 11pm CST.

Entry-Form

Want to know more?

Check out this resource website!

Check them out on Twitter!

Check them out on Facebook!

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): 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.

 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.”

Saints & Soldiers : The Void {Coming Soon to a Theater Near You!}

Saints and Soldiers: The Void 

in theaters August 15^th

Germany, May 1945, the twilight of WWII.  On a final mission deep in the Harz mountains a U.S. tank crew discovers a platoon of Germans, including three infamous Panzer tanks, preparing to ambush allied supply trucks. 

Before the war, private Jesse Owens, was a product of segregation and racial discrimination. Forced by law to ride in the back of the bus and disenfranchised from the political process. Now, Owens fights the greatest tyrant in history, knowing the tyranny of racism will be waiting for him back home if he can survive the war.  

With a deadly game of cat and mouse quickly unfolding, Owens and his predominantly white tank crew find themselves out-gunned and out-manned by the German Panzer tanks.  Several in Owens’ crew are reluctant to put their faith in a black tank driver despite their dire circumstances. As the German tanks bear down on his unit, Owens has to fight for freedom on two fronts. With tension and fear beginning to manifest Owens knows they must put aside their differences to stop the enemy from their deadly plan.  Knowing that a victory over the Nazis means a victory for racial justice, Owens and his men find a way to work together to save hundreds of lives in a desperate battle against the greatest odds they have ever faced.

Have you seen the first 2 Saints & Soldiers movies yet??  Do you want to?
Enter to win a Saints & Soldiers 1 and 2 DVD combo pack using the Rafflecopter below!
Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to Shadow Mountain for hosting this great giveaway!

Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach....{Book Review & Giveaway!}

Wow.  You've heard the story of Jonah and the Whale.  You know the one.  The story goes: Jonah gets swallowed by a whale after he tries to run away from God.  You see, he didn't want to go spread the gospel in Nineveh.  After 3 days in the belly of the whale he is spewed out on the beach where he changes his mind & heart and heads to Nineveh!  Well...this is a Jonah story unlike any you have ever heard!

How funny is this? It had me laughing out loud!  

The story of Jonah, as told by the whale, in the book, Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Jonah in my Stomach and I Think I'm Going to Throw Up by Troy Schmidt.  Recommended for ages 4 to 8, this hilarious story tells the traditional biblical account from a very interesting and creative perspective.  Illustrated by Cory Jones the pictures are outrageously cute!  This is a short and colorful book that teaches a lesson in the importance of Biblical obedience.  

Bonus features include a Parent Connection section that recommends two memory verses, further reading, thinking questions and a "Do" section that really gets the child into the story.  Perfect companion to the Bible story, bedtime or school time!

We loved this book and can't wait to read the others in the series:  Hey God, I'm Having an Awful Vacation in Egypt Thanks to Moses! and Hey God, Can You Stop the Rain so I Can Get Off of Noah's Smelly Ark?  No really, those are the titles.  LOL!

Learn more about this series by visiting:

Website:  http://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/books/products.asp?p=9781433679643

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/troyschmidt and https://www.facebook.com/bhpublishing?fref=ts

Twitter: @troyeschmidt

Would you like to win a copy?  I have a chance to share one copy with a Swinging On Small Hinges Reader!  Drawing ends May 7th at midnight.  Good luck and thanks for stopping by!

a Rafflecopter 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 iton 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 accordancewith the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Little Angels Prayers for Everyday {Review & Giveaway}

What if soothing the worries of a small child 

was as easy as teaching them how to pray?

In this book by Roma Downey, Little Angels Prayers for Every Day offers 50 simple rhyming prayers that cover a young child's worries and every day living.  A nice board book that is perfect for chubby little fingers to handle on their own and even better for mom or dad to read to their precious toddler.  Prayers for morning and sleeping, meal blessing, comfort when afraid, and prayers of thanksgiving.  Bible verses are dotted through out its colorful pages.   Illustrated by Lisa Reed this book is full of charming little characters and sweet pictures.

This book is a perfect way to gently introduce your little one to prayer and help them see that anytime is a good time to talk to their Father in Heaven. 

My 3 year old daughter LOVES books and she is always happy with any book that she can "read" on her own.  We have really enjoyed this little rhyming book and I think you will too!  To learn more about Roma Downey's Little Angels series check out the links below...

Website: http://www.idealsbooks.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealRomaDowney

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0k6mqA8jAo

I'm excited that I have an opportunity to give away a copy to one of my readers as well!  To enter, use the rafflecopter below.   Giveaway ends Friday, March 15th at midnight.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter 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 iton 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 accordancewith the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Forgiven Duke - review & giveaway

In The Guardian Duke, we met Miss Alexandria Featherstone.  She was on a mission to find her parents.  Presumed dead, her treasure-seeking mother and father had gone missing and it was up to Alexandria to find them.  The biggest obstacle:  her handsome guardian - Gabriel, the Duke of Saint Easton.  Bound and determined to see her safely ensconced in London she runs away from her protector and in to the arms of Lord John Lemon.  

(oh, Yes! We were left cliff-hanging at the end! lol).   

We start Jamie Carie's new book The Forgiven Duke where we left off!  On the bridge of the Achillies Gabriel sees Alexandria sailing a way with another man!  While John promises to help Alexandria find her parents there is a niggling doubt to his loyalty.   Does he love her for her fortune?  Is he dangerous to her mission?  Will her guardian come for her?  Nursing second thoughts on her betrothal to John, Alexandria begins to wonder if maybe she made a mistake and she should've placed more trust in her guardian...with whom she has fallen in love!

Didn't read the Guardian Duke?  Don't worry - Jamie has cleverly written the 1st books basic storyline into the first chapter of The Forgiven Duke.  This is another great book in the Forgotten Castles series.  Oh...  and I didn't tell you this but - it's true...there will be a 3rd book so:  yes, this one ends with cliff hanging too!  Aaakkk!  :)

The Forgiven Duke will be available for purchase in July 2012.

Want to learn more about Jamie Carie and her series?
Enjoy exploring the links below:

Facebook: http://jamiecarie.com/books/the-forgiven-duke

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Forgiven-Duke-Forgotten-Castles-Novel/dp/1433673231

Website: http://jamiecarie.com/books/the-forgiven-duke

I'm excited to be able to give you Alexandria's next adventure as well!  I have been blessed with one copy to share with one of my readers!  In order to win - leave a comment below.  (Don't forget to tell me your email information so I can contact you if you are the winner.)
I will pick a winner using random.org on Sunday, May 6th at 12pm CST.
Winner has 48 hours to respond.

 “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.”

A Perfect Pet for Peyton - review & giveaway!

From the Gary Chapman, best selling author of The Five Love Languages comes a heart-warming story for children!  A Perfect Pet for Peyton by Rick Osborne and Gary Chapman, follows twins Peyton and Penny as they make a special birthday trip to Mr. Chapman's Perfect Pet Pal Emporium.  Finding the perfect pet isn't easy and as Peyton and Penny explore the emporium, interact with Mr Chapman, their friends and meet the animals they are able to discover their primary love language!  Each page is colorful, interactive and just a joy to read!

Enjoy learning more about Gary Chapman, The Five Love Languages & A Perfect Pet For Peyton by exploring the following links:


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

The 5 Love Languages of Children: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/resource/the-five-love-languages-of-children/

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

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

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

 

 Stay tuned - there will be a free interactive app with in-book experience COMING SOON to the Apple App Store!

 

Now, for some MORE great news!  I  have been given an opportunity to giveaway a copy of this book!  To enter, please leave a comment below.  Winner will be drawn using Random.org on April 2nd at 12pm CST. 

Good luck!  :)

The Woodcarver - DVD review and GIVEAWAY!

New from Faith & Family Films, The Woodcarver is a movie about finding answers to prayers.  When troubled teen, Matthew vandalizes a local church he reluctantly agrees to repair the damage he caused to the hand-carved wood by working with the artist & woodcarver Ernest Otto (played by John Ratzenberger).  Ernest is reclusive since the death of his wife and the unlikely pair form a unique friendship.  Together they discover that "everybody makes mistakes....the key to mistakes is...how you make them right."  As their prayers are answered in unexpected ways they discover the importance of finishing what you start and answering the timeless question, What Would Jesus Do?
A heartwarming story of friendship, faith and family!

Christian Cinema: http://www.christiancinema.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=4094

I do have 1 copy of The Woodcarver to giveaway, enter below! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

 “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.

 

The Guardian Duke review & giveaway!

When Lady Alexandria Featherstone's parents go missing while on a high-profile treasure hunt, the King declares them dead.  He then orders Gabriel, the Duke of St. Easton, to take guardianship over Lady Alexandria to keep her safe from those who possibly harmed her parents and may be seeking the same treasure with the intent to harm her!  Alex is unhappy with being assigned a guardian and she adamantly believes her parents are still alive.  She sets out across faraway lands following clues left behind by her parents in her attempt to find them.  Gabriel, sworn by duty, pursues her across England and Ireland trying to protect his ward from harm.  As they come to know one another they begin to understand that the treasures they are searching for are nothing compared to the treasure they find in each other.

The Guardian Duke is a continuation of the Forgotten Castles novels by Jamie Carie that will take you on a treasure seeking adventure!

About the Author:

When she was six, Jamie’s parents met Jesus and soon after started a church. It changed everything. Road trips with her dad—to and from Bible studies across Indiana—were filled with talks of things beyond earth’s bounds – creation and the fall, God and Jesus and the rapture, the earthly walk compared to the spiritual walk, and how we are born for more than what we can see or touch.

The highlight of those nights was stopping at a truck stop in the middle of the night where her dad would spend a little of the offering basket on two slices of pie and a couple of Cokes. Nothing ever felt so special as a middle of the night slice of pie with her dad. And nothing could stop the writing pouring out of her.

As Jamie’s relationship with God grew, she discovered her heart was filled with songs and poetry. During high school she wrote lyrics for her brother’s band. (And she sang them too!) After college, Jamie married, had two sons and decided to stay home with them. While she homeschooled she wrote skits, poems, plays and short stories for school and church.
When her eldest son turned five she dove into the world of novels. She’d read romance novels for years, but couldn’t relate to the flawless, saintly heroines in Christian romance novels. So she decided to write her own.

Snow Angel was born on a frosty night in an old farmhouse in Fishers, Indiana, where the cold floor gave plenty of motivation for the snow scene. Jamie loves to write late at night when the house is quiet and the darkness seems alive. Elizabeth and Noah had been playacting in herhead for a long time, so the story went fast.

Ten years later Snow Angel was published and won the ForeWord magazine Romance Book of the Year winner, was a National “Best Books 2007” Awards winner, and a 2008 RITA Awards® Best First Book finalist. It was the beginning of her dream career.

Jamie and her husband Tony have been married for twenty-one years and live in Indianapolis with their three sons and a giant of a dog named Leo.

If she could only say one thing to her readers it would be, “Live the dreams God has destined you for!”

To learn more about Jamie Carie & The Guardian Duke check out the Forgotten Castles Facebook Page!

I have been fortunate to give away one copy of The Guardian Duke to a lucky reader!   Enter using the Rafflecopter for below!  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“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.”

A Mile In His Shoes DVD winner!!

Congrats to Amanda, commenter number 31!  

I have already emailed you! 

Toydle Forts & a major Giveaway!!!

Robert Brownfield, father of twins and president of Worry-Free Manufacturing in Boise, Idaho knew that good toys were hard to find.  In fact, finding toys that didn't become boring within a week or that fell apart after a couple hours of serious play seemed to be non-existent.  It is after this constant frustration that Toydle was born.

Robert knew that kids needed to use their imagination during play and one of the best ways to do that is to give a child the tools to build a fort!  Made in America, right in Boise ID, and using high quality PVC tubes and hand-crafted wooden blocks, toydle forts are assembled simply - all by kid-power!  Add in your own sheets and blankets, drape and hang them up with the provided clips and voila!  Fort!  Or a castle!  Or a garage!  Or a cave...  Or...well, you get the picture!

 

Toydle Forts would make a fun-tabulous Christmas gift 

for kids anywhere from ages 3-11, or even bigger kids! (like ME!  LOL!)

The Toydle Fort retails for 149.00

The The BIG Toydle Fort retails for 229.99.

To make a purchase, click HERE.

All Toydle Forts come with a money back guarantee!

Now, for the really, really great news!

Toydle Forts will be giving away not one!  not two!  but THREE of the BIG forts to The Old School House Homeschool Crew readers!

Hop on over HERE to enter!

Contest ends on Wednesday, December 7th...
and somebody has to win...  Why not you?  :)

This contest is open to residents of the United States ONLY.  TOS Staff and TOS Crew Members (and their families) are not eligible to enter this contest.

Rubiks Cube Giveaway!

Hop on over to Faith Family & Fun and enter for your chance to win a Rubiks Cube!  

This would make a great stocking stuffer!

The Boyer Blog: Free Giveaway! Character Concepts for Preschoolers Basic Curriculum

The Boyer Blog: Free Giveaway! Character Concepts for Preschoolers Basic Curriculum

Head on over to The Boyer Blog and enter for a free Preschool Character Curriculum! It is awesome! We are using it and have learned so much! Check it out!