The First Five Signs I Taught My Kids

I've always loved learning sign language. I had the awesome opportunity in the fifth grade to take a class, so it started a true love. In fact, if I ever go back and finish college, I would love to minor in American Sign Language and tutor special needs children and parents that are homeschooling.

When Tbomb was a baby, I taught him a handful of signs when he first started trying to talk. I taught more, food, drink, and love. With snapper, things were a little different. I didn't teach her in the beginning like I had intended to. I had one I was homeschooling and I had my plate full. I wish I had done it anyway.

Well, when she still wasn't making any noises at 2, we were getting concerned. We realized then how quiet of a baby she really was. While we were doing testing and trying to figure out what was going on with her, I started teaching her sign language. I felt like this would give her a way of communicating and it really did help not only ease her frustration and mine, but I feel like it allowed us to bond in a unique way.

When we decided to teach her, I put a lot of thought into which ones to teach her first. They needed to be simple, be useful, and be fun. She picked them up easily and even started teaching family members so they could communicate with her. It felt good.

Here are the signs we settled with for her first five.

Each word is linked to a video showing the proper way to sign it.

1. EAT

2. DRINK

3. MORE

4. PLEASE

5. GIRAFFE (Giraffes are her favorite animal and have been since she was about 3 months old so we thought it would be fun if she learned the sign for something she loved!)

She picked up sign language really easily and that is actually why she was not diagnosed with Autism by her developmental pediatrician. She wanted to communicate and showed that the ability was there- just not yet for speaking.

Here are some free resources to help teach your children to sign.

• Handspeak (dictionary)
• LifePrint (free courses)
• Sign Language 101 (learn sign language online for free)
• ASL App

Free Printable: Monthly Calendar

I have some pretty calendar and planner printables to share over the next few months. I hope you enjoy!

Download

Covenant Kids Review & Win A Copy!

Disclaimer: I received a book to review. All opinions are my own.

We started our homeschool back yesterday. One thing that always excites me about a new school year is the Bible Study books I pick out. Tbomb loves learning about the Bible so much that we usually go through several different ones throughout the year, so I'm excited to start this series with him.

Tbomb is loving this series, and so am I. It is written like a comic book, really engaging the children. Also, because it is about kids, it really draws them in and allows them to associate better with the story.

Tbomb and I have often talked about how lucky we are to live in America, where we are free to learn about and worship God. I have explained that in some places, they do not have that freedom. We have also discussed what we would do if we were not allowed to learn about and worship God. We've discussed how hard it would be and what God would want from us. He has always insisted that no one could stop him and I think that is one thing that is going to make these books a real winner in our home.

Covenant Kids: Book 1 The Law, by Andrew Youngblood brings up some touchy subjects, but subjects that Christians face and I believe this book will be essential to helping young Christians not only grow in their belief but be able to stand strong in it. They will realize that no matter what, God is with us and walks beside us.

Naomi lives in a place where it has recently become illegal to study or even talk about the faith outside of church on Sunday. But one law can't stop Naomi. She forms a study group with three other teenagers to learn more about the Bible. As they learn the stories of the Old Testament, they realize God's plan to bring everyone into a loving relationship with him through his Covenant. But not everyone likes this "Good News", and Naomi, Pavel, José, and Rose soon find themselves in the middle of a dangerous plot to enforce the new law against religion at any cost.

Perfect for young readers ages seven to thirteen, Covenant Kids--Book One: The Law is both an adventure-filled graphic novel and a thoughtful guide through the Bible's main stories. The first in a series of twelve, this book covers the biblical stories from Creation through Abraham. Author Andrew Youngblood has a degree in theology and experience both teaching Scripture and running schools. Designed to show how exciting and beautiful the Old Testament is, Covenant Kids reveals what the Bible is really about--God's great love for each of us. (from Amazon)

Guess what?! You can win a copy for your family. Just click here or on the image below!

Courage For Life: Get This App Today

Disclaimer: I was sent a book to facilitate a review. All opinions are my own. 

Courage For Life is a wonderful organization started by Ann White. She shares her story of redemption and provides resources to help give people the courage they need to believe in God and thrive in life through God.

My calling is simple. Point people to the hope and freedom that can only be found in Jesus as revealed in His Word. That Word—the Bible—is foundational! You have to be in it to be equipped, and you have to be in it to understand the change that is required in your life.
It’s complete belief that God is who He says He is, and that His character is as it has been revealed. Appropriating those truths for yourself is the beginning of finding your courage for life. – Ann White

They offer Bible studies, devotions, books, and even do Missions. Courage For Life has recently released an additional resource to their offerings. The Courage For Life Bible App is my latest must-have app. Believe me, it is going to be yours as well!

The Courage For Life Bible App is the first female-voiced Bible App. It is the entire Bible in one app with an easy to use interface. You can either read or listen to the scriptures. I love having those options. When you are listening, it is a voice that you can easily listen to, not one that you will tune out after the first couple of sentences.

I love reading my bible and being able to make notes, journal, or whatever else my heart desires. However, bringing my Bible along isn't always feasible, especially if I'm worried about it going missing. I can take the Courage For Life Bible App wherever I go. I can read in waiting rooms and listen in the car. Also, on nights when I'm up with the kids, I can listen without a light keeping them awake and be in any position I need to be in. I love having this app at my fingertips and you will too!

Ann White, the creator of the Courage For Life Bible App, has released a book as well. She is Strong and Courageous is a wonderful devotion book that will lead you on a 90-day transformational journey to know God more personally, understand His Word clearly, and apply His truth powerfully. You can win your very own copy by clicking on the link below. (or here) 

Outdoor Tech: Gear For Adventurers

Disclaimer: I received products to review. All opinions are my own.

I received some products from Outdoor Tech to try out with my family and our Bigfoot research team, the Carolina Cryptid Crew. I was so excited to get these and we have already used them so much and will continue to use them. I'm so excited to share them with you too!

I received the Kodiak Ultra and the Kodiak Plus Ultra power banks, as well as the Kodiak Power Station. Let me tell you. These things are tough- no wonder they use Bigfoot as their logo- there is no beating them! 

Kodiak Ultra Power Bank:

This awesome power bank is waterproof (as long as the lid is closed), dustproof, dirt proof, and super-duper rugged. I love the rubberized coating on them, as well as the bigfoot of course! You can charge almost any small electronics with the 7800mAh battery. I was also shocked at how quick it charges. It also boasts a super bright LED light that has high beam, low beam and an SOS function. See, its even a survival tool! 

It even has smart charging technology that will determine the best charging output for your device. Many devices can even be charged up to 7 times with one charge of the power bank. We have charged phones, tablets, and go pros with it! Plus, it looks good with the camo!

Kodiak Plus Ultra

The Kodiak Plus Ultra is larger than the Kodiak Ultra, but it also packs a more powerful punch. It is just as rugged and dirt, dust, and waterproof. However, it has a 12,800mAh battery for more charging power. This one is my favorite because I can charge any of my gear that uses a USB- my phone, tablet, action camera, body camera, night vision camera, flashlight, and more. I can also charge them more times. It is also quick to charge, which really impressed me. I can throw it in my backpack and not worry about anything happening it, especially when I am rummaging around for gear. 

It has the same 100 lumen light with high beam, low beam, and SOS/ strobe functions as the Kodiak Ultra as well. It has USB C and USB quick charge ports as well. It also has the intelligent charging capabilities and will protect your device and the Kodiak Plus Ultra to guarantee a longer battery life.

I usually make the kids use their own power banks because I don't want mine messed up. Not anymore. I take this one along and anyone can use it. I send the Kodiak Ultra to work with my husband a lot- so he can charge his phone, light, or whatever else he needs on the job site.

These are used for fun, home, expeditions, ghost hunting, on construction sites, camping, by the pool, and whatever else we decide to do. Wherever we go, we have power. What an amazing concept.

Kodiak 100 Power Station

I could marry this thing. I'm so in love. I think my husband is jealous, but he loves it too! This power station is amazing and we make sure to keep it charged. 

Our power went out and they were having a hard time getting all the power back on. We were worried about the bearded dragon not having its heat rock, so we plugged it into this. It may have saved his life. He's about 12, but we don't want anything to happen to him anyway. I've also used it outside for my laptop and for lights when we have an expedition. We like to have one area that is lit and it worked perfectly to light up the area. Believe it or not, this one charges quickly as well. 

The Kodiak Power Station allows for AC power in remote locations for convenient portable power. It provides 100 Watts of peak power. Compact and lightweight, the Kodiak Power Station weighs just 2.5 lbs. It is coated in a rugged rubberized plastic cover so you don’t have to worry about durability. Whether you’re camping in the wild, dealing with a blackout or outrunning zombies during the apocalypse, the Kodiak Power Station will keep you powered up or charged in any situation.

It has everything you need for portable power. This is great for us because when we go to events, we do not always have power and when we sometimes camp with the Carolina Cryptid Crew, and that is always primitive camping. I can plug in my computer, lights, air mattress pump, or even the coffee pot! 

This thing is powerful and can take on anything you throw at it. Plug just about anything with a USB, 110V, or even 12V auto. This would be a perfect gift for anyone that travels, drivers, campers, hikers, paranormal investigators, beach bums, bigfoot researchers, survivalists, or anyone else on your list. Even just for in case the power goes out.

It is also compatible with a 24W solar panel, so you can keep it charged as long as it is needed. It is a rugged design, lightweight has a carry handle, fuel gauge indicator, and comes with a charging adapter. Seriously, I'm in love!

Outdoor Tech is even having a special offer right now. If you go to their website and order anything, you get a free cuff beanie (yes, with bigfoot on it!) All you have to do is add it to your cart and there is an awesome little button at the top to make that easier.

Plus, I have some awesome Outdoor Tech gear to give away. If you are going to be at the Bigfoot Festival in Westminster, SC in October, find me and I'll be happy to share!

Order Out Of Chaos: Help Your Child Get Organized and Focus More

Disclaimer: I received a product to review. All opinions are my own. 

I was beyond thrilled to be sent the 2019-20 Academic Planner: You Have To SEE Time In Order To Manage It + Accessories from Order Out Of Chaos. I knew that this would be the perfect tool to teach my ADHD Tbomb organization and time management skills. I love the way the Order Out Of Chaos company works and their motto: “We are not in the planner business; we are in the student business!" These planners are designed by a leading time management expert WITH students FOR students.

Not only do I absolutely love this planner for my son, but the tools that come with it are wonderful! Kids love stickers, so they definitely want to use them, which makes using the planner fun! Also, once they start using the planner and see how much easier things are for them, they want to use it more. 

The amazing thing about Order Out Of Chaos is that they are so much more than a planner company. This company strives to help parents and children. I love that I can visit the website and learn how to teach my child good time management skills.  They have many products, programs, workshops, and webinars to help parents help their children learn the skills they need to be successful in school and in their adult life. Although they tend to skew towards the ADHD children, their products and programs are wonderful for all students and all types of learners. 

The founder of Order Out Of Chaos, Leslie Josel, is actually ranked as the #15 expert in the time management world. She is working on her third book, writes a weekly column for ADDitude magazine (Dear Family Coach), is a Family Circle parenting expert, and even travels the world speaking on topics that parents and students face in the world today. Its no wonder people trust Leslie. 

This planner is just that- a planner. There are no extra things like pictures, vocabulary, or math problems to distract your student. That is exactly what I wanted for my son- he is too easily distracted and items with cartoons or unnecessary information does not work for him. This planner is just what it is supposed to do- help your child plan their time. I believe this is the best academic planner for students. 

You are not just getting a planner, you get access to so much more than that. You also get access to a FREE Planner Productivity Workbook filled with worksheets like — planner pointers, project planning guides, homework helpers, etc. — that supports the student and their use of the planner. There is also a wonderful video that helps explain it all. It shows Leslie and her son arguing over homework and hits on all the man points. Plus, we can all relate. 

Order Out of Chaos is so wonderful, they are offering a 20% discount.

Just use code PLANNER20 on their website.

(Please note that the PLANNER20 deal code is a one-time-only code good on any purchase of JUST planners.)

Follow Order Out Of Chaos on Social Media:

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Pinterest

What makes all of this even better? Order Out Of Chaos is doing a monthly giveaway. Each month, there will be two winners. One winner is chosen and they get to choose a friend to win with them! What a great besties giveaway! Anyone who gets 2 friends to enter gets entered into a $200 Target gift card giveaway. The winner for this will be chosen during the back to school webinar in August. After this, all entrants will be alerted for future giveaways and contest. What a wonderful giveaway!

You can enter here!

Stephen Joseph Gifts: The Best In Kids' Gear

Disclaimer: I received items to review from Stephen Joseph Gifts. All opinions are my own.

I discovered Stephen Joseph Gifts looking for new rain boots for the kids. They have the absolute cutest rain boots. Seriously- it doesn't get any cuter. They sent the kids rain boots, matching lunchboxes, and snapper an iridescent pouch! We are smitten and will be purchasing more items from Stephen Joseph Gifts! Here's why:

Stephen Joseph Rain Boots:

These rain boots are of very high quality. The plastic is nice and thick, unlike many, which you can almost see-through. The handles do not pull loose, and the designs are absolutely adorable. I also love that they have a soft lining. It makes them more comfortable and I think would keep their feet warmer as well. 

The kids love how easy they are to run and move in. Their others have been clunky and not good for running. Now, they can run up the driveway, run through mud puddles, and be all-around moving and shaking kids. They also have great support, making them perfect for wearing all day. 

They are very high quality. Their last rain boots tore up before they outgrew them. There is no doubt that they will outgrow these first and I will be passing them along to some other kids. 

Stephen Joseph Lunch Boxes:

I am absolutely in love with these lunch boxes. Actually, I don't see why these lunch boxes won't last a few years for the kiddos. Since Snapper will be in public school, I know that I will have to send her lunch occasionally, as she is my very picky eater (she hates most meat, pasta, and tomatoes). On the days I pack Snapper's lunch, I'll pack Tbomb one too and we can have a picnic. 

I love the features of these lunch boxes. Not only is the insulation nice and thick without being bulky and heavy, but it is easy for the kiddos to open as well. There is a flat pocket on the front for cutlery, napkins, wipes, or whatever else is needed. There is also a water bottle holder on the outside, which I just love.  

Let's not forget that the designs are beautiful and coordinate with other Stephen Joseph Gifts items!

Stephen Joseph Irridescent Pouch:

This iridescent pouch from Stephen Joseph Gifts is amazing. Not only is it perfect for so many things, but it is of great construction. The plastic is nice and thick with secure stitching. Once again, the designs coordinate with other Stephen Joseph Gifts products. 

I think this pouch would be good for travel, a purse, possibly a tech case, and many other uses. I'm going to use it to put an extra change of clothing for Snapper in her backpack. She has some stomach problems and may on occasion need a change of clothes. This pouch will keep them together, it has a handle for carrying and matches her other items. There will be no doubt that the pouch and contents belong to snapper. 

As you are shopping for back to school, fall supplies, birthdays, and Christmas, be sure to keep Stephen Joseph Gifts in mind for beautiful, quality, and useful gifts. 

Seasons of Life: Will Therapy Help This Season?

I have come to realize that there is more to the "seasons of life" than ages and general stages like young adulthood, parenting, empty nesting, and retirement. There are smaller seasons that pop up. Kind of like an "Indian summer," have you had these short burst seasons?

Right now I'm going through one. There always seems to be a lot going on in life and that's fine with me. We chug along, but now there is something else going on that has just completely thrown me for a loop. I'm going in the morning for some tests. One is my yearly ECG to make sure my Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction is not progressing. The others are scary.

I have to have a followup diagnostic mammogram because my initial mammogram showed an inflamed mammary node (lymph node in the breast tissue). I also have to have an ultrasound on my neck because I have a really swollen lymph node in my neck- it is actually starting to hurt. I also have swollen lymph nodes under my arm. The bloodwork after is to check my white blood count because it has been really high with no reason to be, so they are monitoring it.

To say I'm worried is an understatement. I'm scared to death but trying my best not to show it. I don't want my kids to see me worried because they will worry and there is no need for that. Also, because my MIL has been through her breast cancer/ lymphodema journey the past year, I don't want the family worrying. But, keeping it bottled up is not a good idea either.

This is the kind of situation that therapy can be like an air conditioner in your Indian summer. Do you need someone to talk to? Do you need to vent? Do you need help finding a solution to a problem? Therapy can be all of this. Even better, now there are online therapy options that you can do when and where it is convenient for you.

I urge you to reach out to an online therapist if you are going through your own Indian summer and need help. There is help out there. Please reach out.

Why Kids Need Rain Boots

I had never really worried about rain boots before, but I got the kids some at a thrift store about a year ago and soon realized that they would not be without them. It didn't take long for them to go through those cheap and used rain boots. Stephen Joseph stepped in and sent each kid a pair. You would not believe how often my kids wear their rain boots. I was recently asked why our rain boots are a vital part of the kids' wardrobe. Well, they need them and here is why!

1. Rain Boots are great to keep by the door and slip on to run outside.

2. My husband doesn't let the kids walk in the woods without their rain boots on. They help protect their feet and ankles, give them extra traction, and keep their feet from getting wet.

3. Yard work and farm work- rain boots or "muck boots" are perfect for this kind of work because they can we cleaned easily and keep their feet dry.

4. Exploring around your community and on vacation can demand rain boots. Are you going to botanical gardens, petting zoos, caves, tunnels, creeks, and other outdoor attractions? Consider lugging rain boots with you, I'm sure it will be worth it.

5. Purchasing a good pair of rain boots, like Stephen Joseph rain boots, can make running errands and going to school on a rainy day a much simpler process. These rain boots wear like tennis shoes- they are not clunking around like with their old ones and they are comfortable enough to wear all day!