Integrating Languages into Family time is Valuable and Fun: Lightning Fast Spanish Review

One aspect of being a mother is the fact that I am also her teacher! Growing up in a bilingual home was fun, but my knowledge and actual speaking of the my own language waned as I went into preschool and all the other children and teachers spoke one language, English. My Filipino tongue was lost to me as my family rarely spoke it at home to me!

Looking back, I kind of regret that I never grew fluent in my own native language, but now as I have my own family, I am endeavoring to teach and incorporate speaking different languages. I know the value of learning a different language. It is having the ability to relate with another person on a whole different level—because you are able to speak their language. Now, I am still working on my own Filipino roots, but thought that the Spanish and Filipino languages are quite similar and so I picked out Lightning Fast Spanish by Carolyn Woods.

Lightning Fast Spanish: 

My favorite part aboutLightning-Fast Spanish for Kids and Families: Learn Spanish, Speak Spanish, Teach Kids Spanish - Quick As A Flash, Even If You Don't Speak A Word Now!  is that it is grouped and organized together nicely. There are sections or rather as she has named them “Conversations” dedicated to colors, animals, a walk outside, where are we going, and such as that fit into ordinary everyday life! I love it because it is easy to focus on a particular subject and spend a day just constantly working on that “Conversation”! I find myself printing out parts of her book and sticking it in my pocket as I do not know Spanish very well and cannot remember what I have read!


I am starting to make color flash cards for my daughter and I—it will be a fun activity for us today, and already I have gotten her to say “Rojo” for Red! I am very encouraged at how in just two minutes she was able to pick up the word! It was so precious. She said “ro ro” and then “ro ho”! I am super excited and am very encouraged that a toddler can pick up words quick!

• For Breakfast time (Conversation #2):

I simply applied Lightning Fast Spanish into our Breakfast time, by reading over the Concepts and Vocabulary introduced in this section and setting before our daughter food items we were going to learn the names of. I made flash “cheat” cards to place on the table in front of me. As a part of the Spanish Conversation we were going to have I picked out the phrase “?Que hay desayunar?” and “?Quieres?”. Meaning What are we having for breakfast and Would you like?

My handy "Cheat" Cards I made! 

It was quite fun and not overwhelming as a mom, and in a matter of time my daughter will know that there are two ways in which to express her want of a yellow banana---Amarillo Platano!

• Fun Activities:

A fun game activiity that I play—as suggested in the book is something that I call Donde Esta….
meaning Where is the…? So I simply play Name the body parts! I find myself playing this game throughout the day with her. She can say “La Cabeza” meaning the head a little bit as it is a mouthful to say.

As my daughter gets older I would really love to be able to incorporate the Scavenger Hunt Game which is playing Donde Esta on a bigger scale and with things and items. Another game I cannot wait to play is Spanish Bingo! I personally am enjoying learning a new language and am taking advantage of my daughter’s young “learning to talk” age. As for my husband, he is not home quite as often to learn Spanish with us as he is working longer hours, but he sure approves of her speaking another language and is astounded at how little kids’ brains are geared! I do like this book and would recommend it if you want a fun way to incorporate a new language. The best ways to learn a new language is to use it, and this book really does help one learn and use it!

Carolyn Woods author of Lightning Fast Spanish:


I'm a busy mom of 4, and always looking for ways to do things better, faster, cheaper! I post reviews and blog about science fun, educational books, and family friendly activities ~Carol

Carol makes it extremely easy to incorporate a new language into every day life. She offers families a fun and non-overwhelming way to learn a new language. She has several other Lightning Fast Languages in this series such as Chinese, Japanese, French, German, and Italian. You can find her books on Amazon and are available on Kindle as well as a Paper back edition.





Disclosure:  I was provided a copy of Lightning Fast Spanish to facilitate this review.  All of my opinions are my own and from my experience.  I was not compensated in any other way to write this review and was not required to write a positive review. This post may contain affiliate links.

Kids Eating Healthy your child can too--Copy-Kids DVD Review and Giveaway

Vegetables are one of our biggest obstacles right now. Our daughter is beginning to become quite picky especially when it comes to textures and certain foods.  But thanks to Copy-Kids, She rather liked chomping on the vegetables and copying the kids as they ate their veggies!   At first I observed her just sitting in her high chair watching the other kids eat, studying them and soaking in the situation.  When I set a bowl of vegetables in front of her, she grabbed the red bell pepper and started copying the children eating red bell peppers!

I believe that Copy-Kids DVD really aided us in jumping this hurdle when it comes to vegetables and fruits. She is starting to gravitate towards mimicking other children right now, and loves to follow what they do and say!  Copy-Kids DVD has hit the mark by applying this towards helping families get their kids to eating healthier.  The concept of "copy" is really quite simple but effective.  The concept paired with healthy eating habits and kids--ingenius!

Another thing I really liked that there was a positive atittude towards vegetables and fruits--which was rather refreshing!  Kids eating and enjoying their vegetables was just so amazing and thrilling to see and I know it got my daughter and I excited about eating vegetables and fruits again! 

After watching Copy-Kids, I was a bit pricked in my heart.  I have begun to rethink what I prepare for myself and my family.  I am aware now more than ever that I am an example to my daughter and family.  I still cringe at the thought of eating my brocolli, peas, and peppers!  I need a better attitude towards my vegetables.  After watching the Copy-Kids eat their veggies I am going to have to rethink my own eating habits.  I need to walk the walk and talk the talk and in matters of eating---I need to not only eat my veggies more visibly in front of my daughter but eat them with enthusiasm and enjoyment like Copy-Kids.

 Interested in seeing a little clip of their Copy-Kids?  You can view the sizzle reel here: http://copy-kids.com/  I think that this product is a very positive approach for encouraging kids towards eating healthier foods such as Vegetables and Fruits.  You can also visit them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CopyKids.

Ready for a Giveaway? 
I am really excited that they have partnered with Sophie and Momma's blog to sponsor a giveaway!  One reader will win a copy of the same Copy-Kids DVD that I received.  Giveaway is open worldwide.   Entrants must be 18 years or older to enter. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: I received a Copy-Kids DVD in order to fasciliate this review.  I was not required to write a positive review.  All opinions expressed here are mine.  I was not paid to write this post. 

Beginning Potty Training: Take TWO!

Potty Training has been a bit rough on us.  I thought our daughter was ready a couple of months ago because she started telling me "diapey" when she had used her cloth diaper.  For some reason she stopped telling me.  So as quick as my efforts of potty training started, it ended.  Now I am starting up again,  for the most part because she is almost two, and I at least want her to know what should go on in the bathroom!

Needless to say after my daughter wakes up in the morning, and I know she uses the bathroom right after she wakes up in the morning so I stick her on the potty.  Here's the picture of our first day!  I was washing my face and then I heard it---she trickled! 

The second day went a bit harder.  Fifteen minutes of sitting on the toilet and  She cried and rather did not like being on the potty.  Third day, no success. I almost got her when she started making faces, but was too late in stripping her down to her diaper.  She had already done the deed.  Deed number 2 that is.  Tomorrow is the next day.  I will hopefully get to be more attentive!

Fourth Day of a Verry Wooly Event: A Family Field Trip!

This last week we were able to have a family field trip!  LeAnn of Jabber Sheep Farm  graciously let us come visit her at Stoke's Auction where the Sheep were grazing.  This is the first time I ever have had interest in sheep.  I think this little adventure into wool diapering has really opened my eyes to appreciate Sheep.  Not only was it fun to go pet some sheep and take pictures of them, but it was a really good experience for me to see what is going on locally in own town of Port Orchard.

LeAnn was so gracious to us and let us come visit her at Stokes Auction House.  Her daughter, Jamee, started showing sheep in shows about five years.  Jamee was still in high school!  From then on raising sheep became a family business.  

Suffolks originate from the UK.  The environment is relatively similar to that of the UK.  This particular breed is raised mainly for their meat.  According to Sheep USA, Suffolk provide medium grade fleece.  Suffolk sheep are not really raised for sheering or their wool, but it was really fun!

Suffolk Sheep Information

My husband I think was inwardly excited too take me to see the sheep.  Andy went straight to them as soon as we neared the fence!  He even got to pet a couple of them.  This British Breed is so beautiful.  Their skin is a rich dark black with an off white-tannish brown wool cool.  LeAnn mentioned that this type of wool is good for carpets because it is coarse and has a short staple length and good for felting projects.  But in general these sheep are not sheered for their wool but are raised for their meat.  

My husband the Sheep Whisperer...

My Little "Sheep" :)  Though I do not think we could pull the Wool over their eyes!

They thought we were going to feed them, So they gathered around their food mangers

Yes...I think he is enjoying this :)

I also wanted to acknowledge and thank LeAnn for granting us the freedom and privilege to roam around the sheep stalking them with a camera!  Also, for sharing with us a little about her sheep! :)

Mom's Little "Helper"

Just taking the day to do some laundry and folding!  So taking some time to just spend the day with the little joy in my life.  I  have some upcoming Reviews and Giveaways I am working on getting posted up this week on the blog:

• Carmex Giveaway and Review
• Eebees DVD Adventures Review and Giveaway
• TinyPrints Giveaway

Just a heads up, and be looking out for my Blog Announcement coming out on Friday (or earlier...depending on how much this little helper of mine "helps" out with the laundry.)

Here's a Hint:  I am super excited to embark on such an adventure with Wool Diapers....

• You can keep in touch with my events by signing up for getting my blog posts in your email :)  Thank you again for following my blog and visiting. 

My Confession As a SAHM: Testimony Thursday

  My Confession as a Stay at Home Mom:
A lot lately, I have been wresting with being the woman God wants me to be at home. I get lazy I get overwhelmed. I get crazy staying within the confines of "Home". God change the way I view life as a Stay At Home Mom. I know there are ups and there are downs. Today the sun is shining, and the morning is fresh and new. Forgive me for being the foolish lazy woman who just gets bored. I am so much to do and when I get things accomplished in the Strength of the Lord, I find rest and peace and ...Joy...even Joy in being a Stay at Home Mom and Wife.  But staying mindful of doing things for God is hard sometimes. 

Word-Filled Wednesdays

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  This post is part of the Word-Filled Wednesday Hop fromInternet Cafe Devotions.       

We are created!

As the master artist lifts his paintbrush to the canvas one can only guess what the finished piece will look like.  But until the final stroke is painted....can one stand back and gaze at the entirety of all those carefully placed brushstrokes and see what the master had envisioned.  When the master first began the strokes might have seemed irregular or even placed miscellaneously, but because he is the master and skilled each brush stroke is purposed.  

Our Daughter almost about a year ago :)

Lesson I am learning as a First Time Mom:

There are times in my life that I just feel like giving up on life, but God reminds me that I was once newly formed. I was once a baby too!

 

I look at my toddler my little girl. I look at her and I believe and know without a doubt she has a purpose.  She was created and knitted together with God's own hand!   I need to also believe that my Redeemer formed me. That he thinks of me, and that he has a plan for my life.

 

Me & My Mom

I get in the doldrums sometimes, and this helps me if there are piles of dishes and laundry to do--and I feel like giving up or discontent. When I remember that being a mom to my daughter and wife to my husband--is important and where God wants me to be right now, I gain hope.  Right now financially we cannot afford a babysitter or a daycare.  Neither do I want to!  My mom was the sole provider.  She worked as a single mom, and though we had sufficient food and clothes---I missed out on developing that relationship and bond as a child.  I knew she was my mom, but I know that she missed out on playtime with me and seeing me grow up.  I love my mom, and I know she sacrificed a lot that I may eat and be alright.  Being at home with my own daughter is a privilege that cannot be thought lightly.

  

Working a job and getting a diploma can wait a while longer.  My daughter will not be little forever.  I have a purpose....I have an impact...I am important....my life is not spent in vain....I am a Mother, a Daughter, a Wife.  I am not a mistake--neither is my life---I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God. 

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As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.
Ecclesiastes 11:5

This is what the LORD says--your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the LORD, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself,
Isaiah 44:24

13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made, marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
The Treasury of David (Psalms 139)

A Fisher of Men

Is this a pet for our fishtank---Sophie thinks

"Watch My husband skillfully chop the head off!"

"Is this going on your blog?"  :) YES!

Lots of smoked salmon for us!  Chum.

 Alright, so my husband has had such a Dry Season when it comes to fishing.  It seems that for all the hours in the day he goes out to fish, he comes home empty handed and beaten by that fish that got away or did not bite!

The Fish Story
But One Day he came home with a different story to tell.  With a tremendous grin and excited voice he told me the story of how he came to catch this big one!  He was sitting there in his little kayak letting the line bob with the waves caused by a motor boat.  He began to reel in his line just because he was going to go in for the night.  Then to his surprise he felt something at the other end "just swimming around and not fighting at all".  He thought it was another bull head or dog shark.  He reeled more and the fish went "Whizzzzz!"  A friendly young fisherman near by pulled his boat near and helped him net it.  The fish was huge!!!  He could not stop grinning and telling me the story! 

My Prayer & Encouragement & Lesson I learned
You know, sometimes I just pray for these days where his life will be fruitful and that he can reap the joy and fulfillment of his efforts!  I also pray that those he meets along the way will see the Light of Jesus Christ within Him.

I know that there are times my husband comes home and he's just beat.  The job and the workplace in the shipyard is a tough place to be a Bible believing, God fearing man.  I know he has his faults and slips into things at work.  But I know that there must be something in him that wants to bring souls to repentance and to the Truth in the Word of God.  But as a wife, I pray for the calling of God in his life--for him to be a Fisher of Men.  I pray that he'll bring that "BIG FISH" in one day, and come home with a big grin on his face.  Until then I hope he'll not give up casting out his fishing line.

Mark 1:17 - "Come, follow Me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

For by grace are ye saved through faith, not of yourselves--it is a gift of God--Not of works, Lest any man should boast.

Home is where...

I learned a good lesson today as a momma:

Evidently, Home is where I want my kids to make their mistakes.  

I want my daughter to be able to make the messes and learn from them here--right before my eyes!

"No-No-No" to Mom Help???

As my daughter was eating dinner, she wanted no help from mom.  She wanted to get her hands into everything!  She grabbed whatever pasta aimed for that "cave mouth" of hers.  ( Her four teeth: Stalagmite and Stalactite).  I just couldn't get past those chubby hands!  So I let her go.  Frustrated at first, but found that I was free to eat my own dinner.  So it turned out to be a fair exchange. 

"NO-NO-NO" to the sippy cups too??? 
Alright, so we tried her child's cup with a little bit of water for dinner too.  I watched her over tip the cup as she drank.  I chuckled and said, "Too far, Sophie".  She did it maybe three more times, but she did get it to a good angle a lot more than over tip!  I cannot believe that she is drinking out of a cup!  It was then that I realized that this is where I want her to learn..I am her teacher...her mother...and hopefully her friend as she grows up.  I am going to set boundaries, but also I want her to experience "doing things on her own" and finding out for herself how to do things. 

RedWeek Review & Giveaway: Vacation on a Budget with Timeshare Rentals

In the timeshare industry a “red week” is the prime time to own a
timeshare (for example, Christmas week at a ski lodge, etc.). In using
this term as the name of this company, it simply means “the best.”  :)

 Have you ever heard of Timeshare Rentals?  

RedWeek.com is a site which offers people the ability to rent out their timeshares, and a great place for others to find great vacation deals.  Often the prices listed for renting out a room is lower than booking a hotel room directly.  I have already found a great place in Hawaii that is $50-$65 less than listed.

Now, I have not booked a Timeshare Rental through RedWeek yet, but I have found this site an excellent resource for finding places to stay at a great bargain.  I am excited about this site because I can see the difference in prices for different places I want to go. 

Our Experience with using a borrowed or Timeshare Rental: 

BlackBird Lodge, Leavenworth

When Andrew and I got married, we were tremendously gifted with a 3-4 day stay at a Lodge in Leavenworth for our honeymoon.  We stayed at the Blackbird Lodge at no cost to us!  How did this happen?  Well, a really amazing family let us use their Timeshare.  Once we arrived at BlackBird Lodge, check-in was a breeze and there were no complications.  Everything was amazing!  We received the same amount of good service if we booked online or called to book a room.  No good thing was held back from us just because we were on Timeshare time.

Now, that I see how great timeshares are, I am looking forward to using RedWeek when planning a family vacation. I know that the money saved by renting a timeshare can go towards other things during the trip!  Or the fact that I saved money makes the trip that much better you know?  Knowing that we can vacation for less makes me a happy mom and makes for a better mind throughout the trip, I think!

Advantages to Timeshare Rentals:

1.) Amazing and Practical Amenities. 
Many Timeshare Rentals include a Kitchen!  This is an amenity that is great for families on a budget.  Rather than eat out for every meal three times a day, and not to mention snacks for children--a family can save because most timeshares include a working kitchen.  Also, timeshare rentals often include amenities at a resort that is included in the rental price!

2.)  Timeshare rentals typically cost up to 50% less than cramped hotel rooms.
Owners of Timeshares are able rent out to others at a lower price.  We have more money in our pocket!  Families are able to do more activities rather than just spend all money for a room!

3.) Variety of places to rent out. 
There are a variety of different types of rentals which can be more accommodating to a family.  I found some condos in Hawaii that were up for rent $100 a night which can be a better option for a family looking for the amount of Space rather than luxury.  With Timeshares one may find a bargain price for a Luxury hotel room!  So, variety at a doable prices is the advantage here.

4.) Timeshares Available Worldwide.
   I also found that there were so many places from which to rent out a timeshare.  There were some places that I wanted to go that did not have any available.  Yet, for the most part, all the famously fun and exciting places had timeshares readily available.  

Check out what I found using RedWeek.com!  

http://www.RedWeek.com/posting/R484149

Now, for us, luxurious hotel rooms are not we as a family truly like in a vacation.  Though it would awesome to have a Luxurious hotel room suite with all the bells and whistles, it is not what reigns importance when we vacation.  Rather we would love to be able to have a quite, nice, comfortable place to stay and find that the vacation money is spent towards activities and not just the room. 
 
(By the way, I am stoked over this deal I found!  We can  stay in Hawaii longer AND have more than enough money to shop and do more activities! This great place to stay is only $53 a night! )

Why I like RedWeek:
I cannot get over the fact that I have access to such an ample amount of hot vacation spots!  Using RedWeek is simple, and I found it within seconds of arriving on the main page under "Top Timeshares Rental Destinations".  Overall it is a neat opportunity for us as a family to Vacation on a budget.

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Now for the Giveaway:  

One reader will be chosen to win a 2-year Membership to RedWeek.com!  Winner will be chosen at random on October 24, 2011 at 9pm PST. Must complete form in order to enter! :)

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Moving and Our not so Little Baby

Wow, it seems that life has hit the fastforward button. We are finally moved into our new place, and now living out of boxes! I am both excited yet so overwhelmed at the task of sorting through boxes, and just rearranging furniture and all that comes with moving.  The only thing that is pretty much situated is our kitchen!

Got my Kitchen Set up So Far! 

But last night, I was just taken back and reminded to really treasure these times as a family. Good bye to stress and feeling overwhelmed...life will happen and its OK to have a mess of a house. I get frustrated easily, and you know what? I don't need to be! We will get things organized and unpacked in due time. What matters most is making sure I am there for my family.

I can unpack and have a wonderful time doing it!  

I can stop what I am doing and play with Sophie.  

I can take time to cook meals!  

I can spend time in the morning just taking in the Word of God!

:)