1. It’s easy to set up. I had no problems with the initial registration process, and it was easy to understand all the options while setting up the girls’ accounts. Almost everything can be customized on each child’s profile. You must adjust the grade levels for learning games, the categories of learning games your child is allowed to play, enable/disable community features, and language preferences.
2. It’s strong academically. I was amazed at how many learning games are available that reinforce the things we’re learning with our curriculum. The girls get a fun “review” while using the site, and they learn new things too! (See #3.)
3. It’s engaging. Both of my kids love Always Icecream and beg to play on it. They would love for it to be the only activity they have to do during the day, but I haven’t caved yet. My older daughter finishes her lessons in record time so she can get on the site, and then she runs back and forth to the school room, grabbing maps and books to use as references so she can pass to the next level. She’s going beyond this year’s curricula to learn things she’s interested in and wants to study. She has reviewed the states of the United States and is moving on to countries in Europe. She’s also learning how to label the human body!
4. It’s fun! The girls are enjoying the games, and I love them too! For each educational game they play or video they watch, they earn “scoops” to spend buying pets, creating artwork (they can sell to other members), buying furniture to decorate their virtual houses, and other activities.
5. It keeps kids balanced in their activities. Games and videos that are fun but aren’t heavy on educational value cost a certain number of scoops to play or watch. That keeps kids going back to the learning games and videos so they can earn the scoops they need to do the fun stuff! The activities that earn them scoops are clearly marked with an ice cream cone, making it easy to see what’s what.
6. It’s safe. There is a “social media” (community) component to Always Icecream, but it can be disabled. If you do enable it, all posts are moderated. Children also must exchange friendship codes and enter them on the site to claim they know each other in real life. I helped my daughters confirm each other so they can interact on the site and discovered that “in real life” friends are marked with a heart to distinguish them from online friends.
7. It informs you of everything your child does on the site. Parents have the option of receiving a weekly e-mail detailing the child’s activities. It is very detailed. If you don’t want to wait for the e-mail, you can log in to the parent page and click on each child’s profile. It will tell you what games she played, videos she watched, artwork she created, and interactions with other children on the site. It’s easy to know what’s going on when your daughter is online at Always Icecream!
8. You can adapt it for strugglinglearners. This is huge for me because my younger daughter has learning disabilities. When we first tried the site, all games were available to all users. She got frustrated because she tried to play games that were much too hard for her. Since then (and it’s only been a little over a week), they have added the slider that allows you to choose the grade levels available to each user (hers are set at K-1st now). I’ve also heard that they’re adding more activities for younger users.
9. It’s addictive. In my mind, this is a good thing! The girls are learning so much and having such a good time doing it that I have trouble getting them off the computer!
10. There’s a sister site (or should that be brother?). If you stumbled across this review and are upset that you don’t have a princess to share it with, never fear! Clever Dragons is the site for boys!

This site really is as great as it sounds. The only thing on my wish list for the site is an option to have the questions and answers read to the younger/struggling reader!

I give Always Icecream five scoops! Visit the site and try it free today!

Disclaimer: I was given ONE free membership to Always Icecream in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. I received no further compensation for this review, and I purchased a second subscription so my younger daughter could join the fun!

I was playing around with some social media tools in my representative’s toolbox, which led to THIS post. It originally contained a single link, which didn’t lead to my store. Since people are already clicking through to check it out, I decided to explain and give you the real link to my online store, if you’re interested.

Here it is: http://www.youravon.com/jenniferajanes

And, in case you’re wondering, my blog is not about to turn into a beauty blog. I have a blog at my store site too, and I’ll blog about new products we’re trying there.

Sorry for the confusion. Thanks for checking in!

People often make remarks about how strong I am. I’m not, though. I’m weak. I beg God for help regularly, and when I don’t, things don’t go well. I often feel completely overwhelmed by my “normal” life, and when extras get dumped on top of that, I don’t handle it well.

This has been one of my theme songs for a while now:

As I read through Psalms as part of my Bible in 90 Days reading, I noticed verse after verse talking about God giving strength to His people. I rely daily on Philippians 4:13 and was encouraged to realize how many times the Bible says God gives us strength. One of my favorites from Psalms was Psalm 29:11 (NIV1984):

“The LORD gives strength to his people; 
   the LORD blesses his people with peace.”

Do you need some of that strength and peace? I do!

How do you tap into God’s strength on a daily basis?

Please share the verses God is using to change you by leaving a comment or linking up here or at Mom’s Mustard Seeds. Rebecca and I love reading your Seeds. I’m always amazed at how much your verses and insights minister to my needs each week! Thank you!

No word on the food diary analysis yet, although it was promised to me by Friday before last . . . and then again last Friday. I received an e-mail today that leads me to believe we’re close. Even without the food diary analysis, Princess is getting a referral to endocrinology. We haven’t ever seen endocrinology before, so this will be a new experience. Her bone age test came back within normal range for her age, which isn’t the result we were hoping for. If her bone development was significantly delayed, that would mean that we still had time to catch up. Her body, however, apparently thinks it’s doing exactly what it’s supposed to be doing. We checked her growth factors and thyroid in October, and they were normal. I’m not sure what else endocrinology has up their sleeves, but I’m interested to see what they do next.

Even with ever-present uncertainty, we have much to be thankful for:

#1231. Roo’s laughter as she begs me to tickle her one more time before she goes to sleep.

#1232. silly putty snowmen on my kitchen table

#1233. field trips with friends—both old and new.

#1234. an oven that is functioning again!

#1235. God’s provision in ways I could never have imagined.

#1236. exciting news I’ll be posting about soon.

#1237. opportunities that have opened up for DH and me.

#1238. the joy of helping people with common interests connect.

#1239. more rain! (Maybe one day we’ll be completely downgraded from drought status!)

#1240. my husband expressing his enjoyment at having me by his side even during mundane tasks, like grocery shopping.

What are you thankful for today?

Photo credit: Jennifer A. Janes

The Rose of Winslow Street starts with a takeover. Michael Dobrescu and his family move into the Sawyer home on Winslow Street while the owners are away on holiday. When Professor Sawyer receives word that a stranger is living in his house, he cuts his holiday short and returns to Colden, Massachusetts, to begin the legal battle required to get his house back.

Professor Sawyer’s daughter Liberty, better known as Libby, returns to Colden with him. She has never married and is dependent on her father because of a terrible secret. As the lawsuit for possession of the house moves forward, Libby gets to know Michael better. She finds herself torn between loyalty to her father and the man who might be able to make all her dreams come true. The situation becomes even more complicated as the truth about Michael’s past—and his sister’s—is revealed.

I finished this book on Valentine’s Day, and I can’t imagine a better day to end it on. I laughed and cried until my eight-year-old asked me what was going on! I can’t wait until she’s a little older and I can give her the pleasure of reading it too.

If you’re looking for mystery, suspense, romance, and humor, look no further. They can all be found in The Rose of Winslow Street, and I highly recommend that you get a copy and begin reading immediately!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of The Rose of Winslow Street from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. I received no further compensation for this review.

I recently became aware of a flip book by Lori A. Moore that attempts to do just that. Hannah the Hedgehog Goes to Heaven/Lily Loses Her Best Friend is the same story of loss told from the point-of-view of the hedgehog and the owner.

Hannah the Hedgehog Goes to Heaven is told from the owner’s point-of-view. Lily is saddened by the loss of her pet, but her mom and dad do a great job of helping her work through her grief with great activities that help her understand and process Hannah’s death.

Lily Loses Her Best Friend is told from Hannah the hedgehog’s point-of-view. It gives the reader an interesting perspective on a pet’s death. This book details Hannah’s thoughts and feelings on leaving Lily.

We enjoyed these books. They gave us a way to discuss Pinky’s death. My eight-year-old cried while we were reading these books. My six-year-old stayed dry-eyed but asked a lot of questions that led to a good discussion. My only concern about these books was in Lily Loses Her Best Friend. I’m not sure about the theology of animals in heaven, or them being able to see us and what we’re doing while there.

Hannah the Hedgehog Goes to Heaven/Lily Loses Her Best Friend are great books for opening a discussion about dealing with a pet’s death and are especially geared for elementary students. I wish we’d had them last spring!

Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of Hannah the Hedgehog Goes to Heaven/Lily Loses Her Best Friend in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. I received no further compensation for this review.

I don’t consider myself wise, but I think I’m one step closer. I’ve thought a lot about love as Valentine’s Day approached. Then, last night, as I was reading in Psalms,  I came across this verse:

“Whoever is wise, let him heed these things 
   and consider the great love of the LORD.”

Psalm 107:43 (NIV1984)

This psalm is about God’s love for Israel and how they failed Him many times—and how he continued to love, rescue, and deliver them. I can relate. I often fail, and that’s why this psalm ministered such a balm to my spirit. It reminded me that God’s love for me is unfailing—despite my shortcomings, faults, and failures.

A few verses down, I read this:

“For great is your love, higher than the heavens; 
   your faithfulness reaches to the skies.”

Psalm 108:4 (NIV1984)

I began to really reflect on how great His love is, greater than I can understand. The depth of His love really stands out in the following verses:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3:16 (NIV1984)

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:8 (NIV1984)

If you’ve made it this far into this post, you’ve considered His great love too. That makes you wise!

What do you consider the most amazing thing about God’s love?

Please share the verses you are memorizing/meditating on by linking up or leaving a comment here or at Mom’s Mustard Seeds. Your posts always speak to my heart!

I have learned so much from each of you. I want you to know how much you mean to me and how much you have shaped who I am as a homeschool parent. When I think of you and what you have brought to my life, I think:

Valuable – You are of great value as a child of God and because of who you are. You have also brought to my attention so many great resources and opportunities!

Accessible – You have made yourself available to me. You allow me to approach you at meetings, call you, e-mail you, or chat with you through social media.

Loving – You love me through the good times and bad, and especially through the times that I don’t feel lovable.

Encouraging – You encouraged me in my homeschooling journey when I wasn’t sure what to do next—or even if I could keep going! And now that I’m feeling more sure of myself, you continue to encourage me as God opens up new opportunities for me.

Nice – Really! When I was driving you to distraction in my search for ________ (whatever I was obsessing about that week), you were always nice enough to offer suggestions or advice.

Talented – I’m always amazed by your ideas, advice, hobbies, and creativity. You’ve got skills!

Interesting – Yes, interesting! I love hearing about your passions and interests, reading about the causes that touch your heart, and getting glimpses of the things that make you who you are—those things that go beyond the superficial, surface stuff.

Nutty – Or maybe it’s me who’s nutty. No, I’m pretty sure you are too. We have fun together, don’t we?

Excellent – What more can I say?

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I also determined to show my blog some love by getting my gratitude list up on the right day this week! There has been a lot going on here, and I have neglected to be faithful in posting regularly. Things aren’t any calmer, but I’m going to take a few minutes to get some posts up anyway.

Princess Roo has had her OT re-evaluation. I’m still waiting for the report to come in the mail and for our new health insurance to pre-authorize her therapy, but we’ve gotten the process started. Roo also had a bone age x-ray taken Friday. Her gastroenterologist ordered it, but it was done locally. I’m not sure who’s going to give me the results, but I’m going to give them a few more days before I start calling for them!

We have been celebrating Valentine’s Day for over a week, with a great homeschool group party last week and a Valentine’s Cookie Decorating party on Friday night.

We’re still waiting for God to show up in big ways in some areas of our lives, but we are rejoicing in the ways He’s already shown Himself more than able.

#1221. provision in unexpected ways, while resting in Him, waiting.

#1222. the opportunity to start a home business later this month. (More on that and how you can help later.)

#1223. the girls’ excitement about helping with the new business.

#1224. a morning spent baking and decorating heart-shaped cookies.

#1225. an afternoon full of Valentine’s Day crafts.

#1226. a surprise snowfall in the middle of this unusually warm winter.

#1227. attending two parties with good friends last weekend.

#1228. the opportunity to review a web site that has the potential to be a great supplement to our studies.

#1229. hope that comes from faith in the Faithful One.

#1230. the peace that comes from knowing Who, even when I don’t know how.

How are you celebrating love this week?

Photo credit: Jennifer A. Janes

For those who were interested in the book and lesson plans, I recommend that you consider purchasing a copy. Your teens will love it, and you will too! It is definitely not just “young adult” fiction!

And now . . . the winner of a paperback copy of Night of the Cossack and a digital copy of the accompanying Homeschool Study Guide is comment 10: Dell!

Please check your inbox, Dell! I have already sent an e-mail notifying you and requesting your mailing address and confirmation of your e-mail address.

If I am not able to verify the winner within 48 hours, I will choose another winner and will add an update to this post.

Thank you for participating!

Photo credit: Jennifer A. Janes