-by Mimi Rothschild When an adult meets a child, it is very likely that the first question asked will be, “What grade are you in?” For our homeschool students, the answer might be, “I’m in first grade reading, fourth grade math, and everything else is second grade” or “I get to go at my own pace, and [...]

This hearty chili is truly a snap to prepare. After browning the beef and stirring in the spices to give them a slightly toasted flavor, you simply toss everything into a slow cooker and let the mixture simmer all day.

For all the talk about change, everything old seemed oddly new again in 2008.

Each week Considering Homeschooling recognizes the faithful service of someone getting the message out about private, biblical homeschooling.  This week we recognize "ladyofvirtue" for her blog "Virtual Schooling".  Visit the original on the Large Family Mothering blog.   Virtual Schooling December 2, 2008 by ladyofvirtue I live in a largely blue-collar town. There are no mansions or super affluent people that make up our community. The families that choose to be "traditional", with the daddy as the breadwinner, struggle. Lots of homeschooling families that I know here have had trouble even affording a computer. In a community like ours, virtual schooling where the government sends a family a computer, pays for internet use, and supplies all sorts of glossy, colorful curricula and even science and craft supplies, is just too much of a temptation. When our state first began to offer such programs, I can remember the glowing reports of all of the "goodies" that were sent--it was like Christmas! Everything needed was provided, including scissors and craft paper, and seeds for growing things. Mothers who before had been wringing their hands wondering how they were going to afford the Saxon Math series were now almost care-free. But there was a catch. Someone has said that nothing in life is truly "free". With all of the goodies and the ease of knowing someone else was in charge came a large price. Instead of worries over buying supplies and curricula, now the mothers had a heavy burden placed on them every day. They had to coerce and nag and bite their fingernails over getting the work done that was required--a whole boat-load of extra fact-cramming and busy-work that made it almost impossible for anyone to have a good life, especially for the mother who had even 3-4 children on different levels. Instead of having their lives simplified, they were complicated beyond comprehension, and their children were being harmed in the process and turned into drones who hated anything to do with "learning". The most unfortunate thing of all was that most mothers were convinced that this sort of government-sponsored slavery was what homeschooling was all about! Many who were already feeling overwhelmed about teaching their own children became convinced, after allowing the state to muck with things, that homeschooling was impossible and horrid. So, they gave up. But learning is not a super-complicated thing that only professionals know how to do! Our children were born to us completely helpless--they could not even hold their own heads up! Somehow, with our encouragement, they learned to walk and talk and feed themselves. Children, even in some of the most impoverished conditions, learn to do these things, unless they are ill or haven't any food to eat. Why do children learn these things? Is it because they are constantly nagged, or they have been through the right "programs"? No. Children learn these things because they want to and they need to. The parents are there to facilitate and encourage. Now here is the secret that those who run teaching colleges and publish curricula and make their living on the supposition of universal idiocy do not want you to know: TEACHING CHILDREN IS NOT DFFICULT--THEY ALREADY WANT TO LEARN! I once checked out a magazine published for teachers from the library, thinking I could glean something of value for my own family. An article was written therein about teaching composition to middle-school students. I could not believe the amount of verbage it took--paragraph upon paragraph of evidence and studies and then the methodology that took pages to explain. What a waste! Writing is just an extension of language, another form of communication. When it is taught in this context, it no longer seems mystical or complex. Good writing is learned by reading the good writing of others--with reading aloud, discussion, and application. The same goes for the other subjects. Math is a sort of communication, it is the communication of the Creator to His creation--that there is order and care. Science is best described as the "thinking of God's thoughts after Him". The wonder of this planet and the universe is the only catalyst needed. Once the appetite has been whetted, a parent need only to watch a child take off like a rocket-ship (and be willing to enjoy the adventure). Of course, you can't enjoy the wonderful adventure of discovery with your child if every day is prescribed and written down. The time and energy you would normally have to explore and discover is all taken up by the reading of droll, dumbed-down texts, numerous questions to be answered by rote understanding, canned experiments and the like. Yes, there are times when a little rote learning can be valuable, but not as an all-encompassing program. The teaching of facts should be likened to handing out tools that a skilled craftsman, the child, can use to create and discover further. Rote learning should never become the end, but the means. We should not be so much concerned with turning out children who can win at Trivial Pursuit as much as we should be concerned with raising children who can take the information in any situation, analyze it, and come up with wise conclusions and solutions. I do not write theory here; I myself have seen the proven examples, and not just among my own children. But the public schooling industry, and it is a great part of our economy, does not want you and I to know just how simple teaching and learning really is. Just think of how many meetings and conferences would have to be canceled. Whole political commmitees would have to be disbanded. We would see a lot of educational phd's flipping burgers, and whole educational supply industries woud go belly-up. Besides all of this, those who desire power over our population would be the saddest of all, because people of America would once again, as in the crazy times of our inception, realize just how many choices they have, and would develop the intestinal fortitude to pursue those choices. I personally believe that it would allow Chrisitanity to return once again as the underlying foundation of our Republic, as parents would be allowed to pass on their Judeo-Christain values in a personal way to the next generation. But you won't read this in the leaflets sent out to entice you. They will act as your friend, and say how they understand that you feel unsure and intimidated. But they are not friendly. They only wish to use your own fears to convince you that you can not do it on your own. But, with God's grace and help, YOU CAN!!!!!!

This sweet kid-art display is also a functional spot to hang all the stuff you need to grab as you go -- everything from backpacks to dog leashes to reusable totes for the supermarket.

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. day everyone.  My husband is off today so we are enjoying a half day of school.  My oldest attended her school co-op and my 6th grader is only working on a science project today.  We are almost halfway through our school year already and I don’t even know where it went.  Seems like each day passes faster and faster. That’s the thing though when it comes to fitness, each day will pass whether you decide to make changes or not.  Why waste another day?  Is it not possible for you to focus on one new, healthy habit this week?  One change is doable.  This week is going to pass anyways.  How many days, weeks or years have you let pass while you continue to say, I’ll start on Monday, tomorrow, or after the holidays?  Don’t allow yourself to make excuses anymore.  Can you make one of these changes this week? Drink one less coffee, tea or pop each day. Eliminate one processed food item from your grocery list. Learn one new, multi-joint exercise. Write down everything you eat each day. Drink 4 glasses of water each day. No one said change had to be done all at once.  Some people are able to do that without looking back, but I believe they are a small percentage. Pick one goal this week and stick to it.  Let me know what it is.  My goal this week is to only drink two cups of coffee each day.  I got a little out of hand with our -20 degree weather last week. Come on!  We’ll cheer each other on. Hugs~~ Coach Angela Post from: Homeschool Fitness Coach

Since tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, I’ll make this short and sweet. Here are two Guilt Free Fat Fighters (and a BIG reminder) to enjoy tomorrow: 1) Celebration Sorbet Put a scoop of raspberry (or whatever your favorite flavor is) sorbet in a martini glass and sprinkle with fresh berries. Drizzle with champagne or sparkling apple cider. 2) Strawberry Dippers Dip whole strawberries in low-fat French vanilla, lemon chiffon or chocolate yogurt. Easy, huh? Guilt free AND delicious! My buddies at Prograde Nutrition are having a “Chocolate is for Lovers” sale for Valentine’s Day. Read below to find out how to save 14% on all purchases of their AMAZING organic dark chocolate Prograde Cravers. Seriously, they are the BEST tasting healthy snack bar on the planet. Happy Valentine’s Day!   PS - Here are all the details on Prograde Nutrition’s 14% off Prograde Cravers sale. Organic Dark Chocolate Prograde Cravers have no preservatives, only 180 calories and they come in three delicious flavors: peanut butter, almond butter and spirulina. The even better news is they are on sale all this week for Valentine’s Day. Here’s everything you need to know: - Again, because it’s Valentine’s Day, the sale is 14% off all purcahses of Prograde Cravers - When you checkout you will enter this coupon code to save the 14%:    vday0909 - Shipping will take 3-5 days, so while I HIGHLY recommend you jump all over this sale, don’t purchase these as a gift expecting them to be their for Valentine’s Day itself. Buy them as a healthy gift for yourself or others. - Sorry, Prograde Cravers are not available overseas - The offer cannot be combined with others from Prograde and it ends this Saturday, February 14th at 11:59pm EST. - Prograde Cravers are NOT available in stores anywhere. You can only find them online here: Prograde Cravers (hyperlink to http://inspirationfitness.getprograde.com/cravers) Post from: Homeschool Fitness Coach

Posted by: Considering Homeschooling The North Dakota Home School Association (NDHSA) 2009 Home School Convention is March 19-21, 2009 in Jamestown, ND.  Workshops and guest speakers include: Michael P. Farris is Chairman of the Home School Legal Defense Association and Chancellor of Patrick Henry College. George Escobar is the founder of Advent Film Group (AFG) and has over 20 years experience in film, television and interactive media. He has worked for top executives in the industry including Sony CEO, Fox Network and TELE-TV SVP. Prior to AFG, Escobar was VP of Product Development for Discovery, Executive Director for AOL/Time Warner and is former producing Fellow from the American Film Institute Conservatory. He holds seven U.S. patents in technology and user-interface design. Most recently, George co-produced, directed, and scripted COME WHAT MAY in association with Patrick Henry College (PHC). Mike Farris, founder and chancellor of PHC, plays the moot court coach in the movie. COME WHAT MAY was made by and stars homeschooled students. George acknowledges, “When I was in Hollywood I was a marginal Christian. I knew Christ, but I didn’t live for Him. Now, as a more mature Christian, I can clearly see and appreciate why the Lord literally pulled me away from Hollywood. I might have grown to become a successful filmmaker, but I would have been an ineffective ambassador for Christ. The Lord first had to mold and remake me as a homeschool dad of three sons and a devoted husband to my wife, Claire, for 20 years. More importantly, I needed to learn that the Lord comes first in everything I do. That includes my family, church, education, world view, my craft as a filmmaker, the people I work with and the organizations I support.” Theresa Deckert lives in Devils Lake, ND with her husband Jeff. They have been homeschooling in the state of North Dakota for 24 years. Their two oldest children have graduated from their homeschool and are married. Theresa is currently homeschooling a senior and a 2nd grader. She and her husband serve on the board of the North Dakota Homeschool Association. She is also part of the legislative team working toward a better law for our state and the Lake Region Area Homeschoolers. Her passion as a board member and a workshop leader is to represent and help those who are just beginning this amazing journey called homeschooling. Steve Demme and his wife Sandra have been married for over 29 years. They have been blessed with four boys: Isaac, 28; Ethan, 26; Joseph, 23; and Johnny, 21. With God’s help, they have all been home educated. Steve addresses a variety of topics at homeschool conferences to encourage parents in their God-given responsibilities of raising and training their children for His glory. He and Sandra have created the Math•U•See Foundation, a nonprofit corporation to assist and encourage parents and families with cassettes, booklets, and other helpful resources. Steve is the author and founder of Math•U•See. He served in full or part time pastoral ministry for many years after graduating from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. www.stevedemme.com Lois Walfrid Johnson believes that an important part of her call as an author is to restore the spiritual dimension to our understanding of history and religious and political freedoms. Her 29 books and 17 updated editions include three historical series and 21 novels: the Adventures of the Northwoods (1906-07, transition years in MN, WI, and upper MI) and Riverboat Adventures (1857, immigrant, steamboat, and Underground Railroad history). In her Viking Quest series (approximate year 1000) Lois shows a world view in which Vikings came to raid and encountered Christianity. When enough of them became Christians the raids stopped, and courageous sailors changed world history. In the fifth novel, The Raider’s Promise, Lois’ characters join Leif Erikson in founding the only authenticated Viking site in North America. For a partial list of awards received see www.loiswalfridjohnson.com and click the “about Lois” tab. Peggy Ployhar serves as the MACHE (Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators) Special Needs Coordinator with the goal of “Empowering parents to love homeschooling the special needs children God has chosen for their homes.” She says that homeschooling was God’s chosen blessing for their family, an adventure that started almost 6 years ago when her oldest son was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. Peggy’s passion to serve God where He calls and motivate others through her speaking and counseling to do the same, has given countless individuals the courage to step out in faith and trust. She believes that being in the will of God is the cornerstone of the Christian walk and therefore her lessons, lectures and retreats all center around bringing individuals back to truth in all life circumstances. Peggy is the former MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Area Coordinator for MN, ND and SD, and she is certified by the American Association of Christian Counselors. Peggy lives in Apple Valley, MN with her husband Doug and their three children, two cats and one dog. Victor Storkel is founder and president of Virtue in Knowledge Publications. He is first a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ and has committed his life to follow and apply the teaching of the Bible in all areas of life and to follow the example of Jesus Christ under the leading and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. He is also a national speaker and author on the topics of education and critical thinking skill development. He has been a featured speaker at National Home Education Conventions across the country for the last 10 years. He and his wife Gail have 3 children, Crystal, James and Collette. In his spare time he enjoys studying God’s Priceless Word, travel, golf and soccer. www.virtueinknowledge.com Allen Wold is a former farmer from Wheaton, Minnesota. He has been married to his wife Beth for thirty-two years, and together they have three children and one grandchild. He farmed for twenty-seven years before God led him to enroll at Oak Brook College of Law, a Christian college. He graduated in October 2007. Since the school was online, he homeschooled himself in law while continuing to homeschool his two youngest children.

Posted by: Considering Homeschooling The North Dakota Home School Association (NDHSA) 2009 Home School Convention is March 19-21, 2009 in Jamestown, ND.  Workshops and guest speakers include: Michael P. Farris is Chairman of the Home School Legal Defense Association and Chancellor of Patrick Henry College. George Escobar is the founder of Advent Film Group (AFG) and has over 20 years experience in film, television and interactive media. He has worked for top executives in the industry including Sony CEO, Fox Network and TELE-TV SVP. Prior to AFG, Escobar was VP of Product Development for Discovery, Executive Director for AOL/Time Warner and is former producing Fellow from the American Film Institute Conservatory. He holds seven U.S. patents in technology and user-interface design. Most recently, George co-produced, directed, and scripted COME WHAT MAY in association with Patrick Henry College (PHC). Mike Farris, founder and chancellor of PHC, plays the moot court coach in the movie. COME WHAT MAY was made by and stars homeschooled students. George acknowledges, “When I was in Hollywood I was a marginal Christian. I knew Christ, but I didn’t live for Him. Now, as a more mature Christian, I can clearly see and appreciate why the Lord literally pulled me away from Hollywood. I might have grown to become a successful filmmaker, but I would have been an ineffective ambassador for Christ. The Lord first had to mold and remake me as a homeschool dad of three sons and a devoted husband to my wife, Claire, for 20 years. More importantly, I needed to learn that the Lord comes first in everything I do. That includes my family, church, education, world view, my craft as a filmmaker, the people I work with and the organizations I support.” Theresa Deckert lives in Devils Lake, ND with her husband Jeff. They have been homeschooling in the state of North Dakota for 24 years. Their two oldest children have graduated from their homeschool and are married. Theresa is currently homeschooling a senior and a 2nd grader. She and her husband serve on the board of the North Dakota Homeschool Association. She is also part of the legislative team working toward a better law for our state and the Lake Region Area Homeschoolers. Her passion as a board member and a workshop leader is to represent and help those who are just beginning this amazing journey called homeschooling. Steve Demme and his wife Sandra have been married for over 29 years. They have been blessed with four boys: Isaac, 28; Ethan, 26; Joseph, 23; and Johnny, 21. With God’s help, they have all been home educated. Steve addresses a variety of topics at homeschool conferences to encourage parents in their God-given responsibilities of raising and training their children for His glory. He and Sandra have created the Math•U•See Foundation, a nonprofit corporation to assist and encourage parents and families with cassettes, booklets, and other helpful resources. Steve is the author and founder of Math•U•See. He served in full or part time pastoral ministry for many years after graduating from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. www.stevedemme.com Lois Walfrid Johnson believes that an important part of her call as an author is to restore the spiritual dimension to our understanding of history and religious and political freedoms. Her 29 books and 17 updated editions include three historical series and 21 novels: the Adventures of the Northwoods (1906-07, transition years in MN, WI, and upper MI) and Riverboat Adventures (1857, immigrant, steamboat, and Underground Railroad history). In her Viking Quest series (approximate year 1000) Lois shows a world view in which Vikings came to raid and encountered Christianity. When enough of them became Christians the raids stopped, and courageous sailors changed world history. In the fifth novel, The Raider’s Promise, Lois’ characters join Leif Erikson in founding the only authenticated Viking site in North America. For a partial list of awards received see www.loiswalfridjohnson.com and click the “about Lois” tab. Peggy Ployhar serves as the MACHE (Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators) Special Needs Coordinator with the goal of “Empowering parents to love homeschooling the special needs children God has chosen for their homes.” She says that homeschooling was God’s chosen blessing for their family, an adventure that started almost 6 years ago when her oldest son was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. Peggy’s passion to serve God where He calls and motivate others through her speaking and counseling to do the same, has given countless individuals the courage to step out in faith and trust. She believes that being in the will of God is the cornerstone of the Christian walk and therefore her lessons, lectures and retreats all center around bringing individuals back to truth in all life circumstances. Peggy is the former MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Area Coordinator for MN, ND and SD, and she is certified by the American Association of Christian Counselors. Peggy lives in Apple Valley, MN with her husband Doug and their three children, two cats and one dog. Victor Storkel is founder and president of Virtue in Knowledge Publications. He is first a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ and has committed his life to follow and apply the teaching of the Bible in all areas of life and to follow the example of Jesus Christ under the leading and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. He is also a national speaker and author on the topics of education and critical thinking skill development. He has been a featured speaker at National Home Education Conventions across the country for the last 10 years. He and his wife Gail have 3 children, Crystal, James and Collette. In his spare time he enjoys studying God’s Priceless Word, travel, golf and soccer. www.virtueinknowledge.com Allen Wold is a former farmer from Wheaton, Minnesota. He has been married to his wife Beth for thirty-two years, and together they have three children and one grandchild. He farmed for twenty-seven years before God led him to enroll at Oak Brook College of Law, a Christian college. He graduated in October 2007. Since the school was online, he homeschooled himself in law while continuing to homeschool his two youngest children.

I found out that I just wanted the kids to magically be exposed to art. I wanted them to absorb art history and learn art skills without any more from me than driving them to lessons. I mainly wanted to be able to say, “We homeschool and we have time for everything! Look at their art knowledge and skills! See how amazing I am as a mother and teacher!” Finding the source for our guilt is crucial to subduing it. So on this journey so far, I had already learned a few important things.

Do you have a furry little one in your life?Do you love to spoil your furry friend?Stonewall Jackson, my Chihuahua, has a closet full of clothes. He loves to show them off when we go out, because he gets even more attention that way! When Posh Puppy Boutique sent me a preppy little sweater vest for my little Stonewall, he was thrilled. Here he is in his new vest. He has his paparazzi look perfected! (see below) I discovered Posh Puppy Boutique, an adorable online store that sells EVERYTHING your pup’s little heart could ever desire.Here are some of my favorite items from their store… Posh Puppy Boutique even has Live Support on their website! You can shop for cat clothes, gift certificates, hair products, treats, memorial items… anything you can think of!The products they carry are by the best designers out there, such as Juicy Couture!Posh Puppy Boutique has been featured on “Good Day Sacramento,” in Dog Fancy Magazine, in the Continental Kennel Club Magazine… and the list goes on and on!Don’t have time to shop? No worries!Posh Puppy Boutique even has a Personal Shopper link!Wouldn’t you LOVE to have your own Posh Puppy Boutique item?The Posh Puppy Boutique has been generous enough to offer one reader of Vaagen Family Blog a $25 gift certificate to their store!How can you enter?1. Comment below, with your email address2. Visit the Posh Puppy Boutique Site by clicking HERE, and leave a comment telling me what you love the most!3. Subscribe to this blog (enter your email address in upper right corner), and comment that you do.4. Follow this blog (in right hand column), and comment that you do.5. Become a fan of this blog on Facebook by clicking HERE, and comment that you do.6. Subscribe to the Posh Puppy website by clicking HERE.7. Follow me on Twitter (vaagen) and ReTweet this contest on Twitter: http://twitter.com/vaagen/statuses/3665895083. Comment below that you did.8. Favorite this blog on Technorati by clicking HEREThe winner will be chosen by random drawing on http://www.random.org/integers/ on Friday, September 11th at 6pm. Good luck!Thank you for coming to Mingle Over Mocha with Anna!

SIRJJ Organics!…. Review #5 As I mentioned in my previous AcaiBerry Reviews, I have been on a bit of a health kick lately, and this week, I will be posting some of the items that have helped me feel healthier, more refreshed, rejuvenated, and more energized this week! Be sure to check back daily, as you can enter each contest multiple times! In my quest for better health, I came across SIRJJ Organics. SIRJJ is pronounced like the word "Surge." The company was named for the founder's children - Samuel, Isaac, Rachel and James Johnson. How cute is that??? Today, I am reviewing the Fifth and last of FIVE SIRJJ Organics Products! If you would love to take a first step into healthier living, or if you always have used all natural cleansing products, SIRJJ is for you! You will find daily reviews on the following products this week (from the AcaiBerry by Wisdom series!): AcaiBerry Cleansing Cream (My review: Click HERE) AcaiBerry Facial Scrub (My review:  Click HERE)  AcaiBerry Antioxidant Cooling Toner (My review:  Click HERE) AcaiBerry Rehydration Cream (My review:  Click HERE) AcaiBerry by Wisdom SPF 10 Day Cream (current review) Recap of SIRJJ product review in general: Let me first say this- I am allergic to EVERYTHING. I always have to test skin care products on my arm to see if I will break out, before buying new items. I was slightly worried that I would swell up like a pufferfish after trying these organic products. But I was very pleasantly surprised when the AcaiBerry products went on smooth, without irritation. I literally woke up the next morning with smoother skin! Please see my AcaiBerry Cleansing Cream review HERE. The SPF 10 Day Cream is amazing!  It is PERFECT for going on light and airy, so it works well under my make-up, and never makes my face look oily!  But I have noticed a real difference in the softness of my skin, since I have used it.  I have had absolutely no breakouts, either.  I am not break-out prone, but some hydration creams push me over the edge and can cause them.  I have used this daily since my sample came, and I am extremely happy with the results. This is the ingredient list for the AcaiBerry SPF 10 Day Cream (notice, you can pronounce it all!): Aloe Leaf Juice - Certified Organic Apricot Kernel Oil - Certified Organic Expeller Pressed/Unrefined Plum Kernel Oil - Expeller Pressed/Unrefined Meadowfoam Seed Oil - Expeller Pressed/Refined Rosehip Seed Oil - Certified Organic Cold Pressed/Unrefined Pumpkin Seed Oil - Certified Organic Cold Pressed/Unrefined Zinc Oxide Mango Butter - Expeller Pressed/Unrefined Neem Seed Oil - Cold Pressed/Unrefined AcaiBerry - Certified Organic Freeze Dried Emulsifying Wax NF Gentle Preservative Blend: Potassium Sorbate USP Food Grade, Citric Acid (Fruit Sugars) The packaging for the all natural cleansers is not flashy, just like the product. It is earth-friendly, and functional. I believe SIRJJ has done an amazing job of finding high-quality ingredients and materials that perform well. There is no bulk, no waste, and no over-kill in their products or their packaging.I am officially the latest fan of SIRJJ Organics! Would you love to own a similar SIRJJ product of your own? Read the rules below and leave your comment, then come back daily to leave more comments on the reviews I will be posting for SIRJJ all the way through Saturday! The contests will all end on Friday, October 2nd at 6pm. To enter, please do any or all of the following: 1. Comment below, with your email address 2. Visit the SIRJJ Organics site by clicking HERE, and leave a comment telling me what you love the most! 3. Subscribe to this blog (enter your email address in upper right corner), and comment that you do. 4. Follow this blog (in right hand column), and comment that you do. 5. Become a fan of this blog on Facebook by clicking HERE, and comment that you do. 6. Follow me on Twitter (vaagen) and ReTweet this contest on Twitter: http://twitter.com/vaagen/statuses/4170559338 Comment below that you did. 7. Favorite this blog on Technorati by clicking HERE The winner will be chosen by random drawing on http://www.random.org/integers/ on Monday, October 5th at 6pm. Good luck! Thank you for coming to Mingle Over Mocha with Anna!

Fresh Start God's Invitation to a Great Life By Doug Fields Thomas Nelson Books provided me with a copy of the book “Fresh Start” by Doug Fields for my review. Fresh start by Doug Fields is a wonderful, often funny, book.  By sharing new perspectives on single life, married life, and everything in between, Fresh Start gives clear guidelines to follow.  That, coupled with scripture background to relieve the pressures of today’s world, Doug Fields will help to get us “unstuck.”  Everyone can have a “FRESH START”. The book description is as follows: If you had the chance to change your life for the better, would you? All it takes is a decision. Trapped by harmful habits, behaviors, and attitudes, we struggle to become the person God has created and called us to be. Saddleback Church teaching pastor Doug Fields says it’s never too late to get a fresh start. With personal stories and youthful writing, Doug challenges readers to recognize that they may say they want God in their lives, but they really don’t want to change. They are stuck. He says, "It’s not about trying harder, it’s about plugging into God’s transforming power and submitting your entire life to Christ. Age doesn’t matter; fresh starts are for everyone." Topics include: * Dealing with pride* Defining success* Living with guilt* Struggling with conflicts* Finding true friendships* Overcoming discouragement* Facing rejection* Attacking angerTo purchase “Fresh Start,” click HEREThank you to Thomas Nelson Books for donating the free copy of "Fresh Start" for my review. I was not compensated monetarily for this review, or for any on my blog site. All reviews are provided after I receive a free/donated product from the publisher, manufacturer, or PR company. Reviews are written from an unbiased point of view. Only business relationships exist with those who provide products for review. Thank you for coming to Mingle Over Mocha with Anna!

I LOVE HAIR DECOR!!!As a matter of fact, some hair barrettes were the very first review I ever had for my blogsite!Little Sunshine Design sent me an absolutely BEAUTIFUL hair band to review for Christmas this year!? The hair band looks as if it were designed by an artist.? This is not your average piece of ribbon that has been hot glued around a piece of plastic.? This hair band consists of soft elastic, faux pearls, a feather, and a flower!? Take a look at this gorgeous hair band on my daughter!I really love all of Little Sunshine Design's hair pieces, because there is something to go with EVERYTHING!? Her pieces range fron dainty to attention grabbing, and all look to be made with care!Look at some of these pieces on her site!Please visit her shop today, and enter below to WIN a hair bow/band of your own!To enter, please do any or all of the following items. The "Mandatory" item(s) must be completed before getting any additional credits from the "Optional for Extra Credit" section.Mandatory:• Visit the? Little Sunshine Design? Etsy site by clicking HERE, and leave a comment (BE SURE to include? your email address in case you win!!? Sometimes, people never get their prize, because I can't find their email address!!) telling me what you love the most! Optional for Extra Credit:• Subscribe to this blog HERE, and comment that you do.• Follow this blog HERE, and comment that you do.• Post about this giveaway on your blog, and comment with a link to the post!• Become a fan of this blog on Facebook by clicking HERE, and comment that you do.• Email this contest out to your friends, and copy me on it at vaagen@bellsouth.net ? • Follow me on Twitter? HERE and ReTweet THIS.? ? Comment below that you did! You can retweet this contest every day for extra entries- simply leave a comment each time you tweet!• Invite friends to follow Mingle Over Mocha on Facebook, and comment that you did!The winner will be chosen by random drawing on http://www.random.org/integers/ on December 20th at 6pm.Thank you to? Little Sunshine Design? for donating the free hairband for my review!! I was not compensated monetarily for this review, or for any reviews or giveaways on my blog site. All reviews are provided after I receive a free or donated product from the publisher, manufacturer, or PR company. Reviews are written from an unbiased point of view. Only business relationships exist with those who provide products for review. The Author of Mingle Over Mocha is not responsible for your difference in opinion or happiness with this product, or your safety when using this product. Thank you for coming to Mingle Over Mocha with Anna!

I love the winter. I love the smell of cold weather, the logs on the fire, the hot cocoa with family, and the stars shining through the bare trees.What I DON'T like however, is how freezing cold I always stay throughout the winter!Thanks to Jen at Mott Chrochet Gifts, my hands are toasty warm this season!She sent me these amazingly beautiful fingerless gloves. They are black (which matches positively EVERYTHING in my closet!), and they are not scratchy, but just snuggly! I get comments and compliments on them everywhere I go! I went Christmas shopping this year for my mother and father in Eddie Bauer. I bought my mother some of these exact gloves for $30, but Mott Crochet sells them for a fraction of that!Stop by her shop and check it out! She sells out of her inventory instantly, so you might have to go into the SOLD items to view her work!She is offering one reader of Mingle Over Mocha a $10 gift certificate to her store! You will soon be styling in your OWN fingerless gloves!To enter, please do any or all of the following items. The "Mandatory" item(s) must be completed before getting any additional credits from the "Optional for Extra Credit" section.Mandatory:• Visit the Mott Crochet Gifts Etsy site by clicking HERE, and leave a comment (BE SURE to include? your email address in case you win!!? Sometimes, people never get their prize, because I can't find their email address!!) telling me what you love the most! Optional for Extra Credit:• Subscribe to this blog HERE, and comment that you do.• Follow this blog HERE, and comment that you do.• Post about this giveaway on your blog, and comment with a link to the post!• Become a fan of this blog on Facebook by clicking HERE, and comment that you do.• Email this contest out to your friends, and copy me on it at vaagen@bellsouth.net ? • Follow me on Twitter? HERE and ReTweet THIS.? ? Comment below that you did! You can retweet this contest every day for extra entries- simply leave a comment each time you tweet!• Invite friends to follow Mingle Over Mocha on Facebook, and comment that you did!The winner will be chosen by random drawing on http://www.random.org/integers/ on December 20th at 6pm.Thank you to? Mott Chrochet Gifts? for donating the free fingerless gloves for my review!! I was not compensated monetarily for this review, or for any reviews or giveaways on my blog site. All reviews are provided after I receive a free or donated product from the publisher, manufacturer, or PR company. Reviews are written from an unbiased point of view. Only business relationships exist with those who provide products for review. The Author of Mingle Over Mocha is not responsible for your difference in opinion or happiness with this product, or your safety when using this product. Thank you for coming to Mingle Over Mocha with Anna!

From My Mama's Kitchen by Johnny TanWhen you think of a Mother, what do you think of?? If you ARE a mother, what words would you hope your children would use to describe you?Loving, helpful, faithful, sincere, encouraging, sweet, self-sacrificing, trufhful, God-fearing, bold, insightful, descretionary, one-of-a-kind, true, protective, open, trusting, unfailing, caring, comforting, honest... the list could go on forever!Johnny has had a unique experience from being adopted, and then "adopting" even more moms (for a total of NINE MOMS!!)? in his journey of life!You will find a little bit of everything in "From My Mama's Kitchen."? It is a book of encouragement for mothers, a book of love and remembrance for children, and soul food for every one else!You can read other reviews for this book on Amazon, HERE.You can buy this book HERE!This is a little bit about the author, Johnny Tan:Like a pot of the famous Louisiana gumbo, Johnny Tan's life has been richly flavored over the years by his nine moms.In April of 2007, Johnny began recording the various heart-felt memories and words of wisdom expressed and felt in the kitchen setting. The result is From My Mama's Kitchen – “food for the soul, recipes for living.”Adopted at birth in Malaysia, Johnny Tan came to the United States in 1980 to attend college at LSU in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Here, he began a journey that led him into crossing paths with various women he admiringly referred to as Mom. It is the inspiration, support and life skills that Johnny received from his moms that have guided him towards his pursuit for personal excellence.After college, Johnny worked in the restaurant industry for 18 years. He retired from a successful career as Chief Operating Officer in 2001, to begin a new vocation of running his own business.Living by his very own personal vision and mission statement, Johnny continually uses his gift of creativity to enrich the lives of those who know him and for his community through his fellowship and leadership ability.Johnny is also an accomplished amateur ballroom dancer. He has performed with his dance partners for more than 10 years at various ballroom and charity events in Louisiana and Texas.He currently resides in Dallas, Texas. Check out his website HERE, and listen to his radio show HERE!I hope you enjoy Johnny Tan's work as much as I have!Thank you for coming to Mingle Over Mocha with Anna!

News from the Library of Congress2021 National Film Registry, Latinos in Public Media & More 'Return of the Jedi' Among 25 Eclectic Films Joining National Film RegistryLibrarian of Congress Carla Hayden announced the annual selection of 25 influential motion pictures to be inducted into the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress. Selected for their cultural, historic or aesthetic importance to preserve the nation's film heritage, the newest selections include epic trilogies, major roles for Jennifer Lopez and Cicely Tyson, extraordinary animated features, comedy and music, and films that took on racially-motivated violence against people of color decades ago.Learn more about the 2021 National Film Registry. The “tick, tick … BOOM!” Research at the LibraryWhen Lin-Manuel Miranda visited the Library on Oct. 10, 2017, not many people knew about it. Clad in jeans and sweatshirt, the celebrated “Hamilton” creator quietly made his way to the Performing Arts Reading Room.There, with two companions, he began sifting through? the papers of theater composer Jonathan Larson. The trio was on a mission to bring one of Larson's works to cinematic life.Learn more. The 2021 Library of Congress Holiday CelebrationWatch the 2021 annual Library of Congress Holiday Celebration, streamed live from the Great Hall. This event honors three of the winter holidays customarily commemorated in the U.S.: Christmas, Hanukkah, & Kwanzaa.Watch the livestream. Holiday Gift Guide at the Library of Congress ShopDeck the halls, the Library of Congress Holiday Gift Guide has arrived! Explore our unique collection of holiday themed items, all inspired by the Library.Shop the Library's Holiday Gift Guide. The Library Adopts New Digital Collections StrategyAs of this fall, the Library has a new blueprint for collecting born-digital content. The updated strategy succeeds a digital collecting plan implemented in 2017, whose objectives have been mostly achieved. But the new strategy also goes beyond that plan. The new? five-year plan covers the full lifecycle ofborn-digital materials.Read more. New Magazine: Gifts That Keep GivingOver the decades, donations from civic-minded citizens have helped build the extraordinary holdings of the Library of Congress. Also, a new collection chronicles the creation of G.I. Joe and an 18th-century volume provides the earliest slave narrative in the United States. Learn how? generations of civic-minded citizens have helped build the Library's collections in the latest issue of the Library of Congress Magazine (LCM).? Read the new issue of the Library of Congress Magazine. Friends of the Library of Congress brings together a community of donors committed to preserving this nation's cultural memory. This group is integral in advancing the Library's mission to engage, inspire, and inform and help make everything possible from digital resources to public programming to exhibitions.Join now and take part in unique opportunities to see, experience, and learn from the Library's staff and collections first-hand.

News from the Library of CongressLionel Richie, the Kitchen Sisters, New Online Collections & More Lionel Richie to Receive the Gershwin Prize for Popular SongLibrarian of Congress Carla Hayden announced that pop music icon Lionel Richie will be the next recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. Richie will be honored with an all-star tribute concert in Washington, D.C., that will be broadcast nationally on PBS stations May 17 at 9 p.m. ET.Learn more. The Library Acquires Kitchen Sisters' Audio ArchiveFor more than 40 years, radio and podcast producers Davia Nelson and Nikki Silva — best known as? The Kitchen Sisters — have chronicled the lives, rituals, triumphs and tribulations of people from all walks of life, weaving together a rich tapestry of America's cultural heritage. Now the Library of Congress is acquiring their full body of work, including more than 7,000 hours of audio, photos, handwritten journals, podcasts and storybooks.Learn more. New Collections OnlineThe Library is constantly adding new items to its available digital collections online. Check out this post from The Signal blog for the latest additions, from film descriptions from copyright registrations to rare illustrated children's books in Hebrew and Yiddish, to musical theater sheet music, to maps, and more.Read the blog post. New Magazine: Jazz's Last StarHazel Scott had fame, money and artistic success — then she lost it all. Read about this little-known jazz star and discover a world of jazz from the Library's collections in the new issue of the Library of Congress MagazineRead the new issue.Friends of the Library of Congress brings together a community of donors committed to preserving this nation's cultural memory. This group is integral in advancing the Library's mission to engage, inspire, and inform and help make everything possible from digital resources to public programming to exhibitions.Join now and take part in unique opportunities to see, experience, and learn from the Library's staff and collections first-hand.

Stem cells have been called everything from cure-alls to miracle treatments. But don't believe the hype. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is concerned that some patients may be vulnerable to stem cell treatments that are illegal and potentially harmful. Here's what to know before you consider s

Feel Good Foods is voluntarily recalling its Gluten-Free Plain and Everything flavored Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Bagels. The products may contain undeclared gluten that may be present due to cross-contamination. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to gluten run the risk of serious aller

Feel Good Foods is voluntarily recalling its Gluten-Free Plain and Everything flavored Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Bagels. The products may contain undeclared gluten that may be present due to cross-contamination. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to gluten run the risk of serious aller