T8ermomma, owner of Shiver Academy (Shiver is a penguin who is the school mascot, in case you are wondering), has put together a 992 page unit study based on the Book of Virtues and has made it available for download at no charge. This enormous resource is full of printables, lesson plans, worksheets, planning sheets and much more. It's obvious that many hours went into planning this great unit and T8ermomma is gracious enough to share it at no charge. You can see all of the details at her blog, and look in the right column about halfway down the page for the download links (under the Book of Virtues heading). There are a few other downloads available below the Book of Virtues section. The unit is available as both one large file and several smaller files for those who might be on a slow connection. Thanks to Homeschooler's Notebook for bringing this resource to my attention!

Tim Lambert from THSC and Valerie Swanson, a homeschool Mom, talk about their decisions as Chrisitans to be involved in politics

Southern Baptist Mom and founder of Southern Baptist Church and Home Education Association talks about the exit strategy and the Kingdom Education Workshop on June 15th in Greensboro, NC

A homeschool Mom who helps Children of Chernobyl have summer camp in France, has her own DVD out, and since this interview has a theme park open based on her characters in the DVD.

After Dr. Phil aired a show about homeschooling, the Homeschooler Next Door talks with a clinical psychologist about the show and an unschooling homeschool Mom

Deana of The Frugal Homeschooling Mom wrote to me about a giveaway she is doing, and when I checked it out I discovered a treasure of freebies, great deals, frugal living ideas, and more on her site.

This contest has ended.Family Time Fun is one of my new favorite companies!Anyone who knows me well knows that my family is always at the top of my priority list. Our schedules are insane between me and all my ventures, my amazingly hard-working husband, and my 4 kiddos and their activities! But I have always made it a point to make dinners a family affair. We may eat at 10:00pm, but we ALWAYS eat together! :)All too often however, while we are all gathered around the table the TV is on, or everyone is talking at the same time! So although we are physically "spending time together," it is not actually quality time!Family Time Fun has created some incredible solutions to this problem!They are the creators of The Restaurant Game... And The Dinner Game!I wish I could say I have a favorite, but I just love them both! We played The Dinner Game the moment it arrived (because my kids couldn't WAIT until dinner!), and we loved it. We played it again that night at dinner, and now it is a staple on my table- it has a home just beside the napkins!And although we haven't been out to eat since The Restaurant Game arrived, you can rest assured it is already in my car awaiting a trip out with the family!Both games have questions such as, "Everyone at the table should guess your favorite song" and "Hum the tune to a song while everyone else tries to guess it." The Restaurant Game also has cards that say, "Guess how many sugar packets are in the caddy at the table" and "Guess your server's favorite color." The Restaurant Game makes no noise, so it will not disrupt any surrounding tables.These games are sure to bring new life to your family dinners, no matter what the ages of your kids are. My 2 year old got a kick out of hitting the "start" button on The Dinner Game.Family Time Fun is offering The Restaurant Game to YOUR family, as well!To enter to win this competition...To enter, please do any or all of the following:1. Comment below, with your email address, telling me how this game could change your "family time" at dinner.2. Visit the "Family Time Fun Games" site by clicking HERE, and leave a comment telling me what you think you will love about their games!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. Email this contest out to your friends, and copy me on it at vaagen@bellsouth.net7. Follow me on Twitter (vaagen) and ReTweet this contest on Twitter: http://twitter.com/vaagen/status/2765236593. 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, July 31th at 6pm. Good luck!Thank you for coming to Mingle Over Mocha with Anna!

Beautiful Soaps!I am a sucker for natural and handmade soaps.? When I came across Beautiful Soaps on Etsy, I knew I wanted to try some of the soaps!? Heather at Beautiful Soaps ahs some fo the most original and creative combinations I have ever seen!? For example, how about Lavendar Chamomile Cocoa Butter Bars?? Or Lemongrass Poppyseed with French Yellow Clay?? Or Cinnamon Ice Lip Cooler Balm?I received an instant response from Heather, who was so kind to ship me three different soaps to sample!She sent me these soaps:Oatmeal Stout Beer with Oatmeal Honey and Vanilla SoapGuinness Stout Handmade Beer SoapCorona Beer Soap with LimeHer soaps come beautifully packaged, and wrapped in paper with custom labels.? They would make fabulous house warming gifts, pick-me-up presents, spouse gifts, or mother's/father's day presents!? One thing that I am always curious about when sampling natural or handmade soaps is to find out whether or not they lather.? A lot of the soaps I have tried in the past feel almost slimy, but don't actually lather.? I am one of those people that needs to feel a lather in order to feel clean!Great news... Beautiful Soaps LATHER!!? And they lather really well!? The oatmeal soap she sent is amazing- it not only lathers, but the oatmeal acts as a great exfoliator!Her soaps ALL smell incredible.? She has really mastered combining the scents to create the perfect blend!Heather also has some other wonderful products in her store.? Check out her STORE to see what else she offers!Heather at Beautiful Soaps is also willing to offer a $10 gift certificate to my site, and a 10% off savings to all? Mingle Over Mocha? subscribers who mention M.O.M. in their message or order!If you would like to enter to win the $10 gift certificate (which would be wonderful to win, because her items are SO reasonably priced, you could pick two items for this amount!!), please read below!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 CEIVA 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.• Subscribe to Heather's blog feed by clicking 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 July 24th at 6pm.? Thank you to? Beautiful Soaps? for donating the free soap samples 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!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS OF THESE GREAT CONTESTS!!!Please scroll all the way to the bottom of the list to see if you are a winner!!!If you are, please email me directly with your choice of product (if applicable), your phone number, and your mailing address._____________________________________________________________________________The winner of the Zehn Naturals t-shirt giveaway is…Linda Kish said... 12 follower lkish77123 at gmail dot com(random.org said… Here are your random numbers:12 Timestamp: 2010-05-11 16:23:59 UTC)____________________________________________________________________________The winner of the Ceiva picture frame set giveaway is…itsme said... 33 duggApril 15, 2010 12:45 AM (random.org said…Here are your random numbers:33 Timestamp: 2010-05-11 16:27:42 UTC)_____________________________________________________________________________The winner of the Xtrema Cookware giveaway is…patw said... 41 I too am terrible with cookware and would love to try this!April 20, 2010 5:34 PM (random.org said…Here are your random numbers:41 Timestamp: 2010-05-11 16:31:38 UTC)______________________________________________________________________________The winner of the Tazzini bottle giveaway is…Jaime said... 29 subscribe to blogcopperllama at yahoo dot comApril 28, 2010 11:18 AM (random.org said…Here are your random numbers:29 Timestamp: 2010-05-11 16:33:27 UTC)_____________________________________________________________________________The winner of the Zip-It Opener giveaway is…Adrienne said... 33 Daily Tweet! http://twitter.com/mamatojj/status/13143767009aseipel at pmmilwaukee dot com(random.org said…Here are your random numbers:33 Timestamp: 2010-05-11 16:34:57 UTC)_____________________________________________________________________________The winner of the Easy Lunchboxes Set giveaway is…Owen's Mom said... 80 Tweet!http://twitter.com/notimeMom/status/13448687613andrea.kruse at gmail dot comMay 5, 2010 5:37 PM (random.org said…Here are your random numbers:80 Timestamp: 2010-05-11 16:36:23 UTC)Thank you for coming to Mingle Over Mocha with Anna!

I was so excited to be chosen to review the One eskimO album "All Balloons!"One eskimO is a critically-acclaimed English band fronted by singer-songwriter Kristian Leontiou and includes musicians Pete Rinaldi (guitar), Jamie Sefton (bass, horns) and Adam Falkner (drums).They currently have the #1 adult alternative song called 'Kandi' which you may have already heard since it's the most played song on all adult rock radio 4 weeks and counting! ? Billboard Magazine calls One eskimO's self-titled debut album "...catchy, ambient pop." and Los Angeles Times Magazine hails the song "Kandi" “a beautiful, aspirational track.” The album is available in stores now.? ? Watch the amazing Kandi video now!The album release comes in tandem with a full length animated film. “Hometime”, one of the tracks that an animated short was first done with proved to be quite a sensation. It received numerous honors at film festivals around the world, as well as a 2008 British Animation Award. My opinion on the album...I LOVE quite a few songs on this CD.? Astronauts, WHICH YOU CAN DOWNLOAD FOR FREE HERE, is amazing.? It is bathtime music for me.? It just takes you away.? Kandi is the funnest, funkiest, jazziest, sassiest song I can think of at the moment.? And I can truely say there are NO SONGS on this CD I don't enjoy!!The listing of tracks on this CD are:HometimeAstronautsKandiSlipSimple DayGivin UpChocolateAll BalloonsChosen OneUFOAmazing? Be sure to visit One eskimO's Facebook page: http://bit.ly/906Gp3, their YouTube Channel:? http://bit.ly/bgZM8P , and subscribe to their newsletter:? http://www.mynewsletterbuilder.com/email/newsletter/1410294733! One? eskimO? is on tour May/June/July supporting Michael Franti and in addition to festivals and headlining showsTour Dates-May 14 Miami, FL Fillmore May 15 Jacksonville, FL Free Bird LiveMay 18 Orlando, FL House of BluesMay 19 Tampa, FL The Ritz YborMay 22 Raleigh, NC Lincoln TheatreMay 24 Asheville, NC The Orange PeelMay 25 Charleston, SC The Music FarmJun 01 Toronto, ON The Guvernment Jun 03 New York, NY The Beach at Governor's IslandJun 04 Boston, MA House of Blues Jun 05 Essex Junction, VT Camplain Valley ExpoJun 06 Hunter, NY Mountain Jam FestivalJun 08 Royal Oak, MI Royal Oak Music ThtrJun 09 Grand Rapids, MI Orbit RoomJun 12 Memphis, TN Minglewood Hall Jun 13 Kansas City, MO CrossroadsAug 14 Denver, CO Mile High FestivalYou can download the deluxe edition of this album HERE!? You can also enter to WIN a copy from One2One Network and Mingle Over Mocha!? 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 One eskimO 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!• Digg this post by clicking HERE!• 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: "I want to WIN the new One eskimO CD from @vaagen on her site http://www.mingleovermocha.com/!"? ? 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 May 31st at 6pm!? GOOD LUCK!Thank you to? One eskimO and One2One Network? for donating the free CD "All? Balloons"? 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!

The moment I saw SlothArt's LOST t-shirts, I knew I wanted to review one!? This is a picture of my husband wearing his...I contacted Allan through his Etsy site, and heard back from him instantly!? His communication is impeccable, and he responds personally in email to my inquiries.? I love great customer service!!SlothArt has an amazing collection of vintage cameras, photography and t-shirts!? Browse through the SlothArt site, and take a look at this very cool collection! Here are some other items listed on his site:"Hand of God" 5x7 Fine Art Print:The 1923 Pathex 9.5mm Film Camera:You've got to visit this site!? It is so fun to see what SlothArt has available.? It is definitely not your ordinary Etsy site!The LOST t-shirt SlothArt sent us is VERY comfortable, and the lettering is not the cheap kind that peels off after you wear the shirt a couple of times.? I know, because my husband has worn this shirt multiple times since it arrived- he loves it!He gets comments on it everywhere he goes- people get a real kick out of it.SlothArt is giving away to one lucky reader of Mingle Over Mocha a LOST t-shirt!!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 SlothArt 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.• Follow SlothArt on Twitter by clicking HERE. Fan the SlothArt Facebook page by clicking HERE.• Post about this giveaway on your blog, and comment with a link to the post!• Digg this post by clicking HERE!• 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 Saturday, June 19th at 6pm... Just in time for FATHER'S DAY!!? Good luck!Thank you to SlothArt for donating the free LOST t-shirt 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!

Friendship For Grown-Ups:? What I Missed & Learned Along the Way, by Lisa WelchelLisa Whelchel is a Christian Actress, Author, speaker for Women of Faith, and fellow homeschooling mom.? She was the child star "Blair" in Facts of Life.? ? Her experiences, beginning in the filming of Facts of Life, pwere what began her journey that is described among the? pages of Friendships for Grown? Ups.? As an independant individual most of her life, she had a hard time understanding what real friendship is.Lisa is a bit of an open book.? Her no-holds-barred style welcomes you in,? and makes you feel like you're talking to a friend.? I would recommend this book to anyone who has the "loner" mentality.? I have tendancies to need personal space often, and there were many parts of this book I could easily relate to!I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers,? a.k.a. "Book Sneeze"? as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.Thank you for coming to Mingle Over Mocha with Anna!

Welcome to the wonderfully delicious world of Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies! One2One Network is working with Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies to help promote Milano Moments--those special moments that you steal for yourself or share with a close friend and truly enjoy. (Just like when you savor a Milano cookie!)This month, Milano is turning their packaging pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month and has launched a Facebook initiative to raise money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure! ? Click here to participate:? http://www.facebook.com/pepperidgefarmmilano?v=app_161066607238836 ? ? ? Thank you for coming to Mingle Over Mocha with Anna!

Over the past year, like you, the Library of Congress has adjusted, recalibrated and learned. We want to continue to learn from you about what more we can do. As a friend of the Library of Congress, your feedback is critical to us as we look to the future. The Library of Congress is your library and we want to build plans based on YOU.Please take a moment to complete the survey and share more about how you’ve engaged with the Library, what we can do better, and what more you want to see from us. No matter where you are in the country (or world!), or how you’ve connected with the Library before – we want your feedback.Take the survey: https://wh.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=162090351735&src=1The survey will close in 10 days, so please take 10 minutes to complete it now. We look forward to sharing the insights we learn and, most importantly, using your feedback to chart the path forward.Thanks for your time!Carla HaydenLibrarian of Congress

Have you ever prayed for something and seemed to be ignored? We’ve heard many times that the Bible is its own best commentary. When our prayers seem unanswered we need go no farther than the Word for understanding (James 4:3; Psalm 66:18; Proverbs 1:22-33; 1 John 5:16; Hebrews 12:8 plus all of the verses instructing […]The post The Gift of Weakness appeared first on Mom's Blog.

Some time ago a sweet friend and pastor’s wife asked me if I had any ideas for church hospitality. I’ve thought about it. What is it? Is it wanted? Is it effective? The best church hospitality I ever experienced was about 30 plus years ago. My husband and infant son and I were looking for […]The post Church Hospitality appeared first on Mom's Blog.

In Matthew 7:7,8 we read, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for everyone that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened.” But what about those prayers you prayed and didn’t receive what […]The post I Asked But Didn’t Receive appeared first on Mom's Blog.

Do you believe in heroes? Are there any anymore? Yes, there are. Uh, I mean, no there are not. Well, maybe. It depends. It depends on what you are looking for in a hero. There ARE people who do heroic deeds, save people from imminent danger or death. There are people who give their own […]The post Heroes Part Two–Are There Any? appeared first on Mom's Blog.

The following was presented at a Mother/Daughter banquet for which the theme was given to the speaker, and a gospel presentation requested. It is given here at the request of a friend. May 2015, Calvary Bible Church, Berkeley Springs, West Virginia Part 1 The Gospel and What Follows Give honor to whom honor is due, […]The post Some of the Ladies To Whom Scripture Tips Its Hat appeared first on Mom's Blog.

In Acts 16 Paul answers this question for the Philippian jailer, “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thy house.” If the Philippian jailer and his household believe on the Lord Jesus Christ they will be saved. Our next question could be, “what does it mean to believe on the […]The post What Must I Do To Be Saved? appeared first on Mom's Blog.

I’m loving this time in my life. Reality has sunk in. Cynical? Nah. Seeing more clearly? Yeah. During my first fifty years my heroes were fictitious characters with real names; created by biographers, themselves or my rose colored eye sight. Today my heroes are real people who live, struggle, fall down, and get back up. […]The post Heroes appeared first on Mom's Blog.

So far since arriving back in the US, or “the land of plenty” as Becky Ebanks, a friend on the island calls it, we’ve been visiting with family. It’s been nice to reconnect with our children and grandchildren. We’re still looking for the vehicle God has chosen for us. We’re looking for one that seats […]The post Visiting Family in Maryland appeared first on Mom's Blog.

You may notice that my blog posts have been taken down. ? At this time in my life I hope to concentrate on removing the “beam” from my own eye. ? Thank you to those friends who have encouraged me in my blogging for the past several years. ? May the Lord bless and keep you. LisaThe post Posts Removed appeared first on Mom's Blog.