About a week ago, I was asked to review ‘DreamBox Learning K-2 Math’. This couldn’t have come at a better time either! Jordan and I were not only home from school, snowed and iced in, but we’ve both been battling serious colds. Signing up for the FREE 2-week trial was a special treat for us. We excitedly plopped down at the computer [armed with cough drops, tissues, ginger ale & hot tea with honey] and began the registration process - which is seriously quick and painless! Jordan got to pick out his own character and via information received from the registration process, the program uses his first name to ‘personalize’ the experience. The first game is an assessment, which then placed Jordan appropriately based on what he already knows. He has been absolutely thrilled with this new game and has since claimed that this is his ‘favoritist game of his life’ and he’s even mentioned, ‘I LOVE it’!

The cherry on top, so to speak, is the backend control panel for parents. This allows you to track your child’s learning, the length of time they are spending on the game, and make any changes to the account information. Another added bonus for parents, is the [detailed] e-mail updates. Every time Jordan plays, I recieve an e-mail explaining what game he played, what he was asked to do, and what he was learning. When he completes levels, or earns ceritificates, I receive an e-mail for that as well, complete with the link which allows me to print his certificate to hang on his wall.

Not only is he learning a great deal, I know what he is learning, how he is doing and even early predictions for special skills that he is displaying! He has been challenged, and I will admit that he’s wanted to give up at times. After all, he is being introduced to new concepts! But with my encouragment and his inate desire to succeed, he’s doing fantastic! With no pricy software to purchase and commit to, a personalized, challenging, learning experience, and money-back guarantee, we’ll be sure to subscribe when our trial ends!

Feel free to read more about DreamBox Learning from The New York Times.

I’m at a crossroads … I’ve fallen off of the ‘bloggie’ wagon and I’m having a hard time figuring out how to get back on. The desire to blog and reach out to other single Moms is still as strong as ever! I’ve been asking God for guidance, and in just over a week, I’ve received some touching, heartfelt comments from other single Moms out there AND my first product review request!

Do all bloggers go through this? Or just the ones with a vision? Is it harder when you have purpose?

It seems like I end up here every few months … what to do? Where do I go from here? What path do I take? Obviously, I want to glorify God … but how? Busy Moms have to maximize their efforts and can’t waste time wandering all over the map!

As with any Mom, much less a single Mom, I have been incredibly overwhelmed lately. Besides the usual, with my own kids and home, church obligations, work, full-time school, part-time babysitting, etc., I’ve been dealing with [another] failed relationship, destroyed friendships, almost breaking my [right/driving] foot (which is taking forevaaaaa to heal, persistent, agonizing, relentless, winter illnesses, a malfunctioning vehicle (we’re talking big stuff like the 4-wheel drive and anti-lock brake system), major plumbing/heating issues … the list seems to go on and on. And we all have this! Some days, weeks and even months are just harder and more trying than others.

So, when you’re underneath all that rubble and ‘defeat’ how do you find the time to blog? I haven’t as of yet. And that makes me sad. It makes me feel like I’ve let you gals down. But wait! Is this where I pick myself up, dust myself off and tell y’all about it? I tell you how much it stinks, how hard it is, how much it hurts, how I’ve cried and screamed and now, after a month or so of junk that’s been going on, I’m inspired, I’m hopeful, I’m feeling more blessed than I ever have! My kids and I have grown closer, my Mom and I have closed ranks and refused to let the enemy have victory over our lives!

Regardless of the origination of all of these trials, the fact remains that lessons can be learned, growing can be done, love and life can thrive! If you let it! These times, more than ever are when you focus everything you have (even when it isn’t much) on God! You focus on His love and grace. Go to Him in prayer and rely on HIM! Not your best girlfriend, not a man, not family or a neighbor! HIM! All these other folks are awesome and I thank God for the ones He’s put in my life, they have their indescribable, immeasurable, value! But at the end of the day, when it’s all said and done, there is only ONE! I have spent so much time with the Lord in the last few months and I’ve relied on Him more and more. I am finally giving all this stuff to Him. It is all so big and scary, but I can’t do much about it by myself and I realize that! He never asked me to help Him with it, He asks me to give it!

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.  I Peter 5:6 - 11

It is with this newfound peace, that I’ve decided to do some experimenting and writing, maybe develop a new blog, do some research, add lots of features and resources and see what comes out of it. If you have found refuge here with me, hang on tight and let’s see where God takes us - together!