Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Drive Thru History Adventures One Year Subscription Review


My entire family had the privilege of trying the one year subscription to great homeschool video curriculum from Drive Thru History Adventures for this review to use in conjunction with our own homeschool curriculum. This is a Homeschool Review Crew Review. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my family.

Drive Thru History is a great series that makes history fun. There are three different captivating series to choose from: Bible History (The Gospels), American History, and Ancient History. These bring the history to life and engages the viewer in an exciting adventure and learning. These not only tell us about the history, but also the archaeology, geography, and art surrounding the people, places, and events that have defined our world and the Christian faith. These videos are shot on location to bring you an up close and personal view of what the tour guide wants you to learn.

Dave Stotts: entertaining tour guide for Drive Thru History.

Dave Stotts is our entertaining tour guide that hosts Drive Thru History. He has spent the last 20+ years in the professional film and documentary production which has taken him to nearly 30 countries to shoot and edit works. He loves shooting and editing films, videography, writing, media creation. Storytelling is the driving force behind his work.



Drive Thru History Adventures is an online subscription to all of the series. With the subscription you not only get the awesome video series to stream online. Each video is about 30-45 minutes long. The curriculum that goes along with each video is recommended for ages 12 and up, but the videos can be enjoyed by all, even younger ages, especially ages 5-11. You also have the opportunity to download study guides for homeschool which consist of a worksheet with discussion questions, an answer guide, and suggested readings, and additional online resources so that the history lessons can be a whole curriculum. This curriculum was not offered with just the physical DVDs. There is also a weekly update by email with new material added as well.

Drive Thru History Adventures Dashboard.

Once subscribed and logged in you will be directed to the Dashboard page. On the Dashboard you can take a glance at the Latest Resources (stuff that was just uploaded), Dave's Adventures (videos on how to use the curriculum, community, dashboard, etc.), Side Roads (short video tidbit detours about things in history), and Featured Videos (videos that Dave wants to share right now), along with the Facebook Group news feed.

Some of what the episode pages offer for curriculum.

Next is a pull down menu at the top of the page for the Curriculum. The Curriculum is divided into three parts: Bible History Adventures, American History Adventures, and Ancient History Adventures. Once you choose which course you can go to each episode page. This has the video, a quote from a famous person, Summary, Suggested Readings that are downloadable or readable using the online reader, Side Road, Discussion Questions, downloads to Worksheet and Discussion Questions, and Dig Deeper. These pages are also filled with full-color photos of paintings, statues, architecture, artifacts, etc. that are relevant to the lesson.

Bible History Adventures (“The Gospels: The Extraordinary Life of Jesus of Nazareth”):
18 week course...
  • Episode 1: The Historical Landscape
  • Episode 2: The Announcements
  • Episode 3: Jesus is Born
  • Episode 4: Jesus Grows Up
  • Episode 5: Jesus Starts His Ministry
  • Episode 6: Jesus Returns to Galilee
  • Episode 7: Jesus Begins His Miracles
  • Episode 8: Jesus Teaches with Authority
  • Episode 9: The Sermon on the Mount
  • Episode 10: Jesus Travels the Sea of Galilee
  • Episode 11: Jesus Travels North
  • Episode 12: A Final Trip to Jerusalem
  • Episode 13: Jesus Arrives in Jerusalem
  • Episode 14: The Last Supper
  • Episode 15: The Trial of Jesus
  • Episode 16: The Crucifixion of Jesus
  • Episode 17: The Resurrection of Jesus
  • Episode 18: Who is Jesus?

American History Adventures (“Columbus to the Constitution”):
12 week course...
  • Episode 1: The Discovery
  • Episode 2: Pilgrim Search for Freedom
  • Episode 3: Beginnings of Revolution
  • Episode 4: Whitefield & Boston's Freedom Trail
  • Episode 5: William Penn & Early Philadelphia
  • Episode 6: Founding Fathers of Philadelphia
  • Episode 7: Fighters of the Revolution
  • Episode 8: Early Colonial Virginia
  • Episode 9: Founding Fathers of Virginia
  • Episode 10: Revolution in New York
  • Episode 11: New York and the First President
  • Episode 12: New Jersey and Epilogue

Ancient History Adventures (“Christianity and the Birth of Western Civilization”):
12 week course...
  • Episode 1: The Rise of Western Civilization 
  • Episode 2: The Age of Conflict 
  • Episode 3: A Time of Challenges 
  • Episode 4: Roots of Democracy 
  • Episode 5: Challenges of a New Religion 
  • Episode 6: The Spread of Christianity 
  • Episode 7: East Meets West 
  • Episode 8: Ruins and Romans 
  • Episode 9: The Advancement of Knowledge 
  • Episode 10: Heart of Stone 
  • Episode 11: Constantine and Constantinople 
  • Episode 12: The Best of the Ancient World

Drive Thru History Adventures Resources page.

The next pull down menu at the top of the page is for Resources. The Resources page includes: Featured content, Excerpt Papers, Articles, Side Roads, Getting Started, Behind The Scenes, Worksheets, Answer Guides, Suggested Readings, and Dig Deeper. This gives you all of this in one place so you don't have to search.

The next link at the top is for the Community page. This has feeds from their social media: Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. It also has a link for the Members Only Facebook Group so you can join once you subscribe to Drive Thru History Adventures.

After this the link at the top is Account. You can view your information here regarding your account: name, subscription status, purchase receipt, billing, and password.It also has an area you can ask questions about your subscription.

Adventures TV

Next link at the top is Adventures TV. This is Drive Thru History Adventures optimized for different platforms. You have the ability to watch the videos on your: TV with Chromecast, mobile device with iPhone, iPad, Android; and computer. This is included in the subscription of Drive Thru History Adventures.

Drive Thru History Adventures TV is optimized for use across many platforms.

How We Used This and Our Thoughts:

We love Drive Thru History and had a chance to review The Gospels physical DVD set from them. It was fabulous and so I knew that I wanted to participate in this as well. Our family was given the opportunity to review a section of the Drive Thru History Adventures homeschool history curriculum.

We chose to do the Ancient History Adventures. This is an amazing tour of ancient civilization and how Christianity played into the history leading up to the birth of western civilization. Dave takes us on a journey to explore early Greece, Rome, and Asia Minor. There are 12 episodes that consist of videos, discussion questions, articles and additional reading, worksheets, and images pertaining to what is being taught.

Ancient History Adventures episode lineup.

Each episode of these homeschool videos is packed with so much information. With his infectious enthusiasm and humor Dave's charm is irresistible. These episodes are also extremely visually engaging and full of rich content. Each episode is family-friendly, fascinating, intriguing, and compelling.

After each episode we have gone to the study guide as a family to read and discuss together about what we have learned throughout the weeks. Each episode page has the video and other stuff to delve even deeper into the lessons. The Drive Thru History Adventures have inspired us to dig into history as a family further. This has given us more of an appreciation of the history behind ancient civilizations. It has been eye opening to say the least.

Here is Dave Stotts introducing Drive Thru History Adventures...


I highly recommend The Drive Thru History Adventures! The homeschool Bible curriculum is great for families who wish to teach their children history from a Christian worldview. This series would be great for both  homeschooled and non-homeschooled. This is great for a small group study, homeschool curriculum, church study, Family Home Evening Bible study, and Sunday School study.

So...Buckle up and get ready because you are in for an exciting ride!


Drive Thru History Adventures sent us some cool fan memorabilia!

Follow Them on Social Media:

BUY IT
You can choose monthly ($12.99 -  1 Month) or annual ($124.99 -  1 Year) subscription. Drive Thru History Adventures is having a special right now! They are offering a free set of The Gospels DVDs to those who join their Annual Subscription (US residents only)! Go here to see the special. Drive Thru History Adventures is also offering 20% off an annual subscription inside the The Old Schoolhouse Magazine (Winter Edition). The ad and coupon code is on page 16.


Read other homeschool curriculum reviews for Drive Thru History Adventures...
Drive Thru History Adventures - Subscription {Drive Thru History Adventures Reviews}

Crew Disclaimer

Wordless Wednesday Delbin Practices His Violin

Delbin is now playing violin for extracurricular music. I used to play in 6th-12th grades.

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

PASSION Whole Heart Album Review & Giveaway #PassionWholeHeart #FlyBy


I received this product free to facilitate this review and an opportunity to giveaway a CD. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

PASSION came into being, founded by Louie and Shelley Giglio, in 1995 as a movement to help people (specifically college students) to become closer to God and awaken spiritually. PASSION Music developed when PASSION started documenting the musical portion of their annual conferences via live worship recordings in 1998. Since the first release in 1998, Passion albums have sold over 1.8 million units while introducing listeners to worship songs like "Our God", "Holy Is The Lord", "How Great Is Our God", and "God Of This City". The four-time Dove Award winners have had seven albums debut at No. 1 on Billboard’s Christian Albums Chart with two hitting the Top 5 on the Billboard 200.

WHOLE HEART is the new live album from PASSION Music, captured at the Passion Conference 2018 in Atlanta, GA. This captures the powerful music and allows those that could not attend the conference to experience it. This album features Passion Artists: Kristian Stanfill, Melodie Malone, Sean Curran, Matt Redman, Brett Younker, Tauren Wells, and Crowder.
    You can listen to Passion music at http://capcmg.me/PassionSpotify

    Whole Heart Track List:
    1. Whole Heart (Live) (Feat. Kristian Stanfill)
    2. Almighty God (Live) (Feat. Sean Curran)
    3. God, You're So Good (Live) (Feat. Kristian Stanfill & Melodie Malone)
    4. Reckless Love (Live) (Feat. Melodie Malone) 
    5. Heaven (Live) (Feat. Sean Curran)
    6. More Like Jesus (Live) (Feat. Kristian Stanfill) 
    7. Hallelujah, Our God Reigns (Live) (Feat. Brett Younker) 
    8. Ghost (Live) (Feat. Crowder) 
    9. Ever Almighty (Live) (Feat. Melodie Malone) 
    10. Great Are You Lord (Live) (Feat. Matt Redman) 
    11. All My Hope (Live) (Feat. Crowder & Tauren Wells)

    My Thoughts:
    I love listening to good music, especially when my day is going rotten. Music that uplifts and inspires is the best kind in my opinion. This music helps get me through my day, relaxes me, and energizes me. I love most Christian music for this reason too. The messages are usually positive and everyone needs positive things in their lives.


    Whole Heart from PASSION Music is a wonderful album of praise and worship music. My favorite artists on the album are Melodie Malone and Tauren Wells. I love the song Ever Almighty the best. The whole album is just fabulous though and I highly recommend it.

    ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

    SOCIAL • CORNER

    BUY IT
    You can purchase this various places here or on Amazon.



    WIN IT
    Prize: A physical copy of PASSION Whole Heart Album
    (open to continental US only, CD will be sent to winner the middle of March)

    I run giveaways with Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

    Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

    A Very Happy Easter Prayer Book Review and Giveaway


    I received this book free to facilitate this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

    A Very Happy Easter Prayer is a board book by bestselling author Bonnie Rickner Jensen and illustrated by Natalia Moore. It uses fun rhyme and sweet illustrations to give a wonderful message of thankfulness to its readers. This delightful book shows illustrations of cute furry or feathery animals showing their gratefulness to God for the many blessings that spring holds.

    Zari enjoying the A Very Happy Easter Prayer book.

    What We Thought:
    This lovely family-friendly story is perfect for little ones because of its sturdy pages, rhyming verse, and gorgeous illustrations by Natalia Moore. I love the shiny, eye-catching, foil and glitter embellished cover too. This book portrays spring perfectly including: picking flowers, jumping in puddles, having a picnic, flying kites, and sharing Easter with family and friends. Each moment shown is something that children can relate to and are great to share together with family and friends.

    I recommend this board book for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners most of all. My youngest daughter, Zari, who is in first grade also loves this book! It is the perfect size for little hands to hold and the sturdy pages are less vulnerable to tearing. She is learning to read and it has the perfect amount of words on each page for her. She also loves looking at the adorable illustrations as well.

    This book celebrates Spring, Jesus' resurrection, and Easter. It is a great reminder to thank God for all that we have no matter how small. We cherish this book and its message of family and of being grateful. It would be a perfect gift for an Easter basket or a springtime event.

    BUY IT
    Buy A Very Happy Easter Prayer board book, HERE.



    WIN IT
    Prize: A Very Happy Easter Prayer Book
    Host: Thomas Nelson Publishing and FrontGate Media.
    Who Can Enter: Open to US Residents 18 years or older.
    Selection Process: winners will be selected on 3/25/2018 and notified by email.
    Where to Enter: Go to this link https://www.blessedfreebies.com/enter-to-win-a-very-happy-easter-prayer.html and fill out the form to enter.

    DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this product for free to facilitate this review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

    Wednesday, February 14, 2018

    Wordless Wednesday Bullfrog Sighting

    Teela and Zari found this American Bullfrog while on their nature walk.

    Up close. He jumped back into the water by the road after saying hi.


    Saturday, February 10, 2018

    Precious Moments "I Love You To The Moon And Back" Figurine Review


    I received this figurine free to facilitate this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

    Precious Moments is having an awesome sale for Valentine's Day! Get 20% off select Valentine's Day gifts & figurines with code BEMYVALENTINE! Offer is valid 2/9 - 2/12.

    I received one figurine called the "I Love You To The Moon And Back" Figurine. Made of hand painted bisque porcelain, the "I Love You To The Moon And Back" Figurine shows a young couple sitting together with hands intertwined on a crescent moon in the clouds. They are accompanied by two sparkling stars that twinkle in the night. This romantic piece celebrates the eternal bond of true love. It is 6.75 inches high and can be personalized with with a loved one's name or initials. This is the perfect gift to give for Valentine's Day, Sweetest Day, an Anniversary, or other romantic occasion.


    I love the details and name of this figurine! The stars really glitter and the moon shines with a pretty scrolling pattern on the front. The back of this figurine is even three-dimensional and painted as well so you can display it in the middle of a table. It will look great from all angles. The saying "I Love You To The Moon And Back" is very dear to me. I have read the book Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney over and over to my children where we hear these words as well. I love this tribute to this phrase and its meaningful words. This figurine speaks to my heart.





    BUY

    2/9-2/12
    Offer: 20% Off Select Valentine’s Day Gifts & Figurines
    Promo code: BEMYVALENTINE

    You can purchase the  "I Love You To The Moon And Back" Figurine on the Precious Moments website for $80.99.

    You can also purchase it on Amazon for $67.44 at time of this post.


    DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Precious Moments for sending me this figurine for free to review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

    #PreciousMoments #ILoveYouToTheMoonAndBack #ValentinesDay #SweetestDay #Valentines #Love #Romantic 

    Wednesday, February 7, 2018