Hearts, roses, chocolate . . . valentines, kisses, hugs! Ah, my favorite holiday is coming right up!
Valentine's Day is the time to celebrate love in the family! Getting along, learning to show love and enjoy each member of the family can make home life blissful. I've chosen my favorite books on "getting along", including my favorite marriage improvement books, books on how to interact with your children—and others—more happily. I think we could all use help to increase love at home and our love for others.
To show you how much I love you, I want to give you a Valentine's gift! Please enjoy a super-delicious Belgian sugar-free chocolate truffle, FREE
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Who's got mail? You do . . . with this fun and sturdy miniature mailbox, complete with flag. If you have a reluctant writer, watch enthusiasm grow when there's mail to read and return! Write each child's name on a mailbox and let them enjoy exchanging notes. Great handwriting motivation! Dimensions: 5" long by 3 1/2" tall.
I have re-read this treasure countless times during my 35 years of marriage to help me remember how important it is to be the wife and mother God wants me to be! This charming, touching story will make you want to put a tablecloth on the table, brush your hair, and put on your lipstick right now.
What do your children really want? The same thing as everyone else on this earth: the reassurance of true love. This humorous, touching book reaffirms that mother loves her child completely, deeply and eternally and that love cycles forward from generation to generation. This book provides a means to get that message to your child, beautifully loud and clear. Paperback picture book has 30 pages of lovely color drawings with text.
My Favorite Book on Getting Along Better With Other People (family especially!)
I have to admit that the first time I looked at this book, I really didn't believe the title! After all, that is what mothers are for—isn't it?—to make everything all better!? Learn how to be an understanding, loving, true friend to your family and associates with one simple principle: empathy. Allow them to take responsibility for themselves, and find some peace, Mom! Instead of feeling like you have to control things, or solve others' problems, you can learn to be an understanding listener and empower others to find their own solutions. I highly recommend this very practical book that you will put to use the moment you begin reading it. It has made our family life so much better!
Gourmet Belgian chocolate truffles that melt in your mouth . . . mmmm! Extreme deliciousness! Sugar-free, diabetic friendly, low carb, and guaranteed to be the best sugar-free truffles you'll ever taste! 8 individually wrapped truffles in 4 delicious flavors—Coconut, Double Chocolate, Mint, and Orange—in a see-through gift bag tied with a bow. Perfect for a gift, after a fancy dinner or at a party. Or nice for a sugar-free treat. Helps me stay sugar-free! 12 oz.
Premium Belgian Chocolate—Sugar-Free
Diabetic-friendly, gluten-free, low-carb and contains no sugar!
Let me introduce you to the most delicious sugar-free chocolate ever made! I've tried a lot of sugar-free chocolate—everything on the market, in fact—and most of it is icky (really!). So, I am thrilled to share my discovery with you! Ooooh— this is Belgian chocolate: creamy, rich and incredible. You won't believe it is sugar-free!
Why would somebody who is "sugar-free", like me, even think about chocolate?! Well, there are times—birthdays, date night, holidays—when being sugar-free can get a bit tricky. Everyone is celebrating and you would like to join in, without compromising your health. Having delicious chocolate helps me maintain a healthy, sugar-free lifestyle. Being sugar-free doesn't have to mean enjoyment-free. This delicious premium chocolate straight from Belgium is diabetic-friendly, gluten-free, low-carb and contains no sugar! Made from the finest quality ingredients, it is free of waxes, chemicals, artificial flavors. The sweetener is malitol, a food-source substance that does not raise your blood sugar, and has an net impact of only 2 carbs per chocolate bar. Ingredients: Unsweetened premium Belgian chocolate, malitol, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, natural vanilla.
Ahhh . . . Chocolate! I'm happy!
Chocolate Bars, Sugar-Free
Gold foil wrapped bars are 1.2 oz.
Tastes just like Hawaii! This is my first choice in delicious sugar-free chocolate! Premium Belgian milk chocolate with genuine coconut essence generously combined with real Hawaiian Macadamia Nuts. Almost too good to be true. No sugar added, carb controlled, diabetic friendly and gluten free too. A special chocolate , super delicious! Comes in 6 oz. bag. Tuck this away for Valentine's Day!
Large, roasted-to-perfection California Almonds, generously covered in smooth, rich Belgian Chocolate, sugar-free, and dusted in cocoa. Oooh! We love them and so does everyone else who tries them. 10 oz. bag.
WARNING: These sugar free chocolate covered almonds are highly addictive and can cause extreme enjoyment.
Sugar-free chocolate chunks! Yay! Sugar-free Chocolate Chip Cookies coming right up! You can even make Valentine candy with them! 1 lb. bag (which is about twice the amount that is in regular chocolate chip bags).
Real freshwater pearl and Austrian crystal bracelet for girls is easy-to-put-on and easy-to-wear on sturdy stretch elastic (no clasp). Unique rose-colored oblong freshwater pearls are so pretty! Makes a special gift for a special girl. Fits ages 5 to 12 years.
Pearls to Remember, Ladies White Stretch Pearl Bracelet
When I was searching for a very special gift for my daughter Emily upon her graduation, I found this lovely, classic bracelet of large freshwater pearls and Austrian crystals. She loves it and wears it every day! The stretch band makes it simple to put on, and makes for a snug fit, rather than a loose bracelet that slides around and is cumbersome. This bracelet is so sparkly and lovely-the photo does not do it justice! This fine piece of jewelry is remarkably low-priced. I found myself buying one for a bride, then one for a special birthday, and another one for a religious event . . . one for every occasion where I wanted a young lady to feel very beautiful and special. Get one for yourself, you'll wear it often and feel pretty!
This old-fashioned book from the 1930s encourages girls to a noble life and true ideals as they grow into young women. Written in the language of yesteryear, girls are instructed to keep a sunny disposition, cultivate modesty, watch their tongues, be obedient, enjoy books and nature, be ladylike, and overall have a life consecrated to the glorious work of being a wife and mother. Paperback, 205 pages.
Young women want to dress in style, but with that desire comes a huge responsibility to use femininity to bring glory to God. Written in a hip, big-sister style, this very straight-forward Christian book gives much-needed insight on what guys actually think when confronted with immodesty. Understand the intriguing, alluring power source that God has entrusted to every young woman for the holy purpose of creating a family someday. Take the "Truth or Bare" fashion test to see if your clothes are truly modest. My teenage daughters wish every girl could read this eye-opening book. Paperback, 78 pages, for age 12 and up.
Do you love an adopted child? Give them this comforting, sweet fairy tale of adoption. The queen and king of the story found their hearts being painfully pulled by a red thread. This yearning is finally fulfilled after a long journey by finding the baby that is pulling on their heart strings! A tender, wonderful story that any adopted child will love. Hardcover, picture book for ages 3-12 years.
I love my family listening to classical music, both for the brain growth it stimulates, and the taste that it cultivates. These excellent CD recordings of 25 famous pieces have lovely full orchestration for over 70 minutes of enjoyment.
Excellent instrumental recordings highlight the most famous works of each period: a perfect way to introduce classical music to your family, or to enjoy your favorites if you are already familiar. Top 10 of the Romantic Period features Ave Maria by Schubert, Mendelssohn's Wedding March, Dvorak's Humoresque and the 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky plus many others.
Classical Piano with Mark Hopkins (my son) 30% Off
Enjoy the enthusiastic, moving piano masterpieces of the great composers Chopin, Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, Brahms, Joplin, and more played by my own son Mark Hopkins. At age 14, Mark listened to his cousin play the piano and was struck with ambition to become a concert pianist! As many homeschooled children are, he was totally self-motivated and driven to accomplish his dream. Mark loves classical piano and has performed his personal favorites, some of the most beautiful and touching pieces ever written. Mark tells his own journey of learning how to play, having amazing opportunities come his way, and his quest for how to consecrate his musical talent to God's glory in the accompanying leaflet. This 7-track CD is full of excitement and emotion, and is sure to motivate those who are wondering if their piano practice will ever pay off. I may be biased since he is my son, but I trust you will love it!
The classic love story of Romeo and Juliet is must reading for every culturally literature student. This wonderful volume includes both the unabridged text of Shakespeare's famous play plus a complete study guide that helps readers gain a thorough understanding of the work's content and context. The comprehensive guide includes scene-by-scene summaries, explanations and discussions of the plot, question-and-answer sections, author biography, analytical paper topics, list of characters, bibliography, and more. Makes it simple for a homeschool teacher to make a fabulous literature study of this classic! 176 pgs.
Ah! I love Jane Austen, and this is her masterpiece! And what a wonderful study of human character, our tendency to jump to conclusions and judge others. An entracing read! Here's what the book cover says: In one of the most universally admired English novels, a country squire of no great means must marry off his five vivacious daughters. Jane Austen's art transformed this effervescent tale of rural romance into a witty, shrewdly observed satire of English country life. Unabridged. Paperback, 272 pages.
Don't miss this!
Another favorite Austen love story and a splendid glimpse of upper and middle-class English society of the early 19th-century! What I like about this lovely tale is the character study. Can you identify with the heart-driven, open and emotional MaryAnn or with the restrained, proper, prudent Eleanor. And which personality traits get you the farthest? I love this British masterpiece! Paperback, 272 pages.
Ah, Jane Austin! It's hard not to love her wonderful glimpse into life in aristocratic England in the 19th century. Emma delights in her matchmaking schemes but they don't always turn out the way she plans, including her own baffling romance!
There is nothing quite so romantically tragic and yearning as unrequited love. Set in the wild Scottish moors, the story of Heathcliff, a gypsy boy and high class Cathy is a study in human nature. Although she loves him deeply, she loves the society life and will not marry him. Their thwarted longing for each other ruins them all. Still, their love will not die! A classic that you won't want to put down! Paperback, unabridged, for teen-adults.
Meet Anne, the spunky orphan that comes to live with Marilla and Matthew, who had put in their order for a boy, not a girl. Adventures, family love, mishaps, first crush, and other tender topics make this a wonderful read. Unabridged. Paperback, 266 pages.
People—and our relationships with them—are such an important part of our lives. No amount of intelligence, ingenuity, or talent can make up for poor social skills. Creating a connection in 90 seconds is no gimmick. Once you learn the skills needed to develop a rapport, you can do it almost instantly. Learn to read body language, synchronize behavior, be likeable, greet others with warmth, make sense of others' preferences, listen (not just talk), watch for cues, and "give and take." A great place to start when teaching social skills. Hardcover, 192 pages.
Although this is an old book (1936), it has been one of the most popular books ever written, having sold over 15 million copies! In this book, there are gems of truth for creating successful human relationships that I've not discovered elsewhere. Includes fundamental techniques in handling people, ways to be likable, how to win people to your way of thinking, how to be a leader—in general, good social skills and how to get along happily with others. My teenagers have greatly benefited from reading and applying this book's message, and so have I. Paperback, 275 pages, fun and easy-to-read.
Here's all you need to know about making friends and making friendships last. Learn how to find friends, start a conversation, build trust, really listen, and deal with shyness. This wonderful book gives sensible advice to girls on making friends and being a friend. Each page is filled with colorful illustrations that make the words meaningful. Includes tips and quizzes, true friendship stories, crafts, plus 5 mini-posters to enjoy on your bedroom wall. There is even a place to put your friends' photos, addresses, and birthdays! Most of all, I like the way this book encourages girls to include everyone, be kind, not gossip, and be a true friend. Paperback, 85 pages, for girls 6 to 12 years, by the American Girl company.
Is there someone in your life who criticizes you too much? Do you have a child who is so difficult to deal with? I think all of us have someone in our life that fits the description, even if it is ourselves! This insightful book by psychologist John Lund teaches us how to "hug a porcupine," or in other words, deal with those people in our life that are "prickly."
If the description fits us, he helps us learn how to control our tongue and seek to be emotionally healthy. Chapters cover the art of giving and receiving criticism, tools for dealing with those who are difficult to love or overly critical, having healthy expectations, recognizing your limitations, understanding nonverbal criticism, and more.
Take the 24-hour challenge—you'll be shocked at how much criticism you are responsible for! I found this book to be very helpful! Paperback, 304 pages.
A witty, warm and wise collection of writings on the topic of being a Dad. I love this historical anthology because it covers 4,000 years of fathering advice, the wisdom of the ages from the Bible to Bill Cosby, including Greek poetry, Shakespeare, Robert Louis Stevenson, Johnny Cash and countless more. Enjoy this celebration of the joys of fatherhood, as well as the responsibilities and vulnerabilities that go along with this most important job. This beautiful hardbound book with colorful slipcover makes luscious reading for moms too (I am enjoying!). 303 pages.
Thanks to this excellent book, I'm starting to understand what makes people so different, and why we have trouble feeling loved sometimes, or helping those we care about feel our love. Identify what your "love language" is and what "language" your children understand, and you can finally communicate, improve your relationships, and help them feel your love! Paperback, 224 pages.
If you ever wished kids were born with a handbook or that you were given an instruction manual at the marriage altar, this is it! Drawing on the wisdom of centuries, Stephen Covey's ideas are not only his own, but comprise gems of knowledge that he has gathered from every source. These seven winning concepts, of course, are founded in the gospel of Jesus Christ, but Dr. Covey writes in such a manner that all people can readily accept and enjoy the benefits of successful family life, no matter what their religion. What truth lies in these simple principles! Just striving to begin to live the "habits" has caused enormous growth in my own self and greater closeness with my family members. Highly recommended. Paperback, 390 pages.
Marriage Fitness: 4 Steps to Building and Maintaining Phenomenal Love
Rick here: I have read a number of marriage and relationship books, but this one is so practical and so appealing to me (and I believe will be for most men) that it is my #1 choice. My wife has also remarked our marriage has made the most progress when these principles are followed. The author has created a marriage fitness program much like a physical fitness routine: one or both spouses starts with easy, quick things like laying a hand on your spouse's shoulder or giving a compliment. Everyone can do these little things that mean so much—sometimes it is just a matter of remembering. I really like the specific examples and plan—which really works! I have read this book many times and have greatly benefited as will you in your own growth and that of your marriage. Paperback, 192 pages.
Gourmet Belgian chocolate truffles that melt in your mouth . . . mmmm! Extreme deliciousness! Sugar-free, diabetic friendly, low carb, and guaranteed to be the best sugar-free truffles you'll ever taste!
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Tears On Valentines Day
I was chatting with a couple about their Valentines Day. It surprised me to hear that she had ordered flowers for herself online, and then thanked her husband when they arrived. . . read more
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Love to Learn! Homeschool Handbook
Your Guide to Setting Up a Homeschool, Selecting Resources, and Joyfully Educating Your Children
Need homeschool help?
Diane Hopkins has been reviewing and testing homeschool products for over 20 years and you can benefit from her experience. In this comprehensive guidebook, each grade of school is detailed with the best-on-the-market in curriculum for your homeschool and notes added on how to use these resources! Set up your school schedule, learn how to get your kids to take charge of getting their schoolwork done, and how to make your homeschool fun and meaningful. Reproducible forms are included.
Large, spiral-bound book introduces you to the 7 Hopkins children, and shows you how she taught and raised them homeschooling: the mistakes she made along with the successes. Full of family photos, personal stories, and wisdom—this volume will give you the help you need to get enthused, get organized and get going! More details and sample pages, click here!
I am Diane Hopkins, mother of 7 children (ages 14 to 34) whom I have had the privilege of homeschooling over the past 23 years. I'm a mom, just like you, and have those fabulous days and those not-so-good days like we all do. My hope in writing is to share experiences, and hopefully we can encourage one another in this wonderful, intense adventure of childraising--that is really what homeschooling is, after all.
