Summer Reading {giveaway}

By now, most children are out of school. My youngest two finished a few weeks ago and my oldest two finished last week. So now we are in full on summer mode!

Summer means swimming, ice cream trucks, riding bikes, blowing bubbles, flying kites and so much more. However, kids often think it means tv, computers, and video games. And those things are okay, but not something that we should spend all day doing. One way our family is intentionally keeping our summer active, is by following these guidelines:

We printed this picture and it hangs above the computer, on the refrigerator and by the tv. For the printable version, click HERE.

Electronics may not be used until my kids have completed all of the items on the list. They must spend time with God, complete all of their chores, read (this can be books, Bible, newspaper, comic books, anything!), do physical activities, and practice their instrument. Once they have done all of these things, which will take them less than 3 hours, they are free the rest of the day to watch movies, play video games, etc. However, often times my kids get playing outside and 40 minutes turns into 2 hours. Or my daughter tries to master a song on the piano and 20 minutes turns into an hour. Or my girls get to reading and can't put the book down and read for hours! But the idea is to get them doing something spiritual, physical and mental before using electronics.

What are your family's rules for activities before electronics?


Today I want to share 2 fun books with you that your kids will love this summer. The Channing O'Banning books!

Channing O'Banning and the Turquoise Trailis all about Channing finding something at her school. She thinks it's a great discovery but things don't turn out like she expected. Through a series of events, Channing learns that God's art is the greatest of all.

Channing O'Banning Book and the Rainforest Rescueis about Channing's best friend who goes a little crazy over new boy, Marco, at school. But Channing isn't wanting any of that! Marco ends up going on family vacation with Channing and she learns he's not so bad and that friendship is important.

To enter to with BOTH Channing O'Banning books, complete each task in the rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway