Adventures in Odyssey Club: The Essentials

Grace-Filled Writer

We adore Adventures in Odyssey around here! Multiple episodes are listened to on multiple devices throughout the day. We can quote our favorite episodes and love to listen together. 

Since we’ve listened through the entire series more times than we can recall, I sometimes like to pick a particular character and listen through the episodes which are significantly important to who they are. 

The Adventures In Odyssey Club makes this so very easy because everything is right at your finger tips! I’ll be posting the Essentials for some of our favorite characters over the next several weeks including what order to listen in! 

Click a Character to read their essentials list! 

Mr. Whitaker
Eugene MeltsnerParts 1 & 2
Connie Kendall
(Coming Soon!)
Wooton Bassett
(Coming Soon!)




Adventures in Odyssey Club: The Essential Eugene Meltsner Part 1

Grace-Filled Writer


Eugene Meltsner: Science student and, might I add in all modesty, a recognized genius at the Campbell County Community College. At least this is how he describes himself! Below is a listing of the episodes essential to knowing Eugene in consecutive order. Part 1 will take you through Eugene and Katrina’s departure from Odyssey. Part 2 will pick up when they return.

As with other characters to truly know them, listen to the entire series, but if you are just looking for the highlights, let’s go! 

1. The Champ of Camp (Volume 45)
*Flashback Episode* Connie narrates the story of her last year at summer camp and how she got stuck in the midst of the annual prank war at Camp Jumonville.
2. Connie 1 & 2 (Volume 4) 
Eugene Meltsner starts working at Whit’s End and promptly changes how the shop works.
3. Let This Mind be in You  (Volume 5)
Whit leaves Connie and Eugene in charge of Whit’s End for the weekend with the instruction to “run the shop like I would run it.”
4. A Bite of Applesauce (Volume 5)
Against Whit’s express orders, Eugene and Connie tamper with a top secret computer room–and the mysterious program Applesauce is unleashed.

5. Eugene’s Dilemma (Volume 5)
Eugene starts working at the college computer department with 11-year-old Nicholas Adamsworth and gets caught up in a grade-changing scheme.
6. The Nemesis 1 & 2 (Volume 5)
The mysterious Dr. Regis Blackgaard arrives in town to open an “amusement house” for children. When it seems he won’t win the city council’s approval to build, he resorts to questionable methods to open his shop.
7. The Battle 1 & 2 (Volume 5)
Dr. Blackgaard’s quest to steal Applesauce reaches its peak as he and crony Richard Maxwell take control of the computer at Whit’s End.
8. Ice Fishing (Volume 7)
Monty feels like he’s in competition with his gifted sister, Jenny, so Whit, Tom Riley, and Eugene take him on an ice fishing trip to Summit Lake.
9. Suspicious Minds (Volume 8)
Money mysteriously disappears from the cash register at Whit’s End, and Connie and Eugene are determined to find the perpetrator.
10. Back to Bethlehem1-3 (Volume 10)
From chicken costumes to phone scams, we hear the stories of how Bart Rathbone, Whit, and Bernard Walton met, or proposed to, their wives.
11. Last in a Long Line (Volume 10)
Connie and Eugene discover that the first Nativity wasn’t how they imagined it at all.

12. The Homecoming (Volume 10)
Odyssey is in an uproar when Richard Maxwell returns to town to apologize for everything he did while working with Dr. Regis Blackgaard.
13. A Rathbone of Contention (Volume 11)
Bart Rathbone is constructing a new electronics warehouse in Odyssey, and he takes nothing but shortcuts to finish it for the inspector.
14. Hold Up! (Volume 12)
A criminal named Hank Murray takes Connie and Eugene hostage while he tries to rob Whit’s End.
15. The Cross of Cortez 1 & 2 (Volume 12)
Whit and Eugene journey to Mexico in search of a valuable and mysterious historical artifact.

16. The Star 1&2 (Volume 12)
Connie and Eugene take another Christmas trip in the Imagination Station to meet King Herod, three wise men, and the baby Jesus.

18. The Scales of Justice (Volume 13)
Isaac Morton finds a bag filled with money and wants to keep it, but it’s up to Judge Eugene Meltsner to determine what will happen to the loot.
19. A Tongue of Fire (Volume 14)
Jimmy Barclay records an embarrassing secret about Eugene . . . and airs it on his Kids’ Radio show.
20. A License to Drive (Volume 14)
When Eugene needs help getting his driver’s license, he turns to Connie for assistance.
21. Treasure Hunt (Volume 14)
Things get out of control when Isaac and Eugene join in a charitable treasure hunt that also include some very realistic-looking water pistols.
22. Flash Flood (Volume 15)
Whit, Tom, Bernard and Eugene head for the hills to do some camping, and find themselves in the midst of a deluge.
23. A Class Act (Volume 14)
Edwin Blackgaard finds himself in dire straits financially and reluctantly agrees to teach an acting class in Odyssey – after he receives an anonymous donation.

24. The Mortal Coil 1 & 2 (Volume 16)
Whit programs the Imagination Station to show what life after death might be like. Against the advice of Tom Riley, he tries the program on himself . . . with dangerous results.
25. Best Intentions (Volume 16)
The appearance of a piece of cloth supposedly from Jesus’ robe creates great hubbub in Odyssey.
26. Thy Kingdom Come (Volume 17)
Whit attempts to explain the kingdom of heaven to Eugene.
27. Thy Will Be Done (Volume 17)
Lucy Cunningham-Schultz struggles over a job offer from a liberal school newspaper, and Connie pushes Eugene to make a decision about faith.
28. Truth. Trivia, and ‘Trina (Volume 19)
Bart Rathbone’s TV trivia contest pits Eugene and Connie against a college student named Katrina Shanks, who seems to have captured Eugene’s heart.
30. War of the Words (Volume 20)
A carelessly uttered word from Eugene creates havoc as it becomes the fashionable insult for the kids in Odyssey.
31. It Began with A Rabbit’s Foot (Volume 20)
Whit tells Lucy Cunningham-Schultz about the creation of the Bible Room, and the discussion leads Katrina Shanks to a very important decision.
32. It Ended With a Handshake (Volume 20)
Eugene’s relationship with Katrina takes an unexpected turn when his computer disk filled with unsent love letters goes missing.
33. Volume 21: Wish You Were Here Episodes 1-8 & 10
Most of this album is important to Eugene’s life!
34. Tom for Mayor 1&2 (Volume 22)
Philip Glossman returns to look for toxic chemicals on Tom Riley’s farm. Meanwhile, Odyssey’s mayor resigns, so Tom Riley and Bart Rathbone compete for the office.
35. Unto Us a Child is Born  (Volume 22)
On Christmas eve, Jimmy produces a live Kids’ radio presentation of the birth of Jesus–which includes an unexpected real birth.
36. The Turning Point (Volume 24)
Eugene and Katrina’s relationship takes a surprising turn after Eugene meets Katrina’s father, Armitage Shanks.
37.  Volume 25: Darkness Before Dawn (Entire Album)
Dr. Regis Blackgaard is back, and this time he’s after more than just revenge. There’s a secret buried deep beneath Whit’s End that he’ll spare no expense to capture. Lucy gets kidnapped. There’s a vandal on the loose. And the events of Eugene’s entire existence in Odyssey come to one dramatic turning point that will change his life forever. It’s an epic adventure of good vs. evil, heroes and villains and a powerful reminder that in the midst of darkness, light always prevails.
38. Love is in the Air 1 & 2 (Volume 26)
Katrina Shanks and Tasha Forbes arrive back in town, causing all sorts of romantic high jinks with Eugene, Jason, and even Connie.
39. Do For a Change (Volume 26)
Zachary Sellers and Eugene face their first difficulties as new Christians.
40. The Search for Whit 1-3  (Volume 27)
Jason and Eugene get a cryptic message from Whit in the Middle East, which leads them on a wild investigation that could change Christian history as we know it.
41. The Right Choice1 & 2  (Volume 28)
Stopping in Chicago on the way home from the Middle East, Eugene learns that Katrina Shanks may be marrying someone else!

42. Solitary Refinement (Volume 28)
Eugene considers joining a monastery to get over the pain of losing Katrina.

43. The Decision  (Volume 28)
Whit must decide whether or not to accept an offer to return to the mission field, and so Connie sets out to prove that he is needed in Odyssey.
44. For Whom the Wedding Bell Tolls 1-3 (Volume 29)
Someone is getting married in Odyssey . . . but who? Is it John Whittaker and Margaret Faye, Eugene Meltsner and Katrina Shanks, or Jack Allen and Joanne Woodston?
45. Poor Looser (Volume 30)
Eugene nearly has a nervous breakdown when Bernard Walton keeps beating him in chess. Meanwhile, Heather tries to get the volleyball team to work harder.
46. Wrapped Around Your Finger (Volume 31)
Jack and Joanne Allen throw Eugene Meltsner and Katrina Shanks a Valentine’s Day engagement party. Eugene wants to give Katrina a ring, but Katrina’s father gives her a family heirloom ring the same day
47.  Novacom Saga*Entire Album*

Part 2: Coming Soon! 
Disclaimer: In exchange for promoting The Adventures in Odyssey Club I receive a membership to The Adventures in Odyssey Club. I am not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Adventures in Odyssey Club: The Essential John Avery Whitaker

Grace-Filled Writer


Without John Avery Whitaker, Whit’s End wouldn’t exist! Knowing who Whit is and how he came to Odyssey is a complex story which has unfolded in bits and pieces throughout the history of Adventures in Odyssey. The Adventures in Odyssey Club makes is easy to find all the episodes in order! To truly know Whit, listening to the entire series is a must, but here is a listing of episodes in order from the time Whit was a child to give you the essential John Avery Whitaker. 

Whit’s Past
1. Thank You God (Volume 3) 
At Thanksgiving dinner, Whit tells the story of how his stepmother changed his life.
2. The Journal of John Avery (Adventure Club Season 3)
Discover which people and events shaped Whit’s character as a boy, inspiring him to become an imitator of Christ.
3. Blackbeard’s Treasure (Volume 22)
Two young boys, John Whittaker and Jack Allen, venture into a secret cave and fight off pirates in their quest to find Blackbeard’s buried treasure.

4. No Friend Like an Old Friend (Volume 62)
On a bus ride home, Connie meets Wilson Knox, who recalls a tale from his childhood about a science competition and two boys named Av and Al.
5. Great Expectations (Volume 56)
*This one is a little harder to place because it covers several points in Whit’s life*
As Emily pursues her hopes and dreams, she journeys in the Imagination Station to see Whit as a young boy.
6. Rescue from Manatugo Point (Volume 6)
A mysterious letter reminds Whit of a remarkable adventure he had in the South Pacific during World War II.
7. Operation: Dig Out (Volume 6)
An elderly British gentleman named Reginald Duffield arrives in Odyssey to keep a promise he made to Whit many years ago after a World War II battle.
8. The Triangle Parts 1 & 2 (Volume 36)
Jack Allen and Whit tell Connie the story of how Whit met his wife in college.
9. Prequels of Love (Volume 48)
From chicken costumes to phone scams, we hear the stories of how Bart Rathbone, Whit, and Bernard Walton met, or proposed to, their wives.

10. Charlotte (Adventure Club Season 5)

A friendly game of chess ends abruptly when painful memories put Whit and Wilson’s friendship to the test.

11. Memories of Jerry (Volume 27)
An old postcard triggers Jason Whittaker’s memories about the last weekend he spent with his older brother, Jerry.
12. Recollections (Volume 1)
Whit’s best friend, Tom Riley, tells Connie the story of how Whit’s End was created amid tragic circumstances.

13. Clara (Volume 28)
*This takes place in the middle of the Recollections story*
Jack Allen tells Eugene about a shocking incident from his past. Whit gets angry and says that he never wants to see Jack again.
Whit’s Life in Odyssey
14. A Member of the Family 1 & 2 (Volume 1)
When Whit’s grandson, Monty, arrives for a summer in Odyssey, the family finds they are in for more trouble–and more healing–than they expected.

15. The Blackguard Chronicles episodes 1-12

16. A Day in the Life (Volume 11)

A Hollywood film company comes to Odyssey to make a movie about the town.

17. The Mortal Coil 1 & 2 (Volume 16)
Whit programs the Imagination Station to show what life after death might be like. Against the advice of Tom Riley, he tries the program on himself . . . with dangerous results.
18. The Jesus Cloth (Volume 18)
The appearance of a piece of cloth supposedly from Jesus’ robe creates great hubbub in Odyssey.
19. Gone… (Volume 21)
Bernard and Eugene return from their long road trip to Odyssey, where things always stay the same. Or so they think.
21. …But Not Forgotten  (Volume 21)
Tom Riley, Connie, and Eugene find that running Whit’s End takes more time than they thought. Tom asks an old friend of Whit’s, Jack Allen, to help out.
22. The Search for Whit 1-3  (Volume 27)
Jason and Eugene get a cryptic message from Whit in the Middle East, which leads them on a wild investigation that could change Christian history as we know it.
23. Home Sweet Home  (Volume 28)
Whit finally returns to Odyssey–but Connie can’t seem to meet up with him.
24. The Decision  (Volume 28)
Whit must decide whether or not to accept an offer to return to the mission field, and so Connie sets out to prove that he is needed in Odyssey.
25. It’s a Wrap! (Volume 28)
Lucy Cunningham-Schultz and the Kids’ Radio team take an in-depth look at Whit’s End and the return of John Avery Whittaker.
26. For Whom the Wedding Bell Tolls 1-3 (Volume 29)
Someone is getting married in Odyssey . . . but who? Is it John Whittaker and Margaret Faye, Eugene Meltsner and Katrina Shanks, or Jack Allen and Joanne Woodston?
27. Faster than a Speeding Ticket (Volume 30)
Whit gets a speeding ticket, and Dwayne Oswald gets a D on a history test. Both believe they were the victims of mistakes.
28. Blackgaard’s Revenge 1 &2 (Volume 33)
A virus implanted in the Imagination Station with Dr. Blackgaard’s personality surfaces and must be destroyed before it takes hold over Aubrey
29.  Novacom Saga*Entire Album*
30.  No Way Out 1 & 2 (Volume 42)
Whit finds himself trapped in a room with no doors or windows. Meanwhile, “Marvelous” Marvin Washington investigates strange happenings around his house.

31.  Silent Night (Volume 45)

*Flashback Episode*
At home alone on Christmas Eve, Whit remembers holidays past that were difficult–but still made for treasured family memories.
32.  The Poor Rich Guy (Volume 46)
Grady McKay decides that the Bible “makes no sense” after Marvin Washington and his sister, Tamika, conclude that Whit can’t go to heaven because he’s rich.
33.  The Ties That Bind (Volume 58)
*Entire Album*
34.  Between the Lines 1 & 2 (Volume 60)
When Connie seems to have a connection with a handyman, Wooton and Penny get the idea to set them up on a blind date. Meanwhile, Whit and Lilly Graham try to get to the bottom of his health issues and Whit’s daughter Jana announces that she’s moving to Odyssey.
35.  The Feud of Mason County (Volume 61)
Whit takes a much-needed prayer retreat to the mountains and lands in the middle of a decades-old family feud.
36.  There and Back Again 1-3 (Adventure Club Season 4)
The Whittakers’ New Zealand vacation takes a dramatic turn after they bump into a friend from Odyssey.
37.  Met His Match (Adventure Club Season 5)
Convinced that Whit is lonely, Penny and Olivia play Cupid in hopes of introducing him to the next Mrs. Whittaker.

Disclaimer: In exchange for promoting The Adventures in Odyssey Club I receive a membership to The Adventures in Odyssey Club. I am not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Week in Review: November 11-15

Grace-Filled Writer
Last week was the first time in a long time my husband went away without us. I’m so glad he had the opportunity because he, his brother, and our nephews helped his parents build a much-needed shed. So this is what he did all week…



Meanwhile our girls week consisted of: School, clogging, basketball, more clogging, and more basketball! It was a good week, but I sure did miss my man. He’s a huge help around here with everything. Our schooling focused mostly on Heart of Dakota history and French. 

I didn’t get many pictures, but here are a few things that happened…

Enchiladas with red sauce and white sauce (queso cheese) are one of our favorites these days! 

The girls worked together to create a Cutie Car Hotel for Grace! Their creativity is always a fun process to watch! My favorite part is the little gas pump on the bottom left corner. 


The girls danced at an assisted living center this time and had great fun! Dancing for these communities are some of our favorite events. 

Daddy is home now and things are a little more settled and back to normal. We of course survived his absence, but I’m glad it isn’t a normal occurrence! 

Week in Review: November 4-8

Grace-Filled Writer
Basketball season is in full swing and we are working hard at school and around the house too! 

In other news we spent this week decorating for Christmas and swapping out the summer clothes for winter. My husband will be away next week and the following week will have a minor procedure on his knee so I insisted we get these things done while he could still help! Notice Grace’s gingerbread shirt. It has been passed through all three girls now and is one of our favorites! We love a good pun around here. 

I also have a new French Toast cook in the house! She offered to make both regular and gluten free and oh did we enjoy it ever so much! 

Rose’s first home game was this Tuesday. We didn’t get the outcome we would have liked, but I do love watching my girl play! 
She’s number 4 with the ball in this shot. It’s a young team for varsity but they hold their own are already improving. 

Things are gearing up to be pretty bust and we are all adjusting to the new schedule. It will probably take a few weeks, but I’m so grateful for the many opportunities my kids have in the community as homeschoolers. I know not everyone has these and we are truly blessed! 

A Field Guide to Color: A Net Galley Review

Grace-Filled Writer

Color Theory… it isn’t something in which I thought I would ever have an interest. Then my daughter found art to be a fulfilling hobby and I began to search out avenues for her to enjoy. She had a wonderful time last year with a dear friend and local college student who taught her much about art theory, especially color. They studied many artists and discussed their use of color. I did not join in on their lessons and found this to be an excellent explanation of color and an inspiration in my own water color adventures. 

This has the feeling of a hand-drawn journal making it quite personable. Within the pages are opportunities for you as an artist to create your own color palates and really practice your craft. I love that it begins with the assumption that the reader is a true beginner, which I most certainly am! It would be a great addition to any art library whether you are a teacher or student.

I also appreciate that the Table of Contents is broken down into exercises and use of color for shapes to try. It truly is an inspiring book for any artist, especially those who are just trying the medium of water color. 


I’m excited to grab a hard-copy of this as I was reviewing a digital version. It will definitely be more valuable as a hold-in-your-hand paper book. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about color theory with regards to water color!

I used a little big of what I learned in drawing this crazy little lizard!

Disclaimer: I was given this title through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Be A Super Awesome Photographer: A Net Galley Review

Grace-Filled Writer
First of all, I adore the title of this book! Who wouldn’t want to be super awesome at what they love? I am definitely not a professional photographer by any means. I am not looking to become one either, but I am always looking for ways to improve my hobby. 

The reason I want to improve is so I can continue to record our family’s history. I love to scrapbook and have come to a point where I want to improve my photography skills. 

This wonderful title has helped me look at things with some new perspective. When my girls were little, I did a good job of getting on their level, but beyond that, I really didn’t have much change in how I took pictures. Recently I have been more mindful of my position in addition to the camera. This book definitely gave me the insights I was looking for!

The photo challenges are much like taking a class! Once a new concept is introduced, a new challenge is given to the reader. Here are a few of the photos I have taken after reading this title. Some are with my phone and others with my camera. 


Used the room lighting creatively

Getting up close to my subject


Capturing light sources


Patience with animal photography!


Create a scene! (Rose did this one!)


This is my favorite!

With this last photo I sat for over an hour under a tree in our front yard and patient waited, taking picture after picture until I finally captured this! 


If you are looking for a way to casually improve your photography with ease, check this out! 

Disclaimer: I was given this title through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Little Learning Labs: Math Games for Kids: A Net Galley Review

Grace-Filled Writer
Is your kid totally into math? Or maybe the opposite is true and they do everything they can to get out of completing mathematics assignments. Both traditional schoolers and homeschoolers alike struggle with mathemtaics concepts. One of my favorite ways to overcome this is through hands-on activities, especially where games are involved!

My kids really love games of all kinds. Mathematics games are a genius way to introduce as well as solidify topics in a concrete manner. I’ve always loved titles form Little Learning Labs. I was certainly not disappointed in this title either. 


The games are arranged by topic in the table of contents making it easy for you as teacher or parent to find exactly what you need. Geometry, curves, graphs, mathematical theory and more can be covered in a clear and understandable way…even for those of us adults who are not super “mathy” by nature!

My favorite activity was right at the beginning! By using toothpicks and gum drops you can clearly explain prisms. They are 3D models…and absolutely delicious! I firmly believe that in addition to hands-on, food is a wonderful way to retain understanding!


I highly recommend this title if you are looking for some new and creative ways to present mathematical concepts.
Disclaimer: I was given this title through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Learn to Draw Disney/Pixar Toy Story Collector’s Edition: A Net Galley Review

Grace-Filled Writer

This was one of the most fun reviews I’ve done in a while! I was excited to have all the new characters from Toy Story 4 as well as all the old favorites. 

I have recently renewed my joy of sketching and had fun browsing through this title. My one disappointment was that the images appeared to be computer generated rather than hand-drawn. While I fully acknowledge the amazing technology which brought us the movie, it might be discouraging to a child to not be able to recreate replicas. Still, I found it to be quite enjoyable. 


I first this little alien with pencil. I then used water colored pencils and a water brush pen to fill in the colors. Then I used a dark colored pencil for details. 


When I showed my daughters my work, they were surprised and impressed! I assured them the book was incredibly helpful and they too could draw beautiful illustrations. They had fun picking out favorite characters to draw again. Forky is definitely a favorite!

This is a beautiful book compiling all the favorites of all the Toy Story movies. If you or your child is a fan of this Disney favorite, you will be delighted with the compilation of how-to drawings. 


Disclaimer: I was given this title through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

How to Draw and Write in Fountain Pen: A Net Galley Review

Grace-Filled Writer

This is quite the gem of a little book! While the use of fountain pens at one time seemed to be a thing of the past, the idea of using this fabulous writing utensil is coming back to life! Most of us have no idea how to go about starting to use a fountain pen, so a guide like this is just what we need. 

There is something uniquely satisfying about dipping a pen into ink and putting pen to paper. I have recently worked to correct my pen grip. My parents tried and tried when I was younger to help me, but time and time again I went back to my incorrect grip. I finally have mastered the correction only going back every once in a while accidentally. I rewarded myself with a glass dip-pen and a package of gorgeous drawing inks from Winsor & Newton. 

I love how this book is organized with both drawing and writing fonts. It is understood that most people will not be using a dipped pen or fountain pen on a regular basis as more convenient and less messy options are available, but for creating art and lettering this particular medium is both unique and beautiful. 


I loved the line drawing pages! They are clearly hand sketched rather than computer generated which is important to me in a book with drawing instructions. The explanation for how to hold the pen at what angle, how to produce thicker vs. thinner lines, and how to create shadows were clearly expressed. 


Having never drawn with an ink-dipped pen I found the etched feeling of writing on parchment paper quite lovely. I have recently begun to sketch more and more and I am definitely adding in the use of my glass pen due to this book! 


I’m not very proficient at lettering yet, but I had fun trying some different fonts. Again, the letters in this book were each clearly hand-drawn giving me greater inspiration over the typical computerized styles I’m used to. 

Overall I was quite thrilled with this title and am looking forward to purchasing a hard-copy soon!

Disclaimer: I was given this title through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.