Wasted Textbooks

TOS Review: We Choose Virtues

2012-01-26T12:17:00.000-08:00

From the website:

Real lasting change. When called upon to shape the attitudes and actions of children and youth, you don’t want solutions that rely on the quick fix. Time is too short and the outcome too crucial.
That’s why we made We Choose Virtues so simple. It’s simple to use, simple to grasp, and simply effective. You see real, lasting change in attitudes and actions. Transform your classroom or your home with Virtues.

I'm all about training the character. I mean, one of the core reasons I chase after a Charlotte Mason education for my children is its primary focus: to train up a child--mind and spirit. So, it's not uncommon for me to get off the beaten path in search of great tools for this purpose.

Not knowing exactly what to expect, I was thrilled to accept the opportunity to review training tools from We Choose Virtues, which produces products intended for both home and schools. Receiving a stack of Virtue Clues (now selling for $5.99) within its own fancy velcro-pouch, as well as the PDF download of coloring pages ($3), I thought, if anything, these items were surely get-up-and-go. No instructions were needed, and that's always a good thing. As you can see (to the left), each card highlights a virtue, giving a bit more information to explain it further, and then providing the antonym for contrast. For example:

DILIGENT

I start fast, work hard, and finish strong!

I am not... slow to get started or lazy, and I don't quit early!

Now, my kids loathe to color within the lines of anything, so I couldn't even bribe them to use the coloring book (although I secretly wanted to color it myself). And having children between the ages of nearly seven and now fourteen, the flash cards were "too childish" for even my youngest fellow. Literally, I dodged rotting tomatoes as they laughed me out of the room. I've got to throw away those tomatoes. They are rotting.

See how much we need this character training?!

However, if they were all much younger, I could indeed see how these very affordable resources would come quite in handy. I can imagine how I would spend perhaps three to six months studying the virtues included and memorizing together the do's and don't's of each. I can picture it now, how we might expand each study by finding examples of the virtue within the pages of the Bible itself; how I might point out diligence as a chid took immediately to a chore asked of him; and how I might encourage diligence by returning to the card when he didn't.

Good, clean fun. And you can find everything you need right HERE.

So, if you're in these earlier stages of parenting, or you have children with special needs, these cards might very well be a great and cheap addition to your character training. You can make it as simple or as complicated as you like. I always go for complicated. It suits me.

Oh, and if you like to color, please come over. But bring blue. I'm all out of blue.

Disclaimer: I received these products from We Choose Virtues in exchange for a fair and honest review, and in partnership with The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Review Crew. To read more reviews, please visit the TOS Blog.

TOS Review: Maestro Classics

2012-01-13T08:28:00.000-08:00

As an lifelong artist now putting into practice the education philosophy of Charlotte Mason, who did nothing if not advocate learning experiences richly seasoned with any and all visual and performance arts, I was more than thrilled to get my grubby paws on Maestro Classic's The Story of Swan Lake. This was indeed right up my alley and I was chomping at the bit, hoping it would be everything I wanted or needed in a learning tool. But first:

The Nitty-Gritty (from the website)

Maestro Classic's The Story of Swan Lake

Website: http://www.maestroclassics.com/the-story-of-swan-lake.aspx
Appropriate for ages 5+ and families
$16.98 for the CD; $9.98 for MP3 download
Also available at iTunes and amazon.com
Other titles available:

A TON! A few of my favorites: Peter and the Wolf, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, and My Name is Handel: the Story of Water Music

As for the one I received:

The Story of Swan Lake, Tchaikovsky’s greatest ballet score, is the tale of a prince who falls in love with a beautiful princess. The princess, however, has been turned into a swan by an evil magician, and only the prince’s love can break the spell. This narrated version of the classic tale for children is sure to delight all who love ballet and enchanting storytelling.

A 24-page activity book included with the CD contains a biography of Tchaikovsky, information on acoustic and electric guitars, sheet music and words for a sing-along song, explanation of major and minor keys, puzzles and more. MP3 download from Maestro Classics website includes a PDF of the activity booklet.

My Nickel
This was as fantastic, if not more so, than I was hoping--than I could ever hope! We listened straight through the very first time. My kids were totally into it. And then we listened again during the week, using the activity book and all its 24 pages, except the crossword puzzle. My kids don't dig them at all.

I can not say enough glowing words of praise for these high quality resources. I loved that they learned just a little but more than they would had they merely listened to the music, and I feel they are much more in tune with the tale, which will help them to more easily understand the associated ballet in future.

In my homeschool, I could see using one or two of these CD's each semester. They are a very affordable resource through which you can re-cycle. I really, really hope they make more that focus on well-known and even more obscure masterpieces, because now that I know how wonderful they are, I can't see not using them at all!

If you're like me at all, you will love them too. And if you're not sure how to incorporate music into your already full homeschool, these are the ticket! You see: NONE of us can go wrong with Maestro Classics!

Disclaimer: I received Swan Lake in exchange for a fair and honest review and in partnership with The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Review Crew. You can read more reviews at the TOS Blog.

TOS Review: Z-Guide to the Movies: Johnny Tremain

2012-01-10T08:21:00.000-08:00

In our homeschool, I use a lot of movies. I use them as incentives, rewards, and just for plain fun. I like movies and so do my kids. So, I was pretty excited about receiving this guide from one of my favorite publishers of homeschool materials, Zeezok Publishing. Promising to help me to incorporate movies into my curriculum, these new Zeezok Guides to the Movies provide ten activities to further tie your studies together.

Each Z-Guide to the Movies starts with an historical overview and a movie synopsis, which may include historical background and context to help students better understand the relationships and conflicts within the film. Then it's time to get down to business and watch the film together, during which students can answer questions posed in their worksheets, or wait until the end, whichev works best! The goal isn't to fragment or distract from the learning in the movie, but to help your student to be an "active learner" instead of merely soaking in the film for entertainment's sake.

Finally, there are several activities that require more research, using resources such as the internet and library, plus opportunities to write formal essays about what they've uncovered. Always, each guide provides hand-on activities and directed questions to explore the concept of worldview within each film.

Oh, and bonus! Not only can you supplement your historical learning with the activities included in these Z-Guides to the Movies, but within each guide you will learn something new about the art of filmmaking. Each guide will explore the techniques used effectively in each movie to influence its viewers, according to its director's agenda, things like "music, lighting, humor, character development, irony, foreshadowing, and even character names." This should really put to work those senses of discernment or critical thinking, an area in which we could all use a little more exercise, right?

The Nitty-Gritty

Z-Guides to the Movies, published by Zeezok

Website: https://www.zeezok.com/z-guide-to-the-movies
Numerous titles from which to choose, which means something for everyone!
Guides for the whole family: from elementary through high school
$12.99 each
DVD's of the movies can also be purchased at the website
Ten activities; suggested two (2) activities per day, so each guide should only require one week to complete
Check out this SAMPLE!

My Nickel

Like I said, we already very much enjoy using movies in our homeschool, but conquer them a little bit differently than with this guide. We typically read & study the book and then enjoy the film when finished, so some of the activities seemed redundant. However, I loved the addition of hands-on ideas and active family discussion questions, plus the aspects of filmmaking. Honestly, there was only the tiniest portion of the guide that was not used effectively and with joy.

I think these guides would be great for those movies that might be a nice fit for your studies, but you just don't have time to read the book. You can easily jump right into the movie and get a whole lot more from it than you could otherwise, and it would only take a week, compared to however long you might normally take to read the book together (for us, this would be weeks!).

And with so many titles from which to choose, and a price that is not out of its mind, not to mention that most of these titles can be found at Netflix, I could see easily adding at least three of these guides into our year, outside of the ones that correspond to books we're already studying, using them during our breaks from regular lessons. This way, we're still actively learning and yet having some fun too. I doubt any of our kids would complain about watching more movies, eh?

Check out the website for tons more information!

Disclaimer: I received a Zeezok Guide to the Movies in exchange for a fair and honest review and in partnership with The Old Schoolhouse Review Crew. You can read more reviews at the TOS Blog.

TOS Review: American-Made Toydle Forts

2012-01-08T08:50:00.000-08:00

I don't even know where to start with all the wonderful adjectives I need to share, so let's start with:

The Nitty-Gritty
Toydle: Serious About Toys

Website: http://www.toydle.com/about/ (The homepage is lacking any info you would really want. Start here instead.)
Options: There are two (2) forts available, The Toydle Fort ($149) and The BIG Toydle Fort ($229.99), which offers twice the square footage and fun
Deals: The forts come with an almost unconditional guarantee: They will replace any part not damaged due to any negligence or forgetfulness (don't leave them out in the rain, y'know)

My Nickel

We received The Toydle Fort ($149) for review. Here are the specs from the website:

The Toydle Fort- over 45 square feet of fun!
Over 45 cubic feet of space!
29 tubes of high-quality PVC half inch pipe
Special “notch” technology for easy and long-lasting connections
4 angled roof tubes
18 wood blocks of laminated poplar
6 clips
Extremely durable and long-lasting
High-quality carry-bag included
Hand-made by American Craftsmen
Unconditional Warranty
And every Toydle Fort comes with an industrial strength storage bag and an Unconditional Warranty! All you have to provide are sheets, blankets, and imagination!

*** Toydle Forts are NOT intended for climbing.***

I don't even know how to tell you exactly how amazing this fort is. (Who pays me to write?!)

And I don't even know how to count the number of ways in which my kids, and especially our avid engineer, David, configured and reconfigured these strong and durable parts to make forts of every shape and size, but I can say that I had to move around much furniture in our little farmhouse, just to accommodate his multiple creations. And after several days of climbing over, under, and around these creations, I admit I made them put it away for a few hours just so I could again see the floor ... which needed vacuuming.

Thereafter, this fort resided in our living room the entire time, in one form or another. Using all the sheets they could find in our linen closet, my kids each set out to make something of their own imaginations, and then they slept inside the fort all weekend! This has become a habit of the very highest kind and I believe this fort has indeed become on the engines driving the memories they will have of their childhoods, spent together in close quarters and wrapped in sleeping bags. There isn't anything I wouldn't pay for this.

But don't just listen to me. Listen to these folks:

David's Dime:
I loved it because I could make anything I wanted to; well, not exactly anything, but you know. I had fun building the forts, and sleeping in them. It was really fun to have a humungous fort instead of a tiny one, the only kind you can build with your own stuff. The parts were really tough, unless you played swords with them, like Fiona did ... and broke one of the sticks. People should totally buy these for their kids because they'll all have fun building any fort they want and then sleep in them!

Olivia:
It was a lot of fun to make because there were no instructions, so you could make anything you wanted using your imagination. I think there should be more clips with the set though, since we didn't have enough once the fort we were making got rather big. It was a challenge for me--not for David because he's an engineering dude--knowing how many pieces to use and writing a plan to build. Sometimes my fort failed and fell over--not David's--and I learned a lot about how to build things better. I'd love to get the bigger fort and make something really intense.

Fiona:
I loved that we could make two-storied forts! They were a lot of fun to build, except that my forts kept falling apart. I don't really know how to build the things I had in my mind, but my sister helped me and we made something else.

Ian:
You can make anything you wanted, and everyone could fit inside to sleep.

Me again: On the whole, this was an entirely awesome experience, and yes! We have big plans to buy more parts (and replace the one Fiona broke whilst playing swords). American-made and amazon.com shipped Toydle Forts are the best thing since sliced gluten-free bread! Check them out right this very second and get building those imaginations. There are nearly no limits indeed!

Disclaimer: I received The Toydle Fort for review purposes and in partnership with The Old Schoolhouse Review Crew. You can read more reviews of Toydle Forts at the TOS Blog.

TOS Review: The World's Greatest Stories--and I Ain't Kiddin'!

2011-12-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

The Nitty-Gritty

The World's Greatest Stories: Getting Eternity into the Hearts of the Next Generation

Website: http://www.worldsgreateststories.com/
Offered in both NIV or KJV versions
Recommended for ages 4+
Each CD/Cassette Tape retails for $7.95 (at the website)
Six volumes now published

Volume 1: The Prophets
Volume 2: The Life of Christ
Volume 3: Beginnings
Volume 4: Joshua & Esther
Volume 5: Joseph & His Brothers
Volume 6: Defeating Giants

Plus, The Real Story of Easter, from the Gospel of John (NIV only, $9.95)

My Nickel

WHOA!

Since I've never, ever used a "children's Bible," my kids are entirely used to reading and hearing the words of Scripture. I even thought I did a pretty great job of bringing those lovely words to life for them. I mean, they love it when I read. They beg me to do it.

But WHOA! I don't know if we can ever read or listen to Scripture again without the talent of George W. Sarris, the one-man dramatist behind The World's Greatest Stories, an award-winning series of one-man dramatized Bible stories, using the very words of Scripture.

At first my seed were a bit overwhelmed by the "stories." It was almost too well done for them. They didn't really know what to expect, I s'pose, since there is nothing in the world like this anywhere! I would know: I've looked.

Like I said, they were a bit overwhelmed at first, and I admit I was a bit surprised by the high quality of the product. At $7.95/CD, I entirely expected a low-grade but ambitious homeschool project, which I could totally get behind if it puts Scripture into the hearts of my children, but WHOOAAA.

By the second and third playings of The World's Greatest Stories: Volume 1 (KJV): "The Prophets," my kids were over their initial deer-in-the-headlights reactions. They started acting out the stories as George---my new BFF---directed. If having my kids get excited about Bible time isn't pure awesomesauce, I don't know what is.

My only criticism for George is the availability of these fantastic, amazing, beautiful, eternal, and greatest stories of the world on archaic cassette tapes in lieu of the modern, immediate, and much needed MP3's. I would love to fill an iPod or four and, by such, fill those hearts most beloved by me with these life-giving words of God.

Disclaimer: I received a free CD of Volume 1: The Prophets in exchange for a fair and honest review, in partnership with The Old Schoolhouse Review Crew. You can read more reviews at the TOS Blog.

TOS Review: Fractazmic!

2011-12-08T20:52:00.001-08:00

The Nitty-Gritty

Fractazmic by I See Cards

Website: http://www.iseecards.com/fractazmic/welcome.html
Contains a deck of 60 cards with instructions for play
Retails for $6.95 at the website
Age range not indicated, but common sense requires the kiddos are developmentally ready for fractions

How to Play

With a mob of four, each player was dealt five cards with draw and discard piles placed in the center of play. The player to the right of the dealer either uses the card in the discard pile or draws a card. The object is to make one (1) within the colored set of cards, of which there was three: sixteenths, twelfths, and tenths. Play continues clockwise until a player runs out of cards. The winner of the game is the player who made the most sets of one (1).

My Nickel
This was one of the most easy-peasy reviews I've done...evaaah. As soon as this deck of colorful cards was out of the package, my wee folk assembled around the table ready to play. We love games!

And then we realized that there was nearly no way that our youngest could play. There was really no way to modify the game to accommodate him, since (as I wrote above) common sense dictates little dude needed to be ready for real work in fractions, far beyond color-coded rods and pencil-drawn pizzas. He needed to be able to add together fractions not yet equivalent. Poor little dude...

It took a few moments to clearly explain the game to my youngest girl and to teach her how to create equivalent fractions so she could add them together more easily. I swore in my mind she wouldn't get it and decided to just let her float through the game whilst I pummeled the eldest two into the ground. I love games!

Well, we played three rounds and out of those three rounds, Fiona won every single one. Sixty beautiful cards and thirty minutes later, Fractazmic turned my wee flower-fairy of a daughter into a fraction-making mastermind! At $6.95, I would call that a job very well done and more than worth our time. I think she would agree.

So, if you're looking for a fun way to play around with fractions, whether taking the long route and gathering twelve one-twelfths or putting those brain cells to work to see who can make one (1) with the fewest number of cards, Fractazmic can totally play the part (pun entirely intended).

Check out the other card games offered by I See Cards:

Disclaimer: I received Fractazmic in exchange for an honest review, in partnership with The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Review Crew. You can read more reviews at the TOS Blog.

TOS Review: Artistic Pursuits (Junior High)

2011-12-06T20:29:00.001-08:00

Artistic Pursuits: Junior High, Book 2

The Nitty-Gritty

Artistic Pursuits: The Curriculum for Creativity

Website: http://www.artisticpursuits.com
Created for Home Schools or Independent Study
All books retail for $38.95 at Rainbow Resource Center
Indicated for Preschool through High School (from the website:)

"Preschool children enjoy kids' art activities that encourage exploration of art materials and their world.
Kindergarten and Elementary art instruction combines art history with hands-on art projects.
Middle School and High School art students learn about artists, art history, and art techniques in both drawing instruction and painting instruction."

Liv's Experience

We received Artistic Pursuit's Junior High, Book 1: The Elements of Art and Composition, consisting of sixteen units which easily provide a student with four activities, including one full-blown project. Although some items are of course required to dig right in, most items were found in our art supplies bins, which I try to keep stocked.

Here's the list of supplies needed for Book 1:

2-drawing pencils (HB, 4B)
Vinyl eraser
Metal pencil sharpener
Sandpaper block
Sketch pad
Aluminum wire
Pen or marker pad
Waterproof drawing ink
Brush, round #8
Pen nibs, #101
Pen holder
Drawing board (optional)

Not bad nor expensive for an entire year's worth of art instruction, especially when Rainbow Resource carries the whole slew of supplies necessary! Wait. Have I yet mentioned the art instruction?!

As I wrote previously, there are sixteen units, each with up to four activities and one major project. These lessons start by encouraging students to Be Creative, to get their hands deep into the fun of exploring the partic element covered, like in the lesson about Line, the student merely finds something out of doors which captures his or her interest and draws it.

Whoa. Can it get any easier than that?!

Next, the lesson looks a bit closer at the element itself and illustrates it through a piece of well-admired World Art, like Utagawa Kunisada's A Horse under a Willow (Line), while providing cultural background and biographical notes about the artist. Armed with this information, your student is then challenged to recreate the piece, paying close attention to the highlighted element to better understand what the artist did to create such a masterpiece.

After a lesson of "How to" and wetting their toes in new techniques, students are ready to tackle the project. Very low-key and laid-back (like me), students are encouraged to put what they've learned into action, like by drawing an object from a photograph and using thin or thick lines.

Here's a list of all the elements covered in Junior High, Book 1:

Space
Line
Texture
Shape
Form
Value
Line in 3-dimensions

The units to follow develop a student's understanding of composition:

Visual paths in line
Center of interest
Balance, symmetry
Balance, asymmetry
Rhythm
Space without depth
Space with depth
Perspective
Proportion

For parents who need help evaluating their student's work, Artistic Pursuits provides an Evaluation Sheet in the back of the book to provide grading credits for each of the four processes of every unit: Creative Exercise, The Challenge, Technique Drawing, and The Project.

My Nickel
At this point in Olivia's education at home, anything that can be done independently and well is an ACE! Artistic Pursuits fits perfectly into our Charlotte Masonite homeschool too: each of the four parts of the lessons required no more than fifteen to twenty minutes twice each week. Really, with such little time required and yet that wee amount is filled with history, appreciation, culture, technique and practice, practice, practice, there is no excuse to leave art instruction on the shelf, waiting for those rare moments when we can all together come up for air. I cannot imagine a family that wouldn't just plain love Artistic Pursuits, especially if you've a growing and independent student in the home, one that needs a lovely break between original history sources and algebraic expressions. And for less than $40, plus a handful of art supplies, Artistic Pursuits really fits the bill for me---art instruction done well.

Olivia's Dime (because it's worth more, right?)
"I like how the lessons are short and yet I learned a lot about art and its history and techniques. I'm really excited about the wire sculpture coming up, and also about drawing with ink. Still, I would rather study art with someone, like my brother, David, than by myself."

Disclaimer: I received this product from Artistic Pursuits in exchange for an honest review, in partnership with The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Review Crew. You can read more artful reviews at the TOS Blog.

TOS Review: PITSCO Siege Machines [yahooooey!]

2011-12-06T11:01:00.001-08:00

Let the Mayhem Begin!

Ahem. Before we get too far started, let me give you The Nitty-Gritty:

PITSCO Education
Website: www.pitsco.com

About PITSCO, taken directly from the website:

"STEM — Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. It's an exciting new direction in education and Pitsco has long been a leader in this area — we help students succeed by offering a robust array of STEM-oriented classroom solutions.

Student success is the goal that drives us to invent new kits, develop curriculum, and create tools for the classroom that engage and inspire learners. To us, it’s more than just a business — it’s a cause."

The website it a veritable feast for the eyes of any pocket-protector-wearing, certifiable nerd, like myself and my children. Neither of us could use enough adjectives and interjectives to explain PITSCO any better than they themselves, after having much time to bask in their own glows and reduce the rate of their pulses. We're still racing from here to there!

David couldn't keep his hands off 'em even for the picture!

Our set of PITSCO products arrived swiftly and with much customer attention. I felt they really wanted us to understand and get the very most we could from the products we were testing for review. We received the following, indicated for middle and high school aged children:

Medieval Machines Pack ($21.95)
Klean Klay ($3.50)

For a whopping total of $25.45, my kids had more fun bringing their Medieval studies to life by way of launching projectiles through the air and with my permission. For the Catapult kit, we only needed to supply wood glue and we were up and running [for our lives].

My son, David, is the biggest and most awesomest nerd of us all. He has tons of experience putting together bought models and creating some of his own. Thankfully, he let Olivia help...a little.

Olivia's "only letting me help a little" face

We did run into one minor problem with the Catapult kit: the very small dowels meant to fit inside teeny holes were too wide. One fit and the other would not. Thankfully again, we had David and his model-constructing tools come to the rescue. He spent many minutes sanding the dowel while seething in pure frustration, most likely because he wasn't yet shooting projectiles at some imagined Medieval foe.

Sanding and Seething

With Olivia's help, the Catapult kit was put together in less than thirty minutes, while I read the history portion of the Siege Machine Book aloud in between the strangled verbal volleying of the first-born-control-and-perfectionist-freaks. It's funny how much two people can love each other until they're forced to work together. Even if PITSCO Education products were not the cat's pajamas as well as its slippers, I would easily spend $25 and some change just to experience again the sheer joy of family teamwork. It builds character, surely.

It might help the kids somehow too.

Helping a little more.

At the website, you will find a bevy of beauties to enhance your home school or day school experience, everything from simple machines and much more physical science, robotics, aerospace, dragster and race cars, a slew of engineering, maths resources and curricula, structures, sustainable energy, and even teachers' resources than can turn these fun activities into a full-blown curriculum!

For this science-loving family with little time and few extra pennies for curricula enhancements, PITSCO Education is the best thing since sliced apples with almond butter. The Siege Machines Book alone provided us with more interesting activities than we could yet finish, to expand the principles of maths and science involved in the Catapult and Trebuchet. And the book was well written, which is a big deal-maker in my opinion. Not only was the Siege Machines Book written with good language and syntax, each and every word held our interests. Like the pieces of wood, our ears were glued.

Someone named David paid acute attention to the fact given that during sieges, Medieval warriors would often launch dead animals behind the fortified walls of a city in hopes of spreading disease amongst the besieged. David fashioned and launched a dead cow and killed thousands.

My Nickel is brief and to the point (this time): PITSCO Education products are worth much, much more than their weight in gold (because the products don't weigh very much at all) for enhancing your history, science, or mathematics studies or for providing a card-carrying certifiable nerd with enough delight and pleasure to stun the senses. You can bet your pocket-protector that at least three Christmas stockings here at our home will be stuffed to the gills with toe-curling, dead-animal launching fun. And even if you're not nerds like us, you might just become one ... or five.

In the words of my son, David: "These are cool. It was really fun to see what Medieval catapults and trebuchets really looked like and how they were constructed."

And Olivia, "The kits were hard to put together, but they gave me a good idea what the machines of old looked like and how they worked."

Yeah. What they said^2.

Disclaimer: I received these products from PITSCO in exchange for an honest review, in partnership with The Old Schoolhouse's Homeschool Review Crew. You can read more reviews at the TOS Blog.

Toydle Toy Fort Bliss---and a TOS Give-Awaayyy!

2011-12-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Who in their life has not built a fort? It's a ritual of childhood---a must! Pulling sheets off beds, stacking extra sofa pillows, tucking corners beneath stacks of books, forts are built all around the country and worldwide, as children dig out adventures from the corners of their imaginations. My own children often carry on their school lessons from within a handmade fort; that is, until it topples down upon their heads and they have to start the building process again.

Made in the U.S. of glorious A., by a playful American dad, Toydle forts are gifts that keep on giving. Fashioned with care of quality PVC pipes and hand-cut wooden fittings, Toydle forts also come with a special unlimited guarantee---Toydle will replace any and all parts should they ever fail or be left out in the rain by sweet but forgetful little Johnny Doe. At $149.00, that's an awesome and uncommon guarantee indeed! Also included with each fort are an industrial-strength storage bag and clips to help secure those sheets!

How cool is this fort?!

You too can stalk...er, befriend Toydle on facebook to stay up-to-date on these coolio forts.

This week over at the TOS Blog, The Old Schoolhouse is giving away three (3) Toydle forts! With Christmas and other holidays (and my birthday) right around the corner, you will not want to miss this chance to this year for your best beloveds put a Toydle fort or three under your tree, or other great-smelling apparatus (like my birthday cake). Run---don't walk---your bloggy fingers over the The Old Schoolhouse Blog right now and ENTER TO WIN!

If you just cannot wait to try your hand at winning one of these bad boys, you can make your swift purchase HERE. Toydle also produces this behemoth mansion of a fort, priced at $229.99:

These are not my kids. I'm pretty sure they belong to Toydle.

NOTE: This contest is open to residents of the United States ONLY. TOS Staff and TOS Crew Members (and their families) are not eligible to enter this contest.

Grain-free Sausage Stuffing; or, My Fav Leftovers Evaah!

2011-11-22T19:41:00.001-08:00

I used to bake tons. Seriously, I was the gal who always brought the desserts to whatev potluck or family dinner on the calendar. I had a great intuition about how flavors would blend. I knew exactly when to stop kneading, how long to allow things to rise or rest.

But then, after much research and prayer, I went grain-free and dragged with me all the wee folk, kicking and screaming and stuffing their wee faces with scones and toast!

We've never felt better.

Oh, but during Thanksgiving, when bread stuffing is my very most fav dish in the world, I thought I might cry. In years gone by, I would even forego much of the turkey in order to leave room on my plate for more cornbready or sourdoughy goodness. Truly, this year I nearly forsook the traditional fare of an American Thanksgiving dinner for Chinese take-out, until my bestie shared with me a yummy recipe that I modified for the ruffians at my table.

Sage Sausage Stuffing with Butternut Squash, Cherries & Pecans
1-1/2lbs Sage Sausage
1lb butternut squash, cubed (1 medium-sized)
1/2-cup onion, diced
1/2-cup celery, sliced
1/4-cup dried cherries
1/2-cup toasted pecans
1-tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1-tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
salt & pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 350. Brown sausage in heavy pan (I use cast-iron). Remove and drain sausage. In drippings, saute onions and celery until crisp tender. Return sausage to pan and add butternut squash, cherries, pecans, and herbs; season with salt and pepper. Cover and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil or lid and bake another 10-15 minutes to crisp it. Serves 6-8 (or just me for a week).

Heaven on a fork, y'all---heaven on a fork.

When Thanksgiving ends, I love to toss a bunch of lingering turkey into the pan right before baking, for a one-dish easy-peasy meal. We all need a few of those after spending an entire day in the kitchen, cooking a meal that's consumed in too little time for the effort, and then cleaning it all up (sans dishwasher, for me). I swear, every year I promise that NEXT YEAR we'll make reservations or at least let Whole Foods cook it all for us. But I never do. Nope, this year I'm serving up an entire grain-free, dairy-free dinner for my seed and their father. Here's what that looks like (just in case you think we're suffering):

Prociutto-wrapped Shrimp
Spiced Nuts

Turkey (of course, and my very first one!)
Sage Sausage Stuffing
Sweet Potato Bake
Maple-Orange Cranberry Sauce
Roasted Balsamic Brussels w/Bacon & Shallots
Pear Walnut Salad on Baby Greens

Pumpkin Pie w/Hazelnut Crust
Flourless Chocolate Torte

Next year, I'm making reservations...probably.

Check out other inexpensive and easy-peasy holiday dishes posted by The Old Schoolhouse Review Crew by clicking the Blog Cruise button! And have a very blessed and peace-filled Thanksgiving holiday, focused on family, friends, football, and food! Those pilgrims were really onto something, weren't they?

TOS Review: The Reading Game

2011-11-20T20:20:00.001-08:00

The Reading Game

The Nitty-Gritty

The Reading Game by Kenneth Hodkinson, the author of 'Wordly Wise'

Website: http://www.thereadinggame.com/
For grades PreK+
Retails for $24.95

The Reading Game is a fast-action memory card game that includes a series of six illustrated stroybooks, or readers. Working together, the cards teach a group of thirty phonetic- and sight-words that will be revisited in the storybooks. Of the 180 words taught altogether, divided evenly across the six books, about half of them are counted among the one hundred most commonly used words in the English language. Each color-coded card set contains six numbered levels. Starting with level one, the child and/or parent plays a quick memory game until the words are recognized or sounded easily and then moves onto the next level and the next and the next.

Here's a quick and easy-peasy video depicting this simple playtime:

Once a child completes all six levels of play, and with thirty words adeptly under his belt, he is ready to read Book One, Skunk.

The author's granddaughter completed all six levels for Book One in just one week!

The Reading Game was tested in field studies from the east Coast to the West, with kindergarten classes, reading intervention specialists, homeschooling parents and instructional coaches. You can read a bevy of testimonials from these specialists, teachers, and parents HERE--and you don't even have to play the game first.

My Nickel
Ian had a ton of fun with this game, for a few consecutive days. I don't know how the author kept his granddaughter tuned to the same repetitive game for one week before reading her first book in the series, but my son needed more variety, or a bit of a break in between game times.

To better keep his interest, Ian and I started our day with our regular phonics and reading lesson, using the game as an "end of school day" treat. Once he memorized a few levels of the red cards for Skunk, I found him playing at other times of the day and even challenging his older siblings to a "memory match-off." THIS I liked and much.

Because Ian had already several of the thirty words in the first cards set in his memorized vocabulary repertoire, he moved quickly through the levels and read with ease Book One, Skunk. Since we slowed the pace a bit and spent only a touch of time each day with The Reading Game, it took us about three weeks' time to finish the six levels of Book One before reading Skunk. Although his advancement through the series would not be as impressive as the author's granddaughter, using The Reading Game, Ian would read rather fluently after only roughly eighteen weeks!

Call me a elitist, but from the word go, and holding tightly to the petticoat of Charlotte Mason, I've been committed to putting before my children not merely learning opportunities, but learning opportunities written in the best language available and woven with the highest ideas. It's not enough for my children to read words. My children must read well the best written prose and verse they can tackle. So, keeping in mind that I'm a freaky English language snob, the actual reading portion of this game fell very flat for me.

On the other hand, Ian had zero of my issues with Skunk. He liked it. He read it a few times each day to every one of his siblings and then again to himself.

All in all, The Reading Game was a hit in our home. It made fun work of learning or memorizing words, rewarding six times that fun with the tangible treat of reading for oneself a whole book. We'll definitely keep at it as long as Ian stays interested. It injects some sweet laughs and cuddle times into our day whilst together playing memory and building his vocabulary, and THIS too I like and much.

Disclaimer: I received The Reading Game in exchange for a fair and honest review, in partnership with The Old Schoolhouse. You can read more reviews at the TOS Blog.

They Would Sell Their Souls for Love

2011-11-19T18:43:00.001-08:00

Daughter.

There are some days when this tomboy of a mother wishes she had four sons, and today was one of those days.

Although her transgression is six months past, today I discovered something desperately heartbreaking about my daughter: she needs me.

Auditioning for The Royal Ballet School, London

As a single mum, I am more often than not uber-busy, struggling under deadlines both professional and personal. I spin too many plates as I care for my seed, meeting their needs and sacrificing much to grant many of their wants too. My children eat well, have clothes upon their backs, shoes upon their feet; they dance, play soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, and swim. I often coach at least one respective team each season. We watch movies, walk, play and read together.

People who become acquainted with my wee family confess they "don't know how I do it." I often return that I don't know either. I just do it. (I also workout like an animal, but that's another post for another time.)

Perhaps it's my way of [over]compensating for the failures of our broken family. It hurts deeply that I could and cannot in myself provide what is lacking. It could be my way of atoning for my own mother's neglect and reservation. In her own immaturity, having given birth to me yet in her teens, she showed little love for me after I turned six, declaring I had pushed her away, that she had not withheld. I dunno. I'm still gazing at that crevasse of a belly-button, seeking and searching for answers.

I just do it.

Until today I thought it was enough, enough to sacrifice and give and enable and serve. I thought she felt all that daring and stalwart love that runs so deep and wide and high in my heart and veins for her, my firstborn. How had I missed this?

Actions do not speak louder than words to a young heart; [she] must feel it in your touch, see it in your eye, hear it in your tones, or you will never convince child or [girl] that you love [her], though you labour day and night for [her] good and [her] pleasure (Charlotte Mason, Vol 5, p. 116).

Halloween, wearing the Poodle Skirt I made for her when she was eight

She needs me.

She needs me to tell her that I love her. It's not enough to sacrifice. She's yet too young to understand all I do to make her biggest dreams come true, and I am dense and dull to expect her to interpret on her own my love through works. She must hear it from my own lips.

I cannot be too busy to tell her how much she means to me; how I cannot imagine my life without her; how she makes me a better person by her examples.

She needs me to touch her. When did it become so uncommon to hold her? Today I reached out to her in my own frenzied pain, my own sense of the greater consequences ~~somehow~~ by grace avoided. I wanted to yell more. I wanted to shake her until she understood the gravity of her foolishness. I wanted to shame her as my mother often shamed me. But, ever the tomboy, I just tackled her and held on for her dear life. She melted and cried and confessed and was restored.

I cannot be too busy to love her with my mother's touch, to hold her hand, to place her big body on my strong lap, to cuddle or pat on the back.

She needs to see approval in my eye. I admit, I give "the look." I don't know exactly how I look when I give it--I've considered allowing them to provoke and videotape me--but I know that I give it and sometimes often. With four at home at nearly all times, there is much conflict and much sin, but "the look" stops each and every one. It's a powerful look.

I wonder if my look of approval, of acceptance, of delight is given equally as often. I doubt it. We are all such fallen creatures...we are all such fallen creatures that I should be less surprised. I should be less provoked. I should be more gracious and long-suffering. I have my moments. Most times (if I've spent myself well in the gym and have stayed to my diet--another post), I use humor and the warmth of my touch to diffuse much. I grab and hug and tickle and giggle. I tell them I see their sinny-sin-sin. I pick them up like babies and tell them I'm putting them in a "time-out." We have fun.

I cannot be too busy to approve of her, to share with her the intimacy of relationship with her mother, to model God's own infinite approval of her in Christ.

She needs to hear that I value her. Being a Marine, I know how to command. I can fling an imperative sentence around with the best of 'em on Parris Island. I never say "now" because it's always and definitely implied. Often I lack gentleness, even when the command is benign and my heart is light. It's my greatest weakness, and I really have no idea how to change, but I keep trying. Perhaps today's shock was enough to convince me that I cannot be too busy to touch her heart with the kind and respectful tones of my voice; to convey my love, my approval, my acceptance of such a valuable and lovely soul--my daughter.

But, dear mother, take your big schoolgirl in your arms just once in the holidays, and let her have a good talk, all to your two selves; it will be to her like a meal to a hungry man. For the youths and maidens––remember, they would sell their souls for love; they do it too, and that is the reason of many of the ruined lives we sigh over. Who will break down the partition between supply and demand in many a home where there are hungry hearts on either side of the wall? (Charlotte Mason, Vol. 5, p. 117)

May I feed her hungry heart with the heartiest meal of my love for her. May I never be too busy to take her into my arms and allow her to talk and share and dream and confide, just and all to our two selves. May she never know ruin for my reservation, for my lack of demonstration. May I never sigh.

I pray.

TOS Review: Math Mammoth

2011-11-17T16:40:00.001-08:00

Having used a bevy of mathematics curricula with my eldest two kids, finally committing to a free and rigorous one-for-all a few years back, I was rather interested to see what the hubbub was about Math Mammoth, which really has cornered the market on rave reviews and glowing testimonials. You don't have to be as fantastically brilliant as me to realize the homeschool community is all about Math Mammoth; you just have to be as dull as me to finally realize the homeschool community is all about it.

Bonus point #1: Immediately after being chosen for this review I was contacted by Maria Miller, the author of Math Mammoth, who wanted to personally select the curriculum to best meet my son's needs.

Whoa. Really?

That's some seriously awesome customer service. [Insert biggest smile here.]

The Nitty-Gritty
Since Ian is six, Maria suggested the Complete Curriculum, or the Light Blue Series, for Grade One in lieu of other options like:

Work-texts by Topic (Addition through Statistics)
Worksheets by Topic (think: a'la carte)
Worksheets by Grade, and
Make It Real Learning: workbooks that highlight how math is used in real life

Prices vary depending on your choice(s), but the Complete Curriculum (Light Blue) for First Grade totaled $53.40, at Rainbow Resource.

My Nickel
Maria's primary purposes for creating this curriculum for families are conceptual understanding of mathematics and ease of use. She feels passionately that students should be able to easily work the problems in their books after reading the clear explanations of the concepts being covered in the lesson.

Although using a first year curriculum makes it difficult to judge whether or not concepts were explained well, especially when much of the first several lessons are more review-ish in nature, the layout of the work-text made Ian feel as though he was able to handle his maths lessons all on his very own. I mean, there were more than a few mornings, when I approached him for the day's lesson, that Ian proudly declared he was finished with maths for the day and then scuttled out the door on skates whilst wearing the most devlish grin. Love that kid...little bugger.

Because Maria's secondary purpose for creating this curriculum for families is affordability, I was not thrilled to see so much color splattered across the pages of my free PDF download, knowing it would be costly to print each and every Picasso. Looking through the first two weeks' lessons, I picked through and separated those worksheets that really needed the color--like lessons in patterning and such--and those I could print gray-scale. Although PDF downloads are sweet when we want to get our curricula before our eyes and ASAP, they surely can be bitter when considering the cost of paper and ink, especially when there's an abundance of color. If affordability is as important to you as it is to me, go for the printed books.

Being a big fan of maths and really digging only those curricula that purposely fail to think less of a child by dumbing-down conceptual learning, again I admit it's rather hard to judge what I think of Math Mammoth at this point. I'm still a bit interested, but I don't think I'll be switching curricula quite yet, but instead using Math Mammoth as a supplement, like when we hit one of those mental or emotional roadblocks and need a little break. Heh. Poor Ian might be a wee bitty sad when he finds out the skates will have to wait.

If you're unhappy with your current maths curriculum, you can compare Math Mammoth to other uber-popular maths curricula, and see if a change is what's needed to get you too smiling big again. Or, if you're just starting out on this home-schooling path, you should most definitely investigate Math Mammoth--LIKE RIGHT NOW. The gushing testimonials speak volumes and often.

Disclaimer: I received Math Mammoth in exchange for a fair and honest review, in partnership with The Old Schoolhouse. You can read more reviews at the TOS Blog.

TOS Review: College Prep Genius (No, not ME, silly-heads! It's a curriculum.)

2011-11-15T20:06:00.001-08:00

As a homeschooling parent determined to teach my children at home all the way through high school, college entrance is one of the biggest stressors when considering this course. Like you, I have brilliant and gifted children who know how to learn and actually enjoy doing it. They have passions. They have talents. They are bent in directions that are seen more clearly as time passes.

But I worry my children won't be accepted by the colleges or universities that will best fuel their passions, develop their talents, and respect their bends. I don't want to be the wet blanket on their big dreams of their prospective futures. I don't want them to ever regret my conviction to keep them at home, where they can explore and hone and learn.

Enter here College Prep Genius. College Prep Genius offers my kids tried and true strategy advice as well as a ton of practice lessons and mock-tests in order to help them achieve the best PSAT and SAT scores possible.

I was impressed from the start.

The Nitty-Gritty

College Prep Genuis: The No Brainer Way to SAT Success

Website: http://collegeprepgenius.com/satprep/sat-prep-classes/products/
Developed for high school or motivated junior high school students
College Prep Genius Second Edition Textbook...........$49.95
College Prep Genius Second Edition Workbook...........$19.95
College Prep Genius Second Edition DVD...........$59.95
Special Bundle Pricing...........$99
100% money-back guarantee

My Nickel

A program designed to improve my kids' SAT or PSAT score, College Prep Genius contains twelve nearly forty-five minute lessons on DVD, covering completely and thoroughly the Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing components of the SAT and PSAT/NMSQT tests. These video lessons are easily integrated with the Textbook, which offers an additional nineteen lessons, breaking down the components of Reading, Writing, and Mathematics even further and offering not merely exercises with which to practice but real and powerful test-taking strategies, like how to eliminate easily several wrongs answers and save time.

I'm gushing, aren't I? Well, if you stumbled upon the golden ticket that would silence your only fear of keeping your children home through high school, you might be gushing too.

College Prep Genius is MY GOLDEN TICKET. Again, not merely a booklet of test practice, College Prep Genius takes students through the SAT test step-by-uberimportant-step, while providing encouragement, debunking test-taking myths, and equipping students to the gills in order to help make their dreams come true--all this and a money-back guarantee!

One more thing: have you ever considered that the better the SAT score, the more scholarship monies awarded? Well...ahem. This single mum of four surely has and repeatedly. My children are often told that being less than an excellent student is not an option for many reasons, but this being one of them, for reals. So, doing less than excellent on their SAT examinations is just not an option. My part is to provide them the tools, and with a special price of $99 for this jam-packed bundle, College Prep Genius is indeed a No Brainer.

Check out the other products offered HERE, like helps with the Vocabulary portion of the tests.

Disclaimer: I received a free bundle of College Prep Genius in exchange for a fair and honest review, in partnership with The Old Schoolhouse. You can read more reviews at the TOS Blog.

TOS Review: Keyboard Town Pals

2011-11-14T07:25:00.001-08:00

One of the most important skills for a child to have before college, before high school, and (in my opinion) even before junior high grade levels, is the ability to command a keyboard with ease and with skill. I continue to try new programs both online and via software to keep things fresh with my kids who have different relationships with typing lessons, ranging from I-can-do-this-all-day to loathe-every-ugly-minute.

I've not yet found the holy grail of typing programs, so when Keyboard Town Pals promised to teach my six-year-old child to type in just one hour without the stress of boring drills and bland exercises but instead in a relaxed environment with singing puppets, I was all about it.

Who doesn't like relaxed? Who doesn't love puppets who sing?!

The Nitty-Gritty

Keyboard Town Pals

Website: http://www.keyboardtownpals.com/
Interactive software typing program available online or by CD-ROM
Available in English, Spanish or French languages
For young or special-needs children, ages 6-12
Dependent upon program purchased, prices range from $30-45

My Nickel

My wee son, Ian, was so very excited to receive this program. At nearly six, he taught himself my computer password last winter and has been cheek-deep in love with it ever since, so if there's anything that can combine the computer with "school," he's entirely onboard.

Unless it's (as he calls it) "babyish."

Sadly, in our modern culture, where children are exposed to ideas more mature than Mister Roger's Neighborhood, singing puppets just don't cut it with a six year old...unless those singing puppets are going to do some rad tricks on skateboards and earn points.

I admit: my boys love video games. We have a select few and an interactive gaming system with which Ian is quite the master blaster. So, he found the simple characters and "relaxed atmosphere" rather boring. He wasn't motivated to play again with the software after the third time, and I don't see an improvement with his ability to type.

From the pictures on the website, I would gather Keyboard Town Pals is easily approached by much younger children, by children with special needs (like dyslexia), and by children whose mothers don't let them play video games galore.

Also from the information on the website, I can entirely get behind the philosophy of teaching a keyboard vertically, training in good habits early, and combining phonetic awareness with typing preparedness.

If I had a younger child or a child who needed special attention, Keyboard Town Pals would indeed pique my interest, although the cost of it is rather steep for one hour of exercise and zero follow-up options.

One hour of instruction is just not enough to master any skill and having to repeat the one hour of exercise is rather boring and stressful. I'd love to see Keyboard Town Pals grow up just a little, offer a solid program smothered in its lovely teaching philosophy, and include many more follow-up exercises to boot! For that, I'd pay a bounty of golden coins.

Perhaps I'm just not as relaxed as I think...

Disclaimer: I received a free download of Keyboard Town Pals in exchange for a fair and honest review, in partnership with The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. You can read more reviews at the TOS Blog.

I Heart Heritage History, Always and Forever

2011-11-08T21:58:00.000-08:00

Have you ever stumbled upon providence?

You know, that feeling you're tripping on your own shoestrings yet you wind up not in the gutter with scraped knees but in a springtime meadow with blossoms galore surrounding you, cradling your head like a sweetly scented pillow of awesomesauce?

This is exactly word for word my experience not long ago, as I was searching and searching the internet for those out-of-print gems I so love to use in my homeschool. I was bent on finding another in the 'Our Little *** Cousin of Long Ago' series of historical fiction for my dearest Fiona to read this year.

Determined to find a copy in nearly any condition, I searched and searched for that Viking cousin, through the lowlands and deep into Valhalla, and yet each time I plugged any number of related words and in any combination, the machine that is Google brought me again and again to Heritage History, or to its many links at least.

In disgusted defeat, I finally clicked and...

--->WHOA!

If there was ever a curriculum tailor-made for me and my seed at this point in our homeschool journey, Heritage History is it. A curriculum for grades four through eight, steeped neck-deep in a living books' philosophy of education, and drawn much from the dense and well-written books of old, Heritage History allows my kids to dig into the depths of whichev historical time period and encourages them to work at their own pace, whether it be a trot or a full-blown history-lover's sprint through literally dozens of fantastic books cannot fail but bring history to life.

Warmly embracing the full curriculum set of British Middle Ages on CD, I scoured the Study Guide which is chock-full of "color maps and charts, timelines, recommended core reading for beginner, intermediate, and advanced readers, geography terms, outline maps, binder covers, historical era summaries, list of prominant characters, and accountability records." Entirely void of droll busywork, Heritage History's supplements just make sense and simply. Here, have a sample. No napkin required.

Although I was forever hooked on the beautiful, vintage maps that are more complete than most if any modern mapping aids I've yet seen, the foundation of Heritage History's curriculum is the dozens upon dozens of books from which you or your children choose as their core. As in any basic, nuts-and-bolts Charlotte Mason education, I was tickled to find that Heritage History too recommends a child choose a history, a biography, and an historical fiction book upon which to focus each term, and each book's link is color-coded for beginning, intermediate, and advanced readers for easy-peasy, organizational goodness.

That's it.

Oh, wait. Did I mention that each of these dozens of books are available in three formats? Yep--> Kindle, PDF, and even audio.

History that truly comes to life: narrative histories, biographies, legends, hero stories, literature.

Books written in beautifully dense language during an age that thought higher of the minds of children instead of the watered-down folly of today.

Supplements that make sense and waste not your time or money.

Wait again! Did I even mention money?!

This full year's living books curriculum for my entire family retails for $24.99.

Oh em gee.

How can one miss the mark with Heritage History?!

I dunno.

Seriously, I've no clue.

But from what I hear, you always miss the shots you never take (Wayne Gretzky).

So, if a living books education is your homeschool's goal, take the shot, babies.

Take the shot.

Disclaimer: I received Heritage History's British Middle Ages Classical Curriculum on CD in exchange for a fair and honest review.

TOS Review: "The Person I Marry"

2011-11-07T21:12:00.000-08:00

The Person I Marry from Bower Books on Vimeo.

It was so much fun to snuggle up to my laptop screen this month to read aloud The Person I Marry to my willing kids.

Whaaaa? Why do we have to think about this right now?

No one complained.

As I turned the thirty-two pages of the book, we enjoyed the lovely and colorful handiwork of Jan Bower, the illustrator, and the simple verse of her husband of 32 years, Gary Bower, the author.

Intended to spark family conversations about marriage and the role of a person's character in our decision to marry, The Person I Marry definitely hits its mark.

Uh-oh, Fiona: you won't ever be married because you never work.

Well, you argue with everyone, so you're gonna live with Mom foreverrrr.

Sinners in our home much?

Written sweetly on the pages of verse are the names of several character qualities, since little ~~turds like mine~~ minds may not grasp the deeper meanings of the simple rhymes, names like Agreeable, Forgiving, Tenderhearted---and sooooo many more!

When the world presents only the superficial as a standard for our affections, The Person I Marry focuses on the internal qualities promoted by the eternal truth of God, and that's something we all, no matter how young or old, need to read and reread!

The Nitty-Gritty

The Person I Marry by Gary and Jan Bower

Intended to provoke family discussions about marriage; one in a series of Bright Future books, "sharing Biblical principles for families in beautiful and down-to-earth ways"
Website: www.bowerfamilybooks.com
Retails for $11.99

My Nickel

Although the book was a little long for one sitting with youngish kids, I really like the idea of visiting even one page each week or each day to spark those conversations about the importance of godly character qualities in ourselves and in our future, potential spouses.

I think this book would make a sweet bridal shower gift too. As I was reading, I kept thinking how cute it would be to send this to a cousin soon to marry. Hopefully, she doesn't read my blog...

The artwork was soft and tender, much like the message of the book itself. The verse doesn't always flow as easily as it should, but some careful revisions would help tons (I made a few corrections on the fly to protect the meter because I'm crazy like dat). Sooo it's not fine literature, but its content is indeed a priceless treasure well worth its retail price.

I agree wholeheartedly: The Person I Marry is a wonderful and beautiful way to approach an important topic for family discussion in a very down-to-earth way ... or to send to a cousin soon to marry.

I really hope she doesn't read my blog...

Fiona's Dime

I don't know what she's talking about, but I think she's so cute and nice.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of The Person I Marry by Gary and Jan Bower in exchange for a fair and honest review, in partnership with The Old Schoolhouse. You can read more reviews at the TOS Blog.

TOS Review: Ooka Island [Stole My Son]

2011-11-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

...the land of missing children.

Seriously.

The Nitty-Gritty

Ooka Island Adventure

An interactive literacy program covering pre-reading, reading, spelling and writing skills---with optional Voice Recognition technology
Grades Pre-K through 2nd
Subscription options vary: see below
Website: http://ookaisland.com

I will admit: I'm not a big fan of online learning, and I'm especially critical of online reading programs which often dumb down everything good and leave me looking as if I smell something not so sweet, if you know what I mean. Most products play too much, sell too much, and very little is ever really learned while much precious time is wasted.

So, it was with a sigh that I downloaded Ooka Island to my children's computer for Ian to use.

Huge file.

I sighed a little more.

Took forever to download.

Then I sighed a bit for mere effect as I asked Ian if he'd like to give it a try.

For the first day, I just let him go. I didn't watch. I didn't ask. I just let him play.

At this point, my kids usually lose interest, tell me its boring or babyish or whatev, and never wanna play again. But the next day, as soon as we finished maths, Ian asked:

Can I play my computer school now?

Um, okayyy. I thought I'd better go with him. I thought I'd better watch. I thought I'd better ask.

Ian logged himself on uber-quickly and immediately there was music.

I love this song! Blah blah blah...

He sang along as he clicked through to a 3D eye-pleasing graphic of an island--Ooka, I'm guessing--where he could choose activities to explore with the help of a female guide.

She's so pretty, isn't she, Mom?

First, he changed the clothes of his Ooka Hero with the Ooka money he'd earned the day previous. He bought cool red skate shoes and sick new jeans with a blue stripe down the side.

Then, his next click brought him to the world of phonics, where he identified a series of sounds through clicking, popping bubbles, or searching with a spy glass.

I'm so good at this.

After this he was given a word and asked to find its first sound, again through clicking, popping, or searching.

This was the only place I wasn't 1000% pleased. There were words which, although true words, weren't very common and required an explanation. For example: "Mom, what's a maw? a shaw?" It bugged purist me... but it didn't kill him.

After about twenty minutes, when finished with the practice in phonics, Ian claimed it was time to read a book. The book opened and instead of Ian reading the book, it was read to him. Hmmmm. Twice. I get that. But when the next activity required him to recognize words repeatedly used while the book was read to him, I thought, NO.WAY.

But he did! Although not every word was foreign to him previously, I was impressed that he made zero errors while playing Memory with the words that were entirely spankin' new. Hmmmm.

Now I get to play! Watch, Mom---this is better than the Wii!

Say whaaa?

And boy did he have fun, climbing up a mountain by clicking in order the letters of the alphabet and then racing down the mountain whilst doing rad tricks on a skateboard. He earned stickers. He earned more money for new orange Crocs for his Ooka Hero. He earned more stickers. After little over five minutes of free play, Ian's next click brought him right back to phonics.

He played for over an hour before I forced him to give it a rest already. I mean, did he wanna be reading fluently by dinnertime or something?

Sheesh.

Ian's Nickel

I cannot argue with that sweet face! Can you?

Disclaimer: I received a free subscription to Ooka Island for a fair and honest review, in partnership with The Old Schoolhouse. You can read more reviews at the TOS Blog.

Here. You might need this, so your kid can live at Ooka Island too:

P-P-P-Pressure, Pressing Down on Me...

2011-10-31T15:02:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the pressure of being a single mum of four can be, well, rather pressing. I mean, all the responsibility for success or failure rests with me. No one else helps to shoulder the burden of raising well these four wonderful people without injuring their hearts much along the way.

I know, I know: God is with me ... and He is, but sometimes a tangible helping hand doesn't hurt much either ... nor a coconut milk latte. That never hurts at all.

Lately, I've been feeling really crazy--like, loca-in-the-cabeza crazy. I have way too much going on, and the distractions are driving me to distraction. I cannot tune in to my kids without letting some deadline press further and heavier, so I tell them I'm working ... I tell them this a lot. Sometimes they understand, but mostly they just want to play ... or talk ... or hug. I love it when they just want to hug. Almost always, it's exactly what I've been needing, too, without even knowing it.

They're smart little buggers.

They know things are now different, that I don't have the leisure to just hang out, cook, clean, and homeschool. Now they do the bulk of the cleaning and washing; they're more independent with much of their school work; and each is responsible for his or her own breakfasts ... whilst I work.

They don't like it, and I don't blame them.

Most days I don't like it either.

What greeted me when I arrived home from the gym <3

TOS Review: George Washington Carver by Marshall Publishing

2011-10-30T23:05:00.000-07:00

The Nitty-Gritty

George Washington Carver: His Life and His Work

by Marshall Publishing

Website: http://marshallpublishing.com

Grades: 4th through Adult

Length: 29 minutes

Retail price: $24.95

Other titles offered: Wayyy too many to list, but a few I plan to snag in future are History of the Rails, History of Bridges, The Lewis and Clark Expedition, and The History of the Oregon Trail and the Pony Express.

The Deets

This is a DVD which tells the life story of GeorgeWashington Carver, a boy born into slavery who grew up to become a creative researcher and scientist, entirely dispelling the myth of that age which claimed Negros were mentally inferior to Whites.

My Nickel

This was a fantastic experience for us. We enjoy learning from DVD's, borrowing many from our library or through Netflix, and George Washington Carver was surely a sweet finish to our school week. A series of pictures, both historical and not, grace the screen whilst "the voice" of George Washington Carver tells his own story in his own words while another narrator pipes in to share even more. Although I didn't tune into the music much, it is an original score and I can say it definitely didn't bug, and bad music totally does.

My sensitive soul, Fiona, was brokenhearted that George Washington Carver was turned away from college solely for the color of his skin. Boy, was that ever a reason to race down bunny trails on a Friday afternoon!

David, on the other hand, enjoyed watching the video until he learned that Dr. Carver, in order to help the agricultural community and the southern U.S. economy, developed over one hundred uses for the peanut (which my family doesn't eat due to the wretched toxins it delivers). After that, he was just appalled. Bummer ... but it did provide us with a jumping board to discuss Carver's very good intentions and how the processes of agriculture and manufacture have changed over the years.

Olivia had read his biography two years previously and was entirely familiar with the narrative, even pointing out things which were not discussed--gee, I love a living books education! She was and is inspired by the faith and dedication of this marvelous man who lived his life well, in awe of creation and on a constant quest for knowledge, much like herself.

Six thumbs up--and eight if I pay him--for Marshall Publishing's historical biography of George Washington Carver on DVD! Here's to an afternoon well spent and more to come with Marshall Publishing: Hip, hip, hurrah!

Do you use videos in your home school? Share a favorite with me.

Disclaimer: I received Marshall Publishing's George Washington Carver to review in partnership with The Old Schoolhouse. You can read more reviews at the TOS Blog.

TOS Review: Excellence in Literature (Introduction to Literature)

2011-10-26T18:11:00.000-07:00

Boy, did I hit the literary-junkie jackpot when I was chosen to review this product.

Not only have I been salivating over this curriculum for junior high and high school students, but I've been salivating a lot over this product.

For an English Lit major mother, homeschooling via a dense literature-approach, Excellence in Literature couldn't be a better fit. (Anyone remember Chandler Bing of Friends? Try it again, Chandler-style. So cool.)

Excellence in Literature is...

Self-directed

The instructions are written to the student, giving her the reigns of her education, which at this point in the game is very much needed and especially in our home where I am the Jack-and-Jill of all things, with three other literature-dense, liberal educations over which to see.

Phew.

Classic Literature-Based

Can I get a wooo-hooo?

Woooooooo-hoooooooo!

Here's the long-list of classics covered in Introduction to Literature, taken directly from EiL's website:

Unit 1: Short Stories by-
• Sarah Orne Jewett: A White Heron
• Edgar Allen Poe: The Purloined Letter (This one is not scary, if you're concerned about that.)
• Guy de Maupassant: The Diamond Necklace
• O. Henry: The Ransom of Red Chief
• Eudora Welty: A Worn Path
• James Thurber: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Unit 2: Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne
*Honors: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
Unit 3: A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain
*Honors: The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain
Unit 4: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
*Honors: Shirley or Villette by Charlotte Brontë
Unit 5: Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw
*Honors: Murder in the Cathedral by T.S. Eliot
Unit 6: Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
*Honors: Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson
Unit 7: Animal Farm by George Orwell
*Honors: 1984 by George Orwell
Unit 8: The Tempest by William Shakespeare
*Honors: A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare
Unit 9: Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift
*Honors: The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan

College-Preparatory with an Optional Honors Track

Um, yes please! Even if higher learning isn't in the futures of my children (although I expect it is), I want them to have the best education I can legally provide. And, again, as an English Lit maniac, I truly believe that reading and understanding the Great Books of Western Civilization is the key to such an education. And, sorry, but if my kids are reading this (yes, you, Olivia), the Honors Track is not Optional, so don't believe the hype.

To get a really solid feel for the caliber of literature which your children will tease to tears (sorry, Lit-geek termage) ... ahem, literature which your children will analyze with the best of them, check out this very comprehensive 5-year plan of which Introduction to Literature is the maiden course.

But that doesn't mean the bar is not set high:

By the end of the course, students will:
1. Understand the process of writing, including the use of tools such as a writer’s handbook, dictionary, and thesaurus.
2. Have specific understanding of selected representative texts by major authors of the periods studied.
3. Have a general understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of the works.
4. Be able to analyze literary texts and present thoughtfully developed ideas in writing.
5. Demonstrate competence in essay organization, style, and mechanics.

My Nickel

Olivia and I grabbed Unit #3 to start, since we're right now in the midst of our Middle Ages studies. At first she was like (smothered with teen exasperation at having been there, done everything in the whole wide world),

But, Mommm, I've already read this book.

And I was like,

Um, not like this: "Twain wrote this novel about twenty-five years after the Civil War. What issues do you see in Connecticut Yankee that may be related to Twain’s perception of the Civil War? Can you determine Twain’s view on the issue of slavery?"

And she was like,

Uuhhhhh. (Insert crickets chirping here.)

Boo-yah, baby girl!

And that's just "Something to think about..." [as you read]

Although it helps to have some Composition and/or Literary Analysis under your belt, you can also incorporate the three in this maiden year, but if you're not feeling entirely confident in tackling these three giants alone, Janice Campbell, the author of this fabulous series, recommends the popular products published by Excellence in Writing to gird you up with solid, foundational mechanics.

And, although this product seems formidable, you can do it! Easy to customize, I've considered spreading this particular book over the course of two years, as a more gentle introduction. Sorry, Olivia, I said considered.

I'm over it now, or should I say all about it.

Excellence in Literature for Liiiiiife!

Ahem.

And Olivia? Well, she felt like she never before read that book she "read" before, and she loved the higher thinking required, although challenging.

We moved slowly, not quite covering everything in the month allowed, but I'm okay with that. Anytime we introduce something new in our home school, and especially something so challenging, it's better to move at a snail's pace and keep her interests piqued than to flog it to death and have her running for the hills.

The hills are really far away...

I would really miss her. She washes the dishes.

The Nitty-Gritty

Excellence in Literature: Introduction to Literature

Website: http://www.everyday-education.com/home/index.shtml
Recommended for grade eight through high school
$29, plus $4.95 shipping & handling; or $27 for a PDF download
Other products offered:

English II: Literature & Composition
English III: American Literature
English IV: British Literature
English V: World Literature
Grammar Made Easy!
Spelling Made Easy!
Transcripts Made Easy!
Get a Jumpstart on College: A Practical Guide for Teens

*Disclaimer: I received the PDF download version of Introduction to Literature for the purposes of review and in partnership with The Old Schoolhouse. You can read more reviews at the TOS Blog.

TOS Review: Say Anything Family Edition by Northstar Games

2011-10-24T13:10:00.000-07:00

I feel like the luckiest girl in the whole wide world.

No, I didn't find Prince Charming--although I'd settle for Squire Friendly, just so you know.

No, I didn't win a spa-day in that random raffle I enter and often.

And no, I'm not even an acquaintance of anything sparkling with faceted perfection, much less best of friends.

I feel like the luckiest girl in the whole wide world because I am now the owner of Say Anything by Northstar Games.

I'm not joshing.

Easy-squeezy to play right out of the box, this family-friendly game is a hoot! There are no right answers, and it takes mere minutes to play--like, no more than twenty even if you write a s s l o w l y a s y o u c a n.

I'm talkin' this easy:

Pick a card, any card---there are hundreds. Well, maybe just 60, but the stack is huge.
Ask one of the many questions offered; there are like six from which to choose--for a total of 360! For example, "Who would be the worst babysitter ever?" (or something like that)
The other players write down the answer which they feel you will like best. For another example, "Jaba the Hut" (because he would so be the worst ever).
Using the dial/spinner/thingamajigger, you choose which color-coded answer you like best and turn the thingamajigger over onto the table so no one can see you chose my answer.
The other players now use their two (2) tokens to place bets on the answer they think you'll choose.
Finally, you reveal the answer chosen (mine) and tally up the big, fat points on the dry-erase-board with the dry-erase pen(s) provided.
Play moves to the left or right, and now another player draws a card.

The Nitty-gritty

Say Anything: Family Edition by Northstar Games

Winner of 17 Awards!
3-6 Players
Ages 8+
Retails for $19.99, but you can grab it on amazon.com for $13.85 (No worries; it's not affiliated. The state of California won't allow us fruits & nuts to be capitalists too.)

My Nickel

This has been the go-to game in my home this month. The kids grab it to play even during dinner, not bothering nor wanting to wait for the whole cleaning up bit, and I have protested little, if at all.

It's a load of laughs as we all try to guess the answer that will best suit the player in control of the game at the time. It's really given us all a better picture into the hearts and minds of our family members, and sometimes that's a good thing. ;)

Say Anything Family Edition is a good time at a great price. You really cannot go wrong with this one---or with any of these either!

Disclaimer: I received Say Anything: Family Edition in exchange for a fair and honest review and in partnership with The Old Schoolhouse. You can read more reviews at the TOS Blog.

TOS Review: Wits & Wagers Family by Northstar Games

2011-10-21T14:14:00.000-07:00

As a single mum of four who spins too many plates, I don't get out much unless it's for my weekly sprint for groceries or my monthly long jump to a town large enough to carry all my needed household supplies in one building. I most certainly never get to parties, and I've discovered I've been missing out indeed!

With Northstar Games's Wits & Wagers touted as the Most Award-winning Party Game in HISTORY, I admit I was a bit intimidated to open this box of W&W for families and unleash all the awesomeness in one room. I mean, we're talking about being eclipsed by The Party Game of all party games. Serious sweating.

And whoa:

So Easy to Play!

Right out of the box, with a short minute of pause whilst the speed-reader extraordinaire (not me) ingested all the known rules, Wits & Wagers Family was played to the max! Each and every one of us was able to play a game that made history.

We were gaping at the mouth.

Here's how easy:

Pick a card, any card.
Choose a question to ask, easy-peasy or more challenging--you decide
Players write their guesses as swiftly as poss and place them in numerical order
Place your bets! Who is right, or at least closest to the correct answer without going over?
Reveal the correct answer and tally your massive points on the cute li'l wipe-board!

The game moves swiftly and lasts no more than twenty minutes--tops!

My Nickel

This is a no-brainer, win-win-win! <---I like to scream this whilst jumping up and down, just ask my kids.

My kids keep it near the dinner table for those spare moments after dinner when the table's finally clean, when lessons are eventually completed, or when mum puts the smack-down on the Wii for the day.

We're a gaming family and there's nothing like the face-to-in-yo-face fun of playing a fast-paced game with the whole gang!

Although recommended for ages 8+, my Ian (6) was able to play with a small amount of help, and that's the kind of game that makes history--think: memories--in my book.

The Nitty-gritty

Wits & Wager Family

Wesbite: http://northstargames.com
3-6 players
Recommended for ages 8+
Retails for $19.99, but you can grab it at amazon.com for $15.23--->Don't worry, the link's not affiliated; amazon.com hates Californians too.

Disclaimer: I received Wits & Wagers Family in exchange for a fair and honest review in partnership with The Old Schoolhouse. You can read more reviews at the TOS Blog. I'm off to crash a party...

TOS Review: E-Mealz

2011-10-19T14:41:00.000-07:00

I swear, this must be the week of the RAVE REVIEWS because I'm raving ... and this is a review.

E-Mealz claims to manage your food budget and plan your week's dinners for a paltry five dollars per month! How ludicrous! What insanity!

Wait, that's just me.

E-Mealz really does manage your food budget and plan your week's dinners for a paltry five dollars a month.

But that's not all!

On A Budget?
E-Mealz can customize your meal plans (for dinner) and shopping list entirely based on the sales flyer for many large grocery-chain stores, like Kroger, WalMart, Ralph's--there has to be one near you, right?! They do all the work for you and you don't even have to cut a single coupon ... unless you wanna or you just can't stop yourself. I understand. It can be like therapy ... for you loonies.

On A Diet?
I'm not talking about losing weight. What you consistently eat is your diet, and some of us have special ones, like gluten-free, low-carb, low-fat, "portion-control" (what is that?!), or vegetarian, and E-mealz has you covered.

Take looney me: I eat no grains, beans, sugar or dairy. It's called "Paleo," but it's not rude or poorly dressed. I eat meat, vegetables, good fats, some fruit, and nuts & seeds. E-Mealz's "low-carb" option was a near-perfect fit for my dietary restrictions, especially since many "gluten-free" diets still contain many grains other than wheat.

Dinner for Two ... or Family of Six?
Covered!

Sample Menu

My Nickel
I don't live near any of these larger stores listed, but I was able to shop at my local joint super easily with the shopping list provided.

I loved the menus! Being an uber-busy single parent, my dinners can be rather uninspired by the end of the week. E-Mealz kept it fresh and lively, and since I don't have any "picky eaters," my kiddos were excited to try the new dishes.

Since I try my best to be frugal, I found my grocery bill remained about the same, except I now had much more variety and excitement on the table.

If ever there was something on the low-carb plan that we were unable to eat (like beans), with a little extra planning, I easily substituted another side dish or added extra vegs to the main.

Since sandwiches don't exist here, my wee family eats hot dinners twice each day. I was able to use the recipes and shopping lists from previous weeks to round out my own current week's plan and list.

The Low-down and Dirty
So, if you're uninspired or spinning too many [empty] plates or want the convenience of having your dinners planned for you, E-Mealz is an outstanding vehicle! I mean, if they can feed ME, they will certainly feed you and well!

As for me, I'm sticking with E-Mealz for however long they'll let me, printing and plugging these great recipes and shopping lists into a binder for easy access and reference. Imagine a three-month dinner rotation for the price of ...

I dunno. What costs $15 nowadays?

Oh, well.

Wait 'til they get a load of me at the next potluck!

E-Mealz

Website: http://e-mealz.com
Options: "Family of 6" or "Meal Plan for 2"
$15/three months, charged to your debit or credit card
Download a week's worth of dinner recipes and your shopping list each Wednesday

Disclaimer: I received a subscription to the E-Mealz service for a fair and honest review in partnership with The Old Schoolhouse. You can read more reviews at their blog.

TOS Review: Visual Latin

2011-10-17T10:43:00.000-07:00

Warning: RAVE REVIEW, bound to have many and mucho adjectives and adverbs.

Ahem.

Considering yourself well warned ... Visual Latin is the shizzle.

I was excited when offered the opportunity to review this product--you know, the whole jumping up and down while screaming, "Pick me! pick me!" But I never expected to love it as much as I do, and neither did my kids who both have sat through the video lessons of other Latin curricula, glassy-eyed and sometimes doing movements that somewhat resemble breakdancing of the 80's but just ... not ... quite ... right.

As a Charlotte-Masonite, a proponent of a liberal education, Latin is an important component in our home school.

As a single with four fab wee folk to nurture and educate whilst spinning many other plates, I don't have time to personally teach Latin. I need something or someone else to hold the reins of subjects which require little to no discussion, subjects like Latin.

So, what set Visual Latin apart? Why am I raving like a lunatic ... about Latin? (We'll only cover my raving about Latin, not raving in general. That would require too much time and I've four fab wee folk to nurture and educate whilst spinning plates.)

Whoa. Do you see this^? Your wee folk can even download their lessons to a computer, iPad, or iPod. And there are audio files included too!

Dude is hilarious!
I sat with my kids during the introductory and first three lessons. He was cracking me up. I mean, I was totally Laughing-out-Loud, and I don't often really LOL. It's more of a smirk and sometimes an additional nasal exhale if I find something really amusing, but LOL I did, "Ha!" And so did my kids, "Ha! Ha!" We were having so much fun, the little ones wandered into the room and wanted to watch the funny show too.

Dude is organized!
I love the simple but effective layout of the three separate and short video segments of each lesson: Grammar, Sentences, and Reading. Requiring only fifteen to twenty minutes each day, my kids were pressing play first thing in the morning and talking about Latin throughout the rest of the day. What I loved best was the clearly marked "stopping points" and subsequent yet brief worksheets. The kids knew when the lesson ended and exactly what to do next. That's some serious awesome sauce.

Visual Latin is affordable!
At The Compass Store, there are so many purchase options available: DVD of all thirty lessons, DVD of the first (second, last) ten lessons, download of lessons, home and school, etc. You just cannot go wrong! And at a special price available right now, $80 for the full year's curriculum makes Visual Latin less expensive than anything comparable on the market!

Let's recap: FUN, EFFECTIVE, AFFORDABLE.

Oh, and did I mention The Compass Store also offers affordable Online Classes taught by Dwane, AKA Mister Hilarious?

We've put our chips all in on this one, but don't make a decision based on a raving lunatic. Try a free and complete lesson. And with this coupon code worth $10 off your purchase, you'll soon be raving too!

OCT$10

The more the merrier I always say ... and now in Latin.

Disclaimer: I received the first ten lessons of Visual Latin in exchange for a fair and honest review. You can read more reviews at the The Old Schoolhouse blog.

TOS: Professor in a Box: Principles of Marketing

2011-10-13T13:44:00.000-07:00

WOW!

I wish I could leave it to stand alone, but that would not be good enough, so I'll qualify my wee outburst with several more words:

QualityHaving several years of experience and professional education under her belt, Dr. Julie Persch put together on one disc a truly comprehensive and college entry-level course on the Principles of Marketing, perfect for a high school student preparing for the CLEP examination or anyone, having an interest in business and/or marketing, who can read English and perform basic maths skills.
Clarity This course consists of nineteen chapters with twenty-eight complete lessons of Power Point slides, applicable links for more information, key topics study-lists, and one or two quizzes. Most importantly, it is all very neatly and conveniently arranged. Seriously, the syllabus and course objective outline are more organized than any other I ever received in college.
Convenience Everything you need to complete this course successfully is at your or your child's fingertips. It's really that easy. An older student or an enthusiastic one could cover the twenty-eight lessons of this course over the breadth of a semester--or less!--or spread out over an entire school year. As they so succinctly put it: all you have to do is watch the lectures, do the homework, check the solutions, and take the tests. Ain't no thang.

The Nitty-gritty
Professor in a Box: Principles of Marketing

High school age +
19 Chapters, 28 Lessons
Retails for $119.99
Check out the Online Resources used in Principles of Marketing
Other products offered by Professor in a Box: Financial Accounting, Financial Accounting Study Guide, and Financial Accounting and Money Skills

My Nickel

A great product at a price comparable to, and perhaps less expensive than, a community college course of Intro to Marketing and very much worth it's weight in gold (if it weighed more) for the sheer convenience of completing the course at home, on your own time, and at your own pace, and especially without all the distractions and not-so-hidden agendas of students and most especially professors. Boy, aren't there a few you would have loved to stick in a box? But not an awesome one like this:

Disclaimer: I received this course in exchange for an honest and fair review. Read more reviews at the The Old Schoolhouse Blog.

TOS Review: Scruble Cube

2011-10-12T09:28:00.000-07:00

When we received this game of wits in the mail to review, I must admit the kids and I were a bit intimidated. I mean, we love games and all but this one looked like it was made for wise guys, real wise guys not just ones like us, merely pretending.
But luckily, the folks at Scruble Cube reassured us that it was a game to make us wise guys, or geniuses, not one that required us to be so already.
So we played.
And played.
And had tons of fun!
Like a cross between the ol'Rubik's Cube and Scrabble, Scruble Cube is a word game you can play anywhere! Scoring is as simple as adding up letter points, so you also don't need an advanced maths degree to play either. Seriously, although it's recommended for ages eight and up, our littlest dude was able to create his own simple three-letter words--with a few helpful twists from mom--and we gave him triple-score points to keep him in the game. As they at Scruble Cube say, if you can spell, you can play! And we dig it most when everyone can play.
But, when the tots are outside to play or taking a rest from all that non-stop activity they like so much to do, you can also ramp up the game with your older children and get really down-and-diry competitive and smash your kids into the ground. C'mon, it only lasts a few years longer before they'll be smashing you, so use the included sand timer and and scream, "In yo'face!" like a red-blooded American when you pull off that bonus point bonanza.
Scruble Cube can also be played alone. I found myself toying with it while the kids were doing their lessons, waiting for the next moment of, "Mommm, can you help?" Hopefully, it will help to keep my aging, cluttered mind a bit more sharp through mental exercise more stringent than facebook.
There is no end to what one can do with this cube! At least that's what we hope as we keep twisting and turning away.
The Nitty-GrittyScruble Cube: World's Greatest 3D Word Game

Ages 8+
1 to 4 players (we played five with zero problemos)
Retails for $24.95

My Nickel
Scuble Cube is a fun, play-anywhere kinda game that challenged and kept my kids engaged for hours. That's some seriously good stuff, Maynard, and even Dr. Toy agrees.

Disclaimer: I received a game cube from Scruble Cube in exchange for an honest and fair review. Check out more reviews of Scruble Cube at the TOS Blog.

TOS Review: Aletheia, A Literary Magazine for Teens

2011-09-27T08:42:00.000-07:00

The Nitty-gritty

Aletheia Writing Magazine: Creativity for Christian Youth

Aletheia is Greek for "truth" or "unveiling"

Subscription Costs: $26/USA; $29/CAN (published quarterly; includes shipping & handling)

Website: www.aletheiawritingmagazine.com

When we received this magazine in the mail for review, my daughter squealed with delight and ran off to read... for about thirty minutes. She's a bit advanced in this area, but I was surprised when she returned and claimed she was done---with the whole thing! Suspiciously, I quizzed her and made her narrate every-other story or poem. But, yes; she did indeed finish the whole magazine in thirty minutes.

So, then it was my turn to take a peek inside.

I was impressed by the quality of the paper on which it was printed and rather encouraged by the length and number of the pieces published within. Compiled entirely from submissions of teens aged 13 to 19, minus one article which puts the spotlight on an adult author or illustrator, Aletheia Writing Magazine surely desires to be a true literary arts publication. The published submissions have much more depth and scope than you'll find anywhere else for this demographic. I know. I've looked far and wide for something--anything--like this for my daughter whose favorite authors can no longer be found in the children's section of the library.

Although written by Christian teens, the published submissions are not overtly Christian, and that's not by chance but design. Aletheia has stringent submission guidelines honoring the allegorical or fantastical styles of fiction by Toilken and Lewis and discarding any tales considered "dumbed down" or "sanitized." You can read the Spring issue online for free to see what I mean. The samples of writing have true pain and struggles pouring forth from the hearts of teens struggling to find their identities and purpose in the world. I'm sure many teen hearts will resonate with what's hidden within these pages.

Olivia's Impressions

"Although the poetry and stories were written by Christian kids, they weren't about Christ or anything, and the featured story was rather dark, with a lot of blood and dying.

"Even though there were some things that went against my beliefs [like dating], I liked the stories overall, but thought the poetry uninspiring.

"I'd like to receive this magazine; I'd just have to pace myself better next time. I like to read stories like these, and I think it's inspiring to know there's a place for young writers to share their work."

My Nickel

There are not many advertisements in Aletheia Writing Magazine, but the ones which do exist are telling: for some it may make a difference, and for others it may not, but Aletheia is supported and published by those affiliated with the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church. As a reformed Protestant, I have my own reservations about this and yet also my own faith in God's redeeming power within His church universal. If I subscribed to this magazine, I would definitely wish to pre-read the contents and then discuss, discuss, discuss; but, then again, that's something I would wish to do with anything I put before the eyes of my children.

And, I think the magazine, because published only quarterly, is rather pricey yet. I'm sure, as it gains in popularity among teens and sponsors, the price may become more palatable, but for now it's not something I feel compelled to purchase; but I wouldn't stop Olivia from paying for her own subscription, if she wanted, as there is not another outlet of this caliber for young writers like herself. Personally, I'd rather spend my rare spare pennies on the great and edifying books of the Western canon.

Although the writing isn't itself something which to replace good literature, it most likely is the overflow of children reading good or great books; plus, teaching your child to read with a critical eye is not an altogether bad thing. For example, in one of the submissions, Olivia was able to quickly detect such an overuse of adjectives and adverbs making the piece tedious to read. We crossed out several of each and brought together a cleaner and clearer piece of writing, all while accidentally bringing home a lesson in language for Olivia.

So, if you've a budding writer or a teen who loves fantastical fiction, Aletheia is a good--not to mention the singular--choice on the market. Please visit its website for more information and share your own nickel with me!

You can also read more reviews at the The Old Schoolhouse Blog.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the Autumn issue for the purposes of review. I promised to be fair and honest, and I surely have.

Homeschooling Mother's Journal

2011-09-18T22:49:00.000-07:00

In my life this week…
As always, we'll be uber-busy with soccer and school and work. I cannot believe how quickly this month is passing because we're way busy running to and fro.

In our homeschool this week…
This is our second "official" week of lessons, returning to a more pure thread of Charlotte Masonism. Last week was fantastic, except I got distracted on Friday and lessons flopped without ever meeting King Lear or Plutarch's Dion. Boo.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
Listen to your kids, especially when they're olderish and should have a [valid] opinion about their studies. I'm glad I listened to mine.

I am inspired by…
the joy in a child's laugh and the warm welcome of long-missed friend.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
Soccer practices, soccer scrimmages, and this weekend: a soccer tournament.

My favorite thing this week was…
Re-starting the school year, using resources my kids are just loving.

What’s working/not working for us…
Heritage History is definitely working for us. Meal planning is not, but I think that's my fault, right?

Questions/thoughts I have…
I need more sleep in my life. That's a thought.

Things I’m working on…
I'm working to de-clutter several areas of our home, especially including the play room which is home to a third-world of misfit and abandoned toys.

I’m reading…
A lot of nutrition blogs, but I'd like to pick up Morte d'Arthur by Thomas Mallory, if I can find a spare 20 minutes each day.

I’m cooking…
as little as possible, trying to get my eldest two in the kitchen more. They aren't very excited about it.

I’m grateful for…
the many blessings I'm able to count each day--at least four.

I’m praying for…
my sweet baby boy split open his eyebrow today while horse-playing with his older brother in a hot tub. Praying it heals quickly and well, without splitting reopen often and requiring a stitch. We're right now without health insurance and I cannot afford a hospital bill. Double-booo.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

Before.

TOS Review: Deeper Roots: "Discovering Who I Am in Christ'

2011-09-18T22:13:00.000-07:00

Although we've been studying the Bible together as a family for a very, very long time and love it, I had more recently been considering how to train my oldest children in the habit of digging deeper into the Word on their own, so I was super-excited to receive for review Deeper Roots Publication's Discovering Who I Am in Christ, which retails for $19.95, and has a corresponding and much needed Teacher's Guide, which retails for $29.95.

Written for junior high aged children by a very missionary-minded company with many years of field experience, Discovering Who I Am in Christ helps young believers better understand and, hopefully, grasp tightly onto their identity in Christ. At this point in Olivia's life, when her recent summer experience of being rejected by nearly one hundred non-Christian dancers during a month-long ballet program left her reeling and yet still somewhat yearning for acceptance, I knew this particular study was entirely providential. To understand and claim one's identity in Christ is what truly sets us free from sinful people-fearing or -pleasing tendencies. I know its effect is a source of peace in my life, and I truly want her to claim it for herself in her youth, instead of learning the hard and painful ways in which I did. We are far from finished, but I still believe Deeper Roots is exactly the help for which I was looking this year.

Discovering Who I Am in Christ contains ten lessons, covering topics such as

Sinner or Saint,
A New Creation,
Adopted!,
Precious in His Sight,
Citizen of Heaven,
A Sheep in His Pasture,
A Royal Priest,
A Branch Full of Fruit,
Free at Last, and
Who Am I? (a summary lesson)

The lessons take quite a bit of time as there is a good deal of "meat" on which my daughter needed to chew, memory-verses on which to meditate, as well as some wonderful writing prompts requiring her to really process what she was learning or to make clear her own held beliefs.

The facet of this study my daughter enjoyed the most was the introductions to and fine illustrations of unreached peoples that opened each lesson, sharing the respective people's greatest spiritual need and prompting my daughter to pray for them. These peoples included the Banjar, Phuta, Guizhou Yi, Bhadrawahi, Bedouin Arab, Malu, Nukak, Balinese, and Highlanders of PNG.

My Two-Cents

Because of the daily writing opportunity, each day's lesson easily could take almost an hour, if the child is putting forth excellent effort, and I believe that's entirely too long. When we attempted to use the materials as suggested, my daughter burned-out quickly and lost interest, but when I cut the time to my preferred twenty-minute max, I found her talking more about the study with me as we drove here or there; and asking me what I believed, providing perfect moments to open our Bibles together to consider what we should believe.

When I discovered Discovering Who I Am in Christ contained only nine lessons, I was bummed to the max, considering that I would need two more studies to complete a year's worth of lessons, totaling roughly $150 for personal bible study---but alas! as a Charlotte-Masonite, I do not. This study will take us through much of the school year and still give my daughter plenty on which to nib and gnaw.

This is most definitely a study we will not be putting aside any time soon. It's such important stuff and Deeper Roots certainly has its finger on the pulse of our greatest needs--to know God and to know who we are in Him. To complete the series, please consider these studies:

Discovering Our Amazing God (7th grade)
Discovering Who I Am in Christ (8th grade)
Discovering Christ-like Habits (9th grade)
Discovering Christ-like Character (10th grade)

I think I need to get my own copies...how about you?

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review. Although I received this product free for review purposes, I promised an honest and unbiased review, which you've read (...I hope. I mean, who would scroll to the bottom for a disclaimer? Weirdos, maybe).

TOS Review: Big IQ Kids

2011-09-16T13:28:00.000-07:00

Big IQ Kids is a standards-based online learning community developed by professionals for students ages K-99 (yeah, not a typo). It encompasses spelling, vocabulary, maths, and U.S. geography, and you can access much of these applications for free, although most programs have a premium option.

The TOS Blue Ribbon Award-winning Spelling and Vocabulary Program allows you to customize a list of weekly spelling words for your student(s) or merely accept the standards-based list provided. As with many traditional and popular programs, your child then has the ability to be drilled or play games with the words until a final test occurs on Friday. This program is entirely free to use online and does not have a premium counterpart, but Big IQ Kids gets 'em started early with a Spelling Junior Premium Program, priced at $7.99/month or $39.99/year.

The Interactive Maths Facts Program is mostly a drills-based application for the basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. A good supplement to any core curriculum, but not something to stand alone. The premium option allows you to monitor, keep records of progress, and deter the child from moving ahead before mastery, and it's priced at $9.99/month or $49.99/year.

The Interactive U.S. Geography Program focuses on being able to locate the states on a map and name (and spell correctly) their respective capitals. Lessons on nicknames, landmarks, economies, and interesting facts are also provided, but not emphasized. Once mastery is achieved, the child is offered the opportunity to play an interactive game with a parent to show what they've learned. The premium program is offered for $39.99/year.

My Experience

These online, computer-based programs are such a far cry from the way in which I've thus far educated my children that I find them tedious and so do my kids. Although my daughter was at first excited about using the computer for "school," she quickly lost interest after the first lesson and begged not to continue.

Personally, I appreciate the independent maths drill, since I feel that is a weakness in the rigorous and free maths program we use, and I do plan to have her spend a couple days each week with the free program. And although I approach both spelling and geography drills very differently, I like also the idea of having a content-safe learning space for those moments when my kids are begging to play on the computer and can totally see how the free programs, if approached or presented differently, might be entirely useful in our home school.

Bottom line

If you're looking for an online standards-based education for your children, or more independence when life's circumstances demand it, you may want to take a closer look at Big IQ Kids, which promises to well prepare its students for standards-based testing while keeping all the records you could need. It's worth a peek, for sure.

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review, although I received free access to the premium programs of Big IQ Kids for the purposes of review, and I'm nothing if not honest.

TOS Review: Time4Learning

2011-09-13T21:07:00.000-07:00

I've been putting this review off for a few days, for a few reasons. One, we got a late start since we were fully swamped last month with camping and dancing; and two, my son just wasn't into it, no matter what I tried. At first, he was thrilled at the idea of doing lessons on the computer, but once he opened the application, he was over that joy. Without squat wee men shooting nouns with alien laser-guns, blasting through fractions with big stompy feet, or lassoing the solar system for extra bonus points, no matter how I encouraged, Time4Learning, an online, completely web-based curriculum for PreK to 8th grades, had not his attention and I found him "forgetting" to complete his lessons each and every day.

I was more than bummed.

I really wanted to see what this curriculum could do, if it could provide the independence in learning that I know a growing son does need and very soon.

Maybe it was too much to ask of a son who doesn't much like change to switch from a method of education entirely built upon living books to one which requires navigation and clicks and tests; maybe it was too much to ask a son who spends most of his school hours wrapped in a blanket and laid on a couch to sit at a desk and use his wrist and fingers; and maybe it was too much to ask of a son who desperately wants to be in charge of his own schedule and lessons to learn the ropes and rappel on his own down the slopes of internet learning. Either way, it wasn't for him. It wasn't for us.

But don't let that stop YOU.

Time4Learning is an innovative company that uses [most] kids' desire to use the computer to complete their schoolwork independent of a hovering parent. It can be customized to provide a truly individualized learning experience by allowing the parent to determine at which levels of language, maths, sciences, and social studies your child will work. Thereafter, the child determines how quickly he or she moves through the material by mastering standards-based concepts.

Isn't that one of the beauties of homeschooling? Providing a true and personal education is one of the forward reasons why I homeschool my children.

And parents don't have to be entirely hands-off, unless they wanna. Time4Learning provides parents access to lesson plans, printable worksheets, and activities to further bring the concepts to life. And if you're less of an octopus or perhaps a working single-parent, you can just check in to see how your child is progressing through his or her level. Time4Learning will even capture grades and create a learning portfolio for you to print for your records, or for a li'l mom-flex (as my bestie calls it).

What's a little independence worth?

$19.99/month for the first child

$14.99/month for each additional child

Don't you sweat it: Time4Learning offers a two-week money back guarantee and fantastic customer support. They even welcome phone calls! Imagine that. Really, I bet you can't.

If I used this for all of my kids, it would cost me $779.52. I would still need to add several subjects for each child up to grade eight--plus sciences for any child above grade six, even if I only followed state standards, subjects like Physical Education, Health, Art, Music, and Technology.

It's more than I typically spend to educate four, first to eighth grades, and with a banquet of subjects, but, if life's circumstances forced me into a workplace outside of my own home, I would indeed consider forking over some dough to keep my kids at home and to still be somewhat involved in their educations.

So, I'm bookmarking the 'site. Maybe we'll try again next year, when my boy is a little closer to man.

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review. I did receive a month's free tuition for one student in exchange for an honest review. Ta. da.

At Least They Still Need Me---for Now

2011-09-10T18:23:00.000-07:00

Last week, during our first-though-unofficial week of school, my eldest two [ungrateful] children decided they no longer dug the novelty of doing most of our subjects together. Nope, they were feeling held back and not quite as challenged nor as "in charge" of their own schedules. They had the nerve to ask me to reconsider our newish approach and give them books to read.

Shocking!

Yeah, I have all kinds of time on my hands to research and revamp a school year. Like tons...

Touche'

So I've been researching stuff . . . okay, just books. And in all of my Google-searching one company was stalking me like crazy: Heritage History. Seriously, like every out-of-print book I wanted to use this term, Heritage History has it and in many formats. Finally, after not being able to find a partic book anywhere else--this how it always starts for me--I clicked the link and took a li'l look-see.

Whoa.

If we weren't made for one another, I don't know who else in this world could be my soulmate: completely Charlotte Mason in philosophy, old and trusty books by authors whom I adore, independence in learning my kids are totally behind, and a price tag that doesn't cause me to weep (unlike Tapestry of Grace).

If you didn't already guess, we're gonna jump the family-integrated-home-school ship and try it out. It seems to provide the CMason kind of home school I need and want without stuffing us into different time periods (like Ambleside Online), and this I like, like, like!

To offer you just a taste of our new year: according to my [meany-weany] seed, these are the only books I'm allowed to read aloud to them this term:

Poetry: Beowulf; Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (one-at-a-time, thrice weekly)
History: The Story of the Middle Ages, Guerber/Miller (four days/week)
History: Discovery of New Worlds, Synge (once/week)
History: Children of Odin, The Life of Saint Patrick (World Landmark), The Story of Rolf and the Viking's Bow, Door to the North, and The Dragon and the Raven (one-at-a-time, daily)

I'll post the rest of the plans next week, once I get my grubby paws more on Heritage History: British Middle Ages and my butt in a seat for several consecutive minutes.

I'm actually feeling really good about this, since it will give them greater independence over and responsibility for their educations and me even more time on my hands. Like mega-tons.

TOS Review: Civilize This [Household]! by Griddly Games

2011-09-07T22:59:00.000-07:00

We are most def a gaming family, so when I had the opportunity to test and review Wise Alec™: Civilize This! from Griddly Games, I jumped.

And as a history-loving family I figured it would be a hit with my fab four too.

The Nitty-gritty

Designed for 2-4 players, ages 8+, Wise Alec™: Civilize This! tests knowledge of Ancient, Medieval and Modern civilizations and tosses in some fun and sometimes silly activity cards for those who need some easy-peasy catch-up points.

It was simple enough to set up and play--and it ought to be, since it's a travel edition, right?

There's a single color-coded die that determines the play, which moves pretty quickly, hit or miss those 3- or 7-point questions. Griddly Games provided a video to help simpletons like me understand exactly how to play, but you'll pick it up much more quickly.

My Twisted Take

I do have to admit that my kids weren't as thrilled with this game as with others we own and play regularly. It felt more like an extension of their school-day instead of that warm-fuzzy Family Game Night they love so much, being such a sacred break from our everyday business and busyness. One child in particular wasn't having it, no matter how we scaled the points he needed to win. He knew his science-loving heart was at a disadvantage when it came to this game and stuck his feet in cement for a minute.

Being one step ahead of my gamers--cement shoes are pretty slow, you know--I switched it up. Oh, yeah. I know how to play 'em like the li'l puppets they are.

Instead of being about knowing everything and winning it all, I made the game a special addition to our school's week, something that signals the end of our brain-feed and the beginning of our grey matters' respective deflations; or so they think...

It's now a hit in my house; an educational game, a hit.

Yep, you can call me the puppet-master, pulling strings and making stuff happen. Or just master. I'm cool with that too.

You too can add some fun to your home school or spice up your more civilized family-gaming nights with Wise Alec™: Civilize This!, which retails for $14.99 at amazon.com (don't worry; this is not an affiliated link, but I am giving away free super-saver shipping just to prove my masterdom).

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review, and, although I did receive the game for free for the purpose of review, I wouldn't lie to you if it sunk all our battleships.

TOS Review: Pigggg Piiiiile! ...er, Pig Pile

2011-09-05T14:18:00.000-07:00

There isn't anything more exciting for my wee family than cracking the wrapper on a new game... and then, so play continues flawlessly for hours on end, waiting for mom to get all the rules memorized.

Ha! Never gonna happen.

Luckily for R&R Games, the creators of Pig Pile (and for my kids), R&R kept things easy-peasy for simple-minded me and my kids got to play---and beat me into the ground---many times over. Although, as with any new game, it took me us a little while to get our piggy legs, it never slowed the fun nor the flow of laughter ~~at me~~.

Like a mix between many different diff yet familiar games, Pile Pile felt both brand-spankin'-new and comfy-cozy. The kids loved best winning the cutie-patootie pigs, and I loved that my whole family, including my little dude who's six, could play without anyone falling over in tears or stomping away from the table with a magnificent pout hanging off her face.

Overall, the play moved quickly enough that the kids actually seemed less competitive than during any other game previous played. Although the goal was to corral the most pigs through rounds of fast card-play, nearly everyone got at least one pig each and every time and there were few opportunities to "stick it" to anyone, except for changing the direction of play (think: UNO's Reverse). Plus, because skill or strategy has only a touch to do with how well you survive each round of play, even our littlest dude won tons of pigs every now and again.

That kinda stuff is just awesome-sauce on my gluten-free cake and the marks of a game I'm willing to play again and again and again---and we have!

Seriously good, clean fun for the whole less-than-large family (3-6 players).

Pig Pile retails for $16.95, which is hecka cheaper than the rolls of duck-tape needed to keep the fists from flying each and every Family Night. Heh. I'm just kidding.

Duck-tape might be cheaper.

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this glowing review, except for the free game I received for the purpose of review, and I wouldn't lie if it drew yawns or blood, not laughs. Also, my children don't throw fists at each other---or me.

TOS Review: Jumpstart My H.E.A.R.T. Already, Rachael Carman!

2011-08-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

When I received this sweet, fun-sized book in the mail to review, I thumbed through it quickly and chalked it up to an easy-peasy breezy-ready--no big deal, and literally. Not only is Rachael Carman's How to Have a H.E.A.R.T. For Your Kids nearly pocket-sized, it's written conversationally, with contractions and fragmented phrases to boot. Like this. And this. Seriously. So, I stuffed it in my satchel and took it camping with us...

...where it changed my life.

A little panic about the safety of my wee family enroute to the edge of the Sierra Mountains along a rather desolate, dusty and steaming highway does a whole lot to put one into a clear frame of perspective. Or is that just me?

Either way, I was ripe for the reading.

Using the acronym H.E.A.R.T., Carman challenges one to:

Have a Heart for the Things of God

---How's your own relationship with the Lord? Are you in the Word? Praying much? Setting the ~~bad~~ example?

Enrich Your Marriage

---Honestly, these are always painful chapters to read, as are any and all of the hundreds of books I've read to learn to better equip, encourage, enflame, elevate, et cetera, my former marriage. Ouch. I mostly skimmed this one.

Accept Your Children

---Totally thought I had this one covered, but nope.

Release Them to God

---Knew I was a failure in this area already.

Teach Them the Truth

---And nothing but, baby!

Fireside, I read this book in the wee hours of the morning before my children clammered out of the tent and stoked the warming embers in the pit to near-inferno heights. I meditated on the chapter during the day and shared my thoughts with friends in the evening as we again gathered near-enough our beloved pyromaniacs, as they ~~roasted~~ set ablaze high-fructose-corn-syrup-pillows-from-Sheol. By the end of the week, I had a long list of friends and almost-strangers to whom I hope to send a copy for Christmas---if I can wait that long. Yep, this little book packs a punch. Like ka-pow! And ka-bam! Seriously.

Is there a market for this book, you ask? (Well, you didn't, but it's a question I think a review should answer, don't you?). Heh. There isn't a Christian homeschooling mom that wouldn't be challenged and encouraged to have a H.E.A.R.T. for her kids after reading Carman's little gem. And if you think you're pretty much covered in this area, loving your kids to pieces and such, you especially need to read it.

It will change your life.

You can pick up Rachael Carman's How to Have a H.E.A.R.T. for Your Kids from her publisher, Apologia Ministries. It retails for $13.00. Sacrifice one movie and a subsequent latte, and then read this book.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Apologia Ministries for the purpose of review. I was not paid for this, other than the free book, and I wouldn't lie to you if it sucked eggs.

A Day in the Life...er, Kinda

2011-08-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

Dropping Liv at LINES Ballet in San Francisco

Because we’ve not yet started our new school year, I’ve been taking this time to consider the changes I’d like, based on last year’s experiences. You might think homeschooling would be challenge enough for this single mom, but you would be wrong. To this first and foremost job of training up and nurturing my fab-four, I add profitable work, soccer coaching, biggest-sports-fan cheerleading, a gym membership, curricula review for The Old Schoolhouse, and work-study hours of writing-support-in-exchange-for-ballet-tuition-for-three.

I’ll say it for you. Heh, I do it each and every day anyway:

PHEW.

The keys to our mediocre success and my sanity are the P-words:

Priorities
There are so many good things we can do, so many things tempting me to say, Yes, sure, why not? But, for my family, being stretched thinly and having little time at home or out of doors to decompress, relax, or chill is just no bueno--no good. So, when considering our new year, I ask myself what it is I want to accomplish through our home school, what it is my kids need most. Usually, the answers to these questions weed out the good and leave me with what’s best.

Planning
I have always been a box-maker and -checker. If there’s a project, I make lists. Give me a weekend alone--yeah, right...dream on! Okay, give me a few consecutive late-nights, and I’ll have the whole school year planned for my fab-four---and an acute case of carpal tunnel. This part comes easily for me because I was born crazy like dat. I need and have a plan for our day, week, month, and year.

Purpose
This is the challenging portion for me: carrying out my plans with purpose. Often, I can get easily derailed by good things---more work, extra play-dates for kiddos or moms, more volunteering of my time, and even more chill time. Sometimes it’s great stuff which presents itself and we happily ditch the good for better things, but more often I have to drive myself back to the first and then to the final and most important P-words:

Prayer
Yep, and tons of it.

Although a bit blurry, they were all together. :)

So, armed with the above, here’s a teeny peek at our home-school schedule, effective next week:

5:00 Mom wakes & preps for gym
6:00 Gym-time
7:30 Mom showers; kiddos wake & feed animals
8:00 Bible- & hymn-study
8:30 Breakfast w/poetry-readings; tidy
9:00 Truthquest History readings
9:30 German (M/W); Geography (T/R); Map Drills (F)
10:00 Composer-study (M); Poetry-study (T); Art Lesson (W); Logic (R); Nature-study (F)
10:30 Curricula-review time
11:00 Maths
11:30 Phonics & reading w/Ian; kiddos prep lunch
12:00 Lunch & Literature: Fairytales (M/W); Pilgrim’s Progress (T/R); Shakespeare (F)
12:30 Sciences
13:00 Latin (M-R); Plutarch’s Lives (F)
13:30 Grammar & Composition
14:00 Mom reads w/one kiddo, others read independently (M-R); Spelling tests (F)
14:30 Mom works/writes; Kiddos work/play independently

Into our schedule, I build enough wiggle-room that we’re often done well before 14:00. But, on those days when we or any individual doesn’t finish within the allotted time for that partic item of study, we stop anyway. I know, I’m such a rebel---so dangerous and wild.

Thanks for popping over to peek at what I've penned. I pray that your year is piled high with purposeful priorities properly planned too.

Yes, you can shoot me now. Indeed.

When Family Camping Is Just Another Name for Spiritual Butt-kicking

2011-08-19T15:47:00.000-07:00

Fiona captured her first fish!

To close the summer our family went on a little camping trip to the northern Californian redwood forests at the foothills of the Sierra Mountains. Although I don't know how we did it, after closing our summer dance workshop on Saturday; driving hours and hours to run millions of errands to get our pup up to babysitter snuff and outfitting my eldest with soccer gear on Sunday; shuttling David out the door and into the capable hands of our pastor, who took him and another boy up early to the mountains for some lessons in fishing and young manhood on Monday; writing and editing my brains out on Tuesday so that we would be free to pack and load and drive on Wednesday.

Phew.

Without my master-packer, David, we somehow made it on the road before lunchtime with a van packed to the gills, stops for groceries and gas totally included. We're getting good at this stuff!

About an hour down the highway, my 'Check Engine' light illuminated. Yes, it was glowing holes right through my retinas and into the deepest depths of my spirit.

Do I turn back and ruin the trip for everyone, abandoning my son in the mountains for bears to adopt?

Do I keep going and abandon us all on the side of a long and dusty road?

I stopped at the nearest gas station to check the engine's fluids, which were low.

Ping!

I spent our snack-cash on engine coolant and oil and entered again the highway... with the light still screaming at me: CHECK ENGINE.

I drove. And I prayed---for three more hours.

About four miles from our campsite, the 'Check Engine' light went off on my van as the proverbial lightbulb went off in my head. God had kept me in prayer to show me that I've been toiling, working, scraping rocks to make everything better for my kids. Life has been hard for us all, surely, but I just want things to be better for my kids. I don't want them to feel the real pain of our very real circumstances: I'm a single mom and that's not changing anytime soon, which means our life has limitations they don't see mirrored in the families they know: there's no dad for crazy bike rides down steep mountains; there's no second-parent to pick up or drop off [on time] to soccer practice; and there's no longer a relaxed mom with her schedule and lesson plans and field trip ideas.

Ahem. Not to mention, being a Christian, we are the only example of a single-parented family we've yet met. All of my friends are married, stay-at-home moms, and most of them homeschool too, so I'm the only mom they know wielding the big, fat and ugly, "NO."

"No, I can't; I have to work."

"No, we can't; I don't have the time, money, ability, etc."

"This place is a pig-sty!"

Ahem...again.

Anyway, by the end of the weekish-long trip, I knew some things had to change, starting with being able to say, "YES!" to my kids by saying, "No, thank you," to the other things, pulling, tugging, and yanking me from that to which God has called me: being a single, solo, uno parent. Clue Alert: Instead of focusing on the single portion God's dished up, I've gotta put my blinders on with PARENT before me and run this race already! These four wee peeps are so worth it, not to mention His own glory. That's a given, right, and stuffed with boatloads of wonderful promises too.

By the time we reached camp, I'd committed myself and my family to what is best, leaving the rest in His hands. He does provide. He is faithful. He has never left us in the dust. I cannot make things better for my kids, and sometimes there are some truly wonderful lessons in the hard and painful stuff, lessons we need to learn.

Boy does He have a big and swift foot when one needs a kick!

It was a great trip.

Ever get a much needed push or kick in the right direction? Tell me about it!

What I've Been Doing

2011-08-08T12:12:00.000-07:00

For the past month, three of my four children have been involved in a local, summer dance experience at the studio which I help manage. It was the first year that so many derived of my own DNA took a single stage. Up until this year, we've had one dancer: Olivia. But in spring, Fiona and then Ian slipped their pointy toes into crisp pairs of canvas slippers too. Let me say it was both exhilarating and stressful to see it all come together this past weekend, and I thought I'd share a link to the images captured by our photog. So, check out our show at the lovely, historical theatre in the heart of our hometown and consider it a view of a day-in-the-life of a single, dance-crazed and need-to-take-time-to-plan-a-schoolyear-mom.

Now that the curtain has closed on our summer busyness, we're off to an annual church-family camping trip in a region of bear-country of northern California. Time to relax, reconnect, read, plan, and sleep.

Do you too start school soon? Any big plans to close the summer break?

A mother's disclaimer: many of you know--and some of you helped (THANKS AGAIN!)--that Olivia was blessed to spend a month in San Francisco, studying ballet and modern and contemporary and-and-and with Alonzo King's LINES Ballet. It was an amazing time for her as a dancer and as a blossoming young Christian lady. I MUST SAY it was blood, sweat, and tears well spent! She's returned an even more delightful and enchanting balletic dancer than before--and that's saying something indeed. :D

Catching My Breath

2011-07-15T16:29:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd do it with you.

I'll warn you now: I might ramble a bitty. I'm that tired.

One month without my eldest really taxed our little family with regards to chores and time, making me realize that when they are all grown up and move into homes of their own, I'll need to hire a maid.

It's been a long time since I've done so many chores.

The one I liked best was feeding the chickens. I'm always up with the sun anyways, so it made sense to be the first one out the door, greeting our delightful hens who give us all those wonderfully nutrient-dense eggs. I most enjoyed playing mother to our three pullets, one we purchased and two outta eleven who survived this spring's hatching. You see, the hens and rooster are big bad bullies. I've never seen brokenness so clearly as the way in which chickens socialize: the roosters gets the most food, using pecking or physical threats of mounting; thereafter, the hens fight amongst each other and a "pecking order" is presumed; and at the bottom of the food chain are the pullets and chicks, who, without intervention, will only get what's ground fine enough that the hens can no longer tell the diff between scratch and dirt. So, I enjoyed standing over the three beauties for several minutes each morning as they filled their gullets and I considered the sunlight dappling against the leaves of the walnut trees, or the smells of manure and drying dew and grass.

After a couple of days, my chicks flocked immediately to my feet when released from the safety of the coop. They followed me wither I went and waited [impatiently] until I provided that which they wanted. It was a sweet communion, and I will miss it.

But I'm glad she's finally home. She had a rough go of it and learned many life lessons as well as fine ballet technique. I plan to have her write a bit about her experience and share it with you very, very soon. Although she's not moved from her desire to dance professionally, she sees the world more for what it is, and now knows better her place in it. Time away well spent, I'd say.

But I'm glad she's finally home.

The Food Renegade: Summer e-Course ((Shhhhhh-->I've got a discount code just for YOU))

2011-06-07T13:08:00.000-07:00

Do you want to learn more about the science of health and nutrition? Have you ever wondered what exactly is in your food and how it all affects your body? Were you hoping to study nutrition with your middle or high schooler but were too busy this year to add just one. more. thing?

I hear ya.

And so did Kristen Michaelis AKA The Food Renegade. Doesn't she just sound so mysterious and powerful??

This summer, Kristen is offering her very popular Real Food Nutrition and Health E-Course at a summer snail's pace. Actually, during this course, you can work at your own pace. And no, I didn't just call you a snail. For summer, the e-course is entirely self-paced and ungraded, making it super-duper flexi for summer family schedules. You do not want to miss out on this amazing, educational e-course--a fun, interactive, online learning experience designed for ages 12 & up! It's ideal for homeschoolers, but EVERYONE is welcome. In fact, some of the liveliest students last semester were adults!

Enrollment closes on June 16th, and the first class begins on June 20th.

Now c'mon over here. Yeah...over here in this out of the way dark corner of the room.

Shhhhh! If you use my fancy-dancy coupon code of SUMMERSAVE20, you'll ... guess... yep, save $20 off the regular tuition!

Still not sure? Check out a sample chapter of Kristen's fantastic book:

Hope to see you there!

The Homeschool Mother's Journal...?

2011-06-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

IN MY LIFE THIS WEEK...
Last week was just crazy-nutso-busy! With two boys playing baseball, I had two baseball season's end parties to attend--plus tournaments!--on top of a field trip to see the Royal Danish Ballet mid-week, on top of a specially-arranged and private class taught by beknighted THOMAS LUND the following day, on top of weekend rehearsals for our fall production of The Magic Toy Shop! Perhaps I was the only one praying for rain, or we would've been on top of a public performance at a community event too. Sunday was indeed a day in which we sought rest and mind-numbing films--like dear, sweet 'Nanny McPhee Returns'.

MY FAVORITE THING THIS WEEK...
Hands down, my favorite thing this week was watching Thomas Lund, and his companions, soloist Diana Cuni and pianist (beautifully warm and dear woman) Alison Smith, in action. He taught company-level combinations and exercises to our Intermediate/Advanced dancers, to which group my deary-heart belongs. It was such a fantastic and Once in a Lifetime opportunity for one and all!

PLACES I'M GOING...
This week is going to be just as nutso-crazy busy too: I've a checking account to open, a contact-fitting, a trip to the DMV for a state ID, a gift certificate for a massage--plus laundry, packing, and family-time spending--all for Katara, who's off to a month-long pre-professional ballet intensive at Alonzo King's LINES Ballet School in San Francisco! She is so very excited...and I'm terrified, enlisting everyone I see and barely know in prayer for her and for me: that God would protect and provide a like-minded friend; and would lead her far away from temptation as she obediently follows! And, for me: although she received a scholarship for tuition, this single-mum-of-four needs to pay for room & board yet, which is not easy-peasy! It involves lots of sacrificing and praying and fasting, and just a few restless nights. Pray I have more faith!

THINGS I'M WORKING ON...
Saying no. I've been overcommitting and thereby overextending myself. I've allowed some things and some people to cross clear boundaries, leaving my time for work and my time with my children compromised. This is a Bozo-no-no, so this week I'm re-staking my fence posts and tossing up a li'l barbed-wire too.

Does this ever happen to you? Let's practice together:

"No no no no no no no no no, but thank you."

BOOKS I'M READING...
Ugh, I'm so not reading anything right now. I feel like a dummy. But the big plan for summer is to read with some friends through War of Words by Paul Tripp. About a decade ago (when I was just a wee fawn), I studied this book with my in-laws and it made such a huge impact on my heart, which hopefully was reflected in my life. Words are powerful, we oh-so-well know! May we use them for His glory!

A VIDEO TO SHARE...

How was last week for you? Any big plans for this week? Is your brain turning to mush through neglect, too?

If you feel led to join us looney tunes, link up with The Homeschool Chick and get journaling, even if it has absolutely nothing to do with homeschooling...obviously. :)

'A Daughter with a Dream' Requires A Load...of Faith

2011-06-01T10:27:00.001-07:00

My sweet belle

Much earlier this year, my sweet-teen daughter told me of a local auditioning opportunity for a pre-professional ballet program in the Big City and asked if she could attend. She's been dancing since she could walk and dreams of nothing but ballet, so I kinda knew this day would come, but just not yet.

My heart cringed slightly before I said yes, thinking it would be a good experience overall: she could see the local pool of dancers her age, and when she was rejected, she could set her own bar higher and work towards a new goal.

So she auditioned.

She was one of four kids crammed into a packed room of more than eighty young adults for a coveted spot at the summer intensive of a highly esteemed ballet school in the Big City.

My heart broke for her.

With poise and grace, she danced her heart with combinations well beyond her scope and left the audition hall sweaty and yet with satisfaction. She did her best and left her dear heart on that springy dance-floor, and she knew it. She and I were both proud of her, no matter the outcome. And yet I was so sure I already knew the outcome...

Two weeks later, we received the brief email that would change our lives: she was accepted, and she was a scholarship recipient!

Now the question was, could this single mother of four make this happen for her eldest blessing, the one who sacrifices much and serves much to help make this household work even somewhat on those somedays? Could I scrape together the necessary one month's room & board from our slim pickings budget?

I was willing to pray.

I was willing to try.

There wasn't a bone in my body that wanted to say no, no matter what it cost me.

Today, we are less than two weeks away from this amazing experience that will form and shape the life of my daughter, a beautifully-spirited young lady who has a dream so much bigger than I could have ever dreamed for her. We've purchased the horde of clothing, tights, and shoes needed. We've a stash of hairbands and pins and spray. We're opening checking accounts, hunkering down at the DMV for a state ID, and spending lots of mommy-girly times together, talking about the weeks away from home that are coming oh-too-soon.

Who doesn't need a little jazz in her life?

But we could use your heartfelt prayers.

You see, I'm still praying.

I'm still trying.

There isn't a bone in my body that wants to say no---not at this point. But I'm just not sure I have all it will cost me, and I'm waiting on Him... as patiently as I can, telling myself not to panic, not to panic, n o t t o p a n i c.

There isn't much I wouldn't do to make this happen for her. If there's anyone in my life that has made these past five turbulent years just a wee bitty easier for me, it's her, my sweet Deary-lou. She's endured my moments of frustration, of defeat, of sorrow, with more grace than I have, and yet these years have cost her much too. In the midst of her own pain, she has been my best cheerleader and encourager and supporter--and she even thinks I'm awesome.

And so I can't stop praying (Lord hear me!) or trying... to bring her one step closer to her dream, even if that step takes her far from me... for a time.

Please pray with me?

Redeeming the Time, a Confession

2011-05-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

Sokka, kayaking in Bodega Bay with his beloved uncle

Lately I've been struggling with my home ~~and~~ school--they are one for me. I've been struggling to find my way back to the atmosphere of "learning through living" that I once sought and felt rather close to having . . . for a time.

Some of you may remember that last summer I started writing for pay, not merely for fun. I was super-thrilled to add something to my little nest, but it did shake things up around here. We all had to pull together as a team, kicking up the responsibility level more than a notch, but we were happy to do it if it meant we ate real meat more often, and wore new shoes too. But just when we got into a groove, I received an offer to write for a company I've supported since the start of my homeschool journey with the fab four. Never could I imagine turning down this offer--and I didn't!

Shake it up, shake it up...baby, shake it up!

Katara's ballet theatre group opened the Farmers' Market.

But I lost something in the mix. I lost my quiet and relaxed style of home and school.

Now I live and give lessons by the clock. Our nature-study and walks are scheduled, there's no time for, "Just one more chapter!" And my new watch never leaves my wrist (I haven't worn a watch since my time with the Marine Corps; we'll be polite and not ask how long).

Don't get me wrong: I love eating meat. I'm a total carnivore--nom nom nom. And who doesn't dig new kicks?? Plus I love how proud the kids are of their mum who now writes for a cutting-edge company, providing quality products and services for home-schoolers and more. Am I allowed to admit I'm pretty dang proud of me too?

I guess I'm just trying to find a sanctuary within all the busyness . . . a Sabbath?

How easy was that?!

Birthday party tattoos galore--yes, the parents now love me.

God provided it for me long before I knew I needed it. A day of rest, of quiet reflection, of community, of family.

I confess, I've been working on the Sabbath--answering emails and calls, just because someone writes or phones. I've had no self-control in this area and it shows. My kids are crying out for, "More time!" Even when they don't say it, their actions scream it. Like last night: I had two boys in my bed, smothering me with the needs of their wee hearts. And as I lay there unable to move, hardly sleeping and mostly sweating, I heard over and over again, "Please, more time!"

And this is what I too beg and yet have already received--what a do-do, loser bird I can be! Now I pray He'll through me redeem it . . . for their sakes and for His glory!

So don't write or call on Sunday, peeps and 'puter. We're shutting you and all of life out, creating our own sanctuary--no mail, no phone, no computer, no work, no films, no Wii--but maybe a hike in the hills and a picnic for five with just one more chapter from a favorite ol'book.

Will we even know how to act?! I'll let'cha know . . . but not 'til Monday.

How do you carve out a sanctuary in the midst of life's demands? Do any of you work and homeschool too?

Homeschooling Mother's Journal

2011-05-21T21:17:00.000-07:00

In my life this week...I [finally] started the on-ramp at the Crossfit gym nearby. I've been dying to get some real coaching for about two years, and I just couldn't take it anymore. I. had. to. try. And I'm loving it! I've two more weeks of intro-classes, working on my powerlifting form and testing the my weight-limits of each exercise, before I can go all-out, so to speak. No, seriously speaking... ALL OUT. I'm kinda crazy like that, which is why I chose a strength and conditioning community that caters to and fosters nut-heads like myself.

FYI: Lots of current and former Marines dig these places. Consider yourself warned.

On Tuesday, our wee family had an interview with a PSP I'm considering joining. The weekly Campus Day at which my kids can take their science and elective courses is a big draw for all of us. We've never really been a part of a co-op, except for when they were really young--too young to really gain much more than a time to socialize with friends. Wait--that was me. Hmmm...they got certificates?

On Wednesday I had my first health exam since I gave birth to my man-cub, Aang. I know, I know--I'm a bad, bad girl; but I was busy and poor and really, really scared. I'm always afraid of things like these, especially since so many of my friends have been diagnosed with something or other, and so I put them off. Stupid, I admit; but I finally went. Now I've gotta get the courage to have my first mammo--blech!

~~This week~~ last night I planned my daughter's birthday party... that's happening tomorrow at 2pm. I used to be sooo good at over-doing these things. Singleness will do that to a girl, make her the sucky, last-minute mom who then must cause everyone stress by keeping them out and up for long hours of shopping and preparing and baking, just so we can throw away a buttload of paper and plastic. My kids love it, and I love how their memories reboot after 364 days. Or is that grace? Because they think I throw the BEST parties! How does that happen?

In Our Homeschool This Week...We're so psyched to be almost done with Ancient Rome. Or is that just me? I did so much planning and digging for used and cheap books to use that I cannot wait to get into these Middle Ages already! Beowulf here we come. Rrrrawr.

I'm realizing that I need to take a couple days to purge and organize what we have before we move forward with the next course (we school year-round, four days each week). Lately, I've been feeling restless and frustrated with our system which usually indicates we've too. much. stuff. Clutter makes me irritable. And with five of us in a wee farmhouse... yeah. >:(

Oh! Aang started ballet last week and he loves it! He was moved up a level after two classes, which made him rather obnoxious for awhile, but he's back to his normal, awesome self now.

Places we're going & peeps we be seein'...Tomorrow we've the big birthday party for Toph, who turned nine earlier this month. It's her first "friend" party and she's pretty much outta her mind about it, which is sooo cool to experience. Mostly.

This week is the end of our baseball season, so we've two parties to ~~pay for and~~ attend. It's sometimes amazing to me that two teams with the same number of coaches and players can come to such differing amounts when throwing these end-of-season bashes. One party is nearly twice as much as the other, and my only other choice is to deny my kid the ability to stand up with the rest of the boys and receive his medal. I hate being bullied and like that especially.

I went to Zumba today--now that was fun stuff! Toph and Aang grooved along the sidelines while pointing fingers and smiling a little too broadly in my direction, but I sweated and fatigued my legs, which made me smile broadly too.

My favorite thing this week...Was having my man-cub, Aang, wrap his arms around me in a big bear-hug and tell me how much he's missed me... everyday. I started this one day when I felt like I hadn't seen him as much--he's usually attached near my hip if not to it--and he's been faithful to tear my heart out everyday and in such a great way. Love that li'l fella.

What's working/not working for us...Clutter is not working, but the kids have agreed to get rid of most of their toys, and that is sooo working for me--I mean, us. They're old enough now that most of their stuff has to do with interests or talents, like pointe shoes, helicopters, bicycles, scooters, Legos, skateboards, and a new obsession: Playmobile. The blocks and puppets and such have been gathering dust for many moons now, and we all agree: It's time.

I'm only a wee bit sniffly about it.

Homeschool questions I have...I've not yet decided what to do next--keep on with Truth-quest married with Ambleside Online or shuffle over to Tapestry of Grace and see what trouble I can create for myself there...?

Has anyone put into Apologia's General Science a sixth grader with a strong interest in mathematics and sciences? He wants more of a challenge--and many more experiments. Or, does anyone else use something really cool for science; have a recommendation? Help!

A video...cause it makes me giggle.

The Great Hugely Sad Grand Finale!

2011-05-17T17:22:00.000-07:00

It was great hands-on homeschool fun that consumed us for days.

...and taught us many unkind lessons about life on a broken planet.

Out of the eleven eggs to hatch, only seven chicks survived. The first sad wee soul found its end by an accidental crushing by mother-hen. It was promptly inspected and dissected by Toph, our resident biologist.

The second loss was also stepped upon by mother-hen, who broke the shell badly enough that the chick could gain no strength to emerge.

The third emerged, but was trampled by mother-hen.

Finally, the last was thrown into the compost by Katara, only to start cheeping. Mother-hen lost interest after busying herself with the seven and pushed this lone, last egg to the side, no longer keeping it warm. We read that not all would hatch, so we expected li'l Omega to be non-existent and therefore a possible stink-bomb if kept in the next too long. Although we saved O from the compost pile and placed it underneath mother-hen, she again rolled O away and he perished.

It was a very bittersweet week.

Isn't that just like life?

Teaching us the heart-lessons we cannot truly learn from books.

Our Very First Chicks!

2011-05-11T07:50:00.000-07:00

We're uber-proud parents.

I mean, it's our very first batch of chicks since we city-folk stumbled into this world of raising chickens for eggs, glorious golden eggs. So, please bear with us: after suffering through all the scat that stains our drives and walks and deck, even though one (or three) daily sweeps, and after losing more chickens than these hatched to predators and such (one rooster just plain ran away; we see him strutting around nearby, footloose and fancy-free), we plan to relive this pleasure in s l o w - m o t i o n. So, enjoy this clip.

Time to sweep... again.

She's a Marvel, My Toph

2011-05-10T14:12:00.000-07:00

Eassside.

I was certain they had made a mistake. Certain.

When, after only a few hours of strange labor, the doctor handed me a short, pink bundle of flesh covered with flaxen hair, I was shocked. My first two children had come into this world bearing a mane of black hair; they were loooongg and olive-y. So, what was this?!

Meet Toph.

She was the most serious and content baby I ever had, or met.

She looked away from me and anyone else who dared meet her gaze.

She rarely smiled.

She sat for hours contentedly sucking upon her fingers, whether it was for a drive, an outing, or while mum made dinner.

I thought she was weird: as babies, Katara cried and Sokka wished to be held all the time.

But now I know: she was watching. And waiting.

And waiting.

It wasn't until Toph was more than two years old when the first signs of her personality began to show: she refused to remove her fancy hot-pink sunglasses one summer and later refused to wear her socks and shoes that autumn, as we drove cross-country from Chicago to our new home in northern California.

The next month she learned to escape from her crib. After that, she could not be again confined, and I woke to the sound of her wee feet running to and fro in the upstairs hallway... at six exactly and yep, on weekends.

Once Toph's personality emerged, it was on--always on.

We all learned that she had an independent spirit which ran from any and all forms of government.

We learned she lived every minute of her life to the fullest and in the extreme: when she was happy, she was exuberant, but when she was angry, there was hell to pay and by the thousands.

We learned that she loved us all with her whole heart... and loathed us that much too sometimes. Attached to this is her love for all creatures, most times loving them more than people and often loving them to death.

She's killed more insects than Charlotte and yet on total accident. Many tears and even some funerals, I'm telling ya.

Today, she coddles and handles our chickens better than any who reside here; she gathers insects and worms to give them as candy-treats and deftly rounds them up when they stubbornly decide to roost elsewhere.

We learned she desired more than anything to be loved as passionately in return, but never wished to be in our disfavor. Although she's killed more creatures by loving them uber-much, today she finally has the loyal love of a dog and could not be more happy. She says she's been waiting all her life for this.

Should we be offended?

We learned she loved to dance, and yet--completely unlike her sister, the ballerina--Toph loved hip-hop and any music that let her crank her neck and stomp on the floor. Although she started ballet this year, if she finds my eyes or camera upon her, she'll put on a show indeed and nothing like the Sleeping Beauty.

If you ask her what she wants to be when she grows up: "a singer and a dancer, but a cool one."

We learned she was brilliant and yet without a filter: she spoke without considering her words always--most times it made us laugh, sometimes it made us blush, only more recently have I been a wee bitty shocked.

Yesterday was her ninth birthday. We spent the afternoon together, shopping for new clothes and shoes and accessories. As we rolled north, the deep bass and synthesizer of the music she chose vibrated the panels of our van and scared passersby. We held hands and twisted our necks like chickens to the beat. We smiled at each other and I smiled at her longer when she stopped looking. And I marveled...

I love this amazing creature that God brought forth from my womb. She's a bright-shining star in my life and I cannot even imagine how I got so lucky as to hold the reigns and guide her passions.

Note to self: you need to get stronger and hold on tighter.

May God help me.

That's my prayer.

May he help me and guide me and lead me so that I may be a better mother to this mustang of a girl whom I love so dearly. May I be wiser than the serpent and swifter than the cheetah, to keep one step ahead of her charging pace.

May she never desire to be too cool. May she always seek after the heart of her Savior and may His love be the quenching waters to satisfy the longing of her sweet and sassy heart. Most of all, may she find her worth and work in Him!

Toph was and is a marvel, and if the hospital made a mistake, I'm certainly thankful. Certainly.

No take-backs!

Homeschooling Mother's Journal

2011-05-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

In my life this week...I had a lovely bunch of friends bless me more than they could ever know. These three gracious ladies wrote and submitted an essay as to why I am a good citizen and why I should win a new car. Although I see my life as a series of challenges not more difficult than any other, and often easier than some, my heart was greatly moved: to be tangibly blessed like this, in a world in which we Christians (and I'm totally guilty of this too) get so over-extended and busy that the most we feel we can do for another sister or brother in Christ is pray, is a big deal. Not that praying isn't commanded nor beneficial--much of my life is upheld by the prayers of the faithful, this I fully know; but to do something truly touches a life and gives courage to a heart that may be feeling pressed down or stretched too thin. This I'm also blessed to know and fully.

When I am privileged to hear the struggles or troubles of another friend, I always beg God to make me more creative--more perceptive--in order that I might know how to be a blessing through more than my prayers. You see, I often am so practical and ordered in my thinking that I cannot easily discern how to help without giving advice or creating a plan or... But, although it's not my natural gift to instinctively know how to bless another in a tangible way, I'm praying, reading Treasures of Encouragement by Sharon W. Betters, and googling my heart out in order to make a list--my natural gifting--of ideas that will lift the spirits of another soul the way my sweet and darling friends lifted my own.

So, even if I don't receive this car tomorrow, I have won already. And if I do find myself loading my fab four into a new and safer vehicle, I will wear this badge of honor proudly and yet most humbly. Thank you!

In our homeschool this week...we've been immersed in Ancient Roman history: we read from Jennie Hall's Buried Cities the tragic tale of Pompeii and Herculaneum and then watched online in six parts at youtube a BBC film that brought my son to tears. We also read a gripping and gritty tale of a gladiatorial battle during the opening days of the Colosseum from Peeps at Many Lands: Ancient Rome by James Baikie, and then watched another fabulous BBC film found at youtube.com--I just love the giggle I get when Latins speak with a Welsh/Scotch/Irish/English accent!

Why, yes, I am a nerd. Why do you ask?

Maths is always lovely although uneventful--wait! Aang officially started Year 1 of MEP, coupled with Arithmetic for Young Children. Oh! and he read to me without much help. This is the fourth child with whom I've used Adventures in Phonics, published by Christian Liberty Press, and over the years I've become less satisfied and more critical of the full-phonics method of language instruction, especially when English--and American English most of all--is riddled with confusing exceptions, so yesterday I placed an order for SCM's Delightful Reading, which approaches reading instruction armed with this knowledge of our imperfect language. Wish contentment for me and less frustration for Aang, who seems to learn best through his ears.

In Poetry we were all stirred to high emotions by readings by Mum of Gunga Din and If by Rudyard Kipling. They were truly things upon which to chew and chew, and I found Sokka crying, "Din! Din! Din!" as he went about his days.

In Citizenship and Literature, we are still working through Plutarch's Dion and Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra. Other than Nature-study and History and Art, these are our favorites times of the week!

Places we're going and people we're seeing...Tomorrow, we're going downtown to find out if we are the happy owners of a new car or not; then, we're off to a day filled with baseball games and photographs at the ballet studio for an upcoming press-release, authored by yours truly. On Mother's Day we'll celebrate the gift I received nine years ago--Toph--and my privilege to be Mum to them all. On Monday, Toph and I will head out for a luncheon date and a little birthday shopping; all she wants for her special day is some time alone with me and some of the gaudiest clothes one can find on God's green earth--I'll be sure to post pics! Then, throughout the rest of the week, we'll be at it again: ballet and baseball until we're doing pirouettes atop the dug-out. Hope you all have another wonderful week of comings and goings!
My favorite thing this week...Other than the Biggest Blessing, I enjoyed getting out of the house for a midday Zumba class with a friend and also watching my wee slugger, Aang, play his heart out this week at a baseball game, but the most emotional moment of the week was when Aang lost his first tooth! He's no longer my baby, but a man-cub. Sigh...
What's not working for us...I'm still trying to reign my kids in from the Spring Break we had last week. I never learn that briefly relaxing the rules is not really loving my kids, when afterwards they seem utterly out of control and I feel compelled to crack the whip, so to speak. No bueno! As much as they & I need a short break every now and again, especially when project-deadlines are looming for me, someone please remind me that consistency is key, um'kay? Big thanks in advance.
A homeschool question I have...A dear friend of mine is tempting me to switch courses from Truthquest History to try Tapestry of Grace so that we might be able to co-op some projects together. Although I'm not Classical in method, for the most part, I do see the advantage of having an audience greater than those bearing the same surname and whose toothbrushes are neighbors, and I do believe I can Charlotte Mason-ize almost any curriculum and make it fit our family, but I'm wondering if it would be too much of a shift for us, or too much work for me before we start again in August. Can anyone compare Truthquest and Tapestry for me? or tell me of your own experience with either? I'd love to know more before I make a decision!
A photo to share...

Can you hear my man-cub roar?!

Home-schooling Mother's Journal

2011-04-30T11:17:00.000-07:00

In my life this week...I've been challenged to reconsider the purpose for our words, as stated in Ephesians 4:29. I believe strongly that the Lord cares about each and every word that proceeds from our mouths and that these words are a sure indicator of the height [or depth] of our thoughts. I surely love that Charlotte Mason's teachings on this method of education reflect that Truth, as we seek to lay hold of excellence in all disciplines not merely for excellence's sake, but for the edification of the hearts and souls and minds of our children. What I need to remember most is that it starts with me.

In our homeschool this week…we've been on a Spring Break, of sorts. We continue to read books aloud and on our own, plus work our maths program daily, but we also dug into a unit study on the Dung Beetle, which is so off the beaten-path for us. It was some seriously good, clean fun! Check out our "family review!"

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…Since Katara and Toph were on break from ballet, we went much fewer places this week, which I was totally diggin'. We still had baseball games and practices, and I spent several hours renovating and organizing the ballet studio, bringing along each day one of my fab-four for some sweet together-time.

My favorite thing this week was…I had a few favs this week!

Walking down the street while holding the hand of Sokka, who was on his skateboard...

Thrift-store shopping with Katara while on a lunch-break...

Cheering for Aang as he knocked ball after ball outta the [mini] park...

And filming numerous videos of Sokka and Toph who were my curriculum experts this week, weighing in our unit study experience with the Dung Beetle. They are a great combination of the semi-serious and the near-frivolous which made for great blooper reels indeed! They totally loved it too. Yep, I birthed some hams. Go figure.

What’s working/not working for us…Sleeping in forever because they learned another family does is def not working for me! Although I get a ton of stuff done before they decide to stagger out of their bedrooms, drunk with and covered in sleep, they are not getting everything done before the I-wanna-be-outside bug bites and hard, especially since the recent days have been sunny and warm.

Sorry, Charlies, I'm setting the alarm.

Homeschool questions/thoughts I have…I'm submitting an application to join a PSP, which will offer us the opportunity to take three classes outside the confines of our home, but will require yearly testing in English and Math. I'd love to broaden their educational and social horizons, especially since that sleeping family will be there with us, but I definitely don't "teach to test" and have zero plans to start. I pray this is a good thing and not just one more plate to spin...

A quote to share...

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear (Ephesians 4:29).

I dunno about you, but I need to meditate on this each and every day...

Curiosity Meets the Dung Beetle {Review}

2011-04-28T19:49:00.000-07:00

Every now and again, my kids and I like to explore the world of home education off the well-worn path, so to speak. Well, you cannot get more off that path than with a unit study of the DUNG BEETLE---am I right?!

A newly released product of The Old Schoolhouse, this Curiosity Files™ e-Book is a grab-and-go unit study written for ages 8-13 that includes engaging text with basic scientific information about the Dung Beetle, plus explorations in math and history and crafts and more! Having four children between the ages of six and thirteen, with whom the study of all things creepy and crawly comes naturally, this inexpensive guide for studying the odd and yet beneficial Dung Beetle promised loads of facts & fun and delivered in spades!

Of course, my favorite parts of the entire study were the respective Hans Christian Anderson and Aesop fables which, with the Dung Beetle as leading "man," challenged my children to ponder the qualities of good character, while their ears gladly tuned into great literature.

Is my Charlotte Mason slip showing just a wee?

Also included are written narration pages with room to illustrate and copy-work using applicable Bible verses---printable pages for every and all ages! (Ahem, forgive me) Although the copy-work is only offered in block-print and standard cursive---not Italic---I was able to keep the study flowing by swiftly creating my own copy-work pages using the free New Zealand font (click to download) I shared with y'all weeks ago. And for more good, clean fun, there are science and math explorations, plus find-a-word and crossword puzzle activities, vocabulary sheets, and a couple of quizzes too!

Altogether we spent twenty minutes each day for two weeks with the Dung Beetle, completing one section at a time and capping every week with a portion of the final test---completed orally---plus one of the hands-on activities. Easy-peasy is how I like it! So, yeah. I liked it.

And you know what else I liked---even loved?! Although the unit study was written for ages 8-13, my six year-old was easily able to tag along; he learned tons, recited with the best of them, and ran outside every day with hopes of finding and introducing himself to Mister Dung Beetle. That's his illustrated narration to the left (please note the egg inside the Dung Beetle's Brooder Ball because it would break his bitty-heart if you missed it).

Wait! Did I mention it was cheap?!

This fab product retails for $6.95 at The Old Schoolhouse Store, but I just noticed that today's price is only ONE BUCK! Say whaaaaaa??

So, if your kids dig as much as mine do a touch of something new to mix things up a bitty in school, grab-and-go! go! go! with the Dung Beetle or one of the eight other topics of study for the curious---such as the Blue-footed Booby, Zombie Fire Ants, and Quicksand. You can pick them up individually or in a big, fat bundle of nine with a money-saving price-tag of $46 to boot!

Now, without delay, here's what two of my four children thought of this Curiosity Files™ e-Book, a unit study of the magnificently odd Dung Beetle (and tune in tomorrow at Facebook for a special screening of the Blooper Reel. Yeah, believe it or not, this is NOT the Blooper Reel...).

Homeschooling Mother's Journal

2011-03-19T13:54:00.000-07:00

In my life this week...I've been thinking a bit too much on the recent deaths and diagnoses of a handful of friends. It surely has me crying out for God's mercy for their families and for my own. I cannot even imagine... life is so precious and short.

In our homeschool this week...In history, we're still traveling through Rome during the time of Christ and loving The Bronze Bow.

In maths, I finally got to use with Ian my new book, Arithmetic for young children, being a series of exercises exemplifying the manner in which arithmetic should by taught to young children---I still cannot get over that title!! It's all review right now, but it was so much fun that I found the other kids had stopped working just to watch Ian's math lesson. Oh! and I downloaded a free New Zealand Italic font (click to download) I found through searching and searching and searching, and I love it! The font package even came with a dotted Italic font so that I can create my own copywork for him, since the inexpensive (thank goodness!) one I purchased earlier this year was "updated to reflect current grammar usage," but poorly.

I knew I would regret not bookmarking that italic font website! I did find another 'site that offers an entire set of handwriting fonts, although of Victorian Australia. I think they're just as lovely! ENJOY. :)

A "Lovin'-that" moment: overhearing my eldest daughter tell a friend, "Classical music is amazing! Seriously, if you listen to it often, you will gain an appreciation for it. It's the only music that moves me to tears."

Places we're going and people we're seeing...It's been raining and pouring here this week, to the ultimate sadness of my wee boy whose baseball games were cancelled. To make up for it, we got together with friends we've been missing for some good ol'fashioned play for the wee ones and good conversation coupled with wayyy too much coffee for me. I was stuck in hyper-drive the rest of the day, without accomplishing very much at all! Boooo.

Coppelia is playing at the San Francisco Ballet!

My favorite thing this week was...Finding a dress second-hand, a replica of one my youngest daughter just loved and wore until it was in tatters and entirely too short, and having her jump into my arms with squeals of joy! She's still wearing it.

What's working/not working for us...Our rooster disappeared several weeks ago, and since then the hens have become unruly, roosting wherever they wish and being taken out one by one, most likely by foxes. We're now down to four and loathing the idea of having to purchase chicks, which are soooo messy and stinky and yuck (although cute). Yes, it's not exactly homeschool related, but I didn't wanna keep saying, "Everything's working!" ;D

Homeschool questions/thoughts I have...You'd think after nine years of formally home-educating my kids, I'd have finished wrestling with the question of balance, but I've not. I still wonder how much is enough or too much. More often I err on the side of too much, I think: there are just so many wonderful ideas and experiences to which I want them exposed in the short years during which they grace my home! Do any of you wonder about this, too? And hey, if you've figured it out, please let me know!

A photo, video, link, or quote to share...

Homeschooling Mother's Journal

2011-03-13T15:30:00.000-07:00

In my life this week...
I was offered two fantastic work opportunities, both of which I accepted. It looks great on paper, so I'm praying it also translates well IRL.

I started reading E.M. Forester's Where Angels Fear to Tread, from my booklist for 2011. A few years ago, I really enjoyed A Room With a View and this book has a similar flavor, although much shorter.

In our homeschool this week...
We started reading together The Day Christ Was Born: The True Account of the First 24 Hours of Jesus's Life by Jim Bishop and The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare. The kids and I are entirely sold on the idea of combining and our school days are nearly cut in half! We love cuddling together with warm beverages and a good book, which these two definitely are.

Other books brought home from the library for free reading this week:
Olivia ... Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl
David ... Prince Caspian
Fiona ... A Little Princess
Ian ... Winnie the Pooh

Thanks to Silvia from Homeschooling in a Bilingual Home, I placed an order for a vintage math book called Arithmetic for Young Children, being a series of exercises exemplifying the manner in which arithmetic should by taught to young children---what a title, eh?! I plan to use this with Ian, especially, and Fiona, if applicable. It will fit nicely with the short and sweet Reception lessons from MEP and could provide a bit of gentle drill for Fiona, too.

Places we're going and people we're seeing...
This week I worked onsite at one of the job opportunities. It's been a looonnngg time since I've done anything like that, but thankfully it's only a couple of hours each day. I'll be outsourcing the other hours and managing those persons. I'm uber-thankful to have employers who values me as a homeschooling mom!

This week was our Little League Opening Day! I have two sons playing this year, so there's another plate to spin. My eldest son doesn't enjoy the game as much as my youngest; David's much more a fan of sports that move quickly and non-stop, like soccer and swimming, so I've promised that this can be his last year playing the game. This summer he's going to have a go with water polo.

This weekend we also celebrated an anniversary at Olivia's ballet studio and I was brought to tears twice: once while watching her perform for an audience of younger students and the parents of enrolled dances; and then later, when I heard words of praise and admiration from the mouth of one of Olivia's newer teachers. Praise be only to God! The teacher said Olivia was beautiful both inside and out. It was an amazing opportunity to point to the One who is truly at work in Olivia's heart, which shows in her life. If it were all up to me, she would be a wretched brat indeed!

My favorite thing this week was...

My wee men, playing the American stick-and-ball game.

I cannot and will not pick, and I feel so very blessed for it. Oh, wait! I placed an order for a Kindle this week. Yep, I totally pick this! She'll be here Monday.

And yep-yep, I'm totally like a dude, naming gadgets and cars. I'll let you know her name next week, after I get a good feel for her.

What's working/not working for us...

I've no complaints today and everything's working.

Homeschool questions/thoughts I have...

Does anyone choose to homeschool year-round, or do most of you prefer a nice summer break? I've heard convincing arguments for both, but I'm still on the fence. I like fences...

A photo, video, link, or quote to share...
I just lurve me some baseball. My grandfather used to take me to games when I was a wee one, so sitting behind the fence yelling at batters just feels good. Miss that amazing grand ol' man o'mine...

Christian Education is an Atmosphere

2011-03-07T07:06:00.000-08:00

My children were baptized together in January.

Recently, I wrote about educating within our atmosphere, the circumstances of life which God ordained for us, the textbook-wasters. Today I’d like to consider the areas of our home-atmosphere in which we may have some effect, whether for good or ill.

When Ms. Mason declared that “Education is an atmosphere,” she not only stated that children should experience life without being patronized or coddled much, although they should be sheltered according to good sense, but she also implied that the atmosphere of our homes are the true classrooms of life. In simpler terms, and we’ve heard it before and again, More is caught than taught.

It always gives me pause, so let's stop here for a bitty.

When I consider the atmosphere I most want to cultivate in my home, the atmosphere by which I most want my children shaped, it is indeed the atmosphere of Christ. More than ancient history or sciences or Shakespeare (gasp!), I desire that my children know intimately and truly the heart of their Savior. Without this knowledge, it matters not what may else fill their minds. Without this intimacy, something false and hollow will surely capture their hearts.

And I just cannot bear that thought..!

“That … is the kernel of life: to make up our minds what it is that we want, what is worth striving for; and it is this central aim which makes the atmosphere of our lives, which stamps itself inevitably on our ways and words, so that we are for-ever [sic] declaring it, though it may be unconsciously and involuntarily.” (M. F. Jerrold, Volume 8, no. 12, 1897, pp. 772-777)

In order to cultivate this atmosphere of Christ in my home, I must start with myself by modeling a life that clings to, relies upon, finds supreme pleasure in, and is comforted fully by Jesus the Christ and His work at the cross on my behalf.

But it’s not easy for me. You see, I'm a sinner.

As much as I outwardly love my children and delight in them, I’m a rather private person, having been raised as a near-only child and left to myself mostly. It's not of pride; it's more of nature. But left to this nature of mine, the strength of my faith goes often unseen until given a moment to speak of it, to share it, to encourage another with it. Although my children are well aware of my knowledge of God, they are sometimes surprised by my utter dependence upon Him ... which shames me.

If there’s anything I wish not to withhold from them, it is this, and yet I often fail by displaying a quiet confidence in my God who saves base and wretched sinners like me; provides for our every need and for our delightful pleasures, too; reveals His will and my sin, never allowing me to stray far or long; comforts nearly every sorrow, leaving the others to mold and shape me; leads me along His lighted path as I carry a burden that is not heavy; and loves me with an everlasting, merciful and long-suffering love.

I must learn to be more of a blabber-mouth... for the children’s sakes, of course ... as I continue to allow Him to shape me through the work of His spirit and, thereby, create an atmosphere filled with His glory!

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honourable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8).

May the atmospheres of our homes bring about the fruit we so desperately desire to bear in His name and for His fame! Amen.

An Education within Our Atmosphere

2011-03-05T07:32:00.000-08:00

Olivia, at age 9

"When we say that education is an atmosphere we do not mean that a child should be isolated in what may be called a 'child environment' specially adapted and prepared, but that we should take into account the educational value of his natural home atmosphere both as regards persons and things and should let him live freely among his proper conditions. It stultifies a child to bring down his world to the 'child's' level" (Charlotte Mason, Volume 6: A Philosophy of Education, p.94).

I've been thinking a lot about this.

"We certainly may use atmosphere as an instrument of education, but there are prohibitions, for ourselves rather than for children. Perhaps the chief of these is, that no artificial element be introduced, no sprinkling with rose-water, softening with cushions. Children must face life as it is" (Charlotte Mason, Volume 6: A Philosophy of Education, p.94).

David, at age 6

And this ...especially this.

When the first thoughts entered my pea-brain of educating my children at home, I pored over catalog upon child-centered catalog, wishing and dreaming to make my home into a miniature haven for my wee flower fairies. The only thing to stop me was money.

I had none.

Fiona, at age 4

And so, I made do with what I did have: a library card and a love for the classics of children's literature. In the mornings we played at making words and sentences, at making sums and finding differences, but in the afternoon! Oh, when the baby was in deep sleep, we climbed along Charlotte's finely woven web, dipped a toe into the flowing river inside Charlie's chocolate factory, and whisked away with Dorothy to the wonderful Land of Oz. Not all at once, of course, but what a ride that would be!

The next and first official year of our home-school, a boxed curriculum bored us to tears and put us to sleep within weeks, draining entirely like a vampire any previous love of learning from us. Swiftly, I drove a stake into the heart of intellectual death and created my own curriculum based on the things we loved: reading classic novels and studying the marvelous creation all around us. Sure, we still learned to read and figure well, but the core of our day was spent in turns piled together on a sofa, out-of-doors, and at the library.

Ian, at age 1

So, when I stumbled upon the Ambleside Online website, during a web-search for "study nature," I was ripe for the Charlotte Mason-picking. But, as they say: Life happens, and life surely happened to us.

Over the next serveral years, our wee life together would be flipped, turned, spun, and battered--talk about children facing life as it is! In those moments of the past, had I been given the choice, when everything they knew was changing in painful ways, I would've padded every bruising corner with a cushion and doused every betraying scent with rose-water. My mother's heart desired to protect my children from the emotional tsunami that threatened to engulf us all. I see now, that God allowed our life's circumstances to educate my children far better than any curriculum found anywhere.

Olivia, 13

And as we walked the circumstantial road of our new life together, treating each of my beloved babes as the unique persons God intended them to be and not patronizing the depth of their respective understandings, they learned eternal lessons:

They learned of the humanity of their mother. Although I had previously tried to keep it from them, they learned that I felt pain and cried sometimes, and sometimes often. They learned that I couldn't handle the circumstances of my life, that I needed help through much prayer to our God and more humbling of myself among man.

David, 10

They learned that God provides. Throughout our painful time of bouncing around from family home to strangers' home and stretching ourselves as thin as possible, God provided-and generously-for our needs, finally bringing us to a near-perfect place of rest in this modest home-of-our-own. They can see how we were upheld and protected through years of manipulation and pressed advantages and that we were preserved for a purpose.

Not finally, but I'll stop here, my children learned that this broken and deceitful world desperately needs a Savior. And that's an education that can press no deeper nor soar no higher, producing hearts and hands reaching toward a more noble pursuit than this earthly life.

I agree with Ms. Mason indeed: rose-water and soft cushions are highly overrated. Give me life, as it is.

Fiona, 8

*The first series of photos were taken only six months after our family was torn apart from the effects of long-term addiction. The second series is recent. It is both heartbreaking and encouraging to me to compare how much time has changed them: physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Ian, 5

Homeschooling Mother's Journal

2011-03-04T07:13:00.000-08:00

My fav picture of all time ...so far.

In my life this week...
I've been a busy, busy bee both for home and work, placing curriculum orders, making schedules that look really, really awesome! and finishing up some great projects, although I haven't had time to work on my own... welp, there's always next week, right?

In our homeschool this week...

We took a bit of a break so I could do all of the above, plus celebrate my baby boy's SIXTH BIRTHDAY! I still cannot believe how quickly they grow up. I must journal more! I must.

Places we're going and people we're seeing...
On Monday, we spent the afternoon making a DVD of Olivia's barre and centre-work, plus a wee li'l solo piece to send for scholarship consideration for the summer program at which she was accepted recently. On Tuesday, we celebrated Ian's birthday during the day with some great friends and then celebrated again in the evening with his dad. On Wednesday, we celebrated Ian's real birthday by playing tons and getting outside into the sunshine. We've eaten wayyy too much cake and ice cream this week... and with one more party on Sunday yet! (((retch)))

My favorite thing this week was...
My favorite thing every week is celebrating my kids, but this week was pretty awesome since I received a multitude of declarations of, "Mom, you are the best ever in the whole universe!" I know, I know... I dig you, too, coolest and sweetest baby boy.

Naturalist of the Year!

What's working/not working for us...

Simpifying is definitely working for us: the kids are ready to have a yard sale and get rid of all their wee-folk toys. We packed away most of them over six months ago, and they haven't missed them a bit. I cannot believe I'm writing this, but I'm ready to let go of the t o y s. Maybe.

Homeschool questions/thoughts I have...
I'm considering using Simply Charlotte Mason's 106 Days of Creation Studies for science this year, combining my youngest three munchkins for a wham-bamaah good time. Anyone have a review to share?

A photo, video, link, or quote to share...

I don't think I could love him any more than I do, but I surely try and try and try.

Spring Nature Study

2011-03-03T10:24:00.000-08:00

This week, I decided to grab on a whim these materials to follow along with Barb from Handbook of Nature Blog, as she leads a gaggle of us in a study of spring trees, weather, flowers, insects, etc.!

Sadly, in the busy shuffle of moving and living on my own with four wee folk, one of the finer things to get lost was a focused time of Nature Study. Although it was one of our favorite things to do, it was one of the first victims of the first year of our too-busy and uber-disorganized life!

But we're back! In this Crucible otherwise known as 2010, I learned how to manage both home and [now] work! Simplifying where we can and being diligent each day in the little things has helped indeed. And now we're ready... oh-so-ready!

Won't you consider joining us, too? Barb's very modestly priced guide spells everything out for us, which I LOVE! And when she stops in May for a mini-unit, my li'l troop of naturalists will just keep on trucking through the materials so we get the most bang for our bucks. We can even link up with one another to continue see how the spring study translates in your homes and regions, which I too LOVE!

Tomorrow, we're off on a field trip to the art supply store to get new nature journals and watercolor pencils. We're all so very glad to be getting back to the basics of a Charlotte Mason education... and, hopefully, staying there!

I may need more glue... and tape.

Charlotte Mason Book Giveaway ...and a Sing-a-long!

2011-03-02T08:22:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Richele from Barefoot Voyage is giving away a copy of Ms. Masons's A Philosophy of Education that she found tucked away in a secondhand store. Please visit her lovely blog and leave a comment before Monday, March 7th! Don't forget to pick up the other recommended freebies she's offering as well, with a "Here, here!" by yours truly.

Oh! And sing "Happy Birthday" with me: today my baby turned 6! Ian is an imaginative boy who loves to play with loads and hoards of stuffed animals, the way some boys play with action figures and some girls play with dolls. He loves his mama almost as much as she loves him and recently said he wished he could marry two women, one to take care of him and one to take care of me, when I'm old. Although his life was a surprise to me, God knew we all needed Ian during the storms our wee family endured during the early years of his life. It was the daily business of meeting his needs and receiving his smiles that reminded us of God's goodness and faithfulness and His deep, rich love for us. And so, I'm praising Him again today for this special boy who never ceases to surprise and delight me: thank you, thank you for my Ian!

Our Schedule

2011-03-01T11:28:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I just LOVE to see how school days and weeks flow for other families, so I thought I'd share with y'all my own week-at-a-glance... although it can change in a blink. Am I right??

HS Schedule