TOS Review ~ Times Alive

Do you need a super fun way to get your kids to KNOW their times tables? I was beginning to think that was an impossible feat until I found Times Alive, Times Tables The Fun Way by City Creek Press. Check out this video to see it in action.

Check out their other videos on Youtube Times Tables The Fun Way Youtube Channel by clicking the link.

What is soap without the bubbles?

A whole lot healthier that’s what! I have for years tried to do things more organically and without all the chemicals. Hubby is resistant to say the least. I firmly believe that our children’s health problems could have been non-existent if our society had quit trying to save a buck (or make a buck depending on who you are) and stopped (or never started) using chemicals like formaldehyde, parabens, and phthalates. Hubby has an issue with soap not looking like soap. So I decided I was going to try again and make homemade laundry soap but all the recipes I found called for 5 gallon buckets and I just do not have that kind of storage.

I found a recipe on Tipnut.com and tried to gather everything I needed from our local store. It was late, I was tired and I bought Baking Soda instead of Washing Soda but I had heard that was ok since my recipe did not have vinegar in it. I decided to make half a batch to try it out since I did not have that 5 gallon bucket just lying around. So I grated my Ivory soap into the pot on my stove and added hot water, cooked it until the flakes melted, added the Borax and Baking soda and let it all melt together. It seemed to be doing ok but I added some more water because it was taking a while to melt. I poured the mixture into a 2.5 gallon jug I had and added about 2 gallons of water. Now it just had to cool, r

TOS Review ~ TenMarks

I have a high schooler and boy is it scary when he is better than me at maths. He is working on Algebra 1 and while I am decent at it he is quickly passing me by. So how to teach this subject that takes more time for me to learn to teach it than it does for him to learn it? Simple I don’t.

Books For Sale

Math U See ~

All in Like New, Excellent condition

Beta Instruction Pack

Contains the Instruction Manual and DVD for the Beta level.
Price:
35.00   

 

Gamma Instruction Pack

Contains the Instruction Manual and DVD for the Gamma level.
Price:
35.00

MFW ECC TM

Teacher’s Manual $45

 

 

 

 

           

The Purpose Driven Life by: Rick Warren $8

 

The following are in good usable condition.

Bulfinch's Greek and Roman Mythology, The Age of Fable $5

 

 

 

Aesop's Fables $5
Bram Stoker's Dracula $5
The Scarlet Letter $5
Night Elie Wiesel $5
King James Bible $8
The World Since 1500 $20 (college level history text)
These are not schoolbooks but I am adding them anyway
2nd Helping of Chicken Soup for the Soul $5
Twilight's Child V.C. Andrews $3
If Life is a Bowl of Cherries Erma Bombeck $3
Heroes At Home $5
Deployment materials for miltary families 2 CDs and 2 DVDs  $ 20 or $5 each

I am looking for MFW AHL TM to either buy cheap or borrow for my 9th grader. I am willing to do a trade if anyone is interested.

If interested in any of my books let me know in the comments and leave your email and zip code so I can let you know what the shipping will be. I take Paypal only!
Mandy

Yale Music Course

 

As Charlotte Mason homeschoolers we think composer study is very important for our children. It is in this spirit I share the following link.

Listening to Music

Yale University offers a selection of free open courses. This particular course is of particular interest as the instructor uses classical music to improve a students listening experience to popular music of today. It is a very basic, intro level course and assumes you know nothing about classical music so would be appropriate for even younger children. There are required texts written by the instructor and a selection of music CDs. I feel just watching the videos are of great worth but the resources are a very good investment. I hope everyone takes a look at what is available but especially if you are using CM methods this class seems a good addition to your High Schoolers curriculum.

I would love to hear about your open course experiences and how you incorporate them into your homeschool.

Mandy

TOS Review ~ Lifeway Christian Stores

 

I love history, biblical history especially. When I was a student not so much. I think that was because I was such a visual learner and most of my classes were dry and boring with just words on a page.

When we decided to homeschool our children, I realized what a visual learner I am, hands on too! My children tend to be that way also. I have made it a goal to have good visually striking resources in our school. I was so thrilled to have received today’s review item.

Here is a PDF of the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary for Kids we received so you can take a peek yourself

Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary For Kids

This is a Bible dictionary that is full of beautiful pictures to show just how things looked from the bible. From the city of Bethlehem to Noah’s Ark, you can see how things looked as they were back then. I was expecting a small book with some cute illustrations to help explain some things to my younger children. I was so off base here. This is a book worthy of anyone, adult or child alike. The information is not dumbed down, illustrations are not cutesy and it is a hefty size, plenty of information.

I really enjoyed this book and can see it will become one of our treasures as time goes on. I have used it so many times already in the brief period I have owned it. I especially appreciate being able to look up quickly any place mentioned in the Bible and having a wonderful map to show the children where we are talking about. Last year I spent hours online looking for good maps to use during our Bible studies. From now on this will be my go to book for Bible time.

You can purchase the Dictionary from  Lifeway Christian Stores.

Publisher: B&H Publishing Group
Pub. Date: August 2010
Type: Hardcover
ISBN: 0805495312
Product No.: 005268545
Price: $14.99

To see what other TOS Crew members thought about it click the link. Be an informed buyer!

Mandy

Disclosure: I was given a hard copy of the above item for free in exchange for my honest opinion. I have not been compensated in any other form.

Blog Walk ~Week 13

Here is this week’s TOS Crew featured blogs.

1. Clark Clan Craziness
2. Doxazo Prep Academy
3. My Elastic Life
4. Fun in the Sun
5. A Teaching Heart
6. Mindful Ramblings
7. Simple Thoughts
8. Joy in Our Journey.com
9. Crazy Homeschool Mama
10. Walking Home

 

Mandy

Reviews Coming Soon

City Creek Press – Times Alive

Lifeway Christian Stores – Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary For Kids

TenMarks 

DiggIt! Games - Roman Town, look what Digg-It Games has given me to share with you

“We would also like to provide your readers with a special bloggers discount for Roman Town.  Use coupon code TOS2011 which gets them 20% off the 2010 price of $24.95.   The code expires Feb 21, 2011
We have changed the price of RT to $39.95 instead of $24.95.   We’d like to give TOS Crew readers 20% of the 2010 price of RT at www.dig-itgames.com

Curiosity Files – Zombie Fire Ants

VocabAhead

Math Rider

Reading Kingdom

KidScoop

Apologia

My Hubby, My Dear

Just want to share a little somethin, somethin with y’all!

That’s my Hot Hubby teaching the kiddos!

He can multi-task with the best of them…

   

 

 

 

 

And he is training my daughter to be a helpmeet to a future husband and to be a joyful blessing.

I have been having a difficult year and my husband, who works thirds, has been amazing in stepping in to pick up my slack. He even is quick to let me know I am not a burden even though I feel like one.

He has had a rough year himself with the military and is more than likely getting discharged. While it saddens me and I will be honest it breaks my heart, I know that this is a decision he needs to make on his own. I do not want to push him into doing what I want just to satisfy my selfish ambitions. I refuse to be like Lot’s Wife and instead will trust my Hot Hubby to lead his family right where we belong.

I pray I can always show him the love in my heart and the appreciation I have for him. I thank God for sending me such a Hot Hubby!

Mandy

Versatile Blogger Award!!

I was so excited to be awarded this by Pretty Girl In a Place Like This. It is always nice to be encouraged that you make a difference to someone. I hope my blog has been encouraging to others. I know I don’t always post the most exciting things but I do try to post honestly.

On to the "rules" of this award:
1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award
2. Answer 10 questions
3. Pass it along to 7 blogs you've recently discovered and enjoy
4. Leave your recipients a note, telling them about the award
The 10 Questions...
1. Why did you create this blog?
I started my blog as a way to vent and mainly to write. I used to write a lot but since having children rarely hand the time. I have since changed the main purpose of my blog. Since we began homeschooling almost 2 years ago  I have gone through many changes and so has my blog. Right now it’s part review, part record, part rejoicing, and a whole lot of God.
2. What kinds of blogs do you follow?
My favorite are Christian, Home Schooling and Crafting

3. Favorite make-up brand?
You know it’s funny, I have a lot. BeautiControl, Mary Kay, NYC and Neutrogena are my favorites BUT I never wear any of it anymore. 
4. Favorite clothing brand?


Modest clothes by New Creations and a few local resale shops.
5. Indispensable makeup product?
I do have to have a good silky lip ointment/gloss.
6. Favorite color?
I love color period but I suppose my absolute favorite is purple.
7. Favorite perfume?

That is easy, it is actually one I was given by my sister. She did not like it and so I took it, tried it and love it. It is Glass by BeautiControl.
8. Favorite film?
I have very eclectic tastes in film. I tend to gravitate to those that have strong characters. My absolute favorite would be Sense and Sensibility. I adore Austen.
9. What country would you like to visit and why?
My dream is to visit Ireland and England. I would also love to visit The places Jesus walked and places spoken about in the OT. The first is because I think they are the most beautiful places in the world. The second is a love of history and understanding God’s word. 

10. Would you rather forget to put mascara on one eye or forget blush on one side of your face?
Since I rarely wear it I suppose mascara on one eye since it would be less noticeable. 
Now onto the people I will be sending this to:
Faith, Family & Fun
Dad's Homeschool Garage
HsKubes Haven at Home
InfertilityMom
Life With A Little Sass
Making a House a Home
Becky Days
Mandy

TOS Review ~ Speekee

Have you always wanted your children to be able to learn Spanish? Have you heard it is easier to learn another language as a young child? Studies have shown that the best way to learn a foreign language is the same way you learn your native language, like a baby. You hear words and see people around you referring to certain things when they use those words. Welcome to Speekee TV.
 

Thinking about Home Schooling?

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine has put together a generous freebie offer. Here are 10 resources to get you started in the right direction. Every one on these e-books are yours free, they have even included the wonderful Homeschoolblogger.com e-classes. The classes are especially wonderful to get an idea of how to teach your children and what to teach them (my personal favorite is the sewing classes). Each of these image links will take you directly to the download or in the case of the e-classes to the homepage where you can look at what is offered.

Blog Walk ~ Week 12

Here are the TOS Crew mate blogs featured for week 12. Check out their hard work and show some bloggy love!

1. Learning Legacy
2. The Blessings Pour Out
3. Taylor's Mark Orthodox Academy
4. A Day in the Life
5. Pecan Prairie
6. Musing Grace
7. Milk and Honey Mommy
8. Adventures in Unsell Land!
9. Modest Mama
10. Orange Marmalade Mama

 

Mandy

Goodwill Goodies

Well, I had a video I had to show you all the great book finds I got at Goodwill today, but since my internet connection is not up to snuff right now, I suppose you will have to wait a bit longer to see my goodies. I will update this when it uploads (if ever), just keep checking back over the next few days.

UPDATE: 1/21/2011 Yay I figured out the video so here it is. For now I am just a voice behind the camera, oh and sorry about the sniffles.


Oh and one book did not make the video cutting room floor so to speak. My 2 y/o, Tink, absconded with it as soon as she saw it.
 









Mandy

TOS Crew-BlogWalk is Back

So we got a bit side tracked (okay, okay, a lot side tracked) and have a few weeks to catch up so I will post Week 11 now then over the next week I will post Weeks 12 & 13.

 

1. 1 of 100 plus 25 TOS Crew Reviews
2. Homeschooling Hearts and Minds
3. Homeschooling Drewper
4. Burkherts Brigade
5. Families Again
6. Homeschool and Family
7. The Sunny Patch
8. Life on the Hilltop
9. Our Busy Homeschool
10. Homeschooling Blessings

I believe this is the final listing of our FM’s blogs so stop on by and check out all their great wisdom from being experienced Crew members.

Mandy

Homeschooling does not have to break the bank

I have been trying to find ways for my family to homeschool relatively cheaply. We used a free program last year called Ambleside Online and it was wonderful. This year I needed to have things planned out for me since I had a tot so we went with My Father’s World. It was well worth the added expense.

There are many families who struggle with the idea of homeschooling their children. They believe it will be too expensive, but that is because they just do not know what is available. You just have to look in the right places. My dear friend Heather has created a blog solely dedicated to free (or nearly so) homeschool materials, Homeschool-For-Free.

She has also discussed this topic at length on her family blog, Blessing Farm, where you can find a step by step guide to homeschooling for free. There are more than 20 ways to make homeschooling affordable for your family.

Please stop by and visit Heather and say hello, tell her I sent you. She did such a wonderful job putting together the awesome free site that I feel kind of lazy over here.

Mandy

To be a covered lady…

I have recently been studying a certain portion of scripture lately that has been on my heart for a time. 1 Corinthians 11 as many of you know is about whether or not a lady is to wear a covering over her head.  Specifically it refers to wearing a covering as an outward sign of submitting to the headship of the Christian faith.
But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
1 Cor 11:3 (KJV)
I am to submit to my husband, he in turn is to submit to Christ as Christ was submitting to God to put it plainly. This does not mean I am to follow my husbands wishes if it violates God’s laws (that is a whole nother post), but instead means I am to respect and honor my husband as the head of our family.
But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. 6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
1 Cor 11:5-6 (KJV)

Time4Learning-Review

I had the opportunity to review Time4Learning with my 2 youngest children. Time4Learning is an online curriculum for children ages pre-k through 8th grade. It gives immediate feedback to students as they work through the lessons and it’s great for bust parents because the record keeping is done for you.
From the site:http://www.time4learning.com/

Time4Learning Members Get Access To:

Rosetta Stone Giveaway

I just entered a great giveaway here
If you would like to enter go on over and check it out!

Now is the perfect time to give your child the gift of possibilities for the holidays with Rosetta Stone Homeschool — and you can WIN a Level 1 Homeschool program, language of your choice (valued at $249)!
Right now Rosetta Stone is having a special Holiday promotion on our Homeschool Edition program and we’d like you to help spread the word! Everyone can save up to $150 on Rosetta Stone Homeschool by visiting our website at http://www.RosettaStone.com/hsw1110.

See N Read - TOS Review

After homeschooling for almost 2 years now I have noticed it helps my kids to follow along with their finger under the words as they read. I taught them this after doing it myself in school for eons (it seems anyway, I am not really THAT old).
So imagine how awesome it was to be able to review a product specially designed to help struggling readers, beginning readers, what have you, keep track of their place as they go. See-N-Read is a flexible little semi transparent gray plastic sheet with a clear strip. It comes in three different models, Memory Mark, 2 sizes- book and document, which is used if you need to highlight, See-N-Read 2 sizes, and eSee-N-Read for online reading. The first two just lay over the reading page with the clear strip or cut out window over the line you are reading.

CSN Stores

I have decided I need a new laptop messenger bag. I have couple laptop bags that looks very nice but not one that is very comfortable to wear. I was introduced to CSNstores.com not too long ago and after looking for a bit found quite a few I like.

       

 

 

 

 

 

How cute are these, right? And each under $40!

CSNstores.com has over 200 stores to find just about anything you need. They have free shipping on most items too. I am looking to see if I can find a rocking chair since mine is so creaky it wakes the baby when I get up to put her in bed, not a good combo.

Go take a look and see what they have that you might like. Let me know what you find.

Mandy

The Critical Thinking Company ~ Timberdoodle Reviews

After first being introduced to Timberdoodle Christmas 2009 while searching for some long lost books (stolen while he was overseas some years ago) of my hubby’s, which thankfully they had, I had the opportunity recently to review some homeschool products the carry from the Critical Thinking Company. They have many selections available but the two I chose to review were Building Thinking Skills Level 1, for my 8 year old son and Editor in Chief Level C2, for my 15 year old son. They came in just the nick of time.

Homeschool software woes

I am forever trying to figure out a way to minimize my time spent doing planning and grading for school. I have tried Homeschool Tracker Plus, Homeschool Daybook, Homeschool Inc PER,  Homeschool SkedTrack, TOS Homeschool Planner to plan and track our school and a really great OpenOffice Calc spreadsheet just to track hours. I did a combination this year since I was spending almost an entire day a week doing our planning on Homeschool Tracker.
Homeschool Tracker Plus  was and is a great program but I got tired of entering each and every lesson, the great little details bogged me down.