tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19270212946042770632024-03-05T10:18:14.594-06:00Mrs. Mandy's MusingsTo Love, Learn, and Grow in the Lord!Mrs. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01248784552465074108noreply@blogger.comBlogger288125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1927021294604277063.post-34873289836287540992022-03-16T02:08:00.001-05:002022-03-16T02:09:48.046-05:00Just a small town girlThis last fall we moved to a small town on the Ozark Plateau in SW Missouri. So far we love it here. Things have been rough to say the least over the last few years but no mater what I have tried to keep my faith. Being here in this beautiful God's country it is giving me such strength and a positive outlook. I know that I can do all things through Him who gives me that strength. This was truly a blessing in disguise.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mandy</div>Mrs. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01248784552465074108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1927021294604277063.post-84932766318316389702015-02-07T20:58:00.001-06:002015-02-07T21:02:12.754-06:00The Reality of Diabetes<p>I became aware of a wonderful short documentary from the Sundance Institute that shows the reality of what daily life with Type 1 Diabetes can be like. CAN BE not is every single day. I was so heartbroken that the comments on the NY Times page by diabetics themselves no less show just how uneducated people are about how deadly this disease is. It only takes one low to be too low. I see people talk about using CGMs (continuous glucose monitors) as a kind of cure all and that if you manage it like “you should” then all is rosy. I am here to tell you that you can do everything by the book and sometimes it just isn’t good enough! Sometimes your child still will die in their sleep because this disease is DIFFERENT FOR EVERYONE! If you understand only that I will be happy. Not every person’s body responds in the same way to every assistive device. </p> <p>This is a disease that has so many things affect it’s manifestations. You have a low blood sugar and your CGM alerts you but your lows cause you to be combative and complacent, loopy, out of it. You can’t get your sugar to rise fast enough and you pass out. You have done everything right but your body betrays you what then? This documentary <a href="http://video1.nytimes.com/video/2015/01/26/32062_1_opdoc-mid36_wg_240p.mp4" target="_blank">MidnightThreeSix</a> has shown that people with diabetes do not have to fear that scenario with people like <a href="http://www.sdwr.org/" target="_blank">Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers</a> . </p> <p>Even with my son having a volatile case of Type 1 no one ever told us about this or that he might qualify for disability. Doctors just write a script and off you go but with T1D it is not so easy. Sure your numbers average out and look great to the doc but all it takes is one number to end your life in an instant. With a <a href="http://www.sdwr.org/" target="_blank">Service Dog</a> my son’s life can be so much more fulfilling and freeing and going to bed not so scary, eating not so agonizing. One day my dream is to say goodbye to Diabetes and not goodbye to my son because of it. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-v5Dv1P_O2CY/VNbRrxWQqMI/AAAAAAAATCM/FpMRHImCpn4/s1600-h/IMG_1762%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1762" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1762" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-loG8sQ8DkxU/VNbRs6mbU_I/AAAAAAAATCU/BItlFe1LfMM/IMG_1762_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="226"></a></p> <p>Mandy</p> Mrs. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01248784552465074108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1927021294604277063.post-42383320684286041732014-12-30T23:17:00.001-06:002014-12-30T23:17:39.678-06:00A New Year, A New Term<p>What I am supposed to be doing </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DAk7VJ3KrwE/VKOGybm9tXI/AAAAAAAAS3g/-xM-TUNkFJs/s1600-h/IMG_20141230_224300%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_20141230_224300" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_20141230_224300" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vd6YMv82zoc/VKOGzAj69GI/AAAAAAAAS3o/hDGWCaNv9mU/IMG_20141230_224300_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="240"></a></p> <p>What I am actually doing</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1i7o_IWG2mk/VKOGz9gsssI/AAAAAAAAS3w/sUxAr1SzRfA/s1600-h/daydreaming%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="daydreaming" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="daydreaming" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RKkHiOoKzRk/VKOG0u7n93I/AAAAAAAAS34/6kx9M541ijM/daydreaming_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="163"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>So here I sit trying to think of ways to make tomorrow better, or I am planning my planning I suppose you might say. My children have been using a checklist this year and while I think it works I am not crazy about it. I want something that I can put in specific instructions if I want to, but keep it simple and list like so I can easily see what they have completed each day. I am looking at something like this method <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/08/homeschool-planning-putting-paperwork-and-plans-together.html" target="_blank">Life As Mom</a> has. It reminds me of MFW planner sheets which I like but I want o keep it to one page. Not sure I am up to the task. </p> <p>Using <a href="http://www.amblesideonline.org" target="_blank">Ambleside Online</a> means most of my planning is done for me I just have to work out the details of when to do each reading. For some reason I am wondering if what I have been doing is working or if it is other circumstances that has my children not succeeding. All these things are making me drag my feet in the planning of our next term. I want to make it better, have them succeed, I think I need to have more firm expectations for them. Just not too sure what those should be. How do y’all refresh your students workloads? </p> <p>As a CM mom I guess I am not certain how to step it up from straight narrations to something more substantial for the older crowd without giving a very specific paper topic. I think I need a few extra months to just read all I can in this area. No that’s not possible, okay I will just have to buckle down then and do my best with what I already know and fill in the gaps as I go. Man I wish I would have known about Miss Mason back in my college days!</p> <p><font size="4" face="AR ESSENCE">Mandy</font></p> Mrs. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01248784552465074108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1927021294604277063.post-15892676079320654942014-12-28T01:09:00.001-06:002014-12-28T01:09:45.906-06:00On Happy Holidays<p>I trust you all are well fed and feeling warm fuzzies after the holidays. If not (and I know there are plenty that are not) I truly am sorry and my prayers are with you. I myself have had no real reason to be exceptionally happy this season, my husband is still out of work and my family is living with my parents for the 4th year in a row, which is cause to much heartache and trial. However this year I reached down, I mean way down into my prideful self and did something I don’t usually do. I let it be known that we needed help. I shared with our new church family on only our second visit how bad things have gotten and how despair has been creeping into my heart and pushing the Lord out. My pastor’s instant action was prayer, which had I not been with my children would have brought me to my knees, and an offer of gifts. I was floored! </p> <p>The following week I had friends and family provide even more. I was astonished! As the weeks turned to days before Christmas I was beginning to worry about not having enough money to pay for our storage unit (which has nearly everything we own in it) and losing our things to auction. My amazing friends you have bought soap from me in that time of worry and given me enough that the weight is lifted. I am so grateful and filled with joy!</p> <p>Needless to say the night before Christmas I was the one who could not sleep I was in awe and wonder of the goodness of my Lord and Savior. He worked it out for His glory. This Christmas was the best one ever and my children were so thrilled over all of their gifts, each one chosen with love, kindness, and care. Thank you dear angels, my cup runneth over.</p> <p> </p> <p><font size="4" face="AR BERKLEY">Mandy</font></p> Mrs. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01248784552465074108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1927021294604277063.post-13645221638028453462014-12-14T22:34:00.001-06:002014-12-14T22:34:41.406-06:00You can’t be joyful until you rejoice<p>Listening to Pastor speak about Joy today really struck home for me. I keep asking God why nothing changes in my situation. Why after 4 years we are still homeless and jobless. We are faithful and doing what I thought we were supposed to be doing to live our lives for Christ.Yet as I heard Pastor Dusty say those words, “You can’t have joy without rejoicing.” I knew in my heart I had not been joyful. I had brought my family down to earthly things. Complaining about our situation to my husband who felt helpless to change it with out a good income instead of rejoicing that we have shelter and are all together. Getting angry when I am mistreated or annoyed by another instead of rejoicing that they trust me enough to let their guard down. </p> <p>Rejoicing is the outward expression, the confession, of joy in your life and without that confession there can simply not be joy. Everything else is just simply temporal happiness that depends on your current mood. I know this is something I have to change. I pray the Lord does his good work in my heart to that end. Because unless I begin to rejoice always what have I gained, certainly not the joy of my Saviour. But what I have lost goes much further than myself, I have set up all who know me to fail at finding joy in Him as well. What better way to point someone to the cross than to reveal the joy it affords me in even the lowest of times. I should know these things, a long struggle with depression shows me that Jesus is the center of it all and yet I still turn inward and fix my eyes within instead of fixing my eyes on Him. How amazing is our LORD that even while I refuse to see he is my saving grace and never gives up on me. For that I rejoice today!</p> <p><font size="3" face="Footlight MT Light">If you are interested in hearing some of Pastor Dusty’s or Pastor Dave’s sermons visit <a href="http://www.fergusonchurch.org/more-sermons.html" target="_blank">Ferguson Church of the Nazarene</a> to hear recorded archived messages. They are always timely.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Footlight MT Light">Mandy</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Footlight MT Light"></font></p> Mrs. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01248784552465074108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1927021294604277063.post-21762088123603591332014-12-09T23:03:00.000-06:002014-12-09T23:16:46.646-06:00Future engineer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you have a child who adores hands on work maybe First Lego League / First Tech Challenge is a good fit for them. FLL uses Lego Mindstorms to build a robot and program it to do a series of tasks in a timed completion. FTC the teams build a larger metal robot that is both remote operated and programmed to complete a set of obstacle challenges. Our local team, sponsored by Everything Engineered, was a homeschool team and they competed against other local schools doing pretty well for themselves for first years. My son is 12 here and he has had most wonderful experience working with his coaches and teammates this season. You can be sure we will be at it again in a few short months planning for next years competitions. Check it out at <a href="http://www.usfirst.org/">www.usfirst.org</a></div>
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<span style="color: teal; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Mandy</em></span>Mrs. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01248784552465074108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1927021294604277063.post-91495539017741266952014-12-07T00:47:00.001-06:002014-12-07T00:47:44.405-06:00Tis the season for…<p>Mishaps and mayhem! I love my children dearly. But what possesses them to do things they have never seen myself or my hubby do? You know things like write on a computer screen. I would say if we used a stylus I could understand it but we don’t so…why? In the past 2 weeks I have had my 2 1/2 year old son make some beautiful art in both permanent marker and ball point ink. Google to the rescue!</p> <p>After some searching and debate on which method would be safest for our plasma HP All-In-One machine I took the plunge, hoping I would not make the situation worse. First up the permanent marker. Apparently writing over the marks with dry erase marker erases them. Yep worked like a charm with minimal effort. I just wiped down the screen after each small section I worked on.</p> <p>A little tougher customer was the ball point pen. There was some discrepancies in what I found on whether using various solvents would ruin the antiglare finish so I opted for a drier method first go-round. A plain ol’ rubber eraser, actually the eraser on the end of my papermate mechanical pencil. It took a little more effort but it did the trick. I am happy to say my screen is now baby art free and hopefully baby will decide he likes paper better very soon. Because he is lightening quick you know. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uQ73uzph-tU/VIP4Cm_ELzI/AAAAAAAASO8/-tpLPfAqc64/s1600-h/IMG_2263%25255B19%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2263" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2263" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IiWruXcLqJM/VIP4DuRKiXI/AAAAAAAASPE/CP3IIJ_p1LQ/IMG_2263_thumb%25255B19%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="209" height="246"></a></p> Mrs. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01248784552465074108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1927021294604277063.post-60457671579825471362014-12-04T18:58:00.001-06:002014-12-04T18:58:07.689-06:00Our Favorite Christmas Tradition<p>A few years ago while introducing our children to Dickens my husband and myself came across a full audio recording of <a href="http://youtu.be/a-mz3_uhm7E" target="_blank">A Christmas Carol read by Sir Patrick Stewart</a>. The children were immediately smitten and an annual tradition was begun. Every year since then we initiate our holiday season with this wonderful gem of sin and redemption. If you have never listened to it before with your family I linked it here for you to enjoy.</p> <p> </p> <p><font size="4" face="AR BLANCA">Mandy</font></p> Mrs. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01248784552465074108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1927021294604277063.post-45290155956988957762014-12-02T01:48:00.001-06:002014-12-02T02:39:15.377-06:00Christmas is coming<span style="color: teal; font-family: inherit;">Lately I have been spending a little more time on a fabulous hobby of mine,
making soap. Actually it began over a year ago as making whipped body butter for
my family. <br />
<br />
During the dry winter months my little ones’ eczema gets so bad and my hands
start aging before my very eyes. I had wanted to try to make my own lotion for a
while and after looking around at some Kindle books on Amazon found a recipe I
liked. I did not really think too much about it but we all loved how it felt and
smelled, so this year as our homeschool craft fair came around my children
wanted to make some more to sell. I supervised and helped them label the various
tubs (we made 4 kinds) and they actually sold pretty well. <br />
<br />
I kind of thought it would be really wonderful if one day I could bring in
some money to help hubby not be so stressed since he is out of work. So
naturally I asked God to take that silly thought out of my head because hubby
had a perfect job opportunity. We were going through the formalities because we
all knew how perfect it was. Uh huh, you guessed it, poof that job fizzled out.
Instead God put it in my heart to try making soap, so I thought well at least it
will save us money and gave it a go. I ended up loving it and mentioned it to a
few friends and had planned on making some nice Christmas gifts for family since
we are not getting any money in. Well those few friends all wanted some and they
loved them so much they wanted more so I have been pretty busy crafting soap for
Christmas. <br />
<br />
I gotta say I am in awe of how God works and while this is something so small
and not ever on my radar I know he has a plan for all of us and it is always
perfect! So how is God moving you this Christmas?</span><br />
<span style="color: teal; font-family: inherit;"><em>Mandy</em></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Mrs. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01248784552465074108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1927021294604277063.post-40186471940142762952013-03-06T00:18:00.001-06:002013-03-06T00:18:34.337-06:00Cuddly backpack buddies<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-x_IqDV-yA1A/UTbftv43ayI/AAAAAAAALSE/OCZZcSeg2QE/s1600-h/kids_backpacks_homeslide%25255B26%25255D.png"><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block; float: none" title="kids_backpacks_homeslide" alt="kids_backpacks_homeslide" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hp4jnRh4TeU/UTbfuRiZpoI/AAAAAAAALSM/kaxITkOSMu0/kids_backpacks_homeslide_thumb%25255B24%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="189" height="118"></a></p> <p>Patch Buddies are an adorable combination of a Plush Toy and a custom Backpack that has a built-in carrying case. There are ten playful animals and four unique characters in the Bubele's Patch Buddy collection and each has a unique personality that will provide endless hours of entertainment and comfort, at home or on the go. Safety is important to us and to your children. So we manufacture and produce our products with the highest quality materials, dedication to safety and especially designed to protect your little ones. To see our loveable and playful collection visit our website at <a href="http://patchbuddies.com/">http://patchbuddies.com/</a> or our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Bubeles-Patch-Buddies/#%21/pages/Bubeles-Patch-Buddies/204730256275420?fref=ts">facebook page</a>.</p> <p>Here you can save 40% on any buddies purchase. Just click the link for the coupon,<a href="http://www.usfamilycoupons.com/coupon.php?bid=11062&dealid=1149&regionid=75" target="_blank">40% off use code: BUDDY224</a>.</p> <p>My 2 youngest have birthdays and these are perfect, and so stinkin cute!</p> <p><font color="#4bacc6" size="4" face="Lucida Handwriting">Mandy</font></p> Mrs. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01248784552465074108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1927021294604277063.post-11622446043456281202012-11-21T17:54:00.001-06:002012-11-21T17:54:35.218-06:00Kelly Kits for Christmas<p>Being a homeschool mom planning is a major marker of a successful day. My children love being creative but sometimes what I plan is not enough or I don’t want to get out the messy art stuff (even though it is my favorite) because we are in tight quarters right now. The best solution I have found is to use <a href="http://www.kellykits.com/" target="_blank">Kelly Kits</a>. You have 2 options to choose from: The Monthly Delivered Art Subscription is a prepackaged kit in one of the five art disciplines with enough materials to complete one art lesson. Gift Packs are prepackaged kits that contain enough supplies for 2 children to complete 5 activities.</p> <p>I think we will be so happy using this as our art curriculum for the rest of this year because it is all planned and I do not have to go searching for supplies which means we will be doing more fun stuff! </p> <p>From the site<br> “<em>Kelly Kits encourage art play using a wide variety of creative tools & materials beyond what coloring books can offer and are the perfect holiday gift for your creative kiddo! For 72 hours only Kelly Kits is having a site wide sale where all products are 10% off! Get your favorite little artist a years worth of art kits or a special gift pack with 5 activities that explore the five discipline of art: Drawing, Painting, Print Making, Collage & Sculpting!”</em></p> <p>Right now Kelly Kits is having a couple of great promotions. Check them out <a href="http://www.kellykits.com/holiday-specials/" target="_blank">HERE</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OPxFHeK1xTw/UK1poyVUeaI/AAAAAAAAKvE/4jWiYeFETxk/s1600-h/kk_holidaysale_1112_web5x7-72-01%25255B132%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block; float: none" title="kk_holidaysale_1112_web5x7-72-01" alt="kk_holidaysale_1112_web5x7-72-01" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4_S_WJMybsM/UK1pqNOW8xI/AAAAAAAAKvM/KEI2bxAI1VU/kk_holidaysale_1112_web5x7-72-01_thumb%25255B130%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="247" height="339"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-M_RSRCs_IQ4/UK1pq4CVyXI/AAAAAAAAKvU/ez35qKxm3Nc/s1600-h/kk_holidaysale_1205_web5x7_20per_-01%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block; float: none" title="kk_holidaysale_1205_web5x7_20per_-01" alt="kk_holidaysale_1205_web5x7_20per_-01" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OA5xel2oiYg/UK1pr9OMzmI/AAAAAAAAKvc/x6TYSq08OZk/kk_holidaysale_1205_web5x7_20per_-01_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" height="369"></a> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D0E1ze209Mw/UK1ptK5uE-I/AAAAAAAAKvk/VBpLyZQKQrI/s1600-h/kk_holidaysale_1212_web5x7_20per_-01%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block; float: none" title="kk_holidaysale_1212_web5x7_20per_-01" alt="kk_holidaysale_1212_web5x7_20per_-01" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6kJUQlbLO4s/UK1puQRQtjI/AAAAAAAAKvs/qw6dX1sMCwg/kk_holidaysale_1212_web5x7_20per_-01_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" height="366"></a></p> <p>You can follow Kelly Kits on FB <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kellykits?ref=ts&fref=ts" target="_blank">HERE</a></p> <p>Have creative Holiday everybody!</p> <p><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Segoe Script">Mandy</font></p> Mrs. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01248784552465074108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1927021294604277063.post-78241610919205898682012-06-18T00:00:00.000-05:002012-06-18T00:00:04.854-05:00My First Guest Post<p>Over at <a href="http://www.soyoucallyourselfahomeschooler.com/" target="_blank">So you Call Yourself a Homeschooler</a> Carlie is hosting a summer series on homeschool methods and approaches and I am so excited to be a guest poster. I am writing about how Charlotte Mason has influenced our schooling and how we are using her methods in our home. I hope you take the time to visit and read all the posts by clicking the button below.</p> <center><a href="http://www.soyoucallyourselfahomeschooler.com/category/homeschool-approachesmethods-series/" target="_blank"><img alt="So You Call Yourself A Homeschooler?" src="http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j353/ckercheval1975/150x150-1-1.jpg"></a></center> Mrs. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01248784552465074108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1927021294604277063.post-5624997729157216722012-06-15T12:07:00.001-05:002012-06-15T12:07:21.064-05:00The Simple Woman’s Daybook 06/15/2012<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RVBMI2Oqj8s/T9trvwLwPNI/AAAAAAAAH_8/qWGTtvK4TWs/s1600-h/SimpleWomansDaybook%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block; float: none" title="SimpleWomansDaybook" alt="SimpleWomansDaybook" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MNmjU0sUlO4/T9trwbG4hzI/AAAAAAAAIAE/v4mb4AFaaKw/SimpleWomansDaybook_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="141" height="200"></a></p> <p><a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/">The Simple Woman's Daybook</a><br>FOR TODAY <br><b><i>Outside my window</i></b>...Warm, still and clear... <br><b><i>I am thinking</i></b>...I should have woken up earlier… <br><b><i>I am thankful for</i></b>...my children and being able to teach them… <br><b><i>From the kitchen</i></b>...lunch being prepared…<a name="more"></a><br><b><i>I am wearing</i></b>...jeans and a gray tank… <br><b><i>I am creating</i></b>...digital scrapbook layouts…</p> <p><b><i>I am going</i></b>…to the library later today… <br><b><i>I am reading</i></b>…Engaging The Prodigal… <br><b><i>I am hoping</i></b>...my oldest son enjoyed his stay at camp this past week… <br><b><i>I am hearing</i></b>…my middle son reading <u>By the Great Horn Spoon</u>… <p><b><i>Around the house</i></b>...my daughter’s toys are strewn about… <p><b><i>One of my favorite things</i></b>...waking up early and feeling awake instead of wanting to crawl right back under the blankets… <p><strong><em>A few plans for the rest of the week: </em></strong>Packing up books from this year and beginning to plan for our new curriculum… <br><b><i>Here is picture for thought I am sharing...</i></b></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iRoQolLZBA4/T9trxbO3S6I/AAAAAAAAIAM/HqeL2BaUxVU/s1600-h/Summer%252520School%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block; float: none" title="Summer School" alt="Summer School" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YV2tKN_1uuQ/T9trx8pHHSI/AAAAAAAAIAU/JhyHX41pYNE/Summer%252520School_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="198" height="250"></a></p> <p><font color="#00b3b3" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Mandy</font></p> Mrs. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01248784552465074108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1927021294604277063.post-26386130495460145542012-06-09T23:23:00.001-05:002012-06-09T23:23:07.163-05:00A New Endeavor<p>Ever since I was introduced to scrapbooking I have been in love. I even became a Stampin Up consultant and enjoyed it immensely. Storage was a problem and so I began looking at digital scrapbooking but never really felt drawn to it. Now that I have a good digital camera I began looking more seriously. </p> <p>After seeing a few freebie sets put out by others and asking about what is the easiest and most cost effective product, I decided on Photoshop Elements 10, which I received this past Mother’s Day from my awesome family. I am still learning but have realized designing Digiscrap sets really isn’t all that difficult for me. So, here is my first attempt: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9vC9GFyTRwYBQBE8Ixv2baVSW26fA4QnMUlOOwQIDR-mFGZI_NHiJq72yMKcxbeGo4hmfwW56Zdap9YlVPEvgxa0PURK_dZXRpmGBRrxyK-5N88fEppn3yFj8z2LBUZ0iFxu_KJtSyQ/s1600-h/EtherealPapersetPSE10%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block; float: none" title="EtherealPapersetPSE10" alt="EtherealPapersetPSE10" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hy97luRNZYo/T9QhKRNa3KI/AAAAAAAAH_s/FwGOnivrzlY/EtherealPapersetPSE10_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="267" height="200"></a></p> <p>So, what do you think? Four papers with a slight shimmer and great texture. I am thinking after much practice that I may even make sets to sell. I would love comments on improvements, tutorials, pricing suggestions, and how to get started. If enough of you like these papers I’ll post them on here for free.</p> <p><font color="#f0d04f" size="5" face="Segoe Script"><em>Mandy</em></font></p> Mrs. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01248784552465074108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1927021294604277063.post-24567701187415742902012-05-25T12:00:00.000-05:002012-06-15T11:24:51.025-05:00Heritage History~TOS Review<a href="http://homeschoolcrew.com/785260/" target="_blank"><img alt="HSCrew468x60Animated" height="26" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-g26PXBN_qtg/T7_WduApEWI/AAAAAAAAH8w/SAGsTjTXr_Q/HSCrew468x60Animated%25255B1%25255D.gif?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="HSCrew468x60Animated" width="200" /></a><br />
As a homeschool family we own a lot of books both in physical and e-book format. I try to purchase physical books whenever possible but with hubby out of work for a year and a move to a much smaller space that has been cut back this year. Not to mention I am beginning to run out of book shelves. I was so grateful to be chosen to review <a href="http://www.heritage-history.com/www/heritage-store.php?pid=curriculum" target="_blank">Heritage History’s Classical Curriculum-Young Reader’s Library</a>.<br />
<a href="http://www.heritage-history.com/www/heritage.php" target="_blank"><img alt="logo_wht_ds" height="60" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o3WsiqYjTs0/T7_WeYabcBI/AAAAAAAAH84/di04nQgSoBY/logo_wht_ds%25255B15%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 5px auto;" title="logo_wht_ds" width="167" /></a><br />
From the Website:<br />
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<i>“The <b>Heritage Classical Curriculum</b> is the <b>easiest</b>, <b>least expensive</b>, and most <b>enjoyable</b> way to learn traditional history. Our "living books" reading program uses narrative histories that were popular with young people of earlier generations and features books of interest to students of all ages. </i></div>
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<a name='more'></a>Students love reading these <b>story-based</b> histories, and our <b>everyday low prices</b> are affordable on any budget. The Heritage curriculum encourages students to learn at their own pace, without busywork or rote memorization. The complete text of dozens of fascinating books are included in the curriculum, so there is no need to track down hard-to-find titles. It is the simplest and most enjoyable way to learn history, and helps instill a love for the subject in students of all ages. <br />
Each Curriculum CD includes biographies, legends, hero stories, and historical literature as well as comprehensive histories. In addition to books, <a href="http://www.heritage-history.com/www/heritage-store.php?pid=curriculum#study">study aids</a>, including timelines, historical maps, and era summaries are provided in printable format. <br />
<a href="http://www.heritage-history.com/www/heritage.php" target="_blank">Heritage History</a> currently offers five Libraries configured as complete curriculums. “ <br />
<b><i>Our Thoughts</i></b>:<br />
I use so many living books in our home school that I appreciate the value this product represents. I am saving my pennies to buy the complete collection. I only recently purchased a Kindle Fire and can’t wait to get a cable so I can load these onto it. I love that my children can now pop in the CD and select a book to read aloud to the younger children without me having to search for something both educational and appropriate.<br />
I love the study aids, this particular library is a general overview of history and so the aids are a little different than the others in the collection. Included are Full color images from the books listed by book, a printable overview and teacher’s guide, and a listing of the events and characters covered. A simple way to keep track of what has been covered or to plan out unit studies. The recommended reading section has a plan laid out to begin an organized study of history. So no worry if you are not the organized type, they have already given you which books to use.<br />
Each book supports 3 file formats: EPUB, PDF, and MOBI, making it very easy to use on multiple devices. The users guide walks you step by step through downloading the books to your chosen device. The text is clean and the images and covers are scans of the originals. You can find a complete list of eBooks available for purchase <a href="http://www.heritage-history.com/www/heritage-store.php?pid=ebook" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
<a href="http://www.heritage-history.com/www/heritage-store.php?pid=hcc_hcc_young-readers_1"><b><img align="left" alt="cd_front_case_250_217" height="125" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PgwWmXKZn98/T7_WfKgjdWI/AAAAAAAAH9A/xZW59ghO4IU/cd_front_case_250_217%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: inline; float: left; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px;" title="cd_front_case_250_217" width="144" />Young Readers</b></a><br />The Young Readers collection is the introductory unit of the Heritage Classical Curriculum. It includes easy-to-read, introductory selections from many historical periods and provides a broad introduction to Western Culture suitable for grammar school age students. Specially featured are short stories from American, European, Ancient, and Biblical history.<br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Includes 86 books, Recommendations, and a Teacher's Guide</span></i> <br />
<b>Young Readers: $24.99</b> <br />
<i><span style="color: #00b3b3; font-family: Segoe Script; font-size: large;">Mandy</span></i> <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the above product in exchange for my honest opinion. This opinion is based on my own families experience and you may or may not have a similar experience. No other compensation was received.</span>Mrs. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01248784552465074108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1927021294604277063.post-50523010928545801372012-05-23T17:31:00.001-05:002012-06-15T11:26:49.107-05:00Write Shop ~ TOS Review<a href="http://homeschoolcrew.com/785184/" target="_blank"><img alt="HSCrew468x60Animated" height="26" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ugKg4iNhwqI/T71lRKFBjkI/AAAAAAAAHwg/4BvjTuSYysQ/HSCrew468x60Animated%25255B3%25255D.gif?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="HSCrew468x60Animated" width="200" /></a><br />
I love to write and so does my husband. I write poetry, short stories, pretty much whatever comes to mind while my dearest writes things of a more technical nature. This has not been the case with our 2 oldest sons. <br />
While the 16 y/o will at least put pencil to paper and write something when required, the 9 y/o will balk and whine. <i>Not</i> a happy school day when that happens let me tell you. To his credit he has dysgraphia which makes writing painful and difficult for him. To combat this we began with minimal writing for him, focusing on penmanship and how to get the letters to flow. Slowly we have increased his workload to include more writing.<br />
<a href="http://www.writeshop.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="WSlogo" height="61" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4_WV5oA1QO8/T71lRigUvNI/AAAAAAAAHwo/A3sKkfnYkxU/WSlogo%25255B32%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 5px auto;" title="WSlogo" width="221" /></a><br />
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<a name='more'></a>I had hoped that by now he would be writing paragraphs with minimal trouble, but that is not the case. While I was trying to figure out what to do for next year I had the chance to review <a href="http://www.writeshop.com/store/products.php?cat=19" target="_blank">Write Shop Junior Book D</a>. It is a very hands on writing program that uses short daily activities to teach, model, draft, revise, and produce a final piece focusing on one writing element each lesson.<br />
I received a couple items that are optional but which I felt added greatly to the program and drastically cut down my prep time. The result was a truly ‘open and go’ curriculum. Here is the complete listing of materials I used:<br />
<b><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DkVEibIKDWg/T71lSawDRiI/AAAAAAAAHww/T5ASe-XaUt4/s1600-h/Book-D-TG-cover-th%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Book-D-TG-cover-th" height="125" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-87_m-mqoxNg/T71lS9Lh_pI/AAAAAAAAHw4/p0v6fJIkUBQ/Book-D-TG-cover-th_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: inline; float: left; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px;" title="Book-D-TG-cover-th" width="97" /></a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.writeshop.com/store/proddetail.php?prod=0050" target="_blank">Teacher’s Guide</a></b><br />
The teacher’s guide was invaluable as it laid the foundation for why each activity set was being used and walked me through the work for each day. I had a list for each of the 10 lessons with what materials would be needed, this list is also stated at the beginning of the section you will need the materials for. Each lesson is broken down into 8 activity sets which are scheduled in a couple different ways making it very adaptable.<br />
<b><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4htQTs7XP0o/T71lTgk20AI/AAAAAAAAHxA/s5xJ6RrBYaw/s1600-h/bookD-cover-th%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="bookD-cover-th" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZmgaKvfylL2uByk_LDtCMrtRDHUz697qayp2kbreZOq-aK2rD2otO-_OJcgAlO8-SJKuwyF4nf6FzJE94bsdG4vx-fehQ2h2K-Q7z-9qshtbZXw2VxZnvShOeHTr_yDoKq1d-9tv8No/?imgmax=800" style="display: inline; float: left; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px;" title="bookD-cover-th" width="97" /></a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.writeshop.com/store/proddetail.php?prod=0051" target="_blank">Activity Pack</a></b><br />
The Activity Pack includes the Student Worksheet Pack and the Fold N Go Grammar Pack. The Student worksheets are used to journal, brainstorm and self edit mostly with a few being used for Pre-writing and Publishing activities.<br />
The Fold N Go Grammar is a wonderful way to teach the grammar skills necessary in a very laid back way and great reference tool during the writing process. The student works through the pencil activity and puts the sheets together in a folder, a bookmark is included for quick review.<br />
<b><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yUgvsSBy1Ww/T71lU-VFuRI/AAAAAAAAHxQ/f0dyc7akUIc/s1600-h/bookD-timesaver-th%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="SBD-Time-Saver-Cover(3)" height="125" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Bh5r9Nh9Too/T71lVqYffGI/AAAAAAAAHxY/wTjxbQynj_g/bookD-timesaver-th_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: inline; float: left; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px;" title="SBD-Time-Saver-Cover(3)" width="95" /></a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.writeshop.com/store/proddetail.php?prod=0052" target="_blank">Time Saver Pack</a></b><br />
This is the collection of pre-writing and skill-building activities that you could create on your own with the TG instructions pre-printed on cardstock for your convenience. Each sheet is marked clearly as to the lesson and activity it goes with.<br />
<b><i>Our Thoughts:</i></b><br />
We loved this program. My son still had some trials but with such short work periods each day he found it much more enjoyable. The activities included were fun and he loved the fact that he got to play games to learn. I really enjoyed not having a daily battle to get him to write and the fact that this is a complete writing program that addresses not only writing but grammar as well. I highly recommend this for any student but especially those with difficulties.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-B2MABF2g8kw/T71roY0RxZI/AAAAAAAAH0c/WJZM3PBOnTE/s1600-h/IMG_0611%25255B17%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0611" height="150" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VX3NKZz3bPc/T71ro_7MJLI/AAAAAAAAH0o/98kfMiDcmcE/IMG_0611_thumb%25255B17%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 5px auto;" title="IMG_0611" width="118" /></a><br />
<b><u>Cost</u></b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Required products:</i></span>Write Shop Junior Book D Teacher Guide – $39.95<br />Write Shop Junior Activity Pack, Book D – $39.95<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />Optional products:</i></span>Write Shop Junior Book D Time-Saver Pack – $13.95<br />
Each resource I received was in print/bound format however if the price is a little steep, which I agree it is, they are available in an e-book format. This will increase your prep time, so for me the price difference is not big enough to mess with e-books unless I were to use it with multiple children.<br />
<span style="color: #00b3b3; font-family: Segoe Script; font-size: large;">Mandy</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: I received the above products for free in exchange for my honest opinion. This review is based on my families experiences and you may or may not have a similar experience with this product. No additional compensation was received.</span>Mrs. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01248784552465074108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1927021294604277063.post-56612002040574809412012-05-16T10:34:00.001-05:002012-06-15T11:27:45.134-05:00Judah Bible Curriculum ~ TOS Review<a href="http://homeschoolcrew.com/785154/" target="_blank"><img alt="HSCrew468x60Animated" height="26" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0L0uvxebYh0/T7PI8iK0wkI/AAAAAAAAHtE/GMVQoX5ZSp8/HSCrew468x60Animated%25255B6%25255D.gif?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="HSCrew468x60Animated" width="200" /></a><br />
One of the places we really struggle in our day to day school life and outside of school as well, is remembering to work on and implement Godly character. I think this is probably the most important thing we as homeschoolers should be working on but for some reason it is always the first thing to let slip when things get crazy. We recently decided to cut back and simplify to really focus on this.<br />
<a href="http://www.judahbible.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="logo" height="20" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dlS6nv4_8mo/T7PI9QQBR2I/AAAAAAAAHtM/9BoMDEbUTU4/logo%25255B19%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 5px auto;" title="logo" width="185" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.judahbible.com/" target="_blank"></a><br />
<a name='more'></a><a href="http://www.judahbible.com/" target="_blank">Judah Bible Curriculum</a> is based on the Principle Approach method which is, simply put, applying Biblical principles to your student’s life and character. I will warn you implementing it is teacher intensive, but the results are so worth it. Here is a snippet from the website:</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>A Principle Approach curriculum for Bible class. <br />Develop a comprehensive knowledge of the Bible. <br />Build strong, Godly character in your children. <br />Study the Bible together. <br />Study the hand of God in the lives of individuals and nations. <br />For homeschool, Christian school, Sunday school. Teach your children living Biblical principles to guide their lives.<br />Apply God’s word personally in every area of life. <br />The Bible is the textbook.</i></span></div>
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The bible is the textbook, how much simpler could it be. Using JBC and notebooking your student cycles through major themes of the Bible focusing on certain scripture each week. Putting important people, places, ideas, events, and documents on key sheets helps to cement the ideas presented and is great for learning note taking and how to be concise.</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nMBRGtoiJYo/T7PI-mYHerI/AAAAAAAAHtU/HBLPCiYKQSg/s1600-h/keyexample%25255B38%25255D.jpg"><img alt="keyexample" height="189" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ph-vbd9Ho4Y/T7PI_Mw8MaI/AAAAAAAAHtc/nRIv3tYfII8/keyexample_thumb%25255B36%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 5px auto;" title="keyexample" width="233" /></a></div>
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This is not a open and go curriculum, there are 8 teacher training seminars that will train you how to teach your children using this method. Also included are the teacher manual, with the weekly theme guide, and the notebooking ideas book. This will give you some ideas for your students to begin creating their own notebook for the study. Each year your student digs deeper adding to previous knowledge and study as they add to their notebooks. Here is a link to their <a href="http://www.judahbible.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47&Itemid=60" target="_blank">Philosophy of Education</a>.</div>
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<b>Our Thoughts:</b></div>
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I used this with my 9 y/o son and I certainly could have used it with all of my children from the 3 y/o to the 16 y/o since it is very open ended. Each child may get different things out of it and put that into their notebooks. Yet it all comes together when you teach the underlying principles and ideas in the Bible. We have really enjoyed using this and have had some good conversations that would not have occurred if we had used our regular Bible study curriculum.</div>
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At first I was having a very difficult time wrapping my head around much of the “how” for this method. And really that is what you are paying for, a manual and audio teaching you how to teach the themes of the Bible according to the Principle Approach. I finally just took each week from the manual and we did basic notes on the key sheets and then created a notebook page on the scripture reading. I just had to quit worrying about whether I was understanding how to use it the “right” way and just start. </div>
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My son stated he liked it because of the notebooking but struggled with the writing since the key sheets were set up with little room for each section. I feel they could be organized in a different way easily enough myself that I may just create my own so his dysgraphia is not aggravated.</div>
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This is very teacher intensive like I said before. Right now with having some very intense discipline issues with my 3 year old and a 2 month old infant who is nursing round the clock it just is not something we will be using. I would love to dig into it in the future and love what I have seen so far.</div>
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<b>Cost:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.judahbible.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53&Itemid=59" target="_blank"><img align="left" alt="online_copy_buy_now" height="144" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AsrPp7gQP_w/T7PJBJ-jy7I/AAAAAAAAHt0/jNvqX4i43CY/online_copy_buy_now%25255B22%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: inline; float: left; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px;" title="online_copy_buy_now" width="143" /></a> You get:<br />
1) Judah Bible Curriculum K-12 Manual, e-book format to download<br />
2) Elementary Notebook Ideas booklet to view online or download<br />
3) Eight-lecture Teacher Training Seminar listen online or download<br />
(40% discount for online delivery!)</div>
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<a href="http://www.judahbible.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53&Itemid=59" target="_blank"><img align="left" alt="hardcopy_buy_now.jpg" height="150" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3S4KFXjzdck/T7PJCOoJkOI/AAAAAAAAHt8/CSyoftsFnJg/hardcopy_buy_now.jpg%25255B34%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: inline; float: left; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px;" title="hardcopy_buy_now.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
You get:<br />
1) Judah Bible Curriculum K-12 Manual<br />
2) Elementary Notebook Ideas booklet<br />
3) Eight-lecture Teacher Training Seminar on CDs <br />
(includes shipping and handling) <br />
Click the TOS banner at the top of this post to read other reviews on JBC. <br />
<i><span style="color: #00b3b3; font-family: Segoe Script; font-size: large;">Mandy</span></i> <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: I was provided with a free download of the above product in exchange for my honest opinion. My review is based on our family’s experience and may or may not reflect your own. No other compensation was received.</span>Mrs. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01248784552465074108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1927021294604277063.post-72039010319893527652012-05-02T00:20:00.000-05:002012-06-15T11:29:15.916-05:00Homeschool Library Builder ~ TOS Review<i><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://homeschoolcrew.com/785086/" target="_blank"><img alt="HSCrew468x60Animated" height="27" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-k6zily6vAr0/T591xJLPsxI/AAAAAAAAGSI/OtdFUH0U6HM/HSCrew468x60Animated%25255B1%25255D.gif?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="HSCrew468x60Animated" width="208" /></a></span></i> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I am so happy to have been introduced to a wonderful homeschool resource recently. <a href="http://www.hslibrarybuilder.com/" target="_blank">Homeschool Library Builder</a> is a company that helps homeschoolers build their libraries at a very affordable price. Run by two homeschool families, HSLB has an amazing free membership that enables you to earn free books with their book rewards program, newsletters with lesson plans and monthly specials, sell your products in their marketplace, and help support Compassion International.</span> <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Htb-yxkcUqA/T5t-VH9nxWI/AAAAAAAAFr8/PpqhbEk4fww/s1600-h/Logo%252520HSLB%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Logo HSLB" height="30" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fuVBal4Vws0/T5t-WbpwMwI/AAAAAAAAFsE/u1FfR7helSo/Logo%252520HSLB_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 5px auto;" title="Logo HSLB" width="209" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: small;">In order to meet the needs of the homeschool families they serve, HSLB sells both new and used books. These book are graded on the condition they are in and priced accordingly. You can find the definition of these grading conditions at </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.hslibrarybuilder.com/pages.php?pageid=1" target="_blank"><i>Book Quality Ratings</i></a><i>.</i> They even offer a book search to help you locate that elusive, just have to have it book!</span> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I love how they are more than just a used book vendor! I can appreciate the offer of free advertising for homeschoolers who have a business. I also am amazed at the selection, so many out of print, hard to find books. </span> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;">If you use a living books, literature based, or unit study type of curriculum then you need to make this your first stop. They even have their selections organized by curriculum where available. I mean come on how cool is that? I have not seen too many other book sellers offer that, they did the leg work for you!</span> <br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Copperplate Gothic Bold; font-size: medium;"><b>Right now until May 31 Homeschool Library Builder is offering 25% off everything!</b></span> <br />
<i><span style="color: #ad5262; font-family: Segoe Script; font-size: large;">Mandy</span></i> <br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: As part of the TOS Crew, I was asked to review this free membership based site. No compensation was received however, I was offered a discount on any purchase I might make. I may receive compensation if you choose to join and use my name as a referral. All opinions are my own. </span></i>Mrs. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01248784552465074108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1927021294604277063.post-19046987769809269372012-05-01T23:05:00.000-05:002012-06-15T11:41:17.091-05:00Ring Around The ABC’s…My daughter turned 3 about a month ago and she is forever asking to do school. However, her idea of school is more organic than mine. She is completely happy to jump around while counting or doing the alphabet but me being me I try to teach her. What? She is having none of that, thank you very much!<br />
In order to try and get her engaged in learning the alphabet in order, which I admit in the grand scheme of things doesn’t really matter, I decided to make it a game. She LOVES games! I took the first 6 letters and wrote them on 6 pieces of construction paper (5 3/4’ X 9”) of assorted colors. I placed 6 chairs in a back to back fashion (think musical chairs) and put one letter on each chair seat. I played music and when it stopped she had to climb on the nearest chair and tell me what letter she landed on. Apparently all letters were the letter “A” today but she got the idea.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z1T63kaz9ic/T6CsodYA-AI/AAAAAAAAHjA/HiFBBcWzTwc/s1600-h/IMG_0553%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0553" height="125" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7wXgUmY30wI/T6CspNoTeII/AAAAAAAAHjI/MGtJXcBfVoA/IMG_0553_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 5px auto;" title="IMG_0553" width="167" /></a><br />
<a name='more'></a>After a bit I changed it up and asked to move around the chairs doing various actions with each letter (tap letter “A”, turn letter “C” upside down, hug letter “E”, etc.). To get her ready for our reading curriculum I finished off by using the scripted words and asking her to go in order starting with “A” and having her tell me “What Letter?” and she did great. She was so super excited and she followed my directions for the most part. I think this may be a great way to do lots of her schoolwork. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Wf86l9JHEaw/T6CsqUMWTjI/AAAAAAAAHjQ/OpuAEm3daQg/s1600-h/IMG_0551%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0551" height="125" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZHxgS4ZXTfg/T6CsrAEuwcI/AAAAAAAAHjY/BZ_SPg9gpqE/IMG_0551_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 5px auto;" title="IMG_0551" width="167" /></a><br />
So now I of course had to make “real” cards that would last since the quickie ones I made were crumpled by the end of 40 minutes. I have some cute ones you can print out as a set for free <a href="http://www.4shared.com/folder/rbXrEuhh/_online.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. If you’d like something more specific let me know.<br />
<i><span style="color: #00b3b3; font-family: Segoe Script; font-size: large;">Mandy</span></i>Mrs. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01248784552465074108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1927021294604277063.post-86250543310206070222012-04-25T19:03:00.001-05:002012-06-15T11:41:49.033-05:00Called To A Simpler LifeI recently attended the Midwest Parent Educator’s homeschool conference in Kansas City, MO. I had hoped to turn it into a vacation time for my family along with a refreshing of my momma soul. What actually transpired last weekend was instead an amazingly stress filled wonderful blessing. Yeah that strange! Only God could have imagined this one. <br />
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First of all we have a large family and needed to take 2 vehicles. Our two older children rode with my parents which always irritates me since I feel they should prefer to ride with my husband and myself. They of course feel they should ride with whoever lets them do what they wish without consequences. Needless to say I was ignoring God’s leading on letting that one go.<br />
After arriving we settled into our 2 rooms, big family remember, where again the oldest spent all of his time in my parents room. See the trend and why I am aggravated here? At any rate Friday hubby and I took the 2 month old and the 9 year old to the conference with us. The 16 and 3 year olds spent the day with the grandparents and spent some time seeing cool things. I will be planning to make another trip to really spend a good amount of time at these places with all our children.<br />
My husband and I were late, got a bit turned around, and decided to check out the vendor hall. It was so great I found nearly all of our needed curriculum for the 2012-2013 school year. My heart was burdened as I missed all the speakers I had <strike>wanted</strike> needed to see. You see I was hoping to hear God’s voice on a few matters and thought I had missed it by not seeing the speakers. I know how foolish of me to think that was the only way God would choose to speak to me. <br />
We had decided to visit one more vendor, <a href="http://www.doorposts.com/" target="_blank">Doorposts</a>, since I needed to get the <a href="http://www.doorposts.com/details.aspx?id=91" target="_blank">If/Then and Blessing chart laminated bundle</a>. As I was talking to the gentleman about what I needed I felt compelled to tell him my troubles in full. Not just gloss over the heart issues we were dealing with. Now this whole time my brain is saying “you are talking too much” which is usually the same time my husband would agree and wander away. <br />
This wonderful vendor worker asked me a question I have asked my self countless times about discipline issues, “Are you and your husband on the same page?” Unfortunately I know we are not and my hesitation to answer revealed all. He pointed out a little resource we should use to evaluate how we are doing with discipline, <a href="http://www.doorposts.com/details.aspx?id=10" target="_blank">A Checklist For Parents</a>. This booklet allows us to check our methods against God’s word without judging each other. <br />
I voiced concern over the fact that my children have become deaf to my voice and no longer listen to me. I was directed to the wife of this wonderful couple and we discussed using Proverbs to teach the children and just cutting back to the basics of reading, writing, and math. After further conversation this couple has been a tremendous blessing in our lives. I am feeling refreshed and much more capable as a homeschool mom. I can see God’s plan for our family a little more clearly now.<br />
In light of this I have made a decision about the content of this blog. As you regular readers know I review for The Old Schoolhouse Crew and have for 2 years. While this has been a wonderful blessing in my life and for our family for many reasons, I have decided to resign. <br />
Focusing on our heart issues and getting us all back on the same page is my goal right now. I find myself getting frustrated with my children, battling anger and yelling far too often and it has affected their faith. That needs to be corrected pronto. I have also purchased Terri Maxwell’s <a href="http://www.titus2.com/ecommerce/products/prod_listing.php/1120" target="_blank">Homeschooling With A Meek and Quiet Spirit</a> and <a href="http://www.titus2.com/ecommerce/products/prod_listing.php/4020" target="_blank">Study Guide</a>. I am anticipating a wonderful time with the Lord teaching me to be the submissive wife and meek mother he desire’s me to be so that our family can function in His ways.<br />
<b>NOTE: </b>I contacted Doorposts to thank their representative couple, Greg and Traci Piper, and found out they did have a speaker session. If you ever have the chance to hear them speak take it!<br />
<span style="color: #ad5262; font-family: Segoe Script; font-size: large;">Mandy</span>Mrs. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01248784552465074108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1927021294604277063.post-43475825763816717662012-04-18T12:18:00.001-05:002012-06-15T11:46:07.278-05:00It’s that time again…<p>To clear some shelf space for new curriculum. </p> <p>I am only taking PayPal and will ship media mail. </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:0a7b020c-2e51-4379-b078-a5387e1e26be:1679637b-f448-4ae9-b6bf-6c209e34fe59" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a name='more'></a></div><strike></strike> <p><strong>Barry Stebbing’s How Great Thou Art</strong>: Student’s Guide To Keeping an Art Journal <font style="background-color: #a5b592"></font>$10<font style="background-color: #a5b592"></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jejzm1rntNU/T473bPGL9JI/AAAAAAAAFmc/ZsmZwXz2f00/s1600-h/IMG_0390%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0390" alt="IMG_0390" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mhXMO7lrX3M/T473b9eyaEI/AAAAAAAAFmk/Kx0dngrOtKk/IMG_0390_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240"></a></p> <p><strong>Vocab Ahead</strong> SAT Vocab DVD-ROM $5</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-letcFGOpmeA/T57pzhh0uaI/AAAAAAAAFtI/xlhz9bro9_8/s1600-h/IMG_0543%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block; float: none" title="IMG_0543" alt="IMG_0543" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xc33_uZhPBc/T57p04cfOQI/AAAAAAAAFtQ/aox2OfdbxUM/IMG_0543_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="167" height="125"></a></p> <p>I will be adding to this as I go through our storage so be sure to check back often!</p> <p><font color="#ad5262" size="5" face="Segoe Script"><em>Mandy</em></font></p> Mrs. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01248784552465074108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1927021294604277063.post-45943077124034685162012-04-15T15:36:00.001-05:002012-04-21T18:50:10.158-05:00Ultimate Blog Party 2012 & GiveawayI would like to invite you all to join me at the Ultimate Blog Party hosted by 5 Minutes For Mom! No need to get a sitter the party comes right to your house. <br />
<a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/51797/ultimate-blog-party-2012/" target="_blank"><img alt="Ultimate Blog Party 2012" src="http://www.5minutesformom.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/UBP400x100.jpg" title="Ultimate Blog Party 2012" /></a> <br />
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Originally I began blogging as a way to get back to writing. Not anything novel worthy mind you but I missed writing, journaling really. I basically began randomly posting and then found it was very freeing to be getting my thoughts out like that and it became a more regular occurrence.<br />
Being married to a career military man has been a tremendous blessing to our family of 6 but has not been without it’s challenges. In 2009 we began to homeschool our two oldest boys. My blog reflected that new adventure in our lives. In 2010 I began reviewing for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine’s Crew and have been since. <br />
I would like to have a definite purpose for my blog but that seems to always be changing. So maybe what I am desiring is more of a mission for my blog. So I hope very soon to decide on that with lots of prayer and take this in a slightly new direction.<br />
And no party would be a success if there weren’t any really cool gifts. I am giving away one copy of Book 1 The Quest For Truth: Taken by Brock Eastman. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XEwmsj8O28M/T4yNIADbepI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/aatEMkuiRiE/s1600-h/taken%252520cover%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="taken cover" height="175" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PlvtSHikc3w/T4yNI1RfMEI/AAAAAAAAFkY/urg9iSewVfs/taken%252520cover_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 5px auto;" title="taken cover" width="110" /></a><br />
All you have to do is look around on my blog and leave a comment on your favorite post.<br />
So take a look around and say howdy then join in the fun by adding your blog to the party, see you there.<br />
<span style="color: #ad5262; font-family: Segoe Script; font-size: large;"><i>Mandy</i></span>Mrs. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01248784552465074108noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1927021294604277063.post-31414718229514078842012-04-15T01:57:00.001-05:002012-04-16T16:45:47.095-05:00AIMS Fabulous Fractions~TOS Review<p><a href="http://homeschoolcrew.com/784916/" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="HSCrew468x60Animated" alt="HSCrew468x60Animated" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JTCnqZ0mAAk/T4pxYnOOxZI/AAAAAAAAFis/3e55Cl_4Fb8/HSCrew468x60Animated%25255B3%25255D.gif?imgmax=800" width="200" height="26"></a></p> <p>The latest item I have been reviewing is one that many can relate to. Having a child struggle with math and/or science can put us moms in a hard place. That is why I was so glad to get a chance to review <a href="http://store.aimsedu.org/aims_store/books/fabulous-fractions.html" target="_blank">Fabulous Fractions</a> from <a href="http://www.aimsedu.org//" target="_blank">AIMS Hands on Math and Science</a>. Fractions just seem to be a really difficult concept for most people including myself. This activity book is really useful in helping your child “see” the relationships in fractions.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-20GFq0KfcZ8/T4pxZFr5xGI/AAAAAAAAFi0/ff6vhB6T-rw/s1600-h/aimms%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block; float: none" title="aimms" alt="aimms" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-K8ZnBLs27PY/T4pxZr5jKMI/AAAAAAAAFi8/QYTkflggXSY/aimms_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="40"></a></p> <p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:0a7b020c-2e51-4379-b078-a5387e1e26be:ccc4de2a-0ced-44d1-8da8-eda25001cf90" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a name='more'></a></div>While written in a format more familiar in institutional schools, homeschoolers can easily modify the activities for a smaller group. Each lesson or activity has a materials list, procedure to walk you through it step by step, and questions for connecting the learning and following up on the concept.</p> <p>Every activity has pages you can copy (or print from the included CD) right after the lesson to use during the teaching. The Connecting the Learning questions are located immediately after the hands on pages. I really appreciated this since it meant I could review the lesson myself before hand and then print/copy those pages for the activity. That way I was not reading straight from the lesson and did not risk losing my son’s attention.</p> <p><a href="http://store.aimsedu.org/previews/bkprev/FabulousFraction.html" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 5px 0px; display: inline" title="FabFractions" alt="FabFractions" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Qzix9iwsAsU/T4pxaPxqBHI/AAAAAAAAFjE/tsPmqUlqmOs/FabFractions%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="139" height="175"></a> Click image for sample preview</p> <p>I also received a manipulative to be used with this particular activity book. The Fraction Transparencies are just that, transparency film divided into various fractions. So simple yet powerful, when you over lay them one on top of another your child can better understand how various fractions can be equivalent. I am planning on looking into some of the other manipulatives for the fall. </p> <p>I loved using this with my son and even though the format of the lesson plan is a little overwhelming at first it really is easy to use. I find it helped to walk through it myself first before teaching it just so I was sure of what was being taught. Don’t be put off by the format though, it is just what schools are used to seeing. Once you get the hang of reading the lesson plan you will see just how valuable AIMS activity books are.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gZlFIsU6A8k/T4pxauQvDeI/AAAAAAAAFjM/ONhLf1Buagc/s1600-h/thumbnail_FractionalTransparen%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block; float: none" title="thumbnail_FractionalTransparen" alt="thumbnail_FractionalTransparen" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XaE9BC_u8-k/T4pxbNM-0VI/AAAAAAAAFjU/V2uFiKxrikw/thumbnail_FractionalTransparen_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="142" height="158"></a></p> <p>Be sure and visit their special <a href="http://www.aimsedu.org//home-school/index.html" target="_blank">AIMS for homeschool</a> page and take a look around. View and try some of the sample activities to get a good feel for it before you purchase. This is one of my favorite homeschool resources since I know I can always find something to help us out.</p> <p>Since we reviewed <a href="http://store.aimsedu.org/aims_store/books/fabulous-fractions.html" target="_blank">Fabulous Fractions</a> here are the specifics on it. Keep in mind that there are many products to choose from and the prices vary so check the website.</p> <p>Fabulous Fractions activity book<br>Grades 3-5<br>122 pages<br><font size="2">“This collection of hands-on experiences seeks to engage students by using manipulatives to develop concepts of fractions and equivalence. For example, in the activity “Fraction Fringe,” students will make colorful paper fringes using paper of the same size but cut into notches of different proportions. One paper is notched in half, another is in fourths, another is in eighths, and so on. Overlapping these fringed papers, students will discover the relationships they have to one another. Numerators, denominators, equivalencies will all be explored with these handy, colorful tools and will provide “aha” moments for your students.</font></p> <p><font size="2">Fabulous Fractions also offers playful and intelligent practice as an integral part of the learning process. Several card games are included that challenge students to apply their understanding of matching or pairing fractions to show equivalence or sums of one.</font> <p><font size="2">Each learning experience in this book is designed to help build a concrete basis for thinking about fractions and operations. Many also explore applications to problem solving, geometry, and data display and analysis. Students will benefit as they develop a visual image of the actions that they are taking when working with fractions within an equation.”</font> <p><br><strong>Cost:</strong><br>E-book – 19.95<br>Softcover book w/ cd – 21.95<br>Fraction Transparencies – 14.95</p> <p>Purchase <a href="http://store.aimsedu.org/aims_store/books/fabulous-fractions.html" target="_blank">Here</a> </p> <p>Be sure to read more reviews by clicking the banner at the top of this post.</p> <p><font color="#ad5262" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Mandy</font></p> <p><font size="2">Disclaimer: I received a copy of the above physical product in exchange for my honest review. The experience we have had using this product was based on my families needs you may or may not have a similar experience.</font></p> Mrs. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01248784552465074108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1927021294604277063.post-10857781281780489572012-04-11T01:41:00.001-05:002012-04-16T16:47:08.123-05:00TruthQuest History ~ TOS Review<p><a href="http://homeschoolcrew.com/784881/" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="HSCrew468x60Animated" alt="HSCrew468x60Animated" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FcRxBm8wR4M/T4Unby9MX5I/AAAAAAAAFfU/czXXpoCpq-E/HSCrew468x60Animated%25255B3%25255D.gif?imgmax=800" width="200" height="26"></a></p> <p>We love history here at Miskatonic Prep. Well, all right maybe that is a slight exaggeration (or just wishful thinking on my part), but we do thoroughly enjoy learning about history. We use Charlotte Mason’s methodology of living books so much of our studying is done in the context of sitting down with a good book.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dz2VKIfz3D4/T4UncvAwnKI/AAAAAAAAFfc/gwz6fROzVLY/s1600-h/lrg_midages%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 5px 20px 5px 0px; display: inline; float: left" title="lrg_midages" alt="lrg_midages" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hPq30Xz_9f4/T4UndeZ_Y9I/AAAAAAAAFfk/u60shP7lnMA/lrg_midages_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="192" height="250"></a></p> <p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:0a7b020c-2e51-4379-b078-a5387e1e26be:0e0eece3-4f1d-420a-97ee-12e40a4cea21" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a name='more'></a></div>One of the time periods we have seemingly done very little with is the Middle Ages. We have only been homeschooling for 3 years after all. I suppose now is a good time to start; so when I got the chance to review <a href="http://truthquesthistory.com/store/products.php" target="_blank">TruthQuest History: Middle Ages (500-1400)</a> I took it. <a href="http://truthquesthistory.com/" target="_blank">TruthQuest History</a> is a curriculum guide written for grades 5-12 and covers history from the aspect of “God’s reality and rightness.” Meant to challenge both the teacher and the student in their definition of history each volume (11 in all) includes a commentary and booklist.</p> <p>Using living books, this history study focus is on the Big 2 Beliefs. Who God is, or rather who the people in history think he is, and Who man is in relation to Him. Taking, not a humanistic view of history, but one that reveals and glorifies God. Every topic in the guides are introduced with an engaging commentary, helping to connect the stream of history with the Big 2 Beliefs. Accompanying literature recommendations are provided but in no way set in stone. The use of the commentaries makes it possible to use whatever literature resources you may have available. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vb-iQDa63ZE/T4UneCW1xLI/AAAAAAAAFfs/jMIOkhcS9Ik/s1600-h/sidebarImage%25255B12%25255D.gif"><img style="margin: 5px 20px 5px 0px; display: inline; float: left" title="sidebarImage" alt="sidebarImage" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-837u1-knAwE/T4Unenvx1-I/AAAAAAAAFf0/gP8WkIU9WYQ/sidebarImage_thumb%25255B7%25255D.gif?imgmax=800" width="180" height="250"></a></p> <p><strong>Our Thoughts:</strong></p> <p>We loved the literary basis for this study and the commentaries, while difficult for my child to sit through, were very interesting and thorough. I found I got much out of them. My 9 year old wall bouncer found them a bit like torture, however he was asking some thought provoking questions during his interruptions, so I did not mind. </p> <p>There is no schedule so I found it worked best to just pick one or two topics and then, after going through the guide’s introductions, reading our books on them, freely picking up whatever bits of info my child felt was important. For older children, who may not need to be so gently introduced to the time period, the guide can be used pretty much on their own, of course you would want to be involved in some discussion with them over what they are getting from the readings. Visit the website for more ideas on <a href="http://truthquesthistory.com/planning/planning.php" target="_blank">How To Use</a>.</p> <p>We mainly use narration (telling back) or notebooking as a follow up activity to many of the readings in our school, but there are 11 Think Write assignments throughout the guide. These Think Write assignments, I feel, are essential in really getting my child to think about history in terms of the Big 2 Beliefs and not just as stories. Some of the assignments are started and then last throughout the year others are shorter in duration. It would be beneficial to perhaps schedule those for your child so they don’t forget to work on them. I just know for us they would not get completed otherwise.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7cQZtRJ89xk/T4UnftV7_bI/AAAAAAAAFf8/RhSdysunFQY/s1600-h/ThinkWrite3%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block; float: none" title="ThinkWrite3" alt="ThinkWrite3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2mtphduCMcU/T4UngYJNAPI/AAAAAAAAFgE/QxQiExhvl5g/ThinkWrite3_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="200"></a></p> <p>For my family this is a pretty good fit. My son, while not crazy about the amount of listening required, really does well with this type of study. We happen to be in a situation where our “normal” has fallen away to be replaced with “getting by”. When we get back to normal this is the way we will be going. With a new baby things have been lax and my children are getting too comfy with that. This will be perfect to get back on track with our Charlotte Mason methods.</p> <p>TruthQuest guide pricing varies and come in both printed and PDF formats. There are 8 guides that cover World History and three that cover American History for young children, grades 1-5. Feel free to check out the <a href="http://truthquesthistory.com/store/products.php" target="_blank">Samples & Pricing</a> for each guide.</p> <p>Click the banner at the top of this post to visit TOS Crew as many different products have been reviewed.</p> <p><em><font color="#ad5262" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Mandy</font></em></p> <p><font size="2">Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of the above product at no charge, in return I have provided my honest opinion which has been my family’s experience. Your experience may not be the same. No other compensation has been received.</font></p> Mrs. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01248784552465074108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1927021294604277063.post-92070745524199763762012-04-09T23:40:00.001-05:002012-04-09T23:40:14.297-05:00Midwest Parent Educators Conference<p>Mrs. Mandy’s Musings will be attending the MPE Conference in Kansas City, MO April 20-21. </p> <p>I am very excited to meet some new friends and if any of you will be there please let me know so we can stop by and say Howdy!</p> <p><a href="http://midwesthomeschoolers.org/conference/" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 5px auto; display: block; float: none" title="logo" alt="logo" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bAqBuc2ejog/T4O5rAtQxCI/AAAAAAAAFeY/d2DtkAoELYE/logo%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="167" height="87"></a></p> <p><em><font color="#bc6d85" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Mandy</font></em></p> Mrs. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01248784552465074108noreply@blogger.com0