PG Key-TOS

Have you ever logged on to your computer to check your email and saw something that made you wish you never opened it it the first place? How about thinking your teen was all snug in bed but come to find out he has found some sites that are disgraceful at best.

We all want to protect our children’s minds and a having a computer in the home is making that job near impossible lately.

I hope none of you ever have to deal with this, but we have. My oldest has been caught looking for porn. He doesn’t do it regularly and I honestly think it is a case where some (public school) friends have put him up to it. I find it disturbing though, as I password my computer, it has been right under my nose.

This was not recently but about a year or so ago, yet I still always wonder if I am being vigilant enough. So now that I was asked to review the PG Key I am grateful. I had never heard of it before but it sounded promising. You can block certain things, keep record of what is being accessed just by watching screen shots like a video, and get email alerts to certain activity.

Time 4 Learning

Awhile back I did a review for TOS Crew for Time 4 Writing. The company saw my review and now I've been independently invited to try Time4Learning for one month in exchange for a candid review. My opinion will be entirely my own, so be sure to come back and read about my experience. Time4Learning can be used as an online homeschooling curriculum, a web based afterschool tutorial or an online summer program. Find out how to write your own curriculum review for Time4Learning.

Homemaking Haven

 

Since I am trying to create a more peaceful atmosphere here and seeming to fail miserably I thought I’d do this challenge.

So First thing is to light a big candle somewhere conspicuous and pray for peace in my home every time I see it. I will be trying to go out and get my hubby’s favorite scent tomorrow. Hopefully I can remember to light it everyday.

Mandy

I have been selected

for 2 Blog Awards by two dear bloggy friends. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Seeing the Creator’s hand in your lives reminds me to try and always look for it in mine. Please stop by and say hello to

Wildflower Paths who gave me this award.

and My Heart’s Desire who gave me this one.

 

This is my first time being awarded anything and I feel so very blessed for these. I have always loved to write and to be able to share my life with you all has been the very greatest gift I could have. I hope my little blog has blessed you in some way.

I understand I am to list 7 things about myself and then pass this on, so here we go.

1. I live by the verses Matthew 19:26 “…With God all things are possible” and Phillippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

2. I went to school to teach but left disillusioned with the school systems political agendas.

3. It took me 8 more years to bring my children home.

4. I have 3 children and an angel in heaven and God willing I ain’t done yet.

5. My favorite color is purple.

6. I am a total tomboy.

7. I love to reorganize things but usually make a bigger mess doing so. I am a perfectionist so if I can’t get it perfect it stays in flux until I can!

And now I will pass the awards on to 5 people each.

One Lovely Blog to:

ourcrazylifeandbeyond.blogspot.com

proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com

duggarsblog.blogspot.com

beckydays.blogspot.com

fisheracademy.blogspot.com

The Versatile Blogger to:

1princeand3princesses.com

angelsofheart.blogspot.com

boardinginbedlam.blogspot.com

valerie-thebishopswife.blogspot.com

isabelroberts.blogspot.com

I know I am supposed to do 15 but that just seemed to be too many at once. I know, I know I am a rulebreaker. Well, everyone enjoy showing off your new awards you earned them!

Mandy

Take a Little Trip

So this year’s annual vacation trip was to Metropolis, IL. My family is big into Super Heroes and comic books, so this was a natural choice. We went over C-Man and Daddy’s birthday week as a special treat. We found an awesome restaurant that we are used to seeing in the form of ice cream at the zoo here at home, Dippin Dots. Oh my word they have the best soup and sandwiches ever. We also discovered Fort Massac State Park, a very important site during the American Revolution. We will going back just to explore the park as soon as we can. Unfortunately we made a very quick tour of the park so no pictures this time. I did however gets pics of our favorite Man of Steel.

 

View Full Album

So where do you like to go on a tank of gas or less?

Mandy

Tag You're It: I Want To Know

Briana at I Can't Decide tagged me to play this game.

How did you meet your spouse?
In college I had a friend who had a bit of a lethal attraction type of crush on him. I found him intimidating (he was ex-military at the time). We started moving in the same circles and finally after he graduated and was about to leave the state we fell in love.

Birth weights of your children?  - 8lbs 1/2 oz, 8 lbs 2 oz, 9 lbs 5oz

Favorite Subject to teach? – Art and Latin   

Being Made New

I recently was introduced to NewCreations a wonderful website that sells modest women’s clothing. I have in the past tried to wear skirts but never could find any I enjoyed wearing. I just never felt comfortable in them. Part of the reason being that I am plus sized and most companies are not really creating modest, fashionable clothing for plus sized ladies. Lately God has put it on my heart to be more of a modest lady and watch what I wear so as not to cause others to stumble. I never thought I would ever have that problem, thinking instead that I am not desirable. God has been working in that area of my heart too! It seems as though the two came crashing together in my life,

All Connected

So I have my blog here, and I have a Facebook account you can friend me by using the badge at the left. I also have my Twitter up and running, also on the left if you want to follow my tweets. I added Networked Blogs to my Facebook and linked it to here and Twitter. Anything I am forgetting? Hoping I did it right and everything will post like it should when I post here.

Mandy

Do hard(er) things

Sometimes as parents we must do hard things. I think as Christian parents we called to do harder things. Things that others, who are while they may claim to be Christian are actually worldly, look down on us for. Unfortunately I am too familiar with the show of contempt and disrespect for my convictions as a Christian mother.
I have been told I am to strict, too hard, selfish, and more. I think the one that gets me the most is being called selfish. Am I selfish for expecting the best out of my children. For expecting them to follow God’s word am I too harsh? Well I should hope so. I expect obedience and there are consequences otherwise. I and my family live for Christ. The bible is God’s infallible word on how we should live.
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” (Colossians 3:20)

Zoe and Sozo Publishing A Book Review

Yay! My favorite topic, books! I love to read and discovering great books is a wonderful way to spend my evenings. I grew up immersing my self in great fiction. I spent many nights up until dawn lost in a world of make believe.
I received a copy of the first book in The Peleg Chronicles called Foundlings to review. It is a New Earth, Creation based, Historical fiction story set in the years after The Great Flood and the Dispersion at Babel. There is no magic, no evolution, no humanism, just Noah’s God.

Join CHSH and win!!!

2 Friends + 2 newCreation Skirts = 2 CHSH Winners!

CHSH and New Creations (your source for high quality, modest apparel) have teamed
up to give 2 CHSH members each a beautiful New Creation skirt!
Click here to see all the details!
(Friends must join between Sept 4th - 30th, 2010 - USA shipping addresses only)

So I am inviting you to join CHSH and have a chance to win one of these beautiful modest skirts. Leave me a comment with your profile name once you join.

CHSH is Christian Home School Hub and is a great place to connect with others who share your interests!

 

 

Mandy

TOS Blog Walk Weeks 9 & 10

 

Got a bit behind with all the wedding planning for my baby sister. We are still walking our FM’s blogs these weeks.

Week 9

1. Creative Learners
2. The Homeschool Desk
3. Ramblin' Roads
4. The Stewards Steno
5. Mama Manuscripts
6. Train Up a Child
7. We Love to Homeschool
8. Day by Day in Our World
9. Acorns - or Homeschooling Nuggets of Gold
10. The Berry Patch

Week 10

1. Hearthside Homeschool Reviews... And More
2. Loving Learning at Home
3. Life on the Roller Coaster
4. A Life Better Than I Deserve
5. Joy in the Journey
6. Homeschooling, Autism & Stuff
7. There is Hope
8. Homeschool Reviews for You
9. Mom Loves Books
10. The Legacy of Home

 

Enjoy,

Mandy

Salem Ridge Press Review

Today is my birthday and I don’t think I could be more pleased to introduce you to
Salem Ridge Press
A re-printer of many fine old books, mainly selections from the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. This company is one of my favorites to buy living books from. We use Charlotte Mason methods here at Miskatonic Prep and they always have the perfect books for our needs.
Salem Ridge Press was founded by homeschool graduate, Daniel Mills. He has founded this company on the principle outlined in Philippians 4:8, what we read matters and what we put into our minds forms our character and ideals. Though not all selections are specifically Christian all have strong moral values and encourage positive character development.

I received 3 books, 1 soft cover and 2 eBooks, to review. Most books are available in either soft cover or hardbound editions. I was thrilled to be able to physically handle Out of the Mouth of Lions by Emma Leslie. The cover was wholesome and not too thin like some paper backs I own. I especially liked the little extras found in the illustrations and definitions at the bottom of each page introducing ne words to the readers.The copy itself was in pristine condition and in a very pleasing easy to read font.  It is a wonderful story of perseverance through adversity, persecution, and trial. A great example of the long-suffering character we should achieve.

Math Tutor DVD Review

http://www.mathtutordvd.com/
1-877-MATH-DVD (6284-383)
Pre-Algebra I

My older son was helping with this review and while we were optimistic it really fell flat. I really enjoyed the brush up on Pre-Algebra myself, my son however has just finished it. Here is what he had to say about the Pre-Algebra I tutor DVD:

The first 8 1/2 minutes is an intro and it was spoken very quickly, I got bored with it.

Lesson 1 on Real Numbers- very dry but thorough, lecture no exercises. I found it difficult to stay focused on the audio. Now this is just my son for the most part. I believe, for all of those who are strong auditory learners this will work very well. I know my son and he is very hands on just like his mom, lol! If we had a couple of exercises to do during the lessons it would have made it a huge hit!
They do have a worksheet CD for $24.99 for Basic, Algebra I, and Algebra II math available. All DVD’s include a 100% money back guarantee to raise your student’s grades.

Easy Meal Planning

I am in love! I have stumbled across a wonderful site that not only plans your meals but plans your grocery shopping too. The best part is the sales are already matched up for your store. If you are like us and have recently taken a hit in the pocketbook this will be a lifesaver for you.

It only costs $15 every 3 months and to me that is worth it. I spend so much time either trying to decide what to make or trying to find the cheapest stuff in the store. I usually end up getting take out which is not at all cheap or healthy. Not to mention I am not being a very good helpmeet or mother.

I really hope this website is as much a blessing to your family as it has been to mine.

Mandy

Disclosure: The link contained in this post is an affiliate link which all members of emealz.com are eligible to use upon enrollment.