I posted a few days ago that one of my "Friends" had shared an entry on marriage and wanted to add these two entries for your consideration as well:

More on Marriage            And a Little Bit More

We all strive to grow in every area of our lives, and sometimes it is hard to choose where to place one's focus.  But, as these women have shared, putting your time into the heart of your home is very rewarding and in ways you might not expect. 

Now, how about a great free birdfeeing resource?  Nature Notes From Above (always a great blog for easy nature studies) shared this:

Homeschoooler's Guide to Project Feeder Watch

Oh, please be sure to check out Nature Note's instructions for building your own fruit bowl birdfeeder too!  The finished product is just beautiful and it looks so easy to make.  Though I will confess, there won't be any PB suet in ours if we make it- that allergy hasn't left us just yet. 

Speaking of feeding the birds and allergies.  DH and I had continued to eat wheat based products, even with our son was allergic.  I never used wheat flour in the house because I didn't want the dust in the air to trigger a reaction, but we purchased breads and other items.  And I always felt just a little bad when a loaf of bread would mold and I couldn't throw it out for the birds (wouldn't be safe for DS to play in the yard if I did). 

So, now he is no longer allergic to wheat and I am making fresh bread in our breadmaker very regularly.  Of course, breadmaker bread goes stale fast so I always have a few pieces that I can now throw out to the birds!  We have all kinds of birdies visiting our back deck to see what I've left for them each day- including one greedy Blue Jay who flew off with an entire piece in his beak this morning!

We've had birdfeeders before and my mother maintains several so the kids get to see a wonderful variety of birds throughout the year. (My mom is "Mother Nature" LOL!)  But it's just nice to be able to do such a simple thing as to open the back door and share our blessings with the birds. 

I almost forgot, His Mercy is New has spread the word that there is a contest to win free Usborne books going on!  Check it out.  The contest ends on January 31st so hurry!

Ask God, He made her.  

Here's an insightful entry from In Beauty and Grace to get you started.

http://inbeautyandingrace.blogspot.com/2007/09/eve-mother-of-all-living.html

Today’s Featured Blogs:

For some great ideas and tips on how to teach your preschooler, visit this entry at Just Call Me Jamin!  The author shares her notes from a talk that she gave on the topic at a recent Homeschool Convention.  She also has a wealth of other articles on her site from “Why Homeschool” to “Outside the Box Ideas.”

For easy suggestions on a variety of topics, take a look at Jubilee’s Home Education Websites Blog.  

This may seem obvious, but don’t forget to check out the HSB Company Blog a.k.a. “The Company Porch” from time to time.  HSB shares great tips and ideas for your school, news on the latest TOS Store sales and updates about the Homeschool Blogger website on this blog.

Well, this isn’t actually a single blog, but a “tag” based search at WordPress.com.  Select Tag: Homeschool Tools and you’ll see an entire lists of recent WordPress blog entries on that helpful topic.  There are several other “tag” options related to homeschooling to select from as well.  What a nifty trick!

Honorable Mentions:

By Sun and Candlelight offers up an excellent idea for getting your children to enjoy nature. Turn them into Nature Detectives.  This site is worth a visit just to view the beautiful nature photographs posted.  Take a look at the Field Day results for more great images from other nature loving bloggers.

Have I told you about Homeschool Bargains before?  Well, if you do a lot of shopping, you might want to pay this blog a visit first.  I post a lot of coupon codes and deals on my Shop @HWTK website as well, but a lot of the Homeschool Bargains posts are from completely different vendors.  So you can find even more ways to save!

The mom over at Just me & my boys… shared another great money saver in this entry.  We don’t take advantage of Angel Food Ministries in our area due to my son’s food allergies.  But for those who have no dietary limitations, this is a great opportunity.

Not quite sure about homeschooling yet or need some additional guidance?  At Mom is Teaching “mom” shares her favorite resources in this post.  Then take a look at this post over at Hummingbirds and Pinecones about making a decision.  And finally, read this heartfelt post at Blessed by Bunches about what really necessary for a successful homeschool.  

Speaking of great resources, take a look at Golden Triangle Homeschooling, this blogger has shared information about e-themes and phonics programs, audio books and more.  

Been homeschooling for a while and need to get rid of some curricula?  Corn and Oil’s author shared a great idea that her local homeschool group had - a Share Fair.  

If you need to make a little money from your materials, you can find tips for selling on ebay at Pass the Torch.  

Here’s a very interesting science lesson from Dailey Blessings.  Trust me, this is one you’ll want to read.  You can also find a new fun science experiment or problem to solve every “Science Saturday” at Alison’s Writing Corner.  

I really enjoy the homeschool blogs that I find because they allow me to find out about resources I might not otherwise hear about.  The homeschooler at Joy Today recently shared a detailed and thoughtful review of the movie Ruby Bridges by Disney. It sounds like a great movie.  While Diamonds in the Rough’s host recommends the charming book, A Pioneer Sampler.  And Forest Cottage’s blogger posted about several great science books that she’d found (I own one of them myself!).

This homeschooler at Be Keepers needs your help to identify a mystery book for a friend.  Take a look and see if you recognize the picture book he described.  

The Hall family at HomeschoolingKeeperAtHome is working on completing the adoption of three children from Liberia and everyone is chipping in for the cause.  If you’d like to help, you can purchase a handmade hot pad for $5.  The details are posted in this entry.  Their beautiful daughter Susanna could use your prayers as well.  

If you have a chance, please send your well wishes to the family over at Homeschooling With Heart as well.  Their beloved is being deployed to Qatar.  You can read a more recent update on his status here.

Crystal’s little one Ezra, born at 26 weeks now weighs 9 lbs. 14 oz.  Way to go Ezra!

Well, that should give you a little something to read when you have a break.  I've also added lots of new links over at HWTK.net.  So if you are stuck and need a link for schooling in a hurry, be sure to check out the ones I've selected and reviewed. 

Featured Blogs:

If you like unit studies (especially free ones), you need to bookmark Our Homeschooling Expedition.  This mom creates wonderful unit studies regularly and shares her work on her blog.  Recent installments include a unit on Animal Classification and one titled “My Community.”  She even tells you how to make your own unit studies in this post.  

Another favorite-worthy blog is the Homeschool Math Blog. This blogger offers lots of links, resources and ideas for teaching your students math. 

Finally, for free unit studies, Friday Five for Free and lots of great money saving tips visit Life. On a Budget.  This mom knows how to save those pennies and still find (or create) great curricula for her family!

Honorable Mentions:

To keep up on the many carnivals going around, take a look at the Contests, Fun Stuff and Our HSB Community at Seeking Rest in the Ancient Paths.

I read an interesting post over at stop the ride! last month.  The owner of this blog found a way to make $200 taking advantage of online earnings opportunities.  I can’t vouch for the companies mentioned of course, but it sure looked interesting.  

Do you garden?  My family did when I was a child but now that I’m all grown up my efforts have been sporadic.  This year we finally made a commitment (and bought a tiller).  Here’s a neat and easy alternative if you are small machinery challenged-take a look at Following Rabbi Yeshua’s   Square Foot Garden.  

Candace over at His Mercy is New has been studying birds this spring and summer.  Share her experience and maybe help her identify a mystery bird by reading this entry.

Raising Three Knights and a Princess also needed some help with bird identification.  She got her answer, it’s a Killdeer.  You can view a beautiful photograph of this bird here.

Now this is something easy to forget but so important to remember.  Thanks to Candy Foote for that little reminder.

Here’s another entry that will give you something to think (and thank) about from Templa Quam Dilecta. 

I really enjoyed this story over at Blah, Blah, Blog (the manifold musings of a missionary mom). 

Here’s another piece of wisdom that’s important to remember from Cross Reflections, Keep Your Life Free From the Love of Money. 

Wonder how the Lord uses his children?  Take a look at this post, Kids…Kids…more Kids, over at Sprouts for the Lord.

Want to know what a real student thinks of History Pockets? Read here.  Quinn is happy to share his insights.  

And here’s a review of the Kansas City, MO Science City from RubberWood School.

Do you make comparisons in your  homeschooling?  Here are some thoughts on the topic from The Reason Herein.   

Need some direction? You can read the Advice from the Little Blue Engine on homeschooling at “it’s a small world.”

Well, that’s the blog wrap for today.  As always, there’s more to share than time allows.  What a great community of homeschoolers we have!

Happy Father's Day!

Everytime I log on to I read the latest entries, I find so many that I want to mention.  LOL!  But nonetheless, here are some new additions to my list of blogs you might want to visit.  

The Carnival of Homeschooling is still on the move!  You can view carnival #75 at HomeschoolBuzz.com and #76 at Kris’ Eclectic Homeschool.

Here are some blogs that I've enjoyed visiting:

Sallie’s Patchwork Life blog shares her views on Christian living, parenting, running a household and homeschool.  I particularly liked her gentle reminder of Biblical priorities.  Sallie also offers up curricula reviews and even an overview of homeschooling methods.

At Teaching Diligently you can be inspired to cook a great meal or create a special craft.  This transplanted Aussie is one very talented lass!

The husband and wife team at Musings at the Dings share lovely thoughts on rearing children with a love of learning.  Visit their site for some gentle inspiration.

Cindy Downes’ blog has lots of useful links and other resources and right now she’s offering her e-book, Homeschool-How to Get Started free!

 Here are some more blogs that I found interesting: 

Over at The Thoughtful Spot I learned a quick and simple way to do a picture study with my child.  Bow of Bronze shared an entry on using your iPod to study classical music in your homeschool, complete with links to free or low cost music downloads.

Here’s an idea for a great summer project, start a Beautiful Girlhood Club!  This post at a Steadfast Spirit will show you how to get started.

Wonder what a homeschool convention is like?  The mom at Training Godly Little Ladies shares her experience in this post.  

I get a laugh out of Blog Cabin’s  growing list of reasons to buy fabric.   Another blog entry that made me smile was this one at “Am I walking so close to God that people want to walk in my shadow.”  Check out her other posts on the exploits of cows and other critters from the farm.  

This entry about a centipede at Mountain Top will make you smile AND think.  Speaking of unusual critters, take a look at this fella’ over at Wants to Make Friends With You!  Snap!

Well, it's a short list but it will have to do.  I've been busy trying to get links added to the HWTK website.

Here are some blogs that will inspire you, inform you and make you think. I must confess I admire all these wonderful moms who create such exciting and interesting studies for their children.  Me, I’m a slacker mom.  But I do have lots of books so as soon as my littles learn to read; the world is their oyster!

 There are lots more great blogs out there and I’ll be sharing my best finds as time permits.  In the meanwhile, if you feel like doing a little surfing this weekend, relax with one of these great moms. 

I found this over at Prarie Frog Blog and had to share.

Have a great weekend!

No time to waste on this one, sign up now for Show and Tell Friday at Canada Girl.

Speaking of no time to waste, Memorial Day is this weekend.  Just 4 Homeschool Families has taken the time to share some great resources to help us remember and share with our children.  Hills Academy-A Charlotte Mason Style Homeschool offers some great resources for this special day too!

 Tired of the same old lessons, these blog entries may be just what you need:

Here’s a great entry about notebooking, scrapbooking and lapbooking from Jacque at Seeking rest in the Ancient Paths.  (There’s a cute baby picture there too!)

At Simply Susan’s blog you can learn how to make your very own Multiplication War cards. What a great way to review over the summer!  Credit goes to United Teaching for sharing this great entry.  While you’re visiting United Teaching, check out her list of book recommendations.  (You know I have one of those too, it’s right here.)

The Road Less Traveled shared a very interesting link for studying the night sky last week.  Here’s the link to that entry, complete with her review of the linked website’s best features.  And did you see that?  She’s a Paperback Swapper too. (My new favorite place to “shop” for books.)

Kris over at Withrow Family Adventure Page has shared some links as well.  She’s already taken advantage of Wowio’s free books to assist with her lesson plans and also has some math helps to share.

At Homeschooling Journey you can find a long list of Cheap and Educational Summer Fun.  I have to agree, starting at your library is a great way to get going.  We just signed up for our library’s summer reading program last night and picked up a schedule for all the fun activities the library has planned. 

Here’s a unique way to learn some math facts, let Barbie teach.  Find out all about it at Keep Homeschooling Fun.  Or, let Farmer Brown over at Equipping our Saints for Service help you out. 

Then visit Life On a Roller Coaster for a unique way to do copywork.

Need a little entertainment?  At Comics, Coffee and Catches you can read about one homeschool families escapades in their very own comic strip!  I like “Experiments Gone Wrong.”

Here’s a quick and easy reptile unit study from Kris at Eclectic Education.  Just what you need when you stumble across that slithery little visitor in your backyard this s-s-s-s-summer. 

If you’ve heard of A Thomas Jefferson Education (or not) and want to know more, visit Trinity Prep School.  You can find out more about this method of teaching, get recommendations for getting started or if you are a TJ educator submit your blog article to the next TJ Ed Carnival.

For those of you struggling with 2nd grade math, you might find some help at Denise’s blog, Learning Without Labels in Puerto Rico.  Molly was kind enough to help her out and Denise shares what she learned with the rest of us!

Speaking of math help.  The mom over at Falling Like Rain would like some suggestions for incorporating real life math studies into her child’s day.  Hop on over and share your best tip!

What are your thoughts on poetry?  Mother Hen shares hers in this entry at Sweet Life…

Here are some encouraging words for those of you who know the journey is sometimes long:

Special Help for Special Needs was recently blessed with permission t publish an article by James D. MacDonald, Ph.D/CCC of Communicating Partners.  He shares some thoughts on the differences between social and cognitive learning for the special needs child.  His article concludes by sharing that autism spectrum children have more potential to become social and communicative than some might believe. 

And here’s some encouragement for those of you facing the high school years.  Let the mom over at Cup of Grace tell you all the great things she sees when she looks at her little school at home. 

Faced with a long distance between loved ones.  This entry at Happy on the Lake offers a great way to bridge that gap. 

The Prattling Pastor’s Wife (not sure which of them prattles) has given us some serious yet inspiring things to think about this Thursday along with plenty of links to further our studies.  Read all about it right here.

'Looking for a way to help families?

Let your shopping help a family adopt.  Visit Our Liberian Adoption News and Other Family Moments to find out how.  If you’d like to find other ways to help others adopt, I have shared some resources here, just scroll down to the “Expanding Your Family” section.  Also, the first two vendors here are also raising funds to support adoption.

Or maybe you’d like to participate in Bare Your Shelves where you can directly assist others.  Find out about this program over at Distinctly Different. 

Cynthia over at Nuggets of Wisdom has great cause to tell you about too.  She’d like you to find out more about The Hunger Site.  You can start by reading about it at her blog. 

Here some news that’s just plain fun:

Did you know the cicadas were coming?  They’re almost upon us.  KD tells us all about it at Not Everyone Can Be Morning People (hey, that’s my line!) Did you know some people eat them? 

I just had to share this interesting little story from the Shekinah Farms blog.  Why do we do the things we do? 

Oh, these pictures are going to make you jealous.  The kids up at Alaskan Notions of a Texas Girl got to explore a tidal pool. Gorgeous!

You know the tune but not the song.  Read The Homeschool Kids Who Can’t Do Anything over at EICloud Homeschool: Walking in His Ways.

Isn’t this a great drawing?  It’s a Yellow-headed Black Bird by Evan from The Far Side of the Mountain.

Well that’s all I have to share right now from the land of blog.  I’m sure I’ll run across something that I just have to share as soon as I get this posted.  LOL!   I hope you’ve enjoyed this little tour of homeschooling blogs. 

Mama's Coffee Corner

You can win a free header design created by RS Designs (creator of Mama's header), a $20 Amazon.com certificate or a goodie box from Brazil! 

Just in time for summer I’ve found lots of useful tips:

 Last week over at Huber Hof Academy there was a great entry detailing the care and keeping of tadpoles.  This information may be too late for some of you but here in the Midwest there are still a few of those little squirmy guys to be found.  You can also see lots of great photographs at this blog, plus learn about growing radishes. 

Speaking of eating what you raise, over at PrairieFrog Blog you can find a recipe for Dandelion Cookies!  Now that’s a plant even I can get to grow. 

If you’ve not heard of Geocaching be sure to visit Hazel Ave Happenings.  This is great outdoor activity for the whole family to learn and have fun!

Over at Piney Woods Homeschool they enjoy birdwatching and have found a great CD to help them recognize their favorite bird songs.  You can read the review here.

For those “inside” days, you might try some of these blogs:

 Test your knowledge of the U.S. Constitution and maybe learn a few things over at The Fifth Carnival of Principled Government hosted Principled Discovery.

At Mozart & Mud Pies I found a very in-depth article on teaching narration using the Charlotte Mason method as well as how to address some of the difficulties that may arise.  Ann has given a lot of thought to the matter and has been kind enough to take the time to share what she has learned.  As I like to say, “what good are our experiences if we can’t use them to help others?” 

Looking for some different lesson plans for the summer?  Take a look at Maggie Ray’s Single Parents and Home Education’s blog.  Her latest find is a website full of free lesson plans and resources to teach your child to give to others!

Speaking of helping others, if you’d like to adopt a missionary here’s your chance.  Read all about it at I Choose Joy.

Still looking for summer ideas?  Try the links over at Eclectic Education.  She’s taken the time to collect some of her favorites.  I think she may even have a few I’ve missed over at HWTK.net! 

Candace over at His Mercy is New has shared her thoughts about a unit study she is really looking forward to using this summer.  This one isn’t free, but it’s very inexpensive. Just click the link to read her review of 106 Days of Creation Studies. 

There are lots more helpful reviews to be found in our homeschool blog community:

 Mary at Sharing the Light has a review of her latest curriculum find “I’m Ready to Learn,” complete with pictures.  Find out more at her blog. 

As you contemplate next year’s curriculum, you might find this comparison of several history programs at On Our Journey Westward helpful.  I did.

Here’s a nice review of the book A Packet of Seeds that Jenn over at Walking in Truth recently shared.

Every Saturday at Semicolon you can find a long list of book reviews (not just from homeschoolers).  If you have a review to share, sign up using Mr. Linky. 

Here are some other fun resources that I’ve recently found:

Want to do some serious reading?  Take a look at The Great Books Reading Partnership.  These blog authors shares with you their reflections on the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of reading great books.  You’ll also find several book reviews and other resources for beginning your literary adventure at this blog. 

Ok, how about some serious shopping?  For that you should head over to my website. LOL!  Just kidding.  No I’m not.  (Shop @HWTK.net)  Anyway, besides my website, you can also find some great deals at Homeschool Bargains.  Most recently you’ll find details about Living on a Dime’s E-book Extravaganza sale and Cindy Rushton’s Half Price Sale!

At Heart of Wisdom Blog you can participate in Fruit of the Spirit Friday.  What a great idea!  Choose a new fruit each week and let yourself grow in faith.

Ready to get organized?  Lori, over at The Least of These is ready to help.  Start with her first Organization entry here and good luck!

The HSB Company Blog has been hopping this month.  Among other entries is this one.  If you fancy yourself a writer and love nature, be sure to check it out.  If you’ve got a unit study that you’ve written, then check out this contest.  But hurry, entries are due by June 1^st!  If you have a recent homeschool graduate in your household, or have successfully graduated your child The Old Homeschool Magazine is looking for you.  You can find the details here.

The HSB Company Blog also offers lots of great tips for those of us who aren’t authors.  My favorite recent tip is this one.  With some smooth rocks and a few other materials you can make charming prayer rocks for yourself or a loved one- this could be the perfect Father’s Day gift for which you’ve been searching!

You can find out about all kinds of contests at Dixon Contests Online.  Learn about The Purple Crayon Award from the Art of Eloquence in this entry.  13 year-old Alyssa is a recent Purple Crayon Award recipient for her speech titled “Choose Life.”

Well, that's not all I've found. But it is all I have time to share right now.  I'll try to keep you posted on my favorite finds whenever I get the chance.  Happy websurfing!

http://liltinghouse.clubmom.com/the_lilting_house/2007/05/welcome_to_the_.html

First, Sean likes postcards- visit this link to find out how to send him one and why you'll want to do so.  What a smile on that cutie!

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Here's a timely tip!  Need end of year printable certificates or maybe something for your youth group or VBS?  Homschool Nations- Iowa shared some links.

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Want to hear some nice praise music?  Visit Susie-Q&A's blog.

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Need some inspiration on being a mom?  Try this:  Loving the Mothers We Are.

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Lots of Kids (Families with 4 or more children) is celebrating its 4th anniversary next month and has just upgraded its website with lots of new articles.  The site has charts, articles, a message board and more.

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If you live near Indiana Beach, you might want to bookmark this page.  IB has lots of special activities planned for homeschool week, August 27-31.  (Ok, so it's not a week- but there's still lots to do.)

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 Find out about the Crazy4Math contest that ends July 30th over at Cindy Downes' blog.

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You can find out about an essay contest for Rebulutionaries over at The Homeschooling Revolution.

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There's a Carnival of Space going on right now!  You can find out more at Why Homeschool.

Also at Why Homeschool, find out about the Carnival of Education  hosted this week at NYC Educator.

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Want some ideas for using an abacus or other great math tips?  Try Homeschool Math Blog.

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Wayne, a homeschooling father has shared some of his favorite homeschooling resources in this blog entry. 

Yet another great link was shared by Adventuring with 3 Boyz.  (Yes there is music playing at this blog, you are not imagining it.)

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You can find a wonderful One Week Bible Unit Study at Lothlorien, Realm of the Lady of Light.  This entry is also featured in this week's Carnival of Homeschooling.

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Check out these fabulous photographs of a caterpillar, chrysalis and Black Swallowtail butterfly over at Acceptance With Joy.  What a great science lesson she got to enjoy!

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Read a delightful essay on First Amendment Rights written for a journalism final by Elizabeth over at Never Stop Smiling!

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Finally, this story is just funny so I had to share this entry from Wisdom and Grace.  (She has good taste in templates too, don't you think? )

Super Angel over at the Daily Planet has a list of new contests here.

Eclectic Education's May 6th entry will link you to a video of a baby born weighing just 15 oz. who is able to finally go home after two years in the hospital!

Want to find out more about the Adopt a Soldier program? Visit Angel Waves.

Learn how you can minister to a mom in prison this Mother's Day over at What It's All About.

Ooh, Jamin (and several others) posted before I could- Homeschool E-store freebie this week is a lapbook- Christian Missionaries to Know.  This one usually costs $17.99! 

 Jamin has a lot of neat ideas for making your school time fun too. Be sure to check out her links!

Don't forget, the Carnival of Homeschooling starts  Tuesday!

Note: Some blogs have banner ads or other materials and language that you might not want to share with your children.  Please check these out when (and if) you ever get a moment to yourself. 

At Rocks in My Dryer you can find product reviews, links and "Works for Me Wednesday" a weekly blog carnival that allows you to share your best tips for making life easier. 

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At Mama Knits you can find a Homemaking A-Z meme.

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Find a Rainforest Lesson Plan (plus many more) over at Little Acorns Treehouse.

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Frugal Upstate offers tips for living within your means plus lots of links on this theme.  You can also learn how this blog host recently updated her blog to make it more spiffy. 

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Check out Bargain Hunting Moms if you love to find a deal.

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A Pro-life counter like this  for your blog can be found at: usr-bin-mom's blog.

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At Mama Lisa's World blog you can find information about the cultures and traditions of the world, with lots of songs for children. 

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Need some tips on selecting a cirriculum or other homeschooling advice?  Try Spunky Homeschool.

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 At Elliott Academy of Excellence you'll find some great reviews of homeschool cirriculum and websites as well as links to to lots of free resources.

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Over at The Kings Kreation, blogger Nancy is a history and geography buff.  She's done a wonderful job of finding geography links and has been so kind as to share her findings. 

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Kris' Eclectic Homeschool just shared this link for free autism resources, you can find the autism materials at PositivelyAutism.com.  And wow! Check out these free preview days at Learning A-Z that Kris has shared too.  Hurry, there's only one free day for each website starting May 7th through May 11th.

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Be sure and check out the blogs I like to visit over on the right also.  Allison has some neat science information over at her place and there are lots of other interesting tidbits at my other selections too!