Posted By Sheri

Well, someone just asked what was new in my neck of the woods-hardly have had a chance to notice cuz I have been awfully busy.  Betwixt the TOS reviewing, HSing, life, illnesses, working on a couple side projects and such-well, it has been a very crazy fall.

I have been nominated for 2 different categories for the HS Blog Awards, and I am very tickled to have made it to the final round-you can go to The Homeschool Post   to vote for the blogs of your choice...there are quite a few awesome ones listed there. 

Also-I have several, several new reviews up on my 1 of 100 (Plus 25) TOS Crew Reviews  to read up on some really neat products. 

I have been devoting tons of time to my workbox blog:  What's in the Box? and adding lapbooks and art the kids have been working on over on my Scrapbooks and Lapbooks by Sheri too.

Always trying to get something up on my Homeschooling on a Wing and a Prayer -my main blog-so if you are looking for me-those are the places you'll find me. 

Sure hope all of you have had a lovely fall and are gearing up for the holiday season without panic (like me)-LOL.

Blessings and stop by anytime!

Posted By Kristen

This week's Carnival of Homeschooling is up. Be sure to visit janice-campbell.com to find some great new articles.

Posted By Gena Suarez, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

At a homeschool convention last year, another vendor and I struck up a conversation. He had a lot of energy but seemed a bit uptight; however, he readily admitted that he felt totally out of place because he didn't homeschool and this was definitely not his "typical convention." Not really interested in finding out what his "typical convention" was like, I smiled and assured him that we all knew he was out of place the minute he walked in the vendor hall, but we're a polite group and so we didn't point or stare as we talked about him to each other. He grinned and relaxed a bit.

"Obviously, you're a pretty direct person," He said. "So I was wondering, how does a guy who knows nothing about homeschooling sell his product to homeschoolers?"

Ignoring the fact that this out of place "greedy capitalist" was there just to make a profit, I chuckled and asked him, "Why do you think homeschoolers would even want to buy your product if you know absolutely nothing about us?"

He didn't seem to want to answer that, so I continued, "Get to know us a bit and you'll figure out it's not that hard to sell to us. We're pretty frugal but can be gullible in the right circumstance with a promising product, especially at a homeschool convention."

"Fair enough." He replied. "Then I'd like to show you my stuff and see what you think. But first there's one thing I've been wondering about homeschoolers for quite a while now."

"Oh, and what is that?"

"Why do you homeschoolers have so many kids?"

"Umm, gee, maybe it's because we have more exciting things to do than watch Jay Leno after the kiddos go to bed?!?" (Okay, I didn't really say that but I did think it.)

Instead, I politely tried to explain that for some of us homeschooling isn't just an educational choice but a life decision based on a belief that children are as a blessing from God. He wasn't getting it and I was getting hungry so the conversation quickly died of natural causes.

If I ever run into him again, however, I'm sending him over to Ethan Demme (of Math-U-See fame) who gives a much more thoughtful and complete answer to the question, How do I reach the homeschool community? His post is directed at politicians but he starts from the same premise that you have to know something about us, past and present, in order to reach us.

As a homeschool grad and marketing guru, Demme provides an excellent round-up of information and resources to understand this growing but changing movement of homeschool radicals who actually believe they can teach their children at home and live to blog about it. Check it out and keep in handy if you ever run into my vendor friend at your state homeschool convention.

(Note to Demme: Please add a paragraph on fecundity and homeschoolers, thanks in advance.)

-Spunky

Cross-posted, with permission, from SpunkyHomeSchool

Posted By diamondsintherough

As happens any time you make a strong statement in a public forum, I drew fire with yesterday's post. Read the comments. 

Here's the point. 

If you educate God's way, you are better off. 
If you choose to homeschool, you are better off doing it God's way.
If you spend your money God's way, you are better off. 
If you worship God the way he prescribed, you are better off. 
If you nourish your body God's way, you are better off. 
If you train up your children God's way, you are better off. 
If you attend the church of God's choice, you are better off. 
If you choose your friends God's way, you are better off. 
If you spend your time God's way, you are better off. 

Not better.  Better off. 

Homeschooling is not the salvation of our children's souls.  Homeschooling does not give me a guarantee that my kids will be saved, sanctified, and serving the Lord.  But I can see it from here.

Not better.  Better off.

Posted By Melissa in Awards

The voting for the Homeschool Blog Awards for 2009 is now open.

Thank you so much if you nominated my blog for Best Photos and Artistic Content Blog!

If you have enjoyed the nature photography featured on my blog I would very much appreciate your VOTE!

Posted By Miss Eyebright in Writing

Yup, I'm still plugging away at this thing they call a novel.  There are days when I can write thousands of words, and then there are days when I don't even open my documents.  Of course, there have only been ten days since NaNo started, and here I am talking as if I have been doing this for a least a month.

The novel is doing well.  I think.  So...I really don't have much else to say on the matter. 

Copyright 2009 Defective Compositions

Posted By Heidi in Reviews, Reflections, and Recommendations

I thought I'd share some of the things that are making me happy these days - along with some new discoveries that have made our lives simpler  (and/or more fun!). . .

First off, I bought this blanket at Wal-mart this past weekend (because I was returning this couch cover, which I would NOT recommend).  The website lists the price at $29.88 - if you're interested, you might want to check your local store - I got mine on sale for only $25.  Even though we have a queen-sized bed, I bought this blanket in the king size.  It's big enough and attractive enough to use as a bedspread.  It's light-weight but very warm and cuddly.  I love it!  (Maybe I'll actually take a real picture to share - once I get my bedroom painted and some new curtains on the windows!)

We're getting ready to do some painting at our house.  I've chosen a honey-colored paint for the dining room walls.  My mom and I went curtain shopping on Saturday.  I have these tie-back curtains in my bathroom and I love them!  I wanted something similar, with the same country-feel, in my dining room; but I didn't want the same pattern (thyme).  After looking at several, I decided on the saffron print this time.  I'll be going with the tie-backs again, but will also be adding valances to the top (our dining room windows are very long and the tie-backs alone won't cover them).  Again, hopefully I'll have pictures to share one day soon.

Do you have children with allergies?  Gracie has pretty much outgrown her asthma problems, but she still has times when she needs some allergy medication.  In particular, when she spends too much time with my parents (it seems she is allergic to their cat).  I've purchased the melt-in-your-mouth Benadryl for her and she seems to be fine with that.  Recently, though, I've discovered ZYRTEC^® PERFECT MEASURE^™.  This stuff is awesome!  Ordinarily, I wouldn't go for a liquid medication for her, simply because I have to worry about finding a dosing spoon or something to measure it out with.  This is already premeasured in single-serving "spoons" - I just need to break off the seal and hand it over to her.  Perfect Measure is for children ages 6 years and up, is sugar and dye-free, and available in most major retailers. They are grape-flavored and Gracie gives them 2 thumbs up!  If you'd like to try it, I have several $3 off coupons - shoot me an e-mail and request one (be sure to include your full name and mailing address).  NOTE: I receive this product free as part of a Bzzz! campaign. My thoughts on it, though, are honest and true to our experience.

A few weeks ago, I realized that I had a sensitivity in my teeth (I'll admit, I was gritting my teeth while snuggling with my dog!)  I was glad when I got an offer to test some Sensodyne Iso-Active toothpaste.  I admit, I was a little skeptical at first.  How could a toothpaste help that?  But, after just a few days of trying it (once a day - I still use my regular toothpaste at night), I see great improvement.  It works!  If you have a sensitivity to heat or cold, or to gritting your teeth while you squeeze your dog or baby, you should seriously check this stuff out.  It comes out as a gel, but quickly turns into a foam with LOTS of great suds-action.  I'll definitely be buying more of this stuff!

And there's one more favorite that my kids have been enjoying lately (two, actually).  It is the Life on the Farm games by We R Fun.   We have both the original and the preschool versions (thanks to my work with the TOS Homeschool Crew, who will be reviewing these games here).  Though  I find the original version to be a bit long and tedious, Gracie just LOVES it.  And we're all impressed with the preschool version!  Ian is constantly saying "how about I set up my farm game for us to play?"  Too cute!  If you're looking for some high-quality, educational games for your family for Christmas, do check these out as options!

Posted By jenny

Now it is November, it is getting colder. We inevitably end up spending more time indoors and end up getting more done.

This month finds us preparing for Christmas, which means we are sorting presents and making lists. I find it sooo helpful to get everything done before the big rush. I make a list and the items just get ticked off.

On the homeschool front, Hosey and Kezzy are learning to read and write, they are doing the work together. I find it helps, as they spur each other along.

Cherry finished her first book, a while back and I am still editing that.

Jash and Izzy are grappling with algebra. Funny how it comes quickly to some and not others.

The rest are plodding along. Izzy had his Richmond test back, which showed he had not just made a years progress, but had also improved on that! It is so great when you have positive feedback, especially as moi, the teacher.

Our four day week is working great and also our schedule. So they will be staying. Just a little bit of order in a chaotic household!

Love to hear how others are doing. Please drop a comment.

Leaving you with a crazy pick of Eli.

...and Charity!

and Joey!

Posted By diamondsintherough

Posted By New Frontiers Academy