Posted in Product Reviews

I just finished reading Carol Topp's book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out.  I first met Carol here at HSB.  She was the first person that I had ever met (even if it was just online) that discussed the financial side of homeschooling... taxes, IRS, and the whole gamut of questions that an audience of homeschoolers could throw her way.  Always knowledgeable (and approachable), I have learned much from her over the years (thanks, Carol!).

While I have never been a member of a co-op, I was thinking about getting together with one or two other families to have either an art class or science class-- the two subjects that have sadly fallen by the wayside in our homeschool.  Carol's book came at the perfect time!

Let me tell you some of my favorite things about her book:

• Carol's writing style is very easy to read.  It didn't take extra energy (that I did not have) to just get through the book-- I actually enjoyed reading it!
  
  
• Included in her book are real life stories and situations.  Not only does it make things more interesting, but you can tell the book contains her personal experience with co-op's along with the experience of other homeschoolers.
  
  
• As you would expect from a CPA, the book is very well organized.  Nothing irks me more than a book with no flow and no sense in the order of chapters. 
  
  
• The book is very thorough and divided into three main sections:
  
  • Starting a Co-op,
  • Running a Co-op,
  • and How to Avoid Burnout.
    
    
• Examples of various forms, mission statements, etc. are included.  She also has very pointed questions to ask yourself in each chapter.  Not one to just convince you that a co-op is for everyone, Carol helps you to see the many benefits of a co-op as well as to count the cost.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that has even thought about starting a co-op!  This has encouraged me greatly and I plan to pass this useful resource on to others.

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After many previous half-hearted (and failed) New Year's resolutions, I have finally learned my lesson-- don't make resolutions!

Why is it that we decide in November or December certain things we need to fix, change or improve... but instead of doing it right away we wait until January 1st?  If it's not important enough for you to do it rightthissecond, then it's probably not something that you will truly be resolved about.

One of the things that I've been meaning to do is allow Dash to be responsible for a meal every now and then.  After all, he is a whopping 8 years old and he loves to eat.  The other day it dawned on me that he is always the first one up in the morning.  Enter my bright idea.  Let him be the one to make breakfast-- and a hot breakfast at that!  I know, I know... it's bordering on *genius*.

Yesterday morning he tiptoed to my bed and whispered Mommy?  Mommy!  Can I make breakfast? In the OVEN?!  In my half conscious stupor I said Okay. You remember how to use the oven and turn it off, right?  He said he did and then I went back to sleep.

I woke up an hour later and as my brain became more coherent, I remembered our conversation from earlier.  Man, did I ever hustle it to the kitchen! 

Whew!  It was still there.  And not on fire.  And the kids were all up and in a non-charcoaled state.  Then I glanced over and saw these super-crispy looking rocks on a cookie sheet.

Me:  Uhhh... Dash?  How long did you put these in the oven?

Dash:  For ten plus thirteen.

Me:  Huh?

Dash:  For ten plus thirteen!

Then it hit me.

Me:  Hey, sweetie... when the directions say 10 dash 13, it means 10 minutes OR 11 minutes OR 12 minutes OR 13 minutes.  NOT 10 plus 13 equals 23 minutes!

He got this look of Oooohhhh... Now I get it.  Poor kid.  But at least he tried and the kids didn't starve.  They all had their fill of toaster waffles, cereal and a few tops off of the baked hockey pucks. :-)

*****

This now brings me in a very round-about kind of way to my review of Supermom's Simple Guide to Healthier Eating for Beginners and Beyond by Erica Johns.

The nitty gritty:  I liked this book.

Her writing style is very easy to read and she tells you in simple terms what you can do (right now!) to improve your family's health.  This is not a diet book, but a book that will help you focus on small changes to your eating habits that can reap tremendous benefits. 

If you are looking for a book that is chock full of persuasive scientific essays, then this book is most definitely not for you!  But if you're like me and already knew many things that are good/bad for you (and then promptly forgot the information overload) then Erica's book might just be the kick in the rear (read: strong encouragement) that you need to make the necessary changes to healthier eating.

But fear not, you are talking to the latte queen who lets her 8yo make canned biscuits for breakfast!  Even if you don't make all the changes that are suggested in this book, I know y'all could do many of the suggestions Erica talks about!  This is not a quitter's book.  There's not a big giant plan that is setting you up for failure before you even start. 

This is a simple guide that shows you some simple things that you really can do for your family and their health.

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I never would've thought to even attempt to introduce the Greek alphabet to my children.  But since I really enjoy Johannah Bluedorn's illustrations, I thought Why not?  I received Little Bitty Baby Learns Greek in the mail and was excited that is was a boardbook!  Hooray!  I can actually leave this one out for the kids (and even Dozer) to look at without having to worry about torn pages or pages wrinkled by slobber and sippy cups.

This book teaches the alphabet for Biblical Greek.  Each letter is introduced on a page and includes the capital letter, lowercase, pronunciation and letter sounds.  The kids' favorite part was, of course, the beautiful illustrations.  By the way, their favorite letter was kappa.  Why?  Because kappa says the c sounds as in candy.  Mmmm...they just loved the picture of the candy in the glass jars... Simple logic, huh?  And if they were to remember even one letter of Biblical Greek, it will most definitely be kappa!

While I don't currently plan on teaching the Greek language to my children, we will definitely go over this book many more times.  It did make the idea of teaching Greek a little less intimidating... So who knows what the future may hold for us...

This book also allowed for some great discussions that we would not have otherwise had.  For example, we talked about the books of the Bible and how they were originally written in a different language.  And how different languages have different alphabets...and some of these alphabets have sounds and letters very similar to our own English alphabet!  Believe it or not, we even discussed translations and King James...which then led to a brief conversation about people in other countries who do not have a Bible in their own language. 

I think this talk of other languages and countries could be expanded even more.  I'm sure they would be very interested in talking about some of the missionaries our church supports.  And that, of course, could branch out into lessons on geography, other cultures and who knows what else!  I just love homeschooling, don't you?!

If you haven't done so already, I would definitely recommend Little Bitty Baby Learns Greek by Johannah Bluedorn (or any of her other books as well).  The illustrations are lovely, the products high quality and the content inspiring!

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Every Man a Hero, Every Woman a Coach by Joel N. Orr

I like the title. I really do. It sums up a good relationship, doesn't it? It's also nice to be reminded that MY DEAR HUSBAND IS MY HERO! I hate to say that I have to be reminded in the first place, but with three young little men at home I get caught up in the very busy daily "stuff" and sometimes forget the truth about my main man. :-)

On the back cover of his book, Dr. Orr asks the question: What does it take to make every man a hero? The answer: A coach who sees his potential and wants him to win!

I have read some inspiring, encouraging, or just plain kick-you-in-the-rear books on being a good wifey (depending on the season, I was in need of all of these types of books!). Joel Orr's book is a little of each.

First of all, I really liked his very analytical points. He ends each chapter with Key Points to think about, talk about and take action. This is one of the most systematic books on marriage that I have read and includes a very detailed Table of Contents.

Second, it's not as touchy-feely as some other marriage books, but much more explanatory. Definitely appeals to the brainy, fact-loving side of me! This book would be a good gift for your non-mushy friends...you know the type...

Dr. Orr also does not really mention God in his book until Chapter 46. I don't believe anything he said went against the Bible-- he just chose to approach the subject of marriage with a hero/coach model instead of using biblical references. His ideas and writing does actually support what the Bible says (so we can read on!). This also makes it a helpful resource not just for Christian's, but for those who are looking to improve their marriage but would probably not read a "Christian" book... Again, you know the type...

Every Man a Hero, Every Woman a Coach is written to both men and women. He encourages the woman to use her special skills to build up her husband. He encourages the man to take advantage of his wife's insights and to cherish her. Both are greatly rewarded for their efforts with a satisfying and joyful marriage!

And it is an effort at times, isn't it? Dr. Orr does not say that it's easy or comes natural to us. Great marriages take commitment. And for those that don't feel like they have one right now, YOU ARE NOT A VICTIM! Every day is filled with choices...You can DO something about it! Ahhh...I just love books that encourage action instead of the poor-poor-pitiful-me outlook.

Joel Orr knows what he's talking about when it comes to a joyfull and fulfilling marriage. You can just tell by his words how he feels about his wife and how highly he thinks of her! He was married to his dear wife N'omi for over 30 years.

Sadly, N'omi Orr died a few short weeks ago.  Dr. Orr sent a message saying that "My precious N'omi, the light of my life, accepted a personal invitation from the Lord of Glory to join him in heaven."  My deepest condolences to Dr. Orr and his family! It is comforting, however, to know that she is at the feet of Jesus and that she and her husband will see each other again one day. May we all have lasting and loving marriages like their's-- together in this world and also for eternity. That truly is the greatest gift and legacy you can leave your spouse and your children! Comfort and assurance of eternity.

Bottom line:  Two thumbs up for Every Man a Hero, Every Woman a Coach

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Like the cover says, it really is like a homeschool convention in a book!  I only wish I had this book when I first started homeschooling!  Oh well, better late than never...

This is my 3rd year homeschooling and I thought I knew all about the different learning styles and methods available.  But who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

It was quite interesting to learn that I am in fact... a Traditional Homeschooler.  Who knew?!  I have always loved the Charlotte Mason Method and the idea of Eclectic Homeschooling... but looking at what I am currently doing, I am definitely in the Traditional category.

NO WONDER THINGS AREN'T "QUITE RIGHT"!!!

It's funny how God reveals things in His own time.  I've been debating, wondering, praying, wondering, thinking, and wondering about our curriculum choices for next year...  And then I read this book and realize that the current curriculum we are using does not match up to my ideal of homeschooling.  While it appeals to the busy, organized, check-off-the-box side of me, the fun and excited wonderment is definitely missing.  And this little book helped me to put in words what I've felt all along.

So whether you are thinking about homeschooling, just starting out, or still tweaking the process (like me!), this book is definitely for you!  It is truly a handy-dandy resource that is laid out in easy-to-read chapters.  It discusses the what, why and how of several different approaches/methods/philosophies of homeschooling.  These include Classical Education, the Principle Approach, Traditional Textbook, Charlotte Mason, Unit Study, Special Needs, Carschooling, Eclectic, Unschooling/Delight Directed and Whole-Heart Learning.

A BIG thank you to Paul and Gena Suarez (and the many talented contributing writers) for putting out such a great resource! Two big thumbs up from me!

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The Thinking Toolbox: Thirty-Five Lessons That Will Build Your Reasoning Skills by Nathaniel Bluedorn and Hans Bluedorn, illustrated by Richard LaPierre

Wow, if my kids had seen this arrive in the mail (and they were a bit older and sassier) I am sure they would've said "Hey, mom!  You HAVE to read this!!!  It's exactly what you need!!!"  hehehe...I can just hear my sweet dh chuckle to himself...Yup, anything that might make you reasonable is a good thing!  So I guess it was a good thing for everyone around me that I was the only one who saw what was inside the package!

I wasn't quite sure how I would like a book that's all about sharpening your reasoning skills and that used the term LOGIC.  Would it be boring?  Would it make me feel dumb in the end?  Would it bring back nightmares of going to class in my pj's and not realizing that the final exam would be today and I hadn't studied and would not graduate after all???  Sorry, got a little carried away there...

Anyhow, I had heard great things about this book by Nathaniel Bluedorn and Hans Bluedorn (as well as their other book The Fallacy Detective)...so I dove right in...and was not disappointed! 

Why couldn't they have had books like this in high school and college???  The Thinking Toolbox really is full of all kinds of tools that you can use for different thinking tasks such as:

• When is it dumb to argue?
• Using the Scientific Method
• Five rules of brainstorming
• Who has a reason to lie?
• How to analyze opposing viewpoints
• How to analyze evidence and sources
• How to list reasons why you believe something

Sounds a bit daunting, doesn't it?  But do not fear!  The Bluedorns did a fabulous job of walking you through all of these in an easy-to-read, easy-to-understand and quite entertaining way.   The scenarios and conversations they include will help you apply your new-found skills into real life situations.  After all, what good is a tool if you don't know when or how to use it?

I loved how each lesson was short and to-the-point.  Quite necessary for those of us with demanding toddlers or anyone with a short attention span.  Each lesson also had exercises at the end (don't worry, no crunches or push-ups required!); and each exercise builds on previous exercises which helps to further drive the point home.  Ahem...and for those of you who still worry about tackling logic, there IS an answer key at the end!

Initially, I was quite skeptical of being able to recommend a book about logic, but The Thinking Toolbox is one of the BEST books I have ever read on the subject!  It is self-teaching and offers a Christian view of logic.  It is written for ages 13 through adult and is a very useful way to introduce critical and systematic thinking/reasoning to students.  I think it would be a perfect read for your student before they tackle their next science project or experiment, make a speech, write a research paper, or just any time.  It would also prove quite useful for any mom or dad to get their thinking-ducks in a row as well...so check it out!

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Why is it that we can read the Bible and sometimes the words, God's Words, just go in and then right out of our heads?  I'm ashamed to say it, but it's true.  I love to read my Bible but there are times that I just see words.  I'm either too hurried or distracted to see the beauty and love behind what God is actually saying to me-- and to listen.  And yet when these same Words are written on a blog, in a letter or some other non-Bible place, it really makes me pause and take notice!  Such is the case with Bless the Lord: The 103rd Psalm, illustrated by Johannah Bluedorn. 

In this book, the very talented Johannah Bluedorn (interviewed in the current Winter Edition of TOS) illustrates the true beauty of The 103rd Psalm (KJV) in lovingly detailed pictures.  Some of her drawings remind me of the My First Little House books that I used to read with my boys.  There is an innocence to Johannah's illustrations that kinda makes you *sigh*...but in a good way!  The rich colors throughout the book make you just want to climb right in and make yourself at home!

I think that this is a great book to sit and read with your children.  Start your day out with it over breakfast or cuddle up with it at night before bed.  They will enjoy getting lost in the world that Johannah has created.  My oldest son really enjoyed finding some of the "hidden treasures" in the pictures.  He even noticed a couple things that I missed in my first three times through the book (hint:  look in the trees)!  Teeeheehe...does it bother you that you may not have a copy of this book in front of you to figure out what I'm talking about?!  If so, then get it now!

Another thing I really like about this book is the song at the end.  Harvey Bluedorn wrote music so we can have a tune to Psalm 103-- how's that for talent in a single family?!  We all know that it is much easier to memorize scripture when it is set to a tune!  And with verse numbers notated in the score, you can easily pick out what verse of Psalm 103 you're singing.

I can't wait to read Miss Bluedorn's other books!  I have a feeling that I will be starting quite the collection.