May. 2, 2008
Things I am Willing to Pay For
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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Okay, I've been thinking about the whole thing about loving and homeschooling for FREE whenever possible. I love FREE there is no doubt about it. It just makes it easier to use our limited cash money for the things that must be purchased. I've also been thinking that there are some things that are worth paying for, brand new. Not many but a few. One of those things is Home School Legal Defense Membership. If I couldn't buy anything else for homeschooling, this would be a must have. Fortunately, the Lord has graciously provided this, often at a reduced cost to my family. I have had a membership almost the entire time I've homeschooled. I would go without other supplies before I would go without this. Another thing that I would pay for - now that I've been blessed with a gift subscription to it - is a subscription to the website MathWorksheetSite. Limitless math work pages to reinforce concepts. I have recommended their free section to many, many people. And I tend not to recommend things that I don't use myself. We use this one ALOT! Having only briefly experienced the value of their subscription page -- I'm telling you it is worth the $25 a year. I will be working this into our future homeschooling budget as well. Right now, I can't think of much else I would pay for or feel that we must have to homeschool -- maybe internet service, but I get mine for a ridiculously low price ($4.95/mo) so I'm not sure that really counts. That is one of those "nearly" free things anyway. Everything else, I definitely get for free or for as little as I can possibly spend. I love to barter, trade, borrow -- but also to share. This past year I had the opportunity to bless several homeschooling families by sharing volumes of my Saxon that we weren't using as well as other books. It just reminded me that no matter how little we have - if we let the Lord, He can use what we do have for His glory to be a blessing to others. How has the Lord used you to bless others? Have you hindered Him from allowing you to be a blessing, by blocking the channel through which His blessings flow? Blessings, MaggieRaye |
May. 1, 2008
Best Blessing of All
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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If you've been reading my posts lately you know that my family is just bubbling over in rejoicing the Lord's blessings. The blessing I'm about to share is going to seem small in comparison to all that has been going on, but it was "the hugest" to me. A couple years ago, a dear friend gave me a beautiful, brand new sewing machine to have to do my quilting with. The machine has sewed many miles since then, not just on quilts but also making diapers and frock for Haitian orphanages. It has also taught a couple of young ladies to sew. About six months ago, after a cleaning, the sewing machine started breaking needles, and I figured I'd just worn it out. I knew that getting it serviced would cost almost as much as a new sewing machine at WalMart. I struggled and prayed for months over whether to have it serviced or just to buy a new machine, maybe not quite as fancy, but still functional. In the mean time, I dug out my dependable old (1966) Brothers beast that weighs a 1/2 ton. This was a bit of a shock to the system, after using my light weight new one. Needless to say, taking projects with me when I traveled became out of the question. I went to WalMart a week ago, I'd made a decision, I was going to buy a new sewing machine. I got there and the one I could afford was not one, but two steps below the level I currently have, and it just didn't have what I really wanted/needed for stitch options. The one that was equivalent to my machine in price and stitch options was computerized and to me that just seems like something that should NOT be. It's a machine not a computer. It's suppose to run on gears and motors and things I can take apart and figure out. So, very muddled, preplexed and confused, I left WalMart with no sewing machine. Figuring, if I really, really needed it, I could go back and buy the computerized one -- even thought it was more than what I wanted or needed to deal with. We won't even discuss the serger that I looked at briefly, and decided against. I came home, took out my machine, and decided to give it one last chance. I prayed. I prayed a lot. I tinkered here, and adjusted there. I checked everything one checks. I tried hard not to be frustrated as I broke 4 more sewing needles, in less than a 1/2 hour. Finally, when I was about to give up, "Lord, I just don't know what to do. If I had a husband, he could tell me what I should do, here. Lord, I need to know what to do!!!" Then I noticed that the shaft where the needle goes wiggled back and forth, hence the broken needles -- because they kept hitting the metal plate. Hhhmmmm . . . that isn't suppose to wiggle like that, so I turned the machine around, and sure enough there was a very loose screw in the back. A loose screw -- of all the simple, mundane, frustrating, things. For six months I had not been able to do any serious sewing because of a loose screw!!!!! So, I did the only reasonable thing I could do -- Thank the Lord!!!!! Oh, and of course, tighten the screw. And Voila! Screw tightened -- sewing machine fixed -- no money spent!!!! Having my sewing machine back and working has been the biggest blessing of all. How has the Lord been blessing your life? MaggieRaye |
May. 1, 2008
Whatever You Can Afford Deal
Posted in Home Education
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The Lord has just been showering blessings down on my family lately. I'm so grateful. I share not to brag, but to encourage. Here is the latest blessing. I received an email today from Wisdom Gates. While I have enjoyed Homeschool Digest in the past, subscribing was not an option. If you like Homeschool Digest or one of their other magazines but can't make the budget stretch that far, this will be a blessing for you also. Spreading the blessings around, MaggieRaye We have been very concerned about the strain that the poor economy is placing on our |
May. 1, 2008
The Dragon Has A Name
Posted in Book Review
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Several days ago, I posted about a book MattMann and I were reading. Well since then we've been to the library, gotten the other two books in the series and finished one. Now we're half way through the third and finally book and guess what "the baby dragon" has a name. His name is Boris. Yes, we've traveled with Elmer Elevator and "the baby dragon" through two and a half volumes of the story and now, finally we know his name. I can definitely recommend this for a read-aloud for your family. The next time you are at your local library check it out and see if they have the series. My Father's Dragon, Elmer and the Dragon, and The Dragon in Blueland. It's a great, innocent adventure for boys. Just enough suspense, but nothing scary. We are loving it. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
May. 1, 2008
Self-Confessing Junkie
Posted in Home Education
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I don't know about anyone else, but I find that I have "seasons" of compulsion. Blogging was one of them for awhile. It is the thing we spend a lot of time doing that just really doesn't make sense, especially to anyone watching from the outside. My recent compulsion is book lists - I've gone through every curriculum I really like and printed out their book list. Is that crazy or what? Now, I'm going through my library and a book has to meet one of two criteria to remain on the shelves. It has to be a book one or all of us really loved or it has to be on most if not all of the book lists I have in my note book. Yes, I confess, I have a book of book lists. Currently my book lists come from Ambleside Online, Old Fashioned Education, Robinson's Self-Teaching Curriculum, Total Language Plus, Connect The Thoughts Reading Program, a "twaddle-free" Charlotte Mason list from some website I found along the way, SCORE Cyber Guides, Eagle Forum's - The Ultimate Reading List, Kidsource's Timeless Classics List, A list my aunt gave me called 100 Significant Books, and most recently The Baldwin Online Children's Project. Yes, I confess, I'm a junkie - books, books, books and now even lists of books. And with the price of everything rising, I'm glad to have two library cards (maybe three), because at least I can afford to support my habit. Are you looking for a good book to read? Email me, I'll send you a list. *grin* Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Apr. 28, 2008
TOS Spring 2008 Subscription Promotion
Posted in Home Education
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What is your favorite homeschooling magazine? As a group leader, Regional Rep of the tri-county area of my home state, and “seasoned” homeschooler, I have read them all, and think that The Old Schoolhouse is by far the leading magazine available to homeschoolers, today. It has everything from helpful advise to activity ideas, and so much more. Right now, The Old Schoolhouse has an amazing Spring 2008 Subscription Promotion going on. You can find out more details about it by clicking this link: Spring 2008 Subscription Promotion By sharing this thought with you, I have an opportunity to win some really cool prizes, which I can share with all of you in my group, network, region. That’s not why I’m doing it. I’m doing it for the opportunity to win the Laptop. I have coveted the idea of having a laptop for several years, (you regular readers know this) so that I could would be able to do impromptu groups wherever I might be - on the coast with my family, at the local library, a play date at the rec center. You all know my true passion is to show single mom’s that the Lord will provide and that homeschooling is really an option for them, this would be great tool to use for this ministry. As I would never ask my children to so something I wasn’t willing to do along side them. I would never ask or encourage you to do something I don’t believe in or do myself. I love my TOS subscription and love being able to share it with other homeschoolers. Wouldn’t you like to have your own subscription to look forward to? Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Apr. 26, 2008
Discontentment
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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Does anyone else grow discontent this time of year? Do the mass of homeschool catalogs that are beginning to arrive, cause you to desire that which you can not afford? Do you begin to doubt if your hodge podge of "stuff" will actually educate your child sufficiently? I didn't realize that I was discontent until recently. Probably when I began to clean out all those extraneous books I just had to have, but when faced with the idea of moving them, decided really weren't so important. I think it is easy (or at least a "good" excuse) for single moms to become discontent. So and so is using this or that very new curriculum and there is just no way we can afford it on a limited (read non-existant) homeschooling budget. This group is going a a field trip here (or there) but the cost for us is prohibitive. When I look outside my home, at everyone else, it is too easy to become ungrateful, disconent, and just generally thankless of the Lord's abundant provision for my children and I, so -- I'm currently avoiding the following things: homeschool group meetings discussing portfolio's (I even find that I'm discontent that I didn't do what someone else did this year), homeschool group meetings discussing curriculum, curriculum catalogs (I already know what I think I need for next year and know where I can get it for the least amount of money, no point in looking any further only to discover something I don't really need but would like.), used book sales, used curriculum sales, conferences or conventions where curriculum (new or used) will be available to peruse or purchase. I have everything I need and so much more abundantly. We are so blessed. I need to start really being grateful for the abundance the Lord has bestowed on me, and not try to "do it myself". He does a much better job. And if I'd just trust Him and not work so hard to "collect" stuff for too far into the future , well, I probably wouldn't have so many boxes of books to get rid of, in order to avoid moving them. Is the Lord refining you? Leave me a comment if you're willing to share. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Apr. 24, 2008
My Father's Dragon
Posted in Book Review
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We recently made a trip to Nana's house, where awaiting MattMann were a couple of books from Auntie. One was titled My Father's Dragon. It was copyrighted in 1948 -- the year Nana was born -- by Weekly Reader Children's Book Club a division of Random House. The book was written by Ruth Stiles Gannett. The inside covers host a map of the stories adventure as "my father" goes on an adventure to free the baby dragon who is being mistreated/abused by the animals of the jungle. It is an easy reading book. It is just 10 short chapters. MattMann said, "do we have to . . . " before we started, and by the end of the first chapter he wanted me to keep going to the end of the book. We spread it out over most of a week and adventured along with the narrator on his father's adventure. What I didn't know when we started reading this book was that is part of the Sonlight Curriculum and is still in print today. Our old treasure, turned out to be a "classic" that I didn't even know was a classic until today. Isn't it funny how the Lord brings little blessings into our lives in such unique and special ways? What has the Lord done in your life that seemed insignificant until you saw the bigger picture? Blessings, MaggieRaye P.S. Now we're on a quest to find Now we are on a quest to find : Elmer and the Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett The Dragons of Blueland by Ruth Stiles Gannett |
Apr. 23, 2008
When Your Hut Is On Fire
Posted in Miscellaneous Stuff
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** I think this post is similar to what many future posts will be like. Thank you to Susan Lemons for sharing it on a Yahoo! group that we both belong to. May the Lord bless your homeschooling endeavors today! MaggieRaye When Your Hut's On Fire
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, 'God! How could you do this to me?' Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! 'How did you know I was here?' asked the weary man of his rescuers. 'We saw your smoke signal,' they replied. The Moral of This Story: It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God. P.S. You may want to consider passing this on, because you never know who feels as if their hut is on fire today. |
Apr. 22, 2008
God's Precious Perfect Provision
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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Awhile back, probably in January, I had put up a post (which I have since removed) that I was considering applying for funds from Homeschool Foundation's (http://www.homeschoolfoundation.org) Children of Single Parents Fund (http://www.homeschoolfoundation.org/funds/SingleParent.asp) to help out with some financial burdens I'm carrying, right now, from poor financial decisions made in my youth (before I had children or even knew homeschooling was an option for those who did). It took me awhile to bring myself to actually put the application in. I just kept thinking -- I'll make it somehow. There's my sin nature - pride - rearing it's ugly head. I recently submitted my part of the application process, knowing that my references had long since been received by HSF. I also knew the ball park that I could expect to receive. When I checked the mail the other day, there was a check, from HSF. My request had been approved. And for a higher amount than I originally anticipated. While I basically know where this money is going. I'm taking the next three days to pray for the Lord to show me specifically how I can best use it for His glory in our homeschooling endeavors. The grant is a one time thing, so this is it. I need to be the absolute best steward of this blessing that I can! This isn't the only way the Lord perfectly provides for my family and I, but it's the most recent way, and I need to give Him, all the praise, honor and glory for this. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Apr. 22, 2008
What to Do With This Blog?
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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A dear online friend and long time reader, recently asked me if I'd decided what I was going to do with my blog. I have not, not really. I can't let it go, and yet, I can't post quite the way I have in the past. While I want to encourage single mothers that their situations are not unique, I often find myself in hot water for posting things that are too personal for my local reading audience. So, for now, I'm going to continue to resist the urge to "share" with you all that is going on around me. At the same time, I'm praying for wisdom and the Lord's words to continue to encourage single parents who are or would like to homeschool. I truly believe, as I have for many years, that the Lord does and will bless the single parent who steps out on faith to train up their children for His glory, in spite of difficult circumstances. My life has been an ongoing testimony to this fact. So, for those of you who were wondering, I guess I won't be taking the blog down, unless the Lord clearly shows me that I must. At the same time, He is definitely refining me in the area of keeping silent on some things that I use to share more openly about my family. My prayer is that it will continue to be a blessing to those it is meant to minister to and to anyone else who happens by. Blessing, MaggieRaye |
Apr. 16, 2008
Home Church, Keeping My Mouth Shut and Other Stuff
Posted in Just Ramblin
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I just had to let you know what a struggle it has been to keep my mouth shut and my fingers still lately. There have been so many situations and subjects I'hve wanted to blog on - have my say about - just the Lord has clearly shown me I need to keep my mouth shut. Oh, what a training and growing time this has been. We have been doing church at home for several months, and much like home schooling, I didn't start out with the intent, but it evolved out of the situation we found ourselves in. There is no well established reformed church in our area. Also, I've been desiring to do less "church" and more worship -- which is easier to do at home. I have a friend who unknowingly (or maybe not) keeps me accountable by calling at some point during the week and asking what my family did for worship on Sunday. I don't know if the Lord will have us continue this or if it is just for a season, but I know that I don't miss the busyness of church that I've experienced in the past. Finally, I think it might finally be spring here. We've had several warm afternoons and much of the snow is melting -- though we still have too much in the back yard. The academic year is winding down and we are praying about moving closer to family, in the near future. What is the Lord doing in your life right now? Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Apr. 16, 2008
Single Moms in California?????
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I am looking for a resource or support for a single mom who is/wants to homeschool in California. I am sure at one time I knew someone there - but alas, as I've spent more time with my family and less time with my computer, I can't think of who it was/is. Are you or do you know any single moms in California that are homeschooling? If you do, please email me with your email address so that I can pass it on to this mom. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Mar. 26, 2008
Clearing Clutter
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A dear Christian lady recently challenged me to contemplate blogging. It didn't take long to contemplate, as she spoke, I knew every word she said was an answer to prayer. I've been asking the Lord to show me where our lives need "cleaning" to better serve Him. I use to spend up to 30 hours a week blogging when I started, posting on the average of 3 times a day. Recently I post much less, but it had been more personal than it was in the beginning. So, this morning I just cleaned house. There are now 13 posts on this blog while I prayerful consider whether the Lord would have me take it down all together or not. In the even that the Lord shows me that this blog needs to come down -- or doesn't -- Jehovah-Jireh Mission will remain up as a resource for all who are seeking information on homeschooling as a single parent. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Mar. 22, 2008
Lukewarmness in the church
Posted in Just Ramblin
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I've talked to several different Christian ladies recently, from different geographic areas and different walks of life and one thing I'm hearing consistently is about how sad they are to see their church so far from what they believe scripture calls us to be. I see them struggling with a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness for how to advocate change. They've seen Return of the Daughters, they've read Passionate Housewives and Created to be His Helpmate. They know what they need to do. One lady even said she didn't know who she could share these resources with that might not be offended by them. Wow! That is a very sad statement on our Christian community. I've shared them with people and didn't care if they were offended, mostly because I believe scripture and it says that those who love His law will not be offended. The Lord gave me a clear call when I started homeschooling to encourage other single mothers to do likewise for the sake of their children, for the furtherance of His kingdom. I wonder if He's giving me a new call for a new season in my life. I do not want to be offensive, but I do want us, as mothers to return to the truth of the Lord's word. I've become complacent in my own home over the last couple of years. My own sinful flesh has hindered me from things of the Lord. So mom's, whether you are single or not, think about these things. What are we really teaching our daughters? Is algebra really going to be all that important in eternity? I don't think that the Lord is going to be looking at SAT scores or the like, do you? I think we need to fuel in our daughters a passionate fire for the Lord and His ways. In my recent devotional reading, I was reminded that Mary Magdalene was the first one that the Lord revealed himself to after his resurrection - a woman - a believer - a faithful follower. He gave her a command to go and tell the others. She obeyed. But they - the disciples - the men - didn't believe her. Did it change anything? No, she did what she was called to do and the Lord dealt with the disciples accordingly afterwards. I believe this is what we need to do. We need to take a stand, obediently, as a faithful servant, knowing that other believers will not listen or hear. We are only accountable for the job the Lord has given us - we need to be faithful in that and let Him deal with those who don't believe. Ouch! This post was more for me than any of you, but I hope it helps some of you, too. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Mar. 16, 2008
For Isaac's Family
Posted in Miscellaneous Stuff
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Originally posted March 14, 2008. Edited Sunday, March 16, 2008 - 11:34 AM - This post will remain my top post for awhile. Please be sure to scroll down to read other, newer posts. I recently posted about wanting to read a book (A Song for Your Honor) about another single parent homeschooling family. I wanted to be able to review it and share it with all of you. I received two "annonymous" comments, on the post -- where are all my regular readers anyway? -- and with them came sad news of family tragedy. One man, Richard, gave me a link back to his blog: http://www.xanga.com/InnerJoy/647028124/item.html http://inmemoryofisaac.com/ To read about what has been going on. I am sitting here thinking - Why Lord? Of course, being oh, so American, my initial thoughts (sadly) were - - Lord, all I wanted was a copy of the book to read. I didn't want to be involved in anything "emotional" other than the book. I have a friend here, who just lost her son-in-law and now her daughter is a single parent homeschooling mom with two little ones, that's enough Lord. Instead, I find myself, bombarded with posts and pictures of this young man, (one link led to another, to another and I just couldn't stop myself from reading more) who was obviously dear to his family and friends. I can't begin to feel their pain and loss, there is no way. And yet, I know that the Lord's timing is perfect. He let me begin to pursue this, at just the moment I did, He knew what was going on in their lives and mine. So, I would like to ask all who read -- or those who are just happening by -- to offer up prayers of peace and comfort for the family and friends of Isaac. My the Lord Jesus hold you and comfort you during this time. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Feb. 3, 2008
Favorite Resources - FREE
Posted in Home Education
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It's been awhile since I've posted something like this, but since I was just sitting here printing out worksheets for the week I decided to share. I have a favorite math website. http://themathworksheetsite.com While there is a part of the site you can't access without a paid subscription there is also a part of the site that is FREE. These worksheets are great practice pages for our "problem" areas in basic math skills. Go by check it out and let me know what you think. I LOVE IT! Also, someone told me about Homeschool eStore several months back and I can NOT begin to tell you all the FREE downloads I've received. Great stuff. This weeks was a unit study using Charlotte's Web as the base -- which we just happen to be reading! It's worth the few minutes it takes to go by and sign up to receive their weekly email. I've gotten free Hands of a Child Lapbooks - LOVE THOSE! It has been a huge blessing to be able to get great stuff that I like and can really use for FREE. It is such an encouragment to me, with our limited budget. http://www.homeschoolestore.com/catalog/index.php Check them out and let me know if these are as big a blessing for you as they have been for me. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Dec. 18, 2007
Mud Puddles - I Like the Imagery
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I just bought a brand new book. Yes, I ordered it, and paid full price. I've wanted to for awhile. I'll just call it a Christmas gift from me the parent to me the teacher of our homeschool. I'm reading Homeschooling for Eternity by Skeet Savage. Last night I read this, and it so summed up a lot of things I've been feeling lately. I don't mean to offend, but I think she hit the nail on the head so to speak. "From what I have observed, the average American Christian is about as deep as a mud puddle and just about as pure. As a result upon encountering one, the average American pagan has learned to sidestep them on sight. Yet, incredibly, we Christians are so worried about getting soiled by our contact with the world! "What are we so afraid of? If we are convinced that we are right in all that we believe, do and say, then what do we have to fear from someone who supposedly has less light than we claim to possess? If we have the vaccine, then what reason would we have to fear the disease?" p. 41 I have personally, in the last few years encountered a multitude of situations in which is was clear that other Christians just didn't want to get involved because they just might get their hands dirty. It irked me greatly then, and it still does. I can't remember the scripture reference, but when I read this I thought of the passage where Christ washes the disciples feet and how I recently read somewhere else that this was truly a dirty job. In the spring feet were muddy, in the summer dusty. They had sandels not New Balance or Nike. A piece of leather tied to the bottom of their foot. And their feet got dirty. Christ - God in the flesh - stooped to wash the feet of His disciples, those He was training to take over His ministry when He returned to the father. Shame on us! We like to look good, but does God really care how we look to those around us? So are you a mud puddle or are you washing the feet of someone who would like to avoid the puddles? Blessings, MaggieRaye |
May. 17, 2007
My Newest Free Online Curriculum Find!
Posted in Home Education
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Recently I was looking for some information regarding children's literature and quilts. What I found was a rather amazing site that has (or at least seems to) fantastic curriculum. The site is Learning to Give. The whole focus of each subject is around philanthropy, non-profit entities and giving back to the local community. It has stuff for K-12. I have not thoroughly purused the site yet, however, the set of lessons that I found and have printed out to use were excellent. They were well organized and easy to follow (at least for the purpose of reading). I haven't tried them out yet, but will be very soon. My one caution would be if you prefer to present things from a Christian world view, you may have to tweak information or adapt it. The site seems to be a little bit . . . well . . . worldly, I guess for lack of a better word. Check it out and let me know what you think. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Mar. 29, 2007
The Animal School
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A mom new to homeschooling recently sent me a link to a poem that is just beautiful. I've since lost the original link she sent me, but found the poem, posted on another website. I originally planned to post it here, but for today, I'll just give you the link. http://www.homeschooloasis.com/art_animal_school.htm (sorry HSB wouldn't let me create a hyper link - you know the drill just cut and paste into your address box and click "go") Hope you're having a blessed day! |