Posted in ideas in action
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I realize that many who read this will be homeschoolers and want to check this out for their own homeschool. Please do so! If you don't have a homeschool to support, please consider ours. Today I sent this to our family, posted it on my LiveJournal and on my Facebook. It's something that can help us and so I am going to try it. A friend of mine is already earning money for her homeschool! Hi family and friends!
As you probably know, we homeschool our children. Jesse is now 7 and in 2nd grade. Anastasia is almost 6 (next month!) and is in first grade. I was recently made aware of an awesome fund-raising opportunity for our homeschool. We are registered with My Homeschool Rewards, a site where you can purchase gift cards and magazine subscriptions, and a percentage of your purchase goes to our fund for curriculum! How wonderful is that?! My friend who told me about the site said she buys Jewel (grocery store) cards and uses them herself, which earns her school money! So even if you don't need a gift for someone else, you could buy yourself a card for something you're already going to spend the money on and help our homeschool in the process. Every little bit helps! There are even gas station and pharmacy gift cards you can get. If you're looking for something fun, there are Blockbuster cards, movie theatres, and more. And don't forget those magazine subscriptions! Here's some information from the site: How it Works * Purchase gift cards through MyHomeschoolRewards.com, auto-order, or phone. * With each purchase, we'll add a donation to your account. * Gift card orders are shipped directly to your home. * Your earnings are tracked and a check for the amount earned will be issued directly to you each quarter. Be smart with your money. Use gift cards for all of your gas, groceries, entertainment, and restaurants -- the donations really add up! Important Note: The cash back is provided by MyHomeschoolRewards.com, not from a reduction of the gift card value. You spend the full value of the gift cards, just like cash. The gift cards we offer are the same gift cards that you would purchase at the store with one important exception: only MyHomeschoolRewards.com gives you cash back on every purchase! Here's the site: http://myhomeschoolrewards Thanks for considering supporting us in this way.  Here are the kids on our recent field trip to Chicago Botanic Gardens to collect leaves and study plants for science.
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Posted in Homeschool Memoirs
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Oh how often we either say it or hear it … “Too much to do, not enough time!”? I hear it and say it quite often. How do you manage all the tasks you have to complete in just 24hours? There are a lot of different methods on how to get chores and organizing done. Some have a strict schedule others just kinda wing it.
This week I would you to share how chores are done in your home. How you order your day with school and getting housework done. How do you decide which chores should be done by which child, of which age? I’m looking forward to hearing them!
Okay, this is a CONSTANT struggle for me. My parents were never consistent with this for us, probably due to their busy work schedules (my dad owned his own businesses-- yes that's plural, my mom worked with him plus outside jobs), and thus we never had a clean or organized home. Don't get me wrong-- it wasn't a health hazard or anything. I just never learned how to cut down on clutter (my mom and dad are both pack rats), how to clean and do household things-- except the basics like dishes and laundry... So my seemingly neverending struggle is to get SOME sort of housework routine that works for our family. Daily after breakfast, if we aren't rushing off to an appointment or church or co-op, the kids are supposed to empty the dishwasher. Any dishes they cannot reach to put away (they are 5 & 7 after all!), they leave on the kitchen table for me. They are also responsible to clean up their toys and put away laundry. Occasionally I have had them clean the bathrooms with supervision, but we have not found a routine time to do that so often it gets to the point where I just do it. I know there are things they can be doing-- and that I should be doing-- but I will say that the important things get done. We enjoy our family life. I just wish I were better at putting into practice all of the books I have read on the topic! (Too numerous to list here!) |
Posted in contests
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Last summer we went to see the Chicago Rush play arena football. I organized a group of homeschoolers for the Rush to Read program and the kids earned two free tickets each to see a game. The teachers were also given tickets, so we went with a great group of family and friends. Before the game, the Rush have a family festival, which is held in a room across from the arena. There were lots of activities for the kids: face painting, animal balloons, dance music playing, video games hooked up to large screen TVs, a place to make a sign for the game, a football-throwing contest, and booths from sponsors. At one table we signed up for Score Educational Center's summer reading program. The program was easy and offered some great prizes. The kids earned gift cards to a book store, free hot fudge sundaes, bowling certificates and more. Another table was giving away Meijer tattoos and water bottles. And in the center of the room was one of the coolest things we'd seen yet: Ridemakerz cars. At first, we thought they were just souped up remote control cars. While we were waiting our turn for a try, the salesman let me know they were build-your-own vehicles. It is a super-cool version of Build-a-Bear for older kids! WOW! I knew right then what an awesome gift that might be for my son (from Grandpa the car salesman!). So imagine my pleasant surprise to stumble across a contest to win a $75 gift certificate to play at Ridemakerz! That would be a joy to win. But first I want to give you a chance too! So click on the link and read about the Bargain Briana's experience with her boys there. She's got the details of how you can win! Good luck! Want another chance to win? Go see Amy at The Fourth Frog Blog. She shares her experience and offers more chances to win! And Angelica Grace Designs has the contest too, plus her experience and photos of the rockin' pink car her daughter created! And DesignHER Momma is giving one away too. She shares her experience with her 4-year-old daughter, proving it's not just for boys.... |
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Yesterday I had a wonderful opportunity to volunteer at a Scholastic warehouse sale. Volunteers are paid in books, so this would help me with curriculum for the upcoming months, as well as some fun Christmas presents and birthday presents. The downside? I had to leave my kids all day. They were with my husband at home (he works from home) and I wrote out a plan of things they could do and things they needed to do while I was gone. I planned out meals for them to make it easier on my hubby. The list had specific things and approximate times (morning/afternoon) so that they wouldn't just play on the computer all day or watch TV all day. Seems all planned and fine, right? Well, my little girl did NOT like the idea of being away from me all day. She cried as I left. Now mind you, this is the same little strong-willed girl who fights with me on a daily basis. You would think she would relish the chance to have some freedom. But no, she was so upset that I was going to be gone all day! I couldn't believe it. On my way to the sale, I thought about how grateful I am that I am home with my children, that I know what they are being taught, who is with them and what they are doing. It may be difficult financially to not have "extra" income or emotionally wanting that "me time" that society says we need, but I am blessed. My name is Michelle and I am a stay-at-home educating mom. And I wouldn't change a thing. Oh, and I earned $95 in credits to spend at the sale. That TOTALLY rocked!  |
Posted in Homeschool Memoirs
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I debated on that title-- It could've been "The Candy Man Can" or "Sugar Sugar."
This week it’s seriously going to be just fun. This week share your favourite candies. I know from being on the HSBA Post team that Sprittibee and Dawn love gummy-bears, and maybe Bunny too. Have fun with this… and you’re welcome to post a photo of YOU eating your favourite candy. Haha! God’s Word is also like sweetness to our souls. His sweet love, forgiveness, comfort, peace, and more is what makes our lives seem a little more bearable when things get rough. Whenever you eat your sweet piece of goodness remember that God loves you and will always be there when life seems sour. Share a scripture for this week as well. One that lifts you up when you’re feeling discouraged. Ah, something I can sink my teeth into. Hee Hee! I don't take pictures of myself eating candy. It doesn't last long enough. My favorite candy includes almonds-- Snickers with Almonds, Mars Bars, M&Ms Almond... But then I also enjoy caramel, mint, raisins (Raisinets!), coconut, pretty much anything with CHOCOLATE. I am not a Sweet Tarts fan or Pixy Stix, etc. Don't like gummies much or jawbreakers, either.      And my neighbor's mom owns a sweetshop so I get leftovers and samples often. She brings me Key Lime Fudge. This is an unbelievable confection (no chocolate-- it's a white/green fudge). It should be experienced by all Key Lime lovers.... Okay, that's enough because I am getting hungry.... If you want more, you can read others' answers here. I read one blogger's and remembered more specific candies I love: Peppermint Patties, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, ah.... And I had some Rolos at a party tonight. Yummy! As for a verse that lifts me up when I am feeling discouraged, that's tougher. Which kind of discouragement? There are so many types for a homeschooling mom. One that is a constant reminder to me as we struggle financially is Proverbs 10:3, "The LORD does not let good people go hungry." (I don't know which translation it is but it has inspired me so often. I have it written on a piece of paper and keep it on the fridge to remind me of God's continued faithfulness. |
Posted in Homeschool Memoirs
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...That's an easy way to start. Last week's theme I didn't have a chance to do. So I am catching up:
THEME This week, you guessed it, is going to be about having a thankful heart! Yes, of course, we should always be thankful for everything we’re blessed with, but it’s not too often we actually sit and ponder what. This week please join me in writing 27 things you’re thankful (There’s got to be at least 27things!). I picked 27 because this year Thanksgiving is on the 27th of November. Also, share a Scripture verse for this week! 1. I am grateful for My Savior giving me a second chance, and a third, fourth ....2. I am grateful for my dearest, my hubby who has been such an important part of my life for 15 years this Thanksgiving. 3. I am grateful for my sweet children, even when they are not so sweet.... 4. For a country in which I am able to homeschool freely, I am grateful. 5. For a state with lax homeschooling guidelines, I am ecstatic! 6. I am grateful for Northbridge Church, where we can worship our God and learn from His Word with other believers. 7. I am so grateful for my husband's business, which makes him so much happier than his corporate work ever did. 8. As part of my hubby's work, I am grateful that the kids and I get to travel and see different places with him. It's so much fun! 9. I am so very grateful for my sister, Sue, and the friendship we have had for the past 17 years (give or take). I was not always a nice sister so I am especially grateful to God for renewing us to make the wonderful relationship we enjoy today! 10. I am grateful for my mom and her love for Jesus, her generosity and caring spirit. 11. I am grateful for the lessons my dad taught me about life. 12. I am grateful for my mother-in-law and the things we learn from each other. 13. My homeschooling co-op is such a blessing! This is our third year as a part of Indian Hill and I cannot imagine our home-education without it! 14. Along those lines, I am so grateful for the friends/moms who teach my kids things I know nothing about (Shakespeare, Latin, physical education!). 15. And for their wonderful friendship! Susan, Michele H, Rita, Sheri, Mary Ann, Karie, Olena, Patti, Kris, Margie, Jill, Laura, Michele A, Celeste, Willetta, Gena, Lissette, Michele L, Aime, Jennifer, Karen, and anyone else I may have accidentally forgotten to name (hey, it's late!). 16. I am grateful to have enough food to eat, 17. a warm home, 18. clothes on my family, 19. a car that works, 20. and good neighbors. 21. The ability to write is another blessing. I am grateful to have a blog to be an outlet for my need to write, which is something I've been doing since I was a child! 22. I am grateful for the Internet and all of the free resources on it for homeschooling my children. 23. For the ability to see, hear, touch, taste and smell (though I don't always appreciate that last one), I am grateful. 24. I am grateful for little pleasures, like chocolate and flowers. 25. Spending time with my husband is something I am grateful for. 26. Good Christian music to listen to and 27. A warm bed to sleep in tonight! When I am feeling discontented, I will come and look at this list. I just realized I forgot my niece and nephew! Two wonderful joys in my life! To read what others are thankful for, go here. Oh, and a verse: "Do all things without complaining and disputing." Philippians 2:14. This was one of my son's verses for AWANA recently and it's been something I am trying to instill in my children's hearts, as well as my own. I am grateful for an absolutely wonderful AWANA club that my children attend at Indian Hill with a lot of their homeschool friends, too! |
Posted in ideas in action
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I found some wonderful free resources for teaching this Christmas. Today, we started "The Names of Jesus" study, which is free to download here. It is 149 pages and has a name each day. Day one is The Alpha and the Omega. Each day has possible activities to extend the lesson. So for the first day, we talked about how a circle has no beginning or end, copied the Greek letters for Alpha and Omega, copied the "chi ro" symbol for this name and wrote it as a note to Grandma, copied Rev. 22:13, one of the verses where this name is mentioned... And there were still more activity ideas that we did NOT do! There are cooking ideas, history ideas, science ideas, word searches, coloring pages, notebooking pages. What a great resource! I actually would PAY for something like this, but thankfully it is free. Another resource we are going to use is a Symbols of Christmas lapbook (we may incorporate the two, such as writing the names of Christ on the lapbook as well). It is free and is available here. If lapbooks aren't your thing, there is a Christmas Symbols Unit Study here (which is what you use with the lapbook anyway). There are some advent coloring sheets for free at dltk-kids.com. Here is the exact link. I am using these for the MOPS kids class I teach. And if you want to try a Jesse tree (something I always say I'm going to do but have yet to accomplish), here is a link for information, pictures, etc. I also mentioned The Advent Book in a previous post. I love this book and cannot say enough about it. I feel so blessed to have received it as a gift. We use it each year. A new addition this year is the Usborne Advent Nativity Book. It has sturdy, punch-out pieces, one for each day to add to your nativitry scene in the days leading up to Christmas. I am holding off on punching them out until after I use it for the MOPS kids on Friday morning. Then the kids can have at it! You can get the book from an Usborne consultant. If you don't have one, the youth pastor's wife at my church sells them. You can contact her here. You can even place an order online and have it shipped directly to you! (And no, I don't get anything from this; she's just a friend and I want to help her.) Merry Homeschool Christmas!!! |
Posted in contests
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My all time favorite Christmas song is O Holy Night. I don't really know why. I could never sing it like the recording artists do. It's so beautiful. At Christmas, I do enjoy songs about the holiday and fun things like snowmen and rocking around a tree, but songs of my Savior's birth top my list. What about you? What songs do you like this time of year? At Mom Giveaways, you can win a Christian recording artist Christmas CD by telling her your favorite Christmas song. Jars of Clay and Sixpence None the Richer are the featured prizes. Contest ends Dec. 8. Good luck! and Merry Christmas! |
Posted in contests
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How neat! Here's a chance to win photo Christmas cards! Mommies with Cents is giving this away at her blog:30 photo cards from Ninebird Publishing. Check it out. Contest ends tonight! |
Posted in contests
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Okay, who couldn't use this?! Oh, the things we could get-- groceries, a new DVD player (ours has been finicky lately), some clothes, stamps, new shoes.... Okay, snap out of it! Here's how to enter. Go to Deal Seeking Mom's blog. Share a way to save $1 a day. For additional entries, you can subscribe to her blog and blog about it on your blog. Ends Monday, Dec. 15. Good luck. Hey, if you win, could you spare some my way???  |
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Here are two of the most simple yet delicious recipes the kids and I make often! Both are favorites of everyone who tries them. And they both feature Hershey kisses. How can you go wrong? Quick Peanut Butter Cookies Makes 24-30 cookies Prep Time 5 mins Cooking Time 10 mins 1 c. sugar 1 egg Hershey kisses (if desired) Place PB in a large microwave-safe bowl. Warm in microwave on LOW until it is very soft (1-2 mins). Add sugar and mix well, then add egg. Mix until smooth. Roll into balls 1-in in diameter (or use scooper), and place on an ungreased cooking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F for 8-10 mins or until golden. These cookies are best served warm. Cost per serving (1 cookie): 12 cents GREAT with a Hershey’s kiss on top! After cookies come out of the oven, place cookie in center and allow them to meld together. Mmmmmmmmmmm
Happy Baking!!Easy, Festive Chocolate Holiday Pretzels 
This came from Family Fun magazine, it's SUPER easy, next to NO MESS. Great activity to do with kids. Excellent alternative to messing around with melting chocolate and dipping pretzels.30 servings
3 plates
25 min 20 min prep
Preheat oven to 170 degrees.
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25 min Posted in contests
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Over at sageandsavvy, you can win a really cool Disney soundtrack CD of movie hits, like the Carrie Underwood "Ever Ever After" from "Enchanted." AND the Camp Rock and Bolt soundtracks! WOW! Who wouldn't want that?! So check it out and good luck! |
Posted in contests
Bosch MIXXO™ Cordless Immersion Blender Frugal Mommy of 2 Girls is giving this away at her blog! She has a review of it. Check it out here. Good luck-- though I want to win it myself! LOL! |
Posted in contests
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I found a new homeschooling mom's blog through the Homeschool Memoirs writing assignments: The Courtney Six. In honor of the new blog home, she is giving away some books which look very good. I had never heard of them so I looked them up via yahoo search and decided I would love to win any of them. Go check out her blog for your chance to win. And maybe you'll find a new blog you like too! |
Posted in Homeschool Memoirs
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This week I want to invite you to nominate your family to their correct categories as well has have others nominate them. This is how you do it…. you post the category that best describes each of your family members and write something about why you nominated them in that category, and you’re welcome to post photos.
Best fire-eater
Most photogenic
Most dramatic This is my 7-year-old son doing a concert for us in his bedroom. He likes to put on magic shows, concerts, dance shows (recently into break dancing from High School Musical 3's "The Boys are Back" scene), and fire-eating shows (with false torches, not lit of course). He also hammed it up quite a bit in his first CYT showcase! The second one went a bit more smoothly. Tada! Biggest Bears Fan
Most Stylish
Best Builder
To view other homeschooling families' winners, go here. |
Yes, that's my dear hubby! Isn't he amazing?! This is part of his full-time profession, as an entertainer.
This is my princess, in her Renaissance Faire costume, posing for me with her new snood (hair covering). This photo actually won first place for me in the amateur division at the county fair!
Uh, that would be me! But I get the kids and hubby to go along with it as well. 
That would be my princess again. She has her own sense of style, that's for sure. Some of the outfits she has come up with have been a bit much. Here is one above, and below is her for the Hannah Montana party at the library. So chic! 
Definitely my boy, but he got some help from his stylish (see above entry and note the tights with the dress in this picture) little sister. Whether it's Legos, marble tracks, K*nex, cardboard boxes--- he loves to build things!|
As homeschooling moms, we have many roles we perform. We teach the children or facilitate learning. We take care of the housework and oversee the children as they complete their chores, and many of us must find a way to stretch one income, as we do not bring in money ourselves. Personally, I work part-time, but sporadically, not bringing in much money but not having to be apart from my children while I do it, either. My husband is self-employed so every little bit helps. I am always on the lookout for money-saving strategies and great deals at the stores, and I love to share what I discover with others. The Old Schoolhouse Magazine has published a new e-book, “Living and Learning on One Income: How Twelve Families Make it Work.” True to its title, the e-book has twelve first-hand stories from homeschooling families all over the United States, and one in South Africa! There are many, many wonderful ideas to be gleaned from this publication. I enjoyed the friendly tone of most of the writers. I appreciated that these families opened themselves up to share with the world. Their vulnerability was quite refreshing. Also, recipes were shared freely in this e-book, which I always love to read. I will try some of them very soon! I do have some complaints though, which may not bother most readers like they did me. First, the book has a lot of repetition because it is 12 individual stories. I believe this could have worked better if the editor compiled the ideas into chapters on topics such as “saving money at the grocery store,” “homemade savings,” and “eliminating debt.” Then, each family’s ideas could have been put into the corresponding chapter, instead of hearing the same topic over and over again. Second, there were grammatical and formatting issues that bothered me as a former editor for a newspaper. Again, it just may bother me, but if I am going to pay for a book, I would not want to have to read improper use of subjective pronoun when it should be objective, run-on sentences, and so on. This e-book wasn’t as much of a “how-to” guide as I would have liked. Some of the families have no debt, including a mortgage, and I am really happy for them. However, that is not the case for my family—or most families that I know personally-- and so the advice offered by those families “after the fact” was not as helpful to me as the practical “this-is-how-you-can-save-money” tips I got from other families. As I reviewed this product, I am not aware of its price. Families on one income need to be mindful of which items will really help them. If this e-book is priced at $10 or less, then I would consider buying it. |
Posted in Homeschool Memoirs
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Homeschool Mothers do a lot in a day…. I’d say they do more than the working mom because they have to care for the kids, the house, the meals, and much more. They are constantly on the go and with the kids! Sometimes you just need a break. You need to sit down and have a break.
This week I’d like to invite you to share what YOUR “Mom” help is. Some drink coffee, soda, or chai-tea. Others check email or read their favorite blogs. Some talk a walk…. what do you do when you need to clear your head and take a breather? Chai Tea lattes-- especially when I had the time (and money!) to go to Panera and relax with one in a big mug. Currently, it's checking emails or playing a computer game on WebKinz (LOL). Or putting on a CD I like (or playing something from I-tunes).
Please share a Scripture that gives you a “mom” help when you’re spirit is feeling overwhelmed.
Psalm 62:5-7 we are currently memorizing together (though they have it down better than I do): "I will find my rest in God alone. He is the One who gives me hope. He alone is my rock. He is the One who saves me. He is like a fort to me. I will always be secure." NIrV (After studying this verse, my 5 yr old daughter drew a picture of God and Jesus as forts-- which looked like tents-- and I think that is pretty cute!)
To check out what other moms do, go here. |
Posted in Homeschool Memoirs
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Homeschoolers are very resourceful people. They use what they have and use them to their best ability. I know in our home many times people ask us how we use this or that for learning, and we are happy to explain it’s value. I think the main thing that a lot of people miss is that life is learning, and you must use everything in your home for learning otherwise you won’t fully be prepared.
This week I want to invite you to share what different games you use for learning in your homeschool. Outside games, board games, or card games, and what purpose or subject you use them for.
We LOVE LOVE LOVE games in our family. All of us. We use file folder games, board games (favorites are Sorry, Alpha-Bug Soup, Sequence, Monopoly, Herd your Horses, The Amazing Labyrinth, checkers, chess, Zingo!, Jump Horse!, Yahtzee!, Chinese Checkers...), card games (playing cards, Snap-it-up word games, go fish, old maid, etc), computer games... whatever we can do! Want to read others' favorite games? Go here. |
Posted in contests
This is a great new site with free games to print out and share with each other! I just printed out Acorn Addition and Subtraction and can't wait to use them with the kids. Better yet, there are prizes for those of you who go check it out now!!! So what are you waiting for? Click on the graphic! |
Posted in contests
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Did you ever dream of getting a horse for Christmas? You can get a sneak peek of our Fall issue and see Nancy Carter's first horse! Oh, and she's not the only one sharing her childhood pictures. You'll see photos from the 50's through the 80's. But, you'll need the Fall issue of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine to go on this walk down memory lane. Plus, do you like to create holiday memories? The brand new TOS holiday E-Book can be yours, too. It's all about the fall and winter holidays - mainly Thanksgiving and Christmas. But it's not even for sale yet. This is your chance to get it first - for FREE ($12.45 value)! Normally when a person subscribes, their subscription starts with the upcoming issue which can take a while. But, TOS thought about that when they planned their Fall Special. If you subscribe now with their Fall Special, you'll get Almost 50% off the cover price for 2 years The current Fall issue as soon as it is ready 6 Bonus gifts 12 months of Teacher's Toolbox, which contains a FREE E-Book every month PLUS, the new E-Book, Homespun Holidays for FREE! This is over $250 worth of product for only $39!! CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE NOW!  |