Jun. 12, 2009 - Food Storage Made Easy

  I wanted to share a website with ya'll that my sister had told me about last year. I signed up then for their newsletter and visited their site a few times over the last year. It was not until a few months back I started to think about this site again and I went back and bought their E Book, Food Storage Made Easy. With things being the way things are right now in this country I started thinking about food storage for emergencies. When we lived in Florida every hurricane season would would make our supply boxes and buy our batteries etc. but this girls take it to a whole other level. THEY know their stuff. God forbid our economy collapses or we are hit with another terrorist attack but being prepared is not a bad idea. The girls help you set up a 72 hr. kit,a car kit and then a longer supply of food but not just canned meat and crackers they have recipes and all sorts of ideas to help you through an emergency and they break it down to just add a little bit to your budget each week. They also give you ideas of where to store your supplies especially if you do not have a lot of space. I have started on my plan and wanted to share it,hopefully we will never need it.
Keep the Faith,
Marie

May. 19, 2009 - Honor That AWESOME Dad or Husband

 How  are you planning to honor your dad or husband this Father's Day. Why not honor him by writing him a book and publishing it.  Books are great because your dad can pass them along to future generations.  You can add photos,artwork, anything that can be scanned can be added to your book.For some neat  ideas   go to my blog at http://memoriesthatbind.blogspot.com. I would love to hear what your plans are to honor your dad.

 "Books May Well be the Only True Magic"-Alice Hoffman

Keep the FAITH,

Marie

May. 16, 2009 - American History In Verse

  American History in Verse by Burton Stevenson is a wonderful addition to your American History Studies. This if from the back cover.

 No nation today of which its people have a better right to be proud than these United States. This book is an effort to show why this is so. It tells the story of Ameirca in terms of poetry,much of it stirring poetry,which sets that story in bold relief and presents it graphically to the imagination.

From the First page:

The American story is woven with strong threads of heroism,sacrifice and compassion. It is a vibrant story of a nation"under God" unshackled from the old chains of oppression,seeking to fulfill a destiny.Sadly,we have since lost that spirit and vigor. This collection of poems was originally published for public school use in the 1930's and was well received. Too many public schools today no longer find patriotism and good literature"relevant" to their goals,but we know this book will find a warm response among those who still love their country.

 It starrts out with The New World, The New Nation,  Conquering the Continent and The Struggle for the Union, With 454 pages there is bound to be plenty of poems you can use for your studies.

 Keep the FAITH,

Marie

May. 13, 2009 - Hummingbird

 The Humming Bird

The sunlight speaks and it's voice is a bird:

It glimmers half-guessed,half-seen,half-heard.

Above the flowerbed;over the lawn-

A flashing dip and it is gone,

And all it lends to the eye is this-

A sunbeam giving the air a kiss.

    Harry Hibbard Kemp

Keep the Faith,

Marie

May. 12, 2009 - Another Day In Paradise

    This morning we woke up to a rather cool morning. We got started with school early since we had to go to our Science Co op this afternoon. They are still working on the addition to the house(see the pictures below) and they turned off the electricity at 9am for about two hours,another reason to get started early. Jackson worked in his Civil War Notebook and I admired  how well it has turned out so far. We have been using Hands of a Child Lapbooking materials  but we have been putting them into a notebook instead of the Lapbooks. I think next year we will make some Lapbooks as well.  We also read Stories From The Civil War.We worked with fractions in Math and Jackson drew a very nice picture of the solar system for Science. He  is reading Swamp Fox of the Revolution(yes, I know we are studying the Civil War but that is what he picked). We also watched more of Ken Burns' Civil War Documentary(see earlier post)  which is a 5 disc series,we are on disc 5. For Language  he worked in Cursive Writing in Pictures, Spelling and Langauge Lessons from Queen Homeshool. We went to the Co op where they were studying The Solar System and they finished their t-shirts that they had screen printed on, I wish I would have taken the camera, I will next week  we are going to make another one and I  think I will make one as well.(stay tuned). When we got home it started snowing,it did not amount to much but snowed none the less. We walked outside to look at all they had accomplished on our addition. I worked on my family history book online which is coming along nicely. I will post some old pictures I dug up tomorrow.(see the link on this site for my business  site to see  how my book is coming along. Enjoy the Pictures below.

Keep the Faith,

Marie

May. 11, 2009 - Narration,Copywork and Dictation Made Easy

Narration, Copywork and Dictation Made Easy

Narration, Copywork and Dictation all important aspects of the CM method but they do not have to be hard and cumbersome. I love Queen Homeschool Supplies(http://www.queenhomeschool.com/)
so most of my CM resources come from them. I also freqeuntly use books from Living Books Curriculum.

First of all we use Aesop's Fables,which will work for narration,copywork,dictation, and Bible. I bought this edition from http://www.livingbookscurriculum.com/. I love this edition because they have Scritpture references with most of the fables so you can use it as your Bible lesson as well. You can download a free sample at their website.(other great samples as well). Jackson love using this book and asked to do it often. We usually print out the fable, some have pictures, so we put those in his Language Arts Notebook. We also we look up the verses from the book and discuss those, he then picks one for copywork and puts that in his notebook as well.

We also use Pictures in Cursive by Queen Homeschool. This is two-fold as well because it has picture study along with the cursive writing and the pictures are of great quality. These are just a few things that we do in our homeschool.

Keep the Faith,

 Marie

May. 5, 2009 - Civil War Study Using DVD's

 We are still in our unit on Civil War.  We have used many resources for this study. I think you could stay on this subject for a whole year. One resource we have really enjoyed that reinforced so much of the material and taught us tons of stuff we did not know. We used Ken Burns' Civil War Series DVD. I rented mine from Netflix. Jackson usaully watched it while he would work in his Civil War Notebook. The set is a  five disc set so it is lengthy but well worth the time.

.This DVD depicts the strategies and action of famous Civil War battles, and relates the stories of generals, field soldiers, politicians, heroes and a beleaguered president.  The series starts with the Firing on Fort Sumter  and ends with Lee's surrenders and Lincoln's assasination. We have enjoyed the series a lot. It is very detailed and loaded with facts,tales,historical accounts and tons of images of this time in our history.

Keep the Faith,

Marie

May. 1, 2009 - Just Being A Kid

 I just love to see kids just being kids. Finding such delight in  the small things, I long to be more like that again. Enjoy the pictures of Jackson being 11. Don't forget  about my give away at my business blog at http://memoriesthatbind.blogspot.com. You can also see a book that Jackson has started at the publishing center.

Keep the Faith,

Marie

Apr. 30, 2009 - Give Away at my New Business Blog

 Good Morning,

 Everyone has a story that needs to be told and   I can help. Hop,run or walk on over to http://memoriesthatbind.blogspot.com  for my give away celebrating my new blog. You could win a publishing  certificate so YOU can go start your own story or let your kids start theirs. Need a little help? We have all the tools to help you get started getting your stories in book form in no time. If you win you also get to pick a story starter pack to help get the ball rolling.

 What a great summertime activity for your kids.  They could be a published author  and have  their books sitting proudly on the shelf. Not to mention all  they will learn during the process. Jackson is working on a book now called, Me and My Dogs and I will post pictures as he progresses.

 Keep the Faith,

Marie

Apr. 27, 2009 - Teaching The Civil War Through Song

 We are studying the Civil War and besides reading about it we are also learning  songs of The Civil War. More music was produced during the Civil War than in all our other wars combined. The North and South had their own compositions,but if the other side liked a tune they would adapt  it for their own use such as When Johnny Comes Marching Home.  Military bands which has recently become popular assumed a major role in The Civil WAr. They would  express joy in victory and encourage the soldiers in defeat. Song is so powerful and makes  a wonderful addition to any study.

 History Alive Through Music by Diana Waring--for this particular study we used The Heart of a New Land America 1750-1890.  We have others by Diana Waring for other time periods. I do not think she has these anymore but you could check. The  set comes with a book which gives a history of  the songs and then a  cassette(this is an older set) with all the songs.

 We also use Of Thee I Sing Lyrics and Music for America's Patriotic Songs. This book has the words  to all the songs and the sheet music.

 The following songs were written during  The Civil War:

 The  Battle Cry of Freedom

The Battle Hymn of the Republic

Lincoln and Liberty

 Roll, Alabama, Roll

 Tenting on the Old Camp Ground

When Johnny Comes marching Home

 Johnny Has Gone For A Soldier

  John Brown's Body

 Jackson enjoys listening to  these songs and usually will listen while  he works on his Civil War Notebook.

Keep the Faith,

Marie

Apr. 25, 2009 - Publishing Center

      Last night I went online at www.cherishbound.com to work on my free sample book in their publishing center. After I few minutes I had the hang of it and was able to add most of my text and upload  all my pictures.  After I am finished Cherish Bound will publish my book and send it back to me.  With many different syles and prices there is truly something for everyone. One thing that excites me is that my son can work on his own book and at the same time  will learn  writing skills, vocabulary,sentence structure,computer skills, story sequence and much more and then he will have his own story. If you are interested in writing your own story  email me at gowestx4@yahoo.com.

 Publishing Center screen shots. The tabs on the side let you pick the templates for each page, your image  and page options.  Red and green boxes show you where you can add text or pictures.

I love this quote:

 "A story is a memory you can hold in your hands and keep in your heart."

Keep the Faith,

Marie

Apr. 24, 2009 - Civil War Notebook

  Jackson has been working on his Civil War Notebook, he works in it everyday. Whether he is adding pictures,writing,adding vocabulary words,proofreading or coloring pictures he puts his mark on it at least once a day. Notebooking  is so great because it is their own book that they wrote and contributed to. Not only does it help with handwriting,proofreading,grammar,art, and research but also gives  him a sense of accomplishment and that is worth  much more than lessons solely from a book. Give Notebooking a try. You and your children will be glad you did.

Keep the Faith,

Marie

Apr. 22, 2009 - Cherish Bound

       I am so excited. Through a blog network I  ran accross a wonderful opportunity and I thought I would share.  With the economy like it is c every little buit helps and if you love books as much as I do this may be right up your alley. It is called Cherish Bounds.  A self publishing company that lets you publish your own books. Not only that their "Storytellers" will help you in the process. I love books so any chance to write and publish my own books thrills me.   There are tons of books you can make and publish  with  story starters to get you started telling your own story.  I like the fact that I can hold writing workshops with homeschoolers. They also have an awesome writing program called, I'm An Author which can be used for the  workshops as well as in  your own homeschool. I'm An Author" is a 3-phase educational program that teaches children how to find, capture and share their stories through the art of oral storytelling, writing, illustrating and publishing their own story in a hard bound or soft bound book

 I am new so I do not all there is to know but enough to be excited. If you are looking for a way to earn some extra money  without spending to much to do it or if you are looking for a great writing program for your children consider, Cherish Bounds.    They are also working on a program for online workshops as well which would be wonderful. I am working on my business blog now and there will be a link from this blog to that one soon. Email me with any questions and if I do  not know the answers I will find out.

Keep the Faith,

Marie

Apr. 21, 2009 - What We Are Up to This Week

 Well it started out a busy week. We are having a shop delivered and set up(see pics below) we are starting an addition on the house(pics to follow) and of course we have school everyday. Here is what we are using:

 Cursive Writing in Pictures from Queen Homeschool

 Spelling Through Copywork from Queen

Nature Guide From Queen

 Jackson's Drawing Using Guide.

LANGUAGE FROM QUEEN

 Planner from Simply Charlotte Masson--easy to use,simple layout,lots of quotes from CM.

 The shop be delivered

Waiting on it's other half.

 More pictures to come tonight.

Keep the FAITH,

Marie

Apr. 21, 2009 - Lifestyle of Learning Network

 I wanted to tell you about the following network that can provide encouragement  for your homeschool.  Brenda Sain from http://thetiethatbindsus.blogspot.com/  started the network and she has done a great job on this site as well as her website.There are forums on money,Charlotte Mason, Classical Education, Books, Buy and Sell Forum and more. The link below is to my group but you can also get to all the other groups from there.  Check it out  and leave a comment so I know you were there.

http://ourlifestyleoflearning.ning.com/group/fourseasonsliving

Keep the Faith,

Marie

Apr. 17, 2009 - What kind of flour is that??

 What kind of flour is that in the clear container in the pie safe My husband asked. Since I am not at home I was not sure what he was talking about. He said he is clumped all up in the pan(he was frying turkey meat).  It did  not coat the meat very well either but it taste fine he said. About that time I realized he might have  used the powdered sugar!!! He said now that you mention it,it did taste kind of sweet. He went and tasted what was in the container and yep,it was powered sugar.  I told him now they did not need dessert!!! I thought that was a cute story.

keep the Faith,

Marie

Apr. 16, 2009 - Books I have for Sale

The Testimony of Charlie Coulson by Sandi Queen  from the Learning History Through Living Books Series. In excellent to new condition. No writing at all in either book. $10ppd ( postage pd)

 Seargant York and the Great War,hardback in exc. condition. $8ppd

 The Student Bible Atlas,paperback,exc.condition. $6ppd

 Exploring The Solar System and History of Space Exploration Dover coloring books,not used,exc.condition. $8ppd for both.

 Science Fun At Home,new condition,paperback. $8ppd

 The Scientist Apprentice--a complete one year science curriculum for Elementary grades,not used,paperback. $15ppd

 The Travelers Gift by Andy Andrews,paperback,exc.condition. $7ppd

 The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey,hardback,exc.condition. $10ppd

 That's all for now. All books are from a non smoking home. I accept paypal,check or mo. Will wait for check to clear before sending books via media mail. Email me at gowestx4@yahoo.com

 Thank you and Keep the Faith,

 Marie

Apr. 16, 2009 - Books For Sale.

 I will be posting some books later today that I have for sale. They will all be in excellent condition with pictures provided. . Some of the titles include:  The Testimony of Charlie Coulson book and study guide by Sandi Queen from The Learning History From Living Books Series,Sergeant York and the Great War, The Scientists Apprentice and more. Check back later today.

 Keep the Faith,

 Marie

Apr. 15, 2009 - Tax Day Tea Party Pictures and Contest

         It was cold and windy but they did not stop approx. 200 citizens from taking to the streets at our  local "Tax Day Tea Party". There were parties taking place all over the valley here in Montana. I love seeing citizens stand up for what they believe in. It is not too late to enter the contest to win a $10 TOS Store gift cert. (see pos entitled Tax Day Tea Party for details. Comment now about  your TeaParty or why you chose not to go  for a chance to win.  Here are some pictures  to enjoy.

The crowd started to build.

 Jackson holding his sign.

 Jackson

ME

 Jackson and Mom.

 Keep the FAITH,

Marie

Apr. 14, 2009 - What We Are Reading AND The Contest!!!!!!!

   We go all through Winter and not one of us gets sick. Now Spring is here and Jackson has been sick since Fridy afternoon. School has been limited BUT we did get lots of reading done. This is what we are reading this week. We finished, G.A. Henty's, Young Carthiginian,which was an excellent book.which we were trying to get finished before we started our Civil War study, but it did not work out that way. We read in Stories of the Civil War and The Testimony of Charlie Coulson. 

If you have never read a G.A. Henty book, I encourage you to. They are wonderful,rich historical novels that we love to read at our house.

 Do not forget the contest ( see previous post) You could win a $10 gift cert. to The Old Schoolhouse Store. Check it out.

 Keep the Faith,

Marie