I am a busy mama with varied interests and a common theme. Home + Learning Our home is where our life happens-learning, creating & exploring. Studio-from Latin studium from studere meaning to study or zeal; a work space. At the center is the Lord. These are some stories from our journey through this life. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hillarym/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:14:00 -0600 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:14:00 -0600 Gymathtics www.exploramania.com This DVD is available for $24.99 and currently offers free shipping.  We received this DVD free for our use in order to share this review with you. Exploramania's DVD Gymathtics combines a children's exercise video with math reinforcement.  The target age group is 2nd-5th grade.  This seems about right to me based upon the math concepts throughout the video.  The exercise leader has an encouraging attitude and speaks well so that she is understood easily.  We have seen some fitness videos where you just have to follow along the best you can because you cannot hear well what the instructions are.  The different moves are tied to different concepts.  The warm-up/stretching time covers lines and shapes.  The faster paced calisthenics feature counting, skip counting, etc. We have heard about and experienced much success with incorporating different learning styles to help things really sink in for our children.  Math seems to be one subject that children often need some additional help with.  Tying in kinesthetic movements and math concepts sounds like a great idea.  We have tried this a little with our eldest DD.  She needs to really be moving.  Bouncing on the exercise ball has worked wonders while covering basic math drills for example.  We were really looking forward to this DVD.  Our eldest DD just turned 9 and felt this video was too young for her.  Our 5 yo DD did enjoy it, though most of the math was beyond her, and I'm not sure she really noticed it anyway.  We will keep it around and use it from time to time as the weather is less than ideal for playing outside.  Unfortunately, we probably won't be seeing the desired effects from it. Exploramania does offer other products combining fitness and math reinforcement.  They have also won some awards and have positive feedback on their website.  Just because this was not a fit for our children at this time, does not mean that Gymathtics may not be just what your family is looking for.  I really love the idea of what they are doing.  I cannot point out specifically what doesn't work for us, just that it doesn't--at this time. To see reviews from my fellow Crew mates click on one of the links found here http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HomeschoolCrew/745118/ http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hillarym/749090/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:14:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hillarym/749090/ Virginia Soaps and Scents www.virginiasoapsandscents.com When this box arrived in the mail, it smelled so good.  Normally, scented products give me such a headache.  I generally avoid the aisle(s) with cleaning/laundry products due to the assault of scents.  These products were definitely different.  We were given, free of charge, to review a sampler of the various products handmade by the Spargur family--a homeschooling family.  We received three 1.75 ounce (sampler size) bars of soap, a sample size shampoo bar, and a small laundry soap kit.  Upon perusing their site, I see that they make many other products as well--lip balm, all-in-one bars (great for traveling or camping) and other bath/body products (powder, etc.)  I wish I could attach some pictures so you could see just how beautiful and yummy these look.  You really need to just click on over to their site! The regular bars of soap smell and look so good, I had to remind my children that this was soap, not candy :)  I don't really think they would have tried to eat any, but with 'flavors' like fresh orange or oatmeal, milk & honey you cannot be too sure.  The third scent, which proved to be my favorite, was coconut lemongrass.  The full size of these soap bars is 4.5 ounces and sells for $4.50 each, 3 for $12 or buy 4 get 1 free.  With 22+ scents/varieties available--including unscented or the wonderful sounding (smelling?) cookies and cream (looks like fudge!) you are sure to find a favorite as well as gifts to share.  These would be great stocking stuffers.  There are even some great seasonal scents available: Wild Bayberry, Pumpkin Spice, and Peppermint. I am not completely unfamiliar with shampoo bars, but have never used one myself.  I have split personality hair which is not unusual as long as it is.  The ends are extremely dry (and somewhere around knee-length) while the roots are oily.  My hair is also fairly thick and thus difficult to wash/rinse thoroughly.  My husband's and son's hair is short, my daughters' hair is longer and each has their own texture and thickness.  The eldest DD has thick wavy hair like mine--though so far no split personality.  DD #2 has fine, thin hair that is not wavy or curly, nor is it really straight.  DD #3 has hair that is not thick or thin, but can be very curly at the ends.  DD #4 is not quite 2 and we don't know how her hair will be, though it does have curl too it.  The shampoo bar we recieved is the ginger lime.  After following the directions (don't lather in your hands), we found it to clean quite well.  Rinsing was a dream (especially for those with thick hair).  My split personality hair really needed the version for oily hair (tangerine grapefruit) after about 4 washes.  We normally have to condition the longer hair but did not need to with this bar.  I probably would still do some sort of monthly conditioning treatment on the longer hair just because we are not regular hair cutters and tend towards split ends and frizzies if left alone.  The shampoo bars come in 5.5 ounces and sell for $5.50 each or 2 for $10.  We definitely will be using shampoo bars versus bottled shampoos. The last item in our fantastic sampler is the small laundry soap kit.  It contains a small amount of the unscented laundry bar (a lard soap) grated, small amounts of washing soda and borax.  I have been making our own laundry soap for a few years, so was very familiar with the process.  Full directions are included for the newby.  It is a very simple process.  My least favorite part is the grating of the soap so I was glad that part was done :)  I have used various soaps in this basic formula with mixed results.  We have somewhat sensitive skin, so usually go for dye free, perfume/scent free soaps.  Some of these do not clean as well when used as the base for laundry soap.  This soap from Virginia Soaps and Scents cleaned great! They sell kits that will make 2 gallons of soap gel (64-72 loads) with the soap grated (yay!) and appropriate amounts of borax and washing soda for $4.95 each or 6 kits for $25.00.  If you prefer, you can purchase just a cleaning bar (9 ounces) and use your own borax and washing soda.  The bars should be enough to mix up 2 batches of the soap (recipe available here http://www.virginiasoapsandscents.com/vss_006.htm ) and sell for $3.95 each.  This laundry soap gel is low sudsing and works great in both top and front load washers.  We cloth diaper and live rurally (our kids get muddy!) and have never had a problem with things getting clean (and looking and smelling that way). You may be wondering just how the Homeschool Crew came to review such a product.  According to the wonderful brochure that came with our products, making handcrafted soap started as a project related to a history study.  As we learn and create with our families, we never know what path the Lord may be leading us down. If you would like to read what others have to say on these great products, be sure to check out my fellow crew mates' reviews at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HomeschoolCrew/735619/ http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hillarym/748985/ Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:08:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hillarym/748985/ There is a lot of money-saving activity in the Schoolhouse Store this weekend! You can receive up to $1300 if FREE gifts during the TOS Black Friday Sale. Plus, the one-year, print subscriptions will be available  for $7.95 during the sale which runs through Sunday. All those subscribing before December 7 will receive the Winter Issue. (Subscriptions received after that will begin with the Spring Issue.) As a bonus, you can select 10 gifts of your choice—there are 19 gifts from which to choose. There are only 1500 of these gift packs available.   This is a 68% savings! The $7.95 price is gone on December 31 at midnight. On January 1, 2010, the price goes back up to $25!   The 19 gifts can be viewed here: (Each subscriber picks 10 of the 19.) http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/TOSSummer19Gifts/libanded/index.html   Remember, the more you spend in the Schoolhouse Store through Sunday, the more free gifts you receive. One of the gifts is a FREE one-year membership to and a free will from Homeschool Legal Advantage. Plus, there are so many other FREE homeschooling resources. Check it out at the following link: http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/2009BlackFridaySale/BF_Level1.htm   It’s so easy to earn the FREE gifts! Select a few items from the literature sale in the Schoolhouse Store or purchase the new Download N Go lapbooking and unit studies series from Amanda Bennett and TOS. Remember, this is only going on through Sunday.  Check it out now and enjoy those gifts with purchase. http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=429 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hillarym/747893/ Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:32:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hillarym/747893/ Hank the Cowdog www.hankthecowdog.com We received these products (free) for our use to do this review. Hank the Cowdog has been around for many, many years.  I still had not even heard of him until we were assigned this review.  We were given a book, The Case of the One-Eyed Killer Stud Horse, which is #8 in the series.  There are now over 50 books in the series.  I read this aloud to our children and had to do some editing and word substitutions as we went.  The funny parts were much enjoyed, but Mama did not care for some of the behaviour encouraged (lying) or words used.  None of the words were awful, just ones we don't use in our family (moron, idiot, etc.).  You can purchase this book from the website for $4.24 for this story in paperback.  Other versions are available as well as all of the other Hank books. We also were given a CD of Hank's Tales and Tunes which has story excerpts and some songs.  These were mostly funny, but again that slightly off language kept it from being enjoyed by the family.  Our two eldest daughters were laughing along while the youngers played outside.  This is available for purchase on the website for $3.00. The game Tornado we were looking forward to.  It is completely self-contained, with the pieces being kept inside the foldable gameboard.  The layout reminded us very much of the game Trouble.  Our game included a cassette with a snippet of the story that the game is taken from.  Even knowing that the starting location is due to the flow of the story, the placement of each person's pieces was troubling to some of my children.  We also had to adjust some rules (what number you could start a new piece with) or my children would have lost interest before the game had a chance to really begin.  This would make a fun travel game for the Hank fan.  The game may be purchased here for $12.99. Hank was not a fit for our family.  He has been around for so long and is so loved by many, Hank may be just what you are looking for to get some of your own children interested in reading.  Many of the books should be available at your local library, so check out Hank the Cowdog for your own family. Here is where you can read fellow Crew mates reviews. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hillarym/747108/ Mon, 31 Aug 2009 04:32:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hillarym/747108/ abcteach www.abcteach.com I have stumbled across this site many times in my few short years officially homeschooling.  I have found coloring pages, word search pages and many other things to print out to accompany our studies.  I also occasionally found some things I could not access because they were for 'members only'.  We school very frugally (Free as often as we can) so purchasing a membership was not something I considered.  When we received our free month's access to do this review, I was glad to have the opportunity to check out 'the other side' to this familiar site.  After my first 'quick' perusal (90 minutes and many downloads later) I had decided I needed the membership to this site.  While this site is not geared specifically to homeschoolers or those using the workbox set up, I found many great resources for just such families.  With a membership, you can custom create many 'worksheets'.  We are Charlotte Mason method homeschoolers, we do not do 'busy' work or worksheets.  My older daughters need drill on certain math facts.  I can custom tailor some pages for them.  My kindergarten daughter and first grade daughter need basic instruction on handwriting.  We are starting them with an italic font.  While on the 'free side' I could print many different handwriting sheets, none were available in the preferred Getty-Dubay italic font.  There are three different font options in G-D Italics with the custom worksheet generators.  Not only can I create custom sheets for my daughters just learning their formal handwriting, but I can also input anything I want and make copywork sheets for my older daughter as well.  I can even choose this font for those math pages I am making.  As we have been working on more fun things in our school day this year (thanks to workboxes) I have found many activities to download and print from the abcteach members site.  I can create our own bingo games to re-inforce our phonics learning, vocabulary program, history lessons and science topics.  I can find many things to use for our latest adventure-lapbooks.  There are also many themed pages to be used for notebooking.  I have spent hours checking this site out, and I know I have not seen all of the possibilities, yet. Some of these custom-created things may seem a bit difficult at first.  The people at abcteach have tutorials to help get you started with many of these members only features.  I haven't yet looked at any of these tutorials.  I am the hard-headed type who just figures it out myself--who needs directions ;) This page shows all of the information pertaining to a membership and should be able to answer any questions you may have.  It may seem pricey to some for a site to 'just print worksheets from', but I mean it when I say there is so much more than worksheets.  There are also many selections in clip art to make all of your coordinating labels and bits for your workboxes.  I have also found, through 3rd party groups (like Homeschool Buyers Co-op) the opportunity to purchase a membership at a discount.  Even at the full price, it really is worth it.  If you plan on only using it for the typical 36 week school year, that breaks down to only $1.11 per week. To read what my fellow Crew members have to say, check out this page. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hillarym/747081/ Sun, 1 Nov 2009 23:05:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hillarym/747081/ Guardian Angel Publishing www.guardianangelpublishing.com We received the following 5 e-books free for the purpose of reviewing them. This book, Andy and Spirit Go to the Fair is part of a series about Andy, who is wheelchair bound and Spirit, an albino horse.  The story follows Andy throughout the showing of Spirit at the 4-H fair.  Andy overcomes some struggles with his own nervousness and in dealing with some less than kind spectators and their comments towards Spirit.  I won't spoil it for you.  You'll have to read it yourself.  This is the second book in the series and we are looking forward to reading others.  After the story, their are a few pages talking about wild horse management (Spirit is a rescued wild horse) and 4-H.  This book is from the Academic Wings category. The book No Bones About It! from The Sum of Our Parts Series was fun to read with my eldest daughter.  We both enjoyed the rhyming and most of the pictures.  There were a few pictures that were almost scary, in a cartoonish sort of way.  The factoids were fun and where we learned the most.  Once we reached the end we found out the purpose of the small pictures labeled A-X.  This is a book we will enjoy reading over and over, learning more each time.  This book is from the Academic Wings category. The book Earthquake is another book that had a stronger academic feel to it.  The book is written with humor and fun factoids throughout so it does not read textbook-like.  The illustrations were well done as well.  My eldest daughter is definitely at an age to appreciate and understand what we were reading, but she was not interested much at all.  It could have been just a bad day for her or maybe earthquakes aren't her thing.  As a former geology major, I loved this book.  It is a bit old for my younger children, but I know two of them will enjoy this in a few years.  The book includes the expected information about what an earthquake is, how they are measured, what happens during one, what to do during one and things you can do to be prepared for an earthquake or any emergency situation.  This book is from the Academic Wings category. Part of the Safari Sue Series, Maybe We Are Flamingos was a fun book to read to my children.  While we were reading it, they were comparing and contrasting the story with the story of the ugly duckling.  We found it interesting that for flamingos, they are what they eat--at least colorwise.  This is another book we will enjoy reading over again.  This book is from the Animals & Pets category. Rainbow Sheep is a wonderful story with beautiful illustrations.  The illustrations are fiber art done by the author herself.  All of my children enjoyed the story.  I don't want to give away anything that happens.  You really must read it for yourself--you'll be glad you did.  It really is a cute story.  My eldest daughters' favorite part was the last few pages where felting is explained and instructions given for a few crafts.  My girls love crafts and this is one Mama is interested in doing with them.  This book is from the Academic Wings category. Guardian Angel Publishing has an assortment of books to appeal to children from 0-12.  All of the ones we received and/or looked at on their site are available as an E-book download (PDF) for only $5.00.  You may also purchase the E-book on CD ($9.95 + $5.95 S&H) or a print book ($10.95 + $6.95 S&H).  As may be expected, the stories we would like to read snuggled up with our little ones would be most appreciated as an actual print book.  You can also print out your own copy from an e-book.  All of the stories we checked out on the website gave the description of the print books as being an 8.5" x 8.5" paperback.  The suggested age range was also listed on each story's page. To see the other selections reviewed and the opinions of my fellow crewmates, follow this link. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hillarym/747052/ Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:42:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hillarym/747052/ Roots and Fruits www.edudps.com This vocabulary curriculum is available in 3 formats.  The e-book is $14.98 (there are special considerations for the e-book, please see the notes on the EDUPS website).  Printed pages are available comb bound for $19.98 or loose for $17.48 We received the printed version (due to the e-version not being Mac compatible) free for our use in order to review this product. This 72 page book is a complete vocabulary program for all ages from K-12th grade.  The first pages share information about the author-Jill J. Dixon as well as how the program came to be.  Usually, vocabulary programs are not included in a child's learning until middle school or even later.  This program has been set up so that you can start with a child of any age--even kindergarten.  The activities are fun and easy and can be enjoyed by a range of ages.  A 'how to use this program' section as well as a weekly schedule are also included.  The bulk of the book, as expected, is filled with the 673 roots/prefixes and the accompanying 1716 vocabulary words.  These are arranged alphabetically and marked in various ways to indicate their use for early learners (K-3) or for older students preparing for tests (SAT, etc).  The weekly schedule is great at showing how to introduce new roots and words, reinforce them throughout the week and evaluate at the end of the week.  The activities are short, easy, and effective.  We follow a Charlotte Mason approach to learning which would typically leave 'intentional' language arts learning for late elementary age and allow the younger learner to absorb these things through great literature, copywork, etc.  I still feel that this program fits right in with our philosophy for our children.  This is a gentle approach that will aid them in comprehension of those great old books we are reading.  The activities are things that will appeal to all types of learners-active, visual and auditory. Dictionary work is part of the introduction to each weeks root(s) and there are three that are recommended (though obviously only one is needed :) ).  An American Dictionary of the English Language by Noah Webster and The Oxford Universal Dictionary will give example sentences for the words, tell its' derivation and for some give the history.  Another dictionary that would work is the Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary.  This is less expensive, but does not give any word histories or sentence examples.  I had a class when I was a student called Latin & Greek derivatives.  It was probably one of my favorite classes in high school.  I also find the histories of words interesting.  I am really looking forward to sharing this word geekiness with my children through this program. To read more about this great program and the others things from EDUPS reviewed by my fellow Crew mates check out this page. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hillarym/746953/ Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:11:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hillarym/746953/ STUDYPOD www.studypodbookholder.com This great, versatile book holder is available for $19.95 or if buying more than one $16.95 each. We received this product (and only one :( ) free for the purpose of reviewing it.  The Studypod is available in three 'fun' colors--pink, blue or black.  The same product is also available in black, gray or beige under the name Bookpod.  The one we received is black, which is good.  If it had been the pink or blue one, I may not have had the chance to use it at all.  We first tested many different size and shape of books to see for ourselves not only how easy this is to use, but the versatility in what it can be used for.  The only item we had problems with was in single (or few) sheets of paper.  The book holder is essentially hollow and the arms will hold your item pressed to the back.  Once we found a book, heavy piece of cardboard or clipboard to place behind our paper(s), the arms held the paper(s) securely and our 'backer' kept everything at the surface rather than back in the recess.  This recessed space is an important feature of the Studypod.  There you may keep any essential supplies.  The initial target of this product is the student that would use this for studying or working at a computer and need to keep their reading material at an easy to read position (not flat on the table/desk).  The space inside can be used for pens, highlighters, calculator, phone and/or ipod.  This bookholder is designed to be folded/closed (keeping those supplies inside) and carried with the rest of the books--stacked, in a backpack, etc.  The exterior is a rubbery texture to keep it from slipping around and making it very 'grabbable' should it ever find a home on your bookshelf. My eldest daughter used this for holding open a poetry book for copywork.  I used it both at the computer and to hold cookbooks and printed recipes in the kitchen.  It was fairly easy to turn pages.  It has been in near constant use and not yet found a home on a bookshelf.  :)  Once my other learners are doing copywork other than copying what is already on the sheet for them, we will probably be adding more of these to our 'school supplies'. I initially thought that my FIL who has had a stroke and is an avid reader could benefit from this, but it needed too fine of dexterity for turning pages as well as someone to set it up for him.  I have not given up though.  There is a link on the Studypod site to a product called LEVO.  This is available as a desktop or mounted to a stand with a cast iron base.  They even have a light that can be attached.  This product is not portable like the Studypod, but it looks to be very versatile for many people. To read what my fellow Crew mates have to say about the Studypod, check out this link. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hillarym/746910/ Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:05:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hillarym/746910/ Rocket Phonics www.rocketphonics.net This complete program is available for $160 or 3 payments of $53.34. We received this program free for our families use for the purpose of review.  When we first opened the box, we were all excited by the things we found inside.  My children liked the symbol cards, peeker and the little toys for prizes for some of the games.  I liked the two readers laid out complete with lesson plans to dive right in.  Also, this is non-consumable, so I can use Rocket Phonics with all of my children. This program has been developed by Dr. and Mrs. Guffanti for children ages 4-10.  "Perfect for children of all learning styles, even very active kids, Rocket Phonics readers go from non-reader to 5th grade reading in two years or less."  Their website has much information showing the studies that have been done proving the effectiveness of this program.  One of the things I noticed right off as we played around with this, was the appeal to all of my children.  I think between our four learners, I have every learning style represented.  My eldest daughter (8 yr. old) and my son (3 yr. old) are very active children.  Requiring them to sit still is torture--for all of us.  Many of the activities are geared towards active learners.  I think my previous approach--sit still and read with me--have been part of DD#1's struggle with reading.  We have not been consistent with the program as our school year is really just beginning (No school before Labor Day!).  Already, I can tell my eldest daughter has more confidence.  Even my youngest learner, DS (who is only 3) has enjoyed participating in some of the activities.  I think he has even learned most of the sounds to the symbol cards we have been working on.  The main difference I have noticed is in how the letters and sounds have been presented.  Most programs I have looked at start with the letter and tell you this is its' sound (I am hearing the song from Leap Frog "...every letter makes a sound....").  Rocket Phonics starts with the sound and then says it is made by this letter and sometimes also this letter or blend/combination of letters.  This helps move from talking (which all of my children seem to be experts at :) ) to reading.  They also use color-coded helpers for those words (of which there seem to be many in our English language) that don't follow their spellings. So far, we are really having fun with this program.  As we settle into our 'school groove' we will be using it more consistently.  From the results we are seeing already--with all four children, I anticipate great readers by summer. :)  This is definitely something I wish I had known about a few years ago so my eldest daughter and I would not have struggled.  I think this is going to work beautifully to getting her not only up to her grade level in reading, but beyond.  Her interest and comprehension is so much beyond her reading fluency, I think her independent learning is really going to flourish. To see what my fellow Crew mates think so far, check this link here.  Be sure to follow up with us as we update our success and thoughts on Rocket Phonics throughout the year. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hillarym/746870/ Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:32:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hillarym/746870/ Sarah's Wish www.sarahbooks.net $10.99 with Free shipping.  Specials available for purchasing with additional books from the series. We received, free for our use for this review, a copy of the book Sarah's Wish by Jim Baumgardner.  This was a truly wonderful book to read with my children.  This is the first book in a series featuring Sarah Smith, a 12 year old girl living in Ohio in 1858.  The book is a living book telling us the story of Sarah and her involvement with the Underground Railroad.  One of the fun features of this book is an included link to download an audio version of this book.  I especially enjoyed being able to play this for my children and save my voice from reading out loud.  :)  Mr. Baumgardner is a grandfather of homeschooled grandchildren and they were his initial audience.  Although first written for homeschooled children, these timeless, engaging stories will appeal to children and families of any sort.  Mr. Baumgardner is a descendent of the character Dr. Baum(gardner) from the series.  From perusing the website, one also learns that Sarah was indeed a real girl who lived with Mr. Baumgardner's great, great grandparents in Wapakoneta, OH.  There are many other interesting tidbits to be found on the website relating to the history of the time period of the series.  Mr. Baumgardner is currently working on the fourth, as yet unnamed, book of the series.  This first story, Sarah's Wish is shorter than the subsequent books with only 123 pages.  This is not to say this book is a "light read" in any way.  It is the perfect length to draw us into Sarah's world and leave us wanting to read more.  The second book is titled Sarah's Promise and the third in the series is Sarah's Escape.  The books have been referred to as Christian fiction.  Mr. Baumgardner has said he prefers the category of Young Adult fiction.  While the books do not hide their character's Christianity, that is not the purpose of these stories.  When I typically read Young Adult fiction, the story line is a bit above what I like for my eldest daughter (8 yr. old) to read.  These are wonderful family books.  The reading is definitely at a level above where my daughter reads, but the story was enjoyed by the entire family--Mama, Daddy and all of our children-the 8 yr. old down to the 3 yr. old boy. Mr. Baumgardner has a newsletter you can subscribe to which we have enjoyed as well.  We are hoping to keep adding these books to our library for enjoyment reading as well as educational reading when we study this period in history. To see what other crew members have to say about this series, check out the links from here. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hillarym/746856/ Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:29:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hillarym/746856/