Big Homeschool Family Resources

The BEST laptop accessory I've found!

noreply@blogger.com (6lads1lassie) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 22:46:00 +0000

I am posting today about some amazing, awesome laptop external speakers by "Go Groove". They clip onto the sides of your laptop screen, have a retractable cord and when done, snap together as they are magnetized, making them a compact, portable little deal. LOVE them!

I cannot tell you how many times I've tried to listen to something on my laptop and I just could NOT get it loud enough! These have been the best solution and I wish I'd had them months ago!

Hope this helps ya'll! Click on the title of this post and it will take you right to the speakers listed on Amazon.com. Happy Laptop Listening, ya'll!

TTYL!

Our local Homeschool Co-op

noreply@blogger.com (5ladsand1lassie) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 04:18:00 +0000

Hi all,
It's been a loooooong time, I know. Just stopping in to post a link to our homeschool co-op called CAFFE/MAD Monday. CAFFE stands for Creative Arts Fellowship for Education. And MAD is Music, Arts, Drama. We meet for MAD on Mondays at a local church. If you're interested, check out the link. We'd love to have you join us!
You can visit: www.madmonday.org

I'll be back...much sooner than last time!

My latest favorite thing: The Workbox System

noreply@blogger.com (5ladsand1lassie) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:58:00 +0000

My lastest favorite thing is called the Workbox System. Here's the link: www.workboxsystem.com

I am excited to implement this system in our homeschool this year. It is simple in concept and can be used with whatever curriculum you are currently using. Seriously, check it out!

Clearplay DVD

noreply@blogger.com (5ladsand1lassie) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:11:00 +0000

Hi everyone,
I know it's been awhile...I've neglected several little projects over the past few months. I am purposing to make the effort to press on with them...little by little.
So, the one thing that's on my mind right now is Clearplay. We like it. A LOT. This is the way it works:
Clearplay is a DVD player with a thumbdrive. You buy the player and a membership for the filters. (There are special offers from time to time, so visit the site often.) You take the thumbdrive, go to the clearplay website and download filters. Then you put the thumbdrive into the Clearplay and stick in just about any movie (rented, owned, etc) and you will have the option to watch the movie in normal play or with the Clearplay filter. My boys esp. have enjoyed being able to watch action movies we normally wouldn't allow them to see b/c of all the junk within the dialogue, etc. You get the picture.
Here's the website: www.clearplay.com Go check it out!

Family Friendly Facebook!

noreply@blogger.com (5ladsand1lassie) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:11:00 +0000

Hi ya'll,
For those of us that LOVE Facebook, but don't like the ads that pop up along the sidebar, here's a link and some instructions for you to remove those pesky ads. My eldest has been asking for his own FB page, and I've considered it, but those ads have made me say no for now. Now that they're all gone I might have to get him started on his page...
Here's that link:

http://www.verticalforest.com/2008/02/22/blocking-facebook-ads/

Happy Ad-free Facebooking!

Money Saving Mom

noreply@blogger.com (5ladsand1lassie) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:37:00 +0000

Hey,
I've known about this site for a loooooong time and don't know WHY I've never shared it with you, but if you haven't checked this site out, you need to! Great stuff!
Here it is:
www.moneysavingmom.com

Lots of freebies, coupons, etc.

Favorite Rainy Day Soup

noreply@blogger.com (5ladsand1lassie) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:19:00 +0000

This is our family's favorite soup on a cold, rainy day. Other's that have tried it love it too, so I thought I would share it with you!

Taco Soup (EASY!)
1-1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1 sm. onion, chopped
2 cans beans (any combination: pinto, chili, black, red)
2 cans water
1 can corn
1 can rotel (or just chop a tomato)
1 sm. can tomato paste
1 packet ranch dressing
1 packet taco seasoning

In large pot, brown ground beef w/onion. Add all other ingredients and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer 15-20 min, occasionally stirring.

Today though, I didn't have any ground beef cooked (and I didn't feel like cooking some) so I omitted it and am throwing in some leftover cooked rice. I've used leftover refried beans (tastes wonderful and thickens the soup). I rarely use canned corn just b/c I don't usually buy it, but I do throw in the frozen corn and it comes out just fine.

Serve with tortilla chips, shredded cheddar, and a dollop of sour cream. MMMMmmm sooo good!

I'm a LIST freak...

noreply@blogger.com (5ladsand1lassie) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 03:45:00 +0000

Yes, I LOVE lists. I make lists for everything. Chores, meals, to do, to make, to buy, Honey-do, kiddo-do...you get the picture. I make lists for the sheer satisfaction of crossing off items. In fact I even list items I've already done just so I can cross them off right away (gotta have that fast positive feedback, ya know).

I just have to share a favorite blog resource. It's: www.listmamablog.com GREAT lists here to help you organize just about WHATEVER you can imagine. Events, holidays, household stuff, kid stuff, you name it. Check it out, it's fun!

Free Homeschool Resource every weekday!

noreply@blogger.com (5ladsand1lassie) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 19:49:00 +0000

Wow, this is a great site. Sign up for a freebie to be sent to your inbox every weekday. Enjoy!

www.homeschoolfreebie.wholesomechildhood.com

The Greatest Gift

noreply@blogger.com (5ladsand1lassie) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 21:39:00 +0000

Please watch the following video. It is a must watch and one to share with all this Christmas season!

The perfect gift has already come, and I pray if you haven't received it, you'll open your heart to Him this Christmas!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB3Fn-Z7Drc

Send a card to the troops!

noreply@blogger.com (5ladsand1lassie) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:30:00 +0000

Here's a tangible way to say thanks to our soldiers overseas.

Free copy of DVD Amazing Grace

noreply@blogger.com (5ladsand1lassie) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 05:11:00 +0000

Hey, I just registered with Walden Media to get a free Dvd of the movie "Amazing Grace." I also expect to receive a free 2009 calendar.

Here's the link:
http://www.walden.com/newsletters/2008_December/index.html

How to get rid of this cold!!!

noreply@blogger.com (5ladsand1lassie) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 21:39:00 +0000

As some of you many know, the 3 youngest and myself have been battling this insistent cold for some time now. Now that I finally had a chance to clear my head and think, think, think...I sent dh to the health food store to replenish our stores of herbs and other homeopathic meds and vitamins. I am taking the bull by the horns, and just in case you're interested, this is what we will be doing to get this bug out of the house:

Nutritionally eliminating all: sugar, dairy (esp. milk), salty (fatty)foods and meat (heavy proteins). We substitute cow's milk with Rice milk (vanilla flavor). We drink an insane amount of fluids (warm chicken broth in sippy cups works great). I myself have a lot of hot tea with toast. Chicken noodle soup and other soups are the main fare.

Herbs4kids tintures: echinacea/goldenroot (for little ones w/fever) and echinacea/astragalus (for little ones w/o fever)

Fish oil/Cod liver oil (flavored chewable gels) or flavored liquid in a brown bottle

Wild Cherry Bark cough syrup (our whole family responds really well to this when we have sinus/respiratory/bronchial irritations)

Garlic oil (many many ways to use this...taken internally and rubbing it on chests, bottom of feet, behind ears, IN ears, etc)

Vitamin C (chewable for the kids)

I know there are a variety of "other" things we could do, but I tend to stick to the things I "know" and can remember easily. I will let you know how we all do with this (we've had success many times before!)

We won't be out and about until this is eradicated, so say a prayer and we look forward to fellowshipping with our friends and family soon!

New Kid's Radio Show and bonus freebie

noreply@blogger.com (5ladsand1lassie) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 22:47:00 +0000

In case you haven't checked it out yet, there's a new kid's devotional radio program that is superb. Papa2many reads aloud from an outstanding book and then gives a little devotional. The first show was on discretion and the next was the "Froward mouth." Really good stuff. Check it out. I'll be tuning in with my kids! Here's the link: www.blogtalkradio.com/papa2many

Well, we spent most of the afternoon weeding out toys and cleaning out the playroom. The room looks GREAT and 5 of the kiddos are happily playing with the train table set. It's amazing what a clean room can do for a kid's imaginative playtime. Now, if I could get to the office, sitting room and school room. They all need some attention!

The boys had some room to wrestle a bit today and there's nothing more funny than hearing my 5yo saying "so ya want a piece of me???" to his big brothers. I love it when boys can be BOYS.

One more thing, a friend of mine told me about www.coinstar.com. For a limited time, if you have $40 in change, they will give you a bonus of $10. So, take that loose change in to a machine and get a little extra back! Just in time for the holidays.

Have a great day!

Swagbucks review

noreply@blogger.com (5ladsand1lassie) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:58:00 +0000

I found some more info on Swagbucks. Here are some excerpts from a Swagbucks review:

"We have discovered a site that we like to do all our searching. This site is called Swagbucks. Basically, you use it anytime you need to search the Internet. You have a chance each time to earn what they call Swag Bucks. You can use those Swag Bucks for some cool prizes and even gift certificates. Some of the prizes are quite good and they are basically free.
The key is to search like you would any other search engine. Only search when you need to and sometimes a Swag Buck pops up and is added to your balance. Another way to earn is to shop at one of their sponsored merchants. The rate of Swag Bucks to real dollars varies by which merchant you shop at.
Yet another way to earn is to refer your friends and family. If they sign up and use earn bucks, you get one Swag Buck for every Swag Buck they earn up to 100. These can add up quickly if you have several referrals and they are all active.
I checked out the site and it is easy to use and if you are going to search anyway, you might as well have a chance of earning some Swag Bucks to cash in for prizes.
There are some good pros to this site. First and most important is that it is free. Second, you get stuff for something you do anyway and they use top search engines to get the result. Third, if you get lots of referrals, the Swag Bucks can add up quickly.Finally, they have some great prizes for all levels of earnings so you can get something quite quickly.
There are very few cons because it is a free site. However, I can think of a couple. The Swag Bucks grow slowly if you do not have referrals and you do not get them for every search. It is very random so you can lose enthusiasm quickly if you bore easily.
Overall, this is a pretty cool site. I am always excited about any site that gives away free prizes."

Well, if you're interested, please go to Swagbucks and sign up here: http://swagbucks.prodege.com/?cmd=sb-register&rb=246101

If you go through the link above, I will personally receive the sought after referall swagbucks! Thanks for checking it out!

Swagbucks

noreply@blogger.com (5ladsand1lassie) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:18:00 +0000

OK, here is something I found from another blog. I am going to try this and let you know how it works out. If you are interested, let me know and make sure you get a referral from me, please! (use link at bottom of post!)

Swagbucks: online search engine that earns you money!
I don't know about you, but I do a lot of searching online. If I need to find the answer to just about anything, Google is my best friend.
So when I read about Swagbucks--an online search engine that rewards you for searching online--I was all ears. Especially when someone had earned enough in Swagbucks in the last four months to receive hundreds of dollars in gift cards.
I did some investigation and learned that Swagbucks is very simple to sign up for. In fact, it takes all of about one minute. There are no fees, no credit card required, and no phone number or address requested.
After that, you are credited 3 points to your account and then download the toolbar and every day as you're searching online, you earn a few more points. After only 45 points earned, you can get a free Amazon gift card. Or at 50 points, you can get a Starbucks gift card. There are dozens of other prizes, too.
Now, you might be thinking, "What's the big deal if I only earn a $5 gift card every month?" Well, you're right, $5 isn't that exciting. It's something, but that's only the beginning. You see, your earnings will exponentially multiply when you refer others.
Do you know anyone else who searches online? I thought so. Well, tell them about Swagbucks, send them your referral link, and you'll not only instantly earn more points when they sign up, you'll also earn points for the searching they do online.
Tell lots of folks and you're well on your way to funding your entire Christmas budget with free gift cards from Swagbucks. For those of you who have blogs, you'll especially want to jump on board with this. It's free, it won't take much of your time to do, and it could generate a nice stream of gift cards in your mailbox.

Click here to get started: http://swagbucks.prodege.com/?cmd=sb-register&rb=246101

Latest Projects

noreply@blogger.com (5ladsand1lassie) — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:16:00 +0000

OK, so there have been other reasons why I haven't been blogging..(you mean besides changing 3 in diapers, laundry, cleaning up, schoolwork, discipline and cooking?) YES. I have been working on a few fun things too. Birthday cakes (we had 2 birthdays a week apart), quilts, and a new dog. (She's a stray that showed up on our porch a few weeks ago.) So here are some pics of the new things in our busy lives:

Here's Daisy the hound dog. Very skinny here, but is putting on a little bit of weight.

Here's a Jon-Jon for the baby.

Power Ranger's birthday cake for boy #3!

Rag throw quilt

My 3 yo girl's Princess castle cake.

Baby car seat quilt

Well, that's all I have time to upload for now. I've been having fun! Learning new things and trying a little bit of everything! Trying to use my time wisely!

Have a great day!

Shameless Plug

noreply@blogger.com (5ladsand1lassie) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:21:00 +0000

OK, so my boys are doing a fundraiser....selling Christmas Wreaths.
Real balsam fir wreaths. Prices vary depending on the wreath you choose. So if you'd like one or send one as a gift, please let us know. The boys would LOVE to take your order.
Thanks for your support.

Free Dinners for Military

noreply@blogger.com (5ladsand1lassie) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:58:00 +0000

OK, so it's been awhile! My folks were here visiting, my dh was gone on a trip and my parents and I were undertaking a bunch of home projects. It's been a busy time. I've been very thankful mom and dad were here! We miss them!

Anyway, here's a link for info on the Annual Golden Corral Military Appreciation Night. November 17, 5-9pm.
http://www.goldencorral.com/military/

Please get the word out! We military folks appreciate these freebies! Woo HOO!

A little blessing...

noreply@blogger.com (5ladsand1lassie) — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:25:00 +0000

As many of you know, I am NOT an avid gardener. Oh, yes, I've tried a few things, but most of the time they are dismal failures.

One of the little pleasant surprises I've had since moving to our new place is that I have some of my FAVORITE flower bushes already here, established! For example, I told Bri that when we finally did move, I HAD to plant a gardenia bush. Well, guess what, this place has TWO! And I've been plucking flowers to bring inside and have been so blessed with their sweet fragrance.

I wanted to share one of the beautiful roses from the rose bush on the side of our house. I think it may be the last one of the season...

Been Awhile, I know..

noreply@blogger.com (5ladsand1lassie) — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:09:00 +0000

I don't think I posted about this, but I may have come across the best blueberry pie recipe I've ever tasted. You can find it at http://www.pickyourown.org/ (a really neat site with LOTS of helpful info). Anyway, I used their pie recipe and here is how it looked (after Daddy swiped a piece)!

It was so tasty and it didn't last long in this household. Easy too! If you have some blueberries in your freezer that you need to use, be sure to check this recipe out!

Interactive meal planner

noreply@blogger.com (5ladsand1lassie) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:44:00 +0000

A friend just sent this to me and I checked it out. What a really neat, helpful website for anyone keeping track of calories. You just input the info with a few clicks and then it calculates your calories used and what you have left. NICE!
Here it is:

http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/menuplanner/menu.cgi

Starbucks Freebie!

noreply@blogger.com (5ladsand1lassie) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:56:00 +0000

This Monday, Sept. the 29th, Starbucks is giving away free coffee to teachers, including Homeschooling parents. Please click on the link below for more info!
http://www.hslda.org/docs/news/200809231.asp

Enjoy!

Ike Aftermath

noreply@blogger.com (5ladsand1lassie) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 19:37:00 +0000

We were very blessed during this storm! No damage to fence or home! But we did have one massive tree down right outside our fence. Here's a few pics!

This is the base of the tree.

All this bushy area is one part of the top of this very large tree. It missed our fence by about 5 feet. Lots of branches to gather after this tree is cut up. Other than that, we're good! Thank you God!

Feeling Poetic

noreply@blogger.com (5ladsand1lassie) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 02:34:00 +0000

As I've been inside listening and watching the amazing gusts of wind generated by Hurricane Ike, I made a list of blog topics. NOW if I can get the satellite to behave when I want it to, I actually might be a "regular" blog writer. Anyway, I am posting another poem. It spoke to me. Most days end with me falling into bed and I wonder how they did it years ago. This poem actually encouraged me at the end of it! How wonderful for this "mama" to end such a day joyfully! It spurs me on to end each day on a beautiful "note." (Doesn't always happen, but God is merciful and full of grace!) Anyway, here's the poem. Enjoy!

Mama's Mama
Mama's Mama, on a winter's day,
Milked the cows and fed them hay,
Slopped the hogs, saddled the mule,
And got the children off to school.
Did a washing, mopped the floors,
Washed the windows and did some chores.
Cooked a dish of home-dried fruit,
Pressed her husband's Sunday suit,
Swept the parlor, made the bed,
Baked a dozen loaves of bread.
Split some wood and lugged it in,
Enough to fill the kitchen bin,
Cleaned the lamps and put in oil,
Stewed some apples she thought might spoil,
Churned the butter, baked a cake,
Then exclaimed, "For Mercy's sake,
The calves have got out of the pen!"
Went out and chased them in again,
Gathered the eggs and locked the stable,
Returned to the house and set the table,
Cooked a supper that was delicious,
And afterwards washed all the dishes,
Fed the cat, sprinkled the clothes,
Mended a basket full of hose,
Then opened the organ and began to play,
"When You Come to the End of a Perfect Day."
-Anna Rees Henton