Living Sola Gratia

TOS Crew: Math Rider

2012-02-07T21:00:00.004-05:00

We love us a good math facts game, especially one of the computer variety! That is exactly what Math Rider is, a computer oriented math facts game. BUT there is more.... Math Rider is a fun math game for kids that allows them to practice their addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts while not being bored to death in the process!

My girls really truly loved this game from day one. I do not have to even say "go do your math drills," because usually they have already done them.

My oldest daughter, The Lil' Chef, really likes the idea of being timed. She likes that Math Rider times her and keeps score for her, so that she can try to beat those scores the next time she plays. She also likes that Math Rider shows her progress in mastery. She likes to know that she has mastered 86% of her multiplication problems and 84% of her division. This is helpful for mom to know too! ; )

My younger daughter, Computer Girl, likes that Math Rider is cute, colorful and revolves around a story. Computer Girl enjoys riding through the Land of Ray {as she completes her math facts} with her trusty horse Shadow in a race to rescue the Princess Fairblossom from the evil king! She likes that she can see how far she has to go to reach the castle {master her facts}.

As Mom, I like that they are enjoying Math Rider as well as learning their facts {WHOO HOO!} I really LOVE how Math Rider keeps track of all the statics for me. Every so often I can check in to see what facts the girls have mastered, what facts they most struggle with as well as see their learning progression since they started. These are all nice things that Math Rider does for busy moms like me.

On the more technical side of Math Rider, is was created with gaming intelligence. The Math Rider explains it better than me...

"While the rider is playing, the game learns what the rider knows and what he or she still needs to practice. Every single response (or non-response) is stored in an internal database and statistically analysed by the software. In this way the program is able to custom-tailor to each rider, which questions are asked next. No repetitive drilling of random number facts the rider already knows – but real practice of what actually needs to be practiced!"

Math Rider would be great to incorporate into your homeschooling as a math drill game or even for non homeschoolers who's children just need to brush up on their math facts! Either way, my recommendation is for you to burn, bury or giveaway your flashcards and get Math Rider! You will not be disappointed! {and neither will your kids}

Math Rider is available for instant download for $47.00 but is on SALE for $37.00 up until February 15, 2012. There is a 30 day money back guarantee if for some reason you are not satisfied.

If you are still convinced that Math Rider would work for your kiddos please feel to check out their 7 Day Free Trial!

Please check out what others on the TOS Crew are saying about Math Rider!

We were given a trial version of Math Rider to try out for review purposes only. I was not paid in any way for my opinions, they are indeed mine.

Menu Plan Monday!

2012-02-06T21:31:00.004-05:00

I don't always plan what I am having each day. I usually just plan a menu list of ideas that I can pull from. I do of course tend to make crockpot meals on days that we are running out of the house for Bible Study and choir, it really just makes life easier.

Another thing that has been extremely helpful lately is crockpot meals on Sundays! It is SO lovely to come home to dinner right after church. It makes for a much more relaxing day. We eat dinner early and then later in the evening people can either have seconds or a sandwich. I am really not sure why I haven't always done this!

So here is my list of Menu Ideas just as it is posted on my refrigerator...

Breakfasts

Baked Oatmeal - this is a staple here nowadays!
Cereal - Yes, I am a cereal mom : ) I do get the "good" cereal like Raisin Bran and Honey Nut Joe O's and then I don't feel as bad.
Waffles w/ Fruit
Pancakes w/ Fruit
Cream of Wheat - I hook it up with bananas, cinnamon and honey
Apple Muffins - the Lil' Chef Makes these and they are yum-mee!

Lunches

Chili Dogs - from left over Chili the night before
Mini Tacos - I try not to buy a lot of convenience foods but these Little Mini Tacos from Trader Joe's are a WOW!
Homemade Pizza
Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
Mac & Cheese w/ Apple Slices and Grapes
PB & Honeys w/ Carrot Sticks and Orange Slices
Tuna Melts on Pita Crackers

Dinners

Chicken Spaghetti - This is a good throw it in the crockpot meal. I throw in boneless, skinless chicken thighs and a jar of spaghetti sauce. I cook on high for 4 hours, then when I come home from church I just boil some noodles, mix, and top with mozzarella cheese. I pair it with a salad and eat!
Chili w/ Rice
Tacos
Sloppy Jane's (crockpot), Broccoli, Homemade Potato Wedges
Meatball Subs - make the meatballs the night before and then throw in the crockpot with a jar of sauce.
Pizza
Homemade Potato Soup w/ Homemade Bread

Snacks

Yogurt Tubes
Cheese Sticks
Fruit
Apples & Honey Spread
Celery & PB
Pretzels & PB
Air Popped Popcorn w/ Olive Oil
Playgroup Granola Bars - This is a must try! My little peeps LOVE these!

Apologia Live Retreat Winner!

2012-01-30T23:43:00.000-05:00

Congrats to Comment # 15....

Christine M
I "like" Apologia on Facebook! :)

is the Apologia Live Retreat Ticket WINNER!

His Eye Is on the Sparrow

2012-01-29T16:26:00.002-05:00

words by Civilla D. Martin

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for Heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

Let not your heart be troubled, His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

What an encouraging song to meditate on during times of trials and troubles. What comfort and peace to know that "His eye is on the Sparrow, and I know He watches me."

This song reminded me of these scriptures...

Luke 12:6-7

⁶Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
⁷But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Luke 10:29-31
²⁹Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
³⁰But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
³¹Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

You can listen to the song and learn how it originated here.

Apologia LIVE Retreat Ticket GIVEAWAY!

2012-01-23T03:31:00.009-05:00

I have some super exciting news to share! Last summer I had an amazing opportunity to have lunch with several of the ladies from Apologia, including Rachael Carman, the author of How to Have a H.E.A.R.T. for Your Kids.

During this luncheon I learned alot about Apologia and how they are focusing more on resources that offer support for the homeschooling mom. One fantastic way that they are doing this is by offering the Apologia Live Retreats for homeschool moms.

I have not been to an Apologia Live Retreat but I have listened to the past two years of them on CD's. As I listened to Before the Throne 2011 and Standing Strong 2010, I got to hear homeschool mom's like Rachael Carman, Zan Tyler, Jeannie Fulbright and Debra Bell encourage me through scripture and offer me godly wisdom from their past experiences.

This year Apologia Live presents

Celebrate the Journey!

Celebrate the Journey of homeschooling, wifehood, and being a mom during the good times, the bad times and yes, even the ugly times. Join us as we look at the scriptures and seek encouragement from veteran homeschool moms on how to Celebrate the Journey!

Apologia Live invites you to a retreat designed to encourage and support homeschool moms.

Featured Speakers:

Rachael Carman

Heidi St. John

Zan Tyler

Debra Bell

Elizabeth Smith

Jeannie Fulbright

Sherri Seligson

Anne MacCallum

You can read more about these fabulous speakers on the Apologia Live Retreat's blog.

Ok, now for the exciting news!! Apologia Live Retreats is giving away ONE FREE TICKET to a LSG reader!!

This giveaway will include ONE Regular Ticket to either the Baltimore, Maryland or Atlanta, Georgia Apologia Live Retreat. This includes one registration, a $115 value, that will include 6 General Sessions and 2 Prayer Sessions on Friday afternoon and evening, starting at 3:30 pm and running through Saturday at 4:15 pm. The Retreat ticket also includes lunch on Saturday. (Please note that this giveaway does not include hotel accommodations or the Nuts & Bolts Sessions, these would be the winner's responsibility if interested.)

Baltimore, MD - March 9-10, 2012

Atlanta, GA - March 23-24, 2012

This GIVEAWAY will run until January 30th, 2012. Here's how YOU can ENTER TO WIN!

Visit the Apologia Live Blog, then leave a comment about what you are most interested in about the conference.
Friend Apologia Live on Facebook and then let me know about it.
Follow Apologia Live on Twitter and then leave me a comment.
You can spread the word about this giveaway on your blog and leave me a link back.

Please leave a comment with each entry as well as your email.
Thanks so much for entering!

Lord willing, I am going to be at the Baltimore, MD Apologia Live Retreat, I would love to meet up with any of you there : )

Please note that Apologia Live will be providing the ticket to the winner. I will also be attending the Apologia Live Retreat as a gift from them for promoting the retreat (Thanks Apologia, I can't wait!)

I Need Thee Every Hour

2012-01-22T15:12:00.001-05:00

by Annie Hawks

I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.

Refrain

I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessèd Son.

Refrain

I first want to say that this is my life's theme song, I do need the Lord EVERY hour. Lately, I have been going through some pretty chunky trials. Through these trials the Lord has brought me to a place where I have an amazing peace that I know only He could give. He is showing me that I need him every day and every hour.

You can listen to the song here, as well as read how it originated.

TOS Review: We Choose Virtues

2012-01-21T00:46:00.001-05:00

When asked if we would like to review for We Choose Virtues I believe "Pleeeeeze pick us!" was my response.

I have wanted SO very badly wanted to incorporate character training into our daily routine but hadn't really figured out how I wanted to do that with out revamping everything else in our schedule. After checking out the We Choose Virtues website, I knew this was something my kids would like and be pretty simple to implement, both a plus in my book!

We Choose Virtues is a character training program geared for children ages 3-11. The We Choose Virtues products can be used a in a Family, Homeschool, Classroom or Church setting.

We received the Virtue Clue Cards, the Kids of Virtueville Coloring Book, and the Teacher's Handbook.

The way that we used the Virtue Clue Cards was that every other day we would choose a new child from Virtueville to learn about, act like and picture we would color. We generally would alternate boy then girl. My kids {and I do mean ALL of them, even the 11 year old} really looked forward to this part of our day. I would allow the children to take turns introducing the new Virtueville Kids, they get so excited about doing this that sometimes they would fuss with each other. The fussing shows two things, one how much they love We Choose Virtues and two how much we need to be learning virtues of the Bible. : ) After going over the new card we would go back over the previous ones that we had already learned.

Each of the of the 12 virtues has a different Virtueville Kid character that represents it, and each of the Virtueville Kids has something with them. For instance there is Cake Jake, who helps us to remember to be content. He has a cake sitting in front of him with only one piece missing, this helped my children to see that Cake Jake was content with just one piece, he was not being greedy.

The Cake Jake Virtue Clue Card says...
I am Content. I have my "wanter" under control. I am NOT bored, greedy, or always wanting more and I do not beg or whine.

The back side of the clue card encourages the children to go the whole day and not whine or complain and adds that Cake Jake knows you can do it.

Now that we have gone through all of the Virtue Clue Cards {and my kids are TOTALLY HOOKED} we are going to start over, this time going more slowly and work on one Virtue/Virtueville Kid per week. We are going to do the memory verses that go along with each virtue, get more into the teacher's handbook and also add in some read alouds/stories that go along with the virtue we are studying.

Meet the Virtueville Kids and the virtues they teach:

Airplane Betty Jane - Attentive
Piggy Bank Frank - Patience
Feather Heather - Forgiving
Cake Jake - Content
Kettle Gretel - Kind
Gerbil & Jill - Gentle
Duck & Chuck - Diligent
Hat Mat - Helpful
Stop Sign Madeline - Self Control
Oboe Joe - Obedient
Hockey Stick Nick - Honest
Penny Jenny - Perseverance

Are they working? Well, my kids are not perfect but I think I can honestly say that they learned from We Choose Virtues. I think that they relate well with the characters and want to imitate them. Just the other day Little Bits, my 3 year old, told his 5 year old brother in a very LOUD but calm voice that "Stop Sign Madeline says to STOP!!" His older brother was harassing him a bit. I was in the next room when I heard this, I had to try my hardest to keep a straight face when I went into the playroom to talk to them.

Just this afternoon my 5 year old son was helping me to get our bread maker going and make some pumpkin bread. I said "you know, you remind me of someone." He of course asks me who? I say "you know that boy that wears the chef hat and helps out a lot." He immediately smiled and ran to get the Hat Matt card to remind me of the boys name. I already knew the name but I just wanted to see if he would get what I was saying and he did : )

Did I mention how much they liked to color the pictures! That was a huge highlight for them.

We Choose Virtues has a wide variety of products to choose from. You could get the whole kit and caboodle if you buy the Homeschool or Family Kit which range in price from $69.99 - $99.99. You could keep it simple with the Virtue Clue Cards, available for $5.99. Whichever product you choose make sure you pair it with the Virtueville Kids Coloring book, available via download for $3.00. You may also want to check out their CLEARANCE section, they are currently cuts prices on several of their products.

No matter which We Choose Virtue products you choose I am sure that you will not be disappointed, and neither will your children.

When placing your order be sure to use one of the following PROMO CODES:

VIRTUE15 for 15 % Off Shopping Cart
SHIPFREE for Free Worldwide Shipping

Please take a peek at what others on the TOS Crew are saying about We Choose Virtues!

Phillipians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

As a reviewer for the TOS Crew, we received free products from We Choose Virtues for review purposes only. We were not paid in any way and the opinions expresed here are my own.

Homeschooling Ha Ha's

2012-01-19T22:37:00.000-05:00

I really planned on blogging more this week, but truthfully we are STILL sick and it was all my brain and body could do to keep up with school {well most of it} and our house. So I thought I'd share a few homeschooling funnies that I had seen lately...

Love this one....

We giggled at this one too...

Menu Plan Monday

2012-01-16T00:00:00.001-05:00

Trying to get back on track with posting, I thought Menu Plan Monday was a great place to start. Here's what's cookin' in our house this coming week...

Breakfasts

Baked Oatmeal - this is a family favorite, the Lil' Chef makes this for us at least once a week

Cream of Wheat w/ Honey & Fruit

Cereal

Egg Sandwiches, Fruit

Yogurt & Fruit

Waffles or French Toast, Fruit

Lunches

Left Overs

Chicken Nuggets, Tater Tots, Apple Sauce

PB & Jelly or Honey, Carrots, Apples

Homemade Pizza

Hot Ham & Cheese Quesadillas w/ Sour Cream, Fruit & Pretzels

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Fruit

Mac & Cheese

Dinners

Monday

Pigs in a Blanket, Baked Beans and Broccoli

Tuesday

Breakfast Night - Pancakes, Oven Scrambled Eggs, Bacon and Oranges

Wednesday

Spaghetti Pie, Salad

Thursday

BBQ Chicken Legs in the Crock Pot, Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Peas

Friday

Shepherd's Pie - I make homemade mashed potatoes, use frozen veggies and All Natural Cream of Mushroom Soup with out all the yuckies in it.

Saturday

17 Bean & Barley Soup - just followed the recipe on the bag of Trader Joe's Bean Soup bag.

Sunday

Salsa Chicken Tacos, Cantaloupe

I Love to Tell the Story

2012-01-15T15:10:00.002-05:00

by Katherine Hankey

I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story, because I know ’tis true;
It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.

Refrain

I love to tell the story, ’twill be my theme in glory,
To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

I love to tell the story; more wonderful it seems
Than all the golden fancies of all our golden dreams.
I love to tell the story, it did so much for me;
And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.

Refrain

I love to tell the story; ’tis pleasant to repeat
What seems, each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet.
I love to tell the story, for some have never heard
The message of salvation from God’s own holy Word.

Refrain

I love to tell the story, for those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song,
’Twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.

Refrain

My oldest daughter, The Lil' Chef, has been dabbling in some copywork for school. After she had completed Proverbs 31 I decided to let her pick a hymn, she chose I Love to Tell the Story.

For those of you that know and love the Lord, don't you just love to tell others about Jesus. How sweet it is to share the redemption story! As this song says, "More wonderful it seems than all the golden fancies, of all our golden dreams!"

You can listen to it here and also read about how it originated.

Back to Life, Back to Reality

2012-01-09T22:45:00.000-05:00

After a wonderful 3 week holiday break we are finally getting back into the swing of life. I am so glad that we took the an extra week of vacation, I think the kids and I really needed it.

Did I mention to you that I have been a bit stressed lately. Personal issues, a bit of homeschool frustration and to top it off sibling rivalry. Like I said, we just needed a break. A time to step away from the academics and work on relationships. I was really feeling like I was being more of a ~~sheep herder~~ school teacher than a mom.

During our time off we played games, hung out together, watched movies {LOTS OF MOVIES}and just spend time together. The time off really was a blessing.

We started back last week and had a FABULOUS week! You know how taking a break from school can kind of cause kids to get accustomed to not having a routine and then they can be all fussy about getting back into one? Didn't have any of that (thank you Lord)! The Lord just really blessed our week.

We got back into My Father's World, just finished week 10. For those of you not familiar with MFW our Bible and History is kind of intertwined together. We studied the death and resurrection of Christ, we watched The Robe, read stories about those that have been martyred for Christ like Polycarp, Stephen, Peter and Paul. When we watched The Robe the kids got to see alot of the different things that we have been studying these last few months in on Rome studies. It was a blessing to hear them point things out that they remembered. Even Alpha Boy, who is only 5, was pointing things out. Sometimes I think he is not listening, but I now stand corrected : )

We are also thoroughly enjoying Twice Freed by Patricia St. John. In this story she takes the biblical letter from Paul to Philemon and turns it into a beautiful story. The kids and I are all really into the story so much so that we are actually ahead of our scheduled reading due to them begging for me to "just read one more chapter."

One of the books that we are using for science this year is The Body Book, which we LOVE. This past week we focused on joints in the body and how they work. The really neat thing about The Body Book is that the kids get to make these really cool paper models of body parts. So far this year we have made paper eyeballs, a tongue with taste buds, the whole skeletal system and joints.

I am not sure if mentioned on here on not that I have been looking more and more into Charlotte Mason and her recommendations. One thing I have been back and forth about in my own mind is the whole idea of copywork. Part of me thinks it just sounds too easy but after joining a group of other homeschool moms that have had success with it I am deciding to give it a try. So, for now anyway, the girls are going to be doing copywork along with Daily Grams from Easy Grammar.

We did alot of snuggling on the couch and reading this past week. I try to make it a priority to snuggle up and read with Little Bits before I start schooling with the others, I have noticed that it really does make a difference with him. I think he feels included if we read or do an activity together before I work with everyone else. Also, Alpha Boy was very excited to have started reading Bob Books this week!

This week our extra curricular activites start back up. I am so glad that school and everything else didn't all start back up at once and we had a chance to ease back into things.

The Joys of Winter Break

2011-12-20T11:23:00.000-05:00

I love taking time out from our regularly busy schedule to RELAX! I can't not find the exact words to express how wonderful it has been to just chill out with the family.

We have watched oodles of holiday movies. We have played Puppy Pursuits Game, Sandwich Stacking Game, checkers, chutes and ladders as well as and pick up sticks. And we have even let the kids open a few of their gifts early {please pick your mouth up from the floor and let me explain}. : )

Every few nights we have given the kids a small gift of their own or a joint gift to open. I gotta tell you they have played with these things for HOURS! These toys were not lost in a heep of other toys, they were thoroughly played with and thoroughly enjoyed. Like last night for instance, the girls received a 10 in one type game that included checkers, chess, pick up sticks, mancala and tic tac toe. We all played several games of checkers, and pick up sticks {never knew how much I loved pick up sticks!!} as well as a few rounds of tic tac toe. We all had alot of fun.

The boys received the Imaginext Toy Story 3 Tri County Landfill {I didn't pay anything close to this Amazon price, I just wanted you all to see what it looked like}. They played with it all evening and all morning so far, it is a blessing to see them enjoying it so much!

The other day I declared the day to be movie/game day. To start the morning off I pulled out four family games that I had wrapped {can you tell that we love games}. We let the kids play hot potato to see who would get to open which game. We watched 2 movies that day and played 3 of the 4 games {chutes and ladders, Busytown Airport, Puppy Pursuits and Sandwich Stacking} That very evening the hubs played Puppy Pursuits with the kids for almost 2 whole hours!!

So as you can see we have really been enjoying hanging out together and thankfully we still have a few almost 2 weeks left.

Here is my winter break list of things to do, somethings have already been done:

~~Game Day - each child can pick a game for all of us to play together~~
Watch some holiday movies together
Zoo Lights - we live about 30 minutes or so from the National Zoo and they decorate with lights. This was actually The Hubs idea.
Jammie Up and Go to Watkins Park - a local park does a wonderful light display. For those of you local to us, we have found that Watkins Park is more affordable and we have enjoyed there more than Lights on the Bay.
Make Cookies Together to Give to Friends - we did some of this but I think we are going for round 2.
Craft Day - I want to help the girls make blankets for their baby dolls and friendship bracelets. I think I will be a rebel and pull out the finger paints for the boys.
~~Drive around the neighborhood looking at lights and eating hot fudge sundaes~~
~~Make Paper Snowflakes to hang from the playroom ceiling~~
Make Fudge
Go Iceskating on New Year's Eve
Relax

Beth's Spicey Oatmeal Cookies

2011-12-16T12:08:00.000-05:00

This is one of our favorite cookie recipes. We made some just the other day. A dear friend of mine shared this recipe with me a few years ago, I thought I'd share it with you all.

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup butter flavored shortening
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup raisins

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, butter flavored shortening, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. Stir in the oats and raisins. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes until light and golden. Do not overbake. Let them cool for 2 minutes before removing from cookie sheets to cool completely. Store in airtight container. Enjoy!

Makes about 36 cookies

A Little Revamping Required

2011-12-14T23:28:00.003-05:00

I have been a bit overwhelmed lately, to be quite honest. With school, with kids and with life.

For starters, I was never one of those moms that ran my kids all over creation for activities, until this year. I know that this works great for some moms and some kids. Just not for us. I prayed about ALL of the activities that I wanted my kids to do this year and REALLY felt that the Lord was leading us to them and opening doors in these directions. As we attempted to plug along I very quickly realized I was more stressed than ever and so were my kids.

As much as I wanted my girls to learn to play the flute and the fact that the Lord provided a friend to give them the lessons, it just it not the season for us to be doing that right now.

As much as I wanted my girls to be doing speech and saw the Lord open the door for them to do it. As much as I see the fruit in other "speech kids" and really desire that for my kids, it is just not the season for us right now.

Again, being honest here, I allowed myself to feel guilty for not making these things work out. Oh the guilt of a homeschool mom! Thanks be to God, I am over it. I felt the immediate relief once we gave up flute and speech, again both great things, just not for us right now. Doing all that running around made me a big ol' stress ball, REALLY! Don't believe me, ask any of my kids they'll tell ya.

The Lord is growing me little by little that we have to do what works for our little family. I really thought I already knew that but I guess I am a slow learner. I can not compare us to other families, although that is my natural tendency. Obviously, I want my children to know the Lord and grow in godly character. Of course I want them to learn and succeed in academics but it has to be at the pace God puts us and His plan, not mine and not The Jones Family down the street.

For us right now, we are keeping choir which all 4 of our chidlren can participate in. It is a wonderful ministry, it is a wonderful way to worship the Lord and it covers music for school.

We are also keeping my Tuesday morning Bible study. I need it. In addition to it being all about me : ) both of my girls get to help out with watching the little kids. I think it is good to be helping out and serving others in our church.
With all of that said, I am trying to revamp a bit, the way we school, the way our house runs and my mind set of it all. I have decided to go on Winter break a bit earlier than usual {can a get a whoo hoo!}to sit at the feet of Jesus, to work on some training and character issues as well as building relationships and tying heart strings. I may also read a few "How to Overcome Homeschool Burnout" articles : )

Holiday Movies to Watch

2011-12-13T23:27:00.001-05:00

I love a good holiday movie. Holiday movies are some of the best around. Tthey are so warm and cozy, don't ya think? I love them so much that I have compiled a list of the ones I really want to see between now and the New Years, time permitting of course.

I went to my handy dandy DVR and scheduled several movies to be recorded. I plan to cozy up a bit with the crew in the evenings to watch them. Thought I'd share my list with you all:

~~The Christmas Card~~ - his is one of my favorites. We actually watched this one this evening : )
~~The Christmas Wish~~ - We also watched this one tonight, another keeper.
Christmas in Canaan
Christmas Comes Home to Canaan
A Dog Named Christmas
The Note - not really a holiday movie but it's still on my list
~~A Princess for Christmas -~~ This one was VERY good!!
~~Christmas Pageant~~
Christmas Snow - We saw this one last year and it was a WOW! I purchased this one on sale at the Family Christian bookstore.
~~November Christmas~~
It's a Wonderful Life - My mother used to watch this movie EVERY year and somehow I think I still have not seen it all the way through.
A Christmas Wedding Tail
Call Me Mrs. Miracle - This is the sequel to Mrs. Miracle, which we recently watched and really enjoyed.
Trading Christmas
You may have noticed that there aren't any Santa Claus movies on my list, that is not by accident. We simply do not do Santa Claus.

What are you favorite holiday movies?

Loving my Homemade Laundry Soap

2011-12-08T22:57:00.001-05:00

I am sure by now if you watch the Duggars or read any of the blogs out there, chances are you have heard of people making their own laundry detergent.

Well, I have finally joined the ranks and am SO glad I have! I have made about 3 batches now and plan to continue on as long as I can find the supplies.

I actually made a batch of homemade liquid laundry many months ago and but didn't care much for it. I had used Ivory soap instead of the soap the recipe suggests. I also diluted it, like the recipe calls for, but it turns out I prefer to not dilute it so much.

This recipe is so easy, so cheap and not full of harsh chemicals. Here it is:

4 Cups - hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar ( I have only been able to find these at Walmart and when I do I buy several now because evidently I am not the only homemade laundry soap maker round these parts : )
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
½ Cup Borax

I start by boiling my water, then I grate the bar of soap (I use my handy dandy food processor for this). Once the water gets good and hot I add the soap into the saucepan. Then stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

Next, fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken. This whole process takes about 15 - 20 minutes tops.

The most time consuming thing about making this laundry soap is that you have to let it sit overnight to gel, which is really not a huge deal at all.

Once your soap has sat overnight it is ready to use. Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser or empty milk jug. The other option, which I didn't like as much is that you can half full with soap and fill the jug half full and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use.

Either way you do it, it will gel. I feel like it gels more when you don't dilute it as much. Depending on whether you decide to dilute it or not you will end up with either 5 ot 10 gallons of laundry detergent for a fraction of the store bought stuff. Yippee, aren't you excited! I know I am!

I am sure that many of you are wondering if this stuff really gets the clothes clean, and my answer is a definite yes! I have 2 little boys and it gets their stuff clean - that kinda says it all right? You may also be wondering how it smells, well my husband has not complained. When I would buy the store bought stuff, I'd get the fragrance and dye free stuff and he used to say that his clean clothes smelled like feet : ) So far no smelly feet comments so I aqm thinking we are doing good.

The Reading Game

2011-11-27T23:55:00.001-05:00

We have a great educational game to tell you about. We received The Reading Game to review for the TOS Crew.

The Reading Game is, just as it's name implies, a game to help children learn to read. It is a fast action memory card game that incorporates storybooks to make learning more fun.

The game is for 2 players, ages 4 and up. It includes 6 decks of cards, each of which coincides with a different storybook, as well as a parent/teacher guide.

The Reading Game is played like memory, the cards are laid face down and players take turns flipping over two at a time to make a match. While flipping over the cards and making matches players are to read the words aloud, the parent initially reads the words out loud to the child but the children do eventually memorize them.

Each deck has 6 levels of word cards. The game is gentle in my opinion, it doesn't throw all 180 new words at a child all in one sitting. For instance, we start with the cards that go along with book one first, that is the skunk book. Level 1 for the skunk book has 5 new words to learn and once those have been mastered you move to level 2 which introduces 5 new words. Once you feel the child has memorized their new words you can have them read the test sentences in the parent/teacher guide just to be sure they are really ready to move on.

After completing the whole series the student will have a reading vocabulary of 180 words. Children will learn words like:

about
after
back
bark
by
can
cat
clock
day
dolphin
even
flower
girl
glide
honey
hop
house
play
rabbit
shower
toad
treat
tree
what
where
zebra

After moving through the 6 levels of the skunk card you child should then be able to read the skunk book on their own. Of course they love this and it helps to build confidence in their reading : )

Over all my feeling on this game was good. I think The Reading Game is a fun game that is reasonably priced. It is a simple and enjoyable way to practice reading. Like I already said, I really feel like it helps to build children's confidence with their reading. The Reading Game would make a great addition to your phonics program and could be a great way to help a struggling reader.

I have been playing this game with Alpha Boy. He does seem to enjoy it and is good at memorizing the words. He is not reading the books yet, but we are getting there.

You can purchase The Reading Game directly through Allsaid & Dunn for $24.95 plus shipping and handling.

Please take a moment to see what other members of the TOS Crew are saying about The Reading Game.

We received The Reading Game at no charge for review purposes only. The opinions stated are mine and I was not compensated in any way.

What Wonderous Love is This

2011-11-20T23:14:00.000-05:00

by Alexander Means

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul.

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul, for my soul,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.

To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing.
To God and to the Lamb who is the great "I Am";
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;
While millions join the theme, I will sing.

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be;
And through eternity, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And through eternity, I’ll sing on.

I love this song, it is one of my fav's. Not sure why I haven't posted this one long ago.

Have you ever really sat and thought about Christ laying aside His crown, coming down from His throne and to shed His precious blood for your sins?? I have and the very thought of it makes me feel so thankful, so overwhelmed and so full of joy! Thank you Lord Jesus!

30 Meals in One Day Winner

2011-11-14T23:58:00.001-05:00

We have a Winner...

AmandaSue said... 24

My family is very disorganized, we just plan earlier in the day what sounds good of whatever is in the pantry and then just make that.

_________________________________________________________________

Thanks to everyone that entered!

Menu Plan 11/14/11

2011-11-14T18:15:00.000-05:00

I plan on really using my crockie pot this week. I think I have 3 dinners that are crockpot meals. It really just makes life so much easier for me to start dinner in the morning and then move on with my day.

Monday
B - Waffles
L - Mac & Cheese, Apples
D - Crockpot Sloppy Joe's

Tuesday
B - Cereal
L - Ham & Cheese Sandwiches
D - Shepherd's Pie (Ground Turkey, Mixed Veggies, Tater Tots and Turkey Gravy)

Wednesday
B - Oven French Toast
L - Hot Dogs
D - Oven Fried Chicken, Stuffing, Broccoli, Cranberry Sauce

Thursday
B - Eggs & Toast
L - Chicken Nuggets, Tater Tots, Fruit
D - Crockpot Green Peppers (use brown rice and cook in the crock pot)

Friday
B - Muffins, Fruit
L - Fish Sticks, Fries
D - Pizza

Saturday
B - Cereal
L - Grilled Cheese, Fruit
D - Pigs in a Blanket, Green Beans, Apple sauce

Sunday
B - Baked Oatmeal
L - PB & J's Veggie Sticks, Fruit
D - Crockpot Rotisserie Style Chicken, Mixed Veggies, Brown Rice - I LOVE this chicken recipe it is DELICIOUS! My main crock pot is on the large side so I usually cook 2 fryers at once. Leftovers make yummy snadwiches : )

The Old Rugged Cross

2011-11-13T22:01:00.000-05:00

written by George Bennard

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.

Refrain

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

Refrain

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.

Refrain

I am so thankful for the Old Rugged Cross and even more thankful that Jesus died on that very cross for sinners like me : )

Arise, My Soul, Arise

2011-11-06T21:46:00.001-05:00

by Charles Wesley

Arise, my soul, arise; shake off thy guilty fears;

The bleeding sacrifice in my behalf appears:
Before the throne my surety stands,
Before the throne my surety stands,
My name is written on His hands.

He ever lives above, for me to intercede;
His all redeeming love, His precious blood, to plead:
His blood atoned for all our race,
His blood atoned for all our race,
And sprinkles now the throne of grace.

Five bleeding wounds He bears; received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers; they strongly plead for me:
"Forgive him, O forgive," they cry,
"Forgive him, O forgive," they cry,
"Nor let that ransomed sinner die!"

The Father hears Him pray, His dear anointed One;
He cannot turn away, the presence of His Son;
His Spirit answers to the blood,
His Spirit answers to the blood,
And tells me I am born of God.

My God is reconciled; His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child; I can no longer fear:
With confidence I now draw nigh,
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And "Father, Abba, Father," cry.

30 Meals in One Day Review & GIVEAWAY!

2011-11-05T11:00:00.002-04:00

Let me just start off by saying this is my absolute favorite product that I have reviewed, ever! I have used other meal planning systems before, which I have liked, but 30 Meals in One Day happens to be my favorite!

Now that I have your attention let me tell you about the Dinner is Ready Book and Software Combo set that we got to review, it included the 30 Meals in One Day Dinner Cookbook and the Dinners Software.

Th cookbook teaches you how to cook 30 meals in one day to stock your freezer. It includes 150 freezer friendly recipes, great tips on how to cut down on your time and how to be more efficient in bulk cooking.

The software, which was the WOW factor for me, is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.!! Not only does it include the recipes from the cookbook, it is a menu/shopping list planner that allows you to add your own recipes, creates menus, shopping lists and freezer labels. Pure genius!

The recipes are very family friendly and simple to make. We have already found several favorites that I have made several times. Let me share some of the recipes that have made it on to our favorites list so far:

Almost Ravioli
Beef and Broccoli
Cowboy Barbecue - everyone loves this one! The Hubs requests this one weekly, no kiddin'!
Biscuit Beef Bake
Slow Cooked Goulash
Chicken & Biscuits
Vegetable Beef Soup
Basic Meatballs
Chicken Tortellini Soup

30 Meals in One Day has some sample recipes on their website, like Honey Lime Chicken, Bird's Nest Pie, Barbecued Ribs, Oven Stew if you would like to check them out.

I love the flexibility of 30 Meals in One Day. I have a hard time standing in my kitchen for a really long time, not cause I am lazy it's just because our house is build on concrete. So it is very hard on my legs and I am just too stubborn to run around my house in shoes all day {smile}. I really liked that the book made me feel comfortable enough to come up with a plan that worked for me. I decided to try making 14 meals instead of 30. I actually did in on a whim, well kinda.

I had made my menu, printed my shopping list and shopped. My plan was to cook the next day but when I had come home from the grocery store I just decided to make my meals. It was about 7pm, the kids were getting read y to go to bed so the time seemed right. I just started cooking all my meat before I put all my groceries that I wasn't using away. Then I went to it. It went alot faster than I thought it would, I think I had finished cooking and cleaning up by 10pm or so. It was a huge blessing to have all those meals ready to heat up because that particular week we were really busy.

One of the things about 30 Meals in One Day that is really flexible and oh so helpful is how the software categorizes the meals. You can sort them alphabetically, by meal and by type. I really love to sort them by type! Let me explain what I mean, all the recipes fit into one the following categories Assemble, Slow Cooker, Oven, or Stove Top. This simplifies things for me because on the days that we are running and coming home around dinner time, I like to have dinner waiting for us in my handy dandy crock pot! So when I am planning my meals it is really easy to find the perfect type of meal for a particular day. And, if I don't find something that suits my fancy for the week, I can add in my own recipe from another cookbook.

Another thing that I really appreciated and thought was worth mentioning was the recipes them self. They are easy to follow and easily modified. Say for instance someone has a food allergy or just a dislike, you can very simply go into the recipe and edit it. You can also modify amounts of foods that the recipe calls for depending on the serving size that you want.

I think this would be a huge blessing to any family. Especially homeschoolers and working mamas who are always tight on time. Can you imagine taking 15-30 minutes a month and planning out your meals for the month? Even doing it a week at a time would be a huge burden removed.

The 30 Meals in One Day would make a great gift for the up coming holidays. In my humble opinion, every mama should have this set in her stocking this year. Just saying : ) Did I mention how reasonable priced the book and software combo package is? Right now it is on sale for $31.95, that includes the software program on cd or by download and a hard copy of the cookbook.

Not only do they have cookbooks and software for dinner meals but they also have them for lunch and sides. (scroll down). I would like to get these too! I get tired of the same old stuff for lunch.

You can purchase the cookbook or the software if you would prefer to not have them both, but I recommend having both of them.

30 Meals in One Day is offer a FREE Dinner is Ready Cookbook to one of my readers! The contest will run until November 14, 2011. It's really easy to enter! Just let me know how you currently plan your meals, even if it's as you are walking the grocery store isles. Please don't forget to leave me your email addres so that I can contact you if you are the winner!

Thanks for entering and happy meal planning!

We received the 30 Meals in One Day Book and Software Combo set free for review purposes only. We were not compensated in anyway for our opinions, we really do love this product!

Why We Don't Celebreate Halloween

2011-10-30T22:46:00.001-04:00

Well, it seems that I have been asked this question pretty frequently lately, even from some of my children. The main reason that I do not celebrate Halloween is because I want to honor God in my life and Halloween is a pagan holiday. Yep, pagan! Halloween may be fun and candy to some but it is really much more.

Have you ever gone and researched how Halloween came about? It stemed from pagan worship and even today, true pagans and witches do esteem Halloween as a high holy day. I consciencely can not partake.

I grew up celebrating Halloween because I did not know what it was really about nor did my mother. But now that I know the meaning behind the trick or treating and dressing up I am convinced that it is not pleasing to God. Not because I am more righteous or holier than anyone else, simply because I have been given the truth and, again, I want to please the Lord.

The History Channel has a pretty good little documentary about the origins of Halloween if you are interested. If you want to know that truth about Halloween you can simply look it up. The truth about Halloween is obvious, if you are willing to look for it.

Like if you read this article about the origin of Halloween, you would read that dressing up for trick or treating was done because people wanted to blend in or copy the dead spirits. Did you know that many have lost their lives on Halloween because they were sacrificed to false gods and spirits? Sounds cozy, right? Hmm, no thanks.

I think sometimes as Christians we forgot or are just not aware how massive the demonic/ spirit realm is. The Bible says it best...
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

I heard a message from Focus on the Family several years ago about a man called Chief Shoefoot. He was Shamian before God saved him. When he came to visit the United States around the time of Halloween he said that the spirits of that holiday are the same familiar spirits that he used to deal with. To him it was obvious and grieving. This was very eye opening to me.

I just imagine that Satan is in all his glory when people, especially of the Christian variety, are partaking his high holy day.

I am sure that reading this might not settle really well with some but I just really felt the Lord put it on my heart to share this truth.

I know that many of us can get cozy in our traditions but we {including myself} must be careful..
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Have you considered taking this matter to the Lord and asking Him what he would have you to do? Have you asked the Lord if Halloween is something you should be doing?

TOS Crew: Marshall Publishing Review

2011-10-30T20:28:00.001-04:00

What boy doesn't like fire trucks, right?! When I saw the opportunity to review the Lots & Lots of Firetrucks & Firefighters from Marshall Publishing I just knew my boys would LOVE it. And they do!

We received the Lots and Lots of Fire Trucks & Firefighter DVD and book combo set to check out. The boys could hardly contain themselves! The girls enjoyed reading the book and the watching the video too but it was the boys that were really impressed.

My kids have had a little bit of a fascination with firefighters ever since we did a unit study on them. I really wish we had this set to go along with it!

First, let's talk about the book. It is a 124 page soft cover book that has colored and black & white photos. Here's what's included:

Meet Firefighter Joe
Firefighter's Tools & Equipment
Rescue Vehicles - Pumper Truck, Ladder Trucks, Specialty Vehicles
Fire Fighting Facts
Fire Science Basics
Fire Prevention & Safety Tips
What is a Firefighter?
Firefighters in action
Words of the Firefighter - Fireman's Prayer, Fireman's Wife's Prayer, Ten Commandments for the Firefighters, Firefighter's Commitment, The Last alarm, a Firefighter's Pledge
Old Time Firefighter's Alphabet
Classic Fire House Traditions
History of Fire Trucks & Fire Fighting
Antique Fire Trucks
Greatest Fires in History
Firefighting Timeline
Fire House Museums
Cool Fire Related Websites
Lot and Lots of Fire Trucks Sing-A-Long Song Lyrics

As you can see, Lots & Lots of Fire Trucks & Firefighters has tons of great information. We loved the information about Fire Safety, Firetrucks and all the really cool equipment.

Reading the Fireman's Prayer and the Last Alarm really gave us a better appreciation for what firefighters do. This book really helped us to see the ins and outs of a firefighter's job and how they lay their lives down daily for complete strangers.

The Lots & Lots of Fire Safety Songs and Tips was a great video. It was good for the kids to see the firefighters in action as well as how to stop, drop and roll. We all really enjoyed the songs! The segments included are:

Lots and Lots of Fire Trucks
Call 911
Fireman Jim's Safety Tips
Stop, Drop and Roll
Your Home Safety Plan
It's An Emergency
Heroes Brave and Tall
Great Big Fire Trucks
Fire Trucks in Action

Many of the Song Lyrics from the DVD are included in the Lots & Lots of Fire Trucks. Which was pretty helpful because the kids like to sing along.

Overall, I think the Lots & Lots of Fire Trucks & Firefighters book and DVD is a wonderful set. Whether for school or for fun, I don't think you will be disappointed. The book and DVD set are regualrly priced at $49.90 but right now they are on sale for $29.95. Since I know ya'll love a good deal, you can use a special coupon code that Marshall Publishing gave to the TOS Crew. If you use Coupon Code TOSF1 you can get the set for only $19.95. What a deal!

Marshall Publishing Company is USA based company that makes family friendly media products for the whole family to enjoy! I love company's that have a family friendly focus! Anyhow, they also have lots and lots other books, videos and cds.

One of the other videos that Marshall Publishing sells is George Washington Carver - His Life and His Works, which we also got by accident. So, I wanted to mention it as well. This video is a wonderful documentary about the George Washington Carver's life and how he became known as the peanut man. Included in with DVD is a study guide. This also would be great to incorporate into homeschool. It is also available directly through Marshall Publishing and currently on sale for $19.95.

We recieved Lots & Lots of Fire Trucks & Firefighters and George Washington Carver - His Life and His Works free of charge for review purposes. We were not compensated in anyway, the opinions expressed here are mine.