tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90288042362588763202024-03-13T03:05:18.382-04:00Loving Learning at HomeStay awhile and read about how our family gardens, schools and lives for God.Loving learning at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11602274723002081895noreply@blogger.comBlogger436125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028804236258876320.post-87311429401441743102014-11-10T16:10:00.001-05:002014-11-11T17:39:50.858-05:00Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes–A Home and School Mosaics review<p>This review had me super excited.  Not necessarily for me, but for my niece who got married this past weekend.  The review date couldn’t have come at a better time.    I was asked to review Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes and give my opinion.   I love that this picture shows how long and beautiful her lashes looked.  <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MqgYb5rXqqE/VGEpsQhuqmI/AAAAAAAACXU/u2CRSxpb3SI/s1600-h/IMG_8166%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8166" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_8166" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LMX2CdJNJu0/VGEps9RkOHI/AAAAAAAACXc/pTUmlM6fRvA/IMG_8166_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="462" /></a></p> <p>A brother and sister team founded Younique in 2012 because they wanted to uplift, empower and validate women all over.    This is company that allows women to have the opportunity for financial reward and personal growth.   All I really know is I got some really cool mascara and “fake lashes” to try. </p> <p><img style="float: left; display: inline" alt="US-1017-00" src="http://homeschoolmosaics.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/US-1017-00-300x227.jpg" width="300" align="left" height="227" /></p> <p>All of Unique’s products have high quality ingredients and no unnecessary fillers.   This allows them to be compatible with almost every skin type.   No junk included. </p> <p>The product was really simple to use.  It has three steps that are attained with two different products.  The first is a gel mascara.  It looks just like a really nice black mascara. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-d7PhzjAHOcQ/VGEpuVA0dEI/AAAAAAAACXk/bu5eQmmLMbo/s1600-h/IMG_5429%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5429" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5429" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-D8aPBm9MPyk/VGEpu3duOGI/AAAAAAAACXs/y9PM-DMakrc/IMG_5429_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" align="right" height="244" /></a></p> <p>You use this just like mascara and put one coat of normal mascara on first.    Then you use the gel mascara after your regular mascara has dried completely.   Do not let the gel dry. </p> <p>The next step is when  you use the lash fibers (which I called fake eyelashes).  Allie (my model) got a few in her eye but said they didn’t hurt.  They flaked off on her cheek but they did just wipe right off so it wasn’t a big deal.  This is because she put too much on at once.  (And I think the gel dried.)   <br />It was really cool because you could watch as her eyelashes got longer as she put multiple coats on.   If you want to get them longer, all you do is each step again.  She used it three times.  </p> <p>Because it was her “special day” she liked the look.  Our best description came from my son who said, “Wow, your eyelashes look furry).  They did resemble spiders if you looked close but from a little distance they were <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5p4JuWuvL9c/VGEpvlS4API/AAAAAAAACX0/JqpdR6YmETs/s1600-h/IMG_5431%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5431" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5431" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fXYQGD9pt70/VGEpwD49zmI/AAAAAAAACX8/qDK1A_Ptmew/IMG_5431_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" align="left" height="244" /></a>beautiful.   She doesn’t like lower lashes so she didn’t use the fibers at all on her lower lashes, just the mascara. </p> <p>The final look was just “Wow”.  I was surprised that there was such a difference.  I’m not going to get to try them because she swiped them and said I couldn’t have it back.   Her right eye has the fibers and the left is just one coat of her own mascara that she uses every day.  Of course she did both eyes for her final look at her wedding.  All of the other girls wanted to use it too but she wouldn’t share. <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-left-style: none" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6LQeUsAL3yY/VGEpwmegxEI/AAAAAAAACYA/5R2oJPbP2Rw/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />   </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ba-ZeQny__U/VGEpw799OaI/AAAAAAAACYI/LDfIQOXpyuA/s1600-h/FullSizeRender%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="FullSizeRender" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="FullSizeRender" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Oo_TOMAOssw/VGEpxb5CZKI/AAAAAAAACYU/yWd-xgOMYxc/FullSizeRender_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="563" height="218" /></a></p> <p>You can read what the other reviewers at Home and School  Mosaics had to say about this awesome product <a href="http://homeschoolmosaics.com/moodstruck-3d-fiber-lashes-by-younique/">here.</a>   You can have your own amazing lashes for only about $30.  I read that they last about 30 days (the tubes).       </p> <p>You can find Younique at the following places. </p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.youniqueproducts.com/RaquelDunn">Website</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/rockytopraquel">Facebook</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/rockytopraquel">Twitter</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tntvgirl/">Pinterest</a></li> </ul> <p><img style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="Screen Shot 2014-11-03 at 8.01.00 AM" src="https://reallifeunscripted.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/screen-shot-2014-11-03-at-8-01-00-am.png?w=300&h=104" width="487" height="177" /></p> Loving learning at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11602274723002081895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028804236258876320.post-4964931650234490802014-11-09T16:23:00.001-05:002014-11-09T16:23:14.075-05:00Fast Track Bible Pack–A Review for Wizzy Gizmo<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lraYM-eADBc/VF_bPAXEIzI/AAAAAAAACW8/Y06aJy2q2gM/s1600-h/wizzy%252520Gizmo%25255B3%25255D.png"><img title="wizzy Gizmo" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="wizzy Gizmo" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5L04gUaPU-E/VF_bQEPe8dI/AAAAAAAACXE/QXTdLIF3zSU/wizzy%252520Gizmo_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="279" height="170" /></a></p> <p>The Bible is the most important thing we learn in our family.   I was asked to review <a href="http://www.wizzygizmo.com">Wizzy Gizmo’</a>s Fast Track Bible Pack as part of <a href="http://homeschoolmosaics.com/">Home & School Mosaics</a>.    If you’re thinking I’ve never heard of Wizzy Gizmo’s but it sounds kinda cool, you are thinking the same thing I did when I was first asked to review this.    It is a company that  wants everyone to learn that “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”.  It was created by a wonderful group of people who are committed to equipping children for life.  They do this by helping them learn God’s word.   <img style="float: right; display: inline" alt="WhoCreatedEverythingAudio" src="http://homeschoolmosaics.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/WhoCreatedEverythingAudio.jpg" width="166" align="right" height="166" /></p> <p>They have a lot of different items that can help you do this with your family.   I picked the Fast Track Bible Pack because I am no longer homeschooling both of my children.  My daughter is going to a private school and I knew I could still use this with her.     I also thought the audio story looked really neat.    It’s title Who Created Everything seems like a great resource for families also.   <a href="http://https://www.wizzygizmo.com/shop/ot-audio-drama-one-who-created-everything/">Samples</a> of the audio drama are available on their website.</p> <p>FAST TRACK BIBLE PACK</p> <p>This is a pack of 27 cards which have a New Testament book summary, key chapters, passages and people.    The scripture is taken from the New American Standard Bible.    These also would work well with Sunday School groups because they are quick and easy to go over. </p> <p>The back of each thick card (printed on heavy cardstock) is where you will find the information that you can use to study further what is on the front of the cards.   Key people are one of the categories that I liked.    As the title states, these are key stories in the New Testament.   Although we are not using these as an actual curriulum, we are having fun just picking one and learning more about the Bible.  I don’t know about you, but I cannot always remember everything and these cards are helping me brush up on  my New Testament facts.  </p> <p><strong>You can Find Wizzy Gizmo on the web at:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wizzygizmo.com">Website</a> :  <a href="http://www.wizzygizmo.com">www.wizzygizmo.com</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/WizzyGizmo">Facebook</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/wizzygizmo">Twitter</a></li> <li><a href="https://plus.google.com/+Wizzygizmo/posts">Google+</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/wizzygizmo/">Pinterest</a></li> <li><a href="http://vimeo.com/wizzygizmo">Vimeo </a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/wizzygizmoshow">YouTube</a></li> </ul> <p>Thank you Home and School Mosiacs and Wizzy Gizmo for the opportunity to review this product.   You can read <a href="http://homeschoolmosaics.com/wizzy-gizmo/">other reviews</a> for this product and other Wizzy Gizmo products by clicking the previous  link.  </p> <p><img style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="Screen Shot 2014-11-03 at 8.01.00 AM" src="https://reallifeunscripted.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/screen-shot-2014-11-03-at-8-01-00-am.png?w=300&h=104" width="300" height="104" /></p> Loving learning at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11602274723002081895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028804236258876320.post-45708066834308938802014-06-26T22:53:00.000-04:002014-07-01T22:53:56.040-04:00The Power in Your Hands by Sharon Watson<p>Writing has always been a struggle in our little homeschool.  </p> <p>My son hates to write anything.  And I mean anything.    As in he sometimes does his assignments orally because he doesn’t want to write the answers.  </p> <p>So, when I was offered the chance to review a high school writing curriculum I was on board 100%.  </p> <p>I met Sharon ( the creator of this curriculum) at our local homeschool conference this past spring.  We had heard about this review but wasn’t sure who would get which book and I honestly didn’t even know if I would be picked at all.  </p> <p>Sharon was amazingly sweet and helpful.  She talked to my friend and I about each book and helped us understand the difference between the three she has available.   I love using curriculum that fellow homeschooling mom’s have written.  Sharon has been homeschooling her 3 children for years and she understands all of the good and the bad that goes along with it.   You can read everyone’s reviews on the different books at <a href="http://homeschoolmosaics.com/writing-with-sharon-watson/">Home & School Mosaics</a>.  </p> <p><img style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="the-power-in-your-hands-front-cover" src="http://homeschoolmosaics.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/the-power-in-your-hands-front-cover-226x300.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>I was given The Power in Your Hands: Writing Nonfiction in High School.   I received the teacher’s guide and the Student’s Book.  It is meant to be used without the parent’s help.  That is a huge plus for me because I am going back to school and just started a new job.  I needed curriculum for the upcoming school year that allows Griffin to do it himself and then  I can check when I get home.    The Power in Your Hands works perfectly for that.   You can also have a  more input if you would like.    I do have to grade the papers but this is easy compared to other writing curriculums. </p> <p>The cost is $14.98 for the Teacher’s manual and the Student Manual $39.98.   This is very reasonably priced for a curriculum that is intended to be used for two years.  I love that if you need to take it slower, it is okay to do so, also.  This means for less than $60 we have two high school years of writing.  </p> <p>I have always liked writing.  So I never understood why my kids do not.    Griffin was quite hesitant when we started this because he thought it was going to be like every other time I’ve tried to have him write something.  Getting him to write even a paragraph was like the proverbial pulling teeth.    </p> <p>Teaching the course is super easy too.  It shows exactly how to grade writing which can be a little confusing (especially if you have never done it).    The course starts at the very beginning and is perfect for even the most basic writing when you child has had none (which mine hasn’t).  </p> <p>Griffin has finished the first few lessons and hasn’t complained too much.  I’m not going to act like he loves writing now.  I won’t even say he likes it.  But, we don’t cry now when I mention writing.  This is a win for us.   </p> <p align="center">THE FACTS: </p> <p align="center">8 1/2 x 11 soft cover books</p> <p align="center">Student Manual (420 + pages ) which costs $39.98</p> <p align="center">Teachers Manual (200+ pages) and costs $14.98 (honestly this is worth way more)</p> <p align="center">Designed for homeschools, co-0ps and Christian schools. </p> <p>The student writes essays, biographies and more.  Sharon teaches from brainstorming ideas (my son needed t<img style="float: right; display: inline" alt="writing-fiction-in-high-school-cover" src="http://homeschoolmosaics.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/writing-fiction-in-high-school-cover-226x300.jpg" width="161" align="right" height="212" />his a lot) all the way through proofreading.  </p> <p>The teacher guide gives all the answers.  Plus so much more.    </p> <p>Griffin says he likes that it is funny, and it allows him to be funny, too.  </p> <p><img style="float: left; display: inline" alt="jump-in-front-cover-231x300" src="http://homeschoolmosaics.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/jump-in-front-cover-231x300.jpg" width="161" align="left" height="208" />Sharon has written two other books that were reviewed.  Writing Fiction in High School and Jump In.   You can also view Sharon’s <a href="http://writingwithsharonwatson.com/">website</a>.   </p> <p>All in all, I really like this curriculum.  I like that Griffin doesn’t hate writing with this curriculum.  The teacher’s manual is great and the style of teaching is very student friendly.   <a href="http://homeschoolmosaics.com/writing-with-sharon-watson/">Check out what our other reviewers have to say</a> so you can see if this may be a fit for your family.  </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://writingwithsharonwatson.com/" target="_blank"><img style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rpzNbTSqydg/USt-EpQ8aZI/AAAAAAAABfo/8XHJis98AEs/s1600/538157_537063886325135_1045612955_n.jpg" /></a></p> Loving learning at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11602274723002081895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028804236258876320.post-61204254893560462942014-06-23T22:08:00.001-04:002014-06-23T22:08:19.810-04:00Medical Conversions for Math<p>So, I’m trying to get into nursing school.   It’s a crap load of work <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-left-style: none" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sFEmojI0ofg/U6jdkS-XOtI/AAAAAAAACWk/XAOc5iaD8Hk/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />.  </p> <p>I’m in a math class that is A Dimensional Approach to Medical Dosages and Calculations. </p> <p>We have to memorize all of the conversions so that the math questions are easier and we don’t have to continue to look to see what equals what. </p> <p>I have been studying these for a couple of weeks.  I have found that the easiest way to memorize them is flashcards.  I picked bright colored paper because white bores me.   The following is the list that our teacher requires us to learn.  This is for me as well as it is for you because I’m hoping that typing them will help me remember.   I didn’t put them in any specific order because this also keeps me from just memorizing them in order.  (I’m lazy that way). </p> <p>1 mg =  1000 mcg</p> <p>1 tsp = 60 gtts</p> <p>1 pt = 500 mL</p> <p>1 C = 8 oz</p> <p>1 pt = 500 mL</p> <p>1 tsp = 5 mL</p> <p>1 mL = 1 cc</p> <p>1 grain = 60 mg</p> <p>dram 1 = 5 mL</p> <p>1 mL = minim 15</p> <p>1 oz = 30 mL</p> <p>1 pt = 16 oz</p> <p>1 C = 240 mL</p> <p>1 oz = dram 8</p> <p>1 oz = 6 tsp</p> <p>1 oz = 2 tbsp</p> <p>1 tbsp = 3 tsp</p> <p>1tbsp = 15 mL</p> <p>1 mg = 1000 mcg</p> <p>1 qt = 2 pts</p> <p>1 qt = 1000 mL</p> <p>1 pt  = 2 c</p> <p>1 m  = 100 cm</p> <p>1 ft = 12 in</p> <p>1 in = 2.5 cm</p> <p>1 mL = 15 gtts</p> <p>1 kg = 2.2 lbs</p> <p>1 lb = 16 oz</p> <p>1 kg = 1000 g</p> <p>1 g = 1000 mg</p> <p> </p> <p>Hope this helps!</p> Loving learning at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11602274723002081895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028804236258876320.post-44204433953176915142014-05-07T17:58:00.001-04:002014-05-07T17:58:45.044-04:00Random Thoughts 5/7/14<p>I never profess to know everything.  Heck, in fact, I never claim to “know” anything.  </p> <p>I do, however, have some interesting thoughts every now and then.  I usually post them on Facebook.  But, since my blog is neglected a lot, I decided to start putting them here.  (And of course linking to it on FB).</p> <p><strong><font size="4">Random Thoughts</font></strong></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>1.  </strong>Hearing what sounds like gun shots in my back yard kinda scares me.  Upon further investigation, it is just my son and his friend shooting about 2000 rounds of paint balls.  At the chicken coop.</font></p> <p><font size="3">2.  I have homeschooled my children now for a total of almost 10 years.  I thought books were expensive for them.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">Can someone tell me how I can buy a complete science curriculum for a sophomore in high school for $170 (which includes everything you need for experiments, Teacher DVD, Ebook and 500 page workbook) and one biology book and the lab manual for college  $320?  Seriously?  No wonder people cannot afford college.   </font></p> <p><font size="3">3.    I believe that everyone deserves second chances.  I’m the best at giving second chances.  I do, however, have a problem with sex offenders.  I don’t believe they should ever be allowed around kids.  If I am somewhere with  my kids and a known offender (multiple offenses including more than one jail sentence) walks in, please don’t be offended because I walk out.  Even small towns have super creepy people. </font></p> <p><font size="3">4.  I really want something to eat.  But, I don’t want to cook.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">5.  Coffee makes me happy.  Chocolate makes me happy.  Chocolate flavored coffee is gross.  But, chocolate flavored creamer in my coffee makes me ecstatic.   </font></p> <p><font size="3">6.  As I have gotten old, I realize that my Mom and Dad really did know everything.  I can’t remember at what age I figured it out.  I’m hoping my kids “get it” a lot sooner than I did.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">Until next time. . . . . . ..   </font></p> <p><font size="3">God Bless</font></p> Loving learning at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11602274723002081895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028804236258876320.post-83466201626513605982014-04-28T19:46:00.001-04:002014-04-28T19:46:58.349-04:00Who needs Chipotle?<p>My new favorite restaurant is Chipotle </p> <p>Now let me specify that the first time I ate there I hated it.    I thought it tasted just like grass.  And I don’t like to eat grass.   My niece told me I just didn’t order the right thing.  So I gave it another chance.   I don’t think it was that I ordered the wrong thing, I think I just got a bite of something weird.   Now, I love it.   So, if you try it and think you might as well  be grazing with the little cows out in the pasture, give it another chance.  </p> <p>I love that it is quick.  I love that everything is fresh and locally grown (as much as possible).   I love their guacamole and I have never liked it any other place.   I love their corn salsa (cept I have to pick out all of the onions (see below))</p> <p>I get their chicken fajita bowel with a flour tortilla.  </p> <p>Now, if you know me at all, you know I am a pretty picky eater.   Okay, I am a very picky eater.  </p> <p>Meat is not my friend.  Because I have IBS, most meat makes me sick. (Onions do too!) Chicken is not one of them so I eat it most of the time.     But, I am also picky about my chicken.  I only eat white meat.    </p> <p>And I never eat it if it looks funny.  Funny weird, not funny ha ha.    I also do not eat the gross slimy part of the tenderloin.  It is just gross. </p> <p>So, when I buy chicken I pretty much throw 2/3 of it away.   </p> <p>Well, Chipotle’s chicken is pretty okay but I have found several pieces of strange looking chicken so I usually pick it all out.</p> <p>There are two things I do not like about Chipotle. </p> <p>One is the closest one is almost 40 minutes from  me.   That’s pretty far for a fajita. </p> <p>The second is it is kind of expensive.    </p> <p>Now, instead of driving 40 minutes, picking out all of the things I don’t like, and spending lots of money, I  just make my own at home.  It also is better because neither one of the kids will eat with me when we eat out there.  They’re even pickier than me. </p> <p>Making the fajita’s at home is super easy and not very expensive.  I used our garden produce for the corn and sweet potatoes.  I know, sweet potatoes don’t go in fajita’s but they were delicious and make up for no meat in them. </p> <p>Here’s the way I make them.  I use GMO free and organic things as long as I can find them.  </p> <p>Yummy Chicken Fajita’s (without the chicken <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-left-style: none" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UlAEusXpTPo/U17oaZVcm3I/AAAAAAAACWA/j4itsvOJ4ko/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />)</p> <p>  2 small fingerling sweet potatoes</p> <p>1 small onion (for some reason, onions out of my mom’s garden do not make me sick)</p> <p>about 10 mushrooms</p> <p>1 garlic toe (That makes me smile.  Did you know that is what one little thing off of a garlic clove is called?)</p> <p>hand full of asparagus</p> <p>black beans</p> <p>corn</p> <p>sour cream</p> <p>shredded cheddar cheese</p> <p>You can use however much you want of each of the ingredients.  I guess you could even put chicken (or another meat) if you wanted to in them.   If you like something a lot, just use more of it. </p> <p>I sautéed in the following order in olive oil:</p> <p>sweet potatoes and onion together</p> <p>add garlic</p> <p>asparagus</p> <p>beans</p> <p>corn and mushrooms last</p> <p>Once all of the ingredients are cooked to your likeness, I warm the tortilla up in the skillet, add everything then top with the cheese and a bite of sour cream.   YUM-O  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ojPFuthSL50/U17obL53UhI/AAAAAAAACWI/EDFvhehs_bo/s1600-h/fajita%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="fajita" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="fajita" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-puZjfYbcrGo/U17ocBG2RLI/AAAAAAAACWQ/FgwRmDC9o0Y/fajita_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="235" height="317" /></a></p> <p>These are great with rice also but I was too lazy tonight to make it. </p> Loving learning at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11602274723002081895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028804236258876320.post-39384782937797290812014-02-24T10:37:00.001-05:002014-02-24T10:40:49.772-05:00Music to my ears. <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/bblD4kxqDyw" width="459"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Do you blame yourself for things that you have no idea if you could have <br />
prevented? <br />
<br />
Do you feel like everything lies on your shoulders, regardless of if it had <br />
anything to do with you? <br />
<br />
Do you believe that you mess things up no matter how hard you try? <br />
<br />
Well . . . . I do.<br />
<br />
My son used to love to play the guitar. He was passionate about it like <br />
nothing else he had ever done. <br />
<br />
Here is a video I took of his first band practice at our old church. This <br />
makes me miss a lot of things. Sardinia Church of Christ, hearing Griffin play <br />
on stage, and hearing Robby (the former worship leader) sing.<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is a video I took of his first band practice at our old church. This <br />
makes me miss a lot of things. Sardinia Church of Christ, hearing Griffin play <br />
on stage, and hearing Robby (the former worship leader) sing. <br />
<br />
He played at church. He is very gifted. If he played a song, he didn’t <br />
have to have music after the first time. He just remembered everything he <br />
played. <br />
<br />
I loved to hear him play at night before he went to bed. It didn’t matter if <br />
it was loud, crazy, head banging music or if it was church songs played <br />
quietly. I loved it all. <br />
<br />
He stopped playing about a year and a half ago. Completely. This happened <br />
when my ex-husband left. This is the part I worry about being my fault. I <br />
worry that I didn’t handle it well.<br />
<br />
Of course I didn’t.<br />
<br />
But, I wonder if there was something different I could have done to help <br />
our kids deal with it better. The saying Hindsight is 20/20 rings so true in <br />
this circumstance. Griffin has dealt with it by withdrawing. From a lot of <br />
things. I’m pretty sure not playing guitar has been one of them. I’m not sure <br />
if he just gave up on things he liked or what. I know that he feels like he <br />
doesn’t get to do the things he used to do with his Dad. This breaks my heart. <br />
<br />
I’m a girl. I can’t change that, of course. I try to do things with him <br />
that they used to do. I ride four wheelers (which I love). I watch him do the <br />
things he likes. Like shoot guns. And play video games. But, I know that it <br />
will never be the same. He feels like Bella and I have things in common because <br />
we are both girls, and I have nothing in common with him. <br />
<br />
But, I believe that a Mom cannot replace a Dad. Ever. Kids need their Dads <br />
for so many reasons. I can’t be everything. No matter how much I try. <br />
<br />
Now for the good part. The other night I was watching tv (which I rarely <br />
do). I heard an amazing sound coming from upstairs. <br />
<br />
IT WAS MUSIC!!! Sweet guitar music. I don’t know what has changed. Time <br />
really does help, I guess. The music made my heart smile. <br />
<br />
Every day since then, I have heard him practicing. Today, I asked him to get <br />
his math so I could help him. Algebra is killing us. <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="file:///C:/Users/Lori/AppData/Local/Temp/WindowsLiveWriter1286139640/supfiles1D93B6A4/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile[2].png" /><br />
<br />
He said, can I practice the guitar for a little while first? <br />
<br />
Why, YES. Yes you can. He is upstairs now playing the old church songs I <br />
have missed hearing so much. Bella is singing while he plays. <br />
<br />
After all the praying I have done, it seems as if God has showed up. In HIS <br />
time. I wanted everything to be better immediately. But, once again, I see <br />
that things don’t happen when I want them to. They happen when God is ready. <br />
My children mean the world to me. I know they mean so much more to God. <br />
<br />
When people of this world let us down, isn’t it amazing that God never <br />
does? I serve an amazing God who never leaves me. That is worth more than <br />
anything this world offers. <br />
<br />
Every single time. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Happy Homeschooling and God Bless. Loving learning at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11602274723002081895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028804236258876320.post-81732351342726881512014-02-15T23:59:00.001-05:002014-02-15T23:59:18.832-05:00Cake in a Cup<p>My kids love snacks.   Especially chocolate.  They get that from  me.  <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CkeujjfEGfg/UwBFkrhmgTI/AAAAAAAACU4/FgZ1-wgRa64/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /> </p> <p>And they feel the need to eat every day?  What is up with that?   I thought as they got older it would get easier because they would want to fix their own food.   </p> <p>Nah. They like me to do pretty much everything. </p> <p>So, my mom has been telling me about this great “cake in a cup” that they make in the microwave at work.   I’ve heard her say it about a thousand times and thought, whatever.  It sounded silly.  </p> <p>Well, my kids talked me into doing it.  And Mom handed me the cake mix and said “make this for your kids” so I just about had to. </p> <p>It really is simple. </p> <p>You take an Angel Food Cake mix and mix it with any other kind of cake mix.  The Angel Food mix is a must cuz it has eggs and milk and stuff in it which allows you to not need anything other than water to make it. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IELmyYEll14/UwBFlrhnrKI/AAAAAAAACVA/teSefFFyVlw/s1600-h/105_2582%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="105_2582" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="105_2582" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6PcxB6IZcHM/UwBFmN3CABI/AAAAAAAACVI/Af_Xsar9-ak/105_2582_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>We used Devil’s Food cake mix along with the Angel Food.  I figured they would balance each other out.  You can keep the mix in anything you want to.  I put it in a gallon zip lock baggie because I have pretty much thrown away all of my plastic wear because I didn’t want to wash it. </p> <p>The recipe after you mix the two cake mixes together is simply </p> <p align="center"><font size="6">3 – 2-  1</font></p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TW7HyuGabZo/UwBFnMbizKI/AAAAAAAACVQ/LzkYRFonzos/s1600-h/105_2583%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="105_2583" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="105_2583" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-g28aNtJRTOY/UwBFnpwULcI/AAAAAAAACVY/X08BiQfaZFo/105_2583_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="left">3- tablespoons of the mix</p> <p align="left">2- tablespoons of water</p> <p align="left">1 – minute in the microwave</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-M4ReATAPVuA/UwBFolsj2RI/AAAAAAAACVg/PpVc39zy-00/s1600-h/105_2584%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="105_2584" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="105_2584" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OYm_txZUmE8/UwBFpFqtXQI/AAAAAAAACVo/HuhjQfJIrrI/105_2584_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Our mug was a little big so I’m gonna try to do it by doubling the recipe (all except the time cuz Mom said you only cook it one minute no matter what).  </p> <p>It makes a very yummy, spongy, little cupcake.   It would be delicious with homemade buttercream icing but that would be too much work.  </p> <p>The only thing I need to warn you about is make sure you tell the kids to rinse out the cup when they are finished.  I just unloaded 10 dirty coffee mugs from the dishwasher because it evidently doesn’t get the crusty cake mix off without rinsing.   (Yeah I said 10 cups.  These things are addictive, I guess.) </p> <p>Happy Homeschooling and hope you enjoy. </p> Loving learning at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11602274723002081895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028804236258876320.post-40616479973882869712014-01-06T16:24:00.001-05:002014-01-06T16:24:42.408-05:00Baby it’s cold outside<p>Living in Ohio gives us the opportunity to see some freaky weather.   Yesterday it was 48 degrees.   Today the weather app says it is –4 with a wind chill factor of –28 degrees.   Now that is some cold temperatures. </p> <p>Last night I decided to start forecasting the weather on Facebook.  It has been a huge success.  I am right 100% of the time.  How can I do that when even the best meteorologists can’t even come close ?  It’s easy.  I just look out the window and give up to date, right this minute, weather.  </p> <p>Right now, as it was this morning, it is cold.   How cold?  Who know’s?  Honestly, I don’t care.  It is so frickin cold I don’t want to go out and find out how cold it is.  </p> <p>But, being the amazing homeschooling mama I am (besides the fact that we don’t do snow or cold days) we went outside to do an experiment. </p> <p>Thank you, Amy for giving us the experiment idea.   Will a bubble freeze in this cold weather? </p> <p>We had no bubbles so first we had to make them.   Easy enough with water and Dawn dish soap.  Bella informed me that warm water freezes faster than cold so we used that. </p> <p>We also had no bubble wand.  No problem.  We used my fancy little whisk that I have no other use for.  I think it actually is an egg separator? </p> <p>We spent about 5 minutes outside on the porch.  No coats which probably wasn’t a great idea but honestly I wasn’t too cold.  Bella was shaking so I’m guessing she was.  Griffin put on coat, gloves, hat with face covered, boots and all the other normal clothes.  He said he was going in the woods.  He wanted no part of our experiment. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q5d9-2yaG9k/UssfEmWKOoI/AAAAAAAACUg/QNcJyQTo2Co/s1600-h/106_2516%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="106_2516" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="106_2516" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F1097ZWN-so/UssfFUVD7MI/AAAAAAAACUo/Iphd9_GVGr8/106_2516_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p> We blew the bubbles and waited.  It was kind of windy so most of them busted before we could catch them on the bubble want/egg separator. </p> <p>They didn’t freeze.  At all.   They spun around a little. </p> <p>Bella then decided we could just leave them out and see if they freeze.   </p> <p>We put it in a flower pot and they turned into a thin sheet of ice.  Bella touched it and it was kind of like saran wrap.   Then it broke. </p> <p>So, maybe if you have good bubbles and not homemade ones this would work better.   I wasn’t too impressed with the results but we can now say we have played with bubbles when it below zero outside.    </p> <p>Check out my weather reports on Facebook, well if you’re my friend.  If not, I guess you’ll just hafto either look out of your own window or watch the news.  I apologize that I can’t allow everyone the enjoyment of my friends and my senses of humor but there are freaks out there, as I’m sure you well know. </p> <p>Happy Homeschooling and Stay Warm. </p> Loving learning at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11602274723002081895noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028804236258876320.post-81500693519143569002013-12-30T20:47:00.001-05:002013-12-30T20:47:59.710-05:00Udderly Smooth Cream -<p>Winter is always hard on my skin.   It’s like an alligator most of the time.  I try all kinds of lotions and creams to keep my skin from itching.  </p> <p>I was given the opportunity to review <a href="http://uddercream.com/">Udderly Smooth</a> Body Cream.  I received a package of goodies from the company.   Foot  cream, hand cream and body cream were included.  I was really excited thinking my skin is going to be super smooth and hydrated.  </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oT0ceNrJilw/UsIiH6rJAwI/AAAAAAAACTg/PHMS94zDEFY/s1600-h/Udderly-22.jpg"><img title="Udderly 2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Udderly 2" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XnbwfTv9Bqs/UsIiJdblQVI/AAAAAAAACTo/ZIZmjbzHHlA/Udderly-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Here is what I received with retail prices in parentheses: <br />- a 4 oz.tube of hand cream ($2.75) <br />- a 2 oz. tube of hand cream ($1.75) <br />- a 12 oz. jar of body cream ($5.75) <br />- an 8 oz. jar of shea butter foot cream ($6.50) <br />- sample packets (and a coupon!)</p> <p><a href="http://uddercream.com/">Udderly Smooth</a> is a product which is made in the USA and has been for over 30 years.  It is good for cracked, dry skin.  You can use it as a moisturizer on your entire body including your face.   </p> <p>It was invented by a pharmacist and originally made for use on cows.  </p> <p>First I tried the tube of hand cream.  It felt pretty good.  The lotion is not greasy at all but it also doesn’t smell that great.   Personally I like scented lotions but I now a lot of people do not so this isn’t really that big of a deal. </p> <p>The second thing I opened was the jar of body cream.  This is where things got a little weird.  Okay, a lot weird.  LOL</p> <p>I thought there was mold in the jar. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EcBZU8XHvrE/UsIiLjWycUI/AAAAAAAACTw/6WAy0uWQnWY/s1600-h/Udderly-32.jpg"><img title="Udderly 3" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Udderly 3" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-k1HUTnMBzMM/UsIiNWO1eWI/AAAAAAAACT4/UacB0_V2oVA/Udderly-3_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Mold doesn’t really bother me that much.  I was just going to scoop it out and try it.  Upon closer look I <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NwLoBs_jBU0/UsIiPXEFrgI/AAAAAAAACUA/XKq8H3kLG1s/s1600-h/Bella2.jpg"><img title="Bella" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Bella" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3luxH0x4dtk/UsIiRjFiiFI/AAAAAAAACUI/S5kUsqT-8xU/Bella_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a>realized the mold had a tail.  Yep, a tail.  Obviously it wasn’t mold.  It did look like it had udders which was appropriate for the cream.   My daughter decided to have a closer look.   She showed me wings which were pretty cool.  I honestly have no idea what this was.  We poked it and my niece even touched it, lol.  She said it was squishy but firm.    I zoomed in on the picture and posted it on my facebook page to see what people thought it was without mentioning where I found it.  First response told me to clean out my refrigerator, lol.   The general consensus was that it is a tiny baby bat.  My thoughts are that when this was being made it landed in the jar before the lid was put on.  I’m sure this happens often but I have never been blessed enough to be on the receiving end of such a present.  Okay that was a joke.   Needless to say, I didn’t use this jar.  As time has passed more mold has has grown on the poor little thing and he has turned completely white.  It has turned into quite the science experiment.  </p> <p>The rest of the products worked well.  Bella rubbed my feet with the foot cream and it was heavenly.  </p> <p>If you would like a coupon you can visit the Udderly Smooth <a href="https://www.facebook.com/udderlysmoothusa/app_208195102528120">Facebook page</a> $1 off any two  products!  I doubt you’ll get an animal friend in yours but you will get some really nice lotion.   You can buy it at Walmart and other major retailer stores.  </p> <p>You can read the rest of the reviews of my fellow friends on the  <a href="http://mosaicreviews.com/udderly-smooth/">Mosaic Reviews page</a>.  </p> <p>Thanks to Mosaics Reviews and Udderly Smooth for this review opportunity.  It was quite fun <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7bacfMjTuOM/UsIiTOF3FPI/AAAAAAAACUQ/LUyePOXpuyA/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LtBxOfIsQUY/Ucxeb5SDOjI/AAAAAAAACIA/P35cKPisk6o/s1600-h/529707_537063872991803_1913200361_n_%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="529707_537063872991803_1913200361_n_" border="0" alt="529707_537063872991803_1913200361_n_" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wQMV3jUYK5U/Ucxec1E4HDI/AAAAAAAACII/CuzowAFHskU/529707_537063872991803_1913200361_n__thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="106" /></a></p> Loving learning at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11602274723002081895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028804236258876320.post-5926811022886688912013-12-27T21:06:00.001-05:002013-12-27T21:06:19.486-05:00Hello Fresh–Mosaics Review <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zNqQ84n7_aQ/Ur4x48xf75I/AAAAAAAACRI/eyhg6Y_i-GM/s1600-h/hello%252520fresh%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="hello fresh" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="hello fresh" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iRcFCr425aA/Ur4x5ybWzII/AAAAAAAACRQ/4wVjHFu8-NQ/hello%252520fresh_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="88" height="89" /></a>I love to cook.   I honestly don’t like to grocery shop.  It makes me smile that people think that if I leave my kids to go to the grocery store it is like I am getting a break.  Woo Hoo!  Vacation time.   </p> <p>Uh, no. <a href="http://www.hellofresh.com/"><img title="993743_10201628669732420_1130930192_n" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="993743_10201628669732420_1130930192_n" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gju8v6XTokY/Ur4x6m6vcWI/AAAAAAAACRY/jgm5cFVL5ik/993743_10201628669732420_1130930192_%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="263" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.hellofresh.com/">Hello Fresh</a> is a company that helps take some of the stress out of figuring out what you are going to have to eat.    Oh yeah, and they send you all the ingredients and the recipe with it.    <img style="float: right; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-right: 0px" align="right" src="http://static.hellofresh.com/cms/whatishf/philosophysmall.jpg" /></p> <p>Usually when I do a review I write that I was asked to do it.  This time I want to say I was given the privilege of being allowed to review this product.    This was such a blessing.  I came home to find a box of food waiting on my doorstep.  It was packaged amazingly well.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gmMwizNvwaE/Ur4x7nPToGI/AAAAAAAACRg/nBSGZz4lbDM/s1600-h/104_23103.jpg"><img title="104_2310" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="104_2310" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CpiUHH3taug/Ur4x8ZnvIvI/AAAAAAAACRo/SXSKipJp4MA/104_2310_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Doesn’t this look like a cooler?  It came in an insulated box and with two huge ice packs.  My kids were hoping it would come with dry ice because they love to blow stuff up with that.  (You know, in the name of science.)   </p> <p>I was told that the box of three meals would come with everything I needed but I was impressed that it really did.   All of the ingredients were indeed fresh as well.  Fresh produce impresses me when it comes in the mail.  Sometimes I can’t even find decent stuff at the store.  </p> <p>Another thing that I love about this company is that their ingredients are </p> <p>Let me explain how <a href="http://www.hellofresh.com/">Hello Fresh</a> works. </p> <p>The first thing you do is create an account.  This is super easy to do.  The website is very user friendly.   And, if you do have problems, the customer service is one of the best I have ever worked with.  They went above and beyond to make sure everything was excellent. </p> <p>Each week you get to chose the meals you want to try.  You get to pick three out of five available.   There is also a vegetarian box you can chose.  Hello Fresh says that the average person spends 90 minutes a week grocery shopping.  I must be slow because I spend more than that.  Maybe it’s because of coupons.  They take me forever.   Ordering from this company can help you spend more time with your family by spending less time at the store.  It will also save money because they send only the exact amounts of each ingredient that you need.  I even had some things left over because of my families preference on the amount of onions and spices. </p> <p>After choosing the meals from the exciting recipes, you just wait for them to arrive.  Easy enough.  </p> <p>I chose Chile Dusted Shrimp with Corn Relish, Steak and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry, and Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Lemony Skillet Potatoes and Zucchini.  </p> <p>Now, if you have ever read any of my reviews you will know that I have a hard time using things like they are supposed to be used.  <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XS72g2ugm-0/Ur4x9H9bXQI/AAAAAAAACRs/ZdmiYHqjYAU/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile2.png?imgmax=800" /> </p> <p>I like to tweak (not twerk, there’s a difference).  I love products that make my life easier but also can be adapted to our family.   Let me first explain that I probably have one of the pickiest eaters in my family in the entire world.  He gets it from me but he has taken it to a new level.  So, if I had made any of the three meals like the beautifully suggested recipe cards showed, I would have been the only one who would even try it.  </p> <p>Without further ado (I’ve always wanted to say that), here are the dishes I made. </p> <p>Chile Dusted Shrimp <font color="#ffc000">with Corn Relish</font></p> <p><font color="#333333">Each included recipe card shows step by step instructions, along with the ingredients needed and Nutritional values. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bIKP5Jn60Bs/Ur4x97aArQI/AAAAAAAACR4/TA1nMYOyeMs/s1600-h/104_23133.jpg"><img title="104_2313" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="104_2313" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Gxeoc9LI2gg/Ur4x-cajuKI/AAAAAAAACR8/KeUXzQIex2k/104_2313_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>This is the ingredients that were included for this dish.  Yep, it includes everything you need.  Now, here is how I modified it.  My kids only like breaded and deep fried shrimp.  Okay, they only like breaded and fried shrimp from Cracker Barrel.   So, I looked up the recipe for their breading and used that.    I ruined the first <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1jQL7yyzV-o/Ur4x_aChCuI/AAAAAAAACSI/mkHo6eYPo8I/s1600-h/104_23223.jpg"><img title="104_2322" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="104_2322" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VPDo8AUr5TY/Ur4x_7BI13I/AAAAAAAACSQ/F_kugPimwtU/104_2322_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>batch of breading because I didn’t read the directions.  Oops.  The shrimp turned out delicious.  Both of my kids loved it. Of course, I deep fried it so I totally blew the nutritional value they listed but oh well.   I also substituted red onion for the scallions because I don’t like them.  I gave those to my mom.   I was leery of the ginger because I haven’t ever cooked with it.  I used a small cheese grater to mince the garlic and ginger.  </p> <p>My fingers smelled yummy for days.  Now for the truth, I hate canned corn.  I have never liked it.  We freeze our own corn from the garden and I love the texture of it.  So, I made the relish with the canned corn it came from and then had our corn on the side. Bella wouldn’t eat the relish but I thought it was pretty good.   </p> <p align="center">What the plate was supposed to look like.  (Well minus the breading)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gxkTC0ssv0M/Ur4yBFzsjpI/AAAAAAAACSY/a5VKQJq4W48/s1600-h/104_23193.jpg"><img title="104_2319" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="104_2319" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GJsPcJzA4_I/Ur4yB09lBNI/AAAAAAAACSc/ZtSesX08yNA/104_2319_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="center">What mine looked like. . . . </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dyaSs5RMXRo/Ur4yCwYoA_I/AAAAAAAACSo/hQFnbrkqJgs/s1600-h/104_23213.jpg"><img title="104_2321" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="104_2321" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z2MiRncPaYU/Ur4yDs4uvBI/AAAAAAAACSw/y31QGT22Bvg/104_2321_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="left">A little Chick-fil-a sauce for the shrimp, cheesy garlic biscuits and home grown corn.  YUMMY . . .     I was fine with the food prepared the way the recipe stated but my kids would not have ate it.    I have one disclaimer.   When you cook like a chef, expect a mess.  My kitchen was destroyed.  I used all of the pans and half of my gadgets.  It was fun but I cannot say the clean up was.   I would recommend two boxes come.  One with the food and one with a maid.  Just sayin. </p> <p align="left">Day 2:</p> <p align="left">Steak and Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry</p> <p align="left">First, let me say I had no idea Brussels has an “s” on the end.   Does anyone say it?  </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-17_Xt49_5RI/Ur4yETlFX8I/AAAAAAAACS0/J67kPdGMj0s/s1600-h/Puppy2.jpg"><img title="Puppy" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Puppy" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XTP5Oek1udM/Ur4yE41fRMI/AAAAAAAACTA/tCv-UAuNQc4/Puppy_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="140" height="244" /></a>This was my favorite meal of the three.  My kids wouldn’t eat it.   Bella tried it and spit it out.   My dogs, however, loved it.  They literally tried to climb the stove to get to it while it was cooking.  Even the three legged one.  </p> <p align="left">I have to say that it smelled as good as it tasted. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-B5jnGVXk3iA/Ur4yFi5AGhI/AAAAAAAACTI/Dqx835nLpYk/s1600-h/Steak-and-Sprouts2.jpg"><img title="Steak and Sprouts" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Steak and Sprouts" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bgQKsfpnFb4/Ur4yGLGsCSI/AAAAAAAACTQ/uuYupG0SXps/Steak-and-Sprouts_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="left">Comments I heard were “That looks Asian, Mom.  Could you please focus on the fact that we live in America?”  and “Wow, that could win Chopped”.  (The latter came from the one who spit it out, lol.)</p> <p align="left">This one I tried not to change too much.  I left out the scallions, of course and used red onion.   I also substituted the jalapeno for home canned banana peppers because I don’t really care for spicy food.  I cooked the steak much longer than the recommended three minutes.  </p> <p align="left">Like I said, I LOVED it.  Reminded me of being in a Chinese restaurant except I don’t eat meat at those.  And it didn’t make me sick like Chinese food usually does.   </p> <p align="left">Day 3 (which really was like day 5 or 6)</p> <p align="left">Roasted Pork Tenderloin <font color="#ffc000">with Lemony Skillet Potatoes and Zucchini</font></p> <p align="left">First let me say, all of the ingredients were as fresh this day as they were when I received them.  </p> <p align="left">Now, that being said, this was the only meal I didn’t like.  I didn’t follow the directions very well.  I cooked the pork loin in the oven completely with salt and pepper.  Pork makes me sick so I didn’t taste this part.  My kids said it was just yucky?  They wouldn’t eat potatoes or zucchini like it said to prepare it so I mashed the potatoes and fried the zucchini.  The potatoes were good.   The zucchini was okay.  I didn’t add the lemon and used it as a garnish without caramelizing it.  I knew I wasn’t going to eat it so didn’t bother wasting my time making it look pretty.    I have a really nice picture but I can’t for the life of me get it from my phone to here.  I’m working on it. </p> <p align="left">Now for the important information. </p> <p align="left">This is a subscription service.   You can delay future shipments at any time.  So if you are not going to be home or just need a break from the service, it is very easy to suspend.   </p> <p align="left">This is more expensive that I spend on food for my family.  This is comparable to eating out.   The three meals that we received were for 2 people (easily would have fed more) and costs $9.94 per meal.  This includes shipping.  The vegetarian box is $8.28 per meal.    So, that is $69 for two people three meals.   They are available in either two meals or four meals for delivery. </p> <p align="left">This is pricey if you compare it to going to the store and getting your own ingredients for these meals.  But, if you compare it to eating out, it really is not so bad.   My experience is that the larger your family, the less you eat out.  So, for me this could be doable.  For someone with several kids, it may not be able to be fit into the food budget.  A lot of the other girls who reviewed this say they are going to use it for date nights.    As long as your kids or babysitter do the clean up, then I say that’s a great way to go. </p> <p align="left">You can read all of the other reviews by visiting <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fmosaicreviews.com%2Fhello-fresh%2F&h=jAQGyiD_Q">here</a>. </p> <p align="left">You can also check out Hello Fresh on these sites.  </p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hellofresh">Facebook</a> </li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/HelloFresh">Twitter</a> </li> <li><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/hellofreshusa/">Pinterest</a> </li> <p>Hello Fresh has taken care of the <a href="http://www.hellofresh.com/faq/">Frequently Asked Questions</a>.   But don’t forget that if you have anything else you would like to know, they are amazing at answering questions.  </p> </ul> <p>This was a fun review and I really appreciate the opportunity <a href="http://www.mosaicreviews.com/">Mosaic Reviews</a> has given me as well as <a href="http://www.hellofresh.com/">Hello Fresh</a>.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LtBxOfIsQUY/Ucxeb5SDOjI/AAAAAAAACIA/P35cKPisk6o/s1600-h/529707_537063872991803_1913200361_n_%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="529707_537063872991803_1913200361_n_" border="0" alt="529707_537063872991803_1913200361_n_" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wQMV3jUYK5U/Ucxec1E4HDI/AAAAAAAACII/CuzowAFHskU/529707_537063872991803_1913200361_n__thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="106" /></a></p> Loving learning at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11602274723002081895noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028804236258876320.post-7840704164048037602013-12-10T00:46:00.001-05:002013-12-10T00:46:06.574-05:00Perhaps some of the best things I’ve learned . . ever.<p>Of course it was on the internet.  You already knew that right? </p> <p>First, I have always wanted to be a planner.  As a homeschool mom it really is a necessity.  Someone has to keep track of all the crap we have to teach, learn, do, eat, clean and pretend to know.  </p> <p>I’m admittedly not that great at it.  I start a planner, use it for a week or day and pretty much forget I have it and can’t find it if I do remember it.  I have great intentions.  My follow through just isn’t that great.   </p> <p>So, starting this week I decided to do my planner at the end of the day.  </p> <p>Isn’t that the best way to make sure you get everything finished?   <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" style="border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none" alt="Smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mBHYjBN0CrE/UqaqlYr1uNI/AAAAAAAACQo/OO4as_ESVUw/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />  No more unfinished things hanging around on the days page.  No one has to know that I didn’t get to half of what I wanted to because it won’t be on today’s page.   Damn, I’m a genius.  </p> <p>So for our first well planned day (um, sorry if that is a real planner name.  If it is I’ve never seen it or used it so no knowledge of it and it will give you free exposure on my blog so should be all good)</p> <p>Wake up before Noon.   Well, I got up at 11:40 so <strong>CHECK.</strong> </p> <p>Eat a good breakfast (well lunch because of the time).  You see I’m learning that if you get up a little later you can totally skip a meal and hopefully this will help me lose weight.    I had an egg and toast.  Not too bad so  <strong>CHECK</strong>.</p> <p>Scream at the kids to get their school stuff out after eating our break/lunch.   <strong>CHECK</strong></p> <p>Put load of clothes in the washer.  Oops, let’s make that rewash the ones left in there from yesterday cuz they are smelling pretty funky.  It’s funny how vinegar can take that smell right away.  One load of clothes done completely.  <strong>CHECK</strong></p> <p>Scream at the kids to get their school stuff out.   <strong>CHECK</strong></p> <p>Help Bella do her math and check her other work.  Hmm.   Seems like her other work is about 1/3 filled in.  I’m thinking there must be a little minion or elf that is erasing all of her hard work.  Because I know that my pleasant baby girl would not try to make me think she is doing all of her work and just skipping questions and pages to hurry up.  No way.  So, I showed her the places where the elves erased and said she should redo it.   <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-whome" style="border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none" alt="Who me?" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uV5LIWGOL0I/UqaqmSyPGbI/AAAAAAAACQw/rm-9V-xkKys/wlEmoticon-whome%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /> CHECK</p> <p>Griffin’s science, math, writing, and computer programming class finished. <strong>CHECK </strong> Please realize this was with much prompting from me. </p> <p>Also, I got super exciting news today.  Griffin loves computer classes.  And he excels at them.  We are about to start a year long program that will teach him JAVA through learning the Minecraft World.  He will be building his own Module.  This is a blessing I never thought we would be able to have.  But thanks to Molly Richards from Youth Digital, he will be doing this amazing class.  I am overwhelmed with her love. </p> <p>Gymnastics at 3:00.   We were 5 minutes late.  Not too bad so I’m gonna call this one a win.  <strong>CHECK    </strong>Bella did get her back handspring today by herself without a spotter so I’m super proud of her.  I love watching her excel. </p> <p>Kids going to their friends for 2 hours after gymnastics (YES).   2.5 mile walk in the 30 degree cold all by myself.  I talked to my aunt on the phone until I could no longer feel my fingers and then listened to some awesome Christian music on my phone.  I’m not sure if people were staring because it was so frickin cold or because I looked like I was having a conversation with myself.  Who knows?  Who cares.  <strong>CHECK </strong></p> <p>Fixed supper.  Even managed to make something everyone would eat.   <strong>CHECK</strong></p> <p>Took my 92 year old grandma supper and did a load of laundry for her.  Cracked up because she was watching a totally inappropriate show and can’t hear well enough to know it.  My kids were appalled.  LOL   They heard more bad language in that 20 minutes that they have in a long time combined.  <strong>CHECK</strong></p> <p>Watch The Voice with Bella (Good mother/daughter time)  I hafto teach her how to spot a good man.   (Because I have got this crap down.)  (We won’t mention I’m alone with no decent feller in sight <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PSB51NAdmjs/Uqaqm4G_TdI/AAAAAAAACQ4/c553GYOMwpU/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />)  We just say who we think is cute.  Just admiring God’s handiwork.  <strong>CHECK</strong></p> <p>Watch The Sing Off.   Our new favorite show.    Pentatonix is one of our new favorite groups.  Here is their version of Little Drummer Boy.  LOVE IT.  <strong>CHECK</strong></p> <div id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:f434d990-1ba6-4788-bb72-9972fc811930" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px"><div><object width="448" height="252"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qJ_MGWio-vc?hl=en&hd=1"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qJ_MGWio-vc?hl=en&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="448" height="252"></embed></object></div></div> <p>Do Pilates for 30 minutes.  Upward Cheerleading is coming up and this here coach needs to get in shape.  <strong>CHECK</strong></p> <p>Make sure kids take showers, brush their teeth and get in bed (Preferably without electronics).  <strong>CHECK</strong></p> <p>Wow, I got all the things on my To-Do list checked off.  I feel so productive.   It does work better when you just write the things you hae done.  LOL  I am a single mom who is far from having it together.  I don’t pretend to and don’t want anyone to think that.  In fact, I don’t care.   You know what hit me.  While rereading this I realized I truly do not care.  I don’t care if anyone thinks I’m a failure.  I don’t care if you think I’m amazing and got it all together.  I, for the first time in my homeschooling  journey, do not care what anyone other than God and my kids think about how we are doing.   We are doing what is best for me and my children.  What I feel will enable them to be the God loving, kind, caring, helpful adults that I am praying they become.   I’m doing the best I can and trusting God to make up for my faults.   </p> <p>His grace is sufficient for me.  All the reminder I need.  I am blessed and give all the glory to God.  There would be no check marks at all on my daily to do list without Him.    It would mostly be skid marks if it were left up to only me.  </p> <p>Thanking Jesus for this beautiful Christmas season.   I’m gonna love on the people who mean the most to me and pray for everyone.  My family, friends and those I love bring the beauty of Christmas to life for me.   God supplies my every need.  In the people in my life and everything other way. </p> <p>God Bless you.    Happy Homeschooling. . .I pray that for today, I have blessed someone in some small way.  </p> Loving learning at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11602274723002081895noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028804236258876320.post-89531511846196025602013-11-25T19:20:00.001-05:002013-11-25T19:20:30.264-05:00Gratitude and Blessings: Day 25–Thankful for Time<p>Oh my goodness, it is only three days until Thanksgiving.  It is unbelievable that the month has almost come and gone.  Only 30 days until Christmas.   </p> <p>Today I am thankful for time.</p> <p>Weird, huh? </p> <p>I am thankful that God allows time to heal when we are hurt. </p> <p>Have you hurt this year?  I believe that if we are honest we all have.   Everyone has their own problems. </p> <p>Some lots. </p> <p>Some not so many.  </p> <p>I know that there are people who are where I was a year ago.   I remember sitting on my steps like it was 10 minutes ago while my sister told me I would get through the hurt.  </p> <p>I couldn’t breath.  Literally.  Have you every felt like that?   Cried so hard that you didn’t think your next breath would come?    </p> <p>She said “Lori, you will wake one day and realize that he has hurt you so much that you don’t feel anything for him at all”.   Guess what?  She was right.  Sometimes the hurt overwhelms the good and you really can’t remember the good times anymore.   No matter how many you know there were.    You will feel better.  Maybe not tomorrow.  Maybe not next week.  But with time, you will have more moments that you are smiling than crying.  </p> <p>I try to teach my kids that actions speak louder than words.   That is true.  But words hurt.  I have realized that when someone says something hurtful you never really forget.  Whether it is true or not. </p> <p>I have questioned things about me that I know are not true.  It isn’t fair.    I have sat and thought about things people have said about me and even though I know it isn’t true, I know that God knows it isn’t true,  it still hurts me.   Funny how time doesn’t make that go away.   But it does help. </p> <p>Someone shared a YouTube video that I love.  I share lots of things on my Facebook page.  Most are cute or funny.  This one made me realize that no matter what others think or say, I know that I am more than enough.  God tells me so.    I watch it nearly every day.  It makes me have chills every time no matter where I am or what I am doing.  I have sent it to the women in my life because I know that every one of us doubt that we a <div id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:a6bd94f4-4896-45b0-b783-f23ba0c1e5cd" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px"><div><object width="448" height="252"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZV8N0u4Z1IM?hl=en&hd=1"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZV8N0u4Z1IM?hl=en&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="448" height="252"></embed></object></div></div> re good enough.  </p> <p>That we are pretty enough</p> <p>That we have enough money.   That the mistakes we have made make us unworthy. </p> <p><font size="4">God says we are enough</font>.   You are worth more than all earthly things.  </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>As time goes by, my kids are growing up to be beautiful, God centered young adults.   They too are feeling better.  At least they seem to be.  Time makes my love for them grow by the second.  Their father and I love them with everything we have.   </p> <p>Today, I am thankful for the time God gives me.  None of us know how much we have.  It could all be over in a literal heart beat.    I pray that my minutes are spent glorifying God more than not. </p> <p>And that I don’t waste the time I am given. </p> <p>God Bless.  </p> Loving learning at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11602274723002081895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028804236258876320.post-35760782164083046172013-11-12T13:33:00.001-05:002013-11-12T13:33:59.908-05:00Gratitude Challenge : Day 12<p>Being thankful is a part of everyday life. </p> <p>But, November is the month in which we think about it the most.   I love this time of year.  </p> <p>We had our first snow this morning.  When I let the dogs out at 7:30, the yard was covered in God’s own beautiful blanket.  Snow makes me smile.  I love standing outside in the yard when it snows.  I know it sounds weird but I love the sound of a snowfall.  We have very few neighbors and it is pretty quiet so when it snows, I guess I love the quiet sound.  </p> <p>Today I am thankful that I live in a country that allows me to teach my children in the manner in which we believe is best.   For us that is homeschooling. </p> <p>I love being with my children every day.  </p> <p>I love watching them learn.   I love that I am the one who they ask the difficult questions to.    Not math or science, but the important ones. </p> <p>Like Do Pets go to Heaven?   </p> <p>And Where does it say in the Bible that we shouldn’t hate?</p> <p>I never proclaim to know all of the answers.  But I love that they know we can look together to find them.  </p> <p><img style="float: left; display: inline" align="left" src="https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1173798_4870734904742_1286896358_n.jpg" width="241" height="338" />Reading the Bible first thing in the morning is my favorite.  Even our doggie gets in on our Bible reading <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uh8zuEZmS9Q/UoJ0ls26ejI/AAAAAAAACQY/RXwSFDOvzNw/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /> </p> <p> Our school allows prayer.   </p> <p>Our school allows the Bible to be the center of everything. </p> <p>Our school allows me to protect my children in any way that I see necessary.   </p> <p>I don’t worry about anyone hurting them while they are in school.  I don’t worry about someone coming in and shooting them.   I don’t worry about someone who doesn’t have their best interest at heart teaching them things God doesn’t teach. </p> <p>My kids are going to grow up too soon.  I’ve already witnessed this.  My son will be 15 in one short <img style="float: right; display: inline" align="right" src="https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/941354_4319611887011_1559511444_n.jpg" width="270" height="357" />month.  I treasure the days I have with him.  It makes my heart smile that he still wants to be around me.    I love that he got to pick his own science curriculum and enjoys it every day.   And he can listen to music when he learns.  It may not work for me that way but it does him and who am I to tell him his way is wrong?</p> <p>Now, don’t get me wrong.   I do embarrass him, lol.   Just last week he asked me to please not dance when he is around.   I also overheard him tell his friend that “it sucks having a mom who is hot”.  Now that one cracks me up.   I won’t complain about him being embarrassed about that.  </p> <p>There are countries that do not allow homeschooling.  I am thankful I live in America.  I fear that it will not be legal eventually.  I don’t think they like not having control of our children.   But, I am blessed to be allowed this freedom. </p> <p>I thank God for it every day. </p> <p>God bless. </p> <p>And Happy Homeschooling. . . . .. </p> Loving learning at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11602274723002081895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028804236258876320.post-63048044390746225362013-11-11T23:00:00.001-05:002013-11-11T23:04:04.157-05:00Gratitude Challenge<p>Here it is.  Day 11 of a month of Thankfulness.    It’s funny how you have an idea of what you are going to write about and then BAM it all changes. </p> <p>Not that my reasons have changed.  Maybe just my attitude about my thankfulness. </p> <p>So starting today I will share two things I am thankful for.  </p> <p>First read this. </p> <p><font size="3"><font color="#0000ff">Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.<sup><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution#cite_note-1">[1]</a></sup></font></font></p> <p><sup><font color="#000000" size="3">Know what that is? </font></sup></p> <p><sup><font color="#000000" size="3">It’s the 1st Amendment to the Constitution.   The one that allows us to say whatever we would like to.  No one can take away our freedom of speech.  </font></sup></p> <p><sup><font color="#000000" size="3">I love that. </font></sup></p> <p><sup><font color="#000000" size="3">Now, God doesn’t want us to say things out of spite, or hate, or anything other than love.  I try to remember that at all times.  </font></sup></p> <p><sup><font color="#000000" size="3">It seems that I have offended people with what I talk about.  I guess I should apologize.  Actually, I wanna just say, if you don’t like what I have to say, please feel free to head on over to another blog and read it.   I am aware that I cannot please everyone and I don’t even have the strength or desire to try. </font></sup></p> <p><sup><font color="#000000" size="3">But. . . . . . . </font></sup></p> <p><sup><font color="#000000" size="3">If I can help just one person get through something hard, see things a little different, change for the better, or draw a little closer to God, then all of my efforts have been worth it.   I write this blog for me.  In the hopes that it helps people see what our homeschooling life is all about.  I am blessed beyond anything I have ever deserved. </font></sup></p> <p><sup><font color="#000000" size="3">Another thing, feel free to comment.  That’s what it is there for.  All I ask is that you be respectful.  I would never say anything to intentionally hurt anyone.  I  mean that.  If you have an issue with something I have said, maybe it  is because it hits a little closer to home than you would like to admit.  </font></sup></p> <p><sup><font color="#000000" size="3">The old saying “ the truth hurts'” is sometimes truer than we would like for it to be.   I am not perfect.  Haven’t ever claimed to be.  </font></sup></p> <p><sup><font color="#000000" size="3">Don’t expect it or you will be sadly disappointed.  </font></sup></p> <p><sup><font color="#000000" size="3">So, today I am thankful for the first amendment to our constitution that allows me to freely say and write what I want to convey.  Like it or don’t. .    It’s my right.  And yours.    And for the Veteran’s who have fought for our freedoms.  Happy Veteran’s Day. </font></sup></p> <p><sup><font color="#000000" size="3">Secondly, I am thankful for unanswered prayers.    Garth Brooks knew what he was talking about. </font></sup></p> <p><sup><font color="#000000" size="3">That is all. </font></sup></p> <p><sup><font color="#000000" size="3">God Bless.</font></sup></p> Loving learning at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11602274723002081895noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028804236258876320.post-30590802218174134412013-11-10T20:41:00.001-05:002013-11-11T11:06:42.078-05:0030 days of Thanksgiving<p> </p> <p>I have  been doing my thankful list on Facebook this year.  </p> <p>I was rudely told by my niece today that I am sadly neglecting my blog so I thought I should probably remedy that and do my list on here like I usually do. </p> <p>Today is day 9 (I think). </p> <p>It is hard when you are as blessed as I am to pick one thing each day.    But, I’m looking for the little things in life that bring me joy and I am thankful for. </p> <p>Today,  I am thankful for the girls in my life.  </p> <p>My Mom is my best friend.  I love her more everyday.  I never dreamed when I was growing up that she would be such a huge part of my adult life.  I’ve already dedicated a day to her and Dad but I didn’t want to leave her out of my special girls. </p> <p>I have an amazing sister, Becky.  She has been so good to me.  My whole life really but especially the last couple of years.   She is my best friend and I thank God for her every day. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iOC6o_4Pmac/UoA1v6GCxMI/AAAAAAAACPo/PF2pdmLCn9o/s1600-h/101_1040%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="101_1040" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="101_1040" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5804phyzuDU/UoA1wjgbPzI/AAAAAAAACPw/qHZlx1LtLhM/101_1040_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>Next, my nieces, Allie and Emily.   They really bless me daily. </p> <p>When they were little, my sister was going to nursing school, so I had them when they were young.  A lot.   It was some of the best years I had.  I loved playing with them.  People thought they were my kids.  Especially Allison.  She was very smart (still is) and was a blast.  She talked at a very early age and I remember she said the funniest things.  </p> <p>One of the funniest things I can remember was when she was about 4.  She told her mom that her and her boyfriend had talked and they weren’t going to have sex.   Who knows where she even heard that word, but needless to say, Becky was relieved,  <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YLlGS1ZCChA/UoA1xPZrj8I/AAAAAAAACP4/yM2_MuuMOwc/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />. </p> <p>She has grown into an amazing young woman.  She spoils my kids just like I spoiled her.  She loves with her entire heart and is a blessing..  I love laughing with her and she is a great friend.   She is beautiful and smart.   To know her is to love her.  And I love her lots.   She has been one of the people I can talk to and listens without judging.  I love sending her little funny pictures to make her smile. </p> <p>Emily came less than a year after Allie and we loved her just as much.  She was quiet and so beautiful.  She looked like a real live doll.  She didn’t talk until she was older because Allie did all of the talking for her.  She used to just point and got anything she wanted.   It was precious seeing her follow Allie around and learn from her. </p> <p>She, too, has grown into a beautiful young woman.  She is very smart and anytime I need help with math or electronics, I call her.  She has made me laugh more than anyone I can ever remember.  We text late at night and I treasure that more than she can imagine.  </p> <p>She has gotten a job that is perfect for her because she can show the love she has for people.  She is a blessing..    I remind her to never sell herself short because she is amazing.  She deserves the best.   I love her. </p> <p>My baby girl is next.  Isabella is my heart.  She loves me with a passion I’ve never seen.  Sometimes it is smothering.   But, I know that this too shall pass.  There will be a time when she won’t want to sleep with me.  So, for now I let her.  She has done this since David left a year ago.   </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KZmtWeh7vgQ/UoA1xymdOHI/AAAAAAAACQA/HG12LSqbnCM/s1600-h/101_1166%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="101_1166" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="101_1166" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eE7hYsOjwow/UoA1ytOFNDI/AAAAAAAACQI/UWVtAMq_T1w/101_1166_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a>I know that she is afraid that I am going to leave.  How do you explain to a little girl that you aren’t going to when someone has.   I have said over and over I am not going anywhere.  As long as God doesn’t take me home, I will be here.   I may go out or need a break, but I will always be back to take care of her.   It is so hard being a single mom.  I never asked for it but God gave me my children and knows the plans he has for us.   He has equipped me to be the best mom for these two kids.  They are blessings beyond measure. </p> <p>Bella is smart.</p> <p>And Beautiful.    She has the most beautiful blue eyes (which she informed me today are turning green?  LOL)  They aren’t.  and a smile that will melt your heart.  Her laugh is contagious.  She is my miracle.  You can read her birth story that tells of the miracle that she is.  In short, they told us she had spina bifida when she was born.  Through prayer I believe God healed her and even though she had to have surgery, she is perfect and has never had any problems from this. </p> <p>I have many, many other blessings of special women in my life.  Cousins, friends, family members. </p> <p>I have a few I am going to give their own days to so hopefully I won’t forget anyone.  (Of course, I prolly will.)</p> <p>What are you thankful for today?</p> <p>I read somewhere one time this. <font color="#c0504d" size="4">What if tomorrow you have ONLY what you thanked God for today?</font></p> <p><font color="#000000">Isn’t that great?  I try to remember this as I say my prayers every day.  </font></p> <p><font color="#000000">Thank you for visiting and Have a great day</font>!</p> Loving learning at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11602274723002081895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028804236258876320.post-78960710230166546652013-11-06T18:01:00.001-05:002013-11-11T11:04:52.966-05:00A Time of Thanksgiving<p>I cannot believe it is already November.  </p> <p>Where has this year gone??    Oh, I remember. . . .    A lot of crappy days interspersed with some good ones.  </p> <p>But. . . . .. .</p> <p>I made it.   </p> <p>I lived through the agony of my husband leaving me.   It sucked and I would never have made it But God. </p> <p>But God. </p> <p>Isn’t that what most of  our lives are?  But God moments. </p> <p>I love when God intervenes in the midst of life.   He is always there.  But I have to admit I forget to look for him at times and then I have a But God moment.   </p> <p>I was completely broken when my ex-husband left me.    I never thought I would give up on my marriage.  I promised forever.  I meant it.   But God . . .   had different plans for me.  I truly believe he never wanted me to be hurt and degraded.  I should have never allowed it to go on for as long as I did.. </p> <p>But God . . </p> <p>showed me when was the right time to give up and let Him handle it. </p> <p>I’m tired of complaining.  I’m tired of feeling like I’m not good enough.  Because God says different.</p> <p>This Thanksgiving season I chose to see the best in people. </p> <p>I chose to let go and Let God. </p> <p>He will lead me where he wants me to go.  I will listen to him in the little moments as well as the big ones.  </p> <p>I am happier now because I am choosing His way.  Not my way.  Not always what I want.  But more and more I am choosing God. </p> <p>I cannot wait to celebrate Thanksgiving with the people I love.   </p> <p>And then Christmas.    This is my favorite time of the year.    A time to reflect on all of our blessings.   </p> <p>Thank you Jesus for showing me that even when things do not go as I plan, I can see your hand in my life.  </p> Loving learning at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11602274723002081895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028804236258876320.post-68810919078823604902013-10-01T19:34:00.001-04:002013-10-01T19:34:30.450-04:00Sneak Peak . . . . .<p>So, you know I write for an amazing website called Homeschool Mosaics, right? </p> <p>Next Monday at 7 a.m. my newest post will be up.  Here’s a sneak peak.  I know you will want to read it all so don’t forget.   Click <a href="http://homeschoolmosaics.com/">here</a> to see all of the great articles at Homeschool Mosaics. </p> <p><font color="#4bacc6">Do you have moments in your life when you know you should have said yes but didn’t?  I sure do. </font></p> <p><font color="#4bacc6">I want my life to be extraordinary.  Not just mundane.  How about you?  I want to know every blessing that God has in store for me.  I don’t want to miss out on the good things because I chose to say no when he was nudging me in gentle ways that I miss. </font></p> <p><font color="#4bacc6">How do I do that?  How does anyone do that? My Sunday School class is doing a study on “What Happens when Women say Yes to God by Lisa Terkeurst.  I have loved every book that I have read of hers so far.  </font></p> <p><font color="#4bacc6">I believe that life gets in the way of living.   There are so many things that I want to be priorities in my life.  Of course Jesus is number one.  My family is also one.  </font></p> <p><font color="#4bacc6">But . . </font></p> <p><font color="#4bacc6">I find myself letting the little, unimportant things getting in the way.  Do you do that too?  Please tell me it isn’t just me.</font></p> <p><font color="#4bacc6"> </font></p> Loving learning at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11602274723002081895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028804236258876320.post-8445650372302233202013-10-01T19:15:00.001-04:002013-10-01T19:15:23.289-04:00Math Mammoth–A Homeschool Mosaics Review<p><a href="http://www.mathmammoth.com/"><img alt="mm" src="http://mosaicreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/mm.png" width="476" height="112" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.mathmammoth.com/">Math Mammoth</a> offers many different types of math curriculum.   They are available in e-book format (downloadable) which makes it super easy to just print what you need.  Most of them also come in book form. They offer workbooks for every grade, 1-12.  </p> <p>Math is one of the subjects that when teaching my kids drives me crazy.  They seem to like what we are doing for awhile.  Then, I don’t know if they get bored, lazy or what but they start complaining.  I have switched math curriculum (sometimes back to previous ones) more times than I can count.  I know that this is probably not the best thing to do for my kids, but honestly I get tired of the complaining.  </p> <p>I guess this is the point I should tell you that if you don’t want to hear the truth, you probably should find another blog to read.  My homeschool experience cannot be wrapped up in a neat little box with a pretty bow.  We are real here.  My kids fight.  There are days we get absolutely nothing done.  Sometimes I feel like I could actually lose my kids in the dirty and clean piles of clothes.  But what we are is real.  We love each other and there is nothing I would rather do than spend my days watching my children’s eyes light up when they learn something new. </p> <p>So, back to the math.  </p> <p>I was asked to review Math Mammoth as part of Homeschool Mosaics Review team.    We were able to either pick an entire year’s curriculum as part of the Light Blue Series or smaller downloads of a specific topic as part of the <a href="http://www.mathmammoth.com/blue-series.php">The Blue Series</a>.  Of course I picked the specific topic because remember, my kids never like a curriculum long enough to do an entire year of it.  I received Fractions, Ratios, Geometry and Percents.</p> <p>This series is very inexpensive at $2.20 – $7.50 each.  These are not small either.  One of the one I received had over 200 pages in it.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Pqh9VUKLds0/UktXfTn3jXI/AAAAAAAACLI/lsb45mUJk2c/s1600-h/104_2215%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="104_2215" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="104_2215" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0RHVmdB8IIc/UktXf9wdUSI/AAAAAAAACLQ/iKqoPk3yb9c/104_2215_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>Bella started with the Fractions unit.  She loves worksheets and never complains about doing them.  She enjoyed this curriculum supplement.  It includes directions and bright colors which she also likes.    She had no problem doing the pages.  Again, I received a download so I printed off the pages weekly.  This was good for me because I am always running out of ink.  </p> <p>Griffin did the ratios unit.  Griffin is my child who has always been excellent at math.  Now, that doesn’t mean he likes it.  He doesn’t.  He will tell you he hates it.  I am not sure if this is because he has to do things the way I tell him to and he hates that or if he really doesn’t like math.  For the past 10 years I have tried over and over to explain to him that he has to write out his steps when working on math.  Over and over for 10 years he has said, “But Mom, I know the answer without doing that”.  He isn’t lying.  99% of the time he gets the correct answer without ever writing anything down.  He does this for even long division.  It completely drives me crazy.  Why?  Because I can’t grade it if I don’t see the problems.  If he does happen to make a mistake, I have no idea where it was made.  At first I griped and complained until he did it the way I wanted.  Now, I pretty much leave him alone.   Unless he starts missing several of a certain concept, I let him just write the answers.  I figure that is the important part.  Who cares <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Nzl0Qva0abk/UktXg9HWfMI/AAAAAAAACLY/fOyT1xbh5H4/s1600-h/104_2216%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="104_2216" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="104_2216" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zZNENUB0cQY/UktXhVD8W-I/AAAAAAAACLc/70oWbUyoZmQ/104_2216_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a>if he does it the way I learned?  Who cares if he writes all of his steps down?  Not me.  I’d say if  he can answer it that’s good enough for me.  When he becomes an adult, I don’t think anyone is going to say, Well, write down how you got that answer or you are going to fail.  </p> <p>So, we did ratios without the steps written down.  At one point he missed a couple on a page and I had him write the steps down.  He can do this.  He just doesn’t have to most of the time to get the answer.   So, after he saw what his mistake was, he went back to just writing the answers.  His writing is horrendous.  So honestly, I get a little more aggravated with that than the fact that the entire problem isn’t there.  You can see why here.  This is the pages he had to show his steps.  All I can say is what a mess.  LOL  </p> <p>And I have to say that he also is a clown.  If I haven’t looked at his papers for a day or two (sometimes I grade everything at the end of the week) he sometimes throws in an answer or two to see if I’m paying attention.  This week there was a questions on the worksheet that was talking about calculators.   The question went something like there are 1400 calculators, so many are regular and the rest are scientific.  It went on to ask about the ration and percentage of each one.  The final questions was how many scientific calculators were there?  Griffin’s answer. .. ..    A Lot.  </p> <p>Now, had he put a number I maybe wouldn’t have caught it, lol.   But letters when you aren’t doing algebra are cause for alarm.  When I asked him why he put that, he said, “Mom.  People have one calculator.  Maybe two at the most.  So anymore than that is a lot.”   Hmmm…..  I guess he’s right.    (I did make him put the correct answer.  He immediately said the exact amount is ____  but I think  a lot is a better answer.  I think he will do okay in the real world <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wBiHjj0EKvA/UktXitcaAAI/AAAAAAAACLo/r4yB0E_TWsI/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />.  </p> <p>He still says he hates math.  Yes, he still complains.  But this curriculum at least teaches him how to do the problems with enough examples and directions that I really don’t have to help too much.   You can receive over 300 pages of curriculum by signing up for an e-mail list at the bottom of this <a href="http://www.mathmammoth.com/blue-series.php">page</a> .  This is more than enough to sample Math Mammoth and see if it is right for your family. </p> <p>I have also used the Light blue series from Math Mammoth in a previous review.  You can read that review <a href="http://lovinglearningathome.blogspot.com/2010/02/math-mammoth-tos-review.html">here</a>. </p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4">Things I like about Math Mammoth:</font></p> <p>* PDF versions allow for the student to put the answer directly into the computer.  This is great for kids who do not like writing (and who know the answer automatically.)</p> <p>* Very affordable. </p> <p>*Answers provided.  I sometimes give my kids the answer sheets after they are finished and let them grade each others. </p> <p>* Maria, the writer of the curriculum is one of the nicest vendors I have ever worked with.  She cares about whether you purchase the correct product and is always available to talk personally to each customer.  She is great to work with. </p> <p>*Placement tests are available so you can see exactly where your student should start. </p> <p><font color="#ff0000" size="4">Things I am not so crazy about:</font></p> <p>* Printing in color is kind of expensive.  Black and white would work better for me. </p> <p>Gosh, I guess that’s it.  </p> <p>You can check out what my fellow reviewers have to say about the products that they received by going to <a href="http://mosaicreviews.com/math-mammoth/">Homeschool Mosaics</a>.  Each person received the product of their choice so there are a lot of different opinions on a variety of products from Math Mammoth. </p> <p>Our family gives Math Mammoth</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGdodlZSI/AAAAAAAAAyE/HFdDMFaC0uk/s1600-h/image%5B32%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGePGcedI/AAAAAAAAAyI/Oqafg8GJASY/image_thumb%5B10%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGeU9g23I/AAAAAAAAAyM/F95YTcahwMY/s1600-h/image%5B35%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGe5W_V8I/AAAAAAAAAyQ/ElHKwMZF2II/image_thumb%5B11%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGfK6hN7I/AAAAAAAAAyU/0NhHV8Yoph8/s1600-h/image%5B38%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGfnFfyFI/AAAAAAAAAyY/y9U7pRZ9DOU/image_thumb%5B12%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a></p> <p><b>Smiley guide</b> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGY527fDI/AAAAAAAAAxU/Kl9bCjBeRz8/s1600-h/image%5B14%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGZVvpI6I/AAAAAAAAAxY/vt0TJfhf9ZM/image_thumb%5B4%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <br />1 Smiley - Product not really for our family. Probably wouldn’t buy. This really should probably be a frown face but we hate to be negative. <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGaA_QT2I/AAAAAAAAAxc/1Tg42cSaJAE/s1600-h/image%5B17%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGafWeYUI/AAAAAAAAAxg/QVMSE2FpOtI/image_thumb%5B5%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGakLwGEI/AAAAAAAAAxk/4p1aZb5ECx8/s1600-h/image%5B20%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGbHZXhSI/AAAAAAAAAxo/Q2nlaqanjnc/image_thumb%5B6%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <br />2 Smileys - Would maybe buy this product if on sale. Not a great fit for our family. <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGblE56gI/AAAAAAAAAxs/zVVcaDkDaAc/s1600-h/image%5B23%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGcOi2njI/AAAAAAAAAxw/ojJjHGJS26c/image_thumb%5B7%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGcZye2dI/AAAAAAAAAx0/8KCgnmW5oUc/s1600-h/image%5B26%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGcwTcciI/AAAAAAAAAx4/4WJEe-CLw_o/image_thumb%5B8%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGdIcJ3cI/AAAAAAAAAx8/hU1-45Kon1s/s1600-h/image%5B29%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGdVd84BI/AAAAAAAAAyA/Wb35GhAmRV4/image_thumb%5B9%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <br />3 Smileys - We really liked this product and would probably recommend this to friends and fellow homeschoolers. <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGdodlZSI/AAAAAAAAAyE/HFdDMFaC0uk/s1600-h/image%5B32%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGePGcedI/AAAAAAAAAyI/Oqafg8GJASY/image_thumb%5B10%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGeU9g23I/AAAAAAAAAyM/F95YTcahwMY/s1600-h/image%5B35%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGe5W_V8I/AAAAAAAAAyQ/ElHKwMZF2II/image_thumb%5B11%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGfK6hN7I/AAAAAAAAAyU/0NhHV8Yoph8/s1600-h/image%5B38%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGfnFfyFI/AAAAAAAAAyY/y9U7pRZ9DOU/image_thumb%5B12%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGgCh6jJI/AAAAAAAAAyc/Q64jcNMo7mY/s1600-h/image%5B41%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGge8YWsI/AAAAAAAAAyg/llcdWeiZXZw/image_thumb%5B13%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <br />4 – Smileys – Definitely would buy this if the budget would allow. We suggest you check this out to see if it is a fit for your family. <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGgvvKgmI/AAAAAAAAAyk/fnWI4HnucTw/s1600-h/image%5B44%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGh3T1l8I/AAAAAAAAAyo/8v9YJTAbNIg/image_thumb%5B14%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGiLh945I/AAAAAAAAAys/AiDwWRpB_Ws/s1600-h/image%5B47%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGimdiXOI/AAAAAAAAAyw/A1O9jAVd1R8/image_thumb%5B15%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGjIe5bGI/AAAAAAAAAy0/42-vdDX2knY/s1600-h/image%5B50%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGjQekMaI/AAAAAAAAAy4/MIqqp8yjtVs/image_thumb%5B16%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGjkg12XI/AAAAAAAAAy8/SuoAWYtMnWs/s1600-h/image%5B53%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGkB6TX9I/AAAAAAAAAzA/MJ3-aVV2Z7k/image_thumb%5B17%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGkQXkoxI/AAAAAAAAAzE/_yr7Mqlnie4/s1600-h/image%5B56%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGkx_I5gI/AAAAAAAAAzI/iQJrZBAgFRM/image_thumb%5B18%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <br />5 Smileys – Would sell the family pets to get this one (just kidding). A must have for our family and we think you should get it too. <br />Thank you to  Math Mammoth  and <a href="http://www.mosaicreviews.com/">Mosaics Review</a> for the opportunity to try this product.  <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LtBxOfIsQUY/Ucxeb5SDOjI/AAAAAAAACIA/P35cKPisk6o/s1600-h/529707_537063872991803_1913200361_n_%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="529707_537063872991803_1913200361_n_" border="0" alt="529707_537063872991803_1913200361_n_" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wQMV3jUYK5U/Ucxec1E4HDI/AAAAAAAACII/CuzowAFHskU/529707_537063872991803_1913200361_n__thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="106" /></a></p> Loving learning at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11602274723002081895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028804236258876320.post-6275868344190192492013-09-10T11:03:00.001-04:002013-09-10T11:03:12.476-04:00Oh what a proud Mama moment<p>My kids amaze me every day.  I’m not gonna lie.  Sometimes that is a good thing.  </p> <p>Sometimes not so much.  <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EkMZpq5t0is/Ui80qgnPLJI/AAAAAAAACKo/8QVddX1tHPc/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>Being a single mom is a lot harder than I realized it was going to be.  My kids fight all the time  I don’t know if it is their age or our circumstances, but it seems like lately it gets worse every day.  I didn’t appreciate my time I did get to myself before my ex left.  </p> <p>School is rough this year.  We have been doing it for a couple of weeks now.  It has been slow going.  But, we are finally getting on track.  Today, Griffin’s assignment was to write a thank you letter.  It was supposed to be to someone who has done something nice for you.  </p> <p>Well, of course he couldn’t think of anyone.  (HELLO,  MEEEEEEE?)  I didn’t say this, of couse, lol.   </p> <p>So without delay here is my son’s thank you letter.   He hates writing anything so I am pretty impressed that he got more than two sentences down.  </p> <p><font size="4">Dear Chic-Fill-A:</font></p> <p><font size="4">Thank you for the great food at low prices.  I mean, your chicken tastes like it was cooked in God’s oven.  And your fries are like little hashtags of goodness.  You have awesome sweet tea.  Your bathrooms are always clean.  So, I guess I just want to say. . . .  THANK YOU!   </font></p> <p><font size="4">                                                                                    Love, Griffin.</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p>A little smart alec?  Maybe.   It does make me think though.  I never thought about it but their waffle fries do look like little hashtags, lol.   <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-M8INpbMRcuo/Ui80rNJuqUI/AAAAAAAACKw/vAvPHQMwV3I/s1600-h/th%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="th" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="th" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P6tJJ_DfhW0/Ui80rs3WXII/AAAAAAAACK4/SiftPPD8ZXU/th_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="117" height="119" /></a>I’m really glad he didn’t say the chicken is like eating a baby angel (he sometimes does).  </p> <p>Oh, the joys of homeschooling.   I love it.  One of life’s little things that make me smile and realize I am Blessed. </p> <p>Happy Homeschooling.   .</p> Loving learning at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11602274723002081895noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028804236258876320.post-60886159688981699352013-09-07T22:46:00.001-04:002013-09-07T22:46:55.360-04:00A Child’s Geography–Volume III<p><strong>Author:  Terri Johnson</strong></p> <p><strong>Price of Physical Product:  $34.95</strong></p> <p><strong>Price of e-book:  $24.95</strong></p> <p><strong><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_kwiZU4Z3So/UivlAX6knMI/AAAAAAAACJI/thzeFZm445Q/s1600-h/ACG3-Cover-Front%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="ACG3-Cover-Front" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="ACG3-Cover-Front" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-P4BwoXK3hSg/UivlBKYS2OI/AAAAAAAACJQ/Z1OLM-ms_n8/ACG3-Cover-Front_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="170" height="244" /></a></strong></p> <p>My daughter loves geography.  So, needless to say she was excited when I told her we were going to get a geography curriculum to review.  <a href="http://knowledgequestmaps.com/A-Childs-Geography-Explore-the-Classical-World.html">A Child’s Geography</a> Volume III is written by  Terry Johnson and is a great way for younger kids to learn geography in a fun and easy way. </p> <p>The program I received is an e-file which I am beginning to really like because patience is not one of my strong points.  I love getting something as soon as I buy it.   I also like not having to wait for school things because getting new school curriculum is like Christmas around here for us..  You can also get it as a physical book that comes with a CD-rom with some really cool extras on it. </p> <p>This version teaches the Classical World.  It covers Greece, Italy and 9 other countries around the Mediterranean Sea .  This is the area that is said to be the Birthplace of Western Civilization.  Each of the countries have  at least one thing in common—these lands were the center of world power during the Classical Age, from over 2000 BC to AD 500.  I was never very good at Geography.  I have enjoyed learning about these places right along with my kids.  </p> <p>Bella wanted to make a passport so she could keep track of the countries we visit in our studies.  She took a piece of scrapbook paper that said Off we Go and put blank paper inside to write about each country.  She also got stickers for the book.  She loves hands on learning and this helps her remember things quite well. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-840PyaUfL2k/UivlCOR4rtI/AAAAAAAACJY/8STC25DZUWY/s1600-h/104_2130%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="104_2130" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="104_2130" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9YvqcGvmr6A/UivlC5zr8LI/AAAAAAAACJg/4AVkT03Zyis/104_2130_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Like I said, this is the third Volume of <a href="http:// http://knowledgequestmaps.com/A-Childs-Geography-Explore-the-Classical-World.html">A Child’s Geography</a> – Explore the Classical World.   I love that they do not need to be done in order.  </p> <p> The two before it are A Child’s Geography: Explore His Earth and A Child’s Geography: Explore the Holy Land. </p> <p>This is the first we have used but we are really enjoying it and learning a lot so I am planning on doing the other’s with Bella in the future. </p> <p> There will be a study on  The Far East soon, then hopefully Western Europe, the Viking Lands and England and Her Neighbors in the near future.  A Child’s Geography is a GREAT way to study history and geography together in an easily understood and fun way.  </p> <p>If this book is to be used as a year long study, you would do about one chapter every two weeks.  The first week is spent reading the chapter and working on the questions that are included.  The second week is used to do extra projects such as time lines, map labeling, keeping a journal or  even making recipes from the country.   </p> <p>This is intended for grades 1-6 but can be adapted for younger and older children also.  My son is a 9th grader this year and he enjoys listening and learning this as much as my 5th grader.  </p> <p>Things we like about A Child’s Geography: </p> <p>*We love that this is a living history approach to learning.   My kids have always loved to be read to since they were infants.  This has never stopped as they have grown older.  Reading together is some of my favorite memories.  The fact t<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-clGk8al7gQc/UivlDqPUz-I/AAAAAAAACJo/-rZbypeXQ4I/s1600-h/104_2135%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="104_2135" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="104_2135" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KEqq6UhKEDo/UivlEC6TEqI/AAAAAAAACJw/s73l9f7HVn4/104_2135_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="120" height="161" /></a>hat they are learning history and geography while we read is great.   The easy way this teaches while reading exciting, entertaining history is a huge bonus.   </p> <p>* The maps in this curriculum are amazing.  If you have never seen the  maps done by Knowledge Quest  you are definitely missing out.  They do a great job and make maps fun. This picture is taken on my computer so it isn’t great but it shows the bright colors of the maps which Bella loves.   </p> <p>* The Glossary.  I love not having to get out a dictionary while using this.  All of the difficult words are in the glossary right at the end.   In the chapters the pronunciations are also included which helps kids who have a hard time knowing how to say some of these words that they have never read. </p> <p>I always love to try things out before I buy them.  Even though I feel that this is a very affordable and worthy purchase, Knowledge Quest will let you download <strong><a href="http://knowledgequestmaps.com/ACG3-052013-Ch1-3.pdf">chapters 1-3 completely free</a></strong>.  This is enough for you to see if this will be a good fit for your family. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WVXWXc5ixAE/UivlFGa8TsI/AAAAAAAACJ4/maqbSYINUig/s1600-h/998278_10202180607099855_1905607051_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="998278_10202180607099855_1905607051_n" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="998278_10202180607099855_1905607051_n" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Oju_tF2Gmd4/UivlFvoTQhI/AAAAAAAACKA/03JAS8kysI0/998278_10202180607099855_1905607051_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="196" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://knowledgequestmaps.com/"><img title="KQ-LOGO" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="KQ-LOGO" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--1u2WIbpQhk/UivlGQzYrlI/AAAAAAAACKI/uYSzFN4jnFc/KQ-LOGO%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="73" height="75" /></a>Knowledge Quest is having a huge giveaway that is amazing.  Click <a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/7b01ed78/">HERE</a> to enter. </p> <p>This is a list of all you can win:</p> <p>A Child's Geography Volume 3 with Wonders of Old Timeline Book ($59.90)</p> <p>NotebookingPages.com Treasury Membership ($99.95) <br />Philosophy Adventure Physical set ($89.95) <br />Romans, Reformers, Revolutionaries Intro Pack from Diana Waring ($64.95) <br />Writeshop Primary Level (winners choice of A, B, or C) plus Activity Pack plus You Can Write A Story ($51.85) </p> <p>Raising Real Men prize package ($100) Raising Real Men Book, My Beloved and My Friend Book, A Cry From Egypt Book, Boot Camp 9-12, Hero Tales Complete set <br />A Journey Through Learning $50 Gift Certificate <br />3 Months A+ Tutorsoft ($49.95) <br />Lilla Rose (2 Flexi Clips) ($32.00)</p> <p>See The Light (2 DVDs) ($30)</p> <p>King Alfred's English and Baktar (Laurie White) ($25)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-S7jMqJhjx80/UivlG_GnJEI/AAAAAAAACKQ/wGP_OAMcZyk/s1600-h/1157454_10202172847305865_589111085_n%25255B104%25255D.jpg"><img title="1157454_10202172847305865_589111085_n" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1157454_10202172847305865_589111085_n" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BAca_ZLlac8/UivlHfJ9OPI/AAAAAAAACKY/6gfYkf-xhvk/1157454_10202172847305865_589111085_n_thumb%25255B102%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="49" /></a></p> Loving learning at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11602274723002081895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028804236258876320.post-27458916078121376212013-08-11T23:54:00.001-04:002013-08-11T23:54:11.446-04:00Miraculous plans<p>I believe that God has miraculous plans for me.  It seems like I have lost track of that lately.  Because things don’t seem to go the way I plan, I tend to forget about God in all of the ”things” of life.  </p> <p>I have a hard time remembering that God doesn’t promise me only good times.  In fact he doesn’t promise me anything.  Except that if I trust in Him, He will show up.  </p> <p>I have seen miracles.  Now, not the kind of miracles like Jesus performed in the Bible.  But miracles, none the less. </p> <p>When Bella was born we were told she had spina bifida.  This was after at least 5 ultrasounds that came back perfectly normal during my pregnancy.  I can honestly say that was the worst day of my life.  I remember the look on my husband’s face when they told us.  He looked defeated.  Broken.  We were unsure what the future held for us and our newborn little girl.  But, guess what?? </p> <p>We got a miracle.  </p> <p>After being told by surgeons, neonatologists and nurses that our baby had this life altering disease, at around 10:00 pm that evening, her neurosurgeon told us she would be fine.  The hole that was in her back at the base of her spine had nothing to do with her spinal column.  She had surgery to close the hole and she would be as good as new.    I truly believe that God healed my precious baby girl.  Prayers were being said all over the country and God answered. </p> <p>To this day, ten years later, she has not had a single problem from the day she was born when we were told she would never even walk.  </p> <p>She’s perfect.  (Well, not perfect, but you know what I mean.)  She flips, runs and plays like the miracle she is.  My daughter is a blessing.</p> <p>So, see.  I know what a miracle looks like. </p> <p>And I know that God has more of them in store for me and my family.   Even when things get me down, I believe in miracles. </p> <p>I believe that God shows up for me daily in even the little things.  And I praise him for this. </p> <p>He shows up by giving me a family whose unconditional love is more than I could ever ask for.  My family is a blessing. </p> <p>He showed up by giving me a son who loves Jesus more than I could ever hope for.  He’s the real deal.  A teenager who loves God and sn’t afraid to tell or show you.  My son is a blessing. </p> <p>He showed up by giving me a husband who I loved more than anything.  Despite problems and him leaving, I thank God for him daily.  I pray for him every day.  My husband is a blessing. </p> <p>He showed up by providing my every need.   I am blessed more than I deserve. </p> <p>I am waiting for my miraculous moment when God shows me what plan he has in store for me.  I don’t know what it is going to be. </p> <p>But I believe that there is one on the way. </p> <p>A miracle that will leave me saying, “Wow, what a blessing”.  </p> <p>I serve a God who is in the miracle business.  I will wait patiently for him to show up.  Again. </p> Loving learning at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11602274723002081895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028804236258876320.post-72663428394976323862013-06-29T10:25:00.001-04:002013-07-24T21:26:45.409-04:00Call Me Crazy . . . . . . .<p>I am sitting in my mom and dad’s motorhome riding down the road going 65 miles an hour writing on my laptop.  Man, I love technology.  </p> <p>I haven’t had much time to write on my blog lately.  Life has been so incredibly busy. </p> <p>Hectic. </p> <p>Crazy chaotic. </p> <p>Not only have I not had time to stop and write on here.  I feel like I haven’t had time for God like I should.  </p> <p>I have been re-reading the book Crazy Love by Frances Chan.  I highly recommend this book.  I remember when I read it the first time it I was going to change.  I was going to be what Jesus wanted me to.  Love others like Jesus.  Give God all the Glory</p> <p>Once again, life got in the way.  Actually I got in the way.  I blame things on other people, not enough time, too much stress. </p> <p>Being brutally honest here.  I AM THE PROBLEM.  No one is to blame for anything I do except me.   </p> <p>If I want to fix my problems, I have to focus on <font size="6">GOD MORE </font><font size="3">and me less.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Here I am again sitting writing on my laptop, listening to my old school ipod (which I love way better than my Iphone or Ipod touch) and looking up things using my 3G on my Iphone.  What did I do before Google?  Oh I know. </font></p> <p><font size="3">I read.  My Bible.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">Books about </font><font size="3"><font size="3">Jesus.  Books about love.  Books about kids.  I never read anymore if it isn’t something to do with school for the kids.  I miss reading.  I love it.  There is so  much to learn about life from other’s perspectives. </font></font></p> <p><font size="3">I am going to share an essay written by a 12 year named Brooke Bronkowski. </font></p> <p><font size="3">SINCE I HAVE MY LIFE BEFORE ME</font></p> <p><font size="3"><em>I’ll live my life to the fullest.  I’ll be happy.  I’ll brighten up.  I will be more  joyful than I have ever been..  I will be kind to others.  I will loosen up.  I will tell others about Christ.   I will go on adventures and change the world.  I will be bold and not change who I really am.  I will have no troubles but instead help others with their troubles. </em></font></p> <p><em><font size="3">You see, I’ll be one of those people who live to be history makers at a young age.  Oh, I’ll have moments, good and bad, but I will wipe away the bad and only remember the good.  In fact, that’s all I remember, just good moments, nothing in between, just living my life to the fullest. I’ll be one of those people who go somewhere with a mission, an awesome plan, a world-changing plan, and nothing will hold me back.  I’ll set an example for others, I will pray for direction.</font></em></p> <p><em><font size="3">I have my life before me.  I will give others the joy I have and God will give me more joy.  I will do everything God tells me to do.  I will follow the footsteps of God.  I will do my best!!!</font></em></p> <p><font size="3">Brooke died two years later at the age of 14 in a car accident.  You see, she didn’t have a long life.  But she did impact thousands of people.  She bought Bibles to give to people who didn’t know Jesus.  She had them in her garage.   At her funeral over 200 people gave their lives to Jesus.  She impacted her little part of the world for good.  At the age of 12</font>.  </p> <p><font size="3">Wow What is my excuse for not impacting my little part of the world for good?  The only thing I want to be said about me when I am gone is that I lived like Jesus.  That I loved others when no one else did.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">Now don’t get me wrong..  You can love others without letting them step on you.  Been there.  Done that.  I love everyone.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">I mean eve</font>ryone.</p> <p>My soon to be ex-husband.  Yep, I love him. </p> <p>The girl who I said I hated in school.  Love her. </p> <p>The guy who just cut us off and we had to slam on the brakes because of, causing my laptop to mess up.  Love him.</p> <p>The girl who stole the one thing I thought was secure in my life,  I love her.  </p> <p>I also pity her.  She completely gave herself up for something that in God’s eyes can never belong to her.  I see that as her loss.  Not mine.  </p> <p>Just because I love these people does NOT mean I have to let them in my life..   I am a firm believer that you tend to rub off on people.  Usually the bad rubs off so I strive to have more good to rub off on people.   I have seen first hand that friends overlook things.  </p> <p>Let me tell you something..  If you are my friend and I know you are sleeping with a married person, I will not be hanging out with both of you together on the weekend.  Don’t think God wants me to do that.  I still love you.  But I will never condone your wrong choices.  Never. </p> <p>In saying that, please don’t condone mine either.  </p> <p>No matter what I will chose JOY.  (Jesus, others, you).  </p> <p>Years after reading Crazy Love, here I sit, stating again that I want that kind of love for Jesus.  I want you to think I’m crazy.  </p> <p>I mean totally crazy.  For Jesus.  </p> <p>The fact that I have the rest of my life excites me.  </p> <p>But.  At any moment that could end.   Today..  Tomorrow.  Ten years from now. </p> <p>It doesn’t matter..  I’m going to strive to live like Brooke.  I will be happy.  I will give that happiness away and God will give me more.   I will do my best.  </p> <p>All for JESUS.  </p> <p>Join  me and we can make the world a better place.  One little person, who is just a very small second of God’s universe, trying to share His LOVE. </p> <p>God loves you.   And so do I. </p> Loving learning at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11602274723002081895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028804236258876320.post-89441546814970108962013-06-27T11:47:00.001-04:002013-06-27T11:47:10.144-04:00Classical Historian–Mosaic Review<p>History was never my favorite subject in school.  I hated trying to remember all of those dates and names.  </p> <p>B.O.R.I.N.G.</p> <p>I wanted to make sure that my kids don’t feel the same way.  So we have never learned history the “normal” way.  In turn, they love it.  And I have learned to love it also.</p> <p>So, I was pretty excited to get the Classical Historian to review.   We got several items to try..  Some we liked, others not so much. </p> <p>First there was the Ancient History Go Fish Game.   You get four different ways to play.  There is no age limit so it’s great for the entire family.  We love games that everyone can play.   These are very well made and easy to read.  They seem like they will last a long time.  My kids liked reading them, although they didn’t really enjoy playing the games.   It doesn’t make any difference to me how they learn, just that they do.   You can order these for only $11.95.  Pretty decent price for a very well made game.</p> <p>We also received the Modern American History Course.  This came with lots of goodies.  It uses a 5 step way of teaching.  </p> <p>Here’s what I received:</p> <p>The Socratic Discussion in History (textbook)</p> <p>Take A Stand Modern American History (this is a reading/writing/and discussion book)</p> <p>Teachers Guide</p> <p>DVD set</p> <p>(There is also a reading book which I did not receive but it is included when you purchase. </p> <p>As stated in the title,  this uses the Classical Approach.  Our family has never been fond of this because of the Latin part.  These books seem very easy to use.  I am going to definitely use the essay questions that are included.  We have really not been very good about this yet but with Griffin starting high school, I know it is important. </p> <p>I love the DVD’s that teach for me.   I always have people say, “How will you teach your kids the stuff you don’t know”.  I want to reply, “Hello, DVD’s.”.  <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" style="border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none" alt="Smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8nWyFAHdkQc/UcxeamD_CNI/AAAAAAAACH4/S6KldFh7oxM/wlEmoticon-smile2.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>I do think the DVD set at $179.99 is pretty expensive.  You do get all of the items.   If you use the classical education type it is probably not that bad.  I have paid more for curriculum so it is just if it is in your budget.   Lessons are short and easy to follow.   </p> <p>There are two other options including Ancient and American history for grades 6-8 and Modern World and Government.  The other reviewers received these and you can read their reviews on the site. </p> <div align="center">Our family gives Classial Historian (Only due to the price)</div> <div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGdodlZSI/AAAAAAAAAyE/HFdDMFaC0uk/s1600-h/image%5B32%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGePGcedI/AAAAAAAAAyI/Oqafg8GJASY/image_thumb%5B10%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGeU9g23I/AAAAAAAAAyM/F95YTcahwMY/s1600-h/image%5B35%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGe5W_V8I/AAAAAAAAAyQ/ElHKwMZF2II/image_thumb%5B11%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGfK6hN7I/AAAAAAAAAyU/0NhHV8Yoph8/s1600-h/image%5B38%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGfnFfyFI/AAAAAAAAAyY/y9U7pRZ9DOU/image_thumb%5B12%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGfK6hN7I/AAAAAAAAAyU/0NhHV8Yoph8/s1600-h/image%5B38%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGfnFfyFI/AAAAAAAAAyY/y9U7pRZ9DOU/image_thumb%5B12%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a></div> <b>Smiley guide</b> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGY527fDI/AAAAAAAAAxU/Kl9bCjBeRz8/s1600-h/image%5B14%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGZVvpI6I/AAAAAAAAAxY/vt0TJfhf9ZM/image_thumb%5B4%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <br />1 Smiley - Product not really for our family. Probably wouldn’t buy. This really should probably be a frown face but we hate to be negative. <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGaA_QT2I/AAAAAAAAAxc/1Tg42cSaJAE/s1600-h/image%5B17%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGafWeYUI/AAAAAAAAAxg/QVMSE2FpOtI/image_thumb%5B5%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGakLwGEI/AAAAAAAAAxk/4p1aZb5ECx8/s1600-h/image%5B20%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGbHZXhSI/AAAAAAAAAxo/Q2nlaqanjnc/image_thumb%5B6%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <br />2 Smileys - Would maybe buy this product if on sale. Not a great fit for our family. <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGblE56gI/AAAAAAAAAxs/zVVcaDkDaAc/s1600-h/image%5B23%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGcOi2njI/AAAAAAAAAxw/ojJjHGJS26c/image_thumb%5B7%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGcZye2dI/AAAAAAAAAx0/8KCgnmW5oUc/s1600-h/image%5B26%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGcwTcciI/AAAAAAAAAx4/4WJEe-CLw_o/image_thumb%5B8%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGdIcJ3cI/AAAAAAAAAx8/hU1-45Kon1s/s1600-h/image%5B29%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGdVd84BI/AAAAAAAAAyA/Wb35GhAmRV4/image_thumb%5B9%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <br />3 Smileys - We really liked this product and would probably recommend this to friends and fellow homeschoolers. <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGdodlZSI/AAAAAAAAAyE/HFdDMFaC0uk/s1600-h/image%5B32%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGePGcedI/AAAAAAAAAyI/Oqafg8GJASY/image_thumb%5B10%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGeU9g23I/AAAAAAAAAyM/F95YTcahwMY/s1600-h/image%5B35%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGe5W_V8I/AAAAAAAAAyQ/ElHKwMZF2II/image_thumb%5B11%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGfK6hN7I/AAAAAAAAAyU/0NhHV8Yoph8/s1600-h/image%5B38%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGfnFfyFI/AAAAAAAAAyY/y9U7pRZ9DOU/image_thumb%5B12%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGgCh6jJI/AAAAAAAAAyc/Q64jcNMo7mY/s1600-h/image%5B41%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGge8YWsI/AAAAAAAAAyg/llcdWeiZXZw/image_thumb%5B13%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <br />4 – Smileys – Definitely would buy this if the budget would allow. We suggest you check this out to see if it is a fit for your family. <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGgvvKgmI/AAAAAAAAAyk/fnWI4HnucTw/s1600-h/image%5B44%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGh3T1l8I/AAAAAAAAAyo/8v9YJTAbNIg/image_thumb%5B14%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGiLh945I/AAAAAAAAAys/AiDwWRpB_Ws/s1600-h/image%5B47%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGimdiXOI/AAAAAAAAAyw/A1O9jAVd1R8/image_thumb%5B15%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGjIe5bGI/AAAAAAAAAy0/42-vdDX2knY/s1600-h/image%5B50%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGjQekMaI/AAAAAAAAAy4/MIqqp8yjtVs/image_thumb%5B16%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGjkg12XI/AAAAAAAAAy8/SuoAWYtMnWs/s1600-h/image%5B53%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGkB6TX9I/AAAAAAAAAzA/MJ3-aVV2Z7k/image_thumb%5B17%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGkQXkoxI/AAAAAAAAAzE/_yr7Mqlnie4/s1600-h/image%5B56%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGkx_I5gI/AAAAAAAAAzI/iQJrZBAgFRM/image_thumb%5B18%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <br />5 Smileys – Would sell the family pets to get this one (just kidding). A must have for our family and we think you should get it too. <br />Thank you to  Classical Historian  and <a href="http://www.mosaicreviews.com/">Mosaics Review</a> for the opportunity to try this product.  <br />                                                                            <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LtBxOfIsQUY/Ucxeb5SDOjI/AAAAAAAACIA/P35cKPisk6o/s1600-h/529707_537063872991803_1913200361_n_%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="529707_537063872991803_1913200361_n_" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="529707_537063872991803_1913200361_n_" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wQMV3jUYK5U/Ucxec1E4HDI/AAAAAAAACII/CuzowAFHskU/529707_537063872991803_1913200361_n__thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="106" /></a> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>D</p> Loving learning at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11602274723002081895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028804236258876320.post-4363902609118184192013-06-19T00:31:00.001-04:002013-06-19T00:31:40.360-04:00How do we know God is really there–Mosaic Review<p><a href="http://www.apologia.com/">Apologia</a> is one of my favorite places to get books from.   They carry terrific homeschool curriculum along with books that the everyday family can use.  </p> <p>I was asked to review the book <a href="http://http://shop.apologia.com/books/367-how-do-we-know-god-is-really-there-.html">How do we know God is Really there?</a> by Melissa Cain Travis as part of the Mosaic Review team.  It is illustrated by Christopher Voss. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YSa-zf8FxIY/UcE0A5emztI/AAAAAAAACHQ/5JuM8GZrqn4/s1600-h/how-do-we-know-god-is-really-there-2.jpg"><img title="how-do-we-know-god-is-really-there-" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="how-do-we-know-god-is-really-there-" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_Y7AEHfuHmQ/UcE0BU-qCDI/AAAAAAAACHY/W46jhY9Ci8Y/how-do-we-know-god-is-really-there-_.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="224" /></a></p> <p>This is a simple story book that explains how the universe came to be as told by a little boy’s father.  Thomas and his Dad are looking in the night sky at Saturn when Thomas asks his Dad the question: “Dad, how do we know God is out there?”  </p> <p>Our family has always went to church.  Our kids have grown up in church.  In spite of this, both of them have asked this same question, if not in the exact same words, pretty close.   </p> <p>Mommy, how do I know God is real?  Because I said so or because the Bible says so  really doesn’t cut it when you are talking to a child.   They want to know more.  </p> <p>This book goes into detail a little more and includes science in the answer.  It explains about how Hubble and discovered that the planets are moving away from each other.   It also explains how the Bible fits in all of the science parts.   It tells how things cannot come from nothing.  Now to me that seems pretty simple, right?  But to a child it can be pretty complicated.  This book helps explain it in a way a child can understand a little better. </p> <p>I love that this comes from a Biblical view.  This would make a great gift for anyone who has little kids.   I do childcare in my home.  I’m not sure if one of the little boys goes to church or not.  This has made me think about the little time I have to influence his life.  I am only with him a few hours each week but I try to teach him about God.  I think this book will be excellent to read to him.  I always say things like, “We do this or that because it makes Jesus happy”.  I don’t even know if he hears about Jesus except for when he is here.   I want him to know that the world really was made by God.   </p> <p>The book is hardback and like everything I have ever gotten from Apologia, is very well made.   The pages are thick and seem like they would hold up well.   The only thing I didn’t really care for were the pictures.  I guess this is because I have seen some amazing illustrations in books and these seem a little silly to me. I am sure little ones would enjoy them but this mama found them childish in a cartoonish way.  Not really a bad thing, just not my thing. </p> <p>I highly recommend this book for every family.  You never know when someone is going to ask, How do we know God is really there.  Because my children are older, I am giving this book as a shower gift for my cousin’s new baby.  I know it will bless their family.  You can get your own copy for only $16.  If you would like to see a sample click <a href="http://shop.apologia.com/books/367-how-do-we-know-god-is-really-there-.html">here.</a>   </p> <p>You can see this book and all the other great items Apologia has at their website :  <a href="http://www.apologia.com">www.apologia.com</a>. </p> <p align="center">Our family gives How do we know God is really there?</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGdodlZSI/AAAAAAAAAyE/HFdDMFaC0uk/s1600-h/image%5B32%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGePGcedI/AAAAAAAAAyI/Oqafg8GJASY/image_thumb%5B10%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGeU9g23I/AAAAAAAAAyM/F95YTcahwMY/s1600-h/image%5B35%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGe5W_V8I/AAAAAAAAAyQ/ElHKwMZF2II/image_thumb%5B11%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGfK6hN7I/AAAAAAAAAyU/0NhHV8Yoph8/s1600-h/image%5B38%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGfnFfyFI/AAAAAAAAAyY/y9U7pRZ9DOU/image_thumb%5B12%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGfK6hN7I/AAAAAAAAAyU/0NhHV8Yoph8/s1600-h/image%5B38%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGfnFfyFI/AAAAAAAAAyY/y9U7pRZ9DOU/image_thumb%5B12%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a></p> <p><b>Smiley guide</b> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGY527fDI/AAAAAAAAAxU/Kl9bCjBeRz8/s1600-h/image%5B14%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGZVvpI6I/AAAAAAAAAxY/vt0TJfhf9ZM/image_thumb%5B4%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <br />1 Smiley - Product not really for our family. Probably wouldn’t buy. This really should probably be a frown face but we hate to be negative. <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGaA_QT2I/AAAAAAAAAxc/1Tg42cSaJAE/s1600-h/image%5B17%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGafWeYUI/AAAAAAAAAxg/QVMSE2FpOtI/image_thumb%5B5%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGakLwGEI/AAAAAAAAAxk/4p1aZb5ECx8/s1600-h/image%5B20%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGbHZXhSI/AAAAAAAAAxo/Q2nlaqanjnc/image_thumb%5B6%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <br />2 Smileys - Would maybe buy this product if on sale. Not a great fit for our family. <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGblE56gI/AAAAAAAAAxs/zVVcaDkDaAc/s1600-h/image%5B23%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGcOi2njI/AAAAAAAAAxw/ojJjHGJS26c/image_thumb%5B7%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGcZye2dI/AAAAAAAAAx0/8KCgnmW5oUc/s1600-h/image%5B26%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGcwTcciI/AAAAAAAAAx4/4WJEe-CLw_o/image_thumb%5B8%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGdIcJ3cI/AAAAAAAAAx8/hU1-45Kon1s/s1600-h/image%5B29%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGdVd84BI/AAAAAAAAAyA/Wb35GhAmRV4/image_thumb%5B9%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <br />3 Smileys - We really liked this product and would probably recommend this to friends and fellow homeschoolers. <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGdodlZSI/AAAAAAAAAyE/HFdDMFaC0uk/s1600-h/image%5B32%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGePGcedI/AAAAAAAAAyI/Oqafg8GJASY/image_thumb%5B10%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGeU9g23I/AAAAAAAAAyM/F95YTcahwMY/s1600-h/image%5B35%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGe5W_V8I/AAAAAAAAAyQ/ElHKwMZF2II/image_thumb%5B11%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGfK6hN7I/AAAAAAAAAyU/0NhHV8Yoph8/s1600-h/image%5B38%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGfnFfyFI/AAAAAAAAAyY/y9U7pRZ9DOU/image_thumb%5B12%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGgCh6jJI/AAAAAAAAAyc/Q64jcNMo7mY/s1600-h/image%5B41%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGge8YWsI/AAAAAAAAAyg/llcdWeiZXZw/image_thumb%5B13%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <br />4 – Smileys – Definitely would buy this if the budget would allow. We suggest you check this out to see if it is a fit for your family. <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGgvvKgmI/AAAAAAAAAyk/fnWI4HnucTw/s1600-h/image%5B44%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGh3T1l8I/AAAAAAAAAyo/8v9YJTAbNIg/image_thumb%5B14%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGiLh945I/AAAAAAAAAys/AiDwWRpB_Ws/s1600-h/image%5B47%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGimdiXOI/AAAAAAAAAyw/A1O9jAVd1R8/image_thumb%5B15%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGjIe5bGI/AAAAAAAAAy0/42-vdDX2knY/s1600-h/image%5B50%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGjQekMaI/AAAAAAAAAy4/MIqqp8yjtVs/image_thumb%5B16%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGjkg12XI/AAAAAAAAAy8/SuoAWYtMnWs/s1600-h/image%5B53%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGkB6TX9I/AAAAAAAAAzA/MJ3-aVV2Z7k/image_thumb%5B17%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGkQXkoxI/AAAAAAAAAzE/_yr7Mqlnie4/s1600-h/image%5B56%5D.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wJLs9Fs_o54/TESGkx_I5gI/AAAAAAAAAzI/iQJrZBAgFRM/image_thumb%5B18%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="22" height="22" /></a> <br />5 Smileys – Would sell the family pets to get this one (just kidding). A must have for our family and we think you should get it too. <br /></p> <p>Thank you to Apologia and <a href="http://www.mosaicreviews.com/">Mosaics Review</a> for the opportunity to try this product.  Also please check out what the other reviewers had to say about this book at <a href="http://www.mosaicreview.com/">Mosaics Review</a>.                                                                             </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-93HqOtLeMRI/UcE0Bl3UW8I/AAAAAAAACHg/a6wkx6LyyC0/s1600-h/529707_537063872991803_1913200361_n_%25255B2%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="529707_537063872991803_1913200361_n_[2]" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="529707_537063872991803_1913200361_n_[2]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mJR4ri5HrPg/UcE0CCWFhJI/AAAAAAAACHo/GBNE1hZrkjI/529707_537063872991803_1913200361_n_%25255B2%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="106" /></a></p> Loving learning at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11602274723002081895noreply@blogger.com1