REIVEW: Read For the Heart

Read For the Heart

by Sarah Clarkson
Website: HERE!
Ages: Teens-Adult
Price: $17.00 Softcover  
I say: Great resource!

I received Read For the Heart by Sarah Clarkson as part of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Crew review program in exchange for my honest opinions without monetary compensation. My opinions are my own.

If you want the INSIDE SCOOP in great reads for your child and a better shot at aiming them at greats literary works for their heart and mind, Read For the Heart is a wonderful resource.  It's really a good road map to navigate parents into the expertise of guiding children though good books...and what skill is more crucial to success in life than reading? A love of books and reading can transform the soul~the understanding and ability to absorb~to really gain from a good read is invaluable..and this is what's at the core of this book...a guide/roadmap/lead into books for children. 

You can check out a sample chapter HERE where you can see how this volume is laid out...It's not an overwhelming read, but one that will inspire you to pick up these wonderful books and snuggle up with your child for walking in the world of imagination...Little can so inspire us...and you just may find yourself hunting down some of the books as you go along~adding them to lesson plans~finding ways to make reading a bigger part of your life!  Great books can so inspire us to want to read them...ever pick up a book and not be able to put it down?? Oh yes, SisterT has done this many many times...

You can even check out the sample chapter, The Golden Age Classics ad see for yourself the beauty of this book~It's definitely one great resource for any homeschool family~Wish I had had it when mine were much younger...what help it would have been...oh yes!

Go ck out what the CREW is saying           !

REVIEW: Out Live Your LIfe by Max Lucado (Jacketed Hardcover Ed)

jacketed hardcover ed.

I received a copy of this book as a member of Book Sneeze in exchange for my honest opinions without monetary compensation.  My opinions are my own.

If you love Max Lucado OR inspirational reading Out Live Your Life ~You Were Made to Make a Difference is just for you!  Filled with faith to action inspirational stories, the master storyteller, Max Lucado weaves a thought provoking call to make a lasting impact on the world~Your world and mine in this latest hard cover book.  I found the stories he recounts of his life and the spiritual lessons of giving in such a way as to affect the world moving and urging me to do more~for God and people who I come across.  This isn't a hard read and it has Scripture woven throughout. 

I recommend  Out Live Your Life ~You Were Made to Make a Difference as a great read to open our eyes to God's mission in our lives~to leave a lasting eternal legacy of WHAT MATTERS~

Ck out Amazon OR Thomas Nelson to purchase your copy today!

REVIEW: Kid Scoop's Reluctant Reader Solution

Kid Scoop's Reluctant Reader Solution~

Ages: 1-6th grades

WEB:  HERE

PRICE:  $97 with 365 Day~Unconditional Money Back Guarantee

I say: Very useful to encourage reading with real life information and fun!

I received a download Kid Scoop's Reluctant Reader Solution as part of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Crew review team in exchange for my honest opinions without monetary compensation. My opinions are my own.

 Reading is a great skill and the GREATEST academic skill besides a love for learning we can give our children!  Strong reading skills are a huge asset! And being a reluctant reader~a struggling reader is a challenge for a child. I know. My son is a struggling reader. Over the years, I have worked more phonics and speech with him~and my daughter~literally a speed reader and tonight she's showing me a site where she's practicing reading upwards of 1K per minute...I AM NOT kidding! But to let you know, I researched that the average reader for a teen is about 250 wpm....READING IS A MUST~literacy skills are one of the keys to a good future~Are you building that future for your child working with their reading skills? 

Kid Scoop is dedicated to enhancing kid's learning with activities, games, puzzles and all kinds of pencil grabbers to get kids to WANT to learn and to READ...  "Kid Scoop believes kids want to learn and that learning is fun!" The Site has a vast array of resources to make it fun for a kid and easier for parents! If you have a reluctant, struggling reader, help is here~

Kid Scoop's Reluctant Reader Solution is a program of downloads that are a combination of reading activities, stories and fun in activity sets according to theme and ability.  Included are 365 fun Kid Scoop worksheets in sets of 5,6 or 7 by theme or chronology~these are awesome and are categorized by theme with a calendar or by chronology with a table of contents.  These work to get a kid who is having trouble to LOVE reading~with downloadable Kid Scoop News Online (12 issues)  and also the Fun Sheets! There are lesson plans included on the website to use the newspapers and also many other resources that you will want to investigate on the Kid Scoop site that are categorized by user~

The Kid Scoop News Online is a download beautifully illustrated 20 page action packed curiosity builder READ for your child~ha! The January issue even perked my interest PROMISING in Feb to TELL~how lead gets into pencils~HA HA! I wanna know, and I bet most kids want to know, too! There are jokes and riddles and challenges of ALL kinds~Definitely NOT boring!

The topics are:
backpacks
baseball
bees
big food
blooming creative
bubblegum
budgeting
butterflies
Cinco de Mayo
Clay day
Columbus Day

There are 365 topics with activities like word search, writing exercises and more!

The method to teach with these is to use the ADR method:
A~Ask questions about the content~let the things there perk your child's interest!
D~Do~let your child do the worksheet and look at the newspaper~let draw your child in...
R~Review the information on the page to reinforce learning~

Newspapers is the area where one can access the information about the Kid Scoop News which is a great tool for teachers, but also is included in many publications across the US as an enhancement for children. Let's face it, anything done to encourage kids to read HAS to be good, and I like Kid Scoop for its content as well as layout~it is appealing to kids! You can see an example:

These Kid Scoop News content can appeal to different learners~a younger child version which is My Kid Scoop, Spanish version as well as a regular version with a sample VIEW . There's also The Scoop, A Blog for Newspapers for those wishing to discuss Newspapers in Eduction to chat with Mrs. Whitting concerning Kid Scoop use in publications~this is very cool~a cool way to get kids and their parents READING! I love it!! You won't be disappointed with the resources available~HERE!  To access these, you will need to sign up for a free account ;-))

You can sign up for Make Reading FUN Daily eTip to help you know what to do to teach your child~With loads of resources, you will want to have your child  Sign Up for a free Kids Scoop E-Scoop Newsletter just loaded with fun learning teasers!  There are more FREE resources in theWebliography area where there have been collected many many FREE resources on various topics such as animals, craft projects, financial literacy, character education, government, history, language arts...Oh my! THIS IS a very cool resource! I like that there are professional websites as well as some blogger type sites with information on them which represents an array of knowledge! I like that they are really organized in a colorful and cheerful way too~easy to navigate! That's soo helpful to me!

In all, Kid Scoop Reluctant Reader Solution is a great add on to a reading program for a child who might be a bit older who would appreciate some fun, but who is struggling OR for the younger child who is advanced beyond Dick and Jane.   As you can see, they are loaded with images and are really engaging!

Go   to see what the Crew is saying! Thanks for stopping by and let me know what you think! ;-))

REVIEW: The Curosity Files~QuickSand

The Curiosity Files:  Quicksand

Explorations with Professor Ana Lyze, Expert in Outlandish OdditiesWebsite:  HERE  (You can purchase this series in bundles too for a discounted price per study!)
Ages: K-HS, but I think that fourth-fifth grades boys would LOVE it!
Cost: $6.95
I say: Unique fun unit study!

I received a copy of Curiosity Files QuickSand by The Old Schoolhouse Magazine as part of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine's Crew review team for my honest opinions without monetary compensation.  My opinions are my own.

I have encountered QUICKSAND and I never knew it until I read this Curiosity Files unit study!  Having grown up around marsh and beaches, I had no idea just what quicksand is, but found that I just couldn't put down Curiosity Files: Quicksand because it is written in such an interesting way~

HOLD YOUR HAT!

The Curiosity Files: Quicksand is a version of The Old Schoolhouse Magazines' newest line of unit studies for kids ALL ages~a whopping 80 pages that includes a very well written narrative and all kinds of activities for learning about quicksand.  There are alternative titles and if you are CURIOS, the subjects are actually listed in the essay subject suggestions area or of course, you can ck out the website, The Schoolhouse StoreHERE!

INSIDE:

Narrative
Bible Study
Games
Copy Work
Recreations
Safety Tips
Geography
MORE~

Basically EVERYTHING you could ever think about to learn of QUICKSAND is right in this The Curiosity Files: Quicksand!  You won't be disappointed~and what's really neat is that you can purchase this online and do an immediate download~You will need a printer but the study is set up totally interactive!  Pretty COOL~

I like it~There are extensions for high schoolers such as an enhanced vocabulary list and activities.  I can see that there are some solid offerings for young learners too, but overall, to get the biggest bulk of the information and use, I think a 4-5th grade boy would just LOVE quicksand! This format of these unit studies is to peak the curiosity and interest of kids about unusual and unique stuff~It does that~FUN!

Head             to read about a variety of Curiosity Files that the CREW chose to review!

Review and GiveAway: MOST~the film: THE BRIDGE

MOST~"The Bridge"

Website:  HERE
Ages:  teens-adult
Release Date: March 1, 2011
I say: Inspiring!

I received Most from Propeller as part of a review team in exchange for my honest opinions without monetary compensation. My views are my own.

MOST is a Czech Republic made and voiced film whose title means The Bridge with subtitles.  Not to spoil this for you, let me say that this 33 minutes will get you on the edge of your seat and nearly in tears.  Be aware that there are adult themes within the film as people with ordinary and extraordinary lives is shown.  Nothing racy in this film, but not suitable for young children.  I was moved by the acting of the character of the father~there are subtitles mostly, but the film moves in such a way that if you didn't read them it is still clearly understandable.

When the climax has occurred, and I began to settle myself just a bit~it became clear to me that there is meaning much deeper than what is simply viewed on screen~a picture of God, the Father and His love for ordinary and extraordinary people alike and how this love impacts them~NO SPOILER HERE!
You gotta watch this one~yourself!



Good new~I get to give one away to a fortunate reader:

Let's end this one on Mar 1st 11:59PM EST~
Leave me a comment telling me WHO you love~

For extra entries:
5~Share my giveaway on your blog, Facebook or twitter~be sure and leave me a link on each separate entry.
5~ BIG ONES~grab my widget or button and put on your blog~Leave me a link telling me you did on five separate entries
1 ~Join my friends list by Google Friend Connect or Linked Blogs~thanks very much!
1~Like on Facebook (click the Website link above and you'll be there! ;-))

Thanks for stopping and entering. I believe you will be blessed!

REVIEW: True Treasures 10 Yrs Of TEACH Magazine

True Treasures 10 Yrs Of TEACH Magazine

compiled by Mrs. Lorie Flem
Website:  HERE
 Price:  $19.97  order your copy before 5-31-11 get $4 OFF/code: GabbyMom 
I say: Instant encouragement!

I received True Treasures From TEACH Magazine as part of The Gabby Moms review team for my honest opinions without monetary compensation. My opinions are my own.

 Need a little lift?  Want THE BEST of THE BEST of TEACH Magazine? How about a CUT to the CHASE of what TEACH soon to be called Eternal Encouragement (FREE SAMPLE) has to offer?  Grab a copy of True Treasures  for it's just that, a rare gem and FIT FOR A QUEEN! I found myself glued within its pages reading to satisfy my otherwise burned out-fried soul~There's some great stuff in this short read, and I'd have to encourage you to read and then go back~read it again. This is a book that is so rich, it could take some time to work on your heart~it did mine!

This is a softcover bound book has six divisions with articles within each to bring warmth to the heart. I particularly enjoyed the homemaking and marriage sections. What ENCOURAGEMENT!

HERE are some article samples and the index~

Head on over HERE to read what other GabbyMOMS are saying! woot!

INTERESTED IN A GiveAway? Head HERE! (Ends 1/31/11)

REVIEW: Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary For Kids

Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary For Kids

Age:  3rd-up (possibly adults with little knowledge~the format and color would make less intimidating.)
Web:  Lifeway StoresPrice: $14.99
I say: I truly love it~This is a wonderful resource MUST HAVE for a good introductory study of the Bible for children and up.

I received the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary For Kids as part of The Old Schoolhouse CREW review team in exchange for my honest opinions without monetary compensation. My opinions are my own.

Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary For Kids ~

This is a beautiful hardback book with 212 pages with really cool features to teach children the historical and practical information to unlock the Bible for them.  My teens think it's a great resource for kids, and I find it useful too in teaching the Bible. The format and layout~by alphabet is a very good way to find just what I need.  The features include:

• Reconstructions~like a drawing of NT Rome. Very coool!
• Illustrated Charts~like Foods in Bible Times:  Do you want to try something 'different'? Ever eat a fig?
• Charts~The Apostles: I'm teaching about them right now in Youth Group @ church~sooo useful!
• Entries~The KJV Bible is used in the defining and descriptions of each subject defined.
• Pronunciation Guide~Ever wonder just HOW to say those funky names? Here's a great resource!
• Photographs~My fave part~ACTUAL beautiful color photos~This feature alone makes this book AWESOME!
• Realistic Illustrations~Drawn pictures of the Bible stories to depict ACTUAL HISTORY~woot! No kiddiefied stuff here!
• Definitions~Bio info about the REAL PPL of the BIBLE~HISTORY has COME TO LIFE!

 Each topic/subject is catagorized by alphabet.  All A, B, C stuff is together so it's easy for little hands.  What an awesome resource for anyone teaching or learning the Bible YOUNG AND OLD alike! Kids of ALL ages will benefit. I find the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary For Kids useful for every level.  Your kids will love it~and what better way to deepen their Bible knowledge than with a beautifully written full color resource that they can definitely understand.  Of course, there can be more study added to the topics, but it's not overly simplified what is here~soo why NOT begin with a great many facts and continue to build their knowledge?  

Read           to see what the rest of the CREW is saying~ 

Review: See N Read: Reading Tools

SEE N READ~Reading Tools

See-N-Read.com
Ages:  Preschool and up
Price: $2.99-3.49 (mulitiples and combo pricing available) $29.99 for eSee-N-Read
I say: very useful for a struggling reader with tracking issues.

I received three See-N-Read tools as part of The Old Schoolhouse Crew review group in exchange for my honest opinion without monetary compensation.

I had a struggling reader, that despite his improved fluency, does not like to read much at all even now.  But had I been introduced to See-Read Memory Mark(s) and the computer aid eSee-N-Read our struggles could have been decreased. My son had tracking difficulties that led to fluency issues that made reading a torture in his younger days of learning to read.  Way back when, this mama tried all kinds of stuff~but honestly nothing really fixed our issues~I cut a hole in a note card so that he was not distracted or taken off the line as his eyes learned to scan the printed page and we could attack the words one at a time~what a nice product and so handy for these issues.  It's a thick plastic glare resistant file card side tool that has a clear line where someone with this problem can view just what line or groups of words or numbers they are tying to read~this is awesome!  There are a couple of sizes available and you can even write on these so your child can have his own personalized if you have several in the family using them.  The anti glare is a gray-blue tone, and the window is clear to highlight small amounts of standard text so a child isn't overwhelmed by tracking and decoding~this is a win-win situation!

Benefits include:

reduces eye strain
the color is least distracting for people according to ophthalmology research
reduces line skipping
reduces word jumping
reduces pattern glace



These little reading tools are well worth trying if your child is a struggling reader like mine was~

Products Available:

MemoryMark™ book size reading tool (5.5 inch X 3 inch) for smaller-size books and reading materials
MemoryMark™ document size reading tool (8.5 inch X 3 inch) for full-size books, documents and reading materials
eSee-N-Read™ electronic Reading and Instruction Tool for PCs~ From the website:
...an electronic version of our top-selling See-N-Read® Reading Tool. It is designed to enhance reading on personal computers and is an effective on-screen instruction and presentation tool. 


The Crew says                  about See-N-Read!

Review & GiveAway: Carmex Moisture Plus Lip Tint Sheer PINK and SheerPEACH~whoot!!

READ about Lip Tints HERE

Winds are whipping around here~today the windchill is 10 degrees~and WE ARE FREEZING around here with a high of thrity-two.  What's it like around you?  IS IT COLD YET?  Most of the US is experiencing cool temps now that Autumn is well underway and Winter is fast approaching!  Do you or your kiddos experience chapped lips?  My children when they were littles were always suffering with dry cracked lips...until I learned to carry around Carmex in my pockets just for them! In fact, I even put a tube in their pocket once they were old enough to keep up with it!  You won't believe the number of lip balms I've WASHED and DRIED over the years LOL!! But seriously, it's great stuff to prevent and heal chapped lips...chapped upper lips for the licker kiddo...and even a raw nose (designated tube or pot LOL!!) and apply~a little unconventional, I admit! But it really works!

I've been blessed to have been shared the new line of Carmex Moisture Plus Lip Balm Tint in Sheer Pink and Sheer Peach along with a set for a blessed reader! This is some great stuff~soft and silky, smooth going on~but the nicest thing is the feel...oooh la lah!  Not greasy or oily, but really nice!  Carmex is a name we trust to keep us all healed and comfortable in the blistery winds of WC Ohio...It can help you too~and provide a little 'zinzer' to your look with the tint part. I'm a brunet (wannabe blonde) who likes the pink...my daughter likes the peach...she's a red head!  Either way the colors are not overbearing like a balm that isn't sheer...it's very light and nice!

Wanna try a sample?
HERE ya go!

Okay, for our contest...

We'll take a week...ENDS Dec. 3 11:59PM EST...And you can enter by:

1. Leave me a comment telling me which color for who at your house~

2. Leave me a comment telling me the temp in your neck of the woods~

3.  Leave me a comment with a link to my post with a link back to yours for three entries (hey, leave it three times, OKay??)

4.  Grab my button for 5 HUGE entries (be sure to link back telling me five times, okay?)

5.  Facebook/Tweet or share in some way this contest and tell me 3 times...

6.  Like Carmex on Facebook for an extra entry...tell me about it ;-))


Okay, folks! Let's have fun with this one~Thanks for coming by and BE BLESSED!

Review: The Write Foundation Sentence to Paragraph Writing AND Essay Writing

The Write Foundation
Level 1~Sentence to Paragraph (Lessons 1-15)
Level 3~Essay Writing (Lessons 1-15)
The Write FoundationAges:  11-13 /  14-17
Price: $100 30 lessons OR Lessons 1-15 or 15-30 $65 each.  Student worksheets: One set are included in the curriculum, but additional sets are $25 for year or $15 per 15 lessons.
I say:  Good!

Writing IS my most challenging subject to teach for various reasons, and the subjectivity of grading and knowing just how to break the process down has been a daunting task for me.  I've really struggled in knowing HOW to take both my writers where they need to go.  When I got the information I was reviewing The Write Foundation, it's as if God smiled upon me.  I was so excited, and began researching the curriculum to decide which level to chose to best suit my writers.  I have two VARIED writers.  One who takes to it like a fish to water and the other like a fish OUT OF the water~I made a call to Rebecca Celsor who spent time hearing all about my writers and offered me encouragement as well as her personal insights and guidance over choosing the proper levels.  This is why you see two complete levels.  It was her opinion that my children would both be best served by the different levels.  I give Mrs. Celsor a HUGE thumbs up for taking her time (over an hour!) and effort to assure that we got just what we needed in the first place.  It was her sincere desire that we find what would really and truly WORK for us~she certainly didn't have to offer two sets of her curriculum for this reviewer to work through! I do believe that this is a peak into the kind of honest and caring customer service her clients will receive.  She was a wealth of information and insights~SHE KNOWS her stuff!  For me, it was invaluable! Short days our call, I got an email from her husband (This is a homeschool family who have used these materials that Mrs. Celsor created and has taught for quite a few years at home with her own children and in their local homeschool co-op setting) who gave me the shipping information with tracking information.  When my sealed nicely cardboard box arrived, my materials were beautiful having received Sentence Level 1 and Essay Level 3 levels complete with additional student worksheet sets! They also arrived in a timely manner from the receipt of that email.

In short order I began looking them over. Now, you have to realize that I am a little challenged where teaching writing is concerned.  While I've learned to write some, I certainly have no idea how to adequately teach it~AND so this blessing having arrived was mine to read and study so I could offer it up to my children.

I began studying and even made a trip to Office Depot to purchase the needed supplies.  Included is a supply list which includes:
Three ring binder (one for each student)
Highlighters (yellow, blue, orange, pink, green,...multiple colors)
Page dividers

Suggested in the curriculum: Mind Benders (Critical Thinking Co) puzzle logic building skills workbooks~I ordered this via our local curriculum store.
Notebook paper
Computer with word processing program (essential to have student type papers for MLA format)
I purchased page protectors and ring tabs to protect our pages. NOT on the list, but useful for us~who wants pages coming out?? LOL!! (I KNOW my kids and me..we definitely use these!)

I was ready to go! I felt really confident...but then as I began reading, a little anxiety hit because I was unable to totally follow the directions that I needed to share with my children and also what I needed to know as I presented the materials.  I began to research further and even went to the website where a sample lesson is available to note that it didn't help me.  I made a call and spoke at length to Mrs. Celsor's daughter this time who walked me through the processes and took notes of my input and observations.  I found this contact very helpful~so it was then that I went forward and began teaching each level.

As I've worked through the materials, on occasion I found myself researching  definitions for items like "participles" and some of the types of poetry so that I could not just have them do the exercises, but because I DIDN'T KNOW or even understand, I had to find this information first in another source.  Another area of difficulty is that this curriculum is really designed for a co-op  setting with a once a week teaching structure where children go home to do daily lessons.  Well, daily lessons works great for us, and in all actuality, we really did do it daily, it's just that I had to really figure out how to meter it out in order to meet our needs.  Maybe it's me, but I had a little trouble, but the lessons themselves are simple and very incremental. There are copies of teacher presentations sheets which are essentially what the student will need to do so you can show them by examples for a few and then let them try to master the concept. I REALLY like the simplistic incremental aspect of these materials! I needed something that would take us by each little step.  There are check sheets for the writing and a "NO LIST" which I love! These check sheets really put some easily identifiable self regulation  into my kid's own hands and will best prepare them for their university careers!

While I had some difficulty within the curriculum, first I KNOW that I can call upon the developer to help me~THIS IN INVALUABLE! AND that it's really thorough in it's sequential presentations of the process of writing.  I intend to continue The Write Foundation with my son who IS the reluctant writer and who will need this kind of curriculum to teach the basics.

Here's some insights from the website:

Many writing curricula focus on the different types of writing, such as creative writing, story writing, poetry writing, persuasive writing, argumentative writing, informative writing, descriptive writing, book writing, fiction writing, novel writing, but the basic foundation of writing is assumed. The Write Foundation begins with the writing process, how a student formulates a topic, then a thesis, then supporting points, and by incremental teaching drills in the basics. In most grammatical subjects, we have found that failure is almost totally because the basics have not been learned. 

The Write Foundation writing curriculum is a result of 8 years of successfully teaching homeschooled students in a one-day-per-week co-op setting. It has been adapted for a homeschool and used by numerous homeschooling parents to give their own children the tools of how to quickly organize and write an  essay with excellence.

Join the discussion or ask questions with the NEW yahoo group!

If you are like me and have kids who need the basics of writing whatever the level in a sequential and incremental way, you will not be disappointed, and the customer care is absolutely GREAT!

Check out what the CREW says...

LIKE to win prizes? I have a contest to win a FITNESS BALL as part of the Progresso Healthier You Prize Pack~ENDS 11:59 TONIGHT!!
I received The Write Foundation's Level 1 Sentence to Paragraph Writing (Lessons 1-15) and Level 3 Essay Writing (Lessons 1-15) as part of the Old Schoolhouse Crew for review purposes.  My opinions are my own, and I received no monetary compensation.

Review/GiveAway: Progresso Healthier You Prize Pack (Reduced Sodium Soups) (HEALTH MATTERS!)

Progresso Healthier You Prize Pack (Reduced Sodium Soups)

Available at your local grocery!
I say: Yummy and healthier!

Health really matters! If we don't care for our body then who will? Progresso has a new line of reduced sodium soups that they offer to help make the choices a little easier when looking out for ourselves~I bet our doctors will be happy too that we're making good choices!

From the web:

Choosing select Progresso® Reduced Sodium soups may help lower cholesterol² when eaten with other heart healthy, soluble fiber containing foods.

By looking for the "May Help Lower Cholesterol"² banner and the Heart Healthy² logo on certain varieties of Reduced Sodium soups, Progresso makes it even easier for you to stick to a heart healthy diet. Five Progresso Reduced Sodium favorites - Italian Style Wedding, Minestrone, Garden Vegetable, Beef and Vegetable, and Chicken Gumbo - contain hearty vegetables and legumes to provide 1g of heart healthy soluble fiber in every bowl.

And be sure to keep an eye out for the all-new Tomato Parmesan Reduced Sodium soup at your local grocery store for a unique blend of delicious flavors. For more information about Progresso Reduced Sodium soups that may help lower cholesterol² and great recipe ideas, visit www.progressofoods.com today!

Also, check out Progresso on Facebook to "Like" the brand and keep up with the latest news on new products like Progresso Reduced Sodium soups that may help lower cholesterol2 and other favorites!

¹American Heart Association, 2008
²Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol and rich in fruits, vegetables, and grain products that contain some types of dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber, may reduce the risk of heart disease, a disease associated with many factors. 

Our health really IS important! I was so blessed to receive an exercise ball, two cans of Progresso Reducted Sodium Soups: the chicken gumbo and the new tomato (yum!) and a beautiful HUGE mug (oh I wish I had a set of these cool mugs! They are heavy, but have a place for your thumb so you can manage it!) from Progresso as a part of MyBlogSpark!   I also love the ball~AND I used it with our teens at church to play dodgeball! WHAT A HOOT! 

I have WONDERFUL NEWS~I get to give ONE of my readers a gift pack too~

Remember the soups are tasty and healthier for your body.  You will want to pick up some at the grocery to ck out as winter is fast approaching!

OKay,,,for the contest~It will end:  November 10th 11:59PM EST.  

Here are some ways to enter:

1.  Tell me how you are lowering your cholesterol through diet and exercise?  Tips?? PLS??

2.  Tell me which variety of Progresso Soups you are looking forward to trying? 

3.  5 entries: GRAB MY Button and leave me a link so I can see it on your blog! (whoot!) (number them pls!)

4.  2 entries: Post about my contest on your blog and leave me a link! (number these too!)

5.  Face book this contest to your friends!

6.  Tweet this contest to your followers!

Thanks for stopping by and be sure I have your contact info so I can FIND YOU should you WIN!! 

This Progresso Healthier You Prize Pack was provided by Progesso through MyBlogSpark, and my opinions are my own and I have received no monetary compensation.

Review: Say WHAT, YUCK? Gross Em' OUT or Play...Fun! Fun! Fun!

Yuck! Sticky, Saucy, Chunky and Snowy

Buckets O Fun
Ages:  K-adult

Price: $16.00 per LB (bulk prices lower)
Get It HERE!
I say: LOADS of Fun potential in YUCK!

I received a sample of all the YUCK with the Science Experiment brochure w/instruction guide in exchange for my honest review without monetary compensation.

YUCK!  The word kinda says it all~I mean, WHAT in the world is it and WHY am I talking about something so gross sounding?  Yuck is a fun product that mimmics stuff NONE of us wants to talk about and yet find irresistible when it comes to fun and games!  It's a crystal grainy powder that when added to water will make up some unique substances that are either slimy, sticky or chunky. The textures are soo cool!Imagine grossing out teenagers in a youth group with YUCK  or pulling it out on a cold and rainy day to try some of the experiments offered?  I hauled YUCK into our youth group and  watched the big kids have a ball!  They loved it! It was so nasty looking and yet felt so cool that they loved it~we mixed up the YUCK and let them "play!" LOL...Well, you can imagine, right?  Six teenagers ~two semi adults(me and the other leader ha! ha!) uh...dare we admit??

Yuck was pretty easy to clean up too.  While water really won't clean it up because it causes more expansion, we used alcohol and dry paper towels which worked pretty good...we didn't EAT any either...LOL...Okay, we aren't supposed to have done that!! LOL

If you are involved with FUN activities with kids in anyway, go check out Buckets O Fun to see all the cool stuff they have...as a Mom of teens and a youth leader in our church, I just love the game ideas for all the resources they offer.  Any child that's old enough NOT to try to eat YUCK is old enough to enjoy YUCK!  There's a safety sheet pdf included on the website as well as clean up instructions FYI.  It's really fun!

From the Buckets O Fun website:

These products appeal to all ages from 5 to 95. Functions in schools, clubs, church groups, organizations, parties of all types including businesses will be more successful with BOF. Can you imagine the great memories that will be created playing Skeet Chicken with a Rubber Chicken or sliding down a Slip-n-Slide covered in Saucy Yuck? Our highest quality products along with a variety of creative ideas for their use will please you for many events now and in the future. As the market expands BOF will be in the forefront. Other products may come and go but BOF will expand utilizing the basics as a foundation.

If you want to try YUCK yourself,  Buckets O Fun offers a FREE sample of each YUCK!

Check out YUCK here to see a Yuck demonstration.

Go slime somebody~or better yet...get "revenge" (just kidding...LOL) ON the kiddos~What a perfect party or fun day activity...and homeschooling is soo much more than books and worksheets.  Laughing and playing are huge in building the bridges of love to seal the bonds of family!

Go YUCK 'em~they will love it! 

and while you're at it, check out what the CREW says             !

Review: PG Key~Internet Watch Guard For PCs

PG Key

PG Key LLC
Ages: ALL
Cost: $99.99
Get It :  HERE! or see below.
I say: Everyone NEEDS this tool!

Having teenagers can make a mama cringe when I think of all the dangers of the internet.  Seeming innocent trips into cyberspace can be so dangerous~not just for kids and teens either.  The other day, I was checking my own spam box of my email~ewww...nasty stuff!  But HOW did that junk get there? And what will protect my kids from innocently or not so innocently, but more curiously tripping into that kind of stuff?

Oh boy! I just hate to think of the dangers, but if you are like me with kids then you know that with all the potential dangers, SOMETHING IS NEEDED to protect and shield them when my eyes can't and don't see~
Enter PG Key! This is a little device that plugs into the port of the computer and does all kinds of things to assure safety for the user.

Features include:

Monitoring of the sites visited by the user.
Blocking of specific sites by the password holder.
Recording of everywhere the machine has been.
An automatic lock out of places you don't want your child to go.
AND so much more~

We think this will enable internet security to be so much stronger for every household.

From the website:

This is a wonderful plug in product for keeping children safe online.  You can purchase them in a variety of local places:  Office Max, Freys Electronics, or MicroCenter.

You can even get a FREE TRIAL of PG Key: HERE!

I received PG Key in exchange for my honest review without monetary compensation as part of the TOS Crew.

Head on over to try it out~

Read what the Crew says HERE!

Review: The Treasure of God's Word~Celebrating 400 Yrs of the King James Bible

The Treasure of God's Word~Celebrating 400 Yrs of the King James Bible

Jack Countryman
Thomas Nelson Publisher
Hardback/leatherette cover-gold edges/title
Cost:  $16.99
Get it: HERE!
I say: Gorgeous book and I love it!

This collection of Scripture is not your everyday Bible promise book, while it is that, it also has a written history of the English translation, the King James Version Bible.  I love good Bible promise books that give my weary heart a glimpse into God's goodness for His people, and since Treasury of God's Word is such a beautiful book with its leatherette cover in a rich ruddy chocolate brown, gold title and gold page edges the exterior beauty alone doesn't compare to the wonderful message inside.  The old adage to never judge a book by its cover is lost here because you can judge this beautiful book by its lovely cover!

Inside you will find detailed Scripture promises for everyday life organized by topics.  They include God's nature in which Scriptures concerning His love, grace, mercy, Spirit, compassion, faithfulness, kindness, patience, forgiveness, righteousness comfort, power, strength, presence (45 total)....all explored with nothing but the beautiful words of life~the Bible..and the King James Version at that!

The history of the KJV is fully explored from the beginning prior to 1611 when the first King James Version was published to the current revision the New King James Version in 1982.

I absolutely LOVE this book and have already found several uses for it in my Christian walk.

I intend to use it as inspiration on troubling days to offer a quick reference to the nature and promises of God to relieve my spirit and soul offering me growth and hope.

I intend to use the KJV history to teach our children the exciting progress of how the English speaking world gained its most treasured Book~the KJV Bible!

I will also use it to provide Bible study resources in theme for the youth group I teach each week.

I could also make this book a lovely gift for family or friends, even using it to give as a gift at church for Mother's or Father's Day to the one who has the most family present as is the tradition in our church. (I'm keeping this one! LOL)

You will love The Treasure of God's Word~Celebrating 400 Yrs of the King James Bible!

I received The Treasury of God's Word~Celebrating 400 Yrs of the King James Bible from Book Sneeze for an honest review with no monetary compensation.

REVIEW/GiveAway: The Little Man in the Map Teaches the State Capitals

The Little Man in the Map Teaches the State Capitals

E. Andrew Martonyi
AGES:  K-Jr. High
Price: $11. 95
Paperback/109 pages.
SOURCE: schoolsidepress.com
I say: AWESOME!
GiveAway:  See below for ways to enter!

If you are looking for an entertaining way to teach US geography The Little Man in the Map Teaches the State Capitals! is just for you!   Using a fun way of learning, it is easier to learn all the US state capitals.  The drawings are well done in black line cartoon with easy to remember rhymes that are sure to help even a struggling learner.
The author says, " ...one of my key objectives was to find a straightforward method for readers to link the clue for each capital with the name of its state.  A rhyme or catchphrase then highlights the name of the capital, and both elements  are reinforced in a humorous cartoon."

Samples and More On FaceBook!
FREE Coloring Pages HERE!

My children think this is a neat book for kids, and I agree!

We reviewed The Little Man in the Map: With Clues to All Fifty States, and am so excited that Mr. Martonyi has written one for state capitals! Thank you, Sir~this is GREAT!
Congratulations on its recent release!!

Here's a video of The Little Man in the Map: With Clues to Remember All Fifty States~


I am so excited to offer a GiveAway for the HOT OFF THE PRESS~The Little Man in the Map Teaches the State Capitals by E. Andrew Martonyi!

Here's how to enter/be sure I can contact you: Go to Schoolside Press and come back leaving me a comment telling me you've visited there~
For Additional entries:

• Google Friend Connect to me (Follow).

• Join my Networked Blogs.

• Create a post announcing this giveAway and leave me your link.

• Twitter this GiveAway.

• Facebook this GiveAway.

• Friend/Like The Little Man in the Map on FaceBook.

•  For 3 entries add my BUTTON (blog feed) to your sidebar.

My GiveAway ends 9/1/2010@ 11:59PM EST and will be drawn by random number drawing!

Oh I am soo excited~you are going to LOVE LOVE LOVE this new geography tool!  Oh yeah!!

Please go check out FREEbies/GiveAways to find more items to win!! 

I received a copy of The Little Man in the Map Teaches the State Capitals from Schoolside Press for review. I've gained no other compensation,  My opinions are my own.

GiveAway: Book: Amish Proverbs (Book and chance for KIndle/book giveaway too)

Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life: Simplify your life with Amish wisdom
book is being given away by Footprints in the Butter and she has a link to a giveAway of a Kindle loaded with the book (Author's GiveAway!) (ENDS 9/1)

GiveAway: Novel: Come Sunday

McQuill Land  is hosting! (ENDS 8/18)

Book Review: The Story of Mankind by Hendrick Van Loon (1922)

The Story of Mankind by Hendrick Van Loon (1922)

Baldwin Online Children's Literature Project or MainLessonDotCom
Ages: advanced children (12 & up)
Price: Accepts donations/FREE


I found this book on Baldwin Online Children's Literature Project or MainLessonDotCom which interested me b/c I am always seeking resources for teaching world history to children and teens.


While working on our lesson plans I've been compiling a resource list for the Middle Ages: Rome to King James which I will use MOH 2 and TruthQuest History: Rome, Middle Ages and Renaissance/Reformation as the guides or spines.

I came across The Story of Mankind by Van Loon.  At first glance, it was an excellent deal as it's on the public domain from Baldwin Online Children's Literature Project, but upon reading the sample pages, I saw that this book is full of error not only in its retelling of evolutionary beginnings of humanity but also in its retelling of the historical figure, Moses.  Van Loon completely ignores Moses' faith in the God, Jehovah but tells the story as an outsider to faith citing that God was the god of Thunder and Lightening~uh??? yeah??? Ya think?  This interpretation is in no way consistent with Biblical accounts of Moses that many know as the prince of Egypt who emancipates God's people after a show of God's amazing power in the plagues. Van Loon never bothers to share about the plagues or the Red Sea crossing, but he does retell the receiving of the Ten Commandments as one where Jehovah at the instruction of Moses dictates the laws to Moses who in essence, writes them down...AMAZING what twist this is to the narrative of the Bible!


Side NOTE:  The Story of Mankind was a Newberry Medal winner for children' lit and has been updated most recently in 1999. Source.


SisterT's Take:  NO LIKE! Aside from "error spotting!" RUN from this one! Definitely secular and anti-God. I do like the hand drawn illustrations that give the book charm.  They aren't cutesy, but good pen and ink style, and  I do love this site which has over 500 books in many genres.  This is an excellent resource that is free and by donation only. AMAZING!

I received no compensation for reading this book other than its free use; my opinions are my own.

Everyone is Special!

I was offered Someplace Called Special produced by The Old Schoolhouse Magazine for review.

This is a heartwarming source of encouragement for parents of children who experience challenges, often living within the label of "special needs."  This is a compilation of the stories of ten Moms who share from their perspective what it's like and how they are blessed by their child.  In eBook, easy to navigate form, you will find honesty and hope concerning children with differences, "special needs."

Included are:

Aspburger's Syndrome
ADHD
Deafness
Dyslexia
Cerebral Palsy
Sensory Processing Disorder
Lupus
Giftedness
Down's Syndrome

(Please note that there are other differences discussed as generally there are accompanying issues within these diagnosis presentations.)


Within the eBook, there are links to each diagnosis giving readers clear meanings of them along with many interventions that are discussed.  The Moms discuss opening what they have tried, what works and what has not with their children. 

Along with the stories, there is a section of 10 reasons for to homeschool a special learner with explanations! IEP (Individualized Educational Plans) are discussed as well as public schol and private interventions.  Specific insights are shared in a question and answer formate that will inform of the benefits of homeschooling special needs kids. 

I find Someplace Called Special a must read for any parent, Mom or Dad navigating the waters of differences in their special needs child.  As a Mom of special learners, I can identify with some of these Mom's experiences, struggles and perspectives.  "Been there and done that" in some of the areas discussed!  After years of educating and being in the trenches myself,

I found NEW information that I had not previously attained!  Check out this resource!

If you are not the parent of a special learner, but want to know more, you can also benefit by a greater understanding of the issues involved and what the real needs of children can be beyond a label.  As I was reading, I remembered a situation where our special learner was "friends" with a child who showed insensitivity to the special needs issue, and think that if everyone could read a book or find some way to understand, much could be gained for everyone involved!

Someplace Called Special is such a book  for understanding!  Normal is just a town in IL, not anywhere I've personally been or most anyone I know as been...We are all "different," and as has been pointed out by contributing author, Heather Allen, everyone has special needs!

Click on the sidebar to get Someplace Called Special offered by The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.

Yours for ALL of us with differences, "special needs,"