tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218407782024-03-23T13:11:18.269-05:00White Trash MamaClassless and Lovin' ItJennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415592176225094263noreply@blogger.comBlogger1130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21840778.post-41916010343427725162013-12-09T15:09:00.002-06:002013-12-09T15:09:29.738-06:00Awakening Faith - a Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://zondervan.com/9780310514879" target="_blank">Awakening Faith</a> is a book of devotions to last the entire year. It is drawn from the writings of our early church fathers, sharing timeless messages for our lives today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 1;">I chose the book to give as a gift, but now I'm going to need a new copy. This beautiful book is an excellent start to each day.</span>"Awakening Faith, Daily Devotions from the Early Church" <span style="font-weight: normal;">was compiled by James Stuar</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">t Bell</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">, and it contains 366 devotional readings. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Each day's reading is one page long and centers on a singular theme. A bible verse is shared and a relevant selection from the writings of a church father. The back of the book contains a section with more details about these heroes of the faith, as well as a scripture index. Much of the writing came from a time of persecution and controversies, a time when theology mattered. As the book's introduction points out: "the objectivity and certainy of Christian truths, particularly truths about Jesus Christ, are a unifying feature in this volume." Each entry is brief, but powerful. This book is a treasure, sharing nourishing words from 68 pillars of the faith, including Augustine, Origen, Boniface, Polycarp, and so many more.</span></h1>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the <a href="http://booksneeze.com/" style="color: #3d6f83; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">BookSneeze.com®</a></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;"> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;">: “<a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html" style="color: #3d6f83; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising</a>.”</span></span></h1>
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Jenn H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307619657318996067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21840778.post-62100681986851397062013-12-09T08:09:00.003-06:002013-12-09T16:14:30.081-06:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It has been a fabulous first week of Christmas School. Using<a href="http://adventideabox.blogspot.com/"> Advent Idea Box</a>, we have studied the Advent Wreath and Calendar, the Nutcracker, the history of Christmas Cards, and Christmas</div>
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Trees. </div>
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On Monday, we studied the Advent Wreath and Norway. <a href="http://adventideabox.blogspot.com/2011/11/day-3.html">Tuesday</a>, we studied the Advent Calendar and Germany. We've always done a paper calendar before, but we began a huge project this year. This Calendar tree spans the entire top of our coffee table and all four children have learned how to sew on buttons. Now we are learning the blanket stitch. It's a nice project to work on during our evening Advent readings. It will take us several years to create ornaments to go on the calendar, most likely, but it will make good memories along the way.</div>
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We also studied the history of the <a href="http://adventideabox.blogspot.com/2011/11/day-5.html">Christmas Card</a> and the United Kingdom. We tried listening to an audio version of the first Doctor Who Christmas special while doing it, but it was too weird. This was a fun, messy day. </div>
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Next, we studied <a href="http://adventideabox.blogspot.com/2011/11/days-4.html">The Nutcracker</a> and Russia. The boys and I had to travel for dentist appointments, so Chris taught the girls one of their favorite Christmas School days. It was a fabulous Daddy-day. Our original Nutcracker on the left, was created by both of the boys a few years ago. This year, each girl wanted to make her own Nutcracker. </div>
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<a href="http://adventideabox.blogspot.com/2011/11/day-6.html">Christmas trees</a> and Latvia were interesting to study. This year, we added a section on Christmas Tree Farming to the website. It's a little family daydream of ours to start a Christmas tree farm, complete with cabin and cocoa. </div>
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The snow came on Thursday and it has been a blast! </div>
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Friday morning, this is the dawn that I woke up to. </div>
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It was a perfect, quiet morning to drink coffee and listen to the snow and ice in the leaves. It was loud enough to hear through the windows. The kids enjoy sleeping in during these cold, Christmas School mornings. I enjoy the time to reflect. </div>
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Christmas is supposed to be a time to celebrate Christ's birth, but I can't help but think of His death. All of those prophecies foretelling His birth...they are surrounded by prophecies foretelling His death. We've read so many verses of fulfilled prophecy this week and I am overwhelmed at what He's done for me, a sinner.</div>
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I'd love to tell you that the kids are feeling the full meaning of Christmas and Christ's coming this year, but they are pretty much just focused on snow. </div>
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Their thoughts are overwhelmed with the joy of burying each other (can you see where Joel is buried?) and building forts. </div>
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Jenn H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307619657318996067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21840778.post-90128978162723455262013-12-06T08:24:00.004-06:002013-12-06T08:25:16.015-06:00Humility by David Bobb - a book review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Humility" combines history and character into an excellent lesson for all of us. Though the title alludes to the influence in American history, the book itself goes deeper, describing the influences on early American founders. Socrates, Homer, Machievelli, and many more are all discussed regarding both positive and negative lessons in humility and right thinking.<br />
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<a href="http://booksneeze.com/art/_225_350_Book.995.cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://booksneeze.com/art/_225_350_Book.995.cover.jpg" /></a>I chose this book for my 13 year old son. We are studying American history this year and humility is a good lesson for any teen boy to study. The writing is a bit lofty for a 13 year old, but he has worked his way through it slowly and drawn wisdom from it.<br />
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Part I focuses on the concept of humble thinking and the complications surrounding it.<br />
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Part II primarily shares character sketches, with details of the following individuals:<br />
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<li>George Washington</li>
<li>James Madison</li>
<li>Abigail Adams</li>
<li>Abraham Lincoln</li>
<li>Fredrick Douglass</li>
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Part III turns the focus to our modern age, the Age of Arrogance.<br />
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I found it challenging and helpful. Though only 209 pages, it is not a quick read, demanding that you stop and ponder and challenging you to apply the lessons taught.<br />
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<span style="line-height: 1;">Humility</span></div>
<span style="border: 0px; display: block; font-size: 0.65em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0.3em 0px 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">An Unlikely Biography of America's Greatest Virtue</span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4;">By David Bobb </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the <a href="http://booksneeze.com/" target="_blank">BookSneeze.com®</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;"> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;">: “<a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html" target="_blank">Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising</a>.”</span></div>
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Jenn H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307619657318996067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21840778.post-37033584455774229502013-11-21T11:22:00.000-06:002013-11-23T11:33:32.731-06:00Getting Crafty with Craftsy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=21840778" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">***The following is a sponsored post***</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sponsored posts are chosen by me, only when I find a product or vendor I think will be of interest to my readers. All content reflects my honest opinion.</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/image/29190/craftsy-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/29190/craftsy-logo.png" /></a></div>
I first heard of <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/welcome/friend?ext=ShareASale&utm_source=Share%20A%20Sale-Share%20A%20Sale&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=Affiliate&SSAID=879073" target="_blank">Craftsy</a> through an ad in my facebook feed. I have quite a few crafty friends, so I was surprised I'd never heard of it before. The ad that attracted my attention was a yarn sale. I drool over good yarn, but it isn't something I've budgeted for. Every now and then I find a good sale though, and I indulge in the good stuff. Washable wool. Yum.<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=21840778" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.craftsy.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/184_CustomCabledPullovers1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.craftsy.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/184_CustomCabledPullovers1.jpeg" width="320" /></a>I ordered my insanely cheap sale yarn and it arrived just a few days later. I was holding my breath, certain that at that price it couldn't be as good as described. I was pleasantly surprised to find nice yarn. My son has requested a sweater out of it. I'm terrified to try such a big project, but that's a post for another day. Bottom line: I now watch carefully for <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/welcome/friend?ext=ShareASale&utm_source=Share%20A%20Sale-Share%20A%20Sale&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=Affiliate&SSAID=879073" target="_blank">Craftsy</a> yarn sales.<br />
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There was quite a bit more website to explore, but I was there for yarn and didn't pay much attention. Recently though, I approached Craftsy to sign up for an affiliate sidebar link. They sent me a description of some of the features they offer. I had no idea.<br />
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Much more than a yarn source. It offers patterns, projects, and online classes. It is a marketplace where independent designers can sell their patterns. It is also a supplies shop with great deals on yarn, fabric, and class kits. The project section lets members share pictures of their latest craft successes. Lots of great ideas here! Though brand-new to me, Craftsy now has over two million members and offers something for just about everyone with categories including quilting, sewing, knitting, painting, photography, cooking, and more.<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=21840778" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/image/29190/20131116_EcomYarn_FlashSale_300x250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/29190/20131116_EcomYarn_FlashSale_300x250.jpg" /></a></div>
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Online classes are available on every imaginable craft topic. Here is a description from <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/welcome/friend?ext=ShareASale&utm_source=Share%20A%20Sale-Share%20A%20Sale&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=Affiliate&SSAID=879073" target="_blank">Craftsy:</a> </blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=253536&u=879073&m=29190&urllink=&afftrack=" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">Craftsy</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"> classes are designed to have all the benefits of an in-person class, with none of the drawbacks. Available online and on-demand, you always have world-class instructors at the tip of your fingers. You can retake the class as many times as you want, and the 30-second repeat feature allows you to watch the same section over and over again until you get every technique just right. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Watching a </span><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=253536&u=879073&m=29190&urllink=&afftrack=" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">Craftsy</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"> class is like having a first-row seat with some of the best instructors in the world. Even better, classes have a 100% money-back guarantee. </span></blockquote>
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Be sure to take advantage of the<a href="http://www.craftsy.com/classes/free?ext=ShareASale_WhatCraftsy1&utm_source=Share%20A%20Sale-Share%20A%20Sale%20-%20Special%20Promotion&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=Affiliate&initialPage=true&SSAID=879073" target="_blank"> 23 FREE classes available.</a> </div>
Jenn H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307619657318996067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21840778.post-31886285894281557622013-11-19T01:22:00.000-06:002013-11-19T08:58:34.800-06:00On being thankful in weakness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="woj" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>“My grace<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29032A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span> is sufficient for you, for my power<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29032B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span> is made perfect in weakness.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29032C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span>”<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29032D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span></i></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i> </i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>2 Corinthians 12:9</i></span> </div>
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Again and again, I have rejoiced and given thanks for His strength which sustained me during difficult times. Lost jobs, broken vehicles, illnesses...He taught us to trust Him wholeheartedly and to lean on His strength when we felt so weak.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdHsPU2-9aefrPymb2FzxTsGIO9IsyuLbX2-wwLr7UJoT5Bcr3sRqnFEjUr8aHqojlq4q_EWQKoFVuoYK5CE7rSbX8hrdnEYybJLSdaaf-i4imwhTQzZDNCUvFBp9MNCvSF4d/s1600/IMG_0740.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdHsPU2-9aefrPymb2FzxTsGIO9IsyuLbX2-wwLr7UJoT5Bcr3sRqnFEjUr8aHqojlq4q_EWQKoFVuoYK5CE7rSbX8hrdnEYybJLSdaaf-i4imwhTQzZDNCUvFBp9MNCvSF4d/s640/IMG_0740.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
It's easy to depend on Christ as my strength when I'm in the midst of a trial, but what about the times that I'm just being a slug? Is His power perfected in my weakness then?<br />
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He is glorified in my life when my circumstances say there is no way, yet He makes a way. Can He be glorified in my life when my weakness of character says I will accomplish mediocrity?<br />
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How can I boast and be thankful for those kinds of weaknesses? In this area, where I feel nothing but shame, God has been challenging my heart.<br />
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The next verse goes on to say this:<br />
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<i><i style="background-color: transparent;">That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b> </b></span>in weaknesses, in insults, </i></i></div>
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<i><i style="background-color: transparent;">in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. </i></i></div>
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<i><i style="background-color: transparent;">For when I am weak, then I am strong. </i></i></div>
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<i><i style="background-color: transparent;">- </i><i style="background-color: transparent; text-align: center;">2 Corinthians 12:10</i></i></div>
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Yes, it is easy to delight and be thankful in hard times - those times when I know He is growing perseverance and building trust in my life. But I can't delight that I spent more time on facebook than in God's Word, that I spent an hour soaking in the bathtub instead of reading a bedtime story to the kids, or that I watched another episode of Doctor Who instead of catching up on laundry. This is my weakness. This inability to focus, this incessant pursuit of distractions, this is where I am truly weak. How can He be strong in this?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GsUY6670UABdaXhoweC1vrIa2BYK6cddN82Ia7BJLpwBinFan3GnyPsamEG-k4DpA7jhAAIdkhxxcn8aJtPBSWxpjvk17Fyw1W9cov7bhzIPXujHPu4uh0pLaFfnTjImShRL/s1600/IMG_1198.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GsUY6670UABdaXhoweC1vrIa2BYK6cddN82Ia7BJLpwBinFan3GnyPsamEG-k4DpA7jhAAIdkhxxcn8aJtPBSWxpjvk17Fyw1W9cov7bhzIPXujHPu4uh0pLaFfnTjImShRL/s400/IMG_1198.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">I am embarrassed that this is an area in which I am weak. I don't want to talk about it. But I am seeing discouraged moms around me who ache because they think they are the only one with children who fight, with a family that has suffered the pain that comes with pornography, with a messy house and sticky pencils in the couch cushions. God did not call us to pretend we had it all together. He didn't even call us to actually have it all together; that would negate our negate our need for Him. Instead, He called us to acknowledge our need for Him, to embrace His mercy, to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice. I can do that privately, but it doesn't help my sister in Christ if I pretend I never struggled. </span><br />
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<i>Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, </i></div>
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<i>but the one who confesses and renounces them finds <b>mercy</b>. </i></div>
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<i>- <strong><span style="color: #4c1130; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+28:13&version=NIV" style="text-decoration: none;">Proverbs 28:13</a></span></strong></i><br />
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I have friends who have no idea what I'm talking about. They struggle against the habit of being busy, fighting their inner-nature to say "No" to over-activity. Some of us have an easier time than others in different areas of our lives. I don't tend to struggle with morality; God said no, so I don't. For others, this is a weak area that takes more than a shrug and an okay. I also have friends who struggle to gain weight. Ha! To me, that sounds like a wonderful problem to have, but to them it is a real problem. We all have our different areas and it's not always easy to imagine the other person's shoes. But chances are, if you are still reading, you continued because you identified with my use of the word "slug".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjw7k7GvRcD_fHm-Yqb1Eq17e323r7ywDVgwIUhT_qvHJEBRpLu6uhkYGqZlgg1AfMiCS0XZVnW_zkP9XMbvPsi82OQXU36Q04FkeR9JP0anrsNtv5IBPTSLsQoRMSxqIDxb9/s1600/IMG_0733.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjw7k7GvRcD_fHm-Yqb1Eq17e323r7ywDVgwIUhT_qvHJEBRpLu6uhkYGqZlgg1AfMiCS0XZVnW_zkP9XMbvPsi82OQXU36Q04FkeR9JP0anrsNtv5IBPTSLsQoRMSxqIDxb9/s640/IMG_0733.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Let me clarify first that I know God is not putting His stamp of approval on my laziness. Rather, He's been revealing to me my need for His strength in this area. During this season, when I just want to focus on giving thanks to Him for His mercies and many blessings, He keeps interrupting my thoughts with these verses about my weakness.<br />
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I am not okay with my weakness; if I were, I couldn't really consider it a weakness. But I know that it is. Rather than delighting that I have a weakness, I delight that He is strong where I am weak. He reminds me again and again not to bury myself in condemnation for my failings, but to embrace His Mercy and let Him be glorified in my life in this area.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcdpBEw0v8sotiz4DE_ttxmfPimymUq3S4_SIDk3Bp2MpWONsQmBi4wa6IcHXHtQWb1ysur31AVYJheEH2yUsVGuqU0buwiPCAdOPz7_JWrEKIwGIHC-1MjkT44LX8Pz-NdBL/s1600/IMG_1203.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcdpBEw0v8sotiz4DE_ttxmfPimymUq3S4_SIDk3Bp2MpWONsQmBi4wa6IcHXHtQWb1ysur31AVYJheEH2yUsVGuqU0buwiPCAdOPz7_JWrEKIwGIHC-1MjkT44LX8Pz-NdBL/s400/IMG_1203.JPG" /></a></div>
When a person who struggles with their temper becomes a peacemaker, it is not to his glory, but to Christ's. When a person who struggles with greed becomes generous, it is not to his glory, but to Christ's. When a slug becomes diligent, it is not to her glory, but to Christ's.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: 16px;">I can do all things</span><span style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">through him who strengthens me.</span></i></blockquote>
<i style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">- </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">Philippians 4:13</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large;">How can I do this thing? Through Him who strengthens me. Not through discovering how strong I am, but through discovering how strong He is.</span></div>
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<i>It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s <b>mercy</b>.</i><span style="color: #4c1130;"><i>-<strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+9:16&version=NIV" style="text-decoration: none;">Romans 9:16</a></strong></i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I can strive and strive, berating myself when I fail, but if I were able to succeed through my strivings, it would be to my glory, not God's. </span></div>
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<i>Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s <b>mercy</b>, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.</i><span style="color: #4c1130;"><i>-<strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12:1&version=NIV" style="text-decoration: none;">Romans 12:1</a></strong></i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">If my strivings don't get me there, then what can I do? I have to play some active part in changing this weakness, right? I come before Him penitent. I come to Him yielding.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBCfTXwjXZOLHxCKxV5wKngb-3ldyKt_PIm8ShewEOUAmIR-xoYIfd7dm1_lXKaacr22QBbhyphenhyphenfslbatFaSJkcRnmv9lUQw4FJK-zhGlt7TG58E3l4c4ZHeomLFEb12znt8ryd/s1600/IMG_0513.JPG" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBCfTXwjXZOLHxCKxV5wKngb-3ldyKt_PIm8ShewEOUAmIR-xoYIfd7dm1_lXKaacr22QBbhyphenhyphenfslbatFaSJkcRnmv9lUQw4FJK-zhGlt7TG58E3l4c4ZHeomLFEb12znt8ryd/s640/IMG_0513.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His <b>mercy</b>. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,</i><span style="color: #4c1130;"><i>-<strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Titus+3:5&version=NIV" style="text-decoration: none;">Titus 3:5</a></strong></i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I remember where my hope comes from. I remember that what I am really thankful for is His Mercy. I remember that I am renewed by Him.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<i>Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive <b>mercy</b> and find grace to help us in our time of need.</i><span style="color: #4c1130;"><i>-<strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+4:16&version=NIV">Hebrews 4:16</a></strong></i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-align: left;">I remember that I need Him.</span></div>
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<i>It is God who arms me with <b>strength</b> and keeps my way secure.</i><i>-<strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Samuel+22:33&version=NIV" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">2 Samuel 22:33</span></a></strong></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-align: left;">I remember that I am weak, but He is strong .</span></div>
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<i>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is <b>my</b> <b>strength</b> and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.</i><i>-<strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+28:7&version=NIV" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">Psalm 28:7</span></a></strong></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-align: left;">I remember the many times He has taught me trust Him in the hard times. I remember that I can trust Him in the easy (sometimes too easy) times.</span></div>
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<i>My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the <b>strength</b> of my heart and my portion forever.</i><span style="color: #4c1130;"><i>-<strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+73:26&version=NIV">Psalm 73:26</a></strong></i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-align: left;">I remember that I may falter, but it is not my undoing. I may succeed, but it is not my success. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-align: left;">I remember to thank Him in my weakness, that He is making me Holy by the washing of the Word.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; text-align: left;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Visit the Crew Blog for more thoughts <a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/on-being-thankful/" target="_blank">On Being Thankful.</a></span></div>
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Jenn H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307619657318996067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21840778.post-2435747960025562532013-11-15T07:37:00.001-06:002013-11-15T07:37:54.242-06:00Noah on the Big Screen<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The trailer for the new Noah movie was released today. I'm an optimist and am really hopeful that it is as amazing as it looks. I worry what Hollywood might do to it though. Movies rarely follow the books, but this isn't really a story you change for dramatic effect. <br />
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Jenn H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307619657318996067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21840778.post-13401455802581764792013-11-12T10:42:00.001-06:002013-11-12T11:36:49.821-06:00Peace on Earth by Mary Englebreit -a book review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.maryengelbreit.com/store/images/P/Z3%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.maryengelbreit.com/store/images/P/Z3%20copy.jpg" /></a>While we are preparing for Thanksgiving as a family, I’m also making plans for Advent. I recently found a new book to add to our stack of treasured books. It is a Christmas Collection by Mary Engelbreit called Peace on Earth. This hardcover book is filled sweet and vibrant illustrations. It captivates from the moment you pick it up, with glitter on the polka-dot cover. <br />
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Within the 40-pages Engelbreit intimately shares her favorite poems, hymns, and stories of Christmas. These include hymns such as the First Noel, Silent Night, and Angels We Have Heard on High. There are poems by Rossetti, William Blake, Herrick, and more. There are short stories such as the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke and Another Boy by Bruce Barton. <br />
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It is a completely Christ-Centered Christmas book and does not include stories of Santa. It consists mostly of poems and I am looking forward to sharing them with my children this Advent season. My daughters love to listen to a short poem before bed each night and these are perfect!<br />
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The pictures are precious in the adorable, unique style of Engelbreit. We don't usually allow any Christmas stuff before Thanksgiving, but my girls saw the book when I opened the package and they were enthralled for an hour before I packed it away for Christmas.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the <a href="http://booksneeze.com/" target="_blank">BookSneeze.com®</a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;">book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the<a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html" target="_blank"> Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 </a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;">: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</span></div>
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Jenn H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307619657318996067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21840778.post-18715356874638803002013-11-07T19:23:00.001-06:002013-11-08T09:25:50.267-06:00IXL - a review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.ixl.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="IXL Logo photo ixllogofixed.png" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/Math/IXL/ixllogofixed.png" /></a>I've seen the <a href="http://www.ixl.com/" target="_blank">IXL</a> logo around for years. Every time I did a google search for anything related to math and homeschooling, it popped up. It's a clever little name IXL (I excel), don't you think? I'm not sure why I resisted considering it. Well, okay, we all know why. It wasn't free, and I'm cheap.<br />
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My girls have done really well catching up this past year. We held off on doing formal math until they were a bit older, like everything I've researched recommends. I was a bit scared that it would put them terribly behind, but the research is proving to be true. They have grasped concepts much better this past year and we're well on our way to being on track. However, they needed some extra practice when it comes to memory work. And that is where<a href="http://www.ixl.com/" target="_blank"> IXL</a> came in. IXL gave my family a <a href="http://www.ixl.com/membership/" target="_blank">One Year Subscription</a> to try out and my girls have loved it! They've especially loved that they can play on their accounts using the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ixl-math-practice/id693689912" target="_blank">iPad app</a>.<br />
<a href="http://www.ixl.com/" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 280956_362445090496975_1685320066_o_zpse8620420.jpg" border="0" height="404" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2013TOSCrew/ixl/280956_362445090496975_1685320066_o_zpse8620420.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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IXL covers everything from Pre-K to 12th grade. It doesn't teach new concepts, but it reinforces very well. I teach math to my 3rd and 4th grade girls Monday-Thursday. On Friday's, they do math on IXL. They enjoy it and have asked many times to do it for extra work through the week. This surprised me a bit. The math problems aren't presented as games. They have regular math problems for them to work through. But it is laid out cleanly and is very attractive. The pages are uncluttered and the sounds are practically nonexistent.<br />
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The lack of obnoxious sound is my favorite part. When a student gets the right answer, a "Good job!" "Nice Work!" or "Brilliant!" sign pops up. No dinging or buzzing or irritating noises. There are sounds, but they are relevant to the problems. For example, when matching shapes up to words, there are audio clips, reading the words Square, Circle, or Triangle to the student. There is also audio available to read the instructions to students in PreK through 1st grade, making it an independent activity.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ixl.com/v/529HgCfVzKuOUR1yTrCqnCFq20E/avatars/small/girl7.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ixl.com/v/529HgCfVzKuOUR1yTrCqnCFq20E/avatars/small/girl7.png" /></a><a href="http://www.ixl.com/v/O8z6zAOcFU9pUUuUZHh54o3Nqu0/avatars/small/girl4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ixl.com/v/O8z6zAOcFU9pUUuUZHh54o3Nqu0/avatars/small/girl4.png" /></a>Students each get their own account and you can choose a different icon to represent each student. They click on their icon and it opens up a list of activity levels to choose from. Skills levels are listed from Level A through Level M. The skills are listed under each level. Level A includes 42 skills, including shapes, money, counting to 20, comparing sizes and quantities, etc. Level B includes 127 skills, including seasons, making graphs, skip-counting, time, addition, etc.<br />
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The problems are intuitive and this is a part that I think is key to this program. There aren't set number of problems and the child passes or fails. Instead, the problems are presented with the basics first and they progress in difficulty level as the student answers correctly. If the student misses a problem, it tells them what they need to do differently and continues to quiz them until they consistently answer correctly. It doesn't waste their time, grilling them on things they've proven they know. And it doesn't rush them through, moving them on before they are ready.<br />
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Once students master a skills, they receive a gold medal:</div>
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The Gold Medal page includes a wall of medals, each revealing a different "prize" behind their square. These are fun pictures of toys and such. Not a huge motivator, but a great marker for accomplishments. The motivation is doing well and seeing the improvements along the way.<br />
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Each problem page shows the time they've spent learning math for that session, but this feature can be turned off if your student is overwhelmed. My girls didn't really even notice it. I appreciate that it tells me how long they spent on the computer.<br />
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IXL sends weekly email updates to the parents, sharing performance reports. The performance reports are another unique element of this program. They tell me <i>everything</i>. I can see at a glance how well they are doing. I can look a little deeper and see their improvements over time. I can see how long they spent on specific areas. I can see their trouble spots so we can know which areas to work on together. I can even look at the individual problems they missed, seeing the question, their answer, and what the answer should have been.<br />
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It isn't a program in itself, as it doesn't teach material, aside from explaining errors, but it is incredible for reinforcement. I think it would be especially excellent for parents wanting to be sure their student had covered all of the skills before moving on to the next level of math. It is a great confidence builder, and not in the A-for-effort kind of way. It helps them see their progress and the fruit of their effort.<br />
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The only thing I might want to see change is the fact that students can access all levels of math problems, regardless of which areas they have mastered or not mastered. A preschool student could choose to scroll down and attempt some Algebra 2. My girls never tried anything over their level, but I think my boys might have tried something like that when they were younger. But thanks to the progress report, I would have been informed before that nonsense went on for very long.<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">I rarely spend money on non-essential and I have avoided purchasing this program when I knew I could find some free printable worksheets somewhere on the web. But now that I have tried it, I am a huge fan. Worksheets and even free math game websites don't provide this kind of feedback to me, the teacher. They generally come with obnoxious sounds and they nearly always include cluttered and distracting pages that make it difficult for students to focus. This site is clean and attractive and easy to use. </span>IXL's <a href="http://www.ixl.com/membership/" target="_blank">One Year Subscription</a> for $79 or you can order it monthly for $9.95 </div>
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IXL now offers language arts lessons! My family didn't use them, but other crew members tried it and have shared reviews about that program. Be sure to check out other reviews of IXL math and L.A.<br />
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Jenn H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307619657318996067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21840778.post-43816004148578247932013-11-07T12:17:00.000-06:002013-11-17T16:43:09.878-06:00Apologia Chemistry and Physics - a Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We are huge fans of <a href="http://www.apologia.com/index.asp?proc=pg&pg=87" target="_blank">Apologia Educational Ministries</a>. Huge! And we were thrilled to hear they had added another gem to the Young Explorer Series. The latest publication is <a href="http://shop.apologia.com/chemistry-and-physics/379-exploring-creation-with-chemistry-and-physics.html" target="_blank">Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics</a>. A Chemistry and Physics curriculum for K-6th grade students! Incredible!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My older sons are studying high school physics this year, but the girls have been feeling a bit left out of the fun. We jumped at the chance to review an Apologia book teaching physics at their level. Because I was attempting to match their lessons somewhat to their older brothers' lessons, I didn't follow the recommended schedule, but instead jumped around to match up topics the boys were studying.</span></div>
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<a href="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2013TOSCrew/Apologia%20Chemistry/chemistry2_zpsf5580e2f.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2013TOSCrew/Apologia%20Chemistry/chemistry2_zpsf5580e2f.png" width="236" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">So what did we think of it? Jeanie Fulbright hit it out of the park again. These are some complicated subjects to explain to children! And yet they are taught, and taught well, and to the glory of God. We serve an amazing God, creator of the universe and I am so thankful that there are publishers like Apologia that create homeschool science resources that teach sound science and honor God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Chemistry and Physics are the two most fun sciences to study. This book takes you through 14 lessons, with an average of 2 weeks per lesson. It is suggested that you work twice a week for two weeks, but this means long sessions and we find it easier to fit in smaller sessions each day. We especially need the extra time when adding in the <a href="http://shop.apologia.com/chemistry-and-physics/381-exploring-creation-with-chemistry-physics-notebooking-journal.html" target="_blank">Notebooking Journal</a>. This has many lapbooking and notebooking elements, as well as activities and copywork. The recommended schedule makes it a 28 week course, but we will stretch it to 36.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A typical day with the Young Explorer Series begins with a reading portion, which I do with my girls. There are roughly 20 pages per chapter and they are packed full of fabulous reading, vibrant photos, and experiments. The "Try This" sections throughout each chapter are experiments that help reinforce what was read and help students better understand what they've taught. This year, I had my sons step in and help with the experiments since the lessons even been excellent reinforcement for my boys' high school lessons! I have loved listening to all four of them discuss Newton's 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Laws together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Each day includes 3-5 pages of reading, followed by an experiment or two. The girls narrate what they've learned and the day's lesson wraps up nicely with some Notebooking. The total time spent is about half an hour, which leaves them begging for more but it fits our schedule nicely. I love to leave them excited to start again the next day. The experiments for Mechanics in Motion are simple, requiring nothing but pennies and they really drove home the definition of inertia and Newton's 1st Law. You can see in the photos below that the pennies wanted to stay put, even though their foundation was quickly moving away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The experiments require items that are either already in the house or easy to find or purchase inexpensively (like coffee stirrers). Some are messy, but those are the lessons they tend to remember the best. I confess, we did not do the next day's experiment in that motion unit, which involved a raw egg. I trust Newton's 2nd Law, but I don't trust the agility of my sons. We skipped ahead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Mechanics in Motion chapter was the shortest in the textbook at 12 pages long. It included 5 "Try This" experiments, instructions in creating pages for a Notebook rather than purchasing the Notebooking Journal, and instructions for playing a marble game called Ringers. The game page includes prompts and questions to get students noticing Newton's Laws at work. Every chapter includes a section called "Final Matters" which ends the lesson with glory to God's hand involved in all they are learning. Also at the end of each chapter is a section called "What Do You Remember?" These include about a half-dozen questions about what they've learned over the two weeks of lessons. The questions are generally pretty easy if you've read the chapter, but I wouldn't mind an answer key for the days when Mom is zoning out a bit.</span></div>
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<a href="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2013TOSCrew/Apologia%20Chemistry/notebookingjournal_zpsaa83790f.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2013TOSCrew/Apologia%20Chemistry/notebookingjournal_zpsaa83790f.png" width="247" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Notebooking is a fabulous way to help students retain and understand lessons. I love that the textbook walks you through creating one on your own. It truly is not necessary to purchase a separate Notebooking Journal. The Notebooking Activities at the end of our Motion chapter describe how to create a lift-the-flap page for the 3 laws of motion, notes on what they've learned, and a biography of Newton. By the end of the book, you would have a beautiful, personal notebook about Chemistry and Physics. That said, I am still a huge fan of the Notebooking Journals. They are so easy. So convenient! They are shiny, attractive, and simple to work with.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For our Mechanics chapter, the Notebooking Journal includes 12 pages, plus 3 pages of material to cut out and paste in. These break down into 2 pages for narrating what they've learned each day, 1 page for a biography of Newton, 2 lapbook-style pages on Newton's 3 Laws of Motion, 1 crossword puzzle to reinforce vocabulary, 2 pages of copywork using Ezekiel 36:27 (one page for print and one in cursive), 2 pages for recording experiments (total of 4 boxes), a What Do You Remember question page, and then a Test It Out page. The Test It Out page gives 3 more experiments, which are a bit more complicated than what is shared in the textbook. These include a mini-hovercraft, a mousetrap car, and target practice with a moving tennis ball. At the end of this page is a Book Suggestion section. This chapter recommends 3 quality books for extra reading.
For students that aren't ready for that much writing, Apologia also offers a Junior Notebooking Journal. It includes larger primary lines for writing, and a cut-and-paste vocabulary activity instead of having write in the crossword puzzle. Instead of a written quiz at the end, there are 2 coloring pages.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mechanics in Motion is only one of the chapters in this fabulous textbook. It also includes a chapter on:
Matter
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38;">Light</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38;">Moving Matter</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38;">Atoms</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38;">Compound chemistry</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38;">Mixtures (FUN!)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38;">Dynamics of Motion (friction and gravity)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38;">Energy</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38;">Sound</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38;">Thermal Energy</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38;">Electricity</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38;">Magnetism</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38;">Simple Machines</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">These are incredibly fun lessons to learn. I am quite impressed that they are taught at a level young students can grasp and retain! At first, I was surprised they combined such complicated subjects, Chemistry and Physics, into one book. However, they are complicated subjects that don't need to be fully grasped by this age group just yet. Receiving a basic understanding of how they work is quite a task in itself. Also, these subjects are closely intertwined and I love that Apologia manages to convey that fact.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38;">You can purchase the</span><a href="http://shop.apologia.com/chemistry-and-physics/379-exploring-creation-with-chemistry-and-physics.html" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38;" target="_blank"> Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics</a><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38;"> hardcover textbook for $39.00</span></div>
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<a href="http://shop.apologia.com/chemistry-and-physics/381-exploring-creation-with-chemistry-physics-notebooking-journal.html" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38;" target="_blank">Notebooking Journals</a><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38;"> and </span><a href="http://shop.apologia.com/chemistry-and-physics/382-exploring-creation-with-chemistry-and-physics-junior-notebooking-journal.html" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38;" target="_blank">Junior Notebooking Journals</a><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38;"> are $24 each.</span></div>
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Jenn H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307619657318996067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21840778.post-74529186175270259762013-11-01T09:29:00.001-05:002013-11-01T09:29:29.509-05:00Rosie's Doll Clothes Patterns - a Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have wanted to learn to sew for years. I built a beautiful Pinterest board full of sewing projects just waiting for me to learn how to sew. I've had several people try to teach me, but very little from these lessons managed to "stick". I did eventually learn how to thread my own needle without calling my mom and how to sew a semi-straight line.<br />
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<a href="http://s1202.photobucket.com/user/TOSCrew2011/media/rosies2_zpse8168139.jpg.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo rosies2_zpse8168139.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/rosies2_zpse8168139.jpg" /></a>My daughters love to create things and asked to learn to sew, but I didn't know where or how to start. When I discovered<a href="http://www.rosiesdollclothespatterns.com/" target="_blank"> Rosie's Doll Clothes Patterns</a>, I knew exactly where to start and I was so relieved to have someone guiding me through it. We signed up for Rosie's <a href="http://www.rosiesdollclothespatterns.com/learn/" target="_blank">How to Make Doll Clothes Video Course</a>. It gives us a year's membership to her site, which contains over 130 videos teaching you how to sew clothing for 18" dolls (standard American Girl size) and for Cabbage Patch dolls.<br />
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The course is intended for ages 8 and up. My 8 year old took to it very well. My 10 year old struggled a bit. It requires paying attention to a level she is unaccustomed to. I was very proud of her for persevering and she was very proud of herself for not giving up and for always trying again (and again, and again. Even though it was difficult for her to make her hands do what they wanted to do (and to watch her younger sister do it with ease,) she kept going and the look of pride on her face when she finished her first skirt was priceless. It helps that the course is made up of many short videos of Rosie, speaking with a mesmerizing Australian accent and giving simple step-by-step instructions. Though there were times that we had to sew, rip seams, and sew again, it was only a small task at a time and was never overwhelming for this family of beginner seamstresses.<br />
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Just look what they were able to do, completely on their own!</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The videos begin with the most basic of instructions. This is a sewing machine. This is how you thread a needle. This is how you print a pattern. It covers </span><i style="text-align: left;">everything. </i><span style="text-align: left;">Each step is covered in a separate video and each video averages around 3 minutes each.</span><i style="text-align: left;"> I love this!</i><span style="text-align: left;"> This makes it very easy to scroll ahead if we already know something. We can jump right into the things we need to learn. In no time at all, you are sewing real doll clothes! We skipped very little since we are so new to this, but each video is clearly labeled for those with more experience. Sewing doll clothes is apparently a bit different than regular sewing, so the videos could be very helpful for someone wanting to learn a new technique. They are beyond helpful for someone wanting to learn </span><i style="text-align: left;">any</i><span style="text-align: left;"> technique. I'm amazed at how quickly we've come along with this course.</span></div>
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The membership is for one year, but the videos can be worked through in 6 weeks, yielding around 8 hours of instruction time. We slowed it down a bit more than that, but my girls are already about halfway through the videos and have sewn two pieces they are quite proud of: a halter top and a sarong for their Heart for Heart Girls. I learned right along with them and the girls are planning to give my outfits<br />
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In addition to the fabulous lessons in sewing, enrollment in the course also comes with 8 free patterns, featured in the picture below. These were all downloadable PDFs and came with a printable pattern, printable instructions, and step-by-step videos of Rosie creating each outfit and explaining everything.<br />
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A fabulous feature to this course is that the videos are not in Flash, therefore we can watch them with the iPad propped up on the table right beside the sewing machine. This feature had to take some time and effort to make possible and it is much appreciated.<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">The one year online course is available for $47.85. Another option is to order the DVD for $67.02. As most of the videos are foundational skills, I don't know that you would have much need for a DVD unless you had younger children that would one day want to benefit from the course. This means keeping a DVD unscratched in a house with young children. If this idea doesn't scare you, please email me and tell me your secrets.</span></div>
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In addition to the course videos, you can also purchase more doll patterns for around $5.00 each, or 10% off if you buy complete seasonal sets. These printable patterns include instruction pages and online videos which cover each step of each outfit.<br />
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I think we're ready to tackle that <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/jennharrison/because-i-will-learn-to-sew-someday/" target="_blank">Pinterest board </a>I've been saving!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17.46875px;">Click to </span><a class="bbc_link" href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/rosies-doll-clothes-patterns-review/" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(168, 182, 207); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #334466; line-height: 17.46875px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">read more reviews</a><span style="line-height: 17.46875px;"> from the Schoolhouse Review Crew</span></span></span><br />
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Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02415592176225094263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21840778.post-11235382847061629682013-10-20T14:55:00.000-05:002013-10-20T14:56:00.043-05:00God's World News - A Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have heard of <a href="http://gwnews.com/" target="_blank">God's World News</a> as a Christian Worldview magazine, but had never looked into it. Until they approached The Review Crew, I didn't realize they publish multiple magazines for all age groups. It was hard to decide which publication we'd most like to receive. In the end, I chose<a href="http://gwnews.com/newsflash/about.php" target="_blank"> News Flash</a>, a publication for children in 3rd and 4th grade. Since then, we've decided we all want our own copies. It's really that good!<br />
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We've never subscribed to a children's magazine before and the girls were thrilled to have mail showing up just for them. Each month (except December and May) a new magazine arrives and they hunker down in a corner, reading non-stop. Again and again they run over to share something they've found amazing. Robots, dinosaurs, pandas, Amelia Earhart, Monkeys, Border Control. Giraffes, Tour de France..."Mama, did you know...?!?" has been a frequently heard phrase since the magazine began arriving.<br />
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Our September issue also arrived with a large, colorful map which we've placed in the bathroom. The bathroom walls have their undivided attention while they're brushing their teeth and we make good use of that time.<br />
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Each issue includes activities, puzzles, and cartoons along with short and interesting articles that discuss economics, geography, civics, worldview, and more. Everything is discussed from a Christian perspective and emphasizes God's sovereignty and mercy.<br />
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<a href="http://gwnews.com/newsflash/about.php" target="_blank">News Flash</a> recommends websites for <a href="http://www.gwnews.com/newsflash/explain_it.php" target="_blank">further reading</a> and <a href="http://www.gwnews.com/newsflash/todayinhistory.php" target="_blank">activities</a>. We discovered the <a href="http://www.zooatlanta.org/1212/panda_cam" target="_blank">Panda Cam</a> while reading about the twin pandas born in the Atlanta zoo. Subscribers also get access to a<a href="http://kids.wng.org/" target="_blank"> special website</a> just for them. Parents receive an optional weekly newsletter via email. Other bonuses include <a href="http://gwnews.com/newscurrent/biographies.php" target="_blank">Biographies</a> and <a href="http://www.gwnews.com/media/docs/sample_lesson.pdf" target="_blank">PDF lessons</a> (a sample).<br />
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I love that there are no advertisements within the magazine. The only ads to be found are on the outside mailing cover that protects the magazine during mailing. These ads include Christian bookstores, homeschool curriculum, and other Christian magazines. </div>
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As I said, there are magazines for every age group and they actually discuss the same topics in each magazine, but at a different age-appropriate level. We plan to subscribe to <a href="http://www.gwnews.com/trak/about.php" target="_blank">Trak</a>, a high school publication, since the girls have us all talking about the articles already.</div>
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<a href="http://gwnews.com/" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo trak36_zps526c150f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2013TOSCrew/Gods%20World%20News/godsworldnewsgraphic_zps946e3117.png" /></a></div>
A full-year subscription to News Flash (10 issues) costs $28.00. There are 32 pages in each issue and they are CRAMMED FULL of fascinating material.<br />
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Jenn H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307619657318996067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21840778.post-68181320314356525572013-10-19T19:55:00.000-05:002013-10-31T07:22:52.254-05:00For Narnia and for Sarah! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Sarah Grace requested a Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe birthday party. She asked nearly a year ago, but I was sure she'd change her mind (I really <i>hoped </i>she'd change her mind) so I didn't pursue any plans for such a thing. Because really, Narnia? How on EARTH??<br />
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And then her birthday was here. She still wanted it. She had complete confidence that I could pull it off. I had zero. I had been in denial for so long, I ran out of time to put much thought into it. But some lovely friends helped me out and Pinterest came in very handy. We did it!<br />
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First, guests entered through the Wardrobe/Front Door.</div>
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Their first view was of a dreary snow scene (old sheets)....always winter, never Christmas.</div>
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Next, they turned into Mr. Tumnus' dwelling (our living room). They enjoyed some hot chocolate while listening to a small clip of the audiobook.</div>
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I think Chris looks kind of like the actor who plays Mr. Tumnus. I told him he should welcome them, topless, but he didn't go for it.<br />
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Next, we washed up and rolled Turkish Delight in powdered sugar. I thought this would keep us busy a bit longer, but no one liked it, so one strip of the candy was enough. </div>
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Turkish Delight was very surprising to me. Edmund was willing to trade his integrity for it. It had to be good, right? I just knew it was going to be a yummy caramel and chocolate treasure. It is actually a very squishy gum drop. It's main ingredient is cornstarch and it tastes like it. </div>
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Next, the girls designed their own royal crowns, glamming it up with sequins. I love that Sarah Grace has to stick her tongue out when she concentrates.</div>
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My big girl, now 8 years old.</div>
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She had a book exchange instead of presents, so each girl went home with a book from her friends' shelves. </div>
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We tried this on a weeknight, so only one friend was able to stay the night (one of the perks of homeschooling.) They posed in the beautiful fur coats loaned to us by friends. </div>
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Finally, they piled up on the couches and watched The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe until they fell asleep. I fell asleep before they did. Gracie says it was her best party ever. </div>
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Jenn H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307619657318996067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21840778.post-83519018678555520872013-10-14T09:57:00.000-05:002013-10-14T09:57:16.819-05:00Overheard<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Honor: And this is what the queen of Cabernet's gown looks like! (shared drawing of an elaborate gown)<br />
Me: You know your country is named after a wine, don't you?<br />
Honor: (head suddenly hanging low) Joel told me. But I signed its charter and now I can't change it.<br />
Me: Why not?<br />
Honor: Well, I'd tear it up and create a new one, but I lost the first one and I can't tear it up if I can't find it. So it's stuck.</div>
Jenn H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307619657318996067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21840778.post-54829866280844730532013-09-28T08:20:00.001-05:002013-09-28T08:20:54.101-05:00My sick little pirate<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I shared about Joel's bug and meningitis scare when I thought we were on the verge of getting all better. Unfortunately, we were on the verge of getting a whole lot sicker. It's been a yucky month. Joel went downhill the very next day. We took him to the doctor and she told us that his lab results looked to her as if he did, in fact, have a mild form of meningitis. That was healing nicely, but now he had pneumonia. Ethan caught a sick bug. Honor caught a sick bug. She came down with it ON Talk Like A Pirate Day. We've gone an entire week with everyone starting to feel better..until last night when both girls started hacking and sniffling anew. Hopefully the sniffling will end soon and we'll be back on track. </div>
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Jenn H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307619657318996067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21840778.post-73138454351844293392013-09-19T18:05:00.001-05:002013-09-19T18:23:16.835-05:00Notes from the Tilt-A-Whirl by N.D. Wilson - A Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last year, I read an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375838821/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0375838821&linkCode=as2&tag=whitramam-20">amazing series</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=whitramam-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0375838821" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by author N.D. Wilson. It was a youth fiction series that I was previewing for my children. I was instantly hooked and loved every minute of the books. I was thrilled to see his non-fiction book, <a href="http://www.thomasnelson.com/notes-from-the-tilt-a-whirl-1.html" target="_blank">Notes from the Tilt-a-Whirl</a>, come up as a review opportunity.<br />
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Nate Wilson has a way with words. He uses them well, certainly, but his unique perspective combined with his creative wording manage to bring home truth in a tangible way. He somehow simplifies complex concepts while also revealing the untapped depth of mystery in those same concepts.<br />
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The book can be read at face value, which yields complete randomness and is entertaining. It can be chewed carefully, which still provides random entertainment, but a whole lot more. Nate can come across as a crazy person, but instead, I think he is one of those unique individuals who managed to make it to adulthood with childlike wonder still intact. His ability to still <i>see</i> the world around him made it to adulthood unscathed. When describing this world in the book, he says,<br />
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"Bats really do exist. Caterpillars really turn into butterflies - it's not just a lie for children. Coal squishes into diamonds. Apple trees turn flowers into apples using sunlight and air. </blockquote>
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I've seen a baby born. And, <i>ahem</i>, I know what made it. But I'm not telling. You'd never believe me. </blockquote>
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There are various theories as to how and why this all happened, attempts at explaining the sheer number of creeping things int he world, the stars, the life cycle of frogs, the social behavior of fish, the meaning of love, life and a really good hamburger. But in order to know why this is all here, a simple <i>how</i> is a prerequisite. How did this place happen? I live here, so it shouldn't be too hard to figure it out."</blockquote>
No, it isn't an apologetic book. It is, as the subtitle states, a book about the "Wide-Eyed Wonder in God's Spoken World." It is a book of philosophy. It is a book of perspective. Good. Evil. Morality. Creation. Rhythm. Chaos. And the point? "The book attempts to find unity in cacophony." The book engages the mind and the senses, and in the end, harmony and purpose.<br />
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I laughed throughout the book, but not because it is comical. I laughed because I couldn't help it. My brain was doing flip-flops and it felt like a ride. It is a wild ride and an amazing read, but rather indescribable. You really just have to try it for yourself.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® <http: ooksneeze.com=""> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http: cfr255_03.html="" cfr="" nara="" waisidx_03="" www.access.gpo.gov=""> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</http:></http:></span></i></div>
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Jenn H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307619657318996067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21840778.post-57148359489837933682013-09-13T07:08:00.000-05:002013-09-17T07:08:43.566-05:00Physics for the bedridden <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have always been terrified of meningitis. It's the crazy stuff that I can't control that seems to freak me out the most. Joel scared the snot out of us Thursday morning when he woke up with a high fever and a stiff neck. We rushed him to the hospital immediately. The hospital rushed him into a lumbar puncture and other testing.</div>
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Thankfully, those tests came back clear and it was decided that Joel just had a nasty bug. He was sent home with instructions to stay on the couch for 3 days (completely flat on his back for the first 12 hours) and to watch t.v. and drink caffeine.</div>
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If he weren't so miserable, he would have loved it. He remembers very little of that morning, thanks to some good drugs. Apparently Joel and morphine get along reeeeeally well. Chris asked him how he was feeling and Joel announced, "This is GREAT. I'm on crack. I have a blaaaanket. I feel like Christmas! But I'm sad."</div>
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His fever stayed scary-high all day and evening long, but it broke in the middle of the night and he woke up fever-free. Today, his neck is still stiff, but he can move it. He tried to forge a doctor's note declaring that he should be dismissed from school, but I didn't fall for it. We managed to get in some reading and our physics class.</div>
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Jenn H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307619657318996067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21840778.post-77930948547760750382013-09-06T16:52:00.000-05:002013-09-17T07:30:27.190-05:00Physics: week 1 (Scientific Method)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The goal for this week was to learn how to properly use the Scientific Method and to create good Science Journals.<br />
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We began the week with some easy experiments from <a href="http://www.sciencelearningspace.com/" target="_blank">Super Charged Science</a>. The first was to see how many drops of water could fit on a penny. We discussed changing variables and tried using cold pennies and hot pennies, clean pennies and dirty pennies. It was interesting and easy and made a great introduction for documenting an experiment.<br />
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We covered pendulums and weights and some other easy experiments before tackling our big project of the week: a linear accelerator. I told my husband, Chris that we were about to build a Gauss Rifle and he was downright giddy with excitement. I let him take over for that one since he was so eager. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnuujDp5OpkLUUkU4KMQFcZvmCMnFlcDM-M1_PnZL5HC62UGLIaQxyUyJg-zdVn68anilyyKBIfa4u8-Tb6dINlvow5CrJaOAkIDl2KCmGTyuFj7S_Pi4Qk8GRJMFFCqZcnyj/s1600/IMG_0196.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnuujDp5OpkLUUkU4KMQFcZvmCMnFlcDM-M1_PnZL5HC62UGLIaQxyUyJg-zdVn68anilyyKBIfa4u8-Tb6dINlvow5CrJaOAkIDl2KCmGTyuFj7S_Pi4Qk8GRJMFFCqZcnyj/s640/IMG_0196.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I sweep daily. I really do.</td></tr>
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The boys used a lot of initiative for this project and I was really proud of all of them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtaWpBeduZ2_3Metpniv8z5JBVtcwDmwEPt_iyhslPI9A_Jb_KC-OlR-rqaOWeq2aT_DCuQTHSMKIeJOPcjUgN9mMDABnj6dG6VIL-24X4Worbguf3ebq3p-RbivYes9-V8Rf/s1600/IMG_0211.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtaWpBeduZ2_3Metpniv8z5JBVtcwDmwEPt_iyhslPI9A_Jb_KC-OlR-rqaOWeq2aT_DCuQTHSMKIeJOPcjUgN9mMDABnj6dG6VIL-24X4Worbguf3ebq3p-RbivYes9-V8Rf/s640/IMG_0211.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We like to incorporate God's Holy Word in our homeschool as much as possible.</td></tr>
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I loved watching their eyebrows furrow and their minds whir as they wondered and tweaked and figured things out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHWQOdBw94HNLXlvnSe1c8AzPwCZCw4aXssnTXGtCGO2w-aYwdUgesNhUnlkjDZn02_Q4Zz2bpE5tXB3oJK2HyiNJS2lZcAv1gmBEI70NQEW0DDrmuvgyL7AcICPBkbOWGHWS/s1600/IMG_0212.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHWQOdBw94HNLXlvnSe1c8AzPwCZCw4aXssnTXGtCGO2w-aYwdUgesNhUnlkjDZn02_Q4Zz2bpE5tXB3oJK2HyiNJS2lZcAv1gmBEI70NQEW0DDrmuvgyL7AcICPBkbOWGHWS/s640/IMG_0212.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Once the assigned project was over, they wanted to keep trying out new ideas. How far could it shoot? Farther than my living room. We tried the church gym. Farther than that. We tried the parking lot. It was hot and rough asphalt, so our marble only traveled about a foot. This made more interesting discussion.<br />
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Science and boys' brains. Such a beautiful combination!<br />
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Here is a video of Chris demonstrating the sample Gauss Rifle that he built and tested before the boys did their experiment:<br />
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Jenn H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307619657318996067noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21840778.post-42449530558870039362013-09-03T09:45:00.000-05:002013-09-10T09:50:26.583-05:00First Day of School<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8Vbkflxtaq4vhDE7xZk7_bVeSwTUSbE2QaoVKxHa9wJdKSl_3ZHYirp1yN6BJQQ7Yz5KKaBHo6r9ZY38YpF4K6c2wOEq-TVzkBwwqWdfQlr2Z47FfVMB6MFzCCLLBDc06y4f/s1600/IMG_0146.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8Vbkflxtaq4vhDE7xZk7_bVeSwTUSbE2QaoVKxHa9wJdKSl_3ZHYirp1yN6BJQQ7Yz5KKaBHo6r9ZY38YpF4K6c2wOEq-TVzkBwwqWdfQlr2Z47FfVMB6MFzCCLLBDc06y4f/s640/IMG_0146.JPG" width="427" /></a><br />
Joel is so proud that he can no longer stand up tall under the mantle!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7by1B66lxZnu4VmLBMvjbOe-NnqbYUdyuFFeyTT592PJ8ouWF1awEX4PRzzAy9tm9MIhW22N3dH0chh3AUq3EFuqBGosDnBh-AmBIv42O_gnMOyEQoxqGsNQ9ZHemCHYjB2h/s1600/IMG_0154.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7by1B66lxZnu4VmLBMvjbOe-NnqbYUdyuFFeyTT592PJ8ouWF1awEX4PRzzAy9tm9MIhW22N3dH0chh3AUq3EFuqBGosDnBh-AmBIv42O_gnMOyEQoxqGsNQ9ZHemCHYjB2h/s640/IMG_0154.JPG" width="427" /></a><br />
Gracie can brush all of that hair by herself, and rarely gets jelly in it this year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-CxB3FShaRRAztyI8SUfqm7i2MFheB2N6KhIQidg4SDlQ6Vw55FLUtv3f_RT3neE8sHW5XKZOdwZU_iszobEq2-RZ9aISgfr3kZIyiCJ5eQ06aWN3lTxjfSeHcwC44Y14splg/s1600/IMG_0158.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-CxB3FShaRRAztyI8SUfqm7i2MFheB2N6KhIQidg4SDlQ6Vw55FLUtv3f_RT3neE8sHW5XKZOdwZU_iszobEq2-RZ9aISgfr3kZIyiCJ5eQ06aWN3lTxjfSeHcwC44Y14splg/s640/IMG_0158.JPG" width="427" /></a><br />
Honor is still a butterfly ballerina mermaid princess.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8G4RJNjj8wXFbzBrLlaiQ8yKQnruvque5L7OIYO7Q-jRpNSZ5v_wAr-XiDGuJUrJRqVZqUKKjfU6zo-hPz4D3RZEoPeDgYzlt01b3NqHQ639UyEL_8JMxK7clLLIhg26OLatd/s1600/IMG_0170.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8G4RJNjj8wXFbzBrLlaiQ8yKQnruvque5L7OIYO7Q-jRpNSZ5v_wAr-XiDGuJUrJRqVZqUKKjfU6zo-hPz4D3RZEoPeDgYzlt01b3NqHQ639UyEL_8JMxK7clLLIhg26OLatd/s640/IMG_0170.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
And a goofball.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRoxZl7jCJybOfK1mS0CLsBEW9zXrE7hJ71znarEL1vs2jsoH_KO9pOiY4svJcyNm6gjAz_WrCtNbj7kRbe0G9fEyzO-cYRKJGrQhTl-mYkhqjxtFRArBdDP9GlpXzs1PBXZzw/s1600/IMG_0175.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRoxZl7jCJybOfK1mS0CLsBEW9zXrE7hJ71znarEL1vs2jsoH_KO9pOiY4svJcyNm6gjAz_WrCtNbj7kRbe0G9fEyzO-cYRKJGrQhTl-mYkhqjxtFRArBdDP9GlpXzs1PBXZzw/s640/IMG_0175.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ethan is all manly and serious.<br />
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Well, he tries.<br />
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It was a beautiful day with a scavenger hunt and buttermilk blueberry coffeecake. They filled out their <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x5L3vsYWrPY_0sS9c1WGJcV9ezwEsOLxB3ggUzTP4fk/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">first day of school pages</a>, with a record of their signatures, their height, their goals, etc. It is always interesting to compare these to last year's pages.<br />
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We went over new books, but we did no new bookwork.<br />
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All in all, a perfect first day.</div>
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Jenn H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307619657318996067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21840778.post-59798070985070606052013-09-02T07:37:00.000-05:002013-10-22T07:19:57.696-05:00Truth Seekers (teen fiction) - A Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My 13 year old, Joel has enjoyed a new fiction story recently, entitled <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1433690802/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1433690802&linkCode=as2&tag=whitramam-20">The Machine: A Truth Seekers Novel</a>. This was written by Bill Myers, who is the author of the popular Wally McDoogle stories and many others award-winning books.<br />
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</b></span> <span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><b>The Characters</b></span><br />
The main characters are twins, Jake and Jennifer. Each chapter takes turns, telling the tale from each twin's perspective. Jennifer is a neat-freak, who wants things nice and tidy. Her brother, Jake is a complete slob and doesn't really care about tidiness. He's pretty much the exact opposite of Jennifer. When Jennifer shares her perspective, she is looking down on Jake for his bad habits. When Jake shares his side, he thinks Jennifer is just weird.<br />
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Joel was the true reviewer of this book and he felt this dual perspective approach was brilliant. He said that it really broadened his outlook. He told me, "You get to see your main characters better because if you just see your characters from you main character's viewpoint, you don't get to know your characters nearly as well."<br />
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As a mom, I thought this was wonderful, especially because Joel is my neat-freak and he has a hard time with grace toward his untidy brother. I also love that you get a girl and a guy's perspective. My daughters can enjoy it just as much as their brothers.<br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><b>Storyline</b></span><br />
About a year before the book begins, the twins' mother died unexpectedly. Jake is healing okay, but Jennifer is still struggling with nightmares. The twins live with their aunt while their dad works in Israel. They join him in Israel to help him work on "The Machine". This machine produces holographic images from sound and light wave imprints left on objects. In theory, if you have a board from Noah's ark, you could produce an image so realistic, it's like you are really there. Adventure ensues, of course, but I won't give it away.<br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><b>Style</b></span><br />
It gets going rather quickly, which is good for those who need a good grab to keep them going. The book begins with a gripping nightmare. By the 2nd chapter, they are already moving to Israel.<br />
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It is a bit random and jumpy, perfect for tweens. For me, as an adult, I found the writing slightly irritating, but only slightly. There was quite a bit of "Anyway, I'll get to that later" kind of dialogue with the reader. It was verrrry conversational. Those are appealing traits younger teens, but Joel felt that the writing would be too juvenile for anyone older than 13. In fact, he thought it might be better suited for his 8-year old sister. He did love the story though, and this fits the description the publishers give for target audience.<br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><b>Theme</b></span><br />
The overall theme of the story is learning to trust God. It's not always easy. While they are enjoying a good story, readers are reminded that God keeps His promises and He has promised that He's always working for our good. This is an urgently important lesson for young teens to grasp.<br />
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Overall, it is a fun read with a good message. Joel and I give it a thumbs-up.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*I received this book from B&B Media Group, in exchange for my honest opinion. I am disclosing this information in accordance to FTC Regulations. All opinions are my own. Do with them what you will. </span></i></div>
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Jenn H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307619657318996067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21840778.post-40451437915397406902013-09-01T07:09:00.000-05:002013-09-12T07:09:39.883-05:00Physics and the Scientific Method<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">My high school student begins Physics in one week. This is one of my favorite things to learn about and it will be my first time getting to <i><u>teach</u></i> it. I'm very excited!<br /><br />
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For High School Physics, I am using <a href="http://www.sciencelearningspace.com/members/go.php?r=14330&i=l0">Super Charged Science</a>. It is out-of-this-world fabulous! It is also out-of-this-world expensive. If I had not received a free membership for a review this past year, it would be out of my budget. If your budget looks like mine, you might consider <a href="http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/physics/8-01sc-physics-i-classical-mechanics-fall-2010/Syllabus/">MIT's free online course</a>.<br /><br />
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For our first week, we will go over the Scientific Method. It's a simple thing, but I need to know that my students are solid in this before moving on to anything else.<br /><br />
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My 3rd and 4th grade students are doing their own thing, but I found a few resources that will allow them to join us a bit, as well:<br /><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>A <a href="http://teacherstakeout.blogspot.com/2013/08/scientific-method-freebie.html">free download</a> from Teacher's Take-Out.</li>
<li>A song, lapbook element, and worksheets from <a href="http://www.teachjunkie.com/filing-cabinet/free-download/scientific-method/">Teach Junkie</a>.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.thecraftyclassroom.com/HomeschoolPrintablesScientificMethod.html">Fabulous worksheets</a> from The Crafty Classroom!</li>
</ul>I rarely decorate our tiny space, but this bulletin board is fabulous, don't you think? I plan to tackle my own version of it this week.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.myclassroomideas.com/scientific-method-bulletin-board/"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://www.myclassroomideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Scientific-Method-Bulletin-Board.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beginning a year of science experiments wouldn't be complete without a science journal, now would it? I have been very impressed with Aurora Lipper's detailed description of what a science journal entails. After teaching this to my students, I want them to have a reminder in the front of their science journals, so I've created this <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Nh-bl9nCZuYVbsi24voyYQIDYCIuZhzm4SPWkROUjmc/edit?usp=sharing">quick reference sheet </a>for them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For some fun exposure to the scientific method in extreme action, try watching some Mythbusters! This show is available on the Discovery Channel and <a href="http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/MythBusters/70136128?trkid=2361637">on Netflix</a>. There is occasionally some inappropriate language, so preview it yourself before plopping the kids in front of the screen.</div><br /></div>Jenn H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307619657318996067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21840778.post-40268994554804088592013-08-28T08:28:00.001-05:002013-08-28T08:40:37.447-05:00Bible Study for Boys - a Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://s1202.photobucket.com/user/TOSCrew2011/media/2013TOSCrew/Doorpost/doorpostlogo_zpsa7a5d5e4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo doorpostlogo_zpsa7a5d5e4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2013TOSCrew/Doorpost/doorpostlogo_zpsa7a5d5e4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.doorposts.com/" target="_blank">Doorposts</a> has been around for 20 years now, blessing and helping families. They create quality products that encourage families to incorporate scripture into their very foundations.<br />
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<a href="http://www.doorposts.com/details.aspx?id=129" target="_blank">Because You Are Strong</a> is a Bible study for boys, ages 12 and up. Even fathers can enjoy and learn through this study. The purpose of the study is to <i>"<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;">help young men gain a biblical view of strength and use that strength wisely, for God’s glory."</span></i><br />
<a href="http://s1202.photobucket.com/user/TOSCrew2011/media/2013TOSCrew/Doorpost/because-you-are-strong_zps09c21e6d.jpg.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo because-you-are-strong_zps09c21e6d.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2013TOSCrew/Doorpost/because-you-are-strong_zps09c21e6d.jpg" width="316" /></a>The book studies heroes from the Bible, a study on the power of God, the service of Jesus, and wisdom from the Proverbs. In addition to the wisdom gained about strength and God's vision for their strength, our sons also learned some practical skills in Bible study, such as how to:<br />
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• Use a Concordance<br />
• Study original Hebrew or Greek words as they are used throughout Scripture.<br />
• Compare one passage of Scripture with another.<br />
• Observe repeated words and themes in a passage.<br />
• Outline the content of a passage.<br />
• Gather all that Scripture says on a particular topic.<br />
• Study the lives of people in the Bible, noting how their attitudes and actions portray biblical truths.<br />
• Understand and use margin notes in the Bible.<br />
• Use free Bible study tools on computers and mobile devices.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Some of this they knew</span>, but it was still good practice. Some of it, I'm embarrassed to say, was brand new. My husband and I have discussed quite a bit lately that our Bible study habits need to change to better incorporate our kids. We each study our Bible early in the morning while the kids are still sleeping. It's a great time for us to focus without interruption, but it occurred to us that it also means the kids never see us studying our Bibles! We do a brief devotion time as a family, but we don't sit down and study with them or in front of them. I'm very thankful for this study that does teach them how to incorporate useful study tools into their morning devotion time.<br />
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The study includes at total of 74 days of lessons, giving almost 15 weeks of Bible study. There are suggestions for further study, which would give another 6 weeks of study if used.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What We Like:</span><br />
It requires thinking. I'm a big fan of things that make them use their brains. There is no spoon-feeding here.<br />
Checklists!<br />
Learning several different methods for studying the Bible. This allows them to see what methods are the most helpful for them. These are skills they will take with them long after this study is finished.<br />
The lessons take around 20 minutes per day to complete. This was a perfect amount of time for us.<br />
The study is adaptable for girls and includes alternate questions in the back of the book.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What We Didn't Like:</span><br />
None of these were a big deal, especially considering how much we love the study overall. Rather than "Things We Didn't Like", you could more accurately call this section "Things We Didn't Love".<br />
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<li>The study uses the King James Version of the Bible, which isn't our favorite. Most of it requires students to look up verses in their own Bible though, so we were able to follow along using our good ol' ESV. </li>
<li>The units don't divide evenly over "days". There aren't 5 studies, one for each day of the week. Some have 4 days, some have 11. Sometimes, a day's assignment could be rather involved. Others, not so much. For instance, Day 8 of Study 5 only has 2 assignments. #1 asks "How can you become more of a man of valor?" #2 instructs students to "Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you see how God wants you to change." Honestly, I think this is wonderful. I want my boys to learn to stop and be reflective and prayerful. But they are boys. If I do not read the study ahead of time and instruct them to not rush over this part, there is a good chance they may take those assignments lightly and think of it as a short day for Bible study.</li>
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The study requires access to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310579503/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0310579503&linkCode=as2&tag=whitramam-20">Nave's Topical Bible</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=whitramam-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0310579503" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0785250565/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0785250565&linkCode=as2&tag=whitramam-20">Strong's Concordance</a>. We had neither. However, there's an app for that! Also, they are in the public domain and <a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/naves-topical-bible/" target="_blank">available online</a>.<br />
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This book is available in softcover or as an ebook. The softcover usually runs $14, but is currently on sale for $12. The ebook is $10. I prefer ebooks so that I can print multiple copies for my children. I can also print out an extra page or two when coffee gets spilled or someone begins stressing that the eraser marks are showing.<br />
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You can check out a <a href="http://www.doorposts.com/Samples/BCS-Sample.pdf" target="_blank">sample of the book</a> online. Be sure to visit the Crew website to read more reviews of this book and of another study they have for young women, entitled <a href="http://www.doorposts.com/details.aspx?id=130" target="_blank">Beauty in the Heart.</a><br />
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Jenn H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307619657318996067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21840778.post-63807676695683073842013-08-21T08:51:00.002-05:002013-08-21T08:51:54.286-05:00Law and Government - A Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Some of my friends tease me that I'm one of those "fun moms" because I do lapbooks with my kids. As I've tried to explain though, I do lapbooks because I'm one of those "lazy moms". Lapbooks are an easy way to sum up a semester, insert a unit study quickly yet thoroughly, or to add some fun variety to a study that isn't catching a child's interest.<br />
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<a href="http://www.handsofachild.com/" target="_blank">In the Hands of a Child</a> creates easy, affordable lapbooks. For this review, I received a Project Pack on <a href="http://www.handsofachild.com/law-and-government-curriculum.html" target="_blank">Law and Goverment</a>. We have been studying American History this year and I wanted to do a unit study on the side that taught them about the government that was fought for. This project pack was an excellent addition to our studies.<br />
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Project packs are engaging enough to keep students' interest and they include everything I need to whip up a quick study. This is where the lazy part comes in. Law and Government includes a:<br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Research Guide - this consists of several pages of reading which teaches students about the topic chosen. </li>
<li>Lapbook elements - already designed and ready to type into the PDF or to cut out and write on. </li>
<li>Activities Instructions - tells you exactly what to do with each of the lapbook elements.</li>
<li>Answer Key - A quick easy way to assess your student's understanding, or to direct them in answering.</li>
</ul>
There is actually quite a bit more included, but those are the basics. The Project Pack also includes a suggested reading list to help you create your own in-depth unit study. It includes pictures and instructions to help you assemble your lapbook. It also includes color photos of already assembled lapbooks, so you can see how it could be done. It also includes a lesson plan chart to help you plan a 5 day study. I prefer to do mine in small bites, dragging mine out a bit longer.<br />
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This is intended for grades 4th through 8th. I let my 2nd grade daughter sit in on the reading portions and color some of the lapbook elements. Some of it went over her head, but she was able to participate and glean a little bit of new information.<br />
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For our lapbooks, I usually print everything and do most of the assembling. My boys enjoy doing lapbooks, but don't like to do any of the cutting or folding. As my girls are getting older, these method may change if they enjoy assembling them on their own. For each element we study, I pull out that page and assemble it the night before. This takes about one minute. ONE minute! The kids take turns coloring or writing in vocabulary words or whatever element we're learning while I read a brief portion from the Research Guide. I collect these finished elements in a ziploc bag and save them until we're finished. Then we all sit down together and arrange them in a file folder book.<br />
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The Law and Government Project Pack covered some great little chunks of information. It taught:<br />
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<li>Vocabulary</li>
<li>What is Government</li>
<li>8 possible roles of Government</li>
<li>4 most common types of government</li>
<li>What are laws and why are they important?</li>
<li>The role of Civil Law and 4 common cases that would fall under Civil Law</li>
<li>The role of Public Law and the 4 branches of Public Law</li>
<li>Blue Laws, Common Laws, and Martial Laws</li>
<li>Trial by Jury</li>
<li>A bill and the law process it goes through</li>
<li>7 steps to creating a law</li>
<li>Difference between state and national laws</li>
<li>7 most common careers in the field of law</li>
</ul>
Hands of a Child offers many lapbooks within a $10-$15 range. This particular lapbook is usually $10. Hands of a Child also offers some great sales on their products (and even some freebies!) Currently Law and Government is on sale for half off, so you can pick it up for just $5. And for $5, I have a file that I can print and use again later with my younger students.<br />
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There were many different lapbooks reviewed by the crew. Be sure to check them out by clicking the image below.</div>
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Jenn H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307619657318996067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21840778.post-83375006102862850872013-08-18T09:36:00.000-05:002013-08-22T08:14:49.773-05:00Birthday Cake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A few weeks ago, we went on a mission trip to inner-city Kansas City. We invited families to a Vacation Bible School in an area so rough, some residents wouldn't walk. But they were willing to ride our bus and they joined us for a week of learning about Jesus.<br />
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Near the end of our 2nd-to-last day, a gentleman walked in off the street to meet people. He was lonely.<br />
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He took of his baseball cap to wipe sweat from his brow, revealing a bald head contorted with scars. He had no ears. They had been chewed off by a pair of dogs when he was three years old. </div>
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I asked him how old he was. He had just turned twenty six the week before. It wasn't a very good birthday though. He didn't have any cake. He was alone. </div>
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I invited him to our Friends and Family night, coming up the next night. I mentioned that we were already making cupcakes to get ready for the party. I promised we would sing Happy Birthday to him.</div>
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He blushed.</div>
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He did show up the next night. I wasn't sure if he would. As he sat in the service, listening to the worship, he told me he'd really never had friends before. I nodded around at the smiling faces and said, "It looks like you have some now." Tears came into his eyes.<br />
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I was busy when it came time to go downstairs and eat, so I missed seeing his face. But I heard everyone join in singing Happy Birthday, Dear Brice. </div>
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Such a little thing. But it meant so much to him. </div>
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He lives in a box. There are shelters in the area, but one is full and he isn't allowed into the other because he got in a fight there once. He's said that he's a Christian now, and I believe him. He has some mental disabilities that make it difficult for him to take care of himself well. He's alone and doesn't have someone to help him figure out applications and deposits and doctor visits. </div>
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We were unable to help with any of that. We loaded him up with nonperishable foods, a very temporary help. But somehow, Happy Birthday was able to touch him like nothing else we had to give him. </div>
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Love. A kind word. Friends. He was starving for them.</div>
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We came home and things went wrong, as they always do. Our floor had water damage and had to be torn up. Our air conditioner broke. The bridge to our house was washed out. We encountered some very grumpy people. </div>
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And it's nothing. It's really nothing. </div>
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My daughter's birthday is coming up soon. We don't have enough money to buy her much, but she will know she is loved. There is no doubt that she will always have someone to sing Happy Birthday, Dear Honor. I try to teach my children to drop the idea that we deserve anything, but this encounter with Brice highlighted to me just how entitled I still feel. We are all sinners. We deserve death. Because of Christ, we have life.<br />
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Jenn H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307619657318996067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21840778.post-8470289655801454772013-08-14T00:00:00.005-05:002013-11-18T09:50:49.466-06:00American History - A Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Sometimes I don't read review descriptions as well as I should. I try, but sometimes it happens. Such was the case when I read about an American History review opportunity. I read about it and it looked lovely. I was in need of an American History program, so I said, "Why not?" and signed up.<br />
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The box sat unopened for a couple weeks after it arrived. There just wasn't time. Finally, I opened up the box from the <a href="http://www.notgrass.com/notgrass/">Notgrass Company</a> and I was blown away. I nearly cried, and I'm not exaggerating. It was lovely, yes, but so much more. It wasn't just a book about American history it was the complete <a href="http://www.notgrass.com/notgrass/America-the-Beautiful-Curriculum-Package.html">America the Beautiful Curriculum Package</a>. In addition to that beautiful package, Notgrass generously added in the <a href="http://www.notgrass.com/notgrass/America-the-Beautiful-Lesson-Review.html">Lesson Review</a> book (7&8th grade) and a <a href="http://www.notgrass.com/notgrass/America-the-Beautiful-Student-Workbook.html">Student Workbook</a> (5th&6th grade.)<br />
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It is intended to be read by students in grades 5-8th, but I opted to do it as a read aloud and my 2nd and 4th grade daughters enjoyed listening along to lessons as much as my 8th grade son, as did I.<br />
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History is my family's favorite subject. We've tried a LOT of history books through the years, and this one has truly impressed me. The illustrations are stunning. The content is God-honoring. The activities are thoughtful.<br />
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The package contains two spine books, one for each semester. It is designed to be completed in one year, with 15 Units in each semester. Each Unit contains five lessons, one per day. Samples are <a href="http://www.notgrass.com/notgrass/America-the-Beautiful-Curriculum-Package.html">available online.</a> Book 1 begins in the year 1000 and proceeds until 1877. Book 2 continues through Modern Times, specifically to the 2010 Senate election.<br />
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We opted to stretch it out over 2 years instead of one, supplementing with more literature selections.<br />
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Each lesson contains about 4-7 pages of text, with many illustrations. The last page of each lesson contains Activity instructions. Not every activity listed below is assigned for every lesson, and even then, the book stresses that they are optional. Here is a brief summary of the activities you'll find:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Thinking Biblically</span> This section generally includes a scripture copywork or prayer notebook activity that is relevant to the lesson studied.</li>
<li><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Map Study</span> Students look at a particular map while reading many of the lessons and write or color in the designated Maps book when instructed.</li>
<li><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Timeline </span>Most lessons require an entry into the Timeline book. It is recommended that they read a few events surrounding their new entry each day.</li>
<li><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Literature</span> This most frequently refers students to the book "We the People", which contains excerpts from original source documents, speeches, songs, etc. It also assigns books from the literature package.</li>
<li><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Vocabulary</span> This section has students add 5 words from the lesson into their notebook, with definitions.</li>
<li><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Creative Writing</span> This section gives writing assignments such as creating a compact after reading the Mayflower Compact, reading a letter from a historical figure and then writing an imagined response letter, writing a campaign speech, etc.</li>
<li><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Student Workbook</span> or <span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Lesson Review</span> instruction - These optional books are chosen based on grade</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.notgrass.com/notgrass/America-the-Beautiful-Literature-Package.html">Literature Package</a></span><br />
This is sold separately from the History Package and includes:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>The Sign of the Beaver</li>
<li>Amos Fortune, Free Man</li>
<li>Brady</li>
<li>Bound for Oregon</li>
<li>Across Five Aprils</li>
<li>Little Town on the Prairie</li>
<li>All-of-a-Kind Fmaily</li>
<li>Blue Willow</li>
<li>Homer Price</li>
<li>Katy</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://www.notgrass.com/notgrass/Maps-of-America-the-Beautiful.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Maps</span></a></div>
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This book comes with the Complete Package and it is fabulous. This gives an excellent geography lesson to accompany the history being studied. If you have more than one student participating, you'll want to pick up an extra copy of this book for $8.95.</div>
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<a href="http://www.notgrass.com/notgrass/images/P/timeline_of_america_the_beautiful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.notgrass.com/notgrass/images/P/timeline_of_america_the_beautiful.jpg" width="154" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.notgrass.com/notgrass/Timeline-of-America-the-Beautiful.html">Timeline</a></span></div>
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This book also comes with the Complete Package and it is equally incredible. It is simple, but it is easy to follow and really helps students understand the chronology of what they're studying. Extra copies of this book can be picked up for $6.95.</div>
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<a href="http://www.notgrass.com/notgrass/America-the-Beautiful-Lesson-Review.html" style="font-size: x-large;">Lesson Review</a></div>
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This spiral bound workbook is intended for grades 7 & 8. It contains 5 review questions for every day's lesson. These are mostly fill-in-the-blank, list, or directly answer the question. We did these questions orally. This optional book is available for $9.95</div>
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<a href="http://www.notgrass.com/notgrass/images/P/america_the_beautiful_student_workbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.notgrass.com/notgrass/images/P/america_the_beautiful_student_workbook.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.notgrass.com/notgrass/America-the-Beautiful-Student-Workbook.html" style="font-size: x-large;">Student Workbook</a></div>
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This spiral bound workbook is intended for grades 5 & 6. It contains reviews in the form of crossword puzzles, word searches, matching, etc. When there were multiple choice questions, I asked them. Otherwise we skipped this book due to lack of time. This optional book is available for $11.95.</div>
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<a href="http://www.notgrass.com/notgrass/America-the-Beautiful-Answer-Key.html" style="font-size: x-large;">Answer Key</a></div>
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The Answer Key comes with the Complete Package and it provides answers for everything in the Timeline, Student Workbook, Lesson Review book, and the vocabulary assignments in the main text.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Things I love:</span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>The back of both core books contains a Family Activity for each unit of the books (one per week.) These include things such as making your own Navajo Flatbread, learning about Colonial Printing by making movable type, building a model of the Erie Canal, and much more.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>It is intelligently written. It definitely seeks to bring glory to God and it does this without any manipulation of facts. It is up to date and honest about how things happened.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>It does much more than just tell what happened. The books describe the landscape, introduces landmarks, gives biographies, and more. It describes music and its influence through the ages. It tells the story.</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;">Things I didn't love:</span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>It's a tiny thing, really, but the text frequently gives instruction to "See a photograph at right" or something similar. It is rather frequent and gets a bit annoying. It breaks up the flow of the interesting text and seems a bit silly since it is already obvious that the picture to the right relates to what we're reading.</li>
</ul>
The <a href="http://www.notgrass.com/notgrass/America-the-Beautiful-Curriculum-Package.html">Complete Package</a> is available for $99.95. This does not include the <a href="http://www.notgrass.com/notgrass/America-the-Beautiful-Literature-Package.html">Literature Package</a> or the two optional books. It does contain the most beautiful American History program I've ever seen. It contains a history program that implements geography and a timeline and writing assignments, projects, Bible study, and more.<br />
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Jenn H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307619657318996067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21840778.post-67990991037117320112013-08-12T08:46:00.003-05:002013-08-12T08:47:37.103-05:00Children's Bible Study - a Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I always have my eyes open for a quality Bible Study for the kids. There are lot of studies out there, but I'm picky and have found very few that impress me. I want a study that has students read God's Word and learn about the Bible, not examine their feelings about a Bible verse of the day and the fiction story that accompanies it. There have been a few gems, which I've shared on my blog, but eventually they are completed and it's time to hunt for another study. Thankfully, the Schoolhouse Crew has had several opportunities to try out some great programs. Recently, we've enjoyed the gem called <a href="http://biblestudyguide.com/" target="_blank">Bible Study Guide for All Ages</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://s1202.photobucket.com/user/TOSCrew2011/media/2013TOSCrew/BibleStudyGuideAllAges/logo_zpsd228aed3.png.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo logo_zpsd228aed3.png" border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2013TOSCrew/BibleStudyGuideAllAges/logo_zpsd228aed3.png" /></a>This publisher has several different options for families, based on ages and reading levels. We opted for the 3rd and 4th grade level and received both the <a href="http://www.biblestudyguide.com/intermediate-student-pages.php" target="_blank">Intermediate Student Pages</a> and the <a href="http://www.biblestudyguide.com/bible-book-summary-cards.php" target="_blank">Bible Book Summary Cards</a>. </div>
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The Student Pages make up everything you need for the study. There is no Teacher guide, nor is one needed. Most of the work can be done independently, some works better when it includes discussion with mom. In our case, I had both of my girls ( aged 9 and 7) going through the study, so we were able to all three sit down together and chat.<br />
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The Student Pages are divided into different books. All combined, these books include <a href="http://www.biblestudyguide.com/order-of-study.php" target="_blank">416 lessons</a> which take students through the <i>entire</i> Bible. Throughout the process, students are <i>studying</i> the Bible. It's beautiful. Each individual book is only $5.95 per student. These include around 25 lessons each. There are 16 books total, taking you through the entire Bible. We averaged a couple lessons per week. At this rate, it would take us 4 years to get through all 416 lessons, but we've been taking it extremely slowly and as the girls get older, they'll be able to progress a lot faster. A lesson really could be completed in a day which would have us finished in less than 2 years.<br />
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Each lesson is 2 pages long. They begin with a reading assignment. These include around 20 verses from the Bible. After that, there are 7 sections of assignments. These are:<br />
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<li><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Remember It?</span> Reviews details from previous lessons</li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Memory Workout</span> Includes drills and activities to help students recall verses, books of the Bible, story details, key people, and more</li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Guess What...</span> Gives definitions and shares interesting facts</li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Time Line</span> Alternating every other lesson with Maps, this helps students see the Big Picture of the Bible and how people and events fit into God's overrall plan</li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Maps</span> Alternating every other lesson with the Timeline, this uses maps and activities to help students understand where events took place</li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Get Active</span> Breaks away from the worksheet for an an activity that helps reinforce the lesson or application verse.</li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Apply It</span> Helps students apply the Bible text to their own lives</li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Discover the Bible</span> As students read from their own Bibles, this section uses illustrations to help students think about and remember what they are reading.</li>
</ul>
My girls have loved this. Their favorite part is the Timeline. This turned out to be a very important feature of the lessons. As we were working through the lessons, I realized we were about to jump from Joseph to Daniel and to the New Testament. I was curious about this and contacted the company to ask about their chronology. They responded within a couple hours and the answer was very helpful:<br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">Why does the Bible Study Guide not start with Genesis 1 and go straight through to Revelation?</b><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"><br /></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">There are several reasons we chose the order of study in the Bible Study Guide (BSG). First, in a detailed, four year study of the entire Bible, it would be nearly three years before we ever came to Jesus if we went straight through. With the BSG, we study some Old and some New Testament each year, examining part of Jesus' life on earth each year as well. We feel that this approach is a better balanced way to study the Bible.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">Also, the BSG outlines the Biblical history in the first thirty lessons of study, examining the lives of Joseph, Daniel and Jesus. This method gives students an overall idea of the story of the Bible very quickly. Then we proceed to fill in the gaps.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">Finally, this order of study prevents both teacher and students from feeling bogged down in a certain section of Scripture for months at a time. Occasionally switching from Old to New Testament and back adds interest and excitement. You are continually exploring something fresh.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">We should emphasize that the constant use of the Unlabeled Time Line helps students understand the chronology of the Bible better than any method we know of. The way the BSG program is set up, you are constantly being reminded of the "big picture" of the Bible and how the current lesson fits into it.</span></div>
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That makes perfect sense! And rather than it confusing them, my girls seem to take better note of things as they place them into their timeline, though we're studying them out of chronological order.<br />
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The other gem that was sent to me was a stack of Bible Book Summary Cards. These are huge flashcards with pictures to illustrate a summary of a book of the Bible and to trigger memory recall. The back includes a portion for the teacher to read, followed by questions about what was read. The pictures correspond with each point of the reading portion.<br />
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<a href="http://www.biblestudyguide.com/images/bible-book-sc/bbsc-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://www.biblestudyguide.com/images/bible-book-sc/bbsc-07.jpg" width="320" /></a>After just a few times of reading it, my girls were able to quickly recall all of the details for me, just by pointing at the pictures. Within 2 weeks (and just 4 days of use) my girls were summarizing books of the Bible.<br />
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The cards are for each book of the Bible and are used again and again throughout the multi-year study. Since the Student Pages can cover the same book of the Bible for many weeks, the same Summary Card could be used again and again throughout that time. Review is strongly recommended, of course. With the pictures to trigger memory recall, it's easy for them to go back and tell you about the books already learned.<br />
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The cards cost $24.95 for a stack of 66 cards. They are very sturdy and colorful. They are 8 1/2 x 11" and great for holding up and studying or displaying on the wall after you've finished. A larger option is available (11x14") in black and white for students or teachers to color in. These are even available as slide presentations for classroom use.<br />
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The cards aren't necessary to complete the Bible Study Pages. And the Bible Study Pages aren't necessary to enjoy the Summary Cards. Both can be enjoyed independent of one another. The cards would make a nice 5 minute study during Circle Time, regardless of what a family uses for Bible study.<br />
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There are several other great products available from this publisher. Be sure to check out reviews by clicking the link below.<br />
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Jenn H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10307619657318996067noreply@blogger.com0