Thursday, September 30, 2010
Friday Blog Hop
Mama to 4 Blessings & Homegrown Families host a blog hop every Friday. Thought you all might like to hop on over and join the fun!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
TOS Crew: New Monic's Vocabulary Cartoon
We were given the Elementary Version of Vocabulary Cartoon book from New Monic to review for the TOS Crew. This books focuses on learning vocabulary words through cartoons and mnemonics. Mnemonics are mind memory or learning aids, usually a short poem or saying that helps a person to remember something.
Vocabulary Cartoons is not just a book with a list of words that kids are told to go memorize. This book is filled with lots silly pictures and saying that make learning the meaning of words really fun!
Each word has a page of it's own which gives the subject word, the pronunciation, the meaning, an association link word, a mnemonic cartoon, cartoon caption and a sample sentence.
While the smaller LSG Crew did take a peek at this book, mostly the Lil Chef and I were the ones working on it, since it is geared towards 3rd -6th graders. We really enjoyed the cartoons and silly sayings(mnemonics) that went along with the words, some of them really had us laughing! I believe that the Vocabulary Cartoons did help the Lil Chef and I increase our vocabulary just from casually reading the book. The book does include a quiz after every 10 words, but we just did it for fun and skipped the quizzes.
While this vocabulary book is not something that we will use every day, I do feel it is a fun resource to have. I don't envision sticking it back on the bookcase, it will probably end up on the coffee table or in one of the book baskets floating around, for easy access. If the Lil Chef didn't already have vocabulary built into her spelling program, I would definitely consider adding this to our curriculum choices.
At 12.95, the Vocabulary Cartoon - Elementary Edition is very reasonably priced and well worth the purchase. New Monics carries 2 other vocabulary books that help to prepare for SAT's as well a Picture Speller for the K-2nd crowd.
This product was provided to us free of charge for review purposes. I was not paid in any way and the opinions expressed here are my own.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Menu Plan Monday
Got a few new cookbooks so that means a few new recipes. Yippee! I usually buy my cookbooks used from Amazon, cause I am cheap like that : ) In case you were wondering which cookbooks I got, they are:
Weight Watchers All Time Favorites - I have sooo- many pages dog eared in this book! If you want a new cookbook BUY this ONE!
Weight Watchers' Simply the Best : 250 Prizewinning Family Recipes
Simply Delicious
(Weight Watchers)
Now Eat This - This one is by Rocco Dispirito. He takes comfort foods and makes them low calorie. Like for instance he takes aMac & Cheese dish that was 32 grams of fat/670 calories and knocks it down to 6.5grams of fat/227 calories per serving. I haven't made anything yet but this looks like a good one too! The only thing I was not impressed with was, that in some of the desserts he uses Splenda, which I am not a big fan of.
Can you tell a theme here? I am trying to cook on the lighter side but whatever I cook, it can't appear too healthy, or The Hubs won't eat it. So I thought I would go for a few lower calorie recipes.
Ok, on to the menu...
Monday
Meatless Monday - Italian Bean Soup (Weight Watchers All Time Favorites)
Tuesday
Stuffed Greeen Peppers, Mashed Potatoes and Corn (the Peppers and Potatoes will be cooking side by side in their own little crock pots. Have I told you how much I love crock pots!!) If you have never made potatoes in your crocky pot, you must! All you have to do it throw your taters in the pot, add about a 1/4 of water and sprinkle with sea salt. I do not peel my taters because I am lazy and the skins are good for ya, as long as they are organic. Once there cooked you can eat them as they are, add toppings or mash'em up.
Wednesday
Baked Chicken w/ Rosemary w/ Mixed Veggies and Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Thursday
Meatloaf w/ Potatoes and Green Beans - This is something a friend shared with me. You make up your meatloaf, put it in a 9x13, add potatoes around the sides and then pour Tomato Soup over top and cook.
I think I am going to try it in the crock pot.
Friday
Hunan Chicken Stir Fry (Weight Watchers All Time Favorites) served over Brown Rice
Saturday
Pizza Night
Sunday
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup - I do not actually grill my Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. Remember Grilled Cheese Sandwiches back in school, they bread wasn't soggy, it was nice and crispy. Well that is how I like my grilled (baked) cheese sandwiches so I just pop them in the oven and bake them up. I don't even add butter.
Weight Watchers All Time Favorites - I have sooo- many pages dog eared in this book! If you want a new cookbook BUY this ONE!
Weight Watchers' Simply the Best : 250 Prizewinning Family Recipes
Simply Delicious
(Weight Watchers)Now Eat This - This one is by Rocco Dispirito. He takes comfort foods and makes them low calorie. Like for instance he takes a
Mac & Cheese dish that was 32 grams of fat/670 calories and knocks it down to 6.5grams of fat/227 calories per serving. I haven't made anything yet but this looks like a good one too! The only thing I was not impressed with was, that in some of the desserts he uses Splenda, which I am not a big fan of. Can you tell a theme here? I am trying to cook on the lighter side but whatever I cook, it can't appear too healthy, or The Hubs won't eat it. So I thought I would go for a few lower calorie recipes.
Ok, on to the menu...
Monday
Meatless Monday - Italian Bean Soup (Weight Watchers All Time Favorites)
Tuesday
Stuffed Greeen Peppers, Mashed Potatoes and Corn (the Peppers and Potatoes will be cooking side by side in their own little crock pots. Have I told you how much I love crock pots!!) If you have never made potatoes in your crocky pot, you must! All you have to do it throw your taters in the pot, add about a 1/4 of water and sprinkle with sea salt. I do not peel my taters because I am lazy and the skins are good for ya, as long as they are organic. Once there cooked you can eat them as they are, add toppings or mash'em up.
Wednesday
Baked Chicken w/ Rosemary w/ Mixed Veggies and Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Thursday
Meatloaf w/ Potatoes and Green Beans - This is something a friend shared with me. You make up your meatloaf, put it in a 9x13, add potatoes around the sides and then pour Tomato Soup over top and cook.
I think I am going to try it in the crock pot.
Friday
Hunan Chicken Stir Fry (Weight Watchers All Time Favorites) served over Brown Rice
Saturday
Pizza Night
Sunday
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup - I do not actually grill my Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. Remember Grilled Cheese Sandwiches back in school, they bread wasn't soggy, it was nice and crispy. Well that is how I like my grilled (baked) cheese sandwiches so I just pop them in the oven and bake them up. I don't even add butter.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
He Grew The Tree
written by Chuck Lawrence
HE MOLDED AND BUILT A SMALL LONELY HILL
THAT HE KNEW WOULD BE CALLED CALVARY.
THEN HE MADE THE SEED THAT WOULD GROW TO BE
THORNS THAT WOULD MAKE HIS SON BLEED.
THEN HE MADE A GREEN STEM
GAVE IT LEAVES AND THEN GAVE IT SUNSHINE AND RAIN AND
SHELTERED IT WITH MOSS.
HE GREW THE TREE HE KNEW WOULD BE
USED TO MAKE THE OLD RUGGED CROSS.
WITH TEARS IN HIS EYES GOD LOOKED DOWN THROUGH TIME
SAW HIM SPAT UPON REJECTED AND MOCKED.
STILL HE GREW THE TREE HE KNEW WOULD BE
USED TO MAKE THE OLD RUGGED CROSS.
CHORUS
NOTHING TOOK HIS LIFE WITH LOVE HE GAVE IT.
HE WAS CRUCIFIED ON A TREE THAT HE CREATED.
WITH GREAT LOVE FOR MAN
GOD GAVE WITH HIS PLAN.
HE GREW THE TREE SO THAT WE MIGHT GO FREE.
STILL HE GREW THE TREE HE KNEW WOULD BE
USED TO MAKE THE OLD RUGGED CROSS.
I really love this song, although I am not sure that it qualifies as a hymn. I had forgot about this song until I found my ipod which had been lost for over a year.
My mom and Uncle Dan sang this song years ago at church. I can still remember driving to church with her that morning, I remember her being nervous to be singing in front of everyone. So, when I hear this song I can't help but think of my mama and Uncle Dan.
This song was originally sung by Barbara Mandrell but there are lots of versions on youtube.
HE MOLDED AND BUILT A SMALL LONELY HILL
THAT HE KNEW WOULD BE CALLED CALVARY.
THEN HE MADE THE SEED THAT WOULD GROW TO BE
THORNS THAT WOULD MAKE HIS SON BLEED.
THEN HE MADE A GREEN STEM
GAVE IT LEAVES AND THEN GAVE IT SUNSHINE AND RAIN AND
SHELTERED IT WITH MOSS.
HE GREW THE TREE HE KNEW WOULD BE
USED TO MAKE THE OLD RUGGED CROSS.
WITH TEARS IN HIS EYES GOD LOOKED DOWN THROUGH TIME
SAW HIM SPAT UPON REJECTED AND MOCKED.
STILL HE GREW THE TREE HE KNEW WOULD BE
USED TO MAKE THE OLD RUGGED CROSS.
CHORUS
NOTHING TOOK HIS LIFE WITH LOVE HE GAVE IT.
HE WAS CRUCIFIED ON A TREE THAT HE CREATED.
WITH GREAT LOVE FOR MAN
GOD GAVE WITH HIS PLAN.
HE GREW THE TREE SO THAT WE MIGHT GO FREE.
STILL HE GREW THE TREE HE KNEW WOULD BE
USED TO MAKE THE OLD RUGGED CROSS.
I really love this song, although I am not sure that it qualifies as a hymn. I had forgot about this song until I found my ipod which had been lost for over a year.
My mom and Uncle Dan sang this song years ago at church. I can still remember driving to church with her that morning, I remember her being nervous to be singing in front of everyone. So, when I hear this song I can't help but think of my mama and Uncle Dan.
This song was originally sung by Barbara Mandrell but there are lots of versions on youtube.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Saturday Solutions: Removing Permanent Markers from the Wall
Truthfully I wasn't going to post today BUT I just had to share this.
My youngest little darling, Little Bits, just loves to draw. He especially LOVES to draw with black or red permanent marker on my WALLS!! I know exactly what you are thinking right now, lucky me, right?!
Before I go any further, let me just tell you that we have some painting done earlier this month. One of the rooms that we had painted was the girls room. We all really loved the drawings that Little Bits had made for us, but the girls were really ready for a new look.
Well this evening, I was helping the girls clean out their drawersbecause they had so many clothes in them that they couldn't even open them. and noticed MORE ARTWORK!! I am am actually very proud of myself, I did yell even once : ) I figured no biggy, I would just touch it up with some leftover paint, but after looking online I found a great tip.
Toothpaste! I asked the Hubs to rub a little toothpaste onto the wall and then wipe it off with a wet rag. All I have to say is AMAZING! The artwork is ALL GONE!! I just couldn't believe it. Doesn't make me feel real warm and cozy that this is the stuff that we brush our teeth with but none the less, IT WORKED!
Like I said, I had to share.
My youngest little darling, Little Bits, just loves to draw. He especially LOVES to draw with black or red permanent marker on my WALLS!! I know exactly what you are thinking right now, lucky me, right?!
Before I go any further, let me just tell you that we have some painting done earlier this month. One of the rooms that we had painted was the girls room. We all really loved the drawings that Little Bits had made for us, but the girls were really ready for a new look.
Well this evening, I was helping the girls clean out their drawers
Toothpaste! I asked the Hubs to rub a little toothpaste onto the wall and then wipe it off with a wet rag. All I have to say is AMAZING! The artwork is ALL GONE!! I just couldn't believe it. Doesn't make me feel real warm and cozy that this is the stuff that we brush our teeth with but none the less, IT WORKED!
Like I said, I had to share.
Friday, September 24, 2010
TOS Crew: Schleich Figures
We were sent several of the animal figures from Schleich in order to review them for the TOS Crew. They aren't just ordinary animals figures, they are very nice, high quality and are much more life like than any other animals figures that I have ever seen.
I was very surprised at the wide variety of figures that the Schleich Company offers. They have figures of farm animals, wild animals, knights, vehicles and even Smurfs! I am not trying to date myself but I think my sister and I even had a few of those Smurf figures when we were younger.
The Schleich company has been around for about 75 years, and in that time they have definitely mastered making toy figures. Their attention to detail is really amazing on these animals. The website shows a large selection of figures, although they do not sell them directly through their site. The Schleich figures can be purchased at several different places, like on Amazon.com and at Target. They range in price, with the animals being less expensive and the buildings being a bit more.
One of the sets that Schleich's sells on Amazon is the Wild Babies Set
. This set includes 5 wild animals (zebra calf, giraffe calf, elephant calf and lion cub) and it sells for $16.99.
The kids have really enjoyed them and have used them in many different ways. For instance, they have used them in our own Garden of Eden, along with blocks and logs, and they have also made a zoo for them. They have really enjoyed them so much that they may even get some new ones in their stockings this year, but shhh don't tell them!
The only down fall to these figures, which isn't really a down fall, is that I really feel that I have to keep a hawk eye on Little Bits because some of the animals are kind of small. I believe most of the Schleich figures are recommended for children 3 and up.
Please see my other crew mates reviews here.
These products were given to us free of charge from Schleich for review purposes. We were not paid in any way and the opinions expressed here are my own.
I was very surprised at the wide variety of figures that the Schleich Company offers. They have figures of farm animals, wild animals, knights, vehicles and even Smurfs! I am not trying to date myself but I think my sister and I even had a few of those Smurf figures when we were younger.
The Schleich company has been around for about 75 years, and in that time they have definitely mastered making toy figures. Their attention to detail is really amazing on these animals. The website shows a large selection of figures, although they do not sell them directly through their site. The Schleich figures can be purchased at several different places, like on Amazon.com and at Target. They range in price, with the animals being less expensive and the buildings being a bit more.
One of the sets that Schleich's sells on Amazon is the Wild Babies Set
. This set includes 5 wild animals (zebra calf, giraffe calf, elephant calf and lion cub) and it sells for $16.99. 
The kids have really enjoyed them and have used them in many different ways. For instance, they have used them in our own Garden of Eden, along with blocks and logs, and they have also made a zoo for them. They have really enjoyed them so much that they may even get some new ones in their stockings this year, but shhh don't tell them!
The only down fall to these figures, which isn't really a down fall, is that I really feel that I have to keep a hawk eye on Little Bits because some of the animals are kind of small. I believe most of the Schleich figures are recommended for children 3 and up.
Please see my other crew mates reviews here.
These products were given to us free of charge from Schleich for review purposes. We were not paid in any way and the opinions expressed here are my own.
Cooking & Science for Elementary Students WINNER!
The winner is.....
Comment #6
Shanna said...
I think some of the one week unit studies look neat. My ds would like the aviation unit. Also thought the junior scientists field journal looked fun to do.
Shanna
CONGRATS! Thanks to eveyone that entered!
Comment #6
Shanna said...
I think some of the one week unit studies look neat. My ds would like the aviation unit. Also thought the junior scientists field journal looked fun to do.
Shanna
CONGRATS! Thanks to eveyone that entered!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Crock Pot Sloppy Joes
I have told you all before how my wonderful husband loves Hamburger Helper, Beefaroni and Manwiches, right? Prior to this recipe the only sloppy joe that he liked and would eat came from a can (yuk!).
Once I had made these sloppy joes I was told to look no further, this sloppy joe was a keeper! The recipe is called Nan's Sloppy Joes and is in the Fix It and Forget It Crock Pot Cookbook. It is located on page 132 to be exact, yes I have the page number forever etched in my memory.
1lb of Ground Beef (I have also used Ground Turkey)
1 onion, chopped
3/4 cup of Ketchup
1 Tbsp. chili sauce (this is not something I usually buy, so I replace it with Trader Joe's BBQ sauce)
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce
1 Tbsp. prepared mustard (you know the kind you put on hot dogs)
1 Tbsp. vinegar
1 Tbsp. sugar (I have used honey and i have just totally omitted this, both have been fine)
1. Brown your meat and onion in saucepan.
2. Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker (medium size works best, IMO)
3. Cover. Cook on Low for 4-5 hours.
4. Serve on buns.
Great for quick dinners and for kids birthday parties. Enjoy!
Once I had made these sloppy joes I was told to look no further, this sloppy joe was a keeper! The recipe is called Nan's Sloppy Joes and is in the Fix It and Forget It Crock Pot Cookbook. It is located on page 132 to be exact, yes I have the page number forever etched in my memory.
1lb of Ground Beef (I have also used Ground Turkey)
1 onion, chopped
3/4 cup of Ketchup
1 Tbsp. chili sauce (this is not something I usually buy, so I replace it with Trader Joe's BBQ sauce)
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce
1 Tbsp. prepared mustard (you know the kind you put on hot dogs)
1 Tbsp. vinegar
1 Tbsp. sugar (I have used honey and i have just totally omitted this, both have been fine)
1. Brown your meat and onion in saucepan.
2. Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker (medium size works best, IMO)
3. Cover. Cook on Low for 4-5 hours.
4. Serve on buns.
Great for quick dinners and for kids birthday parties. Enjoy!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Menu Plan Monday
I am doing a women's Bible study and the 3 older kids are in choir now during the week, so you know what that means don't you? CROCK POT! : ) Ya'll know I love my crock pots!
Here is what's cookin' this week at the LSG house...
Monday (Meatless Monday)
Potato Veggie Medley Dinner w/ Spinach and Apple sauce
Tuesday
Sloppy Joe's (Crock Pot Style), Mac & Cheese and Broccoli
Wednesday
Breakfast Night - Oven Eggs, Chicken Apple Sausage and Homemade Waffles(from the freezer)
Thursday
Convenient Chicken & Dumplings (Crock Pot)
Friday
Chicken Tacos (Crock Pot)
Saturday
Eating Out
Sunday
Bacon Wrapped Apple Chicken, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans
I am enjoying a new cookbook, the $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook. The recipes seem to be good, simple and fairly healthy. Do you all have a favorite cookbook?
Here is what's cookin' this week at the LSG house...
Monday (Meatless Monday)
Potato Veggie Medley Dinner w/ Spinach and Apple sauce
Tuesday
Sloppy Joe's (Crock Pot Style), Mac & Cheese and Broccoli
Wednesday
Breakfast Night - Oven Eggs, Chicken Apple Sausage and Homemade Waffles(from the freezer)
Thursday
Convenient Chicken & Dumplings (Crock Pot)
Friday
Chicken Tacos (Crock Pot)
Saturday
Eating Out
Sunday
Bacon Wrapped Apple Chicken, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans
I am enjoying a new cookbook, the $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook. The recipes seem to be good, simple and fairly healthy. Do you all have a favorite cookbook?
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Mighty, Mighty Savior
Mighty Mighty Savior
No one is good
No one is holy before God
I need someone to cleanse me
No one is pure
No one is righteous in Your sight
I need someone to save me
But I’m so glad You died and rose again
For helpless sinners like me
Chorus
What a mighty,mighty Savior You are
What a mighty,mighty Savior You are
You can wash away my sin
You can change my heart within
What amighty,mighty Savior You are
Sin is too strong
For me to conquer on my own
I need someone to help me
I am too weak
I cannot change my evil heart
I need someone to save me
But I’m so glad You died and rose again
For helpless sinners like me
This is a song that we sung during VBS and yeah, I love it! Just bought the MP3's from the Awesome God cd thru Soverign Grace Ministries today. It is actually a "kids" song, so they really like it too!
No one is good
No one is holy before God
I need someone to cleanse me
No one is pure
No one is righteous in Your sight
I need someone to save me
But I’m so glad You died and rose again
For helpless sinners like me
Chorus
What a mighty,mighty Savior You are
What a mighty,mighty Savior You are
You can wash away my sin
You can change my heart within
What amighty,mighty Savior You are
Sin is too strong
For me to conquer on my own
I need someone to help me
I am too weak
I cannot change my evil heart
I need someone to save me
But I’m so glad You died and rose again
For helpless sinners like me
This is a song that we sung during VBS and yeah, I love it! Just bought the MP3's from the Awesome God cd thru Soverign Grace Ministries today. It is actually a "kids" song, so they really like it too!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Saturday Solutions: Wood Stains
One day last week I was talking on the phone with one of my friends. This friend, who will remain nameless, happens to clean houses part time. While she was cleaning she said "Brandi, I am going to be in so much trouble!" I asked her what the problem was, she informed me that she had brought the wonderful new cup that I had bought her 
house cleaning. I am think why is this a problem?? She then informs me that she had placed this wonderful cup on an ANTIQUE TABLE and now there were white rings on the table!! So of course, she was freaking out. I told her to calm down and go get a jar of mayonnaise. I told her to rub the mayo into the table and wait a few minutes.
After a few minutes one ring had disappeared and then a few minutes later the other ring disappeared too! Like I told her, I thought everyone knew this trick. I think my mom may have showed me this many years ago.
She told me she had not known about it before and then said "This is why I keep ya around." ; )
house cleaning. I am think why is this a problem?? She then informs me that she had placed this wonderful cup on an ANTIQUE TABLE and now there were white rings on the table!! So of course, she was freaking out. I told her to calm down and go get a jar of mayonnaise. I told her to rub the mayo into the table and wait a few minutes.After a few minutes one ring had disappeared and then a few minutes later the other ring disappeared too! Like I told her, I thought everyone knew this trick. I think my mom may have showed me this many years ago.
She told me she had not known about it before and then said "This is why I keep ya around." ; )
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Cooking & Science Review & GIVEAWAY!
I never really liked science when I was in school, I always thought it was a bit boring. I think part of the reason it was so boring is because we were always confined to our seats, we weren't allowed to do any experiments and we definitely weren't able to get a little messy and have fun. Now that I am homeschooling and have the liberty to choose what to teach my children, I try to remember what I might have enjoyed if given the opportunity. Experiments, making messes, nature and creation - these are the things that kids really enjoy doing and learning.
We did several of the experiments, but our favorite one (so far) was the Homeschoolers' Cupcakes!
Here are the ways that you can enter:
(PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU DO NOT LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS I WILL HAVE TO SELECT ANOTHER WINNER)
We received this product free of charge, from Castle Heights Press, for review purposes. The opinions stated in this review are our own and we were not paid in any way.
When I found out that we were going to be able to review Cooking & Science for Elementary Students from Castle Heights Press, we were very excited. What kid doesn't like to get in the kitchen? What kid doesn't like to do experiments? I know mine do!
We did several of the experiments, but our favorite one (so far) was the Homeschoolers' Cupcakes!
First, I copied the pages from the book so that we could do this experiment again and put it in the kids notebooks.
We gathered our supplies.
We mixed up all of our ingredients. As you know kids love doing this!
The girls and I did this experiment while the boys were napping.
The girls enjoyed taking turns adding the ingredients.
Lil' Chef and Computer Girl filled up the cupcake tins. While I took pictures of course : )
This is the point where the experiment part comes in.
The Cooking & Science book had us draw a picture of the cupcake before we put it into the oven. We were also asked to explain the look, texture and shape of the cupcake.
I think the hardest part about these cupcakes was the waiting!!
After 15 minutes of baking, we were told to examine another cupcake. The kids poked it with a fork and then sliced it in half. Using the same process as the uncooked cupcake, the kids were to draw a picture of this cupcake and describe it's shape, look and texture. We examined a new cupcake every 5 minutes until all the cupcakes were done. I believe we did 5 cupcakes altogether.
Here the girls are recording their findings.
The girls not only learned what oxidation is but they got to eat a cupcake. How cool is that!
Who would have thought that you could teach your children basic chemistry principles while having a blast in the kitchen! Cooking & Science has 17 awesome experiments for you to enjoy using simple items right in the comforts of your own kitchen:
Lemonade: Condensation & Dissolving- Cherry Turnovers: Observation
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Drawing
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Fractions
- Homeschoolers’ Cupcakes
- Three-in-One Pudding: The Effect of Density
- Hot Chocolate: Studying Insulation
- Root Beer Floats: States of Matter
- Kids’ Carrots: Observation
- Freezing Vegetables: Observing Changes Made By Freezing
- Brownies: Baking vs. Frying
- Pancakes: The Effect of Baking Powder
- Yeast in a Balloon: Observation and Drawing
- Speedy Rolls: Yeast Growth
- Trail Mix: Classification
- Scripture Cake: Word Drill
- Popcorn Explosion
We still really want to do the Brownies, Scripture Cake and Popcorn Explosion
You can purchase your own Cooking & Science for Elementary Students two ways. You have order the book for $12.95 or you can purchase the Ebook for $9.95. Either way, it is a great price!
Castle Heights Press has also offered to send a FREE copy of the Cooking & Science for Elementary Students to one of YOU!
To enter to the giveaway for a copy of Cooking & Science for Elementary Students please leave a SEPARATE COMMENT for each way that you enter and YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS! I will pick the winner on September 26, 2010.
- You must be a Follower or Subscriber of LSG to Win! Please leave me a comment and let me know how you follow.
- If you have just become a new Follower or Subscriber please tell me how you heard about this giveaway.
- If you blog about this contest please come back and leave me a link to you post.
- Please visit the Castle Height Press website, let me know which other product they offer that you would be interested in.
- Facebook or Twitter about this giveaway and leave me a comment to let me know about it.
- Like Castle Heights Press on Facebook.
(PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU DO NOT LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS I WILL HAVE TO SELECT ANOTHER WINNER)
We received this product free of charge, from Castle Heights Press, for review purposes. The opinions stated in this review are our own and we were not paid in any way.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
TOS Crew: PyraMath Review
I have a really neat card game to tell you all about. The TOS Crew sent us Pyramath, from I See Cards. So far, only the Lil Chef and I have played it, because you have to know your math facts in order to play. I have to admit, that I have played this game all alone, all by my self , while the kids were sleeping. Like I said, it is a really neat game! I had to stop myself, it was becoming kinda addicting. Ok, I will stop babbling and tell you about it.
PyraMath is a card game, but not any ordinary card game. You can play it alone or with someone. You can have fun AND practice your math facts (all of them, yes, all of them!) and there are several different ways to play! The Lil Chef and I have both played it alone and together.
To play alone you lay down 5 or 7 cards and then you have to add, subtract, multiply or divide with the 2 cards that are next to each other. Like if you have a 7 and 2 next to each other you can lay down a 9 (7+2=9), 5 (7-2=5) or a 4 (7x2=14). You lay the cards down in the shape of an upside down pyramid. See....
PyraMath is a card game, but not any ordinary card game. You can play it alone or with someone. You can have fun AND practice your math facts (all of them, yes, all of them!) and there are several different ways to play! The Lil Chef and I have both played it alone and together.
To play alone you lay down 5 or 7 cards and then you have to add, subtract, multiply or divide with the 2 cards that are next to each other. Like if you have a 7 and 2 next to each other you can lay down a 9 (7+2=9), 5 (7-2=5) or a 4 (7x2=14). You lay the cards down in the shape of an upside down pyramid. See....
Please don't look real close at the numbers here, there might be a few mistakes.
Here is the Lil' Chef learning to play PyraMath. She loves math so this is a great game for her.
She was so happy that she finished the whole pyramid.
I think her numbers are all correct, so feel free to check these : )
To play with another player you start with the same row of 5 or 7 cards, except you each work a side of the row. The goal is to finish a Pyramid going down towards yourself first. The I See Cards website has a great sample video that really explains and shows you how to play with 2 people. As I said there are several other games that you can play with just one deck of PyraMath card, you can check them out HERE. The website also allows you to PLAY PyraMath online for FREE!
Most of us know that when it comes to math facts repetition is key, this is a great way to switch up from regular old math drills and flashcards. With PyraMath, you get the enjoyment of playing a fun game all while practicing your math facts. Sounds like a win-win situation to me!
PyraMath is very affordable, at only $6.95 per deck. This card game would be a great addition to any family game night or a great game to put in your child's workboxes.
This is not the only great card games that I See Cards offers, they have several other games that fun (and educational too!
This product was provided to us free of charge for review purposes. I was not paid in any way and the opinions expressed here are my own.
This is not the only great card games that I See Cards offers, they have several other games that fun (and educational too!
This product was provided to us free of charge for review purposes. I was not paid in any way and the opinions expressed here are my own.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Curriculum Swap over at Heavenly Homemakers
If you have been reading my blog you probably know that I love Heavenly Homemakers. Well she has something great going on today, The Great Big Curriculum Swap for homeschoolers. Thought you might want to check it out.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Arise, My Soul, Arise
By Charles Wesley
Arise, my soul, arise; shake off thy guilty fears;
The bleeding sacrifice in my behalf appears:
Before the throne my surety stands,
Before the throne my surety stands,
My name is written on His hands.
He ever lives above, for me to intercede;
His all redeeming love, His precious blood, to plead:
His blood atoned for all our race,
His blood atoned for all our race,
And sprinkles now the throne of grace.
Five bleeding wounds He bears; received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers; they strongly plead for me:
“Forgive him, O forgive,” they cry,
“Forgive him, O forgive,” they cry,
“Nor let that ransomed sinner die!”
The Father hears Him pray, His dear anointed One;
He cannot turn away, the presence of His Son;
His Spirit answers to the blood,
His Spirit answers to the blood,
And tells me I am born of God.
My God is reconciled; His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child; I can no longer fear:
With confidence I now draw nigh,
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And “Father, Abba, Father,” cry.
Sung this in church today. It is a very good song, another song that takes us to the cross. To really stop and think about the Lord on the cross and the suffering that He endured so that we could be forgiven is amazing.
The original song was writen by Charles Wesley and you can listen to it here.
Arise, my soul, arise; shake off thy guilty fears;
The bleeding sacrifice in my behalf appears:
Before the throne my surety stands,
Before the throne my surety stands,
My name is written on His hands.
He ever lives above, for me to intercede;
His all redeeming love, His precious blood, to plead:
His blood atoned for all our race,
His blood atoned for all our race,
And sprinkles now the throne of grace.
Five bleeding wounds He bears; received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers; they strongly plead for me:
“Forgive him, O forgive,” they cry,
“Forgive him, O forgive,” they cry,
“Nor let that ransomed sinner die!”
The Father hears Him pray, His dear anointed One;
He cannot turn away, the presence of His Son;
His Spirit answers to the blood,
His Spirit answers to the blood,
And tells me I am born of God.
My God is reconciled; His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child; I can no longer fear:
With confidence I now draw nigh,
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And “Father, Abba, Father,” cry.
Sung this in church today. It is a very good song, another song that takes us to the cross. To really stop and think about the Lord on the cross and the suffering that He endured so that we could be forgiven is amazing.
The original song was writen by Charles Wesley and you can listen to it here.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Homestead Blessings: The Art of Dairy Delights Video WINNERS!
Sorry guys I almost forgot to post the winner. We've had some painting done this week and I have been trying to put my house back together again. The winners this month are....
Sweetpeas said...
I heard about this giveaway on the TOS Crew forum.
AND
The Unsell Family said...
I follow your blog with google friend connect
AND
jkmom said...
Just Liked Homestead Blessings on FB.
jkmom, you didn't leave your email address. Please email me you address so that I can get your video out to you. My email addy is bkeefe98@aol.com.
Congrats!! I am emailing you ldies directly. Thanks to everyone that entered.
Sweetpeas said...
I heard about this giveaway on the TOS Crew forum.
AND
The Unsell Family said...
I follow your blog with google friend connect
AND
jkmom said...
Just Liked Homestead Blessings on FB.
jkmom, you didn't leave your email address. Please email me you address so that I can get your video out to you. My email addy is bkeefe98@aol.com.
Congrats!! I am emailing you ldies directly. Thanks to everyone that entered.
TOS Crew: Math Essentials Review
Through the TOS Crew we were able to review America's Math Teacher by Math Essentials. America's Math Teacher is a web based math program that offers four math courses:
Course 1 Basic Math Skills
This first course focuses on topics like whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, integers, geometry, and more. This level is geared for 4th and 5th grade students.
Course 2 Advanced Math Skills
In the second course students will learn about whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, integers, geometry, and more. This course helps the student to prepare for pre-algebra.
Course 3 Pre-Algebra
The third course in the series teaches the student integers, exponents, order of operations, ratios and proportions number theory, linear equations, probability and statistics. This course is a required prior to the Algebra I course that Math Essentials offers.
Course 4 Algebra I
In this fourth and final course, students will learn and master all of the essential skills in Algebra.
This math program was created by a 5th and 6th grade math teacher, Rick Fisher, who has successful helped many students excel at math. Many of his students do so well that they even skip 7th grade math and move right into 8th grade Algebra!
For this review we focused on the Basic Math Skills, because the Lil' Chef is in 5th grade this year. Each course has several math lessons for you to watch, the Basic Math Skills Course has about 85. Each lesson is is taught with great detail, Rick is very good at explaining the problems so that the children (and mom) can understand. There are also downloadable worksheets to coincide with each topic studied.
To be honest, at first I thought of America's Math Teacher as more of a "tutor," but after using the program more I have found that this program could be used as a core curriculum or as a supplement. If you have a child or children that are struggling in math or if you lack confidence in teaching math than this program is definitely worth taking a peak at.
America's Math Teacher is available to homeschooling families for $195.00 for a one year subscription. The program offers several video lessons that you can sample because you purchase.
For our family, I would enjoy using this program as more of a supplemental program if it was more cost effective. I think this program would be great for families with several children in 4th grade and higher.
This web subscription was given to us free of charge for review purposes I was not paid in any way and the opinions expressed were my own.
Course 1 Basic Math Skills
This first course focuses on topics like whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, integers, geometry, and more. This level is geared for 4th and 5th grade students.
Course 2 Advanced Math Skills
In the second course students will learn about whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, integers, geometry, and more. This course helps the student to prepare for pre-algebra.
Course 3 Pre-Algebra
The third course in the series teaches the student integers, exponents, order of operations, ratios and proportions number theory, linear equations, probability and statistics. This course is a required prior to the Algebra I course that Math Essentials offers.
Course 4 Algebra I
In this fourth and final course, students will learn and master all of the essential skills in Algebra.
This math program was created by a 5th and 6th grade math teacher, Rick Fisher, who has successful helped many students excel at math. Many of his students do so well that they even skip 7th grade math and move right into 8th grade Algebra!
For this review we focused on the Basic Math Skills, because the Lil' Chef is in 5th grade this year. Each course has several math lessons for you to watch, the Basic Math Skills Course has about 85. Each lesson is is taught with great detail, Rick is very good at explaining the problems so that the children (and mom) can understand. There are also downloadable worksheets to coincide with each topic studied.
To be honest, at first I thought of America's Math Teacher as more of a "tutor," but after using the program more I have found that this program could be used as a core curriculum or as a supplement. If you have a child or children that are struggling in math or if you lack confidence in teaching math than this program is definitely worth taking a peak at.
America's Math Teacher is available to homeschooling families for $195.00 for a one year subscription. The program offers several video lessons that you can sample because you purchase.
For our family, I would enjoy using this program as more of a supplemental program if it was more cost effective. I think this program would be great for families with several children in 4th grade and higher.
This web subscription was given to us free of charge for review purposes I was not paid in any way and the opinions expressed were my own.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
He Knows My Name
by Tommy Walker
I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hands
Chorus
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
and He hears me when I call
I have a Father
He calls me His own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go
Chorus
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
and He hears me when I call
We learned this song during VBS this year and sung it in church last week. I really love it! It may be short and sweet but it is very meaningful! You can listen to it HERE.
I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hands
Chorus
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
and He hears me when I call
I have a Father
He calls me His own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go
Chorus
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
and He hears me when I call
We learned this song during VBS this year and sung it in church last week. I really love it! It may be short and sweet but it is very meaningful! You can listen to it HERE.
Friday, September 3, 2010
TOS Crew: Spelling City Review
I have another great review to share with you from the TOS Crew. Have you ever heard of SpellingCity.com? It is a great website that helps the kids with, you guessed it, their spelling words. This website is loaded with super fun games that the kids beg me to play great educational games to help the kids learn to master their speling words.
Here is how it works, first you enter in your child's spelling list and then SpellingCity.com teaches it to your child. Let me give you an example, if one of their words is tent this is how SpellingCity.com would teach it...
Please know that we received this product free of charge for review purposes. The opinions stated in this review are our own and we were not paid in any way.
Here is how it works, first you enter in your child's spelling list and then SpellingCity.com teaches it to your child. Let me give you an example, if one of their words is tent this is how SpellingCity.com would teach it...
They would say the word - TENT
They would then spell the word - T-E-N-T
Then you would hear it in a sentence - The campers slept in a canvas T E N T.
After going over their spelling word, the kids can go PLAY THE GAMES! The Lil' Chef and Computer Girl both LOVE Hang Mouse. Of course Hang Mouse is like Hang Man, but much more fun! The Letterfall and the Crossword Puzzle are also favorites. Several of the games not only focus on the spelling of the words but also the meanings. SpellingCity.com really does make learning your spelling words much more enjoyable!
Then once they have had their fill with all the fun games, you can even give them a handwriting printout for them to practice, practice, practice! The more they write, see and say their spelling words, the easier it will be for them to remember them.
Ok, so now it is the end of the week, your kids have their words down pat and here they come "Mom, can you give me my spelling test?!" If you are anything like me you may respond with, "Hang on, I am right in the middle of something." OK moms, have no fear, SpellingCity.com is here. Your darling little children can do their spelling test right online and it even gets graded! Does it get any better than this?? I think not.
The moral of the story is, SpellingCity.com is a super great resource for homeschoolers and teachers and parents. They offer their basic services at NO COST, but their Premium Service is $24.95 per year. The premium service tracks activities of up to 5 students, records their test results, and offers has premium games like Speedy Speller and Letter Fall. Well worth the small fee, in my opinion.
Please know that we received this product free of charge for review purposes. The opinions stated in this review are our own and we were not paid in any way.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Homestead Blessings: The Art of Dairy Delights Video Review & GIVEAWAY!
OK, so remember the other day I told you I had some exciting news. We have been blessed with the opportunity to review the Homestead Blessings Video Series made by the West Ladies. I am going to be reviewing a new video each month AND each month Franklin Springs Family Media is allowing me to GIVEAWAY 3 (Yes, T-H-R-E-E-!-!) of the videos that I reviewed that month to 3 of YOU! Told ya it was exciting news!
The West Ladies are always adding to their video collection. but currently The Homestead Blessings Series consists of 11 videos:
We decided to try making butter, yogurt and ice cream. Can you guess which one the kids loved the most?? Of course it was the ice cream! The ice cream was there favorite thing to eat but the butter was their favorite thing to make. I thought that everything turned out great! At first, I thought my yogurt didn't turn out that great, but after it sat in the fridge a bit, all was well.
Remember I told you I would share how I had made the yogurt. Here is the recipe from the Dairy Delights video...
Homemade Yogurt
Items that you need:
First you need to get your milk to 180 degrees and then let it cool to 110 degrees. That was the hardest part, waiting. Once your temperature is 110 degrees you add your yogurt and pour in the jars. Top with lids. Place the jars in your little cooler and pour in the hot water. The water should be as high as the yogurt in the jar. Closer it up and then wait, 4-8 hours, depending on how strong you want your yogurt. Like the ladies said, if your yogurt isn't perfect the few time or two, don't give up. It kinda takes practice.
The Homestead Blessings videos are great family films that make wonderful tools for training up our daughters to be helpers in the kitchen and home, and to of course prepare them to run their own homes one day. Mother and daughters will no doubt have great fellowship and bonding time as they work through this series together. This video series also makes for a top notch home economics program.
If you don't know who the West Ladies are, let me tell you a little bit about them... They are a mother daughter (well 3 to be exact) team who focus on homesteading, or country living if you will. They invite you into their home and show you everything from bread baking to candle making to quilting. I just love their personalities, they have good ol' country charm that just draws you in to what they are doing.
The West Ladies are always adding to their video collection. but currently The Homestead Blessings Series consists of 11 videos:
- The Art of Quilting
- The Art of Sewing
- The Art of Dairy Delights
- The Art of Canning
- The Art of Gardening
- The Art of Herbs
- The Art of Cooking
- The Art of Soap Making
- The Art of Candle Making
- The Art of Bread Making
- The Art of Crafting
We decided to try making butter, yogurt and ice cream. Can you guess which one the kids loved the most?? Of course it was the ice cream! The ice cream was there favorite thing to eat but the butter was their favorite thing to make. I thought that everything turned out great! At first, I thought my yogurt didn't turn out that great, but after it sat in the fridge a bit, all was well.
Homemade Yogurt
Items that you need:
- Quart of Milk (I used organic, whole milk)
- 1/4 cup of Store Bought PLAIN yogurt with LIVE ACTIVE CULTURES (this is your starter)
- Quart Sized Jars with Lids
- Small Cooler
- Hot Water
- Food Thermometer
First you need to get your milk to 180 degrees and then let it cool to 110 degrees. That was the hardest part, waiting. Once your temperature is 110 degrees you add your yogurt and pour in the jars. Top with lids. Place the jars in your little cooler and pour in the hot water. The water should be as high as the yogurt in the jar. Closer it up and then wait, 4-8 hours, depending on how strong you want your yogurt. Like the ladies said, if your yogurt isn't perfect the few time or two, don't give up. It kinda takes practice.
Heat the milk to 180 degrees and once it cools to 100 degree add your yogurt. I doubled the recipe.
Place milk/yogurt mixture into your jars. Top with lids.
Place jars in a cooler with hot water. Close it up and wait 4-8 hours, depending
on how strong you want it.
It was a little lumpy but still very good.
The Homestead Blessings videos are great family films that make wonderful tools for training up our daughters to be helpers in the kitchen and home, and to of course prepare them to run their own homes one day. Mother and daughters will no doubt have great fellowship and bonding time as they work through this series together. This video series also makes for a top notch home economics program.
The ladies used an old fashioned hand cranked ice cream maker but we used our electric one.
Didn't take long to get thick and creamy.
Not sure that I even need to comment here, I am sure your mouth is already watering.
The Lil' Chef making butter.
Computer Girl taking a turn.
Yes folks, that is a big ol' hunk of fresh, homemade butter. And boy is it good!
I doubled this recipe and this is what I ended up with.
I ended up sticking some in the freezer.
On to the GIVEAWAY! I am just so excited to be able to share these videos with you! The giveaway is going to run until September 10, 2010. Here is how you can enter to win Homestead Blessings, The Art of Dairy Delights:
Please leave a SEPARATE COMMENT for each way that you enter and YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS! Here are the ways that you can enter:
- You must be a Follower or Subscriber of LSG to Win! Please leave me a comment and let me know how you follow.
- If you have just become a new Follower or Subscriber please tell me how you heard about this giveaway.
- If you blog about this contest please come back and leave me a link to you post.
- Please visit the Franklin Springs website, let me know which other Homestead Blessings videos you would be interested in.
- Facebook or Twitter about this giveaway and leave me a comment to let me know about it.
- Like Franklin Springs Family Media on Facebook.
- Like Homestead Blessings on Facebook.
We received these products free of charge, from Franklin Springs Family Media, for review purposes. The opinions stated in this review are our own and we were not paid in any way.
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