Go Science DVDs

A few years ago a friend of mine told me about Library and Ed Services.  I have ordered from them in the past and have always been happy with their services and prices.  I was thrilled when I found out that we were going to get the opportunity to review Go Science DVDs sent to us by Library and Ed Services.  I was  given a coupon code to order and went right to the website and ordered like a regular customer and received my order a short time later. (Most things I review just come to me in the mail. I don't have to order them.)





This 6 Volume Series, recommended for ages 6-14, features the high-energy science demonstrations of Ben Roy.  Ben teaches science methods at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and is the former director of a science program on TV.  Each of the 67 demonstrations of physical or chemical science has a spiritual application and points to our Creator.


Here is a sample from one of the videos:


The 6 Volumes are:

1. Motion
2. Simple Machines-Sound and Weather
3. Magnetism, Electricity, Engineering and Design
4. Chemistry, States of Matter and Life Sciences
5. Air and Flight
6. Water, Space and the Solar System

I was able to pick the 2 videos we wanted to review so we picked 1) Chemistry and 2) Water, Space and the Solar System.  We have enjoyed these science videos but I would say they are really for a younger crowd. (4-10 maybe) Older children may watch with their siblings and enjoy watching but there isn't much "meat" to them.  Each segment was taken from a children's TV show.  They compiled these science segments into the videos. Often he uses the science experiment to tie in a Bible truth.  At the end of every segment he says, "Each time you learn something about science you learn more about the Creator, God."  This might be true, but he never really says how.  It's just a catch phrase.  I do like that these are Christian videos and Ben Roy is clearly passionate about what he is doing.

In the Chemistry video demonstrations include:

• Chemical Luminescence (cool one)
• Exploding Bottle (kids love anything that explodes)
• Exploding Balloons
• Flash Paper (my favorite...has a great explanation of how Jesus takes our sin away)
• pH (very cool)
• Root Beer Float (this one you can try at home)
• Liquid Nitrogen
• Single Cell
• Optical Illusion
• Lycopodium Powder
• Camouflage

Each demonstration ranges from 3-6 minutes

In the Water, Space and the Solar System video demonstrations include:

• Water Disappear
• Boil Water in a Paper Cup
• Properties of Water
• Floating Balls
• As Cold as Outer Space
• Make a Rocket
• Living in Space
• Solar System
• Centripetal Force

The thing my kids did not like about the videos is that the experiments are not explained thoroughly (and sometimes not at all).  They also didn't like that most of the things were not experiments they could repeat at home.  However, I do think there is value in watching experiments with liquid nitrogen for example because that is not something I could ever obtain and use at home.

So, all in all I think these are a fun addition to our homeschool for younger children and are good to create an interest in learning about science. My nine year old daughter wants me to buy the rest of them.


Library and Ed Services has been in business for 35 years. They are a small family company in Southwest Michigan. As a wholesale distributor they serve resellers, schools, churches, missionaries, licensed daycare centers, and libraries. They offer the same wholesale discounts to homeschools that they offer to other schools.


The CDs, DVDs, and books they choose to distribute are carefully selected to ensure they are in harmony with Christian values and morals. They offer a wide variety of evolution-free science resources. However, on rare occasion, they find a book or series that contains 1 or 2 brief references to evolution. They may choose to still carry this item, but will clearly note on our website that it does contain a minor reference to evolution – so you know before you buy.

You can purchase the entire set of videos for $47.95 or purchase individual titles for just $8.97 each.  I believe you will need to create an account in order to view the pricing.  While you're there be sure to sign up for their newsletter.  They have lots of great deals and have wonderful prices on Your Story Hour and Drive Thru History among other things.

Read what others are saying about Go Science and Library and Ed Services on the TOS crew blog.


disclaimer: I was given two Go Science DVD's by Library and Educational Services in exchange for an honest review.

Stick With it Saturday

So this is my first Stick with it Saturday post since I weighed in at Weight Watchers.

I was down 2.8 lbs this week which I was very pleased with. I know other people drop a huge number in the first couple of weeks of a diet but I never do.  This is about my max and considering I've been calorie counting for 19 months just getting almost 3 lbs off in one week just by changing to Weight Watchers is an accomplishment.

I exercised every day during the week.  Most days I did a 3 mile Leslie Sansone workout.  I bought a new one that I like called "5 Really Big Miles".  It's really long though and I get more activity points doing 3-12 minute miles than I do when I do 2 that are 15 and a 12 minute mile even though it takes me longer.  It has to do with the intensity.  But it's more like dancing than some of hers are so I like it more.  There are 2 miles that use the firm band and I really like that (though one mile has a lot of lunges that I don't like and will talk about a little more below)

I also bought a Jillian Michaels DVD set that was on sale this week but I am just not physically even capable of doing it.  My teens are doing it so it wasn't a waste.  They say that I'll never be able to do it.  That might be motivation to prove them wrong at some point (but they might be right!)  I don't have good knees and she does a lot of lunges and squats.  I'm not sure that would be good for me.

On Thursday, I got on my bike for the first time in probably 14 years.  Most of my kids had never seen me ride a bike.  I went for a 15 minute ride yesterday.  That was all I could take...my "seat" hurt so much.  I probably should by a new gel seat if I'm going to keep riding.  I used to love riding my bike.  I bought a nice bike over 20 years ago and hardly rode it.  One of my daughters used it some but it's still in good shape so I'll be using it.

 Link up your own diet/exercise post over at Sam's Noggin.

Free Craftsy Class

This morning at Sew, Mama, Sew they are featuring a review of Craftsy.com  with an interview of VP Emily Lawrence.  They are also hosting a giveaway of a class and a link to a  free class.  I signed up for the free class already.  I really love Craftsy and recently wrote my own review of 2 knitting classes that I am taking.

Sewing Machine 911 is being offered free.

Go to Sew, Mama Sew and enter to win:

They will be choosing 5 winners on Friday!

Judah Bible Curriculum

      I am always excited when any kind of Bible curriculum comes along that I get to review for the TOS Homeschool crew.  For the last several weeks we have been trying the Judah Bible Curriculum which included a 100 page pdf manual, a notebook ideas book and 8 mp3 teacher training lectures.

• Principle Approach curriculum for Bible class. 
• Develop a comprehensive knowledge of the Bible. 
• Build strong, Godly character in your children. 
• Study the Bible together. 
• Study the hand of God in the lives of individuals and nations. 
• For homeschool, Christian school, Sunday school. 
• Teach your children living Biblical principles to guide their lives. 
• Apply God’s word personally in every area of life. 
• The Bible is the textbook.

Judah Bible Curriculum has a page with extensive information about their philosophy of education.  A brief synopsis is this: We want the Bible to be the center of our education, having a Christian school is not enough.  All education produces character which influences government.  The curriculum is based on the fact that God is sovereign and that he rules the individual internally by love.

The Bible is divided into 5 themes that are taught each year.

In the first semester, the first three themes are from the Old Testament:

Theme 1 CREATION
Theme 2 THE PLAN OF REDEMPTION BEGINS
Theme 3 KINGDOM OF ISRAEL

The second semester covers the remaining two New Testament themes:

Theme 4 KINGDOM OF GOD
Theme 5 EARLY CHURCH

You can read about the themes here.

Each THEME is broken down into Bible Keys. In each of the five time periods, students will study a few  of the key individuals, key events, key institutions, and key documents for that period with a view towards identifying the hand of God, the character of God, and the place of that Key in His purpose for history. They blank key sheets are printable and are placed into the student notebook. The student notebook is NOT just busywork.  It is designed to be something of value that the student will later be able to each from.

1) Judah Bible Curriculum K-12 Manual, e-book format to download;
2) Elementary Notebook Ideas booklet to view online or download;
3) Eight-lecture Teacher Training Seminar. listen online or download.

Watch this video to get an idea of what the audios sound like:

My opinion:  I really wanted to like this curriculum but I have struggled greatly with implementing it.  I printed the entire guide and had it bound and listened to the audios but had a very difficult time figuring out how to use the key sheets with my older students.  For younger students,  you are given the theme and ideas for how to begin, however, there are no worksheets or activities. You have to come up with those yourself.  I did make up some notebooking pages for the creation theme to use with my kids and you can download them free here.

I really like the idea of building notebooks. I also liked listening to the audios although they clearly would be better if they were videos.  Sometimes the speaker is referring to visual aids which are included in the back of the pdf book but I didn't know that when I was first listening to them.

I think this curriculum would be great for someone who likes the principle approach or notebooking and really wants to spend a lot of time preparing Bible lessons.   You need to really dig in for a while to be able to use this.  It's non-consumable and is intended to be used year after year (on a 6 year schedule) so it is very affordable.  I really think this could be a valuable way to study to the Bible so I am going to keep at it.

You can download the Judah Bible Curriculum for $44 or if you prefer a hard copy version that is available for $69 plus $5 shipping and handling.

Read the JBC statement of faith and a chart of the scope and sequence.

To Order by Phone or Mail:
217-344-5672
Judah Bible Curriculum
P.O. Box 122
Urbana, Illinois, 61803

See what others are saying about the Judah Bible Curriculum on the TOS crew blog.

disclaimer: I was given a free copy of the Judah Bible Curriculum in exchange for an honest review.

Menu Plan Monday

Last week I tried two new recipes: Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham and  Zesty Hamburger Soup.  Both were pretty good.  I loved the soup but my family tends to be picky and it was spicy so they didn't care for it.  (more for me :)  ) This past week I joined Weight Watchers.  I really don't need to change much except that I am counting points instead of calories.  I found most of my recipes this week on Pinterest. :)

Monday: Chicken Pot Pie Soup and biscuits

Tuesday: Skinny Lasagna Alfredo and bread

Wednesday:  Baked Potato Soup

Thursday: Makeover One Pot Spaghetti from Healthy Cooking magazine

Friday: Kid's Choice (my nice way of saying it's date night and the older girls usually cook)

Saturday: Grilled chicken, mashed potatoes and vegetable

Sunday: Crock Pot Italian Meatballs (and either pasta or sandwich rolls)



Link up your own menu plan at orgjunkie.com. This week is found here. (Or just find great ideas from other bloggers that share their menus.)

K is for Karen

I am continuing my blog through the alphabet with Marcy from Ben and Me with this post about me!   it's not that easy to come up with K words and since my name starts with K thought that might be fun.  So here goes.

I am 44 years old. (How did that happen?)

On June 8th, my husband and I will celebrate our 21st anniversary.

My husband and I met when we were in high school when we both got jobs at a new Papa Gino's.  I wasn't really looking for a job but a friend of mine was.  The lady that did my interview and later called me to offer me a job intimidated me and I was afraid to say I wasn't interested.  LOL  (My friend didn't take the job.)

My husband and I have 10 children (we've also lost 2 to miscarriage).  We have 8 daughters and 2 sons.  The boys are in the middle.  Our oldest is 19 and the youngest is 2.

We  have always homeschooled.

I love Jesus for all he has done for me.

I was raised a Baptist and continue in the faith.

I am a musician.  I sing and play the guitar.  I used to play the oboe, flute and alto sax.  (I miss the oboe.)  I also have experience as a choir director.  I traveled to Sweden and Canada with a singing group when I was in my early 20s.

I went to college for early childhood education, changed my mind and was accepted into the music program for voice and classical guitar but ultimately ended up majoring in math.  I dropped out when I got married with about a year left to go.  I do not regret that.

My younger son has Down syndrome.  We didn't know he had Down syndrome until he was born.  He also had a congenital heart defect and had open heart surgery when he was 4 months old.

I love knitting.  It's a new hobby for me. I am addicted. I also like other crafts such as crocheting and sewing.  I really enjoy making things.

I love to read.  I especially love reading on my Kindle (and now my iPod touch too.)

I've lost just over 66 lbs in the last 19 months....and am still working at it.

I have one sister. She is a year younger than I am but she was moved up to 1st grade after 7 weeks of Kindergarten so we were always in the same grade.  Many people thought we were twins or that I was the younger one...she is taller than I am.

I may add to this if I think of more things. :)

Join us by linking up at Blogging Through the Alphabet.

Stick with it Saturday

I haven't been regularly keeping up with posts of my weight loss journey.  Sam at Sam's Noggin does a Stick with it Saturday and said I should join her.  So, here I am.

I started losing weight in October 2010.  I really thought I'd be at my goal weight by now but I think slow and steady is good.  As of this morning, I have lost 66.6 lbs.  You can read about how I was losing weight in my post How I Lost 50 lbs.  Since September the weight was just coming off SO slowly.  I did not feel like exercising and I was eating about the same way but was a little less strict with myself.  At the end of February, people in my family started to get sick...influenza and pneumonia for several.  My husband was even in the hospital for 4 days.  While he was in the hospital I found out I was pregnant then a few weeks later I had a miscarriage.  A week later it was my birthday...... Lots of distractions from dieting.  I was still sticking to the plan but just not all that motivated.

A couple of weeks ago I decided to get serious again and started exercising and really watching what I was eating and gained a pound.  Talk about discouraging!

Last week (or so??) my friend Amanda who was my original motivator for trying the Flat Belly Diet decided to switch to Weight Watchers.  I was drawn to the idea of WW because you don't have to count fruits and vegetables and I just felt that I needed to try something new to get myself jump started again.  I signed up Thursday and went for my first meeting. I bought the monthly pass so I can go to unlimited meetings and use the online tools. It was fun and I'm excited to be trying something new. (and down 2 lbs already)

I like to use Leslie Sansone walking DVD's.  I think I did 21 miles this week.  I'd like to get back to bike riding which I have not done in well over 20 years.  I used to be an avid bike rider in my youth.

Hopefully I'll be keeping up with these posts each week.  Thanks Sam for hosting it! Link up your own diet/exercise post over at Sam's Noggin.