Menu Plan Monday

This is a pretty unoriginal plan but I haven't done any meal planning in a couple of weeks and I need to start somewhere!

Monday: Italian Sausage and Bean Soup and bread

Tuesday:  pancakes or spaghetti (I'm going out with my friend :) )

Wednesday: Curried Chicken and Broccoli

Thursday: Homemade Pizza and chips

Friday: Fish sticks and potatoes of some kind

Saturday: Pasta and bread

Sunday: leftovers





Link up with your menu plan or see what others are planning this week at orgjunkie.com.

Crocheted Trivet

When I started this blog I originally planned to use it to share projects I was working on but over time it has mainly turned into a homeschool blog because I haven't been doing any projects.  Recently I have become addicted to Pinterest.  I have been pinning lots of things to do and finally decided to make something.  I am not that happy with this project but I am going to share it anyway.

I found this trivet.  In the original directions, it says to crochet over the plastic rings that hold soda cans together.  They really are not round and the first one I made didn't look very good as you can see here:

I spent some time trying to figure out what I could use instead that would be perfectly round and wouldn't cost anything. I finally decided to cut circles from a milk jug.

I made a pattern from the soda ring on cardboard.

I traced them onto the milk jug and cut them out.

One finished ring with the pattern.

See the difference?  The one of the left is with the milk jug circle and
 the one on the right is the soda ring.

My finished trivet.

I'm not sure exactly what I don't like about this.  I think that maybe the circles were a little bit too big.  It is fine for me to use but it isn't nice enough for a gift.  Maybe I would like it better with different colors?  Or if I added a fancy edge?  

The milk jug rings make nice little frisbees. :)

Slim Down Sunday

I haven't participated in the Slim Down Sunday in a couple of weeks.  It just hasn't fit into my schedule.  I was going to try to get it done yesterday but I didn't get to it so here I am a day late. :)  (better late than never I guess)

Goal: Continue losing weight at a steady pace. 

Pounds Lost: 54.6 lbs (down 3.4 lbs from the last time I blogged for Slim Down Sunday)

How is it going this week? I've been really hungry the past few days but I'm drinking extra and hoping it passes.  I don't like to be hungry.  Other than that it's going fine. 

My Plan for the Week Ahead: Just keep doing what I've been doing (which has not included exercise.  I stopped exercising when I got sick at the beginning of the month and just haven't been 100% since and I just don't feel like it.)

If you would like some encouragement or to encourage others in their weight loss join us at Heartfelt Homeschooling for Slim Down Sunday.  You can link up here. 

George Washington Carver:His Life and His Work DVD

Because of a glitch, I ended up getting not only the Lots & Lots of Firetrucks DVD and book but also a DVD of George Washington Carver.  It is a 30 minute video on the life of George Washington Carver.

This interesting video would make a nice addition to your educational video collection.  It has beautiful photography and soothing background music.  The narrator has a southern accent which I find a bit distracting but does make it more authentic.  I personally enjoyed learning about George Washington Carver and found his life to be very inspiring.  He was certainly a man of character!  It is done in a documentary style and wasn't necessarily what the kids would choose to watch but I think it would be great to have for a variety of different subjects from George Washington Carver himself to slavery, botany, character and more.

On the website you will find a study guide complete with questions and information about the life of George Washington Carver.

From the website:

Born into slavery and reared during the Reconstruction years in the South, George Washington Carver struggled through poor health, poverty and prejudice…to become a great benefactor, not only to his people…but to his country as well. Carver is known in history books as the “peanut man” – for his research into and promotion of alternative crops to cotton. As one of the world’s foremost experts in agriculture and horticulture, Carver, through his research and teaching at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama practically reinvented land management in the South. He is said to have compiled a list of over 300 uses for and by-products of peanuts such as cosmetics, dyes and paints, plastics, gasoline and nitroglycerin.
But his work as a creative scientist stretches far beyond that endeavor. He marveled at the world around him and his ability to inspire those closely associated with him may well have been one of his greatest lifetime achievements. As a living example of the importance of hard work, a positive attitude and a good education, Carver was instrumental in changing the stereotype of the time that the black race was intellectually inferior to the white race.
Here then, is the story of Carver’s life…a life that should not be forgotten, for it is full of hope, meaning and inspiration. To commemorate his life and inventions, George Washington Carver Recognition Day is celebrated on January 5, the anniversary of Carver's death.
For anyone looking for an inspirational story, for historians, teachers and students, and for young and old alike this DVD featuring stunning photography and a superb original music score is certain to be watched again and again.

George Washington Carver: His Life and His Works is recommended for grades 4 through adult.  Some younger children with a tendency toward nature videos may enjoy watching as well.

You can purchase George Washington Carver at Marshall Publications for $16.95 (plus S & H) with a 15% homeschool discount by using coupon code TOSC1 at the checkout.  Order online or by calling toll free 888-300-3455 between 10am and 8 pm EST. Marshall Publications offers a variety of videos.  Choose from other educational videos, see the website for complete selection or request a catalog.

You can see what other TOS crew members are saying about George Washington Carver on the TOS crew blog.  Also, read my review of Lots and Lots of Firetrucks.

 
disclaimer: I received George Washington Carver:His Life and His Work accidentally and was not obligated to write this review

Lots & Lots of Fire Trucks DVD and Book Review

Lots and Lots of Fire Safety Songs DVD and Fire Truck Book Combo

First the DVD: Lots and Lots of Fire Songs & Safety Tips

The menu allows you to pick and choose segments and songs or you can play them all.  Various award winning instructional and musical segments performed by Award-winning music of family musician, James Coffey.

Songs include:
Lots and Lots of Fire Trucks
Call 911
Fireman Jim's Safety Tips 
Stop, Drop and Roll
Your Home Safety Plan
It's An Emergency
Heroes Brave and Tall
Great Big Fire Trucks
Fire Trucks in Action

My younger kids (under 12) really like the songs and the videos that go with them. My almost 12 year old knows the words to all of the songs which are included in the book.  Some of the video segments seem a bit outdated but the information is still really good. For instance it talks about using a payphone to call 911.  I don't even know if there are pay phones anymore.  I think the hospital might be the only place I've seen one.

Also, we have a 42 inch TV and some of the videos are a tiny bit fuzzy.  I don't notice it much and probably wouldn't have thought anything of it, but it bothers my 11 year old son. (Note that it isn't on the whole video, just some of the segments.)

Here is a video sample:


Next: Lots & Lots of Firetrucks and Firefighters Book

This is a really nice soft cover book with glossy pages. It is great for the whole family from the younger child that just wants to look at the colorful pictures to teens and adults who want to read about firefighting.  Our family really enjoys this book.

Ellie (3+ "reading")

This giant, 128 page full color book is loaded with lots of exciting color photos of fire trucks and firefighters in action, interesting facts, fire science, safety tips, history, recipes, trivia, and just about everything you’d ever want to know about the world of fire fighting.

Topics include:

Meet Meet the Firefighter
A Firefighter's Tools and Equipment
All Kinds of Rescue Vehicles
Fire Fighting Facts
Fire Science Basics
Fire Prevention Week
Safety Tips
Firefighters in Action
Tributes to Firefighters
Old Time Firefighter's Alphabet
Classic Fire House Traditions
History of Fire Trucks 7 Firefighting
Antique Fire Trucks
Greatest Fires in History
Firefighting Time Line
Fire House Museums
Fire Related Websites and more!


Video overview of the book:

When I was growing up, I remember having fire safety assemblies at school.  This book/DVD combo is a great way to give homeschooled kids the fire safety information they need in an enjoyable format. I rarely find a product that the older and younger kids both enjoy. This one really fits the bill with the book and DVD combo. (I will admit my 14 and 17 year olds weren't thrilled with the video but my 15 year old liked it. My 14 and 15 year olds are interested in EMS and they both like the book.)  

Marshall Publishing & Promotions is offering my readers a discount over the normal price of $49.90 (currently on sale on the website for $29.95).  The sale price is $19.95 (plus S&H) by entering Promo Code: TOSF1 at checkout. Order by calling Toll Free at 888-300-3455 between 10 am and 8 pm EST or online at www.marshallpub.com or www.firesafetysongs.com Visit the website to see this set and other DVDs such as Lots & Lots of Trains, Lots & Lots of Monster Trucks, Lots & Lots of Penguins and all sorts of educational videos. (Book and video can also be purchased separately.)

You can see what others on the crew are saying about Lots and Lots of Fire Safety Songs DVD and Fire Truck Book Combo on the TOS crew blog. Also read my review of George Washington Carver, another Marshall Publications video.




disclaimer: I was given 1 copy of Lots and Lots of Fire Safety Songs DVD and Fire Truck Book Combo in exchange for an honest review.

Educating the WholeHearted Child

Educating the WholeHearted Child: A Handbook for the Christian Home Education by Clay Clarkson with Sally Clarkson was one of the first books on homeschooling that I bought and it helped shaped my homeschooling philosophy. I was very excited to have the opportunity to read and review this newly revised and expanded version and it did not disappoint. If I could only have one book about homeschooling this would be it.  I was blessed to have been introduced to it when I started homeschooling and blessed to read this new updated version as well.  This is the kind of book you don't read just one time. You will want to keep this book forever. (OK I might have issues with getting rid of books...but really, this one is a keeper.)

Educating the WholeHearted Child covers everything you would want to know about Biblical homeschooling.  Click to see the complete Table of Contents.   Following the 18 chapters, there is a 3 part resource section: Books for the WholeHearted Family, Books for WholeHearted Learning and Forms for Whole Hearted Learning.

The publisher's description:

God did not forget to include "school" in his biblical design for raising children:home education is a natural expression of all that God intended for parents and their children. Clay and Sally Clarkson's Educating the WholeHearted Child is about rediscovering God's original design for the family. What you'll find in this book is a homeschooling model that makes sense. It's an approach that is based on sound biblical principles of nurture, discipleship, instruction, and learning. Newly revised and significantly expanded, Educating the WholeHearted Child is about much more than homeschooling; it is about life. Effective Christian homeschooling must begin with the sure foundation of a Christian home, and the Clarksons' uncomplicated, common-sense approach to life and learning will provide you with the tools you need to experience God's abundant blessings for your family.

Reviewing this book is a bit overwhelming because it covers so much.  A few of the things you will find include: Ten Good Biblical Reasons for Homeschooling (with multiple scripture references), 12 Pillars of WholeHearted Learning, How to Build a Home Library, Qualities to Look for in a Good Book, Creating a Home You Can Learn Within, Learning Styles, Discipleship, Living Books, Holidays, Keeping the Home and just so, so much more.

You can read the first chapter here.  You will note that the margins have quotes (many of them scripture) and space for writing your own notes.

I liked these quotes from the first chapter because they sum up the purpose of this book:

"You will find some content in this chapter and throughout the book that sounds like a defense of homeschooling, but in reality it is there to provide insight and perspective that you can use to gain confidence as a Christian homeschooling parent that what you are doing is God's will for your family and is a sound biblical choice for building a Christian home." p.22

"We wrote this book to give Christian homeschooling families not just a reasoned justification for their choice for bringing their children home but a truly biblical vision and foundation for it." p.22

As I mentioned earlier the book is divided into 4 sections.

In Section 1: HOME there is lots of information on why to homeschool from a Biblical perspective along with lots of charts and answers to your questions (or questions others may ask you!) There are 5 chapters:

The Christian Home-Learning to Be at Home with Christ
The Christian Homeschool-Learning at Home to Be with Christ
Home Nurture-Shepherding Your Child's Spirit to Long for God
Home Discipleship-Shaping Your Child's Heart to Live for God
Home Education-Strengthening Your Child's Mind to Learn for God

In Section 2 there are 4 chapters on LEARNING


The WholeHearted Learning Model-Living and Learning Together at Home
The WholeHearted Learning Home-Creating a Home You Can Learn Within
The WholeHearted Learning Child-Understanding Your Child
The WholeHearted Learning Youth-Beyond the WholeHearted Child

In Section 3 there are 5 chapters of different METHODS

Discipleship Studies Methods- The Study of the Bible
Disciplined Studies Methods- The Study of the Basics
Discussion Studies Methods- The Study of Ideas
Discovery Studies Methods- The Study of Learning
Discretionary Studies Methods- The Study of Living

Section 4: LIVING

Family: Keeping the Vision Alive
Structure-Keeping the Homeschooling Together
Order-Keeping the Home Together
Support-Keeping the Spirit Strong

At the end of this section  is a 4 page postscript challenge to Keep the Faith in the Family.

Throughout the book there are sections called, In Our Home where the authors share things they have done in their home to give you practical ideas. I absolutely love the Resource section with list of books in categories for you to enjoy with your family and to whet your appetite for another book written by Sarah Clarkson that is on my wishlist (and mentioned below).

The old and the new.  You can see how much thicker the new one is
and how worn my older copy is.

Before receiving this new version I wondered how much different the new book would be.  There are over 120 NEW pages in this edition. There are a few more pages in the appendix of this book. They are nearly all new (or improved) forms in the last section including a Bible reading plan, devotional pages and even My 24 Family Ways lists covering godly character and Biblical values along with blank calendar pages for monthly and weekly planning.

This book really has it all for the Biblical homeschooler that wants an organized Christian home and offers practical methods to equip you along the way.  The only thing I don't like about this book is that it can be overwhelming and I sometimes feel like I definitely do NOT measure up. However, you do not need to be overwhelmed.  Just read it in bits and pieces.  Skip around to what attracts you.  It's not a story book.  It truly is a complete handbook for Christian Home Education.

Educating the WholeHearted Child is recommended for ages 4-14 but I think anyone even considering homeschooling should read it (don't wait until your child is 4) and I don't think it would hurt anyone homeschooling a highschooler to read it though admittedly it has less to offer to the older set.

About the authors:

Clay and Sally Clarkson found homeschooling to be the natural expression of their desire to disciple their children for Christ. After six years of post-college ministry and missions, they married in 1981 and began homeschooling their first child at the age of four in 1988.  In 1994 they started While Heart Ministries to encourage and equip Christian parents to raise wholehearted Christian children.  They have written numerous popular books for parents, taught dozens of parenting conferences in North America and ministered internationally.  Clay is a graduate of Denver Seminary and Executive Director of Whole Heart Ministries.  Clay and Sally are blessed with four wholehearted children-all homeschool graduates who are serving the Lord.

You can purchase Educating the WholeHearted Child for just $22 (I think this is a VERY fair price) at Apologia where you will find many other titles to enjoy including How to Have a H.E.A.R.T. for Your Kids which I reviewed earlier this year and other titles by members of the Clarkson family, (I want to get Read for the Heart soon), Diana Waring (LOVE her!) and more.  Apologia also offers science curriculum, an online academy and MUCH more!

Read what others are saying Educating the WholeHearted Child on the TOS crew blog.

P.S. Don't forget to go read that sample chapter!




disclaimer: I was given a free copy of Educating the WholeHearted Child in exchange for an honest review.

Easy Way to Shuck Corn (and a Pinterest test)

I saw this cool video today on how to cook corn in the microwave on a YouTube video. I tried to pin it directly to Pinterest but I couldn't make it work.  I wondered if I embedded the video on my blog then maybe I could pin it that way...so here goes. (It worked by the way!)