Thursday, June 9, 2011
Public or Private?
I started this as a private blog, and only allowed friends and family to see it. However, I decided to let it go public a while back. This was something that I felt was helpful to several people who were just starting to homeschool and wanted some advice. But I have recently decided to go back to a private setting. I don't know if it will stay private permanently or not... But I'm happy to share with my friends and family any time... thanks for understanding. :)
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Lamplighter
I have always loved the idea of sitting in our living room couch with our boys and a good book. I have loved the picture in my mind of me reading a wonderful book to the boys that is not only interesting to us all but has a great lesson. I've tried. And once in a while it works. But so often I find that I have picked a book that wasn't as wholesome as I'd hoped. Or the book is just plain boring. Or both. Oh, once in a while I find good ones, but it's hard! And I don't have a lot of time to preview books. Not only that, but I like to experience the book along side my boys.
Over the years I have looked longingly at the Lamplighter catalogs. But I hadn't had the chance to see them 'in person.' I'm a tactile person, I have to see the books, touch the covers, and turn the pages. I finally had the chance to see the books up close and was I impressed!!
If you are a book lover you may identify. At first glance, I fell in love! The books are hard cover and beautifully bound! Right away I can see that these will become heirlooms that will last for years. I don't know who will fight harder to own them, my oldest son, youngest son, or myself!
Once you get past the amazing quality of each book, you'll look deeper at the stories. The stories are some of the best, most engaging, "living books" I've ever seen! Read the first paragraph of nearly any of the books they publish and you will be hooked!
Are they just good stories, entertaining? Not at all! While they are good and entertaining, most were written in the 1600-1800's, and they go deep into issues of the heart. Character themes represented in these books include... Laziness & Perseverance, Choices & Consequences, Courage, Obedience & Boundaries, Peer Pressure, Pride & Willfulness, Salvation, Self-Control, Selflessness & Selfishness, Sibling Rivalry, and Virtue & Purity.
Not only have they published fantastic literature, but if you are like us and love a good audio drama while in the car, you will not want to miss out on the Lamplighter Theater! We just listened to Sir Malcom and the Missing Prince. Prince Hubert is in need of a lesson. He's lived a pampered, priviledged life and is a bit spoiled now. He and needs guidance before he can be a worthy king. The boys and I were silently on the edge of our seats for 2 hours. We had a wonderful discussion about the lessons Prince Hubert learned and how we can also be servants to others. We have yet to read the book, but I can only assume the book is equally (or even more) engaging! Right now, we are listening to The Captive and eager to see how it ends! Not only entertaining and well produced, but each story has amazing lessons that our children (and we parents!) need to hold close to our hearts! If you love Focus on the Family audios, you really must listen to Lamplighter Theater.
Lamplighter recently began producing illustrated books for younger audiences. Some are the same stories as some of the favorite books for older readers, like Teddy's Button. But they are shorter, a bit simpler to understand, and very well illustrated.
Are you intrigued? Would you like to see more? I'd love for you to check Lamplighter out online and see for yourself the amazing collection of literature and audios! I am an affiliate for Lamplighter and that means that my friends and family can order at a 15% discount by using this link (you may have to copy and paste it in your browser with no spaces.)
http://www.lamplighterpublishing.com/emailpromotion.asp?key=LAMP107&dest=http://www.lamplighterpublishing.com/products.asp?dept=49
When you put an item in your 'cart' it will then show your discount. If for some reason it isn't showing your discount, you may need to use my code, LAMP107. You can also request a free catalog on that site, which I recommend so that you can make a wish list. The catalog is also very good at breaking down what books are good for which ages, and it shows what character themes are covered in each story, too.
I hope you enjoy the Lamplighter site, I'm so excited to share it with you! Please let me know if you have any questions.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
It's Homeschool Convention Season!
And what a glorious thing, that! I love the Convention!
If you haven't been to a convention, I'll take a minute to let you in on why I refuse to miss one.
1) It is my break time! I get to get away from my normal daily routine for a few days! Granted, I'm very spoiled in this. My convention is 2 1/2 hours from my house. But only 30 mins from my Dad's! So I get to stay at his place which is a bonus not only because it's free, but good 'catch up time' for my Dad and me! Sometimes I take the boys, they get to do some fishing and golfing with Grandad. And sometimes I go alone (which actually is much easier for me to focus but either way works...)
2) Speaking of focus... I get to focus on what I'd like to accomplish in the next year of education in our home.
3) The Used Curriculum Sale!! I think I have an addiction that needs help on this one. I LOVE used books. And a used curriculum sale is the best! This one is bigger than any in my local town (though I don't miss any of those either!) I am able to find rare items that may be out of print, or maybe pick up something at a reasonable price that I'd othewise have to pass on buying. I also find curriculum and supplements that I have always wanted to see "in person" but have been unable to till now. I don't know about you, but I like to see it, flip the pages, and decide if it's for me.
4) The vendor hall... As much as I love a used sale, I also love the vendors. Here's why~
A) I can't always find what I need at the used sale.
B) Sometimes you just have to have 'new' no matter what.
C) It's a very good thing to support these companies. Many of them are homeschool families, and who doesn't want to support them? And if we stop buying a curriculum, the company may stop producing it.
D) Again, I like to see the curriculum "in person" before buying if at all possible.
E) I get to ask the vendors specific questions.
F) A lot of booths offer special prices at the Convention!
5) The speakers... I don't care how long I have homeschooled, by the first weekend of June (this is when our annual convention is scheduled, and like Pavlov's Dog, I start drooling near the end of May) I am ready for some support in some area. Maybe I need the 'hang in there' speech, or maybe the 'here's how to juggle housework and homeschool' talk. Whatever my need is at that time, it seems there is a speaker covering just what I needed to hear!
6) The fellowship... Let's face it, there is nothing like being with other like-minded moms and dads. It is encouraging, and I've built new friendships as well as nurtured old ones. This one thing is worth attending!
"But," you say "I get so overwhelmed!" Let me tell you how I prepare and see if it helps. A convention can be overwhelming, but I'd prefer you to be refreshed instead. ;)
* Make a binder with the following things inside...
* Make a list of books you already own. This is a great thing to have on your computer, keep updated, and print off when you head to sales. As the years go by, I honestly forget if I bought that one book or just considered it. Then I bring it home and find that I had 3 other copies already haha!! Even with my list, I still sometimes do this. But the list helps!
* Make a wish list, with prices! I list all the books and supplements that I'd like to buy for this year. Then I list the prices I can find them for online. This way I know if I've found a good deal, or not.
* Bring some blank paper and a pen. You'll want this for notes, phone numbers/e-mails of new friends, etc...
* Don't impulse buy on day 1... Take time looking at the curriculum. If it's something you are considering, take time to think and pray on it. It will be there on day 2. Ask the vendor if they'll ship it to you for free if they run out before you purchase your set. They'll often do that with no problem. This way you are sure about your purchase and excited for the school year rather than having buyer's remorse the first night.
* Look for audio CDs of the convention... Most every convention offers audio CDs of the speakers at the convention. This is a great option because chances are you'll wish you could be in 2 classes at the same time. Or you may find the class so interesting that you wish you could take it home and listen to it over and over. The CDs are usually very reasonably priced.
* If you just aren't sure... Still overwhelmed at the vendor's booth? Take their catalog and feel free to order later. You might miss a 'sale' at the convention, but it may be better to hold off and make sure this is the curriculum you want.
I will be heading out tomorrow, I love this time of year! If you have a question or concern about conventions, please feel free to comment! :) I won't be near my compupter from Wednesday night till Sunday night. I hope you have a blessed week, and if you are going to a convention, have fun!!
If you haven't been to a convention, I'll take a minute to let you in on why I refuse to miss one.
1) It is my break time! I get to get away from my normal daily routine for a few days! Granted, I'm very spoiled in this. My convention is 2 1/2 hours from my house. But only 30 mins from my Dad's! So I get to stay at his place which is a bonus not only because it's free, but good 'catch up time' for my Dad and me! Sometimes I take the boys, they get to do some fishing and golfing with Grandad. And sometimes I go alone (which actually is much easier for me to focus but either way works...)
2) Speaking of focus... I get to focus on what I'd like to accomplish in the next year of education in our home.
3) The Used Curriculum Sale!! I think I have an addiction that needs help on this one. I LOVE used books. And a used curriculum sale is the best! This one is bigger than any in my local town (though I don't miss any of those either!) I am able to find rare items that may be out of print, or maybe pick up something at a reasonable price that I'd othewise have to pass on buying. I also find curriculum and supplements that I have always wanted to see "in person" but have been unable to till now. I don't know about you, but I like to see it, flip the pages, and decide if it's for me.
4) The vendor hall... As much as I love a used sale, I also love the vendors. Here's why~
A) I can't always find what I need at the used sale.
B) Sometimes you just have to have 'new' no matter what.
C) It's a very good thing to support these companies. Many of them are homeschool families, and who doesn't want to support them? And if we stop buying a curriculum, the company may stop producing it.
D) Again, I like to see the curriculum "in person" before buying if at all possible.
E) I get to ask the vendors specific questions.
F) A lot of booths offer special prices at the Convention!
5) The speakers... I don't care how long I have homeschooled, by the first weekend of June (this is when our annual convention is scheduled, and like Pavlov's Dog, I start drooling near the end of May) I am ready for some support in some area. Maybe I need the 'hang in there' speech, or maybe the 'here's how to juggle housework and homeschool' talk. Whatever my need is at that time, it seems there is a speaker covering just what I needed to hear!
6) The fellowship... Let's face it, there is nothing like being with other like-minded moms and dads. It is encouraging, and I've built new friendships as well as nurtured old ones. This one thing is worth attending!
"But," you say "I get so overwhelmed!" Let me tell you how I prepare and see if it helps. A convention can be overwhelming, but I'd prefer you to be refreshed instead. ;)
* Make a binder with the following things inside...
* Make a list of books you already own. This is a great thing to have on your computer, keep updated, and print off when you head to sales. As the years go by, I honestly forget if I bought that one book or just considered it. Then I bring it home and find that I had 3 other copies already haha!! Even with my list, I still sometimes do this. But the list helps!
* Make a wish list, with prices! I list all the books and supplements that I'd like to buy for this year. Then I list the prices I can find them for online. This way I know if I've found a good deal, or not.
* Bring some blank paper and a pen. You'll want this for notes, phone numbers/e-mails of new friends, etc...
* Don't impulse buy on day 1... Take time looking at the curriculum. If it's something you are considering, take time to think and pray on it. It will be there on day 2. Ask the vendor if they'll ship it to you for free if they run out before you purchase your set. They'll often do that with no problem. This way you are sure about your purchase and excited for the school year rather than having buyer's remorse the first night.
* Look for audio CDs of the convention... Most every convention offers audio CDs of the speakers at the convention. This is a great option because chances are you'll wish you could be in 2 classes at the same time. Or you may find the class so interesting that you wish you could take it home and listen to it over and over. The CDs are usually very reasonably priced.
* If you just aren't sure... Still overwhelmed at the vendor's booth? Take their catalog and feel free to order later. You might miss a 'sale' at the convention, but it may be better to hold off and make sure this is the curriculum you want.
I will be heading out tomorrow, I love this time of year! If you have a question or concern about conventions, please feel free to comment! :) I won't be near my compupter from Wednesday night till Sunday night. I hope you have a blessed week, and if you are going to a convention, have fun!!
31 Days To Be Continued... Overwhelmed!
I really haven't fallen off the planet. But I had to postpone the 31 Days challenge for a bit. Not because it's overwhelming or not doable. But because I hit a wall recently. And I want to take the time to do it properly.
I think it's somewhat in our nature, as moms, to push ourselves past a healthy level of activity. Some of it is beyond our control. We have to take care of our kids, our homes, our husbands, and if we homeschool, the education of our kiddos. But for some reason, that plate isn't quite full enough.
Correction, it's packed full. And yet, we can balance a bit more on our plates if we stack it right, and maybe if we juggle it just right we can add a few more things on top of the top. But eventually the balance is gone and the plate topples.
My thyroid isn't exactly in tip top shape. I know lots of ladies can identify. If you know anything about the thyroid, you know that it has a lot of influence in how you are feeling. As does your immune system and your adrenals. It seems all of mine were tapped out. I ordered a few herbal products to help get back on track. But by Monday morning last week I was unable to stay out of bed for very long at a time. My order came on Tuesday and I'm happy to say each day is an improvement! I've got a ways to go but I'm much more human these days.
Don't write yourself off as emotional, crazy, too tired, etc. You may need to re-evaluate what is on your plate. And then find a really great Naturopath who can help balance those hormones. It's so worth the time and effort!
As for the challenge, I'll get back to it later. When I have time. Hahaha! Yes, I need to scrape a few things off the plate! But first, the homeschool convention! Woo Hoo!
I think it's somewhat in our nature, as moms, to push ourselves past a healthy level of activity. Some of it is beyond our control. We have to take care of our kids, our homes, our husbands, and if we homeschool, the education of our kiddos. But for some reason, that plate isn't quite full enough.
Correction, it's packed full. And yet, we can balance a bit more on our plates if we stack it right, and maybe if we juggle it just right we can add a few more things on top of the top. But eventually the balance is gone and the plate topples.
My thyroid isn't exactly in tip top shape. I know lots of ladies can identify. If you know anything about the thyroid, you know that it has a lot of influence in how you are feeling. As does your immune system and your adrenals. It seems all of mine were tapped out. I ordered a few herbal products to help get back on track. But by Monday morning last week I was unable to stay out of bed for very long at a time. My order came on Tuesday and I'm happy to say each day is an improvement! I've got a ways to go but I'm much more human these days.
Don't write yourself off as emotional, crazy, too tired, etc. You may need to re-evaluate what is on your plate. And then find a really great Naturopath who can help balance those hormones. It's so worth the time and effort!
As for the challenge, I'll get back to it later. When I have time. Hahaha! Yes, I need to scrape a few things off the plate! But first, the homeschool convention! Woo Hoo!
Monday, May 16, 2011
31 Days ~ days 9-15
It's been a while! Not only has life been busy, but my computer decided to be naughty. I had to send it to the shop to get fixed. Then, after I got it back home I had to leave for the weekend. We had a fabulous ladies retreat! This meant my week was all over the place. So I had to do some creative planning on the 31 Days. I shuffled a few days around and make it work. I crammed most of the weekend into Wednesday and Thursday, knowing I'd be busy packing on Friday and not home till Sunday night.
So here we are on Monday morning. I have already done the assigned duty for today the 16th, but not the 15th. So I'll do that today (wash mirrors, walls, windows, clean window treatments, dust ceiling in the bedrooms.) Then, I THINK, I'll be on track for day 17 on Tuesday the 17th.
Sometimes in life we just have to get a little creative with our routines to fit things in. And sometimes we just have to let things go entirely. I'm glad I was able to fit things in this time. However, after a weekend away, I'm looking at a house that is in need of some TLC today... ;)
Hope everyone is still hanging in there on the 31 Days to Clean challenge! Even if you have to juggle, cram, or draw it out longer. It's worth the time.
So here we are on Monday morning. I have already done the assigned duty for today the 16th, but not the 15th. So I'll do that today (wash mirrors, walls, windows, clean window treatments, dust ceiling in the bedrooms.) Then, I THINK, I'll be on track for day 17 on Tuesday the 17th.
Sometimes in life we just have to get a little creative with our routines to fit things in. And sometimes we just have to let things go entirely. I'm glad I was able to fit things in this time. However, after a weekend away, I'm looking at a house that is in need of some TLC today... ;)
Hope everyone is still hanging in there on the 31 Days to Clean challenge! Even if you have to juggle, cram, or draw it out longer. It's worth the time.
Monday, May 9, 2011
31 Days~ days6-8
I don't want to get sidetracked... I did days 6-8 on Friday the 6th. I figured that with a busy weekend ahead (helping to build a new beach in our area on Saturday and Mother's Day on Sunday) I had better get my kitchen work done on Friday. So I'm pleased to say that all my cabinets, drawers, and pantry shelves were cleaned and organized. It took me about 3 hours to do, but it was so worth it! I LOVE how each cabinet looks when I open the door. I'm probably the only one in the house that appreciates it, but I am very happy to have it done. I need that to be an annual event, I think. :)
Today is day 9. I haven't begun yet, but I will. Today is the last day of the kitchen duties for the 31 Day challenge. :)
Today is day 9. I haven't begun yet, but I will. Today is the last day of the kitchen duties for the 31 Day challenge. :)
Thursday, May 5, 2011
31 Days~ Day 5
Short and sweet today... We were asked to wash the inside windows of our kitchens and also clean the window treatments. I had a very full day planned and I had my kitchen window chore done by 8 this morning :) Woo hoo! My boys and I were able to enjoy 2 hours at the park today, which is a huge joy considering it's the nicest day of the year so far!! :)
I'm not sure how much I can get done on day 6 as I have Mother's day projects going, but I want to get what I can knocked out as early as possible tomorrow, also!
Have a fabulous Thursday!
I'm not sure how much I can get done on day 6 as I have Mother's day projects going, but I want to get what I can knocked out as early as possible tomorrow, also!
Have a fabulous Thursday!
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