Weekly Wrap-Up...04/29/2011

Hosted by Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers

We started our week as usual... Monday's are paper route day.We didn't go to choir at Co-Op because I've squandered my gasoline by unplanned trips to the 'big' city. It was alright though because that paper route thing just takes all of our time and energy...blah.

Tuesday...well, you know what, I don't recall what's happened this week. I know that Fox has passed the 50% mark in at least 2 of his subjects (but still insists on doing the 'fun' ones first and draaaaaggggiinnnnng through the rest). Lee wrote up her own schedule for the week. I'd hoped she would take more initiative to get things done that way...but it'll come... in time ;)

And they've been super helpful with making meals (lol so what if it is after I threaten no food unless they help... it'll come... in time ;) Speaking of... Fox thinks/insists he is making dinner. It's not spaghetti- it is meatballs with noodles...and sauce. Uh huh. AND he made super yummy muffins for lunch. I love my kids :)

Yesterday was super nice (Thursday) so we took the day off but weren't able to actually go do anything. It was nice to feel the warmth and have the sunshine though. For the first time I'm participating in Goal Planning Monday and it has helped me this week with getting a few things done. I'm going to keep it up- I hope. I'm going to start participating in Menu Plan Monday as well to keep me on track with food making and eating...and hopefully it'll help me with budgeting my money for groceries (so I'll have more money for other things! lol).

Ah and I reached 100 followers- and I won the Geneva Bible Giveaway at Happily Homeschooling. I'm super excited!

I don't have tv but have been listening to the radio some and have been so saddened by the devastation and loss of life due to the tornadoes lately. I feel extremely fortunate that although we do live where tornadoes come through we've not had any this year. Praying for those affected by these.  

That's been our week. How has yours been? Link up at Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers if you'd like :)

TOS REVIEW: Hey Andrew! Teach Me Some Greek Level 3

Through The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew our family was able to receive and review Hey Andrew! Teach Me Some Greek Level 3 from Greek 'n' Stuff.

We received the Level 3 student worktext, the Level 3 complete answers text and a pronunciation cd for Level 3 & 4.

Age/Grade range: Although it is not specifically designed for one set age/grade, if your student can read then your student may be able to use this Level. If they've never had any instruction in Greek before, it may be wise to start at the Level lower (or at the beginning!). If you are unsure, or need reassurance that this will work for your student you can find placement quizzes at the Greek n' Stuff site.

Cost: $21.95 for each text and $10.00 for the cd

They do have the entire Level for $57.40 (includes: the Student Worktext, Complete Answers Text, Quizzes and Tests, and Flashcards on a ring)

See the Table of Contents, sample pages and other information about Level 3 at Greek 'n' Stuff.

I will point out that we did listen to the cd a few times but did not actually use it because we had a difficult time utilizing it. The pronunciations are clear and there is an alphabet song a the start of the cd.

We* started this out at 3 days a week and then Lee moved to doing it everyday (she really likes this program!). At the front of the complete answer text there is a proposed lesson set up for all 36 lessons. We did not follow the set up but it is there if one needs it. At the back of the book are the flashcards that you cut out and paste onto 3x5 cards. I didn't like this so much as I'd like to have had the cards on a ring although it wasn't a lot of work to put them together.

At the back of the  book is an Appendix that includes useful charts of the

• Greek Alphabet,
• Vowels and Diphthongs,
• Punctuation,
• Breathing Marks,
• Word Order,
• Moods of Greek Verb,
• Voices of Greek Verb,
• Present Tense,
• Gender of the Greek Noun,
• Cases of the Greek Noun,
• Second Declension,
• and suggestions for Bible Copy Work.

*It would be my suggestion that at least the Greek Bible Copybook be purchased with this as well as a Greek Interlinear Bible, if one is serious about learning this language and making it their own. It is something we did not use but will if/when we continue with Level 4- I feel it would have enhanced the experience immensely.

Personally, I felt this was very user friendly and for someone that does not have a background in Greek, it was easy to understand. The 'review' that follows was done primarily by Lee my 14 yo daughter who used this program almost exclusively. My son, 11 yo, also used it for a while but we had to stop due to external issues not related to the program at all.

****************************

Review by Lee. ^.^

Okay, so, let's do this...!

My first impression

When we got this, I was kinda "ehhhh" about it because I was already doing another language and wasn't so sure how Greek would be. I looked through the book, and although the setup looked pretty simple, the new words scared me. (But new words always do...!)

What I liked About It

First of all, the Greek words and letters are nice and clear. You can see them clearly and easily. Then there is their way of making sure you remember all the forms and stuff: lots and lots of review. That sounds bad, but it's not. The way they have the reviewing is in a fun way, without it being dull and repetitive. (The only time anything is repetitive is when you learn a new word and they have you write it down a lot) They don't have you write down the endings for verbs a whole bunch. They have lots of matching-up activities, but not all the same. Some are drawing lines from the Greek word to the English meaning. Other times it's coloring in the correct box under the Greek word. They give you lots of sentences to translate, in both Greek and English. Also, you have to translate a Greek sentence into a picture. There are even crossword puzzles...! There are activities practicing the endings, which is important in the sentences. The whole setup is in a friendly, non-textbooky way.

What I Didn't Like so Much

Sometimes there are activities where you put the correct Greek word in the Greek sentence. But often there just isn't enough room to squeeze the word in! Also, the spot where you put the word is bigger than the other words in the sentence, and you feel like you need to make the letters bigger, making less room to write the word...! D: Also, I like to know what I'm writing, like how the word sounds, so I can remember the spelling a little better. But they only provide pronunciations when you first learn a word, in their basic form. So later when you go writing the sentences you aren't quite sure how each word sounds.

Overall

I really liked this...! I've already asked my mom to get me the next level. I get to learn about 'the man' and 'the son'...! Whereas I've only learned about 'a son' and 'a man'. All in all, I like this series and hopefully I'll get to keep doing them...!

There you have it: this is a keeper in our school. I will be purchasing Level 4 of Hey Andrew! Teach Me Some Greek from Greek 'n' Stuff because we've enjoyed using Level 3. I like that it goes up to at least Level 8 so if this is something that we continue to like, we can continue with it!

Care to see what others thought of this program? Head over to the TOS Homeschool Crew blog and read more.

**I would like to say THANK YOU to both Greek 'n' Stuff and The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew for supplying this set for free to review in exchange for an honest review. We were not required to post a positive review and all thoughts/opinions are our own. I was not compensated in any way for this review. See more Disclosure/Policies.**

100 Followers & My Birthday- You Get a Present!

I just reached 100 followers. Wow! Wow! It seems just a few days ago I only had 50 :) Time flies when you're having fun eh?

Well, to celebrate my 100th follower AND my birthday (fortunately not my 100th birthday!)... I am doing a giveaway! My birthday isn't until May 7th....so you'll have to wait and see what I'm giving away!

Thank you everyone for following my blog and stopping by to say hi (and a lot of other things!)

My Creative Kids

I was supposed to post this photo daaaaays ago ;) We got a pack of new dry erase markers so they had to be broken in.

Lee's eyes "0.0" heehee...

And a few days ago Fox made this ship- out of Legos and without instructions (as far as I am aware- lol he'll probably tell me later that he had a step-by-step guide! oh well!)

Fish- It's What's For Dinner & Lunch

Usually we have turkey, or chicken, for dinner. It's easy and suits our bland taste buds just fine ;) Well, dh would like steak or filet mignon but really...um, maybe he gets what he wants once or twice a year!

I had planned on baked fish for dinner last night but then forgot that I had to bake it. I was running out of time because the kids had 4H (which there wasn't anyone there so that didn't happen anyway) last night. No time for baking. I decided to try my hand at frying it... I recall fried fish from when I was young and honestly that is why I didn't like fish until I was about 27!

Here's my very first attempt at ever frying fish (and I'm 32!) and I must say, it turned out good!

Found a simple recipe for frying fish:

4 fish filets (thawed, if previously frozen and rinsed and patted dry with napkins/paper towels)

1 egg, beaten with 2 TBS water

1/4 cup flour

1/4 cup cornmeal

1/2 tsp salt

however much garlic powder I felt like ;)

sprinkle of cayenne pepper and black pepper (wanted some flavor)

1/4 inch of oil in medium to large frying pan

Heat the oil on medium. In one shallow bowl large enough to put the fish in, mix flour, cornmeal, salt, peppers, and garlic powder well. In a separate bowl beat egg and water. Coat each fish filet in the egg mix and then the flour/cornmeal mix. Make sure to get both sides coated well with the flour/cornmeal mix.

Once oil is hot enough, carefully place 2 filets in the pan and cook for about 4 minutes on each side- until golden brown. Place on napkin/paper towel lined plate to drain the oil.

Since there were only 4 filets it took about 20 minutes total to cook...and less than 10 minutes prep time. 

We had peas to go with the fried fish.

Today we ate a late lunch because... well, I don't know why lol!

I did tell the kids however that if they didn't help me make lunch they wouldn't get any! Think of the Little Red Hen ;) How do you think that turned out?

AWESOME!! Lee made the tuna filling and Fox helped with the biscuits. They like to cook but sometimes, you know, other things seem like more fun (psssh, reading and playing Legos...lol).

For lunch we had what I call Tuna Turnovers. I've probably posted this recipe on here before- it's one of our staple food :)

Preheat oven to 450*

Tuna filling:

2 cans tuna, drained

up to 1 cup shredded cheese

1/2 can olives, sliced

mayo (just enough to make all stick together but it can be omitted all together, especially if you use enough cheese!)

mustard (mostly for flavor- I usually just use about 1 tsp?)

relish (this one sometimes is excluded and replaced with the mustard...and vice versa)

Mrs. Dash

Italian seasoning

Mix all ingredients together. Simple :)

Biscuits:

3 cups flour

1 TBS baking powder

3/4 tsp cream of tartar

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 cup cubed cold butter

1 cup cold milk

Italian seasoning

Mix flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, salt and Italian seasoning in a large bowl. Cut in butter until crumbly. Pour in milk and mix just until combined. Turn out on lightly flour surface and fold/knead gently about 6 times. Pat out to 3/4 inches thick. Using a large round cookie cutter (2"?) make biscuits. Generally I get 14 biscuits from this recipe. 

With each round, flatten out and put some tuna mix in the center. Fold the biscuit in half and crimp the edges shut. Cook for 12-14 minutes (until golden).

I just now, after making this for close to 14 years, realized that this would super yummy with a fruit mix in the center (without the Italian seasoning in the biscuit mix!). I will have to try that :)

For dinner tonight we are supposed to have personal pizzas but... if the kids want them then they will have to make them... mwuhaaha...mean mom I am ;)

Book Review: Living in the Pink- Blog Tour

Living in the Pink by Sharon Tubbs

can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Books A Million
Paperback

259 pages

Publisher: Moody Publishers (Lift Every Voice Books)

Retail: $13.99

Living in the Pink is a series of humorous and insightful short stories with Christian underpinnings. Through the eyes of the wise “Sister Pinky” and Believers Ministries International Church, these stories highlight issues that women grapple with but that often remain unspoken in religious circles. The characters are everyday wives, mothers, and singles. They develop and gain a spiritual perspective in dealing with romantic relationships, wayward children, jealousy, church traditions, Christian hypocrisy, and self-righteous judgment, among other themes.

Discussion questions help readers connect with the storylines and urge them to look within—and up—to reach their highest potential in life.

Watch a video about the book here.

Click here to listen...to a podcast about the book. 

My Take:
This is a good book...but it'll stab your conscience if you are living in the pink. This is written well. There are a few instances where I felt, uh, uncomfortable with the scenes of the book but they aren't graphic per se- just not what I usually read. This book seems more like real-life than many books I've read lately although it is fiction. The discussion questions at the end of the chapters are very relevant and well thought out.

Visit the author online at http://godsdevinedesign.com/ or Read an Excerpt

SHARON TUBBS is a Christian who loves to write. She has worked professionally as a journalist since 1995 and has reported and written about various news topics, from local government issues to race relations to national religious events. Currently, she is a community news editor for a major newspaper in Florida.

Her passion is writing about God’s love and His vision for believers. She confessed Christ as her Lord and Savior in 1995, shortly after graduating from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and moving away from her home state to jumpstart a journalism career in suburban New Jersey. Hundreds of miles away from the security of home, she realized that God was the source of true peace, contentment, and most importantly eternal life. Since moving to Florida in 1996, she has used church leadership activities and other venues to encourage women in the Tampa Bay area to write poetry, devotionals, and books with Christian themes. She has also sponsored a “small group” home Bible study affiliated with Grace Family Church in Lutz, Florida, where she has been a member since January 2008. She feels blessed to learn from other women, while helping to facilitate their growth, as well.

The Living in the Pink project originated when Sharon wrote a version of the first story, Revelation, for a writing contest. She didn’t plan to create a series at the time. In fact, that story stayed tucked away in the annals of her computer for years before she looked at it again. The second go-round, she saw potential for something more and began to develop the central character “Sister Pinky,” using humor and real-life situations to touch others in a down-to-earth way. In 2009, the project was launched online at LivingInThePink.com as a monthly short story series and newsletter with themes inspired by struggles that many women face.

In the spring of 2010, Sharon finalized a deal with Moody Publishers to expand the Living in the Pink project. That same year, she also contracted with See Media, a Christian company that publishes 30-day devotionals for woman. Both the Living in the Pink project and Sharon’s devotional for See Media are scheduled for release in April 2011.

Keeping Things- Some Books Lying Around??

It's that time of year... going through and weeding out the books that are no longer needed (or wanted) and those that will be used again, for the first time, or hopefully soon. What to do with the books that you won't keep? 

Here's a few ideas...just a few because I've not really come up with more...

If you want to turn your books into 'cash':

Book buyback @ Amazon 

I've used this service 3 or 4 times in the past year and have liked it :) Recently I've been purging items from my house (slooooowly trying to declutter) and books make up a large portion of that. Many of the books previously were not qualified for the book buyback from Amazon. Not sure why...too old, not in demand, no buyer on the other end? But much to my surprise this last time I checked, I was able to sell back 7 books that I was otherwise going to give to who ever would take them (free of course, or they pay shipping cause I didn't have the means to send them...anyway..that's a reason I checked Amazon in the first place). I'm happy with the $25+ that Amazon will give me in exchange for the books that I'm no longer using.  *One down side to Amazon is that you only get an Amazon Gift Card balance with this- no real cash.

Swagbucks Trade In

This is just as easy as Amazon. The selection of books that are being taken are less than Amazon (at least when it comes to my collection) but with this you get swagbucks that you can turn into cash. I generally use my swagbucks for Amazon gift cards ;)

With both of those you simply put in the ISBN of the book you are wanting to sell back and if it is a book they want, you will see the dollar amount (@Amazon) or the swagbucks amount (@swagbucks) that they will give you for them. In both cases, they give you the shipping label- free shipping! It's a win-win...in my opinion.

If you just want/need to get rid of them:

Curriculum Clean-Out

There are so many homeschoolers now that we all have at least one thing some one else wants ...maybe. The annual curriculum clean outs are a nice way to give books and such away- as well as get more traffic to your blog, if you're interested in that. Generally, when you post an item that you are giving away you pay postage to send it to the winner. Sometimes I have read that people ask the winner to pay for postage...but not often. (And not on the one that I've linked!)

Local Used Book Stores 

Often they will buy your books from you, but generally you shouldn't expect much. I give mine away to the local library for their 3 times a year book sale.

Paperbackswap
If your books are in demand, then you will get rid of them fast this way...otherwise they still sit on your shelf. Good thing about this one is that you get credits for each book sent -enabling you to find another book to replace the one you just got rid of (perhaps counter productive?? well, it depends on the book ;)

Freecycle

Although I've not put any books on the group myself, I've heard of people in larger cities that do. Makes me wish I lived a bit closer to a larger city...just a little. This is a great way to give new life to your books! And a lot of the time, those who want the items will come to you. 

That's all I got! All of these suggestions, I think, are great for getting rid of books but in a way that benefits all. Some times you get cash or gift cards in exchange (or another book)- other times the simple fact of more space on a shelf (or in a room if you give away all the books and the shelf!). Tomorrow I think it'll be time to go through ds' bookshelves ;)

Goal Planning Monday- 04/25/11

I'm not very organized. Well, sometimes I am. Came across Goal Planning Monday hosted by Mama Manuscripts at Homeschool Circus and thought it sounded like a good idea. We shall see if I can make and reach goals.

1. Finish History final. Start very seriously on research paper. Continue with other school classes as usual. (that might be 3-in-1 there)

2. Spend more time with the kids during school time. Choose a book (Saints and Heroes or one of Plutarch's Lives or one that they choose) to do together.

3. Take stuff to give away to second hand store.

4. Make out grocery list and menu plan. (Which reminds me, isn't there a Menu Planning Monday?)

5. Go to bed before midnight- and actually sleep.

6. Get up before 9:30 am.

Well, we'll see how it goes... And I'm still on Monday even though it is clearly Tuesday!

Book Review: The Whole Bible Story

The Whole Bible Story by Dr. William H. Marty

Paperback and ebook (Kindle, Nook)

300 pages

ISBN: 978-0764208294; ASIN: B004NNV9UU

Publisher: Bethany House

The Whole Bible Story: Everything That Happens in the Bible in Plain English by Dr. William H. Marty is an attempt to give a straightforward account of the Bible. It does not cover the Epistles (letters), the books of poetry (such as Proverbs, Psalms), or the laws (Leviticus). It did do what was intended, and that was make me want to turn to the Bible.

It was not a page turner. Honestly, I enjoy reading the Bible itself over reading this. The 'plain English' seems to take away from the reading experience of the Bible. It is drab and dull. The writing is strictly relating a story without feeling almost. Not a 'story' even but it is almost just a recap. Perhaps it is because I have the Bible to compare it to. 

I'm not sure what I thought this was going to be. Perhaps I've read too many fiction stories lately...

In the first thirteen chapters and the last chapter you can see (in the table of contents) where the accounts are in the Bible. Chapters fourteen through eighteen simply refer to the Four Gospels. It is interesting to have them meshed together into one account, but I would liked to have a reference to turn to in the Bible.

I think this would be good for those studying the Bible as a historical document because it doesn't have very much commentary throughout. Marty tried to not include that in this book. It doesn't ask any questions nor does it attempt to sway the readers one way or another (at least I didn't feel a pull). It is just the facts. It is quite impersonal. In a very small way this reminds me of Church History in Plain Language by Bruce Shelley. But only because it is straight forward. Shelley's book is much more enjoyable to read. 


**Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review from Bethany House Publishers.

Taking Responsibility...A Little Bit @ A Time

On Sunday evening I usually try to get the kids' schedule for school ready for the next week. I was working on a paper for my class and so I missed the time that I usually get that done. 

Lee was giving me tips last week on how to organize her schedule in a way that she likes. I was busy but she wanted me to get her schedule done. Funny how that works- when I want her to do something, well... anyway.

She was pacing back and forth with nothing to do yesterday afternoon and just all of a sudden came to the realization that she can do her own schedule. Lol I've been trying to get her to do it for most of the year!

I checked it over and she did quite well. I worried, honestly, that she would make it easy on herself by scheduling less pages/chapters per subject because she was planning it herself. Surprisingly (and I guess I shouldn't have been surprised) she split the pages/chapters up well for the week.

Now, since she planned it and plotted it herself, perhaps she will be motivated to do it even if I am busy. That is the next thing to work on ;)

'Quick' Meal Idea- Turkey

Okay, okay...so you probably already know that we have turkey for dinner. A lot. 

Last night I was not sure what to make for dinner. It's not that I didn't have the makings for just about anything but I was cutting it close to dinner. Granted, what I did come up with takes an hour....the fact that I figured out what we were having and prepared it in enough time is pretty amazing for me! If it were up to me...the kids and hubby would eat pb sandwiches way too often. *And I should clarify- hubby will not eat pb sandwiches.* ;)

So what did I come up with? It's super simple. Really. It takes hardly any time at all to prepare. It's the oven time that is the pain...It's base is Cream of Chicken soup (from Campbell's, Family size but you could use any brand and perhaps two condensed soups in place of the one larger) and has rice, vegetables and ..you guessed it.. turkey.

The recipe is on the back of this can but here is what I did (because it is ever so slightly different):

Preheat oven to 375.
Need:

13x9" baking pan

1 1/2 cup rice

Thawed 3/4 pound of ground turkey

3 cups frozen peas

1 can soup

2 cups water

salt

pepper

Italian seasoning

garlic powder

1 1/2 cups shredded cheese

Mix the ground turkey with a good amount of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper (sorry I never measure...if it smells good and looks good, it's probably good!). Set aside (in the fridge is probably the safe place).

Mix rice, water and soup together in the baking pan. I sprinkled some extra garlic in...because we like garlic.

Once mixed well, roll the turkey mix into little balls and plop them on the surface of the chicken soup-rice mix.

Bake for one hour, covered *oops, forgot to cover mine*. When done, top with shredded cheese. Let the cheese melt a bit and serve. This serves at least 8 :)

One of these days I am going to find a recipe to make my own cream of chicken *ahem, it'll be turkey* soup mix.

This recipe post has been submitted to The Christian Home under Hospitality. 

TOS REVIEW: See the Light Art Class

Cost: $99.99 (9 volume DVD set, 36 lessons), $10.00 per month for Online subscription (4 lessons per month)

Age range: 6 and up. 

Via the TOS Homeschool Crew I was able to receive Volume 1: Art Lessons 1-4 from See The Light for review. See here for a more detailed description of each lesson in this volume (and then check out the others in the set by clicking the next, previous, back buttons on that screen).

As mentioned above, the age range is 6 and up for these lessons. My kids are 11 & 14. Lessons 1-4 are basic concepts of drawing. They do not require more than a #2 pencil, paper, eraser and maybe crayons and/or markers for effect (and chalk for the Bonus lesson). Oh! also fruit and a shoe ;)

Included in Volume 1:

• Lesson 1: Tools of the Trade
• Lesson 2: It All Starts With A Line
• Lesson 3: Contours & Composition
• Lesson 4: Draw What You See
• Bonus! Chalk-It-Easy Chalk Art Lesson

Pat Knepley is the See The Light Master Artist in each of the 4 Lessons in this Volume. She is very vibrant and energetic about drawing. I really enjoyed the attitude she brings to these lessons- drawing/art is awesome. But even more- God is Awesome! She reads verses occasionally from the Bible to help point to God as the Creator of all and we can use the talents He gave us. 

Here are two screenshots from Lesson 4: Draw What You See

I just love her hair... ;)

Gloria Kohlmann is the artist in the Bonus lesson (Chalk-It-Easy) and she does an absolutely wonderful job! We didn't have chalk to do the lesson but the way that Kohlmann teaches would incline me to say that we would be able to follow along with this lesson without much problem.

Although both of my kids already have had the background presented in these Lessons, the warmth and enthusiasm presented by Pat Knepley still make these a treat to watch. She talks at a pace that isn't too fast, nor too slow. A lot of the time, when watching programs designed for instruction, I find I need to speed up the talking...but not with this one. Perhaps it is her voice or her inflection but there wasn't a need to speed it up. It is a perfect pace. 

I think this would be really good for the younger ages, or those who are uncomfortable with drawing (feel inadequate or unsure) because Pat is very comforting and encouraging. She describes and instructs in a way that any one can follow, I think.

Each lesson is short and engaging. The first two are fairly short (9:31 and 9:43), with the third and fourth averaging just under 13 minutes. I don't think any of the 36 lessons are more than 15 minutes, making this an easy subject/curriculum to integrate into the day. The Chalk-It-Easy lesson is over 21 minutes...but still not too long.

Here are some links to see more about See The Light:

Watch three free art lessons online. Request a free sample DVD from See the Light. They also offer other DVDs such as The Crossmaker & The Gift of Love (watch a preview of both by clicking on the link).

See the art curriculum pdf.

Check out the Fun Stuff page for a few more videos, some music and downloads. Meet the team at See The Light. Also follow along with the See The Light blog.

Bottomline:
Very well done art instruction videos. This would work great in a co-op setting! Unfortunately, I feel that this should probably have a recommended minimum and a max age range of 6-13. I placed the max age a little farther than originally planned due to the fact that there are probably some teenagers or tweens who've not been exposed to art before. Of course, those would be just recommended ages. I think these are done well enough that anyone, any age would benefit if they've had no art experience. 

See The Light says that "Art History is another feature of ART CLASS. Your children will become acquainted with the famous masterpieces of many artists," which I didn't get to see that very much in the first 4 lessons (Lesson 2 brings in Picasso....), but think this would be a great part of teaching art/drawing.

However, I do not like not having the option to buy the discs singly. The price of $99 for the entire set, although when broken down is only $11.11, is a little deterring. The online subscription at $10 a month is only $90 total, though. It definitely makes it more accessible money-wise. 

Very good program.

If you would like to see more reviews of this product, check the TOS Homeschool Crew blog :)

**Disclaimer: I received this product in exchange for an honest review from See The Light through participation in the TOS Homeschool Crew. I was not compensated in any way and I was not required to post a positive review. All opinions stated are my own. See more Disclosure/Policies.**

TOS REVIEW: Healthy Homes- Nutrition 101

Nutrition 101: Choose Life!

$99.95 (book), $79.95 (CD-ROM), or $129.95 (book & CD-ROM)*

448 pages

ISBN: 978-0-9816954-2-6

Publisher: Growing Healthy Homes LLC

Age range: This is a family program that can be used with all ages however younger children will need an adult's help.

As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew I was able to receive the electronic version of Nutrition 101: Choose Life! to review. This is the same as the physical book, just can be read on the computer (and pages printed off individually when needed/wanted).

This is a book that will be used in our house for a long time! It is full of great information that will help families become healthier through the food choices they make. Not only does it deal with food but we learn about the human body and how the foods interact with various parts/systems of our body. You can also find mental well-being is affected by the foods we eat.

This can be done in a beginning-to-end fashion but I liked going through and picking the units to cover based on what we were learning at the time, or what we wished to learn more about. The layout of the book is nice. There are engaging photos, pictures and illustrations. I especially like the labeled diagrams (such as The Brain or The Digestive System, for example). Very well done.

What you will find in this book (from the website):

Nutrition 101: Choose Life! is a three-in-one family nutrition and health program for all ages that presents the major body systems, how they function, their common health issues, the benefits of good food and the consequences of bad food. Its 448 pages include into six units:

1. The Brain and Nervous System
2. Digestion and Elimination
3. Respiration and Olfactory
4. Muscular and Skeletal Systems
5. Cardiovascular and Immune Systems
6. Endocrine System and Emotions

If you would like to see an excerpt, click here.

Something that makes this even better, in my opinion, is the inclusion of scripture to back up many of the suggestions for healthier living. In each unit there are discussion questions, resources (links!), and activities to do that pertain to the specific body system and foods. Another great feature of this book -which I must be honest and tell my readers that we were not able to use as of yet- are the recipes. There is a main recipe for each chapter of each unit. There are additional recipes after that. 

What did I like about this book?

Other than the features I've already mentioned, I really like that this book does not follow the fads and fancy of so many so called nutrition books. I grew up with one parent that was very interested in our family's well-being nutritionally. It's stuck with me and I find it difficult to find what I consider accurate and usable nutrition books. I have also taken courses in college on the subject of nutrition. This book is really good because although it deals with a topic that can be quite complicated, the authors (homeschool mother Debra Raybern, N.D., M.H., C.N.C., I.C.A.; homeschool mother and researcher Sera Johnson, B.MU; mother and writer/editor Laura Hopkins, B.S.; and mother, grandmother and former Home Economics teacher Karen Hopkins, B.S. -from the website) have presented a somewhat daunting subject and made it approachable.

There are a lot of options presented in this book. One example is when talking about good and bad foods, they have included lists of each to help with choosing.

The websites that are included in each chapter additional resources come in handy, especially if reading this book on the computer. Simply click and learn more. Some are videos (which we love in our school) but some are linked to places like Enchanted Learning, with additional information and/or activities.

I also liked that, although our body is one machine, it was easy enough to pick and choose the topic we learned about. Near the beginning of the book there is a sample, tentative schedule for how to use Nutrition 101, but in our case, it takes much longer than one week to cover the chapters. We won't do it on a five-day basis; it is more along the lines of learning about a particular topic, use this book to learn more (or learn about it from this book and then go to other resources for more). 

It is a fairly complete nutritional book and its Christian foundation helps in our homeschool. This book covers anatomy as well.

Now I am trying to think of a con of this book but... The price may seem daunting to many but the knowledge that this can be used for many, many years could help put one's mind at ease. I can think of at least one instance of vagueness (Appendix BB, page 413, #5 under Be A Label Reader!) where we read, "I can't think of them offhand" when talking about the names of sugar (which would be words ending with -ose), but with the wealth of other information, I didn't see it as something that detracted much from the book or information.

*If the book and CD have the same information, what is the value of having both? The book provides all of the information from the CD professionally printed and bound in full color. The CD allows you to reprint individual copies of the recipes, shopping lists, charts and any other relevant pages. Many families print single pages and create a folder for each child. Nutrition 101: Choose Life! is a tremendous resource and having it in both formats allows flexibility and saves you time and money. (from the website)

If you still have questions about the copyright and licensing of the electronic version, check out their FAQs.

Bottomline:
Absolutely wonderful book. The information is right on target without the fads. The layout of the book is easy to use/read. The additional resources- such as at the end of each chapter and the Appendixes- are great. The recipes look and sound yummy although we didn't get to use them- yet.
As for price, I think it is expensive if the plan is to use this for one semester or even one year. It reminds me of buying my college textbooks. There is enough information in this book to carry on for longer than that and it can be used again (in case of additional children, perhaps in grades that it is not easy to combine). It would even make a great reference book after it's been gone through.

For readers of my blog I've been authorized to give you all a 15% off code to use with the purchase of this book, CD, or both :) Use TOScrew2011 code at checkout for 15% off :)

Also, you may be interested in the free webinar hosted by The Old Schoolhouse Magazine with Sera Johnson, one of the Nutrition 101 authors. The webinar is scheduled for 4:00 pm EST, April 21st.

Would you like to read more reviews for this product? Visit the TOS Homeschool Crew blog for more.

**Disclaimer: I received this product in exchange for an honest review from Growing Healthy Homes through participation in the TOS Homeschool Crew. I was not compensated in any way and I was not required to post a positive review. All opinions stated are my own. See more Disclosure/Policies.**

Book Review: Galileo (Christian Encounters Series)

Galileo by Mitch Stokes, Christian Encounters Series

Kindle Edition and Paperback

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

ISBN: 978-1-59555-031-6; ASIN: B004PGNC00

Retail: $12.00

From Booksneeze.com: 
From physics to religion, Galileo's life changed the world and how we perceive it.

Despite a debilitating life-long illness, Galileo changed physics from a purely philosophical subject into one involving mathematics and careful observation. But his innovations didn’t stop there. He also challenged beliefs about the very structure of the universe, arguing that the earth moves around the sun at dizzying speeds.

But suggesting such dramatic changes made philosophers uncomfortable. And because they were unable to refute Galileo on their own playing field, they sought help from theologians, sending Galileo headlong into a conflict with church officials. In this biography readers will be privy to the intrigues, personality clashes, and misunderstandings that led to Galileo’s famous trial and condemnation.

I chose this book to review from Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze blogger review program because I have recently been reading an older book (not necessarily about Galileo but he is mentioned), History of Astronomy by George Forbes. Honestly, I had thought Galileo was an astronomer! I've learned a great deal about him from reading this book. Not only was he interested in the movement of the sun, earth and planets (much later in his life) he was also a musician, an artist, and an engineer! He actually failed in medicine (because he didn't go to class and didn't do the work!) and didn't receive a degree from the University that he attended.

This is a very well done book, in my opinion. Though it is a work of non-fiction, it is not without its excitement. Starting from before Galileo was born (so we get an idea of where he is coming from), Stokes paints a vivid picture of those who shape Galileo into the man he becomes. He has many friends- and enemies- in high places. He seems to be a kind and generous man with a great ability to work with mathematics. *How interesting that medical students didn't study mathematics back then!* Galileo's studies take him down a path that at first I am sure was exhilarating and exciting but towards the end must have worried him a little.

Interwoven, and honestly at times seemingly misplaced, Stokes brings in other individuals and events during the lifetime of Galileo. These are not misplaced however, because each time we come to understand the connection. Stokes gives humor and empathy as well as greatly referenced resources to move this biography along. I found myself chuckling many times and laughing out loud at other times. Of course, I also found it so difficult to believe the treatment of his theories and ultimately himself.

This book was a Kindle download from Booksneeze and the formatting was a bit off in places (a space before an apostrophe; example: [duke 's]) but otherwise perfect. I love getting books on my Kindle- no waiting for them to come in the mail!

Saturdays are for being Outdoors

Although I'm still not feeling 100% better, today was so nice that I just had to get out. I took the kids for a walk (read that: they took me for a walk!) and also took dh's camera to see what I could catch :) It's beautiful out but really not much to take photos of. The sky is a beautiful blue with fluffy white clouds. 

I love when it is clear like today; everything seems brighter. To start of my photo montage, here are ones that have color

Followed by photos of my kiddos :) And if you wonder why there are more of Lee than Fox...well, he's a boy and it's difficult to photograph a constantly moving target. I have quite a few but... they are more of a blur lol

And the rest of my photos from our outing 

 

I was hoping to see more birds but mostly saw the black birds that are prevalent around here. And some mourning doves. The one photo of the dove was the best of all my bird photos :)

So that's that and I'm worn out now. It's a good idea- I know it is- to get fresh air after being sick but perhaps walking aways from home isn't that great of an idea. Nap time... calling me... ah...