Blog Archives

I'm trying my hand.. at graphics

8/26/2014

Here are two that I did up this morning.
What do you think?

Here is my John Dewey quote

and here is one on Motherhood.

So what do you think? I am pondering going out this afternoon to take pictures of different things. I know people can buy photos and what not... but I don't have the dollars for that, plus I'm too dutch in my background to want to spend money where it is unnecessary. Makes sense no?

Do anyways, what are you thoughts?

REVIEW: UberSmart Software

8/25/2014

I couldn't believe it... in three days time.. my boy mostly has his three times facts memorized! I knew he didn't have them.... but he wouldn't believe me. "MOM"... he'd say in his ever so patient manner," I can do them in my head. I know it mom. Really." (You know that super patient "i know mom" voice 8-9 year olds can have).

BUT with UberSmart Software he truly is learning what he knows and what he doesn't. Isn't it grand???? :) I am so pleased by this! My boy has new knowledge! AND it wasn't me telling him, it was the computer, so that "angst" between us is gone. I am so pleased!

This is a DOWNLOADABLE SOFTWARE for mastering math facts. It can be used by eight or more students and will enable your student to practice the following:

Dot Cards (like adding domino faces)
Keyboard Entry (Ten-Key Numbers)
Flash Cards (add, subtract, multiplication, division)

~ Addition/Subtraction goes up through the 9s
~ Multiplication/Division has the option to set it to go up to 9's - 20's.
(9's, 10's, 11's. all the way through the 20's)

Once you have it, it is YOURS. To use for however long you wish to use it. :) Pretty cool eh? :)

How does it work?
There are three modes: learn, practice, test. (in a nut shell)
In learn mode you are shown a card given time to say the answer in your head and then check the answer. No penalties, just time to answer to the question and see if you are right or not.
In Practice Mode you are shown the question, given a time limit to answer it, if you are right it says correct, if wrong it merely shows you the answer. Highlighting it in red.
In test mode you have a time limit for the whole set. You are graded on how many you get right or wrong, and shown the questions you got wrong. You are encouraged to keep practicing.

In test mode you see three cards on the screen. You just answer them as best you can and keep going. You want to complete the test before time runs out. The progress bar shows how far you are into the test, the red bar shows your time.

I have to admit.. I didn't use the dot cards at all. I had the hardest time figuring them out and when I showed that option to my lad, he honestly tried but he must have the same brain glitch I do.. cause they just weren't working for him either. The dot cards look like this.

it is NOT the fault of the program, so don't think it is please. I look at this and it simply doesn't work for me.. it's a mass of confusing symbols. For others (aka my hubby) it makes total sense and he doesn't get why the lad and I don't understand what is being asked for here.   They give a manual to help explain their entire program so it's NOT the fault of the program. It's MY brain just not getting it. So please don't hold it against them.

The one thing I do take issue with is their progress chart with the smiley faces.   My son is convinced that if the face is green it means he totally knows the facts and therefore doesn't have to practice them (oh and he wants me to assure you that he knows the 0's and 1's but since he can rattle them off to me I said he didn't need to do them).   This was from a week or so ago.. they are all green now.   I wish I knew how to make the progression to complete mastery stand out more.   But this report got my son asking.. "How many smiley faces do I have now mom?"

My verdict: get this program. Help your children to quickly and easy master their math facts. We've been working on multiplication but they have addition, subtraction and division to. You can have them work on one set of numbers at a time (like the three's or fours) or have them work on a multitude of numbers. You can limit how high the numbers go as well. it's a versatile program. You also really can't go wrong. If it doesn't work for your children they offer 100% satisfaction. So if it doesn't work, you get your money back. Pretty cool eh? :) It worked for my "determined he's got it boy" it should work for yours as well. :)

UberSmart Software is working well with my boy, I am so happy with his progress. :)

Product Details
Vendor: UberSmart Software
Product: UberSmart Math Facts
Price: $24.95
Age Range: all ages
System requirements: This is for Windows 7, 8, XP and Vista only.

To read what others of the crew thought about UberSmart Sofware, please click on the banner above, or if you would rather, you can click here as well. :)

The Kelly's are Looking to adopt. Help them along the way! :)

8/25/2014

The Kelly's are looking to adopt, such things don't come cheaply and they would like some support. Check out the sale below. :)

Sunu has done up a little book on Adoption quotes. You can see it here: http://bit.ly/1AMKOrk I believe it is free, so check it out. :)

You've seen a lot of eBook bundles this year, we know because we've seen them too. But we hope that you'll give us a few moments of your time today though, because we're bringing you a bundle that doesn't profit affiliates or authors.

The Kelly's Bundle of Joy Adoption Sale & Giveaway was designed and compiled by Bridget from Becoming a Godly Wife and Misty from Beautiful Ashes. They created it to raise money for their dear friend Mandy from Women of Worship. Mandy and her family have been on the road to becoming adoptive parents and they've reached the point in their journey where a large amount of money is due.

Bridget and Misty reached out through their blogging circles and received several donations for a bundle sale AND an amazing giveaway to help promote The Kelly's Bundle of Joy Adoption Sale & Giveaway. It is their prayer that God would use this bundle sale to raise funds for the Kelly's upcoming adoption and that God blesses them with their little bundle of joy soon.

100% of the funds raised through this sale will be donated to Mandy and her family to help bring their little one home.

Below you'll find all of the details for the bundle sale and the giveaway. We would greatly appreciate it if you would share this post across social media. Together we can be a blessing to Mandy and her family. Together we can bring the Kelly's bundle of joy home!

The Kelly's Bundle of Joy Adoption Sale & Giveaway

The Bundle Includes:

31 Days to Start an Online Business ebook by Sunu from Clothed In Scarlet
Lean on the Lord: 30 day Fitness Devotional ebook by April from100lb Countdown
14 Days of Agape ebook by Rosilind from Missional Call
The Missional Handbook by Rosilind from Missional Call
Live Worship by Rosilind from Missional Call
Memory Verse Templates Ultimate Family Pack by Rosilind from Missional Call
Pray the Lord's Prayer Workbook by Rosilind from Missional Call
New Year's Evaluation Pack by Rosilind fromMissional Call
The Ultimate Missionary Gift Guide by Rosilind from Missional Call
Discovering True Identity ebook by F. Dean Hackett from F Dean Hackett Foundational
A Proverbs 31 Woman by Bridget from Becoming A Godly Wife
Submissive Wife Myths Confronted by Bridget from Becoming A Godly Wife
What's For Dinner printable by Bridget from Becoming A Godly Wife
Home Management Binder printable by Bridget from Becoming A Godly Wife
Dear Wife ebook by Misty from Beautiful Ashes
Unfulfilled ebook by Misty fromBeautiful Ashes
Tidbits from Help Meets' Hearts ebook by contributors from Marriage, Motherhood and Missions
Family Mission Planner printable by Misty from Beautiful Ashes
Back to School K-2 Pack printable by Misty from Beautiful Ashes
Teacher's Planner printable by Misty from Beautiful Ashes
Candy + Math = Fun printable by Misty fromBeautiful Ashes
Homeschool Planning Pack printable by Misty from Beautiful Ashes
More than Words ebook by Stephanie from The Multi Taskin' Mom
More than Words - For Moms ebook by Stephanie from The Multi Taskin' Mom
More than Words - Teen Edition by Stephanie from The Multi Taskin' Mom
Easy Weekend Meals by Renee from Renee's Kitchen

This contents of this bundle are valued at over $100 and you can have them all via The Kelly's Bundle of Joy Adoption Sale & Giveaway for just $10!

>>>>Get Your Bundle Here<<<<

Simply add The Kelly's Bundle of Joy Adoption Sale to your cart.

If you prefer to simply make a donation to the Kelly's adoption, you may do so via their go fund me page below.

The Adoption Sale Promotional Giveaway Details:

To help promote The Kelly's Bundle of Joy Adoption Sale & Giveaway and to thank you for considering donating to the Kelly's adoption, Bridget and Misty worked to put together a giveaway package for one of you!

They're tremendously thankful to all of their giveaway sponsors, without them this sale would have been impossible. Please take a moment and stop by one or all of their sites and thank them for their support.

The Kelly's Bundle of Joy Adoption Sale & Giveaway

Freebie Marketing in a Box donated by Sunu from Clothed In Scarlet
Women Living Well (book) donated by Misty from Beautiful Ashes
Graphic Design Package (Blog Header & Button, FB, Twitter and G+ Graphics) donated by Misty from Beautiful Ashes
XS Rainbow Cluster Flexi Clip ($20 value) donated by Linda from Apron Strings and Other Things
Complete Ultimate Homemaking eBook Bundle donated by Misty from Beautiful Ashes
$20 MasterCard Gift Card donated by Brandy from Origami Owl Independent Designer
15 ml bottle of Young Living Peppermint essential oil donated by Whitney from Beauty In The Mess
Personalized photo editing (will edit 5 of your kids/family photos of winners choice) and include personalized subway art to print and frame for your photos donated by Marissa fromReading List
Set of 3 Bible Activities Printables donated by Katie from Paradise Praises.
Putting on the Fruit of the Spirit eBook donated by Katie from Paradise Praises.

This giveaway package is valued at over $300! Be sure you take a moment and enter to win via the Rafflecopter form below.

Sunu from Clothed in Scarlet designed a wonderful booklet of motherhood quotes specifically for this bundle!

>>>Download The Little Book of Motherhood Quotes Here<<<

Rebecca from Mom's Mustard Seeds has graciously donated a freebie for all of you too! It's Misty's favorite Bible study to use when entering a new school year, so it's the perfect time to get started with it!

>>>Download The Homeschool Mother's Prayer Journal by Rebecca Brandt Here<<<

Jolene from Monsters Ed Homeschool Academy graciously donated another freebie for all of you!

>>>Download The Dolch List Word Wall Printable Here<<<

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Life happens, it does indeed

8/24/2014

You know life happens right? Accidents, illness, weddings, deaths, it all happens and sometimes... homeschooling can make it easier, and sometimes it makes it tougher, depends sometimes on your perspective, the folks around you, and your own personal circumstances. We ALL have life happens.

So how does one teach a child when a whole lot of life happens all at once, or if illness is protracted over a year or more? How does one do it?

I can't speak to what others do, but I can tell you how things ran in our household. :)

I am taking part this week in topic that I have to admit... isn't an easy one for me.

For the past two years I was plagued with digestive upset. Unpredictable, at times VERY embarrassing, and just downright annoying. It took taking my gall bladder out to bring those symptoms under control. I can't say that all my digestive upset is gone, but I can say it's a whole lot better. it is! :) It is grateful to God I am.

BUT how did we get through these past couple of years?

1. I had dailies... daily things on my computer that I could set the lad to. He could do his math, his english, his science... and it was good. I have to admit, that some days.. that's all the "bookwork" that he did. When one has to make unexpected bathroom breaks its way to easy for one eight year old to get totally distracted and take off doing his own thing... and many days the battle to get him back was just beyond me.

But that didn't mean that learning didn't happen. because.....

2. We read books. TONS of books in this house. We have two books at breakfast (history and science facts). PLUS the paper. :)
We have books we read at lunch (chapter book of some sort).. currently the warriors.
We have a pile of about seven books we read at bedtime. (geography, chapter books, primers, fact book, history of Canada book, poetry etc).

3.   We also discovered a love of documentaries... and how to use the pause button judiously. :) Sharks, whales, penguins, the great barrier reef, WW2.... doesn't matter to us what the subject matter is... we listen, we watch, we learn.

Do I have regrets?

Yup....we didn't do much in the way of art. Hardly a stitch this year... so this year I'll be changing that.   Geography through art... I hope that will work. :)

We didn't do much in the way of hymn study... and this year we'll be starting in on that as well. :)   (reminds me I have to print off the music for the hymns we did today so the lad can pick one for us to study).

Were our days totally scattered?

YUP!   We chose to school for 15 minutes here, 20 minutes there with an hour off.   We did a lot of "let's go out and see what we find in our own backyard". We did lots of digging and moving around of things.   It was good. :) We caught voles and had fun learning their habits. Neat little critters.   They live in freedom now in a field behind our church.     We learned how quickly they make their grass tunnels and now we see them when we go out walking.... we know just what to look for. :)

Some days it seemed it took the whole day to do a wee bit of schooling, but some days, that's just how it goes.   When you can't sit long, or you feel too uncomfortable to do much, you just go with the flow and try to make it work for everyone involved.

In in-between it all we sandwiched in.... visits to the nursing home to visit Opa, sick relatives, funerals through church, and all the other little things that creep into making life a tad more interesting.     it's all God refining us right?

I've more sympathy for those who struggle with things they can't control and the embarrassment it brings... so I've been made softer by this all.    My son's heart was encouraged to be helpful as he needed to help his mom out sometimes by bending his will to my needs.

I dreaded writing this post because I felt like last year was such a bust... but it wasn't truly.. when I read how we coped... our year wasn't such a bust because even with scattered learning, we did learn. Even with not covering all I wished to, we covered different things. And that's the encouragement I offer you today.

Regardless of what slows down and stills your homeschooling, know that your child is learning something... whether it how to be of service to others, or how to learn from documentaries, or nature , or the computer or whatever you have.   Your child is learning, so take heart.   Life happens... and that's a good thing indeed! :)

Oooh oooh.. I almost forgot!   This link up/carnival (whatever the proper term is) goes live on the 27th (so Wednesday this week).   So come back then and check it out eh?   Go here!

Tree Trunk Tour London

8/24/2014

We had a student from France staying with us for three weeks this summer.

We didn't get out and show him around Ontario that much, but he enjoyed his stay. One day I sent him to Niagara Falls and he thoroughly enjoyed his time away. Another day I sent him out with a friend for the day as we were otherwise occupied. He mostly hung out with us and relaxed, did some walking, some shopping, some language learning so it all worked.

ANYWAYS, enough of that. One day I said.. We have GOT to go see the tree trunks in London. Let's go see what those artists did. So.. off we went. :)

We started off the tour here:

A collective favourite was the fine fellow

I made the fellows pose by one I thought my lad would like. I was right, this picture caused one nine year old to say "I want to do this too!"

Below is a slideshow of some of the others we saw. We cut the tour short as my bum ankle thought that being a bum was an excellent idea. My disagreeing didn't make a difference in it's opinion though.....

FMF: Change

8/22/2014

The Rules
Grab the word prompt, think on it as you will, but remember... you only get to write for FIVE minutes! And don’t forget to visit the blog of the person who linked up before you to leave some comment love.

All righty, whenever you’re ready, set your timer (or watch the time on your computer screen) and set to writing....

GO (then come back here and tell me so I can encourage you too!). :)

I sit here at 1046 after a busy day and I ponder the word change.
What does Change mean?
Dictionary.com tells me as a verb change means
"to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of (something) different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone:"

Change.
To change is to be different, to not be as you were before.
Change to a Christian often comes in the form of repentance, a turning from what you are, to what you would to be, what God would you to be.

My son is in the process of learning the saying "sorry" is not enough. The Sorry needs to be followed up by a change of being, a change of doing.
So instead of saying "sorry" for not helping and just continuing along his way, he is starting to willingly help... often times without being asked.
So change is happening in my boy. He's learning a new way of being.

But change can be hard. I'm a person who can live in my head, in my own thoughts all the day long and barely take in the world around me.   God called me out of that almost.. oh... Dare I date myself?   Ah sure.. more than 35 years ago. I was an angry young teen and I didn't want to deal with the world and God said STOP, come out. Listen and learn and feel and touch and be more.

And it's HARD. It's not as hard as it was.. I have a hubby who loves me so dearly I can't fathom it. I have a son who thinks the world revolves around me (for those moments that it's not revolving around him).

But that is good.   It's hard, but it's good to be continually called to live here. To live now. To be the encouraging, people watcher that I know I can be. :)   I can be what God would me to be.

And you know what... SO CAN YOU.   What is does God would you to be??
105

Quiet times with quality films

8/21/2014

Not sure how long back it was, but I entered one of the few homeschooling giveaways that are open to Canadians as well.

Anyways, I won!

It was rather cool as I've often thought, can I afford these? They all come from Moore family films.

I have to admit, that I am not sure if I want to listen the ABC say it with me one. It seems younger child oriented so not sure anyone in my family would want to watch it (so it will make for a good giveaway of my own I suppose (grin)). But the rest intrigue.

In this second episode of It is Your Life, we’ll take you to the beautiful mountains of North Carolina to visit the home of the Moody Family. You will be encouraged, challenged, and inspired as Trent and Angela transparently share the joys and challenges of raising a Christian family in an ungodly culture.

Join the Moore family in this timely documentary as they briefly expose the evil history of the birth control movement on the 50th anniversary of "the pill." (View the trailer below.) Listen as they transparently share their testimony of how God, in His grace and mercy, opened their eyes in spite of their own sinful beginning. Be encouraged as they casually answer questions often posed to large families. Then, experience the joy of Biblical family life as they anticipate, give birth to, and welcome their tenth child into their home. Most of all, be inspired to look to the Word of God for answers to everything in life, but specifically to see that Children are a Blessing. Though I have to admit to some trepidation about watching this one...as I wanted a larger family but have just the one child. Just a matter I think of excepting the flip side of the coin all the more.

We make maple syrup from our tree every year. Mmmmm GOOD! So I think I'll be saving this to watch next March. From the tapping of the trees on their beautiful Virginia farm, to the final process of canning the delicious syrup, More Than Making Maple Syrup will be sure to delight and inform the young and old alike. In 7 simple steps, you'll learn more than just how to make your own syrup. With family unity as a theme, and with a good dose of adorable two-year-old antics and humor, your family will be inspired to work together on your own projects in your neck of the woods!

In this first film of the It Is Your Life series, get a refreshing glimpse into the daily life of the Mosses, a Christian family training their children in the ways of the Lord. Learn about:

Why they educate their children at home
Why Beverly stays home to care for the family
How George leads his family in Bible reading and prayer
Why they trust God for children after 6 c-sections
How God brought their family through a time of trial
How brothers and sisters can be best friends

Be encouraged and inspired as the Mosses work together, play together, and pray together. See for yourself how a Biblical vision of family life results in a strong family who loves each other and desires to glorify the Lord together. This is their life...

Anyways, I showed the ABC DVD to my son and he was like, we can watch it mom, maybe it will be good. :) I have to admit, I am just a bit intrigued... :)
ABC Say It With Me – Bible Memory Verses teaches children of all ages (and adults too!) a memory verse for each letter of the alphabet. But that’s not all! Each letter also has a corresponding one to two minute vignette showing a visual depiction of the verse put into practice.
For example,

In “B” a brother remembers to be kind by sharing with his little sister.
In “D” children are encouraged to pick up their toys without complaining.
In “H” children honor their parents through loving acts of thoughtfulness.
In “T” a 13 year-old brother takes time to read the Bible to his younger siblings.
In "Y" a young lady and her family are the "light of the world" to a harried restaurant waiter!

Filled with delightful music and endearing scenes of home, farm, and family life, ABC Say It With Me promotes family unity, Scriptural truths, and, most importantly , the gospel message of Jesus Christ.

So go on, check out Moore Family Films.... they might have a DVD that you are interested in as well. :)

This post is part of the alphabet blogging series put on by Marcy over at Ben and ME. This week the letter is Q.

Review: Happy Kids Songs

8/20/2014

Songs to teach character... in this house became songs to cause a child to ask questions. Hmm... I didn't expect that but thoroughly enjoyed the conversations that ensued. Rather neat that! :) And for that reason I will recommend Happy Kids songs to you! :)

How did we use them?
I downloaded the three volumes of Happy Kids Songs to my phone so I could play a song here and there and then see where that would take my son.

For the song Honesty.   It provoked a discussion.
For Happy as Happy can be it provoked laughter. "Mom! Can I be cat then you can a flea or maybe a squirrel I can chase?" :)
Sharing Friends received a snort of derision.. MOM.. doesn't everyone know that? From that we got conversation.
Who knows what's a kudo .. got my son giving me kudos for everything for the rest of the day.
Better Together got him asking "mom, do I really have to be with someone all the time?" No.. why?   Well the song says we're better together, but mom.. I like doing stuff by myself sometimes. I don't always want you with me..."   Well.. you don' t have to bud. Being on your own is just fine.   Oh Good".
The Magic Word... generated a "I know that already mom!"
One of the songs, and I can't remember which, had him bouncing around the kitchen.
Other songs had him saying "mom. NO.. shut this one off. I don't like it."   Can you listen to it anyways? Sometimes brought better comments, but sometimes it was simply the tune and he just didn't like it." (he is nine so I did expect that a bit) :)

The workbook gave me comments of.. It's TOO EASY mom.   Along with NO, I am NOT colouring. You don't have to colour son. OH good.   Can you answer a question or two? Sure mom.   He was good with that. :)

What was a matter of concern?
Six little kids..... this provoked my hubby into hollering.. Shut that dribble off. Which of course got my son asking questions. (this is a short form of our conversation) Why? Why is it dribble? Because the children are being silly and not opening their eyes to the elephant in front of them. (they aren't really seeing what is there). Oh.. but mom, they aren't seeing the elephant. That's right, they THINK they are seeing the elephant but they aren't. They think they have the truth. Do they? NO (with a frown) It's like it son.. when you look at a problem one way, And I look at a problem another way, if we don't look at it together and talk about it.. what happens? We get mad mom. That's right cause we don't really understand the problem do we? We don't have a full understanding of it right? ..

So on the surface it's dribble and rather silly.. because an elephant is an elephant even if you are only seeing a part of it, but the fact is.. the song encourages one to see the truth in what others are seeing.. but it needs to go further and tell us to work together to REALLY see the truth. Having our eyes closed to the truth and only allowing ourselves to see part of it is foolishness indeed. This song promotes foolishness because it doesn't go far enough.

I would like a broader range.... so have songs for extroverts (better together) and have songs for introverts as well. :)

So what do you get?

Friends and Sharing, Vol. 1.

Sailing on the Seven C's
Everybody wants to find a friend
Sharing Friends
Happy as Happy can be
Together

Happiness and Attitude, Vol. 7.

Sailing on the Seven C's
Everybody wants to find a friend
Sharing Friends
Happy as Happy can be
Together

Manners and Character, Vol. 6.

1. H-O-N-E-S-T-Y
2. The Magic Word
3. Quirks
4. The Golden Rule
5. Six Little kids

The Work Book

There are two sections to the work book.

There is the lyrics, colouring and activity page section. My son found this section very easy to complete and most of it he wouldn't even touch. "Mom, this is too easy". "Mom, this is for children who like to colour". "Mom, I don't have to trace letters anymore!!!" So I didn't have him do them. :)

The second section was additional activities. This section works well with older students.

I did find that many of these seemed geared to having multiple students, but they gave me ideas about things I could ask my son when we was interested in a topic from the songs. It was good to work with him on building his character.

For instance with the honesty lesson I was able to hep my son explore some of the reasons why honesty is important. :)

My Final Verdict

Even though this is not a Christian based program, doesn't mean it needs to be tossed out. :) It doesn't. it's a GREAT conversation starter for the right kids. So use it as that. Ignore the songs that drive them batty (if you have older children). Use the rest to promote better understanding of what it means to be a person of character. Some of the conversations you have might simply delight you. :) So if you have children in the 3-8 age range, give these songs a good try-out.. you might be pleased that you did. :)

Product Information:
Vendor: Happy Kids Songs
Received: Download for Happy Kids Songs
I received the following:

along with Happy Kids Songs Workbook: Hands-on Activities to Build Character, Social & Emotional Skills
Age Range: This is geared for ages 3-8, but children ages 0-9 are likely to enjoy this.
Price: $4.95 per CD (works out to 99 cents per song) and $12.56 for the workbook.

Happy Kids Songs on social media:

Twitter,Facebook and YouTube.

Review: In His Image

8/18/2014

"Hmm," said Wizzy mussing up his hair, again, "well it's important to understand that Adam is expressing the idea of family. Adam is saying to her, 'You are my family.' " With this line, I was convinced there was good in this book indeed! :)

What do you get? A book written in a story format that teaches history from Genesis 2. This book from Wizzy Gizmo is called "In His Image". In that journey we learn about God creating creativity in his people, about his design of the world and how he made man in his own image. We get introduced to important theological terms, God as Jehovah, the importance of marriage, the role we play in the world and so much more.

It's length is about 53 pages, with some colour pictures scattered throughout. Seven chapters which are short enough to read through easily. It took us a bit more than a week to read through the book reading most or all of chapter each night. A list of vocabulary words (which throughout the book at highlighted in bold) and some review questions at the end. There is a link at the end of the book to the world of Wizzy Gizmo.

My son's thoughts were mixed:

"Mom, it was a good book, but I don't understand why they needed to have a robotic duck and why the dog?   I don't understand that mom."    "I liked it but some parts of it I didn't"
When I asked why "I don't know mom, some parts I didn't like. I don't like that duck."

My thoughts:

Took me a while to develop an appreciation for In His Image, often I found myself wishing I could see the characters in video, particularly to see the actions of the odd creatures, and Wizzy's workshop. The colour pictures helped, I just wanted to see them move around is all.. my son wanted to hear what they sounded like. :)    I couldn't understand the need for the odd characters, and I have to admit to feeling a bit at first. The last chapter of the book won me over. I thought it was an excellent presentation of marriage and it's importance even in the beginning of the bible.

I found the quiz/review questions at the end of the book to be very helpful. It helped me explore what my son remembered and what we needed to go back to look at.   Having that review was just an excellent resource.

I liked how big concepts were well broken down so that my nine year old could understand them.   He has a good understanding "inerrant" "ex nihilio" and "vice regent" as well as other words.

So despite the slow start in developing appreciation for this story and the learning contained within, I am actually VERY able to recommend that others read it as well. I am imagining that starting with book one will give you a good grounding in who the characters actually all are. This should make your appreciation for book two come more easily.    (at least I think so). Go get it, read it, decide for yourself. :)

Product Details

Vendor Name AND Link: Wizzy Gizmo
Product Name: Book Two: In His Image
Price: $12.99
Publisher: EOG Studios
Age Range: 4-12 years old
Total Pages: 57

Other products reviewed for this company are

Fast Track Bible Pack: New Testament
Audio Drama One: Who Created Everything?
Book One: Who Created Everything?

Fellow members of the crew have taken time to review other products from Wizzy Gismo. Please do check them out either by clicking this link or the image below. :)

Find Wizzy Gizmo on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wizzygizmo
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wizzygizmo
Pinterst: http://www.pinterest.com/wizzygizmo/
Google+: http://www.plus.google.com/+wizzygizmo
Vimeo: http://vimeo.com/wizzygizmo

The Joys of a Mostly Clean Book Room

8/17/2014

Book room?   Shouldn't it be a school room?
Eh.. perhaps.. but I've always called it the bookroom. It used to be the "pastor's study" then become "the library" and now I call it the bookroom.

Do we use it as a schoolroom? Yes.
Do we use it as a study? Yes.
Do we use it as a bookroom/library?   For sure. :)
it's good for crafts, for puzzling, for gaming, for reading, for storage of.. I don't know where to put it so put it here (hence my 2-4 times a year tossing things out binge). :)

It's the room of many hats indeed.   I've spent about four days getting this room mostly in order again after a summer of non-use and "here put this somewhere" directions. :)

When you look in from the door this is what you see:

A table in the center (which in the winter holds our household plants). Covered with a cloth as it's a old sticky table. By the globe is our science supplies area. Behind it is my "homeschool stuff I don't know what to do with". And then the start of many bookshelves. :)

But before we get ahead of ourselves I suppose I should start where we usually start.
This is my computer... actually in better shape than normal. I'm not a great housekeep I barely stay ahead of things. This area is MINE.... no shifting of papers or movement of books.. I know (for the most part where things are at). My son does his computer work here. This is where I write reviews, run my business and just generally keep things organized in the household. :) Emergency measuring tape and all sorts of "HUN! Can you find me thus and such NOW?" supplies are kept here as well. :)

For quiet time for dad (who works in front of the TV for the most part) we go upstairs for anything noisy (or outside for anything messy). Up on the top of the landing you'll find

Homeschool teacher helps on the top shelf (note the TOS mags there as well). Below are books on Canada as that continues to be in intermittent study. Plus books on Christian studies. On the shelves are art/craft/etc supplies my boy is continually into. Behind the wood door is all sorts of nitty gritty art supplies like glitter and thumbtack and all the wee stuff used in odd ball crafts and what not. The lad is NOT to get into these without me knowing as they are a huge mess to clean up if tripped over (and I am VERY apt to trip over little things). It's also the one area of my house that is ALWAYS tidy. :)

Over in the corner opposite is one of our school bookshelves. Science, history, geography. TONS of animal books As we read through them the shelf will get emptier and my "To be sold or given away" pile will get larger. It's a little overfull at the moment but that's okay right? :)

This takes us back to the bookroom. I didn't take a pic as it's still an area under renovation, but as we enter the room I have a large magnetic white board up and sitting in front of it is a dresser drawer which holds paints, and odd ball crafty supplies. I've had the dresser for years and really don't need it but it holds fond memories for me of good neighbours and many moves. :) So I just HAD to put it to work. When my son moves out eventually it will most likely travel with him. (though that's a good 8 years away yet). Below is our fiction area. Hubby built this for me last year. Those bins you see are full of "build what you want out of it" items saved from our recycling. We have boats, rockets, bug bins, bird feeders and what not come out of these bins. They change contents frequently.

This area won't stay tidy long. As we get into doing science my son is very free to take things out, use them and then put them back. He's not as anal as I am about putting things back into bins properly. He learns, I learn, it's all good. The shelf holds dictionaries, and other such things. Microscope and paper pad we draw on what we think a poem is all about or what it makes us consider and what not.

My "save stuff to continue another day" table. Last year this held a laptop my mom gave us but we were using it only for computer games on CD as it was an older laptop. The disc drive had something heavy fall on it so it stopped working. the rest of the computer worked find though so it was sent off to be the helpmeet of four homeschooled children.

The rest of the room is lined with book shelves, most are fiction books, I have one shelf with english/math and sundry books on it that as the year goes on with decrease in number. :)   It served me well last year. :) it's right beside this table,.. you can see a yellow english binder peeking out there.

What areas didn't I show? The kitchen table where we read the paper, have a random thought from our conversation jar and read our morning books.   I didn't show the couch where we snuggle up to read lunch time books, or even the TV where we watch documentaries (currently WW2 is fascinating the lad).   I didn't show the lad's bed (cause well he was sleeping when I took the pics).. we read lots of books at night before he settles to sleep.   Tis good you know .. to read lots. :)

Anyways, this gives you a peek into our school room/book room/learning environment. What is yours like? Scattered throughout the house?   Confined to a single area? You can learn about the rooms others maintain by checking them out here.

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100% of the funds raised through this sale will be donated to Mandy and her family to help bring their little one home.

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This contents of this bundle are valued at over $100 and you can have them all via The Kelly's Bundle of Joy Adoption Sale & Giveaway for just $10!

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