TOS Review~~Lots and Lots of Fire Trucks

As a part of The Old Schoolhouse's Homeschool Review Crew we were sent Lots and Lots of Fire Trucks book and DVD of Fire Safety Songs published by Marshall Publishing Inc. 

This book and DVD can be purchased HERE for $29.95.

This product was by far a favorite of our son, Andrew!  Why....he wants to be a firefighter when he grows up.  Oh I stand corrected...he just told me he WILL be a firefighter when he grows up.

Photo Credit: Batavia Daily News

The above picture is not my son.  :-) 

The book was full of great information about firefighting.  It has everything from the protective clothing to recipes.  Andrew and I are excited to get into the kitchen and make some of the things listed in this book.  You will get a great overview of firefighting equipment as well.  Notice in the picture below...although it's upside down...Andrew made his own SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus)

Andrew eats, breaths and lives to be a firefighter.  This is my son, words of advise...do not leave the grill when he is around.  :-)

We have enjoyed looking through and learning about all the trucks involved in the fire company.  When we see one out and about we start discussing what that truck does.  Because I am a former member of the fire service I remember what the function of the trucks are.  But it was great to have the little refresher.

The DVD had a number of catchy songs.  I still hear my son singing these songs....ok yes I do as well.  Some might say they are "cheesy" but go in and get your inner child...you will soon find yourself singing right along.  They are very catchy!

In the back of the book are wonderful websites for you to further explore information about the fire service.  We have enjoyed looking at these.

If you go HERE to Marshall Publishing's website.  Not only do they publish the Firefighting book and DVD, they also have Monster Trucks, Jets and Planes, Trains and many more. 

You can visit TOS Homeschool Review Crew's blog and see what my other crew mates are saying as well about this.

***As a part of TOS Homeschool Review Crew we were sent the Lots and Lots of Fire Trucks book and DVD free in exchange for my honest review.***

TOS Homeschool Crew Review~~Say Anything

NorthStar Games has a number of family and party games are designed to bring families closer.  As a part of TOS Homeschool Review Crew we were sent the game Say Anything Family edition.   This game is a simple game to play and lots of fun!!  This game is geared toward ages 8 and up.  You can play with 3-6 players.

Here is how you play:

One player chooses a card and reads the question.  Our question was "What doesn't taste better with ketchup?"

Everyone but the person reading the question writes their answer on the dry-erase boards that are included.  The person who reads the question also...secretly chooses their favorite answer.  Then the other players place their tokens on the card they think will be the answer picked as the favorite.

Each player gets points according to what was picked.  The most any player can score in one round is 3.

This game is a lot of fun and really starts a lot of cool conversations.  I look forward to playing this game again and again.  Bring back family game night with these really nice games from NorthStar Games.  It is so refreshing to play a game that does not have a ton of rules to go along with it, where you are too tired to play the game after learning how.

The price starts at 19.99 and can be found at places like Target, Amazon.com and we even found it at Borders Bookstore. 

**As a part of TOS Homeschool Review Crew we were sent this game free in exchange for our honest review.** 

Slow Cooking Thursday~~Cajun-Style Chicken

We love chicken wings here.  Well we love the flavor of them here!  There just isn't a lot for your dollar when you buy chicken wings.  So I usually take the chicken wing sauce and cook boneless skinless chicken breasts in it.

Now this is S.P.I.C.Y!  You can alter it to your liking.

Cajun-Style Buffalo Chicken

5 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into pieces

1 bottle of spicy BBQ Sauce

1/2 - 1 tsp red cayenne pepper

2 teaspoons black pepper

1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic

1/2 teaspoon onion flakes

3 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce

4 Tablespoons chicken wing sauce

Add all ingredients except chicken mix well.  Add chicken and stir to coat.  Cover and cook on low 4-6 hours.  YUM!!

You can also do this with whole boneless skinless chicken breasts.  After they are done cooking you can shred them and put on totillas with all the fixings.

I'm hooking up with Diary of a SAHM for Slow Cooking Thursday.  Come on over and join in on the fun.

TOS Homeschool Crew Review~~Wits and Wagers Family

As a part of the TOS Homeschool Review Crew we were blessed with the opportunity to review this very cool game.  Wits and Wagers Family is for everyone!  The game, which is from Northstar Games, is very simple to play, without a lot of rules and regulations.

You can play this game with 3-10 people ages 8 and up.  There are 300 different trivia questions.  You pick a card and read the question.   My daughter and I played this game just the 2 of us...for the pictures.  It worked ok playing with just 2.

Each player writes down their answer on their dry-erase answer boards. 

THEN you take your very cute "Meeples" and place it next to your answer.  But if you think someone else's answer is right place a "Meeple" on their answer. 

The winning answer is the one closest without going over.   There are three ways to earn points.  You get one point for answering exactly right.  You get one point for placing a small "Meeple" on the right/closest to the answer board.  You get two points for placing your large "Meeple" on the right/closest answer board. 

We were just starting the game here but the first player to 15 wins the game. 

This game is a great game for families!  It's also that game you will go to when you have people over.  Kids and adults alike will love this game.  I can not say enough great things about this game.  What better way to bring your family together then a nice friendly game.  It's time to bring back the family game night.

This will make a wonderful Christmas gift. 

Go on over to the Northstar Games website and get yourself one for $15.23. 

You can find Northstar Games on Facebook.

You can go HERE and see what my other crew mates are saying about this game.

**As a member of TOS Homeschool Review Crew I was sent this game free in exchange for my honest review.**

Canning Jar Potpourri Warmer

The weather is getting cold here in NY.  So when that happens I start to get into the holiday mode.  This time of year is my favorite!  Thanksgiving, CHRISTmas and New Years.  Each day I realize more and more how much I have to be thankful for.  My family is amazing.  My husband works so hard to provide for our family.  The list goes on and on.

When it's cold outside I love the soft glow of candles.  But it is not always possible to have a candle going.  Or if you are like me...I will sometimes forget to blow out the candle.  Last year at a ladies craft day at church my Mom demonstrated how to make the jar above.  I have a ton of canning jars that I can not use anymore for canning.  So I thought I'd make one of the above jars to give away at CHRISTmas and just because gifts.

So here you go:

Gather your supplies.  Jar, CHRISTmas lights, potpourri, doily.

Start by pouring some of the potpourri into the jar.

Then start placing the lights into the jar.  Add more potpourri into the jar in layers.  Alternate until the jar is full.

I also use a wooden spoon to gently push the potpourri into the jar.  It also helps to arrange the lights.

Place the doily over the top of the jar with the cord sticking out.  I just put the cord through one of the holes.  Place the screw band on to hold doily in place.  Add a ribbon if you like.  I love the soft glow of the lights.  I have one in each room of the house.  These last for so long.

Seeing these jars lit up is so warm and welcoming to me.

Pressure Canning 101

This past spring we found a great deal on a pressure canner.  I've been wanting one for so long....but frankly I was afraid of them.  I had heard many stories of the canners exploding.  So for years I secretly wished for one, but never wanted to get one because of my fear.  This year we took the plunge and bought one.

Introducing the Presto 16 Quart Pressure Canner.  So I'll give you a little tutorial on my first time using this.  I did not get pictures of every step, but I'm sure you will get the just of it.

Step 1...Put your EMS friends on stand-by!  No really I did make sure my EMS friends were within the district.  :-)  You can never be too careful.  Safety first.  :-)

Step 2...Put an experienced canner on the speed dial.  Mine was Rebecca of Foodie with Family.

Step 3...Prepare the food you want to can.  I kept it simple for my first time.  I made applesauce.

Step 4...Place applesauce into hot jars and seal with lid and screw band.

Step 5...Pour boiling water into your pressure canner.  There are lines on the inside of the canner to tell you how much to add.  Easy!  Place the jars into the canner and put the top on.  I found that there is only one way you can put the top on.

Step 6...put the fire on high and bring the pressure up in the canner.  When the steam starts coming out of the top place your weight on the top.  It will start dancing around.  Feel free to boogie with it!!  Once it starts dancing adjust the fire so that it is dancing a slow jig not a fast one.  Now start timing it according to what you are canning.  5 pounds of pressure for 10 minutes was what I did for the applesauce.

Step 7...let the canner reduce pressure on it's own.  Just turn off the stove and let it sit.  Remove the lid away from you.  Take the jars out of the canner and place them on a towel to cool.  Make sure they do not touch.

I have no idea why I was ever afraid of the pressure canners.  The new models of pressure canners are not your grandma's canners!!  I'm completely hooked!!  Next week I'm going to make soup, and apple pie filling.  I might even do pumpkin as well.  YEA!!

TOS Review~Educating the WholeHearted Child

Everyday I start my day in the Word.  The Bible is my instruction book in life and in our homeschool.

Each day I'm always asking God, "Am I doing this right?" Meaning teaching the children the right way.   As a part of The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Review Crew we were sent "Educating the WholeHearted Child" written by Clay Clarkson with Sally Clarkson.  I have heard so many good things about this book, but for whatever reason we never bought it.

When it arrived in the mail I was in awe of it!!  I never realized how big it was.  It is a B.I.G. book....376 pages! 

Now after my time with God in the morning, I immediately open this book.  Sometimes we just need that reassurance we are doing things right.  As I read through the book I felt as if I was sitting with a longtime friend sharing stories of home and homeschooling.  The book is broken into 4 different sections.

Section 1: HOME

This section has everything to do with your home.  "Learning to be at Home with Christ" was one of my favorites.  This included our physical home and our homeschool. 

Section 2: LEARNING

This section showed me really how to understand my children.  Oh I know my children but sometimes I just do not understand them.

Section 3: METHODS

This section starts out with the study of the Bible.  Then going into how to teach children.  I think this quote from the book sums it all up for this section.  "Building a strong roof of discretionary learning over their life throughout their childhood can give them a developing confidence in who they are as they enter adolescence.  That roof will help hold everything together."

Section 4: LIVING

So many times I find myself comparing our children to "The Jones'" children.  I then become frustrated over what our children are not doing.  God used this section of the book to hit me right between the eyes.  "In the end, the measure of your success in homeschooling will not be how well your children perform on achievement tests but how faithful you have been to trust God for His grace and strength in the process of discipline and educating them."  I had been placing way too much into their test scores.  If I just step back and "Faithfully trust God" and "Trust God's faithfulness" we all will succeed!

At the end of the book you will find a "Postscript" where you find a bunch more information.   As well as a section with forms you can copy and use.

Sometimes we just need to hear you are doing this right.  I wish I had bought this book when we first started homeschooling 6 years ago.  I highly recommend every homeschool family buy this book.  This is not a book you can borrow to just read through.  You must take it section by section, piece by piece.  Eventually your book will look like this:

I love the wide margins through out the book.  With not only great quotes from many different people, but this book is L.O.A.D.E.D with Scripture.  Love that!!  So as I mentioned at the beginning, I have been using this book along with my daily quiet times.  I chose a different color pen to underline the verses in my Bible.  So when I needed the Scripture they will stand out to me.

When I found the Scripture in the book, I put brackets around it.  Then went to my Bible and underlined it.

So as you can see this is not a book you can just read.  You need to absorb it.  I have learned so much from it and I look forward to finishing it.  Then starting it again...it is that good.

You can purchase the book for $22.00 through their website, Apologia Education Ministries.  You can also see the Table of Contents HERE.  You can also download a complete chapter HERE.



**As a part of TOS Homeschool Review Crew I received this book free, in exchange for my honest review.**

Slow Cooking Thursday~~Apple Cider Pork

Nothing says fall like apple cider!  Here in NY you can find it everywhere.   I have just become a fan of meats cooked with fruit.  OH the possibilities!!  Especially apples and pork.  This one is SO good!

Apple Cider Pork and Vegetables

4 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced

6 ounces dried fruit mix

1 medium onion diced or sliced

1 bay leaf

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 1/2 pound boneless pork roast diced (I've also used boneless pork chops)

1/2 cup all purpose flour

2 Tablespoons oil

1 cup apple cider

Place the sweet potatoes, fruit mix, onion, bay leaf, salt, pepper and rosemary in slow cooker.

Dredge pork in flour and brown in oil.  Place in slow cooker on top.  Add cider to skillet you used to brown the pork, scrape all the bits off the bottom of the skillet.  Pour over pork.  Cover and cook 6-8 hours.

I'm linking up with Sandra over at Diary of a SAHM for Slow Cooking Thursday.

TOS Review~~E-Mealz

WHAT IS IT?:

E-Mealz solves the What's for dinner questions!  Founded in 2003 by Jane DeLaney, wife of an associate Pastor and mother to 4.  E-Mealz was formed out of the frustration Jane was feeling over the difficulty of pulling dinner together for her own family.  Her sister Jenny Cochran came along side of her to develop what we know today.

HOW IT WORKS?:

A three-month subscription costs $15.00.  You may change meal plans once during the three months should you find that the menu you picked does not work for you.

It's as simple as 1-2-3!  After you register, you have over 6 different plans.  A new menu comes out each week.  You print and go.  Come home, cook and enjoy!

You can see below all of the different plans that are offered.

OUR THOUGHTS:

Planning our meals is something I've never gotten the hang of.  For whatever reason, it's something I just never did....Until now!!  Although I do not have to plan at all.  This meal plan website is the best thing since sliced bread!!  The meal plan we picked was the meal plan from Aldi's.  But we did use the change option.  We found that the "Any Store" meal plan was for us.  I especially loved this because I could print the menu and grocery shopping list.  I put the menu on the refrigerator and gave the shopping list to my husband!  He did the shopping.  L.O.V.E it!!

The recipes are listed right on the menu.  So I hung it on the refrigerator ready for supper time.  The recipes were so easy AND delicious.  We did not have a meal we did not like.  Not only do you get the plan for the main dish, but side dishes as well! 

One day we had this:

 Chicken and Cannellini Soup (couldn't find cannellini beans so we used kidney beans)

Another day we had this:

Portabella Pot Roast

We also had this:

Hamburger Pizzas

Like I said before...we had nothing we didn't like.  All the recipes are very quick and easy to make.  Even for beginner cooks.  I am hooked on this!   This has taken a big weight off my shoulders.  I use to have all day to plan on what we were going to have for supper...then my husband's hours changed at work.  He now works afternoons and we eat our big meal at noon.  This does not give me a lot of time to plan.  This has solved this problem.  Thank you E-Mealz!  It is SO worth the money!!

As a part of TOS Homeschool Review Crew I was given a 3 month subscription free in exchange for my honest review.

TOS Review~~Always Icecream

WHAT IS IS?:

Always Icecream

An online virtual world for girls ages 7-12.  The cost is $4.99 per month or 29.99 per year.  You can even get a lifetime membership for $99.99.

Below are a few screen shots:

This program has something for everyone.  Your child will learn basic math, advanced math, language arts, science, geography, history, music, art, foreign language and computer skills and if you want you can add religious education.

Your child has to do the lessons in order to earn the scoops in order to build their homes in the virtual world.

OUR THOUGHTS:

Our daughter loved this!  What I love about it was she could not build her home or decorate things until she was done with the lessons and earned the scoops.  We do not school normally on Friday but she would always ask to do school.  That is a success in my book.  When a child asks to do school that is a success in my book.

When she worked hard at her lessons she was rewarded.   She learned not only educational but that hard work pays off.

To see other reviews you can view them HERE.

**As a member of TOS Homeschool Review Crew we recieved a membership to Always Icecream free in exchange for my honest review.**

Happy Homemaker Monday

Weather in my neck of the woods...

Very autumn like.  I had to break out the sweaters...LOVE IT!

Things that make me happy...

Fall!  Apples, pumpkins and squash oh my.

Book(s) I'm Reading...

Bible

"Power of a Praying Wife Devotional" (review)

"A Dream Unfolding" (review)

"Brokenness"

What I'm enjoying on TV...

nothing much...news right now

On the menu for dinner...

We had the best few meals due to a great review that is coming up soon.  Today we had Pizza Burgers.  YUM!

On my To Do List...

Take 2 Exams for my classes.

Laundry

Finish going through the closets

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon...

Pizza Burgers...These were SO good.  Review coming soon.

In the Craft Basket...

Still getting things organized.  But getting closer to getting my little corner of the den.

Looking forward to this week...

Getting our apples to make applesauce!  YUM!! 

Tips and Tricks...

No tips or tricks this week.  It is really difficult to type this up with kids asking me questions.  LOL!

My Favorite Blog post this Week...

This is one I found this week, but it is an older one.  Again it is on All Things Delicious.  It is called...Sticky Bun Breakfast Ring...OH MY! Is this good...and easy!

New Discovered Blog...

All Things Delicious

Favorite Picture...

Last Monday we had a horrible day here!  My daughter snapped this picture of my other daughter praying. 

Lesson learned the Past few days...

This week was full of emotional stress.  It seemed to encompass our whole life.  Everyone knew it was satan...but still we all fell into the trap he had set.  Now we are onto healing and coming together.  We are sad over the events that happened this past week, but God is SO good.  We are in a better place.  God brings us through things for HIS glory...good and bad.

On my Mind...

Our Church

My sister who is currently in the hospital with some sort of infection.

Family Members

Upcoming holidays...SO excited for our church to be a part of the town CHRISTmas celebration.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses...

Psalm 56:5-7

"All day they twist my words;

All their thoughts are against me for evil.

They gather together,

They hide, they mark my steps,

When they lie in wait for my life.

Shall they escape by iniquity?

In anger cast down the peoples,

O God!"

To see other Happy Homemaker Posts visit Diary of a SAHM.

Review~~Molly Saves! In the Dining Room

This issue really excited me!  In our new home we have a dining room.  In this issue you will find a ton of money saving decorating ideas.  A favorite of mine was the "Make a Perfect Gravy".  Now there is a story behind why I loved this article.  When I was a teenager my Mom was leaving for the evening and put me in charge of making the gravy for supper.  BUT she left the instructions with my sister on how to make the gravy.  It was on the back of the french onion soup mix.  Easy right?!  You'd think so.  I got to work on my task in making gravy.  Packet of french onion soup (check), sauce pan (check), chicken stock (check), sour cream (check).  WHAT?! you don't put sour cream in your gravy.  I know I was shocked also...but my Mom 's gravy was always the best.  So I got to work in cooking the gravy...and cooking...and cooking.  Before too long I could not move the spoon in the pan.  It stood straight up in the pan.  I turned off the heat and left it...my job here was done! LOL!   Needless to say Dad ordered pizza that night.

Another thing I loved about this issue was the cute craft links you can make for the upcoming fall holidays.  These are one that we will be making with my kids....

We are spending Thanksgiving here this year. 

Not only will you get the fun decorating links in this issue, but you will also get recipes, printable calendar pages, but fun ways to decorate your dining table.  You will also learn how to reuse your candle pieces and turn them into new candles!  Where else can you get all this and more for under $5.00? 

You can purchase the October 2011 issue of Molly Saves! In the Dining Room for $4.95.  But for only $3.95/month you can become a Molly Member.  Where not only do you get the current month's issue but you get a lot of extra member only ebooks and links.

***I was given the current issue free in exchange for my honest review.***

Slow Cooker Spicy Chicken Nachos

Photo Credit

I got this recipe from a jar of Old El Paso salsa.  Love it!!  Sometimes my husband likes something to snack on when he gets home from work.  These are perfect because I can leave the slow cooker on warm until he gets here.  YUM!!

Spicy Chicken Nachos

1 block of Velveeta with jalapenos

3/4 cup salsa

1 can black beans rinsed and drained

1-2 cups cooked chicken breasts, cubed

1 container of sour cream

1 cup chopped red bell pepper

3 tablespoons of green onions chopped

Tortilla chips

Spray slow cooker with nonstick spray.  Add cheese, salsa, black beans and chicken.

Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring once after 1 hour.

Stir in sour cream, red bell pepper, and onions.  Increase heat setting to high and cook 45 minutes longer or until hot.

Serve with tortilla chips.  You can leave this on warm for 2 more hours.

I am linking up with Sandra over at Diary of a SAHM for Slow Cooking Thursday.

TOS Review~~Scruble Cube

Do you like Scrabble?  How about the Rubik's Cube?  What do you get when they both collide?

WHAT IS IT?

If you can spell you can play Scruble Cube!  This cube has 96 letter pegs on the cube.  This game can be used for fun or academic...but don't tell your children when they play it they are learning. 

It is suggested to be played with ages 8+, but it can be used with younger children.  The Scruble Cube can be purchased through their website or at Barnes and Nobles which retails at $24.95.

HOW TO PLAY:

There are different ways to play.  The instruction sheet gives you 2 options with instructions.  Player one makes a word consisting of 3 or more letters.  Each letter on the cube has a point value, you then add up the points.   You do not need to build upon the word player one completed.  You can do so for extra points. 

You can choose to use the included timer or just let the player take their turn.

OUR THOUGHTS:

We enjoyed this cube!  It is a perfect size to fit inside of a bag for a great game on the go.  We took it to the doctor's office with us.  You know how long your wait can be there.  We did not keep time or score, but the kids with their spelling lists in hand sat for a long time playing this.

My son even broke it out when he had friends over.  I loved hearing from them "this game is cool!"  I often hear kids say they can not stand spelling.  This cube makes learning spelling fun.  They have no idea they are still learning by playing this game.

We enjoyed this game, as did my children's friends.  This will defiantly have a place on our game shelf.  You can see what my other crew mates have to say about this as well HERE.

***As a member of TOS Homeschool Review Crew I received this free in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own.  No other compensation was received.***

Making Your Home a Haven Challenge Week 1

Since we have moved I have felt so overwhelmed with all there is to do to feel settled.  When I saw this challenge on a fellow TOS Crewmate's Blog I thought this is PERFECT timing.  So here we go!

This is hosted by Women Living Well.  I can't wait to go through this.  I am starting late...but better late than never.

Here is this week's challenge:

Go buy an extra large candle and light a candle everyday in your home. I will be starting mine in the morning! But you can start yours at dinner time. Do what makes sense for your family. I will be placing mine in the kitchen – the main hub of my home. Each time the candle catches your eye, say a prayer for peace in your home.

 

 

Each week we will have a challenge.  She also has given me something to really think and pray about.  On her blog post she asks if we are like one of two women.   We are asked to compare the two women and see what our home is like.

 

HOME #1 the woman:

The woman of the home is distant.

The woman of the home is distracted.

The woman of the home is crabby.

The woman of the home is discontent.

The woman of the home does not pray.

 

OR am I more like:

 

HOME #2 the woman:

The woman of the home is engaged.

The woman of the home is wise with her time management.

The woman of the home has a pleasant demeanor.

The woman of the home is content.

The woman of the home prays.

 

Oh I would love to say that I'm just like the woman in home #2.  But I'd be lying!  I am not always engaged in the goings on in my home.  I tend to get so wrapped up in what I HAVE to do I forget to do what I should be doing. 

 

Proverbs 14:1

"The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down."

 

So the challenge says to light a candle and pray each time you see the flicker of the candle.   I have a candle in the kitchen and a lighted potpourri pot in the living room.  Same little twinkle. 

 

It's not too late to take the Making Your Home a Haven Challenge.  Go on over and visit Courtney at Women Living Well blog.