TOS Crew Review~~Aletheia Writing Magazine

WHAT IS IT?:

Aletheia Writing Magazine is a Christian magazine for teens ages 13-19.  This magazine is published quarterly and is a place for teens to have their work published.  Teens can submit their writings (poems, stories, articles, and book reviews), and even nature photos. 

Each issue has:

A Writers Challenge

A Featured Contributor

A Book Review

A Nature Photo

Ancient Ink-famous quotes from the past.

WHERE TO GET IT:

You can subscribe to this magazine through their website.  The magazine is $26.00 that includes 4 issues this price includes shipping and handling.

You can also find Aletheia Magazine on Facebook.

MY THOUGHTS:

As a part of TOS Homeschool Crew we were sent the Fall 2011 issue of their magazine.  When I first found out we were going to review this my first thought was a magazine on learning how to write.  I thought how interesting.  When the magazine first arrived my oldest daughter (17 years old) took it and started reading it.  She did not put the magazine down until she finished reading it.  Now this is a child who does not like to write let alone read!  But I think knowing that these stories were written by kids the same age as her, helped out a lot.  She told me she can relate to the stories in the magazine.  Let me tell you a little history about my daughter.  She is Bi-Polar and has a lot of trouble in life, including education.  Seeing her so excited about something has been a long time coming...especially writing.  It really warmed my heart to see her dive into a publication like that.  She told that she now realized that writing things down can be an outlet for her!  EXACTLY!  That is what I've been trying to tell her all these years.  She even grabbed her camera this afternoon and headed outdoors. Thank you Aletheia Magazine!!  She has put this publication on her wish list for Christmas. 

You can read a sample of their Spring 2011 issue FREE at their website.

***We were given a copy of this magazine free as a part of TOS Homeschool Crew in exchange for my honest review.***

LitFuse Book Review~~A Lancaster County Christmas

Before we begin...don't miss out on this!!

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Jamie and CJ Fitzpatrick began their married life as most couples do--in love and looking forward to a bright future together.  But four years later they've drifted apart and are almost ready to call it quits.

Mattie Riehl was hoping to give her husband Sol the Christmas gift they have both longed for--news that a baby was on the way.  But as usual, she is disappointed.  The holidays bring an acute awareness to Mattie that her dream of a big family isn't likely to become a reality.

Then a winter storm raging outside blows the Fitzpatricks into the Riehl home--and into a much slower pace of life.  Can these two couples from different worlds help each other understand the true meaning of love this Christmas?

MY THOUGHTS:

I love Amish fiction AND Christmas!!  This story is the best of both worlds for me.  From the first page I felt as if I was transported right into the story.  I could feel the cold snow hitting my face, the smell of the fresh pies being baked in Mattie's oven.  I especially love the section where Jamie is opening up to Mattie.  This is truly a heartfelt book.  This is a book you will not want to put down.  I love the way Suzanne Fisher Woods makes you feel as if you are sitting right in the middle of the characters.  I highly recommend this book.

***Thank you Litfuse for sending me this book free in exchange for my honest review.*** 

Happy Homemaker Monday

Weather in my neck of the woods...

Kind of summer like today.  80's and kind of warm for the end of September.

Things that make me happy...

Cool Temperatures! 

Book I'm reading...

Bible...I've almost read through it all in my 90 day challenge!!

Lancaster County Christmas

What I'm enjoying on TV...

Emergency! I use to watch this show so much growing up.

On the menu for dinner...

Quick and easy.  We had sandwiches today.

On my to do list...

Finish getting settled.

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

Cheese Herb Bread

In the craft basket...

Trying to work on my crocheting skills.

Looking forward to this week...

Missions conference where our pastor will be speaking to the members of his former church about our church we started.

Tips and Tricks...

If you want to take the smell out of your laundry add 1-2 Tablespoons of lemon juice to the water.  My husband works around transformer oil and everything smells like it.  This does the trick.

My favorite blog post this week...

No blogs read this week

New discovered blog...

My friend and all around great person has started a blog.  Mommy Manna.

Favorite Picture...

Entrance to our new home.

Lesson learned the past few days...

We worried about our children moving from no neighbors to right in the heart of the village.  We worried about the influence of other kids.  But we have been blessed by the friendships our children have made in the 2 short weeks we have been here.  So I guess my lesson learned is to remember God is in control.  Seems like I "learn" this so often.

On my mind...

Getting our old house ready to sell.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses...

Psalm 130:5-6

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope,

My soul waits for the Lord

More than those who watch for the morning-

Yes, more than those who watch for the morning."

To see other Happy Homemaker posts visit Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

TOS Review~~Games for Competitors-Tri-Cross

WHAT IS IT?:

Tri-Cross is a strategy game.  It has been known as a cross between Checkers and Chess.  The game will peak the interest of both boys and girls from as young as 8 years old.   It is played with 2-4 players.   Tri-Cross has education tucked right into a game.  Some of the areas you and your child will work on are:

Thinking Skills

Predicting

Interpreting Outcomes

Abstract Thinking

Memory

Visualization

You can watch a demo of the game here.

HOW MUCH IS IT?:

There are three versions of the game:

Standard

Eco-friendly

Wood

Tri-Cross can be purchased at their website starting at $19.95. 

OUR THOUGHTS:

It took some time for me to understand the game.  The instructions did not help me to understand the game.  We just had to start playing.  My son on the other hand knew exactly how to play the game just from reading the instructions and watching the DVD.  I must admit I am not a strategy game player.  BUT Tri-Cross has won me over.  This is an excellent game to help your children with those thinking skills...OK and you adults as well. 

My son beat me each time we played this.  I lost count after 10.  I am determined to beat him eventually!  This game has a permanent home on our game shelf for our Friday game night.

To see what my other crew mates are saying about this game go HERE. 

***As a part of the TOS Homeschool Review Crew we were sent this game free in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are mine.***

TOS Review~~AIMS Educational Foundation

AIMS (Activities Integrating Mathematics and Science) is a non-profit foundation dedicated to helping teachers give students a solid conceptual understanding of math and science.  This foundation was founded in 1981.

  

WHAT IS IT?:

AIMS produces Math and Science curriculum for grades K-9.  You can read more about what they offer HERE.

HOW MUCH IS IT?:

The book we were sent to review...Electrical Connections sells for $24.95.  AIMS has many different books available on their website.

 

As a part of the TOS HOMESCHOOL CREW we were sent Electrical Connections for Grade 4-6.  In the book there are 24 different activities.

This book has 4 different sections:

Static Electricity

Circuits

Electromagnetism

History of Electricity

Science is an area of our homeschool that is lacking.  We usually pick a topic and just get books out of the library.  I was thrilled to receive this one.  I've seen it advertised before, but for whatever reason we never looked into it.

This curriculum makes it not only easy to teach but fun to learn.  Each lesson starts out with a "key question".   Then you have the "learning goal". 

The first experiment we did used very accessible materials. There is a complete materials list in the back of the book.  One trip to the store and you have what you need...if you do not already have them around the house.  Which was a big plus in my book.  There are not big items necessary.  Or items you will probably never use again.  That is probably why we never really studied science. 

Our first series of experiments centered around "Static Electricity".  The kids got to rub balloons on their head and watch each other's hair stand up on end.  They also were able to pick up a piece of paper with that balloon.  Simple experiments like these are all through out the book. 

Our favorite experiment we did was making our own electrical switch.  I will post pictures when blogger isn't giving me a hard time.  I had just as much fun as the kids did.  Since 2 of our children have learning disabilities it often takes them a lot longer to learn things.  This curriculum is a hit in my book.  Especially for those with learning disabilities!!  The questions are simple and straight forward.  But at the same time really makes the children think about what they are doing. 

Go HERE to see what my other crew mates have to say about this great curriculum. 

***As a part of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine's Homeschool Crew I was sent a copy of this curriculum free in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own.***

TOS Crew Review~~Deeper Roots

WHAT IS IT?:

Who I Am In Christ (8th grade-Book 2) Is a Bible Curriculum that will help your children understand their personal identity in Christ. This book also has line drawings, artwork, and activities with in the lessons.  This curriculum will move your child from Biblical knowledge to spiritual application.

HOW MUCH IS IT?:

Student Edition~ $19.95

Teacher Edition~ $28.95

OUR THOUGHTS:

We used this one with our oldest daughter.  She seemed to enjoy doing it.  I liked that the lesson is broken up into smaller chunks to be done all week.  The lessons were thought provoking but not so much so she could not understand them.

At the beginning of each chapter there is a brief description of "Unreached  People".  This really opened up a lot of discussions about the different countries.  We really have no idea how good we have it here when it comes to sharing our faith. 

Another aspect I liked about this curriculum was the emphasis on journals.  It is really difficult to get my children to write.  But I found with this my daughter was eager to write down her thought about the lesson.

The age group is perfect because this is the age they start trying to identify with something.  It might be trying to be like their friends, or the person they see on TV.  When they should be placing their identity in Christ.  We really liked this curriculum.  We will continue using it the rest of our school year.

***I was given Discovering Who I Am in Christ free as a member of TOS Review Crew in exchange for my honest review.***

To see what my other crew mates said about Deeper Roots go HERE.

Slow Cooking Thursday~Slow Cooker Lasagna

I am SO happy Slow Cooking Thursday's are back.  I've really missed it!

I love the texture of leftover lasagna.  Nice and compacted, noodles perfectly cooked and full of flavor.  That is what you get with cooking it in your slow cooker.

Photo Credit

Slow Cooker Lasagna

1 Box of lasagna noodles, uncooked (you do not need any special kind)

1 pound of ground beef, cooked with onion and spices (any you would usually use in lasagna) and drained

1 carton cottage cheese

1 bag mozzarella cheese

Parmesan Cheese (from shaker jar, I usually add a couple shakes)

2 eggs

2 jars of spaghetti sauce (I use Ragu or a store brand because there is more water content in them to cook the noodles)

Spray your slow cooker with non stick spray. Mix cottage cheese, egg and parm cheese together in a bowl.

Spread a little sauce on the bottom.  Place first row of noodles.  Cheese layer, beef layer, sauce, noodles.  Repeat until all the ingredients are used....or your slow cooker is filled. 

Cook on low for 6-8 hours.  High for 4 hours.  It all depends on your slow cooker. 

You can really use any lasagna recipe you usually use.

To see other slow cooker recipes visit Diary of a SAHM.

TOS Crew Review~~Time 4 Learning

We were given the opportunity to review Time4Learning.  We reviewed it last year, but our lives are much different now than they were then. 

If you are looking for a complete curriculum, or one to supplement in your current one this one is for you!!  We love it!  Let me tell you why...but first I'll tell you a little about it.

Time 4 Learning uses a combination of animated lessons, interactive activities and worksheets.  Children will build a solid foundation in language arts and math in all grades.  They will also get science and history.

Subscriptions are $19.95 per month for your first child, and $14.95 per month for each additional child.  To learn more about Time4Learning click on the link. 

OUR THOUGHTS:

Like I mentioned before, our lives have been on the go all summer.  So when this came up for review I was excited!!

Time4Learning is great on the go:

We went camping and the kids were able to school from the camper.  I love that you can take it with you as long as you have Internet access.  Doesn't my daughter look thrilled to be doing school on vacation?!

And since we have moved this curriculum is PERFECT!  Again all we needed was our Internet connection and the kids were able to sit on the floor with the computer and still get their lessons done.  It's not just a learning "game" website.  This is actual lessons with quizzes where your children will walk away with a complete education.  We are praying about using this for the rest of the school year.  I highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for a change of pace in your homeschool.  Which is exactly what we have needed.  We have struggled in schooling this year.  The kids really like this as well.  They were able to work at their own pace and complete the assignments.

Go HERE and see what my other crew mates said about this.

**I was given a subscription to Time4Learning free as a part of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine's review crew.**

Review~~Molly Saves! In the Family Room

This month's issue is all about creating a fun environment for your family.  There are many features in this months issue.  Everything you need in one very inexpensive e-book. 

Are you overcome with all the excuses of why you can not have people over to your home?  Molly solves many of these issues in this months Molly Saves! For only $4.95 you can get your very own edition of Molly Saves!  Or for only $3.95 per month you can get a Molly membership.  Where not only you will get the current month's issue, you will also get many other neat things you can download.

Here is a sneak peak of what you will get this month.

My favorites:

Each month starts out with a "This 'n' That page.  It is a calendar full of fun things to do like, on the 15th it is "Make a hat day".  Or my kids favorite one coming up on the 20th..."National Punch Day".  Of course I'm sure they know it's not really about hitting....right?!

My daughter is always telling us she can't wait to move out on her own.  In the "Tightwad Training Camp" section there is a neat way to actually make your child see how much things cost.  Seeing is believing I always say.  So we are having our daughter "hunt" for an apartment, set up her utilities ect.  She is not in that much of a hurry any longer.  LOL!

Molly Saves! is the best $4.95 you will ever spend.  No matter what issue!  Check back with me next month when we review Molly Saves! In the Dinning Room. 

I was given a copy of Molly Saves! in exchange for my honest review.

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods...

Around 80 degrees with a nice breeze.

Things that make me happy...

Fellowhip with our church family

Book I'm reading...

Bible

Few for review

What I'm enjoying on TV...

Nothing much...we've been watching a few older shows on Netflix.

On the menu for dinner...

Our church family has been bringing our suppers over to help out.  Today we were blessed with a wonderful stew made by our Pastor.  It was GOOD!

On my To Do list...

Finish unpacking

laundry

New Recipe I tried or want to try...

Apple Glazed Pork Chops

In the craft basket...

I'm going to be crocheting some things for our new home.  YEA!  Now where did I put the hooks? LOL!

Looking forward to this week...

Getting settled

Tips and Tricks...

When you are moving...put a number on your box.  Keep a list of what is in your box according to the number.  Thank you Sandra!!

My favorite blog post this week...

No blogging this week

New discovered blog...

Nothing new

Favorite Picture...

Kitchen in our new home!  Can't wait to get everything organized.

Lesson learned the past few days...

It's a blessing to have room to entertain now.  I can't wait to have our first supper guests over after we are settled.

On my mind...

Too many things to list.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses...

Matthew 6:34

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

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

Cooking Thursday~~Easy Banana Bread

Since we are entering fall here in NY, I've been getting the baking itch again.  While looking through my book of recipes I found this one.  It was handwritten on a piece of paper.  Not sure where it came from or why I've never made it before. 

Easy Banana Bread

1 box of cake mix

3 bananas mashed

3 eggs

1/3 cup oil (I often use apple sauce)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

To the bananas add the cake mix, eggs and oil.  Mix completely.  Pour into greased 9 x 5 bread pan.  Bake for 40 minutes, or until done.

Like I said....easy!  I'm going to make pumpkin bread the same way....but use spice cake as well.

To see other recipes go on over to Diary of a SAHM.

TOS Crew Review~~Griddley Games

***As a part of The Old Schoolhouse Magazines review crew we were given this product free of charge in exchange for our honest review.***

WHAT IS IT?

Griddly Games was founded in 2007 by a mom from Canada.  There are a number of different board games available for your family. 

As a part of the crew we were given one of two different games.  We either got Wise Alec Nature Nuts or Wise Alec Civilize This games. 

These games can be purchased for $14.99.  There are a number of different locations you can purchase them.  Go HERE to look for areas in your state.  There are also a number of online retailers you can purchase these.

These games are for those 8 years old and older.  You will need at least 2 players for this game.  We did play this game with 5 people and had no trouble...although the directions stated 2-4 players.   The game has not only trivia but activity cards as well.

WHAT WE GOT...

We were given Wise Alec Nature Nuts game to review.

I love the slim box this game comes in.  It can fit easily in a bag or store on the bookshelf.  The edge of the box has a magnetic closure on it.  Perfect!  It will stay closed on the shelf.

The directions are printed right on the cover.  Love that, we always loose directions on how the game is played.

Now onto the best part...playing the game.

Choose which player will go first.  We chose the youngest of the family.  According to which color you roll will determine which question you will receive.  If you roll red (animals), yellow (Earth) or green (plants) the player to your left picks that color.  If you roll blue you pick the subject you want.  Roll orange, player to your right chooses the subject...BUT if you get it right you get double points.  Roll purple and you get to pick a Wise Alec card.  These cards are the "fun" cards.  You will do exercises, tongue twisters, brainteasers and other wacky things.  This one turned into a favorite on of our family.  Sometimes you lost points OR sometimes you got to make your best fish face like this...

Isn't she such a cute little fish?!

Sorry about the blurr...my son would not stay still.

Not only is this game fun, it also makes the children work on their reading and thinking skills.  This game is a winner in our family!!

The cards have 2 point level questions...one is worth 3 points and the other is worth 7.

Go HERE and see what my other crew mates thought of this game.

Homemaker's Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...

Autumn like!  We are entering sweatshirt weather...I love it!

I am thinking...

of everything that needs to be done.

I am thankful for...

homeschooling my children

From the learning rooms...

We are still getting back into our routine.

We are currently reviewing many great homeschool products!  Reviews coming soon.

From the kitchen...

Until we move our menu will consist of mainly quick meals.

I am wearing...

Sweats and sweatshirt...need to break out the socks again.

I am creating...

a home management binder

I am going...

to be moving soon!!  We are going from a 700 square foot house to a much larger one.  (I do not know the exact square footage...LOL!)  We are also excited about having people over for fellowship.  We have gone to so many people's homes for fellowship, now I plan on doing the same.  Hannah would like to have John and Kathi with their children as soon as we are settled. 

I am learning from Scripture...

We need to step back and let God lead us.  When we try and lead ourselves we go astray. (Psalm 31:3-5)

I am praying...

for our move.  It's going to be a change.  My husband is moving from the only house he has ever lived in.  There are not many neighbors near by, where we are moving to is right in the heart of the village.  This is our first really big step of faith!  But know that this is God's will.  There is sadness because this is our first house as a married couple...but it is just a building...WE (family members) are the home.

I am hearing...

Classical hymns playing

Around the house...

Boxes

Piles to be sorted

One of my favorite things...

When the house is quiet and I'm waiting for my husband to come home.  I still get all giddy inside when I know he's on his way home.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

Packing

Picking out paint for the kids new rooms

laundry

Getting things ready for our yard sale

Picture thought I'm sharing...

A very cool cloud over our house.