Sunday, September 28, 2008

Join UPromise and Save for College

UPromise is an interesting kind of investment that allows families to accumulate a percentage of monies spent on everyday items towards your child's future college education.

We will be signing up for this. A financial planner friend of ours recommended it.

Click on the link below to find out more or to sign up. It seems we have nothing to lose and a lot to gain by signing up.

Upromise - Join Upromise for free and let hundreds of America’s leading companies help you save for college

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Sarah Palin: A Biography

I could not put down the book "Sarah: How A Hockey Mom Turned Alaska's Political Establishment Upside Down" by Kaylene Johnson.



It was very interesting to learn of the nurturing, loving and disciplined home in which she grew up.  Learning of her interest in sports, her relationships with her siblings and her Christian faith was very inspiring to me trying to raise children who love the Lord.

Equally as interesting were the stories of her adult life in politics.  I learned a lot of the political machine in Alaska and the gutsy ways in which Sarah Palin confronted corruption and injustice.

A relatively short book (155 pages), the book also includes a section of black and white photos of Sarah Palin and her family from her youth.

Published by a regional house that specializes in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, the book's author is from Alaska and relied on interviews with Sarah's friends and family among others to compile this book.

I would recommend this book for all who would like to approach the upcoming election with a well-rounded view of all the candidates.

As a Christian mom, I will certainly be praying for wisdom about this election.  I would urge all other Christians to seek God's wisdom as well and not rely exclusively on any other sources without seeking Him.

Tutors Available Day and Night

Tutor.com offers tutors in many subjects for the student who needs a little extra help.

People often ask me "Are you going to homeschool all the way through high school? What will you do if they have a question about Algebra or Trigonometry?"

I tend to look at them a little perplexed and say, "You know, there is help available for families who are willing to use it."

Anyway, I like to seek online solutions whenever possible because with busy schedules, online resources are more convenient.

Check out Tutor.com if you are looking for a tutor.

Online Math Tutors, The Moment You Need Help. Stuck on Homework? Test Tomorrow? Get help in minutes at Tutor.com

Friday, September 26, 2008

MP3 Player Giveaway


The Homeschool Lounge is offering homeschool moms a chance to win an MP3 Player in their monthly giveaway. According to the website, the prize will be an:

Ematic 2GB Video MP3 Player w/ 1.5'' Screen in your choice of Pink, Red, Green or Blue!

The Homeschool Lounge is a free membership site and community for homeschool moms and I find out about this great homeschooling resource from my good friends on twitter.com.

Go to The Homeschool Lounge and sign up so you can win.

Christian School Distance Learning

If you are looking for a comprehensive Christian curriculum and the guidance of being registered for a Christian school, consider Alpha Omega's distance education program, the Alpha Omega Academy.


Alpha Omega Academy - Combining a K-12 Christian School with accredited distance education

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Free Starbucks for Homeschool Teachers!

Thanks to my good buddies over at twitter.com, I just learned that on Monday, September 29, Starbucks is offering a free coffee to teachers. After initially excluding homeschool parents, Starbucks is now extending its invitation to homeschoolers after intervention from the Homeschool Legal Defense Association.

Proof of homeschooling is required and a list of suggested proofs can be found on the Homeschool Legal Defense Association website.

Homeschooling on Monday will be pretty zippy around here...

Hurray!

Free Pizza for Reading!

The Pizza Hut Book It Program is an enormously popular program that gives children incentives for reading. Homeschool children are invited to participate. In the past, homeschool students would sign up through a local homeschooling co-op or homeschool support group.

This year, according to the Book It website, homeschool students are being asked to enroll individually.

Homeschool families can sign up online, by phone or by faxing in the form that you can download from the website.

My son really enjoyed this program in the past and it was a fun treat for all of us to go to Pizza Hut for lunch.

You will receive your pizza coupons and other materials in the mail upon signing up.

Hurry- the program begins October 1.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Save on Thomas Kinkade Art Program

Looking for a good homeschool art curriculum? The Thomas Kinkade Program may be one you want to take a look at.

I love Thomas Kinkade. Not only to I enjoy his artistic work, but I admire him as a Christian businessman.

His books for adults have been inspirational for me and my husband as my husband owns a photography business, a form of artistic endeavor.

With both of our children showing artistic bents, we have been looking for a good art program, founded on Christian principles and we have found one that we like, the Thomas Kinkade Art Program from Alpha Omega.

Click on the link below for more information and remember to use the coupon code to save if you want to order today.

Save 12% OnThomas Kinkade's Art Program For Kids When You Click Here! Use Coupon Code SAVEBIG

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Curriculum Reviews Wanted

Filed under: curriculum reviews

This e-mail came to me from fellow homeschooling mom, Carletta Sanders:
I am the editor of a website, Successful Homeschooling, and I am currently running a contest on my website where homeschoolers can earn free books by telling others about their favorite curriculum. I am building a database of reviews that homeschoolers can use when choosing curriculum.
Although Carletta has received over 200 entries so far, she has not received many for reviews for traditional curriculum so she is especially looking for those. All other reviews are still welcome as well.

Let's help Carletta build her database of homeschool curriculum reviews.

Go to Successful-Homeschooling.com to leave your reviews today!

Deal of the Week: Alpha Omega Curriculum Coupon Code

Filed under: Christian homeschool curriculum, Alpha Omega

Our Deal of the Week is from Alpha Omega Publications. They are offering discounts not only on their high-quality Christian curriculum products, but also on their selection of family-friendly videos.

Click on the link below and do not forget to use the code SAVEBIG at checkout.

It's Back-To-School Savings Time! Get 12% Off Homeschool Products & Family Friendly Videos! Use Code SAVEBIG during checkout.


Have fun shopping!

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Commentary: Don't underestimate Palin's appeal to women

This is a very interesting article by an author who does not support Palin but warns Democrats not to assume women will not vote for her because of her conservative values. There seems to be a bit of irony to me that feminists are not thrilled that a woman is running for VP per the article's quotes of Gloria Steinem. Regardless of her views, she is a woman and she is a serious contender in the political world. I guess Democrat feminists only want women of their own political party to be free.The nomination of Sarah Palin has turned our assumptions about women and politics on their head. Many Democrats have presumed that her policy positions run contrary to those held by women, and that women will not vote for her.

read more | digg story

Monday, September 8, 2008

Vision Forum On Sale

We love Vision Forum resources, especially for Chase. Chase reads the Vision Forum catalog over and over again until each year's issue practically falls apart!

Vision Forum does not seem to often have sales but I got word from Christian Book Distributors that they have a few Vision Forum items on sale. Check them out below.

540991: R.M. Ballantyne Pack, 10 hardcover volumes R.M. Ballantyne Pack, 10 hardcover volumes

By Vision Forum
448811: Jonathan Park Audiodramas on CD, Volumes 1-5 Jonathan Park Audiodramas on CD, Volumes 1-5

By The Vision Forum, Inc
554303: Jonathan Park Communicator Watches (2-Pack) Jonathan Park Communicator Watches (2-Pack)

By The Vision Forum, Inc

Okay, now can you see why my 8-year old son loves Vision Forum?

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Apologia Science Curriculum on Sale

Apologia Educational Ministries offers a thorough science curriculum from a Christian worldview perspective. Apologia has been very popular among the homeschoolers I know looking for a solid science curriculum for their older children.

Christian Book Distributors is offering about $20 off of most of the upper level book sets. Follow the links below to review the products. If you then choose to order during your visit, I will receive a percentage of your purchase. Thanks for your support.


Apologia Science Curriculum


Links to a sampling of specific products are below:
238409: Exploring Creation with General Science,  Second Edition--2 Volumes Exploring Creation with General Science, Second Edition--2 Volumes

By Dr. Jay L. Wile / Apologia Educational Ministries
336402: Exploring Creation with Physical Science, Second Edition--2 Volumes Exploring Creation with Physical Science, Second Edition--2 Volumes

By Dr. Jay L. Wile / Apologia Educational Ministries
533403: Exploring Creation with Biology (2nd Edition), 2 volumes Exploring Creation with Biology (2nd Edition), 2 volumes

By Dr. Jay L. Wile & Martha Durnell / Apologia Educational Ministries

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Switched On Schoolhouse (SOS) on Sale


Christian Book Distributors
is having some nice sales on popular homeschool curriculum. Click the link below to see Switched on Schoolhouse curricula, both full-grade sets and individual subjects by grade, on sale. Programs start in third grade and continue through the high school level.

Switched On Schoolhouse is a computer software program that allows your children to access excellent Christian curriculum for learning and allows you to keep track of his work.

The new 2008 adds some new and useful features to a system of learning that has proven successful for many homeschoolers over the years.

Click on the link below to see the discounted prices as well as free shipping from CBD.

SOS Curriculum

Related posts:
Switched On Schoolhouse Free Demo and Coupon

YouTube Christian Videos

Check out my favorite videos on YouTube using this player.

My children and I enjoy relaxing and singing along with these videos when we have a chance.

Caution: I recommend that children ALWAYS be supervised while watching Youtube as some pretty unsettling videos can pop up unexpectedly and I have not found a way to stop that.

An alternative for watching video (but not downloading) is GodTube.com. We like that one even better.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Saxon Math on Sale

I just received notification from Christian Book Distiributors that they are having a sale on many homeschool products. I will highlight some of those products here n the coming days. Click on the links below to order and I will receive a small percentage of your sale. Thanks for your support!

If you know of any other homeschool sales or deals, please let me know and I will post them here.

To go to the Saxon Math Store at Christian Book Distributors click on the Saxon Math products link below:

Saxon Math Products




A few specific products on sale are listed below:
18800: Saxon Math 1, Home Study Kit Saxon Math 1, Home Study Kit

By Saxon / Saxon Publishing
993478: Math 5/4 Homeschool Kit, Third Edition Math 5/4 Homeschool Kit, Third Edition

By Saxon Publishing
793346: Math 87, Third Edition, Home School Kit in a Retail Box Math 87, Third Edition, Home School Kit in a Retail Box

By Saxon Publishing
Thanks for looking and I hope I save you some money!


Christian Book Distributors

Costco Examines Homeschooling-Your Vote Needed

The latest issue of the Costco Connection Magazine, mailed to the homes of thousands of Costco members all over the world, published a piece about the controversy in California concerning the rights of parents who are not certified teachers to homeschool their children.

A community college math teacher, president of the California Federation of Teachers makes the argument homeschool parents "owe it to their children" to be "qualified" in the subjects that they are teaching.

Michael Smith, an attorney and president of the Home School Legal Defense Association, weighed in by first stating that this argument has been made in many other states over the years and not one has ever required certification of homeschool parents. He then goes on not only to present the superior test results of homeschool students but the severe problems in California public school achievement.

I found most interesting Smith's contention that even in public schools, research does not support a positive correlation between teacher certification and student achievement.

If you are a Costco member, you are invited to vote on your opinion on this issue. The results will be published in an upcoming issue of the Costco Connection Magazine.

Send an e-mail to debate@costco.com stating yes or no to the question "Should parents be certified to homeschool their children?" and be sure to include your mailing address and phone number in the e-mail.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Homeschool Tip: Life Happens, Don't Get Upset

It has been challenging for us to get going with our homeschooling as much as I would like due to my husband's father being very ill. This is a difficult and stressful time for all of us. Homeschool moms more experienced and much wiser than me have warned me to look at all of life as learning opportunities, even the difficult times.

We are all looking forward to getting back on our regular homeschooling schedule. It seems that a regular schedule works best for all of us.

Please pray for us.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Help For Hungry Families

I learned about an amazing resource for families and individuals in need from a good friend of mine at church.

It is called Angel Food Ministries.

Through this ministry, families and seniors and others facing monthly "food insecurities" can buy healthy, first-rate foods at a fraction of the regular grocery store cost.

You can order online and the food is then picked up at a local church or social action agency.

There are no forms to fill out. They are encouraging anyone who feels they need assistance to participate in the program.

God is so faithful to guide the founding couple into this vision of helping so many need.

I hope this information blesses someone in need today.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Family Christian Stores Sales

I have added to the bottom of my blog a feed that helps me keep track of all the sales and specials at Family Christian Stores. The sales often do not last long and I frequently miss the sales on the coupons they send in the mail so I hope this will work out better for me.

Anyone can click on the links at the very bottom of this page and if you order anything, a small percentage of your purchase will help support this site.

Take a look and see if there is anything on sale that you have been wanting for you or your family. I am going to look right now...