Hi all!
We have a winner!
Congratulations to Gloria Cottrell Phillips for winning
the We Choose Virtues poster.
Thank you all for entering!
i hope that you will come back and check my blog again soon.
i love to have you visit!
Blessings!
Alycia
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Thursday, June 7, 2012
We Choose Virtues Review and Giveaway!
Hi all!
i am SO blessed to be able to review another fantastic product for We Choose Virtues.
You know from my last review, that i love their products! This time, they have graciously allowed me to do a giveaway too! My first one!!!
Exciting, isn't it?!?
What am i reviewing this time? The Kids Virtue Poster
It has all 12 of the virtues {diligent, helpful, perseverant, gentle, content, attentive, honest, kind, self-controlled, patient, obedient, forgiving} listed as well as their catchphrases and antonyms. For example:
I am Obedient. "Okay, whatever you say, I will obey, right away!" "I am NOT....argumentative, unwilling, or slow and I don't refuse to do what I'm told."
i posted ours in our school room and "the Bugs" have been looking at it all week! Bitty has been especially interested in it, and enjoys telling Baby what each one says.
The poster is 11x17 and is printed on heavy duty paper. It is brightly colored, and easy to read. It retails for $14.99 regularly, but We Choose Virtues has a special for this month, right in time for Father's Day.
From the We Choose Virtues website:
"June is for Fathers!
We Choose Virtues is dedicated to helping dads set a standard of excellent character in their homes.
It doesn’t have to be hard! With 12 Virtues and Three Rules, our simple tools take the guesswork out of it! These 2 posters ship free this month. Use code POSTER35 at checkout for 35% off ALL our posters."
Also, here is a chance for you to win a Kids Virtue Poster for your homeschool or classroom! a Rafflecopter giveaway
Attention Teachers... START25 is the promo code you need to get 25% off ANY of We Choose Virtues' great classroom kits!
Don't forget to check out their other products on the website at http://www.wechoosevirtues.com/shop/ While you are there, consider downloading the Student's Character Assessment sheet. It will help you keep track of your student's progress. There is also an assessment sheet for families as well as Kids Memory Verses, Bible Heroes and Truths sheet... for free! These will help you as you work to instill virtues in your kids.
Blessings to you all!
Alycia
P.S i received the Kids Virtue Poster in return for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.
Friday, May 18, 2012
New Review Coming SOON!
i am so blessed to announce that i will be doing another review for "We Choose Virtues"
This time i will be reviewing 2 of their posters. i am really excited about this!
Also, i will be having my first giveaway!
Mark your calendars to come back on June 8th to read the review and enter the giveaway!
Blessings!
Alycia
This time i will be reviewing 2 of their posters. i am really excited about this!
Also, i will be having my first giveaway!
Mark your calendars to come back on June 8th to read the review and enter the giveaway!
Blessings!
Alycia
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Homeschool Conferences
i was recently asked to be a Partner Blogger with AHEAD, American Home Education and Discipleship. In exchange for my blog posts, i am now listed as a Partner Blogger on the AHEAD blog, and i received a complimentary admission to the AHEAD conference of my choice. :) There are thirty-nine AHEAD conferences in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Here’s a link to a map of AHEAD conferences http://americanhomeeducation.org/map.cfm
AHEAD is affiliated with The National Alliance of Christian Home Education Leaders. www.achel.org
Last weekend, i attended an AHEAD conference. It was wonderful! i didn't get to go to many of the workshops as i was working a booth. That being said, i had a lot of opportunities to explore and shop. Which i did! i got all the remaining things that i need for the coming year. :)
Don't think you need to attend a convention or conference this year? Here is a great article about many reasons that you should consider it. It was written by Mbuyi and Mong-Tham Khuzadi.
Why Go to Convention
"I think each of us can come up with not just a few reasons to skip this year’s homeschool convention. In fact, some of you may already have your list in your head. Before succumbing to the “why nots,” consider some of the “whys.”
Renew your vision
Maybe you don't want to go to convention because you are burned out. What better way to get recharged than to renew your vision? Just being in the same building with hundreds other people who think the way you do is uplifting.
Hearing once again the encouraging words of a familiar speaker will remind you why you are teaching at home in the first place. The words of a speaker you've not heard before just may be the boost you need.
Make connections with others in your boat
If you are attending a workshop on a specific topic, say special needs, the other parents in that room have similar concerns. These are the very people who are going to understand your situation as well as your heart. This is the place to make those connections.
The workshop speakers aren't the only authority on the subject. The person next to you or in back of you may have just the answer or word of encouragement you need. Your seat neighbor may be shy about approaching the speaker after the session, but you have the same experiences to offer love and support as well.
Take some personal cards with your name and contact information so you can share with others and find someone to mentor you.
Encouraging others
One year I as I was wandering through the exhibit hall, a mom stopped me in the middle of the aisle. She told that me that since I was wearing a badge from the Leadership Conference I could answer her question. We stood there and talked for the entire next workshop session. We both went away encouraged.
You never know whom God is going to send your way. Be available to His work. It's possible that you can answer a curriculum question for a new mom while the exhibitor is busy. That just might be an appointment from God.
Go to a convention ready to give as well as receive.
Weekend get away
Two friends of mine consider the convention their much deserved get-away weekend. They save all year, book a suite, order room service, spend time in the spa, and, if available, get a massage. Oh yes, they do attend some workshop sessions but they don't spend much time in the exhibit all. They find it too hectic for their relaxation.
Whether it is with other moms or with your husband, just the weekend away and pampering yourself, can do more to encourage than a dozen workshop sessions. You don't have to buy your entire curriculum during that one weekend. Maybe sleeping in an extra hour and having one breakfast served to your room is just the luxury you need to be refreshed for the upcoming year.
I'm through home schooling. I don't need the convention.
Maybe you don't think that you need a convention because you are nearing the end of your homeschool season. The convention needs you. Hundreds of volunteers are needed for a smooth running convention. Veterans who may not need to attend every workshop session or spend time in the exhibit hall are needed to fill one of the many volunteer slots. Not only does this serve your state organization and the convention, but also provides a valuable service to younger homeschool parents.
Not Just Any Convention
Don’t just attend just any convention; attend one sponsored by your state organization. State homeschool organizations plan their conventions based on the needs of homeschoolers in their area. These events are “local” rather than regional, you can often attend one day without incurring hotel expenses, and have lower travel expenses.
Your state organization will be around mid-school year when you need help. Your convention attendance helps support the work these groups do on your behalf twelve months out of the year.
With thirty-nine events in thirty-two states, provinces, and nations, you’re sure to find one close by. Don’t miss the chance to be encouraged and be an encourager."
Mbuyi and Mong-Tham founded Exploring HomeschoolingTM to help other Christian parents discover the joy of homeschooling their children in the admonition of the Lord. They want to encourage parents to continue in their journey of raising up wonderful, loving, and God-fearing children. They are currently homeschooling their four children.
So, there you have it! Great reasons to attend a wonderful, and enriching homeschool conference this year. If you haven't given it much thought yet, i hope i helped you to decide to attend!
Blessings!
Alycia
AHEAD is affiliated with The National Alliance of Christian Home Education Leaders. www.achel.org
Last weekend, i attended an AHEAD conference. It was wonderful! i didn't get to go to many of the workshops as i was working a booth. That being said, i had a lot of opportunities to explore and shop. Which i did! i got all the remaining things that i need for the coming year. :)
Don't think you need to attend a convention or conference this year? Here is a great article about many reasons that you should consider it. It was written by Mbuyi and Mong-Tham Khuzadi.
Why Go to Convention
"I think each of us can come up with not just a few reasons to skip this year’s homeschool convention. In fact, some of you may already have your list in your head. Before succumbing to the “why nots,” consider some of the “whys.”
Renew your vision
Maybe you don't want to go to convention because you are burned out. What better way to get recharged than to renew your vision? Just being in the same building with hundreds other people who think the way you do is uplifting.
Hearing once again the encouraging words of a familiar speaker will remind you why you are teaching at home in the first place. The words of a speaker you've not heard before just may be the boost you need.
Make connections with others in your boat
If you are attending a workshop on a specific topic, say special needs, the other parents in that room have similar concerns. These are the very people who are going to understand your situation as well as your heart. This is the place to make those connections.
The workshop speakers aren't the only authority on the subject. The person next to you or in back of you may have just the answer or word of encouragement you need. Your seat neighbor may be shy about approaching the speaker after the session, but you have the same experiences to offer love and support as well.
Take some personal cards with your name and contact information so you can share with others and find someone to mentor you.
Encouraging others
One year I as I was wandering through the exhibit hall, a mom stopped me in the middle of the aisle. She told that me that since I was wearing a badge from the Leadership Conference I could answer her question. We stood there and talked for the entire next workshop session. We both went away encouraged.
You never know whom God is going to send your way. Be available to His work. It's possible that you can answer a curriculum question for a new mom while the exhibitor is busy. That just might be an appointment from God.
Go to a convention ready to give as well as receive.
Weekend get away
Two friends of mine consider the convention their much deserved get-away weekend. They save all year, book a suite, order room service, spend time in the spa, and, if available, get a massage. Oh yes, they do attend some workshop sessions but they don't spend much time in the exhibit all. They find it too hectic for their relaxation.
Whether it is with other moms or with your husband, just the weekend away and pampering yourself, can do more to encourage than a dozen workshop sessions. You don't have to buy your entire curriculum during that one weekend. Maybe sleeping in an extra hour and having one breakfast served to your room is just the luxury you need to be refreshed for the upcoming year.
I'm through home schooling. I don't need the convention.
Maybe you don't think that you need a convention because you are nearing the end of your homeschool season. The convention needs you. Hundreds of volunteers are needed for a smooth running convention. Veterans who may not need to attend every workshop session or spend time in the exhibit hall are needed to fill one of the many volunteer slots. Not only does this serve your state organization and the convention, but also provides a valuable service to younger homeschool parents.
Not Just Any Convention
Don’t just attend just any convention; attend one sponsored by your state organization. State homeschool organizations plan their conventions based on the needs of homeschoolers in their area. These events are “local” rather than regional, you can often attend one day without incurring hotel expenses, and have lower travel expenses.
Your state organization will be around mid-school year when you need help. Your convention attendance helps support the work these groups do on your behalf twelve months out of the year.
With thirty-nine events in thirty-two states, provinces, and nations, you’re sure to find one close by. Don’t miss the chance to be encouraged and be an encourager."
Mbuyi and Mong-Tham founded Exploring HomeschoolingTM to help other Christian parents discover the joy of homeschooling their children in the admonition of the Lord. They want to encourage parents to continue in their journey of raising up wonderful, loving, and God-fearing children. They are currently homeschooling their four children.
So, there you have it! Great reasons to attend a wonderful, and enriching homeschool conference this year. If you haven't given it much thought yet, i hope i helped you to decide to attend!
Blessings!
Alycia
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
REVIEW!!!! Time4Learning
About Time4Learning:
Time4Learning is an "automated online learning system" It has lessons for children in preschool through 8th grade. For most grade levels, Time4Learning covers Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies. The lessons are student paced with a suggested sequence. There is a parent's forum that allows parents to discuss ideas and questions with other parents. Time4Learning has great customer support via telephone or email.
Now, onto our experience with Time4Learning!!! i signed up both of my "littles", Bitty and Baby. Because of our crazy year last year, with Lady's illness, my "littles" are a bit behind in math. Bitty, my 10 year old, did do some math on the Time4Learning website, however, the language arts were her favorite. In fact, she did all the LA lessons within her level! She enjoyed the games and the bright and cheery animation. Baby, my 6 year old, enjoyed everything she did on the site. She told me that "this was fun. i liked it because it was singing and made me laugh." She also enjoyed knowing that when she completed a lesson, a check mark would appear, and an arrow would point her to the next lesson.
Time4Learning is a wonderful resource for home educators, for after school learning, or for summer use. i like the fact that it provides a detailed "progress report" on what the children have been doing with their time on the site. Time4Learning provides scope and sequence, although the children can do their lessons in whatever order they desire.
My main dislike of the program was that i was unable to assign lessons to be completed on a certain day. As their primary educator, that would have been very helpful. Perhaps they do provide that option, i was just not able to find it. That being said, we enjoyed Time4Learning, and highly recommend it.
*i received a free month trial on Time4Learning in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.
Time4Learning is an "automated online learning system" It has lessons for children in preschool through 8th grade. For most grade levels, Time4Learning covers Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies. The lessons are student paced with a suggested sequence. There is a parent's forum that allows parents to discuss ideas and questions with other parents. Time4Learning has great customer support via telephone or email.
Now, onto our experience with Time4Learning!!! i signed up both of my "littles", Bitty and Baby. Because of our crazy year last year, with Lady's illness, my "littles" are a bit behind in math. Bitty, my 10 year old, did do some math on the Time4Learning website, however, the language arts were her favorite. In fact, she did all the LA lessons within her level! She enjoyed the games and the bright and cheery animation. Baby, my 6 year old, enjoyed everything she did on the site. She told me that "this was fun. i liked it because it was singing and made me laugh." She also enjoyed knowing that when she completed a lesson, a check mark would appear, and an arrow would point her to the next lesson.
Time4Learning is a wonderful resource for home educators, for after school learning, or for summer use. i like the fact that it provides a detailed "progress report" on what the children have been doing with their time on the site. Time4Learning provides scope and sequence, although the children can do their lessons in whatever order they desire.
My main dislike of the program was that i was unable to assign lessons to be completed on a certain day. As their primary educator, that would have been very helpful. Perhaps they do provide that option, i was just not able to find it. That being said, we enjoyed Time4Learning, and highly recommend it.
*i received a free month trial on Time4Learning in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
New Giveaway at Homeschool Giveaways!
Hi all,
Please take a moment to check out one of my favorite websites: Homeschool Giveaways and Freebies.
They are having an amazing giveaway that i would LOVE to win for our family.
A vacation in the Missouri Ozarks at a ranch owned by another homeschool family!
How cool is that?!?
Here is the link: http://homeschoolgiveaways.com/2012/04/giveaway-family-vacation-1500-value/
Blessings!
Alycia
Please take a moment to check out one of my favorite websites: Homeschool Giveaways and Freebies.
They are having an amazing giveaway that i would LOVE to win for our family.
A vacation in the Missouri Ozarks at a ranch owned by another homeschool family!
How cool is that?!?
Here is the link: http://homeschoolgiveaways.com/2012/04/giveaway-family-vacation-1500-value/
Blessings!
Alycia
Saturday, April 14, 2012
a new discovery
i stumbled upon this video on Youtube. My little baby bug is the second child here, picking grapes. She is also shown later wearing a pink feather wig.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
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