School planning for 2015-2016!

Ready for some random school planning ramblings?

We currently use a mom intense (in regards to non-reading children) literature based program (Sonlight) for our oldest two daughters. With the addition of the twins to the routine our life was about to get very complicated (3 cores) and very expensive ($2,500). I did quite a bit of research (understatement of the decade) and came up with another option. This second option (My Father's World) allowed all of our girls to be in the same "class" for everything but language arts and math. This would be a considerable cut back on my input time and was quite a bit cheaper ($1,000).

I requested catalogs from both companies and then worked out a timeline for both companies for all 6 kids through June 2022 when our oldest daughter would be graduating from High School. I wanted to get a feel for how the program would work at our busiest season (all 6 kids in school) and make sure our oldest daughter would be able to complete both programs before graduating.

Option 1 (sonlight) would be pretty extreme with 4 core programs going at once.
For those who don't know about core programs that would be:
4 history classes
4 science classes
4 Bible classes
6 Language arts classes
6 Math classes
PER DAY!

Option 2 (My father's World) would be much more laid back. The kids would be in the same "class" and would use the same books for language arts (making it cheaper and less clutter).

1 history class
1 science class
1 Bible class
6 Language arts classes
6 math classes

I asked my fellow large family homeschooling mom's and couldn't find anyone who had anything negative to say about option 2. So I looked on option 1's forums to see what they had to say about option 2's program. The only negative thing I found was that option 2 uses a "book basket" approach where you use library books for the literature program while option 1 sends all the books with the package (why it is much more expensive). Okay....not a deal breaker for me.

So option 2 is cheaper, easier on me, and has a very well recommended program. Bonus points that the money paid to the company is used to translate Bibles into different languages. Why is this even a difficult choice? I don't know but it was. I somehow felt like I was "cheating" or "taking the easy way out" by going with option 2. I did a lot of research and praying about it.

So the other day I again was praying for the Lord to make this clear for me. I walked out to the mailbox a few minutes later and found a second catalog for option 2. Okay. Got it. Option 2 it is

So I have been searching out used items for our family to use when our current things are finished. I chose to start the twins in the kindergarten curriculum ASAP since they are almost finished with their preK things. They are doing 3-10 lessons a day in preK. I keep trying to slow them down but they are having none of it. I fully expect them to finish the kindergarten work and start 1st grade by this fall. When it clicks it just clicks. Anyways I found a deluxe kindergarten set used for the exact amount that was refunded to us from the local college (their pool is under repair and all swim lesson money was refunded).

So again I feel like God was giving his blessing. I mean here is exactly what I need, exactly when I need it, and oh look here is the exact amount of unexpected money suddenly sitting in my account.

I am now working on putting together the older girls set for this June. The program works in a 5 yr cycle so we begin with this set and then will repeat it after the next 4 sets. As the kids get older the set becomes more and more difficult. Anyways I found the teachers manual (retails for $99 plus $20 for each set of student sheets) for $25. It is the older edition with the student sheets in the back. This older edition also allows for copying the student sheets as many times as I like. Where as if I bought the student sheets separate with the new edition I would not be allowed to copy them.

I found the $20 language arts book (used for 2nd-6th grade) used for $10 shipped.

I also found the $60 spelling book (used for 2nd-8th grade) for $7.99 I was able to use swagbucks gift cards so it was $0 to me.

I plan to use our swagbucks gift cards over the next few months to finish putting the set together. I figure it will keep me busy during the first few months of the deployment. Anything to distract myself will be very welcome!

Our review of In Freedom's Cause: The Real Story of Wallace and Bruce

I am very excited announce that we were chosen to review In Freedom's Cause: The Real Story of Wallace and Bruce!!

 

I am a big fan of audio theater so when we were offered In Freedom's Cause Single Package by Heirloom Audio Productions I jumped at the chance to review the items provided.

The In Freedom's Cause Single package comes with the Physical CD set, an MP3 digital download of the soundtrack, a digital download of the study guide, and a printable copy of the prayer of William Wallace.

I was expecting the above items and was blown away by all of the extras the company added to our review items. We received the 2 CD set, a total running time of 2 1/2 hours of non stop action, and a link to a multitude of bonus features! 

Within the bonus features we were provided were ebooks, audio downloads, video downloads, and "other" items. All of which were pretty amazing. While many of the bonus features we received were not part of the Single Package they are available as part of the Family Four Pack Package.

Under the ebooks tab I found the complete script of the production on a beautifully produced  full color background. I enjoyed following along with the script as the actors progressed through the adventure and peril of the storyline. I am a visual person so having the ebook helped me to "see" the story.

Also under the ebook tab was a Study Guide and Discussion Starter. This is a 49 page full color study guide filled with a wealth of information. The guide begins with a "teachers guide" page explaining how to you the study guide with your children. This was followed by a brief description of  G.A. Hently, Sir William Wallace, and Robert the Bruce. This was extremely helpful for our family as we had not studied this particular time in history. This was 100% new information for our children so it was nice to have a brief introduction into the historical significance of the audio production we were about to listen to.


After the brief introduction the guide proceeds to outline each individual section:

Listening Well with questions to ask your child from the listening chapter.

Thinking Further with questions to get your child thinking deeper into the story lines and increase their understanding of the story.

Defining Words are added to help build your child's vocabulary and increase their understanding of the storyline.


Printing out the study guide and putting it into a three ring binder is a nice simple way to keep up with the pages and makes it very simple to flip through and work with your children on the material covered.

At the very end of the study guide there are three brief Bible studies that may help you and your child
better understand some of the Biblical themes found withing the storyline.  There is also a note on the history of Scotland for those who have not studied Scotland before, and a recommended reading list for parents and older children who would like to know more about Sir William Wallace and his times.

The last section in the ebook bonus features is a Cast of Characters Roadmap. This is a 5 page breakdown of each of the characters backgrounds and rolls in the program.

This comes in very handy when you have little ones that need some help remembering exactly who is who within the storyline....or for mom's that might need a little help as well!

Printing this out and adding it to your study guide binder makes it easy to find and check while listening to the story or while answering the study guide questions.


Next up we had the Audio tabs! Within this section there was a MP3 download of both disks found in the set. I found this to be very helpful for the scatterbrained mom who forgot the CD's in the van and didn't feel like going out in the -12 degree temps to retrieve them. You can simply play the program on your computer without the physical CD's!

Also in this section is the official soundtrack of the audio program. The score was written by Emmy-winning compose John Campbell!

Even though this is an Audio Theater production there is a video element available. In the bonus features I found a 30min behind the scenes documentary  with the cast, crew, and actors in the studio. I find these types of things to be fascinating as do my children. It is fun to watch how the program is recorded and what exactly the actors are doing while recording their parts.

Last but not least we have the "other" tab in the bonus features. Here I found a cast poster, Wallace's Prayer and a link to the membership website. My children love to hang things on their bedroom walls
so the posters and prayers are a big hit in our house. The membership website has free unlimited access to all of the above bonuses. The website is constantly updated with new downloads, free resources and extra information on William Wallace and In Freedom’s Cause.

 What about the actual In Freedom's Cause production? This is an audio drama, not an audio book. What exactly does THAT mean? Instead of a single person reading from a book this is a theatrical production. We are treated with background music, professional actors, sound effects, and a great deal of adventure and suspense. As we follow young Archie Forbes as he joins forces with Freedom fighters William Wallace and Robert the Bruce it is impossible not to begin to join in with the farmers and merchants. We cheer for them as they chose to fight against the oppression of the occupying armies.  We sit on the edge of our seats as they enter into battle. We morn for those that fall in battle. It is impossible not to become involved in the production and emotionally involved in the outcome. 

I really can't say enough good things about this program. The quality of the production was top notch and the actors were amazing at making the program "come alive" to the children. Listening to the action and adventure through out the CD's really sparked an interest in their hearts. I as a parent appreciated the short chapters, many of which were under 10min, and the easy to use study guide and resources. It was quite simple to pop the CD in, or pull up the MP3 files, and listen to a section of the story when we had time throughout the day.

Listeners will travel through time with young Archie Forbes as he becomes involved with Scotland’s most influential freedom fighters William Wallace and Robert the Bruce.
In Freedom’s Cause a beautiful 2 CD set with an insert filled with ideas and a copy of the prayer by William Wallace.  A theatrical performance by Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abby as Anna), Billy Boyd (Lord of the Rings, Master and Commander), Skandar Keynes, (Chronicles of Narnia), Cathy Sara (Woman in Black, Topsy-Turvy), and James Cosmo (Highlander and Braveheart).  Your child will join with the faith and vision of William Wallace to join with farmers, shepherds and merchants to defeat a mighty army. You’ll learn about the faith of William Wallace, his courage and strength of character. Walk along side them as they forever change the history of Scotland.  King Robert the Bruce was inspired to eventually gain Scotland’s freedom. Learn the real history of the faith Wallace had in God.  Included in the CD is Psalms 23. Wallace, at his execution, read these words as King Edward’s men tortured him. Let your children learn that freedom is worth fighting for.
Two hours of Non Stop Adventure for ages 6-Adult “Building the next generation by brining the lessons of history to life” through Listening captivating the imagination. Time Travel into fun and exciting adventures. Teach strong moral values like courage, conviction an Character. 48 page Study Guide included to help parents engage with their children.
- See more at: http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/in-freedoms-cause-review/#sthash.zpbYXCyX.dpuf

In Freedom’s Cause, written by George Alfred Henty (G.A.Henty 1832-1902). Listeners will travel through time with young Archie Forbes as he becomes involved with Scotland’s most influential freedom fighters William Wallace and Robert the Bruce.
In Freedom’s Cause a beautiful 2 CD set with an insert filled with ideas and a copy of the prayer by William Wallace.  A theatrical performance by Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abby as Anna), Billy Boyd (Lord of the Rings, Master and Commander), Skandar Keynes, (Chronicles of Narnia), Cathy Sara (Woman in Black, Topsy-Turvy), and James Cosmo (Highlander and Braveheart).  Your child will join with the faith and vision of William Wallace to join with farmers, shepherds and merchants to defeat a mighty army. You’ll learn about the faith of William Wallace, his courage and strength of character. Walk along side them as they forever change the history of Scotland.  King Robert the Bruce was inspired to eventually gain Scotland’s freedom. Learn the real history of the faith Wallace had in God.  Included in the CD is Psalms 23. Wallace, at his execution, read these words as King Edward’s men tortured him. Let your children learn that freedom is worth fighting for.
- See more at: http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/in-freedoms-cause-review/#sthash.zpbYXCyX.dpuf

Listeners will travel through time with young Archie Forbes as he becomes involved with Scotland’s most influential freedom fighters William Wallace and Robert the Bruce.
In Freedom’s Cause a beautiful 2 CD set with an insert filled with ideas and a copy of the prayer by William Wallace.  A theatrical performance by Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abby as Anna), Billy Boyd (Lord of the Rings, Master and Commander), Skandar Keynes, (Chronicles of Narnia), Cathy Sara (Woman in Black, Topsy-Turvy), and James Cosmo (Highlander and Braveheart).  Your child will join with the faith and vision of William Wallace to join with farmers, shepherds and merchants to defeat a mighty army. You’ll learn about the faith of William Wallace, his courage and strength of character. Walk along side them as they forever change the history of Scotland.  King Robert the Bruce was inspired to eventually gain Scotland’s freedom. Learn the real history of the faith Wallace had in God.  Included in the CD is Psalms 23. Wallace, at his execution, read these words as King Edward’s men tortured him. Let your children learn that freedom is worth fighting for.
Two hours of Non Stop Adventure for ages 6-Adult “Building the next generation by brining the lessons of history to life” through Listening captivating the imagination. Time Travel into fun and exciting adventures. Teach strong moral values like courage, conviction an Character. 48 page Study Guide included to help parents engage with their children.
- See more at: http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/in-freedoms-cause-review/#sthash.zpbYXCyX.dpuf

So how did our family actually USE these audio theater CD's? We are an above average sized family and I found it hard for everyone to hear audio when played through our laptop speakers. So we played the production through our Xbox system. My husband has the Xbox hooked up to our surround sound speakers in the living room. This made it possible for us all to be able to snuggle into our couches or chairs and listen in comfort to the production. We also are very often out and about in the van and I am always looking for ways to make that time more productive. We were able to play the CD's in the van quite easily, this made the trips more entertaining for everyone involved.

 We loved this program and are looking forward to Heirloom Audio's next production, With Lee in Virginia. You can find more information about this new production on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

 
 

 

Interested to hear what the other members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew thought of In Freedom's Cause? You can click here or on the banner below to find out!

 

Our Review of IndoctriNation: Public Schools and the Decline of Christianity in America

Our family was blessed to be chosen to review an amazing DVD this month, IndoctriNation: Public Schools and the Decline of Christianity in America. We couldn't wait to begin our journey across the country delving into the public school systems and the resulting religious implications.


The movie, IndoctriNation, is a 102 min DVD released by Great Commission films in 2011. The opening graphic for the DVD strongly recommended not allowing children to watch the program. I am glad this disclaimer was very visible as the topics covered in the DVD were very much only for mature audiences. With this in mind I snuggled up in my favorite chair and watched the movie after our children were in bed for the night. I wish I had gathered up a notebook and pencil before starting the DVD. There were lots of interesting facts presented and I would have liked to have been able to write them down as the movie progressed. I ended up watching the DVD for a second time on another night so that I could write down all of the facts I wanted to remember for future reference. 

This DVD is part documentary and part testimonial asking questions about the origins and social implications of America's public education system. Scottish film maker Colin Gunn, a homeschool father of seven, travels with his family through American on a big yellow school bus asking some hard hitting questions.

• Who established the American public school system?
• Are my kids physically and morally safe in the schools?
• Are public schools religiously neutral?
• Should Christians try to be "salt and light" in public schools?
• Can the public school system be fixed or redeemed?

Many of the points were quite eye opening to me and sparked a researching journey of my own. Now that I have started really digging into the topic I am quite fascinated.

Did you know that the first teacher's college run by the government was the Normal School in Lexington, MA? In the DVD we follow Colin Gunn as he travels to Lexington to investigate the Normal School. While there we learn that James G. Carter, a Harvard man, stated that the state run teachers colleges such as the Normal Schools were an  "...engine to sway the public sentiment, the public morals, and the public religion, more powerful than any other in the possession of government."

We then travel via our big yellow school bus to New Harmony Indiana. Where we learn about Robert Owen, a Unitarian, who in 1830 felt that religion was the problem with education. He went on to form the first secular community in America, New Harmony. His plan was to remove religion from all education so that he could form a new universe in which there was no religion at all.

There are so many historical facts within this DVD that I could go on and on with the information provided.  I found the historical breakdown concerning the beginning of the public school system to be fascinating. As an adult raised within the public school system it never occurred to me to question how the compulsory school system began within our country. After watching the DVD twice I felt the need to do quite a bit more research on the subject.

While I found the historical significance of the school system to be fascinating the movie is not just a historical account of the education system. At each "bus stop" Gunn probes into the public school system with a new and unique set of questions. One of these such "bus stops" concerned the topic of  safety within the modern day school systems.

Anyone that watches the news knows about the physical dangers present in our public school system. It seems almost a daily occurrence to hear about children abusing drugs, physically assaulting each other, underage pregnancies, and the horrific school shootings that have devastated so many lives throughout our country. This is a very powerful section within the movie. The interviews with a student who was exposed to a "normal" school upbringing and a parent who lost his child to a school shooting were extremely moving and heart breaking.

What about the less sensational moral dangers that never make it to prime time news broadcasts? I learned within this move that 61% of children who are raised in the Christian faith leave the Church as adults.

Wow.

As the movie points out there are several Bible versus on the subject. One that they shared really stood out to me:
       

                  Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good morals.'   

 1 Corinthians 15:33

What about the Christian teachers and Principles within the current public school systems? What do they have to say about the current state of affairs? Colin Gunn interviews several members of the current school system to ask their opinions on the subject and how they feel their faith applies to their teaching and daily running of the schools. It was very enlightening to me, as a parent, to see how the school professionals feel about having to walk the fine line between their faith and the legal requirements pertaining to religion within public schools.  Several refused to walk the line and were removed from their positions as teachers. Simply because they felt the calling to speak about God to their students.

There are some seriously heavy subject matters covered within this DVD and I recommend keeping some tissues handy. I will admit I started crying during several parts of the movie. The interviews of students and parents throughout the program can be very gut wrenching to watch. I however feel they are necessary for all of us to hear and really reflect upon.

I would strongly recommend this DVD to any and all Christian parents. It is a though provoking journey from past to present.  The viewer is left with no other choice but to reflect upon the future of America's public schools and the future leaders of America. 

You can click here or on the banner below to find more reviews from the Schoolhouse Review Crew for Colin Gunn's Indoctrination movie.

Homemade Cheeseburger "Hamburger Helper"

My husband is a simple man when it comes to dinners. You say the words "Hamburger Helper" and he starts drooling. I however start to gag. I just can't do it. So in an effort to make my husband happy I started experimenting with different types of homemade "Hamburger Helper". The Cheeseburger version has been the biggest hit so far and couldn't be simpler to make.

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 cup ketchup
1/4c mustard
1/4-1/2 cup pickle juice
1 lb macaroni, cooked 

Saute the ground beef and onion until cooked through and onion is translucent. Mix in ketchup, mustard, and pickle juice and stir well. Simmer till thickened. Add cooked macaroni and mix well.

Top your pasta with extra ketchup and mustard and any toppings you enjoy on your cheeseburger. Bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, and cheese are all amazing options.

I wasn't kidding when I said this was crazy easy to make and very yummy! 

Financial Friday!

One of our 2015 New Years resolutions was to read at least one nonfiction book dedicated to financial education or growth per month. I have hit the ground running and I am looking forward to reviewing each of them here for you all!

I began my year of financial reading by rereading with a book I already had on my digital bookshelf: The Total Money Makeover

We first purchased this book way back in 2009 when we began our debt free journey. I have periodically read the book through again and again over the years for motivation and a swift kick in the booty. I decided it made the most sense to start our Financial Friday's with a Dave Ramsey book since we are working his baby steps.

I have read this book so many times for a variety of reasons:

• He is blunt and doesn't use flowery words. It is like speaking to a good friend who is willing to tell you that you are being stupid with money.
• He address all of the popular money myths that we are sold as a society. Including the "debt is a tool" argument.
• He lays out his steps in a clear and concise way. No fancy gimmicks or complicated theories.  Just a step by step approach that has been proven to work for many many individuals and families.
• Several success stories scattered throughout the book. I find it very motivating to see how others have made progress with their journey to financial freedom.
• Lots of amazing quotes throughout the book. I love to write them down and refer back to them in times of weakness. Some of my favorites are:

We buy things we don’t need with money 

we don’t have in order to impress people we don’t like.

Ramsey, Dave (2009-12-29). The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness (p. 30). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.

One of my pastors says that living right is not complicated;

it may be difficult, but it is not complicated. 

Living right financially is the same way—it is not complicated;

                                                           it may be difficult, but it is not complicated.

Ramsey, Dave (2009-12-29). The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness (p. 53). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.

This need for approval and respect drives us to do some really insane things.

One of the paradoxically dumb things we do is to destroy our finances

                      by buying garbage we can’t afford to try to make ourselves appear wealthy to others.

Ramsey, Dave (2009-12-29). The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness (p. 82). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.

                                    Don’t even consider keeping up with the Joneses. THEY’RE BROKE!

Ramsey, Dave (2009-12-29). The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness (p. 83). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.


Overall I love this book and find it to be very motivating for me each time I read through it. I strongly recommend it to anyone who feels overwhelmed or stressed out about their finances. I remember when we started our journey in 2009. I felt overwhelmed and helpless each time I thought about everything I knew I should be doing but lacked the knowledge and confidence to take action.  Dave Ramsey makes the entire process easy to understand and gives a wonderful basic action plan for your future financial steps. You will eventually need to educate yourself on investments through a secondary source as this book only covers the very basics concerning investments. However just knowing I have an action plan in place to even need an investment plan in the future was a massive weight off my shoulders.

Have you read any of Dave's books? Care to share your experiences or thoughts? I would love to hear from you!


**I was not asked to review this product and have not been compensated in anyway for my review.**

Weather Unit!

We have finished out or latest science unit, Fun With Weather.

I have to admit that we have been a bit sluggish this month. I am sure it has something to do with the cold weather and being halfway through our current school year.  We didn't go quite as all out this month with our scientific studies.

As usual we began our unit by choosing our "textbook". We decided to stick with our National Geographic theme and chose to read National Geographic Kids Everything Weather: Facts, Photos, and Fun that Will Blow You Away.

The book was perfectly broken down into two page sections making it very easy to assign bite sized daily lessons covering everything from "What's the Weather" to "Fun with Weather".

I had intentions of doing lots of weather experiments and crafts but lets face it it is cold and nasty outside and I just wanted to hibernate instead. We did however watch lots of pretty amazing shows on the weather channel. The girls favorite however would have to be The Strangest Weather On Earth. There are some really freaky things happening with the weather out there and the girls LOVED learning all about it.

Overall we had a very laid back month studying the weather around us, we learned a lot, and had fun learning some new things. Even mom learned a thing or two!

I would love to hear about your weather related studies!

Frugal Accomplishments 1/27-2/2

Another week is in the books over here!

I completed our grocery shopping and came in $40 under budget. Then ran to the commissary for rabbit litter and did some price checking on the meat case. Looks like the meat there is cheaper than Aldi. I still need to check costco as well. Our freezer is almost empty so about time to stock back up again.

I purchased enough meal items to double our dinners this week for our "food emergency fund".

I doubled the recipes as I cooked this week and added 5 new freezer meals to our stockpile.

Our  blog was chosen to receive not one but TWO multilevel curriculums for our children. We are receiving both a math and a science curriculum. Each of which has multiple user accounts and covers k-5th grade! This knocked hundreds off our homeschool budget for this year !

We did splurge a bit this week and bought 3 tickets to the local ballet! I am taking the oldest two girls next month to a Shakespeare ballet. I did however get mid-orchestra seating for $20 a ticket.  We are crazy excited!

I earned $25 from swagbucks!

We had several no spend days.

We had girl scouts this week which is2 hours long,  in the middle of dinner, and 30min from home. I fed the kids before we left home (4pm) and made a second batch for the freezer supply. We dropped off the older girls at Scouts and then met up with our ABA tutor. We needed something free to do for 2 hours and inside since it is still frigid here. We took the 4 youngest to the military airport to play in their indoors play area. Of course by 6pm they were all hungry. We stopped by the USO for a few muffins and bottled drinks (free). I think we have found our new Friday night stop over. There was only one other family there and they thanked us for coming. Seems their kiddos needed some playmates to wear them out before their overseas flight.

 This weekend we ended up taking DS to the ER for an infected thumb. They ended up having to cut it open to drain it. The ER was free but we had to pay for the antibiotic. So cheap but not free.

I saved the veggie scraps from cooking this week for the rabbit's dinner.

I send my husband to work with his dinners all this week.

I under budgeted the cable bill but over budgeted the electric bill so it balanced out. I hate these variable bills.

I listed a bunch of stuff on ebay again.


Shew! Busy week here! How did your week go?