I am contemplating switching over from my free gmail account to one I have through my domain. Why? Conversations I heard at BlogHer ’09 in Chicago:
“It is soooooo unprofessional to use a free email account. No one will take you seriously.”
“Bah. Who cares if your email is free or not? What matters is that you get your email into your inbox.”
Since purchasing my domain comes with an email account, I have the ability to switch. Is it worth the trouble?
What say you?
My six-year-old-daughter loves to play computer games. It never ceases to amaze me how this little girl uses a mouse like she had been doing it since birth. When I was her age, there were no laptops or a computer mouse.
Ahem.
We received The Quarter Mile Math to review as part of the TOS Homeschool Crew. We popped the CD-ROM into the disk drive, downloaded the software, entered the security code, and she was ready to start. The game has three levels, with each level being specific to a certain grade level. Level One is designed for K-3, Level Two for 4-6, and Level Three for 6-9. You can purchase each individual level (Standard CD Version) separately on CD-ROM for $39.95 a piece, or bundled together: Levels 1 & 2 for$64.95, Levels 2 & 3 for $64.95, or Levels 1, 2, & 3 for $89.95.
We were chosen to review the Deluxe Version which is either downloadable or can be purchased in CD-ROM form. We got the latter. The price for the Deluxe Version is $2.95 per family/monthly, $19.95 per family/year, or $34.95 per family/two years.
Before I go on to what the game actually is all about, let me differentiate between the Standard CD Version and the Deluxe Version. The Standard version is a one time purchase. You buy the levels you need, they come in the mail on CD-ROMs and you are done. The Deluxe Version includes all grade levels, can be downloaded to save on shipping, provides additional student tracking features, and offers free upgrades should the software ever have any changes. You do have to have an internet connection for the Deluxe Version, so keep that in mind. I described the differences in a nutshell, so feel free to visit their site that details specifically how the two versions differ.
Now, on to the game itself.
The game is centered on math concepts. It is not a complete math program. It is a great way to reinforce mathematical facts already mastered. Here is how: your student signs on and chooses which topic to go over. My daughter mainly picked addition and subtraction. They they can choose either a rider-less horse or a car to race with.
Once the race begins, your student will see a math problem in whatever topic they chose. For instance, my daughter might see something like “5+5.” She then has to type in the correct answer for her horse to race faster. (By the way, your child cannot lose the race. Their vehicle or horse will always get to finish line before the other three) Once your child has played enough, they start racing against their previous times.
As the teacher, you have the ability to track your child’s progress. There are many different ways to see how your child is using the program and if they are making progress. I suggest you visit The Quarter Mile Math’s .pdf sheet to learn more on how this is achieved. You can also race to try and beat other family members’ times. Nothing like a bit of good, friendly competition.
In my opinion, this is a great supplemental math program. It is fun for the child and they are able to reinforce what they have already learned. It is easy to use and a very simple concept. There are many different topics covered which cover many grade levels.
Visit The Quarter Mile Math for more info. There is so much to this program that I cannot cover in one review, so I will update this review as needed.
This one is for you, hubby.
My husband bought me a beautiful Edwardian apron a few years ago that I love to wear while cooking. My girls, in like manner, don their little aprons that I had made them hurriedly for Christmas a couple of years ago. The aprons I made for them are simple, basic aprons with lots of errors. Thinking Christmas Eve, sewing as fast as I can, racing the clock. They aren’t pretty, just functional.
And while functional is well and good, my girls desired an apron “just like yours, Mama.” Up until now, I still had not fulfilled that wish. When Jennie Chancey sent me an email asking to review her Girls’ Edwardian Apron pattern as part of the TOS Homeschool Crew, I was just so happy! This was exactly what I had been wanting for my girls.
I received the pattern as an ePattern. Due to my printer’s unwillingness to work with me (I am convinced my printer stays up at night plotting evil things to do to me), I emailed Mrs. Chancey back to see if she would be able to send me the pattern in print form. She happily agreed and sent it right away. She provides excellent customer service and so even before I had been able to cut out the pattern pieces, I had a positive view of the Sense and Sensibility company.
Prior to receiving the pattern in the mail, I watched the “how-to” apron class on my computer I had received as a file via email. I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am to have watched this before sewing the apron! Even though I am not a novice seamstress, I certainly am no professional. To be able to watch step-by-step how I was going to put together the apron was helpful. The class consists of a slide show in PDF format, along with an audio file in which she gives instructions to go along with the slide show. Priced at $19.95 without the ePattern, or $24.95 with the ePattern, I highly recommend this class.
Once I washed, dried, and pressed my fabric, I traced the size I needed from my pattern onto interfacing. I cut out the pattern pieces and started to follow the directions. I found the instructions straight forward and easy to follow. In fact, I thought they were written in a much clearer manner than the usual patterns you might find at your local fabric store. She even provides instructions on how to make your own bias tape. I did not choose to make my own but instead used store-bought.
One thing I love about this pattern is that the straps criss-cross in the back. This allows the apron to kind of “grow” with the child and gives it a custom fit. You can also choose to bind or just hem the edges along the bottom and either way it will look great.
The end result was beautiful, I think, though I made plenty of mistakes. One huge plus about this particular pattern is that is is very forgiving. It is very hard to tell where I messed up. Another great thing about the Girls’ Edwardian Apron is the pockets. Little girls love pockets and these pockets are positioned exactly where they need them and have plenty of room for measuring spoons and the like.
I definitely recommend this pattern and the corresponding class. If you are a beginner this is a great piece to practice on while still getting wonderful results. The pattern is fairly priced at $12.95 plus shipping for the print pattern or $7.95 for the ePattern (which is instantly down-loadable). Mrs. Chancey also has many other patterns for sale at her website which I encourage you to visit.
One thing is for certain: I can not draw. Really. I have had a limited amount of success in the painting area, but drawing has yielded results that look nothing like what I set out to imitate. I tried to draw a tractor for my son the other day and it looked like a lumpy biscuit with four wheels.
I can draw stick figures. People with large heads and lines for appendages? Right up my alley! So when Grapevine Studies contacted me to review their curriculum for them as a First Mate for the TOS Homeschool Crew, I was not the last bit intimidated. I chose the Beginner’s Level Old Testament Overview to review.
The premise for this curriculum is simple: teach young children Biblical history chronologically by drawing stick figures and reading scripture straight from His word. I received both the Student’s book and the Teacher’s book. You can purchase these separately at $19.95 for the hardbound tudent’s book and $29.95 for the hardbound Teacher’s book. There are also “dent and ding” specials for the hardbound copies, or you can purchase the curriculum in eBook form.
There was nothing about this curriculum that I did not like. The teacher preparation time is minimal and the lessons are short. I literally could sit down with my children and provide a simple Bible lesson that captured their attentions and provided them a basic background in “how God interacted with people of the Old Testament from Adam to Nehemiah.”
There are 50 lessons in the book. Our lesson time generally lasted between 10 or 15 minutes. A white board is recommended and encouraged on which to draw your stick figures, yet we don’t have one and so did not use one. Instead I used plain white printer paper, though a good notebook would do. You are not allowed to copy pages from the student’s book, so keep that in mind when you are purchasing this for your child(ren).
Another bonus was that due to the minimal preparation needed on the teacher’s end, I did not need to be the main teacher. Some days my husband would do the lessons and other days I would do them. This gives Father’s the ability to be involved in their children’s education even if they only have a few minutes of the day.
As for my children, they love the Old Testament Overview! Even my two-year-old enjoys watching Mama draw a stick figure Adam or a stick figure cow. My four-year-old and six-year-olds are not intimidated because they can draw their stick figures as well and they gain the advantage of the visuals aiding in their memorizing the Scriptures and the Bible stories. It is a win-win situation all around.
I do highly recommend this Bible curriculum. Please visit Grapevine Studies at their web home and browse. You will find many different Bible curricula for those from the very young to adult. You just may find something you can use for your own family.
See you soon for another review!
You can find me at Blissful Home today! I would love to hear your comments your tips on making hospitality joyful without the stress. Can’t wait to see you there!
My family and I enjoy Pixar movies. They are very fun and entertaining and generally safe enough for the children to watch. The humor found in these specific movies keep my husband and I in quotes to laugh a life-time. One viewing of Cars and we could quote Mater all the live long day. Generally I try to make too much out of movies yet Wall-E was one movie that I believe brought up a very important reminder.
If you haven’t seen this movie, the quick version is this: Earth gets taken over by trash. Humans resort to living on a space ship, the Axiom, until the earth is adequately cleaned by Waste Allocator Load Lifters – Earth class, or Wall-Es. Turns out there is only one left and he plods along steadily, doing what he was intended for. After meeting another robot, EVE, Wall-E follows her to outer space. I won’t say any more due to the fact that that would be giving away the ending. And that, folks, just isn’t nice.
I have read reviews on this movie that have compared it to Adam and Eve. And indeed, one of the movie’s creators did seem to have that in mind. However, I am stunned, absolutely stunned, that the one complaint Christian’s have about this movie is the fact that it has the emphasis of taking care of our earth at the core.
I do not get it.
As Christians, we should be the chief “environmentalists,” though with a higher aim. God put Adam in the garden for a purpose. The purpose is blatantly recorded in Genesis 2: 15
“Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.” -emphasis mine
Adam’s job in the garden was to care for it, to have dominion over the animals and to subdue and fill the earth. It was not a cause that Adam decided to take up to make himself feel good. It was something God commanded, even in a perfect world. God had made the earth and He expected it to be taken care of.
Yet for some reason, those without Christ have taken up the care of the earth, though with an admittedly pagan purpose. And Christians have decried any type of caring for God’s creation as “liberal.” This is shameful and sad. We should be the ones pushing wise use of the resources God has given us. We should be the ones supporting organic farming. We should be the ones recycling and reusing what we already have. It is a Godly concept, not a man-made, “liberal” idea.
Wall-E may not have been intended to remind Christians of how God wants us to take care of His earth. Yet, the warnings in the movie are poignant and should be recognized for the inherent truth: if we do not take care of God’s creation and tend it as God commanded, we should not be surprised when we are sick from pesticides in our food. We should not be surprised when our land is contaminated by toxic chemicals due to irresponsibility by those who use them. We should not be surprised by landfills that keep filling up with items that could have been re-purposed.
None of that should come as a surprise.
I urge Christians, but especially mothers, to make sure you are using up what God has given your family to the best of your ability. Re-purposing and recycling and re-using is not quaint and does not make you a hippie. You do not have to start wearing Birkenstocks or growing your hair to the ground. You do have to obey God’s commands.
“Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”" -Genesis 1:28
photo courtesy of:
It is always a big deal when something fun arrives on our doorstep. The package from Maverick Books promised lots of good times. Included was: The Case of the One-Eyed Killer Stud Horse ($4.24), Tornado game ($12.99), and Hank’s Tales and Tunes CD ($3.00). For the kids, it was like Christmas.
We broke out the game first. Made for 2-4 players, aged 5 and up, it comes in a compact case that would make bringing it along on a road trip very easy. It comes with a lot of small pieces but they stay very well in their case and that is a huge plus in this mom’s book. The game itself is pretty self-explanatory (though directions are included) and so after little prep work, I sat down with my 6- and 4-year-old daughters and 2-year-old son.
My son is not old enough to really get anything out of board games. After a couple of minutes, he left with his player pieces and sat by the window and enjoyed watching the buzzard piece chase the dogs. My daughters quickly learned the rules of the game, however, and played the game with much gusto. And noise. Lots of noise. I bet my children are not the only ones to add cute little voices to game pieces.
We loved this game. It was quick to play, easy to understand, and a lot of fun. It has earned a home on my game shelf.
One nap time saw my oldest daughter and I snuggled on the couch, reading aloud The Case of the One-Eyed Killer Stud Horse. The title in of itself makes the book fun to read before you begin. My daughter got a kick out of the lingo and just plain silliness. Mr. Erickson definitely knows how to draw in his audience! We chose to not continue after the first chapter in the book due to some name calling that the main character seems to see the need to use on his poor sidekick. Our family is training our children not to do that. However, when the children are older, we may pick this back up in a few years.
Lastly, we popped in the CD and listened for a little while. Ugh. I did not care for it in the least. I can only stand so much silliness and I could not see how my children would receive any “moral fiber” by listening to it. Again, name calling was brought into the song and it really irked me. I don’t find that kind of talking funny.
Over all, while the game was quite enjoyable, I honestly do not understand the love these products get from the homeschooling community. I am glad that we got to review the product even if it is not a right fit for our home.
As always, I encourage you to visit the website and learn more!
See you next time for another review!
It has only been a few weeks that I have been home from BlogHer ’09 in Chicago. One huge observation I came away with had to do with marketing. Bloggers were wooed from morning till late night by companies who knew how powerful word of mouth is. Most companies have realized that showing face at a conference of that level is strictly smart business. Yet it seems that some of the giants in the retail industry are still in the dark ages. And while it may not be hurting their pockets any, they are missing out on the voices of many of their shoppers. I am talking mainly about Walmart and Target not showing any presence in one of the most popular social media sites: Twitter.
As a Twitter user, I have noticed a trend in how companies have re-shaped their customer service. Not only will you find phone numbers and email address on contact pages of many businesses, but you will also be able to follow them on Twitter. I have seen customer service issues dealt with and resolved because companies are reaching out directly to their consumers via something as simple as tweets. No middle man or automated phone call needed.
Of course, what better way is there to learn what people really want than to watch in real time what they are saying? You see people spill their guts in 140 characters or less and you learn a lot about who you are trying to sell your products to. Think of it as a really insightful and free case study.
All The Cool Kids Are Doing It.
A few major companies who are developing a great online Twitter presence:
The list goes on and on.
And people love being able to connect to the companies they buy from like this. Time and time again, we have gotten more response from a company via Twitter than through the usual means of resolving matters. Says one commenter on a post speaking on major companies using Twitter:
The Question Is. . .
So. Where are Walmart and Target? Do they care what the real people think? Are they going to attempt to make a change towards reaching their customers, both current and potential, on a face-to-face level?
Or are we merely faces on a bottom line?
Do you see that picture? Yeah? That picture shows my 6-year-old cutting up potatoes for dinner one afternoon. Hopefully you have read the first part of this series, otherwise you may have no idea why I put up a photo like that.
- And yes. I know the picture above is terrible. I take awful photos. There. I said it. If you would like to teach me how to take good photos, I will pay you in cookies. -
When planning out this post my thought process was to list what my own children do and their ages. This is not intended to be a show-off piece. My children are not perfect and neither is their mother. Rather, let this be a sort of jumping off point in creatively re-thinking what your children are capable of. I still surprise myself daily by realizations that my children are able to do more.
The following is a listing of housework that my 6-year-old daughter has been trained to do. My four-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son are also being trained to do most of the items on this list. I know I am forgetting some things so I may add to this as time goes on.
I know that I am not the only one to train my little ones to be productive members of the family. I would love to hear in the comments section what you have taught your young child to do that is not part of my list. The next installment of this series will include practical tips on training children to learn how to help out around the home. Stay tuned!
