Giveaway Winner!!!

We have a winner!!! Congratualtions are in order for entrant number 10, Karen! She is our Spelling Software giveaway winner!! I know that this will be a program that you will enjoy Karen!

I would like to thank all of those who entered my very first giveaway! I really wish that you all could win but alas I believe Mr. Hite would like to make some money with his program!! This was a lot of fun and I hope to be able to hold more giveaways in the future!

But don't forget about the SpellQuizzer software! It really is great and would make a great addition to your upcoming school year!! Check it out here!!

Please continue to stop by my website and see how we are lovin' learnin'!

Thank you all again and congrats Karen!!

Lovin' Learnin'

The Clarksons

Clay and Sally Clarkson are veteran homeschoolers of 4 children. Three are grown and 1 is still at home. The Clarksons are an amazing family who God has used to touch many hearts and homeschools. Mrs. Clarkson has written quite a few books for mothers that are wonderful! They are having a giveaway on their blog. Go on over and read about their family, enter their blog and prepare to be blessed!

Lovin' Learnin'

Spellquizzer Review and Giveaway

Spelling has been sort of the thorn in my side, if you will, this year. We have tried a few different things, taken a few different approaches yet Biggest still struggles with spelling. Maybe it's normal, maybe it's me I don't know. But what I do know is that I am always open to try something new that might help!

Not long ago I was asked to review a spelling program entitled SpellQuizzer. I had never heard of the program before so prior to agreeing I did some research. What I found got me pretty excited.

While at the SpellQuizzer website I watched the demo videos and became interested in this testing program. It seemed so basic to manuver and was very clearly explained.

The Software

So what exactly is "SpellQuizzer"?

SpellQuizzer is a spelling software created by a man by the name of Daniel Hite. He has been a software developer since the mid-90's. He later would develop and market Auction Sentry, the popular ebay user utility.

"SpellQuizzer is a program created to help with the testing of spelling words. Using SpellQuizzer you can enter the child's weekly spelling list and make audio recordings of the words in the list. The software then quizzes the child, playing each word back to him one at a time, checking his spelling as he types in the words. SpellQuizzer corrects him when he types in a word incorrectly, and re-quizzes him on any words he missed once the first pass is completed. Just set up the child's list on Monday, and have him spend no more than five to ten minutes a day letting SpellQuizzer quiz him. By the end of the week he will be ready for his Friday spelling test." Sounds simple enough huh?!

My experience

After downloading the software to my computer I was very easily able to begin entering the list of words and making the audio recordings. This was so easy because the demo videos on the website are very clearly done and because this software is not one of those that require you to sit down and read a little booklet before you even begin using it! It is made for the computer whizzes and the computer illiterates!!

I have to tell you that I really had so much fun making up my own crazy sentences for Biggest to use! This was a great way to personalize her list for her and to make her laugh because of the silliness of some of them. And since I was creating the sentences I was not worried that she was going to come across somthing that did not want her to!!
I used a headset to record the sentences and even though the children were watching a video with Mr. Mac in the same room no background noise was recorded! GREAT!!
So did this program work?! Well she aced her test...and she laughed at my sentences!!
The only thing that stood out to me about this program is that for the little ones who've never used a keyboard "hunting and pecking" at the keys might possibly frustrate them. I just stayed close by and helped Biggest when she needed to find a letter. I imagine that with frequent use she will begin to memorize where the letters are placed. You could also have your child dictate the words as you type them out.
A great perk is that this software is designed to be used with any spelling program. It can also be used for non-homeschooling and homeschooling families alike. Mr. Hite has even created a page specifically for homeschoolers here.
More great things to know about this software:
1. SpellQuizzer's built-in spellchecker recognizes both US and UK English spellings. The spellchecker warns the user when creating a spelling list if they enter a word that appears to be spelled incorrectly. Because of this safeguard it's reasonably safe to let children create their own spelling lists guided by the curriculum they are working on.
2. There are several free downloadable spelling lists for SpellQuizzer on the website here. These lists include pre-made sound recordings.

3. Users can easily export and import SpellQuizzer spelling lists to share with other SpellQuizzer users. This makes it easy for members of homeschool groups to share their lists rather than everyone having to record their lists individually.

4. If a user doesn't have a PC microphone they can usually be purchased at any department store's electronics department for under $10.

5. YOU are in control of what your child is hearing! You don't have to depend on someone else's sentences. This can be as personalized for each child as you want it to be!

6. There is a 60 day risk-free trial!!

7. The system requirements: Runs on any PC using the Windows operating system (Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2000, ME or 98). If you have a Windows PC that is 10 years old or less SpellQuizzer will run on it with no difficulty.

And now for the fun part!!!

Mr. Hite has so graciously allowed me to give away his SpellQuizzer software to one of my readers!! Ooohhh don't you just love that word?! Give away?!!! Here's what you have to do:

1. Post a comment to this post and leave a way to contact you in case you are the winner.

2. Go to the SpellQuizzer website, check it out, come back here and tell me what interests you most about this software.

3. Spread the news to anyone else who can benefit from this software!! Make sure that you let me know if you've posted this on your blog, facebook, twitter, emailed etc. Please leave a new comment for each entry.

Giveaway ends 04/29/10 at 11:59pm. Winner will be notified via email. Winner is responsible for responding by 05/03/10 or a new winner will be picked. Winners will be chosen via Random.org.

Lovin' Learnin'

Freebie!!!!

Here's another great freebie for you!!! Enjoy!!

Short & Sweet: Short Stories with a Message (Volume 2) - A great collection of short short read-aloud stories by Katherine Loop of Christian Perspective. These short stories both entertain and challenge. Each story is written as a mini allegory and illustrates a spiritual truth in a memorable way that you and your child will not forget. Normally sold for $2.99 on their website, but free today only here at HomeschoolFreebieOfTheDay!



Lovin' Learnin'

Smart little girl!

At least I think she's smart! I was walking into the kitchen yesterday and saw that she had climbed in to her highchair. (See previous post for a video). She was standing up pointing to Biggest's spelling list and trying to "say the words" is what I thought. I decided to help her out by saying the words to see if she would repeat them...I think that she did! Listen here!!!

Smart little girl!

At least I think she's smart! I was walking into the kitchen yesterday and saw that she had climbed in to her highchair. (See previous post for a video). She was standing up pointing to Biggest's spelling list and trying to "say the words" is what I thought. I decided to help her out by saying the words to see if she would repeat them...I think that she did! Listen here!!!

Our Little Monkey

Littlest may be the youngest but she sure doesn't seem to want to be left behind!! Here are a couple of videos that show her skills!!!

Our Little Monkey

Littlest may be the youngest but she sure doesn't seem to want to be left behind!! Here are a couple of videos that show her skills!!!

Reading practice

Since we have no family around here no one ever gets an opportunity to hear the girls read...or do much of anything for that matter. I have decided to TRY and I mean T-R-Y to be better at posting videos of them during "school time" so that you all can have more glimpse of how much these kiddos are growing up...and it's happening fast! Big Sis just lost her second tooth of the week, third total today!! Here are the girls reading a small portion of their books for you. Now, we are a full fledge homeschooling with little ones family! You will hear noise in the background. I am apologizing now for it but that is just how things are around here!! Enjoy!!

Lovin' Learnin'

Ruby Slippers School Update

We have had a very long but productively good week! Here is a peek into what our little ones are doing here at Ruby Slippers.

Spelling

We had taken a break from spelling for while because, well I'm not totally sure why but we just kinda stopped doing it. I think it was way back when things got pretty busy...don't ask me to be specific cause things always seem to get busy around here but I do know that it was during one of those occasions that we stopped it. Anyway, we picked back up but this time we jumped into the list that is included in our Beyond manual. Here is a peek at Biggest's spelling list. She also did some word building on a flannel board set that I picked up at a local homeschool used book sale last week. I got it and 2 sets each of letters and numbers for $5!!! What a steal!!! She also did a physical activity with Brother one day to review her words. And she made sure to let me know in no uncertain terms that next time I should have Big Sis help her with that little catching game because Brother was just no good at it! Poor little fella! Today she took her test using a new spelling program that I am trying out called SpellQuizzer. (More on that program in an upcoming blog! You'll love it!) She aced the test!!

Copywork

We do copywork with Bigger on a regular basis. I use it to try and get her to pay attention to captials, puncuation and penmanship. This is a sample of something she did this week. What she copies changes daily but this one is from Monday which is Bible copywork. I wrote the verse first and then she copied it underneath. She is showing much improvement with her penmanship!

Big Sis doesn't do copywork in quite the same way yet. She does plenty of writing on her own so she really isn't behind I just don't require it for "school work" quite yet. I have learned from experience that being more relaxed in the early years is much more beneficial!! That also is a topic for another post! Right now I am having Big Sis work on individual letters. She has a tendency to start all of her letters from the bottom so I am trying to work on that! One of the letters we worked on this week was the letter 'M'. I have her first produce a few nicely done letters then she writes a big one and then turns it into some kind of a picture. You can see from the drawing what she chose for 'M'. (Okay so I'll tell you that it's a mountain!) I love her little drawings!

Math

We are using Rightstart Math here at Ruby Slippers and I love it! Read some reviews here. It took some getting use to at first just because it is so different from the traditional math that we use in our country but after some time of adjustment and understanding of the method and goal of the program I fell in love! We have been working hard this week on adding 2-digit numbers with sums over 100. Honestly Biggest struggled with this quite a bit. I decided that it was better to park ourselves here for a little while so that I could be sure that she was completely understanding this before we moved on. I finally got on the Yahoo message board for RS tonight to ask about this particular concept and do you know what I found out?! I had been teaching her the method all wrong!! I was confusing her with what I thought was the easy way! Now that I understand how the manual was telling me to teach I think that things will go much smoother tomorrow! This is a sample of her work from Monday. Yes, she got 4 wrong but Lord willing we will take care of all of that tomorrow!!

Reading

Our favorite time during the day at Ruby Slippers is when we have our read aloud time! Whether it's me reading to the kids or them to me it's always enjoyable! Currently Biggest is reading a book entitled The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleishman. Because she is above the reading level of what is called for in our Beyond guide I am having her read the books that are listed in the Beautiful Feet Teaching Character Through Literature guide.

The book is about a Prince who never suffers the consequences of his actions because there was a law against whipping a Prince. So, as he endulges in every rotten temptation that comes his way, a young boy named Jemmy is the one so suffers the consequences. He is called the whipping boy. Amazingly this little guy takes the punishments without so much as a whimper. It really reminded me of what the Lord endured for my sake and without so much as a word He bore it as well. Biggest is enjoying this book quite a bit. Biggest's picture is about the opening scene of the Whipping Boy. I also had her dictate to me what the picture was about.

Big Sis is currently reading Christian Liberty Press' Nature Reader Book 1. She loves this book! She is a nature lover by heart so this is right up her alley!! She has read about Paper Wasps, Mud Wasps and Spiders. She came in the house the other day a caually stated, "We saw mud wasps outside Mom." (I didn't even know that there were two different kinds!!) Oh the things reading teaches you!! She too drew a picture and dictated to me what her picture was about.

History

The children love the history from Beyond so much that we were actually ahead so we didn't have much to do this week. We did read about how different the Pilgrim's Sabbath days were from ours. The girls were amazed at how little they actually were allowed to do. Tomorrow we will do a notebook page and I will post that if I get time!

We did a lot of outside work this week that has been wonderful true life science learning! I will post about this a little later! I am beat!

I love to homeschool!!!!!

Lovin' Learnin'

Homeschool Freebie of the Day

Another great freebie!!! This one looks pretty great although don't quote me on that as I haven't taken a very detailed look at it yet.

Learn the States & Postal Abbreviations (PDF ebook) – This nifty 29-page e-book by Joy Miller of fiveJs.com includes everything you need to teach your children the states and postal abbreviations — lesson plans, worksheets, flashcards, printable maps, and more. Written to be used with children of any age, this e-book will equip your children with information much more useful than learning just the states and capitals. A great teaching resource for your young learners!

Just go here and click on the appropriate link to get your free copy!
Lovin' Learnin'

A glimpse at my grumpy Littlest!

So she's not been feeling well the last couple of days. Mainly runny nose and a bit fussy. You'll see in this short video. But even through all that she is still so cute!!! Pray that she feels better today! I am going to a used homeschool book sale and would love to have some happy babies to take along with me!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

A glimpse at my grumpy Littlest!

So she's not been feeling well the last couple of days. Mainly runny nose and a bit fussy. You'll see in this short video. But even through all that she is still so cute!!! Pray that she feels better today! I am going to a used homeschool book sale and would love to have some happy babies to take along with me!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside my window...I am watching Mr. Mac swim in our little pool with the children.

I am thinking...what a wonderful hubby and great daddy he is! I love him!

I am thankful for...our sweet Saviour...and chocolate and caramel~

From the learning rooms...we have had a crazy last couple of weeks so there has not been much "learning" going on!! I need to get with it!

From the kitchen...nothing cooking but there's chocolate in the fridge!

I am wearing...an aqua blue shirt with a jean skirt and white socks.

I am creating...nothing, it's been to crazy lately! But the girls want me to make them some prarie dresses and bonnets.

I am going...to go get some of that chocolate!

I am reading...just got done reading some scripture. 2 Cor. 4:7 and 6:4-10.

I am hoping...that Littlest feels better when she wakes up.

I am hearing...birds singing and children talking to their daddy!

Around the house...3 loads of laundry to fold...ugh!

One of my favorite things...talking to Mr. Mac about our family.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Get back into school and go to a homeschool book sale tomorrow.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...hope she feels better!!

Check out more Simple Woman's Daybooks here.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside my window...I am watching Mr. Mac swim in our little pool with the children.

I am thinking...what a wonderful hubby and great daddy he is! I love him!

I am thankful for...our sweet Saviour...and chocolate and caramel~

From the learning rooms...we have had a crazy last couple of weeks so there has not been much "learning" going on!! I need to get with it!

From the kitchen...nothing cooking but there's chocolate in the fridge!

I am wearing...an aqua blue shirt with a jean skirt and white socks.

I am creating...nothing, it's been to crazy lately! But the girls want me to make them some prarie dresses and bonnets.

I am going...to go get some of that chocolate!

I am reading...just got done reading some scripture. 2 Cor. 4:7 and 6:4-10.

I am hoping...that Littlest feels better when she wakes up.

I am hearing...birds singing and children talking to their daddy!

Around the house...3 loads of laundry to fold...ugh!

One of my favorite things...talking to Mr. Mac about our family.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Get back into school and go to a homeschool book sale tomorrow.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...hope she feels better!!

Check out more Simple Woman's Daybooks here.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Giveaway Contest

Jolanthe at Homeschool Creations has a great giveaway underway right now! She is giving away a copy of the All About Reading book What Am I? A Collection of Short Stories coordinates with the first 14 lessons of the Level 2 spelling program, but you do not need to use the All About Spelling program to use the books. It is a hardcover collection of ten short stories for beginning readers, each with beautiful illustrations, similar to the first reader that All About Reading released last fall.

I have recently been looking into the All About Spelling program for our own kiddos so this looks like something that might be interesting as well!!!

Take some time to hop on over to her blog and enter the contest! Maybe even subscribe to her blog as she is always giving aways some awesome homeschool items!!


Lovin' Learnin'

"Mommy can I get this one?" "Um, no, it's twaddle." "What's twaddle Mommy?" After a few seconds of hurried thought Mom quickly says, "It's junk food for your mind...now here, try this one. This one looks good!" "Well, okay Mommy but I kinda liked the other one."


That conversation has happened to me more times than I can remember while standing in the middle of our public library. Since I began studying the Charlotte Mason approach to homeschooling a year and a half ago I have read about "twaddle" type books quite a bit. Although I finally caught the gist of what Ms. Mason meant I had yet to find an article that could make the term "twaddle" crystal clear. I would, in my own feeble way, try to explain to my children what I thought twaddle to be but have never really felt like I truly understood it myself. My children have always responded graciously and accepted my "less twaddly" suggestions but deep down inside I always felt guilty for trying to push on them a term that I had not really grasped myself.



I believe part of why they gave in is because the Lord has always known that I truly desire to expose them to the absolute best that I can find. Whether it be literature or music, activities or food, He knows that I am trying my best to do the best for them-not the most EXPENSIVE just the BEST! There is a big difference between the two but I'll save that for another post! The other reason they have always given in to my suggestion, I believe, is just because they are truly good kids...and again the glory is the Lord's! But anyway, I believe that my days of uncertainty are over because...



...I just came across an article written by Deborah Taylor-Hough at this website that I believe really drives home the definition of twaddle. So if you have been looking into Ms. Mason's approach and have been wondering what books qualify as twaddle, read on!

Since we're currently in the midst of the December holidays, I chatted at length with Catherine Levison (author of "A Charlotte Mason Education" and "More Charlotte Mason Education") and came up with ways to apply the concept of avoiding "twaddle" (or what we might call "dumbed down" literature or activities) in our holiday celebrations, family times and Christmas reading materials.

Defining Twaddle in Literature

First, let's look at the synonyms of twaddle which include: babble, drivel and silly. Ordinarily twaddle refers to literature written down to children. Books written specifically to children are not avoided. A good example would be any of Beatrix Potter's works -- she wrote to children but not down to them. Or the original A.A. Milne "Winnie-the-Pooh" books are another good example of twaddle-free just-for-fun reading material.

Regarding children's literature, look for interesting content and well constructed sentences clothed in literary language. The imagination should be warmed and the book should hold the interest of the child. Life's too short to spend time with books that bore us.

If our children have only been exposed to junk food, they may resist trying nutritious food. If they've been raised on twaddle, they may need to be weaned slowly off of this mental junk food. Ideally, if they were not exposed to twaddly books in the first place, all involved would be way ahead of the game.

It's our opinion that dumbed-down literature is easy to spot. When you're standing in the library and pick up modern-day, elementary-level books, you're apt to see short sentences with very little effort applied to artistically constructing them to please the mind. Almost anyone can write -- but not everyone is gifted in this field. Gifted authors bring images alive with their choice of words. Gifted authors often write classic literature, and classics are an excellent way to spend one's reading time.

Twaddle is easy to come by; the planet is filled with it. People coped with it in previous centuries, and we must cope with it in ours. If anything, literature has deteriorated even further. The best way to handle this excessive quantity of bad books is to stand firm and only spend our money on the best -- even at holiday time.

But what about friends and relatives who unknowingly supply our children with twaddle at gift-giving times?

Try talking to those who are apt to buy gifts for your children and tell them about the direction you're heading with reading material. Some people pick up on things easier than others, therefore, for some folks a simple explanation of the type of literature you want purchased as gifts is all they'll need. If you've started to collect any particular set of children's classics currently in bookstores or catalogues, you could provide Grandma with a list of titles you'd like. Be specific, and offer to help her with the ordering or perhaps even drive her to your favorite bookstore.

Twaddle-Free Holidays

How else can we apply the concept of twaddle to the holiday season as a whole?

Well, I firmly believe that twaddle is in the eye of the beholder. That means that some of the following ideas may appeal to you while others may not meet your expectations. Catherine and I put our heads together and came up with the following ideas -- some of which were shared with us over the years by other people. As always, take what you like and ignore what you don't.

During the holidays, I frequently discover a large number of low-cost entertainment options by reading the "What's Happening" section of our local newspaper. For example, this week I found a listing for a singing group performing traditional Celtic holiday carols at a local church for just a small donation. Many churches and community groups put on low-cost (or free) live performances during the holidays.

Rather than taking the family to a newly released holiday movie, consider spending a few extra dollars and attend a ballet or classical concert instead. Many times attending a concert by a local symphony performing familiar Christmas songs is a very child-friendly introduction to symphonic music for children who haven't previously experienced that type of music. Also, many churches offer sing-a-longs of Handel's Messiah that are open to the general public.

As we all know, holiday music is drastically varied. Perhaps some attention to playing classical music around the house -- while avoiding animated cartoon characters screeching their holiday favorites -- would be more soothing.

Many families, including both Catherine's and mine, buy one new Christmas book a year and have their collection on display. Catherine's favorite is called The Christmas Story featuring the paintings of Gennady Spirin. It's breathtakingly beautiful and priced accordingly -- however Catherine insists it's worth every penny. This is one way to include masterpiece artwork into this season of the year.

It's also time to buy next year's calendar. If you haven't thought of it before, hold out until you find one featuring fine art rather than kittens, horses or cars. Along with being a practical item, the calendars often provide excellent prints to use for art appreciation throughout the year.

While grown children and other relatives visit, provide some old-fashioned fun that can be enjoyed by young and old alike. Charades, sing-a-longs, board games and caroling are easy, affordable and fun. Catherine's family collects Christmas jigsaw puzzles -- which may appear to be a bit twaddly at first glance -- but they truly enjoy spending time together which makes it more than an aimless pursuit. You could also choose puzzles depicting masterpieces or popular works of art.

Many families are constructing their own advent calendars from wood and incorporating photographs and other touches. If everyone participated in a project of this sort, then they can all look forward to getting it out each December.

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Well, if the snow doesn't come to you then go to the snow. Some folks make an annual trek to the mountains during December in order to be assured of some contact with winter weather.

Obviously, there are countless good ideas that help families enjoy each other. Catherine and I send our absolute best to you this holiday season and may each of you be truly happy.

Deborah Taylor-Hough (free-lance writer and mother of three) is the author of several popular books including an official "Dummies" book on frugal living, and Frozen Assets: How to Cook for a Day and Eat for a Month. To subscribe to her free email newsletter, Simple Times, send an email to: subscribe-simple-times@hub.thedollarstretcher.com Visit Debi online and read more articles dealing with simple living, frugality, parenting and much more: http://thesimplemom.wordpress.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deborah_Taylor-Hough

Although I am fully aware that I still have some cleaning out of the bookshelves to do all I have to say is "Bring on the questions kids, bring on the questions!!"

Lovin' Learnin'

A great giveaway!!!

Another contest!! Boy the bloggin world is busy!!! Today is the last day for it however so hurry up and scoot on over to this site to enter to win some fabulous prizes!! While you are there check out some of the other stuff on the site! Much encouragement for ur Moms trying to be the Mother God desires for us to be!!

Hurry, go on over to this site now!!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

A great giveaway!!!

Another contest!! Boy the bloggin world is busy!!! Today is the last day for it however so hurry up and scoot on over to this site to enter to win some fabulous prizes!! While you are there check out some of the other stuff on the site! Much encouragement for ur Moms trying to be the Mother God desires for us to be!!

Hurry, go on over to this site now!!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

A great giveaway!!!

Another contest!! Boy the bloggin world is busy!!! Today is the last day for it however so hurry up and scoot on over to this site to enter to win some fabulous prizes!! While you are there check out some of the other stuff on the site! Much encouragement for ur Moms trying to be the Mother God desires for us to be!!

Hurry, go on over to this site now!!!


Lovin' Learnin'

Another great offer!!!

Blog Party Birthday Bash giveaways



Penny Raine is offering a 25% off coupon good on everything in her store and will be having some great giveaways starting next week. Subscribe to her blog so that you can keep up with the lastest!!

Lovin' Learnin'



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The Language of Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

I received a complimentary copy of The Language of Love and Respect from Thomas Nelson for review quite a few months back and it has taken me FOREVER to get through this book!! It started out quite well with Mr. Mac and I reading it together at night but then things got busy! I decided to go ahead and read some on my own but it just couldn't hold my attention and at times I thought it was repeating itself. Over all I give this book a "B" because although at times hard to follow, it really does offer a lot of great advice!

I thought that I wouldn't get anything out of this book because I do have a good marriage, but we all know marriage in general isn't always bliss. For me it helped explain communication which at times is a hindrance in my marriage - proper communication is key. No matter how great your marriage is I feel you will get something out of this book (just skim through the parts that repeat itself).
I wish someone would have given it to me as a newly wed. It would have saved me a lot of trial and error, especially early in my marriage.

One of my favorite parts is when Mr. Eggerichs talks about the Energizing Cycle. (There are a lot of "cycles" that he says couples go through so I won't even bother to list any but this one). During this cycle couples are practicing the Love and Respect Principles. To show their love husbands live out the acronym C-O-U-P-L-E; closeness, openess, understanding, peacemaking, loyalty and esteem. The wife shows her respect living out the acronym C-H-A-I-R-S; conquest, heirarchy, authority, insight, relationship and sexuality.

These two principles really make so much sense and seem to be right on target in relation to what men and women really need from their spouse. Really quite an informative book!

Thanks for stopping by!!

The Language of Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

I received a complimentary copy of The Language of Love and Respect from Thomas Nelson for review quite a few months back and it has taken me FOREVER to get through this book!! It started out quite well with Mr. Mac and I reading it together at night but then things got busy! I decided to go ahead and read some on my own but it just couldn't hold my attention and at times I thought it was repeating itself. Over all I give this book a "B" because although at times hard to follow, it really does offer a lot of great advice!

I thought that I wouldn't get anything out of this book because I do have a good marriage, but we all know marriage in general isn't always bliss. For me it helped explain communication which at times is a hindrance in my marriage - proper communication is key. No matter how great your marriage is I feel you will get something out of this book (just skim through the parts that repeat itself).
I wish someone would have given it to me as a newly wed. It would have saved me a lot of trial and error, especially early in my marriage.

One of my favorite parts is when Mr. Eggerichs talks about the Energizing Cycle. (There are a lot of "cycles" that he says couples go through so I won't even bother to list any but this one). During this cycle couples are practicing the Love and Respect Principles. To show their love husbands live out the acronym C-O-U-P-L-E; closeness, openess, understanding, peacemaking, loyalty and esteem. The wife shows her respect living out the acronym C-H-A-I-R-S; conquest, heirarchy, authority, insight, relationship and sexuality.

These two principles really make so much sense and seem to be right on target in relation to what men and women really need from their spouse. Really quite an informative book!

Lovin' Learnin'

A reminder for all parents!

A Prayer for New Parents
by James Keller

O Lord, give us the wisdom ---
To deal with our children as You would,
To see in each of them Your Holy Image,
To develop in them a Christ-like love of all men, not only a select few,
To teach them to be go-givers rather than go-getters.
Oh God, in training these dear ones whom
Thou hast entrusted to our charge, help us ---
To encourage rather than discourage them,
To discipline with kindness not softness,
To guide them intelligently, not blindly,
To coach, not scold; to nudge, not nag.
Dear Lord, above all, help us ---
To use common sense in regard to their future,
To let them go gladly when the time comes,
To let them lead their own lives while following them with our love,
To pray always that they will be close to Thee,
not only for the few years of this life
but for the endless years of eternity.

Thanks for stopping by!!
McMama

A reminder for all parents!

A Prayer for New Parents
by James Keller

O Lord, give us the wisdom ---
To deal with our children as You would,
To see in each of them Your Holy Image,
To develop in them a Christ-like love of all men, not only a select few,
To teach them to be go-givers rather than go-getters.
Oh God, in training these dear ones whom
Thou hast entrusted to our charge, help us ---
To encourage rather than discourage them,
To discipline with kindness not softness,
To guide them intelligently, not blindly,
To coach, not scold; to nudge, not nag.
Dear Lord, above all, help us ---
To use common sense in regard to their future,
To let them go gladly when the time comes,
To let them lead their own lives while following them with our love,
To pray always that they will be close to Thee,
not only for the few years of this life
but for the endless years of eternity.

Thanks for stopping by!!
McMama

Free Homeschool Planner

Found this for you all!! Hope you can use it!

Homeschool Scheduling with a Difference
Home >> Homeschool Scheduling >> Homeschool Planner
So, you have read everything you can about planning a homeschool schedule.
You have tried some planners - but they take too long and don't seem to work for you.

What now?

Planned Spontaneity helps you do just that - plan for spontaneity in your homeschool.

It is a homeschooling planner e-book with a difference - my approach is very simple, yet very effective.

If you feel like you have tried everything to make your homeschooling sessions fun and creative, then this is the planner for you. And best of all it's free!

It is time to try a planner with a difference.

Lovin' Learnin'