The Hiltons of Branson Help You Spring Into Savings With An Affordable Family Get Away

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Spring has finally sprung, and it's a great time to getaway!  The Hiltons of Branson make for a great escape with a midwest hospitality welcome for your entire family.  During your visit, You can choose from two Hilton hotels including The Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel and The Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing Hotel.  Both hotels are conveniently located and within driving distance to some of the most popular Branson attractions such as golf courses, entertainment theaters, museums and more and both hotels offer pet-friendly accommodations.  The Hiltons of Branson wants to help make your next trip to Branson memorable and entertaining while keeping some money in your wallet.

Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel  is connected to the Branson Convention Center.  The center is in the heart of Historic Downtown Branson which is adjacent to the Branson Landing.  The Branson Landing is a waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment district where you can shop over 100 specialty stores.  The Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel offers fantastic views from select guest rooms, suites and condos within a 12-story glass tower.  The hotel offers a spectacular outdoor pool.  The Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel offers great family specials!

Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing is located on Lake Taneycomo and within the spectacular Branson Landing.  The Promenade is a full-service Branson hotel with an indoor pool.  Located across from the Branson Convention Center, the hotel offers great family and business packages.  Their rooms are spacious.  And, you can choose from suites and condos.

While both of The Hiltons of Branson and Branson Landing provide enough to keep a family entertained for several days, Silver Dollar City is a must-see when visiting Branson with the family.  The theme park features talented crafters, restaurants, rides, shops and more.  And, the Hiltons of Branson offers packages that make it affordable.  They are currently offering a package that includes two adult tickets plus two children's tickets for two full days of Silver Dollar City fun.  In addition to admission to the park, this package includes a $25 food and beverage voucher for Level 2 Steakhouse which is located within the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel.  Ask for this package when you book your reservation as they are jam-packed with fun-filled savings starting at $455.00 plus tax making this a perfect spring-time vacation for the entire family.

Spend the day at Silver Dollar City and your evenings at one of the 49 entertainment theaters Branson has to offer.  Take a couple hours in an afternoon to walk and shop along Branson Landing.  Be sure to take in the beautiful boardwalk journey along the lake.  Or, take a Branson Landing cruise or ride the Ducks.  The Ducks are amphibian vehicles that can drive through the historic streets of Branson and then float on Lake Taneycomo for a family-fun cruise that lasts 60 minutes.

Branson is your family-friendly affordable destination for a few days, a weekend or an entire week of getting away.  Get ready to book your trip today through The Hiltons of Branson.

Frustrated As I Try To Step Inside Hans Christian Andersen Thumbelina

When I was a child, I had a book about Thumbelina. Perhaps this story was charming to other children, but I couldn't get past the cover this particular publisher chose to display the story. On the cover it had a rectangle placed in the center of a flower stem. The rectangle was made up of a picture of Thumbelina with a clear plastic overlay. The overlay had ridges making the Thumelina picture appear to be 3D. As a child, this made me crazy as it looked as though you could truly step inside the rectangle to share with Thumbelina. I attempted in my childlike, wreckless manner, to get inside that picture. I kept tryiing until the entire plastic ridged square was scratched beyond recognition and almost detached entirely from the front cover.

Perhaps, as a child, I knew something that gets lost in growing up. I wanted to literally climb inside that story.

The other day, I was on email or conducting a search or some sort of online activity, and came across the term, "international Children's Book Day!" I wondered, what is this? I was not aware there was an International day for this. Though, I was aware there was a National Children's Book Week. So, I began my search.

I discovered, that it is in honor of the fairy tale writer, Hans Christian Andersen. The author wrote many stories that I just have taken for granted as being childhood stories that I imagine I must have thought just poofed out of the air because I never really stopped to consider who wrote them - Or, at least who wrote the original story.

Here's some great links to find out more about Hans Christian Anderson:

10 Facts Your Child Should Know About Hans Christian Anderson

A Free Download of The Ugly Duckling

Ebay Auction For Clean Water

After multiple miscarriages, God graciously granted me a beautiful and healthy baby girl.  During my pregnancy, my prayer was that my dry, barren womb would be a well-spring of life....That from my desert, there would be living water.  God heard my prayer.  My daughter's name, in fact, means "I am the Lord who answers!"

Knowing that God gives only good gifts, but not for us to contain and hide away, I wanted to give back.  My obvious choice was to select a mission who provides clean water to those who need it.  Whether it's from a disaster such as Hurricane Katrina or the Japan Tsunami, or from daily unclean water, I sought to provide clean water to those in a dry, thirsty, barren land.

I began to give back half of all my Ebay earnings to Samaritan's Purse Clean Water Mission.  But, as life would take its turns, this past year has brought me to a point of needing to use that money to pay down personal/family debt.  This was a decision filled with struggle as I believe in giving, but the Bible also instructs us to take care of our family as a priority.  In addition to this struggle, Ebay has rules.  Their rules state that sellers cannot promote auctions for charity unless they are sponsored through an organization called Mission Fish.  Wanting to follow Ebay's rules and still wanting to give in the meantime, I have set up an occasional auction where half of the proceeds go to Samaritan's Purse.  As my debt goes down, I hope to once again give back half off of every auction whether they are Mission Fish sponsored or just through my own giving.

Currently up for auction on Ebay through Mission Fish with half the proceeds going to Samaritan's Purse is this adorable doll.  He is a groom doll and would make a perfect gift for a bride to give her hubby, or for a ring bearer gift or just to have for his cuteness factor.  He is a good, large sized doll and is still inside original box.

You can read his full description here!

Know that when you purchase this auction, you are giving a well-spring of clean water to those in need.  Not only tangible, drinkable water, but spiritual water as well because Samaritan's Purse is a Christian organization of Franklin Graham (Billy Graham's son) who spreads the gospel of Christ.

Time With God For Fathers - A Book Review

Fathers, get your cup of coffee ready!  A book has arrived that is aimed at you.  Time With God For Fathers by Jack Countryman is a devotional book designed to fit in with the frantic work pace fathers tend to keep.  In plenty of time for Father's Day, this book would make a perfect gift.  Filled with 90 short devotions that include a brief scripture and a description of that scripture as it applies to life as a dad.  Fathers are rushed.  Fathers are burdened with the responsibility of providing for their family.  Fathers are tired.  Fathers don't typically have enough time to sit down and read anything of substance at length.  Until now!


I had the privilege of reviewing this book through a program called BookSneeze where they provided me with a copy of the book in return for an honest review.  I found the book to be overall exciting because our culture seems to provide very little in support of fathers.  Unlike your typical devotional that provides a snippet for every day of the year, this book provides 90 short devotions that can be read in as little as 5-10 minutes depending on how long you want to meditate on what was written.  By providing only 90 devotions, this makes it possible to read through each one 4 times a year, or to concentrate only on those that speak directly to your situation.  The book also provides a reference section at the end that includes scriptures for crisis situations and scriptures directed specifically for life experiences fathers may encounter such as God's example for fathers, God's promises for fathers, God's responsibility for fathers and when and how God answers the prayers of a father.

I was thrilled to find that the book contains actual scriptures as some devotions only express little stories to uplift.  This book takes the actual scripture and explains it in a way that pertains to fathers.  The quick reference scripture guides in the back provide a chance for personal reflection and further study when there is time.  This book is a wonderful tool in the hands of any father who cares to keep his walk with God pure in how he approaches raising his children. 

But, Our Dreams Don't Come True!

The innocence that comes out of the mouths of babes! We were watching Cinderella today. Truth be told, we actually watched Cinderella, Cinderella 2 and Cinderella 3 today. As we watched the fairy tale be told, the phrase came out of the mouth of one of the stars somewhere during the watching of Cinderella 2:

Dreams really do come true!

To this, my 4 year old, without even taking a breath of pause, announced loudly and proudly:

But, our dreams don't come true!

As we all laughed, she interrupted our laughter to explain that she meant, quite literally, that our sleepy-time dreams - or rather nightmares - don't really happen. Although, I knew what she meant, the statement made me think. You know, sometimes it does seem like our dreams never come true.
We're told as children that we can do whatever we dream. But, then life happens. Our elegant coaches turn back into pumpkins at midnight. If the happenings of day-to-day life don't completely deplete our balloon of dreams, we've got a shot at happiness. It made me realize that the only way we can come out as winners is by realizing the everyday blessings, even if they seem mediocre and nothing to write home about.  No need for a magic wand. Most of us are lucky to experience our 2 minutes of fame, as they say. Others don't even ever get a shot at so much as that. Yet, it's not always the ones in the spotlight who seemingly have it all who are realizing their dreams have come true. Our dreams come true in the boring substance of everyday life. Our dreams come true when we are able to put our feet on the ground each morning because God has safely kept us through the night and given us another morning of breath. Our dreams come true when we sit down to eat and realize we will not go hungry today. Our dreams come true when the cold rain is falling, and we have a warm bed and home to shelter us from the storms. Sound boring and mediocre? Am I simply satisfied with very little. Perhaps! Or, maybe I just haven't realized yet that:

Dreams really do come true.......But, our dreams don't come true!

...But,

I'm OK with thrift-store priced dresses, mice who aren't coachmen and pumpkins that serve the purpose to only be eaten and not ridden in with style! How about you?

Ken Ham From Answers In Genesis and Creation Museum Kicked Out Of Homeschool Conference

Last night I became aware of a situation that makes me cringe. I am particularly cringing because at the heart of the controversy is a publisher whom I have come to enjoy - Peace Hill Press. It involves religious beliefs. It involves a creationist who is adamant about his stance and another who is quite a bit more nonchalant about the details of creation.

As you may have heard by now, Ken Ham has been uninvited to The Great Homeschool Conventions. One of these conventions takes place in his own backyard in Cincinnati, OH not too far from his Creation Museum. Ken Ham is the Author of Answers In Genesis which is used by many homeschoolers. Because of comments Ken Ham made about a new Bible curriculum which he claims is not Biblical, he was ousted from the homeschool convention. Though, the convention is sticking to their guns that it is not because of his comments but because of his mean spirit in the matter. Here's more on the issue:


My article on the Issue!

Personally, I instruct my children at home from a Christian perspective. But, I do not use a pre-set curriculum to do this. So, I am not incredibly familiar with either Answers In Genesis, Peter Enns' new curriculum or Apologia. I have been referred, however, to Answers In Genesis on more than one occasion when I asked questions pertaining to creation. When I experienced Answers In Genesis, I found the approach of Ken Ham to be nothing even close to mean spirited. But, being human and passionate about his stance, I suppose it could happen. After all, last time I noticed, we all still appeared to be made up of human flesh and bones and emotions which make us less than Godly at times, or for some perhaps most of the time. And, having no history with The Great Homeschool Convention, I have no reason to distrust their statement as to why they disinvited Mr. Ham. But, I find it disheartening that arguments of this kind take place in such a small community of homeschoolers. On many occasions, I have been left baffled at the backbiting that can occur within the ranks of home educators. I don't know if it is because we tend to be independent folk who go against the flow of the trend or if there is a deeper reason. But, it seems to me, we could get a whole lot more done if we could stick firmly to our own beliefs while lovingly accepting others within our small community. I'm not talking tolerance because I do believe in living a life of purity and repentance, which involves change. I'm talking love and encouragement...To spur one another on, to encourage each other therefore through hymns, psalms and spiritual songs.....Or, just a kind word. But, to kick someone out of the ability to present his popular curriculum - Answers In Genesis - seems a bit drastic to me. Perhaps I'm wrong. I'm just sayin'! Many homeschooling parents are going to continue to teach their children from proven curriculum which they have come to trust and love regardless of who they see speak or present at a convention. We're just that way! We're pioneers.

How Much Does Your Child Know About Japan?

With all the recent events in Japan, I started thinking about Japan. What do I actually know about the country and what my kids know? Or, I should say what they don't know. Geography has never been my strong point, so teaching it to my children is - well, interesting. Without a globe, your guess is as good as mine on many regions of this world. But, I found there are some things I know. And, what I don't know I can learn and teach my kids. In case you're like me and want to know more about Japan, here's some sites I found helpful:

5 Facts About Japan For Children

Kids Web Japan

Time For Kids - Japan

Enjoy the new discoveries you'll learn from these sites. And, Sayonara (Goodbye)

Got The Time? Take A Virtual Cuckoo Clock Tour at SINIX Korean-Made Clocks

Clocks are important to our daily lives. For a homeschooler, we find ourselves glancing at the clock often throughout the day. We need to see how long a particular subject took so we can log the hours properly. We need to know what time to leave the house to arrive at a co-op or a dance lesson or soccer game. If we are completely honest with ourselves, we might even admit to finding ourselves from time to time even glancing at the clock out of impatience or slight boredom as we patiently listen again to a child try to sound out a word in learning to read. But, did you ever wonder what goes into making a clock?

Wouldn't it be amazing to visit a clock factory and watch them being made? As a homeschooler, field trips are fun and make learning come alive. Sometimes, however, the places we really want to take our children are too far away to visit. That's when a virtual field trip, or using knowledge and our imaginations, can come in handy. So, come along and join in this virtual field trip of the SINIX clock factory in Korea.



SINIX Corp. is a company who manufactures specialized wall clocks. Located in Korea and established in 1998, the company became well known for their cuckoo clocks. Cuckoo and other types of wall clocks requires a lot of experience put into the intense labor involved. Building a quality wall clock is similar to making fine furniture and the SINIX factory is much like a fine furniture factory in the materials and equipment used. The finished product is, in actuality, a fine piece of furniture with a clock device inside.

Step inside the factory here at http://sinix.en.ecplaza.net/, and you will find SINIX Corp. provides a space that can handle all the processes involved in clock making. Starting with creating materials to cutting then onto assembling and packing, the factory is a sight to behold.

SINIX Corporation makes over 300 varieties of clocks including wooden clocks ranging from big grandfather clocks to small wall clocks. They still make cuckoo clocks and table clocks as well. They also make digital clocks. They offer wooden clocks and clocks that are a mixture of poly urethane and wood processed to have a walnut, ash and oak wooden shape. Some are even waterproof with a plastic case to be used on walls next to a swimming pool or sauna



You can now find their clocks for sale world wide under the brand SINIX. Their clocks are exported to Europe, Middle East, South America, Southern East Asia and beyond. And, yes! They still carve and manufacture their famous cuckoo clocks.
Thank you for joining the virtual field trip tour of the SINIX Corp. and their clocks.

So, How Do I Log The Circus In Homeschool Educational Hours?

My daughter, Eliana, LOVES, and I mean LOVES elephants. The girl is just 4 years old and cannot yet read, but can spell very succinctly E-L-E-P-H-A-N-T. She can also spell Disney's version of the blue little elephant, D-U-M-B-O. And, she has a little stuffed blue elephant she named Dumbo. So, when my family was given tickets to the circus, we couldn't say no. Especially, we couldn't say no when we found out there would be elephant rides.

So, we told the kids yesterday that the circus would be today and that we wanted to arrive early. We did not mention the elephant rides! Last night was the fastest bed time in the Scott family household history. I set my alarm to make sure I woke up at 7:45 so we could arrive at the circus in time to beat the crowd for the elephant rides. Well.....I didn't need an alarm. I woke up to what I thought was my alarm, but found out fairly quickly that my alarm had not yet sounded. The sound I heard was my two girls in their room giggling and talking. It was 7:25 a.m., but my daughter had been awake since 6:06 a.m. We had no difficultly getting them ready and out the door to arrive before the doors even opened. We were the second family in line.



Once inside, we headed for the circus main arena floor to ride the elephants. My husband went for the ticket booth not knowing if our elephant-loving daughter would change her mind or not once she was face-to-face with an actual real-life elephant. As he stood deciding how many tickets to purchase, I was getting a feel for whether or not my 4 year old elephant lover was ready for the big time. I asked if she wanted to ride an elephant and she promptly said, "No!" Not wanting a scene of screams and tears and not wanting to traumatize her into fearing elephants forever, I waited and asked again. She promptly replied, "No!" So, I backed off not wanting to upset the happy family scene which now included my two oldest children all but jumping up and down at the thought that they might actually get to ride a real-life elephant. My husband made a quick decision as he pulled out his wallet emptying it of almost his entire cash contents as he decidedly said, "Three tickets, please." He then looked at me and said it would be o.k., that he would ride with the other two if Eliana didn't want to ride. But, before we knew it, I made some unwitting comment to my 4 year old which changed her mind. Apparently, in the commotion of making a decision as to how many tickets to purchase, my daughter had asked if she could just pet the elephant and not ride it to which I apparently snapped back quickly in a natural-mom style God filled me with for the moment, "You can only touch the elephants if you ride them!" At that, she was pulling away from my hand and up the ladder to get on the elephant before I could hardly blink. Before I knew it, she was happily atop a 34-year old female Asian elephant making her way around the circle twice before stopping back at the ladder stairs for the children to step off the elephant. Ride over! As she came down the steps, this is the look I was - Thank you, God! - able to capture on film.

My only question now is: As a homeschooler, I'm required to log hours of educational instruction my children receive. But, how do I log the Circus? We figure we put in a good hour of PE just getting to and from our seats. And, I think we should get a credit of religious studies for the prayers we lifted up before and after watching one of the trapeze artists fall into, thankfully, a net. But, what core learning took place to log in tangible educational hours? There must be some because there were schools and preschools there as part of their school day. But, what?

Overprotective Parent.....Or, Just Not As Permissive?

The weather today in our city was absolutely amazing. So, like any normal stay-at-home, work-at-home, homeschooling parent, I took the kids to the park. We drove up to discover what I had feared - That the place was packed with kids on spring break enjoying their first nice day all week. So, I braced myself for a crowded day instead of our typical leisurely day of not many people. The kids and I began our walk around the lake, which is what I talk them into doing first since it's my only form of exercise before sitting for an hour or so watching them play on the playground. Before this, however, we stopped to eat at the pavilion. While sitting there eating, this little girl kept wandering away from her mother who was engaged in a conversation with another mother. She would every so often call her back or warn her to look out for a car. But, she was much too far away for my comfort.

On the way around the path, we were almost hit head-on by a child on a skateboard, followed by another carrying his and a mother walking in between smiling. There were more people to dodge before making our way over the bridge and onto the path that runs around the lake. Before we knew it, we heard the sound of rapidly approaching boys on bikes and a father following. Almost as quickly as they passed us, the one boy toppled over into the mud. While the dad was tending to the muddy handle bars and muddy boy, the older boy made his way down to the lake and was standing on a rock dam, and began throwing rocks. My heart sunk. All I could envision was this boy tragically falling into the lake and drowning while the dad casually tended to the muddy boy. My eyes stayed peeled on this child until the dad was able to get to him. No harm was done. No tragedy averted. No tragedy occurred. But, my children remarked at how they were not comfortable with that boy being so close to the water by himself. Have I instilled fear in my children? I don't know. But, I do know from observing these park-going families that I am much less permissive or relaxed than others with wandering children just having fun.

So, am I overly protective? Or, am I just not permissive? Did waiting till my 30's to have children instill a sense of caution I would not have had I bore them at a younger age? I don't know. But, if I do know, as I told my son, that enough catastrophes occur which I have no control over....I want to be careful not to let any happen which I can control.

How Does a Nuclear Power Plant Work?

Watching all the news coverage on Japan's catastrophic disasters that started with the 8.9 earthquake that has now been upgraded to a 9.0, followed by a tsunami, followed by more than one explosion at a nuclear facility. They have been worried about meltdown or a Chernobyl level disaster.

So far, the rating of the plant's explosions have been rated a 4. Chernobyl was a 7. But, 160 workers have been reported with radiation-related sickness, thousands evacuated and more told to stay in their houses.

It made me wonder how these plants even work. Of course, my prayers and - for what it's worth, my thoughts, are with them - But, here's a good resource I found on how nuclear power works.

How Stuff Works

Tsunami Warnings And Sirens Sounding: Do You Know What To Do?

Early this morning, Japan experienced an 8.9 magnitude earthquake occurring offshore causing tsunamis in Japan and tsunami warnings to be issued in Hawaii and the California coast. With the islands and warm beach coasts being heavily populated now with spring break visitors, it doesn't hurt to educate ourselves about tsunami safety. Even if you live inland, as I do, it's good to know what to do in case we find ourselves on a beach during such a warning. It's also good to educate our children and our families as to how we can help those affected.

Here's information about the earthquake. Keep in mind I wrote this article early this morning as news reports were being delivered. Originally, the earthquake was said to be a 7.9. This changed quickly with word it was believed to be an 8.8. That also was upgraded about 2:35 a.m. Central US time. If you've watched the video on the news of the wave sweeping over the city in Japan, you realize just how small we are and how little we control in this world. As I watched it, I came to a quick understanding that my life is like a speck of dust. Not to sound depressing! What that thought did for me was to turn to whom I believe to be the creator of the world and realize He is almighty, and I am not. Also, my prayers went up immediately for victims.

With spring break, the islands of Hawaii are more populated than a typical day. So, the potential catastrophe could be great. Here's the animated crab teaching about tsunamis. If nothing else, it's kinda cute. But, he shares a serious message:

Blogging On The Run!

I'm trying out blogging from my email.  Though, this may be no big deal to some, it is to me.  This opens up an entirely new world of blogging.  Now, when I finally get that smart phone (my phone is still dumb - All it does is, well, make a phone call whenever necessary provided the battery is charged) I can even blog on the run.  This will allow me to post up-to-the minute blogs in an instant.

 

I'm excited.  Let's see how my first blog on the run looks.

 

All God's blessings to you!!!

#blogging #email blog #blog on the go #blog on the run #my homeschool blog on the go

Trying to raise Einstein and be fair to his sisters: What did Edison and Einstein's mothers do?

Today while I was waking up from my first nice 6-hour long uninterrupted sleep in weeks, I was rehashing yesterday's events. My son was bored. This child is brilliant! I do not say that only as a biased adoring mother. I say that based upon what others have observed in him. He was reading fluently at the age of 3 and has kept in high gear ever since he was born screaming purple before his body was birthed. His most recent accomplishment was writing a book. I'm not kidding. He's 10 years old, and he wrote a book. It is amazing, and I can' wait to share it with you. But, before I do I asked if he was interested in writing more. He was! Wonderful!

So, we made our weekly journey to the library last Monday to check out books on sea life. This is the topic of his 2nd book. He was excited, and jumped into learning. Then, he got sick. He got an ear infection and was no happy camper off and on all last week. So, this Monday, I thought he would happily resume his enthusiasm for his newest book. He began with slight gusto and then lost interest. He, instead, became very interested in a computer program called Scratch.

While Scratch is an amazing accomplishment for a child, I am responsible for this child's education. I am growing impatient as I watch his interest level wane toward what I believe is educational, good solid learning, in exchange for a non-skill in terms of the 3 R's that is.

Edison Trait: Saving the Spirit of Your Nonconforming ChildWhat do I do with a child who has no interest in the core subjects which my state demands I log hours of instruction? My thoughts turned to what Einstein's mother must have been like and what about Edison's mom?

I read a book awhile back about an Edison Trait child. This fit my son in a lot of ways. And, many have referred to him as a little Einstein. So, my search into finding tips from Einstein's mother has begun.

I'm still on a hunt, but in the meantime, I did run across this handy article about his mom! And, here's a more complete biography including his parents.

Because Of You: A Book Of Kindness

I just had the privilege of reviewing the most delightful book. It's a child's book and a very fun easy read. But, the message could change the world! I was provided a copy of the book, Because Of You A Book Of Kindness by B. G. Hennessy to review from Candlewick Press. The book is illustrated brilliantly in adorable captivating designs by Hiroe Nakata. The author also wrote My Book of Thanks which I have not read, but after reading this book would love to add it to my child's library collection.

The book walks through a series of life situations that are different, and potentially better, because of you. The book is wonderful to read to our children to stress their value and importance in this world. For a child's book, it provides a very adult message: You are special, and you can make a difference by expressing kindness to others.

As an educator, as a parent to a preschooler, as a Christian, and as a human service degreed college graduate with an emphasis on human behavior, I find the book to be an important part of every childhood library collection. Imagine how this world could be sweeter if every child knew their worth and that they can make a difference by simply starting to show a little kindness.

Homeschoolers rally at Jefferson City Missouri state capitol on March 8, 2011

The right to homeschool has not come to us without effort and, at times, political fights to maintain the right to educate our children at home. Sometimes, this means calling a representative. Sometimes this means writing a letter. Sometimes this means jointly coming together as a group of homeschoolers and making our voices be heard.

Next week, you have this opportunity. Families for Home Education (FHE) is calling for an annual rally to the capitol on March 8, 2011. Homeschoolers across the state of Missouri are asked to come together at the state capitol in Jefferson City to stand together for home education.

You can find out more here at Homeschooling United and here at FHE.

A Book Review Of Michael Farris American Commencement To Be Released April, 2011

Michael Farris is most commonly associated with Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). But, he has accomplished even more in his life including writing books; and he has now finished another book. The book is American Commencement. It is a compilation of Graduation Speeches that inspired a New Nation. it contains 17 speeches and mini biographies of the speech givers.

Read more about this book here!

Then, pre-order your copy here:

American Commencement: Graduation Speeches That Inspired a New Nation By Michael Farris / B&H Books Are your graduates asking, "What comes next?" Give them this compilation of historic commencement speeches on faith, freedom, and character! Delivered during America's early years, "Principles of Greatness" from John Witherspoon, "On Religion and Government" by Otis Thompson, "The Call to Patriotism" from Paul Allen, and others will inspire today's generation of young leaders. 176 pages, softcover from B&H.

It's a book that contains speeches that shaped a nation and could very well change your world as you know it! It would also make a great graduation gift to any graduating senior either from high school or college.

I thank the people at B&H Publishing for allowing me the privilege of reviewing this unedited pre-release version of the book.

Drop Some Love During The Month Of March And Help Single Mom With Brain Tumor

The did it!  Love Drop raised the $13,000 needed for last month's featured family.  The money will go toward a service dog for a family with autistic children.

Find out who you can help during the month of March:

Last month the Love Drop Team raised over $13,000 (and 3 iPads!) to help two little boys with autism receive a service dog. They were beyond touched, and we did this in only 1 month - that's it. Everyone came together and gave a few bucks each to impact one family's life. If you were a part of it, THANK YOU!  You can check out the final video of us showing up to their house here - it's pretty cool.

This month we start all over again and rally behind Katie, a single mom out in Dallas battling not only two brain tumors so far (she's knocked out one, and currently working on the other), but who's also dealing with hydrocephalus. We'd love to bring the community her way, and make a huge dent in her medical bills.

Wanna help?  Here are 3 ways we could use you:

1. Give $1.00 - This is the best way to help out and join our team at the same time.
2. Join our blogger network - Blog about our Love Drops each month like I am :) It's easy, it's rewarding, and it REALLY helps spread the word (which in turn helps our families). Love Drop will give you all the content you need.
3. Give a gift or provide a service - Gift cards are always helpful. Places like Target, Safeway, gas stations, etc would definitely help them out.

Thanks for reading!  Here's to love, baby.

Co-Founder of Wikipedia Launches Educational Video Website Watchknow

Free learning through videos!  That's right - Absolutely free!  Imagine if you could find over 20,000 teaching videos all in one place?  Imagine you can set up your own personal classroom for private, personal viewing from your students within your family.  Imagine where your learning could spiral?

You don't have to imagine.  It's here!  The co-founder of Wikipedia has launched a Website called WatchKnow.org.  This is a site where you can find thousands upon thousands of learning videos with new ones being added all the time.  You can even upload your own educational videos to share.  Every subject and every age group is covered for K-12.

I explored this Website today and found it to be so exciting.  I have initiated the steps to setting up my own classroom for my children to enhance their homeschool learning.  You can do the same.  Or, you don't have to set up a classroom at all.  You can enjoy all the learning videos at any time with no commitment and no expense.  It's all free!

I'm so excited about this new site that I've provided a permanent link to it on my blog!

Got A Dollar? Drop Some Love: You can help a family with austistic children

 

I ran across this site today that has an incredible idea!  They spotlight one person in need each month and then ask anyone who feels compelled to give $1.00 or more.  At the end of the month, they bless the person in need with whatever was raised.

 

This month's family deals with autism.  Many homeschoolers do so because a child has austism.  So, this is a story that may hit close to home.  Read about this month's need and see how you can help with nothing more than one dollar:

Love Drop is a micro-giving network of people who unite as a community to make a difference in the lives of one person or family a month. By giving just $1.00, they make it easy for their members to change lives in a fun and super easy way.

 

At the end of every month, Nate and J$ show up in the town the families live in and present them with everything the team raised -- all the money, the gifts, whatever the community helped get. It's all on film, and it all ends with us making a difference! (And then it starts all over again the next month)

 

This month we are coming together for 2 beautiful kids with severe autism -- Ethan & Alex. Our goal is to raise $13,000 on behalf of 4 Paws for Ability so that we can place a highly trained service dog with their family (the dog is completely free, but the training that goes into it is very very expensive). And if possible, three iPads so they can all communicate better with each other (Alex is completely non-verbal). Here are 3 ways you can help:

1. Join the team - This is the best way to help out, and all it takes is $1.00.
2. Join our blogger network - Blog about our Love Drops each month like I am :) It's easy, it's rewarding, and it REALLY helps spread the word (which in turn helps our families). Love Drop will give you all the content you need.
3. Give a gift or provide a service - Gift cards to Target, iTunes, Wal-mart, etc would be great! As well as other items or services you think could help out. (Some people even make home-made items, we like creativity!)