The Kids In The Back Yard Garden For Science 101

A garden is a great way to teach children hands-on science! Last year, our family finished something my husband and I had dreamed about even before they were born. In our old house, we had a garden that did quite well. After we moved, my husband had the lawn treated for weeds and we just never could figure out where to put a garden so as not to allow the run-off from the weed killer to filter in. We also didn't want to completely destroy our backyard with a dug up spot of dirt which looks like nothing more than a dug up spot of dirt in winter months. But, we found the right location and built a fence around it. It is at the very top of our back yard hill, where there is no danger of run-off from weed killer or lawn treatments.

This year, we got a late start. But, a couple weeks ago, we planted our seeds for our garden this year. In fact, they're already sprouting in our little home-made greenhouse. The kids have a blast planing the seeds and watching them grow. They even love harvesting them. But, somehow they don't really enjoy the particular veggies I chose last year. So, this year we're hoping for the best with plants I will probably regret planting as they spread. But, it's all in the name of science and love.

We currently have sprouts coming up from the pumpkins, radishes and sweet corn. Much to my children's turned-up noses, I'm hoping the green peppers make it too. Last year, we had a good crop of those. I would also like to get some tomatoes in the ground, but will probably purchase some plant starts for these since we're rather late in starting them from seeds.

There's so much science in a garden. From a pre-school level understanding to a graduate level, there's much to be learned. From the moment your child is big enough to get their hands dirty, they can begin to understand the science of nature and food. There is a study in vitamins and nutrients that come from each particular plant. There is the study of environment and recycling and natural fertilizers. There is the study of molecules and so much more. Watch for the glint in your child's eyes and take it to a full-fledged learning opportunity.

The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World Book Review

Did you know that at a specific time of day, Mickey Mouse's shadow is cast when the sun hits Cinderella Castle? Do you know why you will never see a cast member from Tomorrowland inside Frontierland? Do you know the secrets behind Splash Mountain and over 600 other hidden magical illusions and imagination details? You will when you're done reading Susan Veness' latest book, The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World Over 600 Secrets of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studio, and Animal Kingdom.

If you're contemplating a trip to Disney World anytime in the near or distant future, The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World by Susan Veness is a traveling companion you won't want to leave without. If you've even had the joys of exploring Walt Disney World, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom or Disney's Hollywood Studios; you no doubt enjoyed it. But, did you notice some of the hidden details placed throughout the parks?

Through the book review program of Booksneeze, I had the pleasure of reviewing this book. It provides over 600 secrets of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. The author lives near the parks and has made it her life-long hobby of sorts to notice hidden secrets and then to get the bottom of the truths behind them. Once discovered, she aims to share her new excitements with others. She has studied the hidden magic behind these theme parks for years and has revealed over 600 of them in the book.

The book is highly recommended to anyone who is planning a trip to Florida's Disney parks or to anyone who has been there and perhaps overlooked some spectacular magic. I give the book 5 stars out of 5 as this book needs to be tucked into every travel packet for Florida vacation goers.

A Homeschool Badge Of Honor: I Reached My 100 Book Limit At The Library

I've been officially homeschooling for 5 years now and have been visiting the library with my children since my oldest was a baby. He is now 10, soon to be 11. In all this time of book checkouts and library visits, I never knew there was a limit placed on how many books you can check out. At one point I even asked and was told there was not a limit unless it was a special holiday book display. Then, today happened!

We trekked to the library today with all 3 children in tow and me really just wanting to do nothing more than return some books that were due and could not be renewed. But, being the book-loving homeschool family that we have become, of course my children wanted to check out some books. Some books turned into two bags filled with books. But, this is not unusual for us. What was unusual is that we were attempting to check out two bags filled with books but had not returned the equal amount as per usual. When we got to the checkout, after several books were successfully checked out, the librarian stopped and gasped, "Oh! You've reached your limit!" "Limit?" I asked. To which she explained that there is a 100 item limit. Who knew this? Did you know this? I did not until I was left standing in front of a librarian with several books yet to be checked out which now could not because of this limit I had reached.

Frantically, I began thumbing through the books for the one book my 4 year old had to have and then began handing her back books that I was quickly deciding we really did not need. As I stood there wondering how we could possibly have 100 books checked out. Before I had left that morning, I weeded through the books that were due, pulling out others that we would keep. The total left at my house only amounted to about 20 books. How could I have 100 books out? Something must have been wrong. She must have been mistaken.

But, no! When we returned home, my children ran into their rooms and began pulling out library books. So far, the count is only about 13 short of the 100 total. How did this happen? We really have 100 books in our house that belong to the library?

I left the library frustrated, in disbelief and almost angry. I arrived home to discover we truly do have 100 items checked out. Now, I somehow feel as though I have attained a badge of homeschooling honor. With all these books, we should be learning a bunch. "should be!" I hope we really are. And, now I will wear my newly awarded homeschool badge of honor proudly because I have attained a much deeper accomplishment today. See, as a child myself I hated to read. I really never completed a "real" book until my 10th grade year when I read Huckleberry Finn. So, when I had children, I was determined that they would not have this dislike for books as I had, so I began when they were babies and introduced them to books and to the library. Today, I feel like something I have chosen to do as a homeschooling parent was successful!

Teachable Scotts Tots Homeschool Is One Of The Top 25 Homeschool Blog Contestants

Vote for my blog!

I recently took part in a contest. Now, I'm not one to enter contests. It has a lot to do with my lack of ability to trust that I actually have a shot at winning something among many other entrants. But, this contest was different. The prize? A writing position for a parenting blog. They pay would allow me to go from writing 80 articles a month to writing only 8 and receive the same pay. So, I entered.

I was quite pleased with my essay. I actually fired it off in a matter of minutes late one night when the kids were in bed and the house was quiet so I could think and gather my thoughts well. I was pleased and entered. Then, the work began. The goal was go gain the most comments on essay. There was a total of 122 contestants. I began begging my friends. To my surprise, most everyone was overly helpful in wanting to help support me. In the end, I came up with 189 total comments and likes putting me in 7th place out of 122. Not bad for my efforts.

I learned one thing from my work - I will never run for a public office. I do not know how the contestants handle the campaigning. So, what am I doing entering another contest? I'm not sure. All I know is I need to spend time with my children. I love to write, and my family absolutely needs a paycheck of some form. So, I keep plugging away. I noticed that there was a blog hosting a Top 25 Homeschool Blog contest. Well, I can't help the timing. But, I happen to be proud of my blog. What I don't like, I change. Ultimately, I aim to encourage all who read it. If I fail at this, I have not done my job as a writer or as a Christian encourager.

So, if you still have a click left in your fingers, please consider voting for my blog:

Vote Here!

Book Review Of Max Lucado Max On Life

Max Lucado has more than 25 years as a minister and writer. During this time, he has received thousands of quesions about life. In his latest book, Max On Life, he answers over 150 of some of the most common questions. I had the pleasure of reviewing Max Lucado's newest book, Max on Life through the BookSneeze program.

The book tackles questions from simple to spiritually complex, the book is separated in main categories with questions and answers to follow. These categories include topics on prayer, parenting, forgiveness, pains and hurts, faith, finances, hope, after life and more. At the end of the book are two cross-referencing sections. One allows the reader to look up specific topics to find the answers. The other allows the reader to look up scripture to back up the reasoning behind the answer given. The book also includes a section about Max's advice on the topic of publishing and writing.

It's not a book that is easy to read from cover to cover. It is more of a resource book. If you have a particular question about a specific topic, the reader can go to the back of the book and look up main key words and then go directly to the answer to their particular question. While I agree with most of what Max Lucado has to say, I am not theologically on target 100% with Max's spiritual views, but overall the answers given in the book at very least spurs one on to think deeper and to search the scriptures to find their answer in full. I found the book to be a good resource book for anyone especially for those in a helping field such as a counselor or pastor to use. It's also a good book to give as a gift to a friend or family member in a new stage of life such as a new graduate, someone getting married or having a baby or going through trials. I rate the book a 4 stars out of 5.

Help me win before April 20

Here we go! I really dislike imposing upon my friends to help me with anything. But, I am told this is truly a fault of mine. After all, no man is an island! Still, I resist putting my problems off onto my friends as I cherish friendships formed and don't want to abuse it in any way. But, I have an opportunity that could result in a writing opportunity that I've been waiting for. I will spare the details for now other than I need you! I need your help! The rules are a slight bit tricky, so please follow the easy instructions to make sure after you take the time to help me your efforts count! I remember being told in college and secretarial training to never write in a letter "Thank you in advance" as you are assuming the person will take action. But, I still feel the need rising up from within to thank you in advance. So, thank you! Here's the rules:

1) Like the Momsquawk Facebook Page

2) Click on this link of my Essay Contest Entry Note. Comment inside the link below the note.

3) A bonus at this point would be your kindness to also post this note and instructions on your facebook profile. OR - Just link to this blog post with all the necessary info. Thanks again, in advance! You're awesome!

Book Review Of The Final Summit By Andy Andrews

What do a 1909 Lincoln penny, a black dog, an hour glass emptying of its sand, great leaders of our time, and a man named David Ponder have to do with your future or about how your child learns about history? To say I lost sleep over a book may leave the wrong impression. But, Andy Andrews' newest book caused me to do just that. I began reading the book one afternoon while my children played on the playground at a park. As I read, I sat perched at the turn of each page to read what it had to reveal. In fact, the next night, I stayed up well past 5:00 a.m. upon returning home and putting the kids to bed, reading this book that kept me riveted like very few books can.




I had the utter privilege of reviewing a book called The Final Summit by Andy Andrews made available to me through the Booksneeze program. I could not bring myself to close the covers until I knew the answer to the question posed in the book. The amazing journey that is a mix of mystery, intrigue and Night at the Museum history in the way "Travelers" are brought "back to life" to play into the story.

Best selling author, Andy Andrews writes this continuing story from an earlier book, The Traveler's Gift. The main character, David Ponder, returns with the fate of mankind in his hands. A much older man, the 74-year old Ponder is asked to perform a task vital to the future of civilization. This time, David Ponder is responsible to answer one final question. Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Joan of Arc, King David and names from history you may know very little about all come together to figure out the answer to a question posed from Gabriel, the Archangel. The question is:

What must humanity do, individually and collectively, to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization?

Think you know the answer? Find out in Andy Andrews' The Final Summit as The book explores historical principles that have been proven to guide some of the most well-known and greatest leaders of all time. Will David Ponder gain the knowledge needed from these great leaders in time to bring restoration before the end of all time, when it's too late to turn back?




I give this book 5 stars out of 5 stars. Not only was it a fascinating and a mind-probing read, but the book could successfully be used as a learning tool to incite enthusiasm in learning about those who shaped our world throughout history. As each historical figure is introduced and the reader given a brief description and insight into his or her life, it brings each character to life much like what was done in the Night At The Museum movies.

I Thought To Myself This Is how Child Abuse Happens

In the store today, there was a little girl about 2 years old I would say, screaming, screeching, all through the store the entire time, complaining, squealing angrily at her mother's every request. She caught my attention, because at first her sounds of protest sounded like one of my children. Her mother was pushing a stroller with a baby boy inside who was making his own sounds. She was looking at merchandise as her 2 year old was, well, being a 2 year old.

After several minutes of this, the mother decided to check out. The little girl was holding a toy that she wanted. When the mother tried to release the merchandise from this little girl's clenched fist to give it to the clerk to pay for it, the child began yelling it's MINE!!!! This was not a simple, sweet sound. She was angrily protesting. From the sounds of the tone of her voice, it sounded as though she truly believed that this toy was hers and that her mom and the cashier were trying to steal it from her. Then, her screaming started her baby brother screaming. The mom was left standing there attempting to pay for her items while both of her children were in complete rage and upset. As I stood there all I could think is:

This is how child abuse happens!

It can begin so innocently. A mom had little sleep. She's tired. She's got another child who is crying and a 2-year old throwing a fit. She feels as if everyone is looking at her, judging her actions or reactions to her child's behavior. The heat of the moment is the test. Even the most loving, kind and patient parent is capable of snapping and becoming angry. What they do with this anger or impatience could determine whether or not a child is disciplined in loving guidance (if necessary) or abused.

As I stood there observing the chaotic scene, I watched this tired, stressed out, embarrassed mother keep it together fairly well but seemed to be on the brink of deciding if she would be a kind and patient mom or arrested for publicly unleashing her exhaustion, embarrassment and anger towards abusing her child. As the girl began now to launch into a 2-year old stomp and body thrust while clenching the toy, the mother exclaimed:

Hey! You know what - Swat! We're putting the toy back!

It was a very gentle swat on the child's back side which was padded with clothing. It obviously did not phase the child, however, other than to escalate her screams and shouts of protest. And, there were sounds of not only a 2-year screaming in protest but her little brother screaming and crying as well. She had set him off with her fit of upset.

Somehow, the mother managed to calmly pay for the merchandise and walk her child out of the store. She did this while juggling a bag of merchandise, pushing a stroller and attempting to navigate a child who was flailing herself about and pulling her hand away with the mom's every attempt to guide her safely to the car.

As I stood there watching this event, I felt as though I was watching myself a couple years ago. What is it about a checkout lane or other places where you are trapped and cannot escape? This is the very moment your child will fall into a fit like no other. As I stood there, I tried not to stare and add to her embarrassment, and I began to pray. I prayed for patience and love to flood this women so she would keep a perspective that these moments are simply moments and won't last forever.

But, I laughed out loud when the clerk told her to HAVE A NICE DAY! I'm sure the thought that crossed her mind fell very short from believing that would ever happen unless he was about to pull Mary Poppins out from behind the cash register.

Don't Go Broke Paying For College Textbooks - Flat World Offers Books Free!

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

Imagine attending college and reading all the required textbooks for free!  Flat World Knowledge makes this possible.  When I was a college student, I attended as many years of community college as I could to keep costs down.  I then acquired student loans to finish the last two years of my degree.  During this time, I was in my 20's and working a 36-hour week night-shift at a law firm and taking 20 credit hours of college work during the day.  I took on an additional part-time job to help pay the bills that I accrued through textbooks alone, but it wasn't enough to cover the rising costs of the books.  I finished, but not without a large debt to be paid.  It's sad, but true!  The cost of college textbooks are increasingly becoming a barrier to finishing higher level education for many.

Easy access to affordable education has never been more important.  With the rising cost of college education, displaced workers returning to school and families wanting to give their child a college education they can afford, almost half of all students in higher education are now attending a community college with a total of as many as 80% of all college students attending some form of public institution.  While the costs of tuition at these local institutions may be more affordable, the textbooks can be quite expensive.

A personal Story and Stats:

My first personal credit card debt was rung up as a result of  the cost of textbooks alone.  These are textbooks that were used for one semester and then resold at an extreme reduction, never to regain the initial expense.  I would even wake up early and wait at the bookstore door when the books went on sale so I could get first crack at the few reduced-price used books offered.  Some were required for the course, purchased and never even assigned for use by the instructor throughout the class.  In fact, according to The College Board, in 2010-11 school year students are estimated to have spent an average of $1,137 on textbooks and supplies alone.  According to the Department of Education, textbooks cost almost as much as tuition and fees combined leaving the cost of books to be as much as 42% of the cost of attending college.  And, the cost is rising!  The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates textbook prices to rise at four times the rate of inflation.  Additionally, the Gates Foundation study believes this to have a substantive impact on students' ability to complete coursework.  They report that 60% of students who failed to graduate state that the cost of textbooks was a factor.

There is Hope:

With these statistics, the future of affordable college education looks grim.  Don't despair!  Flat World is an online resource that is creating a Textbook Rebellion and is seeking to disrupt an $8.5 billion United States textbook market.  Spread the word Flat World offers books free.  That's right!  The books are completely free when read online in an easy scrolling format.  If you prefer to print the book, have an actual copy of the book or read it on your e-reader, you can do that too in an affordable manner.  Printable, offline, books costs approximately $35, and e-books and other formats can be purchased for $25.  The way they make these books affordable or free is by pairing open licensing and textbook personalization with an affordable and radical pricing model.  And, that's not all.

Flat World Knowledge goes a step farther in the use of technology to bring costs down in two very important ways:

1. They enable faculty to change the textbook from a book to a usable, teachable platform
2. They enable the student to consume the content that suits their learning style

Since spring 2009, Flat World's books have been enjoyed by more than 1,600 professors in over 900 schools.  That adds up to over 115,000 students saving money and learning through Flat World.  Flat World has raised over $27 million over the last 2 years to build a sustainable model filled with open content.  As a bonus, early pilot studies conducted by colleges using Flat World open textbooks have shown that there has been a 10-15% increase in course completion rates when Open textbooks were used compared to the use of traditional costly textbooks.

Why wait?  Visit their site and request more info as an educator or as a student today and save a bundle!
 

Got a dollar? It's time to drop some love!

Hey guys! The Love Drop team is at it again! Last month they gave over $5,000 worth of cash and goods to their recipient, Katie, who had been battling a couple of brain tumors over the years, and it culminated with a surprise gift of 15+ friends showing up at her house to celebrate with her. It was awesome. You can watch how it all went down here.

This month they start all over again and grow support for the Kahlen's - a family who has been hit hard by the economy, and by their daughter's serious medical condition, tuberous sclerosis. In addition to financial assistance, they're planning to unite the artistic community to help support Kent's glassmaking work.

Want to help? Here are two ways you can participate:

1. Give $1.00 - This is the best way to help out and join their team at the same time.
2. Donate a piece of art - They will be hosting an auction this month, and would love to feature your artwork in it. Proceeds go to help the Kahlen's this month, and is a great way to promote your work :)

We'll let you know how it goes! Thanks everyone.

Things I Learned From My Children's First Family Bike Ride

My older two children have been trying to learn to ride their bikes without training wheels. My husband, God bless him abundantly, has taken it upon himself to be the one to conduct the instruction of this. I tried but very quickly discovered that it was not going so well as I found it difficult to keep my eyes on two children on two wheels trying not to topple over while I was pushing another in a stroller or watching her on a tricycle. One mom and three children on wheels in a neighborhood street are not a good combination for mom's health and mental well being. So, my husband has been the one. He has been taking each child out one at a time without training wheels. He has returned with happy children in one piece upon each journey complete with reports of their status. Today, he believed they could handle a trip around the neighborhood if I came along on my bike with third child in tow behind me in our Burley bike carrier which thankfully she is still way under the weight limit to occupy.

We took off on our neighborhood trek. My husband trailed my older daughter, and I (with other child in tow) trailed my son. I watched him do an excellent job of pedaling up the first hill with gusto. My daughter, on the other hand, struggled with the hills but had excellent balance and speed. Though, he stayed upright, my son tended to wobble and go slow and steady with me behind him biting at the bit to go faster especially down the hills where, for some reason (I think it, understandably, has a lot to do with the fact that his hand brakes do not work leaving him to use his pedal brakes) he panics and slows down. We were almost around the entire neighborhood when I was behind him on a very slight hill going very slowly and carefully. I heard my brakes grab metal against metal as I tried to stay slow enough to tail him and keep him within my view. It was then I realized that this is where maturity as a parent comes into play.

As I trailed him at a snail's pace, I began to think about all the times in his life where I had tailed him allowing him to learn and grow. I was there when he learned to walk and walked ever so slowly behind him until he was up and running. He was very cautious in learning every physical skill he has ever attained. He tends to not attempt things until he is absolutely positively 100 percent sure he can accomplish it with excellence. I was there when he was potty training, trailing behind pushing for the process to move faster. I was there when he learned various other skills, trailing behind him for safety sake and partially doting parental choice in doing so. I began to realize what a sacrifice of personal pleasure parenting really involves. Yet, at the same time, how much utter joy it brings me. But, I began to think about those who have trailed me in my life as I learned new things.

I began to wonder how many times God has trailed me wanting me to learn faster and go faster, pleading with me to obey and simply listen to His voice. It made me wonder how many times God had been so very patient with me as a Heavenly Father trailing behind me, holding my hand as I learned to walk through new situations and slowing down His pace to meet me where I needed to be met and to be there to catch me if when and if I fell.

As we made our first loop around the neighborhood, we opted to go a little bit farther and attempt going back up the first hill, down a hill and over to a local park. From there, we could follow a trail that would be off the road and completely safe from traffic and other dangers until returning home. You know what? We made it! We had a blast! And, on the way back home from the park, I noticed how my son was looking more confident. He pulled those hills with excellence. And gained so much confidence in our first family bike ride!

Don't Hate Me For What I Have To Say - I Just Hate April Fools Day!

I could say April Fools! I really love this day. But, that would not be true. It's April Fools Day! Did you have some fun today? Did you fill up the salt and pepper shakers with cayenne instead? Did you loosen the lid on the milk carton to watch an unsuspecting family member pour milk aimlessly over the entire kitchen floor? Did you come up with a doozy?

I never have enjoyed this particular day of revelry. Perhaps my personality is simply too serious and realistic. Or, maybe I don't see laughter among pain caused when you play someone for a fool. Maybe I am over the edge and simply need to lighten up on this one. But, this has got to be the worst holiday ever thought up, in my humble opinion. What other holiday allows you to play jokes on someone making them out to be foolish? What other holiday allows you to out right "lie" in the name of a day. I'm paying off all of your debt - April Fools! Look, you get a raise - April Fools! You're the most beautiful girl I've ever laid eyes on? Really! No! April Fools! Hah hah the joke's on you! What kind of fun is found in such cruelty?

When I read the Bible, it tells me that anyone who calls his fellow man a fool is guilty of the fires of hell. Specifically, it's from Matthew 5:22 -

But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca, ' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.

This same Bible has a commandment (one of the Top 10) that says "Thou Shalt Not Lie!"

O.K., O.K., I get it! April Fools Day is not all that serious. Put on a happy face and buck up and just have some good, clean innocent fun! Somehow the day still bothers me. Where did it come from? Who originated April Fools Day?

In searching for the answer to this question, I came across this write up on April Fools Day!

The best anyone can tell the day either has to do with a Gregorian calendar change, switching the date of January 1, or a Roman celebration to the god Attis. Neither description endears me or encourages me to embrace the day of laughter.

No, I'm not going to get all up in your case if you choose to take one day out of the year to laugh or play a few practical jokes. I'm just sayin' the day never made sense to me. In fact, I sort of hate the entire idea.

The same Bible that talks of lying and fools as something distasteful to the Creator God I believe in, also talks about how He desires to put laughter in our hearts. He says He will change our mourning to laughter. He tells me that joy comes in the morning. Laughter is even referred to as good medicine. In fact, there are over 30 scriptures refering to laughter listed here alone.

Play your April Fool's Day jokes if you please, It is not my intent to dampen the fun of your day. Even if your joke is on me! I'm no different. I'm no superior sinless act of creation pointing my no-no finger at those who celebrate the day. But, I'll never see the joy or find laughter in making those I love look stupid. I'll spend my April Fools Day trying to find ways to encourage instead.