Homeschool materials-Try Before You Buy

This is from an email from Floyd Bowlin on the FHS Region 3 loop.

Do you ever wish that you could really get a good look at a homeschool product before buying it? Sure, each company's ad says that it's the best, but you're still left wondering "Is it best for my family?"



With our new Homeschool Freebie Directory, you can find out for sure. We've pulled together over thirty different homeschool companies offering a wide variety of products for you to try. Just visit our online Freebie Directory page to learn how you can claim the freebies that interest you.



No strings attached.



You'll find new and exciting gifts in the 2010 Freebie Directory-from handwriting and reading products to science and math products, subscriptions, educational websites, unit studies, E-Books, art lessons, fun homeschool products, and more!



You're welcome to come back to the site as often as needed to check out all the offers. In fact, you have an entire year to explore and discover the many engaging resources and interesting products that are featured.



Everyone loves to try samples! Why do you think Sam's Club and Costco stores are such a hit? Surely we aren't the only ones who frequent the yummy sample tables? (We just love those scrumptious, tantalizing little eggroll thingies!) Having a "taste" truly is the way to try before you buy.



Here's more great news: There are plenty of freebies for everyone! Tell your friends and homeschool support groups so they, too, can enjoy the free gifts-no strings attached! What a fantastic way for them to discover new homeschool resources and products without having to actually buy anything! (Unless, of course, they want to.)



Maybe you're starting to think about curriculum for this fall. Why not try something new with these great freebies? You're sure to find something that will be a wonderful addition to your homeschool!

Does TV cause homeschoolers to keep weird hours?

We keep weird hours. (In fact, most homeschoolers I know do). Part of it is due to my husbands hours. He works weird hours, and we tend to rotate towards whatever shift he is on. If we didn't, we would rarely see him.

But, I am noticing we can also blame part of our staying up till 3 a.m. on the TV. For some reason, there are late shows on that are good shows. Real good shows, especially for homeschoolers. Why can't they put these shows on during prime time?? Or during the day??

In the last 3 months, we have stayed up to watch shows about octopus, sunken ships, Egypt during Moses time, history of the Nile River and all about its flood cycles, JFK, The Grand Canyon, Weather, searching for Noah's Ark, numerous medical shows, genetics, the heart, the liver and more.

I suppose I could tape the shows--if I could figure out how. I have tried numerous times, and it doesn't work. (I guess I will need to get Tysa to figure that one out for us next time she comes home.) Our TV has so many things plugged into it, Wii, DVD, VHS, adapter, stereo equipment....

I am just wondering if we are the only ones that have fallen into this cycle.

Where have I been??

I've had several emails asking where I have been, as my posts are way behind. That is because I am way behind.

First, I have been undergoing a series of back injections and physical therapy. I had a MRI several weeks ago which revealed the sources of my ongoing back pain. Now that we know what it is from, we are trying to fix it. After the injections, I am pretty well out of commission for 24-48 hours. We have been targeting the discs in my lower back and this week we are going to add in the neck as well. So far, I have responded to the injections and PT favorably, except for an allergic reaction to the liquid that they cleaned my back with prior to injections (I had a very nasty set of the hives).

Secondly, the weather is not helping. It has been cold and rainy (which only makes me hurt more) and the grass in the yard won't stop growing. I have about 2 days a week that I actually feel good and have some energy, and I have been spending them on the lawn mower. Mowing actually feels good to my back--the mower has a gentle vibration and the back of the seat is slightly warm from the mower engine, so it has a spa therapy effect which is rather relaxing.

Hopefully the weather will dry out and we can finish getting our garden in. Right now the majority of it is sitting in planters on our porch and in the garage.

So, if I'm not on here, its because I am either resting or trying to catch up!

Young Eagles

Twice I have posted information about the Young Eagles on this site. Finally, scheduling allowed us to go to an event and we were so favorably impressed.

Saturday, as a surprise I took the twins to the Lee's Summit Airport. They had no idea where we were going or why. We got there in time for the pancake breakfast. It was $5 each and very good (although at the time I was wondering if I should be poking food down them before flying, but that turned out not to be a problem). It was while we were eating, that it dawned on the twins what was going on. It was also about the same time it started to rain a little harder.

After we ate, I filled out the permission form for each of the girls and we turned them in and sat down to wait and read the brochure they gave us. We are doing a science and history study on aviation, so it fit right in. The twins were the first names called and they went to meet their pilot Chris. He went over a few things with them, put them on the plane and fitted them with a headset each, and they took off.

They flew over the Royals and Chiefs stadiums, Worlds of Fun, Bayer, the Missouri River and more. The look on their faces when they landed and taxied to a stop was priceless. I will say however, Rebecca did look a little green, but it didn't last long. Once on the ground they had their pictures taken with their pilot and received a certificate.

Unfortunately, the weather didn't improve, and as we were preparing to leave, they were suspending the flights until the ceiling cleared.

Later this year we plan to return so Emily can also join the ranks of the flying Young Eagles. She was at a Basic Fire Fighting class and was unable to attend. She has flown once, but she was just a tiny baby at the time, around 8 weeks old. As I recall she slept through the entire flight.

I highly recommend this program as a great kick off or wonderful end to the study of travel, aviation or famous persons in history, such as the Wright brothers, Amelia Earhart and more.

http://www.chrishopefaaflightinstructor.com/

EAA Young Eagles Program
Get A Free Flight!
If you are between 8 and 17 years old, the EAA Young Eagles programs wants to offer you the chance of a lifetime. Turn your dreams into reality on a free Young Eagles flight and become one of over 1 Million Young Eagles! To find out where and when check out EAA Chapter 91 Young Eagle Events.

Young Eagle Events at Lee's Summit Airport (Breakfast is available 7:30-11:00 on Lee's Summit dates.)
Date Location Time
June 19 Lee's Summit Airport 8:30-noon
July 17 Lee's Summit Airport 8:30-noon
August 7 K.C. Downtown Airport 9:00-3:00
September 18 Lee's Summit Airport 8:30-noon
October 16 Lee's Summit Airport 8:30-noon

What will the flight be like?

The biggest question on your mind might be about the actual flight. So what should you expect?

First of all, your pilot will explain what will happen during the flight. This might include talking about the airplane; reviewing an aeronautical chart (or map); identifying reference points during the flight; completing a careful "walk around" preflight inspection of the airplane and identifying the parts that control the airplane.

Once you are ready to go flying, your pilot will help you buckle your seat belt and describe the interior of the airplane, including the instrument panel. Pretty soon, it will be time to go flying!

Once in the air, you’ll see the earth and sky in a new and exciting way. You’ll experience the wonderful freedom of flight that many people only dream about. If you are like most Young Eagles, you’ll remember this experience for the rest of your life.

Most Young Eagle flights last between 15 and 20 minutes. Once back on the ground, there will be additional time for you to ask questions about the flight. Ask away! Your pilot will be happy to tell you more about flying and their particular airplane. And don’t forget, you’ll also receive an official Young Eagles certificate, which is signed, by your personal pilot and our Chairman Harrison Ford.

We look forward to adding your name to the ever-growing list of EAA Young Eagles!

For more information, visit the EAA Young Eagles Website.

The program

The

EAA Young Eagles

program was launched in 1992 to give interested young people, ages 8 - 17, an opportunity to go flying in a general aviation airplane. These flights are offered free of charge and are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers.

Since 1992, more than 1.25 million Young Eagles have enjoyed a flight through the program. Young Eagles have been registered in more than 90 different countries and have been flown by nearly 40,000 volunteer pilots.

Participation is easy. Simply contact the EAA Young Eagles office to find the closest volunteer pilot. From there, arrange a convenient time to go flying. We hope you enjoy a Young Eagles introduction to the exciting world of aviation. Make sure you come back to visit this web site after your flight to continue exploring the wonderful world of aviation!

For more information, visit the EAA Young Eagles website.

Spelling Bee

Last week, the girls were in an area Homeschool Spelling Bee. They did quite well. Emily came in first for the 8th grade, Elizabeth 2nd for 6th grade, and Rebecca placed right behind Elizabeth at 3rd.

There were words on the list that I had never heard of and many we could not begin to pronounce.

We also got to meet some of my blog followers and one whose blog I follow.

Not only to the kids get to socialize, learn and have fun, but such events are also a great way for parents to get together and exchange ideas as well.

Vickie Danner

Vickie Danner is a young mom who lost her battle to cancer on April 29. She leaves 7children behind whom she homeschooled. Vickie was a member of our homeschool coop.

For a child to loose a parent is a horrible thing. To add to it, her husband also got laid off at the same time as her death. Now, they are being foreclosed on. They need $200,000 by June 1.

A local Catholic radio station is hosting a drive for the family. If you can help or pass this information on to your church or local newspaper, please do. I am posting the website below.

No mom, no income and now no home. These kids need a break. If enough people see this and pass it on, we can help.

So far over $50,000 has been raised. (the webiste as of now has not been updated, but I just got off the phone with John, the site manager--he is enroute to the bank now with more funds and plans to update the site shortly). That leave $150,000 to raise. If we can spread this news to all homeschoolers nationwide, we can do it!

http://www.saintjohnsmedia.com/vickiedanner

Happy Birthday Tysa & Taylor

Today the older set of twins turned 23.
Happy Birthday Tysa and Taylor!!

Meanwhile, last night the younger twins decided to spend the night in the small tent. Bear in mind the small tent is a single man tent. Yet, they both managed to be in it for 12 hours with numerous stuffed animals, clothing changes, DVD player, a 103 pound lab and a beagle dog.

At some time during the night,the lab brought them 3 firewood logs. Now I don't think he wanted a fire, but that is what he plays fetch with and he evidently wanted them to wake up and play. The beagle had another game in mind. While the girls where sleeping she removed all their stuffed animals and deposited them down the driveway.

Two days ago the girls gave the beagle a new bone to chew on. She promptly buried it. The funny thing is as soon as we left the dog from watching her bury it, she dug it up and reburied it in a different spot. Apparently she thought we would steal it back. It has been a game for the girls to try and locate where she moved it to. So far they have not found its new home.

On the downside, my rental house back has a new unwanted occupant--a raccoon. Efforts to catch it from the walls have been unsuccessful. Tomorrow we are setting live traps and hope she will climb in to check them out. Any ideas on how to catch her are welcome!

Civil War Days for Kids --Cass Co-Harrisonville MO

Civil War Kids Days


Admission: FREE for all ages

At the Sharp-Hopper Log Cabin
in front of the Harrisonville Cass County Library

May 7 & 8
Friday 5pm to 7pm
Saturday 9am to 9 pm

Activities:
Candle Light Walk 7pm Friday

Civil War Encampment
Civil War Skirmish Noon & 3pm Saturday

Period Games & Skits Friday & Saturday

Dance 6pm Saturday

Vendors: Gourd Banjos by Roy McClure
Mercantile Store
Music: Southern Travelers

This is the big event each year for The Civil War Kids Club (2nd Annual).
The group is based in Cass County, MO, for kids ages 6 and up. The group has 2 homeschool officers of it's 5 officers. The group membership is also just less than half homeschooled members. If you live in the area and your kids are interested in Civil War or Living History, this is a great group to join. If you're near the Civil War Kids Days would be a great History field trip!

HOME meeting in St Jospeh

The Board of Directors of HOME invites you to the informational meetings scheduled for Thursday, May 6 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 8, at 10 a.m. at the East Hills Library Branch in the lower level conference area.

Who we are and what we are doing, plus how we’re going to do it will be discussed. More information can be found at www.athomeresources.org or find us on Facebook under H.O.M.E.

My coupon book

Every time I shop, I have someone ask to look at my book. I have shared it on here before a few years ago, but will again to kick off this new section of my blog on saving money.

First, understand I only use a coupon on an item IF that allows me to get it cheaper than the generic, or cheaper than at Aldi. Often, when combining coupons with sales, CVS bonus bucks, or Walgreen's rebates, I get items free--such as toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo... But, to take full advantage of this, you usually can not be brand loyal.

Also, remember that often stores such as Dollar Tree and Dollar General also take coupons and also have name brand items at much less. This allows me to get name brand cereal often for $1 a box or sometimes free.

My coupon book goes everywhere with me. (My kids and husband will attest to this-we can't leave the house without it!) You never know when you may come across an unadvertised special or discounted item that you have coupons for, and you want your coupons with you-not at home.

After having my coupons in folders, envelopes, boxes and coupon holders, I came across keeping them in a 3 ring notebook binder. Inside the binder I have clear plastic photo sheets (the type with pockets that hold pictures).

Each pocket is labeled with a different category, and they are arranged in alphabetical order. I don't like standing in a store searching, so I have lots of categories--so I can find a coupon quicker. I have around 50 pockets. Some of my pockets are labeled as followed--air fresheners, baby, baking goods, batteries, beverages, bread & crackers, candy & gum, canned goods, cereals and breakfast foods, chips,.... You will want to adjust your categories for your needs.

After my pocket section, I then have a section of my book that has the large plastic page protector sheets. I have around 7 of those. Inside those sheets, I keep the current weekly ad for a store. Each store has its own protector sheets. As I study the ad, I move coupons for the sale items to that pocket for the store I plan to use them in. As I enter the store, I can easily flip to that ad and see those coupons for that visit. So, I have a page for Dollar General, CVW, Walgreen, Price Chopper, HyKlas, HyVee and Office Depot.

For my area, most of these stores are just a couple blocks from each other, so I don't waste a lot of time or fuel going from one to another. Also, I generally do not hit all these stores in a week.

As my coupons expire, I pull them out and pass them on to a military family who can use them. (Most commissaries take expired coupons.)

I generally spend about 90 minutes a week clipping my coupons and organizing them with the sale ads. My time to do this is on Sunday night while the kids are in youth group. We live 30 minutes from church, so I take them and then go to an empty Sunday School classroom and do my coupons. Sometimes a couple other moms join me in doing the same.

If you see an item you can get for free or next to free that you don't use--get it anyway and then donate it. I have given several blood sugar testers to our local food pantry to pass on to someone who could not afford one. They were ones I got free at CVS after rebates and CVS bucks. When you donate them, be sure to ask for a receipt for your taxes for donation purposes.

Also, check your area and join the free frequent shopper programs, such as CVS bonus bucks, Price Chopper frequent shopper and Office Depot work rewards....and many more.

Another book sale!

These sales are a great way to stock up on books and curriculum for the next school year. Here is another one in the Kansas City area.


5th ANNUAL USED CURRICULUM SALE & SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR



Tuesday, May 11, 2010

5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

First Baptist Raytown (Front Entrance)

10500 East 350 Hwy., Raytown, MO 64138



DHA families and the homeschool community are invited to sell and shop for used books and curriculum resources. Families are encouraged to shop before our annual DHA Spring Concert (7-8 pm) and Art & Class Displays. There is a $5.00 fee per table for those individuals interested in selling books & resources.



Registration Guidelines

•Complete registration form below & send in payment for a "Seller's Table" by Tuesday, April 27th. Email questions to: discoveryhomeschool@gmail.com or call the DHA office at: 816-778-1139 or call Anne Rudeen at home: 816-600-7932.



•Sellers may set up tables by 4:30 p.m. in the church foyer on May 11th.


•Sellers will handle their own pricing and selling. (Be prepared for cash purchases & making change.)



•Tables and chairs will be set up for the seller's use and complimentary water will be provided. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION!


--------------------------------------------------------------------

(Detach & Complete Form for Registration and Table Reservation)



Name: ______________________________________________ Number of Tables: ______________



Phone #: _____________________________ Email: _______________________________________



For Office Use Only:

Check #: ___________ Date: ___________


Amount Enclosed: ______________

Homeschooling bookstore closing

The Good Shepherd Academy Bookstore will be closing at the end of May. While this has been a hard decision to make, it comes after much prayer and consideration. It has been our sincere joy to serve the area homeschooling community for the past 10 years.



Deep discounts and sales will begin immediately and will continue until the end of May (or until the inventory is gone). Also for sale will be all of the bookcases, counter furniture, copier, laminator, and all other bookstore fixtures. If you, your church or business would like to know more about the fixtures (prices, availability) please call Michelle.



All consignment inventory must be claimed by May 1. All gift certificates and store credit must be redeemed by May 1.



We are located at 1105 W. Main, Suite C, Blue Springs, 64015. (The entrance is next to Accessorize Yourself and Marshel’s.) We are just west of 7 Highway at Main, which is between 40 Highway and I-70. Phone 816-295-1481; website www.gsacademy.org; e-mail bookstore@gsacademy.org. Hours M-F 10-4, Sat 10-2. We anticipate staying open until the last weekend of May.



Thank you for your support over the years and for your help in spreading the word about our final sale. Everything must go, so plan to visit us soon.



Blessings to your family, The GSA directors and staff.

A reminder and a little more info

I posted this once, but since have received more info. It was added as a comment on the orginal post, but I am afraid that it may be missed. So,...here it is again.
Also,
Parent meeting scheduled for APRIL 30th at 6 p.m.
300 E Bird Street
Hamilton, MO 64644

If you have never belonged to a homeschool coop, they are WONDERFUL. We would be lost without ours. It is a great way to meet other homeschooling families, for your kids to meet new friends with the same interests, parents to find support, and a great way for your child to get those classes that are harder to do in just your family, such as band or choir, PE, and to learn what you may not know, such as Spanish, French.....
Home school families of NW Missouri ,

LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) Home School Cooperative has been presented with the opportunity to rent rooms in the old Hamilton High School, in Hamilton Missouri, which has been acquired by Christian Legacy Academy .
We would like to begin holding cooperative meetings there when school starts for the 2010-2011 school year.

We will meet each Friday, September to May. Parents must be willing to teach or volunteer in some way for coop classes. It would not be a drop off program. We hope to keep fees very low.

The school has a gym with a stage, kitchen, science room with sink, numerous classrooms of various sizes, a large play area with playground equipment. It looks like the perfect opportunity for our organization. We will be able to use classrooms as needed.

Are you interested in meeting weekly for 3-4 hours? Sessions would be 8-12 weeks. Let us know the number of children in your family who would be participating.
Please send this on to any families you think would be interested.

Reply to Sasha Grove at wondersinisael@yahoo.com
Or Deanna Gordon at deannaggg@yahoo.com

History weekend

This Saturday and Sunday, Plattsburg held an reenactment of the Civil War Battle that had been fought here. The event was held at Perkins Park, despite the cold and rain. I have to admire the reeactment soldiers, they were shot and fell right in cold mud puddles, but it didn't stop them! After the battle, we wandered the camp and watched the horses, weaving (I learned a new way to make a rug!),cooking over open fires and more. I am glad that we no longer wear hoop dresses. I think the long dresses would have been very uncomfortable on rainy days. Meanwhile, Watkins Mill in Lawson also was having a living history event with its Fun on the Farm--in the rain.

Homeschool Track

Dear Home Schooling Families,

The Kansas City East Lions Home School Athletic Association have two track
meet opportunities coming up, and we are recruiting students who can run,
jump, and throw.

May 1 and/or May 22, the Lions will be competing at the State and Nationals'
Home School Track Meets. Both meets are in Springfield, Missouri, just a
little over a 2-hour drive.

You can do both or either, with meets generally starting around 10:00AM.

Events can include: sprints, hurdles, jumps, throws, longer runs and relays.

If we can get enough athletes to compete, we might have a pretty good chance
to win these meets. We need athletes from our region to compete.

We are looking for students, ages 6 years old to 19-year-old high school
seniors. The cost is $10.00 per meet per athlete.

PLEASE CONTACT: Larry K. Johnson, at mlkj1004@sbcglobal.net, for the MAY 1
MEET BY APRIL 27 & THE MAY 22 MEET BY MAY 12.

Wings over Weston

Wings over Weston event planned May 7 and 8 at Weston Bend State Park

Learn about birds and their importance to the environment May 7-8 at Weston Bend State Park near Weston. The two special days of activities are sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

On Friday, May 7, classes from several local schools will be at the park to get hands-on experience learning about birds. The day will include demonstrations with live birds, various educational stations covering the topics of migratory songbirds and avian habitat, touch tables and a guided bird hike. On Saturday, May 8, there will be similar activities from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the general public as well as a wild bird presentation by Operation Wildlife.

This event is being co-sponsored by Audubon Missouri, Burroughs Audubon, the city of Weston and the Missouri Department of Conservation.

For more information, contact Weston Bend State Park at 816-640-5443 or the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information on state parks and historic sites, visit us on the Web at mostateparks.com.

HOME-- a new group

Introducing HOME (Homeschool Organization for Midwest Educators) -- a non-profit homeschool organization registered with the state of Missouri with a focus to serve homeschool families in northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas. Shared ground amongst homeschool families can serve to encourage and support one another while making a positive impact in and around the region.



Two informational meetings are scheduled for early May in that will include discussion on obtaining an HSLDA group discount number, membership, and group insurance. Please follow the link below to the website for more details and information.



***It is not the intention of HOME (as an organization or its Board) to compete with any existing group but rather to bring the home educating community together in shared events and activities for the benefit of home education across the area.***



To find out more information, please visit www.athomeresources.org or find us on Facebook under H.O.M.E.




__._,_.___

New NW Missouri Homeschool coop forming in Hamilton

Home school families of NW Missouri ,

LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) Home School Cooperative has been presented with the opportunity to rent rooms in the old Hamilton High School, in Hamilton Missouri, which has been acquired by Christian Legacy Academy .
We would like to begin holding cooperative meetings there when school starts for the 2010-2011 school year.

We will meet each Friday, September to May. Parents must be willing to teach or volunteer in some way for coop classes. It would not be a drop off program. We hope to keep fees very low.

The school has a gym with a stage, kitchen, science room with sink, numerous classrooms of various sizes, a large play area with playground equipment. It looks like the perfect opportunity for our organization. We will be able to use classrooms as needed.

Are you interested in meeting weekly for 3-4 hours? Sessions would be 8-12 weeks. Let us know the number of children in your family who would be participating.
Please send this on to any families you think would be interested.

Reply to Sasha Grove at wondersinisael@yahoo.com
Or Deanna Gordon at deannaggg@yahoo.com

Watkins Mill

Spring on the Farm

Spring on the Farm will be held at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site on Saturday, April 24th, 2010 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Spring has come to the Watkins farm and join us for a day filled with fun and learning! Witness 1870’s style sheep shearing. Enjoy our American Livestock Breeds Conservatory display of rare and endangered livestock. Take a stroll through our heirloom garden while 1870’s attired interpreters prepare the raised beds and plant vegetable seeds saved from our heirloom plants the year before. Other activities will include toy making, wood stove cooking demonstration, rag doll making, and more. For further information contact the park office at (816) 580-3387.

Missouri Department of Conservation Homeschool Fieldtrips

Missouri Department of Conservation Homeschool Fieldtrips are Back!



Part-time MDC Naturalist, Shelly Cox invites homeschooling families with kids of all ages to join her at the NW MO Regional MDC Headquarters located on McCarthy Drive on the campus of Missouri Western in St. Joseph MO.


Wednesday, May 5, 2010

10:00 - 12:00 noon



This month's program will feature native plant seeds and nature journaling.



FREE!



Mark your calendar & make a reservation for your family by Wednesday, April 21 by calling 816 271-3111 ext.242



Questions? Feel free to drop me a line!

~Julia Brooke jeffjuliabrooke@sbcglobal.net