My Boys

Percival, Kristoff, and Olaf

These are my boys.  They currently insist on being handfed a little bit every morning when I feed.  It's our routine.  I love my roosters.  I am so sad when I have to rehome or cull.  I can't NOT get attached to them, I just can't.  I've tried, LOL.  When you take the time to raise them, you just get so acquainted with them.  They have such cute and funny personalities.  Much like little boys and girls, cockerels and pullets have their own little quirkiness.

From left to right are Percival (Percy), Kristoff, and Olaf.  They were hatched by one of my hens about 3 months ago.  They are the offspring of my hens and my head rooster, Cedric.  I will miss them if I am not able to keep them. We have plans right now to try to make it work, but we just have too many roosters!

I am hoping to put Kristoff with Cedric in a separate pen we are working on. I also have at least one silkie rooster that I will try to put with Percival in another pen.  I have another rooster separated right now, Sweet Pea, who is also one of Cedric's offsprings from last year.  He was my buddy rooster that I now intend to put as head of my main flock. I am hoping to put him and Olaf together, but not sure if that will work.  The longer it takes to prepare these other pens and move the roosters around the less likely I will be able to match them up.  If the roosters are younger it is easier for them to be submissive to a head rooster.

To add to my dilemma, I have 3 more babies another hen is raising that are supposed to be olive eggers of which I think 2 might be roosters.  Now what?  Time will tell.  I will keep you updated.  What's going on in your barnyard and/or coop?

Phonics Museum App REVIEW

The Phonics Museum App by Veritas Press was just what we needed to begin our school year so when we had the opportunity to review it I was happy, happy, happy!  You can download the Phonics Museum App from iTunes.  The subscription (good for up to 3 kids) is available for $9.99 per month or yearly for $98.99.  The app is recommended for ages 3-7 (iTunes states 5 and under).  It teaches phonics, reading, and writing.  My four, almost five year old just loves this app.


Little Bug already knows quite a bit but doesn't read yet.  She has known her ABCs and letter sounds for a while now, but the app is engaging and fun and she has no problem reviewing what she knows.  There is so much going on in each lesson it keeps her busy enough to not be bored with it.

Tapping to enter into her lesson

Enjoying her engaging lesson

This app is for anyone wanting to learn to read early. We were asked to use it at least 3 times per week.  Little Bug has had no problem using it almost every day!  She LOVES this app, and she is learning more!  She does have difficulty hearing some of her sounds and this is giving her great practice. She has no problems moving through the menus and following the directions of what to do next.

Once you download the app and get signed in for the first time you meet Percival, the knight in shining armor.  You will see Percival throughout the program as you advance through the levels.  Percival along with Miss Biddle are your two main characters besides your avatar you create.  In the lobby of the museum you can go to the game room, the trophy room (to see all the levels you have completed and passed), or use the elevator to continue your lessons.

I really like that you cannot go to the next lesson until you complete the lesson you are on.  It does let you go back to previous lessons so that is a minor issue with my little.  If I don't watch her she goes back to old lessons instead of moving forward.  She doesn't do this on purpose (she is currently four years old), she just gets click happy.  Every now and then she does lock the program up because she gets too click happy but simply exiting the program and starting it again gets you back on track. There are SO MANY activities including letter sound matches, beginning letter sounds, upper and lower case recognition, and tracing letters with your finger.

In addition to the games and activities they also have wonderful catchy tunes to teach concepts.  Music is such a wonderful way to learn things.  Their take on the ABC song is lots of fun.  I also really like the "phonics" song.


There are 10 levels and she is still on level 2.  Level one has 15 activities and she learned 3 letters and phonic sounds (A, M, B).  Level two has 16 activities and the letter and phonic sounds for P, T, D, N, and G are introduced.  I'm pretty sure she is not any further because she got stuck and lost in level one and I didn't catch it!  Now that I am aware of that we are advancing well and I am so excited to see when she will start some reading.  Some say the levels are not challenging enough but I also heard that a call to customer service enabled them to advance to a higher level.  Little Bug already knows her ABCs really well and her letter sounds, but like I said, she is very engaged and not bored with this product.  I am going to just let her advance through the game and know that if there are any gaps they will be filled in by going through this program.


Since you cannot proceed ahead of your current level you are working on I cannot see the upper levels.  I am bummed that I didn't catch her error sooner.  I will be so excited to see how this will help her read.  She is definitely one who has to ability to be an early reader so I am confident this will get her there.

I can definitely say that we highly recommend this program.  The level that it keeps her engaged at is tremendous.  Why wouldn't you want to have and use a program that not only teaches your child well, but that they enjoy so much?  "School" remains a fun activity for her and I say that is a WIN!  I really wish this were also available for our Kindle Fire.  We will definitely use this program to completion this year.  It is part of her current curriculum.  I cannot thank Veritas Press enough for creating the Phonics Museum App and allowing us to review it.


You can connect with Veritas Press on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM, and TWITTER
Please be sure to connect with the other reviewers on this wonderful app.  It will be well worth your time to check it out and consider it as part of your fall curriculum.

Olive Eggers Are Growing!

Falling in love again.  These darn chickens.  So easy to get so attached.  I am overrun with roosters again.  The first 3 we hatched are looking to be all roosters (two of them DEFINITELY are). Of the two silkies we got, at least one if not both are roosters (Sir Galahad has been crowing for some time now).  And now, the olive eggers.  SIGH.  If I had to absolutely guess I am going to say 2 roosters and a hen (pullet).  Would be lovely to be surprised and wrong and they are all pullets!!  LOL.  Time will tell.  Drat this waiting.

At any rate, the white olive eggers are looking so cute these days.  The one in front has a really nice muff going.  Sure hope the other two puff out a little too but they aren't looking like it right now.  Will have more updates on the coop soon.  SO MUCH going on right now.  Lots of new plans and babies growing up. How is your coop coming along?  Any new additions or updates?  Share in the comments below.  May your day be blessed!

Dear Homeschool Mom - Back to Homeschool Blog Hop 2017

Dear Homeschool Mom,

If I had it to do over again, yes, I would still homeschool.  I am in my 13th year of homeschooling my son.  I also now homeschool our Pre-K/K4 daughter and another 7th grader.  I have learned so much over the years and made SO MANY mistakes, but here I am.  We have survived.  My son is learning and advancing.  That math we struggled with for so many years is coming around.  I have an 8th grader that will be starting Algebra I.  YES, Algebra I.  I also had Algebra I for 8th grade when I went to public school but that was a year ahead of the regular schedule. I am so proud of him and we just LOVE CTC Math for helping us to get there.  We still have obstacles to overcome in the writing area, but I know we will get there.

My advice to anyone considering homeschooling or just starting to do it, JUST DO IT.  You will be fine.  Your love and nurture in the home environment will go far in your child's life.  Take things slow if you are unsure.   You will not RUIN your child.  If you get a little behind, just make up a little over the summer or just don't worry about it at all!!  You are NOT competing with anyone.  Your child will learn.  Just keep plugging on.  If a curriculum is not working, then STOP and either take a break or try something new.  We have done that SO MANY times!!!  Some days I wondered if we would ever get through that year and would he even learn a single thing?!!  I have a struggling learner and it has been a battle.  Yes, a battle!!  The Lord directs our steps and with lots of prayer I surely believe we are finally settling in to a good routine.  It has taken MANY years, but I now know we will be okay.  If we finish early or late, my child will be ready for the "real world."  He will excel in all he does because we have fostered a confidence in him that he CAN do it.  Sometimes it takes more time and a lot more work, but the end does come and the results are rewarding.

Dear homeschool mom, don't fret.  Take things one day at a time.  One hour at a time if you must.  Get help through fellow homeschoolers or a mentor at church who supports your decision to homeschool.  Join a homeschool group or co-op.  We have done a co-op off and on over the years.  Some times it was a good fit and others not so much.  We decided at the stage we are in now that opting out of co-op at this time was a God thing.  It was a tough decision but one I am now glad we made.  God is opening doors and we are able to do what we need to do without the restriction of schedules.

Homeschooling is hard, but you can do it.  There will be tears and frustrations, but you will make it.  Be sure to create a means of support if one is not available to you.  Reach out to someone you think will listen and understand.  Your husband would be the best person for this but if that does not work perhaps another friend or mentor from your church.  A fellow friend who homeschools is always a great form of support.  You can laugh and cry together over your crazy days.  Most of all, don't give up.  Press on, you CAN do it.  If all is failing and coming apart TAKE A BREAK.  DO NOT feel like a failure if you have to take a step back.  Sometimes that best solution is to pour your heart into your child and make sure you have their heart too.  Above all else you want to foster love and support for your child.

I will pray for all those struggling.  I will pray for you momma, if you feel destined for failure.  I will pray you will find comfort in the Lord and allow Him to direct your steps for your family and have wisdom for good decisions for your child(ren).  May you be blessed in all you do.

Find words of wisdom and comfort from my fellow Review Crew members in their Dear Homeschool Mom letters.  We've all been there at one time or another and we know you will be fine.

School Supplies - Back to Homeschool Blog Hop 2017

When it comes to homeschool supplies, you can get away with very minimal to over the top.  I like to think I fall somewhere in the middle but truth is I am probably a little closer to over the top.  I love my electronics and gadgets!  Your necessary supplies will of course depend on the ages of your children and what subjects they are covering for the year.

Probably the most basics would be obvious:

• Pencils and pens
• Paper (lined and copy/plain white)
• Crayons, markers, colored pencils
• Glue and/or glue sticks
• Notebooks or composition books
• Binders and folders
• Library card

You won't even need all of those depending on the subjects you cover and how you will plan out your lessons.

Additional items that are on my must have list are:

• Laser printer (you will NEVER go wrong with a Brother)
• Copy paper (LOTS of it)
• Paper cutter
• Binding machine (I use this Fellowes one) and various size combs
• 3-hole paper puncher
• Color ink jet multi-function printer (again, Brother is the way to go)
• Lap top(s)
• Tablet like mini iPad or Kindle Fire (we love both of ours)
• Booklet stapler (definitely over the top item and not often used but sure do love it when we need one!)
• Laminator and laminating sheets
• Sheet protectors

Like I said, I like my gadgets!  I just like being able to produce what I need without having to run somewhere or pay extra for it to be done.  Over the years my investments have paid for themselves.  I shop Sam's Club, Staples and Amazon for steal deals and generally get my stuff pretty cheap.  Both printers were less than $250 total and I spend a minimum amount of money on the ink because you can get the aftermarket stuff VERY CHEAP on eBay and Amazon.  I have had my ink jet for 3 years now and just retired my original Laser printer after about 10 years of service.  It is still going strong but we have a new wifi router and I needed new technology to be compatible with it (bummer!).

Staples is generally the place to get cheap school supplies in June/July.  I stock up on copy paper then also for the printers.  We go through a LOT (MANY reams/year) of paper!!  I rarely pay over $1 per ream.  I do avail myself of every rebate and sale possible.  Staples is usually the place to buy the printers when they are on sale and if you can snag a coupon, bonus!  I think the laser I just upgraded to cost me about $80 after sale and coupon.

A laminator almost seems like a must have for us because we use it for so many things.  Bible memorization cards, write on wipe off stuff for the younger crowd (especially for math worksheets), and any kind of flash cards needed.  We do quite a bit of online school too so the laptop and tablets are necessary.  I REALLY like the Kindle Fire because it has awesome capability to control what, where and when your kids have access on it.  I tend to do a lot of binding also so the binding machine was a must for me.

Don't let my crazy list scare you.  You can homeschool with a library card and minimal supplies just fine.  It just depends on how you go about it.  Over the years (13 now) I have accumulated the stash I have and I really like the convenience of having it at my fingertips when I need it.  Don't you regularly whip out your binder or laminator at midnight just to complete that last minute project to get the kids started on?  LOL, seriously, it doesn't have to be so complicated.  Take it a step at a time and just get what you need when you need it.  It will add up over time and if you make wise decisions you won't regret them.

Happy schooling!

Please take the time to check out what other Review Crew members use for their School Supplies.

2017-2018 School Year Curriculum - Back to Homeschool Blog Hop 2017

We tend to be ecclectic homeschoolers and also tend to school year round.  We take off for holidays and times when sickness just takes over.  We have taken off a few weeks in the fall, spring and summer in the past but might try to do 6 weeks on, 1 week off this year.  We will need to adjust a little around Christmas, but it just might work.  Not fully sold on that yet!


I have always known that I had a struggling learner in my son, but was just recently able to pin it that he is a SPATIAL Visual Learner.  What?!!  Yes, he basically thinks in pictures and seeing the whole picture rather than through words and learning in bits and pieces.  He learns holistically rather than in parts. He tends to miss out on the details.  Tag that on with a bit of dysgraphia and ADHD and we have a hot mess!



He wasn't reading by second grade and I panicked.  When I finally found How to Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons we were able to get him reading and up to grade level by the end of his second grade year.  Fast forward to this year where he will be starting the 8th grade.  Wow, where has the time gone?  I am also homeschooling a 7th grader and a Pre K4 year old that I am going to start in Kindergarten because she is just ready and her birthday falls within a month of the public school schedule for qualifying for kindergarten.

We have found Schoolhouseteachers.com to be an excellent resource for us in our homeschool journey.  We plan to use it for most of our upcoming homeschool year. 

For the 7th and 8th grader:

Math - we have found that CTC math has been a true blessing!  It is online and consists of short, approximately 5 min, video lessons and short, generally only 10, practice questions.  The lessons are short, to the point, and he is learning wonderfully.  He will be starting Algebra here in about a week so I'd say it's a win!  I also recently reviewed No-Nonsense Algebra and have found this to be a valued resource in review and supplemental help. My Kindergartner, 7th and 8th graders will all use CTC Math this year.

Language Arts (Schoolhouseteachers)

1. Opening the Door to Poetry - 9 wks
2. Refelcting on Poetry - 2 weeks
3. Children's Literature for Life - Carry on, Mr. Bowditch - 4 week unit study
4. Daily Grammar - 16 wks
5. Middle School Spelling - 36 wks 
6. Creative Writing - 24 wks
7. Research Skills (7th Grade) - 6 weeks
8. English on a Roll (we reviewed this one too, not on Schoolhouseteachers)

Science

1. Earth Science (Schoolhouseteachers)

Bible  (Schoolhouseteachers)

1. Apologetics Creation vs Evolution - 15 wks
2. Creation Apologetics
3. Christian Discipleship Lessons

History (Schoolhouseteachers)

1. Classical History -29 weeks
2. We will do a conglomeration of things through the year including Drive Thru History

Social Studies (Schoolhouseteachers)

1. American Government
2. Checks and Balances

Geography

1. All About Maps (Schoolhouseteachers)
2. Let's Go Geography (we are currently reviewing this on the Crew!)

Of course since I'm on the Review Crew there will be more items added as we review them and work them into our schedule.

For my preK/Kindergartner, I will do a mixture of things.  She is using several things we have reveiwed for the Crew this year and we are continuing them into this school year. 

1. Phonics Museum App (we are reviewing right now)
2. Bible ABC Notebook curriculum (reviewed earlier this year)
3. Ecclectic Foundations Language Arts (reviewed earlier this year)
4. CTC Math
5. K5 Learning (still a few months left from our review)
6. Spanish (she just loves this program from Whistlefritz that we reviewed!)

As always, I know some things will change over the course of the year and there are still some electives to be decided on.  We will plug on as always and enjoy the journey.  Take time to check out some other posts on what other homeschool families on our Review Crew are using for their Curriculum.

Senior Citizen Coop

External shot of progress

Cedric's retirement home is coming along.  If you missed it, Cedric is our crippled rooster.  He is one of our original crew when we started chickens 3 1/2 years ago.  He is a good boy and a good rooster.  Most of all he is my son's pet so culling him is not an option right now.  He injured his leg a little over a year ago (or more?) and just never really recovered.  He gimps pretty bad but still manages to get around.  Jumping in and out of our current coop is really wearing on him and he just really isn't producing many fertile eggs these days. 

Internal shot looking out towards nesting boxes

Back of coop and roost

Wonderful nesting boxes

This coop will allow him a smaller area to move around and hopefully not so high to get in and out of the coop.  Closer to the ground would have been perfect but then there would be no shelter so it was a toss up.  We went with creating a shelter under the coop as low as possible.  I think it will be a little better.  He doesn't really walk up and down the ramps well so he chooses to hop/jump in and out which can be pretty stressful to him.   We'll put some hens in with him so he won't be lonely and can still be a rooster, just on a smaller scale.

Loving these egg boxes

We have had schedule and weather challenges with more rain coming in the next few days.  Hopefully we can get it completed by this weekend.  We shall see.  I really need to start moving some of the chickens around.  We are overpopulated in roosters again due to the upcoming babies and juveniles.  Three of the ones we hatched are probably all roosters, now it looks like about 2 of the 3 that we got for momma #2  will be roosters, and of course we now know Sir Galahad is also a roo.  Oh my!!  That gives us a total of 8 roosters!!  Definitely not gonna work!  One of our hatch babies, Kristoff, is an absolute sweety and my buddy so I will find a way to keep him.

BRIGHT neon type green, oh my!

It's coming along slowly but surely

We still have Sweet Pea whom I intend to make our main rooster in the big coop and run if he will behave himself.  He has lived in the mini coop for so long with such little interaction with me I am nto sure how he will behave when he gets out.  Another of the hatch babies, Olaf, is so big and beautiful I would love to see him help Sweet Pea in the main coop if they can get along?  I will prob put Kristoff and his brother/sister (not sure if roo or hen yet), in with Cedric in hopes that might possibly work because Kristoff is so docile righ now.

As usual, never a dull moment in the chicken yard and always lots to do.  Will have more updates coming when we complete this project.  May you be richly blessed and enjoy your day.

No-Nonsense Algebra REVIEW

It seems you can never get too much help in the math department so when I had the chance to review No-Nonsense Algebra from Math Essentials, I jumped at the chance.  My 8th grader is set to start Algebra this fall.  I took Algebra when I was in 8th grade and it dawned on me that this is a year ahead of time!  Oh no, I thought I messed up but his current math program covers pre-algebra for his 7th grade math so we should be okay.  Also, now that I know we have this book available to us we will be just fine. The author, Richard W. Fisher is an award-winning math teacher with a proven system that produces fantastic results.
The current math program we are using has short videos as the lesson and No-Nonsense Algebra is much the same.  It is basically a textbook (not a workbook) that has 10 chapters of lessons that include:

• Necessary Tools for Algebra
• Solving Equations
• Graphing and Analyzing Linear Equations
• Solving and Graphing Inequalities
• Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities
• Polynomials
• Rational Expressions (Algebraic Fractions)
• Radical Expressions and Geometry
• Quadratic Equations
• Algebra Word Problems

The lessons begin with an introduction that includes helpful hints on the subject followed by examples and then some practice problems. Each chapter ends with a review section to help solidify what was learned.  Almost every topic has a corresponding video lesson to also teach the concept (there is supposed to be a video for every lesson but we found a few to be missing). The FREE videos are accessed online with an access code that is given to you when you purchase the book.  There is a final review (comprehensive test) at the end of the book as well as answers to all the problems, a glossary, important formulas, important symbols, and various other helps (multiplication table, commonly used prime numbers, squared and square roots, and fraction/decimal equivalents).


Math Essentials Final Cut from Richard Fisher on Vimeo.

The approach taken is a systematic approach that allows the teaching to flow from one concept to the next in a very logical sequence. This book can be used in various ways.  It can be your sole stand alone program or you can use it as a supplement to a program you are already using or even as a review text to be sure that your student has mastered all of the algebra concepts.

Since we have a current program that works well with my son we chose to use this as a supplement and a review for concepts he has already learned in pre-algebra.  Our current homeschool schedule for summer is 3 days a week and this has worked well in working through this text.  He likes that the video lessons are fairly short (approximately 10 min each - some a little shorter some a minute or two longer) and that the lessons include helpful hints.  I was even able to use some of the helpful hint concepts with a 7th grader I homeschool and they were helpful for her.  The entire first chapter is dedicated to reviewing pre-algebra concepts so it has been a good review for my son.

Sample snip from a video lesson

We plan to continue using this as a supplemental text as he moves on to Algebra in a few weeks.  I would definitely recommend this book for anyone needing a quick review of pre-algebra concepts, needing to solidify their Algebra or even just needing a full Algebra curriculum.  This text can rise to the task and you will not be disappointed in the results it can bring.  I have learned from experience with my son that curriculum that is bogged down with endless lessons and practice questions does not make for a better source of teaching.  Short, concise and to the point gets it done with less pain to the student and I think they learn and retain the material much better.




You can connect with Math Essentials on FACEBOOK. Also be sure to check out their website for more math books and helps.
Please take the time to check out the other reviews on this text book through the banner below.

Meet Sir Galahad

Well, it's official.  Ebony has been dubbed Sir Galahad!  He started crowing the other day and there is no doubt he is a rooster.  Oh boy.  Don't need/want any more roosters.  Hoping that he will remain docile enough with the other rooster(s) so he can stay.  He certainly is a handsome one.  He seems really laid back but he is still pretty young.  I think around 6 months or so now.  Time will tell.  I'll keep y'all updated :).

I am back to a rooster dilemma again. We are currently building a retirement home for Cedric, my top rooster who is quite disabled.  He still think he rules the roost but he has such a hard time getting up and down out of the coop and getting around due to a serious unknown leg injury about a year ago.  He is now just 3 1/2 years old but has been through so much.  He will have his own coop and run area along with about 4-5 hens I choose to stay with him.  It may well be that Sir Galahad becomes a roomie too.  We shall see.  How do you handle rooster overpopulation?

Hey, Andrew! Teach Me Some Greek! - Level 3 Set REVIEW

I was so excited when I saw that we were going to have the opportunity to review Hey, Andrew! Teach Me Some Greek! - Level 3 Set from Greek 'n' Stuff.  I have had my eye on this curriculum for a long time, but knew that my struggling learner just wasn't ready for it yet.  He is entering the 8th grade and I figured now would be as good a time as any to give it a try!
We received the Worktext and Answer Key for Level 3 and also the Pronunciation CD for Levels 3 and 4.  The Worktext is a consumable workbook for the student to use.  If you have more than one student they will each need their own Worktext.  The flashcards that are to be used daily are in the back of the Worktext.  I cut ours out and laminated them so they would last.  The Answer Key is basically a copy of the Worktext with all the answers filled in.  It also has a nice suggested Schedule of Lessons.  There is also an Appendix in the Answer Key that has a quite a bit of information including Glossaries for Greek - English and English - Greek words, the Greek Alphabet (24 letters), punctuation, breathing marks, and word order just to name a few.  The last two items in the Appendix are an Index and Flashcard Tips. The Pronunciation CD has the Greek Alphabet Song and pronunciations for all the words in the Worktext. The CD also has a key that tells you what page in the worktext goes with the pronunciation on the CD.

CD key

There are a total of 36 lessons and it is recommended that you complete about a page a day, which amounts to about a lesson per week.  A typical lesson takes 20 minutes or less depending on how slowly they write and how much time they take to review the flashcards.  This would actually give you a full year plus some summer school to complete if you did not complete some extra lessons along the way.  Students who have had Greek in the past or who learn languages quickly may proceed at a quicker pace.  The page a day/lesson per week has worked pretty well for my guy.  We are a little behind because he went a little slower in the beginning to try to learn all the letters of the alphabet well.  He didn't feel confident to move on before he had a better grasp of the letters.

Even though we have had no previous Greek experience, it was recommended that 4th grade and above begin in Level 3.  I can understand that after seeing the worktext because it reviews the alphabet and teaches from a standpoint that the student has had no prior Greek study.  Please be aware that the Greek taught here is Biblical Greek (Koine), not that which is currently spoken in Greece right now.  It is the language that the New Testament was written in and is taught using that form of Greek.

Sample Lesson page

A typical lesson, once you get past the alphabet review lessons, consists of a word introduction, pronunciation of word (you would also use the CD for this), then you practice writing the word, next you generally complete a matching exercise, additional practice with the word, a reminder to practice your daily flashcards, and finally a page allowing you to write the word 16 more times. This helps to solidify the spelling of the word in your mind.  There are practice pages continually throughout the lessons.

Sample Practice page

I am so glad we had the opportunity to review this.  I definitely recommend Hey, Andrew! Teach Me Some Greek! - Level 3 if you have ever considered learning some Koine Greek in order to better understand scripture from the New Testament.  We will definitely be continuing this into our school year and hope to have it completed by next summer.  There is a copywork copy book available for the Gospel of John and that might be something we consider in the future too!


You can connect with Greek 'n' Stuff on FACEBOOK, FACEBOOK HEY ANDREW GROUP PAGE, TWITTER, PINTEREST, and INSTAGRAM.
There is more than just Greek so please take the time to check out the other reviews on this and bible study options by clicking on the banner below.

Jalapeno Hot Pepper Jelly

Finally!  I got the jelly done.  Been meaning to put up some jalapeno hot pepper jelly and finally got some put up tonight.  Six and a half pints.  We love this stuff.  Warm up a block of cream cheese, pour some jelly over the top, enjoy on some crackers (Triscuit is the best! :)).  Plan to get some bread and butter pickles and salsa done tomorrow!  What's on your canning list?  Have you put up some stuff already?

In the Reign of Terror REVIEW

I love G.A. Henty history books and was so excited to be able to review the audio drama In the Reign of Terror from Heirloom Audio Productions.  The quality of this audio drama is superb and the dramatic actors just draw you in to the story like no other.  Be prepared to turn your sound up and sit back and enjoy some history audio drama style!
In the Reign of Terror is a story set during the French Revolution.  A young 16 year old boy, Harry, is visiting Arlington Cemetery with his family.  He meets an Englishman, Mr. George.  They converse and discuss the difference between the America Revolution and the French Revolution and how they were so different.  The American Revolution was about justice and pointed towards God while the French Revolution became a terror about personal independence and reliance and had nothing to do with God.  God was utterly rejected in the terror of the French Revolution.
Mr. George offers to share a story with Harry about a boy named Harry who just also happens to be 16 years old.  Thus begins the story of In the Reign of Terror.  Harry learns of the challenges and dangers that encompassed the French Revolutionary War.  We meet a Monsieur du Tillet and throughout the story learn bits and pieces of French culture and landmarks.
This dramatic telling of a story set during the French Revolution weaves a tale of excitement and terror.  While you are captivated by listening to the story you are also learning about a piece of history and what things were like during that time.  The story weaves in cultural aspects, landmarks and even bits and pieces of a foreign language.
Does Harry get attacked by a dog?  Who is the Marquis and his family to Harry?  Is Harry able to help the daughters of the Marquis escape? Who is Robespierre?  Does he have honest motives in his decisions? Does Marie get rescued from prison? Will the Marquis girls stand trial and will it result in their death? Is there a plan to save them?  You must get this audio drama to find out.  You won't be disappointed in the excitement and how well it captivates the listener's attention.

To make things even better there is a Study Guide available that is FREE with your subscription to the Live the Adventure Club.  This is not your ordinary study guide in my opinion.  It is jam packed with review questions and resources that allow you to immerse yourself and your students in the subject matter.  The study guide for this audio drama consists of 42 pages.  It begins with a list of the production crew and the cast. The introduction explains that each set of questions (there is a set for each of the 22 tracks) consists of 3 sections (The Listening Well, The Thinking Further, and The Defining Words sections). It also has a short bio about G.A. Henty, Maximillien Robespierre, and Marie Antoinette.  Most sections also have an Expand Your Learning box that further grows your knowledge about a related subject from the story.

In The Listening Well section there is a set of excellent review questions for the track just listened to.  The Thinking Further section asks your student to work a little harder and either look something up, draw conclusions, or speculate about Harry and what he is doing. The Defining Words section is an excellent way to add a language arts aspect to the study.  There is a list of vocabulary words to look up or use any way you wish.

The study guide concludes with a recommended reading list about the French Revolution, a 3-part bible study that covers subjects related to what is covered in the story, and finally a Historical Background for In the Reign of Terror.  I was very impressed with it as a whole and would highly recommend you consider joining the Live the Adventure Club.

So many resources in the club

Now would be a GREAT time to join because they are offering a 3-Month TRIAL PERIOD to the club for ONLY $1 and you get a FREE copy of their newest adventure Captain Bayley's Heir!  You just can't beat that!  If you agree that this is a wonderful resource and choose not to cancel, your subscription will continue at a rate of $24.75 billed every 3 months. So, for $99/year you get access to a HUGE library of resources and also FREE copies of their newest dramas 3 times a year and their accompanying study guides.  You must check out the trial because you will be able to see the awesome amount of resources available through the club.  I was pretty impressed with access to tons of free historical ebooks and videos, in addition to the study guides for each audio drama.

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Please also take the time to check out the other reviews on this awesome audio drama.