Happy New Year

Out with the old, in with the new.  It's a new day.  It's a new year.  2018 had a lot of ups and downs for my family and myself.  With God, all things were possible.  With God, we persevered.  With God, we came out victorious through every trial.  We are believing for more breakthroughs and blessings in 2019.

God is all about new beginnings and restoration.  The older I get, the more I can see God's word come to pass.  We tend to be so cynical and judgemental, but God says He looks at the heart.  He cleans us up from the inside out.  His grace IS sufficient.  If you find yourself at the end of your rope, I encourage you to look up.  Reach out to the One who can cleanse you from your sins.  The One who can bring joy and restoration to your heart where you were sure there was only death and destruction.

May the new year bring you and yours blessings beyond compare.  May your dry places be filled with joy and peace.  May you find the One who can make all things new if you have not already.  I pray that 2019 will be your best year yet.

For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  John 3:16

Blessings to Your Household

The winter days are dragging on.  It has been a very mild winter for us thus far and I am glad.  I don't like to super cold and it always makes me worry about the chickens more if the temps drop too low. Christmas has come and gone and New Years is just around the corner.  Our schedules have not seemed to slow down and Sam keeps me running with his 4H and Youth Group activities.

I do so enjoy quiet evenings by the fire and am always so grateful for our woodburning fireplace.  Our weather has been all over the place so it is often hard to plan things.  We still need to get so much done that didn't get done this fall.  I am still hoping for some mild weather to hopefully finish some of those projects.  We REALLY need to get the garden prepped but I know if not we will be fine.  It never got done till spring last year and we had a really nice garden this past year.  I am looking forward to an even better one this year.

I have so many dreams for what I need to be doing on this blog but never seem to have the time to bring things to fruition.  I sure hope to get things in order this upcoming year and make some necessary improvements.  I will continue to review homeschool products as I have decided to sign on to the Review Crew again.  It has blessed my family so much.  I would really like to provide more information specifically on what I have learned while chicken keeping and my research on essential oils and natural healing using herbs and oils.

Hoping your Christmas was blessed and praying for a prosperous new year for you.  Blessings to you and your family and may peace surround you.  I do realize that for some this is not such a wonderful time of the year due to losses so I lift up a prayer for you that joy may flood your heart despite your circumstances.

It's Christmas Time

Just where does the time go?  Where did this year go?  Christmas is almost here and I am so not ready this year.  I still have lots to get done so praying that all will work out in time for everything to go smoothly.

It's been a rough year.  A trying year.  I believe I am ready to start fresh in the new year.  I am ready for new beginnings.  For a hope that things will be better.  I was not going to renew my Crew Review commitment but then decided that I really wanted to try to do better.  To complete what I had begun.  It really has been a blessing with curriculum for the kids.  It just gets so hard sometimes when there is so much to do.  I pray for direction and more organization in the new year.

Organization.  Now that's a word.  I'm always striving for more organization.  I want to get the house in order and be done with the excessive clutter.  I have made strides this year but would like to complete that project as well.

I also hope to do better with blogging and participating more in blog hops and such.  I need to create a consistent schedule and then stick to it.  I will make this short and save more reflections for a future post.  May your year end with blessings and hope.

Winter Garden

Winter garden

It has been a trying year.  This fall/winter has been a trying time.  Financially things have not been the best.  This year alone our a/c went out, our septic went out, our deep freeze died and just recently our fridge died.  I also found out at the beginning of the year that I would be in for thousands of dollars of necessary dental work (mostly repairing/replacing crowns).  But God.  Through all the trials, my Lord has been with us.  Provision has come, one way or another.  It has still been rough, but we have not gone hungry or wanting for anything.  Bills have gotten behind and restored. We persevere.

Our winter garden above looks desolate, lost, barren.  But in the spring it will be an empty canvas for a productive future.  We failed again to prepare it before the winter weather hit, but if all fails we will get it done in the spring, like we did this year, before planting.  Each year it gets a little better and things come together more.  We upgraded with composite boards this year and should be able to have all the beds finished by next spring/summer with composite.  We were able to get them on deep discounts.  We also combined a lot of beds which made for more planting space and less wasted aisle space that just gets filled with grass and weeds.

The weeds and bugs around here will always be a hideous challenge every year, but with perseverance, we will prevail.  I went with Sevin dust this year and had good results. I think I might try neem oil again next year and see if we can still have good results.  It is a much better organic alternative but it didn't work so well several years ago.  The squash bugs are just so bad here and they seem to take out everything.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: ecc 3:1

Seasons.  There are seasons in nature and seasons in our life.  Each day begins anew and His mercies are renewed every morning.  I thank God for His provision in our lives and I thank Him for being with us always.  Our homesteading journey, however slow it may be in this season, is so worth it and rewarding.  Each year there are at least small improvements. It will come, I believe, with time and patience.  Don't lose hope and don't lose your dream.

He Got One!

After much anticipation and waiting, he got one! This was Sam's third year hunting.  No luck the first year, got one but lost it in tracking last year, got one this year!  Nice sized 7 point buck. Meat in the freezer, thank you Jesus!  He was so happy and proud to be able to contribute to the family in providing some wonderful meat.  We are so grateful for God's provision.  Looking forward to some yummy meals ahead.  Do you have any hunters in your family?  May you also be blessed if you do.

Guitar 360 Method REVIEW

We've had two guitars in our home for many years now and still, no one plays.  I can read music and I play piano, but I have just not mastered being able to play the guitar.  I was excited when we had the chance to review and learn to play guitar using the Guitar 360 Method.  I received free access to this online guitar lessons course. The course includes guitar videos on how to play the guitar.  The lessons can be accessed on your desktop computer, laptop, or even a tablet or mobile device for learning on the go.  This is NOT a subscription so when you purchase the lessons you have access to them for as long as you want and need them.  The lessons are taught by Krisz Simonfalvi, a world-renowned instructor. I received the Semester 1 Bundle that includes both 3 weeks (23 lessons) of Absolute Beginner bonus content and 13 weeks (100 lessons) of Semester 1. It also included 2 bonus mini song lessons.

Bonus beginner course and bonus songs

It is important to know that Krisz stresses that this is not a music theory course, all though he does cover some. It consists instead of immersive lessons that saturate you with technique and creativity.  He really does walk you through the steps for you to gain confidence in your ability to produce music from within you.  Krisz says it's perfect for "those who want to play in a band/worship team or write their own music."  He recommends it for ages 15 and above, but younger students who really want to learn can certainly benefit from this course.

Working on a lesson from the laptop

Because we are so new to playing the guitar my son and I focused on the bonus beginner course.  I love how the lessons are so short and allow you to really master the topic.  Most videos are only about 5 minutes long (in week 1 a few are only about 2 minutes).  Krisz says this is so you can go back to a specific topic to review instead of trying to find what you want within an hour long or so teaching segment.  Once you are in the course navigating through the lessons is very easy and user-friendly.  As you progress through the lessons you can mark them as complete, but you can always go back and review as necessary.
 

Bonus Beginner lessons week 1

The Bonus Beginner Lessons include the following:

• Week 1
• Welcome
• Parts of the Guitar
• Left Hand Basics
• Right Hand Basics
• How to Tune
• 4-Finger Warm-up Exercises
• Practice
• Exercise level1
• Exercise level 2
• Exercise level 3
• Week 2
• Your First Chord
• Basic Strumming
• Let's Add Another Chord
• Practice
• Strumming Level 1
• Strumming Level 2
• Strumming Level 3
• Week 3
• Our Next Chord(s)
• Pickups & Multiplying Chords
• Parts of a Song
• Practice
• Song Level 1
• Song Level 2
• Song Level 3
• Song performed with singer
• Closing

Semester 1 Welcome section

Practicing hard

We are not ready to begin the Semester 1 Bundle course yet, but I can't wait till we get to that point.  I am finding that for some reason I just struggle with holding the guitar and placing my fingers properly, but I know I'll get there!  My son is doing pretty well and really enjoys reviewing his lessons.  There are 100 lessons in the 12-week Semester 1 Bundle.  Some topics include:

• Chords
• Strumming
• Sharps and Flats
• Shortcuts to finding notes
• Finding all notes
• Scales (minor and major)
• Articulation (expressing yourself)
• Power chords
• Fingerstyle patterns
• String bending
• Barre Technique
• Dorian and Phrygian scales
• and so, so much more!

Currently, weeks 12 and 13 are listed as being available in 55 days.  You are able to interact with Krisz via the comments section in each lesson.  Each lesson also allows you to download the chords introduced into pdf format.

Chord downloads available at the bottom of the lessons

Screenshot of Week 1 lesson from Semester 1

If you are wanting to learn to play the guitar or just wanting to improve your techniques and/or your methods, then I think Guitar 360 Method may just be what you are looking for.  Krisz is a wonderful teacher who teaches you in simple, bite-sized lessons and his demeanor is so personable and he gives you so much encouragement as you progress through the lessons.  Both my son and I are enjoying the lessons and will definitely continue and hopefully have a wonderful outcome and maybe two more guitar players in the family!

You can connect with Krisz and the Guitar 360 Method on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or INSTAGRAM.
I saved the best for last.  Currently, you can receive 20% off your purchase of the Semester 1 Bundle.  Just use the code HOMESCHOOL20. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of this wonderful resource.  Over 10 hours of one on one video instruction.
Please also take the time to check out what others on the Crew have to say about the Guitar 360 Method.

Balancing Diapers and Deadlines REVIEW

While I am not currently working on an at home business, it is something I would like to pursue in the near future.  When given the chance to review Balancing Diapers and Deadlines from Lisa Tanner Writing I was intrigued.  I do write these reviews for the Homeschool Review Crew and I do have to keep up with my deadlines so I was hoping I could find some help and direction in that area.  I received an email with digital access to her course.  Once I registered I was able to bookmark the access page and enter the course through my bookmark link. This is a digital online program.

Dashboard opening page

While I do not have any more babies in diapers, I do have a very busy and feisty 6 year old and challenging 14 year old.  This course is NOT just for moms with babies.  If you have schedules and deadlines to meet or if you just want more order to your homeschool day, this course can help you get there.  The units covered include:

• Welcome
• Building Your Foundation with the Basics
• Minimize Your Decisions
• Minimize Your Decisions: The Annual Meal Plan
• Sustainable Growth (sleep, free time, setting boundaries, etc)
• Growing a Business with Your Kids Around
• Boost Your Productivity (work at home mom productivity tips)
• Closing Thoughts

You can see from the above list that several of the topics can apply to any stay at home mom.  Each unit has several lessons to complete.  I have been slowly working through the course and I still have a way to go, but I have enjoyed working through the lessons and applying what I have learned and what has helped our home run a little more smoothly.  In the welcome section Lisa reminds us that it takes baby steps to "slowly find balance in your life."  She is a mom of 8 juggling farm chores, homeschool, and an at home business.

She begins in Building Your Foundation with getting your family onboard with your business.  In my case it was getting them to see why I take the time to do the Crew Reviews.  If you do have an at home business this step is so key for peace in the home.  She goes on to discuss flexible routines and making a plan of the day.  We all know that there has to be flexibility in homeschooling and that without a vision the people will perish.  Without a plan, the day is almost destined to failure.

Life is busy and things happen.  If we can't be flexible in our schedules and plans we will most surely become so frustrated we won't be of much use at anything or anywhere.  It is such an important, yet often difficult, skill to teach to our children.  Of course the best learning happens when you model what you expect yourself.  Flexibility can be a hard one, yet so necessary to keep the peace in your days.  Lisa's Action Steps at the end of the lessons have been helpful and challenging at times.

Sample Action Step

She advocates teaching the kids multiple skills so that no one gets burned out doing the same chores over and over.  You can then rotate the jobs they are expected to carry out.  Because I only have two and because of their ages, this didn't work so much for me, but completing the action step of designating what chores needed done and who would/could complete them was helpful.  And speaking of completion I like that after you finish each lesson you can mark that off as being complete!  You then click on the NEXT button to proceed to the next lesson.  You can of course go back to a PREVIOUS lesson and all lessons can be repeated as necessary if needed.

Another foundation was planning your day each day and involving the kids in it so they know what to expect for the day.  She has her planning meeting each day at breakfast when everyone is there.  She mentions that the kids are better behaved when they know what to expect and I have to agree with her.  When my kids know what to expect next and/or what is coming up, they do tend to comply better with the days tasks.  Kids like routine and this sets that up for them.  The skill of flexibility sometimes plays out in this area when despite your best plans, things sometimes have to change off the orginal plan.  Flexibility would be key here to keeping things in order.  The kids also just like being part of the planning process since the schedule involves them.

I also like that she has you checking in with her for an action step.  She really wants to connect with you and help you in any way she can to make this work for you.  The Minimizing Decisions section was much needed by me. I find myself overwhelmed with tasks so often.  And the 6 year old does NOTHING but ask questions constantly ALL DAY!  Once I made my list and had the answers to the questions I thought came up most each day, I felt more prepared for the challenges of the day knowing I already had the answers to most of the questions, LOL.

Meal Planning

I think my favorite was the 15 Minute Quick Clean.  It's not what you think and you'll just have to get the course to see what neat ideas Lisa has.  You're most likely to think that most of this stuff is just common sense, and it pretty much is.  It's just that Lisa has a little different perspective on how to tackle most of the challenges. The bite size tasks help to make the journey very doable and you can see results of your actions pretty quickly.  Follow her easy steps and watch your productivity increase.

Lisa provides plenty of lists and examples in her course.  She even provides PDF worksheets you can use for some of the assignments. The step by step, bite size action steps really help with time management for busy moms.  I have quite a bit more still to work through, but my progress so far has been helpful.  Lisa's willingness to connect with you through email is awesome.  She even ends the course with yet another check in with her so that she can continue to help you if you need it.  I personally did not "check in" with her but didn't feel I needed the extra help right now.


I am enjoying the course and would recommend that you check out Balancing Diapers and Deadlines from Lisa Tanner Writing (even if you don't have any littles in diapers).  You can connect with Lisa on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER, and PINTEREST.

Please also be sure to check out the other reviews from my fellow Crew members through the link below.  Thank you!

Breed Highlight: Olive Eggers

Dudley and Dee Dee hatched from my white olive egger roo and black copper marans hens

Meet two of my newest olive eggers, Dee Dee and Dudley.  They were hatched from my white Olive Egger roo and a Black Copper Marans hen.  I am so curious at what color egg Dee Dee will lay.  She is just now nearing time she would start laying eggs but since we are into our winter season, she will most likely not lay until this upcoming spring.  My current Olive Egger hen, Snow White, lays a lighter greenish olive egg.  Pretty much the same color as my Easter Eggers but with a slightly more brown tint.  I am hoping that due to the Marans gene that Dee Dee will lay a darker olive colored egg.  The challenge for me is that two of my three Black Copper Marans hens do not lay breed standard dark eggs and the third barely makes the cut.  Marans are supposed to lay that dark chocolate colored egg but mine do not.

Dudley, my olive egg roo hatched from my white olive egg roo and a black copper marans hen

Olive eggers are a cross between and brown egg laying chicken and a blue egg laying chicken.  My roo is an Olive Egger and with the hen being a Marans I would hope I could get a darker olive colored egg.  Time will tell.  I do like their temperaments.  They are very shy but seem to have a sweet demeanor.  Olive Eggers are not a breed per se but more of just a mutt chicken that lays pretty shades of olive eggs.

I hope to remember to give you a future update on what color I end up getting.  What fun colors do you have in your egg basket?

Roosters are the Bomb!

My son Sam with my buddy rooster Pepper

I know I've said it before, and I'll probably say it again, "Roosters rock!"  Poor roosters get a bad rap.  If you've ever been chased or flogged by a mean/bad rooster, then you know what I mean.  I have been blessed to raise all my roosters from young chicks and I really can't imagine having a flock without them.

Baby pic of one of our young roosters, Pip
(Silkie/Olive Egger mix)

Seriously, there are definite pluses if I didn't have roosters.  There wouldn't be that LOUD crowing at ALL hours of the night and day.  The hens wouldn't have bare backs.  The hens wouldn't be harassed on a daily basis.  Things might be a little quieter in the chicken yard.  HOWEVER, I would also miss that extra level of protection from predators, the referee who breaks up silly squabbles between hens, the protector who helps keep new babies safe in the chicken yard, and finally the comedy and antics that would be missed without my roosters.

Dudley, another one of our young roosters
(Black Copper Marans/Olive Egger mix)

To clarify, yes, I have had some bad/mean roosters that I have raised from babies.  When I see that their temperament and personality is going to be less than sociable, then we don't keep them.  Mine have all gone to freezer camp and been appreciated and enjoyed on the dinner table.  I have had some that have been sweet, but harass the hens way too much and have not been the protectors they need to be.  Those have either been rehomed or put to freezer camp.

Percival (Percy), our second in command in our main coop
(Plymouth Barred Rock/Silver-Laced Wyandotte-we think- mix)

I really don't like hatching eggs for the simple reason that I know I will have to deal with rooster decisions.  I want to keep them all, but of course you can't.  As it stands right now, before our last hatch I had gotten it down to 7 roosters.  Since this past spring due to hatches and a purchase of unsexed birds from a friend of my husband, I am back up to 14 and have more decisions to make.  Four of them are pretty easy since I am completely unattached and they will simply make some good future meals.  Of the remaining 3 we still want to keep 2.  The 3rd of the 3 is a sweetheart but I have no where to rehome him so alas, he will be appreciated for the food he provides my family.  Of the two extras we want to keep, one of them is the son of a rooster we had to rehome and is no longer alive and the other has found a very special place in my heart.

Hazel, our sweet silkie roo

If all goes as planned I suspect we will end up with 9 roosters.  That is still too many for the flock we have but if they behave we might pull it off.  I have 3 separate pens.  One pen has one rooster, another has two and my main pen with most of my hens has the other six roosters.  The six roosters include our patriarch, Cedric, who is crippled and pretty much lives inside the coop now, Percival and Kristoff (brothers, Kristoff is now the main rooster), Hazel (our silkie boy who is very quiet and keeps to himself, everyone loves him), and finally our two newest Pepper and Pip (pip is the son of our other silkie roo we no longer have and Pepper has become my newest buddy).

A mix pic of some of our boys.  The top left is Sir Galahad
 that we rehomed, but he perished.
The bottom left is Sweet Pea, another one of my favorites

When you have a rooster who does his job, he can be worth his weight in gold.  The extra protection and ability to help keep peace in the flock (except when they are acting up!!), is invaluable.  Have you had positive or negative experiences with roosters?  Would you, or do you keep roosters in your flock?

St. Bartholomew's Eve from Heirloom Audio REVIEW

If you haven't read any of my previous reviews on these wonderful G.A. Henty audio dramas, or if you are not familiar with these wonderful stories, then let me introduce you to Heirloom Audio who creates these wonderful audio dramas of the stories from G.A. Henty.  We were so excited to have a chance to review their newest adventure in St. Bartholomew's Eve.  I received a physical 2-disc CD set of this Christian audio drama.  It is created for ages 6-16 but recommended for all ages 6 and above.
We popped the CD into my computer and listened away at the wonderfully dramatic retelling of this sad time in history.  It was just my 9th grader and myself this time as I felt it was a little too much for my just turned 6-year-old daughter.
The story begins with Mr. George who tells a story of the Huguenots.  The Huguenots were French Protestants who followed the Reformed tradition.  The story begins in 1567 with a young English boy who would fight in the French wars of religion, only 15 years after Martin Luther introduced his ideas on the Reformation (which became the Protestant faith).  Even though the Catholic Church persecuted the Huguenots, there were some Catholics who believed as the Reformers did.

.
Francois and Philip are two of the main characters throughout the story.  As they work together to join the religious wars with the Huguenots, they survive through many battles.  Several Huguenots are captured and imprisoned.  Philip meets a young boy, Argento, along the way who helps in many ways.   Argento leads Philip and his small army to key officials all of whom they capture as their prisoners.  Philip then has them sign a document that would free their imprisoned Huguenots, including Francois.
We really liked it when Philippe prays before a battle.  The enemy was almost upon them but he took the time to pray and ask for protection.  This meant a lot to my son.  The battles continued, and even children were persecuted and hung.
During one of the battles Argento is shot in the leg and a Monsieur DuBois brings Argento to Philip.  Argento heals but does have to have his lower leg amputated.  As the battles continue Admiral Gaspard de Coligny comes to their aid with his army.  After Francois and Philip are injured in a battle,  Admiral Coligny grants knighthood to Francois and Philip.
King Charles' mother, Catherine, starts a rumor that the Huguenots have a plot to overtake the court, and it spreads to King Charles.  Even though King Charles had promised peace, they convince him to strike against the Huguenots.  He orders Admiral Coligny and his forces to be annihilated.  So many Huguenots lost their lives.  Philip loses Francois but Argento survives.  Philip continues to fight for the cause and marries Claire and they have two children.  It is a wonderful story of persistence, faith, and sacrifice.  So many lost their lives to stand for their cause and belief in God and that they could interpret what God had to say to them through the scriptures and that they did not need a mediator (the Catholic Church) to dictate it to them.
It goes without saying that we wholeheartedly recommend you check out St. Bartholomew's Eve from Heirloom Audio.  It will keep you on the edge of your seats while teaching you yet another important story from our history.

You can connect with Heirloom Audio on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, GOOGLE+, and INSTAGRAM (@HeirloomAudioOfficial).
Please be sure to also check out what my fellow crew members have to say about this wonderful resource.

Another Brinkman Adventures REVIEW

I don't think it needs much introduction but in case you haven't seen my previous reviews let me introduce you to Brinkman Adventures.  This company produces wonderful, fact-based audio dramas that allow you and your kids to enjoy exciting and intriguing experiences with real-life missionaries through the stories of a fictitious family, the Brinkmans.  I had the privilege once again to review one of their newest products, Season 6: Underground Rising.  I received a digital copy of this audio drama.  It was quick and easy to download.  If you purchase the physical CDs there are 2 in this set.
Season 6 opens during World War II in a time when the Nazis were persecuting the Jews.  It contains six approximately twenty-six-minute episodes (a little over 2 1/2 hours total). The stories are based on biblical themes that your children can learn from while enjoying them. They are fun and exciting to listen to. The audio and dramatic effects are wonderful.  You definitely feel immersed in the story.  Each episode can be listened to independently (except for those with two parts) and in any order you choose.
The episodes and their related themes include:

• Dutch Underground Part 1 - Help those being led away to slaughter, even when doing so is costly.
• Dutch Underground Part 2
• Twice Born Fly - We don't need to fear death with Jesus as our Savior.
• I Wonder Why - We obey God even when the plan doesn't make sense.
• Free Burma Rangers Part 1 - God uniquely prepares us for our mission.  God isn't a killjoy.
• Free Burma Rangers Part 2

The Dutch Underground story begins with Kate and Kitri Brinkman visiting their great grandmother Lynn VanKesteren (Omie) in Canada. Lynn was born in Holland and immigrated to Canada.  This story is based on a book written by Lynn (Great is Thy Faithfulness).  They begin by enjoying coffee and cookies with Omie.  Omie tells the girls a story of her past during the war before she met her husband.  We really liked this story because it reminded my son of the Harriet Tubman story and we have also covered Corie Ten Boom and the Hiding Place so this brought back to remembrance of that story for him.  It was neat to learn in the REAL STORIES section of the website that Reng most likely stayed in the same place as Corie Ten Boom at one point!

In Twice Born Fly Charlie accidentally swallows (inhales) a fly and has cause for fear. He goes to his dad for assurance that he will be okay.  They discuss a trip Charlie is getting ready to take to visit his Oma.  He now has fear about the trip and whether everything will be okay.  But his dad tries to assure him that with Jesus he will be okay no matter what happens.  I really like the theme behind this story and that "Jesus saves us, not our own goodness or efforts."  The science aspect of the fly larva pupating had my son's interest at the get go.
I Wonder Why is a story about the Wonder family and their decision to sell most of their possessions and go to be missionaries in India at an orphanage there.  The characters in the story are Samantha (Sam) and her family.  Her mom recently lost a baby and her dad explains that "all things work together for good to them who love the Lord."   It has a glorious ending of salvation and healing!  We really resonated with this story because we fostered kids for about 6 years and it was pretty difficult on our son.  He experienced a lot of rough kids too that were not very kind, but needed love more than anyone.
Finally, in Free Burma Rangers we learn about the real-life missionary Dave Eubanks and his life as a Green Beret in the Special Forces. The story opens in Burma (Myanmar) (his parents are missionaries) with Dave telling his mom he is going to be a soldier and then a missionary.  There are some intense scenes so you might need to preview this one as it may not be appropriate for those 10 and under.  I really liked this story and it has so much depth to it, including his courtship of his wife Karen.  It really shows how persistence can pay off and that when you seek God and ask him for direction, he will surely direct your paths!!
  I highly recommend you consider purchasing Season 6: Underground Rising from Brinkman Adventures.  You can go to their website and check out the information about the real stories and hear podcasts of the actual people and watch videos about the stories on the REAL STORIES tab.  I have also been given a coupon code, FALL10, for you to use for 10% off of your purchase from October 10 - October 31!

You can connect with Brinkman Adventures on FACEBOOK.  Also be sure to check out what other reviewers are saying by clicking on the link below.

CashCrunch Careers REVIEW

Do you have a high schooler that is just not sure what they want to do after they graduate?  Are they unsure of their college plans? Have they thought of what career they would like to strive for?  I was excited to be able to try out CashCrunch Careers from CashCrunch Games recently.  My 9th-grade son is really just not sure what he wants to do.  The thought and premise behind this program are to help guide you or your students to think about some options that might work for them based on who they are and what job might best fit them.  We tend to spend about 50% of our life at a job and it sure does make sense to try to do something you really enjoy doing.  This is an online program that I received a link to register for an account.  The results and research area are available 24/7 for a lifetime membership.  You can see a brief overview of the program in the video below.

Once registered the first thing my son needed to do was take the 75 question survey which only took about 10-15 minutes to complete.  Once completed it produced a report that included the following:

• Career Work Styles - covers what he can do, what he would like to do and how he is able to do it.
• Motivators & De-motivators - what gives him a reason to do or not do something
• Career Attributes - what is characteristic or inherently part of you
• Career Match - jobs that are most suitable for your career
• Matching Jobs - links to career categories and jobs for you to explore

Dashboard menu from his account

Summary page on the computer of his report

Screenshot of a part of his actual report page

I must say I was pretty surprised at my son's report.  We are working on doing the research and have a long way to go, but it has been very interesting.  His career attributes included innovation (displaying creativity and alternative thinking to come up with new ideas for and answers to work-related problems), adaptability/flexibility (being open to change and to considerable variety in the workplace), initiative (willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges), independence (being willing to develop his own way of doing things requiring little supervision, and not depending on others to get things done), and finally leadership orientation (being willing to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction).  I'm not sure I exactly see all those attributes in him, but it does match with what I know God has in store for him and as we do further research on possible careers I am excited to see what the end result will be.  Most of his matching jobs had to do with management and that really surprises me with him.  But again, I know that God gave him a strong personality for a reason, and I do know that it is needed in management along with his inherent compassion for things and people.

I did get a kick that one of his job matches was farmers and ranchers!  That is delightful to me since I am into homesteading and would love to have a partner in my endeavors.  Pretty sure he won't choose that one though, LOL. As you select the different categories under matching jobs you find further links that go into SO MUCH more detail about the job category and individual jobs.  His report gave him the top 20 job categories that best matched his profile.  His number one category was General and Operations Managers.  Just not something I would think for him right now, but certainly worth him researching.

His top job match

You can also see from the graphic above that there are tabs for colleges and video.  The college tab has a huge list of colleges for him to consider for his career suggestion with links included and brief information on each college.  The video tab has a 1-2 minute video about what it's like to work in that particular field.  I really like that for him.  Just something else to get those wheels in his head turning and thinking about what he might like to do.  This is not something you figure out overnight.  I imagine over this next year and beyond we will keep coming back to this report for more research and thoughts on what he would like to pursue.  I am glad that we decided to give this a try and I think CashCrunch Careers by CashCrunch Games has some very good merits that can really help guide you and/or your child to some interesting career prospects.  

CashCrunch 101 FREE online game

I will close with a quick mention about CashCrunch Games from their website.  You can currently play the CashCrunch 101 game online for FREE.  It is geared for high school and college students to work on their finance skills.  A fun, innovative way to get in some wisdom when it comes to finances.

You can connect with CashCrunch Games on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM, and YOUTUBE.

Please also take the time to see what my fellow crew members have to say about this program.  Just click on the graphic below.