Some Random Thoughts

Artsy Princess with Guitar Babe at the back Online casino Ireland. ###

(Photo Courtesy of Loe Ricardo)

It’s a Sunday, and I’m home and sick of tonsilitis. It’s strange because I can’t really tell how this came about. I just woke up last Wednesday with a very slightly itchy throat but as the day went by, I slowly felt my body becoming weak. At the same time, my left eye became infected because of the contact lenses that I was using. After 2 days of enduring the pain in my throat, hubby and I finally went to the doctor for a check up. Surprisingly, the doctor said that my tonsils are already swelled up so large and pus is already present. Now I understand why the pain in my throat was too much.

So now I’m just lying around at home, resting, watching TV. Artsy Princess came to bed with me last night and said, “Mom, even if you’re here, I miss you since you got sick, it’s like you’re not really here.” I asked her why. She then proceeded to do an imitation of how I am when I’m not sick – a very lively mommy that she’s missing. She made me laugh so much last night. Thank God for kids!

In the meanwhile, I have been asking hubby what we can do for our coming wedding anniversary on March 18. By God’s grace, we are celebrating 15 years of a wonderful and blessed marriage. He hasn’t said much but since I’m really the planner between the two of us, I’m wondering how we can make this more special. Any suggestions?

Math Curriculum Review: Life of Fred – Fractions by Stanley F. Schmidt, Ph.D.

Some time ago, an online homeschool mom left me a comment about Life of Fred – she said that it’s great and their family is enjoying it. With such an enthusiastic referral, I knew I had to try it out. So off I went online to do a search. Life of Fred Math series is written by Stanley F. Schmidt and published by Polka Dot Publishing.

First of all, upon looking at the website, it really does not look like a website that sells Math books. It’s not intimidating. I say this because I do get intimidated with any higher math subjects. Their website has a small picture of people going up a stone stairs beside a mountain. Hmm…

So I wrote the author and requested a couple of his books to review. Dr. Stan Schmidt promptly answered back and agreed to send me two books. I was surprised when I received it that he even autographed the books for me! This review is for Life of Fred - Fractions.

Here’s the thing, if I’m intimidated by Math, so is my Guitar Babe. It’s been hard to get her to study Math. But after reading the first lesson, both of us were giggling away and she started doing the problems. We’ve been doing Life of Fred – Fractions every week finishing 1 lesson per week.

Dr. Stanley Schmidt himself admits that Life of Fred is not like any Math books that we have seen because it doesn’t have pages and pages of worksheets for the students. It only has a story about the five-year old Fred and his life problems that the student has to work on. Dr. Schmidt has found an excellent way to teach Math to students in a very gentle manner. However, let me assure you that while it is gentle, it is also by no means easy. Guitar Babe enjoys it and looks forward to every lesson because each lesson is very funny. Except for that time when she was taking the test and had to repeat the test. She was really mad at me for making her repeat it. However, she’s past that now and has continued on.

The book itself hardly looks like a Math workbook. It is hard bound and the author discourages the student to write on it so that it can be used by others in the future. I also don’t think that it is expensive even for Filipino families as it can be reused over and over again. Here is the catalog of books. If you’re convinced but would like to try it out first, the website features sample pages of each book. Furthermore, they feature a money-back guarantee in case you’re not satisfied with the book.

I have assured my daughter that we will continue to use this series to the very end which is college statistics and calculus. She’s tickled by the thought that she’ll be learning more about Fred’s life while actually learning Math!

Note: I have been given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions herein are mine. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this review. However, there are affiliate links within the post. Should you decide to purchase this item through my link, my family will be blessed with a percentage of that purchase.

A Homeschool Family’s Budget – Please share your experience

I received an email from a dad who wants to homeschool their children. He asked me how they could make it work since both he and his wife work. It’s currently not possible that his wife stops working but his desire is strong about homeschooling.

This is a good question and one that many of us face. The reality is that nowadays, it’s a necessity for both parents to work - unless either mom or dad is holding a high-paying job and can manage the family expenses on a single income. This is ideal but this is not the reality for most families.

I have written back to this dad and shared how we managed it all these years. I realize, though, that our way is not the only way. There are so many families facing this and we would do well to learn from each other.

So here is a question that I’m inviting homeschooling families to share their answers to:

How does your family manage your expenses while homeschooling? Are you a single or double income family? Do one of you work outside and mom works part-time? Do you have your own business? I’m sure there are as many solutions to this question as there are homeschooling families.

Please share your experiences by posting a comment here and let’s learn from each other.

Book Review: Blessed are The Meddlers-Confessions of a Serial Matchmaker by Christa Ann Banister

ISBN-13: 9781600061783
Trim Size: 5 1/2 x 8 1/4
Cover: Paperback
272 Pages
Publisher: NavPress

Blessed are The Meddlers – Confessions of a Serial Matchmaker is Christa Ann Banister’s second installment in the story of Sydney Alexander. We previously met her in Around The World in 80 Dates – Confessions of a Christian Serial Dater which I also reviewed.

This time, though, she is married to Gavin. Now that she’s in the state of “happily ever after”, she is motivated to help a few of her friends find their own marital bliss. Is she being a big help or is she just plain meddling in others’ lives? Well, you need to read the book to find out.

This is another feel-good story by Ms. Banister. What makes this book interesting for me is the way the relationships in the story are developed. You’ll read about a couple who truly value each other, a girl who keeps dating a man who loves himself more than he loves her, and how sisters who love each other so much can fight but are able to work out their differences in time.

Overall, this book offers much hope in the relationships that we have. In this world where evil and suffering are always placed in the forefront, there are still families and friends who love and respect each other.

Blessed are The Meddlers – Confessions of a Serial Matchmaker by Christa Ann Banister is available at:

NavPress
Christianbook.com
Barnes and Noble

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: Around The World in 80 Dates – Confessions of a Christian Serial Dater by Christa Ann Banister

ISBN-13: 9781600061776

Trim Size: 5 1/2 x 8 1/4

Cover: Paperback

288 Pages

Publisher: NavPress

Around The World in 80 Dates – Confessions of a Christian Serial Dater by Christa Ann Banister is a wonderfully, funny book. The lead character, Sydney Alexander is a single Christian woman who works as a travel writer. She is able to laugh at herself and finds humour in the circumstances she’s in. It’s a look into the world of single Christians. Young, single adults all go through some of the same things when it comes to dating and relationships. Around The World in 80 Dates shows how a Christian single deals with issues while staying true to their Christian faith.

I believe that Sydney Alexander is a good role model for single Christians to follow today. Especially in this time where sex, drugs and drinking is the norm. Sydney Alexander has chosen to enjoy her life while still being righteous in God’s eyes.

Christa Ann Banister tells a good story. It is lighthearted and easy to read. However, the way the characters deal with specific issues can be a guide for all single Christians to try and follow. The book is not preachy but has an important message to tell all those single Christians looking for their “happily ever after”.

Around The World in 80 Dates – Confessions of a Christian Serial Dater by Christa Ann Banister is available online at the following:

Navpress

Christianbook.com

Barnes and Noble

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Toys Review: Schleich Animal Figurines

 

Chimpanzee Horse Okapi Young Lion Piglet

Last December 2009, we received for review five pieces of Schleich Animal Figurines from Schleich N.A. Inc. We received a horse, an okapi, a piglet, a chimpanzee and a lion. My children, especially my son, was very excited to start playing with them. I’ve had the figurines for six weeks with my son actively playing with it. He throws it around, pushes and pulls.

The animal figurines, while made in China, came with a copy of their Certificate of Conformity from the Bureau Veritas Laboratory, showing that the product complies with all rules, bans, standards, or regulations applicable to the product. I’m taking this to mean that though it is made of hard plastic, there is no danger for the child who is playing with this toy.

So far, we love it! Like I mentioned previously, it is made of hard plastic. It is well-crafted and are very realistic. Each piece is beautifully handpainted. Despite the fact that Flashboy has been throwing it around, it’s still good. It’s starting to have a few scratches but these figurines are good for keeps!

*I received these products for free in exchange for an honest and free review as a part of the TOS Homeschool Crew.

Book Review: A Gift of Grace by Amy Clipston

Book Cover Size: Medium
Page Count: 336
Paper Edge Description: Plain
Size: 5.5 wide x 8.5 high x 0.9 deep in. | 139 wide x 216 high x deep 22 mm
Weight: 0.75 lb | 339 gms
Available: May 2009
World
Publisher: Zondervan

Rebecca and Daniel Kaufmann live a quiet and satisfying life in an Amish community. Their life is simple and happy. The only glitch in their life is Rebecca’s inability to conceive. But when Grace, Rebecca’s sister whom she has not seen since she left the community to live in the western world, dies and leaves her two daughters to Rebecca, she believes that this is the answer to all her prayers.

Rebecca and Daniel’s life is turned around with the coming of Grace’s teenage daughters to their home. However, the two girls face more struggles as they adjust to a new life in their Amish community.

I think of Romans 8:28 “All things work together for good for all those who love God and those who are called according to His purpose” as I read this book. This is a story of four people whose lives are totally turned around because of a tragic death. While Rebecca desires to honor the wishes of her sister, her two nieces struggle living the Plain life. Not only that, Daniel has his own problems to deal with that puts their marriage under great strain. Through it all, Rebecca strives to honor and obey the Lord.

A Gift of Grace by Amy Clipston shows how a woman faces her challenges in life while still obeying God’s will. The family values are also beautifully presented and the realities of adjusting to a new life are described very well.

This book is available online at:

Zondervan

Christianbook.com

 

Book Review: From Bondage to Bonding: Escaping Codependency, Embracing Biblical Love by Nancy Groom

(This is not the cover of the locally-printed book, I got this online.)

From Bondage to Bonding by Nancy Groom aims to explain codependency in an easy-to-understand manner. However, it goes further and teaches the readers how to process codependency and move on from it. It also takes the Twelve Steps and explains it further.

Having been in an abusive, codependent relationship myself, I find myself being helped a lot by this book. I have been processing my abusive relationship for years with my sister who also happens to be a professional psychotherapist. Reading this book has helped me to understand myself better.

It’s more than just defining what codependency is - the author diagnoses how the abuse started, what our needs are, what it resulted into. The second part analyzes the Twelve Steps Program and how it applies to the person trapped in codependency.

I think that it was from the combined efforts of the years of therapy and the understanding that I gained from this book that I was finally able to confront my abuser. It’s not yet over, my struggle with the abuser, but I’m getting there.

From Bondage to Bonding by Nancy Groom is published by NavPress Philippines and distributed by the following:

Navigators Ministries Inc., Diliman, Quezon City, Tel. Nos. 410-0253, 410-0545

Phil. Christian Bookstores (PCBS) – all branches

Christian Literature Crusade (CLC)

OMF Literature, Inc.

Back to the Bible Bookstore

* This book was given to me free of charge in exchange for writing a review about it, also free of charge.

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