Author: admin

Works for Me Wednesday — and everyday!

This great little meme inspired me long before Pinterest came on the scene.

Before virtual bulletin boards, loads of amazing ideas enter the cyber world each week and inspired moms and families to find solutions to everyday problems.

The catchy name, Works for Me Wednesday rolled right off my tongue and became the place to be when it went live late each Tuesday night.

Now, they have compiled hundreds of the most amazing tips into one bursting at the seams e-book that is organized, consolidated and packed with links to last a lifetime — inspiring, time saving, maybe even life saving, tips.

The book includes sections for homeschooling, pets, meals, crafts, frugality, laundry, marriage, organization, travel, decor, and a total of 24 categories, with a total of 807 tips.

Each section begins with an adorable picture and an inspiring quote and is peppered with interviews with bloggers that made this book possible. The book comes in a PDF format which makes it oh so easy to flip through. Obviously, a book like this you want to be able to find what you need in a hurry. You won’t read it cover to cover (although it probably wouldn’t hurt you!) so the tips are arranged for easy finding.

E-book is the best format for this type of tool, because each tip is hotlinked to the site it came from that gives you the full description of the tip and how it worked for the person who entered it. Also, you get the benefit of any comments added onto the post as well. I am a big WFMW fan and to have the best of the best at my fingertips has brought me a treasure.

This great new resource is now available for purchase as well for just $8 Right now you can get a dollar off so it is only $7! Just use discount code  SAVE1

Head over to their page to buy your own stress-saving copy.

To find out more about the book:

Contest: Check out the contest on the website that continues through the month of April for a gift card for house cleaning ($150 value). Please submit your own tip to enter.
Twitter: @works4mebook

A portion of the proceeds also goes to help the Mercy House:

Mercy House is a non-profit ministry that empowers a maternity home in Kenya, Africa. The
home offers a safe refuge for pregnant girls living in extreme poverty. This organization began
and is supported almost entirely through social media avenues.

As a contributer and reviewer of this book I have been given a copy to enjoy and a copy to give away. One of you will get to enjoy this ebook for free! Please leave a comment at the end of this post with your contact info and you are entered to win your own pile of tips. You may earn additional entries by following the above links and following them on twitter and/or facebook. Just make sure you come back and leave another comment telling me you did so.I will choose a winner next Friday night, April 20th.

And, don’t forget to enter their contest for a free house cleaning!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. These come to you free of charge, but enable me to earn a little commission if purchases are made through them. Just a simple way that you can help support the work I do here without paying a dime for it. 🙂

Homeschool class in Lake County

Homeschool Companion—Chicago Blues

Join other homeschoolers to take a closer look at the temporary exhibit “The Blues: From the Heart and Soul” and learn about Chicago Blues music through hands-on activities.

Price includes Museum admission for a participant child. No program charge for chaperones.

24-hour hotline for directions and program updates: 847-968-3113

Instructor: Nicole Stocker

When: Wednesday April 18, 2012
10:00AM – 12:00PM
Where: Lake County Discovery Museum (Wauconda)
Ages: 5 – 12
** Adult Supervision Required for this Program **
Cost:
$3.00 per child (Lake County Residents)
$5.00 per child (Non-Residents)
Regular Registration Deadline: April 17, 2012
Registration Options: Register online, by telephone at 847-968-3321 or by mail or fax using this form

Review and Giveaway: The 5 Love Languages of Children

The core of communication comes down to language. Spoken language, body language, and even our love language.

Dr. Gary Chapman shook the dust off marriage in his book about love languages, and then he did it all over again for parents. As this concept gains world-wide attention, I enjoyed this reminder to figure out and speak my kids’ languages.

  • Physical touch
  • Words of affirmation
  • Gifts
  • Quality time
  • Acts of service

Each child speaks one of these languages more clearly than the others, and Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell set out to help you discover which one. After a brief introductory chapter the book jumps into the languages in detail so you can understand exactly what is meant by each language and how they look at various ages and stages.

The rest of the chapters help you see how understanding those love languages can strengthen you parenting relationship. Helping you identify each child’s language, the authors show you how to discipline, walk through their academic experience, and manage their anger with each of these love languages in mind. They even include some special considerations for single parents homes and more. The resources and encouragement in this book go well beyond its covers.

To find out more:

The 5 Love Languages: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/
To be their best, children need to feel loved. But if you and your child speak different love languages, your affection might get lost in translation, affecting the child’s attitude, behavior, and development. Dr. Gary Chapman’s groundbreaking Five Love Languages series has helped millions of couples communicate love more clearly, and Dr. Ross Campbell M.D. has applied the innovative system to children as well. The 5 Love Languages of Children gives practical suggestions for learning how your children interpret love and creating a sense of security in which they can thrive.

While all kids need a bit of every language, I appreciate this helpful book in decoding my kids’ signals. I especially gleaned from the sections on teenagers as things look a whole lot different at that age, and I am still learning how to decipher it all. The years of experience from the authors are such a help to us muddling through it all for the first time.

This book’s track record speaks for itself, but I cannot agree more. This book is a must read for every parent at every stage of parenting. And, it should be reread now and then as well. I read the first edition years ago, but definitely needed to read this updated version to dig deeper into my current season of parenting. Great pep talk with the practical advice to really make a lasting difference.

Buy it, borrow it, and of course, leave a comment here to enter to win your own copy! Leave a comment on this post with an email address that I can reach you at in case you win. The contest will close a week from now, Tuesday night April 17th. You can once again earn a second entry by sharing about the giveaway elsewhere and leaving a second comment.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or

services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it

on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally

and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”

Homeschool literature club

Received this via email:

HomeschoolLiterature.com is thrilled to announce the arrival of the first ever book club featuring fictional children’s books with homeschooled characters! This book club is designed BY homeschoolers FOR homeschoolers, and is perfect for co-ops, support groups, and family studies.

Each book in the HomeschoolLiterature.com Book Club is studied using a mixture of worksheets, hands-on activities, and online games. Activities are available for both older and younger student groups. All books included in the Book Club can be easily obtained either at your local library, local book stores, or via online retailers such as Amazon.com.

Best of all, participation in the HomeschoolLiterature.com Book Club is ABSOLUTELY FREE!! Simply come by HomeschoolLiterature.com to register, and you can access all of the Book Club materials immediately! While you are there, check out our large and growing list of book reviews for homeschoolers.

Get in on this one fast!

“Speak Up, Speak Out for Freedom and Rights,” on Monday, April 23, 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM, at Student Center West and the Forum at the University of Illinois at Chicago. This seminar is FREE to the first 100 registrants.

The seminar will provide a unique opportunity for teachers to engage in discussion on global citizenship, with morning workshops by the partners, a luncheon keynote from former President Jimmy Carter, and the opening afternoon of the World Summit with Nobel Peace Laureates. A draft agenda is available here. The seminar is accessible by CTA, and parking will be reimbursed.

Participants will receive 7 CPDUs. All CPS participants are eligible for subsidized release time. Non-CPS educators are eligible for subsidized release time on an “as needed” basis from a limited pool of funds. Participants must attend the entire seminar to qualify for subsidized release time.

You must be registered to attend, and the deadline is April 6.  (Already full, but you can check out more info and find out about the webcast)

Open House coming up!

Information on an upcoming open house received via email:

Looking for enrichment classes or academic classes to round out your home school curriculum?

Consider Tri-Cities Enrichment Co-op (TEC)!

We are a Christian home school group of families who meet on Tuesdays at Lord of Life Church

in La fox, IL (5 minutes west of Randall Road on Rt. 38).

On Tuesday, April 10th, come and check us out at Lord of Life Church!

TEC Open House

10am – 3pm.  Come in and see our classes in action!

New Family Registration

12:00pm – 1:30pm

Teacher EXPO

Meet our teachers and look at curriculums from 12-1pm

Quick 2012-13 Class Preview….

Grades K-6:     Classical Connections, Speech 4-6, Science, Language Arts (Shurley English & Writing), Spanish, Art, Geography, American Girl History, Ballet, Gym

Grades 6-8:     Apologia Science (General Science, Physical Science), Speech, Spanish, Geography, Language Arts (Shurley English & Writing), Choir, Art, Computer Class

High School:    Apologia Science (Biology, Chemistry), Speech, Literature, Writing, History of God’s Kingdom, Spanish, Art (Drawing), Choir, Computer Class

Questions about TEC?

Please contact LeeAnn Acosta leeannacosta@att.net or Kim Jimenez kimjimenez@comcast.net

High School Career Expo

Fermilab is hosting an event geared toward technologically minded students in a couple weeks.

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics [STEM] Career Expo for High School Students

Where: Fermilab, Wilson Hall
Wednesday, April 11, 2012

5:30–8:30 PM

Come and join math, science, engineering, & technology experts from a wide variety of careers.

  • Meet scientists, engineers, & technicians
  • Ask career questions of the experts
  • Ask experts about educational pathways leading to specific careers
  • Discuss career fields with professional association representatives
  • Attend panel discussions on career areas
  • Access career expo resources

The STEM Career Expo is a cooperative effort of Kane and DuPage county schools, hosted by Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.

For more information, send e-mail to edreg@fnal.gov.

WW II Presentation

For full details about this event and to register: http://www.pritzkermilitarylibrary.org/Home/refighting-the-pacific-war.aspx

When: Thursday, March 29, 2012

What: Jim Bresnahan, Elliot Carlson, John Lundstrom, Jon Parshall
REFIGHTING THE PACIFIC WAR

Program & Live Webcast — 6:00 p.m. (CT)

Cost: Members free / non-members $10

Refighting the Pacific War is published by the U.S. Naval Institute Press. Contributors to this alternative WWII history include the noted military historians William Bartsch, John Lundstrom, Douglas Smith, Barrett Tillman, and H. P. Willmott, among others. In a roundtable discussion format, more than thirty veterans and historians address “what if” questions about the war in the Pacific. Their differing views on possible outcomes of various campaigns and the implications of those changes on the course of history are certain to provoke debate. All major naval campaigns and key battles are discussed along with such questions as whether Japan could have inflicted even greater damage at Pearl Harbor, how Admiral Yamamoto might have won at Midway, and the impact of that victory on the direction of the war. The book also explores whether the war was inevitable and whether the conflict could have ended without the use of the atomic bomb. Vice Admiral Yoji Koda, Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (Ret.), provides the book’s introduction.

Please note: To guarantee seating for this event a reservation is required. Call 312.374.9333 or click here. Latecomers are seated at discretion of management. There is no refund or exchange of tickets.

Sponsored by U.S. Naval Institute with special thanks to Captain Edward A. Studzinski, USNR (Ret.), for his generous assistance in making the success of Refighting the Pacific War: An Alternative History of World War II, including the electronic version and USNI sponsorship of this program possible.

Pritzker Military Library

104 S. Michigan Ave.

Chicago, IL 60603

312.374.9333

Review and Giveaway — A Perfect Pet Pal for Peyton

A Perfect Pet for Peyton: A 5 Love Languages Discovery Book
The concept of love languages has restored countless marriages and helped many parents to connect with their children on a significantly deeper level. Learning to express love in a way it can be heard is a skill that cannot begin too soon.
Dr. Gary Chapman has joined up with Rick Osborne and Wilson Williams to craft a picture book to help children grasp this relationship-altering knowledge. As with the other 5 love languages materials, this book is top notch in appearance and in clear presentation of the material.
My kids always get excited about packages, but sometimes when they see it is “just another book” they head off their separate directions. Not so this time. As soon as my 8yo got it out of the package, her older sister and younger brother were begging me to take a break and read to them. With my toddler copying, “Book, book.” How could I refuse?
The story takes the reader through the birthday celebration of a set of twins, a boy and girl, who are excited about the day ahead when they would celebrate their birthday at Mr. Chapman’s Perfect Pet Pal Emporium. Throughout the day as they interact with the animals and their birthday party guests, you clearly see the various love languages exemplified in each character. An example of each love language comes to life as the children hug, compliment, help, give, and just enjoy each others company.  And, in the process they each find an animal that is a living example of their language as well.
My kids completely loved this book and I have read it countless times already. The colorful pictures, the animals on each page, the hidden insect in each picture, and even the conversation about love languages drew them in time and again. The book closes with some conversation starters to begin to help children to see their own love language and that of others as well.
This book offers a great way to draw your family together and is great for any age child. It is a longer picture book, so younger kids might enjoy it more split up over a few sittings. For my 6 and up kids we read it straight through each time.  The lesson fits for everyone and can be a great spark to encourage a greater demonstration of  love between siblings.

Learn more about the five love languages and Dr. Chapman here:

Of course, one fortunate reader will win a copy of this fantastic book. If you would like a chance to win this book leave a comment on this post. Be sure to leave your email address as well so I can get in touch with you if you win.

This time around you can enter three times total. First, a freebie for anyone. Second, leave a second comment sharing your love language and/or your child’s love language. Third, share about this giveaway somewhere (facebook, twitter, email, etc.) and come back to leave another comment as an entry.  I’ll plan to pick a winner on Monday evening April 2. Go get ’em! 🙂

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”

Free entrance to National Parks

Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

(while some parks are free everyday, these are days you can get in free to some that usually charge an admission)

Yosemite National Park, Photo by DanNgNPS/Dan Ng

Yosemite Falls can be seen from numerous areas around Yosemite Valley. A one-mile loop trail leads to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall.

America’s Best Idea – the national parks – gets even better with several fee-free days at more than 100 national parks that usually charge entrance fees.*

Mark your calendar for these fee-free dates in 2012:

  • April 21-29: National Park Week

  • June 9
    Get Outdoors Day
  • September 29
    National Public Lands Day
  • November 10-12
    Veterans Day weekend

To make the fun even more affordable, check out these discounts and special offers from park partners and neighboring businesses:

Here’s a tip – many of your 397 national parks NEVER charge an entrance fee. So start Planning Your Visit!

*Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise.