Penny pencils and more!

Tis the season for back to school deals.

Grateful that I don’t have a school mandated supply list to follow, still I gleefully take advantage of the incredible deals on school supplies this time of year. I joked to my kids that we have enough paper and pencils for me to homeschool their children.

Some of the deals you don’t want to miss:

Staples :

  • Penny pencils (8 pack, yellow — limit two) only through Wednesday this week
  • Copy paper costs $3.69 and can be submitted for $3.68 rebate online (500 sheets per pack, limit two) also through Wednesday only
  • Lots of other dollar items, and a $5 off a $20 in store purchase coupon, but if you  don’t need any of these dollar items you might be better off waiting, because sometimes even better deals are just a week away.
  • More details and scenarios at Money Saving Mom.

CVS (**These deals are only good through Tuesday** In order to enjoy their deals you must get an Extra Care card and the coupons will print out at the bottom of your receipt, good towards your next CVS purchase. More on that here if needed):

  • Items that give you Extra Bucks equal to their purchase price (essentially making them free): glue, scissors, ruler, one subject notebook, and pens. (see store or ad for more limitations and details)
  • 3 subject notebooks are $3.99 with $3 Extra bucks.
  • Folders are on sale for a nickle

I’m sure there will be many more deals in the weeks ahead, but these you will need to jump on in the next couple days.

If you want to make sure that you don’t miss information about short term deals like these, or special events, don’t forget to subscribe to Chicagoland Homeschool Network.

Shakespeare in the Park in Geneva, Illinois

Looking for a little Shakespeare in your summer? Geneva has just what you are looking for.

This from a recent press release:

The Midsummer Theatre Troupe will present a free production of “Taming of the Shrew” at 6 p.m. at the park. Before the play begins, the junior and senior performing company of State Street Dance Studio in Geneva will dance.
Seating will be Ravinia-style; audience members are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and picnics. Food will be available for purchase from Mill Race Inn and Graham’s.
“Taming of the Shrew” is about love and marriage, and those wanting to attain that perfect union. Two sisters, one fair and one shrewish, are being courted by various suitors. How and why these men approach the task is brought out in this story.
“This is the third year the arts commission is presenting a Shakespeare play as a gift to the community,” said event chair Vic Portincaso. “Last year we had attendance of 600: this year we expect 1200 people to attend.”

Admission is free; a $5 donation is suggested. Free parking is available at the government center on First Street. It’s just a short walk across the covered bridge across the Fox River to Island Park.

TOS Crew

I never made an official announcement, but you have probably noticed and will continue to notice something new around here . . .

For the coming year I have been selected to join a group of homeschoolers to review products for various companies. Many vendors have great products about which they want help getting the word out. I am excited to be a part of this group and pass along information on some great products to you.

At the TOS Crew’s blog you can find links to all the companies we will do reviews for this year as well as other Crew member reviews of the products. Whenever I do a review for the Crew I will link back to their blog so you can see other’s reviews as well.

Up and coming is a review of the Grapevine Bible study curriculum. They have so many great options, and can be tailored for families or group studies. We plan to start using it this coming week and I look forward to jumping into our Old Testament Overview.

Welcome aboard!

HSLDA membership giveaway winner

We have a winner!

Commenter number 3 is the winner of a one year membership to HSLDA.

Jacqueline, that’s you! An email should already be headed your way, so please get in touch with me and I will get the information to you.

Thank you to the rest of you for entering and passing along the word. We can all continue to support this fantastic organization.

Unschoolers Winter Retreat

The 3rd Annual UWWG Announced for 2010:

 We’re excited to announce the 3rd Annual UWWG (Unschoolers Winter Waterpark
Gathering) will be Feb 7 – 13, 2010 at the awesome Kalahari Indoor
Waterpark Resort – Sandusky, Ohio!

Join us for a week of awesome fun
and support among a 1000+ unschoolly / life learning homeschooling
families from around the country, at Ohio’s Kalahari Waterpark Resort
– the largest Indoor waterpark in the USA! Plus, NO register or
Conference Fees! Our super discounted room rates start at only $99/per
night for a standard 4 person room – and that includes your waterpark
passes and participation in all our UWWG Events! What a tremendous
deal!!! Our 2010 UWWG will be even bigger and better! We’ll be doubling
the size of the conference area we’ll be using, so we’ll have lots
more room for all the Funshops, Talks and Events being planned.
Further details and to start chatting with other UWWG attendees,
please join our UWWG yahoo group.Please help us spread the word, by
sharing this announcement with all your unschooling friends and
posting on all your unschooling groups!

THANKS and see you next February!!!

Carol Reinhard
UWWG Coordinator
Unschoolers Winter Waterpark Gatherings
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UWWG/

Discount tickets at Legoland during off hours

Hangin’ with the locals at Legoland Discovery Center:

Hangin' with the locals at Legoland Discovery Center

This current deal at the Legoland in Schaumburg continues to be extended. We enjoyed the day there last week with our kids. If you have a Lego fanatic in your family this could be a great family activity. I honestly do not think it is worth the daily admission rate (which you can get $5 off if you order online), but our kids (ages 4-12) did have a really great time. They don’t have a lot to do there, but a simple dragon ride, a carnival-style techincycle, a 4-D movie, numerous Lego sculptures, and a room full of Legos to build with was more than enough to keep our kids happy for the day.

Here’s the details on the current promotion:

Visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Center for only $7 per person!

Offer extended until 26th June!

Not sure what to do with the kids during the holidays, then bring them to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center!

Download this coupon, and you and your family can visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Center for only $7 each! This is a saving of $12 for adults, and $8 for children. The coupon is valid Monday – Friday after 4pm. Last admission is at 5pm, but the Center is open until 7pm.

To get your $7 ticket, simply download this coupon, fill in your details and bring a print out of the completed coupon to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center. One coupon is required per person.

Download your $7 ticket coupon here!

This is just one among many field trip and family activity destinations that can be enjoyed with smaller crowds and lower prices during off hours, which definitely works for me!

Marriage Conference

I received the following email with details on an upcoming marriage conference:

Dr. Bob Moeller’s For Better, For Worse, For Keeps Marriage Conference has been used by churches all over the country as a tool to help their couples get close and stay close. You’ll love Bob’s pastoral heart, humor, storytelling, and winsome spirit!

The conference will be held at

Bethany Baptist Church

6700 W. Gunnison, Harwood Heights, IL

Saturday, June 27th, from 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM. Doors will open at 8:15 AM for registration.

Why not invite another couple to join you and your spouse for this special presentation of Bob Moeller’s challenging, husband-friendly and life-changing marriage conference, For Better, For Worse, For Keeps. Even strong marriages will benefit from the teaching, challenges and insights Bob shares.

There is no charge to attend and it’s open to all couples who want to refresh, renew and enjoy even more their marriage relationship. Even lunch is provided!

If you’re planning to attend please call the church office at (708) 867-9111 or e-mail bethanybc@sbcglobal.net and make your reservation today. Space is limited and couples are expected to attend from all over the Chicago-land area so register please right away to save a place.

Here’s the schedule for the marriage conference on Saturday, June 27th:

8:15 Am – 9:00 AM Registration
9:00 Am Session One – Communication and Conflict
10:15 Am Break and Snacks
10:45 Am Session Two –

Building Emotional Intimacy

12:00 Pm Lunch Provided
1:00 Pm Session Three –

Seven Secrets to a Great Sex Life
2:00 Pm Break and Snacks
2:15 Pm Session Four –

Staying Close for a Lifetime
3:30 Pm Conference Ends

Bob has been married to Cheryl for 30 years and is a homeschool dad of 6. He is a TV host for five years (Total Living Network), radio personality, (The Marriage Minute on Moody Broadcasting, WMBI- 90.1FM/1110 AM) conference speaker, pastor, and author.

Here’s what Gary Chapman, author of the Five Love Languages, said about Bob and Cheryl’s book, For Better, For Worse, For Keeps, “This book can give hope and perspective to any marriage. I highly recommend it!”

HSLDA membership giveaway

Every homeschooler in the US, and many international ones as well, owe a debt of gratitude to the HomeSchool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA).  They have worked passionately to maintain and advance the freedom of homeschoolers nationwide.

If you are not already familiar with HSLDA I would encourage you to take some time and look over their site. They work on a national and local level defending and communicating for and to homeschoolers.

They offer a variety of resources including speakers, books, and online resources that can benefit the homeschool family.

My interaction with HSLDA has been very positive. They are there to help. They stand behind homeschoolers with a passionate determination and want  to assist you in any way possible. I have not needed their legal assistance, but have heard many stories of their willingness to serve and defend families in need. They are an incredible resource and defense that all homeschoolers should tap into.

Other important links:

  • Signing up for their E-lert service helps keep you aware and gives you timely opportunity to stay involved politically.
  • More detailed information about their organization (click the other tabs across the top for even more information).
  • They also work with the Home School Foundation to help homeschooling families in need.
  • To join HSLDA and take advantage of their numerous member benefits.
  • They also sponsor a number of contests.

** HSLDA has graciously donated a one year membership to one of the readers here! **

You can earn numerous entries for this giveaway:

– first, simply leave a comment and you are entered into the drawing

– Post about this contest and/or our website and leave another comment with the link

– Tweet or post on facebook about this contest and/or site and leave another comment

– Submit information for a Chicago area support group or co-op that I don’t already have listed and you can be entered again (once again, please come back and leave another comment here).

Each valid comment posted is an entry into the drawing which will take place on July 1. That gives you all about two weeks to spread the word and get in as many entries as you can. Winner will be notified by email and will have three days to respond to claim their prize

The 2009 Schoolhouse Planner

Summer tends to be planning season in homeschooling households, and just in time for the formulating frenzy, The Old Schoolhouse has released its brand new 2009 Schoolhouse Planner.

E-Book: The 2009 Schoolhouse Planner

This planner offers far more than stability and structure for your homeschool days. As we all know, the role of mother, home manager, teacher, negotiator, etc. overlap throughout each day. And, likewise, the parameters of the 2009 Schoolhouse Planner stretch into these roles as well.

A sampling of what you will enjoy with this tool:

Calendars — including ideas appropriate for each month from July (starting in just a couple weeks!) through June 2010; yearly calendars up to 2012; along with recipes and resources appropriate for each month

Inspiration — from well known homeschool authors (including Jay Wile and Amanda Bennett), addressing topics pertinent to homeschool families.

Must-know lists and compiled charts — from presidents to cloud types to geographical terms, the periodical table as well as miracles and parables.

Record Keeping — fill in schedules (for two, three, four, and five children), grade tracking, field trip planning, activity managers, inventory sheets, goals, etc. This book offers 120 pages of homeschool related forms and schedules!

Household help — they don’t send a person, but all of these resources can help everything run more smoothly. This also gives you a place and format to compile essential information. They help you organize chores, medical information, schedules, menus, gardening, pets, parties, and budgets. Over 60 pages of these useful tools.

Each of the forms is made to either print and write on, or type right onto and print out filled in, whatever you prefer. You can save your changes for further modification, or to build on, or print and save the hard copy.

The only downside I have found is that if you want to keep more than one computer based copy of one of the forms, you would need to save the whole planner more than once on your computer. Since I plan on storing hard copies of the record sheets, this did not diminish its usefulness for me, but it was something I had to consider when printing out the various copies for each of my kids. However, if you own a copy of Adobe Acrobat (not Acrobat Reader, the free download, but a rather expensive software), it has the capability of saving individual pages in modified format.

I have big plans for organizing this summer and pulling together all the information and strategies that I need for the year ahead. This wonderful planner has given me the framework and tools to make it all a reality. I had already started before receiving the planner, but the 2009 Schoolhouse Planner has done a lot of the work for me, and now I don’t need to go searching all over the internet to get it done, making my precious planning time even more efficient.

And, since it is all in an ebook format you can print and reprint the various pages as you need to keep them visible around your home and keep your family all on the same page.

All of these resources, 375 overflowing pages, are packed into this one e-book for $39.00. You would want to purchase it soon to take full advantage of the planning and ideas available even to enrich your celebration and study of the Fourth of July, and to have all the information in place for the new school year.

Purchase the 2009 Schoolhouse Planner.

Read more reviews of the 2009 Schoolhouse Planner.

Free days

Just when we thought summer had arrived, we head into days with lots of rain predicted. So, what to do?

Of course, the free or $1 movies are beginning at many theaters this week.

Or, general admission to the Shedd Aquarium is free this week (June 14-19), with reduced admission to the various exhibits.

The Museum of Science and Industry is also free this Friday. This is your last chance to get in free here until October, so take advantage of this great museum!

Any other free (or inexpensive) options for these rainy days? Please share your favorites!