Hello, I'm Heidi. Nice to meet you!

Ever feel like it has been so long since you talked to someone that you needed to reintroduce yourself?

Yep. That's where I am at. I've hardly blogged since last June. It wasn't an intentional break, but a much needed one. Since then, I've been left with the question of whether or not I want to step back into blogging or not. For a variety of reasons, I've opted to keep it going for a bit longer.  So,

Hello, I'm Heidi.  Nice to meet you!

Now that we are reacquainted, you will see more posts happening here in the near future, both personal and product reviews.

In the meantime, what has happened since my blog break?  I often don't think much in my life is truly blog-worthy, but when taking a look at the last six months, there are a few worthy mentions:

• I am now the mom of not one, but two teens. (Where has the time gone?)
• I stepped down from my review position with a homeschooling magazine for a variety of reasons.
• We will soon have a third official driver in the house! (Say prayers!)
• I started writing a monthly column with Homeschool Mosaics.  If you haven't checked them out yet, you must.  There is something for everyone.
• I've lost over 25 pounds!
• One of my teens has started dating. (Oh my!)
• My kids starred in a zombie short film this summer.  It was hilarious.
• I have a new reviewer position with Eclectic Homeschool Online.
• One of my kids vacationed with essentially strangers in Arizona for a week this summer. (Nerve-wracking and full of parental trust, but a good experience.)
• I'm doing yet more reviews with the new Mosaics Review Team.
• I am mom to a black belt.
• Our family went on our first real vacation in over five years.
• One of my teens and I attended our first college fair. (Again, where did the time go?)

 I've had a dabble of excitement, some new opportunities, and a whole new world of parenting challenges!

Review: Make It Real Learning

We all remember those story problems about two trains traveling certain speeds at a given distance in opposite directions or asking the percentage of blue-eyed boys in a given classroom, as if this would be must-know information later in life. Problems like these didn’t exactly make you jump up and down with enthusiasm to learn the math concepts, did they? The relevance of learning how to solve such problems is lost on most students and instead leaves them asking, “When am I ever going to use this?”

Students want to know *why* they are learning certain material and how it might be relevant to them either in the present or near future. When my son first started learning fractions, I usually used two units in my explanations to bring it home better: snack food and money. However, as important as cookies and dollars are for a ten-year-old boy, they can only take you so far. Now that he’s headed toward high school, he really needs to see how what he’s learning today applies to his future. I often wish the story problems in the textbooks did a better job making the story problems relevant - that they would make them real.

Make It Real Learning (MIRL) has tackled the “Why do we need to know this?” chant from math students and developed a workbook series of activities showing how math is needed in our every day lives.



I was sent the digital format of Activity Library Volume II, targeted to grade level 3 through college, to review. There are eleven workbooks in Volume II with the following topics/titles:

• Arithmetic II
• Fractions, Percents, Decimals III
• Fractions, Percents, Decimals IV
• Geometry I
• Geometry II
• Graphing & Other Algebra Skills I
• Graphing & Other Algebra Skills II
• Linear Functions III
• Periodic & Piecewise II
• Quadratic II
• Sets, Probability, Statistics II

Each workbook includes ten activities, which are mapped to the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. Each activity is about two pages long and comprised of multiple questions based on a real-life scenario. The activities are ideal for 1-2 class periods of a traditional classroom.  They can be done in groups or completed by as single student and are well suited for homeschooled students.

All of the activity topics are high interest and should appeal to a broad range of students.  The topics range from candy purchases to college tuition and beyond.  Students will learn how math relates to music downloads, interest and savings, construction planning, travel expenses, sports, cooking, healthcare costs, gas prices, take home pay and even current events and concerns such as elections and autism awareness.

The scenarios presented in the activities are drawn from real situations, real data, and even include links to actual websites and studies.  For example, an activity about purchasing candy and calculating shipping costs from an online website includes a link to the website, the actual costs of the candy, and a copy of the shipping fee table.

Make It Real Learning’s Activity Volume II does not contain actual lessons, detailed explanations, nor is it a complete curriculum. However, each activity is immediately followed by an answer key showing the steps in the solution, making it easy for the supervising parent or teacher. I appreciated not having to open a different file for the solutions and having the solutions readily available.

To get a feel for the format and structure of the activities, there are 20 free sample real-world math activities available from Volume I and II.

While there are some activities suitable for late elementary, I felt the majority of the activities were better suited for late middle school through high school grade levels. With an 8th grader and a 10th grader in my household, the level of the activities is about perfect for our family to use now and have plenty of material available for later.

I always try to make math real for our kids as we live life, while we do home projects, bake and shop, or pay bills. However, I can’t always seamlessly align our experiences with what my kids happen to be learning in their math curriculum. With these activities targeting specific concepts, I think we’ll get plenty of use of this quick resource the next time my kids sigh and whine, “Why do I need to know this?” I’m looking forward to continuing to use this resource.

Activity Library Volume II is available at the Make It Real Learning’s website as a digital download for $39.99 or as a Volume I and II bundle at a discounted price of $69.99 for the pair. If you prefer a hard copy, a print version is available at Lulu for $54.99.

As a special to my readers, receive 40% off by clicking the link below!

 Get 40% off!

I received a free copy of product from Make It Real Learning in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. This review contains affiliate links. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

Review: Growing Great Kids

As a mom of a child who would love to take to the stage as a career choice, I was interested in what Kate Battistelli, mother to Dove Award-winning recording artist Francesca, had to say in her book Growing Great Kids. I had many questions, such as how was she sure this was God’s purpose for her daughter and how did she guide Francesca in such goals?

The following is an excerpt from the introduction pages which sums up the general gist of the book:

Successful adults don’t happen by accident. It takes intentional effort to raise a child into an adult who has a strong sense of their destiny in God, a passion to serve Him, and a deep knowledge of His gifts and callings. Parents, we know our children better than anyone else. By partnering with God we can equip them to be all He called and created them to be. It’s up to us to equip (not push or apply undue pressure) our children to go after their dreams.

I learned a lot from Kate’s story, especially with her overall theme of the book of purposefully and intentional parenting and guiding. Much thought and prayer went into her guidance of her daughter and the focus was always on the greater plan. For example, when Francesca’s dream of becoming a dancer was thwarted because of scoliosis, years of dance lessons were not seen as a waste, but rather training for another purpose. Kate was also not afraid to have very large goals for her daughter and very specific prayers for those goals. It helped me see how focused Kate was, while at the same time her willingness to be redirected and reassured when a new path or obstacles came along.

Scripture relevant to the topics is used throughout the book. Also included are quotes from articles and research (those homeschooling will appreciate her comments on this) and well as comments and experiences directly from other parents. Each chapter, covering topics such as recognizing gifts, the power of words, prayer, and growing integrity, ends with a number of thought-provoking questions for reflection and a prayer.

Most people are not going to have the exact same set of circumstances in resources, number of children, or even talent in a particular area, but Growing Great Kids is not about duplicating goals of others. It is about helping your child discover his or her purpose. I needed reminding that both words and prayer are very powerful and most importantly, that God has a unique plan for my children. Rather than a book of “how to”, I considered this more a book of encouragement written from the heart.

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review as part of the CWA Review Crew. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

PhysicsQuest 2012 Registration!

It is PhysicsQuest time again. This year's program is titled Spectra's Turbulent Times. We order FREE kits every year and I have to say they are nicely done.  For those not familiar with PhysicsQuest, here is a description from the website:

PhysicsQuest is a story-based activity that exposes middle school students to the fun and relevance of science. APS provides a free PhysicsQuest kit to registered 6-9th grade physical science classes, home school groups, science clubs, and after-school programs. The kit includes a user's manual and materials for four physics experiments.

You can read more about the program at the PhysicsCentral website.

Registration is taking place now, but don't expect to see your kits until after the new year, usually around February if I recall correctly.  You will receive an email when your kit ships.

Since I've usually forgotten that I registered by then, it is always a nice surprise when they arrive.  Order your free kit now for some mid-winter physics learning!

Gifts for Teen Boys to Make

Most kids like making gifts for their friends. My daughter usually comes up with something on her own. However, my son is a different story. The words "boys" and "crafts" typically don't go together, at least not in my house.  An upcoming group event with our homeschool group had me contemplating what sort of crafty, gift-giving, project would appeal to middle school boys without involving explosives.

It dawned on me that the answer was right under my nose...and on my son's wrist.  My mom had gifted him a "Survival Bracelet", also known a Paracord Bracelet, several months ago.  The bracelet is made of very strong parachute cord which could be used for a number of things in an emergency.  Mostly, though, it just looks cool.  As usual, I turned to Google and Pinterest to figure out how to make something.

My search turned up two tutorials.  The first is for paracord bracelets without buckles.These would be great for kids who are bothered by buckles next to the wrist, or if you simply had trouble locating buckles.  Also included in this tutorial are great instructions for making a two-colored bracelet. However, I was worried they might tend to fall off and get lost. I found this tutorial for making bracelet with side buckles.

Now that I settled on a project, I needed to find the materials, often an inconvenience when it comes to crafting.  I'm sure buckles could be purchased at the local craft store, but I turned to Amazon first. I hate driving around to local stores in search of materials and I figured I might find a better deal online. I found 50 - 1/2" Side Release Plastic Buckles for $5.49 and free shipping. For the paracord, I found 182 550LB DESERT CAMO NYLON 100 FT CORD [Misc.] also with free shipping. Obviously, this would be a bit overkill for one bracelet (each one requiring one buckle and 8 ft of cord), but since I was planning this as a group project and I'm too lazy to drive to the store, it worked well.

I'm not going to give you step-by-step directions and pictures since the linked tutorials do a fine job of that. 

My son, who isn't crafty at all, really enjoyed making the bracelet and now wears it proudly with the one that was gifted to him by his grandma.

We'll be making a trip to our local Army supply store, which has a great variety and the availability of paracord by the yard, to purchase some more colors.  We'll be trying a two-color one next.  I see plenty of girls wearing more feminine color versions of these as well.  With the total cost being slightly over $1, you can make a whole slew of them for Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers.

It's a Potato Soup Kind of Day

Even though we aren't anywhere near the coast where Sandy is currently creating a mess, we are experience some of the effects of the storm with dropped temperatures and high winds.  It is just one of those days where you want to stay in, crawl under a blanket, and eat something warm.  It is a potato soup kind of day.

I thought I'd share my favorite potato soup recipe for Homeschool Mosaics' Recipe Carnival.

Best-Ever Potato Soup

6 bacon strips, diced
3 cups cubed peeled potatoes
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) chicken broth
1 small carrot, grated
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 T dried parsley flakes
1/2 t each celery seed, salt, and pepper
3 T all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
8 ounces precess American cheese, cubed
2 green onions, thinly sliced, optional

In a large saucepan, cook bacon until crisp; drain.  Add potatoes, broth, carrot, cnion, parsley, celery seed, salt and pepper.  Cover and simmer until potatoes are tender (about 15 minutes). Combine flour and milk until smooth; add to soup. Bring to a boil. Boil and stir for 2 minutes.  Add cheese and stir under melted and the soup is heated through.  Garnish with green onion.

Tips:

• I tried skipping the celery seed once because I was out.  Don't!  It really is a critical ingredient in my opinion. 
• I like this recipe even better with ham instead of bacon.  When I make a large ham, I always chop some up and put it in the freezer just for this soup.
• I often use extra broth if I have it and just add a few more potatoes and seasonings.  I find the recipe very forgiving.
• Usually I use Velvetta in this recipe, as much as it pains me!  I made it tonight with real cheddar cheese.  It still tasted great, but I find the Velvetta tastes better.
• Sometimes I take a masher to the potatoes, but I often leave them in chucks.  It seems heartier that way.

Tonight I happened to have some leftover bacon crumbles from a salad and sprinkled those on top.  I paired this with a fresh loaf of bread make in the bread maker.  Very filling - and perfect for a cold evening.

YUM!

Review: Wild Ink (Prufrock Press)

When my review copy of the updated and expanded Wild Ink by Victoria Hanley arrived in the mail, I was excited to dig in as soon as I had some free reading time.

Wild Ink is a guide for those wanting to break into getting published in the Young Adult market.  While I do not exactly fit the profile, I do enjoy writing and have a teen daughter who dreams of having a novel published.  I am always looking for constructive ways to guide her writing and move that dream a little closer to reality.  With that in mind, I approached Hanley’s book both as an adult writer and a parent of an aspiring writer.

In the first chapter the reader is introduced to an overview of the Young Adult genre, including target age range, approximate length, use of vocabulary, themes, and subgenres. Chapters two through six discuss novel development. Plots and settings, character development, and how to overcome obstacles specific to the genre are all covered.  The author even includes an exercise on how to find your “inner teen” for proper perspective and point of view when writing your novel. In addition, a complete chapter is devoted to writing teen nonfiction and another entirely to writer resources.

I really enjoyed the following section consisting of four chapters explaining how to get your finished novel published and marketed, whether you are seeking and agent or want to do the self-publishing route.  My shelves already contain several how-to books on writing novels, but the instruction stops there. As someone who has never published a book, I found this section on what to do once your novel is completed very helpful in understanding the process, what to watch out for, and the pros and cons of various options.

The last 80 pages or so of the book are interviews with Young Adult authors, both fiction and nonfiction. Hearing the background and experiences of these 33 authors is very inspirational and encouraging to the aspiring writer.

As I was reading through Wild Ink, I realized how appropriate this title would be for my teen daughter, even though the intended audience is for adults.  After finishing, I handed it over to her for her opinion.  She found Wild Ink helpful and commented that her original expectations of it being a “dry read” were unfounded. Since she is currently working on a YA novel, she was able to relate the concepts to her current work while reading, jotting notes along the margins.  I can see how this title would be a great resource and reference for older teens both prior and during developing a novel.  As for me, even through I have never attempted writing a novel, Wild Ink gave me the tools to make the idea a little less intimidating and obtainable.

Whether you are just beginning or an experienced writer trying to break into a new genre, Wild Ink is an excellent resource to guide you along the way. Available at Prufrock Press and other online and local retailers, Wild Ink retails for $17.95 and is available both in soft cover and digital versions.

Disclaimer/Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book mentioned above from Prufrock Press for the purposes of review. All opinions 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.