Excellent Homeschool Resource - Dark Pink -TI-84 Calculator

 ~ Could Calculators be more Fun than Texting? ~

Product: TI-84 Plus Silver Edition Graphing Calculator from Texas Instruments.

Who is this for? -

1. Students taking the SAT, ACT and college entrance exams.

2. Homeschool students who want a fun way to do their math!

Before I give you the details about this product, I want to explain something. In all my schooling years, I have never used one of these. So, I was thrilled with the idea of learning how to use a graphing calculator. It looked like fun. Can't math be fun?

I had Amy (15) and John (13) working with the calculator at different times. Amy enjoyed using it, but John loved it! There is a lot to do and it is just as much fun as a hand-held computer game!  He even learned some new math concepts, like a quick way to figure out the square root of a number.  A small sampling of the highlights you can do:


1. Change a decimal to a fraction.
2. Find the least common multiple.

3. Calculate statistical variables.
4. You can add, subtract, multiply and do all the basic functions as well as use parentheses in equations!

5. Compute and Graph mortgage payments.
6. Solve a System of Nonlinear Equations (As if I knew what that meant! - smiles)

Comes with a 216 page guidebook, USB cable for data transport to a computer, Preloaded Apps, and a CD which will help you access a complete manual; free tutorials and downloads; and free calculator software applications. You can find more information abut the TI - 84 Calculator at Texas Instruments.

This calculator would make an ideal resource for all Homeschools. 
  
Coming next week - An excellent DVD resource which will teach you how to use the TI-84 Calculator. You'll love it!


*Disclosure: I received this product from Texas Instruments for review purposes.*

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Home is the Place of No Worries

When Evening has come, the family gathers home. It is a quiet, gentle place. It is full of love and happiness. All worries are put aside. All problems are forgotten. All quarrels are quickly forgiven.

The smiles and laughter and time spent together as a family, makes home an ideal place to rest and get refreshed for another day.  It is a respite for world-weary travelers.

The lights dim. Silence comes. It is time to rest. God's blessings on such a humble, precious home.

Blessings
Mrs. White


 ~  There is Just Something about Home.

 ~  Homemaking and Happy Thoughts.

 ~  Homemaking with Frank Sinatra.




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News from Home - Monday's Front Porch Visit

Come on over and join me on the front porch for our Monday visit! 

I read an inspiring post over the weekend. Michelle at She Looketh Well, has read the entire Bible in 39 days! This did not make  me want to read the Bible that quickly, but to read much more than I have been lately. Since I have been so ill, I have not done much of anything. I plan to get back to many of my old routines today.

Nicole (20) is all settled back at college and doing well. She had been coming home a few days to visit us all summer so this is going to be an adjustment! (She was spending the summer with her sister in the city.) She is happy and calling with news. We will see her during her school break within the next month or two.

The children have been doing their schoolwork each morning. John (13) works very quickly and efficiently and is doing well. Amy has always been able to do her work fast!  I am trying to think of some creative art projects for them to do this year.

I have stopped drinking tea! I have a cup of hot chocolate each day instead. It has been a nice treat! The days are still a little warm, but it gets very cool here and makes me want to buy coats and gloves and hats because winter will arrive very soon!

I have a few things to do today, and then I am going to relax and read for the afternoon.  I want to listen to a sermon while I clean my kitchen today. I'll have to look through my collection to find something special. I will probably listen to Dr. R.B. Ouellette or Dr. Clyde Box (Through Sword of the Lord), or perhaps I will listen to "Virtuous Mothers" by Charity Gospel Tape ministry? I have lots of CDs from a variety of good preachers to choose from.

I hope you have a wonderful day at home!

blessings,
Mrs. White

Cleaning your Lovely Home - An Index of Featured Articles.

Precious Old Country Song - Will the  Circle Be Unbroken by Roy Acuff.

My Goals for the New Year - A Year of Godliness.

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Mothers who have lots of time like Grandmothers do

What would she be like? She is peaceful. She is patient. She is rarely flustered or stressed. She has time and uses it wisely.


"Now I am sure if you could once make up your mind in the fear of God, never to undertake more work of any sort than you can carry on calmly, quietly, without hurry or flurry, and the instant you find yourself growing nervous and like one out of breath, would stop and take a breath, you would find this simple, common-sense rule doing for you what no prayers or tears could ever accomplish." - Stepping Heavenward


I have been thinking about the Amish. They go to great lengths to keep technology and modern worldliness out of their homes. If there is a phone in the community, used for business or emergencies, it is often an outdoor payphone. If Mother had to return a phone call, she would walk down the lane to the phone and make a quick call. Then she was back to her family.

Many Amish do not use electricity. Some modern Amish, use some electricity in their homes, or workshops. These decisions are carefully considered with the help of the elders.

I wonder what home life would be like if we took more serious efforts to eliminate wasteful intrusions in our homes. Would we Mothers have as much time as Grandmothers do?

Here are some ideas of things Mothers can do to spend more time with their children:

1. Play board games in the afternoon.
2. When hanging clothes on the line, do it slowly and watch and laugh as the children play around you.
3. Take a long stroll and chat with the children.
4. If you have to sew or mend, give a child some scraps and have them work with you.
5. When baking cookies, call in a helper and take your time.
6. Shut off the phone, or let an answering machine take the messages. Only check them at one specific time each day.
7. Find a way to stop too many outside activities that steal family time.
8. Sit on the couch and sing hymns together in the evening.

What would homes be like if Mothers were not too busy with other things? What if they created a simplified life so they were available all the time to just "be there," like Grandmothers are?  What would we have to do to make this a reality?

"Mother says Ernest is entirely right in forbidding my working so hard. I must admit that I already feel better. I have all the time I need to read my Bible and to pray now, and the children do not irritate and annoy me as they did. Who knows but I shall yet become quiet amiable?" -Stepping Heavenward.


Blessings
Mrs. White

Enter to win a lovely book, Amish Proverbs, (Through September 9, 2010)

Encouragement - A Mother's Legacy.

Precious song - My Mother's Faith.


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Morning at our Estate

I plan to spend some time outdoors this morning, on our Estate. I love to call our property by a fancy name because it makes life more fun. The fact is, our house is very old and in need of repair. But it is quaint and lovely and mine. (smiles)

I want to walk the grounds and enjoy the last of the summer days before autumn's cool wind approaches. Then I will delight in watching the falling leaves and the splendor of the new season before all the snow begins to fall. That is when I will be indoors, near the hearth, for many months!

I want a little bit of tea and a chocolate scone. I want to pick flowers and watch the children play and laugh.

I want to clean my house and have a pleasant day of homemaking.  I will put on my apron, listen to some classical music and enjoy the morning!

Blessings,
Mrs. White

Happy Memories - Puttering around the Home.

The Tough Times - Chronically Ill Homeschooling Mothers.

Encouragement - How the Old Time Mothers Survived Poverty. 


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Amish Proverbs - Giveaway

Book: Amish Proverbs - Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life (Hardcover, 200 + pages)

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Publisher: Revell

This charming, beautifully illustrated book is full of wise words and sayings from the Amish community.

Here is an excerpt: 


 - Bibles that are coming apart 
           usually belong to people who are not.


- It may be difficult to wait on the Lord, 
           but it is worse to wish you had.


- Put the swing where the children want it.
          The grass will grow back.


- A father ought to help his son to form
the habit of doing right on his own initiative
rather than out of fear of serious consequences.


- More is caught than taught.


      
We can learn so much from short little proverbs. The Bible is full of them! In everyday life, we need these kinds of sayings to help us remember how to live. Proverbs are not only instructive, they are also inspiring.  One of the sayings from my family is something I still use with my own children: If you cannot say anything nice, then don't say anything at all.
  
Would you like a chance to win your very own copy of Amish Proverbs?  All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me a proverb, or saying, you remember from your childhood.

For additional entries:

2. Become a Public Follower of my blog. Or let me know you are already a follower.

3. Subscribe to The Legacy of Home through Feedburner. 

4. Write a post, linking to this giveaway, on your own Blog. (This is worth 3 entries. Please leave 3 separate comments.)

5. Tweet about this Giveaway.

6. Follow me on Twitter. 

7. Post about this on Facebook.

8. Choose to "Like" The Legacy of Home on Facebook.

*Please leave a separate comment for each entry.*

One random winner we be selected on Thursday, September 9, 2010. (U.S.  Entries only.) If I am unable to reach the winner within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected. Your entry is only valid if you include an email address  for me to contact you. 

This contest is closed. The winner is Jen. She has already been contacted. Thank you all for entering!

 *Disclosure -  I received a copy of this book, from the publisher, for review purposes.*

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Winner of the Novel about Homeschooling

A winner has just been selected for a fascinating novel about homeschooling, "Bringing them Home."

The winner is - ~ Elizabeth, busymomof10 ~  She has a lovely blog. I hope you can take a few minutes to visit her!


Thanks to all who entered!

Later today, I have a charming giveaway to offer you. I can't wait! Watch for it!

Have a delightful morning!

blessings,
Mrs. White

What is the culture of your home like? - Sermons and the Godly Home.

A Clean House is Bliss - The Maid was Here. 

Would you like to see a picture of my living room? - Sunday Evening Visit from my Vermont Home.


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Hot Chocolate in August

It is cool here in Vermont. I had the most elegant cup of hot chocolate. . .  The mug was a classic black. The tea plate was creamy white. I used a packet of hot chocolate mix.




But here is the best part.... My parents are back home from a long absence and they brought me home a wonderful treat - a small bag of genuine campfire marshmallows they bought from a Cracker Barrel Gift Shop. Have you ever been to that restaurant? They serve the most delicious southern meals you can find in the North! They have locations throughout the U.S, but it is such a treat to find. They also have a delightful gift shop with nostalgic items for sale.

The very fact that my marshmallows came from such a wonderful place and from such wonderful people, made drinking my hot chocolate a very treasured experience.

Blessings,
Mrs. White

I Remember Mama - Lessons from a Norwegian Family.

Just for fun - A Housewife's Day at Home.

What Song would I like to play to wake up Amy (15)? Find out in one of my Front Porch Visits!

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Goodwrench Tire Safety and Giveaway

Tire Safety is important. I have some helpful information from Goodwrench and then a fun giveaway. Please read the tips below and then stay tuned for the giveaway at the end:

           

- According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA,) 660 fatalities and 33,000 injuries occur every year due to tire-related problems.
 


- Keeping your family vehicle’s tires inflated to the recommended pounds per square inch (psi) will not only save on gas, but will provide a safer ride.


- It’s important to keep in mind that during the warm weather of summer, hot road surfaces can cause the pressure to increase in a tire. As a general rule, for every 10-degree rise in temperature, a tire’s pressure increases one psi.

- Invest in a quality tire gauge! Eyeballing tires to measure pressure can be misleading, as radial tires often look fine even if they are under-inflated.

-And by the way, be sure to rotate your tires on schedule. Since each tire performs different tasks (such as steering or front versus rear wheel drive), tires wear at different rates, and you’ll get more life out of the tires you bought this way.
 


                              ~                ~               ~            ~

Now for the giveaway  . . .  How would you like to win an Official Goodwrench Baseball Cap and a Tire Tread Card that the technicians use? All you have to do is tell me which tip (from the above list) is most helpful.

For additional entries:

2. Become a Public Follower of my blog. Or let me know you are already a follower.

3. Subscribe to The Legacy of Home through Feedburner. 

4. Write a post, linking to this giveaway, on your own Blog. (This is worth 3 entries. Please leave 3 separate comments.)

5. Tweet about this Giveaway.

6. Follow me on Twitter. 

7. Post about this on Facebook.

8. Choose to "Like" The Legacy of Home on Facebook.

*Please leave a separate comment for each entry.*

One random winner we be selected on Tuesday, August 31, 2010. (U.S.  Entries only.) If I am unable to reach the winner within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected. Your entry is only valid if you include an email address  for me to contact you. This product will ship directly from the company.

This contest is closed. The winner is - busymomof10! Thanks so much to all who entered!

 *Disclosure -  Information and Giveaway items were provided by the Goodwrench Company.*

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Making Chores Fair for Children

I've mentioned in a previous post (A Cheerful and Willing Housekeeper) about not expecting too much from our children in regards to housework. As Mothers, it seems like we have plenty of chores and we are often asking for help. Sometimes, we even ask for help all day long for those of us who homeschool!

During my recent confinement, I noticed the children did a fairly good job keeping the house in order. But something came to me. I realized that I had been asking them to do far more chores than necessary! Do I really need the floors washed every day? (Not that it happened - smiles) Why was I asking this of my children? Look at the above photo. Do you see how happy she is to clean?  Some of us enjoy cleaning and it makes us happy. Yet, I seriously doubt our children enjoy it!

This made me think of a fair way to present chores to my children. It will make their lives more efficient for the following reasons:

1. I will not be nagging them all day to do a myriad of tasks.
2. We will all know what to expect.
3. I will be content and happy knowing things will get done.

Here's the plan:

I will have a list of five major chores that need to be done once a week by the children:

1. Monday - Wash the floors.  (John)
2. Tuesday - Organize clothes, laundry, do ironing. (Amy)
3. Wednesday - Vacuum the carpets.  (Matthew)
4. Thursday - Empty fridge and freezer and wash it all out.  (Amy)
5. Friday - Deep clean the bathroom.  (John)

Of course the children will still have their daily duties, but at least the heavy jobs will be taken care of on specific days.   Since I only have three children still at home, I had to divide the chores up a little. Matthew is my oldest and is very busy, so I only gave him one heavy job. Amy and John will get 2 weekly chores each. This should work well.

One important thing to consider:  When someone is doing chores, everyone else should find some kind of cleaning or organizing project to work on at the same time. This makes everyone feel like a team. For example, If Amy is cleaning the fridge, John and I will be working on cleaning bedrooms or sweeping. Once Amy is finsished, we can all stop and go do something fun!

How do you keep chores fair for your children? Are you asking them to clean all day long, or do they have specific chores to do each day?

If you are looking for tips for keeping children's bedrooms clean, Raising Olives and Mommyx12 both have some great ideas! 

Blessings,
Mrs. White

Every Family Can Do This - The Good Deed Money. 

What Was it Like Owning a Family Business in Ye Old Country Store.

Creating a Happy Home despite physical trials.


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Getting My House Back After an Illness - Monday's Front Porch Visit

Come on over and join me on the front porch for our Monday visit! 

It is getting late. I almost need to turn on the porch light so we can see. For the past several days, all my shades have been closed and the blinds have been drawn. I have been sick in bed. My children have been running the house and taking care of me. I got up for a short time yesterday, but then really started feeling better this morning. I wasn't sure how long it would last. We did a few errands (Matthew - 17) did the driving.  On our way home from an appointment, I was watching out my window, looking at all the houses. I saw this one small white house with a front porch. It looked like an old farmhouse. It reminded me of my southern Grandmother's home. I imagined someone cooking in the kitchen, preparing for the family to come home. . . But the house was empty and forlorn. . . There were overgrown weeds in the yard. . .  The windows were bare.  There was no life stirring there. It was a house with no Mama.

I went home. All the children scattered. I looked around my house and wanted nothing more than to take it back. It had been out of my care for many days. First, I opened the windows, shades and curtains. Then I washed my counters so *I* knew they were sanitary. I organized and polished. I planned to work for just a little bit, until I got tired. But for some reason, I didn't get tired.  I listened to the old country gospel music, just like my southern Father always did. I was comforted and blessed by the words in each song. Peace had come into my heart.

I was able to make a nice supper. I set the table and laid everything out on the table before calling the children in. "Supper is ready!" I told them. They eagerly came to the table to enjoy a precious time they had missed out on for almost a week!

Everything is okay. We no longer have a house with no Mama.

Blesings,
Mrs. White

Old Fashioned Memories - Remembering Suppertime.

Precious Gospel Music - A Front Porch Visit.

 It is Evening Time for Mother!


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A Hospital in The Home

This past week, I have been very ill and suffering. Amy (15) demanded that I go straight to bed, as of Wednesday morning. I have been there ever since. The children have all been checking on me and seeing if I need anything.

It all reminded me of the many times I have been in the hospital. I was served three meals a day, no matter how sick I was. At first, I would be on a liquid diet. This consisted of jello, tea, and broth. They would even serve that to me three times a day, until I started to heal. We had to do a similar thing here at home.

Nicole was home for a few days and was worried about me. When she went back to the city with her sister, she called to ask if I was okay. "If you need anything, let me know." She told me.

Last night, Amy was on the phone with Rachel (22). They were going over the sales flier together, planning meals for the next few days, and creating a shopping list. (Rachel is a food genius. - smiles) They did a great job.

That night, Amy had an important dance class. I had Matthew (17) drive while I sat in the passenger seat with the chair reclined a little. He has his permit and is learning to drive very well. After we dropped Amy off at class, he drove to the supermarket. I waited in the car with John (13) while Matthew went in to do all the shopping. Then he picked up Amy and drove us home. I went back to bed.

Amy gave me a nice cup of jello and John turned on the television for me. The sweetest thing is having the children check on me from time-to-time. I will hear a little voice in the dim room. "Do you need anything, Mom?" They have all been so helpful.

Of course, my house is not as clean as I would like and the laundry has been neglected, but I am slowly recovering. I did not write a post for the Home Economics series on Tuesday and I will not write for Fit Mommy today.

I need to get back to bed. I hope I get better by Monday!

Hope you are doing well!

Blessings,
Mrs. White

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A Winner

I have the name of the winner for my giveaway of The Penguins of Madagascar DVD and General Mills Cereal. 

The winner is Laura O.  She has already been contacted and will receive her prize shortly.

Thank you so much for entering!

I also want to thank everyone for your sweet and kind comments about my health this week. I am still not doing well. Your comments have been wonderful!

blessings
Mrs. White

Morning Tea and Visit

I hope you are having a lovely morning! I have been tidying up my kitchen and thinking about my plans for the day. The last few days I have been ill and trying to rest. I have not been able to write much.

Last night, after a long day, I picked up Amy (15) from her dance class. While driving along, we talked about our supper plans. We were to have Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and broccoli. I started to give out jobs for when we got home - John (13) would finish the last of the dishes, Amy was to start boiling water. I would help with the cleaning and the cooking. But Amy wouldn't let me. I was delighted when she said, "No, Mom. You are sick. You go right to bed when we get home. John and I will do everything." Such a good girl!

I have been feeling like a bit of a failure lately. Everything I want to do, or should do - I don't. I have thought about exercising all week, but never bothered. I wanted to avoid eating junk food or drinking soda, and even though I know it is terrible for me, I do it anyway. I did not read my Bible at all yesterday, nor did I do our Family worship. I seriously have to work on self-discipline, self-denial and self-sacrifice. All things concerning "me" that I'd rather not do. (smiles) I will have to try harder.

I am just about ready to have my morning tea. I would love to have a little toast and honey with it, but I don't think I can eat yet. Perhaps I will lay down for bit before really starting my day.

In a little while, I will have the children pick some flowers from the yard. We will put them in a pretty vase on the center of the table.  The children will do their schoolwork. We will read some books and enjoy a peaceful afternoon. I know this will help make home more pleasant.

I can hear the sound of gospel music playing in the background - Precious Memories. Most everyone is still asleep. All is calm and quiet.  As soon as I feel better, I will walk the grounds of our property and I will pray. If only I could really comprehend that life is not about me. If only I could just focus on heavenly things and not be pulled in by the excitement of activities and the world around me.


Blessings,
Mrs. White

How a Godly Mother May Guide an Imperfect Family.

Very Precious -Mama's Songs. 

Mothers are Heroes in Trials and Laughter.


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Rising While it is Yet Night

In Grandmother's day, homes were kept immaculate. There was a sense of pride in keeping a tidy, clean house. You would see freshly scrubbed pantry shelves, polished stoves, freshly washed floors, and spotless sinks. These capable homemakers worked hard and could be trusted to do their jobs right. This example helped train children to do their best at every task. Mothers today can't seem to understand that it takes hard, difficult work to keep a home looking nice. Yes, we have times of sorrow, sickness, and babies who need us. But on normal days, we need to spend more time truly making a home. It must be sanitary, so the family stays healthy. Our dishes must be clean and put away. Our counters must be scrubbed and our floors must be washed.

The Virtuous woman rose while it was yet night and tended to her home duties. She was busy before the sun came up. Then she opened drapes and windows and greeted the silence of the early morning.

Before her family even woke up, she had her prayer time, her Bible study; she was dressed neatly, and had started breakfast. She is the ideal and what we, as godly homemakers, should strive for.

This morning, I am taking some extra time to clean and make things look nice. I have several errands to do and lots of activities that need my attention. But this morning, I woke up at 4 am and have been getting a head start on the day. I have been working slowly and happily. No one is underfoot. Everything is quiet.  I will make sure everything is neat and pleasant and greet my family with a smile. There will be no rushing. Only a calm serenity.

May you have a joyous, peaceful day!

Blessings,
Mrs. White

Encouragement for homemaking - 7th Heaven and Making Supper.

When being a Stay-at-Home Mother is interrupted - Driving on Country Roads.

A Lovely Piece from History - Should Mother Work Outside the Home in 1981?



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Monday's Front Porch Visit - Charles Stanley

Come on over and join me on the front porch for our Monday visit! 

When I was growing up, my southern Father had a difficult time finding a decent church for our family in Massachusetts. He was the son of a rural Alabama revival preacher. He and his brother were also street preachers. When he married my mother and moved to New England, the religious culture was very different.

When Pastor Charles Stanley starting broadcasting his sermons each Sunday night, it became our regular routine to sit together in the living room and watch the program. I loved Stanley's sermons. As a teenager, however, my only problem with watching was that it came on late at night and I had to get up early the next day for school.

Years ago, when visiting my older brother (in another state), I noticed he was watching Stanley on television and I was amazed! It had become a routine to watch this great saint teach and preach God's word.

Over this past weekend, I listened to a sermon on CD, while I slowly cleaned my kitchen. I wanted to hear every single word! Sometimes, I will find some cleaning project to do, just so I can listen to a sermon while I work!

Last night, at 8 pm, I watched Pastor Stanley on television. John (13) sat with me. He played quietly while he listened. I worked on a hand-sewing project and enjoyed every moment.

You can listen to sermons for Free online if you go to In Touch Ministries. I'd love to know who your favorite Preacher is. Won't you come on over to my front porch for some tea and brownies, while we talk about Spiritual matters?

blessings,
Mrs. White


The old fashioned House Dress.


A burden - Mama as the Guardian Angel.


Trying to cheer up on a bad day - Violets, Lilacs, Warmth and Sunshine.

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A Novel About Homeschooling - Giveaway

I am so excited to tell you about a great new book written just for homeschoolers. It is a NOVEL. . . That's right --- fiction! The book is called, "Bringing Them Home" and was written by Elizabeth Wiens.

The story is about the Knight family who have three of their four children enrolled in a public school.  Different things begin to happen which nudges the parents, Casey and David, to homeschool their children. We get to read about the struggles, uncertainties and triumphs of this realistic family.

Here are some of the key points in the story:

1. How does Casey handle criticism from friends and family for her decision to homeschool?

2. How does she adjust to having her children home all day and still teach and do housework?

3. What does their daily homeschool look like?

4. What kind of support does she recieve from other homeschoolers?

5. Travel with them on field trips, enrichment activities, visits to other families and a trip to a homeschool conference.

The characters in this book are lovable and are so realisitic, it could be any one of our neighbors. I was inspired, encouraged and entertained as I read. I have always wanted someone to write a novel all about homeschoolers and Elizabeth Wien has done and outstanding job.

The teaching methods of Casey are just one example of the many different ways to homeschool. Her students are ages 4, 6, 8 and 9.  I enjoyed reading about her days at home and how she handled all the different subjects. I cheered with her when her children improved in their studies. I sympathized with her myriad of emotions when there were trials or unkind things said to her. I felt a connection to her family and really enjoyed reading about their lives.

Elizabeth is currently writing a sequel! We will soon get to read more about the Knight family as they continue to teach their children. We will read about teaching teenagers and about courtship. I can't wait!

"Bringing them Home" is the story of one family's experience homeschooling for their first year. I have an additional Copy of this book, signed by the author, for a giveaway. Would you like a chance to win this book?

All you have to do is leave me a comment, telling me where you would most like to go on a field trip with your children.

For additional entries:

2. Become a Public Follower of my blog. Or let me know you are already a follower.

3. Subscribe to The Legacy of Home through Feedburner. 

4. Write a post, linking to this giveaway, on your own Blog. (This is worth 3 entries. Please leave 3 separate comments.)

5. Tweet about this Giveaway.

6. Follow me on Twitter. 

7. Post about this on Facebook.

8. Choose to "Like" The Legacy of Home on Facebook.

*Please leave a separate comment for each entry.*

One random winner we be selected on Thursday, August 26, 2010. (U.S.  Entries only.) If I am unable to reach the winner within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected. Your entry is only valid if you include an email address  for me to contact you. This product will ship directly from the company.

This contest is closed. The winner is Elizabeth!

 *Disclosure -  I received a copy of this book, from the author, for review purposes.*

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It is Time to Settle Down in A Cozy Home

I am getting ready to relax for the weekend. It has been a tiring, action-packed week. I find myself constantly fighting the temptation to do too much. I crave a simple, slow-paced life. This is why I love to rest on the weekends. Life slows down. I enjoy home. I do not work - other than basic housekeeping. Any worldly ideas, plans, thoughts-of-shopping, fade into the background. Life, on these serene weekends, are a time of refreshment.

One of my favorite things to do, is walk our property in the early morning. We have a waterfall and rushing river, which runs the back of the grounds. I love to just stare at this beauty of nature. I don't have to "think" or fix anything. All my worries are gone and I can pray and thank God for all He does for me.

This property is my retreat from the world and I strive to keep it that way as much as possible.

It's time to slow down... Finish the shopping and errands. . . Pick some flowers... and stroll back to the Home Estate where joy and peace and happiness await you.... May it be so...


Blessings
Mrs. White

A little Fun - What is it like Living with Grandpa and Grandma?

Creating An Old Fashioned Parlor. 

Cleaning at night, when life is peaceful - in Night Chores.


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Fit Mommy (Week 32)

The following is my check-in for Fit Mommy Friday. It is hosted by Denise. This is a way for many of us to encourage one another, to share our progress and to meet our own fitness goals. When you visit our blogs and read about our week, would you take a minute to share an encouraging comment?

Here's my week: 


Monday through Wednesday,

To put it plainly - I slacked. I did 5 minutes of exercises each morning. And then 10 minutes at night (target toning with weights).

Thursday,

Nothing. (sigh)

Friday,

Today, I actually thought I had been "fit" all this time, until.... I started exercising with Amy (15). Let me just explain a little something about her. She is a full-time dance student - classical ballet, tap, - the works. She is in great shape and can workout far longer than I could even imagine. Here's what happened:

We were in the back yard using hula hoops (don't laugh).  I have been trying and trying to figure out how to keep the hoop going. She does all kinds of tricks and is brilliant at hula hooping, but not me! You also have to be in fairly good shape to endure hooping. I can manage a few seconds, perhaps minutes, but then I get tired and give up!

Amy and I had this long talk about health and fitness. I may "look" fit. I may have even "been" fit (as early as a few months ago!!) But I am not fit at this moment!  I am going to have to build my way back up to being a Fit Mommy again. I will give myself the standard 8 weeks. (That's how long it took me to go from Level 2 to Level 3.) I want to be in Level 3. Not that it is some status symbol, but it would mean that I am healthier than I am now and much more fit. So that is my new goal.

I'll let you know how this is working next week. But I will say that Amy is going to be my fitness coach (or Personal trainer.) Aren't I blessed to have her for a daughter? (smiles)

Nutritional Accomplishment: Ate healthy all week (other than the soda).


Fitness Goal: To have strength and endurance. I do not have any weight to lose, but need to keep my energy levels high and avoid eating too much sugary, junk food.

How about you? Are you a Fit Mommy, or trying to be? I'd love to hear how you are doing!

Blessings
Mrs. White

The last 32 weeks as a Fit Mommy.

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I Know You Want to Read this Post

You are just about to read a marvelous advertisement for the Old Schoolhouse Magazine - 

 ~ An Essential Homeschool Resource ~

It's August and that means back-to-school planning. Have you ever wanted to organize your entire homeschool life? I have just the thing.....


The Old Schoolhouse Magazine has created a must-have, essential product you won't want to be without. Not only will it help you plan your school, it will also help organize your family-life, housekeeping, chores, and tons more.

Do you need a quick reference guide to tell you the State capitals? Or how about Cloud types, Latin Roots, Elements by atomic number or even the multiplication tables? You can find all this and much, much more in this delightful, astounding, fabulous book!

The Planner is over 600 pages long and is much more than an organizational tool. It is an encyclopedia of facts, forms, and inspiring ideas!

For fun, have your student open up this enormous book and quiz the family on the names of Presidents, Countries and Capitals, and the Seven Wonders of the World! Are you impressed or what???? (smiles)

This is outstanding!

But wait..... there's more................ (grins).............. You can type data directly into this planner! It is an E-book with page after page of worksheets, budgets, library book lists, grocery inventory, curriculum lists, website recourse links... and on and on!!   What about printing this document out? No problem at all! You can use it either on your computer, or print it out and place it into a binder so your entire family can spend hours and hours reading and planning and having a fabulous time!

I know exactly what you are thinking! You want your very own copy, don't you? I have great news!  All you have to do, is head on over to the schoolhouse store and buy one for yourself!

Here's how - 

Go to this link - The 2010 Schoolhouse Planner

Thank you for reading. This post was brought to you by Mrs. White, as an independent contractor working with The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.  I (that is, Mrs. White) had the privilege of using this Planner in order to write this ad.

End of Commercial.

Early Morning Dew

I just hung the clothes on the line. The world is just waking up and the air is cool and crisp. The grass is covered with the early morning dew.

It is quiet here. There is a stillness during this time of day. I do a little housework and take the time to walk out on the porch to look at the landscape. Then I get my tea and sit with a good book until the family begins to stir.

I am in a serene mood. But I know it won't last. The household will get loud, there will be more chores than I can manage and the world will awaken.

But I can have this quiet time again tomorrow. Each morning I strive to wake up earlier and earlier so it will last longer.

Hope your day is peaceful!

Blessings
Mrs. White


Memories of raising my boys - Teaching life Skills to Sons.

Just Taking a Break from my Housework.


A Little Fun - 10 Thoughts on Being a Housewife.


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General Mills and The Penguins of Madagascar Giveaway

I received a fun prize pack in the mail. The children quickly opened it up and found a large box of Trix cereal, two fun toys (character launchers), and a DVD, The Penguins of Madagascar Operation: DVD Premier.

Amy (15) immediately helped herself to a bowl of cereal.  She loved it! She also found a prize inside, a character launcher!  This is a cute little penguin toy with an attachment. All you do is push on it, so the penguin goes flying!

John (13) has been playing with the character launchers on our living room floor. There is nothing like seeing toys fly in the air, to cause excitement in the home! 

Next, we watched the DVD.  It consists of several short episodes. I have never seen The Penguins of Madagascar before. It was certainly entertaining. It is 130 minutes long and causes children to giggle.

How would you like a chance to win your very own Prize pack, which includes: Two character launchers, A box of Trix Cereal, and DVD of  The Penguins of Madagascar Operation: DVD Premier.

All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me who in your family would enjoy the DVD the most.


For additional entries:

2. Become a Public Follower of my blog. Or let me know you are already a follower.

3. Subscribe to The Legacy of Home through Feedburner. 

4. Write a post, linking to this giveaway, on your own Blog. (This is worth 3 entries. Please leave 3 separate comments.)

5. Tweet about this Giveaway.

6. Follow me on Twitter. 

7. Post about this on Facebook.

8. Choose to "Like" The Legacy of Home on Facebook.

*Please leave a separate comment for each entry.*

One random winner we be selected on Thursday, August 19, 2010. (U.S.  Entries only.) If I am unable to reach the winner within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected. Your entry is only valid if you include an email address  for me to contact you. This product will ship directly from the company.

 *Disclosure -  The Prize pack and information were provided by General Mills and Nickelodeon through MyBlogSpark.*

This contest is closed. The winner is Laura O. 

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Afternoon Plans in Vermont

I have been distracted all morning with a myriad of tasks I needed to do. I still have a few more items on my to-do list, then I will rest and start purposely making a home.

I have 2 phone calls to make, one form to fill out, and then I am finished for the day. Here is what I want to do:

1. Do a load of laundry (yes, I actually want to do that!)

2. Tidy up my living room and make it look as pretty as the above picture. (I can dream, right?)

3. Drink tea on the front porch, while reading a book and watching the children play.

4. Make a batch of apple cinnamon muffins. (Would you like one?)

5. Spend the evening hand-sewing in my favorite chair while chatting with my family.

What are you doing this afternoon? Do you find it stressful to get the difficult tasks over with, before you can enjoy your homemaking?

Blessings,
Mrs. White

Childhood memories of our Saturday Morning Chores.


One of my favorite things - Real Old Fashioned Suppers!


The Lesson of a Set-Apart Life. 


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