Friday, December 31, 2010

The History of our Financial Lives

Actress Joan Fontaine Doing the Household Bookkeeping Next to Oscar Statuette

[Actress Joan Fontaine Doing the Household Bookkeeping]

When I was a young teenager, I was intrigued by the cash books in my local store. I bought one and brought it home. From that day forward, I did my best to keep track of my income and spending. I started earning money when I was 11 years old. I did a variety of things like sales, cleaning and babysitting. When I was 15, I had my first real job in a clothing distribution center. I continued to keep track of my spending in my little book, even after I married just a few years later. At that point, I no longer worked. I started to keep a household account.  Because of this, I can now see my budget from when I had one or two children. I can see what I was buying and how much things cost. It is an amazing history!

My Cash book - circa 1980

Many years later, when my oldest child was around 10 years old, I bought her a cash book. I taught her how to write down her income and expenses. I still have her book and love to read it over. I can sense the excitement in her entries. I enjoyed seeing how she wrote down what she bought or the income she received. She was thrilled when she would find money while cleaning. She would promptly write this down, even if it was 25 cents.   Here is her book:

My oldest Daughter's Cash book when she was 10. (1998)


As my children became of age (around 10 years old), I bought each one their own book. They enjoyed writing things down, but as they got older, the practice fell away. I intend to buy each one  a new book this coming year and encourage them to keep track of their financial histories.

Right now, I am having trouble finding old fashioned cash books in the local stores. People seem to prefer computer spreadsheets and such. Sadly, my current cash book is more expensive. Even though I'd rather the old cash book of yesteryear, this one does serve its purpose.  Here is my current ledger book:


It is harder to keep track of all the things I buy. There are just so many needs and expenses. I am looking for ways to cut back. This coming year, I plan to consume less. I want to spend less. I want the items I do buy to be worth writing about.

Blessings
Mrs. White

Loving Home-life - Cleaning the Museum

The blessing of Rising While it is Yet Night

This is a good time to start an old fashioned Bible Study- Here's one FREE for you from Mrs. White!


Joining with
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We are That Family


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Fit Mommy (Week 52)



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?

                                  ~ This is for week 10 of the 10 week challenge. ~ 

Tonight, the winner of the fitness challenge will be announced. It will happen sometime after 6 pm (PST). Denise and I had a great time coming up with the program and we are so thankful to everyone who participated. Obviously, as co-schemers of this plan, neither one of us is eligible to win the prize. But we will be so excited for whoever is chosen!


Here's my week:

We have had a dreadful illness in this house. Amy (15) had a severe case of strep-throat. I ended up doing all her chores, Johns (13) and mine as well. John and I took care of her around the clock. As of yesterday, she is just getting up and feeling much improved.

Because of this, I only exercised on Wednesday. I did target toning with weights for just a few minutes. I realize that if I had organized my time better, I could have worked-out every day and gained better health and energy, but couldn't seem to get my act together.

I hope you all did much better than I did! I am looking forward to another year of Fit Mommy, starting on Monday. I dearly hope you will join us!

blessings
Mrs. White


My complete Fit Mommy history.

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Thursday, December 30, 2010

Peppermint Hot Chocolate and Lovely Dishes



I just made myself a nice cup of hot chocolate. It looked so lovely, I thought I would share it with you! I used an instant pack of hot cocoa mix and steaming hot water. I topped this with mini-marshmallows and then added a small stick of peppermint.

To serve (my party of one), I used some charming dishes. Do you see the sage canisters and the small sage plate?  I bought these years ago, when Mr. White and I were having a good financial year. I think I paid one or two hundred dollars for an entire set of matching dishes, serving bowls and the canister set. Alas we only have a few scant pieces left.  I love them very much and enjoy looking at them when I prepare a little something for tea-time or do my baking at the counter (pictured above).

I spent much of the day dragging myself though ordinary chores. I am feeling worn out. But I wanted to take a little break to refresh both body and mind.

I hope your day is going well!

Blessings
Mrs. White

To delight the children - A Restaurant-style breakfast at Home

Memories - A Special Dinner

Encouragement - How a Godly Mother May Guide an Imperfect Family



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Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Cleaning the Museum

Women Sit Reading in the Parlor of Abraham Lincoln's Home






As I worked through the house yesterday, I thought of my home as a museum. I found "vintage floors" with "exposed" wood underneath (on account of the torn linoleum). I found cracked door frames. I swept stairs which were in "old" condition. There were cobwebs in out-of-the way areas. I had to sort and archive files and bills and other such family histories.

I became the keeper of the Museum. And I was the mistress and secretary of this estate. It made things so much more fun!

We "take" guests here-and-there and do our best to make sure they are comfortable while they visit. We provide refreshments. We show them around the quaint rooms, with the mismatched furniture.

I spend much of the day taking care of this old place and the lovely people who reside here. I want their remembrances of home to be unique and endearing.

Torn carpets and other such nonsense are part of the charm of my home. Thus, it is when I am cleaning that I am most attached to this old place.

blessings
Mrs. White

What happens in marriage when the children start leaving the nest - in - Are you Still Tricking your Wife?

The Very Difficult Days - When Mama is an Invalid.

Teaching Children - The Lesson of a Set-Apart Life



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Monday, December 27, 2010

Reading the Bible in the Parlour

Furniture in the Readburne Parlour, Queen Anne County, Maryland, 1733




In my living room (parlour), I have a new sitting area. A few new pieces have been added. There is now a beautiful lamp. This one used to be in the guest room of my aunt's home when I was a little girl. My sister and I would sleep over in the elegant room and feel like royalty. Now that precious lamp is in my parlour. I also have a table with a pretty blue cloth over it. The room is very cozy with our wood stove.



I sit in one of the chairs during my homemaking breaks. I read, or gaze out the window at the snowy landscape. Sometimes I do a little hand-sewing. Throughout the day, children will come and sit with me. We visit and laugh and share stories. When my husband comes home from work, we all gather there and talk and enjoy family time.

Last night, I was alone in the warm parlour. I saw my hymn book and wanted to sing. I called John (13) to join me. We did our Bible time. He read a Psalm to me. Then we sang a hymn and prayed. We were both so happy. Matthew walked by. He was on the phone. He heard us singing. He stopped and listened. He smiled.

The parlour is a room for company. There is no television. There is no computer. It is a special room for visiting. There may be a table for games. There are plenty of cozy chairs. There might also be a bookcase full of great literature. Any room can be made into a parlour. It is so nice in there, even with humble furniture, one will want to read the Bible and be happily content.

Blessings
Mrs. White

Linked to Little Miss Momma home Tour and The Shabby Nest.


For the Children - Waking up to a Cozy Kitchen

A Serene and Quiet Life at Home





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Friday, December 24, 2010

Mothers with Christmas Courage

Christmas Glow




Tonight is Christmas Eve. The stores and banks will close early. Families will be gathered at home, or visiting one another. There will be church services tonight and everyone will be pondering the birth of Christ and enjoying the Passages from the book of Luke. It is a heartwarming time of year.

Yet, in some homes, there are financial woes. When these mothers think of Christmas, they despair at the idea of coming up with money for presents. They pray and cry out and wish they could afford gifts for their children. Perhaps the heating bill was too high this month? Or the car was acting up? Maybe the cost of basic food is getting to be impossible to manage. Regardless of the source of their worries, these mothers cannot imagine Christmas morning without some sadness.  They hear others say their shopping is done and the presents are wrapped, and they weep in their hearts, because they have not.

We must remember that many years ago, this mass idea of multitudes of presents was not the normal custom. Remember Laura and Mary Ingalls? They received an orange, some Christmas candy, a knitted scarf and a Christmas penny. They were thrilled and delighted!

Alas, we want to buy our children nice things. We love them dearly and enjoy seeing their happy, surprised faces when they open gifts! We have to be ever so careful to come up with the money and choose just the right items. The depression-era mothers would spend months filling up their money jar, scrimping and saving so they could buy a special gift for each child. It was an enormous sacrifice, but one these mothers would willingly make.

I remember, years ago, when I only had two little girls. I stayed up late each night, all week long, before Christmas and sewed matching dresses for my children.  I used a dark calico print with pretty pink hearts all over it. I trimmed the dresses with lace and made matching hair ribbons. My girls were so surprised and wore them to church on Christmas morning. It was such a sacrifice for me, but worth every moment!

In these hard times, Mothers of today must have courage. We walk into our kitchens and wonder what we are going to feed the family. We have to smile and pray and come up with creative ways to make  nutritious, filling meals. We need to keep the thought of hardship, suffering, and want out of our homes. Our children need to feel secure. We must be brave and inventive! We have to avoid giving- in to depression or sorrow.

We Mothers in this generation are facing hard economic times. I pray these Mothers have Christmas courage. It is a special kind of courage and will carry us through for months to come!

Blessings
Mrs. White

A Precious, Quiet Time - The Sewing Hour

To Encourage You - A Mother's Legacy

Financial Woes - Focusing on the Blessings at Home



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Fit Mommy (Week 51)



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?

                                  ~ This is for week 9 of the 10 week challenge. ~ 

Here's my week:

Monday -
   Rested. (A slacker for certain!)

Tuesday-
   Morning - 45 minute workout. Then went on an 8-hour car trip.

Wednesday-
    Morning - Stretches. (Felt quite weary from the previous day's journey.)

Thursday-
    Morning - Stretches.
    At the Dinner Hour - 18 minute target toning with weights.

Friday -
    I plan to do a 15 minute workout sometime this afternoon.

Fitness Goal: To have strength and endurance. I do not have any weight to lose, but need to keep my energy levels high.  It is very important that I keep up with a consistent workout plan, or my health will drastically suffer.

Note -  There were a few indiscretions which may have included brownies, chocolates and other such nonsense. . .  I must say, I despise push-ups. I can only mange to do five and dread them terribly. Eventually I will build up to manage more, but in the meantime, they are not fun.

Blessings,
Mrs. White

My complete Fit Mommy history.

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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

A Winter Day at Home

Log House with Christmas Lights, Laurentians, Canada


We have lots of lovely snow falling from the sky. We are surrounded by white landscapes of peaceful beauty.

Amy (15) is resting in bed. She is ill with a fever and sore throat. I will spend a quiet day tending to her. She will need plenty of fluids and sleep. I will putter around the kitchen, cleaning and making tea all day. I will look out the window at the majestic snow and I will be content and happy.

Perhaps I will bake some cookies in the early evening? I will also read near the fire and sip on hot chocolate.  I know it will be a difficult day of worry and cares, but I will keep it as peaceful as possible.


Have a wonderful day at home!

Blessings
Mrs. White

A Very Sad Day was fixed by a dear son - Presents to Cheer Me Up

What a Homemaker can do to have A Godly Home

Home Economics and pictures of my girls when they were little in Suppertime with Precious Helpers



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Monday, December 20, 2010

The Retired Life at Home

The Sitting Area

I spent much of the day reading near the fire. The children did their schoolwork at the table. I mused over the delightful writings of Dickens' "Dombey and Son."

Here and there, I commented about the story and entertained the children with quaint sayings and the brilliant use of words.

In the above photo, you will see a kitchen stool near my chair. This is typical for my reading time. I have a wine glass full of ginger-ale. There is a china plate loaded with mini-marshmallows and chocolate chips.

The chair on the left is made of wicker and was given to me, just yesterday, by Nana. She had it sent up in the early evening.  It is very comfortable.

The chair on the right is part of a set of antiques which came with the purchase of our house. It is a stately and dignified chair, if there ever was such a thing!

Do you see my book resting on a small foot stool? This wooden marvel was hand- made by Grandpa, many, many years ago- for my children when they were very young. It is a family treasure.

Now, I must say, if you walked into my home and saw the humble furnishings, you might think we were living in poverty.

I don't agree.

Blessings
Mrs. White

A Quick little bit of fun about Living with Nana and Grandpa

A Recent description of our living room - The Center of My Home

 Keeping things stable at Home - Do Not Allow Drama to Interfere with your Routine


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Giveaway Winners

For the book, "Family Feasts for $75 a week" by Mary Ostyn, the winner is:

"Amanda"


For the Pick and Draw Card Game, the 2 winners are:

1. "AmandaSue"


2. "Wendi"


The winners have already been contacted. Thanks so much for all who entered!

Blessings
Mrs. White

Sunday, December 19, 2010

When Daddy Goes Back to Work

Mother and Child Looking Out Window as Father and Older Brothers Walk to Car in Snow


Mr. White had been tricking me about his vacation time. Then I found out he had an additional week off from work. We've had a nice restful time at home with the children. I cooked and baked and cleaned. I did a lot of schoolwork. It was so nice for the children to have Dad home all the time.

Mr. White had many projects and plans he was busy with. Then, at times, he would just rest and watch a television program. In the evenings, he looked forward to  seeing what I was cooking for supper. I enjoyed our slow-paced routine.

Then he went back to work. I counted the days before he would have another day off. We all miss him when he is gone. Doesn't it sound like he goes away on a trip? (smiles) No, he just works his 8 or 10 hour shift and comes home! But we miss him just the same.

I like to think about the 50's and 60's, when suburban living was the normal type of home life for families. Moms were home. The children went to school. Dads went to work. It was the traditional way. Now there are fathers who work from home, or there is a family business. The other day, I saw this working mother with her three children. Each child had a drink and a snack. They were all well-dressed and happy. I see so many working (career) moms. Some are teachers, secretaries, and nurses. They have busy, productive lives and usually have the money to buy whatever they need and sometimes, whatever they want. The working mother has become the most normal thing in the world. I wonder how many homemakers there are anymore? Sometimes I feel so out-of-place, like I am the only one left. And I wonder how that affects my own children.

Things are so different. But somehow, in my mind, I keep it as traditional as possible.

Blessings
Mrs. White

Inspiration - Vintage Homekeeping Advice

Encouragement - An Elegant Home Despite Poverty

A Quick Homemaking Visit - Time to Enjoy some Housework!


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Saturday, December 18, 2010

These Things Will Comfort My Children

One day I will pass on to the next life. Now, hold your chin up and have courage. It will happen. It is part of life. But I will leave some things behind. And these things will comfort my children.

My Bible 

 
Mrs. White's Bible. This was given to me by my parents when I was a young teen. I have loved and read it ever since.

Mrs. White's Open Bible - Do you see the marked passages? Can you see the tear stains?

My Hymnbook

Mrs. White's Hymnbook. This is kept right with my Bible. I love to read and sing from it.

My Well- Worn copy of Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss

Mrs. White's favorite book. I've read this over and over for many years.

My Collection of Sermons and Old -time Gospel Music

Sample collection of Sermons (Dr. Charles Stanley, Dr. John R. Rice and Dr. John Hamblin) and Gospel Music by classic artists such as JD Sumner and the LeFevres

I can imagine my children drawn to the things their Mother was often seen with. They will lovingly read my Bible and look through my Hymnbook. They will read my favorite book and listen to my favorite sermons and songs. They will look at the church and want to sit in the same pew I sat. They will read and listen and they will be drawn to a holy life.

All this will comfort my children - both the wayward and the faithful.

Blessings
Mrs. White

A Witness - Recording the Family Bible Study

For Those with Wayward Children - a Precious song - Hello Mama 

Clean your house in just 2 Hours a Day.

                        The Prentiss Study - Free for you, from Mrs. White


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Friday, December 17, 2010

The Center of My Home

Nostalgia


The other night, I took my computer and desk out of the living room. Amy (15) helped me put it into a small, cold room at the back of our house. There is only a limited signal for internet access. There is no heat in there. It is a room off my bedroom and contains my bureau, bookcases and storage items. It is a lovely little room, but it is cold, and difficult to access. This is where I will do my early morning writing. This is where I will check e-mails late at night. This is where the children and I will sit together to do a computer-based school lesson once a day. Then we will leave this cold, lonely room.

The center of my home is no longer a computer. Instead, it is old, antique chairs in the living room. We can sit and visit and talk and read. I can hand-sew while talking on the phone or listening to the children tell me their hopes and dreams.

We have no couch or television in our living room. It is a small room which holds our dining room table and wood stove. It is a cozy room, opened up to the kitchen. It is like an old fashioned parlor. This is the first impression, or vision, we all get when we walk into this place. I want the center of my home to be cozy chairs and a warm stove. I want it to be a place of fellowship, devotion and personal attention.

You can see my Bible on a hutch table near the stove. You can see my special chair near the window. You can see all our favorite selections of literature covering the bookcase shelves. But Most of all, you realize that family life is the center of my home.

Blessings
Mrs. White

Won't you come with me for a visit - At Mother's House?

The Age-Old Question - Should Mother Work Outside the Home in 1981?

Are we making our children do too much? - A Cheerful and Willing Housekeeper.


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Excellent Book for Teens - Don't Kiss Him Good-bye

Book - Don't Kiss Him Good-bye

Author - Sandra Byrd

Publisher - Tyndale House

Price - $6.99

This is book #3 in the London Confidential Series. I reviewed book #1 last March, and loved it. The Story continues with Savvy and her Family living in London. She meets a guy who has a reputation for trouble. It takes her some time to figure this out and I am happy to see how slow and cautious she is about their friendship.  There is a May Day Ball that she is set to attend for the newspaper she works for. I love her decision to help a local charity. This is an entertaining, educational book with plenty of British charm. I looked forward to each new page as I read. By the time I was finished, I was so happy, I actually hugged the book and smiled! It is wholesome and delightful!

Note - I will post my review for Book #2 and Book #4 in the next few weeks. 

*Disclosure: I receive this book from Tyndale House for review purposes. This post contains an affiliate link.*

Fit Mommy (Week 49 and 50)



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?

                                  ~ This is for week 7 and 8 of the 10 week challenge. ~ 

[Note - I did not post a check in for week 49. I did absolutely nothing. (It would have been a boring post.) I thought about exercising, but never bothered. That is probably why I tried much harder this week. Sometimes, we need a couple of days off to get motivated before we can accomplish much.]

Here's My Week:

Sunday -
Early Morning - 45 minute workout.

Monday -
Was very busy and active, but did not exercise.

Tuesday -
Morning - 45 minute workout.

Wednesday-
Rested

Thursday
Morning - attempted to do a 45 minute workout, but got sidetracked after 5 minutes.

Friday
Morning - 45 minute workout.

Fitness Goal: To have strength and endurance. I do not have any weight to lose, but need to keep my energy levels high.  It is very important that I keep up with a consistent workout plan, or my health will drastically suffer.

Note - I am trying to build up my endurance enough to get back into using workout videos. My favorite is PBS star Margaret Richards from the 1980's. She did low-impact work and target toning. She is still going strong in her 60's now.

How was your week?

Blessings
Mrs. White

My complete Fit Mommy history.

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Thursday, December 16, 2010

Family Feasts for $75 a Week - Book Giveaway

Book - Family Feasts for $75 a Week by Mary Ostyn

Mary Ostyn is the mother of 10 children and blogs at Owlhaven.net. Her book is packed with 200 recipes and helpful tips. The book is described as "A Penny-wise Mom shares her recipe for Cutting Hundreds from your Monthly food bill."

The first part of the book includes information on:

1. Giving you a dream - What would you do with an extra $100 a month. Mary explains that when we have a goal, or plan, with that saved money, we will work harder to be frugal.

2. We get to "go shopping" with her. She takes us through her method and shows us what it's like on her shopping trips.

3. "Guerrilla Shopping" - Getting the best prices and using a price book.

4. "Efficient Cooking, Good Eating" is where Mary goes into the details of meal planning.

You'll also find tips, charts, cartoon-type illustrations, action points and thoughts. There is even a fun quiz in chapter one!

The recipe section includes: 

1. Breakfast and Lunch
2. Casseroles and Oven Meals
3. Stir Fries and Skillet Meals
4. Perfect Pasta
5. Soups, Stews and Chilis
6. Sides and Salads
7. Breads, Muffins and Desserts

Extras

1. Entertaining on a Budget
2. The Homemade Pantry
3. Metric Charts
4. Index

Mary has 10 children ranging in age from 3 to 20. She knows what it's like to feed a large family on a small budget. Yet, she also knows how to make it enjoyable and not feel like deprivation.

How would you like a chance to win a copy of this book? I have one copy (signed by the author) available for a giveaway. All you need to do is leave me a comment telling me your favorite method for frugal shopping.

For Additional Entries -


1. Post about this on Facebook.

2. Post about this on Twitter. 

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

4. Subscribe in an email to The Legacy of Home.  

5. Become a Public Follower through Google Friend Connect, or let me know if you are already a follower.

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

7. Follow me on Twitter. 



*Please leave a separate comment for each entry.*


One random winner we be selected on Monday, December 20, 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 a way for me to contact you. 

To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page


This contest is closed. The winner is Amanda.



*Disclosure- I received a copy of this book from Mary Ostyn to review and giveaway.This post also contains an affiliate link.*

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Wednesday, December 15, 2010

A New England Winter Day

Near Malvern, Worcestershire, c.1882

The children just came in from playing out in the snow. It is breathtaking out there. The snow is falling, the wind is gently blowing and the landscape is elegantly crowned with white! I have lived in New England all of my life. I never get tired of it. One year, Mr. White and I packed up our children and attempted to live in the south. In only lasted a couple of summer months. We missed home. We missed our New England ways and culture. This is where we belong.

I adore my wood stove. I adore being cozy in my old house. And I adore walking the snowy grounds on a winter day.

We are all home today. I am going to rest and sip on hot chocolate.  I will make a simple supper this evening and we will play cards at the table. I want to read a nice book this afternoon. I have piles of books I need to review. It's just a matter of choosing one.

Lately I have been watching Boy Meets World on DVD with my teenagers. (We have season one, two and three.) It is about modern life from the perspective of a young boy. He is a good boy and comes from a good family. I love the lessons he learns and I get so many ideas from his English class! I came up with two new book ideas I want to require my own children to read for school. - Pygmalion and The Grapes of Wrath. I love that these books, and more, are discussed on this program.Sometimes it seems like the viewer is right there in English class with the actors.

I am off to drink my hot chocolate. I hope you have a wonderful day! 

Blessings
Mrs. White

You can have a Beautiful Clean House in just 30 days!

An Unexpected Blessing in Prayer - Waiting for My Orders.

Delighting in - An Afternoon of Homemaking.



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Review - Wits and Wagers Family Game

TOS Crew Review



Product - Wits and Wagers Family Game

Publisher - North Star Games

Price - Retiails for $19.99


About -

1. There are 150 trivia question cards.
2. Each player Choose a Meeple (this is a colored game piece).
3. Each player gets a dry erase answer board with pen.

I played this with Amy (15) and John (13). . . Actually, they played without me first and learned how the game works. Then they taught me how to play. (It is faster that way. - smiles)   I found many of the questions to be impossible. But the children seemed to know a lot of the answers. Here is a sample question: "At how many degrees Fahrenheit does water boil?"  or how about this question: "In feet, how tall is the Eiffel Tower?"

Basically, after a question is read, each player writes down their guess on their answer board. (I chose a pink answer board with matching pink Meeple. But there are other colors like blue, yellow and green. I thought I'd mention this since it is very important. -smiles).

Anyway, we had fun finding out the answers and seeing who came up with the closest answer. (It was never me.)

This is a fun family game and will keep everyone occupied. You might even learn something.


To see more reviews of this product, visit the TOS Crew Blog.

To find out more about my homeschool reviews, please visit "Introduction to our Homeschool Parlor"

*I received this product, for review purposes through The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Crew*


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Tuesday, December 14, 2010

The Little School at Home

Boy in Front of Classmates Reads Aloud under Teacher's Watchful Gaze






Years ago, I opened my home as a small daycare to the children in our community. I do not like institutional settings so these babies and children were like part of our family. We have a large property, with an American Flag and an Antique Wagon on the front lawn. Our 1800's estate is a colonial house with 14 rooms. It looks like a museum.

I remember one of the residents of our town calling my house an academy, because I was teaching my own children and taking care of other children as well. I love our little home school. It was a compliment I greatly appreciated.

I no longer babysit for other families. It is just us now.  Out of my own five children, I only have two students left - Amy (15) and John (13). I know they will grow up sooner than I imagine. They will graduate and I will be a retired teacher of my own school.

Today, I did what I could to make the most of our lessons. I printed off extra worksheets from places like abcteach.com and KB Teachers. I put together folders with plenty of assignments for my children. Then we did our usual routine along with some extra writing and math lessons. It was a productive day.

I have been reading The Letters and Lessons of Theodore Roosevelt for His Sons. It amazed me to see what his home life was like and how he interacted with his boys!  Literature is such an amazing resource. We can be transported to another time and place. We can be inspired, encouraged and educated through the written word. One thing I hope my students never lose, is their love and longing for good books.  At the very least, when they graduate, I hope I can still recommend classic and current literature to help enrich their lives.

And I hope that when I retire from teaching, they will fondly remember my little school.

Blessings
Mrs. White

I am Just a Regular Mom

Remembering reading to my children  in Precious Stories

My Sweet Children - Cupcakes on a Tea Plate and Mom is a Guest


Homeschooling - Books - Oxford - Reading Lists - and Swagbucks

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