My Well Planned Day - Review and GIVEAWAY

It's that time of year for many of us!  A new homeschool year brings all kinds of excitement and......insanity.  Lesson plans, independent work assignments, logging literature read, grades, and educational activities.  Then, there is meal planning, grocery lists, appointments, sport practices, piano lessons, etc.

*SIGH*

Excuse me while I put my head back on straight.

I only have one child.  I tip my hat and curtsy to all of my fellow homie-schoolers who have multiple children.  I do not know how you do it.  But, I'm here to tell you about something that just might make it a whole lot more manageable.

My Well Planned Day software from Home Educating Family takes all the things everyone loves about their book planner and puts it in a software...and, of course, adds a few extra special touches.  This is not a download so don't worry about it taking up space on your (likely) already working hard computer.  You will be able to access your planner from any internet accessible device.  And, because Home Educating Family knows how busy we are they are already working on developing an app that will allow you to access your information even when you don't have internet access.  Sweet!

Here are just a few examples of what you will be able to do with your Well Planned Day software:

• Customize your look with 12 different color combinations
• Record attendance, lessons, assignments, grades, activities, and reports individually for all of  your children
• Upload pictures of your children to link to their personal file where you can customize their home education portfolio with the curriculum they are using and their own schedule and activities.
• Utilize the Home Management component to organize your budget, chores, shopping list, menu, calendar, and projects.

This is just a glimpse.  To get a more full picture, visit the website , go to their Facebook page, or watch the tutorial.

I was given the opportunity to use My Well Planned Day in order to prepare for this review and giveaway.  I was so excited because I had decided over the summer that this would be the first school year that I would use a planner.  I just didn't know which one!  There are so many facets to the software that it became apparent to me I would need the tutorial.  I am not super computer savvy and there is definitely a specific step by step process to input your specific curriculum, create lessons, and schedule assignments.  My desire and focus was in the area of homeschool lesson planning, tracking assignments, and grades.  So, at this point I have not even tapped into the Home Management portion of this comprehensive software.

It was a rough start for me.  It took about 3 trips on the tutorial ride in order to understand how to input my curriculum and set up assignments.  I won't lie.  I was frustrated.  But, once I got into the groove it was simple.  I've always been a paper and pencil kind of gal.  Even my datebook is a good ole spiral bound and not on my smartphone.

My Well Planned Day would be the PERFECT tool for a multi-child home, for a parent needing support for home management (budget, meal planning, etc.), or for someone who really prefers computer tools instead of traditional paper tools.  For the low price of $65 for a year membership, it is a good investment to meet these needs.  PLUS, there is a 30 day money back guarantee (minus a 10% processing fee).  I always respect when a company offers a great guarantee.

HERE IS A SPECIAL GIFT JUST FOR MY READERS!!!!!

Here is an awesome coupon code you can use to get $15 off the price!

26wpdblog12

This code is good until October 1st!

Thank you Home Educating Family!

 

 One lucky winner will receive their very ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTION TO MY WELL PLANNED DAY! Wow, that's a $65 value.  All entries must be received by midnight EST on Saturday, September 8, 2012.  Entrants must be 18 or older to enter. Due to international sweepstakes laws, this giveaway is for US entries only.  This giveaway is not connected to any social media site.  The winner will be contacted via e-mail and have 48 hours to respond.  If I don't hear back from you then I'll pick another winner, so mark your calendar and keep an eye out!  Get started now on Rafflecopter...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

What's on the menu for 7th grade?

Yeah, that's right!  7th grade rocks!  For Matthew it means he is really in the midst of middle school and he is almost 13.  That's a good reason for a kid to celebrate.  For me it means I still have 2 WHOLE years before Matthew is in high school and I still (at least for a while) have a non-teen in my house.  Somehow these reasons are very different, yet the excitement still remains.  We are both excited to start a new year in our homeschool.  After careful consideration, Matthew has decided to change the name of our school.  For the past few years it has been dubbed the prestigious Star Wars Academy.  It fit us.  Now that Matthew is older and wiser, he feels that our school needs to be more of a reflection of his future.  So, I would like to present to you.....
LEGO ENGINEERING ACADEMY.  After all, Matthew has been saying since he was five years old that he will be a lego engineer and now that he is getting more serious about his future it seems only natural to enroll in that now.

So, we would like to share what is on the menu for this year in our home school. 

For Math we are staying with Saxon.  Matthew will move on to the 1/2 book which is pre-Algebra.  We started using Saxon math in 5th grade after using ABeka for 3 years and really liked it.  We stay away from the drills and extra worksheets.  The lessons and just the lesson problems are enough.  Something must be right because Matthew scored in the 90 percentile for math this year on the CAT test.

For History we are using America the Beautiful from the Notgrass Company.  This is a Christian based curriculum.  We started using this last year and LOVE it.  The style is easy to follow and understand.  Plus, it includes mapping/geography, timelines, historical documents, suggested additional reading, and frequent activities that the whole family can enjoy.  We plan to stick with this for the long term since Notgrass also provides World History and Economics.

For science we are using Apologia's General Science, a Christian based curriculum.  This is the course recommended for grade 7.  It included a variety of topics so Matthew will get a great exposure to many areas of science. 

 

 We also purchased the lab kit that goes with this curriculum.  There are many fun labs to do and we thought it would be much easier to have all of the materials needed so we don't miss out on anything!  Yay, science!

Now, Language Arts/English is that complicated subject that is hard to pin down.  IMHO there are so many different facets to this subject that it can't be contained in one curriculum.  So, here is the run-down for our Language Arts...

 Wordly Wise for Vocabulary

 Daily Grams for Grammar

Institute for Excellence in Writing - Student Writing Intensive Level B for Writing

A variety of classical books for Literature/ Poetry

Of course we have to have Fine Arts in our school, so Matthew will continue his guitar lessons

Physical Education will be.......karate, of course!  Matthew already has his brown belt and will continue this year working on his review belt which will prepare him for his black belt test.

And, the most important subject of all.  Bible.  This brings it all together.  In the past we have used structured Bible curriculum, but this year Matthew will focus on just having time in the Word and building his own style of devotions.  He has started staying in the sanctuary on Sundays instead of going to kids' church and he started attending the weekly youth group.  We purchased a new study Bible for him that will be his close confidante as he grows into adulthood.

So, what's on your menu this year?  Share about your curriculum and plans!

Unique Ways to Teach Your Kidlet O'Energy

Homeschooling a child with unique needs is like putting together a jigsaw puzzle while the pieces keep changing. For a child with Tourette Syndrome, each day can be a different puzzle all together. Tourette Syndrome is a neurological movement disorder characterized by involuntary motor and vocal tics. What I’m about to share with you are a few unique techniques to teaching your energetic child or kinesthetic learner. Please, hold your “aha’s” until the end.

Let me introduce you to my son, Matthew. He has Tourette Syndrome (TS) and Obsessive Compulsive tendencies. He is also hearing impaired. Matthew is twelve years old and this is our fifth year homeschooling. Here is a scenario of what a day was like for Matthew when he was in school:

Tap foot, spin pencil on desk, write answer to question four, bark like a dog

“Matthew, be quiet. This is a test.”

Cough, scrunch face, lick lips, tap foot, spin pencil on desk, write answer to question five, get up to sharpen pencil.

“Matthew, don’t get out of your seat without permission.”

Cough, scrunch face, lick lips, tap foot, spin pencil on desk, write answer to question six, bark like a dog, scrunch up scrap paper, get up to throw away paper.

“Matthew, don’t get out of your seat without permission. If you do it again you’ll get detention.”

Spin around twice, sit down, cough, scrunch face, lick lips, tap foot, spin pencil on desk, write answer to question seven, bark like a dog, get up to sharpen pencil.

“That’s it Matthew. You have detention. Go to the Principal’s office.”

 Uh-Oh....This is Matthew's "not happy face"

What happened? Matthew was ticking so badly that he couldn’t even work at a steady pace. His OCD was the final culprit that got him a ticket to detention. His compulsive need to have a perfectly sharpened pencil and his aversion to having any garbage (the crumpled paper) near him was too strong to resist. My suggestion to the teacher to allow him to use a mechanical pencil and keep a trash can next to his desk was not welcome. So, homeschool, here we come.

When we started home school it was apparent that the creative juices needed to be turned to high flow! When Matthew was younger I could barely keep up with his changing tics. My son was not capable of sitting still in a chair for more than a few minutes. Even though we did a lot of hands-on learning, there were some parts of the day where he needed to be able to sit at the table. Aha! That therapeutic ball in the corner collecting dust was about to get a real workout. It was our new best friend.

Matthew would sit on that ball while working at the table and instantly his concentration improved. Sure, he was lightly bouncing, rotating in small circles and shifting his hips forwards and backwards, but, the energy from his tics was being focused directly into that therapeutic ball which allowed his hands to be free to do his seat work. The ball provided the vestibular stimulation his body craved and allowed him to dispel his tics without interrupting his work. And, of course, there was a pencil sharpener and trash can right next to him. Take that, Kindergarten Teacher!

The therapeutic ball worked wonders, but its magical powers wouldn’t last forever. We had other subjects to conquer that didn’t require sitting at the table. So, picture this…Matthew is spinning in circles, doing headstands on the couch, running across the room, and jerking his head so sharply that I think it might just snap off. I can’t even track him in the room, never mind when he darts down the hall. Hmmm, how to contain him without the use of duct tape? Think, brain, think.  It looks like my mini trampoline is going to become our *next* new best friend.

Matthew jumped on the trampoline while spelling his words, reciting his vocabulary definitions, and drilling his math fact tables. The kinesthetic activity was the perfect complement to his energetic tics. It was small enough to fit in the middle of the living room when in use and then slide behind the rocking chair to store it. It sure tuckered him out after about an hour, too! Amen, it’s time to take a nap.

We were on a roll! I felt like we had tackled two of our biggest obstacles; being able to sit for longer than a minute and avoiding pinball syndrome around the house. Yay, team! Hurdles related to Matthew’s uniqueness started to feel more like mini speed bumps. On days when Matthew’s tics were so bad they prevented him from writing, we would play our “baseball game” instead. We set up the living room like a baseball diamond. I would toss him a ball from the “pitcher’s mound” while asking him a question. If he answered correctly, he could move to the next “base”.  He loved to slide into home plate, especially because it earned him bonus credits.

I hope these few tips will help you to realize that schooling your “kidlet o’ energy” can be fun and rewarding. Matthew has grown so much in his own ability to control his tics since those first years and does not need some of these special accommodations any more. You’ll still find us sneaking in a game of “baseball” or taking a hop on the ball though. After all, it’s fun! I believe that Matthew is the confident learner that he is today because of the unique approach we took to his lessons when he needed it the most. Above all, I believe we have equipped Matthew to think outside the box, so when he is faced with the ever changing aspects of his special needs he won’t back down. He may not face them head on though. He may sneak around the back and pounce on it from his trampoline.

What new and exciting activity or tool will you bring into your home school this week? Make learning come alive for your child! Have fun and create learning memories that will impact him for a lifetime. I hope you’ll share your ideas and experiences here with me. I’m looking forward to learning from you!

Check out my original posting of this article and lots of other interesting articles by talented writers at the Home Educating Family Blog.

The Woodcarver DVD - Review and GIVEAWAY

Faith & Family Films presents The Woodcarver DVD! 

I cuddled up with my hubby and 12 year old son to watch this movie last week.  What a great time spent with my family!  (The buttery popcorn was a plus, too)  Remember Cliff from Cheers?  Do you love the voice of Hamm in The Toy Story?  That's John Ratzenberger.  He plays the lead role in The Woodcarver.

Here's a little bit about the movie....

Matthew Stevenson is a troubled kid from a broken home. When he vandalizes the local church to get back at his parents, Matthew has to repair the damage to the church to avoid criminal charges. While working at the church, he meets Ernest (John Ratzenberger), an accomplished wood carver who created the intricate woodwork decoration that Matthew destroyed. Ernest has become something of a hermit, but reluctantly comes out of reclusion to help repair the church. Now Ernest and Matthew must work together to preserve the church's beautiful antiquity, and along the way, they also manage to restore their faith in God and in life.

The acting was good, the storyline had some surprises and the message was loud and clear....faith, forgiveness, grace, and second chances.  That's my kind of message.  I loved that my pre-teen son enjoyed the film.  It's movies like this that will keep him interested in wholesome entertainment.  Take a peek at this trailer and you will want this DVD for your next family movie night!

This movie was just released on DVD today, March 13, 2012.  You can purchase it for only $10.92 at ChristianCinema.com The regular price is $14.99 so don't wait!  I don't know how long that awesome discount will last.

This giveaway has ended.  Thank you, everyone, for your comments and entries!  Congratulations goes to Dealsfan32.  You can visit her blog HERE.

One lucky winner will receive their very own copy of The Woodcarver!  Be sure to leave ONE comment for EACH entry and include a way for me to contact you.  All entries must be received by midnight EST on Monday, March 26, 2012.  Entrants must be 18 or older to enter and this is only open to US & Canada residents.  The winner will be contacted via e-mail and have 48 hours to respond.  If I don't hear back from you then I'll pick another winner, so mark your calendar and keep an eye out!  Remember, you can get ONE entry for EACH of the following....

• Be a public follower of my blog using GFC 
• Follow me using Networked Blogs
• Send me a Facebook friend request.  My Facebook name is Doreen Petrucci Gadow
• Share this blog post on your Facebook page
• Post on your own blog about this giveaway with a link for your readers to come visit it (leave a comment with a link to your own post on your blog)
• Find another post on my blog that interests you and leave a comment telling me which one and why (be sure to leave that comment here and not at that other post....or do it in both places if it suits your fancy)
•  ****Guess What??  Athena over at The Loose Screw is also giving away a copy of The Woodcarver!!!  If you go over and enter at her giveaway, come back and let me know you did and I will give you one additional entry!!

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

I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Guardian Duke by Jamie Carie - Review & GIVEAWAY

Adventure + Romance + Inspiration = 

The Guardian Duke by Jamie Carie

When I was first asked to review this book, I wasn't quite sure what my response would be.  I've never been a fan of romance novels.  I've found them to be predictable and raunchy.  The couple of times I tried reading a romance novel I was left flush cheeked with embarrassment and hiding the cover that revealed a bare chested burly man pressed against a tight corset wearing woman. Not for me.  No thank you.

But, I had never read a Christian themed romance novel and that left me at ease that there would be no burning loins or swelled breasts to make me blush with discomfort.  And the cover!  A beautiful (and modestly dressed, mind you) young woman wearing my favorite color....red!  This book might be something I could get into!  Here is the synopsis you will find on the back of the book...

Gabriel, the Duke of St. Easton, is ordered by the King to take guardianship over Lady Alexandria Featherstone whose parents are presumed dead after failing to return from a high profile treasure hunt. But Alexandria ignores this royal reassignment, believing her parents are still alive and duly following clues that may lead to their whereabouts. Gabriel, pressured by what are actually the King’s ulterior motives, pursues her across windswept England and the rolling green hills of Ireland but is always one step behind.

When they do meet, the search for earthly treasure will pale in comparison to what God has planned for both of them.

You also might enjoy this trailer that brings to life the main characters of the story...

I have to admit that it took me a bit to get into the book.  The imagery and wordage is set in days long ago in England.  But, by the time I got to Chapter 3 I didn't want to put it down.  Here is this young woman venturing off on her quest to find her parents and solve a mystery of a treasure hunt!  Now, you're speaking my language!  I won't get into details about the story line, so don't worry....no spoilers here.  I will say that the ending is a cliffhanger and it leaves you marking your calendar for July when Book 2 of the Forgotten Castle series will come out, The Forgiven Duke.

If you want to get your own copy of The Guardian Duke, you can visit Amazon.com and snatch it up for only $11.18 right now.  That is a sale price from the original price of $14.99 so don't wait.  You can also visit The Guardian Duke facebook page and read what others are saying and get in on the great chat. 

One lucky winner will receive their very own book!  Yup!  One of you will received The Guardian Duke by Jamie Carie.  Be sure to leave ONE comment for EACH entry and include a way for me to contact you.  All entries must be received by midnight EST on Friday, March 9, 2012.  Entrants must be 18 or older to enter and this is only open to US & Canada residents.  The winner will be contacted via e-mail and have 48 hours to respond.  If I don't hear back from you then I'll pick another winner, so mark your calendar and keep an eye out!  Remember, you can get ONE entry for EACH of the following....

• Be a public follower of my blog using GFC 
• Follow me using Networked Blogs
• Share with me about someone special you know who may have had a life saving heart surgery.  How has this person touched your life?
• Send me a Facebook friend request.  My Facebook name is Doreen Petrucci Gadow
• Share this blog post on your Facebook page
• Post on your own blog about this giveaway with a link for your readers to come visit it (leave a comment with a link to your own post on your blog)
• Find another post on my blog that interests you and leave a comment telling me which one and why (be sure to leave that comment here and not at that other post....or do it in both places if it suits your fancy)

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

I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Three Hearts DVD - Review and GIVEAWAY

When I think of Samaritan's Purse I think of Operation Christmas Child.  Every year my church fills shoe boxes with special treats, toys and necessities and sends them off to be distributed to children in other countries as a tool to carry the Gospel message.  Am I the only one who didn't realize Samaritan's Purse was so much more?

They also have a program called Children's Heart.  WOW!  It's amazing!  This DVD, Three Hearts , gives such a beautiful picture of how God is using this organization to change lives and save lives - both physically and spiritually. 

Here is a synopsis of the movie:

Follow Cissie Graham Lynch---granddaughter of evangelist Billy Graham---as she interns with the Children's Heart Project, a mission connecting U.S. sponsor families with medically at-risk children around the globe! You'll hang on every moment as she supervises the arrival and surgeries of three Mongolian children whose future depends on the life-saving interventions of heart surgeons and nurses with Samaritan's Purse. Riveting! 98 minutes. 

I laughed.  I cried.  I prayed.  I went to the website for Samaritan's Purse to learn more about this amazing program.  Did you know that this program has provided life saving operations for over 800 children?  Still hundreds more children are waiting and hoping for their chance at life.  Take a peak at this trailer and you will be as excited as I was to watch this DVD. 

You can purchase your own copy of this DVD at Christianbook.com for only $19.99

One lucky winner will receive their very own DVD of "Three Hearts".  Be sure to leave ONE comment for EACH entry and include a way for me to contact you.  All entries must be received by midnight EST on Thursday, March 8, 2012.  Entrants must be 18 or older to enter and this is only open to US & Canada residents.  The winner will be contacted via e-mail and have 48 hours to respond.  If I don't hear back from you then I'll pick another winner, so mark your calendar and keep an eye out!  Remember, you can get ONE entry for EACH of the following....

• Be a public follower of my blog using GFC 
• Follow me using Networked Blogs
• Share with me about someone special you know who may have had a life saving heart surgery.  How has this person touched your life?
• Send me a Facebook friend request.  My Facebook name is Doreen Petrucci Gadow
• Share this blog post on your Facebook page
• Post on your own blog about this giveaway with a link for your readers to come visit it (leave a comment with a link to your own post on your blog)
• Find another post on my blog that interests you and leave a comment telling me which one and why (be sure to leave that comment here and not at that other post....or do it in both places if it suits your fancy)

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

I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

A Mile in His Shoes - Movie Review and GIVEAWAY!

Can I get a Whoop!  Whoop!?  "A Mile in His Shoes" is a gmc World Premiere Movie that is fit for the whole family.  Amen....go pop your popcorn!

From the director of "Angels In the Outfield" comes an inspiring story about a special boy with an amazing gift, and the coach who believed. Dean Cain and Luke Schroder star in the gmc movie based on the book "The Legend of Mickey Tussler".

Here's a synopsis taken from Amazon.com:

Only a miracle can help baseball coach Arthur 'Murph' Murphy (Dean Cain) and his losing minor league baseball team. As Murph sets out to recruit new talent for the team, he stumbles upon Mickey (Luke Schroder), a young farmer with an incredible pitcher's arm. However, Mickey's parents are reluctant in allowing him to join the team because he has Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism. Murph convinces Mickey's parents that life in the minor league will benefit their unique son, but he doesn't realize just how much his new recruit will help the team s game and, more importantly, their spirit. Based on a true story, Thomas Kinknade Presents: A Mile in His Shoes is an inspirational film that celebrates faith, determination and the power of friendship. 

My family cuddled up on the couch to watch this movie together the other night and loved it.  It's a story filled with inspiration, hope, and determination.  Marry those with the exciting baseball scenes, great acting, and honest depiction of a young man with Asperger's and you've got yourself a movie that is sure to please.  Each of us liked it for different reasons....

I loved the honest story line and the unique piece each character brought to the table.  Coach Murph was filled with compassion and selflessness towards his team, especially Mickey.  Mickey's mother was beaming with the hope of her son budding out into the world to discover his own dreams and talents.  Mickey's father overcomes his need to shelter Mickey from the world and the hurt it can bring him and shows he is really feeling vulnerable to losing the protective grasp he has on his only child.  I found it to be a beautiful story, filled with inspiring characters.    

My son, age 12, said he liked that it showed that anybody can be anything they want no matter what.  He liked that it showed that people with Asperger's are regular people and have dreams and talents too.  He also said that it wasn't boring and he liked watching it and wants to see it again.

My husband liked it because he thought it was encouraging.  He felt that the message was strong that no matter what life hands you, you can do anything you put your mind to.

Here is a clip of the movie.  Sit back and enjoy it before you hop over to Amazon.com to order your copy....

This movie is normally $14.93 at Amazon.com, but it is on sale now for only $10.99 so don't wait!  Grab it!

To get more of the scoop on this great DVD, visit the gmc website and check out the Facebook page.

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Now, what you have all been waiting for.....

CONGRATULATIONS TO KIMBERLY!!!  THE WINNER OF THIS AWESOME DVD

One lucky winner will receive their very own DVD of "A Mile in His Shoes".  Be sure to leave ONE comment for EACH entry and include a way for me to contact you.  All entries must be received by midnight EST on Wednesday, February 1, 2012.  Entrants must be 18 or older to enter and this is only open to US & Canada residents.  The winner will be contacted via e-mail and have 48 hours to respond.  If I don't hear back from you then I'll pick another winner, so mark your calendar and keep an eye out!  Remember, you can get ONE entry for EACH of the following....

• Be a public follower of my blog using GFC 
• Follow me using Networked Blogs
• Share with me about someone special you know with Asperger's Syndrome or Autism.  How has this person touched your life?
• Send me a Facebook friend request.  My Facebook name is Doreen Petrucci Gadow
• Share this blog post on your Facebook page
• Visit and Like the Facebook page for "A Mile in His Shoes".  Leave a post there to let them know you visited.
• Post on your own blog about this giveaway with a link for your readers to come visit it (leave a comment with a link to your own post on your blog)
• Find another post on my blog that interests you and leave a comment telling me which one and why (be sure to leave that comment here and not at that other post....or do it in both places if it suits your fancy)