tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90829112353091652172012-01-20T15:36:58.827-06:00The Mac RAK: Random Acts of KindnessA quest for preserving life beyond population: ME, MYSELF and IHeather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.comBlogger1471100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-64202238755757400392011-12-21T15:43:00.001-06:002011-12-21T15:48:19.753-06:00Day 13: Ladies of Calvary - 30 Day Marriage Challenge<strong>30 Day Challenge: As Unto the Lord – Day 13</strong><br /><br /><br />Today we will be veering from our regular format to issue our new Memory Verse and Challenge Project for the upcoming week of study. I hope that you had a successful week of study (despite interruptions in posting - sorry) and that you were able to glean much from the Word of God.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -</div><br />We will briefly discuss our <strong>Challenge Project</strong> from last week. Then, I will be asking you to complete another Challenge Project & then to begin memorizing the Memory Verse for the upcoming week. <br /><br />Our previous challenge was: <br /><br /><strong><em>“Review Your Wedding Vows”</em></strong><br /><br />• “<em>Write out your wedding vows. If you do not remember your vows, try to find them or copy one. (Try the internet or email Sister Mac for ideas)</em><br /><em><br /></em><br /><em>• Write down specific ways in which you are fulfilling each portion of your vows.</em><br /><em><br /></em><br /><em>• Write down specific ways in which you are failing to fulfill your vows.</em><br /><em><br /></em><br /><em>• Pray over these lists and repent of your failings.</em><br /><em><br /></em><br /><em>• Make a list of specific actions you can take to more faithfully fulfill your vows.</em><br /><em><br /></em><br /><em>• With God’s help, put these actions into practice.</em><br /><em><br /></em><br /><em>• Renew your vows with your husband. This can be a simple confession of your failings and a verbal commitment to better serve your husband. You could also make the renewal of vows more formal or memorable with a special meal or surprise date.”</em><br /><br />I had some difficulty recalling what I had committed to, so I dug deep in the archives and rescued my wedding vows from the file folder they were tucked away in. I spent time reflecting and allowing God to renew (and restore, where needed) my covenant with my husband. The gentle reminder that “Love never fails” was an encouraging hope brought to my mind while reading my vows once again. It is amazing the clarity that God’s Word brings, coupled with the experience of 10 years of marriage (this coming year).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="wedding Bride Groom 4" border="0" class="image" height="200px" src="http://www.pdclipart.org/albums/Holiday_and_Celebration__Wedding/wedding_Bride_Groom_4.png" title="wedding Bride Groom 4" width="110px" /></div><br />I have prepared a plan of action, with the Holy Spirit’s leading, to begin restoring the failings that I have had in fulfilling my vows to my husband, in the past. Next, I took time to prepare my vows by writing them in calligraphy on parchment paper, placed them in a frame and I am giving them to my husband as a gift during the holidays. (I am also planning a secret date once my family comes to help out during the winter break. *Shhhsh* don’t tell!)<br /><br />I also wanted to share the outcome of my “mini” challenge from Day 11 (if you missed it, check out the post <a href="http://themacrak.blogspot.com/2011/12/normal-0-false-false-false.html" target="_blank">here</a>). Pictured below is my daily visual reminder. It hangs now on my bathroom mirror and helps me to stay focused on my purpose, given by God, throughout the day.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VPSz0aodI5U/TvJRRv4IWVI/AAAAAAAAB0M/5DUfD72xhcM/s1600/riw+scrapbook+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318px" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VPSz0aodI5U/TvJRRv4IWVI/AAAAAAAAB0M/5DUfD72xhcM/s320/riw+scrapbook+pic.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -</div>This week’s Challenge Project is inspired by a book that I completed back in 2009 called The Love Dare by: Stephen & Alex Kendrick (The makers of the movie Fireproof, Courageous & Facing the Giants). This book can be completed alone or with your spouse. I will be featuring this book during February and conducting an online “Love Dare” Challenge on my blog – so tune in for that. <br /><br /><strong>Challenge Project #2:</strong><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><strong>Make a Praise List</strong><br /><br />Take pen and paper and begin making a list of all the positive attributes that your husband possesses. Make the list as long as you possibly can. Take the sheet of paper and hide it away in a secret place (we will be recalling it later in our study). Now, choose from your list one positive quality from your list and find a moment or two, during the course of the week, to thank your husband for possessing this quality. Use this list, as needed, to begin giving thanks for all that God has provided for you already, through your husband.<br /><br />• The above statement is “revised” quote for the book The Love Dare by: Stephen and Alex Kendrick<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0805448853/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=thmara-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0805448853"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0805448853&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=thmara-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1px" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thmara-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0805448853" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1px" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><strong>Memory Verse</strong><br /><br />Proverbs 10:19<br /><br />“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.”<br /><br />Commit this scripture to memory during the course of this week, asking the Lord to plant His Word deep in your heart.<br /><br />• Join our devotional study tomorrow as we tackle two more points in “<em>Reverence in Word</em>”.<br />• Quotations used that are italicized are from the book <em><u>As Unto the Lord</u></em> by <strong>Pam Forester</strong> unless otherwise sited in this post.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1891206168/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=thmara-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1891206168"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=1891206168&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=thmara-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1px" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thmara-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1891206168" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1px" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-6420223875575740039?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-87837304945671556082011-12-21T15:32:00.000-06:002011-12-21T15:32:36.893-06:00Day 12: Ladies of Calvary - 30 Day Marriage Challenge<strong>30 Day Challenge: As Unto the Lord – Day 12</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><strong>Reverence in Word, Part 5</strong><br /><br />Please forgive me for being off schedule (again)! I was in desperate need of a “sick” day days away from the computer. I will be playing catch-up today by preparing the next 5 lessons and pre-scheduling them to post during the holidays. That way I do not fall further behind during upcoming family gatherings and with visitors in my home. Thank you for your understanding.<br /><br />I hope and pray that each of you is carrying away much wisdom from our study of <em>“Reverence in Word”.</em> Today we will continue this portion of study. We will have 2 more lessons, after today, in <em>“Reverence in Word”,</em> then move on to “Reverence in Behavior”. I will also post a new Memory Verse and new Challenge Project later today.<br /><br />- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - <br /><br />1. <strong><em>“Do I talk too much?”</em></strong><br /><br />Scripture references – Proverbs 25:17, Proverbs 17:27, Job 13:5, Proverbs 21:23<br /><br />Focus today on Proverbs 10:19<br /><br />“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” Proverbs 10:19 NKJV<br /><br />2. “<strong><em>Do I talk enough to my husband, remaining open with him, carefully communicating important information to him, encouraging him, praising him, and seeking his counsel</em></strong>?”<br /><br />Scripture reference – Proverbs 15:17, Proverbs 15:14<br /><br />Focus scripture Proverbs 10:32<br /><br />“The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh forwardness.” Proverbs 10:32 NKJV<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - </div><br />We have much to feed on today in Proverbs. This book seems to have much to lend to our study and our walk as wives in the Lord’s service. I would love to study this book with you, my sisters, later next year, more in depth. The wisdom of God, as He imparted it to Solomon, speaks to each generation and confirms over and over the lasting truth in God’s Word. For today though, the scriptures are doing much to pierce my own heart with my particular struggles in this precept of God.<br /><br /><br /><br />“<strong><em>Do I talk too much</em></strong>?” Yes! And that could still be a slight understatement of the reality on how much I actually do communicate verbally, that I ought not to! (Again, no comments necessary Victoria . . . don’t you just LOVE your friends that hold you accountable. I do! :) LOL!) One strong indication that this is true in my life, is the jubilant excitement experienced by both my dear husband and my children when I loose my voice (due to illness or overuse). Ouch! That one hurt.<br /><br />The Lord has done much growth on me in this area, but like so much in my life, He still has much to finish in me in regard to this precept. I am thankful that He does not tire, nor slumber, nor sleep; fore, I have continually kept Him at His work! <br /><br />Of course, the focus of our study today communicates our need as wives to have the leading of the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives to enable us to rightly balance talking too much, and then not communicating enough. The key to this issue for me is self-control, coupled with the wisdom needed (as communicated very well in the scripture references for today). I force myself bring to remembrance all the wonderful attributes my husband does possesses and begin to thank God for the blessings He has give to me, through my husband. Five beautiful children, a comfortable home, physical provision . . . the fact that after over ten years he STILL laughs at my jokes regardless of how many times he has heard them before. Thankfulness begins to light that spark of worship and praise in my heart, igniting the leading of the Holy Spirit, which then enables me to speak (or not speak) with the wisdom given of Jesus Christ, Himself!<br /><br />Amazing that we have the Holy Spirit, the very same power that raised Jesus from the grave, able to help lead my mouth in proper “<em>Reverence in Word</em>” to my husband . . . believe me, it would take no less for me!!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - </div><br />*Remember your Weekly Challenge? <strong><a href="http://themacrak.blogspot.com/2011/12/ladies-of-calvary-30-day-marriage_10.html" target="_blank">Challenge Project #1</a></strong>:“Review Your Wedding Vows” - - - Please come sign on the blog and share your experience. What did you do to complete this project? How was it received by your hubby? What did you like best about this challenge? What did you like the least?<br /><br />Did you miss the Challenge Project? Go back and check it out to join in! I will be posting on Monday this coming week to share my own Challenge Project outcome & post our new project.<br /><br />NEW CHALLENGE PROJECT & MEMORY VERSE COMING LATER TODAY!<br /><br />In Christ’s service,<br /><a href="http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Mrs. Mac says, "Welcome!"" height="150px" id="Image6_img" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE7YvAYg0aI/AAAAAAAABos/nZVGGCry6tw/S150/joyful+socks+mom.jpg" style="visibility: visible;" width="100px" /></a><br />Sister Mac<br /><br />(a.k.a. Joyful Socks Mom)<br /><br />Tomorrow, we will continue with Reverence of Word and examine our willingness to wait for the right time to speak and respect in our appeals to our husband. <br /><br />*Please remember to make comments directly to this blog if possible. Simply click on the title of this post above (in the email) and you will be redirected to the blog. Once there, you can post a comment at the bottom of the lesson.*<br /><br />• Quotations used that are italicized are from the book<em> <u>As Unto the Lord</u></em> by <strong>Pam Forester</strong> unless otherwise sited in this post.<br /><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1891206168/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=thmara-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1891206168"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=1891206168&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=thmara-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1px" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thmara-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1891206168" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1px" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - </div><div style="text-align: center;">Change the CULTURE!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="javascript: window.close()"><img alt="wedding_wish_list.png" height="312px" src="http://www.pdclipart.org/albums/Holiday_and_Celebration__Wedding/wedding_wish_list.png" title="wedding_wish_list.pngClick image to close this window" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-8783730494567155608?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-15685493613498403702011-12-17T10:37:00.001-06:002011-12-21T15:11:27.536-06:00Day 11: Ladies of Calvary - 30 Day Marriage Challenge<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">30 Day Challenge: As Unto the Lord – Day 11</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reverence in Word</i>, Part 4</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We are rolling right along, dear sisters, in our hope of changing the culture in our marriage and bringing glory to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been encouraged and challenged by the precepts we are learning more about each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am amazed at the blessings (however small they may seem to others) that following God’s Word in my marriage brings to my family and home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am blessed this week to be laughing more with my own husband and enjoy more quiet moments in sweet fellowship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am blessed to be finding it easier to “let things slide” and keep my mind and heart focused in a more honoring way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is so good!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Let’s move forward now in examining and practicing “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reverence in Word</i>” and cover some ground in using words with the right purpose of heart.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - </div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1. “In all the words that I speak to my husband is my purpose to humbly serve him, to build him up, and to be a minister of God’s grace in his life?”</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Scripture references – Romans 14:19, Matthew 20:28, Proverbs 31:12</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Focus today on Ephesians 4:29</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ephesians 4:29NKJV</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2. “Do I keep my word with my husband?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I honor the promises and commitments that I have made?”</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Scripture reference – Deuteronomy 23:23, Proverbs 25:14</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Focus scripture Psalm 15:1, 4b, 5b</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">“LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? . . . He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. . . He that doeth these things shall never be moved.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalm 15:1, 4b, 5b NKJV</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">3. “Am I honest with my husband, not withholding information and being careful to always say what is clearly true?”</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Scripture references – 2 Corinthians 8:21, Psalm 51:6, Proverbs 16:13</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Focus scripture Ephesians 4:25</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ephesians 4:25 NKJV</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - </div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What is it about our nature that thinks it is completely acceptable to be contemptuous with those closest to us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have all been there at one time or another, finding ourselves saying the most deplorable comments to those we love the most.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have found that purposing to build up my husband in order to “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">be a minister of God’s grace in his life</i>” can be easily said, but more difficultly done at times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am a visual learner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can tell me how to do something a million times a day and it will not sink in (are you glimpsing the struggles of my previous instructors), but if you show me . . . well, then we are all good to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same method is best when walking out my own faith and God’s precepts in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Example: I need scripture surrounding me, even on the walls of my home, to be a visual reminder of the spiritual truths that God has so mercifully revealed in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I will now apply this learning method to this portion of our study.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In order to remind myself of the commitment and purpose to “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">humbly serve</i>”, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">build up</i>” and “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">be a minister of God’s grace</i>” I have created a visual daily reminder to use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took pictures of my husband and children and made a little scrapbook page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I surrounded these pictures with words and scriptures that daily remind me of my purpose and plan in God’s will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Words like: edify, encourage, and lift-up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I selected a prominent area of my home that I see consistently throughout the day (the bathroom mirror) in order to be visual reminder. When I visually connect with these pictures and words then, I begin to spiritually connect to this excellent truth and precept of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord then touches my spirit making it easier to crucify my flesh and will, swallow my pride and keep moving forward in His promises.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Memory Verse</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Do not forget to commit our memory verse to your heart this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will have a new verse Sunday.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ephesians 5:21-22</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;">*Remember your Weekly Challenge? <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Challenge Project #1</b>:<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Review Your Wedding Vows” - - - </i></b></span>Please come sign on the blog and share your experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What did you do to complete this project?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How was it received by your hubby?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What did you like best about this challenge?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What did you like the least?</div><div class="MsoNormal">Did you miss the Challenge Project?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go back and check it out to join in!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be posting on Monday this coming week to share my own Challenge Project outcome & post our new project.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In Christ’s service,</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Sister Mac</div><div class="MsoNormal">(a.k.a. Joyful Socks Mom)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Tomorrow, we will continue with Reverence of Word by asking some of our more difficult questions, asking ourselves if we talk to much, or not enough. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">*Please remember to make comments directly to this blog if possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simply click on the title of this post above (in the email) and you will be redirected to the blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once there, you can post a comment at the bottom of the lesson.*</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="ListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Quotations used that are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">italicized</i> are from the book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>As Unto the Lord</u></i><u> </u>by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pam Forester </b>unless otherwise sited in this post.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-1568549361349840370?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-56087140048778572742011-12-15T13:49:00.000-06:002011-12-15T13:49:46.923-06:00Day 10 - Ladies of Calvary: 30 Day Marriage Challenge<b>30 Day Challenge: As Unto the Lord – Day 10</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>Reverence in Word, Part 3</b><br /><div style="text-align: center;">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - </div><b>1. “Do I pray for wisdom and weigh my words carefully before speaking to my husband?”</b><br /><br />Scripture references – Proverbs 10:31, Ecclesiastes 10:12, Proverbs 10:32<br /><br />Focus today on Psalm 141:3<br /><br />“Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3 NKJV<br /><br /><b>2. “Will I, without shame, be able to give an account to God for every word I have spoken to my husband?”</b><br /><br />Scripture reference – Psalm 55:21<br /><br />Focus scripture Matthew 12:36-37<br /><br />“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account threreof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-37<br /><div style="text-align: center;">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - </div>This study is convicting me everyday, to let the Spirit grow me, in just about every precept we have examined together. Wow! This is another area where God has done much with me, and yet, I still have so far to go. I once saw a sweatshirt that I probably should have purchased, it stated, “Dear Lord, put your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth!” Do I hear an Amen there sisters? The whole of it is this; let it be left un-said if, later, it cannot be un-done. Here is a quick tip for you: Words cannot be un-done, end of story!<br /><br />We must account for every word spoke in idleness and vanity. My need to please God and be accountable for the words I speak SHOULD usurp my need to be right or justified in my marriage. These are good rules for life in general, but for this study, just begin applying these precepts, today, in your marriage. The road may be long to recovering your husband’s trust in regard to the words you speak, but ultimately the oneness God intended for your marriage will out shine the hard work done to arrive at that place of glory.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - </div><b>Memory Verse</b><br /><br />Do not forget to commit our memory verse to your heart this week. We will have a new verse Sunday.<br /><br />Ephesians 5:21-22<br /><br />“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.”<br /><br />*Remember your Weekly Challenge? Challenge Project #1:“Review Your Wedding Vows” - - - Please come sign on the blog and share your experience. What did you do to complete this project? How was it received by your hubby? What did you like best about this challenge? What did you like the least?<br /><br />Did you miss the Challenge Project? Go back and check it out to join in! I will be posting on Monday next week to share my own Challenge Project outcome & post our new project.<br /><br />In Christ’s service,<br /><img alt="Mrs. Mac says, "Welcome!"" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE7YvAYg0aI/AAAAAAAABos/nZVGGCry6tw/S150/joyful+socks+mom.jpg" /><br />Sister Mac<br />(a.k.a. Joyful Socks Mom)<br /><br />Tomorrow, we will continue with Reverence of Word by examining the purpose of our words, keeping our promises and being honest with our husbands.<br /><br />*Please remember to make comments directly to this blog if possible. Simply click on the title of this post above (in the email) and you will be redirected to the blog. Once there, you can post a comment at the bottom of the lesson.*<br /><br />Quotations used that are italicized are from the book As Unto the Lord by Pam Forester unless otherwise sited in this post.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-5608714004877857274?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-11398764332056768442011-12-14T13:11:00.000-06:002011-12-14T13:11:30.579-06:00Day 9 - Ladies of Calvary: 30 Day Marriage Challenge<b>30 Day Challenge: As Unto the Lord – Day 9</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>Reverence in Word, Part 2</b><br /><b><br /></b><br />Welcome back, my beloved sisters. I hope everyone is enjoying this time of fellowship. Yesterday we began an examination into “<i>the honor which I owe to my husband is: All Due Reverence in Word.</i>”<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><i><b>1. “Do the words I speak to my husband reflect reverence for him as God’s gracious gift and appointed authority over me?”</b></i><br /><br />Focus today on 1 Peter 3:5-6<br /><br />“For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.” 1 Peter 3:5-6 NKJV<br /><br /><b><i>2. “Do I speak to my husband with a respectful tone of voice?”</i></b><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><br />Scripture reference – Read Proverbs 15:4, Proverbs 22:11<br /><br />Focus scripture Romans 13:7<br /><br />“Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.” Romans 13:7 NKJV<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>When I look at 1 Peter 3:5-6, I am comforted by the words that I read. It touches me deeply to know that surrendered wives have a long and distinguished heritage that, I am now a part of . . . and so are you! Let us examine some actual words that speak to reflecting reverence for our husbands, lifting him up as “<i>God’s gracious gift and appointed authority over me</i>”. Once we have these words added to our tool belt, then we can examine our tone of voice and the importance of using it to communicate respect to our husbands.<br />Avoiding words that are negative is definitely one step to take in beginning to speak words that will reflect reverence for your husband. The next step is to rise above and purposefully use words that are edifying, encouraging and that “build-up” your man. The words themselves are not complicated, but being out of practice in using them, they may feel “out of place” or it may not feel natural saying them to your husband. This is a good thing; do not be content with merely feeling “natural” but allow the supernatural Holy Spirit to lead you in words spoken to your husband.<br /><br />Thank you, wonderful, excellent, awesome, sweet, handsome, great, super, grateful, charming, good-looking, lovely, hard-working, provider, amazing, and marvelous.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="wedding wedding couple partial silhouette" height="310" src="http://www.pdclipart.org/albums/Holiday_and_Celebration__Wedding/wedding_wedding_couple_partial_silhouette.png" width="320" /></div><br />All are edifying and encouraging to any one, especially a husband who is not expecting to hear them. Be prepared that your dear hubby may be unaccustomed to these newly edifying words that you have discovered and may be waiting for the other proverbial “shoe-to-drop”. (P.S. This is EXACTLY how my sweet hubby responded the first couple of months I began edifying him in word.) Do not tire of doing well and he will become accustomed to being encouraged by his own wife; however foreign the idea may seem to him now. (wink*wink*)<br /><br />Remember, when presenting these words to be aware of your tone. This is another precept that I continually stumble on as well . . . delivering edifying words with a hint of sarcasm. Ah, sarcasm . . . one of my many FREE services! Just like any other fruit given of the Spirit, self-control grows over time and effort. Allow the Holy Spirit to encourage you and take your leading to edify your husband from God’s Word. Do not tire of doing what is right and the Lord will honor these actions. For His good will and ultimate glory!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Memory Verse</b><br /><b><br /></b><br />Do not forget to commit our memory verse to your heart this week. We will have a new verse Sunday.<br />Ephesians 5:22<br /><br />“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.”<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">*Remember your Weekly Challenge? Challenge Project #1:“<i>Review Your Wedding Vows</i>” - - - Please come sign on the blog and share your experience. What did you do to complete this project? How was it received by your hubby? What did you like best about this challenge? What did you like the least?</span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Did you miss the Challenge Project? Go back and check it out to join in! I will be posting on Monday next week to share my own Challenge Project outcome & post our new project.</span></b><br /><br />In Christ’s service,<br /><img alt="Mrs. Mac says, "Welcome!"" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE7YvAYg0aI/AAAAAAAABos/nZVGGCry6tw/S150/joyful+socks+mom.jpg" /><br />Sister Mac<br />(a.k.a. Joyful Socks Mom)<br /><br />Tomorrow, we will continue with Reverence of Word by looking at praying for wisdom and giving an account to God for words spoken to my husband.<br /><br />*Please remember to make comments directly to this blog if possible. Simply click on the title of this post above (in the email) and you will be redirected to the blog. Once there, you can post a comment at the bottom of the lesson.*<br /><br />Quotations used that are italicized are from the book As Unto the Lord by Pam Forester unless otherwise sited in this post.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-1139876433205676844?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-31204899168392285562011-12-13T13:31:00.000-06:002011-12-13T13:31:53.740-06:00Day 8 - Ladies of Calvary: 30 Marriage Challenge<b>30 Day Challenge: As Unto the Lord – Day 8</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b><i>Reverence in Word</i>, Part 1</b><br /><b><br /></b><br />Greetings to you all in the name of Jesus Christ! I am excited that we have reached a new step in our bible study. Today we will begin examining a new concept - “<i>the honor which I owe to my husband is: All Due Reverence in Word</i>.”<br /><br />I will be referencing the <b><i>Noah Webster 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language</i></b> to define the new words and concepts for our study today.<br /><br />We will start “<i>Reverence in Word</i>” by defining several words properly in order to understand what we are committing ourselves to begin. Some of these words we defined earlier in our study, but I will review them for those who may have missed that portion of the study.<br /><br />Definitions:<br /><br /><b>Due: n.</b> 1. That which is owed; that which one contracts to pay, do or perform to another; that which law of justice requires to be paid or done.<br />2. That which office, rank, station, social relations, or established rules of right or decorum, require to be given, paid or done. <br />3. That which law or custom requires; as toll, tribute, fees of office, or other legal prerequisites.<br /><br /><b>Reverence: n.</b> Fear mingled with respect and esteem; veneration.<br /><br /><b>Veneration: n.</b> The highest degree of respect and reverence; respect mingled with some degree of awe; a feeling or sentiment excited by the dignity and superiority of a person, or by the sacredness of his character, and with regard to place, by its consecration to sacred services.<br /><br /><b>Word: n.</b> 1. An articulate or vocal sound, or a combination of articulate and vocal sounds, uttered by the human voice, and by custom expressing an idea or ideas; a single component part of human speech or language.<br />2. Talk; discourse.<br />3. Language; living speech; oral expression. <br />4. Promise.<br />*The preceding quotes were taken directly from Noah Webster 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><i>“Do the words I speak to my husband reflect a quiet trust in God as the sovereign controller of all that takes place in my life?”</i></b><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><br />Scripture references – Read Luke 6:45, 1 Peter 3:3-4<br /><br />Focus today on 1 Peter 3:3-4<br /><br />“Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” 1 Peter 3:3-4 NKJV<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Let me just start by saying this particular concept of “<i>Reverence in Word</i>”, can be a difficult one for me personally. I trip on this concept, in my own life, (NOT just my marriage) quite frequently. First, those who know me personally know that I have A LOT to say (no comments Victoria). That, of course, leads me to the “foot in my mouth” disease that seems to constantly plague me. Secondly, well, let’s just say that a “meek and quiet spirit” is just not my cup of tea either! This is one of those fleshly issues for me that must be crucified daily, and I do mean DAILY. If it is in my own strength, shutting up is just not within my power, but with the Spirit at the helm, I can be steered into “meek and quiet” waters.<br /><br />Having a conscious effort to tame the words coming from my mouth, was the first step toward healing in this area. When I first repented over the words I spoke to my husband, I had to take small “baby steps” toward controlling my tongue. When a situation arose with my husband where words were pivotal, I had to make a choice (I applied the rule each of us were taught early in life): “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything”. I held back words that did not edify or encourage and if I could not find a positive word, I would stay silent or say, “Whatever you think honey.” For this very reason, I am convinced that I have a permanent scar across my tongue from the constant biting back of my own negative words . . . no, really, I do!<br /><br />Once the fruit of self-control became a more permanent fixture in my conversations with my husband, I was then able to move on to “bigger steps”. The next step was not just controlling my tongue, but purposefully using words (and not using others). When speaking with my husband, I began to choose words that would communicate the respect for his authority and trust in God’s sovereign hand. Now that these precepts are planted deep in my heart, the consistent practice of using edifying words, crucifying the flesh and allowing the Holy Spirit to steer me into “meek and quiet” waters have become like second nature a more frequent occurrence.<br /><br />Let me give you a quick litmus test to use on yourself before you speak to your husband. I still use this method quite frequently in my own mind before treading into “dangerous” verbal waters. I simply ask myself, “Do you want to be right, or do you want to be married?” There is no other choice, so please do not ask for one. Hopefully the answer, in your mind, will be the latter; therefore, choosing edifying words in your marriage should begin to be a more frequent pattern. I know it may sound extreme, but the fact is that God has a purpose for marriage and the wife being “right” constantly is NOT one of them. There, I said it, label me as “extreme” if you like, but it really does not bother me to be called names – if one sister gains and inch toward having a more godly and fulfilling marriage, then it is worth the “sticks & stones” anyone might throw.<br /><br /><b>Memory Verse</b><br />Do not forget to commit your memory verse to your heart this week. We will have a new verse next Sunday.<br /><br />Ephesians 5:22<br />“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.”<br /><br />In Christ’s service,<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE7YvAYg0aI/AAAAAAAABos/nZVGGCry6tw/S150/joyful+socks+mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mrs. Mac says, "Welcome!"" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE7YvAYg0aI/AAAAAAAABos/nZVGGCry6tw/S150/joyful+socks+mom.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Sister Mac<br />(a.k.a. Joyful Socks Mom)<br /><br />Tomorrow, we will continue with <i>Reverence of Word</i>. We will examine the use of words that help communicate thanksgiving and discuss using a respectful tone of voice when speaking with our husbands.<br /><br />*Please remember to make comments directly to this blog if possible. Simply click on the title of this post above (in the email) and you will be redirected to the blog. Once there, you can post a comment at the bottom of the lesson.*<br /><br />Quotations used that are <i>italicized</i> are from the book<u> As Unto the Lord </u>by <b>Pam Forester</b> unless otherwise sited in this post.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-3120489916839228556?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-64734636043921672422011-12-12T12:34:00.001-06:002011-12-13T13:29:59.305-06:00Ladies of Calvary: 30 Day Marriage Challenge - Day 7<strong>30 Day Challenge: As Unto the Lord – Day 7</strong><br /><br /><br />Good day, my beloved sisters in the Lord! I hope and pray that the LORD is touching you daily with His Word during this study. You are each so precious to Him in every way and I know He is pleased with your fervent seeking of His blessings in your marriage and life. He is good and greatly to be praised. Let us each give Him thanks today for His perfect plan for our lives and dive into His Word with one accord.<br /><br /><strong><em>Reverence in Heart</em>, Part 7</strong><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><strong><em>1. “Do I trust God to lead me through my husband, working ALL things out for my ultimate good?”</em></strong><br /><br />Romans 8:28, Genesis 50:20<br /><br />Focus scripture Jeremiah 29:11<br /><br />“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you and expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV<br /><br /><strong><em>2. “Am I choosing to honor my husband’s position as head over me (even when his actions, or lack of them, may be sinful) because of my desire to obey God?”</em></strong><br /><br />1 Peter 2:18-19<br /><br />Focus scripture: Ephesians 5:22<br /><br />“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your husbands, as unto the Lord.” Ephesians 5:22 NKJV<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -</div><br />Trusting the LORD to lead us, using our husbands, to work it all out for our good can really be a “tall order” for many of us . . . I’m raising my hand in agreement over here too! Ultimately my dear husband is, in fact, a man. The LORD says in His Word that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). My husband is included in this, as well as I. This is exactly why God commands me, as wife and helper to my husband, to keep my eyes solely focused on Him! This is also why we began our study with asking ourselves, “Where am I, individually, with my relationship to Christ?” <br /><br />The foundational truth to changing the culture of your marriage is this, trust the LORD and walk with Him daily, and He will see it all right in His time. Now, you either trust that this is so, or you do not. If you are having a difficult time believing this, please let me encourage you, you are not alone. A wife who finds herself discouraged and having a difficult time trusting the Lord’s promises must take heart, for we have all (at one time or another) been there too. Hold on tightly to God’s promises and speak them daily over your life and marriage.<br /><br />“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him:” Psalm 37:7<br /><br />When you seek the Lord’s favor and blessing in your marriage then you must seek to obey Him alone. Do not surrender to the worries, hurts or wrongs that have been done to you. When you submit yourself, and your marriage, fully to the working of the Holy Spirit in your life then you are moving toward God completing the work He has started in you. The old adage about “good” coming to those who wait is proven true over and over again in God’s Word. (See Joseph, Moses, Abraham, Naomi and more!) God may not work on your timetable, nor in the way you might expect, but He ALWAYS keeps His promises! <br /><br />Pray fervently, and daily, specifically for your husband and do not give up. You may want to give up when you do not immediately see God “working it out” or when you do not see “fruit” in your husband’s life. God will honor YOUR faithfulness, even when your husband is not being faithful. Do not reach for bitterness, worry, despair, or anger. Do “not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9) <br /><br />You are called of God to fulfill His commands in your own life, regardless of your husband’s actions. My husband’s obedience to God, or lack thereof, does not determine weather I should be faithful myself. I, myself, am responsible for following God’s Word and His leading in my life. This means too, that you must trust God to bring your husband around to His will in His time. That comes through conviction given of the Holy Spirit – it does not come from you! You must put your faith fully in the LORD, for He alone knows and changes the hearts and minds of men.<br /><br />Submit to the Lord in your life and the “peace that passes all understanding” will rule and reign in your heart, even when circumstances say otherwise. God is creating in you a thankfulness and ability to see the blessings in your life amidst unwanted circumstances. Trust in Christ alone, for He loves you and cares for you. God knows what is best in each one of our lives, trust sister, that this is so. Give Him glory for all of it and commit it fully to His hands, and He will be faithful to His Word in your life . . . ALWAYS!<br /><br /><strong>Memory Verse</strong><br /><br />Do not forget to commit your memory verse to your heart this week. We will have a new verse next Sunday.<br /><br />Ephesians 5:22<br /><br />“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.”<br /><br />In Christ’s service,<br /><br /><strong>Sister Mac</strong><br />(a.k.a. Joyful Socks Mom)<br /><a href="http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Mrs. Mac says, "Welcome!"" height="150" id="Image6_img" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE7YvAYg0aI/AAAAAAAABos/nZVGGCry6tw/S150/joyful+socks+mom.jpg" style="visibility: visible;" width="100" /></a><br /><br />*Join our 30 Day Challenge tomorrow as we move on the giving our husbands “Reverence in Word”.<br />• All quotes in <em>italics</em> are taken directly from the book As Unto The Lord by Pam Forester unless otherwise sited in this post.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Philippians 2:13 </strong></div><strong></strong><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”</strong></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-6473463604392167242?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-54982497133152392692011-12-11T13:07:00.000-06:002011-12-11T13:07:09.745-06:00Ladies of Calvary - 30 Day Marriage Challenge - Day 6<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;}</style> <![endif]--> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">30 Day Challenge: As Unto the Lord – Day 6</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Today we will be taking a big hunk out of our Bible Study, so get ready for a hearty "spiritual" meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The focus of today’s devotional deals with serious issues of the heart, which means we are moving on beyond spiritual “milk”, to that of greater sustenance sisters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rejoice!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Before we begin, let me clarify again that I am a partner and disciple in this study, coming alongside each of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am joining in this journey out of my own need to submit to God’s direction for my own life and to be obedient to His calling alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please realize I join humbly with each of you, and nothing is said in condemnation, but in truth, partnership and prayer.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Reverence in Heart, Part 6</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Do I recognize and seek to fulfill my God-given role as helper to my husband</i>?”</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Genesis 2:18, 1 Corinthians 11:8-9</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2. “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Do I seek to submit to my husband in the same way that Jesus submitted to </i>the Spirit?”</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">1 Peter 2:23b and 31:1a, John 4:34</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Focus scripture Matthew 11:29</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matthew 11:29 NKJV</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Is my attitude toward my husband an accurate picture of the believer’s reverence and love for Christ</i>?”</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ephesians 5:24</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Focus scripture: Ephesians 5:31-32</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ephesians 5:31-32</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -</div><div class="MsoNormal">Whew!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See, I told you it was a lot.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The steps leading to trusting and obeying the Lord in these matters will take much courage and conviction to change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fact that you are still reading these devotionals and committing them to your spirit is a testimony and proof that you are seeking the Lord in your life and marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be encouraged that faith is pleasing to God and He will honor these faithful acts in your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">All of that being said, let’s get down to the “tough-stuff”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us take these devotionals and question ourselves, asking how we have conducted our hearts in our own marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have I been a proper help meet?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have I let the kingdom of God rule and reign in your heart and guide your obedience to your husband’s requests?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have I been a helper that does not question the authority of your husband?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I submit to his requests and preferences, even when it seems insignificant?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is a hint for you my beloved sister, being submitted is significant <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">no matter</b> what the request.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband prefers that I keep the vehicle clean and organized, even amidst the strife of hauling three kids around town, it is what <u>he prefers</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not an easy feat when considering the constant commute with the three <s>messiest</s> sweetest children known to humanity (slight exaggeration).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the grand scheme of things, one could write-this-one-off as not truly important to obey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However; what is important are consistent actions that communicate to my husband that I respect his authority over our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In realization, the 5 minutes it ACTUALLY takes to clean out the car with the kids after each use, is far less significant an amount of time to sacrifice, compared to the end result of painting a more accurate picture of respect toward my husband, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My children, as well as myself, stand to gain much more from submitting to what my husband prefers, rather than spending needless moments in rebellion just “because we can”.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Choosing submission means choosing the leading of the Spirit, just as Jesus did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must surrender the flesh of our own wants and even desires, in order to bring Him glory and to receive all that I truly do need in my marriage.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">*Join in our study tomorrow as we complete our “Reverence in Heart” check-up. *</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In Christ’s service,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sister Mac</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(a.k.a. Joyful Socks Mom)</span></div><div class="ListParagraphCxSpFirst"><br /></div><div class="ListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All quotes in<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> italics</i> are taken directly from the book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>As Unto The Lord</u></i> by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pam Forester </b>unless otherwise sited in this post.</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Philippians 2:13 </span></b></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”</span></b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-5498249713315239269?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-50618277645376178822011-12-10T15:30:00.000-06:002011-12-10T15:30:44.200-06:00Ladies of Calvary: 30 Day Marriage Challenge - Day 5<strong>30 Day Challenge: As Unto the Lord – Day 5</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><br />What a mighty God we serve! I am walking today is His “Amazing Grace” and ecstatic at the truth of His Word working in each of our lives today. I want to dive into His Word with you today and savor the sweetness of His mercies in our lives. It’s better than even the darkest chocolate! (Even better than <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001HTKN7S/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thmara-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001HTKN7S">Green & Black's Organic 85% Cocoa Dark Chocolate</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1px" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thmara-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001HTKN7S" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1px" />. . . to be specific.)<br /><br /><strong>Reverence in Heart, Part 5</strong><br /><br /><em><strong>“Do I recognize and honor the covenant made with my husband before God?”</strong></em><br /><br />Ecclesiastes 5:4-5, Psalm 61:5 and 8<br /><br />I would like to focus on Matthew 19:6 this morning. <br /><br />“Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” Matthew 19:6 NKJV<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -</div><br />Today’s devotional will be going down a different path than we have gone before. Today I will be asking you all to complete a Challenge Project & then to begin memorizing the Memory Verse for the upcoming week. (No worries, I am asking this of myself as well.)<br /><br />This week’s Challenge Project goes hand-in-hand with our devotional thought. <br /><br /><strong>Challenge Project #1:</strong><br /><br /><strong>“Review Your Wedding Vows</strong><br /><strong><br /></strong><br />• Write out your wedding vows. If you do not remember your vows, try to find them or copy one. (Try the internet or email Sister Mac for ideas)<br /><br />• Write down specific ways in which you are fulfilling each portion of your vows.<br /><br />• Write down specific ways in which you are failing to fulfill your vows.<br /><br />• Pray over these lists and repent of your failings.<br /><br />• Make a list of specific actions you can take to more faithfully fulfill your vows.<br /><br />• With God’s help, put these actions into practice.<br /><br />• Renew your vows with your husband. This can be a simple confession of your failings and a verbal commitment to better serve your husband. You could also make the renewal of vows more formal or memorable with a special meal or surprise date<strong>.”</strong><br /><br /><strong>Memory Verse</strong><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Ephesians 5:22</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.”</strong></div><br />Commit this scripture to memory during the course of this week, asking the Lord to plant His Word deep in your heart.<br /><br />Join our devotional tomorrow as we begin to wrap up our Reverence in Heart check-up with a look at fulfilling our role as helper, seeking to submit as Christ did and evaluating our attitude toward our own husband.<br /><br />In Christ’s service,<br /><br />Sister Mac<br /><br />(a.k.a. Joyful Socks Mom)<br /><br />• All quotes <em>in italics</em> are taken directly from the book <u>As Unto The Lord</u> by <strong>Pam Forester</strong> unless otherwise sited in this post.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Philippians 2:13 </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div align="center"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-5061827764537617882?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-10801744662013356682011-12-10T15:17:00.001-06:002011-12-10T15:17:50.882-06:00Ladies of Calvary: 30 Day Marriage Challenge - Day 4<strong>30 Day Challenge: As Unto the Lord – Day 4</strong><br /><br /><br />Today we welcome a few new ladies to our Bible study. I am overjoyed to have so many sisters joining, with one mind, to seek the Lord in our lives and marriages. Please do not hesitate to email me with prayer requests, comments or suggestions, as well as commenting directly to these blog posts. Let us pray for the LORD’s almighty hand to be with us as we begin today’s devotional.<br /><br /><strong>Reverence in Heart, Part 4</strong><br /><br />1. “<em>Do I daily study the Bible, seeking to understand God’s Word and His will for my life? Does God’s Word govern my relationship with my husband?”</em><br /><br />Psalm 119:130, Psalm 143:10, Proverbs 4:7, Proverbs 31:17, Psalm 40:8, Job 23:12b<br /><br />I would like to focus on Isaiah 55:11 this morning. <br /><br />“So shall my Word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 NKJV<br /><br />2. “<em>Do I acknowledge and humbly rest in the fact that God, in His loving sovereignty, has placed my husband over me?”</em><br /><br />1 Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 5:23, Hebrews 13:17<br /><br />Focus scripture: Psalm 131:1-2<br /><br />“LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.” Psalm 131:1-2 NKJV<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -</div><br />I am praying specifically today that the LORD would grant us all wisdom, knowledge and understanding in these matters. Stepping forward and asking for God to reveal these great mysteries to us as wives and help meets, is the first step to submitting ourselves to God’s government in ruling our marriages and lives. Trusting and obeying God’s commands and design for marriage will only come when we are, with our hearts, actively seeking to gain wisdom in these matters that, at times (more when you are me), are far beyond our physical realm of understanding.<br /><br />Today’s devotional readings and thoughts spoke to my heart in two different areas of need in my own life. First, the need of leaning on God’s Word is paramount to a life that seeks to please Him, alone, in every way. Circumstances that surround me do not determine whether God’s Word is true or relevant in my life. God’s Word NEVER returns void – stand on that truth today and never let it go! Speak the promises of God over your own life, family, church and marriage – no matter what the external circumstances. The LORD will ALWAYS honor His Word and bless those who speak it out in faith! <br /><br />The second “gem” from today for me was the reminder for me to submit, wholeheartedly, to the fact that God’s pattern for my marriage is good and meant to bring peace to my soul. Look, I am NOT married to a perfect man . . . *gasp* . . . are you shocked? Well, sorry but he is not perfect and neither am I, but God has placed him over me in marriage. Why should I then, be a comforted? This world says, “You are a woman, equal to man, and you can do anything better than him.” That is NOT what God’s Word says and that is no longer the system that I will live by nor submit to. I am comforted that the LORD says that I do not have to worry about things that are “lofty” and “too high for me”. I want the blessings that the LORD will give to she that willfully surrenders to His will and pattern for her life.<br /><br />Lord, my Savior and King Jesus, I am small, humble and meek. Here I am LORD, have your way with my life and my marriage. “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38)<br /><br />In Christ’s service,<br /><br />Sister Mac<br /><br />(a.k.a. Joyful Socks Mom)<br />• All quotes in <em>italics</em> are taken directly from the book <u>As Unto The Lord</u> by <strong>Pam Forester</strong> unless otherwise sited in this post.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Philippians 2:13 </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Here are some for titles from Pam Forester that we love:</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/189120629X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=thmara-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=189120629X"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=189120629X&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=thmara-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1px" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thmara-20&l=as2&o=1&a=189120629X" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1px" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1891206109/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=thmara-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1891206109"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=1891206109&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=thmara-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1px" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thmara-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1891206109" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1px" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1891206141/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=thmara-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1891206141"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=1891206141&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=thmara-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1px" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thmara-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1891206141" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1px" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-1080174466201335668?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-88715693105232594702011-12-07T09:21:00.000-06:002011-12-07T09:21:09.833-06:00Ladies of Calvary: 30 Day Challenge - Day 3<b>30 Day Challenge: As Unto the Lord – Day 3</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b><i>Reverence in Heart</i>, Part 3</b><br /><br />Today I am struck with the magnitude of what is being attempted, in the Lord’s presence, during this Bible study. I am in awe struck wonder of the amazing way God can change a heart and I am enthralled by His Presence working in our lives today. In my own heart, He has already done great things and I am praying great things for each of you. <br /><br />My dear hubby mentioned just a couple of mornings ago, that I may be “over-communicating” during our lesson time online. Many of you, who know him personally, know what a sweet natured, even tempered man that he is. What you may not know is that he is my biggest fan, and biggest critic! What kind of example would I be though, in the light of this study, to not heed the call of my own husband’s advice? With obedience in mind, I will be spending more time today on letting the LORD lead you through these powerful scriptures and focus less on my “two-cent” worth of an opinion. LOL!<br /><br />Let’s dive straight in and relish together in the faithfulness of our LORD.<br /><br />Today we will be answering the questions in our own heart and minds in reference to our “<i>Reverence in Heart</i>” check-up. Pray-fully consider as we are touching on these points, what is it the LORD has for you in these matters and read each scripture as if it were an amazing feast for your soul.<br /><br /><b><i>1. “Is my goal in my marriage to please God or to please myself?”</i></b><br /><br />Revelation 4:11, Philippians 2:13, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Romans 8:8, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15<br />I would like to focus on John 15:16 this morning. <br /><br /><b>“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, He may give it you.” John 15:16 NKJV</b><br /><br /><i><b>2. “Do I recognize that I can bring glory to God by honoring and obeying my husband?”</b></i><br /><i><b><br /></b></i><br />Titus 2:5, Titus 2:10<br /><br />Focus scripture: Matthew 5:16<br /><br /><b>“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 NKJV</b><br /><div style="text-align: center;">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -</div>What touches my heart in reading these scriptures is that the LORD continually reveals new and amazing truths almost every time He leads me to them. As a wife, the knowledge and understanding that God, He – Himself, chose me out of darkness, while I was still a sinner completely knocks me over with awestruck wonder! (John 15:16) Time and time again God is faithful to remind me that it is NOT about ME . . . P.S. It’s not about YOU either. This entire life is about bringing glory, honor, worship and praise to the ONLY ONE who is worthy, JESUS! I don’t know about you sister, but this gives me tremendous comfort and relief.<br /><br />In a society that says it is “All about me” and I am “entitled”, I can take comfort that God has taken that huge burden off of me. We all know how exhausting it can be when the whole of your life is centered on you, myself included. God has released me, and you, to be solely-focused on Him! When my life is lived for the glory of Jesus Christ, then all pressure is gone from needing to make myself look good. It is just too small and shallow a goal to live for yourself and to make yourself happy. . . divorce courts all over the country have proven this to be true.<br /><br />Relish today, my beloved sisters, in that you were chosen and made to worship Him that is worthy of all praise! Give Him thanks today for the blessings He has bestowed to you and the blessings yet to come!<br />Stay tuned tomorrow, we will be continuing our <i>“Reverence in Heart”</i> check-up with dedicating ourselves to God’s “government” in our life and marriage.<br /><br />In Christ’s service,<br /><br />Sister Mac<br />(a.k.a. Joyful Socks Mom)<br /><br /><br />All quotes in<i> italics </i>are taken directly from the book<i> <u>As Unto The Lord</u> by Pam Forester</i> unless otherwise sited in this post.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Philippians 2:13 </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”</b><br /><b><br /></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1891206168/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=thmara-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1891206168"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=1891206168&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=thmara-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thmara-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1891206168" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-8871569310523259470?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-36431295322568895832011-12-03T14:16:00.000-06:002011-12-03T14:16:10.134-06:00Ladies of Calvary: 30 Day Challenge - Day 2<strong>30 Day Challenge: As Unto the Lord – Day 2</strong><br /><br /><strong>Reverence in Heart</strong><br /><br />Greetings my beloved sisters! I am praying that you all received a touch from the LORD yesterday during the course of studying His Word together. I, myself, spent the evening practicing the concepts we have just begun to discuss in this study and felt humbled at all I still have to learn. The practice of surrender is never easy (especially for those old-school independent types - Know anyone like that? – wink, wink), but the blessings of a surrendered life unto the LORD are well worth any amount of pride swallowing that must occur.<br /><br />To begin our devotional today, I wanted to discuss the power of words and give us a solid base for defining some of the more difficult concepts we are about to tackle. I heard a Creation scientist once say, “God promised to preserve His Word, not the English language.” This spoke volumes to me as a Christian. I hear many words through the course of being taught as a disciple, but the meaning of these words to me as a Christian (living in a “double-minded” society) can get a bit more than “watered-down” in their literal meanings. Our words have power, but the English language no longer carries the same powerful meanings with it, as it did when the Bible itself was translated to English so many years ago. With this in mind, I will be referencing the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/091249803X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thmara-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=091249803X" target="_blank">Noah Webster 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1px" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thmara-20&l=as2&o=1&a=091249803X" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1px" /><br />when defining words and new concepts for our study.<br /><br />Today we will start off where we left off in “Reverence in Heart”. In order to understand what we are committing ourselves to, let me define a few choice words . . . so we can all be on the same page. I will be highlighting the definition that best applies to our study.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Dictionary Thesaurus 2" border="0" class="image" src="http://www.pdclipart.org/albums/Education/Dictionary_Thesaurus_2.png" title="Dictionary Thesaurus 2" /></div>Definitions:<br /><br /><strong>Due: n.</strong> 1. That which is owed; that which one contracts to pay, do or perform to another; that which law of justice requires to be paid or done.<br /><br />2. That which office, rank, station, social relations, or established rules of right or decorum, require to be given, paid or done. <br /><br />3. That which law or custom requires; as toll, tribute, fees of office, or other legal prerequisites. <br /><br /><strong>Reverence: n.</strong> Fear mingled with respect and esteem; veneration.<br /><br /><strong>Veneration: n.</strong> The highest degree of respect and reverence; respect mingled with some degree of awe; a feeling or sentiment excited by the dignity and superiority of a person, or by the sacredness of his character, and with regard to place, by its consecration to sacred services.<br /><br /><strong>Heart: n.</strong> 4. The seat of the affections and passions, as of love, joy, grief, enmity, courage, pleasure, etc. Example [“The heart is deceitful above all things. Every imagination of the thoughts of the heart is evil continually.” Scripture]<br /><br />6. The seat of the understanding; as an understanding heart.<br /><br />7. The seat of the will; hence, secret purposes, intention or designs. Examples [“There are many devices in a man’s heart. The heart of kings in unsearchable. The Lord tries and searches the heart. David had it in his heart to build a house of rest for the ark,” Scripture]<br /><br /><em>*The preceding quotes were taken directly from <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/091249803X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thmara-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=091249803X" target="_blank">Noah Webster 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1px" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thmara-20&l=as2&o=1&a=091249803X" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1px" /></strong>.</em><br /><br />We established in our study yesterday that Reverence in Heart must begin with Christ. I posed the question from our study “<em>Have I put my faith in Christ’s death and resurrection as the only means of salvation?</em>” I will not assume that all who read this study online are equally yoked in all areas, therefore; we must establish the foundation of all reverence to be given, begins with JESUS CHRIST. He is the Rock on which all has been built and the grace given by God through which we are saved. Once we have established, in our own hearts that all faith has been put into Jesus Christ, only then may me move to the next point in showing <em>Reverence in Heart.</em> Now we can move to today’s devotional questions and scriptures:<br /><br /><em><strong>“Do I truly fear God and seek, by His grace, to obey Him? Is my relationship with Him even more important to me than my relationship with my husband?”</strong></em><br /><br />The scriptures for this devotional are as follows –<strong> Matthew 10:37, Proverbs 31:30, Exodus 20:3, Colossians 3:2</strong> – Take the time to pray and read each of these scriptures. The focus scripture I will be using is <strong>Mark 12:30</strong>.<br /><br /><strong>“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” Mark 12:30 NKJV</strong><br /><br />I consider this scripture, as I’m sure do most of you, essential to all Christian living. It is the first and greatest commandment according to Christ Himself. (Matthew 22:37-40) In regard to our point of study, I find it has great significance. When you first fear and seek God in obedience, only then will “all these things be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:32-33) Seeking God and being in right relationship to Him is pivotal to our lives, our marriages and the heritage we give to our children. If this one point is out of sync, all of our other relationships will, eventually, falter and fail.<br /><br />In regards to changing the culture in your marriage, which is the focus of this study, if your focus is solely on your spouse or yourself, then you are spending your time idly. It was explained to me once, in this very simple manner. When your eyes are focused on God and your husband’s focused on God, you will eventually meet one another where God is. <br /><br />You may be saying to yourself, “That is all well and good, but my husband is not seeking God. Now what do I do?” Well, in short, you follow the same steps and requirements with being reverent in heart, as the rest of us. Please, let me explain. <br /><br />God’s requirements of me as His child and as the help meet to my husband, DO NOT hinge on whether or not my husband is being obedient to God’s Word. God requires obedience of me without regard to my husband’s behavior. Please know that if this is the case in your marriage, I would love to share my own personal testimony and join you in prayer. Take comfort, my dear friend, in the fact that God is able and willing to deliver you and your husband. Trust in Him fully and focus on His goodness, His mercy and His faithfulness in and through all the circumstances of your life.<br /><br /><strong>“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Psalm 18:2 NKJV</strong><br /><br />Let us together sisters, pray that the LORD would push out all fear, discontent, discouragement, bitterness and rebellion in our own hearts. Let God shine His Light into your heart and help you uncover that which hinders your reverence to Him. I pray that we will all together, be rightly aligned with God’s Word, and seek Him this day first, and all the days there after. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img align="bottom" alt="christian graphics" border="0" height="132px" naturalsizeflag="3" src="http://www.uponthisrock.com/images/newgotw/ps119_162.jpg" width="371px" /></div><br />Be sure to use <a href="http://themacrak.blogspot.com/2011/12/ladies-of-calvary-30-day-challenge-day.html" target="_blank">the checklist</a> given in yesterday’s study. Use it each day to daily affirm your commitment to submitting yourself in your marriage, <strong><em>“<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1891206168/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thmara-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1891206168" target="_blank">As Unto the Lord</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1px" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thmara-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1891206168" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1px" />”.</em></strong><br /><br />May blessings flow to you, your husband and family as we continue this journey together, in Jesus’ name.<br /><br />In Christ’s service,<br /><br />Sister Mac<br /><br />(a.k.a. Joyful Socks Mom)<br /><br />Tomorrow, we will continue with <strong><em>Reverence of Heart</em></strong>. We will be discussing pleasing God, bringing Him glory through your marriage. I will also be posting our first weekly Memory Verse.<br /><br /><strong>*Please remember to make comments directly to this blog if possible. Simply click on the title of this post above (in the email) and you will be redirected to the blog. Once there, you can post a comment at the bottom of the lesson.*</strong><br /><br /><em>• Quotations used are taken directly from the book <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1891206168/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thmara-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1891206168" target="_blank">As Unto the Lord</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1px" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thmara-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1891206168" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1px" /></u>by Pam Forester unless otherwise sited in this post.</em><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Marriage is a Gift from God</strong></span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="wedding_bride_n_groom_3.png" height="640px" src="http://www.pdclipart.org/albums/Holiday_and_Celebration__Wedding/wedding_bride_n_groom_3.png" title="wedding_bride_n_groom_3.pngClick image to close this window" width="512px" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-3643129532256889583?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-11508902691955658582011-12-02T17:21:00.000-06:002011-12-02T17:21:37.124-06:00Ladies of Calvary: 30 Day Challenge - Day 1Greetings & Welcome to our first lesson in “As Unto the Lord”! I am blessed and humbled to be leading you in this study and I am praying for the mighty hand of God to lead us every step of the way. This online study is meant to be a resource tool for you to use during our 30 DAY CHALLENGE to CHANGE the CULTURE of YOUR MARRIAGE. I will be posting daily (twice on Saturday, in order to observe the Sabbath) to this blog to bring you a devotional lesson (taken in part from the book As Unto the Lord: A Tool for Wives Who Want to Glorify God by Pam Forster), scripture reading and prayer requests from other sisters participating in this challenge. We will also have a weekly memory verse and a weekly Project CHALLENGE, more on that later. Please feel free to comment on all of our lesson blogs and email Sister Mac with ANY questions, comments or prayer requests.<br /><br /><br />Now that we have some housekeeping out of the way let’s buckle down and get started on our challenge!<br /><br /><strong>30 Day Challenge: As Unto the Lord – Day 1</strong><br /><br />God created man and then woman, for man. <br /><br />“And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him.” Genesis 2:18 NKJV<br /><br />We were created to be a help meet, a servant and co-heir of God’s will with our husbands. God’s pattern for marriage is ultimately to reflect, here on earth, the perfect relationship of Christ to His Church. This is a beautiful pattern and a masterpiece painted over and again in scripture. Practical application of this pattern however, in today’s society especially, can begin to look far different than the LORD intended . . . even in the Church. Consider yourself and how your own marriage (or relationship with Christ, if you are unmarried) has fulfilled this picture of the Church’s relationship to Jesus. Is it an accurate picture? Are you and your spouse <em>“pointing others to the Savior as [you] live [your life] together?”</em><br /><br />This is not a comment of stern condemnation, for most of you know and would agree I do not have a totally accurate <em>“picture”</em> in my own marriage. There is no perfect marriage here upon this earth. We can all now breathe a sigh of relief together * sigh *. These lessons are meant to present scriptures and tools to help guide and encourage you in painting a more accurate picture in your own marriage. These lessons are NOT meant to condemn or convict, that is the Holy Spirit’s job and I will leave that to the LORD’s capable hands. With all of this in mind and heart, let us look forward to the prospect that, <em>“we are given the privilege of bringing glory to God while we enjoy the blessings of ‘being heirs together of the grace of life’”</em>.<br /><br />Let us step forward in our challenge today and commit to demolishing the <em>“insurmountable”</em> issues in our own life and marriage that start small then become a fleshly, out-of-control monster over time. <em>“Selfishness, harsh words, self-pity, ungratefulness”</em>, un-forgiveness, a victim spirit or a sense of entitlement - - - all of these can later become <em>“bitterness and rebellion. The unchecked growth of bitterness and rebellion will choke out the godly love that must be at the heart of a marriage”.</em><br /><em><br /></em><br /><em>“Our spiritual health depends on our daily communion with God through prayer and study of His Word, and our humble response, by the Holy Spirit’s enabling, to His Word through confession, repentance, and obedience. The purpose of this [online study] is to help wives in that process.”</em><br /><br />As our daily challenge begins let us raise ourselves, my beloved sisters, beyond mere spiritual “milk”. Let us all, in one accord, dive into God’s Word ready to receive healing and restoration in our lives, while setting our sites on a closer walk with Him and our chosen husband. Yes, at one time YOU did choose your dear hubby! Promise me you will recall those words this week when his most grating habits are before you. *hugs*<br /><br /><strong>Today’s devotional Reading:</strong><br /><br />We are beginning our study by examining our own hearts. Have you truly put all of your faith in Christ’s death and resurrection as your ONLY means of salvation?<br /><br />“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6<br /><br /><strong>Next, step in our challenge?</strong> Use the following checklist as we move daily through our challenge to examine your own heart and intentions. <br /><br />Today I will . . . <br /><br /> Seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness.<br /><br /> Exalt and fear the LORD above all.<br /><br /> Stay to the goal of pleasing God in my marriage, not myself.<br /><br /> Bring God glory by honoring my husband, and obeying him.<br /><br /> Allow God’s Word and His will to govern my relationship with my husband.<br /><br /> Humbly rest in the fact that God, in His loving sovereignty, has placed my husband over me.<br /><br /> Recognize and honor the covenant made with my husband, before God.<br /><br /> Recognize and seek to fulfill my God-given role as helper to my husband.<br /><br /> Seek to submit to my husband in the same way that Jesus submitted to God.<br /><br /> Strive in order that my attitude toward my husband will be an accurate picture of the believer’s reverence and love for Christ!<br /><br /> Trust God to lead me, through my husband, working ALL things out for my ultimate good and HIS glory.<br /><br /> Choose to honor my husband’s position as head over me because of my desire to obey God.<br /><br />I know this was a lot to swallow in one day, but I have faith that the LORD will move in our hearts and I have faith that He is able to reveal and reward all that fervently seek him. I am praying for you this day as we move forward in this challenge together.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">In Christ’s service,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sister Mac</div><div style="text-align: center;">(a.k.a. Joyful Socks Mom)</div><br />. . . Tomorrow’s Challenge: Reverence in Heart – Now What?<br /><br /><em>• All quotes are taken directly from the book As Unto The Lord by Pam Forester unless otherwise sited in this post.</em><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thmara-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1891206168&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-1150890269195565858?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-24095309553541683042011-12-02T16:57:00.000-06:002011-12-02T16:57:51.753-06:00As Unto the LORD: Up for a Challenge?<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>A 30 Day Challenge to Reset the Culture in Your Marriage</strong>“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the LORD.” Ephesians 5:22<br /><br />Are you ready to take your marriage to the next level? Do you want to experience a greater oneness with the man you entered into covenant marriage with before God? Then, let’s get back to the basics . . . God has a perfect plan for your marriage. Want to know what it is? Join us for an online challenge to help “reset” the culture in your marriage.<br /><br />Are you ready to take the challenge? <br /><br />Our online challenge will begin December 2nd through December 31st. Live classes will be determined according to the number of ladies interested in participating. Please pray about attending. It will be a blessed fellowship and a wonderful way to begin the New Year.<br /><br />Email Sister Mac to join the study and challenge - or - leave a comment below<br />“Teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God: Thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.” Psalm 143:10<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>In Christ's service,</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Sister Mac</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>(a.k.a. Joyful Socks Mom)</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: #6f3c1b; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><em>This challenge and study will be based on the book As Unto the Lord: A Tool for Wives Who Want to Glorify God by Pam Forster</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thmara-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1891206168&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-2409530955354168304?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-42451424067332936342011-09-12T12:02:00.000-05:002011-09-12T12:02:00.436-05:00A Sneetch is a Sneetch: Literacy Bag Project<div style="text-align: center;"><b><img src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr267/stuffnfluffparty/bookspublicdomain-1.png?t=1315845206" /> </b><br /><b>Project #1</b><br /><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sneetches-Other-Stories-Dr-Seuss/dp/0394800893?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">A Sneetch is a Sneetch</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0394800893" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sneetches-Other-Stories-Dr-Seuss/dp/0394800893?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sneetches-Other-Stories-Dr-Seuss/dp/0394800893?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sneetches-Other-Stories-Dr-Seuss/dp/0394800893?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="The Sneetches and Other Stories" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0394800893&tag=machom-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0394800893" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0394800893" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0394800893" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We have recently added <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Home-literacy-promote-family-involvement/dp/B00098KEFE?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Literacy Bags</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00098KEFE" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> to our repartee as a fun & educational way to read and learn! They encourage the fun of reading and learning together as a family . . . that's my favorite! I made 7 different bags for my students at our local <a href="http://www.shapeacademy.com/">Christian Homeschool Cooperative</a>. I teach 2nd Grade and I am having a blast with the best and brightest 7 Second Graders the world has ever seen. To encourage my students to read more and learn outside of our classrooms I am giving extra "Super Student" points if they choose to take a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Literacy-Bags-2264-Kathy-Howell/dp/1574719351?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Literacy Bag</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1574719351" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> home that week. The Bug (my own child, a Super Second Grader), of course, opted to bring a bag home and once her homework was completed, she went straight to that bag . . . heaven help anyone getting in that child's way if there is a book involved! I will be featuring a new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Seuss-Kids-Recycled-Shopper-Tote/dp/B003L6QCVQ?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Literacy Bag</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003L6QCVQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> with printables, activities, games and resources every week to two weeks here on our home blog. Hope you enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are the steps she took in completing the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Seuss-Fish-Kids-Recycled-Tote/dp/B003DVA1C0?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Literacy Bag</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003DVA1C0" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and you can too:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1. Reading . . . of course.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This selection she was able to read to me, however; mommy read it again out loud anyhow later that evening<br />. . . for nostalgia's sake.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZjyjMiFKgQ/Tm0zANjVsOI/AAAAAAAABzU/CI1T9cU_LVo/s1600/100_5699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sneetches-Other-Stories-Dr-Seuss/dp/0394800893?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Sneetches and Other Stories</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0394800893" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tkg6xWyVVRk/Tm41xYqFrEI/AAAAAAAABzw/I_h3R8CfRu0/s1600/100_5699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tkg6xWyVVRk/Tm41xYqFrEI/AAAAAAAABzw/I_h3R8CfRu0/s320/100_5699.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">2. Writing prompt in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mead-MEA09956-Primary-Journal-K-2nd/dp/B001JTL032?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Classroom Journal</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001JTL032" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. I had the student respond to the questions using a journal, rather than just writing a paragraph on a piece of paper - that way the next students who complete that bag can read about what their peer's ideas are on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sneetches-Other-Stories-Dr-Seuss/dp/0394800893?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">"Sneetches"</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0394800893" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Writing Prompts for Sneetches:<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">3. Use these fun online printable resources to have some Sneetchy fun. Just click on the title to Download for FREE from <a href="http://www.seussville.com/">Seussville</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.seussville.com/activities/SNEETCHES_SameOrDifferent.pdf">Sneetches Same or Different? </a></b>Worsheet</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mr. McMonkey McBean <b><a href="http://www.seussville.com/activities/SNEETCHES_WhichOne.pdf">Which One is Different?</a></b> - Worksheet<br /><b><a href="http://www.seussville.com/activities/SNEETCHES_WhichTwo.pdf">Which Two Are The Same?</a> </b>- Worksheet<br /><b><a href="http://www.seussville.com/activities/SNEETCHES_Ball.pdf">Sneetch Ball</a></b> - Game</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">4. Have a Sneetches on the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Handmade-Bamboo-Carrying-Spitting/dp/B001B4K3BK?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Beach Picnic </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001B4K3BK" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />with your family.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This was the Bug's favorite part and the most fun for everyone . . . it became quite the family team effort!<br />(I guess that's the whole idea, huh?)<br /><br />You can Download this FREE Sneetchy Menu <a href="http://www.seussville.com/activities/SNEETCHES_Snacks.pdf"><b>here</b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Sneetch Menu</b>: Star Belly & Plain Belly PBJ sandwiches, Sandy Beach Choclate Chip Cookies, Deviled Eggs (or, as we call them, "Stomp on the Devil" Eggs), <strike>Mr. McMonkey McBean Macaroni Salad </strike>Veggie Chips (The Bug wanted nothing to do with the previously mentioned recipe), Sneetch Lemonade & Sneetchy Smores<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TVPsor3vjb4/Tm00RpPqb7I/AAAAAAAABzY/YC6YA-ZzxMQ/s1600/100_5697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TVPsor3vjb4/Tm00RpPqb7I/AAAAAAAABzY/YC6YA-ZzxMQ/s320/100_5697.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is the Bug putting in some serious "elbow grease" to create a tasty beverage.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yl4v7L8vnc8/Tm00Sw3Q07I/AAAAAAAABzc/hmMGXc44uhg/s1600/100_5696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yl4v7L8vnc8/Tm00Sw3Q07I/AAAAAAAABzc/hmMGXc44uhg/s320/100_5696.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Adding a little lemon juice to make some lemonade for our Sneetch on the Beach picnic.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jk63PKOxJzs/Tm00UQ8V32I/AAAAAAAABzg/8rVUUcS62Pg/s1600/100_5703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jk63PKOxJzs/Tm00UQ8V32I/AAAAAAAABzg/8rVUUcS62Pg/s320/100_5703.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were supposed to have Starbelly Sugarcookies, but the Bug believes no recipe is complete without chocolate chips . . . that's my girl!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E4J5rHIXfno/Tm00WeC7ksI/AAAAAAAABzk/SjLgrGfigLs/s1600/100_5702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E4J5rHIXfno/Tm00WeC7ksI/AAAAAAAABzk/SjLgrGfigLs/s320/100_5702.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Big sis (the Squeaker) pitched in with the more difficult kitchen jobs.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FVPpy2_uZ8Y/Tm00ZHtxcuI/AAAAAAAABzo/LoOi7ESL4TA/s1600/100_5706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="481" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FVPpy2_uZ8Y/Tm00ZHtxcuI/AAAAAAAABzo/LoOi7ESL4TA/s640/100_5706.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here she is with her creation. She wanted Hawaiian rolls for her sandwiches, making it difficult to create stars, so she sacrificed for taste. We also substituted McMonkey McBean salad for Veggie Chips - alas, she is learning slowly to broaden her taste in food. One step at a time.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NVWO4TrOKmE/Tm00ayyHc9I/AAAAAAAABzs/2hm2ctJ4Kdw/s1600/100_5707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NVWO4TrOKmE/Tm00ayyHc9I/AAAAAAAABzs/2hm2ctJ4Kdw/s320/100_5707.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The men helped out with the fire after our Sneetch on the Beach Picnic by starting the fire and roasting our marshmallows for s'mores. Perfect!</div><br />Enjoy this Literacy Bag Project and let us know how you enjoyed it by commenting below. Do you have more fun games, activities or resources to add? Post your comments, we love to hear your ideas!!!<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Rock Salt'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #6f3c1b; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" imageanchor="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #940f04; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; 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line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">aka The Joyful Socks Mom</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #6f3c1b; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE7YvAYg0aI/AAAAAAAABos/nZVGGCry6tw/S150/joyful+socks+mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #940f04; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE7YvAYg0aI/AAAAAAAABos/nZVGGCry6tw/S150/joyful+socks+mom.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; 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border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;">www.TheMacRak.com</a></span></span></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; color: #6f3c1b; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.freeclassicaled.blogspot.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #5321bb; text-decoration: none;">www.freeclassicaled.blogspot.com</a></span></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; color: #6f3c1b; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mombooksmartstore.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #5321bb; text-decoration: none;">www.mombooksmartstore.com</a></span></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; color: #6f3c1b; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; color: #6f3c1b; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.mombooksmartstore.com/"><img src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/UBAMCatalog2011Fall.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-4245142406733293634?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-23154188456744340952011-09-03T23:41:00.000-05:002011-09-03T23:41:13.631-05:00Dear Hollywood, WE HAVE A VOICE - you need to listen!<div style="text-align: center;">Deliver a message to Hollywood, the only way they will listen . . . </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>$$$$ </b></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Family movies are what we want. This is what we will pay to see. We have a voice and we will be heard!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Nationwide Homeschool Day</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Dolphin Tale</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=212656562124437"><img src="http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/8229/mybanner4e3099b53e655.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Join homeschoolers nationwide for the very <span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">FIRST</span> <strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">HOMESCHOOL DAY</strong> and watch <strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> DOLPHIN TALE </strong>with your group. It makes a statement to Hollywood to rally behind a movie that finally ‘gets it right’ and tells a great story without all the junk, twaddle, and moral compromise! This movie has all the good stuff we want more of and is truly entertaining and inspiring for the entire family. It’s a story we can support and get behind, because it affirms who we are and what we stand for. This movie even has<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"> 2 homeschool kids </span>cast in the starring roles! (The casting agents went to a local support group in California and found them!)</span></div><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It’s time the homeschool community shows Hollywood we have a voice!!!! We can show the entertainment industry our strength and our impact on their box office!</span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The bottom line is that the Homeschool Movie Club (<a href="http://www.homeschoolmovieclub.com/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://s1.wp.com/wp-content/themes/pub/neutra/images/ico-icons.png); background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 5px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #059bff; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 25px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">http://www.homeschoolmovieclub.com/</a>) wants to prove that we are a big and VIABLE market and we can support Hollywood <strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">IF</strong> they will create and produce movies like DOLPHIN TALE – great movies with traditional, conservative family values. I am hoping you will be a part of this great opportunity with me!</span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">See you there folks!</span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Check out <a href="http://www.homeschoolmovieclub.com/">www.homeschoolmovieclub.com</a> to get all the FREE curriculum to use with your kids before the big day at the movies!</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Rock Salt'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><div style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Joyful & blessed homeschooling to you!</span></div></div></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; color: #6f3c1b; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 21px;"></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 21px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #6f3c1b; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" imageanchor="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #940f04; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px !important; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #6f3c1b; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">aka The Joyful Socks Mom</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #6f3c1b; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE7YvAYg0aI/AAAAAAAABos/nZVGGCry6tw/S150/joyful+socks+mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #940f04; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE7YvAYg0aI/AAAAAAAABos/nZVGGCry6tw/S150/joyful+socks+mom.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: solid; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #6f3c1b; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; color: #6f3c1b; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #6c82b5; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;">www.TheMacRak.com</a></span></span></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; color: #6f3c1b; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.freeclassicaled.blogspot.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #5321bb; text-decoration: none;">www.freeclassicaled.blogspot.com</a></span></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; color: #6f3c1b; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mombooksmartstore.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #5321bb; text-decoration: none;">www.mombooksmartstore.com</a></span></div></div></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-2315418845674434095?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-19354290501296917102011-07-26T17:45:00.000-05:002011-07-26T17:45:17.016-05:00Back-To-School DEALS!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3qy1KJZCdek/Ti9BxCgq8yI/AAAAAAAABw8/U82cusjxFhA/s1600/your_childs_ed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3qy1KJZCdek/Ti9BxCgq8yI/AAAAAAAABw8/U82cusjxFhA/s200/your_childs_ed.png" width="198" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back To School is Cool!!!</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here comes the groans . . . it's Back-To-School season for all. I love the excitement and anticipation myself, but my kids are usually dragging their feet just a tiny bit (all but super student, Bug, she loves school, tests and homework). I believe the best way to combat the Back-To-School "Blahs" is with fresh, bright, shiny new school supplies! It gets me giddy just thinking about it! Here a few great deals this week in the Back-To-School aisle:</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Walgreen's -</span></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">$0.19 Cents </span></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mini Memo </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">(Penway or Wexford)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">*In Store Coupon- Limit 3</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Composition Book</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">(Penway or Wexford)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">*In Store Coupon- Limit 3</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">$0.39 Cents</span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-weight: bold;">Pencil sharpener </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">(Penway or Wexford Dome)</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">*In Store Coupon- Limit 3</span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-weight: bold;">Sharpie Marker</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> - Walgreen's</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">* In Store Coupon - Limit 3</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">$0.69 Cents</span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-weight: bold;">Sharpie Highlighters</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> 2 pack</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">* In Store Coupon - Limit 3</span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-weight: bold;">Profile Pens </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">- (Paper Mate)</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">* In Store Coupon - Limit 3</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">$0.99 Cents</span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-weight: bold;">Colored Pencils </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">(Crayola) 12 pack</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-weight: bold;">Mechanical Pencils </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">3 pack (corner office or Wexford)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">* In Store Coupon - Limit 3</span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-weight: bold;">N.2 Penciles</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> 24 Pack </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">* In Store Coupon - Limit 3</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474747; line-height: 22px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CVS -</span></strong></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474747; line-height: 22px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Buy $15 worth of Five Star Notebooks or Binders – $5.99 and up, Get $5 ECBs (Limit 5) </strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474747; line-height: 22px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474747; line-height: 22px;">As low as $4.33 each after ECBs</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474747; line-height: 22px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474747; line-height: 22px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Caliber 1-Subject Notebooks – 24¢ each</strong></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474747; line-height: 22px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474747; line-height: 22px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kroger -</span></strong></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474747; line-height: 22px;"></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.467em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crayola Crayons (24 ct) – 25¢ each (Limit 4)</span></strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.467em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Write Bros. Pens Blue or Black (10 ct) – 33¢ each</span></strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.467em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Top Flight Filler Paper (150 sheets) – 75¢ each</span></strong></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474747; line-height: 22px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 1.467em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Walmart Deals-</strong></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474747; line-height: 22px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Index Cards – 64¢ each</strong></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474747; line-height: 22px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474747; line-height: 22px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Pencils 10 ct – 47¢ each</strong></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474747; line-height: 22px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474747; line-height: 22px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1-Subject notebooks – 20¢ each </strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474747; line-height: 22px;"></span></span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 1.467em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Folders – 15¢ each</strong></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-1935429050129691710?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-84391274916878440452011-07-06T21:26:00.000-05:002011-07-06T21:26:08.083-05:00Voices from the Past: Maria Augusta Trapp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://fionamackenzie.com.au/wp-content/themes/gazette/thumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Von_Trapp_Family_320x240.jpg&w=250&h=180&zc=1&q=90" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="230" src="http://fionamackenzie.com.au/wp-content/themes/gazette/thumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Von_Trapp_Family_320x240.jpg&w=250&h=180&zc=1&q=90" width="320" /></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>Voices from the Past: Maria Augusta Trapp</u></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>"The old saying: 'Spare the rod and spoil the child' seems like a translation of the Bible: 'Who loves his son does not spare the rod.' It is to be hoped that the world will <i>soon turn away from its experiment in the realm of progressive <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Surprisingly-Simple-Rules-Tools-Family/dp/1414305990?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">education</a></i><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1414305990" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> where poor, unhappy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Back-Basics-Self-Sufficient-Children-ebook/dp/B003XVYHES?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">children</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003XVYHES" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> always have to do what they want; the young will is then crippled by its own <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Simply-Charlotte-Mason/dp/B0044KM2IA?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">whims</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0044KM2IA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />." </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~ <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Story-Trapp-Family-Singers/dp/0060005777?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Maria Augusta Trapp</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0060005777" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />, <u>The Story of the Trapp Family Singers</u>, 1949</b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is sad to look upon this hope that <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Memories-Before-After-Sound-Music/dp/0061998818?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Maria Augusta Trapp</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0061998818" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> wrote about over 50 years ago, only because the "experiment in the realm of progressive education" is still on the down-ward spiral stair case. She glimpsed the dangerous tendencies, even back then, of a child whom is allowed to go the way of their own will. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Original-Trapp-Family-Singers/dp/B001BFWXG2?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Maria</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001BFWXG2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> knew only to well how crippling it is to a child's spirit to allow them the "freedom to choose" their own paths, without allowing them to see the consequences of those self-centered actions.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What began so many years ago as an "experiment", has now become status quo in our own country. What, you don't believe me? Just look around you . . . where? Look anywhere, and you will take my point. Children with cell phones. Why? Not out of need, but want. Middle schoolers with facial piercings. Why? Their parents don't want to deal with the drama of saying no. Kids with every style, app and device known to man, while parents allow them to have any and every lust or desire of their hearts. They are plugged in wherever they are, yet they have little to no connection with the authority figures in there lives.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The hope that <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Recorder-Family-Singers-Complete-Instruction/dp/B000CS34RG?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Maria</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000CS34RG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> clung to lay in the truth given to her through the Bible, the holy Word of G-d. As a woman of great faith, she laid the foundation of all her hopes for the world, on the One whom came to deliver humanity from sin and self. Maria and her beloved family made it their live's goal to "seek ye first HIS kingdom". </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh Christian parent, lean not on your own understanding nor be deluded by the world telling you your child "deserves to be happy". G-d's ways are not our ways, that is why we must dive into His holy Word to find the parenting solutions for our children. Choose His way and His Word will not return null in your children.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To discipline, is to disciple, to teach, to love. Grace and mercy does have a place of honor in the hallowed halls of godly parenting, but not at the cost of the much more precious gift of wisdom. Wisdom, in a child, is gained only through discipline, <s>even</s> especially when they are unhappy about the discipline being received. Commit to "cripple" your child no longer by submitting to their "whims". Instead, submit them to G-d and lay their will and your's at His feet. You are His hand in your child's life. Build with your hands, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bringing-Up-Boys-James-Dobson/dp/1414304501?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">using discipline</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1414304501" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />, a temple for Him to dwell in, for eternity.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px;"></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Joyful & blessed homeschooling to you!</span></div></div></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic;"></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic;"></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" imageanchor="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #940f04; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">aka The Joyful Socks Mom</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE7YvAYg0aI/AAAAAAAABos/nZVGGCry6tw/S150/joyful+socks+mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #940f04; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE7YvAYg0aI/AAAAAAAABos/nZVGGCry6tw/S150/joyful+socks+mom.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.TheMacRak.com</span></a></span></div></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><div style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;">http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/</a></span></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-8439127491687844045?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-22328039398135028022011-06-25T15:15:00.000-05:002011-06-25T15:15:48.410-05:00Summer Savings: Educational Books for Kids<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">BEAT THE HEAT Summer Savings</u>1 Week Left to cash in on these great savings!<br /><br />Take a look at these super Internet Only savings for some great educational reading with the kids this summer!<br /><br />Titles change frequently and quantities are limited, so order yours today!<br />(these specials are available through Sunday, July 03, 2011 or while supplies last!)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="2" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="33%"><table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr height="32"><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Kane Miller logo" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/KMlogo.gif" width="100" /></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="50"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=And+What+Comes+After+a+Thousand%3F&series=&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-1-933605-27-2_2831" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://www.myubam.com/thumbnails/605272.jpg" width="75" /></a></td><td valign="top"><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/prices/1599_40red.gif" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><input border="0" cache="" id="addtocart" name="addtocart" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/AddToCart1.gif" type="image" /></div></td></tr><tr height="48"><td colspan="2" valign="top"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=And+What+Comes+After+a+Thousand%3F&series=&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-1-933605-27-2_2831" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">And What Comes After a Thousand?</a></div><span class="sml" style="color: black; font-size: 7pt;"><div style="text-align: center;">Bley, Anette</div></span></td></tr></tbody></table></td><td valign="top" width="33%"><table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr height="32"><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Usborne logo" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/Usbornelogo.gif" width="100" /></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="50"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Ballet+Treasury&series=Ballet&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-0-7945-0936-1_2836" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://www.myubam.com/thumbnails/509361.jpg" width="75" /></a></td><td valign="top"><img border="0" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/prices/1995_45red.gif" /><br /><input border="0" cache="" id="addtocart" name="addtocart" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/AddToCart1.gif" type="image" /></td></tr><tr height="48"><td colspan="2" valign="top"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Ballet+Treasury&series=Ballet&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-0-7945-0936-1_2836" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Ballet Treasury</a><br /><span class="sml" style="color: black; font-size: 7pt;">Susanna Davidson & Katie Daynes</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></td><td style="text-align: -webkit-center;" valign="top" width="33%"></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="33%"><table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr height="32"><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Usborne logo" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/Usbornelogo.gif" width="100" /></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="50"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Daisy+the+Doctor&series=Jobs+People+Do&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-0-7945-2214-8_2843" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://www.myubam.com/thumbnails/522148.jpg" width="75" /></a></td><td valign="top"><img border="0" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/prices/699_45red.gif" /><br /><input border="0" cache="" id="addtocart" name="addtocart" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/AddToCart1.gif" type="image" /></td></tr><tr height="48"><td colspan="2" valign="top"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Daisy+the+Doctor&series=Jobs+People+Do&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-0-7945-2214-8_2843" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Daisy the Doctor</a><br /><span class="sml" style="color: black; font-size: 7pt;">Felicity Brooks</span></td></tr></tbody></table></td><td valign="top" width="33%"><table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr height="32"><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Usborne logo" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/Usbornelogo.gif" width="100" /></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="50"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Dolls+and+Fairies+%28C%2FV%29++YR1&series=Young+Reading+Series+1+Gift+Books&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-0-7945-1779-3_2846" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://www.myubam.com/thumbnails/517793.jpg" width="75" /></a></td><td valign="top"><img border="0" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/prices/999_45red.gif" /><br /><input border="0" cache="" id="addtocart" name="addtocart" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/AddToCart1.gif" type="image" /></td></tr><tr height="48"><td colspan="2" valign="top"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Dolls+and+Fairies+%28C%2FV%29++YR1&series=Young+Reading+Series+1+Gift+Books&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-0-7945-1779-3_2846" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Dolls and Fairies (C/V) YR1</a><br /><span class="sml" style="color: black; font-size: 7pt;">Davidson, Susanna</span></td></tr></tbody></table></td><td style="text-align: -webkit-center;" valign="top" width="33%"></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="33%"><table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr height="32"><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Usborne logo" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/Usbornelogo.gif" width="100" /></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="50"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=First+Hundred+Words+in+English+Sticker+Book&series=Language+Sticker+Books&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-0-7945-0190-7_2834" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://www.myubam.com/thumbnails/501907.jpg" width="75" /></a></td><td valign="top"><img border="0" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/prices/895_45red.gif" /><br /><input border="0" cache="" id="addtocart" name="addtocart" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/AddToCart1.gif" type="image" /></td></tr><tr height="48"><td colspan="2" valign="top"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=First+Hundred+Words+in+English+Sticker+Book&series=Language+Sticker+Books&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-0-7945-0190-7_2834" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">First Hundred Words in English Sticker Book</a><br /><span class="sml" style="color: black; font-size: 7pt;">H. Amery</span></td></tr></tbody></table></td><td valign="top" width="33%"><table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr height="32"><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Kane Miller logo" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/KMlogo.gif" width="100" /></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="50"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Hit+the+Ball+Duck&series=&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-1-929132-96-6_2835" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://www.myubam.com/thumbnails/132966.jpg" width="75" /></a></td><td valign="top"><img border="0" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/prices/1599_40red.gif" /><br /><input border="0" cache="" id="addtocart" name="addtocart" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/AddToCart1.gif" type="image" /></td></tr><tr height="48"><td colspan="2" valign="top"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Hit+the+Ball+Duck&series=&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-1-929132-96-6_2835" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Hit the Ball Duck</a><br /><span class="sml" style="color: black; font-size: 7pt;">Alborough, Jez</span></td></tr></tbody></table></td><td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="33%"></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="33%"><table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr height="32"><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Kane Miller logo" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/KMlogo.gif" width="100" /></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="50"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Market+Day&series=&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-1-935279-78-5_2832" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://www.myubam.com/thumbnails/279785.jpg" width="75" /></a></td><td valign="top"><img border="0" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/prices/1999_40red.gif" /><br /><input border="0" cache="" id="addtocart" name="addtocart" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/AddToCart1.gif" type="image" /></td></tr><tr height="48"><td colspan="2" valign="top"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Market+Day&series=&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-1-935279-78-5_2832" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Market Day</a><br /><span class="sml" style="color: black; font-size: 7pt;">Victoria Roberts</span></td></tr></tbody></table></td><td valign="top" width="33%"><table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr height="32"><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Kane Miller logo" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/KMlogo.gif" width="100" /></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="50"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Marta+and+the+Bicycle&series=&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-1-929132-35-5_2184" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://www.myubam.com/thumbnails/132355.jpg" width="75" /></a></td><td valign="top"><img border="0" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/prices/1495_75red.gif" /><br /><input border="0" cache="" id="addtocart" name="addtocart" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/AddToCart1.gif" type="image" /></td></tr><tr height="48"><td colspan="2" valign="top"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Marta+and+the+Bicycle&series=&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-1-929132-35-5_2184" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Marta and the Bicycle</a><br /><span class="sml" style="color: black; font-size: 7pt;">Zullo, Germano</span></td></tr></tbody></table></td><td style="text-align: -webkit-center;" valign="top" width="33%"></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="33%"><table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr height="32"><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Usborne logo" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/Usbornelogo.gif" width="100" /></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="50"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=New+Puppy+Sticker+Book&series=First+Experiences+Sticker+Books&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-0-7945-2573-6_2840" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://www.myubam.com/thumbnails/525736.jpg" width="75" /></a></td><td valign="top"><img border="0" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/prices/699_45red.gif" /><br /><input border="0" cache="" id="addtocart" name="addtocart" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/AddToCart1.gif" type="image" /></td></tr><tr height="48"><td colspan="2" valign="top"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=New+Puppy+Sticker+Book&series=First+Experiences+Sticker+Books&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-0-7945-2573-6_2840" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">New Puppy Sticker Book</a><br /><span class="sml" style="color: black; font-size: 7pt;">Civardi,Anna</span></td></tr></tbody></table></td><td valign="top" width="33%"><table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr height="32"><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Usborne logo" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/Usbornelogo.gif" width="100" /></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="50"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Nighttime+Lift%2Dthe%2DFlap&series=Luxury+Lift%2Dthe%2DFlap+Learners&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-0-7945-0967-5_2842" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://www.myubam.com/thumbnails/509675.jpg" width="75" /></a></td><td valign="top"><img border="0" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/prices/1195_45red.gif" /><br /><input border="0" cache="" id="addtocart" name="addtocart" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/AddToCart1.gif" type="image" /></td></tr><tr height="48"><td colspan="2" valign="top"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Nighttime+Lift%2Dthe%2DFlap&series=Luxury+Lift%2Dthe%2DFlap+Learners&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-0-7945-0967-5_2842" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Nighttime Lift-the-Flap</a><br /><span class="sml" style="color: black; font-size: 7pt;">Alastair Smith</span></td></tr></tbody></table></td><td style="text-align: -webkit-center;" valign="top" width="33%"></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="33%"><table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr height="32"><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Usborne logo" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/Usbornelogo.gif" width="100" /></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="50"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Shapes+First+Sticker+Book&series=First+Experiences+Sticker+Books&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-0-7945-2501-9_2838" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://www.myubam.com/thumbnails/525019.jpg" width="75" /></a></td><td valign="top"><img border="0" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/prices/699_45red.gif" /><br /><input border="0" cache="" id="addtocart" name="addtocart" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/AddToCart1.gif" type="image" /></td></tr><tr height="48"><td colspan="2" valign="top"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Shapes+First+Sticker+Book&series=First+Experiences+Sticker+Books&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-0-7945-2501-9_2838" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Shapes First Sticker Book</a><br /><span class="sml" style="color: black; font-size: 7pt;"></span></td></tr></tbody></table></td><td valign="top" width="33%"><table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr height="32"><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Usborne logo" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/Usbornelogo.gif" width="100" /></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="50"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Sleeping+Beauty+++YR1&series=Young+Reading+Series+1+Gift+Books&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-0-7945-1458-7_2844" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://www.myubam.com/thumbnails/514587.jpg" width="75" /></a></td><td valign="top"><img border="0" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/prices/699_45red.gif" /><br /><input border="0" cache="" id="addtocart" name="addtocart" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/AddToCart1.gif" type="image" /></td></tr><tr height="48"><td colspan="2" valign="top"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Sleeping+Beauty+++YR1&series=Young+Reading+Series+1+Gift+Books&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-0-7945-1458-7_2844" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Sleeping Beauty YR1</a><br /><span class="sml" style="color: black; font-size: 7pt;">Knighton, Kate</span></td></tr></tbody></table></td><td style="text-align: -webkit-center;" valign="top" width="33%"></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="33%"><table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr height="32"><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Usborne logo" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/Usbornelogo.gif" width="100" /></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="50"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Understanding+Your+Senses+IL&series=Science+for+Beginners&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-0-7945-0852-4_2839" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://www.myubam.com/thumbnails/508524.jpg" width="75" /></a></td><td valign="top"><img border="0" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/prices/795_45red.gif" /><br /><input border="0" cache="" id="addtocart" name="addtocart" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/AddToCart1.gif" type="image" /></td></tr><tr height="48"><td colspan="2" valign="top"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Understanding+Your+Senses+IL&series=Science+for+Beginners&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-0-7945-0852-4_2839" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Understanding Your Senses IL</a><br /><span class="sml" style="color: black; font-size: 7pt;">R. Treays</span></td></tr></tbody></table></td><td valign="top" width="33%"><table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr height="32"><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Kane Miller logo" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/KMlogo.gif" width="100" /></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="50"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=What+Eddie+Can+Do&series=&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-1-929132-60-7_2196" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://www.myubam.com/thumbnails/132607.jpg" width="75" /></a></td><td valign="top"><img border="0" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/prices/1595_75red.gif" /><br /><input border="0" cache="" id="addtocart" name="addtocart" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/AddToCart1.gif" type="image" /></td></tr><tr height="48"><td colspan="2" valign="top"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=What+Eddie+Can+Do&series=&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-1-929132-60-7_2196" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">What Eddie Can Do</a><br /><span class="sml" style="color: black; font-size: 7pt;">Gebhard, Wilfried</span></td></tr></tbody></table></td><td style="text-align: -webkit-center;" valign="top" width="33%"></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="33%"><table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr height="32"><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Usborne logo" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/Usbornelogo.gif" width="100" /></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="50"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Why+the+Sea+is+Salty++FR4&series=First+Reading+Level+4&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-0-7945-2308-4_2848" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://www.myubam.com/thumbnails/523084.jpg" width="75" /></a></td><td valign="top"><img border="0" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/prices/699_45red.gif" /><br /><input border="0" cache="" id="addtocart" name="addtocart" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/AddToCart1.gif" type="image" /></td></tr><tr height="48"><td colspan="2" valign="top"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Why+the+Sea+is+Salty++FR4&series=First+Reading+Level+4&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-0-7945-2308-4_2848" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Why the Sea is Salty FR4</a><br /><span class="sml" style="color: black; font-size: 7pt;"></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr height="32"><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Usborne logo" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/Usbornelogo.gif" style="cursor: move;" width="100" /></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="50"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Sorcerer%27s+Apprentice++YR1&series=Young+Reading+Series+1+Gift+Books&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-0-7945-1589-8_2847" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://www.myubam.com/thumbnails/515898.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="75" /></a></td><td valign="top"><img border="0" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/prices/699_45red.gif" style="cursor: move;" /><br /><input border="0" cache="" id="addtocart" name="addtocart" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/AddToCart1.gif" type="image" /></td></tr><tr height="48"><td colspan="2" valign="top"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Sorcerer%27s+Apprentice++YR1&series=Young+Reading+Series+1+Gift+Books&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-0-7945-1589-8_2847" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Sorcerer's Apprentice YR1</a><br /><span class="sml" style="color: black; font-size: 7pt;">Chandler, Fiona</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr height="32"><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Usborne logo" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/Usbornelogo.gif" style="cursor: move;" width="100" /></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="50"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=What+Shall+I+Make%3F&series=Art+Ideas&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-0-7945-0376-5_2833" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://www.myubam.com/thumbnails/503765.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="75" /></a></td><td valign="top"><img border="0" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/prices/795_45red.gif" style="cursor: move;" /><br /><input border="0" cache="" id="addtocart" name="addtocart" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/AddToCart1.gif" type="image" /></td></tr><tr height="48"><td colspan="2" valign="top"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=What+Shall+I+Make%3F&series=Art+Ideas&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-0-7945-0376-5_2833" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">What Shall I Make?</a><br /><span class="sml" style="color: black; font-size: 7pt;">Ray Gibson</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr height="32"><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Kane Miller logo" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/KMlogo.gif" style="cursor: move;" width="100" /></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="50"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Sally+and+Dave%2C+A+Slug+Story&series=&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-1-933605-71-5_2837" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://www.myubam.com/thumbnails/605715.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="75" /></a></td><td valign="top"><img border="0" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/prices/795_40red.gif" style="cursor: move;" /><br /><input border="0" cache="" id="addtocart" name="addtocart" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/AddToCart1.gif" type="image" /></td></tr><tr height="48"><td colspan="2" valign="top"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Sally+and+Dave%2C+A+Slug+Story&series=&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-1-933605-71-5_2837" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Sally and Dave, A Slug Story</a><br /><span class="sml" style="color: black; font-size: 7pt;">Arena, Felice</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr height="32"><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Usborne logo" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/Usbornelogo.gif" style="cursor: move;" width="100" /></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="50"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Dominoes&series=Board+Games&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-0-7945-0311-6_2850" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://www.myubam.com/thumbnails/503116.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="75" /></a></td><td valign="top"><img border="0" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/prices/1295_45red.gif" style="cursor: move;" /><br /><input border="0" cache="" id="addtocart" name="addtocart" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/AddToCart1.gif" type="image" /></td></tr><tr height="48"><td colspan="2" valign="top"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Dominoes&series=Board+Games&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-0-7945-0311-6_2850" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Dominoes</a><br /><span class="sml" style="color: black; font-size: 7pt;">Stephen Cartwright</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr height="32"><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Kane Miller logo" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/KMlogo.gif" style="cursor: move;" width="100" /></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="50"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Boom%2C+Bah%21&series=&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-1-935279-22-8_2841" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://www.myubam.com/thumbnails/279228.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="75" /></a></td><td valign="top"><img border="0" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/prices/1599_40red.gif" style="cursor: move;" /><br /><input border="0" cache="" id="addtocart" name="addtocart" src="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/images/AddToCart1.gif" type="image" /></td></tr><tr height="48"><td colspan="2" valign="top"><a href="http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B3573&gid=120993268&title=Boom%2C+Bah%21&series=&sqlwhere=internet&iSpec=978-1-935279-22-8_2841" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Boom, Bah!</a><br /><span class="sml" style="color: black; font-size: 7pt;">Cummings, Phil</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">Order any of these titles today by visiting <a href="http://www.mombooksmartstore.com/">www.MomBookSmartStore.com</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; color: #313131; font-family: 'Crafty Girls'; line-height: 18px;"><div style="color: #313131; font-family: 'Crafty Girls'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; text-align: center;">Joyful & blessed homeschooling to you!</div></div></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" imageanchor="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #940f04; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px !important; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; position: relative;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">aka The Joyful Socks Mom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE7YvAYg0aI/AAAAAAAABos/nZVGGCry6tw/S150/joyful+socks+mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #00d0b4; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE7YvAYg0aI/AAAAAAAABos/nZVGGCry6tw/S150/joyful+socks+mom.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; position: relative;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.TheMacRak.com</span></a></div></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;">http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/</a></span></div><div><br /></div></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-2232803939813502802?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-76136133169179878102011-06-23T08:41:00.000-05:002011-06-23T08:41:23.237-05:00Summer Fun Bucket: Revisited<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TApcju2KdMI/AAAAAAAABc4/-AAUwft409g/s1600/A+Summer+Well-Spent+Summer+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TApcju2KdMI/AAAAAAAABc4/-AAUwft409g/s320/A+Summer+Well-Spent+Summer+2010.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Summer Fun Bucket</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"> . . . easy squeezey lemon peezey!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">This was a summer activity we began last year during our <a href="http://themacrak.blogspot.com/search/label/a%20summer%20well-spent">A Well-Spent Summer series</a>. It has now become not only a tradition, but a survival tool! I thought I would bring it back & offer my eBook to get everyone moving in the right direction for a most excellent summer of learning & growing . . . oh, and FUN!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">1. Start with a basic oatmeal box. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">2. Grab a ton of scrapping supplies, buttons, sequins, beads, foam, stencils, etc.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">3. Wrap your oatmeal box is scrapping paper or wrapping paper.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">4. Now let the kiddos decorate to there little heart's content . . . Quaker oatmeal never looked better!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">5. Now fill the bucket with fun, frugal and educational activities for you and the kids to enjoy through out the summer! Download my <a href="http://themacrak.com/Documents/A%20Classic%20Child%20A%20Summer%20Well%20Spent%20Ebook.pdf">F*R*E*E eBook </a>and you have instant FUN for your own bucket.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TApitC6CrmI/AAAAAAAABdA/o9xQ7wrpmpc/s1600/the+fun+bucket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TApitC6CrmI/AAAAAAAABdA/o9xQ7wrpmpc/s320/the+fun+bucket.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #313131; font-family: 'Crafty Girls'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span></div><div style="color: #313131; font-family: 'Crafty Girls'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; text-align: center;">Joyful & blessed homeschooling to you!</div></div></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" imageanchor="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #940f04; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px !important; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; position: relative;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">aka The Joyful Socks Mom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE7YvAYg0aI/AAAAAAAABos/nZVGGCry6tw/S150/joyful+socks+mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #00d0b4; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE7YvAYg0aI/AAAAAAAABos/nZVGGCry6tw/S150/joyful+socks+mom.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; position: relative;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.TheMacRak.com</span></a></div></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;">http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/</a></span></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">MORE SUMMER FUN RESOURCES:</div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=machom-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B004J8I0LK&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=machom-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0781438381&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=machom-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0486271102&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=machom-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0737302852&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-7613613316917987810?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-69972418852560872082011-06-23T07:46:00.000-05:002011-06-23T07:46:58.000-05:00Homeschool Bloopers: The One Where The History Is DUE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://themacrak.com/homeschoolhelp.aspx"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TIjakQ_VK8I/AAAAAAAABqQ/E_EPidpxbU8/s320/Mac+Homeschool+Button.jpg" /></a></div><br />Every homeschool parent has had that moment. You know the one where you roll your eyes and say, "Where did I go wrong?". Here is my moment . . .<br /><br />We have had the blessing of being enrolled in a <a href="http://www.shapeacademy.org/">Classical Christian Homeschool Cooperative</a> (seriously, that is a mouthful) this academic year. I have enjoyed seeing my kids grow academically and have been blessed by the reassurance;however unnecessary, that my children are performing alongside their peers with excellence. That being said, let's skip to the embarrassing, yet totally hilarious homeschooling blooper.<br /><br />The excitement of the first month of classes was met, by my kids at least, with grace and taken in stride. . . with one exception, THE SCOUT. He is 11 years old and as set in his ways as a 90 year old man in his rocking chair on the front porch with a shot-gun (I'm thinking Clint Eastwood here). Those of you who know him personally are shaking your head and lifting your hands with an "Amen" in agreement. He is not your tradition sit-still, total focus, no wishy-washy kind of student. He just doesn't do "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bringing-Up-Boys-James-Dobson/dp/1414304501?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">fitting in the box</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1414304501" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />". Stage set for blooper.<br /><br />He loves history and was overjoyed with his new teacher, Mrs. B (the most rockin', awesome History/Latin teacher the world has ever known!). He was also enjoying the new curriculum, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mystery-History-Linda-Lacour-Hobar/dp/1892427060?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Mystery of History, Volume 2,</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1892427060" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> which covers world history from the Day of Pentecost through the Middle Ages. What he was not adapting well to was the evening and weekend homework. Is that a boy for you or what? Thus ensues and parent/student discussion that would be worthy of a Laurel & Hardy film. (Note to younger mothers: Laurel & Hardy were a famous comedy duo team from the 1930's - 1950's.)<br /><br />Mom: "Scout, you need to complete your timeline card tonight."<br />Scout: "No mom, Mrs. B said it was do on Thursday."<br />Mom: "Yes Scout, it is Wednesday night, so you need to get it done."<br />Scout: "Mom, I know she said do on Thursday."<br />(Mom shows super amounts of exasperation, and pulls the mommy trump card.)<br />Mom: "Scout, just sit down now and complete it because mommy wants you to finish it now."<br />(Scout sits down, defeated, yet obedient.)<br />Scout: "Yes ma'am . . . (half under breathe) it's just do on Thursday."<br /><br />After two more weeks of this type dialog at the dinner table, I decided it took some further investigating. After a desperate conversation with the teacher she revealed that the Scout was not coming to class completely prepared with his homework. We both agreed that the past 4 years of a strictly homeschooling schedule was certainly the culprit for such behavior. We partnered up and she took the reigns on communicating her expectations in completing homework. But, later that evening . . .<br /><br />Scout: "Mom? Why do you keep making me do my homework the day before it is do?"<br />Mom: "Scout, you need to come to co-op totally prepared and with your work ready to turn in."<br />Scout: "Mom, Mrs. B says it is do and that is when I do it."<br />(Light bulb moment for mommy!)<br />Mom: "Scout, when Mrs. B says that your homework is due, she means D-U-E, not D-O!"<br />Scout: "Huh?" (Child gives mom the "are you from mars" look.)<br />Mom: "Sweetie, when you take a library book back it is D-U-E. When you D-O your homework it is during the evening, not D-O when you get to school. Mrs. B means your homework is D-U-E, that day, just like a library book."<br />(Light bulb moment for child!)<br />Scout: "I got it mom. I'm going to go D-O my timeline card because it is D-U-E tomorrow. Thanks."<br /><br />Lesson learned. In my attempt to help my child rise to a new level of excellence in his education, I failed to communicate on a level of his understanding. Four years of homeschooling had produced absolutely no frame of reference for having a deadline. That problem is now remedied and we are DOING much better!<br /><br /><br /><div style="color: #313131; font-family: 'Crafty Girls'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; text-align: center;">Joyful & blessed homeschooling to you!</div></div></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" imageanchor="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #940f04; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px !important; border-width: initial; position: relative;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">aka The Joyful Socks Mom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE7YvAYg0aI/AAAAAAAABos/nZVGGCry6tw/S150/joyful+socks+mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #00d0b4; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE7YvAYg0aI/AAAAAAAABos/nZVGGCry6tw/S150/joyful+socks+mom.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; position: relative;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.TheMacRak.com</span></a></div></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;">http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-6997241885256087208?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-39821186608181649452011-02-04T18:28:00.000-06:002011-02-04T18:28:22.604-06:00I'm BACK!<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><img alt="hapyhome.png" height="200" src="http://www.pdclipart.org/albums/People__Family/hapyhome.png" width="161" /></span></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span>Healing and restoration are mine, in the name of the Messiah, Yeshua!</div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Thank you Jesus!</div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">I am finally ready to be back and writing after my </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">hiatus from the internet. I have had some moderately serious (yes, I know that is an oxymoron) issues with asthma and allergies during this fall and winter season. Blaming the "mildness" of the seasons . . . but all that is over now, with winter coming back with a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">vengeance! Thank you to all my friends who have prayed for me during this past season and believing, in faith, that the LORD would restore me to fullness in all areas of my life.</span></span></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Have you missed me? There is no lack of plentiful blogs on homeschooling, parenting, crafting and just about any of the many topics of discussion on this blog so . . . I'm not sure how missed I have been in the blogosphere. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">I have, however; missed you all </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">immensely</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">! *sniff*sniff*</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Let this post be a spring board for the many great plans that the LORD has in store for our family, our homeschool, our church and our ministry. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Here's a glimpse of what you will not want to miss in the next couple of months:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><b>TOS Homeschool Reviews</b> - I have a lot of great products our family has been reviewing and cannot wait to get caught up on our posting. Stay tuned, you will love these great enrichment products and curriculum . . . Don't be surprised to see a giveaway or two, or three!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif;"><b style="font-size: 14px;">Free Downloads</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"> - I will be sharing many of the Lapbooks, Unit Studies, File Folder games & Notebooking pages here in the next couple of months.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Return of some of our favorite writings:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Wacky Science Wednesday</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Friday Freebies</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Story-time</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Stay tuned to witness all that the LORD has in store! Join us in thanksgiving to the LORD for all that HE has done and continues to do in the lives of His children.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; text-align: center;">Joyful & blessed homeschooling to you!</div></div></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic;"></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic;"></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" imageanchor="1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #940f04; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">aka The Joyful Socks Mom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE7YvAYg0aI/AAAAAAAABos/nZVGGCry6tw/S150/joyful+socks+mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE7YvAYg0aI/AAAAAAAABos/nZVGGCry6tw/S150/joyful+socks+mom.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.TheMacRak.com</span></a></div></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;">http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-3982118660818164945?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-35833214323688381322010-09-08T20:23:00.001-05:002010-09-08T20:31:59.998-05:00Math Tutor DVDs: Giving Math a Better Name<div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Let's just begin by saying that this week's reviews will cover products for homeschoolers in the subject of Math. Many of you know my own personal feelings about that particular subject. *ahem* I will be brushing all prior prejudice on the subject of math to the wayside, in order to bring you this week's <a href="http://themacrak.blogspot.com/search/label/TOS%20Crew">TOS Reviews</a>. *grin*</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;"><img alt="math_4_u_color.png" height="190" src="http://www.pdclipart.org/albums/Education/math_4_u_color.png" width="200" /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Today's math enrichment product comes from <a href="http://www.mathtutordvd.com/">Math Tutor</a>. The two DVDs that I reviewed, with the help of a trusted advisor (read more later), were <a href="http://www.mathtutordvd.com/products/item66.cfm">The Pre-Algebra Tutor DVD</a> & <a href="http://www.mathtutordvd.com/products/item63.cfm">The TI-84/TI-83 Graphing Calculator Tutor DVD</a>. They retail from <a href="http://www.mathtutordvd.com/">Math Tutor</a> for $26.99 each, with a super guarantee of raising your student's grades or your money back! Now, that is what I'm talking about!</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">I am glad to report, that the folks at <a href="http://www.mathtutordvd.com/">Math Tutor</a> really know what they are doing! The amount of time dedicated to each subject and practice problems shows they have a true love of teaching. That's what I like most about these DVDs. The sheer volume of practice used in these DVDs could help instill major math concepts in the most reluctant of math students. *hint, hint - nudge, nudge* <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><img alt="tiny smiley happy" src="http://www.pdclipart.org/albums/Small_Icons/tiny_smiley_happy.png" /></span> Students that feel that they are "bad" at math need that extra boost of confidence and consistency in instruction. I believe this DVD series is one that would give much confidence to such a student. Each subject is broken down with such careful detail that students will be able to gain vast insight in these subject areas, helping them to develop stronger skills. Any math enrichment that helps a student tackle problems with ease and greater confidence, is well worth its weight in gold. If they no longer live in dread of math, you are giving them the gift of a lifetime. Math Tutor helps to give that gift.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">The price is just right for homeschoolers to afford such a wonderful resource for math enrichment. Math tutoring can be quite costly and these DVDs offer a more practical and economical solution. We loved these DVDs so much, we used them on our babysitter (a 16 year old homeschooler from church). She liked the <a href="http://www.mathtutordvd.com/products/item66.cfm">Pre-Algebra DVD</a> and said it made everything more "approachable". She even came back to babysit . . . so, there you go! End of story. If it gets a 16 year old's approval, then it gets mine.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"></div><table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" valign="top"><div class="articleheadline" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #1e399d; font-family: arial, verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.mathtutordvd.com/products/item66.cfm">The Pre-Algebra Tutor: Volume 1</a></div><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" width="181"><img alt="The Pre-Algebra Tutor: Volume 1" height="250" hspace="5" src="http://www.mathtutordvd.com/products/images/item66.jpg" vspace="10" width="181" /></td><td style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><img height="1" src="http://www.mathtutordvd.com/products/images/space.gif" width="10" /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><strong>Total Run Time 5 Hours:</strong><br /><strong>DVD Chapter Index</strong><br /><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><strong>Disk 1</strong>Sect 1 - Real Numbers<br />Sect 2 - The Number Line<br />Sect 3 - Greater Than, Less Than, Equal To<br />Sect 4 - Absolute Value and Adding Integers<br />Sect 5 - Subtracting Integers</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><strong>Disk 2</strong><br />Sect 6 - Multiplying Integers<br />Sect 7 - Dividing Integers<br />Sect 8 - Powers and Exponents<br />Sect 9 - Order of Operations</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><strong><span style="background-color: #ffff99; color: red;"><br /></span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="background-color: #ffff99; color: red;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3366ff; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;">Sample Clips From This 5 Hour DVD Course:</span></span></span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;"><object data="http://www.youtube.com/v/k_U5zKCtYh0&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" height="385" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480"></object></div><br /><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;"><object data="http://www.youtube.com/v/6PZ0L5zfQJw&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" height="385" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480"></object></div><br /><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;"><object data="http://www.youtube.com/v/QcN2VT6Ks7s&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" height="385" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480"></object></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="articleheadline" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #1e399d; font-family: arial, verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.mathtutordvd.com/products/item63.cfm">Unlock the Power of your TI-84 / TI-83 Graphing Calculator!</a></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="text-align: right;"><tbody></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.mathtutordvd.com/products/images/item63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Unlock the Power of your TI-84 / TI-83 Graphing Calculator!" border="0" height="250" hspace="5" src="http://www.mathtutordvd.com/products/images/item63.jpg" vspace="10" width="181" /></a></div><div class="lead" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #993300; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>This DVD will improve your usage of the TI-84 / TI-83 calculator or your money back!</strong></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #993300; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Total DVD Run Time: 8 Hours</strong></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: #000099; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Disk 1</strong></span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: left;">Section 1: Overview of the Calculator</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 2: The Mode Menu</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 3: Basic Arithmetic and Exponents</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 4: Logarithms and Square Roots</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 5: Sin, Cos, Tan</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 6: Scientific Notation and Storing Variables</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 7: The Math Menu and Catalog Menu</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 8: Convert between Fractions and Decimals</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 9: Finding the Min and Max of a Function</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 10: Calculating Derivatives and Integrals</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 11: Absolute Value, Rounding, and Integers</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 12: Converting between Degrees and Radians</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 13: Working with Complex Numbers</div></span><br /><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Disk 2</strong></span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: left;">Section 14: Using the Equation Solver</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 15: Graphing and Tracing Functions</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 16: Using Tables and Split Screen Modes</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 17: Find the Exact Value of a Function Using Graphing</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 18: Finding the Zeros of a Function using Graphing</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 19: Finding the Max and Min of a Function using Graphing</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 20: Finding Intersections of Functions using Graphing</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 21: Finding the Derivative of a Function by Graphing</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 22: Calculating the Definite Integral by Graphing</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 23: Drawing on a Graph</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 24: Graphing and Tracing Sequences</div></span><br /><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Disk 3</strong></span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: left;">Section 25: Graphing and Tracing Parametric Equations</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 26: Converting between Rectangular and Polar Coordinates</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 27: Graphing and Tracing Polar Equations</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 28: Permutations, Combinations, and Factorial</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 29: Working with Histograms and Box Plots</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 30: Graphing Statistical Scatter Plots</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 31: Calculating Mean, Median, Standard Deviation, and more</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 32: Performing Statistical Regression</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 33: Calculating with Matrices</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 34: Solving Systems of Equations with Matrices</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 35: Calculating Interest Rates</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 36: Calculating Mortgages and Loans</div><div style="text-align: left;">Section 37: Calculating Savings and Investments</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px;"><i></i></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">Joyful & blessed homeschooling to you!</div></div></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"></div><div></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #940f04; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">aka The Joyful Socks Mom</div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.com/" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.TheMacRak.com</span></a></div></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;">http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/</a></span></div></i></span></div></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-3583321432368838132?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-60975302861673296702010-09-06T14:34:00.000-05:002010-09-06T14:34:35.657-05:00Our Morning Board<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://themacrak.com/homeschoolhelp.aspx"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TIRSeDDjq6I/AAAAAAAABqI/nGvmGyOohmw/s320/Mac+Homeschool+Button.jpg" /></a></div><br />I have long been an admirer of <a href="http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html">Jolathe</a> at <a href="http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/">Homeschool Creations</a>. If only I could get my homeschool mommy act together like that, Wow! I have been inspired and renewed by many of her posts, encouragements and methods. Recently I have been attempting to re-create her <a href="http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/2010/03/homeschool-calendar-morning-board.html">Calendar & Morning board</a> for our homeschool area. The best laid plans are just not working! With the new <a href="http://www.shapeacademy.com/">homeschool co-op</a>, my part-time job, blogging and product reviews, well, let's just say, "It's not happening." The kids and I have an academic schedule that we are adapting well to, but I feel that the children and I both need a longer pause in the morning before we hit the books. I am currently feeling a tad too much angst over the hurried pace in the morning. So . . .<br /><br />1. COMMITMENT - I have committed to taking more time in the morning to set "the tone". I do not want the kids feeling so rushed to get out the door, that Bible Devotion, prayer & reflection goes out the window, along with the day. We need to center our morning and remind ourselves why we do what we do.<br /><br />2. DROP THE GUILT - O.K. I am rushing around a ton lately, not getting everything done that fits my perfect little "Leave It To Beaver" household picture. Oh well, I am building a bridge and getting over it. I am granting myself some grace & some space for adjustment. Whew, that felt good. Thank you Jesus!<br /><br />3. THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX - We need our calender, we need to center our morning on devotion, scripture and taking a moment. No time to do it the beautiful, creative and crafty way (like our friends at <a href="http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/2010/03/homeschool-calendar-morning-board.html">Homeschool Creations</a>) . . . Solution, the <a href="http://themacrak.blogspot.com/p/live-morning-board.html"><b>LIVE Virtual Morning Board</b></a>!<br /><br />How to use the <a href="http://themacrak.blogspot.com/p/live-morning-board.html"><b>LIVE Morning Board</b></a>:<br /><br /><ul><li>Gather the kiddos round the computer</li><li>Grab your Bible</li><li>Click on the Morning Board link</li><li>Enjoy your moment!</li></ul><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px;"><i></i></span><br /><i></i><br /><i><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">Joyful & blessed homeschooling to you!</div></div></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"></div><div></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #940f04; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; padding-bottom: -60px; padding-left: -60px; padding-right: -60px; padding-top: -60px;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">aka The Joyful Socks Mom</div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.com/" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.TheMacRak.com</span></a></div></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;">http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/</a></span></div></i><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-6097530286167329670?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-68991245215276648202010-09-04T09:44:00.000-05:002010-09-04T09:44:33.510-05:00Labor of Love Sale: The Oldschoolhouse Magazine<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br /><h1 style="font-size: 22px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">LABOR OF LOVE Sale</span></span></h1><h3 style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">A homeschool family can always do with an extra helping hand, and this is one helping hand we love!</span></h3><h3 style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Shop now until midnight September 15 for deep discounts on our U.S. and Canadian subscriptions for our favorite magazine here at </span><a href="http://www.themacrak.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">The Mac Rak</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">, TOS magazine. This is a limited discount, so hurry—only 5,000 are available!</span></h3><h3 style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Get a one-year print subscription—new, renewal, or a gift for a friend—for only $7.95 (U.S. and Canada)! New subscriptions start with Winter 2010. That's a "steal-of-a-deal".</span></h3><h3 style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Don’t want to wait for your magazine? Get a one-year + current issue subscription for $12.95 (U.S. and Canada). This subscription will start with Fall 2010 magazine.</span></h3><h3 style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Finally, we have our digital one-year subscriptions for only $6.95—new and renewals.</span></h3><h3 style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 16px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=185055&u=404433&m=9286&urllink=&afftrack="><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/9286/HSLabor140x180-2010.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; line-height: 22px;" /></span></a></h3><h3 style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">By the way, have you heard about our new home and school planners for both students and parents? We have a super deal with lots of freebies for your site visitors! Here’s the information:</span></h3><h3 style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">From now until September 13, buy an</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> <a href="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=191_193">E-Planner, Planner on CD, Planner E-Book, or Planner CD</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> with Student Planner and get the 2008 and 2009 Planner modules and the WeE-book insect bundle free—that’s 27 free E-books!</span></h3><h3 style="color: rgb(0, 110, 18) !important; font-size: 17px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 16px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=191_193"><img border="0" src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/9286/StudentPlannersStoreFront.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; line-height: 22px;" /></a></h3><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px;"><i></i></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px;"><i></i></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">Joyful & blessed homeschooling to you!</div></div></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"></div><div></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #940f04; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; padding-bottom: -60px; padding-left: -60px; padding-right: -60px; padding-top: -60px;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">aka The Joyful Socks Mom</div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.com/" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.TheMacRak.com</span></a></div></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;">http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/</a></span></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">More from The Old Schoolhouse store</div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div></i></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=50928&u=404433&m=9286&urllink=&afftrack=">At Home Where They Belong</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=50932&u=404433&m=9286&urllink=&afftrack=">Encouragement and helpful support for the homeschool mom. </a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=50929&u=404433&m=9286&urllink=&afftrack=">You're there for them, we're here for you--The Old Schoolhouse Magazine</a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-6899124521527664820?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-42730478674627533422010-09-03T05:03:00.009-05:002010-09-04T09:01:10.055-05:00Spelling City Launching Us Back-to-School<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"></span><br /><h2 class="ecxstyle1" style="color: rgb(0, 110, 18) !important; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Getting Back-to-School with Spelling City</h2><div style="line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"></span></div><div style="line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="SpellingCity Home Page" src="http://www.spellingcity.com/newsletters/images/sp-cty-eml-tpl_01.jpg" /></div><div style="line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The excitement of going back-to-the-books is always filled with an explosion of activity. The extracurriculars, sporting events,co-op planning, family fun weekends & the newness of books, supplies and bags can keep we homeschoolers running just as much as our public school counterparts. Behind all the joy of back-to-school lurks a heavy anxiety that can get most normal parents frayed at the edges, somewhere close to the line of insanity . . . oh wait, that must just be me! "Are my kids ready to rise to the next level of achievement?" "Will they rise to the excellence that we are hoping to reach in their education?" Well, if this is you too, here is a super resource to help you rise above the "fray" with your sanity in tact. <a href="http://spellingcity.com/">SpellingCity.com</a> is a great resource for getting your kids ready for that next and higher level of work that they will experience this year. Forget the workbooks and start them here to be engaged and challenged on the next level.</div><div style="line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Spelling City offers many engaging options for students to rise to the next level . . . and in more than just Spelling. This site offers Vocabulary and Grammar drills for each and every grade level and age. The site has many resources for parents and teachers to use: wonderful printables, handwriting practices with spelling lists included, writing instructions to use while working, literature & phonics-based word lists, student writing practice and state-specific geography games & printables. The wonderful and creative games that <a href="http://spellingcity.com/">SpellingCity.com</a> offers for the kids will help them each rise to that next level of achievement: Speedy Speller, Missing Letter, Test Me Spelling, Hang Mouse, Match It, Letter Fall and much more. So toss the workbooks & lets get to drilling the fun way!</div><div style="line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="HangMouse" src="http://www.spellingcity.com/images/stories/banner/hangmouse_full.gif" /></div><div style="line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;">In this great spin on "Hangman", you must guess the correct spelling and word. When you miss, the kitty-cat gets a little closer to Mr. Mouse . . . yikes!</span></div><div style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="LetterFall" src="http://www.spellingcity.com/images/stories/banner/letterfall.gif" /></div></div><div style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: center;">Catch the falling letters to help Mr. Mouse spell out the word. Run mousy, run!</div></div><div style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="MatchIt!" src="http://www.spellingcity.com/images/stories/banner/speedyspeller_full.gif" /></div></div><div style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: center;">Kids race the clock and each other to see who can spell the quickest in all the land!</div></div><div style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; color: black; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"></span></div><div style="line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">What am I super loving about this educational resource site? <a href="http://spellingcity.com/">SpellingCity.com</a> can be used, in many ways, for no charge! Many games and printables are still available online for FREE. Yep, that's for me! They also offer a great value <a href="http://www.spellingcity.com/premium-membership-2.html">Premium Membership</a> that allows educators, students and parents the ultimate experience and a virtual unlimited educational blessing. With the Premium Membership beggining at $24.99 for an annual family license ($49.99 for a classroom) the best stuff is right at your fingertips.</div></div><div style="line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"></span></div><div style="line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 14px;">A Premium Membership:</strong></div><ul style="line-height: 14px; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 14px;"><b style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 14px;"><b style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 14px;"><a href="http://www.spellingcity.com/letterfall.html?utm_source=SpellingCity&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_campaign=SC%20NL%2014Aug10" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img align="right" alt="LetterFall" border="1" height="100" src="http://www.spellingcity.com/newsletters/images/letterfall300.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 15px;" width="150" /></a></b></b></strong>Automatically tracks student test scores so you don’t have to grade tests or record scores.</li><li style="line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 14px;"><b style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 14px;"><b style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 14px;"></b></b></strong>Tracks students' activities on SpellingCity.</li><li style="line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Provides a gradebook and individual records.</li><li style="line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Enables the Premium Games, <a href="http://www.spellingcity.com/letterfall.html?utm_source=SpellingCity&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_campaign=SC%20NL%2014Aug10" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">LetterFall</a> and <a href="http://www.spellingcity.com/speedyspeller.html?utm_source=SpellingCity&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_campaign=SC%20NL%2014Aug10" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">SpeedySpeller</a>.</li><li style="line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Allows you to read the students’ writing exercises, respond to them, and keep records, all online! It’s green and efficient.</li></ul><div style="line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;"></span></div><table style="text-align: center;"><tbody><tr style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><td style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;" valign="top"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><div align="center" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"></div>Check - out a fun spelling test I, myself, could not resist . . .<br /><br />Here is my FOOTBALL FANATIC spelling test 100% . . . no surprise there!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><div class="resultsTableDiv" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffab; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: center; width: 415px;"><img align="middle" alt="spellingcity.com - result list header" src="http://www.spellingcity.com/components/com_spellcity/images/resultListHead.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br /><table class="resultsTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; text-align: center; width: 375px;"><tbody><tr style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><td class="spelledWordResultCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://www.spellingcity.com/components/com_spellcity/images/redcheckmark.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></td><td class="spelledWordCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: red; border-left-style: double; border-left-width: 3px; color: black; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; width: 300px;"><div id="spelledWordCellfootball" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span class="spelledWord" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">football </span></div></td><td class="spelledWordTeachMeCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><input class="button" type="button" value="Teach Me" /></span></td></tr><tr style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><td class="spelledWordResultCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://www.spellingcity.com/components/com_spellcity/images/redcheckmark.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></td><td class="spelledWordCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: red; border-left-style: double; border-left-width: 3px; color: black; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; width: 300px;"><div id="spelledWordCelltackle" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span class="spelledWord" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">tackle </span></div></td><td class="spelledWordTeachMeCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><input class="button" type="button" value="Teach Me" /></span></td></tr><tr style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><td class="spelledWordResultCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://www.spellingcity.com/components/com_spellcity/images/redcheckmark.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></td><td class="spelledWordCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: red; border-left-style: double; border-left-width: 3px; color: black; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; width: 300px;"><div id="spelledWordCellhelmet" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span class="spelledWord" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">helmet </span></div></td><td class="spelledWordTeachMeCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><input class="button" type="button" value="Teach Me" /></span></td></tr><tr style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><td class="spelledWordResultCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://www.spellingcity.com/components/com_spellcity/images/redcheckmark.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></td><td class="spelledWordCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: red; border-left-style: double; border-left-width: 3px; color: black; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; width: 300px;"><div id="spelledWordCellfield_goal" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span class="spelledWord" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">field goal </span></div></td><td class="spelledWordTeachMeCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><input class="button" type="button" value="Teach Me" /></span></td></tr><tr style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><td class="spelledWordResultCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://www.spellingcity.com/components/com_spellcity/images/redcheckmark.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></td><td class="spelledWordCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: red; border-left-style: double; border-left-width: 3px; color: black; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; width: 300px;"><div id="spelledWordCellfumble" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span class="spelledWord" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">fumble </span></div></td><td class="spelledWordTeachMeCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><input class="button" type="button" value="Teach Me" /></span></td></tr><tr style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><td class="spelledWordResultCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://www.spellingcity.com/components/com_spellcity/images/redcheckmark.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></td><td class="spelledWordCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: red; border-left-style: double; border-left-width: 3px; color: black; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; width: 300px;"><div id="spelledWordCellblitz" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span class="spelledWord" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">blitz </span></div></td><td class="spelledWordTeachMeCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><input class="button" type="button" value="Teach Me" /></span></td></tr><tr style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><td class="spelledWordResultCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://www.spellingcity.com/components/com_spellcity/images/redcheckmark.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></td><td class="spelledWordCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: red; border-left-style: double; border-left-width: 3px; color: black; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; width: 300px;"><div id="spelledWordCellstadium" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span class="spelledWord" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">stadium </span></div></td><td class="spelledWordTeachMeCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><input class="button" type="button" value="Teach Me" /></span></td></tr><tr style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><td class="spelledWordResultCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://www.spellingcity.com/components/com_spellcity/images/redcheckmark.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></td><td class="spelledWordCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: red; border-left-style: double; border-left-width: 3px; color: black; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; width: 300px;"><div id="spelledWordCellrushing" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span class="spelledWord" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">rushing </span></div></td><td class="spelledWordTeachMeCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><input class="button" type="button" value="Teach Me" /></span></td></tr><tr style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><td class="spelledWordResultCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://www.spellingcity.com/components/com_spellcity/images/redcheckmark.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></td><td class="spelledWordCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: red; border-left-style: double; border-left-width: 3px; color: black; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; width: 300px;"><div id="spelledWordCelltouchdown" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span class="spelledWord" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">touchdown </span></div></td><td class="spelledWordTeachMeCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><input class="button" type="button" value="Teach Me" /></span></td></tr><tr style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><td class="spelledWordResultCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://www.spellingcity.com/components/com_spellcity/images/redcheckmark.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></td><td class="spelledWordCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: red; border-left-style: double; border-left-width: 3px; color: black; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; width: 300px;"><div id="spelledWordCellteam" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span class="spelledWord" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">team </span></div></td><td class="spelledWordTeachMeCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><input class="button" type="button" value="Teach Me" /></span></td></tr><tr style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><td class="spelledWordResultCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://www.spellingcity.com/components/com_spellcity/images/redcheckmark.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></td><td class="spelledWordCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: red; border-left-style: double; border-left-width: 3px; color: black; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; width: 300px;"><div id="spelledWordCellpassing" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span class="spelledWord" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">passing </span></div></td><td class="spelledWordTeachMeCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><input class="button" type="button" value="Teach Me" /></span></td></tr><tr style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><td class="spelledWordResultCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://www.spellingcity.com/components/com_spellcity/images/redcheckmark.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></td><td class="spelledWordCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: red; border-left-style: double; border-left-width: 3px; color: black; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; width: 300px;"><div id="spelledWordCellinterception" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span class="spelledWord" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">interception </span></div></td><td class="spelledWordTeachMeCell" style="border-bottom-color: blue; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Century Gothic', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><input class="button" type="button" value="Teach Me" /></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">* I received a complimentary membership during the review of this product. I have received no reimbursement, of any kind, for the review I have just given of this product. All the views and opinions expressed in the review are my own, and I was not compensated for posting them.*</span></i></span></div></div><div style="line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Myriad Web', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal;"></span></span></i></span></div><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i></i><br /><i><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">Joyful & blessed homeschooling to you!</div></div></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"></div><div></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #940f04; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; padding-bottom: -60px; padding-left: -60px; padding-right: -60px; padding-top: -60px;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">aka The Joyful Socks Mom</div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.com/" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.TheMacRak.com</span></a></div></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;">http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/</a></span></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">Need some super Spelling resources, here are some of my favorites:</div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=machom-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B00000JIFO&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: left; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=machom-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=188882719X&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: left; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=machom-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B00000IWDB&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: left; width: 131px;"></iframe></div></i><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-4273047867462753342?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-19037172296220255832010-07-29T08:02:00.000-05:002010-07-29T08:02:11.963-05:00A Well-Spent Summer Journal: More Summer School Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TDz6HeFMQsI/AAAAAAAABkU/p0utgFwzPPc/s1600/A+Summer+Well-Spent+Summer+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TDz6HeFMQsI/AAAAAAAABkU/p0utgFwzPPc/s320/A+Summer+Well-Spent+Summer+2010.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Summer School Fun continued . . . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is a glimpse of some of the summer schooling activities we have been enjoying.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE7TGcbT-XI/AAAAAAAABoI/9YYGRgyQl0Y/s1600/DSC01354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE7TGcbT-XI/AAAAAAAABoI/9YYGRgyQl0Y/s320/DSC01354.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Squeaker and Scout working on portraits of their dog . . . Duchess Gertrude Esther the 1st . . . don't ask. They gave the portraits to our retired neighbors who love our dog and spoil her totally rotten!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE7U4yb02gI/AAAAAAAABoQ/EU1_vA-fahs/s1600/incredible+bubble+show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE7U4yb02gI/AAAAAAAABoQ/EU1_vA-fahs/s320/incredible+bubble+show.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have had lots of fun at our local library. During the reading program this summer we have enjoyed circus clowns (O.K., no me so much . . . clowns freak me out), snakes and the Incredible Bubble Lady (shown above).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE7VnPfOQ1I/AAAAAAAABoY/_4JZ7myymuo/s1600/librarian+in+a+bubble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE7VnPfOQ1I/AAAAAAAABoY/_4JZ7myymuo/s320/librarian+in+a+bubble.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Librarian in a bubble!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Our Juvenile Librarian (her title, not her attitude . . . well sometimes) in the giant bubble.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We love you Courtney!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We pray you are all enjoying a safe and blessed summer schooling season.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></span></div><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;">Joyful & blessed homeschooling to you!</div></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"></div><div></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #940f04; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; padding-bottom: -60px; padding-left: -60px; padding-right: -60px; padding-top: -60px;" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.com/" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.TheMacRak.com</span></a></div></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;">http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-1903717229622025583?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-5489885225348011352010-07-26T20:34:00.000-05:002010-07-26T20:34:26.041-05:00Muffin Tin Monday: Mexican Food<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://michellesjournalcorner.blogspot.com/search/label/Muffin%20Tin%20Monday" target="_blank"><img alt="Muffin Tin Monday at Her Cup Overfloweth" border="0" src="http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt151/vistamommy/MTM125Button.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A Little Bit-o-Muffin Tin-Mexican</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have ventured into the fun world of the <a href="http://michellesjournalcorner.blogspot.com/search/label/Muffin%20Tin%20Monday">Muffin Tin Monday</a> post. I have been a long time "lurker", but no more, I'm ready to dive into the fun. The Bug acted like I was the coolest thing since sliced bread! Why? She got to eat dinner out of a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wilton-Silicone-Mini-Spiders-Webs/dp/B001D1IS5E?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">muffin tin</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001D1IS5E" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. . . O.K.? I'm not sure why that is so awesome, but apparently it is. I set the tray in front of her for dinner and she squealed with delight, professing over and over, "You are the best mommy in the whole wide world!" So, if you are a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-3768-Mini-Muffin-Tin/dp/B000F741K8?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Muffin Tin</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000F741K8" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> Monday "lurker", I encourage you to come out into the sunshine and fill up that muffin tin. You may win mother-of-the-year!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE4y5cWP-cI/AAAAAAAABnw/dZ9_fvPDf_Q/s1600/mtm+07262010+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE4y5cWP-cI/AAAAAAAABnw/dZ9_fvPDf_Q/s320/mtm+07262010+1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From top-left, clockwise:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Home-made corn tortilla chips, wild blueberry rice cakes, dehydrated cucumbers, chocolate-covered animal crackers (just a little treat, trust me, this is not the norm), taco meat & home-made refried beans.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE4zSS0yrDI/AAAAAAAABn4/AoYcqqZEFNE/s1600/katy+with+muffin+tin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TE4zSS0yrDI/AAAAAAAABn4/AoYcqqZEFNE/s320/katy+with+muffin+tin.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 little muffin tin = 1 happy Bug</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-size: 14px;"></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;">Joyful & blessed homeschooling to you!</div></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"></div><div></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #940f04; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; padding-bottom: -60px; padding-left: -60px; padding-right: -60px; padding-top: -60px;" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.com/" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.TheMacRak.com</span></a></div></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;">http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/</a></span></div></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-548988522534801135?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-82318132217076953302010-07-24T12:16:00.000-05:002010-07-24T12:16:02.455-05:00A Well-Spent Summer Journal: Texas-style Independence Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TDzyN7VTaGI/AAAAAAAABkM/cuy3_1V9Vhs/s320/A+Summer+Well-Spent+Summer+2010.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A Hometown Independence Day</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The summer has been flying by and I realized that I haven't been blogging about all the wonderfully fun activities that we have been doing. So . . . let's back up a little for the in our <a href="http://themacrak.blogspot.com/search/label/a%20summer%20well-spent">journal</a> to get you up to speed.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year for the 4th of July, I got stuck (hard to imagine, I know) on keeping the kids focused on the reality and truth of the celebration of Independence Day. The big stickler for me this year was being sure the kids knew why we feel it is important to celebrate <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Will-Sign-Here-John-Hancock/dp/069811440X?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Independence Day</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=069811440X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b> and not just "the 4th". The difference may be in semantics, but I'm sticking to this one! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you are referencing the date, as opposed to the holiday itself, you loose a little bit of its significance. This is the very same reason you will not her me say 9/11 in referring to the attacks on New York and Washington D.C. that fateful day in September 2001. I never want to "dumb-down" or "water-down" the reverence for a holiday or remembrance day when teaching our children. Thus, we practice reiterating Independence Day.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are a few things we did on Independence Day.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We started out in our hometown parade. Sorry, no pictures. We were in the parade, marching for the local non-profit that I work for, <a href="http://www.missiongranbury.org/">Mission Granbury</a>. Here is a video clip that the newspaper posted . . . not all that riveting (small town parade and all), but you can see us right after the Pirate little league baseball and cheerleader. Mrs. Mac is on the opposite side of black truck, with cowboy hat on. The girls are in the CASA & Mission Granbury float . . . just F.Y.I.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8-7HLpPvZ3c&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8-7HLpPvZ3c&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Celebrating the birthday of the Declaration of Independence!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TDzyN7VTaGI/AAAAAAAABkM/cuy3_1V9Vhs/s1600/A+Summer+Well-Spent+Summer+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TErdZNucgBI/AAAAAAAABnU/UjLHPO7R4Q4/s1600/happy+birthday+usa+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TErdZNucgBI/AAAAAAAABnU/UjLHPO7R4Q4/s320/happy+birthday+usa+cake.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had the girls celebrate with some little Happy Birthday greeting cakes. Then we read some stories about the beginnings of our nation. This book by<a href="http://www.amazon.com/American-History-Stories-Yesterdays-Classics/dp/1599152037?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"> Mara L. Pratt</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1599152037" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> is one of our favorites.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=machom-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1599152037&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: left; width: 131px;"></iframe></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEreaggdrWI/AAAAAAAABnc/QGrkQL8oBl0/s1600/cowgirlered+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEreaggdrWI/AAAAAAAABnc/QGrkQL8oBl0/s320/cowgirlered+up.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Squeaker & the Bug all "cowgirled-up"! Yep, we're from Texas, so what better way to spend Independence Day than at the rodeo?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TErZg30LzJI/AAAAAAAABms/OM5rFgT-Odo/s1600/4th+of+july.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TErZg30LzJI/AAAAAAAABms/OM5rFgT-Odo/s320/4th+of+july.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hmmm . . . doesn't look like Mrs. Mac enjoys getting her picture taken as much as she enjoys taking them. (Thanks Big Daddy Mac!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TErcF3QhzKI/AAAAAAAABnM/UcHA8KskKrc/s1600/hometown+4th+ranch+rodeo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TErcF3QhzKI/AAAAAAAABnM/UcHA8KskKrc/s320/hometown+4th+ranch+rodeo.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Granbury Riders were so fun to watch, but what was the favorite event . . . Wild Brauma Cow Milking! Yep, it's real! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEraTbirIDI/AAAAAAAABm0/6x-vmkvjZGU/s1600/4th+july+rodeo+madison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEraTbirIDI/AAAAAAAABm0/6x-vmkvjZGU/s320/4th+july+rodeo+madison.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TErashyy0TI/AAAAAAAABm8/kB6rLLZNJJ0/s1600/4th+bug+and+mr+hockey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TErashyy0TI/AAAAAAAABm8/kB6rLLZNJJ0/s320/4th+bug+and+mr+hockey.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Bug & her cuz, Mr. Hockey, enjoy the sights of the rodeo up-close-and-personal. The older kids (minus the Bug) enjoyed a little Mutton bustin' - chasing after a sheep trying to catch the one with the ribbon on it's tail.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TErbp0kbVSI/AAAAAAAABnE/CQUXHE1AarE/s1600/4th+july+rodeo+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TErbp0kbVSI/AAAAAAAABnE/CQUXHE1AarE/s320/4th+july+rodeo+2010.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We hope that you all had a blessed and joyful Independence Day too.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Macs say . . .HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px;"></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;">Happy homeschooling!</div></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"></div><div></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #940f04; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; padding-bottom: -60px; padding-left: -60px; padding-right: -60px; padding-top: -60px;" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.com/" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.TheMacRak.com</span></a></div></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;">http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/</a></span></div></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-8231813221707695330?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-48481007299626989742010-07-22T04:00:00.004-05:002010-07-22T07:07:41.188-05:00Travel Kits Ebook Review<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>A Simple Way to Bless Others </i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ebook Review</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="E-Book: Travel Kits: A Simple Way to Bless Others" height="320" src="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/images/products/travelkits_cover_sm.jpg" width="248" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Homeschoolers spend hours in the car, SUV or (for many of us) a white conversion van! lol! People constantly here me say "Hey, we're homeschoolers, we don't travel lite . . . we just travel!" The reason you would hear me saying this is in response to what people witness when I am shuffling my crew through the door. They see my family loaded down with mountains of board games, educational materials, notebooks, books and healthy snacks. Why? I will not allow the versatility of homeschooling to get in the way of me actually educating my children. (I know, I'm just funny that way!) Now, thanks to the </span><a href="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_201&products_id=15670/r.cfm?b=202969&u=404433&m=9286&u"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Old Schoolhouse</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, I have found a better option.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I received a copy of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #363636; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_201&products_id=15670/r.cfm?b=202969&u=404433&m=9286&u"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Travel Kits: A Simple Way to Bless Others</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> ebook</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #363636;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> to review for <a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/782824/">TOS Homeschool Crew</a>. This ebook came just in time for me to enjoy for traveling during the summer months and the daunting task of planning for the next session of academic classes. The </span><a href="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_201&products_id=15670/r.cfm?b=202969&u=404433&m=9286&u"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Travel Kit</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> ebook is well-planned and easy to navigate throughout the entire read. This ebook is written in a format that will please those who do not want miss a detail & even those "skim-through it" kind of readers. This ebook is designed to help you creatively plan your next road trip to include fun, activities and maybe even some education, while traveling around the country or around the block.</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img height="278" src="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/TOSGraphics/TravelKitspagespread2.jpg" width="400" /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, what is a <a href="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_201&products_id=15670/r.cfm?b=202969&u=404433&m=9286&u">Travel Kit</a> you say? A Travel Kit is a "blessing in a box" - or any other container that you may choose. You fill your container with individually wrapped gifts, toys and activities for your crew to enjoy while journeying. You can create many wonderful varieties of <a href="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_201&products_id=15670/r.cfm?b=202969&u=404433&m=9286&u">Travel Kits</a> to please, entertain and educate your children on any upcoming road trip. I was pleased with the way the ebook simply and effectively describes how to plan and build these wonderful travel kits. This ebook also is full of creative ideas and themes for creating your own one-of-a-kind <a href="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_201&products_id=15670/r.cfm?b=202969&u=404433&m=9286&u">Travel Kits</a>. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w225/abcomomof3/2010/May-June/DSC_9840.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Making and using these <a href="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_201&products_id=15670/r.cfm?b=202969&u=404433&m=9286&u">Travel Kits</a> can be a new and economical way to inspire and bless others. Who wouldn't love to take along a hand-assembled <a href="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_201&products_id=15670/r.cfm?b=202969&u=404433&m=9286&u">Travel Kit</a>? You can give these unique items as gifts for children's birthdays or to fellow homeschool families. Young children are not the only people that will love these <a href="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_201&products_id=15670/r.cfm?b=202969&u=404433&m=9286&u">Travel Kits</a> . . . neighbors, friends, high school grads, traveling dads, grandparents . . . well, basically anyone on your list! No matter the person, or the destination, you are only limited by your imagination.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can purchase this fun and versitale ebook today at <a href="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_201&products_id=15670/r.cfm?b=202969&u=404433&m=9286&u">The Schoolhouse Store</a> online for $12.45. Be sure to check back soon, I was inspired to create my own Travel Kit for the kids. I am going to make double so . . . be on the look out for a giveaway!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px;"></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;">Joyful & blessed homeschooling to you!</div></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"></div><div></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #940f04; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; padding-bottom: -60px; padding-left: -60px; padding-right: -60px; padding-top: -60px;" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.com/" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.TheMacRak.com</span></a></div></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;">http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/</a></span><br /><br /></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><img src="http://homesweethomeschool.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/tos-crew-small.jpg?w=450&h=57" /><br /><br /></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Other items that you may love from The Schoolhouse Store:</div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></div><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=50933&u=404433&m=9286&urllink=&afftrack=">The Old Schoolhouse Magazine</a><br /><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=211299&u=404433&m=9286&urllink=&afftrack=">Freebie Directory</a><br /><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=162409&u=404433&m=9286&urllink=&afftrack=">HomeWork: Juggling Home, Work, and School Without Losing</a><br /><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=192250&u=404433&m=9286&urllink=&afftrack=">Get your free copy of the E-Book: The New School Year</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-4848100729962698974?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-73761189459208010422010-07-18T23:40:00.001-05:002010-07-18T23:45:40.673-05:00A Well-Spent Summer Journal: The Week at the Texas Capital<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TDzwJtbAcwI/AAAAAAAABkE/0jGoC6aVMAo/s320/A+Summer+Well-Spent+Summer+2010.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span">The Week at the Capital of Texas</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The girls and I took off last month on a journey to our state's capital . . . the largest state capital in the U.S. (of course). We are still journaling our "<a href="http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/a-summer-well-spent-150-activities-for-the-classically-educated-child/11182731">Summer Well-Spent</a>" while continuing the fun and learning during our summer schooling. Here is just a bit of the fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEL505dHZeI/AAAAAAAABk4/uS93hk_m23M/s1600/Austin+hotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEL505dHZeI/AAAAAAAABk4/uS93hk_m23M/s320/Austin+hotel.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here the Squeaker and the Bug are at our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Penny-Whistle-Traveling-Kids-Book/dp/0671881361?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">hotel</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0671881361" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" />. Kids are so funny, they just love hotels. Fancy ones, cheap ones . . . it just does not even seem to matter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEL6JyljdoI/AAAAAAAABlA/6DRrBjAMZW4/s1600/bubba+%26+katy+bug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEL6JyljdoI/AAAAAAAABlA/6DRrBjAMZW4/s320/bubba+%26+katy+bug.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is the Bug with her big bubba . . . let's just call him Mr. Monkey . . . trust me, he would not be offended! He lives and works in Austin and we had some quality hang-out time. Awesome!</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEL6rVBhbcI/AAAAAAAABlI/NgBMPZ__qYU/s1600/DSC01404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEL6rVBhbcI/AAAAAAAABlI/NgBMPZ__qYU/s320/DSC01404.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here the kids are observing the most OBVIOUS of any "public announcement" sign we have ever seen. You know, I sure am thankful they pointed out that birds roost in trees!Things that make you go hmmm. . . </div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEL7GkcNmBI/AAAAAAAABlQ/89Fwf_JN5_Y/s1600/madsion+%26+the+desert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEL7GkcNmBI/AAAAAAAABlQ/89Fwf_JN5_Y/s320/madsion+%26+the+desert.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Microwave-Desserts-Mug-Kids/dp/0980224438?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Dessert</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0980224438" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" />! Enough said.</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEL7bJW0gUI/AAAAAAAABlY/c6T7Agz9uIY/s1600/the+trio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEL7bJW0gUI/AAAAAAAABlY/c6T7Agz9uIY/s320/the+trio.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are the kids at their brother's apartment putting on a musical perfomance for mommy. I thought his place looked not so bad for a single guy's pad. </div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEL8CgkypDI/AAAAAAAABlg/I2BWhazViTQ/s1600/my+postcard+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEL8CgkypDI/AAAAAAAABlg/I2BWhazViTQ/s320/my+postcard+pic.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bluebonnet-Texas-State-Capitol/dp/1565542320?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Texas capitol</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1565542320" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" />.</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEL8dohZoPI/AAAAAAAABlo/D36rYi3CoHA/s1600/tx+history+stop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEL8dohZoPI/AAAAAAAABlo/D36rYi3CoHA/s320/tx+history+stop.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A Hero's Reward exhibit at the Capitol. We love our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Childs-History-Texas-Revised/dp/1571683569?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Texas history</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1571683569" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" />.</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEL800FaydI/AAAAAAAABlw/dkbqHhZ_rsc/s1600/cowgirls+in+austin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEL800FaydI/AAAAAAAABlw/dkbqHhZ_rsc/s320/cowgirls+in+austin.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Toy-Story-Jessie-Plush-Doll/dp/B003EE29RG?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">cowgirls</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003EE29RG" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /> take on Austin. Too cute!</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEL9OuJopzI/AAAAAAAABl4/LmZM7S2V9Ew/s1600/the+liberty+mini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEL9OuJopzI/AAAAAAAABl4/LmZM7S2V9Ew/s320/the+liberty+mini.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We loved this monument outside the capitol building. It was donated by the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boy-Scouts-America-Centennial-History/dp/0756656346?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Boys Scouts of America </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0756656346" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" />as a dedication to perserving the liberty and freedom this country was built on. The girls thought it was so cool that it was Scout-related. (I'm thinking they are missing their brother - the Scout is visiting family in Houston).</div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEL93VSvBmI/AAAAAAAABmA/TGWSsNh3UxA/s1600/barton+springs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEL93VSvBmI/AAAAAAAABmA/TGWSsNh3UxA/s320/barton+springs.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center">Here is the Squeaker at Barton Springs. It is a pool that is fed by a natural underground aquafier. This makes it freeeeeezing cold, even in the 102 degree Texas heat . . . </div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEL-cG8kTqI/AAAAAAAABmI/q6MxwoIz6a8/s1600/bug+wants+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEL-cG8kTqI/AAAAAAAABmI/q6MxwoIz6a8/s320/bug+wants+out.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">. . . can you tell the Bug thinks it's too cold!?!</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEL-0oGIHeI/AAAAAAAABmQ/16wB16r_9Sk/s1600/The+hotel+pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TEL-0oGIHeI/AAAAAAAABmQ/16wB16r_9Sk/s320/The+hotel+pool.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">The girl's favorite part of our trip? The hotel pool! What can I say? . . . we are easy to entertain folks.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Hope you are all having a <a href="http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/a-summer-well-spent-150-activities-for-the-classically-educated-child/11182731">Summer Well-Spent</a>!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Happy homeschooling!</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #940f04; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.com/" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.TheMacRak.com</span></a></div></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;">http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/</a></span></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-7376118945920801042?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-65458599600036736292010-07-14T07:55:00.001-05:002010-07-14T07:55:59.015-05:00Wordless Wednesday:Sacajawea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Wordless Wednesday</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TD2zG-MnlfI/AAAAAAAABkc/LsdwimZUhvU/s1600/The+birdwoman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TD2zG-MnlfI/AAAAAAAABkc/LsdwimZUhvU/s400/The+birdwoman.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Bug pretending to be her hero . . . <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Story-Sacajawea-Coloring-Pictorial-Archives/dp/0486423743?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Sacajawea</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0486423743" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">Blessed & Joyful Homeschooling!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #940f04; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; padding-bottom: -60px; padding-left: -60px; padding-right: -60px; padding-top: -60px;" /></a></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.com/" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.TheMacRak.com</span></a></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;">www.TheMacRak.blogspot.com</a></span></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">Don't forget, the summer isn't over yet!</div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">Get your <b><a href="http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/a-summer-well-spent-150-activities-for-the-classically-educated-child/11182731" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;">Summer Well-Spent ebook</a></b> today, for never ending summer fun & learning!!!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-6545859960003673629?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-26633111452865409692010-07-13T14:59:00.000-05:002010-07-13T14:59:47.542-05:00A Keepers Circle: He sees the bigger picture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TBRNa91wJLI/AAAAAAAABeQ/ipOwE8PPwx8/s1600/A+Keepers+Circle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TBRNa91wJLI/AAAAAAAABeQ/ipOwE8PPwx8/s200/A+Keepers+Circle.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">He sees the bigger picture . . . Do You?</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">During our recent visit to the Natural Science and History museum we paused in a room dedicated to engineering. Needless to say this is the Scout's favorite subject . . . give him legos or building blocks and leave him alone for thirty minutes and you will be amazed at the result. Well, the Scout and I teamed up to build something as a team. We chose these flat thin, </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/KEVA-200-Piece-Block-Set/dp/B00132BVES?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">KEVA, wooden building planks</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00132BVES" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> to build with and construct something worth while. We began by finding a design that we liked. We followed the pattern that was given to us. It was frustrating through out the entire process. The building blocks fell easily without a steady hand and careful placement. It took concentration and perseverance in order to keep building. We had to cheer one another on. We also had an outside circumstance effect our building process (a.k.a. a small toddler walking by who could not resist knocking our structure down).</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TBtuPMna2bI/AAAAAAAABhA/l94_vHzh0aw/s1600/broken+not+destoryed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TBtuPMna2bI/AAAAAAAABhA/l94_vHzh0aw/s320/broken+not+destoryed.jpg" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Grrrr . . . .</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We continued to build, regardless of the frustrations, trials and circumstance. We began to see the pattern forming into something beautiful. We were encouraged to continue building by others walking by, complementing us on our endurance and crafting abilities. Then finally we were able to look down upon our project and say, "Wow, it looks nice from this view!" </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Which, of course, got me to thinking & then blogging . . .</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TBtuQa4l9sI/AAAAAAAABhI/khm6KmSjFYE/s1600/ariel+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TBtuQa4l9sI/AAAAAAAABhI/khm6KmSjFYE/s320/ariel+view.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How many times in a day do I want to thow up my hands and say forget it? How many times as wife and mother do I say, "Forget it, nobody cares! What's the use"? I feel that sometimes, my management of my children and home is like the construction that the Scout and I built with our blocks. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have a pattern to follow (the Bible) and a drive to see it accomplished in our home and lives. Proceeding with care and caution in building sometimes works and sometimes it does not. Sometimes the only thing to hold onto is the hope that if you continue, the promise of a well-built structure will manifest. The outside circumstances can continually attempt to shake the foundation (your faith), but it is ultimately those who endure that will see the beautiful end result . . . a child, turned adult, dedicated to the Lord's service.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God made the pattern. He is in control. He sees what you are sacrificing. He will honor the faith and endurance you have applied to your children & home. Stay the course and He will receive the glory! After all, that is why we do what we do.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TBtuRMoO1oI/AAAAAAAABhQ/MO04cWpBgFI/s1600/finishing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TBtuRMoO1oI/AAAAAAAABhQ/MO04cWpBgFI/s320/finishing.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">Blessed & Joyful Homeschooling!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #940f04; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; padding-bottom: -60px; padding-left: -60px; padding-right: -60px; padding-top: -60px;" /></a></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.com/" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.TheMacRak.com</span></a></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;">www.TheMacRak.blogspot.com</a></span></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">Don't forget, the summer isn't over yet!</div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">Get your <b><a href="http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/a-summer-well-spent-150-activities-for-the-classically-educated-child/11182731" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;">Summer Well-Spent ebook</a></b> today, for never ending summer fun & learning!!!</div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - </div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">Here is some great inspiration for you mom!</div><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" style="background-image: url(http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/9YU0aNAHXP0/hqdefault.jpg);" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9YU0aNAHXP0&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9YU0aNAHXP0&hl=en_US&fs=1" width="425" height="344" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">more from Nicole & Fresh Brewed Ministries</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=machom-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0849903572&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: left; width: 131px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=machom-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0785267042&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: left; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-2663311145286540969?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-29826710227071785762010-07-13T14:19:00.000-05:002010-07-13T14:19:59.831-05:00A Well-Spent Summer Journal: Super Kid Craft Box<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Super Kid Craft Box</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How - To</span></span></b></div>The kids have been enjoying summer school and have continued with little complaint. We have stayed consistently busy and learning the entire summer. My loyally readers know how I feel about "mushy-brained" children . . . I just cannot do it! Here is a fun activity that the girls and I thought up during a brain storming session last night.<br /><br /><b>Problem</b>: Finding rewards for good behavior or acts of kindness on a <s>tight </s> (O.K., I'll admit it) . . . cheap budget.<br /><b>Solution</b>: The Super Kid Box: A box of craft items that can only be used when exhibiting godly behaviors. The child who has earned the Super Kid box, gets to create with the crafts items in the box, making whatever their imaginations come up with. We took out all of the craft boxes and found the odds-n-ends items to make a box of fun goodies. We mostly found scrap pieces and old crafting items to use. I think this box would also make a great and inexpensive birthday gift for a child.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Watch this tutorial:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1PmnE0HX0Wo&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1PmnE0HX0Wo&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Items you can use to put in your box:</div><div style="text-align: center;">Buttons</div><div style="text-align: center;">Beads</div><div style="text-align: center;">Feathers</div><div style="text-align: center;">Craft sticks</div><div style="text-align: center;">Watercolors</div><div style="text-align: center;">Colors</div><div style="text-align: center;">Old crayons</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cotton balls</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pom-Poms</div><div style="text-align: center;">Old greeting cards</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tissue paper</div><div style="text-align: center;">Paper plates</div><div style="text-align: center;">Silk flowers</div><div style="text-align: center;">Glitter</div><div style="text-align: center;">Old wrapping paper</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fabric scraps</div><div style="text-align: center;">Old toys</div><div style="text-align: center;">Extra puzzle pieces</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yarn</div><div style="text-align: center;"> . . . the possibilities are limited only by your imagination!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TDysEUZT5ZI/AAAAAAAABj0/XRQ65V_dh-w/s1600/super+kid+open+box+full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TDysEUZT5ZI/AAAAAAAABj0/XRQ65V_dh-w/s320/super+kid+open+box+full.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Super Kid Craft Box</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TDyxShZU7zI/AAAAAAAABj8/mCgniP6lE7Q/s1600/Super+Kid+box+how+to.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TDyxShZU7zI/AAAAAAAABj8/mCgniP6lE7Q/s320/Super+Kid+box+how+to.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Homeschooling!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #940f04; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; padding-bottom: -60px; padding-left: -60px; padding-right: -60px; padding-top: -60px;" /></a></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.com/" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.TheMacRak.com</span></a></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;">www.TheMacRak.blogspot.com</a></span></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">Don't forget, the summer isn't over yet!</div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">Get your <b><a href="http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/a-summer-well-spent-150-activities-for-the-classically-educated-child/11182731">Summer Well-Spent ebook</a></b> today, for never ending summer fun & learning!!!</div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -</div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">More great summer resource items:</div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=machom-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0439499631&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=machom-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B00005LBNR&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=machom-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B002Q6XWHY&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-2982671022707178576?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-62691017974583987702010-07-06T08:55:00.000-05:002010-07-06T08:55:46.988-05:00Homeschool Big Deal: Butterfly Coloring Box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_338135693"></span><span id="goog_338135694"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TDM0_UNT74I/AAAAAAAABiE/8ZUmDrB0urI/s1600/Mac+Homeschool+Button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TDM0_UNT74I/AAAAAAAABiE/8ZUmDrB0urI/s320/Mac+Homeschool+Button.jpg" /></a></div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Homeschool Big Deal!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.visionforum.com/beautifulgirlhood/productdetail.aspx?productid=32656&categoryid=53/idevaffiliate.php?id=779"><b>Butterfly Coloring Box</b></a> from Vision Forum</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.visionforum.com/resources/images/product/32656_m.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Description from publisher: </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">A complete coloring experience! Little butterfly lovers can color the box itself as well as:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">* Butterflies Coloring Book: 43 finely detailed drawings of the monarch, buckeye, and others</div><div style="text-align: center;">* Butterfly Activity Book: 40 ready-to-color puzzles include mazes, connect-the-dots, and crossword puzzles</div><div style="text-align: center;">* 11 x 16 two-sided Color Your Own poster</div><div style="text-align: center;">* Crayons</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mrs. Mac thought this was a great deal, just $6.00 + shipping, TODAY ONLY!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Head on over to <a href="http://www.visionforum.com/beautifulgirlhood/productdetail.aspx?productid=32656&categoryid=53/idevaffiliate.php?id=779"><b>Vision Forum</b></a> and pick it up before it's flown away!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Homeschooling!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #940f04; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293E.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; padding-bottom: -60px; padding-left: -60px; padding-right: -60px; padding-top: -60px;" /></a></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.com/" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.TheMacRak.com</span></a></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.themacrak.blogspot.com/" style="color: #6c82b5; text-decoration: none;">www.TheMacRak.blogspot.com</a></span></div><div style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here are a few more goodies for Butterfly Lovers!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fish-Butterfly-Insect-Net-Large/dp/B000GQZQ2A?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Fish / Butterfly / Insect Net - Large" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B000GQZQ2A&tag=machom-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000GQZQ2A" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Time-Kids-Butterflies-Editors/dp/0060782137?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Time For Kids: Butterflies!" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0060782137&tag=machom-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0060782137" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Paint-Numbers-Style/dp/B003AHE1YQ?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Melissa and Doug Paint By Numbers Kit Style: Butterfly" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B003AHE1YQ&tag=machom-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003AHE1YQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Very-Hungry-Caterpillar-Eric-Carle/dp/0399226230?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Very Hungry Caterpillar" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0399226230&tag=machom-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0399226230" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9082911235309165217-6269101797458398770?l=themacrak.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Heather N Mark Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17459144961838722874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082911235309165217.post-74396776103573259872010-06-25T19:24:00.000-05:002010-06-25T19:24:01.250-05:00A Well-Spent Summer: The Power of Inspiration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The Power of Inspiration</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TBtsc1dK0cI/AAAAAAAABg4/92tPqCMH5L0/s1600/love+to+learn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TBtsc1dK0cI/AAAAAAAABg4/92tPqCMH5L0/s320/love+to+learn.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">What inspires you? Me . . . chocolate, but I'm fairly easy to please. What inspires your children? My kids, it is definitely ever changing as the wind, or the weather in Texas (good grief it has been a boiler in North Texas this summer). Our children have, what I would define as patterns of inspiration, certain subjects that typically captivate their individual attention. You can almost take it to the bank that certain themes, units or subjects will inspire their hearts and minds and others just a bust. Our Squeaker is inspired by drawing, action, sports and adventure. The Scout is mostly inspired by science, reading, scouting and adventure. The Bug is continually inspired by all things lady-like, French and whatever her two older sibling's says is super cool (no surprise there). Things change. You never know what might inspire them next.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Recently we checked out an interesting documentary and it sent the kids into an all out quest for all things <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Leonardo-Vinci-Mona-Poster-Print/dp/B0019VSTR0?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">da Vinci</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0019VSTR0" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />! They simply could not get enough. We went to the natural science and history museum for the Scout's birthday. They flipped for the da Vinci exhibit: The Man, The Artist, The Inventor. It was such a blessing to see them so <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Daring-Book-Girls-Andrea-Buchanan/dp/0061472573?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">inspired</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0061472573" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and excited over learning. Not just learning, but being <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Dangerous-Book-Boys-Things/dp/B002BWQ4Y6?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">inspired</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002BWQ4Y6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by a subject that I did not "push" nor have an "agenda" for teaching. They initiated the learning and I followed behind them just feeding their need for knowledge. What a wonderful way to homeschool . . . especially during the summer when "mushy" brain abounds and it is traditionally difficult to get them <a href="http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/a-summer-well-spent-150-activities-for-the-classically-educated-child/11182731">motivated</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I say embrace what you know <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Creativity-Kids-Create-Your-Books/dp/B000CFJZNG?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">inspires</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000CFJZNG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> your child, as always. Remember to be the kind of instructor that can bend to the student's changing interests and run with the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Best-Trivia-Book-Fun-Facts/dp/1439222231?ie=UTF8&tag=machom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">inspiration</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=machom-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1439222231" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. If it doesn't hurt them or go against God's instruction or your family's personal faith, I say give "Yes" a try and let them lead with some learning of their own! You will be pleasantly surprised at how well they can inspire themselves and one another.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TCVIbh-WVBI/AAAAAAAABhk/C79T_LaTzes/s1600/200px-Mona_Lisa-restored.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5Guz5Aw3GWw/TCVIbh-WVBI/AAAAAAAABhk/C79T_LaTzes/s320/200px-Mona_Lisa-restored.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Homeschooling!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #6f3c1b; font-family: 'Kristen ITC', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/76/0D7EE8DB87D47B402A88D8C649E9293