Top 3 School Supplies You Need for Next Year

Few words get a homeschool mom as excited as "school supplies". Now add on "sale", "quality", or "organization" to those magical two words and we get downright giddy. Solid school supplies bless our homeschool by keeping us organized and in the long run saving us time and money. Let's not overlook the short run effect of our days being made easier.
 

The Desk Apprentice

Some time ago, I asked for help from my readers on my Facebook page. I remembered seeing a product and could not remember the name. I did my best to describe it and thankfully someone knew exactly what I intended: The Desk Apprentice. I have coveted this little beauty for a few years. Before the Desk Apprentice, I would gather the day's school work and supplies and drop in the middle of my dining room table. By the end of the day my table would look like the aftermath of an atomic bomb. Pens scattered, papers torn, post notes like ricochet covered different areas, while I stood in the middle and wondered how it all happened. Clean up was a pain but it was the only way to uncover the survivors of the weckage. Not having to worry about bombs or extensive clean up made this little organizing tool one of my all time favorite school supplies.
It rotates a complete 360 degrees. The size is just right for daily needs at 11"H x 16" W x 16"D. I fit three kids' daily assignments along with my planner and teacher materials. I can hardly believe that my planner is within reach. Most of the time I have no idea where it spends its days.
 

Expanding Folding Crate on Wheels

I know you are wondering why any person would need such a contraption. Do not dismiss this versatile, back saving, cart just yet. I didn't think I needed on either. I took the advice of a reader and decided to give this a whirl. I discovered it was the one thing I never knew I needed. You see in my homeschool, we are hardly ever home. School is often on the go and that means lugging around a ton of school books and projects. I normally priortized and spread things out among the kids to carry. However, the Expanding Folding Crate on Wheels, makes school on the go so much easier. The crate can carry up to 70 pounds and the wheels mean you never have to feel an ounce of it. My eight year old can wheel it around easily. My teenage boy encouraged his four year old sister to take a ride in it. While it withstood the ride to the car, it is not intended to be a stroller. Are you still wondering what you would do with it? Take it to the library, homeschool conventions, garage sales, flea markets, farmers markets, or to the park filled with school work for a fun day learning outside. It lays flat so you can always have it available in your car or store it anywhere.
 

Apple Wireless Keyboard

I purchased an iPad for my homeschool about a year ago. I cannot say enough amazing things about it and neither can my children. I bring it everywhere making every drive, waiting room, or park a classroom. We also conduct school on our porch and backyard. My smaller kids use apps most of the time and hardly noticed the need for a keyboard. Yet, my older kids and I often found ourselves wishing the iPad came with a small keyboard. I tried to fill the need by purchasing a case that had a keyboard attached. The keyboard was cheap plastic with sticky keys. The size was too big and too small at the same time. I am quite certain this is now Thumbelina would feel if someone handed her a cell phone and told her to text. I restrained myself throwing it in the street and calmly returned it to the store. My genuis husband told me about the Apple Wireless Keyboard. I reminded him that I had an iPad not a Mac desktop. The look on his face reminded me why I defer to him when it comes to technology. Once again, my husband was right. The keyboard is the perfect size and construction. It is lightweight and portable. It connects in seconds via Bluetooth. My teenage daughter now prefers to use the iPad with the keyboard. If truth be told..so do I. Not only does it make typing easier, but you can set your iPad up on a table and sit on your couch and type. The keyboard gave me the ability to set up the iPad for my 8 year old to see while I typed and controlled the screen during a lesson. I felt so techy and smart. It's iLove.
 

Bonus Item: Educational Materials from Staples

It may not qualify as a supply but it is worth mentioning. You see, I knew I could get the Desk Apprentice at Staples because no one else has it. I knew Staples could fill my supply shevles with pens, paper, binders, printers, and thumbdrives. But low and behold they can also tempt me with educational materials like Listening Lotto. Listening Lotto is a fun game to encourage reading. Players listen to a CD and place a token on the corresponoding word on their card. It is played similar to bingo except you must fill your entire card to win. It is a great way to begin or end your reading lessons. Among Listening Lotto, you will find plenty of other reading games, math games, math manipulatives, test preps, teacher resources, Christian resoucre books, and activity books in a variety of subjects. Whew! I almost ran out of breath. Talk about a one stop shop for classroom supplies and educational materials! Did you know Staples carried so much for your homeschool?

Full disclosure: Staples.com provided me with these products for review. The thoughts and opinions expressed are strictly my own. Feel free to shop their entire line of HP Printers online.

 


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Richele McFarlin, author of Under the Golden Apple Tree, and founder of Moms of Dyslexics, enjoys a good cup of coffee as she demonstrates her ability to wrestle HTML to the ground and write from the heart.

Saying "Yes" to TV Again


Kids watching television


This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of NETFLIX.

I know what you are thinking. You are thinking, "Isn't TV bad for kids?" You may even feel guilty for allowing the little TV that you do or not admit to just how much TV you allow in your home.  I completely understand.  Even my teenage daughter locked out most of our cable channels.  My children have designated times they are allowed to indulge in TV.  I found that time cluttered with inappropriate commercials and new shows with inappropriate content.  I began to wage war with my TV.  Every time it was on, I would turn it off.  I wanted more control than just blocking channels.  I wanted to block shows on channels I allowed to be seen.  Soon, the frustration caused me to wonder why I paid over $100 a month for cable when most of the time the TV and I were not on viewing terms.  Finally, I cut the cable cord and kicked it to the curb.

yelling


My kids expressed great dissatisfaction with my decision.  They missed the ability to watch their favorite shows.  I know I didn't miss having to monitor every commercial and every new show for content I did not approve. Then one smart child said, "What about Netflix?" I hesitated.  While, I enjoyed the omission of commercials and the ability to watch any favorite show or family  movie on our own schedule, I did not want them riffling through the Netflix interface. The navigation was easy enough for a child but the content may not be something I want my children to see or accidentally click play on.  My hesitation was unfounded as Netflix created Just for Kids Streaming!

popcornnetflix


With Just for Kids Streaming,  we can enjoy TV again.  I can allow my kids to select their favorite shows like;  Curious George, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, My Little Pony, and many Hasbro, Disney Jr. and Cartoon Network favorites with just a click of the remote.  Being a huge fan of Curious George, I was excited to sit and watch a few shows the other night with them.  Honestly, I don't quite understand the excitement behind my children wanting me to sit down and watch a TV show with them. If I can be Mom of the Year by sitting down and watching Angelina Ballerina, I am happy to comply.  Especially when Angelina Ballerina comes with a side of tea and cookies and ends with a mini performance by my little one.  I earned even more cool mom points when I allowed them to watch Pocahontas on my iPad while their older brother played a video game with friends.  No more fighting over the TV, with so many different devices to watch from like the computer, iPhone app, iPad app, or the TV.  We also have full control over what and when we watch something.  Weekly movie nights in my house are flexible due to my husband's unpredictable work schedule.  It is nice to know Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue will be waiting for us when we finally settle down to watch.  Of course, we like to throw in a little Batman and Beyond and even my teen will get a giggle out of Cars Toons: Mater’s Tall Takes.  

We may not watch TV more than a few hours or so a week excluding family movie night but we always want it to be quality and commercial free.  TV can be fun again....and doesn't have to eat into your budget.  So, the TV and I are on viewing terms again.  I love happy endings.

What are you watching on TV with your family? Netflix has family favorites from Disney, Disney Jr., Hasbro, Cartoon Network and Dreamworks that are available to stream anytime, anywhere.

And streaming is easier than you think! Download the free app on your iPad, click on the Netflix app on any gaming device, go to the website on your computer – and you’re in business. Check it out here!

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Richele McFarlin, author of Under the Golden Apple Tree, and founder of Moms of Dyslexics, enjoys a good cup of coffee as she demonstrates her ability to wrestle HTML to the ground and write from the heart.

Mosaic Review: My Home School Grades


(Disclosure:  I was given a free membership for the purpose of reviewing the program.  My thoughts are my own as I doubt the vendor or Mosaics Reviews wants to claim what goes on in my brain.)

Not all states require homeschoolers to keep records but all homeschoolers should require it of themselves.  Even a personal log of what your children have done and accomplished is valuable.  Your child may want to keep track for herself, laws in your state may change, your child may attend school or college, you may want to keep track for yourself to know what your child has done and what worked best in your homeschool.  For all those reasons and more, you will want to an easy to use, thorough, and affordable tracking system.  One such system that you may want to emply is My Home School Grades.  

What Can My Home School Grades Do?

  • Keeps track of grades and/or progress.
  • Enables you to customize with your own curriculum.
  • Enables you to add students and student information.
  • Keeps track of extra-curricular activities.
  • Makes official college ready transcripts easily!

How Affordable is My Home School Grades?

Believe it or not it is $49.99.  No silly, not $49.99 a year.  No again, not $49.99 per student.  You get all your tracking needs for all your children for $49.99 period.  Lifetime membership!  If you are still uncertain but interested then try the 14 day free trial to decide for yourself.

My Thoughts on My Home School Grades

I have a real problem with implementing anything else in my life that takes brainpower.  I do.  I admit it.  If I am going to add one more aspect to my homeschooling it has to be easy to use.  My Home School Grades qualifies in the easy to use department.  The navigation is simple and the program is intuitive.  You won't be wrestling this to the ground just to enter in a math quiz.  I also do not keep grades in a traditional sense on every subject so I don't want a lot of extras I will never use.  With My Home School Grades, you can select a Pass/Fail option.  Another thing on my list is easy set up.  I will not go out of my way to use anything that promises to organize me or help me.  Yes, I am difficult but that's why you love me.  Well, set up is simple.  All I had to do was click and type and click again.  And if you want me to reveal another little dark part of myself...I will not use anything that has only one purpose.  Why? Because I am disorganized like that.  I will never be able to keep up with something that tracks grades and extra-curricular activities.  And yes, My Home School Grades does both.  I have to keep track of these things for my children's end of the year evaluation.  If I have to do it, it must be done easy and right and made to look like it wasn't so easy.  Yes, add pride issues to my intolerance to a heavy work load on things I would rather not do.  So, My Home School Grades makes me look like Miss Super Organized Homeschooler and it is also like having my own little assistant.  What more could a girl want? 

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Richele McFarlin, author of Under the Golden Apple Tree, and founder of Moms of Dyslexics, enjoys a good cup of coffee as she demonstrates her ability to wrestle HTML to the ground and write from the heart.

3 Ways to get Kids to Spring Clean


The time of year for spring cleaning is at hand. Break out the mops, dustpans, and garbage bags because it is time to clean and de-clutter. I always feel lighter after cleaning out a challenging closet or a kid's room. Probably one of the most challenging rooms to de-clutter are the kids' rooms. My kids find ways to hang onto the craziest things. With three girls in one room and a messy boy in another room, I suspect a lot of garbage bags will be used. This year, I am enlisting the kids to help out. Naturally, it isn't at the top of their list of spring activities. Luckily, this isn't my first rodeo so I have a few tricks up my sleeve.



  1. Make it Fun. You do remember Mary Poppins, right? She made cleaning look fun and magical. You may not be able to make the room help clean itself but you can add in some fun. Make it a race and see which kid can clean the fastest. Set up laundry baskets and allow the kids to toss clothes in a basket for dirty clothes, clothes to donate, and clothes to sell. You can also set up baskets for sorting. Play some fun music and dance and clean at the same time.
  2. Make Some Money. Kids love to do jobs if they can earn extra money. Some save up for a new bike while others just want some extra cash for candy money. Either way, earning a monetary reward is a great motivator. Have your kids gather up gently used clothes, books, and toys, to place in a garage sale. Your teen will love the ease of selling DVDs online. Nothing like the option of selling DVDs, CDs, and games online to encourage your teen to clean out his entertainment section.
  3. Make it a Team Effort. No one wants to clean alone. Set up a system with a list of jobs and assign everyone something to complete. I used to allow my kids to pick three jobs from a list I made of different cleaning chores. Everyone tended to work harder since it was a group effort and they had definate jobs to complete.

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Richele McFarlin, author of Under the Golden Apple Tree, and founder of Moms of Dyslexics, enjoys a good cup of coffee as she demonstrates her ability to wrestle HTML to the ground and write from the heart.

10 Toys That Have Lasted in Our Home



  1. Legos: The longest lasting toy through four kids and many painful random steps goes to Legos. All of my children love Legos and it bridges the age gap. The whole family can sit and build together. My husband's collection from his childhood is still played with today.
  2. Miniture Plastic Character and Animal Toys: You know those tiny plastic toys you wonder why your kids keep around or carry with them. They come in a variety of name brands to dollar store specials but they are loved equally. We have a box filled with princesses, toy cars, safari animals, sea creatures, and more. The kids play with them outside in the dirt, in the sand, and even take them in the bath. It is story telling and imaginative play at its best.
  3. Art Supplies: Paper, pencils, and paint in plentiful supply make for playful afternoons. Whatever the art medium the kids are fully engaged and the years never mute the drive for creativity.
  4. Dollhouse: I almost hesitated to place my daughter's huge dollhouse in my living room. I now know that had I placed it in her bedroom she never would have come out. She is a teenager now and I am thinking of doing the same with her phone. Through the years, many little families have moved in and out of the dollhouse. It think for a few years it was played with on a daily basis. All my girls and even my son, when he was a toddler, have enjoyed this type of imaginative type of role playing.
  5. Balls: Soccer, basketball, football, baseball, tennis, whatever ball exists we have it. Every summer we buy more of those plastic balls you find at the grocery store. Just throw a ball into the yard and its a party at our house.
  6. Toy Phones: My oldest daughter has traded her toy phone in for a real one and my son traded his in for a video game controller. However, when they were young, both loved to carry around their silly plastic toys with buttons that made all sorts of unrealistic sounds. I almost wish my phone was as interesting. My two younger girls think toy phones are the thing to have in their purses. My four year old spends quite a bit of time talking on her phone and sometimes insisting we all hush while she has her coversation.
  7. Bikes: Not sure you would consider it a toy but every one of my kids spent many fair weather hours riding bikes.
  8. Board Games: We love playing games in our family. We don't mess around...even in Candyland.
  9. Play Cookware: During those times the kids are not allowed to help in the kitchen or the cook is taking a much needed break, play cookware comes to the rescue.
  10. Play Doh: I have to admit I love Play Doh as much as the kids. We clear the dining room table and begin creating amazing things only to mix and squish it so it packs back down in the container for the next time.

Curious to see what other moms are saying? Click below and join us for our Ten Weeks of Top Ten Lists for a lot of fun!







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Richele McFarlin, author of Under the Golden Apple Tree, and founder of Moms of Dyslexics, enjoys a good cup of coffee as she demonstrates her ability to wrestle HTML to the ground and write from the heart.

The Joy of Baby Toys


It appears to be baby shower season in my social circles.  Have you noticed friends having babies tends to come in seasons?  My youngest is going on 5 so the days of baby items and playthings are sadly over.  The love of shopping for a baby never diminished so now I enjoy shopping for my friends.  Seeing the variety of baby toys as I shop brings back sweet memories of my own children's baby years.  Sometimes just seeing all the new dolls, games, rattles, and electronic novelties, makes me want to have another baby.  Yes, folks, I want to have a baby to play with the toys and not look insane.  While, looking for the perfect gift, and in my mind it is always a toy, even my preschooler gets a kick out of seeing all the toys for infants.  I could hardly pull my kids away from seeing all the shiny  trinkets of babyhood past.  It was a fun stroll down memory lane for all of us. But do yourself a favor and buy online so that stroll doesn't take all afternoon with children whose sentimental nature want you to buy a Laugh and Play Love to Learn Puppy.  Which by the way is one of my...I mean my kids...all time favorite toys and one I love to give as a gift.  So, this year as I attend several baby showers I will be just as thrilled to see my friend open the gift as her baby will one day play with it.

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Richele McFarlin, author of Under the Golden Apple Tree, and founder of Moms of Dyslexics, enjoys a good cup of coffee as she demonstrates her ability to wrestle HTML to the ground and write from the heart.

A New Cedar Point Season Begins

Nothing breaks through a gloomy cool day in May like opening day at Cedar Point. Ohioans never shy away from Ferris wheels, funnel cakes, and mega roller coasters because of a little overcast. Long standing traditions of packing up the family or rounding up friends for opening day go ahead as planned. For many of us, this marks the beginning of summer The electrifying excitement and screams coming off a 164 foot drop are enough to keep the blood flowing. And who can resist Snoopy?
Cedar Point, once again, tops itself by giving up another record breaking roller coaster to challenge our hearts and stomaches. People from all over Ohio and the surrounding areas poured into Cedar Point to ride The Gatekeeper. The Gatekeeper puts other roller coasters to shame as it takes you on a 4,164 feet long ride with a heart pounding 164 foot drop. Narrowly escaping front gate portals at almost 70 mph, this record breaking roller coaster is Cedar Point's first winged coaster. It may be their first but in true Cedar Point style it sets records such as the tallest drop and boasts being the largest winged coaster to date. It will be most thrilling 2 minutes and 40 seconds of your life.





Cedar Point is More Than Roller Coasters....Really




Cedar Point is filled with other rides, arcade games, restaurants, amazing french fries, access to the beach, Soak City, and of course Planet Snoopy.
Planet Snoopy is the place to be for budding roller coaster riders and Snoopy enthusiasts of all ages. The kid friendly rides such as Rocket Snoopy and mini teacups welcomes both the child and parent.

The arcades are filled with fun and BIG winnings.

Don't go home before you have a chance to see Cedar Point lit up against the night sky.

Roller coaster daredevil, Snoopy enthusiast, lover of french fries, arcade champion, or bumper car expert, Cedar Point has something for you. You don't come to Ohio to visit Cedar Point. You come to Cedar Point to visit Ohio.



Buy your tickers online for a discount!
Things to Do in Ohio | Cedar Point


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Richele McFarlin, author of Under the Golden Apple Tree, and founder of Moms of Dyslexics, enjoys a good cup of coffee as she demonstrates her ability to wrestle HTML to the ground and write from the heart.