Vintage Homeschool Moms

Why Your Diet Fails It happens all the time, and not is the time to figure out why your diet fails. If you are like me and have tried and failed at dieting, you are in store for a treat! The secrets of a fitness coach, a friend of mine are revealed! This coach discusses how he helps people through a 10-Day Cleanse and why people fail to lose weight. In this episode, we'll explore the myth of dieting and why you can finally be successful understanding these key points. Why Your Diet Fails: Five Reason * Fast food convenience * fast food is often not healthy * think before your order on the go * eat fast food in moderation * stress eating * eating under stress can add up the calories * have a plan for the times you feel under stress * walk instead of eating - find a good substitute * lack of sleep * your body goes into starvation mode * hard to burn calories without enough sleep * be sure you don't suffer from sleep apnea * eat fast * we consume more calories without realizing it * if you eat fast, push away from the table * put food in the kitchen instead of on the table within easy reach * eat more slowly! * watch tv for more than 2 hours * sedentary people tend to find it harder to lose weight * wear a fit bit or other device to remind you to move -- see this podcast on various fitness devices. * income - can't afford good or healthy foods * organic foods are expensive * eating healthy often takes money * carbs are cheap, veggies not so much   Special Thanks to our Network Sponsor!   The animated feature, ‘ICE DRAGON: LEGEND OF THE BLUE DAISIES,’ blooms on big screens nationwide for a two-day family-friendly Adventure. Take an amazing journey to an enchanted world that holds a secret…where hope is in a song! In select cinemas nationwide March 24 and 26 only. If you missed the live event, purchase a copy for your home library on Blue Ray, Digital or DVD.   Visit  here to learn more.

Easter On The Cheap with Felice Gerwitz and Meredith Curtis Why is it that everything costs so much money. In this episode of Easter on the Cheap, Felice and Meredith share their ideas on Easter devotions and best of all many of these ideas are free or cost very little money. What is the true meaning of Easter? The children need to realize it is more than bunnies and colored plastic eggs. When the children get older, have them participate in the Easter planning. Are they helping to decorate? Is there an activity or perhaps church play they want to attend? All these things add up to Easter on the Cheap. Here are more Easter on the Cheap Ideas: * Attend a passion play. Some churches hold events, check online or your local church calendar of events. * Participate in the passion play. Host your own. * Easter dinner with family, pot-luck with everyone sharing expenses. * Easter activity, using household items. * Easter store. More about this in the next podcast. Ideas for Easter on the Cheap: Holy Week  & Easter Devotions Dress Up & Act It Out Easter Dinner traditions Easter Egg Hunts/Easter Fill Egg Hunt (filling with something representing Easter) Easter Eggs that Tell the Story of Easter Check out Meredith's free Holy Week & Easter Devotions: http://www.joyfulandsuccessfulhomeschooling.com/books/free-e-book-gifts/   Special Thanks to our Network Sponsor!   We’d like to thank our Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network sponsor Sony and their new DVD release, The Star, the Story of the First Christmas! Visit  here to learn more.

Capture Your Man's Heart Episode 256 Okay ladies, are you ready to capture your man's heart? In this episode, we explore the meaning of love as we age, how to be sure your love is fresh and how to revive your first love and make it so much better. Thanks to our sponsor! Affirms Films and Sony Animations I've been married since 1979 and sometimes I feel like I am part of another person and don't remember who I am ... I've spent my entire adult life with another person. So, it is easy when we feel like we are taken for granted. Do we get excited when we see our spouse, does our heart begin to beat faster? Why or why not? Let's work on these ways to renew our love for each other and let's start with ourselves. Capture Your Man's Heart with these tips: * Look nice. Yes, this means dressing up in some way. Not the same old comfy sweats and the big t-shirt. Wear something nicer and comfy - yes, it can happen. * Take the time to look into your husband's eyes when he talks. Ladies, often we multi-task (okay, correction, I multi-task!) and we appear distracted. How much will your husband notice? Mine notices to the point of asking me what's wrong! * Make his special meal. If you don't know what it is at this point ask. My husband and I both thought the other liked vanilla ice-cream as a favorite for at least ten years of our marriage until we learned our favorite flavor of ice cream included something chocolate. * Listen. Yes, this may take time and perhaps your husband doesn't talk much but it could be that he doesn't talk because you don't give him a chance to talk...and listen while he is talking. This can be a killer (my husband is very deliberate when he talks) and it takes every ounce of effort sometimes to allow him to finish without finishing his words. * Be affirming - thank him. One of my friends posts the wonderful dinners her husband makes her for the world to see. She affirms him, she thanks him for being married to her, she tells him that these are the best years of her life. It is a wonderful witness to what a marriage can and should be. Maybe you are a private person, but still, behind the scenes in your own home allow your husband to know how much you love him. Notes, cards and hugs and kisses go a long way. Ignore the "eeews" from the kids. It is the best example you can show them about love. Special Thanks to our Network Sponsor!   We’d like to thank our Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network sponsor Sony and their new DVD release, The Star, the Story of the First Christmas! Visit  here to learn more.

Capturing Your Child's Heart Episode 255 Capturing your child's heart a life-long relationship is forged. Do you realize that most of the time a little child does something for you out of love? What happens to that love as the child grows, and why do children often grow up and become distant an sullen? In this episode of Vintage Homeschool Moms, we explore the relationships between parents and children and five sure-fire ways, that you can do, at any time to capture your child's heart. Thanks to our sponsor! Capturing your child's heart doesn't happen overnight. As a young teacher, the big emphasis was on experiential learning, and self-esteem. It was the 70's and that era was all about love. I soon realized that if I didn't have my student's heart, I didn't have them listening to me either. Education was tied into obedience. While I might be equipped to capture my child's heart through engaging education, fun activities, crafts, art, field trips and the like, could I capture my child's heart in the ways that were most important? To me, the importance of capturing my child's heart was not only to teach my child but to encourage a Christian walk. Capturing your child's heart takes God~ God made us in such an incredible and amazing way! We process in our minds, our brains but we feel in our heart! Love is something we often can't understand. I'm so blessed to have the most amazing children (not perfect) but perfect for me. My kids challenge me, they make me the best I can be as their mom and they push the boundaries to the limit. As I look back at my years as a mom I can see that for some of my children it was harder work to keep their hearts and for others it was easy. Sometimes it lies in the personality of a child but most of the time, we parents are at fault. We may push or prod and all that does is push a child away. Years ago I was at a friend's home who had been a science teacher at a high-end private school and had retired years ago. When she learned I was a homeschool mom who loved science she invited me to see her science equipment and asked if there was anything I wanted. Her youngest son was attending the local college and he walked in as I was excitedly looking through all the boxes and kept asking her if she really wanted to give it all away! She did. Here was this amazing sweet lady, who turned into a drill sergeant the minute her son walked in. One question after another. Her son looked hurt, then angry. They had a disagreement and he went to his room. I looked at my friend and she admitted she was a bit harder on the youngest. I reminded her, you didn't even say, "Hello, how was your day?" Do we launch into a laundry list of things when we see our kids? Did you finish your school work? Did you make your bed? Did you take out the trash? Etc. etc., etc. Discipline is necessary in every home, however being a drill-sergeant is not... So, how do we capture the hearts of our children? It takes an effort, it takes time and it takes dying to self and falling on our knees to apologize to the Mighty One, the Maker of heaven and earth. Are we in a good relationship with the Lord - is that where our strength comes from or are we flying solo and aimlessly and then upset with our kids. Friends, I'm a busy person and if I'm not busy I will create 102 things to make me busier, just because. I'm often short with my children and when that happens I apologize - that is how to capture your child's heart because they realize you do love them. Show Notes: Capture Your Child's Heart * Little kids, lots of love * When does the love change? * What do you do about it?

Valentine's Day on the Cheap Episode 254 Are you ready to celebrate Valentine's day on the cheap, with very little money? In this episode, I will share some great ideas to make the day special for your own Valentine's Day party for your immediate family or the gang! And there are even ideas for your spouse and for your kids and ways to cut those corner into hearts! Everyone will smile. Thanks to our sponsor! For some reason, Valentine's Day was never my favorite holiday because I didn't date as a student and didn't see the examples of the "day" on the "day" at home. My parents told me it was a made-up holiday - yeah, they were realists, and I didn't see my dad give mom flowers although I did know they were deeply in love because they were inseparable. We kids changed all that when we got older and ordered flowers for my mom all the time, in my dad's name. Gladly he thought it was great and funny.  She never knew! Fast forward to my own experiences with my boyfriend, now my husband and a balloon incident I share on the podcast (listen to hear this funny and embarrassing story!) And, I was hooked! Valentine's Day can be so expensive. Flowers -- well, where do we begin? So here is my list of those wonderful shortcuts to a great celebration. Kids: Valentine's Day On The Cheap * Heart cookies. What can be better than heart cookies decorated with sugar crystals or icing? I have a great recipe attached to this podcast. Print it out and enjoy! * Bookmarks with glued, cut-out red and pink hearts of assorted shapes and sizes. Purchase a ream of white (at the office supply stores) of 110lb weight. To give you an idea, copy paper is about 20lb weight. You can cut the cardstock in 6 strips, punch a hole for a ribbon. Write the person's name on the other side with a Bible verse. So much cheaper and prettier than store bought Valentines. * Hot cocoa mix. The kids love to make this, I promise, and all you need is sugar and cocoa. No additives. Put it in a container and use it for special occasions. * Breakfast: heart-shaped toast - cut off the out ends after you toast the bread, it's easier! Or try heart-shaped pancakes. Invest in griddle shapes and bring them out for special occasions. One thing I've done in the past it put your batter in squeeze bottles and do the outline of the heart free hand and fill it in with batter with a ladle -yes, it works. * Lunch: Heart shaped sandwiches (save edges for croutons or for dinner recipe - see below). Stone soup. Okay, no hearts included but it is a fun cold-weather book to read and then have all the ingredients to make it and the kids can take turns bringing and adding the ingredients for the "best" stone soup ever! * Dinner - great ideas include heart-shaped meatloaf (individual) or burgers. Use a cookie heart to shape if needed. * Cookies for dessert and/or a cake. Heart shaped cakes are easy to make you can use a round cake and a square. Here are some great Pinterest Boards with ideas: * Gorgeous Heart Cakes  * How to Make a Heart Cake Be sure to stay on the email list for the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network - February's download is many great ideas for February Adults: Valentine's Day On The Cheap For Him and Her * Flowers, plan a garden. That is what my husband did for me when I stopped his expensive and last minute gift idea, a big bunch of expensive flowers delivered! One look at my credit card bill and that was it! So, he purchased rose bushes for mothers day,

Easy Way Curriculum Planning Episode 252 Curriculum Planning The Easy Way? It never gets old, the feeling of excitement OR dread when you are planning your homeschool curriculum. What is curriculum? It is the books, and the methodology you will use to homeschool your children. I won’t go into all the styles of homeschooling, this has been done in other podcasts. Thanks to our Our special sponsor Second Harvest Curriculum - visit them here:  Save Money! Buy or sell books to another well-trusted homeschool family! * Second Harvest Curriculum website * Second Harvest Blog * Second Harvest Curriculum Facebook * Second Harvest Curriculum Twitter * Second Harvest Curriculum Pinterest Easy Way Curriculum Planning: An overview of methods are and links to these podcasts on the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network are as follows: Charlotte Mason Classical Method Unit Studies Principle Approach Textbook and Workbook Unschooling and Delayed Academics Homeschooling Elementary Years Homeschooling Middle School Homeschooling 101 There are more, and that is an eclectic approach mixing some of these methods. For example, I used the Unit Study method for the majority of the elementary years, but I supplemented it with textbooks when needed or unschooling, in allowing the children to pursue or go off on tangents that interested them – or an idea that was sparked by our unit study. This type of learning is the most effective because the children are excited to learn and that is when most “real” learning takes place. I notice this now in my older children. My son was interested in weaponry – making weapons after studying ancient history. This carried on in later years and my son has made throwing stars, and knives out of steel, a sword, a bow and arrow, and display cases. It is a fun hobby that he does in his spare time. My daughter, on the other hand, learned her love for oceanography after studying about the topic and went on to Scuba dive, getting her advanced certificates while in college. This daughter has gone on to homeschool her children. We are going to take a quick commercial break and when we come back we will discuss planning your year – using the 4-Square Planning Method. We’ll be right back.   Okay – where were we? Planning your Curriculum. * Decide your method. Which will you select? It really depends on the method of homeschooling you select on how to plan your curriculum. Here I’m assuming you have the curriculum in hand or are thinking about what you want to do for the coming year. If you study the different methods of homeschooling, textbooks, unit studies or unschooling the variety of options are endless. Regardless to your method you still need to accomplish, even if you are unschooling – that is not using any set curriculum and using student-led topics, you still need to accomplish learning for the year. This needs to be planned at some point and scheduled. If you are using the Classical approach there are various cycles, so you want to look at your student’s age/grade and figure out wh...

Easy Way Planning Podcast 251 In this episode,  Easy Way Planning, Felice discusses a system she recently began using to plan her day, her week, her month, and her year. And, it really works well. Taking a simple approach to planning helps keep the family and life in general organized. Add a journal and you are all set to a wonderful method of keeping life straight. Even in those times when nothing seems to go right. Thanks to our Our special sponsor Second Harvest Curriculum - visit them here:  Save Money! Buy or sell books to another well-trusted home school family! * Second Harvest Curriculum website * Second Harvest Curriculum Facebook * Second Harvest Curriculum Twitter * Second Harvest Curriculum Pinterest   Show Notes: Easy Way Planning Planning is a tool we use to feel a sense of accomplishment. Many times our days consist of putting out fires and getting the kids fed and dressed! And sometimes we just settle for fed. Accidents happen, plans change and often we feel frazzled. I learned several secrets during my years of homeschooling and working from my home. I learned that if I put it on a list, even if I never looked at that list again, I remembered it. I also learned some of the things below: * Plans are meant to be broken. Don’t stress if everything does not get finished in one day. God willing there is tomorrow. * Planning my homeschool schedule one year in advance is the best gift I can give myself. Many times I went to the plan when I felt lost. If something didn’t work out for us, no problem! I shifted gears and skipped ahead… and then added to the list. * During my planning time, my children enjoyed movies, crafts and play time. I hired a babysitter, typically the kid next door or my husband watched the children on a weekend so I could think. 4-Square Easy Way Planning Faith: Pray daily Bible reading Time to listen to God Podcast: A few minutes with God podcast (*wink—I host this podcast!) Kids: Goals: Spiritual/character Specific academic goals Assign chores   School Subjects for the week Reading/ writing assignments projects Special events/field trips Check off lists filled out daily   Household Weekly menu Grocery shopping Cleaning schedule Errands washing/ folding clothes  schedule   You can do this for the year – start big and scale down – to monthly, then weekly and then daily. There are things we need to do each day, depending on your season in life … with little ones your days are pretty much tied to their schedule, what their needs are like eating, changing and naps. As the children get older they become more independent (if you help them to be independent) and can do more on their own, without so much concentrated help. The four areas that may be in a 4-Square Page -- a homeschool family will always be: Faith, Kids, School and Household.

Life Hacks Traveling and First Aid Episode 250 Traveling with kids can be stressful and with these traveling and first aid life hacks this is an easier way to make things happen. Sponsorship by: Media Angels, Inc. Try out the Media Angels Membership site! Very reasonably priced for every school budget. Show Notes: Life Hacks for Traveling and First Aid: Previous Show on Life Hacks for Home and School Here Traveling Homeschool Life Hacks:  * Traveling with children can we a wonderful time to make memories. One of my favorite traveling life hacks is to have a bag or a backpack ready ahead of time with essential items such as wet wipes, napkins and tissues, quick and nutritious snacks, first-aid items such as band-aids, ointment, (one of my favorites is melaleuca oil), sunscreen, binoculars, and storage bags for “treasures” your children want to keep. * For suitcases – tie a ribbon to identify yours quickly. Yes, it has worked for me for years and guess what? I learned this from my parents. We always had a bright ribbon on our bags and not trouble spotting them. * Another life hack - free bags on your plane. If you have a small carry on and really wanted to check it, most of the time that can be free when you are on an overbooked or full flight. They will make an announcement soon before boarding and check your bag for free. I only like to do this on a non-connecting flight, however, if I am traveling home I will check it. Free is always good! * Set up a Skyscanner.com alert. This tidbit I learned from a check-out guy at the grocery store. I set up Skyscanner alerts from our airport RSW to the airport where I want to arrive. I get alerts when the price goes up or down. I have saved hundreds of dollars on flights this way. All airlines are compared. * Take a picture with your smartphone of a business card, or important number so you can find it later in your photos. I use this idea for recipes as well. * Take a photo of your parking spot so you won’t forget where you park! Or better yet when you shop at regular locations always park in the same place, it will help you remember which I learned from a lady who followed us on the way out of a store one day and overheard me telling my kids I had no idea where I parked. First Aid Life Hacks: * Use meat tenderizer for bug stings. Even works for ant bites. Mix a teaspoon full of meat tenderizer with water and put on the bite. Watch for an allergic reaction. If you use homeopathic remedies use * This idea works great! Use frozen vegetables such as peas or mixed vegetables as ice packs. Place it in a thin cloth or washcloth that is wet. It works amazingly well and you can refreeze it as needed or store it for a long time. Just be sure to label these bags so you don't eat them! * Homeopathic remedies such as Belladonna and Aconite for the first sign of a cold. * A great cold remedy. Vitamin C for colds. Take as needed. 500 mg for adults. Also liquid drops from the health food store of echinacea - or echinacea tablets with zinc. Both have been lifesavers in our family. We use DoTerra drops such as OnGuard at the first sign of a cold. If you want to order some, go here: DoTerra - Felice Gerwitz * Neem spray. Keep this to ward off mosquitoes and biting insects. * Homeopathic advice and great remedies! Be sure to listen to HomeopathyforMommiesPodcast — great tips on natural remedies.

Life Hacks Home and School Episode 249 Are you ready for some life hacks for home and school? Life hacks are those little bits of advice that make your life go so much smoother. Some are little known and others are tried and true. In this episode Felice Gerwitz shares some life hacks she has found useful for her family, home, homeschool, traveling and first aid. Sponsorship by: Media Angels, Inc. Try out the Media Angels Membership site! Very reasonably priced for every school budget. Life Hacks for Home and School Home Life Hacks: * Reduction of clutter - keep things simple and neat. It is amazing that when you keep things clean it is easier to find and put away. *  Daily to-do lists. Keep laundry to one day, shopping and errands on another and lessons for another day, or stack these "away" events to one day. * Work as a team and as a family -- enlist the help of your husband and kids. Or trade with a friend and watch each other's kids. * Multi-task or bundle activities. Clean while listening to CD's or stream a podcast, watch an educational program while folding laundry. * Troubleshoot what robs you of time - things such as running errands can take up so much time. Plan to run your errands on one day by hitting several places on the way. * Overplanning can be a way to experience burn out. Try not to over plan. Try one event per day as a way to avoid burn out. * Do you have carpet in your house? If you do in the main areas you will find the best way to keep your carpets clean is the no-shoe policy. Kids wearing socks is another way to avoid dirty floors. * Clean up as you go -- and teach your children to clean up as well. Keep towels off the floor, take plates off the table, rinse and place in the dishwasher. Clean up the sink in the bathroom after brushing your teeth, or make beds the first thing. Do little tasks as you go all day, this helps tremendously! * Tired of folding all your clothes? Do you have closet space? Hang clothes on hangers to keep from folding them, if you lack space use thin hangers. * Take a poll and ask your children what they'd like to do —you may be surprised at the chores your children select. And, the bonus is kids who do chores without complaining. Life Hacks For Home and School: Life Hacks for School: * Plan your year ahead of time. Being organized helps you for all those times that life unexpectedly happens. Especially after a holiday break or an illness in the family. * What robs your time? Social media is number one. As much as possible avoid social media. * Routines work. Keep things organized. Return your papers, pencils, and books to their right place each day. * Check off lists work! Especially for your kids. You can accomplish much each day, especially if you can see where you need to catch up or makeup work. Each evening for accountability show dad. * Time to think -- allow your children time to spend to "think" -- to develop hobbies, read or discover something they are passionate about. Little ones need help and you can do this by providing toys for exploration. * Teach your children something new each day and have your older children to teach the younger ones.

Planning for the New Year Episode 248 Each new year we plan so many things and most are undoable. Yes, we over plan or think we can do more than we can accomplish and therefore often feel a letdown or disappointment when things don't turn out as we plan. So, for this new year, I've brought back a method that works for someone as imperfect as me...and that is my four-square method. If you are on our mailing list you've received a link to this year's planner. It includes the four-square printable. In this episode, learn how I use the four square method to make my life simpler and allow homeschool and home life to go as smoothly as possible. It does take a little advanced planning but it is so worth it. Read homeschool life hacks here. Sample of Four Square Method - Four Square Planning - Sample *Stay on our mailing list to receive more freebies Show Notes: Four Square Method - Planning for the New Year Faith: Pray daily Bible reading Time to listen to God Journaling Listen to A Few Minutes with God Podcast Kids:  Goals Spiritual / Character Specific Academic Goals Assign Chores School: Subjects for the weeks Reading/ Writing / Assignments Projects Special Events/ Field Trips Household: Weekly Menu Grocery Shopping Cleaning Schedule Errands Washing / Folding Clothes/ Schedule

   Merry Christmas from Vintage Homeschool Moms!  Back in 2013, Felice Gerwitz shared a story she wrote especially for you, the busy and weary mom. Felice writes a tale of a woman you can probably identify with at some point of your journey as a wife and mother. She writes about the transformation that takes place when this woman places herself totally into the hands of Christ. We hope you enjoy this special story - and share it with your friends!    

Sattler College Affordable For Homeschoolers an Interview with Dr. Finny Kuruvilla College is so expensive! Not any longer. Sattler College is affordable for homeschoolers or anyone who wants a Christian education. What makes Sattler unique? Join Felice Gerwitz and her special guest, founder Dr. Finny Kuruvilla. Dr. Kuruvilla has created an amazing environment with faith as the focal point of higher education. For a limited time, Sattler tuition is waived for the first year. Hurry - the offer expires on January 15, 2018.   Show Notes: * Dr. Kuruvilla's involvement in academia began with his own college experience. He realized that college education costs were prohibitive and he was determined to create change. * Dr. Finny Kuruvilla shares information about his time at Harvard and the trends he noticed among his students that concerned him. * Students are not necessarily better off after four years of traditional college, so Dr. Kuruvilla has some ideas that are innovative at Sattler. Sattler College Affordable For Homeschoolers: Other questions covered in the interview: * What makes Sattler different than other education options out there? * How is Sattler revolutionizing higher education? * Can you explain Sattler’s three “C’s”? * Why do you feel it’s important for students to take these core classes? * What specific skills are you hoping to instill in students? * How will Sattler prepare students for the professional world? * Tell us about how Sattler will invest in the students’ spiritual lives? * How are students matched with their mentor? * What will student life be like? Will any activities or clubs be offered for students? * Why are traditional universities so expensive? * How has Sattler managed to provide a quality education for a low price? * Why is Sattler a great fit for homeschooling families? * How do you feel homeschooling better prepares students for college? * What qualities are you looking for in applicants? * Why did you decide to establish Sattler in downtown Boston? * How can students apply? Special Thanks to our Sponsor, Sattler College!  Sattler College is a four-year Christian college granting the bachelor's degree in the following majors: biblical studies, business, computer science, history and human biology.  At Sattler College, our vision is to train graduates to  be a city on a hill: a shining light in greater Boston and the nations.  Because the city of Boston is one of the most important global cities for world-changing movements and institutions, pursuing higher education in Boston provides students with the opportunity to train for a lifetime of impact for Jesus and His church. For a limited time, Sattler tuition is waived for the first year. Hurry - the offer expires on January 15, 2018.  Click Here to apply!  

Finding Jesus At Christmas Holiday Traditions Episode 246 Finding Jesus at Christmas seems to be the obvious choice, right? That is the entire reason for the season. Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Jesus. However, so many traditions vie for attention. Reading the Christmas carols, singing Christmas songs (not all that are religious), and opening presents take center stage on Christmas morning. In this episode we discuss finding Jesus, putting the focal point back on the real reason for Christmas. Finding Jesus at Christmas can be an intellectual, spiritual or even an activity that you can do that will help your family focus on the real meaning. Jesus coming as an infant touches our hearts. When we look at a nativity scene or watch a Christmas production at church many of us can't remain dried eyes - tears flow! Why? Because we understand the importance of that first Christmas and the ultimate sacrifice on Good Friday. How do we encourage our children to celebrate Jesus? Here are some tips for finding Jesus at Christmas: * Start the month of December with an Advent calendar. The children can count down to the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day. * Celebrate Advent with an advent wreath. Light a candle each evening (or at dinner), one for each week before Christmas, read a Scripture verse from the Bible or use a book (here is one we have used for years: The Season of Light Daily Prayer ) * Have the children participate in a Christmas play. Typically these events take weeks to practice and that does take time, however, the results are the children knowing the story of the birth of Jesus. Be sure to read the Bible story and discuss with your children. * Recite the Christmas story. Take turns telling a few lines of the story, each family member adds more and more until the entire story of the Christmas birth is told. * Set up a nativity set at home. My children always had small sets they placed in their own rooms. It was a wonderful reminder of the reason for the season. * Christmas morning attending church. We attend on Christmas Eve and celebrate Christmas morning with prayers, lighting of our Advent wreath, thanking Jesus for His birth, and when the children were little we would hide baby Jesus for them to find before they opened presents.

Raising Successful Children Marlin and Laurie Detweiler ~ Veritas Founders    What makes a successful child? Raising successful children is a dream for any parent. Join our special guests Marlin and Laurie Detweiler who are co-founders of Veritas Press. I personally used much of their curriculum in my own homeschool for years, and I am excited to share their heart for homeschoolers. If you are interested in classical education or raising successful children you do not want to miss this episode. Want more information about Veritas Press visit the website or call 1-800-922-5082. Raising Successful Children Show Notes: What is a successful child * Embrace the Christian faith - to love and serve the Lord Jesus Christian * Successful in their relationships with their spouses and children * A good citizen * A good neighbor * Successful in their endeavors * Independence * Children we enjoy being together * Extended family get together Early Years of Child Education God's given our children wonder and awe - our job is to allow children to Tools for learning * Letting children explore and provide them places to do that. * Museums, science, and art, etc. * Reading Aloud * God gives an inquisitive nature and wonder in children Importance of Reading to Preschoolers * Open their eyes up to the wonders of a story * Learn to sit and pay attention - teaches study skills * Hear language roll off your tongue * Helps them understand language * Many times children who are read to become early readers * Develop a life-long love of reading and learning * Providing opportunities and tools for children to read Grammar Age: * If you have a child who is not reading do not get uptight * So many times, parents don't know benchmarks * If your child is falling behind do not forget to ask questions * Another way to get through to the child * Or if there is a learning disability seek help Set Goals as a Homeschooler * Set goals for your child * Need to reach them, daily or weekly basis Education they receive is right for them * Some kids are wired differently * Find what works for that child * Classical education works for all children * May need to tweak for individual child * Homeschoolers don't have to go the same pace Homeschooling is better for this generation coming up. As an educator, Laurie feels she is qualified to teach yet there are so many opportunities today for our children. Today there are so many options. Know what your limitations are and look for other options if you can't do it yourself. It is an important responsibility for your child's education. You still need to be involved if you are doing an online school. Advice for Kids: Explain to them: * What can you do to make things more fun? * What is the purpose behind what you are doing it? * You can take children outdoors and bounce the ball - practicing but finishing your work is important. Some parents bounce around with curriculum. It is better to learn a child's learning styles. Not necessarily Latin for kids at an early age * We are not learning Latin instead of Spanish, or German or French or something else * Latin is a tool for mastering our own language * Helps with English grammar

Ten Dollar DIY Great Gift Ideas Episode 244 Here are Ten Dollar (or less) DIY Great Gift Ideas! Can you really make great gifts that are inexpensive? I have done this for years and you can as well. And guess one, some of these ideas can be made in an hour or less, others take a little more planning, and some of these gift ideas do take talent, but now is the best time to learn. Remember to recruit your friend or your kids and what a fun way to spend the day. I did this with my grandchildren a few days ago, in about two hours we painted two acrylic paintings. I showed them on a separate piece of paper (and yes, when they asked I "fixed" or adjusted, or demonstrated on their canvas) ways to paint a particular thing. My ten-year-old granddaughter even used a pallet knife and gel with acrylics to give texture to her mountains. What fun we had and this falls into our DIY great gift ideas for under ten dollars. Arts and Crafts: Ten Dollar or less DIY Great Gift Ideas * Prints you can frame. Purchase the print cheaply, and frames on sale. I like those dimensional frames that have plastic black rims, they made a clean line on the walls and have a "borderless" look. * Paint a picture. Yes, this can be done. Use youtube for tutorials or take a class! Listen to the podcast on gifts kids can make that you actually want to keep for some easy painting ideas. * Hand paint t-shirts with a design or an initial. You can use fabric markers, they work very well. * Create a silk flower arrangement. I love doing this especially in mason jars, or awesome vases you can recycle - use that glue at the bottom that hardens and is transparent. It comes out really nicely. I just purchased gorgeous silk flowers that are white poinsettias, with glitter, and pine cones, a nice sized bunch for $5 at a store and I'm using a vase I no longer want. It came out beautifully. Jewelry for Ten Dollar or less DIY Great Gift Ideas: * Necklaces: You can buy all sorts of gorgeous beads at the craft store, and they have plenty of knowledgeable staff or instruction manuals. * Bracelets: My daughter made me a black beaded bracelet that had "gold" (fake) spacers. I have a real black onyx necklace that I never wear because I didn't have a matching bracelet. It looks real! And, I get lots of compliments from it - amazing. Recipe Books for Ten Dollar or less DIY Great Gift Ideas: Recipe books are a favorite of mine, in fact, up until recent years, this was my go-to gift and something I loved getting from my children. One year my thoughtful son purchased a non-fiction account of a man searching Europe for the "best" food. I loved it! While it was out of the question to go on a European vacation I was able to enjoy the food and the discussion vicariously through this author. I'm Italian so the best food selection was a hit with me. Can you guess? If you said, "Mediterranian," then you are right! What a wonderful and thoughtful gift that I treasured and he bought it on sale for $5! * Compile treasured family recipes, handwrite cards and insert into a decorated card holder * Use family recipes and create an online cookbook to have printed. Buy in bulk and save even more. * Purchase a photo album and create recipe memories. Use pictures of actual food and write the recipe in the book. * Use laminated sheets to hold the recipe cards, handwrite or type on the computer and print out. Homemade Foods for DIY Great Gift Ideas Ten Dollars: I've baked for family and friends for years. If you are a long-time listener of my podcasts and previously my Ultimate Homeschool Expo,