So... I've started the Total Transformation! (Part 1)

I just might be the latest skeptic turned convert!  So far I am liking what I see/hear.  Can't say I've done anything to really utilize the program, but I am learning.  I told a friend at church yesterday that if this program really works like they say it will, I will be out spreading the word like an evangelist.  We shall see! 

I have watched the Jump Start DVD and have listened to most of the first audio CD.  I've also checked out the first lesson in the workbook.  My biggest trouble is that I have to try to "sneak" around to listen to the CDs so that my kids don't catch on to my little secret.  LOL 

The first week is really mostly all about understanding the "why" behind your child's behavior issues.  I know it's supposed to be serious, but I actually have to say I had a few giggles over how well they know my children without having even met them!  They sure have them pegged.  One of my kids seems to have just about every issue they talk about.  I joked to Sane Man that we should pass out a copy of the CD to everyone who meets him.  LOL

I seriously am very pleasantly surprised so far.  I really thought it was a gimmick and wouldn't work.  Now, I still can't say it works, as I haven't implemented it yet, but it is no gimmick.  The program is very well thought out and organized.  And it is readily apparent when you look at it that it's going to take some work on the part of the parent(s).  Honestly, I think if I were the one marketing the program, I would do it differently.  Every time I heard the infomercial it sounded too good to be true, so I always assumed it was.  I think it might have actually been more believable to me had it been more obvious that it wasn't a quick fix, but a tough but workable program that works. 

I'm glad to be doing this for a review because it will keep me more on track with it.  My plan is to try to blog each week after listening to each CD.  I'm hoping to get to the second one today before the kids get up.  It always gets so crazy, busy, and LOUD around here that it's really difficult to find a few moments of peace to actually listen.  Perhaps this will change once I finish the program.  :)

Here is a link to the program:

Child Discipline Methods – http://www.thetotaltransformation.com/

Here's where you can get a free parenting newsletter:

http://www.empoweringparents.com/parenting-newsletter.php

I hope you follow along with my progress as I work through this.  Since I have eight kids (and yes, technically two of them are now "adults" but...) I'm not going to try to focus on all of them.  It would be too overwhelming for me.  My idea is to pretty much focus on one of them and then as I get used to it, my hope is that it will just come naturally to use the ideas with the others.  Again, we shall see. :)

New Review and Giveaway! Carlito C. Caterpillar's Math House Games

Contest Closed.

I just got another package from propeller which contained Carlito C. Caterpillar's Math House Games.  I honestly didn't even know what I was getting.  I half expected an online game, or perhaps a board game.  It was neither.  This is several cards on a ring with different games on each card.  A description from the company follows, but first I had to share a little classic Crazy Mom funny.  One of the games is about matching.  It starts out by telling you to seperate some pairs of matched socks.  Okay, that's hilarious!  Matched socks!  Here?  At my house?  I was just glad none of the games involved clean underwear!

Okay, moving forward...  ;)  Here's what the makers of this product have to say:

Carlito the Catepillar's Math House Games is based on a 20 step sensory math teaching system, which teaches kids math in a fun way! Early childhood development professionals note that young children are most open to learning when they play. Thus, they have created activities and games for parents to play with their children. The material is presented in 3 stages, with a total of 20 steps and 2 games in each step covering quantity, numeration, and operations.

Now, here's a letter to moms from the creator:

Dear Mom,

Most parents know the importance of math but many are unsure of how they can help their young children learn the fundamentals of math. There are so many questions. "How early should I start? What does my child need to learn? What concepts are most important? What do I do if my child has more trouble than other kids their age?" Often times the answers to these questions are not clear or consistent.


The c3pla Sensory Math Teaching System was created by Domenico Marcario, M.S., a retired math teacher and loving grandfather, to answer those questions. This system utilizes the natural way children learn to teach them math skills. We have built the Carlito C. Caterpiller's Math House GamesTM from this system and are excited to offer you a chance to receive a copy of the Games Pack to review and a copy to offer as a gift to one of your readers. The Game Pack is presented in 3 stages, with a total of 20 steps and 2 games in each step covering the math skills of quantity, numeration, and operations.


You are a mom and understand the importance of learning. We value your feedback about the product. We want to help kids learn math and we want to help parents to have the resources they need to make that happen. Thank you for your consideration of the Carlito C. Caterpiller's Math House GamesTM.


Sincerly,

Bill Haljun
Co-Founder, Director of Creative Development

So now you might be wonder what I thought of the games.  (Well, I hope you do!)  Anyway, first of all, my youngest is now eight (sniff, sniff) so he is beyond these games, so I really wasn't able to actually use these games with any of my kids.  I did do some of these kinds of things with my kids just sort of naturally.  Well, I did with the older ones, because, well, I wasn't quite so overwhelmed with life at the time.  I have often thought that I wish I could have done more with the younger kids.  I admit that I did far less with them just due to the fact that I was also teaching their older siblings, and cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry for ten.  Soooo..... yeah, I did struggle to find time to work with them doing fun little things as the day went on. 

Perhaps having something like Carlito C. Caterpillars games could have helped.  It's all planned out sequentially.  (And if you know me, you know I am totally sequential.)  Being honest, I doubt even with this product I could have squeezed in a whole lot more time out of my schedule, but I could have put an older child in charge of playing these games with the younger kids. 

So, I have pondered this, and here is what I have come up with.  I think most parents with just one or two small kids probably wouldn't need something like this necessarily.  However, I know a lot of parents like to get started "schooling" at the preschool level because, let's face it, it is a huge undertaking to homeschool a child.  So, for the parent who is either very structured, or just feels he or she needs something tangible to use for early math, this is great.  My philosophy is to hold off on things like worksheets as long as possible becasue most kids, especially boys, just aren't ready for it.  However, what kid wouldn't love to spend time playing games with Mom or a big brother or sister?

I think Carlito C. Caterpillar's Math House Games is also be a great idea for a preschool class or co-op.  I mean, it is all logical and thought out, and even though my kids just did fine as we did it my way (all of them, even the younger ones who didn't get my full attention) I know there are folks out there who love things like this.   As always, my suggestion is that you check it out for yourself. 

Website: http://www.c3pla.com/products.shtml

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carlito-C-Caterpillars-MathHouseTM-Games/190370157687889

How would you like to win one of these games?  It's easy!  All you have to do is leave a comment either here on my blog, or, if for some reason that doesn't work, leave it on my facebook page.  (Under the contest post, please or I might miss it.)  I have had several people tell me they tried to comment, but couldn't, plus I know some others actually read my posts via facebook, so I am trying out this option.  Please don't comment in both places as I am trying to keep it fair.  ;)

For each of the following you can gain one addtional entry.  You must let me know either here or on facebook under the contest post with a seperate comment for each thing that you do for a total of five possible entries. 

Like me on facebook.
Follow me on Twitter.
Become a Google Friend Connect friend.  (See sidebar.)
Subscribe to my posts via Feedburner.  (See sidebar.)

NOTE!!!  I have changed up the rules a bit!  For this contest you must be at least 13 years old, and not a member of my immediate family to enter.  More than one person per household may enter, but please do not enter as an individual more than the five possible entries.  Make sure you leave me a way to get ahold of you if you win!!!  THANKS!!! 

The contest will end at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, October 23, 2011.  I will draw and contact the winner sometime on Monday, October 24, 2011. 

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it

on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

______________________________

Happy game playing!!!

Heads Up for Reviews and Giveaways!

I have four new reviews and giveaways coming up real soon, so stay tuned!  There's a little bit of everything.  One is an animated DVD for kids called Theo, another is a math game for kids from Carlito C. Caterpiller's Math House Games, one is a brand new music CD from Ginny Owens, and another is a CD from Jeremy Riddle.  All of these reviews are of products promoted by Propeller.  I am new to them, but it looks likes it's going to be a great partnership.  I'll be able to share about a lot of great new family/Christian products, so, like I said, stay tuned!  :)

Hoarder/Keeper Challenge. I FORGOT!!!

Oh, no!!!  Yesterday I did some shopping and started organizing stuff for the coming school year, AND I FORGOT TO GID RID OF MY WAL*MART BAG OF STUFF!!!  So, today I have to do two. :)  So, what am I doin' on  here talking to you?  I'd better get going! 

How are YOU doing with our little challenge?

The Homeschool Hoarder/Keeper Challenge!!!

I have decided to take a suggestion from another homeschool mom, Jennifer, to make a goal for myself to get rid of one Wal*Mart (or other store) bag full of stuff every day.  I have set my own goal for this week.  I did fill a bag yesterday, and I have started a new bag today.  I am going to go for six day straight, so I'll end on Saturday.  Maybe I'll even do it again next week!

Will you join me?

I'm not saying you have to get rid of a bag of stuff everyday.  You can, if you'd like.  Or create your own goal!  If you blog about it, post the link in my comments, and I'll create a special post with the link (or links if more than one does this.) 

So clean, de-clutter, post, and link.  That's it!  :)

Happy homemaking!

Yikes! I Just Watched Hoarders! (Part 2)

So, I think I struck a nerve.  I am not the only homeschool mom out there with hoarder tendencies.  As a matter of fact, if you read the comments from my last post, you'll see that I have come up with a new idea for a reality show called Homeschool Hoarders.  LOL  It does seem that we homeschoolers have a little more hoarder in us than the average mom.  Not all of us, of course, but how many homeschoolers do you know that don't seem to more books then they have space for?  Seems to be a pretty common problem.  Homeschooling means you not only have a home in your house, but a school too.  Then consider that there are many homeschool families out there that have bigger than average families, and, well, you have the makings of a perfect storm.

So, after thinking about I have added a few more reasons why I have to fight against hoarding.  Here is my now updated list.

• I'm frugal.
• I'm sentimental.
• I procrastinate.
• I'm disorganized.
• I'm a people pleaser and just WAY too nice.  (Here the kids snickering?)
•  I homeschool.
• I have ten people living in a small house.
• My house is dysfunctional.  (I mean the actual house.  LOL)

You'll notice, I added that my house is dysfunctional.  I have an old house that doesn't really have much closet or storage space.  The only closet on the main floor is one small closet in my room.  This means no coat closet and no linen closet.  The bathroom is tiny and consists of a tub, sink, and toilet.  There is no vanity.  There are no cabinets.  In other words, there is very little space to organize stuff.  It's Hoarders waiting to happen. 

I do do some things right.  Some things are done every day.  For example, in the kitchen, the dishwasher is loaded and unloaded twice (at least) everyday.  The counters are wiped down, the sink in cleaned out, the floor is swept, and the trash is taken out.  Two loads of laundry are done, that is washed, not necessarily folded and put away.  :)  In the bathroom the sink is wiped out, the faucets are shined, the floor is cleaned and swept, and the trash is emptied.  The couches and chair are cleared in the living room,  the hearth straightened up, the table cleared, and the floor swept/vacuumed.  The dining room floor is swept and the dining room table cleared (usually, unless there is laundry on it, which has been the case lately.)  My bed is made and the floor is cleared and swept on Sane Man's side per his request.  (He doesn't like to get crunchies on his feet after taking a shower, go figure.)  But all this seems to be undone as fast as it's done.  Actually, about ten times faster.  It also seems to consume a considerable amount of time every day.  This means the other areas of the house become neglected.  This is where the little "hoarder pockets" start to grow.

So the plan is this.  I will take each of the items on my list and blog about how I am conquering in this area.  I will also be looking for input as to how to do better in that area.  I want to hear your ideas.  Let's do this together!!! 

The next post will be about how being frugal, while a great thing, can lead to hoarding.  I hope to post it at the beginning of next week.  So, please think about this and come back so that you can comment with your ideas.  Also, if you happened to post about it on your own blog, leave the link and we'll all learn from each other! 

Well, I suppose I'd better get back to my little hoarder pockets now.  Maybe I'll even take some pics!  Ewwww......    :)

Making a Comeback! That's the Plan, Anyway!

Okay, so some of you have been around for a while, and some of you are new followers.  If you've been around for a while, you know that my blog used to be a mix of reviews, funny stories, memes, and other assorted stuff.  Well, life got overwhelming for me this past year.  Well, MORE overwhelming, and so other than the reviews I was obligated to write, and a few contests, you haven't heard much from me.  Soooo.....

I made the decision to drop out of the TOS Crew.  (Well, maybe I quit before I got fired, but I'd like to think they'd have had me back!)  Anyway, this probably doesn't really free up much time as things have a way of filling in empty time, but I am hoping to get back to writing more fun stuff!  And maybe, just maybe, I'll write some posts on my Crazy Mom style of homeschooling.  I want to do this because I listen to all the reasons people say they "could never homeschool" and I am proof that you can still do it, if you have the committment and desire.  For example, I am disorganized, impatient, and more or less clueless about just about everything.  However, my kids do just fine.  I wanna be here to be the one who says, I don't care how poorly you think you are doing, if you can teach your kid to read, do basic math, follow basic directions, and love the Lord, YOU CAN DO IT!!!

New Review!!! Mad Dog Math!

Well, hello there!!!  I'm so glad you stopped by!  :)  I bet you'd like to get my posts delivered right to your inbox, now wouldn't you?  So why not sign up for Feedburner?  Check it out, it's right there in my sidebar!  Thanks!!  :)

About the product/service: As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew I received a free download of Mad Dog Math.  Math Dog Math is a program that is set up to review the basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts.  The program is set up so that kids move from level to level as they advance through the worksheets.  The first goal is to get the problems done in two minutes.  Utlimately, the goal is to get it done in less than 30 seconds.  A cute little dog Ruff, helps lead the way!

What are the pros of this product? It's great review for kids and the cute little dog just adds to the fun.  The best part is that kids compete against themselves, so they are motivated to learn their facts!




What's not to like? Nothing really. :)  It is a wee bit confusing at first understanding how it works, but that's probably just me.  :)  My kids seemed to get is just fine. 


The Crazy Mom take:  I mostly had Baber doing this program.  He's always begging to get on the computer, so I would bribe him by saying he could get on to do his Mad Dog Math!  He didn't seem to mind (most days) and he enjoyed being able to try to get the problems done quickly.  It's a nice program, and the dog is really cute, so it's one I'd recommend.  :)

Happy problem solving! 



What's the bottom line? One year license $19.99/Two year license $29.99/Perpetual license $39.99

I am going to give Mad Dog Math 4 out of 5 smileys!!!

Check it out! http://www.maddogmath.com/about.html



See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @ http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783984/




*The Smiley System:

I can't really recommend this product.

I doubt this product would be helpful to many people.

This is a good product, but isn't right for everyone.

Most homeschool moms will find this useful.

This is great, and I would recommend it to anyone!!!


Disclaimer!!! I reviewed this product because I am a member of The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew. I was given the product by the vendor to use and evaluate in my home so that I might share my insights with others. Other than receiving the product, which I kinda have to to be able to assess the product, I am not compensated for my reviews in any way. I am in no way obligated to give a positive review. I do try to point out negatives when I see them, though I am admittedly a pretty easy going gal! What you read are my honest assessments of the products I receive.

As with all products, you must do the research before buying. Please visit the the other crew members' blogs, the vendor websites, and any other review sites you might find before buying. I can't guarantee that a product will work for you. You must decide what will fit with your teaching style, and your child(ren)'s learning style(s). I do not judge anything other than the educational value of the products I review. I am not qualified to make judgements as to the safely of any product, and I make no guarantee that the products I review are safe for you, your family, or anyone else. I am simply giving my opinion; only you know what is best for you and your family.

Don't use your blow dryer while you sleep or take a bath. Don't read my reviews in the tub either, and please do not read them when you are asleep, though I do not guarantee that you won't fall asleep reading them!

Copyright 2011 Ramblings from the Crazy House 2

New Review!!! WonderMaps!

Well, hello there!!!  I'm so glad you stopped by!  :)  I bet you'd like to get my posts delivered right to your inbox, now wouldn't you?  So why not sign up for Feedburner?  Check it out, it's right there in my sidebar!  Thanks!!  :)

About the product/service: As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew I received a free download of WonderMaps.  Wondermaps is a new product from Bright Ideas Press (The Mystery of History folks!) that includes over 350 maps.  I'm going to be lazy this time, and pull some of the description from the Bright Ideas website.  (There are just some times when it doesn't make sense to re-invent the wheel.)

 

WonderMaps is designed with easy-to-use layers that allow you to enjoy great customizable features with just a click. Select:


• Historical or modern-day maps

• Outline, reference, political, or topographical maps

• Black-and-white or color maps

• Features including: names, borders, rivers, cities, physical features, and graticules


WonderMaps includes:

• 60+ maps of the world

• 60+ maps of the USA

• 125 historical maps, including 25 biblical maps

• The complete map sets from The Mystery of History vols. I–III and All American History vols. I & II

Here's a video!!!

What are the pros of this product? Well, let's just say, if you want a map, you can pretty much be sure they have it!  :)  Oh, and it's very, very cool!



What's not to like? Well, maybe you'll get overwhelmed with all the choices!  :)


The Crazy Mom take: I admit, I was blown away by how cool this product is!  I'm really sorry that I didn't have this a little earlier in the year when we needed some maps for a couple of projects.  I just decided that for review purposes, I'd just let the kids play around with it for fun.  I know this product will come in handy time and time again.  We've been a bit "light" on geography, but now I can easily pull it other subjects like literature, current events, and more!  Very cool, indeed. 


What's the bottom line? $49.95

I am going to give WonderMaps 5 out of 5 smileys!!!

Check it out! http://brightideaspress.com/




See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @

http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783915/





*The Smiley System:

I can't really recommend this product.

I doubt this product would be helpful to many people.

This is a good product, but isn't right for everyone.

Most homeschool moms will find this useful.

This is great, and I would recommend it to anyone!!!


Disclaimer!!! I reviewed this product because I am a member of The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew. I was given the product by the vendor to use and evaluate in my home so that I might share my insights with others. Other than receiving the product, which I kinda have to to be able to assess the product, I am not compensated for my reviews in any way. I am in no way obligated to give a positive review. I do try to point out negatives when I see them, though I am admittedly a pretty easy going gal! What you read are my honest assessments of the products I receive.

As with all products, you must do the research before buying. Please visit the the other crew members' blogs, the vendor websites, and any other review sites you might find before buying. I can't guarantee that a product will work for you. You must decide what will fit with your teaching style, and your child(ren)'s learning style(s). I do not judge anything other than the educational value of the products I review. I am not qualified to make judgements as to the safely of any product, and I make no guarantee that the products I review are safe for you, your family, or anyone else. I am simply giving my opinion; only you know what is best for you and your family.

Don't use your blow dryer while you sleep or take a bath. Don't read my reviews in the tub either, and please do not read them when you are asleep, though I do not guarantee that you won't fall asleep reading them!

Copyright 2011 Ramblings from the Crazy House 2

New Review!!! Andi's Pony Trouble from Kregel Publications!

Well, hello there!!!  I'm so glad you stopped by!  :)  I bet you'd like to get my posts delivered right to your inbox, now wouldn't you?  So why not sign up for Feedburner?  Check it out, it's right there in my sidebar!  Thanks!!  :)

About the product/service: As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew I received a free copy of Andi's Pony Trouble by Susan Marlow from Kregel Publications so I could share it with my kids and let you know what they thought!  :)

This book features Andi, who first made her debut as an older child in the Circle C Adventures series.  Now younger kids can get to know Andi, too, through the Circle C Beginnings series. It's a chapter book, recommended for ages 6 to 8 but, in my humble opinion, is quite appropriate for kids a bit older.  (I have been known to read and enjoy many of the kids' books around here!)

In the story, Andi sets out to prove to her family that she is old enough to own and take care of her very own horse.  Can she convince her family?  Will Andi get her own horse?  You'll have to read it to find out!  :)

What are the pros of this product? It's just a nice little book for young readers. 

What's not to like? Drawing a blank here.  :)

The Crazy Mom take:  I knew right away who'd be my "Junior Reviewer" this time around.  It had to be Bear because she loves horses and this book was right up her alley.  Even though it is written for kids in the 6 to 8 year range, and she was 9 (almost 10) when she read it, she loved it! She would highly recommend it to others!  :)  (Oh, and she is literally begging me to get the rest of the books as I type!)



What's the bottom line? $4.99

I am going to give Andi's Pony Trouble 5 out of 5 smileys!!!

Check it out! http://store.kregel.com/productdetails.cfm?PC=2199

See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @ http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783897/

*The Smiley System:

I can't really recommend this product.

I doubt this product would be helpful to many people.

This is a good product, but isn't right for everyone.

Most homeschool moms will find this useful.

This is great, and I would recommend it to anyone!!!

Disclaimer!!! I reviewed this product because I am a member of The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew. I was given the product by the vendor to use and evaluate in my home so that I might share my insights with others. Other than receiving the product, which I kinda have to to be able to assess the product, I am not compensated for my reviews in any way. I am in no way obligated to give a positive review. I do try to point out negatives when I see them, though I am admittedly a pretty easy going gal! What you read are my honest assessments of the products I receive.

As with all products, you must do the research before buying. Please visit the the other crew members' blogs, the vendor websites, and any other review sites you might find before buying. I can't guarantee that a product will work for you. You must decide what will fit with your teaching style, and your child(ren)'s learning style(s). I do not judge anything other than the educational value of the products I review. I am not qualified to make judgements as to the safely of any product, and I make no guarantee that the products I review are safe for you, your family, or anyone else. I am simply giving my opinion; only you know what is best for you and your family.

Don't use your blow dryer while you sleep or take a bath. Don't read my reviews in the tub either, and please do not read them when you are asleep, though I do not guarantee that you won't fall asleep reading them!

Copyright 2011 Ramblings from the Crazy House 2