Two More Contests from Cheerios. Do What You Love!!! :)

What do you love to do???  For me it's stay home for a whole day, read, write, sleep, and of course, hang out with my family.  OK, so I'm not the most active person in the world, but I still need to take care of my heart, right?  (Which reminds me, I NEED to schedule that stress test tomorrow!) 

As part of a heart healthy diet, eating Cheerios cereal, which is made with 100 percent whole grain oats, is an easy way to help maintain a healthy heart. And now cheerios is giving you the chance of a lifetime!

Cheerios is partnering with country music superstar Martina McBride and professional athlete Cal Ripken, Jr. for the "Do What You Love" Contest. McBride and Ripken will recognize two lucky people with prizes that will make their hearts race.

One music lover (and a guest) will tour the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum with McBride, hang out with her in her recording studio - the world famous Blackbird Studio in Nashville, Tenn. - and even get VIP tickets to one of her upcoming concerts.

Another lucky baseball enthusiast (and a guest) will have the chance to hang out and play catch with Ripken and to tour the Ripken Youth Baseball Academy in Aberdeen, Md., with the "Iron Man" of baseball himself. In addition, the winner will throw out the first pitch at the Cal Ripken World Series and sit in Ripken´s reserved seats at a Baltimore baseball game.

Now through July 23, 2010, you and can submit your 150-250 word original story and photo, showcasing what you love to do. For a chance to win the experience of a lifetime with McBride and Ripken, visit http://www.cheerios.com/love today.

I must confess, I'm gonna pass on this one because I'm neither a huge baseball fan, nor a country music fan.  I would hate to win and take that away from someone who would really appreciate this contest.  Maybe that's you?  If so, I hope you'll enter.  And WIN!!!  :)

Oh, and even if you don't win, you might just win MY contest!  I am giving away a Cheerios "Do What You Love" prize pack.  This includes a box of Cheerios, AND a $25 American Express® Gift Card.  Just a little cash to spend doing something you love to do!!!

Here's how to enter: 

Leave me a comment telling me what you love to do.  It's that easy.  Oh, and make sure you include a way for me to contact you if you win!  I'll also let you earn extra entries for doing the following, though you will have to leave an additional comment for each entry.

• Become a Facebook Fan
• Become a Twitter Follower
• Become a Google Connect Friend
• Subscribe to my blog via Feedburner
• Post about this contest on your blog and/or Facebook, and/or Twitter

If you are at least 18 and not related to me, you can enter my contest.  Just make sure to enter by 11:59 PM Eastern Time  on Friday, July 23, 2010

I'm sure winning prizes is on your list of things you love to do, so have fun and I hope you win!!!  :)

Also, check out Cheerios on Facebook today! Visit Cheerios on Facebook to "Like" the brand and keep up with the latest news from Cheerios.

NOTE:  The product, information, and prize packs were all given to me from Cheerios through MyBlogSpark

New Review!!! 2009 Schoolhouse Planner June Module - Travel the World!!!

I'm so sad. :(  No one is signing up to get my posts through e-mail.  Won't you please help a girl out?  Become a Feedburner subscriber today!!!  :)

About the product:  As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew, I received a free download of the 2009 Schoolhouse Planner's June 2010 Module:  Travel the World.  I suppose I need to explain a little before I talk about the actual product.  First of all, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine is a really professional mag that comes out four times a year and is just packed with articles and information about all things homeschool.  The publishers also produce many other products, among them the Old Schoolhouse Planner which they put out each year.  (This comes in a digital format.)  The Planner is amazing and is much, much more than just a homeschool planner.  It basically has calendars, lists, and information about just about anything you can think of.  Then, each month, they put out what they call a "module."  The module is basically a mini unit study that focuses on one particular subject.  While these compliment the Planner, they are also free-standing products that are purchased separately and can be used even if you don't own the Planner.

Now, to tell you about the June Module (which to eliminate confusion is actually from June 2010 though it's a supplement from the 2009 Planner.)  The theme is geography.  It comes as a 56 page pdf file which you can download directly from The Old Schoolhouse Store.  It contains information about maps, the continents, and more.  What's nice is that while there is already a lot information, there are also tons of links so that you can dig in deeper if you are so inclined.  For fun there are also word searches, coloring pages, and a crossword puzzle.  For those who are into lap-booking, the module includes a mini-lapbook.  There are also several pages of geography related printing and cursive practice.  And for those who'd rather eat than learn, there are even two recipes!  LOL  Take a sneak peak right here!

What are the pros of this product?  There is something for all ages and you can print the pages out as many times as you'd like (for your own family, of course.)  The amount of links is amazing, and you could literally spend hours and hours using the module.  And it's EASY to use.  That is huge for me! 



What's not to like?  It might be a bit costly if you only have one child, however, if you child is young, you will be able to use the module for years to come. 


The Crazy Mom take:   I like these because I use them for days when I just can't do regular school.  For example, if everyone is sick, I'll print something out from a module, and then I feel like we are at least doing something.  No one complains as they see these modules as fun.  I have to admit that I haven't done a lot with geography so I was happy to get this module.  I haven't really used much of it yet as we've had some MAJOR computer issues and I just got my printer working. I have looked it over thoroughly, however, and I really like it.  I am very familiar with these modules as I have used them in the past, so I knew I'd like it before I even opened it.  LOL 

Anyway, I think these are a fun and easy way to start a unit study.  Believe it or not, I'm still working on my plans for the 2010/2011 school year, but I have already decided to use this module to teach geography this year. 

Happy learning!!!  :)


 
What's the bottom line? $7.95


I am going to give  out of 4 out of 5 smileys!!!  :)  :)  :)  :)   

Check it out! http://thehomeschoolmagazine.com/TOSEBookSellSheets/Modules/10June/June2010-Travel-the-World.htm

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


*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 2010 Ramblings from the Crazy House

Just Passing this Along! The Old Schoolhouse Mag's 4th of July SALE!!!

1776 was a spectacular year, and it's a smashing, save-more-money price! Grab your subscription to The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine during their four-day Fourth of July sale, and check out the craziest price on July 1 only! Receive a 2-year subscription, free Homeschooling with Heart tote bag, and five FREE E-Books for just $17.76! While supplies last. U.S. and Canadian residents. July 2 through July 4 the unprecedented savings continue. The sparks are flying at TOS Magazine . . . join in the celebration and savings! Get the details here.

CLASSIC CRAZY MOM: THE SURGE IS WORKING!!!

Please won't you take my poll in my sidebar?  And I'd love it if you'd become a friend, follower, or subscriber!  Thank!!!  :)

Here's another old post from my hsb blog!

No, I'm not talking about Iraq.  I'm talking about my all out attack on the fruit flies that have invaded my home. 

I first started seeing the little buggers several weeks ago after I took some watermelon out of the fridge.  My intention was to feed it to my kids later that day.  Well, it seems I forgot all about until a few days later when I lifted the aluminum that covered its end and was met by a small army of fruit flies.

So I trashed the melon and swatted at the flies, killing them all off within a few days.  Or so I thought.  Not long after, I began seeing them again.  I don't know if they were left over from the melon incident, or if they had something to do with the veggies my mom had sent over, but they were back.  I swatted at them again, killing a few here and there, and they seemed to disappear.  Or so I thought again.

Suddenly, unlike King Midas who turned things to gold when he touched them, I was met by a sudden movement of fruit fly troops whenever I would touch something in the kitchen.  They loved my faucet, the glass on my china cabinet, my candles, wet wash cloths, and even my beloved Mr. Clean Magic Erasers!  I decided that it was time to institute a no fly zone in my kitchen.

I started by Googling "how to kill fruit flies."  Most of the ideas involved putting fruit in a glass jar and covering it with plastic wrap, and then poking holes in so that the flies would go in, but couldn't come out.  Of course, I didn't have any plastic wrap, but Sunday I did try inverting a Slurpee cup lid in a large Slurpee cup with an old rag and a piece of fruit in it.  I noticed the flies loved to land on the cup, but once I got near it they scattered. 

I went to church that night, and much to my horror they talked about the plagues in Sunday School.  When my five-year-old heard about the plague of flies, he told his teacher that was just like his house!  I knew something had to been done.  And soon.

Finally, on Monday I got to the store and got the plastic wrap.  I tried the glass jar thing but left the Slurpee cup out.  The next morning, I woke to find that not a single fly was in the trap, but several were on the cup. So I took the wrap and very slowly approached the cup and covered it.  It worked!  I trapped some flies! 

Then I remembered that they share my affection for Magic Erasers.  So I took my old eraser and put it in the lid.  The next time I looked, there were lots of the little buggers crawling all over it.  I did another sneak attack and got even more!

So I decided to somehow attach the plastic wrap to the cup so that it would be there and ready when the flies landed.  That didn't seem to work until I devised my master plan.  I took the plastic wrap and wrapped it around the cup so that it was about four inched above it.  Then I stuck the top of it together so it just left an opening about two inches wide.   I left it like that all night long.
The morning came, and there it was.  My little trap was filled with at least 50 flies, chillin' out on my Magic Eraser.  I just pinched the plastic wrap closed and they were trapped.  I went outside and let them go.  Not because the ACLU said I couldn't legally hold them, or because The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals were watching me, but because I was afraid if I opened the plastic to kill them, they would escape in my house.   I just wanted them outta here!

So all day long, every hour or so, I would go out on my porch and let my little POWs go.  I do have to wonder what the neighbors were thinking.  I even went out a few time in my nightgown!  But as the day went by, I was getting less and less flies in my trap.  I do believe that's because the surge worked.
Now, that is not to say all is well.  I am still battling those rotten little flies.  There are still a few around, but at least they don't swarm around every time I touch something.   I'm not ready to pull out yet.  As long as I see fruit flies, I, along with my Slurpee cup, old rag, and Mr. Clean, will continue to fight.  There is no timeline for withdrawl.  I won't leave until the job is done, and every one of those nasty little buggers respects that my house is a no fly zone, and it's gonna stay that way!

Five Lovely Gals! The Pier Review Crew!!!

While you're here, why not take my poll?  And I'd love it if you'd become a follower, friend, or subscriber!

As an First Mate (FM) on the TOS Homeschool Crew, I am "mentoring" five gals who are new to the Crew.  I have to say they are a great bunch of gals and they don't really need me at all.  :)  Just to prove it, I thought I'd give you a chance to check out their blogs yourself.  Here they are, in no particular order, the blogs of The Pier Review Crew!!!

Pink & Orange Coffee

Walking Home...

Made in His Image

Orange Marmalade Mama

The Joy of School

New Review!!! The Trouble with Treasure!

About the product/service: As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew I received a free copy of Andrea Carter and the Trouble with Treasure by Susan K. Marlow from Kregel Publications so I could read it and give you my humble opinion. :) This is book five of a series of which details the adventures of Andrea and her family and friends who live on a cattle ranch near Fresno, California in the 1880s.

Here's what the website has to say about The Trouble with Treasure:

When innocent horseplay temporarily lands Andi and her friends in jail, they decide that a trip into the mountains will leave their troubles far behind. Accompanied by big brother Mitch and armed with a map showing old gold diggings, they can't wait to strike it rich. What could be better than two weeks of camping and horseback riding?

But instead of gold they find heaps of trouble -- trouble that leaves Mitch gravely wounded. Andi needs help fast. But who can she trust? And what good is a bag of gold when her beloved brother lies near death in the middle of nowhere?

What are the pros of this product? This is a nice historical fiction for kids that I think both boys and girls would enjoy reading. Actually, though the main character, Andi, is a girl, she is sort of a tomboy and I honestly thought the book I read seemed more like a boy book.

What's not to like? Nothing negative stands out to me. However, the storyline is a bit intense. The kids get caught up in a very dangerous situation. Think bank robbers, guns, and gunshot wounds, even death. At one point the kids are even physically assaulted. So, if you have a child who cannot handle that sort of thing, this is one to steer clear of.

The Crazy Mom take: Well, this is one I intended to pass off to my daughter to read, but after she lost it twice, I figured I'd better just go ahead and read it. :) I have to say, I thought it was well written and very suspenseful. I did think it had a more "boy" flavor to it, though. It is a bit intense, but I think my kids could handle it. Life can be intense, and I like it that when Andi found herself in a very difficult spot, she remembered a Bible verse to help her make it through. I don't mind books with real situations as long as sin isn't glorified and the characters, at least the main ones, respond in a Biblical manner.

But, at the risk of sounding like a broken record, I suggest you read it first before passing it along to your kids. Only you know what's best for your own family.

Happy reading!!!



What's the bottom line? $7.99

I am going to give The Trouble with Treasure 4 out of 5 smileys!!!

Check it out! http://store.kregel.com/productdetails.cfm?PC=1998

See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @ http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/782677/





*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 2009 Ramblings from the Crazy House

Hello from Crazy Mom!!!

It has dawned on my that I haven't posted any "personal" posts in quite so time, so I just thought I'd take a moment to say hello!

I know I have a lot of new readers, so I thought I'd tell you a little about myself.  Well, first of all I am a Christian.  :)  I am also a homeschooling mom of eight.  Well, technically a homeschooling mom of only seven as I graduated my oldest son, First Born, last year.  He is currently in Africa on a two month mission trip. 

I have five other boys,  Renaissance Man, who is one of those kids who is good at everything.  Music. Sports.  Computer Programming.  You name it, he can do it.  Well, not keep his room clean or get himself up in the morning, but pretty much anything else!  LOL

Mr. Personality is my social one.  He love to talk about just about anything, but he likes to go for those "forbidden" topics you are not supposed to bring up in polite conversation.  Yes, religion and politics!  LOL

Woggit is my not-so-social one.  He hates attending large events and would rather curl up with a good book or play on the computer if only he wouldn't keep getting grounded off of it for going on it before doing his chores.

Dode Man is all energy.  The kid never stops moving.  He's ten and quite a handful, but a real lovable little guy.

Baber is my youngest child.  He is adorable.  He has no intention of blending into the background, and is very adept at making his opinions known.

Then there are the two sweet girls, Princess and Bear.  They are both girlie and I love it.  They are both far better homemakers than I am and are even learning to sew.  :)

I am just a very ADD, disorganized gal who tried so hard to keep it all together but hasn't quite figured it all out.  I am married to Sane Man and he puts up with me, thank goodness!

We all live together in a small house with one bathroom.  Yes, it's crazy, but I wouldn't want it any other way!

It's that time again! Yes! A contest!!! Win a Dinner Kit from Good Earth!!!

This contest is now closed.  Congrats to Julieanne Miller!!!

 

Time for another contest!

How would you like to win a Good Earth gift pack that includes a Good Earth Mediterranean Chicken dry dinner kit, two sets of bamboo flatware, two bamboo dishes, a bamboo utility board and a 100% recyclable grocery tote?  (These are really  nice, I got one too!)

Well, we'll get to that in a minute.  First let me tell you about the Good Earth dinner kit!

Coming to stores this month, Good Earth dry dinner kits offer a selection of four delectable meals: Mediterranean Chicken with angel hair pasta, Spicy Citrus Glazed Shrimp with angel hair pasta, Herb Crusted Chicken with mushroom risotto and Tuscan Chicken with penne pasta.

These kits let you make a very nice dinner without all the work!  (My kinda dinner, let me tell you.)  The best part is that they are made with 100% whole grain, no trans fat, no artificial flavors, no artificial preservatives, and no MSG.  I am so glad that companies are starting to consider these things when making new products.

To win the contest you must leave a comment and a way to get in touch with you if you win.  Please let me know in your comment which of the four dinner sounds best to you.  Then, if you'd like, you can earn additional entries by becoming a Google Connect Friend, following me on Twitter, following me on Facebook, subscribling to my blog's RSS feed, or subscribing to get my posts via e-mail with  Feedburner.  If you're really motivated, you can even blog or tweet about it yourself!   If you do this, please leave a separate comment for each way you follow me or promote the contest.   

Also, you must be at least 18 years old to enter, and not my immediate relative.  US and Canadian residents only please.

The contest will end Sunday, June 27 at 11:59 PM. 

Thanks and good luck!!!

NOTE:  The product, gift pack, information and additional gift pack to give away were all given to me by Good Earth and MyBlogSpark.

These Blogs Were Made for Walkin'!!! Week 2.

Here are 10 more blogs from this year's TOS Homeschool Crew.  Why not check them out and maybe you'll make a new friend! 

1. Second Star to the Right and Straight On Till Morning

2. Surviving The Testosterone

3. Family Style School

4. School Around The Table

5. 1628 The Story of The Goebels 5

6. Morris Family Madness

7. Homeschool Musings

8. Homeschooling (and then some!)

9. Heartfelt Homeschooling

10. following Him home

These Blogs Were Made for Walkin'!!!

Well, we're getting ready to sail again as the TOS Crew is just about set to start its third voyage!!!  This year we thought it would be a great idea to give our readers a little peek at some of the other bloggers out there who are part of the crew.  This is called a Blog Walk.  The idea is to promote ten of our crewmates' blogs each week.  Please take a few minutes to visit them, and leave a comment! 

Now, without further ado, here are the first ten blogs of the 2010-2011 TOS Crew Blog Walk!!!

1. Reaping a Harvest

2. Pink & Orange Coffee

3. Live, Laugh, Learn!

4. Mrs. Mandy's Musings

5. The Fantastic Five

6. Refined Metals Academy

7. Just A Moment in Time

8. Providence Farm

9.  My Journey

10. Petra School