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

Become a Loser and win a Prize!!! LOL

This contest is now closed.  Congrats to Debra!!!

 

OK, friends, I have pledged to lose ten pounds, and I am helping to feed the hungry in the process!  No, I'm not going to give away my leftovers; I'm participating in the Pound for Pound challenge!!!  I hope you'll join me!!!  Here's some info from the folks who are sponsoring this effort:

The Kroger Co. Family of Stores, General Mills, NBC's hit TV Show "The Biggest Loser" and other key sponsors are partnering to donate up to $1,080,000 to Feeding America this year.


Here´s how you can help:

Visit http://www.pfpchallenge.com/Kroger to make your pledge to lose weight and to get more information and to find tools to change your life for the better. It is free, easy and only takes a minute to make a change that can help you and help the hungry in your local community.

Through June 30, 2010, for every pound you pledge to lose, the Pound For Pound Challenge will donate 14¢ to Feeding America® - enough to deliver one pound of groceries to a local food bank.

As the official supplier of the Biggest Loser Ranch and partner of the Pound for Pound Challenge, the Kroger Family of Stores wants to help you achieve your goals. If you´re a fan of the Biggest Loser, you may have seen several great General Mills products featured on the show. These products, including Yoplait Greek yogurt, Total, and Multigrain Cheerios, are available at your local Kroger Family of Stores and can help you stick to your weight management plan.

So are you into it?  I hope so!  I know some of you are already the perfect weight, but it' a rare person that doesn't need to lost a pound or two. 

Now for the contest!  Would you like a $30 Kroger* card so you can buy some of the products that are featured on Biggest Loser?  Just leave me a comment telling me whether or not you have joined the challenge.  You don't have to tell me how many pounds you pledge to lose if you don't want to. :)   I'll accept comments until Sunday, June 13, 2010 at 11:59 PM.  Anyone can enter who is at least 18 years old and is not in my immediate family.  Of course, you'll want to be in an area where there is a store where you can use the card!  LOL  You must leave me an e-mail address or some other way for me to contact you if you win!!!

I'll also let you get an extra entry for following me on Twitter, Facebook, or as a Google Connect friend.  If you subscribe via Feedburner, I'll give you THREE extra entries.  You must leave a seperate comment for EACH of these additional entries. 

~ The Kroger Family of Stores gift card, information, and giveaway were all provided by the Kroger Family of Stores and General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

*The Kroger Family of Stores includes Kroger, Fred Meyer, Ralph´s, King Soopers, City Market, Dillon's, Smith´s, Fry´s, QFC, Baker´s, Owen´s, Jay C Food Stores, Hilander, Gerbes, Food4Less, Pay Less Super Markets and Scott´s Food & Pharmacy.
 
Good luck!!!  :)

Learn About Motor Oil and Win a $35 Jiffy Lube Gift Card!!! :)

Well, the competition was stiff, LOL, but Debbie has won the contest and gets a FREE $35 Jiffy Lube gift card!!!  Congrats Debbie!!!

 
Yep, I'm doing it again.  I'm having one of my "speed contests."  You'll have to enter by Sunday, May 23, 2010 at 11:59 P.M.  But, first let me fill you in on a little bit about motor oil.

What?  Motor oil?  Yes, that's what I said.  Now what does Crazy Mom know about motor oil?  Well, actually, I hate to brag, but apparently I know quite a bit.  I just rocked a perfect score at http://motoroilmatters.com/ (created by the folks at Pennzoil and Quaker State.)  Yes, I went there to check it out and I really did it!  Must be from living with my husband who was once a mechanic back in the day, and still works a lot on our cars, though we do now pay for oil changes as he says the little you save doing it yourself isn't worth the time and trouble to do your own.

So, why don't you click on over to http://motoroilmatters.com/ yourself and check it out.  Then you can come right back here and tell me the most interesting thing you learned on the website, or take the quiz and see if you can match my perfect score!  Doing just that will earn you an entry in my contest.  Then, if you'd like, you can become a Google Connect Friend, a Facebook or Twitter follower, or better yet a subscriber to my blog via Feedburner.  I'll give you one extra entry for each of these, but only if you leave me a separate comment for each one.

So, here's the deal.  Check out the site, comment about it, and leave an additional comment for each of the ways you "follow me."  Do this by 11:59 P.M. on Sunday, May 23, 2010.   But ya gotta be 18, and you probably want to live somewhere near a Jiffy Lube.  If your my mom or my sister or some other relative, don't bother.  I love you, but you can't win.  Oh, and last but not least, unless I can figure out who you are by your name or some other identifying information, you have to leave me a way to get in touch with you if you win.  E-mail works best.  So that should do it!  Good luck!!!


NOTE:  MotorOilMatters.org and Shell Lubricants provided me with the gift card and information through MyBlogSpark.

Try Simply Go-Gurt! And a CONTEST!!! :)

This contest is now closed.  Congratulations to Jennifer Miller!!!  :) 

Hey, this is cool! I get to give away coupons for free GoGurt to 30 people that read my blog!  Well, everyone that does not live in California, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Jersey, Nevada, North Dakota or Tennessee. I'm not sure why, really, but that's the way it is folks. (If you're not one of the first 30, you can still get a $1.50 coupon.)  But do not dispair, you can still enter the contest! :) But before I tell you about that, let me tell you a little about Go-Gurt!

Here's what the Go-Gurt folks have to say:

New Simply... Go-Gurt is made from simple ingredients moms look for and contains no high fructose corn syrup or artificial colors or flavors. Each convenient portable yogurt tube contains a good source of calcium and vitamin D. Simply stated, Simply... Go-Gurt is a good-for-you, low fat yogurt snack that you can feel good about giving to your kids.

New Simply... Go-Gurt is available in two kid-friendly flavors, Strawberry and Mixed Berry.

I love this idea because more and more I am thinking that I really don't want to eat (or have my kids eat) a lot of high fructose corn syrup and what I call "fake" colors and flavors.

Now, here's where those of you who live in states not mentioned above can get a coupon to try this for free! :)



Now, for the contest. Here it is:

Win the Go-Gurt "Simplify Your Life" prize pack (see pic way up on top) that includes a pocket Etch a Sketch, weekly planner, and a seat back organizer.  Fun stuff.  Not sure how the Etch a Sketch fits in there, but who's complaining! 

All you have to do is enter by 11:59 pm on May 9, 2010.  To enter, just leave me a comment telling me your fave healthful snack!  Oh, and if you follow me publicly, on Twitter, or on Facebook, you can have an extra entry.  You MUST leave a separate comment, or I will not count it.  Now, I am desperately trying to get folks to sub to my Feedburner thing, so I will give FIVE yes FIVE extra entries if you sign up.  Yes, I am desperate; I already told you that!  MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE AN ADDRESS SO I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN!!!  I'LL GIVE YOU 72 HOURS TO REPLY IF YOU WIN, THEN I HAVE TO AWARD THE PRIZE TO SOMEONE ELSE.  THAT WOULD BE SO SAD!!!

Oh, and you must be at least 18 years old and unrelated to me to enter.  Unrelated means you are not in my immediate fam or immediate family of origin.  I mean technically we are all related, so I thought I'd explain that.  :)

NOTE:  The product, information, prize pack, and/or giveaway has been provided by the brand, Yoplait through MyBlogSpark.

New Review!!! The Travels of Wiglington and Wenks! (A Virtual 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/service:  As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew I received access for 30 days as an "Elite Quest Traveler" in The Travels of Wiglington and Wenks Virtual World.  This world is based on a series of books by John Bittleston.
 
Basically, this is like a number of other virtual world games I've seen on the internet.  You become a character and you interact with the world, as well as other characters, and you go on "virtual adventures."  This game attempts to add educational value to the adventures by having the players interact with real people from history in real places. (Okay, well, not the REAL people in real places, but virtual real people!  Hmmmm.  Sounds like an oxymoron, but I think you know what I mean!  LOL)

For example, you kids will meet St. Patrick, Beethoven, Chief Joseph, etc.  The idea behind all this is that these characters from the past have entered the present through a time warp.  Your child's mission is to help them regain lost memories.  Here's a little blurb from the website that give a good description of the goals of this game:

It promises an experience in which players will be able to travel to places around the world, through time and space, meet famous historical people, play dozens of fun enriching games, make new friends, buy exotic islands, build culture-inspired houses, wear clothes from different countries, explore secret locations, solve mysteries and become a legendary traveler!

You can also find out more by watching two videos here.

Not ready to head on over to the website yet?  Here's a screen shot to give you an idea what the virtual world looks like. 

What are the pros of this product?  Well, first of all, being frugal, I appreciate that there is a free, albeit stripped down, version of the game. 

Also, the graphics are very good.  It's also nice that there is actually some educational value to the game.  So many of these games have no educational value whatsoever.  

You can keep your child from chatting with other children, by only allowing them to use a modified chat which will only allow them to click on certain phrases like "Hi!" and "Let's have a party!" 



What's not to like? I thought that while there was some educational value to the website, I found that my kids spent most of their time playing non-educational aspects of the game.  My kids played a lot of pool and darts and other games like that.  It would be nice if there would be some sort of limit on the "fun" games. 

If you allow uncensored chat, you will get just that, uncensored chat.  Be aware that this is just like sending your kids out on the playground.  You never know who you are going to meet or what they are going to introduce your kids to.  One reason we homeschool is to have a certain amount of control over things like this, so why would be keep them out of school and then send them online with who knows who?  With games that allow uncensored chat, there is no way to tell if you are talking to another child or an adult.  In this world, you honestly can't be too careful.  Thankfully, you don't HAVE to allow the chat, but I want you to know about it. 

And I have to mention it; there is a Charles Darwin character.  My kids know all about Darwin and can spot evolution a mile away.  It doesn't bother me, but he is there.  Just a heads up so you can deal with it in whatever way you deam appropriate.  

Also, there is a environmentalist bent here too.  I am all for clean air and water, but I tend to cringe when people go so far as to say human beings are like a cancer to the earth or whatever.  I didn't see anything like that here, but I realize that people draw the line in different places, plus I have not gone through the entire world.  Again, just a heads up. 

The Crazy Mom take:  Well, you know I am not the most disciplined and organized person on the planet.  I have to admit, my kids aren't either.  Because of this, most of them have zero discipline when it comes to the computer.  They sneak on it when they are supposed to be doing something else, or they haven't finished their school or chores.  Once they are on, it's like pulling teeth to get them off.  For this reason, we have decided to stay away from games like this.  I am not saying all kids will get sucked in, but I am saying mine do.  Yes, they like this game, and yes, they would play all day if I let them.  (They love when I review these things because I "assign" them to play.  Talk about catching a break!  LOL)

So, for us, I can say for sure that we won't be buying any subscriptions.  As for the free version, I might allow them to play it on a rare occasion.  I do admit, I like it better than many of the others as there is at least some educational value.
 
Now, one thing that does peak my interest is the fact that this virtual world is based on a series of books about the Wiglington and Wenks characters.  I had never heard of them.  I will check them out and see if the characters in the books also travel around to famous places meeting famous people.  If this is the case, I will be glad to get these books out of the library for my kids to read.  I don't mind them getting all wrapped up in books.  Well, okay, I don't like to find them up reading at 2:00 A.M.  Ah, yes, we do need a lot more discipline in our lives.  I suppose it should start with me! 

Happy virtual traveling!

 
 What's the bottom line? Free!  But to access special features you can buy a membership for $5.99 per month.  You can also get better deals by buying multiple months in a single transaction.  See website for details. 

I am going to give The Travels of Wiglington and Wenks 3 out of 5 smileys!!!

Check it out! http://www.wiglingtonandwenks.com/



See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HomeschoolCrew/774617/





*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

New Review!!! Terrestria Chronicals!

 

About the product/service:  As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew I received complimentary copies of books 4 and 5 from the Terrestria Chronicles series by Ed Dunlop.  (Meet Ed and his family here.)  These books take place in a medieval type setting and are written as an allegory to the Christian life.

Book #4 is called The Crown of Kuros.  Rather than try to rewrite the summary out of my (currently very foggy) head, I'll just "cheat" a bit and copy the summary from the website!  :)

The Castle of Faith is in an uproar when the priceless Crown of Kuros is stolen in broad daylight from the castle keep. All evidence points to Morphina who is in league with Argamor. Prince Josiah, Prince Selwyn, and the other knights of the castle engage in a quest to find the crown before it falls into the hands of Argamor. But Josiah alone can recover the crown, and to do so he must engage in an impossible battle.

Book #5 is called The Dragon's Egg.  Here I shall, one again, cheat and use the summary from the website.

When Princess Gilda and Prince Selwyn refuse the offer of a gift forbidden by King Emmanuel, Prince Josiah accepts, not realizing that his actions will impact the Castle of Faith. For a time, the young prince is able to conceal his act of treachery, and it seems that all is well. But when a Cararian Greatwing—the fiercest of dragons—begins terrorizing the kingdom, Josiah learns too late that he is powerless to control the beast that he has unleashed upon Terrestria.

What are the pros of this product?  Okay, if you're looking for a series that is distinctly Christian, with no magic or wizardry, this might be just what you are looking for. 

The books are great for boys who love medieval literature.  There are plenty of knights, ladies, and even some dragons!  :)  (Which is not to say that girls won't like them, too!)

Finally, these books actually make you ponder your own walk with Christ.  Have YOU fully surrendered your heart to the Lord?



What's not to like? There is definitely a very conservative bent to these books.  Might I say, maybe a tad too conservative for some folks?  One example that I can think of right off the top of my head is a scene where the enemies of King Emmanuel are plotting to steal the hearts of his subjects.  The plan is to introduce something that was obviously TV and rock music.  It was presented as though these things were created by King Emmanuel's enemies with purely evil intent, which implies (to me anyway) that TV and rock music were invented by the devil and his demons. 

Now, I am not saying that the devil and his demons have not have had huge success with these media.  However, I do not think these things are inherently evil.  I think they, like anything else, can be used for good or evil, but are in and of themselves neutral.  I love music, and yes, I can really rock!  LOL  I don't feel the phrase Christian Rock is an oxymoron.  I've also seen some really awesome television.  (I even had my own show once!)  I realize that not everyone agrees, so for some, these books might not present any issues whatsoever.  Just be advised,however, that things like this do occasionally pop up in the series so your kids might have a question or two.

 The Crazy Mom take:  Normally, I don't read the books we get to review as I have my kids read them.  For whatever reason, though, my kids didn't want to indulge me this time around, so I did the reading.  First, I have to say the idea is great.  What a neat way to present the Gospel.  Now, the way it is written isn't exactly my style, so I can't say they were the best books I've ever ready, but I'm just not into all that medieval stuff.  I KNOW my boys would like them as they love all of that sort of thing.  My girls?  I'm not sure.  Right now they are into Laura Ingalls and Beezus and Ramona.  :) 

One thing I have to say I didn't like was getting books 4 and 5.  I would have loved to start from the beginning.  I think this is necessary to really get the big picture.  I mean, you can read them as individual books, but I wouldn't recommend it.  Now, knowing the Gospel, I pretty much already know the storyline.  ;)  Still, I went to the website and read the summaries of the earlier books and it did help to understand a few things, so, if you do get these, start with book 1!

Like I said earlier, I'm not sure I'm in full agreement with absolutely everything in the book.  However, it's supposed to be an allegory so I suppose not everything has to line up exactly.  Still, I do agree wholeheartedly with the basic premise of the series, and that is that our lives are meant to be a quest to honor the Lord and fully surrender our lives to Him.  For that reason, I can still recommend the series.  Just to be sure, though, Mom or Dad might want to read through it first, as I would suggest for pretty much all books.  Also, I think the study guide is a great idea. 

Happy Reading!!! 

 
 What's the bottom line? $7.99 each or purchase the series as a set in softcover for $47.99 or in hardcover for $73.99 (hardcover books not sold separately)/Spiral bound study guide $5.99

I am going to give The Terrestria Chronicles series 3 out of 5 smileys!!!

Check it out!  http://www.talesofcastles.com/terrestria-chronicles.htm



See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HomeschoolCrew/771044/





*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