Homeschool Planet Review

How many planners have we all tried?  I think in the last four years I have tried at least six different planners.  Each one is perfect for someone, so I like to show you something different in case you are still trying to find the right one for you.

Today I want to talk to you about Homeschool Planet!  It is an online planner from Homeschool Buyers Co-op. It is fairly new, and I was able to watch some new features roll out recently which makes it a great option for those of you that like the convenience of paper planners, with the flexibility of digital planners.

Creating classes and assignments is a breeze.

What I Like:

• Easy to input assignments
• Easy to get started (not a huge learning curve)
• Can print out color or B&W pages to follow for the day or week (for whole family or individuals)
• Can get the information from any computer

What I Didn't Like:

• I couldn't get it to work on my iPad

Who this would work for:

• Any homeschooler
• Anyone who like to uber-plan their homeschool (I love that you can put in times to do certain classes, certain days of the week for other classes)
• Anyone who changes their schedule (It is easy to move the classes around, change what day you do them, or schedule them to happen sooner/later than originally planned)
• Someone who like a printed paper copy of the day (Printing out the schedule is super easy!)

The online interface is easy to follow. It is nice to use on the computer.

You can also print out a copy. This is a color version for the whole family, but you can do it in black and white or for individuals as well.

You can try it for FREE for 30 days: http://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/homeschool-planet-free-trial/

Read more reviews of this product at: http://homeschoolmosaics.com/homeschool-planet/

Resolving to Read

I hate resolutions. Let's be honest. Making a New Year resolution is just asking to let yourself down because inevitable you will break your resolution. Also, who says you have to start on the first of the year?  What if you want to start on a different day?  I don't like the confinement that a New Years resolution gives me.

However, with all that being said, I am lacking in the book-reading department of my life. Last year I only read through one book and partially through a second book. It is pathetic. I used to scarf through books in my pre-baby age.  So... I made a resolution to myself.  I want to read books this year, so I am starting a Book Club on my blog to talk about the books I am currently reading.

I will admit that the thought of reading a book a month seems like a feat I will never accomplish. However, if I think about it, I could get off the computer, turn off the TV, and open a book. I think there are times I can find, if I really put my mind to it, that I have available to read. It is all ablout prioritizing and I want reading to be higher on the list than I have let it become lately.

The books currently on my  day reading list are (in no particular order):

• 33 Days to Morning Glory
• Consoling the Heart of Jesus
• The Lamb's Supper
• Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist
• Catholicism
• Out of the Silent Planet
• Perelandia
• That Hideous Strength
• Walking with God
• The Last Unicorn
• The Neverending Story
• The Princess Bride
• The Last Battle

I look forward to all these books because I have had some of them on my bookshelves for years and have only longingly stared at them. It is time to crack them open and get my brain working again! 

Do you have any book suggestions for me? Do you have a reading list planned for yourself?

New Year, New Business

I am very excited to announce that I have started a new business selling the wonderful products at Usborne Books & More.  I made this decision for a number of reasons.

1. My kids LOVE these books. They are some of their favorites.
2. We use these books during homeschooling and I am constantly buying more.
3. I want to share these great books with other people, because I found so much use for them. 
4. They are not twaddle. They are quality books that are enriching my children's lives. Back to point #3- I want to share this with other people.
5. I am developing literacy in my own children and in the people I meet. Smart books = smart kids!

 I am very excited to share these products with everyone.  I am doing home shows, Facebook and online shows, and I am going to fund raising events and craft shows too! I am trying to get the word out there that parents can buy quality books at reasonable prices that encourage kids to read, be creative, and develop critical thinking skills while having fun at the same time.

Please check out my website and if you want to book a party or buy something, please contact me! Thank you for all your support as I start this new venture. Your well wishes and encouragement means so much to me.

New Year Interviews

I completely missed blogging in December. Can you believe that a homeschooling mom that also has a part time job could be busy? Me neither. ��

New Year's Eve night, as part of our festivities, my family did a New Year's interview. Here are some of the fun responses.

Keepsake Interviews (2014 Edition)

This is my favorite homeschool tradition. I usually do this in August or September, but I was a little late this year in doing it. I actually get the pictures taken and the interviews done in October, but life with a baby means it has taken until November to get this on the blog for all of you to check out.

First, why don't you go back in time to some previous editions:
2011- Sebastian's preschool year
2012-  Sebastian's kindergarten year, Kaelyn in "tot school"
2013- Sebastian's first grade year, Kaelyn preschool/tot school

And now on to this year's edition! Click on them to see them in a larger size (it will be easier to read that way).  Also, a big Thank You to my sister, Emma J. Osle, for taking the wonderful pictures of my kiddos.