When It's Your Turn to Learn... Professional Computer Training

So you're the teacher at home... running a homeschool takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but it may not be your only job. On top of that, maybe you yourself are a student?  If you're seeking training courses or videos for Vmware for example, where do you turn? Maximizing your study time when you have your parenthood plate already overflowing can be a challenge.

If you're seeking out Vmware training videos trainsignal.com has them. In fact they offer a complete line of computer training courses and videos.

In fact they offer programs for Cisco, Vmware, Wireless Network, and Microsoft. If you're looking for Vmware training courses for example, you'll find a complete training package at trainsignal.com.

Learn all about Vmware and gain a solid footing in your quest to be the best in your computer-based field. Staying on top of your game, especially in this industry is essential for success.

Great Mother's Day Craft Projects for Children & Adults

Usually when I go looking for craft ideas on the net, I don't find anything very unique and honestly rarely find anything I would want to give (or receive)... oops, did I say that? Of course when your child makes you almost anything at all, it's precious, but if you're overseeing the craft, wouldn't you like to have them create something worth making? Maybe something they could also make for Grandmas, Aunts, and other important women in their lives? Perhaps showing them a little skill along the way?

Maybe I'm too harsh. I just know that when it comes to my own 7 year old daughter, I like to make things with her that are keepers. Things that are either just too cute not to hang onto, or things that hold up over time. It's really cool if you can find a craft that achieves both!

In any case, I just found a really cool website loaded with crafts for adults, and for children alike. I think it's mainly catering to adults, but many of the featured crafts would make for great family projects on a rainy day and will no doubt inspire a lot more excitement than making a pipe-cleaner worm for your pencil. Sorry if I've offended any pipe cleaner fans (I've seen them used in marvelous ways!) or worms.

Check out AllFreeCrafts.com and do some looking around. I love that this site gives you pictures and directions. It's the same type of excitement I feel when I find a recipe site with photos. If I don't know what my end result should look like, I'm less apt to attempt the project at all.

If you're looking for gifts specific to Mother's Day, you'll want to look at their Mother's Day Craft section. I'm just really impressed. All this great information for free has me all aglow! Ok, so I'm a bit of a geek, but like I tell my son, geek's have more fun.

Homeschooling Helps: Generate Your Own Quizzes

Do you make your own quizzes or exams for your children? If so you'll appreciate the free quiz builder tools at ProProfs.com. Once you've composed your quiz, with your specific questions and answer choices, you can even share your quiz on Facebook or Twitter, post it on your blog, email it to homeschooling friends... even embed your quiz into your website!

ProProfs.com quizzes even allows you to take quizzes others have created. Currently the site houses over 100,000 quizzes... everything  from fun, to educational, to corporate. Even personality tests can be found at ProProfs.com. Pretty cool!

I wanted to mention too.... if your student struggles with test taking anxiety, check out "Survival Strategies for Taking Tests" which will provide your student with a very brief yet useful list of guidelines aimed at maximizing their test-taking efforts. 

If you like the idea of online testing for your school... creating your own exams and having access to share the tests, configure scoring and timing for the exams, and even have the added benefit of instant feedback and grading, check out ProProfs.com.

Let me know what you think!

What Earth Day Means to Me & a Few Great Links

Earth Day isn't something I used to spend much time thinking about (life before kids), but the older I get the more time I lend to considering the health of those around me... myself included. I also can't help but think about common sense living, which as far as I'm concerned requires considering all the options I have in life, and making the best choice.

When I think of Earth Day the two things that speak to me personally are recycling and avoiding dangerous chemicals in and around my home as much as possible.

I especially appreciate green products that my children can use at chore time... as it is now, I'm still wearing those big yellow gloves when I go to scrub the bathrooms down, trying to get through those products so I can try something more health-friendly. I've pleasantly noticed that many name brands are coming out with green products, which means you don't necessarily have to look too hard to find them. Convenience is key... most of the bad choices I make in life happen for the sake of convenience... my mind drifts to my diet.

Today I was visiting a few of the blogs I subscribe to and found a great green children's product line, which honestly motivated this post. I hadn't really planned on saying anything about Earth Day. That blogger's post motivated me to look for other green products for kids or for families with kids.

Here's a few great sites for you to examine at your leisure:

Green Toys Inc 
This line of toys are made safe (not in China) in the wonderful state of California. So... you're not only sharing a safe line of toys with your children, but you're also supporting an American made toy company!

Inhabitots
Teaches you how to make your own kid friendly cleaning supplies. I love this site! Most, if not all of the products you'll need to create your cleaning products are probably already in your cabinet and/or your fridge.

Eco Me
Makes a great line of chemical-free cleaning products. They also offer a line of bath and body products, and even offer cat and dog supplies. Be sure to check it out!

Kaboose
Offers some fun crafts and activities for your younger children.

Time for Kids
Offers a great Earth Day page for older kids... third grade and up.

If you have a favorite site, please share! I'd like to eventually  dedicate a page of this blog to earth-friendly brands. :)

Blessings!

So You Think You Live too Rural to Escape Dial Up?

Think again! If you're homeschooling, you no doubt use the Internet A LOT! If you're living in a rural setting, you may have thought Dial Up was as good as it could possibly get. If this is you, I'm very happy to share that you CAN get quick Internet service even if you live in the middle of nowhere!

We live in the age of technology and much of that technology is channeled through satellites! Why should the Internet be any different? We're talking satellite Internet with speeds up to 1.5 Mbps! There are three available packages, depending on what you're looking for and what your budget will allow for, but all come with free installation.

I'll just share that if we didn't have a quick Internet connection, I wouldn't be able to work from home the way that I do. So much of what I do online is dependent on a reliable Internet connection that moves at least as quick as I do. Being a busy mom and entrepreneur of sorts, I'd be in a world of hurt without a high-speed connection. If I weren't living in the burbs, I'd be all over satellite broadband . It would be an absolute must!

Not only would working from home be impossible without a quick server... have you ever tried to pay bills online and had your computer just stall on you? Leaving you wondering if that bill payment request went through or not? This is beyond frustrating. Especially if you're paying online because you forgot until the due date! lol So... if you're still living with dial up, because of where you're planted, consider satellite Internet! You'll be glad you did!

Homeschooling Celebrities... 10 Famous Faces Who Homeschool Their Kids

Recently a great article on homeschooling celebrities was shared by OnlineUniversities.com and they've graciously given us permission to share a portion of it here on The Homeschooling Blog! 

The full article is available for your reading pleasure.... just follow the link at the bottom of this post. 


Many famous entertainers and public figures were homeschooled as they juggled work commitments, training and education at a young age. But our list of 10 celebrity parents who homeschool their children will show you that this nontraditional form of learning is a legitimate option for students without their own careers in the limelight. Keep reading to find out which famous celebrities are also homeschoolers.

1. Will and Jada Pinkett Smith: Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith married in 1997, and they have been known as a powerful Hollywood couple — artistically and personally — ever since. Smith has one son from a previous marriage, and Will and Jada have two children together. The oldest son, Trey, attends a Christian high school in California, but the two younger children, Jaden and Willow, are homeschooled.
2. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie: Another high-profile, powerful couple in Hollywood is Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who began dating in 2005. The Jolie-Pitts, as they are now known, have six children, including three of whom Angelina adopted, and Brad subsequently adopted, as well as three of their own children. The Jolie-Pitts are often photographed living and traveling all over the world, including New Orleans, Long Island, Italy, France, and India, as the parents shoot movies and fulfill other professional obligations. Because of their hectic schedule, Brad and Angelina have opted to homeschool their oldest child, Maddox, by using a tutor.
3. John Travolta and Kelly Preston: Actors John Travolta and Kelly Preston married in 1991 and have both enjoyed long film careers. The couple had two children, Jett and Ella Bleu, but Jett tragically past away during a family vacation to the Bahamas in 2009. It is reported that Travolta and Preston decided to homeschool Jett because of his special needs and also homeschool Ella Bleu.
4. Lisa Whelchel: Texas-born actress Lisa Whelchel is best known for playing Blair Warner on the popular TV series The Facts of Life, which aired during the late 1970s through the 1980s. A devout born-again Christian, Whelchel is also a well-known supporter of homeschooling, and has even written books on the subject. She and her pastor husband have three children.

Read the full article: 10 Celebs Who Homeschool Their Kids at OnlineUniversities.com. Thanks to OnlineUniversities.com for allowing The Homeschooling Blog to share a portion of this great read!

Top-Rated Homeschooling Blogs

Looking for other great homeschooling blogs? Check out a few of the most respected and best-loved blogs on the web:

Alasandra's Homeschool Blog

An Unschooling Life

Heart of the Matter Online

Homeschooling Revolution

Home*School*Home

Just Enough and Nothing More

Principled Discovery

Sprittibee

The Thinking Mother

Throwing Marshmallows

Why Homeschool

Also check out the best of homeschooling blogs via the Homeschool Blog Awards!

 

An Interactive Web-Based Program to Teach Your Child the Value of Money

I'm really excited to share this web-based piggy bank designed to teach children about the value of the almighty dollar... everything from saving and investing to spending and general fiscal responsibility. The Ekomini interactive money box  resembles a little treasure chest that actually counts your child's money and interprets it's value into a web-based video game platform, expertly designed by educational professionals.

This little bank plugs into your computer's USP port, and together with the software teaches your child economics through game playing and goal setting. They'll have the opportunity to participate in virtual adventures in the land of Ekominiville where they'll learn valuable monetary lessons. This interactive program will teach children how to earn money from chores at home, donate to those in need, set aside money for responsible spending, and finally the program teaches your child how interest works and the benefits of investing. Pretty cool!

This remarkable learning program is designed for children ages 6 to 12 and allows you the parent to see what your kids are saving for. It's a great find and perfect for homeschoolers and non-homeschoolers alike! Check out Ekonmini today  and start preparing your children for real life economical responsibility!

Warning About Webistes Offering Free Coloring Book Pages

Have you ever gone searching for free online coloring book pages for your children? I have and here's one thing that has happened each and every time I have... my computer gets a virus.

I wish I could tell you which site it is... I'm assuming it's not all of them, but it is one of the first sites that pops up when I do a Google or Yahoo search. I know this because I usually don't venture past the first page of search results.

I'm a cake decorator by hobby, and love to use coloring book images as templates for fondant cut-outs, yet I've learned that doing so online, is risky. Several times a year I have ventured (attempting to be smart as I do) to websites with free coloring book pages for Disney characters, or for other high profile images such as Spongebob Squarepants, only to find out hours later that I have a trogen or some other worm or virus taking down my pc.

I am such a creature of habit, that I frequent the same sites over and over, rarely venturing outside that box except to look for things like "free coloring book pages" and so I don't feel the virus could be coming from any other location.

I just wanted to spread the warning and also ask if anyone else out there has had a similar experience? I think for the sake of my 10 year old laptop, (which I now use exclusively thanks to a virus on my desktop that has left it in a vegetative state every since Christmas) that I will never again go looking for coloring pages online. The only site for such printouts that I do trust, is Enchanted Learning, to which I used to be a member and never had any issues at all. As for any other site with downloadable pages to color? I'd be very careful.

If you know of any SAFE sites, I'd love to have you share them! Seriously... let me know.

"Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel" is Now in Stores!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Alvin and the Chipmunks. All opinions are 100% mine.

Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to take the kids to see the newest Alvin and the Chipmunks movie when it was still in theaters, but now that it's available in stores on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Download, they can see it despite a busy schedule that didn't allow for trips to the theater. lol

We have the first Alvin and the Chipmunks movie on DVD and just like "the Squeakquel", I failed to take the kids to the theater and experience all the fun and song on the big screen. We're really bad about getting to the theater during the school year and usually try to catch up with Summer movie programs. It gives us something to do and sort of makes up for what happens (or doesn't happen) during the other 9 months of the year! lol

In any case, if you want to share "Alvin and the Chipmunks the Squeakquel" with your kiddos, be sure to
buy it now as you'll get a special double DVD pack which includes "The Squeak Along" disc packed with extra music and singalongs.Your kids will no doubt love it! Do you remember singing to Alvin and the Chipmunks when you were a kid? I can still hear them singing Christmas songs in my head.

Be sure to visit foxfamilyflicks.com to find More Munk Mayhem from the Chipmunks. It's a good time! I don't know a kid who doesn't love the Chipmunks. They are timeless and ever so cute... don't you think? lol I'm looking forward to enjoying the movie at home with my kids, while I sit here and blog just a few feet away from our "little-big screen"! lol We don't have anything fancy at home... no high dollar home theater, just an old boxy television set, but it's what's on the television that counts... not the shape or quality of the screen! Ok, I will also confess that hubby and I have a nice sized flat screen in our bedroom... but it was a gift! lol We're holding out on buying anything fancy for the living room... we're just not techy I guess. Or at least, not motivated to spend a lot of money on gadgets that will be outdated in just a few months time. Either that or we're just cheap. lol  No... we're thrifty! There you go!

Ok... next time you're out shopping, don't forget to look for the double DVD Pack that includes the added mayhem that is the Chipmunks! You're kids will be thrilled that you thought of them!

Planting Flowers in My Yard with No Clue What I'm Doing! lol

Yes, I confess that as much as I love flowers and as much as I'd love to have that green thumb... I really don't know anything about planting. lol With that said, what I did today is very much a home-grown experiment. Messy too... I'm not big on making messes or being part of one! lol

My kids helped me choose a couple flowers at Home Depot the other day, but we couldn't agree on where to dig the hole...  today I just went for it. We purcahsed Daffodils and Hyacinths. The Daffodils are already looking sad, which makes me sad given that my son chose them because they looked like "happy faces" and made him feel good. If I kill these you know I'm going to feel like the stormy day that rained on his sunshine!

The Hyacinths are still looking good, but I've never tried to care for this type of flower before and have no clue what to expect! Then again, I've never cared for Daffodils either, but I see them all over town and they look so healthy in every other flower bed, so maybe they're not all that hard to care for? Mine were sitting in a plastic flower pot for 4 days before I finally got them in the ground, and we've had high winds; meaning daffodils and pot went blowing across my lawn a time or two. No wonder they look so ragged!

I'll take a photo and post it here in a bit. Right now I'm recovering from the time I spent outside. I'm not all that outdoorsy. lol So being outside in the gusty wind and even worse, in the dirt wasn't all that enjoyable. I think it could grow on me though... I'd love to be that type of mom... the one who grows her own flowers and maybe even her own produce. Now I'm getting a bit ahead of myself... baby steps! First thing I'd have to do though is invest in some gardening gloves, and knee pads. Also a sunhat would be good and maybe a good book to guide me through whatever it is I should be doing! lol Wanna go shopping with me?

52 Published Science Experiments To Produce at Home

I was just emailed a link to a website that provides "52 Science Experiments You Can Do at Home" and thought I'd share that link with you!

Thanks to Nicole for sharing your link with us... it will no doubt be a great resource for homeschooling science projects. The site shares tutorials on such things as making your own volcano or tsunami, a working motor, matchbox camera, even a computer. Pretty cool!

My 8 year old is currently working his way through a "Gross Science" kit his grandmother gave him for Christmas. We have some fine bacteria growing in petri dishes down in the basement. lol I'll have to post photos later... once the bacteria are in full bloom and before they hit the trashcan. It's really almost too much for this mom to handle! Yuck!

Winners of the "You Gotta See This" Video Contest for iLASIK!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Incendia Health. All opinions are 100% mine.

Have you ever considered laser vision surgery? If you've ever looked into it for yourself, you're likely familiar with Abbott Medical Optics Inc. (AMO). Very recently, AMO announced the winners of the iLASIK video competition which was open to anyone interested in creating a video about how corrective vision surgery had changed their life. The winning music video payed the winner a whopping $5,000! It's a crack up too.. lol. Watch it for yourself and see if don't agree! I hope you'll click on the link and view it for yourself!


The iLASIK Video Contest brought out a lot of creativity from some very talented LASIK recipients. If you're looking for some free entertainment this evening, you'll enjoy the winning videos they have posted. My neighbor just had this procedure done last month and I'm still getting used to seeing him without his glasses... all the while dreaming about the day I might do the same! I think I'm going to send him the link to the winning video... I know he'll get a kick out of it. lol

If you knew about the contest in advance, perhaps you voted for a friend or family member... maybe you never saw who won or what some of the talented participants came up with? The iLASIK Video Contest was no doubt a success in bringing about a lot of attention to this alternative to eyeglasses and contact lenses.

They had several categories in which you could have submitted a video... in addition to the winning  music video, you'll want to check out the winning video for the "My Favorite Sport or Activity Would Be So Much Cooler with Better Vision" division, the "My Contacts are Getting in the Way of My Good Time" division, and finally "You Should See Life After the iLASIK Procedure" category.

Go check them out now and then let me know if you've ever had this surgery or have considered it? I'd love to hear from you!

Have you Taught Your Kids to Crochet or Knit?

This has been on my mind as of late, because I myself am interested in learning both knitting and crocheting... currently all I know how to do is make a chain or a very ugly looking potholder. I'm sure I'm not doing it right as all the skills I currently have were picked from my babysitter when I was 8 and I've not done anything to build on those skills since. That's been 30 years ago! lol

Ok.... now that you know how old I am, let me ask you this... have you taught your children how to crochet or knit and if so, what method did you use? Did you teach by practicing the skill yourself, or did you purchase a book or video and learn right along with them? Maybe you took a class together? I'd love to know how you taught this and how your children took to learning.

One of my goals this Summer is to learn this skill well enough to teach it to my 7 year old daughter. She loves to create and I think making something practical like a hat or scarf, perhaps even making Christmas gifts would thrill her to no end. I'd like to do the same, and maybe open a store on Etsy.com for another income source... although I realize there are thousands of people doing the same thing... I do have some design ideas that I've not seen overdone or even done at all... so who knows. lol

I've seen classes offered in my area and of course there are scads of books available... I'm sure I could find tutorials on YouTube too... but I'm also wondering about things like circle looms, which somehow appeal to me. They seem safer to me somehow, like I'd have a guide or some sort of boundary to work in.

If you've ever taught this skill, which would you recommend starting with first? The knitting or the crocheting? Is one easier to learn, or does one produce nicer results than the other? I have some issues with my upper back and I'm wondering if knitting might be difficult since I'd have both hands raised working together. My thought was to try crocheting first, but I'm open to suggestions!

My Butterfly-Shaped Pan Giveaway!

Hey homeschooling moms! Could you use a Nordicware Butterfly-Shaped Pan to add to your baking supply collection? Maybe you'd just like to have a baking supply collection? lol Here's a great place to start!

I would love to keep this sweet pan for myself, but I've been told I have to give it away! Life is hard that way isn't it? lol

A sponsor for my Cake Space blog has agreed to give one lucky visitor this pan without any commitment or expectation other than dropping a comment on my Cake Space blog. So.... what better time than now to head on over to my hobby blog and check things out?

There's a button in my left sidebar featuring said pan... isn't it cool? This pan retails for $36, but be yours absolutely free! Let the good times roll!

I sincerely hope you'll drop by Cake Space and enter the giveaway... deadline for entry is Friday, April 16th at 11:59 PM  (CST).

Good luck and happy baking!

Buying a Home Now Could Mean a $6,500 Tax Credit!

So you say you're not a first time home buyer and aren't eligible for any tax credits? Did you know there are in fact tax credits currently available for individuals living in their current home for at least 5 of the last 8 years? That's right if you are a current homeowner... you could be eligible fo a $6,500 tax credit! That's a whole lotta dough, especially in this economic climate.

There is a bit of urgency in this though... the deadline to take advantage of this tax credit is rapidly approaching... it requires you have a written binding contract by the end of April and that you close by June 30th. If you're looking to move, try to have that contract signed within the next few weeks so you can qualify! Then, be sure you can close on that house before the June 30th deadline. Isn't this motivating? lol

There are certain restrictions based on income for this real estate tax benefit, but so long as you earn no more than $125 k as an individual or $225k as a married couple you'll likely qualify. Take a few minutes to learn more about this, then sit down and do the math. Decide if perhaps this is the month you'll find that new house to build your nest in!

If you're not a current home owner, there is still incentive for you too! Just in case you didn't know... if you're a first time home buyer or haven't lived in a home for 3 years or more, you may qualify for as much as $8,000 in tax credit. That's just like being given free money!

Maybe you need a larger home to provide your dream classroom for those homeschooled kids of yours? If so, this is a great time to start looking!

Second Graders Answer the Question... "Why did God Make Moms?"

I don't know where this originated, but thought it was cute.... so here you go:

 
WHY GOD MADE MOMS
Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:
Why did God make mothers?
1.  She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2.  Mostly to clean the house.
3..  To help us out of there when we were getting born..
How did God make mothers?
1.  He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2.  Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3.  God made my mom just the same like he made me.  He just used bigger parts.
What ingredients are mothers made of?
1.  God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2.  They had to get their start from men's bones.  Then they mostly use string, I think.
Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1.  We're related..
2.  God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's mom like me.
What kind of a little girl was your mom?
1.  My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2.  I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3.  They say she used to be nice.
What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1.  His last name.
2.  She had to know his background.  Like is he a crook?  Does he get drunk on beer?
3.  Does he make at least $800 a year?  Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?
Why did your mom marry your dad?
1.  My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world.  And my mom eats a lot.
2.  She got too old to do anything else with him.
3.  My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.
Who's the boss at your house?
1.  Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2.  Mom.  You can tell by room inspection.  She sees the stuff under the bed.
3.  I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.
What's the difference between moms and dads?
1.  Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2.  Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3.  Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friends.
4.  Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.
What does your mom do in her spare time?
1.  Mothers don't do spare time..
2.  To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.
What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1.  On the inside she's already perfect.  Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2.  Diet.  You know, her hair.  I'd diet, maybe blue..
If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1.  She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean.  I'd get rid of that.
2.  I'd make my mom smarter.  Then she would know it was my sister who did it not me.
3.  I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

Free SAT Testing Aids, Strategies, and Practice Exams

When I was in high school (I won't tell you how many years ago that was) I didn't have the luxury of the Internet to help prepare me for college entrance exams. When I look at sites like Dome SAT Review and all the free study aids they offer, I have to wonder if the students of today know just how good they have it?

This well constructed site is packed with free study aids including a study guide, sample SAT quizzes and exams, SAT vocab flashcards (very cool by the way), and you'll even find essay graders, who for a fee will grade your work and provide valuable feedback.

The SAT math section of the site would have been especially valuable to me, given this wasn't my best subject. I would have no doubt benefited from the tutorials, recommended testing strategies, and practice exercises the site provides. Given that, I'd like to take this time to encourage you to share this free online resource with your own high school student. Let them take a look for themselves and see what they think!  I'm personally very impressed with the level of detail and organization found on this site, as well as the amount of information the site provides free of charge.  

The SAT critical reading section is pretty thorough too... I actually do well in this area and enjoyed skimming through the study guides. There's a lot of great information provided for the student willing to take the time to prepare.

Good luck to your student come test taking day! Let me know what you think of this free online resource!

Win a Family Trip to DC from National Geo for Kids!

Wouldn't you love to take your family on a FREE trip to our nation's capital? Of course you would! lol

I've been telling my own children for the past couple years how badly I've been itching to go to D.C.... to take them to the Smithsonian, the Lincoln Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery just to name a few. I went to D.C. 21 years ago on a class trip and have been dreaming of returning ever since. Going with my children would be a real treat... especially now that they're old enough to appreciate some of what they'd be seeing... and talk about a great field trip!

This giveaway is actually a Toot and Puddle promotion, offered through National Geographic Kid's and open to anyone who might so happen wish to enter! Having said that, I'm not sure if this giveaway is open to residents outside the US, you'd have to visit the site and look at the fine print. You'll be able to enter once a day through April 30th, giving yourself greater odds of taking home the grand prize! Secondary prizes are for Toot and Puddle books and DVD's. :)

Have You Considered Getting a Teaching Degree?

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of USC. All opinions are 100% mine.

With all the hands-on experience you're currently acquiring homeschooling your children, have you considered where you might apply that knowledge once they're out of the nest? Maybe you could earn a teaching degree through a prestigious university online, giving you a path for success outside the home when your current season is over? Especially if you're children are currently in high school. You could  potentially all finish school together!

Have you ever thought about teaching outside the home? You might have a special gift with children, a knack for providing instruction and guidance, and when your kid's head off to college, you might find a lot of satisfaction in pursuing a career... it's never too late you know. 

If you're an aspiring teacher and have an undergrad degree... consider The USC Rossier School of Education’s MAT@USC where you can earn a Master of Arts in education from the comfort of home, while your children complete their independent homework assignments.You'll have the opportunity to combine your interactive online coursework with field-based experiences, making this the perfect degree program for a mom.

Here's something to think about... your kids and you could be doing your homework together. They'll witness mom working hard towards a secure and rewarding future, reaching for her goals and ambitions, all while witnessing a high work-ethic. There's really no better way to teach work-ethic than by example.Am I right?

You might be surprised to learn that the USC offers an accelerated program that could have you with degree in hand in as little as 12 months... they also offer tuition reimbursement and scholarships for those who qualify. If this sounds like something you might be interested in learning more about, you should seek out program information from USC today.Who knows... this might be the perfect fit for you!

Oh, and if you're into hearing first hand accounts from students in the program, you'll be thrilled to learn that there's a MAT@USC blog where you can read what actual students are saying about their USC experience!

My April Fool's Surprise

Do you play any fun-loving tricks on your children on April Fool's Day? I normally don't, but mainly because I'm a horrible fib teller.  My kids can see right through me if I try and that's assuming I even get through my tale. lol

Today seems somewhat of a joke to me though (in a good way)... my son surprised me this morning at his appointment for a blood draw, something he's never had done before. My asperger's son (high-functioning autism) has a horrible history with needle phobia to the point we usually have to hold him down (in love... if you're a mom this will hopefully make sense!) come immunization time. I have never taken him without the aid of my very strong husband to help hold him still long enough to keep a needle from ripping through his fighting arm.We've tried all sorts of strategies to help him calm down before and during the experience, but nothing has worked and up until very recently he was already dreading (with tears at night) his next immunization, which isn't even scheduled to take place until he turns 11. We've even tried creams that are supposed to numb the injection site, but not even that has worked.

I always try to have the highest expectations for my 8 year old son (while remaining emotionally and physically ready for whatever comes), always assuming he can tackle his fears when he's ready. I believe in being honest with him, while building up his confidence, and giving him time to process what is to come. Today he survived a blood draw without any tears on the drive to the lab, no fighting or irritability as we entered the facility and although he had that look in his eye when it was time to face the needle, he never shed a tear. When the technician told him the needle was in, he actually started giggling, because the pain was so minor to what he was expecting. Wow... my boy is growing up! You wouldn't have even known he was on the autism spectrum, was super-sensitive to certain kinds of touch/sensations, or that he suffers from high-anxiety.

I kept waiting to either wake up from this dream or for someone to yell out "April Fool's!", but it was real and he was awesome! He faced a fear and felt so amazing after it was over. What an incredible day for him... it was a great confidence builder to say the least!

Today has been a great day!