Molly's Money-Saving Digest (January 2010)

Econobusters.com

© 2009 The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC

PO Box 8426, Gray, TN 37615

I love to be organized. My files, my sewing and yarn supplies, my books--my home and my life! Being organized makes my life easier, and helps me accomplish my tasks quicker--which leaves more time for leisure activities.

Imagine my joy when I read the January 2010 edition of Molly's Money-Saving Digest! Produced by Econobusters and sold through The Old Schoolhouse magazine, this is a series of e-books that are published monthly. The January 2010 edition was a special treat as it included instructions on making pies by Mrs. Martha Greene of Marmee Dear. With so many "shortcuts" available these days (canned filling, pre-made crusts, and pre-made pies) the art of making pies has been set aside. That's really a shame, too; teaching children to make pies is such fun!

But, this issue wasn't just about pies. Being the January issue, it covered the basics of getting organized in a new year: budgeting and checkbook balancing, clothing inventory, tips for decorating frugally, and of course a January calendar and to-do list. What more could you ask for? How about recipes, complete with a shopping list? That's included! Or maybe you'd like tips on evaluating, prioritizing and organizing? Those are included, too! How about tips from other moms? Yup, Molly's got it! All you need to do is pull up a chair and visit Molly in the pages of this e-book.

Rounding out the issue is a listing of links found throughout the e-book, all neatly organized in the last few pages. (That doesn't really surprise you, does it?) After you've been blessed by this January issue--and I know you will be--you may be interested in some of the other Molly e-books. Besides monthly e-books, Molly offers books on organizing, recipes, and menu planning. If you stick with Molly, you'll soon have a wonderful library full of life skills to teach your children, as well as inexpensive decorating tips and money-saving ideas.

Have you visited Molly this month?

Help Lord, I'm Getting Ready to Start Homeschooling My High Schooler!

Compiled by Kathy Reynolds

© 2009 The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC

PO Box 8426, Gray, TN 37615

Homeschooling has been a wonderful adventure for my family. With one already graduated, and another graduating this year, I'm looking forward to the next eight years and the graduations of the remaining three children. Six years ago I didn't think I'd be saying that. Six years ago, I needed this book!

The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine has been encouraging homeschooling families for several years now. As more and more families begin going through the graduation process with their students, that encouragement takes on a whole new meaning. Having "been there" and survived, those families are eager to share their stories and offer support to those following in their footsteps. Help Lord, I'm Getting Ready to Start Homeschooling My High Schooler! is a compilation of that support and encouragement.

Fourteen families share their experiences with homeschooling—specifically the high school years. At $12.45, this e-book is well worth the price. Regardless of the ages and grades of your children, you will be encouraged by this book. You may even find a few kindred spirits, as I did.

I've always said that if we put God first, everything else will fall into place. Imagine my surprise when I read those exact words from Phyllis Sather (p. 31)! Or, when I found Donna Rees' heartfelt sentiment, "I wanted others to be proud of my children, too" (p. 81). What a boost to my momma's heart and homeschooling mindset! I was quick to write down Donna's goals for homeschooling (p.82) because they sum up my own ideals:

• Commitment to God and His ways
• Development of character qualities that are pleasing to Him
• Knowledge with which to gain access to greater opportunities for more knowledge.

Besides gaining a renewed mindset toward my own abilities to homeschool, I also found some great ideas to implement in our studies. I love a good creative writing course, but I never thought of doing Fan Fiction as a class! I'm also inspired to research the possibilities of apprenticeship programs with businesses in our community.

You can order this e-book directly from TOS but you may want to take your time before checking out. There are so many wonderful resources available through TOS! And that reminds me of another reason why I loved this e-book: the list of resources in the back of the book is fantastic! Not only do they list books and websites which benefit the parent/teacher, they list resources for the student and the whole family. Pick up your copy today!

For You They Signed, by Marilyn Boyer

(This is a short review I wrote for a contest on Facebook. I won, and wanted to share this review with you!)

For You They Signed, by Marilyn Boyer -- Full of short biographical sketches of each signer of the Declaration of Independence, this book includes fantastic illustrations and thoughtful questions for discussion. Travel through the 13 states as you read about each signer, picking up tidbits of historical facts and plotting timelines along the way. Work on two signers each week and you'll complete this study within a school year. This book will be a wonderful addition to the library of anyone who is politically active, and it's a must have for those who are not-- your knowledge of our country's history will be enriched, allowing you to better understand what's going on in Washington, D.C., today.

Famous Figures of Ancient Times

Written and illustrated by internationally published airbrush artist, Cathy Diez-Luckie, this book is a must-have for anyone teaching children about ancient times. Filled with 19 people and one elephant, this book offers wonderful visuals to keep hands busy while discussing the lives of the ancient people.

Printed on sturdy card stock, and perforated for easy removal, children can choose from pre-colored illustrations or black-and-white line drawings (to add their own color scheme to the figure). The back of each piece is labeled for easy assembly, and instructions explaining how to prepare and assemble the figures are also included.

The front of the book includes short biographies of each figure to be assembled. A link to the series' web site offers a club to join (for free) with perks such as a newsletter (with more info about historical people), contests, links, and info on more books in the series. Upcoming titles will cover Medieval, Renaissance, United States, and Biblical figures, as well as dinosaurs and wild animals.

Planning a trip to a museum that covers ancient times? This book is a great accessory to reinforce what your children will see and hear! Teaching a Sunday school class? Get a copy of Famous Figures of the Bible when it's released!

Children learn by seeing, hearing and doing. With the help of Famous Figures of Ancient Times, your children (students) will remember what they learn! I highly recommend this book!