NEW YEAR'S TRADITIONS!

I'm back from my holiday break just in time for New Year's.   I started thinking about all of the traditions we do for the holidays each year.   When it came to New Year's I must admit that I don't have anything spectacular on my list.  I do remember as a child my dad making sauerkraut and pork for New Year's Day.   That just didn't do it for me though.

I'd love to know what you do to make the holiday fun and exciting.  Leave me a comment below.  I can't wait to jazz it up this year!

SNOWFLAKE PROJECT

Help the children of Sandy Hook Elementary

I know that we were all affected deeply by the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.   I'm sure that we all hugged and kissed our children a bit more after watching the story unfold.    Many of us live many miles away from Newtown and want to help these poor families and students someway.     Many students who have been traumatized by the recent events will return to a new school in a nearby town after the new year.

The Hudson Ohio PTA and Connecticut PTSA are hoping to create a "Winter Wonderland" as the students return to school.    Children all across the country can help and show their support by making paper snowflakes.   They encourage students to be as creative and have fun! 

Please send all snowflakes by January 12 to:

Connecticut PTSA
60 Connolly Parkway
Building 12, Suite 103
Hamden, CT 06514

WET ONES STICKY SITUATION CONTEST

Have you ever been in a sticky situation where your child is in need of a Wet One stat?  I have so I entered an awesome contest that Wet Ones is having on Facebook called Sticky Situations.   It's really simple!  Just go to Wet Ones Sticky Situation Contest on Facebook and upload your best sticky situation and the story behind it.

Do you have a sticky Birthday Party picture to share?  Every year my son ends up with more cake on his hands and face then what he ate.  I always laugh and then proceed to clean the colored frosting off him.   I'm a huge fans of Wet Ones!   I always have a canister for my car and the individually wrapped Wet Ones for my purse.  I never leave home without them.  They are great to wipe down a supermarket cart.  These places are loaded with nasty germs.    

Another way I use Wet Ones is before we eat any food while going out for food.   Before we place our food order at a drive-thru the first thing we do is to all wash our hands with Wet Ones.    When we eat inside a restaurant we wash our hands and clean the table.   

Now is the time to enter the contest.  Dig up your best photo and submit it by December 28.   You could win the 

Grand Prize of a brand new Ipad mini

or 3 runner-ups will win

Tickets for 4 people to go to Six Flags

Good Luck!

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Wet Ones. I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.”

EARTH PAINT REVIEW & GIVEAWAY

eco-friendly paint kits

My husband and I do a lot to keep our family healthy and embrace a "green" lifestyle.   We eat organic foods, don't clean with chemicals, and recycle as much as possible.    We continue to be amazed at the harmful chemicals in items such as bath soap, toys, and food.

I'm so incredibly pleased to tell you about an AWESOME product that is eco-friendly and SAFE for your child.

Earth Paint is a naturally colored clay that is dried, crushed, and sifted into pure pigments.   Simply take the colored pigment, add water, and you have paint.   Simple, chemical-free paint that isn't harmful to your child.

The colors are just wonderful.   Red, blue, brown, yellow, orange, and brown.   Pigments come in plastic bags to use as little or as much as you want.

Batman loves to paint and he was so excited when I told him we were going to take a break from school work and paint.   He immediately got to work.  Look at how vibrant the blue is.   The quality of the paint was great and had no streaks at all.  It went on smooth and was easy to work with.   Clean-up was a breeze!   I was able to save the paint to work on more projects over the next few days.

There are two products available for purchase.  Children's Earth Paint Kits are water soluble and easy to use.   Most important, these paints are non-toxic.   Earth Oil Paint Kit  is a very pure, high quality, and non-toxic paint that is free of fillers, preservatives, and heavy metal toxins.

I know that I will be ordering more paint from this company.  I'm thrilled to be able to partner with Earth Paint and offer a free, trial package of the Children's Earth Paint Kit to one lucky follower of Susie Homeschooler.

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Disclosure: Earth Paint provided me with a free Children's Paint Kit for review purposes. I do not have to return the product to the vendor and I was not paid for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are my own.

GUEST BLOGGER: Blythe from "The Desperate Craftwives"

GUEST BLOGGER:  Blythe from "The Desperate Craftwives"

I'm thrilled to have Blythe from "The Desperate Craftwives" as a Guest Blogger this week.  She has an amazing blog full of fun craft projects, recipes, and awesome jewelry.  Check out her etsy store for fabulous accessories.

Blythe has a really neat recipe for Cheerios Christmas Trees for you.

ENJOY!

Cheerios Christmas Trees

When I was a little girl, I remember my Mom making these super cute Cheerios Christmas Tree treats for me to take into school and share with my class. Now I am the Mom and I knew these would be a big hit in my son's Kindergarten class this holiday season.

Cheerios Christmas Trees

Ingredients:

• 6 cups of Cheerios (can use regular or honey nut)
• 4 1/2 Cups Mini Marshmallows
• 6 T Salted Butter
• Green Food Coloring
• Gumdrops
• Cooking Oil Spray

Directions:

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and marshmallows over low heat, stirring constantly, until fully melted and smooth.
• Add green food coloring until desired shade is reached.
• Place Cheerios cereal in a bowl and add the marshmallow mixture, stirring until all the cereal is thoroughly coated.
• Place a sheet of parchment or wax paper on a cookie sheet.
• Spray your hands with the cooking oil and take a handful of the Cheerios mixture and form into a Christmas tree shape. Be sure to press it firmly together so the tree doesn't collapse.
• When you are finished forming each tree, set it on the cookie sheet.
• Once all of your trees are formed, slice your gumdrops and just stick the little circles on the trees as ornaments.
• Place the trees in the refrigerator to set for about an hour, then take them out and cover them up until they are ready to be served!

Enjoy!

-Blythe

$600 CHRISTMAS CASH GIVEAWAY!!!!

Welcome to Susie Homeschooler!  

If you haven't been here before then please take a moment to SUBSCRIBE BY EMAIL.   I look forward to connecting with you on all sorts of subjects near and dear to our homeschooling hearts.

I know that everyone could use a bit of extra CASH right now.   I've partnered with some AWESOME bloggers to give one lucky SUBSCRIBER a chance to win some COOL CASH...$600 to be exact!

Please visit the wonderful sponsors of this Cash Giveaway:

Prize Details: One winner will be chosen at random to win the cash prize of $600 ~ paid via PayPal, Amazon, or Target (or another approved merchant of the winner's choice).  Enter below using the Rafflecopter.  Each extra entry increases your chances of winning. To checkout other great weekly giveaways, be sure to subscribe to Homeschool Giveaways"Giveaway Blast".

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GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS!

Check out this awesome gifts that are both fun AND educational.

Smart Lab Squishy You Explore it Human Body

Thames and Kosmos Classic Science Archeology: Pyramid

K'nex Education

Magic School Bus Dvd Series

Rock Kit

Curious Chef 17 Piece Measure & Prep Set

Blokus

The Settlers of Catan

Educational Insights Geosafari Talking Globe Jr.

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS

"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see"-Mark Twain

I can still remember the day perfectly about ten years ago.   I was driving to work and stopped to pay a toll.   The attendant told me I didn't have to pay because the person before me had given extra money for me.   At first I was bewildered but soon a big smile appeared on my face and stayed there for most of the day.    A simple gesture, from someone I didn't know, made my day!   That unique feeling of pure joy was one that I wanted to feel again.

As the years have passed my husband and I have tried to do random acts of kindness.   We've paid money in tolls, purchased dinner for people who we didn't know, helped out people in need, etc.   Our goal has always been to remain anonymous and to just find the joy in helping others.

Now that we have a son we want to pass on to him the joy of giving without receiving.   This is our commitment all year round.

Check out 25 ways you can make a difference below.

1.  Visit a nursing home.  They love seeing little children.  We threw a Christmas Party on Sunday at an assisted living facility.  It was so easy to organize and it was a blessing to us all.

2.   Take cookies to the local police department or fire station.

3.  Bring a box of candy to your local librarians.

4.  Put an item on Craig's List for free.

5.  Write a complimentary letter about an employee.

6.  Put extra money at the vending machine.

7.  Bring a bag of dog or cat food to an animal shelter.

8.  Have your child pack up a box of his or her toys to donate them to a worthwhile cause.

9.   Give a compliment to a stranger.

10.  Drop off some canned food items at your local food pantry.

11.   Bring in those pesky carts at your local supermarket or Walmart.

12.  Hide single dollar bills on the shelf in a store.  Imagine the smile on the person's face who finds it.

13.  Make a card or treat for the Pastor of your church.

14.   Have your child draw a picture for your mailman and include a box of candy or cookies.

15.  While out to eat pay for someone else's dinner.

16.  Next time you're in line at Starbucks pay for the coffee of the person next to you.

17.   Send a family in need an anonymous gift card.

18.   Pick up litter anywhere.

19.  Buy an extra lottery ticket and give it to someone.

20.   Give your restaurant server an extra big tip.

21.   Bring extra blankets to a shelter.

22.  Hold the door open for someone and say hello.

23.  Bring some flowers to a local hospital and ask them to give it too someone who needs them.

24.  Pay for someone's toll at a toll booth.

25.  Next time you're in line at McDonald's, pay for the person behind you. 

Ivan Becomes a Hero

Book Review and Giveaway

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting author Linda R. Brocato.   Linda was a guest speaker for our homeschool group and talked to us about great ways to make reading and writing more fun for our children.   Linda's simple yet effective advice was something that I was easily able to adapt to at home while homeschooling my son. 

Linda has written a beautiful book called Ivan Becomes a Hero.   It's a story about a little, gangly giraffe who does not like who he is.   He wants to be a zebra, then a water buffalo, when the other animals bully and make fun of him.

The story delves deeper when Baby Hilary the Hippo gets into trouble by falling into a deep, dark hole.  Ivan is the only one who can save her since he is the only one with a long neck and legs, and keen hearing to find her.   Ivan draws strength from the word's his mother repeatedly told him whenever he felt bad.  She said how "Fearfully and wonderfully he is made" which is found in Psalm 139:14.

All the other animals declare that Ivan is a hero after he rescues Baby Hilary. Zeke, the leader of the zebras, and Wally, leader of the buffaloes, say they are sorry for bullying Ivan.   All the other animals want to be his friend too. 

 At the end of the story Ivan has learned to accept himself for who he is and to celebrate his unique differences.  Ivan declares "I like being me!"

There is a special "Hidden Hearts" game included in this book that was so much fun for my son to look at.  "Hidden Hearts" are secretly placed throughout the illustrations beautifully done by Donna Brooks.  

One thing I love most about this book is Ivan isn't different that different from you and me.  He has insecurities and needs to learn how to work through them.   God has made Ivan different and that is one reason why he is so special.   This book is so wonderful on focusing on values and that is such an important lesson for us to appreciate.   As children grow they are constantly looking for acceptance and this book gives the reader a good understanding 

about self-acceptance. 

Would you like to win a copy of "Ivan Becomes a Hero"?

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TRUTH in the TINSEL Giveaway

(Hurry up and enter to win!!!)

It's that special time of year that we all enjoy.  Family, presents, wonderful food, and so much more.   While this is all great, the true meaning of Christmas many times gets forgotten.   In our household we emphasis the real reason we celebrate Christmas is with the birth of Baby Jesus.   

TRUTH in the TINSEL is an e-book that covers each day during Advent.   You simply read a part of the Christmas story and make an appropriate craft based on what you just read.   This book is great for all ages to enjoy!

You’ll get 24 days of Scripture reading, ornament crafts, talking points and extension activities. Plus fun printables and templates!  This book retails for $7.99 at TRUTH in the TINSEL.

There is a handy craft supply worksheet that gives you an idea on supplies you'll need to buy.  Last year a friend and I split the cost of everything to make it more economical.

Now if time is running out or you want to save on the expense of buying craft supplies there is another option.   TRUTH IN THE TINSEL ORNAMENT BOOK is a quick and easy way for your child to make great looking ornaments while also listening to the story.  This ebook retails for $3.99.

I have a special treat for you all today.  One lucky person will win a free ebook of TRUTH in the TINSEL (a $7.99 value).  This is only a three day contest so hurry up and enter today!!  Over 10,000 of these ebooks have been sold to date!!!

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Child Training Bible

I'm so excited to be able to show a wonderful tool to use with your children. Teaching our children about the Bible and God's word is one of our most important jobs as parents.

The Child Training Bible is a tool that allows you to quickly refer to scripture to encourage and at times discipline your child.

You'll receive one instruction card and three detailed tabber cards based on different topics that you will tab (using post it tabs) in your bible.   Subjects include lying, tattling, anger, and pride just to name a few.    You also receive one Child Training Bible Key to put in the front cover that is made from durable cardstock.

You are given instructions on what scripture to tab (in a specific color) and then you also highlight that in the matching color.   Now it's simple to just pick a subject and go directly to the passage.  There are over 200 bible passages to review!

I really love this program and will find it so useful for not only my child but as a handy reference as a parent.   It does take you a bit to put the tabs on.  I worked on it during a family movie night.   Remember to get your tabs, highlighters, and bible and you're all set to go.

For just $9 you get the detailed instruction card, three tabber cards, and the front page key.   This week though at Susie Homeschooler we're offering one as a free giveaway.  Check below on how you can win this exciting package.

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God's Special Surprise Review and Giveaway

by See the Light

I'm so excited to be able to talk to you all about the company See the Light.  A few months ago I did a review on one of their art programs and loved it.  Actually Batman was so excited about the program that I ended up purchasing the whole series.

God's Special Surprise is the newest story & art lesson available.  I was beyond excited to get this dvd because I wanted to see how they brought the Bible alive through art.     I eagerly got Batman setup to work.   Wait until you see the amazing art work he completed.

In the first segment, Master Artist Pat Knepley tells the story Hope For The Nation.  It's about Moses who was brought to the Israelites after being found in the river in a basket.   Pat tells the story in a beautiful voice full of warmth and love.  The story is clear and concisely told while the audience gets to enjoy beautiful drawings as the story is played out.   Breathtaking!  Pat then gives us a step-by-step drawing lesson using pastel chalks and has the student illustrate when Moses is found at the river bank.

Can you believe Batman did this?   He was so focused on the story and asked to watch it again as soon as it was over.    I found one thing to be very important when working with this dvd.   When Master Artist Pat Knepley would show a technique I would then automatically pause the dvd so Batman could do it.    Another thing I noticed was that my pastels weren't the  best quality and that I need to invest in a better grade product.

Th next art lesson Moses on the Nile was presented by artist Jim Pence.  He gave an Egyptian mixed media tutorial.   Jim taught in a very clear manner  and gave us some history on the pyramids.   I didn't realize until it came time   to use the water colors that I had given Batman a washable marker.  Oops!    It didn't mess it up that bad.

Artist Heidi Shorts teaches the art of creative lettering.   Batman learned to draw the entire alphabet with the look of it being chiseled in the stone.  On the bottom he actually wrote the word "Batman".  He put columns on the end and started to go crazy with color.   Batman loved learning a different way to write letters and really took his time with this.

As an added bonus there is beautiful music performed by "Breathing Room" recording artists Jan Roper and Kevin Dukes.   While you listen to this beautiful music you get to watch Gloria Kohlman draw her this timeless story.   This is simply wonderful!

THING I LOVE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM!  

*Beautiful, bible based stories.

*You don't have to be an artist to do this dvd.  Just look how great my six year old did.  HE LOVED IT!

*Most of the supplies I had at home already to do this.

*It takes about a half hour to complete a masterpiece.
*These dvd's are not just for homeschoolers but for everyone!

ADDED SUGGESTIONS

*I wish I had purchased the Crayola Extreme Fluorescent crayons and black light as an added tool for these projects.   These were suggested by the artists to use and the results are amazing.  Batman was seriously bummed that I didn't have these tools on hand.   Note to Santa on a perfect stocking stuffer.

*Be prepared to pause your dvd often and let your child have time to complete each step.

Would you like to win a copy of God's Special Surprise?  Enter below!

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GREAT SALE!

Just wanted to tell you all that Zulily.com is having a great sale of Evan-Moor books for all ages.  Many books on sale are those I've done reviews on.  Check out this link to get you there:

http://www.zulily.com/e/evan-moor-111312.html?#pid_1021277

Life in Plymouth Colony Review and Giveaway by Evan-Moor

I was given the wonderful opportunity to review Life In Plymouth Colony by Evan-Moor for Grades 1-3.   If you've been keeping up with me at Susie Homeschooler then you know that I use a lot of their curriculum.   It's easy to use, organized, and is correlated to state standards.  I feel confident that my child (aka Batman) is getting exactly what he needs and more when I teach using Evan-Moor.

A few weeks ago Batman and I worked on the History Pocket Native Americans.  It was such a wonderful learning experience for Batman.  He loved it and so did I.  Check out that review at http://susiehomeschooler.blogspot.com/.  We were both excited to start the lesson on the Pilgrims especially with Thanksgiving right around the corner.

Here is what you'll find in your History Pocket Book:

Each of the pockets contains:

• a reproducible pocket label
• four dictionary words and pictures
• a fact sheet of background information for the teacher
• a reproducible student information booklet complete with illustrations
• arts and crafts projects, plus writing activities

Evaluation forms are provided at the end of the book to give students a chance to reflect on all they have learned.

The eight pockets about Pilgrims and their way of life are:

• Voyage to the New World
• The New World
• Building a Village
• Home Sweet Home
• The Family
• Working in Plymouth Colony
• Going to School
• What Did the Pilgrims Give Us?

Here Batman is organizing facts about the journey to the New World by the 

Pilgrims in chronological order.

This is an easy booklet to put together.  It takes only a few minutes and then you can start your lessons.   

What you'll need:

History Pocket Life in Plymouth Colony Book

9 pieces of 12"x18" construction paper

Stapler

Glue stick

Crayons or markers

Hole punch

Yarn or string

Batman loved working on his History Pockets and has been learning a lot about the Pilgrims.  I caught him last night reading his book and playing with his "Pilgrims"   There are great stories in each pocket to read, crafts, and a neat picture dictionary to review words that you learned in the story.

Enter to win below!!

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