Review: Middlebury Interactive Languages

Introduction
Middlebury Interactive Languages makes learning a new language so much fun! We jumped at the chance to review Elementary Spanish 1 (Grades K-2) here in our home. Making sure our children learn a language amidst our homeschool curriculum is very important to us. We've decided that while JB loves German and I love Turkish, Spanish is probably the best choice for our family and where we live in our country.

The program is intended for one student. Since my boys are both in second grade, I decided to let them take turns doing lessons. When I review a product, I really like to get the opinions of all the kids that are participating in that particular lesson as they have very different personalities and likes/dislikes.

From the mouth of babes
Anytime even one of my boys says they like a schoolwork assignment, I sit up and take notice. They are both very opinionated about schoolwork and do not hesitate to tell me when an assignment or program is not up to their expectations.

So when we hit upon a program that they both find interesting, I especially take notice, and it definitely gets a good review from me.

When it came to Elementary Spanish 1 (Grades K-2) from Middlebury Interactive Languages this program received rave reviews in our house from both of my second grade boys. Here was what the boys had to say:

Isaac: "It is one of the best school work assignments we do. Listening to the music is the most fun for me."
Sidge: "I think it is pretty good. I like to watch the videos."

When it comes to the videos, this is what Sidge is referring to:



See for yourself
When you log in to the program, you come to a screen that looks like a calendar. I've taken a screen shot below so you can see it:

Each day has a short activity for the child to complete. These activities are very manageable in length and effort needed. Here is a screen shot of what my boys would see when they began a lesson.

Each item that they needed to work through is on the left. As they completed an item, they'd click on the next one to move on. Types of activities that they might have the opportunity to complete include:

• Watching a video about the culture of a region (as I showed above)
• Printing out a sheet to color
• Clicking on pictures to hear the Spanish word
• Taking a short test
• And much more!

Usually my boys could complete each lesson in well under fifteen minutes. This is a very manageable amount of time for them. And since every lesson is so varied and different, they never complained of boredom or frustration.

What Middlebury offers
We received a six month subscription for Elementary Spanish 1 (Grades K-2). However, our Spanish program is only one of many offered by Middlebury Interactive Languages. Other programs include:

• Elementary Spanish 1 (grades 3-5)
• Elementary Spanish 2 (grades 3-5)
• Middle School Spanish 1 (grades 6-8)
• Middle School Spanish 2 (grades 6-8)
• High School Spanish 1 (grades 9-12)
• High School Spanish 1 Fluency (grades 9-12)
• High School Spanish 2 (grades 9-12)
• High School Spanish 2 Fluency (grades 9-12)
• High School Spanish 3 (grades 9-12)
• AP Spanish Language and Culture (grades 11-12)

There are also classes offered in other languages like French, German, and Chinese!

You can also check Middlebury Interactive Languages out on Facebook, Twitter (@Middinteractive), Pinterest.

Tuesday Truth

Tips from "grown up" moms

I recently asked a few of my mom friends that I really respect and who have children who are a bit older then mine what they wish they'd known or wish they would have done when they had kids my kids' ages. Here were their tips!

Are you a veteran mom? Have something I should add? Please leave a comment!

• Stand firm without showing anger. 
• Hold them accountable but give plenty of grace. 
• Don't say it if you can't enforce it. 
• Apologize often, forgive freely, be humble, speak softly, look them in the eye, make them look you in the eye. 
• Have them get in the habit of confirming everything you say with 'yes Ma'm'. That way they can never give the excuse that they didn't hear you. 
• Things will never be fair. They may as well understand this early. When my kids say something is not fair, I agree and say we don't want fair because it wasn't fair that Jesus paid the price for my sin. 
• Don't let them complain about being bored. Don't get angry. Just calmly say: "That's great because I need help with such and such." They learn quickly not to be bored, haha! 
• Their world should revolve around yours and yours should revolve around God
• Be intentional about praising them on heart issues. If you want them to believe that it's what's inside that counts then praise them for their tender heart or unselfishness or hard work. They will get praised plenty from others about being beautiful or having a cute dress.
• Put them to work and make them feel like you rely on them. Like they contribute to the family and are irreplaceable. Say things like "What would I do without you?" Watch their faces when you say these words. They beam with pride!
• Don't comprise on TV and movies. Don't allow your children laugh or be entertained by sin that God hates. 
• Pray pray pray. Thank God for allowing you to raise his children and beg him to step in with his strengths where we are weak. 
• Don't be in a rush all the time. Slow down. Listen to them. Laugh with them. Cry with them. Hold them.  
• Pick your battles and then win them only if it's important. 
• When you discipline be firm not angry, consistent not unreasonable, disappointed not hateful. Give them every opportunity to succeed. Try not to put them in situations that you know they will fail in. 
• When they make a mistake, don't say they are bad or shame them. Assume they are good. Say something like, "what's up Abigail? That's just not like you to hurt your sisters feeling?" If we tell them they are good often, it becomes who they are and they will live up to it. 
• Remember, consequences are not supposed to be pleasant. If they are unpleasant, you will find that they will not get in trouble as often. Then everyone is happier all the time. For example, if speeding tickets were just $10, who would slow down?
• Here's a little piece of advice that is common sense but someone had to tell me. When feeding kids meals, don't fill up your kids plates with huge servings of their favorite foods and then put a dab of their less than favorite on the side. They will just fill up on the favorite (i.e. Mac-n-cheese) and then you will have to beg them to eat the green beans. Start with a small serving of each on their plate then when they finish all, give them as much of their favorite as they want. It took me 3 kids to learn this! 
• Let each of your kids know often that you choose them. Something like, "Hannah, I am so blessed. If God lined up all the three-year-olds in the world and let me choose one, I would choose you. Wonder how he knew that?" It never fails to bring a smile.
• Let the kids see you love on their Dad and vice versa. As they get older, they will give you the respect that john gives you and John the respect that they see you give him. It's all about actions not words. 
• Do as much together as a family as is possible: family dinners, vacations, day trips, game nights, etc. It gets harder as they get older but still make the time because it goes by so quickly and you want to establish that family unity which will, hopefully, make them want come home after they leave.
• In the difficult times, remember that this isn't the end of the story. God is and will continue to work in the lives of our kids, just as He does in ours. Ultimately, He is the one who shapes their hearts. So don't give up, remain steadfast, and be encouraged!
• Be willing to apologize when you've said and done something wrong or hurtful. My father did this and it made a huge impact on me. Be real--own up to your imperfections (they'll see them anyway.
• I wish I had been more quick to pray with our kids over specific concerns and just regarding all of life in general.

Sunday Sermon

Review: A Love Made New

A Love Made New by Kathleen Fuller is the third book in An Amish of Birch Creek series.

This one focuses on the third sister -- Abigail Schrock -- who knows God can make all things new, but does that include her broken heart?

I am, a little "Amished" out and am realizing I need to take a break from reading these series of books. However, that is no slight to Fuller's writing. She is a strong author and her stories will not disappoint. If the Amish subculture is new for you, you will find this a light, easy, sweet story. Everyone is falling in love in Birch Creek, and when heartbreak descends on Abigail's world, she feels as if she is the only one to be left out of meeting the man of her dreams.

And that's when Asa enters the picture. Can Abigail find the peace and joy she so desperately desires? Read on to find out for yourself.

www.booklookbloggers.com provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. 

Ballet love

My friend Kristin took these beautiful photos just "off the cuff" during our ballet rehearsal today. Her daughters are close to the same age as mine and will all be in our ballet studio's production of Sleeping Beauty in January. If you live locally, please consider giving her your photography business by clicking here. Not only is she REALLY good, but she is VERY affordable as well. 

First camping trip!

We took our "new" camper out for the first time this past week. We just went for two nights about two hours away in the Pisgah National Forrest to practice using the camper and figure out what we don't know, need to bring, etc. 

I have written about our camper previously. We found a great deal on an old 2001 camper and decided to purchase it. Hotel rooms for a family of six are terribly expensive (you can't get one room when you have more than 5), and we really want to see America with our kiddos who have spent much of their childhoods overseas. We are really hoping that we will be able to do that in the camper staying places for around $30 a night instead of $130+ a night!

Here are a few photos:

We got a double campsite for the first time to make sure JB felt comfortable pulling in and getting out. He did and said he doesn't need a double again!

The boys brought their pocketknives are were in charge of making the sticks for our marshmallow roasting.

Leave it to Hannah!

Having hot cocoa

Here's a fun video:

And a video of Hannah to make you laugh:

Review: The Truthful Story

I love supporting fellow military wives. Even though my husband is out of the Air Force now, I believe I will always be a military wife in my heart. And Helen Stine is just that. A military wife, author, film producer, and southern bred woman. 

(She spent 27 years as a military spouse while raising her children, traveling, and pursuing a career in early childhood education. Can I get an "Amen" from all my fellow military wives out there!?)

Stine and her husband own an independent film production company and produce films that carry the message of believing against all odds and the power of hope. It was with that same enthusiasm and passion that she penned her first novel: The Truthful Story. 

While this book is not a Christian book (and may challenge some of my fellow Christians with it's approach to the afterlife that comes through just a bit), I found this an incredibly sweet book that really did my heart good! I loved that the family was simple ... happy. That there was a Dad in the book who was a GOOD MAN. That there were mothers and daughters and siblings who loved each other and got along and were living life together. I enjoyed the family and enjoyed that they were mostly normal. And even though I wasn't raised like them, they resonated with me as I read.

I have very little doubt, after reading this book, that Stine will be writing much more. She is incredibly talented, a brilliant story teller, and incredibly thoughtful and profound in the message she portrayed. 

(I am also a sucker for books set in the era of books like The Help. This book has a similar feel as you read it.)

In addition, this book is currently running FREE on Kindle. Please give it a chance. I really think you will not be disappointed. As an avid reader, this was one I wanted to keep reading and did not easily put down. Simply a good, solid piece and a great work of a great author and a great era!

I truly look forward to seeing what else Stine has to offer!

 I received a free copy of this book from Smith Publicity, Inc. in exchange for my honest review!

Tribe Life Tuesday: Following in the Dark (A few days late!)

I find it hard to get my heart settled enough to put together words that will make any kind of sense to the human brain. But I will try. This phrase continues to play over and over again in my head, heart, and spirit:

I'll follow your voice straight into the dark.

I begin to go through my Rolodex of situations currently happening in my life and try to apply this phrase to a specific circumstance because that's the "logical" thing to do. I’m racking my brain to see where this applies. There seems to be so many places that are in the dark right now. Yet this is not what is meant.

Into the dark is the most difficult and the most rewarding. Dark transcends time and space and just is. There's only one way out -- to follow.

Follow the voice that speaks calmly and gently to you.

Follow the voice that you can hear over all the screaming.

Follow the voice that makes you feel peaceful.

Follow the voice that challenges you and makes you feel safe at the same time.

In the darkness there’s a duality of wanting more but having enough, you just have to be aware enough to realize it. In the dark you have the opportunity to learn that the voice you’re following is enough even though the instructions may be minimal.  

Following His voice into the darkness looked like packing up our car three years ago and moving to Texas. Having no idea what was waiting for us or who was waiting for us, we knew His voice was calling. It was in that season of darkness that I learned a new skill trusting through the mystery.

Learning to trust God.

Learning to trust myself.

Learning to trust my husband.

Learning to trust so-called strangers.

I was learning to follow His voice in the dark.

I find myself facing new mystery today. I find myself standing in an unlit room listening for that voice. So I wait and listen and He speaks and I feel like it's not enough, I ask Him to tell me more, but there is silence. Because what needed to be said to draw me close was said. Though I feel unsatisfied, I take a step. Unable to see in the dark, all I can do is listen and then follow.

If you find yourself in this place today or have found yourself here before… congratulations, you've been trusted with the mystery. While this may bring you little comfort, let me remind you of this fact: you are not alone. He is with you and there are others walking in the dark alongside you. Instead of dreading the dark, I invite you to embrace this as an opportunity for growth. Draw closer to Him, listen, and then follow, one step at a time. Because the only way out of the dark is to follow.

Friday Funnies

Hannah goofing around at ballet.

She found some points hoes in the lost-and-found box and decided to play in them.

Hannah: "I'm going pretend I'm the Mama and I have no kids."

*****

Dawn: "Are you going to do a ballet?"
Hannah: "Actually it is going to be a performance."

We Bought a Farm: Grinding

We just bought a meat grinder. With all of our turkey and doing sheep, pig, and hopefully deer in the future we thought it was a good investment. Here are Dad, JB, and our new WWOOFer, Lane (Shelby's husband) grinding away!

The unruly home

Keeping the house a livable and welcoming place is a constant and challenging task. You are finally catching up with your laundry just to enjoy your beautiful empty hamper for a few hours before it piles up again after bath.

You deliberately decide to have a playroom to keep all the toys contained in one place but you forget your kids are free rangers who like to explore and don't enjoy being confined to a particular space.
So your day goes like this... CLEAN. ORGANIZE. REPEAT.

Every day

Every month

Every year

Sometimes you even wonder if there is any point to all of this work! Obviously, we need to maintain a minimum level of control and hygiene so our households don't become chaotic places, but I wonder if certain practices might make our lives easier.

I don't know what your personality is. Maybe organizing comes naturally for you, or maybe you are seriously overwhelmed by it. Whatever the case, your home and your mental health can benefit from reflecting and following these tips.

1. The more you own things, the more the own you! I find this so very true. The more you have, the more you want to acquire. Watch out for this! Stuff will not satisfy your soul. It will, on the other hand, distract you from the Only One who can truly make you feel fulfill.

Purchase what you need or what you find beautiful but in moderation. Simplify. Have a minimalist mindset.

2. De-clutter. Go through a room at a time and sort the items into piles:
Keep
Donate
Dispose

Do this every few months.

3. A place for everything and everything in its place. Containers. Containers. Containers! Use baskets, boxes, bins, etc. to reduce the number of items you have lying around, then place them in the right location according to its functionality.

4. Find creative ways to store stuff to make your home more spacious and airy. Here are some ideas!

There are multiple options out there to get your house looking organized and put together. But not only that! Once every item has a place to belong to, your life will be easier. Not only would you be able to find things quickly, but also this "life style" will considerably reduce the amount of time you spend cleaning the house.

Teach and involve your kids in the organization process, so they understand the value of things:

- Show them how to take care of their things.

- Encourage them to save to purchase a desirable item so they grasp the cost of things.

- Allow them to participate in a garage sale to teach them to get back.

Studies showed that clutter affects your brain's ability to concentrate and process information. Clutter overloads your senses leaving you stress out!. If this is you... do something about it! You are just one decision away to take control of your unruly home. I can guarantee you will feel so much better and the upkeep of your home will be much less demanding!

 So... organize away!

                                  XOXO,

                                            Angelica

Do YOU want to write for the Homeschool Review Crew?

I can't say it enough: I LOVE writing for the Homeschool Review Crew. And now YOU CAN TOO!

I encourage you to read through THIS BLOG POST or look at THIS APPLICATION. And if you decide to apply, please mention MY name when you do as I can get some extra cool perks for referring you!

All you have to have is a Blog and a presence in social media. In exchange you get access to TONS of AMAZING products that you can use for your homeschool curriculum.

By being on the crew I have been able to homeschool for basically $0 a year!

Review: The Familyman

Hard to believe that we are already seeing the leaves changing and that Christmas is around the corner. Part of doing reviews is reviewing products ahead of time so that those who read my Blog can learn about products before the season approaches. And today, I want to share with you about The Familyman's Christmas Treasury - Audio Collection from The Familyman. These are also available as Digital Downloads. This collection includes EIGHT audio stories!

These are all narrated by Jim Hodges, truly an amazing storyteller. If you listen, I did a short video recording of three of my kiddos listening to one of the stories. You can clearly make out his comforting and soothing voice in the background:


Hodges works with Familyman Ministries who brought us these Christmas stories. We were sent digital downloads of the six stories from the collection. We were also given an additional two Christmas stories that are only available in digital format. Included in the collection of six stories are:

• Captain Chaos and The Manger Blaster
• Cootie McKay's Nativity
• The Stranger
• The Bishop's Dream
• Harold Grubbs and the Christmas Vest
• Gladys Remembers Christmas

My seven-year-old Sidge told me that the stories were "Pretty good!" which is saying a lot for my boys to response so positively. Normally, anything that resembles school gets a fairly gruff response. :)

I wanted to take a moment to just very briefly summarize four of the six audios.

1. "Cooties McKay's Nativity" was one of our family's favorites! This is the story of a simple man who helps fix a broken nativity and how he finds Christ in the process. Like the other stories in the collection, the stories provide hours of listening enjoyment but more important, they reinforce the true meaning of Christmas. 
2. "The Stranger" was also another one we enjoyed. Sidge summarized by saying: "The stranger came to everyone's house and only one time did one family let him in." Like the other stories in the collection -- this one gets to what Christmas is really about and those memory that really stick with you when you do the right thing and treat someone the right way. 
3. "Captain Chaos" is a less realistic story with a superhero theme. "Captain Chaos" erases the birth of Jesus from history and listeners are left to see what it would have been like if Christ had never been born. My superhero loving boys found this one very intriguing. 
4. "The Bishop's Dream" looks at the true history of Saint Nicholas. The reader is allowed to perceive what Nicholas would think of what our holiday has turned into over the years. 

Each story is bite size in length (most range from about 15-30 minutes) which was perfect for us to listen to in one or two segments. I also think the price (just $25) is VERY reasonable and affordable for families wanting to make sure that they remain focused on the TRUE meaning of Christmas -- which of course is Christ's birth.

You can also find more information on this product by visiting them on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google Plus or on their Blog. 

*You can also check out the collection of 8 stories as well by clicking here.