TOS CREW: TOS 2009 Schoolhouse Planner

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine has done it again by producing another great planner. New topics, 24 new recipes, and 40 additional new forms are included in this 2009-2010 edition of the planner. What is great about this planner is the you can type on them and then print them out as you need them. There are 375 pages in this down-loadable file, so it is a big download!

Calender / monthly planner for 2009-2010

What I like about this part of the planner is the monthly themes. I always want to have a monthly topic that my entire family can work on together. This gives articles and suggestions for completing the topic of the month. Additional modules are released each month to enhance these topics, but they are an optional purchase.

Themes this year include:
13 colonies
Weather
Math
Fire Safety
American Government
Planets
Letter writing
Jesus' first miracle
Latin and Greek Roots
Getting into College
Lapbooks
Homeschooling around the world


Miscellaneous Homeschool Information

Composers, inventors, seven wonders of the world, presidents, periodic table of elements, and more.

School Forms

There are all sorts of useful forms in this section. So many, that I doubt I would use many of them. But if you are looking for it, it is probably here. Report Cards, tracking high school hours, weekly planners, course of study, curriculum planner, bible memorization record, books read, multiple journal and nature pages, book report forms, a preschool planner with checklist and activities, and new this year is the multiple children planner for up to 5 children. There are way too many forms to list here!

Household Forms

Here you will find traditional forms for the home. Emergency numbers, information for the babysitter, medical information, home-keeping schedule, home improvement forms, schedules, chore charts, meal planning, grocery lists, budgeting forms, prayer journal, pet forms, car maintenance forms, vacation planning, and garden planning forms. TOO MANY TO LIST!

What I like about the planner:

- that you can type on the pages before printing them out to personalize them

- the variety of forms available

- monthly themes to bring the family together on one topic

- availability of monthly modules to supplement planner

What I don't like about the planner:

- large size of file to download

- most forms (except the chore charts which are multi-colored) are just two colors - black and maroon/red colored. I would rather they just be black and white. This is easily fixed by "telling" my printer to print in only black and white.

- I wish they had the option of buying it on a CD.

- more forms then I would use (but this goes on both lists depending on how you look at it.)

- wish they included a blank monthly calender

- wish you could buy modules on a subscription basis at a reduced cost

- cost: $39.95 makes it difficult to purchase on a yearly basis. Would like to be able to purchase updates only at a reduced cost.

You can purchase this at The Old Schoolhouse Website by Clicking HERE!

The King James Controversy

The King James Only Controversy: Can You Trust Modern Translations? By: James R. White

I have been following the King James Controversy for sometime. I have not been convinced that a certain version is superior to another. While I do prefer reading one version, like others, I often read several version of a verse or chapter to see it from a different perspective. It is better for the bible to be read and understood then for a translation to sit on a shelf unread because the person finds the language archaic.

Mr. White does an excellent job of presenting the position of the KJV only group and refuting their objections to other translations without being derogatory to anyone. He gives suggestions on how to choose what version is best for you. If you enjoy the KJV he does recommend you stay with it. He does, however, explain that he is a conservative and does not recommend every bible version out there. I find him sincere in his quest to present his information truthfully. Information is state clearly and lay people will be able to understand this book. Part two of the book includes an advanced chapter for those familiar with Koine Greek and want a deeper discussion of this topic.

Mr. White uses charts and many scriptural comparisons to state his arguments clearly. He also includes a chapter on problems with King James Version translation as no bible scholar know matter how hard they try, is infallible. The history of the bible translations also makes this a very interesting read. This would also be an excellent book for those doing bible translating.

ISBN Number: 978-0764206054

Can be purchased at:

Amazon

ChristianBook.com

Miserly Moms: Living Well on Less in a Tough Economy

Miserly Moms: Living Well on Less in a Tough Economy (4th edition) is a great resource for those struggling with the current conditions of the economy. Written by a mom who wanted to stay home with her children and had to learn how to economize, while living in expensive area of California. This book is the outcome of her research and "continuing education."

Being a fan of Jonni McCoy for more then 10 years and having frequently visiting her website, I was wondering if purchasing an updated version of her book would be all that helpful. I was pleasantly surprised by the thoroughly updated and new information that was contained in the book. There is a new opening chapter with testimonies from moms who came home. Then there are a few new chapters more relevant for today’s world such as a chapter dealing with special diets, Five Things I wish I Knew About Money When I was Young, How To Save $10,000, and 5 Questions I Get Asked Most Often, information that has come with experience. The titles of many of the chapters are the same, but there is enough new information in them, you can hardly recognize the old. I did also appreciate the new information on debt reduction and budgeting. However, I did find that most of the recipes, gift ideas, cleaning supplies, and children’s crafts are the same as the second (1996) edition of the book that I own.

There are items that are just common sense like shopping for items on sale, making your own food from scratch, washing laundry in cold water, and lowering your thermostat and hot water heater temperatures. Other suggestions I find great, like how to make homemade products for every day use and inexpensive gift ideas. The recipes are simple to make and taste great. There are also tips for teaching children and getting your husband on board to this lifestyle. The book would make a good reading material for your older children, especially girls who are potential stay at home moms in the future. Great gift also for the new mom!

http://www.miserlymoms.com/

To purchase at Christian Book Distributers (CBD) CLICK HERE.

To purchase at Amazon, CLICK HERE

The Principle Of The Path: How to get from where you are to where you want to be

Opening the book: The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley: How To Get From Where You Are To Where You Want To Be, I was face with reviews by both Franklin Graham and Dave Ramsey, both of which I highly respect. What more could I possibly say to encourage someone to read this book?

The Principle of the Path is based on a basic biblical law known by Christians and non-Christians alike. What you reap is what you will sow. The path we choose ultimately will effect our destiny. Well, that is a simple concept. But how do we choose the correct path? Why do we continue to make the same mistakes? Andy Stanley answers these questions through out the book with examples from his life as well as examples of people he has counseled. The principle may seem simple, but too many of us don’t always choose the narrow path.

The principles taught in this book are excellent, they always point us to Christ. Nothing complicated and was easy to read. I appreciated the real life examples throughout that I could relate to my own life. I highly recommend this book as a graduation or even wedding gift. The sooner a young adult can read this the better. This would be helpful to avoid many of the mistakes we adults have made not following the natural laws laid out in God’s word. There is also redemption for those who have already made mistakes. But he is quite frank that it may take some time, and you may not be able to get exactly where you want to be. Then there are also curve balls that may ultimately lead you to a different, unexpected path that we just have to trust God through.

Also included is an excellent study guide at the end of the book covering the Key Idea, Key Truths, and Key Questions for each chapter of the book. The study guide also helps guide your thinking, points you to God, and helps to "Get from where you are to where you want to be."

To purchase this book CLICK HERE.