Tuesday, April 28, 2020

The Hidden Message, LLC - The Hidden Message of the Great Seal Review



Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.



Have you ever wondered why the Great Seal of our country contains the images that it does? We recently had a chance to review The Hidden Message of the Great Seal from The Hidden Message, LLC. This in-depth look at our national seal is great for both adults and students.


America has a strong religious history. Our forefathers were Christians, and many do not realize that laws and symbols were based on their deep faith. The Hidden Message of the Great Seal written by Michael Kanis takes you and your students on a learning adventure like no other. You will explore that truly amazing message that is hidden in our national seal. 


The National Seal is something that we never studied in any length in history class.  We knew it was the National Seal, but we did not even study what the latin is printed on it.  Since we are studying American History the next couple of years, I thought this would be a great addition for the girls and I to learn.

The Hidden Message of the Great Seal does not just cover Colonial American times.  It takes you through parts of English history and even that of the time of the Egyptians.  Every part of the seal is explored, and explained in a way that anyone can understand.

We are only through a few chapters in our studies. There is a lot of information, but it is not presented in a way to overwhelm.  We can advance at our own pace and our own time of reading speed.  

Micheal Kanis uses scripture throughout the text to show how and why the forefathers chose the parts of this symbol and how they work together.  He quotes from the ESV Bible, KJV Bible, NIV Bible, and also the New American Standard Bible. Everything that is presented throughout the text is presented in a fact-based way with plenty of evidence to show the meaning of the symbols.  Even our "non-history fans" have enjoyed our basic study so far.

If you are looking for a great supplement book to go with your American History for upper grades, you need to check out The Hidden Message of the Great Seal.  It's definitely encourages deeper thought into hidden messages that we can find all around us.


The author Michael Kanis has a BA in Business and an MBA in Finance and Operations. A visit to Valley Forge, PA sparked a fascination in the United States Seal that resulted in the investment of thousands of hours of research, many of them at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Michael has made it his mission since the initial discoveries to share what he has learned about this national treasure, with the nation for whom it was written.

As a special for our readers, here is a coupon code for 50% off the cover price for any of our readers/viewers who wish to purchase the book from the web site, thehiddenmessage.org. As always, shipping is free.  To receive the discount, you need to apply the coupon code:  HOMESCHOOL at checkout.  The discount is good until 30 May 2020.


Several members of the Homeschool Review Crew were given the opportunity to read The Hidden Message of the Great Seal.  Click on the link below to see how they used this book in their homes and what they thought of it.

The Hidden Message of the Great Seal {The Hidden Message, LLC Reviews}




Friday, April 24, 2020

Christian Focus - Psalms for My Day Review



Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.


We recently had the opportunity to review Psalms for my Day from Christian Focus.  This has been a great way to read through many of the Psalms with the girls.


Psalms for my Day introduces this book of comfort to your children.  Written for ages 4 - 11, it can even be used with older age groups who have special needs or learning delays.  This hardcover book contains beautiful illustrations to go with each chapter and verse that you read together with your child.  


Not every chapter in the book of Psalms is examined.  This is not just a reprint of the book of Psalms from your Bible.  Each chapter and verse that is presented at an age appropriate age level with an excellent explanation as to how to each verse from the chapter on those pages can be applied in their lives.



Each page also contains something that they can include in their prayers to God each day.



There are 31 devotions included in Psalms for my Day.  They really take your student through Psalms to help show that God is a God of comfort and guidance.  He is there for us in prayer any time of the day that we need to seek his help and understanding.



Each roughly 2 page devotion will take roughly 10-20 minutes to cover with your student, depending on their reading level and the length of conversation that you have with each other.  So it makes it perfect for students who have shorter attention spans.  We read the daily lessons together each morning.  It was a great way to start our day out.  Even if you are a busy family, Psalms for my Day will fit into your schedule.

I really liked that God's true name was used throughout this edition.  Very few religions use Yahweh, and the book of Psalms (Psalms 83:18) is where God's real name is listed.  Psalms for my Day uses God real name throughout.

Psalms for my Day would also make a great gift for any child, since it can be used as a read together or they can read it independently.  The book is well made and can be enjoyed over and over again as a family or independently.  Great introduction for students to study their Bibles.

Several members of the Homeschool Review Crew were given the opportunity to review Psalms for my Day and other titles from Christian Focus.  Click on the link below to see how they used these books in their homes and what they thought about them.

Psalms for my Day, 30 Prophecies: One Story & Not If, But When {Christian Focus Reviews}


Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Pushing through extra books....



I now it seems weird, but I am really pushing to get through some book work right now.  The nicer days outside, I'm more lenient so that they can ride bikes and play outside some.  But on the colder, wet days I'm really pushing to get through some of their studies.  I want to take advantage of this time off from our busy lives.

Brayden is almost done with school.  I can't believe we have another senior!!  I'm concentrating on life skills with him.  Here's a couple books he is finishing up.



I am cooking a ton right now.  We treated ourselves to a smoker.  It's just a baby electric smoker.  It wasn't that much.  Joe loves smoked meats though, so I thought this would be great for us.  So far it's worked out great.  Only one meat that I have cooked really wasn't loved by everyone.  I'm still learning though.  I made smoked jalopenos the other day and they were a hit.




Have you ever bleached with toilet bowl cleaner???  The kids have been doing this lately.  Unfortunately Lydia's shirts haven't bleached well, but it really depends on the brand and style.  She wears a much smaller size than everyone else, and it's making a difference in their shirt brands.


She gave up and just wrote on this shirt and decorated it.


Caty is taking a Yeast Breads project....she is struggling with her regular bread.  This loaf was promising until she forgot it was in the oven and it was burnt to a crisp.


Robby built a simple machine with K'nex.

Caty has been studying 1800s history with Homeschool in The Woods.  She made lunch one day this week as part of her schoolwork.  Everyone who got a bowl enjoyed it.  They were not fans of the cornbread though.



Lydia has been reading this awesome history book.  She is liking learning history from a different viewpoint.  Both girls are studying pioneer times, and so we are watching Pioneer Quest from Amazon Prime.  I'm also introducing them to Oregon Trail.


I'm working on outside work on the nicer days.  I discovered some mini daffodils coming up.  So excited.  They are just so cute!


It was a very nice day last week and we had burgers over the fire pit.  First fire of the year!



The day we had the fire pit, I didn't have hamburger buns.  So I made homemade buns.  They turned out well.


Took several walks.  I walked to the post office several days last week with Saige.  She comes running when she sees me put my shoes on.  She just wants to go..go..go...


We have been using Outschool.com a lot for extras for the girls.  Caty took two classes on medicinal herbs last week.  She did not have literature class because it was Spring Break.  So I had her read ahead in her book a bit.  Caty is taking an Intensive course from Memoria on Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.  

Lydia is taking the RL Stine writing class from Masterbooks.  I'm trying to get her to really look at her writing.  It's not easy.  She wants to write so bad, but she forgets so many little technical details in her writing.  But those little details are things like paragraphs, periods, and commas.  His class is helping her stop and look at her stories.  This week she will be working on character development.

Joey's self-advocacy group has a daily meeting on Zoom.  It's nice to see everyone, since so many of our activities are now cancelled into July!!


Last weekend was our anniversary.  My parents gave us a very generous gift.  And we used it to help buy a new all-fridge refrigerator.  It's nice to have such a large refrigerator space.  I am in love!!



On Tuesday, we celebrated the Memorial of Jesus Death on Nissan 14.  That evening we held a passover of the symbols he used with his 11 apostles in the upper room.  Earlier in the day we made unleavened bread to use.  The wine is a plain Kosher wine.  This is the first year that Memorial was held with our congregation over a tele-conference system.  Memorial was held like this around the world. Next weekend will be our first ever conferenced convention.  


After Memorial was over, I had made brownies for a treat.  


This is now going to be our new norm.  Our state doctor said today that masks are now what our lives will be for at least the next year.  I guess we will need more.


I am finding myself feeling very weird about this quarantine.  I'm staying busy, even though all of our events are cancelled.  I'm always moving and stressed out still because of our family situation.  It hasn't helped that we found our that the kids psychiatrist lost his license.  After 12 years I am struggling because all the kids need to see a specialist for their meds.  And the waitlist is already horrible for specialists BEFORE the quarantine.  I cannot imagine what it will be like now.  Our family dr helped the best she could, but she can only do so much.  I think being so busy, I'm sort of forgetting what is going on outside.  I still am going to the pharmacy, and also once every two weeks to the grocery store.  There is only 1 confirmed case in our county, so the sense of urgency has been dulled a bit around here.  I keep reminding myself daily why we are doing this, especially now since I found myself forgetting why we have to remain quarantined.  

Hope everyone is safe and healthy!  See everyone next week!!



Monday, April 13, 2020

Menu Monday





All things are still cancelled.  We found out that 4H and Special Olympics is done through July 6th.  Upsetting, but also understandable.  Fortunately we are in a county that has on 1 case of Covid.  It would be wonderful if it stays that way.

I'm working hard at zero food waste. I keep a pencil by the menu that is hanging up.  I keep making changes and adjustments depending on leftovers.  Last week's menu had lots of adjustments.  I am also being inventive with all the food that we have in our pantry and also what food my sister-in-law brought to the house.  They are staying with us until the social distancing order is over.  And currently we will be doing this through May 1st, and we are just not sure about longer.  The states around us have closed their school buildings until the end of the school year. 


Here's what is on the menu this week....

Sunday
B- Tater tot waffles
L- Leftovers - Fridge clean out
D- Smoked ham, scalloped corn, green bean casserole, scalloped potatoes, Smoked Jalopenos, pear cake, and cheesecake....hopefully lots of leftovers

Monday
B - breakfast biscuit sandwiches
L - Leftovers
D- Pigs N the Blanket w/ onion rings

Tuesday
B - Quesadillas and yogurt
L - Big Mac Salads
D- Macaroni and cheese chili bake

Wednesday
B - Cereal w/ fruit
L - Open (so whatever they would like)
D - stir fry chicken w/ orange sauce & rice

Thursday
B - Oatmeal cookies
L - Baked potatoes
D- Carbonara w/ salad

Friday
B- Sprinkle pancakes
L- Macaroni and cheese w/ chili
D- Smoked bbq chicken w/ corn and stuffing

Saturday
B- sprinkle pancakes
L- Mexican rice
D- Spaghetti pie


Why I plan.....
Who isn't busy?!?!  Kids schedules, schoolwork, work, WOW!!  Life just does not stop!

When I create a menu, I include our schedule on it also.  In fact, I type the schedule into the table that I created first.  Then I know what is going on that day, and I can plan crockpot meals or even know if I need to have a make-ahead meal ready.  I do not use a fancy downloadable calendar, I simply use Microsoft Word.  I have a table I created on there.  At the bottom, I keep a running list of menu items that either I want them to try or food that is loved by all.

Hope everyone has a great week!!  See everyone next Monday!