Education in the Rare....

Today is Rare Disease Day. One in ten people deal with a rare disease. Today is set aside to honor and bring awareness to those dealing with Rare Diseases. Our Rare Disease is FPIES, Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome. Education is essential.

The FPIES Foundation is a great resource to learn about FPIES. Their goal is the educate, support and empower.

The International FPIES Association is another great site.

The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology is another great resource to learn about FPIES.

Review - Koru Naturals

I had the opportunity to trial some products by Koru Naturals. I was asked to use the Emu Oil Premium Golden and Pure and Simple New Zealand Lanolin Cream for a period of about four weeks. Koru Naturals has a wide selection of wonderful products in their catalog. Koru Naturals products are never tested on animals and contain natural substances such as manuka honey, lanolin, tea tree, manuka oil, rosehip oil and Rotorua mud. This company has been bringing the beauty of New Zealand to the United States since 2002. 

Emu Oil
Emu Oil Premium Golden is a traditional Australian Aboriginal natural oil to be used as a moisturizer for the skin or hair. I was curious as to other uses for the oil so I researched it a bit on the Internet and found some interesting uses. I was excited about the product information stating Emu Oil Premium Golden could be used "to reduce the depth and length of fine lines and wrinkles." The oil does not really have any definite fragrance. It soaks into your skin with minimal amount of an oily feeling. Hopefully, with continued use, the oil will to decrease the dryness in my skin and decrease my "slightly aging" appearance. I am impressed with how well the oil was absorbed into my skin.

When I began using the oil on my face I was experiencing an acne breakout that was due to stress. I was surprised at how well the oil helped with the redness. So far, I have not noticed any significant change on my face.

Next, I used the oil on my feet to try to combat the rough, dry, calloused feel and appearance. Emu Oil works great to soften the skin on your feet. I think that with continued use of Emu Oil Premium Golden on my feet, my feet will be ready for wearing sandals in the summer.

Emu Oil Premium Golden also works great as a lip moisturizer.

Lanolin Cream

Pure and Simple Lanolin New Zealand Cream has a mild, pleasant fragrance. The cream is not at all greasy and my hands felt well moisturized after applying. As a mom I am constantly washing my hands which leaves them dry and rough. After using the Pure and Simple New Zealand Lanolin Cream during the day, I noticed at the end of the day that my hands were dramatically different in comparison to a day that I had not used cream or lotion at all. I am very sensitive to harsh perfumes and fragrances so I was pleased that I did not have to worry about this aspect while using these products. 

I have several children with extremely sensitive skin and eczema and this cream was gentle enough for them to use. Most lotions and creams tend to burn the surface of the skin when applied to skin with eczema. My daughters were pleasantly surprised that the Pure and Simple New Zealand Lanolin Cream did not cause any irritation. As a parent it is very important to me to use products that will benefit my children without causing irritation.

Final Thoughts
If you are looking for natural products to care for your skin and hair Koru Naturals is definitely something I would encourage you to try. I can feel confident using these products knowing that they are free of chemical and additives that many skin and hairs products contain. I enjoyed trailing these products and will definitely continue to use Koru Naturals products in the future. I am anxious to try some of their other products as well.

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The Old Schoolhouse Review Crew tested many different Koru Naturals products. To read what others had to say click HERE. 

Our Crazy Life With A Side Of Homeschool

I am beginning to think that I should have named my blog, Our Crazy Life With A Side Of Homeschool instead of Homeschool Happenings. 

Heirloom Audio Productions - In Freedom's Cause

I had the opportunity to review an audio drama for Heirloom Audio Productions, named, In Freedom's Cause: The Real Story of Wallace and Bruce (Single Package). This incredible audio drama is packed with historical stories that are sure to make history come alive for the listener. In In Freedom's Cause, William Wallace proves that individuals do make an impact on history. 

There are four package offerings ranging in price from $19.97 to $249.97, with the Family Four Pack being the most popular, at $99.97. 

To be a true hero, you must be a true Christian. —G.A. Henty

This is the story of Sir William Wallace (1270-1305) and Robert the Bruce (1275-1329) and their battle for Scotland's freedom as they took on the powerful King Edward of England. Both men were known for their strength and fine ability with the sword. Above all, they found their greatest asset to be their love and dedication to the Lord. 

The cast is made up of some very familiar faces.

As we started Disc 1, In Freedom's Cause, my four children, ages 6, 8, 12, 14, sat down to listen. Soon after the story began,. my 6 and 8 year olds lost interest and left the room. My older children and I listened intently as the drama unfolded. I wondered if my children would be able to follow the storyline since they were not familiar with this period of history and the events surrounding that period of time in Scotland. After disc one was complete I questioned my children about their ability to follow and understand and to my delight they not only followed but were captivated by the story. Both of my children were eager to begin disc two. My 14 year old does not particularly like history but she really enjoyed this. 

Disc 2 continued to keep us in suspense and on the edge of our seats. My children absolutely loved, In Freedom's Cause, and asked if there were more in the series. I am sure that we will be listening to these discs many more times. I think that this is a great way to learn history!! 

The study guide is a FABULOUS addition to the audio drama. I found the study guide to be extremely helpful in discussing the story with my children. The study guide is set up to aid the younger student in understanding the story as well as challenging the older student at a deeper level. The study questions are divided into three sections. 

The Listening Well ~focuses on what was heard~

The Thinking Further ~challenges the child to think, draw conclusions, and speculate~

The Defining Words ~ defining unfamiliar vocabulary~

As my children and I worked through the study guide it brought about great discussion. My children commented that the guide was fun and they actually enjoyed it. I was impressed by the thoughtful answers and conclusions that my children gave as we discussed the audio drama. From a historical standpoint, we learned a great deal . 

At the end of the study guide there are three short Bible studies. We briefly skimmed through the studies and found them to be a great compliment. 
ll need to use a dictionary for most of the words.

I was impressed by how the audio adventure utilized music and sounds effects. The actor's voices were passionate and commanding. My daughter said, "I could close my eyes and imagine being right there in the story as it was all happening." For the student that dislikes reading, an audio drama is a great alternative for learning history. Much like reading, you can create in your mind what you imagine the people and places to look like.

I had my children rate their experience and they both gave, In Freedom's Cause, 5 stars!!

I would highly recommend this to both friends and fellow homeschoolers. 

Heirloom Audio Production's 3rd installment in The Extraordinary Adventures of G.A. Henty audio adventure series, With Lee in Virginia, is soon to be released.

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If you would like to read more reviews you can go to School House Review Crew.

IndoctriNation DVD

I had the privilege of reviewing a DVD for Great Commission Films entitled, IndoctriNation. This DVD focuses on the public school system and the decline of Christianity in America.

Born in Scotland, Colin Gunn, a dedicated husband and father of seven, homeschools his children. He and his family traveled across the United States in a yellow school bus on a mission to investigate the impact that the modern public educational system has impacted the education of our children. 

In this documentary, Colin Gunn sets out to find the answers to many questions: 

• What exactly are the origins of the American public educational system?
• How do public schools handle other religions in comparison to Christianity? 
• Can the changes that have been implemented through the centuries be fixed? 

Colin Gunn did an amazing job of portraying the ongoing crisis that exists in the public educational system. He interviewed notable individuals such as Ken Hamm, R.C. Sproul Jr., and Erwin Lutzer. I found Colin's history of education, chronicled from the 1600's to the present day, extremely fascinating. It was very interesting to hear his perspective regarding the evolution of education, the birth of the government educational system, and compulsory education.  I saw both the subtle and dramatic changes throughout history that brought us to our current educational system. The changes in our educational system are both eye opening and disheartening. 

How did we go from this?

To this?

To now hearing such statements as this:

"Today we are making history in California by ensuring that our textbooks and instructional materials no longer exclude the contributions of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) Americans," Sen. Leno said in a statement to CNN News. (July 15, 2011)

The public educational system and Christianity are about as far away from each other as Christianity and Atheism. Both teachers and students are put on trial and tested for their faith. Christians are not free to express their belief in God, or to proclaim His name. 

In Acts 4, Peter and John are brought before the Sanhedrin for proclaiming God's name and in verse 18 it says: 

18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.  

One teacher that Colin Gunn interviewed, stated that he was fired and accused of insubordination, unprofessionalism, and neglect. These accusations came about because he spoke of God's name. This particular teacher was told that if he would stop saying the name of Jesus in the classroom, he could continue teaching. If he refused, he would be terminated. 

A student valedictorian had the microphone muted while she was openly talking about her faith during commencement. 

Matthew 5:13 says:

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

So many use the argument that if we remove all Christians from the public schools, then we are, in essence, removing the salt and the light to those who need to hear it. One can hardly be salt and light to the world if one's faith has to be placed in a box and checked at the door. Our one purpose on earth is to bring glory to the Lord and share His truth. If we cannot even utter His name during school hours, we are denying the Lord His due praise. On the flip side, the views of radicals, homosexuals, and atheists are fully accepted and they can openly speak and teach their views. 

John Taylor Gatto, another educator that was interviewed, said that the public education system was and is confining, based on a rigid class system. Education, in and of itself, is not bad but schooling is. He pointed out how some of the greatest minds of our times were taught outside of the school setting and made a huge impact on history. Today many students are passed through the system, year after year, whether curriculum is mastered or standards are met. Public education focuses on teaching "the test" instead of teaching curriculum outside of the test. 

3 John 1:4 says, 

4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

How can our children walk in the truth if they have to silence their faith at the school door? How can our children walk in the truth if at school they are being taught ideologies that are completely opposite of what is taught to be true at home and at church? How do we expect our children to grow in their faith, when five days a week they are fighting the enemy?

Our modern education system is broken. Education reflects the influence of politics and money. Education should not be based upon how loudly the dollar speaks to those who make decisions regarding our children's education. We, in essence, are training a future generation to become servants of the state. We need to be listening to the voice of God.

At the end of the IndoctriNation DVD, Colin Gunn left parents with the statement, 

"Don't surrender to the big yellow bus."

If you would like to read more reviews you can go to Schoolhouse Review Crew .

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How Wolves Change Rivers

This video is so very informative and interesting. How could adding wolves into Yosemite Park change the ecosystem and physical geography? The circle of life is so very important to a balanced environment. God was and is in every detail of His creation. He planned everything so intricately for our enjoyment and survival. This video is a perfect example of what happens when the balance of life is disturbed.

Cavalia Odysseo

We saw the amazing performance of Cavalia Odysseo this week.

This performance was AMAZING, SPECTACULAR, a true feast for the eyes. From the horses, to the acrobats, and singing the talent was incredible. 

The Book With No Pictures

Check out this hilarious reading of, The Book With No Pictures, by B.J. Novak. This book is captivating for young audiences. What a wonderful way to show children that books CAN be funny even if there are NO WORDS.

My children absolutely loved this book!!! They had me read it several times. I truly is amazing how a book with no words can be so entertaining. Love it.

Make-A-Wish February Art Party

Valentine's Day

We will be celebrating Valentine's Day a bit each day this week. Each day this week I will add to this post and share all of the fun stuff that we do.












Day one, decorating and monster crafts...

Day 2 with Bible verses and crafts..

Day 3 with books..

Day 4 decorating cookies..

Day 5.....

NO SCHOOL!!!

Today is a free day.

I tired to think of the perfect way to tell my children that I love them and decided that giving them the day off would be perfect!!!