Aug. 8, 2008
August 08 Edition of HOTM is out!
Jul. 29, 2008
Freebies and doorprizes and great speakers-- I can't wait!
Posted in Good Ideas and Interesting Stuff
Tomorrow is the official start of the Heart of the Matter Online First Annual Virtual Conference!
From HOTM:
We are so excited and from all of your emails and posts we know that you all are too! This is the last day that you can get the tickets for the price of $29.95. Starting Wednesday it will go up to it's official price of $39.95 and will remain that cost for the duration of the conference.
 The speakers and vendors for our conference have been very generous with their donation of freebies and door prizes. Our freebie package alone exceeds $170 and it is worth every penny of the cost of that ticket!
Some of the freebies include:
...there are so many more but we'll leave that as a surprise. We can't spoil all of the fun now can we?
 We also have some more than 25 fabulous door prizes to award to some lucky attendees. Just think... you could be the lucky winner of:
...plus much more! So hurry up and get signed up to listen to our motivating speakers and to receive all of these great freebies AND chances to win these awesome prizes before the cost goes up.
The updated schedule can be found HERE.
I hope to see y'all there!
~Marshie
Jul. 27, 2008
Ring around the toilet
Posted in Good Ideas and Interesting Stuff
It all started with this horrid rust stain inside my toilet. (I never thought I'd begin a post with those words!) You see, we have well water and it is quite hard. No matter the amount of toilet cleaner, Soft Scrub with Bleach and Daivd's elbow grease applied, this stubborn ring around the water line in my toilet would remain.
After my mom came to visit last week, I was quite embarrassed about this nasty stain... and it really was a clean toilet, it just didn't look like it!
Well, wouldn't you know it, just as soon as she left I found this product at Wal-mart: Whink Rust Remover.
After about 20 applications-- pouring it on, letting it sit, and then flushing-- a little light scrubbing made that horrid, ugly ring of nastiness disappear!
Oh it really IS a sad day when I post about this, isn't it?! Then why oh why am I so happy about it all? Good grief, I am such a dork. I better stop before I start sounding like an infomercial.
And I won't mention the excitement when I found these XLT undershirts online... and that David actually thought they were super comfortable. Have you tried finding undershirts in Tall sizes lately? Hard to find and super expensive. But these were great.
Okay, I'm going to go now. I don't know when I turned into an old person that would get so excited about these kinds of things. Maybe I'll think of something fun to post about tomorrow to redeem myself from the depths of dorkdom.
Jun. 23, 2008
Thanks and some excitement!
Posted in Good Ideas and Interesting Stuff
First of all, thank you dear friends for all of your kind words in my previous post. David and I are going out of town tomorrow for the viewing and funeral. We would really appreciate your continued prayers-- for safe travel and for David's Uncle Ronald. Uncle Ronald is mentally handicapped and has been at his dad's side FOREVER. When he was little, his parents chose to keep him with them instead of sending him off to some institution. They literally did everything together and had an incredible bond! Uncle Ronald is extremely sorrowful and I'm sure confused and frightened as to this new part of his life-- his life without his father right by his side 24/7. Please, please lift him up in prayer!
*******
And in completely unrelated news, God has sent us some very encouraging news-- and NO, it is nothing like 2 pink lines or anything...
GUESS WHO is going to be speaking at the Heart of the Matter Virtual Conference???!!! Ahhh! Seriously, just GO LOOK and then come back here and tell me what you think. Isn't that a fabulous lineup? God is SO gracious to allow HOTM to host these amazing members of the homeschool community! I am so excited I could scream! All of my favorite people-- in ONE place... and I can listen to them at my leisure (and in my pjs) and even ask them questions LIVE through the conference software! (If you could see me now, I would be jumping up and down like a lunatic).
Oh and one more thing, when I get back in town I will be having a little contest here on my blogola to give away 5 (FIVE!!!) tickets to the HOTM Conference. So please spread the word and come back really soon, okay?
Jun. 8, 2008
Check out this month's HOTM Magazine!
Posted in Good Ideas and Interesting Stuff
The June 2008 Issue of Heart of the Matter Magazine is published. Come check out the great articles and giveaways!
Love,
Marshiemellow
What is it about long road trips that cause you to become closer as a family unit all the while getting on each other's nerves? The first 2-3 hours are great. You read, snack, sing songs, discuss what is to come, and look forward to it with anticipation. The next 4-5 hours are still manageable but with a lot less joy. You just keep tolerating it because you hope that it will be over soon. But those last few hours, heh, they are a doozie to make it through. You're bored, anxious, and then you start to get excited. Just excited enough to realize you still have a little ways to go and then a bit disappointed again. Then you finally make it and realize that the destination was worth the long journey even though it became very difficult at times.
Homeschooling is a lot like that. We are overly excited in the beginning and we buy all the books, attend all the conferences, join all of the groups, then we start to ware down. It takes more motivation to continue now and encouragement becomes necessity. Let me encourage you. The destination will be worth the journey. Let us encourage you along the way!
My husband drove most of the way. He was definitely the captain of the ship, er uh, car. Even though I navigated and kept the kids occupied and fed, he still was the driving force (pun not intended but hey, if it works)! We want to acknowledge our amazing dads this month as we celebrate Father's Day.
Focus on Fathers will be June 9th through the 18th. We have a giveaway everyday! Some of our articles are addressed to the men and some are just for the ladies. Our guest writers have outdone themselves and we can't wait to share their articles with you so be sure to check it out!
We also have a new devotional this month: To Love, Honor and Vacuum by Sheila Wray Gregoire. You can sign up for the new devotional study here: Sign Up.
We have the First Annual Heart of the Matter Online Virtual Homeschool Conference coming up July 31 - August 3. We have many amazing speakers lined up as well as vendors to meet all your homeschooling needs...and wants! You can check out the new conference site for more information and to sign up for the event. The schedule for the speakers will be posted next week.
Don't forget to sign up for our new weekly newsletter, which will begin next Sunday. Our newsletter will contain a recap of the week's posts, who won what contests, highlights from that week's meme, freebies, and more! To be included on the list please subscribe here: Subscribe to Newsletter. All who subscribe will be registered to win a prize!!
Please welcome our new writers!
Amy of Allen Academy
Andrea of The Honest Woman
Angela of Homeschooling the Chaotic Family
Celeste of Busy at Home
Jamie of Life & Love in Rose Cottage
Jen of Jeneric Jeneralities
Julie of Jewelz Sightings
Lisa V of Pockets of Time
Nikowa of Knowledge House Academy
Renae of Life Nurturing Education
Valerie of SoCalVal's Homeschooling With Encouragement
Yvonne of Grateful for Grace
In this month's issue:
Why Homeschool?
What's in Your Beach Bag?
Density, Buoyancy, Viscosity, Oh My!
How Does Homeschooling Benefit Society?
Planning our Preschool
When Friends Stop Homeschooling
Creating a Mission Statement
Money Management for Children
How To Tell WHY Your Child is Struggling
So We've Chosen to Shelter Our Children
Teaching our Children is More Than "Doing School"
Making The School Year Easier On The Teacher
Teaching to the Heart
Why Charlotte Mason?
Rejoicing in Weakness
End of Year Organization
*********************
Did you know that we have a Heart of the Matter daily blog, which is updated daily and packed full of inspiration, encouragement, phenomenal resources, and weekly giveaways? Here is a taste of what you might have missed:
Feeling Forgotten?
Homesteading? Me? No, absolutely not me
Do You Know My Friend Worry?
It's Ok To Laugh
Be the Beauty That You Are.... QUICKLY!
*********************
This month's printables, courtesy of Christian Homeschooler's Association of South Carolina
Yearly goal sheet
Weekly goal sheet
Portfolio checklist
Blank evaluation form
Attendance form
Important Upcoming Dates:
June 9 - 18 - Focus on Fathers
June 13 - Friday Meme: "Wordless Daddy" Share your favorite picture of your husband and your children.
June 14 - Devotional Study: Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe, Chapter 4
June 15 - Darnelle's Birthday
June 20 - Friday Meme: Tried and True Recipes
June 27 - Friday Meme: Your Questions for Us
June 28 - Devotional Study: Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe, Chapter 5
July 4 - Friday Meme: Healthy Ideas for Picky Eaters
July 6 - Unit Study Day
Download the June Issue PDF
Jun. 3, 2008
The Master Plan is now available!
Posted in Good Ideas and Interesting Stuff
My very talented friend Jewls has created a fully interactive planner called The Master Plan-- and IT IS NOW AVAILABLE!!! Just look at all the features that are packed in there! She is having a special sale on it right now so please go check it out and spread the word!
May. 8, 2008
May 2008 Edition of Heart of the Matter is up!
Posted in Good Ideas and Interesting Stuff
 Mother's Day is just around the corner and all of us here at Heart of the Matter would like to be the first to wish you a wonderful and joyous week in honor of all you do!
I remember when I learned that I was about to become a mom for the first time. The thoughts of the future of my little one were vivid, endless, and sometimes overwhelming. What diapers should I use? How long should I breast feed? What doctor should he go to? Where should I send him to school?
It's funny to think back on that now because I had no idea then that I would be homeschooling him today. I never would have dreamed we would form the bond that we now have and I can honestly say I would never have experienced it without homeschooling him. We spend so much time together: we laugh, we learn, we experiment, and we play. It is amazing!
I know that one of the most important decisions that I have ever made concerning my boys was the one to homeschool them. I get to experience first hand the fruit of my labor (literally), and that is the greatest Mother's Day gift I could ever ask for!
This month is also the start of something new here at Heart of the Matter Online. We now have a separate site dedicated just for the magazine and this will remain the blog. We will only post the editor's letter on the HOTM blog from now on. The articles can be found at the new site: http://www.heartofthemattermagazine.com/. Let us know what you think!
If you would like to submit a funny picture or story for our sidebar, please email it to: the.amies@heartofthemattermagazine.com and put "Funnies" in the subject line.
Due to recent events including a need for my computer to be rebuilt, the pdf for this month's magazine will be delayed. We are sorry for the inconvenience.
Would you like to see your articles featured at Heart of the Matter Online? Send us your submissions! We are looking for a few dependable, passionate, homeschooling moms to write for Heart of the Matter blog or magazine. To be considered simply email an article or two to: the.amies@heartofthemattermagazine.com and put "Writer Consideration" in the subject line. Please follow the guidelines listed here: Guidelines. Please submit prior to May 21st. We will let you know by email if you are chosen.
In this month's issue:
Insectigations (Giveaway included!!)
What Do You Do If Your Child Decides They Want To "Go To School"?
Schedules
Fragrances Pleasing to God
Will you let yourself be blessed? (Giveaway included!!)
How to tell WHY Your Child is Struggling (Part 1 of 4)
Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships
Where the Lord Guides, He Provides
Power in the Blood
Common Misuses of Analogy in Homeschool Criticism
The Autism Spectrum
Slowing Down The Pace
Because Life Happens: Happy Mother's Day
When Winning 'Does Not Compute'
How to Shop the Drugstores
Chaos to Order Book Review
From Our Readers
This month's printables:
Nature Journal Pages for your 3-6 year old
Nature Walk Guides for little ones under 4 years old
Eric Carle Multi-Book Unit Study for The Grouchy Ladybug (with lapbook!), The Honeybee and the Robber, The Very Busy Spider, The Very Clumsy Click Beetle, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Very Lonely Firefly, and The Very Quiet Cricket
All of these printables are courtesy of Homeschool Share
Important Upcoming Dates:
May 9 - Friday Meme: The Way We Socialize
May 11 - Mother's Day winner announced
May 16 - Friday Meme: Field Trips
May 16 - Dianne's Birthday
May 17 - Devotional Study: Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe Chapter 2
May 23 - Friday Meme: Outdoor Classrooms
May 26 - Stacey's Birthday
May 30 - Friday Meme: Most Exciting Homeschool Moment
May 31 - Devotional Stufy: Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe Chapter 3
June 1 - Unit Study Day
June 6 - Friday Meme: How Do You Schedule?
June 7 - Sallie's Birthday
June 9 - 18...in honor of Father's Day we will be letting the DADS take over the Heart of the Matter Online. It will be educational as well as entertaining.
We have the First Annual Heart of the Matter Online Virtual Homeschool Conference coming up July 31 - August 3. We have many amazing speakers lined up as well as vendors to meet all your homeschooling needs...and wants! You can check out the new conference site for more information and to sign up for the event.
Don't forget to sign up for our new weekly newsletter, which will begin next Sunday. Our newsletter will contain a recap of the week's posts, who won what contests, highlights from that week's meme, freebies, and more! To be included on the list please subscribe here: Subscribe to Newsletter. All who subscribe will be registered to win a prize!!
Please remember to keep our sister and team member Robin Sampson in your prayers.
May 2008 cover photo courtesy of Keri from Sunny Blog.
May. 6, 2008
Easy way to remember the 10 Commandments
Posted in Good Ideas and Interesting Stuff
I swiped this fun video from Nancy. (Most of my "good ideas" originate elsewhere-- just goes to show that it pays to have smart and resourceful friends!).
Apr. 11, 2008
Check out the Super big Mother's Day Giveaway at HOTM!
Posted in Good Ideas and Interesting Stuff
Please spread the word!
Apr. 9, 2008
Heart of the Matter Digital Magazine-- April 2008 Edition
Posted in Good Ideas and Interesting Stuff
 Click on cover for PDF version (links not available in PDF)
From the Amies....
We have already begun preparation for next school year. We have purchased some curriculum, begun lesson plans for some great literature (which will be available for download next month), and we’ve started re-organizing our school area. The kids are preparing to have a fun break at the end of May and mom is looking forward to a bit of leisure time as well!
We also have many great things to look forward to here at Heart of the Matter Online....
For starters, we will be having a generous contest for Mother’s Day that is going to bless the socks off of one mom who gives her all to her family. The prizes for this contest are valued at well over $500 but we will wait to reveal those details! ;o)
For the week surrounding Father’s Day we will be letting the DADS take over the Heart of the Matter Online. Yes, you read that right. The dads will be writing some articles for the site and you just won’t believe the topics they will be discussing! It will be educational as well as entertaining. We have great dads and we look forward to sharing their thoughts with you.
We also have the First Annual Heart of the Matter Online Virtual Homeschool Conference coming up. We have many amazing speakers lined up as well as vendors to meet all your homeschooling needs... and wants!
The speaker lineup includes: Amy Pak , Jennifer Steward, Crystal Paine , Heather, otherwise known as Sprittibee, Dawn from Barefoot Blogs, DeeDee, from the widely popular blog, It Coulda’ Been Worse, Jeannie Fulbright, Luke McDonald, Amy Grant Bayliss, Marybeth Whalen, Kelli Crowe, Gina Conroy, Kelly, from A Spacious Place, Angela DeRossett, Ami Brainerd, the creator of Homeschool Share, Robin Sampson, Sheila Wray Gregoire, Todd Wilson, Angela Parsley, Linda Lacour Hobar, Heather Paulsen, and Lee Binz.
You can check out the conference site for more information and to sign up for the event.
And what would a great website be without contests?
We have many BIG contests coming up in the next month so be sure to check back every day to see what is currently up for grabs. We’ll start it off with this Roots, Shoots, Buckets, and Boots giveaway. To enter, simply leave a comment on at least two articles in this month’s edition. See "Through the Microscope" for more details.
As always, we take submissions for cover photos, articles, projects, and more. Please see our submissions page for more details: Submissions Link.
In this month's issue:
Good Citizenship
Bumps in the Road
Raising Boys vs. Raising Men
Don’t Be Afraid To . . . STOP!
Keepin’ It Real
We Were There With Lewis and Clark REVIEW
Learning Love Languages At Home
20 Ways To Becoming An Eco-Friendly Family
Homeschooling As a Matter Of Public Discussion
Can You Afford That Second Income?
Organized Expectations
The Computer Savvy PreSchooler
God and History of Art I & II REVIEW
How Should We Respond To Criticism & Questions
An Empty Backpack
A Mom’s Decision to Homeschool Her Child with Autism
Through the Microscope: Gardening with Kids
Give God YOUR Details
How To Attend A Homeschool Conference
Faith Through the Bad Days
From Our Readers
This month's printables:
Core Knowledge Sayings and Phrases (grades K through 3)
Art Appreciation with Lucy Micklethwait books
HWT cursive alphabet wall strips (cut out and tape together)
All of these printables are courtesy of Angi from Peakmore Academy
Cover photo courtesy of Keri from Sunny Blog
Important Dates In April
Friday, April 11 - Meme - How I Got Started Homeschooling
Sunday, April 13 - Featured Homeschooler
Tuesday, April 15 - Field Trip Tuesday
Friday, April 18 - Meme - The Things My Child Taught Me During Homeschool Lessons & Unit Study announcement for Outer Space
Saturday, April 19 - Jessica’s Birthday
Sunday, April 20 - Around the Web in a Dozen Links & Amy Bayliss’ Birthday
Tuesday, April 22 - Lisa B’s Birthday
Friday, April 25 - Meme - Quote "Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand." ~Chinese Proverb
Sunday, April 27 - Featured Homeschooler, & Marsha’s Birthday
Friday, May 2 - Outer Space Unit Study Day, & Lori AND Rachel’s Birthday
Mar. 27, 2008
How many countries can you name?
Posted in Good Ideas and Interesting Stuff
I found this over at my friend Karen's blog. Now I will be the first to tell you that testing is not a true marker of one's intelligence. Especially when it's timed! Ugh.
Anyhoo, how many can you name? Come on, it's FUN!
Mar. 19, 2008
JenIg is having a contest where you can win ROSETTA STONE!!!
Posted in Good Ideas and Interesting Stuff
My fabulously funny and fun friend JenIg is having a contest on her blog that you just HAVE to enter!!! You can win Rosetta Stone's newest version AND pick which language you'd like to learn!
I suppose I shouldn't tell everyone so I have a better chance of winning... but I like y'all too much to keep this bit of information all to myself.
So enter away, my friends!
Love,
MarshaMarshaMarsha
Rosetta Stone has been the #1 foreign language curriculum among homeschoolers for a while -- next week they are unleashing a brand new curriculum, and you can WIN the *all new* Rosetta Stone Homeschool Version 3… FOR FREE!
This is a $219 program (and believe me it's worth every penny!) and the winner gets to pick from any of these 14 languages: Spanish (Spain or Latin America), English (American or British), Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Irish, Hebrew, or Russian.
This will also include a headset with microphone, and students will participate in lifelike conversations and actually produce language to advance through the program. Rosetta Stone still incorporates listening, reading and writing as well, in addition to speaking. Many homeschoolers requested grammar and vocabulary exercises, and with Rosetta Stone Homeschool Version 3, they're included! For parents, the new Parent Administrative Tools are integrated into the program and allow parents to easily enroll students in any of 12 predetermined lesson plans, monitor student progress, and view and print reports.
To win this most excellent program -- in the language of your choice -- copy these (blue) paragraphs and post it in (or as) your next blog post -- then to enter the contest, go to the original contest page HERE: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/JenIG/501132/ and leave a comment with the link showing where you blogged about it. And please make sure the link works to get back to the original contest page when you post it. And good luck! The winner will be picked randomly on March 26, and will be notified thru the link they left to their blog pg. And if you have more than one blog, you can post them and enter those separately for more chances to win. Yay for free stuff!
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