This page contains affiliate links. Years ago, when plastic water bottles became all the "rage", my husband and I decided to not purchase them unless we were traveling and away from home on a long-distance trip. It wasn't really because of any "green" factor; it was because they seemed expensive to us just for a drink of water. So, we purchased el-cheapo reusable plastic water bottles for the girls and I, and since my husband uses water bottles for backpacking and outdoor activities, he bought a Nalgene brand plastic water bottle. We didn't know anything about the various types of plastics or which ones tend to "off gas" more than others. To be truthful, when I began hearing about it, I didn't really care. Still today, there are some things I care about, and others I don't. At some point in my life, whether I make all of the "right" or "green" decisions or not, my body will wear out and I will die. Not trying to be morbid or anything, but I'm the first to recognize my human frailty and needing to rely on God for any strength that He has given me. Slowly though, over time, we did become a bit curious about even our Nalgene water bottles (we eventually all bought some) leeching plastic or chemicals into our drinking water when they were left in a hot car or out in the sun during outdoor activities. I've been interested in buying some decent, stainless-steel water bottles, but the good ones are quite expensive. I'm not sure that the ones at the local Wally World are what I want to be using for my drinking water. So, copying my friend, Serena, I bought the girls and I some glass SoBe bottles, and washed them out well. The girls and I began using these for our water bottles. Elmer refused - it was too risky, in his mind, to be hiking or hunting with glass. I don't blame him...but I just couldn't come up with any other options.  Toward the end of August, my family received four very nice stainless steel water bottles from EcoUsable. This company has been around for some time now, and they are a reputable business. When our box arrived from EcoUsable, I noticed right away that the person who packed the shipment paid attention to how many people were in my family, and picked out water bottles that he or she felt were appropriate for our ages, genders, and activities. That says a lot! These are the water bottles which arrived in our shipment:
We've been using our new stainless steel water bottles out and about, around town, for a few weeks. Last weekend, we were in the eastern part of our state, about a six-hour drive from our home, and it was really nice to see that the water tasted as fresh and clear when we arrived at our destination as it did when we poured it directly from our Brita pitcher into the water bottles earlier that morning. Nice! Here is my family's "take" on EcoUsable water bottles: Likes:
Other than the very hot bottles while rinsing, we have had no complaints! The rimmed lip makes it easy from which to drink. The rubber pad on the bottom of the bottles keeps them more stable and prevents damage to nice tables, etc. Below is some additional information about EcoUsable's bottles, especially the Ech2o filtering bottle which purifies stream, lake, and pond water to kill all stomach-problem bacteria. Enjoy filtered tap water "on the go" instantly filtered as you drink through the ech2o sport top! This exclusive top removes up to 99.99% of pollutants for up to 100 gallons* of great tasting filtered water. Designed to fit our NEW Ech2o filtered water bottles. ONLY compatible with 25 oz. Ech2o™ water bottles. The Ionic-Adsorption Micro-Filtration System is an entire water filtration plant within a portable bottle. The patented Ionic-Adsorption Micro-Filtration reduces up to 99.99% of the following zones of contamination:
Exclusive filter tested by independent governmental laboratories to EPA/ANSI protocols and NSF Standards 42 and 53. * Approximately 6 months of use. My family also received the following accessories to accompany our new water bottles:  
In addition, we received one shoulder strap which uses velcro to wrap around the top of the bottle.  The Fine Print: I received these EcoUsable water bottles and accessories free of charge in exchange for my time in writing an honest review containing my own opinions. No other compensation was provided.
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 This blog post contains affiliate links. Two years ago, our family was introduced to Schleich animal figures while I was a member of the TOS Crew. I think I had seen Schleich products in stores before, like our local farm stores in town, and possibly at Target when we were out of town. This summer, we were pleased to receive a new shipment of Schleich animal figures to enjoy and review, again as a part of the TOS Crew. Once again, the girls were excited to see such nice products arrive for our family. My older daughter is a bit too old to "play" with toys like this; she actually hasn't played with toys for years and years now, except for items like wooden shields and swords that my husband has made for the girls (and for boys who come over to visit!). She's the bookworm and musician... However, the two girls enjoyed reenacting and playing with the animal figures for some time. And, they have treasured status as staying out on their very small table in their bedroom.  Schleich figures are more expensive than the average "dollar store" figures.  African Elephant However, one close look at Schleich's products will quickly show you why their products cost more than the average little plastic figures found anywhere.  Schleich's animal figurines and imaginative playworlds have had the original mold "precision engineered" by a German master craftsman who works on the finest details for up to six weeks. After the figures have been manufactured using the precision molds, they are all painted by hand. Each toy is unique, durable, and safe for your children.  Dartmouth Pony Over 500 items are available to view at the Schleich website: www.schleich-s.com Schleich has three main categories for their figurines: World of Nature: 
 The prices for Schleich figurines will vary depending on the size of the item and from where you purchase them. They can range from $3.00 to $30.00 or possibly more. My adult Sunday Bible study group at church wanted to bless missionary friends of ours who were going to be traveling across the country to a new assignment for the next couple of years. This dear family has five children, and because of their frequent moves from place to place and country to country to country, they are very selective about which toys they purchase and keep for their children. When they were living in Germany a number of years ago, they discovered Schleich toys, and they decided that these would be fine to keep and travel with because of their high quality. Our adult class at church purchased a number of Schleich animal and dinosaur figures for them before they moved back east, so that during the trip, the children would have little gifts to unwrap and enjoy along the way. When I went through the checkout line, the checker started scanning the Schleich animals and said, "Wow - I didn't know that a plastic cow could cost $5.00!" I told him about the products, explained who they were for, and why we were purchasing high quality toys that wouldn't take up tons of room in a backpack or on a plane. He thought that it was a great idea, and he did agree that the Schleich toys were much better quality than anything he'd seen in quite some time. If you'd like to take a look at Schleich's 178-page catalog, you may view it below. Schleich figurines are often sold at Fred Meyer, Target, and Toys "R" Us, as well as farm supply stores and other places. They are a great idea for Christmas gifts, especially for children who have been taught to take care of their toys. Ours will be handed down to our grandchildren - their quality is that nice.   This blog post contains affiliate links. "How dreadfully old I am getting! Sixteen!" Thus begins the lifelong diary of young Katherine as she pours out her hopes, dreams, and spiritual journey on the pages of her dear. old journal. Whimsical and charming Katherine is engagingly candid about her character flaws and her desire to know God. As you listen to her share her heart through these journal entries, you will be amazed and delighted by the depth of her character and the womanly wisdom and godliness she develops over the years. From the agonies of being a teenager to the delicate balancing act between being a wife/mother/daughter/neighbor, it is easy to relate to Katherine's triumphs and trials whether you are 16 or 60. Listen to her unforgettable story set in the early 1800's as you are encouraged to "step heavenward," and don't be surprised if you find yourself recommending it to all of your friends and family! Stepping Heavenward is one of the most beneficial books I've read to my daughters so far. There is so much depth in this book, even though it is slightly old-fashioned. The biblical principles contained in this book are definitely timeless!  I've also found an accompanying Bible study to go along with reading the book: Stepping Heavenward: A Bible Study Based on the book by Elizabeth Prentiss. Working slowly through this guide as we read the book has definitely had a lot of benefits! I'm including the printed PDF version of Chapter 1 here, as well as two different audio players containing Chapter 1. Please let me know if you have difficulty accessing any of these. Also, you'll see a 90-day program for individual use and helps women have daily devotions by doing assignments like prayer, writing in a journal, reading the Bible and reading portions from the book, Stepping Heavenward. It is a neat companion devotional tool that can be used to accompany a reading (or hearing) of Stepping Heavenward. Thank you, Mrs. White of The Legacy for Home,for allowing us to share your personal Bible study journaling PDF that accompanies Stepping Heavenward.
If you aren't able to get the above player to work, you can listen to and download the audio chapters of Stepping Heavenward here:    This post contains affiliate links. Jim Baumgardner has written a trilogy of books about a girl named Sarah. I have been blessed to be able to receive all three of his Sarah books to read and review here for you! Sarah is a 12-year old girl who is going through a very difficult time in her life; she is grieving over the loss of her mother. Her father passed away when she was too young to remember, so now she is an orphan. Sarah's story is full of trials and blessings. She is courageous, and she strives to live a godly life and be a girl of truth. There is a lot in this book that shows a positive role model for girls being raised in godly Christian homes. I recommend this series of books by Jim Baumgardner.  Sarah's Wish Enter The 19th Century World Of Sarah And Her Friends...here is an excerpt From Chapter One: The Accident It all seemed to have happened in one of those slow-motion moments. Actually, the horse heard it first-the rattle sound. The sound that leaves goose bumps on a big man’s neck. By the time the girl caught eye of it, Blackie had instinctively shied to the right. “Snake!” Rachel pointed at the coiled serpent, its mouth gaping, fangs laid bare. Blackie bolted. The sudden jerk slammed Rachel against the seat, wrenching the reins from her hands. Immediately she reached for twelve-year-old Sarah. Careening wildly along the narrow lane they furiously clutched at the buggy seat. “Blackie!” Rachel screamed. “Whoa! Whoa, Blackie!” The frightened horse raced on at full gallop while the reins dragged the ground. Mother and daughter tightened their grip and waited for Blackie to run himself out. “Blackie!” Sarah screamed. “Stop, Blackie! Oh, please! Stop! Mama, I’m scared!” Rachel shrieked louder, “Whoa!” The lane curved sharply right, but the frantic horse dashed straight on. Ten feet into a meadow the buggy struck the outcroppings of a stump and shot Rachel down the seat smashing into Sarah. Flipping onto its side the buggy slammed the ground, digging in. Dirt and grass flew in all directions. Breaking loose from the splintered buggy, Blackie made a blue streak through the wild flowers and disappeared into the woods. The dust settled - silence... Go to Audible.com and listen to an excerpt from Sarah's Wish! The audio book of Sarah's Wish contains 4 CDs with approximately 4 hours of audio listening, for $16.99 (includes shipping & handling). Or, you may purchase the complete audio set containing all three Sarah books for $49.99 (includes shipping & handling). I enjoyed reading Sarah's Wish, and I think your daughters and sons will, too!  In the interest of full disclosure, some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I receive an affiliate commission. I only recommend products I use personally. Your purchases through these links help support Joy In Our Journey. I humbly thank you for your support. © Julieanne Miller 2013  This post contains affiliate links. If you haven't heard of Math Tutor DVDs by Jason Gibson, and you are teaching math to your children at home, you are missing out! http://www.mathtutorDVD.com Two years ago, I was privileged to be able to use and review some Math Tutor DVDs in our home, and now I've been using and reviewing two additional Math Tutor DVDs: The Texas Instruments TI-83/TI-84 Calculator Tutor, and the Pre-Algebra Tutor. Once again, I wasn't disappointed in what I saw.  The Texas Instruments TI-83/TI-84 Calculator Tutor When I was in high school, we completed all of our graphics in Algebra II and Trigonometry on our own, on graph paper, no less! But most classrooms these days require students to own a TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator. I wouldn't have any idea how to operate a calculator like this, since I never needed to use one in my advanced math classes in high school. I was very thankful to see that Jason's explanations were easy to understand and simplified for even moms like me who haven't touched advanced algebra for over 20 years! This product contains 3 DVDs with a total DVD Run Time of 8 Hours. Disk 1 Section 1: Overview of the Calculator Section 2: The Mode Menu Section 3: Basic Arithmetic and Exponents Section 4: Logarithms and Square Roots Section 5: Sin, Cos, Tan Section 6: Scientific Notation and Storing Variables Section 7: The Math Menu and Catalog Menu Section 8: Convert between Fractions and Decimals Section 9: Finding the Min and Max of a Function Section 10: Calculating Derivatives and Integrals Section 11: Absolute Value, Rounding, and Integers Section 12: Converting between Degrees and Radians Section 13: Working with Complex Numbers Disk 2 Section 14: Using the Equation Solver Section 15: Graphing and Tracing Functions Section 16: Using Tables and Split Screen Modes Section 17: Find the Exact Value of a Function Using Graphing Section 18: Finding the Zeros of a Function using Graphing Section 19: Finding the Max and Min of a Function using Graphing Section 20: Finding Intersections of Functions using Graphing Section 21: Finding the Derivative of a Function by Graphing Section 22: Calculating the Definite Integral by Graphing Section 23: Drawing on a Graph Section 24: Graphing and Tracing Sequences Disk 3 Section 25: Graphing and Tracing Parametric Equations Section 26: Converting between Rectangular and Polar Coordinates Section 27: Graphing and Tracing Polar Equations Section 28: Permutations, Combinations, and Factorial Section 29: Working with Histograms and Box Plots Section 30: Graphing Statistical Scatter Plots Section 31: Calculating Mean, Median, Standard Deviation, and more Section 32: Performing Statistical Regression Section 33: Calculating with Matrices Section 34: Solving Systems of Equations with Matrices Section 35: Calculating Interest Rates Section 36: Calculating Mortgages and Loans Section 37: Calculating Savings and Investments This eight-hour comprehensive three DVD course teaches you how to use all of the major functions of the TI-84 / TI-83 graphing calculator by working example problems. In this way, the student "learns-by-doing" rather than a long dry lecture or with the "aid" of a dry printed manual.  In addition, the Math Tutor website (www.MathTutorDVD.com) offers free TI-84 calculator functions that would normally require a graphing calculator...so that you won't necessarily have to purchase one for your child. Here they are: Plot a Function Online! Solve Equations Online! Solve System of Eqns! Solve Integrals Online! Definite Integrals Online! Take Derivatives Online!  Our oldest daughter is beginning Pre-Algebra this school year. So far, the transition to Pre-Algebra hasn't been too difficult, because the curriculum we use for our math studies has contained elements of pre-algebra since its lowest level. However, we began watching the Pre-Algebra Tutor this summer, to give her a taste of what she will be learning this school year. She found Mr. Gibson's presentations to be interesting and understandable. I like that! Here are two samples of the Pre-Algebra Tutor: In addition to being able to purchase math DVDs at MathTutorDVD.com, families can also become a member at MathTutorDVD.com for a reasonable monthly fee which is far less expensive than hiring a "real" math tutor:
Members are billed $19.95 every 30 days. You may cancel anytime you wish from within the members area. https://www.mathtutordvd.com/public/5.cfm Save On Shipping - Purchase Multiple DVDs! You only pay S&H on the 1st DVD. All additional DVDs in the same order ship for FREE. My favorite things about the Math Tutor DVDs we've used so far are that they are clear, concise, and he speaks clearly without rushing things. We will most likely be purchasing additional Math Tutor DVDs to accompany our math curriculum as the years go by. It is really nice to know that this kind of resource is available for homeschooling families, and for families whose children attend public or private schools but just may not be fully understanding their math classes. I also appreciate the full money-back guarantee if someone isn't satisfied with the DVDs they may have purchased. MathTutorDVD.com has a lot to offer our children when it comes to diving deeper into math concepts or watching to learn the basics.  In the interest of full disclosure, some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I receive an affiliate commission. I only recommend products I use personally. Your purchases through these links help support Joy In Our Journey. I humbly thank you for your support.  This blog post contains affiliate links. Lilly Gray Corbett loves living on Troublesome Creek, but she would much rather play with her best friend than watch her little brother and the twins. Her mama, Copper, is often gone helping to birth babies, and Lilly has to stay home. When Aunt Alice sends a note inviting her to visit in the city, Lilly is excited to go, and Copper reluctantly agrees to let her. Later, when they hear the news that the train crashed, Copper and her husband, John, rush to find out if their daughter is injured . . . or even alive.  I just finished reading Still House Pond this weekend, and I really enjoyed it! When I read the summary, above, I wondered at first whether this was truly a book for children or adults? The summary sounded like a book for children, much like one of the Little House on the Prairie books, but its category was in adult fiction. Hmmm. Well, I dove in a few weeks ago when I received Still House Pond, and even though I wasn't able to read the book every day, I always looked forward to the snatches that I read each time I had the opportunity. If you are interested in pioneer medicine and old-fashioned remedies, or midwifery and the miracle of birth, you will enjoy Still House Pond. Several stories intertwine, making this an interesting read. I didn't get bored at all! Would I recommend this for your daughters? Still House Pond did contain a scene where one of the girls in the story is roughed up by a man with whom she should not have been flirting. While she is left mostly intact, physically, her heart is crushed with her foolishness and the evilness of the man she dared to spurn. You would want to read the book in its entirety for yourself before approving this for your daughter. Still House Pond is written from a biblical perspective, and biblical lessons are gently woven throughout the pages. I enjoyed reading about the trials and triumphs of the main characters, and I think you will, too. Here is chapter one from Still House Pond, to help you determine whether or not this would be a "good read" for you and your family:
Willow Springs and Torrent Falls are the sequels to Troublesome Creek. Jan was a registered nurse for 25 years at Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. She incorporated her nursing experience in the hospital's mother/baby unit into her novels. Jan resides in Kentucky.  Disclosure: Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of Still House Pond in exchange for my personal review of this book.  Brittany (age 10); Kelsi (age 13) When we began homeschooling our two daughters eight years ago, we decided to educate them at home on a year-by-year basis. If what was happening at home was positive and beneficial, we'd continue it to the next year. If it wasn't, we'd make a different decision. Thankfully, it was a positive, God-blessed school year. I'm so glad that we continued on! Teaching preschool and kindergarten in our home was such a blessing. We decided to continue teaching the girls at home for their elementary grades. I invested huge amounts of time looking online (using dial-up internet, of all things, back then!) to research curricula options. I had more time than money, and I literally couldn't afford to make a poor choice on curriculum and then have to buy something else halfway through the school year. As we began educating our oldest in kindergarten, there were concerns and gasps of surprise among some of our friends and relatives. I expected that to happen, although I didn't really know how to deal with it. There are teachers on both of the sides of our families, so we knew possibly some of the educators would be opposed to what we were doing. Thankfully, even though many of our friends and relatives were very unsure - and maybe disliked - what we were choosing to do, they were all polite to us. What they may have said when we weren't around isn't known to me, but I don't have time to worry about things like that. What do you think was their main concern? For those of you who already educate your children at home, you probably could figure this out in one guess. Was it: 1. How are you going to find a good curriculum to use with your children? 2. How are you ever going to teach high school?!!! 3. What about the high school Prom? 4. How are your children going to succeed without a high school diploma? 5. What about friends for your children, and socialization? 6. How are you going to avoid burnout if you are spending 24/7 with your children? Okay...what did you guess was the #1 concern? Of course! It was...question # 5! What about socialization? Many people were concerned that our daughters would grow up having no friends, no social skills, and no husband some day. I can't speak to the "husband" situation, but I can tell you how we handled the questions we received. Many people didn't ask us anything. Maybe they could tell we were totally set on our decision, so they were afraid to ask. Maybe they were just polite. But for those who did ask us questions, we tried to answer as politely as possible. I never remember being overly defensive toward our relatives when they asked us about homeschooling, but I do remember being defensive a few times when acquaintances at ballet lessons or other activities would hint around that we were shortchanging our children because we were teaching them at home. Over the years, I've learned to smile a lot and swallow my words frequently when asked the "typical" homeschooling questions. I've tried to remember to pray and ask the Lord for guidance when I know I'll be around someone who is abrasive about our homeschooling. However, over the years, I think most of our friends and relatives have seen enough good come from educating our daughters at home that they are no longer as negative as they might have been in the past. They recognize that our daughters do have friends of their own, and they see our girls make new friends with ease when encountering new children in social situations. That has placed many of their fears to rest. They may be afraid of other things, but they haven't asked my husband or I about them - yet. The next time someone is not supportive of our homeschooling decision and is agreeable to discussing it, I'd like to chat with them about the answers to the many questions a lot of people have asked. If you have friends or relatives who are very negative about the education you have chosen for your own children, whether it be home schooling, private school, or public school... SMILE! PRAY for wisdom and guidance on how to address people's concerns. ANSWER with just a few words if the person tends to be overly critical and negative. LET THE ACTIONS of your children speak for themselves. Are your children polite? Do they enjoy learning new things? Do they interact well with good, godly peers? Do they enjoy relating to people of all ages (younger children through elderly adults)? DON'T FRET about the comments people have. Life is too short to stress out about those kinds of concerns. TAKE THE GRAIN OF TRUTH from what they have asked you. If they have complained about the lack of a routine to your day or your children having no outside friends other than your own nucleus family, think about what has been said. Maybe there is a grain of truth that will apply for your own family situation. SHAKE IT OFF. Don't hold a grudge; life is too short! Ask them to pray for your family, if that is appropriate. SHOW THEM that home education isn't just an educational choice; it's a family lifestyle. The children/parent relationship is #1 next to our relationship with God, and it should be protected at all costs. LET THEM SEE the results as the years go by. Your negative criticizers will virtually disappear after a few years of seeing healthy, happy children being educated and brought to adulthood.  |
Hi! I'm Julieanne!
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