Families Again
Families Again
Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!
 
« May 2010 »
S M T W T F S
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31






Who I Review For



Download N Go

Promote Your Page Too

My Affiliates



www.jmcremps.com

CurrClick

Search & Win Families Again

Promote Your Page Too
Follow tink38570 on Twitter
Great Memes and Blog Carnivals:









Families Again
Friday, 21 May 2010
Anyone for some Lobster?
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Homeschool Product Review

No, not real lobster, but Lobster Network lobster!

Now, let me tell you, that when I first heard that we would be reviewing something from Lobster Network I wondered what in the world it was. Now that I know what it is, I know that it is great, but it is still hard to explain! Let's just say that it is kind of like Craig's List, Facebook, and Mozy all wrapped in one...but then again it's not. Oh well, I guess the only way to get you to understand is to just tell you another one of my stories . So, here goes!

Scene 1: Picture it. You're sitting down with a colleague, Sally, during your one hour lunch break:

Sally: So, how was your weekend?

You: Terrible! My mother-in-law is coming for a visit this weekend and so I was cleaning the house to get ready. I noticed a huge stain on our living room carpet. Freddy must have spilled something. It was too late on Saturday to go out and rent a steam cleaner and everything was closed on Sunday. Now I'm going to have to use one of my comp days this week just to get it done.

Sally: Well, we own a steam cleaner, I would have been glad to loan it to you. Why didn't you call?

You: I had no idea or I would have. Bummer!

Scene 2: Picture it. Two homeschooling mom's sitting and chatting during a play day.

Homeschool Mom 1: You know, I have all these homeschool books just sitting on my shelves collecting dust. Some I'd like to sell, but some I need to save until little Penny gets old enough to use them. 

Homeschool Mom 2: I know, I have the same problem.  I wouldn't mind loaning some of mine out if I knew someone who needed them. Someone should really make a list of our group and all of the things that everyone owns so that we can borrow or buy from one another. 

Homeschool Mom 1: Yeah, but who has the time?

Scene 3: Picture it. Husband and wife filling out insurance forms.

Wife: Honey, do you have that inventory of our household furniture that we did last summer?

Husband: Oh! No! I just realized that all of that was lost when the computer crashed last month! Now what do we do? I should have backed up my files with Mozy!

Do any of those scenarios sound familiar to you? Do you wish that you and your friends had a way to inventory all of your stuff so that you could loan and borrow from one another (what a deal in these economic times!)? Do you long for a way to sell your stuff to people who really want it and need it? Do you need a way to inventory all of your stuff and to keep it safe from disaster or computer crash? Well now you do! And guess what? It's all in one place and it doesn't cost a thing! It's called "Lobster Network". 

LobsterNetwork.com Item Networking  

Lobster Network is a really neat website. First of all, after the easy registration, it gives you a place to inventory whatever you want for free. You can inventory expensive items, books, homeschool materials, ...anything you want. It's private and secure. No one has to know that anything is there at all...unless you want them to! So, why would you want them to?

That brings me to the next great thing about Lobster Network. You can make public (allow other members to see) items that you would be willing to loan out, or even sell to someone. "But wait a minute!" you shout. "I don't want just anyone borrowing my stuff!" Well, that's where the comparison to Facebook comes in. Everyone doesn't have to see your stuff. You invite your friends and family members to Lobster Network and you form "communities". They can be private communities or public communities. That way, you only "show" the things that you have to borrow or sell to people you know and trust! 

Now things are starting to get interesting. Aren't they? You've inventoried your stuff and invited friends and family and now your ready to start wheeling and dealing! You can even post things that you don't have, but would like to borrow or buy. That way, if anyone sees that you are looking for that item and they have it, they can notify you. The folks of Lobster Network have thought of everything. They even have reports that you can print out as to what you have loaned out and when it is due back, what you have borrowed and when you have to return it, what you have inventoried, or, you can even use it to keep track of things that you've loaned out to people who are not part of Lobster Network!

See how neat Lobster Network is? You can just use it to inventory, or you can loan, borrow, buy or sell and you can do it with people you know and trust. Are you convinced? I am! I love it. All you have to do to join in the fun is just click here or on any one of the hi-lighted links above and go at it. Still not convinced? I understand. It's hard to believe that something like this could really be true. But, don't take my word for it. Other TOS Crew members have tried it out as well and you can find out what they think by clicking here. Happy Home Educating!

 As a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew I was asked to try out Lobster Network in order to review it on my blog.

 


Subscribe to Families Again

Posted by tink38570 at 10:46 PM CDT
Post Comment | View Comments (1) | Permalink | Share This Post
Thursday, 20 May 2010
Men's Monday Meme - I've Read a Couple of things Lately
Mood:  quizzical
Topic: Men's Monday Meme

 

 

I've read a couple of interesting things lately. Things that have made me really think. Things that have made me wonder what this world is coming to, or maybe what have we become.

The first was when I read a retweet from one of my friends on twitter. It was about a lady who was an advocate for giving our children more freedom. She asks why we aren't the way we were in the 60's and the 70's. We would let our kids ride bikes all over town, We'd let them go to the park by themselves. It wasn't a crime to leave your 12 year old at home for a few minutes while you ran to the store. This advocate claims that the crime rate today is less than it was back then, but we shelter our kids and we don't let them learn on their own. Her organization proclaimed last Saturday as "Leave your kids at the park alone Saturday". You were to drop you kids off at the park for a half an hour or so and say goodbye. You weren't to go and watch them from behind a tree or anything else, you were to LEAVE! I really made me think about how we treat our kids these days. Are we overprotective?

Robert Taylor Homes - Basketball Court circa late 1960's Pictures, Images and Photos 

The second thing that I read was a question that a lady posted on a forum. It seems that there is a bus stop close to her home and everyday she sees the same "older" lady waiting there for the bus. Occasionally she has said hello as she pulled out of her driveway but that was the extent of their relationship. One day, as she was pulling out with her kids in the car, the "older" lady came up to her window and asked if she was going "by the shops". Apparently you can't go anywhere in this town with out going by the shops, so she said that she was. The women then explained that she had missed her bus and asked if there was a way she could catch a ride to the shops and she would then ride the bus home. The mother then promptly answered "No! I hardly know you." The lady was taken aback and responded "I'm a mature lady", but the mother refused. After telling her story, the mother asked the forum if she were right. Some on the group were aghast that she would do something like that, others defended her decision.

Okay, here is my Men's Monday Meme question(s) for the week.

Are we being overprotective? Are we so cautious that we have lost sight of what it means to be kind and generous and outgoing with one another? Are all of the warnings correct or have we become a worrisome society? Or, should we be more wary these days? Have times changed and there is no going back? What are your thoughts?

As usual, here are the rule reminders.

  1. This is a man's meme, so the answers must be the answers from a man. Either the man can answer on his blog, or a wife can interview her husband for her blog. However, if the wife puts it on her blog, she must stay true to what her husband said.
  2. You are encouraged to put one of the Men's Monday Meme buttons found to the left on your blog. Just copy the code below the button of your choice. The more folks who link, the more readers you may have to visit your blog.
  3. You may answer the question any time during the week up through next Monday. After you answer the question, add the address to your post to the Mr.Linky below. If you could, please only add the direct link to the post to make it easier for readers to find the entry.
  4. My answer along with a new question will be posted next Monday. The new Mr. Linky will be added at midnight Monday night or sometime within the next couple of days after that Wink.
And here's the new Mr. Linky:

 

 


Subscribe to Families Again

Posted by tink38570 at 10:17 PM CDT
Post Comment | View Comments (2) | Permalink | Share This Post
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
Why We Do What We Do!
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Ministry

 

I know! I know! Today's Wednesday and not Thursday. But I couldn't wait. I saw this and had to post it.

This is why Sarah and have chosen to be missionaries to the low income folks with BCM International and why we have chosen to sponsor and correspond with children through Compassion International.  As you are watching this, please be in prayer as to what God may have for you to do for Him.

 

 

 


Subscribe to Families Again

Posted by tink38570 at 9:19 PM CDT
Post Comment | Permalink | Share This Post
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
The Results Are In!
Mood:  celebratory
Topic: Homeschool Product Review

Pre-note - Okay folks. I realize that the emoticon is of a cigar. But remember some time back when I first used it? I thought it was a firecracker Laughing! So that's what we're going to think of it as again!

 

Anyway, back to the topic. The ballots have been tabulated and the results have been posted. Here are the:

 2010 Homeschool Crew Seaworthy Awards

Favorite Language Arts Product : Educational Diagnostic Prescriptive Services (EDUDPS)

Favorite History Product :Bright Ideas Press  (All American History and Mystery of History)

Favorite Science Product:Nature Friend Magazine 

Favorite Math Product:  Math Mammoth

Favorite Online Math Product:  Mathletics

Favorite Handwriting Product: Zeezok Publishing (Presidential Penmanship)

Favorite Fine Arts Product (art, music, etc.): Artistic Pursuits

Favorite Pre-school Product: Time 4 Learning

Favorite Elementary Product: Critical Thinking

Favorite Upper-Grade Product: Professor in a Box

Favorite College Prep Product: Cerebellum/Standard Diviants

Favorite Special Needs Product: Super Star Speech

Favorite Health and Beauty Product: Virginia Soaps and Scents

Favorite Christian Product:  Grapevine Studies

Best Resource I Didn't Know I Needed:  StudyPod

Best Homemaking Product:  Sue Gregg Cookbooks

Best Customer Service:  Great Software Tools

Best Online Resource: ABCteach

Best e-product:  Growing Healthy Homes: Nutrition 101

Best Office and Technology Resource: Web Design for Kids (and Curious Grown-Ups)

Best Homeschool Resource:Apologia Press: The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling

Best Map Resource:  Home School in the Woods

Best Book, Novel or Magazine:  Sarah's Books

Best Children's Book: Children's Bible Hour: Season's of Faith Series

Best Hands-On Resource: A Journey Through Learning Lapbooks

Most Adaptable Resource:  Sue Patrick Workbox System

Most Unique Resource:  Lobster Network

Most Family-Oriented Product: Family Mint

Kid's Choice:  Maverick Books: Hank the Cowdog Series

All Around Crew Favorite: All About Spelling (All About Reading)  

Do these align with what the Tinkel household thought? Well, almost. I'm going to be posting my "Tinkel Homeschool Top 10" (if I can narrow it down to that) list later. Congratulations to all of the winners!


Subscribe to Families Again

Posted by tink38570 at 7:48 PM CDT
Post Comment | Permalink | Share This Post
Update on Jacob
Mood:  not sure
Topic: Family

Jacob intently playing a video game. Sorry about the red-eye.
I was too lazy to get the red out.
He doesn't look that evil in real life Laughing!
 
I usually just post our prayer letters on our prayer letter blog and then mention, here, that I have posted a new one. This time, however, I decided to post this "Update on Jacob"  on this, my main, blog. So many of you have been following the trials of our children's health issues. Sarah and I wanted to thank you for all of your prayers and encouragement and give you this quick update.
 
“Come to me , all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29


Faithful friends and family,

Blessings to each of you. I would just like to give you a quick update on Jacob. We went to Vanderbilt in Nashville, TN to the autism clinic this past week. After talking with us and her interaction with Jacob the doctor concluded that he doesn’t have Asperger’s or anything on the autism spectrum. She does think he has something…some type of a syndrome because of her observation and interaction with him. She sent us to get blood work for genetic testing. We will know something in 6-8 weeks…a long time when you are wanting answers now. Jacob also this week had a physical therapy evaluation done. In being evaluated the therapist noticed that Jacob’s hips are loose jointed (this is the best that I can remember/describe). He also has some issues with his neck, feet and legs. These things could be the reason why he is not sleeping well at night.. The therapist wants a complete battery of x rays especially on the hips. Without intervention on the hips we could be looking at surgery down the road. After 2 days of testing the poor little guy is so tired and doesn’t know what to think. On top of all of this he has a double ear infection. I am feeling overwhelmed and wondering where I went wrong as a parent. Could I have prevented any of this? I should have seen and done something earlier….I know that this is just tiredness and being overwhelmed talking. I am asking that you please keep us in your prayers. Pray for Tim and I to have patience, wisdom, discernment and to keep our eyes on Jesus. During times like this it is easy to focus on our circumstances. Pray that we can focus on what God wants us to do for His glory. We know that God is going to do something big. He is so good and faithful and we praise Him for providing for our needs in ALL areas. We are so blessed to have such faithful friends and family who come along beside us to encourage, love and pray for us. Thank you for being Jesus to our family. May God bless you in all that you do for His glory….we are blessed!!!

In HIS grip,

Sarah & Tim

Sarah & Tim Tinkel                BCM International
829 Hi Tech Drive                 309 Colonial Drive            
Livingston, TN 38570            PO Box 249
931-823-9320                     Akron, PA 17501
Tink38570@yahoo.com        1-888-bcmintl
Set1993@gmail.com             bcmintl.org
Blog - tink38570.angelfire.com/familiesagain
Acct. #0642
(Please make checks payable to BCM Intl. and on a separate sheet of paper put our name and account number)

Further Update! After posting this update, we received the Vanderbilt Doctor's official diagnosis in the mail. She diagnosed him with Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified; Lack of Physiological Development; and Mixed Receptive Expressive Language Disorder. This is on top of the results from Occupational Therapy testing and the Speech Therapy testing. We are still waiting on the results from the Physical Therapy testing and from the genetic testing. We have an appointment with the Pediatric Neurologist at Vanderbilt in August. The poor guy is about worn out from all of the testing. I will be glad when this is all over. - Tim

 


Subscribe to Families Again

Posted by tink38570 at 1:17 PM CDT
Updated: Tuesday, 18 May 2010 4:10 PM CDT
Post Comment | Permalink | Share This Post

Newer | Latest | Older

Subscribe to Families Again by Email
 
 
 
Related Posts with Thumbnails

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Subscribe to Families Again by Email