Make your own Taco Seasoning

This is simple, yet SO much healthier than the store bought varieties with MSG and other chemical additives. And it tastes great, too!  :-)


Taco Seasoning
1/2 cup chili powder
1/4 cup onion powder
1/8 cup ground cumin
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon sea salt

Put ingredients in a small mason jar and shake well.  4 tablespoons equal one packet of the store bought variety.  After you brown and drain your beef, add the seasoning and 3/4 cup of water.  Stir well.  Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.

Enjoy your tacos!

Linking up with the Gathering Spot, Kids in the Kitchen, Tasty Tuesday, Tempt my Tummy Tuesday, Domestically Divine Tuesday, Raising Mighty Arrows,Addicted to Recipes, Homemaking Wednesdays, Living Well Wednesday,NOBH, Judy H-J's Thoughts, Wisdom Wednesday , Favorite Things, Modest Mom, Full Plate Thursday and Melt in your Mouth Monday and Show Off Friday and Tuesday's Table and Look What We Did and Titus 2sday,  Mom's Monday Mingle, Monday Mingle, Crafty Spices, Better Mom,Create with Joy, Thursday's Treasures, Tasty Thursdays and Wonderful Food Wednesday and Mondays with Countrified Hicks and Tuesday How to Party and the Tried and True Recipe Party and Kids and Mom in the Kitchen and Family Fun Friday and Clever Chicks Blog Hop andAll My Bloggy Friends and Hearts for Home Blog Hop and Foodie Friends Friday and Family Fun Friday and TGIF Linky Party and Food on Friday andHip Homeschool Moms, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home andGood Tastes Tuesday and Try a New Recipe Tuesday



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TOS Review- The Presidential Game

Today I am reviewing The Presidential Game.

Designed for players 11+, it literally gives a hands-on learning experience about the entire election process from campaigning and fundraising to counting up electoral votes.  This can certainly a bit confusing for most Americans, but this game helps clear up any confusion while having some competition in the process.  :-)

My children are familiar with both political parties.  We have also studied our Founding Fathers and the hows and whys our nation and its electoral system came about.  So, we were definitely excited about reviewing this game.  The only challenge was deciding who was going to play as the side that we tend to disagree with a lot of the time.  :-)

The game includes:

• 20" x 30" game board
• score pad
• 3 blue dice and 3 red dice
• 80 politics cards
• 40 "write your own" politics cards
• 150 Republican red chips and 150 Democrat blue chips (votes)
• Electoral Web Map Calculator access code

You, as a player, are literally thrust in the middle of a campaign and must plan and strategize how to achieve the 270 electoral votes.  They have to decide when and how to fundraise and when and how to go campaigning.

There is definitely humor scattered throughout with some of the politics cards that give electoral bonuses according to things like wardrobe choices, campaign promises and even platform issues.  You can write your own, as well.

The code that is provided allows for online tallying of your progress, complete with an electoral map.  You don't even have to keep tally on your scorecards since it keeps track for you.

My boys enjoyed playing this game.  It was not only fun, had them competing against each other (which they love doing anyway!) and learn about a process that can seem confusing.  They are at the age where they need to truly understand what is going on and how, they, as future voters (in only a few years!), have a civic duty to not only participate and vote, but to truly be educated about the entire electoral system and how elections take place.

We try to have a family game night each week.  We decided to play the game then, as a family, rather than during our school day.

The object of the game is to win 270 of the 538 electoral votes and become President.  The game is flexible, in that you can choose how long to play by deciding how many weeks are left until the election.  The first time we played, it lasted about 30 minutes.  Once we got the hang of it, it lasted upwards of 90 minutes.

Each turn is split into weeks.  There are three dice for each turn.  Before the team takes their turn, they must decide whether or not they will campaign or fundraise.  If you choose to campaign, you choose the state and the roll of the dice will give you votes in that state.  If you choose to fundraise, you can choose between 4 states (Florida, California, New York and Texas)  That began a whole discussion with our kids as to the importance of the larger states in presidential elections.  My sons became advocates for the smaller states, feeling like their votes and opinions are made to be not as important.  They learned quite a bit from this part of the game, that's for sure.

It may sound confusing, but it really is not.  It gets everyone thinking about strategy, planning and competition, which is right up my boys' alley.  :-)

Here is a video that introduces you to the game.

I even purchased another game to give as a birthday gift to a friend whose family is interested in Presidents and Presidential history, as well.  :-)

The game sells for $35 and will give your family much educational fun.

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Homeschool Mother's Journal/Weekly Wrap-Up September 21

In our homeschool this week:

What a busy, yet fun-filled and wonderful week it has been!  :-)

Sunday, a family with whom we have become friends, invited us over to watch our football team's home opener.  They have a lovely home and are just the best people.  We all had a great time.  The photo below shows the dads and sons all playing football themselves during halftime.

Monday was a pretty uneventful day, with the kiddos working on different subjects.  Kiddo #3 in the photo below is working on a game where the player decides which "to, two, too" to use in each sentence.  Kiddos 1 and 2 had their English and Algebra online classes.

Tuesday was my birthday and was a great day!  It started with being treated to a delicious takeout breakfast by my parents.  Kiddo #4 made me a skirt in sewing class to match her own!  I was happy to wear it for the day.  :-) The Kiddos, some very dear friends (the same that had us over on Sunday) and I then headed to the Sights and Sounds Theatre in Lancaster, PA for their production of "Noah."

Before the show, we had our own little picnic lunch on the theatre grounds and my sweet and thoughtful friend then took out homemade cupcakes and sang to me for my birthday.  Isn't she just wonderful?  I was so surprised and touched by her kindness.

There are no words that would give the show the justice it would deserve.  It was such a powerful and touching performance.  The sets were mind-boggling and the animals added a beautiful touch.

The day ended with me being spoiled with nice gifts and my odd choice of a birthday dinner: Make your own ice cream sundaes!  Hey, you're only 45 once, right?  :-)

On Wednesday, we had our first day of co-op.  I wasn't sure what to expect, being brand new and not knowing anyone.  My children and I were all a bit apprehensive.  Everyone was very friendly and welcoming and the kids felt comfortable and really enjoyed themselves.  They had art, music, gym and religion classes, in addition to lunch and recess.  I helped out as an "assistant" in various rooms.  Much relief here, that's for sure.  :-)  And, we are all looking forward to next week.

Thursday was another relatively uneventful day, trying to get lots of schoolwork done, since we were definitely not "home" schoolers this week, lol.  I did have to share Kiddo #4 working on her newest creations, her Rainbow Loom bracelets.  She has mastered all of the "beginner" styles and took it upon herself to view videos to learn how to make the intermediate styles.  They are NOT easy, let me tell you.

On Friday, we headed to Cherry Crest Adventure Farm for the last day of their homeschool week.  Wow.  What an amazing place!  When they say that there are 50+ activities for kids to do and enjoy, they aren't kidding!  And, of course, there is the 5 acre corn maze.  Yes, 5 acres!  :-)  I am going to write a whole post on the trip in a few days, so stay tuned, but I couldn't write of our week without including it even a little.

Hubby is actually off from work on Saturday (that is VERY rare.  In fact, it probably only happens a couple of times a year), so we are planning a surprise for the kiddos.  I can't divulge anything else since they are my most devoted readers, but I will definitely write about it (and share photos) in the next few days.

My posts this week:
Try a New Recipe Tuesday (there are a lot of wonderful recipes shared.  come take a look!)
Hearts for Home Blog Hop (there are always inspiring and creative posts shared)
Field Trip Friday Blog Hop (wonderful memories are being made.  lots of field trips shared)
My Review of PeopleKeys

What we are looking forward to next week:
Bethany Beach.  Kiddo #1 and Hubby attend the NASCAR race and the other kiddos and I enjoy the area and do some sightseeing.  :-)

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  God bless!  :-)

Linking up today with:  Homeschool Mother's Journal, Weekly Wrap-Up, NOBH, Show-Off Friday, Learn and Link and It's a Wrap, Friendship Friday and Friday Connection and Family Fun Friday and T.G.I.F. Linky Party and Let's Homeschool High School

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Field Trip Friday- September 20

It is time again for Field Trip Friday!  I love seeing all of the wonderful places that you visit with your families.  :-)  I am happy to be joining my friend Jen at Chestnut Grove Academy for her wonderful linkup.  Also co-hosting with me is Misty from Mimi's House.  Be sure to visit their blogs, as well!  :-)

There were such wonderful posts shared last week.  They included everything from unscheduled tea by a lake, to a visit to a D-Day landing ship to a trip to a national forest and an underground cave.  What amazing memories you all are making with your children!  I love it!  :-)

This blog hop is designed to share 'FIELD TRIP' related blog posts (does not have to be a homeschool field trip.  It can be ANY trip to ANY place with your children!  :-)


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Hearts at Home Blog Hop- September 19

Welcome to the Hearts for Home Blog Hop!  I am thrilled to be a co-host!     :-)


The most clicked on post from last week was:

Landmark Matching Game at Home to 4 Kiddos

(WOW!  I am honored!  Thank you!)

A few of my favorite posts were:

How to Develop Social Skills Without Socialization from Education Possible

Decorate Pinecones at Invitation to Create

20 Apple & Tree Activities for Kids at B-Inspired Mama

Were you featured this week?  If so, congratulations and help yourself to one of our "I was featured" buttons to display on your blog.

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.upsidedownhomeschooling.com/hearts-for-home/" title="Hearts for Home Blog Hop" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/r505/upsidedownhomeschool/HFHFeature_zpse5060e68.jpg" alt="Hearts for Home Blog Hop" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Are you ready to share your posts this week?  Let's go!  Use the form below to enter your links.  Posts can be anything that shows your heart is for your home: homeschooling, homemaking, parenting, marriage, faith, family, crafts, etc.  Please just kindly link back to this blog or display our Hearts for Home button in your post or on your sidebar.

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.upsidedownhomeschooling.com/hearts-for-home/" title="Hearts for Home Blog Hop" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/r505/upsidedownhomeschool/HFH150_zpsf22ef64f.jpg" alt="Hearts for Home Blog Hop" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Happy Hopping!  :-)

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Try a New Recipe Tuesday- September 17

This week, I am sharing my own recipe in a separate post and have it linked up below.  :-)


Here are the features from last week.  All of the recipes shared were wonderful!

Turkey Chili from The Scarlett Thread

Fresh Peach Dumplings from Farmer's Wife Rambles

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake from The Hoggatt Homeschool

Fall Comfort Food- Wrapped Meatballs from First Comes Love

Homemade Chicken Enchiladas from A Mama's Story

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TOS Review- PeopleKeys

Today I am reviewing the Student Strengths Report from PeopleKeys.

Our 15 year old son (Kiddo #1) took their online Student Strengths Assessment.

Almost instantly, we were given access to a report of 34 pages, which explained how he learns best.  It was divided into three sections: Personality Styles, Learning Styles and Cognitive Thinking Skills.  Only several of the pages contained "results" for Kiddo.  The rest were general informational pages that were helpful about each learning, personality and cognitive style.

The questions were easy to complete and he was able to answer them independently.  I sat beside him in case he had any questions.

The report is extensive and reinforced some things we already knew about Kiddo #1, but also provided insight in some other areas.

Although a 30-minute online multiple choice assessment test cannot provide a complete picture of an individual, I think it is a good starting point for parents when beginning homeschooling their children.  Every child learns differently.  Some are visual learners, some are auditory learners.  Others are kinesthetic, or a combination of all three.  Their curriculum needs to be chosen and their education guided according to how they learn.  One size does not fit all.  That is a limitation of traditional schooling and even some homeschool curricula with the 'school in a box' philosophy.

The assessment given even provided feedback on the best setup for a learning environment, including suggestions for layout of their desk and sound. (some students do better with background music, others do not)

The report was broken down into the following sections:

• Introduction- why learning styles are important
• Perceptual Style- how you absorb information
• Learning Tips- based on your style
• Cognitive Style- how you process information
• How you think- capitalizing on your strengths
• Personality Style- strengths and limitations
• Communication- improving and strengthening relationships
• Action Plan- applying what you have learned

The online Student Strengths Report can be purchased from PeopleKeys for $20 and is suggested for ages 13-adult.  They have many other products including Career reports that were reviewed by my colleagues.  You can see them by clicking on the image below.

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