October SOTM BlogHop!

WELCOME to the Close To My Heart Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! We are featuring October's stamp set, Holiday Warmth, a set of 11 stamps. If you have come here from Jen's Blog,you are on the right path!

This is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

{{{ My Artwork }}}

12x12 Layout

Products Used: Jingle papers, tulip and olive inks, white ribbon, white bitty brad

5x7 Card

Products Used: Jingle papers, olive ink, sponging, white ribbon, red and silver sparkles

3x3 Card
Products Used: Jingle papers, tulip ink, blush ricrac ribbon

{{{Now "Hop" on over to Sylvia's Blog to see her work! }}}

This month we have 3 groups with a total of about 60 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs. Be sure to check out the other 2 SOTM groups if you want even more great ideas when you are finished with this one!

Just click {here} if you get lost on the hop and find links that aren't working or you would like to see the complete list of ALL the blogs participating.

Wordless Wednesday

Why Homeschool

We debated and researched our schooling options for several months before coming to the conclusion that homeschool was a good fit for our family. We have not come to this decision lightly or without having a full understanding of both the pros and cons of public schools and homeschool. We have read many books and articles about homeschooling and public schooling, as well as consulted many people on both sides of the coin and we believe it to be in the best interest of our family. We feel privileged to live in a time when the practice is so acceptable and the resources are so accessible.

Here are a few of our top reasons for homeschooling:

• We can have full control over the quality of our children's education and
  are
  able to teach them beyond the current scope of public school curriculum.
• We can spend quality time with our children anytime we want to instead of
  giving the school system the best hours in their day.
• We know they are safe and well treated.
• We can be the primary influence in our children's lives are and consider it
  our responsibility and privilege to train our children and shape their
  character.
• We can give individualized time, teaching and learning tools and adjust our
  teaching style by 3 instead of 23.

How we Proceed
We have chosen the Abeka Kindergarten curriculum as our main program and we will also supplement learning with other resources such as Teach Your Child To Read In 100 Easy Lessons, What Your Kindergarten Needs To Know and The Ultimate Book of Homeschooling Ideas.

Our daily schedule will consist of a structured curriculum learning time in the morning and continuing into the afternoon with structured play, art, music and physical education. The state of Texas requires curriculum to cover the subjects of Math, Reading, Spelling, Grammar and Citizenship.

We feel confident that our children will not miss out on anything with their opportunity for involvement through the home school groups in our area, church activities, and the friendships they have already forged.

We have joined a very active homeschool group which consists of over 400 local area families. They provide plenty of opportunity for socialization, extra curricular learning activities, and field trips. They have weekly park days, science labs, sports and more.


Looking to the Future
Many of the finest colleges are now actively recruiting homeschoolers because they tend to be more self motivated and actively involved in community service and extracurricular activities. It also doesn't hurt that they tend to score 30% better on yearly standardized tests and 45% higher on the SATs.

Our goal is to create self confident life-long learners who are self directed and know how to find the answers they need to live happy and productive lives. We truly believe that we can give our children a more enriching education where higher standards are set both academically and socially.



Here are a few more of homeschooling’s credentials:

• It’s legal in all 50 states.
• Two million kids across the country are homeschooled according to the National Center for Education Statistics, 2003
• Second and third generation homeschoolers are creating a successful and illustrious alumni list that includes well-regarded artists, scientists, athletes and more celebrities than you can shake a stick at.
• Homeschooled children have more opportunities than most children to be actively engaged in the world around them, from youth programs like robotics clubs, to music, art and sports activities.
• Nearly all colleges and universities accept homeschoolers, and they’re typically very successful in their higher education experiences.
• Homeschoolers routinely score at or above average on college entrance tests [2008 ACT National Profile Report]
• Homeschool families tend to be close, communicative and have healthy self-images and lifestyles.

September SOTM Blog Hop

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! We will be featuring September's SOTM, which is Treasures, a set of 13 stamps. If you have come here from Lori Miller's Blog, you are on the right path!

This month we have over 65 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs. This is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

Colors: Cocoa, Twilight, White Daisy, Honey

random stampoing. . . heat embossing. . .

sponging. . . edge distressing. . .

bigger brads in white daisy. . . cocoa riboon

Now "Hop" on over to Caren Goldsein's Blog to see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas!

Remember, the September SOTM is only available until September 30! Contact your CTMH Consultant or click here to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!

If you get lost on the hop or find links that aren't working, click here for a complete list of participating blogs.