~ March 2012 ~

Dear Readers,

The “Car Seat Helper” app that my brother designed for Phoenix Children's Hospital Injury Prevention Center earned an Honorable Mention in the nationwide "Best Doing Good App." Thanks to everyone who voted! Now it has a chance to win "Best Mobile App for Arizona." Just so you know, there is no monetary prize involved and he developed this app at no charge to Phoenix Children's Hospital. I'd sure like to see him win! PLEASE VOTE for Car Seat Helper!

VOTE HERE: http://phoenix.about.com/library/bl-poll-Readers-Choice-Awards-app.htm

The “Car Seat Helper” app is designed to help select the appropriate seat for a child’s age, height and weight based on the latest recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. The app offers information about all car seat types with instructional videos and eye-opening facts related to car seats, and helps users find local resources for correct car seat installation. According to data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as many as 75 percent of car seats on the road today are not properly installed. Be prepared the next time you’re shopping for a car seat with this great tool!

iTunes App Store Link: http://bit.ly/rQT3nb

Android Market Link: https://market.android.com/search?q=pname%3Acom.mediakube.pch.carseathelper

Video overview of the app: http://bit.ly/vQwTrn

Featured Article

You just have to read this touching article about the nation of Ukraine, and the homeschool family that is trying to help save some Ukrainian orphans with special needs. These poor children don't have a chance unless a family steps forward to give them love... and life. One family has offered to adopt an orphan named Levina, and they are raising funds to bring her home. Click here to read the article. Please consider making a donation to Levina's fund. She doesn't have much time...

Book(s) of the Month

This study guide contains a biography of the famous homeschooled patriot as well as vocabulary, discussion questions, writing questions, research questions, an overview of rhetorical techniques and literary devices, additional assignments and study questions. Includes a copy of “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death.” Practice your oratory skills by reciting it on March 23, the anniversary of Patrick Henry's famous speech. Makes a great Language Arts or American History unit study! 18 pages ~ only $4.95! Click here.

Spring is a great time for getting outdoors and studying nature. This Spring why not create a wildlife habitat for birds, butterflies, and other creatures in your yard! My fully illustrated Gardening for Wildlife e-book will walk you through the process step by step. 28-pages ~ only $4.95!

Famous Homeschoolers

Former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, currently a Republican candidate for President, is a homeschool dad of seven children. Meet the presidential candidate and learn a little bit about his family here.

Reading Between the Lines

Two of my favorite movies just happen to focus on Irish themes: The Secret of Roan Inish and The Quiet Man, both of which were filmed on location in northern Ireland.

Buy at Amazon

The Secret of Roan Inish is an enchanting tale based on an ancient Irish legend about a boy raised by seals. The name "Roan Inish" is Gaelic for "Island of the Seals." Based on a 1959 novel by Rosalie Fry titled "Secret of the Ron Mor Skerry," The Secret of Roan Inish tells the story of a young girl, Fiona, whose mother dies so she is sent to live with her grandparents in the years immediately after WWII. I won't give away the plot, but while exploring a nearby abandoned island she uncovers a mystery that holds special significance for her family. This independent film was skillfully shot with beautiful windswept coastal scenery, lilting Celtic soundtrack, and real Irish actors. One thing that really inspired me was the work ethic of the two young characters! The Secret of Roan Inish is a wonderful family film for all ages.

Buy at Amazon

The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne, is not just for John Wayne fans. It was filmed in 1952 by the famous director John Ford (whose birth name was Sean Aloysius O'Fearna). This classic film was a departure for Wayne and Ford, who were best known for Westerns. The entertaining 2-hour movie takes place in the lovely Irish countryside. The movie is a serious drama interspersed with many comedic moments. It has plenty of romance for the girls and action for the guys. (Including a horse race as well as "one of the longest and most memorable knock-down, drag-out fights" ever choreographed on film!) Although personally I think the characters spend a little too much time in the local pub, I like how they demonstrate the proper Irish way of courtship - obtaining the family's permission first, making an official announcement, and having a chaperone along at all times. It's also interesting to see the amicable relationship portrayed between the local Roman Catholic church and Protestant church. Incidentally, John Wayne was of Irish and Scots-Irish descent. His red-headed co-star, Maureen O'Hara, was born in Dublin, Ireland.

In both of the above movies, whenever a guest enters someone's home they say "May God bless all in this house." I wonder if that's an Irish custom? If so, it's a good one!

Learning Links

Saint Patrick's Day (Saint Patrick's Day, March 17th, is a national Irish holiday honoring Saint Patrick, the missionary credited with converting all the people of Ireland to Christianity in the 5th century.)

Think Green (A devotional article for Spring.)

Pi Day Activities (Pi Day is March 14. A great day to learn math facts while eating pizza and pie!)

Albert Einstein Biography (This famous mathematician was born on Pi Day! A self-educated genius who did poorly in school, his real studies were done at home.)

Robert Frost Biography (Robert Frost was born on March 26, 1874. He was educated at home and also taught his own children at home.)

Patrick Henry Biography (Tutored by his father and uncle, Patrick Henry grew up to be an eloquent orator.)

Freebie of the Month

"Give Me Liberty or Death" Speech - Print this out and practice your oratory skills by reciting it on March 23, the anniversary of Patrick Henry's famous speech.

And I'm sorry it took me so long to get these to you, but here is my first installment of household lists to print out:

First Aid Supplies | Homeschool Supplies | Office Supplies Master Grocery List | Monthly Sale Guide | Medical Info

Print out the above pages to keep in a binder. Throughout the year, I will supply additional printable pages in each issue of this newsletter. Want to print out a matching cover for that binder? Click here: Household Notebook Cover

(Requires Adobe Reader: click here for free download.)

Quote of the Month

“A best friend is like a four leaf clover: hard to find and lucky to have.” ~Author Unknown

A Note From Teri...

When I was a girl, my favorite color was green. I always liked Saint Patrick's Day because that was the only day I could go to school dressed in green clothing from head to foot without looking completely conspicuous. The other kids would take one look at me and say, "You must be Irish!" and I'd reply, "Nope, I just like green." But later, I was lucky to marry a man who's Irish on his mother's side. His grandmother came from Donegal, Ireland. ;) Here's an Irish Blessing for you...

“May flowers always line your path and sunshine light your day.
May songbirds serenade you every step along the way.
May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that’s always blue.
And may happiness fill your heart each day your whole life through.”

Happy Homeschooling!

P.S. Did you like this month's newsletter?