Watch Me Learn

A random thought while driving and listening to my kids...

Redbox Instant By Verizon

My family loves standing in front of the big red box at the grocery store and choosing a movie to take home for the night.  I love the convenience they offer - not having to go in the store or wait in line for my rental or return.  When I heard that Redbox was now available to stream right to my television, I was thrilled! 

My happiness was short-lived.  It was simple to set up my account, but I was never able to log on to my account using my laptop.  When I'd try to log in, the site didn't recognize that I had created an account.  I could log on and watch movies using my phone, but that also proved to be frustrating.  I expected to be able to watch a plethora of free movies (since I would be paying a monthly fee for the service), but the availability of free movies was very limited.  I do like that Redbox has seamlessly integrated their catalog of movies so that if you found a movie you wanted, you could easily see if it was available to stream instantly or reserve for pickup at the kiosk.  I also like that the low $8 monthly fee also includes 4 rentals at the kiosk each month.  If you used those rentals, you've already made good use of more than half of the fee you paid.

The bottom line is this - there are some definite kinks to work out with this new service.  I hope they get the problems worked out quickly while they have a great reputation.

If you'd like an opportunity to try the service for yourself, head over to Redbox Instant by Verizon's beta page and sign up.

I tried this service free of charge in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion.  If you'd like to try products for free, become a BzzAgent.

Writing for Real Life

I can't say that any of my kids truly love to write.  My oldest has recently found a passion for writing plays, but it isn't because she loves to write.  It's because she loves to tell stories.  Because good grammar, spelling and communication are important to me, I have learned to sneak writing into my kids' daily life as often as possible without being completely obvious.  Here are just a few opportunities for writing:

Thankful Journal: We have a thankful journal that sits on our mantle.  Sometimes we sit together as a family and one person does the writing as each family says what they are thankful for.  This is a good opportunity to practice listening as well as writing.  Other days we just write our own entry in the journal as the desire strikes.  One of our daughters enjoys reading the journals as she settles down each night.  This is also a great keepsake for our family.

Shopping List:  We always have a shopping list posted on the fridge.  As someone notices that an item is needed, he or she is responsible for recording the item on the list. 

Cards/Letters:  My crafty kids love to make cards for people.  They are also expected to write a note inside of each card.  Each week we send cards or letters to two or three peeople for birthdays, anniversaries, get well, thinking of you or just because.

I'd love to hear how you incorporate writing into the daily life of your family.

Welcoming 2013

2012 was a crazy year for our family. How could a year not be crazy when you kick off New Year's Day by taking your newly adopted son from his orphanage. Did I mention that we couldn't communicate with him because he spoke no English? But that was just the beginning. Our tree-climbing girl found herself in the emergency room after falling off of a curb and the doctor wasn't sure how to stitch such a strangely-shaped cut. We moved from a tiny apartment to a big house (definitely a welcomed change for a family of six). My husband left his job to start his own business and I started another part-time job. Definitely crazy.

I am welcoming 2013 as a calmer, quieter year in the life of our family (shh, let me pretend for a while longer). Since I will be able to focus a little better this year, I (we) have some goals that represent this lifestyle.

• My husband and I have started using Manna360 as part of our healthier eating plan.  I am already impressed at how much better I feel when I add it to my morning drink.  I also plan to prepare meals for my family using more whole foods and less pre-packaged items. 
• I am reading through the Bible this year.  I also have a Bible study plan for each of our kids.
• Our family is returning to our "thankful journal" with a few tweaks.  Each person will write one item in the journal each day.  At the end of the day, we will read that day's entries aloud.  Previously, we missed many days because we always wanted to do it together and it didn't work out for one reason or another.
• Keep the kids' scrapbooks current using the Studio J digital scrapbooking program.

There you have it.  My 2013 goals.  What are yours?

Winter S'Mores

Who doesn't love s'mores?  I recently came across this great idea to make s'mores for our Christmas cookie platters.  I love them for two reasons: they're easy to make and they are so cute!

Here's what you need:
graham crackers
mini marshmallows
chocolate (for melting)
sprinkles

Break each graham crackers into four pieces.  Place 1/2 of your pieces on a cookie sheet lined with foil.  The other 1/2 of the crackers will be used later.  Place three mini marshmallows on each piece.  You can add mini chocolate chips if you'd like, but we didn't.  Bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes.  While they are baking, melt the chocolate in the microwave for 1 minute.  Stir it up to get the chunks out.  If needed, microwave for another 30 seconds, but be careful not to burn the chocolate.  As soon as the crackers are done, top each cracker with another cracker that was set aside earlier.  Dip each s'more into the melted chocolate and top with sprinkles.  We placed ours on plastic plates, but you can also put them on parchment paper.  As you finish a plate, put it in the freezer for 5 minutes so everything will set quicker.  Voila!  Winter s'mores!

This Christmas

Our family has loved this song from the first time we heard it, but we never imagined how personal it would become.  This Christmas will be our first with our son.  I remember a particular day last year, the Sunday before Christmas, when we were shopping with our girls.  They kept picking items they wanted to get for their new brother.  My husband and I would remind them that we didn't yet know when we would be going to Taiwan to get Alex, so we wanted to hold off on buying anything.   The very next day we got the email telling us we could come and get him!  It was a frantic mess around our house over the next week, wrapping gifts, packing, getting the final documents together, and preparing our home for a new family member.   We had two Christmas celebrations, one on Christmas Day with our girls and another in January when we brought Alex home.  It was a joyous occassion, but not a real Christmas.

This Christmas will be different for our little boy.  Last week, Alex was able to help decorate the tree and our house.  He is enjoying to choose gifts for his sisters.  He is looking forward to our traditional family celebration with church on Christmas Eve, stockings, pajamas, games and a big family meal. Most importantly, he knows the love of Jesus and the real meaning behind Christmas.

This Christmas is also different for my husband, our girls and me.  We didn't stop at enjoying a song.  When God put a little boy in our path and left a door standing wide open, we walked through in obedience.  Something that seemed impossible has become a reality for our family, simply because we said yes.  Often our family want to do something and we're told no, because the kids are too young or the timing isn't right or a multitude of other reasons.  Often the no comes from within our family because we are scared or lack the energy or another multitude of reasons.  Occassionally, we take a small step, like saying yes, and God rocks our world with the giant leap he can make out of our small step.  Through this experience, we witnessed a body of believers pull together in a way many people don't get close enough to see.  These people are willing to go to amazing lengths to build families and we felt that first hand.  God showed Himself in a big way to our family and our faith exploded because of the evidence of His love and faithfulness. 

This Christmas can also be different for your family.  With over a week until Christmas, there is time to purchase a gift for a needy child, adopt a local family, serve dinner at a shelter, send Christmas cards and share a little bit of love.  God will multiply your gift, so do not be afraid that it isn't enough.  Share your joy.

Christ-Centered Christmas Book Review

 

While we love the music, gifts, and decorations, my husband and I have always felt that it is most important to keep our family focused on Christ throughout the Christmas season.  Some years have been easier than others, but we have definitely been more successful this year with help from the eBook Christ-Centered Christmas by Hal and Melanie Young. 

Full of recipes, carols, stories and activities, this book has given us more ideas than we could possibly incorporate into our celebrations this year.  It has been the jumping off point for several conversations in our family this week and I'm sure this will continue to be true as our kids grow.  I expect that we will return to this resource year after year for great ideas.  Who can go wrong with a book that includes a shopping list for your Christmas baking?

 

If I had to choose one thing I really love about the Youngs' latest release, it would be the style in which it is written.  I feel as if I'm sitting down with an old friend, talking about how we celebrate the season.  As she sips her tea, she tells me all about her family traditions and activities.  Hmmm, I think it's time to brew some tea for myself before I get back to reading.  I would recommend that you get your own copy and join the conversation soon while this 80-page eBook is still available to download for only $6, 60% off the regular price of $15.

 

** I received a complimentary copy of Christ-Centered Christmas in exchange for my honest opinions.

COVERGIRL Blast Flipstick Review

I recently received a package containing the COVERGIRL blast flipstick.  I expected it to be like all other lip colors, but was pleasantly surprised.  It's a double-ended lipstick with stunning color combinations - definitely not run of the mill colors. Each combo includes one creamy shade and one shimmer shade, perfect for that day to night transition.  I love that I can grab one lipstick and get several different looks from it.  It also feels good on my lips, something that I can't say for many lipsticks.  This is definitely a product I will be purchasing in the future.

Check out the product and all of the fabulous shades at http://www.covergirl.com/blastflipstick.



I am a BzzAgent.  I received the COVERGIRL Blast Flipstick free of charge in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are mine and I was not compensated (other than receiving the product) for my opinion.

I Need The Beech Retreat!

I know that God is very creative because the story he wrote for me is beyond my wildest imagination.  I also know that my story needs to be shared because it is one that will teach and inspire others.  Any one part of my life is enough adventure for my limited mind, but God combined an odd assortment of events into a wonderfully beautiful demonstration of His love for us.  It started when my grandparents took me in to help my single mother raise me as she put her life back together.  Then He gave me a sweet friend whom I would later marry, after we experienced the death of both of his parents.  Together we would be be blessed with three daughters, all of whom were medical miracles.  When we felt most stable but during an unstable economy, God took away my husband's job, brought someone to buy our house for the amount we owed on it, and brought us a job and home in another location.  In obedience we moved and found a church family waiting with open arms.  Most recently, we defeated all of the odds that were against us and adopted a sweet boy who has fit perfectly into our family. 

I could go on and on, which is exactly why I need to attend the Beech Retreat.  I have a story to tell and all of the vehicles to tell it.  What I need is someone to tell me how to drive those vehicles and reach my audience.  I know that the Beech Retreat would not only give me the instructions I need, but also the tools I didn't know I needed.

If you'd like to go, click here for details.

What's Better than Veggie Tales?

When she was younger, my oldest daughter had a Junior Asparagus light up toy (think Glo Worm) that she carried everywhere and took to bed at night. We loved Veggie Tales and have a collection of their videos. My only wish was that they shared a little more Bible in the midst of the wholesome entertainment.

Apparently I wasn't the only one wishing because the makers of Veggie Tales now offer What's in the Bible? which does exactly that.  The DVD series begins with Genesis and takes kids through the Bible book by book.  They have completed the Old Testament and are currently working on the New Testament.  In addition, they have developed a study guide, games, crafts and flashcards to accompany the series.  They also sell an audio CD.

We haven't done a lot with the extra activities, but my kids love to watch the videos and I enjoy their blog and Facebook posts.  I know that I can feel safe offering their product to my kids, which means the world to this mom.  If you'd like to take a look at a sample video or read more, head over to their website now! 

Why are you Crying?

Today was a difficult day in our family, full of frustration and bad choices. At the end of the day, my husband called a family meeting in the hallway between the kids' bedrooms. We talked about the problems that occurred during the day and reminded the kids of their punishments and reasoning behind them. Then my husband praised the good choices the kids had made in the past few days and reminded them of why our expectations are what they are. My husband pulled all of the kids to himself and prayed over each of us. After we prayed, I looked over to our adopted 7-year-old son and saw huge tears running down his face. I sent the girls to bed and pulled him into my lap. After several minutes of me asking why he was crying and what he was thinking about, he simply said, "God." "Thinking of God usually makes me happy. Why does it make you cry?" I asked. He answered, "God put me in this family." Fearing the worst, I asked, "Does that make you sad to think about God putting you in our family?" "No," he replied. "It makes me happy." With that he gave me a HUGE hug, indicating the conversation was over. Isn't that like God to knock me off my feet through a sweet little boy who calls me mama?

Loving Glade Expressions in My Basement

I was beyond excited to invite my friends over to my craftroom in the basement in my new house.  I was not as excited about the not-so-fresh smell they would encounter.  I ran upstairs and grabbed my brand new Glade Expressions^® Oil Diffuser and placed it on the counter of the bathroom.  I wasn't certain how well the scent would freshen the room, but the understated bamboo holder added a touch of class to my otherwise bare counter.  After a quick cleaning of the craft room and bathroom, I ran upstairs to finish getting myself ready for the evening.

A couple of hours later, I gathered the food to take down for my guests.  I was only a couple of steps down the staircase when I became aware of the aroma of all things tropical.  It was not overwhelming, but definitely noticeable.  Even my guests commented about the sweet smells as they found their seats at the table.

I have been pleasantly surprised for several days now that the aroma is still there each time I go downstairs.  I already have refills in a variety of scents stashed under my cabinet so I don't have to worry about running low.


Visit glade.com to learn more about Glade Expressions^® products and to explore all their scent collections.  I received a free Glade Expressions^® Oil Diffuser in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion.  The opinions expressed are mine.

A Birthday to Remember

We have two daughters with August birthdays.  They usually celebrate together because they have learned that they can celebrate in a much bigger way if they combine their $100 birthday budgets.  One of their dream birthday ideas has been to go to Great Wolf Lodge, but that has always been out of their price range.
Last spring we received a homeschool magazine that quickly caught their attention.  In it was a full-page ad from Great Wolf Lodge with a discount code for homeschoolers.  Even better, it applied to our family size of 6 (which really isn't all that common for a discount).  The girls were overcome with excitement because this discount brought the destination within their budget.  We tucked away the ad for the time when we would need the code. 
As it always does, life happened in the four months between the time we got the magazine and when I needed to book the room and the ad was nowhere to be found.  I emailed the company with all of the info I could remember and, lo and behold, I was emailed back within a day with the discount code.  I promptly booked our room and marked our calendar. 
Our kids have been counting down for over four weeks now and the date is nearly upon us.  I have been pleasantly surprised to find that our family isn't alone in planning for our celebration.  Since making the reservation, I have been contacted by staff from Great Wolf Lodge on three occasions via phone and email.  Of course, I received the normal confirmation email, but it was full of helpful details.  A couple of weeks ago, a sweet lady called to let me know about the hours of the water park so we can plan our stay accordingly.  She also answered several questions of mine and helped me better plan for our stay.  This week I received another email.  Because we are going for the homeschool week, this email listed several extra activities planned during our stay.  I told my husband that I can't see how we will possibly have time to do all of the things we want to do.  That's just the way I like a family outing because no one has time to get bored and they leave with happy memories of a fun-packed adventure.
To be fair, I have to add that there was a small problem when I booked our reservation.  The price was higher than what I was first told (and was advertised).  I booked it anyway and promptly emailed the hotel.  Within two days, the additional cost was refunded to my credit card.
If this is the service we get before we've even arrived, I am expecting a wonderful time during our stay.  I'll share those memories when we get back!

What I'd Say

I don't have those days too often anymore, but today was one of them.  I had an overwhelming urge to call my grandma today and tell her all about my day.  I didn't expect to have those days two years after she left this world, but it still happens sometimes.  If I could call her, there's so much I'd say.

Today we went back to school.  We didn't plan to take a summer break, but we ended up with four weeks off due to summer camp, Vacation Bible School, and visitors from Taiwan.  So today was our official first day of school. 

Can you believe Annie is in 7th grade?  Time just flies!  I remember being in 7th grade and how hard the first day was.  Not for Annie; she's doing just fine.  She's so smart and loves to learn.  And read!  She will read the most boring textbook and can't wait to tell me all about it.  Now if I could just get her to get her other work done.  Usually she gets distracted by all of the wonderful thoughts in her head - things like donating magazines to the hospitals and collecting toys to take to the orphanage.  By the way, you wouldn't believe how tall she is - almost as tall as me.  Whenever she asks to borrow something, I think of all of the times I borrowed something from you.  It's a strange feeling having my daughter looking through my things, wanting to wear them!

Did I tell you about Cece's haircut?  For her ninth birthday she wanted to surprise AJ with a new haircut.  The only problem was that she ended up HATING the haircut so much that she cried Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.  We think it's cute, but you know how it is when you don't like your haircut.  Oh, and if the bad haircut wasn't enough to ruin her birthday weekend, she discovered on Sunday that her salamander died.  She didn't even tell us until I saw that she was sitting at the kitchen table crying.  She rebounded though.  This morning she was up bright and early to tell AJ goodbye before he went to work.  The happiness was gone when we started school work, but we did some of it together and she enjoyed that.  She has some great ideas but wants perfection when her pen touches the paper.  Rather than have mistakes, she just doesn't write.  We compromised and I typed while she dictated.  She is looking forward to biology - we are studying flying creatures this year.  Anyway, when we finished her work, she went outside to use the roller blades she got for her birthday.  That girl can already fall with grace and always gets right up and tries again!  I love her spirit!

Alex is the same as always.  He was frustrated today because his work was more challenging than what he had last year.  He got used to things being easy and didn't like that he couldn't do it perfectly today without some effort (yes, another perfectionist in the family).  I think second grade will stretch him more than he expected.  Everyone comments at how well he is doing for only being in the United States for seven months.  Last night at dinner, he told us about the night he called his mother and told her that he wanted to come to America.  I couldn't imagine making a decision like that at such a young age. He seems to have adjusted well to life with us, even homeschooling.  He reads and writes very well and his math skills are impressive.  We are still working on things like contentment and patience, things that most any seven-year-old boy is probably learning.

Miss Corina is super-excited that her birthday is coming up.  She can't wait to be seven like her brother.  She could do without the school work of second grade.  She asked tonight if she could take her baby dolls when we go to work tomorrow instead of her school books.  That girl drives me nuts, not wanting to do her school work.  The crazy thing is that when she sits down to do it, she knows it.  I often wonder when she learns it, but she knows it.  She has also really stepped up about doing her chores without being told, especially since she got that kitten a couple of weeks ago.  Today she was the first one done with her work.  That doesn't happen often, so she was happy when she got to go ride her bike before anyone else.

I have so much more to tell you, but I know you need to go.  Later I'll have to tell you about my crazy day at work and the house we're moving to (I still can't believe it).  I love you and wish I could give you a hug.  Remember that night a couple of years ago and I called you to chat?  You had no idea that I was near the end of my 2 day drive to your house while we were talking and you jokingly told me to bring the kids for a visit any time.  The look on your face the next morning when we rang your doorbell was priceless!  If I had only known that would be the last time I could give you a hug... I'd do it all over again the same way.  I'm so glad I stayed an extra day with you for that visit.  And I'm glad I took all of those pictures of you and Grandpa with the girls.  OK, I can't end this conversation crying.  That's no good for anyone.  Here's a happy thought for you before I say good-bye.  Annie is researching what kinds of flowers to plant in the backyard of our new house so we can attract hummingbirds just like in your garden.  We want it to be a peaceful place where we can be reminded of you in the beauty of the flowers and the animals.  You know, we think of you often anyway but this is just an excuse to share stories about you with our guests so they can know you too. <3

The Price of Freedom

My family loves celebrating the Fourth of July.  The grilling, watermelon, swimming, and staying up ate are all great. Some members of our family even like the fireworks.  Our youngest daughter has never really enjoyed the noise, but sometimes stops hiding long enough to marvel at the colors in the sky.  My husband used to love fireworks, but the past two years haven't been the same.  What's changed?  He paid a price for freedom that no one warned us about.

Three years ago, our family celebrated the holiday as usual while my husband was in Iraq helping others regain their freedom.  He did well adapting back into a normal life when he returned, but had a difficult time hearing some of the whistling fireworks.  They reminded him of the noises he last heard in a desert where life was dangerous to say the least.  All in all, the day went well and he was able to bounce back after those fireworks were finished.

This year was even harder than last.  We spent our holiday at a friends house and drove a short distance to get to a place to see the fireworks display.   On the way there, someone didn't see us driving up and threw a small firecracker into the street near our car.  While waiting for the show, people shot off crazy amounts of firecrackers all around us.  After the show, we drove back through the neighborhood, dodging kids, trash and even more firecrackers.   By the time we made it out of the neighborhood, my husband was lost in his memories.

When I think of freedom, veterans always come to my mind.  Whether they stayed stateside during their enlistment or went overseas, whether they lived to tell their stories or paid the ultimate sacrifice, they give up so much for Americans and those they defend around the world.  I find it ironic that the very way we celebrate our freedom can be harmful and bring back terrible memories for the men and women who helped guarantee that freedom for the rest of us.  Next year when you sit down to enjoy your displays, please remember those people for whom fireworks will never be the same.

Happy 4th of July!

Wishing you and your family a safe and fun holiday celebrating our history and our heroes!

Itty Bitty Homes and Great Big Blessings

When my husband and I first married 14 years ago, we moved into an itty bitty house.  It was built during World War II for the soldiers returning home from war.  We loved our little house and were thrilled when our first daughter arrived to share it with us.  We didn't care that the other half of her bedroom was our office and my husband's storage area for his army gear.  We learned to love the house with the washer and dryer in the kitchen.  We didn't need space because we had love.

When he got out of the army, we purchased a slightly bigger house near our family.  The house was on a piece of land and was built in a way that made it easy to dream of adding to the house as our family grew.  It didn't take long for our family to grow, but the house remained the same.  We still spoke of one day when the house was bigger, but after nine years, we moved again with our three daughters.

We are now in a duplex which is larger than any other place we have called home, but it is still itty bitty.  Especially now that we have four children sharing our three bedroom, barely over 1000-square-foot abode.  The funny thing is that we are comfortable and happy in our slightly-cramped sace.  We have learned to count our great big blessings in our itty bitty home.

• We enjoy lots of family time.  When we all have to share the same space, we find ourselves playing games, having conversations, watching movies, and interacting more than if we each could go to our own corner.
• When things are tough, we work out the problems because we can't run away from them. There is nowhere to hide.
• We clean out the closets, cupboards and crannies often.  We have no spare space to become hoarders.
• We get outside a lot.  When we do feel the need to spread out, we go to the park, play in the yard or go somewhere. 
• We can still have friends over.  It took me a long time to learn this one.  I kept waiting until we got a bigger house to invite friends over.  Two years ago, I finally decided I couldn't wait any longer and we hosted New Year's Eve dinner for 15 people.  It was tight, but no one cared.  We all had a great time.

I'm not saying there's anything wrong with a big house, but good things do come in small packages sometimes.

The Fishing Hole

Father's Day was not what we planned.  This is my life, I shouldn't be surprised, but I'm still working on that.  My husband spent Thursday and Friday in bed with the flu.  Our oldest daughter and I spent Friday in bed with the flu.  I would have stayed there Saturday too, but our middle daughter fell off a curb and landed in the emergency room where she received 7 stitches.  Needless to say, Father's Day festivities were the last things on most of our minds.

I pulled myself together and took three of the children to church while my husband stayed home to spoil our injured daughter who slept very little the night before.  After church, we all piled into the car and went down to the family farm.  Together with my mom and step-dad, we set up our chairs around the fishing hole expecting to have a picnic and possibly take home a fish or two. 

Before we could get set up, one kid caught a fish, and then another and another!  We lost track of all of the fish caught, but we took home 7 fish for dinner.  Each kid (big ones too) was able to catch at least one fish and spend some time with two of their favorite men.

Sometimes what I have planned doesn't compare to what God has planned for me.  God's plan always works out better!

A Day of Firsts

It's not too often that we celebrate two, completely unrelated firsts on the same day.  Today is one of those days.  Today is one of those days.

This afternoon, our son and I will go on our first date.  My husband has taken the girls on dates for their birthdays for the last ten years and I had gotten used to the idea that I would never get a birthday date (other than on my own birthday).  A few weeks back, my husband pointed out to me that I had a date to plan.  It took me few minutes to realize what he meant.  Now that we have a son, I get to take someone on a birthday date!  I'm not exactly sure what we will do, but I have some ideas.  We could go to the dinosaur exhibit at the local mall, see a movie, or go to the zoo.  The girls have told our son that he should ask to go to the bookstore - their favorite date destination.  Choices...

Tonight will be our other first.  Our oldest daughter will attend her first youth group function at church.  I didn't expect that she would want to attend, so I was a little surprised when she asked to go.  Knowing that most of the attendees are high school aged, we invited another friend to go with our daughter.  Such events are always better with a friend.

I'm looking forward to a memorable day with my favorite kids.

Saxon Math Review

Math is one of my least favorite subjects.  Not because I don't understand it, but because it has been difficult to find a curriculum that works for our family. We have tried textbooks, workbooks, software and websites with little success.  Either my kids get bored or they don't retain the information.  In any case, I am usually frustrated by the end of the year (or sooner) and we go back to square one.  This year we finally found Saxon Math, a curriculum that meets the needs of my child. 
My oldest daughter (the guinea pig) sits down with her textbook every day and reads through the lesson.  If she has questions she asks, but usually she understands the explanation.  After reading the lesson, there are several sets of activities to complete.  Some are to practice the lesson that was just taught, some are problem solving, and some are review from prior lessons.  She also has a facts test every day to review basic skills such as multiplication and division facts, converting measurements and reducing fractions.  If she needs extra practice for a particular lesson, there are extra problems at the back of the book.  A test is offered every five lessons and an investigation activity is offered every ten lessons.
I have found that the number of problems within a lesson is too much for one day.  Generally, my daughter completes the even or odd problems and I grade her work.  If she needs more practice, we review the lesson and she completes a few more problems.  This system serves our needs better than having her complete the entire set of problems for every lesson.  
Taking into consideration our experience with the product this year and the cost to continue it with my other children, I will be switching everyone in our family to Saxon for the upcoming school year.

You might want to know that Saxon offers math curriculum for kindergarten through twelfth grade. 

Saxon Teacher is a component that I was unfamiliar with until this spring when I saw it at the homeschool convention.  This multimedia presentation teaches your child as she goes through the lessons.  When I get to the point that I don't feel comfortable teaching math, we will take advantage of this product.

I did not receive any product or compensation in exchange for this product review, nor did anyone ask for my opinion.  I freely share my opinions with anyone willing to read or listen.