Luv'N Lambert Life

Mental Health, Homeschooling, Epilepsy and More

5 Days of Homeschooling With Epilepsy and Other Issues {Homeschooling} {Epilepsy Awareness}

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This year, I decided to join in with the Crew Blog Hop.  The topic is 5 Days of Homeschool…  Y’all know me well enough to know I chose 5 Days of Homeschooling with Epilepsy and Other Issues.
So ladies and gents, for the dates of April 17th through April 21st, we will be sharing the following posts with you.
1.  Why We Chose to Homeschool
2.  What Homeschooling Is Like For Us
3.  Homeschooling On The Down Days
4.  Homeschooling With Doctor’s Appointments
5.  Overcoming Homeschooling Challenges
I look forward to sharing these topics with you soon and hope you enjoy this sneak peak into our days as well.
Don’t forget to check out the other Crew posts as well!

5 Days of Homeschool Annual Blog Hop - 2017

Choosing Life {Epilepsy Awareness}

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Many years ago, I was asked to write a post that I have put off until now.  My reason for not completing the assignment as asked was simply that I am always to busy.  But recently this topic has weighed heavily in my heart and I feel it’s time to speak.

I was born with a disorder that affects my day to day life.  For years, my Mother could not understand why.  She only knew it was a terrible disorder that left me lifeless for long periods of time and terrified her greatly.  This disorder is Epilepsy.

Growing up, we had no answers and we were thankful when I did outgrow the tonic clonic episodes.  My Mother beyond thankful to not have to watch her daughter helplessly suffer.  It was everything she spent her life praying for.

At 19, I married my ex-husband.  At 21, I had my son, who does not have Epilepsy.  At 23, I had my daughter, Emmalee.  At 3 months, just two weeks after her first vaccines, she began having seizures as well.  They continued until she was 5 when she also outgrew them.  God is amazing.

As Emma grew, I became pregnant with my third child, my daughter Laycie.  Having Emma, I thought, okay we have this disorder, she has it and so my next child will be fine.  Not true.  At 4 months, just two weeks following her vaccine series, Laycie also began to have seizures.  At 4 1/2 months, Laycie went Status Epilepticus with 9 tonic clonics and over 23 absence and complex partials.  Honestly, I lost count.  The seizure lasted 13 hours straight.  I truly thought my baby was dead.  But God had much bigger plans.

When Laycie was 3, at her birthday party, I began to have seizures again.  This time a complex partial took control of my mind and body and left me without control.  Several more have followed since but I haven’t let them stop me.

4 years later, I became pregnant with my 4th child, a boy: Jackson.  At this point, I already knew I would not vaccinate as it is an obvious trigger for my children’s seizures.  I didn’t and his seizures held off.  At 10 months, he began to have Involuntary Breath Holding Spells which trigger Epileptic seizure.

It was at this point that we began to seek genetic testing to find a reason for all these seizures and the link between us because it was obvious this was genetic.  It took over 2 years to get answers.  The first panel didn’t show any genes.  The much bigger panel for Epilepsy did pinpoint a gene for me, Emma and Laycie though not for Jack.  We still have no reason for Jack’s seizures.

Through all of this, I never once considered not having my children.  I never once considered them a burden, but instead a blessing from God.  I never once considered being their Mother a burden either, though sometimes it’s challenging.  But God knew.  He knew what he was doing when He blessed me with each one of them.

For me, abortion was never a thought or an option.  I believe that God will equip us for our needs.  I believe He alone gives us our beautiful children and He alone knows just what we can handle.  I could have never chosen that option as it wasn’t in me.

See even if you have Epilepsy, even if you feel like you just can’t do this Motherhood thing, even if you see more challenges then you may feel it’s worth, don’t give up.  Hold strong to God’s Love.  Know that He’s chosen you for a special mission, a mission of Love.  Choose life.  Choose to have Faith for God will not fail you.

Abortion is the easy answer for us.  It’s promoted to be a quick solution but it’s not.  The ache in your heart is never healed.  The missing child cannot be replaced.  It’s something that will remain in your soul forever.

So I beg you to pray, to search your soul before you make this decision that will affect your life permanently.  I beg you to ask God to show you the truth of the light and His word.  I beg you to allow Him to show you the plans He has made for you.  Though, at first, it may seem impossible God can make things happen that you cannot imagine.

Had I known what I do now about my life and that of my children, I still would change nothing.  My children are a blessing.  They hold my heart and there is nothing I would not do for them.  They truly changed my life.  I know it will be the same for you.

Many blessings,
Dana Lambert – Hodge

CompuScholar, Inc. Digital Savvy {Crew Review}

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This review came to use from CompuScholar, Inc., previously known as Homeschool Programming.  We were offered their new course, Digital Savvy for this review.  I felt it would be a great course for my older two kids.

What We Received:
In exchange for our honest opinion of this product, we were given access to the online program, Digital Savvy.  Digital Savvy comes with a monthly subscription or a yearly subscription for the course, with the ability to add additional students as well.  It’s a great program for any family to use.

About The Program:
Digital Savvy is designed to help your student develop a better understanding of how computers and programming works.  This is a full year, two semester course offered fully online.  It is considered to be an introductory technology class for beginners though students should have an idea of computer basics and keyboarding before taking this course.  It is also aligned to course standards for many states.

The program requires a MAC system version of 10.7 or higher or Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 10. There are 25 lessons and additional lessons to supplement.  The course covers approximately 164 days or 33 weeks of school for the course during the school year. There are hands-on projects in each chapter, creative for each type of learner.

To access the program, you simply create a teacher log-in or a student log-in with the specific codes sent to you after purchase.  This is easily done through the website.  Then you can log-in and get started learning all about the course.

The first course chapter jumps right in to teaching you all about different types of computers and their components.  Chapter two teaches the student about program applications, software and web browsers.  Chapter three covers different types of operating systems like Windows and iOS.

Each chapter builds upon the last and helps the student learn the importance of the computer and it’s programming and components.  It builds up to the last chapter in which the Final Project is created.  This project shows the details of what the student has learned during the course of the year.

Each lesson shares a video about what you are learning, along with text and a lesson quiz.  Chapter one has 4 lessons, each with these elements.  There is also an activity to complete and a lesson exam to see what you have learned.  This should take about a week for the student to complete.

How We Used It:
We have a very digital, tech savvy family so I felt this course would be great for my two oldest children to learn more about the details behind computers and how they work.  They knew the basics but they are learning even more.  Also because they both have a deep interest in video games and creativity, I felt this program would be great.  My oldest son has considered being a Video Game Programmer once he finishes his schooling so this course made an excellent course to go along with that.

After I set up the program, I gave my older children their log-ins so they could get started.  Of course, we could not complete this program in the review period but we could did get a good idea of how it worked.  The kids enjoyed the videos and details they learned through the program.  They worked at it several days a week, sometimes completing more than one lesson.  They’ve shared their knowledge with me and Dad, Grandma and the little kids as well.

We will be continuing this program once the review is over because they have learned so much in the past few weeks.  They look forward to continuing the program and learning more.   They also enjoy debating and comparing what they have learned with one another.

Where You Can Buy:
You can buy Digital Savvy through CompuScholar, Inc. online  as either a self-study or teacher-led course for $15 for the self-study or $35 for the teacher-led course, which is what we used.  The one-year option is also available for $120 for the self-study or $300 for the teacher-led course.  Either option gives you access to the same materials for the course but the one-year option allows you to add additional students to the course for $40 for the self-study option or $220 for the teacher-led option.

Other Places You Can Find the Vendor Online:


Homeschool Programming
Facebook – www.facebook.com/HomeschoolProgramming
Twitter – https://twitter.com/HSProgramming   @hsprogramming

CompuScholar, Inc
https://www.facebook.com/CompuScholar
https://twitter.com/CompuScholar   @compuscholar
Read More Reviews of this Vendor:

Digital Savvy, Web Design & Java Programming {CompuScholar,Inc Reviews}

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Shepherd, Potter, Spy and the Star Namer {Crew Review}

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What We Received:
For this review, we were sent the beautiful paperback novel Shepherd, Potter, Spy and the Star Namer from Peggy Consolver – Author.  Peggy is a wonderful author and sweet Christian lady who felt led to share the story of the Gibeonites with us all.  The story she tells takes us back to a time many of us struggle to understand but she’s able to weave the story so we can see the past we often wonder about.
About The Book: 
Have you ever wondered about the historical information that is shared throughout the Bible?  Have you ever wished to know what life was really like for many of the people mentioned?  Have you wondered how they lived, where they trod, even what their flocks were like?  Through Shepherd, Potter, Spy and the Star Namer, Peggy Consolver has done her best to help us better understand the plight of the Gibeonite people as they lived day to day.
Shepherd, Potter, Spy and the Star Namer by Peggy Miracle Consolver tells the story of the Gibeonite people.  The story is centered around a young shepherd boy named Keshub.  Keshub fights hard to keep his flock and his people safe from harm.  He longs for adventure outside of the grazing lands, to be someone more than he is.  He eventually finds the adventure he seeks and becomes a spy who keeps watch over the Hebrews as they move through the Jordan Valley.  
This book shares many specific details to the time period and the detail of life of the people.  Peggy Consolver did her research thoroughly as she wrote this story.  Though the story of Keshub is fictional, it’s still based in Truth from scripture and archeological research.  This story speaks life to a people who struggled to live.
Additional Learning:
Peggy Consolver has shared part of her website to help expand the lessons behind Shepherd, Potter, Spy and Star Namer.  She has created a study guide which can be used with the book to expand on the information within the pages of the book.  She has provided access to maps specifically for the time period discussed in the book.  She has also provided links to information, videos to help expand on the archeological details covered within the book, and more.  This is a great little guide to really help bring the book to life.
Where You Can Buy This Book:
Shepherd, Potter, Spy and the Star Namer is available through Amazon for $10.14 at time of this posting.  It is also available at Barnes and Nobles, Mardel’s Christian Book Stores and “wherever fine books are sold”.

You Can Find Peggy Consolver on Social Media:
Read More Reviews:

Shepherd, Potter, Spy--and the Star Namer {Peggy Consolver Reviews}





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Memoria Press: First Form Greek {Crew Review}

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What We Reviewed:


For this review, we were sent First Form Greek Complete Set from Memoria Press.  This set came at the perfect time.  A few weeks before this vendor came up, Emmalee and I were discussing what she’d like to learn about next.  She paused to think for a few minutes and then stated, “Greek.  I want to learn Ancient Greek though, not any new stuff.”  Then a few weeks later this popped up in the Vendor list and I knew it was just what she wished for!  Better yet, it was set to ship out on her birthday!  No doubt that this was meant for her.



What We Received:


We have reviewed other Memoria Press curriculum in the past and it always arrives in it’s own cardboard box with the company name on printed on the outside.  I keep it in that box until we complete our reviews because the box is often filled to the brim with curriculum goodies for us.  This box was no exception.


This box contained the following:


First Form Greek: Introduction to Ancient Greek Instructional DVDs by Elizabeth Pierce

First Form Greek Teacher Key (Workbook, Quizzes, & Tests) by Cheryl Lowe and Michael Simpson

First Form Greek Quizzes & Tests Workbook by Cheryl Lowe and Michael Simpson

First Form Greek Teacher Manual by Cheryl Lowe and Michael Simpson
First Form Greek Student Text by Cheryl Lowe and Michael Simpson
First Form Greek: Introduction to Ancient Greek Workbook by Cheryl Lowe and Michael Simpson
First Form Greek Pronunciation CD
First Form Greek Flashcards
Access to online videos to use with the curriculum.

This set works together to create a complete Ancient Greek curriculum for teaching your student Greek thoroughly.  


I will explain some of the key pieces of curriculum in this set.

First Form Greek: Introduction to Ancient Greek Instructional DVDs by Elizabeth Pierce

There are 5 DVDs in this set. Each covers 4-5 lessons from the curriculum and are labeled in order.  They are approximately 10-20 minutes of instruction per lesson equaling around 8 hours of instructional videos.  The videos include lesson lectures, oral drill as well as examples and charts to instruct your student.


First Form Greek: Introduction to Ancient Greek Teacher Manual

This is a typical teacher’s guide designed to help you achieve your best through using the curriculum.  It begins with an introduction on how to use the curriculum and instruct your student in the lessons to learn Ancient Greek.  


Next it gives a lesson overview of what to expect in each lesson and how it flows.  This is followed with Games and Review Activities and how to use those to best teach and learn Ancient Greek.  This section is followed with a Syllabus and Preparation that shares how to create a syllabus for your homeschool and this curriculum and also how to prepare your classes and use this curriculum.  

The next section is the Recitation list followed by the Student text and lesson plans.  At the end of the guide are Appendices sharing Greek Sayings and Vocabulary from Greek to English and English to Greek.

The lessons plans are easy to follow with check off boxes for each part as you complete the lesson.  The lessons become a little more intensive as the curriculum goes along and you build a better understanding of Ancient Greek.  

First Form Greek: Introduction to Ancient Greek Student Text

This is a rather small and easy to use text book for your student.  It’s 116 pages in length and covers all the lessons your student will be learning in the curriculum.  There is a brief introduction then it immediately moves into the lessons.  There are 24 lessons.  At the back of the book are several appendices, oral drill and a vocabulary section. 


First Form Greek: Introduction to Ancient Greek Workbook

Now this thing is huge!  280 pages of worksheets that help you learn Ancient Greek.  There’s a statement to the student and a translation checklist, then you jump right in to the good stuff.  Worksheet after worksheet of learning, complete with drill forms in the back.  



How We Used It:


I handed this straight over to Emma who dove straight in.  At first, she chose to simply listen to the Pronunciation CD to get a head start on speaking the language and then she looked up the videos and began to watch those to learn more about the curriculum before she began lessons.  Emma is unique and  has her own style of working on things. 

The curriculum was not hard for her to use though.  Normally, we do not use such structured lesson materials but she was easily able to adapt and work through several of the lessons.  I chose to let her set the pace, as she’s naturally an independent learner.  She chose to pick them up nightly, reading her lessons when no one was up to bother her and completing the necessary work that went along with it as she did so.  

She was easily able to follow through the curriculum without a whole lot of guidance from me but she stopped to ask questions when necessary.  As I stated though, Emmalee is extremely independent with lessons and prefers to figure it out herself, which she was easily able to do.

Where You Can Buy First Form Greek:


First Form Greek Complete Set is for students in 7th – 12th grade.  It could be considered an Elective Course or a Course for Foreign Language for your High School student.  It is available through Memoria Press for $125.00 for the entire set.  It does recommend a prerequisite of two years of Latin Grammar, which Memoria Press also offers as available courses, and the Greek Alphabet Book.



Other Places You Can Find This Vendor:



Read More Reviews For This Vendor:

First Form Greek, Iliad/Odyssey and American History {Memoria Press Reviews}

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