As part of the application process to be considered for The Old Schoolhouse (TOS) Homeschool Crew, I get the opportunity to review a couple of their e-books. I really enjoy reading TOS Magazine and have been so blessed in finding it. I am very excited about the possibility of being part of the Homeschool Crew to review and promote great homeschooling products.

The first e-book I am reviewing is called HomeWork: Juggling Home, Work, and School Without Losing. HomeWork is a book about working from home and contains valuable advice on how to integrate business opportunities into home life, while not compromising the home in the process. Though I had been thinking about buying this book for quite a while, I procrastinated because I was originally unsure of what it was about. I was excited at the chance to review this book for free, and as I began to read it I regretted not getting it earlier! Whether or not I get the opportunity to participate this year as part of the crew, getting a copy of this e-book alone has made the effort worthwhile.

The book is set up with four different sections highlighting various business profiles. The first section covers labors of love, which includes businesses which have sprung out of hobbies as well as already functioning home businesses. The second section is on computer based home businesses; the third focuses on creative writing; and the fourth deals with business support (which includes things such as accounting and computer network support.) I find it very encouraging that these profiles are all personal accounts written by the moms of these homeschooling business families. I particularly enjoy the additional aspects of how these moms homeschool, and how they incorporate managing their at-home business into their home-centered lifestyle. While each author writes a little differently, this adds variety to the book making it even more enjoyable to read: every few pages you are on to a different story and a different perspective.

The book concludes with “tricks of the trade”, including accounting and bookkeeping tips, organizational tips, and an appendix with lots of great links to websites with additional resources.

This e-book is a great read and a great tool that I will look back on time and time again. I currently have two work at home businesses (Mary Kay and Creative Memories). Reading this e-book, with its many creative ideas on how to integrate business into my homseschooling family, has really motivated me to work harder at these businesses. I think that in a lot of ways I just needed permission to pursue my home businesses; by reading this book I have found that others have been successful in integrating home business into their homeschooling families without compromise.

At this point in my life journey, the most helpful tip I received was to set aside time on a regular schedule to do work every day. While I have heard this principle stated over and over again, seeing it applied throughout these stories really helped it to sink in. So whether you have been doing your work-at-home business for a very long time, or are only just starting out, I highly recommend this e-book to you: it will encourage you as you continue doing what the Lord has called you to do.

Ben loves the Franklin books. I first heard of them from Donna Otto of Homemakers by Choice. They are great books that help your child learn about how to handle different situations through the eyes of a young turtle named Franklin. Children can relate to Franklin and thus they pay attention to how he handles the various situations introduced by the books. Lately we have been reading one about how Franklin, as a big brother, learns to share with his little sister. I have already heard Ben say “I will share this with Hadi because that’s what big brothers do, just like Franklin.” So if you have not read these books I encourage you to check them out from your local library or buy copies for yourself. I have provided links to some of the books above.

Because of Ben’s love of Franklin, when I saw the Sheldon Kits at Knit Picks I had to buy one. I have just finished knitting Sheldon, which of course we are calling Franklin at our house. Ben loves it. He can’t wait for me to finish some of the “career” costumes for him. So without further ado, here is Franklin in the “wild” outside this morning.