Can you feel it? (contest at the end)

It's in the air. School is just around the corner. School supplies have been purchased, curriculum should soon be on it's way and summer will soon be giving way to cool breezes and the colorful leaves of fall. I am still getting organized and this year is a big transition for all of us. We will have all five of our children learning at home for this first time instead of two and this has been a bit overwhelming for me. Several months ago, I saw a product at The Old Schoolhouse Store that intrigued me. It's The Schoolhouse Planner. It promises to be an invaluable resource for moms trudging through two of the most important jobs of being a homeschooling mom: homemaker and teacher. Balancing these two jobs can be a challenge and organization is the key to it's success. I salivated over the product and at $39 I wasn't exactly sure about how much I would be getting for my money. Well I finally got my hands on it and it is worth every penny. I received it not a moment too soon either with school beckoning us just around the bend.

I was blown away by what this planner has inside. I knew it would be quality but there was so much more than what I expected. Calendars, recipes, nature journal pages, conversion charts, yearly goal sheets, etc. I could go and on and on. There are 247 pages of pure bliss for my organizing mind. The best part of it all? I don't have to print it all out or tote around a twenty pound notebook. I am able to print out whatever will work for my family and as many of a particular sheet as I want. It was available immediately after I went through the check out. No waiting for the postman or high shipping costs. Just right there waiting for me when I am ready to get started. This is a very valuable resource and I am thoroughly impressed.

While you are indulging me I would like to tell you about another great resource at TOS. It's their E-magazine, The Old Schoolhouse. People for years have enjoyed the beautiful magazine that comes to their mailbox. I know I have. I am a hands on person and I admit that I was a bit skeptical about it. There is nothing like turning the pages and having it right in front of me. I decided to give a try anyway and you know what? It's pretty neat. I have always loved the colorful covers and fabulous photography and didn't want to miss out on that. However, it is not lost having it on my computer. It is still beautiful. Another benefit I hadn't thought about before hand is that now I don't have to store it. I don't know about you but if you have ever read this magazine, it's one you hang onto for awhile. I have read and re-read articles and the advertisements inside are for quality, education, family-building products. I pick up the old ones from time to time and like to refer back to the old issues. No more will I have stacks and stacks of magazines taking up space on my nighstand or desk or basket in the living room or kitchen counter. You get the idea. Plus, at $16.95 for a year, it's a economical too.

I am a mom who is new to home educating. It's been overwhelming and confusing and exciting all at the same time. My kids are worth the investment however. So, if you are looking for something to get you organized not only as a teacher but as a home manager then I highly recommend both of these products. Head over to The Old Schoolhouse Store and take a look.

Now for the contest! All of you blog readers out there, come out and leave me a comment about what you would use the planner for. I will be drawing a name at random to win the planner and a e-subscription to the magazine as the prize. How cool is that? Thanks TOS! (contest ends Friday 8/22 at midnight)