Why FIAR Is A Good Fit For Our Homeschool

Every Spring I start the task of planning our homeschool for the coming year, as I now many of you do.   There are so many wonderful curriculums out there that it can become overwhelming.

But, when it comes to looking for a curriculum to add to our homeschool it needs to meet a few requirements.

1.  Does it have a Charlotte Mason type emphasis?

"The idea that vivifies teaching... is that 'Education is a Science of Relations;' by which phrase we mean that children come into the world with a natural [appetite] for, and affinity with, all the material of knowledge; for interest in the heroic past and in the age of myths; for a desire to know about everything that moves and lives, about strange places and strange people; for a wish to handle material and to make; a desire to run and ride and row and do whatever the law of gravitation permits.  Therefore... we endeavor that he shall have relations of pleasure and intimacy established with as many possible of the interests proper to him; not learning a slight or incomplete smattering about this or that subject, but plunging into vital knowledge, with a great field before him which in all his life he will not be able to explore.  In the conception we get that 'touch of emotion' which vivifies knowledge, for it is probable that we feel only as we are brought into our proper vital relations."

- taken from School Education Charlotte Mason

If your unsure about who Charlotte Mason was, just click here.

2.  Is it full of good literature and living books?

3.  Is it open ended enough to allow for flexibility and rabbit trails?  But, has some guidance on the days when we just need to get a little learning in?

4.  Will it be enjoyable for myself and my children?

5.  Does it go against the biblical foundations that we are trying to teach our children?

One of the joys of homeschooling is being able to suit what fits our family, so why not choose something we enjoy?  Something that is truly meaningful.  Why waste our time with things that are aren't?

"I don't consider education from the perspective of filling buckets because I don't consider children from that perspective.  When I look at a child, I see a living, breathing person, made in God's image, for whom God has a plan.  As parent educators, we need to embrace a notion of learning.  We need to help the child discern the Lord's will and equip him to answer his particular call.  It is the heart and soul of the child who has a heart in order to effectively educate the child.  Our vision of a well-educated child is a child who has a heart for learning, a child who has the tools he needs to continue for a lifetime and a child who has the love to want to do it.  He has been led to a lifetime of learning all the time."  -Elizabeth Foss

For me, good literature for my children is important.  But, I have to admit that in the past it wasn't always receiving the attention it deserved in our daily lessons.  It had become just one more thing to add to our day, instead of becoming 'the thing' that our school revolved around.

We have seven children, five of them under the age of eight.  I love the fact that we can all sit together for our reading and glean something from it, no matter what the age.  Even my teenagers stop and listen to the story sometimes.

When we head to the table for our lessons we are all on the same page.  We can share our thoughts on the story in a fun meaningful way.  I just adjust the work for the age level making sure that the older ones are challenged, and the younger ones aren't overwhelmed.

I really enjoy the fact that the books and lessons are there and ready for us, but I don't have to go in any particular order.  I can match up the books with the seasons or time of year.  I can pick a book that compliments some of our other lessons.   Or, I can just pick one that looks interesting.

The books themselves become a wonderful jumping off point for further study into other areas.  Geography, history, domestic arts and handiwork.  Really the list is limitless and is only limited by our imaginations.  We have been doing a bit of this in the past, but this year I decided to make the commitment to order the lesson plans and jump in with both feet.

We are so glad we did!

If you are new Five In A Row and would like to learn more about it click here.



Follow Sunshine by Channon's board :: Five In A Row on Pinterest.

A Family Guide To The Biblical Holidays :: Book Review

As I have mentioned before, we have been celebrating the fall feasts.  It is all very new to us, but the more we learn and understand, the less overwhelming it has become.

If you would like to view a few of my previous posts, you can take a peak here.  Have You Ever Thought of Celebrating The Biblical Feasts,  The Feast Countdown Begins,  The First of the Fall Feasts :: Rosh Hashanah and The Second Fall Feast :: Yom Kippur.

One of the resources that we have used, and been super helpful is A Family Guide To The Biblical Feasts.  It is a bit pricey, but so worth it.  

The book goes through a biblical perspective of all of the feasts.  It explains the why and how along with tons of activities for you to do with your family or even a Sunday school.  There are lots of printables and some recipes.

This book has become a go-to reference for me when I am looking for an activity, trying to answer one of the millions of questions that come up between my and children and I, and setting up a calendar so I will be ready when the feast comes.

The neat thing about this book is that it also comes with a huge section of unit studies... perfect for homeschoolers.   They cover each feast including Hanukkah and the Passover.  Each study coordinates with the feast.  For example during Passover your unit study would be about Lambs, and during the Feast of Trumpets your study would be about Praise and Worship.

This book has a ton of extra resources in the back including a Glossary of Jewish Terminology.  Below is a photo of some of the flags that we made from the book for our centerpiece during Yom Teruah, also known as Rosh Hashanah.

Whether your wanting to learn more about Jewish culture and their holidays from a social studies perspective, or you are wanting to learn more about God's Word and the importance of the feasts, this book is for you.

I didn't receive any compensation for this review.  Our family has been blessed by this book, and I hope yours will be too.

Spanish For The Whole Family

This year I have two teenagers who need a foreign language for high school credit, a husband who would like to sharpen his Spanish speaking skills, a whole bunch of Littles who think it would be fun to learn a different language, and a mom who doesn't want to be the only one who doesn't know what everyone else is saying.

The Spanish language has entered our lives with gusto.

When I was trying to figure out which curriculum to use I was surprised how many options were out there.  My husband heard really good things about Rosetta Stone, so we ordered that and downloaded it onto the computer.   That was a no brainer, easy peasy.

But, what about about the Little ones among us?  I wanted something that was fun, easy to teach and something that would keep their attention.  I think I might have found it!

 

Foreign Languages for Kids by Kids.  It just so happened that at the time I was looking for a curriculum, this company was also looking for ambassadors for their lessons.  Sounded like a win-win to me.

My children are really loving it.  It is a video curriculum that is divided up into many short video lessons.  They are all done by children in everyday situations.  They want to watch the lessons over and over.  They are always asking if it is "their turn."  My oldest daughter, who is 7, even got out a piece of paper to write down some of the words so she would remember them.

I think we are off to a good start.  I am anxious to see how well they retain the language they are learning.  I am hoping that it is fun, but also a productive way to spend their time.

So, are you looking for a fun way to teach Spanish?  Click this banner and you will be able to sign up for a free trial.  You can watch demo videos so that you can get a feel for the lessons.  Take a peak for yourself!

I am an affiliate with Foreign Languages For Kids.  If you purchase through my blog I will receive a small commission.  It does not change the cost for you.  They have also given me a subscription for my honest opinion, which I am sharing with you here. I will be posting again in a couple of months to give another update on our progress.  Happy learning!

3 Easy Ways To Incorporate Classical Music In Your Homeschool

From a very young age my sister and I were exposed to Classical Music.  My dad had a really neat collection of classical records.  Each record was of a different composer with many examples of their work, along with a biography inside the record cover.  It was a beautiful collection.  I have no doubt that this early introduction had much to do with my appreciation for it today.

Aquariums, Zoology and Field Trips

There is something magical about observing the underwater world.  The way the light filters through the water.  The bright, colorful fish darting here and there.  The chill that goes down your back when you look at those huge, sharp teeth on the sharks, even though the sharks themselves aren't all that big...well, at least at the aquarium. 

Young or old, learning more about God's Creation is a good thing.

Over the winter we took a trip to the aquarium.  What fun!  I love that my teenagers enjoyed it as much as my little ones.  We were on vacation near the ocean, which made the aquarium even more wonderful.

Before we left for our trip I made sure to grab some books that related to the things we might see:  books on the ocean, sea creatures, even frogs and toads.  This helped create a little anticipation.  

The study of zoology has been a huge interest for my son.  He had finished Aplogia's Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day  and had just begun Apologia's Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day.  What wonderful timing for a trip to the ocean and aquarium.  He has since finished this book, and enjoyed it so much. He loves to draw, and the journal that is a companion to the book, was an enjoyable addition to his studies.  I am amazed at the fun facts and knowledge he has retained.  It is a wonderful example that when we allow children the freedom to explore those things that they love, they will enjoy learning for the sake of learning.  Not just to regurgitate facts.

Here are a few examples of his work:

This has been a wonderful fit for my son.  He is looking forward to Apologia's Land Animals of the Sixth Day.  

I personally have a fascination with the water.  My husband and I both would love to live near the ocean someday.  Until then we will have to continue reading wonderful books!  I just came across the book Pagoo a few weeks ago.  It is the story of a hermit crab and his life in the tide pool.  I am looking forward to reading it to the children.

Here is one more picture from our trip.  Some of the children were brave enough to pet the stingrays, some of us were not.  Which would explain the pictures taken from across the room.  

Living Books Versus Textbooks

As I continue to learn about Charlotte Mason, the more I appreciate her methods and ideas.  Our family has always enjoyed books, and going to the library is a weekly occurrence in our home.  As I sit down and begin to plan next years lessons, I am trying to weigh my options between Living Books and Textbooks. 

We have seven children, two will be in high school this year and the other five will be in third grade and below.  At such different stages they have very different needs.  My oldest son is a huge book lover, especially historical fiction.  As I plan his year, I can plan in living books to feed his love of history.  But, he is not a lover of science. He would much rather be given a textbook, we use Apologia, so that he can do his work and move on.

My second oldest son is usually not a fan of sitting down a reading a book just for fun.  He would much rather be drawing, playing a game or riding his bike.  Even though Living Books are a good choice for some, they really aren't a good choice for him.  I use textbooks that also include a lot of journaling and drawing supplements.

My elementary children all love to be read to.  This makes the planning easy.  Lots of Living Books to feed their love of books and their imaginations.  I can use Living Books to present any subject we need to cover in a fun, easy going way.  If you would like a few more reasons to use Living Books read this post over at Home Hearts.

I was reading Educating the Whole Hearted Child and came across this comparison between Living Books and Textbooks.

* A living book is written by a single author, a real and knowable person.

* A textbook is written by various authors or contributors, usually unknown.

* A living books a literary expression of the author's own ideas and love of the subject.

* A textbook is a nonliterary expression of collected facts and information.

* A living book is personal in tone and feel.  It touches the heart and emotions, and the intellect.

* A textbook is impersonal in tone and feel.  It touches only the intellect.

* The author of a living book addresses the reader as an intelligent and capable thinker.

* In a living book, ideas are presented creatively in a way that stimulates the imagination.

* In a textbook, facts are presented without creativity in a way that deadens the imagination.

This sums it up pretty well.  But, as a homeschooling mother I love the fact that I can choose the approach that fits each child best.  My first choice would always be a Living Book, but there are times when a Textbook fits the bill better.

What are your thoughts?  Are you a one size fits all homeschooling family, or do you mix and match?

The adorable illustration is from the children's book The Plant Sitter.

How We Homeschool

Autumn and Parker Carving Pumpkins

This fall we started our 10th year of homeschooling.  It has gone so fast!  Through the years we have tried a little bit of everything....Abeka, Pathways, Rod and Staff, ACE and various other resources.  I have come to the conclusion that:

1. Whatever you are using is just a tool.  Don't get caught up in becoming a task master, enjoy the process.
2. No curriculum is perfect.  We are imperfect parents trying to teach imperfect children from a resource that was created from imperfect people.  To expect perfection is setting ourselves up for failure.
3. Enjoy the journey.  You only get to travel it once.  I have learned so much right along with my children.  Go with the flow.  Does it really matter if they fill out that 120th fill in the blank?

We always start our day with Circle Time around the Breakfast table.     

This year we have a freshman in high school, and 8th grader, a child in 2nd grade, one in 1st, one in kindergarten, one in preschool and a toddler.  With such a wide range of learning, this is a nice way to start our morning together before everyone scatters.

During this time we study or review a Bible verse or passage and read a short Bible story.  We are going to begin using the New City Catechism.  I plan on writing about the benefits of using a catechism in the next few weeks.

During this time we also go over nature study topics, artists, composers and seasonal topics.  If things are going well, I also try to sneak in a chapter from a fun read aloud or picture book.

Here are a few of the resources we use.  We don't have anything set in stone, but we always try to incorporate the Bible and one of these resources into our morning. 

Wisdom and the Millers

We have enjoyed all of their books.  Simple and straight forward, and easy for your children to understand what is being taught.

Bible Stories to Read

This simple book also has a coloring book that can be purchased.  I have one of the books that I read from and the Littles each get their own coloring book. (This is a resource I just use for the Littles. )

Arch Books

There are 125 books in this collection, but you can buy them individually.  They are colorful and fun to read.

Walking stick Sam.

Nature Study

We usually read or look over a book that followings along with our weekly theme or season.  Sometimes we watch a short video.  But, starting this year I would like to try something different.  There is a wonderful wooded park across the street from where we recently moved.  It has plenty of wildlife and plants and trees to discover.  My plan is for us to visit this area every Friday afternoon and watch it through the seasons.  We can record what we find in a nature journal, and when we come across something new we can look it up together.

Composer Study

I love it when my children hear classical music and they say "Mom, is that Bach?"  Thrills my soul!  I love classical music, and I love even more that my children are learning and appreciating it.  This has all come from our morning time Composer Study, as well as listening to fun music like Beethoven's Wig in the van. 

Artist Study

Last year we had a very specific plan for our Artist study.  But, I wanted to lighten things up a bit and get away from sitting at the table as long.  Adding time together reading books has become a focus in our day.  I thought it would be fun to learn the illustrators that bring our favorite stories to life.

Curriculum

I don't really have a specific style of homeschooling.  I really enjoy a lot of Charlotte Mason's suggestions, and probably would identify myself more with her than anyone.  I wrote about her here.
This book A Charlotte Mason Companion has been a real help to me.

But, there are weeks when we unschool, and I really enjoy the natural rhythm and hands on activities  associated with Waldorf and Montessori.  Maybe I'm just confused, but either way, I believe it works well for us.

Because of this, I don't use a 'box' curriculum.  We are able to mix and match to suit each child's individual needs, while making sure they get the information they need.

We note booking, when appropriate.  This corresponds with our Nature Study, Composer and Art Study.  We use Explode the Code for our Phonics, and really love it!  Life of Fred has become our favorite math curriculum.  I also purchase workbooks from the store (Meijer, Walmart, etc.) for building math skills, writing practice and thinking skills.  These are inexpensive workbooks, but work great for the basics.

We use Christian Liberty Nature Readers. for science.

I can't finish this post without mentioning the Public Library.  Literally one of my favorite places!  I have to admit that at least one of our family members visits the library 3-4 times a week.  We rely heavily on real books (as opposed to textbooks) for our home.  

In the coming weeks I would like to share with you the schedules and curriculum for each child.  I can then be a little more specific.  This post is getting long already :)

Real Life Learning

Before you click away, I want to mention one more thing.  My husband and I believe that book learning is good, but real life is better.  You can't beat hands on, one on one with real people, places and things.  Put the books aside, get in the car and go!  There is so much to see and do.  My husband and three of our boys have just returned from a trip to Philadelphia.  What history!  They attended the church that Ben Franklin and George Washington attended.  They sat in President Washington's seat for the service.  The pictures and video of the church were awesome.  My boys won't forget that.  But, I am pretty sure they would have glazed over it if it was in their textbook pages jumbled in with all the other stuff.  Don't get me wrong, textbooks can be good.  But, use them as the resource they are.

We attended a conference and dinner with The Duggar's from 19 Kids and Counting.  What a fun experience to be part of something bigger than ourselves!  The conference was for the Heartbeat Bill which would not allow an abortion after the detection of the babies heartbeat.  Being able to see the legislative process first hand is amazing.  Something, I am embarrassed to admit, I didn't really understand until we became involved and started studying.

Don't miss another post! Sign up to receive every post in your inbox!

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

How We Teach Math In Our Homeschool :: Life of Fred Review

Teaching math in our homeschool could become a really overwhelming task.  Mostly because I don't see myself as a mathematician.  Not even close.  However, there are some wonderfully gifted people out there who do have the ability to write easy to follow math curriculum.

We have tried many things through the years, but Life Of Fred has been the most effective and painless way to present math to my children.

In the early learning stage, I use basic everyday life to teach number recognition.  Using objects around the house to teach basic adding and subtracting.  I found this wonderful set of tactile numbers on Etsy that the kids love tracing with their fingers.  They also enjoy watching Math Circus and other Leap Frog videos.

Once I feel they are comfortable with their numbers, I introduce Fred.

Fred, a silly little made up guy that the author uses to teach big concepts in a storylike way.  The first book in the series is titled Apples.  The concept is simple.  Read a short chapter, answer a few questions that relate to the concept taught in that chapter.  It has an easy natural rhythm.

- No other textbooks are like these. Each text is written in the style of a novel with a humorous story line. Each section tells part of the life of Fred Gauss and how, in the course of his life, he encounters the need for the math and then learns the methods. Tons of solved examples. Each hardcover textbook contains ALL of the material – more than most instructors cover in traditional classroom settings. Includes tons of proofs.  taken from Life of Fred website

If you are a fan of worksheets and countless math problems, this curriculum isn't for you.  It really goes against the way we were taught in public school, and really the way most other math curriculum's are written.  But, different can sometimes be a very good thing.

I have to add here that I did make basic addition and subtraction flashcards out of index cards.  We go over them a few times a week.  I like that the kids can answer simple math problems without even thinking about them.

As you would expect the books get more complex and there are more questions per chapter.  But, they still do not have the pages of problems we are used to seeing.  One of the things my sons appreciate most is that each book tackles a specific mathematical concept.  They really feel that they have a chance to grasp it before they move on to the next concept.

- IMPORTANT NOTE: These books are designed to make your child THINK! and to learn on their own. It does not give step-by-step directions and answers to every question. They learn to apply to current questions the concepts previously taught. Upon completion they will understand how math works, why it works, and how to apply it. They will know the formulas and how to apply them in real-life situations, not just situations created for a textbook. This program relies heavily on reading comprehension and thinking, not rote spoon-fed learning that is quickly forgotten. Parents can learn these novel methods along with the student, but should not try to integrate the traditional rote/memorization methods. 

The books are divided into different groups.

There are 10 books in the Elementary set.  The Intermediate set has 3 books and is designed for fourth through sixth grade.  Before High School Math offers 5 books in the Pre-Algebra set, and the High School set tackles Algebra through Trigonometry.  If you have a budding mathematician you can keep on learning with University Mathematics.

Another thing that I really like about the curriculum is that the books are non-consumable.  Each book is a sturdy hardback book that can be passed down and reused for each of your children.  The answers to the questions are just written down on notebook paper and placed in a binder.

To learn more about Life of Fred and buy the books either individually or in sets, head over to their website here.  To learn four reasons to choose Fred click here.

So there you have it.  Math 101 in our homeschool.  What do you use in your family?  Successes and failures....

The Top 10 Posts For 2014

A look back at the oldies, but goodies of 2014.  Please feel free to pin anything you like, I would be flattered!

Plating with this old standby in a new way.

What To Do When They Say "I'm Bored"

Are Children A Blessing Or A Nuisance

Preserving Fresh Foods On A Budget

Learning About Dignity and Propriety

The Importance Of Our Everyday Decisions

Bear Wants More and A DIY Felt Daisy Crown

Learning With and Without Textbooks This Year

Meal Planning For The Good Intentioned

20 Things You Did and Didn't Want To Know About Me

I can't believe how fast the year has gone.  The children have grown so much and they are coming into their own.  I love to see the differences in personalities.  These budding young people have minds and feelings of their own, which is good...most of the time.

Our family relocated across the state, and it has been truly wonderful!  I have learned so much about myself, and the path that our family is to take.  It is freeing to know that God's laws are always better than man's laws.  There is a comfort and peace when we follow Him.

I wish you and yours all the best in the New Year!  I can't wait to see what wonderful things are right around the corner.  If you want to follow along with me join me!

Visit Sunshine by Channon's profile on Pinterest.

FACEBOOK    GOOGLE +     INSTAGRAM

Subscribe in a reader

Line Upon Line Precept Upon Precept

A repost from last Summer.

I was taking pictures of my children yesterday at the park.  Annie wanted me to show her walking over the platforms.  As I was snapping away it reminded me of the verse above.  As I pondered the whole learning process I came up with a few thoughts...and of course I had to share them with you!

Liberty will be two in October.  She has such a determined spirit about her.  Sometimes determined to go the wrong way, but nonetheless.  She can feed herself, walk, talk, communicate with her brothers and sisters, play games, ride a tricycle, throw a ball...you get the idea.

We didn't buy any crazy, expensive curriculum.  There weren't any online courses or tutors.  She just learned.  As most children do.  It can be easy to complicate things.

Life is full of irony. We send a child to school where they learn order, how to follow and submit, and maybe some letters and colors...oh that's right...I forgot...to go to Kindergarten the parent has to teach their children a long list of things before they could go.  Hmmm...so what is the point of Kindergarten? And if you taught them all this stuff, why do you feel unqualified to keep going?  Sorry, I got off on a rabbit trail...

But, when that same child gets older we have to teach them to become independent thinkers that have a love for learning.

Guess what?  They had both before we stripped it from them.  Have you ever answered the question "Why?" 8,000 times between your house and the store?

Here is an example:  Companies strip our food of necessary nutrients, and then replace them with fake ones, which they expect to react like the natural ones.  If they would have left the food alone, it was already there to begin with.  Following my strange logic here?

What I am trying to say is that God put into our children a natural ability to learn.  Children grasp things so quickly, not because we are using the best curriculum, but because God designed them that way.

Yes, children have different aptitudes; some are good at math, some aren't, for example.  God created each of us as individuals, with unique talents, likes, dislikes, gifts...let's encourage our children to learn those things which will benefit them for life.  Not wasting our time teaching them things for some test that will have no relevance to their life, and that they will forget 20 minutes after the test.  Yes, there are things they must know.  But, I think you know what I am talking about.

Godly character, a work ethic, love for one other.  We are preparing them to be wives, husbands, fathers, mothers....

The majority of our daughters are going to be wives and mothers.  Why do we as a society put such an emphasis on making sure that our daughters are prepared for their career, but miss the training to be a Godly wife and mother?  We are setting them up for failure.

Line upon line.  Precept upon precept... Simplicity.

I was reading one of my favorite blogs and the author, who has 15 children, was sharing a few words of wisdom.  I thought I would share them with you.  To read the whole article click here.

And so I would like to offer some simple suggestions for those with many children up to age seven:

• Don't be afraid. You taught your child how to walk and talk, and reading isn't that complicated. Take the pressure off and you will do much better.

• Have these supplies on hand: Paper, scissors, glue, crayons, a cheap watercolor set (these items will cost you less than ten dollars during the "back to school" sales), some home-made salt dough, some picture books from the library or thrift store and a good set of phonics flash cards and number cards.

• Invest in a child gate. This is good to keep the kids "corralled" so that the mess they make is localized, instead of letting them have free reign over the whole house so that you never feel as though you can get anything accomplished!

• Keep food simple. We used to eat just two different breakfasts and lunches every day. The kids never got tired of them--and I always knew what to fix!

• Have a stash of snacks for yourself. I learned this after I went through a time of being about 10lbs underweight. I would feed the kids and then forget to eat!

• A good book to have on hand that will teach you how to teach reading is Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. My kids usually get tired of this book by lesson 50, but it lays a great foundation for more advanced reading.

• The outward-focused life is for another season.

• Have paper, pencils and crayons always available, with parameters set up to prevent waste. One way I have done this is to tear my sheets of paper into quarters, and in this way if they make one scribble and decide to move on, the whole sheet is not wasted.

• Save the messier supplies for "special" times. This preserves you and your house.

• Have daily "quiet time" after lunch and clean up--do this for your marriage as well as your own health.

• Keep media to a minimum. I don't allow computer time to children this age at all. Television (they don't watch cable or networks) is only for special times.

• Read aloud daily, if at all possible. Even if it is the same book over and over. I think I have Green Eggs and Ham memorized almost completely.

• Answering questions is about the best thing you can do. You are the walking book that a child refers to whenever he is puzzled. Count it as a privilege!

• Use the necessary errands of life as learning experiences. Tell them stories about your childhood and God and sing together in the car. Teach them how to behave in public. Explain things to them as you are doing them so that they will feel included and important to you.

• Teach them how to tie, whistle, blow bubbles, hopscotch, ride a bike, fold a towel. These are both fun and inexpensive activities and help them to develop the fine motor skills necessary for all the other stuff.

If you just live and love your child, he will gain a much better education than he could ever receive during these years in some institutional setting or with some formal curriculum at home.  It's not "parental perfection" but loving response that is key here.

This is a re-post from a few years ago.  If you found it helpful, please consider connecting with me on
:: Facebook ::   :: Google+ ::   :: Pinterest ::   :: Instagram ::

This post may contain Affiliate links. Click here to find out more.

This post may be linked to one or more Link Parties.  Join Me!