Heidi's Head: Walkin' the Crew Blogs

Showing posts with label Walkin' the Crew Blogs. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Walkin’ the Crew Blogs – 11/30/10, 12/7/10 & 12/14/10

I had every intention of doing a double-week posting last Tuesday. However, all of HSB was down, which meant that I had no access to our Crew forum, where I pull a good bit of my information for these posts. Hence, another week went by without a Walkin’ the Crew Blogs post – and that leaves me with 2 weeks to catch up for this week (instead of 1), and this week’s post! So, today I’m going to be introducing you to not 2, NOT 4, BUT SIX (6) of our VERY SPECIAL FIRST MATES, along with their mini-Crew team members! (After today, I should have 2 more weeks of posts, and you will have been introduced to our entire Crew!) So, here goes - - -

Up first this week we have First Mate Katie from Camp Corbett. I’m going to refer to Katie as one of our quieter members because we really don’t hear a lot out of her, but she efficiently does her work on time and well. Katie was a regular Crew member for Year 2, and has returned for Year 3 in the position of First Mate.

Katie’s mini-team is made up of:

Up next – First Mate Debbie from Debbie’s Digest. Debbie came to the Crew highly recommended last year, and did not let us down! Hence the reason she’s back for Year 3 in a First Mate position! Debbie hosts a neat meme on her blog called Blast from the Past (which I enjoy participating in from time to time). I haven’t had opportunity to meet Debbie yet, but we hope to hook up some year at CHAP.

Debbie’s team is the Merry Mariners:

Third this week, we have First Mate Lisa from The Berry Patch. Lisa is another one who made a big enough impression during Year 2 to be asked back as a First Mate for Year 3. I really enjoy reading Lisa’s blog. We have similar taste in music, books, and other things.

Lisa calls her team An Even Keel:

First Mate Heather from Marine Corps Nomads is up next! Heather is one of the first to always lend a helping hand when we ask for it (and sometimes even before we ask!) In addition to helping with the Crew as a First Mate, Heather is also helping to edit and check The Curiosity Files – TOS’ newest line of e-book products.

Heather’s team is Semper Fidelis:

My number five introduction is First Mate Erin from Chicagoland Homeschool Network. Erin is one of those ladies from Year 2 who stood out to us as exemplary – so we asked her back to serve as a First Mate for Year 3 and she accepted!

Erin’s team is called The View from The Crow’s Nest and consists of:

And last, but not least, this week I am introducing First Mate Barbara from AliveInSpirit. I had opportunity to meet Barbara in Cincinnati this past spring (wow – I got to meet SO MANY Crew mates there!) She’s just a sweetheart and always willing to lend a helping hand. (Barbara is to the far left in this picture.)

Barbara’s mini-team is the Treasure Seekers:

A huge SHOUT OUT to Katie, Debbie, Lisa, Heather, Erin, and Barbara – six special ladies!

To see past week’s posts, click on the appropriate links below:
7/13/10 – Vendor Liaison Brenda, HSB Liaison Kristen, First Mates Lori & Tina
7/20/10 – First Mates Michelle & Denise
7/27/10 – First Mates Diane & Kimberly
8/3/10 – First Mates Jennifer & Wendy
8/10/10 – First Mates Heidi & Jodi
8/17/10 – First Mates Penny & Lis
8/24/10 – First Mates Lori Lynn & Susan
8/31/10 – First Mates Isabelle & Karla
9/7/10 – First Mates Mrs. White & Chris
9/14/10 – First Mates Suzanne & Amy
9/21/10 – First Mates Jennifer & Tricia
9/28/10 – First Mates Shannon & Tim
10/5/10 – First Mates Debra & Cindy
10/12/10 – First Mates Tristan & April
10/19/10 – First Mates Tonia & Heather
10/26/10 – First Mates Heather & Jean
11/2/10 - First Mates Sheri & Becky
11/9/10 – First Mates Kimberly & Laura
11/16/10 – First Mates Nikki & Lori
11/23/10 – First Mates Kathy & Katrina

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Walkin’ the Crew Blogs – 11/16/10 & 11/23/10

I’ve fallen behind in my Walkin’ the Crew Blogs posts again. Shame on me! But, the truth is, I really do have a life outside of work and blogging – and sometimes my family has to come first! In any case, this week we’ll be featuring FOUR First Mates – so you’ll have double the new blogs to visit and new friends to meet. What could be better, right? So, without further adieu . . .

My first introduction for this week is First Mate Nikki from Joy in the Journey. As the name of her blog suggests, Nikki is a joy to know. Nikki is in her 2nd year with the Homeschool Crew, and is serving as a First Mate for the first time this year. Though Nikki and I live in the same state (PA), we have yet to meet. Maybe this coming spring at the local homeschool convention (?)

Nikki calls her mini-Crew the Navigators. Her team is made up of:

My second introduction is First Mate Lori from Hearthside Homeschool Reviews . . . and More. Lori is in her 3rd year with the Crew and her 2nd year as a First Mate. In addition to her FM duties, she’s also the Crew’s Contest Coordinator – as such, she posts a new contest on our blog each Monday. If you are not reading our blog and taking advantage of these contests, you’re missing out. Lori is a fun member of the Crew – and always puts a smile on my face! We found out what a small world we live in earlier this year when my friend Sue passed away – Lori realized they had been praying for Sue doubly at their church – through me and another mutual friend – and she didn’t realize the connection. :)

Her team is called Tradewinds and consists of:

Terri @ Accidentally Homeschooling
Laurie @ Abundant Blessings Homeschool
Angie @ A Little Book Nook
Stacy @ Sowing Seeds: Our Homeschool Journey
Gayle @ The Westie Crew

My third introduction for this week is First Mate Kathy from The Stewards Steno. Kathy is in her 2nd year with the Crew and serving as a First Mate this year for the first time. Kathy went above and beyond the call of duty last year and that didn’t go unnoticed with Brenda and me, which is the reason we asked her to return for another year.

Kathy calls her team the Good Steward Ship. This team is made up of :

Heather @ It’s a Curriculum Fair!

FYI: Kathy’s team started out with 4 members, but unfortunately two have dropped out. Serving on the Crew is not always an easy task, but it is rewarding. If you’re thinking of trying out for the Crew this coming spring, please make sure you have the time to devote to it and the commitment to stick it out for a full year.

Fourth and last for this week is First Mate Katrina from Mama Manuscripts. Katrina is one of our International members. She is in her 2nd year with the Crew and serving as a First Mate for the first time this year. She has been a conscientious and devoted member of the team, and one that we’re proud to have on board with us.

Katrina’s team is the Virtuous Vessels. Here are her team members:

Holli-Marie @ Taylor's Mark Orthodox Academy
Lisa @ Homeschool Circus
Sharon @ Life in the Tribe
Audrey @ Tea and Tomes

That’s a lot of blogs for you to visit this week, but I hope you’ll take the time to do so. I’m sure you’ll be blessed!

Special thanks to these 4 First Mates – Katrina, Kathy, Lori, and Nikki. We appreciate your hard work this year!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Walkin’ the Crew Blogs – 11/9/10

Another week has rolled around and it’s time for this week’s edition of Walkin’ the Crew Blogs. As usual, I’ve got some special people to introduce you to ---

First up is First Mate Kimberly from We Love to Homeschool. Kimberly is in her 2nd year with the Crew, serving as a FM for the first time this year. I honestly feel like I have not had much opportunity to really get to know Kimberly - probably because she's very much been a self-starter, who has such a sweet attitude - she is always willing to lend a helping hand, which is something that Brenda and I are always appreciative of! I love having gals like Kimberly on our team, helping to lead by example.

Kimberly calls her mini-team the Blue Dolphins. That team consists of:

Next up, we would like to introduce you to First Mate Laura from Day By Day in Our World. Laura is a 3rd year Crew member, serving her 2nd year as a FM. In addition to her faithful service to the Crew, since I've known her, Laura has added a 4th little boy to her family, and moved clear across the US, from the east coast to Alaska! She also writes the music portion for The Curiosity Files, which never ceases to amaze me!

Laura's team is called Crew Discovery and is made up of:

So, thank you, Kimberly and Laura, for making my days brighter! I love you both!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Walkin’ the Crew Blogs – 11/2/10

My – this year is just flying by, isn’t it? Hard to believe we’re in November already. This week, we’re back on track with the Walkin’ the Crew Blogs schedule and I’m going to be introducing two very special and unique ladies (and their teams) to you today - - -

First up we have First Mate Sheri from 1 of 100 TOS Crew Reviews (among various other blogs!) Sheri’s a 3rd Year Crew Member, and serving her 2nd year as a First Mate. Recently, my boss told me that “the cream will rise to the top” and Sheri is definitely amongst the cream. This lady has been a HUGE source of encouragement to me over the years, and she ALWAYS makes me smile (and that’s saying something on some of the days I have!) I was thrilled, earlier this year, when Sheri’s family passed through PA and I had the opportunity to meet up with her for a few hours.

Sheri is affectionately known amongst the Crew as Sheriff Sheri, so she’s calling her team the TOS Review Posse and has this great button for her team, which is made up of:

I have another very special lady to introduce this week (this is your lucky week!) – First Mate Becky from There is Hope. Becky is in her 2nd year with the Crew – her 1st year as a First Mate. There’s a reason we choose our First Mates (see the “cream” mentioned above!) Anyway, Becky is special to me for so many different reasons – not the first of which is the fact that there was an instant bond when I read her try-out reviews AND found out that this lady had been praying, for years, that we would one day have the opportunity to meet and be friends. Her prayers were answered through the Crew AND, thanks to TOS, I also got to meet her while in Florida this past May. Our God is good!

Becky calls her team Bountifully Blessed (which is appropriate because I’m sure they are blessed by her!) Her team contains the following:

Becky & Sheri – THANKS for all that you do, both for the Crew as a whole, and FOR ME! I love you bunches!

8 more weeks to go . . . stay tuned for more great introductions!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Walkin’ the Crew Blogs 10/19/10 & 10/26/10

Last week was a crazy busy week. At one point during the week, I remember mentioning to Brenda that I had forgotten to post my Walkin’ the Crew Blogs post – I had good intentions, but never got it posted. So, this week, I’m going to combine 2 weeks together – and introduce you to FOUR First Mates and their teams - - -

First up this week, we have First Mate Heather from Faith, Family, and Fun. Heather is in her 2nd year with the Crew and her first as a First Mate. Heather is a faithful Crew member who stood out to me last year because of her kind spirit and willingness to help. She is such a great encouragement to me, and she probably doesn’t even know it! :)

Heather’s calls her mini-crew, appropriately, Know the Ropes. Her team consists of:

My second introduction this week is First Mate Jean from Home Sweet Home(school). Jean’s in her 3rd year with the Crew, and her 2nd as a First Mate. Jean writes amazing reviews – thorough and personal – if you’re not reading her blog, you should be! She’s quick to offer assistance and always has a kind word.

Jean’s mini-crew is called The Fellow Ship and consists of:

Third this week, I’d like to introduce you to First Mate Tonia from The Sunny Patch. Tonia is one of our Canadian members. She joined the Crew as a reviewer last year, and agreed to stay on and serve as a First Mate this year. Tonia was a LIFESAVER to me last year in helping me to keep track of the links on the Crew blog – always watching for bad links and letting me know when she found them. That’s quite a job! And she did it all so willingly and kindly! I’m forever grateful! She continues to be a sunny spot in my day as she is always willing to lend a helping hand, as needed.

Tonia’s team is made up of:

And last, but certainly not least, I’m introducing another First Mate Heather. This Heather just so happens to be serving her 3rd year with the Crew, in addition to recently giving birth to #7, and writing for The Curiosity Files – so she’s one busy lady! I’m glad to have this multi-tasker on my team!

Heather’s mini-crew is made up of these ladies:

BIG THANKS going out to all 4 of these ladies and their teams. You’ve got lots of new blogs to visit and follow this week. ENJOY!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Walkin’ the Crew Blogs 10/12/10

We are just breezin’ right through our Crew Blog Walk! This week, I have 2 special ladies to introduce you to (along with their teams) - - -

First up in First Mate April from Elcloud Homeschool: Busy Minds, Busy Hands, Busy Feet. April is serving on the Crew for her 3rd year, her 2nd year as a First Mate. She’s always one of the first people I hear from when I ask for help with something. In addition to being a mom to 8 children (the newest a very recent addition to the family) and serving on the Crew, April also assists on The Curiosity Files team as our coloring page illustrator – if you’ve seen these studies, I’m sure your children have enjoyed coloring her great pictures!

April’s mini team is called Full & By. This team consists of:

Our second introduction for this week is First Mate Tristan from Our Busy Homeschool. Though Tristan was a new Crew mate last year and is serving as a First Mate for the first time this year, she was one of those members that immediately stood out to me. Like April, Tristan is always quick to help with things. Another busy mom with 5 little ones (#6 due very soon!), Tristan amazes me! In addition to all the regular homeschool mom and Crew responsibilites, Tristan will also be serving on the Schoolhouse Planner Creation Team this year. She’s full of great ideas and I look forward to the opportunity to work more closely with her.

Tristan’s mini-team is called Vanguard Vessel and consists of 5 members:

Great big THANKS to April and Tristan for their faithful service to the Crew and their willingness to always go above and beyond the call of duty! Love you both!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Walkin’ the Crew Blogs 10/5/10

Last week, Walkin’ the Crew Blogs fell on my Dad’s birthday. Today is Brian’s. (He’s 42!) Today marks the 1/2 way point on the journey that Brenda and I are taking, walkin’ the Crew members’ blogs. Are you enjoying it? I hope so!

This week, we’ve got 2 more special ladies to introduce you to, along with their mini-teams. First up is First Mate Debra from Footprints in the Butter. Debra joined the Crew last year for Year 2. It didn’t take long for her to stand out as an exemplary Crew member. She’s always one of the first people who volunteers to help with things, and she always does so with a cheerful, positive attitude. Have you seen the new Student Schoolhouse Planners yet? Debra was part of the team that helped create those planners!

Debra’s mini Crew team is called Sailing by Ashbreeze and consists of:

Our second introduction this week is First Mate Cindy from Fenced in Family. Cindy was a part of our Maiden Crew Voyage, and is serving in her 2nd year as a First Mate. She’s been a great addition to the Crew team. This year, she totally took over the updating of our Crew Manual, and has branched out to working in other areas of TOS, mainly the Homeschool Expo. Cindy has been a great asset to the Crew! I was honored to be able to meet Cindy this past spring – she’s just as sweet as I knew she would be and her kids are very well-behaved.

Cindy’s mini-team is called Exploring the Depths and consists of:

Thank you, Debra & Cindy, for the many blessings that you bring to the Crew and for the great friends that you have become! Love you both!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Walkin’ the Crew Blogs 9/28/10

Today is my dad’s birthday, and another edition of Walkin’ the Crew Blogs. Next week will mark the 1/2 way point on our journey through the Crew members’ blogs. I hope you’re enjoying meeting my Crew mates as much as I have been enjoying introducing them to you!

This week, from our Starboard Crew, we have First Mate Shannon from Mom Loves Books. Shannon’s story is unique in that she was a member of the Crew’s Maiden Voyage (Year 1); but, because she is an international member and we only allow for so many international members each year, we had to let her go for Year 2. But, we missed her so much that we asked her to return for the last part of Year 2 AND to stay on as a First Mate for Year 3 – which she graciously agreed to do!

Shannon’s group is the Five Sisters and is made up of:

Kimberly @ Homeschooling in Nova Scotia (Kimberly is also returning to us from Year 1)
Lindsay @ One Big Healthy Family
Paula @ Created 2B Creative
Vickie @ Tumbleweed News (Vickie, too, returns to us from Year 1)

Our second introduction this week is from our Port Crew – First Mate Tim from Families Again. I know it’s not really fair to pick favorites; but, in the case of Tim, it’s hard not to. Tim came to us in Year 2, after I prayed for more homeschool dads to join us on the Crew and he was the ONLY ONE! He was such a great addition to the team, that we just had to keep him on for Year 3 in the role of First Mate. He helps balance out all the women pretty well, and we hope to keep Tim around for years to come!

Tim’s mini-crew consists of the following:

Thank you, Shannon and Tim, for your faithful service to the Crew and for the fun you bring to it! You are both a blessing to me.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Walkin’ the Crew Blogs 9/21/10

Another edition of Walkin’ the Crew Blogs is here ---

This week, from our Port Crew, we have First Mate Jennifer from a glimpse of our life. Jennifer joined the Crew as a regular member for Year 2, and has stayed on to serve as a First Mate for Year 3. Jennifer is always quick to offer help and seems to have a very meek and gentle spirit. I’ve appreciated her attitude and helpfulness.

Jennifer calls her mini-team Follow Us. Her team consists of the following mates:

Next up, from our Starboard Crew, we are introducing you to First Mate Tricia from Life on the Hilltop and The Homeschool Review. Tricia was a charter Crew mate, sailing along for Year 1, and is serving as a First Mate for the 2nd year in a row. I always appreciate reading Tricia’s honest and well-written reviews. This past year, she graduated her oldest son from their homeschool and I very much enjoyed sharing that experience with her via her blog (as I have a junior this year and need to be preparing for “such a time as this”).

Tricia’s team is made up of:

Christy @ Training Hearts at Home
Julie @ Mindful Ramblings
Dawn @ Guiding Light Homeschool
Lisa @ Heritage Homestead and Homeschool Academy – I’d like to add that Lisa is a 2nd year Crew mate who graciously agreed to return when we were in need of more people to review upper level products this year. Lisa is a special lady with a lot on her plate as her family is in the mission field, she has health issues that she deals with on a daily basis, and a sweet little guy who was born prematurely and suffers with many special needs. I think you’ll enjoy following Lisa’s blog.

Special thanks to Tricia & Jennifer for their willing service to the Crew! You are both a blessing to me!

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Walkin’ the Crew Blogs 9/14/10

I’ve been enjoying introducing all our Crew Mates from the TOS Homeschool Crew. I hope you enjoy reading these posts each week and visiting new blogs. These ladies (and a few men) will be sharing lots of reviews of homeschooling-related products with you over the course of this year – so you’re missing out if you don’t take advantage of these links!

This week I’d like to start by introducing you to First Mate Suzanne from our Starboard Crew. Suzanne blogs at Homeschooling Drewper. Suzanne blogs about homeschooling her son, who is an only child. She has been on the Crew for 2 years now – last year as a member, and this year as a First Mate.

Suzanne’s mini-team consists of:

Next up, from our Port Crew, I’d like to introduce you to First Mate Amy from One Blessed Mamma. Amy was on the Maiden Voyage of the Crew, and has been serving as a First Mate for the past two years. She homeschools her 4 blessings and has a photography business on the side. I had the opportunity to meet and spend time with Amy not once this year – but twice! We met up with her and her kids in FL when we were down to Disney and the FPEA convention this past May, then got to spend time with them this summer when her family passed through our area (and camped in my hometown!) The picture above is me (standing) with FM Amy, FM Becky, and FM Wendy – taken at EPCOT.

Amy’s mini-team is made up of:

Thank you, Suzanne & Amy, for serving the Crew so faithfully!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Walkin’ the Crew Blogs 9/7/10

Walkin’ the Crew Blogs – Week #9 is here! Wow! And, as usual, I’ve got some special Crew mates to introduce you to ---

From our Starboard Crew, I’m introducing First Mate Mrs. White from The Legacy of Home. Mrs. White is serving on the Crew for her second year, agreeing to come back this year as a First Mate. If you’re interested in homemaking and/or raising up young people to be great homemakers, then you should definitely be reading Mrs. White’s blog. She also hosts a monthly meme called House Account Monthly that you might be interested in.

Mrs. White calls her mini-team Vessels of Scholars. Her team consists of:

From our Port Crew, we are featuring First Mate Chris from Army of 5. Chris is serving on the Crew for the 3rd year and the 2nd year as a First Mate. Not only does Chris homeschool her 3 kids, but she also works part time as a veterinarian. I like reading her blog tales about life on their ranch, and I’m sure that you will too!

Chris’s mini-team is made up of:

I hope you’ll enjoy visiting all of these Crew members’ blogs and making some new friends! Special thanks to Mrs. White and Chris for their service to the Crew – you are both a pleasure to know!

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Walkin’ the Crew Blogs 8/31/10

Week #8 of Walkin’ the Crew Blogs is here!

From our Port Crew, we are featuring First Mate Isabelle from Canadian Ladybug Reviews. Isabelle is one of our Canadian Crew members. She served on the Crew during our Maiden Voyage and agreed to come back for the end of Year 2 and to serve as a First Mate for Year 3. She’s been a great asset to the Crew, and is also a personal friend of mine. I met Isabelle back in 2000, when we were in the process to adopt our Gracie – we met in an online prayer group. We’ve since had opportunity to meet and spend time together as families.

Isabelle calls her team the Bluenose Mini Crew. This team consists of:

From our Starboard Crew, our featured First Mate is Karla from Ramblin’ Roads. Karla is serving the Crew for her 2nd year, the 1st as a First Mate. I enjoy visiting Karla’s blog and seeing all the pictures she shares of her family’s adventures.

Karla’s mini-team consists of:

Thank you, Isabelle & Karla, for your service to the Homeschool Crew.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Walkin’ the Crew Blogs 8/24/10

It’s hard to believe this is Week #7 of Walkin’ the Crew Blogs. Are you enjoying meeting my Crew? I know I’m enjoying sharing them with you!

This week, from our Starboard Crew, we are featuring First Mate Lori Lynn from Life on the Roller Coaster. Lori Lynn had an exemplary try-out review last year. Much to my surprise, just a few weeks after I accepted Lori Lynn on the Crew, I saw her name pop up in an e-mail from my local homeschool group. Come to find out, Lori Lynn lives less than 1/2 an hour away from me! We found ourselves together on several field trips last year – my favorite being the one that she organizes – the PA Renaissance Faire! Lori Lynn is returning to the Crew for her 2nd year, this year serving as a First Mate. In addition to working with the Crew and homeschooling her 2 fun sons, Lori Lynn works part-time from home for the Schoolhouse Store. Now, Lori Lynn and I are cooking up a lunch or dinner date sometime – coffee shop, here we come!

Lori Lynn’s team is made up of the following:

From our Port Crew, we are featuring First Mate Susan from Homeschooling Hearts & Minds. Susan is serving her 3rd year with the Crew, her 2nd as a First Mate. One of the things I really appreciate about Susan is that she’s always so on top of things. If I miss something on our forum, or am unaware of some new “regulation” out there, I can always count on Susan to fill me in. I know when I see an e-mail come through from Susan that it’s going to be something valuable to read. She’s one smart, efficient cookie, and I’m glad to have her on the Crew!

Susan’s team is made up of:

Thank you, Lori Lynn & Susan, for your faithful service to the Homeschool Crew. I’m so glad to have you both on board!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Walkin’ the Crew Blogs 8/17/10

Another week of Walkin’ the Crew blogs! Isn’t this fun?

Our featured First Mate from the Port Crew is First Mate Penny from Homeschooling, Autism, & “Stuff”. Penny has been a faithful member of the Crew since we set sail on our maiden voyage back in 2008. I met Penny this past spring at the Midwest Convention in Cincinnati. Her smiling face is just as pretty in person as it is on all her pictures. Penny homeschools her autistic daughter and is very in touch with all the latest methods – if you have a special needs child, I’d definitely recommend reading Penny’s blog.

Penny’s team is called “Sea Worthy” and consists of:

From the Starboard Crew, we’re featuring First Mate Lis. Lis can be found blogging at Small Change and shares her reviews at Acorns – Nuggets of Gold. Like Penny, Lis has also served as a faithful Crew mate since day 1. Maybe we should start calling these gals “Charter Members”. Lis is quite creative and always comes through when I ask for ideas and suggestions. She’s been a great asset to the Crew team.

The members of Lis’ team (Team Fleur-de-Lis)are:

I appreciate Penny & Lis and the great things they bring with them to the Crew. I’d encourage you to visit their blogs, along with the blogs of their teammates.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Walkin’ the Crew Blogs 8/10/10

Week 5 of Walkin’ the Crew Blogs already! Wow, this is fun – and fast! Today Brenda and I have 2 very special First Mates to feature (along with their mini-teams).

First up, from our Starboard Crew (which mainly reviews products for 7th-12th grades), we have First Mate Heidi from Chatter, Clatter, and Things That Matter. Heidi has been a faithful Crew member since our Maiden Voyage, and is serving as a First Mate for her 2nd term. I don’t just like her because we share a name and we’re both lefties – she’s been a great asset to the Crew in so many ways and I always enjoy reading her blog. I had the privilege of meeting Heidi at the Midwest Convention in Cincinnati this past spring, and she’s just as cute in person as I expected her to be!

Heidi’s mini-team is called The Navigators and consists of the following members:

Amy @ School Around the Table
Cara @ Evergreen Home Education
Jennifer @ Reflections in the Window
Nannette @ The Joys of Homeschooling

Second up this week, from our Port Crew (reviewing products from infant through 6th grade) is First Mate Jodi from The Homeschool Desk. This is only Jodi’s second year with the Crew and her first as a First Mate, but she’s one of those people I feel like I’ve known forever (and I’m going to get to meet in person in 2 weeks!) Jodi is always very willing to lend a helping hand and has been a great asset to the Crew. This year, in addition to serving as a First Mate, she is heading up the Blog Cruise, which is the Crew’s very own weekly meme. She is also working with me on a new project that TOS will be releasing very soon – so stay tuned for more details on that!

Jodi calls her team Stars of the Sea. Her team is made up of the following: