Monday, May 16, 2011

My Thoughts on the TOS Crew

It was this time last year when I applied to be on the TOS Crew.  I seriously thought it was a long shot.  We only have one child and I had no public blog at the time (I did have a private one for just friends and family, but not one I would share with the world). 

Then, out of the blue, I received an email that I was to do a review.  This was my "test" and I was so nervous.  I created a blog and wrote my first review.  I must have re-read it a hundred times before publishing it.  Within 15 minutes I heard back that I had made it!!  Phew!!  Little did I know what the upcoming year would bring.

There were a few things that I was not prepared for.  The first was the time commitment.  I realized early on that there was no use in me writing reviews if I only had my family reading my blog (and yes, they do read it everyday).  :)  I actually had to get other people to read what I was writing and then "talk" to them...lol!  I'll be honest and say that it took me a while to get use to chatting with complete strangers (though hubby would have to disagree).  ;)  But slowly I gained followers and made friends.

And that brings me to another thing I was not prepared for...the good friends that I have made.  There have been so many people, both on and off The Crew, that I have met online.  It has been fun chatting with people and learning about their families and homeschooling activities.

The last surprise for me has been the great products I have reviewed.  I had no idea in the beginning how many products we would get to try out.  Although a few did not work for us, many have been a perfect fit for our family!  And I just love hearing feedback from readers on how my reviews have helped them in their purchasing decisions. 

I've reviewed a total of 28 products with 3 more to go.  Some of my favorites include:

Latin for Children A
PyraMath
Talking Fingers
Apologia: Who Is God
Yesterday's Classics
Circle C Books
Maestro Classics
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary for Kids
Dig It Games: Roman Town
Growing Healthy Homes

So to conclude, I have enjoyed my first year on The TOS Crew and look forward to the year ahead.  I hope it will be just as wonderful and I'm sure it will be full of surprises!

Thanks for taking this voyage with me!