Tuesday, February 28, 2017

When God Made You {Review}


  Ever wonder what God was thinking when he made you? Are you just a haphazard creation of personality? Or was there a plan, a purpose?

When God Made You celebrates the unique creation of us all. Following the wild adventures of a little girl, children are encouraged to find their place in the world. Repeated throughout the book are reassurances of God's love and intention in his creation. The story boasts everyone's uniqueness:
An incredible You, a you all your own,
a you unlike anyone else ever known.

With playful rhyme and rhythm and beautiful illustrations, the reader is transported into a fanciful world where children are taught to explore their passions and purpose:
Use your talents and passions,
those gifts that God fashioned.
Think up ideas and then
put them to action.

I read this book with my two younger children, 9 and 5 years old.  We got caught up in the rhyming style of the story and it almost read like a song.  We found ourselves wanting to tap out the beat.  And we all loved the illustrations.  They are colorful and whimsical.  And slightly busy which I don't typically like, but fit so well with the story.

All in all, this book is cute, full of wonder, and shares a beautiful message.  We're all a unique part of God's plan and the world wouldn't be the same without us.  Let's celebrate!

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Monday, February 27, 2017

Homeschool ABC Collab: H is for Hummingbirds



We have Hummingbirds!  They've been delighting us with their antics and we're having a wonderful time learning about them in our homeschool.  Help us learn about what plants they enjoy and how to make our home more hospitable.

Join us in this new youtube collab exploring and celebrating the ABC's of your homeschool.

This video gives you the information you need to join us. Any other questions, let me know.
Homeschool ABC Collab Intro:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-kVcpEeZ3c

Homeschool ABC Collab Letter H playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdEwsx69jopsOrWf6CggHShpSvBBhgvsl

Homeschool ABC's Collab- Letter I is for... will be posted on Tuesday March 7, 2017.  Come back with your links to be added to the playlist.

C O N N E C T
subscribe at http://www.youtube.com/creative2xmom
read at http://www.creative2xmom.blogspot.com
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follow me on http://twitter.com/creative2xmom
pin it http://www.pinterest.com/creative2xmom

Contact us for business inquiries, reviews and collaborations: BethAnn_97@hotmail.com

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:

Bright Wish by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: http://incompetech.com/

For Mimi by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org/

I created this video with the YouTube Video Editor (http://www.youtube.com/editor)

March Holidays and Homeschool Ideas

Looking for ways to add some fun to your homeschool?  Here are just a few of the holidays and fun days you can celebrate this month:

March 1st-- Peanut Lover's Day
*Treat yourself to some Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Cheesecake Pops
*Serve up some African Chicken and Peanut Soup
*Make a craftivity project to celebrate George Washington Carver

March 2nd--Dr. Suess' Birthday
*Try some Red Fish, Blue Fish Sensory Science
*Make an opposite foot trail
*Use Dr. Suess in your literary analysis

March 6th--Oreo Cookie Day
*"Bake" some Oreo Truffles

March 12th--Plant a Flower Day
*Learn the parts of a flower
*Purchase some flowers to plant in the garden

March 17th--St. Patrick's Day
*Make corned beef and cabbage salad
*Bake a shamrock shaped pizza

March 21st--Poetry Day
*Memorize a new poem
*Start a poetry teatime
*Write an "I Am" poem

March 30th--Take A Walk In The Park Day
*Explore a new park
*Hike in your local state park


What days are you celebrating this month?

Friday, February 24, 2017

Weekend Links











This Week:

What I Made:  We've been baking lots of pumpkin muffins and even made pumpkin/gingerbread waffles last weekend.  Our brains are on fall flavors.

What I'm Reading:  I'm working my way through a 30-Day marriage challenge book.  It's similar to the 30 Day Kindness Challenge in that there are specific action steps, but there's extra journaling space in the book as well.  It's certainly been good food for thought.

What I'm Doing:  My husband and I are attending some foster care training this weekend.  It's our Retention Weekend and a good chance to network and be encouraged by other foster parents.

What I'm Watching:  We watched Saving Mr. Banks this weekend.  It was a lot sadder than I thought it would be.  Very good, but tough to get through.

What I'm Enjoying: pumpkin... baking with Lydia... decluttering...

What are you up to?

2017 February Bookmarks

 photo IMG_2478_zpsczopbrsn.jpg

*Bookmarks is an online book club hosted at Creative2xmom. Here we discuss the books we've read in the past month as well as the suggested reading. Our suggested reading for February was The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines.

These are the books I read this month:


The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley--I had originally picked up this book for my daughter, but she wasn't interested.  So I read it!  Ada and her brother, Jamie, flee London during WWII because of the bomb threats.  They also flee a very abusive home life.  Once in the countryside, they meet Susan Smith, mourning the loss of her dear friend.  Though reluctant to take in the children, Susan quickly realizes she needs them.  And they certainly need her.  As the three characters recover from their emotional scares, war moves closer and closer.  Until one day Ada and Jamie's mom shows up and the children must decide where they really belong.  Must more than a historical fiction novel, this book also touches on emotional abuse, recovery, and the definition of family.  I'll definitely be including this one in our WWII unit.



Our suggested reading for February was The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines--

So what are your bookmarks this month?

Tell us in the comments about the books you're chewing on. Or link up a review from your own blog. Let's share the books we're finding, good and bad. And give us your thoughts on The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines.

Also don't forget to come back on March 31st as we discuss A Year of Biblical Womanhood by Rachel Held Evans.


Thursday, February 23, 2017

Disneyland, Tea Party, and Moana IS Real! {DITL 2/5/17}



Yay!  We're in Disneyland!  We took a trip to Disneyland with our 11, 9, and 5 year olds, Grandma, and our cousin, Bill.  On this day, we visited Disneyland Magic Kingdom, had a tea party, rode 3 of the mountain rides, and discovered the Moana IS real!

C O N N E C T
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Contact us for business inquiries, reviews and collaborations: BethAnn_97@hotmail.com

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:

Sunday Spirit by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Bright Wish by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Jenny’s Theme by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

I created this video with the YouTube Video Editor (http://www.youtube.com/editor)

Let's Go to Mickey's House {DITL 2/4/17}



Adventure Awaits... and we are on our way!  Do you know where we're going?

C O N N E C T
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FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:

Doh De Oh by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Happy Strummin by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

I created this video with the YouTube Video Editor
 (https://www.youtube.com/editor)

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Top 10 Favorite Historical Fiction Books

I love how historical fiction has revolutionized our homeschool.  The genre truly has a way of bringing history to life.  Over the years, we've really dove into historical fiction to supplement our studies and make history more relatable.  These are our top 10 Favorite Historical Fiction Books and Series:


1. Magic Tree House Books

  From around 2nd grade these Magic Tree House books became a staple in our house.  They're great for read alouds in a unit or assigned as independent reading.  My kids loved them and have traveled all over the world through these stories.


2. American Girl Books

  The historical American Girl books have taken my daughter all the way from the American colonies to World War II.  Not only are the American Girl books full of historical facts, but the girls are also great role models.    


3. Dear America Books

  Dear America books are written in a diary style.  Similar to the American Girl books, Dear America lets the reader hear the story in first person, taking on adventures from the colonies to the prairie to the wild west.


4. Royal Diaries

  Like the Dear America books, the Royal Diaries are written in first person journal entries.  Taking the reader all over the world, these books focus on real royal figures in history.


5. Little House on the Prairie series

  This series was my children's first introduction to historical fiction.  Following the growing years of Laura Ingalls Wilder, the Little House on the Prairie series takes readers from the cabin the woods across the American frontier.


6. Island of the Blue Dolphins

  Island of the Blue Dolphin tells the story of a Karana, a girl left on her home island as her family leaves for mainland California.  It's the story of native California people and what their life was like before the missions.


7. Esperanza Rising

  Through a cruel turn of events, Esperanza and her mother must flee Mexico and a thriving farm.  When they arrive in California, her mother works in the fields while Esperanza learns what camp life is like.  Desperate for her old life, Esperanza struggles to embrace both the good and the bad of her new life in America.


8. By the Great Horn Spoon

  Full of comedy and adventure, By the Great Horn Spoon follows a young boy and his butler as search for riches in the gold fields of California.  A humorous look into a time before California became a state, this book is also a great study in literary devices and character development.


9. Blue Willow

  The daughter of a migrant worker during the Dust Bowl, Janey Larkin carries with her the most valuable treasure she owns: a Blue Willow plate.  The scene, a tranquil home, is an ever present reminder of the thing she longs for most: home and the last relationships that come from putting down roots.


10. The War That Saved My Life

  Ada has never left her one room apartment in London because her mother is too ashamed of her club foot.  When London is evacuated during WWII, Ada and her brother, Jamie, sneak into a group of children headed for the countryside.  What unfolds is a tale of war, friendship, and two people that save each other through the bond of family.

What would you add to the list?

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Homeschool ABC Collab: G is for Games



 This week we're talking about games, specifically games that apply to learning in our homeschool.  We love using games to practice and reinforce concepts.  These are some of our favorites!

Join us in this new youtube collab exploring and celebrating the ABC's of your homeschool.

This video gives you the information you need to join us. Any other questions, let me know.
Homeschool ABC Collab Intro:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-kVcpEeZ3c

Homeschool ABC Collab Letter G playlist:

Homeschool ABC's Collab- Letter H is for... will be posted on Tuesday February 28, 2017.  Come back with your links to be added to the playlist.

C O N N E C T
subscribe at http://www.youtube.com/creative2xmom
read at http://www.creative2xmom.blogspot.com
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pin it http://www.pinterest.com/creative2xmom

Contact us for business inquiries, reviews and collaborations: BethAnn_97@hotmail.com

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:

Bright Wish by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: http://incompetech.com/

I created this video with the YouTube Video Editor (http://www.youtube.com/editor)

Friday, February 17, 2017

2017 Disneyland Trip Introduction



Yeah for Disneyland!  We're planning a trip with our 11, 9, and 5 year olds.  Four days in the park, traveling with family, meeting up with the in--laws, ... let's get going!

C O N N E C T
subscribe at http://www.youtube.com/creative2xmom
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pin it http://www.pinterest.com/creative2xmom

Contact us for business inquiries, reviews and collaborations: BethAnn_97@hotmail.com

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:

Bright Wish by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: http://incompetech.com/

I created this video with the YouTube Video Editor (http://www.youtube.com/editor)

Weekend Links













This Week:

What I Made:  I started planning some scrapbook pages for Disneyland photos from our most recent trip.  I'm wanting to scrap these soon while the memories are fresh in my mind.  :-)

What I'm Reading:  I'm still on hold for the February book club selection so I picked up March's selection to read ahead.  There haven't been many good review books lately so I'm been at a little stand still.

What I'm Doing:  We had a great time in Disney, but now it's back to picking up all the crazy things that have slipped through the cracks.  Library visits, museum trips, Easter planning, dinners... and of course, laundry.  :-)

What I'm Watching:  We've been watching a documentary on Amazon Prime called Prairie House.  We're almost done, but it's been really interesting.  A lot in the same line as the PBS documentaries.

What I'm Enjoying: Sunshine... and rain... :-) .... roses for Valentine's Day... watching the clouds roll by... soup in the crockpot... warm lemon water... 

What are you up to?

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Homeschool ABC Collab: F is for Field Trips



This week we're talking about field trips.  We love field trips in our homeschool and I wanted to share with you some of our favorites.

Join us in this new youtube collab exploring and celebrating the ABC's of your homeschool.

This video gives you the information you need to join us. Any other questions, let me know.
Homeschool ABC Collab Intro:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-kVcpEeZ3c

Homeschool ABC Collab Letter F playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdEwsx69jopuv-ImpfOWSQ7ITom07tfwa

Homeschool ABC's Collab- Letter G is for... will be posted on Tuesday February 21, 2017.  Come back with your links to be added to the playlist.

C O N N E C T
subscribe at http://www.youtube.com/creative2xmom
read at http://www.creative2xmom.blogspot.com
like me on http://www.facebook.com/creative2xmom
follow me on http://twitter.com/creative2xmom
pin it http://www.pinterest.com/creative2xmom

Contact us for business inquiries, reviews and collaborations: BethAnn_97@hotmail.com

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:

Bright Wish by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: http://incompetech.com/

I created this video with the YouTube Video Editor (http://www.youtube.com/editor)

Monday, February 13, 2017

Disneyland Attractions and Walk-throughs {And What We Think of Them!}

*Originally posted on 9/29/14.  Enjoy!

 photo Disneyland131_zpseac282f2.jpg 

Continuing in our series about Disneyland attractions and rides, I really wanted to keep my eyes and ears open during our last trip in February.  That's one of the great things about Disneyland: there's a hidden surprise around every corner and always something to be discovered.  If you're looking for some of those lesser known experiences, this is the post for you.

Attractions:

Tiki Room-- The Tiki Room is my personal favorite place to stop in the middle of a busy day in the park.  It's a great place to rest your feet, cool off, and enjoy a fun show.  This one has been a crowd pleaser for every age group when we go to the park.

Captain EO--I have to admit that I've never seen this show.  I'm not a Michael Jackson fan, but if you're looking for it, it's located between Star Tours and Space Mtn.

Aladdin--I really can't say enough good things about the quality of this show. It's not something you'd expect to see in the middle of a theme park.  But the quality is amazing and we all loved it.  The Aladdin stage is located in the Hyperion Theater at the end of the Hollywood block of Disney's California Adventure.

Jedi Training--I want to take Noah to this one next time.  Come battle Darth Vader outside the cafe in Tomorrowland and possibly end up on stage.

Turtle Talk with Crush--Anyone remember Crush from Finding Nemo?  You enter into a large room and are sited in front of a huge screen where Crush appears and answers questions from the audience.  I was absolutely amazed by how Crush pointed people out and interacted with them.  Next time I'll figure out the trick.  :-)

Disney Jr. Live On-stage--I haven't seen this one, but I've heard lots of moms say their kids loved seeing favorite Disney characters come to life.  Handy Mandy, Little Einsteins, Jake and the Neverland Pirates... you'll find your kids' favorites here.

A Bug's Life: It's Tough to be a Bug--Ah, this is a fun one.  Discover what it's like to be bug size with this tour from Flik.  This 3D show give you a glimpse into their world complete with smells, sights, sounds, and even some touch.

Walk throughs:

Sleeping Beauty's Castle--You have to be able to go up and down stairs to enjoy this one, but I love the miniaturized scenes from the movie as you relive the story.  Classic Disney!

Tarzan's Treehouse--My kids love this one and it's a great way to burn off energy.  Located right next to Indiana Jones, it's also a wonderful way to keep the younger ones busy while they're waiting.  And don't forget the interactive play area at the end.  But I personally miss The Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse.

Tom Sawyer's Island--Sorry I haven't done this one yet either.  I think you have to row the canoes to get there and I'm just not up for the challenge yet with kids.

Redwood Creek Challenge Trail-- For several trips, I didn't notice this part of the park.  It's tucked in the back of Disney's California Adventure near Grizzly River Run and from the main path, it just looks like a small section of the park.  But in true Disney from, it's more than meets the eye.  When you walk through the entry, it's like a whole other park.  Slides, rope climbs, a bear cave,... and my kids loved the zip line surprise at the end.  It's well worth checking out.

What is your favorite lesser known attractions at Disneyland?

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Homeschool ABC Collab: E is for Earthquakes



We're studying earth science with my 4th and 6th graders.  All lessons are all about the earth's layers, volcanoes, earthquakes, and types of rocks.  This week we took a classic science demonstration and added some fun to our earthquake lesson!

Join us in this new youtube collab exploring and celebrating the ABC's of your homeschool.

This video gives you the information you need to join us. Any other questions, let me know.
Homeschool ABC Collab Intro:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-kVcpEeZ3c

Homeschool ABC Collab Letter E playlist:

Homeschool ABC's Collab- Letter F is for... will be posted on Tuesday February 14, 2017.  Come back with your links to be added to the playlist.

C O N N E C T
subscribe at http://www.youtube.com/creative2xmom
read at http://www.creative2xmom.blogspot.com
like me on http://www.facebook.com/creative2xmom
follow me on http://twitter.com/creative2xmom
pin it http://www.pinterest.com/creative2xmom

Contact us for business inquiries, reviews and collaborations: BethAnn_97@hotmail.com

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:

Country Cue 1 by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

I created this video with the YouTube Video Editor (http://www.youtube.com/editor)

Monday, February 6, 2017

Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread {Pinterest Inspired}

My little Lydia and I both love to cook and bake.  We have so much fun when we're in the kitchen together.  So last Sunday, we decided we wanted to bake, and bake something yummy.  We turned to pinterest, of course, and a recipe I'd long ago pinned.  This Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread was moist, soft, and so delicious.  The kids loved and I can see it becoming a favorite in our home.

Cinnamon doughnut loaf photo DSC_0079_zpstk1mwmps.jpg

Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread
*from Lauren's Latest

1/4 c. oil
1/4 c. softened butter
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 c. buttermilk
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp molasses

coating:
1/2 c. melted butter
1/4 c. sugar
1/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon

1. Mix oil, butter, and sugar.  Stir in eggs and vanilla.  Slowly add in flour, baking powder, milk, salt, and butter milk.

2.  Place 1/2 c. of batter into a separate bowl and mix in cinnamon and molasses.

3. Spray loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray.  Pour 1/2 plain batter into pan, followed by 1/2 cinnamon batter, the second half of the plain batter, and ending with the final 1/2 of cinnamon batter.  Swirl layers with a butter knife into a marble pattern.

4. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes.

5. Prepare coating by melting butter in one bowl and mixing sugar and cinnamon in a second bowl.

6. After loaf has cooled for 10 minutes, dip the bread into the melted butter and sprinkle all over with the sugar cinnamon mixture.  Slice into pieces and serve warm.


Friday, February 3, 2017

Weekend Links










This Week:

What I Made: Ugh... nothing.  :-(  It was an uncreative week.  I worked on travel plans and other than that, just drove kids from place to place.  :-)

What I'm Reading: I started a book called The War That Save My Life.  It's a fourth grade book about WWII and originally I picked it up for my daughter.  But I got sucked in.  Sounds typical right?

What I'm Doing:  Watching lots of dance :-) ... playing with bullet journaling... looking at curriculum for next year... 

What I'm Watching:  We've started a series called Prairie House.  Fascinating watching 21st century people trying to live in prairie times.

What I'm Enjoying: rain... our hummingbird feeder... historical fiction...

What are you up to?

Thursday, February 2, 2017

January Homeschool Favorites



Some of our favorites this month in our homeschool!

Original Creator: FullTimeWifeLife

Mr. Lemoncello's Library:
https://www.amazon.com/Escape-Lemoncellos-Library-Chris-Grabenstein/dp/0307931471/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485383635&sr=8-1&keywords=Mr.+Lemoncello%27s+library

National Geographic Kids Trains:
https://www.amazon.com/National-Geographic-Readers-Amy-Shields/dp/1426307772/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485294570&sr=8-1&keywords=National+Geographic+kids+trains

Locomotive:
https://www.amazon.com/Locomotive-Caldecott-Medal-Brian-Floca/dp/1416994157/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1485294637&sr=8-2&keywords=Locomotive

Animal Upon Animal Game:
https://www.amazon.com/HABA-Animal-Upon-Classic-Stacking/dp/B001IM4CSU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485294703&sr=8-1&keywords=Animal+upon+Animal

Gold Rush Game:
https://www.education.com/worksheet/article/gold-rush-game/


C O N N E C T
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read at http://www.creative2xmom.blogspot.com
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follow me on http://twitter.com/creative2xmom

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:

Country Cue 1 by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

I created this video with the YouTube Video Editor (http://www.youtube.com/editor)
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