Midnight Mom Devotional {Review}

This year long devotional by Becky Thompson focuses on prayer for a mom's heart.  Each day has a prayer for different circumstances of life, including:

*military spouse who's husband/wife is deployed

*mom who is struggling with a teenager

*the grieving mom

*the mom with a sick child

*the new mom

and many more.

Each prayer is a page or so long, and includes space to reflect on whether the prayer is for the reader or someone in their life.  This is also a great place to write further notes as the Lord leads.

I really enjoyed this quick little devotional.  I found it to be a good tool in prayer for myself and my family, as well as those around me.  It was interesting to see how the Lord highlighted in my mind as I prayed.  I allowed me to get my focus off my own advice and helped me to lay my loved ones in his hands.  This would be a sweet devotional to start in the new year.

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

Everyday Brave {Review}

What constitutes brave?  Is it the woman traveling the world on a mission trip?  Or the woman digging wells in Africa?  Could it be the mom facing single motherhood?  Or the best friend walking through cancer?  Perhaps it's all of the above.

In Everyday Brave, Janet Thompson explores what it means to be brave in today's society.  Though doubts and insecurities plague us, perhaps bravery is found in quiet trust.  Highlighting the stories of 50 women from the Bible, as well as 30 present day women, this book takes a closer look at true bravery.  These stories are meant to inspire confidence and courage in woman that they can conquer any circumstance with faith and bravery through the Lord.

I loved how this book highlighted some of the lesser known women of the Bible as well as the more commonly repeated acts of bravery.  Theses are ordinary, every day women, some even unnamed, faced seemingly impossible circumstances and yet persevered through their confidence, not in themselves, but in God.  It was this confidence and quiet faith that made them truly brave.  Along side their stories are the tales of present day bravery, many women who would not consider themselves brave, and yet live every day displaying a quiet trust and perseverance.  Thompson does a good job of interweaving the two and pulling out the everyday brave in the most common circumstance, proving that every woman has the potential to change the world for the Lord.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book for review.  All opinions are my own.

Railway Jack {Review}

The true story of Jim Wide and his service companion, Railway Jack is a warm, endearing tale.  When Jim looses his legs in a tragic accident at the train station, he also looses his job.  One day while observing a baboon at the market, Jim wonders if this animal can help him as well. As Jim regains his job, he finds that Jack is bright, hardworking and eager to please.  Together the two embark on a unique friendship.  Known as one of the original service animals, Jack finds his way into the community and Jim's heart.  A delightful story and beautifully illustrated, Railway Jack would make a wonderful book for any family looking to broaden their children's perspective.  As a homeschool mom, I love that the author included additional information in baboons, service animal history, additional internet resources, and more.  Railway Jack is much more than a picture book.  It is an invitation to another world.  I would whole hearted recommend this book.

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

Fall Family Bucket List

We're rolling into fall and creating our bucket list for the season.  Fall is a busy time in our house, with lots of celebrating and enjoying the season.  Here's just a few of the things we have planned.

*Celebrate Noah's 14th Birthday
*Go to the Pumpkin Patch
*Scrapbook last year's school photos
*Carve pumpkins
*Toast pumpkin seeds
*Create Halloween costumes
*Make Maple Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
*Plan ahead for Christmas
*Plan ahead for Lydia's birthday
*Go to a Harvest Festival
*Take the kids' annual photos
*Decorate the front porch
*Make applesauce in the crockpot
*Watch the stars come out
*Make pumpkin pancakes
*Go on a couple of picnics
*Attend a couple of field trips
*Try a new portion fix apple recipe
*Host a bonfire party
*Make a pumpkin floral arrangment

What's on your to do list for the fall?

Setting Your Holiday Calendar ll Homeschooling Through the Holidays

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Today we're tackling the first step in Homeschooling Through the Holidays: Setting Your Holiday Calendar.  We'll talk about some of the non-negotiables, the importance of writing it down, and the necessity of finding margin.

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑18yrs led to 👱14 yrs, 👧11 yrs, and 👱 8 yrs.

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

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FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.


Music Attribution:
Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod

Bible History ABC's {Review}

The Bible is an overarching story of God's people and His plan to restore man to Himself.  The best way for children, and really any of us, to understand this is to follow the timeline of that restoration and God's continuous love through all of it.  Written for ages 4-7 years, Bible History ABC's takes the reader through significant points of Biblical history all the way from (A)dam to (Z)ion, highlighting the hand of God.  Each letter touches on a Biblical truth, complete with corresponding Scripture and illustration.

I've been on a quest in the past year to find Bible resources that push beyond the basics.  It's been really impressed on my heart to provide my kids with a Christian education that has depth.  I've read some reviews on this book that say it's not age appropriate, that it's too much.  I would respectfully disagree.  While the concepts are definitely challenging, I don't think it's all that beyond our preschoolers.  They are capable of grasping so much more than we give them credit for, and I have to appreciate a book that doesn't dumb down the gospel.  Biblically sound, challenging, and rich, I'm excited to use this ABC book in educating my kids.

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

October Goals ll Homeschool Mom of Three

October is Here!  Setting goals for the months and recognizing a theme in all areas.

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑18yrs led to 👱13 yrs, 👧11 yrs, and 👱 8 yrs.

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

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Music Attribution:
Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod

What We Read ll Sept 2019

Sharing what our family read this month...
Click for More!

Check Out:
Bytes of Memory:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZYXBRaow7qaPnA5i0kf2bw

Top Five Parenting Books That Shaped Me As A Parent:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P59UdxwXA6o

Our Ten Family Read Alouds for the Homeschool Year:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcQdc5g4NJ0

An Amish Christmas Kitchen Review:
http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2019/09/an-amish-christmas-kitchen-review.html

Raising Successful Teens Review:
http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2019/09/raising-successful-teens-review.html

Something Needs to Change Review:
http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2019/09/something-needs-to-change-review.html

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑18yrs led to 👱13 yrs, 👧11 yrs, and 👱 8 yrs.

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

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 https://www.instagram.com/creative2xmom/

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:
Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod

Something Needs to Change {Review}

While on an eight day trek through the Himalayas, David Platt comes face to face with some of the most dramatic poverty in the world.  His book, Something Needs to Change, is the chronicling and wrestling that resulted from that trip.  Encountering such extreme depravity (lose of an eye due to infection, trafficked children as a result of hunger, dark spiritual warfare) leaves Platt wondering, "Where is God in the midst of all this?  And where is the church?" An honest, heart felt reflection on his own life has him asking, "Do I really practice what I preach?"

On the one hand, I appreciate Platt's honesty.  In reading this book, one can easily see that he's wrestling through his own beliefs and limitations.  Written in journal style, Something Needs to Change includes Platt's own scripture reading throughout the trip, as well as his notes and prayers.  On the other hand, the author left me feeling flat, hopeless, and confused.  Even he is at a loss of where to go from here.  How am I supposed to have the answers?  While in some ways this allows the Lord to work in each individual heart, it can also be a stumbling block toward actually doing anything.  I was left feeling hopeless.  While his experience certainly changed him, it didn't translate well for me.  Overall, I was just frustrated with the book and really wouldn't recommend it.

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

Nature Tonic {Review}

Filled with 365 creative nature prompts, Nature Tonic encourages the reader to get outside and embrace the world around him.  This whimsical nature workbook features ideas for thoughtful consideration, nature awareness, and re-centering in a technology driven world.  Prompts and meditations provide for noticing the seasons and reconnecting with the natural world.  

In a generation fighting nature deficiency, Nature Tonic reminds us to not neglect our need to slow down.  Reconnecting with nature is vital in maintaining our physical and mental health.  This delightful notebook provides a year full of ways to do just that.  Jocelyn De Kwant's Nature Tonic would make a wonderful gift for any student or lover of beauty.  Our family will be looking for ways to include it in our nature study this year as well as to remind us of the beauty and wonder around us. I have been thoroughly pleased with this book and can't wait to use it further.

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

Raising Successful Teens {Review}

In Raising Successful Teens, Jeffrey Dean exposes the pressures of today's teens and the challenges of today's parents.  Social media, texting, and cell phones all represent new dimensions of parenthood that are unique to this generation.  We find ourselves in uncharted territory, while the world fights to drive a wedge between teens and parents.  The author addresses these issues and more with sound Biblical truth and practical advice, as well as insight into today's teens based on years in ministry and counseling.

Raising Successful Teens opens with a reminder that God has matched each parent with their specific child.  He has a plan for each family and the makeup of that family is no mistake.  Dean encourages parents to dig in and be prepared to fight for their children.  Sometimes parenthood is hard, and parenting teens can be particularly hard.  Dean reminds parents that the fight is worth it.  That no matter how much teens push back, they desperately desire to have a deep, loving relationship with their parents.  The author then reminds us that our ultimate goal should be to raise children and teens who love the Lord and love others.  While practical issues are addressed in this book, they all start from the basis that loving the Lord and others is our end goal in Raising Successful Teens.

Later chapters touch on such issues as identity, technology, cell phones, dating, friendships, purpose, and more.  Much of the information is unique to this particular generation and filled with practical advice.  While I would consider my husband and I to be involved parents, even we have been overwhelmed by some of the issues of today's teens.  This book provided a fresh perspective of how to encounter these issues and work through them.  And it was a huge encouragement to be "all-in parents" as our kids need us now more than ever.

Raising Successful Teens is finding a permanent place on my bookshelf as we're just beginning to navigate the waters of this new stage in life.  But I can already see that it has provided much needed encouragement, perspective, hope, and practical tools.  This book is quickly rising in my list of top parenting books that I will reach for time and time again.

*Disclaimer: This book was provided free from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Fall Reading List ll 2019

Coming back again to share my Fall Reading List.  History, parenting teens, and growing brave to name a few... Join me?
Click for more!

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑18yrs led to 👱13 yrs, 👧11 yrs, and 👱 8 yrs.

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

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 https://www.instagram.com/creative2xmom/

Bytes of Memory:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZYXBRaow7qaPnA5i0kf2bw

Top Five Parenting Books:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P59UdxwXA6o

Using Library Lists to Organize Your Homeschool:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlLV3h4EzYY&t=1s

Summer Reading List:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cF1pz92qsLI

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:
Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod

Advent for Everyone: Matthew {Review}

An in-depth daily devotional, Advent for Everyone: Matthew by N.T. Wright takes a focused look at the life and second coming of Christ.  The author takes his readers on a four part journey of keeping their eyes focused on Christ and the Great commission during the busy holiday season.  This devotional's four parts include:

Week One: A Time to Watch

Week Two: A Time to Repent

Week Three: A Time to Heal

Week Four: A Time to Love

Each week is divided into seven days with Scripture reading, devotional, and reflection questions.  The is not your typical light devotional reading, but rather a in-depth study in Christian history and the life of Christ.  It is challenging, insightful, and rich.  N.T. Wright takes his readers through biblical context as well as personal modern application, making Advent for Everyone a powerful tool in the life of a believer. This devotional is deep enough to be used year after year, and in group or individual study.  Be prepared to be changed!

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

September Goals (w/ Chatty Life Update)

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Rolling into the fall and trying to set marriage goals!

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑18yrs led to 👱13 yrs, 👧11 yrs, and 👱 7 yrs.

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

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

Music Attribution:
Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod

Family Read Aloud Swap

Sharing my unboxing of the Family Read Aloud Swap.

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑18yrs led to 👱13 yrs, 👧11 yrs, and 👱 7 yrs.

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

Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDtxp7KUB20&list=PLdEwsx69jopvU7NjXhzoKbMRsrSFT-7Pu

Project Happy Home:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfwA-PSw_TnMyHc0onXW9Ug

Sodbuster Living:
https://www.youtube.com/user/cneipp

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 https://www.instagram.com/creative2xmom/

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Musica Attribution:
Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod

Dear Grandchild, This is Me {Review}

This guided journal stands out from many others on the market in its unique questions.  Amongst the typical birth and marriage questions, it also includes questions like: 

• What was your favorite activity to do with your parents as a child?
• What is the most distant place you've ever traveled?
• What is your favorite thing about this stage in life?
• What event/moment do you wish you could have recorded?
• What is the best advice you've ever been given?

Interspersed through out the journal there are also pages for photos and pockets for personalized letters to be hidden and discovered.  Each is for a different season in life, like "when you find yourself in a season of change."  

I absolutely love this journal.  Handover and beautifully bound, this journal goes beyond the typical memory questions, and pushes for more personal stories and family history.  Not only is it beautifully put together with a muted color scheme, but it's also unique in how it draws out the writers personality.  And that, for me, makes this journal stand out above the rest.  I love this one.

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

An Amish Christmas Kitchen {Review}

A collection of three novellas, An Amish Christmas Kitchen showcases the work of three well known Amish fiction writers: Leslie Gould, Jan Drexler, and Kate Lloyd.

The first novella, An Amish Family Christmas, tells the story of a young Noelle who struggles to find her place in the family business.  Always behind the series, a busy Christmas season pushes her into the forefront as she must take her sister's place selling pies at the Christmas market.  While there, she encounters new friends and an old flame.  And when her sister begins acting strangely about the family Christmas plans, Noelle must decide for herself how she sees her future.

The second novella, An Amish Christmas Recipe, follows Ada as she seeks to win a young man's affections ... through baking him Christmas cookies, of course.  But when the young man's character proves to be questionable, a new beau emerges.  A wonderful story that proves looks can sometimes be deceiving.

The final novella, Unexpected Christmas Gift, introduces Maria, who through a strange turn of events, finds herself in Amish country looking for her birth family.  Stranded by the side of the road in a snow storm, Maria bring her heart ache, and her English ways, into the lives of the Miller family as she looks for answers.

Each novella highlights new characters and can be read as a stand alone story.  Centered around the Amish/Mennonite communities, the stories are lighthearted and draw on the theme of hospitality in the kitchen.  My favorite of the three novellas was the first by Leslie Gould.  An Amish Family Christmas has the most in-depth storyline within the confines of a smaller space.  These shorter, themed collections are perfect for relaxing in the midst of a busy holiday season.

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

What We Read ll August 2019

Sharing what our family read this month...
Click for More!

Check Out:
Bytes of Memory:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZYXBRaow7qaPnA5i0kf2bw

The Simple Rugged Path:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7HVorQE8LgvYfw8_zPiDAQ

Truth Unchanging {Review}:
http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2019/08/truth-unchanging-review.html

The Middle Matters {Review}:
http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2019/08/the-middle-matters-review.html

Our Ten Family Read Alouds for the Homeschool Year:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcQdc5g4NJ0


Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑18yrs led to 👱13 yrs, 👧11 yrs, and 👱 7 yrs.

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

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 https://www.instagram.com/creative2xmom/

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

The Middle Matters {Review}

In her newest book, The Middle Matters, author Lisa-Jo Baker shares some of her insights and wisdom about middle age.  Through personal stories and reflections, she shares how middle age sometimes gets a bad rap.  With our bodies showing the passage of time, but our minds still feeling 20 years old, middle age can be rough.  But it can also be the sweet spot where we finally embrace who we are: wrinkle, gray hair, strong opinions, and all.  

This was my first exposure of this author.  And she is a wonderful story teller.  Baker writes with humorous insight into marriage, parenthood, and love handles.  However, what I didn't realize is this: The Middle Matters is a collection of short essays and personal stories.  It really has more to do with the author herself than communicating truth about women in middle age.  That's ok if your enjoy a collection of essays.  I do not.  This book felt like "light" Christianity: full of fluff, without a lot of substance.

Sadly, I cannot recommend this book.  There really wasn't enough there to make it worth my time and I ended up skimming a majority of it.

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

Our Sixth Grade Reading List ll 2019-2020

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In this video, I'm sharing our sixth grade reading list with a variety of titles from history, animals, and just for fun.

Mommy & Mia Homeschool Chronicles: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmcrZSa0FOG6FH5BUv8QNDg

Diary of a Homeschool Mama:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC__Yo0lEm98Qfps4dqSIgsw

Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLId_JNKYCQ7JVDOI_w-4uiwV7g4Hzse0q&jct=Zr8MRYOsyeDOJbgosMo4QwGn-CKHyA&fbclid=IwAR12BwjeEPiLs1lW-kbTFBPdp3c8uqOhd6pB2UtLuIdm0qRIuFJZslJB8es

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑18yrs led to 👱13yrs, 👧11 yrs, and 👱 7 yrs.

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

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 https://www.instagram.com/creative2xmom/

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:
Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod

Our Third Grade Reading List ll 2019-2020

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In this video, I'm sharing our third grade reading list with a variety of titles from history, animals, and just for fun.

Mommy & Mia Homeschool Chronicles: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmcrZSa0FOG6FH5BUv8QNDg

Diary of a Homeschool Mama:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC__Yo0lEm98Qfps4dqSIgsw

Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLId_JNKYCQ7JVDOI_w-4uiwV7g4Hzse0q&jct=Zr8MRYOsyeDOJbgosMo4QwGn-CKHyA&fbclid=IwAR12BwjeEPiLs1lW-kbTFBPdp3c8uqOhd6pB2UtLuIdm0qRIuFJZslJB8es

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑18yrs led to 👱13yrs, 👧11 yrs, and 👱 7 yrs.

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

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 https://www.instagram.com/creative2xmom/

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.


Music Attribution:
Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod

Our Sixth Grade Curriculum

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 Time for 6th Grade!  My baby girl is growing up and entering middle school.  Here's what we're using in our homeschool this year.

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑17yrs led to 👱13yrs, 👧11 yrs, and 👱 7 yrs.

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

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 https://www.instagram.com/creative2xmom/

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:
Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod

August Goal Setting ll Homeschool Mom of Three

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Wrapping up the summer and getting ready for a new school year... lots of goals to be set.  Plus a recap of July's goals!

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑18yrs led to 👱13 yrs, 👧11 yrs, and 👱 7 yrs.

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

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 https://www.instagram.com/creative2xmom/

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:
Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod

Back to Homeschool Favorites ll Collab

*Originally posted on 8/10/18.  Enjoy!



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Today I'm sharing some of our favorites for going Back to School!

Day 2 Day Joys: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheMommyrachel

Playlist:

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱12 yrs, 👧10 yrs, and 👱 6 yrs.

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

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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FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Truth Unchanging {Review}

Author Becky Thompson continues in her true to life fashion in her latest devotional, Truth Unchanging.  Similar to her previous work, Thompson's voice is conversational, concise, and impactful.  Each excerpt is meant to be read in short time spans, but the truth is still deep without being "fluff and stuff."  What I mean is, the author really hits on Biblical principles that stand the test of time and work to develop true character.

This devotional takes you through the expanse of both Old and New Testaments, relating Biblical stories to deep life truths, and then attaching them to the significance of motherhood.  Proving once again that the Lord's truths are certainly unchanging across the test of time.  I have yet to finish this devotional, but am savoring my reading in it.  Ideal for reading along side the Bible, Truth Unchanging serves as a great encouragement and inspiration in the pockets of time during the season of motherhood.

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

Five Ideas for Your First Day Back to Homeschool

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Sharing five ideas for making your day back to homeschool special.  These are a few ideas that we return to year after year, and a few that we're trying out.
(Click for More!)

Playlist
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdamhRE3YECsIp7oEKQsXFjfULUsJc1r&jct=DAcl64d-cZAdes61S6PoNuXnKiCP5A&disable_polymer=1

The Simple Rugged Path
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7HVorQE8LgvYfw8_zPiDAQ

The Brave Homeschooling Mama
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNT9jeaMb7ylcKvZm5yq2Zg

Bytes of Memory
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZYXBRaow7qaPnA5i0kf2bw

Creative2xmom
https://www.youtube.com/user/Creative2xmom

Joyful Noise Living
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrRk1liFnI7YTg3pYhSA6Pg

Diary of a Homeschool Mama
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC__Yo0lEm98Qfps4dqSIgsw

BoyBoss Mama
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvrQy_Ml6tuc8Z4k83kmaXg

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑17yrs led to 👱13 yrs, 👧11 yrs, and 👱 7 yrs.

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

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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FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Homeschool Essentials Collaboration 2019

(Click on Post for Video)

Sharing some of the new, the old, and the essential in our homeschool.

Mommy & Mia Homeschool Chronicles: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmcrZSa0FOG6FH5BUv8QNDg

Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLId_JNKYCQ7JB5XRvnJF4Ye38zsaNmsWU&jct=Zdkc1mv-Ije6bdJ7n0uAEtF2dZhlcw&disable_polymer=1

Homeschool Essentials Collaboration 2019

1.What are your top 3 favorite mom things
2.What are the 3 homeschool must haves no matter what?
3.Share a minimum of 3 NEW things that will be added to your homeschool this year.
4.Share a minimum of 3 things you will be changing/removing from your homeschool.
5.Share 3 things in your survival homeschool kit (these are destressors that will help you survive the day/week LOL ex. Chocolate, cookies, etc).
6. 3 Must Read Homeschool Books (for homeschool help)
7. 3 favorite subjects to teach in order please
8. When is the best time for you to do your planning
9. Share your favorite planner and supplies
10. Share a minimum of 3 field trips you are planning to do this new homeschool year.

Organizing with Library Lists:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlLV3h4EzYY&t=1s

Thinking Tree Adventure Handbook Journal:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkFZo2UnHIk&t=13s

A Plan in Place Planner Review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIJCv29MHGI&t=5s

Our Ten Family Read Alouds for the Homeschool Year ll 2019-2020:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcQdc5g4NJ0

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑17yrs led to 👱13 yrs, 👧11 yrs, and 👱 7 yrs.

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

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 https://www.instagram.com/creative2xmom/

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

What We Read ll July 2019

(Click on Post for video)

Sharing what our family read this month...
Click for More!

Check Out:
The Simple Rugged Path:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7HVorQE8LgvYfw8_zPiDAQ

Bytes of Memory:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZYXBRaow7qaPnA5i0kf2bw

You Can Trust God To Write Your Story:
https://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2019/07/you-can-trust-god-to-write-your-story.html

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑17yrs led to 👱13 yrs, 👧11 yrs, and 👱 7 yrs.

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

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 https://www.instagram.com/creative2xmom/

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Homeschooling Preschool Favorites

*Originally Posted on 7/23/18.  Enjoy!


 (Click on Post for Video)

The Preschool Years were some of my favorite years to homeschool.  They are so full of wonder and excitement.  As we're moving into the elementary years, I'm taking a look back at some of our preschool favorites, some that we still use today!

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱12 yrs, 👧10 yrs, and 👱 6 yrs.

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

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

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Draw like an Artist: 100 Flowers and Plants

Being a homeschool mom, I'm always looking for different ways to spark my children's creativity and interest.  For a long time, they've enjoyed drawing and illustrating as they learn.  But all of us get a little frustrated with our own limited experience.  So we decided to give this book a shot.  Divided into three sections (flowers, vines and trees, other plants), there were a large variety of plants to choose from and each was sketched out in 6-8 easy to follow steps.  I especially appreciated how the author drew guidelines in the beginning to get the symmetry, and then later filled in the individual shapes.  The author also took the time to explain elements like line thickness and negative space, concepts that can be used in other realistic drawings as well.  We love practicing our artistry and how to better illustrate these plants in our notebooks.  I would prefer this book in print format, but the digital is nice as well.  There is plenty in this volume to keep us growing and learning for some time to come.

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

Five Challenges to Take on with Your Kids

*Originally posted on 5/1/17.  Enjoy!

Summer is just around the corner.  I'm planning the last of our lessons and dreaming of days by the pool, homemade ice cream, and sleeping in.  Since we only have a few weeks of school left, we've been talking about what we want to do over the summer.  And while we've been creating our bucket list (to come soon), I've been thinking about ways I can intentionally spend time with the kids.  So these are 5 Challenges You Can Take On With Your Kids:

1. Book Club-- This would be a fun challenge with an older elementary student on up through high school.  Pick a book that you're both interested in and just start reading.  Set a deadline for yourselves of when you want to get together to discuss it.  Once a week or after you've finished... it's up to you.  Make your meetings fun with book themed snacks and drinks.  Talk about the characters, the setting, and what your child would do in various situations.  And don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone with your book choice.  You may discover that your child has pretty good taste after all.

2. Fitness Challenge-- We all like to be active in our family.  Whether it's taking a bike ride, swimming, or jumping on the trampoline, we like to get our heart rate up.  So how fun would a summer fitness challenge be?  Maybe take a new class together, take on an abs & squats challenge, or sign up for a 5K together.  Or maybe yoga is your thing.  Try a kids' yoga challenge every morning.  Whatever it is, get up and get active with your kids.

3. Gratitude List-- The best thing for improving your outlook on life is being grateful.  We all have a tendency to loose sight of our blessings once in awhile.  So why not challenge yourself and your kids to be more grateful people.  How?  Pick up an inexpensive notebook and spend some time each day writing down your blessings.  Write about your thankful list at meals times or bed time.  Reflect back on your day and try to find a handful of things to be thankful for.  You'll be amazed at how quickly you can fill a notebook once you get started.

4. Kindness Challenge-- Trade names in your family and have secret friends.  Do something nice for your secret friend.  Do one of their chores, make their bed, or help them with their homework.  Try to do it secretly without being found out.  Or practice kindness in public.  Open a door for someone.  Give up your seat in church. Or encourage someone.  What can you do to practice random acts of kindness?  If you're doing this outside your family, share around the dinner table each evening.

5. Art Challenge-- Pinterest is full of art challenges.  How fun would it be to do a 30-Day art challenge with your kids?  Invest in some inexpensive sketch books, set the timer for 30 min, and just create away.  After 30 min, come back together and share your drawings.  If you want to, you can spend more time on the drawing later, but for now, just share what you have.  What a fun way to create together, encourage each other, and work on a new skill.

Whatever you decide to do with your kids this summer, be sure to do it together.  Stepping into a challenge together can be bonding, reassuring, and fun.  So embrace the lazy days of summer, and take on a challenge.

Which challenge most interests you?

Our Ten Family Read Alouds for the Homeschool Year ll 2019-2020

(Click on Post for Video)

Sharing our homeschool read aloud list with a variety of books that we've never read before!

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑17yrs led to 👱13 yrs, 👧11 yrs, and 👱 7 yrs.

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

Playlist link
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdamhRE3YEAZidvpdcfdQAP-6Ktl6VhY&jct=Ci7y7aEM-ilpmXp0PtCc8uhyajFdlg&disable_polymer=1

The Simple Rugged Path
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7HVorQE8LgvYfw8_zPiDAQ
Diary of A Homeschool Mama
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC__Yo0lEm98Qfps4dqSIgsw
Sodbuster Living
https://www.youtube.com/user/cneipp
Bytes of Memory
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZYXBRaow7qaPnA5i0kf2bw
The Brave Homeschooling Mama
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNT9jeaMb7ylcKvZm5yq2Zg
Creative2xmom
https://www.youtube.com/user/Creative2xmom
Joyful Noise Living
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrRk1liFnI7YTg3pYhSA6Pg
Faith Through Arrows
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkryrtblCEugoWbKvKd0nwA


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 https://www.instagram.com/creative2xmom/

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:
Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod

You Can Trust God to Write Your Story {Review}

Who doesn't love a good story?  The characters are introduced, we come to love them, and ... Bam!  Calamity.  Conflict.  Confusion.  The waves of time and circumstance act to stand in the way of our hero.  Will he succumb to the obstacles in his path?  Or will he rise above to find his destiny?  We hope, we cheer, and we find ourselves emotionally invested with each turning of the page.  And in time, the hero begins to take on a life of his own.

In Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth's newest book, written with her husband Robert Wolgemuth, we are introduced to the ultimate storyteller... God himself.  Who is this mastermind that weaves a tale filled with disease and healing, divorce and restoration, waiting and sometimes pain?  This book is a woven picture of personal testimonies as well as Biblical stories, all pointing to God's ultimate providence and oversight.  And even in the tough situations of life (pain, loss, and death), we are reminded of God's weighty purpose in each moment and our mission to make Him known.

Though Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth is a well known Christian writer, this was my first encounter with her work.  Partnered with her husband Robert Wolgemuth, I was reminded again and again that the Lord has purpose in all circumstances, even those that we wish to avoid.  With each chapter, I came away both challenged and encouraged.  The authors do a wonderful job of sharing testimonies that lift up kingdom principles and call the reader to a higher perspective.  This is a book that I can see myself returning to again and again in the future.

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

Organizing Your Homeschool With "Library Lists"

 (Click on Post for Video)

Looking to get a head start on planning next year's curriculum?  Find out how to use "Library Lists" in organizing in all aspects of your homeschool.

This Life of Ours:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeaYNpycoqFCWVfih5DBvdQ

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑17yrs led to 👱13 yrs, 👧11 yrs, and 👱 7 yrs.

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

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 https://www.instagram.com/creative2xmom/

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:
Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod

Five Summer Must Haves ll Collab

*This post was originally published on 5/18/18.  Enjoy!



(Click on post for video)

Today I'm joining in a a collab sharing our Five Summer Must Haves... check out our must haves for enjoying the lazy, crazy days of summer.

Collab Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5GkvzudsTs4tQVgDwX4zWMWoA133r6gV&disable_polymer=true

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱12 yrs, 👧10 yrs, and 👱 6 yrs.

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

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 https://www.instagram.com/creative2xmom/

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

We Are the Gardeners {Review}

In Joanna Gaines' first children's book, We Are the Gardeners, the reader is introduced to the trials and triumphs of a family garden.  From the first little fern that Chip gifted to his wife, to the full outdoor garden that it inspired, the Gaines family learns a number of lessons, both in gardening and in overcoming obstacles.  This book is a sweet story about a gardening, working together as a family, and never letting failures define the journey.  Whether you're looking to encourage a young gardener or just looking to help your children pick up from a set back, We Are the Gardeners would make a wonderful read.

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

I Found the Perfect Planner! ll A Plan in Place Homeschool Planner Review

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I'm in love with this planner.  So well thought through and great for not only planning, but also casting vision for the upcoming homeschool year.

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑17yrs led to 👱13 yrs, 👧11 yrs, and 👱 7 yrs.

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

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 https://www.instagram.com/creative2xmom/

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:
Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod

Nature Based Picture Books

I love teaching my kids about nature and the world around us.  There is such beauty and joy to be found in the natural world.  It grounds the kids, slows their brains and makes them more observant.  And while they're growing quicker than I care to admit, we find that we can still learn so much from a good quality picture book.  These are just a few that we've come to appreciate over the years.

Miss Rumphius

Swirl by swirl

A seed is sleepy

An egg is quiet

The Tree Lady

The Golden Glow

Take Along Guides

Up in the Garden,

and Down in the Dirt

A Butterfly is Patient

What Would You Add To The List?

How I Build a Simple Morning Basket

Following up on last week's post, I thought I'd share with you a more in-depth look at what we include in our morning basket to start our homeschool day.  Morning time has been a great jumping off point for our family and I love starting our time together like this.

Our basket typically includes:

2-3 readings for science
2-3 readings for history
Scripture to memorize
Composer study
Chalk pastel lesson
Hymn to learn
Map work
Memory work
Devotions

Things I'm thinking about adding:

Biographical studies

Science Reading:

In the past, I've checked out several books that apply to what we're learning in science.  Whether, we're studying plants, bees, birds or whatever, I use my local library to find a plethora of books to enhance our study.  We try to reading in our science books 1-2 x/week.

History Reading:

The same goes for our history studies.  This year we're using Story of the World Vol 2 and there is always more literature suggestions that we can ever get through.  I try to pick 1-2 /week (or a biography) to read through.

Scripture Memorization:

We love memorizing Scripture together and studying God's word.  Typically I try to help the kids memorize 1-2 verses a month and this year I'm hoping we'll be able to memorize the Books of the Bible as well.

Hymn Memorization:

Last year I put together a Youtube playlist of upbeat hymns for us to learn together.  There's so much good theology and history in hymns that I didn't want to be lost in our family.

Map Work and Memory Work:

We've always memorized facts based on our science or history studies.  But this year, I have a fellow homeschooler who gifted us a set of CC memory cards.  I've been going through them and pulling out those that will best suit what we're currently studying and help us develop a framework for those concepts.

Music Appreciation:

This is fairly new to us, but around February of last year, we started using Confessions of a Homeschooler's Composer Study.  So far, we are only two units in, but we are enjoying it and planning to use it further this year.

Chalk Pastel lessons:

Once a week, we abbreviate some of our other subjects and spend 20-30 min doing a lesson from ChalkPastel.com.  We are loving learning about this new medium and I can see us enjoying it for many years to come.

Biographical Studies:

This is something we already do a little bit.  Sometimes as we come along history figures in Story of the World or our science studies, we'll read a chapter a day in a biographical book.  I find that it adds a very personal aspect to our studies.  I'd like to do more of that this year as time allows.

Devotions:

I know some families like to start with devotions, while we like to seal our morning time with devotions.  It's a good way of closing this time together and morning on to individual studies.  It's a solid way of dedicating our time of learning and asking the Lord to bless it.  So we end our morning time with reading in a family devotion and praying together.

What does your morning basket look like?

A Christmas Haven {Review}

Raised Old Order Amish, Ivy Zook dreams of leaving the community.  Although she loves her family, party planning is her passion... one the requires modern conveniences like WIFI and websites.  When she shares her plans with her mother, Ivy finds that her timing can be tricky for her sister Holly's impending wedding.  

At the same time, Arlan and his sister, Magda, arrive in town.  Brother and sister seeking refuge from a strict sect, the two find themselves a haven with the Zooks.  There Magda begins to recover from a difficult pregnancy and Arlan helps on the farm.  While both Arlan and Ivy wrestle with the guidelines of their religion, they also struggle to understand the other's viewpoint.  How can one sect differ so much from another?  And what does God want for both their lives?  

Although this book is written as a sequel to The Christmas Remedy, A Christmas Haven reads well as a stand alone book, the characters beautifully brought to life and the storyline engaging.  Cindy and Erin Woodsmall did a great job illustrating the differences between the Swartzentruber Amish and the Old Order Amish, something that I didn't know about prior to this book.  It was interesting to see how the different orders view life, God, and religion.  I was drawn into the book pretty quickly, especially when I realized what a desperate situation Arlan and Magda were in.  Although there were parts of the story that were predictable, the authors did keep me guessing on a few key points and I thoroughly enjoyed A Christmas Haven right up to the end.

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

The What's and Why's of the Morning Basket?

For the past year or so, I've shared our family's morning basket here and on our Youtube channel.  Each month, I lay out the resources, books, activities that we are using to start our homeschool morning together and enhance our family's learning.  And over the months, I've been asked a handful of the same questions.  So I thought I'd take a few minutes to address some of those questions about the What's, Why's, and How To's of the morning basket?

*What is a morning basket?

A morning basket is a collection of resources to start your homeschool day with beauty and excitement.  In our family, it's a way of fanning the flame of curiosity for the lessons to come, and a way of reinforcing what we've studied previously.  It's often stored in a basket and thus labeled a morning basket.

*Does it have to be a basket?  Does it have to be in the morning?

No, to both.  We currently keep our morning basket items on a shelf in the living room.  But these items can be stored in a number of places: crates, shelves, baskets, desk area, etc.  We like to use our morning basket as a way of launching us into our school day.  But it can be used at any time of the day.  Some families use their at lunch and others at bedtime.  But really any time that works for your family, works for your morning basket.

*What do you put in your morning basket?

Morning baskets vary from family to family, but often include several books, games, and some music.  Currently ours include: a book based on our history and science units, some poetry, a devotional, CC cards, Scripture memory box, and a read aloud chapter book.  Other ideas could be items related to music and art appreciation, math or language flashcards, logic books and games, other games, etc.

*How long does morning time last?

Our morning time runs about 30 min, but some families will linger together up to 1 hour.  You can make your time as long or as short as your and your children would like.

*Do you cover all your topics each day?

Again it's what works for your family.  We rotate our history and science books based on our block scheduling, and sprinkle in music and art 1-2 days a week.  Daily we read from our devotional, chapter book, and poetry, as well as our memory work.

*How often do you change the items in your morning basket?

We rotate some of our subjects on a monthly basis, while others last a few months at a time.  Some families rotate on a seasonal basis or even by term.  My favorite morning basket to prepare is always our December basket with a focus on Christmas and some of the handicrafts and art work that are an added bonus to the season.

*Still have questions?

Feel free to search my Youtube channel for recommendations and resources.  Or leave a comment below and I'd be happy to help.

Do you use a morning basket in your homeschool?

52 Uncommon Family Adventures {Review}

Randy Southern's book, 52 Uncommon Family Adventures, lays out a variety of family fun nights varying in cost and time.  A date for each week of the year, Southern includes:

• materials needed
• any prep work needed (if applicable)
• steps for making it happen
• talking points
• devotional
• and specific love languages that it addresses

While some of these adventures may seem commonplace, others are unique and the author seems to take into consideration budget and ages of children.  With so many different ideas, the book would be a great place to start when planning a family night.  Who wouldn't love a speed board games, bowling with a twist, or a nerf gun war?  I especially loved that the author included talking points for conversations and a family devotional tied into each adventure.  Both would be a good way to wrap up the evening and still strengthen the family relationships.  A few resource for any family looking for a way to draw closer together.

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

My Favorite Homeschool Curriculum and Supplies 2018-2019 ll Collab

(Click Post for Video)

 Today I'm sharing some of favorites from the past homeschool year... along with some other wonderful Youtube homeschool moms.
 (Click for more)

Diary of A Homeschool Mama
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC__Yo0lEm98Qfps4dqSIgsw

The Brave Homeschooling Mama
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNT9jeaMb7ylcKvZm5yq2Zg

The Simple Rugged Path
https://www.youtube.com/thesimpleruggedpath

Creative2xmom
https://www.youtube.com/user/Creative2xmom

Bytes of Memory
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZYXBRaow7qaPnA5i0kf2bw

Boyboss Mama
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvrQy_Ml6tuc8Z4k83kmaXg

Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdamhRE3YEAeEIhqxQ4WBxzB3GhW7N6o&jct=LOAAMm7eEeaDAZMNVusAJq0p7JRoAQ&disable_polymer=1

Homeschool Bravely Review:
http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2019/03/homeschool-bravely-review.html

Rascal Novel Study:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rascal-Reed-Novel-Studies-666616

First Language Lessons Vs. Rod & Staff Review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LG9Rpy-Xgs

Real Time Homeschooling--First Language Lessons:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtAifOpWMfM

10 Days in Africa Review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wpYh2CtYGk

Fall Homeschool Favorites:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbocXwfmax8

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

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 https://www.instagram.com/creative2xmom/

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:
Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod

7 Summer Tasks for the Homeschool Mom

*This article was originally posted on 6/20/16.  Enjoy!

We've been out of school for three weeks.  THREE WEEKS!  Already?  That's amazing.  We've made our family trip to the lake, finished up the dance season, and started trampoline lessons.  VBS has already come and gone and yesterday, we had a family BBQ for Father's Day.  How is it that we're already three weeks into vacation?

If you're like me, you're soaking up the summer, and not ready to think of the upcoming school year.  But as we all know, time stops for no one and the new school year will be here before we know it.  Still before you panic, there are some low stress ways you can prep for the fall,... without ruining your summer vacation.

These are just 7 tasks you can complete this summer to set your next school year off to a great start!

1. Organize school books--Now that we've had a few weeks off, I'm ready to look at that stockpile in the garage.  Somethings we'll hang on to, some we won't.  Near the end of the May, we were just stacking books and manipulatives here and there.  So it's time for me to get back out there, organize by grade, see what I need to replace or sell.  Sometimes I even find some great curriculum that I forgot about.

2. Take stock of what you need next year--Most years I have my curriculum list ready by the end of May.  Not this year.  This year, I've still got a couple of holes.  It's time to finish my buying list.  Summer sales will be happening in the next month or so and and I don't want to buy anything, but what I really want and need.

3. Order any necessary items--Facebook and craigslist are full of used homeschool curriculum groups.  That's where I look first.  After that, Ebay is a great option for finding curriculum, as well as sales at Christian Book Distributers.  Now is the time to purchase to ensure that your packages arrive in time for the start of a new school year.

4. Start planning next year's calendar--Begin thinking about how you're going to schedule your new year.  What worked last year?  What didn't?  Do you need more field trips, more down time, more time for art/music/experiments?  Are you adding a new student?  (I am and I'm not sure how that's going to work)  What do you need to adjust to make the next year successful?  Plan the first 5-6 WEEKS!  You can adjust as you go, but having a several week plan will save you as your adjusting to a new year.

5. Read--Read education philosophy for how better to reach your students.  Read Christian parenting books about how to reach your children's hearts.  Read some of your student's books ahead so you can help with lap books.  Read fiction to just give yourself a break.

6. Play--Schedule some free time in your summer to play.  Swim!  Go to the beach!  Join a new workout group!  Try some new recipes in the kitchen!    Just take some time to let go of the teacher mindset and play!

7. Rest--By the end of May, I was struggling.  I was tired: mentally and physically.  I needed some mindless fiction to rest my brain.  I needed about 24 hours sleep and a mom's night out for coffee.  I needed to rest.  So this summer, I'm resetting my bedtime routine and getting more sleep.  Our schedule has opened up and we have time to lounge at the lake or have lazy mornings at home.  I'm taking advantage of it.

What about you?

How are you preparing for the next school year?

Our 2019 Summer Bucket List

Yay!  We are officially on summer break.  With 8th grade graduation behind us, and final grades turned it, it's time to focus on the next 3 months and soaking up all the relaxation we can handle.  These are just a few of the items on our Summer Bucket List.

Splash Pad

Go to the Aquatic Center

Aquatic Center Movie night

Go Fishing

Movie Under the Stars

Home Depot workshops

Kayak on the Lake

Roller Skating

Hike Castle Lake and Heart Lake

Make galaxies in bottles

Attend VBS

Make solar system bracelets

Complete the Barnes & Noble reading challenge

Freeze 4th of July pops

Make homemade ice cream

Take summer dance classes

Go camping

Go to the beach

Become a Junior Ranger

Complete the library reading challenge

Visit a National Park

Explore tide pools

Have a water balloon fight

Visit the Farmer's Market

Make a fun fruit dessert

Camp out in the backyard

Find 3 new places to explore around town

Stay up and star gaze

Visit the Icee Shack

Make Mango Lemonade

Try sand slime

Make some 4th of July crafts

Shine {Review}

In our house, we fight over Chris Grabenstein books.  From The Island of Dr. Libris to the Mr. Lemoncello series, we rotate the books between my 7 year old and 11 year olds... and Mom makes sure she gets her turn as well.

His latest book, Shine!, written with wife J.J. Grabenstein, tells the story of twelve year old Piper who is more than happy to blend in.  When it comes to shining, Piper is often in the background, supporting her father and friends.  But when his new job lands them both in Chummy Prep, and a unique honor is being offered, Piper finds that she is more anxious to stand out.  Shine! is a book about being, becoming, and the trials and triumphs of middle school.

Like I said, we love Chris Grabenstein books.  So when he wrote this book with wife, J.J. Grabenstein, we were more than anxious to read it.  Shine! felt different than some of Grabenstein's books that we've read previously.  But different isn't always bad.  While I didn't feel that Shine! was as in-depth as the Mr. Lemoncello series, it does address the awkward middle school stage with a lot of grace and humor.  The authors write a young Piper that struggles with identity, but always remains true to her friends, even showing sympathy for the classic mean girl.  For reading level, this book is fit for 3-4th graders, but as far as the middle school struggles, I would recommend this book for 5-6th graders, walking through the transition themselves.  Quick, sweet, and inspiration, I am happy to have my own daughter reading this one.

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

What We Read ll May 2019

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 Sharing what our family read this month...
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Check Out:
The Simple Rugged Path:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7HVorQE8LgvYfw8_zPiDAQ

The Tinderbox:
http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2019/05/the-tinderbox-review.html

Becoming Us:
http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2019/05/becoming-us-review.html

Shine:
Coming Soon!

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑17yrs led to 👱13 yrs, 👧11 yrs, and 👱 7 yrs.

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

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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FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Our 2018-2019 Homeschool Year End Update

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Sharing our year end homeschool update... join me as we finish up 8th grade, 5th grade, and 2nd grade...

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

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 https://www.instagram.com/creative2xmom/

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Becoming Us {Review}

Emily and Trevor come to California hoping for a fresh start.  After years of infertility and financial exhaustion, the couple is seeking a new beginning at their uncle's car lot.  And when invited to a women's Christmas party, timid Emily comes out of obligation... and vows not to get close.  But as the group becomes more intwined, the women find that they need each other... and that becoming is truly a group effort.  Will Emily and Trevor get the break they need to start a new life?  Or will their "becoming" be cut short?

Written by the author of Christy Miller and Sisterchicks series, Becoming Us follows the lives of five women as they try to discover who they really are.  In various stages of life, they form a community through effort and time together.  I really appreciated the way Gunn always brought the story back to relationships: Emily with the other women, Trevor and Emily together, family relationships, Emily and her daughter... and so many more.  It is these relationships that bring the women through a variety of tough situations.  And these relationships that ultimate tie Trevor and Emily even closer together.  It was this marriage relationship that was even more enjoyable for me to watch... the way they both supported and encouraged each other.  

There were times that I felt Gunn minimized some of the character's issues.  For example, timid Emily quickly changes her ways and opens up to the group.  And some serious marriage issues were resolved rather easily.  These were issues that I felt could have been further developed and seemed somewhat trivialized.  But all in all, it was a light quick read about the importance of relationships... not only in terms of friendship, but also in terms of becoming all we were meant to be.  

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