What I'm Reading and Our Homeschool Read Alouds ll May 2025

 What I'm Reading:

Experience Jesus. Really. by John Eldridge

See my full review here.

Saving My Assassin

by Virginia Prodan

This powerful memoir follows Virginia Prodan as she grows up in communist Romania.  After becoming a lawyer, she starts defending pastors and churches.  It's through her political activism that she becomes a target of the government, and eventually has to escape with her family.  Incredible story of prayer, perseverance, and the Lord's protection.

More Than a Carpenter

by Josh McDowell

Similar to Case for Christ, More than a Carpenter lays out a logical sequence for coming to Christianity.  This quick, short read is perfect for middle school or early high schoolers.

Ballet Shoes

by Noel Streatfeild

Pauline, Petrova, and Posy are sisters.  Well, sort of.  They live a quiet life until one day they realize the money is running out.  Their benefactor, Gum, has been gone for several years, and their guardian, Guarnie, is doing the best she can to make ends meet.  As part of their plan, the girls are enrolled in a dancing academy where they will eventually learn skills for helping the family.  Pauline and Posy love the stage while Petrova desires a mechanic's life.  Through all their ups and downs, the girls' hard work and determination carve out their futures.

Our Homeschool Read Alouds:

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson

Janner, Tink, and Leeli live in a small cottage with their mother and grandfather.  Most days are humdrum, except for the occasional Thwap captured in the garden.  Until one day, the three head off to the Dragon Festival alone and run into a bunch of unfriendly Fangs of Dang.  There they are catapulted into a journey of discovery, uncovering long-hidden family secrets.

Bruchko by Bruce Olson

 

At 19 years old, Bruce Olson set out to bring the gospel to a remote South American tribe.  Despite disease, loneliness, torture, and an immense language barrier, Bruce makes contact with the tribe and is eventually welcomed into the family.  Through it all, Olson's faith takes him through impossible situations, including flood, several near-death experiences, and kidnapping.

What are you reading?

Experience Jesus. Really. {Review}

In our present age, we're used to instant access to information.  Social media gives us a high of connectedness.  We are addicted to distraction and busyness.  Author John Eldredge would call us "disciples of the internet."  But all this comes at a cost.  Have we traded deep spiritual connection with the Creator for a cheapened version of fulfillment?  How can we access the ever present God when we live in a world of skeptical pragmatism?

Eldredge awakens his reader to the reality of God's nearness and how we can become more aware of Him.  He explores the idea of modern mystics, those who seek to live close connection with the Father, while still living in our 21st century world.  And he hopes to answer how can we return to this deep communion with God despite the distractions that are all around us.

I really enjoyed this one.  Eldredge breaks down what it looks like to be in such intimate relationship that we find complete fulfillment.  He highlights the need to return to the Lord again and again in order to keep us centered and living in true purpose.  Some of my favorite quotes from this book include:

• You are a disciple of the systems that tutors you, where you turn on a daily basis for guidance on living.
• But now, when you turn to Jesus and you are not answered in the way the Internet answers, you feel he isn't listening or that you can't hear from him.  You sadly believe the two of you are distant from one another, because your soul has been programmed for immediate responses.  The notion of lingering before God doesn't fit with the pace we've come to expect.  That's one example, but the effects of Internet discipleship go far, far deeper.
• Friends- we need daily encounters with Jesus; that is what we are after.  Nothing else will address the human condition.
• When we understand mysticism as simply the daily experience of God and His Kingdom, we can say that mysticism is the normal Christian life.  Which is to say, it is human existence put back on track.  This is what Eve and Adam enjoyed, and it is central to God's restoration of humanity.
• Our being can actually take refuge within the begin of God.  We can experience being surrounded with the presence of God and His mighty kingdom in the same way you can jump into the ocean.

And that's just the tip of the very beginning of this book.  It is FULL of practical wisdom and encouragement, leading the reader into a deeper communion with our Lord.  I can't wait to read it again.

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

 

Five Ways to Add Fun to Your Homeschool Day

*This post was originally published on 2/1/19.  Enjoy!

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Five Ways to Add Fun to Your Homeschool... Maybe more!

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Teaching Your Kids How to Treat Books

 *This post was originally published on 9/7/16.  Enjoy!

We are a small house with big readers.  All three of my kids started reading at four years old, and of all our homeschooling accomplishments, giving them a love for reading ranks as #1 in my eyes.  But between the public library, the school library, and our own personal library, there are literally hundreds of books in our home at one time and with the privilege of reading so many books, comes the responsibility of caring for them.  So how do you teach your little ones, and your big ones, to care for all these books?  I've compiled 5 tips to get you started in teaching your child how to treat books.

1. Picking Age Appropriate Books-- Just as you wouldn't give a child a butcher knife, so you're also not going to hand a 2 year old a first edition Velveteen Rabbit.  The goal is to cultivate a love of reading.  So fill your home with chunky board books in a variety of subjects, both fiction and non-fiction.  Make them accessible and allow your child to "read" on his own initiative, free from the worry of tearing pages.

For older children, verse yourself in the classics.  Fill your home with Treasure Island, Peter Pan, and Pollyanna.  Look for stories that have stood the test of time.  Introduce well-rounded, beloved characters and thoughtful story lines.  A loved book is more likely to be treated with care.

2. Everything in it's place--As I've said before, our house is small.  But we've always found room for books.  Still having a home for all these books is important.  Children can't be expected to take care of books that don't have a place.  So in our home, we have three bookshelves, one in each kids' room and one in the living room.  Beyond that, we have a designated shelf in the entertainment center for library books and heavy canvas bags for transporting borrowed books back and forth.  All library or borrowed books stay in common living areas and are put back on the shelf after use.  We talk to our kids about the privilege of borrowing other people's books and how important it is to return them in good shape.

3. Keep pencils, markers, stickers, and more, out of reach--Little ones look at books and they see paper.  What fun it would be to fill all that paper with their own illustrations and stories!  So pencils and markers (as well as stickers, scissors, crayons, etc) are kept well out of reach and only used with mom's supervision.  We talk about how books contain someone else's stories, and if my little one wants to write a book, he can write on some of mom's copy paper.

4. Valuing the old as well as the new--I personally have a love for older books.  Not only are the story lines often rich, but I like to imagine the many people who have loved and enjoyed that book through the years. Maybe that's why I'm enchanted by used book stores.  Not only are there new stories to discover, but there are notes inside covers, dates and dedications written between family members, and even more history than the book can ever tell.  So we take our kids to used book stores, book sales, yard sales, and search out these treasures.  They've learned that whether a cover is worn or the pages are yellowing, there's still a whole world to discover.  And sometimes that makes them even more valuable.

5. Let them see you read--The more my kids see me reading, the more they realize what a privilege it is.  What we model for them is often times what they become.  So when it's reading time for the kids, I do my best to read as well.  We talk about the stories we're reading and the books we would or wouldn't recommend.  And we also talk about using a good bookmark, how to place a book on the shelf so the pages won't fold, reading books with clean hands, and more.  And by them seeing me reading, they realize that I'm following my own advice and take it to heart.

Wherever life may take them, I hope that my children will take a love of reading with them.  And when they outgrow a book, I feel confident they will leave it behind in good shape for the next reader.

How do you teach about/organize books in your home?

What I Read and Our Homeschool Read Alouds ll April 2025

What I'm Reading:

Living Fearless by Jamie Winship

Author Jamie Winship has lived and worked in some of the most volatile places in the world, helping leaders work through conflict and find resolution.  Through his experiences, he's found that much of the world's conflict is a result of fear and not knowing one's identity.  Using Biblical principles, even in hostile environments, he's brought peace and identity to many of God's children.  In his book, he teaches readers how to abide in Christ and sift their mindset, allowing God to use them wherever they are.  This is one of those books that requires multiple readings and deep soaking, but is so worth the time and effort.

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

This one is a classic.  It's been quite some time since I picked it up, so I had it playing on audiobook this month.  Two sisters, two different temperaments, a repressed society, hidden love... mistaken intentions... it all comes together in one big happily ever after.

The Wonderful Wizard of OZ by L. Frank Baum

Another classic, but this one I've never read before.  It carries on much like the movie, but in the last 1/4 or so, it takes a decided turn as the characters must now use their gifts... brain, heart, and courage.  It's through their travels to different lands that they truly see what they're capable of getting Dorthy back to her home.

Our Homeschool Read Alouds:

The Cricket War by Tho Pham & Sandra McTavish

Based on a true story, The Cricket War follows a young boy, Tho, as he flees Vietnam in the early 1980s.  His family scraps together the money to send him to an uncle in America, but his voyage is anything but predictable.  Adrift on a small Vietnamese fishing boat... as a stowaway on a pirate ship... and waiting in a refugee camp, Tho dreams of reuniting with his family.  This age-appropriate read-aloud takes a closer look at refugee life without being too gritty for the middle-grade age.  The main character made the refugees' plight accessible and was a great addition to our history curriculum.

Born Behind Bars by Padma Venkatraman

Kabir's mother was put in jail before he was even born.  So the women's prison is the only home he's ever known.  Now, at the age of 10, he's released and sets off to find the grandparents he's never met.  But life on the streets turns out to be unpredictable, and luckily, he meets Rani.  Together, they set off to find a family and hopefully free Kabir's mother.

This was very good, very well done.  I read it with my 8th grader, but we could have read it really anytime in middle school.  It's a tough topic, but the author approaches it with a lot of grace.

What are you reading?

Healthy Eating While Traveling

 *This post was originally published on 6/16/14.  Enjoy!

It's summer time and we're doing some traveling.  Summer is prime time for traveling.  There's Grandma's house, the beach, the lake, or just trying to connect with family while the kids are out of school.  Our summer is generally quiet this year, but we do have two trips planned.  And that means a little extra meal planning for Mama.  So right now I'm planning a few meals for the hotel and some ideas for the car ride.

Healthy eating is still possible on the road.  It just takes a little planning and creativity.  Here's what I'm planning:

1. Salads-- Salads are a great way to squeeze in vegetables and eat seasonally.  Plus they're still portable for your hotel room.  My favorites include taco salad (including haystacks) and steak salad.  Just grill your meat and prep your toppings at home and pack in a well-chilled ice chest.

2. Wraps-- Wraps are another great way to eat seasonally.  They can be pre-prepared for an on-the-road lunch, or veggies can be prepped and ready for a hotel meal upon your arrival.  Serve with a side salad (my favorite is a slaw) and you have an easy, refreshing meal.

3. Pasta or orzo salad-- These are both easily prepared at home and served on the road.  Try using orzo with lemon, salt, and pepper for a refreshing twist.  We love filling ours with bell pepper, olives, tomato, green onion, ... sometimes even garbanzo beans.

4. Tuna spirals or pizza rolls-- Both these items are great if you want to veer away from the typical sandwich on the road.  Keep them well chilled with pre-portioned dipping sauce.

5. Rice Salad-- This is another great one like pasta salad.  Just cook your rice and mix in some fixings.  Some of our favorites include chicken, cranberries, celery, yogurt dressing, and almonds.

6. Tacos-- I love serving tacos while we're on the road.  It's an easy meal at home and with a little prep, they are easily served in your hotel.  Pile on the veggies (including lots of green lettuce) and serve with some fresh fruit.

7. Chili-- Chili is one of our favorites at the beach.  We cook up a huge pot of chili before we leave home and plug in the crockpot when we get to the hotel.  And my husband says not to forget the cornbread.  Comfort food at the beach is always a highlight of our trip.

How do you eat well while traveling?

What I Read and Our Homeschool Read Alouds ll March 2025

 What I Read:

The Familiar Stranger by Tyler Staton

See my full review here.

Out of a Far Country

by Christopher Yuan and Angela Yuan

This book has been on my to-read list for a while.  The son of Chinese immigrants, Christopher Yuan got good grades, listened to his parents, and dutifully took piano lessons.  He seems like the model son... until he wasn't.  After coming out to his parents in his early 20s, Chris distanced himself from his family.  His mother Angela found herself in a dark place, ready to end her own life.  Eventually, she learned to relinquish control and place her son in God's hands.  Chris' life takes a different turn... dropping out of college, dealing drugs, and eventually being arrested.  There were points in this autobiography that were really challenging to read, times when Christopher Yuan described the drug scene that he was involved in.  But overall, Out of a Far Country is a beautiful story of family and redemption.  So glad I finally got my hands on a copy.

The Green Kingdom by Cornelia Funke

See my full review here.

Should Christians Support Israel? by Jeff Myers, Ph.D.

Following the October 7th 2023 attack, Dr. Jeff Myers travels to Israel in search of a better understanding of a very complex situation.  Through firsthand accounts and historical background, Myers brings light to the Israel-Palestine conflict.  More than just a land dispute, this book discusses the worldview through which people groups see the world and their ultimate drive in this conflict.  Whether you ultimately agree with Myers or not, this book is full of historical and philosophical information, helping to better frame the Middle East conflict.  I learned so much by reading this book.  It's a great place to start in understanding the complex times we live in.

Our Homeschool Read Alouds:

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend

Morrigan Crow is one of the cursed children.  Everything she does causes heartache for those around her.  Even when she's trying to stay out of trouble, she finds herself accidentally cursing someone.  Luckily for her district, being a cursed child, she's doomed to die at midnight on her 11th birthday.  That is until a mysterious benefactor whisks her away to Nevermoor and makes her his apprentice.  Here, she finds that she's not really cursed after all.  In fact, she's praised for her amazing gifts and talents.  Still, there's something her mentor isn't telling her and it leaves Morrigan wondering if there isn't some dark magic in her after all.  This was a fun fantasy fiction that my 13-year-old and I both enjoyed.  There are some dark moments, specifically when Morrigan must go through the fright trial for her apprenticeship.  She finds herself in a cemetery being chased by witches and spirits.  This was definitely the hardest part of the book to read.  Although it's marketed to a younger audience, I would probably wait till about 12 or 13 years before reading this one with my kids.

Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston

& James D. Houston

A firsthand account of the Japanese Internment Camps established during World War II, Farewell to Manzanar follows one family's story as they fight for community, heritage, and being recognized as Americans.  Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston recounts leaving her Long Beach fishing community and arriving at Manzanar, a primitive camp set up in the high desert country of California.  There she struggles between her Japanese heritage and an emerging American identity. We read this book as part of our World War II study.  It's a good book, but there is some indication of men looking at girls inappropriately so I would recommend reading this one with your children to clarify with discussion.

Christian Heroes: Charles Mulli

by Janet and Geoff Benge

Still reading those Christian Heroes books.  This one was especially interesting as we read that Charles Mulli rose up from his rough childhood to becoming a successful businessman and eventually reaching out to street kids in his community.  This is one of my favorites that I've read in the series.

Children of the Storm by Natasha Vins

Another autobiography this month... Natasha Vins' father was a Baptist pastor in the Soviet Union during the 1970's.  This is their family's story of house raids, going underground, imprisonment, and exile... all for pursuing their faith.  Very good.

What are you reading?

The Green Kingdom {Review}

 

When twelve-year-old Caspia's father takes a job in Brooklyn for the summer, she's sure that life is over.  Whatever could she possibly find to do in the city away from friends for 10 weeks? Far away from her home in Maine, Caspia resigns herself to making do until school starts again.  But then one day she finds a bundle of letters with "green" riddles, riddles designed to lead her to a new plant.  As she begins to unravel each mystery, Caspia discovers there are numerous friends to be made and adventures to be had right in the middle of the city.  

This book was a fun read, proving that sometimes friendships pop up in unexpected places.  There were several things that I liked about this book:

*Caspia does turn her attitude around and draws closer to her parents.

*There's a lot to be learned about the plants highlighted in this book.

*Caspia's friends prove to be a positive influence in her life.

Still, there were a few notes for parents to be aware of:

*There is a budding romance between Caspia and a boy.

*There is mention of same-sex attraction involving one of her friends.

*Talk of witches and spirits

*Caspia's parents tell her that it's sometimes ok to keep secrets from them.

While none of these notes are about major plotlines, some of them may be larger issues for families and should be approached with open conversation.

All in all, I did think there were more positives than negatives in this book, and families could easily enjoy it as a read-aloud or a fun addition to a plant study.

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

The Familiar Stranger {Review}

 

Many Christians are comfortable with God the Father.  They find Jesus to be highly approachable.  But what about the Holy Spirit?  We read about Him in the New Testament, but He seems too wild and unpredictable.  Here one minute and gone the next.  Jesus calls Him our Helper, Comforter... an indwelling presence to transform our lives.  He's such a complex part of the Godhead; we struggle to wrap our minds around Him. In The Familiar Stranger, author Tyler Staton reintroduces us to the Holy Spirit, uncovering Him all throughout Scripture.  Focusing on Biblical imagery and metaphors, learning about the Holy Spirit's discernment, and understanding how Word and Spirit work together in drawing people to repentance, Staton presents a beautiful picture of this oft-ignored member of the Trinity.  The Familiar Stranger will challenge and encourage readers to approach the Holy Spirit with boldness and experience his life-changing power.

When I first heard about The Familiar Stranger, I knew right away that I wanted to read this one.  Having been a Christian most of my life, the Holy Spirit still feels so elusive. Staton does a great job uncovering this third part of the Trinity as He appears all throughout the Bible.  With a balance of solid theology and personal testimony, this book is outstanding in making the Holy Spirit personal in both grace and power.  This is the best book I've read on this topic and look forward to delving back in for a deeper understanding.

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

Spring Reading List ll 2025

 Non-Fiction:

Should Christians Support Israel? by Jeff Myers

Culture of Honor by Danny Silk

More Than a Carpenter

by Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell

Out of a Far Country

by Christopher Yuan and Angela Yuan

Fiction:

The Green Kingdom by Cornelia Funke

The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Read Alouds:

Children of the Storm by Natasha Vins

Born Behind Bars by Padma Venkatraman

Bruchko by Bruce Olson

What Are You Reading?

Keeping Christ at the Center of Easter

  *This post was originally published on 3/7/16.  Enjoy!

 

We love Easter.  It's a wonderful time to be with family, emerge from the doldrums of winter, and celebrate the resurrection.  And as our kids are growing, it's a joyful time to share with them why we celebrate Easter.  Below are a few things we done to point the kids back to Christ at Easter, and a few new ideas we'd like to try in the future.  It doesn't take much to open a conversation and watch our kids embrace the miracle of the holiday.

*Make Do-a-Dot Crosses
*Make Crayon Crosses
*Fill Easter Baskets with Bibles, devotionals, and prayer journals
*Read and discuss the Easter story
*Create tissue paper mosaic crosses
*Paint "Where is Jesus?" watercolor art
*Bake Resurrection Rolls
*Follow Resurrection Eggs
*Bake Resurrection Cookies
*Make pretzels and learn about their origin
*Collect items for charity
*Study Passion of the Christ artwork
*Wash your children's feet as an act of service
*Read the Crucifixion story
*Attend a sunrise service
*Listen to Handel's Messiah
*Prepare a special celebratory meal
*Make Bird's Nest cookies
*Study the origin of Easter eggs
*Plant an Easter garden
*Memorize ABC scripture cards
*Re-enact Palm Sunday with construction paper palms
*Write Easter messages in the driveway with chalk
*Color white carnations and discuss how Jesus took on our sins
*Plant a resurrection garden
*Paint a fingerprint cross (coming soon)
*Complete a lent word search
*Dip Chocolate covered pretzel crosses

How do you point your kids to Christ at Easter?

Weekend Links ll March 14, 2025

 

12 Things To Do For Homeschool Spring Nature Study

25 Hymns Our Kids Should Know

50 Book and Movie Combos

Spring Lapbook

Butterfly Unit Study

This Week: 

What I'm Cooking:

My crockpot has been getting a workout this week.  With a busy schedule and rainy weather, I've been cooking up lots of soups and stews.  My favorite this week was my chicken noodle.  I throw everything in early in the morning and by dinner, it's all melded together and happy.  And no one minds if I add a little extra garlic.  Pair that with some homemade rolls and dinner is served.

What I'm Reading:

I'm currently reading The Familiar Stranger.  It's about the Holy Spirit and His role in the church community.  So far, it's very practical without being overly spiritualized.  I'm not finished yet, but I really am enjoying it.  Keep your eyes open for a review soon.

What I'm Doing:

This week we had a homeschool field trip to the Symphony.  It's been a couple of years since we've gone, but we all remembered why we enjoy that one so much.  This particular presentation was about the story of Babar, and the conductor did an amazing job of keeping it interesting.

 

What I'm Enjoying:

Rainy afternoons...

Symphony field trips...

Our church's Ezekiel Bible Study...

Oversized hoodies...

Planning for next school year...

What are you up to?

Three Free or Inexpensive Art Resources for Homeschool

*This post was originally published on 2/8/23.  Enjoy!

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 Art is one of those lessons that makes homeschool special and can really spark your child's interest. However, after purchasing all the core subjects, it can be really hard to find room in the budget. So how do you teach art inexpensively?

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑21yrs led to 👱17 yrs, 👧15 yrs, and 👱 11 yrs. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Art for Kids Hub: https://www.youtube.com/@UC5XMF3Inoi8R9nSI8ChOsdQ Chalk Pastel: https://chalkpastel.com Under the Home: https://underthehome.org 2022 Homeschool Resolutions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qenYIb0ecI 1000 Hours Outside in 2022: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gat0hSyCBLc Our 2023 Read Aloud List: http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2023/01/our-2023-read-aloud-list.html Our Homeschool Word of the Year ll 2021-22: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEAaKqVbBSE&t=327s My Mom Morning Basket ll Fall '21: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSj8i94S6ik&t=5s How to Make a Charlotte Mason Book of Centuries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN9mcel_Xwg How I'm Preparing to Homeschool High School: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbTzj_AKmg4 Top 10 Homeschool Resolutions for the New Year ll 2020: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RZ5nbYLo1c&t=657s Ten Homeschool Resolutions for 2021: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTGqapJV1Y4 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/ https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/52903?ref=nav_mybooks Music Attribution: Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod FTC Disclosure: This video is not sponsored. *This video is not intended for audiences under 13 years.

What is Gameschooling?

*This post was originally published on 11/29/23.  Enjoy!

 If you've been in the homeschooling world for any amount of time, you've probably heard the term gameschooling.  But what is gameschooling?  Is it a new tech program?  A new virtual online school?  What exactly is the hype all about? Well, that's what we're going to be talking about today.  What is Gameschooling?  And how can I incorporate it into my own homeschool?

Gameschooling is all about using games for teaching concepts.  Everything from Math to Language Arts, History to Science... even Art History and Music.  Combining academic subjects with hands on fun to bring learning to life... and throwing in a few laughs as well.  And gameschooling incorporates some of those social skills that are so necessary as well: taking turns, strategy, working with a partner, being a gracious loser, problem solving, and more!

Gameschooling can be used as a primary source of teaching information (such as nature topics) or as a supplement to what you're learning in your book work.  And playing games is highly disarming.  When I find that we're running into a mental roadblock, I'll often look for a game that will address the same concept to help my children learn it in a fun way.  Playing a game puts my children at ease and allows them to better grasp the concepts that I'm trying to teach.

Gameschooling is also a wonderful way to bring the family together.  While some subject areas are better taught at grade level (math in particular), others can be taught or reviewed in a group.  Gameschooling is a great way of leveling the playing field and having everyone learn together.  It's also a wonderful way of inviting other family members into your homeschool.  Grandma doesn't have to feel comfortable with Algebra, but may be more than happy to play a math game with the kids.

Furthermore, you can find a game on nearly any subject.  Logic, geography, history, and language arts, just to name a few.  Over the years, we've used both traditional games and some of the more "educational" games to incorporate gameschooling into our home.  Additionally, Teachers Pay Teachers is a wonderful site for finding grade-level printables and holiday-specific learning challenges such as Mad Libs, crosswords, word searches, escape rooms, and more.

Gameschooling has become an integral part of our homeschool over the years, allowing us to learn new ideas from a comfortable, fun angle without feeling the pressure of checking off all the boxes.  It's a wonderful way to create memories in your family while addressing academics and embracing your family culture.

Have you tried gameschooling?

What are some of your favorites?

What I Read and Our Homeschool Read Alouds ll February 2025

 

The LifeWe're Looking For by Andy Crouch

I first heard about Andy Crouch because of his Tech-Wise Family book.  I'm always trying to get my hands on fact-based information about technology and its effects on relationships.  But in looking at this author, I realized this book actually came first and so I thought this would be a good place to start.  Crouch really takes this to the spiritual side of things, pointing out how we're made in God's image, and how technology keeps us from really "seeing" that image.  It tends to dehumanize us as a society, and therefore, we are dishonoring God in our relationships.  Thus, we miss the humanness in others, living our world feeling very lonely and isolated.  I liked it, it was an interesting take on the topic (certainly not an angle I've considered before), but at times it felt like Crouch was really reaching.  Some of his examples and support felt like they were beyond the bounds of logical reasoning.  It was hard to follow his logic at times and left my mind afloat in certain chapters.  Interesting take, but not nearly as informative and engaging as Jonathan Haidt's Anxious Generation.

A Separate Peace by John Knowles

Our Story of the World curriculum suggests this title for grades 8+.  Since I'd never read it, I thought I'd tackle it myself before passing it off to my 13-year-old. Boy, am I glad I did.  A Separate Peace follows the story of 2 elite prep school roommates at the beginning of WWII.  Through a series of events, one of the boys becomes injured in such a way that he may never walk again.  His roommate does everything he can to help.  But his own involvement in the events leaves him feeling both guilty and jealous.  It's a story of intense rivalry, coming of age, and looming war.  There's a lot of language and tension in this novel that just left me feeling hopeless.  There was no redemption to the story, just a group of boys who were hopelessly lost in their despair.  I can't understand why this one is a classic and doesn't see myself assigning it in our homeschool.

Snow White and the Dragon by Kim Bussing

See my full review here.

Senior Year Step-by-Step by Lee Binz

I can't believe I'm going to have a senior... again!  If you're new to these coffee break books, they're amazing!  Lee Binz condenses down the most important points you need to know in guiding your high schoolers toward graduation and future success.  Just over 100+ pages, I learned so much from this book to start implementing the summer before Senior Year.

For the Children's Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay

I've read this title before, but some of our family is considering homeschooling.  I wanted to reread it before recommending it as a starting place.  I love the way the author makes Charlotte Mason's ideas come alive.  She really inspired me to explore this philosophy 5 years years ago, and I found myself reinspired this second reading as well.  Macaulay does a great job bringing all of this back to the humanity of our children.  We do so much of what we do because they are people and need to know how to interact with the world.  I loved this book just as much the second time as my original reading.

One Wrong Step by Jennifer A. Nielson

See my full review here.

Our Homeschool Read Alouds:

The Endless Steppe by Esther Hautzig

This title coincides with our Story of the World vol 4 curriculum.  Ester and her family are sent to Siberia during WWII for being "capitalists."  While there, they must survive the scorching summers and brutal winters as war marches on in Germany and Europe.  I actually like this one better than Anne Frank's Diary.  They both have their place as Anne's work is autobiographical.  However, Ester's story allows the reader to see a different view from the concentration camps which have been so widely written about.  I would highly recommend this title for anyone studying WWII in the 6-9th grades.

Christian Heroes: Betty Greene by Janet and Geoff Benge

As I've shared before, we're working our way through several Christian Heroes books in the middle school years.  This is one we read in February.  I had never heard of Betty Greene before and after this reading, I'm so glad she's included. This book brought together several historical figures that we've read about in the past and I could really see Greene's influence on the missionary movement of the mid-late 1900's.  A lesser-known figure who made a HUGE impact.

What are you reading?

One Wrong Step {Review}

When 12-year-old Atlas loses his mother, climbing becomes his outlet... and eventually, his obsession.  He and his father begin traveling the world, climbing one mountain after another, in an attempt to leave the pain behind.  So when the chance to summit Mt Everest arises, they both jump at the opportunity.  When Atlas's father and the team push on, Atlas and his friend, Maddie, wait at base camp, only to watch as the team is buried in an avalanche.  Now men's only hope is to be rescued by these two teens before they run out of time.  But Atlas and Maddie might not be the only ones on the mountain.  With WWII looming in Europe, the Nazis are anxious to summit Everest as well.  When strange things start to happen on the mountain, Atlas and Maddie are left to wonder who will reach their fathers first?

Author Jennifer A. Nielsen is back with a new piece of historical fiction.  One Wrong Step is an action-packed novel that will keep you turning the pages.  Loosely based on historical events, this story about loss, family, and overcoming is incredibly well-written.  I felt myself struggling with Atlas and pulling for him throughout the entire book.  And when the teens were in trouble on Mt. Everest, I think I probably audibly gasped.  One Wrong Step is very well done.  Although marketed as middle-grade fiction, this book would be easily enjoyed by a variety of ages, and the historical setting and details give it added interest.  Very well done and highly recommended.

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

What's in Our Morning Basket? ll Middle School and High School

 *This post was originally published on 2/15/23.  Enjoy!

(Click on post for video)

Sharing what we are adding to our morning basket this semester with a 6th and 9th grader!

I pray that this one blesses and inspires you! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑21yrs led to 👱17 yrs, 👧15 yrs, and 👱 11 yrs. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2023 Homeschool Resolutions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtKXP_qeMhw&t=8s 2022 Homeschool Resolutions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qenYIb0ecI 1000 Hours Outside in 2022: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gat0hSyCBLc Our 2023 Read Aloud List: http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2023/01/our-2023-read-aloud-list.html Our Homeschool Word of the Year ll 2021-22: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEAaKqVbBSE&t=327s My Mom Morning Basket ll Fall '21: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSj8i94S6ik&t=5s How to Make a Charlotte Mason Book of Centuries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN9mcel_Xwg How I'm Preparing to Homeschool High School: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbTzj_AKmg4 Top 10 Homeschool Resolutions for the New Year ll 2020: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RZ5nbYLo1c&t=657s Ten Homeschool Resolutions for 2021: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTGqapJV1Y4 Contact us for business inquiries, reviews and collaborations: BethAnn_97@hotmail.com Need prayer? Leave a comment or contact me at: 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/ https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/52903?ref=nav_mybooks Music Attribution: Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod FTC Disclosure: This video is not sponsored. *This video is not intended for audiences under 13 years.

Snow White and the Dragon (or, Sleeping Beauty and the Seven Dwarfs) {Review}

 

In a land of mixed-up fairy tales, one never knows what will happen.  Maybe Snow White will fall through a magic mirror and join a band of huntsman.  Maybe Sleeping Beauty will find herself eating a poison apple... or searching for a cure to a sleeping spell.  Maybe these two princesses will find their lives intertwined as they work to defeat an evil stepmother and restore the crown.  Through all the twists and turns, Snow and Rose learn they can only reach their happily ever after if they work together.  Or the dragon threatens to defeat them both.

This is the second book in the Princess Swaps series, and it's just as good as the first.  Author Kim Bussing has a way of bringing out small details in these princess stories and making the reader ask, "What if?"  The twists in this story were unexpected and fun to follow.  And although the series is only loosely based on their originals, I find them to be a breath of fresh air.  The only thing that threw me off was that the main characters are 13 years old, which feels a little young.  But overall, I love this series, and this one is definitely a hit.  Highly recommend.

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

Weekend Links ll February 14, 2025

 

Awesomesauce Valentines

Valentine's Day Word Scramble Printables

Character Development in Our Homeschool

Valentine's Day Charcuterie Board

Heartfelt DIY Valentine's Ideas