What We Read in June and Our Homeschool Read Alouds ll June 2024

What I Read:

Think Differently About Learning by Maren Goerss and Angela Sizer

See my full review here.

The Rhythm of Home by Chris and Jenni Graebe

See my full review here.

Homeschool Bravely by Jamie Erickson

I couldn't even tell you how many times I've read this book.  Whenever anyone asks me about my top homeschool read, I always mention this one.  This book has been on my summer reading list for many years and I get something out of it every time.  It was originally a review book for me so you can find my full review here.

A Hobbit, A Wardrobe, and A Great War by Joseph Loconte

I started this one with high hopes about learning more about Lewis and Tolkien, and how their works reflected their experiences.  But about a third of the way through the book, I put it down. The author did a great job exploring the context of WWI, the events that led up to it and how it shaped the worldview of the time.  But he just fell short in how it applied to Lewis and Tolkien's work.  Although an interesting and thorough read, it just wasn't what I was looking for and I lost motivation to finish this one.

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafsai

Of course, I've heard of Malala Yousafsai, but I never really knew details about her story.  So I was excited to find this Young Reader's Edition at the library.  Being for young readers, this version forcusses on Malala's journey as an activist for girls rights and education without going into unnecessary details about the attack against her.  It really focused on her family relationships, particularly her relationship with her father who she seems very close to.  I'll be adding this one to my middler schooler's reading list.

Our Homeschool Read Alouds:

Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan

When Nazi troops parachute into Peter Lundstrom's Norwegian village, Peter and his friends must transport nine million dollars worth of gold to his uncle's ship, where Uncle Victor will smuggle it to America.  The mission is full of danger, strategy, and mistaken identity.. and highlights the resilience of the human spirit.  We read this one as part of our history curriculum and I love how it makes the human aspect of WWII come to life.  Definitely recommend.

Woods Runner by Gary Paulsen

Thirteen year old Samuel is out hunting when the American Revolution comes to his settlement.  Upon returning, he finds that many of his friends have been killed and his parents kidnapped.  From there, he goes on a mission to rescue his parents, no matter what.  Each day he encounters both enemies and allies, and he must chose who to trust and learn how to survive in the horrors of war.  I read this one aloud to my 7th grader who is prettty sensitive, so I found myself doing some editing while.I read.  But we did find it made the American Revolution relatable.

What are you reading?

The Rhythm of Home {Review}

Desiring to create a thriving family culture?  One that connects with your core values and dreams?  A family culture of spiritual and relational growth?  Authors Chris and Jenni Graebe share their intentional habits and tips for family rhythms that cultivate a family that loves the Lord and loves each other.  Not only do their share their own habits, but they also encourage readers to find their own core values and family vision.

Some of my favorite takeaways from this book include:

*"When handled with care, home enables a person or family to move out into the world with deep resources to draw upon:a volume of memories where close relationships were forged through mealtimes, celebrations, special traditions, shared tears and laughter, and the reciprocal experience of caring and being cared for."

*"We want to create rhythms in our home that encourage honest conversation."

*"Their (kids') reactions to your efforts doesn't get to dictate the rhythms you fill your home with.  You get to choose the habits that make up your home.  Seek God for His bes rhythms for your family and then practice them faithfully, trusting Him with the results.  There is a harvest coming if you don't give up.  Trust the story He is writing.  Do it anyway."

*"Thriving families choose to speak words of life."

*"It's important to keep in mind who our children are becoming, rather than defining them by how they are acting in a specific season."

I also loved how this book is filled with questions for reflection and practical tips for implementing these concepts in families without being too specific.  Ideally this would be a great book to read when your kids are younger so you can really dig in and intentionally create a family culture from a young age.  I would also recommend reading this one with your spouse.  This book has a lot to reflect on and it would be great for a couple to get on the same page.  Good for young families.

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

The Reindeer Remainders {Review}

This class of 12 reindeer are getting read for a special presentation when a new student arrives.  No problem.  Until the reindeer try to divide into groups and no matter what they try, there's always a reindeer left out.  Can they work together to make sure everyone is included?

This cute picture book is a great way to combine math, problem solving, teamwork, and more.  A cute story about friendship, Reindeer Remainders presents multiplication and division in a living book manner. That's tricky to do.  The author even dedicates a few pages to teaching the concepts of remainders and prime numbers, and including others in the group.  This picture book is a fun way to introduce these math concepts in a unique way, and might even provide for some laughter in the classroom.

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

Do-It-Yourself: Key Lime Ice Cream

 *This post was originally published on 7/25/12.  Enjoy!

At the beginning of the year, I set 12 DIY Project goals for 2012.  July's challenge was to try out this yummy looking Key Lime Ice Cream recipe that I've had bookmarked for over a year.  To say that it was fantastic would be an understatement.  Notice the lack of photo this month?  That's because my son and I ate it too fast.  I kept meaning to go back and take a photo, but we couldn't keep our spoons out of it.  

I made a few changes based on our own tastes.  I like mine a little more sour so that was the first change, but all in all, it was one of my favorite recipes I've tried in a long time.  After all, summer is the season for homemade ice cream.  Plus the original recipe includes a link for making ice cream without a machine.  Couldn't be simpler.  Here's the yumminess we came up with:

Key Lime Ice Cream

1 1/2 c. whole milk

1 c. bottled Key Lime juice (I may have even used 1 1/2 c.)

1 c. heavy cream

1 can sweetened condensed milk

Optional: Coursely crushed graham crackers, key lime wedges

Combine milk, Key Lime juice, cream and condensed milk.  

Freeze according to manufacturer's directions.

Crush 1/3 c. of graham crackers and mix into ice cream near the end of freezing.  Transfer to a freezer safe container and freeze for 1 hr or until set.  Serve with crushed graham cracker topping and key lime wedges.

Weekend Links ll June 21, 2024

 

Ocean STEM Activities for Preschoolers

Lemon Chicken Gnocchi

Plant Care Starter Pack

Stone Fruit Recipes

Flamingo Life Cycle Worksheets

This Week: 

What I'm Cooking:

This is fair week so that means the 16 year old, 12 year old, and I were all baking on Tuesday to get in our submissions.  I played around with a few scone recipes this year and entered my cheddar bacon scones.  The batch was big enough to have some for breakfast the next morning and they were yummy!!!

What I'm Reading:

We picked up the Wilderlore series for our next read aloud.  I'm not typically one for fantasy, but I have to say we are really enjoying this one.  My 12 year old is especially loving it!

What I'm Doing:

We went camping last weekend with my sister in law and her family.  The kids had a great time playing in the campground and swimming at the lake.  I loved the campfire and slow mornings at camp.  And the fact that it was 10 degrees cooler in the mountains.

What I'm Enjoying:

Baking for the fair...

Finding new book series...

Lifting weights...

Afternoon swimming sessions...

Lake living...

What are you up to?