Homeschool ABC Collab: U is for Update!

This week I'm sharing with you the highs, lows, and all the in betweens of our 2016-2017 school year.  What curriculum did we like?  What did we hate?  And what are we looking toward changing next year?

2016-2017 4th Grade Curriculum:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myr_TrHlrGg

2016-2017 Kindergarten Curriculum:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQVb4xLroZY

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

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

Homeschool ABC Collab Letter U playlist:

Homeschool ABC's Collab- Letter V is for... will be posted on Tuesday June 6, 2017.  Come back with your links to be added to the playlist.

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

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:

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

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

June Holidays and Homeschool Ideas

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

June 2nd--Donut Day
*Make some Apple Cider Donut Holes
*What about some Baked Churro Donuts?

June 3rd--National Trails Day
*Organize/ take part in a trail volunteer clean up crew
*Find a new trail to hike
*Purchase a new wildlife guide and see how many plants/animals you can identify on your hike

June 8th--Best Friends Day
*Send a small gift/card to your best friend
*Phone an old friend
*Find a pen pal

June 15th--Nature Photography Day
*Create a nature photography challenge list
*Take an online photography course

June 18th--Father's Day
*Fill out a Father's Day memory sheet
*Draw a Father's Day portrait
*Create a Father's Day gift

June 24th--Great American Campout Day
*Put the tent up in the backyard
*Make s'mores in a solar oven
*Go Camping!

What days are you celebrating this month?

Our 2017 Summer Bucket List

Summer is here and we're creating our Summer Bucket List!  The kids have things they want to do, and we want to swim... A LOT!  But for those warmer days and planning purposes, we're putting together a variety of ideas for the months ahead.  Here's what we have so far:

Make galaxies in bottles

Make solar system bracelets

Complete the Barnes & Noble reading challenge

Make edible solar systems

Read The Black Stallion

Do 25 Days of Drawing challenge

Try frozen yogurt/fruit treats

Hike Brandy Creek Falls

Make homemade ice cream

Go camping

Try Foam paint

Become a Junior Ranger

Complete the library reading challenge

Make 4th of July crafts

Visit a National Park

Try grilled fruit

Make homemade granola

Read By the Shores of Silver Lake

Learn to use a compass

Explore tide pools

Have a water balloon fight

Visit the Farmer's Market

Make a fun fruit dessert

Hike a volcano

Camp out in the backyard

Find 3 new places to explore around town

Learn about ocean animals

Hike Crystal Creek Falls

Stay up and star gaze

Visit the Icee Shack

Read The One and Only Ivan

Make popsicles

Take swim lessons

Weekend Links

Improving Your Everyday Life Through Art Therapy

Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread

A Homeschool Mom Teaches WWI

Romaine Wedge Salad with Meyer Lemon

8 Ways to Motivate Kids to Read

This Week:

What I Made:

You know Lydia and I ... we've been in the kitchen.  Today is actually our final day of the school year so I baked chocolate chip zucchini muffins for breakfast (a family favorite) and we're trying a new ice cream recipe: fresh mango!  It should be good.  I sampled a little.  :-)

What I'm Reading:

I just finished Atlas Girl that was the bookmarks selection this month.  So good.  A little quirky, a little off timeline... but good... like deep thinking good.

What I'm Doing:

This is our first weekend without baseball.  I almost don't know what to do with myself.  But today, we're celebrating the end of the school year.  And this weekend, we plan on doing some hiking to some waterfalls.  I'm excited.

What I'm Watching:

Not a whole lot really... Oh, I've been watching old episodes of Little People, Big World.  I haven't watched that show in years, but got sucked back in so I went back several seasons and I've been binge watching.

What I'm Enjoying:

Homemade Ice Cream... good friends... cool evenings... 

What are you up to?

2017 May Bookmarks

*Bookmarks is an online book club hosted at Creative2xmom. Here we discuss the books we've read in the past month as well as the suggested reading. Our suggested reading for May was Atlas Girl by Emily T. Wierenga.

These are the books I read this month:

Are My Kids on Track by Goff, Thomas, and Trevathan-- See my review here.

What We Read With The Kids:

On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder--  We are book #4 of the Little House series and the kids are soaking it up.  Especially my 5 year old; he loves them!

Our suggested reading for May was Atlas Girl by Emily T. Wierenga--  This book was so good.  Memoir written in rich language, Wierenga explores a life marred with imperfect people, an eating disorder, and trying to make sense of a loving God in an unlovable world.  Leaving home at a young age, Wierenga finds the love her life, but learns that battling her demons will follow her.  And when her mother is diagnosed with brain cancer and she's needed at home, those demons continue to follow along.  Written in a nonlinear, quirky, thought provoking way, Atlas Girl discovers that sometimes the last place you want to be is the place that will heal you.  Meant to be read slowly and savored, Atlas Girl is a great book for gaining deep perspective.

So what are your bookmarks this month?

Tell us in the comments about the books you're chewing on. Or link up a review from your own blog. Let's share the books we're finding, good and bad. And give us your thoughts on Atlas Girl by Emily T. Wierenga.

Also don't forget to come back on June 30th as we discuss Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas.

May Homeschool Favorites

Some of our favorites this month in our homeschool!

Original Creator: FullTimeWifeLife
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIwT8Shrs-A

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

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:

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

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

Weekend Links

Honey Lime Fruit Salad

DIY Fidget Spinner Popsicles

13 DIY Rustic Home Decor Projects

Almond Butter Berry Steel Cut Oats

Free Printable Graduation Cards

This Week:

What I Made:  The kids had a baking presentation at school last week and King Arthur Flour sent home baking kits with them.  Each kid baked at least one loaf of bread to share with a local charity and then a baking project of their choice.  Each one was so different.  Josiah baked bread to have with pasta one night, Lydia made rolls for Mother's Day dinner, and Noah made cinnamon rolls for breakfast.  It was nice to take the time to bake one on one with each kid.  And I'm seeing how quickly they'll be taking over the kitchen.

What I'm Reading:  I've been reading a wonderful Amish adventure by Beverly Lewis set at the ocean.  It's entitled Ebb Tide and is reminding me how much I love the coast.  I'm also reading 2-3 chapters a day in Atlas Girl for May's book club selection.  Very deep.  But simply beautiful.

What I'm Doing:  Oh, this weekend I'm on a scrapbooking getaway with my mom.  What a wonderful way to cap off celebrating Mother's Day this month.  So we're scrapping the weekend away and enjoying some rest and relaxation.  

At the same time, I'm missing my boys' baseball games on Saturday and that makes me sad.  The season is nearly over and I realize that they're growing so fast.  This days are going to fly by and as much as I wish some of the days away, I ache for them to last.

I also broke a month long sugar fast this week.  I was fasting from Easter to Mother's Day and it really helped reset my cravings.  So I'm hoping to successfully limit my sweets intact in the future.

What I'm Watching:  Season finales are happening, but one of our favorites has been watching Masterchef Jr.  We even let the kids stay up late and watch.  The judges are so good and encouraging with the kids and it's amazing to see the dishes they prepare.

What I'm Enjoying: Asiago cheese... roses... baseball season... smoothies... 

What are you up to?

Are My Kids On Track? {Review}

We track our children's physical growth with doctor check ups and percentages.  Vaccinations and vitamins are a regular part of the routine.  Their intellectual progress is tracked in the classroom and standardized tests.  But in terms of social, emotional, and spiritual growth, it can feel like we're stumbling in the dark.  What should be expect?  What's reasonable?  And how in the world do we get there?

These are the growth markers Goff, Thomas, and Trevathan tackle.  These three counselors identify and outline 12 key milestones in your child's social, emotional, and spiritual life.  These milestones include: 

• Perspective
• Empathy
• Ownership
• Identity
• Mercy

Each milestone is identified, stumbling blocks for both boys and girls are explained, and hands-on practices are given.  And the end picture is inspiring.

However, the book in its entirety is quite overwhelming.  While reading through each chapter, it felt like everything I say and do with my kids is at critical mass.  Like the slightest word could tip them over the edge.  And while I do believe there's good material in this book, the authors seem to be overly critical and targeting parent's insecurities.  There's so much information and warnings to parents; the entire book become overshadowed with a negative tone.

All in all, the tone of this book outweighed any good it could do.  If you can read this book with a lot of wisdom and perspective, there are nuggets of truth to be mined.  Otherwise, I would pass on this book.  There are better parenting books out there.

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

Homeschool ABC Collab: S is for Summer Learning Plans

Dance Mat Typing--
http://www.typing-games.org/a/learning/2010/0723/90.html

ABCYa (math, reading, and strategies for grades Pre-K through 5th):
http://www.abcya.com

Cool Math Games:
http://www.coolmath-games.com

Who Was Journal:
https://www.amazon.com/Who-Your-Name-Here-Story/dp/0448487152/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494908230&sr=8-1&keywords=Who+was+journal

Writing Prompts Journal Gr. 1-2:
http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/product/productDet.jsp?productItemID=1%2C689%2C949%2C371%2C929%2C053&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181113&bmUID=1494908294294

Sourdough Series:
https://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/search?q=sourdough

Lava Beds National Monument:
https://www.nps.gov/labe/index.htm

Tule Lake Unit:
https://www.nps.gov/tule/index.htm

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This week we're talking about our summer learning plans.  We don't homeschool year round so we're going for a light summer learning schedule with plenty of fun activities, extra curricular opportunities, and some home ec.

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

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

Homeschool ABC Collab Letter S playlist:

Homeschool ABC's Collab- Letter T is for... will be posted on Tuesday May 23, 2017.  Come back with your links to be added to the playlist.

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

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:

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

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

Weekend Links

Instant Pot Almond Pound Cake

25 Free Mother's Day Printables

Savory Jicama Slaw

Bird Watching: How to Cultivate a Family Hobby

Helping Our Perfectionist Child

How Music Affects Developing Brains

This Week:

What I Made:  Oh, we've been busy this week.  We made muffins, humming bird food, "sea life" jello.... :-)  I love having kids who are interested in cooking.

What I'm Reading: I finally had a chance to pick up Atlas Girl, which is the May bookmarks selection.  Good so far, but I'm only a few chapters in.  Not the typical style of writing I go for, but good.

What I'm Doing:  We're hosting family this weekend.  My mom is in town for her birthday, and my in-laws are visiting to watch the boys play baseball.  So I'm spending the weekend in the baseball bleachers.  Planning on getting some time to prune my roses and firing up the grill.  

What I'm Watching:  We started the Friends season again and we're on Season 2.  Never gets old.  We've also been watching Master Chef Jr.  There's a kid in there from Sacramento so we've been cheering for him.  Amazing what these kids can create.

What I'm Enjoying:  Fajita salad... fresh fruit... smoothies... watching the kids play in the sprinklers... baseball season... Greek & Roman mythology... new friends at church...

What are you up to?

Homeschool ABC Collab: R is for Rev, Rumble, and Roar

 This week we're going to Rev, Rumble, and Roar with some of the businesses here in town... all while visiting our local library.

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

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

Homeschool ABC Collab Letter R playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7FwY6p1R3M&list=PLdEwsx69jopsbqApM9znuavRNm4AwJjQu

Homeschool ABC's Collab- Letter S is for... will be posted on Tuesday May 16, 2017.  Come back with your links to be added to the playlist.

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

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:

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

Pop Tune by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

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

The Lucky Few {Review}

Parenthood didn't come about as Josh and Heather Avis thought it would.  After struggling with infertility, the pair decided to travel the adoption road.  Despite the bumps in the road, Heather still had a very clear view of how her family would look. That is until an email from her adoption agency left her questioning everything.  Through an amazing turn of events, Josh and Heather ended up adopting Macy, a precious little girl with Downs Syndrome requiring open heart surgery, medications, and multiple therapies.  Not ones to back down from a challenge, they went on to adopt a second child, and later a third child, also with Downs Syndrome.  Through it all, Heather chronicles the ups and downs that not only created their family, but also ultimately found her in a deeper relationship with her Creator.

The Avis story is one of encouragement and truth.  From struggling through infertility, to managing birth family relationships, to waiting through two open heart surgeries, Heather Avis isn't afraid to tell the honest truth about the messiness of life.  Despite her parenting journey not playing out the way she planned, Avis is honest about the ups and downs of adoption, foster care, and special needs, all without coming off as angry or looking for sympathy.  Instead, she reminds the reader of how she was constantly pointed to the greater reality of our Lord, walking in faith, and the joy that comes from obedience.  The Lucky Few isn't just for those looking to adopt.  Rather it's a book for anyone trying to understand adoption, how to support families, and more broadly for those catching a glimpse into the Father's heart.  I couldn't put it down.

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

Homeschool Mom Tag// May 2017

Sharing the homeschool mom tag today.  This one was created by Rachel from Day2DayJoys and includes 10 questions.  Feel free to tag yourself or leave the answers to the questions in the comments.  Love learning and sharing with you all.

1. Were you homeschooled?

2. Did you always know you'd homeschool your children?

3. What are your three favorite books in your homeschool library?

4. Are you the only teacher?

5. What is your favorite place to buy curriculum?

6. Do you have a set budget for your homeschool?

7. What are your two must have homeschool supplies?

8. What are you favorite and least favorite subjects to teach?

9. Have you ever been a part of a co-op or homeschool group?

10. What is your homeschooling style?

Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHu21yOJw-jsGovQc6_wSJh4A_1WC7BGP&jct=keD5x8CQaJYB4PdubBVXOkcupoW63Q


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

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:

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

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

One Second Every Day {April 2017}

April turned us from rain to sunny days.  We celebrated Easter, played with friends, got wrapped up in baseball season, and went to a classic car cruise.

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 http://twitter.com/creative2xmom

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:

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

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

Homeschool ABC Collab: Q is for Q&A

 This week's I'm tackling some of your questions?  Will we have more kids?  Will we adopt again?  How do you camp with kids? and more!  Leave me any additional comments/questions below.

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

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

Homeschool ABC Collab Letter P playlist:

Homeschool ABC's Collab- Letter Q is for... will be posted on Tuesday May 2, 2017.  Come back with your links to be added to the playlist.

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

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:

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


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

Speed Cleaning While Homeschooling/ Power Hour Cleaning {5/1/17}

 A little Monday Motivation for you.  Didn’t know I could complete so much in a Power Hour while homeschooling K, 4th, and 6th grades.  Some typical household chores, a few little projects, and getting dinner in the crockpot in those little blocks of time.

Style Mom XO: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgYmsFQfpkQ7Sq8_i5Vca6g

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

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:

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

Bounce Ball by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: http://www.twinmusicom.org/song/255/b...
Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org

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

5 Challenges to Take on with Your Kids

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?