What We're Reading in Jan 2019 ll Collab

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

This Open Collab is hosted by:
Mommy & Mia Homeschool Chronicles: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmcrZSa0FOG6FH5BUv8QNDg
The Simple Rugged Path: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7HVorQE8LgvYfw8_zPiDAQ
Creative 2X Mom: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_jc2X9jKUgTkoxsPB49_bg

Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLId_JNKYCQ7KKA1BqMTH4q4Gaz43OrZvA&jct=YLWHBrPkk8M2nmXKX8KICy3RKCLXIg

A Mom's Guide to Lies Girls Believe:
http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2019/01/a-moms-guide-to-lies-girls-believe.html

Under the Midnight Sun:
http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2019/01/under-midnight-sun-review.html

Our Ten Family Read Alouds for the Homeschool Year:
http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2018/08/our-ten-family-read-alouds-for.html

2019 Read Aloud List:
http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2019/01/2019-read-aloud-list.html

Classic Literature Lapbooks Vol 1:
http://store.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=70_100_101&products_id=257

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs 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.

Top 5 Educational Shows for Preschoolers

Super Why!

Dinosaur Train

Word World

Little Einsteins

The Cat in the Hat

What would you add to the list?

Our Third Grade Reading List

Third Grade year is probably my favorite for reading.  The kids are transitioning out of early readers, but the characters remain fun and the stories are interesting, even for mom.  These have been some of our favorites that we return to again and again.

A to Z mysteries

A Cricket in Times Square
American girl series
Ballpark mysteries
The Bears of Hemlock Mountain
Because of Winn-Dixie
Boxcar Children series
Charlotte's Web

The Courage of Sarah Noble
Geronimo Stilton series
Henry Huggins
Little House in the Big Woods
Mr. Popper's Penguins
Sarah, Plain and Tall

Stuart Little
The Trumpet of the Swan

What are your favorite books for this age?

For more suggestions see our First & Second Grade Reading List.

January Homeschool Favorites

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Sharing some of our homeschool/ family favorites from the past month.

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
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FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Under the Midnight Sun {Review}

The third installment in the Heart of Alaska series, Under the Midnight Sun, takes us back to the Curry Hotel where we revisit such beloved characters as Cassidy, Alan, and Mrs. Johnson.  This time, the authors, Terri Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse, focus on Thomas, the beloved orphan who has now grown up and returned from college.  Struggling to find his place in the world, Thomas finds that his growing discontent leaves him with a lot of questions.  When new hire, Taylor Hale, arrives, Thomas becomes frustrated that she is assigned as a new guide in the Alaskan wilderness.  As for Ms. Hale, Thomas' hesitation is nothing new.  Having worked in the National Parks system for years, she's used to living in a man's world.  But proving herself as a guide is nothing compared to what she faces if she returns home.  Hiding from an unfaithful ex-suitor, Taylor struggles to overcome her past and forge a new life.  Can Taylor and Thomas overcome their differences?  Or will Taylor's past catch up to her before she can open her heart?  And what changes are in store for our other beloved friends at the Curry Hotel?

Peterson and Woodhouse have done it again with the third, and final, book in the Heart of Alaska series.  With so many wonderful characters, they continue to bring fresh new storylines while remaining true to the first two books.  Against the backdrop of Alaska, this series introduces to multiple conflicts: against the elements, against others, and again man's own nature.  And while the focus is on Thomas' storyline, other plots play well in the background, wrapping up a happy ending for the Curry Hotel.  Although I would love to see this series continue, I am happy to say that Peterson and Woodhouse have left me with a content feeling that all is well for our friends in Alaska.  I would whole heartedly recommend this book to a friend and am happily looking forward to books written by these authors in the future.

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

Resources for an Ocean Themed Unit Study

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Today we're sharing the resources we used in our recent oceans themed unit study.

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs 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.

Baby Registry Items

There's so much information about becoming a new mom; it's hard to decifer it all.  And completing your baby registry is right there near the top of the list.  What do you need?  What's a waste of time?  And what's just plain quirky?  Here's a quick list to help get you started:

*2-3 Stretchy hats--I like keeping their little heads covered for awhile.

*4-6 side snap undershirts--These are really convenience when their necks are still weak.

*10 onesies--We used these all the time for layering and needed a lot for diaper blowouts.

*6 stretchy pants--Extras for blow outs, of course.  :-)

*6 shirts--It sounds like a week's worth of clothes.  It's not.

*4 rompers--I love keeping my babies comfy when they're little and these are perfect.

*3-4 night shirts--I didn't like these when my mom first showed them to me, but they're incredible.  They open on the bottom so you don't have to completely undress your child at night for quick diaper changes.

*4-6 pairs of socks--You will that mean.  They come off easily and seem to disappear quickly.  :-)

*18-24 cloth diapers-- even if you aren't cloth diapering, these make excellent burp cloths

*wipes-- cloth or disposable... great for cleaning up babies and messes

* 5-6 bibs-- these can wait for awhile, but solid foods will come before you know it

*spoons and forks, plates and bowls, sippy cups-- nothing fancy, just the basics, but in fun, bright colors

*high chair-- again, just the basics, but that baby will be eating before you know it

*swing-- not an essential, but so nice to be able to sit baby down where he'll be content

*baby carrier-- especially if this isn't your first baby, a carrier is a must.  Invest in a higher end carrier

*carseat-- a baby carseat is nice, but a convertible carseat is a huge money saver

*stroller-- while not an essential, a stroller is nice for longer vacations or outings

*crib & crib mattress-- this is an obvious one. I would recommend a convertible crib and skip the toddler bed in the long run

*2-3 crib sheets & 2 waterproof liners-- no one wants to be washing sheets in the middle of the night when baby has a blow out.  Make sure you have backups

*cosleeper/bassinet & 2 bassinet sheets-- again not an essential, but having a bassinet in our room came in so handy in the first 6 months.  If you can borrow one, do so

*swaddlers-- my babies loved being swaddled.  With the first two, I had large swaddled blankets, but baby #3 wanted to be swaddled FOREVER.  With him, I invested in some velcro twaddlers

*pacis-- not an essential depending on your point of view, but very nice if you're dealing with foster babies

*diaper pail-- depending on your set up (size of your house) it's very handy to have a covered diaper pail in the baby's room to contain the mess and smell

*baby soap, shampoo, diaper rash cream, nail clippers-- all the bathroom essentials

*thermometer & humidifier-- having a high quality thermometer was very reassuring when the baby was running a fever in the middle of the night and the humidifier was essential when baby had a cold

*2 baby towels--I love the little hooded towels when baby was little, but any little towel will do.  Have a back up for blow outs

*6-8 washcloths-- these are in the same category as wipes for me... great for cleaning up little fingers, toes, and messes

*nipple cream, nursing pads, nursing pillow-- essentials for all nursing moms

What would you add to the list?

My Winter Reading List ll Winter 2019 ll Collab

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So excited to collaborate with April from The Simple Rugged Path as we share our Winter Reading Lists for 2019!  Too many good books, too little time.

Click "show more" for links and details!

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

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

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

The Brave Learner:
https://www.amazon.com/Brave-Learner-Everyday-Homeschool-Learning/dp/0143133225/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1547707594&sr=8-1

In the Shadow of Denali {Review}:
https://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2017/01/in-shadow-of-denali-review.html

Out of the Ashes {Review}:
https://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2018/02/out-of-ashes-review.html

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs 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 First & Second Grade Reading List

Throughout the years, the kids and I have spent countless hours in the library, and borrowed thousands of books.  Over the years, we've found some wonderful new books and authors.  On the other hand, we had a few that I really wish we would have left on the library shelves.  And like any other kids, mine tend to get into a rut.  They find a favorite set of books that they enjoy and seem to tear through that series and burn out.  Now, there's nothing wrong with reading multiple books in a series, or even the whole series.  I love to do that.  But sometimes I find that I need to push them  to branch out.

First grade is a hard age to write a reading list for.  In first grade, kids' reading levels are all over the map.  Some kids are tearing through books, while others are still struggling to put blends together.  And the idea of transitioning from picture books to chapter books, can be daunting... for both mom and child.

Mr. Putter and Tabby Series
Henry and Mudge Series
Frog and Toad Series
Dear Dragon Series
Cam Jenson Series
Elephant and Piggy books
Stone Fox
Magic Treehouse Series
Boxcar Children Series
The Calendar Mystery Series
The A to Z Mystery Series
Flat Stanley Series
Nate the Great
The Critter Club
Rainbow Fairy Series
Mercy Watson
The Mouse and the Motorcycle
Frindle
Ballpark Mysteries
The Chocolate Touch


What Would You Add To The List?

My Mom Basket

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Today I'm sharing my Mom Morning Basket and the items I reach for in my downtime.  Morning, afternoon, evening... these are the items that refresh me and get me ready to tackle the day.

January Morning Basket Ideas for Younger and Older Kids:
https://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2019/01/winter-morning-basket-ideas-for-younger.html

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

Homeschooling in the Pines:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNT9jeaMb7ylcKvZm5yq2Zg

Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdamhRE3YEB6UfxeE4TnSEG8-qQJh49B&jct=xS1AL9qYV5tj61CKQkvnjBr8u3G7Pw&fbclid=IwAR2ftWcICQ7sVvQwb05mNb8aogatOKFIeGuj97ep30fZcJWYZJ-LK9PoxFs

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs 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.

A Mom's Guide to Lies Girls Believe {Review}

A companion book to Lies Girls Believe, this guide provides statistics, advice, and examples for moms as they guide their daughters through the pre-teen and early teen years.  Author Dannah Gresh does a good job of addressing the issues pre-teen girls face and gives moms talking points for opening up the conversation.  

I had mixed feelings about this book.  I loved that both this book and Lies Girls Believe stuck to age appropriate issues without addressing behaviors that were too much too soon.  And I appreciated the fact that while these topics aren't those that we talk about every day, most of them cut to the heart of the issue.  My hesitation comes from the fact that the guide just felt like extra to me.  Between the ages of 9-12 years old, most of us still have an open relationship with our daughters and I didn't feel that this guide really added anything to the original book.  I really think that Lies Girls Believe could be used on its own, along side with honest conversations.

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

Winter Morning Basket Ideas for Younger and Older Kids

Sharing the books and ideas in our January Morning Baskets. Click "show more" for multiple links and blog post.

Picture Books

The Magic School Bus Inside a Hurricane

The Magic School Bus Kicks Up A Storm


Chapter Books

The Winter King

The Long Winter

Tornado


Reference Books

The Handy Weather Answer Book

Eyewitness: Weather

Janice Van Cleave's Weather Book



Charts & Fill-Ins

Weekly Weather Observation Chart

Keep a chart of winter birds


Poetry

It's Snowing, It's Snowing

Winter lights: A season in poems and quilts


Youtube Documentaries

Yellowstone in Winter

Siberia: The Coldest and Wildest Place on Earth

The Secret of Antartica

Snowflake Documentary

National Geographic Wild Winter


Just for Fun

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (book and movie)

Pickles to Pittsburgh (book)

Make a rain gauge



Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs 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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read at http://www.creative2xmom.blogspot.com
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FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Top 10 Homeschool Resolutions for the New Year

New Year's resolutions make me nervous, but when it comes to our homeschool, January is a great time to re-evaluate, tighten up a few things, and reach for joy.  Trying not to overload ourselves and yet wanting to bring in a few of the fun things.  These are a few of our goals that we'll be working on over the next couple of months.

Click "show more" for links and info.

This Collab is hosted by
Ingrid @ Mommy & Mia Homeschool Chronicles: http://bit.ly/2zpOZBU
and April @ The Simple Rugged Path: http://bit.ly/2zqFXo3

Playlist link:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLId_JNKYCQ7IoUOvi8qIC2VjYDcmzfa84&jct=gKwgcCj7WZgPzOIrFN9oYiyeEhToJw&fbclid=IwAR1drU7peRZ6GFdBVmSCuqtY82OdUFxrviw1-WexWSc8S71H07I6H2D8gog&disable_polymer=true

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs 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.

7 Winter Nature Study Ideas

Winter can be a challenging to time for studying nature.  The wet and cold drive us indoors, and nature study takes a back seat.  It seems as the earth is resting and we can easily overlook all that is still happening around us.  But even in this dreary time of year, there's still so much to be studied and learned.  With a little curiosity and insight, you too can find ways to discover the life all around us, even in the winter!

Track the Weather
There is plenty of weather to be observed from the comfort of your own home.  Record the weather vs. the weather predictions, how much snow falls in a given time period, the times of sunrises and sunsets.  Other great details to observe include moon phases as well as keeping an eye out for the first new shoots of grass or green leaves on trees.

Monitor a Rain Gauge
Monitoring the amount of rain (or snow) this time of year is great for talking about weather, renewing the earth, and the water cycle.  It can also serve as a great starting point for water conservation.  A great way to incorporate weather study with measurements, observation, and prediction.

Go Snowshoeing
Many national parks offer snowshoeing trail hikes in the winter.  Take the time to learn from your knowledgeable park rangers as they point out the life that we might otherwise miss.  And keep your ears open for animals foraging on your winter hike.

Create a Wreath
Wreaths don't just have to be for Christmas.  Gather any natural material you can find: sticks, berries, holly, pinecones, sprigs, etc.  Purchase a wreath form from the Dollar Tree or create your own with wire or a wire hanger.  Look for special details to add: ribbon, bells, or burlap to name a few.  Or if you're looking for something temporary, create an ice wreath with all your natural treasures frozen in an ice form.  Hang outside and observe how long it takes to melt.

Feed the Birds
While most birds will fly south for the winter, some prefer to stay behind.  Study up on the birds in your area, identify their species and diet, and then create a place were they can regularly come for food.  Break out your sketch books to include your new friends and label their unique features that allow them to winter in your area.

Read Some Poetry
There's something about curling up with a good book in the winter months.  So take advantage of that cozy feeling and introduce some nature poetry to your children.  These are just a few that we have enjoyed:

It's Snowing, It's Snowing: Winter Poems by Jack Prelutsky
National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry
Antarctic Antics: A Book of Penguin Poems by Judy Sierra
A Chill in the Air: Nature Poems for Fall and Winter by John Frank
Poetry for Young People by Robert Frost
Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Pak

Star Gaze
There are such a variety of stars and constellations to notice as the seasons change.  It's fun to note what new things you might see in the night sky at winter.  And you don't have to stay up very late to do it.  With the earlier dark nights, head outside after dinner with some hot chocolate or settle in near the fire pit for some star gazing.  Or take an evening walk and admire the stars.

How do you incorporate nature study in the winter?

Mom on the Go Planner Review

This is my second year using the Mom On The Go Planner and I absolutely love it.  More than  a weekly planner, the Mom On The Go has many different features, some I've wished for in a planner and others that I didn't even realize I wanted.

Discount Code:
With the purchase of a planner and accessory, enter Gold5 to receive $5 off the purchase of a planner and accessory.

In The Leafy Treetops website:
https://intheleafytreetops.com

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs 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.
While I received this planner from the publisher, all opinions are mine.

One Second Every Day (2018)

Sharing a fast forward of our 2018!

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs 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:

Hit My Soul by Silent Partner

Lies Girls Believe {Review}

Dannah Gresh, author of Secret Keeper Girl and Lies Young Women Believe, takes her message to  girls ages 9 to 12, addressing the lies that start young.  The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy.  And what's his primary weapon? Lies... using our mindsets... beliefs.  In today's society, these lies come younger and younger.  And while we can't keep our girls from the world, we can prepare them for it.  

Fun, engaging, and easy to read, Lies Girls Believe follows Zoey, a typical preteen girl trying to make good decisions in her every day life.  Along the way, the reader is asked to weigh in on Zoey's choices on a range of topics, each connected to 20 truths important for today's girls.  Girls will see the consequences of Zoey's actions, as well as have a chance to reflect on how they would react in a similar situation.  Filled with questions, graphics, games, highlighted quotes, etc, Lies Girls Believe is an enjoyable read  and well-written to the preteen audience.  This book would be well-read with A Mom's Guide to Lies Girls Believe.  Stay tuned for that review coming soon.

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

Reading Goals for 2019

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Today I'm taking a look back at what we read in 2018 and setting some reading goals for 2019.  Did your favorite book make the list?  Click description book for more info.

This Open Collab is hosted by
Ingrid @ Mommy & Mia Homeschool Chronicles: http://bit.ly/2zpOZBU
and April @ The Simple Rugged Path: http://bit.ly/2zqFXo3

Playlist link:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLId_JNKYCQ7Kmq4Pi-FBVasM0j90U4g30&jct=P3uZrw-Fcj3G0sQLa1LFAhxSef4hCg

Out of the Ashes Review:
https://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2018/02/out-of-ashes-review.html

Raising World Changers In a Changing World Review:
https://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2018/05/raising-world-changers-in-changing-world.html

Secret Channel Book Swap Unboxing:
https://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2018/09/secret-channel-book-swap-ll-fall-2018.html

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs 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.

2019 Read Aloud List

Shakespeare Stealer

Rascal

Where the Red Fern Grows

Tornado

Swiss Family Robinson

The Penderwicks

Stuart Little

The Black Stallion

A Wrinkle in Time

Wonder

Mary Poppins

The Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom Planet



What's On Your Read Aloud List This Year?