What We Read and Our Homeschool Read Alouds ll Jan 2022

Inside American Education by Thomas Sowell

A broad survey of the American Education system and ... Wow!  What an eye opener!

Economist and author, Sowell takes a deeper look at why and how our educational system is churning out uneducated and confused students, deteriorating more with each generation.  He notes many of the concerns my husband and I had, influencing our decision to homeschool.  For anyone looking to understand the challenges facing today's public schools, Inside American Education is a 

great place to start.

Northwind by Gary Paulsen-- See my full review here.

How to Homeschool 9th and 10th Grades by Lee Binz

This 100+ page book by Lee Binz takes the confusion out of homeschooling high school.  An incredibly quick read (I read it in about 5 days), this title covers such topics as: preparing for freshman year, keeping records, finding the right curriculum fit, financing college and more.  I gleaned a wonderful outline from this book, both for the student that I'm homeschooling and for the one that's in public school.  Easily read all the way through or used as a great reference point for future questions.

I'll Start Again Monday by Lysa Terkeurst-- See my full review here.

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

This was our read aloud for January.  I read it for the first time last summer as part of a continuing ed class and couldn't wait to share it with the kids.  The heart warming friendship between Mole and Rat, Mole's growing maturity and wonderment, and Toad's crazy antics.... It's a fun, light read with so many lessons.

While I still love this one, I'm afraid it wasn't quite a fit for my kiddos at this time.  My 10 year old son loved it and cracked up at Toad's misadventures, but my 14 year old daughter just couldn't get into the silliness of it all.  Guess I waited too long to introduce this one.  But if you have younger kids, I think they'd love it.  So many questions and emotions for them to identify with.  A true classic.

What did you read in January?

Weekend Links ll January 28, 2022

 

Crochet Heart Applique

Cinnamon Roll Heart for Valentine's Day

Walrus Life Cycle Printables

Giant Farmhouse Snowflake

Pizza Taco Braid Board

 This Week:

What I'm Cooking:

We had one of my favorite meals this week... Greek Stir-fry.  It's an amazing sheet pan meals with chicken, and a ton of roasted veggies, mixed all together with some amazing season and feta.  And as if that wasn't enough, it's served over brown rice or cauliflower rice.  It's so good and a big crowd pleaser!

What I'm Reading:

This week I picked up Raising Successful Teens.  This is a re-read for me, but with two kiddos now solidly in the teen years, it was time for a refresher.  There have been about 5 books that have challenged the way I parent teens and this is definitely one of them.

What I'm Doing:

Last weekend, we took the kids to Aqua Golf.  Basically a driving range on the water.  We used to go there all the time with the kids, but have just gotten out of the habit over the years.  We had so much fun.  The weather was nice, we were outside, and they just enjoyed being with mom and dad.

What I'm Enjoying:

Greek Stir-fry

Fun science experiments

Hummingbirds coming to the feeder

Good writing projects

Practicing piano...

What are you up to?

Winter Reading List ll Jan '22

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Today I'm sharing my winter reading list... homeschooling, parenting, read alouds, and more! What would you add to the list? Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑20yrs led to 👱16 yrs, 👧14 yrs, and 👱 10 yrs. Fall Reading List: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cA4z3XcncZo&t=305s Raising Successful Teens Review: http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2019/09/raising-successful-teens-review.html Gold Rush Girl Review: http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2020/03/gold-rush-girl-review.html Homeschool Haul ll Rainbow Resource, Christianbook, and more! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHPcEDTnp68 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.

I'll Start Again Monday {Review}

 

What if healthy eating habits were more than just making smart choices at the dinner table?  What if the cravings for salt and sugar were more than a momentary lapse in judgement?  What if making long lasting health changes were based on spiritual disciplines?

These are the ideas and more that Lysa Terkeurst explores in her new book, I'll Start Again Monday.  Terkeurst guides her readers in what it took for her to make long lasting changes in her own health and the concepts that can set us free from unhealthy patterns.  This is not a how-to book, but rather a supplement that delves deep into the spiritual disciplines of a healthy lifestyle.

I love how honest Terkeurst is in this book.  She's willing to share truthfully and humorously about her own struggles with weight and unhealthy eating patterns.  While reading I'll Start Again Monday, I felt as though I were speaking with a friend.  This is a biblically based approach to finding fulfillment and purpose in Christ rather than food.  The author shares multiple scripts and scriptures that helped her grow in both new habits and spiritual disciplines.  A condensed version of her former title, Made to Crave, this book is full of wisdom and insight for transforming old patterns and moving into a new life giving future.  

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

Revolutionary Prudence Wright {Review}

 

England is tightening its grip on the colonies, and David and Prudence Wright are ready to take a stand.  Fearless, Prudence refuses to purchase any English goods and unites the women of Pepperell, MA in doing the same.  When British spies threaten their town, these Minute Women assemble and find their own place in history.

This historical non-fiction picture book does a wonderful job of weaving source material into a compelling story of heroism and bravery.  Determined to fight for their freedom, these Minute Women rose to the challenge and in so doing proved changed the course of history.  Paired with beautiful illustrations, Revolutionary Prudence Wright is a book to inspire young men and women alike.  

The afterword also includes additional information, author's research notes, illustrator's notes, and bibliography.  This was a nice addition as it provided helpful information regarding the research of a book of this type, and sources for additional study.  This book would make a nice addition to an American Revolution unit study.

*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

*this post was originally shared on 1/10/19.  Enjoy!

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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

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My Top Fifteen Books of 2021

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Today I'm sharing my top five fiction, top five non-fiction, and top five read aloud from 2021!

What would you add to the list? Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑20yrs led to 👱16 yrs, 👧14 yrs, and 👱 10 yrs. Contact us for business inquiries, reviews and collaborations: BethAnn_97@hotmail.com My Top Ten Books of 2020: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eL9RQ... Thursday's Child Review: http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/202... Awakening Wonder Review: https://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/se... Talking with Teens about Sexuality Review: http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/202... 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... 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.

Weekend Links ll January 14, 2022

Free Printable Reading Logs

2021 Good News Trivia Printable

5 Overlooked Things to Include When Homeschooling High School

 This Week:

What I'm Cooking:

We are in a slump.  It's a weird situation for me... wanting to get back to eating healthy, but still craving  sweets from the holidays... wanting to fill our menu with warm comforting soups, but being burnt out on our old favorites... I'm really looking for some inspiration.  Any favorite meals?

What I'm Reading:

Along the same lines of our meal planning, I'm reviewing Lysa Teurkerst's I'll Start Again on Monday.  

It's along the same lines as her Made to Crave title and seems to be a good book to start the new year.

What I'm Doing:

We're working on getting back into the rhythm of homeschool.  There's been a few hiccups with dr's and dentist appointments, but we're giving ourselves grace and finding our routine.

What I'm Enjoying:

Lingering Christmas lights...

Cleaning out the garage...

Good books in the evenings...

Warm lemon water in the mornings...

Board games with the kids...

What are you up to?

Get It Done! ll Mom To Do List Motivation

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Welcome Back, Everybody!

This week, I'm tackling my to do list to start the year off on the right foot and get ready for going back to school. Do you have a mom to-do list as well? Get it ready and let's get started! Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑20yrs led to 👱16 yrs, 👧14 yrs, and 👱 10 yrs. Teaching Bible Memorization to Children: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RE1T... 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... 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.

Weekend Links ll January 7, 2022

Free January Journal Prompts

Baklava

DIY 5 Minute Gift Bags

Puffin Life Cycle Printable

The Dangers of Gameschooling

5 Tried and True Bible Study Tips for Teens

This Week:

What I'm Cooking:

We made a new chili recipe this week.  Trying to find something that's not as carb heavy as my traditional homemade pot of beans.  I always forget that when I'm using a new recipe, I really have to watch the seasoning.  Has anyone else found that recipes out of books and online are generally bland?  I find that I'm always having to add more spice and garlic. So while it was ok, I think we can make a much better pot of chili next time with a little experience.

What I'm Reading:

Oh, I have too many books going right now and I'm debating adding a third.  I really need to start pre-reading The Case for Christ to share with my 8th grade daughter, and that will probably make book 6??? 

Feeling like that's a ridiculous # to be reading at once, but how do I cut back???

What I'm Doing:

This month I'm working on a minimal challenge with a twist using zone cleaning.  So I'm filming that as well and if it comes out the way I have planned, I'll share at the end of the month.

What I'm Enjoying:

Still savoring slow mornings with Christmas lights

New recipes for the family

Clean doctor appointments

Time with my boys in the evenings

Slow winter break days (ending soon)

Reconnecting...

What are you up to?

What We're Reading and Our Homeschool Read Alouds ll Dec '21

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 It's time once again to share what we've been reading! We love books in our home and I'm excited to share with you all the wonderful treasures we found in the month of December.

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑20yrs led to 👱16 yrs, 👧14 yrs, and 👱 10 yrs. Just Right Jillian Review: http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2021/12/just-right-jillian-review.html 2021-22 Read Aloud List: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5AXS5J4AcY&t=467s 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.

Northwind {Review}

Set along the Norwegian coastline, Northwind is the story of young Leif, raised on a ship by Old Carl, and later sent away to avoid The Death.  As he takes to the water in a small canoe, he only knows Old Carl's final instructions: "Go North."  But where?  How far?  How will he know when he gets there?  And what will it take for him to survive?  Written by renown survival/adventure author Gary Paulsen, Northwind is the story of a young boy on an incredible journey of adventure and self-discovery.

Part survival, part nature study, part spiritual journey, Northwind plays with a poetic, semi-melodic tone.  The first several chapters, in particular, are somewhat vague, as if the reader himself is in a dream.  This book is labeled as a middle school reader, marketed to ages 10-14.  However, I'm not sure that most middle schoolers would be captured by the beginning of the book.  Rather, although the protagonist is young, the themes of life and death, and knowing oneself would be better suited for an older audience.  The plot of Northwind is essentially quite flat, and the resolution almost doesn't exist.  It simply ends.  While I generally appreciate Paulsen's focus on nature, Northwind isn't my favorite book from his body of work.  Hatchet is a much better introduction to his writing.

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

 

Our 2022 Read Aloud List

So I'm making our family read aloud list for the new year and I think I have a problem.  I usually try to include 12 books so that we average a book a month.  Some books take just over a month, but in the end, they seem to always even themselves out.  This year, however, I've somehow come up with a list of 14 and I have no idea what to cut.  I literally want to read them all at the same time.  I'm thinking of taking My Side of the Mountain off the list and assigning it as a free read to my 5th grader, but I don't know if I can do it.  Help! :-)

The Wind and the Willows

Treasure Island

Christian Heroes: Then and Now: David Livingstone

The Bronze Bow

Midsummer's Mayhem

Loyalty

Victory on the Walls

My Side of the Mountain

Augustine Came to Kent

The Adventures of Robin Hood

The Greenglass House

The Mysterious Benedict Society

A Wolf Called Wonder

Ice Whale

What are you adding to your read aloud list this year?

Our Homeschool Resolutions for 2022

 

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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.

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑20yrs led to 👱16 yrs, 👧14 yrs, and 👱 10 yrs. 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.

2021 Year in Review

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 Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑20yrs led to 👱16 yrs, 👧14 yrs, and 👱 10 yrs.

November Reads Blog Post: http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2021/12/what-we-read-and-our-family-read-alouds.html 2021-22 Read Aloud List: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5AXS5J4AcY&t=467s Fall Reading List: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cA4z3XcncZo&t=10s 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.