Our Homeschool Read Aloud List ll 2023-24

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 Debuting our homeschool read aloud list for the upcoming year! So much good stuff, so many good books. Mama can hardly contain her excitement!

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑22yrs led to 👱17 yrs, 👧15 yrs, and 👱 11 yrs. Homeschool Curriculum We Purchased and Didn't Use: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfoltPo7eho What We're Reading and Our Homeschool Read Alouds ll June '22: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnNyieFmk1w Summer Reading List ll 2022: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn-MkLOsVbY&t=3s DIY Charlotte Mason Book of Centuries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN9mcel_Xwg Tips for a More Affordable Homeschool: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_3sTqtakac&t=2s 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 is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1400054 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ FTC Disclosure: This video is not sponsored. *This video is not intended for audiences under 13 years.

Closer Than Your Next Breath {Review}

 

How close is an omnipresent, all-knowing God?  No matter what you're going through, He knows.  No matter what you're dealing with, He knows.  No matter the pain, the hopelessness, the trial... He knows.  He's Closer Than Your Next Breath.

Author Susie Larson shares her own personal journey and how God drew near in every step of the way.  Readers will explore questions like:

• How do I hear the voice of God?
• What do I do when God feels silent?
• What does God's presence mean?
• How do I see God in my day to day life?

For those of use searching to live our lives devoted to the Lord, seeking and understanding His presence is life-giving.  Seeing his movement in our lives and hearing his voice help us become who He made us to be and allow us to rest in the assurance that He's Closer Than Your Next Breath.  This book was such a comforting read for me personally, and a timely reminder that He's a present and involved creator.  This book would make a great study for a small group or accountability partners, or a reassuring read for anyone seeking the Lord for comfort or a miracle.

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

Weekend Links ll August 25, 2023

Back to School Memory Work

Homeschool Goal Setting Journal

Reverse Unit Study Planning

When Homeschooled Kids Become Adults

How to Memorize Large Chunks of Scripture

This Week: 

What I'm Cooking:

We had a much welcomed cool down earlier this week.  While Hurricane Hilary dumped rain on Southern California, she brought us some lovely temps and just enough rain to refresh everything.  It was a nice break in this oppressive late summer heat wave.  Which meant we quickly pulled together two crockpot meals this week: chili and cornbread, and chicken noodle soup.  Both were a welcome sight among the sandwiches and main dish salads we've been enoughing for months.  It was nice to have something a little different for a change.

What I'm Reading:

I'm currently reviewing Tony Evan's new book, Kingdom Focus.  It's rich, thought provoking, and certainly convicting at times.  

What I'm Doing:

The past several weekends found us busy, savoring the end of summer break and transitioning into the new school year.  This past weekend, my husband squeezed in a guys weekend so the kids and I were funning solo.  We baked, swam, and snuggled up for a few episodes of Road to Avonlea.  It was nice to have some time at home.

What I'm Enjoying:

YWAM's Christian Heroes: Then and Now books...

Chili in the crockpot...

Watch our kiddos try new things...

Getting back into routine...

Cooler mornings on the back patio...

What are you up to?

How to Make a Charlotte Mason Book of Centuries

*This post was originally published on 10/7/21.  Enjoy!

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 Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑20yrs led to 👱15 yrs, 👧13 yrs, and 👱 10 yrs.

My Covid Experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF2roCps-mU 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 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.

Weekend Links ll August 18, 2023

 

Ways to Use Graphing Paper in Your Homeschool

Carmel Apple Dump Cake

15 BBQ Charcuterie Boards

Free Bird Study

Mud Pie Recipe

This Week: 

What I'm Cooking:

My favorite meal this week was stirfry.  I was out running errands last night and my husband made the most amazing stirfry dinner.  I don't know what he puts in his sauce, but it's soooooo good.  And full of veggies: carrots, zucchini, onion, bell pepper, bok choy, and waterchestnuts.  I could have that meal on repeat for quite awhile.

What I'm Reading:

Personally, I'm finishing up Awaking Wonder this week.  I was reading it as a homeschool encouraging read, but really so much of it is about being a great parent.  Great book!

What I'm Doing:

We camped this past weekend and then hustled home to start school this week.  I'm attempting to be more flexible this year and embrass the freedom of homeschool.  But it's so hard with my Type A personality.  So coming home and straight into school was a challenge.  The kids, however, did step up and have really be showing me how dedicated they can be to both play and homeschool.

What I'm Enjoying:

Laughing with my 10th grader...

Regular workouts...

Nightly swims...

Clear smokeless skies...

Reading Anne of Green Gables...

What are you up to?

Teaching Social Skills to Your Homeschool Preschooler

*This post was originally published on 8/23/22.  Enjoy!

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How do you teach social skills when your preschooler is homeschooled? It's not as difficult as you think.

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑21yrs led to 👱16 yrs, 👧14 yrs, and 👱 10 yrs. Homeschool Curriculum We Purchased and Didn't Use: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfoltPo7eho What We're Reading and Our Homeschool Read Alouds ll June '22: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnNyieFmk1w Summer Reading List ll 2022: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn-MkLOsVbY&t=3s DIY Charlotte Mason Book of Centuries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN9mcel_Xwg Tips for a More Affordable Homeschool: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_3sTqtakac&t=2s 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.

Preparing to Meet Jesus {Review}

 

This 21 day devotional follows the account of Abraham searching out a wife for his son,  Isaac.  Abraham's servant is sent to find a woman of character, someone who will live as a helpmeet for Isaac.  Authors Anne Graham Lotz and daughter Rachel-Ruth draw parallels to the heart of God the Father as he too searches out a bride for his son, Jesus.  What kind of bride is He searching for?  And how can Christians better embody those characteristics?  

This quick read devotional mostly focuses on a fictionalized examination of Rebekah.  What must she have been like to be considered for Isaac's bride.  What characteristics did she exhibit?  What fears did she have for her new life?  Each day is practical and easy to read.  The authors do, however, take quite a bit of creative liberty with Rebekah's story.  Some chapters felt like they were stretching to make a point.  While I do believe Rebekah was a woman of honor, some days felt like this devotional was reaching for something that wasn't supported by Scripture.  One such is example was the inferrence that Rebekah fell in love with Isaac through the servant's stories.  

While the story is a bit romanticized, the life giving principles are sound.  Serving others, living with integrity, and showing compassion are all qualities that will serve one well in preparing to meet Jesus and living a life of virtue.  Overall it was an enjoyable read.  And if some artistic liberties don't bother the reader, the heart lessons in this devotional will very well lead to a life transformed.

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

Back to School ll First Day of Homeschool Traditions

 *This post was originally published on 8/17/21.  Enjoy!

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The new homeschool year is coming up fast! What are some of your favorite back to homeschool traditions?

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑20yrs led to 👱15 yrs, 👧13 yrs, and 👱 9 yrs. Meet the Teacher ll Collab: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hB-sNyRhsJI&t=5s What We Read ll July 2021: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InPx4RJrSw4&t=16s Tips for a More Affordable Homeschool: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_3sTqtakac Continuing Education for Homeschool Parents: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AJW9sy6Wd8 Best of the Homeschool Year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VoTH3hjZYQ&t=1s Fourth Grade Homeschool Curriculum Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhhBtibAvNo&t=2s Board Games Our Family Loves: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzzPR2lCgpc&t=1s 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.

Weekend Links ll August 4, 2023

Ten Things Homeschooling and Homesteading Families Know

What to Plant in August in Your Fall Garden

25 Life Skills That Should Be Taught in School But Aren't

Free Literature Guides for Your Homeschool

This Week: 

What I'm Cooking:

Last night we made fish tacos for dinner.  They were delicious and so simple.  Bake the fish, make a mango salsa, and top with shredded cabbage... doesn't get much easier than that?  And luckily, all three of the kids love them. Even my pickiest eater.

What I'm Reading:

I've been on the waitlist for Becoming Free Indeed by Jinger Duggar Vuolo for months.  It finally came into the library this week and I was able to pick it up a few days ago.  Easy read.  Making me think.  Not so deep that it's frustrating, but just enough to make me think a little deeper.

What I'm Doing:

School starts for us soon so I'm trying to get all the appointments done now... check ups, dentist, chiropractor, etc.  I know we'll be back at the dentist in another six months, but it's nice to schedule some of these things when our days aren't so full.

What I'm Enjoying:

Learning about fall gardening...

Homemade banana bread...

Cooler mornings...

What are you up to?

Before Your Tween Daughter Becomes a Woman {Review}

Author Robin Jones Gunn leads moms through mentoring their preteen daughters in this changing season of life.  In Before Your Tween Daughter Becomes a Woman, Gunn speaks to the heart of both the mother and the daughter, empowering them to draw closer together as adolescence approaches.  This book covers a variety of topics including healing past wounds, how to celebrate an impending period, and beginning the ongoing coversation of physical intimacy.  Gunn attempts to keep the occasion positive and help both mother and daughter develop a closer bond.

Although my daughter is slightly beyond this age, I wanted to read this title to get some good ideas for my nieces that are coming along.  The world moves fast and before we know it, they'll be there as well.  The suggestions offered in this book were both practical and inspirational.  The author offers a variety of thoughts, encouraging mothers to observe their daughters and take the ideas that best fit the girls' personality.  I especially found the chapter on healing old wounds to be help.  Not every woman has had a good experience as she matured, but taking those old thought patterns into her relationship with her daughter can be detrimental.  Gunn addresses this issue with grace and honesty.  This book doesn't pull any punches, but reminds mothers that their daughters are maturing and it's best to be a few steps ahead.  I would recommend this title to anyone with tween girls in their life, be it daughters, nieces, or granddaughters.  It's a wonderful title to get ready for the next stage of life.

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