Weekend Links ll September 29, 2023

 

Free Homeschool Life Skills Curriculum

Free Art Lessons on Youtube

Little House on the Prairie Printables

Word Play Costumes

This Week: 

What I'm Cooking:

Keeping it simple this week so my favorite meal this week taco salad.  I coud literally eat that meal multiple nights a week... it's definitely a favorite!

What I'm Reading:

We're finishing up The Witch of Blackbird Pond.  So good.  I can't believe I haven't read this one before.  Definitely not what I expected, but would recommend this one for sure.

What I'm Doing:

This week I've been working on some Christmas surprises.... yes, early, but if I want to "do it all" (which I do) and not loose my mind in December, I've gotta start thinking ahead... even if it's just in small ways.

What I'm Enjoying:

Morning lessons on the patio...

Parenting teens...

Soups in the crockpot...

What are you up to?

Wrapping up September ll Homeschool Update

    Wow!  We just completed week six of our new homeschool year and it went by so fast.  We're finding a groove, finding a rhythm, and yet there were still one or two surprises this week.  :-). Year Twelve of homeschooling and I'm still learning!  The biggest lesson always being flexibility as I'm Type A and getting it all done is my jam.  But this week, we've been juggling commitments with one car and needing to take a step back on a few things.  I ended up scheduling in a catch up day or two for a couple of subjects and we really enjoyed the breathing room.

First Six Weeks Highlights

*So far my daughter is loving DIVE's Integrated Chemistry and Physics.  We discovered we need a physical science for high school, but she didn't really want to take a full-fledged chemistry or physics curriculum.  Still I wanted her to have a taste of each.  So this has been a nice way to introduce both without spending an entire year on either one.  Plus it's online giving me a break from teaching everything.

*My son is also taking a twice a week robotics class and it's been so much more beneficial than I realized. They've really been diving in deep and learning a lot.  He comes home after every class brimming with information.  I love the fact that he can learn something new in a fun, exciting environment.

First Six Weeks Hiccups

*We've been using TheULAT for my daughter's French class and while it hasn't been my favorite, it's gotten the job done.  But I'm realizing it's very light on writing.  And while I appreciate the conversational aspect, I would like to see more grammar and reading.  So for now, I'm ording a simple workbook from Amazon to supplement.  My son took French with Rosetta Stone and while it did incorporate more reading, we weren't very happy with the voice recognition. So if you have any recommendations on language instruction, we'd love to hear it.

That's about what we've been up to... add in a birthday, getting back into the groove of sports and choir, and a few new curriculums, and you've got a very FULL first six weeks.  But we've got this.  Focusing on relationships and putting book work in it's proper place.  

Hopefully your September ran smoothly.  And don't forget to check out the following lines for any posts you might have missed.

Until October...

Fall Morning Basket ll Middle and High School

Seven Homeschool Curriculums We Love Under $20

How Homeschooling Has Changed My Heart

Fall Reading List ll 2023

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Today I'm sharing my fall 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! 💑22 yrs led to 👱17 yrs, 👧15 yrs, and 👱 12 yrs. Non-Fiction: The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis Technologic by Lee Binz Age of Opportunity by Paul David Tripp Christian Heroes: Then and Now: Corrie Ten Boom Christian Heroes: Then and Now: George Muller Well Said by Sarah Molitor Until the Streetlights Come On by Ginny Yurich Fiction: Bea and the New Deal Horse by J.M. Elliott Alice Atherton's Grand Tour by Lesley M.M. Blume Balto and Togo by Helen Moss Homeschool Read Alouds: The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare On the Banks fo Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilders A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck The Best Christmas Paeant Ever by Barbara Robinson Fall Reading List: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6z6WehiITk0&t=2s Fall Morning Basket ll Middle School and High School: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok0dmGTe9ug&t=2s 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.

Amish Christmas Kinner {Review}

This collection of three Amish novellas center around the holidays and the joys of parenthood.

"Christmas Eve Baby" by Lenora Worth is the longest of the three novellas and is part of the Shadow Lake Inn series.  When a mother-to-be shows up at the Inn in labor, the sisters go into action, preparing for a Christmas Eve birth.  Meanwhile the men brave a snow storm to find her husband and reunite a family.

"Best Christmas Program Ever" by Rachel J. Good focuses on Emily Flaud, a new cheese stand employee at the Green Valley Farmer's Market.  When two foster children enter her life, she immediately takes them in without realizing how their presence will affect her new boss Hosea King, who is still reeling from the death of his wife and son.

"Loving Luke" by Kelly Long introduces the story of Grace Fisher who advertises for a mail order groom to help her manage both her story and raising her children.  When Luke King shows up, she finds her heart opening despite her prior abusive marriage.  But when a  bear attack puts Luke in the hospital, Grace must decide how much of her life she's willing to share.

These are all three feel-good, Christmas stories to get the reader in the mood for the holidays.  The stories are uplifting and I really appreciated the sibling dynamic in the first novella.  Although it was the least engaging of the three stories, the relationship between the sisters was sweet and honorable.  Both the second and third novellas were my favorite with more intricated storylines and complex characters. I especially enjoyed the story by Rachel J. Good as it felt very original to Amish fiction.  All in all it was a quick and relaxing read, one that I can feel good about sharing with my teenage daughter as well.

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

 

How Homeschooling Has Changed My Heart

 *This post was originally published 10/20/22.  Enjoy!

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Opening up about how homeschooling has changed me in ways that I could have never imagined.

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑21yrs led to 👱17 yrs, 👧14 yrs, and 👱 11 yrs. Scripture Memory System: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RE1TZJi5k4&t=4s 2021-22 Homeschool Read Alouds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5AXS5J4AcY&t=531s Fall Reading List: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6z6WehiITk0 My Mom Notebooks ll Homeschool Tools for Mom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJJXrNEGTk0 Five Books that Shaped Me as a Parent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P59UdxwXA6o&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.

Weekend Links ll September 22, 2023

Apple Turnovers

Free Literature Study Guides

180 Easy Science Experiments

18 Sandwich Charcuterie Board Ideas

Bacon Avocado Caesar Salad

This Week: 

What I'm Cooking:

The seasons are changing and with that my crockpot is coming out of the garage more.  We used it twice this week for chicken noodle soup and homemade chili.  Chili was definitely the best... and as a bonus my 17 year old son joined me in the kitchen and made cornbread.  Any time I can get my teenagers in the kitchen with me is a good day.

What I'm Reading:

This week I'm finishing up a compliation of Amish Christmas stories.  Perfect for rolling into the fall season and prepping for the holidays.  I'll share more next week.

What I'm Doing:

Last weekend we celebrated our son's 12 birthday with a pool party.  Yes, it's still warm enough for swimming... Yay!  It was a fun filled day with family, friends, and waterguns.

What I'm Enjoying:

Working out...

Hosting in our home...

Apologia health curriculum...

What are you up to?

The Christmas List of Richard Lindsay {Review}

Set during the Great Depression, The Christmas List of Richard Lindsay follows young Richard as he wonders about this year's Christmas.  Will there be a turkey?  Will there be presents?  Mother reassures him that they have everything they need, but how can Richard bring a little Christmas joy to those he loves?  With his mother's encouragement, he makes a list and sets out to bring some Christmas spirit.

This delightful children's picture book brings to life the message of giving.  Based on a true story, The Christmas List of Richard Lindsay is a sweet reminder that it truly is better to give than to receive.  Beautifully illustrated in 1930's style, this book also touches on the themes of thankfulness and family relationships, making it a sweet story to share with your little ones again and again.

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

Seven Homeshool Curriculums We Love Under $20

 *this post was originally published on 6/14/22. Enjoy!

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 Homeschool curriculum can get so expensive. But these are seven curriculums that we've loved over the years for under $20. Did we include one of your favorites?

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑20yrs led to 👱16 yrs, 👧14 yrs, and 👱 10 yrs. How We Use Spectrum Spelling In Our Homeschool: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKnds_GN-Cg&t=10s Spectrum Vs Evan Moor Spelling {Review}: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbP15JDWqeA&t=32s 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.

The Heirloom {Review}

In this prequel to Lewis' popular Shunning series, the reader discovers the backstory of wise woman Ella Mae.  As she comes to grips with loosing her husband, Ella Mae must find a new purpose or risk being lost in her grief.  At the same time, her great niece, Clara Bender, is looking for her place as well.  Following her father's remarriage, Clara grapples with how she fits into the family and seeks refuge in Ella Mae's home.  Both women follow a similiar path of rediscovering themselves when the circumstances of life are difficult.  But as time moves forward, will these two be able to move with it?  Or will they find themselves being left behind?

I often enjoy Beverly Lewis' work, but this was one of the better titles that she has written in recent years. The characters were rich and complex.  And Lewis did a wonderful job of paralleling their journeys while maintaining the integrity of both women.  Ella Mae's life transition was particularly relatable at my stage in life as Clara's path would be equally as relatable for a younger reader.  Although this title is a prequel, it can easily be read on it's own.  And in fact has encouraged me to go back to the original series and reread those as well.  I really felt like Beverly Lewis hit her mark with The Heirloom and would whole-heartedly recommend this title to anyone who enjoys Amish fiction.

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

Weekend Links ll September 8, 2023

 

How to Improve Handwriting for Kids and Adults

20 Favorite Podcasts for Children

How to Overcome Loneliness as a Stay at Home Mom

Quick and Easy Breakfast Ideas

Old Fashioned Peach Crumble

This Week: 

What I'm Cooking:

We returned to an oldie, but a goodie this week by throwing Pasta E Fagoili in the crockpot.  We had a couple of unusually cool days and flipped the menu to accommodate.  We're slowing moving into that transitional time period between seasons and I think we're all ready for "soup season."  Pasta E Fagoili is a family favorite so it was an easy choice.  Paired with some homemade bread and it was a family hit!

What I'm Reading:

A few days ago, I picked up The Wild and Free Family.  I wasn't sure if I'd get much out of it or if I'd just end up skimming it as I've read The Call of the Wild and Free multiple times.  This book is definately new information.  And I think I'm enjoying it even more than the original.

I also finished and review Kingdom Focus by Tony Evans.

What I'm Doing:

Since the weather has been changing, we've been taking advantage and doing the bulk of our schooling outside in the mornings.  It's given us hours of just enjoying being outdoors.  Watching the birds, hearing the squirrels chatter, and squeezing in math... that's a been a win-win!

What I'm Enjoying:

Lots of picture books...

Homemade play dough...

the Little House series... again...

Apple Cider Doughnut loaf...

the changing of the seasons...

What are you up to?

Julia Rothman's Nature Anatomy Activity Book {Review}

Written as a companion to Julia Rothman's popular Nature Anatomy series, this Nature Anatomy Activity Book leads students in:

• labeling parts of a tree
• sequencing the stage of a frog life cycle
• drawing butterflies 
• and much more!

Other activities include word searches, observation challenges, creating fossils and beaver dams, ... just to name a few.

This activity book is illustrated in the same style of the original Nature Anatomy and makes for a great addition piece.  It would be a wonderful companion to any homeschool nature study or for those days when the weather keeps kids inside.  This activity book appeals to those middle elementary years, and would make a great addition to any homeschool or on the go learning.

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

Fall Morning Basket ll Middle and High School ll Show and Tell Series

*This post was originally published on 10/11/22.  Enjoy!

 

(Click on post for video)

Sharing what's in our fall morning basket as I homeschool my 7th and 9th graders.

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑21yrs led to 👱16 yrs, 👧14 yrs, and 👱 11 yrs. Rooted in Rest: https://www.youtube.com/c/RootedinRest The Waldock Way: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheWaldockWay Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list... Scripture Memory System: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RE1T... 2021-22 Homeschool Read Alouds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5AXS... Fall Reading List: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6z6We... My Mom Notebooks ll Homeschool Tools for Mom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJJXr... Five Books that Shaped Me as a Parent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P59Ud... 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.

Kingdom Focus {Review}

As a follower of Christ, where is your focus?  Is it on your problems... the culture around you... all the tomorrows on the horizon?  Many of us are searching for meaning and purpose in today's world... could it be as simple as turning our focus on the kingdom, and allowing Christ to become the center of our attention?  

In Kingdom Focus, author Tony Evans teaches readers how to focus on the things that God emphasizes in scripture, and it's through this refined focus that we find joy, peace, purpose, direction, and so much more. And this focus is about so much more than securing our place in heaven.  Rather it's about living life here on earth and living it to the fullness of what Christ has for us.  It's about learning how God leads and directs our steps and does so out of his abundant love for his creation.

Evans does a fantastic job of teaching deep truth in an easy to understand manner.  He lays a strong foundation of why focus is so important and then strategically unfolds a plan for shifting our mindset.  The content of this book is intentional, purposeful, and life-changing.  This book would make a great read for new believers or anyone finding themselves in a rut in their Christianity.  Well worth the read.

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

Weekend Links ll September 1, 2023

 

Back to Homeschool Movie Studies

7 Ways to Save Money on Cookouts

Dice Games for Kids

13 Habits of Highly Successful Homeschoolers

The Important Benefits of Teaching Cursive Writing

This Week: 

What I'm Cooking:

We made falafel and homemade pita this week.  My daughter has been making homemade pita for over a year and is now experimenting with how to add more whole wheat, but still make something that we all enjoy.  The falafel is amazing and we can't seem to make enough with 3 teens and preteens in the house.  They go quick.  All in all, it's probably one of our favorite meals all around.

What I'm Reading:

My 11 year old is reading several of the Christian Heroes books this year for school.  I was just going to assign them to him, but realized a week into school that I wanted to read them as well.  So we're both currently reading Hudson Taylor.  Super inspiring!

What I'm Doing:

Right now, I'm planning my youngest son's birthday party.  He's turning 12 yrs old and we're going to have a party at the house, swimming and playing some games.  

What I'm Enjoying:

Rain!!!! (Who would have thought after 95 yesterday?)...

Crockpot dinner...

Finishing MM100!!!...

Fresh homegrown tomatoes...

Popcorn on the stovetop...

What are you up to?