Weekend Links ll October 16, 2026

DIY Pumpkin Suncatcher Craft

Pumpkin Nature Study

Crispy Soaked Pumpkin Seeds

50 High School Writing Prompts

Fall Books and Activities for Preschoolers

Favorite Fall Family Traditions

 While it's still quit warm, the majority of the heat has passed and we can feel a change in the air. The pool is still swimmable, but definitely getting cooler.  We're finding ourselves craving all things apples and pumpkin.  And weekend hikes are 100% more enjoyable.  

As the kids have grown, we've developed several traditions for different seasons, but the fall and Christmas traditions always feel different.  Maybe it's the fact that we've celebrating surviving the summer.  Some of our favorites include:

*Making homemade applesauce in the crockpot

*Carving pumpkins

*Hiking on the weekends

*Making homemade pumpkin ice cream

*Rolling beeswax candles

*Creating leaf piles for jumping in

*Baking Great Grandma's zucchini muffins

*Lighting candles in the evenings

*Simmering a big pot of chili on the stove

These simple fall traditions have created a family culture that has carried us through the teen and early adult years.  Combined with our family read alouds and meals together, these memories have brought us relationships characterized by faith, laughter, and deep love.

What are your favorite fall family traditions?

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.

 

Weekend Links ll October 9, 2026

11 Fun Brain Breaks for Kids

Words, Words, Words: Why (and How) to Teach Writing

Gray Wolf Lapbook

Pumpkin Life Cycle Printable

Fall Festival Logic Puzzle

This Week: 

What I'm Cooking:

We've been making chicken and rice bowls with Thai seasoning and sauce.  It's a yummy filling, and light meal.  My teens both love it and it's added a new layer of flavor to our menu.

What I'm Reading:

This week I picked up Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster for my fictional reading.  I wasn't sure how interesting a book of letters could be, but it's surprising me.  It's sweet and charming.  And a quick read.  Would be interesting to try it as a read aloud.

What I'm Doing:

Trying to make memories.... lately I'm reminded how fleeting this period of parenting is... I'm reminded that our years of active parenting are winding down and soon they'll be on their own... It's been a reoccurring them the last three years or so, but it hit me a fresh this week. 

 

What I'm Enjoying:

10 min of morning light...

Thai Chicken bowls...

hiking in the fresh air...

Jane Austen literature...

What are you up to?

Preschool Halloween Picture Books

These are a few of my favorite things.

If you're looking for a few "spooky," kid-friendly picture books to read with your preschooler,

these are just a couple of our favorites.

 

Boneaparte Falls Apart by Margery Cuyler

The Monster at the End of this Book by Jon Stone

Boo The Library Ghost by Becky Paige

The Crayons Trick or Treat by Drew Daywalt

How to Catch a Monster by Adam Wallace

Leonard Grows a Haunted Garden by Mike Ciccotello

How Do Dinosaurs say Trick or Treat?

by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague

Leonard Builds a Haunted House

by Mike Ciccotello

Do you have a favorite?

Questions I Ask When I'm Feeling Behind In Our Homeschool

 As homeschool moms we can often feel the pressure of "Am I doing enough?"  Mom guilt is a heavy load, but when you add homeschool into the mix, the weight can feel crushing.  Suddenly we've taken on the role of not only Mom. but also teacher, counselor, field trip coordinator, curriculum researcher, finance person, ... the list goes on and on.  It can feel like we're constantly behind.  

But the question is... Are we behind?  Or are we running toward an imaginary goal?

These are he questions I ask myself when I'm feeling "behind:"

• Are my kids growing in their math, reading, and logic skills?
• Are my kids able to locate the best option for researching information?
• Are my kids thinkers?  Do their ask good questions and reason through arguments?
• Are my kids "tryers?" Are they ok with failure and use it as a catalyst for further exploration?
• Do my kids display grit?  Do they have the fortitude to pick themselves up?
• Do my kids feel secure in our relationship?
• Do my kids find delight in learning?  If not, how can I adjust to bring in more joy?
• Are my kids curious?  Do they ask questions outside of school hours?

I find that these types of questions put me in a better mindset for evaluating our homeschool.  We may not be in the "correct" lesson of the math book, but they are making progress.  We might have had a bad day with sour attitudes, but overall, our relationship is close.  Our day might have felt rote, but then I remember their delight in identifying the plants on our weekend hike.  All these factors work together in creating a well-rounded homeschool.

Weekend Links ll October 2, 2026

 

Interest-Led Learning When Your Child is Only Likes Video Games

Free Printable Community Helpers Bingo

10 Fun Ways to Teach Geography with Games

5 Fun Ways To Do Chores

Nocturnal Animals Lapbook

What I Read and Our Homeschool Read Aloud ll Sept 2026

 Nonfiction:

Carols for the Coming Christ by Adam M.L.Tice

See my full review here.

Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst

I've been meaning to get around to this one for awhile.  TerKeurst addresses the issue of identity and how it prevails in moments of lonely and isolation.  This book is so rice.  I've been going over it in my mind ever since I finished it, and there's still so much to think through.  It's a quick, easy read, but rich enough that it can't be digested in one reading.  I'm keeping it on my nightstand to pick up again.

Fiction:

A Heart Set Grace by Amy Clipston

See my full review here.

The Amish Candlemaker's Fake Fall Marriage by McKenzie Boone

See my full review here.

Sanction by Jane Austen

This unfinished novel follows Charlotte Heywood, an impulsive young woman who finds herself in the upcoming resort town of Sandition.  Previously a steeply little village, Sandition is transforming into an up and coming destination.  Charlotte herself is caught up in romance with lively Sydney Parker.  The edition I read stuck strictly to Austen's writings and ended where her words ran out.  This would have been a fun one to read had she had the time to finish it.

Read Aloud:

The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg

Mrs. Olinski is putting together an Academic Bowl team from her sixth grade class and rather than looking at test scores or holding a competition, she decides to handpick her team.  The four students chosen aren't the brightest in the class and yet somehow, they just feel right.  As they defeat team after team, we discover their stories.  Their struggles and triumphs, and their unexplainable connection to each other.  Can this random group of lowly sixth graders win the state championship?  And how does Mrs. Olinski's story fit with theirs?  This was an interesting book about how life shapes us all.  How we find our way in the world.  And how friendship can often bring out the best in us.  This is one of those books that causes you to sit back and ponder ... and ultimately reminds us that we're more alike than we realize.

What are you reading?

Waiting on a Good, Good, God {Review}

 

Waiting is hard.  It's hard for adults, but really hard for kids.  Remembering that God is good in the waiting? Double Hard!

This beautifully illustrated picture book reminds us that God is always working on our behalf.  Prayed and God hasn't answered?  He's still working. Pled for a good outcome in someone's life?  God still hears.  He's always listening and working circumstances for good, even when we haven't seen the outcome.  He cares deeply and is actively present, even in the waiting.

I love the poetic language and beautiful imagery in this book.  It's just the right balance of having kid-friendly speech, without being overly simplistic.  This book reminds the reader that waiting is good and healthy... that slowly developed patience still comes from a good and present God.  And it's told through scenarios and thoughts that kids can identify with.  Waiting on a Good, Good God would make a wonderful addition to family devotions.  Its thoughtful storytelling is a great way to introduce conversation about waiting on the Lord with eager anticipation.

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

October 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:

Oct 1st--World Vegetarian Day
       *Try a new meatless meal
       *Talk about nutrition/ the importance of vegetables

Oct 2nd--Farm Animals Day
       *Visit a farm
       *Make farm animal puppets
       *Learn about the life cycle of farm animals

Oct 3rd--Card Making Day
       *Make/send a card to the grandparents
       *Design some simple holiday cards

Oct 6th--Mad Hatter Day

        *Listen to Alice in Wonderland on Audiobook

Oct 12th--National Farmers Day

        *Complete a farm unit study

        *Visit a local U-Pick farm

        *Read Farmer Boy
    
Oct 17th--Pasta Day
       *Try a new pasta recipe
       *Bake some cheesy garlic pull bread

Oct 20th--International Chefs day

        *Learn a new quick and easy recipe

        *Watch a kids cooking show

        *Read some Celebrity Chef Facts for Kids

Oct 25th--International Artist Day
       *Learn about a new artist
       *Replicate a famous piece of art work
       *Try a new art technique

Oct 26th--Pumpkin Day
       *Study the life cycle of the pumpkin
       *Toast pumpkin seeds
       *Complete a pumpkin science experiment

Oct 31st--Halloween
       *Create a homemade costume
       *Make a fall/halloween themed wreath
       *Practice math facts with candy

What are you celebrating this month?

Weekend Links ll September 25, 2026

 

Printable State Facts Sheet

50 U.S. State Cards

Super Bowl Geography for Kids

Use Hymns to Teach Truth and Doctrine

7 Creative Ways to Use Sticky Notes in Your Homeschool

Carols for the Coming Christ {Review}

 

In this 37 day devotional, author Adam Tice takes the reader on a journey through the carols of Advent through Epiphany in order to deeper understand God's heart.  Each entry includes the words of a song, the scripture it references, a one page devotional on God's character, reflection questions, and a response prompt.  Prompts range from deeper reflection, journaling exercises, writing poems and songs, and responding in other artistic modes.

I didn't love this book.  While it was interesting to see the variety of carols chosen, it quickly became redundant.  Additionally, I started to notice that Tice really stretched his application in the devotional section.  I did some studying and found that the connections he made were out of context and poorly supported.  He introduced personal bias in several entries, so much so that I was put on guard each time I came to this devotional.  With that in mind, I cannot recommend this title.

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

2026 Homeschool Goals ll September Check-In!

 Happy September!  It's time for my monthly check-in for our 2026 Homeschool Resolutions.  I realized this week that I haven't updated since the May.  We've been busy living life over here.  The summer went so quick and just like that, we're into our homeschool year again. I was trying to keep these resolutions at the top of my mind so I can keep making progress.  I felt so convicted about at the beginning of the year.   So when I realized how long it had been, I started to get nervous.  But coming back to them this week, I realized, we've worked a lot of these goals into our weekly rhythm already.  As for the ones that have fallen by the wayside,  I'm pulling out my calendar to put in daily habits. 

So today I'm doing a check-in to keep myself accountable.  I've copied my resolutions here and I'll put my current updates in bold,  just to help keep things at the top of my mind.

Our 2026 Homeschool Resolutions:

1. Reading Scripture together--While my kids each have their own devotional and Bible study times, I would like for us to incorporate some Bible reading together.  I'm hoping this will open up some dialogue about what we're reading together and start our day on a good note.--We didn't do great on this over the summer, but when school started, our Scripture reading went right back into our Morning Basket.  In just the last six weeks of school, we've read through six books of the New Testament, one chapter at a time.

2. Praying together each morning--I realized our prayer times together have become route.  The idea is that having this prayer time in the morning will open up an opportunity for us to share a little more freely.  And practicing public prayer will make it less intimidating to pray with a group.--This is the habit that we've made the least progress on.  While I do pray with the kids each night, I do really want to pray with them in the mornings as well.  I think this is the one I need to write down.  I'm thinking of adding it to the end of our Morning Basket and see how that works for us.

3. 12 Read Alouds in the Year--We love our read alouds. And I love that reading good books together gives us a chance to adventure together... even on a limited budget.  As the kids have gotten older and the books longer, 12 books feels like a good goal for the year.-- We've really been keeping up our read aloud habit, bring out total for 2026 up to 13 books so far ... with The House of Sixty Fathers and the Hawk that Dare Not Hunt By Day in May, Jungle of Bones and The Wednesday Wars in June, The Pursuit of God in July, and Building 903 and The School of Obedience in Aug.

4. Go on 12 Hikes this year-- Ok, we've made hiking goals before and failed miserably..  So I'm keeping it really simple this year.  Only 12.. should be doable.--So at the beginning of the year, we were not doing well with hiking.  But camping absolutely helped us out.  Over the summer, we hiked waterfalls, hiked multiple trails in the redwoods, and found trails near the lava beds.  Currently, we're up to seven hikes (5 of them being over the summer).  Also, my youngest son went on a two week adventure with the first 6 1/2 days completing a 60+ mi hike in the wilderness.

5. Celebrate Lydia's graduation--I can't believe I'm graduating my second kid.  Unbelievable!  I have a feeling the way we celebrate this one will be very different from the way we celebrated the first.  But I want to make it just as special so it's time to start planning now.--We had a beautiful graduation ceremony and family party in May.  And instead of doing a big party, she wanted to camp in the Redwoods which we did in June.

6. One on One Dates--Yes, this is parenting.  But with homeschool, parenting and education bleed into each other.  Having strong relationships and time to listen can only allow for more openness and connection during our homeschool days.--We've done a little here and there.  In the past two months, we've had a one on one at least once with each of them.  

7. Plan 6+ homeschool field trips--Having one kid graduated and two in high school, I realize more every day just how small this window of time really is.  So field trips mean so much.  Making time to enjoy learning, experience new opportunities, expand their horizons... I have 2 in the works right now, with multiple tabs open for potential learning over the next year.--Sometimes it's hard to identify where homeschool ends and life begins.  But some of the things that we did over the summer that I would classify as field trips include: going to the Lava Beds Monument.  So far we've gotten in 3 formal field trips and lots of fun outings as well.  I'm currently working on a few things for the fall.

8. Stay invested in our homeschool group--Our high school home group has been a lifeline this year.  Giving my kids an opportunity to make likeminded friends AND be mentored by other quality parents... WIN/WIN!  I'm definitely making time in our schedule to keep this going.--Unfortunately, it looks like our homeschool group is fizzling out for the fall.  I still have hopes of reviving it with a few families, but currently chances are looking slim.

As you can see, my theme this year is CONNECTION, CONNECTION, CONNECTION!  Now more than ever, I'm well aware of how important relationship is in our homeschool.  Everything flows from that starting point.  So happy to be raising my very best friends.

Are you making homeschool resolutions this year?

Our Fall Family Bucket List

 We're rolling into fall and creating our bucket list for the season.  Fall is a busy time in our house, with lots of celebrating and enjoying the season.  Here's just a few of the things we have planned.

*Hike Lassen Peak
*Go to the Pumpkin Patch
*Scrapbook one year's school photos

*Host a chili cook-off
*Carve pumpkins
*Toast pumpkin seeds
*Make Halloween costumes
*Bake Maple Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
*Plan ahead for Christmas
*Take the kids' annual photos

*Go to the salmon festival
*Decorate the front porch
*Make applesauce in the crockpot
*Watch the stars come out
*Make pumpkin pancakes
*Go to the local apple festival

*Try a new fall inspired recipe
*Attend at least one field trip

*Host a bonfire party

What's on your to do list for the fall?

Weekend Links ll September 18, 2026

 

Printables & Activities for Fire Safety Week

DIY Jeopardy Game Board

Music Lessons for National Hispanic Heritage Month

Cats Lapbook

Free Tree Nature Study Printable

September Homeschool Favorites

*This post was originally published on 9/19/17.  Enjoy!

 

We're finding our rhythm for the homeschool year and pulling out some of our favorites.  From drawing books to character development, these are some of the tools we're using in our homeschool.

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱11 yrs, 👧9 yrs, and 👱 6 yrs.

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Music Attribution:

Bright Wish by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
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Fall Reading List

 Nonfiction:

The Promised Christ by Sherri Hughes-Gragg

Raising Critical Thinkers by Julie Bogart

Uninvited by Lysa trekkers

Fiction:

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Sanditon by Jane Austen

Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster

Honoring Christmas by Linda Tyler

Read Alouds:

The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg

The Hour That Changes The World by Dick Eastman

A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote

A Kidnapped Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum

What Are You Reading?