Tween Summer Must-Haves + Mom's Suggestions

These are seriously the things my daughter loves for the summer or has been begging for. No affiliate links or sponsored links. 

I'm ready for summer and so is the beach bum of the family. We never stop learning, our learning venue does. We'll soon be camping for almost 2 weeks right on the lake (seriously the most beautiful lakefront campsite ever) and it cannot be soon enough. My summer girl is excited beyond belief. In honor of her excitement, love of the water, and all-around beach bumminess, I wanted to share these tween must-haves for the summer inspired by my 10-year-old Snapper. 

1. My kids have these walkie-talkies and even the 13-year-old loves them. They're small and lightweight. We love that they are bright and rechargeable. The extra color plates are wonderful as well. We have 2 pink and 2 green. Each kid has one at home and one in their travel bag. Fun everywhere. Find here

2. These are the most fun Nerf Darts. You can write a secret message and shoot it at your sibling. We've bought several of these packs just because they are so fun. They may be the "girl" line, but even the boy likes them. (Extra points for easy to find outside). Find here

3. We are definitely a Blistex family and keep it everywhere. I find it stashed all over the place. The medicated is my go-to but what tween girl doesn't love a fruit-flavored smoothie- especially one that is constantly dreaming of being in Hawaii. Find here 

4 Snapper is dying for a packable waist bag so that she's never without one and doesn't forget to pack it. This one from 4monster is a decent price and has fun colors. Find here

5. Snapper got a glitter ponytail trucker hat as her Easter basket and loves it. It's the first hat she'll willingly wear- even in the sunshine. This sequin one is fun too. Find here

6. This is the best travel pillow. Both kids have one and Snapper loves her unicorn one. It is super easy to blow up without a pump and even has a cushion so you aren't sleeping on and hearing the squeak of the plastic. We've tried many for them and these are the first that they actually like. Find here

7. Since I don't let her draw on herself with Sharpies (how rude of me) Snapper wants these temporary tattoo markers from Bic. Yes, I would let her use these. Find here

8. We love hair chalk in the summer and I was surprised at how easy it is to wash out of Snapper's curly hair. I love the colors included in this set. Find here

9. She saw this Mermaid highlights book (loves hidden pictures) and loved the bright colors. She doesn't know yet that I've included it in her camping surprise bag. Find here

10. Snapper isn't ready for a scooter upgrade yet (she still loves hers with the doll carrier) but she will be soon. We will get her this one because her brother has the camo version and it has lasted longer than any other scooter we've bought and we've bought a lot. It is sturdy enough for adults to use and the big wheels make it perfect for gravel and grass/ dirt. They always take scooters to the campground and this one is easy to travel with. It folds up nicely. Find here

I'm not going to add two things to the list.

1. Cooling blanket (snapper has this one)- the one the kids have is cooling on one side but it is like a regular thin blanket on the other side making it perfect for camping and travel. It is lightweight and we even have a couple for the dogs. 

2. Junk Journal/ Smash book. Snapper has just started her journey with these because she loves to keep moments and I was tired of them ending up everywhere, so we came to an agreement. It has to fit between the pages of a journal. She has this zip-around cover that we've added pockets and paper to. The zipper allows her to put things inside to keep up with until she makes a page and also allows her to keep her supplies inside. A mini thermal sticker printer (like this one) is a fun addition.

What is your tween into? What adventures are they looking forward to?

5 Easy End-of-Year Celebrations for Homeschoolers

We have just a few days left of our "regular" school year and then we take a break for camping. After our break, we have simple summer studies, basically reviews on the computer. Like others, our learning never actually stops. We just like to have a clear end-of-year for our "formal" (as formal as they get) studies. 

We like to celebrate. However, I like to keep it much simpler than our back-to-school celebration. I don't want my kids to associate being done with school with celebrating. I want them to celebrate life, which is why we celebrate everything- even the end of a "formal" school year and the beginning. 

Here are some ideas for simple celebrations- to mark the milestones, yet not go overboard, so we recognize that learning happens everywhere and anytime. 

1. S'mores and sparklers in the driveway. I mentioned that we love to celebrate life. Well, part of that is that we keep s'mores fixin' and sparklers on hand just because they are fun. If a kid accomplishes something they have worked hard towards, bring them out. Did mom get a new client? Bring them out. Do we just need a pick-me-up? S'mores and sparklers to the rescue. We like to do this in the driveway so the kids' great-grandmother can join in. 

2. Donuts for breakfast the first "non-school" morning. Well, we like to do pop-tarts because the kids are rarely allowed them for breakfast because there is so much sugar in them. (they are allowed on very special occasions- the first day of summer, birthdays, camping, and traveling). 

3. Take treats to the library. Why not let your kids treat the librarians who have helped them all year. I'm sure those at the local library would love to celebrate with your kids and it is a great way to thank them for their hard work. 

4. On the same note, a service project is a great way to celebrate the end of the school year. We like to gather blankets, clothing, and books we no longer need, as well as surplus toiletries. We take them to our local homeless shelter. Items for children are in high demand because many people don't think about kids being in a homeless shelter. It is also a great way to teach kids to be thankful. (Note: our local homeless shelter does not allow anyone in besides residents and there is a big privacy fence around the playground. I understand the reason for this, but the kids don't actually see who they help. However, the director always comes out and talks with them and lets them know how much it is appreciated.)

5. Spend the day together laughing and having fun. Nothing special has to happen. Your kids are going to remember the laughs and the silliness more than anything. A movie day, a day at the park, a day outside together, and a walk through the woods are all ways that my kids enjoy celebrating. They like the idea of having mom (and dad) to themselves without having to complete a list of things. 

Keep that in mind when planning celebrations. Your kids are going to remember your time together more than anything. Enjoy your kids- that is the best way to celebrate. 

Kids and Their Dreams

Growing up, my mom always told me: "If your dreams don't scare you, you aren't dreaming big enough." I really believe that. From a very young age and even though my dreams and goals changed, we would discuss how to accomplish them and what I could do then to work towards those dreams. She would sign me up for certain classes at the camp I went to, find classes at school that would help me, and even go to workshops together that were related to my dreams. 

I try to do the same with my own kids. 

Both of my kids have huge dreams. Snapper is 10 and dreams of being a marine biologist who not only educates people on misunderstood animals like pangolins and invents things to help animals. 

Tbomb is 13 and he dreams of being a paleontologist and adventurer. He wants to travel the world hiking and camping while looking for dinosaur bones and bigfoot. He wants to develop games in his travel time. 

These dreams may seem big, but that's a good thing. Why can't they both accomplish those things? 

I realized that Tbomb only has 5 more summers before he is an adult. He could be hiking the Appalachian trail in just 5 years. That is not that far off. 

I decided that since he will be starting 8th grade this year, we will also be working towards goals. He'll start learning different survival and hiking skills. He's already asked for a Hammock and trekking poles for his birthday in September. He's excited because he can actually try out gear on our property. He can hike all over the place and try things out. 

At the same time, he will be learning first aid, firemaking, shelter building, and whatever else he shows an interest in. This summer, he will be focusing on navigation because he received a nice compass for his watch in his easter basket. 

I'll be happy to share the journey here and hope you follow along. 

10 Things To Do Before Summer Break

I may be with my kids all the time since I homeschool them, but I look forward to our summers together just like other moms. I want to make the most of our summers together. After all, they don't last forever. 

There are a few things that I do every year before we end our school year so that we can have the most fun with our time and spend as much time together as possible. 

1. Finish projects. I always try to finish up any projects I'm working on.  This year, I actually finished planning our 2024-2025 school year so that I do not have to do it this summer when I could be outside enjoying my family. I also try to finish up any organizational projects I'm working on. 

2. Get the kids organized. We spend the last couple of weekends before we finish school purging bedrooms and making sure the systems in place work. That way, the rooms do not get out of hand over the summer. While you are doing this, make sure you are caught up on laundry (my nemesis) and try to do laundry whenever there is a full load over the summer. 

3. Get an "adventure bag" ready. While my kids' travel backpacks stay packed and they just have to add a few things in for travel and day trips, mom is a little different. I just get what I need. This year, I'm changing that. I have a bag ready for myself that I can grab and go- with a picnic blanket, small first aid kit, sunscreen, hat, towel (you never know when those kids will find a creek), and other things I may need on crazy adventures. When we went to the drive-in, it was the perfect time to test my bag and the kids' bags. Just make sure you leave room for snacks and cool sticks they may find.

4. Have quick recipes on hand. Make a list of 10 or so easy dinner recipes that you can use throughout the summer, along with your normal quick meals. Although it is fun to get in the kitchen and cook with the kids, who wants to spend all summer in the kitchen?!

5. Get all the outdoor fun ready- Clean the fire pit, get your outdoor seating done, and get the s'mores basket ready. All that stuff. Have it ready for the fun to begin. 

6. Get the dogs' vet visits done. Now, you can take Rover with you on all your adventures with no worries. 

7. Don't forget to get your car serviced, cleaned, and stocked for summer fun. New hand sanitizer, tissues, and organized for family fun. 

8. Get a list of ideas and supplies ready for fun at home. Maybe you need to get some work done or maybe you just want to spend the day in the house. That's ok too. Some ideas of fun things to do (can be as simple as a coloring book) can help you when trying to come up with something on the spot. 

9. Look at your calendar. Go ahead and mark the days that you have to do things and then look at your community calendar. Pencil in some events that you might be interested in taking the kids to. It's always nice to have options. 

10. Get excited! Seriously. Are there any better humans on this planet than your kids and spouse? Get excited about all the fun times you will have together and make every day an adventure- at home or on the go!

Paperless Planning: Part 5- Google Docs

Google Docs is not a must-have for digital planning, but it is a wonderful tool. Plus, it is free to use and if you have Gmail, you already have access to it. 

Google Docs gives you access to Sheets (similar to spreadsheets), Docs (word processor), Slides (slideshow), and even PDFs. There are also a ton of add-on resources that you can use for free or with subscriptions. 

I use Google Docs mostly for school planning. However, If I do need a document for a personal reason, I no longer have to keep up with a paper copy. I can scan it and have a digital copy with access anywhere. Again, this is another tool that can be set to be used offline. 

In this post, the only thing I'm going to show is how to add a file and how to set it up for the best view. 

To add a file (tax document, school paperwork, doctor notes, etc.), simply click the +New button on the left side and select File Upload or the type of file you want to create. 

The other thing I want to show today is how to set up the view. (I'll go more in-depth on using Google Docs for school files in another post)

Normally, when you go to Google Docs, the default is to show all the files. However, if you want to see your folders when you go to Google Docs, it is a really simple change. 

Click the gear icon at the top right and click settings. Under "Start Page," switch to "My Drive" and you will have the same view I do. 

I'll revisit Google Docs in a future post. 

What I'm using and how I'm using them. (just click on the link below to see the post)

1. How and why I got started (you are here)
2. Google Calendar 
3. Google Tasks
4. Google Keep
5. Google Docs

Paperless Planning: Part 4- Google Keep

 

Although it isn't a new tool, Google Keep is also a new discovery for me and I use it constantly. I use it for packing lists, school to-do lists, school ideas, blog post planning, family projects, and anything else that I would have written out and stuck in my planner. 

Getting Google Keep set up was a little more involved because I was basically converting both my personal and school planners to digital. Here is what I did: 

1. Set up categories that you are likely to use. I used family, school, camping, travel, blog, and recipes. 
2. I started with my personal planner and went through it page by page- adding everything to my Google Keep in the appropriate categories. No more recipes floating around and getting lost. Packing lists all together (more about this later). 
3. Color coding is easy using the controls at the bottom of each note. Easily add checkboxes by clicking the three dots at the bottom of the not and click add checkboxes. 
4. Repeat this for all planners and all sections. Before you know it, you will have a digital planner/ notebook. 

You can add photos. I've added the map of our favorite campground with our favorite sites marked so I know which ones to look for when I book our camping. 

I wish you could customize the colors used, but it's a minor sacrifice for the convenience of Google Keep, which you can use on any device. As long as it has been synced with the internet, it is available offline too. When you reach the internet, it will update any changes. 

You can also archive notes to be used again later and there is also an option to uncheck all items. 

I'm a list maker, but you do not have to use a list format. You can actually write paragraphs, add websites with the link preview, and add drawings. 

As Tbomb goes into the 8th grade this year, I've been thinking a lot about high school. I also have a running list of things to utilize once we get to high school. 

Another wonderful thing about Google Keep is that you can easily share notes with others. Add your family group or individuals. I love being able to share a to-do list with my kids, especially when getting ready for travel. 

Of the tools I've learned to use, Google Keep is my favorite. I'm a huge fan of notes and lists and this keeps me on track. 

How do you use Google Keep? 

What I'm using and how I'm using them. (just click on the link below to see the post)

1. How and why I got started (you are here)
2. Google Calendar 
3. Google Tasks
4. Google Keep
5. Google Docs

Paperless Planning: Part 3- Google Tasks

 

Google Tasks is a fairly new tool for me. Like the other tools I have shared and will share, Google Tasks is available through all devices. It syncs seamlessly with Google Calendar. It can also work alongside Google Keep (easily move notes from Keep to Google Tasks). 

I love how my tasks show up beside my calendar. There are also wonderful widgets available for tablets and phones that make it quick to see what you need to do, check off items, and even add items to your task list. 

You can also add categories to your tasks, like I have my personal one, ideas for blog posts, ideas for social media posts, and even a business one, although most of my todos go in my personal tasks just so I can see them at a glance. 

When creating a task, you can easily schedule it for a certain date and time. You can also make recurring tasks. For instance, I have a task set for every Friday evening to look over and gather the materials for the next week's school work. 

I put everything on my task list- even changing the litter box and making the kids' lunches and snacks for the next day. I tend to get sucked into a project and forget to do things. With Google Tasks, I can get reminders to do those things I have to do every day. 

When you check the items off, there is a counter at the bottom that tells you how many tasks you have completed. Makes you feel really good if you are like me and love marking things off of a list. 

Is there something you need to remember to take care of in August, like planning the kids' birthday party? You can set Google Tasks to remind you on August 1st. Then, when August 1st gets here, you can break down the tasks into manageable chunks and schedule things. Is this something you need to do every August? Make it a recurring task. 

Adding subtasks is easy as well, although it isn't something I use. I just like to have them all as a separate task. 

How to switch paper lists to Google Tasks: 

1. Gather all your paper lists. For me, it was my planner, notebook, and weekly to-do list.
2. Simply start at the beginning of your lists and add them to Google Tasks. Go through your calendar pages for anything you've written to do on certain months. Make sure to schedule those as well. 
3. Look through your planner and notebooks. Add any to-dos throughout them to your Google Tasks. 

Now you are all set up. Adding things is simple and you don't have to do those steps again. 

Another cool feature of Google Tasks (that I actually do not use) is that your tasks can be added to your calendar. Just click to view tasks on your calendars (left-hand side of the screen). The only reason I don't do this is because I like the view of my tasks in a list together and I don't like how congested my calendar gets with the tasks added in. But everyone has different preferences. 

Now that you have your Google Calendar and Google Tasks set up, you can add tasks from your calendar. Have a meeting next week? Add to prepare notes on your list. 

What I'm using and how I'm using them. (just click on the link below to see the post)

1. How and why I got started (you are here)
2. Google Calendar 
3. Google Tasks
4. Google Keep
5. Google Docs

Paperless Planning: Part 2- Google Calendar

Are you ready to get this ball rolling? I do suggest you make these changes during a slow time because getting the system in place will take time, but it will definitely save time in the future. I started this at the end of our school year, but if I had waited until school was done, it probably would have been a quicker start.

I'm okay with that though, I'm so glad to have made this change in my life. It is so freeing to have less. 

I literally have access to everything at my fingertips. (To see the whole series, read about why I went to digital planning)

Google Calendar is the first thing you are going to want to get set up. You probably already use it in some capacity. I did, I just am using it more now. Yet, still not to its full potential. All you have to do is sign in to your Google account and you are ready to dive in. 

First, you are going to want to create your calendars within your account. You can see mine on the left column. They are color-coded. You can share these calendars with others- teammates, family members, committee members, etc. I share the family calendar and Owl Creek Academy (our homeschool) with my kids. They are new to this, but I'm getting them started. You can share family calendars with grandparents and other close family members as well. 

Next, you are going to want to put all your dates from your planner in here. While doing this, go ahead and put in the recurring dates (birthdays, anniversaries, etc). You can invite people to these "events" as well. Make sure you assign them to the correct calendar so they are automatically shared and/or color-coded. You can set up alerts as well. (I only do this for project due dates). 

I love that you can choose the view for your Google Calendar- day, week, month, year, 7 days, and even a view of events in order (schedule). You can choose for your week to start and end on any day you choose as well. 

Hint: If you want all events/ appointments to appear in a box at the top of the week view and In a colored box in the month view, I have figured out how to do this and still use the time. If you'll notice in the picture above, I had to scroll down to see that my son had a class on coding and that I had a meeting. 

In the below image, you can see that if you format the time differently, it will show up as an all day event so it is easily spotted. 

This may not work for people who use the time layout to schedule things. However, we need to keep a more relaxed schedule because things come up. I need to see at a glance if there is an appointed time for something that day, without needing to scroll. 

If you have a more strict schedule, you could even block off time for school, sports, work, etc. No matter your way of life, you can make it work for you. 

I have even created one calendar to track my steps because I like the visual of it- I was writing it on my monthly paper planner, so now I just record it in my Google Calendar. 

Another thing of note. You do not have to have access to the internet to use Google Calendar, only to sync it between devices and online. For instance, if you are in a remote area, you can still add things to your calendar on your phone and it will automatically update it to the cloud when you are in range again. 

There are also fun premade Google Calendars that you can subscribe to. I use the US Holidays & Observances calendar by Google, but copy them to my family calendar so my kids can see them and we don't celebrate every "holiday." I also have a bible reading plan calendar that is added in. 

I know this seems like a lot, but it will be much better and easier once the setup is complete. 

Go ahead and get your calendar out. Copy those dates from paper to digital, making sure to select a calendar and record recurring events. 

Next up, I'll show you hot to track chores and to do lists. It is so easy and right there on your calendar!

What I'm using and how I'm using them. (just click on the link below to see the post)

1. How and why I got started (you are here)
2. Google Calendar 
3. Google Tasks
4. Google Keep
5. Google Docs

Paperless Planning: Part 1

A few weeks ago, I shared a Reel on Instagram of my planning process. After I posted it, I realized that I completely left one planner out. I didn't include my school planner and how I use it with my other planners. Then, I realized that I was making it much more difficult than necessary. I knew there had to be a way to make planning simpler. It used to be something I enjoyed, but it became a chore. 

Here's that reel. 

Here is the stack of things I had to have to accomplish anything. Ri-dic-u-lous, I know (does yours look similar?)

Now, I have found a simpler, more productive system. The setup takes time, but it does save time in the long run- and yes, you can still check of completed items. There is something so satisfying about that. Now, all I need is my phone in a pinch. My entire system consists of my laptop, Kindle Fire (just as a larger screen if I don't have my laptop), phone, and a notebook and pen. I do still need a notebook because I do still have to do a physical brainstorming session occasionally and I like to take notes on paper if doing research. However, you could even get rid of the notebook.

With this stack (plus my phone), I can accomplish anything. I can work, plan, school, and accomplish family tasks. I can even share anything with anyone. 

You might be wondering what wonderful program I used to do this with and how much it costs a month. Well, I used free Google tools. The only thing I pay for is $1.99 a month for extra storage since I store work documents and school documents in the cloud. However, I was paying that anyway. 

I'm actually saving more. I don't have to buy an expensive school planner each year, a lot of money on a personal planner that actually works. I also no longer have to buy extra paper, fancy pens (yes, that is a need with a planner), and other planner supplies. I also no longer have to stress trying to figure out which system will work. I can make my Google tools do what I want them to. 

I am going to walk you through how I did this. However, to make it easier to process, because the setup does take time, I will break it into a few shorter posts. They will all be published at the same time so you can read them at once if you want. 

Here are some other benefits to going with a digital planning system. 

1. Once the setup is complete, most things can be made automatic (no more copying recurring tasks)
2. Google products are available everywhere and on any device
3. If you have a Gmail account, you already have the tools available to you- no account set up
4. It is easy to edit digital items without having to start fresh or scratch through when something is written on the wrong day (I had all my birthdays a month ahead this year in my paper planner and it was a mess!)
5. It is easy to share with family and co-workers. 
6. Scheduling is easier because you can easily see availability. 
7. No more paper clutter and trash from planning

Some people have suggested one change at a time, but that doesn't work for me. I have to jump in with both feet first, and it is working. 

Since getting this system in place, I have less stress trying to figure out what I have to do and keep up with everything. I am also much more productive. I'm getting my work done with plenty of time before deadlines and I even have finished planning the school year for 2024-2025. 

I'm rocking it! 

What I'm using and how I'm using them. (just click on the link below to see the post)

1. How and why I got started (you are here)
2. Google Calendar 
3. Google Tasks
4. Google Keep
5. Google Docs

Whether you jump right in or take it slow, I do hope you give my ideas a try. The best part if you can make it work for you. 

Book Review: But God Can: How to Stop Striving and Live Purposefully and Abundantly

Disclaimer: I received this book to review. All opinions are my own. 

I'm so glad that I was selected to review this book. But God Can, by Becky Kiser, seems to be exactly what I need right now. 

Becky talks to us like the girlfriend who tells us exactly how it is and pushes us to be the person we are meant to be.  I love that she also gives scripture and biblical advice to help you along the journey, as well as some hugs and pauses along the way. 

My favorite line in the book is actually at the beginning, in the introductory letter from Ms. Kiser. 

But don't give yourself too much grace! Don't redefine grace to mean you get away with everything. Instead, know that grace is what Jesus gives you when you return to Him. And grace is what we extend to ourselves when we realize we're off track and ready to return to what is best.

The questions along the way that make you stop and reflect are real help. Instead of just reading through, there is interaction.  

Buy here: https://bit.ly/ButGodCanFG

Win a copy here: https://blessedfreebies.com/but-god-can-give-away

@beckykiser FB @beckykiserllc #butGodcan #BeckyKiser

10 Wonderful Podcasts for Homeschool Families

 Our home is very techy. Laptops, desktops, tablets, kindles, game systems, and let's not forget our phones. While we value time off of the screens, we know that using technology in the kids' education is essential, especially in the 7th and 4th grades. The future is full of technology. 

I love finding new ways to incorporate tech into our lessons and teaching them about different aspects and usefulness of technology and apps. We listen to a podcast each morning during our "morning meeting," and sometimes at other times throughout the day. We use Google Podcasts because we have Android devices. However, you can choose which platform you prefer. Most podcasts are on all of the major outlets.

Here are 10 podcasts I have found that are wonderful for homeschool families. 

1. KidNuz is a weekday news show that discusses interesting news from around the world. It is always good stuff with an upbeat dialog. There is even a quiz at the end. 
2. Creation Answers is no longer updated, but there are some wonderful episodes.
3. The Middle School Mind is a podcast from a young teen with his dad discussing the things that middle schoolers face. It is also no longer published but has great episodes.
4. Brains on Universe. These are a group of podcasts for kids with very interesting topics.
5. Storynory has free audio stories for kids
6. Tumble Science Podcast
7. BunnAmigos is a great podcast on culture
8. Book Club For Kids
9. God's Big Story
10. Real Cool History For Kids

FREE Resource For Struggling Readers: Amazon Classics

For about a year, I have used Amazon Classics for my daughter, who is a struggling reader. It is an absolute game-changer. 

What is so great about these? There is a read-aloud option for free. The child can listen to the audio version while following along with the text. Wonderful for readers who want to read a but, but struggle through it. Snapper has really enjoyed Little Women and her reading skills have dramatically improved. 

There isn't even anything special you have to do after downloading it- the child just selects the listen option.

As long as you have Amazon Prime, many (many many many) of these classics are free to read and listen to.

I can't think of a better use of my Prime membership.

These books can easily be found by searching "Amazon classics edition free Kindle books"