My Blog Has Moved....

 I have officially moved my blog....

https://thekindredschoolroom.blogspot.com

Hope you join me there!!

~Heather

Summer

Even though we have been doing “all the things” this summer, I decided last week to start summer school. Just a few pages in their phonics workbooks along with read aloud time. 😁 We’ve also been participating in a 100 books a month challenge together. The girls love coloring in each book that is finished on their charts. 📚

I’ve been on a blackberry kick lately. I found a delicious protein muffin recipe that I added lack berries to and they turned out pretty yummy. Super moist and not too sweet. 

Our garden is coming along and I have to say the Sunflowers have been my favorite. I planted them from seed and it has been exciting to watch them grow. The girls have gotten a kick out of them, too! 

 The other day we were sitting on the back porch and Evie was just chatting away. She has grown up so much this summer. 💙 I snapped this picture to remember to slow down and cherish these moments.

I have a handful of book reads to share soon! Happy Monday! 🥰

Family Vacation

 

We spent a week at the beach in Florida with my parents and brother! We shopped, collected shells, went to the zoo, drank tons of coffee, devoured sea food and savored every single sunset. 

The girls tried skim boarding, swam, splashed in the ocean, saw sting ray, collected dozens of shells and made a couple of sand castles. I have never seen two kids so happy and content!

It was a wonderful vacation, and I was NOT ready to come home. Take me back! ;)

Rather than fly out, we decided to make a road trip out of it. My favorite stop was a town on the coast in Mississippi where we found the cutest little Lighthouse right off the interstate. It look like it belonged in a children's novel!

Spring, Projects and Homeschooling

 

We had such a fun family weekend that included putting together a fairy garden for the girls and raised beds for our backyard. Josh planted tomatoes, lettuce, spinach and rosemary. I plan to plant my basil buckets and butterfly garden soon, too. I may be a fall girl through and through, but spring has it's own special kind of magic that I adore.

We have about six weeks of school left. How did that happen? I blinked and we are almost done with the year. I do, however, plan to have summer school again this year. Last year, we had Bible, Dot to Dot books and art most weeks. This year, I plan to have math incorporated as well. I'm also looking ahead to hands on activities and science projects. Do you plan for summer activities?

On that same note, I am already looking ahead to next year. I printed off the Ambleside Online Year 2 as my guide. I use their book lists often, but this year, I decided I would add in their options for history and geography. Even though we will still have a history book, I like adding in living books as well.

I'm also considering co-op options. I've been praying that the Lord would give the girls a weekly outlet for fellowship with like minded families. We have a fun group that meets once a month, but having something to regularly look forward too would be so nice. I have started visiting several play groups, too, so that may end up being a better option. Finding heart friends with values and standards is no easy feat. And then trying to figure out logistics...working around school schedules, etc. :D Whew! 

Happy Homemaker Monday

The Weather

Windy and warm!

Right now I am...
About to finish my to do list for the day. :)

Thinking... 
About time change and getting my energy back. I didn't think the time change had bothered me as much this time...but it has slowly caught up to me.

On my TV...

We started watching The Chosen and we have only one episode left. It's really good. We also started the new Winter Soldier show from Marvel. I'm not sure that I will enjoy it as much as the movies. 

What I'm Reading... 
Homeschool Bravely. Wow, what a book. It has encouraged me so much. It has also been a not so gentle reminder that homeschooling is a calling and He WILL equip me to do this job that He has given me.

On the menu for this week...
Chicken Tenders & Baked Okra

Porcupine Meatballs

Pasta Night

Chicken, Broccoli and Rice

Taco Bowls

On my to do list...
Clean and organize my laundry room. It's a catch all area and needs help ASAP. Hehe.

One of my simple pleasures...

Filling out my personal and homeschool planners. It helps me to stay focused and motivated. My nerdy self loves it. ;)

Linking up at Happy Homemaker Monday!

Happy Monday!

Daffodil Weekend

 

The last two weeks brought spring weather to our state! I was so happy to see sunshine and warmer days on the radar. After fall, spring is by far my favorite. <3

We loaded up the girls last Saturday to attend a local daffodil festival. We have been many times over the years, but this year felt extra special. The girls had fun running through the fields and picking up sticks along the way. My little huckleberry finnies. He he.

We ended the day with lunch at a favorite burger joint and them home to rest. My parents stopped by that evening for a quick visit. Then on Sunday, we attended church and knocked out some grocery shopping. It was the first time we've had such an normal weekend in over a year. 

It was wonderful and felt so refreshing. And for that I am very thankful.

Four Random Things

 

I had the spicy chicken salad at CFA the other day...the lady taking our order asked if I wanted grilled chicken or regular chicken. . I thought I would give the grilled a try... 10/10 recommend. I love their spicy ranch to top it off!! 😁 

Also, with spring here, I’m on a Matcha Latte kick. I love matcha mixed with almond milk and sugar free vanilla. I’ve noticed that matcha is either a love or hate drink. Do you like it? Most of my family and friends make grass jokes about it. Haha!!

This stage of homeschooling has been so precious. When I get to sit down on the couch, snuggled with both girls, reading history, science or picture books....well, my heart explodes. I am so thankful for this gift. The Lord is good to give me this time with my girls. I pray I never take it for granted.

This stack is one that we are working on. So many fun titles! Do you spy a favorite??

Happy Thursday, friends!!

Easy Baked Chicken

 

I’ve been in the baking mood lately. I’ve also been purging and organizing. It always hits me this time of year. But, I digress. 

Back to baking...

I made a baked chicken tonight that was a hit for my family. We dipped it in ranch and chic-fil-a sauce and called it good! So, I thought I would blog the recipe to share, and for future reference, of course. 😉

Easy Almond Flour Baked Chicken

3/4 Cup Almond Flour 

1 Teaspoon Paprika 

1 Teaspoon Garlic Salt 

1/4 Teaspoon Creole Seasoning 

2 Eggs (for dredging) 

8 Chicken Tenderloins 

Preheat oven to 425. Line baking sheet with foil (this helps crisp the chicken.) Mix dry ingredients. Mix eggs. Dredge chicken in eggs mixture and roll in dry mixture. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes until golden brown. 

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!!

Our Haven, Our Home

For the last few months, I've made a conscious effort to keep my news intake to a bare minimum. 

I realized that it was effecting my moods and overall outlook. It was stark reminder to me that our home should always be our haven. A safe place from a noisy world.

When it comes to homemaking, we all have our ways of managing and maintaining. I love my role as a homemaker and whenever I start to feel the weight of the world, I find myself circling back to the basics. Working on my routine and finding simple ways to make our house a haven. I have messy, dazed days. But, I'm working hard to make that an exception, not the norm.

I want our kids to look back on these days with fond memories. What things to do they like? What little things bring them joy?? What makes my husband feel at peace after a long day of work?

So, I make hot chocolate and cookies. I light lamps and buy bouquets of flowers. I find new recipes to try. I pile up books and blankets for read aloud time. I set up a diffuser and reset our house every morning. I take time to read and exercise to make sure I don't burn out. And then I pray and pray some more. 

What ways do you work to make your home a haven?

Winter

 

We started February off with an ice storm then back to back snowstorms. We haven’t had snow in YEARS in our area, so it was a rare treat. The girls were thrilled to pieces and probably would have spent every single minute outside if we’d let them. 😉

Most days were filled with movies, cocoa, books and homeschooling. Josh even got to stay home for most of it! 

But, now, I’m ready for spring. 💙

Happy Homemaker Monday

 

I'm linking up with Happy Homemaker hosted by Diary of a Stay at Home Mom, today!

The Weather

It has been very cold and windy! 

Right now I am...
Thinking about tidying up after dinner then curling up with a good book. :)

Thinking... 
All about homeschooling. We are finally back into the swing of things with a few new books and rhythms to add to our day. I love watching the girls learn and grow up together. It's the sweetest.

On my TV...

Still watching Everybody Loves Raymond. Occasionally, we catch an old Walker Texas Ranger. I LOVED that show as a teenager. I remember my grandma watching it, too.

What I'm Reading... 
The Dearly Beloved. It is a very unique style of writing so far. Enjoying it!

On the menu for this week...
Taco Soup

Butter Chicken & Rice

Chicken Enchiladas

Breakfast Sandwiches

Take Out 

On my to do list...
I've been sorting and pricing items for a local consignment sale. I do this every year and always get a nice check back.

One of my simple pleasures...

Reading and drinking a hot cocoa float! Have you had one? Oh they are DEVINE.

Happy February first, friends!! :)

Sweet Homeshool Days

 

Just a glimpse of our homeschool days: New math books (that they love), read alouds, baking, lego creations and some days...staying in their pajamas until noon. ;)

Happy Homemaker

 

I'm linking up with Happy Homemaker hosted by Diary of a Stay at Home Mom, today!

The Weather

It is cold outside! The skies are blue and it feels very wintery outside.

Right now I am...
Finishing up a book orders! I decided to follow the book recommendations for through Ambleside Online for Year 1. I also ordered a few books that have been on my wish list for a while, now.

Thinking... 
About all the house work that I need to catch up on post Covid. I had a mild case, thankfully and no one else has come down with it. 

On my TV...

Everybody Loves Raymond, When Calls the Heart and Blueblood Reruns.

What I'm Reading... 
I just finished a novel by Lynn Austin set in World War II. I'll have to do a book  post, soon.

On the menu for this week...
Alfredo with Chicken

Beef Chili

Chicken, Broccoli & Rice Casserole

Takeout

On my to do list...
Rest, Read and Re-Charge

One of my simple pleasures...

Taking a nap! Drinking coffee. Turning on my oil diffuser. 

Thankful For Home

 

I’ve been thinking about home and all that it encompasses. What I hope it is to my family...even during such strange times that we are living.  

I’m thankful the Lord has provided a roof over our head. A place to rest, recharge and renew.

I’m thankful for the freedom to decorate, purge and rearrange to my hearts content. 

I’m thankful for the freedom to read Gods word and share that with my children. A freedom that could quickly be taken from us. 

I’m thankful for portraits, inherited items and gifts that remind me of loved ones.

💙💙💙

Five

 

And then she was FIVE!! My sweet baby. 💙💙

She chose Chic Fil A for dinner and is currently in the living room enjoying her new gifts with sissy. It’s crazy how quickly time is flying.

My Words

 

My Christmas tree is still up. It's true! While most of the decor is slowly being packed away, I haven't been ready to tuck away the lights. I will get there...just not today. ;)

We had a much quieter, less rushed Christmas (like most). It was different and good. I am just thankful that we made it through 2020 with our heath and family. Yet, 2020 also ushered change on many different levels. I feel like I changed a lot...Keeping a closer circle of friends, putting my head down and tending to my home has been good. So good. I tend to keep it that way.

There were a few years that I picked a "word" for the year, but this year, I wanted to challenge myself in a more narrowed approach. Rather than pick a word, keep better control of my words. Better control of how I respond to others. To season my words with wisdom and grace. How I speak to my husband, my children, my friends. I'm clinging to Proverbs 18:21: The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Praying you all had a wonderful Christmas season...and Happy New Year!