Thursday, April 15, 2021

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! 

Monday, March 22, 2021

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!

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

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.

Thursday, March 4, 2021

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!!

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

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!!

Friday, February 26, 2021

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?

Thursday, February 25, 2021

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. 💙

Monday, February 1, 2021

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!! :)


Wednesday, January 27, 2021

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. ;)

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

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. 

Monday, January 11, 2021

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.

💙💙💙

My Blog Has Moved....

 I have officially moved my blog.... https://thekindredschoolroom.blogspot.com Hope you join me there!! ~Heather

About Me

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I'm a wife, homeschool mom, and homemaker learning to enjoy the simple things in life. Which may or may not include a good latte, meaningful books, decorating my home, and all things French & Disney related. Thanks for visiting!