Giveaway: ipad Mini For Your Family Homeschool

Take it on the Go! Homeschooling will be even more of an adventure for the winner of a brand new iPad Mini from DenSchool! The winner will find an endless supply of useful apps and materials to use anywhere!  Combine that with DenSchool's revolutionary tools and your homeschooling adventure . . . 

will never be the same again!

I'm so excited to introduce you to DenSchool! They have lots of fun new stuff going on for homeschool families throughout the next year. From record keeping to online classes - there is something for everyone. 

You'll want to check their site often for fabulous freebies! 

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Simple Recordkeeping and Lesson Planning - Free @ DenSchool

Reduce homeschool clutter by keeping your records online. With everything online, you can access anything you need from your computer in your school room, from your tablet while on a hike, or even your phone while you're at the the beach!

Live Classes

This summer, DenSchool is offering teacher supported, self-paced online classes.

In addition to core classes for those who want to catch up, get ahead or school year round, there are fun classes like art, music, and even Roblox design and scripting.

Sign up for a free account at DenSchool to check out all of the available classes.

     CLIPs - Free @ DenSchool

Kids' Favorites! These free family-centered print-and-go lesson plans exclusively from DenSchool are guaranteed to be fun! Download CLIPs (Creative Learning in a Pinch)

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To celebrate all all of the great online homeschooling tools available from DenSchool, they are giving away another great tool to help with online homeschooling:

An iPad Mini

+ PLUS +

4 Online DenSchool Classes

Ready to Win?

ENTER HERE

5 days of summer . . . Adventure for boys: Extreme sports for the family

I'm joining Sarah Robinson of  Sidetracked Sarah and the team of the "5 days of series" to talk about various topics under the heading 5daysof summer . . . The topics range from summer recipes, games, and crafts for the kids to 5 days of summer . . . for Mom (and everything fun in between). Beginning June 17 - 21 we will be blogging about all things summer.  My topic of choice is 5 days of summer . . . adventure for boys. The specific titles are listed below. I do hope you will follow along to be encouraged, inspired and to get ideas for a summer full of adventure! 

*affiliate links are present in this post - see disclosure 

• Benefits of outdoor adventure  
• Getting out with little ones - where to start
• Exploring in style - outfitted for adventure 
• Boys and camping - printable camp checklist 
• Extreme sports - introducing your kids to  BIG Adventure (safely)

My husband and I spent our honeymoon whitewater rafting through the jungle in Costa Rica. It was there we became pregnant with our first son, and our life of adventure, travel, and excitement abruptly took a major turn. We went from daring and free to "they'll never let me skydive with a baby strapped to my back" in the blink of an eye.  

We wanted a family. We just didn't expect it to begin so quickly. Yet, there we were, on our 1 year anniversary, with a 2 month old baby in our arms. We spent that anniversary with a quiet evening at home eating lobster. It was nice, and we were happy, but it sure was a change. 

It wasn't too terribly long before the adventure bug was biting again. We found ways to take our little guy with us. He was boating and island hopping as soon as he could hold his head up. Boy #2 was only a couple of years behind him and before we knew it, we were a family of 5. 

What exactly is extreme adventure for families? How does that look differently from our prior adventures? Well, the number one difference is the amount of equipment that is required to haul around. With a family, you don't just take off to go wilderness camping and wing it. You have to plan, and haul stuff. You also have to have an emergency "out". 

Whether we are headed off on a road trip adventure or out into the wilderness, we always have a plan to check in with a responsible family member. If they don't hear from us at the appropriate times - they know where to come looking. 

Adventures are only truly fun when they are safe. Planning, research and common sense can take care of that in a flash. 

Although you cannot indeed, jump out of an airplane with an infant or toddler strapped to your back, you can paddle a river with them in a canoe or kayak. 

As a matter of fact, the sooner you introduce them to the idea that these outdoor adventures are a way of life, a special "family hobby" or an inherited lifestyle - the simpler it is when introducing new activities. 

Enjoying extreme adventure with the family can be affordable. Often times there is an initial investment to spend on equipment that will last as long as you take care of it. If it provides countless hours of enjoyment and family bonding, it is totally worth it. 

Extreme defined: 

It is what you make of it! A bike ride can be just a bike ride, or a cycling adventure. A camping trip can be just a camping trip - or a wilderness adventure. Like life - it is what you make of it and you can pursue outdoor adventure at your own level and pace . . . together, as a family. 

Why extreme? 

• Fun and challenging 
• Forms strong family bonds 
• Develops self esteem and confidence 
• Get's families out in God's creation together 
• Memories that last a life time 
• Traditions to be passed on through generations

What kinds of "extreme" activities are easily adapted for families? 

• Biking/ cycling adventures on trails and tracks through woods, mountains and paths 
• Kayaking in oceans & down rivers 
• Hiking - start early with family walks and gradually lengthen them 

• Family camping in campgrounds and resorts 
• Wilderness camping (rivers, islands, mountains) 
• Skiing - water and snow 
• Surfing & body-boarding 

Whitewater rafting/ Elkhorn Creek, KY - Class I & II 

• Whitewater rafting- Class I - Class III (most places it's not legal to do Class IV with young kids) 
• Tubing 
• Spelunking - exploring caves 
• Rock climbing - real or simulated (takes expertise but can be done safely)

• Paddleboarding 
• Canoeing - rivers, lakes and creeks 
• Fishing (yes, this can be an extreme sport too)  
• Snorkeling

To put a little excitement into your summer - get out and try some of these (or your own) ideas for extreme family adventure. There are special bonds created when you step out into the unknown together and discover something new in God's wonderful creation. 

Be safe - and enjoy making memories that will last a lifetime! 

A fun & informative book to help prepare you: 

Outdoor Parents Outdoor Kids: A Guide to Getting Your Kids Active in the Great Outdoors

Giveaway: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

5 days of summer . . . Adventure for boys: Camping

I'm joining Sarah Robinson of  Sidetracked Sarah and the team of the "5 days of series" to talk about various topics under the heading 5daysof summer . . . The topics range from summer recipes, games, and crafts for the kids to 5 days of summer . . . for Mom (and everything fun in between). Beginning June 17 - 21 we will be blogging about all things summer.  My topic of choice is 5 days of summer . . . adventure for boys. The specific titles are listed below. I do hope you will follow along to be encouraged, inspired and to get ideas for a summer full of adventure! 

*Girls like adventure too - hey, I'm a girl! This article is about boys because I have them & it's a fun title. You can apply the things that work for you and your family. The real point is to get the family outdoors! 

• Benefits of outdoor adventure  
• Getting out with little ones - where to start
• Exploring in style - outfitted for adventure 
• Boys and camping - printable camp checklist 
• Extreme sports - introducing your kids to  BIG Adventure (safely)

Moms, you can take the kids camping! I love it when my husband is available to go with us, the family time is our favorite thing. However, he does work for a living. Instead of waiting until he is able to go, we take off whenever possible on our own. Here are a few things I do to make things easier:

• don't wait for an emergency to make emergency plans - be prepared 
• have a first aide kit - up to date 
• keep a plastic bin with cooking utensils, pots & necessities next to cook stove - ready to go
• keep sleeping bags rolled up and together to grab quickly 
• keep blow up mattress's and pump together for comfort 
• fans and cords cool things off when the weather is hot 
• sweep out the tent after each use when breaking down camp - small broom or hand sweeper 
• pop up stools or chairs on standby to rest while breaking down or setting up camp 
• stay hydrated 
• meal prep ahead of time for easy on-site preparation (wash & wrap potatoes in foil - chop veggies) 

A simple fan can make a world of difference during hot weather

Packaging food in ways it won't be ruined outdoors. Slice fruit ahead of time. 

Use a tote for daily picnics on the trails or as you explore away from camp each day. 

Set up your home away from home to be comfortable. Use a table cloth. Keep a kitchen bin on hand to pack food up at night - lock it in the car to keep critters out of your tent (ask me how I know this) 

Don't be afraid to explore with the kids in the great outdoors. With a little extra planning and some good common sense, you can have a wonderful time making memories that last forever.

Download:  FREE camping checklist here
                    FREE camp kitchen checklist here
                    FREE emergency checklist here

Giveaway: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

5 days of summer . . . Adventure for boys: Exploring in style & $80 Giveaway

I'm joining Sarah Robinson of  Sidetracked Sarah and the team of the "5 days of series" to talk about various topics under the heading 5daysof summer . . . The topics range from summer recipes, games, and crafts for the kids to 5 days of summer . . . for Mom (and everything fun in between). Beginning June 17 - 21 we will be blogging about all things summer.  My topic of choice is 5 days of summer . . . adventure for boys. The specific titles are listed below. I do hope you will follow along to be encouraged, inspired and to get ideas for a summer full of adventure! 

• Benefits of outdoor adventure  
• Getting out with little ones - where to start
• Exploring in style - outfitted for adventure 
• Boys and camping - printable camp checklist 
• Extreme sports - introducing your kids to  BIG Adventure (safely)

Exploring in style! 

Boys love a good adventure, but it becomes even MORE fun when they are dressed for the occasion. Girls aren't the only ones who play dress up. Although good 'ole fashioned outdoor play is great, no matter what the dress code, there is something magical that happens when you add a special hat, tool belt or cape. The adventure becomes all that much more real for your kids when props are added to the scenario.

You don't have to spend a fortune to outfit your boy for adventure. We've bought plastic swords from the dollar store, with breast plates, and shields that provided countless hours of excitement and sparked the imagination. A few props make for great excitement on an expedition.

10 things 4 exploring in style: 

• Backpack - real explorers carry supplies 
• Walking stick - real hikers have special sticks 
• Binoculars - to look for birds and wildlife 
• Field journal - to identify the wildlife you come across 
• Canteen - water bottle - recyclable metal is a good choice and they can be personalized 
• Headlamps, lanterns, flashlights - we love them all 
• Swiss Army knife- for older boys 
• Compass - mapping is a great skill to learn & using a compass is key
• Walkie-talkies - Fun - a great way to let kids enjoy a bit of freedom (when you know the area) 
• Hats - military, hunting, explorer, cowboy - whatever their pleasure, kids love hats 

Great Outdoor Gear For Kids at JmCremps.com



Visit the other 5 Day Series bloggers listed here to read about all the wonderful 5 Days of Summer ideas

Giveaway: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Frugal Family: free books for financial management, free summer fun, free printables & a curriculum giveaway

In an effort to save money this year,  I'm joining my friend Marcy +Ben and Me  as well as Sam +Sam's Noggin  to bring you this weekly  link up full of tips for becoming a more Frugal Family. We will be sharing ideas to help you save money on groceries and meals, homeschool, crafts, and plenty of frugal DIY posts. We've made many sacrifices so that I can stay at home to teach the boys, and I've become pretty frugal in order to help make that possible and to keep it that way. It's become a challenge I truly enjoy, and one I enjoy sharing with you!

*affiliate links within this post

This week:

Everybody run quick and grab your copies while they are still FREE!




Family Fun: 

Bass Pro Shop is a fun place to hang out even when they don't have fun family Summer Camp! 
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays - you can attend the FREE family camp June 8 -July 14 and enjoy workshops, crafts, and activities for everyone. 

Enjoy the FREE catch and release pond with Dad, stop by and get your picture taken with dear ole dad while you are enjoying archery, fishing, and bird watching projects or craft. 

There are lots of family fun activities going on during the family summer camp.

Find a new hobby the family can enjoy all year long while playing in the great outdoors.

Pick up your camping supplies at a discount at the Father's Day Sale!

Go here to the BPS website

FREE Printables from Adventurez in ChildRearing:

Get your FREE family camping checklist from AdventureZ here

Get your FREE Camp Kitchen checklist here

Get your FREE Camp essentials checklist with fun extras here

FREE Ocean Themed - bible verse book marks to memorize for summer 
                                       includes bible verse handwriting in print or cursive

Frugal Math: 

*hint: Find an A+ TutorSoft affiliate and use their coupon code for additional savings! 

Check out the reviews on the Pinterest board here & find an affiliate to work with

Curriculum giveaway:

While planning for your next years homeschool curriculum - be sure to check out ALL your options. You don't have to spend a fortune to get the best possible curriculum for your family. Read about Yellow House Book Rental and enter to win a full semester curriculum for your family.

Link up your own tips for saving money on our Frugal Family link up for January

Please grab the button to use or link via text - Visit others to encourage each other and

share great information! The group Pinterest board is here - I'm pinning away!

<center> <a href="http://www.Adventurezinchildrearing.com/"><img border="0" </span><span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">src="http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l525/adventurezinchildrearing/frugalfamily150_zps92102054.jpg"/></a></center>  

Homeschooling curriculum resource: rentals, used, rent to own, sell it back

Joshua 24:15 “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord

With Yellow House Book Rentals: 

So many options to choose from!  You may choose to.....

1.  Rent, use, return*

10 month period 

*****

2.  Rent-to-Own.  If you liked what you rented, let us know

You may choose to purchase the books, minus the rental fee.

****

3.  Purchase your books 

****

4. Buy from our used curriculum market

and/or

5.  Buy from us and sell it back.

In chatting with Michelle from The Yellow House over the past few weeks, I have been most impressed with her heart for homeschool families. 

Michelle is the proud mom of four homeschooled children, two of whom are homeschool graduates and are attending private Christian universities. It is her mission "to serve the Lord through serving you". 

Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, 

and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,      Titus 2:7

Why rent? There are many reasons why a curriculum rental could be right for your family. Here are a few reasons from The Yellow House Book Rental: 

ALL rentals of $5 or less have FREE SHIPPING when added to orders of $25 or more.

• save money - rent at less than 1/2 the cost 
• try before you buy - make sure you like a curriculum by putting it to good use before you invest
• provide best materials for various aged children in your family or cater to their learning styles
• money back guarantee 
• no worry about reselling curriculum when you are finished with it 
• storage of curriculum - cut back on clutter 
• options- renting is just one more option, besides purchasing or renting-to-own, that you now have available in choosing your curriculum!

Used curriculum: Check out the various products available here

• good quality 
• great companies 
• affordable prices 
• new products regularly (go here to see current new products) 

Bible curriculum rentals: (see current options here)

                                    10% credit for every referral that orders 

Your order could be FREE with 10 referrals!

There is something for everyone and Yellow House Book Rentals is giving away a semester of curriculum for you to check them out. Please leave a comment letting me know if you have considered rentals before - why or why not? *inquiring minds! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Big Book of Earth and Sky - a review and giveaway for Master Books

We have an exciting book to share with you!

 As a member of the Moms of Master Books

 review team I was given a copy of the

 Big Book of Earth & Sky. 

You may know we are Big Master Books fans, we are also Big book fans - and this book all about the earth and sky - did not disappoint.

The Big Book of Earth & Sky is a 15 foot chart showing the Inner Core to Outer Core of the Atmosphere, written by Bodie Hodge and Dr. Carolyn Reeves, and is published by New Leaf Publishing/  Master Books. 

*affiliate links included in this post - see disclosure page for details 

The boys "Ooooood" and "Ahhhhhd" over it the whole time. As we unfolded layer after layer, they became excited about each and every detail and fact they uncovered.  They quickly became fully engrossed in their new science book. 

As a mom and as a teacher, one of the best things I can ask for in curriculum materials - is that it grab the attention and inspire my children to want to learn more. The Big Book most definitely does that! In no time I was listening to requests of, "Mom, look at THIS!" . . . and "Hey! Did you know . . . ?" 

We are looking forward to further exploration of this gem for sure. I will be using it as a reference, and in creating special unit studies for the boys. The Teacher's guide is an excellent resource for ideas as well.
There is a ton of information packed into this book. 

My 11 year old was able to quickly find information on the material we were studying and jumped into it with gusto (yes, that is a lame atmosphere joke).  He then was able to explain the material to me in great detail, demonstrating his understanding and retention of what he had read. 

It was the concise and detailed information we needed to complete our unit study for that week. 

The Big Book of Earth & Sky is a 15 foot chart showing the Inner Core to Outer Core of the Atmosphere, written by Bodie Hodge and Dr. Carolyn Reeves, and is published by New Leaf Publishing/  Master Books. 

Please take a quick minute to watch the video trailer and find out more about why we like it so much: 

Download the FREE teachers guide here

                                      . . .  purchase a copy of  Big Book of Earth & Sky here!

Enter to win a copy for your home and family: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wildlife Wednesday - Nature post link up & a giveaway

I participate on Wednesday with Kathy Balman @Kathy's Cluttered Mind and Master Books at Creation Conversations to bring you Wildlife Wednesday. We share our adventures in nature and information about encounters with God's beautiful creation.

This week: Kathy Balman is hosting the WW post here

Around our place - we are always on the lookout for a new critter to observe! 

Are you finding any fun critters around your place for some up close observation? 

We are giving away The Ecology Book from Master Books!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Link up your own wildlife and nature posts and be Pinned to the Master Books Wildlife Wednesday pinboard and shared around the web. Please provide a link back to this post in order to spread the word!

Grab the button below or use a text link:

Wildlife Wednesday - Master Books Giveaway & our wildlife adventures

I participate on Wednesday with Kathy Balman @Kathy's Cluttered Mind and Master Books at Creation Conversations to bring you Wildlife Wednesday. We share our adventures in nature and information about encounters with God's beautiful creation.

This week:

We've had a funny experience with wild animals wanting to come in to the house and to our tent while camping!

This neighborhood Gopher Tortoise has been determined to come in for a visit. We put him back in the yard, and he would come right back up on the porch to scratch at the sliding glass doors. He wanted in.

We also had a determined raccoon who actually did come into our tent while we were camping. He stole our bread, and then came all the way in and hauled out a bag of trash!

We were camping in an area of Florida where there are no bears, and we've always been comfortable putting the food and cooler in the tent at night. We've had raccoons and animals come into the camp area at night, that is normal, but having them come right into the tent was a new experience.

Experience with wildlife can be incredibly interesting and entertaining, but requires a respect for nature and a careful approach!

We also had the opportunity to go kayaking and fishing. Spence caught and released a pretty blue crab he was very proud of. These interactions with nature build confidence and self esteem in our children. They learn about themselves, their Creator, and the world around them as they investigate and explore creation.

Animals aren't the only wildlife to explore. Spring is a wonderful time to learn about flowering plants as well. The picture below is a Coral Bean plant. It will drop it's seed pods soon and reproduce more little coral beans in the area.

Exploring God's creation is a wonderful way to teach your children more about their Creator. Everything in nature points to an intelligent Designer.

Master Books is joining me and giving away a copy of The Ecology Book:
(perfect for your home or homeschool)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Link up your own wildlife and nature posts and be Pinned to the Master Books Wildlife Wednesday pinboard and shared around the web. Please provide a link back to this post in order to spread the word!

Grab the button below or use a text link: