5 days of Summer . . . Adventure for boys: the benefits of outdoor play

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 - read full disclosure here

• 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)

Today:

Time in the great outdoors has been shown to increase creativity, improve social skills, and concentration in both children and adults. Running, jumping, climbing and playing are all exercises that may release soothing endorphins which promote healthier sleep habits and create happier children. 

Kids who have a tendency to be hyper active or who have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can benefit greatly from the stress release from outdoor adventures. Outside play is good for body, mind, and soul. 

Getting dirty is good for kids! Although there is a time and a place for cleanliness, studies have shown that children who live in "ultra-clean" environments have a tendency to get sick easier; while kids who have an ongoing relationship with dirt and nature actually develop stronger immune systems. By being exposed to small amounts of natural bacteria in the great outdoors, our children are building up a protective barrier against more serious bacteria in the future. Certainly, common sense should apply. Children need to be bathed and nails scrubbed after making mud pies, but the benefits of letting them get dirty far outweigh the bad.

Kids who are allowed to get dirty regularly while playing outside, are happier and more well-rounded. A simple activity such as catching tad-poles creates a sense of pride and accomplishment in them. They can learn a tremendous amount as they explore the world around them. They become more connected to nature, grounded in who they are. and closer to their Creator as they investigate the natural world.

JM Cremp's Adventure Store for Boys has all sorts of wonderful outdoor gear to get your little men suited up for most any kind of adventure. My boys ADORE the JMCremps store and I have a hard time pulling them away from there at the homeschool conventions.

They have equipment for treasure hunting (metal detectors), zip lines, bows and arrows, army surplus tents, genuine metal helmets and all sorts of goodies that make little boys hearts go "pitter-patter". They have books and games to help you plan adventures and for survival training.

You don't have to spend a fortune to have a big adventure - but it does help to get some gear. I'll be going over  more of the basics and providing you with several printable family camping and outdoor adventure checklists this week; everything you need to plan for an adventurous summer with the boys!

The series: 
This Summer Series is brought to you by 12 lovely bloggers.  You’ll be seeing a wide assortment of topics.  From Camping tips to Summer Salads and Summer Organizing.  You will not want to miss the great posts from this team of bloggers.  And, to top it all off, we’ve got a fun giveaway for $80 in cash that you can enter to win!  The winner will be chosen at the end of the week. That will add to your summer adventure for sure. 
                                                                                                      

5 days of Summer . . . 

Red, White, & Blue - Sarah
Adventure 4 Boys  - Kelli
(Summer) Travel   - Tabitha
Camping Fun - Stephanie
(Summer) Fun - Laurie
(Summer) Learning - Monique
(Summer) Organizing - Sherri
Love for Mom - Christy
Little Style - Julie
(Summer) Salads - Becky
(Summer) Picnics - Jen
(Summer) Reading- Jamie

The giveaway: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#31 Days of Homeschool Encouragement - on the topic of humor

Are you tired, run down, listless? Do you pop out at parties? Try some 'Vitameatavegiment' 
I was always a big fan of I love Lucy while growing up. The 'Vitavitavegivet' girl was one of my all time favorites.

 I have to give a big fat shout out and thank you for the walk down memory lane to my blog friend Amanda Medlin @Always Amanda. She mentioned the famed quote from that I love Lucy series earlier this week - and in doing so - inspired this here post! 

Laughter - the best medicine 

As a homeschool mama who suffers with chronic pain and illness - that little tid bit of TV trivia (along with others) help me keep a sense of humor during the tougher moments. Without a sense of humor - I'm sunk! Our children are going to pull some whoppers. I want to be the mom who laughs and pulls out the camera when they do these things - not the one who freaks out over the mess. Currently, I go back and forth between the two! 

Things a Mama never wants to hear from the next room 
(which was heard in mine last week): 
"We've got 'em on the run"  "You go that way and I'll go this way - we'll catch them"

What was on the run, you ask? Frogs. 10 frogs and a lizard - to be exact! 

When I read the Lucy quote at Amanda's  I was reminded of the importance of taking my daily dose. I take medicine (which I'm grateful to have) for my pain and suffering, and I've begun working to change my eating and exercise habits this month. I'm eating my vegetables and working to take better care of my body - so that I can be an example to my children and care better for my family. (more about that on Monday) 

On Sunday - we'll be talking about taking care of our spiritual health each day. Today is all about the mind. Certainly, that will be included with our spiritual health because we must fill up on the Word - put it into our minds in order to walk with Him. 

Remembering to laugh

Our children are funny. Their mess isn't always funny, but the circumstances which got them to that point usually contain some glimmer of humor - if you can see past the mess to find it. It seems like only yesterday - they were getting into this: 

And then they were out catching frogs (which they accidentally set loose in the house) Soon they will be asking for car keys! oh my- I'll be sure to send out an alert. 

Bring on the silly 

I want to remember - to be intentional - about spending some silly time with my boys each day. I want them to SEE that I enjoy their individual personalities. I want to laugh with them and teach them to see life with a touch of humor. It's easier said than done, when I'm in pain (because I'm always in pain) but, it must be done, and done more often. 

Have your kids done something silly lately? Do you laugh during your homeschool day - or do you poop out at parties? Remember to get your daily does of 'Vitavitaveggiehumor'!

Thank you for visiting  - I'll be posting daily doses of homeschool encouragement - with some detailed information about how we manage our homeschool - and struggles - daily throughout October. 

Please let me know if you find these reminders and information useful or if there is something else you are looking for. I am happy to share what God has led us through (some pretty big challenges) and how He continues to carry us through each day.

 - visit others participating in 31 days series from The Nester here -
- Read my other posts of encouragement for your homeschool here-

Linking with - Holy Spirit Led Homeschool , Creative Family Fun , Sun Scholars  , Camera Phone Friday, Educating Laytons Mommy Teaches   homeschool fridays Quick Tips Hammock Tracks hiphshop MoBsociety

Change - Little boys and little birds - Bigger Picture Moments

Change

start

The excitement showed in the eyes of my 3 little guys as they jumped and talked over the top of each other

so thrilled to tell me about the little eggs in the nest in the tree outside our window. 

Over the course of the next few weeks they would climb up to look out the window - straining to see what was happening in the nest. Awed by God's creation - 

Heartbroken when one broken egg was discovered on the ground 

They kept track of the comings and goings of the faithful mother 

Their joy was full on the day the baby bird cracked it's way through the protective shell - and made it's way into the world. Like 3 proud Papa's they watched and reported every move. 

They wrung their hands as the winds blew and the rain fell - and were worried sick to find her on the ground.

Carefully, gently they placed her back in the nest - they prayed and dutifully kept a vigil - protecting their feathered baby friend - Trusting God to take care of the one who had stolen their hearts. 

Conflicted by pride and sorrow as over the next few days their little "Lucky Lu-Lu" learned to spread her wings and fly. 

. . . . . . . and I knew just how they felt! 

stop 

linking with - Bigger Picture Moments and 5 Min Friday  -  MOBsociety  Faith Filled Fri

God Bumps

A Father's Love

There are few things which matter as much as a father's love. In this broken world - not everyone has an 

earthly father they can count on. Not everyone is blessed to have the kind of connections we all need and want. I'm grateful for my father - he's a good daddy. He believed in me growing up - he believes in me now.  What a simple - yet crucial thing in life - to be believed in! 

I searched through my pictures looking for a good one to jump out and grab me for this 

Bigger Picture Moment 

. . . and I came across this one taken earlier this summer

My son . . . literally walking in the footsteps of his father! 

It was a simple moment - which reminds me of the bigger picture.
 My children are growing up with a father they can count on
- he believes in them and shows them love daily
 - he is leading them closer to their heavenly Father

Proverbs 3: 5-6 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths"

No matter what life throws their way - they will be prepared to face it with faith and strength
They have a father who believes in them and the love of The Father

also linking with MOBsociety and Project Alicia

I'm posting today over at Homeschool Mosaics

Our wrap-up of Adventures this week:

In my life this week…                                                                                                                               

Fishing and shelling and cousins . . . oh my! We spent a couple of days at the beach, and time at a resort club with my sister and 3 nephews. We are soaking up the summer sun (carefully) while fishing and swimming our little fins off. I've been collecting plenty of pretty shells - which makes me really happy. We also had the honor of the presence of my daddy and brother for a couple of days this week. So, the keywords here are sun, fun, and family! Cousin time is hard to beat - so excited they will begin homeschooling this year. Yay! 

We're cooking this week…                                                                                                                    

Potato Soup! get recipe here from Kids in the Kitchen and join us each Tuesday! 

       

The boys were so proud that they peeled and chopped the potatoes and even chopped all the onion for this meal - and the cheese - and the mushrooms! They are cute lil kitchen helpers. I'm thankful they enjoy the time we spend hanging in the kitchen together and I'm thankful for our kitchen island to gather around! 


Favorite thing this week…                                                                                                                     

We got to spend a couple of nights with my daddy and brother here - They all caught fresh fish - so we had a fish fry and good 'ole fashioned southern family supper - with cheese grits and all! Also the time spent with my sister and her boys - special cousin time is awesome! 

Big brother has been helping me some with Bible time - I love hearing the boys lead their own devotions and prayer time. Knowing that we aren't the only ones teaching and guiding our children is a wonderful thing - when it's laid at the feet of Jesus. Seeing the Holy Spirit at work in their hearts always blows me away. 

 

Letter of  this week…       "W"                                                                                                                  

"W" is for Wholly Sea Cow . . . and What are they doing mommy? . . . and WOW those Manatees are (mating) Wrestling . . .  wildlife! 

(I realize I'm taking some creative licensing with the spelling of "wholly sea cow" but I do love a fun play on words)
Freebies and Fave Resources…                                                                                                         

Just in case your summer fun includes a trip to the zoo and you want a fun way to ease back in to a little school time - try this freebie (and more to choose from) by my friend Jimmy:

At the Zoo - Free Notebooking pages from The Notebooking Fairy

120 Free things to do with the Kids  - Includes collecting tadpoles and Camping indoors! 

(both of which we have been up to over the last couple of weeks)

   

Knowledge Quest - Free Olympic Games - Country Study

3 in 30 goals …                                                                                                                                       

July Goals: 

1. drink 4 big glasses of water each day and exercise 4x per week 

2. Bible reading daily and scripture memory with the kiddos 

3. pick up another part time / freelance - paying social media/ writing job to help hubs 

1. ok, so I haven't drank ALL the water I'm supposed to - but I got my new meds (for RA) and I've had better energy - THANK YOU Jesus! I'm drinking more water and getting more exercise - lil at a time. 
2. I am reading daily - scripture memory is going well with the kiddos and I'm reading with them each day - or having Mark or big brother do the reading on 2 of the days I didn't get to it (because with so much company this month - well, I've been a bit stretched) We've hosted 3 families here & visited another at their resort down the road (my sister and babes) So, considering all - I think we've done pretty well. 
3. did tiny bit on this - not a whole lotta workin going on in July - with all the company - but we've enjoyed the fellowship and family 

Linking with - Holy Spirit Led Homeschool , The Imagination Tree , Creative Family Fun , Read.Explore.Learn. 
Sun Scholars  , Camera Phone Friday, Favorite Resources this Week, Homeschool Freebie Fridays, Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers  ABC blogging, Collage Friday, 3 in 30 , Look what we did, MOB Society- Lets Hear it 4 the boys