By Holly Giles | Boy Crafting , Great Outdoors , handicrafts , homeschooling , Nature Study
Nature study doesn’t have to be hard. It can be as simple as taking an egg carton on a walk down your street or running around your backyard. A simple way to get outside and look at what is happening in the natural world is a scavenger hunt. Grab an egg carton, 6 colors of paint or markers and […]
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By Holly Giles | Boy Crafting , Great Outdoors , homeschooling , Inspiration , Mama's Musings
It was going to be a good homeschool day. I was on fire about it. I had the planners filled out, the papers, books and necessary items within reach and the anticipation that THIS was going to be a good start to the week. The boys woke up a little late, which made them sluggish in […]
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By Holly Giles | Family , Field Trips , Great Outdoors , homeschooling , popular , Recipes
Even though it is hot here in summer, there are loads of zucchini and other vegetables and fruits that are in season and abundant for feeding hungry boys! Let’s face it ya’ll, it is hot here in Florida and even sitting at my computer makes me sweat. I don’t like to sweat unless it is […]
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By Holly Giles | Field Trips , Great Outdoors , homeschooling
“We are called the best-hidden gem in Volusia County!” said Mary, our tour guide at Debary Hall. A friend and I, along with our four children decided to take a tour of this historic home which actually sits right within my own neighborhood. I talk a lot about getting out into your community through […]
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By Holly Giles | Boy Crafting , Great Outdoors , homeschooling , Nature Study
We love nature study, but sometimes planning it seems to take the joy out of spontaneous interests in the out-of-doors. Although my boys love a good show from the hawks outback or a new bird that shows up, they can balk at a scheduled time to go sit and draw what they see in nature. (yes, those are pj’s, bird […]
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By Holly Giles | Field Trips , Great Outdoors , homeschooling , Nature Study
Our homeschool co-op visited the Avian Reconditioning Center in Apopka, FL and were treated to a real wildlife show. ARC has been serving the bird of prey community for ten years by Carol and Scott. They have turned their property into a haven for rescue birds and rehabilitation. They work with area officials and clinics […]
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By Holly Giles | Family , Field Trips , Great Outdoors , homeschooling , popular
Mount Dora is a quaint historic town surrounding Lake Dora in Lake County, Florida. They have wonderful festivals of art and patrons come from all over the country to attend. I applied for the Mount Dora spring show in hopes of our family experiencing a large show and to sell enough feed sack totes to keep […]
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By Holly Giles | Field Trips , Great Outdoors , homeschooling , Nature Study
The wonderful weather beckons us to be outside! We met up with some friends for a day at Hontoon Island State Park. Come along with us to this hidden Florida gem. Hontoon Island sits along the St. John’s river in Volusia County. It is accessible only by boat. It is a treasure trove of […]
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By Holly Giles | Great Outdoors , Mama's Musings
This is our first season of playing a sport. Grant wanted to try soccer this season, so we joined our city’s league. I wish someone had told me about the secret soccer mom society before I showed up in my grungy shorts! Our whole family showed up for the first practice like it was the […]
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By Holly Giles | Family , Field Trips , Great Outdoors , Nature Study , Recipes
You are invited to a Blueberry Pickin Party! The boys and I went to pick blueberries for the first time and invited a few of our friends along for the fun. In our area of Florida, there are scads of places to go, yet we never seemed to make it out during the season. It […]
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