By Holly Giles | Great Outdoors , homeschooling
Fire in my heart 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 were within reach. In addition, the anticipation that THIS was going to be a good start to the week. The boys woke up a little […]
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By Holly Giles | Recipes
Blueberry Zucchini Bread Blueberry zucchini bread is perfect for the hot summers here in Florida. Loads of zucchini and other vegetables and fruits are in season and abundant for feeding hungry boys. The farmers’ Market is a great place to start. Picking blueberries in Florida Let’s face it ya’ll, it is hot here in Florida and even […]
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By Holly Giles | Florida , florida vacations
Debary Hall “We are called the best-hidden gem in Volusia County for Florida history!” said Betty, our tour guide at Debary Hall. A friend and I, along with our four children decided to take a tour of this historic home to learn some Florida history. This particular gem actually sits right within my own neighborhood. […]
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By Holly Giles | Inspiration
What can you do “in an instant” to change the course of your day, your week or your life? I have been busy this season. Busy focusing on a new career path, homeschooling, home keeping and traveling. This season has been… life changing. I have not had time for coffee with a friend, checking […]
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By Holly Giles | Boy Crafting , Florida , 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 , Florida , 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 , Florida
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 | Family , homeschooling , Motherhood
Looking for Peace Have you ever been in search of peace, quiet and joy among all the busyness and noise of your life? After a week of small disasters at home, I was at the tipping point. Sleepless nights and the dishwasher breaking down kept me tired and looking for paper plates. We have been […]
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By Holly Giles | homeschooling
Grayson was preparing to make his debut as a homeschool conference speaker last weekend. He and I were presenting a workshop together. The week leading up to the event was chaotic for many reasons and my hair ended up being a casualty! Navigating opportunities and deadlines seemed to be consuming my family the last few weeks. […]
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By Holly Giles | seasonal
Cowboy cookies are a favorite around the Frontier. Every few years we put them on our gift giving list. They are always a hit and I want to share them with you! First, you need a couple of eager kitchen helpers. Lining up jars, measuring, pouring and covering the floor with flour is their specialty. Children love to participate in […]
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