By Holly Giles | Field Trips , Florida , homeschooling
Backyard history History never captured my attention when I was in school. Memorizing dates and names did not link me with real people. And how our country was shaped because of them. Now, it is one of my favorite subjects that I share with my boys. We love a good historical fiction book to curl up […]
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By Holly Giles | homeschooling , Motherhood
Ordinary days Have you ever had ordinary days, well, weeks when everything seems to be in a perpetual state of disarray? Yesterday was the tipping point for feeling like my life was on a hamster wheel going nowhere. My days are always ordinary and full of dirt, dishes, and multiplication. Our home education routine has been less than on track […]
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By Holly Giles | seasonal
I always seem to need a last minute gift. Do you? I enjoy giving homemade items like the pancake in a jar because I believe it is a thoughtful gift, and it definitely helps our budget. Pancake mix in a jar is fun and easy. I keep many jars of preserves and jam we have made throughout the year and […]
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By Holly Giles | handicrafts , homeschooling , Nature Study
Nature Jar This simple nature jar craft can lead to many nature study adventures. You never know when excitement over a frog or butterfly will ensue! I am always looking for simple projects to keep us at home and enjoying what is around us. Keeping simple jars around ready to fill with wonder is at the heart of nature […]
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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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