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Plans for July 2012 {and some sponsor thanks!}

I walked into our schoolroom this past week and about had a heart attack. Apparently, the kids have been feeling creative and making a whole lotta crafts. Unfortunately, they are not as prone to clean up the mess that they so willingly make when creating.

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Glitter and wiggly eyes were the craft mess of choice. Don’t ask…I have NO idea! Our craft supplies are now missing a lot of those and mini paper plates.

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They aren’t they only ones making a mess though. I’m guilty of sending the kids upstairs with an armload of books to drop off and now there is a BIG MESS to clean up. See the piles of books on MY desk? Oh the joy of organizing!!

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Here’s what is in store for me this month {a.k.a. the tip of the iceberg}:

My BIG goal is to have it all together and start school on August 1st…ummm….that’s a month away!!! Which means I have a bit of focusing to do in order to get ready to go. I can’t wait to share with you all our plans for the upcoming school year and some of the fun things that I’m working on behind the scenes.

 

How about you? What are your plans for the month of July and when are you starting school?

 

Check Out These Companies!!!

Red Wagon Tutorials

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Red Wagon Tutorials ~ online live-feed, online recorded, DVD and flash drive science classes for grades 7 through 12.

Maestro Classics ~ introduce great music and classics stories to children with this classical music series.

Summer Photography Camp for Kids ~ 3 week class from July 9th – 27th for children ages 8 through 13 to learn basic photography and camera techniques. Our girls have both been taking this class and love it!

Grapevine Studies ~ effective, easy-to-teach Bible curriculum to disciple students ages five to adult. Through the use of Bible timelines and easy-to-follow lessons, Grapevine Studies will give your students a panoramic view of the Bible.

Barker Creek Publishing ~ For the past 19 years, Barker Creek has been designing award-winning products for use at home and at school. Products include the popular Draw Write Now series, hands-on materials for children, and beautifully designed posters, charts, file folders and other decoratives to brighten your learning environment.

Popular Posts in June 2012

Curious to see what everyone is looking at? Here are the top ten posts at Homeschool Creations for the past month…

  1. ABC Bible Verse Flashcard Printables
  2. Letter Ee Ideas
  3. Organizing Homeschool Paperwork
  4. Our Homeschool Classroom
  5. Our Chore System and Chore Chart Printables
  6. Preschool Chore Charts
  7. Ocean Preschool Pack Printables
  8. Preschool Alphabet Book
  9. Preschool Alphabet Playdough Mats
  10. Weekly Workbox System

A big thanks to Confessions of a Homeschooler, 1+1+1=1, Money Saving Mom, the Well Trained Mind forums, and Totally Tots for sending traffic my way last month.

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Summer Photography Camp for Kids

There is a {not so little} girl in this house who keeps walking off with my camera. She desperately wants to learn more about taking pictures and truthfully I’m at a loss on how to teach her. Although I know how to use my camera, explaining it to her is difficult. And sometimes I may not be the most patient of people {ahem}.

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This summer, JessicaSprague.com is offering two 3 week long photography camps for kids {ages 8-13} that will teach basic photography skills and camera techniques. You don’t need a fancy camera ~ any point-and-shoot, cell phone camera, or even an iPad will work for this class.

The first session runs from June 11 – 29 {Click here to register for the June Session} and the second session will be July 9 – 27 {Click here to register for the July Session}. The session fee is $36 and if you have multiple children, you only need to add $10 for each additional sibling taking the class {instead of the entire $36}.

Each day of the class children will receive an email that includes a new photography technique printable and a daily assignment. The class also includes videos, a class gallery and a place where they can ask questions and get help. A fun scavenger hunt is even planned for each Friday! Here’s a quick video ‘peek’ at the class for you…

 

Both of our girls {ages 9 and 11} will be participating in the June session and I’ll be sharing what they are learning a little later this month {quick note: Carisa from 1+1+1=1 is hosting a giveaway for the June class til 6/8/12!!}.
 

FREE Photoshop Class for Moms!!

Free Photoshop Class

In the meantime, I’m planning to take advantage of a FREE 5 day class on Photoshop, The Photoshop Top 5, from June 18-23. This class will cover photo editing, digital quickpages, adding frames/texture to photos, using Photoshop brushes, and making cards.  AND, once the class is over, the information will still be available to those who participate {meaning if my mommy-brain needs a refresher, I have it!}.

Wanna join in the fun with us? Register for the free Photoshop class and choose one of the photography camps for your kids. Hope to see you there!

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Don’t Miss Out!! Email subscribers of Homeschool Creations are entered to win a $25 gift certificate to Amazon each month. Subscribe by email now!

Summer Photography Camp for Kids ~ 3 weeks class for kids ages 8 – 13 to learn basic photography and camera techniques. Check it out! http://bit.ly/SummerPhoto

Coming Up in June 2012 {and some sponsor thanks!}

This time last month I was packing like a mad woman, checking things off my list and preparing for what was an amazing trip with Compassion to Tanzania. It’s hard to believe that I’ve been there and back!
 
Next week, I am SO excited because I will be at the Home Educators of Virginia homeschool conference for a few days. Not only will I have the chance to check out the used curriculum sale and the big ol’ vendor hall, I will also be meeting up with some of YOU {and that is much fun!!}. Keep an eye out on my facebook page for more info ~ I would love to hug you in person if you are there!!
 
We’re having a lot of fun just doing a whole lotta nothing at the moment. We are wrapping up our standardized testing {for our state requirements} this week and later this month have a few quick day trips planned with the kids for a little summer fun. Other than that, we’re getting more garden planted, I’m planning for next year, working on printables, and just relaxing.
 
How about you? What are your plans for the month of June?
 

Some Wonderful Companies!!!

 
Betty Lukens
 
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Betty Lukens Fun with Felt ~ over 30 interactive felt sets to inspire children’s creativity and help parents teach. Use the coupon code Creations and save 15% on your order from Learning Fun with Felt.

Home Educators of Virginia ~ over 130 workshops, 310 exhibitors, and speakers at this truly wonderful homeschool convention.

SAT ACT Mastery ~ Tips on vocabulary, math, grammar, and test-taking to help unlock the secrets of the SAT and ACT.

Flip Flop Learning ~ learn Spanish with this multi-sensory program! Fun, interactive & affordable!

Maestro Classics ~ introduce great music and classics stories to children with this classical music series.

Popular Posts in May 2012

Curious to see what everyone is looking at? Here are the top ten posts at Homeschool Creations for the past month…

  1. ABC Bible Verse Flashcard Printables
  2. Organizing Homeschool Paperwork
  3. Letter Ee Ideas
  4. Our Chore System and Chore Chart Printables
  5. Weekly Workbox Grid and Printables
  6. Preschool Chore Charts
  7. Our Homeschool Curriculum Choices
  8. Sweet Songs of Praise {Compassion Blogging Trip}
  9. Preschool Bible Verse Printables
  10. Gardening Unit

A big thanks to Compassion Bloggers, Confessions of a Homeschooler1+1+1=1, Money Saving Mom, and Totally Tots for sending traffic my way last month too.

Happy June!!!

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Coming Up in May 2012 {and some BIG Thanks}

In some ways I cannot believe that May is already here! This Friday I will be boarding one plane after another, eventually landing in Tanzania. My heart is overflowing with excitement and anticipation for all that I know God is going to do through this trip.

Here’s a peek at where the trip will be taking along the way ~ from one side of Tanzania to another…

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During my time in Tanzania, I will be sharing daily about the groups travels, visits to the child development centers, my thoughts, AND I am SO VERY EXCITED to meet David, a little boy that we sponsor in Tanzania. Our kids have been drawing pictures, carefully choosing things for me to pack for him and his family and cannot wait to see pictures and videos of me with him {in person!!} with his face smiling at the things that have hand-picked for him.

More than anything, the team and I would so covet your prayers and support during our trip! I have been overwhelmed at the emails, prayers and so much more from you all. I am beyond blessed to be a part of such an amazing community and although we may not know each other face-to-face, your prayers and encouragement are felt! THANK YOU!

If you would like to help spread the word about sponsoring a child in Tanzania, feel free to grab the coding from the box below to place a button on your blog.

 

 

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A Few Wonderful Companies to Thank!

I would like to say a BIG thank you to our current blog sponsors and some wonderful companies. Stop by and visit their sites and Facebook pages. Each company provides a little something to help you in your homeschool journey.

Red Wagon Tutorials

 

Home Educators of Virginia Convention Photobucket Flip Flop Learning Photobucket

 

Red Wagon Tutorials ~ online live-feed, online recorded, DVD and flash drive science classes for grades 7 through 12.

Home Educators of Virginia ~ over 130 workshops, 310 exhibitors, and speakers at this truly wonderful homeschool convention.

SAT ACT Mastery ~ Tips on vocabulary, math, grammar, and test-taking to help unlock the secrets of the SAT and ACT.

Flip Flop Learning ~ learn Spanish with this multi-sensory program! Fun, interactive & affordable!

Maestro Classics ~ introduce great music and classics stories to children with this classical music series.

Popular Posts in April 2012

Curious to see what everyone is looking at? Here are the top ten posts at Homeschool Creations for the past month…

  1. ABC Bible Verse Flashcard Printables
  2. Letter Ee Ideas
  3. Bird Theme Printables
  4. Gardening Unit
  5. Organizing Homeschool Paperwork
  6. Laminating Just Got Cheaper
  7. Love God and His Word ~ 10 Days of Teaching God’s Word
  8. Parts of a Flower Craft
  9. Garden Sensory Tub
  10. SOAP Printables for Studying God’s Word

A big thanks to 1+1+1=1, Money Saving Mom, iHomeschoolNetwork, Southern Savers, and the Well Trained Mind forums for sending traffic my way last month too.

Jolanthe Signature affiliate button

Coming Up in April 2012 & Email Subscriber Bonus!

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The Learning Fun with Felt line from Betty Lukens includes over 30 sets to inspire children’s creativity and provides interactive teaching tool for parents, especially with their Learning the Bible in Felt sets. Use the coupon code Creations and save 15% on your order from Learning Fun with Felt.

 

Flip Flop Learning
 
YOU CAN learn a foreign language on your own!  With flashcards, a calendar, simple workbook and CD combos, and more, you and your child will enjoy the Language Journey with Flip Flop Learning.  Designed by a homeschooling mother of 5, low cost is a commitment from someone who understands!

Home Educators of Virginia Convention
 
Home Educators of Virginia has a GREAT homeschool convention planned with more than 130 workshops, 310 exhibitors, incredible speakers, a HUGE Used Curriculum Sale, a brand-new Children’s Program, all-in-one travel & hotel packages, and so much more! Make plans to attend the Touching the Heart homeschool convention from June 7th – 9th at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.  Parents of preschoolers attend free ~ get the complete details here: www.heav.org/convention/preschool.

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Unlock the secrets of the SAT and ACT with SAT ACT Mastery. This isn’t another test prep book, it is something you’ll actually read. Tips on vocabulary, math, grammar, test-taking, and a list of must-read books that will give you the upper edge. Receive a free audio version of “The Parent’s Guide to the SAT”.

 
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Unlike perfume oils that simply smell good, Young Living essential oils ensure maximum potency and results – most YL oils are safe for inhalation, topical application, and dietary consumption. Join Young Living as a distributor to qualify for wholesale pricing (24% off) on products that offer you vitality and a better quality of life.

 

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If you’ve been wondering how you were going to teach science to your 7th – 12th grade children, Red Wagon Tutorials may be the answer for you! They offer online live-feed, online recorded, DVD and flash drive science classes. Pre-order the 2012 classes now by visiting the Red Wagon Tutorials website for more information.

Coming up in April…

Around our house, we’ll hopefully be wrapping up our school year by the end of this month.  Just as we wrap up school, I will be speaking at the 2:1 Conference with Carisa from 1+1+1=1 the last week in April.

In just a little over a month, I will be packing my bags and heading to Tanzania with Compassion Bloggers. I’ve already had several funny dreams about the trip {I forgot to pack certain items}, so I’m making lists and planning meals for the time that I’ll be away.  Imagine me ~ a listmaker. :)

With my move to WordPress and Feedblitz, I am SO excited to have a little something special for my email subscribers as well!! Each month, email subscribers of Homeschool Creations will be entered to win a $25 gift certificate to Amazon!! If you aren’t an email subscriber, look for the below graphic in my sidebar and enter your email address in the box provided!

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Somehow this past month managed to slip away rather quickly and I didn’t get near as much accomplished as I had originally planned, but in other areas it seems that more than I anticipated has been done. Really, it’s just a matter of my ‘to-do list’ took on a life of it’s own.

With all that said, I don’t want to make any promises for what I WILL do this month, but surviving the last month of school and enjoying it are HIGH on my priority list. I will be participating in a fun blog hop with a group of ladies toward the end of this month and will be sharing some Bible resources with you all ~ working on those right now!

What are your plans for the month of April?

What Others are Looking At

Here’s a quick peek behind the scenes for you to see the top posts others were browsing this past month:

A big thanks to Confessions of a Homeschooler, 1+1+1=1, Money Saving Mom, Delightful Learning and 2 Teaching Mommies for sending traffic my way last month too.

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Visit these great companies!

Coming Up in March 2012

Another month has flown by ~ and we even had an extra day in there to make it last a little longer. We are plugging along with our school year and enjoying the crazy and unpredictable weather! In one week we’ve gone from 5 inches of snow to 70 degrees to more snow.

I’d like to take a few minutes to say a BIG ‘thank you’ to our sponsors for this month.

Red Wagon Tutorials

If you’ve been wondering how you were going to teach science to your 7th – 12th grade children, Red Wagon Tutorials may be the answer for you! They offer online live-feed, online recorded, DVD and flash drive science classes. Visit the Red Wagon Tutorials website for more information.  

Grapevine Studies
 

We’ve been using Grapevine Studies to stick-figure our way through the Resurrection story and it has been MUCH fun for our family. Grapevine Studies provides effective, easy-to-teach Bible curriculum to disciple students ages five to adult. Download free sample lessons from their website too!

 
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Maestro Classics produces a classical music CD series for children ages 5 to 12 {and their parents too!}. They introduce great music and classics stories to children, providing the opportunity to develop important listening skills.

If you are looking for a information packed, affordable homeschool convention with a list of amazing speakers and huge exhibit halls ~ search no more! Great Homeschool Conventions has FIVE fabulous conventions starting in March of 2012. Be sure to see if there will be a convention near you!

Time 4 Learning

Time 4 Learning is a convenient, online homeschool curriculum that combines education with interactive fun for grades PreK-8th. Time4Learning offers each child their own learning path, with animated lessons, unit assessments, and integrated printable worksheets for reinforcement.

Coming Up…

Yesterday I mentioned some exciting news on my Facebook page. I’ll be sharing a bit more in detail this month, but in May I will be joining the Compassion Bloggers and heading to Tanzania. To say I’m excited would be an understatement! It is a HUGE blessing to be a part of the team and I would appreciate your prayers for all of those that are going to be a part of the trip.

Compassion Bloggers: Tanzania 2012

I have several printable packs coming out this month, including a go-along for The Red Carpet, Angry Birds. I’m also thinking that there will be a special Safari theme so a certain 5 year old can learn a bit more about Tanzania. :)

Around the blog, you’ll notice a few changes. I’m working on a little redesign and sometime this month will be making the transition to WordPress ~ so please hang in there with me as it all switches over! It should be a fairly painless process {I hope!}, but stay tuned.

What are your plans this month?

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Visit these great companies!