Indoor Fort-Building with Kids 101

Sometimes we love to just trash out our house and make forts, and I think you should do it as well! 

Back in 2011 (this post was originally published 9/20/11), each of the five kids needed their own fort, then they would go visit each other, deliver mail to each other, etc. Here are some things you need for a good fort:

1. a big, light blanket or dark sheet

2. something to weigh your cloth material down and/or

3. something high to hang the material from

4. pillows

5. snacks

6. battery-powered candles

7. some kid books to read

Since we moved to the country and have a completely different type of house and furniture, the kids now use large binder clips to hang material on an upright ping-pong tabletop propped on something. One fort was built using the couch in the boys' room, a twin bed, and the ping-pong tabletop as a roof. Somehow they even made it like a maze and it stayed up several days. 

My husband is pretty much the Master Fort Builder of the World, and he has passed on that skill to our kids.

When's the last time you built a fort indoors?

What You Should Probably Research Before Your Big Move

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Moving house is always filled with lots of different details and formalities. It’s not just a case of upping sticks and moving to wherever you want. There are lots of different jobs that need to be handled. If we were all able to do as we pleased with very little organization, then the whole world would be chaos! You have to get everything handled in terms of where you are now, and you have to do a little recon into the new home as well. 

When it comes to the new area that you’re going to be heading to, you’re going to want to research a lot of different aspects surrounding it. You don’t want to head into a new place and regret it immediately. The spontaneity of moving might seem appealing to many, but it’s a big commitment and a significant part of your life, so you’re going to want to be prepared for anything that comes your way. Each of you will have different things at the top of your priorities, so you won’t all feel the need to look into the same stuff. Here are four examples of what you might want to research, however: 

How Friendly The Area Is 

This should probably be considered quite heavily – on a small and large scale. In terms of your potential neighbourhood, you might want to ask around when you’re house-viewing. It might seem a little odd, but knocking on doors and having a friendly chat regarding the people around the place wouldn’t be much of a problem. On a larger scale, you should also probably check what kind of problems there are or whether some may surface. Social media platforms like Facebook have groups that share information about particular areas – you could join one of those. If you have kids, then it might be wise to check things like offenders registers. 

Where The Important Stuff Actually Is

Banks, stores, and other services are going to be needed every single day, so you’re going to want to know where each of them are located. This shouldn’t be too much of a problem; a simple drive around the area should familiarize you with things. You can look online at things like GoBank reviews if you want to know where ATMs are and other important financial info. The necessities of life should be handled before you can worry about anything else. 

Where Fun Activities Are Located 

Life isn’t always about working and staying alive, however. You need to be able to occupy your free time somehow. There will probably be different clubs and centres scattered around, so looking into what’s available wouldn’t be a bad idea. You can obviously worry about this kind of thing once you’re all moved in, but it would be smart to know beforehand, too. 

The History Of The Area

If you’re not exactly moving very far, then you’ll already know about your surroundings. If it’s a big move to the other side of the country, for example, then you might want to brush up on the happenings of the area. Not only would it benefit you in terms of settling in, but locals would appreciate it a lot. 

Designing a Backyard Your Family Can Enjoy This Autumn

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Having a backyard is the biggest positive when it comes to owning a house. Some would even argue that it’s the most important part of their home. It’s hard not to agree when you consider all the benefits of having a backyard. You get an outdoor space all to yourself and you can design it however you please.


The best part is that you and your family can spend some quality time in your backyard. With some attractive modifications and design decisions, you can turn it into a personal oasis in preparation for autumn. Here are some of the best changes you can introduce to your backyard.

1.     A fire pit

There's nothing comfier than roasting marshmallows by the fire. Telling stories and relaxing while the fire keeps you warm, what could be better? You don't have to go camping or take a hike to enjoy this kind of luxury. It's something you can easily afford for your backyard, as long as you know what you're doing.


A DIY fire pit would add a lot of charm to your backyard, and it’s not too difficult to set up. You just need a bunch of rocks and a clear space with no plants. After all, you don’t want something outside of the pit to catch fire. If you need a dedicated fire pit, you could get some nice stone blocks to build one. A couple seats around it couldn’t hurt, either.

2.     Pool lights

You might not be able to enjoy a dip in the pool throughout the year, but you can still enjoy a nice view in your backyard. At night, you might not be able to get the full viewing experience that the pool normally provides. Not to worry, though, you can always introduce lights to remedy this.


Pool lights are an extremely popular addition to any luxurious backyard. They give you a light show that is worth looking at. All you need to decide on are the type of lights you want to use. Most experts would recommend LED lights. They're the most efficient lighting you can use in your backyard. They use very little electricity and they can endure temperature changes well.

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3.     Add some more color

Autumn is the perfect time to add some color to your backyard. Nature is already heading in that direction. The fall leaves can give you an interesting backdrop to add a touch of your own taste. Your patio furniture could use some colorful additions.


It’s not without reason that autumn is also called “fall”. There is a lot of rainfall during this season. This might not bode well for your patio furniture. You don’t want your gorgeous pieces to end up wet and dusty during autumn storms.


A couple of colorful tarps would add some personality to your patio. Any time there's heavy rainfall, you can just cover your furniture. You don't have to worry about the rain anymore and you can enjoy a colorful addition to your patio.

4.     Think ahead with gardening

Now that summer is over, you might think that you’re done with gardening until you start seeing signs of spring. Leave this line of thinking to amateur gardeners. Autumn is the perfect time to start creating your ideal garden from scratch. The weather is a lot cooler and more manageable than it was in the summer, so it’s time to get to work.


It’s time to start planting your ideal spring-blooming blooms. Use them to fill the edges of perennial borders. Choose your colors wisely. Consider your backyard furniture and accessories before you start planting flowers willy-nilly. You want to create a gorgeous view in your garden, not just make a mish-mash of pretty colors.


Autumn is a good time to plan for some gorgeous springtime fragrances. Plant a couple of hyacinth or daffodils right at the entrance to the backyard. This way you’ll wake up every morning with the smell of nature surrounding you.

5.     Protect your patio

There’s nothing like having a bit of coffee and spending time with your family on your patio. Autumn is the perfect season for some leisurely outdoor relaxation. The temperature is usually just right. However, early autumn can prove to be a bit too similar to the summer at certain times of the day. When it gets a little too hot, you can’t really enjoy spending time on your patio.


However, you shouldn’t let the sun get you down. You can always install some protection from the sun to keep you cool. Some folding arm awnings might do the trick. It’s even more convenient if you can move the covers once the weather becomes more tolerable. Then you can enjoy any kind of day you please.

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6.     Install a hammock

Everyone likes relaxing in their backyard from time to time. There’s nothing better than reading a good book while enjoying some fresh air outside. It really helps stimulate the imagination. Is it even possible to make it more comfortable than it already is? You bet.


A hammock would make a good addition to your backyard. You can use it to lounge around while the days are still warm and cozy. You can even enjoy a quick outdoor nap when you feel like it. It’s one of the more comfortable accessories you can have in your backyard.


You might be wondering how you can install one without two trees. However, modern hammocks can be installed just about anywhere. You can add a custom pole to hold one end while a tree or your home holds the other one. It's not as complicated as it looks, either. All you have to do is tie the ends at the same height and voila, you have a hammock.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like spending some quality time in the backyard with your family. You should strive towards creating a Zen backyard where you can relax and have some time to breathe. It’s not as difficult as it sounds. Consider some of these ideas for your backyard and you’ll end up with a personal oasis that will be the envy of all your neighbors.

Take The Stress Out Of Buying Your First Home

Picture by Irina Murza from Unsplash - CC0 Licence

The stress of buying a home is up there with getting a divorce or starting a family. Although these situations are entirely different, home buying does take endurance, big decisions, lots of thinking, planning, and saving to get right. I mean the last thing you want to do is misread an essential term in a contract, miss the damp that's in the basement, or underestimate how much moving home actually costs. Although initially buying a house might seem like a minefield waiting to explode, it doesnt have to be this way. You can take the stress out of buying your first home, and here's how.

Think About What You Need 

This part is about being logical, initially at least, to assess what you actually need against what you dream of having, to see if you can find a happy compromise. You might dream of a 2-bed apartment in NYC with views of Central Park. But, if you have 3 kids to bring up, you may be lacking in space and practicality for family life. For another example, it may seem ideal to buy a large old house that you can renovate. But if it's just you living there for the foreseeable future,  and you have no idea how to install new wires or upgrade the plumbing, you're in for an expensive surprise. Suss out what you need, and then see if there is room for any wants following that. This will simplify buying a home that's right for you.

Extensive Research

Committing to extensive research before choosing a home is essential. Everything from the lenders you are thinking of selecting, to the current interest rates, to the value of the homes you are interested in on the market. Look at neighborhoods, future plans for the local area, local schools, and so forth. Researching everything about buying a home will make you feel more confident and secure when you do eventually say 'I want to buy this one!' Because you will have already worked out important things like; the best lender for you, how to get an itin mortgage if you don't have a social security number. And you will have assessed the value of other homes in the area to make sure you are offering a fair price.

Sort Out Your Money

You're going nowhere fast trying to mortgage a home if you haven't got some savings to show for it. Most of the time, this can mean rallying up a percentage of the properties value as a down payment. But don't forget other expected costs too, like legal fees, property tax, and moving costs. Make sure you have enough to secure a home and pay for everything else before you commit. This will prevent a lot of stress from occurring when you attempt to choose and secure a home to buy.

Take Care Of You

Amongst the compulsive need to look at new houses that have been listed in the last 24 hours online, you also need to take a break now and then to go to the gym or to meet your friend for a coffee. Home buying can become like a full-time job, or take over your life if you let it, that is. So now and then, just switch off. Turn off the laptop, wind down, and do something else that's fun and good for you. It will help you overcome any upcoming home-buying obstacles with ease and also help to prevent you from becoming ill from excessive stress.

How To Put Safety First For Your Family

Image by Kaelie Nielsen from Pixabay 

It goes without saying that you want to keep your family safe, and in this day and age it can be worrying times, and you might wonder how you can possibly keep your family safe. With disasters happening all over, gun violence and stabbings at their peak, terrorism and online threats, the world is a scary place. Realistically though, it is a very safe place. Statistically, you are safe from all of these things, so reading horror stories will only scare you. But if you are feeling concerned for your family right now, then there are some things you can do to put your mind at ease and to feel safe in the knowledge that you are putting safety first. 

Talk To Your Children 

There's no point hiding your children from things that go on in the world; it is better to be open and honest about things that could happen and what they should do. For example, teach them the basics about what to do in a fire, such as getting low to avoid smoke or feeling doorknobs for heat before opening them. If you live in an area affected by hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes, talk with children about how to recognize the signs and where they should go.

Make sure children know how to call the emergency services too. 

Put Together A Family Disaster Kit

Having basic supplies is crucial if there is a disaster, so get prepared ahead of time. A few things you can put in there include a first-aid kit, Water, Flashlights, batteries, chargers, non-perishable foods, like canned foods (and a can opener) and peanut butter, spare clothes, and a blanket or two and some toys or games.

Involve your children in planning and packing this disaster kit and make it into a fun game because the more you make it something regular and ordinary, the better and hopefully it will never be more than a game. 

Educate Yourself On Online Safety

The online world is a scary place, but there are also so many benefits to it and great things for our kids that you shouldn't keep them away from it, just keep them safe on it. They learn quicker than you do so you need to be ahead of the game and educate yourself on online safety. It's important to start discussing online safety at an early age, teach them about passwords and why they're important. It's also important to teach them about their behaviour online, and if they wouldn't do it in person, then they shouldn't do it online either. Would you go up to a stranger and start a conversation? Would you abuse people you don't know about how they look or what they're doing? They need to learn as well that once they have posted something, then it will stay online forever so to think about what they are saying. 

Always Buckle Up

It goes without saying really, but this simple act can mean the difference between life and death. According to the National Security Council (NSC), motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for people aged 1 to 33. It also states that roughly every 12 minutes, someone in the United States is killed because of a road accident and every 14 seconds, someone will suffer an injury causing a disability. Seat belts save the lives of thousands of people every year, so always make sure you are travelling safely, use child safety seats and make sure you have installed them properly. Finally, don't drink and drive. Again, it's something that shouldn't need to be said, but sadly, according to the NSC, approximately 40 per cent of auto accident deaths involve drinking, so this is not a positive figure. Always make sure you are following the rules, because should something happen which isn't your fault, you need to make sure you can level the playing field with these car accident lawyers. 

Always Wear Helmets

For both you and the kids, make sure that you always wear a helmet when you are doing activities such as biking or playing sports, such as football, hockey, or baseball. Make sure your kids to but set a good example and wear one yourself. 

Keep An Eye Out Near Water

Always keep an eye on your children at a pool or beach or even in the bathtub. If you have a swimming pool, make sure it is fenced in and install self-closing doors leading to it. Put all the toys away to stop any temptation from little ones and for added protection, install a cover that prevents access to the water.

2019 Homeschooling Books Grades 4th through 12th (updated regularly)

Welcome to the place I park my book ideas for reading to my kids for homeschooling. If you're looking for a list of books that I have read in 2019 and the ones I plan to read (some may end up flowing over into 2020), just click here. (disclaimer: I might get a few cents if you buy a book or ebook using the links in this post)

Please check back because as of August 11, I am still working on their reading lists for 2019/2020. This post only has books for 2019 but I'll give you the sneak peek for 2020 books as well.

If you purchase something using my links below, I might get a few pennies from Amazon. But I also recommend Scribd because many of these books can be found on that audio and ebook service for just $8.99 per month (you get two months free to try it first) and you can organize your choices by child or topic or grade... however you like! Some choices are on audio AND ebook, which just gives you more choices for that kid who likes for you to read to them or they read to themselves but also sometimes you want to snuggle up and listen together!

Let's meet the kids!

L-R Callie (14), Joel (18), Samuel (9), Eva (11), Michael (16)

Joel is 18 and a senior this year. He'll be taking an online Psychology course at our "local" community college this fall. I put local in quotes because we live in a rural area and our city definitely does not have a college. I consider us extremely lucky to have a winery, a greasy spoon, and an amazing drive-through coffee spot, as well as some dang good tamales! Joel also works for a lawncare company and will be taking Biology at home. This kid likes to go to the gym and hang out with friends.

Michael is 16 and a sophomore. He'll be taking some fun classes at co-op (half an hour away) one day a week, like Cooking/Baking, Psychology, Build a Business, and Lessons with Father Mike Schmitz. He just got his first major job, half an hour away, so he'll be getting himself a car soon. This kid likes to read for pleasure, as well as engineer cool LEGO creations and play Minecraft.

Callie is 14 and 8th grade. She also will attend co-op one day a week, taking Creative Writing (taught by me), as well as PE, Study Skills, Build a Business, Speech, Games, and Drama (taught by me). She loves creating fun Instagram posts, staying organized, being with friends, and creating cool outfits out of what she has in her closet.

Eva is 11 and 6th grade. At co-op one day a week, she'll take Creative Writing (taught by me) and other fun classes like Art, Geography, STEM (taught by me), Build a Business, Games, and Drama (taught by me). This kid likes to read for pleasure as well.

Samuel is 9 and 4th grade. At co-op one day a week, he'll take a class on States (taught by me), as well as Creative Writing/Drama, PE, STEM (taught by me) and Art.

"To be brave in whatever situations you encounter—to be someone who can be kind...you've lived those hard decisions in your imagination, which is really almost as good as experiencing it yourself," Carolyn Leiloglou, children's book author on an episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast.

*Please leave book recommendations in the comments!

I used this as a guide for some of my choices I've parked here:


Reading this during the summer to my teenage boys for homeschooling:


And before that we read this, then watched the movie:


And before that we did this one:


And this is what I'm reading to Callie, who is 14:


This one will be on our school year list for the big boys:


This is what's next for the big boys:


And I should have read this a long time ago to them. One of my favorites. "Nothing gold can stay":


Important:


I also like this:


Can you believe I never read this one? Time to read it to my kids!


Sam and I are reading this first this year:


This is what Eva and I started on audiobook August 27th by the pool:


This one looks good and is recommended in The Read-Aloud Family as well:


Also looks good. We love historical fiction and anything with a good message of understanding other people:


This one looks great too … my husband likes to read to the kids at night as often as he can and this kind of thing looks perfect for all the kids to listen to and fall asleep to:


And this:


More important messages:


Curious about this one:


Preach it, Mrs. Roosevelt!


As a girl growing up watching all things Little House on the Prairie, this is a must!


We read the summer version of this family's adventures and want to read more!


This kid reminds me of Eva, so it's on the list!


Love this for reading a little at a time and keeping it by the nightstand in my room:


As well as this one:


Then I should also get this one!

Fall Fun in Kansas City: Maple Leaf 5K Run and Festival

Always on the third full weekend in October, I can't believe I just found out about the Maple Leaf Festival in Baldwin City, Kansas. I was in a homeschool group with a bunch of other moms having a friendly debate about the Renaissance Festival when this family-friendly Ren Fest alternative came up.

For the record, I went to Ren Fest many times as a kid and it was okay, but I will always remember some of the characters really freaking me out! One of my big goals is to take the kids to a favorite place of mine, Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO, but for now we might give this one a shot! If not this year, it will be on the Fall Bucket List for 2020.

Here's some information about the festival from the website:

"The Maple Leaf Festival began as a community event in 1958, inspired by Dr. Ivan Boyd, a biology professor at Baker University. He noted that the third weekend in October was the optimum time to view the changing colors of the Maple Leaves in the area and the perfect time to celebrate the successful harvest.

61 years later, with over 300 craft exhibits, quilt shows and displays, performing arts, music, unique food items and activities for the family, the Maple Leaf Festival is the biggest fall family event in the area and provides an opportunity for local non-profit organizations to raise funds."

You can expect to find: Craft booths, a quilt show, a parade, a 5K run, carnival at night, country music, train rides and more! Oh, and FOOD galore! Yes, including turkey legs!

Maple Leaf 5K Run details can be found here.
Saturday, October 19, 2019, starts at 8 a.m.
Baldwin City, KS

Sounds like a great time!

Moving House with Kids The Essential Survival Guide

They say that one of the most stressful things you can do in life is moving to a new house, and with kids in tow, the experience can be one you’ll want over in a hurry! Here is the essential survival guide to moving home, ensuring everything goes according to plan.

Stick to Your Normal Routine

Many children struggle with change. When moving home, it’s important to try and keep your daily routine as normal as possible. Although you will have a mission on your hands in packing up your belongings, make sure to eat meals at the same time of the day, as well as factoring in quiet time too. If your children are old enough to understand, you should prewarn them that moving day is going to be a little hectic, as well as creating a checklist to ensure everything goes to plan.

Give Your Kids Control

Giving your kids a sense of control and responsibility can go a long way when it comes to moving home. Allow them to pack their most treasured possessions such as toys and books. Also, keep all your moving paperwork in one binder. Being organised can make the day less stressful and give you more time to spend with your children.

Keep Your Kids Entertained

To ensure your moving day goes off without a hitch, you should have a plan in place to ensure your kids are kept occupied and entertained throughout. Make sure to arm your children with toys, games, and gadgets for when you’re travelling from A to B. If you can, allow them to play outside so you can get stuck into boxing up your personal belongings.

Take Time for Yourself

Taking some time out of your moving day to relax is incredibly important. While there may feel like an endless list of tasks to complete, taking on too much can run you into the ground. Even taking 10 minutes to find a quiet space where you can breathe can make all the difference and help you stay in control. While working to a time limit can be stressful, there are plenty of tips that you can incorporate you keep you feeling relaxed and prepared for the big day ahead.

Ask for Help

If you are a single parent, you may want to consider contacting your family and friends for some help. Trying to get everything organised while looking after your kids simultaneously may seem like an impossible feat, therefore, enlisting help from your nearest and dearest can mean there is one less stress to worry about. Having someone to take your kids out for the day while you move everything out of your home will mean you can focus on what needs to be done. You can also enlist help from the Inner City Moving & Storage Company who can do all the hard work for you, helping to make your move go as smoothly as possible.


Whether you’re moving down the street or to a completely new area, it’s important to have a plan in place to ensure your moving day goes as smoothly as possible. Keeping your kids entertained throughout the day can be challenging, so don’t hesitate to ask for help from family and friends who can look after your children while you get on with packing everything up.

Healthy Living: It's More Than What You Eat!

There are always conflicting views about what is right and what is wrong when it comes to health and fitness. You should eat red meat, you shouldn’t eat red meat, you shouldn’t run because it’s bad for your joints, but you should run because it’s good for your joints. So what are we meant to do with all of this information? Well, we’re to decide our own paths with it, because the more we focus on our health and fitness, the more we get into our own routine and we find out what works well for us. But the most common mistake that you could ever make, is the mistake that healthy living is all about diet and fitness. People are always so focused on what meal they’re eating next, but forget about all of the other bits of vital care that our bodies need. So, we thought it was about time that you read an article telling you all about healthy living as a whole, so that you don’t miss out on some vital care and well being that your body might be crying out for! We hope this article helps to improve your health!

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The Common Things People Ignore

We like to ignore a lot of things in life, perhaps without even realising it. But there are some common health issues that we seem to ignore, purely because we refuse to accept they’re happening to us. Take hearing loss for example, which can occur at any age. You don’t have to be over 60 to experience this, and it’s a lot more common than you think. So if you constantly find yourself asking people to repeat themselves, turning the TV up higher than everyone else, or picking up background noise instead of what someone next to you is saying, it might be time for hearing loss treatment. The sooner you begin, the more time you’re going to have with good quality hearing. Although you might only be experiencing slight loss, it will still continue to go gradually downhill, and the sooner you get the process of treatment started, the sooner you can halt the downhill spiral.

Guidance You All Should Be Following

Governments all around the world are giving out their own recommendations as to what we should be doing with our bodies, and what we shouldn’t be doing. But it is this guidance that’s given by health professionals that we all should be taking in. One common one that’s ignored, is the recommendation of supplementing vitamins. We all should be taking multivitamins each day to boost our bodily functions. Some countries such as the UK have vitamin specific recommendations like vitamin D. There are plenty of official health websites such as this one, which will inform you as to the current health recommendations. Hopefully it will help to keep you in tip top shape!

Keeping Your Mind Healthy As Well As Your Body

Mental health is becoming a big focus at the minute, especially with the self harm numbers going up and up each year. To keep your mind healthy, you have to find your happiness and peace with the world. Find a passion that you can put your all into, and surround yourself with people who make you happy. Anything that doesn’t, you’re just going to have to cut the cord with! If you feel low, always talk to those closest to you!