Slow Cooker Vegetables Feed the Larger Family

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As we head into the summer months, my beloved slow cooker switches into high gear. See, I try and avoid using the oven if at all possible, so the slow cooker gets a lot of use. We all know you can save money and feed the many by serving garden vegetables. One way I save [...]

Timez Attack Multiplication Review

Timez Attack multiplication

We’ve enjoyed Timez Attack by the Big Brainz company in our homeschool for several years now. These fun, multiplication games were recommended to us by my friends and fellow homeschool moms. It’s one of those resources we turn to when we know we need a little boost in multiplication practice. We’ll enjoy it through the [...]

Would You Recommend Tapestry of Grace for Kindergarten?

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You might know how much we love Tapestry of Grace (TOG) here at Hodgepodge. Recently, I’ve received a few questions about using it. I asked these ladies if I could share their questions so they might help others. I’ll start today with those questions about preschool and kindergarten ages. Melissa asked on the Hodgepodge Facebook [...]

10 Creative Summer and Beach Art Projects

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With only a few school things to tie up, my thoughts turn to summer. Projects you can enjoy at home or the seashore! The Art of the Drip Castle – How to Make a Drip Sand Castle. Maybe the backyard sandbox? How to Make a Homemade Handprint Crab T-Shirt Beach Umbrellas Chalk Pastel Tutorial At [...]

5 Chocolate Recipes

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Time for some chocolate love! 1. Chocolate Chip Cake – our favorite, throw-it-all-in-the-Bundt-pan, all-occasion cake. 2. Oreo Truffles – three ingredients and allergy-friendly for our crew. 3. Fudge Pie (you can even create a slice with pastels – includes a chalk art tutorial!) 4. Microwave Fudge – another three-ingredient, simple favorite. 5. Nana’s Famous Chocolate [...]

Celebrating School Year Finishes

Jungle Book cast

This week was all about finishing the homeschool year well. And that means celebrating! We are blessed with opportunities both at church and through our homeschool group. (above – Hymn ‘n M trophies awarded for hymn memorization throughout the year.) Children’s Choir Three of our children were in the church choir Spring Sing! The annual [...]

Extraordinary in the Ordinary

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The greens of spring. Basil in bottom left with sweet potato vine and squash plant. It’s a busy week. I’m up early making my list. Lil’ Buddy comes down the steps, hair tousled. He’s ready for the day. I turn from my spot on the couch and notice that out the window it is quietly [...]

Asking Forgiveness versus Saying I’m Sorry

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Humpphh! {arms folded across the chest and frowning face} I’m sorry.  Would you please forgive me? {eye contact with another person or head bowed in prayer} Which one sounds genuine to you? Both of the above imply an attitude. One is a statement. One is a question. I’d love for you to join me at Passionate Purposeful [...]

10 Gift Ideas

Barbie Beach Bucket Gift

For Mother’s Day, teacher appreciation, birthdays and more… 1. A Rose for Mother’s Day – We clip a rose from the front yard bush and wear it in honor of Mama on Mother’s Day. But it’s also tradition for my husband and the children to give me a new rose bush for the front yard. [...]

World of Coca-Cola: Vault of the Secret Formula

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Would you like to visit the Vault of the Secret Formula? I have four tickets to the World of Coca-Cola to give away – just in time for Mother’s Day. Be sure to enter to win! Over the last year we made it a goal to visit local destinations. Each child got to pick an [...]

Easy Mac and Beef Casserole Recipe

Mac and Beef Casserole

I think this might possibly be the best supper ever. ~ 14-year-old If you make it, they will yum it up. This good ol’ basic recipe is also known as hamburger mess. Plus, this is also a Pinterest success story. (Thanks Julie for the pin!) I made a short cut version. I made two boxes [...]

Homeschool Makeover: Chalkboard Desk

Chalkboard desk

It has been three weeks since I’ve posted a weekly wrap! That’s because the past two Fridays I was sharing our 10 Days of Lasagna Learning: Teaching Multiple Ages. If you missed it, I invite you to click the big button in the sidebar. This week I shared about our chalkboard desk at Heart of [...]