Most of my homeschooling ideas are now being “tumbld” so be sure to check out my tumblr blog for the many wonderful ideas I have found online.  Although, I haven’t had the time to tumbl as much as I would like to lately!

In addition to those wonderful ideas and posts, here are a few more that I have starred in my Google Reader in the past few months…

• How to Make Your Life an Endless Celebration…be prepared to get your tissues out if you haven’t seen Ann Voskamp’s post about meeting her Compassion child in Guatemala.
• Rising to the Challenge…I loved this post from Inspiration Surrounds, Creativity Abounds, sharing how she balances crafting with 3 kiddos!  Elise is SO crafty and I am SO not, I love seeing what she does with her kids!
• Mission of the Month…My blogging friend Jenn has a new great idea, go check it out {I hope to join in…we’ll see!}
• Time for Tots…I was excited to see two blogging moms I know have opened their own Etsy store together! 
• Self Serve Painting…a great idea from Let’s Explore, I have to do this!
• LEGO Unit & Lapbook…I have bookmarked this one to do in the future!!!
• Coinstar & Amazon…Who Knew?
• Making Predictions During Read Alouds… a great post on ABC & 123 by TeachMama

I still have over 1000 unread posts in my reader, and haven’t had a lot of time to blog read recently.  I hope to mellow out and have some time soon!

Here are my favorite blog posts from this past 2 weeks {in no particular order}…

• Ellie and the Weeds {written by Angie for (In)Courage}
• 4 Simple Skills to Practice During Read Alouds {from Let’s Explore…I forget that these skills probably aren’t entirely natural for those moms who aren’t trained teachers.  I forget to share things like this and thought this post did an excellent job!}
• Has this World Been So Kind? {by Tsh for (In)courage…this post made me think a lot about raising our kids in the inner city and the many questions we get from well-meaning people who wonder why we would choose to not raise our kids in the suburbs-giving them a “better life”}
• H is for Hand…ABC & Read to Me {Ami is back posting again and I just love her alphabet ideas!  The hairy H is adorable!}
• DIY Carpet Fresh {I have stinky pets and will not use traditional carpet fresheners due to chemicals, finding a natural alternative=happy me!}
• Excuse Me & a Sneak Peek {my long time blog bud-Mackenzie has started a new blog, “The Research Years” –well given us a peek, and I got all teary eyes reading about it. It is one of the best ideas I have ever seen, I love it!}
• When My Mean Girl Tries to Come Out {also from (In)Courage, by Lysa}
• Zoo Week {from All About the Journey…I LOVED her zoo cards that she made for her son to take to the zoo, such a great idea!}
• Curriculum Clean Out! {all of the How-To’s to participate in this awesome idea started last year by my bud, Jolanthe}

Thanks for the great ideas and reads these past 2 weeks!

~This is set to post while I am away on my cruise, I am currently sailing the seas without an internet connection, as I told my family, I am going dark {any 24 fans out there?}.  I will be missing you all, but I am sure I will reconnect when I return to thousands of unread posts in my Google Reader!  Hope you are all having a great week!

Here are some posts I have starred this past week {in no particular order}…

• Alphabet Easter Eggs {LOVE this idea from Crunchy and Green}
• Tot Beginnings : Circle Time Shapes  & Create and Obstacle Course {Erin does it again with adorable printables and awesome teaching ideas!}
• Math: the Latest Tweak {Loved this post about Math U See from a long time blog-bud Laura}
• Toxic Easter Candy & Safer Alternatives {K is affected by artificial dyes so we have explored this topic, we personally have switched mostly to all natural and organic candy if any at all-although not 100% thanks to grandparents, church and friends…we do the best we can}
• R is for Rainbow, Handprint Bunnies & Tootsie Tulips {loved these adorable crafts from Moments of Mommyhood}
• Preschool Corner ~ Play Doh Mats {another genius idea from my friend Jolanthe}
• The Day {I remember getting the email from Julia’s mom last year, telling me that the tot she had submitted for our Meet feature on TT was diagnosed with cancer.  I have followed her journey since that moment and rejoice that I can read this post with joyful tears in my eyes}
• What Creeps Around {from Kristi’s Redeemed series…it’s a tough read but necessary}

Thanks for another week of great reads in my spare time!