Like icing on the cake, enrichment studies and activities have rounded out our education. Plus we've had a blast!

The Lord has provided so many unique opportunities to learn and grow. 

I remember our children coming back from a wet walk with a homeschooling family from church. Now, I'm not a nature girl, so I was happy to provide this opportunity for my children, but I didn't want to be the provider. The idea of "wet walk" in Florida just said, "alligators, snakes, and yucky bugs" to me, but my children had a blast! And they learned a lot about our wetlands. 

One year, my teenage daughters and I signed up for a course at the local community college--a hip-hop class. This was a fun way to exercise and we counted it as PE. 

We have gone to seminars, workshops, and classes at our local craft/hobby shop. One year I took Shine to a Christian film festival. It was a bonding time, as well as very educational for the two of us. 

Things like art, music, cake decorating, debate, foreign language, dancing, swimming, clubs, choir, team sports, and homemaking add so many fun moments to our home school experience. 

Enrichment activities...

• Round out my children's education
• Teach life skills
• Cultivate skills and talents
• Cultivate lifelong hobbies and sports
• Expose my children to new things
• Allow other Moms to teach things that I'm not so great at
• Allow me to share my skills with other children
• Provide an opportunity for friendship when it's in a group setting

So  what are some areas that would be fun for you to explore with your children?

Painting, ceramics, collage, charcoals, and pastels are all ways to express creativity. 

Some children have a natural artistic flair. Others don't. Treat them all with enthusiasm. Cheer them on. 

Drawing is a great skill to start with . There are several "How-to-Draw" books that can teach the basics of sketching. A sketch pad and some nature walks are a great introduction to nature and art together. 

I created a tote of art supplies for my children and a cabinet with a shelf of different kinds of paper inside. If my children wanted to create, they could pull out what they needed and get to work. 

In middle and high school, there were some watercolor painting and ceramic courses at our homeschool co-op that we took advantage of to give more formal training. 

My oldest daughter was a natural when it came to drama, taking the lead in a play when she was only six years old. She was expressive and memorized long scripts quite easily. Believe it or not, she was also painfully shy, but drama gave her away to be comfortable in front of a crowd. All my kids have enjoyed performing skits at homeschool co-ops and church as preteens and teens. Drama can be formal, or informal. 

My second daughter was interested in debate so we had her dual enroll in high school at the local community college to study debate and speech. 4-H had a wonderful course that all my children took to lay a foundation for comfortable speaking. 

Who knew as my children were studying speech and drama, that we would participate in hosting a homeschooling high school conference. My children would perform skits, greet guests, and speak in workshops. God used those enrichment courses in an unexpected way. 

Sing I lead the worship team, it was very natural for my children to explore the world of music. My children are more talented than I am when it comes to singing, song writing, sound mixing, and musical arrangement. It has been exciting to see them over the years sing in choirs, write songs, play instruments, and enjoy concerts. 

When the oldest girls were young, we had a neighbor with three daughters who homeschooled. We decided to have homemaking days where we sewed, quilted, cooked, baked, decorated cakes, embroidered, cross-stitched, made candy, embossed with rubber stamps, scrapbooked, and crafted. It was so much fun! 

Girls love homemaking, but many boys enjoy learning to cook and sew. Everyone loves to make candy and crafts! 

It is a blessing for children to learn life skills they will need when they are living one there own. So, don't hesitate to add baking and cake decorating to your homeschool line up. 

Homeschooling is a great opportunity to introduce children to a deep understanding of their faith as they grow older. Children can study theology, books of the Bible, and Bible history. Children often have questions about Christianity and the Bible. Apologetics can answer their questions and later on, give them tools for sharing their faith with skeptics. 

Worldview study is another excellent enrichment course. Students can learn all about a biblical worldview and how that worldview compares with other worldviews like Muslim, Post-Modern, Humanist, Marxist, and New Age. 

When my children outgrew the YMCA sports teams, I despaired of ever seeing them play group sports again and I felt sad. However, I prayed about it. A few months and many prayers later, I attended a birthday party where the activity was playing soccer--all ages playing together. Everyone had so much fun that we started Saturday Soccer. Dads, teens, young adults, and children all out on the field playing together. It was awesome! Best of all, my kids had P.E. 

My children work out at the YMCA. The girls enjoyed ballet lessons. We also had tennis lessons, sports camps, team sports (football, basketball, soccer) at the YMCA, family bowling outings, and lots of swimming. My adult children run, workout, teach ballet, and play tennis. It was always my hope that my children would choose a lifetime sport. 

Children learn foreign languages so easily, especially when they are very young. They seem to have a knack for memorizing and mimicking.  Singing songs in a different language is a fun way to start, especially well-known songs like Bible songs or Christmas carols. My little ones learned to count in Spanish and basic words for colors, household items, and people. Next came basic conversations: "Hola. Mi llamo Julianna." 

Of course, older students can take a full-blown course. There is such a variety to choose from from independent textbook courses to online courses. 

In many countries around the world, folks celebrate Three Kings Day on January 6.  Also called Epiphany, this holiday is the celebration of the Wise Men’s visit to baby Jesus after a long journey following a star.
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Did you know that the 12 Days of Christmas starts on December 26 and lasts until January 6 when people celebrate Epiphany? It’s true! For many families, the Christmas celebration doesn’t end until Three Kings Day.
Why did Christians start celebrating Epiphany in the first place?

Well, back in the olden days, Christians wanted to remember the story of Jesus’ miraculous birth and what it meant to each one personally. To make Christmas more special, they spent the season of Advent fasting and praying. It became a time of spiritual preparation to go deeper with the Lord.

The fasting ended with the feast of Christmas, special church services were held and people rested from their work. The 12 days between Christmas and Epiphany were filled with saints’ days so it was eventually thought of as 12 Days of Christmas followed by Epiphany, another day to have a special service and celebrate.

Here are the saints celebrated by the Catholic Church between Christmas and Epiphany. The Protestant Church doesn’t celebrate holidays for the saints.

• St. Stephen (12/26) First Martyr
• Apostle John (12/27)
• Holy Innocents (12/28) babies murdered by Herod
• Thomas Becket (12/29)
• Sylvester I (12/31) led Constantine to the Lord
• Mary (1/1) Mother of Jesus
• St. Gregory & St. Basil (1/2)
• St. Genevieve (1/3)
• St. Elizabeth (1/4)
• St. John Neumann (1/5)

​Epiphany, or the Feast of The Three Kings (or Twelfth Night on Epiphany Eve) is the final celebration of the Christmas season. Epiphany means “revelatory experience” and this special holiday not only celebrates the visit of the Wise Men, but some Orthodox denominations also remember the baptism of Jesus. In both occasions, Jesus is revealed as a holy King who is the Son of God. At His baptism, His Father says, “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased. When the wise men visit, they bring gifts that are fit for a king.

​We don’t know how many magi visited Jesus, but we do know that they brought 3 gifts:

• Gold (symbol of his kingship)
• Frankincense (used in prayer, symbolizing Jesus’ deity)
• Myrrh (an embalming oil, a symbol of His death to save mankind)

Most Christians around the world celebrate Epiphany by attending church. In many Hispanic cultures, Epiphany, or We Three Kings Day is the day presents are exchanged.
So how do people around the world celebrate Three Kings Day?

​In Germany, tar singers go from house to house up until Epiphany, collecting for charity. A group of child star singers visit the German Chancellor and German Parliament each year to collect donations. Greta and Kurt would go to the German Parliament to collect donations for the poor and needy. That would be exciting! Other star singers just go around their own neighborhoods.
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Families often get together to take the tree down and eat their gingerbread houses. They also enjoy King’s cake, a circular golden pastry filled with oranges and spices. Sadly, the Christmas season is over until next year. 

​Children in the Philippines leave shoes out on the Eve of Epiphany to receive gifts and sweets from the Three Kings. Some towns have parades with men dressed as the Wise Men giving out candy and gifts to children who are watching the parade. 

​Families light the Yule Log for the last time until next Christmas on Epiphany Eve, or Twelfth Night. They also eat a Twelfth Night Cake, a dense fruit cake with a bean, clove, and twig hidden inside. Whoever finds the bean is the king or queen so everyone else has to do what they say. The twig is the food and the clove is the villain. There is a special Anglican Church service on Epiphany. 

​Women, often exhausted from the hard work during the holidays, rest and relax on Epiphany while the men do the work. Women gather to drink tea and enjoy festive treats. 

Children cut grass or greenery and put it in a box under their bed for the camels to eat in Puerto Rico. The kings arrive and leave gifts for the children on Epiphany Eve. On Epiphany, families enjoy a big holiday meal after church. 

​After a parade to the water in remembrance of Jesus’ baptism, a cross is thrown into the sea and men dive in to find it. It’s a huge competition on Epiphany to see who will be the first to find the cross underwater. 

Louisiana, USA, the Caribbean, Venice, and a few other places around the world celebrate Mardi Gras season. From Epiphany to Lent, another church season of fasting, these places go wild with parades, masquerade balls, and King’s Cake. The day before Lent starts is called Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras. So, the season of Mardi Gras or Carnival, keeps the celebration going until Lent.  
​
Our family would probably avoid Mardi Gras because of the excess of alcohol and partying that goes on, but it’s good to know when Mardi Gras starts and how that is related to Three Kings Day. 

If you are like me, celebrating Three Kings Day is not part of our church experience, but one year we celebrated it with some Puerto Rican friends. I kept my Christmas decorations up until the day after Three Kings Day and we read the story of the Wise Men and make a King’s Cake. We had a blast!

Would you like to celebrate Three Kings Day?

• You can read the story of the Wise Men from Matthew 2:1-12
• You can read the story of Jesus’ baptism in Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22, and John 1:29-34.  
• Consider making a King’s Cake. I found a variety of recipes from scratch to super easy—you can find them here.
• Color and craft about the wise men. Make starts, crowns fit for a King, camels, stars, wise men, and more. You can find some fun crafts and coloring pages here.
• Make star-shaped cookies in honor of the star the wise men followed.
• Act out the story of the Three Kings.
• Purchase some gifts for Baby Jesus (Newborn clothes, car seat, swing, etc.) and donate them to a Crisis Pregnancy Center.

​When we celebrated Three Kings Day, we also talked about the deity of Christ. The Wise Men recognized that Jesus was a King. However, He was not just any king; Jesus was the King of Kings, the Creator of all Things, God Himself. 

​Christmas Unit Studies Blog post
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Until next time, Happy Homeschooling,
Warmly,
Meredith Curtis

Meredith Curtis, homeschooling mom, writer, speaker, and publisher, loves to encourage families in their homeschooling adventure. She is the author of Travel God’s World Geography  Celebrate Christmas in Colonial America Unit Study, Celebrate Christmas in Germany Unit Study,  and Celebrate Christmas with Cookies Unit Study. You can check out her books, curricula, unit studies, and Bible studies at PowerlineProd.com. Free Reading Lists for all ages are available at JSHomeschooling.com. Read her blogs at PowerlineProd.com and listen to her at Finish Well Podcast
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​One of my favorite bites at any Chinese restaurant is the Crab Rangoon. I know it’s not “authentic Chinese food” but I love it. When I found a recipe called Crab Rangoon Dip, I was intrigued.
 
Fast forward a few weeks and it’s almost time for the Annual Church Christmas Party. The adults all get dressed up, bring fancy food to the buffet, play games, take pictures, and enjoy one another’s company. My husband and I have come to this event joyfully every year for 20 years. This year I thought, “What could be fancier than hot Crab Rangoon Dip with Toast Points?” I’m glad I did. Judging from the empty dishes we brought home, I wasn’t the only one who was glad.
 
There was one problem though. My son’s fiancé is allergic to cream cheese and that’s a main component in Crab Rangoon. I’ve learned about a great substitute cheese which she can handle. It’s not as tangy as cream cheese, not quite as firm but it works well in every recipe I used it. It’s marscapone cheese.
 
As you look over the ingredients you may be tempted to elect the simpler pre-shredded packages of Monterey Jack Cheese or Parmesan Cheese but it does make a difference. My dip was smooth and creamy, as it should be. The processing of shredded cheeses causes the dip to be a little grainy. It’s not that appealing to me so I always try to avoid that.
 
Another cost savings tactic is to buy “crab meat” or “lump crab meat”. They both will work but you need to go through that meat very very very carefully to remove all the shells and cartilage. Nothing will ruin you dip faster than having to pick those out while your eating it.
 
My local grocery store has a wonderful bakery where they offer sour dough bread made in round loaves and sliced thin. It’s perfect for this recipe. I cut the bottom crust off each slice of bread then cut the slices in a starburst pattern which yielded eight triangles per slice.
 
Try the recipe yourself. You’ll love it!

Festive Crab Rangoon Party Dip
 
4 Slices Sour Dough Bread, Cut into Triangles
¼ Cup EVOO
8 oz. Marscapone Cheese
¼ Cup Mayonnaise
¼ Cup Sour Cream
1 Cup Monterey Jack Cheese, Freshly Grated and Divided
¼ Cup Parmesan Cheese, Freshly Grated
4 Whole Scallions, Diced
2 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
2 tsp. Soy Sauce
2 tsp. Orange Juice
1 tsp Sriracha
½ tsp. Garlic Powder
Salt & Pepper to Taste
12 oz. Jumbo Lump Crab Meat
 
Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil. With a basting brush, paint both sides of each piece of bread with EVOO and place on baking sheet. Bake 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Set aside. Coat a 9” round baking dish with olive oil. In a medium bowl combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, Parmesan cheese, 3 scallions, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, orange juice, and Sriracha. Stir well then season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently squeeze and break apart the crab lumps slightly then fold the crab meat in the mixture. Spread crab mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Top with remaining scallion and serve hot with sour dough bread toast points. 

From our home to yours we wish you a Merry Christmas!

Warmly, 
Laura Nolette

What makes a birthday special for the birthday person?

What makes a birthday special for party guests and family? 

We enjoy picking our favorite foods for dinner, giving presents, and throwing a party with games and laughter. 

In our house, we also like to play the Encouragement Game at birthdays.

What is the Encouragement Game?

The Encouragement Game is focused on just one person at a time. Everyone else in the room shares things they appreciate and admire about the that person. It is so uplifting for the one being encouraged. And for those being encouraged, it makes us feel valuable and loved. 

We like to focus on Jesus on His Birthday! It's such a privilege to remind Jesus of Who He is and all that He means to us! 


“For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16 NASB). 

We praise Him because He created all things that exist whether we can see them or not! Jesus not only created all things; He is in charge of all things! Jesus is our Creator-King!

God the Father prepared for the very first Christmas.

He lined up empires, lined up languages, fulfilled prophetic words, revealed mysteries, brought in angels, produced a star, and invited birthday party guests. I find His choice of guests interesting. There were poor smelly shepherds and rich wise men who were also not part of His Chosen People. 

Our Heavenly Father's choice of birth day guests reminds me that Jesus came for ordinary people like me. I became significant because Jesus loves me! 

The gifts the wise men brought remind me that Jesus is our High Priest (frankincense), he is a King (gold), and He came to earth to give His life for us (myrrh). 

From Genesis to Revelation, we see the role of Christ as Creator/Redeemer. God left clues throughout the Old Testament. Prophetic words spoken by Old Testament prophets were fulfilled in the New Testament. The Birthday Creator-King is our promised Messiah, the One who saves us! 

The Birth of Jesus is a special event. 
​
God the Father commemorates special events e.g Passover. Commemorate stones crossing Jordan.
When we celebrate His birthday, do we get the Passover meal ready, visit the stones near the Jordan or do we go to the high places?

Let's do things in our celebrations that point our family and friends to Jesus, rather than adopt the ways of the world. 

Is Jesus, the birthday person, the focus of all our preparations or is he on the periphery?

When we celebrate a birthday, we want the birthday person to feel special and loved, to focus on what he wants to do and experience.

So let's think a minute about what Jesus would enjoy for His birthday. 

​What Jesus likes….

• Worship
• Marriage
• Family
• The Poor, Needy, those in Jail
• Celebrations (e.g. in Nehemiah)
• Prayer
• The Word
• Us to Enjoy what He has given us
• Generosity

In our house;, we love birthday parties. At Christmas, we celebrate in some unique, festive ways. 

​Gifts for Baby Jesus
We buy baby clothes for a baby boy, along with blankets and baby things. We donate all the baby items to a Crisis Pregnancy Center. 

Time set aside for Worship
We set time aside to spend in family and personal worship, often singing carols or worship songs. 

Romantic Lights
We have twinkle lights everywhere to remind us that the LIGHT of the WORLD was born at Christmas and now that we belong to Him, His light is in us. We get to shine for Jesus!

Family Devotions
We have special Christmas family devotions. We read a passage of Scripture, discuss it, pray, and sing Christmas carols. You can download them for FREE here. 

Family Memories
We make special memories as a family at home and at church. We go caroling, decorate the house,  bake cookies, decorate the Christmas trees, play Christmas music, buys presents, and reach out to those who are needy or hurting at Christmas. 

Reading His Word
We love to read the entire story of Jesus' birth beginning with the miracle of John the Baptist's birth and ending with the little family fleeing to Egypt. Most of the Christmas story is found in Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2. 

Inviting the Lost to the Birthday Party
We remind each other that Christmas is a birthday. We surrender each Christmas to Him and ask Him to be part of everything we do. 

So, how about your family? I'd love to hear what you do to celebrate Christmas in the comments below. 

Merry Christmas from our house to yours. 

Warmly, 
Meredith Curtis

Do you have a little astronaut running around your house or a star gazer who pours over astronomy books? 

Are you wondering what to get your little astronomer for Christmas? 

I have some great ideas for you. 

These are some fun gifts that any little space lover will find delightful. 

The Uncle Goose blocks are simple wooden blocks with painted planets, moon phases, or constellations painted on, but they are so much more! There is so much information on them! For anyone who is really interested in space science, it will be a blessing! 

In addition, I have seen little star gazers flip over the inflatable planets. You can hang them from the ceiling or toss them around. Hours of fun will ensue and the whole family will end up wanting to play with the inflatable solar system. 

Finally, you have to have something with a motor. How about a motorized solar system with planets spinning around the sun. 

One of these gifts is sure to be a hit with your little astronaut. They are all available at Amazon. Just click on the link or the photos below to learn more about them and how to order them. 

Oh, and Happy Christmas Shopping! 

Merry Christmas, 
Meredith Curtis

​​​​​Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links from my participation in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. . I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link.

Uncle Goose Moon Phase Blocks set contains 9 blocks that are painted (not stickers) to show the 8 phases of the moon. Two sides: moon phase and location. The other sides show moon rise and set times, tidal effects, phase illustration, and the moon's location in relation to the sun. The bonus block shows a lunar eclipse. Your astronomy lover will be delighted! 

Beautifully crafted and well made, these blocks are a great addition to your home school or classroom if you don't have an astronomy lover to shop for. 

​Learning Resources Giant Inflatable Solar System includes 8 planets, Pluto, the sun, the moon, repair kit, activity guide, and foot pump. We had a blast with these, tying them from the ceiling! 

This is a super fun way to try to figure out the distance from the sun each planet is. We even enjoyed tossing the inflatable balls back and forth before we hung them. 

Educational Insights Geosafari Motorized Solar System Science Kit is the perfect STEM Christmas toy. This toy is motorized and a delightful way for your little astronomer to explore our galaxy. 

Uncle Goose's Planet Blocks are beautifully crafted and well made. This nine block set includes the eight planets in our solar system and dwarf planet Pluto. 

These blocks are a great addition to your home school or classroom if you don't have an astronomy lover to shop for. 

Uncle Goose Constellation Blocks includes 16 blocks with 16 star constellations. In addition, on the other sides, you will find constellation symbols, constellation names, hemisphere where it can be seen, and scale of magnitude. If you have a young star gazer, this set will keep him or her happy. 

It's that time of year where Moms everywhere shop, wrap, bake, shop, wrap, and bake with occasional breaks for coffee or chai tea. 

After 33 years of Mommying, 5 children, 3 grandchildren, and numerous friends and family to shop for, I have developed my own system of Christmas shopping. 

My Christmas shopping system was developed and refined all the years I shopped for Daddy. He would give me money and I would get gifts from him for the whole family. Plus I had my own shopping. I had to streamline. 

I start early in the fall, thinking about Christmas gifts and trying to notice what everyone I love is enjoying or needing. If I see something that I know someone will LOVE, I pick it up and save it for Christmas. 

If I see something that would make a great Christmas present, but not sure for who, I will buy it if the price is cheap and put it in my gift drawer. 

Then I go through my Christmas shopping process: 

• Look at Last Years' List
• Go over budget with hubby
• Make a List for this Year
• Watch for my Favorite Online Sales
• Use Amazon Wish Lists 
• Make Some Handmade Gifts
• ​Look for Bargains in Stores

I do a lot, but not all of my shopping online. Okay, let's start with the lists. 

First, I pull out last years' list which I store in the computer in a folder labeled something boring that no one would ever peek at. I review last years' list sometime in the early fall and think about whether I'm happy or not with those gifts. This keeps my regrets smaller for next year. 

After that, I sit down with my husband and we decide what we can spend. Then I have to break that down to a price per family member for gifts. In the past, I've forgotten about tax and shipping costs which add up quick. I also need to figure in stocking stuffers and Christmas baking. 

Once that's done, I start my  new list with every single person I give a gift to, even if it's just a plate of cookies. Many times it's filled with blanks that I fill in as I find something and purchase. If I have ideas, I list them next to the person's name with question marks. 

Here's an example of what my list looks like:
Mike: Dress Shirt, Tie?, Date Night Coupon?
Jimmy: Portable Hard Drive
Shine: Snow Boots
Diego: 
Jenny Rose: Christmas wreath?,   

I like to do a lot of shopping on my laptop after Thanksgiving. That weekend means lots of sales. I don't like to deal with crowds any more, but I love to shop online. I usually get a lot of amazing things at Khol's on Black Friday. Each Friday there are different stores with great sales. 

Everyone in my family makes Amazon wish lists and we share them with one another. I love this because you can list things that are not on Amazon. Using wish lists is so helpful because you can get people what they really want. 

I don't always stick to the list, but they are a great help for me. 

Last year, Julianna made these beautiful handmade Christmas Carol Framed Photos. They were gorgeous! I used to make homemade gifts when I was younger, but it seems harder now to do that. Occasionally, I will make handmade gifts or I might make something for one person. 

​Gift cards are another great idea, especially for guys who are sometimes so hard to shop for. 

I love to give books! I shop online (Thrift books is a favorite place to shop) and often add a book to something else or just give books. My family is fine with getting used books so that is a great way to invest in my family and to stretch the budget. 

When I do go shopping, I always look in the closeouts section of stores because you can find some great buys. These areas are usually toward the back of the store. 

Are you looking for gift ideas? Here are some gift idea blogs you can read. Just click on the pictures below to get your creativity going. We love to give books, movies, and music in our house so I've included some blogs with movie and books lists. 

Have a wonderful time Christmas shopping this year. I hope you find the perfect present. 

Merry Christmas!
Meredith Curtis

Our family loves to snuggle up together and read Christmas picture books.

After all, who can resist a picture book, especially if it's about Jesus' birthday. 

There is something magical about reading aloud together. It calms everyone down and bonds the reader with the listeners in a precious way. 

We have collected Christmas picture books over the years and even now, I am adding to the collection for the grandchildren. 

All of these Christmas picture books are inspirational and sweet. 

The focus on the magic of Christmas: a baby in the manger who didn't belong here because He created the world He came to out of deep love for the people living in it. Some of the books focus on kindness and hospitality--2 important aspects of Christmas for our family. 

Reading Christmas picture books aloud can be a meaningful Christmas tradition in your home. Why not start that tradition this year with these amazing Christmas picture books. 

​​​Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links from my participation in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. . I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link.

Humphrey's First Christmas by Carol Heyer is a delightful tale about the camels who carried the wise men to visit Baby Jesus. 

In The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg, you will meet Lucy who befriends the new shopkeeper in town and learns all about the legend behind the Christmas candy cane. 

I remember Momma reading this to me when I was a little girl. Mr. Whiskers and Maggie team up to restore ice skating in time for Christmas in Cranberry Christmas by Wade and Harry Devlin

When a young boy is injured in a snow store he seeks refuge in a cabin where an old lady tells him the whole Christmas story from Creation to the Resurrection. One Wintry Night by Ruth Bell Graham is a beautiful story for all ages. 

Joshua is a little lamb with a crippled leg who wants to be just like all the other lambs, but God has a big plan for Joshua's life. The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado is a tender story of God's love at Christmas. 

Jack is so excited when he smells Christmas cookies baking, but terribly disappointed to learn they are for needy folks at church. Children will learn about generosity in this delightful picture book, The Gift of the Christmas Cookie by Dandi Daley Mackel. 

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan WWoiciechowski is about a Christmas miracle that happens to a sad woodcarver. This is a sweet story!

Mortimer the Mouse is uncomfortable in his big lofty hole, but then he finds a cute little house with some figures in it, including a little baby. This delightful tale has a spiritual message for all ages. Mortimer's Christmas Manger by Jane Chapman is a story your family will treasure for years to come. 

Learn about the real men who lived wholeheartedly for Jesus hundreds of years ago in The Legend of St. Nicholas by Dandi Daely Mackall. 

I encourage you to check out these picture books. You can purchase all of them at Amazon and add to your collection of Christmas picture books. Reading aloud to your children is a great way to enjoy meaningful time with them and make memories this joyful season. 

Merry Christmas!

Love, 
Meredith Curtis

​At Powerline Productions, we have so many gifts that will make your loved ones happy. From picture book and cookbooks to unit studies and Bible studies, there's something for everyone!

Little children love our I See Colors series of picture book with bright happy photos combined with engaging text. They will learn their colors without realizing it!

Everyone loves our cookbooks. Along with a quick tour of exciting places or times, you get easy-to-make recipes to make history and geography come alive in your home school. 

Bible studies are a great way to give a meaningful gift while investing in a loved one's future. Check out our Real Men, Ladies, and God's Girls studies that make Scripture practical and applicable to daily life. 

Of couse, there's so much more! Let me introduce you to some great gift ideas that won't break the bank. 

After all, who says Christmas shopping needs to be expensive. 

​Little children love these picture books! They are bright and cheery while they help children learn their colors. 

The following books are in the series: 
​I See Blue by Meredith Curtis
I See Yellow by Meredith Curtis
I See Pink by Meredith Curtis
I See Red by Meredith Curtis
I See Green by Meredith Curtis
I See Orange by Meredith Curtis
I See Purple by Meredith Curtis
I See White by Meredith Curtis
I See Brown by Meredith Curtis
I See Black by Meredith Curtis

The I See Colors series is perfect for boys and girls ages 2 to 8. Little ones will enjoy hearing these picture books read aloud and older ones will love reading it on their own. 

Buy one or the whole set! 

Cookbooks make great gifts for Moms, Dads, teens, boys, girls, single ladies, single guys, and grandparents. These themed cookbooks explore history and exciting places around the world. 

American History Cookbook by Meredith Curtis is a trip through USA history in the kitchen. Time travel from the Age of Exploration to the Space Age. With recipes for George Washington's favorite hot chocolate, hard tack, cowboy caviar, and  Hippie Morning Glory muffins, this cookbook makes learning fun!

Ancient History Cookbook by Meredith Curtis covers 4,000 years of history and recipes. From Ice Age Slushies to Sea of Galilee Talapia, children will love cooking their way through time. 
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Travel God's World Cookbook by Meredith Curtis will take you around the globe with recipes from North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Oceania. Children will cook their way around the world! 

HIS Story of the 20th Century Cookbook by Meredith Curtis & Laura Nolette takes readers decade by decade through the 1900s. Cook up a storm in your kitchen with recipes from around the world and from different decades. This cookbook is part of the HIS Story of the 20 Century series. 
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Let's Have Our Luau by Meredith Curtis is a trip to the tropics with step-by-step instructions on how to have your own luau. However, you should know that this book is filled with tropical recipes you ca bring to a luau! 

It's time to celebrate Christmas!

Enjoy new traditions with Celebrate Christmas with a Traveling Dinner by Meredith Curtis and Laura Nolette. 

Read a cozy mystery, Legend of the Candy Cane Murder (Maggie King Mysteries) by Meredith Curtis, this season. 

Or how about a unit study? 

We have 3 unit studies: 

Celebrate Christmas with Cookies Unit Study by Meredith Curtis

Celebrate Christmas in Colonial America Unit Study by Meredith Curtis

Celebrate Christmas in Germany Unit Study by Meredith Curtis

Do you have a bride-to-be in the family? 

She would love our Wedding Planner. The Ultimate Christian Wedding Planner is all you need to plan your perfect day. 

You can order The Ultimate Christian Wedding Planner on Amazon. If you have Prime, shipping is FREE. 

You might want to order the E-book, print the pages on 3-hole punch paper, and place inside a notebook with pockets. You can order the E-book from PayHip.

One of my daughters loved it in the notebook so she could stuff estimates and other things in the pockets of the notebook. The other preferred the print copy from Amazon. 

Both will make any bride-to-be happy! 

If you are needing Premarital Counseling materials, they are available in print and E-book, too. 

Order Before the Vows are Made: Premarital Counseling Workbook for Engaged Couples from Amazon. The E-book is available from PayHip. 

A Wise Woman Builds Bible Study is just one of the many Bible studies available from Powerline Productions. 

You can purchase Making of Real Men from Amazon. If you have Amazon Prime, shipping is FREE.  

You can purchase Real Men Talk about Freedom, Girl, & Marriage from Amazon. If you have Amazon Prime, shipping is FREE.  


You can purchase Lovely to Behold Bible Study from Amazon. If you have Amazon Prime, shipping is FREE.  


You can purchase Friends to the End Bible Study from Amazon. If you have Amazon Prime, shipping is FREE.  

You can purchase God's Girls Brand New Life Bible Study from Amazon. If you have Amazon Prime, shipping is FREE.  


You can purchase God's Girls Beauty Secrets Bible Study from Amazon. If you have Amazon Prime, shipping is FREE.  

You can purchase God's Girls Talk about Boys, Virtue, & Marriage Bible Study from Amazon. If you have Amazon Prime, shipping is FREE. 


You can purchase Jesus, Fill My Heart & Home Bible Study from Amazon. If you have Amazon Prime, shipping is FREE.  

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Shopping! 

Warmly, 
​Meredith Curtis

Celebrate Christmas in Germany Unit Study is a way to experience a more meaningful Christmas while learning and having fun! Travel to Germany with me and discover so many of the festive Christmas German traditions we have adopted as our own. We will explore cities, castles, churches, the Black forest, and a Christmas museum.

Each day will start with reading one of Grimm’s fairy tales, followed by a Bible passage. The devotion ties the fairy tale and Bible passage together.

Reading time is followed by learning about a different topic every day ranging from Christmas markets or Advent to St. Boniface or bears. Hands-on learning fun follows! Crafting, mapping, baking, cooking, drawing, and planning will keep children happy while they learn at the same time.

Are you ready to visit Germany for Christmas? 

Learn more about Celebrate Christmas in Germany here. 

You can purchase Celebrate Christmas in Germany Unit Study at Amazon. 

Celebrate Christmas in Germany Unit Study E-book is available for purchase at PayHip and TeachersPayTeachers. 

Have a festive, fun Christmas. 

God bless you!
​Meredith Curtis

It is an honor to write a review of Douglas MacArthur: What Greater Honor by Geoff & Janet Benge from Benge Books. Like all of their other amazing biographies this couple has written, it is full of historical fact and inspirational wisdom. This book is a perfect addition to my homeschool. 

General MacArthur has always been a hero to me in a vague sort of way. I admired his "I'll be back!" when he was forced to leave the Philippines and he kept his word. I liked the way he handled the Korean War until he was let go suddenly by President Truman. 

However, to be honest, I didn't know much about his life, his values, and his families. That has all changed!

Douglas' parents were born on opposite sides of the War between the States. His father Arthur MacArthur was a highly decorated military man who had been thrilled to meet Abraham Lincoln when he was a young man. His mother Pinky idolized Robert E. Lee and reminded him every night, "You must grow up to be a great man like Robert E. Lee." Interesting that God brought his parents together from opposite sides of the Civil War. I think that gave General MacArthur an ability to see both sides of issues in a clear, calm way. 

​​Douglas grew up in the late 1800s riding horses, moving place to place wherever his father was stationed, and eventually ending up at West Point. His momma moved to be close to him for the four years he attended West Point and when he graduated, he left the podium to embrace both his mother and father. His love for his parents was deep and demonstrated by the inner call he felt to live up to the heritage his father had left him. 

I was fascinated by his love and concern for the people around him throughout his life. He had tremendous wisdom, especially in dealing with the Japanese people when he occupied Japan. He was truly a man who lived honorable in peace and war. 

When I finished the book, I realized that I had not just learned about Douglas MacArthur, but so much more about World War I, World War II, and the Japanese occupation than I even imagined. As a history lover, that is so exciting to me! 

The blessing of biographies is that they bring a person to life. Instead of just a name mentioned in a textbook, you meet a living breathing person who chose to serve or ignore God Almighty. 

It is so exciting to read biographies about men and women who chose to serve their Savior Jesus and make an impact on the world around them. 

Janet and Geoff Benge have written over 300 biographies that entertain, inspire, and inform their readers. If you are a homeschooling family, you have a least a dozen of their biographies. My children have enjoyed their books over the years and I know my grandchildren will, too. 

It is my ambition to collect all 300 books the Benges have written because I think biographies are essential to teaching history the fun way. In so many ways, biographies reveal "the story" behind the facts, names, and dates. When biographies reveal people who love Jesus, it's all that much better! 

You can check out Benge Books on Instagram and Facebook. 

I hope you will check out Benge Books and choose some biographies for your family library. You'll be glad you did! 

Until next time, Happy Homeschooling! 

Warmly, 
Meredith Curtis

​Nothing says Christmas like curling up under a blanket and watching a Christmas movie. 

I want to share our family's favorite Christmas movies with you. 

We have seen many of these movies over and over again through the years. Some are inspirational and some are hilarious fun! 

All are packed with festive holiday cheer and music that makes the troubles of the world seem distant for a short time. 

As Christmas rolls around again year after year, we find ourselves wanting to see these old favorites once again. 

So, pop the popcorn, heat up the hot chocolate, and get ready to hear about some wonderful Christmas movies that the whole family will enjoy! 

​​Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links from my participation in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. . I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link.

It's a Wonderful Life never grows old. It is the timeless story of a man who feels like a failure, but is actually a true success! Step back in time and watch George go through high school, college, the Great Depression, World War II, and finally come to a breaking point on Christmas Eve. But, the love of family, friends, and an angel named Clarence pulls him though. I laugh and cry ever time I watch this movie. 

I grew up on Peanuts cartoons and always felt so sorry for Charlie Brown. In A Charlie Brown Christmas, though, Charlie Brown nails it at the end of the movie when he reads the Christmas story from the Bible. A very sweet movie for all ages! 

Elf is a silly movie that tickles our family's funny bone! We all laugh so hard together when we watch this lighthearted Christmas movie! 

I love this movie! The Nativity Story is the story of Mary and Joseph as they find out their world has been turned upside down. There is a tenderness to this movie that is so heartening and inspiring. I love the characters of Mary and Joseph. Really well done movie! 

A Christmas Carol is my husband's favorite movie and his favorite version is the one with George C. Scott. This classic tale by Charles Dickens has been made into numerous movies, even cartoons. Its timeless message shines through in this version of a "Scrooge" who is converted from selfishness to genuine love for his fellow man. 

A Christmas Story is set in the 1950/1960s era of wholesomeness. Raphie wants a Red Ryder BB Gun, but Mom is worried he'll shoot his eye out. This movie is hilarious and we have so many lines memorized! We laugh through the whole fun! Great family fun movie! 

Home Alone is another silly movie with a little boy who gets left behind when his parents head to Paris for Christmas. If you have a large family, the chaos will ring true and isn't every mother's fear that her child would be left behind. While Mom is hitching a ride with a polka band to get home to her beloved son, the little boy is shopping, cooking, ordering pizza, and defending his home from robbers. Super cute movie! 

Christmas with the Kranks is a hilarious movie starring Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis. With their daughter doing charity work in South America, the couple plans to take a cruise for Christmas and opt out of all their usual Christmas traditions. But, there has to be a twist! Their daughter tells them she is coming home with her brand new fiance so he can experience a traditional American Christmas. The Kranks have to get everything ready for their daughter in 24 hours. This is such a funny movie! 

Can you get ready for Christmas and homeschool at the same time?

Of course you can.  You can schedule everything perfectly and have the perfect balance of school, fun, and preparation. OR…

You can combine Christmas adventures and preparations as one big learning experience. 

How We Did It

Before the children got to high school, we always scheduled our subjects to take a break during December, except for math. We always worked on math at least 4 days of week during December except for Christmas week.

What did we do for school those weeks you ask?

Well, we learned about Christmas in other places or read favorite books aloud that led us on learning adventures. We also prepared for Christmas. We signed and addressed Christmas cards, decorated the house for Christmas inside and outside, caroled, attended Christmas events, participated in Christmas dramas, made gifts, shopped, wrapped gifts, mailed gifts, and did lots of baking.

Sometimes we enjoyed Christmas-focused unit studies that included reading, crafts, field trips, as well as Christmas preparations and fun.

Gift making is a great way to learn new skills and sharpen old ones. Woodworking, sewing, crafting, rug hooking, building with all kinds of materials, creative writing, poetry, watercolor, calligraphy, recording music, writing music, and all kinds of cooking and baking can be explored. And the best part: your gifts are being made and kids are learning at the same time!

Christmas Unit Studies

We had a blast with Christmas unit studies learning about Colonial Christmas, Christmas with Anne of Green Gables, Christmas in Israel, and Christmas in Victorian Times.  I share what we did over the years in this post: Christmas Unit Studies.

The secret to Christmas unit studies is to keep them simple and to include all your Christmas preparations. When we studied Christmas in Colonial America, we decorated the tree and house in a traditional colonial style. When we studied Christmas in Victorian Times, we pulled out the lace and burgundy roses.

Create Your Own Unit Study

Have I gotten you excited to create your own Christmas unit study? When I create a unit study at Christmas, I make a list of subjects I want to cover like writing, reading, reading aloud, history, etc. and then I make a list of preparations that need to be made, activities that we are participating in, and activities we’d like to do. I weave these lists together and keep it as simple as possible so that everyone can relax and enjoy Christmas.

Here are some ideas to create your own unit studies: Celebrate Christmas Unit Study and Christmas Lights Unit Study.

Here are more resources for you to Learn at Christmas:

Christmas Life Skill Training for Teens
Great Gift Idea: Scripture Memory Book
Christmas Tradition: Shoebox (a way to give to the poor in other nations)
Christmas Traditions: The Traveling Dinner
FREE Christmas Family Devotions

Until next time, Happy Homeschooling,
Warmly,
Meredith Curtis

Meredith Curtis, homeschooling mom, writer, speaker, and publisher, loves to encourage families in their homeschooling adventure. She is the author of Celebrate Christmas with Cookies Unit Study and Celebrate Christmas in Colonial America Unit Study. You can check out her books, curricula, unit studies, and Bible studies at PowerlineProd.com . Free Reading Lists for all ages are available at JSHomeschooling.com. Listen to her at Finish Well Radio
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I just finished reading God's Mail Volume 3 by Ron Hardin from God's Mail written by a pastor with a heart to encourage people in the Lord. 

To say that this book is a collection of poems is to miss the mark. This book is a collection of poetry that is completely based on the Word of God. In fact the book is laid out so that when you open it, you see a page of Scriptures on the left and the poem on the right.

The page of Bible verse is important because the passages address the topic. The poem is based on these Scriptures.

I loved the page of Scriptures. I felt so encouraged and inspired by them, especially in light of the topic covered. The poems are straight from the author's heart. The idea of each poem is to encourage the reader with spiritual truths. 

I felt eager to draw closer to the Lord after I read this book. I could really sense the author's heart to build up the Body of Christ. ​

Ron tackles a number of difficult issues including divorce, abortion, and everyday life survival. The poems are honest and transparent, not trying to impress, but rather to bless. 

I read the books and two of my adult daughters each read portions of the book. They could tell that the author had a heart to impact people with his poem. 

The book I read is a softcover edition, but you can also read it on Kindle. You notice that the book I reviewed is God's Mail Volume 3. This, of course means that there are two other volumes: God's Mail Volume 1 and God's Mail Volume 2. 

This book would make a great springboard for Bible study. Starting with the page of Scriptures, the reader could read through the passages and spend time in prayer based on the Bible verses. Then it's time to read the poem and find encouragement in life's challenging moments. 

You can purchase God's Mail Volume 3 ​at their website. 

It's nice to see a man reaching out to the Body of Christ with his passion for poetry based on Scripture. 

One way to explore literature at a deeper  level is to read a classic book and when everyone is finished reading the book, to watch the movie. 

I love classic literature! My book shelves are filled with classics that have been loved by many generations. I always look for ways to enjoy literature with my children and to dig a little deeper. 

We have found that discussing books in a book club type atmosphere is a great way to dig deeply into a work of literature. (You can read my blog post, Book Clubs Instead of Book Reports or listen my podcast Book Clubs Instead of Book Reports). 

Another way we have explored literature at a deeper level is to read the book and watch the movie. Next, comes the discussion part. We figure out all the ways the book and the movie are different. There is always so much to discover. Movie producers and screenwriters often make massive changes to reach their audience. 

Once we have our list of differences between the book and the movie, we discuss them. Which do we like better: the original book or the movie changes?

I have chosen 4 books that are fine works of classic literature. Each of them also have movies that are wholesome fun for the whole family to enjoy. 

Heidi by Johanna Spyri was written in 1880 and is set in Switzerland. Orphaned, she goes to live with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps where her charming ways win love and affection. Relatives become appalled by the sparse conditions she lives in with her Grandfather, so she is sent to Frankfort, Germany where she lives with her cousin, meeting Clara and her grandmother who leads her to Christ. 

Pollyanna by Eleanor Porter is set in America at the turn of the century. Orphaned, she is sent to live with her Aunt Polly . She turns the town upside=down with her sunny disposition. The movie is just as sweet as the book. It was produced in the 1960s. 

Mary Poppins by P. L. Travers is set in turn-of-the-century England. She is a nanny that comes to get the family back together. You will love the movie, too with all the enchanting adventures Mary takes the children on including drinking tea upside-down. 

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is another classic book that introduces the reader to a magical car and the magical adventures in that car. The movie is quite fun, too! 

Pollyanna by Eleanor Porter is an American classic about an orphaned missionary's daughter who delights the town of Harrington with the Glad Game. You can read Pollyanna and then watch the movie Pollyanna. 

Heidi was one of my favorite books growing up. I loved the way that Heidi impacted the people in her world. You can read the book Heidi and watch the the classic movie version Heidi. 

This is a fun story and movie. It's a great story to curl up and listen to and watch. You can read the book Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Ian Fleming or watch the movie ​Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. 

Mary Poppins is a British classic enjoyed by children for almost a century. You can read Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers and watch Mary Poppins Dvd. 

And if you want to dress up as Mary Poppins, put on a white blouse, black shirt, and your very own Mary Poppins hat.