5 Family Friendly Hikes in Virginia

Hiking is a wonderful reason to get outside, exercise and reclaim your relationship with nature. It is not as stressful as one may think and the benefits of realigning your mental health is endless. As an avid hiker, with kids ranging in age from 13 to 4, I have learned to incorporate what I love into stress-free moments together. These five family friendly hikes are perfect to get you started!

Hike #1-The Noland Trail

Lion’s Bridge Access

Located: (100 Museum Dr. Newport News, VA) There are two ways to access this trail, one from the Mariners Museum and the other from Lion’s Bridge. I definitely prefer Lion’s bridge, because of water overlook access. This less than 5-mile hike is perfect for little people and the paths are easily manipulated. Wagons or jogging strollers are the best choice. Terrain is slightly uneven and some uphill. Our family was able to do this hike in 2 1/2 hours.

Preferred season is anytime, although a mild winter day helped us get outside and feel good afterwards!

Hike #2- Tom Rhodes Tree Carving Trail

1 of 80 tree carvings

Located: (211 Wallace St. Warsaw, VA) A wonderful just have fun exploring hike great for any age. Eighty carvings located throughout 11-acres of private property. Not to worry Tom invites the public to come explore his property, you may even get to meet the tree carver himself, as we did. The hard packed paths are NOT stroller/wheelchair accessible, as this is walking through a very natural forest. I recommend utilizing the laminated check off sheet provided, which is located next to the large tree you cannot miss in the front. We were finished within 1 1/2 hours.

Preferred season is spring, early summer or fall.

Hike #3- Windsor Castle

Annual Christmas Day Hike

Located: (705 Cedar St. Smithfield, VA) Just under 4-miles you can easily walk the trail without kids in 1/2 hour, with all aged kids plan on 2 hours. There are stopping points along the way, such as natural playgrounds, slides built into hills, overlook benches to take a break, bridges for crossing and lots of time for dawdling. Paths are difficult for strollers. I recommend a kid-backpack carrier or wagon. And do not forget about the many geocaches hidden throughout this trail, which will have you exploring off-the-beaten some.

Preferred season spring, early summer, fall and winter.

Hike #4- Fingers Lake Trail

Fingers Lake Trail

Located: (401 Kings Hwy. Suffolk, VA) This all ages trail is situated inside Lone Star Park and accessed from the equestrian trail. A beautiful quiet hike winding through a myriad of trees. It does parallel the water some, but one is truly secluded within your own self. Just under a 5-mile hike and can be completed in 2-hours or less. IF you have feral kids like I do this is the place to be! Don’t forget to geocache while hiking, there are some pretty cool caches in there.

Preferred season spring or fall, summer is high insects.

Hike #5- Grandview Nature Preserve

Beginning of Water Access

Located: (State Park Dr, Hampton, VA) A 15-minute walk leads you to a beautiful isolated spot featuring access to the bay. Great for all ages and stroller friendly, until you reach the sand. It feels like an endless walk on the beach with a plethora of shells, wildlife, and beauty. Plan on a few hours, take a picnic, blanket and just enjoy a very quiet piece of nature.

Preferred season spring, summer or fall. Note: summer foot-traffic may be unusually higher and NO bathrooms.

“Today I have grown taller from walking with the trees.” ~Karen Wilson Baker

There are no words when your relationship with nature becomes a place to breathe, think and unwind. I find my mental health is restored when I spend time enjoying what was created on this earth! Learn to take pleasure in the beauty of silence, and teach your children to do the same with these 5-family friendly hikes.

~~Simply Passionate~~

Breakfast Challenge

Challenge yourself with how you view breakfast in the morning. Start your day with a protein smoothie, apple frittata, homemade waffles, quinoa pancakes or some warm biscuits. Each recipe is made with just a touch of honey. Thanks to Nature Nates for providing this mouth-watering breakfast challenge!

(Recipes have been slightly altered from the original Nature Nates recipe)

MONDAY- CHOCOLATE PROTEIN SMOOTHIE

• 1 Banana
• 2 Tbsp Peanut Butter or Nut Butter
• 1/2 Cup Plain Yogurt
• 2 Tbsp Honey
• 1 Scoop Chocolate Protein Powder
• 1/2 cup Milk
• Handful of Spinach
• Ice

Blend all ingredients together and enjoy!

TUESDAY- APPLE FRITTATA

FRITTATA INGREDIENTS:

• 3 Eggs, room temperature
• ½ Cup Milk
• ¼ cup Heavy Cream
• 1 Tbsp Honey
• 1 Tbsp Cornstarch
• Pinch of Salt
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• 2 Tbsp Butter

TOPPING INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
• 2 Apples, peeled and sliced into half inch pieces
• 1/2 Cup Honey
• 2 tsp Lemon Juice
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp Cloves
• 1 tsp Cornstarch
• 1 tsp Water

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat oven to 400°
2. Put butter in an oven proof skillet & melt for 2-minutes.
3. Whisk eggs, milk and cream, honey, salt, vanilla, and cornstarch until well combined.
4. Remove hot skillet from oven and pour egg mixture inside. Bake for 10 minutes.
5. Make the topping by heating the remaining butter in a sauce pan: add the apples, honey, and lemon juice and sauté until apples soften.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch with the water, then add to the apples and stir until combined and the sauce thickens.
7. Pour over the baked frittata, serve & enjoy!

WEDNESDAY- QUINOA PANCAKES

INGREDIENTS:

• 3/4 Cup Prepared Quinoa
• 3/4 cup Oat or Almond flour
• 2 Eggs, beaten
• 1 and 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 1 Tbsp Lemon
• 1 Tbsp Poppy Seeds
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 3 Tbsp Honey
• 3/4 Cup Milk
• 1 Cup Strawberries

DIRECTIONS:

1. Stir all ingredients together, except for berries.
2. Heat griddle & spray with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Serve with warm syrup, strawberries and enjoy!

THURSDAY- HOMEMADE WAFFLES with HONEY BERRY CREME

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 Eggs
• 1 1/2 Cups Buttermilk
• 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 1 Tbsp Honey
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 Cup Butter, melted

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a food processor combine cream cheese, berries, almond extract, honey & salt. Set aside.
2. Beat eggs. Stir in honey, baking soda, baking powder, salt & butter. Add milk and flour until just combined.
3. Pour mixture onto heated waffle iron. Makes 8 waffles.
4. Spread honey creme over waffle, serve and enjoy!

FRIDAY- BUTTERMILK BISCUITS with HONEY BUTTER

BISCUIT INGREDIENTS:

• 2 1/2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
• 3 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 5 Tbsp Cold Butter
• 5 Tbsp Vegetable Shortening or Butter
• 1/3 Cup Honey
• 2/3 Cup Buttermilk

HONEY BUTTER INGREDIENTS:

• 4 Tbsp Honey
• 4 Tbsp Butter, room temperature
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp Lemon

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 450°
2. Whisk together flour baking powder and salt.
3. With a pastry cutter or fork, combine butter and shortening into flour mixture until it resembles small peas.
4. Whisk honey and buttermilk together. Pour into flour mixture. Stir gently until just combined.
5. Gather dough into balls and pat into rectangles on a floured surface.
6. Using a biscuit cutter, cut one dozen biscuits.
7. Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until deep golden.
8. While biscuits are baking, make honey butter in a food processor.
9. Serve warm and enjoy!

Life can get very routine, so change it up with these five Nature Nate recipes. Challenge yourself to go the extra mile in the morning, because it is worth every moment your mouth savors each morsel of goodness! Oh, and just for fun add something pretty to the table to make you mentally smile. Let me know how you challenged yourself this week by making one or all five recipes.

~~SIMPLY PASSIONATE~~

Deplorable Customer Service

So the worlds in the middle of a pandemic, kindness has escaped people to act with a respectful manner, especially businesses!

What is the justification behind harassing families who are paying the salaries of employees who seek employment?

Our country has turned citizens against each other, and with no regard for kindness. Customer service has lost its appeal within the hearts and minds of people. It seems anywhere you frequent someone is being harassed. The stories are endless and daily occurrences.

Frustration is the new norm. And ‘love mercy’ is hard to live out.

Part of me knows fear is the underlying cause, which justifies others actions to be less than ideal, yet the other part is spiritual.

The ‘forces’ working behind the scenes to get people to conform is unnerving. And conflicts arise when least expected, between people who would otherwise never even care.

It’s the customer service everywhere lacking luster. Kindness is traded for disdain. And just when you least expect it you become a victim, falling prey to someone who crosses the line. Each isolated case becomes a personal sabotage by businesses who openly express justifying employees who do this.

There is absolutely ZERO tolerance to be treated with prejudice hatefulness!

Covid19 is not a license to act anyway you please. Fear does not justify evil intentions. Politics are not the root cause of all one’s problems. It’s your soul and lack of internal peace!

Controlling other people is tyranny. And I stand against what businesses are trying to make the mainstream population live out.

I for one have personally experienced the ‘victimization’ by an employee who will die on the hill if compliance is not followed. The anger behind her eyes was a force to be reckoned with, and yet she continues working applauded by management…...

Since when does a company ALLOW such behavior? What is the motivation behind ticking people off to the point they leave?

I find the Science Museum of Richmond to hire employees with such deplorable customer service.

A family experience turned into a nightmare all because of the actions of several employee’s representing this business. Will management rescue the patron or the employee, that is yet to be determined.

Pandemic or no pandemic impeccable customer service still stands for the representation of what a business is all about.

And it grieves me to see this country collapse over a virus.

Employees are NOT responsible for treating patrons like a parent-child relationship, for that I draw the line.

So how does a business separate the political world from personal belief systems in an employee? I’m not sure it can be done.

However one way to raise the standard is to keep customers happy by going the extra mile. This would take training employees to be generously kind in ALL situations. Making sure to treat people with feelings and NOT as objects of control. But it trickles down from leadership.

If leadership cannot get their act together and run a company with warmth, care and concern for the employees then it’s only a matter of time before the customer feels the effects.

I will not endorse the ignorance of businesses who turn a blind eye, and employees who represent them!

Think twice before you give your money to any business whose underlying nature is selfish gain, especially the Science Museum of Richmond.

~~Simply Passionate~~

CrossTimber Gifts (Review)

(Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.)

Give a personalized gift this holiday season with CrossTimber’s Name Bookmarks and AmazingName Print Activity Sheets. Nothing says love like uniquely designed presents personalized with attention to detail. And if your child’s name is one of a kind than they will treasure this even more.

~I was so excited to surprise my family with name bookmarks and activity sheets, because their names were distinctively given to them. Unfortunately, having unique names makes for difficulty in finding any objects with their name on it. Not anymore thanks to CrossTimber!

When their name bookmarks showed up in the mailbox I had no idea how truly excited they would be when I presented each child with their own bookmark, especially my horse lover.

Each child was all smiles and even squealed with delight. Their immediate response was to find their favorite book and place this newly given treasure in between the pages.

As avid readers these personalized bookmarks were truly the perfect gift!

It was extremely effortless creating these literature masterpieces, because of their personality, favorite color or personal interest In thirty minutes I had all five bookmarks designed. The hardest part was choosing which breed of horse.

Once the type of bookmark has been selected choose how it will look with a presidential quote, famous author quote, Bible verse, character quality definition, or your own custom text.

The name is presented at the top and underneath is the meaning and design. There are several designs to choose from aligning with the recipient’s personality.

Designs include: Graduation, Sports, Baby Theme, Outdoor, Patriotic, Faith and Inspiration, Meaningful Symbols, Lighthouses and Castles, Musical Instruments, Celtic/Irish/Gaelic, Sweethearts and Couples, Imaginative, Occupations, Boy Scouts and Stamps, Flowers, Scenic Landscapes, Sunrises and Sunsets, Ocean/Water/Beaches, Leaves and Trees, Butterflies, Lions/Tigers/Rams, Doves and Eagles, Horses and Cowboys, Lambs and Sheep, Kittens/Elk/Elephants and more.

Bookmarks are photo-grade, laminated, heavy 10PT gloss cardstock, 6.5 x 2 in size. Proudly made in the USA!

Discounts apply when ordering large quantities.

Optional: Your uniquely created bookmark can also be ordered as a name card, wide bookmark, or greeting card. And additional features include: ribbon, corner design, or both, email proof and custom text on front and back.

Customer Service chat box is available for any questions you may have when designing your bookmark. I personally guarantee someone will respond, as I had several questions myself and a prompt response was ensured within a day.

This gift is also an excellent way to find out the meaning of the recipient’s name. Even the most challenging names CrossTimber is able to find a positive, authentic meaning.

It is remarkable when you present a name gift to someone who had no idea their name had meaning, especially children.

Also available are these activity sets specifically designed to engage your child’s learning in a most creative way.

Amazing Activity Sets Include:

• Your child’s name personalized over eighty times.
• Twenty-five plus pages of mazes, word-searches, coloring pages and handwriting pages.
• Fun and colorful characters, featuring the Amazing Name Cartoon.
• Printable PDF file or mail ordered.
• Easy instructions accommodating different levels of children aged 3-12.
• Each activity is designed to help your child learn.

Delight recipients of all ages by giving them a gift of identity with Name Bookmarks designed by CrossTimber this holiday season. Or speak their love language in volumes with AmazingName Activity Sets. A little personalization goes a long way in a relationship!

~~Simply Passionate~~

*Be sure to visit the Homeschool Review Crew to read more reviews by CrossTimber.

Truth Becomes Her (Review)

(Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.)

The Adventures of Rooney Cruz RINGLEADERS produced by Truth Becomes Her is a fresh new approach to morning devotionals and reading the Bible. Girls of all ages are taken on an adventure with six women in the New Testament to discover how to use their voice in times of uncertainty.

Each story is profound in meaning, laden with truth and bravery. It takes courage to discover God’s hidden message behind each person’s journey. And one thing still rings true today for everyone everywhere, His word never fails.

From the author Erin Weidemann, “Here’s to you, Little Belle, and to learning what it means to be a ringleader: a girl whose life, love, and leadership come together in perfect harmony to make the impact in the world that only she can make.”

I invite your family to find out how the Ringleaders (Elizabeth, Mary, Samaritan woman, Mary and Martha, and Mary Magdalene) will change your daughters life!

Through wonderful illustrations, large printed text, glossy pages, and hardcover, this book lets each girl uncover every story in an exciting way.

Let me introduce you to Rooney Cruz, a little girl who somehow always finds herself in a predicament of sorts. The setting takes place in school, so every girl can identify with this in some way, even if they are home educated. And Rooney’s guide throughout the entire book is Mari, an angel. Together the two of them will discover the secret meaning of truth behind each Woman of God and how Rooney can apply it to her current situation.

Your daughter will learn the concepts of trust, true obedience, faith, believing in the impossible, discernment and the power of prayer. What a beautiful way to nurture their spirit and delight their senses all in one.

~Our family was already familiar with the Bible Belles individual book series, as we paired these with a scouting patch program. So when the Ringleaders book was written we were more than thrilled to review this.

My 5th grade student was elated when The Adventures of Rooney Cruz Ringleaders showed up in the mailbox. In one sitting she had the entire book read, because she just could not put it down. My 3rd grade student and I read the book together as a read aloud. Although the simple sentence structure allowed her to feel confident to read a lot of it on her own to me. Each story has a powerful message and we knew once we started reading it would be difficult to stop.

Both girls loved all nine chapters and were disappointed when the story came to an end. I was pleased with their willingness to read independently.

There is a scripture at the end of each chapter for further exploration and discussion. And if you have your daughter cross reference the scripture with the Bible version she owns its a bonus for learning different words used to accomplish the same meaning.

Incorporating this book into your daughters life is fairly simple. Use as a read aloud, Bible curriculum or begin teaching her to read a chapter at a time during her quiet times. Explore the actual Bible story, read it and compare with the Ringleaders story. There is also a study guide, which parallels with the book, a devotional for girls, as well as a journal for mothers/grandmothers and daughters to work through together, and a Ringleaders coloring book for kinesthetic learners.

• 

There are so many ways to utilize this resource well. Don’t worry I am certain your daughter will creatively think of something!

Give your daughter the power to find her voice through discovery of six women who changed history. Reading The Adventures of Rooney Cruz RINGLEADERS by Truth Becomes Her will change who she is and give her insight into who she wants to become in the future.

~~Simply Passionate~~

*Be sure to visit the Homeschool Review Crew to read more reviews by Truth Becomes Her.

Who is Fighting for Your Freedom?

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I believe my girls will always remember this day, I know I will.

Today was a moment to remember as my children and I met Emily Brewer, Delegate for the state of Virginia. To describe her is a reminder of why I am passionate about everything I do in life, because she alludes PASSION.

For once I felt confident that THIS politician represents MY FAMILY, MY CHOICES and MY FREEDOM well. Not only does she support pro-life whole-heartedly, but she stands for the voiceless……which is US ‘the people.’

So much transpires behind capital doors and only select individuals are privy to this political arena. Emily Brewer believes to make a difference in regards to every decision, every bill, and every vote she makes. She is truly for the people of Virginia.

Spending time with her today was an absolute delight, reason being I was able to glimpse into who she really is as a person. She is real and personable, which makes my confidence that much stronger.

I believe everything happens for a reason, and my girls were able to see a woman who plays the role of politician well. Unfortunately not all in governmental leadership understand the constitution enough to BOLDLY stand against corruption. Some are invested in themselves only to gain access to power, control, money and fame. This is NOT how this country was built and often I am ashamed at those in political authority who neglect their first responsibility to be the ‘voice for the people.’

Of course if you are not spending time with the people, do not live where they live, and talk with those in your community then you have no knowledge of the heart and strength of those who vote!

Do you know who is defending your state’s freedom? Today I met someone who lives out what she believes. For as long as Emily is in office the ‘people’s freedom’ will be protected.

Whether you agree or disagree at her political stance, one thing you can surely agree upon is the fact that Emily is proud to represent the ‘voiceless’ and defend what was set into place at the forming of this nation. No one wants a political leader to stay silent when the majority is crying out against bills being passed unconstitutionally. And I for one STAND with this passionate woman who rises to the occasion and declares her voice, my voice, be heard!

Thank you Emily Brewer for who you are and may you always live by your convictions.

As Election Day approaches, you better know who’s fighting for your families freedom!

~~Simply Passionate~~

Thinkwell Homeschool Algebra 1 Online Program (Review)

(Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.)

Thinkwell Homeschool is a revolutionary new way to introduce your student to THINKWELL’S INSTRUCTOR-LED ALGEBRA 1 online program. A full curriculum for independent learning by the student, yet instructors are easily accessible for teaching concepts missed.

What is Thinkwell Homeschool?

• Courses designed with flexibility in mind. Access any course, from anywhere at anytime.
• Designed as a 12-month subscription.
• Extensions are available in 1, 3, or 6-month for additional purchase, if a student needs more time.
• Two options for working through the program: Daily lessons readily available for a week-by-week process OR student works at their own pace.
• Video course lessons are five to ten minutes in length, which helps the student visualize and conceptualize key ideas, definitions and important ideas. Printable transcripts, as well as closed captioning are also an option.
• Graded exercises with explanations for drill and practice are excellent for reinforcing concepts learned throughout the videos.
• Printable worksheets give all types of learners a hands-on approach to practical application.
• Quizzes and tests are graded instantly for immediate feedback to the student and parent.
• Parent progress reports.
• Completion certificates are to celebrate success and used within record keeping transcripts.

~My 8th grade student has been using Thinkwell Homeschool for the last six weeks. And let me tell you this has been the BIGGEST blessing to our family. Even though I understand Algebra 1, as a teacher to other students, I have very little time to explain concepts missed. This program has taken so much pressure off of me and I feel confident they are teaching a solid foundation to my student.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday my student is utilizing worksheets, videos, and daily lessons independently. Then on Tuesday and Thursday there are accessible LIVE instructors for 1-hour for any problems or concepts my student may be having.

My student has utilized this resource several times already and gains confidence each time they reinforce the skills learned. It is truly a win-win for everyone!

The customer service is impeccable in every way too! When we first subscribed to this online program using an iPad, we had quite a bit of troubleshooting to do in order for this program to work effectively. (We were using an older iPad, which may have made a difference for all the problems).

My email’s had a response of a 24-hour turn around time, they were extremely patient with my lack of technology knowledge, and managed to help correct error messages within the iPad. AND because my laptop was having trouble printing the daily lessons, I was sent a hardcopy for my student to work through.

Thinkwell customer service has gone above and beyond to ensure my student has been still learning this entire six weeks AND I could not be more grateful for their genuine concern, care, and immediate attention to every detail within this online program. As a mom/teacher I highly recommend this program to any family who is struggling to succeed in Algebra 1.

WE will continue to utilize Thinkwell Homeschool
for Algebra 2 and Geometry when that time approaches.

Give your student the independence needed to confidently explore THINKWELL’S INSTRUCTOR-LED ALGEBRA 1 and rest assured that Thinkwell Homeschool will do a fantastic job giving them a solid mathematics foundation.

~~Simply Passionate~~

*Be sure to visit the Homeschool Review Crew to read more reviews by Thinkwell Homeschool.

Keeping Authenticity With An Influencing Market

In a world where bloggers dominate the industry for brand advertisement, AUTHENTICITY is imperative for companies represented.  Yet, oftentimes Top Influencer’s are representing companies in which they would never shop the brand advertised.   A shameless tactic for money, marketing and followers!  Instead, an ‘Authentic Voice’ needs to overpower the blogging industry with responsibility attached to the content creator.

It Is Imperative To Know The Influencer, And How They Impact Their Corner Of The World!

Musik at Home (Review)

(Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.)

Music is an art of sound in time that expresses ideas and emotions through rhythm, melody, harmony, and color. Musik at Home Membership created by Musik at Home is a delightful way to expose children, from birth to age seven, to music appreciation.

What is Musik at Home?

• Illuminates your child’s development through music education.
• Music classes are in the privacy of your own home. No commute time!
• Flexibility of times and days are based on the families schedule and routine.
• One membership per family.
• Membership allows for multiple classes to be viewed at one sitting.
• Each class can be modified based on the child’s age and development.
• Household supplies can be substituted for any object used within the video.
• Unlimited access to over 400 musical activities, singing games, rhythmic movement, and imaginative musical stories.
• A good internet connection is needed for streaming videos through Vimeo OTT.
• An open-ended early childhood curriculum, which can be used at anytime, anyplace or from anywhere.
• Grown-up participation is strongly encouraged, and ideal for grandparents too.
• Affordable classes for all types of family to formulate music literacy in children birth thru age seven.
• Optional for purchase include: lyric books, orchestrated CD’s/digital downloads, and simple instruments.
• Kathryn Brunner an early childhood educator with a license and certification in Musikgarten.

Classes available for your child to participate in are: Family Music for Babies & Toddlers, Family Music for Preschoolers, Family Music for Mixed Ages, Family Music for Ages 4-7, Family Music for Christmas, Finger Independence, Instruments, Dance, Singing Games, Call and Respond, Graphic Notation, Ages 3-5, Songs for Special Days, Scarves, Rhythm Sticks, Babies & Toddlers, and Ages 1-5.

Each class is designed for the parent to choose the length of video, in which they have time for in their daily routine.

What better way to expose your child to the gift of music but through songs, dance, body movement, finger play, simple instruments, games, and colors of art. And you spend your time engaged with the child for as long as they will linger.

~My child is in between toddler and preschool age, so I chose Family Music for mixed ages. The first time viewing she sat spellbound and motionless, and the length of the video was five minutes. She insisted we watch another class immediately, in which we did. This viewing was a little more engaged with letting me use her hands to follow the instructors motions and body movements of rocking. Sitting on my lap the entire time helped her to feel secure and loved. Even though she was still apprehensive to engage fully, we both thoroughly enjoyed spending this isolated time together, because as the youngest she often feels her world is always engaged in older activities. These music classes helped both of us focus on her current age and development.

This music curriculum was easy to incorporate into a busy home educating household once a week, and my child looked forward to her special day with me.

One of my favorite aspects about these music classes is the diversity of children of all ages, gender and ethnicity. This is what captured my child’s attention the most by observing the other children and their behavior with musical movements.

Kathryn Brunner is an early childhood educator who is passionate about child development and music literacy. Musik at Home combines both of her passions in an exciting, creative, imaginative and fun way for every child to appreciate the importance of music. She really brings each video to life through her voice and interactions. And I would highly recommend trying a Musik at Home Membership for children birth to age seven.

There is no better time than to give the gift of music to a developing child!

~~Simply Passionate~~

*Be sure to visit the Homeschool Review Crew to read more reviews by Musik at Home.

Land of Enchantment New Mexico

Family friendly southwest, where experiences are endless, vast landscapes beg to be explored, and the International Balloon Fiesta take to the skies!  This is True Albuquerque. 

A place unlike any other, known for its rich history, culture and chilis of course!  It is here a thousand moments become a lifetime of memories.  New Mexico at its finest and why kids of all ages will enjoy the adventure.