A few Christmases ago, or rather a few holiday seasons ago, we started taking a break from strict schoolwork from the week of Thanksgiving through the week after New Year’s. I know this can feel really controversial, but we always fill our time. Having just finished this break again, I wanted to share why weContinueContinue reading “Why we Pause Formal Homeschool for the Holidays”
Tag Archives: idaho
Reflections & Recaps of 2025
Welcome 2026! I wanted to take a little bit of time to reflect back on 2025, have a more intimate look at the fast few years leading up to now. And this won’t be one of those disconnected, braggy posts where I tell you all the things we did and all the places we went,ContinueContinue reading “Reflections & Recaps of 2025”
Homeschool Field Trip Ideas for the Busy Family
This year we have some places we would really love to take the kids. But as we all know, life dictates what’s actually possible. With Chris and I both building businesses right now (he started a business back in August 2025 and I’m in a rebuild phase on my jewelry biz), we are most likelyContinueContinue reading “Homeschool Field Trip Ideas for the Busy Family”
Looking Forward to 2026
I hope you’ve had a wonderful holiday season, and Merry Christmas. Our home has been full of love, rest, and togetherness over the past few weeks, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. I hope your season has been filled with the same warmth and meaning as we pause, reflect, and prepare to step into aContinueContinue reading “Looking Forward to 2026”
Embracing Gratitude: My Journey as a Business Owner
The season of gratitude and reflection is here. As I navigate the season of life that I am in, I am truly grateful for the experiences I’ve had in the past year. I never planned or anticipated being a business owner. And while I’ve had my business for 9 years now, this past year isContinueContinue reading “Embracing Gratitude: My Journey as a Business Owner”
Black Friday Deals + Favorite Family Gifts
I know most of us think of Black Friday as the time when retailers offer huge discounts, but over the years I’ve discovered something even better: many of our favorite activities, memberships, and family experiences also run amazing Black Friday deals! If there’s a place you love taking your kids (or a place you wishContinueContinue reading “Black Friday Deals + Favorite Family Gifts”
Homeschooling Through the Holidays
One of our holiday traditions that was… ahem… lovingly forced upon me (insert sarcasm here) is our advent calendar. Several years ago, my mother-in-law gifted it to our kids — one of those adorable wooden ones with 25 tiny boxes you’re supposed to fill, starting on December 1st. Sweet, right? Except it’s also a lotContinueContinue reading “Homeschooling Through the Holidays”
How to Start Homeschooling: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Homeschool Moms
* This is not intended to be legal advice. Please conduct your own research for the laws concerning your area. If you’re thinking about starting homeschooling — whether your children are currently in public school or you’re beginning their education journey from the start — this post is for you. As a homeschooling mom ofContinueContinue reading “How to Start Homeschooling: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Homeschool Moms”
Fall & Fresh Starts: A Rios Family Life Update
I think it’s time for a little life update—just some things the Rios family has been up to lately! We had such a wonderful summer. We enjoyed the slower pace, the lack of schedule, and time on the water. We shared our trip to the Oregon Coast earlier this summer, and we also spent someContinueContinue reading “Fall & Fresh Starts: A Rios Family Life Update”
Yellowstone National Park: The Ultimate Homeschool Field Trip
Homeschooling gives us the freedom to learn anywhere — even in one of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the world. We recently took a trip to Yellowstone National Park. It was everything we thought it would be and more. Talk about kids learning and being excited about it!! The kids & adults were impressedContinueContinue reading “Yellowstone National Park: The Ultimate Homeschool Field Trip”