how to travel gluten free by air

My daughter Grace and I are in Cancun, Mexico to take part in a fantastic Homeschool Excursion with Azul Hotels  (we're staying at the Azul Sensatori - I cannot wait to share with you all the awesome education and homeschool adventures. You can follow our journey on my instagram at finding_joy). I feel really blessed by the opportunity to be able to spend time with her, and the opportunity to travel and see the world in different ways. During this trip, I'm working hard to document what it is like to travel gluten free internationally and by air. Traveling internationally eating gluten free presents its own set of challenges, but it truly can be done - with planning. And patience. ~Rachel

Here are Five Things to Remember about Traveling Gluten Free by Air.

1. It is not easy. Plain and simple traveling gluten free takes work, research, and some planning ahead. In fact, even as I sit here on the plane high above the earth on my way to Atlanta I've realized that I've forgotten several of the gluten free snacks that I raced around yesterday to purchase. Bottom line - write a list and check the list because you will get busy before you leave. (Point Two will list the items on the list).

I think a good portion of the battle is simply understanding that it will take work.If you recognize that it will take work, except the fact that it will take work, and then move on, then it actually helps to diffuse a bit of the stress.

2. Make a list. Make the list otherwise you will forget. I learned this especially with international travel. Finding gluten free foods in other countries is not easy - especially if there is a language barrier. Often I would just tell chefs that I cannot eat wheat, but as you know, gluten free means not eating wheat, barley, rye, or sometimes oats. If I was traveling with my son Samuel, who has Celiac Disease, it would add another layer of complexity to the communication about gluten free foods issue. So make a list. Include on it these simple things: Bread (I always bring Udi's), crackers, trail mix, protein bars (I love Lara Bars), a treat item (gluten free Oreos anyone? You can actually get them at Trader Joe's - Gluten Free JoJo's).

Also, bring gluten free sunscreen (make sure to either check them or have them small enough to be in your carry on bag) and medicines as well. Labeling is different so it's best to bring as much as you can and to still pack light. In fact, I've discovered that I often come home with LESS stuff since I pack food to bring.

3. Most airlines do not have gluten free options. So pack accordingly. That being said most airports do not have gluten free options as well. I've been known to order just lettuce or hummus on lettuce and so forth. It's just the way that it is - and I'd rather order that then get sick. There are some apps that will help you find gluten free options, but I've found that unless you have a long layover it's most of the times not feasible time wise to race around the airport trying to find the gluten free venue. Delta has been very willing to help find gluten free options for me. And make sure to check the peanuts - on some airlines I've discovered that there is wheat starch coating the nuts. Bottom line? Read, read, read, and read the labels.

So this is where the snacks, which I forgot most of, come in. Pack well. And remember number two on the list. :)

4. Be prepared to talk often about gluten free. I make it a point to talk with the chefs at restaurants about their gluten free options. I will talk about how they prepare their food, if they have a dedicated fryer, and what the risks of cross contamination are as well. Talk about it. Most people want to learn about gluten free living and Celiac Disease and this is a great way to share.

But, have patience. We as a community need to share gluten free knowledge in a manner that is not entitled, but rather one of wanting to spread awareness. With each conversation we spread more awareness. So lets be a voice of kindness, teaching, and thankfulness for what is being learned and what will be learned.

5. Know that eating gluten free can still be enjoyable - it's perspective. I know that sometimes it feels really daunting to travel and eat gluten free especially when there is an abundance of culinary delights. I've had that happen. And in those times when I've been overwhelmed or longing for something different I think back to why I eat gluten free. I remember my son Samuel deathly ill and the battle for diagnosis and how grateful I was when he started thriving.  He started to thrive because he no longer eats gluten. That's the perspective I have and why when I get discouraged I push on. Remember why you're gluten free. And maybe it's really really hard - let yourself grieve a bit - and then look for things that you can eat and can enjoy.

Five simple things to remember when traveling gluten free - they work for both domestic and international. As  the week progresses I will be sharing more, but make sure to connect with me on the Udi's Gluten Free Community Boards as well. I'm over there asking and answering questions and really stating that you can find a new normal in the gluten free world.

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95 Things to do with Kids Under Five

Have toddlers? A preschooler or two? And are you looking for simple things to do?

Today I'm listing some favorite activities to do with those kids under five. Those days when you have little ones in your home are certainly some of the most busy years but also some of the sweetest years as they have an exuberance and joy about them.

All the pictures are from my instagram feed - find me there at finding_joy. :)

1. Blow bubbles.

2. Invest in a good go-to book of ideas. I love the series Five in a Row. Highly recommended.

3. Crayons and paper.

4. Markers and paper for those of you who love to live a bit boldly.

5. Paint and paper for those of you ready to practically ready to bungee jump through the day.

6. Let them help you bake. 

7. Teach them to crack an egg. Expect a mess, but a joy filled preschooler.

8. Teach them how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

9. Make hopscotch in your kitchen.

10. Go for a walk.

11. Chase shadows.

12. Go for a walk, chase shadows, blow bubbles, and have a race.

13. Go on a nature hunt.

14. Work on reading. I totally recommend and LOVE All About Reading. {affiliate link}

15. Work on reading and painting.

16. Teach the letters of the alphabet.

17. Work on writing the letters of the alphabet.

18. Make a treasure hunt.

19. Institute nap time. Or at least rest time.

20. Have a friend come over.

21. Read books.

22. Read more books.

23. Have them "read" the books to you back.

24. Act out the books.

25. Go swinging.

26. Rest in the grass, on a non-rainy day, and look at the clouds.

27. Listen to music.

28. Dance in your living room.

29. Listen to their stories.

30. Let them pick out lunch. 

31. Take them to the bookstore.

32. Take them to the library.

33. Sort through your toys.

34. Play with blocks.

35. Make patterns with the matchbox cars.

36. Practice counting. Use simple things.

37. Practice adding. It's just like counting, just make them add the two groups together.

38. Let them wash dishes in the sink.

39. Let them help fold towels.

40. Take them for a drive.

41. Take them for a drive while you go to get coffee.

42. Take them for a drive while you go to get coffee and let them get a kid's temp cocoa or apple juice.

43. Go to the garden center.

44. Let them push the cart when you shop.

45. Play dress up.

46. Let them use glue. And if you're bold get out the glitter.

47. If you use glitter have them shake it in a pan so the glitter doesn't get everywhere.

48. Do simple science experiments with them.

49. Plant a garden.

50. Talk about the seasons.

51. Trace their hands and write down things they say in them.

52. Watch a movie. Media is okay. Freedom. 

53. Fill a bird feeder.

54. Get a bird feeder kit and make a bird feeder.

55. Run, or at least let them run.

56. Have a no smiling contest.

57. Teach them to fold socks.

58. Teach them how to put away the silverware. No sharp knives, of course.

59. Take funny pictures with them.

60. Take funny videos. 

61. Make maps.

62. Learn about clouds.

63. Make model clouds.

64. Play legos.

65. Tell a story with legos.
66. Let them help you dust.
67. Teach them how to say I love you in different languages.

68. Look for red (choose any color) things in your home.
69. Play catch.
70. Tape their name on paper and have them color around it.

71. Pick flowers. 

72. Pick flowers and give some to your neighbors.

73. If you can't pick them, go to Trader Joe's and buy some for $3.99. {love that store}

74. Count to 100.
75. Teach counting by twos.
76. Let them help you wash the walls.
77. Teach them to tie their shoes.
78. Teach them how to set the table.
79. Make a fort.
80. Let them play with flashlights.

81. Make shadow puppets on the wall.
82. Bring a stack of books in the living room and read them all.
83. Let them take a bubble bath.
84. Go to Target {if you're feeling brave}.
85. Play with chalk outside.
86. Draw chalk roads and a town for them to play in.
87. Play hide and seek.
88. Let them play with the pots and pans and measuring cups.
89. Play Memory.

90. Act out different animals.
91. Get out the playdough.{which for us is gluten free}
92. Have them tell you their favorite things.
93. Hold them.
94. Simply sit and watch them. They grow.

95. Give yourself a gold star. Kids under five take work. :)

What activities would you add?

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My Well Planned Day Digital {Giveaway & Review}

You know how I write about letting the planner and the schedule go at times, right? Well, there's a truth that's implied in that statement. That truth? That there is a plan. I may not be the world's best planner, but I do recognize the value in having a plan and truly do function better when I do have a plan. And to have a plan, one must have a planner. :)

For years I've use The Well Planned Day planner as the go-to planner. How could I not? It's gorgeous, artsy, and worked perfectly for my family. Well, this year I'm going to be using the Well Planned Day Digital Planner. Which, by the way, is perfect for me. In case you haven't realized I tend to gravitate towards things media driven.

I've been given the opportunity to explore, try out, and review this awesome program. Now, please note that I haven't actually added anything to my planner yet {I might have been in NYC} but I have had time to play around with it and begin to set it up for the year. I've added subjects that each of the kids are studying and have started creating a basic structure for the year.

First cool thing I noticed? There is space for me to add ALL of my children. This is huge. No longer do I have to scrunch them together, or have them share a line, or get two planners - with The Well Planned Day Digital I can have them all on one planner. Insert sigh of relief and ultimate sigh for feeling organized. It is a huge blessing to be able to see all my kids schedules in one spot.

Get this: these are just some of the categories that can help you feel ultra organized - Budgeting, Calendar, Chores, Menu, Memories, Projects, Shopping, ToDos {ah, the list I write so much about}, all in addition to all the homeshool planning tools.  It's the physical planner on my screen. With the ability to transfer subjects without erasing, erasing, erasing, and adding new lines. I might just know how that happens.

This year? I will be using My Well Planned Day Digital. Feel free to ask questions how it's going and where I am on track. I just need a go-to reference guide for my day and week otherwise I really do feel like I'm just treading water or racing behind. This digital edition of My Well Planned Day will be my daily go-to guide.

Want to buy it? 
I was given a coupon code to share with you all - simply type in 09wpdblog12 to save $15 off of the $65 purchase price {code is case sensitive}. 

Would you like to win your own copy of My Well Planned Day?
Enter via Rafflecopter below!

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This giveaway is not connected to any social media site. All reviews and opinions are my own. I received a copy of My Well Planned Day in exchange for a fair and honest review. Graphic images are courtesy of HEDUA. All photographic images are my own. This giveaway, due to international sweepstake laws is ONLY open to US Residents. 

10 Questions I'm Asked. Often.

I'm part of a top ten get to know you what questions are you asked  link up today. I've gathered up some of the many questions I'm asked and listed them below and included a link to a post that further answers each question. So it's like a mini-interview today.  And I started with that picture of me again standing in the meadow where life looks strangely calm and yet I know that it's only like that for a minute so I'm smirking instead of really smiling...Grin.

1. Do you sleep? {there's no guilt in rest}
Yes, seriously, I've been asked that question. I happen to be one of those people that can get by on very little sleep - I stay up late and rise early. In fact, for me, it's actually a bit of a challenge to sit still -- which is probably why I write a great deal about grace, and letting go of perfection, and not comparing. I've also been known to sneak in needed naps on weekends.

2. When do you find time to write? {why do you write?}
I tend to write either very late at night or very early in the morning. Often, I'll write the main portion of my post at night and then work hard in the morning to get the links, pictures, and nitty-gritty details added. I do, however, have pieces of scrap paper scattered where I'll write tidbits from my day that inspire my writing. Including, grin, a bit of truth from my recent crazy walk to the park with all of my boys that turned into almost a comedy of errors.

3. Why intentional living and intentional parenting? {10 Days of Intentional Parenting}
My journey with living intentionally was ignited in the years following my husband's cancer diagnosis. While he was going through treatment many things in our life crumbled, including finances, and I began to realize that either I would become bitter or I would live a life of joy that is not dependent upon the circumstances around me. So, I began to focus on living intentionally and recognizing the gift found in the every day little things. I would force myself to find good in the midst of challenge, and after a while this became a habit and a way of life that I want to share.

4. Why do you homeschool? {our groove. 10 facts about how we homeschool}
Honestly? I don't have a great clear convicted answer. We started homeschooling when Hannah was young and in kindergarten, and then we moved for a bit to San Diego so we kept homeschooling because it was the middle of the year. Then when we moved back we thought just one more year and then, well, here we are -- homeschooling is simply a lifestyle for us now. I am grateful for all the years that we've been able to spend together and don't take them for granted.

5. What are your top posts? {dear moms with littles}
My Dear Mom letters are some of the most shared posts that I've written. I believe mothers are looking for encouraging words in a busy and competitive world and that these letters speak to women's hearts. Often, when I'm writing them, I'm writing them from the perspective of what I need to hear during the day or if I was having a conversation in a coffee shop with a friend. Posts dealing with Celiac Disease are a close second. That is truly humbling to me as often it's parents looking for advice on Celiac Disease and how to live gluten free in a gluten full world.

6. How did you know Samuel was sick? {what I learned. how I fought. what I did.}
This one pulls at my mother's heart. Samuel, prior to being diagnosed with Celiac Disease, was sick every 3 weeks on the dot. He was chronically dealing with croup, pneumonia, and strep. On top of all of that he had severe problems with his bowels that wouldn't clear up no matter what we did. Towards the end, right before he ended up in the hospital, he was fading right before our eyes. He could no longer walk around, would sleep most of the day, and wouldn't eat anymore. I knew that something was seriously wrong when my husband told me {about one week before he was hospitalized} that he was afraid that we were losing Samuel. Those were some of the scariest weeks of my life as we knew something was wrong yet we had no diagnosis.

7. What can you tell me about Celiac Disease? {one year. the celiac disease fight}
Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease where the body cannot process any form of gluten. Gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye, and oats - or as I say - almost all foods found in the grocery store that are in a box. For an individual diagnosed with Celiac Disease they can never cheat and eat gluten as gluten destroys the villi that line that gastro track. These villi absorb nutrients, and when they are damaged or blunted {from gluten}the individual doesn't absorb nutrients and starves. Also, for cases like my Samuel, the immune system as a whole is compromised and therefore they become very prone to infections. Once Samuel went gluten free he began to grow and the chronic infections halted. He still lives with an immunes system that is slightly compromised, and when he gets ill he gets much sicker than everyone else. Today? I am grateful for his diagnosis and health.

8. Why do you write about joy? {so what's the deal with joy}
I write about joy for the same reasons as I try to live intentionally - to me the opposite of joy is bitterness. Society preaches happiness, and happiness is elusive, it's dependent upon circumstances, and while it is wonderful it is not something that can last. Joy to me, is a posture of one's heart.  It's a being willing to feel both the ups and downs and seeking out the beauty in the little moments of life that we are blessed with every single day. I don't want to live life waiting until everything becomes "perfect" because then I would spend my life waiting and miss out on the joy found right in front of me.

9. What vehicle do you drive? {sanity for the vehicle}
We don't have a vehicle that fits our family. We have a suburban and a smaller car and when our family goes anywhere together we simply take two vehicles. I'd love a larger vehicle, but at this point it just hasn't been possible. Chevy or Ford? If you're reading this and would love to bless a larger family with one of your wonderful vehicles just connect with me. :)

10. What other sites do you write for and do you speak? {there is never just a mom}
I am a contributing writer for HipHomeschool Moms and help to manage their social media. I also write for 5 Minutes for Faith. In the next months I will be joining the Home Educating Family Team of writers as well. Do I speak for events? Yes. I love the personal opportunities to share my heart and to meet so many wonderful people. In fact, I will be speaking at the upcoming BEECH Retreat. I'm just blessed to be included in the wonderful line-up of speakers and would love it if some of you could attend. If you're interested in having me speak some of my topics include : intentional motherhood, living awake - a life journey, homeschooling with joy, living a "loving the little things" life, finishing well, and managing a large family.

and of course, why coffee? well, that one is obvious. Coffee is a gift, to me, the very busy mom. As is gardening - it gives me something to start and finish and share with my little knight dressed children.

So that's it. Sharing short answers for some of the top ten questions that I'm asked. I hope they gave you a further glimpse into me, my friends! Stay in touch even more via facebook at finding joy blog or on twitter at finding_joy. And if you haven't subscribed via email and want finding joy in your inbox simply click subscribe. I think this post just might make it to the faq page...any more questions that you have?

Our style. Our groove. 10 facts about how we homeschool.

So many of you know that we homeschool. We've homeschooled for eleven years now. Eleven. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,and 11. One of the questions that I get so often is - what's your homeschool style? your method? your groove? Well, maybe not your groove, but you know, a homeschooling family, or any family, kind of gets into their today I'm going to rest in the grass and think type of groove.

So what's our style? I'd like to name us the Classical Literature Unit Study Unschooling yet Relaxed Learning family that uses Textbooks on occasion and enjoys a great deal of Delight Directed Learning along with Notebooking in the style of Charlotte Mason.

That's us.

But more than that, I've learned to not be a slave to a label. Can you imagine me spitting out that label up there every time someone asked what our style was? Way too long. Complicated. Rather I've learned to embrace our family, our learning style and groove, and to not let a label, a style, or a method define us.

Here's a bit of who we are - and our eclectic style - in ten ways.

1. We schedule knowing that life happens. No matter how I start in the fall - with the perfect program {we loved our year with Geography Matters and Trail Guide to Learning} or the perfect notebooking pages and the schedule mapped out till June - I can guarantee you that there will be something that will cause that schedule to veer off track. Quickly. Instead of getting discouraged with the days that get bumped, I've instead learned to embrace the days where we get double done and not fret on the days where we had to just exist in survival mode. It's a one day at a time philosophy - an embracing of today - and being okay to sit at the table, be family, and play Mancala in the morning before math. Even though we'll get math done later.

2. Kids are different. Not one of my children learns the same way. You'd think that after teaching for so many years that I would get the "system" down. Well, there really isn't a system and a program that fits each of them. There are things that we love and carry over - All About Learning Press/Spelling and Reading, Saxon Math {yep, that's what we use}, and more. Do I use them the same with each of them? No. But, I've learned to adapt our style at the moment to fit the child. Maybe I'll use more narration with one and copywork with another or more hands on versus read aloud to teach a certain topic.

3. Media. My kids have learned to use media. I'm not a parent that moves away from media, but rather I've adopted the idea to teach them to use it responsibly. Hannah started blogging when she 12 years old and through the blogging ended up discovering many of her talents. My husband and I want them to be aware of media, to be wise with media, to set boundaries and time limits with media, and to ultimately learn to use it for the good.

4. We read.  Both my husband and I are readers, and I think our love of books has trickled down to our children. We have always made sure to have many books in the home and have encouraged reading. Grin - we start them young.

5. We don't have a room set aside as a classroom. I wrote an entire post about this last year -- where we learn -- that details our home and learning environment . Bottom line? I'd love a room to store all of our homeschool items. The salt dough maps {made with a rice flour blend}, the piles of papers, the 3d models, the science experiments, and more. We just don't have a place in our home that we've chosen to dedicate specifically for that. So we learn everywhere - in the kitchen, on the couch, on the front porch,  on the back deck, and in the car. Learning in our home isn't set to one room. And, lol, it can include Star Wars books...

6. We never EVER have pencils that work. I don't care if I just spent $4.39 at Target. Inevitably one of the little boys will pump out all the lead in the mechanical pencils or all the other pencils will have dull tips. Please tell me I'm not alone....

7. Free to Explore. I am fairly delight directed in my teaching style even though I have a list of goals and topics and basics that I aim to cover each year. I have gotten to the point where I'm comfortable letting them run with a topic even though it's not on the schedule. Just recently Brennan found a science book about Elephants. For two days straight the conversations between the two of us consisted of Mom did you know that elephants can't jump or the african elephant has more wrinkles and is much bigger and that they can live to be really old and the african elephant has bigger ears to keep cool?

8. Coffee. It's our style. It's my style. Thanks to my faithful Keurig or runs to Caribou Coffee I tend to always have a cup of Joe next to me while I'm working. Just don't bump it so it hits my planner. And, sigh, yep, I'm often convinced into giving those littles just a sip.

9. Grace, grace, Grace. You've read my write about that need for grace. I have had littles in my house for my entire homeschooling career and I've learned about the need for grace. I'm going to say it again - just keep trying, keep working at it, but balance it with grace. Homeschooling, being a mother, having a toddler in the house - it all takes grace. I think the Lord gave me a Grace in my life to remind me to rest in grace.

10. Living Alive. Life can race by, the jobs can fill our page, the to-do list can be daunting, so much to do and so much to accomplish and yet, it can be so easy to be asleep and numb to all there is good around you.  It's a balance of learning and pushing the math facts {cause you know we need to know how to multiply} versus stepping back when needed and focusing on the heart. In our homeschool, in our family, and in our lives I want to foster this attitude of gratitude, joy, and respect for each other. And that attitude, that heart for our day in our family, means family matters, that hearts matter, and that we are so thankful for the gift of each day and the opportunity to spend time with each other learning, growing, and sharing life.

That's our homeschool, our life, our groove.

In ten reasons.

linking up with top ten tuesday and ihomeschoolnetwork
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{totally wonderful} elemental science review - intro to science

I am so excited to share with you about this wonderful science program that my family has been blessed to review the last couple weeks. It's from the company Elemental Science - a curriculum provider that embraces the classical model of education. Our family reviewed Intro to Science part of the Early Year Program. I specifically asked for a program to do with my younger kids - those busy boys of mine - because they absolutely love science and I, the busy mom, have been sorely negligent in intentionally setting aside time to work through science with them. But, look below, look at the delight when we worked together. That face? Makes these moments priceless and so worth it.

Why I love Intro to Science

The Intro to Science program is designed to use with Kindergarten to First Grade. My Caleb fits right in this category. However, I involved all of my boys in this science adventure. Even sweet two year old Samuel. His favorite experiment? It was when we mixed colored water {yellow + blue = green} which is from Unit 5 on Color. The look of delight on his face was priceless! Now, know that I could tell my kids that yellow and blue makes green, but seeing it? That's real learning. In fact, Samuel still wanders around talking about the green water.

What I appreciate about the Intro to Science Early Year program is the intentional, easy to follow, and focused approach to introducing science to those younger ones. They are eager to learn, really, but often we just need a system, a routine, a guide to help us make use of those learning moments that are all around us. This is a huge benefit to me, that busy busy mom, as everything I need to do, read, and buy is clearly defined. Plus, it is so much fun! Now, I will warn you - don't leave the food coloring out for that very curious two year old to grab. Otherwise you'll end up with this:

Quick overview of Intro to Science

The program is divided into 36 weeks {we're going to be using it all summer long -- it's absolutely perfect for this} with six units - Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Meteorology, Botany, and Zoology.  These are topical studies {the author Paige Hudson designed it this way} and each unit can be used on it's own. This summer, after we finish the Chemistry section, we'll work through Botany and Meteorology {we've had enough wild weather here to make that truly applicable}. I've often found that our family works better when things are in bite size chunks - the six week unit approach works extremely well. It takes the pressure off and makes the unit manageable. Below is a slideshow of us working through an experiment with chalk and color - you'll see how easy it is - and how engaged my Elijah was!

Besides the teacher's manual {which is easy to use and thorough} you'll need the Student Sheets {which are included in the bundle online } and two other books - More Mudpies to Magnets {a staple in our home as well as Mudpies to Magnets} and The Handbook of Nature Study {which I highly recommend having in your home - another staple you'll see a picture towards the bottom of the post}. She also recommends the Usborne First Science Encyclopedia.

A week with Intro to Science

Now remember - Intro to Science - is an overview meant to spark interest in science.  I can tell you, that is exactly what happened in my home. Science time became a most looked forward time of the day. The program is gentle and yet thorough at the same time. It's scheduled so that you choose between a 5 days a week for 10 minutes or 2 days a week for 20-25 minutes plan. Honestly, we were somewhere inbetween this on our days - I tend to let them run with whatever they're learning in the moment. That's what I love - the flexibility to make this excellent program work for you. Isn't that what we all need? Freedom and options at the same time?

Below you'll see some more of our experiments - we were discussing solids and liquids. The best part? It was when we got to melt crayons and make liquid crayons which hardened back into solids crayon cookies that were beautiful and bold colors.

Just so you know, the teacher's manual is easy to use as it clearly states the topic and main idea for the week. Then, you as the parent, introduce the topic {I've shown you some on color and solids and liquids}, then there are experiments and nature study, then there are recommendations for additional books {which can easily be found in the library}, and finally some additional {and optional} activities to do with your littles.  As a nature study example for the lesson on solid and liquids we went outside to explore and examine our pine trees to look for the natural wax found in the tree. After we walked around I read some facts from the Handbook of Nature Study to further the curious interest.

Finally, for those of who you enjoy planning ahead there are schedule sheets that you can fill out with supplies that you need and how you need to prepare. I love those planning sheets - they make me feel so organized - so I'm so grateful for Paige for the extra time putting them together.  And the supplies? They're easy to find {although she does offer the complete supply kit which I've done before with other science programs because then I'm not wandering around trying to find a feather and one styrofoam cup} and not expensive.

Bottom line? This science program is perfect right now for our family and my curious little ones. I'm excited to continue working through it this summer and into the early fall. And, I know the boys are as well - Elijah wakes up and asks me which experiment we're going to do today.

Win Intro to Science - giveaway! 

Elemental Science is giving away one copy of the Early Years Intro to Science to one of you. I'm grateful for their generosity and know that one of you will be blessed with this wonderful curriculum. Simply enter below using rafflecopter!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Tomorrow, stop by Aadel’s blog at The Temporary Tents to read about her experience with Lapbooking through the Human Body. She’ll be having a giveaway as well. Be sure to visit Tabitha’s blog review from yesterday to learn more about Earth Science Grammar Stage

disclosure: I received the Intro to Science ebooks for free, but was compensated for the time invested to do the review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to do a positive review {although, I must tell you I really do love this product}. This review was coordinated via the ihomeschoolnetwork which I am a part of. Affiliate links are used within the review. Please read my disclosure tab on the top for more information. Thank you.