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The Well Prepared Mom Homepage

Hey, I'm Elizabeth! A 30-something blogger, wife, and mom of 2 sweet boys! Proud born and raised Jersey Girl, foodie, lover of music, great deals, and all things fun! Helping families to spend more quality time together with the help of awesome resources, tips, and experience.

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Happy Tuesday! It's time for Cole's Creation Chall

Happy Tuesday! It's time for Cole's Creation Challenge!!

Todays words: HEART & MEMORY

Here's how it works:

👉Each day, we'll post two challenge words. Then, you and your kids can create a representation of those words through a drawing, clay model, LEGO build, painting, etc. The whole point of this is to be creative and encourage fun and creative thinking each and everyday.

👉When your creations for the day are complete, share a pic on your Instagram feed and tag The Well Prepared Mom - we'd love to see what you guys came up with!

🥳HAVE FUN!!!

#happytuesday #tuesdaymood #homeschoolcollective #homeschoolfamilylife #kindergartenactivities #firstgradeteacher #secondgraderocks #thirdgraderocks #fourthgradeteacher #legochallenge #legoideas #dailychallenge #creativekids #handsonlearning #handsonactivities #smartkids #blogginggals #colescreationchallenge #thewellpreparedmom

We're starting something new!! 🤩 Introducing: C

We're starting something new!! 🤩 Introducing: Cole's Creation Challenge. Named after our beloved pup, this is a daily challenge for the whole family!

👉Each day, we'll post two challenge words. Then, you and your kids can create a representation of those words through a drawing, clay model, LEGO build, painting, etc. The whole point of this is to be creative and encourage fun and creative thinking each and everyday.

👉When your creations for the day are complete, share a pic in your own feed and tag The Well Prepared Mom - we'd love to see what you guys came up with!

Todays words: BOOK & DOG

🥳HAVE FUN!!!

#teacherspayteachers #teachersofinsta #homeschoolplanning #homeschooled #homeschoolmomlife #schoollife #becreative #legochallenge #momoftoddlers #momsofboys #momsofgirls #homeschoolersofinstagram #homeschoolfun #colescreationchallenge #thewellpreparedmom #mombloggerlife #mombloggercommunity #arteacher #elementaryart #elementaryteachers #homeschoolingideas #homeschooler #homeschoolteacher #homeschoolmomlife

Do you have any pets? This is our pup, Cole. We ad

Do you have any pets? This is our pup, Cole. We adopted him last year and we're so glad we were able to welcome him into our family. He's SUCH a good boy!⁣⁣
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Share a pic of your pets and tag us!! We'd love to see!⁣⁣
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(yep, I cropped my kids out of this pic 😆)⁣⁣
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#dogmomsofinstagram #dogmommy #dogmama #dogmodels #blacklablove #blacklab #sundaybest #petsarefamily #petstagrams #momlifekeepingitreal #momlifebalance #momlifebestlife #adoptdontshop #adopteddog #adopteddogsofinstagram #mommyblog #bloggermoms #mommyblogger

You could say we're foodies 😆⁣ ⁣ Throwback

You could say we're foodies 😆⁣
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Throwback to Halloween 2019 where we all dressed up as food. Of course, I'm always the one taking pictures, so I'm not in the pic 🤦‍♀️ In case you were wondering, I was an avocado.⁣
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Mamas, can we make a promise to each other to put more of an effort into getting in those family photos? We take photos of the kids, we take photos of the pets, we'll take selfies, but we're rarely in the WHOLE family photo, right?⁣
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Back to Halloween... does your family dress up in coordinating outfits? We've managed to do this a few years, but it didn't always happen!⁣
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#foodiefamily #familycostumes #familycostume #halloweencostumes #halloweenthrowback #halloweenthrowbacks #familylook #familymatters #familypictures #familyforever #familyadventures #familypic #familyphotos #familyfriendly #familymoments #motherhoodintheraw #motherhoodjourney #motherhoodinspired #motherhoodunited #motherhoodthroughig #motherhoodmoments #motherhoodalive #motherhoodrocks #motherhoodunfiltered #motherhoodlife

There's no working lights in the basement, so I ha

There's no working lights in the basement, so I had to use the light on my phone to navigate myself safely to the extra fridge to get heavy cream for my coffee. I finally made it, opened the door, grabbed the container, closed the door, and made my way back upstairs. Coffee at last!!⁣
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We're renovating the basement after some flooding and turning it into a homeschool area. It's been a little stressful, but we're almost done and I just know the end result is going to be amazing.⁣
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Just like our basement renovation, we, as parents are always renovating ourselves, right? Always trying to figure out who WE are while making sure we're taking the best care possible of our kids. It's not always fun...or easy...but it's 100% worth it.⁣
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I'm right there with you, every step of the way. I've survived the baby, toddler, and little kids years and am making my way into the pre-teen years. OMG. ⁣
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Take it one step at a time, do your best to enjoy and make the most of the moments. And, coffee. Lots and lots of coffee 😉⁣
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TAG us in a photo of your Monday mug and let us know what you're looking forward to today.⁣
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#parentingtips #parenting101 #parentingquotes #parentinghacks #parentinglife #coffeelife #coffeemug #hauntedmansion #hurryback #disneylove #disneygirl #disneyfamily #momtips #momtip #momhack #parentingtip #parentingproblems #parentingskills #parentingadvice #mugsofinstagram #mugsofdisney #mondayvibes #mondaymonday #mondaymotivations #mondaymindset #bloggergirl #bloggermom #bloggerlove #bloggersgetsocial #influencersummit @brendonburchard @craig

Saturday night take out from our favorite local Ch

Saturday night take out from our favorite local Chinese restaurant! Friendly reminder: tip generously even if you're "just" picking up or getting delivery. A lot of work goes into packing an order and, in our instance, we're getting a bunch of food storage containers that can be re-used.⁣
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#chinesefoodlover #chinesefood #chinesefoods #takeout #takeoutfood #takeoutday #saturdaynights #saturdaynightvibes #familydinner #familydinners #familydinnernight #familydinnertime #tipyourwaiter #eatlocal #tips #tip #whatsfordinner #whatsfordinnertonight #itswhatsfordinner #mealdelivery #foodielife #foodiepic #foodielover #foodieforlife #momblog #mombloggers #mombloggersofig #momblogs #momblogtribe #momblogging

Happy Monday, Mamas! How was your weekend? We got

Happy Monday, Mamas! How was your weekend? We got a bunch of work done around the house (*almost* done the homeschool area in the basement!) and our Amazon Holiday Wish Book arrived! Has yours arrived yet? The boys loved looking through it and I was totally reminded of how we'd get the giant Sears Wish Books when I was growing up 😍⁣
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(PS - get your holiday shopping started and then some over in our Facebook shopping group: SHOP with The Well Prepared Mom) www.facebook.com/groups/thewellpreparedmom⁣
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#christmasshopping #christmasshoppingtime #christmasshoppingmadeeasy #christmasgiftideas #christmascountdown #shoppingtime #shoppingqueen #shoppinglover #shoppingtherapy #budgeting #budgetlife #budgetmum #budgetplanner #budgetfriendly #budgetmom #savingmoney #shoptillyoudrop #dealsdealsdeals #dealsondeals #dealsandsteals #dealseeker #amazondeals #dealsonline #coupondeals #dealsoftheday #mondaythoughts #mondaymonday #momblog #momlifebelike #momoftwo

There isn't much better than enjoying one of your

There isn't much better than enjoying one of your favorite comfort foods in your happy place with family, is there? 💙⁣
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#pizzapizzapizza #pizzamania #pizzaforever #pizzaaddict #beachsunset #beachphotoshoot #beachview #jerseygirl #jerseygirls #momblog #mombloggers #mombloggersofig #momblogs #momblogging #mombloginfluence #myhappyplace #myhappyplace❤ #oceancitynj #oceancitynewjersey #oceancitynjboardwalk #ocnj #ocnjboardwalk #familymatters #familyadventures #familymeal #familyfriendly #familyblog #familyblogger #familybloggers #familylife

"The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imaginat

"The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination, & brings eternal joy to the soul." -Wyland⁣
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After the boys finished their schoolwork yesterday, we went to our happy place for the *first* time this year! I grew up visiting Ocean City, NJ and love that I can share its magic with my boys.⁣
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During a typical year, We visit Ocean City multiple times. It's only about an hour away, so it's easy to make a day trip down when we're not staying overnight. This year, though? I think you know how it's been. We finally felt like it would be safe to visit yesterday, after crowds decreased from summer vacation.⁣
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The boys got to play in the sand for an hour. I watched the ocean waves crash and looked for dolphins jumping in the water (didn't see any this time!).⁣
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We walked on the boardwalk, enjoyed pizza from our favorite @preps_pizza, and got treats from @kohrbrothers, @shrivers_salt_water_taffy, and @johnsonspopcorn. It was pretty much a perfect day (would've been better if the husband could come, but he had to work - next time!).⁣
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Most of the people wore masks and kept their distance, so we felt safe. It wasn't the Ocean City I grew up with, but we still had a great time!⁣
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#oceanlover #oceancitynj #oceancitynewjersey #oceancityboardwalk #oceancitynjboardwalk #oceancity #beachview #memoriesforever #memoriesinthemaking #boymomadventures #boymomlife #boymomma #boymomsrock #boymoms #momofboys #travelwithkids #ocnj #ocnjboardwalk #ocnjdaily #ocnjbeach #momstrong #momlifestyle #mommyhood #travelingwithkids #travelfamily #motherhoodinspired #motherhoodunited #motherhoodjourney #motherhoodintheraw #motherhoodmoments

It's feeling like fall, so that means comfort food

It's feeling like fall, so that means comfort foods are happening in our kitchens! Last night, I made our favorite Instant Pot chili. Done in a matter of minutes, but tastes like it's been simmering for hours 😍⁣
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Here's how we make it:⁣
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On Instant Pot saute setting:⁣
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>saute 1lb ground beef with 1 diced onion and chili seasoning (*see end of recipe)⁣
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>add 4 cans of diced tomatoes. I LOVE using @muirglen cans because they have a roasted garlic option and an option with chiles. I'll usually do 2 of each⁣
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>add 2 cans of drained and rinsed pinto beans⁣
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>mix together and pressure cook for 5 minutes⁣
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>serve with your preferred toppings. We like shredded cheese and Fritos⁣
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*HOMEMADE CHILI SEASONING*⁣
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1 T chili powder⁣
1 T granulated garlic⁣
1 tsp ground cumin⁣
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper⁣
Salt & pepper to taste⁣
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To increase or decrease spiciness, change the amounts of cumin & cayenne pepper to taste.⁣
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ENJOY!⁣
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Do you use the Instant Pot a lot, too? Would we share more recipes? Let us know!⁣
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#instapot #instapotrecipes #homemadechili #comfortfoods #comfortfoodie #whatsfordinnertonight #itswhatsfordinner #beefitswhatsfordinner #chefmom #chefmommy #momblog #mombloggers #mombloggersofig #momblogs #mombloginfluence #momblogging #recipeoftheday #recipeshare #recipeideas #recipesharing #familydinners #familydinnernight #familydinnertime #dinnerrecipes #dinnerinspo #dinnerprep #dinnerideas #dinnertonight #sundaydinner #sundaysupper @instantpotofficial @fritolay

Where were you on September 11, 2001?⁣ ⁣ Septe

Where were you on September 11, 2001?⁣
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September 11, 2001 will forever be a day that is etched permanently in my mind and my heart. I will never forget my experience as a high school senior in New Jersey on the day of the terrorist attacks.⁣
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But, although we lived through the day and remember everything that happened, our children are living in the post-9/11 world. They don't know of a world that includes the Twin Towers. As parents, it's our job to teach them.⁣
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These photos are from memorials in front of the @westmontfireco in Westmont, NJ. Scroll through and you'll see the materials and a description of each item. Look through them. Share the images with your children and teach them about what happened today.⁣
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Over on The Well Prepared Mom website is an article telling my experience of September 11, 2001. Read it, share it, then share your own story with your friends and family. We'll never forget what happened, but there's an entire generation that was born after 9/11 and they need to hear the stories 💙⁣
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#september11 #september11th #september112001 #september11memorial #twintowers #fdny #worldtradecenter #teachertribe #teacherappreciation #teach #teachersofig #homeschoolmama #homeschoolcollective #homeschoollife #homeschoolpreschool #homeschoolmoms #homeschoolcurriculum #homeschoolroom #homeschoolideas #homeschoolfamily #homeschoolcommunity #homeschoolblog #homeschoolmum #homeschoollifestyle #homeschooldays #homeschoolkindergarten #homeschoolinspiration #homeschooladventures #homeschoolfamilylife #homeschoolkids⁣

When the newspaper photographer arrives for the ho

When the newspaper photographer arrives for the homeschooling article you're participating in and you want to look your best! 😳😆 Count 'em! That's at least 3 patterns, guys!⁣
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I went back and forth with their clothes. Do I have them wear clothes that actually match and are appropriate for the muggy, gross weather we're experiencing? Do I let them do their own thing and let them express themselves and their own style?⁣
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I think you know what I decided on. 😉⁣
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I love that my boys aren't afraid to wear whatever they want. I love that they're not afraid to express themselves through their clothes and that they really don't care what people might think about their choices. I'm hoping that, in allowing them to make these choices, I'm letting them learn and grow their confidence. I think it's working?⁣
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Once the photographer left and we went back inside (photos were outside since we're not letting anyone in the house at this time), we all came inside and they changed into what they call their "mommy school uniform" - pajamas!! 😆😆⁣
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#homeschoolblog #homeschooling #kidsactivities #kidsclothes #kidsstyle #kidsstyles #boymomlife #mommybloggers #thisismotherhood #letthembekids #letthembelittle #thursdayvibes #thursdaymood #enjoythemoment #getoutsidemore #getoutsideandplay #mymotherhood #motherhoodunited #motherhoodjourney #momlifeunfiltered #momlifebelike

You can learn here, you can learn there, you can l $You can learn here, you can learn there, you can learn anywhere!⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ So many kids went back to school this week - did yours? My Facebook feed is filled with parents saying they're having trouble purchasing home desks for their kids so they can do virtual learning. I feel so bad that they're having this difficulty!⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ You know what, though? I'm pretty sure the kids can still succeed even if they don't have a desk 💙⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Set them up on the sofa, let them sit on their beds or the sofa. Sure, desks can be helpful, but are they required?⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ This school year will be stressful enough - don't add to that stress by worrying about obtaining a desk. If you can't find one, that's OK! Kids are adaptable. Many even love, and thrive with, flexible seating arrangements.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Homeschool parents, public school parents, private school parents - we got this! It's not your typical school year, but everything will be OK 💙⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ {Matthew loves doing his @pandia_press All About Reading lessons from the sofa 😉)⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ #publicschool #privateschool #homeschool #newschoolyear #teachersofthegram #teachersofinstagram #onedayatatime #teachersofig #homeschoolingmom #homeschoolingmama #firstgrade #secondgrade #thirdgrade #fourthgrade #fifthgrade #preschool #preschoolathome #elementaryteacher #elementaryschool #wednesdaymorning #allaboutreading #pandiapress #homeschoolcurriculum #homeschoolblog #homeschoolblogger #momblog #mommybloggers #momssupportingmoms #momsofinsta #momswhoblog$

Already wondering what you're going to make for di

Already wondering what you're going to make for dinner tonight? How about our super easy family favorite "Cheesy Chicken"?⁣⁣
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-2 chicken breasts - each butterflied and split to create 2 cutlets from 1 breast⁣⁣
-1 cup mayo⁣⁣
-1 cup fresh shredded parmesan cheese⁣⁣
-1 T granulated garlic⁣⁣
-1 T paprika (we like smoked paprika)⁣⁣
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Preheat oven to 350° and arrange chicken cutlets on cooking dish (we 💜 stoneware, but a cookie sheet, glass dish, or cast iron will work, too!)⁣⁣
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Mix mayo, cheese, and seasonings in a small bowl until combined. Spread that mix over the chicken evenly, covering all of the chicken.⁣⁣
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Bake in oven about 45 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and top is golden brown.⁣⁣
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We serve with roasted veggies and a roll.⁣⁣
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Serves 2 adults & 2 children with leftovers for 1 lunch the next day - your results may vary, though.⁣⁣
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This chicken recipe is SO delicious, is our go-to recipe for busy days, and is one of the few recipes that BOTH of our kids enjoy!⁣⁣
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#dinnerrecipes #dinnerrecipe #whatsfordinner #easyrecipes #quickdinner #chickenrecipes #busyfamily #momlifebelike #familylife #dinnertonight #familydinner #familydinners #ketorecipe #lowcarbrecipes #cookingmom #mealplans #mealplanning #recipeshare #recipeideas #chickendinner #dinneronabudget #momblog #mombloggers #tuesdaydinner #tuesdaytip #preparedmom #thewellpreparedmom #bloggingmom #pamperedchef⁣⁣
#pamperedchefstoneware

This coming Friday is the anniversary of one of th

This coming Friday is the anniversary of one of the most horrific events in our lifetime. As much as we wish to not relive the memories of September 11, 2001, it's important that our kids know and learn about this day.⁣
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I'll be reading "What Were: the Twin Towers?" with my boys on Friday. If you'd like to do the same with your kids, there's still time to order it on Amazon and have it delivered by Friday: https://amzn.to/3h1vdhS⁣
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(TWPM receives a commission on purchases)⁣
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#twintowers #september11 #september11th #september112001 #teacherlife #teachthemyoung #historyteacher #teachermom #ushistory #homeschoolfamily #homeschoolmom #nycmom #njmom #phillymoms #teachingfromhome #teachingmykids #schoolathome #booksforkids #bookstoread #mommybloggers #momblogger #momblog #lessonplanning #lessonplans #americanhistory #911memorial #letthemlearn

You know the "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" book?

You know the "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" book? This is the "If you send a veteran teacher turned homeschooling mom into @lakeshorelearning" version 😆⁣
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The big kid wanted a set of base ten blocks to help him with math, so, seeing that Lakeshore had a nice version that was similar in price other places, I masked up and drove over to our local Lakeshore store.⁣
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You guys! I was like a kid in a candy store. Varying skin color drawing tools? I'll take the crayons AND the colored pencils! Inflatable seat bubbles for fidgety kids? Two of them practically put themselves in the cart. A few reading comprehension journals, story starters, and flip charts later....I finally put the base ten blocks in the cart 😆⁣
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Homeschooling has come with it's challenges and difficulties, but getting to go shopping at one of my favorite teacher stores again was certainly a bright spot in our experience so far.⁣
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#lakeshorelearning #lakeshore #teacherlife #teacherlife🍎 #homeschooling #homeschoolmom #schoolsupplies #fidget #differentiatedinstruction #teachermom #teachermomlife #njhomeschoolers #shoppingmom #momliferocks #momlifeisthebest #happyshopping #shoppingtherapy #shoppingqueen #schoolspirit #homeschoolfamily #homeschoolers #homeschoolingmom #learnathome #letthemlearn #fridayvibes #ifyougiveamouseacookie

To say we're excited is an extreme understatement!

To say we're excited is an extreme understatement!⁣
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#momblogger #momblog #mombloggers #preparedmom #momlifeisthebestlife #momliferocks #momlife❤️ #thisismotherhood #mynameismama #mamahood #mommymoments #mommybloggers #newblog #parentinglife #parentingblogger #homeschoolfamily #homeschoolers #homeschoolmom #toddlermom #boymomlife #girlmomlife #unitedinmotherhood #mymotherhood #honestmotherhood #honestmom #parentingtips

Think there's nothing to do with the kids since so

Think there's nothing to do with the kids since so many places are closed?⁣
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Think again!⁣
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I had never been one to hike before. In the past few months, though, the boys and I have been hiking new-to-us trails. We load up on big spray, switch our flip flops for sneakers, throw a hat on, and head out for a walk in the woods. We've been loving it!⁣
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It is SO peaceful in the woods. It's a piece of mother nature that I feel is completely underestimated. As the weather cools down, I'm thinking our hikes will become more and more frequent..and that's totally OK with me.⁣
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#hikingwithkids #hikingmom #hikingmoms #getoutsideandplay #getoutsidemore #kidsoutdoors #outsidekids #kidswhohike #momswhohike #momswhoblog #forestwalk #forestlife #runwildmychild #letthembekids #letthembewild #womenwhoexplore #tinybigadventure

Oh, homeschooling families! Have you started your

Oh, homeschooling families! Have you started your year yet? This will be our first year *ever* homeschooling and we started yesterday! The boys dressed themselves - too cute, right? I got my shirt from @homeschoolstyleco 💜⁣
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In our neck of the woods (South Jersey), public schools don't usually start the year until after Labor Day. This was an early start for us, but the boys had been begging to start, so I figured "why not?!"⁣
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The day went pretty well and we're headed into the second day in just a few moments. We'll be continuing our lesson on the history of pandemics from @pandia_press and will be diving into math and @allaboutlearning All About Reading today after the boys do a writing prompt. Wish us luck!⁣
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#homeschoolmom #homeschoollife #homeschoolfamily #homeschoolers #homeschoolingmom #homeschoolingrocks #allaboutreading #allaboutlearning #mathmammoth #pandiapress #secularhomeschool #seculareclecticacademic #pandemic2020 #coronavirus #teachermom #teacherlife🍎 #mombloggers #mynameismama #mommyschool #firstdayofschool #firstgrade #fourthgrade #veteranteacher #momliferocks #thisismotherhood #mymotherhood #boymomlife

What are your favorite ways to enjoy fresh tomatoe

What are your favorite ways to enjoy fresh tomatoes? 🍅⁣
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Summer's in full swing over here and the veggie garden is not disappointing! Check out this ginormous heirloom tomato we picked from the garden tonight!⁣
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We picked this tomato and a ton more - I'm thinking I'll roast them up, with some basil and rosemary tomorrow, to make some homemade sauce 😛⁣
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#jerseytomatoes #jerseytomato #heirloomtomatoes #heirloom #veggielover #veggielife #vegetablegarden #vegetablegardening #njfarms #njgardens #farmfresh #sauceorgravy #momblogger #momblog #momswhoblog #boymom💙 #boymomlife #gardenstate #freshtomatoes #freshveggies #freshvegetables #roastedtomatoes #diymom #diymommy #summergarden #wednesdaymood #wednesdaynight #momliferocks #lifeofmom #summerlife

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