Christmas Around the World

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

December 5, 2022 by Laura Leave a Comment

Christmas Around the World

In “Christmas Around the World,” Episode, #175, Meredith Curtis introduces you to Christmas celebrations & traditions from Germany, Mexico, England, Bethlehem, South Korea, and the Philippines. Learn about each nation, make a flag ornament or banner, and try out one Christmas tradition from each country.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Christmas is celebrated with joy around the world!

Learn about different Christmas traditions & incorporate them into your Christmas this year.

Germany

Advent Calendars, Christmas Trees, Christmas Cookies, Christmas Markets, Christmas Villages, Church & Presents Christmas Eve, Christmas Family Day, Second Christmas Give to Poor

Bake German Gingerbread Cookies

Mexico

Nacimiento (nativity scenes), Poinsettias, Pastorelas (Christmas plays), Pinatas, Farolitos (light in bags), Las Posadas, Christmas Eve Mass

Enjoy a Pinata!

England

Advent Wreath, 12 Days Christmas, Decorate with Holly, ivy, & Mistletoe, Christmas Lights, Candlelight Carol Services, Caroling, Cards, Christmas Eve Services, Christmas Crackers, Boxing Day

Make a Christmas Cracker

Bethlehem

Prophecies about little Bethlehem, Decorations, Each Denomination has its own procession past special sites, Christmas Eve parade & fireworks, Chuch Services

Watch Bethlehem parade on TV

South Korea

Church, Light Displays, Visit Loved Ones carrying Candles house to house, Christmas feast (barbequed meat with rice, sweet potato noodles, kimchi, bean paste, and vegetables), Christmas cake (made w rice flour)

Make a Korean Christmas Dinner

Philippines

Parol (Christmas lanterns), Christmas trees (made of metal, plastic, or wood), Simbang Gabi (from 12/16 to 12/23 before sunrise services), Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, Christmas cakes (made from rice flour), Ginger Tea

Make a Filipino Christmas Cake & Drink Ginger Tea

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Resources

Be proactive this holiday season! 😊

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: celebration, Christian, Christianity, christmas, Education, family, Finish Well, homeschool, homeschooling, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, Parent, tradition

A Brand New Adventure Series for Kids

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

November 21, 2022 by Laura Leave a Comment

A Brand New Adventure Series for Kids

with Special Guest Mike Curtis

In “A Brand New Adventure Series for Kids,” Episode, #174, Meredith Curtis interviews Mike Curtis, pastor and author of a brand-new series (and her husband!). He has written an amazing new series for children and teens: The Noland Kids Adventures. Mike shares his journey that led him to share his story. Learn all about the series and why your kids will love to read it!

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Introduce Mike & Ministry https://www.powerlinecc.com/

Noland Kids Adventures https://www.powerlineprod.com/books/the-noland-kids-adventure-series/

How It All Began

Rockford Park, Bedtime Stories to Children, Stories to Grandchildren

Covid-Strikes!

Needed to entertain kids at home listening to sermon

First Novel

The Key House

Newly Inherited House 150-Year Old Secret, Clues to Hidden Treasure

Mystery/ Adventure, Hardy Boys meets The Goonies

Who is This Series Written For?

Christian Kids 10-14

Second Novel

Lost City of Light

Coming November 25th, 2022

How Can Listeners Get Book?

Amazon print or Kindle

Our website PowerlineProd.com

Reviews

Leave Reviews

Spread the Word

What Books are on the Horizon & When?

Legend of the Craftsman King & Secret of Paradise Cove

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The Key House

HUGE Black Friday/ Cyber Monday Sale!

Travel God's World God Bless the USA Exploring States & Territories by Meredith Curtis at Powerline Productions

Travel God's World God Bless the USA Cookbook by Meredith Curtis and Laura Nolette at Powerline Productions

God Bless the USA State Capitals & Abbreviations by Meredith Curtis at Powerline Productions, Inc.

Travel God's World God Bless the USA State Flags & Seals by Meredith Curtis at Powerline Productions

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: adventure, adventure series, book, books, Christian, Christianity, Education, family, fiction, Finish Well, homeschool, homeschooling, Laura Nolette, literature, Meredith Curtis, Parent, read, reading, series, youth

Family Traditions to Celebrate, Teach, & Identify

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

November 7, 2022 by Laura Leave a Comment

Family Traditions to Celebrate, Teach, & Identify

In “Family Traditions to Celebrate, Teach, & Identify,” Episode, #173, Meredith Curtis believes family traditions are a perfect way to celebrate holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and special days. They also help us to pass on values and give our children a sense of security as a family member. Many celebrations also lend themselves to teaching children family and national history. Where do you start to build family traditions your family will enjoy and keep everything simple and easy? Meredith hears you and she has some simple steps to take to plan your own family traditions.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Start with his and hers. Then move to ours.

The Basics of Traditions

Festive with purpose!

Celebration Fun
Teaching & Passing on Virtues
Identification in the Family

Let Me Give Your Some Examples

New Years Day

Scriptures

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (II Corinthians 5:17)

Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14 NASB)

New Life, New Opportunities, Moving Forward

Celebrate: Game night & Festive midnight “toast with hugs”

Teach/Pass Values: Family Communion (new life in Christ) & Prayer for the New Year (new beginning)

Family Identity: “This is how we celebrate New Years”

St. Valentines’ Day

Scripture

“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you” (John 15:12 NASB)

Love for God, Romantic Love

Celebrate: “Pink & Red & White Dinner,” decorate, make Valentines for each other

Teach/Pass Values: Parents share love story or looking at wedding album, Read (or watch) something about St. Valentine

Family Identity: “This is how we celebrate St. Valentine’s Day”

Mother’s Day / Father’s Day

Scripture

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth(Ephesians 6:1-3 NASB)

Blessing of Parents, Honoring Parents

Celebrate: Special meal, Encouragement Game, Family Outing, or Presents (combo or all)

Teach/Pass Values: Call grandparents, Send cards earlier, Help children make cards & gifts for parent

Family Identity: “This is how we celebrate Mother’s Day & Father’s Day”

How to Get Started

Brainstorm your dreams for your family

Talk to your husband – his favorite holiday traditions

Talk to your kids – what are there favorite holiday traditions

Can tweak traditions (e.g. opening presents one at a time)

Think in terms of Celebrate & Teach/Pass Values. All traditions help establish a family identity.

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Resources

Be proactive this holiday season! 😊

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Spotify | Android | TuneIn | RSS

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: birthday, celebration, Christian, Christianity, christmas, Education, family, Finish Well, homeschool, homeschooling, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, Parent, thanksgiving, tradition

Welcoming Skills Made Easy for Teens

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

October 19, 2022 by Laura Leave a Comment

Welcoming Skills Made Easy for Teens

In “Welcoming Skills Made Easy for Teens,” Episode, #172, Meredith Curtis interviews Vicki Tillman of Seven Sisters about helping even shy teens learn the skills they need to welcome others. These life skills helps in relationships, ministry, and in the business world. It is a great investment in your teen’s heart and life to equip them with these important life skills. Best of all, welcoming skills allow us to express the love of God to others.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Welcoming special guest Vicki Tillman.

What are Welcoming Skills

Especially important for teens.

Welcoming Skills Require Confidence

Greeting

Scriptures

Role Playing

Teaching Kids as Welcoming Skills

Need a Set of Behaviors that Work – Tools

Nonverbal Helps

How to Walk over and greet a new person

Ask a Question

After 2 or 3 Questions, person you are welcoming feels safe and able to talk

Help for Parents

Shy Children Can Learn to Be Welcomers

It is okay to be shy, introverted, and also okay to be treated the way they would want someone to treat them.

Reap what you sow.

Friendliness is a character trail not a personality trait

When to Start

Fifth or Sixth Grade is a great time to learn to reach out to others in their Sunday school class or homeschool co-op. In high school, Vicki gives them the assignment to be a welcomer.

Manners are now called life skills but they still matter.

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Life Skills Resources

God's Girls 101: Grow in Christ by Meredith Curtis with Powerline Productions, Inc.

God's Girls 105: Homemaking by Meredith Curtis with Powerline Productions, Inc.

The Making of Real Men by Mike Curtis with Powerline Productions, Inc.

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Christian, Christianity, co-op, coop, Education, enrichment, family, Finish Well, greet, homeschool, homeschooling, Laura Nolette, life skills, manners, Meredith Curtis, Parent, welcome

Hurricanes & Homeschooling

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

October 10, 2022 by Laura Leave a Comment

Hurricanes & Homeschooling

In “Hurricanes & Homeschooling,” Episode, #171, Meredith Curtis shares her personal experience with hurricanes – preparation, weathering the storm, and aftermath – for a homeschooling family. She shares how to make the most of these extreme weather teachable moments by teaching science, geography, and life skills while the hurricane rages – not from books – from life! Set aside school work and learn practical science and geography while you prepare, endure, and clean up after the storm.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Our Experience with Hurricanes – Highlights

My first as a preschooler – rowing down our street as a preteen
2004 – Frances, Charlie, Ivan, Jeanne
2022 Hurricane Ian

Getting Ready

Clean Tub and Fill with Water

Yard

Remove outside furniture, decorations, potted plants – anything that could be lifted up
Board windows

Supplies

Water – 1 Gallon Water per person x 3
Coffee Pot and Coffee Pot for Grill
Canned Food – tuna, soups, chicken, vegetables
Dried fruits & jerkey
Bread, peanut butter, honey
Snacks – nuts, granola bars, crackers, chips
Candles
Flashlights
NOAA weather radio
Batteries

Grill Ready – Charcoal or propane

Check on elderly, widows, sickly – make sure they are ready for the storm

Make sure Generator is in working order (if you have one) and NOT in or near the house

Should You Evacuate?

Low-lying areas, near ocean or bay, trailer? YES!

Always go to higher ground, further inland

Learn about the Hurricane

Tropical Cyclones (Tropical Depression, Tropical Storm, Hurricane)

Aftermath

The day after, let emergency workers check roads, etc for downed powerlines, flooding, etc.

Clean up debris in Yard
Return outside furniture to outside and unboard windows
Check for flooding, leaking, damage

While without power, play board games, talk, saving phone batteries

Help others – our family worked at a ministry afterward sorting clothes for tornado victims, cook a meal for someone without electricity if yours is back on, help the elderly get settled

Resources

National Hurricane Center (NOAA) https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Free Tracking Maps https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/tracking_charts.shtml

Florida’s Health Department has a neat pdf on the storms of 2004: https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/climate-and-health/_documents/2004-hurricane-season-factsheet.pdf

Rabbit Trails

Rescue missions

Army Corps of Engineers

Private Charities / Churches / Opportunities to Help / FEMA

How Flood & Home Insurance works

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STEM Resources

Our curriculum works great at home; or in homeschool co-ops and online classes, too! 😊

Healthy Living for Christian Teens by Meredith Curtis

From Stars to Shining Seas by Laura Nolette & Meredith Curtis

My Creation Week Lapbook by Meredith Curtis and Laura Nolette

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Christian, Christianity, co-op, coop, Education, enrichment, family, Finish Well, homeschool, homeschooling, hurricane, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, natural disaster, Parent

Should I Join a Homeschool Co-op?

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

September 19, 2022 by Laura Leave a Comment

Should I Join a Homeschool Co-op?

In “Should I Join a Homeschool Co-op?,” Episode, #170, Meredith Curtis discusses homeschool co-ops and how they benefit homeschooling families. She explains the difference between support groups, co-ops, enrichment classes, and umbrella schools. From a wealth of experience, Meredith shows how to co-op wisely when seasons allow.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Our Experience with Homeschool Co-ops

Differences Between Co-ops, Support Groups, Erichment Classes, Umbrella

Each different purpose, cost, personal responsiblity

Should I Join a Homeschool Co-op?

What season are you in?

Where do you need help?

What classes are you willing to NOT teach?

Roles in a Co-op

Cooperative – each one plays a role:

Administrator
Teachers
Helpers
Treasurer
Support (Nursery/Study Hall)

Theme

Co-ops might have a theme: History Day, Travel thru Time, Science Fun

Co-ops might just be enrichment

Coo-ops might cover core classes & Enrichment

Co-ops might be online

Possible Classes

Core – English, Math, Science, History, Geography

Out-of-Box Core – Who Dun It, Travel Around the World

Life Skills/Enrichment – Bible, Homemaking, Art, Music, Labs

Standards

Do their standards match yours?

Faith/Beliefs
Behavior
Conversation

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Resources

All our curriculum is built around living books 😊

Travel God's World Geography by Meredith Curtis

British Literature & Writing High School Class

HIS Story of the 20th Century by Meredith Curtis

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Christian, Christianity, co-op, coop, Education, enrichment, family, Finish Well, homeschool, homeschooling, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, Parent, support group, umbrella, Umbrella Schools

7 Classic Books Every Homeschool Mom Should Read

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

September 5, 2022 by Laura Leave a Comment

7 Classic Books Every Homeschool Mom Should Read

In “7 Classic Books Every Homeschool Mom Should Read,” Episode, #169, Meredith Curtis shares her favorites with you – books that have inspired, equipped, and encouraged her. These books will change your life and your perspective. Grab a cup of tea or mug of coffee and learn about some classic books that you will want to read and reread again.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

The bookcase outside my door.

Books impact our lives. Some of my books are like special friends who have spoken into my life and brought forth something new.

L’Abri by Edith Schaeffer

Frances & Edith Schaeffer’s ministry in Switzerland.

Focus on creating a nurturing environment and ministering in and from the home.

For Better or Best by Gary Smalley

As a young couple, we attended this author’s conference and had our first introduction to the vast difference in the way men and women think. Also how different their needs are.

He also wrote If Only He Knew.

Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp

My favorite book on parenting. It really shows how to parent by imitating Jesus as a shepherd of our children’s hearts.

Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer

I love art and beauty and classic books. Edith opened my eyes to the true art involved in creating a home from interior decorating to fostering integration of ages, I love this book!

Creative Counterpart by Linda Dillow

A great book on how to be a wife from the relational to the practical including organization.

The Christian Family by Larry Christenson

Every Christian should read this book on the the how, what, and why of God’s design of the Christian family. Covers roles and responsibilities, including the family’s Saviour – Jesus and parent’s role in the spiritual nurture of their children.

Spirit of Loveliness by Emilie Barnes

Lovely inside and out, Emilie reminds us to add beauty in our world to fee our soul. I love all her books but this is my favorite!

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Resources

All our curriculum is built around living books 😊

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: book, books, Christian, Christianity, classic, Education, family, Finish Well, homeschool, homeschooling, Laura Nolette, literature, Meredith Curtis, mom, Parent, read, reading, woman, women

Career Exploration with Special Guest Vicki Tillman

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

August 15, 2022 by Laura Leave a Comment

Career Exploration with Special Guest Vicki Tillman

In “Career Exploration with Special Guest Vicki Tillman,” Episode, #168, Meredith Curtis interviews homeschool mom/counselor/curriculum creator Vicki Tillman about future careers for homeschool grads. They start by sharing the careers of their 10 homeschool graduates – all so different and some very specialized. Vicki and Meredith discuss ways to help our teens explore various careers in high school – classes, investigating careers, talking to people about their jobs, ministry, apprenticeships, starting their own businesses – so they can enjoy successful careers in the future.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Welcome to Special Guest Vicki Tillman with Seven Sisters, a homeschool podcast and curriculum provider.

Careers of All Our Grown Children

All graduated from Homeschool & College

Vicki’s Kid’s Careers

Meredith’s Kid’s Careers

Career Exploration

How to Help Teens Explore Career

God’s part in Career Exploration

God’s Will, Experiences, Giftings, What They Enjoy, Values

Apprenticeships

When to Learn About Careers

No Right Way

Sometimes a Little at a Time

Sometimes a Semester Class

Adding to Economics Class

Starting Your Own Business

Vicki’s Career Exploration Class

Ministry

Listen to Vicki Tillman’s Podcast: The Homeschool High School Podcast

Purchase Seven Sisters Career Exploration Bundle HERE.

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High School Resources

True North Homeschool Academy High School Health

True North Home School Academy Intro to Computer Science Class

True North Homeschool Academy Computer Illustration Class

Government: God's Blueprint/Man's Agenda by Meredith Curtis

Who Dun It? Murder Mystery Literature and Writing High School Class

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Christian, Christianity, Education, exercise, family, Finish Well, food, health, homeschool, homeschooling, hygiene, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, nutrition, Parent

Teens Take Charge of Your Health! … for high school credit!

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

August 1, 2022 by Laura Leave a Comment

Teens Take Charge of Your Health! … for high school credit!

In “Teens Take Charge of Your Health! … for high school credit,” Episode, #167, Meredith Curtis shares practical things to include in your teen’s health class that will motivate healthy lifestyle changes. Teens can do health as an independent study if they want to start adding healthier habits to their lives. Or parents can create a health class that is practical and helpful. Healthy nutrition, exercise, hygiene, sleep, and relationship habits can start now and last a lifetime.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

I started 2 habits related to health in high school – 1 good and 1 bad

Nutrition

What nutrients does your body really need? What is the best way to get it?

Exercise

What are the 4 kinds of exercises teens need? What is the funnest way to do them?

Sleep & Fresh Air

Teens need more sleep – why? Why does fresh air matter?

Avoiding Sickness

Simple investments to avoid sickness –-> huge dividends

Personal Hygeine

Body odor, acne, shaving, and clothing all matter for teens.

Healthy Communication & Relationships

Communication and relational skills called soft skills – make a huge difference in the 21^st century.

Sexual Purity

How on earth can teens stay pure in a seductive world?

Addictions

Common addictions among teens and how to find freedom.

How To Keep Growing in their Relationship with God

Silver, Kit Carson, Carson City, Virginia City

Silver and gold mining, mining towns, ghost towns, Kit Carson, mountain men, capital, capitol, desert

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High School Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Ultimate Extravagant USA Road Trip V: Pacific States & Territories

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

July 18, 2022 by Laura Leave a Comment

Ultimate Extravagant USA Road Trip V: Pacific States & Territories

In “Ultimate Extravagant USA Road Trip V: Pacific States & Territories,” Episode, #166, Meredith Curtis becomes your tour guide a final trip through the USA—this time it’s a cruise starting in Alaska and making our way down the west coast and out to Hawaii. From the island state, we’ll make our way to our five territories. You will see some breathtaking views, enjoy delicious seafood, and venture into the Ring of Fire. Grab your navigation chart, pack your suitcase, and don’t forget your swimsuit and life jacket—there’s lot of miles sailing over the ocean! This is the fifth in our series of USA road trips—traveling is a great way to learn geography the fun way!

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Hi! Today, I’m your tour guide. Ready for a whirlwind trip through the Pacific states and our 5 inhabited territoreis?

Pacific Ocean, extremes, Ring of Fire, seafood.

Alaska

Largest state, Mt. Denali, mountains, glaciers, moose, caribou, bears, bison, reindeer

Peninsula, Denali, fauna (animals), tundra, national parks & preserves, ports

Washington

Mount Saint Helens, Olympic National Park, Mount Olympus

Volcano eruption, “geological layers,” rainforest, waterfalls, mountains

Oregon

Crater Lake, Crater lake National Park

Extinct volcano, alpine lakes

California

Redwood National Forest, Sequoia National Park, Mojave Desert, Joshua Tree, Death Valley

Agriculture, volcanoes, islands, mountain ranges, deserts, valleys, fertile farmland, earthquakes

Hawaii

Missionaries, Coral Church

Archipelago, volcanoes, multicultural population, missionaries

American Samoa

Fiafia, Christian influence

Archipelago, natural harbor, coral reefs, volcanoes, mountains, rainforests, tropical flowers, tropical fruits

Northern Mariana Islands

Tinian, Diving for WWII weapons or artifacts

Mariana Trench, World War II, shipwrecks, diving

Guam

Pacific War Musuem, Capital Hagnatna

World War II, history of island, division between Guam and Northern Mariana Islands

US Virgin Islands

Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, Estate Whim Plantation, coral reef diving

Archipelago, Danish culture, archipelago, sugar mill, sugar plantation, coral reef, SCUBA diving, snorkeling

Puerto Rico

Fort Fortaleza, Castillo San felipe del Morro, Palacio de Santa Catalina

Tropical archipelago, mountains, hurricanes,

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We are celebrating the launch of our newest series, God Bless the USA (see books below).

To celebrate, we have giveaways subscribers can enter, freebies subscribers can download, and fun for everyone.

Not a subscriber? Don’t worry. You can subscribe right here

US Geography Resources

Jr High US Geography

True North Homeschool Academy US Geography Class

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Alaska, American Samoa, California, Christian, Christianity, Education, family, Finish Well, geography, Guam, Hawaii, homeschool, homeschooling, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, North Mariana Islands, Oregon, Parent, Puerto Rico, Road Trip, States, travel, United States, US Virgin Islands, USA, Washington