Mommy Octopus

My kids LOVE reading and we always love joining in on the library’s summer reading programs. Sign up starts today online, or you can sign up in the library starting June 1st. Below is more information from the library website.

The Athens Regional Library System encourages patrons of all ages to read all summer long! Stop into your local library this summer and find out how you can participate.

• Browse for new books and materials
• Take home fun kits and crafts
• Enjoy online storytimes, virtual programs, and book clubs
• Keep track of your reading and earn cool prizes!

How to Participate:

• Beginning June 1st, visit your local library to pick up a welcome packet and discover what events, activities and prizes are offered for each age group.
• Sign up and track your reading in Beanstack, our online reading log, to earn fun digital badges and cool prizes. Each age group has its own set of benchmarks and challenges.
• Visit our regional calendar of summer reading events here.

Pre-registration begins May 14th, but you can register online all summer long using the Beanstack button. Beanstack is available as a website and as an app, downloadable from your mobile device’s app store. 

We love that Barnes & Noble has such a fantastic and fairly easy summer reading program.  For 2021, children in grades 1-6 can read any 8 books and score a free book!

You can find all the information and download the PDF file to print your reading log on the Barnes & Noble website.  The list of free books that you can select from are on the reading log.

Reading logs can only be redeemed between July 1 and August 31st, 2021.

Enjoy!

My husband’s work has a new “clear bag only” policy starting next month. I completely understand their reasonings for requiring this, but now we are in the market to find him something durable to carry his stuff to and from work. Even lunch bags must be clear. Here are a few options that we are considering from Amazon. Keep in mind that prices are good as of this posting, but Amazon prices can vary at anytime:

Clear Backpack with Reinforced Straps – This looks like a good option and has great reviews. Current price $12.99-$13.99 depending on trim color choice.

Clear Backpack with Reinforced Straps and Water Bottle Pocket – Another great choice with great reviews. I like that this has a pocket for drinks. As low as $16.99 depending on trim color.

Clear Sling Bag – Another good choice with good reviews. I love a good sling bag! This one also has a place for a water bottle. As low as $11.99 depending on trim color.

Clear Drawstring Stadium Bag – Simple and low priced, this option would be a great choice if you don’t have a lot to carry. Currently only $6.99!

Clear Stadium Should Bag – Another low budget, but highly rated item, this one is priced at just $6.99 right now.

Clear Tote Bag – This option is perfect for carrying a lot at once, but still maintaining the clear requirement. Great reviews, and currently $9.39.

Clear Lunch Tote – We save money by having him take in his own lunch rather than having something delivered. This highly rated lunch tote is priced at just $8.99!

Shop around and see what kind fits your style. Enjoy!

It’s been a while since I wrote out a meal plan, frankly because we’ve been crazy busy trying to wrap up our school year and getting my oldest finished! That’s right – I’m graduating my first homeschool student! It’s a weird feeling, her being done, but I know God has big plans for her future. She’s going to take a semester off and then go to college to be a teacher. I’m fine with the break since she’s only 17 and could use some downtime before more adulting starts.

This past week, we took a trip to Tennessee to have some family time with Grandma in Dollywood. We had a great time! I know I’ve said this before, but we are totally turning into Dollywood fans instead of the mouse. It’s closer to us, less expensive, and much less stressful. Plus I’m a huge fan of the mountains!

We are finishing up most of our school year this week and then planning on having a fun summer. Have a great week!

Monday: Lime Mojito Chicken, brown rice, veggies

Tuesday: Black bean burritos

Wednesday: Chili

Thursday: Tacos

Friday: Sandwiches

Saturday: Bratwurst, beans, chips

Sunday: Eggs, biscuits

My oldest is graduating from our homeschool this year and I’m going to send this deal to her. Can’t wait to share in her bounty 😉 Participating Krispy Kreme stores are offering a FREE 2021 Graduate Dozen to High School and College Grads on 5/13/21 by visiting a Krispy Kreme shop and wearing or bringing something from the list below:

• Cap and gown with 2021 tassel
• Class of 2021 apparel (t-shirt, sweatshirt, etc.)
• 2021 letterman jacket featuring senior status
• 2021 class ring
• Graduation announcement featuring name with matching ID
• Student photo ID featuring senior status
• Other Class of 2021 senior swag

The 2021 Graduate Dozen includes an assortment of classic varieties:  Chocolate Iced Kreme Filled, Strawberry Iced Kreme Filled, Cake Batter Filled, Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles, Strawberry Iced with Sprinkles, and Yellow Iced, and Original Glazed® doughnuts.

My husband loves fun t-shirts as gifts. Jane.com currently has some fun Parody Dad shirts for just $19.99 and shipping is free. I love the Dadalorian one! So fun! If you are in-between sizes, we suggest sizing up. These shirts ship no later than Tuesday, May 18th.

Anyone planning to spend time in the water this summer? The Children’s Place has swimwear as low as $7.47 and FREE shipping on any size order! Here are a few deals to check out:

2 Piece Swim Set for Baby/Toddler – $11.98

Americana Rashguard or Swim Trunks – $7.47

While you’re there, also check out the Flip Flops, priced as low as $2.38 + Free shipping!

Mother’s Day is upon us! One of our favorite places to visit in Georgia, Stone Mountain Park, is offering a fantastic Mother’s Day offer.

On May 9, moms can enjoy attractions like Skyride, Dinosaur Explore, Mini-Golf, Scenic Railroad and more for free, with the accompanying purchase of any child or adult Attractions Pass. Mountain Members are also invited to bring Mom along for free.

For visitors looking to enjoy a meal with mom, Stone Mountain Park offers hundreds of picnic tables, grills and beautiful outdoor space where park visitors can unplug, relax and share their favorite foods together. Check the park map to scout out your options ahead of time. Daily parking is $20 per vehicle or $40 for a full year.

My kids LOVE going to theme parks. One that we haven’t been to yet is Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, GA, although we pass signs for it every time we go to Florida. One of these days we are going to stop by there. If you’re headed south and want to make that stop, Groupon currently has discount admission tickets!

Here’s the deal:

Single-Day admission for one – $39.99!

Four – Single-Day Admissions + Dining Passes $199.99!

• Single-day admission includes:
  • Wild Adventures Theme Park and Splash Island admission
• Dining Pass includes:
  • One Dining Pass eligible meal
  • Two Dining Pass eligible snacks
  • One 32 oz. soda
  • View Dining Pass eligible items
  • Pulled-pork sandwich and fries
• Free admission for children under 2

Note: Pre-K Free Kid’s Season Pass: Parents of children born in 2016, 2017 & 2018 can register their children for a Pre-K Free Kid’s Season Pass online at WildAdventures.com/Pre-K. The free pass can be used for visits for all of the 2021 Season.