Usually, I see it coming. But this year it snuck up on me.

I was minding my own business, sipping a cup of coffee, and scrolling through Facebook when I saw it.

13 Days until Thanksgiving.

I almost snorted coffee through my nose.

“How can it be Thanksgiving already?” I thought.
And then my homeschool brain went into full battle mode.

I don’t know about you, but I am afflicted with a deadly disease.

Most days, I am able to keep its symptoms at bay, but there are 3 times a year that it completely takes over my mind.

Spring, summer, and the holidays.

I’m digging in my heels this year.

We are in the middle of essays, math units, and projects that will not survive the Christmas break so I need to make sure the kids stay on task.

I can smell cinnamon and I even saw a neighbor’s Christmas tree in her window yesterday.

So the battle is real.

Today, I have a learning craft to share with you.

This one came as a wonderful surprise from Rosie’s Research, just a 40-minute drive from my house in the woods.

A Solar System Bracelet kit in a cute little box. {I’m thinking stocking stuffer}

I was sent this bracelet to see if it would be something I would recommend to my homeschooling friends.

So I grabbed my camera and handed the box to my 12-year old son. I figured this was the fastest way to shoot it down if it wasn’t worth its salt.

I thought he’d roll his eyes, but he sat down and immediately began reading.

One side of the paper had facts about our solar system that even I didn’t know.

How is that possible? I thought I was perfect.

Then he flipped the page and went to work.

All I did was grab the plate so the beads wouldn’t escape and take pictures while he quietly strung the beads according to the directions.

In the end, he smiled and quietly clasped the bracelet around my wrist.

As he went to go work on his latest Lego creation, I sat back dumbfounded.

In 30 minutes he had learned all about the solar system and created a bracelet that I proudly wear- even to church.

Although I proudly wear everything my sons have made for me, some of their creations require a bit of bravery to wear in public…

This kit is the perfect combination of learning, craft, and fine motor development. (The spacer beads are really small)

Within an hour of wearing the bracelet, I was contacting Rosie’s Research to become an affiliate.

{It’s just what homeschooler bloggers like me do. It doesn’t add anything to the cost of the products, but it does help keep  the coffee brewing and allows me the ability to chat with you every day}

Well, I’m off to see why my sons ignored their alarm clocks.

I heard them go off about 15 minutes ago, but so far no one is moving around.

Maybe they sense the holidays are just around the corner too?

PS- 44 days until Christmas:  If you didn’t grab your free holiday gift planner yet, you can download it here.

Even if you don’t exchange gifts, this is the best time to grab amazing deals!