Six kids squealing in a parking lot before you've even made it to the entrance is usually a sign that expectations are dangerously high.

If you're anything like me, you're always looking for somewhere fun to take the kids that doesn't require a second mortgage or a five-hour road trip. That's exactly how we ended up at Malibu Jack's in North Richland Hills. We were scrolling through the Get Out Pass app looking for something to do, saw Malibu Jack's pop up, and decided to give it a shot.

I love it when homeschool lessons happen by accident. The other day, my husband and I were talking about random things we remembered from childhood, and somehow the conversation turned into Gak. If you grew up in the 90s, you probably remember it instantly. The weird texture. The bright colors. The gross noises. Peak childhood entertainment.

If you’re like me, you’re always looking for places to take your kids that feel fun for them but also worth the effort for you. Bonus points if it gets them outside, keeps them engaged for more than 20 minutes, and sneaks in a little learning along the way. That’s exactly why I wanted to check out Sean Kenney’s Nature POP! at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Between the giant LEGO animal sculptures, the gardens, and all the educational tie-ins throughout the exhibit, it ended up being a hit!

I think I’ve officially passed the honeymoon phase of homeschooling. You know that first year or two when everything feels exciting and new? When you call every trip to Target a field trip and count baking cookies as math and science? That was fun. But we’re way past that now. It’s real over here. *send help*

I get asked all the time, “How do I get started homeschooling?” And I get it. It’s a big decision. It can feel confusing, even overwhelming. The advice is usually the same: look up your homeschool laws, join a few Facebook groups, and go from there. And honestly, that’s not bad advice, but it barely scratches the surface.

Hi, I’m Lauren, a homeschooling mom of three. I love the flexibility that homeschooling offers, but let’s be honest: flexibility doesn’t pay the bills. Over time, I have experimented with different side hustles to support my family while still prioritizing my kids' education. In this blog, I want to share my honest experiences, what has worked for me, what hasn’t, and why I believe there are plenty of options out there for other homeschool moms, too.

Homeschooling doesn’t have to be expensive. Seriously. There are so many incredible educational resources out there, and a lot of them are either super low-cost or completely free. Once you know where to look, it changes the game.

Starting homeschooling can feel like standing at the base of a mountain, staring up at something huge and overwhelming. I know that feeling well—I was there too. When I first started homeschooling, I questioned whether I could actually do it long-term. The learning curve felt steep, and I wasn’t sure if I had what it took. It wasn’t just about teaching my kids—it was also about figuring out how to balance it all with the many other hats I wear.

If you’re a homeschool mom (or thinking about becoming one) and the thought of teaching multiple kids of different ages makes your head spin, let me just say—I get it. It’s overwhelming! You’re trying to keep everyone engaged, educated, and let's be real--not fighting. For a while, I felt like I was being pulled in a million directions, and my homeschool days were more chaotic than productive. But in the past few weeks, we’ve finally hit a groove, and I’m here to tell you what’s been working for us. Spoiler alert: it’s not magic. It’s just a mix of planning, flexibility, and a whole lot of trial and error.