You Gotta Have Friends

We were five moms seated around two squashed together tables at Panera Bread one Friday evening. All of us, over thirty with multiple children, laughing like teenagers. Each mom had her own story to tell and her own story to live. But for one Friday evening those individual stories intersected in fellowship, friendship, food and fun.

Sharing from our hearts, we encouraged one another in this journey of motherhood and wifehood.

Interestingly enough, that night, the majority of women who gathered homeschool, but not all. Did this leave us at odds, resulting in an educational war? No, of course not. We weren't there to critique each other or compare ourselves to one another. Our hearts were joined in our common roles as mommas and wives. We were there to share, to learn from one another, and be encouraged.

As I returned home, I thought about how long it had been since I had experienced a night like this. Honestly, it had been a long time. Too long. I had needed this evening out with friends.

When the schedule gets demanding, finding time for an outing with other wives and moms can almost be impossible. Yet, it is vital that we try to connect with others in real life.

Having connections online is wonderful. This is not a bash or rant about online support. Honestly, sometimes due to geography or circumstances, the online community is the only support one can have. For those of us with no geographical issues, who are surrounded by other
families within a reasonable driving distance: this post is for us {because some days I need the reminder too}.

We need real life in our face momma friends.

We need another seeing with their very own eyes our mess and lovingly encouraging us anyway.

For you see, we all know we can hide our junk from the online world. We can crop the pic just so, give it the right angle, or change the tone of our words with editing. We can highlight our children's accomplishments, presenting an illusion that they never struggle.

In some ways, I agree with doing all of this. Love covers the mistakes of others. I am not in to publicizing my children's mistakes {Believe me, they make many. They take after me.} And, for the record, I tend to naturally be a positive person. My glass is almost always half full. I know, it is kind of irritating to those half empty glass people.

However, online interactions don't always offer what a IRL (in real life) friend can. IRL friends can tell from the tone of your voice the day you've had. They can see the weariness in your eyes, and come aside you to help. Sometimes, they can offer another perspective, because they have seen the whole situation.

If you don't have any IRL friends, then seek them. Befriend another. You may not 'click' instantly, but don't write them off immediately. We are each part of our own story, but a bigger and better one is written when our stories intertwine. Those other moms/wives are seeking to live their best story too - and that might just be where you find your first common thread.

~ Dorie

Oh, and if you make your way to Panera Bread one evening, try the Autumn Squash soup - delicious!

When YOU are too Sick to Teach

It's that time of year again. Allergies, colds, and flus, oh my! This past week, we've all taken turns fighting off a lovely cold and stomach bug. Just as the kids were getting better, of course, I came down with it. Due to their illness last week, we're already a couple of days behind in our Sonlight curriculum, but now that I'm sick? We're going to end up a whole week behind! Time to panic.

Or not.

We all know that one of the perks of homeschooling is that we get to work at our own pace. The other is that we can take advantage of other learning opportunities! So what if we're sick? So what if they're sick? We may not be able to sit at the table and pour over projects and books, but that's okay.

What can we do if WE are not able to teach?

* Netflix/DVDs--While I'm definitely not an advocate of letting the TV babysit your kids on a daily basis, every once in awhile it isn't going to hurt them. And with DVDs and programs like Netflix, you have control over what they watch. There are plenty of educational cartoons, documentaries, etc. And I'll bet we can find a show that relates to something we're studying.

*Books--Whether they snuggle with you or find their own little corner, books open other worlds. Fiction, non-fiction, picture books--they all have potential for learning. Keep a fresh stash from the library, add to your own library regularly, maybe even keep a few "new" ones back for special occasions like this.

*Games--Board games, card games, video games, etc. Each has their own educational benefits (or CAN have their own benefits). Some require adult supervision, some don't. Some can be played with other siblings, some are solitary. We can invest in games and have our own arsenal to dive into when need be.

*Let them be the teacher--If you're well enough to sit up on the couch (or lay on the couch even), let them tell you about what they've been learning. They say mastery comes when they can teach someone else. Let them explain their math problems, talk about their science experiments, etc. You may not be moving forward, but it does reinforce previous teaching. 

*Call on family--The other day, I literally could not get out of bed, couldn't stay awake, but my husband had to go to work. We are blessed to (finally) be near family, so hubby called up my mother-in-law and asked her to take the kids. Now, I know they didn't really do anything "educational" that day, but I know that the kids got out and had a good time with their grandmother. I also know that in the past they have done educational things like visiting parks, baking/cooking together, etc. 

*Learn through play--With any child, but especially with young children, they learn as much through play as they do from regulated school work. So don't be afraid to turn them loose outside or in their playroom/bedroom to just enjoy a day off. 

So, don't panic if illness steals a few days. Remember that half the joy of the home school journey is to train well-rounded children. Curriculum isn't the end all, be all of training and learning. Diversity definitely has its place.

What do you do when you're too sick to teach?

Homeschool? I Could Never Do That.

"I could never do that."

This is the single most common statement made to me by other parents when they hear that we homeschool.  It always makes me smile.

In fact, I made the same statement myself (many times) in the years before we became crazy homeschoolers ourselves.


I am going to tell you something today that you may not want to hear.  You may not be ready to hear it just yet.  You may, in fact, be avoiding hearing it.  I know all of those things were true for me when my homeschooling friend finally said to me "Yes, you can."

You totally, completely and absolutely could do this.  This homeschooling thing? Yes.  You could do it.


I can hear what you are saying to me.

I don't have time!  My child and I butt heads over everything!  I don't have time!  My husband/wife won't want to!  I'm not qualified!  I don't have time!  I don't really even like kids!  I have no teaching experience! And I don't have time!

and then we come to the root of your struggles:

*whispering now* How will I be sure they are learning enough? Learning the right things? What will other people think of them, of me? Will we turn into one of those weird, awkward homeschooling families I've heard about?  I don't know anything about homeschooling or anyone (well, other than you) who homeschools...

And worst of all, what you can't even bring yourself to say out loud:

What if I ruin my child? 




I'm going to tell you what my friend told me, when I finally couldn't lie to myself anymore about my goals and desires for my children, about their needs and abilities, about homeschooling and what it meant.

1) Homeschooling is a completely reversible decision.  If it doesn't work out, you can always go back.
2) You know, understand and love your child better than any professional educator ever could.
3) Homeschoolers are everywhere. And their kids are awesome.
4) There is help and support available (everywhere!) for new homeschoolers trying to navigate the learning curve.

And worst of all, what I couldn't even bring myself to say out loud:

5) What if institutional education ruins your child?




None of the above items means that I think everyone should be homeschooling their children, nor does it mean that institutional school is bad for every child.  It doesn't mean that homeschooling would be best for every family, or for your family.  But if you are reading this, if you are on the internet exploring homeschooling, if you are struggling with what might be the best fit for your children, this may be just what you need to face.  You certainly could do it.  Does it mean that you should or will?  Only you can answer that.

But you certainly could.  If I can, anyone (including you!) can do it as well.

When Opposition Comes

When we made the decision to homeschool Sophie, I was ready for some opposition from the local elementary school where Ken is on the school board.  

Surprisingly, the superintendent was supportive. She listened to our explanation, and didn't question why. She listed all the activities that Sophie would be allowed to participate in, even if she is home schooled.  There was no criticism. No backlash. At all.

However.....

When we've told our friends who have asked which school Sophie will be attending their reactions have been quite different. Hostile, questioning, hurtful.....and these are our friends!

I feel like they are waiting for us to fail - and I'm wondering how many of these friendships I should hold on to, and which ones I should back away from.

To be honest, I am a people pleaser. I don't like confrontation, and have always kept silent when I don't have a positive thing to say.  Now I'm forced to continually explain what I feel is a personal choice for my family....and I'm getting tired of it.

I could use some tips....what do you do when you are faced with the sarcastic questions, the looks, and the never ending "socialization" conversation? 

Aurie Good is a pastor's wife, a "retired" youth minister, and probably the most relaxed mom that you'll ever meet!  She blogs at Our Good Life with quips about life as a stay at home mom to two girly toddlers, two wild & crazy dogs, and one cranky cat.  She is married to her best friend and consider the simple life that they've created absolute bliss!  They are currently fostering a lively two year old little girl who keeps them on their toes!

Attending a Homeschool Convention

Having attended many homeschool conventions, I sometimes forget what it is like for a first time attendee. Then, this year, my husband decided to attend a spring homeschool convention with me. It will be his first. As we discussed all that we could do at the convention, he started to get a glazed over, too much information, sensory overload look. I realized what I now consider typical homeschool convention information was way too much for a first time attendee. Taking a few steps back, I started over and explained it all again.   

Are you considering attending a homeschool convention or conference this year? In an effort to better explain homeschool conventions, I have broken down the information into a question and answer format. It is my hope that this information will be beneficial to you.

What is a homeschool conference or convention?
These organized meetings for homeschoolers occur in a variety of locations around the country each year. Most are scheduled in the spring and early summer months. Organized lectures, workshops, curriculum fairs, and encouraging seminars may be some of the events planned. Primarily, each conference or convention has several purposes, but one main purpose: to encourage you to start or keep homeschooling. To find a homeschool convention near you: search here.

Who should attend?
Anyone interested in homeschooling or actively homeschooling should consider attending, if possible. Also, grandparents of children homeschooled or supportive friends/family members who are interested in learning more about homeschooling might consider attending a conference or convention.

How does one prepare?
If you have already decided to attend a conference or convention, then perhaps you are wondering how best to prepare for it. Several suggestions follow.

• Read through the speaker/workshop/break out session schedule. Decide which sessions you definitely want to attend, would be nice to attend, and could skip. Rank the sessions if needed. Also, if there is more than one session at a given time, and you'd like to attend both, then consider purchasing the audio for one of the sessions after the conference. By deciding which sessions you must attend, you can then devise a plan or schedule for your day(s).
• Obtain a map of the convention center. This will help you learn the set up and plan your travels through the curriculum hall. (Maps are essential for large conventions.) I have found it helpful to highlight the rooms or booths I want to visit during the convention.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Most people will recommend sneakers. This is a great choice. However, I have a pair of sandals that are actually more comfortable and more accommodating for a full day on my feet. So, wear something you are comfortable walking and standing in all day long.
• Wear light layers. Convention halls can vary in temperatures. Large halls may be cool, but as they fill with people temperatures may increase.
• Consider your accessories. If you are going to be purchasing books bring something light, compact, and on wheels that you can roll behind you. It is much easier on your shoulders than a heavy back pack. Also, it can be carted across long distances, like to your parked car, easily. However, if you aren't purchasing books a large shoulder bag or backpack may be ideal for carrying your notebook or clipboard and pen for note taking.

What is the one essential thing to remember when you are there?
Remember your plan. When you get to a convention, especially for first time attendees, it can be, well, overwhelming. The homeschool conventions I have attended have crowds of people, lots of curriculum booths, ample speakers, and multiple sessions each hour. It can be sensory overload. Having a plan in place can make the convention easier to navigate. While you are at the convention, remember what you want to do and see. You are attending the conference for a reason. Be sure to fulfill your reason by completing your list of priorities outlined in your plan.

What about after the conference?
After the conference, you can sort through your notes from the lectures, workshops, and seminars. Pulling out the information that is vital to your homeschool and attempting to implement any changes. Also, remember that after the conference you can sometimes purchase audio feed to any sessions you missed.

If you can't attend a homeschool conference or convention, then perhaps you might consider an online option. Many workshops or seminars are now offered online. A few places to consider: Ultimate Homeschool Expo; Heart of the Matter Conference; and HSLDA @home E-vents.

Blogging Benefits Homeschoolers

Last spring, Ralene asked friends to join her in creating this homeschooling blog.  I immediately jumped at the opportunity.  Other than a private family blog that chronicles our children's days/experiences, I had never blogged and had spent very little time looking at blogs.  However, the prospect of sharing my experiences with others sounded like a fun adventure.  I initially started blogging as a small hobby.  I really enjoyed writing for this blog and soon created my own blog, where I write about the activities we do in our homeschool preschool.  Little did I know when I created that blog that being a homeschooling, blogging mommy would actually help me become better at homeschooling.  Today, I would like to share with you the top 5 ways that blogging benefits homeschooling moms.

1. You get to reflect on your experiences.  Sitting down to write about the lessons you completed with your child gives you the chance to think about their effectiveness and come up with solutions to problems.

2. You have a record of the work that you did with your children.  Your online journal becomes a portfolio of your child's work for you to review, to share with others, and to show your children.  I love going back and looking at the work we have done over the last few months and so does Abigail.

3. Linking up to linky parties forces you to look at the blogs of other homeschooling moms.  I cannot even begin to tell you how many fabulous learning ideas I have found by reading other moms' blogs.  If I did not blog, there is no way that I would spend time looking at other blogs!

4. You can connect with other homeschooling moms (even if only online).  Blogging about our homeschool has provided me with a network of other moms who support me and I support them.  We share feelings and ideas online.  I also got connected with a local preschool homeschooling group because one of the mothers saw my blog.

5. Blogging can keep you accountable in your homeschool (even when you don't want to do it).  Since my girls are still very young (ages 1 and 3), there are no legal requirements for my children to attend school.  We have chosen to begin homeschooling now because we feel that it is best for our girls.  There are some days, though, that I do not want to do it and would rather spend the day playing (or catching up on housework).  However, I want to have something to blog about (and don't want any of my online friends to question why we are taking another day off), so we still homeschool. 

Are you a blogger?  How does blogging help in your homeschool?

Combatting Mid-Year Discouragement

Homeschooling is wonderful, most of the time. But, let's face it, some days are tough. Some parts of the year are harder than others. Such is the case with the winter days midway through the school year.

  

This is when the mid-year blues start to rear an ugly head. When, sometimes, we homeschooling moms get discouraged and even start to second guess ourselves or our decision to homeschool.

You know the signs of discouragement.  It may look different for each one of us.  For me, there are three tell tale signs... looking longingly at the school down the street, wanting to call it quits when we've only started the day, and a loss of creativity.

What is a discouraged homeschooling mom to do?

Some successful ways I combat the mid-year blues...

• prayer
• have a heart to heart discussion with my husband
• refocus on why we homeschool
• realize the journey won't be perfect nor will it always be fun
• pinpoint the source of my discouragement and make changes to alleviate it
• seek encouragement and advice from other homeschoolers

Maybe you aren't feeling discouragement right now. Then, perhaps, you could encourage another homeschooling mom.

Whether with family and friends, in a formal or informal support group, on a blog, or in social media you can be a source of encouragement.

A few ways to encourage discouraged moms...

• prayer
• honestly sharing your own experiences and struggles
• meeting her for coffee or tea, or a social visit (without the kids)
• offering to help in an area of struggle or discouragement

Discouragement isn't confined to the winter days midway through a school year. No, discouragement rears its ugly head anywhere, anytime for anyone of us.

If you are in a season of discouragement, know that you are not alone. Probably every homeschooling mom has felt it at one point or another.  I have been there. And, today, I want you to know, you can do this homeschooling thing. You are capable, and you will succeed!

If you are not in a season of discouragement, look around you. Is there a mom you can encourage today? Reach out using one of the ideas listed above, or add another way to encourage in the comment section.  Then, we will all benefit from your ideas.

Our Journey

Homeschooling is such a journey, each of our family’s journeys look different. In my journey (year 3) I am finally learning to stop looking around me.

I am letting go of so many things that I clung to in the first two years.


I wanted to set up the perfect little classroom, that little place that separated our real home life from school. The pretty workbooks lined in a row just like my favorite public school teacher. Our little public school at home.


Today, I still line things neatly, because I thrive on order; we use some classroom items, like a dry erase board, because we’re visual learners, but other than that we are moving very far from the public school image.

Sam's Noggin

School has now spilled into every part of our life, or life has consumed our school. Not sure which, but I like it.


Literature now takes the spot of workbooks, drawings replace any type of busywork, Scripture memorization is our number one priority and continues into the evenings.

Above all, I am no longer entrusting our homeschool to the ideas of others, but am prayerfully looking for what God would have our home and school to become.


This is our journey, our life, our walk.


We can’t cookie cutter our life into anyone else’s; we shouldn’t want to.


Cut your own path through this homeschooling journey, you don’t have to do everything right to give it your all. Even when you mess up, I promise your children will be fine. 

Getting the Most Out of Co-ops

Silently, I watch them. The whole room erupts with laughter and conversation. Children run about the room, sliding into chairs. Moms throw arms about each other greeting friends. Smiles abound. I feel overwhelmed and left out; a stranger in a room full of happy people.


It is our very first day of co-op and I know only one other family. There are at least twenty other families and multitudes of children. I wait as the morning opening commences. There is a welcome, worship, prayer, and announcements. Led by teenagers, the worship music softens my apprehension. Room assignments are reviewed during the announcements. I listen intently. I don’t want to be lost on my very first day. The assembly begins to break up as each teacher and student make their way to first classes. I inhale deeply, gather my supplies, and join them.

Five years later, I still remember this initial apprehension and anxiety I felt on that very first day of co-op.

Today, we belong to two co-ops. The first one meets two Fridays a month and offers classes like physical education, art, creative writing, and music. This is the co-op setting described above. It is our fifth year participating in the Friday co-op group. The second co-op we participate in is a science co-op. We meet Wednesday afternoons each week. Parents teach, assist, or gather supply materials for the classes. This fall, we began our second year of science co-op.

Co-ops vary greatly in size, organization, and purposes. Therefore, joining a co-op is an individual decision. Each family must weigh the benefits and responsibilities of belonging to a particular co-op.

Five questions to consider before joining any co-op are:

1. What do you hope to get out of a co-op experience? And, does this particular co-op offer you these benefits?
2. Does the co-op offer classes of interest and benefit for your family?
3. Does your family have the time available? Include not only the time of actual co-op meetings, but driving time and any prep work or homework / out of class projects that parents and students must complete.
4. What will your family be required to contribute to the co-op? Is this something you are willing to do?
5. What is the financial cost to join?

For the first two years of ‘official’ homeschooling, we did not belong to any co-ops. For us, at that time, the benefits of a co-op were not as great as the cost to our family. We waited until the benefits outweighed the costs. When we finally decided to join a co-op, I wanted to get the most out of our time.

Five ways to get the most out of a co-op experience are:

1. Mingle - Get to know the other moms. Spend some time asking questions and advice. Some of the moms in our co-ops have been homeschooling for many years and are a wealth of information and wisdom.
2. Don’t double teach - If a child is taking an art class with appreciation and instruction, then the child probably doesn’t need a full blown art class at home, too. Sounds like common sense, but there were some years I actually did double teach!
3. Volunteer - Co-ops don’t just happen. Lots of work goes into making a co-op run smoothly. Try to help in the areas you are good at, but don’t be afraid to try something new.
4. Attend extra activities if possible - Generally, a family in our co-op hosts a get together or organizes a field trip in addition to co-op at least once a school year. Attending these extra events helped us strengthen our co-op friendships.
5. Commit to the co-op - Arrive on time. Be fully there, participating in the events, classes, and fellowship that the co-op offers. This may sound silly, but there were years when I was only partially committed to the co-op. I wasn’t fully invested, and I missed out on some of the greatest benefits to a co-op.

Each year, we reevaluate our family's co-op participation, measuring the benefits against the cost, 
and plan accordingly.

Ways to Include Extended Family

It happens every September: Grandparent's Day.  At many schools, private and public, grandparents will be asked to visit or notes of appreciation will be written.  Family bonds will be strengthened, and grandparents will feel a part of their grandchildren's school experiences.  For homeschoolers, we aren't limited to a specific day, celebration, or occasion to include grandparents.  In many ways, as often as possible, grandparents and extended family members can be involved in our homeschooling journeys.

Of all the benefits to homeschooling, regular multi-generational interactions must rank fairly high.  It is one benefit that we seek to draw upon as often as possible.  Over the years, our family has tried to include grandparents and other family members in our homeschooling days.  Of course, not everyone agrees with our decision to homeschool, and some aren't able to participate regularly due to schedules or living far away.  However, for those family members who are willing and able, it is a tremendous blessing and source of encouragement.



Some of the ways we, and other homeschooling families we know, include extended family are:

1. Sharing Special Skills and Hobbies - Making jelly or applesauce, creating model railroad scenes, and shooting bow and arrows or BB guns have been some of the skills my parents have taught our children. 
2. Field Trips - We've shared trips to heritage museums, orchards, railroad museums, public gardens and zoos.
3. Scholastic Fairs and Co-op Presentations - When the children participated in a geography fair, extended family attended the presentation.  Similarly, hand bell performances and science demonstrations have been ideal places for ideal family to observe home education in action.
4. Volunteer Opportunities at Co-op or Teach a Subject at Home - Extended family is always welcome to help teach/assist or share an experience as a guest speaker in our co-op classes.  Also, we know a few retired teachers who teach their homeschooled grandchildren one or two specific classes a week.
5. Musical Presentations and Sporting Events - For this year, whether our daughter's first upcoming piano recital, the choir concert, or flag football game, we'll be inviting extended family.  During concerts or game time, sitting in the audience or on the sidelines cheering on a participant make for special memories for both the child and grandparent.
6. Special Projects - We have had extended family share in the making or presenting of special projects throughout the years.  Other times, extended family has served as an audience for our budding presenters.
7. Pen Pals - For extended family who live far away, correspondence in letters and cards help include them in our everyday lives and improve our children's writing skills.
8. History Information - Oral histories, personal experiences, and one on one interviews with family members who have lived through the times we are studying have been invaluable. 

What are some more ways to include grandparents or extended family in your homeschool?  I look forward to reading your ideas and hopefully including them into our days as well.

GYHS Welcomes Susan Hollaway!

It is my joy and pleasure to introduce a good friend of mine. I met her through the American Christian Fiction Writers, a writing group that we both belong to. Not only is she a wonderful writer, but she's also been homeschooling for years! I'd like you to welcome our first guest, Susan Hollaway. 

I can’t believe my daughter’s in her second year of high school already.  Aaaack!   Time sure does fly when you’re having fun! 

I love to talk about homeschooling.  I’m just going to share some thoughts I have and hope that a tidbit tucked in among them might encourage or bless someone. 

 I’m so glad that we were called to home school.  I can’t imagine missing even one experience over the last ten years of home educating our daughter.  In case you’re wondering – no, they’ve not all been perfect, but I have learned from every single experience.  If you’re reading this and thinking about homeschooling and wondering if you can do it —let me just say—why yes, yes you can.  If you feel led to home school, there’s a good reason.  The Lord never asks you to go somewhere without Him.  You can do it!   

There are as many ways to home school as there are homeschoolers.  That’s one of the many advantages of home education.  Some school year round with breaks throughout the year, while others do the traditional school year.  Some may have their school hours in the mornings and afternoons, while others who have a dad working second shift, might school in the afternoons and evenings so they can spend more time with him. 

The rules are the ones you set for your family.  Most importantly, do what works for you. Just because you’re doing it differently than someone else doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.  For me, some structure is important.  But on the other hand, don’t be so set that you can’t recognize the unexpected “teachable moments” that pop up, because life is the best classroom of all.  So, it doesn’t really matter what the calendar says or where you happen to be, learning never truly ceases.  Whether you’re super-structured or a relaxed homeschooler, what matters is how your children learn best and it’s up to you and the Lord to determine how to make it all work.  

Got curriculum?  There’s a plethora of choices out there.  We are eclectic.  I don’t use a boxed or canned curriculum.  I know there are some great ones out there, but we’ve always preferred to choose each subject curriculum individually according to the learning style of our daughter and how we think it’ll work best for our family. We use a lot of living (whole) books and we love it.  But you certainly need to choose what works best for your child(ren).   

Whew! Ten years of homeschooling under my belt.  I think I’m supposed to be one of those veteran homeschoolers now.  Believe me, you’ll always have questions.  I still do.  That’s what makes homeschool groups, co-ops, and blogs like this so invaluable.  It’s sort of like being a Titus 2 woman and for everything there is a season.  They’ll be someone to mentor you, and someday it’ll be your turn to mentor or at least a chance to bless someone else.  And often, you don’t even know you’re doing the blessing.  It’s just a small conversation or comment that leaves a lasting impression.  That’s so cool and so God!  

Last year when I uttered the words “my daughter is starting high school”, I was momentarily speechless.  A rarity for me, I must admit.   Memories flit through my brain of sitting snuggled on the couch reading books from FIVE-IN-A-ROW and doing the super cool activities that go along with that literature-based unit study.  I remember we built a light house and then went into the bathroom with a flashlight to light it up.  That rocked!

My daughter remembers so many books, lessons, and special memories from those times, and it warms my heart that we re-share them together through precious discussions. Not long ago, she told me that she loves homeschooling and that I’ve been a great teacher.  Aw.  While I must most certainly admit, if there’s anything good in me – it’s Jesus Christ, it still made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  But for the grace of God I am able to complete the tasks He sets before me. 

Now that I’ve survived the 4-H County Fair, it’s time to get geared up for the new year.  So as another summer begins to come to an end and the start of a new school year is about to begin, excitement builds.  We get out the new stuff we purchased.  I plan, organize, and then we shop for any last minute needed supplies.  I feel almost giddy.  

My thoughts were to share a little about our homeschooling, but mostly to show you that everyone does homeschooling a little differently.   Instill a love of learning in your child and the possibilities are endless.  Make it interesting and fun when you can, and when the lessons come that are boring or tedious (and you will eventually have some of those)….well, that’s a life lesson. There’s times in life that we all have to do things that aren’t always fun.  If you have your child’s best interest at heart, it’ll all work out. Maybe not always in the way you expect, but some of the biggest blessings are unexpected.

I could go on, but I’m supposed to keep it at around 500 words.  I guess I need to wrap this up as I’m at 899.  That’s not too bad, I told you I LOVE to talk about homeschooling. 

About me: 

I am a Christian, wife, homeschooling mom, and writer.  I live in Kansas with my husband, teenage daughter, and my daughter's two dogs. I love people, but come to think of it, I’ve rarely met a carbohydrate that I didn’t like either. I write inspirational romance and freelance. You can visit me at my blog at http://susanhollaway.blogspot.com.