Two weeks into our school year, and three weeks after the transition began from homeschooling three to homeschooling two, I often find myself reflecting about how our lives are different with one less child in the house. 1. Grocery shopping is markedly different, though the oldest has never been an “eater” (unlike her mom). […]
School Day Numero Uno: Fall 2013
There are few days in the life of a parent like the first day of school, whether your child catches the bus or simply walks to the kitchen table. As I’ve shared over a number of posts, this year is markedly different for us as we have in essence sent our older two to […]
5 Steps Toward a Homeschool Plan that Works
If you have ever worked with or even seen a builder, you know the importance of a plan. The written plan is the point of communication between all parties regarding what results are expected. The plan is a roadmap. The plan lends focus when life begins to unravel. Finally, the plan can be used […]
10-Year-Old Girl’s Night
In my post about our daughter’s high school graduation party, I talked about the fact that I am a non-party planner. I also “voiced” my frustration about the fact that we did not get pictures at the actual party. In the first post, I spoke of taking LOADS of pictures when our son graduates […]
2013/2014 Homeschool Finishing Touches
As July whizzes by, the month of August and all of its associated activity seems to be approaching like a slow-moving, but certain hurricane. At times I stop to think about all that needs to be done within a month and I am quickly consumed by my inabilities. Then I remember that Ephesians 3:20 and […]
Letting Go of Older Children: Prayer, Prepare, and Apply
When I am not teaching our three children at home, I sometimes teach adult learners, helping them “blow the dust off,” shall we say, of academic concepts and skills long lost and forgotten. Not too long ago, at the end of an entry-level course, I asked the students to assemble into small groups and answer […]
Great Book, but What Does it Mean?
Less than a week ago, I did something that I have not done in years: I watched a televised music awards show. Overall, I see why a lot of top 40’s hit music does not appeal to me, but I also cringe at the messages sent by many of these artists, many of whom […]
Reflections of Summer over the Years
In summer of 2009, I wrote this thought as a portion of this post: ‘ I think what has me a bit frustrated is the plight I find myself in each summer: overcommitted and genuinely curious as to how it happened.’ When you have blogged for 7 years, you get to laugh–and sometimes wince–at the quality […]
Getting the Most out of Homeschool Conferences
Can I confess something? Until 2012, I had not been to a homeschooling conference that required me to put on something other than pajamas in years. In a homeschooling community that thrives on conferences and gatherings in general, I had reached—or so I thought—that point in my homeschooling journey where conferences had little to offer. […]
Looking Ahead: Our School in 2013-2014
Where does a mom’s mind travel to after her oldest graduates and, along with litle brother and sister, finishes her final dance recital? Toward plans for the fall. After all, as many “last moments” as we have all cried through in these last few weeks, we still have two kids here who need an education! Our summer trips revolve […]
Our First Graduation Party
Well, what can I say? The event came in like a lion and went out like a lamb, but oh, the flurry of activities that occurred in-between. Our area is big enough such that we actually have three larger, more formal graduation ceremonies dedicated to homeschoolers in the area. Can you imagine what that says about […]
How to Pick the Right Curriculum
Before you get too excited, let me say that this article will not suggest any one curriculum, or devalue any other curriculum. There are far too many choices out there for me to offer much wisdom in that area. Indeed, homeschooling has come a long way from the few publishers that would actually sell to […]