I've been incredibly busy with teaching online classes, teaching my own children, and managing all the sports/classes/activities that three teenage homeschoolers can get into.

I do like to take time to help other homeschoolers when I can. I was recently contacted by a new Tapestry of Grace user, through our local homeschool email loop. I've been giving her a bit of advice here and there.

Today she emailed to ask me about a specific point of the curriculum. I answered, then asked how everything else was going. Here was her response.

Thank you! I am loving TOG!! My kids love the program and we are just having a blast! It has breathed life back into our homeschool. :-)

Great news on a soggy, cold, windy day.

An Encouragement

Wow, I've neglected this blog for a while. Sorry!

A new homeschooler moved to our neighborhood recently. She came to me for homeschooling advice, and we met several times. She was so impressed with Tapestry of Grace that she borrowed my copy, and decided to use it this year. She also came to our church, and loves it, as well!

I received this email from her yesterday:

I feel a little guilty enjoying the freedom of homeschooling. When you said I would enjoy homeschooling once I pulled away from Traditional schooling. I didn't realize just how much I would enjoy it. :) Though I catch myself wanting to compare and contrast with other families...the Lord softly whispers...don't do it! He assures me that we are on the right path for our family. I love hearing how so many families in cooperate so many subjects into one. I am still in such awe. The Lord getting me closer to his goal, Sheri. I am a slow learner. :) Thank the Lord he never gives up on me ( like we sang in praise and worship). :) If my hubby was here we would totally join yours and your hubby's small group. It sounds great. Maybe the next time. :) I am looking forward to joining the small group unglued. It's fitting for the season I am in. 

  Well, just a couple of praise I'd like to share since you homeschool and would understand me sharing these great news. I am seriously loving stepping out of the traditional schooling mindset. When a part of me feels the pressure that I may not be doing enough....I thinks  back to the lesson planning 101 from TOG that discussed making realistic goals, because each family and their situation is different. My children and I love TOG. They draw things they learn about Egypt to send to my husband. They enjoy sharing facts with friends and families that they have learned through reading or read alouds. They also reenact things they remember from reading. Our daughter wants to dress up as Cleopatra for harvest fest. :) The greatest thing is they are enjoying learning. Remember I told you..how my oldest lacked confidence in reading...well now she is requesting to do the read alouds. My son mastered tying shoe laces. He struggled and was discouraged regarding tying his shoes since last year. Well this morning...he did it. I know that sounds petty but that's huge in my mind as well as my son's. I know you know how that feels. It's such a blessing to watch them truly master things and not just memorize things. I am so thankful not to have the pressure of turning in grades to Abeka. Not only are my children happy learning but I am too. 

What a blessing to hear her successes! Even though I was the original encourager, this ended up encouraging me.

Here is the song she is referring to, that we sang at church this week. I hope it blesses you as well!

One Thing Remains - Jesus Culture

Favorite Verse

I've been battling some health issues that have been unresolved for several years now. I've been just barely hanging on to the basics in life, so this blog has been neglected. However I did want to post here something I saw today which is helping to bring new life and passion to my faith, which has been suffering along with my health.



I have been saying for years that Jeremiah 29:11 was my favorite verse. Years ago that verse used to be my comfort and my inspiration, but in recent years it has not given that same comfort. Then I saw this verse and it brought back those feelings of comfort, joy, and faith that I've been longing for. It actually excites me when I read it!

"The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.”

- Zephaniah 3:17

Thank you, God. I needed that today!

Homeschoolers and Socialization

My 15-year-old had three varsity volleyball games this week. Last night's game was against another homeschool team, held at a church gym nearby.

So, how was it attending a game with a gym full of "weird, unsocialized homeschoolers" and their families?

I suppose many people would think it would be awkward, quiet - filled with conservative family members wearing headdresses and other ultra modest clothing, clapping politely for both teams.

But you would be oh, so wrong.

Both stands were filled with people of all ages, cheering, yelling, and stomping on the bleachers for their respective teams. The gym was filled with laughter and excitement. Older children and parents were watching over the younger children, entertaining them during breaks in the games and helping them to stay off the court during the games. Parents of the "home" team were walking the stands during the breaks, hawking pizza by the slice to benefit a senior trip. Parents and siblings were loudly cheering on the girls by name. Groups of parents sitting together were catching up on each others' lives, sometimes watching the games and sometimes not.

What topped the cake was two teenage boys who took it upon themselves during the breaks to "work the crowd." They ran up and down the bleacher sections, encouraging everyone to do "the wave" and to cheer - for both teams! They were a riot.

Oh, yes. What a completely unsocialized group we homeschoolers are.

Homeschooling Article

Well, this rather slapped-together article has begun to spark some serious discussion in homeschooling.

College Students Fail Civics Test

This article points out some serious flaws in our best colleges.

If you go to the site referenced in this article, it's even worse to see how poorly elected officials did on this quiz.

My highest level of education is some college, with no degree; I scored 81.85%.

Next year my oldest will begin a 3-year in-depth study of government. I hope at the end she will score even better.

Tapestry of Grace, the curriculum I use, is one of the few I've seen that includes governmental studies as a key component.

Homeschooling from a Teacher's Viewpoint

It's nice to see a teacher fighting for homeschoolers' rights.

Article here.