I thought I could dissuade him, and make him forget his great idea. But, when I saw the seriousness in his eyes, I lost all reason to say no, began nodding furiously and said, “You bet. Maybe we should have a couple of presents too.” Was I crazy? Yes. Was my son for real? Even more so.

So, I found the date of Teddy’s “birth,” we made the cake and brought out the party streamers. And you know what? It was the best celebration we’d had in a long time. I realized that my son had a spirit of giving– one that I almost squashed to bits because it was inconvenient for me– and I didn’t want it to go away because of my bad attitude. While cake isn’t the best solution to everything (thought I beg to differ) what’s worse is me not teaching my son, or in my case allowing to blossom, the gift of being a giver.

Here are seven tips for a “Teddy” birthday celebration that reinforces the gift of giving.

1. Hammer out a date:
By doing this, you reinforce to your child that you are taking them seriously. Check the calendar; find the right birth date for the object of their affection. In my son’s case, Teddy was born four years ago. Even if I didn’t want to do it, my son already had a date on the calendar that he was planning on sticking to … and wasn’t about to forget. Picking out a date not only taught him to wait for something, but it taught me to follow through and keep me a mom of my word.

2. Let them pick out the cake choice and frosting.
This was one of the best parts of the whole soiree. My son jumped up and down in the shopping cart with glee, looking at candles and sprinkles, frosting and cake mixes, trying to figure out what he wanted. Sure, I could have made the cake from scratch, and that would have been awesome too. But we had just as much fun picking out a cake-mix, and frosting, and felt equally rewarded. It was his Teddy’s birthday after all and a choice that he had full control over. It gave him a confidence boost in his ability to make decisions. And his cake was one fantastic decision!

3. Bake the cake with them.
This is probably one of the most labor-intensive parts of the whole party. Having your child or children help bake the cake is harrowing — especially for the parent trying to keep an eye on moving hands, fingers in batter, and a hot oven. However, it’s worth the time, effort and mess. Your child learns that by sowing effort, they reap a bountiful harvest … and in this case, a delicious cake. Even if the batter ends up on the floor, and some (or a lot) of the frosting finds its way into the mouths of babes, isn’t that where it was going to anyway? The cake is part of the party- and exactly what your child needs to help with.

4. Get the family involved.
Even if older brothers or sisters roll their eyes and moan, wondering why they have to be a part of this celebration, get them involved. Have them stir the batter, or bring out the party hats, or blow up balloons. When the whole family is involved, the child feels a sense of unity. It affirms that his mother or father isn’t the only one who thinks his idea is great. If there aren’t any other siblings nearby on the special day, then invite a friend or two over. A birthday for Teddy is an important occasion. And when it really comes down to the nitty-gritty –or in our case, sugar and frosting — who doesn’t want cake?

5. Have a gift (or two).
Okay, plain and simple, this is a chance for your child to get a gift. Even though technically the gift goes to Teddy, and your child helps him open it, it examples to him or her the methodology of giving and receiving. My son was sweet enough to suggest a party for his stuffed animal because he didn’t want Teddy to feel left out. That’s human behavior at its finest. And if I can motivate my children to remember others, and to treat them with generosity, then I’ve got something worth promoting! Your child will gain the gift as a reward for their generous behavior.

6. Keep it relaxed, but special.
So, you don’t need fifty of his closest friends to celebrate the day, but as mentioned before, family is crucial to making this party special. And more importantly, keeping the party relaxed– and their parents– is essential to your child’s happiness. If they see chaos and disorder, it doesn’t create the pleasing environment most children want for a fabulous birthday party. If your child wants to dress up, great! Let him. But keep it low-key; turn on some fun music, sing happy birthday to the inanimate guest, and blow those party horns. Treat this day special, just like any family member’s birthday.

7. Take pictures to document the day.
Pictures are pertinent to carrying out this activity. Next year will probably roll around with my child very indifferent to giving Teddy a party. He may even have forgotten about it, and wondered if I made the whole thing up. This is why it’s important to take pictures of the big day. Pictures also prove to them that the event actually happened! And if you’re extra lucky, the pictures may make it to their graduation day from high-school or wedding day, giving you– the parent– all the glory you deserve for letting your child give a party for their Teddy bear.

While this whole charade may seem juvenile, remember, that’s exactly what it is supposed to be. By next year, my naively sweet child probably won’t care to do this again, and I’ll have to reminisce and blubber over pictures and say, “You sure you don’t want another party for Teddy?”

While I may not get a cute un-birthday (a.k.a Teddy birthday) party for my child next year, I will have the memories of my child wanting to share his generosity. In todays age of princess and superhero birthday parties, there’s something wonderful about knowing that there’s a little bit of benevolence inside of him.

The stuffed bear will probably get tossed back onto a shelf and forgotten once my son realizes Teddy doesn’t care about cake and presents. But the birthday party for him will never leave my memory. And hopefully, my son realizes that his desire to give to those who don’t have, resulted in a wonderful lesson: it is better to give than to receive. If he can remember that key ingredient of the party, it was well worth giving in to my son’s wish.

And since it involves cake, I’d say everybody won.

Heather Spiva is a freelance writer from Sacramento, CA who loves taking care of her two boys and firefighter husband. When she’s not reading, she’s writing, and when she’s not writing, she’s eating chocolate cake with Teddy.

One of the most important habits you and I can develop as Christian moms is to be aware of our responsibility to God to train up our children in the knowledge and words of God. But from that, we also need to be ACUTELY aware that we cannot do it in our own abilities or strength (just in case you haven’t already figured that one out)! We can have the best-laid plans with all the good intentions to fill a lifetime but only God’s grace is enough to supply what we need in order to do what we have been called to do as mommies.

I love this Scripture found in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. In this passage, Paul is sharing with the Corinthians that he had been given a thorn in the flesh to keep him from exalting himself. He asked God three times to take it away (just a side note here, I applaud Paul for only asking three times!). God then tells Paul this in verses 9-10:

“9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

When you are weak and imperfect, His power is perfected! His grace works through our weakness and imperfections to show His glory! Isn’t that amazing? We can stop worrying about being perfect when it comes to being a mom. If you and I really want our children to see God’s glory in our everyday lives, we can lay our weaknesses and imperfections at God’s feet and let His grace shine through us! This is a huge relief! It’s really NOT all up to us – we simply need to be a willing and obedient vessel. That starts with you and me continually being aware of our entire dependence on God to do this thing called parenting!

Did you know you are being watched? I’m certain you have a story to tell about when your darling offspring ratted you out to the stranger in the grocery store line about the fight you had with your husband or the name you called the telemarketer when you got off of the phone! Yes, we are being watched and whether we know it or not, they ARE taking notes. When you see your wonderful chip-off-the-old-block act EERILY like you in a given situation, usually a bad one, you will know that notes have been taken and filed away. You shake your head in a mixture of amazement, disbelief and humility when you recognize yourself in their “reenactments”. This is why we must rely on God’s grace and be aware every day that we are a living, breathing, walking example to them in everything we do – the good, the bad, the ugly…and the unmentionable!

Share with us a story of when you realized your child was watching you or when you noticed they were acting like you!!

Want to learn about more Mommy Habits? Check out my free resource by entering your name and email address to receive “Raising Godly Children: What Every Christian Mom Should Know”!

Tara McClenahan is a devoted mom to a two-year-old “little man” and enjoys discovering how God has “packed his suitcase”. As an associate with iBloom, she has a heart for inspiring, encouraging and equipping moms to become “Proverbs 31 mamas” and raise their children according to Biblical principles and guidelines using the Bible and other tools. Tara adores falling leaves, sweatshirts, Starbucks White Chocolate Mochas and the first curly BBQ chip from the bag! Make sure to visit Tara’s website to download your free Christian mom resource!

The recipes can be made with household items. Frugal, simple and fun. That is a recipe for a fun afternoon art class with your preschooler or elementary child. The kids and I really enjoyed this book.

Many of the recipes have a aromatic ingredient like peanut butter play dough or apple cinnamon ornaments. This is wonderful for your sensory child or a child that has sight impairment.

Made with Love is a wonderful collection of hands on recipes that lead naturally to a highly kinetic, enjoyable art time. Thank you Sue Ellen for compiling so many of my childhood memories into this delightful book!

This item is available for purchase through CurrClick and can be found: HERE.

Heather Laurie and her husband, Christopher, have been married for 13 wonderful years, and have been blessed with 7 children, two of whom are awaiting them in Heaven. They began their homeschooling journey eight years ago, amidst trials and unexpected journeys, including genetic disorders, austism, sensory disorders, and lupus. Heather and her husband created the ministry Special Needs Homeschooling as a way to use their trials for the Lord’s glory and to encourage special needs parents and homeschoolers.

It has been an an amazing journey. Walking with the amazing women of the Bible. We have walked with well known women as well as women who are barely mentioned. As I sit typing this last post, I remain  in awe of the unique lessons each one has so graciously given to us. They were women, much like ourselves who loved, laughed, cried, worried, wondered and looked to God for answers in their lives. God continues to use their lives to impart wisdom into ours and for that we are eternally grateful.

If you haven’t joined us this year, the archives are available and the while the walk may leave your feet a bit dusty, it is a walk worth the effort. The year long study began with women from the Old Testament who offered such profound lessons. As we moved into the New Testament we looked deeper into the familiar women on our walk. We have wandered from Eve to the Widow with Two Coins and many in between, and while each one told a unique story, each one was a blessing.

1. Eve: article and pdf
2. Sarah: article and pdf
3. Rebecca: article and pdf
4. Jochebed: article and pdf
5. Miriam: article and pdf
6. Ruth: article and pdf
7. Abigail: article and pdf
8. The Queen of Sheba: article and pdf
9. The Widow of Zarephath: article and pdf
10. Gomer: article and pdf
11. The Shunammite Woman: article and pdf
12. Review: article
13. Elizabeth: article and pdf
14. Mary, mother of Jesus: article and pdf
15. Martha: article and pdf
16. Dorcas (Tabitha): article and pdf
17. Salome, Mother of James and John: article and pdf
18. Joanna: article and pdf
19. Lydia: article and pdf
20. Mary of Bethany: article and pdf
21. The Widow with 2 Coins: article and pdf

It is my prayer and hope that this study has in some way touched the hearts of those who have journeyed with these remarkable women of days gone by. It is with a servant’s heart that I leave you with a prayer from my heart.

Father God,

Thank you, truly thank you for the opportunity that we have had to walk and wander with these women from the Bible. Thank you for teaching lessons through the lives of others. Help us as we go on from here,  that our eyes always be open, and that our hearts be ever ready to receive what you would place on our hearts. It is with humble desire that we want to live the life that you would have us live. Thank you for revealing so often in the lives of those women who have walked before us, your awesome hand and limitless love. Lord, I pray for each of the women who have walked with us this year. For those who walked each walk and those who only briefly joined the journey. I pray that your ever watchful hand be upon their lives. May mercy and grace, love and forgiveness always be theirs, and may the peace that only comes from you be always and abundant in their lives.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Lori is a 6th year homeschool mom to 3. Currently she homeschools a 9th grader, a 7th grader and a 5th grader. Lori hopes to impart peace and inspiration amidst the daily chaos. It’s in the daily details of life that she is continually inspired! Be sure to visit her blog at All You Have to Give and at Internet Cafe Devotions.

What I described above is an academic product; the other component of this time of “fitting together”, and perhaps more important for our goals, is our enjoyment of each other as family while we read. I was blessed to hear Sally Clarkson lecture about the value of reading, and one of her touch points was the power of reading to build strong bonds of relationship. A few days ago, I read to our toddler while the older kids enjoyed breakfast at the table. I got so tickled as I read One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, and my older two “intellectuals” had quite the dialogue about why a Wink’s fur is pink just because it likes to drink pink ink. How funny, and how fun!

As much as I strive to follow a Charlotte Mason approach in our school, I fully realize that, for reading this to one of the children, I must seek forgiveness for my sin. Indeed, Miss Mason would refer to One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish as twaddle, and would probably shake her head in dismay at the thought that I exposed the children to such emptiness. However, I am not discussing a specific book as much as a connection to one another that occurred while learning.

I obviously have my biases based upon my own family’s journey while educating at home. Yet, regardless of your teaching methodology/ approach to learning, I believe you can create an environment that enhances the relationships your children might already enjoy with one another. Creating and building relationships is very different than reciting a short-term memorization of facts that will later be lost and gone forever. How do we build upon that foundation of familial relationship to make learning together even more meaningful? Consider the following:

Game time and tea time (even for a boy!) can be as educational, though informal, as any text you might find. This one-liner from a fellow homeschooler opened my eyes to all new possibilities…

When dd was young and we were asked what curriculum did we used, I used to say Milton Bradley; we used a lot of games for early learning.

Sharing books, and sharing conversations over books, brings a family together in the same way that a family movie favorite will, only it occurs during the “school” day. I personally like to stop that read-aloud right at the point where it creates a good cliffhanger. The kids are delightfully annoyed. “MOM!” My son will exclaim.

Making books together has been a more recent, but very effective way for our kids of all ages to learn and to show off their handiwork and talents to one another. The books are personal keepsakes, and I don’t miss an opportunity to have one child teach another based upon what he/she has already learned and documented.

For the families that like to get out (not our pajama-clad clan), school on the road, as in a local library or Barnes and Noble, can stimulate any bored and stale homeschool.

You may have your own methods for building friendships among your children as you build collegians. Learning isn’t always fun, and not every day will be one that calls for a Kodak moment. For this reason and more, we should pay special attention to the signs of accomplishments in their hearts as well as in their minds; the former are not gradable.

A while back, the oldest prepared for science—learning about density via adding salt to water and observing an egg that sank initially gradually float. She had to fight with her sister and brother to drop teaspoons of salt and the egg into the glass of water. As we read about Sebastian Bach walking 200 miles for the opportunity to attend music school, the same kid broke into a mini math lesson to see how long this walk would take for a child. You could feel the hush of shock and sadness over the kids as they looked at pictures while I told the story of the Holocaust. Our younger two then had some great quality time together as we all sipped on peppermint tea. Later, over a morning snack of Fuji apples, the oldest exclaimed, “Thanks, Mom. These are my favorite kind.” I thought she said these are my favorite times, and so I smiled inside and out as I replied, “Yea, mine, too.”

Belinda Bullard is a wife and homeschooling mother of three, Belinda is an author and the owner of A Blessed Heritage Educational Resources, a literature-based history curriculum featuring African-American presence in history, as well as the contributions of other races to American history. A chemical engineer by formal education, she also serves as adjunct faculty for college distance learning programs.

Please stop by Luke’s blog and leave him a birthday comment.

I once read a great article by Diane Flynn Keith entitled “7 Dumb Mistakes Smart People Make When They Homeschool and How to Avoid Them.”  The article really struck home with me in areas where I’ve been, and some areas in which I insist on returning, despite my best efforts. For copyright’s sake, I won’t post the entire article here, but I will share her list of mistakes:

1. Unrealistic expectations (or no expectations) regarding yearly or daily goals
2. Over-scheduling & under-scheduling
3. Ignoring child feedback
4. Overspending
5. Isolation
6. Thinking you can do it all
7. Striving to convince everyone else that they, too, should homeschool

Like I said, I could preach a sermon on all but #4, and I’m good enough to even get an offering on #s 2 and 6. The reason that I’ve not been guilty of overspending, at least not yet, is more of a function of the method I chose for homeschooling than any well thought-out savings strategy. One great benefit I’ve always enjoyed about Charlotte Mason’s principles is that there isn’t a lot of curriculum to buy if you play your cards right. I have used as a mantra that quote I heard early in my journey about ‘all you need to homeschool is a Bible, a math book, and a library card.’

As a curriculum developer and self-publisher, I am not condemning the idea of packaged curriculum. To be clear, bought curriculum is the unofficial, yet official mark of a homeschooler. Think about it: how wealthy would you be if you had a dollar for each time another homeschooling parent stopped and asked you, “So, what curriculum do you use?” Moreover, there are wonderful homeschool-friendly products available from parents who have traveled the same path and appreciate the roses, and thorns, along the journey. Where would the homeschooling movement be without this type of ingenuity?

For me personally, as I pray and do the homework regarding what to buy, I have a couple of homeschooling jewels that I often refer back to, especially at the year’s end when I’m beginning to think about the years to come.

Jewel #1 on buying curriculum: consider the following questions:

• Is this something I can teach without a curriculum?
• Am I attracted to the content, or the packaging and promotion?
• What do the reviews say about it?
• Finally, this one is my favorite: buy books instead of buying “stuff ”.

Jewel #2: get stuck in a rut.

Yes, that’s right. I said do get stuck in a rut. Although our routine has had some variance over the years—an extra workbook here or different teaching element there—we have stuck, pretty much, to the same schedule and basic subjects each year. So, without additional prep work (besides my own), our children know what is expected of them each day of the week. Unless we have an interruption (a field trip, travel, or unplanned event), they can sit and complete their work whether I’m around or not. Only once in our time at home was I too sick to get out of bed, but I was astonished and thrilled that the kids came downstairs and did everything they were supposed to do, only consulting me if they had questions.

Routines are just what the name suggests—routine, boring, and monotonous. I can, however, offer the carrot in front of this ho-hum horse. As a college instructor, I reach out to students each day who are having a less-than successful start in post-secondary studies. In some cases, they are simply not college material. However, in many cases, they are bright learners who could have an academically successful experience, but they lack the skills to be good students—discipline, time management, and concentration. As much as we hate to admit it, these are the roles we often play as parents in the homeschool.

So the question becomes, how do we help our kids transition to do these things themselves? Cutting them off cold turkey after 12th grade doesn’t work in many cases, so we have to create an environment for certain habits to form. Moreover, those habits must form in us first. We can’t lead where we aren’t willing to go; how dare we expect children who can manage themselves when we present ourselves as flighty and undisciplined. School can still be filled with love and laughter, but think about and certainly pray about making it boring enough for your children to learn to discipline and manage their lives.

Again, these nuggets have been invaluable for me as we progress through the years. Prayerfully, they will bless you, too.

Belinda Bullard is a wife and homeschooling mother of three, Belinda is an author and the owner of A Blessed Heritage Educational Resources, a literature-based history curriculum featuring African-American presence in history, as well as the contributions of other races to American history. A chemical engineer by formal education, she also serves as adjunct faculty for college distance learning programs.

Where did the name Sprittibee come from?
Sprittibee is actually a nickname and a last initial put together (and here you thought it was all about honey bee obsession!). When me and my hubby were dating back in the early 90′s, he called me Spritti and I called him Spooker. Sickening, I know. The “SP” was a language addition based on that REM song, “Losing My Religion,” where he said “It’s bigger than you… and you are not me.” He slurred his words and said “Spigger”, which was somehow REAL funny to us barely 20 year old, lovesick kids who were stuck in the car part of every day together as we both ran errands for the companies we worked for. That song was on the radio a LOT back then.

Spritti is really “pretty” (glad he thought I was – cuz I was head over heels and still am). I bet you can’t guess what Spooker was. It came from a the shell necklace that Kev bought in Galveston when he went down there to buy a Yaga t-shirt. The necklace was made of puka shells. Add your S and you’ve got the original version of his pathetically dorky nickname. Lucky for him, it didn’t stick quite as well as mine. I’m sure I haven’t called him that in over ten years.

Kids are retarded. Sadly, dumb nicknames STICK. I figure it doesn’t matter if you all know this sordid secret, though. You would be amazed at how many people ask. If I had given my “brand name” a little more thought when I started blogging (on accident through commenting on someone else’s blog), I probably would NEVER have used “Sprittibee” as a blog title. Believe me, I have regretted it many times–but after four years of blogging, I’m stuck with it. I do like bees, so it’s not all bad. I have quite a collection of bee knick knacks.

Can you share a little about your family with us?
We’re complete nerds. My husband is a computer geek and very handy with electrical and mechanical stuff. We’ve been married for over 16 years. It was love at first sight. We only dated 8 months and I was barely 20 when we landed in the JP. Amazingly, we still get butterflies for each other, so I’m pretty sure that God was behind the whole ordeal – even before we were on his bandwagon. We have 2 kids and one on the way. Our son is 12 and our daughter is 10. They are super kids and I suspect they will be more than helpful when the little Viking arrives in a few weeks. When we aren’t all working, we like to spend time together. I think homeschooling has created the most awesome bonds of love and friendship in our family. I’d rather be with my husband and kids than anyone on the planet.

Have I mentioned that my man is exquisitely handsome? That helps.

You blog at http://sbees.blogspot.com How has blogging been therapeutic for you?
Blogging is just part of who I am now. I wanted to be a writer when I was a kid, and yet I was too lazy or overwhelmed by large projects to ever spend the time necessary to get something done and turned in to a publisher. Being a party-chasing heathen didn’t help. I had binders full of poetry, short stories, beginnings of novels–and life tended to get in the way. After I met Kevin and we had our first child, I pretty much gave up passionate reading and writing. Being a wife and mother was much more pressing and rewarding.

I’ve always journaled and began scrapbooking after I had my kids, so blogging was a natural transition for me. Once I figured out what blogging really was and discovered its potential (and realized it would take too much of my precious time up), I became addicted.

1. It serves as a platform for sharing thoughts and ideas with other like-minded folk.
2. It provides a place to share and help to encourage other homeschool moms.
3. It gives me a place to create a digital scrapbook or portfolio for my homeschooling and our lives.
4. It offers a way to share updates with family who want to keep in touch.
5. It is a platform for whining, swollen, pregnant moms on bedrest.

What’s not to love about blogging?!

What’s your favorite self indulgence?
Blogging and chocolate are my favorite self indulgences. I consider the time I blog an indulgence since it doesn’t offer equal compensation. The friends I’ve made through blogging make it worth my while, the fun reviews and free products are a nice perk, but I’d love for someone to pay me a salary for all the work I put in to it! What blogger wouldn’t?

As for the chocolate (which is almost as important), I like Choxie dark chocolate truffles, Raspberry Dark Chocolate bars from Godiva, York Peppermint Patties, and Andes Mints. In that order.

Have you ever experienced “homeschooling” negativity?
Sure. We have plenty of naysayers in our family. I’ve always been somewhat of a rebel, though, so I’m used to the “black sheep” syndrome. I was an awful and sneaky child that stayed in trouble most of my younger years. Even to the point of tricking my mom to give me $75 for church camp and taking a bus to another town and go out all weekend – all night. My kids won’t ever get anything past me. My theory on naysayers is just to let it roll off my back like beads of water on a duck. As long as you have the support of your husband and you believe God has called you to the task, YOU GO MAMA! God will give you what you need to succeed and your children will be the proof that YOU were right in the long run.

Many of the people who didn’t agree with us homeschooling as the kids were younger are coming around, or at least acknowledging that the kids are different than public schooled kids (in a GOOD or BETTER) way. Even my husband (who was my biggest critic when I first wanted to homeschool) said just the other night to the kids, “I’m so glad you guys aren’t in public school.” Now that they are older, the proof is really there in the pudding! And since I’m a firm believer that character is more important than academics (who likes an intelligent JERK?), I’d say that that proof is more than worth dealing with any “negativity” that I’ve ever dealt with.

If you could have any curriculum on the market, what would it be?
Well, I drooled over Rosetta Stone for years and haven’t ever been able to afford it. I guess I’d take a few boxes if they offered a give-away or review! We are about to start Italian with another program soon, so I’m not as whiney about it any more. I’d also love Photoshop Design Premium CS3 or 4, but not just for school (although I would love to teach the kids digital art and photography skills, as both of them are interested in it–like mom). Those two programs are way out of my price range. I pretty much have what I need and borrow what I don’t from friends in local co-ops or the library as we go along. If I had my druthers, I’d have much more mad money for buying books that we fall in love with, though. Books are my homeschool desire when it comes to spending sprees.

You have a large blog following. Does this effect what you share at all?
I don’t spend as much time worrying over numbers of readers like I did when I first started blogging. I often forget about the site meter for long periods and I removed my blog from the ‘ecosphere’ because I’d rather worry about the content than my “status.” I realized over the years that you shouldn’t try to figure out what people want to read, you should just be yourself. If the traffic comes, then so be it. That doesn’t mean I don’t try to be part of the community and reach out to other bloggers, it just means I don’t obsess over my readership–or lack of it–but rather focus on being real, just like you would in real life!

I post pretty much whatever is on my mind – but I do consider how family members or friends might react to it before I blurt it out. I think I worry more about my family and friends who read my blog (the ones I know in person) than I do the general public. I’m sure there are other weirdos like me out there. I love reading other people’s blogs when they are candid and real… so I figure it will only run off the people who probably shouldn’t be reading, if I’m that way in my posts. Even when talking about fry-snatching, getting catheters at the hospital, and swapping snot on accident.

Could you share with us your homeschooling motto/theme/verse?
I believe what Clay and Sally Clarkson said in “Educating the Whole Hearted Child,” that homeschooling is “the right thing to do!” In their book they share so many amazing quotes and inspiring scriptures. It is hard to narrow it down to just one verse, motto, or theme.

I call our homeschool “Magnum Opus Academy” based on the book Charlotte’s Web. Magnum Opus, loosely translated from Latin in to our modern tongue is “life’s masterpiece.” Charlotte’s was her egg sack, containing the children she would share with the world after she was gone. You could also call that a legacy. Your children are your legacy. There’s nothing more important than educating them and passing on the faith in Christ that sustains you. One of my favorite verses (listed on my About Page at my blog) has the line “when Christ – who IS YOUR LIFE appears” in it. I firmly agree that He IS my life. Based on that, nothing else but a God-centered education would do for my children. Homeschooling is really the only way to achieve the type of family bonds that God desires, the worldview that God desires, and the purity of heart that God desires.

I absolutely adore my kids. I see how homeschooling (even though I am flawed and broken) has blessed their character every day. Therefore, I rejoice that in my weaknesses, God has done miracles. I am honored to be His tool.

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” – 3 John 4

One day I hope to be able to say that long after I have finished my portion of the educational life experiences that my kids are to receive, that they will continue in the Truth. After all, any parent that loves their children would not sacrifice herself to make sure that they stayed alive. And eternal life is much more important than this temporal one.

How has homeschooling changed your life for the better?
Homeschooling is freedom. Freedom to think for yourself, to follow your bliss, to take advantage of quality time together as a family, to dig as deep as you want in to what ever interests you. Every day we spend with daddy when he is off work, every vacation we take, every field trip we go on, we are so very thankful for the fact that we are not strapped in to the rigid schedule (or watered-down curriculum) of the public school system. As much as we have moved, I can’t see how any other lifestyle would have worked for us. While we lived in Arkansas for two years my husband worked nights and weekends and got odd days off (sometimes not even consecutive days). If it weren’t for us homeschooling, they would hardly ever have seen their dad for two solid years.

Another blessing has been the PEOPLE we have met. Oh, I can’t even go in to this right now or this might become a novel. Suffice it to say that there are a ton of wonderful kid-loving, God-fearing, selfless and amazingly interesting and fun homeschool parents and kids out there. Friendships that will last far beyond graduation–that’s another blessing homeschooling has to offer.

Congratulations on your “future new addition.” Has pregnancy changed any of your homeschool routines?
Pregnancy has forced me to reconsider my perfectionism. It has really relaxed our style and given me the freedom to feel like God is in control (instead of me). What a blessing! The kids are thrilled with our more flexible and relaxed schedule. School and family life has been more enjoyable. Will our school schedule always stay like this? No. I’ve learned that change is still the only constant – even with homeschool curricula and schedules. However, it is a joy to go through the different seasons of your life, and we are trying to make the most of this one despite any difficulties it presents. Hopefully the infancy and toddler years will be the same–more growing, learning, adapting and bonding together.

Interview by:

Nikowa is a 2nd year homeschooling mom to two boys. With her “learning never ends” philosophy, they have an eclectic year-round approach to learning. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys photography, organizing, cooking, and reading. She is a #1 LOST fan and watches UGA football too! (Go Dawgs!) You can visit Nikowa at Knowledge House Academy.