Preparing for a new year.

Only a couple more weeks until school starts. Must. Get. Ready.

I have bought all the curriculum. I have read a bunch of books. I have scheduled classes.

Now I need to pray.

That God would help me to settle down in the mornings and work hard.

That I would give each child what he/she needs and be open for a change in my plans.

When I need to push harder and when I need to back off.

That God would help me to teach them His Word and tht they would grow spiritually.

Top 10 things I have learned about homeschooling.

For continuing to keep up with me. 

When I started blogging I thought that it would be primarily to bring wisdom to the masses and impart some things that have helped me as a homeschooler and as a mom.

That was a dumb idea.

Now I mostly just post pictures because I realize that I don’t really have anything definitive to say. I am a homeschool mom who does not know that I am doing a good job. I pray more now. I give advice much less. I was so sure of myself when I started this journey. Now I can only hang onto Jesus. What better place is there to be?

So here are the top 10 things I have learned in the past 10 years.

10. I don’t have anything figured out.

9. It gets harder the more you know that you don’t know.

8. I understand why teachers don’t want to teach their own children. They know what they are up against.

7. Praying is not optional.

6. I have to stay home.

5. Your kids don’t school themselves. You have to sit with them. Keep them on task. Keep yourself on task.

4. You need a plan.

3. You need someone to hold you accountible. They must be able to tell you that you are messing up. They must not be afraid to hurt your feelings. You must listen to them.

2. I must educate myself as I am educating my kids. Throw away what doesn’t work. Don’t be afraid to be wrong and admit it.

1. I have been wrong before and I admit it.

Brooke’s Birthday!

Brooke’s 9 Year Old Birthday!

 

Zach in Mexico

Summer Cram Session

I love to read. But I don’t think I have read so many books since I was in High School! I feel like I cramming for the new school year!

I am reading books on schooling. Classics. Worldview. Heavy!

I have been listening to a lot of stuff too. I am listening to Audrey’s Homeschooling from the Heart Series (GREAT!) and also Dr. Jeff Myers audio seminars (GREAT!).

And tonight I cut up a LOT of fresh tomatos.

Love to everyone! char

VBS!

Boy the kids are having fun this week!

Blasting off with our space VBS at Community Bible Church has been such a blessing for our family.

Are you having fun at VBS too?

What is your favorite part?

I think we could all help…

To homeschool do we have to be against all public school education and educators?

My personal opinion is that we will always need schools.

Read this post:   http://www.susanwisebauer.com/blog/the-raving-writer/thats-it-as-a-society-were-probably-doomed/

Most teachers are dedicated people who are doing their best with very little support.

They deal with a system which has many limitations. They teach children who come from many different backgrounds, with different learning levels and home lives. In many instances the individual classrooms have few resources.

Here in Beaufort County we have great schools and schools in impoverished areas that need help. Our county does have resources and none of our schools lack for heat or air conditioning or basic resources.

But elsewhere in South Carolina poverty also plays a large factor in a child’s education. The families are poor, but the county is also poor.

Our tax dollars are obviously not enough. Not because the per capita per child ratio isn’t enough, but because it doesn’t translate well to each child through these schools that are in poor districts.

Teach for America is a wonderful program that puts great teachers in classrooms. It is tough to get into the program, because you must be excellent. But even after an excellent teacher is placed in a troubled school, they still have to deal with physical and financial limitations. So how can we help?

I don’t think the answer is to throw up our hands and say, “Well, I homeschool my kids.”

Homeschooling is as much a calling as an educational choice. What about the kids whose parents cannot or don’t care to educate their own children? Let’s also be a part of reaching those children too.

What if each of us was a part of a movement to see all children educated?

What a lot of influence our love for these little ones would have. Could these be the children Christ wants us to reach too?

What do you think? char

Boys vs. Girls

another thrilling Jack Smith Production….. is HERE

The evil Girls are taking control of Northern Cushian when an elite Marine task force is dispatched….

(Note- This version does not contain music because of youtubes strict copyright rules)

A View from Vendors Hall!

What another great day we had today!

Click here to see all the great pictures!

The rain held off and we had a beautiful sunny day.

When it finally started storming in the afternoon, it cleared off again in time for the evening session.

The conference is going smoothly and the BOOK Blast went great! Much used curriculum was sold and many people walked away with just what they wanted and a great deal to boot!

The new vendors had their booths looking shiny and were busy helping customers giving everyone great prices.

The centerpiece of course was Lamplighter Publishers with their BEAUTIFUL collection of books.

If you have time today, come see what all the fuss is about!

Saturday, June 6

8:30 am                                On-site Registration begins

9:00 – 4:00 pm                    Vendor Hall open – Shop for New Curriculum!

9:30 am                                Keynote Address – “Pursuit of Excellence”

Mark Hamby of Lamplighter Ministries

10:45 – 3:30 pm                  Vendor Workshops, Q&A Panels

Goals for home education.

The original name of my blog was Homeschooling Rules!

I changed it when I realized I really didn’t know that much about homeschooling.

I still don’t know that much about homeschooling, but I am growing in knowledge and wisdom.

I am excited about our annual homeschool/parenting conference that begins tonight at 7 pm.

We will have speakers, curriculum, used books and most importantly encouragement. The encouragement to continue home educating our children.

What is your goal for home education?

Well for many it is the best possible academics. For others it is a desire to live a separated life unto the Lord.

My husband and I want to spend every day living and learning with our kids about life and the Lord. I realized a long time ago that I cannot impart my faith to my children if I am not with them.

Now that my oldest child is 15, I see how quickly the time goes.  How fleeting is our ability to impact these precious children.

I admit it is difficult to get things done with little ones. But I see now that even the baby (9 weeks old) is quickly growing up. Will I have enough time to make a difference?

My desire is for my children to love God with all their hearts and seek Him for themselves. They will spend far more time out of our home than they will in it. My prayer is that I won’t waste our time together.

I promise that this weekend will not be a waste of time or money. I hope to meet you and see you there! char