Hi friends,

Thank you so much for faithfully stopping by the Porch!  We ALL appreciate you! 

 I certainly have enjoyed posting my thoughts on unschooling over these last few years.  Shucks, I don't even know how long it's been for sure!  At any rate, writing is one thing that helps me to know where I am "at" on a subject, much the same as talking out a problem or opinion.  It really helps solidify it in my mind when it is verbalized or written out. 

                                                   Coreopsis

There are so many facets to life and homeschooling that I can honestly say that some days I don't even know WHAT I think of!  LOL!  But the fact that we are going through this journey day by day is such a gift and a blessing.  Even the hard times produce gifts; gifts of patience, maturity, perseverance.  So much to learn, so little time!

                                                 Echinacea

With that in mind I will get to the point of my column today.  I hate to say it, but this is my last column.  Even though it has only been a once a week task, my time seems shorter and shorter with my kids.  They are growing up so fast and are now needing more of my time instead of less---funny, I thought that the older they got the more independent they would get.  Well, that is true to a degree, but there is so much to impart to them and experience with them and time races on.  I decided that I am paring down this small part of my life and many other small parts that have become too big when I put them all together.

                                                Campanula

I don't want to miss out on any teachable moments or memory making events.  My column didn't really take much away from my life, it added a lot; I just decided for now, I am done talking about unschooling.  Someday I might just write a book about it though, maybe when all my kids are grown, Lord willing!

Can you tell that I feel a lot more comfortable with a camera in my hands than I do sitting at a keyboard?  I don't have to worry about spelling or apostrophes!

Wild Four O'clock

So in a nutshell, that is what is up and I do hope you have enjoyed my ramblings!  I have enjoyed getting each and every comment.  I do hope that you will continue to visit all our Porch columnists and do stop by my personal blogs when you can!  I will try to keep those updated occasionally. 

                                          Mother of Pearl Clouds

Thanks again, and remember to pray for all the good folks who run HSB and The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.  They do a fabulous job and they all have their hands full at  home too.  Praise the Lord for His workings in all of our lives!

Bless you, and Happy Homeschooling!

Nancy

Homeschooling Is Life!
Into The Light
www.nancybaetz.com

Hi Friends! 

Thanks so much for stopping by the HSB front porch.  We really enjoy doing these articles and we also enjoy your feedback!  I personally love to hear from anyone who stops by and reads one of my blogs.

Last week I goofed up and well, I posted an article for our dear editor and then I posted the same one to my personal blog.  I guess my brain was in neutral.  :)  Anyhow, here are some of my thoughts on what has been going on at our humble abode.

I posted on my personal blog about a dear little bird that we enjoyed for several days--Wow, what an experience!  The funny thing about it was that a couple of folks looked at me with downright disdain over it.  I hope to write more about that over at Homeschooling Is Life, as soon as I can.  In other news, we are in a frantic last ditch effort to get our "creative arts" projects done for the county fair.  Every year, well, for the last couple anyhow, we have entered several pieces of our handiwork in the fair.  I'd like to say that we have been consistently working away all year on these.  Some of us have (aka: my oldest daughter) but the rest of us are finishing up with only one full day left to do all we need to do.

The county fair is an excellent avenue to pursuing a goal.  Just seeing their work on display will thrill most children's hearts.  Not everyone gets a ribbon, but if they do then they will be even more excited!  I hope you will check out your county fair this year and see what you can plan for next time.  Some homeschoolers do 4-H, but your fair should also have open competition.  You can pretty much do ANYTHING and enter it in the fair.  You can do baking, sewing, building, painting, photography, etc.  The list goes on.  If you have already done this, please let me know!  I'd love to hear about your endeavors.

                                        (Columbine~Watercolor by me)

Today, while we were working hard (with two kids who are battling illnesses, no less) I got to thinking about things.  Most of us were being exceptionally productive.  There was so much creativity going on, I just loved it!  I said to the kids, "I want our "homeschool"  to be like this more!"  Everyone was working on individual projects, yet there was cooperation going on.  Not perfect, mind you.  We are just like most families - we gripe, complain, fight and all that other stuff I could do without.  But we actually do get along pretty well when we put our minds to it. 

So with all that said, I just love to see my kids being creative!  I can't wait to see all our projects hung up and on display, and hopefully some will have ribbons attached!  If not, that's ok.  We really enjoyed ourselves with all this flurry of activity. 

I will post some of our projects soon, over on my other blog.  Be sure to stop by!

Blessings,

Nancy

Nancy Baetz is a homeschooling Mom of four, and the author of "Haircuts For Little Men," an e-Book designed to teach Moms how to cut hair at home!  She is also a contributor to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and The Girlhood Home Companion.  She's working on some other projects, but has NO IDEA when they will ever get done~ :)

Let me rephrase that:  What does a mother Robin look like?

We have had a wonderful experience over the last couple of weeks.  Sadly, a fledgling robin was removed from it's mother's watchful eye and care.  But happily, a surrogate (or two) stepped up to take care of the orphan.  With a mixture of fear and awe and hesitancy, we took on the task of care and feeding of a feathered friend.  Oh, we had many people tell us all the dangers etc., but we decided that we were committed to take this critter under our wing, so to speak.  Do you think "it" looks happy?

 In this photo, my daughter is working on a jigsaw puzzle while "Fuzzball-beep-Gretyl-Sherwood" is sitting on her head.  (We couldn't decide on a name, but for the most part I've just been calling it Angel."

After researching Turdus Migratorius, we found out that they can eat up to 70 earthworms a day.  Their parent birdies feed them about every 20 minutes while they are fledging.  So where did we get that many earthworms?  In our garden and under the compost pile, of course!

We called our local wildlife rehab organization but they don't take birds who aren't injured or sick.  The advice is of course, put it back where you found it.  But this little guy (or gal, not sure yet) was moved several times by some curious children (not mine) and the parents didn't come back to it after a day or so.  We decided to take matters into our own hands, like I said, with much fear and trepidation.

My youngest daughter has become it's surrogate mom.  She has spent HOURS cutting up earthworms for this lovely bird.  The bird adores her.  It has slept in our greenhouse several nights, and is now sleeping just like a birdie, outside in our neighbor's cherry tree.  We have enjoyed watching it fending for itself, although we have been supplementing it with meal worms and turning over rocks in the yard for it. 

The kids have even weighed it several times; so far it's holding out at about 2 ounces!

One of our neighbors had a surprise when he was out in his yard working and the dear little thing flew over and landed on his shoulder.  Has it lost it's fear of humans?  Yes, but I think there are many lessons in all of this. 

Finding Joy in God's Creation

Perseverance (it takes a lot of digging to feed hungry baby birds)

Trust (in your ability to know what to do)

Faith (that the Lord will help you, and that after the bird learns his independence he will remember you and  come back and visit...)

Those are just a few that came to mind.   Has this been a homeschool lesson?  You bet!  But not just a lesson in ornithology.  This has been a life lesson that has been such a blessing to us.  We know we probably won't have another experience like this one.  God uses little animals and birds to teach us so much about His love for us!

Isn't this the cutest thing you ever laid eyes on?

Blessings,

Nancy

One of my favorite authors on "unschooling" is John Holt.  I thought about grabbing some of his best quotes for this column but there are far too many to pick from! 

 John was the person who coined the term "unschooling."  However, his meaning was simple;  removing a child from the public school classroom.  That is all unschooling really meant.  However, many homeschooling analysts have added so many definitions that it is rather confusing.  What parents do with their children after removing them from a classroom situation (or what they do instead of putting them there in the first place) has become one of the most debated and discussed aspects of homeschooing, I believe. 

Unschooling styles are as numerous as there are families.  Or as many as there are individuals in those families!  Let me give you a few personal examples:

My oldest child is self motivated and learns anything she wants to.  I don't have to coerce her.  She is driven to learn, as most children are in one manner or another. She teaches classes in an area she has become proficient in, and has her own cottage business which is teaching her how to manage her finances, time and resources.

My second child is content to read, act out characters, write his own stories, and work hard when he can see a tangible reward at the end. He's learning responsibility in several areas of his life and I am thankful we can be here to guide him.

The third child is a lesson in perseverance.  She will stick with something long after everyone else has given up.  She loves nature and also has learned that she can take on any job offered and will stick to it.  To this child however, the process is the reward.

And what about our fourth child?  He is very social, very busy and must have his hands in a project of his own design from sun up until sundown.  Very curious; makes up his own words if he doesn't know one that will fit.  "Flustraphobia" is one of his recent creations.  It fit the situation perfect!

My kids are all so unique.  ALL people are!  We try to hard to make everyone the same, unfortunately. 

Something I constantly have to remind myself, amidst the standardization mindset that even I get caught up in at times:  I am not raising my kids to be standardized.  I am aware of their uniqueness.  They are all different, and individuals.  I will not beat my head up against the wall trying to fit my square pegs in that round hole anymore.  It is not good for them, or for me either.  I have to learn what their bent is and go with that flow or our "educational" journey will be nothing but strife and frustration for all involved.

Do I do this perfectly?  Heavens, no! 

As I am working with my children and learning along side of them I have to pray hard and realize that there are many years of public schooling working against me personally, and in my endeavor to train and raise my kids. 

I was once a child who was forced to be standardized, all my corners were sheared off while I was being crammed into that round hole against my will, and against everything that is right.  Slowly, that part of me is coming alive again but only because I have the opportunity to really learn right along with my kids--learning with them, about them, and all about myself.

You are welcome to quote me on that!

Blessings!

Nancy

Nancy Baetz has been unschooling herself and her four children for 16+ years and enjoys the journey most days! She believes that the Lord has given these children to her and her husband and that with God's help, they will grow and learn with grace and mercy and become who they were meant to be.  You are more than welcome to stop by her homeschool blog or visit her website at www.nancybaetz.com

Wow, thanks for the wonderful response to last week's column about Homeschooling Conventions.

     For many years I had little kids so I was never able to make it to our state's convention.  There were some other reasons that I didn't pursue going too; I felt like I really didn't need to spend the money, for one.  I was blessed to have our local group's library of homeschooling resources right in my living room and I could listen to my heart's content to all kinds of conference tapes, for another.  Believe me, in those early years of homeschooling I listened, and listened and listened some more!  While I was folding clothes, I listened.  While I was ironing, I listened.  While doing dishes, I listened.  I learned so much!  And it was so enriching and encouraging! 

      If you are unable to go to a convention, there are so many places you can get the encouragement that you need.  First off, I would contact my local group and ask if there are any past conferences on tape available to borrow.  Somebody out there has some you can listen to, I am certain of it!  If you have tapes of past conference speakers, advertise it to your group!  Somebody needs the encouragement and information. 

     Next, get online and look for MP3's of conferences.  I can tell you right now, that if you go to TALKSHOE, you can hear several of the preview chats that were done for the Ultimate Homeschool Expo that you can listen to for free!  You can still even get in on that conference, although it is over, it is still online and will be forever!  But I know that the price is going up real soon, so jump on that.  There is also another online conference coming up by Heart of the Matter.   Be sure to check them out and get in on their good deals. 

      There is really no reason not to get in on some of the wonderful encouragement out there.  Really, ladies, just pray about it and I am convinced that the Lord will lead you to hear JUST the right speaker at the right time to fill your needs. 

     Hang in there, enjoy your Summer with your families and don't get caught up in the downer trap of "I can't do this homeschooling thing any longer.."  You CAN do it, and the Lord will help you to do it just the way YOU need to.  Don't give up, relax and enjoy life, it is all part of the homeschooling journey!

     Here are a few links for you to check out:

 A list here,   an article here,   something interesting to read: Should a Christian attend a secular conference?   and here is a great list too: Homeschool Buyer's Co-op list of conferences. 

 Those ought to give you plenty to do, just in case you were bored.  :)

 Start seeking those conference tapes!

Nancy

p.s., leave me a comment and let me know your favorite speakers and topics, ok?

Hi Friends!

Last weekend I had the pleasure of taking my two teens up to Denver for the state homeschool conference.  My eldest daughter has gone three times with me now, and this was the first year for my oldest son.  It was a mixed bag of blessings for sure!

You know, family dynamics change when you leave half of the family at home.  It is hard to leave those behind who aren't old enough to attend, but it was good for all of us.  A dear friend with kids their ages, kept the two younger ones.  The first day they volunteered at a food/clothing pantry.  That was hard work for them, but a great experience!  The second day they played!  According to the kids, it was a great time of pretending and free play time.  That is awesome!  I am so thankful for that.

Now, those of us who went to the conference, well, we got in on some good speakers but we also did some impromptu volunteering there.  We helped a friend who is a homeschool speaker.  We helped carry magazines and pass them out, we helped setting up some cameras and we helped at the booth.  It wasn't really planned, but we had a great time.  Some new friendships were built while we did that! 

I was able to say hello to several wonderful homeschool moms from my hometown who were at the conference.  Several of them are ladies that I only run into a few times a year, but it is alway so great to see them.  They help encourage me and lift me up with their kindness every time I see them.  Isn't God good?

Home is always a good place to be though, and we are thankful to be here.  We've hit the ground running with projects to finish, things to do and places to be.  Yesterday though, I just went out into our little front yard and sprawled out on the green grass.  It was heavenly!  I don't  think I have done that since I was a kid.  What a way to refresh one's soul.

Well, I wrote quite a bit more over on my regular blog about the conference, if you want to know more.  And just to let you know, my hair cutting e-book is on special!   I lowered the price for Cindy Rushton's expo and it will be staying at the special price for awhile, even if you aren't an expo member.  What a deal!

Sum, sum, summer-time! 

Nancy

Hi Faithful friends and readers!

First off, just a quick apology for not being here last week.  Life surely happens around here sometimes and frankly, it just took over!  I was also in the middle of a column I help with at The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.  Please remember them in your prayers as they are in the heavy production time for the next wonderful upcoming issue!

Now, about that question.  Has anyone asked you if you are done with school yet?  I get asked that a lot.  Please don't feel alienated if you are "done."  Some folks actually get done!  We just do things our own way.  I know there is a sense of finality and satisfaction in finishing a project.  And we do finish lots of projects.  But there are many that we just keep adding to, and since we don't follow a canned curriculum, our answer is no, we are not done. 

Basically all these years we just keep trying to move forward with our learning, but not at a feverish pace.  Life itself can become a fast clip, but when you aren't pushing or following a public school model, then sometimes it can meander.  I like that term.  I LOVE to meander.  I love to walk slowly and take things in.  I like to examine creation.  I like to stop and smell the roses, as they say.  I love it when my kids meander too. 

Of course, getting kids, especially boys to meander is very hard.  They usually operate in one speed, and that is hyperdrive.  But believe it or not, my boys can meander, and stop, and examine and really SEE something that most people might just whiz right past.  I love that.  I really like seeing that happen!  One day when we were on a walk, my son spotted this ant moving this large green object.  It appeared to be a piece of fruit roll-up or something processed.  Nevertheless, this little guy was going to store it up for winter.  Consider this ant!

We have had several of those kinds of experiences lately in our relaxed homeschooling journey.  We enjoyed meandering down to the farm this week and planting sweet potatoes, watermelon, weeding, and all the while we were learning, working hard, observing, and enjoying ourselves.  Of course it was hard work, and that is a worthwhile education also.  But we got to see neat things like baby ladybugs.  They don't look like ladybugs, but they are pretty cool.

We acquired some tadpoles this week too.  They now live in a pond that we put into the ground.  When I went out to the back yard, I saw a baby bird floating in the pond and thought it had drowned.  But then I saw it moving!  So I picked it up and found that thankfully, it was still alive.  The kids held it and got it warmed up and after about 45 minutes it finally opened its eyes, fluffed its feathers and actually flew away!  It was a black bird, maybe a grackel.  I wondered if the mama bird would find it and continue to take care of it, and lo and behold, she found it and began to take care of it again.  It was a wonderful sight to behold.

While a lot of our learning is delight directed, lifestyle kinds of things, there are still academics that have snuck into our chaotic home.  My oldest has been going through a wonderful Algebra course, but was having trouble doing her lessons this week because of a sprained wrist!  Her little sister patiently and lovingly helped her by writing out the problems for her.  It was  downright sweet.

Something else really wonderful happened today, that we have been dying to have happen!  My youngest son found eggs in the chicken coop!  We got  a little flock of four chicks in March, and thought they might start laying around mid July.  Boy, did they fool us!  And the eggs were beautiful and so well formed.  "Freckles" was apparently the productive hen.  We are so excited about our little urban homestead.

So, in a nutshell, no, we aren't done with school yet!  We will never be done.  Learning happens all the time around here whether I want it to or not. 

Even Mom has learned a thing or two! 

Blessings,

Nancy

p.s. come by and visit me at my new website!  It's under construction, but that's ok.  No hard hats needed.

What can I say that might make a difference today?

Is there anything positive?  Encouraging?  Is there a blessing hidden somewhere in my

mind that will come out at just the right time?

Is there anything I can do today to make things a little easier for someone?

Is there any way to get so much closer to the Lord,

 that these things will happen naturally,

as naturally as breathing?

When the Lord blew the breath of life into Adam, did he realize how special that was?

Do we realize how special life is or are we just blundering along

taking no thought for the life that has

been breathed into us?

Just some random thoughts for you all today. 

 This week has brought some sorrow, some pain, some tragedy, and some gain...

There has been rain, joyfulness, growth and refining. 

We have seen love exhibited, selfishness practiced, help given and received. 

 We have heard praise, and heard cursing. 

 We have.

There have been new things discovered, lost things recovered. 

Flowers have bloomed, plants have withered,

people have aged and new babies have been born. 

 The breath of the Lord is still actively working, blowing, bringing life

and beauty from ashes.

My hope is in Him, my wish for you is to find His will today for your work

 and your words. 

 My hope is that same thing for me,  too.

Nancy

When I realized that it was time for another column, my usual panic hit me; what will I write about this time? So this is what popped into my head. 

Things To Count On

Now, this doesn't mean fingers, toes, abacus or calculator.  It's not about math, although it might be.  I'm not sure yet. 

What are some of the things that we can count on in our lives?  Everybody needs something, or someone to be able to count on.  We need consistency, truth, a firm foundation.

So off the top of my head, here are a few things I can count on.

1.  My husband.  I can always count on him to be a man of his word, to be a hard worker and to love me no matter what.  I am so thankful I can count on him!

2.  My kids will be kids.  I can count on that.  They aren't little adults, although they are growing up.  They still will argue, make wrong choices, be entirely too inquisitive, be extremely lovable, be a challenge and a joy.  Those things I can count on.

3.  My friends are amazing.  I can count on the fact that the friends that the Lord has placed in my life have been amazing.  They are funny, encouraging, uplifting, helpful, forgiving and generous.  They have listening ears and hearing hearts.  I can count on my friends.

4.  Homeschooling will always be a challenge.  I can count on that.  It isn't because of some magical mystery that makes it hard to homeschool your children.  It is because homeschooling mimics life.  It IS life.  Life is a challenge.  Every child is different, every mom is different, every day is different; I know I can count on that.  I can't count on perfection, rigid inflexibility and normalcy.  Those are fig-newtons of my imagination.

5.  There are certain authors that I can count on.  I can count on the writings of Raymond and Dorothy Moore, and I can count on Ruth Beechick.  I hope I spelled those right.  I can count on them for encouragement, huge doses of it.  I can count on Mary Hood, PhD., and Chris and Ellyn Davis.  These are some homeschooling pioneers who have spoken to me in my life.  They have been invaluable to me.  I can count on them to lead me back to believing in myself, my kids and all of our abilities.

6. I can count on having a house that does NOT look like Martha Stewart's.  We live here, work here, play here, learn here; 24/7, or so it seems.  We make messes and call it school.  We learn and call it life.  You can always count on that.

7.  I can always count on something going awry at my house.  You know that law called "Murphy's Law?"  I could change my name to Murphy in a heartbeat.  We ALWAYS have a bump, cut, bruise, owie, broken whatever or other crisis.  And we can pretty much count on Mom freaking out over each one.  Hopefully someday I will be able to count on my ability to stay calm.  Someday, sigh!

8.  I can always count on the Lord to be there for me, joy or sorrow, rain or shine.  All these other things "count" so much for me, and I count them all joy!  (Except when I am grumpy and rebellious) But it is the Lord who lifts me up, sets my feet straight, and sets my mind on the things above.  If He wasn't my firm foundation, all those other things that count so much wouldn't really mean that much in the end.

Some count on chariots, some count on horses, but I will choose to count on the Lord!  That is the NKB version. 

Counting my blessings,

Nancy

I had the wonderful opportunity to go hear our legislative liaison speak to a group of homeschoolers this week.  Treon spoke on the situation in CA., and covered our homeschool statute and we had a great question and answer time.  But the most important part of this meeting was that God was glorified.  He was not just mentioned lightly, but He was invoked.  He was lifted up, quoted and was the first and foremost reason that we were all at the meeting.  We have chosen to do what we believe the Lord has told us to do; homeschool our children.  And we have Him as our "superintendent." 

Treon read some things to us out of a book called (I think) "Lies Homeschool Moms and Dads Believe."  I plan to look that up real quick here. It was hilarious!  But oh, so true.  We can get so caught up in those lies, and the what-ifs and the fear factor of homeschooling.  But Fear is the absence of Faith.  We can't run our lives by fearing, we can only live by Faith. 

  We might not be able to see the future, but God knows.

One of the wonderful things Treon said was "Our homeschools take on the personality of our families."  Boy, isn't that the truth? 

 We are unique. 

 We are a one of a kind. 

 We are different than any other family on this earth. 

Each one of us is unique, and all aspects of our homeschool are unique. 

 So why do we try to fit into someone else's idea of what we should be doing?  We have to answer to God, not the neighbor or relative or pastor or whoever, who might be questioning our motives and methods. 

We have to remember that God has a plan and a purpose for our children.  We need to allow God to be God.  We don't have to prove anything to anybody!  We must let God direct our homeschooling.  He promises to never leave us nor forsake us. 

If you are feeling forsaken and discouraged, then you must remember that those feelings are from the enemy.  You must be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit in ALL things, and to some of us, homeschooling IS all things.

Homeschooling parents, get behind those who fight for your rights at the state level.  Join www.parentalrights.org and get behind those who are fighting for you at the national level.  When things all around us seem to be against us, remember this:

 2 Cornithians 5:7.

Have a blessed week!

Nancy

p.s. Tomorrow is the day we are picking winners for Tammy Cardwell's eBook, "The Homeschool That Handles the Hard Times."  Get over to our blogs and comment so you can get in on the contest!

Hi Friends!

We are in the midst of a great week here!  Let me just give you a quick run-down: Here is what we have been UP to!

We have thoroughly enjoyed listening to a zillion fabulous speakers at the Ultimate Homeschool Conference.

We have been nature journaling, (art, writing and a little bit of science all wrapped up in a neat package!)

We've been planning parties,

We have been planting seeds,

We have been enjoying each other and working on getting along. 

We've been counting our blessings and learning to be content.

We aren't perfect in all those areas, but we are living and that's important, don't you think so?

How about you?  How are things going your way?  Leave me a comment and tell me what YOU have been UP to!

Also, if you have a minute, stop by my personal blog and enter a contest to win a great eBook by Tammy Cardwell!

 (you have to work for it, just a teensy bit, but it's an awesome eBook!)

Blessings,

Nancy

...and call them school!  Hey, the beauty of homeschooling is that I am not restricted to textbooks, seatwork or workbooks. 

I have to tell you a funny story.  This week as much as possible I've had the Ultimate Homeschool Expo conference going on the computer.  I can't sit and listen all the time, but its great to have it on and listen during computer time. 

I had the laptop on in the living room so I could listen while cleaning and doing other things around the house but the crazy laptop (or is it just me?) is on the fritz...so anyway, my oldest daughter got the benefit of listening to some fabulous speakers while she was working on a project in the office.  (a.k.a. "the cave") 

And here is the funny part:  She was putting together a book of photos/collages/journal pages from last years farm season, AND listening to the conference, AND while her pages were printing, she was knitting a sock.  Am I the only one with a huge grin on my face?  I love homeschooling!

This week has been beautiful, weather-wise and my kids have taken advantage of it.  They have been doing maintenance on their bicycles (all by themselves,) cleaning the yard and animal cages and working on all kinds of projects including paper mache' and painting. 

I am constantly amazed when I realize how capable and smart these kids are!  They literally blow me away.

Happily Unschooling,

Nancy

Be sure to check the link for Cindy Rushton's UHSE.  It is truly ULTIMATE!  Last night I caught part of a session that ministered to me in an amazing way.  If you purchase a ticket you get ALL the sessions available to you by download for-ever.  It is a deal you won't want to miss, and there is something for everyone by way of topics. (Not to mention Mommy Grab Bags and vendors and door prizes etc.)  Don't miss out!

Hi Friends!

My week went wild and I am a couple days late (and a dollar short) here on the porch!  I hope you will all forgive me.  Thank you!

It  has been very different this week for us.  You see, instead of my usual hustle and bustle with four very energetic kids all around me, it has been deathly quiet.  Now, don't get me wrong; I can use a dose of quiet now and then.  But sometimes it's a bit hard to get used to!

A dear friend of mine "kidnapped" all my kids for most of the week!  She is a wonderful homeschooling mom...I mean former homeschooling mom.  All her kids have flown the nest!  She was feeling a bit lonely and wanted to borrow some kids.  (Actually, she put them to WORK! Can you imagine that??)  Well, she called me the second day they were there and said they were already DONE with several tasks that they set out to do...before 9:00 a.m.  I was flabbergasted! (And proud of them too.)

While they were being well taken care of I had the pleasure of being interviewed Wednesday morning (early!) by Cindy Rushton!  I have the delight of being a vendor in her Ultimate Homeschool Expo!  She invited me to talk about my "Haircuts For Little Men" eBook, and it was so much fun.  (Although I was barely awake and all that.  LOL.  It was quite a fun time though.  Cindy, I'll talk with you anytime!)

Right now her preview chats are FREE!  You can even go in to the conference room and listen to past chats which are amazing!  It is right here:  (CLICK HERE) Be sure to listen to Lynda Coats!  She is a vet homeschooling mom who gets you back to the Biblical basics!  (Teaching them when you sit, stand, walk etc.  ALL the time!)  I was completely blessed by her talk.  Thank you Lynda!

Some other conferences you don't want to miss are coming up. So many people who blog right here on HSB are going to be featured.  Jill Novak AND her son Eric (HSB Tech Support!)

 This is from my friend Jill Novak.  Check this out:

My son Eric and I are speaking again this year at Cindy Rushton's Ultimate Home School Expo - April 28 - May 3^rd. If you aren't familiar with this event please check out the link below. It is the biggest online home school event and the speaker line-up is incredible - and the price for a ticket is unbelievable! It's only $40.00 per family to hear over 60 speakers for the whole week. Plus your membership allows you to access these resources indefinitely. The online conference room is a blast and you get to meet other home schoolers from all over the country. And, you don't even have to get out of your pajamas if you don't want to.      

I will be speaking on the following topics:

Teach Your Kids a Lesson They Won't Forget,
Writing and Drawing from Nature
Tuesday, April 29, 2008 1PM CST
Make the most out of the spring and summer months. Learn how to teach your children the life-long skills of writing and drawing as they record their personal encounters with nature! This workshop will be loaded with practical tips, methods and resources for making even the most reluctant children successful in expressing their thoughts and perceptions about God's creation. Gather around the computer with your kids as I share journal entries and drawings that my kids have recorded while writing and drawing from life. Pre-school through high school

And I am honored to be the last speaker of the conference with this topic:  
What Will They Remember?
Saturday, May 3rd, 2008  5PM CST

What will your children remember about their home school education? Just ask any teen or home school graduate and you will be amazed at the answers. Join us for what is sure to be an inspirational wrap-up to the whole home school expo as I share what home school teens and graduates have to say about their homeschool experiences. Learn practical ways to help your children remember the life-lessons you want them to remember now and for generations to come.  

Blogging with a Purpose
Wednesday, April 30, 2008  3PM CST

Eric Novak (17) will be speaking on a subject near and dear to his heart: blogging with a purpose. If you have any teens who like to write or design their own blogs, or if you and your children want to become published authors someday, you will definitely want to listen to this session together. See what God can do when you commit your writing to Him and you blog with a purpose. 

To order your ticket for the Homeschool Expo and listen to the pre-view chats go to Home School Expo

http://www.cindysaffiliates.com/go.php?offer=2K1XZRL9&pid=1

Blessings,
Jill Novak
www.remembrancepress.com

Thank you So much for stopping by to see me here on the HSB Front Porch. 

 Life is GOOD!  God is GOOD.  Count your blessings :) 

 I hope you can all get in on the conferences.  I have enjoyed just having the computer on and listening to some fantastic encouragement while I work around the house. 

The link above for the Ultimate Homeschool Conference from Jill, IS an affiliate link.  Just so you know that--both Jill and Cindy will benefit from your ticket purchase.  (I don't)  But also, this is an incredible ministry that Cindy is doing for homeschool families.  It's HUGE and from all the bandwidth it takes to do this, I can imagine it takes major $$$, not to mention her time involved, to do this for US!  Go bless Cindy as she blesses you.

Happy Homeschooling, Unschooling, whatever your brand is called.  :)

Nancy

 (And be sure to say hi!  Leave me a comment either here or at Homeschooling Is Life! OK?)

Hi Friends!  Thanks for faithfully stopping by to check and see what I have been "up to" lately.  Today, I want to toss out a little exercise for you, a sort of "Reality Check."

As I watch the ebb and flow (or flood) of homeschooling trends and information swirling around me I sometimes have to stop and say "stop the world, I want to get off!" 

Too much input from the wrong sources can put a wrinkle in your journey and hence; we all need to smooth out the bumpiness and get back to smooth sailing.

You might laugh at that, thinking; "smooth sailing for unschoolers?"  Yep.  It can be, if you keep your focus.

Let us begin with the reality check:

1.  Are you fearful about what or when your children are "learning?"  First of all, FEAR is the antithesis of trust, and without trust you won't have any peace.  I'm talking about trusting the Lord to guide you, and trusting yourself to do what you know is right. You have to find the balance for each child and trust in that timetable of learning.  Each individual is just that; and individual.

2.  Is your educational philosophy being muddied up with too many options?  Options can be good, but too many can be confusing.  Write down your educational philosophy and put it where you and your whole family can see it every day. 

3.  Are you comparing yourself, your children, and their life experience to others?  This in itself is not necessarily bad, but if the comparing makes you feel unfulfilled or incapable then you need to nix this comparison game right here right now.  Make sure you know what "yardstick" you measure by, and stick to it.

4.  Are you feeling like you are in a rut?  We all can get in that place and have a tough time getting out of it.  But I have found that if I feel like I am in a rut I am probably dealing with the previous three questions and those are the ruts that need to be "filled in."

5.  Do your children's learning styles overwhelm you instead of inspire you?  We Mothers are learning all the time and we need to make our children our research projects!  If you are in a rut of being overwhelmed, pray that the Lord would show you the amazing uniqueness of your child and ask Him the best way to appreciate those traits!  Vive la difference!

6.  Are you worrying about future possibilities like college, marriage, kids leaving home, death etc?  The Bible says we aren't to worry about those things.  Sure, we can pray, talk, plan and dream (or prepare) but worrying will not help anything.  Stop worrying today!

7.  Are you still in the mode of thinking "public school, twelve years, biology 101" when it comes to education?  Break that record.  Throw it out.  Erase those tapes.  Life is rich and meaningful!  To quote somebody famous; "There IS life after high school." (Not sure who said it, but boy is it true!)

[You CAN get out of the habit of thinking of your education in schoolish terms and ideas.  It's hard at first, just try talking about learning without using the words "classroom" "teacher" "curriculum" etc.  Lets see if we can change our vocabulary.  Hmmm.  How about "creation" "relationship" "discovery" "interest.?"  I bet you can come up with some more.]

8.  Do other people's opinions get you all in a tizzy over home education?  If so, maybe it is time to relax a bit.  Go back and read question #3 again.

9.  Are you excited about what your kids are excited about?  Do you light up with glee when your son comes in with a jar of assorted roly-polies and centipedes?  Or do you yell "take that outta here right now!"  Are you a "yes" mom or a "NO" mom?  Do the messes that you see happening in the future keep you from letting the kids do things on their own "right now" keep you in a state of paralysis?  You can't be excited about learning and be paralyzed with dread AND expect your kids to keep there state of "wonder" continually charged up. 

10.  Are your eyes on "perceived failure" constantly?  Or are they on God?  Are they on you, or are they on others?  We need to remember what is important to focus on, and what not to focus on.  Refer back to numbers 1-9 as needed!

Thanks for taking the Reality Check with me!  Let me know if you have anything to add to it.  

Blessings!

Nancy*

*Nancy is an unschooling Mom with a heart for her kids and a love of freedom :)

Stop by my regular blog and say hi!  (And if you find any apostrophe's that need fixing, have some mercy ok?  I hate those things!)

Hi Friends!  How is your week going?

I am always thinking about "All things Homeschooling" because that is what I am totally immersed in right now.  With a newly "permitted" driver, and three other children at various stages of life I have to keep things in perspective.  I am always trying to think of new ways of doing this "homeschooling" that might work better for each child.  They are all unique, all in different stages of their development, and in reality so am I!

How can I remember all the priorities in my children's lives and how DO I prioritize them? 

 Lets start from the top and work our way down.

Head:    Who is the head of our lives?  The Lord?  Dad?  (Hopefully those two are at the top!)  Are we gaining knowledge, wisdom and spiritual insight?

Eyes:   What are we looking at?  What or who do we set our eyes on?

Ears:   Who or what are we hearing?  Are we listening to the right things; those things that are true?

Mouth:   Out of the heart, the mouth speaks.  Are we speaking words of encouragement?  Are we blessing or cursing with our mouth?

Shoulders :   Where are we getting our strength from?  (The Joy of the Lord?)  Are we bearing one anothers burdens?

Arms:   Are our arms embracing others or being used for evil?  Are we working with our arms or are we playing?  (Play is necessary, but there is a time for work and a time for play.)

Hands:   Are our hands swift to help or swift to commit evil?  Are they loving or hurting others?  Our hands say a lot about who we really are.

Chest (heart!)  Are we prideful or humble?  Are we loving or rebellious?  Do we follow the golden rule?  Do we care about others or are we just puffed up and selfish?

Tummy:    Are we being nourished and do we take care to eat what is good for us?  Are we caring for the needs of others first?  (I think the tummy is a symbol of service to others!)

Loins:   This is another area where we show strength.  Do we have strength of character? Are we learning to be faithful in all areas of our lives?  Are we teaching this to our children? 

Legs:    Do our legs move us to do that which is good and helpful?  Do we go where we need to go or do we wander aimlessly?

Feet:   Do our feet and where they take us show the true Good News?  Do we put our "feet" where our mouth is?  We want our footsteps to be true.

Well, there you have it.  I bet there are a few more things we can add to that list.  If you can come up with some, please let me know!  I would love to see them.  While I type this I am thinking "May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart...and the tapping of my fingers on the keyboard, be acceptable in the Lord's sight."  And may the attempts and facilitation and work of my family in this homeschooling endeavor be a blessing unto Him also!

Maybe it's time for a little "surgery?"

Blessings!

Nancy