Homeschooling
Country Boys Will Survive
Hank Williams Jr. wrote and sang a song by this same title. His lyrics are just as true today as they were in 1982. And I submit that they were true hundreds of years ago. To read the lyrics of this famous country song, click here. This song was on my mind this weekend while I watched my sons work alongside... »
Schooling through Chaos
I just have to say that I am deeply touched by the personal emails and comments I received for Friday's article, "Restore My Hope in Humanity." Words cannot express how encouraged I am by your words and shared stories. Thank you again for taking the time to restore my hope. [caption id="attachment_1803" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Kyla's horse project. I loved how... »
A Parent’s Greatest Joy, Part 2
As I was writing, "A Parent's Greatest Joy", I had much more to say than what I allowed myself to write. The article was getting lengthy, and I made a conscious decision to focus on parental responsibility. I wanted to encourage parents to take be proactive in their child's spiritual development. In today's society we have to raise our children... »
A Parent’s Greatest Joy
"I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth" (III John 1:4). Ken Ham, founder of Answers in Genesis (AIG), wrote Already Gone, a book that examines why so many of our children leave the Christian faith. Too many parents today do not know the joy that the apostle John describes in his letter. Most people would... »
Home-schooling: The Road Less Traveled
It is no surprise to me that many modern homesteading families also make the decision to home school. We have the do-it-yourself spirit. We strive to live self-sufficiently, which also includes educating our own children. We know that our ancestors, who grew up with the responsibilities of collecting eggs, weeding the garden, and milking the family cow, grew up to be... »
Roses on Valentine’s Day
Regardless of how you choose to spend Valentine's Day, there are some things that require your attention. February the 14th marks the day when people plant their seed potatoes in Texas. It also marks the day to prune your roses. Some people are afraid to prune their rose bushes. They are not sure exactly what to do. My husband is not... »
Online Conferences
My family and I always look forward to attending the Texas Home School Coalition (THSC) Convention and Family Conference in August. I know that there are similar conferences across the nation to encourage and support home-schooling families. Being with like-minded people for just a few days is always an encouragement to me. Once your family makes the decision to be counter-culture and... »
Snow Day!!
My kids were so excited as they went to bed last night because snow was falling. When we woke up this morning, they were even more excited that it was still snowing. Even though it is early, they have already been out, then in, then out, then in again. I am... »
Rocket Phonics
I recently wrote an article about Dr. Stephen Guffanti entitled, "Dr. Guffanti Changed the Way I Teach." I attended his workshop at the Texas Home School Coalition (THSC) Convention and Family Conference in August. Dr. Guffanti shared his experiences as a person growing up with ADHD and dyslexia. Additionally his career as a doctor allowed him time to work with... »
A New Barn in Progress
We have 10' x 10' dog kennel someone gave us almost a decade ago. Since then, it has served many uses. It has housed our big yellow lab, Rio. Then it kept pigs that we were raising for meat. For the past three years, it has been our temporary... »
Iron Sharpens Iron
Have you ever longed to really dig deep into the Bible? Are you hungry for "solid food" (1 Corinthians 3:2)? Do you know what you believe and why? One of the tenets of the Thomas Jefferson education is that you read from first-hand sources. Then you discuss what you have learned with others. Being able to carry on a discussion about... »
Firefighters
When I traveled to New York City, I was slightly surprised how excited people got when they saw a fire truck, a group of firemen, and/or a fire house. Firefighters are true heroes. They run into burning buildings to save people. Firefighting is an honorable profession. My husband's father was a firefighter. He first entered... »
Dr. Guffanti Changed the Way I Teach
Last August, I had the pleasure of attending a workshop by Dr. Stephen Guffanti. He is a medical doctor, who also has dyslexia and ADD/ADHD. I wanted to listen to what he said on the subject of ADD, but I did not foresee that his talk would effect me in such a deep way. My husband and I always joke that... »
Taking the Initiative
Laura Ingalls Wilder was my childhood hero. I loved reading her books and watching the television series. However I preferred the former. They are the true stories of growing up in a pioneer family. One time Charles and Caroline Ingalls left their children at home for a few days. During that time the young girls, Mary and Laura, decide to do... »
Life: Our Best Classroom
Saturday was an absolutely gorgeous day here. It was cool, but sunny with clear skies. Andrew and I found ourselves alone as everyone else was riding in a trailride for our neighbor's birthday. Yes, even Isaac! We have a tandem saddle for each of the little boys that attaches to the back of a regular saddle so the boys can ride... »
