Musings

What are you making for Thanksgiving? Need some ideas? I don't have to make the turkey this year, but I do have other ideas! These are appetizers, sid...

Guten Morgen! It's possible my husband bought me a River Cruise through Germany for a Valentine's day present this year, and I've secretly been tourin...

Strawberry Soup is one of our family favorites. It's the perfect starter for a special meal, and always our "most requested" birthday dinner item! Thi...

Homeschooling is a normal, natural method of education, not some strange or foreign concept. Educating children at home is now a common choice for parents to make. Homeschooling has grown so much since the 70's, and now approximately 3 percent of the school-age population was homeschooled in  2011–12. And since it's growing like crazy, there must be so many more now. So you see? You are NOT alone!This infographic covers a history of home-schooling beginning in...

What does homeschooling look like? It looks like a child, a book, and a dog, at least in our home! Homeschooling provides a safe and secure learning environment, and a comfortable, relaxing education. Pets are welcome!There are so many benefits to homeschooling, it’s hard to list them all: rigorous academics, positive socialization, time for specialization ... the list is almost endless. Many families choose homeschooling because they believe the safety and comfort of home is the best learning environment...

What a blessing to read about good news! Cynthia wrote to tell me about her marvelous success story! They were able to get their child the college admission and scholarships of her dreams! Cynthia's Success Story!  Hi Lee -I am writing to say thank you and to share our success story with you.Our eldest (of three) children was just accepted early decision into Lafayette College in Easton, PA! Your resources were invaluable in helping me wade...

How much internet is too much internet?Our families are surrounded by electronic devices. Our TV can connect to the internet. We have a computer, laptop, smart phones, tablets, and gaming devices.In the midst of our tangled electronic cables, how can you keep your kids safe and sane, without ruining their life or sheltering them too much? What can you do? Here are 5 Steps for Safe and Sane Internet Use 1. Lead by example, and demonstrate...

Tips for New Empty Nesters I found a marvelous collection of articles for parents that are sending their children off to college and becoming empty nesters. Check these out and let me know what you think!  Tips for First-Years This article has some tips on how to stay in touch with your child. What I loved even more, though, was this list: 3 Simple Steps for Academic Success Go to class.Do all of the homework and reading.Get...

What if your homeschool students swayed the political majority? What if they all learned how to vote, and then actually showed up at the polls and voted their conscience. What marvelous things would result!Let me tell you a little secret. You can’t just "teach" kids to vote. It's one of those things that is caught as well as taught. They have to see you consistently voting, no matter how inconvenient the timing or how boring the...

Use the "Binder Queen Method" of record keeping.My favorite method of record keeping is not a product you buy, it's reasonably price and easy to assemble.  I recommend a simple 3 ring binder, divider tabs, and lined notebook paper. Super-smart moms might want "college ruled" paper, but that is completely optional!I have seen far to many moms buy the latest and greatest record keeping, and then not use it. It doesn't matter what you BUY, you...

This is currently my favorite homeschooling equation right now!Gluten-Free + Costco + Freezer Cooking + Crockpot + Inexpensive = Seriously Awesome and Easy MealsSometimes the hardest thing about homeschooling isn't the "schooling" it's the "home". I know I always struggled to balance my household responsibilities with educating my children. Now that I have a home-based business, the situation has really been deteriorating!  I was THRILLED when I found a solution to my problem! This one little...

Burnout stings like a sunburn. It aches like a pulled muscle. It stinks like a teenager after a week-long mission trip. Here are three big cures for homeschool burnout that you can think about as you are planning for the coming year. Stop for summer You know, I think it just may be time to stop homeschooling for summer. Think about baseball players. Professional athletes get month off each year. They stop being athletes so they...

I got an email with this subject line: "Using the Addictive Power of Video Games for Education."  I am disturbed. Not funny. Education should be fun, and including games in education is a great idea to increase the love of learning. But that needs to be balanced against the very real addictive properties of video games and other digital media (like social media, texting, etc...)Video games and digital media companies have psychologists on staff to help...

A little story for the next time you're asked about homeschool socialization... In 2006, my boys were two of 108 top applicants invited to compete for ten full-tuition scholarships at Seattle Pacific University. All 108 invitees had great SAT scores. All had compelling personal stories. Between them, they had thousands of hours of community service. Indeed, there was very little - on paper - to distinguish one from the other. That is why, I suppose, SPU...

Hey moms! Leave this open on your computer to give your family a hint, or treat yourself! If you have already enjoyed these books, pick up as a Mother's Day treat for a fellow homeschooling mom! Don't forget to pin the image below so others can learn about these homeschool gifts for moms!Moms need encouragement and inspiration to get them through their homeschool high school journey! For the price of a Starbucks latte, curl up with...