Blessed Bedtime

I love homeschooling because being with family gets to be the natural state of our lives.

I've heard many moms remark that they can't wait for the winter school break to be over so their kids can get back to school. I remember feeling excited to GET back to school as a kid because I was sick of being at home!

So do we homeschoolers ever get sick of our families and being with them ALL THE TIME? Despite the impression a few glowing blog posts may convey, the answer is YES!!! That is why I LOVE bedtime! Many of the homeschoolers I know have comparatively early bedtimes for their kids. I've often felt this is possible because we get all day to do all the things we WANT to do - family time, lessons, playing outside. Whatever it is, we get it done and can then BE done!

But I also think early bedtimes (at least for ME) mean mom is ready to be "off the clock," doing whatever it is she WANTS to do which is NOT meeting a thousand real and perceived needs generated by her handful(s) of children.

I've been asked before, and wondered before homeschooling myself, "don't you ever need a break?" I can honestly now answer YES, and I get it when my kids go to bed. It's yet another GREAT time of day to be a homeschooler! :)

Bad Hair and Homeschooling Days

Nothing is more discouraging than thinking YOU are the only one who can't pull something off, whether it's gorgeous hair or those magical homeschooling days when everything comes together and you feel you've met the needs of each of your children.

When it comes to hair, I had a great mantra that helped me. (Past tense, because now I'm a mom my hair is almost always pulled up and out of the way, and on the rare occasion I make an effort to do anything fancy, the effort is good enough, right?) But back in the days when hair and make-up mattered, I would remember EVERYONE has bad hair days, and then I would say to myself:

The best part about BEING beautiful is that you don't have to LOOK beautiful all the time.

Well, I can't think of ANYTHING so snappy and helpful for homeschooling. On those days that have been filled with the ridiculous bickering of little siblings, somehow "The best part about BEING a loving family is that you don't have to ACT like a loving family all the time," just doesn't work! Ha! Nor does, "The best part about BEING a pulled-together mom is that I don't have to pull it together ALL the time." If you have a saying that does work, please share it in the comments below.

In my last post, I DID mention how helpful it is to let go of unrealistic expectations of daily glory. Even the payed professionals at the public schools have off days. When we were kids in school, we probably didn't know that was what was going on - why the lunch room "duty" was so grumpy about us being quiet while we ate one day, or why on another day we watched a random film - but when we look back as adults, we realize the ups and downs, for even the "schoolers" and their educators, are a part of life.

So, as I'm all out of sound-bite wisdom, I thought I'd share my own, recent homeschooling bad hair day. I hope you find the same comfort in it as we all feel looking at the pictures of movie stars without their hair and make-up done.

I decided suddenly this past Thursday morning to take my kids on an adventure. We had had plans filling the morning, but within the space of a few hours the day before, they were all cancelled (or so I thought) so I decided we should squeeze in another field trip. Destination: the Monastery in Huntsville, UT.

It turns out, we weren't the free birds I thought we were. I completely spaced my son's tennis lesson - didn't remember that I had spaced it 'til that evening. But it gets worse than me dropping balls, because honestly, I do THAT on a somewhat frequent basis.

We headed out, me in high spirits, dampened occasionally by some of the bickering I mentioned earlier, and bouts of UN-helpfulness on the part of my kids, but I was determined to press on. I was sure once we got going, things would smooth out. I had filled the car with what snack food we had, which was far from a meal, but it WAS food my kids would eat, and hungry kids on the road are the worst, I'd already discovered from other failed homeschool adventures.

The drive was gorgeous. The Monastery, which I'll review elsewhere, wasn't engaging for the crew, so we took the opportunity to eat some of the food we'd brought while we waited for a chanting session. While eating, my 5 year old kept shouting at the rest of us if we were sitting many yards from her instead of by her side. I kept trying to adjust her volume for the meditative atmosphere around us. And the big three kept attempting to "share" their corn chips by handing each other leaves from the grass, which led to more bickering and frustration. Finally, I declared our make-shift picnic over and put the food back in the car. 

We then approached the church. I reminded the crew that inside was a sacred space and that we needed to be quiet and respectful. But inside my 2 year old (age appropriately) just wanted to go places visitors were not allowed, and my 5 year old, though whispering now, could wake the dead with her whisper. I finally just snapped at her, "STOP talking."

The chanting only went for 10 minutes, but my little guy only made it through 5. So I left the big three inside and walked out right in the middle, trying with one hand to clamp his mouth shut.

Once that ended, there wasn't much else to see or do, so we decided to explore the local town. All the while my kids were probably wondering when the fun would begin. That wondering probably made them anxious, which translated into impatience and griping. We got out of the car near the "town center" to snap a few pictures. The kids kept wanting to run and climb on stuff that wasn't appropriate. I kept trying to engage them with stuff they COULD do, but I didn't find a lot. Finally we discovered an open restaurant and I told them I'd get them a snack.

After I'd ordered, I went to pay and discovered I had no money, nor check book, nor cards in my purse. I apologized and took the 5-bight sample I'd already been handed to the table where my children were not-so-quietly waiting. I told them I didn't have any money and we needed to go. They voiced their complaints, which didn't make for a very graceful or swift exit, and then outside proceeded to yell at each other that they didn't get very much of the sample I told them they could share. As if one of them expected to have even a mouthful. 

Well, I had hit my limit of resistance. And lacking the funds to make anything more meaningful happen, I loaded them into the car to head home. I was just grateful we had enough gas and enough food to make the return trip comfortably. But my gratitude was NOT shared by my kids. They started protesting all their wants and demands. I tried explaining again that we didn't have ANY money and I wanted to be sure we had enough gas to get home. Then my 8 year old, from the back of the car starts wailing that this was the worst field trip ever!

My 8 yr. old's posture says it all!

Well, I had had it with their lack of cooperation and gratitude so I pulled the car over and shouted back to her that if she wanted the worst field trip ever, she had got it and that we wouldn't move from that spot 'til she pulled it together. The sorry's were slow and begrudged. Finally, my 5 year old, who is generally a pretty perceptive thanker told me thanks for taking her on this trip. The older kids managed to dry their tears and thank me too. So we went on our way and came strait home.

OUT of the frustration of the moment, it was pretty big of them to thank me. It MAY have been the worst field trip ever. But it was a trip. I DID try. I probably need to end this post and thank THEM for thanking me for the failed attempt at adventures in learning. I made an effort, and they also made an effort to be content with the less-than-stellar. In the end, all our efforts were less than they might be. But I guess we can learn from that too!

A Sample of Our Not-at-Home Schooling

IS homeschooling a family learning around the kitchen table? Well, the beauty of homeschooling is that it can be whatever you want and need it to be. I've been on an extended rant these days about the NON-sheltering, NON-isolated benefits of homeschooling. This post is, in part, a continuation of those thoughts. And in part it is a shout out to my friends, to whom I keep saying, "We're so busy," though when asked I can never seem to remember more than one or two of our "extras."

We are, in fact INCREDIBLY busy by our standards. I do not mean to imply busy is best. This year may simply be what our family needs to make up for a few pregnant school years where I did a lot of laying on the couch as a literal "captive audience" to the kids' spontaneous performances.

For whatever reason this year has packed itself so full, so far so good. We are maintaining our sanity (though we are only a month into it). And I feel like supporting my kids in their learning adventures and pursuits is exactly what I am supposed to be doing, so it is satisfying too.

For the record, here is what we've got going on:
Mondays: our most sacred cleaning day (which with older kids has turned mostly into cleaning morning), piano for my oldest daughter, and Makers Club (programming, mixed with robotics mixed with electronics and engineering mixed with imagination) for my oldest son... and we're looking to add tennis to the mix and, for 3 months out of the year, a ballet lesson taught by me for my youngest daughter ....

Tuesdays: Once a month we host our beloved Culture Club here. Otherwise there is just ballet, ballet, ballet. Literally. Ballet lessons at the ballet school for my son, before which I'm teaching a ballet lesson for my daughter and her peers, and if interest expands beyond the class on Monday, adding to that a beginning ballet class for my younger daughter's peers. PHEW!

Wednesdays: Once a month we hit Biography Club. Twice a month the girls go to American Girls Club. My son is starting a journalism class on this day next month and thereafter working on our community's homeschool newsletter, AND he has a weekly ballet lesson Wednesday night.

Thursdays: Boys Science Club is in the mornings. (So many boys in the club have little sisters in American Girls that this will morph to be on the same day which will really free our Wednesday mornings. Wow!) And the boy who wants to be a professional dancer has yet another ballet class too. Looking at adding a tennis lesson to this day as well. (Twice a month my daughter has a church group called Activity Days on Thursdays. My son's scouts should also be added to the mix, though I'm not sure what day. They are waiting for the critical mass of boys to have birthdays to reboot the program... I think.)

Fridays: To give him the best edge, I am teaching this son ballet Friday mornings. After which I've tried to keep the day free for weekends away and fun field trips. (Destinations on the calendar and to be reviewed include the Dinosaur Park in Ogden, the Monastery in Huntsville, and the Air Force Base Museum. Recently we've hit the Orthodox Church, the Hare Krishna Temple, and a couple of museums in Provo I reviewed for this post.)

You know, when I put it all down like that, it doesn't seem too bad. Maybe I'll stop telling everyone I'm SO busy. Maybe we're just mildly busy, though busier than WE have ever been. I'm pleased with our schedule because each activity represents a quality learning opportunity for my kids AND a chance to get in that all important socialization. More beautiful is that there is only ONE night where we aren't together as a family - Wednesday night, due to my son's latter ballet lesson. Every other night our evenings are free to enjoy dinner and life and our family and friends together! We are also incredibly blessed to have such a great group of homeschooling friends right around us, so while we may not be home, we aren't more than 5 minutes away.

Some say we homeschoolers are an isolated bunch. I submit that if that is so, it is by choice, and not by the nature of homeschooling. Others say it is ambitious to homeschool. When I think of the peace of our family getting to enjoy one another almost every evening, without the pressures of homework or running like crazy people to get our kids to their extra-curricular stuff, I think homeschooling is the answer for those who rather take a moment with the people they love to soak it all in.

When Life Gives You Zucchini, Make Zucchini Pie!

Now isn't that better advice for those of us here in Utah, who are a lot more likely to get zucchini from life than lemons?! So here is yet another recipe to add to the collection on my blog. And like the others, a bit unconventional and boundary-stretching. But only if you want it to be. It is so delicious, you may want to keep the zucchini a secret and just call it "apple pie."

From my mother (and FOR my mother who called me because she'd lost her recipe):

Mock Apple Pie
1 pie crust
5 cups peeled, sliced zucchini (peeling and slicing zucchini by hand is infinitely easier than apples! I use the giant zucchinis this season produces with gusto, and just scrape out the inside stringy, seedy part after I've got the zucchini in half crosswise and again lengthwise.)
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 c. real lemon juice
3/4 c. water

Boil zucchini, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice and water. Simmer 'til soft. (I haven't scored myself a monster zucchini yet, so it's been since last season that I made this, but if I remember correctly, I don't add nearly that amount of water or lemon juice. I give the apples a good splash of lemon juice - after all, it's part of creating the flavor. And I pour a bit of water into the pot, but I keep in mind that I am making a pie filling, so I rather steam and keep all the liquid than need to pour some of the sugar away before I bake it. THAT said, pie fillings are really about taste anyway, so you could eyeball ALL the amounts and adjust according to preference.)

When the zucchini is soft, pour the filling into the unbaked crust and top with crumb topping. Bake at 325 for 25 minutes. Let cool. This pie is perfect to eat strait and a bit warm. It's actually not as good with ice cream.

Oh, so here's the crumb topping:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
6 tbsp butter (at room temp or just a tad cooler)
1/4 tsp salt
Mix it all up 'til it's crumbly.

Now, does this recipe have a metaphor? Absolutely! Are all homeschooled kids special or gifted? Yours may be. Mine are about as average as zucchini. But with a little creativity and willingness to think outside the box, I am hoping to help them become something surprisingly remarkable! Enjoy the pie, and your own creative, unconventional process of parenting! If you have a hit recipe for turning out fantastic, sweet kids, be sure you share it here! :)

Reason # 2: Exposing Children to the World

This post is long overdue as being one of my tallest homeschooling soap boxes. My frustration boiled over recently as I read an article in the Deseret News titled "Back Home to School."

The following is a quote from that article: "Some parents express a desire to shield children from inappropriate influences, while others argue that isolating a child makes them ill-prepared for the realities of a diverse society."

I contend these statements are not mutually exclusive. Yes, many parents with children schooled at home AND in the public school system desire to shield children from inappropriate influences. My goodness! Much of our laws are designed to do just that! From drinking ages to movie ratings, we can all agree that children are not developmentally suited to handle all things all the time.

Now some of us, going along with the state law model, have decided that children SHOULD follow similar maturity patterns and pacing. Let them all drive at 16. Let them all see explicit nudity at 13. Send them off for 7+ hours per day, day after day at age 6. If your children follow these broad generalities, I have no criticism. 

But if parents, looking at their children as individuals and not as an average demographic, choose to shorten or extend some periods of various protections, why are so many willing to thumb their noses at that choice? Who best determines for YOUR child what an inappropriate influence is?

Now to the point that "isolating a child makes them ill-prepared for the realities of a diverse society." I couldn't agree more (except to point out that it would be more grammatically correct to argue either that "isolating children makes them ill prepared" OR "isolating a child makes him or her ill-prepared). Bad grammar aside, why on earth would we champion a school system that segregates elementary students not only by age, but also by subject aptitude? What kind of broad exposure is this?

Furthermore, to those folks who live in rural Utah, let's be honest. How diverse are the populations of our elementary schools? Don't most of your child's peers at school live in your neighborhood, enjoy roughly your same standard of living, and adhere or at least acknowledge most of your core beliefs?

So when we say we are exposing school kids to "different people with different points of view," what we really mean is "different people from our corner of town, that are the same age and excel or struggle with learning in similar ways." Now, is this what we are calling the non-isolation that really prepares children for the "realities of a diverse society?" After all, in most work places, employees aren't within a few months of the same age. They don't all commute in one huge vehicle from the same corner of town. And they don't all share the same knowledge, experience, and skill set. That being so, how exactly does school prepare children for the realities of our diverse society again?

"Now Stephanie," you interject, interrupting my rant (and spelling my name wrong again!). "The diversity in elementary schools may, in fact, be minimal, but you must concede it certainly exceeds the diversity in your family." (Nice comment! See, you are a poet.)

THIS is what I have to say about THAT.

The article quoted a woman who had been homeschooled growing up who felt her 'isolated worldview that resulted from learning at home was not necessarily a positive experience for her and her siblings.' She concluded "there's also something to be said for being exposed to different ways of thinking."

True. And I can hardly question the reality of this woman's experience. BUT must it be the reality for any other homeschooling family? Only if they chose to make it so! In another post, I argue socialization is the FIRST reason to homeschool your children. In that post, I expand the vision of homeschooling beyond a family gathered around the kitchen table reading text books. If that is the approach, might not a parent match a teacher, breath for breath, in worldly, diverse fact spewing? (And as some parents may try, how are their children worse off for having this brand of "world exposure" from a parent instead of a teacher?)

But homeschooling can encompass so much more! (And with budget and time constraints placed on schools, be EASILY more than is offered there.) Though we are not yet like the homeschooling families that travel the country and the world, my elementary-age children have 60-year-old NON-RELATIVES they count as friends. They have been to meditation circles and synagogues. We go to cultural events - the celebrations of the holidays of other countries, pow-wows, drum circles. And do you know who we tend to run into as we are OUT in the WORLD having EXPERIENCES rather than sitting in a room at a desk? Other homeschoolers. I don't know why this tends to be so. Perhaps the kids in school have too much homework to do, and too little time for any of the exposure the schools hold so dear. As it turns out, if you live in rural Utah, though the schools may be a safe place, if you really value exposing children to the world, homeschooling may just be the BEST bet!

Little Sister dressed as Moroccan Bride for Big Sister's presentation on Moroccan Weddings

PS As I have mentioned elsewhere, I don't believe homeschooling is the best choice for everyone. And I do respect the thoughtful choices parents make in the best interest of their children. We all know kids who seem to be damaged by their upbringing. Some of those have been homeschooled. Some have been public schooled. This post is to dissuade reasoning people from concluding homeschooling (a very large umbrella over a very diverse group) must necessarily lead to a diminished exposure to diversity in points of view. Let no one pride himself in open-mindedness and label all people who approach education differently as being isolated or close-minded.

It Takes a Village - A Few of the Offerings for Homeschoolers in the Cache Valley Area

I organized a Potluck Social for my homeschooling community. I hope a great time was had by all. There we announced and posted a few of the goings for homeschooling families in the coming school year. I've re-posted them here as an easy reference page for people wanting more details or contact info.

Cache Valley Homeschool Cooperative Group

Designed especially to support families who have teens as their oldest children, classes are for all age levels of kids – teen and elementary.   Our focus is on making sure we have a great group of teens.  Thirty families are currently involved in this group, and we could support just a few more families with teens.    Yet we sometimes have room for families that do not have teens yet, only elementary.

We offer several different choices of classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and your family can come one day, two days, or just for one class. We also have options for teens to attend, without having their families.

Please contact Janet Summit at summitsonthetop@gmail.com for more information.

Homeschool Family Choir

Beginning this fall, we will be meeting at a church in Logan most likely every Thursday evening. It will be free. Anyone can participate in this choir even if they are not homeschooled, as long as they have somebody in their family that homeschools. The more youth the better.

I plan on directing the choir for the fall and during Christmas. Plans are not firm for after Christmas yet.

If interested, please contact Mylie Laing at 435-239-7267, or 435-237-2179, or Mylielaing@gmail.com.

Journalism Class and CVHS Newspaper Team

Is your child interested in being a journalist?  Does your child want to be on the staff of the new CVHS newspaper?  Students ages 11 and up who are truly interested and self-motivated writers can join us for 6 weeks of classes on the ins and outs of journalism, followed by monthly meetings for further instruction and newspaper collaboration.  

We will meet weekly at the Logan Library on Wednesdays at 1:30 pm beginning October 1, with monthly meetings thereafter being the first Wednesday of each month.  Due to the nature of a newspaper, spots in this class/team are limited to 20 students/staffers.  Each student will need to pay $5 for class supplies and purchase his/her own copy ofThe Reporter’s Notebook – Writing Tools for Student Journalists by Mark Levin.  

Sasha Takis is the mentor for the class and the newspaper.  Email questions or requests to join to sashtak@digis.net.

Biography Club

All ages are welcome to join us on the second Wednesday each month at the Logan Library from 10:30 to 12. We will begin in September and run throughout the entire school year. Come to just listen or to share about any historical, fictional, religious, contemporary, or imaginary biographical subject or your choice. This year we hope to be adding a 30 minute presentation by local professionals who use the skills of public speaking and presenting in their everyday lives. You may attend the entire session or just come for the biographical presentation. We even sometimes have treats!

To find out more, please contact steffaniecasperson@yahoo.com.

Intermediate Ballet Class

This year I hope to be offering a ballet class for students ages 8 and older with at least 2 years of ballet training. These classes are primarily to supplement current instruction, and not to replace it. I hope classes will be offered once a week at the Whittier Center, likely on Friday mornings. They will last 1.5 hours and cost $30/month.

I am a former professional ballerina with two children who claim to want to dance professionally. I am offering these class to help them and anyone else with an ambition to be the best ballet dancer they can be.

To find out more, please contact me at steffaniecasperson@yahoo.com.

Service Club

We meet the first Tuesday of each month from 11-12 am.  Details of upcoming projects are posted on the yahoo calendar as plans are made. The kids involved so far are ages 9 and younger.   Thus far, we’ve made Linus blankets, sang Patriotic songs at an assisted living center, wrote letters to soldiers, and assembled activity bags for the hospital to name a few of our activities.

Please email questions  to Amy Waters at amwa_1950 at yahoo.com.

CVHS History Fair

Start thinking of what kinds of things you’d be interested in sharing from your history studies! This event features tables for project displays such as posters, dioramas, models, art, etc. and a program for performance entries such as recitations, readings, enactments, etc. Tentatively scheduled for November 7, location TBD, more information to follow.

Direct questions to Sasha Takis at sashtak@digis.net or watch for further information on the Yahoo group and the CVHS newspaper.  

2015 Northern Utah Homeschool Poetry Contest

“Colors” is the theme for the 2015 NUH Poetry Contest.  Entries must be submitted electronically by noon on Friday, February 13, 2015.

For rules and other information contact Sasha Takis at sashtak@digis.net or watch for further information on the Yahoo group and the CVHS newspaper.

Homeschool Swim Lessons

The first lessons will be the last week of August (held the 26 & 27) and classes are held Tuesdays or Wednesdays at noon. (You chose the day.) Registration begins next week. You do NOT need to be a Sports Academy member.

Call Sports Academy to register for homeschooler class.  

Harmony Ed’s Options Day

Harmony Ed's new Options Day program may start here in Cache Valley. It is a co-op type group that would meet at the Whittier Center on Wednesdays for three hours. From 9-noon. Classes are for teenagers and elementary. We also need teachers and they are compensated.

Contact Layna May at 435-713-5651 or laynamayjojo@yahoo.com

Chess and Strategy Game Club

Bring a chess board if you have one. Parents who know chess are welcome to help teach. Those who don't are welcome to learn. We try to get each child through 3-4 games, 1-2 with peers, 1-2 with adults. Those interested in the BSA Chess Merit Badge can complete all requirements here (please find a merit badge worksheet online and bring a printed copy). Other games we have played include King's Table (hnefatafl), 9 men's Morris, Dominion, and Agricola.

We meet every other week on Friday nights starting in September (Dates TBA via CV-HS listserve). Come at 7pm and stay until 9pm. If you want, bring a treat to share. Recommended for ages 6+. Parents must attend (no drop offs please). Younger children are welcome to play in the basement/backyard if a second parent is available to help monitor them. Unattended and unruly children will be put to work weeding the garden.

1080 Grandview Dr. Providence. RSVP requested by 6pm the Friday of each club meeting (reply to CV-HS email or via text to 574-323-7006).

Figuration

Because practicing figures takes iterations, I am thinking of starting a math fun practice activity for ages 5-8 or so.  It would meet weekly at the Logan Library, probably on Fridays and would include math art, games, stories & crafts.  

Kirsten Swanson at 512-1440, kirstenis@gmail.com

Park Days

Wednesday mornings at 10 for now, a different park each week. Weekly locations and times are posted on the calendar. If there is any interest, we will probably continue into October.

Cara Crump - organizer. cararicks@yahoo.com

Guardians Group

We are having our final planning meeting this Tuesday, AUGUST 5th from 9 am to 12 pm at the Deweyville Park. Bring the kids for that planning meeting. We will be deciding final mentorships, fees, etc.

This is a not-for-profit commonwealth and we utilize TJED principles . We offer fundraising to help offset the small costs we do have for supplies. We meet at two homeschooling families homes that are right next to each other in Garland, Tuesdays from 9 am to 3 pm.

Thursdays are optional and are our club days. We have a Liberty Girls, YASA, Knights of Freedom, Belt Loops, Youth- service, Temple trips, games, dancing that will be rotated. In addition, there are FHE nights, book clubs for moms, monthly field trips, theme nights, movie nights and other activities for youth as well.

If you have questions after looking at the website, ww.guardianscommonwealth.weebly.com, please feel free to email Tammy at wcheftammy@msn.com.

Lively Learners Group

Lively: full of life, active, animated, keen, strong, vivacious, exciting

Learners: students who acquire knowledge or skill by instruction and experience

Our Mission

To provide group learning projects and mentoring for students who love to learn, primarily between the ages of eight and thirteen years old, and their parents, within our homeschooling community, through projects taught by the parents and based on what the parents are passionate and excited about, with input from their children about what they want to learn, connecting a network of strong families to support one another, as well as a positive social environment for their children.

Most classes will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-12 at my house in downtown Logan. Examples of classes are: A Little House on the Prairie Christmas (the 6 weeks before Christmas break), Science Fair prep (6-8 weeks before homeschool science fair), Things that Go, etc., as well as a Keepers of the Faith Club (for girls age 7-14) and a monthly book club.

If anyone is interested, please contact any of the following:

Greta Ward        greta7302000@gmail.com    435-512-3574

Heidi Hillman    hillman.heidi@gmail.com      801-637-8910

Tammy Jensen  tammyjensen1@yahoo.com  208-852-0405

Nature Study Group

Meets once a month at different locations in the valley (and some outside the valley also). The focus is primarily on nature exploration, secondarily on instruction. Participation is free unless we go on field trips that require a fee, but that would be infrequently. The Nature Study Group includes activity like short hikes, looking at pond life, going birding, learning tree and flower

identification, completing nature journals, etc. Mild to moderate activity level.

Interested persons should contact Jamie Wilde at jamie.wilde@gmail.com

Homeschool Karate

Homeschool Karate is held Wednesdays at 5pm. Cost for the homeschool class is $25/month. Students may add more classes each week at the regular rates. (Classes twice a week cost $60/month, 3x/week is $80).

For more information contact Matt Lundgren 435-881-4877.

Fun with Mom Camp

So, as you may have gathered from an older post, this has been a summer of field trips! We have LOVED it!

My oldest loved the training he got over a 5 week span of time. We ALL loved the taste of "big city" life. My seven year old remarked that she felt "like a regular person" in Salt Lake. She was trying to describe that small feeling you have surrounded by a lot of people. I chuckled to think how she would feel in Asia, or any of America's larger cities!

Anyway, we love getting around on public transportation. We loved the city's museums, activities, and cultural offerings. Interestingly, it seems summer is the time to do just that - get out and get a broader exposure - but I'm surprised how many kids we saw involved in camps or day-care activities of one sort or another (identifiable mostly by the matching t-shirts, but that failing, by the large same-age child to adult ratio).

This surprised me because enjoying these adventures WITH my kids has felt just like what I'm supposed to do as a mother. I'm sure families have good and significant reasons for enrolling their kids in summer camps. As we saw these camps hit many of the destinations on our list, there is no doubt the camps have fabulous learning as part of their programs. But I wondered how the mothers felt about missing out. Regardless of their feelings, I felt a bit of sadness for them - that they weren't there to take it all in, to process it all, and to relive the happy memories WITH their kids.

I half-jokingly think it would be wonderful to print up a bunch of t-shirts and have my kids and their peers, AND THEIR MOMS hit all of these same destinations. 'Cause hey! Everybody loves a good day camp. Ours would be "Fun with Mom" Camp. This idea has NO copy right, so steal it, if you feel so inspired. :) (Ooh, and send me the t-shirt design!)

A Mother's Instinct and the Power of Play to Change Lives... AND the World!

"Kristine Barnett’s son Jacob was diagnosed with autism when he was 2, and doctors said he would never speak. She tried special education programs and therapies aimed at addressing his limitations. When teachers told her there was no hope, she rebelled and took her own path.

“A lot of people thought that I had lost my mind,” she recalls.

"Instead of focusing on Jacob’s limitations, Kristine nurtured his interests. Now her 15-year-old son is on track to win a Nobel Prize for his work in theoretical physics.

"Relying on the insights she developed at her in-home daycare, Kristine resolved to follow Jacob’s 'spark' — his passionate interests. Why concentrate on what he couldn’t do? Why not focus on what he could? This philosophy, along with her belief in the power of childhood play, helped her son grow in incredible ways."

This is an excerpt from an amazing article about trusting your gut and allowing your kids to do what turns them on, despite the expert opinions. Please read the whole article here. And watch the video too! Yes, all 22 minutes are worth your consideration! Then brush up on more of the follow-your-gut-and-your-child's-lead advice on my blog and BE the next miracle in education your child needs! You may be surprised at how much the world is shaped by those daring to do just that! Small and simple things, I tell you. I love it!

Biking, Ballet, and Homeschooling Muscles

On my way to ballet class, I was listening to my daughter and her friend discuss their newly acquired skill: bike riding.  They talked about it seeming really difficult at first. It seemed to them that they needed to remember almost more than they could hold in their minds at once. They were worried about balancing, they needed to continue to pedal fast enough to stay up, AND they needed to steer.

When you teach children to ride a bike, you see how their focus shifts from one skill to the other. You want to tell them that someday they will do these things almost by instinct. And sometimes you do tell them that. My daughter struggled to believe this could be so - that riding a bike could seem as easy as getting dressed, something that takes no consideration of the mechanics involved, anymore.

My daughter and her friend agreed that now they have the hang of it, it seems easy, and a lot more fun. I told them this was like ballet. At first, it seems impossible to hold in one's mind the steps, plus all the how-to's like pulling up your stomach, lifting your chin, and keeping your knees straight and toes pointed. But with practice, the how-to's become habit and your mind is free to master harder and harder steps. And so while it is harder, it also becomes so much more fun. They liked this comparison. I think they felt a bit excited by the idea that dancing could feel as free as bike riding.

But, for what else is this principle true? Well, you've probably already guessed from this post's title, AND from the fact that I'm including this experience on a homeschool blog that the same is true of homeschooling. Hooray!

At first, homeschooling seems like adding to the great juggling act of motherhood - adding educational needs to the balls you are already keeping in the air: a clean home, a stocked fridge, healthy meals, clean laundry, energy to be emotionally available, etc. etc. etc. It can feel like there really is too much to do and do any of it well. BUT, after a little practice, you find the groove. You find what works for you and your kids, and you and your kids together.

If you aren't to a moment of free elation yet, it will come. And then it will pass as you try the next step - try riding without holding on to the handle bars. But don't give up. The muscle memory for biking, for ballet, and for homeschooling takes time to build. But day by day you are building it. And please share on this blog that first excited moment when you let go and RIDE!

Homeschooling Anthem for Your In-laws

Since your 3 year old is probably singing this anyway...

Friends at my house the other day were chatting about a theme that comes up a lot: the judgement of in-laws. For the record, my family reacted a lot more negatively to our homeschooling announcement than my in-laws. And now we feel great support from both sides. But I sympathize with moms who feel constantly judged or second-guessed for their decision to homeschool. So if, and when, your in-laws quiz your kids, or brag about the grades of their public schooled grandkids, or just don't give you the praise you deserve for the amazing job you are doing raising lovely kids, you can wail this song right along with ALL the kids in America. Only you and I will know what you're wailing about.  ;-)

Don't let them in, don't let them see,
Be the good girl you always have to be
Conceal, don't feel, don't let them know....
Well now they know!

Let it go, let it go
Can't hold it back it back anymore!
Let it go, let it go,
Turn away and slam the door.
I don't care what they're going to say,
Let (our learning go) on
Their fears never bothered me anyway!

It's funny how some distance makes everything seem small
And the fears that once controlled me can't get to me at all!
It's time to see what I can do,
To test the limits and break through.
No right, no wrong, no (agendas) for me
I'm FREE!

We ARE free, to raise our children how we feel is best for their development! As we let go of the fears of those around us, we will break through the limits of arbitrary agendas set for us and for our families. And, very likely, our children will be the ones to impress EVERYONE with their awesome powers if we let them!

For Worthy Friends

"A friend is someone who knows the song of my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails."

This is just a blog post to sing the praises of great friends. They make the homeschooling journey more interesting, fun, and EFFECTIVE! I can't imagine taking on homeschooling without the dear friends I have made along the way.

In fact, a good friend who decided a few years back to homeschool asked me when she was still in "consideration phase" if my choice to homeschool ever caused me to feel lonely. Having never sent my kids to school, I can't compare my social experience in both circumstances, but my honest answer was that I rarely felt lonely, and had the best friends I could imagine BECAUSE I homeschool.

Some friends have become so close. We have met at park days, or because someone organized something and everyone who liked that same "fun" showed up. Sometimes our kids ages and phases have matched and we have compared notes. I have learned from these mothers patience and confidence. I would not and could not love homeschooling as much as I do without them.

Other friends I know from the distance of crossing busy paths. But still I can find so much that is admirable and inspiring from the things they share. I love hearing their stories as we project together, or watch the kids take in some new experience or adventure. I am strengthened by constantly witnessing the great love these mothers have for their children.

Sweetest, perhaps, are the friends who have been friends from before we had children, who followed their own path to homeschooling, and now homeschooling is yet another experience we can share and hold dear. I love discovering some of the people I admire most have also decided to homeschool. I feel like I am rubbing shoulders with greatness.

I love finding mothers with whom to share the special joys of homeschooling. Joys like noting that my two year old thinks of himself as the best friend and companion of my 10 year old. Or like seeing the kids' odd expressions as we learn some mind-blowing fact together.

With my friends, I can brainstorm fast, healthy lunches, engaging ways to teach grammar, or what to do when your kids insist on doing nothing. We have strengthened each other when doubt threatened our cause. There is ALWAYS a lot of laughing together. And we have shed tears together too.

If you are finding this blog, but have not yet found such friends, I hope the blog can fill in the gap for now. Homeschooling can be intimidating. It can feel like walking out of the circle of light of all that we know. I hope in your homeschooling journey you find that just outside your circle is a bright world full of loving and inspiring friends, ready to show the way and discover it with you.

Our beloved Culture Club friends, all of whom make the homeschool journey sweeter!

Feel the LOVE!

Tonight's project was prepping a visual aid for a homeschooling booth at an upcoming Community Fair. I hogged to myself the task of collecting quotes about what mothers, fathers, children, and families love about homeschooling. As I expected, the answers, unprompted by anything more than the question, reveal the peace and joy that come into lives AND into the learning process with the decision to homeschool. It was so sweet and moving to compile these, I can't help but share!

Please share the reasons YOU love homeschooling in the comments below! :)

WE love homeschooling because….

“My children are a blessing and I love to be with them.” mother of 4

"I get to be around my siblings and I don't have a set time I have to be awake everyday." Tabitha, age 9

“I can sit wherever I want and I can use the bathroom anytime." Matthias, age 11 ¾

“We get to focus on the joy of learning, instead of test mastery. Going at each child's pace, my children can develop a love for the things they are learning.” mother of 4, homeschooling 2 years

“Schooling has turned into a lifestyle for our family instead of a physical destination!" Millville mom of 2 school age kids

"You can wake up and just do it and have it done with!" Peter, age 8

“I have the opportunity to study what I am interested in and because of all my free time, I can pursue my passions.” Camden, age 14

“My group of homeschool friends are great!  They share the same values and have many of the same goals that I do.” Hyrum boy, 14 years old

“Instead of just cooking, cleaning and doing laundry, I also am involved in the enriching experiences of teaching and mentoring.” Hyrum mother of 6

“Our family is so close. We love learning together and having freedom to pursue our interests.” mother homeschooling for 8 years

“I love it when my mom reads to me." Elijah, age 9

"I love homeschooling because I don't want to go to school ALL DAY." Amy, age 5

“It’s FUN!” boy, age 10

“I love nature club” girl, age 8

“Mom, can we do homework right now?” boy, age 3

“We have time to pursue our interests and teach our values to our kids.” Tammy, mom

“The kids can maintain different levels of intensity in different subject areas. This allows them to "specialize" on things that they love.”  Skyla, mom of 3

“Together, we get to experience learning as an adventure to be had rather than a task to be completed.” mother of 4, homeschooling for 6 years

“I can get help whenever I need it.” Wes, age 7

“We can work at different levels in different subjects and progress at our own pace without having to wait for the whole class.” Amanda, homeschooling second grade on down

“We have time to learn, read book after book, take lessons (music, sports,etc.) and still have plenty of time for our kids to enjoy the unstructured, imaginative time so important to their development.” Heidi, homeschool mom of 3

"I can pick some of what I learn instead of just learning something that all 4th graders are supposed to learn." Ellie, age 9

“I can spend more time with my family and I can read more.” 9 year old girl from River Heights

“My teenager is one of my best friends.”

Sarah, mother to a 15 year old daughter

“You get to be with your family all day.”

Delilah, age 7

“I can learn about things I am really interested in.”

10 year old girl from Providence

“My kids have a teacher who loves them.”

Glenn, father of three

“My children are surrounded by those who love them most and time is theirs to figure out life.”

Raecale, mother of five

“The pace and the freedom are a perfect match for us! I love sharing my day with my kids!”

Mandilyn, mother of two

“I have more time to be with my friends." Zachary, age 10 from Providence.

"I can stay at my house if I want to, and I don't have to catch an early bus!" Chayce, girl, age 8

"I have really enjoyed watching my children flourish as we have found what methods allow them to grasp mathematical and literary concepts."  Jillian, mother of 5

“We get to fully shape and enjoy the most impressionable, delightful years of our children's lives.” 6 year homeschooling mom

“It has encouraged close relationships and loyalty between our children." mother of three daughters and one on the way

"Mom, I was BORN to do math!" homeschooled 4 year old