Homeschooling in the News

Homeschool News

From Seattlepi.com - Kids from toddlers to teens raced around the Wallingford playground Tuesday to celebrate not going back to school, the day before most Seattle youngsters are preparing to go back to class.

But that didn't mean the kids on the playground weren't pumped about their education. For the kids, who are part of the Seattle Homeschool Group -- one of the largest secular groups of its kind in....Read the full article.

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From The Kansas City Star - Tracy Vacca is a 36-year-old single mother who homeschools four children.

When she tells others what she does, Vacca often hears comments about how lucky she is.
Vacca disagrees.

Luck, the Raytown mother...Read the full article.

Homeschool Curriculum Sale & Giveaway!

The whole month of August we are having a huge Back to Homeschool Sale!

Look at just some of the things that are on sale this week! These prices are in addtion to the current prices, which are already reduced by as much as 15%. Huge Savings, so don't miss it!

• Alpha Omega Sale: 10% off
• Cottonwood Press Sale: 5% off
• Geography Matters Sale: 5% off
• Great Expectations Sale: 5% off
• Greenleaf Press Sale: 4% off
• Harper Collins Sale: 4% off
• Harrisville Designs Sale: 5% off
• Heart of Dakota Publishing Sale: 5% off
• Homeschool Journey Sale: 5% off
• Hooked on Phonics Sale: 32% off
• Houghton Mifflin Sale: 5% off
• Insect Lore Sale: 6% off
• John Wiley & Sons Sale: 4% off
• Jossey-Bass Sale: 4% off
• Kingfisher Sale: 5% off
• Learning Wrap-Ups Sale: 4% off
• Lost Classic Book Company Sale: 4% off
• Mayers Cider Mill Sale: 6% off
• McGraw Hill Sale: 4% off
• Melissa & Doug Sale: 5% off
• Memoria Press Sale: 4% off
• Modern Curriculum Press Sale: 4% off
• Moody Press Books Sale: 3% off
• Mott Media Sale: 3% off

In addition, we are giving away this awesome Cuisinart Pure Indulgence 2 QT Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker! Go here to enter!

Also...we have a FREE GUIDE! Tammy Choleva has written this wonderful resource that we would love to share with you. If you would like to receive Walking the Narrow Path toward Freedom in Education: An Informational Guide to Homeschooling, you can sign up to receive it here - it's FREE! You will receive a download link by email shortly.

Blue Thistle Books Back to Homeschool Giveaway!

Blue Thistle Books is having a big giveaway.... and a huge Back to Homeschool Sale throughout the month of August!

So which do you want to hear about first? Let me guess....I bet the giveaway huh?

In light of our huge Back to Homeschool Sale, and the simple fact that I am protesting the nearing inevitable end of summer, I have decided to have some fun by having a giveaway and well... because I'm a copycat. Sorry, it's not a flat screen TV from Best Buy, like at fiveminutesformom.com, but nontheless it is still pretty exciting.

We are giving away a brand spankin' new Cuisinart Pure Indulgence 2 QT Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker!

Why an ice cream maker you ask? Well doesn't everyone associate ice cream with going back to school?

Actually, it's just because I love ice cream a whole lot and I'm not anywhere near ready to think about school yet.

Can I hear an Amen!


Ain't she purdy?

Valued at $79.95 the Cuisinart Pure Indulgence makes two quarts of luscious homemade ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt or drinks in as little as 25 minutes! It's easy. An integrated motor, double-insulated freezer bowl and automatic mixing paddle do all the work. Results are consistently smooth, cleanup is easy and the brushed stainless styling is simply sensational. Can I hear a bigger Amen!

Features:
2 qt. capacity
Brushed stainless steel housing with embossed logo
Fully automatic; add ingredients and turn machine on
Makes all of your favorite frozen desserts or drinks in as little as 25 minutes
Large spout to add all of your favorite mix-ins
Removable mixing paddle and freezer bowl for easy cleanup
Instruction/Recipe Book included

Sound good so far? Ok then, here's how you can win....

1. Anyone that blogs about Blue Thistle Books giveaway and sale, and links to this post, (or my post at Homeschoolblogger) between now and August 31st, will be entered in a random drawing to win the Cuisinart Pure Indulgence 2 QT Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker! You can copy and save the giveaway button at the top of the page and use in your post if you so desire. You can also enter more than once by leaving a comment each time you mention Blue Thistle Books giveaway and sale. In other words, the more you mention us, the more chances you have to win!

2. You can also enter into the drawing by making any purchase at Blue Thistle Books between now and August 31st. But remember, you must type in GIVEAWAY in our comment section during checkout to be entered.

Now on to the sale....This week almost every publisher from A - F is on sale with additional discounts off our already reduced prices. In addition we have optional Media Mail shipping and the ability to pay using your PayPal account. This is the only time of year our prices are reduced this much so don't miss it! And next week publisher's G-L will be on sale. Don't forget, any order over $80.00 will receive FREE Media Mail shipping by entering code FREESHIP during checkout!

Is this too cool or what?

Homeschool Reading

The Child's Homer
by Padric Colum

Travel back to a mythical time when Achilles, aided by the gods, waged war against the Trojans. And join Odysseus on his journey through murky waters, facing obstacles like the terrifying Scylla and whirring Charybdis, the beautiful enchantress Circe, and the land of the raging Cyclôpes. Using narrative threads from The Iliad and The Odyssey, Padraic Colum weaves a stunning adventure with all the drama and power that Homer intended. Softcover · 247 pgs. · Ages 9-12. More about The Children’s Homer.

Great Story Starters for Homeschool Students!

Why does a story starter work so well? Each story suspends the student in the middle of a predicament. He is then faced with the question, “What happens next?” This is his cue to expand and embellish the story however he wants. He learns to write freely, with imagination and zest - and with far more boldness than he may be accustomed to.

These action-packed stories by Karen Andreola are especially appealing to boys. Thumb through the pages to choose whatever story catches your fancy. This large selection is meant to satisfy the varied interests of both boys and girls.

To spark even more curiosity, each story is illustrated with one or more engaging 19th century pictures. The settings are sometimes intense, sometimes funny, sometimes sweetly domestic, but always pose a challenge. Here is your child's opportunity to rescue those in danger, comfort the sick, cheer the lonely, laugh with the ridiculous, tame the wild, and do battle for good.

Awaken the dormant writer in your child with this lively approach to creative writing!

Story Starters:

• One book per family
  
• Non-consumable
  
• Lavishly illustrated
  
• Multi-skill level (grade 4-12)
  
• Supplementary English course

Story Starters is designed to:

• Replace dry, dull writing with exciting writing
  
• Invoke sympathy for characters and encourage writing with feeling
  
• Expand a child's literary powers with the practice of narration
  
• Develop a child's imagination with the embellishment of story plots
  
• Stimulate reasoning powers with opportunity for problem-solving
  
• Reawaken an interest in language arts
  
• Uphold biblical virtues

See more about Story Starters.

Cool Homeschool Science!

Ultra Cool Homeschool Chemistry Experiments By Aurora Lipper

Chemistry is an exciting subject for kids of any age, especially if you set up a natural discovery environment for them to safely explore in. Let's find out how to do this in your own home with your own kids. At the university, one of the first things you will learn about in your chemistry class is the difference between physical and chemical changes.

An example of a physical change happens when you change the shape of an object, like wadding up a piece of paper. If you light the paper wad on fire, you now have a chemical change. You are rearranging the atoms that used to be the molecules that made up the paper into other molecules, such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ash, and so forth. There's an easy way to tell if you have a chemical change. If something changes color, gives off light (like the light sticks used around Halloween), or has heat absorbed (gets cold) or produces heat (gets warm). Some quick examples of physical...read full article here.
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Homeschool Art Contest!

The Blue Thistle Books art contest continues for your children ages 7-14. This contest will run through August 31st to allow time for your children to submit their artwork.

Rules: Any media will be accepted, however, if using oil or regular pastels, please scan and send your file as a .jpeg to prevent damage to the art work and my scanner!Rules: Please have your children draw or paint any subject they would like. The artwork must be submitted on 8 1/2 X 11 paper, of any type. Please send in a large envelope to prevent damage from bending. The submitted entries will not be returned, so if you want them back, please enclose return postage.

Please fill out and sign this form and send it with your child's artwork. This gives me permission for your child's information to be posted on our web site. We will only be using the child's first name, initial of their last name, their age and the state they reside in.

The winner will receive a $50.00 gift certificate and their art will be showcased on our front page throughout the month of October! Visit Art Contest for more information.

Simple Homeschool Success Tips

Simple Homeschool Success Tips
By Mary Joyce

There certainly is an abundance of homeschooling information available and this is a good thing… for the most part… as long as you don’t get bogged down in overload and suffer paralysis by analysis. There are a lot of wonderful articles and tips to help you insure your homeschool success.

So, through the experiences of my own and reading about those experiences and advice of others, here are some of, not only the best, but most universal home school success tips.

First of all have fun. Make learning fun. It should be for kids. And by the way, enjoy learning new things with your kids. There is some much in this world that we cannot control, so let’s let control what we can… our attitude and how we approach each and every day. Children will absorb your attitude and mood...read the full article here.

Homeschool Art Contest!

Homeschool Art Contest!

Art Contest! We will be having an art contest for your children ages 7-14, This contest will run through August 31st to allow time for your children to submit their artwork.

Any media will be accepted, however, if using oil or regular pastels, please scan and send your file as a .jpeg to prevent damage to the art work and my scanner!

Rules: Please have your children draw or paint any subject they would like. The artwork must be submitted on 8 1/2 X 11 paper, of any type. Please send in a large envelope to prevent damage from bending. The submitted entries will not be returned, so if you want them back, please enclose return postage.

Please fill out and sign this form and send it with your child's artwork. This gives me permission for your child's information to be posted on our web site. We will only be using the child's first name, initial of their last name, their age and the state they reside in.

The winner will receive a $50.00 gift certificate and their art will be showcased on our front page throughout the month of October!
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Homeschool News

From the Washington Times - Father an essential learning tool

I recently was invited to participate in an interview about home-schooling on "The Tom deSabla Show" on WNET-AM (1160). Three callers to the show, plus the host, were home-schooling or considering home-schooling. Here's an interesting note: All were men.

It was inspiring to hear how they help their children learn or they share educational duties with mom and how concerned they are with finding good learning materials or opportunities for interaction...read the full article.
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The featured book this week is Beorn the Proud by Madeleine Polland

Two cultures, two faiths, struggle against each other in this exciting story by Madeleine Polland. You can almost hear the clash of arms and taste the Great Hall feasts in this authentic recreation of 9th century Europe, when Viking raiders ravaged the coasts of Ireland. Amid the battles and shipwrecks and deeds of bravery and treachery, twelve-year-old Beorn learns Christian humility from his young captive, Ness, the daughter of an Irish chieftain. Youngsters will enjoy the adventure, while their parents appreciate the realism. A Bethlehem Book. Ages 10+.

Gift Certificate Winner & Homeschool Art Contest!

And the Winner... of our drawing for a $25.00 gift certificate is...Shelly Pierson. Shelly, I hope you enjoy your prize!

Art Contest! We will be having an art contest for your children ages 7-14, This contest will run through August 31st to allow time for your children to submit their artwork.

Any media will be accepted, however, if using oil or regular pastels, please scan and send your file as a .jpeg, to prevent damage to the art work and my scanner!

Rules: Please have your children draw or paint any subject they would like. The artwork must be submitted on 8 1/2 X 11 paper, of any type. Please send in a large envelope to prevent damage from bending. The submitted entries will not be returned, so if you want them back, please enclose return postage. Please fill out and sign this form and send it with your child's artwork. This gives me permission for your child's information to be posted on our web site. We will only be using the child's first name, initial of their last name, their age and the state they reside in.

The winner will receive a $50.00 gift certificate and their art will be showcased on our front page throughout the month of October!

Myths of Learning Types

Homeschool Lessons Made Easy - Learning Types and Understanding the Myth
By Darren Michalczuk

What is a learning type?

Most educators at some point in their career have been introduced to the three learning styles: visual, auditory and kinesthetic. Even First Aid or swimming teachers learn that there are three separate styles. A visual learner remembers what is seen like notes on a blackboard, posters or a demonstration. An auditory learner will remember what is heard like verbal instructions, lyrics to a song or books read in class. A kinesthetic learner will remember body movements or sensations like building a birdhouse, kicking a soccer ball or making a model of the solar system. Instructors are taught that each person falls into only one category and to reach all learners, you must teach all three styles. This is only partially true.

Why is this misleading?

Although this belief holds some truth, it is misleading. The myth of believing that people are only one type of learner can be easily disproved with two examples: a Labrador puppy and a rollercoaster. If it were true that all people fall into only one category, then there would be people who could only imagine the yelp and whimper of a young Labrador puppy, but not the shiny coat and big paws or the feel the soft fur and sharp teeth. Similarly there would be people who would only be able to visualize a rollercoaster and not be able to imagine the sounds of screams and carnival music or feel of going over the steep drops and curves. The truth is that most people can imagine all three.

Almost everyone can imagine what an elephant looks, sounds and feels like. It is also easy to imagine the colour, texture and taste of an orange. Almost everyone can imagine the sound of fireworks or a phone ringing. Almost everyone can imagine the feel of a warm fire or cool water. People are capable of learning in all three styles, not just one.

How can we develop learning styles?

This is important to know since we can help students develop skills in a specific area without relying on the excuse that they are “not that type of learner”. Although it is still good practice to present information to all three styles, don’t expect student to wait until their style comes along. Students can be taught how to understand, remember and use materials that teach to all three styles.
Some skills do not come naturally to some students. Unfamiliar words in text books need to be looked up in a glossary or dictionary. Captions for diagrams need to be read carefully. When listening to instructions, questions must be asked to clarify any information that is unclear. To truly teach a student, you don’t merely teach the information, you teach a student how to learn the information. It is like the old saying: if you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime. By giving a student the right skills, you teach him or her to learn for a lifetime.

Darren Michalczuk is the founder of the Brick School. He is an experienced classroom teacher who has developed many programs and resources for math, language and music. The Brick School offers quality educational posters, programs and worksheets online for elementary language arts, math and music. Materials are designed to promote effective learning strategies in an easy to understand, straight-forward format. They offer both practical solutions to learning problems and leading edge technology and techniques. It reaches both struggling students and those who need extra challenges in class.With the latest software and leading edge learning strategies, our materials are paving the way for learning. User-friendly programs give students instant feedback while they practice important basic skills. Lessons and study guides also include proven learning strategies and memories techniques. Please visit our website.http://brickschool.ca

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?Homeschool-Lessons-Made-Easy---Learning-Types-and-Understanding-the-Myth&id=557365

Bodies - A Homeschool Field Trip Your Kids Won't Soon Forget!

Lord Willing, we are going on a field trip to the South Street Seaport in New York City to see Bodies.

If you have never heard of it, Bodies is a exhibition of 19 actual bodies, (cadavers) and 260 organs that have been preserved by usual methods, then dissected to show the various organs and then placed in a bath of polymer or silicone.

You are even able to view the entire circulatory system. This exhibit offers thousands of unique teaching possibilities! Free teacher's guides are also available for the exhibit. I'm a bit curious as to how it will be to look so closely at the human body. I can't wait to see God's awesome design! The exhibit will be in several other major cities soon, so if you can't make it to NY, then you may have another chance to go. What an awesome opportunity for your family, if you can stomach it!

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Montessori Home Schooling By Diane Crawford

The Montessori home schooling method was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 1900s to educate children from poor families in San Lorenzo Rome. Dr. Montessori developed a method of teaching children as children, rather than smaller adults. Instead of pigeonholing children into the common institutionalized methods such as grading and testing, the Montessori home schooling method allows children develop their talents, takes note of weaknesses, and encourages children to develop both their weaknesses, and natural talents in their own time.

The Montessori home schooling method is taught to children from as early as birth, and can go as high as year 12 education. Rather than grading, feedback and analysis is usually provided in the form of a list or narration of the child's talents, and weaknesses. An emphasis on and an approach to improving the child's weaknesses are then taken, as education progresses.

The wonderful thing that the Montessori home schooling method offers a child is a focus on what the child needs as an individual, rather than pre-set needs for the class as a whole. Learning is done at the child's own pace, and teachers take the role of a guide rather than a lecturer. One of the main goals that this method uses is to encourage children to keep their natural joy of learning, without pressuring them to compete with each other and learn when they are not yet ready, or mature enough.

Through this method of teaching, children are encouraged to be independent, and are given freedom with some set limits and responsibilities that come with having freedom.

The entire approach used in Montessori home schooling method is that children learn in an entirely different way than adults. Lessons are specially structured to children's needs, and the natural way that they learn to give children the best advantage in both an academic, and social learning environment.

Montessori Method Lessons

The Montessori method ensures that a child is never given an activity without being shown how it is of use to them. After the activity has been demonstrated, the child is then given the freedom to use this newly acquired knowledge with no limits, other than their own imagination, or when the materials or child has a risk of being a danger to themselves or those around them.

Each activity is carefully selected, and will pave the way for later activities, and concepts. Children are encouraged to repeat an activity as many times as they want to, until they become bored with it. At this stage, it is a sign that the child is ready to start the next activity.

There is never a prescribed time table, or period in which children are meant to learn certain concepts, or lessons, the speed that these are learned will depend entirely on the child, and when they feel ready to move on. However, there is a set sequence of learning activities that are used for lessons. The Montessori home schooling method was originally designed as a schooling system, but it is a very popular method that is often scaled down and used by parents for home schooling.

For more info on Montessori Home Schooling? Head on over to http://www.homeschooling4you.com/

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?Montessori-Home-Schooling&id=455085

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Drawing for $25.00 gift certificate!

Don't forget, If you are currently subscribed to our bi-monthly newsletter Comforts of Home. you will automatically be entered in a drawing for a $25.00 gift certificate. If you are not subscribed and would like to be entered for the drawing, you can subscribe here. The drawing will take place on May 14th. The winner will be announced the next day.

Spring Fever Hits - Homeschool Journey

Can someone please explain to me why today *feels* like a Monday? I also have the worst case of distractionitis that I have ever had. I couldn't focus to save my life!

Maybe it is the blooming flowers, the warm air and the hint of green on the trees that is causing my issues. After all, who wants to be inside staring at a computer screen, when the fresh air is calling. I am suddenly back in a school room staring out the window, daydreaming of what I would do when the bell rang.

On that note, I think we will do our math lessons on the porch today. Maybe it will be a quick cure.
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$25.00 Gift Certificate Drawing!

Don't forget, If you are currently subscribed to our bi-monthly newsletter Comforts of Home. you will automatically be entered in a drawing for a $25.00 gift certificate. If you are not subscribed and would like to be entered for the drawing, you can subscribe here. The drawing will take place on May 14th. The winner will be announced the next day.
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New Products!

The History Portfolio Series has just arrived! If you haven't seen these yet, you will want to take a look! These portfolios are a fabulous way to keep track of your children's written projects, reports, colorful drawings, photographs, and clippings. Each book is designed for use by an individual, child or adult, and will become a unique record of the student's "journey through history".

Designed by Barbara Shukin, the History Portfolio Series is an engaging history curriculum that is adaptable to your method of teaching. It supports Classical and Living Books approaches and homeschooling with notebooking. Filling in the pages involves reading, writing, geography, art, literature, science... you decide! History inspires the imagination. The History Portfolio Series can capture the inspiration.

In each of the four volumes of the History Portfolio Series a Table of Contents provides a comprehensive guide to ensure that important subjects are covered. The table of contents organizes history into topics, and even suggests ideas for filling in pages of the Portfolio. Main topics include specific works of literature, important people, works of art and architecture, important names and events in history, plus advances in science and technology. Think of the table of contents as a history spine for you to rely on.

Several resources in the Portfolio - in addition to the table of contents - will help with filling in the boxes, including Topics for Narrations and Reports and Important Dates and Events. You can rely on the Book Recommendations resource to steer you to some very high quality literature. Here you will find titles of books written by authors who are passionate about their subjects, and often speak directly to the reader in a simple, conversational style.

There are five volumes of The History Portfolio Series. Ancient History Portfolio Junior, Ancient History Portfolio, Medieval History Portfolio, Renaissance History Portfolio, Modern History Portfolio and a Teacher's Guide that compliments the Ancient History Portfolio. Other Teacher's Guides will be published soon. Read more about the History Portfolio Series.
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Homeschool News

From World Net Daily - POLICE STATE, GERMANY Homeschooler flees state custody. Melissa Busekros surprises parents at 3 a.m. Melissa Busekros, the schoolgirl taken by police and placed in a psychiatric hospital because she was diagnosed with a "school phobia" and was being homeschooled, has fled state custody to make a midnight trip...read the full article here.
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Feature Book

The featured book for this week is Hitty Her First Hundred Years by Rachel Field

The charming and adventurous memoirs of an exceptional doll named Hitty. Her story begins in Maine in the early 1800s, where she is transformed from a piece of sturdy mountain-ash wood into the valued playmate of a young girl named Phoebe Preble. When the inseparable pair join Phoebe's father on a journey aboard his whaling ship, Hitty's one hundred years of exciting adventures begins! Join this doll of great charm and character as she travels all over the world, from India to Philadelphia to New York. Whether she is traveling with a snake charmer, attending the opera, meeting Charles Dickens, becoming a doll of fashion, posing as an artists' model, or being stolen away on a Mississippi riverboat, one thing is certain... no doll has led a life like Hitty's! The 1930 Newbery Award winner. Ages 9-12. Purchase Hitty Her First Hundred Years.

To Love Honor & Vacuum - Advice For Homeschool Moms

Today Sheila Wray Gregoire is joining me for a chat about her book, To Love, Honor and Vacuum: when you feel more like a maid than a wife and a mother. The book also has an appendix for homeschoolers.

Hi Sheila. Thank you for joining me today. First, I would like to ask you What's the best advice for a busy mom who feels that the only words out of her mouth are "hurry up, we've got to go?"

Take a deep breath, lock yourself in your room, and eat a bit of chocolate. Well, that’s more or less my advice for anytime we feel stressed, but let’s deal with this one first. Families today are way overscheduled. And homeschoolers often homeschool precisely because we don’t want to be overscheduled. But then what do we do? We figure since we have all this extra time we’ll sign the kids up for swimming, and gymnastics, and karate, and homeschooling co-op. And because we’re now such good teachers and organizers, we agree to oversee the Easter pageant, or organize a women’s retreat. And then all of a sudden our lives are out of control!

In To Love, Honor and Vacuum I talk a lot about how society makes us feel that we do a disservice to our kids if we keep them at home, because we’re supposed to be enlarging their lives with all these amazing opportunities out there. But your kids need you; they don’t need a ton of activities. And you’re called to your kids and husband first, not to every activity in the church. Sit down with your kids and your hubby, if you have one, at the beginning of each term and figure out what you will do for outside activities, and let the rest go. Your kids will survive, even if they don’t play soccer this summer.

Why do we get so guilty and upset about the state of our homes?

Women, especially women in the church, have come to see our identities as being caught up in whether or not we’re good housekeepers. When kids walk behind us while we vacuum, carrying a box of crackers and scattering crumbs in their wake, we feel defeated and despondent because we can’t seem to get the house clean while Martha Stewart never has a problem. She even has time to collect pine cones and make them into centerpieces, while we don’t have time to fold laundry! What is wrong with us?
Absolutely nothing. Remember Mary and Martha? Martha wanted to impress her guests. Mary wanted to listen to Jesus. That’s what our homes are about: being places where we can learn about Jesus. Of course, a certain level of cleanliness is vital. You shouldn’t fear catching a communicable disease in the kitchen. But if you have magazines and science projects around the house, think of them as conversation pieces, rather than things that prevent you from having people over. Don’t be perfect. Be real. It’s better for everyone.

Why do you say that many moms serve their kids and their husbands in the wrong way? Isn't serving supposed to be good?

Of course serving is good! But some of us can forget that Jesus taught us not just to serve, but to serve in a certain way. When Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, Peter flipped out. He wasn’t upset because he was getting his feet washed; lots of people had presumably washed his feet in his lifetime. It was because Jesus was doing it. Jesus was doing something lowly, but He wasn’t lowly Himself. And that made people sit up and take notice.

In the same way, I think, we are going to do lowly things. We’ll wash dirty underwear and clean up after kids puke. But we aren’t lowly. What’s the difference? I show in To Love, Honor and Vacuum that a maid does things for you without you even noticing. A proper servant serves in such a way as to point you to Jesus. If your son walks in the door and drops his coat on the floor and his backpack on the couch and then goes and plays a video game, and you pick up his stuff, you’ve taught him to treat you with disrespect. You’ve taught him to act in an unChristlike manner. And that’s just plain wrong. That’s not Christian serving.

Similarly, if our 15-year-olds don’t know how to prepare a meal, because we are always making gourmet things for everybody, we’re not properly preparing them to leave the nest. Serving doesn’t mean we do everything for people. Serving means we act in such a way as to help them look more and more like Jesus everyday. Ironically, that may mean sometimes that we don’t clean and don’t cook and don’t tidy. That may be someone Else's job. And it’s serving them to let them do it! So put your feet up, get out that chocolate, and supervise as your kids clean the bathroom. You’re doing them a favor!

Are there ways in which the Christian community makes our lives more difficult, even if they don't mean to?

This may sound like I’m about to commit heresy, but just bear with me for a moment. I love my husband. I love my children. I really do. But they are not the sum total of my life. I think sometimes in Christian circles family gets elevated so much that we believe that is women’s primary and only aim. And then, when we have “achieved” it and we have our husband and our kids, we expect that this will make us happy. If it doesn’t, if we find ourselves instead overworked, or tired, or feeling a little lost, we think we’ve somehow rejected God’s will for our lives. I think we should be able to talk more realistically about how hard it can be to be home with kids constantly, and to deal with the laundry and the crumbs and what happens when little boys miss the potty. And we need to remember that our peace comes not from our families, but from our relationship with God. The greatest thing God has ever given me is my family, but there are still times when I get tired. That’s just real life, and by saying otherwise I think a lot of stay at home moms feel really guilty.

Do you have any advice for overworked homeschool moms that receive very little help from their husbands or extended family?

Eat chocolate.

Okay, other than that? Sometimes, when we’re doing it alone, we feel all the more need to jump in with both feet to prove we can do it. But we bite off more than we can chew. Remember that your goal is to raise an independent, responsible adult, not a child who can impress the neighbors. Keep your eye on the future, and let all the other stuff go. Don’t get a curriculum that demands too much of you; get something that teaches the basics and leaves lots of time for family bonding so that you can do the moral character forming activities that are so vital. Don’t get your kids involved in everything under the sun. Get them to help clean up so it doesn’t all fall in your lap. And don’t beat yourself up! We all will have days that don’t work. I had one today! I gave up on school and just read Anne of Green Gables out loud for five hours. My throat is killing me, but we had a great time. The math didn’t get done, but we had amazing conversations about honor and duty and love, and that will matter more in the end than anything else. Focus on small things that will lead to your goal of raising loving adults. That’s what ultimately matters.

To find more encouragement to get your kids to help at home and make your marriage less stressful, you can pick up To Love, Honor and Vacuum ($13.00) at http://www.sheilawraygregoire.com/ Sheila Wray Gregoire blogs at www.homeschoolblogger.com/SheilaG. She also writes a syndicated newspaper parenting column, Reality Check, which she sends out by ezine every week. You can sign up for it here, and you’ll be entered in a draw to win a bunch of Sheila’s books and audio recordings! She’ll make the draw April 30.

Love Offering for Heather

Today Boomama, Heather's best friend is holding a love offering for Heather, who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Heather and her husband Mark will be leaving April 25th for the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota - the number one neurosurgery hospital in the country. If you feel the desire to make a love offering to help pay for their expenses, please visit Boomama's blog and please continue to pray for Heather and her family during this difficult time. I cannot imagine what they must be going through. Praise God for His faithfulness...I know He is with them.

Please stop by my other blog where I will try to post other important prayer requests once a week.

Homeschool Headlines & Rainy Day Boredom Busters

Nor'easter. Is that a word that should be exiting my lips in mid-April? NO, not in my opinion anyway. Who ordered this depressing weather? We have had enough and we may have to resort to an indoor playground if this lasts much longer. Even worse, there are flood watches and warnings in every county in the state..so I guess I am feeling pretty grateful that we are only missing the sun and not our home.

Here are a few links to rainy day activities to keep your homeschoolers from boredom when the schoolwork is done.

Play Post Office - Instructions on making a play school post office.
Home Jeopardy - These fun instructions are for playing Home Jeopardy.
Other great Rainy Day Ideas - A variety of different activities to amuse the kids.
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Homeschool Headlines-

HSLDA - The U.S. Marine Corps recently announced that homeschool graduates after a long struggle to be treated equally are eligible for all enlistment programs.

The statement was made by Master Sgt. James D. Edwards, Marine Corps recruiting command public affairs chief, in a recent article in which he said: “Home-school graduates are afforded the same opportunity to enlist as graduates from public and private schools. They can sign up for all enlistment programs, as long as they are mentally, morally and physically qualified for enlistment and score appropriately on the required Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery Test. And they can often receive an enlistment bonus.”

This is music to the ears of homeschool graduates who desire to serve their country...read full article here.
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Homeschool Books-

Since I really love this coloring book I decided to use it as our feature book this week. The Renaissance Coloring Book from Bellerophon Books is a super way for kids to learn about art history while coloring their own masterpiece. Another great boredom buster for those rainy days. You can find it here.

Homeschool Blog Awards - Voting Day 4 : Me Worried?

Have you cast your vote for the Homeschool Blog Awards yet? You only have until midnight on Friday when the voting officially ends! So how about popping on over to give Blue Thistle Books a vote for Best Curriculum and Business Blog!

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As you can see, I'm not the least bit worried. I've been up all night sleeping like a baby. As a matter of fact, after I neglect finish my days work, I will be taking a nice leisurely run walk in the park. Then I will come home and bite file my nails and get take out cook a healthy meal. Absolutely tons no pressure here!

Now to the important stuff. Heather really needs your prayers. If you have not heard, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The great news...God is with her and He is a GREAT BIG GOD! So lets all pray for Heather and believe that God will bring her and her family through this horrible situation.
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The Tennessean - Home-school Notes: So, think you can write a winning manuscript?
Put aside your spellchecker and language resource on the presumptuous computer. It is time to buff the archaic, yet faithful Webster's Dictionary and Roget's Thesaurus shield.
Homeschoolers working on a high school level with a flair for storytelling are encouraged to enter the first Picture Book Writing Competition sponsored by Sylvan Dell Publishing.

The competition is a call to arms for all creative students eager to conquer the publishing world.
Sylvan Dell Publishing is a young company committed to publishing picture books that excite children's imaginations and have...read the full article here.
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Don't forget, If you are currently subscribed to our bi-monthly newsletter Comforts of Home you will automatically be entered in a drawing for a $25.00 gift certificate. If you are not subscribed and would like to be entered for the drawing, you can subscribe here. The drawing will take place on May 14th. The winner will be announced the next day, assuming I can get the newsletter out on time! I'm a slacker!

Blue Thistle Books publishes a bi-monthly newsletter Comforts of Home. Bringing you encouragement for your homeschooling journey, educational articles on homeschooling styles, parenting tips and support, teaching suggestions, craft projects and ideas, book reviews, special discounts on curriculum, and most importantly, humor - because every homeschooling parent needs a good laugh! Even if you are just thinking about homeschooling, we would love to have you join us! Stop by Blue Thistle Books today!

Homeschool Blog Awards - Voting Day 3 : No Stress Here!

First off and most importantly, Heather from the Homeschool Blog Awards, (there are two Heather's) was diagnosed with a brain tumor yesterday. From what I understand, it is cancerous. She and her family are very scared and they could really use your support. Please pray for Heather and her family. She is a mom to three lovely children and any help we could offer her, I'm sure would be welcomed.

In other news, a child that shall remain nameless wanted to know how much a .39 stamp costs. I see the homeschooling is finally paying off. I just couldn't pass this one up, this was definitely good blog material!

As you can see, the stress of The Homeschool Blog Awards is barely affecting me. My fingernails are still completely intact.

So has everyone made their way over to the to cast their votes? Well if not, there are some people who could really use a vote, (cough cough, namely me.) I bet you can't tell by my calm cool exterior?

If you would like vote for Blue Thistle Books, I have been nominated for the Best Curriculum and Business Blog.

Some other great blogs that could use your vote are Our Homeschool and Other Such Happenings , Jumping on the bed. and A Day in the Life . So pop on over and cast your vote before Friday at midnight!

OK, well I'm off to clean my house. I have a customer popping over at 8:30 am to pick something up and I wouldn't want her to faint in horror when she walks in!
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Don't forget, If you are currently subscribed to our bi-monthly newsletter Comforts of Home you will automatically be entered in a drawing for a $25.00 gift certificate. If you are not subscribed and would like to be entered for the drawing, you can subscribe here. The drawing will take place on May 14th. The winner will be announced the next day, assuming I can get the newsletter out on time.

Blue Thistle Books publishes a bi-monthly newsletter Comforts of Home. Bringing you encouragement for your homeschooling journey, educational articles on homeschooling styles, parenting tips and support, teaching suggestions, craft projects and ideas, book reviews, special discounts on curriculum, and most importantly, humor - because every homeschooling parent needs a good laugh! Even if you are just thinking about homeschooling, we would love to have you join us! Stop by Blue Thistle Books today!

Homeschool Blog Awards - Voting Day 2 : How You Doin'?

Here we are on day two of the voting for the the Homeschool Blog Awards and I am feeling very relaxed! I have decided to take a little photo journey through my mental state throughout the rest of this week, to show you how calm and collected I can be. Stay tuned for updates! I promise it will be interesting!

Thank you to my little photographer who believed me of my duties so I could be on the other end of the camera for once!

If you get a chance, go on over to Delight Yourself In The Lord's Blog for a chance to see Tracy sing! I promise you will not be disappointed! If you are perusing blogs, you should also stop by to see Bioluminescence and Sprittibee. two more of my personal favorite places to visit. Oh there are so many great blogs to choose from. I will post a few more of my favorites tomorrow.

Now don't forget to get on over to the Homeschool Blog Awards to vote for your favorite blogs! Voting will continue through April 15th.

Homeschool Blog Awards Voting Has Begun!

The polls are officially open! I feel as though I should be out shaking hands and kissing babies! Pin anyone? What a hoot!

You would never know it, but I am not the competitive type! Really. I never cared about winning anything more than an argument! But, this is fun, so I wander from my standard indifference! So please, run as fast as you can, over to The Homeschool Blog Awards and cast your vote! You only have until April 15th, when the voting will end, so hurry!
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In other (more important)news... we now have TruthQuest History! Voted one of Cathy Duffy's 100 Top Homeschool Curriculums!

TruthQuest History is a deep and rich literature-based history study…but with a difference. You will not learn the story of mankind; you will learn the lovestory of mankind. You will not focus on the rise and fall of human civilizations; you will focus on the arrow-straight line of God's unchanging existence, power, love, truth, and plan for civilization. You will not simply 'meet the culture' or 'get the facts;' you will probe the truths of history so deeply that your students will be equipped to change their world!

Why? Because mankind is not the prime force in the universe ...God is. He initiates; we respond. History, therefore, is not first about what people do. It is first about what God does and says, and secondly about what people believe and do in response.
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Drawing for $25.00 Gift Certificate! If you are currently subscribed to our bi-monthly newsletter Comforts of Home you will automatically be entered in a drawing for a $25.00 gift certificate. If you are not subscribed and would like to be entered for the drawing, you can subscribe here. The drawing will take place on May 14th. The winner will be announced the next day.

Blue Thistle Books publishes a bi-monthly newsletter Comforts of Home. Bringing you encouragement for your homeschooling journey, educational articles on homeschooling styles, parenting tips and support, teaching suggestions, craft projects and ideas, book reviews, special discounts on curriculum, and most importantly, humor - because every homeschooling parent needs a good laugh! Even if you are just thinking about homeschooling, we would love to have you join us! Stop by Blue Thistle Books today!

Homeschool Blog Awards - Me?

A Homeschool Blog Awards nomination? I can't believe it! Thank you, thank you very much. My Elvis voice just doesn't have the same effect when I'm typing it! Truly I am so grateful to the little bird that nominated me. I also want to mention that no one deserves the award for Best Artistic Content more than Bioluminescence. I know you will enjoy her outstandingly beautiful blog, so pop on over to The Homeschool Blog Awards and give her a vote! Voting will begin on Monday morning April 9th and run through the 15th. I tell you this so you will not attempt to vote early like I did. I was so excited I hit the nominations button, thinking I was voting! I know... PUT YOUR GLASSES ON!

So it seems I have a new breakfast companion. My early morning Bible/prayer/quiet/work time is being interrupted by a little mouse that has decided to wake up and entire hour earlier. I now get up at 5:00, but I think it may be time to come up with a new strategy and start rising at 4:00.

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I really enjoyed this article below. I wish more people carried this opinion, however, I have been seeing a tremendous swing toward homeschooling even in the ever liberal northeast. It is becoming much more widely accepted and I don't get nearly the number of questions that were once common place... or maybe I just don't get out much!

The Boston Pilot -Should I homeschool? Over 2 million children are now homeschooled in the United States. On standardized tests, homeschooled children outperform matched peers in the public schools by a wide margin, and they are comparatively more successful in getting admitted to competitive colleges. Strikingly, homeschooled children do not show the “black/white” test-score gap that is the bane of public and private schools. Likewise, homeschooled children perform equally well regardless of gender. In light of these ever more widely appreciated facts, perhaps you have considered homeschooling your own children. If you have... read the full article here.

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I thought I would pass on this fabulous link for toddler curriculum. The site is Letter of the Week and they offer curriculum and resource suggestions for children from birth to age 8. This is a great site! I have really enjoyed the helpful suggestions on activities and books for my toddler. There are four lessons per month, for each month of your child's life. Katrina Lybbert, the creator of the curriculum, even lists Bible verses and classical music selections to compliment each lesson.

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We are having a drawing for a $25.00 Gift Certificate!

If you are currently subscribed to our bi-monthly newsletter Comforts of Home you will automatically be entered in a drawing for a $25.00 gift certificate. If you are not subscribed and would like to be entered for the drawing, you can subscribe here. The drawing will take place on May 14th. The winner will be announced the next day and in our May newsletter.

Our feature book for this week is And So They Build by by Bert Kitchen

This children's picture book describes in text and beautiful illustrations, twelve animal architects and the purpose behind their unusual structures. Some of the animals included are Australia's mallee fowl, satin bowerbirds and swallows, cubiterme termites and harvest mice.

This look at fascinating animal behaviors is a wonderful edition to any home library. You can purchase it here. Softcover · Ages 4 and up.

Blue Thistle Books publishes a bi-monthly newsletter Comforts of Home. Bringing you encouragement for your homeschooling journey, educational articles on homeschooling styles, parenting tips and support, teaching suggestions, craft projects and ideas, book reviews, special discounts on curriculum, and most importantly, humor - because every homeschooling parent needs a good laugh! Even if you are just thinking about homeschooling, we would love to have you join us! Stop by Blue Thistle Books today!