Wanted: Homeschool Mom

"Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us." (Psalm 68:28)

Have you ever thought about how an advertisement would read for a homeschool teacher? If truthfully stated, the ad would probably go something like this:Now accepting applications―Family seeking fun-loving, godly homeschool teacher. Applicant will be responsible for providing total educational development and daily personal care for children of multiple ages. Applicant will assume the following roles: cook, housemaid, nurse, taxi driver, administrative assistant, accountant, athletic coach, social director, computer technician, household and automotive repairman, gardener, course instructor in multiple subject areas and grade levels, and various other responsibilities. This is a full-time position―approximately 120 hours or more per week. Qualified candidates must be able to work well under pressure, multi-task, and prioritize work loads while maintaining a friendly, enthusiastic attitude. Quick thinking, good memory, and a varied background in extensive subject matter are a must. Promising candidates will be resourceful, adjust easily to distractions, and display creative, hard-working leadership abilities. Organizational and problem solving skills are a plus. Previous teaching experience and/or college preferred, but not required. If you're interested in working in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, this is the position for you! For more information on this exciting opportunity to earn fulfilling, one-of-a-kind rewards, please apply in person today.After reading the above qualifications, no wonder many parents walk away from this employment opportunity. Who can measure up to these standards? Praise God, you can! As you step out in faith and yield your weaknesses to God's strength, you'll not only get the job, you'll also successfully homeschool and discover the fantastic benefits of teaching your children at home.

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." (Ephesians 6:10)
"Lord,Homeschooling seems overwhelming at times and there's so much to learn. Like the new guy on the job, teach me what I need to know how to successfully homeschool with Your wisdom, strength, and power. In Jesus' name, Amen."

The Journey

As a homeschool year ends, I spend lots of time reflecting on the year we have just come through and evaluating where our journey will next lead us. It is so exciting to think about what we will do next year! Amazingly, our family starts high school with Holly in the fall! It seems like just yesterday she was in Kindergarten and now here we are beginning a new phase on this journey! So, on top of that, I am so excited because I have registered for convention!! It is so refreshing to go there and be with other like-minded people, to receive instruction, inspiration and encouragement and to view so many options for next year's curriculum. I can't imagine not going. I have lots of decisions to make for this coming year, too. We will be making changes in all of the children's studies and I can't wait! This school year may not end until August, but we will still be ready to start again with a new year!

Does this fit you, too?

Well, this about summarizes my life - give or take! Have a laugh as you read! A merry heart does good like a medicine! BTW - chickens are my next adventure!

If you give a Homeschooling Mom a Cookie
by Sher Birmingham
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If you give a Homeschooling Mom a cookie, she'll want the recipe.

She will plan a complete unit study on the History of Cookies.

The family will take field to a farm and see where we get eggs, milk and grain.

At home they will make butter out of milk.

The children will want to start grinding their own grain.

Mom will purchase a Bosch Universal Kitchen System.

She will remember she will need a new list of cookbooks.

So she will order An Introduction To Whole Grain Baking w/ CD, Desserts, The Cooking With Children CD, and Lunches & Snacks Cookbook by Sue Gregg, also Whole Foods for Kids to Cook.

Mom orders a 100 lb bag of wheat berries.

Now she will grind her own wheat grain into flour.

The children remember the farm field trip and knowing they can't possibly get a cow they beg for a few chickens.

So to a trip to the library to research how to build a chicken coop and to how to care for chickens.

On the way out the door Mom sees the book, Chicken Tractor, by Andy Lee & Pat Foreman.

They stop by the Feed and Seed to pick up materials and ask where to purchase the chicks.

There the clerk tells them about eggs that can be incubated.

He sells them a book on hatching eggs, eggs, and incubator.

At home Mom and the younger children set up the incubator while Dad and the older children build the chicken tractor.

Back to the library to pick up gardening books and more books on chickens.

The oldest daughter now starts a business grinding flour for the her friend's families.

While her younger sisters are selling homemade cookies to their neighbors.

The boys have started building a new chicken tractor because they want more eggs for breakfast.

That cookie that started this all? The homeschooling mom's three year old ate it.

Introductions

Many people ask, when they meet me, how long I have been homeschooling my children. Without hesitation, I can honestly tell them, "from birth!" That truly is my philosophy on home schooling - it is something that I have always done with my children. Lately, I must admit, it is a little more structured than those early days, but with no more thought or love! I absolutely love teaching my children and thank God every day for the opportunity to be home with them, to teach them and to truly know them and be a part of their lives. No, I can't hold onto them forever, but I can cherish every moment that I have with them and form a relationship that will last a lifetime. That is my prayer! So, I guess I should tell you a little bit about the inspirations behind my routine! Holly is the oldest with true "oldest child" habits! She is neat and organized, easy to teach as long as what she is learning has a reason behind it and is passionate about the Lord. She truly desires to be what He wants her to be. Right now, she is learning piano, mostly teaching herself, sings in the choir and is a Bible Quizzer. MaKenna is next and a true "middle child!" She is outgoing, friendly and full of life. She is creative and melancholy/phlegmatic - what a combination! She, too, loves the Lord and is a Bible Quizzer. She enjoys drawing, crafts and making things. Both girls love to read and try to do it any chance they get! Caleb is the youngest - the only boy not only who is home all day, but in almost any group we are in, he tends to be the only boy! He is so cute and so smart that he amazes me at times. Like his daddy, he likes to build things and loves math. He is sweet and thoughtful and full of energy. I feel so blessed to have these 3 wonderful children, so alike yet so different, in my life everyday. I often end a day feeling like they have taught me more than I could ever teach them.