Is There Joy in Adversity?

My family has been experiencing a very difficult spring and summer.  Our struggles have not been devastating or heart breaking in comparison to some of the struggles other families have experienced but they have been constant.  When I wakeup in the mornings I prepare my mind (as best as I can) to face the new…

My Struggle With Teaching Reading

When I began home schooling ten years ago I was not quite sure what this journey would look like or where it would lead me.  I knew I would tech my children the basic subjects that all children learn at school, but I could not imagine what it would be like to teach these subjects. …

Seasons of Change

Time keeps moving forward and the changes that come along with this forward movement are inevitable.  For the last twelve years, I have been caring for and teaching small children, toddlers and babies.  The bulk of my focus and energy has revolved around people who rely heavily on me for their most basic needs in…

My kids do not wear their coats!

It is now officially winter and the threat of a first snow for the season is real.  Though it is nice to stay inside on these cold days we have a cow that needs to be milked and pigs that need to be feed twice daily; so we must leave our warm house to ensure…

Am I qualified to home school my children?

I am in my tenth year of home schooling and my oldest student is in her junior year of high school.  Many times through the years I have asked myself the question “Am I qualified to teach my children”?  (Those of you who have proficient grammar skills are probably thinking I am not qualified.)  Many…

My Fixer Upper Home

My house is nothing special or grand, it will never appear in a magazine for its stunning renovation or historic relevance.  It has more square footage than some and less than others, there are aspects I love about it and many that I hope to change.  My house is a “fixer-upper” that needs plenty of…

I am your mother; NOT your maid!

How one mother gets her children to clean up.

The Perfect Fall Burger

These burgers are a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of fall.  Pair them up with some sweet potato fries and a glass of fresh apple cider (hot or cold) to be enjoyed by the camp fire for the perfect fall evening!  I use a mixture of 2 lbs. of ground beef and 2 lbs. of…

I Crushed My Children’s Spirit

  I was listening to a man speak about the importance of not crushing a child’s spirit this morning before church.  He did not go in-depth on the topic and I was not brought to a point of conviction at that moment.  I did however walk away reflecting on how I might be crushing my children’s spirit. I…

Oatmeal Pumpkin Pancakes

I have a goal to make my children breakfast at least five days a week.  I fall short of this goal almost every week but I refuse to give up.  I do this for two reasons.  The first is because I have the privilege of being home in the mornings with my children.  This gives…