Dear younger me,
Homeschooling is the right decision. Do it. Don’t question yourself, but jump in and enjoy your time with your kids! You need to know some things....
Older me. Relax! Read good books while cuddling up together! Go on field trips, nature walks and picnics. Be grateful for the little things. Stay faithful to going to Mass, Adoration, Sacraments, and prayer. Keep God first, your spouse second, and the kids and others third. -Laura (9 kids and 19 years of homeschooling)
Homeschooling is a big undertaking especially when paired with managing a home. I am only 5 years into this journey, but I would tell myself to make time for fun and enjoy the successes and failures. Being able to laugh at the failed attempts and things that didn't work out keeps our homeschool real. I also remember walking into other active homeschools and thinking, "Gosh it seems like the school stuff takes over the house!" YES, yes it does...and that's OK!
Dayna (3 kids, 5th year of homeschooling) I’ve attended the Conference the last three years and am looking forward to this year’s with much anticipation! My favorite memory was my first year attending and getting to hear Sarah MacKenzie from Read Aloud Revival. She spoke to the goals on my heart for my children in our homeschool. It was so empowering to have my feelings acknowledged and put into words. That Conference experience has shaped our homeschool in the following years. -Brigid (4 children - and one on the way, 5 years homeschooling) If I could send a letter back to my younger self in 2014 when I started to homeschool, here’s what I’d write: Dear Me, First off, you’re going to be saying that a lot, “Dear me!” as you journey to your place in homeschooling over the next dozen years and that’s okay (all of us have and still do!) Please take a deep breath and do these few things first before reading through Rainbow Resource’s Catalog or studying Mother of Divine Grace’s course objectives (good things in their time!) (All advice we’ve received and practiced from seasoned homeschooling families):
Find joy, place God first and you will reap abundant rewards no matter where this journey takes you! Sincerely, a Still Very Young and Learning Mother Metro United offers 7th-12th graders an opportunity to compete with other homeschooled players during the fall high school season. Metro United is founded on and guided by Christian principles as we seek to provide an excellent, competitive high school homeschool soccer program at a reasonable price that helps boys and girls become men and women of integrity and character who will lead, work hard, and practice good sportsmanship. I remember the first year I went, I was encouraged by a few older mothers to bring a suitcase and plan to spend the whole evening at the Used Book sale. In my naivety, I thought I couldn’t possibly need that big of a book carrier and that many hours. I was wrong! I spent the whole evening chatting with friends I hadn’t seen recently, meeting new homeschooling mothers, and perusing (and buying!) many excellent books at great prices! My arms ached and they had the red marks from carrying too many heavy bags for so long. The Conference is a huge boost to our homeschooling year, mainly from the encouraging fellowship of the attendees and the speakers. My husband and I look forward to attending each year! -Lisa Visit their site and visit their Conference vendor booth to learn more about how your kids can participate.
For me, each time I join my fellow homeschooling parents for the opening talk I am in awe at the large group! It gives me strength and encouragement just seeing so many smiling faces all excited about this call to educate our children. It's just the boost I need to start planning for the next year of the journey. The Patriotic Heritage Honor Guard is an instructional organization that trains young ladies, known as Patriotic Heritage Allegiant Honor Guard with the skills to be an Honor Guard. The Patriotic Heritage Allegiant Honor Guard has been training young ladies since 2014, and has had the honor of performing in a variety of ceremonies, ranging from the Minnesota Peace Officers Memorial to the 9-11 Tribute Memorial Concert. We would be honored to participate in your upcoming event or invite your young lady to join our group. Learn more here and visit their booth at the Conference for more information.
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