Hanna of Marshall, North Carolina
- Todd-nurse
- Hanna-pharmacist
- Luke-6 1/2
- Bryce-4
- Cam-10 months
- Dogs- Ozzie and Lucy
- Cats-Loki and Thor
- Chicken-Big Bertha
Jennifer of North Carolina
- Mom
- Dad
- Gage
- Anna
- Jr
- Maple (dog)
- Ozzy (cat)
How do you Timberdoodle?
Hanna: Used Timberdoodle last year, coming back to it next year!!!
Jennifer: One of our favorites have been the Story Of The World set. We often snuggle up around the living room with coffee/tea and read aloud together. Everyone enjoys this.
Tell us about a typical school day at your house.
Hanna: Start between 8:00 - 9:00, finish before lunch. Do whatever we want the rest of the day!!!
Jennifer: Our days differ throughout the week. Mom starts by getting up at 5:00 a.m. for morning exercise and seeing Dad out the door to work. Usually the kids are all up by 7:00 a.m. Breakfast happens first. The older kids cook their own and little man usually eats cereal or waffles. School starts about 8:00. Core subjects happen everyday and we alternate science and history Monday through Thursday. Between horseback riding, tennis, piano lessons and swim lessons that keeps us pretty busy in the afternoons. We believe in clean as you go then, of course, divide up other necessary chores throughout the week.
If we peeked inside your home on a random Wednesday afternoon, what would we see?
Hanna: Well, today we are working on schoolwork because we have STEM class and speech therapy Wednesday mornings.
Jennifer: You could probably expect to see books and puzzles lying around, kids sprawled on the floor working. Depending on what time, the piano teacher may be here working with one child.
If you could take your family anywhere you wanted for vacation where would you go?
Hanna: To the beach in Oak Island, North Carolina.
Jennifer: To Grandma's house. She lives 2,500 miles away. We don't get to visit too often, but the kids really enjoy spending time with their grandmother as well as other family that lives there. There's nothing better than Grandma hugs and, well, maybe her cookies.
What books have you read over and over?
Hanna: Little House series, Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer (I have a weird/strange obsession with Mount Everest!)
Jennifer: Little House series and Anne of Green Gables
What dietary challenges does your family face?
Hanna: Too much sugar! We hide it or don’t buy it!
Jennifer: Luckily, we don't have any allergies or restrictions. We try to eat a healthy diet though.
What tips do you have for surviving a hard day?
Hanna: Coffee, sending the kids outside to play!
Jennifer: Try to make some time for yourself. If it's a hard day for all just know that its OK if it doesn't all get done every day. Have everyone take a 30-minute quiet reading time and relax.
What’s something your child has done that thrilled your soul?
Hanna: Being told he was the most polite, well-mannered child she’d ever taught in Sunday school!
Jennifer: Playing piano for the residents at a local nursing home at Christmas.
How does your family celebrate birthdays?
Hanna: We do birthday adventures, not parties! Kids get to pick where they want to go!
Jennifer: Birthdays are a school holiday for us. Usually just us family, but maybe a few close friends. Decorations and a special dinner is a must.
What have you done recently for the first time?
Hanna: We explored a new town!
Jennifer: Went to a book signing.
What’s your favorite school day lunch?
Hanna: Burrito bowls.
Jennifer: Fresh fruit and veggies and some sort of protein for Mom. The kids love leftovers or sandwiches usually.
How would you manage if you had to homeschool without the internet?
Hanna: Easy peasy!
Jennifer: I am sure we would manage, but it would absolutely be missed in our house! We love using the internet as a resource.
What tips do you have for other families?
Hanna: Have fun and enjoy the moments!
Jennifer: Figure out a schedule or routine that works for your family and stick to it. It's OK to be flexible when needed, but being consistent and organized helps so much.
What is something you appreciate about each of your kids?
Hanna:
- Luke-sweet and thoughtful
- Bryce-spunky
- Cam-full of smiles
Jennifer: My oldest is sweet, caring and never afraid to be himself. Middle child is wise beyond her years and has a huge heart. My youngest has a bright personality and is always so happy. All three kids help out around the house and help each other. I appreciate them so much.
What song is currently in your head?
Hanna: One of our Bible CD songs
Jennifer: Lindsey Sterling, Not sure the name of the song.
Tell us about your family’s favorite games.
Hanna: Pop the Pig
Jennifer: We all enjoy video games, Dungeons and Dragons and cards. If I had to pick a favorite board game though I'd have to say Scrabble or Monopoly.