Meet Dana of Lyons, New York

We are a family of 6:

• Dad is a veteran who is a medical lab supervisor.
• Mom is a stay-at-home mom.
• Daughter loves art and is very talented.
• Son 1 lives building and creating.
• Son 2 loves video games and is rather good at them.
• Son 3 is the energetic one that keeps us on our toes.

We have 3 house pets: 🐶 Lucy, 🐱 Mavis, 🐱 Loki. Soon we will be adding chickens and bees to our homestead and hope to continue to add after that. We really enjoy being outdoors and exploring.

How do you Timberdoodle?

I found you just doing an online search. We have the kits and use them daily for homeschool. I love how it engages my kids, even the energetic one. It also allows for them to work independently on most things which they like. It affords us the ability to really work at their own pace. My kids really really love all the logic games.

Tell us about a typical school day at your house.

We usually get up around 7:00 and have breakfast. Then we will do some chores. My 2 older kids can do most of their work independently and they dive in and get it done. We are usually done between noon and 2:00.

We just follow the schedule that comes with it. My oldest has rearranged hers to do it best in the order she wants. I love the ease of being able to switch the order of things. We then do lunch and usually play after that.

My kids love pulling out reading books and the dot-to-dot books after lunch. We do that until my husband comes home, then we have dinner and will do night time chores. I will do things throughout the day when they are done or when the younger ones are working independently. Usually after that the kids will watch a movie, take baths, and go to bed.

If we peeked inside your home on a random Wednesday afternoon, what would we see?

A house that looks lived in. Probably laughter. Maybe some frustration. Crazy kids running around or sitting nicely doing their work. It’s always a surprise what the day will bring.

If you could take your family anywhere you wanted for vacation where would you go?

On a camping trip. Anywhere that they have bathrooms and have some sort of activities or at least a beach or play ground. Somewhere that’s beautiful.

What dietary challenges does your family face?

My son is allergic to dairy and eggs. We give him almond milk instead and he just doesn’t eat eggs.

What tips do you have for surviving a hard day?

Coffee, allowing yourself to take a break. Send everyone for quiet time. They don’t need to nap but they must be quiet.

What’s something your child has done that thrilled your soul?

When they show kindness towards others always thrills me. We never know what someone else is dealing with.

How does your family celebrate birthdays?

We let them control the day within reason. So they get to pick out their cake or dessert, what’s for dinner, where we go, etc.

What have you done recently for the first time?

Went and stayed overnight some place without my kids, which is the first time I’ve done that since my oldest was born 15 years ago.

What’s your favorite school day lunch?

Sandwiches with fruit or chips. It’s simple and easy and pleases everyone.

How would you manage if you had to homeschool without the internet?

Okay, as long as I had another way to find curriculum. We don't really use the internet to homeschool with.

What tips do you have for other families?

Be calm and patient. Go at your children’s pace, not what the world thinks you should. You chose homeschool over public for a reason.

What is something you appreciate about each of your kids?

• My daughter's willingness to help me out. For being a teen I kinda like her. ;)
• Son 1, his mind. He’s a fountain of knowledge and he’s very kind.
• Son 2, I love how he loves. He is very kind-hearted and always pretty calm and happy.
• Son 3, his fearlessness and take charge attitude.

Tell us about your family’s favorite games.

We love board games and video games. We are a Nintendo family. I can’t pick a favorite board game. There are way too many we enjoy. Amazed, Phase 10, Apples to Apples, to name a few.

What is your exercise routine and how often do you do it?

Lacking sadly. Kids go out and play everyday though.

What hard thing are you planning to do this year?

Just make it to the end of the year on time. We did a big move this year so it kinda threw us off.

What did you do just for fun with your kids recently?

Went to a local farm store to check out all the fun things we needed for chickens.

What would you name your boat if you had one?

Primrose

If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?

Woodwork

What’s the last recipe you looked up?

How to make homemade taco seasoning

What apps do you use the most?

Sadly, Facebook and probably Netflix.

If you could sum up your homeschool style or philosophy in one phrase what would it be?

Go with the flow.

What do your kids want to be when they grow up?

• psychologist
• engineer
• construction worker
• fireman

If you have a moment to yourself what do you like to do?

Sit in silence or watch a show.

What’s your favorite school day breakfast?

Eggs and bacon.

The grocery store cashier asks, “But what about socialization?” What do you say?

"They are socializing with you right now, aren’t they?"

What do you do for fun as a family?

Hiking.

How do you continue to educate yourself?

Looking up information I am interested in and reading about it all.

What are favorite healthy snacks at your house?

Fruit, carrots, cucumbers.

What’s the best museum you’ve ever gone to?

Strong Museum of Play.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome in homeschooling?

Being patient.

What is your favorite thing about having kids?

Their personalities.

What’s the best vacation you have ever taken as a family?

Great Wolf Lodge.

What’s your favorite in-a-pinch dinner option?

Make your own pizzas.

What’s the strangest place you’ve done school?

Doctors office.

Share a favorite organizational tip.

Large dresser.

Tell us something unique or unusual about your family.

All my kids were born in different states.

What’s making you laugh these days?

My kids.

What do you do for P.E. in your homeschool?

Send the kids outside to play.

Share a favorite inspirational quote.

What’s your best time of day to homeschool?

Morning.

Tell us something interesting about your local area.

It’s a lot of small towns and country area.

What dream for your family has come true?

Moving to the country and having a homestead.

What’s the most useless talent you have?

Remembering random things.