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We are a family of six - mom, dad, three kids, and grandmom. We love ice hockey, reading, role playing games, and history.
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How do you Timberdoodle?
I first heard about Timberdoodle through a contest a homeschool blogger was hosting. We were able to purchase several products including science books from Apologia, games, a really cool little pencil sharpener, and American government books by Notgrass.
Tell us about a typical school day at your house.
We get started later in the day. Our 11th grader has a schedule of work he needs to complete during the week and he sets his own hours. Our first grader and preschooler work with me throughout the day.
If we peeked inside your home on a random Wednesday afternoon, what would we see?
Wednesday afternoons are usually days where I have a phone conference so our kids get to spend some time playing video games.
If you could take your family anywhere you wanted for vacation where would you go?
We would love to visit England.
What books have you read over and over?
Fire and Rose by Mercedes Lackey for me. Goodnight Moon reading to the kids.
What tips do you have for surviving a hard day?
Take a break. Everything does not have to be done in one day. Watch some videos together or play a game.
What’s something your child has done that thrilled your soul?
Our teen spoke recently at church about what his youth group means to him and the positive impact the church has had on his life.
How does your family celebrate birthdays?
Special birthday dinner the day of the birthday. For our children we hold a party with family and friends on a weekend day.
What have you done recently for the first time?
I tried shredded pork tacos.
What’s your favorite school day lunch?
Leftovers - especially if dinner was really yummy the night before!
How would you manage if you had to homeschool without the internet?
It would be fine. Probably easier because no one would need to use my laptop. We could all work out of books.
What tips do you have for other families?
Find what works for you and don't compare your homeschool to everyone else's. The whole point of homeschooling is that we are doing what is the best for our individual families.
What is something you appreciate about each of your kids?
Each one is very caring and thoughtful.
What song is currently in your head?
My kids are singing a made-up song right now but usually I have songs from the Fallout games playing in my head by bands and groups like The Ink Spots or Bob Crosby.
Tell us about your family’s favorite games.
We love video games where we can play together (like Minecraft or Borderlands for the teen and us grownups) or board games where we can also learn things. We also play role playing games like D&D.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever done in your homeschool that you called a “science experiment”?
We burnt a marshmallow down to nothing.
What hard thing are you planning to do this year?
Prepare our teen for his future after high school.
What did you do just for fun with your kids recently?
They played kickball outside. We had such a nice day.
What would you name your boat if you had one?
The Sea Dragon
If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?
Become a better seamstress. I would love to be able to make more than a pillow case or stitch a hem.
What’s the last recipe you looked up?
Last night I was prepping three different dinners so I was looking up Swedish Meatballs, Bite Size Tacos, and Goulash.
What apps do you use the most?
Social media ones and a few games like Pocket Frogs.
If you could sum up your homeschool style or philosophy in one phrase what would it be?
Relaxed Classical.
What do your kids want to be when they grow up?
- photographer
- a singer
- a mom
What extracurricular activities is your family involved in?
None currently (our son had to stop playing ice hockey due to a concussion).
If you have a moment to yourself what do you like to do?
Watch YouTube Let's Play videos.
What’s your favorite school day breakfast?
Chocolate chip muffins.
What’s the best homeschool field trip you’ve ever been on?
Trip to working colonial farm.
The grocery store cashier asks, “But what about socialization?” What do you say?
I would love to be snarky and say: "Well, they are talking to you" but in reality I think I would list off the things we do and places we go where we are in the real world which is more important than any walled off classroom
What’s the funniest thing one of your kids ever said?
Apparently to our teen "sticks" - our youngest son set up several chests of sticks in their shared Minecraft world in case our teen needed some for crafting. Just reminding our teen of the sticks sets him giggling.
What do you do for fun as a family?
Play games - video, card, role playing, board.
How do you continue to educate yourself?
Reading, talking to others, watching videos.
