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I’m a homeschooling mom to two wonderful boys, A and I. A is in the 6th grade and I is in the 4th. They have both been homeschooled since they started school. I also have a daughter who is about to turn 4. She loves to “homeschool” as well. And any day now we will welcome a new brother to our family.
I was homeschooled and wanted to carry on the tradition with my children for a number of reasons. The number one reason being the family closeness that homeschooling brings. And just under that is the superior education homeschooling provides.
How do you Timberdoodle?
I found Timberdoodle when my oldest was in second grade. I look forward to the new catalog every year because of the unique homeschooling options they have. My cousin recently started homeschooling and I was able to pass along a catalog to her. She ordered a curriculum kit and she and her son love it. I love sharing Timberdoodle with others!
Tell us about a typical school day at your house.
I have found a pretty set schedule works best at our house. My children are in their desks at nine each morning. We usually homeschool straight through till lunch time.
Another thing I’ve found really helps is homeschooling year around. This allows us to have shorter days (which is a huge help with younger children in the house), and also keeps the kids focused. It also helps because we can take time off whenever we need (like when a new baby comes) and still be on schedule.
If we peeked inside your home on a random Wednesday afternoon, what would we see?
We are usually done homeschooling by afternoon. A typical afternoon will find the boys playing Legos or outside playing sports. My daughter naps in the afternoon and I use the time to do some studying myself.
If you could take your family anywhere you wanted for vacation where would you go?
I would love to visit Israel.
What books have you read over and over?
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
- A Parchment of Leaves by Silas House
- Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin
- Three Roads to the Alamo by William C Davis
What dietary challenges does your family face?
Having multiple kids that are all involved in different activities makes getting dinner on the table difficult. I use my crockpot often during the week to avoid eating out.
What tips do you have for surviving a hard day?
Taking a few minutes to sit by myself and read is a huge help. Also getting up earlier than the kids so my husband and I have some time together in the mornings.
What’s something your child has done that thrilled your soul?
Seeing them master difficult material, getting to share that experience with them is priceless
What have you done recently for the first time?
We traveled together by plane to visit the Rocky Mountains. Both flying and the mountains were a new experience for our family
What’s your favorite school day lunch?
Leftovers.
How would you manage if you had to homeschool without the internet?
Our homeschool is book driven. We use the internet very little.
What tips do you have for other families?
Don’t stress about being off schedule or getting everything done. Enjoy the time with your kids. This goes way too fast.
What is something you appreciate about each of your kids?
I appreciate hard work and their unique perspective. I’m pretty sure they teach me more than I teach them
Tell us about your family’s favorite games.
- Ticket to Ride
- Catan
What is your exercise routine and how often do you do it?
My kids are all active in sports. The boys play basketball and baseball. My daughter is in gymnastics. When they have days off from that they will use the treadmill, jump rope or workout videos
What hard thing are you planning to do this year?
Continuing to homeschool with a newborn.
What did you do just for fun with your kids recently?
We took the kids to Top Golf for the first time. Great family experience.
If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?
I would love to learn to read Latin.
What’s the last recipe you looked up?
Parmesan Brussel Sprouts.
What apps do you use the most?
Pinterest.
If you could sum up your homeschool style or philosophy in one phrase what would it be?
Work hard.
What do your kids want to be when they grow up?
- Farmer
- Construction worker
What extracurricular activities is your family involved in?
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Gymnastics
- Junior Naturists
If you have a moment to yourself what do you like to do?
Read.
What’s your favorite school day breakfast?
Eggs and turkey sausage.
What’s the best homeschool field trip you’ve ever been on?
Washington DC.
The grocery store cashier asks, “But what about socialization?” What do you say?
First I laugh. Then I tell her about all the extracurricular activities my kids are involved in.
What do you do for fun as a family?
We love to be outside. We play wiffle ball, go swimming, go hiking. Anything outside.
How do you continue to educate yourself?
I’m an avid reader, especially history.
What are favorite healthy snacks at your house?
Almonds.
What’s the best museum you’ve ever gone to?
Smithsonian in Washington DC.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome in homeschooling?
Homeschooling with younger children in the house.
What is your favorite thing about having kids?
Everything. I love the way they think and see the world.
What’s the best vacation you have ever taken as a family?
Great Falls, Montana.
What’s the strangest place you’ve done school?
In the car at the midwife’s waiting on glucose test results.
Share a favorite organizational tip.
Have the children participate in keeping homeschool books and materials organized. This teaches them responsibility and lightens the load on the teacher.
Tell us something unique or unusual about your family.
The huge age gaps between our children. Our oldest is 21. Our youngest will be born any day now.
What do you do for P.E. in your homeschool?
- Treadmill
- Workout videos
Share a favorite inspirational quote.
What’s your best time of day to homeschool?
Morning.
Tell us something interesting about your local area.
Lots of history within a day's drive.
