Hey! I am so thrilled to be a part of the Homeschool Mosaics group. I’m thankful God is opening doors for me to be able to share my heart with other women. I was 12 years old, at a Christian women’s conference, when I first told Him that I would obey and speak to groups of women. I heard the calling then to reach out and encourage others, but I had NO idea I’d be homeschooling 3 little boys! Over the last few years He has provided more and more opportunities for me to share this passion with others. This year I spoke during the “Homeschool How-To” conference, sharing how God has used the study of nature to bring our family closer to Him. I’m excited to share that and more with you as we dig into “Exploring Science – Naturally”.
When I was a young girl, on vacation with my family, I walked on the beaches of a special island in southwest Florida. I always felt closest to the Lord when I was out there with the sand between my toes, singing to Him at the top of my lungs. It was then, that I began asking God to bless me with my own family and allow us to live there near the beach.
Years later, I met my husband on that beach and we discovered that we’d grown up in the very same church together several hours away. We were married on that beach. We play there with our children on a regular basis.
God is so good. He honored my request – even though I didn’t deserve any of it.
I wrap myself up in His grace and love each day. I strive to remember to be thankful for even the little things. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 is one of my favorite verses “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” He wants us to be thankful for the little things as well as the big things, even the things we don’t understand. This is where I find my strength to fight chronic pain from Rheumatoid Arthritis. This is where my joy comes from.
We love our adventures. Exploring God’s creation is our favorite family pastime. Being thankful and amazed by His creation is our passion. Having the opportunity to share that with you is a blessing.
How many children do you homeschool? Please share their ages.
We have 3 boys ages 10, 7, and 6 – My oldest is turning 11 next week and it’s just about to kill me! They grow so fast – it makes me thankful to be at home with them.
What is your favorite thing about homeschooling?
Being there in the moment each day with my children to guide them as they grow closer to the Lord is my favorite thing about homeschooling. As we explore nature, and I see the wonder in their eyes, I’m able to point them to the Creator. It’s always a bonding moment for us as we give God the glory together for His creation.
Where do you live? Is it easy or difficult to homeschool there? Please explain.
We live on the gulf coast of southwest Florida – I find it easy to homeschool now that I’ve let go of the idea that it is supposed to “look” a certain way. We enjoy growing and learning together. The boys are getting so much more out of our more relaxed style of homeschool than they were by checking off a to –do list. We follow their interests as I guide them, and we investigate together. They do sit down work as well –like notebooking – but it’s much less stressful this way and I love seeing them blossom with it.
How long have you been homeschooling?
Wow, it’s going on 7 years if you count pre-school.
What is your favorite field trip destination?
That would be tough to narrow down because we love our adventures – but kayaking down rivers, exploring caves and snow-skiing were some of my all time favorites. We love travel and I have learned to do it on the cheap. We can make a great field trip out of a walk in the neighborhood though.
I think that’s really the key to a successful homeschool – being able to get excited and appreciate the extraordinary in the little things – like a butterfly or a bird landing in the yard – as well as the more extreme adventures.