Hi, I'm Susan
Musings of a maniacal, messy mama navigating through the seasons of life. Veteran homeschooler who feels like a newbie. Mama to many adults, and a toddler again. Blended family. Ex-nomadic lifestyle. Follower of Christ.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Learning to accept the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. Trying to rebuild a relationship when there are two very different beliefs about the world, it’s Creator and therefore how we should live as well as how we see the current status of our relationship and everything surrounding it.
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Skinny Chocolate
After much trial and error I have finally tweaked the Trim, Healthy Mama (THM) recipe to perfection! Based on the THM recipe but with a few minor adjustments.
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It’s Not All Up To Me
It’s not possible nor reasonable to train or teach every child every thing they need to learn. I don’t need to do it all. Just as God is perfecting in me His work, so He is with the children. I am not perfecting them – He is. God has begun a good work in me and He will continue it until the Day of Christ.
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Fearless Parenting
I’m not scared anymore. And it’s beautiful. Freeing. Relaxed. And joyful.Too often I tried to influence my little ones. Tried to control them. I micro-managed them. The lessons God has revealed to me have been the only thing that keep me going at times. It is not hopeless, but it isn’t just about homeschooling- it is so much bigger than that. God wants to reach you, to teach you, to blow your mind with Himself. But sometimes, like with me, He has to get some stuff out of the way so that we will listen. To parent out of freedom and grace is refreshing. It’s totally liberating!
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Homeschooling thru sickness, surgery & trials
How I survived and thrived homeschooling for 15 years even through surgery and illness.
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Homeschooling is…
Homeschooling is life and it is sometimes hard. But, it is the best.
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Homeschooling grows…
Homeschooling is: strong family relationships, highly valued home and family life; happy children who love learning; happy adults who love learning
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Homeschool Phony
I am a homeschool phony. At least that is how I felt when my child asked to go to school.
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Back to basics homeschooling
I'm so glad that I'm not beginning the homeschool adventure now. When I started it was a tad lonely. All networking (if it could be called that) was done via word-of-mouth and (gasp!) old fashioned letter writing and monthly newsletters! I remember fondly hearing of a...
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What is the Chief End of Homeschooling?
The Chief End of Homeschooling: there is an eternal reason for all this mess, untidiness, and constant training. That reason is that God wants ALL of us- our entire life. Our goal is to love God and glorify Him forever – in the midst of spilled Weetbix and poopie nappies and children that can’t spell.
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Opening Doors
It’s all too easy for me to say ‘no’. No, no, no! I don’t want my children to remember me as a ‘no mum’. “No” closes doors whereas “yes” opens the door, giving loads of opportunity! Opening the door is like igniting a flame… we never know where it will lead or brightly it will burn. I desire to create an environment that is conducive to pursuing delights, to shape and develop the character traits necessary for a lifelong habit of learning and provide the fuel or rich ideas to stimulate an interest.
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Getting Started in Homeschooling
Helpful tips for getting started with homeschooling
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The Sacred Cows of Homeschooling
The sacred cows, or codes, of homeschooling… it’s often easier for us to strive toward a certain code than to live in grace.
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Our Family Principles
These principles have hung on our fridge for many years. Our family guidelines have served our family well.
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Homeschooling with Young Children
I write about my experience with our toddlers and young ones while trying to homeschool. It was hard work! It was fantastic!! It was draining and monotonous!!! It was fun!!!!
read moreIf “school” works, send them there; if it doesn’t, don’t import it. Doing public school at home is not homeschooling; if you and your kids are frustrated, irritable and fighting “school,” try some real life learning: read an exciting book aloud while they play with legos, eat popcorn, or just lounge around; go on a field trip to a hands-on museum – take photos and have each one make a mini scrapbook labeling their photos; read a biography and act out a fascinating incident in the character’s life… get back to the FUN of learning and you’ll be REALLY homeschooling!
