It is back to school season, and our social media is flooded with all of the precious “first day” photos. We join in the fun and take photos on the porch with our current grade signs every year. I don’t know that my children have ever really wanted to do those photos, but they did it for their sentimental mama and over the years became faster at holding the sign, smiling, and getting it over with! And at each child’s graduation the centerpiece of our table is a framed collection of all of those photos.

One thing I started doing many years ago was having them snap a photo of me on the porch too. I am definitely growing and learning through this homeschool journey, and it is good for me to reflect on these photos and remember each season.

As we are in the midst of a series of posts about the college application process for homeschoolers, and at this point in time for our homeschool we are in the midst of early action college decisions being received, I felt it would be timely to share a remember post…a “remember your why” post.

Most likely you decided to homeschool because you wanted something different for your children and family.

Whether your child is a few years away from high school or in the college application process, one component you and your child can begin working on is the resume. The resume is a place to share more of what matters to you and who you are as a whole person.

One of the most frequent questions I have found in regards to homeschooling high school and college applications is how to prepare the transcript. There are many options and choosing will depend on what works best for your homeschool style and your student.

Going through the application and admissions process for homeschoolers can initially seem quite daunting. Over the next several posts I will be sharing what we’ve learned about the various aspects of the process along with links for helpful resources.

A crucial component to living a healthy life is exercise. As moms our days are full, so it can be difficult to find time for an exercise regimen or trip to the gym. But we are modeling healthy living for our children. Just as we want them to see us and join us in reading good books and eating healthy foods, they need to see us and be involved in exercise with us.

By beginning our day with symposium, we are sure to spend time savoring the things that matter to us and building a foundation of truth, goodness, and beauty.

Back to school preparation can seem to come quickly. It feels like summer just started and now it’s time to print out the supply list and stock up on pencils and notebooks. As moms we spend considerable time in researching and planning all the things…backpacks, lunchboxes, safe food storage, school clothes and shoes, signing up for activities and lessons, arranging car pools, and meal planning.

In the midst of all of the practical preparing, I hope to inspire you to consider also preparing your heart for a new school year.

From my experience, many families may be confident to homeschool in the younger years, but when the time for high school comes the confidence plummets and the worry surges. I want to encourage you to not fear.

We form habits and follow rhythms in life whether we realize it or not. What we read, see, listen to, and invest time in forms us. Days, months, and years go by and we can wonder why we are stuck in the same patterns or dealing with the same issues. How do we live with intention and develop rhythms and habits that lead to growth, refining, and health?

Simple nutritious toddler foods to incorporate into your child’s diet.

You may be asking, “Can I homeschool? Am I patient enough? Will my child have friends? How do I cover everything?”

Sleep is a critical part of all of our lives. The lack of sleep and disrupted sleep is definitely a challenge for us as parents. But as with many things in parenting and life, our expectations play a big role in how we handle challenges.

I’m sharing my binder with you. I pray it is an encouragement and a helpful resource for your journey too.