FAQ-What if my child is currently in public school?

After you address the legal issues, you may wish to take a few months to do some ‘de-schooling’.  (It is generally recommended to De-school one month for every year the child has attended public school. That may not be necessary in all cases though.)  De-schooling basically allows your child to let go of the rigor and expectations of public school.  They are no longer required to rush from one subject to the next without having time to digest the information.  They are adjusting to not being graded over every thing.  They are able to relax and see that they can learn things in a more natural way, from real life.  This doesn’t mean they sit around watching TV and playing video games all day.

Some things you can do during your de-schooling time are:

•  Field Trips to museums, science centers, etc. 
• Reading together.  This means in a relaxed way, not with constant questioning to ensure comprehension.  Make weekly trips to the library for reading material. 
• Nature Study 
•  Pursuing Hobbies such as woodworking, rock collecting, etc. 
•  Learn Life Skills such as cooking, gardening, etc. 
• Talking and Listening.  This should be a time to reconnect with your child.  Work on your relationship before becoming the teacher.

Keep in mind that a lot of the de-schooling information out there is described in preparation for ‘un-schooling’.  However, many families who choose other homeschool methods still have a period of de-schooling before they begin their new curriculum.  You can also use your de-schooling time to take care of the next step—Homeschooling Methods.

Some experiences can be found here and here.

Patio Project

Last we brought home some dilapidated wicker furniture that had about had its day.   The cushions were disgusting so I tossed those.  One week during the fall I did my best to strip the wicker of its old paint using a type of wire brush The King got me from Lowes and the jet spray on my water hose.  It did a fairly decent job, but I soon realized there was no way I was going to get all that paint off. 

Then it got cold out and I sort of let it sit in limbo until this past month.  I used primer and a paintbrush to do the majority of it.  It takes a while.  Once that was done I started using white outdoor spray paint and did some of the tiny areas and grooves.  After that, I used an outdoor clear sealer and sprayed them all down.  I hope it holds fairly well.

Here is the new patio set up in all it's glory! 

 That's my rain barrel in the background.  It works wonderfully at helping me keep my patio plants watered.  The recent lack of rain hasn't been helping keep it full too well, though.

 That ac unit isn't going to be there permanently.

I haven't decided for sure yet what I'll be doing about new cushions.  The budget is tight right now, so I won't be paying $80-$100 for a new set of outdoor ones.  At best I'll get a nice set at a very good end of season price.  At worst, which really isn't that bad, is to get some cheaper indoor cushions and keep them in the greenhouse when we aren't sitting on them.  That will require me to have the memory to put them away after each outdoor jaunt.  Let's hope I find a good end of season sale. 

FAQ-How do I start? What about testing?

Go here to find your state and look up the info on the laws you need to know.  Each state is different.  I'm in a moderately regulated state.  I have to keep attendance records and have my boys tested yearly.  I keep those records on file for each year.  I have the choice of home visits or sending in copies each year.  Most homeschoolers in my state choose to send in their info.

It is best to get your information from your state website for several reasons.  One is that we are all busy parents homeschooling our children and it is a kindness to not impose a long list of already answered questions to another mother with a busy schedule.  Secondly, laws can change.  It is best to go directly to the legal source.  Thirdly, as mothers we don’t always have the best memory and we wouldn’t want to cause problems by giving out information that wasn’t quite right.  

It is always best to understand the rules and regulations yourself instead of relying on others.  Can you tell this is a bit of a pet peeve of mine?  I don't mind helping new homeschoolers, really.  However, in almost every case I've done so, I've had to reexplain the same thing several times, mentioning the website several times.  Go to your state website first and ask questions about the things that may be a little unclear after that!

All your veteran homeschool moms will love you for that. 

FAQ-How can I build confidence that I can really homeschool my kids?

Time is your friend.  Nobody feels comfortable with homeschooling in the beginning.  Especially for the first year, you will be on a trial and error basis.  You will discover some of your fabulous ideas just aren’t working.  New information will come your way that will work better for your family.  

Take the time to read up on homeschooling.  (You will see that I recommend this in many cases as there is just no way to address the vastness of information on child education in this FAQ series or even verbally.)  There are many ways of going about it-none of them completely right or wrong.  Sometimes you come across another homeschool mom or two who are very passionate about their method of homeschooling.  It is wonderful that they are happy with how things are going for them, but don’t let it dissuade you from something that is working better in your family. 

Your homeschool is unique.  Don’t compare yourself with others.  Every family will find their own rhythm and will be pursuing a course that is best for them.   Some families thrive on strict routine, others need spontaneity.  Some families are musically inclined; others are ‘Give me literature or bust!’.  Then you have eclectic families who are doing a bit of this and that.   Uniqueness is a gift, so I encourage you to revel in yours!  Highlight it!  Put it on a t-shirt and wear it!

FAQ-How do I know if I can homeschool?

The best way to determine if your family is ready to be a homeschool family is to gather information and discuss it.  There are many sources of homeschool information in book form and on the web.  Make Google your friend.  Most answers can be found through a Google search.  Some things to think about are:

•  Am I committed to making it a success? 
• Can I follow through with decisions I make and a schedule?
• Do I have my spouse’s support?
• Can we reasonably change our financial circumstances?  (For many homeschooling means that a previously working parent stops working, but this may not be the case for all.)
• Does my health permit it?

Many parents find themselves asking their children what they think.  While this isn’t a bad idea, the decision of whether or not you will become a homeschooling family is the parents’ decision.  It is okay to decide something that the children won’t like at first.  They may have erroneous ideas about what homeschooling will be like.  If they are currently in public school, they may feel like they will be isolated or they may feel made fun of for becoming a homeschooled child.  (We will address socialization later.) 

Once you have decided that this is something you can do, present the facts to the children in a positive way.  Find out their concerns and then make sure you address those needs.  New things can be frightening.  Commit to homeschooling for at least one full school year (barring any emergencies).  Any new project (moving, new job, new school) requires a generous amount of adjustment time.

Know that you CAN do this!  Seek out support through local homeschool groups and friends.  Perhaps you can find a homeschool ‘buddy’.

Homeschool FAQ Series

I wrote up a FAQ document for our local homeschooling group.  I'm editing a few things and posting it in sections here.  Hope it helps any newbies!

Life in General

Our summer was HOT like most in the southeast. Hottest year on record. My garden was the pits because I just couldn't make myself go out there in that weather to weed. I didn't bother taking any pictures. It still looks like a bit of a jungle out there. In time, I'll get it back under control again.

We adopted two sibling puppies from a friend who saved them from a neighbor. (long story) They are a mix of chihuahua, pug and dachshund. Ours both have curly tails. Tigger's dog is named Odie and my little female is Blossom. I have to get some better photos of them so I can show them off. I forgot how expensive it is getting a dog. Sheesh!

Due to the immense amount of rain earlier in the year, our basement carpet started growing mold. We ripped it out and now are planning a major remodel down there. We are going to add a bathroom down there since we live with only one right now. I'm tired of waiting for my turn. Some people take all their library books in with them and it can be a long wait. We managed to get a bunch of free supplies but to save money we have to spend a lot of time in the next year working on this project. I foresee the King having to forfeit a fun vacation to work on the house this coming year. But it will all be worth it in the end. I hope. I'm living with almost 500 sq feet less space. It's cramping my style.

Currently we are preparing for a week long camping trip in Virginia. We will spend several days in D.C. doing the typical tourist thing. I'm sure I'll have photos when we get back. It's about the usual time where I start freaking out about all that needs to be done. I have to get my meal plan together and start gathering supplies. We are taking an extra friend with us so I just purchased a small tent that all 3 boys could sleep in. That means the big tent is for the King and I and the supplies. Yeah!

The school year, such as it is right now, is in full force. All co-op activities (drama, ASL, athletics, field trips, etc) are humming along. Both boys are now also taking art classes. Tigger is enthralled with it. Pooh informed me "I'll still do art if you want me to, Mom." So, he's still doing art. ;D

Oh! Pooh's voice has changed!!! I keep freaking out thinking "Who's voice is that?" Oh yeah. That would be my son. LOL He also discovered he is growing armpit hair. We are discovering he needs to be more vigilant with the deodorant. Yikes. I mentioned shaving to him one time (the mini mustache is on it's way) and can tell he's nervous about the prospect. He's already thinking he may cut himself. We'll be working through that one.

I can't think of anything else major right now. I'm sure I will as soon as this posts, but I'll leave that for another day. I'll catch up again soon!

Lego Beatles

This last year Pooh has gotten really into listening to the Beatles. Evidently Tigger got into it too for a while so he's recreated them here for you-Lego style. :D It comes complete with the guy up front filming them for a video, aka Steve the cameraman. "He has a little mustache." says Tigger.

Love Ringo's drums!



Tigger no longer likes the Beatles but Pooh still loves singing along. Tigger is more into folksy banjo playing country songs now. Hey! It beats those annoying kids' cd's that make you want to pull out your eyelashes!

Raising Monarchs Part 2 (Heavy on Photos)

This was one of my most exciting nature experiences!!! I FINALLY got to see a butterfly emerge from it's chrysalis. I have raised numerous butterflies--painted ladies, black and tiger swallowtails. But this is the first time I've seen one in the process of coming out. Soooo, I took a lot of photos. ;D However, I'll spare you the minute details and give you the highlights.

When you are waiting for the chrysalis, you have to check it constantly because once it's ready, it's ready. I saw that ours had gotten dark and then noticed that I could see some faint color of the wings. So I brought it outside onto the front porch and we enjoyed the process.


Tigger got as close as he could. Once it starts emerging you realize that the chrysalis has gotten completely transparent and the darkness you saw was the butterfly.

The emergence happens pretty rapidly.

Once it's out it has to take it's time allowing the wings to fill with blood which puffs them out into what we're used to seeing.


The upside down photo--in an effort to get a shot between the wings. Didn't work but still neat.






So how many legs does a butterfly have? It's an insect right? So it should be 6. And it is. However, I could never see two of the six and here it explains why. (3rd paragraph under the adult section)
See the two black circles on the lower wings? That indicates this is a male. The female doesn't have those black circles.
More info and photos of the monarch can be found here.

We thoroughly enjoyed this experience raising a different kind of butterfly. With our kit, we received some seeds of the perennial milkweed plant so I'm hoping next year to get some of those plants going. One of my landscaping goals is to provide food and habitat for various wildlife. The milkweed plant is a host plant for the monarch. We already grow dill which is a host plant for the swallowtails. And passionflower vines which are the hosts for the gulf fritillary.

Plant more wildflower areas everyone! The bees and butterflies really need it.

Raising Monarchs Part 1

I already blogged about our visit to the butterfly farm here. A couple weeks after the visit we picked up our 'butterfly kit' which was a tropical milkweed plant that had two tiny monarch eggs on it. I didn't get any good photos of the caterpillars devouring the first plant. I had to buy a 2nd plant just for them to have enough food!

These pictures are of the 1st butterfly that emerged from it's chrysalis.


Tigger helped me take it outside and it hung around for a few minutes before going off on it's life adventure.



Next up is our most exciting release!!!

Grandfather Mtn & Gem Mining

In early May some in our homeschool group took a trip to the mountains of North Carolina. We made it a camping trip which was 'interesting'. And only 'interesting' because of the conditions of the campground. I've never been to a group campsite before but from that experience, I don't plan on repeating it anytime soon. I much prefer the individual sites with a little privacy and room.

We did enjoy each other's company though and the activities were a blast. We hiked a trail at Grandfather Mountain and below you will see a bunch of the kids making the adults nervous by hanging out close to the 'edges'.

This trail leads you to a lookout where you can see the grandfather. It's due to the mountain looking like an old man's face as if he's lying on his back.

Too bad I didn't seem to get a picture of it. It was a windy day but thankfully not too windy. We were able to go out on the hanging bridge. That'll scare the pants off anyone who has a problem with heights as you travel across a bridge one mile high. I just didn't look down. And I'm embarrassed to admit that I crouched as I walked across. I didn't want any part of my body above the railings. You know, in case some strong gust of wind came along, picked me up and threw me off. You think about things like that when you're up there.

On a different day we made it to a gem mine. You just can't visit the mountains of NC without hitting a gem mine. The boys were enthralled finding their 'treasure'! I can see the lure of this cheap pastime. Well, it's cheap if you don't actually do anything with your stones. LOL I found a nice hunk of ruby but I didn't have it cut. Maybe for my 25th wedding anniversary or something?

You can tell here who was pretty intense. Tigger didn't let up until every last scrap of sand was sifted through. I helped Pooh make it through his bucket. He did a lot better than I thought he would. And once he started finding some gems, he was happy.
You can see the flow of water was coming along at a nice clip. It kept our work area clean so we could see what we were looking for.

Butterfly Farm

A perfect day for a spring trip to a butterfly farm! The weather was gorgeous! This trip was in the beginning of April.

This young lady gave a wonderful presentation about butterflies. It was kid friendly and yet we all learned things we didn't know before. Tigger looks less than thrilled but he did have a good time!. LOL

Here he is again with a smile. Once we went into the butterfly pavillion (I'll call it that-I can't remember what they called it.) all the kids were given a piece of cotton soaked with sugar water. that way the butterflies would be interested and land onto their hands for a nice long drink. As you can see, the main attraction was the monarch.

Pooh raised his hand and volunteered for this demonstration. He did a really great job even though he got a little embarrassed by the time it was all over with. See the ears on the knees-that's where the butterflies hear. The taste buds are on the feet. The noses are on top of the head. It's all topsy-turvy from what we are! That was cool to learn.

In another post, I'll provide some photos of the butterflies we purchased and raised from this farm. It was exciting!!!

The Lazy 5

In April our homeschool group took a trip to The Lazy 5 Ranch in North Carolina. It's an amazing, independently owned ranch that keeps all kinds of animals that you don't see very often. The best part is that you get up close. They offer a drive-thru service--that is, you use your own vehicle and stay on marked paths and the animals will come to you to be fed. OR you can join one of the wagon rides, which is what we did. This is our 2nd trip there and I would go back again. The best experience is seeing babies in the spring and having the water buffalo stick out it's big, long tongue for a taste of feed.

Tigger and the water buffalo.

The best way to feed these guys is to drop the food in. The driver gives you instructions as you go along.

Pooh was so happy to feed the giraffe. You have to stand up in the back of the wagon to feed them over the fence they're in.

They also have a walk thru zoo area. You can see deer, sheep, goats, wallabies, lemurs (and their babies--too cute!) and all kinds of birds too. Plan on an hour for the wagon ride, another hour to do the walk thru zoo area and however much time you think you may need for the little kids to play on the huge wooden ship play structure. It's very, very dusty and you'll be out in the open. Either spring or fall would be excellent times to go--spring is my favorite since you get the opportunity to see any babies that have been born. We saw some type of antelope baby that had been born that morning. The last time we went there were more than a dozen pot bellied pig babies running around. THAT was a scream!

A Whole Lotta Frog-Lovin' Goin' On!

It was the most amazing frog show I'd ever seen. I felt as if I was at the edge of the Nile River right before God sent the 2nd plague to the Egyptians. LOL Ok, really, most of these are toads but still. This is also something I photographed at the end of March. I took close to 60 photos so be thankful I've only chosen my top 10 to share. ;D

The noise from all of these guys was pretty loud. I'd never been able to just sit and watch how they make their calls before.

Notice the color variations. From the sound of it, they were mostly all American Toads.

All that is, except for a few very shy Bullfrogs. I was barely able to get their photos. As soon as I moved in their direction, they went in hiding. The mating toads could have cared less who was around.

The amount of eggs in the water was stunning. Masses and masses of strings of them. If people ate these like they do caviar, we could have done a really good business. :P

Hanging out waiting for his chance at a female.

This just gives you a little idea of the orgy we watched going on.

These guys were not only wrapped in eggs, we actually saw the eggs spurting out. Like I said-Amazing!

With an older cousin's help, Tigger got brave enough to start catching them.

The Toad Whisperer.

We saw several 'fights' over females too. The males who are on the female must defend their position by kicking.

I think I'm going to put a reminder on my calendar to head to the same spot next spring for another show! Waaaaay more interesting than TV!!!