Welcome!

I'm a wife to my "Mr. Right". A momma of five. A maker of slow food and simple living. A collector of memories, a keeper of books, and a champion for books that make memories. An addict who likes my half-and-half with a splash of coffee. A fractured pot transformed by the One Who makes broken things beautiful. I heart homeschooling, brake for libraries, and am glad you're here with me on the journey! Be sure to subscribe to my monthly newsletter. Or, follow along with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google +, Youtube, or Pinterest.

Art in History: Historically Accurate Art Projects for both Right and Left-Brained Learners

Art in History: Historically Accurate Art Projects for both Right and Left-Brained Learners-The Unlikely Homeschool

I have a left-brained kiddo.  In fact, I have two.  Two kids who see the world in black-and-white, logical terms.  Two kids who approach everything with reason and objectivity.  

In stark contrast, I have two right-brained kids.  Two kids who see the world in color and movement. Two kids who filter all of life through emotion and passion.  

(The verdict is still out on the baby.)

In a home where simple logistics requires much of our learning to be combined, it is often tricky to provide educational activities that incorporate BOTH right and left-brained styles of learning.  

Rethinking Halloween for Our Christian Family

Rethinking Halloween for Our Christian Family #halloween

If I were to tell you that I feel like our family should have soup for supper, would you feel judged?

No?

Even if you are going to be serving pot roast and not soup?

What if I gave you a lengthy list telling you the reasons why I feel like soup tonight would be the best meal plan for my family. Would that make you feel like I was judging your dinner-time choice?

DIY Phonics Manipulatives with Duplo® Blocks

DIY Phonics Manipulatives with Duplo® Blocks-The Unlikely Homeschool

Got a Lego® lover at home like I do?  

A few years ago, while perusing an edition of Family Fun Magazine, I came upon an article about using Legos® or other building bricks to encourage creative writing.  The picture showed dozens of bricks with handwritten words on them.  These words were rearranged and stacked together to make silly sentences and short stories.  

3 Simple Tools for Family Scripture Memory

When faced with the task of choosing a new independent project for the month, my Sweetie Pea didn't even hesitate with her answer.

"I want to memorize a chapter of the Bible," she said with emphasis.

As a family, we have made Scripture memory a priority.  From the time she was two and could babble out a few basic words, my darlin' girl has been "hiding" God's Word in her heart.  But, to challenge herself to memorize an entire chapter without the accountability and partnership of the family, was a new endeavor. (This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for full details.)


3 Simple Tools for Family Scripture Memory-The Unlikely Homeschool

As of today, she has all but one verse of her chosen passage set to memory and looks forward to reciting it for us at the end of the month.

A Wordless "I Love You"

Wordless "I Love You" with a love tag-The UnlikelyHomeschool

In a rush of morning frenzy, I yanked open the door of the refrigerator.  Peering in with droopy, pre-coffee eyes, I reached for the juice and was greeted by a love note from The Hubs.  It read...
I love you, Jamie.  I'm thinking of you right now and am praying you have a wonderful day.  I can't wait to see you when I get home from work.  Until then, remember that you are such a gift to me.
{wistful sigh!}

Ok, so it didn't really say that.  In fact it didn't say anything at all.  It was wordless.  Wordless.  And yet, it spoke volumes.

Words of Truth for Homeschooling

Words of Truth for When Homeschooling Gets Hard-The Unlikely Homeschool


I LOVE homeschooling!...but the truth is, sometimes I don't LIKE homeschooling.  Sometimes, I'd rather have a clean house, more free-time, a simpler schedule.  But, as I look to that "greener grass" on the other side, I am reminded that my service as a homeschool mom is an act of worship.  When I sacrifice my time and energy in this short season of homeschooling by setting aside MY wants, MY plans, MY goals and joyfully embrace the calling that God has placed in my life to train my children, I am offering up worshipful praise to my King.

Pinterest Flips and Flops: DIY Cough Drop Lollipops and More



Hey all!  Welcome to the October Pinterest Flips and Flops Link-up!  I don't know about you, but I've been elbow deep in homemade pumpkin puree. What do you do with dozens of frozen bags of pumpkin mush?  Well, first thing's first...you scour Pinterest for the yummiest looking pumpkin recipes. Then...you start baking!  And that's just what I have been up to the last few weeks.  

How I Teach My Preschooler the ABCs


How I Teach My Preschooler the ABCs-The Unlikely Homeschool

26...only 26!

There are only 26 letters in our English language and yet, when combined they form thousands...perhaps millions of words. WORDS...glorious words...that can be woven together to create a lifetime collection of literary adventures.

But, no matter how epic the novel, how fantastical the tale, how perplexing the mystery, every great story is shaped by the same 26 letters.

Geography Club: Japan Unit

Last month, I had the privilege of taking our Co-operative Geography Club on a "trip" to Japan.  We had a wonderful trip and even "brought back" a few crafty souvenirs.  Here's our travel log...

(This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for full details.)

As a brief living-literature introduction to Japan, we read Grandfather's Journey together.  Then, the Littles (babies-5 year-olds) were dismissed to explore the book further in their book club as the geography club "unpacked our bags" to tour Japan.  

Geography Club: Japan Unit-The Unlikely Homeschool

Small Tweaks to Our 2013-2014 Curriculum

Although I toil for months each summer to put together the "perfect" curriculum plan for my school year, rarely does my plan remain un-edited once fall arrives.  I think it is always a good idea to evaluate the success and use-ability of my chosen curriculum a few weeks into the school year.  By the end of September, I use a few key questions to assess the materials I've purchased/borrowed and make adjustments accordingly.  (This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for full details.)

This year, after sensing a definite deficiency in my PLAN, I added in two new elements to our 2013-2014 curriculum.