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.

My Book Reading Goals for 2015

My Book Reading Goals for 2015 {The Unlikely Homeschool}

A quick look at my Good Reads account proves that I've been a busy reader this year. Since launching into a year-long goal to get back into reading two years ago, I've enjoyed a jam-packed library bag and many late night hours of words...lots and lots of wonderful words. I've been changed by them. Molded, shaped, and reshaped.

This year, I hope to continue that steady path of change and dive into a few good titles. I've picked out a few that have caught my eye over the last few months. I will use this list as a loose goal, but will feel free to veer from my pre-scripted course whenever I get an itch to do so. In other words, I'm not married to the list. It's just here for inspiration and to provide a suggestion whenever I need one.

So, here's my list...ten books I hope to crack open in the next twelve month.

Top 15 Books that Helped Shape Me in 2014

Top 15 Books that Helped Shape Me in 2014 {The Unlikely Homeschool}

Books change me. I'm never quite the same after reading good words...words that make me think...words that challenge my set-in-stone beliefs...words that help to encourage and equip me to keep doing this thing called temporary. I'm never an identical ME at the end of a good book. I'm always somehow altered...or at least I should be. Because words are like that. They help you stand firm in what you know to be true and remind you to bend with grace when you need to.

10 Christmas Party Games for Kids



Gather all the kiddos, warm up a pot of snowman soup (That's what we call hot chocolate 'round here.), and get ready for a night of family fun with a Christmas twist. I've gathered together ten of my favorite kid-friendly Christmas party games in hopes to add some Merry to your Christmas celebrating this year.

(If no instructions are included with a particular game, click on the title of the game to be redirected to the instructions.)

Stovetop Potpourri with Printable Tag {Great Sunday School Teacher Gift}

Stovetop Potpourri with Printable Tag. Makes for a great gift for Sunday School teachers or club volunteers {The Unlikely Homeschool}


I've counted them. I've added them all by name. There are exactly 31.

31.

Among them are nursery workers, children's ministry coordinators, Sunday School and Wednesday night teachers, and small group leaders. Their talents are many. Their hours of service to my children are numerous. Their willingness to be poured out in sacrificial service for God each and every week...unmeasurable. 

And for that, I am grateful.

Homeschool Co-op Public Speaking Class {Lesson Plans}

Homeschool Co-op Speech Class {Lesson Plans} The Unlikely Homeschool

This semester, I am teaching an Introduction to Public Speaking class at our bi-weekly homeschool co-op. Although the practical goal for this class is to provide opportunity and practice for the children to be able to speak in a large group setting, the spiritual implications can be found in the class verse, 
"But in your hearts, revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect," 1 Peter 3:15
As Christ-followers, we ought always to be ready to give an answer to the hope that we have. That "readiness" requires a MESSAGE and the ABILITY to proclaim it. While I believe that God can and does use even the most timidly-delivered testimonies for His glory, I also think this verse implies a boldness. Often boldness only comes with practice and a little bit of know-how. This class offers both.

DIY Gingerbread House Party for Kids

DIY Gingerbread House Party for Kids

Add some whimsy to your Christmas season this year by hosting a budget-friendly "gingerbread" house party.

For the past ten years, we've been joining some dear friends to create candy-laden creations for cheap. Here's the secret...

Our gingerbread houses aren't really made of gingerbread.
We use graham crackers instead.

With eight kids from toddlers to teens between us, we've had to devise ways to keep the party do-able for little ones while still maintaining the interest level of older kids.

My {BIG FAT} List of 100 Resources for the Newbie Homeschooler

My {BIG FAT} List of 100 Resources for the Newbie Homeschooler {The Unlikely Homeschool}

So...you've decided to homeschool.

Right about now, you might be freaking out with sweaty palms, parched lips, and whisperings of "NOW WHAT?" floating around in your head.

If I were sitting with you right now, with a tall dark-chocolate mocha at my side (Yes, it's my drink of choice. Somethin's got to keep my eyelids up. I AM a homeschool mom, after all. I spin a lot of plates. And sometimes it gets a wee-bit exhausting. Nope, scratch those last lines. They may be rooted in truth, but they're not very encouraging. So, let's just keep with "it's my drink of choice". Carry on.)

What We're Reading in December 2014

What We're Reading in December (Book selections for a homeschooling family of 7)


Christmas carols ringing from the speakers?....check!
Mug of hot cocoa at our sides?....check!
Good book in each of our hands?...double check!!

December's sights and sounds always have a way of drawing us to the pages of one good read after another. December is cozy. So are books. It just feels right to put the two together.

Here's what we're reading.

12 Christmas Books for Living Literature Learning

12 Christmas Books for Living Literature Learning {The Unlikely Homeschool}


The books are wrapped. The basket is packed. Our Christmas countdown with books has begun. While most of the books I've chosen are simple, but Scripturally accurate retellings of the first Christmas story, there are also a handful of living-literature books that depict Christmas celebrations and traditions from Christmases past. Incorporating historical fiction during this season of extravagance provides perspective. When reading about humble Christmases filled with simple pleasures like peppermint sticks and corn cob dolls, it's only natural for a child to look around at abundance and be grateful.

Christmas Countdown Activities 2014

24 Christmas Countdown Activities {The Unlikely Homeschool}

December 1st has arrived and with it our family Christmas countdown calendar. Each day during the month of December, my children will clamor to the front hall where the day's event awaits them...a craft, a game, a service project...written on a slip of paper and tucked inside a pocket calendar.