My Introduction to Homeschooling

Homeschooling.

When did I first hear about it and what was my reaction?  Ahh . . . this topic opens all sorts of things for me to talk about. 

I'm not entirely sure that I had ever heard of homeschooling before I went to college.  Now, I have been accused of living in a cave by a certain loved one, but I don’t think that being educated at home was all that common in the town  the Hottie and I grew up in (that was filled with doctors and lawyers).

Our school system excelled at academics and I think it remains that way to this day. 

It seems that my first impression of unschooling or homeschooling was something like those kids probably don’t get enough social interaction.  Isn’t that what everyone things?

But somehow, somewhere an impression was made on me.

I wrote my college senior thesis paper on homeschooling. 

Even back then (some 11 years ago), I think God was preparing me for my future work.  I originally went to college to be a doctor, which changed to a physical therapist, then a social worker and I finally transferred to a private college to become an accountant. 

But God didn’t stop there with my profession jumping. 

I became a secondary education major with a double minor in English and Literature.  While studying secondary education, dating my now Hottie Hubby, and growing in the Lord, I was discipled and raised up in my faith by a family that homeschooled and led the campus Student Christian Fellowship.  Their girls were amazing.  The mom, Becky, rocked.  I was fascinated.  No . . . hooked.

After graduating from college, the Hottie and I moved out to Colorado where I took a job as a seventh and eighth grade English teacher.  I loathed my job.  At the end of the year, I knew that I would not return to that position and perhaps even the profession.  Yet, I needed some form of work . . . my husband was a graduate student.  We needed the money and our apartment wasn’t big enough for me to sit in all day long.

I ended up investing in one of my former student’s sibling.  I helped a family homeschool because the school we both survived was such a horrible situation for their child.  The family felt there were no other options in the area. 

I absolutely LOVED teaching my solitary pupil tête-à-tête. 

And then we moved to India.

Upon our return to the flatlands of the Midwest, I found a job teaching kindergarten.  I actually liked it.  I had found my life work. 

Nope.  We had kids.  That is the current masterpiece I am working on. 

As they began to grow, we became a little cautious of where our children were going to go to school.  We kind of lived in the ghetto.  And the school system just didn’t seem to be cutting it . . . not to mention the language and the dress code of the children getting off of the school bus.  It felt like we would be feeding our children to the wolves.

Not to mention, we had a resource working in our own home.  Me.  I trained for 4 years to become a teacher.  If I can teach someone else's kid and get paid for it, than why not educate my own?

Combine that with prayer and our desire to eventually become missionaries . . . it seemed the natural choice to homeschool our children, leaving us continually ready to answer the call when the Lord said, “Go!” 

Homeschooling just kind of happened.  I love going to the teacher store and my kids have just grown up learning.  I enjoy learning and teaching. 

The plus is that where I live has a great group of homeschoolers . . . many attend our church and are my friends.  And now we even live by another family that we are going to have recess with!  Score!

I knew I couldn’t keep this short.  But that is all I have to say for now.

To learn about other homeschooling families, head on over to The Homeschool Village.

Wordless Wednesday: Making Work Fun

Want to see other Wordless Wednesday photos?  Head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom.

Happy Trail Mix Day

I’ve never called Trail Mix . . . Trail Mix.  I have always known it as GORP, “good ‘ol raisins and peanuts.”  Except growing up, my mom always threw in coconut flakes and M & M’s (much to my dad’s delight). 

In honor of National Trail Mix Day, we sampled some Bear Naked Trail Mix.  We nibbled on  Cranberry Protein,

and devoured Chocolate Cherry.

In our home taste test, Mr. Smackdown like the Cranberry Protein the best.

And without a doubt, which you can observe from Sir Honey’s full mouth, he and I liked the Chocolate Cherry the best.

Thanks, Bear Naked for sending us a treat to properly celebrate National Trail Mix Day!  But there is one problem . . . I really like your chocolate cherry mix.  You knew that would happen, though.

For those of you who would like something from Bear Naked . . . you can fan them on Facebook and get a coupon (while supplies last).

Happy Trail Mix Day!  Go on a hike!  Enjoy God’s creation!

Bhindi

I used to think that okra was ONLY a southern dish.  I didn’t want much to do with it.  Then, when I was making baby food for Mr. Smackdown some six years ago, I tried okra and was disturbed.

It’s slimy.

I can understand mango being slimy . . . or even a banana.  You get a sweet reward for putting up with its sliminess. 

But okra? 

However, in India they know how to cook it right.  I was reminded of this a few weeks ago when we stopped to have dinner at my favorite Indian restaurant (India Sizzling). 

Last week, Okra became available in my Farm Fresh basket.  This week, I ordered two shares of it.

And here is the recipe for why I am so stoked for my dinner tomorrow night.

Bhindi (aka Okra)

• 2 cups (I’m guessing), beheaded and detailed, cut into 1/4 inch pieces
• 1 onion (want to know how I cut onions?)
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2  tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp oil (I used butter mixed with olive oil, but coconut oil, or Palm Oil would also work well)
• salt, to taste

After washing chopped bhindi, allow it to dry. Heat oil in a frying pan, and when hot add the cumin and onion, cooking until translucent.

Add the chopped bhindi and all the spices.  Sautee until the okra turns dark green and softens.

Finally add salt to taste.

Note:  I allowed our okra to get slightly crispy and perhaps a little burnt.  It was served with Teriyaki Chicken (from Nourishing Traditions), local sweet corn, and Red Raspberry Leaf tea, of course.

How to cut an onion . . . seriously

When we lived in India, our cooks got a BIG kick out of how I cut an onion.  They were giving me a cooking lesson, and stuck me with the tearful task of chopping onions.

You people who wear contacts do have it lucky – you can cut an onion without crying. 

Upon returning to the States, a kind friend taught me her simple technique that is fast and effective.  I still tear up . . . but sometimes I can be quick enough with my hands -- not giving the onion a chance to team up with the air to make me cry.

To slice an onion, using a sharp knife (I like Cutco) make vertical crosshatching incisions through the onion body, but not down to the cutting board.  You don’t want your onion to fall apart.

Your onion should look like a flower waiting to bloom.

With a firm hand, turn your onion onto its side.  Slice perpendicular or vertically down towards the cutting board.  If done properly you will see tiny little pieces fall before your very cautious eyes.

Hurry!  You don’t want to cry!

(Use this cutting technique to make Okra!)