Dear Jenefer, thanks for you article in the fall, 2002, issue of The Old Schoolhouse! I am an elementary textbook author fresh out of grad. School. This was the first time I have picked up this magazine, and I enjoyed every page. I had to write and tell you I appreciated your article - thank you for being so open and honest and for giving a valuable lesson in selflessness. Keep up the fantastic work as senior editor. This is a great magazine!

--Sincerely, Emily Gray

Dear Jen, thanks for such a refreshing article! I hate to admit it, but I needed to be reminded that I have a wonderful job and am doing what God intended me to do here on earth. Your article came to me forwarded by a homeschool group. I almost didn't read it- I have no time! But I reconsidered and think that it should be required reading at least once a month! (Or after returning home from a Walmart trip!) Thank you for sharing this with others.

--Sincerely, Detra Dowling, Boiling Springs, SC. Matt 19:26.

P.S. I am usually the one with the mismatched shoes!

Jenefer, as I sit here in my pajamas (3:05pm) and hear my eight week old son sound off telling me it is time to nurse again, I can go with great joy into the toy jungle (our realtor called it a living room, ha!) and rescue the little guy from chaos. In my first four years of marriage, I have given birth three times, stepped on countless Happy Meal toys, and have mopped up after the potty-trained three year old and her stomach flu-ridden two year old sister, and now I smile when I do it for I have profound joy in doing the little things for my family, things which don't come easy for this selfish female. God has finally gotten through to me on the value of raising His children, instead of raising my worldly value. Your article was succinct in the daily struggle we have, our flesh screaming to be taken care of while our children wander from one life-threatening event to another! Thanks for the reminder that we share a membership in a club that brings great joy - Christian Motherhood.

--Mera McLean, Wheaton, IL

Jenefer, THANK YOU for an amazing, heartwarming, funny and so-darn-true-it's-scary article!!! I enjoyed reading this so much and could not believe just how much I can relate. I am now expecting our fourth, and our oldest is six and a half, not to mention I am tandem nursing my 3 ½ year old and 22 month old. During those afternoons when I just can't get myself off the couch, sometimes my brain wanders off to, "What would my life be like if -."  I have a master's degree and loved my job then quit to be a stay-at-home mom. Sometimes, I think about if I were single, had the body I had when I was 16, worked my way up the ladder to that glass ceiling, drove a two-seater sports car, etc. But like you said in your article, I, too, always come back to how blessed I am to have my life. I would not trade a single second for anything in this world. I thank the Lord every day for my husband and children and the courage to homeschool. Most of the time, I honestly feel so sorry for all the women who choose careers over being at home to raise their children. How can you even compare the two? So, thank you for such a great piece. It warmed my heart. Blessings to you!

--Sincerely, Jennifer Sikora, White Oak, PA

Dear Jenefer, as an editor of a bi-monthly newsletter (BIG Ideas/Small Budget), I am never quite sure how to take it when a reader remarks, "I read it all the way through in one sitting." Immediately, I wonder if it was such a good issue that they couldn't put it down, or if there was so little to it that it was easily digested in one sitting!  With that in mind, I will clarify to you that I read the latest issue all in one sitting and it was because it was such a good issue that I could not put it down! You have hired many writers who are my favorites, and a few who are my friends (Rhonda Barfield, Sharon Jeffus). It is wonderful that your magazine encourages life as a learning experience and not something that [necessarily has to] begin at age five during specific hours of the day!

--In His service, Pat Wesolowski, editor of Big Ideas/Small Budget, mother of nine, and homeschooling teacher for 15 years

Dear Pat, thank you so much for your very kind and encouraging words. We are excited about all the different possibilities that homeschooling offers and are honored to provide a platform that shows the myriad of methods and options available to families. We also agree that families are all so different, and we don't all "fit into the same box." Your ministry sounds intriguing; I am sure our readers would like to know more about your newsletter, so I am including your contact information below. We're all in this together! God bless you! For subscription and general information about the BISP newsletter, contact Pat at bisb@juno.com. It looks like a wealth of information for homeschoolers. By the way, we too love Rhonda and Sharon. Be looking for more of them in issues to come! - Jen Ig

Dear Jenefer, I have just read your article, "I'll Take the Life Behind Curtain #3" and found it very inspiring. I, too, have those "what if" and "if only" days. I homeschool three wonderful blessings (ages 7, 9, 12) and am a wife to a lovely Christian man. Most days, I wouldn't want to swap my job with anyone, but there are times when I think about the other "possibilities" particularly when my job is regarded as inferior by the modern set. I had great academic success at school and then at University until my first baby was born, and I felt that staying home to look after him was a priority. I never did complete my degree and there are times when I've heard loved ones say, "What a waste of talent!" I guess I feel angry then, because I think, "Don't people realize that being a mother requires talent?" Being a good mother is not a failure. Anyway, as well as telling you that I enjoyed your article, I wanted to ask for permission to reprint it in our free Christian Distance Education School's Newsletter. I homeschool our children through Riverside Christian College (Distance Education) in Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.  The school has over 700 students who are enrolled as distance education students. In Queensland, we are not legally allowed to homeschool our children unless we employ a qualified teacher or are enrolled in an approved distance education school. The school welcomes articles and snippets from parents to place in their newsletter. There are plenty of mums teaching their kids at home who wold relate to your article, and I'm sure that many would find it just as inspiring as I did. May we have permission to reprint the article? Thank you for providing entertaining and through-provoking material. Also, just a note about our homeschooling laws in Australia. The legislation varies from state to state. In Victoria, for example, parents are able to homeschool without any real restrictions. Queensland, where we live, has the strictest legislation. In 2003, the Queensland Education Department is conducting a review of homeschooling policy. Along with many other homeschoolers, I have sent in a private submission and a survey to have our views heard. We are hoping for an improved situation, but there is always the chance that even stricter legislation will be introduced since there is some opposition from the Queensland Teachers' Union and the Commission for Young People. Rather than teach "illegally" my husband and I may be forced to move interstate. We are praying about this issue and know that no matter what happens, God will show us the way. Thanks again for the inspiring article.

--Jane Sparks, Longreach, Queensland, Australia

June, of course you may reprint the article! We get so excited when we hear from homeschoolers in other countries! Our prayers and blessings go out to you. Write again! - Jen Ig

Encouraging Notes

I received the magazine yesterday. Thank you so much - it is great.

--Dianne Phillips, UK (Wales)

Dear Gena, just a note to tell you I think this winter, 2003, issue of TOS is the best yet! [You] helped me get to know my favorite homeschool authors better (Karen Andreola, Diana Waring, Christine Field). I learned about several companies and their products [which] I've always noticed but never "seen." Many thanks for all you do! I curled up to read your magazine. You were there when I needed you and didn't even know it. (grin)

--Melonie Murray, Washington State

Hi Gena! I read your review of Dorbooks' Phonics Pathways (Dolores Hiskes). It sounds too good to be true that there is a reading program that is easy. I have taught my first three children to read, but it always seems so complicated. My 5 year old is learning his letter sounds now, and I'm nervous about teaching him to read. (also, my 7 year old has some gaps that need filling in, but I don't have time for anything "extra" as my sixth baby is due this week!). Maybe this is just what I need! Also, the script between Susan Wise Bauer and her son was hilarious. I think the reason is that it hit so close to home! Now, where are those chocolate chips -

--Deborah Wuehler, Roseville, CA

I got my magazines today and they are wonderful!! I have read every article in them and there was so much that gave me encouragement and helpful ideas to use with my daughter. Thank you so much for the subscription. These are definitely magazines that will be kept and referred back to again and again.

--Anna, a new TOS reader

Dear Christine (Field) and Gena, I am writing to request your books, Christine! I haven't seen your books, but I have heard of them. The titles are catchy and, I'm sure, appropriate. I have five children and am willing to take all the help the Lord places in my path. My comments are regarding your article on Special Needs Children. Funny, I don't have a special needs child, but your article invoked some thought and much needed realization. It concerns my middle child who is different from all the rest.  She does well in her schoolwork, but her personality is loud, bossy and lacks self-control. Your article made me think that I need to remain teachable and flexible outside of her academics.  I also need to stop secretly wishing that she was more like the other kids and that I can "fix" her if I could just do something differently. You're right about each child and their "specialness." I'm confident that the Lord will continue to teach me through her and that needs to only succeed at the level of her God-given abilities. I would like to see articles about how parents can keep from pushing children too hard and stay confident that they aren't being neglectful. Thanks you!

--Teresa

God is so good to give us an opportunity to be parents - to teach our daughter the ways of God and all the knowledge, understanding, and wisdom that comes from His word; to teach her academics in our home, as well as values that she will always hold dear to her heart; to have her, in return, instill those values in every area of her life, to instill those same values in her children when it comes time for her to have a family. We call it an honor to be her parents. We call it an honor for God to trust us to teach her and to prepare her for life here on earth as well as in eternity. Thank you to Paul and Gena for having such a great homeschooling magazine. Thank you for your ministry as a homeschooling family.

--Ron and Teresa Abert, Greenville, IL

I just wanted to comment on one of the articles I read in the 2003 winter issue. It is the article written by Christine Field regarding special needs children. I have a son, 8, who has Duschenne's muscular dystrophy. I know that Christine's child's needs are different than my son's. His disability is physical. Mentally, he is where he should be and above. But I wanted to say thank you for something that she wrote in her article. She wrote, "God gave you your children because He believed you were the right parent." That hit my heart hard. There are days I wonder and even question why or even how I am going to get through this. I struggle not to get frustrated with him, God and myself. I also know that God sees the big picture, and my son, as well as my other three children, are in His hands. He has blessed my husband and myself with four wonderful children and we are thankful that God saw us fit to be the parents of a child that has special needs. God is and will continue to equip us mentally, spiritually, and physically to continue. Again, thank you for such a God-inspired ministry. I really do enjoy TOS and will continue to subscribe until Jesus comes back. His continual blessings on you and your staff.

--Crystal O'Connor, Rocklin, CA

"Hello, Mrs Field. Your articles are very down to earth. I like that about you, Christine. You have a good grip on life and share it in a very resourceful way.

In your "Encourage Yourself" Article, I especially liked this comment, "In this age, we quit jobs, quit marriages, dissolve relationships at the drop of a hat. "This is too hard/too boring/too confining." So we think we have the right to make drastic changes which affect so many others simply so we might experience a wee bit more happiness." You took the words right out of my mouth. It was about time someone said them to the public, outside of a church sermon. Thank you.

This is how I feel about Homeschooling. There are days when I feel like giving up but - those kinds of words come to my heart and give me the encouragement to go on. I do not want to do for myself as much as I want to do for my kids. Funny you had this comment in your 'Encourage Yourself' section. Once again, Thank you for the knowledge that you share."

--Christine, Hickman, TN

Hi - just been on your website; think it's brilliant. We are in the UK and have home educated our daughter from day one; she now works three years ahead and provides us with challenges daily!! If anyone would like a pen pal from the UK, we're here for support and fun. Raelee is seven by the way, totally mad, like her parents [<grin>]. At a very early age, we saw that Raelee was different to other kids; she was more content to flick through books and count her toys than play in a sandpit; hence, why she didn't go to playgroup. She soon got bored and frustrated with kids her own age, so she would make up games and play for hours making stuff out of boxes and tape. At four, we looked for a school; it was a worrying thought to imagine her in a class of thirty kids. After a chat with the head teacher, he agreed that this option would hold her back dramatically; she could already read well, tell the time and loved maths, so we just carried on as normal, buying coursework books as we went, and living at the library. Now at seven, she is confident, working at least 3 year ahead of her age group, loving the freedom and has a curriculum that meets her needs. We have chosen to let the local education authority inspect us once a year - that way we have a report from them showing Raelee's progress, and they agree we have a very able child. In the UK, this type of education is growing rapidly, with support groups setting up all the time. Yes, some people think we are very strange, and some say so, too; we don't care about their opinions. We know this is right for us and Raelee; she is our proof- mad on space, science, anything she can get a book about. Good luck to everyone doing the same; we all can't be wrong. Best wishes!

--Peter, Barbara and Raelee Saunders, England

Let me say this issue is AWESOME! I haven't finished it, yet. I'm reading each and every article. Thus far my favorite article this month, I have to say hands down, was Learning Styles. I definitely saw me in there and more so my son. He likes to stand while doing his work. I was also very pleased to see an interview with Dr. Jay Wile. I am a huge fan of his, and we are using his physical science text this year in which my son, my husband and I enjoy. I have a mom's meeting with one of my homeschool groups, and I can't wait to get a copy of this issue in their hands. Gena, you guys have really outdone yourselves this time. Each issue just keeps getting better and better. I'm definitely looking forward to the day this becomes a monthly publication.

--Audrey Turner, GA

Helping Each Other

(From last issue's scenario) To Karen R. or any new mom:

No matter what decision you make about homeschooling, private schooling, or tutoring, you will always be in charge of your son's education. This education started in the womb (see "Importance of Literacy" at the "How to Homeschool" site) and is ongoing until he either makes his own decisions or marries. You can lay aside your reservations about teaching him, because you are already his primary teacher. His most important lessons will be learned in his very early years. The lessons about beliefs, values, morals, manners, and family life are now being instilled. Whatever is important to you, the books and music that you love, the language you speak, your habits, food tastes, desires and feelings are his lessons of life. There is a book titled "Everything I Learned in Life, I Learned in Kindergarten." The truth is that five and six year olds are eager to learn and will soak up whatever they're taught like sponges. They absolutely love whomever it is who teaches them, and they want to please that person. Wouldn't you like to preserve that privilege for yourself? Normal six and seven year olds are ready and eager to learn to read. With your motivation and love, a good phonics reading program and a multi-sensory approach, you can teach your son to read in six to nine weeks. This will be an extremely rewarding , exciting and bonding experience for both of you because you will have waited until he was ready. After that your son will be equipped for life to learn for himself whatever you want him to learn. If you will listen to him read to you for twenty minutes every day, he will have more individual attention each day from you than he would get in a classroom in a week. You will find yourself getting excited about your son's new abilities and wanting to direct his future studies. Although you could use the public library from this point on, you will not be able to resist ordering teaching materials on subjects that are important to you. You will see learning through his eyes, and his eagerness to learn will be contagious. There are so many teaching materials available now and this magazine will be such a tremendous help. Through TOS magazine, you can find a support group, like-minded friends, loads of resources, and a very fulfilling lifestyle for yourself and for your son.

--Marge Isitt, concerned grandmother, Placerville, CA

Dear Jen, hello! This is Beth Blakeman, the homeschooler in Bowling Green, Kentucky, who emailed you back in the spring of 2002. You and Gena printed my commentary on your article, "You Can't Seriously Be Thinking of Homeschooling!" in the fall edition of The Old Schoolhouse in the Teacher's Lounge section. You also gave me a free year's subscription to your magazine and I LOVE IT!!! Well, I'm halfway through my little boy Wilson's preschool year. He has learned so much and has done well. I, however, have not done so well. I had a hard time sticking with it every day toward the end of the first semester and often found myself taking the day off whenever I felt the need. Now I realize that I have to teach five days a week through the end of May to complete the curriculum! After two weeks off for Christmas break, Wilson's first week back was torture for both of us. I tried my best to be upbeat, positive, and fun. He tried his best to be grouchy, whiney, and impossible. By Wednesday, I was convinced that homeschooling wasn't for me. After preschool … it's SCHOOL FOR HIM! By Friday, however, I felt incredibly selfish and decided that I'd better keep on at least through kindergarten. Maybe the [curriculum] I have chosen is too sit-down, boring and workbook-based for him even though I don't think it's too difficult for him! To finally get to my point, can you or any of your TOS readers recommend some more fun, hands-on curricula for kindergarteners that still have high academic standards? Any advice? Thank you so much for your time - again!

--Beth Blakeman, B.G., KY

Dear Beth, Thank you so much for your honest update. We will pass your questions on to our readers. We know that there are a lot of experienced moms (and dads!) who can relate to these first-year issues. Our hats are off to you for your determination to see Wilson's homeschooling adventure through.