I don't remember ever having "show and tell" in school when I was a child, so I am really excited about getting to show you my family and tell you a little about us! I am Nancy Baetz, and my husband Ken and I live in sunny/snowy/windy/rainy unpredictable Colorado Springs with our four very different, unpredictable children: Mary Rose, Charles, Esther and Joshua. Homeschooling has been quite an adventure for us, and I sincerely don't know who is getting the better education, the kids or me!

       Each year, we do things a little differently. We believe certain things are mandatory and the rest are optional! Our foundation is the Bible, with Genesis as our basis for science and origins. We also believe that the Creator has given us several mandates for training our children. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 says, "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

             For want of a better word, our methods have "evolved" over the last 12 years. My husband and I were both public-schooled, and it is hard to break that mold. But we must, in order to find out who each child was created to be...and help them find and use their gifts for God's glory.

           It is a daily challenge, but nothing is impossible with God! Our motto is "Homeschooling is Life." Life keeps us busy with new challenges and lessons. Charles, nine, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes last year. Everything else was eclipsed at that point. In spite of his diagnosis blindsiding us, we have been able to incorporate his therapy right into our lessons. Ask us about our bodies - what a pancreas does, how diabetes happens (hoping someday we will know "why"),blood sugar, insulin, carbohydrates, nutrition labels, and even Joshua, five, can explain it! Since then I have met other families dealing with juvenile diabetes, and have started a prayer and encouragement e-mail group. If this describes you, please join us! Write to me at: HomeSweetKids-owner@yahoogroups.com.

     There is much joy in discovering and nurturing our children's inherent talents. Mary Rose, 12, had her fifth grade evaluation last year and it was great! She was evaluated on her own abilities, not according to a scope and sequence. In addition to her knowledge of diabetes, she demonstrated sign language, writing, cooking skills, sewing and crocheting. She loves the "lost arts" and is now learning to spin and weave. 

     When I heard about this issue's theme I was thrilled! We adore Laura Ingalls Wilder's stories and, must admit, are addicted! Our shed has become a "claim shanty" where kids spend hours spinning, sewing and playing. I love to sit by the fireplace on snowy days and read The Long Winter. I have read it several times now, and never get tired of it. I think it has helped me to be a better steward! So, what would be more fun for a girl who lives and breathes "Little House"? A pioneer party! For Mary Rose's 11th birthday, our guests wore period costume, and we had quite the country beauties, in bonnets or straw hats and long cottony dresses. We simplified the house, hung up quilts and lit some hurricane lamps, candles, dimmed the lights and stoked up the fireplace. We were thankful it was November! 

     For supper we had elk stew (the fruit of a recent hunting trip), mashed potatoes, apple cider, ginger cakes, homemade bread and butter that we "churned" in a jar during the party. We had the butter on the hot homemade bread, corn on the cob and mashed potatoes. Yum! The girls did handwork around the fireplace and they all wanted seconds on elk stew! We ate from pie tins and enamelware cups, dipping cider from a large kettle with a ladle. It was so fun pretending!

      My husband is a carpenter, which allows us a lot of flexibility (like our elk hunting trips), and that is an important ingredient in our homeschool. So when we stick to what we believe is God's plan, we can see that we are growing in confidence and trust, and will reap the blessings of a Godly education, no matter what we encounter on our homeschooling pioneer journey!

Nancy Baetz is the mother of four lovely children that have been homeschooled since day one.  She loves to help other families get started homeschooling and hosts newcomer encouragement meetings for the Colorado Springs Homeschool Support Group.  She has been the Art and Photo acquisitions editor for TOS magazine and enjoys writing and photography.  She and her family live in beautiful Colorado Springs.  She would love to hear from you at NancyBaetz@msn.com.