Everyday Homeschooling

The Beauty of Being the Body of Christ -- My Work at the Home School Foundation | Jul 23, 2012 by Tracy Klicka

One of the greatest joys I have as a follower of Jesus Christ is being a part of His body. The way that God has called us, as His people, to be in community with one another--to be loving and caring for one another and laying down our lives for each other--is an opportunity to demonstrate the reality of the gospel to those around us.

Isn't this what we do, moms, every day, as we love our husbands and our children? In laying down our lives for them we show that Christ is real and that the gospel has transformed our hearts from being self-seeking to selfless, from doing things in our own strength to walking by the power of the Spirit for the good of those we love and for God’s glory.

Time For Quiet Reflection | Jul 22, 2012 by MaryAnn Gaver

Today's our last day at the ocean ~

It's been a lovely time to slow down, simply being together & enjoying all that the beach has offered....an awakening of all five senses. I'm thankful for a restful & wonderful seven days.

Although this has been an incredible location & an absolutely beautiful week, free from the hustle & bustle of the D.C. area, I'm realizing that a place can't really give me the peace that I long for ---it's God alone who gives me true rest & peace.

Bike Riding, Breezy Air & Beautiful Moments | Jul 20, 2012 by MaryAnn Gaver

This is my kind of bike riding -- no hills! Austin & I are taking a relaxing ride around part of the island.

I stop. Reaching quickly into the basket which rests on the handlebars of the bike, I grab the camera & snap the shutter in order to capture this pleasant moment. I take a deep gulp of invigorating beach air -- the fresh smell of the ocean -- salt, flowers, cedar & sandalwood....another deep breath, then back to pedalling...

The Young Man and the Sea | Jul 19, 2012 by MaryAnn Gaver

The ocean truly is magnificent! I think of Psalm 104:24-26 (KJV):

"O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts. There go the ships; there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein."

I Love to Read | Jul 18, 2012 by Tracy Klicka

I love to read. That’s an obviously good thing if you’re a homeschooling mom. The problem with having this love is that as a mom, you never get enough time to read for yourself! When I had seven little kids, reading time for me often took place in the bathroom—yes, it only lasted about five minutes, and yes, even though I shut the door, I still had little hands knocking on the door and little voices calling out to me, “Mommy, where are you?”—but hey, five minutes alone is a luxury when you homeschool, right?

Seven Days in NC: One mom's attempt to chill | Jul 17, 2012 by MaryAnn Gaver

Today, the lighthouse -- The only "high rise" on the island and the oldest standing lighthouse in NC, affectionately called "Old Baldy". Although the Cape Fear Lighthouse now serves the island at its east end, Old Baldy is still a well-loved and prominent day marker for vessels navigating the Cape Fear River channel.

We're going to climb the 108 steps to get a panoramic view of the island. Very, very steep. As we're climbing, I'm not going to .....look.... down......

Greetings from NC! Join me as I chronicle our trip... | Jul 13, 2012 by MaryAnn Gaver

Alas! A culminating trip to commemorate the end of eleven years of home teaching. Although it's an ending (sort of) -- it's also a great beginning to a whole new chapter of life for all of us.

Can it be? A summer where I'm not already thinking of what curriculum we're going to use, what classes the guys need to take, what books to get ....

A time to stroll on the beach, hearing the sound of the surf, taking in the wild, salty air as we talk, laugh, then stop talking.....

Messy Moms Welcome Here... | Jul 11, 2012 by Tracy Klicka

I started reading a really good book several months ago, which touches on the theme of prayer—how we consider prayer, how we approach God in prayer, how we live a transformed life of prayer. It's called A Praying Life, by Paul Miller. Here are a few thoughts from the book, inviting us to be real with our Heavenly Father...

Sprinklers, Swimming, AC & Ice-cream | Jul 10, 2012 by MaryAnn Gaver

"Hotter than blazins!" said one of the young employees as he collected grocery carts outside the parking lot at our local market in town. I just got back from a trip to the grocery store where I walked particularly slowly though the frozen food aisle! I have a new respect for all of you who live out west or in the deep south.

Snapshot: A Homeschooling Day in 2005 | Jul 8, 2012 by Tracy Klicka

The Klicka family, 2005

Ever wonder what a day in our homeschooling journey looked like? I decided to take a mental stroll down memory lane, and here's what I came up with...

Walking ~ I highly recommend it! | Jul 7, 2012 by MaryAnn Gaver

Hi homeschooling moms!

This time instead of talking about the kids, let's talk about our exercise routines. I quess the question is: Do we have one? How do we start one?

Remembering a Homeschooling Dad's Legacy | Jul 5, 2012 by Tracy Klicka

I had the privilege last week to talk with Kevin Swanson on his Generations Radio program, about my late husband, Chris's work with HSLDA and the legacy he left of a godly husband and father with a passion for the gospel and God's glory.

[Christopher J. Klicka, April 2, 1961 - October 12, 2009.]

Treasuring Freedom | Jul 4, 2012 by MaryAnn Gaver

Hamburgers on the grill....apple pie with ice cream....cold watermelon....sizzling sparklers..... For me those conjure the casual fun of a summer barbeque on one of my favorite holidays ---- the Fourth of July! And since the 4th is just three days before Austin and Justin's birthday it's always been a perfect time for us to sit out on the deck, invite family and friends over, and celebrate special gifts: the twins, and another precious gift --- that of our freedom in America.

Homeschooling with God as the Director | Jul 2, 2012 by Tracy Klicka

“My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” ~Psalm 121:2

One obstacle after another presented itself at times, and each time I could only say, “Well, Lord, I don’t know how to get through this weekend, but You are faithful and promise to be my Helper. Please show me what You want me to do, and what you want me to watch You do!”

How We Chose a College | Jul 2, 2012 by MaryAnn Gaver