The top 10 posts from 2012

by on December 31, 2012
in links · Leave a Comment


Jamie Martin, editor of Simple Homeschool, also blogs about motherhood at Steady Mom

In 2012 there have been more than 150 posts published on this blog. Incredible, isn’t it?!

I write what I write and do what I do with one main aim–the hope that as a reader you will find encouragement and inspiration here to add to your homeschooling journey. And I’m so thankful for the incredible contributors on this blog who do the same.

I no longer try to mentally gauge which posts will get a big reaction or response from readers–I have been surprised time and time again on that point. I do my best to write from the heart, and trust that somehow each post speaks to those it was intended for.

Here are the top ten posts from Simple Homeschool in 2012 (listed in order of their posting dates). If you’ve missed any along the way, or if you’d like a reread, here’s your chance to catch up!
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Kicking off 2013 with a homeschool day in the life series

by on December 30, 2012
in links · 4 Comments

My babes on Christmas day–holding them a little tighter this year (more of our holiday photos here)

It’s nearly the new year, and we give a collective sigh at leaving old things behind and take a deep breath of thanksgiving for the chance to start anew. That’s why I’ve found January the perfect time for our annual Homeschool Day in the Life series.

It’s a chance to peek into the living rooms of folks just like you–others trying to make this homeschooling gig work for us and our little people, and giving it our own unique spin at the same time.

So get ready–starting this Wednesday you’ll hear from each of our contributors with a glimpse of our schedules and routines. Hopefully you’ll come away with some ideas to implement yourself.

And now, on to our weekend links:
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Skimming the cream: 5 family projects to cultivate gratitude

by on December 28, 2012
in inspiration · 19 Comments

Written by contributor Rachel Wolf of Lusa Organics and Clean

When my son was two our life took an unexpected and terrifying turn.

An unrelenting seizure, a flight-for-life, and a week in the pediatric ICU would forever paint how we remembered his second year.

Though he survived and life returned mostly to normal, that single event was defining for how we would remember his toddlerhood.

Some years later I sat down to begin writing my son’s story.

Starting with our pregnancy, I would share highlights of each year of his life.

Pregnancy, birth and his first year were easy.

But I got stuck on two. I didn’t want his seizure to become his story.

So I made a mindful choice.

I would tell the story of what I wanted to remember.

Instead of writing “When Sage was two he had a terrible seizure and was in a coma. We were so afraid,” I wrote this:
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5 new (school) resolutions to consider

by on December 26, 2012
in family time · 12 Comments

Written by contributor Jessica Fisher of Life as Mom and Good Cheap Eats

I intended to finish the calendar year with a strong academic month. Of course, illness and a number of unforeseeable circumstances got in my way. In some ways, we limped to the finish line.

But, in other ways, we ran a good race. We spent more down time as a family, endeavored to be more patient with one another, had a chance just to rest, and focused on priorities rather than a completed lesson plan.

It got me thinking of how lovely it is to get a second fresh start when January 1 rolls around. And how I want to prioritize in the new year.

Here are five ways I hope to “put off the old man” and put on the new one in 2013:
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Light the candles

by on December 24, 2012
in family time · 8 Comments

Written by Jamie Martin, editor of Simple Homeschool and writer at Steady Mom

I wish for you and your family today, tomorrow, and always:

joy, peace, hope, laughter, and love–abundant, overflowing love.

I will light candles this Christmas

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Merriment’s agenda: Setting expectations for Christmas day

by on December 21, 2012
in family time · 20 Comments

The following is a guest post written by Cari Stone of Thoughts Interrupted.

A note from Jamie: As the countdown for Christmas begins, I hope you can glean some helpful tips from this repost. It originally published on December 21, 2011.

I finally had enough. Somewhere between untangling the brand new battery operated car out of my daughter’s hair and consuming one too many cookies baked by my diabetic second cousin, I knew much of what I’d come to accept about Christmas Day needed to change.

Amidst the merriment I’d forgotten a key piece of our family’s rhythm – the invaluable practice of establishing expectations.

As homeschoolers we’re fairly adept at setting the stage in our regular lives. Well communicated expectations offer both structure and fluidity to our days – an established paradigm to explore within. Everyone, it seems, can breathe easier when our expressed hopes and desires are on the table.

Why then do we tend to sidestep this discipline in the name of Christmas break? The end results (misbehaving children, one too many trips to the dessert table or missed opportunities on the relational front) are often laced with regret.

Let this year be different.

Somewhere between stuffing stockings and baking that final pie take a moment to consider the value that shared expectations can bring to this year’s celebration.

Here are a few ideas to get you started.
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