I will miss these 100-plus kids and their families when Free at Last closes tomorrow night! I love the beam on a child's face when I say what a good job he or she is doing. I love the beam on a mother's face when I praise her child. Praise feels good to the human soul and it shines out of the ... View Post
Mothering and Grandmothering For a Lifetime
The other day a fellow grandmother (I'll call her Jane) talked to me about some conversations she has had with homeschooling mothers. She was sad to learn how little support some of them receive from their own mothers. I was reminded of stories I have heard myself. A grandmother once told me that ... View Post
Just Say No to Formula Parenting
A woman recently told me about parenting advice she read in a resource popular among homeschoolers. Her comment began something like this: "I was reading in ______________ the other day; and if you will do such and such, then such and such . . ." Inwardly I cringed. If you have read this blog ... View Post
We Didn’t Come for the Party . . .
I think I know why the phrase "pain in the neck" has come into common use in the English language. I've been living with a real pain in the neck for several months now. Pains in the neck are no fun! My chiropractor didn't want to x-ray my neck and start intense treatments until I got home from ... View Post
Jack–The One Who Went Up the Beanstalk
Ray and I got to the curriculum fair in Chattanooga early last Saturday morning so we could spend some time in the Books Bloom booth. For fifteen years, we have enjoyed Gary and Jan Bloom and their booth full of great old books. We have always liked Gary's cheerful humor, and Jan and I have had ... View Post
A Child Who Is Loved
My purpose each day is to encourage you in your vital role as mama. Today I want to encourage you in one of the most important things you will ever do for your children. Mama love is as basic a need for the human soul as air, water, and food are to the human body. Please make sure that each of ... View Post