Our homeschool feels invigorated when the temperatures start to drop.

It’s more comfortable to be outside. We can start cooking our favorite foods. I enjoy bringing out my favorite sweater. And, there is nothing like waking up in the morning and it’s cold in the house.

This weekend is Anna’s Fall Break - her first big break at home since she began college. I cannot believe she’s been in college for two months.

(I wrote this post right after she left. I look back on it and I was truly SAD. Things have gotten a lot better for me since then!)

This past homeschool week was productive, but a bit off-kilter.

My husband and I attended a conference for the Homeschool Trade Association for two full days. We learned so much and met a lot of wonderful people - all of them with the commitment to serve homeschool families with excellence.

(My son was at his Classical Conversations group one day, and the second day stayed home on his own while I supervised homeschool via text. This independence is good for him… but I wouldn’t want to make that a regular thing, know what I mean?)

We count ourselves blessed to run a curriculum business that brings truth, beauty, and goodness into the lives of homeschoolers!

I was able to spend time with two of my dear friends who have encouraged and supported me in all of my efforts here on the blog and also at SQUILT Music.

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These are the 5 good things that jumped out at me this week. Enjoy!

5 Good Things

Favorite Fall Activities for Kids

This is a post from yours truly about fall activities for ALL ages. Enjoy!

Family Gratitude Pumpkin Idea

I just love this! It is something I can do that takes very little work and will pack a big punch. Check out this idea from Passion for Savings.

Revised ACT Testing

Good news for our kids taking the ACT in the coming years. Finally, the test will be taken on computer, with scores available in a couple of days instead of 2-8 weeks! Also, students can retake individual sections that they want to improve their score on, rather than retaking the entire test!

Are You Magnesium Deficient?

As I have gotten older (ahem), my muscles ache and I know it's from a lack of Magnesium. I have found a Magnesium Lotion that is the first really effective source of Magnesium for me(I have tried sprays and oral supplements).

I love it.

It helps my legs relax so I sleep better. I think it is helping with monthly hormonal headaches.

And, when I feel better - I'm a better homeschool mom.

What I’m Reading

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is an excellent book! I’m learning so much about the “Blue People” of Kentucky and the true story of the Pack Horse Librarians. If you enjoy books about books and historical fiction, then you are in for a treat.

Did you have a “good thing” this week?

Share it with me in the comments below!

Last weekend we traveled to Chicago for a family wedding.

We were the only homeschoolers in attendance, and I had a few good conversations with people about homeschooling - particularly how you handle homeschooling during the high school years.

In the past I would have left less than confident - perhaps questioning the validity of homeschooling high school. This time, however, I was confident in our decision to homeschool and could articulate WHY we homeschool.

(Have you read From Homeschool to College? I think it’s helpful.)

The biggest takeaway for me? We homeschool for the HEART. Academics are secondary.

In this crazy world, it is important to raise young people who want to contribute, who value others over themselves, and who will be a caring, compassionate voice in a hurting world. Homeschooling gives us a unique opportunity and I am thankful to be on this road.

The Weekly #Homeschool Roundup - 5 Things You Can Use

On to the 5 things for this week - enjoy!

Have you read Becoming Mrs. Lewis?
It is the story of Joy Davidman, who became CS Lewis’ unlikely (late in life) wife. The book was one of my favorites last year! The author has begun a podcast, giving us a behind the scenes look at the story. In addition to this being a wonderful story to escape into, it also teaches us so much about the life of CS Lewis.

Math Update
My youngest has been using Shormann Math for two years. In short, the video teaching, SAT prep, Biblical focus, and accelerated content is what convinced me to make this change. It is going VERY well so far. Almost all of the young people in Grant’s Challenge I class are using Shormann!

Spanish
Another curriculum update: Grant has started Homeschool Spanish Academy classes. All I can say is wow. It is by far his favorite subject this year - the one-on-one instruction and the engaging curriculum has been a winner. We will definitely be continuing with a second year.

15 Educational Pumpkin Activities
The Pumpkin Slime is my favorite, but I can see your younger kids enjoy all of these activities. It seems that the fall was our best memory-making time when the kids were little.

Homeschooling Will Not Save Them
“No amount of Latin lessons, Bible memory songs, or classical literature can do saving work. To the family just beginning the journey of home education, may God bless you as you educate your children for the glory of God. Only please remember, it is no guarantee. Our homeschooled children may leave our homes serving Christ, or they may not, but our exceedingly great reward is Christ.”

I loved having my family together last weekend - Anna is back at school now, so the house is a little more quiet again.

It’s an odd adjustment to have one gone after homeschooling them. I have cried many tears, but it’s getting easier. Mostly I’m just so happy and excited for her. Homeschooling set the foundation and now I will continue to be her biggest cheerleader.