August 30, 2009 by admin.

James 5:16  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

If you ‘get into’ numbers in the Bible, the number 16 is the number of love.  That’s what I was once told by a wise preacher’s wife, anyhow.  So I think the best thing we can do to love one another is to pray for one another.

I have written below, many names of homeschooling Moms whom I know.  We all need prayer as this school year starts.  I haven’t included the kids’ names for obvious privacy reasons, but I don’t think any homeschooling mom would mind having her name posted for prayer.  If your name is on the list and you want removed, email me - hoyfamtree@yahoo.com  If you were forgotten- PLEASE forgive me, and let me know!

Patricia O’Neil, Summer Chafa, Ginny Hickman, Jamie Brantley, Jessy Stone, Lena Steele, Michelle Wilson, Jessica Spence, Sherry Robinson, April Winnell, Stacy Short, Jami Sumner, Crissy Edwards, Kim Landers, Anne Minnick, Joan Townsend, Lori Eller, Teresa Harris, Kim Underwood, Teri Bee, Peggy Hoy

 Will update as things come in. 

Also, to comment, I’ve been informed by my webmaster, you need to register for this site.  It’s not hard, so do it and comment if you wish.  I asked him to change that setting for a little while and see if I get loads of spam, but so far, he hasn’t gotten to it. 

Tomorrow’s our first day!  Pray for me  (wink)

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August 5, 2009 by admin.

Don’t panic!!!  Have you sent in yourLetter of Intent?  How about your curriculum?  Have you decided when you are going to do laundry?  The KITCHEN NEEDS PAINTED!!!  AHHH…

 Deep breath.  August is an ‘exciting’ month for us.  I am thinking it’s that way for you too.  But not to worry, all’s well. 

The first question- Have you sent in your Letter of Intent?   In WV, it is law that you send a letter to the board of education explaining your decision to homeschool.  You can find a sample letter at:  www.chewv.org  This has to be done every year no matter if it’s your first year, or your eleventh.  

To make things easier, I started sending in my letter of intent with my test scores.  That way,  I know they get it - because I send my test scores either registered mail or delivery confirmation- and I know it’s not late. 

 Second question - curriculum?   If you have ordered your curriculum, you should have started receiving shipments (A Beka) or whole packages (ACE etc)  
This year, we are short on cash, so I’m bitsing and piecing curriculum.  And no, I’m not nervous about it.  I have curriculum calluses!    There is a peace in knowing you are doing exactly what the Lord wants you to do, and HE will equip you to do it. 

 Now, I can’t help you with scheduling your laundry time around school.  That’s an individual family thing.  But, I can tell you that it won’t do itself.  I suggest a home-ec class - Right Patricia?  :) 

Repaint the kitchen?  You have to be kidding.  Focus and concentrate on the today of homeschooling.  If you absolutely NEED to paint the kitchen…my suggestion is get it done before school starts if you are a control freak, or make it a class project.  Remember- HOMEschool. 

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August 3, 2009 by admin.

The Lord impressed upon our hearts before we were married to homeschool our children.  We were ignorant, and knew no one else who homeschooled their kids, but we were sure that the Lord wanted it this way, so we started out by learning whatever we could about it. 

We began homeschooling in earnest in 1995 when our daughter, Leah was 4 years old, but our plan had never been to send our children to either private or public school. Now, with Leah done with high school and beginning college, Sarah beginning tenth grade, and Logan in eighth, we think we’ve learned a thing or two, so we’d like to share - and we’d like to help ease fears about homeschooling if possible.  We welcome questions - no question is too small or dumb! 

Just a thing or two that is imperative for those of you who have never homeschooled:

#1. Trust God - it’s His plan. He wouldn’t give you kids you can’t teach.
#2. Know the law - WV law can be found at http://wvhea.org/lawsection.htm
#3. Get wise counsel - ask other homeschooler’s questions
#4. Don’t be afraid- you can do it!!!

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