Homeschool
 
We all have dreams.  Realize that with hard work and determination, it IS possible to make that dream come true.  That's why we're working so hard educating our kids, to help them realize that dreams can be a reality.  TM : )

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Even when you don't feel like it (me), take a deep breath, and keep on going!  Maybe a change of scenery for a new view.  Yes, a new view is good and it is always inspiring for me to get fresh ideas that make me excited which of course always gets the kids going.  So take a different route, maybe a new adventure will ensue.  I'm going to!   TM : ) 

"If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it." - Mary Engelbreit

 
 
So I did an essay contest for the magazine "Real Simple" at the end of last year.  The topic for the essay was, "I never thought I would be..." and fill in the blank with 1500 words.  The results came in AND... I didn't win.  But that's okay, I was up against 7,300 other essays. And the winner is... a writer!  Okay, a playwright, she writes plays, not essays.  The runner up? A writer too!  Well, an aspiring writer.  But you know what?  Good for them, and I mean it too.  Got to show my kids that I'm a good sport and if I want to throw a tantrum, I'll do it later in my closet!  : )

BUT, I know YOU would choose my essay, as it is, shall we say, an extreme version of my start to homeschool and all my unique preconceived ideas of what homeschool ought to be.  Enjoy!   TM : )

These Shoes Don't Fit

        
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Be the BEST 03/14/2011
 
As a homeschool Mom, let me rephrase that, as a Mom I want my kids to do the best they can.  I'm constantly reminding them that they can do anything they want, anything they can dream up, they can do it.  Be the best you can, be untouchable.  I use these words often.  We are our children's guide.  Not just their teacher, not just their parent, but their visionaries for their future.  We help them see the big picture.  So think big and your children will too.  Do the best you can for them and they will always remember that and they will follow your lead.

Abraham Lincoln said it best... 
"Whatever you are, be a good one."

TM : ) 
 
 
It's Saturday!  Do you know where Friday went?  Good grief, time flies when it's filled up with a busy schedule!  I'm sure it's the same for you, so this is what we need to do... take 10 minutes and hide.  What?  I'm serious.  As soon as I'm finished writing this, I'm hiding in my closet!  I'm going in, shutting the door and taking a deep breath.  I'm going to talk to myself and be thankful for my family, my friends, and be grateful for all that I have.  And at the end of my conversation, I'm going to wrap my arms around myself and say, "You did another fine job this week Tracy!  Good for you!"  And if I can reach, I'll pat myself on the back while giving myself a big hug.

Try it.  Feel good about yourself.  You deserve it!   TM : ) 
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Being a homeschool Mom, I realize the importance of a like minded friend that understands what it is I am trying to do in this thing we call "homeschool."  She understands because she too is a homeschool Mom.  I don't know what I would do without this friend, she is that important to me.  She encourages me, she cheers me on, and she is there to give me a hug when I need it.

She wrote me an email today that I want to share with you.  Usually, I'm the one that writes this kind of stuff for you!  Inspiration comes in many forms, and today my inspiration came in the form of an email.  I hope this letter inspires you the way that it did for me.   TM : )

Hi Tracy,

It was so nice to chat with you, today!  And you really are very kind about S.  Truthfully, both our sons are totally out-of-the-box and brilliant.  They both have their unique issues and personalities that color it all, as well.  : )

I have often told S that L and he are great foils to each other.  While they are both similar in their intelligence, they are very different in personality.  L has that fire and think-on-his-feet strength and stage presence times a thousand, and S is the methodical, steady-as-he-goes, quiet logical type.  But they both have the potential to reach for things in life that are beyond many people's reaches.

Still, it's just not easy for them because our society doesn't embrace our out-of-the-box kids.  Moms like us have to beat our own paths out for them and with them.  So we should both pat ourselves on the back for all the work we have done to enable our kids to do what they do.  Not easy, no, and not over by a long shot... but I think we are both doing the best we can!  : )

Just my two cents (plus inflation)...
 
 
I am fortunate to meet many new homeschool families.  I am so happy that I am able to guide them and help with whatever questions come up.  I don't know everything, but I do have experience, and with that experience, I can share what I know.  Not everything works for everybody, but just knowing that someone has tried it helps smooth the path and not make the journey so bumpy.

So here's to experience.  The more we do, the more confident we are and it shows.  Not just to the neighbor down the street, but to our children that are watching everyday.  So this is for you, from me, smoothing the path for you.

Have a wonderful weekend, RELAX, and we'll chat again soon.   TM : )
 
 
Today you will breathe, you will teach your kids, and you will be successful.  How do I know this?  Because I've been doing this for almost 9 years now and everyday I breathe.  Everyday I teach my kids.  And everyday as I look back over the years and compare it to today, I see the growth, the maturity, and the intelligence of my kids and I know that I am successful.  You will be too.   
TM : ) 
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Inspiration comes in many forms.  I've listed a few that have made my day, or made me feel like I wanted to do the same for someone else.  Maybe it will inspire you to do, or to make you feel like teaching your kids that they can be the next big inspiration.
  • A simple, sincere Thank You.
  • A true apology from the heart.
  • The driver in the next lane letting you in front of him.  And he does it with a wave or a nod.
  • A stranger that gives you a compliment.
  • Letting the person with one or two items in the check out line go before you.
  • Holding the door open for those behind you.
  • Acknowledging the person holding the door open for you.
  • Helping that Mom with the stroller through the door (I'm stuck on the door thing!).
  • Doing for those that don't even know who you are.  
Try one of these today.  Be inspired to be kind.  When you are kind you are teaching your children to be kind.   TM : )
 
What I Do 10/04/2010
 
Encourage and inspire.  Those are the words I use most when writing about homeschool.  I've always been quite the cheerleader, and I hope you feel encouraged after leaving this site.  Or at least have an insight about what we do and how to feel better after a bit of frustration.

I hope this new school year is going well for you so far.  If you have any doubts about what you are doing, contact me.  Sometimes it's just a matter of someone who understands, and believe me, I do.   TM : )
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