Thursday, August 21, 2008

Homeschool Memoirs #1: All About You

It gets to be all about me? Really? Because, y'know, it's usually all about the kids, or hubby, or our cute little American Canine Chihuahua named Harley. But, wow! About me...hmmm...


Ok. Well, I was born in the south - Flordia, but raised in the mountains - Colorado, and I went to public school...oh - too far back...

Let's see...I'm a homeschool mom of five, three of whom are left at home (is that the correct usage of "whom"? I just can never get that right!) Two boys: 21 and 20, three girls: 15, 14, and 3. One boy, the 21 year old, has left home but the strings are still there (he works nearby) and he's given me (along with his fianceƩ) my first grandchild (Faith). The second boy joined the Air Force after we graduated him. The two older girls will be entering 9th grade in about two weeks. The youngest - well, she rules the roost and everyone else's roosts too! (She's the one on the sidebar to the right)




(That's just red lipstick that she applied herself!)

We've been homeschooling for about 10 years. My kids (at least the older four) were, unfortunately, a product of the public school system for a while. But, when the boys were approached in 6th and 7th grades about sex and drugs the decision was simple. Pull them out! We've never looked back. Since that time, our family has become a cohesive unit and my boys still love to hug me and call me "Mommy". I'm sure they'd curl up in my lap for a rock in the rocking chair if they could (but they're much bigger than me!) Well, the 20 year old has tried that! The other one is a touch more reserved.

We use a variety of curriculum. When we first started I used one of those complete curriculum that had the lesson plans all done for you. I needed that guidance! Now, I do the lesson plans myself and pick and choose which publisher for which subject I prefer. It's a lot more time consuming but, as I've always dreamed of being a teacher, I'm in my element, I guess you could say. Now, we use just about everything: Bob Jones, Prentice Hall, Alpha Omega, McDougal Littel, and some others.

It's amazing to me that over the last decade I've actually become what's commonly referred to as a "veteran" homeschool mom. And now, I even teach others "how to do it". Of course, I know for a fact that I certainly don't have all the answers and am always searching for more - hence homeschool blogging!

Let's see, what else can I tell about me. I'm an Amercian Idol fan. I actually didn't get hooked until two seasons ago when Jordin Sparks won. I voted for her and David Cook, by the way. I love to read but don't always find the time for pleasure reading anymore. It always seems to be textbooks nowadays! Which reminds me - I hope to begin my own college education in the spring - or at least continue with it. I'm one of those "some college" people.


I love to decorate cakes. I did it for an income for about seven years. I attended a local Bridal Expo and actually got paid for my wedding cakes, birthday cakes, and others. Now, I only do it occassionally. It's a love/hate relationship!




People would be very surprised (those who know me) about some of the things I've done over the years to provide an income. My husband and I both have "entrepreneurial" spirits and are constantly forming new businesses. I've done pressure washing, building model cars (yes, for a living!), custom painted motorcycles, cars, trucks, etc. (my husband's businesses mostly that I get roped into), run my own secretarial business and various other things.


I'm very much into volunteering. My husband says I have Volunteer-itis. Guess he's right. I've been a Girl Scout Leader, Cub Scout mom, homecshool group leader (for several different groups), a downtown revitalization committe member, and most recently a volunteer for UNICEF. I'm sure there are probably some other things I've done but I can't remember them all.

Well, that's pretty much me in a nutshell. I can't wait to read the other posts on this topic. What a great idea that Homeschool Blog Awards has come up with!

Til next time....

23 comments:

  1. Dana,

    I'm one of those "some college" too. One day I'll finish up! I love your story thanks for sharing it. :)

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  2. heh, I've got those odd jobs behind me too, like working for a professional clown and doing kids birthday parties dressed like a princess. Or doing face painting at music festivals on weekends LOL

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  3. Hey Dana Girl,
    Love the post- I added you as my friend on my web page too!!! Your kids are so cute!!!!

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  4. I loved reading your post. I loved the way you introduced yourself and started your post - very funny. I too think your kids are cute.
    Lisa

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  5. Thanks for stopping by. I love your Cherry blog template. It is so cheery and fun. Your little gal is adorable..those eyes are so blue!
    It was great meeting you!
    And congrats on the first grandbaby. May many more follow. I never thought grandkids could be "better" than my own babies, even though folks told me it was. But...they were right.

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  6. Thanks for stopping by my blog! You seen SO much like myself! I can't wait to get to know you better!

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  7. Thanks so much for visiting my bloggy home!

    I, too, am one of those "some college" people. One of these days I'll get some type of degree, Lord willing.

    I loved reading about your life and your family!

    Beautiful cake, by the way!

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  8. Thanks for stopping by my blog :). This is only our fourth year of homeschooling.

    Oh and Whom and Who is a hard one for me too. I am hoping as I homeschool my boys I will learn from them hehe!!

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  9. Great post! I too am a "some college" mom hehe! I really enjoyed getting to know you and look forward to reading more :) Oh and I have an Ainsley too - she is 18mos!
    Blessings,
    Nikki

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  10. Great blog and thanks for stopping by mine :)

    I totally forgot about all the volunteer stuff. Oh well, I do 4H, Right to Life, used to do Keepers as a group, etc.

    Can't wait to read more about you as this goes on.

    Sarah
    www.homeschoolblogger.com/OhioSarah

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  11. Hello there! Nice to meet you, glad you're joining us for the HM!

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  12. Good to meet you! Your youngest is too cute. :) And I also enjoyed David Cook. :)

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  13. Great to meet you! You have a beautiful family. I have done some decorating of cakes, but nothing as elaborate as wedding cakes. I'm self-taught but would love to take classes.

    Have a great year!
    Sherry

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  14. Wow, you're a busy lady! You also seem to very happy and fun going. I enjoyed visiting your blog and reading about your family. I look forward to reading more soon.

    Tammy

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  15. Hi Dana, thanks for sharing your story and for the comment on my blog. I'm new to blogging so I'm always excited to know someone is reading what I write:-)You sound like one of those "ordinary" moms who is anything but unexceptional! I look forward to getting to know you better.

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  16. What a great blog you have! I'm with you...I'm totally loving reading about other moms and families through the Memoir assignments. AND, I can relate to the love/hate relationship with cake decorating. I can do it, and do it fairly well...but its not really a process I like. Its the same way with sewing. I can do it, but I don't enjoy it.

    <3
    Sunny
    www.hot-fudge-oracle.blogspot.com

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  17. Fun to meet you, Dana. Thanks for dropping by. Looking forward to getting to know you more. :D

    In what part of Colorado did you live? It's always fun to meet someone who's lived here. I tried to find an email for you, but couldn't.

    I can be emailed at bunny dot trails at yahoo dot com.

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  18. I enjoyed reading your blog. As I got to the end I was thinking Wow, I wanna grow up to be like her. LOL Your kids are adorable! Thanks for the wonderful post! :)

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  19. You are funny! I pick and choose my curriculum too...so much better that way. I'm adding you to my blogroll...your writing style is too entertaining not to come back for more!!

    Oh and thanks for mentioning my son's smile...I never even noticed that before!

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  20. I'm a some college person too, I'm hoping to finish someday! It was so great to meet you, I love your cherry blog! Thanks for visiting me too.

    Angela

    http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/byourlove1

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  21. Hi Dana,
    Thanks for coming to visit me - nice to meet you! I love your blog - it's so interesting and colourful. Looking forward to reading more in the weeks to come.
    By-the-way, it's pouring with rain here at the moment too - flooding even.
    Rachel from NZ
    www.homesteadblogger.com/littlebournefarm

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  22. Nice to make your acquaintance Dana. Thank you for coming by my HomeSpun Life. I look forward to getting to know you as well. The Homeschool Memoirs will be a great way to connect with other homeschool moms!

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  23. Love your blog!!!

    We used to live in FL...don't miss those days of watching the weather for approaching hurricanes..

    I love decorating cakes too!!!

    Congratulations on your first grandchild!!! I'm encouraged by your youngest babe....we'd so love to be blessed again!!

    Nice to "meet" you!!

    Blessings,
    Laurie

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