Beginnings are exhilarating. We perk up with a fresh start to a new calendar year, new school year, a new class or hobby or home or friend. Better than starting, sometimes, is just looking forward to the turn of a new season or an upcoming event. Once that “new” season or occupation has begun, though,… Read More Now and Then

Below is my reading list from three years ago. Reading is such a private world activity that I publish the list with a bit of self-consciousness. There are so many reasons for reading a book, and most of these reveal mine: for knowledge, for comfort, for entertainment, for help, to pursue areas of personal interest…… Read More Reading List

Every year I aspire to have my Christmas shopping done by Labor Day. I do get started—a little, but then fall is busy and before I know it is Thanksgiving and my hidden stash looks pathetically inadequate. You might think my default to ordering books to give as gifts is due to this lack of… Read More The Gift of a Book

It seems as if when I was a child and expressed doubt, worry, uncertainty, fear, or any other concern about myself, there were two responses. An adult would say to me, “Oh, you’ll do great,” or “You’ll be fine.” It was no comfort. It did not stop me from thinking about my problem. To adults,… Read More Those Little Cares

Many of you have already settled into a new school year and many others are about to get rolling. Most of us have a few jitters about getting off to a good start.  I just returned from a very long vacation, the first ever without kids along, and I am adjusting to responsibilities and routine.… Read More Today is THE DAY

I often joke with moms in consultations that I have homeschooled long enough to make every mistake that it is possible for a homeschooling mother to make, and am eager to help others avoid some of the pitfalls. I was slow to learn, and as I shared last month, God has been faithful to my… Read More Reflections, Part 2

As we reflect upon the year behind us and prepare for the year ahead, I think it is very common to feel a certain amount of discouragement. We are tired. We are not where we thought we would be when our plans were shiny and new. I’ve seen more and more comments online through our… Read More Sow Thy Seed

It’s here and is nearly gone faster than a racehorse: the merry month of May. Over the years I have learned May takes more schedule juggling than Christmastime. But, we love it, and not just because spring has sprung. Just like the kids, the relief of school being out, or nearly over, is a great… Read More Reflections

The above quote was sent to me a couple of days ago. James Clear is author of Atomic Habits, one of A Delectable Education’s titles for the 2020-21 PEC List. Can I hear you all saying, “Amen!” to this statement: the last thing I need is to think about what to do with my time!… Read More Be Humble

Charlotte Mason said that the outcome of her curriculum was character. We breathe a sigh of relief, because we sure know our children’s character needs work. I think she was chuckling within herself when she wrote this because she knew what I suspect she also meant. For me, it is teaching with her method and… Read More How Long, O Lord…?