Monday, July 25, 2011

July Presidents Message

Stacey Lytle - President

The Oak Tree
by Johnny Ray Ryder Jr.

A mighty wind blew night and day.
It stole the Oak Tree’s leaves away.
Then snapped its boughs
and pulled its bark
until the Oak was tired and stark.
But still the Oak Tree held its ground
while other trees fell all around.
The weary wind gave up and spoke,
“How can you still be standing oak?”
The Oak Tree said, “I know that you
can break each branch of mine in two,
carry every leaf away,
shake my limbs and make me sway.
But I have roots stretched in the earth,
growing stronger since my birth.
You’ll never touch them, for you see
they are the deepest part of me.
Until today, I wasn’t sure
of just how much I could endure.
But now I’ve found with thanks to you,
I’m stronger than I ever knew.”

As I contemplate the beauty and truths found in this simple poem, I feel a deep appreciation for the freedoms that we all share….

Living in the United States is a blessing, and we have the added blessing of living in Idaho ~ freedoms abound here!

We have the freedom to help our kiddos establish the strongest, deepest roots during our days with them.  The powerful influence that a homeschooling mother has is beautiful and can help to sustain our kids through the most difficult of times.  Mighty winds will surely challenge our will, our strength, our endurance; we may feel helpless as these storms torment and try us ~ BUT it is in these moments of struggle that we and our children will recognize what this little oak tree so tenderly stated, “I’m stronger than I ever knew!”

For the Little Oak, it was the mighty wind that finally, through complete exasperation, became weary as the Oak never wavered and continued to stand tall and firm.  For us, the challenges come in many forms, but just as that little oak, with its deep roots was able to endure, so are we able to push through anything that may come our way.  My prayer for our children is that we, as mothers, will help them in establishing (and recognizing) roots that will make the most horrendous, terrifying storms weaken at the sight of their strength and ability to endure ALL!

Wishing you a fantastic summer ~ With love, Stacey 

Homeschooling Advice

Marisa Pineda - Vice President

Are you new to homeschooling? Are you considering homeschooling but haven’t “taken the plunge” yet? Here is some advice that served me well in deciding to homeschool and getting through the first year:

Define what a “good education” means to you and make a list of what you want for your children. This definition and list will guide you as you decide how to approach the teaching of your family.

Find out what the laws in your state require from home educators and students. (Idaho is very homeschool friendly. See http://www.iche-idaho.org/idaholaw.html to learn about Idaho’s education laws.)

Talk to “veteran” homeschooling families. Don’t be afraid to approach them with questions. Most homeschoolers are happy to share their experiences and insights. We LIKE questions. We’ve all had to make the decision you’re contemplating. We’ve been there!

Do your research. There are many, many methods and philosophies out there: Unschooling, Charlotte Mason, Unit Studies, Thomas Jefferson Education, Waldorf Method, Classical homeschooling, K-12 programs through the public school system, etc. The more you read, the more confident you’ll feel finding a method/system/philosophy that works for you.

Join a homeschool support group like DHSA. In fact, join more than one.

Get involved with activities and social events. You’ll meet other homeschoolers and have access to resources that will assist you in teaching and enriching your family. You’ll make friends, your kids will make friends, and you’ll discover you’re far from alone in your endeavors.

If you are removing your children from the public school system, expect an adjustment period. Give yourself at least a year to get accustomed to your new lifestyle. You’ll need it, and you won’t regret it.

Make the main focus of your homeschool your relationships with the Lord and with each individual family member.

If you’re married, make your spouse your top priority.

Write a letter to yourself explaining why you chose to homeschool. When you’re having a bad day/week/month, read your letter. It will remind you why you decided to do this crazy thing in the first place.

Have a plan AND be flexible. A big newbie mistake is to cling to a certain plan or a certain curriculum, even when it’s clearly NOT working for you. Be willing to revise, or even scrap something that doesn’t fit, or is making you crazy.

Have a sense of humor.

Develop your own sense of wonder and excitement for learning.

Pray. A lot. (That probably goes without saying.) Have faith that the Lord trusts you with His children.

Schedule breaks for yourself and your kids. This is especially important if you’re just coming out of the public school system!

This ought to get you started. Or at least get you thinking. All this advice came from the homeschooling families I hounded for information. They were all willing to share and very patient with me. And they were spot on. Thanks!

Marisa Pineda

Introducing New Board Members

We are excited to introduce you to new board members who have volunteered to serve this year.

Secretary: Lynnelle King

Treasurer / Box Tops Coordinator: Janet Cox

Teen Coordinators: Angie Petersen, Melania Rosquist and Corrie Munson

Opening Social Coordinator: Corrie Munson

Field Trip Coordinators: Ruth Hansen and Korrine Ayers

Party Coordinators: Melodi Kallmeyer

History Fair Coordinator: Kimberly Wing

Science Fair Coordinator: Sara Sweet

We are looking forward to a great year. Continue reading to be introduced to some of our our new board members.


Corrie Munson - Teen Coordinator/Opening Social Coordinator

We've been educating our children at home for the past 11 years. We have 4 children. When you start, you can't see the end, but you hope & pray. My first just graduated!! It can be done without losing your mind and your patience. It's been a challenging yet such a rewarding experience for our family. In addition to being a teacher, cub scout den mother, 4-H leader and wife, I have a small online business that keeps me busy. I'm really looking forward to the upcoming year.

Corrie Munson


Lynelle King - Secretary

Dear homeschooling sisters,
It's so funny how things come around just at the right time isn't it? We meet amazing people who have just the experience we need to learn from, we get a check in the mail right on the day we need it, (that could happen more often!) our kids clean their rooms without being asked the morning before the family night lesson on tidiness, a friend calls to go for a walk on a hard day, and on and on the blessings go. Over the past few years, it's been in recognizing and thanking Father in Heaven for those types of blessings that I have found the most happiness. Well, here I am again, thanking Him for the chance to serve some amazing women and families! As I've reflected on my involvement with DHSA, I can't help but feel grateful for the associations and friendships that have lasted through the years. You have molded who I and my children are today. My activity level in the DHSA activities has waxed and waned over the years as the needs of my family and extended family and even me personally have changed. BUT, just knowing that there was a dedicated group of women volunteering their time and energy for me if I needed it, has always been a comfort. Ten years ago, I moved back to the Treasure Valley from Puerto Rico and the first meeting I went to was an election mtg. I signed on board as secretary not knowing anyone or what I had gotten myself into. Well, this year when the email went out that called for women to volunteer to be on the board, I knew what I was getting into and I just have to tell you how excited I am!! I love my homeschooling sisters! We share a bond that creates an immediate common ground. AND WE NEED EACH OTHER!!. We need each other's perspective and experiences and shoulders to cry on. We need curriculum ideas, places to go on rainy days, and cheerleaders for spelling lists. We need to know that we are not the only ones praying to know what period of history to cover, and whether PE can consist of walking (running) around in WINCO with five kids who think it's a gym. You belong with us! DHSA is a wonderful place to be supported, to learn from other amazing women, and to contribute to. Your efforts are valued and appreciated! I can't wait to meet you again, or for the first time! See you at the Mother's Meetings!

-- Lynnelle King, Secretary
Mother of 8 strong spirits and wife of an amazing guy!!
This is our 11th year to enjoy homeschooling


Janet Cox - Treasurer - Box Tops

I have been homeschooling for over 7 years. We are expecting another baby in August which will give us 9 kids, 6 boys and 3 girls. Two are adopted from foster care and the oldest is now out on her own. This year I will be teaching kids ages 11, 9, 7, 6, 4, 2, and taking care of a new baby. Every year has been a little different and I love the challenge of finding the best way to help them each learn (most of the time). I enjoy reading and doing things with my family.


Melodi Kallmeyer - Party Coordinator

I am the mother of six hilarious children and the wife of a drop dead gorgeous high school principal. Together, we run a small farm complete with chickens, pigs, turkeys, goats, and a cow. When I'm not milking, mucking or making dinner, I like to run, write, play sports, read, and eat chocolate ice cream. Honesty, if homeschooling weren't ton of fun, I wouldn't do it--there just isn't enough chocolate icecream in the world to make me.

Melodi Kallmeyer


Ruth Hansen - Field Trips

Hello gals, my name is Ruth Hansen. Deseret Homeschool Association has been a wonderful blessing for my family as over the years we have participated in PE activities, Science & History fairs, co-ops, fieldtrips, and parties. The most fabulous thing we have gained from DHSA would be wonderful friendships that have extended throughout the years. I am excited this year to help plan fun and educational fieldtrips and hope to see lots of you at these events. We have some great ideas for fieldtrips that I hope you will all enjoy.

Just a bit about me. My husband, Steven, is a computer programming guru who just started his own business (along with 2 partners) this year in February. We have 7 wonderful kiddos...the oldest being a handsome 16-year-old red-head and the youngest a getting-into-everything 1-year-old. As a family we love to watch 3D movies together, visit the park, BBQ, and read scriptures and stories together at night. Recently we have been reading the complete set of Roald Dahl books. Fun Fun.

Most of my day is spent in the hustle and bustle of being a mom, teacher, & sweetheart. Any free moments are spent crafting or enjoying a good book.

I am looking forward to seeing you at the fieldtrips!

Ruth


Melania Rosquist - Teen Coordinator

Hi, my name is Melania Rosquist. I was born and raised on a ranch in New Mexico. I married my childhood sweetheart when I was 19. We grew up together and our mothers arranged our wedding when we were infants. (not really, just kinda) We have 5 beautiful children. (Brace yourselves for names and if you haven't heard the explanations then I know you will want to. Feel free to ask in person.) Our oldest is Crash who is 13, Beau is 9, Auraleigh is 8, Chalk is 5 and our baby is Ayliahna is 2 1/2.

I love all things artistic and "crafty."

I have been homeschooling for four years. I love spending time with my children. I am very excited to be helping with DHSA in the teen group this up coming year and can't wait to get to know everyone!


Angie Petersen - Teen Coordinator

I love teenagers! I really do. I appreciate Stacey for asking me to serve on the DHSA board so that I can get to know your teens better. I am a homeschooling Mom of 5 children (do I count my eldest college-age daughter anymore?). My teens are 17 and 14. I also have two little girls ages 8 and 6. So the scope of our school's curriculum is wide and varied. It is definitely a challenge, but one that I was called to do nearly 22 years ago after meeting veteran homeschooler, (and dear friend) Jody Phillips. It is a continual adventure full of fun, frustrations and those wonderful serendipitous moments too. I am constantly learning and searching for better methods/curriculum/ideas. I look forward to learning from you!

Angie Petersen

Reeder Family Spotlight

We are the Reeder family - Randy, Kim, Colin (10), Robyn (9), Grace (7), Caden (4), and Betsy (2). We have home schooled since Colin was 3 years old after being introduced to A Thomas Jefferson Education and the Face to Face with Greatness Seminars. Thanks to all those that have influenced our journey!

We love learning together and I (Kim) am constantly amazed at the things my family comes up with to teach me. Colin teaches me everything I ever wanted to know and more about computer programming and he recently started building a computer from spare parts so now I am learning more about the hardware too. Robyn pushes me to keep up with her in sewing and hand crafts and occasionally I impress her with my front handspring and ripstick skills. Grace loves to do science and art projects and try new recipes, she also enjoys working in the garden. Caden and I have read many, many books about trains and I was pleasantly surprised at my new ability to discuss trains and ask fairly intelligent questions on our visit to the Golden Spike in Promontory, Utah last week. Betsy keeps me humble as her favorite thing is to play babies, she (along with the rest of them) provides a great mirror for me to see myself through. In my case, motherhood has definitely made me smarter, or at least more well rounded.

The kids all play the fiddle and Randy and Colin are learning the guitar. We needed a little more variety in our family band, so Randy surprised me by making me my very own homemade washtub bass a few weeks ago.