Saturday, February 2, 2013

February 2013 Newsletter


Supporting LDS Homeschoolers in the Treasure Valley of Idaho
Mission Statement
The purpose of the Deseret Homeschool Association is to share resources, activities, and learning opportunities that edify and motivate parents and their children (students) in the homeschool process. There are so many options to choose from in home educating our children. We as an organization do not endorse any specific methods or curricula. We exist to support parents who choose to educate their children in the home.
February 2013 Newsletter


Upcoming Events:
Mothers' Retreat: Feb. 7 - 9
6409 W. Randolph St. in Boise
Krista Collins and Janet Cox are hosting a retreat February 7th- 9th. The address is 6409 W Randolph St., Boise. Please email Janet at janetcox123@gmail.com if you want more information or to reserve a spot. We will have lots of fun, yummy food, a few mini classes, time with friends! As always, nursing babies are welcome! Cost is $45 and we have room for a few more. Even if you are only able to come for a few hours one night, we would love to see you, but we still need to know you are coming to plan food.If you plan to stay overnight, you will need to bring an air mattress because the home is only partially furnished. Eat before you come on Thursday (a few of us are going to go to a presentation by the green smoothie girl that evening, it's free). And bring a munchie to share that night. Hope to see you there!


DHSA/TEACH Family Dance:
Feb. 9, 6:00 -8:30 PM
828 W. Cherry Lane in Meridian (Holy Nativity Church)
Join us for a swingin' good time! Bring the family for fun and dancing! This is a free, casual dress event.  Please bring a finger food or dessert to share!


DHSA PE--Rock Wall Climbing: 
Feb. 15, 1:30 PM
Wings Center, 1875 Century Way in Boise
February PE will be rock wall climbing at the Wing's Center!!  We will need an RSVP prior to going,  email idahogonzalez@hotmail.com with the number of attendees in your group.

Cost:  $4/person for 75 minutes
         $6/person for 2 hours
          ***Free if you will only be belaying and not climbing.

The Wing's Center has a great wall for beginners as well as for the older/more experienced climber.  
Planet Kid area is available (for $4.75 fee) for younger siblings/children to run around in as well.


Field Trip: Warhawk Air Museum in Caldwell
Field trip to the Boise Air Warhawk Museum on Friday, February 15th at 1:00.   The cost is $4.00 each kid and the first adult is free, the second adult is $6.00.   There will be two class offered, for the 8-11 and another for 11-17yr olds.   More information to follow about the classes. After the classes you can take a guided or unguided tour.   The class space is limited for both classes to 30 people each.   You don't have to take the classes and can just come for an unguided tour also.   If you are coming for the classes then plan for about two hours, the classes are about  an hour and will be offered first then the tour.   Please let me know what you are interested in.   We need at least 10 kids for each class for the classes to happen.   Contact Kimberly wing at sosiouxmeto@msn.com


Mothers' Meeting: Beating Burnout!
Saturday, Feb. 16, 10 AM - Noon
11293 W. Radcliff Street
Nampa, Idaho 83651
Sometimes it's hard to get motivated to teach.  Come spend some time sharing and exploring ideas on how to bust through the burn out! Oh, and there'll be some yummy food, too!


DHSA Mini-Conference
DHSA is considering holding a Mini-Conference this spring and we would like your input. What would YOU like to know about homeschooling? What homeschool topics would you like to see addressed? Please contact Stacey Lytle at dhsa.president@gmail.com with your ideas and comments.


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THIS MOM IS ON OVERLOAD!!! By Stacey Lytle
Have you ever uttered these words . . . or screamed them out loud???  If you are a homeschooling mother, this may feel quite familiar -- rest assured, you are not alone!

Burnout, or Mother Overload, may be the one downside to homeschooling.  Does it happen to everyone?  Does it happen every year?  Does it only happen to those who are new to the homeschooling lifestyle?  How can you cope and how can you prevent it?

Nearly every homeschooling mom has experienced burnout to some degree.  Many of us feel as though we’ve reached the end of our rope, we wonder if our homes will ever run smoothly, and if we’ll ever really be able to keep our schedule while keeping the house clean and keeping kids somewhat happy.  The job of homeschooling is NOT for wimps!

We’ve been at this homeschooling business for as long as I can remember.  I don’t believe that every year has to hold a burnout period, or that we need to feel overloaded, BUT, it does happen, and when it does, it feels BIG and UGLY!  So, what can you do to overcome this little phase?  How can you cope?  More importantly, how can you prevent it?

I think it is imperative to first identify the causes. 

We all have stressful situations to deal with; some are non-negotiable and out of our control, while others are within our ability to control and change if need be.  Take a look at your life . . . are you enjoying your job?  Do you enjoy your time with your kiddos?  Do you look forward to the day ahead of you?  Are you excited about what is on your plate of learning and teaching?  Do you feel like you’ve got it under control?  Are you satisfied with the balance in your home, family and school?  If you answered NO to any or all of these, you probably need to take a deep look and see what needs a little mending. 

If you feel as though you have no sense of priority, if everything feels out of control, if you agonize over what to teach your children each day, if you just want it to all go away, if you dream of waving goodbye to your darling children as they board that big yellow bus . . . now is the time to kick burnout and take your life back!!!

Burnout feels horrible, BUT I’d like you to look at it as a GOOD thing; while it is unpleasant and difficult, it is also a beautiful flashing red signal begging you to pay attention and consider making a few minor changes.  It’s your wake up call, if you will; it is a second chance just waiting to be taken.

Often times, the answer is quite simple . . . if you are feeling stressed and overloaded, you may just be doing too much.   Are you overscheduling yourself and your kids?  Do you have unrealistic expectations, again of yourself and your kids?  Too many commitments, perhaps?  Is your curriculum too rigid and time consuming?  Do you feel more like crying than laughing?
My suggestions would be to consider adjusting your expectations of yourself and your kids, if necessary.  I would also suggest that being a little more flexible, adding in a game here and there, throwing out a school day and replacing it with a play day, a cooking day, or a day outside enjoying all that nature has to share with us--might just do the trick.  I am a firm believer that we, the moms of our families, must LOVE what we are doing . . . we really should love our job!  If we aren’t, we need to change our teaching style, our routine, our curriculum . . . don’t limit yourself!  Dream big and make amazing things happen with your kiddos!

You can be successful at knocking burnout by just taking a little time for you.  Plan some fun activities outside of your home with your kids . . . do ANYTHING that will make you laugh!  Laughter opens up your brain and fills your heart and rekindles that fire that has felt burned out.  It reminds you of why you started homeschooling in the first place, and gives you a great reason to not give up!  Because we all need to remember that one thing that’s so easy to forget when we’re feeling overwhelmed with it all—that we’re here to have JOY in the JOURNEY.  


Beating Burnout? by Amy Groesbeck

What's that? Haha.  I'm probably the last person that should be asked this question.  Just ask my husband who literally has to push me out the door to get me to do anything for myself.  I have a VERY hard time doing things for myself, especially if it involves spending money.  But after thinking for a bit, I realize this is a good quality to have, and I don't need to spend much money (if any) to keep myself from getting burned out.  I'm putting my families needs before my own, but that doesn't mean I can't get out every once in a while and relax.  So, this message is for the Mom's who don't have much to burn but want to "beat the burnout".

Pamper yourself with bargains-
First of all, I'm not a huge couponer, but I look for good bargains before I shop.  And I'm not just talking groceries.  Have you heard of www.groupon.com?  I love this website because you can pamper yourself for less than half original costs.  There's massages, dining, getaways, and other great discounts available.  I also love going to cosmetology schools and getting a new hairstyle.  Not necessarily cutting hair, but just styled.  I'm very fond of Razzle Dazzle in Nampa and Oliver Finley in Garden City.  It's less than $10 and you feel FABULOUS!  They are also reasonably priced in manicures and pedicures.  

Do something you love-
It doesn't have to cost a dime to do something you love.  Find someone who plays the sports you like and plan a date at the park/church/facility.  Take pictures of nature, listen to music, walk, run, ride a bike, read a book, scrapbook, talk to a friend, or whatever your heart desires.  
Generally my rule is, you have to leave your house and all responsibilities therein.  You never really let go of your burdens if you can't walk away from them and let them go for a few hours.

Relax & renew-
I've already mentioned a lot of things above that can accomplish this.  But I wanted to emphasize this point because it is so very important.  Getting burned out builds tension.   Relaxation is key to releasing tension and renewing your body and mind.  Get my drift?  

I'd like to tell you a quote from Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles:
"God placed within women divine qualities of strength, virtue, and love."  We have a responsibility to keep ourselves worthy and able to magnify these qualities when needed.

I truly hope this helps get your mind moving toward a more positive you.  

With Love,
Amy Groesbeck

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Classes, Clubs, and Learning Opportunities:
Teen Book Club!
Come join us for a great discussion of a classic book each month!
We typically meet the 3rd Friday of the month at the Wolfe household from 1pm-3pm. Questions? Contact Melissa (Mom) or Corinne (teen) at 208-968-3998.

Teen Book Club Reading Selections by month:

Feb 15th Little Britches by Ralph Moody
March The Giver (optional: Gathering Blue, Messenger, and Son) by Lois Lowry
April Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott
May David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
June The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
July “The Gettysburg Address” by Abraham Lincoln
and “Give Me Liberty or Give me Death” by Patrick Henry
Aug Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster
Sept A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain
Oct Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank Gilbreth
Nov Laddie by Gene Stratton Porter
Dec A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens


Rhythm Dancers:
Do you have a daughter between the ages of 10 and 18 that is interested in dance or color guard?
Rhythm Dancers is accepting girls for our team!
We meet weekly and learn jazz technique and flags.
Contact Melissa Wolfe 208-968-3998 for more information.



Clarinet Lessons: My name is Bryn Huntington.  By trade I am a clarinetist.  I received my Bachelors and Masters degrees in performance and pedagogy from BYU and from the prestigious Indiana University, respectively.  I would like to make my services available to the home teaching community here in the Treasure Valley.  I am qualified to teach clarinet lessons for beginning to collegiate students.  I know that home taught students enjoy great diversity and flexibility in there curriculum.  I was home taught for a good portion of my elementary education and can attest to its value.  I hope I can provide instruction and support to parents and their children as they consider music as a possible addition to their curriculum.  


If you are interested in clarinet lessons, please feel free to contact me either by email or by phone.  Rates and scheduling can be discussed then.  As everyone has different needs, I try to be as flexible as possible.  Since it is important to find a music teacher that is the right “fit” for the student, I also offer my first lesson for free.  That way, students and parents can make a decision with confidence.  

If you have any other questions, please contact me.  Thank you for your consideration.

Bryn Huntington
Clarinet performance and instruction



Music and Voice Lessons Available from Krista Carroll!

About Krista:  Krista studied piano privately for 17 years and voice for 7 years.  She has been teaching music for 14 years.  She has accompanied various religious and community choirs over the years and always tries to expand her skills and experience as a pianist.  She has performed vocally at various venues, including community functions, benefit concerts, business dinners, funerals, weddings, and private events.  She has had the privilege to be in several productions, including Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, West Side Story, Julie Andrews Revue, The Music Man, Singing and Dancing through the Ages, Alice in Wonderland, The Best of Irving Berlin, Newsies, Jerusalem, and 50 Years of Broadway, to name a few.

She is currently accepting new students for Music and Voice Instruction, as well as a toddler Music and Movement Class:

Piano & Voice Lessons: $50 a month (½ hour lesson once a week) Call or email Krista Carroll to schedule lessons!
(208) 392-5122

Music & Movement for 3-5 year olds

I have a couple of openings in my Music & Movement classes. The cost is $30 a month. These are 50 minute classes once a week in my home. You can either drop your child off, or you are welcome to come and participate with your child. There are two time slots available to choose from. I keep the classes small, with no more than 5 kids per class. We enjoy music, rhythm, poems, dance, and finger plays through different mediums (visuals, streamers, rhythm sticks, shakers, bells, parachute, scarves, & drums). It’s a lot of fun!

Classes to choose from are Tuesdays at 10:00 or Tuesdays at 2:00. If starting mid-month, I am happy
to prorate the amount for you.

Please contact me (Krista Carroll) by phone or email to sign your child up. Please specify which time you would prefer. Classes will be filled on a first come first serve basis.
Phone: 208.392.5122