Homeschool Seniors 2008-09

Submit Your Grad Photo

2009-05-19T19:54:00.000-07:00

Submit your photo to the Homeschool Graduating Class of 2009 Photo Gallery 2009-05-19 via About.com Homeschooling

Submit your graduating senior's photo and profile to be included in the Homeschool Graduating Class of 2009 Photo Gallery. I appreciate your help in building a Class of 2009 Photo Gallery that we can be proud of.

SENIOR - MISS CAITY

2009-02-17T11:36:00.000-08:00

Hey Y'all!

I'm Caity Spencer from the Land of Enchantment (I've lived around the thriving metropolis of Albuquerque, New Mexico all of my 18 ½ years). I have brown eyes (tiny bits of green, but not enough to make them hazel), curly blonde-brown hair, and I am 5'8 1/2" tall. I was born to two wonderful Southern Baptist parents. Over the more recent years during numerous lectures, discussions, sermons, articles, talks, and books, my whole family and I have really changed, and in the same directions (which is such a blessing). We now attend a Presbyterian church and absolutely love the systematic order of worship, sound biblical teaching, and fellowship with like-minded believers.

For 16 years Curtis, Marissa, and I were the only Spencer kids. I played, talked, argued, loved, tolerated, and laughed with them, but it was not until the past few years that I have come to really appreciate them and value the time that I have with them. They are now two of my best friends. I acknowledged my need of a Savior, professed that I believed that Christ is the Son of God and that He died for me when I was 7. All three of us were baptized on the same Sunday morning a few years afterwards.

Almost two years ago, my family adopted three little boys. Not only have they added a totally new dimension to our lives, but they have challenged me in so many ways. I have found that when I am responsible for correcting, instructing, and training others, my faults reflect back so glaringly that it’s hard to get onto the boys because they do what I do all the time. It has also given me a deeper appreciation for the few quite minutes that I can find for a quite time with God. Along with my immediate family I have many dear friends and cousins who are always holding me accountable for my speech and actions. I continue to strive to become the young lady that God has called me to be. One of my favorite quotes is by John Newton:

“I am a great sinner, but Christ is a great Savior.”

My family started homeschooling right away. I love homeschooling. The fact that I can be home with my family, my younger sister can be my best friend, I can (at least somewhat) choose what I want to study, and have the freedom to take breaks when my brother comes home from college, not to mention the fact that Mommy can mentor me by spending time with me and selecting the books that I work through, make HS the best!

This year I am taking:

Human Anatomy and Physiology

Old and New Testament History

Medieval History

Classic Literature

Also, on the side I swim, help a very busy mother in my church, and various other projects.

"What are you you going to do after Highschool?" Is every senior bombarded with this question? I certainly am. Because I am not going away for college, at least right now, my answer is always a bit lengthy and a bit hard to explain to those who aren't coming from the same worldview I am. So far I plan on staying home helping with my little brothers, pursing liberal arts by reading and discussing classics, and refining my skills. I would love to find a way to go to cosmetology /beauty school, but so far I haven't found one with an atmosphere/lifestyle that I am willing to be a part of. If any of you have ideas for me please let me know.

As to what I like to do; where do I start? Swimming is certainly a passion. I love it, love it, love it. Right now I am swimming for a local highschool (the laws concerning homeschoolers participating in public school sports just changed last year, enabling me to swim both my jr. and sr. years). I also swim during the summer. This summer will be my 8th. On the topic of sports...I like to play just about anything...except for baseball, ultimate frisbee and soccer are at the top of my list. You can almost always find me with a pencil, paper, and eraser; I draw all the time. Portraits are definitely the most interesting and easy for me, but I am learning to portray the whole figure. I'm not too great with getting a quick sketch to look like the subject (unless the subject is in my head, which it most of the time is). Over the last couple years I have started to learn to really enjoy learning. BTW, if any of you are looking for a great, inspiring, quick-read, pick up a copy of A Thomas Jefferson Education. It's a fantastic book. So i love to read, mostly historical fiction and mysteries and informative books. I also knit, crochet, bead, sew, quilt, bake, photograph and come up with other creative ways to express myself.

I would enjoy getting to know those of you who have time. My email address is: senoritasmiles@msn.com.

~caity

spencerhomenews.blogspot.com/
xanga.com/doodlebug829

SENIOR - MISS KATIE

2009-02-13T20:17:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, my name is Katie.

I live in rural Western Kentucky with three siblings, two llamas, three horses, one squirrel, and various other animals. I'm in Tennessee so much that could be called a "Tuckassean". I attend a PCA church in Tennessee.

Music has always been a large interest for me. Currently I'm taking piano lessons--something that I really enjoy. But music isn't everything.

I can't keep my head out of books! I read almost everything. Some of my favorite authors are Lewis, Tolkien, Dickens, Austen, Twain, and Sienkiewicz, My parents always encouraged reading, and homeschooling gave me time for it (not to mention the blessing of not being perceived as "weird" and shunned for being "dorky".

I've been homeschooled K-12, and it's been pretty good. I am, however, very glad to be graduating. I love learning, but I can't wait to finish the online classes I'm taking this year with Memoria Press. They are:

Classical Rhetoric

Political Philosophy

Latin

For English, I am also learning writing under the direction of a writing mentor from Patrick Henry College.

Since I'm the oldest child, my parents are very excited about me graduating. I might be attending Covenant College in the fall, where I will take advantage of any "study abroad" programs. Some day, I would love to travel to Ireland.

~Katie
everandexcelsior.blogspot.com/
rebelutionaries.blogspot.com/

SENIOR - MISS EMILY

2009-02-02T12:18:00.000-08:00

Howdy, fellow homeschoolers! I'm Emily (known as Earthling in the blog world!). I'm a seventeen (almost eighteen) year old homeschooler from Maryland.

I live with my parents and three younger siblings, Stephen (15), Lila (11), and Seth (8). I also have an older sister, Lauren, who is 29. Like a lot of homeschoolers, most of my time is spent with my family. I pretty much can guarantee when I have free time I'm playing dollhouse or Trouble with Lila, or helping Seth with one of his inventions, or playing football with Stephen. When I'm not busy with my family though, I'm an avid reader--I usually end up reading about ten books (mostly classics!) a month. C.S. Lewis, Tennyson, Byron, Wilde, Hardy--they are some of my best friends. Naturally, I enjoy writing as well. I've written a variety of articles, written for a Narnia website, oh, and of course blogging. One of my big hobbies is movie-watching--I love all kinds of movies, especially older ones--if C.S. Lewis is my literary friend, then Cary Grant and Marlon Brando are my film ones! I played soccer for eight years, and was sad to finish my last season this year. I've enjoyed serving as an assistant swim coach for Special Olympics. Oh, and I almost forgot--I love my summer job as a teacher at a local preschool.

I have been homeschooled since kindergarten. My parents debated homeschooling my oldest sister, because she did not have a good public school experience. However, by that time she was almost done with school, so she stayed in. When I came along to school age, though, they decided to try it out with me. I guess it worked, because even though my dad thought homeschooling was "weird" back then, twelve years later I'm still at it!

I've always enjoyed it, though. I never wanted to go to "normal" school. I've mostly appreciated the academic freedom. I always said academics were my hobby. It is true. And I like being able to choose around what I want to do, what curriculum I want to use, what classes I want to take--and not be limited to what my school offers. I can do anything! How many kids can say that? I love the flexibility as well--from being able to run to the library in the middle of the morning, or being able to take three weeks off to go to California with dad, or getting to take online college classes while still in high school!

Right now I'm in the not-so-nice process of waiting to hear back from colleges. I've applied to four (and already accepted into two). Once I hear back from the others I will make a final decision. My hope is at any of the schools I will study English/literature and education. This is really important to me--not only do I love teaching and literature, but I feel like this would be useful for me. I could teach at a public school, private school--even at a home school tutorial! But even more important, I want to do this to prepare myself to home school my kids one day. Although I think anyone can home school, who knows what the laws will be like by the time I have kids (as we know by the recent fiasco in California)! Having a teacher's certificate could prove to be a very helpful thing if I have children of my own someday. Anyway, hopefully this time next year I will be in the college world. It is very exciting for me.

This year, I am taking (or took last semester!)

Calculus (under much protest!)

Physics

Spanish 2

Speech

Apologetics

Government

Economics

Western literature

So that's about all! Looking forward to "meeting" the rest of the Homeschool Class of 2009!

~Emily
homeschoolblogger.com/earthling

SENIOR - MISS ELISABETH

2009-02-02T12:08:00.000-08:00

Hi! My name is Elisabeth and I am a 17 yr. old homeschool senior (guess the senior part is a given!) I have seven other family members besides myself including my parents, my twin, Erin (who is nine minutes older and doesn't let me forget it! LOL), three younger brothers, and one younger sister. Yep, kind of like a Southern "Brady Bunch". :)

We reside just outside of a small rural town that has one caution light (think Mayberry, but much smaller) and live in a remodeled re-settlement farmhouse. Our pets consist of two cuddly cats and nine not-so-cuddly chickens. For folks living on a farm, we do not have a lot of "livestock". :)

Some activities and hobbies I enjoy are art, cake decorating, sewing, and baby-sitting. Right now, sewing is my number 1 pastime and interest. I love creating, drawing, and sewing my own patterns, so I suppose my art plays into that most of all. Cake decorating is also another favorite as I love to decorate cakes for my siblings' birthdays. Since there are four of them (not counting Erin), I get a lot of practice!

Our family first began homeschooling twelve years ago when Erin and I were six years old. We had been attending a small private school up until then when Dad (who is a pastor) was called to serve a church in Alabama. Mom and Dad searched for another school until, after much prayer, decided that homeschooling was the best choice for our then small family. We have been lovin' it ever since! This year, my subjects include:

Saxon Advanced Math

Apologia Chemistry

Winter Promise: Royals and Revolutionaries

Lightning Literature

Alpha Omega Spanish

SAT Online Prep Course

Hands on Essay Course

Various Electives

This fall, Erin and I plan on attending a small local college where my major will be interior design...a combination of my love of art and sewing. I then hope and pray that "Prince Charming" will come along, we'll be married and have a bunch of youngsters, and begin the homeschool process all over again! :)

All in all, I am very excited (and a little sad) about being a Homeschool 09' Senior. Excited about graduating this May, but also just a little sad because homeschooling has been such a wonderful experience!

~Elisabeth
elisabeth-dixiedoodles.blogspot.com

SENIOR - MISS ALEXANDRA

2009-01-24T17:35:00.000-08:00

Hello! My name is Alexandra. I am 15 years old (turning 16 in February). We are a military family and, currently, live in southeast, coastal North Carolina. I have the most wonderful parents, 3 precious younger siblings (ages 10, 6, 5), and a fluffy dog.

This is our 10th year of homeschooling, after spending one year in the public school system. I'm very thankful the Lord opened my parent's eyes to the worldly influence, the 'dumbing down', etc... of the public school system and decided that homeschooling was the Lord's will and way of life for us. It's been such a blessing to me to be sheltered from the ungodly influence of public school and that I've been able to pursue subjects I was interested in and wanted to learn about. The Lord is able to teach me many lessons through homeschooling that I think I would not have, necessarily, listened to or learned being distracted otherwise.

Studies this year include:

Apologia Advanced Biology

BJU Economics

Notgrass American Government

IEW Literature

Rosetta Stone Modern Greek

Personal Bible Reading/Studies

miscellaneous electives

My, overall, favorite subject to take was Chemistry. I have taken a first course Chemistry and an Advanced Chemistry (10th & 11th grade), and enjoy borrowing books on Chemistry (especially Nuclear Chemistry). For this year, however, I am enjoying Economics the most!

Aside from "schoolwork", I spend a lot of my time playing instruments (piano, violin, guitar, banjo, organ), singing with my 2 pet birds, crocheting, sewing, taking photos, bird-watching, cooking, and spending time with and growing closer to my Beloved Savior. I also, began an orchestra at church (playing my violin), sing in choir, and teach piano.

When I was 12 years old, the Lord really placed a burden in my heart for missions and I, truly, feel Him calling me there. That same year, He was really dealing with my heart about how I should use my youth for Him and He convicted me greatly about courting and guy/girl relationships. So when I was 12, I made a commitment not to date, to remain physically and emotionally pure until marriage and, also, to not get married until I was 20, so I could spend my teen years completely focused on Him. I, also, surrendered to His calling me to be a wife and mother on the foreign mission field. He's laid Greece on my heart most often but also central Africa, Russia, and other places.

At grade 9, my parents and I started seeking out what God would have me do after graduating. The Lord is not calling me to go to college, the workforce, or out of the home. I feel He's led me to stay at home, serving Him and my family and furthering my homemaking skills and preparing, as I am able, for life on the mission field. I am considering the possibility to begin making and selling items I crochet after graduation. I, also, hope to continue teaching piano and learning to play a few more instruments. :) In addition, I enjoy keeping a blog where I write about my days, new projects, what the Lord's teaching me, etc...

~ Alexandra
http://hskubesgal.blogspot.com
http://wheniconsider.blogspot.com

SENIOR - MISS CAIT

2009-01-24T10:51:00.000-08:00

Good day! I'm Cait, 17 and another homeschooler graduating this year. I live with my family in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, though originally from Seattle and Detroit. We have been here for two and a half years, previously living in the States, and many years ago in Jordan. Dubai is very much home for now, though I have no idea where I'll end up living! As part of my senior year I was in Oman, a neighboring country, for 4 weeks, teaching and nannying for another family.

Daddy being a pilot, I have grown up traveling (one of the photos was taken at San Marco Plaza, Venice), which was a factor in our homeschooling. However, the primary reasons were my parents' priorities of time with us, and a solid, Biblical and classical education and worldview.

I am the eldest of four children, ages 7, 10, and 15. Currently my primary hobby is voice, and I have played the bagpipes for six years. I am also greatly interested in art, and have begun a small home business with my drawing and painting (largely whimsical, strange, and swirly!), and enjoy making things in general. I love literature, such as Poe and Shakespeare, and the timeless, insightful work of C.S. Lewis. I also love anything red or pink, chocolate, travel, my cat Sunny, tea, and everything related to Lewis Carroll or Disney!

This year I am studying:

Dutch

Worldview (Understanding the Times, by Summit Ministries)

Literature/Writing

History

Economics

Earlier this year I took a correspondence course in Counseling.

One of homeschooling's greatest benefits for me has been the flexibility in subjects and the quality of teaching, in addition to time with my family. It's also challenged my thinking - there is little of political correctness in this young lady!

After graduation, I intend to remain at home, studying with and helping my father in whatever way possible, and preparing to be a keeper at home in my own house, Lord willing. I have no desire for a career, and would love to someday be a wife and mother, serving as a family. Art and music I do not plan on leaving behind though! They will always be relevant. In whatever way possible, I want my in-between years to be efficient, effective, and fruitful.

Much love in Christ,
Cait
www.dancetheroad.wordpress.com (general site)
www.incompanywithsparkles.blogspot.com (art and craft blog)

SENIOR - MISS ERIN

2009-01-21T20:59:00.000-08:00

Hi! My name is Erin and I'm a country girl from South Georgia. :) My family and I live in my great-grandparent's re-modeled farmhouse, and have been homeschooling for twelve years. My subjects this year include:

Saxon Advanced Math

Apologia Chemistry

Winter Promise: Royals and Revolutionaries

Lightning Literature

Alpha Omega Spanish

SAT Online Prep Course

Hands on Essay Course

Various Electives

I'm the oldest child in my family by, well, almost 10 minutes! My twin sister, Elisabeth, was born 9 minutes after me, but hey, those few minutes still make me the oldest. ;)

After Elisabeth, I have 4 other brothers and sisters...by name, Wesley, Ellie, John, and Alexander. Pet-wise, we own two cats, Sassy and Oliver (the ~~dumbest~~ smartest li'l kitty you could ever hope to meet), and eight hens. Oh, and one ~~feisty~~ loveable rooster. lol

I have many interests, including writing, reading, graphic design, sewing, and photography. And while I would like to say that drawing and painting are included in my list, I can't. My sister, Elisabeth, is the artistic one, and although I can draw some pretty lopsided terrific stick men, I wouldn't want to showcase my "art" anytime soon! :)

All in all, I have to say that graphic design and photography definitely rank high in my list of hobbies...I've recently begun my own small photography business specializing in children's portraits, and have also begun designing blogs and Etsy shop banners.

My homeschooling journey began in first grade (Elisabeth and I attended a private school for Pre-K and kindergarten) when our family moved to Alabama in 1997. At first, it was rather, um, "classroomish" as Mom had been a private school teacher beforehand. We had our neatly aligned desks facing the chalkboard and the flag (no wiggling, please!), and even had to raise our hands to ask a question! lol Thankfully, our homeschooling is much more laid back now! :) Elisabeth and I liked it from the beginning (still do!) and the rest of our siblings have been homeschooled right from Pre-K.

After I graduate, I hope to attend our local college and receive a technical degree in graphic design, and also continue my photography business on the side. I look forward to being married one day and be a stay at home/homeschool mom of, ummm, six children, Lord willing! :D

I can't imagine not homeschooling as it really has been the best way to go for my family. I haven't been exposed to hardly any of the problems that those in public school are faced with today, and have also been able to explore my creativity in a way that I might not be able to in a "regular" school. I do, however, look forward to graduating in several months along with all of the other Homeschool '09 graduates...yay! :)

~Erin
erin-artisticexpressions.blogspot.com

SENIOR - MISS CAITLYN MAE

2009-01-21T10:12:00.000-08:00

My name is Caitlyn Mae. I'm 16 years old. I was born in Louisiana, raised in Georgia, and currently live in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area.

My family consists of me, my parents, my 21-year-old brother, and my 9-month-old puppy, T-Bone. My hobbies are, well, church (lol), writing, reading, blogging, and using music to praise the Lord. (I play the piano and flute. Also, I'm a first soprano.) Also, I've been a vegetarian for almost three years.

This is my first year as a homeschooler. I was in public school all of my life until this summer. I asked if I could be homeschooled because the school I was attending had a lot of horrible, worldly influences. After much prayer, my parents and I decided that homeschooling would be the best option. I would have been a junior in high school, but (since I took advanced courses in public school) I've been able to do enough work everyday to be able to graduate a year early.

This year, I'm taking:

English 3 (Composition, Grammar, Vocab, and American Literature)
American History
English 4 (Composition, Grammar, Vocab, and English Literature)
Home Ec
Speech
Physics
Health

After high school, I plan on working for a year (hopefully as a nanny) and then heading to the Crown College of the Bible in Powell, Tennessee. I feel it is God's will for my life to become an elementary music teacher at a Christian school. Also, God has burdened me to have a large family. (I love children, in case you couldn't tell. lol)

I was somewhat worried about homeschooling. I was excited, but with every new decision comes great responsibility. I am thrilled to say that I love it! I don't have to worry about all of the bad influences and I am more free to do other things. I am still taking private voice and piano lessons. Also, I'm able to learn things that I wouldn't have learned in public school. Please pray for us as we continue homeschooling!
Thanks!

Caitlyn Mae
caitlynmae.blogspot.com

HELP WANTED

2009-01-04T20:01:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry I've not kept this up as much as I would've liked to, but I have gotten to meet the homeschool seniors of 2009 and it has been a pleasure to see just how many there are. Right now we have 13 total on the blogroll, and would love to add more. If you know anyone who is a senior but doesn't have a blog they're welcome to write things up to be posted here and I can link them in the blogroll to their bio [on here].

Anyways.... I hope you all [me too!!] will be more active on this blog by submitting your posts and getting this going a bit better. I think if we had more it would help. If anyone would like to help me as my "assistant" in a way by searching out seniors and replying to comments I'd be glad for the help. Also by keeping up by posting on here with recent news about homeschooling, especially seniors or graduates. You can email me at homeschoolseniors AT gmail DOT com if you're interested and have the time.

Miss Jocelyn, founder and publisher of the Feelin’ Feminine site, is a senior homeschool student with a passion for writing truth. She blogs from her heart at A Pondering Heart, designs blogs at A Pondering Heart Boutique, and is also the Sr. Exec. Marketing-Manager for GGMagazine.

The Winter Bundle!

2008-12-29T14:22:00.000-08:00

Each year I do a winter bundle of prizes to giveaway, and this year’s WB has just begun! You will have a chance to enter and win prizes worth almost $700 - all which include homemaking, sewing, books, blog-designs, DVDs, clothing items, accessories, homeschooling curriculum, and much more! Please stop by, and help me kick off the Winter Bundle by letting others know and stay tuned on how you can enter your favourite items!

See you there!

Senior - Miss "Joss"

2008-12-19T19:48:00.000-08:00

Hello, my name is Jocelyn. I live in sunny Southern California. I have been homeschooled all my life, and I LOVE it. I wouldn't want it any other way. My older siblings were in public school for a bit, but my parents pulled them out after my brother was said to have ADD. The teachers wanted to start him on some medications to help him concentrate on his school work, but my mom new that he was just a little boy with a big imagination, so that was the beginning of our homeschooling adventure.

I come from a family of five children. I am right in the middle. I have an older sister, Janina, who is 26, Justin is 21, I am 17, Julia is 11, and Jack is 3. Janina and Justin were homeschooled through 12th grade, and I am excited to be the next in line!

We have been in four different support groups through the years. Currently, I am in Sierra Springs Christian School. God truly blessed us with this support group. Our last group fell apart, and with it being the close of my Junior year, I was disappointed because it didn't look like I was going to have a graduation. Then, as usual, God stepped in and blessed us with an opportunity to join Sierra Springs!! There are seven Senior's in my graduating class. It's the smallest class yet, but it's nice because we are able to get to know each other so well. Each month until graduation a student is required to plan a "Senior Event" so that the Senior's can have a chance to get to know one another. It has been really fun getting to know my fellow classmates (especially since I am the "new kid" in the group).

My subjects have been pretty easy this school year. My load is probably the lightest it has ever been. I am currently doing Consumer Mathematics, British Literature, English, History, Spanish, and I will be starting an online nutrition class with the Junior College in January.

Some of my future plans are, after graduation take a year off of school and hopefully go to China for a week or two and volunteer at some orphan day camps. After that, I'll try for my AA at the Junior College, and then apply at a preschool/daycare. I love little kids!!

As far as the pros and cons of homeschooling go, I think that there's more pros than cons. I love it because you don't have to struggle with all the peer pressure. You are close to your family, and have such a special bond. You have more freedom than the kids at school, and are able to learn at your own pace. Also, I love being intertwined with the younger grades. It's nice to know some of the kids in the grades below me, and have friendships with them. Although, I sometimes do get the "You're homeschooled?! Do you have a life?", or I kind of get labeled "HOMESCHOOLER", but that's fine with me.

Anyway, I am so thrilled to be a Senior this year. I am excited to see what God has planned for my future, and know that all I need to do is follow His lead. I am so thankful that He has blessed me with a homschooled education. I hope all of your Senior Year's are blessed, and filled with many fun memories!!

~Miss Joss

Senior - Miss Felecia

2008-11-26T17:35:00.000-08:00

Hello, my name is Felecia. I live sunny California and love it! I have been homeschooled my entire life. My mom and I went and checked out a little country school down the road from us when I was first ready to start school. My mom wanted God to decide for us whether we should homeschool or go to public school. Many neighbor kids went to this little school just but 10 minutes down the road. However, since the district we were in was a different district than the one the school was in, we had to apply for a transfer from what would normally be our school district. My mom prayed that if it was God’s will that I go to this little public school that we would be able to get the transfer. Otherwise she knew that it would be His will that we homeschooled. Well, she put in for the transfer and it was denied! So, we have been homeschooling ever since and we have no regrets!

I have two younger siblings, my bro Shane is 16 and my sis Priscilla is 13. We have been in a charter school since I was in first grade and have had the same “teacher” for all these years. She has been a great help to us!

As far as subjects that I am currently doing, I have done most of my required subjects already and only have five subjects this semester. I am hoping to get graduated by first semester. My subjects are as follows: Math Review, P.E., Earth Science, Child Development and Volunteering at the hospital. I could include “Bible” as others have since I go to church 4x a week (one night being the time we separate into age groups for classes) besides doing personal and family devotions, but the school we are in, unfortunately, will not take that. I am interested in the medical field, especially OB/GYN and midwifery.

My #1 goal in life is to serve Christ Jesus my Lord and make heaven my home! Second to that, my biggest desire is to have a family. If God wills that I get a career, then it will work out, but I would like to be at home once I have kids. Other than that some of my other interests include reading/writing, scrapbooking, little kids, horse-back riding (I took lessons and loved it so much – would LOVE to be able to go riding again!), and blogging (of course!).

Since I didn’t do the 10+ things that I like or dislike about homeschooling, I will just mention a few now. #1 is that you have the freedom to learn and talk about God. You also have a lot more freedom and flexibility than those in public school and you are able to a certain degree to learn at your own pace. You don’t have to have the constant pressures on you that are so prevalent in public school.

What is my personal opinion of homeschooling? I think it is awesome and that as many people as possible should do it!

However, I have to say that I am thrilled that this is my last year of high school! Wishing you all a great last few months of high school!

Home-Educator Appreciation Day at GGM

2008-11-23T16:34:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't updated here in awhile, and I do apologize. If you haven't sent a bio in I would encourage you to do that. I posted on each of you writing 101 Things you like or dislike about homeschooling, but no one did it. :((

At any rate I would like to let you all know about the Home-Educator Appreciation day that GGM is hosting, where you can nominate the teacher you want to appreciate and enter them in for a chance to win one of three categories. The prizes for these categories worth over $300 and are well-worth it! I know that some of you will want your teacher to win because these aren't just prizes for parents...... I know some of you ladies will be interested in the Sensibility E-Pattern [of your choice] by Jennie Chancey or maybe one of the blog-designs!

Go look and see, and then nominate your teacher. If you don't want to enter then just stick the icon on your sidebar! I've already put one on here and my personal site!

Winner!

2008-10-27T14:50:00.000-07:00

The winner of the Homeschool Senior shirt '09 is....

Margaret at Hearts and Home

Congratulations! Please contact me with your mailing address, size, and colour you'd like the shirt.

Thank you to all who entered! Sorry I couldn't give you each one.

Blessings!

101 Things

2008-10-23T23:32:00.000-07:00

Here's an assignment for you that I think you'll like! I want to invite you to write anywhere from 10 to 100 things you like or dislike about homeschooling. You can leave your link in a comment for the others to go read. I hope you have lots of fun with this. I will do mine soon!

Oh and I will be announcing the winner of the seniors tshirt shortly. Make sure you ENTER if you haven't already!

Senior - Miss SarahBeth

2008-10-15T21:03:00.001-07:00

Hello, I'm Sarah – or as I'm known around fellow homeschoolers (because as I'm sure you know, there are sooo many Sarah's in this world!) Sarah Beth.

I've been homeschooled since kindergarten. My parents really didn't know how to start off at first as they only knew a very few homeschooling. My first months of school were taught in a very formal classroom setting that my Mom set up in the basement; chalkboard, teacher's desk, the works. I had to be dressed before starting 'class', Mom told me to raise my hand when I wanted to ask a question, and I was only allowed to take breaks at my set recess time. As I'm sure you can guess, that didn't go over so well! We soon figured it out though, and we've been loving the freedom of homeschooling ever since. I'm the oldest of 3 girls - my sisters Rebekah and Rachel are 13 and 10, respectively. I fondly call myself 'the experiment' because my parents have used me as the guinea pig for much of our schooling. I was the first to flunk out of spelling in 5th grade, the first to realize that as a visual learner, video programs for math were SO COOL; the first to push my parents to the breaking point of 'you will shape up or we're sending you to school!' (the worst threat a homeschooler can get!!)

It is frustrating at times, ("I know we've done 5 spelling programs in the past 4 years sweetie, but let's try this one!") but I've seen the amazing results in my sisters that comes from our experimentation. It helps that my parents are such good teachers. My mom has a love of History and literature that she has passed to my younger sister and myself, and my Dad and my middle sister both have a fondness for logical subjects such as math and science. I uh, don't have a fondness for any of that logical stuff…. I like to use my imagination. A little too much at times; every once in a while I will have to have a book (Pride and Prejudice, Great Expectations, and Room With a View, just to name a few) dragged away from me and my math-book plunked in my face.

We've homeschooled in 4 states so far -New Jersey(3 years), Pennsylvania(4 years), Connecticut(6 years) and currently, Virginia(1 year) I've actually lived in 6 states… we move around a lot. It's been interesting to observe the different homeschooling communities in each area.

I'm taking some college classes this semester, and will continue to do so next semester. I don't really know what I want to do with my life yet, so my goal is to get an associates degree in the next 3 years from our community college and then decide what I'm going to do with my life, whether it's getting a bachelor's degree, finding a job, traveling, or going down to Disney World and becoming a character actor! (Kidding about the last one. Sort of.)

Two passions of mine that I have recently discovered are acting and music. My first college-level class was an acting class. I loved it and have been searching for acting opportunities ever since. It was around that time that I renewed my passion for singing. If I did nothing but sing all day I would probably be the happiest person alive! As it is, I have to make due with voice lessons once a week, and my family puts up with me bursting out in song at random times. I also love working with children. My dream job would be something that combined my love for singing and acting along with my love for kids. I'm still trying to think of something… let me know if you have any ideas!

My courses this semester includes ~

World Civilization aka Global History – I'm taking this class at the community college. It's a LOT harder than I expected it be, and I'm realizing why so many of my non-homeschooling friends don't like history. Learning from a textbook is BORING!

Consumer Math – I've already done Algebra 1 and 2, and a semester of geometry… but I will probably have to re-do Algebra 1 in college next year, as I seem to have forgotten everything I learned.

American Literature – All the way from Benjamin Franklin to Tennessee Williams. I' finding I liked English Lit a little better. The English actually have a sense of humour.

American History – my sisters are doing a video program and I'm tagging along for a refresher.

Acting and voice lessons – my favourite parts of the week! Acting class is also at the community college.

Bible and Prayer study – with my family

Creative writing and visual arts – these are both combined on my blog, and I have fun designing simple templates on my sister's and Mom's blog too.

For science I'm doing something a little different. I have been interested in 'natural' body products for a while. I don't like the face that all those icky chemicals are put in things that are supposed to help your skin – lotions, body scrubs makeup, bubble bath, etc. However, I am also appalled at the prices that some companies put on their all-natural products. I appreciate that it's made from ingredients that I recognize, and I can tell that it's waaay better for my skin, but sheesh, those prices!!! So my mom told me that if I could come up with some home-made products she would give me science credit. I haven't really started on it yet, but I have made a body scrub, and I want to work on making bath fizzies and perhaps a face and/or hair mask.

So, that's me. I'm excited to be a part of this blog and happy to take the journey of our last year of High School with all of you!

Rough Routine By Amber

2008-10-09T19:47:00.000-07:00

This Amber's rough routines....

DAILY:
Wake up around 7:00-7:30am, get dressed.
Do morning barn chores at about 7:40.
After barn chores I come in and tidy myself up (brush my hair, wash my face, brush my teeth, that sort of stuff)
We usually have breakfast around 8:00 or 8:30 and start school at 9:00 or 9:30.
Lunch is somewhere between 12:00 and 1:00. We don't really have an official lunch break, we just eat while we do school or eat and have a break, or whatever we need on the certain day. I myself like eating and doing school, but sometimes I need a break if I'm doing something difficult so I stop for a half hour or something.
I usually finish school around 3:00 or 4:00, sometimes 5:00 if I'm wanting to do extra or I'm doing something big.
Dinner is at 6:00 or 6:30 and evening barn chores are 8:30 and bedtime is 9:00.

WEEKLY:
Sunday - Church, geocaching, rest
Monday - School, sometimes dog training
Tuesday - School, voice lesson, sometimes dog training
Wednesday - School, youth group
Thursday - School, co-op (drama and choir)
Friday - School
Saturday - Yard or house cleaning for part of the day, then fun stuff

What's yours?

Win A '09 Shirt

2008-10-09T00:10:00.000-07:00

So I posted about the 2009 homeschool seniors shirts from Homeschool Boutique, wanna win one?

The Homeschool Boutique donated a shirt to giveaway so if you’d like to enter to win one just blog about it on your site and leave me the link here. This is open to seniors and parents of seniors, though if you know of a friend who is a senior you’re welcome to enter too - just give me their name.

If you are a senior and haven’t heard of the Homeschool Senior site, please go check it out. You can join in with the graduating class of ‘09 if you like!

ENTER HERE!

Blessings!

'09 Senior Shirts!

2008-10-07T12:07:00.000-07:00

I love visiting the HomeschoolBoutique to what new products they've added, and they've just released the 2009 Senior Homeschool shirts! I've heard they will also be coming out in hot ink and red! Go get one and display proudly that "Yes, I am a homeschooler!"

'09 Homeschool Senior T-shirts

(guys)

(ladies)

Are You FIREPROOF!?

2008-10-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

Have you seen FIREPROOF? We went to see Fireproof yesterday and it was completely wonderful. A very profound (ahem tear-jerker) movie that I encourage young adults and couples to go see! Wow. Kirk Cameron did a fantastic job, it was a great film for a b-budget, and astounded Hollywood by coming at #4 at the box-office opening weekend when they weren't even expecting it to hit #10!

Make a Date with FIREPROOF This Weekend
It’s the weekend ... what a great time to go see a movie!

If you have seen FIREPROOF, chances are you know a couple that could benefit greatly from the movie’s story. This weekend is a great time to invite them to go with you to see FIREPROOF.

If you haven’t seen FIREPROOF, what are you waiting for? This is the movie that is touching lives, reigniting marriages, and surprising Hollywood insiders!

Visit FireprooftheMovie.com

The Impact of FIREPROOF
This story was submitted by Keith on FireprooftheMovie.com:

“My wife of 13 years had handed me divorce papers on the Monday evening before the movie came out. The script for the movie could have been written about us. We are both good people, we were just not being good to each other. I got a call from a friend on Saturday insisting that my wife and I go see this movie. I was afraid to even ask her, but I did. We went to the afternoon movie on Sunday.

“Wow ... it was us on the screen. We went home and talked about a lot of things and both said that we were sorry. We decided to stay together, to start going to church together again, and to treat each other the way we should have been all along. My wife called her lawyer on Monday and told him that she didn't want a divorce and I did the same. We ordered The Love Dare book for both of us on Tuesday, and the marriage kit as well. Thank you so much for showing us that we aren't the only couple with the problems that these people had and for giving us a new direction to go in. I love my wife and am looking forward to our new life together!”

Adding Theaters
As FIREPROOF moves into its second week, it will be playing in 850 theaters. These are the towns where it will open today.

Allentown, Pa.
Franklin, Ohio
Kansas City, Mo.
Springfield, Mo.
Lithonia, Ga.
Carrollton, Ga.
Griffin, Ga.
Fort Benning, Ga.
Thomaston, Ga.
Lawrenceburg, Tenn.
Anderson, S.C. Aiken, S.C.
Miami Lakes, Fla.
Orlando, Fla.
Winterhaven, Fla.
Baton Rouge, La.
Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.
Westminster, Calif.
Laguna Niguel, Calif.
Flagstaff, Az.
Burlington, Wash.

While more theaters will be added next week (October 10), it looks like the majority of the new 300 theaters will be added on October 17. We'll keep you updated.

Making News
FIREPROOF has been highlighted by the media in all kinds of unexpected ways. On Friday evening, the movie is scheduled to be highlighted on ABC’s World News Tonight evening broadcast. Tune in and see what is being said.

But more importantly, be a part of the excitement and the impact: check out FIREPROOF this weekend ...and bring a friend.

Get Tickets

Reviews done on the film:
Miss Amanda
Jacque-Walking Therein
Trisch
FIREPROOF The Movie Now in Theaters!
Teri - Knowledge House

Senior - Miss Sydney

2008-10-02T14:52:00.001-07:00

My name is Sydney and I’m a 17 year old home school senior, who’s been raised in the south most of her life! I’ve been a born again believer for about 4 years and have been home schooled since kindergarten with the exception of 8th grade when I went to our old churches school.

I love knitting, sewing, reading, singing, playing the violin, gardening, and just being a girl! Currently one of my “things” is herb gardening, for some reason herbs have grab my attention and I’m planning my fall garden with a great focus on herbs!

I sing first soprano in a Christian concert choir and I play violin, not very well yet, on my own! I’m normally humming little praise songs with out even knowing all the words or I’ll sing the words I know and hum the rest! Some random things about me, I hate shoes! I don’t mind socks but I detest shoes of all sorts!

As for my testimony, I was raised in a good home but not a “real christian home”. We believed in God but we didn’t know God nor the importance in the death of Jesus Christ. We started attending and gospel preaching church when I was about 11. When I was in 6th grade, My Sunday school teacher asked me if I was every “saved”, not knowing what this was she asked if I wanted to go the heaven when I died and I of course said yes. She then led me though a prayer that I had no idea what it meant and then a few weeks later I was baptized. The real trouble was the next year when I started the youth department. At first I was fine being the oddball junior higher along with the three or four other girls that had promoted with me, then the cool factor took hold and I started to rebel against the youth group and started to try and fit in. When I was 13 I finally master it, I was apart of the “in crowd” that year at camp, I sat under a lot of preaching and that’s when I realized that I was on my way to hell and that I better get saved fast! The next to last night of camp I finally broke. I was sitting in the back of our group and I think that pastor must have known all my problems and thoughts personally! He nailed every right on the head and by the end of that message I was near tears! I was praying all though the preaching that I wouldn’t die until I got to accept Jesus into my heart! As soon as the invitation music started I walked past all of my “friends” and headed down front to the alter. I grab my youth pastor’s wife and told her that I wasn’t really saved and I prayed and accept Jesus into my heart! I was baptized two days later when we came back home!

The next big thing in my life was two years later, after the cool people had abandoned me because I wasn’t “Goth” enough. It was summer camp again. My life was falling apart and I had oftener begged God just to kill me and get it over with, I had thought about killing my self a few times but never went though with trying it. I was depressed and a wreak, I had hit rock bottom. The camp theme was “is your all on the alter”. The name came from the song with the same title and the words broke my spirit and finally showed me what was missing in my life. Yes, I was saved but I was still trying to live my life my own way and I hadn’t submitted my self wholly to my God and Savior!

Once again I walked down that path in the middle of the open tabernacle, it was raining softly and it couldn’t have been a nicer day! I knelt down on the old battered prayer bench and poured my heart out to God, I told him all my problems, my doubts, my fears, and then I started sobbing, then I told God that my life was His, no matter what He wanted me to do I would do, no matter what the cost I would fully submit to His will.

When I stood up I was a different person, yes all the problems where still there but I was no longer holding them. God was, He was in totally control!

Well a few weeks later God tested that promise. Our pastor announced that he was going to be moving to become a Christian collage teacher and that God was moving Him away from the church. I was heart broken I loved this pastor and his dear sweet wife, but I knew that my life was built of The Solid Rock, not on the pastor so with a tearful good-bye they left a few short months later. Then another huge uprooting took place, this time we where the ones leaving the church. I was devastated, all my friends, my whole life, I was fixing to leave it all behind. At first I was rebellious and mad. Then in a few months I felt a small voice remind me that God would never lead me some where He would not go with me. So in January 2007 we started out new church and I don’t regret it one bit! I’ve learned that God sees the whole picture we just see bits and pieces of it. Like Peter walking on the water, we must keep our eyes on Him and not on the waves of life, lest we sink.

As for what courses I’m taking:
Geometry
Algebra 2
Physics
Civics
A little bit of English 11 left to finish
English 12
Photography
Choir
And (hopefully) sign language

Senior - Miss Sydney

2008-10-02T14:52:00.000-07:00

My name is Sydney and I’m a 17 year old home school senior, who’s been raised in the south most of her life! I’ve been a born again believer for about 4 years and have been home schooled since kindergarten with the exception of 8th grade when I went to our old churches school.

I love knitting, sewing, reading, singing, playing the violin, gardening, and just being a girl! Currently one of my “things” is herb gardening, for some reason herbs have grab my attention and I’m planning my fall garden with a great focus on herbs!
I sing first soprano in a Christian concert choir and I play violin, not very well yet, on my own! I’m normally humming little praise songs with out even knowing all the words or I’ll sing the words I know and hum the rest! Some random things about me, I hate shoes! I don’t mind socks but I detest shoes of all sorts!

As for my testimony, I was raised in a good home but not a “real christian home”. We believed in God but we didn’t know God nor the importance in the death of Jesus Christ. We started attending and gospel preaching church when I was about 11. When I was in 6th grade, My Sunday school teacher asked me if I was every “saved”, not knowing what this was she asked if I wanted to go the heaven when I died and I of course said yes. She then led me though a prayer that I had no idea what it meant and then a few weeks later I was baptized. The real trouble was the next year when I started the youth department. At first I was fine being the oddball junior higher along with the three or four other girls that had promoted with me, then the cool factor took hold and I started to rebel against the youth group and started to try and fit in. When I was 13 I finally master it, I was apart of the “in crowd” that year at camp, I sat under a lot of preaching and that’s when I realized that I was on my way to hell and that I better get saved fast! The next to last night of camp I finally broke. I was sitting in the back of our group and I think that pastor must have known all my problems and thoughts personally! He nailed every right on the head and by the end of that message I was near tears! I was praying all though the preaching that I wouldn’t die until I got to accept Jesus into my heart! As soon as the invitation music started I walked past all of my “friends” and headed down front to the alter. I grab my youth pastor’s wife and told her that I wasn’t really saved and I prayed and accept Jesus into my heart! I was baptized two days later when we came back home!

The next big thing in my life was two years later, after the cool people had abandoned me because I wasn’t “Goth” enough. It was summer camp again. My life was falling apart and I had oftener begged God just to kill me and get it over with, I had thought about killing my self a few times but never went though with trying it. I was depressed and a wreak, I had hit rock bottom. The camp theme was “is your all on the alter”. The name came from the song with the same title and the words broke my spirit and finally showed me what was missing in my life. Yes, I was saved but I was still trying to live my life my own way and I hadn’t submitted my self wholly to my God and Savior!

Once again I walked down that path in the middle of the open tabernacle, it was raining softly and it couldn’t have been a nicer day! I knelt down on the old battered prayer bench and poured my heart out to God, I told him all my problems, my doubts, my fears, and then I started sobbing, then I told God that my life was His, no matter what He wanted me to do I would do, no matter what the cost I would fully submit to His will.

When I stood up I was a different person, yes all the problems where still there but I was no longer holding them. God was, He was in totally control!

Well a few weeks later God tested that promise. Our pastor announced that he was going to be moving to become a Christian collage teacher and that God was moving Him away from the church. I was heart broken I loved this pastor and his dear sweet wife, but I knew that my life was built of The Solid Rock, not on the pastor so with a tearful good-bye they left a few short months later. Then another huge uprooting took place, this time we where the ones leaving the church. I was devastated, all my friends, my whole life, I was fixing to leave it all behind. At first I was rebellious and mad. Then in a few months I felt a small voice remind me that God would never lead me some where He would not go with me. So in January 2007 we started out new church and I don’t regret it one bit! I’ve learned that God sees the whole picture we just see bits and pieces of it. Like Peter walking on the water, we must keep our eyes on Him and not on the waves of life, lest we sink.

As for what courses I’m taking:
Geometry
Algebra 2
Physics
Civics
A little bit of English 11 left to finish
English 12
Photography
Choir
And (hopefully) sign language

Senior - Miss Amber

2008-09-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

My name is Amber. I am seventeen years old and have been home-schooled ever since I was old enough to be in school. I'm a born and raised Kansan, though I spent the first fourteen years of my life in the city, I'm a country girl through and through, so I'm glad that we moved to the country. We have a lot of animals and a garden that struggles to survive every year. I dislike gardening very much, mostly because it is hot when things like to grow and I very very much dislike the heat. Our barn critters consist of goats, chickens, rabbits, and cats. I am the eldest of an eleven-year-old brother, a fourteen-year-old adopted sister from Kazakhstan, and a fourteen-year-old adopted brother from Bulgaria. My mom makes a lot of whole-grain stuff, including yummy yummy homemade bread, and she is being sure to pass on her cooking and baking skills to me.

I am a firm Christian that enjoys sharing the Gospel but is still a little shy about it. My favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 31:30 which reads, "Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the Lord, she is to be praised."

I love to read and my favorite authors are Christopher Paolinni, Ted Dekker, and Frank Peretti. I also like some of Jane Austen's stuff. I can't read anything too scary because of my overactive imagination, it just runs away and about kills me!

Music is probably one of the biggest things in my life. My mom and dad gave me lessons when I was younger, which I was certain I would hate, and I ended up taking them willingly for about five or six years. I have started learning guitar after trying the recorder and the violin and finding that I didn't like those very much at all, and I also want to learn the drums someday soon. I am currently taking voice lessons!!

Some things I'm doing this year are the following:
Reading, lots of reading. =) Books for the subjects Bible, Literature, Life Skills, Bible, and Worldview.
For Science I'm teaching my siblings from Considering God's Creation.
For Composition I'm doing One Year Adventure Novel.
For Music I'm teaching my youngest brother and my sister piano, I'm taking voice lessons myself, I'm learning guitar, and I'm keeping my piano up.
For Geography I'm doing Around the World in 180 Days.
For History I'm doing What in the World's Going On Here.
That's the best stuff I'm doing, though there are a few other things.

My life ambition is to be a singer in a Christian band or maybe just be a soloist, maybe in an actress in a movie or two, and get married and have a family.

I'm looking forward to getting to know other seniors!

Amber

Senior - Miss Kelsey

2008-09-20T21:12:00.000-07:00

My name is Kelsey, or around the Internet, Alyosha. I'm sixteen, a follower of Christ, the oldest of six, a resident of a farm-like property, and a faithful library patron--yep, just your stereotypical homeschooled girl. I live in British Columbia, which is not quite so typical to the world of homeschool-cyberspace, though great hordes of homeschoolers dwell in my area.

I have been homeschooled since the day my dad asked my mum what she thought of this strange and unorthodox thing called homeschooling, some time in distant family history. Until I was thirteen or so, I begged my parents to let me go to "real" school like all of my friends did. I longed to be with other kids all day, to do drama and art and sports, and to experience the things necessary to proper social development, like getting my lunch money stolen. My endeavors were altogether unsuccessful; the only thing they accomplished was to show what a stubborn and ill-behaved child I was.

Now I realise that homeschooling is the best option my parents could have chosen--the young Kelsey who wanted to constantly be with her peers would have been lost if she had spent most of her life surrounded by philosophies and people who were undermining what her parents taught as they were teaching it. In high school I started taking classes at the local public school. After having gained a solid foundation, being exposed to the world's beliefs and lifestyles--being tested, having to fight--has strengthened my faith just like all of those sheltered years did. This year my classes are a mixture of the aforementioned public school courses, homeschool co-op classes, independent learning, and classes taught by far-off, mechanical teachers on DVD.

The random factoids: I love books and writing, and words in general, especially "quintessence" and "phantasmagoria." I'm a piano lessons dropout. Fangirls perplex me because how could mere celebrities with nice faces compare to the minds of C.S. Lewis or Victor Hugo or G.K. Chesterton? I am far too fond of arguing and debating. If you see me observing you with eyes open and mouth shut, it's probably because I'm trying to figure out your personality type (I'm an INTP). Apologetics and learning how to defend the truth against postmodernism fascinate me. I abhor Comic Sans for no logical reason. I plan to major in English in college, if that is what God has for me. (It's not that I'm particularly good at English, just worse at everything else.)

I've much enjoyed reading about the brave souls who have already posted their biographies, and can't wait to see what happens with this blog!

Senior - Miss Nastya

2008-09-16T15:41:00.000-07:00

Hello, I am Nastya. I am a 17-year-old Swedish/Hungarian girl whose desire is to serve God and bring honor to Him. I have played the harp for eight years and I love to sing. As music is one of my biggest passions in life, I am working towards a future career as a performer and later as a teacher. I also have a great passion for the Russian culture, and I speak some of the language. Different cultures in general fascinate me. I have always enjoyed the arts - literature, history, geography, music, art, and foreign language have always fascinated me.

Homeschooling has made a tremendous impact on my life. My mother homeschooled her children from the very start of school life. I greatly appreciate her pouring all her time and effort into my education. Homeschooling allows me to advance at my own pace and excell/pursue the subjects that most appeal to me. It allows me to have a flexible schedule and be able to learn things that a child in a public school would perhaps never come across. It has enabled me to build a character unexposed to very sinful and vulgar situations that come up in schools.

Homeschooling isn't always easy. Since I am now in the upper grades, my mother has placed my education in my own hands. So basically, I choose what to study, how to study, and when to study. It is very difficult to force myself to sit down for a few hours of Algebra when I know I could easily get out of it. Sitting in a quiet room for hours each day can get rather tedious and boring. But on the whole, I greatly appreciate it. I would neved trade it!

I am looking forward this year to expounding my knowledge further on the subjects I like best(and, yes, those I don't as well:-). I am really hoping to accomplich a few milestones as completing some required classes for a music major in college, memorizing the Declaration of Independence, memorizing every country and it's capital, becoming fluent in Russian and French, and finally mastering English and Algebra - both which are my Waterloos:-) Most importantly, I am looking forward to growing in Christ and building a stronger personal relationship with Him. I also am looking forward to being able to direct others to the Savior.

Once high school is behind me, I am planning to pursue a serious career in music in college. I would like to, besides solo performing, join a professional orchestra as their concert harpist. I also am looking forward to being able to travel and see some of the countries I love. But I want whatever God has for me, and I feel a definite leading to help in efforts to save the lost souls of children and teenagers who are in need of Christ. One of my childhood dreams(actually, I still dream about it:-) is opening an orphanage in Russia for children in need of homes and through God, helping to raise a generation of educated and godly young people. But whatever God has for me.

I am taking the following courses:

Algebra 1 - final semester - yay!

Geometry - ?????

Basic Mathematics - to help me with geometry:-)

English Literature - very interesting!

U.S. History - my old favorite!

Biology - oh boy....;p

Grammar and Composition - if only it were JUST composition...sigh

Russian - another attempt at fluency...

Geography - yay!

Music Theory - at the local community college

Harp - commencing my ninth year of lessons...my teacher considers me her own child now:-)

Bible - memorizing a scripture each week that we are supposed to repeat at our weekly youth class at church - besides my own personal studies

Miss Nastya

Senior - Miss Mackenzie

2008-09-14T14:54:00.000-07:00

My name is Mackenzie. I’m seventeen years old, a homeschool student and I’m very excited about having a graduating class!!

I was born and raised in MA. My family moved to another town when I was 13 years old. My family consists of a mom, dad and a spunky, 8 yo. little sister, Madison (aka Maddie). We also have 5 pets, Bailey (my dog) Bonney (Maddie’s dog) Oreo (mom’s cat) Prince (my frog) and Ribbits (Maddie’s frog) Right now we live in a little, brown house on a hill, but are in the midst of selling. If it is God’s will, hopefully we will sell it soon.

I’ve been home schooled since I was in 3rd grade and I love it!! My mother has had 18 years prior experience from when she decided to home school me (and my sister, but she was only a few weeks old at the time) My mom has a real passion for teaching and children. She can turn anything that is dull and boring into fun and colorful. Mom teaches both life lessons and regular education. Mom teaches everything from a godly point of view and is a fantastic role model for me. She has always had the biggest faith in God and tries to show it in everything she does. is why I love being home schooled by my mom! It’s the best kind of schooling a girl like me can get. And no, I do not get to wear my pajamas like everyone seems to think you get to do when you’re homeschooled! Homeschooling is a real blessing to me and my family.

I have your basic subjects like math, science, reading, etc. (maybe drivers Ed!! YEA!!) But my favorite subject is ART! I love to draw and paint more than anything!! I have a wonderful art teacher. She lives one state over, so I only see her every 2 months, so I make the most of the time we have. I’ve entered the same art contest since I was in 1st grade and have won 8 times so far. This will be my last year of entering, since I am graduating in ‘09. So I’m going for the gold! Or in this case Best of Show. I will definitely continue to draw and paint for the rest of my years, it’s one of the many passions I have.

Another passion of mine is animals!! Dogs especially! When I was 13, I volunteered at a local horse stable for a year, but then God pointed me in a different direction. Then when I was 16 I volunteered at dog groomers for a half a year and once again, God turned me in another direction. Actually, I applied for a job at a dog sitting/training business that just opened down the street from me! Hopefully, this is/was the job God was wanting me to wait for. Because, if it is God’s will, I’m hoping to become a dog sitting/daycare business owner myself! I’ve always wanted to work with animals. I’ve had plenty of ideas but non of them seemed to be what I wanted.

A vet: too much blood and too many needles
An animal cop: too heartbreaking
A trainer: I get too nervous

But with becoming a dog sitter, I can make up my own rules and just have fun with it! I know it’s not an easy job, but it’s something I’m willing to work for. And if that’s not what God planned for me to do with my future, I would like to become a wife/mother.. (hopefully He decides to be extra generous, I can do both ;)

I also hope to get to know each and every one of you in my graduating class!!

Mackenzie H

Senior - Miss Jocelyn

2008-09-12T13:56:00.000-07:00

My name is Jocelyn (that’s Jos-a-lyn), but I go by Miss Jocelyn or MJ; I am a seventeen-year-old, homeschooled student, who is striving to be a Godly young woman and follow the Scriptures wholeheartedly and diligently. I was born in New Mexico and moved back and forth to Indiana a few times before we settled down. For the past ten years, I’ve lived with my family of ten on our little hobby farm in Podunkersville, Indiana… where every day is a learning experience. The children in my family range from ages of 18yrs-9months.

We buy organic and use homemade-items as often as we can. Being frugal and learning to be content with what the Lord has given is something that I deal with everyday. On our little farm I own (and continually feed enormous amounts of feed to) twelve beautiful Nubian goats - (HEY I’M SELLING A FEW!! WANT ONE??). I’ve been raising goats for almost two years now, and though we’ve had some trouble, it has been a wonderful experience and a blessing. We own about sixty-five chickens, and I own one rooster whom I call Mr. Bennett.

Me and my sisters, Amanda & Rachel

I love Jesus Christ as my personal saviour, and desire to live my life to please Him. Jesus laid down his life for me. I am going to lay down my life, my rights, and my wants, and live for Him. It is no small task, but it is a small price to pay compared to what He did for me. I look forward to the day when the trumpet sounds proclaiming the coming of the Lord of Lords - the day He returns for His own. I feel one of my callings in this life is to show young ladies the Biblical view of the woman and the keeper of the home per se Titus 2. To show them that value does not lie in the number of plaques on an office wall, “being your own woman”, or the number of dollar-signs in your bank account, but in being a humble, submissive Daughter of the King. Your heavenly reward will be GREAT!When I was fourteen I started composing a manuscript, which turned into a lengthy novel. My novel has yet to be published that I am hoping 2008 will be the year the Lord will allow it’s publishing to be for real. I already have the sequel almost completed and a few other series started. I am also working on an ebook on how to build a hope chest. I was published in a magazine last fall for the first time, and am now writing for an online girls’ magazine, Growing In Grace. I’d like to pursue writing continually and hope that one day I will start and publish my own books and magazine.

Jane Austen, Beatrix Potter, and Jeannette Oke are some of my favourite authors, and all have inspired me to write. As you may have noticed all, but one, of those authors lived is a much more conservative era, and also lived in England. I love anything old fashioned and antique. The attire of the middle ages and the knights and maidens have always intrigued me as well as the customs and attire of English and Pioneer 1800s. Going to visit England one of these days is a dream of mine. I constantly talk in my (very good, if I do say so) British accent and the “flowery-speech” of Pride & Prejudice. If you want to come over for a tea party dressed in your English 1800’s gown, you are welcome at my place. If it were up to me I’d go back in time and live during the conservative times of the 1800s. I would wear skirts, bonnets and aprons all day long as I worked in the farmhouse kitchen or milked the goats and cows. I would spend my days walking in the on the hillsides and through the woods, but alas… I was born in the 21st century and here I must impact our world for Christ the best way I can.

I also love playing chess, which I am quite good though I haven't played in quite awhile. I am very athletic and farm-girlish. Not afraid of bugs or spiders. I love to watch movies (masterpiece theater is great!) with my Mother Dear and sisters late at night while we constantly check email and blogs. I also love designing templates and graphics. I recently acquired Photoshop CS3 so I am ready to learn how to use it and start my own graphics business. I am also setting up my website design business right now so I can get my business going.

Some subjects I am taking this year will be as following:

Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach
Basic Mathematics
Algebra 1
Easy Grammar Plus
Biology
Publishing My Manuscript
Read The Entire Bible
Dairy Goats
Journalist/Writing Course
Web Design/Computer
Free Lance Writing - Growing In Grace Magazine, Feelin Feminine, Homeschool Blog Awards
Bible-Ancient History-Jewish Culture Study
Bible-Modesty Study
History - not sure what era
Handbook to Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock
Foreign Language - Spanish
Teaching - Unlocking the Mysteries of Creation: The Explorer’s Guide to the Awesome Works of God by Dennis R. Petersen

This is just the actually "school work". I shall be doing a lot more for homemaking and managing, which will be more profound next year when I do Home-College to prepare to be a wife and mother.

Assignments

2008-09-07T14:06:00.000-07:00

I'm glad quite a few Seniors decided to join us! We have 9 Seniors in our class so far and I know there are many more. I just have to find them and invite them. I hope you will too!

I wanted to ask that you write up a bio and either post it on your blog or send it to me to post here. I would like everyone to get to know each other better. As we're all in the same class we all have something to share on a senior level. Here is a list of topics I'd like to get through in the coming weeks!

- Introductions
- How homeschooling has affected the person you are today
- Pros & cons on being homeschooled, in your opinion
- What you're looking forward to in your senior year
- What you're planning on doing in the future
- Where you feel God leading you
- A list of classes and subjects you're taking

I know there are many more topics to cover, and if you would like to submit anything to be published here on the site, just email it to me! I will be getting my own bio up here in the next few days. There going to be a lot of great info posted here so you'll want to check back and sign-up for updates (sidebar).

Welcome!

2008-09-02T15:10:00.000-07:00

Last year about this time my older sister, Amanda @ The Daily Planet, had a brilliant idea to start a blog for the homeschool seniors of 07-08, and I am doing it this year because it's my senior year. I would like to invite homeschoolers seniors for the school year of 2008-2009. My life has truly been blessed by being homeschooled and I want to share some of my last year as a homeschooler with others who have also taken this journey. I don't know what this blog will be used for in others lives, but I want to highlight the memorable things that happen this last year of high school, and highlight some other seniors too.

If you're a homeschool senior or you know of one, please leave a comment with your blog link so I can check it out. I am also setting up a blogroll so each of us can have a list of our "class" and enable easy access to the list of seniors. Put the icon and the blogroll on your site, and then send me the following information in an email (homeschoolseniors AT gmail DOT com) if you want to be added.

Your Name:
State:
Blog URL:

Also, take the icon to put on your site, and let everyone know you're a senior and you'll be a graduate next spring!