tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36482037770128966572012-02-16T01:46:21.811-08:00Our homeschooling adventures in this amazing world we live in. We love to homeschool and we love life-long learning.Heidi A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17939806093496672380noreply@blogger.comBlogger371100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-84400048403409614172011-10-08T12:04:00.000-07:002011-10-08T12:04:00.448-07:00

I found this quote today and wanted to share.    "We rise no higher than we think, no higher than we plan, no higher than our purpose, no higher than our faith."  -Richard L. Evans Isn't it a powerful thing to think about?  It goes along with another thought from Howard W. Hunter who said "As man's thoughts turn to God and the things that pertain to God, man undergoes a spiritual transformation.

Heidi Allen Garvinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-64586690248233864562011-10-07T12:03:00.000-07:002011-10-07T12:03:23.443-07:00

There is a wonderful site that's just been released to the public called Latter-day Learning.  I recommend it highly as they are posting lots of links and information to support families in their homeschooling and educational pursuits. 

Heidi Allen Garvinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-61738789800112041502011-09-09T14:38:00.000-07:002011-10-07T12:45:59.973-07:00

I recommend this book highly:  Four Centuries of American Education, by David Barton; Founder of Wallbuilders. "In recent decades...the secularization of education has become the new American paradigm, and statistics clearly demonstrate that the more secular American education becomes, the less successful it is academically." This book "examines education both past and present.  Learn about

Heidi Allen Garvinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-45374521274050992692011-08-21T07:07:00.000-07:002011-10-07T12:51:12.702-07:00

"Let all unnecessary labor be suspended, and let no encouragement be given by the attendance of members of the Church at places of amusement and recreation on the Sabbath day.  If Sunday is spent in our meetings and in our homes, great blessings will come to our families and communities."  The First Presidency, Sept. 1, 1928 I believe this message applies to us today for....God is the same

Heidi Allen Garvinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-65394153492400317832011-07-04T07:34:00.000-07:002011-10-07T12:38:15.551-07:00

If we are to be a God-fearing nation and enjoy the blessings of peace, then each one of us who has faith in God must do our duty, take our part to accomplish our purpose in government. -President Henry D. Moyle "This nation or no other nation will be saved materially unless in some way it is strengthened, redeemed, and regenerated spiritually."  -Ezra Taft Benson "It was through and by the

Heidi Allen Garvinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-13347251479968199042011-06-09T16:31:00.000-07:002011-10-07T12:33:35.918-07:00

Prayer has blessed my life more than I can express.  I know that my Father hears and answers my sincere requests when I am humble and desirous of His help. Recently I was taught that when this is all said and done I will look back at the hardships and trials and say 'well, what of that'.  The blessings that await the pure in heart will compensate and overshadow any and all struggles we may have

Heidi Allen Garvinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-89418504094863056702011-05-07T12:12:00.000-07:002011-10-07T12:30:53.937-07:00

Sometimes it's a ride......much to be done, not enough time to get it all finished.  But...my quest is to simplify.  I am often reminded of statements such as "don't put it down, put it away" and "a place for everything and everything in it's place.  I've worked towards those things and have let go of a lot of 'stuff' that was no longer serving a purpose for new seasons of life.  Yet part of

Heidi Allen Garvinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-23847497150136963302011-04-29T16:44:00.000-07:002011-04-29T16:44:00.509-07:00

“Parents are not simply to teach their children, rather, they are to teach them to understand. And understanding is a gift from God."  Read More Here:

Heidi Allen Garvinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-83632365763669950942011-04-27T13:42:00.000-07:002011-04-27T13:42:00.313-07:00

“Your mind is precious! It is sacred,” he said at that time. “Therefore, the education of one’s mind is also sacred. Indeed, education is a religious responsibility. Of course, our opportunities and abilities will vary a great deal. But, in the pursuit of one’s education, individual desire is more important than is the institution you choose; personal drive is more significant than is the faculty

Heidi Allen Garvinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-39631963245218597052011-04-26T16:34:00.000-07:002011-04-26T16:34:23.862-07:00

"The thirst for education can be a blessing or a curse, depending on our motives. If we continue to seek learning to serve God and His children better, it is a blessing of great worth. If we seek learning to exalt ourselves alone, it leads to selfishness and pride. That is one of the reasons we should always put spiritual learning first."   Read more HERE:

Heidi Allen Garvinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-58645578713670535172011-04-25T08:50:00.000-07:002011-04-25T08:50:12.184-07:00

We all have our own - but here are the Top 7 reasons from a survey.  Top 7 Reasons to Homeschool - Read HERE:

Heidi Allen Garvinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-79328627149605935692011-04-25T08:46:00.001-07:002011-04-25T08:46:01.368-07:00

Homeschooling in Utah - less stigma. Read Full Article from Deseret News HERE:

Heidi Allen Garvinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-10516073424461490772010-04-25T11:15:00.000-07:002011-04-26T16:42:16.336-07:00

In an effort to deepen spiritual strength in these 'last days' I've organized a seminar to be held in Utah on Saturday, May 22, 2010.  We got a group of like-minded families together to plan and carry-out this wonderful event.  It will be held at the Logan Tabernacle from 1:00-5:30 p.m. and all are invited to attend.  One of the best parts for me has been working with other 'like-minded'

Heidi Allen Garvinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-24534432227728033322010-04-24T11:15:00.000-07:002010-04-25T11:19:13.062-07:00

Homeschooling continues though the reporting of it on this blog has fallen short.  :) I'm working more on my http://www.simplymormon.blogspot.com/ as I can use it as the umbrella which covers all topics relating to my life and beliefs -- including the education of my dear children. With the quest of simplification that seems to be the best thing to do right now.  I hope you'll drop by for a

Heidi Allen Garvinnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-2774862690764460632010-04-22T11:19:00.000-07:002010-04-25T11:38:58.673-07:00

This past year we have done a lot of different and wonderful things in our homeschooling ventures.  As the kids get older we make adjustments to fit their desires and needs.  Mine are all teenagers now and, as such, have been able to participate in more 'extra-curricular' activities.  We've found that 'as we were ready' things have been opened to us.  That's one of the greatest blessings there

Heidi Allen Garvinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-35915952965710204742009-11-06T08:51:00.000-08:002009-11-06T09:10:46.414-08:00

In the book 'Educating Zion' President Spencer W. Kimball gave a talk entitled 'Climbing the Hills Just Ahead'. In his instruction to educators about teaching with God's spirit he says .......'this would be in harmony with the spirit of Brigham Young's charge to Karl G. Maeser, so often quoted; "President [Young] looked steadily forward for a few minutes, as though in deep thought, then said; "

Heidi Allen Garvinnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-14860716830478532252009-09-25T07:54:00.000-07:002009-09-25T07:54:30.599-07:00

We're learning Esperanto in our homeschooling co-op.  It's fun!  The following is from the booklet we received: "Esperanto, the international language, is a language developed to make it easier for people of different cultures to communicate.  It is now spoken by at least 8.5 million people, in over 100 countries. Esperanto (a planned language) is specifically intended for international/

Heidi A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17939806093496672380noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-72504182593978902832009-09-14T12:37:00.000-07:002009-09-14T12:39:32.584-07:00

Today I found this message online. Raymond and Dorothy Moore are some of the best authors for homeschooling families. Here is just one of their inspirational thoughts from one of their published books:"[Homeschooling]...recipe for genius: More of family and less of school, more of parents and less of peers, more creative freedom and less formal lessons."— Raymond S. MooreFrom the book _School

Heidi Allen Garvinnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-59775997923335278492009-08-27T13:40:00.000-07:002009-08-27T13:54:15.512-07:00

Yesterday I had problems getting an immunization waiver form for my 13 yr. old son. He won a scholarship for two on-line computer classes for homeschoolers and was thrilled. (I couldn't afford them without this scholarship.)AFTER he won we were sent a form stating that these classes were run-through a charter school so he'd be considered a 'part-time' student of that school. In order to do that

Heidi Allen Garvinnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-18752265334785249062009-08-24T20:29:00.000-07:002009-08-24T20:31:18.198-07:00

My friend sent this article to me. It says what I'd say so I wanted to share. The author deserves all the credit. His name is at the end. Enjoy! It's food for thought....August 10, 2009Whenever we tell new acquaintances that we home-school, the same question seems to pop up. As if scripted, they look at us with heads turned to the side in concern and ask, “Don't you worry about socialization

Heidi Allen Garvinnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-65409151721462894102009-08-23T12:25:00.000-07:002009-08-23T12:25:54.457-07:00

What are we doing this year?  Well, we're getting prepared to move.  But, in the meantime we're meeting with a community co-op and participating in a wonderful group of homeschooling families.  We have several parents teaching courses this year; in math, science, writing, history, government and music.  We are so thankful for all who give of their time to mentor other students.  This is a great

Heidi A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17939806093496672380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-2204660127288094802009-07-14T20:21:00.000-07:002009-07-14T20:23:50.921-07:00

We had a WONDERFUL week camping with friends. I can't ever remember a time where I felt so closely connected with a group of friends where we all helped each other, cared for each other, and enjoyed a week in the mountains together. It was truly wonderful!!!

Heidi A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17939806093496672380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-21155522263015797882009-07-05T11:14:00.000-07:002009-07-05T11:20:09.564-07:00

We're going camping this coming week and are very excited about it. My son recently returned from a week-long scout camp where he learned some 'wilderness survival' skills. We'll be putting some of them to use this week but probably not the eating of cattails --- though we might venture a taste-test. :)Summer education is different than most of the rest of the year -- but, similar in the way

Heidi Allen Garvinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-664338445835696872009-06-08T17:25:00.000-07:002009-06-08T17:39:57.275-07:00

Our homeschooling group just finished Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. It was an incredible experience and the youth had a wonderful time rehearsing and working together.One Mom directed, another organized a stage crew, other parents and students built the set, several mothers sewed beautiful and authentic and intricate costumes, one Mom taught about stage make-up, others researched and did

Heidi Allen Garvinnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-79241850960607359262009-04-09T17:50:00.000-07:002009-04-09T17:53:30.983-07:00

Steady and Sure was the theme for the 2008 Youth Program Especially For Youth.We would all do well to think upon that title.Things are quickly changing around us. There is no real security in temporal things. Our trust is to be in the Lord; our Firm Foundation, whereupon, if we build our lives, the blowing winds will not have the power to knock us down!

Heidi A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17939806093496672380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-38712673436951223822009-03-30T17:39:00.001-07:002009-03-30T17:39:26.385-07:00

Heidi A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17939806093496672380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-74460051610961535702009-03-02T07:46:00.000-08:002009-03-02T07:54:51.878-08:00

Yesterday, a lady at church asked me about homeschooling. "But, don't you worry about their socialization?" she inquired. "Yes", I replied. "That's why I homeschool. At school they learn 'social skills' from other kids who have no social skills".She didn't know what to say to that as that fact had probably never crossed her mind.I did tell her that they get plenty of social experiences

Heidi A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17939806093496672380noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-22467885720716543902009-02-23T12:41:00.000-08:002009-02-23T13:14:25.737-08:00

Pres. Boyd K. Packer (to BYU College of Education)"In many places it is literally not safe physically for youngsters to go to school. And in many schools --- and it is almost becoming generally true -- it is spiritually unsafe to attend public schools." Oct. 9, 1996Pres. Ezra Taft Benson"The tenth plank of Karl Marx's Manifesto for destroying our kind of civilization advocated the establishment

Heidi A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17939806093496672380noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-9321588463218698462009-02-14T15:28:00.001-08:002009-02-14T15:43:50.199-08:00

I'm reading a book called The 5,000 Year Leap by Cleon Skousen. I've wanted to read it for several years but didn't have a copy. Last year my daughter's school class read and discussed it.Last week I heard Glenn Beck recommend it to everyone to read. And, the following day I attended a seminar about the Constitution where the book was being sold for $5.00 so I purchased a copy.If we are to

Heidi A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17939806093496672380noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-6499269125876428622009-01-13T14:58:00.000-08:002009-01-13T15:06:20.726-08:00

A least favorite thing in my life is when my kids have been working, playing, studying, inventing, creating etc. all day and then they have a 5-min. lull. "I'm bored". I very strongly dislike that statement!Mom's never have time to get bored. At least most of the ones that I know. Our list of things-to-do never has an end -- and we always have pending projects or chores.My sister says that

Heidi A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17939806093496672380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-18962936750167486322009-01-02T11:49:00.000-08:002009-01-02T11:52:09.600-08:00

This came out today. It's definitely worth watching and pondering.I've always loved and appreciated Dr. Moore. His comments here are worthy of extended consideration despite the traditions we've all lived with over our lifetimes. Most of us are products of public schools. We think we turned out alright. But, things have changed over the past years and are not how we and our parents

Heidi A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17939806093496672380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-84717496305469628392008-12-27T14:43:00.000-08:002008-12-27T14:46:33.045-08:00

What's the purpose of education anyway? Have you ever given it a lot of thought?Here are two quotes worth pondering. Do you agree or disagree?"Character development is the great, if not the sole, aim of education".William James O'Shea"Education is hanging on until you've caught on" Robert Frost

Heidi A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17939806093496672380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-91682882716729989932008-12-22T14:00:00.000-08:002008-12-22T14:38:20.669-08:00

I'm a firm believer that kids will learn when they are ready to learn and if they are exposed to opportunities to learn.As adults, we're the same! We usually learn things because:We want to learn themWe are excited about somethingWe have a desire to increase our understanding or knowledgeWe feel like itWe're motivated to do so etc. I believe that children are the same. But, if 'forced' or '

Heidi A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17939806093496672380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-81687799390893034192008-12-04T18:48:00.000-08:002008-12-04T18:55:15.161-08:00

The past few weeks we've been doing some poetry with our studies. It's been very fun. I printed out a copy for each child and we've gone around reading them, discussing them, illustrating a few of them, and acting some of them out.Youngest daughter won the 'acting' contest yesterday with her dramatic and very funny interpretation of this one:"Be Glad Your Nose Is on Your Face"Be glad your nose

Heidi A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17939806093496672380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-51705155193385260402008-11-26T09:52:00.001-08:002008-11-26T10:01:11.830-08:00

I recently watched part of episode 408 of Real Moms, Real Stories that talked about the over-scheduled child. Author David Elkind talked about the stress face by kids who have busy schedules. He talked about the importance of PLAY in good child development and later creativity.He commented that though many of the top universities have 'top students' --- they are no longer as creative as they used

Heidi A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17939806093496672380noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-71882297281101758982008-11-19T13:56:00.000-08:002008-11-19T14:39:31.851-08:00

Over the years of homeschooling we've used various daily plans. When the kids were younger we weren't as 'structured' as we are now. We always started with scriptures and prayer but there was more time for them to invent, create, read etc. at their own pace and as they desired. Einstein said "Play is the highest form of research". I love that and felt it was true. Children are like sponges

Heidi A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17939806093496672380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648203777012896657.post-1323797643157082782008-11-14T19:20:00.000-08:002008-11-14T19:53:45.631-08:00

I've heard all the negative comments about homeschooling. So, why would anyone want to do it?Well, for starters, there are millions of families across the country who are choosing something different than the status quo. Many families have found that their Christian principals are not allowed in the public school classrooms and are opting for alternatives that better meet their childrens'

Heidi A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17939806093496672380noreply@blogger.com4