Meet the Coordinator:

Greetings from the eastern plains---not too far from the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. I am Nancy Baetz, and if I walk across the street and look west, over the top of our little home, I can see Pikes Peak, that gorgeous mountain that inspired Katherine Lee Bates to pen "America the Beautiful." I read that she rode up there on a covered wagon, but close to the top they had to abandon it and finish the trek by mule.....

My family took me up there for my 40th Birthday....several years back. We were in a Ford Van but I am sure the view was just as exhilarating! Anyway, I am a homeschooling Mom of four super neat kids (in my humble opinion) and also have an added bonus of working for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine in my "spare" time. My husband Ken and I have been homeschooling since the beginning of our oldest daughter's life. She is almost 14, and we have enjoyed all these wonderful years getting to know her! We also have two boys, and another girl and they keep us on our toes, or on our knees for sure.

 Our interest in homeschooling was piqued by some neighbor/friends and it never has wavered. We felt such a bond in the beginning with our children that we never even considered sending them away to be led by a stranger. We believe it is our God ordained right and blessing to train our children. And it has been a wonderful experience meeting other parents who have mentored us.

 We volunteer with the Colorado Springs Homeschool Support Group, and have done so for many years now. This group is considered the "grandfather" group for this area, and although it isn't the largest anymore, it certainly has a lot to offer in the way of networking and information to new families getting started on their homeschool journey. There is a plethora of wonderful activities and groups large and small in this area, and so there are many options to choose from. We have a website (www.hschool.com ) and an info-line and once a month newcomers meetings to help people get connected with like minded families.

 It is my joy to see the excitement on the faces of parents who are considering teaching their kids at home! A lot has changed over the years for our group, but we still do what we can, and try to answer any questions that come our way. So how do we fit all this into our busy schedule? I sometimes use the term "relaxed" homeschooling, but that doesn't really sound right with four growing, very active children. We have tried several "methods" and schedules, but what seems to work best for us, is different for each child. It is partly delight directed, partly Mom contrived, but our hearts desire is for it to be the Lords way, or no way, because only He knows what is best for us!

 Now, if we will only have willing hearts and listening ears, we will stay on the right path. I want my children to have the freedom they need to explore and learn, and I want to be free to teach them what I deem necessary, and best. But it's not just a free-for-all chaotic type of freedom. I want it to be freedom from conformity, freedom from uniformity----lets be free to be who we are in Christ, and use what He has given us, and take responsibility for it. Don't waste it, use it for His glory! (I mean all your gifts and talents, and your children--both on the giving and receiving end!)

Well, all this might sound like a neat little package, but it is a daily journey that is unpredictable and precious. Sometimes it is with much rejoicing, sometimes weeping. But it is a journey I am thrilled beyond words to get to take, and I am thankful to the Lord for giving me this opportunity, truly one of a lifetime. If you have any questions or comments I would love to hear from you. Happy Homeschooling from the Baetz Family in beautiful Colorado!