For us, I think the answer is yes! 

We've been at this for quite a while now, and realistically, this may not work for you; but that is O.K.

Way back when, I did a lot of talking to prospective homeschoolers.  I tended  to try to convince people that *they* are truly the experts with their own children.  (Not that we can't learn from other folks, of course!)  But many parents are very quick to let someone else raise their kids because "that's the way we've always done it." 

 But I never felt comfortable in that rut. 

There are some days when I don't feel comfortable in my own rut either, but it's my rut.  :)

Now that I am done waxing philosophical I will show you some of the projects my kids have been doing!  In a minute though. 

Mind you, I have very little to do with these things other than facilitate.  I allow them to take the time to do these things, help them with materials and take them someplace they might need to go.  Other than that, I am a hands-off kind of Mom. 

 Otherwise, I'd be the proverbial cook-of-too-many that spoiled the broth.  I tend to be that way.  Not always, but my nature isn't to nurture, it is to ________________.  Hmmm, can't come up with the right word there. (One that means "be negative and throw a wrench into the works." )

Too true!  It goes against my very grain to be positive, encouraging and all that jazz.  But now, if I get "ME" out of the way, and let the Lord work in my children's minds and hearts and imaginations, and through me...then we are cooking with gas, so to speak.

So without further adieu, here are some fun things to see: 

 My 12 year old daughter made this lovely flannel shirt for a friend of hers.  She made up the pattern, these are her first button holes and I think she did great!  Her friend loved it too. 

Next is a Daddy project!  His first attempt at a chain saw bear.  I love it!  And my 14 year old son made the sign with his wood burner. 

 Here is a close-up of my youngest daughter spinning.  She is very good at this!  In fact she has been working with both of her brothers and THEY are doing great, actually super-great on the spinning wheel. 

Will wonders never cease?

 This is some of her hand dyed - hand spun yarn.  The funny thing here is that she was giving this skein away in a "swap" at a spinning day we went to.  Her older sister loved it so much she wanted her to keep it.  So I went and took photos of it for posterity; then guess who got her sister's bag in the swap? 

Isn't that serendipity?

 Here my oldest daughter is plying, on the left, and my youngest is spinning on the right.  I thought this was a fun shot through an Ashford traditional spinning wheel. 

 And this is Harry.  He is giving us some beautiful fiber to spin!  He is an English Angora, and what a wonderful Homeschool/Life project this is!  We hope to have some opportunities real soon for a field trip where some kids can meet the bunnies and find out about fiber pets.

 Well, I intended to post some more pictures, but am out of time for this evening.  I do want to say however that *I* now feel as though I can spin!  My girls have tried to teach me but I haven't had the patience.  (They had a wonderful teacher, another homeschool Mom.)  I took up the drop spindle on Saturday and viola', I did a great job!  I was so proud of it, and my daughters both were amazed. 

 I told them I learned it by osmosis!  (They both said "huh?")

Guess I better have them look that up!

Blessings to you all,

Nancy

Homeschooling is Our Life!