Cindy Downes

May. 19, 2005 - Why do I blog?

In 1994, after my children graduated from high school, I was the leader of a homeschool group of over 100 families. I spent the next few years running the group, but finally, I decided it was time for me to resign. I gave my resignation and wondered what was I going to do for the rest of my life. Shortly afterwards, the homeschool group dissolved and all my "girls" came to me begging for help. God wouldn't let me quit. So for the next few years, I consulted with homeschool moms, helping them get a good start in their homeschool. Finally, I put everything I ever knew about homeschooling on my website, www.oklahomahomeschool.com and thought I could finally take it easy. Wrong again! Now God has me writing curriculum, doing workshops, writing newsletters, and volunteering as a trustee with our state organization. I finally realized that God put me here to help the younger moms (hmmm, where did I hear that before!). So that's my goal in life. What can I do to help you? My purpose in keeping this blog is to pass on some of my experience and share what life is like - before, during, and after homeschooling. Some of what I have to tell you will encourage you. Unfortunately, some of what I will tell you may discourage you. Unfortunately, life is not always as pleasant as it should be. Was my homeschool a success? Well, both my children will tell you a resounding yes. My son has his own business in computer graphics (you can see his demo at www.williamdownes.com), is married, and has a wonderful little daughter. My daughter is a lot like me - stubborn, creative, stubborn, intelligent, stubborn, independent and, oh, did I say stubborn? She has tried a variety of careers from medical technician, to nail tech, to computer tech, to artist, to waitress, to manager. She is not married - still waiting for Mr. Right and lives in a cute little one-bedroom house. She loves to paint and has her house totally decorated with her own paintings. She's even sold a few! She also likes to write and is very interested in the middle ages. So, they are both doing fine in life. They are both sociable (yes, it's true, homeschoolers do get along with people), have good jobs, and still love their old mom! No, they didn't get college degrees (both attended college for awhile and did quite well while atttending), but they soon decided that college was not for them. Am I disappointed? No. My husband has four degrees and doesn't use any of them in his current job. I never got adegree and I'm quite happy. So as long as my children are happy and have good lives and love God, that makes me happy.

May. 22, 2005 - Wonderful Blog and Website

Posted by LovingHim4Ever

Hi Cindy!

I love your blog and I absolutely love your website! It is awesome!! I live in New York and I still reference your website when I have questions or need ideas. Thanks for posting and sharing and being there for us 'newbies'. God bless you and your efforts for Him!!! :-)

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May. 24, 2005 - I'm glad to find you

Posted by spunkyhomeschool

It's wonderful to meet a "veteran" who has a heart to encourage those of still in the midst of long days and nights. Welcome to the blogoshpere. I started a blog at www.spunkyhomeschool.blogspot.com 6 months ago. I was talking to the TOS staff and they told me about their site and that's how I found you.

I'll link to you on both my blogs. (I will currently maintain both to see how things go.)

Spunky
http://www.spunkyhomeschool.blogspot.com/

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Jun. 3, 2005 - Untitled Comment

Posted by KeepingtheHome

I know it's sometimes hard to want to go back and talk to us younger moms about what you've already been through. You just want to get on with the stage you're in now, not relive the stage you've been through! I can identify with that, because I don't feel like reliving breastfeeding and up-all-nighters-with-the-baby. But I am SO glad you are answering God's calling in Titus 2. I also feel that call and want to help the new moms. You, meanwhile, are helping ME. I really need that...so thank you!

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Jul. 14, 2005 - Still Up & Going For Some Coffee!!

Posted by creativehsmom

You've answered some questions that I've mused over once in a while. I look at the many books in our home library that we've collected over the years and I wonder how can I part with these when we are through? I'm seeing now that we will never be finished. We will complete and graduate through various stages in our lives but learning will continue on for a lifetime. What you've shared about the callings that the Lord has placed on your life after your children had grown is sooooo encouraging to read about. It helps me to rest and know that God has *good* things planned for His children, though we may not see it He is preparing it! Thanks a bunch for sharing your heart---/-<@
Cathy :)

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