Featured Blogger

Sparrows Nest

Two years ago, Tonia, at Sparrows Nest, would never have dreamed she would be homeschooling and sharing her experiences with others.  But that’s the wonderful thing about God - He takes us where we are and if we seek Him, He will move us to where He wants us to be. 

Today, Tonia is homeschooling her four children.  Previously, they were all enrolled in the public school.  They were initially satisfied.  However, God did a rapid and complete change in their heart and family and they made the difficult decision to bring their children home to learn.   God used the difficulties of parenting an adopted son who was born drug and alcohol affected, and ADHD to change their family and how they educate. 

Their adopted oldest son had serious problems in school and at home.  Serious enough, that most evenings left Tonia and the family feeling exhausted, frustrated and desperate.  She describes what happened when he was about to enter middle school,     

"An evening's tour of the school told us we were about to leave our happy elementary school days behind.   The behavior of the students was frightening, and the academic standards so low we were shocked.  One teacher told a group of concerned parents that "We don't expect them to learn anything in middle school anyway, we just want them to survive it." 

At this point, homeschool was NOT an option.  However, a teacher encouraged Tonia to find different ways to challenge her son during the summer months prior to entering in the fall.  She went to the library to look for ideas.  One of the books she picked up was “The Well Trained Mind” by Susan Wise Bauer.   Tonia felt some of the old apprehension about home educating slip away as she read.  She discussed the book with her husband.  They decided to home school their oldest son starting in the fall.  Tonia was amazed at the changes she saw in her son.  She recalls how he began to change, 

"Over the next few months, as I began to see the growth in our son and envision the possibilities, I began to want the other kids home too.  While we were hesitating about it, God was at work, and one by one, the kids began to have problems in their classes.   They came home for Christmas break tired and discouraged and I knew I didn't want them to go back.  We prayed those two weeks and at last decided to remove them from school.  I guess we've only been officially homeschooling all four since January."    

In the beginning, Tonia didn’t know anyone homeschooling.  Blogging has provided some relief from the aloneness she felt early on.  Through her blog, Tonia has been able to meet other homeschoolers, ask questions, swap ideas, and get different perspectives.

Her blog Sparrow’s Nest,  makes you feel as comfortable as a baby chick nestled around it's momma.  The colors and her writing style create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.  Within the posts, Tonia writes with a depth and passion for life and the Lord.  She sees God in nature and in everyday happenings. 

Sparrows Nest will receive a 3-month coterie membership. This is a $36 value!! WOW!

Dahlem's Soapworks Coterie is a special place! With your 3 month gift membership you will receive 3 bars of soap and a soap shelf your first shipment. Each month thereafter, for the length of your subscription, you will receive two full size bars of our wonderful handcrafted soap. The scents will change each month and we will take the seasons into consideration. We believe you will be pleasantly surprised each and every month! Your first shipment will go out the end of this week, and the other shipments will be the last Friday of each month. With every shipment you will also receive a special gift in your package. Sometimes it will be a lip balm, sample of a new soap we are introducing, lotion bar or a gift certificate good on your next purchase!  PLUS you will get the heads up on any changes, holiday specials, clearance sales - you will be privy to any news that is news.

Homeschooling Only One will win the FarmGirl Set

A bar of FarmGirl Clean soap wrapped in red gingham paper, a soap deck, a solid lotion bar & a lip butter. All wrapped up in a country red bag, labeled, with a white doily tied with natural jute! Country as country can get! $14.95

Sponsor of the Week information is provided by Classical Kris in TN ... If *YOU* would like to be a Sponsor at HSB.com, email Kris!

Bloggers of the Week are chosen by Spunky.