June 2008 Edition

Download the June Issue PDF

What is it about long road trips that cause you to become closer as a family unit all the while getting on each other's nerves? The first 2-3 hours are great. You read, snack, sing songs, discuss what is to come, and look forward to it with anticipation. The next 4-5 hours are still manageable but with a lot less joy. You just keep tolerating it because you hope that it will be over soon. But those last few hours, heh, they are a doozie to make it through. You're bored, anxious, and then you start to get excited. Just excited enough to realize you still have a little ways to go and then a bit disappointed again. Then you finally make it and realize that the destination was worth the long journey even though it became very difficult at times.

Homeschooling is a lot like that. We are overly excited in the beginning and we buy all the books, attend all the conferences, join all of the groups, then we start to ware down. It takes more motivation to continue now and encouragement becomes necessity. Let me encourage you. The destination will be worth the journey. Let us encourage you along the way!

My husband drove most of the way. He was definitely the captain of the ship, er uh, car. Even though I navigated and kept the kids occupied and fed, he still was the driving force (pun not intended but hey, if it works)! We want to acknowledge our amazing dads this month as we celebrate Father's Day.

Focus on Fathers will be June 9th through the 18th. We have a giveaway everyday! Some of our articles are addressed to the men and some are just for the ladies. Our guest writers have outdone themselves and we can't wait to share their articles with you so be sure to check it out!

We also have a new devotional this month: To Love, Honor and Vacuum by Sheila Wray Gregoire. You can sign up for the new devotional study here: Sign Up.

We have the First Annual Heart of the Matter Online Virtual Homeschool Conference coming up July 31 - August 3. We have many amazing speakers lined up as well as vendors to meet all your homeschooling needs...and wants! You can check out the new conference site for more information and to sign up for the event. The schedule for the speakers will be posted next week.

Don't forget to sign up for our new weekly newsletter, which will begin next Sunday. Our newsletter will contain a recap of the week's posts, who won what contests, highlights from that week's meme, freebies, and more! To be included on the list please subscribe here: Subscribe to Newsletter. All who subscribe will be registered to win a prize!!

Please welcome our new writers!

Amy of Allen Academy
Andrea of The Honest Woman
Angela of Homeschooling the Chaotic Family
Celeste of Busy at Home
Jamie of Life & Love in Rose Cottage
Jen of Jeneric Jeneralities
Julie of Jewelz Sightings
Lisa V of Pockets of Time
Nikowa of Knowledge House Academy
Renae of Life Nurturing Education
Valerie of SoCalVal's Homeschooling With Encouragement
Yvonne of Grateful for Grace

In this month's issue:

Why Homeschool?
What's in Your Beach Bag?
Density, Buoyancy, Viscosity, Oh My!
How Does Homeschooling Benefit Society?
Planning our Preschool
When Friends Stop Homeschooling
Creating a Mission Statement
Money Management for Children
How To Tell WHY Your Child is Struggling
So We've Chosen to Shelter Our Children
Teaching our Children is More Than "Doing School"
Making The School Year Easier On The Teacher
Teaching to the Heart
Why Charlotte Mason?
Rejoicing in Weakness
End of Year Organization

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Did you know that we have a Heart of the Matter daily blog, which is updated daily and packed full of inspiration, encouragement, phenomenal resources, and weekly giveaways? Here is a taste of what you might have missed:

Feeling Forgotten?
Homesteading? Me? No, absolutely not me
Do You Know My Friend Worry?
It's Ok To Laugh
Be the Beauty That You Are.... QUICKLY!


*********************This month's printables, courtesy of Christian Homeschooler's Association of South Carolina

Yearly goal sheet
Weekly goal sheet
Portfolio checklist
Blank evaluation form
Attendance form

Important Upcoming Dates:

June 9 - 18 - Focus on Fathers
June 13 - Friday Meme: "Wordless Daddy" Share your favorite picture of your husband and your children.
June 14 - Devotional Study: Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe, Chapter 4
June 15 - Darnelle's Birthday
June 20 - Friday Meme: Tried and True Recipes
June 27 - Friday Meme: Your Questions for Us
June 28 - Devotional Study: Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe, Chapter 5
July 4 - Friday Meme: Healthy Ideas for Picky Eaters
July 6 - Unit Study Day