Day 151: May 31, 2016

Bridget Reagan

May 31, 2016       Bridget, Alumni of Community Homeschoolers Reflects on Her Parents, the Teachers

(In our homeschooling community we have two wonderful graduates, Mary Lauer and John Reagan. John's sister, Bridget, posted this and I loved it. I asked for permission to reprint it. You will enjoy it as well!)

John Reagan

I know it's generally customary to celebrate the student who graduates at the end of their grade school years. However, in our case, all of the faculty is graduating, too! Since I designed the graduation slideshow, I need to apologize because I didn't include them (their senior photos weren't on Facebook):

Mom and Dad,
Congratulations on successfully navigating the waters of homeschooling so your kids could work at their own pace and find what we really loved in the world. Everyone survived, even you, and we didn't make it easy.

I know this must be a bittersweet moment for you, because for over 20 years you have had at least one child relying on you to explain everything they encounter in life and textbooks, and now you will have to settle for my frantic calls from 300 miles away about bees in my apartment. Not many schools have a 100% college attendance rate. I don't think any of them can boast a 75% Hofstra attendance rate, or anything near our Cat:Human ratio, either.

Being homeschooled by Matthew and Kelly Reagan influences a lot of behaviors.Shockingly, I'm not talking about the social repercussions, though there is something to be said for being stuck in the house with your entire family every day of the week. I'm referring to the drive to truly understand something, to get excited about learning something new for the sake of learning it. Watching your parents teach a sibling gives you a lot of perspective for when you have to learn something on your own, or teach someone else.

I'm also referring to an understanding of timeliness, dedication, and preparation. We were taught to always follow through with our obligations, no matter how much we don't want to. Always be prepared for any situation (always bring a screwdriver, a 6+ sided die, and a laptop). Always arrive in plenty of time to practice! This isn't to say we're on time, but at least we feel really bad about it when we're late.

So far, I can give you at least 75% assurance that you have successfully raised us to adulthood, bees notwithstanding. And, your graduation is the only one that doesn't mean more loans! Congratulations again, keep up the good work!!

Love,
Bridget, Erin, Patrick, and now John Reagan

Day 150: May 30, 2016 Bonnie Lauer's Speech at Her Daughter's Graduation

May 30, 2016 Bonnie Lauer's Speech at Her Daughter's Graduation

Day 150

(The following is a speech Bonnie Lauer (you all know her!) gave at Mary's, her youngest daughter, graduation. I asked her for a copy because I knew you would enjoy it. She is so articulate and delivered it so well. We need to read more of her writings and hear more of her speeches. She has been a homeschool comrade, partner in crime, with the rest of us homeschool mavericks. We have been doing this for over twenty years and we know that homeschool is not the panacea, it is not the end all be all. But we have done it because we really enjoy spending time with our children. We are not looking for a yellow bus come September, maybe February, but never September. So if you want to know more about homeschooling, Bonnie knows the homeschool world and would be a great advocate. Enjoy)

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(Following written by Bonnie Lauer)

This is a special day for our families. We share a special connection that began with meeting in preschool and extends through today. Both of us are graduating our youngest child and ending our homeschooling experience.  Interestingly, both our families began homeschooling our oldest at the same time and they both graduated together in 2007. The first and now the last.

It won’t end here though. As each of our families grew, so did our bonds.  Like a tapestry, the lives of myself, John, Kelly and Matt became woven together through the lives of all our children. Bridget and Mark, and then Colin, all three part of the same circle of friends; Erin and Luke bonded over fights about their respective pacifiers and now, having worked out those difference, remain good friends; Patrick, Maggie and Eve, and then John and Mary, endured play groups, field trips, play practices, and social events as the little siblings of the older homeschoolers but soon became friends attending semi-formals, carpools, trick-or-treating, parties, lifeguard training and, of course, play practices of their own. Each of them will follow their own path but will remain connected to one another, whether through memories of growing up together or occasional sightings when they return to familiar neighborhood gatherings or with regular meet-ups, phone calls and texts.

And here we are now at John and Mary’s graduation. Kelly and I, and to some extent Matt and John, now find ourselves out of a job, or retired. But as homeschoolers, we have had a different experience than other parents when it comes to education. We were an active part of our children’s education. We planned, prepared and implemented a lot of it. We oversaw, investigated options and participated in it. We recorded info in logs, filled portfolios, and filed paperwork for the evaluator and the school district. After all these years, I know I am glad to be done with that, and I am sure Kelly is too. It was often difficult, frustrating, confusing and tiring because you know it was more than just teaching. It is also parenting, house keeping, food prep and errands, along with keeping track of everyone’s schedules, running someone to a class or appointment, pregnancies and toddlers, illnesses, and various commitments in the community all the while having every one of the children with you while doing these things!

But I want to say that I cannot imagine doing anything more rewarding than what I have been doing the past twenty years. I am so grateful for this journey we have taken together as a family, as part of the learning group, and as friends that will always be strands of the tapestry of this homeschooling life. Let me share just how this experience enriched all our lives.

Home schooling has not just educated my children, but has developed adults who have inquiring minds. They are curious, creative, questioning and open minded to experiences, ideas, people.They have been able to interact and connect with and be a part of so many varied people, places and ways of learning.

Home schooling has grown siblings who really know and love each other. Being at home for school the oldest saw the younger ones grow up. The younger ones were a part of the big kids lives. Outings, vacations, births, and sicknesses were for everyone. Now they enjoy being together, they want to know what is going on with each other, and are there for each other when needed.

Home schooling has developed a sense that our home is a place where life happens -- the good, the bad, the necessary and the serendipitous. Others become part of the family when they are here. It is a place to welcome, to worship, to shelter, to learn, to grow, to serve, to renew and to belong.

Home schooling has been a way to live as disciples of Christ, learning and growing together. We also had the opportunity to live as a witness to our faith for each other and and those we encounter, intentionally or as life is lived. We have been able to have this interwoven in all areas of living, day by day. God is present and faithful in the daily and ordinary, as well as the extraordinary.  

And finally, home schooling has taught me more than anyone. Parenting has a way of doing that, but the homeschooling life adds other lessons I think I may have missed otherwise. And since I can be hard to train, I got six different experiences to learn from with my six children! I’ve learned way too much to name now but one important thing is this - We will learn what we need to know when we are open and ready to understand. And this is a never ending process as we go through life.

So while lots of people ask me if I am sad over my last graduation, I can honestly say “no” because the things that I’ve mentioned are the things that will not ever end. And, they are the things that are the most important and valuable aspect of not just our homeschooling journey, but of life. Mary created a Community Homeschool Learning Group logo a number of years ago in a graphic design art class. It is a tree with roots and branches.  Relationships, faith, community, growth and wisdom are the roots that have been developed and fed, allowing a strong trunk to form that sends out branches - the crown of the tree and each are unique.  Sometimes the growth is vigorous and at other times barely noticeable. But the roots of a homeschooled life go deep and wide and I am confident that it is by God’s grace these rewards are the fruits of our homeschool journey and that they will continue to bless me, my family and you in all our days ahead. Written by Bonnie Lauer

Day 149: May 30, 2016

May 30, 2016

Day 149

There comes a time during the day

when I must stop.

Just stop.

And Sit.

And Think.

This is a time to process 

the what, the who,

the why, they how, the where.

This is a time to wonder, 

to dream,to consider all possibilities.

This is a time to wait.

Just wait.

Everyday I must do this.

The strength of my inner man

depends on the time I give

myself to just be.

It may look lazy

and that is fine. 

But if I do not do this....

it's not good.

Day 148: May 28, 2016 Reflections for Caity and Colby

May 28, 2016
Day 148    Reflections for Caity and Colby

I was the bride on a beautiful summer day in 1986 and Lynn was the groom. The mystery of how a little girl from upstate New York and a little boy from the wilds of Northern Ontario can meet and begin to walk towards a union will always and forever intrigue me. Caity and Colby, we are glad that you discovered each other.

This summer we will celebrate our 30th year anniversary. We shake our heads in disbelief. Lynn and I continue to walk over tough and smooth roads but always hand 'n hand and with this view in mind; our relationship is purposeful. We are a living unit that has a call beyond a selfish fest. I would like to share with you some of my reflections and offer hope to the both of you.

Marriage is the best training grounds for your christian walk, the perfect sanctification tool. You, my dears, have just been given the opportunity of your lifetime to grow closer to the ONE who loves you most intimately. This view is going to pull your eyes toward the one who navigates - Jesus, and pull your eyes away from the two of you, simply
passengers!

The biggest mistake a couple can make is not to view their marriage through a correct lense. Your view of your union is what will determine your fulfillment in marriage. If you are looking for self-fulfillment, you chose the wrong institution. For your union is not to be insular, myopic, self focused or navel gazed. Your union soars past the shakey foundations. You are building a family, and even if it remains Colby and Caity, this is a family. This relationship is going to fast track you to the throne room and school you in prayer. This union is going to entertain, provide meals, day retreats, overnight rests, insights, healing, and more importantly a place to learn more of the Father's love. The world's view of marriage is simply not useful nor helpful. Marriage bursts through that puny door and expands into greater fields. Your union is a vessel, a conduit, a roundabout but never a dead end street.

Does he still feel the same way? Do I still feel the same way? Throw these questions out. The question of the day is this; Am I changing in a way that allows me to be more loving and am I using my gifts well, am I being who I was created to be fully and making my destined mark in this world for the good of the world? Now that's a loaded question! Ask it everyday and work on the answer. And now I am now under own conviction (why do I write these things??)? I must work on that question.

Learn to understand what it means to be Kingdom of light dwellers and in contrast what it means to not be kingdom of darkness dwellers. Though it is subtle it is makes the difference of a lifetime here and "on the other side." It is essential for you to learn the culture of God's Kingdom and not be sucked into the culture that surrounds you.

Gain muscles by swimming upstream against the current of the world's standards. It is easy to float with everyone downstream but it does not end well. The more you swim against the mainstream, the stronger you are and it ends at a beautiful meadow of grace.

Entertain regardless of your home size. Do not miss out on this blessing. There are no limiting factors- size of home, limited budget etc. Your home will breath space and God will supply. Your home will be a refuge for many, a place where they will connect with their true Lover. Do it, you might entertain an angel- I have six. I just went too far.

My only regret is that I wish I would have known Lynn longer. May this be your only regret as well. Blessings, Caity and Colby! May God expand your marriage view into galactic proportions! You have just entered the whirlwind of wonder. Sit back and enjoy....

Day 147: May 27, 2016 Goodnight

May 27, 2016

Day 147

Words are scrambling as my head nods off and my eyes go shut. Goodnight. God is so good. There are many tonight who will not sleep well tonight. As you go off to your slumber would you remember those in our midst who will not sleep well tonight.

Day 146: May 26, 2016 Best 2016 Summer Reading List

May 26, 2016      Best 2016 Summer Reading List
Day 146


Yesterday I asked Facebook Friends the following:

I would love to know some of your most favorite books that a student and adult would equally love. Let's begin a grand list! I will start with mine - "A Swiftly Tilting Planet" by Madeleine Angle. This is the list that followed. The compilers of the following suggestions are found at the end of this list.  You will note that I began with energy - I looked up the author's name to place alongside their work. But my energy waned and I am bone tiredl I leave it into your capable hands or I might get to it sooner or later. But for now - here we go! Summer reading is the best!

The Wilderness Family: At Home with Africa's Wildliffe: Kobie Kruger
Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbet
The Lemony Snicket A Series of Misfortunate Events by Daniel Handler
My Thirteenth Winter by Samantha Abeel
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Help by Kathryn Stocket
Wonder by Palacio
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Rules by Cynthia Lord
A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park
Mr. God, This is Anna by Sydney Hopkins
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge
My Side of the Mountain Trilogy by Jean Craighead George
My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
Last Dragon by Berry Gordy
Mysterious Benedict Society Books by Trenton Lee Steward
Chomp by Carl Hiasson
Bone Graphic Novels by Jeff Smith
The Fog Mound Books by Susan Chade and Jon Buller
Tale of Despereaux by Kate Dicamillo
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Gideon the Cutpurse
Hedge of Thorns
Jessica's First Prayer
The Good Earth
Atlas Shrugged
The Zookeeper's Wife
We Were the Mulvaneys
In the Land of the Blue Burquas
Lolita in Tehran
The Cay
Where the Red Fern Grows
Fever
Yellow Crocus
No Ordinary Time
Wrinkle in Time
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Seven Sons and Seven Daughters
The Candy Maker
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Long Walk to Water
Follow My Leader
The Year of Miss Agnes
Harriet the Spy by Beverly Clearly
White Fang by Jack London
Call of the Wild by Jack London
Wednesday Wars
Okay For Now by Gary D. Schmidt
Georgia by Eugenia Price
Red Sails to Capri by
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Zia
The Book Thief by Zusak
The Looking Glass War Series
Tiger Rising by Kate Dicamillo
Because of Winn Dixie
Gregor the Overlander Series by Suzanne Collins
Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder
Little House Series
The Glass Castle
The Double Blind
Emma and Me
Bread and Wine
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
Shiloh
Shiloh Season
Shiloh Returns
Little Britches by Ralph Moody
The Pain and the Great One by Judy Blume

Contributors: 
Tiffany Shoffner, Rozanna Stoltzfus Leever, Diane Tameo Treichler, Amanda Hertzler, Misty Stoltzfus, Elizabeth Licitra,  Betty Bauder, Jari Butler, Elizabeth Weaver, Barbaranne Wallace Kelly, Dorothy Boorse, Allison Harner Bolt, Dale Cupo, Marian Barnett, Dawn VanLandeghem Newswanger, Robert Charles White, Rachel Nyssen, Kim Williamson, Annette Hertzler, LaRonda Snader, Wendy Boerner Brynan, Janet K. Richards, Amy Griffiths Shenk, Cathy Cuff Coffman, Donna Herron Pitzer, Darci Tyler Harrington, Angel Petersen, Rebecca Keeport Juhl, Rose Myers, Darcia Jackson

Day 145: May 25, 2016 Relentless Things

May 25, 2016      Relentless Things
Day 145

Sometimes I need to let "things" go and not allow them to keep coming back in the door with more reasons to stay. Kinda like putting a kid to bed with just one more thing; but I have to go potty, I need a drink, I am scared. These un relentless "things" keep popping up like a whack a mole game. And I keep whacking them like a gambler. Maybe this one will cure all. Oh wait, maybe this one. And on and on it goes. Like a fool I let this happen. Over and over and over again. Just like when I am weak boned and give in to the persistent child who is asking and asking and asking beyond when I say, NO!

This is where I understand why God calls faith work and why this kind of work is the most important kind we can do. To believe that Jesus is the Son of God is to do the works of God. I am called on a second by second basis to believe that Jesus is the Son of God and has redeemed me and has, by His death, provided His Holy Spirit. To let "things" go is to believe that Jesus can take care of these "things" with wisdom, mercy, grace and honor. God is so good.