Our blog’s name, 200 Fingers & Toes, is a testament to our unique challenge in homeschooling a house of ten kids. Yes, you read that right. Ten kids. Planning a homeschool day for such a diverse range of ages is no small feat. The older children have a more significant academic load, and the younger…
We are 200 Fingers & Toes because we are homeschooling that many here at our house. You did read that right and if you are any good at math you have figured out that we have 10 kids. Now you are asking, How do we homeschool 10 without outsourcing everything? We have been homeschooling for the…
Traveling alone doesn’t have to be terrifying. Last summer I traveled alone for the first time in 16 years. It was ridiculous, how nervous I was. I have flown several times, just recently before that, but I on those trips I had someone else leading me. In life there are so many things that are…
What I Learned About an Engine; What to Do When You Are Stuck [Tweet “A little fellowship was all I needed, and the last thing I thought I had time for.”] A little fellowship was all I needed, and the last thing I thought I had time for. What do a broken tractor and friend…
We have to be intentional about building communities for ourselves, because trials will come. Difficulties will landmine your path. You will need a shoulder to lead on, and it is better if you build relationships before then. A few years ago I found my self completely alone. My parents had moved away. Our church closed. It…
You have a community of support waiting for you. I’ve been to my fair share of homeschool Iowa conventions, after all, I am a second generation homeschooler. My situation is unique though. I was involuntarily homeschooled. Take that to heart if you have a child that keeps you up praying at night at your own…
Help my kid hates reading! Have you ever heard a desparate mom cry these words, or have you said them yourself? I have the opportunity to review a Yearly Membership from SchoolhouseTeachers.com for The Homeschool Review Crew. The good news is that I have plenty to say because we’ve been using it for a little over a…
I admit that this year, as I read endless headlines in praise of teachers, I felt a little resentful. Before you think I am a terrible human, I will remind you that I am very much made of flesh and blood. As such I am subject to frustration and disappointment as often as I am…
If you have read the Bible much you will notice that over and over, we are cautioned about grumbling and complaining. There are days, I have given over to my internal dialogue. You might know what those days are like. When you’ve already had the argument, twice, before the actual meeting. Days when the Lord…
Early in our home-school experience I had the blessing of being challenged on a daily basis, by a very strong willed daughter. I was not so Pollyannaish in my descriptions of the situation while I was in deep in the trenches. I am thankful that I had a standing coffee date with a wise friend….
I have been blessed with an easy going personality. I have often left the house with 3 diapers and a wipes package and filled the hours with various free ways to entertain seven small children. Being flexible comes more naturally to me and with ten children, there is not a day that goes by that…
Have you ever bought a circuit set with high hopes of you kid using it with joy; only to throw it away piece by piece as you find them strung out on your kids bedroom floor? Have you ever found the half finished model of the ship you were intending to use to teach the kids about…
I woke up in a panic. The kids had stayed up late watching a movie. I meant to switch off the router when I went to bed, but here I was asleep on the couch. This night watchman gig had to end. I’ve reached the age where my kids can out-weekend me. How could…
Reading as a family has helped us connect to Who Jesus is, where He grew up and respond in kind to the world around us with these 3 treasured books.
When choosing a curriculum, the truth is: It is All About You Have you ever wondered what I use at home for a school with 10 different grades? Yes, 10 kids in 10 different grades. Have you wondered how I haven’t just completely lost my mind? That is ok. We get that a lot. In our…