Our Homeschool Journey

In a nutshell, because I could talk for days on this subject. I went to college to be an elementary school teacher. My degree is in Elementary Education, Music Education, and Vocal Performance. During my internships and first job as an elementary music teacher in the late 1980s, I saw a lot of things happening in public schools that I didn’t like. The top of the list was the lack of respect for authority, or anyone really and the beginnings of the “everyone gets a trophy” mentality. I later taught music at a private Christian school and I taught private music lessons, mostly to homeschoolers. This is when my eyes were opened.

The homeschool families I taught were wonderful! I had never heard of homeschooling before. At the time I was pregnant with my second child and my oldest was 2. I spent that year getting to know these families, learning about homeschooling ( I had never heard of it before). By the fall of that year, after lots of prayer and many confirmations from God, the decision was made to homeschool our boys instead of put them in Christian school.

We homeschooled all the way through, birth-high school graduation, 16 years in total. My youngest graduated in 2012 and I still miss homeschooling every single day. Now I mentor new families who are thinking about homeschooling. I’m also excited that my daughter-in-law plans on homeschooling my grandkids!

About Homeschool Awakening

THE HOMESCHOOL AWAKENING releases in theaters nationwide June 13 & 14! Get your tickets NOW! Hear more about the value of homeschooling from a homeschool dad himself: Kirk Cameron! Homeschooling is a lifestyle first and an educational philosophy second. God gave your children to you, you are their primary teacher.

Synopsis

Families across the nation are experiencing the homeschool awakening, taking advantage of the freedom and opportunities for self-discovery — with the world as their classroom. Join award-winning actor, Kirk Cameron, as he dives into the adventures of dynamic American families on a mission to put fun and faith back into learning. The Homeschool Awakening explores the ins, outs, and honest answers to homeschooling’s most frequently asked questions.

The Homeschool Awakening is only in theaters for 2 days so make plans to attend and get your tickets.

Who Should See This?

• Everyone-the general public needs to have their eyes opened about the truths of homeschooling.
• If you’ve ever considered homeschooling, even for one second-this is for you.
• Homeschoolers-your resolve to homeschool will be stronger after viewing this film.

The Mom Maven’s Thoughts

This film made me wish I had more kids! LOL I miss homeschooling, the bonds we built with our boys are so strong because of the time we spent together as a family learning, traveling, and working.

There are so many incorrect things currently being taught in government schools, I wanted my kids to know the truth. To be able to do that, we start with the One True God and His Word. Education that starts with God and a Christian worldview is devoid of all of the immoral teachings that are currently in classrooms.

The Homeschool Awakening shows real families, many of whom have brought their children home from public schools for one reason or another. You will see the freedoms homeschoolers have to school on their schedule in whatever way suits their children. You will be encouraged and inspired to invest in your child’s future.

Homeschooling doesn’t make life perfect, you will still have hard days and days you wish your child was gone for 6 hours BUT the relationships built and lessons learned far outweigh the struggles.

Giveaway

One winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card! The winner will be confirmed and then emailed. They will have 24 hours to respond to the email to claim their prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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For the last month or so I have been seeing a lot on Facebook about the movie Kirk Cameron’s Saving Christmas. The movie opens in theaters on November 14, 2014 for a limited 2 week engagement. The other morning I was checking the website to see where it was playing near me. Trying to find time in our calendar, the last 2 weeks before Aaron’s wedding to drive 30 minutes to see this movie was proving difficult. Later that day, I received an email asking me if 1) I would like to participate in a conference call with Kirk Cameron-YES 2) Would I like to watch the movie via online screener in the comfort of my home before it is released int theaters-YES and 3) Would I write a review of the movie and host a giveaway of movie swag-YES!

On November 5, 2014 I was a part of a conference call with Kirk Cameron that also included a Twitter chat, you can check out #kirkchat on Twubs to read the tweets. While on the conference Kirk told us about the movie and why he made it. He also answered some of our questions about his life and family (he is a homeschooling dad of 6!), Growing Pains, his faith and Christian walk. If was fun to hear from him and to learn a little more about the personal side of Kirk.

About Kirk Cameron’s Saving Christmas

This Christmas, have your family join with Kirk Cameron’s family and dive headfirst into all the joy, dancing, celebration, feasting, imagination, and traditions that glorify the true “reason for the season.” KIRK CAMERON’S SAVING CHRISTMAS is an engaging story that provides a biblical basis for our time-honored traditions and celebrations, and the inspiration to stand strongly against a culture that wants to trivialize and eliminate the faith elements of this holy season. So take in the splendor; take in the majesty; take in the story. Take it all in… and let’s put Christ back in Christmas! KIRK CAMERON’S SAVING CHRISTMAS is in theaters for a limited engagement beginning November 14 for two weeks only!

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

This movie wasn’t at all what I expected it to be. I would call this infotainment or an illustrated sermon. The movie was slow moving and the parts with the character D’Andre could have been omitted and nothing would have been lost in the message. That being said…I loved that this movie helped me look at traditional symbols of Christmas in a new light. The swaddling cloths, the Christmas tree, the toy soldier and even Santa Claus have their place in a Christian Christmas celebration.

I would recommend this movie for those ages 12+, I feel younger children would be bored.This is a great movie for a small group or church to see together as it would be a wonderful springboard for discussion.

Saving Christmas Soundtrack

1. Joy-1 Girl Nation
2. Christmas Time Again-Steven Curtis Chapman
3. Saving Christmas-Building 429
4. Let Us Adore-Jason Crabb
5. Away In A Manger-Casting Crowns
6. Deck the Halls-Tenth Avenue North
7. Hark The Herald Angels Sing-Matt Maher
8. Silent Night (Christ is Born)-Jason Crabb
9. O Holy Night-Kerrie Roberts
10. O Come, O Come Emmanuel-Rhett Walker Band
    Bonus Track
    Father, My Father/Silent Night-Isabella Cameron and Kenzie Mae

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