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I lived in Alabama for twelve years, homeschooling for eleven of those years. In May of 2007 our family moved to Tallahassee, Florida. North Alabama is a lovely area, but we (hubby and I) had often talked of living further south. We both grew up in the Finger Lakes area of New York State, which much resembles north Alabama with its rolling hills and lakes and rivers. But the winters are cold and snowy, with weeks of endless gray cloudy skies. And every winter after we moved to north Alabama, we would complain that the winters were still just too cold. We would say we should have moved further south. And now we have! Not only have we lessened the possibility of seeing snow, but we also can visit the beach frequently! A win-win situation!
Shortly after we moved to Alabama we made the decision to homeschool. So, in addition to being a full-time mom, I became a full-time homeschool mom. A great job. I highly recommend it to anyone so inclined! That job, though, appears to be winding down. Kat graduated in 2003, married in 2004, and presented us with a beautiful granddaughter in 2006, who is our next generation unschooler! You will find frequent mention of Miss Munchkin in both the LeapingFromTheBox Blog and in Musing, Mischief and Mayhem, my personal blog.
David graduated in 2006 and is currently enrolled in Tallahassee Community College, majoring in computer science. He tried a year away from home, living on campus at a small private university, but that didn't seem to work out so well for him. So now he is back at home, commuting to college and job hunting for a part time job. Time to begin segueing into the adult world of responsibilities!
Charles is our youngest and the only child technically homeschooling. He is seventeen and will graduate in 2008. His interest is martial arts and we are exploring our options in that area here in Tally.
So, what do I do, you ask? I hunt down resources, work with Charles on some parts of his schoolwork, read aloud a lot still, watch movies and talk, talk, talk … that pretty much sums up the "school" that goes on daily. In addition, I enjoy crocheting and usually have a project with me at all times. I crochet afghans, scarves and shawls, mostly for gifts. I also enjoy reading, photography and listening to music, especially bluegrass/acoustic and Celtic!
I also now get the fun of finding resources (books, etc.) to buy for that next generation unschooler granddaughter! In fact, Miss Munchkin is the reason you see the Signing Time ad on this page. A Friday morning chat visitor spoke of the use of the Signing Time series with their pre-speaking toddler and that the signing had helped to reduce the child's temper tantrums. Since Miss Munchkin seemed to be just entering the temper tantrum stage, I sent away for the Baby Signing DVDs without even telling Kat about them! Just a gift from Grandma. They have been wildly successful, though, and I have been ordering more of them every few weeks as Miss Munchkin has avidly learned the signs on each. Temper tantrums have all but disappeared (other than when you don't let her watch the Signing Time DVDs or read the Signing Time books with her!) as she communicates her needs and desires quite fluently in sign. I can wholeheartedly recommend the Signing Times products.
Then there's my writing. Writing has always been a part of my life in some way. I was the family correspondent, organizing long newsy newsletters, etc., but I never took my writing seriously. I have slowly come to accept the fact that not only could I be a writer, but that I already am. I have a couple of book ideas that I've begun. I keep saying when life gets calmer, slower, I'll have time to finish them. But I am beginning to think that will never happen … the calmer, slower part!
And last, but by no means least, is this website. What began as just a way to share our personal unschooling journey with friends and family has turned into a labor of love! On LeapingFromTheBox.com you can read my homeschool articles, find personal recommendations for resources and join e-mail lists. And, if you happen to be an Alabama homeschooler, LeapingFromTheBox.com provides a special section of information just for you.
Enjoy!
~ Karen
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