Hi, and welcome to Confessions of a Homeschooler!
Please allow me to introduce myself:
Welcome to Confessions of a Homeschooler! My name is Erica Arndt, I’m a Christian mom with a wonderful husband and 4 precious kiddos! We’ve been homeschooling since 2006, although I was previously opposed to the idea. But I have learned through this journey, that when the Lord calls us, we are to be obedient! You can visit this post to see why we homeschool now. After a few early years spent getting into our groove, I can say that I am blessed to have the option to homeschool these kiddos, and that my husband and I can be the primary influence in their lives!
About our blog:
Confessions of a Homeschooler is a blog full of homeschooling ideas, resources and printables. I began the site in August of 2009 with the start of a new school year. It started off as a way for my husband to ‘see what we do all day’. And has really helped him interact with the kids about what they’ve learned each day. It quickly morphed into a place for sharing ideas and resources with other homeschoolers! And now we’ve even added in our cooking, quilting, and crafting adventures too!
About the Players:
This sweet girl is my first born! I’ve homeschooled her since the beginning! So she’s my guinea pig, and mini-me. She’s now 16 years old and currently in 11th Grade. She likes horses, cooking, animals, and all things light blue.
Next we have Sam. He’s my second born, 15 years old and currently in the 10th Grade. He’s the only dude in this group of all girlies (except my husband of course). He loves hockey, motocross, video games, and anything that I’ll let him take apart. He’s good at just about everything he tries, and he has a laugh that is contagious!
Olivia is up next. She’s my 3rd born baby, 13 years old and currently in 8th grade. She’s a girlie girl and loves choir, playing guitar, worship, and sewing. She’s a total “mama’s girl” and spends most of her time hugging and kissing me :o).
Last but not least is our baby. She’s the sweetest kid and is always up for a challenge! She’s crazy as can be, loves to try new things, and does her best to do literally EVERYthing that the big kids can do. She loves motocross, knitting, weaving, sewing, and hockey. And don’t let her size fool you, she can keep up with the big kids just fine!
We also added a few furry friends in to the mix! Check them out on instagram below 🙂
About Our Homeschool:
Similar to many moms, I face the self-inflicted frustration of self doubt.
“Am I doing enough? What am I missing? Am I a good teacher? Should they be in school?” But I’ve found over the years that my frustration is outweighed by the tremendous joys of seeing my family grow closer together and watching as the kids grow and learn new things.
I think homeschooling is one of those slow payoffs, but each day I can see little things that inspire me to keep going! The Lord has really confirmed our decision to homeschool each year and truly brought us joy through our obedience! You can read why our family chose to homeschool here. And more about my own struggle with it in my Candid Conversation with God, and my thoughts on Plate Spinning 101!
I have found great inspiration for our homeschool from fellow homeschoolers. Joining the blogging community has been a HUGE help, and frankly I’m not sure how I ever did school before! There are so many talented and creative moms out there, and I love that everyone is willing to share their ideas and inspiration so freely! It’s truly been a blessing to us over the years.
I hope you enjoy this blog, and that it would be a blessing to your family! Thanks for reading, and if you have any questions feel free to contact me, I’d be happy to help!
Hi! I cannot seem to print off your Bible book marks. Can you help me please?
Hello Erica – been working on your sew along (You Tube) – the first 3 are done. Is there going to be anymore?
Thanks much, sue
Hi Sue, they release the 3rd Thursday of each month 🙂
I have the hardest time printing off
your patterns.
Hi cynthia,
I’m sorry you are having trouble. If you need more help please send me an email and hopefully, I can assist 🙂
How did you get your son to read? My son he does not like to read anything. I would like for him to become a great reader. Do you have any tips or ideas that you tried.?
We went to the library and found books he was interested in. Allowing him to help select books really helped. Once I was confident in his ability to read, I switched from a formal curriculum to my literature units with books he enjoyed. That made all the difference!
Hi I can’t get the churn dash downloaded for print off.
Try RIGHT clicking the download link, then select ‘save file as’
I would like to know if the information that you have would help/pertain to my son who has autism(non verbal and behind in learning and reading.
Hi Kim,
I have been told that my curriculum is great for special needs students because it is very colorful, hands-on, and tactile. That said, you’re welcome to give it a try and if it doesn’t work out just let me know 🙂
Dear Erica,
I really have enjoyed all the fun Christmas sewing! I am still finishing the Vintage Christmas 2 quilt and quilty ornaments, and just now diving into the stitchy ornaments. I was wondering if you were thinking of doing a block of the month for Your Christmas Ville quilt? I think that would be super fun!
Your quilting friend in CA,
Tonya
Hi Tonya, yes I am thinking about doing that in 2022 🙂 Thanks for the suggestion!
Do you have the Vintage Truck of the Month patterns in a set?
They will be put in a set once they’re all done.
Hi Erica! Love your tutorials! I did the jelly roll rug a couple of years ago because you made it look less intimidating 😁
I just found your vintage truck series and am going to make all of them, but for some reason September is not showing up, only the cross stitch pattern does. I was wondering if you would help me out so I can make this one too?
Thank you and God bless! Two of our adult children homeschooling their children too.
Hi Trudy, you can get the Sept. block here:
https://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/2021/08/vintage-truck-of-the-month-september-quilt-pattern.html
I cannot print the pattern/instructions for the Quilted Scrappy Pocket Tote Bag. I love this bag and it would be perfect for my granddaughter who is working on her masters in nursing. I, too, was a homeschooling mom. My boys are in their 40s now.
If you could email the pattern and instructions to me I would greatly appreciate it.
Hi, if the file isn’t downloading, try RIGHT clicking the link then select ‘save file as’
I have purchased all of the cross stitch patterns for the trucks but the one for July is missing. Was there one for July? Will it be available for download?
Hi Karen, July will come out June 15, 2022 🙂