Dear Diary,

Some days I look around at the mess, the half-finished lessons, the stack of untouched workbooks… and I think, “Did we even do enough today?”

I don’t know, maybe you’ve had those days too.

The ones where math didn’t get finished, reading felt rushed, or like it took ALL DAY, and by the time supper rolls around, I’m wondering if I can even call it a “school day.” Yes, me, as a second-generation homeschooler. I have these days too.

It’s easy to measure our homeschool by what we can check off.
Pages completed. Lessons finished. Boxes marked. Especially if you live in a state that requires you to keep track of things (like us here in Missouri)

But what about everything else? Because if I’ve learned anything over the past 23 years of homeschooling, it’s this:

Our children are always learning.

Not just when they’re sitting at the table with a pencil in hand.
Not just when the workbook is open. Always

.

Learning Doesn’t Only Happen at the Table

Some of the most meaningful learning in our home doesn’t happen in a structured lesson at all.

It happens:

• In the kitchen

• Outside in the yard

• In the car, listening to our audiobooks with Sherwood

• Around the dinner table

• During everyday conversations

And if I’m not careful, I’ll miss it completely because it doesn’t look like school.

But it counts. It all counts.

Let’s Break It Down (Because Sometimes We Need To See It)

If you’ve ever questioned whether your day “measured up,” this might help you see it more clearly.

Life Skills

• Cooking and baking (measuring, following directions, patience)

• Grocery shopping (budgeting, decision-making, comparing prices)

• Cleaning and organizing (responsibility, stewardship of the home)

These are the kinds of skills our kids will carry with them forever. I remember being a very young adult (17-18yo) and meeting a gal who couldn’t do her own laundry OR boil water on the stove because she was never taught. She literally had to learn those skills as an adult. And I was so shocked that her parents never put in the effort to teach her. And that’s something I can PRAISE my parents for, even if it wasn’t done kindly, they taught us how to care for a home, and for children, and those are the skills I’ve used most in my adult life.

Math (Without the Workbook)

• Measuring ingredients while baking

• Counting money at the store

• Estimating totals

• Dividing snacks between siblings

Math is happening all the time. But we may not always label it that way.

Science & Nature

• Gardening

• Observing weather changes

• Talking about how plants grow

• Exploring outside

You don’t need a formal experiment to spark curiosity. Sometimes just being outside is enough. No matter how old your children are.

Language Arts

• Writing letters to friends ( we do this at LEAST once a week)

• Reading recipes

• Listening to audiobooks (in the car with Sherwood is our fave!)

• Having meaningful conversations

Communication is being built in the everyday.

Character & Faith

• Learning patience with siblings (I don’t know about your kids, but mine need constant reminders)

• Practicing kindness

• Serving others

• Talking through hard moments

• Reading Scripture together

These are the lessons that shape who they become. And honestly? These matter just as much, if not more than academics, and it all starts at home with your family.

Somewhere along the way, many of us were taught (or brainwashed) that “real learning” only happens when you’re sitting down with a book in hand.

But homeschooling gives us the freedom to see learning differently. To step back and realize:

Education is not confined to a workbook.
It’s woven into our everyday lives. And I should know, since my childhood was full of fun adventures, AND workbooks, every single day.

That doesn’t mean structure isn’t important. Kids actually thrive with structure.

But it does mean we start taking notice of all of the learning that’s already happening right in front of us.

If You Need Something Practical… Here’s What I Do

Because I know the question isn’t just “Does it count?”
It’s also, “How do I keep track without losing my mind?”

Here’s what’s worked for me:

I keep it simple.

• A small planner, or even a notebook, ot the notes app on your phone

• At the end of the day (or week), I jot down the things we did

• Not everything—just highlights of the non-academics

For example:

• Baked cookies (math, life skills)

• Nature walk (science)

• Read aloud (language arts)

• Helped sibling (character)

That’s it. No complicated system. No pressure to document every moment. That’d be exhausting. Just a simple record that reminds me:
We are doing more than I think we are.

For the Parents Who Feel Like They’re Not Doing Enough

I know that feeling. The quiet doubt that creeps in at the end of the day. The comparison. The pressure to “do more.” But let me gently remind you of this: If your home is filled with conversation, curiosity, patience, correction, laughter, and learning woven into your daily life… You are doing enough. Your children are learning. Maybe not always in straight lines.
Maybe not always in ways that are easy to measure. But they are learning.

So, maybe today didn’t look the way we planned. Maybe the workbook stayed closed a little longer than I intended. But learning still happened. In the kitchen. In the conversations.
In the small, ordinary *mundane* moments that are shaping my children in ways a worksheet could never.

And maybe that’s the reminder we needed all along.

Until next time,

Rachael

Dear Diary,

There’s something so heartwarming and heartfelt about receiving a handwritten letter from a dear friend. If you’re Gen Z or younger, you might think handwritten notes are a thing of the past, out of style, and that nobody really cares about them. But that’s where you’d be wrong. If you’re thinking this way, then you may have never received a handwritten letter from somebody near and dear to you. And as a millennial who grew up with several pen pals, let me just say it’s always exciting to receive snail mail.

I still remember sitting on my bedroom floor, carefully opening each envelope so I wouldn’t ruin the pretty stickers. Because yes, we were those pen pals who decorated our envelopes and sprayed them with body spray, perfume—heck, I even rubbed deodorant on one once just to see if the smell would last. Haha. (FYI, it did.)

After pulling the letter out of the envelope, I would read it over and over again like it was something sacred. I couldn’t wait to see what questions my friends asked so I could write back and come up with something fun or unique in return.

Sometimes I would get ideas for questions from my Nana. She was born in 1932, so she was well-versed in handwritten letters. She always had the best tips and advice. She passed away in 2022, while I was 4 months pregnant with baby number 5, and I still carry her advice with me, and pass it along to my children.

And even now, when I take the time to write handwritten letters, notes, or even little postcards to my friends, they always reach out (although it may not be through a letter back) and tell me they received my letter and how much joy it brought them. And when my kids write letters to their friends or receive letters from their friends, they are the happiest they’ve ever been in that exact moment. They’re anxious to rip open the envelope (sometimes homemade, and that’s so cute) and see what the letter says. To receive a handwritten letter from someone is a gesture of love and kindness in and of itself.

I love this quote from the University of North Carolina article titled Why Handwritten Letters Mean So Much:

“Those are the ways that relationships get built over time, by one person doing something that literally draws the other person in,” Algoe said.

The real truth of the matter is letters are timeless. They are keepsakes that we can go back to again and again. They also invoke feelings. Depending on the letter, it can bring back the biggest smile of joy or remind us of a sad hardship that was forgotten. In this modern day and age, especially with “minimalist” households, everyone is so quick to let go of things that really matter. They’d rather toss it in the trash or send a quick text rather than hang onto something that can be so meaningful and precious, like a handwritten letter.

Until next time

~Rachael

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But don’t know where to start. The good news is: yes, you absolutely can. And I’m here to help.

Honestly, the Show Me State is one of the more flexible states when it comes to homeschooling.

Hi, I’m Rachael, a second-generation homeschooling mom of five. And these newsletters are still coming, just slower lol. We’re currently in our 10th year of homeschooling, and I’m here to answer any and all questions you have about homeschooling in Missouri.

Missouri is considered an easy state to homeschool in because:

• You do not have to notify anyone

• There is no letter of intent

• There is no approval process

• There are no teacher certifications required

• You don’t have to submit anything to anyone

• There is no oversight

What Missouri does ask is that you keep records showing that you’ve completed 1,000 hours of instruction per school year.

Now, here’s where it can feel a little confusing, but stay with me.

• 600 of those hours must be in (one of) the five core subjects:

  • Math

  • Language arts

  • Science

  • Social studies

  • Reading

Yes, Missouri still counts reading as its own subject. I’ve heard that may change in the future, but for now, we go with it.

• At least 400 of those hours must take place at home

Before you panic, don’t. It’s still very manageable.

Most of us are at home for at least 400 hours without even trying, and we are a family that’s constantly on the go. We are those busy homeschoolers.

Record Keeping (Don’t Overthink This)

If you are homeschooling children under 16, you do need to maintain certain records.

But again, you do not have to submit anything. This is just what you keep for your own records. Because if truancy does get called to check up on you, (I don’t want to scare you, but this does happen) then you have everything you need to prove you’re following the laws.

Here’s what that looks like:

• A plan book, journal, diary, or digital record showing:

  • What subjects you taught

  • What activities your child participated in (science projects, field trips, etc.)

• Samples of your child’s work

  • This is up to your discretion

  • I personally keep about 3–5 pieces per subject per year

  • You can keep more if you’d like

I also keep:

• A detailed log: I love a good homeschool planner, and I like to include all the details.

• Photos of what we’ve done (Again, science projects, field trips, everyday learning)

If it counts as school, I document it.

Academic Evaluations (This Confuses People)

You are also required to keep academic evaluations.

This is where a lot of people get tripped up.

Missouri says this can include:

• Regular tests in various subjects

• Or annual standardized testing

A “regular test” can be something built into your curriculum.

For example:

• Teaching Textbooks has a test every few lessons

• AOP (Alpha Omega Publications) programs, like LifePac or Horizons, also include tests after so many lessons.

Those count.

You just need to keep some of those on file.

You can also choose standardized testing, like MAP testing or other approved options, but it’s not your only route.

You should always have at least two years’ worth of records on hand, unless you’re just starting out and can prove that.

So… What Actually Counts as “School”, or Learning?

I know this can sound like a lot, but I promise it’s not. And this is coming from someone who moved here from Texas, where it is super relaxed when it comes to homeschool laws. I remember thinking, “Oh no, Missouri is going to be so hard.” But you’ve got this!

Things that count as school:

• Reading together

• Nature walks

• Science projects (anyone up for an exploding volcano in the kitchen? haha.)

• History documentaries (thank you, YouTube)

• Cooking (every meal/snack, and we know that’s a LOT)

• Field trips (to ALL the places)

• Co-ops

It all counts.

This is learning. And you can log it as such.

As a second-generation homeschooler, I can tell you this firsthand:

Homeschooling doesn’t, and shouldn’t, look like public school.

Missouri gives families the flexibility to build an education that actually fits their children. And if you’re here, wondering if you can do this…

Consider this your sign.

Yes, you can.

Start small.
Find your community.
Trust that you will figure it out as you go.

And if you have questions, comments, or just want to see what my plan book looks like, shoot me an email. I’m always happy to help.

Your Friend,

Rachael

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I started this newsletter with the intention of dropping sneak peeks and BTS of my podcast episodes. I quickly realized that wasn’t the direction I wanted to go, and I haven’t really talked about my podcast at all. I’ve found that I really enjoy sharing about our homeschool life in general. The tools we’ve used, what’s worked, what hasn’t, our day-to-day happenings, and all that in between.

So, if you’d like some freebies, I have a growing list of fun online (and printable) resources I use weekly with my kids, and you can check it out here on a Google Sheets doc.

And if you have any questions, comments, or just need to talk, I’m always available.

Thank you for your support,

Rachael

Dear Diary,

If we’re really honest with ourselves, taking a long holiday break was so nice and so needed for our homeschool family. No obligations. No extra extracurriculars. Just being home together.

We spent time baking, making paper crafts, salt dough Christmas ornaments, and listening to Christmas audiobooks on Sherwood. It was truly such a lovely break, one that we personally needed. Now, I’m ready to get back into a routine. Extracurriculars outside of the home are starting back up. Our co-op is starting back up. And I need to get our days back into some kind of rhythm. But I also can’t stop thinking about how nice that break was. The question runs through my mind: “Is that how unschoolers feel all the time?” Then I remind myself, “No.” The unschoolers I’ve spoken to talk about how much more intense and hands-on homeschooling has to be if you’re going to do it well. But this isn’t about unschooling. We’ll save that for another time.

This is about getting back into a routine after a long holiday break. So where do we start?
How do I get organized? What can I do to make this easier on myself and my kids?

Let’s break it down.

Part 1: Checking Myself First

What I’ve learned the hard way:

If I try to jump right back in without checking myself first, it never sticks. After a long break, I don’t ask, “What should we be doing?” I ask, “Where can I realistically start right now?”

This is what I do:

• I remind myself that January is not a fresh start. It’s a re-entry. We’re only halfway done.
  

• I lower my expectations before I lower my standards.
  

• I pray quietly for wisdom and peace, not perfection.

We can almost feel burned out at this time of year. It doesn’t mean you failed.
It usually means you’ve been faithful for a long time without margin. And that break was so nice. And maybe, just maybe, you need a little more rest.
That is perfectly acceptable. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Before reorganizing planners or buying new curriculum, I pause and assess:

What’s really working for us? What isn’t? What would my kids actually enjoy right now? Or are there any areas in which I can improve my homeschooling?

Part 2: Starting Small and Staying Consistent

When we come back from a break, I don’t restart everything at once. That’s a fast track to resistance, for my kids and me.

Here’s what’s worked for us:

• I choose two or three non-negotiables for the first couple of weeks. For us, it’s usually math, language arts, and maybe one “fun” subject.
  

• Everything else is a bonus, not a failure if it doesn’t happen.
  

• I focus on consistency over completeness. If they don’t finish everything in a day, that’s okay. The world will still turn, and they will still learn.
  

I also reset one space, not the whole house. Usually, our bookshelf, where most of my homeschool hours are spent (see image below), or our main supply drawer that gives me a jump scare every time I open it. A small physical reset lightens my mental load. And I don’t try to catch up. We just move forward slowly, faithfully, together. Homeschooling doesn’t fall apart because we rest.
It falls apart when we try to sprint while we’re still recovering.

Part 3: Encouraging Kids Back In

After a break, kids don’t need pressure. But they DO need encouragement.

This is what I do:

• That first week back, we start with one early win each day. Something they can finish quickly.
  

• I let them choose the order whenever possible. I do this year-round, and it’s made life easier for all of us.
  

• We talk about expectations so they feel encouraged and at ease.
  

And some simple questions I like to ask them go a long way:

“What feels hardest right now?”
“What helps your day go smoother?”
“Do you want to start together or independently?”

When kids feel heard, they’re more willing to try. That said, easing back in doesn’t mean skipping the work altogether. Work is good, meaningful, and rewarding. It means finding the groove again so your days feel easier, not harder. And on the days it still feels like too much? We stop early. We pivot. We do math and language arts, and we call it good. Learning doesn’t disappear just because we slow down. But it’s something a lot of homeschooling families have a hard time adjusting their mind-set too. Children are resilient. They’re constantly learning.
And our job as homeschooling parents is to guide them gently, keep them curious, and help them grow in the way that suits them best. You don’t always need workbooks to learn.

Always rooting for you,

Rachael

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Dear diary

Let’s be honest, homeschooling around this time of year always adds a bit more chaos to our home. The days are colder, the house usually smells of something sweet and delicious, and the kids cut more paper. Craft supplies have gone rogue, and our homeschooling shifts. Not because we stop all learning in general; we prefer to take things slowly.

I’d like to ask other homeschoolers: do they typically take a full break for the holidays? keep a light schedule?, or do they just hammer through?

Personally, I prefer a lighter schedule. We do at least math (Teaching Textbooks) and language arts every single day throughout our homeschool, but science, social studies, and even sometimes language arts look a bit different. We don’t necessarily grind the workbooks as heavily during the holidays.

Around this time of year, it does feel more hectic in our house, dishes pile high, and the noise gets louder, Christmas music playing throughout our house. But even in that chaos, there’s a sense of peace when I remember why we homeschool—to be together, to learn through life, and to make Christ front and center in our everyday. I really do find more joy throughout the days regardless of how busy they may seem.
Our Christmas tree is up, the lights are hung, paper chains are around the house, and candles are lit. It’s just cozy and makes the atmosphere feel more comfortable.

One thing I’ve been asked is how I keep my kids focused or excited to learn whenever there’s a huge holiday buzz. And this is something that each of us have learned throughout the years. My kids aren’t always excited to open up their workbooks, but they are excited to learn in every way, shape, and form. So being focused on getting their work completed everyday is something we’ve been working on together for the past 10 years. And ya know what, if it feels like too much. Just take that day off! You CAN do that—this is your homeschooling journey.

Here are some things we learned into when we were learning how to navigate this season:
•Keep the non-negotiables small
If your kids know you’re only asking for a short math lesson or a 10–15 minute language arts block, they won’t resist as much. Small, tasks build their confidence instead of draining it.

•Let the holiday energy work for you, not against you
Bake gingerbread and call it science. Have them write Christmas cards and call it handwriting. Let them measure ribbon for chains or wrapping paper and call it math. Kids stay engaged when learning feels fun and is rooted in real life.

•Build in one “win” early in the day
A quick success as the first subject of the day, even something as simple as finishing a worksheet or reading a few pages sets the tone for rest of the day. I learned early on that letting my kids pick the subject they want to start with helps our days feel smoother.

•Offer choice whenever you can
“Do you want to read on the couch or at the table?”
“Do you want to do math before or after crafts?”
Getting a choice lowers their resistance and gives them a boosts of energy, It reminds them they’re a whole person, not just a child being shuffled through tasks, and that shift alone changes everything.

So, to the homeschool parents wondering how to homeschool through the holidays remember this:
You don’t have to keep up with anyone else’s pace. You don’t have to fill every day with activities (unless you’re really ambitious, hehe) You just have to be there and make everything a “family affair”. Learning happens in the baking, in the storytelling, in the decorating, in the way your children watch you serve and give.

This season isn’t about being “Pinterest perfect”— it’s about time together. And sometimes, the best lesson you can teach is simply how to slow down and notice the joy that’s already there. When you think back on past holidays, what moments actually stuck with your kids?

Let me know your take-away from my experience. And ask any questions you have.

Until next time
~Rachael

After the assassination of Charlie Kirk, like many, my heart and mind were heavy, and still are. I have so many thoughts about our country, our families, and the call to homeschool that was put on our hearts as parents. I’ve been debating on making this into a podcast episode, but I have no doubt this may ruffle a few feathers. But these are just real, honest thoughts. So here it goes…

Homeschooling was around long before the public school system ever existed. It was how parents taught their children to read, to work, and to survive. If parents knew how to read, they read the Bible to their kids, taught them scripture, raised strong men and godly women, and passed down the virtues and life skills they thought were important for their family. Whether that was building a home, working the land, or just knowing it was okay to stay at home until marriage. (which, by the way, is a huge parenting goal of mine)

What parents taught really depended on where they lived. In the city, families leaned more toward politics and progress. In the country, life was simple. They had God, family, and land, that was enough.

Then came the public school system, designed to mold “good little workers” and give ultimately the government control over what children learned. That’s why, now more than ever, homeschooling matters. Our government has twisted history, rewritten it to fit its own agenda, and turned education into a weapon of division.

Take slavery, for example. (I know, a very touchy subject) Kids are taught as if every white European family owned slaves, but the truth is only about 2% of European Americans did. And slavery was not unique to America. It existed worldwide. And actually there are over 11 million people still enslaved today, many in Africa and other nations. Women in some countries still live as property of men. Yet our schools won’t tell the whole truth, because they don’t want kids thinking critically, they want them thinking politically.

That’s the pattern: schools aren’t teaching real history, or real life skills. Most kids graduate knowing little about the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, finances, or even basic courtesy. And don’t get me started on the literacy level for most American graduates. The kids are handed sex-ed and new math methods parents don’t even recognize. And then parents are expected to pick up the pieces at home with only a few hours in the evening and little guidance. Heck, most parents weren’t properly taught about sex-ed themselves so they have no idea where to even start.

I’ll also add: I am pro-parent choice. You raise your kids the way you see fit. Doctor, no doctor. Vaccinate, don’t vaccinate. Public school, homeschool, private, it’s your choice. But if homeschooling has been on your mind, or put on your heart, I want you to know this, don’t give up too soon. That first year, even the first two years, are hard. You’re finding your rhythm, your groove, as I usually say. It takes time, because homeschooling isn’t just school at home it’s a whole lifestyle. It’s rewiring your brain to put family first.

And if you’re a Christian, it’s more than that. Homeschooling gives you the space to put God first in your home and to shape your children’s worldview with biblical truth. Ken Ham says it best in his book Divided Nation: “You’re either for the world, or you’re for God.” That’s the division at the heart of everything.

And look around. Our nation is divided. Public schools, politics, race, left versus right it all traces back to the same source: the government wants control. Meanwhile, kids are struggling. Violence is blamed on guns when it’s really rooted in mental illness that nobody wants to treat seriously. People are told they’re just “confused” when they need real help.

This is why I believe as Christians homeschooling matters more today than ever. It’s not just about academics. It’s about raising strong, faithful kids in a broken world.

Talk to you soon,

~Rachael

P.S.

here’s a picture of my ripped up couch so you can see that my world isn’t perfect, my house isn’t perfect, but this life is absolutely the one I was called to live.

I have to admit until recently, I had never even heard of Generations Homeschool Curriculum. It wasn’t on my radar at all. But one afternoon, over coffee, my friend Hannah mentioned it in passing:

“You should check out their program, I think you’d really like it.”

Well, Hannah knows me pretty well. So, I went home and started digging.

The first thing that caught my eye was that the curriculum leans reformed, which, for me, was such a pleasant surprise. I found myself nodding along as I read more about their philosophy. The more I looked into it, the more I thought, Okay… this isn’t just another box set. This is different.

Fast forward a week, and I was opening the package myself. Inside were four gorgeous hardcovers and a sturdy workbook. And not just any books—these were the kind of stories that stay with you long after you’ve closed the last page:

• Foxe’s Book of Martyrs – testimonies of unwavering faith, even in the face of persecution.

• Robinson Crusoe – not just an adventure story, but a meditation on providence and survival.

• The Hiding Place – Corrie ten Boom’s powerful witness of faith and courage during the darkest of times (makes me sob every time).

• The Holy War – John Bunyan’s timeless allegory that challenges and inspires.

I remember flipping through the workbook first. It wasn’t dry or overwhelming it felt intentional. The questions pushed beyond “What happened in chapter three?” and instead encouraged my young teen (and honestly, me too) to wrestle with deeper themes: faith, suffering, obedience, courage.

I had this moment where I thought: This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. A literature program that isn’t just about analyzing plot structures or memorizing character lists, but one that trains students to see God’s hand in history, storytelling, and even in hardship.

As I stacked the books neatly back on the table, I felt genuinely excited to dive into them with my 13yo. And for me, that’s the sign of a curriculum worth keeping.

If you’ve been searching for something that goes beyond “just reading” and instead helps shape both the mind and the heart, I think the Generations Literature Curriculum deserves a serious look.

Until next time

~ Rachael

👉 Have you ever used Generations in your homeschool? Or maybe you’re hearing about it for the first time too—like I was! Hit reply and tell me your first impressions.

✨ P.S. If you enjoy these kinds of reviews and homeschool reflections, don’t forget—you can also find me in other places where I share weekly encouragement:

• 🎙️ The Diary of a Homeschooler Podcast

• 💻YouTube: Oh Hey It’s Rachael (just dropped a review video on this set)

• 📸 Instagram: Oh Hey It’s Rachael

• 📰 Right here on Substack, where we can connect even more closely.

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I was thinking lately…

About how much pressure we put on ourselves as homeschool moms. It’s wild. The mental load. The mess. The wondering if we’re doing it right. And while everyone loves to share picture-perfect routines and color-coded carts… no one really talks about the weird stuff. The honest stuff. The silly stuff that keeps us going. So I wanted to share a few things, a little mix of what I wish I’d known, what I’ve learned along the way, and what I’m still figuring out (yes, even as a second generation homeschooler)

Whether you're brand new or halfway through your 10th reset of the school year, this is for you.

1.I’m not going to gatekeep:

You can count educational screen time.

If your kids are watching a science documentary or following a phonics lesson on YouTube while you rotate the laundry… guess what? That’s learning. Sometimes we make homeschooling harder than it has to be by pretending it needs to look like a Pinterest board, or someone’s business Instagram. It doesn’t. We live in the modern world, use the tools. Breathe. The work still gets done.

2. I bet you didn’t know this:

Repetition is where the learning actually sticks.

I used to think if we weren’t covering new ground every day, we weren’t moving forward. But then I had to take a step back and think of MY own homeschool childhood, and you know what made the biggest difference for me in retention? Repeating the same concepts a few different ways. Games, I LOVED me some Reader Rabbit, Mavis Beacon, Treasure Mountain!, Math Blaster, and more LOL!, worksheets, stories, conversations, that’s where it clicks. And it’s why I love using The Jubilant Reader for phonics with my kids. It’s simple, smart, and keeps the Littles busy while I help the big kids. Win-win.

30 Days FREE!

3. I say this all the time:

Let your homeschool reflect your actual family.

Not the family you saw on YouTube. Not the mom with 12 chickens and watercolor Bible journaling in her feed. Your family is so unique. What works in your house is what matters. Our homeschool groove look nothing like it did a year ago, and I’m learning to love each season we’re in. You need to give yourself grace and accept that you look different and that’s exactly how it should be.

4. Don’t make this mistake:

Ignoring your kids' input.

Not intentionally. But we just assume we know best as their parents. But when I stepped back into their shoes I remembered how amazing it was when my mom let me pick out curriculum that I thought looked interesting, and books about things I wanted to learn about things started flowing so much better in our homeschool. Let them pick the read-aloud. Let them choose which subject comes first. And ask for their input on curriculum (depending on their age of course haha) It’s the little things that make a big difference.

5. This is going to go against everything you’ve heard or known about homeschooling:

You don’t need to do every subject every day.

Seriously. Block schedule. Loop schedule. Morning baskets. Mix it up! If you keep trying to pile on every single subject the kids will get burnt out and so will you. Remember there will be plenty of down time to “catch up” when it’s too hot to go outside, or during the holiday season when it’s too cold and you just want to stay in and bake cookies. Some weeks we would lean heavy into science, others we were just trying to keep up with math facts. It all adds up over time. Trust the process.

6. Let me be honest:

You’re not just teaching your kids. You’re showing them how to live.

And that includes laughter, rest, prayer, hard work, saying sorry, and trying again. Homeschooling is discipleship. It’s life. And it’s worth every imperfect day. And these memories you will cherish forever. One thing that always stinks with me (I just know you’ve seen some variation of it floating around the internet), is that saying “One day they’ll be grown and I’ll never regret getting to spend this time with them”

💬 Let’s keep chatting…

If this encouraged you, check out my Video on homeschool burnout or hang out with me on Instagram or TikTok for more tips, funny videos, and behind-the-scenes of our homeschool chaos.

You’ve got this, friend. 💛

If you’re new here, let me tell you why we love it:

✅ It’s fully online and app-based, so my kids can do it anywhere (yes, even on the couch or in the car). You can even work on 6 lessons offline, so no worries about always having to be on the internet.

✅ It’s spiral-based, which means concepts get built on and reviewed multiple times. And this makes it easier for my children to retain what they are learning.

 ✅ It grades itself. Enough said.

 ✅ Each course gives us a full 12 months of access, which is amazing for flexibility. And I can pause that time for up to 3 months so we can take scheduled time off without our course time being affected.

 ✅ And there’s built-in help, so when my kids get stuck, they’re not stuck for long. Each problem reminds the child what lesson they first learned about the concept (or if it’s new), it also provides hints for elementary levels, AND, you can schedule a call with a live tutor if needed. We’ve personally used this option and it was so helpful. 

We’re going on year 4 with Teaching Textbooks and I’ve used it with multiple kids, from level 3 - Algebra, and it’s one of the few programs I don’t have to micromanage. It gives them structure, confidence, and independence, while I get a little time back in my day (which for homeschool parents, we all know is rare).

📊 Why Keep Math Going Through The Summer?

• Research shows that kids can lose 20–30% of their math skills over summer.

• Math skills tend to slide faster than reading—especially in elementary grades.

• Even short, consistent practice (10–20 minutes a day) can help prevent this.

• Keeping one subject going offers structure, confidence, and a smooth re-entry to fall routines.

For our family, math isn’t a burden, it’s the steady thread that helps us feel grounded when everything else loosens up.

And with Teaching Textbooks doing the heavy lifting? I get a break without everything falling apart lol.

If you’re hunting for a math solution that fits real homeschool life, and not just a perfect planner page, this is it! You can print off a Placement Test, to find out exactly which level your child needs. I was quite surprised when 2 of my children needed a level above what they had been working on. 

👉 Try It Today (They offer a 15 lesson free trial, so your kids can actually try it before you commit!)

Have questions about how we use it? Message me here—I’d love to chat more.

Dear Diary,
I used to think I was fully parenting from a place of faith. I really did.
But earlier this year, a wise woman said something that stopped me in my tracks: “I’ve always worried more about their relationship with the Lord than their physical bodies.”
It flipped everything upside down for me. You see, in this particular moment we were discussing how worried I get when we go out and about with just the kids and I, and how I’m always sure to pack my 380 on my hip in case something were to happen. One of my biggest fears is that one of my children will be taken because I’ll be seen as vulnerable.

I realized I was only partially parenting from faith, and more so parenting out of fear—fear of the world, fear of pain, fear of what could go wrong when it’s just the kids and I. I wanted to shield my kids from everything, from the music they hear, to the people they meet, to the things I can’t control.
But here's the thing: shielding and shepherding aren’t the same. And now, I’m learning the hard (but good) way how to trade fear for faith.
This episode is as raw and honest as it gets. If you’ve ever wrestled with overprotection, fear, or what it really means to raise kids with a Kingdom mindset… pull up a chair.

FREE Journaling Page

🎧 Episode Summary:

In this reflective solo episode, I open up about something God recently convicted me of: parenting from a place of fear rather than faith.
I share the conversation that cracked my heart wide open—and the ways I’ve unknowingly been trying to protect my kids from everything, even the little things like music, out of fear.
We talk about what it means to truly parent with eternity in mind, and how to recognize when we’re putting up walls to keep the world out, rather than building wisdom and resilience in our children.
If you’ve ever wondered how to protect your kids without isolating them, or struggled with the balance of grace and guidance, this one’s for you, ‘cause… same.

Let’s talk about this together…
I’d love to hear from you, too.
How do you teach discernment without instilling paranoia?
Hit the message button below and share your heart. I may include some of your answers in a future episode or newsletter (with permission, of course).

I can’t wait to hear from you! Be sure to forward this email to friends who may enjoy it.

Talk soon!

Rachael

Tomorrow marks 14 years of marriage with my wonderful husband.
God really did send him to me at the perfect time.
A time when I was ready to settle down,
When I needed someone to lean on,
And when I knew I just couldn’t handle the dating world anymore.

It’s funny... after 14 years of marriage, I thought I’d have more advice to give, like what you read in those daily marriage devotionals. But honestly? I don’t.

If you asked me questions, I could tell you little things about our marriage. But one thing I’ve truly learned is this:
Every marriage is different—beautiful, unique, and designed for the two people living it.

I can tell you that it took us eight years to fully lean on God and put Him at the center of our marriage. Once we did, everything changed. Each year since then, our relationship with each other and with the Lord has only grown deeper and stronger.

We were terrible at communication in the beginning. Honestly, some of the worst! Which is funny, considering how much I love to talk. But we were both learning. And now? After 14 years, I’d say our communication is a solid 10/10 (plus, he totally matches my weird).

Together, we’ve brought five beautiful babies into the world, four unmedicated births and one fast, powerful, unforgettable home birth. Our last, Jasper, came at exactly 42 weeks born in just 40 minutes on our bedroom floor, with my husband and two oldest daughters there to deliver him. It was the most beautiful birth experience I could have ever imagined.

My husband caught our son, cared for me postpartum, and made sure I had everything I needed. He’s not perfect—but neither am I.
We are two sinners in a broken world, holding fast to grace.

And every single day, I thank the Lord that I get to walk this life hand-in-hand with him.

If I could offer one piece of advice for a Christ-centered marriage, it would be this:
Put God first. Above your spouse, above yourself.
Seek Him together. Talk to Him together.
Let your relationship with the Lord shape how you love, how you forgive, and how you stay.

It won’t be perfect. But if it’s rooted in Christ, it will be lasting, rich, and full of purpose.

"With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
— Ephesians 4:2–3 (ESV)

Thanks for reading my thoughts on marriage.

See you back here soon!

~Rachael

( Also, these books were amazing fir our marriage, especially when we were going through a hard time and KNEW we needed to grow closer)

100 Ways to Love your Spouse

Is Mother’s Day Only for Active Moms?

More often than not, I see posts from young moms who truly believe Mother’s Day is only for moms with children still living at home—or, as they put it, “active duty moms.” But if you look deeper into it, why are they saying this? Why do they believe this?

I was under the impression that once you’re a mom, that title never goes away. Technically, you’ll always be a mom… right?

So let’s take a deeper look.

I feel like (notice I said feel—because this is my opinion) so many millennials, especially, were forced or taught to celebrate Mother’s Day in a way that didn’t show how special this day could really be. But also, I’ve noticed that so many millennial adults have issues with their moms—whether it be boundaries, their upbringing, mental health issues—the list goes on and on.

So the real question is: What happened to Gen-X and Baby Boomer moms to make them this way? Why didn’t they want to heal? Why do they still not want to heal—either themselves or their broken relationships with their children?

Whoa. That was a lot to unpack.

Moving on… So aside from all of those unanswered questions, the main question still needs to be answered:

Is Mother’s Day only for moms whose children still live at home?

After reading the last paragraph, my answer may surprise you.

I think we all long to have a “village” to help us raise our children. Extended families living together goes back centuries—farming together, helping raise the children, doing all the things—regardless of how those family members acted. But as time went on, traditions changed.

We don’t marry off our daughters at 12, 13, or 14 anymore. So why would we want to live with family members who may actually be toxic? Did the upper class implant this new idea in our heads? Or was it something society slowly decided wasn’t good for them anymore?

Still… so many unanswered questions.

So, what’s my answer?

Well, first of all, I always think about how my children will only be little for a short time in their lives, but they’ll be adults for much longer.

My goal is to raise them the way Christ calls me to so that, when they are adults, they not only want to share their lives with me—both the big and small moments—but that they become people who can have biblical discussions, who see the joy in lending a helping hand, and who want to share the Gospel in a way that’s loving and kind.

How do I achieve that? Well, I’m learning to parent better as each year passes. I don’t know exactly what I’m doing—but I do know what my goal looks like, and I know how I want my relationship to be with my grown children.

So… do all mothers deserve to be celebrated on Mother’s Day?

If you have a mother worth celebrating, then absolutely.

If your mom is there for you and wants to be in your life in a respectful, loving way, then she deserves a little celebration. How big you want to go is up to you.

Is she going to love getting just a little card from you? Or is she expecting a huge outing?

If she appreciates the thought, then that’s what matters.

She knows you love her by your relationship.

“Tangled Thread”
You gave me life, but not the rest,
A name, a bond—an untold test.
I call you Mom, and that runs deep,
But some wounds even time can't keep.
-Unknown

Thanks for spending a few minutes with me today. Whether this stirred up memories, made you think, or gave you peace of mind, you’re not alone in navigating these feelings. Let’s keep having the hard conversations, showing grace, and growing together.

Until next time,
With love and honesty,
Rachael 💛

Don’t forget to check out my Podcast The Diary Of A Homeschooler. An episode on this topic coming soon.

Podcast

Every homeschool family has a few tried-and-true tools that make the days run smoother, and for me, these are the ones I keep coming back to. Whether you’re looking to simplify your rhythm, find a new curriculum, or just sneak in a quiet moment with a hot drink, I hope something here encourages you too.

Let’s start with curriculum!
This year, Kids Write Novels has been a total win. It’s a creative writing language arts program that makes writing feel like an adventure... Because it is! They are literally writing their very own novels. My middle-school age daughters genuinely look forward to it. Enrollment is now open, so if you’ve been curious—now’s the time!

KWN

Teaching Textbooks has saved our math time, no tears, no battles, just progress (and maybe a little laughter). And you can try the first 15 lessons for FREE!

Teaching Textbooks

And for phonics, The Jubilant Reader has been such a sweet addition. It’s created by a fellow parent who just wanted to help his child learn to read with ease. And this program is both fun and foundational.

Jubilant Reader

W

hen it comes to rhythm, we don’t have a traditional morning basket, but we do sit together and talk about our dreams from the night before and our plan for the day. That simple connection sets the tone. I also swear by a loop schedule, if you haven’t tried one, it’s a gentle way to fit in extras like art, nature study, or music without stress. And whether you love digital or paper planning, a solid homeschool planner with weekly overview pages is gold. This one from Plan Prep Pray is my new fave!

Plan Prep Pray

Need some encouragement for you?
“The Fulfilled Family” by John MacArthur challenged and inspired me in the best way. It’s a must-read if you’re raising little disciples. You can also pop in your earbuds for The Diary of a Homeschooler Podcast when you need honest conversations, real-life homeschool wisdom, and a good laugh. And let’s be real: my cozy mug + 10 minutes of quiet? That’s “teacher prep time,” and I take it seriously.

Here’s to routines that work with us, curriculum our kids actually enjoy, and little moments of peace for the mom in charge.

With love,

your homeschool pal

Rachael

Hey friend,

Sometimes I look around my home, mid-morning sunshine pouring through the window, kids playing (or arguing 😅) nearby, the scent of something simmering on the stove, (or perhaps it’s burning by now) and I just feel this deep, anchored peace.

I’m doing what I was made to do.

I know that’s not the most “modern” thing to say. But I also know I’m not alone. There’s a quiet (and sometimes not-so-quiet) movement of women choosing home, choosing motherhood, choosing a path that feels ancient yet wildly countercultural. Some call us Trad Wives. I just call it being obedient to Christ who put this calling I felt on my heart from a young age.

I’m a homeschool graduate. I grew up in a home where learning happened around the kitchen table, where my 11 siblings were classmates, and where my mom was the constant force behind it all. I used to think “I’ll never be able to do all this.”

And yet… here I am. Homeschooling. Cooking. Raising babies. Building a home.
And thriving.

It’s funny, because with my ESTJ personality (shoutout to my fellow girlboss types), I could’ve climbed a corporate ladder. I probably would’ve crushed it in boardrooms. But the ladder that called to me wasn’t made of glass ceilings, it was the bunk bed ladder of motherhood. I dreamed of little feet running through my halls, crafts gone sideways on the dining room table, and mornings that start with snuggles, not commutes.

Being a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom isn’t the “safe” or “easy” choice. It’s just the right one for me. It fills my soul. And while it stretches me daily (sometimes hourly), I am surrounded by joy. My children bring out the best in me,

well, most days 😉

If you’ve chosen this path too, or you’re even just considering it, I want you to know: You are not behind. You are not less than. You are part of a generation that is choosing purpose over pressure, impact over image.

And maybe, like me, you’re exactly where you always dreamed you’d be.

With love and a hot (for now) cup of coffee,
Rachael

P.S. I’d love to hear from you.
Are you walking a similar path? Wrestling with big choices?
Just hit reply to this email and share your heart. I read every response.

I know small talk gets a bad rap.

People love to say, “Ugh, I hate small talk—it’s so meaningless.”
But I’m going to push back on that. Because here’s the thing: how do you get to know someone without small talk first?

We don’t just dive into someone’s childhood trauma over a cup of coffee (I mean, unless you're really brave). Most relationships begin in those casual, seemingly surface-level exchanges—talking about the weather, your weekend plans, your go-to coffee order. But those small things? They're doorways. They tell you, Hey, this is a safe place to connect.

Here’s what I’ve learned: if you really want to have deep, meaningful conversations with someone, it starts with genuine curiosity. Not interrogation. Not oversharing. Just curiosity.

Ask the kind of questions that make someone pause and say, “Hmm… give me a second.”
That moment of pause? That’s the good stuff. That’s someone thinking, not performing. That’s where connection grows.

🧠 A few things I’ve noticed:

• Some of the most thoughtful people I know take a minute to answer. They’re not avoiding the question—they’re considering it.

• You don’t always have to ask deeply personal questions to get deep answers. Sometimes asking, “What do you think about [a situation]?” reveals more than, “What happened to you?”

• Not everyone will mirror your curiosity—and that’s okay. You can still respond thoughtfully, and keep the conversation going in a way that feels honest and kind.

Recently, ( a few months back) I met someone who quickly became a close friend. And it all started with light conversation. Before we knew it, we were tossing around thoughts like, “Hey, this happened to me—what would you do?” or “What’s your take on that?” No pressure. No expectations. Just openness.

And let me tell you, that felt so rare and refreshing to be able to respond (or not respond) openly, honestly, without receiving judgment but instead, a more curious question to top that.

💬 So, what’s the takeaway?

Let small talk be the on-ramp.
Be genuinely curious.
Don’t be afraid of silence—it often means someone is thinking deeply.
And remember, good conversation isn’t just about getting to know them, it’s also a way to let them know you.

I’d love to know—what are the questions you ask when you’re trying to get to know someone?

Until next time,
Rach
Your second-generation homeschooler, deep-thought-thinker, and lover of a really good chat

Curious Conversations: 5 Questions That Actually Get You Closer

Skip the awkward silence and ditch the surface-level small talk. These five questions are designed to spark deeper 1. What’s something small that made you feel really seen lately?

1. What’s something small that made you feel really seen lately?

2. What’s a hill you’d die on that no one else seems to care about?

3. If you could relive one “ordinary” day from your life, which would it be?

4. What did you believe about the world as a kid that you still kind of believe now?

5. What question do you wish people would ask you?

Stay curious. Stay kind. Let conversations grow. — The Diary of a Homeschooler

I’m Rachael—a second-generation homeschooler, mom of many, podcast host of The Diary of a Homeschooler, and your internet big sister when it comes to all things homeschooling, natural living, and keeping it real when the world feels a little too polished.

Here, you’ll find the afterthoughts I didn’t say on the mic, the questions I wish I asked my podcast guests, and the behind-the-scenes highs and lows of homeschooling in real life—not just on Pinterest.

This is a space for the diary entries we all write in our heads but rarely say out loud.

So grab your coffee, shut the bathroom door (if that’s the only quiet space you’ve got), and come flip through the pages with me.

xo,
Rachael

Subscribe now

Dear Diary,

It’s April… and the first episodes of The Diary of a Homeschooler are just now rolling out. Not exactly how I pictured starting this season. But here we are—and honestly? I’m glad I hit pause.

I took a break to reflect.
On the podcast.
On homeschooling.
On life.
On why I’m even doing this in the first place.

And what I realized is this: I don’t want to just fill space with episodes—I want to make something that feels real. Something that makes you feel seen. Something that feels like you’re flipping through a friend’s journal and going, “Oh wow, it’s not just me.”

So this season, we’re switching things up

And I’m kicking it all off with my very first newsletter. So look for more of these to come, but don’t worry, I’m not going to floor your inbox, I’m a mom too (hehe).

Yes, I’ll still be interviewing amazing homeschoolers, moms, dads, grads, and some people you didn’t even know you needed to hear from. But I’m also bringing in more solo episodes.
Just me and you.
No script. No guest. No performance. Just the thoughts I’d usually scribble in a notebook after bedtime.

Because I’ve learned that the conversations we have with ourselves are often the most honest. And sometimes, the most healing.

So if you’re down for late-night voice memos, homeschool hacks you won’t find on Pinterest, and diary pages that ask the juicy questions we’re all secretly thinking…
Welcome.
Let’s turn the page.

xo,
Rachael

Also,

I’m not just starting a newsletter to add more to my never-ending to-do list. But I’ve grown an amazing community from social media and you guys deserve more than what TikTok, the gram, and any other platform can offer. P.S., I’ll be focusing a lot on my youtube, and posting less on shortform apps. And you’re the first to know.