Why One of My Kids Isn't Homeschooled | Our Homeschool Journey | VLOG | Roots and Refuge Farm

[@chelsealashley9646]

I'm not sure what compelled me to watch this video posted from 5 years ago, but your story has blessed me SO much today Jess! We're finishing our "third" year of homeschooling (first official year under MO law) and it's been super tough on me and my firstborn. I DO, however, feel called to it. Any way, after your sharing in this video, I'm praying that the DEEP parts of my heart remember that God keeps me (and my kids!) even in my less than stellar choices. His grace is sufficient, particularly in the present, where I tend to miss out due to anxiety over the future. I bless you back sister, in Jesus name ;)

[@petecilione4166]

This was very interesting, and I am glad I found this. My two grandchildren will be homeschooled. I feel really good about it.

[@VagabondAnne]

Love looks like good soil. Some children are flowering bushes full of scented summers, some are fruiting sprawling pumpkin vines that stay close to home, some are climbing grasping vines spreading seeds far and wide, some are trees that grow steady and tall for generations. Nourish them all, be good soil for them all.

[@zeppypaige]

VagabondAnne I love this! Thank you ☺️

[@fr33tobem3]

That's beautiful

[@AtlantaHospiceRN]

VagabondAnne Beautifully spoken

[@tamarabutterworth8300]

Absolutely Perfect and Beautiful!

[@kleineroteHex]

Beautiful!

[@jeankelly368]

A great testimony. I can tell you really love your children. Government schools are changing every year. Your children are being taught true morals in their journey. God bless you.

[@lovelight9164]

I am 60 years old and you are teaching me things that I just have never thought about implimenting into my own life and I thank you so much. Blessings to you and your beautiful family.

[@wilmagregory8967]

I'm a retired teacher and i'm so glad to not be teaching anymore. Common core and new history all twisted up bode badly for the future of our kids. Home schooling is the best way to go in my opinion. Your kids are wonderful and a reflection of their parents and upbringing. Much love and peace, blessings. ♡☆♡☆♡

[@djchancla2451]

We were never thought the true history

[@djchancla2451]

Meant taught

[@Ladytasya]

DJ Chancla it depend on what you mean by true history. Early on in school that show America history in too positive of a light. Our founders were not amazing kind people. They were normal people and some were very greed, some were kind and other were very much asshole such Jefferson.

[@ElinWinblad]

LaTasya Booker most world history glosses over a empire tartaria and say it was just “ a region of land” when in fact it was a empire with flags etc.

[@Ladytasya]

Elin Winblad again what is true history is a matter of opinion. Most Americans don’t know much about when America tried to invade Canada because someone decided it was not important.

[@catbydie5]

NECESSITY IS THE WHISPER OF GOD! When we can't hear what is best for us, sometimes God will "whisper" necessities into our consciousness. You are doing great! Bravo momma!

[@alexisdear594]

Julie Harris love the way you said this.

[@charitysmith5245]

Are y'all looking to adopt? I mean, I'm 45 but much younger at heart. And your babies are so lucky to have you for a mom.

[@cherylhale5755]

I read that “education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire”

[@intentionallymade]

2 years later and your words resonate. So much so I had to share on my fb page for others who might be feeling unworthy or inadequate for this homeschool life, distant learning or sending their kids to school right now. This is my first year homeschooling and I feel so at peace. Felt a desire seven years ago and finally God paved a way this year. ❤️

[@tammyherrin9536]

Awesome video. I homeschooled my son and daughter from 4 grades up. They are 25 & 28 now and I don’t regret one second of it. I had some opposition from family members who still to this day say it was a bad decision but the difference in our children as adults now speaks for itself. The first year of jr high my daughter wanted to go to public school and I allowed her to go but the third day of going she came to me in tears saying it wasn’t for her and I pulled her out that day. Thank you so much for these encouraging words. I know there are parents out there that need them, I was one of them at one time!

[@melaniediessel7513]

Oh My Goodness, this just came up on my feed and I can't believe how cute Ben was here! He's the sweetest little guy. All your boys are so sweet.

[@MYPERMACULTUREGARDEN]

I love just looking at you when you talk !!!! You talk with your whole face !!!1 and your babies ,,,,, they are so well behaved !

[@ElderandOakFarm]

I find myself making the faces she makes as she talks sometimes! Lmao

[@AJ_The_One]

Same!

[@Balanced_Waters]

3 years after this video was posted! I am wanting to homeschool my 4 and 5 year olds, I already looked into The Good And The Beautiful curriculum and this just confirms that it is the right choice for me and my family. Thank you for all you do Jess!

[@gpswatching]

I homeschooled 4 kids for 22 years. It was one of the best decisions we ever made. We also lived most of that time out in the country and were very isolated. But, each of the kids learned a ton of valuable skills that as adults they continue. Their strong work ethics have been praised by every employer they had. My husband has been a public school teacher for 35 years and has seen it all! Socialization is a 2 way street; good and bad. We have two introverts and two extroverts and made efforts to meet their needs accordingly. God bless your effort in all that you do!

[@jeaniepartridge6701]

Home school is so much easier than people think. I wish I had home schooled earlier because they learned so much more at home than public school.

[@NickMusselle]

what a breath of fresh air, our public schooling is so politicly correct. you are doing an amazing job,(i do worry you might be doing too much) but its none of my business. you are also teaching your kids life lessons. you are a wonderful family.

[@salemthorup9536]

You're so cool to even make this video. Not that you should ever have to justify your parenting to thousands of strangers, but the way you approach these subjects is so humble and charitable to those asking about them.

[@cathybehrens6250]

Kudos! I homeschooled my two girls for 13 years...all as a single parent. Challenging but so worth it. People's biggest concern was always socialization, but we were part of a homeschooling group for friends, etc. Also, true socialization is the ability to socialize/communicate/relate to/get along with people of all ages. Homeschooling provides that in spades. It does take commitment and organization to follow through with their education :)

[@donnas8867]

I’m Addicted! It started today with tomatoes!! I couldn’t stop watching!! Thank you! I’ll be surely watching And Sharing!!

[@lifewithlaceylu9266]

Your awesome! I completely agree with your homeschooling philosophy!! People think sheltering your kids is bad, but we are called by Go to lead them in the way they should go!!

[@danaholloman7101]

Your wise beyond your years lady. I really admire you. I wish I was that wise at your age. May God bless you and your family. Btw I love your videos 😍

[@vickimachovsky3480]

I home schooled my children was back in 1990, my marriage died, but I wished I could have done the home schooling longer. It was a wonderful time and I met some life long friends. The divorce and introduction to public school was difficult, my 2 older home schooled children struggled with good grades during the public school years, but they went into college doing well and affirming my decision to home school my two oldest children. My children have great memories, they refer to all the life experiences and are pretty strong people. I SUPPORT YOUR HOME SCHOOLING EFFORTS. As a 60 year old, it will be something you will never regret and memories you will cherish forever! LIFE IS A WELL ROUNDED TEACHER to aid you!

[@tamzig]

We pulled our daughter out of public school the 3rd month of 7th grade & have never looked back! We use an online curriculum but also use Learn Math Fast because I felt like she just did NOT get a good baseline of math fundamentals with Common Core in public school. We supplement with Co-op classes & are part of a home school social group that offers geography fairs, spelling bees, science fairs, field trips & lots of social activities. Plus, we incorporate a LOT of life skills learning & teaching her entrepreneurial skills with our farm. I truly feel like she is getting a better, more well rounded education & isn't distracted by a lot of the social issues plaguing public school students.

[@Eyesofmars2040]

I homeschooled my 3. My older 2 are in college now and my last is a senior. I do not regret one minute of it.

[@rudyorpington3152]

Good job! I am the mother who said I would never home school yet did so for 6 years. My mistake was thinking I needed to bring the solid structure of the classroom to my dining room table. Your statement about being flexible with curriculum and life skills is great and so much better than tying the children to the table for 6 hours per day. Children (especially boys) need to move, create and learn 'hands-on'. Wish I had been flexible like you. God bless your family.

[@carlyblankevoort3856]

I COMPLETELY agree. My daughter is not particularly sociable, she hated school and I decided to keep her home. We spent invaluable time together and her life skills are beyond her years. People spew forth about 'social aspects'. She had no need to bend to peer pressure, she could converse with people from ALL age groups and walks of life. Besides, LOOK at the cyber bullying and ugliness little kids have to deal with. I also spent hours in introspection 'have I done the correct thing?'. She is her own ambassador to the success of our endeavours. She is aghast at how inadept girls her age (22) are at life skills, conversational ability etc. I could make my.own vlog but you've done a great job. ;) love your channel.

[@masuganut2082]

Carly Blankevoort my daughter sounds like yours but mine is only eight. You, just like Jess, are giving me hope. People keep pushing me to send her to school but she wants to be home and I want her home as well. She goes to an art class once a week and chats with everyone, kids and teachers alike and helping everyone. Thank you for sharing Carly. ❤️

[@Cemommster]

Carly Blankevoort I hate when people bring up being social in homeschooling. We have a very extroverted daughter and we just adjust the amount of activities she participates in.

[@carlyblankevoort3856]

@@Cemommster For sure, Jenny, and there are many unpleasant aspects to conventional schooling and "socialising"!

[@carlyblankevoort3856]

@@masuganut2082 sorry, I only saw your message now. You just do your thing and ignore the rest. She is YOUR child. You're welcome re the encouragement. ;)

[@carlyblankevoort3856]

@@masuganut2082 A YEAR ago! How time has flown! Are you home schooling? Enjoying it?

[@conniebrister7229]

I homeschooled my grandson from 3rd grade to 9th grade. His ninth grade year he did the K12 on the computer and he HATED it. Sitting at a computer all day was excruciating. He really wanted to return to public school and boy was I worried. You just never know how well you've done and how well they will adjust. His first year was a struggle because he hadn't formed friendships through the years like his peers. He is now a senior and is doing extremely well, taking college courses through the high school and having a ball with friends. I had a child tell me the other day that she couldn't believe that since he was so smart that he had so many friends.

[@heatherwilliamson9232]

Homeschool is awesome. I love having my babies at home and all over the world with me. Classical Conversations is the best curriculum I've found, so far. It's a curriculum with a meet up group once a week (which is the day I do my town errands). You can put your zip code in on the website to find out where your closest group is, if you're interested. Isn't it amazing that so many brilliant minds of the past were a product of good old fashioned homeschooling? We can barely understand their writings nowadays, because it's nearly beyond our mental capacity, yet people still believe somehow, that public education is the only way. May God bless your Homeschool!

[@mikkibates7854]

Classical Conversations has been a great choice for our family for 14 year. It isn't easy, but the community, encouragement, and accountability has been great. Getting together once a week is a pretty good mix for people who like their private time, as well.

[@iartistdotme]

Beautifully worded! Fear deals in limitations while love deals with inspiration without boundaries. In other words - what you said! I'm so lucky that I found your site - I am blessed.

I hope you are alright, things are definitely not as they seem... People love to confuse.... But you are not confusing. You are sweet and kind and caring.

[@LadyWisdomSpeaksAcademy]

I love your attitude towards teaching and learning. Proverbs 15:2 states, "A wise teacher makes learning a joy..." Keep up the good work!

[@christinedawson918]

Thank you for sharing your faith. I too am a believer who won't argue. But truly I knew you were a believer by watching you and listening to you as you share about your garden. And God bless you too

[@thebluecottage9952]

I think it’s great that your children are also learning life skills, I was not homeschooled but I was cooking dinners for the family by the time I was in middle school and could clean, I moved out when I was 18 and while there were definitely things I had to experience to learn I think helping my mom with my younger siblings and doing things around the house and helping with the shopping put me way a head in the faulting game. I have people in my life in their mid 20s who still don’t know how to budget, cook, or even do their own laundry. I feel truly blessed that basic life skills were taught to me! Love your family, you guys are such a beautiful example of a loving family!

[@kathymartz]

Grace, Mercy, and Peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. You are definitely a blessing. Thank you so much for sharing...I home-schooled my 6 children for 26 years...I now have 14 Grands...I see myself in a lot of you.

[@tammycorley5831]

Quote of the day! "Fear's mortal enemy is love."

[@donsinclair9594]

Sensibility and confidence and love in one self and family will lead children a long way! Seems your family is headed in that direction!

[@melanieallen8980]

Thankyou...I homeschool my 9&10yr old.I believe they learn more at home & thrive more as individual kids.💙

[@jenniferjanowicz4170]

I remember when you first posted this! Oh My, Ben is so adorable and his little voice!

[@sharonfleet6388]

You are such a sweet family! Obviously The Lord is the CENTER of everything you guys do! I come away blessed with every video you post! ❤️

[@RewiredforJoy]

I've been binge watching your videos all day since I found your channel this morning. I. Love. All. Of. It. 😂🥰 Seriously, thank you for sharing your story, your wisdom and your light ❤️

[@mawrawmiller561]

Home schooled three sons through high school and loved it❤️🙏🏼✨

[@LizzSmoak]

Furst time watcher...thank you for raising men!

[@Ms.Byrd68]

Thank you for being 'receptive' to your child's needs and not just your own!!! Some kids do need the SOCIAL network of a more 'public' or 'private' school whereas others do better in a 'Home schooling' environment and the fact that you realized that and are open to whatever it is your kids actually need (over and ABOVE what you personally might prefer) speaks VOLUMES about you... BRAVO, MOM!!!

[@judyrobertson9479]

I worked for 30 years as a program coordinator at a large state university. We watched the home schooled kids because we did not want them to start getting behind before anyone noticed. Well, they made excellent grades because they had not learned bad habits. Some of our best students were home schooled.

[@tbbart6463]

Bad habits...no honey, WE ALL have bad habits to some extent. They just actually learned HOW to learn.

[@awkwardturtle9615]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. I can raise my hand and say I am the one that feels unqualified and rather "not wired" to homeschool. Nevertheless, this year God placed it on my heart, I feel like i am reclaiming my children and will homeschool for the first time starting this year. I am terrified, yet tremendously positive that this is what I am meant to do! Thank you so much for your inspiration and encouragement. I am so glad to have recently found your channel and feel quite a connection to you and your homestead. My "homestead" if you could call it that is just starting out. This is my 3rd year on my own property and had a massive failed garden last year and 2 flocks of chicken completely wiped out, the first by my dog, the second by a fox. We will get there eventually... Your videos, and their honesty, have helped pick me and encourage me to continue. Thank you from the bottom of my heart

[@dalelehman5194]

Ben looks like Mom. What a little sweetie.

[@x97sfinest]

Most chill and accepting Christian mom I've ever seen

[@courtneyrenegar4329]

Your rambling videos are my favorite! Keep up the great work!! Hoping I get to run into you while you're out here in California. It would be amazing to meet you!!

[@susanamilhem6265]

As a former school teacher, you are doing a great job! Daily life involves a lot of math, science and the rest of the school subjects. Keep it up!

[@donnaflores50]

We homeschooled all 5 of our kids. I gave each of them the choice to go to school, but none of them wanted to go. They all are very successful and enjoy their choices. They were not bogged down with a lot of the garbage and wasted time that they would have otherwise went through in California public schools.

[@gerberdaisy2388]

I started watching your gardening videos before I knew you were a Christian and a homeschooler - how kewl it was to find out that you're a believer and a homeschooler. We have 3 kids (31, 21 and 20) and are now on the other side of our home education - it was a great adventure. We both learned so much from each other; the best and deepest lessons of life came at me from my children. One of the things you said was that some people make it harder than it needs to be: you are exactly right. The first couple of years were tough, but we eventually figured it out. It seems that you've discovered that early on -- fantastic. Blessings on your home!

[@lilyxciv5637]

You don’t even know how much I needed this video. Thank you.

[@jenedge5949]

Fear is a liar...I was just thinking that while you were talking about decisions made in fear. I'm not a religious person, but I can still really relate. You are a sweetheart. Ty

[@barkingtreechronicles7504]

I love how articulate and expressive you are :) I contemplate the concept of homeschooling should it fit for us in the future. My sister homeschooled 4 kids, and or neighbor homeschools her boy. It is a wonderful way to learn. Yup... I don't feel wired for it. But as with everything, it is a part of a whole. Stepping more and more into homesteading, farm/family/nature I think will help to provide a more grounded foundation for our boy in this world of increasingly toxic social and political interaction ;)

[@tinahopkins8520]

I love your videos. I think most of us that's on here does love your long videos. You just have a way of talking to us. I wish I could be more like you. Love you

[@meganmackenzie5993]

Late to the party, but I have been getting to know you lately and watching older vlogs. As a public school teacher, I love your focus on growing your children's curiosity and love of learning. I also agree that there's lots of other stuff going on at school that's non-academic (by necessity and choice), and your ability to honor the individual learner in each of your boys is something that's tougher in a class of 30. My teaching has been influenced by your messages and videos this year.

[@user-di6cn2ne7u]

I cannot express how happy I am that you let them choose home or public schooling. Absolutely amazing .

[@ReneeRichterthisonesforyou99]

We home schooled our two boys all the way to college and pretty much everything you said in this video I said at one time or another. You just can't parent out of fear and you have to believe that God loves your kids more than you do. And if you are on a horse that just won't "go" you have to get off and try another horse. We went through so much curriculum and of course nothing worked for both boys the same way. But they are both well educated, articulate, intelligent men who are great dad's of 3 kids each. They also can wash clothes, cook dinner and fix just about anything that needs fixing. I'm grateful for my time with them and glad to be past the home school phase! BTW, all 6 of my grand kids are in public school and each of them is thriving and doing remarkably well. I believe the success of your children has less to do with where they go to school but rather how much you are involved in their lives in a positive way. Keep up the good work.

[@teresaroman3348]

I have 2 children left at home, one is homeschooled and one attends public school. I love your approach - kind of meeting your children where they are at, learning their passion, teaching life skills, and not living your life thru your children. I totally support your chatty videos!

[@tinagossett70]

I highly commend you for homeschooling! If I had the opportunity and could do it over again I would homeschool my children. As I see my grandchildren getting ready to attend public school I shutter! So many things we dO NOT want our children to know about until a much older age are learned in grade school. So kudos to you!

[@trustthedirtfarm3928]

You and your family are sharing a wonderful message. Your blessings are many.

[@Bluffs4me]

I love that you used the term "intentionality". This homeschooler, who also uses the kitchen table with my 12-year old grandson, also fell into homeschooling by accident. Early into the start of these past seven years I realized God knew homeschooling was best for my grandson and for me. My grandson has zero desire to attend public school and, after listening to you talk about Jackson, I realize why. God is well aware I have been questioning, for the past month, the value of continuing with the homeschooling. Three weeks ago I came across your VLOGs and wondered why I was so drawn to them, considering I have never been interested in VLOGs. Tonight, I just happened to see this particular one in a list and watched it. My doubts have been cleared. My resolve and "intentionality" have been renewed. Thank you. And, thank you God for guiding me to the inspiration I have been needing.

[@anthulanicholas3343]

Thank you Jess, I like rambling chatty videos. I feel like I'm sitting with you at your kitchen table having a conversation.

[@francesahrens1578]

You expressed yourself SO WELL. You spoke to a number of issues with homeschooling that, as a former homeschooling consultant for the state I lived in, really concerned me. I hope many, many parents listen to this post...I am sharing on my FB. Thank you!

[@shalamacpherson3011]

Just today I have discovered your videos while my boys and I were looking up videos for the beginner gardeners. Searching for videos on that subject led me to your video, which interested me so much that I have spent a few hours watching close to 20 of your videos. Let me say before I go any further, that I also homeschool my 2 oldest boys, and I have a 10 month old son. As well as recently my husband and I have in the last 2 weeks been working on our relationship with God. Now I always say I beleive and I'm Christian but I've never REALLY worshiped Him untill very recently. I have spent the last year struggling deeply with depression and anxiety, scared about everything under the sun and feeling worthless in every aspect of my life. 2 weeks ago my mom spent 5 days in an ICU hospital for COPD, and I spent the entire time terrified to my core. When she was finally released and my husband and I went to pick her up, we were stopped by a complete stranger, who spent nearly 20 minutes with me telling me all about God and how she just had a sudden feeling that he wanted her to come to me and talk to me. This kind woman showed me so much in that short amount of time. And then today when I could feel the doubt and the depression beginning to set in about my boys homeschooling, worrying about the time that I had not spent onany schooling due to my anxiety but to terrified to send them to public school with everything that is happening in the schools and churches around my area I asked God to give me the help I needed to be able to move past this and be able to focus on my kids. As soon as I got back on KZbin, this was the first video on my home screen.... You have, in this short 20 minute video, helped me and encouraged me that I am doing the right thing by my children. and for that THANK YOU from the very bottom of my heart. I hope that you and your family are able to continue your journey and be able to touch so many more lives, in ways that you will never imagine.

[@theclosetmusician1945]

Love what you shared. I was homeschooled all to graduation. Really enjoyed it. ☺👏👏

[@turquoisebabies]

I'm a single mom to a 2 year old and I am so exhausted I cannot even imagine homeschooling 4 children. Hats off to you, you are such a strong woman.

[@leannac2743]

We were a homeschool family. I loved it & I learned as much or more than the kids! We had our curriculum but had more of an unschool approach. Very similar to yours. Life skills are so important!

[@sweetpea3472]

Bravo! Wish I'd done Bible & unschooling.

[@ww-ti6js]

💗💗💗💗 the video, the mentality, the positivity, the thoughtfulness, how grounded she is... i mean I could list hundreds of reasons why this family so great. So SO happy I found this channel before we get started with our land!!! I've been internally fighting myself about continuing to homeschool and when she laid out the personally traits and why it works for some of her kids but not the other, it solidified that homeschooling for my kiddo will absolutely work.

[@christina7088]

I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old. My husband has agreed to homeschooling until my oldest is 7. And, I'm warring back and forth on if I'm qualified....... This video has helped.

[@reillybooker1318]

Hey Jess! Just wanted to let you know, your lengthy videos are what I look forward to after a long day at work! Thank you for putting so much love and content into your videos. :)

[@shannoncascio5990]

This is awesome. I homeschooled my two oldest who are now 29 and 22 all the way thru college. What a wonderful time that was for our family. :)

[@bethberndt3172]

Looking back I wish I had homeschooled for the simple fact that teachers have to push through a curriculum and kids don't all learn in the same way at the same pace. When they don't understand something they have to stay after school. My kids saw that as a punishment. It would interfere with sports and the main point is that if one kid doesn't understand a concept, you know there are others. Good for you! You sound like a smart cookie so give yourself a pat on the back and enjoy this time. It really does go quick.

[@not2tees]

Fear, you can have it and not know it, but watching someone with the love of life can show you where you're really at. I do say thank you.

[@katherinehenry1480]

Kelp is the BEST for garden plants! As our children are uniquely and wonderfully made, so should their education be. As a parent, you know best. I love your attitude, especially the knowledge of how detrimental making a decision or of fear is. Private, public, homeschool... They are designed for some children (and parents)... Not all children (or parents).

[@maryrogers5269]

homeschooling your kids is a very smart thing to do during a pandemic. I use a liquid bone meal say half a teaspoon to qt water for my tomatoes seedlings and tomatoes cuttings. Love your videos im hooked

[@lisastroman8125]

I just love your heart!!! I am 59 years old with 2 biological children and too many heart and soul children to count BUT I was just blessed in the last 3 years with a wonderful, spunky, smart, sometimes angry 11 year old daughter. We tried homeschooling this year and have had more fun than I ever imagined! But we also let her choose and she may choose to go to the charter school across the street next year. She is social and fun but we have this awesome FB group here called Eclectic Homeschoolers and she has been able to go to meetups (bowling, swimming, Nerf wars, etc.) and has met so many wonderful people (kids and adults). We are truly blessed!

[@ElderandOakFarm]

I swear i freaking love you! Its so awesome that you even notice those differences in your kids and respect them. I wish more parents were like you.

[@candacemalone8977]

We started homeschooling out of necessity but I feel like it was 100% God leading us. We love homeschooling. I have 5 children. I love your videos so much. Thank you.

[@farmonturtlehill1157]

Love your chatty videos! I wish I could have home schooled my boys. I was a single mom and had to work outside the home. I am also an art teacher at a public high school. All the Home school kids we get that were raised homeschool until they got older are so mature and intelligent! I think you are wonderful and I am so in awe of you and your family. Thank you for sharing your life with us!

[@julieselden7932]

I had my last daughter at the age off 44 all my other kids were grown and gone and had kids of their own when she was born. I chose to home school her too, and loved being able to know what she was learning and how she was learning it. When she turned 13 she wanted to go to school, and to be honest, it had been so many years since I had been in school I didn't feel I could do the high school stuff. I let her go back in the 8th grade that was this year and she seems to be doing great in everything. I miss her so much though it has been very hard on me to let her go. Last year we read a lot of the classics together she would read one page, and I would read then next. It was great fun as I had never even read them myself. I will treasure those days always, and wish I would have home schooled my older daughters. They learn so much more on a farm, she was helping her father with the castration of the sheep at the age of 5. She has never been upset about losing an animal because she knows they are being raised for food. Her friends come over and are amazed when I tell them that their hamberg comes from a cow. To me this is a very sad thing.

[@hopebridgefarm4032]

You weren't rambling. It was a blessing and you are so right! Thank you. I homeschool our kids and it's been quite a journey. It's so true that sometimes we can think we aren't qualified or cut out for something but knowing or having a sense that we are called to it changes everything

[@gimzo159]

You make me want to be better. And it is ok to have a son who is also so inverted like me. Some family members make me feel it is wrong not to want to be out in the world or have a lot of friends in our life. But it is ok to be happy and content with me myself and I. It isn't that I hate the outside world. But my garden and pets are not going to try to change me. I enjoy working with wood over going to the bar. Some of my best conversation with God happen in the cool early morning in my garden.

[@Bellavanacoffee]

laurie kendall yes! God speaks to me in the garden too!

[@ambersykora352]

Amen.

[@blessthismayroad9397]

laurie kendall I could agree with you more!! This is me to the “T”. Sometimes I feel judged by my invertedness because I’m 100% content with the company of my family, pets and home and garden.

[@feebuzz]

I too am judged for being more introverted. I am not "afraid" of the world, as I have been labeled in the past. Rather, I see a lot of the perverted things going on out there and I want my babies to be prepared to make the best decisions for themselves without feeling pressured. I want to help them grow their own, unique strengths without being forced into a herd because that is what is easier for the teacher.

[@LaurieEggleston37]

When my girls were school age, I homeschooled. On Fridays, I would have them write (No requirement on length) what they learned Monday - Thursday that they loved and what they didn't love. On Monday, I would turn that back to them (Graded for grammar only) with suggestions. If they wanted to learn something that wasn't on the books, we would turn that into a lesson for the following quarter. "How to balance a bank account" was one of those. We went to the bank, set up an account, and made decisions about that account throughout the school year. "How to apply for a job" was another "Wish Class". There were so many that Public Schools aren't able to teach. You are doing such a great job! It is comforting to know that this learning style is working for so many children!

[@lovebugs508]

BRAVO FOR YOU PROUD SUPER GOOD CARING MOMMA BRAVO GOOD CHRISTIAN LADY.

[@Bellavanacoffee]

thanks! this is our first year of homeschool! (10 yo boy and 4 yo girl) so far it has been awesome! I quit my 7-4 teaching job. it was (is) a leap of faith financially! we don't have a curriculum yet, I'm just seeing where my son is. he is one of those that is super smart, needs lots of life skills! :) we wake at 8 (well they do, I teach online before they wake up) then we start at 9-12! I love the short time. i love giving my energy to my own children. anyhow, I appreciate you and your humble yet driven and called self! No fear! be the guide in Love!

[@JasonRuth-k8o]

Yes I agree 👍 💯, God bless you on your Home Shooling.🕊✝️🕊✝️🕊✝️🕊.

[@Freakontheway]

Thank yóu, for sharing your heart in this matter. Too bad we are not allowed to homeschool in The Netherlands... only if there is no school of your 'taste' near by, but in this small country, there virtually always is one. Thank you for addressing fear (again) and calling and such... I needed to hear that today.

[@songbirdforjesus2381]

Freak on the way, if you could get involved with your children School that would help a lot. It'd be able to see what is being taught and bring in another perspective at home. Also, you could see what subject your children are not doing well and supplement that with some of your own teaching.

[@Freakontheway]

@@songbirdforjesus2381 I know, and that is indeed the only thing we can do ;) Our now teens grew up to being some nice and smart Christians, and our youngest will be going the same school/teaching road, so to speak ;)

[@shannonjayne605]

I got the opportunity to homeschool my son 7th grade. What a blessing. I got to know 100% more of who he was and how he thought. He did ask to go back after a year because he is very social as well. I am so glad we did it though!

[@Pleasants31]

I love that you listen to your children without being rigid.

[@lynnrivard1276]

I totally enjoy your videos. I wish you were my neighbor. We could have so much fun together. Thank you for everything you both do. My son is now following you too. He is in iowa and I am in Alabama but our gardening skills have improved so much. I am a Master Gardener but you have taught me so much more and in such a wonderful way. God bless you and keep you and your family safe

[@tashafinnprayeatlaffluv4giv]

Great video ! We homeschool all 3 of our kids. It's GREAT. The freedom let's us really go and explore new places and things.

[@brendahunt5389]

I thank God that I found y'all's vlog.

[@ritadempsey3641]

I just love your videos and have gotten much great information from you guys. I am also a believer and was privileged to homeschool my youngest son. Your videos are inspirational and interesting and just fun. You and your family are a pleasure to watch. God bless you all and all you are doing,

[@rusticheritagecrochet]

Love this!!! ❤ Love, and share your perspective on learning. Would love an updated homeschool video now that your boys are older, if it works for you to do one, that is. 😉

[@ashleytaylor205]

It's obvious you are a very intelligent woman Jess - you are well spoken, so knowledgeable about so many things, and so down to earth. Great video. Just what I was needing to hear. You might be my spirit animal lol Thank you for sharing this part of your life!

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Thank you for this, Jess. It’s so true that the decisions people make for their children should not be made out of fear. I started homeschooling my kids back in the late 80’s, when we had to fight for the right to teach our children at home. We were afraid they would be taken away from us. There were big, bad guys out there in the world. Not to mention all the sin and evil. Yes, I was very afraid. Guess what? It was a terrible thing to raise children that way. You are so right! I’m so happy for you and your kids, that you see things so clearly. I wish I had back then, I know it impacted my children in negative ways. You go, girl!

[@Amandahugginkizz]

Cynthia Fisher sadly not that different most hs familys I know still worry their kids can be taken away :(

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Kayla Austin, oh, that’s too bad. See if they will watch this video. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind. Jesus is bigger than all our fears.

[@cconroy1677]

Not a terrible way, a heroic way. Afraid but doing it anyway is exactly what every parent should model. Thank you for homeschooling when it was not popular and there was no social media to help you in many ways. For enlightening the rest of us that it is in fact an option and encouraging us with your own success.

[@patsycav]

Home schooling is better on so many levels.

[@artwithmycoffee]

You did a great job, as always, sharing this part of your life. You have a wonderful perspective and attitude on all this. I too homeschooled my 3 kids until my 2 boys wanted to go to high school. And I just totally agree with all you said about it. It’s really a blessing to be able to have all that time with your kids. Personally, I believe way too many hours of a typical school day are just wasted. I wish I could have been home schooled. I am also an introvert and would have been a much more secure person if I hadn’t had to go through the public school system. And I think most of them are only getting worse. Great job!

[@HazelNutz2]

I just realized after watching your garden videos for 2 years.. this is how I came across your channel 😆. Homeschooling. I was going over next months plan for our school and the thought popped up. So I searched your videos and sure enough. So strange to me. I am curious on your routine now. We’ve all seen so many garden videos now and I know that’s your focus here. You could do an outline video (not actually showing the kids but talking about it). Would be helpful to all the gardeners/ homeschoolers out there. ❤️ to you and yours