Although I never ended up teaching in a classroom, I studied secondary education in college (along with English Literature). My college education has been a good foundation for launching into my own studies of homeschool. For years I’ve pored over seasoned homeschool mama blogs and books, perused resources, and reflected on pedagogy. I’ve read many … Continue reading Thoughts on Unschooling
Author: Ashlie
One Year with Audrey Clare.
I try to soak up these days and still it all seems a blur. How these littles have grown so much, in both body and soul, makes my heart full. When I was pregnant with Audrey I often prayed that she would unify our family in a spirit of love. My prayer was answered; John-Paul … Continue reading One Year with Audrey Clare.
Party of Five
Our little Audrey Clare is two weeks old as I begin to write this. How different this post partum experience has been from my others, so far! Audrey is very easy going, Josh has been home, we have family close, friends near and far are providing meals this whole month and this is my third … Continue reading Party of Five
Audrey Clare
As I've mentioned, this pregnancy was no cake walk. Starting with extreme sickness and migraines and ending with a pain in my pubic bone/hip that left me barely able to walk without crying some days. I was very ready to give birth despite my anxiety over how birth would go All signs pointed to baby … Continue reading Audrey Clare
You Won’t Remember
You won't remember but I'll never forget when I greeted you with a thousand hellos and held you to my chest grateful, relieved. You won't remember but I'll never forget drawing you in close in the darkest hours of each day. Rocking you. Streams of exhaustion gratitude doubt anxiety Unfathomable love pouring down my face … Continue reading You Won’t Remember
Dill Family Annual Christmas Letter, 2018
"A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices..." This line kept popping into my mind as I thought about Christmas and the overall theme for our family this year. While we have experienced so much beauty, generosity and blessings in 2018, we are weary travelers. At the end of last January, we packed up our … Continue reading Dill Family Annual Christmas Letter, 2018
Dill Family Photos
We recently had our family photos taken by Anna Liseth Photography. I grew up going to school with Anna. It's so lovely to see the creative paths and passions my classmates have taken in their early adult years. Thank you, Anna, for photographing this moment in time for us. These precious, little faces change and … Continue reading Dill Family Photos
Thoughts at the Threshold of our Homeschool
"How old is JP?" "Almost 4." "Oh so he is starting preschool? Or is that next year?" "Well, kind of. We plan on homeschooling." A wide range of reactions follow...some supportive, some intrigued, curious. Most people don't really know how to react, but the skepticism is written across their face. After a somewhat awkward pause, … Continue reading Thoughts at the Threshold of our Homeschool
Annual Dill Christmas Letter, 2017 Edition
Big exhale. 2017 is over. Josh said to me yesterday, "2017 did NOT go by quickly, did it?" In years past we felt the usual surprise and wonder at having another year behind us. It's not that our family experienced any devastating loss or tragedy, but just the exhaustion of relentless daily grind. This year … Continue reading Annual Dill Christmas Letter, 2017 Edition
Christmas Letter 2016
Dear Friends and Family, When I sit down to draft up the annual Christmas letter, I find that it's an excellent exercise in memory and gratitude. In the midst of a demanding work schedule for Josh and full time mommying at home, it's easy to both forget and appreciate all the things that happen in … Continue reading Christmas Letter 2016