Spring
2001
Name: Helen Packer
Town: Pleasant Gap
We’ve been homeschooling …for four years, counting this school year.
There are so many good things about homeschooling … that it’s hard to pick the “best”. We enjoy getting to really know each other and have developed close
relationships with each other as a result of homeschooling. We love learning together and the freedom to
focus on areas of interest. This is great
motivation and promotes a love for learning that will last a lifetime.
The biggest challenge is … keeping the “homeschool” clean and the laundry caught up.
The best teaching tip I received was … “ Don’t worry about future years. God will give you what you need when you need it.” When I feel inadequate or think I can’t do
this, I’m reminded that God promises in James 1:5 that if we lack wisdom we
need only to ask.
My favorite quick and nutritious dinner is … Mexican Chicken and Rice.
It’s easy and ready in 25 minutes. The whole family loves it.
MEXICAN CHICKEN AND RICE
1 T oil
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 each small onion and green pepper, chopped
1 package (10 oz.) frozen corn, thawed
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup mild salsa
1 ½ cups Minute Instant Rice
½ cup (2 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese
Heat oil in large skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken, onion and pepper; cook and stir
until chicken is cooked through. Add
corn, broth and salsa; bring to boil.
Stir in rice; cover.
Remove from heat. Let stand 5
minutes. Fluff with fork. Sprinkle with cheese; cover. Let stand 2 minutes, or until cheese melts. Makes four servings.
My best household cleaning tip is … to delegate and use teamwork.
One of our homeschool subjects is Home Skills. Throughout each year Scott and Amy are taught such items as how
to do laundry, cooking, baking, food preservation, shopping, sewing, car and
yard maintenance, personal finances, etc.
I appreciate the many duties they can help with or handle on their own and
at the same time practice skills they will use the rest of their lives.
My best organizational tip as far as homeschooling
goes … is to have a handy, designated
place for all homeschool materials and supplies and keep them orderly and
neat. We use a three-shelf bookcase –
one shelf for each child and one shelf for teacher. Occasionally “Inspector McChecker” has to remind the kids to
clean their shelf.
I regain my perspective and sense of humor by … remembering that God has given me these children to train and they
will only be at home with me a few short years. I want these times and memories to be their best.
Running the homeschool goes better when … I remember to pray, plan ahead, and pick up necessary items
from the store or library.
The spiritual exercise or devotion that is most
helpful to me is … keeping a daily
appointment with the Lord. If I am too
busy to start my day with prayer and Bible reading, then I am too busy.
The best advice my parents have me is … through their example.
They showed me the importance of family and a Godly home.
When I’m having a bad day … I talk with the principal—my husband. He reminds me to count my blessings. That turns the day around to good.
When I’m about to lose my temper … I take a deep breath and reflect upon how patient and loving
God is with me. I need to practice
these virtues with my family and friends.
Our children have taught us … SO MUCH… about ourselves, each other, and our relationship with
God. They have taught us to relax,
enjoy, explore, and experience life’s offerings. They’ve helped us increase our faith to depend upon God to meet
every need.