09: The Best of Both Worlds – Miriam Ashby

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Welcome!  My guest today is Miriam Ashby, who is a homeschooling mom of four boys, ranging from 3 years old to 5^th grade.  She also has another baby due next February!  Miriam and her husband both grew up in SW Michigan, but neither were Catholic nor homeschooled.  

Miriam shares the following about her family’s homeschooling experience:

• The primary motivation for homeschooling is to maintain the purity and innocence of her children.  The Ashby’s desire a strong bond among their children and they are learning little by little to let go as the boys grow older.
• The family has a “mixed” homeschool experience, as the children go to a Classical Academy two days a week, are home two days a week, and attend a learning co-op on Fridays.  Miriam calls it “the best of both worlds.”
• Miriam’s biggest challenge in homeschooling is to be more spontaneous, and NOT to try to plan everything.  She wants to be more open to the leading of the Holy Spirit in their daily activities.
• The motivation for homeschooling is a simple one: to look into the future and see her sons as strong Christian men of faith and courage—to “be IN the world but not OF it.”
• Concerning extra-curricular activities, Miriam tries to choose things that are short-term and that all the kids can enjoy together.  Currently, those are soccer, baseball, choir, and church activities.
• Miriam tries to incorporate many prayers and devotions into family life but prioritizes Sunday night “Circle Time” as a mainstay.  The family bonds through spontaneous prayer, thankfulness, and the St. Michael Prayer.
• Miriam also discusses the family’s love of reading, her own love of the outdoors and fresh air, and “Mommy Halftime.”  This is the hour of quiet time every afternoon during the school year.
• Miriam chose the word TEAM to describe her family because that’s exactly what a family should be!

You don’t want to miss Miriam’s very special letter she wrote from “May Miriam” to “February Miriam.”  It’s her way to give herself a pep talk during those winter doldrums when she questions the wisdom of homeschooling.  She takes a beautiful, honest, and poignant look at the wonderful benefits of homeschooling and family and gives herself reasons to not give in to a winter pity party.  As with all depressing “winter” moments, we know spring and sunshine are just around the corner!  Join us for inspiration and encouragement from Miriam!