The Learning Room - SWVA

08/22/2026

I have been putting off making this post…partly because I’m still waiting for Haley’s full evaluation report and partly because I don’t want to disappoint everyone.

But I also want to be real. Life with special needs kids sometimes requires making changes to your life and your expectations.
Haley’s diagnosis was not a surprise. In fact it was a flood of relief to finally have a professional see and understand what we’ve been struggling with for years. Autism in girls presents very differently. Haley can look you in the eyes; she could use full sentences by the time she was 18 months old. She does very well one-on-one, which is why professionals in the past would downplay our concerns. But get her in a large, noisy group, or with peers her own age, and the dynamic drastically changes. Now we know why.

My task is now to organize and structure our home and schedule to ease her disregulation. Her body craves SOOO much sensory input. That’s why she’s always bouncing and crashing.

All this to say… I will not be hosting any group classes or activities for some time. It could be a year, it could be 2 years, it could be only after my kids graduate. I might be open to hosting a Christmas party…we’ll have to see how things go. This is hard for me because I know Lee County, Scott County and the surrounding areas really need a strong homeschooling group, but for this season, I am not the one to lead it. Of course, the Library will still be open.

The Lord laid this verse on my heart: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?” Luke 15:4

Haley is my one.

08/20/2026

It’s time to make competence ordinary again…

08/18/2026

If this is your first year to homeschool, let me prepare you for a few things.

You are answering the call to discipleship. It is a wonderful and amazing gift to be able to raise children, and the responsibility for their hearts and minds is huge! As you embark on this new way of life, remember that is IS a way of life. It is a marathon, and not a sprint.

You may expect perfect little pupils and a 1950's-storybook-day. Sometimes you'll get that and sometimes you won't. Your kids may love the curriculum you chose. Or not. They're kids.

There will be sick days and water-heater-leak days. There will be amazing moments of learning, and there will be tears during math. One day you'll think homeschooling is the best decision you've ever made, and the next day you'll wonder what you were thinking.

This is all very normal, because this is parenting. Now you're parenting with school supplies!

Remember, more than little school students, you are nurturing hearts and souls. You are raising the next generation. As home educators, you have the gift of time on your side. Parenting isn't always a breeze, and neither is homeschooling. It's a commitment for the long-term.

Remember this when the day doesn't go as planned. Remember the big picture. Take a deep breath. Pause and pray. And then do the next thing.

https://nickitruesdell.com/the-most-important-thing-in-homeschooling/

{Art: A Young Girl Seated Reading before a Window (1914) by Karl Harald Alfred Broge}

08/17/2026

So apparently, when you’re angry at your beans because they’re a big mess and you’re ready to rip them all out… THAT’S when you harvest your green beans 😳

08/17/2026

Step back in time and discover the strength, courage, and determination of the women who helped shape Virginia’s frontier.

Join us September 12 from 10 AM–4 PM as we travel the hunter’s trace to Martin’s Station and into Powell’s Valley, honoring the women who built homes, raised families, and helped forge a new nation.

Come experience their stories and celebrate the unbreakable spirit of the women of the frontier. ❤️

📍 Wilderness Road State Park
📅 September 12 | 10 AM–4 PM
🚗 Standard parking fee applies.

08/17/2026

Our curriculum for Ancient History weaves in celebrating the Biblical feasts throughout the school year. The book we followed from the curriculum is, “Celebrating Biblical Feasts” by Martha Zimmerman. This was our first time observing the Sabbath.

It wasn’t as magical as I had hoped, but it didn’t completely bomb like I feared. My biggest hindrance was that I didn’t start making the bread early enough so my participants were hungry and impatient. Angela absolutely loved all the special table settings, Haley kept asking when we would light the candles, everyone enjoyed the fresh Challah bread. If we decide to continue this tradition, I would probably simplify the prayers.

For those of you who have tried a Sabbath meal, or regularly observe it, did you (do you) follow a script? Are your prayers grand and wordy or more modern? I’m sure it’s a lot easier if this is already a set tradition in your home.

I personally think observing the Biblical feasts would be way more meaningful and beneficial than our commercial holidays.

The Challah bread I made was gluten free, dairy free and egg free. Tried a new egg substitute, was not a fan. Chia seeds needed more moisture so I had to add 1/2 cup more water and it still felt very dry.

08/16/2026

08/12/2026

When you finally find a Pediatric Psychologist that understands your child and validates EVERYTHING 😭

08/12/2026

I think it’s time for another chicken coop 😅 Don’t worry, the girls are okay. Thankfully we didn’t put them to bed before the storm blew through!